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THE 

JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE, 

COTTAGE      GARDENEB, 

COUNTRY     GENTLEMAN, 
BEE-KEEPER,    AND    POULTRY    CHRONICLE, 

A  JOURNAL  OF  GARDENING,  RURAL  AND  DOMESTIC  ECONOMY,  BOTANY,  AND  NATURAL  HISTORY. 


CONDUCTED  BY 

GEORGE  W.  JOHNSON,  E.R.H.S.,  and   ROBERT  HOGG,  LL.D. 


THE  FRUIT  AND  KITCHEN  GARDENS,  by  Mr.  J.  Robson, 
Gardener  to  Viscount  Holmesdale,  M.P.,  Linton  Park;  and 
Mr.  E.  Luckhurst,  Old  Lands,  Busted,  Sussex. 

THE  FLOWER  GARDEN,  by  Mr.  G.  Abbey;  "  Ayrshire  Gardener  ;  " 
and  Mr.  T.  Record,  Gardener  to  the  Marquis  of  Salisbury, 
Hatfield  House. 

STOVE,  GREENHOUSE,  and  WINDOW  GARDEN,  by  Mr.  R.  Fish, 
Gardener,  Putteridge  Bury,  near  Luton. 

FLORISTS'  FLOWERS  AND  FLORICULTURE,  by  the  Rev.  H.  H. 
Dombrain. 


GARDENING  CALENDAR,  by  Mr.  William  Keane. 

POULTRY-KEEPING,  by  Mr.  J.  Bally;  E.  Hewitt,  Esq.;    and 
L.  Wright,  Esq. 

PIGEON'S,  AVIARY  BIRDS,  &c,  by  "Wiltshire  Reotor;"   W.  A. 
Blakston,  Esq.,  and  others. 

BEE-KEEPING,   by  T.  W.   Woodbury,  Esq.;  "B.  &  W.;"  and 
Mr,  S.  Bevan  Fox. 


HOUSEHOLD  AETS,  by  the  Authoress  ol  "My  Flowers,' 
others. 


and 


VOLUME      XIX.,    NEW      SERIES. 
VOL.  XLIV.,   OLD  SERIES. 


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

1870. 


"P" 


11 


LONDON  : 

PRINTED   AT  THE   JOURNAL   OP   HORTICULTURE  OFFICE, 

171,  FLEET   STREET. 


TO    OUR    READERS. 


The  pen  had  been  dipped  into  the  ink  and  we  were  hesitating  how  to  commence  our  customary  address, 
when  the  mournful  cry  of  "Poor  frozen-out  Gardeners"  reached  us  from  the  street.  Wo  looked  out 
upon  those  thus  wailing,  hut  felt  no  pity  for  them — they  were  unmistakeable  impostors.  The  words 
"  Frozen  out,"  however,  have  summoned  up  many  thoughts— thoughts  of  the  plants  and  of  their 
cultivators  "frozen  out"  by  the  war-ravages  now  desolating  France — thoughts  of  the  wise  forecast 
of  those  gardeners  who  reserved  in-door  employment  for  such  times  as  these,  when  from  out-door 
employment  they  are  "  frozen  out " — thoughts  of  the  "  bonny  blithe  blink  of  their  ain  fireside,"  by 
which  many  a  gardener,  many  a  fancier  of  the  pets  within  this  Journal's  province,  has  that  fireside 
made  more  cheery  by  our  pages.  This  last  thought  adds  to  our  cheerincss,  for  there  is  no  brighter 
pleasure  than  that  beaming  from  a  knowledge  that  we  make  others  happier.  That  our  pages  do  effect 
that,  our  hope  and  purpose,  is  no  vain  suggestion  of  self-complacency. 

We  have  the  testimony  before  us  in  many  letters,  and  those  letters  justify  the  still  higher  gratifica- 
tion arising  from  a  certainty  that  we  benefit  as  well  as  please.  We  could  extract  from  many  letters 
bearing  this  testimony,  but  a  brief  one  must  suffice — the  letter  is  from  a  well-established  seedsman  and 
florist.  "  It  may  perhaps  amuse  you  when  I  say  that  some  years  ago,  when  I  was  farming  our  own 
estate,  a  friend  lent  me  a  bound  volume  of  your  Journal,  the  reading  of  which  had  the  effect  of  turning 
me  into  a  florist,  and  I  believe,  had  it  not  been  for  that,  I  should  never  have  entered  into  this  line  of 
business,  though  always  passionately  fond  of  flowers."  Such  certificates  that  we  minister  something 
to  the  happiness  and  advantage  of  others  makes  our  fireside  blink  more  bonniely ;  but  it  does  not 
make  us  forget  that  the  good  we  thus  achieve  is  due  chiefly  to  the  kindly  hearts,  able  heads,  and 
ready  pens  which  are  combined  to  enrich  our  pages.  That  combination  will  be  continued  and  strength- 
ened. This,  we  confidently  hope,  will  secure  to  us  your  continued  support,  and  then  certainly  we 
shall  not  be  "Frozen  out." 


INDEX. 


Abraxas  grobsulariata,  516 

Achimenes,  culture,  519;  propagation, 
51 

Actinia,  the  Strawberry,  413 

Ada  aurantiaca,  306 

Adiantum,  Feei,  240;  pedatuni,  69 

Agapanthus  treatment,  815 

Airaricus  procerus,  328 

Aldborough  Poultry  Show,  168 

Algerian  gardening,  290 

Allamanda  violacea  and  culture,  357 

Allerton  Poultry  Show.  Ill 

Alternanthera  Lindeni,  propagating, 
273 

Alton  Towers,  287, 307 

Amateur,  or  Florist  ?  51 ;  gardoner, 
the,  26, 163,  245 

American  blight,  334,  337 

American  winter  garden,  812 

Amorphophallus  bulbiferua  enltnre, 
384 

Ana?ctochilnsDawsonianu8  sickly,  273 

Andalusians,820 

Angra?cums,  winter-blooming,  306 

Annuals,  for  autumn  sowing,  192;  for 
greenhouse,  315 

Anomatheca  omenta,  1S8 

Anthonomus  pomorum,  413 

Anthurium,  ornatum,  26;  Schersrerifl- 
num,  temperature  for,  and  propa- 
gating, 16 

Antipodes,  gardening  at  the,  310 

Antirrhtnama,  list  of,  171 

Ants,  driving  away,  103;  to  dostroy, 
)8E ;  in  dwelling-honae,  218 

AphideB,  tobacco  and  hitter  aloes  for 
destroying,  91 ;  on  Cabbageworts, 
273 

Apples— gathering  fruit.  211;  grafts, 
243,  262  ;  for  small  gardens,  322  ;  py- 
ramids unfruitful,  212;  select,  233; 
stocks,  243.  303,  846;  training  mina- 
ture,  171 ;  for  walls,  334 ;  for  north- 
west of  England,  and  pyramids, 
37T;  Burr  Knot,  282,  326;  Ecklin- 
ville  Seedling,  26S,  284,  S24 ;  Paradise 
Pippin,  sowing,  437;  on  Pommier 
de  Paradis,  293;  on  French  Para- 
dise, 274;  Jacques  Lebel,  274;  Sum- 
mer Thorle,  28* ;  Whorle  Pippin,  2S4 

Appleton-le-Street  Poultry  Show,  93 ; 
Floral  anil  Agricultural  Show,  104 

Apricots,  branches  dving  off.  90  ;  pro- 
lific standard,  245  ;  unfruitful,  293 

Aralia  Sieb.-ldi.  is  it  hardy?  426 

Arauc.iria  imbricata,  lichen  on  ;  pro- 
ducing cones,  109 ;  at  Bicton,  1 

Arbour,  trees  for,  316 

Arbutus  procera  transplanting,  356 

Aristolochia  barbata,  393 

Arkleton,  283 

Arthrop  tenses,  climbing,  SS6 

Artichokes,  183 

Artillery  plant,  "4 

Arums  in  a  pond,  315 

Ash  trees,  insects  attacking,  110 ; 
treatment  of  hollow,  336 

Asimena  triloba,  165 

Asparagus,  beds,  salt  for,  316;  salting, 
334 ;  Kale,  457  ;  management,  233  ; 
planting,  234 

Asters,  green  flv  on,  69 

August,  plants  flowering  in,  202 

Auriculas,  in  1870,  443  ;  Alpine,  S93 
Australia,  sending  cuttings  to,  148 
Avenue  planting,  252 
Awards  at  poultry  shows,  378,  398,495 
Aykleyheads,  166 

Aylesbury  Poultry  Show,  235 

Aylesbury  Ducks' bills  yellow,  320 

Ayr  Pigeon  and  Bird  Show,  401 
Azaleas,  leaves  falling,  478;  browned, 
69;  leaveB  yellow,  457;  out  of  doors, 
51;  select  Indian,  357 


Bacon,  ixsfxt  in,  238 

Balsam  culture,  59 

Bamboo  culture,  191 

Bank,  plant  for  sloping,  438 

Bantams— dying,  424;  breeding,  526; 
Game,  colour  of,  861:  White,  clean- 
legged  1T3;  classes  for  254,  840; 
feather-legged.  820;  prizes  for  at 
Manchester,  499 


Barkerias,  winter-blooming,  30G 

Barleria  Mackenii.  267 

Barnst&BJLe  Poultry  Show,  18 

Barrow,  Mnplehurst  i;<.ller,  47 

Burton  Poultry  Show.  531 

Baskets,  armour-plated  for  poultry, 
479;  plants  for,  197,  220 

Battorsea  Park,  142 

li;iv.  Sweet,  pruning,  79 

Beans,  various,  1C9;  Scarlet  Runners, 
189 

Bedding  plants  in  187),  129,  147,  227; 
propagating,  151, 251 ;  a  few,  158;  in 
thenorth,  200  ;  gifts  of,  283 

Beech  trees,  insect  on,  16;  mast  and 
funguB,  190;  white  substance  on, 
213:  the  Purple,  491 ;  for  chalky 
soil,  494 

Bees— ants  in  hive,  56 ;  attacking 
chickens,  17;  bar  frames  v.  early 
supers,  19;  coal  tarring  bee  house, 
525;  breeding  late,  444;  building 
outside  of  have.  175  ;  carbolic  acid, 
uses,  257 ;  cells,  structure,  277 ; 
driving,  55,  218;  drones  in  Novem- 
ber, 422;  drone  slaughter,  20:  egg- 
eating,  444;  feeding.  362;  feeding 
and  strengthening,  176 ;  foul  brood, 
463,  505,  experiments  with,  342,  ex- 
periments with  permanganate  of 
potash,  403,423:  remedy   for,  524; 

glasses,  remedying  shape  of,  319; 
eath  pasturage,  38 ;  in  old  hive,  56  ; 
hives  frame,  138;  large  o.  small 
hives,  55  ;  at  Liskeard"  Show,  138  ; 
honey  cheap,  278,  insipid,  50R ; 
taking,  95;  honey  harvest,  137,  de- 
ficient. 96,  in  Jersey,  94;  commenc- 
ing to  keep,  20,  95.  196 ;  leaving  their 
hive,  18;  taking  lime  water,  38; 
Ligurians,  queens  introductions, 
18,  95,  in  Jersey,  75,  94,  second 
swarms,  423;  at  Manchester,  175; 
nadiring,  38:  queens,  contests,  277; 
controlling  iertiliBation,  95. 155, 217, 
218,  238,  297,  485;  how  long  are 
queens  and  workers  in  their  cells? 
55.  115,  195.  297.  313;  when  do  they 
commence  e^g-laving.  115;  intro- 
ducing Ligurian,  IS,  95;  removing, 
116;  robbing.  231;  in  Scotland,  175; 
stocks  dwindling.  56,  removing,  320, 
506:  in  West  Suffolk.  95,  supers 
early,  18,  removing.  278,  supering. 
20,  swarms,  artificial,  25,  abnor- 
mally catty,  360,  obtaining  early.  258, 
hiving,  138,  successful,  20,  uniting, 
126 ;  swarming.  54, 237 ;  not  swarm- 
ing, SS  ;  wasps.  176 

Beet— for  a  flower  garden.  143, 179. 181, 
200,  281 ;  for  spring  gardening,  273  ; 
storing.281 

"Beetroot  Sugar  Question,"  470 

Belfast  notes,  222 

Belfast  Poultry  Show,  18 

Belladonna  Lily  culture,  33 

Berberis  Darwinii,  78 

Berberries,  the  common,  180;  keeping 
on  bush,  356 

Berkshire  Root  Show,  430 

Berwick  Ornithological  Show,  4S3,  504 

Beta  Cicla  ehilensis.  99 

Beverley  Poultry  Show,  17 

Bingley"  Poultry  Show,  194 ;  Pigeon 
Show.  503,  522 

Bird  shows,  management  of.  216 

Birmingham  Poultrv  Show  of  1670,254, 
274,  419,  438,  480;  Philoperisteron  So- 
ciety's Show,  841 

Bishop  Auckland  Poultry  Show,  36 

Blackberrv  wine,  258 

Blackpool  Poultry  Show,  136 

Bluebells  and  Harebells,  185 

Boiler,  316;  Foster's  for  small  house, 
253:  for  greenhouse.  478;  heatintr 
from  house,  255 ;  proposed,  247 ; 
Weeks  &  Co.'s  duplex,  161 

Bone  dust,  96 ;  for  chickens,  173,  526 

Border,  re-arranging,  377 

Borecoles,  509 

Borning  rodB,  301 

Boston  Poultry  Show,  35 

Botanic  (Royal)  Society's  Show,  5 

Bougninvillea  lateritia,  836 

Bouquets,  S51 ;  lcavee  for,  857 


Rox,  79;  edging,  347  ;  replanting.  251 

Bruhinas— chickens'  legB  weak,  116; 
cock's  comb.  176;  colour,  384;  legs 
diseased,  861;  cross-breeding,  29* ; 
eyes  swollen,  3$3;  exhibiting,  464; 
feeding  for  exhibition.  444  :  twisted 
flight,  384 ;  losing  feathers,  464 ; 
history  of,  296;  foot  swollen,  298; 
prize  for  Light,  319 ;  cock's  mark- 
ings, 95;  moulting,  196,424:  pullets 
and  cock.  884;  new  standard  for, 
520;  vulture  hocks,  404;  war  on, 
4f'3;  weak-legged,  278;  weight  of, 
361 

Breconshire  Poultry  Show,  25G,  463, 
186 

Brewers'  grains  for  fowls.  278 

Brick  dust  for  pasture,  856 

Bricks,  size.  &c,  437 

Brisbane  Botanic  Gardens,  extracts 
from  the  Report  of,  47, 67 

British  Museum,  botanical  depart- 
ment, 244 

Broccoli,  laying  down,  354 

Brodiaea  cocclnea,  204  ;  culture,  26 

Brussels  Sprouts,  cutting,  293;  early, 
280 

Bulb  culture,  847 

Bullfinch'*  foot  swollen,  S62 

Burnley  Poultry  Show,  17 


Cabbages-- aphis  on-,  109:  cater- 
pillars, 110 ;  culture,  250, 270  ;  large, 
13  ;  planting,  315 

Cactuses,  pruning,  91 

Caladium,  culture,  519;  esculentnm 
as  a  vegetable,  61;  propagation,  51 

Caladiums.  wintering,  109 

Calanthes,  winter-flowering,  865 

Calceolarias,  for  bedding,  90;  culture 
of  herbaceous.  118 

California,  everirreena  of,  80 ;  horticul- 
tural visit  to.  245 

Calochortus  LciehtHnii,  267 

Cambridgeshire  Poultry  Show,  36 

Camellias  —  budding,  437:  thinning 
buds,  232,  815  ;  buds  falling,  478;  out 
of  doors,  51 ;  liquid  manure  for. 
488  :  leaves  falling.  91;  potting,  212  ; 
cool  treatment.  469 

Canada,  poultry  in.  17 

Canaries,  lice  on,  96;  not  pairing,  96; 
pairing  varions,  176 

Canarina  campanuiata,  128 

Canary  bng,  276 

Canker,  377 

Cannas— culture,  252;  seed  sowing, 
51 ;  seeds  not  germinating,  1'9  ; 
seedling  treatment,  479;  wintering, 
83.315 

Cupel  Manor,  242 

Carnations  — abnormal,  151;  Clove, 
and  Picotee  cuttings,  150;  fertilis- 
ing. S3;  and  Picotees  at  Slough,  241 ; 
seedling,  104 

Carter  &  Co.'s  prizes  for  roots,  Ac,  370 

Cases  for  plants.  10 

Cassia  mimosoides,  rar.  Telfairiana, 
471 

Castle  Howard.  372,353 

Caterpillars,  on  Cabbages,  159;  and 
grubs.  189  ;  October,  327 ;  Novem- 
ber. 391 ;  in  December,  470 

Cauliflower,  culture,  133,  210.250,855; 
maggoted,  336;  planting,  89;  plants, 
framing,  315 

Celery,  blanching,  409;  culture,  170, 
210;  planting,  32;  protecting,  455 

Centaurea,  candidissima  culture,  416; 
propagation,  336 

Cereus  fulsridus,  20* 

Chalk  bank,  trees  for,  478 

Chapman's  flower  cases,  200 

Charcoal  and  coke  fumes,  898 

Charring  refuse,  162,  234 

Chatsworth.  432.  452 

Chaucer's  Chanticleer,  S83 

Cherries— early,  91  ;  varieties  as  pyra- 
mids, 2;  for  walls,  334;  Late  Duke, 
497 

Chickens— dying  wholesale,  56;  se- 
parating, 19  :  not  true-coloured,  461 ; 
watching  the.  92 

Chilwell  Nurseries,  223 


Chinchilla  Rabbit,  37 

Chippenham  Poultry  Show,  442 

Christmas  Rose,  234,  499 

Christmas  poultry  niark't,  519 

Christmas  temperature  in  It- 60,  876 

Chrvsantbemums — among  the,  370 ; 
Anemone-flowered.  398 ;  culture,  448, 
472;  at  Liverpool,  468;  mildewed, 
816;  retarding.  336;  seedlings,  492; 
Belect,  897;  Sensation  for  spring, 
336;  Show,  348;  sowing,  458 

Cider  making. Jf.s 

Cinchona  culture,  312 

Cinerarias  —  failing,  357  :  maritima 
culture,  233 ;  not  thriving,  293  *, 
oyster  shell  powder  for,  458 

Cle'ckheaton  Poultry  Show,  94 

ClematiB— for  north  wall,  151 ;  in  pots, 
S3;  select,  252 

Clerodendron  Balfourianum,  pruning, 
91 

Cleveland  Agricultural  Society's  Poul- 
try Show.  215 

ClimberB,  for  a  south-west  wall,  213; 
for  low  wall.  273  ;  for  north  wall,  357 

Clitheroe  Poultry  Show,  111 

Clusia  odorata,  267 

Coal  ashes,  836 

Cochin -Chin  as— breeding,  257  ;  comb 
white,  526  ;  dying,  820  ;  feathers  pro- 
jecting, 298;  feeding,  56;  pullets 
dying,  3S4  ;  unthriving.  444;  vulture- 
hocked,  404;  White,  93;  weight  of 
White,  361 

Cockatoo  feather-eating,  486 

Cockchafer,  515 

Cockerel  for  exhibition,  466  [384 

Cock  ppurleBe,  38;  with  toe  mutilated, 

Ccelogynes,  winter-blooming,  203 

Cold,  Intense,  514 

Coleus,  forbeddinr,171 ;  losing  colour, 
51;  Verschaffelti.  0o 

Colour  in  tree  scenery  of  gardens, 
parks,  and  landscapes,  82 

Columbarian  Society,  City,  175:  the 
Scottish,  418;  Show,  503;  Northern 
Counties,  419 

Combustion,  slow.  321 

Conifers.  California^,  141 ;  insects  at- 
tacking. 70 

Consi  rv:itory,  heating,  816,  357 
plants  for,  274 

Copings  for  walla,  259 

Corbridge,  rambles  about.  177 

Corchorus  japonicus  pruning,  458 

Cornwall,  early  produce  from,  202 

Correa  leaves  falling,  458 

Cottage  garden  shows,  sales  at,  491, 
512 

Cottingham  Poul'ry  Show,  215 

Cotton  Beed  for  paper,  24 

Covent  Garden  Market,  20,  31,  56. 196, 
238,862,486,526 

Cows,  Ash  leaves  as  provender  for,  76 

Crassulas,  pruning,  91 

Creeper  for  a  bank,  398 

Creve-Cceur,  characteristics,  238  ;  de- 
rivation, 254 ;  comb  and  toes,  278, 
404  ;  gills,  404 

Crop-bound  chickens,  361,  384 

Croton  leggy.  457 

Croydon  Columbarian  Society,  8S2; 
Poultry  Show,  93 

Crystal  Palace,  garden,  207;  Metropo- 
litan Florists'  Societv's  Show,  lr.l, 
182  ;  Poultry  Show,  173, 194,  319.  iiSS, 
358,  382,  459,  500  :  entries,  500  ;  prizes, 
Ac,  506 

Cucumbers— aphis  on  plants,  24;  cul- 
ture, S2,  374;  culture  and  disease, 
231;  damping-off,  69,  151;  leaves 
injured,  477 ;  leaves  scorched,  69 ; 
notes  on.  179;  scabbed,  397 

Currant.  Black,  91;  its  culture  nnd 
profitableness,,  16,  97;  moth,  515; 
Red,  planting,  498 

Cuscnta  genus,  269 

Cuttings,  managemen'  of,  263  ;  struck, 
292;  planting,  253 

Cyclamen  persicum,262. 514  ;  seedlings 
blooming  at  ten  months  old,  498; 
blooming  early,  514;  after  flowering, 
519 

Cymhidinm  canslicnlatnm,  1C5 

Cypripedium  cartdidum,  165 


I 

VI 


Dahlia  tubers,  storing,  S15 

Dalechampia  Roezleana  rosea  cul- 
ture, 51 

Dalkeith  Palace  Gardens,  320  ;  Grapes 
at,  40S 

Damper,  use  of,  370 

Damsons,  198,222 

Darlington  Canary  Show,  382 

Datura  suaveolens  flapping.  377 

Deane  and  Bolton  Poultry  Show,  154 

Deciduous  trees  for  a  lawn  and  shrub- 
bery, 294 

Dcndrobium  MacCarthia?,  S9 

Deodar  cones,  816 

Derby  Canary  Show,  SCO.  331 ;  Poultry 
Show,  276 

Diarrhoea  in  fowls,  33 

Dicksonia,  antarctica  culture,  GO ;  re- 
potting, 376 

Diffusion  of  plants,  451 

Dillistone,  W.,225 

Diea  grandiflora  not  thriving,  488 

Discolor,  meaning  of,  110 

Dixon  testimonial,  17 

Dodders,  269 

Dodecatheon  Meadia  var.  frigiduin,  393 

Dorking  Poultry  Show,  483 

Dorkings— cock's  comb  discoloured, 
298;  dark,  464;  earlobes,  506;  feed- 
ing, 257;  feet  fiwollen,  176,  3G1 ; 
"White,  358;  weak-legged,  361 

Doves,  food  for,  362 

Dracteria  cylindrica,  2G 

Drainage,  90 

Draining  a  garden,  836 

Driffield  Poultry  Show,  94 

Drighlington  Poultry  Show,  85 

Drill,  Le  Butt's,  158 

Drought,  summer,  206 

Dublin  Poultry  Show,  485 

Ducklings  cramped,  116 

Ducks— fattening,  156;  killing  annu- 
ally, 424 ;  Aylesbury  bills  black 
specked,  76;  Rouen  bills,  257;  feed- 
ing,218;  plumage,  342 

Durham  County  Poultry  Show,  136, 520 

Dust  from  stove  furnace,  478 


Earwigs,  34 

Eccleshill  Poultry  Show,  214, 275 

Echeverias.  wintering,  222 ;  secunda 
glauca,  233 

Echites  Bplendens  nut  flowering,  315 

Edinburgh  Poultry  Show,  482 

Egerton  House  gardens,  29 

Eggs — in  autumn  and  winter,  362 ; 
early  for  hatching,  92;  hatching  ar- 
tificially, 76  ;  hatching  expected,  72 ; 
hatching  troubles,  73  ;  hens  eating, 
486;  imported,  415;  organs  in- 
flamed. 20;  poultry  for  laying,  526; 
purchased,  380;  Bex,  foretelling,  238; 
soft,  383  ;  selling  by  weight,  275 

Elders,  157 

Elm  trees,  inject  in,  91 

Elms  iu  Scotland,  83 

Elsham  Hall,  510 

Endive,  blanching,  478;  culture,  230; 
planting,  250 

Entomological  Society's  Meetings,  26, 
413,  494,  612 

Epidendrums,  winter-blooming,  365 

Equisetum  arvense  eradication,  51 

Eritrichium  nanum,  165 

EuchariB  amazonica  culture,  433 

Eulopla  helleborina,  471 

Euphorbia,  cross-fertilising,  and  law 
of  sex,  11 ;  prostrata  spreading.  451 

Evergreens,  for  screen,  437  ;  on  light 
soil,  213 ;  sowing,  315  ;  transplanting, 
253  ;  for  tubs,  273 

Everlasting  flowers  ?  are  Grasses 
dried,  151 

Exhibition  birds,  unpacking,  254 

Exhibition  stands  for  Roses,  Ac,  273 

Fairv  Rings,  315 

Falkirk  Poultry  Show,  521 

Fallacies,  horticultural,  301 

Farnworth  Poultry  Show,  194 

FasciatioD.law  of  and  its  relation  to 
Bex, 430 

Feather-eating  hen,  526 

Feathers  broken,  38 

Fern  cases,  299 

Fern,  Oak,  not  thriving,  GO 

Ferns— climbing.  23(1,  345,  386,  453; 
Filmy,  416;  Golden,  Silver,  and 
Hare's-foot,  171 ;  insect  on,  253 ;  in  a 
Lily  house,  151;  native,  23;  list  of 
hardy  ;  tree,  51 

Fig,  petrified,  91 ;  and  its  culture,  fruit 
setting,  casting,  ripening,  106 ;  se- 
cond crop,  107 ;  tree  roots,  356 

Fire,  enduring,  321 ;  reoulatintr,  519 

Fish  in  glass  globe,  feeding,  444 

Fitzroya  patagonica,  446 

Fleas  in  poultry  house,  278 

Fleche  fowls  at  Birmingham,  479,  506 

Flies,  banishing,  218, 292 

Flints  round  shrubs,  233 

Floral  criticism,  419 

Florists'  flowers  —  Metropolitan  So- 
ciety's Exhibition,  131 

Flower— bed  arrangements,  185,  804; 
planting,  492;  cases,  Chapman's, 
144 ;  garden — site,  1 ;  forming,  the 
design,  plants  for,  28;  arrangement 
of  plants,  accessories  and  surround- 
ing features,  60;  market,  new,  1G6; 
sermon,  225,  262 ;  trade  of  St.  Louis, 
144 


Flowers,  and  Grasses  for  drying,  144; 
arranging,  166  ,  drying,  190,  234 

Flue  heating,  284, 253 

Foliage  but  no  fruit,  5 

Forest  trees  overgrown  with  grass,  274 

Forget-me-nots  for  spring  decoration, 
60 

Form  v.  weight,  338 

Fountain,  design  for,  129 

Fowls— with  crop  inactive,  404:  ex- 
porting, 74;  selecting  for  exhibition, 
818 ;  fattening  for  table,  444  ;  for 
family  use,  258;  rearing  large,  52; 
legs  scaly,  404;  poisoned,  463  ;  white 
and  black,  38 

Fragments,  1G0 

French  breeds  of  fowls,  257 

French  fowls,  cup  for,  291} 

Frogmore  fruit  rooms,  E63 

Frosts,  early,  30G 

Fruit— fruit  trees,  376:  dwarf  pruning 
458 ;  for  east  and  north  aspects,  416 ; 
for  exhibiting,  191;  for  small  gar- 
dens, 385, 42:-;,  432  :  gardens,  arrange- 
ment, 416;  houses,  span-roofed,  16; 
as  plant  houses  in  'winter,  412;  judg- 
ing, 84  ;  lists,  212,  218,253;  naming, 
324,  337;  picking  and  marketing, 
160;  snags  on  trees.  258;  storing, 
252;  trees  unfruitful,  233  ;  for  walls, 
834 

Fuchsias,  exhibiting,  91;  for  stand- 
ards, 478 :  King  of.  252;  select,  336; 
shoots  and  leaves  diseased,  83 

Fuel,  economy  in,  321 ;  for  flueless 
stoves,  457;  for  garden  structures, 
212 

Fulford  Poultry  Show,  112 

Fulton  Mr., testimonial  to,  111 

Funguses,  eating,  246;  show  of,  265; 
foray  among,  310 

Funkia  treatment,  479 

Furze  sowing,  336 


Galvanising  Plants,  16 

Game  fowls— baffling,  314;  chickens, 
156;  dubbing,  156;  judging  cocks, 
38;  cock  undubbed,  278;  at  Leeds, 
620;  moulting,  362:  roupy,  257; 
Black  Red,  464 ;  Black-breasted  Red 
moulting  untrue  to  colour,  444; 
crossing  Black  Red  andDuckwing, 
•124;  legs  of  Piles.  156 

Garden,  plotting.  levelling.Ac  ,  300, 823, 
844,  364,  387.  407.  426,  446. 4S9;  clean- 
ing neglected,  458;  opening  to  the 
public,  4 

Gardeners'  difficulties,  371 ;  advice  to, 
876;  examinations,  328;  growl  of  a 
young,  285;  Royal  Benevolent  In- 
stitution, 6 

Gardenia,  propagation,  109 ;  citriodora 
sickly, 273 

Gardening,  and  gardeners,  476;  as  a 
recreation,  105 

Gas,  heating  by,  212,234,272;  stoves, 
terra  cotta,  171 ;  lime  as  manure,  234 

Geese,  breeding.  156  :  keeping,  76 

Geraniums-bedding.  17S,  221,  227,  2G0, 
302;  in  1870,  178,  199;  caterpillars 
on,  233  ;  cuttings  in  the  open  ground, 
457;  double,  121;  leaves  black,  836; 
list  of  good,  159  ;  in  rooms,  heat  for, 
519 :  protecting.  314  ;  what  thev  may 
be.  141;  wintering,  171,  213,  273.293; 
Confederate,  294;  Crown  Prince, 
151;  compost  for  Mrs.  Pollock,  438  ; 
Mrs.  Pollock  failing,  191;  Stella  ab- 
normal, 376;  iu  pots,  376;  growing 
Zonal  for  show,  ISO ;  Zonals  in  large 
pots,  232.    See  also  Pelargoniums. 

Geissorhiza  grandis.  471 

Gesnera,  splendens  buds  falling,  398; 
zebrina  flowers  falling,  aphis  on, 
836 

Gladioluses— bulbs,  potting,  191;  of 
1870,  3*8;  show,  101:  at  South  Ken- 
sington, 140;  taking  up,  458;  Saun* 
dersii,  471 

Glasnevin,  387 

Glazing,  498 :  double,  510 :  garden 
structures,  825 

Glaziers'  work,  measuring,  15 

Gleichenias.  climbing,  345 

Glon  Morcean,  name  of.  377 

Gloucestershire  Poultry,  162 

Glowworms.  34 

Gloxinias,  471 ;  after  flowering;,  192  ; 
culture,  118 ;  propagation,  51 ;  bloom- 
ing seedlings,  160 

Goldfinches,  cock  tapping  the  eggs,  20 

Goniophlebium  appendiculatum,  109 

Gooseberries  for  preserving  and  des- 
sert, 834 

Gooseberry  Show,  Bradford,  162 

Grafting  wax,  substitute  for,  391 

Grapes— not  colouring  and  shanking, 
163;  diseased,  16;  for  exhibition, 
279;  gathering,  232  ;  for  late  hung- 
ing,  272  ;  keeping,  456;  not  keeping, 
356;  mildewed,  16  ;  new,  221 ;  rine, 
211 ;  not  ripening,  135 ;  setting,  478, 
609;  shanking.  151;  show  of,  265; 
shrivelling,  211;  spotted,  34;  sul- 
phuring.16 :  removing  sulphur  from, 
293;  various, 233;  Alicante  in  grouDd 
vinery,  877;  Alicante  small  and 
stoneleBs,  416:  to  prevent  Chasselas 
Musque  cracking,  107;  Gros  Col- 
man.  293;  Madresfield  Court,  816; 
Koyal  As'-ot.  2H3.     See  alan  Vines, 

Grass  and  Trifolium  sowing,  2J4 


Graves,  flowers  on,  217 

Great  Horton  Poultry  Show,  216 

Greenhouse,  blinds,  457 ;    floor,  397 ; 

for   a  small  income!  219 ;  heating, 

836,  478 ;  heating  a  small,  33,  60, 110, 

294:  plants  for,  478,  498 
Greetland  Poultry  Show,  153 
Grevillea  Banksii,  893 
Ground-nut  pods,  472 
GrubB  destroying  Cabbage  plants,  192 
Gueldres     Rose    berries,    are     they 

poisonous '?  850 
Guernsev  Lilies  not  flowering,  898 
Guildford  Poultry  Show,  53,  504,  521 
Guinea  Fowl  and  Dorking  hybrid,  38 
Gym  no  gramma  flexuosa,  240  ;  sport, 

251 


Hamburgh,  pronunciation  of,  444 

Hamburghs— BInck,  points  of,  257; 
chickeus,  exhibiting,  88;  Golden- 
pencilled,  95,  479,  486;  legs  and 
feathers,  95;  legs  and  combs,  .162; 
Pencilled,  breeding,  361  ;  tails,  505; 
earlobes,  384  ;  Silver-spangled  comb, 
525;  earlobes,  861,  525;  earlobes 
scabby,  526;  points,  278;  swelling 
under  eye,  342 ;  throat  rattling,  278 

HaBlingden  Poultry  Show,  75 

Hassard,  Col.F.  C,  138 

Hatfield  Ornithological  Society's 
Show,  340,  402 

Heating  a  removable  house,  15;  fail- 
ure, 15;  with  fermentine  materials, 
477;  bv  a  Btove,  497;  by  hot  water, 
212,  498 

Heckmondwike  Poultry  Show,  521 

Hedge  for  market  garden,  478 

Heliotropes,  dark,  498;  leaves  falling, 
458 ;  superior,  191 

HenB— cros!-bred,diaeased,384:  catch- 
ing, 214;  egg-bound, 486:  exhibiting. 
862 :  troth  in  throat,  404 ;  nesting 
and  not  laying,  468;  trespassing, 
214 

HesBle  Poultrv  Show,  94 

Hinckley  Poultry  Show,  214 

Hocks  swelled,  76 

Hollies,  planting,  457;  pruning,  69 

Honeysuckle  propagation,  357 

Hopper  for  fowls'  food,  464 

Hornets'  nest,  destroying,  251 

Horticultural  exhibition,  the  French, 
10 

Horticultural  (Roval)  Socictv,  Com- 
mittees, Shows,  Ac,  84, 104, 126,  188, 
22G,  265,  812,  450,  467;  garden,  149; 
gardeners'  examinations,  328 ;  gar- 
deners' prizes  for  vegetables.  493; 
"  Journal  of  Horticulture  "  prize,  33  ; 
Nottingham  Show,  159,  201,  472:  Ox- 
ford Show  and  Congress,  42,  62,  63, 
68,  82,  101,  122;  President's  soiree, 
12;  sale  of  plants,  12  ;  weeds,  31 

Hot  water,  heating  by,  453;  circulat- 
ing downwards.  469,  519;  not  circu- 
lating in  pipes,  417 

Houdan  chickens'  weight,  H2:  and 
Dorkings,  crossing,  196;  toes,  486; 
coek,  points,  526 

Houdans  almost  feathcrless,  hen  with 
brood.  56 

House  for  many  things,  293 

Hoya  carnosa,  fruiting,  233;  Beed 
sowing,  185 

Huraphrev's  clock,  167 

Hunslet  Poultry  Show,  153 

Hyacinths — for  a  Rose  border,  192: 
in  pots.  416;  Show  of  the  Royal 
Horticultural  Society,  241 

Hvbridiiv.  imperfect,  493 

Hyde  Park,  167 

Hydrangea  not  flowering,  273 


Ice— collecting,  517  :  keeping.  431; 

houses,  16,  constructing,  300,  floral, 

in  New  York,  128 ;  Btoring,  415 
Imports,  418 
Incrustation  in  boilers  and  hot-water 

pipes,  816 
Indian  Shot  culture,  252 
Inquiry,  859 
Insects,  enemies,  333 ;  some  injurious 

in  gardens,  514 
International  Exhibition  of  1971, 149 
Ipswich  Poultry  Show,  '-'05,  338,420 
Ireland,  notes  in,  S43,  387,  408,  473 
Iresine  amabilis,    propagating,    273: 

Herbstii,  90 ;  wintering,  S3 
IriseB,  25;  iberica,  26;    Spanish  and 

English.  252 
Irish    Roval    Agricultural    Society's 

Poultry  Show,  112 


Japanese  plants,  export  of,  451 
Jasminum  grandiflorum  for  late  flow- 
ering, 321 
Johnstone  Poultry  Show.  422 
Judging,    plants    and  flowers,   122; 

poultry.  378 
July,  plants  flowering  in,  120 
June,  plants  flowering  in,  25 


Kales,  509  ;  variegated.  486 
Keigbley  Poultrv  Show,  154 
Kenfield  Hall  and  its  Cunifers,  145 
Kent  (East)  Poultry  Show,  502 
Kidney  Bean  culture,  876 
Kilmarnock  Ornithological  Show,  481 


Kirkcudbright  Poultry  Show,  521 
Kitchen  garden,  size  needed,  519 


Labels,  for  fruit  trees,  850,  429; 
zinc  and  ink  for,  857 

LreliaB,  winter-blooming,  180 

Land's  End,  about  the,  164 

Lapagcria  rosea,  culture,  91,  262; 
thrips  on,  3J6 

Lasiandra  macrantha,  336 

Laurels,  dying,  897 ;  hedges,  trim- 
ming, 406;  pruning,  295;  pruning 
Portugal,  78 

Laurustmus,  pruning,  79 

Lavender,  distilling,  116 

Lawn — burning  in  Bummer,  283 
covered  with  Daisies,  16;  forming. 
110;  MowerB,  47,  81,  120,  165,  200, 
Archimedean,  25 ;  making  and 
mending,  151;  patphy,  498;  rolling, 
397 ;  top-dresBing,  416 ;  trees  for 
Bloping,  274  ;  weedy,  191 

Layins,  hastening,  486 

Leaf,  its  work,  66 

Leaves  for  hotbeds,  &c,  493;  with 
dung  for  manure,  498 

Leeds  Poultry  Show,  502 

Leghorn  fowls,  380, 881 

Leicestershire  Bird  Show,  53 

Leigh  Poultry  Show,  215 

LeptOBlphon  rosuccus,267 

Lettuce,  culture,  490;  planting,  250 

Leyburn  Poultry  Show,  214 

Libonia  leaves  falling,  519 

Lice  in  hen  houBe,  63 

Lilies  of  the  Valley,  51 

Liliums,  culture  of,  252;  anratum, 
culture,  16,  303,  347,  large,  184,  out 
of  doors,  416,  potting,  21* ,  winter- 
ing, 316  ;  lancifolium  culture,  16  ; 
after  blooming,  191 

Lily  of  the  Valley,  forcing,  232;  bow 
ing,  273 

Lime  dressing,  313 

Limerick  Poultry  Show,  195 

Linaria  Cymbalaria,  323 

Linum  seeds,  cleaning,  251 

Liquid  manure,  192  ;  applying,  233 

Liskeard  Ponltry  Show,  186 

LiBSochilus  Krebsii,  267 

LHtsea  juncea,149 

Littleborough  Poultry  Show,  276 

Lobelia  speciosa,  propagating,  30 

London  Poultry  Show,  404 

Long  Sutton  Poultry  Show,  295 

Lowestoft  Poultry  Show,  524 

Lucerne,  sowing,  96 

Luculia,  gratissima  leaves  falling,  212; 
propagation,  69 

Lygodictyon  Forateri,  340 

Lygodnuns,  climbing,  239 

Lythe  Poultry  Show,  175 


Magnolia,  soil.  416;  transplanting 
large.  457 

Maiden-hair  browning.  357 

Maidstone  Gardeners'  Improvement 
Association,  389 

Maize,  511 

Malays,  275.  384 

Malope  malacoides,  165 

Mandcvilla  suaveolens  hardy,  201 

Manures,  ashes,  &c,  15 ;  preparing, 
377 

Manuring,  the  principles  of,  64 

Maranta  leaveB  browned,  815 

Market  gardening,  nmateur,267 

Marketing  fruits,  272 

Markets,  76,  156,  176,  958,  278,  208,  820, 
342,  362,  884,  404,  424,  4t>4,506 

Measures,  boxes  for  holding,  164, 252 

Medlars,  gathering,212,  835 

Meigle  Poultry  Show,  175 

Melolontha  vulgaris,  515 

Melon  »nd  Cucumber  house,  294 

Melons— aphis  on,  24  ;  decaying,  91 ; 
going  ofl,  83 ;  in  a  ground  vinery, 
161;  large,  218;  out  of  doors,  261; 
plants,  24;  small,  518;  spot  on,  211; 
treatment,  16  ;  varieties,  253;  Beech- 
wood,  91 ;  Malvern  Hall,  170 ;  Vic- 
tory of  Bath,  247 

Mesembryanthemum  culture,  162 

Mesospiiiidium  sanguineum,  489 

Metropolitan  Floral  Society,  200,  201, 
225 

Mice,  keeping  from  bulbs,  477 

Middlesbrough  Bird  Show,  369 

Middleton  Poultry  Show,  255 

Mimetic  analogy,  494 

'■  Miniature  Fruit  Garden,"  469 

Mistletoe  on  the  Oak,  225,  247 

Moon's  influence  over  rainfall,  304 

Mnrley  Poultry  Show,  112 

Mormons,  horticulture  among,  243 

Morpeth  Poultry  Show,  214 

Moulting  this  season,  417, 459 

Moulton  Poultry  Show,  86 

Mulberries,  what  to  do  with  them,  802 

Mulberry  trees,  transplanting,  135 

Mulching,  50,68, 103 

MiiBhrooms,  abundance,  225;  beds, 
495,  lasting,  52,  making,  49,  iron 
gratings  for  bottoms  of,  495  :  house 
management,  4S1 ;  catsup,  96;  cu 
ture,  69,  170,  291,  874;  in  Paris,  346; 
decaying  and  maggotty,  81,  293 ; 
in  a  London  collar,  261 

Myosotis  dissitiflora  for  table  decora- 
,     tion,  59 

Myrtles  not  flowering,  69 


1KUEX. 


vu 


Kl.IL,  DOUBTS  ON  FOWl^S  tOE,  19.9 

Napoleon's  flower,  429 

>fae tarines,  cricket-oaten,  151 ;  notes 

t»n,802;  Rivers'a  seedling,  2*3 ;  Vie- 

toria.  217  ;  withering,  11W 
Kephroleptaec,  454  ;  dayallioides,  498 
Keweftstl^upon-Tyuo    Ornithological 

Society's   Show,  420;   post  entries, 

New  York  Poultry  Show,  380 
Nightingales,  food  for  young,  20 
Night  Boil  aa  manure,  393,  i  ]  i 
Northampton  Poultry  Show,  285,443; 

Canary  Show,  402 
North  border,  plants  for,  350 
Noatrila  of  chiokens  discharging,  190 
November,  oaterpillars,    391 ;    planta 

flowering  in,  469 
\      Nurseries,  rating,  498 


OiK,  A  LABGE,  183  :  EVERGBEKN,  46fl 

Oakham  Poultry  Show,  443 

Oftta,  ground,  &c..  150 

October,  plants  flowering  in,  369 

Oenothera  Wbituo\j,393 

Oiling  exhibited  birds,  499 

Obtfora  Fitzpainc,61 

Oleanders,  climbing,  8S6 ;  scale,  330 

Oncidium  cryptocopie,  204 

Onions— at    Okeford   Fitzpaine,    100; 

culture,  89  ;   crop,  141 ;    manuring 

grouud  for,  69 :    preparing  ground 

for,  457 
Orange  trees  not  fruiting,  51 
Orchard,  Gilbe/a  gluaa,  63 
Orchard-house,   experience,  281,   288 ; 

management, 6;  seduce,  147 
Orchards,  Kentish.  117 
Orchid-bouse  wall,  ylant  for,  SS0 
Orchida — importing  from  India,  619; 

winter-blooming,  180,  203,  228,  300, 

805,488 
"  Ornamental-leaved  Plants,  Stove  and 

Greenhouse,11 307 
Orobanohe  on  Ciasns  discolor,  4T8 
Oswestry  Poultry  show,  270 
Oundle  Poultry  Show,  54 
Oxford  botanists,  124 
Oxfordshire    Horticultural  Society's 

Show,  81 
Ozone,  production  of,  25 

Painting,  ohabob  fob,  293 ;  oaedem 
stbuotubes,  825 

Pampas  Grass,  outting  off  leaves  and 
protecting,  497  ;  transplanting,  350 

Pansies,  Imperial  Blue,  99;  for  Bum- 
mer, 273 ;  replanting,  293 

Papering  damp  ■*  alls,  302 

Parisian  markets,  525 

Parks,  gardening  in  the  London,  142 

Parrot,  breathing  with  difficulty,  90; 
dull,  298;  feather-eating,  802 

Parsley  become  brown  and  yellow,  15 

Paaaiflora  arborea,  S67 ;  quadrangu- 
laris  for  conaervatories,4GC 

Passion-flower,  protecting,  336 

Paullinia  aorbiliB,891 

Peaoh's  (Rev.  C.  P.)  garden,  809 

PeacheB— and  Nectarines,  241;  Ame- 
rican trade,  432  ;  budding,  135 ;  in  a 
eool  house,  437;  diseased,  152; 
double  blossomed,  91;  early,  252; 
early  in  the  north,  9S  ;  falling  early, 
91 ;  fruiting,  91;  heading  maiden 
trees.  518;  house  painting,  252,  and 
ventilation,  877;  keepi'-g  ripe,  91; 
late,  457;  leaves  cutting.  28-1,  317; 
leaves  Bcalded,  91;  notes  on,  171, 
802  ;  planting  a  house,  69;  pruning, 
885 ;  not  ripening,  2y3 ;  Rivers'  seed 
ling,  283;  Bcale  on,  458;  select,  69* 
standard,  201 ;  not  swelling,  151 . 
training.  273;  Dymond,  211,  222; 
Farlv  York,  201;  Marquis  of  Down; 
Bhire,  304 

Pears — early,  231 ;  fruiting  irregularly, 
252 ;  gathering,  211 ;  insects  in- 
jurious to,  11,  27,  206.  411;  leaves 
diseased,  171 ;  for  north  of  Ireland, 
293;  miniature  trees  training,  171; 
for  N.  YV.  of  England,  377 ;  in  pots, 
488;  for  orchard,  416;  orchard  in 
California,  351;  planting,  357;  pro- 
fitable. 231;  pyramid,  377;  pyramid 
unfruitful.  212;  for  small  gardens, 
822;  Beleot,  283;  storing.  815;  spur- 
less,  69;  stocks  for  wall  treeB,497; 
for  walla,  335 ;  Avocat  Allard,  284, 
828;  Belle  Kouennaise,  268,  228; 
Brockworth  Park,  268 ;  Heliote 
DundaB,  284,  828 ;  Henri  Nioaiae, 
284;  Marie  LouiBe,  135;  Melon  de 
Namur,  993;  Spina,  232 

Peas  in  1870,  324,  345, 367,  869  ;  autumn, 
183*  culture,  77,  141;  early,  14; 
early  for  market,  356;  estimate  of, 
4hi7  ;  grub  on  leaves,  51 ;  late,  334, 
514;  Laxton's,  139;  mildew  on,  14; 
out  of  doors  in  December,  493 ; 
trials,  158,  304 ;  trials  at  Seaham 
Ball,  366 

Peat  charcoal,  453 

Pelargoniums— disqualified  by  judges, 
162;  double-flowered  as  bedders,  78, 
105;  for  Easter,  356;  large-flowered 
oulture,  39 ;  leaves  spotted,  457 : 
leaves  yellow,  438;  name-  use  of, 
132;  new,  425;  potting  Show,  151; 
President  Reveil,  88  ;  select,  171 ; 
sowing,  479;  wintering,  356 

Penietone  Poultry  Shuw,  IH 


Perennials  for  a  border,  330 
Periateronic  Society's  meetings,  290 
Pots,  My  live.  522  [252 

Petunias,  fading,  151 ;  shoots  dying, 
Phajus,  488 

Pheasants,  breeding,  150 
PhiloperiBteron  Society's  Show,  230 

Phlox,  Drummondi  culture,  '232;  seeds, 
cleaning,  251;  list  of,  171;  select 
herbaoeous,  898 

Phcanix  Park.  408 

Phamix  Park  Vice-Regal  Lodge,  473 

Physalis  edulia,  69 

PicoteeB.  seedling,  104 

Pie,  the  largest  known,  156 

Pigeons—  A lmond  Tumbler,  IIS  :  Ant- 
werp, 234,  295,  prizes  for,  275,  white* 
eyed,  320;  Archangels1  eves,  156; 
Balds  and  Beards,  463;  Barb,  839, 
eyes  of,  384;  at  Birmingham,  462; 
not  breeding,  183;  canker  in,  76. 138; 
Carrier,  480,  diseased,  424,  head, 
464,  measuring  face,  3*1,  plumage, 
526,  at  Spalding,  20;  dealers,  ama* 
tears,  professional  fanciers,  419; 
diarrhoea  in  Pouters.  258;  diseases 
in  a  loft,  320;  exhibiting  diseased, 
20  ;  eggs  for  sale,  20  ;  eyes  diseased, 
362;  food  for,  112;  Fantails'  eggs 
not  hatching,  842;  pole  house  for, 
3(2 ;  commencing  keeping,  238 ; 
leaving  their  cote,  362 ;  manure  in 
cote,  862;  on  the  Nile,  360;  points  of 
Nuns,  116;  Owls,  258.  English  and 
Foreign,  506 ;  Pouters,  H5S,  500,  ma- 
nagement, 404;  sick,  362;  separat- 
ing, 258;  with  Rabbits,  424;  roup  In, 
188,  4**4 ;  trimming,  4S0  ;  Trumpeter 
breeding,  298;  Tumbler,  the  Flying, 
523  ;  Turblta,  486,  526  ;  at  Whitwortb, 
195;  wing  diseased,  BfiS 

Pimpernel,  the  Blue,  68 

Pine  Apples,446 ;  fruit  from  variegated, 
478;  removing,  190;  repotting,  234; 
starting,  458 ;  suckers,  199 

Pine  sawdust  manure,  170 

Pinks,  cuttings,  150 ;  for  forcing,  184 

Pipes,  fixing  hot-water,  on  Vine 
border,  417;  removing  hot  water, 
830 ;  valve  of  hot  water,  488 

Pitcher  plants,  culture,  108 ;  leggy, 
457  ;  liquid  in,  390 

Pits,  heating,  191;  heating  in  parts, 
253;  brick,  in  forcing  houses,  496 

Plans,  drawing.  S23 

Planting,  334.  468,  517 

Plants.  Linker's  covers  for,  107;  neg- 
lected, 1X8 

Platyloma  flexuosa,  21* 

PlcioneB,  winter-blooming,  228 

Plumage  defective,  278 

Plum  orchard,  101 

Plums,  early,  91;  leaves  injured,  185; 
for  small  gardens,  322;  preserving 
without  sugar.  842;  heading-down 
young,  trees,  377 ;  spurless  trees,  69 

Plunging  potB,  890 

Plymouth  Poultry  Show,  500 ;  cups  at, 
234 

Pninsettia  pulcherrima,  culture,  437; 
leaves  falling,  398 ;  shading,  171 

Points,  breeding  for,  295 

"Poison  in  everything."  498 

PolamU,  feathers  of  Golden,  278;  not 
laying,  90 

Polybotryas,  climbing,  386 

Pnmetrranate  pruning,  518 

Pond  for  garden,  212 

Pontefract  Poultry  Show,  75 

Post,  specimens  uy.  24 

Potatoes,  2>;li,  *24;  in  1870,387;  Ame- 
rican, 0,  78.  180;  crop,  100;  culture, 
222,  279,  405,  427,  448,  467  ;  large.  478  ; 
in  London  market,  856;  and  Man- 
gold alternately,  376;  notes  on,  179; 
Onion-flavoured,  34;  planting,  16, 
989,  an  acre,  293,  in  autumn,  347,  pre- 
paring fur,  277;  produce,  compara- 
tive, 282.  large.  849;  for  seed,  192; 
select,  438;  sets,  509;  storing,  51; 
taking  up,  271:  varieties,  28;  Bo- 
vinia,364,  409;  Lapstone,  large  crop 
of.  287,  293 

Pot-herbB,  penn'orth  of,  471 

Potting,  14 

"  Poultry  Chronicle,  the  Canadian,"  72 

Poultry — classes,  revising,  275 :  new 
market,  275 ;  show  reforms,  294,  317  ; 
show  reports.  837;  feeding.  444,  480, 
526;  fattening  for  table,  444 ;  sticks 
and  umbrellas  at  shows,  500 ;  keep- 
ing, rational,  34;  management,  70; 
dying  suddenly,  70:  trip  into  Glou- 
cestershire after,  172 ;  and  birds, 
192;  keeping  as  a  business,  213: 
profit  of,  218;  in  small  Bpace,  238; 
preventing  fraudulent  practices  at 
Shows,  110;  feeding  in  France,  135; 
prizes,  judging,  reporting,  buying, 
357;  for  sale,  384;  house  floor,  404, 
424;  shows,  care  of  birds  at,  419; 
yard  arrangements,  56 

Preston  Poultry  Show,  93 

Primula  cortusoides,  amcena,  91 ;  va- 
rieties, 20t 

Primulas  not  thriving,  293 

Privet  edging,  272 

Prizes,  at  poultry  shows,  878;  non- 
payment, 400;  for  poultry  418 

Prize  list,  extraordinary,  504 

Protection,  518 

Pruning  ornamental  trees  and  shrubs, 
f,  21,  78,  445,  513 


Pteris,  argyrnea  culture,  09 ;  semilata 
varieties,  416 

Pullets,  preventing  laying,  417 

Pump  for  a  garden,  15 

Pyretnrum  Golden  Feather  for  bed- 
ding, 147;  sowing,  151;  wintering 
Golden,  833 


Quinces,  gathering,  251 


Rabbits— breeding  age,  298  ;  at  Cli- 
theroe.  111;  feeding,  110;  food  for, 
190,  29H;  hutch  oover,  298;  manage- 
ment, 116;  milk  for,  298;  with  Pi- 
geonS)  124;  points  of  Lop-eared, 
258;  reports  on.  54;  skins,  dressing, 
varieties,  37  :  at  Ilablingileu,  70  ;  at 
the  York  Show,  819,  359;  Angora's 
fur  matted,  29* ;  Andalusian,  150; 
LopB,  156;  Patogoman,156;  Spanish, 
156 

Railway  neglects.  493 

Rainfall,  varying,  68 

Ranunculus  planting,  293 

Raspberry  vinegar,  38 

Rats,  puzzling,  190 

Red  bud  caterpillar,  11 

'•Redcarre,  a  pour  fyshor  towne,""9, 
101,  131 

Red  spider,  934 ;  conservatory  plants 
infested  with,  135 

Reigate  Poultry  Show,  501 

Renanthera  Lowii,  83, 109 

Reports  of  poultry  Bhowa,  379 

Rhododendrons,  beds,  forming,  110; 
cocoa-nut  fibre  refuse  for,  519;  re- 
potting Sikkim,  252 

Rhubarb,  scarlet,  234;  for  market,  885 

RhusCotinus  culture,  518 

Ribbon  borders,  early  v.  late  plant- 
ing, 2,  40 

Ribes,  edible- fruited,  86 

Richardia  aHhiopica  culture,  213 

Rivers,  portrait  of  Mr.,  300,  328,  350, 
370.  895,  413,  432. 473, 495,  514 

Room,  growing  plants  in,  408 

Roosting-places  for  chickens,  172 

Roots  descending  for  moiBture,  13 

Root-pruning,  292 ;  fruit  trees,  822 

Roses,  22;  aphis  brush,  15  ;  for  cover- 
ing arches,  487  ;  budding  on  Manetti 
stock,  497;  charcoal  for,  15;  climb- 
ing, 33;  culture,  22;  cuttings.  417; 
cut'ing  ont  wood,  356;  differences 
about,  159;  different  on  the  same 
utock,  85,  186;  exhibiting,  109 :  Rev. 
S.  Reynolds  Hole  on,  65,  84  ;  Hybrid 
Perpetuala  of  last  four  seasons,  171, 
for  pots,  179 :  Laurel  screen  for,  219 ; 
leaves  almost  black.  294;  list  of, 
252;  on  Manetti  stuck,  91,  193,497; 
manuring,  110,407;  mildew  on,  192, 
232 :  moving,  294 :  moving  newly- 
budded,  33;  new,  7;  new  and  old, 
185  ;  north  and  auuth,  144  ;  notes  on, 
179  ;  at  Okefurd  Fitzpaine,  61 ;  pillar, 
411;  in  pot*,  417,  in  puts  weakly, 
232;  potted  for  show,  39;  pruning, 
273,  315;  pruning  long  shoots,  109; 
to  obtain  on  their  own  roots,  349 ; 
repotting,  850:  at  Salisbury,  98; 
near  the  sea,  232;  select,  336,  417  ; 
Belect  garden,  97,  119;  select  for 
standards,  109;  at  Southwell,  87; 
among  the  show.  58;  showing,  135  ; 
standard,  47;  and  Btocks,  322; 
Briars  as  stocks,  417;  not  succeed- 
iug,  109;  Tea-scented  of  last  four 
seasons,  171;  house  for,  315;  out  of 
doors,  438,  487,  508;  transplanting, 
417;  for  high  walls,  273;  Alfred 
Colomb,  292 ;  Boula  de  Nanteuil, 
232  ;  Felix  Genero,  100,  109  :  Isabella 
Gray.  203:  Lady  Suffield,  109; 
L'Enfant  Trouve,  377;  Marquise  de 
Morteinart.  171 

Rossendale  Poultry  Show,  53 

Roup,  cure  f jr,  74,  235 ;  symptoms,  33 

Rubbish  heap,  211 

Rue  as  a  poultry  medicine,  464 


Saccot.abiums.  481 

Salad  herbs,  162 

Salsafy,  leaving  in  bed,  457 

Salt  aa  a  manure,  234 

Salvia,  interrapta,  204;   violacea  and 

culture,  411 
Sambucus  genus,  157 
Sand,  from  glass  works,  477 ;  silver, 

376 
Sandhoe,  177 
Saxifraga  aretioides,  20 
Scale,  S34;  destroying,  316 
Scales  on  fowl's  legs,  196 
Scarborough  Canary  Show,  290,  S40 
Scarborough  Lily  culture,  918 
Scolytua  destructor,  91 
Scorzonera,  cooking,  884 
Screen,  for  building,  410  ;  to  hide  a 

wall,  315 
Scurf  in  fowls,  526 
Sea,  fruits  for  garden  near,  232 
Seal  skin,  moth  in,  506 
Seaside  planting,  65 
"  Sea-side  walks."  434 
Season,  eccentricities  of,  408;  lessons 

of  the  past.  490 
Secretaries  exhibiting,  01 ;  liable  for 

their  mistakes,  274 
Seeds,  sowing,  315 


Selsey  Island,  07 ;  manufactory,  S 

Sempervivum    ealifornicuni    culture, 
232 

September,  plants  flowering  in,  2S5 

Serapias  corJigera  and  lingua,  $90 

Sermon,  the  flower,  208 

Sewage,  417 

Sex  in  plants  and  nutrition,  240 

Shade  for  flowers,  178 

Shading  to  prevent  evaporation.  63 

Sheffield  Ornithological  Society's 
Show,  341 

Shows, damaging  fowls  at,S5;  prizes 
at  country  horticultural,  231 

Shrubs,  before  cottage,  273;  for  low 
wall,  330  ;  under  trees,  310 

Silenes,  distinguishing,  273 

Silkies'  claws.  842 

Silkworm,  oak,  138 

Skylarks,  food  for  young,  20 

Skaford  Poultry  Show,  94 

Suaith  Poultry  Show,  35 

Snowberry  pruning,  458 

Soap,  soft,  91 ;  for  destroying  iosccts, 
23,  62 

Sobralia  macrantha,  330 

SoUb,  improving  sandy,  09;  their  for- 
mation,  101 ;  origin  of,  513 

Soot  as  a  manure,  231 

Southampton  Poultry  Show,  319,  359, 
B99,  101;  going  to,  879,  380 

Sowing  seeds,  293 

Spalding  Poultry  Show,  10 

Spanish,  exhibiting,  444;  fowls  losing; 
their  feathers,  110 

Spilonota  oynosbatella,  11 

SpiroBa  japonioa  and  i<utuiata  culture, 
191  ;  forcing,  458 

Stanningley  Poultry  Show,  104 

sti'iioehkenas,  453 

Stenoglottia  nmbriata,  471 

Stephanotis  floribunda  culture,  109; 
fruiting,  211 

Sticks,  Empemr,  213;  EastLothiau, 
99,  233  ;  after  flowering,  233 

Stocks  for  fruit  trees  and  Hoses,  work- 
ing, 497  ;  spreading  to  scion,  243 

Stockton  Bird  Show,  401 

Stoke  Newington  Chrysanthemum 
Show,  391 

Stokesley  Poultry  Show,  256 

Stoking,  good  and  bad,  466 

Stove,  flueless.  437  ;  heating  by,  190 

Stove,  plants  for,  293,  457 ;  Belect,  498 

Strawberries — beds  lasting,  51;  for- 
warding out-of-door  crops,  57;  thin- 
ning crowns,  816 ;  losing  colour,  172  ; 
culture,  4o,  104,  189;  in  the  open 
ground,  57;  estimate  of  various, 
160;  plants  failing,  52;  produce  of 
forced,  109;  forcing,  271;  not  fruit- 
ing, 7,  25;  cutting  off  leaves,  33; 
liquid  manuring,  171 ;  making  plan- 
tations, 250;  planting,  34,  61,  192; 
potting,  90 :  new,  119 ;  notes  on,  180  ; 
runners  from  barren,  202  ;  for  sandy 
soil,  69;  1670,  Beasou,  41. 143 ;  trans- 
planting, 519 :  comparative  value  of 
different  varieties.  99;  worthy  and 
unworthy  oi  cultivation,  121 :  Alpine, 
222;  Garabaldi,  184,  240;  Duke  uf 
Edinburgh,  52;  Mvatt's  Filbert 
Pine,  81;  Myatt's  Prolific,  99:  Vi- 
comtesse  Herioart  de  Thury,  184 

Stroud  Poultry  Show,  137 

Subtropical  plants,  raising,  274 

"  Sulphur  Cure,"  6 

Sulphur,  burning  in  vinery,  190 ;  on 
hot-water  pipes,  151 

Sunderland  Poultry  Show,  136 


Tabern.emontana  Bartbri,  204 

Table  decorations,  22 

Tacsonia,  mollissima  not   flowering, 

21 ;  quitenBis.  461 
Tan  manure,  170 
Tar  pavement  making,  1G5 
Temperature  of  Boil,  retaining,  396  ; 

of  subsoils,  850 
Tenant  removing,  252  ;  shrubs.  15 
Thames  Embankment,  planting,  &c, 

393 
Thermometers  discordant,  437 
Thirsk  Poultry  Show,  93 
Thistles  not  a  nuisance  everywhere, 

351 
Tillandsia  Lindeniana.  165 
Tobacco  for  destroying  aphides,  91 
Todmorden  Poultry  Show,  215 
Tomatoes,  open-ground  culture,  867 
Tonbridge  Wells  Poultry  Show,  290 
Tortoise,  252;  wintering.  404 
Tortrix  anyustiorana,  2C6 
Tous-les-mois,  233 
Trafalgar  Square  trees,  31 
Trailers,  evergreen  in  stove,  870 
Transplanting.  334;  shrubs,  316 
Tredegar  Poultry  Show,  485,  504 
Trees,  and  shrubs  for  planting  near 
the  sea,  65;  as  condensers  of  mois- 
ture, 184;  notes  on  our  native,  423 
overhanging,  group  in  park,  377 
Trellis  wiles  breaking,  478 
Trimming,  418 ;    exhibited  fowls,  378, 

898,  498;  rule  against,  275 
Tritoma  leaves,  cutting  off,  497 
TropKolum,  sowing,  437  ;  tuberosum, 
336 ;  tuberosum  and  pentaphyllum 
flowerless.  213 
Tulips,  earlv,  416;  in  pots,  410;  John 
Henry,  105  ;  replanting,  171, 251 ;  for 
a  Rose  border,  193 


Tulip  Tree  seeds,  315 

Tunbridgo  WoUe.  Spanish  fowls  at, 812 

Turf,  beds  on,  856;  heaps,  131;  under 
LimeB,  61 

Turkey  b,  62;  brooding,  15G:  Cam- 
bridge, 464:  heads  swollen.  434; 
vertigo  in,  278 ;  young  dying,  196 

Turnips,  grubs  destroying,  902 

Tussifago  Farfara  variegata,  propa- 
gating, 273 

Tydteas,  aphis  on,  83Q 


UlSTEH,  1IOQTI CULTURAL  SOCIETY  FOR, 
429 


Vallota  purpurea  culture,  16,  213 

Vanda  Cathcarti,  26 

Vases,  plants  for,  197.  220 

Vegetables,  better  than  nothing,  19, 
37 ;  crop,  profitable,  213 ;  for  exhi- 
biting, 191 ;  for  the  besieged,  491 ; 
gardeners'  prizes  for  at  Nottingham 
Show.  493 

Vegetable  Marrows,  169;  cooking,  19G 

Veitch,  memorial,  332;  Mr.  John 
Gould,  death  of,  132 

Verbenas,  for  bedding,  108;  new  bed- 
ding, 147  ;  soil  tor  Sweet-scented,  376 

Veronicas,  356 

Vino  border,  heating,  272;  making, 
479 

Vinegar  plant,  109, 133 

Vinery,  and  conservatory  heating, 
334;  urrangemont  of,  497;  building 
ovai  a  Vine,  191 ;  burning  sulphur 


Vinery—  Continue  d, 
in,  172;  planting   a  email  cool,  416; 
greenhouse,  478;    ground,  268,  467, 
478,  491, 519 ;  stove  for,  plant-cuttings 
in,  497 

Vines— atrial  roots,  23,  34  ;  borders, 
109,  212,  498  ;  hush  in  pots,  179  :  cow 
dung  for,  213;  ends  growing,  438; 
commencing  forcing,  456;  glass 
covering,  397;  in  greenhouse,  356; 
for  ground  vineries,  519;  injured, 
212;  loaves  diseased,  38,  as  fodJer, 
2S4;  removing,  34;  manuring,  433, 
487 ;  mildewed,  3, 16,  29  :  for  outside 
border,  479 ;  planting,  109,  233,  316, 
876,  457;  pruning,  272,  376;  in  pots, 
158,816,376;  removing, 498 ;  protect- 
ing roots,  272;  select,  508;  for  a 
small  house,  478;  shoots  dying,  33, 
152 ;  training.  438  ;  transplanting, 
438 ;  for  an  unheated  house,  43/ ;  on 
a  wall,  316;  on  glass-covered  walls, 
519 ;  on  an  open  wall,  376 ;  on  back 
wall  of  a  vinery,  91  ;  watering  in 
conservatory,  174.  See  also  Grapes. 

Viola  cornuta,  as  a  bedder,  105 ;  dy- 
ing, 192 

Violets,  culture  of  Neapolitan  and 
Russian,  171 ;  Czar,  culture,  316 ; 
not  flowering,  477 ;  culture  of  Russ- 
ian, 497  ;  under  glass,  375 


Wakefield  Poultry  Snow,  193 
Walks,  ISO;  gravel,  to  mako  smooth, 
318 


Walls,  protecting  blossoms  of  fruit 
trees  on  walls,  283;  glass,  66,  86; 
plant  for  shaded,  416 

Walnuts,  keeping,  170,  315,  £34 

Walsall  Poultry  Show,  256 

War,  Freuch  losses  from,  252 ;  inter- 
rupts French  florioulture,  388 

Warrington  Poultry  Show,  93,  153 

Wasps  attacking  fruit,  108 ;  not  com- 
mon at  Southampton,  110 

Water  Cresses  grown  out  of  water, 
225 

Water,  dirty,  33 ;  supply  of,  184 

Watering,  230,  250,  490.  495  ;  and  no 
watering,  48 ;  is  it  needed '/  11 

Watford  Poultry  Show,  503 

Wayside  jottings,  2t4 

Weather  prognostics,  Hi 

Weeds,  128,  204,  366 ;  creeping-rooted, 
282 ;  eradicating,  234 

Weeks's  one-boiler  system,  34 

Week,  work  for,  12,  31,  48,  67,88,  107, 
132, 149, 168, 188,  209,  229,  349,  269,  290, 
312,  832,  354.  373.  395,  413,  435,  455,  476, 
495,  516;  doings  of  last,  18,  32,  48,  63, 
89,  108, 133,  150,  169,  189,  210,  230,  250, 
270,  291,  313,  3*3,  355,  874,  396,  414,  436, 
455,476,496,517 

Weight,  feeding  fowls  to  increase, 
464  :  of  fowls  influencing  judges,  818 

Wellingtonia  gigantoa  and  the  rab- 
bits, 252 

Wellington  Poultry  Show,  236 

Welshpool  Poultry  Show,  256 

West  of  England  Poultry  Show,  500 

Westward  Ho  Poultry  Show,  74 

Wetherby  Poultry  Show,  206 


Wheeling,  415 

Whitby  Canary  Show,  155,  210, 
Poultry  Show.  137, 154 

Whitworth  Poultry  Show,  174 

Wigandia  treatment,  479 

"Wild  Garden,"  203 

Willow  Herb  as  a  bedder,  2G7 

Willow  with  curled  leaves,  417 

Wintering  plants,  in  a  cold  vinery, 
233;  in  a  room,  398 

Winter,  plants  flowering  in,  192  ;  pre- 
tectiou  for,  134  ;  vegetables,  1G9 

"Wines,  Home-made,"  56 

Wiring  a  fruit  wall,  191 

Wonders  of  an  amateur,  469 

Woodlico,  destroying,  252; ;  inCucun- 
ber  frame,  152 

Wood  Leopard  Moth  27 

Woodsoine  Poultry  Rhuw,  154 

Woodstock  Poultry  Snow,  257 

Woolhope  Naturalists'Club,  310 

World's  wear  aud  tear,  0 

Worms,  a  rare  remedy,  446 ;  banish- 
ing. WJ;  driving  out  of  pots,  91,409; 
in  lawn,  417 

Woi-bley  Poultry  Show,  173 


Yew,  transplanting  Irish,  £57 
York  Puultry,  &C.,  Show,  483 
York  Rabbit  Show,  882,  403 


Zephyranthes  rosea, 
Zeuzera  resculi,  27 
Ziuc  exposed  te  fire,  281 


WOODCUTS. 


TAGK. 

Abraxas  grossulariata 516 

Alton  Towers  views  288,  289,  808,  809 

Anemones,  Soa 435 

Bees,  feeding 302 

Boiler,  proposed   248 

Bracket  for  coping  boards 260 

Castle  Howard  views 352,  353,  372,  373 

Chatsworth  Conservatory 434 

Crystal  Palace,  flower  border  at 207 

Cuscuta  californica 269 

Dalkeith  Palace  flower  borders 830,  831 

Egertou  House  Flower  Garden  29 

Fig  fruiting 106 

Flower  garden  plans 29, 186,  207,  805,  S3J,  331,  474,  492 

Flower  shades    478 

Force  Pump,  oheap 15 

Fountain 129 

Glass  walls  66,  87 

Ground  levelling  and  garden  plotting.  .301,  823,  344,  845,  364, 365, 386, 

887,407,426,447,  489 

Heating   248 

Humphrey's  Clock  167 

Ice  house 890 

Lwlia  superbiens 187 

Nephrolepis  exaltata  454 


PAGE. 

Oleandra  nodosa  886 

Orchard,  Gilbey's  glass 68 

Pear,  Avocat  Allard 828 

„     Brockworth  Park 268 

„     insects 11,  28,  206 

Pigeon,  Almond  Tumbler 112 

„       Barb  339 

Flying  Tumbler 624 

Pleione  bumilis 229 

„       lagenaria 229 

Plant  covers,  Looker's   107 

„     tub,  improved .' 10 

Planting,  ornamental  445,  512,  513 

Roller-barrow,  Stapleburst  47 

„     watering  engine 47 

Spilonota  cyuosbatella 4 H 

Stenochlcena  scandens 454 

Sulphurator  10 

ThameB  Embankment,  planting  and  laying  out 394 

Tortrix  augustiorana 206 

Vice- Regal  Lodge 475 

„         Flower  Garden 474 

Wall  trees,  protecting    233 

Zeuzera  loaculi 28 


J«ly  7,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


WEEKLY 

CALENDAR. 

Day 

Ol 

Month 

Day 

of 

Week. 

ttity  n    11   l«7n                          Average    Tempera- 
JULY  7—13,  1870.                            lure  near  London. 

Kain  in 

last 
43  yeaia. 

Sun 
Rises. 

Sun 
Sets. 

Moon 
Rises. 

Moon 
Sets. 

M  oon's 
Age. 

Days. 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
O 
15 

Clock 
before 
Sun. 

Day 

of 

Year. 

7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
IS 

Th 

F 

S 

Sen 

M 

Tu 

W 

Royal  Botanic  Society's  Show  closes. 
Birmingham  Rose  Show,  second  day. 
Oxford  Trinity  Term  ends. 
4  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

Day. 
73.7 
74  0 
74.1 
74.7 
75.4 
75.9 
76.1 

Night. 
50.8 
50.0 
49.4 
50.3 
50.7 
50.5 
51.4 

Mean. 
62.2 
K2.0 
61.8 
62.5 
68.0 
68.2 
63.7 

Days. 
22 
20 
18 
16 
11 
14 
15 

m.       h. 
54af3 

55  3 

56  3 

57  S 

58  3 

59  3 
0      4 

xn.     b.  I  m.      fa. 
15  af  8  !  16  af  0 
14      8     40        0 
14      8  |    7        1 
13      8  '  41        1 
18      8     21        2 
12      8  !  13        3 
11      8  |  15        4 

ra.     h. 
12  af  8 
12      9 
12    10 
12    11 
12    12 

12  18 

13  14 

m.    s. 
4    31 
4    44 

4  53 

5  2 
5    10 
5    18 
5    25 

188 
189 
190 
191 
192 
193 
194 

From  observations  taken  near  London  during  the  last  torty-three  years,  the  average  day  temperature  of  the  week  is  74. 83,  and  its  night 
temperature  50.4°.      The  greatest  heat  was  92',  on  the  7th,  1852 ;  and  the  lowest  cold  33°,  on  the  9th,  1863.     The  greatest  fall    of  rain  was 
1.10  inoh. 

FORMING  A   FLOWER   GARDEN.— No.  1. 

THE   SITE. 

■  ATURE,  amidst  all  the  lavish  wealth  and 
marvellous  variety  of  form  and  colour  which 
she  has  spread  around  us,  would  appear  to 
have  attained  her  culminating  point  in  the 
blossom  of  flowers.  The  stately  timber  trees, 
with  all  the  dignity  which  their  colossal  pro- 
portions impart,  are  not  so  attractive,  al- 
though we  love  to  watch  their  storm-tossed 
boughs,  to  listen  to  the  "wind  rushing  through 
the  sturdy  limbs  of  the  "  brave  old  Oaks  " 
with  a  noise  like  thunder,  or  sighing  in  gentle  measures 
among  the  sombre  Pines,  or  whispering  in  gentlest  zephyrs 
among  the  sensitive  leaves  of  the  Aspen.  All  these  varied 
phases  of  nature  influence  us,  and  we  cannot  wonder  at 
the  superstitious  awe  and  worship  which  the  huge  forms 
and  mystic  voices  inspired  in  the  earlier  ages  of  the  world, 
when  our  rude  forefathers  imagined  they  heard  the  voices 
of  their  gods  speaking  to  them  in  wrath  as  they  came 
riding  on  the  wings  of  the  storm,  or  in  the  more  gentle 
accents  of  peace  and  forgiveness  in  periods  of  calm. 

The  elegant  form  of  the  feathery  Pinus,  the  glossy  sheen 
of  the  Laurel,  the  graceful  Fern  fronds,  and  a  thousand 
other  rare  gems  of  the  vegetable  kingdom— all  these  excite 
our  interest  and  command  our  admiration  ;  but  to  none  of 
them  do  we  yield  such  entire,  such  hearty  homage  as  to 
the  flowers— the  beautiful  flowers.  From  the  Rose  in  all  her 
regal  beauty,  down  to  the  pale  Primrose  or  humble  Violet, 
we  love  them  all ;  in  whatever  form  they  are  presented  to 
our  gaze  they  are  always  welcome.  But  while  we  admire 
and  fully  appreciate  the  skilfully  arranged  bouquet  of  cut 
flowers,  or  the  high  finish  of  symmetrical  pot  plants,  it 
is  to  the  parterre  that  we  constantly  return  with  never- 
ceasing  interest  and  enjoyment;  for  there  we  find  a 
multitude  of  charms,  a  lovely  combination  ;  earth,  air,  and 
sky  all  uniting  to  add  to  our  pleasure.  Animated  nature 
is  around  us,  the  song  of  birds,  the  hum  of  insects,  the 
bright-winged  butterflies  sipping  rich  nectar  as  they  flit 
from  flower  to  flower  ;  the  soft  blue  summer's  sky,  chequered 
perchance  by  fleecy  clouds  sailing  lazily  along — all  these 
are  there  to  influence  and  add  to  our  enjoyment  of  the  rich 
scene  displayed  before  us.  The  flowers,  too,  present  them- 
selves in  a  variety  of  guises— in  the  early  morning  their  dewy 
bright- coloured  petals  glistening  in  the  rising  sun.  and  at 
midday  their  gorgeous  colours  seeming  to  reflect  the  bright- 
ness of  the  sun  ;  but  in  the  evening,  when  the  calm  still 
twilight  comes  "  stealing  o'er  the  scene,"  the  flower  masses 
are  most  beautiful  in  the  soft  subdued  light,  the  colours 
appearing  to  deepen  and  grow  more  lovely  each  moment. 

Granting,  then,  that  all  this  enjoyment,  and  very  much 
more,  may  be  derived  from  a  flower  garden,  it  is.  of  course, 
intended  to  imply  that  for  it  to  possess  such  attractions, 
for  it  to  become  such  a  constant  source  of  enjoyment  all 
through  the  summer  months,  there  are  certain  important 
points  to  be  attended  to,  certain  fundamental  laws  which 
cannot  be  broken  with  impunity ;  for  if  they  be  not  strictly 
observed  it  will  be  vain  to  expect  anything  but  disappoint- 
No.  184.— Vol.  XIX.,  New  Series. 


ment  and  failure,  no  matter  how  neat  or  trim  may  be  the 
keeping,  or  h3w  fine  and  abundant  the  supply  of  plants. 

In  the  formation  and  management  of  a  flower  garden  the 
chief  things  necessary  to  be  taken  into  consideration  are 
the  site,  the  design,  the  plants  and  their  arrangement,  and 
the  accessories  or  surrounding  features. 

Individual  taste  has  very  much  influence  as  regards  the 
selection  of  the  site  of  a  flower  garden,  some  preferring  to 
have  the  flowers  near  the  house,  where  they  may  he  seen 
from  the  windows  ;  while  others  would  rather  have  the 
flower  garden  away  in  the  grounds,  a  distinct  and  separate 
feature ;  and  others,  again,  adopt  a  middle  course,  and 
just  break  the  monotony  of  the  green  turf  by  introducing  a 
few  groups  of  flowers  to  brighten  the  scene  without  having 
the  great  bulk   of  flowers   constanthr  visible.     All  three 

j  methods  are  alike  commendable  and  useful,  for  it  is  very 

|  rarely  that  the  same  plan  or  mode  of  proceding  can  be 

!  adopted  in  different  places. 

In  choosing  the  site,  therefore,  the  principal  features  of 
the  pleasure  grounds  must  be  surveyed  before  a  just  decision 

'  can  be  arrived  at.  In  villa  gardens  and  all  small  places  it 
is,  as  a  rule,  best  not  to  tix  upon  any  particular  spot  whereon 
to  display  a  formal  design,  but  to  introduce  an  occasional 
bed,  or  group  of  beds,  in  such  a  manner  amongst  the  shrubs, 
that  although  each  group  may  be  complete  iu  itself,  it  may 
also  form  a  connecting  link  with  the  next,  and  thus  tend 
to  produce  a  harmonious  whole.     Great  contrasts  in  small 

I  places  are  not  pleasing.     This  method  of  arrangement  is 

i  best  adapted  to  a  lawn  that  sweeps  in  a  semicircular  form 
around  two  sides  of  the  house,  and  if  the  lawn  is  enclosed 
and  sheltered  by  a  belt  of  shrubs,  a  walk  winding  among 
them  and  leading  to  some  retired  spot  occupied  by  a 
fernery,  will  afford  an  agreeable  promenade  in  the  heat  of 
summer,  while  the  shade  of  the  overhanging  trees  and  the 
lively  green  and  elegant  forms  of  the  Ferns  will  he  alike 
attractive.  A  collection  of  healthy  thriving  Ferns  is  always 
interesting,  and  placed  at  the  end  of  such  a  walk  it  would 
impart  a  grace  and  a  meaning  that,  nothing  else  could 
supply;  it  would  give  a  charm  to,  and  enliven,  that  which 
would  otherwise  be  void  of  interest.  Moreover,  the  Ferns 
would  be  more  likely  to  thrive  in  such  a  position  than  they 

'  would  be  if  more  exposed  to  the  sun.  How  frequently 
does  this  appear  to  be  forgotten  !  Ferns  are  planted  in 
all  sorts  of  incongruous  positions,  where,  tenacious  of  life, 
they  linger,  and  put  forth  a  few  weak  fr  mds.  I  have 
actually  seen  them  planted  on  a  heap  formed  of  mots  and 
earth  standing  boldly  out  on  an  open  lawn  ! 

In  places  of  greater  extent,  having  three  or  four  acres 
of  lawns  and  pleasure  grounds,  a  regular  design  may  be 
readily  introduced,  and  made  to  form  an  important  and 
striking  feature.  Whether  it  will  apppar  best,  near  the 
windows  of  the  house  or  away  among  the  shrubs,  must, 
as  I  have  before  observed,  always  remain  a  mailer  for 
individual  taste  to  decide.  If  the  la«n  scopes  gently  from 
the  mansion,  and  hns  its  surface  skilfully  diversified  by  a 
few  handsome  specimens  of  choice  shrubs  so  placed  as  to 
agreeably  relieve  without  marring  its  expansivmpss.  then  I 
think  the  flower  garden  would  be  far  more  enjoyable  if 
away  from   the   house  in   some  open  yet,  retired   spot  in 

No.  USy— Vol.  XLIV.,  Olo  S  kief. 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  July  7,  1870. 


the  shrubbery.  A  well-kept  lawn  clothed  in  nature's  "  livery 
of  green  "  is  always  an  agreeable  object,  soothing  to  the  eye, 
and  refreshing  to  look  upon,  and  is  a  striking  and  important 
feature  peculiar  to  the  climate  of  our  temperate  zone ;  the 
flower  garden  in  the  shrubbery  forms  an  object  for  a  Btroll,  and 
not  being  constantly  seen,  its  charms  retain  their  freshness 
and  attractiveness  throughout  the  season.  But  if  the  mansion 
stands  on  a  very  elevated  position,  a  terrace  garden  is  a  very 
appropriate  and  beautiful  object,  imparting  an  air  of  dignity 
and  grandeur  by  its  ample  breadth,  its  massive  oolouring,  and 
its  accessories  of  balustrades,  vases,  and  flights  of  stone  steps. 
In  forniiog  a  terrace,  care  should  be  taken  to  have  it  in  good 
proportion  to  the  mansion,  nothing  can  possibly  be  in  worse 
taste  than  a  lofty  imposing  structure,  with  a  narrow  foimal 
terrace  garden  crowded  with  flowers  ;  the  terrace  should  there- 
fore have  breadth  in  proportion  to  the  height  of  the  building  it 
is  near ;  and  the  flowers,  which  should  be  well  away  from  the 
house,  produce  the  best  effect  in  such  a  position  if  disposed  in 
large  bold  masses.  A  broad  raised  terrace  walk  parallel  to 
the  side  of  the  mansion,  and  overlooking  the  flowers  and  the 
soenery  beyond,  forms  a  delightful  and  appropriate  prome- 
nade.—Edward  Luckhurst,  Egcrton  House  Gardens,  Kent. 


A  FEW  VARIETIES  OF  CHERRY  PYRAMIDALLY 
TRAINED. 

I  have  several  sorts  of  Cherries  trained  in  the  pyramidal 
form  worked  on  the  Mahaleb  stock,  and  growing  in  a  deeply- 
trenched,  heavy,  and  moderately-rich  loam,  formerly  pasture 
land,  with  a  liberal  mixture  of  brick  and  mortar  rubbish,  and 
a  little  rotten  manure  added.  The  trees  were  planted  five 
year3  ago,  and  were  then  a  good  sample  selected  from  a  well- 
known  nurseryman's  stock  ;  they  have  therefore  arrived  at  a 
stage  at  which  a  person  may  easily  judge  of  their  merits,  or 
otherwise,  for  this  mode  of  training.  As  most  of  the  trees 
have  succeeded  well,  it  may  be  a  little  guide  to  intending 
planters  next  autumn  if  I  name  all  the  sorts  I  grow,  and  give 
a  brief  description  of  their  qualities,  whether  favourable  or 
otherwise. 

Adam's  Crown  is  the  first.  It  is  a  medium-sized  early  fruit 
for  table  UBe  ;  the  tree  is  a  moderate  bearer,  and  not  a  vigorous 
grower,  but  it  makes  a  very  handsome  and  compact  pyramid. 

Belle  de  Choisy. — A  large-sized,  mid-season  fruit  for  table 
use;  it  is  a  moderate  bearer  and  vigorous  grower,  and  makes 
a  fine  tree.     The  fruit  is  very  handsome. 

Belle  d'Orleans. — One  of  the  host  and  earliest  Cherries  for 
table  use  ;  it  is  of  good  size  and  flavour;  both  in  growth  and 
productiveness  it  is  first-rate. 

Archduke. — One  of  the  best  bearers,  early,  and  of  good 
flavour  ;  thin-skinned  and  fleshy,  a  good  fruit  for  either  table 
or  kitchen  use.     Makes  a  handsome  tree. 

Late  Duke. — A  well-known  and  desirable  Cherry  for  the 
table ;  large  and  very  prolific.  The  growth  is  moderately  vi- 
gorous, and  it  makes  a  pretty  tree  ;  it  is  generally  late,  coming 
in  for  use  in  August,  but  this  year  it  promises  to  be  earlier. 

Elton, — A  large,  fleshy,  and  richly-flavoured  midseason 
Cherry  for  table  use.  As  a  pyramid,  it  does  not  bear  so  well 
as  some  others,  but  it  makes  a  good  tree. 

Napoleon — Like  the  last  named  it  is  a  sort  of  Bigarreau. 
The  tree  is  an  abundant  bearer,  producing  large  fruit  of  ex- 
cellent flavour,  which  comes  in  about  the  beginning  of  AugUBt. 
It  is  of  vigorous  growth,  but  is  not  so  compact  as  some  others  ; 
it  soon  makes  a  large  tree. 

Circassian  [Black  Tartarian], — A  very  early,  excellent-fla- 
voured black  Cberry  for  table  use  ;  it  is  in  all  respects  a  first- 
rate  and  desirable  sort. 

Precoce  de  Lyon. — This  is  a  bad  grower  with  me  ;  it  cankers 
and  dies  off.  The  tree  has  never  ripened  a  fruit,  so  I  cannot 
speak  of  the  quality. 

May  Duke.— A  well-known  prolific  Cherry.  It  succeeds 
extremely  well  as  a  pyramid,  and  is  excellent  in  every  other 
way.    In  oomes  in  early  for  the  dessert. 

Baumann's  May. — A  fair-sized  black  Cherry  for  kitchen  or 
table  use.  The  tree  is  a  vigorous  grower  and  prolific.  Skin  of 
fruit  thin  and  fleshy. 

Montmorency.— The  trees  are  moderately  vigorous,  with  a 
compact  liabit  of  growth  and  dark  green  foliage  ;  they  have 
hitlerto  been  shy  bearers  as  pyramids,  but  the  few  fruit  they 
hate  borne  look  very  like  an  inferior  sort  of  Morello.  The  fruit 
is  late,  and  has  an  acid  flavour;  the  trees  were  not  until  this 
Beascn  iu  a  healthy  state,  which  may  account  for  their  scanty 


produce.  However,  the  numerous  fruiting  spurs  they  are 
making  show  signs  of  oropping  in  future. 

The  Flemish  Cherry  makes  an  excellent  pyramid,  but  it  only 
bears  sparingly.  Being  a  late  Cherry,  it  is  worth  growing  for 
tarts  or  preserving;  it  bears  a  large  red  fruit  inferior  to  the 
Morello. 

Governor  Wood. — This  is  a  delicious  Cherry,  large  and  fleshy  ; 
it  bears  abundantly  on  walls,  and  as  a  pyramid  it  is  not  in- 
ferior to  any  of  the  varieties  previcusly  noticed  ;  it  is  a  dessert 
fruit. 

Morello. — This  is  the  laBt  I  have  to  mention  ;  it  is  not  often 
seen  growing  as  a  pyramid,  but  it  makes  the  handsomest  tree 
of  any  I  have  named,  and  the  fruit  in  yield,  Bize,  and  flavour 
is  much  superior  to  that  produced  by  trees  upon  a  north  wall. 
As  this  Cherry  differs  from  all  others  in  its  habit  of  growth, 
and  produces  its  fruit  upon  the  last  year's  wood  instead  of 
upon  spurs,  as  in  other  varieties,  a  different  course  of  treatment 
must  be  adopted  for  this  mode  of  training.  Very  many  of  the 
shoots  have  only  one  wood  bud,  and  that  at  the  extremity  of 
the  shoot.  If  that  is  shortened  in  winter,  as  in  other  trees, 
the  fruit  is  useless,  and  the  shoot  dies  because  it  makes  no 
foliage  or  wood.  To  obviate  this  a  judicious  system  of  summer 
pinching  the  young  shoots  must  be  pursued  ;  there  will  then 
be  plenty  of  flower  buds  close  together,  and  plenty  of  wood 
buds  to  maintain  the  symmetry  of  the  trees.  The  only  winter 
pruning  required  will  be  a  little  thinning  of  the  shoots  to 
balance  the  action  of  the  sap. 

It  is  a  common  remark  this  year,  that  the  Cherries  are  very 
much  smaller  than  usual ;  this  is  probably  owiDg  to  the  dry 
season.  We  have  not  had  more  than  one  shower  in  the  im- 
mediate locality  since  last  March,  although  two  or  three  miles 
from  us  frequent  showers  have  fallen. — Thomas  Record, 
Lillesden. 


EARLY  versus  LATE   PLANTING   RIBBON 
BORDERS. 

Mr.  Fish,  in  "  Doings  of  the  Last  Week,"  having  invited  me 
to  describe  the  mode  of  planting  adopted  in  our  large  bed  this 
season,  I  somewhat  reluctantly  do  so,  as  circumstances  led  me 
to  adopt  a  plan  so  widely  different  from  that  which  he  advo- 
cates, and  that  which,  for  many  reasons,  I  would  like  to  be  able 
to  follow.  Our  respective  modes  of  operation  have  so  little  in 
common,  that  in  giving  a  rough  outline  of  our  procedure  here, 
I  run  the  risk  of  being  found  fault  with  by  almost  all  who  have 
such  work  to  do ;  but  there  may  be  some  who  may  be  under  the 
necessity  of  adopting  a  plan  somewhat  similar,  and  although 
we  are,  I  hope,  for  the  well-being  of  flower  gardening  as  a 
feature  of  rural  embellishment,  in  the  minority,  there  is  no  just 
cause  or  impediment  why  our  voices  should  not  be  heard.  Be- 
sides, there  are,  no  doubt,  many  who  will  be  in  some  measure 
consoled  when  they  find  that  others  are  compelled  to  do  as 
they  do. 

Mr.  Fish  throughout  the  long  series  of  letters  which  are  read 
with  so  much  relish  by  the  public,  advocates  late  planting,  and 
the  oft-repeated  warning,  "  wait,"  is  without  question,  a  pru- 
dent one.  On  the  other  hand,  we  practise  early  planting,  not 
in  every  instance  because  it  is  the  best,  but  because  circum- 
stances in  a  certain  degree  compel  us  to  do  bo,  and  a  few  words 
on  the  cause  of  this  may  not  be  without  interest.  In  the  first 
place,  I  may  explain  that  we  suffer  from  want  of  space,  and 
although  I  k-ow  how  well  Mr.  Fish  economises  both  that  and 
water,  yet  we  could  not  by  any  amount  of  crowding  give  a  sepa- 
rate position  to  half  the  plants  required  here  for  bedding.  Our 
flower  beds  have  multiplied  so  much  faster  than  the  structures 
capable  of  accommodating  plants,  that  we  are  under  the  ne- 
cessity of  planting  out  the  majority  of  those  for  bedding  direct 
from  the  cutting  pans  or  boxes,  with  the  exception  of  such  sub- 
jects as  are  considered  more  choice  than  the  rest.  These  are 
indulged  with  separate  pots,  or  cared  for  in  some  other  way. 
To  make  this  more  clear,  I  may  mention  that  in  addition  to 
the  large  bed  to  which  Mr.  Fish  alludes,  and  which  baa  been 
often  described  in  these  pages,  we  have  two  ribbon  borders, 
each  593  feet  long,  and  10  feet  wide,  occupying  aBpace  of  more 
than  a  quarter  of  an  acre,  or  equivalent  to  upwards  of  150  cir- 
cular beds,  each  10  feet  in  diameter.  It  will  be  easily  conceived 
that  a  very  considerable  space  must  be  required  as  standing 
room  for  plants  to  fill  tbese  borders  alone,  and  not  having  accom- 
modation for  so  many  we  plant  out  many  things  much  earlier 
than  our  neighbours,  with  results  not  always  unfavourable  to 
early  planting. 

To  give  an  idea  of  the  way  we  oommenced  planting,  I  may 


July  7,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


explain  that  the  two  long  borders,  bounded  by  tnrf,  with  a 
broad  gravel  walk  between  them,  are  intersected  in  the  middle 
by  another  walk.  The  loss,  however,  occasioned  by  this  cross 
walk  is  not  included  in  the  measurement  given  above,  which 
is  simply  the  united  length ;  but  it  will  be  seen  that  this 
break  affords  an  opportunity  of  introducing  another  variety  of 
plant,  when,  perhaps,  there  is  not  sufficient  of  one  kind  to 
make  up  the  whole,  for  instance,  two  or  more  varieties  of 
Scarlet  Pelargonium  or  Yellow  Calceolaria  may  be  used  without 
offence,  and  it  is  often  advantageous  to  compare  the  respective 
merits  of  each  kind,  and  when  they  are  planted  under  circum- 
stances of  perfect  equality,  and  in  sufficient  numbers,  their 
general  qualifications  are  better  ascertained  than  from  only  a 
trial  plant  or  two.  In  the  case  of  these  long  borders  the  num- 
bers are  generally  such  as  to  Bhow  differences  in  mass  which 
cannot  well  be  distinguished  in  single  specimens.  The  eye  on 
scanning  a  line  of  100  yards  or  more  of  the  bloomB  of  one 
plant  is  better  able  to  discover  wherein  the  tint  of  the  bloom 
differs  from  that  of  an  adjoining  one,  than  when  the  comparison 
is  made  between  single  specimens.  As  a  test  ground,  the  large 
scale  has  unquestionably  many  advantages.  The  merits  of  a 
Pelargonium  are  generally  pretty  well  known  before  it  is  pro- 
pagated to  the  extent  of  several  hundreds;  still,  every  season 
brings  out  fresh  features,  or  it  may  be  different  features,  in 
each  variety,  so  that  the  estimate  formed  of  it  at  one  time  iB 
not  unlikely  to  be  reversed  at  another ;  the  experience  of  a 
series  of  years  also  enables  one  to  weed  out  the  indifferent 
kinds.  I  know  there  is  an  unwillingness  to  part  with  an  old 
friend  which  has  done  good  service,  and  yet  I  did  so  with  Tom 
Thumb  some  years  ago. 

Omitting  all  notice  for  the  present  of  the  manner  in  which 
one  large  bed  is  planted,  I  will  confine  myself  to  the  long 
ribbon  borders,  as  they  have  their  representatives  in  so  many 
gardens.  I  again  repeat  here  what  I  have  often  before  stated, 
that  I  am  no  advocate  for  a  great  diversity  of  plants  being  used, 
or  rather  I  should  say,  I  do  not  approve  of  many  distinctions 
in  colour.  Half  a  dozen  kinds  of  Scarlet  Pelargoniums  may  be 
all  planted  together  without  an  ordinary  observer  noticing 
their  differences,  but  pink  and  salmon-coloured  varieties  would 
alter  the  affair.  Further,  in  ribbon-border  planting,  I  prefer 
a  broad  band  of  one  colour  or  kind  of  plant  to  very  narrow 
lines,  unless  the  view  is  confined  to  the  end  only,  which  happens 
but  rarely  ;  therefore,  in  most  cases  where  flowering  plants 
form  one  of  the  lines,  I  prefer  to  have  the  line  broad,  as  few 
flowering  plants  form  an  unbroken  line  wh«n  planted  in  a  single 
row  and  inspected  at  right  angles  to  that  row.  Endwise  most 
plants  will  do.  Lobelias,  Nierembergias,  and  Calceolarias,  are 
about  the  best,  but  Pelargoniums  seldom  fill  in  well  enough  to 
please  me  ;  besides,  a  good  breadth  of  colour  shows  more  rich- 
ness than  when  the  space  is  cut  up  into  two  or  three  divisions. 
On  this  account  I  have  in  the  present  season  returned  with  some 
deviations  to  a  plan  of  four  or  five  years  ago,  in  the  planting  of 
these  borders,  and  its  simplicity  is  one  of  its  best  recommend- 
ations. Although  the  appearance  is  anything  but  inviting  at 
the  time  I  write  (the  beginning  of  June),  the  description  will 
enable  anyone  to  conceive  what  it  ought  to  be  when  further 
advanced.  These  borders  are  straight,  and  with  the  broad 
walk  between  them,  point  towards  the  mansion,  or  rather 
from  thence  to  another  important  object.  As  they  stand  clear 
of  all  shrubs  or  other  objects,  and  can  be  inspected  from  the 
back  as  well  as  from  the  walk  side,  it  has  always  been  my 
custom  to  make  both  sides  of  each  border  alike,  also  each 
border  like  its  fellow.  This  reduces  the  variety  of  plants  used 
to  a  small  number,  and  I  do  not  think  it  is  necessary  to  in- 
crease it ;  on  the  contrary,  it  would  assuredly  impair  the  effect. 
When  planted  in  plain  stripes  we  have  rarely  used  more  than 
four  kinds  of  plants,  and  I  believe  on  one  occasion  only  three, 
including  the  edging  plant.  This  season  we  have  four,  and 
they  are  of  the  simplest  and  most  common  kinds,  yet  I  believe 
the  effect  will  be  satisfactory.  The  borders  being  10  feet  wide, 
we  have  alwayB  had  ten  or  more  rows  of  plants  in  them,  and 
this  season  that  number  is  adopted.  Although  one  of  the  kinds 
of  plants  used  does  not  confine  itself  to  a  limited  space,  the 
others  are  more  compact.  The  borders  have  been  planted 
thus  : — An  edging  of  Cerastium,  followed  by  a  band  about 
2J  feet  wide  of  Verbena  pulchella,  then  a  single  row  of  yellow 
Calceolarias  ;  two  rows  of  Scarlet  Pelargoniums  form  the  centre 
of  each  border  ;  then  a  single  row  of  Calceolaria,  a  band  of 
Verbena  pulchella,  and  the  Cerastium  as  before,  the  whole 
occupying  the  10-feet  space.  If  the  weather  be  not  too  dry 
for  the  Calceolaria,  I  expect  the  whole  will  look  well  when  in 
perfection. 


Now,  with  regard  to  early  versus  late  planting,  I  expect  Mr. 
Fish  and  most  others  will  be  "  down  upon  "  me  for  com- 
mencing so  Boon,  yet  I  must  not  falter  in  telling  my  tale.  Well, 
then,  what  do  the  readers  of  The  Journal  of  Horticulture 
think  of  my  commencing  planting  out  on  April  14th  ?  and  the 
Calceolarias  planted  that  day,  and  on  the  16th,  are  certainly  the 
best  we  have  at  the  present  time,  although  they  received  no 
help  or  protection  of  any  kind,  being  merely  watered  the  day 
they  were  planted,  and  never  afterwards.  The  weather,  how- 
ever, being  exceedingly  dry  at  the  time,  planting  was  discon- 
tinued after  the  18th,  for  a  week  or  more,  but  on  the  29th  and 
30th  of  April,  the  Verbena  was  planted,  the  planting  of  the 
Calceolarias  having  been  finished  in  the  interval.  On  April 
30  .h  about  four  hundred  Pelargoniums  were  planted  out,  and 
no  prottc.ion  of  any  kind  given.  The  frosts  that  followed  on 
May  3rd  and  4th,  of  course  stopped  the  planting  of  tender 
planu,  and  the  Pelargoniums  suffered,  but  none  were  killed, 
and  now  they  are  not  the  least  promising  of  the  Pelargoniums 
we  have  bedded  out. 

The  above  is,  no  doubt,  an  extreme  case,  and  I  do  not  state 
it  with  the  view  of  encouraging  early  planting,  but  under  cir- 
cumstances similar  to  those  under  which  we  were  placed,  early 
planting  may  be  adopted  in  preference  to  the  plants'  suffering 
from  confinement  in  their  winter  quarters.  It  must  not  be 
supposed  that  we  are  exempt  from  the  evils  of  froBty  nights 
and  cold  easterly  winds,  for  on  the  night  of  May  2—3  I  put 
a  basin  with  water  in  it  upon  a  grass  plot  near  my  cottage 
overnight,  and  the  next  morning  it  was  so  frozen  that  the 
basin  could  be  turned  upside  down  without  the  water  running 
out,  and  on  the  next  night  the  frost  was  about  the  same.  It 
was,  however,  the  extreme  dryness  which  enabled  plants  to 
withstand  the  cold,  and  these  Pelargoniums  did  so.  I  hope  at 
some  future  time  to  report  their  condition  as  compared  with 
the  same  kind  planted  later,  for  although  these  were  planted 
in  April,  we  did  not  finish  planting  out  Pelargoniums  till 
June  4th.  The  other  conditions,  however,  relative  to  planting 
are  of  so  conflicting  a  nature,  especially  with  regard  to  Pelar- 
gouiums,  that  they  cannot  well  be  all  explained  in  one  paper  ; 
but  in  a  subsequent  one  I  hope  to  enter  more  fully  into  the 
causes  which  sometimes  render  early  planting  preferable  to 
waiting  so  late  as  usual. — J.  Robson. 

(To  be  continned.) 


PRUNING  ORNAMENTAL  TREES  AND  SHRUBS. 

No.  8. 

Section  II. — In  this  section  we  have  trees  of  a  different  type 
from  those  in  Section  I.,  for,  nnlike  the  latter,  the  leaders  may 
be  more  than  one,  and  yet  the  form  essential  to  a  good  speci- 
men will  be  preserved,  whether  the  form  of  the  tree  is  conical 
as  with  the  Chinese  Juniper,  or  spreading  as  with  the  Hemlock 
Spruce  and  common  Yew.  They  also  differ  from  Section  I.  in 
this  respect — good  specimens  may  be  obtained  from  cuttings 
or  layers,  and  grafts  ;  but  there  is  no  question  that  the  healthi- 
est, freest  in  growth,  and  best-formed  are  trees  raised  from 
seed.  Such  in  all  oases  are  to  be  preferred  to  those  from  cut- 
tings and  grafts.  Indeed,  some  of  them  so  propagated  are  not 
suitable  for  single  specimens,  as  the  Cupressus  Lambertiana 
(macrocarpa),  C.  Lawsoniana — I  know  cuttings  root  freely 
enough,  but  we  expect  something  more  than  a  bush  from  this 
graceful  tree — all  the  genus  Taxus  when  practicable,  Thuja 
gigantea,  T.  Lobbi,  T.  occidentalis,  and  T.  orientalis. 

The  trees  or  shrubs  constituting  this  section  are  in  habit 
erect  or  conical,  spreading  or  diffuse,  a  few  being  pendulous, 
and  one  or  two  are  procumbent.  Of  those  which  are  erect, 
conical,  or  pyramidal  in  habit  I  may  name  Cbamnecyparis 
spbaeroidea,  C.  thurifera;  CupresBus  Lambertiana,  C.  Lawsoni- 
ana ;  Juniperus  chinensis,  J.  communis,  J.  hibernica,  J.  vir- 
giniana  (Red  Cedar)  ;  Retinospora  pisifera,  R.  plumosa,  R.  ob- 
tusa ;  Taxodinm  distichum,  and  its  variety  fastigiatum,  the  type 
of  an  upright-growing  tree  ;  Taxus  adpressa,  T.  adpressa  stricta, 
T.  baccata  pyramidalis,  T.  elegantissima,  T.  erects,  T.  fastigi- 
ata  ;  Thnjopsis  borealis  ;  Thuja  gigantea,  T.  Lobbi,  T.  occi- 
dentalis, T.  plicata  and  var.  Warreana,  T.  orientalis  and  vars. 
elegantissima  and  stricta. 

The  spreading  are  Abies  canadensis,  A.  Albertiana,  Taxus 
baccata  and  its  variety  fructu-luteo,  T.  Washingtoni,  and  Thn- 
jopsis dolabrata. 

The  pendulous  are  represented  by  Cupressus  funebris  (not 
hardy,  or  only  so  in  warm  sheltered  situations),  Taxus  Dovas- 
toni.  end  Thujopsis  Standishii. 

The  trailing  are  represented  by  Juniperus  prostrata. 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  July  7,  1870. 


In  proceeding  to  prune  the  conical  or  pyramidal-habited  kinds, 
it  will  be  necessary  to  keep  a  strict  eye  on  the  upper  part  of 
the  plant,  for,  as  not  nnfrequently  happens,  there  may  be  a 
number  of  upright  shoots  that  start  from  a  part  almost  parallel 
with  the  leader.  These  must  be  shortened  so  that  greater 
vigour  may  he  thrown  into  the  leader,  in  order  that  it  may 
preserve  its  superiority.  Indeed,  it  is  of  great  importance  that 
the  tree  be  kept  to  one  leader,  for  if  more  than  one  be  allowed, 
the  subject,  though  the  pyramidal  form  may  for  a  time  be 
secured,  will  ultimately  open,  and  have  anything  but  a  good 
appearance.  Tying  the  branches  together  is  but  a  bad  remedy 
for  open  tops  or  heads.  This  evil  might  be  prevented  by  be- 
ginning in  time  with  the  pruning  knife.  What  I  advise  is 
keeping  all  trees  to  one  leader  by  cutting  back  such  of  the  side 
shoots  as,  from  their  strength,  are  likely  to  interfere  with  the 
leading  shoot,  the  leaders  of  all  such  shoots  being  taken  off  to 
some  of  the  smaller  ramifications  at  the  base,  which  will  be 
necessary  for  clothing  the  stem  and  to  give  extension  out- 
wards. 

Sometimes  strong  shoots  arise  from  various  parts  of  the  tree ; 
they  can  only  cause  an  irregularity  in  the  growth,  and  should 
be  cut  back  so  as  to  preserve  the  required  form,  and  yet  the 
pruning  must  be  of  such  a  nature  that  the  branch  operated  on 
will  be  weakened,  and  the  sap  it  had  before  appropriated  be 
diverted  from  it  to  the  weaker  parts  of  the  tree.  In  pruning  to 
stop  excessive  vigour  in  any  part,  the  strongest  and  longest 
parts  must  be  those  removed,  for  the  channels  being  wider,  the 
sap  flows  more  freely  into  them  ;  therefore  when  they  are  re- 
moved the  sap  does  not  enter  the  smaller  shoots  in  any  greater 
quantity,  or  but  slightly  so,  than  when  the  strong  parts  are 
present ;  hence  a  quantity  of  sap  is  liberated  that  must  find  its 
way  to  other  parts  of  the  tree,  and  Ihe  subject  is  not  slow  in 
meeting  this  supply  by  putting  out  fresh  shoots,  or  those 
already  in  existence  receive  a  greater  amount  of  support,  con- 
sequently are  invigorated.  In  like  manner  the  weak  and  tbin 
sides  or  parts  of  a  tree  may  be  rendered  stronger  by  thinning 
out  and  shortening  the  strong  shoots  ;  and  when  this  is  the 
object  the  pruning  should  be  done  when  the  plants  have  com- 
menced growth  and  are  somewhat  advanced  ;  then  the  sap  will 
be  appropriated  by  the  parts  growing  and  not  pruned. 

It  not  uncommonly  occurs  that  trees  of  some  kinds  will  have 
a  sort  of  divided  leader,  two  three,  or  more  shoots  starting 
from  one  point,  and  none  taking  a  direction  well  calculated 
to  form  a  good  leader.  In  cases  of  this  kind  one  of  the 
most  vigorous  and  upright  shoots  must  receive  every  en- 
couragement, by  the  upright  growths  of  the  others  being  cut 
off,  but  leaving  a  sufficient  number  of  the  side  shoots  from 
them  for  furnishing  the  tree  in  that  part.  If  the  leader  cannot 
be  reduced  to  one  without  making  an  opening  on  one  side,  or 
causing  a  deviation  from  the  upright  direction,  it  is  better  to 
have  more  than  one  leader,  if  it  be  only  for  a  time  ;  that  ulti- 
mately intended  to  have  the  sole  leadership  being  encouraged  by 
cutting  away  such  parts  of  the  ethers  as  can  be  dispensed  with 
without  injury  to  the  rest  of  the  tree,  always  keeping  in  view 
the  symmetry  and  character  of  the  subject. 

In  some  cases  two,  three,  or  more  leaders  have  been  formed, 
and  the  tree,  allowed  to  attain  a  considerable  height  and  size, 
has  already  begun  to  open  at  the  top.  This  is  very  commonly 
the  case  with  the  Arbor-Vitaas.  Little  can  be  done  in  cases  of 
this  kind :  but  by  thinning-out  the  shoots  where  tbey  are  very 
close  together,  without  making  the  tree  too  open,  the  growth  of 
the  latter  may  be  increased  in  the  direction  of  parts  that  are 
open.  In  a  like  manner  the  height  of  the  tree  may  be  added 
to  by  thinning-out  the  heavy  upper  parts,  and  this  being  done 
after  the  tree  has  commenced  growth,  the  lower  branches, 
which  are  seldom  so  strong  as  the  upper  branches,  will  receive 
greater  support  and  become  more  vigorous.  It  is  well  in  all 
cases  to  secure  as  nearly  as  can  be  equal  vigour  in  every  part 
of  the  tree.  It  will  be  attained  by  thinning-out  the  strongest 
parts  when  growth  has  begun,  and  not  interfering  with  the 
weak.  Loose,  long,  or  irregular  growths  should  be  cut  closely 
in,  but  this  must  be  done  before  they  become  old,  or  ugly  gaps 
will  be  formed,  which  it  may  not  be  practicable  for  a  long 
time  to  fill. 

The  spreading-growing  trees  require  pruning  of  an  entirely 
different  kind.  It  is  well  if  they  can  be  kept  to  one  leader, 
and  as  that  may  be  done  until  the  trees  are  of  considerable 
size,  it  is  advisable  to  remove  all  the  leaders  but  one ;  and  any 
branches  that  take  an  upright  course,  and  are  on  that  account 
likely  to  attract  more  than  their  share  of  the  sap  and  so  be- 
come excessively  vigorous,  should  be  cut  olean  away ;  or  where 
that  cannot  be  done  without  making  an  opening,  cut  off  the 


extremity  of  the  upright-growing  branch  to  where  more  hori- 
zontal branches  diverge. 

The  pruning  of  the  spreading  kinds  of  trees,  indeed  of  all 
trees,  must  be  done  in  such  a  manner  that  no  one  can  tell  in 
the  course  of  a  year  or  two  that  the  pruning-knife  or  saw  has 
been  used.  This  can  only  be  effected  by  cutting  close  to  another 
shoot  or  branch,  which,  though  not  intended  to  take  the  place 
of  the  first  one,  will  give  all  the  appearance  of  a  close  growth 
at  that  part.  If  this  cannot  be  done  the  pruning  has  been 
deferred  too  long,  and  is  much  better  left  alone.  How  often 
do  we  see  trees  divested  of  great  limbs,  making  gaps  which 
no  succeeding  growth  will  fill  up ;  the  lower  branches  cut 
off  without  any  regard  to  clothing  the  trunk ;  and  strong 
branches  shortened  so  as  to  leave  nothing  but  a  naked  part, 
often  several  feet  in  length,  from  which  no  shoots  are  produced 
in  some  kinds  of  trees,  whilst  in  others  is  produced  a  tuft  of 
strong  shoots  which  take  an  upright  direction,  and  are  a  greater 
eyesore  than  the  parts  first  removed.  Such  is  not  pruning  but 
maltreatment. 

Some  of  the  spreading  kinds  make  excellent  close  pyramids, 
bushes,  or  hedges,  the  Yew  being  the  best  of  all  for  these  pur- 
poses. It  submits  to  pruning  better  than  any  other  tree,  and 
may  be  cut  at  any  age  or  size,  and  it  will  push  again  from  every 
part.  On  that  account  it  is  much  in  request  where  a  close 
verdant  screen  is  required,  and  also  for  gardens  where  bushes 
of  evergreens  are  required  not  to  exceed  a  certain  size,  and  to 
be  kept  of  a  certain  form.  The  pruning  of  such  subjects  is 
best  done  in  spring  before  growth  takes  place.  Whether  little 
or  much  cutting-back  is  required,  there  can  be  no  question 
that  spring  is  the  best  time,  as  there  is  then  every  chance  of 
good  growth  and  closeness  of  foliage ;  besides,  the  subjects 
have  a  more  feathery  appearance  than  when  the  pruning  is  per- 
formed after  the  growths  are  completed,  and  if  any  irregular 
growths  are  made  it  is  easy  to  remove  them  after  that  time. 
If  a  close  wall-like  screen  be  wanted,  of  course  the  cutting 
must  be  done  after  the  growth  is  complete,  or  in  July. 

The  American  and  Chinese  Arbor- Vitajs  are  also  used  for 
screens.  I  think  they  are  best  cut-in  during  the  spring,  as  we 
then  secure  the  foliage  of  the  year,  instead  of  allowing  it  to  be 
produced  and  then  cutting  off  the  greater  part  of  it.  The 
Irish  Yew  also  makes  a  good  screen,  and  needs  very  little  trim- 
ming; it  is  of  such  dense  growth,  that  no  other  pruning  than 
that  of  the  knife  is  wanted.  Its  only  drawback  is  that  when 
of  good  size  the  upper  part  has  a  tendency  to  open,  but  that 
may  be  remedied  by  not  allowing  the  side  shoots  to  grow  more 
than  a  few  inches  before  they  are  shortened.  This  attended 
to,  it  makes  one  of  the  very  best  screens,  and  requires  little 
care.  The  Irish  Yew,  it  should  here  be  stated,  though  it  grows 
upright,  ought  not  to  be  trained  as  a  cone  or  pyramid;  that 
cannot  be  done  without  pursuing  a  system  of  pruning  that 
must  very  much  limit  the  proportions  of  the  tree  and  make  it 
narrow  and  formal,  therefore  the  branches  may  open,  and  each 
will  be  feathered  throughout  its  length.  Irregularities  of  growth 
will,  of  course,  need  to  be  cut  out,  a  good  specimen  being  the 
objeot  in  view,  and  this  secured,  the  trees  will  be  quite  a 
feature  from  their  fastigiate  character.  Tied-in  as  the  branches 
sometimes  are,  the  trees  may  serve  for  a  time.  As  cones  of 
6  or  more  feet  in  height,  the  Irish  Yew  is  unequalled ;  but 
if  it  is  intended  to  show  at  any  future  time  in  character,  the 
tying  only  destroys  the  small  twigs  that  would  form  on  the 
upright  branches,  and  these  are  consequently  bare  in  the 
centre. — G.  Abbey. 


OPENING  GARDENS  TO  THE  PUBLIC. 
It  singularly  happens  that  I  have  been  frequently  on  the 
point  of  writing  to  The  Journal  of  Horticulture,  holding 
forth  the  gardens  of  Elvaston  Castle  as  an  example  to  the  way 
in  which  such  gardens  should  be  opened  to  the  public ;  for, 
some  years  ago,  I  went  with  some  friends,  during  the  life  of  the 
late  Lord  Harrington,  to  see  these  celebrated  evergreens,  and  we 
were  then  admitted  by  printed  tickets — I  think  the  price  was 
2s.  6d.  to  admit  a  party  of  four^the  produce  of  which  was 
appropriated  to  the  support  of  the  Derby  Infirmary ;  "  no  fee 
to  be  given  to  the  gardener."  If  such  a  plan  were  adopted  at 
such  places  as  Chatsworth,  Trentham,  and  Enville,  and  special 
days  of  the  week  appointed,  what  an  excellent  arrangement  it 
would  be.  Valuable  charities  would  be  supported,  visitors 
would  know  exactly  what  they  had  to  pay,  and  neither  the 
privacy  of  the  owner  nor  the  business  of  the  gardener  would 
be  interrupted  on  the  other  days.  The  arrangements  might 
be  made  known  to  the  inn-keepers  in  the  neighbourhood,  and 


July  7,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


the  information  would  aoon  spread  among  those  interested  in 
such  plaoes.  The  charge  {or  a  single  admission  might  be  Is., 
and  for  cards  admitting  four  persons  2s.  tJJ.  ;  the  expenses  of 
the  men  to  show  visitors  over  the  grounds  to  be  deducted  from 
the  general  receipts,  and  the  men  to  be  strictly  prohibited  from 
receiving  gratuities. — Hortator. 


LUXURIANT   FOLIAGE,  BUT  NO   FRUIT. 

"  In  the  winter  of  18G5-6  you  supplied  me  with  a  number  of 
pyramid  fruit  trees — Apples,  Pears,  and  Plums,  as  well  as  Cur- 
rants. These  have,  with  the  exception  of  a  few  of  the  Pear 
trees,  thriven  grandly  as  far  as  wood  and  foliage  go ;  but  we 
obtain  scarcely  any  fruit.  Last  year  we  had  a  few  Apples 
(Domino  and  Warner's  King),  and  about  half  a  dozen  Pears  of 
various  sorts.  Not  a  Plum  has  yet  formed.  Again,  this  year 
there  are  some  Dominos,  and  a  very  few  of  other  sorts,  but  no 
Pears.  The  trees  have  been  carefully  treated — planted,  pruned, 
&c,  in  accordance  with  the  instructions  given  in  Rivers's 
'  Miniature  Fruit  Garden  ' — a  good  authority,  I  presume. 

"  The  soil  is  a  fair  loam,  on  deep  gravel  and  rubble.  The 
situation  high,  yet  sheltered,  and  being  high  and  on  gravel, 
the  garden  is  very  much  parched  in  long  droughts  like  the 
present.  This  affects  Strawberries  and  many  flowers,  which 
need  diligent  watering.  All  kinds  of  fruit  trees  and  bushes, 
however,  thrive  in  growth,  while  they  bear  little  or  no  fruit. 
This  is,  perhaps,  more  strikingly  the  case  with  Raspberries 
than  with  any  other.  The  canes  are  each  year  most  vigorous, 
the  foliage  luxuriant  and  fresh  throughout  the  season,  and  the 
show  of  blossom  magnificent.  The  blossoms,  however,  prove 
universally  blind,  and  never  set.  Can  you  suggest  where  the 
fault  lies  ?  Is  it  likely  that  the  situation  is  too  dry  ?  But,  if 
bo,  would  not  the  foliage  tell  the  same  tale  ? 

"  I  have  some  thoughts  of  removing  the  fruit  trees  to  another 
garden  in  a  lower  situation,  where  the  loam  is  somewhat  deeper 
and  the  subsoil  less  porous.  In  this  lower  garden  vegetables, 
to  which  at  present  it  is  exclusively  devoted,  are  grown  with 
good  success.  May  I  hope  to  find  advantage  in  this  removal  ? 
It  is  not  intended  purely  for  the  sake  of  the  fruit  trees,  but 
with  a  view  to  adding  the  ground  to  the  lawn  and  flower  garden. 
— E.  H." 

The  above  letter,  just  received,  describes  in  forcible  language 
the  state  of  many  gardens  and  individual  fruit  trees — trees  and 
plants  growing  luxuriantly,  and  bearing  little  or  no  fruit.  I 
believe,  in  the  majority  of  cases,  keeping  the  land  loose  by 
digging  and  forking  is  the  cause  of  failure. 

Some  years  since  I  was  sent  for  by  a  gentleman  to  inspect 
his  Peach  trees  (standards  planted  out  in  a  border  of  his 
orchard  house),  which  he  told  me  always  cast  their  fruit.  No 
trees  could  look  better  ;  they  were  as  clean  and  healthy  as  could 
be  wished.  After  asking  his  gardener  all  the  questions  I  could 
think  of  as  to  the  management,  and  receiving  satisfactory 
replies,  I  all  at  once  thought  of  the  soil,  stamping  upon  which 
with  my  heel  I  found  it  almost  as  light  as  a  feather  bed. 
"  How  is  this  ?"  I  asked,  knowing  the  gardener  had  often  been 
to  see  my  trees,  and  that  he  kuew  the  borders  had  never  been 

disturbed  since  the  houses  were  built.  "Oh,"  he  said,  "Mrs. 

will  have  winter  salads  grown  here."  "  Give  my  compliments 
then,"  I  replied,  "  and  say  she  must  not  expect  Peaches."  The 
border  was  made  solid  and  kept  so,  and  there  was  a  full  crop 
the  next  season.  The  (act  is  not  so  easy  of  explanation  as 
some  people  think,  but  fruit  trees  like  solid  soil,  not  loose; 

That  digging  amongst  such  plants  as  Raspberries  and  Straw- 
berries must  be  a  stupid  practice  is  patent  on  the  least  con- 
sideration. Why  manure  a  piece  of  land  and  then  destroy  the 
roots  seeking  to  occupy  it  ?  When  the  roots  have  been  muti- 
lated, how  can  the  plant  be  expected  to  bear  drought  or  oarry 
fruit?  I  saw  at  Berry  Hill,  near  Mansfield,  the  other  day,  a 
large  bed  of  Hautbois  Strawberries  with  as  much  fruit  as  any 
common  variety  might  be  expected  to  carry,  and  this  on 
light  land.  Other  varieties  were  loaded  with  the  largest  crop 
I  ever  saw  in  my  life.  I  asked  Mr.  Cope,  the  gardener,  how 
they  had  been  managed.  He  said  as  soon  as  the  crop  was 
gathered  all  weeds,  runners,  and  dead  foliage  had  been  removed, 
and  the  ground  between  the  rows  covered  with  a  very  thiok 
dressing  of  manure.  The  rows  had  also  been  watered  two  or 
three  times  with  manure  water.  The  plants  were  then  en- 
couraged to  make  a  strong  healthy  growth  in  the  autumn.  The 
whole  land  was  full  of  roots,  and  covered,  as  the  surface  was 
with  the  remains  of  the  manure,  the  plants  had  not  suffered 
from  want  of  rain,  whilst  Strawberries  in  the  neighbourhood, 
on  better  soil,  which  had  been  dug  in  the  winter,  were  burning 


up.  Ram  the  soil  hard  whilst  dry  when  potting  Vines,  Peaches, 
or  any  other  frnit  trees,  keep  fruit-tree  borders  solid  and 
mulched  with  manure,  and  there  will  be  fewer  failures  in  fruit 
culture. — J.  R.  Pearson,  Chilwell. 


ROYAL  BOTANIC  SOCIETY. 

The  July  Show  of  this  Society  opened  yesterday,  and  will  close 
to-day.  The  large  tent,  which  in  former  years  waB  filled  with  fine 
specimen  plants,  chiefly  stove  and  greenhouse,  is  on  this  occasion 
principally  occupied  by  table  decorations,  bouquets,  and  hanging 
baskets,  to  the  exclusion  of  all  other  examples  of  horticultural  skill. 
The  substitution  has  been  too  much  in  one  direction,  and  it  is  not 
altogether  satisfactory  ;  the  place  is  not  suited  for  such  a  display,  and 
such  a  display  without  fine  specimen  plants  is  scarcely  what  we  look 
for  as  an  encouragement  to  horticultural  Bkill ;  an  encouragement  to 
artistic  arrangements  it  undoubtedly  is,  but  that,  though  it  should  not 
be  lost  sight  of  by  a  horticultural  society,  is  less  to  be  considered  by  it 
than  excellence  of  cultivation.  The  artist  wants  the  graceful  in  form, 
the  beautiful  in  colour,  and  whether  the  plants  be  well-grown  or  ill- 
grown  matters  little  to  him  ;  he  can  skip  from  flower  to  flower  till  he 
has  gathered  sufficient  for  his  purpose — the  wreath  of  to-day  that  will 
he  faded  to-morrow,  and  lost  for  ever  if  not  depicted  upon  his  canvas. 

Horticultnrally,  then,  fruit  is  the  great  feature,  and  of  that  there 
is  not  very  much  ;  it  is  very  good  without  being  super-excellent,  and 
there  is  none  of  it  bad. 

The  best  collection  of  fruit  arranged  as  a  dessert  comes  from  Mr. 
Johnson,  gardener  to  the  Marquis  of  Aylesbury,  Savernake,  and  con- 
sists of  two  Queen  Pine  Apples,  Black  Hamburgh  and  Muscat  Grapes, 
Bellegarde  and  Tetoa  de  Venus  Peaches,  Elmge  and  Violette  Hative 
Nectarines,  two  Melons,  Black  Tartarian  and  May  Duke  Cherries,  two 
kinds  of  Strawberries,  and  White  Currants.  Mr.  Baunerman,  Lord 
Bagot's  gardener,  at  Rugeley,  is  second  with  excellent  Pines,  Grapes, 
Peaches  and  Nectarines,  Cherries,  Strawberries,  and  Molons.  Mr. 
Clark,  gardener  to  Earl  Cowper,  Brockett  Hall,  is  third,  and  Mr. 
Carr  fourth. 

The  best  six  dishes  of  outdoor  fruits  consist  of  Gooseberries, 
Currants  (White  and  Red).  Cherries,  and  Strawberries,  from  Mr. 
Gardiner,  gardener  to  P.  Shirley,  Esq.,  Eatington  Park,  Stratford-on- 
Avon.  Mr.  Clark,  gardener  to  Earl  Cowper,  is  second  ;  and  Mr. 
Harvey,  gardener  to  B.  Wroughton,  Esq.,  third. 

Pine  Apples  are  but  poorly  represented  as  regards  number,  but  are 
generally  good.  The  best  Queen  comes  from  Mr.  Acres,  gardener  to 
Mr.  Copestake,  Highgate,  and  is  a  splendid  fruit  of  G  lbs.  ;  the  second 
best,  weighing  4  lbs.  10  ozs.,  is  from  R.  H.  Smith,  Esq.,  Calderstone, 
Liverpool :  and  the  third  best  is  Moscow  Queen,  from  Mr.  Gardiner. 
Mr.  Miles,  gardener  to  Lord  Carrington,  Wycombe  Abbey ;  and  Mr. 
A.  Wright,  gardener  to  C.  H.  Roberts,  Esq.,  Regent's  Park,  also  send 
very  good  fruit  of  the  same  variety.  For  the  best  Pine  of  any  kind, 
Mr.  C.  Penford,  gardener  to  Earl  Radnor,  Longford  Castle,  Wilts,  is 
first  with  Providence ;  Mr.  Bertram,  gardener  to  R.  T.  Crawshay, 
Esq.,  Cyfarthfa  Castle,  Merthyr  Tydvil,  being  second  with  the 
Bame  kind  weighing  S  lbs.  1  oz.,  but  not  quite  ripe  at  the  top.  Mr. 
Acres  is  third,  with  a  finely-ripened  5-lb.  Queen  ;  and  Mr.  Miles 
and  Mr.  Ward  fourth,  the  former  with  an  8-lb.  Providence,  and  the 
latter  with  a  Smooth  Cayenne  of  5^  lbs.  In  the  miscellaneous 
class  the  first  prize  is  awarded  to  Mr.  H.  Harvey,  gardener  to  B. 
Wroughton,  Esq.,  Wooley  Park,  for  three  Queens  fifteen  months  from 
the  sucker,  weighing  collectively  114  lbs.  The  best  pair  of  Pine 
Apples  in  pots  come  from  Mr.  Miles,  Lord  Carrington's  gardener,  and 
are  of  the  Queen  variety,  tearing  fruit  averaging  about  4  lbs.  The 
gardener  to  Mr.  Flower,  Tooting  Common,  comes  second  with  well- 
fruited  plants  of  the  same  variety,  and  Mr.  Hepper,  gardener  to  J. 
Walmsley,  Esq.,  The  Elms,  Acton,  is  third. 

Melons  are  but  few.  The  best  and  second  best  in  the  green-fleshed 
class  are  small  frnit  of  Marquis  of  Ailsa  and  Dr.  Hngg  from  Mr. 
Crane  and  Mr.  Gardiner  respectively.  Scarlet  Gem  and  Meredith's 
Hybrid  Cashmere  take  the  prizes  in  the  scarlet-fleshed  class,  the  one 
coming  from  Mr.  Cross,  gardener  to  Sir  F.  Goldsmid.  Bart.,  the  other 
from  Mr.  Burnett,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Hope,  The  Deepdene,  Dorking. 

Of  Grapes  there  is  but  a  small  show  ;  there  are  competitors  enough 
to  take  all  the  prizes,  and  only  a  few  are  left  "out  in  the  cold."  The 
best  12-lb.  basket  of  Black  Grapes  comes  from  Mr.  Ward,  gardener  to 
T.  N.  Miller,  Esq.,  who  has  finely  coloured  Black  Hamburgh.  Mr. 
Davis,  Whetstone,  is  second,  and  Messrs.  Standish  &  Co.  third  with 
Royal  Ascot.  The  best  baskets  of  White  Grapes  (Muscats),  are  from 
Mr.  Osborn,  Finchley,  and  Mr.  Davis. 

Of  Black  Hamburghs  splendid  bunches  in  size,  berry,  and  colour 
from  Mr.  Penford,  Earl  Radnor's,  are  first,  and  fine  bunches  from 
Mr.  Bannerman  second,  Mr.  Davis  being  third. 

Muscats  from  Mr.  Pizzey  and  Mr.  Davis,  though  the  best,  are  not 
ripe  enough.  The  former  has  also  a  first  prize  for  an  excellent  bunch 
of  Royal  Muscadine  in  the  class  for  any  other  kind.  Mr.  Penford  is 
second  with  good  bunches  of  Black  Prince. 

Of  Peaches  Mr.  Lynn,  gardener  to  Lord  Boston,  Hedsor,  and  Mr. 

Miller,  Combe  Abbey,  send  fine  dishes  of  Grosse  Mignonne,  Royal 

George,  and  Violette  Hative,  and  take  first  and  second  prizes.     For 

Nectarines  Mr.  Miller  and  Mr.  Lynn  are  respectively  first  and  second, 

I  the  former  with  very  fine  examples  of  Violette  Hative  and  Elrnge. 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  July  7.  1S70. 


For  Cherries  Mr.  Miles,  gardener  to  Lord  Carrington,  is  first  with 
beautiful  fruit  of  Bigarreau  Napoleon  ;  Mr.  Widdowson,  Chorley  Wood 
House,  being  second,  and  Mr.  Ross  third.  For  Black  kinds  Mr.  Pottle 
is  first  with  Black  Tartarian,  and  Mr.  Miles  second  with  May  Duke. 

Only  one  dish  of  Plums  is  shown,  and  that  is  Orleans,  by  Mr. 
Miles,  and  excellent  they  are.  The  same  exhibitor  also  sends  the  best 
four  dishes  of  Strawberries,  magnificent  fruit  of  Admiral  Dundas, 
Dr.  Hogg,  Sir  C.  Napier,  and  Mr.  Badclyffe,  the  first  two  being  the 
finest.  Mr.  Widdowson  is  second,  Mr.  Douglas,  Loxford  Hall,  third, 
both  with  excellent  dishes.  Mr.  Miles  also  sends  an  excellent  dish  of 
Bicton  Pine. 

Of  table  decorations  there  is  a  tolerably  extensive  display,  as  well 
as  of  bouquets,  hanging  baskets,  and  Fern  cases.  Some  are  tasteful 
enough,  but  none  very  remarkable.  Miss  E.  Blair,  New  Wandsworth, 
was  awarded  H.R.H.  Princess  Mary's  gold  medal  for  a  group  of  plants 
and  flowers,  and  arranged  for  table  decoration.  Mrs.  Green,  Crawford 
Street,  Grosvonor  Square,  and  Misses  Harris  &  Hassard  were  also 
successful  exhibitors  in  several  of  the  classes. 

Groups  of  new  and  rare  plants  come  from  Messrs.  Veitch  and  Mr. 
Williams  ;  of  bedding  and  other  plants  from  Messrs.  Lee  and  E.  G. 
Henderson ;  and  plant  cases,  horticultural  implements,  &c,  from 
Messrs.  A.  Henderson  &  Co. ,  Deane  &  Co.,  and  others. 

Her  Royal  Highness  the  Princess  Mary  distributed  the  ladies'  prizes 
ou  the  first  day  of  the  Show. 


AMERICAN   POTATOES. 

I  have  often  seen  in  your  Journal  different  accounts  about 
the  new  sorts  of  American  Potatoes,  but  I  have  never  seen 
where  they  have  been  dug  earlier  than  I  might  have  dug  them 
if  I  had  liked.  I  left  them,  however,  until  they  were  dead  ripe. 
We  should  have  had  much  finer  Potatoes  had  there  been  rain, 
but  I  am  sorry  to  say  there  has  not  been  any  rain  here  for  the 
last  eight  or  nine  weeks,  and  then  for  only  about  three  hours, 
and  there  has  not  been  four  hours'  rain  for  this  last  four 
months.     The  Potatoes  were  as  follow  : — 

Climax,  planted  February  28th,  three  Potatoes  cut  into  fifteen 
sets.  Fit  to  dig  June  7th  ;  dug  June  30th  ;  weight  6  lbs.  5  ozs. 
Early  Rose,  planted  February  28th,  six  Potatoes  cut  into  thirty- 
eight  sets.  Fit  to  dig  June  lGth ;  dug  June  30th ;  weight 
14J  lbs.  On  the  same  border  was  Myatt's  Ashleaf,  planted  the 
same  day  and  dug  May  20th.  On  another  border  with  the  same 
aspect  was  Rresee's  Prolific,  planted  March  15th,  bnt  it  is  quite 
green  and  a  long  way  from  being  fit,  but  when  I  dig  up  the 
tubers  I  will  state  how  they  turn  out.  Bresee's  King  of  the 
Earlies,  planted  March  15th,  was  fit  to  dig  June  7th,  and  was 
dug  June  30th.  Two  Potatoes  had  been  cut  into  six  sets. 
Weight  of  produce  2£  lbs.  Myatt's  Ashleaf,  planted  March 
15th,  was  dug  June  1st;  the  sample  was  not  large  but  beauti- 
ful, clear,  and  clean.  The  earliest  of  any  of  the  American 
sorts,  you  can  see,  is  the  King  of  the  Earlies,  and  it  is  the 
smallest  cropper,  but  I  think  none  so  early  as  Myatt's.  I  dug 
up  some  Potatoes  out  of  doors  as  early  as  May  15th  ;  but  they 
are  a  round  sort  taken  when  half  ripe  for  market,  not  a  good 
sort  for  table.  The  variety  is  here  called  the  French  White, 
but  I  do  not  know  if  the  name  is  correot. 

There  is  a  beautiful  specimen  of  the  Agave  americana  throw- 
ing np  a  flower  spike  in  a  gentleman's  garden  by  the  side  of  the 
road.  The  place  is  called  The  Grange.  The  spike  is  now  about 
6 feet  in  height.  American  Aloes  are  quite  hardy  here;  that 
referred  to  has  had  no  covering  to  my  knowledge  this  winter. — 
J.  Dawson,  Gardener  to  W.  H.  Smithard,  Esq.,  Sommerville, 
Guernsey. 

NEW  BOOK 

Handbook  of  the  Sulphur  Cure  as  a})plicable  to  the  Vine  Disease 
in  America.  By  W.  J.  Flagg.  New  York :  Harper  and 
Brothers. 

One  of  the  most  decisive  examples  of  needless  book-making 
we  ever  saw.  The  whole  of  its  practical  contents  may  be  com- 
prised in  one  sentence — Apply  flowers  of  sulphur  either  by  the 
aid  of  a  pair  of  sulphurator-bellows  or  a  dredger. 


Weati  and  Teak  of  the  Woeld.— In  a  paper  in  the  Bulletins 
de  la  Societe  Vaudoise,  No.  62,  Dr.  C.  Nicati  gives  a  resume  of 
various  researches  respecting  the  peculiar  red  snow  which  occa- 
sionally falls  in  the  Grisons.  Some  of  this  snow  fell,  mingled 
with  common  snow  and  rain,  during  a  violent  storm  from  the 
south-west  on  the  morning  of  January  15th,  1867,  in  various 
places.  The  chemical  analysis  of  the  melted  snow  demonstrated 
the  presence  of  minute  quantities  of  sulphate  of  lime  or  gyp- 
sum, sulphate  of  magnesia,  organic  matters,  chlorine,  and  iron ; 


and  microscopic  examination  detected  vegetable  fibre,  pollen, 
spores,  with  here  and  there  diatoms  and  small  crystals.  The 
oolour  varies  from  brick  red  to  a  pale  yellow.  This  snow  is 
quite  distinct  from  the  red  snow  of  the  upper  Alpine  regions, 
which  owes  its  colour  to  the  presence  of  the  minute  plant 
Protoooccus  nivalis.  After  discussing  various  theories  respect- 
ing its  origin,  Dr.  Killias  expressed  his  opinion  that  it  is  the 
dust  of  the  Desert  of  Sahara,  transported  by  a  sirocco,  which 
gives  the  colour  to  the  snow  of  the  Grisons.  Dr.  Nicati  gives 
many  interesting  particulars,  with  analyses,  of  the  Algerian 
sirocco  dust,  and  of  the  mud-rain  in  Naples  and  Sicily ;  and 
Professor  C.  Cramer  states  that  he  has  discovered,  both  in  the 
sand  of  the  Sahara  and  in  the  red  snow  of  the  Grisons,  particles 
of  vegetable  organisms  (especially  polythalmia)  and  minute 
fragments  of  animal  origin,  such  as  wool,  hair,  Sue.  He  con- 
siders the  presence  of  gypsum  in  the  red  snow  an  incontestable 
proof  of  its  containing  matter  conveyed  from  the  Desert  of 
Sahara. — (From  our  weekly  contemporary,  Nature.) 


GARDENERS'  ROYAL  BENEVOLENT 
INSTITUTION. 

On  the  29th  ult.  the  twenty-seventh  anniversary  festival  of  the  above 
Institution  was  held  at  the  London  Tavern,  the  Rt.  Hon.  The  Earl 
of  Derby  in  the  chair.  His  Highness  The  Nawab  Nizam  of  Bengal, 
attended  by  Colonel  Layard,  honoured  the  Institution  with  his  pre- 
sence upon  this  occasion.  After  the  usual  loyal  and  patriotic  toasts 
had  been  proposed  and  duly  received,  Lord  Derby  proceeded  to  the 
toast  of  the  evening,  "  SnccesB  to  the  Gardeners'  Royal  Benevolent 
Institution."  He  said  that  he  should  propose  that  which  was  the 
toast  of  the  evening  in  very  few  words,  for  whatever  they  might  agree 
npon,  or  whatever  they  might  disagree  upon,  there  was  one  thing  in 
their  hearts  in  which  they  would  all  be  of  one  mind,  and  that  was  that 
the  sight  of  flowers,  accompanied  by  music,  was  much  more  suitable 
to  after-dinner  hours,  and  more  conducive  to  enjoyment  than  anything 
else.  The  Institution  at  the  end  of  1869  carried  over  a  balance  of 
£1400,  and  had  invested  in  the  funds  nearly  .£8000,  the  number  of 
pensioners  at  the  present  time  being  fifty-four.  Since  the  establish- 
ment of  the  Institution  upwards  of  £15,000  had  been  expended  in 
giving  relief  in  accordance  with  the  conditions  laid  down  by  their 
rules.  So  far,  the  position  of  the  Society  had  been  one  of  steady  and 
unvaried  prosperity,  not,  indeed,  so  much  as  they  might  have  hoped  or 
desired,  but  still,  upon  the  whole,  satisfactory.  Their  chief  difficulty 
bad  been  that,  extending  their  operations  as  they  did  over  the  whole 
of  the  country,  the  list  of  subscribers  still  remained  much  smaller 
than  they  wished  to  see  it ;  but  certainly  when  he  looked  at  the  num- 
ber of  persons  employed  in  the  profession  of  horticulture,  and  at  the 
Bupport  which  had  been  given  by  the  leading  men  in  the  profession — 
men  known  all  over  England,  he  could  not  help  thinking  that  with 
better  organisation  they  might  contrive  to  extend  their  operations  far 
beyond  their  present  range.  He  thought  there  was  no  need  to  argue 
in  defence  of  the  principle  on  which  the  Institution  was  organised, 
that  principle  being  one  partly  of  charity  and  partly  of  insurance. 
Nearly  every  occupation  existing  in  this  country  bad  found  it  to  their 
interest  to  adopt  this  principle.  Their  rule  for  giving  assistance  was, 
first,  that  the  fact  of  the  distress  should  be  proved,  next  that  the 
character  of  the  claimant  shonld  be  ascertained,  and  then,  without 
absolutely  excluding  non-subscribers,  preference  should  be  given  to 
those  who  had  during  fifteen  years  contributed  to  the  funds  of  the 
Institution.  This  preference  was  only  fair,  because,  in  point  of  fact, 
those  whom  they  were  assisting  were  merely  receiving  back  that  which 
they  had  subscribed  in  days  of  prosperity.  He  conceived  that  this 
kind  of  charity  was  the  best  for  several  reasons  ;  first,  because  persons 
who  follow  the  same  business  have  means  of  ascertaining  the  condition 
of  the  applicant  for  relief  which  others  do  not  possess,  and  thus  there 
is  a  check  upon  imposture  ;  and  next,  because  the  fact  of  previous 
subscription  excludes  mere  recklessness  and  improvidence,  and  so  calls 
into  play  those  principles  which  are  the  most  pure.  He  ventured  to 
think  that  if  every  trade  and  every  profession  had  an  institution  such 
as  theirs,  and  if  it  became  a  sort  of  social  law  that  every  member  of 
every  trade  should  subscribe  to  it,  a  great  blow  would  be  struck  at  that 
pauperism  which  now  affects  England  so  much,  and  we  should  get  rid  of 
the  increasing  number  of  cases  of  pitiable  and  preventible  misfortune. 
He  need  hardly  say  that  of  all  those — and,  unhappily,  there  are  many 
— who  come  to  a  state  of  destitution  in  this  country,  none  are  so  much 
to  be  pitied  as  those  who  previously  held  a  good  position,  because  the 
better  their  position  was  in  former  days,  the  more  they  shrink  from 
contact  with  the  lowest  and  coarsest  of  those  among  whom  pauperism 
exists.  In  the  present  day  we  live  too  fast,  and  too  often  we  live  in 
such  mas3es  that  hardly  anybody  would  like  to  say  what  his  next 
neighbour  was  ;  but  those  who  are  engaged  in  the  same  occupation 
shonld  hold  it  a  duty  to  assist  their  poorer  brethren.  It  gave  him 
great  pleasure  to  preside  over  a  gathering  such  as  that,  when  the 
members  of  the  same  trade  were  brought  together,  not  in  profes- 
sional rivalry  and  antagonism,  but  with  a  common  desire  to  assist  the 
afflicted.  He  often  thought  that  a  good  garden  was  the  prettiest  thing 
on  the  earth.    A  man  might  walk  through  a  picture  gallery  and  see  a 


July  7,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


great  picture  or  statue,  and  yet  it  would  only  create  within  him  a  feel- 
ing of  admiration ;  but  you  might  take  the  dullest  lout  out  of  the 
streets,  or  the  most  savage  Arab  who  ever  slept  under  a  dry  arch,  put 
him  amongst  flowers  and  trees — things  which  appeal  to  something  in 
the  man  that  awakens  within  him  a  consciousness  of  his  duty  to  his 
Creator.  He  believed  that  anything  which  tended  to  refine  the  popular 
taste  deserved  encouragement  by  the  nation. 

Mr.  R.  Garth,  Q.C.,  proposed  the  health  of  the  noble  Chairman  in 
terms  the  most  eulogistic. 

The  Earl  of  Derby,  in  responding,  announced  that  H.S.II.  the 
Prince  of  Teck  would  honour  the  Institution  with  his  presence  at  the 
next  annual  festival. 

Mr.  Donald  Nicoll  proposed  the  health  of  the  Vice-President  of  the 
Institution,  and  Mr.  J.  J.  Mechi  responded  in  suitable  terms. 

The  Secretary  announced  the  amount  of  the  subscriptions  promised 
at  the  festival  to  be  upwards  of  £500.  • 

The  Chairman  then  proposed  the  health  of  the  Secretary,  which 
Mr.  Cutler  briefly  acknowledged. 

Groups  of  plant3  for  the  decoration  of  the  room  were  contributed  by 
Messrs.  Veitch,  Lee,  B.  S.  Williams,  Turner,  and  Carter  &  Co. 


THE   NEW   ROSES 


AT   THE   ROYAL  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY'S   SHOW. 
As  the  report  already  given  has  entered  largely  into  the  general 
character  of  the  Show  and  named  the  successful  competitors,  I  shall 
confine  myself  to  the  new  Roses — viz.,  those  of  1SC8  and  18ti3,  not 
specifying  the  stands,  but  picking  them  out  here  and  there. 

Edouard  Morren  was  again  largely  exhibited.  My  opinion  of  it 
remains  as  it  has  always  been  ;  it  is  a  somewhat  coarse  flower,  and 
inclined,  like  General  Washington,  to  show  a  green  eye.  Probably 
not  one  bloom  in  a  dozen  would  be  fit  to  put  into  a  stand  of  twelve, 
but  when  caught  it  will  grace  any  stand.  Heine  Blanche,  as  shown 
here  and  at  the  Palace,  was  a  great  deal  too  rough  for  exhibition,  and 
a  good  white  Rose  is  still  a  desideratum,  Nardy  Fnres  is  a  good 
Rose,  as  I  have  said  before,  somewhat  dull  in  colour,  but  we  must  wait 
for  another  season  before  deciding  finally  as  to  its  position.  Madame 
Clert  is  a  very  pretty  bright  pink  flower  of  good  shape  ;  and  Thyra 
Hammerich  a  very  pretty  blush  white  Rose  with  shell-like  petals,  formed 
somewhat  in  the  style  of  Baronne  Prevost,  only  a  little  more  cupped — 
very  pretty  indeed  at  times.  Souvenir  ile  Monsieur  Poiteau  has  come 
very  rough  this  season  where  I  have  seen  it,  but  its  colour  will  always 
ensure  it  a  welcome.  Mademoiselle  Eugenie  Verdier  is  a  very  pretty 
Rose,  and  likely  to  be  an  acquisition.  Of  CK-mence  Raoux  a  box  was 
exhibited  by  Messrs.  Lee,  and  if  constant  to  that  state  it  was  decidedly 
a  novelty,  being  of  a  light  blush  ground  distinctly  margined  with  pink. 
Monsieur  Journeaux  is  of  a  very  peculiar  shade  of  colour — reddish 
scarlet  with  a  purplish  tinge  through  it,  good  form  and  large ;  this 
struck  me  as  a  very  desirable  Rose.  Marquise  de  Mortemart  is  an 
undoubtedly  good  Rose  in  a  section  where  good  flowers  are  much 
wanted,  blush  white  ;  Madame  Creyton,  a  fair  Rose  ;  DevienneLamy, 
again  shown  in  good  condition  ;  Henri  Ledechaux,  a  fine  carmine 
Rose,  of  which  I  have  again  to  say  that  it  deserves  to  be  grown  more 
than  it  has  been  ;  Julie  Touvais,  a  very  curious  Rose  with  large  petals, 
almost  reminding  one  of  a  Tea,  but  I  think  one  not  likely  to  be  of 
much  use;  Emilie  Hausburg,  a  prettily- shaped  pale  rose,  and  with 
imbricated  petals — a  flower  deserving  of  being  grown  if  its  habit  be 
good,  which  it  seemed  to  be  ;  Madame  Josi-phine  Guyot,  a  very  pretty 
and  well-shaped  Rose,  which  I  cannot  find  in  any  catalogue  :  Victor 
Trouillard,  too  rough  ;  Victor  leBihau,  beautiful  bright  rosy  carmine  ; 
Dupuy-Jamain,  of  which  I  have  again  to  repeat  what  I  said,  that  it  is 
a  beautiful  carmine  Rose  well  worthy  of  cultivation  ;  Andre  Fresnoy, 
not  very  remarkable  as  shown.  The  same  may  be  said  of  Ferdinand 
de  Lesseps  and  of  Comtesse  d'Oxford. 

It  will  be  seen  from  the  above  that  comparatively  few  of  the  new 
Roses  of  this  season  have  been  exhibited — not  one  of  the  Teas  ;  one 
Noisette,  Reine  d'Or,  at  the  Crystal  Palace  ;  and  not  above  five  or  six 
of  the  Hybrid  Perpetuals.  This  is  to  be  accounted  for  by  the  fact 
that  nurserymen  are  busy  propagating  them,  and  hence  cannot  afford 
to  allow  their  plants  to  grow  on  for  exhibition.  Of  those  of  1868  the 
following  have,  I  think,  made  good  their  claim  to  remain  amongst  our 
favourites — Devienne  Lamy,  Dupuy-Jamain,  Edouard  Morren,  Henri 
Ledechaux,  Madame  Creyton,  Marquise  de  Mortemart,  Monsieur 
Journeanx,  Souvenir  de  Mons.  Poiteau,  Thyra  Hammerich,  and  Victor 
le  Bihan. 

I  have  bloomed  some  of  the  new  Tea  Rose=,  and  am  inclined  to  think 
that  we  have  some  good  kinds  amongst  them.  Chamois  is  rightly 
named,  but  there  is  too  little  of  it.  Madame  Ducher  has  a  good  deal 
of  analogy,  as  I  have  it,  with  Devoniensis,  and  is  a  very  fine  Rose. 
Lamarque  a  fleurs  jannes  promises  to  be  a  good  yellow  climbing  Rose. 
Unique  is  a  very  remarkable-looking  flower,  shaped  like  a  Tulip,  but 
I  wait  for  another  bloom  before  deciding.  But  to  my  mind  the  finest 
flower  of  the  season,  as  far  as  I  can  see,  and  from  all,  too,  that  I  heard 
in  Paris,  is  Louis  Van  Houtte,  raised  by  my  old  friend  Lacharme, 
one  of  the  most  conscientious  of  our  Rose  raisers  in  France,  and 
already  dear  to  all  lovers  of  the  Rose  by  Francois  Lacharme.  Louis 
Van  Houtte  is  likely,  I  think,  to  uphold  his  fame  ;  it  is  of  the  shape 
of  the  old  Cabbage  Rose  and  of  that  fine  Rose  Francois  Treyve ;  it 
has  also  the  fine  perfume  of  the  old  Cabbage ;  in  colour  it  is  like 


Charles  Lefebvre  when  it  comes  dark,  approaching  at  times  to  that  of 
Prince  Camille  de  Rohan.  The  habit  of  the  plant  is  vigorous,  and 
altogether  I  am  inclined  to  consider  it  the  best  Rose  of  the  season. 
There  is  another  Robo  whose  position  is  now  so  well  established  that  it 
is  not  needfnl  to  say  much  of  it,  but  I  question  if  at  the  Show  on 
Jnne  29th  there  was  one  Rose  which  sooner  caught  the  eye  and  held 
captive  the  beholder  than  Dnke  of  Edinburgh.  Mr.  George  Paul  may 
well  be  congratulated  on  having  sent  out  this  fine  English  Rose,  for 
in  brilliancy  of  colour  it  is  unsurpassed,  while  its  tine  habit  gives  it 
also  a  claim  which  many  dark  Roses  do  not  possess. — D.,  Deal. 


STRAWBERRIES   NOT   FRUITING. 

The  soil  for  "Sir  Harry"  Strawberry  has  been  highly  ma- 
nured, and  is  on  a  generous  elay,  but  we  have  hitherto  failed 
in  procuring  anything  beyond  most  luxuriant  growth  and  fine 
dark  foliage — no  fruit  at  all  worth  speaking  of,  although  the 
bed  is  a  large  one.  What  would  be  the  moBt  judicious  mode  of 
treating  this  bed  in  order  to  insure  fruit  next  year?  I  Bhould 
add  that  this  is  the  third  year  since  the  bed  was  planted. — 
F.  U.  S. 

[Perhaps  your  instance  of  Sir  Harry  not  fruiting,  but  grow- 
ing so  luxuriantly,  may  be  partly  owing  to  the  rich  manuring, 
and  the  strong  rich  soil  in  which  the  plants  are  growing.  I 
have  known  caseB  of  Strawberry  plants  taken  from  a  prolific 
stock  yielding  but  little  fruit,  owing  to  the  over-luxuriance, 
of  the  plants,  arising  from  rich  manuring,  and  having  the 
plants  so  close  together  in  the  bed  that  the  sun  had  little 
power  to  ripen  the  fruit  buds,  and  then  the  following  year  there 
was  vigorous  growth  and  only  a  sprinkling  of  puny  flowers, 
followed  by  few  and  small  fruit  for  the  kind.  If  you  deter- 
mine to  keep  this  bed  of  Sir  Harry,  and  give  the  plants  another 
chance,  then  I  should  advise  the  following  treatment. 

As  soon  as  the  fruit  is  gathered  I  would  remove  all  the 
runners,  but  keep  none.  In  your  soil  there  must  no  mowing 
off  nor  cutting  the  leaves,  but  I  would  go  over  every  plant,  and 
cut  out  with  a  sharp  knife  all  the  little  pieces  with  the  smallest 
buds  from  each  plant,  or  rather  stool,  leaving  to  each  three  or 
four  with  the  plumpest  buds,  and  all  the  leaves  attached  to 
them.  The  sun  and  air  will  have  more  power  to  act  on  such 
thinned-out  stools.  By  this  thinning-out  mode  and  surface- 
manuring,  I  have  known  Strawberries  continued  in  prolific 
bearing  for  many  years,  and  the  crops  were  nearly  as  good  as 
from  those  fresh  planted  every  two  or  three  years.  In  your 
case,  as  the  plants  seem  very  luxuriant,  I  would  not  manure 
with  decomposed  dung,  but  would  merely  place  a  little  longish 
litter  among  and  round  the  stools,  to  protect  the  buds  from  the 
frosts  of  winter  and  spring.  If  your  plants  have  come  originally 
from  a  prolific  stock,  with  such  treatment  you  would  probably 
have  a  fair  supply  of  fruit  the  next  summer. 

But  though  I  should  be  glad  if  you  adopted  the  above  plan, 
and  informed  us  of  the  results  this  time  next  year,  for  the 
benefit  of  all  concerned,  still  as  you  state  that  you  have  had 
soarcely  any  fruit  from  these  luxuriant  plants  for  three  years, 
unless  the  ground  is  of  no  consequence  to  you,  I  would  advise 
you  to  have  only  a  part  of  your  bed  so  treated,  and  plant 
another  bed  with  young  plants  obtained  elsewhere  from  a  pro- 
lific stock.  I  have  proved  over  and  over  again  that  the  above 
plan  will  often  make  unfruitful  plants  fruitful,  but  I  have  also 
proved,  at  least  to  my  own  satisfaction,  that  there  are  Straw- 
berry plants,  and  not  confined  to  this  or  that  kind,  so  naturally 
sterile  that  no  treatment  will  make  them  prolific.  And  what 
is  more,  I  have  found,  and  more  especially  of  late  years,  from 
my  attention  being  turned  more  to  the  matter,  that  the  runners 
taken  again  and  again  from  such  plants  continue  sterile,  though 
as  an  experiment  I  have  repeated  the  process  from  year  to 
year  with  Keens'  Seedling,  British  Queen,  Elton,  and  even  Sir 
Harry.  Such  facts  have  so  settled  this  matter  down  into  a  con- 
viction, that  had  I  time  I  would  clear  out  every  such  sterile 
plant  that  did  not  show  bloom  the  first  year  after  planting. 
Unless  taken  as  a  runner  from  a  prolific  plant,  there  is  the  risk 
that  it  never  becomes  prolific  at  all,  and  there  is  a  greater  risk 
that  from  such  plants  you  continue  the  sterility,  as  the  sterile 
plants  are  always  the  most  luxuriant,  the  most  plentifully 
supplied  with  strong,  fine-looking  runners,  and,  therefore,  are 
more  likely  to  be  selected  for  pricking  out  and  planting  than 
the  smaller  runners  from  prolific  plants.  Such  plants,  besides 
their  excessive  luxuriance,  may  also  be  distinguished,  as  already 
stated,  by  the  number  and  strength  of  the  runners,  and  by  the 
buds  of  plants  and  runners  being  long  and  sharp-pointed,  in- 
stead of  more  flat  and  obtuse.  I  have  no  desire  to  go  beyond 
my  own  observations  and  experience,  but  I  would  not  know- 


8 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE   AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  July  7,  1870. 


ingly  plant  runners  from  such  plants,  and,  of  course,  would  not 
wish  anyone  else  to  do  so  except  as  an  experiment.  I  have 
had  plenty  of  evidence  that  such  sterile  plants  are  too  likely  to 
continue  to  produce  sterile  plants  for  many  generations. 

The  evidence  as  to  restoring  plants  taken  from  fertile  parents 
that  have  become  sterile  from  over-luxuriance  or  want  of  sun 
and  air,  is,  so  far  as  my  own  experience  and  observation  go, 
more  conflicting.  Sometimes  the  remedy  alluded  to  above  has 
succeeded,  at  other  times  it  has  not,  as  there  is  too  great  a 
tendency  in  plants  as  well  as  in  man  to  go  on  in  a  bad  course 
when  once  it  is  fairly  commenced. 

This  season  I  have  been  told  of  seven  or  eight  fine-looking 
beds  of  Strawberries  that  did  not  suffer  especially  from  the 
drought,  and  that  scarcely  yielded  a  bloom.  I  think  it  is  three 
or  four  summers  since  I  stated  how  I  was  invited  to  look  at  a 
large  bed  of  Strawberry  plants,  chiefly  Keens'  Seedling,  and 
nothing  could  look  better  at  a  distance.  The  flower  trusses 
were  just  bursting  the  buds  of  my  own  at  home.  In  this  fine- 
lookiDg  bed  there  wa3  not  a  Bingle  fertile  bud,  and  for  that 
season  there  could  be  none.  The  proprietor  had  so  set  his 
heart  on  this  fine  bed,  was  so  hopeful  for  another  year,  that  I 
felt  shy  in  offering  an  opinion.  At  last,  when  pressed,  I  ad- 
vised him  to  dig  down  the  half  of  his  bed,  to  plant  a  little  piece 
with  runners,  and  as  a  sort  of  encouragement,  I  was  to  send  a 
lot  of  young  plants,  pricked  out  thickly  the  previous  autumn, 
just  beginning  to  burst  their  flower  buds.  From  these  little 
plants  he  obtained  some  fair  fruit  the  first  season,  and  they 
and  their  runners  bore  well  afterwards.  Of  the  runners  planted 
from  the  first  bed,  not  one  was  fruitful  the  following  season. 
Of  the  old  plants  left  thinned  out  and  treated  as  above,  some 
ten  per  cent,  proved  moderately  fruitful  the  following  season, 
the  bulk,  some  ninety  per  cent.,  producing  nothing  but  leaves. 

One  other  case  came  prominently  under  my  observation. 
The  kinds  were  Keens'  Seedling,  Elton,  and  British  Queen. 
The  plants  all  looked  well,  but  showed  little  bloom.  Thinned 
out  and  treated  as  above,  Keens'  was  much  improved  ;  British 
Queen  was  less  so,  but  much  better;  but  the  Elton  scarcely 
showed  a  flower  bud. 

The  matter  thus  coming  prominently  before  me,  I  have 
stated  convictions  based  on  what  I  think  to  be  facts.  I  know 
that  many  hold  a  contrary  opinion,  but  mere  opinion  is  of 
little  value  unless  based  on  something  solid  and  tangible.  It 
should  ever  be  our  aim,  not  so  much  to  excite  mere  controversy 
as  to  get  at  the  truth  and  what  will  bear  on  general  utility. 
Whether  contrary  to  or  corroborative  of  these  statements,  I 
shall  be  glad  to  know  the  ideas  of  others,  founded  on  obser- 
vation and  experience.  Meanwhile,  as  a  mere  matter  of  com- 
mon prudence,  I  would  say,  in  conclusion,  to  all  makers  of  fresh 
plantations  of  Strawberry  plants,  Choose  your  young  plants 
from  plants  that  have  produced  fruit. — R.  F.] 


THE   ORCHARD   HOUSE. 

Ha  vino  just  seen  "  T.  F.'s  "  remarks  about  potted  trees  (see 
page  260  of  last  volume),  I  should  like  to  make  a  few  ob- 
servations on  the  subject.  "  T.  F."  has  been  already  some- 
what roughly  handled  by  yourself,  and  one  or  two  of  your 
correspondents,  and  I  have  something  to  add  on  the  same  side. 
"  T.  F.'s  "  observations  might  operate  upon  those  who  have 
dabbled  in  orchard  houses  with  doubtful  success  ;  but  it  is  not 
very  likely  that  they  will  have  much  effect  on  those  who  have 
tried  the  orchard  house  and  found  it  answer.  There  can  be  little 
doubt  that  these  structures  are  specially  adapted  for  amateurs. 
Professed  gardeners  have,  for  the  most  part,  voted  them  a 
nuisance  from  the  beginning. 

Only  a  fortnight  ago  I  made  a  purposed  visit  to  a  celebrated 
nursery  famed,  not  long  ago,  for  orchard  houses  and  orchard- 
house  trees.  I  had  read  a  glowing  account  of  these,  and  was 
anxious  to  impart  or  receive  hints  on  the  management  of  the 
trees,  as  the  case  might  be.  On  asking  one  of  the  workmen 
where  the  orchard  house  was,  he  pointed  me  to  a  lot  of  trees, 
in  pots  it  is  true,  but  ignominiously  expelled  from  their  pre- 
vious more  dignified  quarters.  On  the  foreman  making  his 
appearance,  I  good-humouredly  rated  him  on  the  subject,  and 
he  was  fain  to  admit  that  he  and  his  brethren  generally  had  a 
thorough  contempt  and  dislike  for  the  system.  Now,  as  regards 
the  attention  required,  it  must  be  owned  that  for  six  months 
in  the  year  it  must  be  careful  and  unremitting.  But  it  should 
be  borne  in  mind  that  that  attention  pertains  to  a  season  in 
which  there  is  a  constant  progression  from  flowers  to  fruit. 
There  is  the  gratification  of  oneself  and  friends,  first  of  all 
with  the  sight  of  foliage  and  fruit,  to  be  at  length  consummated 


by  the  gratification  of  the  taste  in  eating  it ;  and  during  the 
winter  months,  when  there  is  nothing  to  be  seen,  no  attention 
is  required. 

Ton  put  the  matter  well  in  stating  that  this  mode  of  growing 
fruit  brings  an  all-but-certain  crop,  and  at  an  early  stage  of 
the  tree's  growth.  I  had  two  maiden  Plums  last  November 
twelvemonth,  Pond's  Seedling  and  the  Golden  Drop;  the 
former  has  this  year  fifteen  Plums  on  it,  and  the  latter  eleven — 
quite  as  many  as  trees  of  that  age  and  of  these  varieties  should 
be  allowed  to  produce.  I  myself  budded  a  Reine  Claude  de 
Bavay  two  years  ago  last  July.  It  is  now  a  beautiful  pyramid 
with  the  fruit  reduced  by  thinning  to  thirty-four.  I  will 
venture  to  say,  I  might  have  had  a  tree  of  that  variety  in  the 
open  ground  a  dozen  years,  and  not  have  had  so  many  during 
the  whole  time.  I  should  have  been  satisfied  in  my  rough 
houses  with  growing  Plums  alone.  I  have  fifteen  varieties  of 
these,  and  nearly  all  the  trees  after  thinning  have,  perhaps,  more 
fruit  on  them  than  ought  to  be  allowed,  ranging  in  number 
from  fifteen  to  thirty.  I  have  ten  Peach  trees  averaging  a 
dozen  on  each.  Apricots,  moreover,  are  doing  well,  and  as  in 
the  case  of  the  maiden  Plums,  two  Apricots  the  same  age  have 
two  dozen  between  them. 

With  regard  to  the  number  of  fruit  potted  trees  should  bear, 
there  is,  I  think,  a  little  confusion.  It  would  be  much  better 
if  the  matter  were  more  regulated  by  weight  than  number. 
Take,  for  instance,  a  Golden  Drop  or  Jefferson  Plum  and  a 
Green  Gage.  I  should  allow  the  latter  to  bear  at  least  double 
the  number  of  the  former.  The  same  rule  should  be  applied 
throughout,  so  that  a  tree  from  five  to  six  years  old  should 
be  allowed  to  produce  from  4  to  5  lbs.  of  fruit  and  no  more. 

We  learn  to  modify  and  alter  our  plans  and  modes  of  treat- 
ment from  time  to  time.  I  give  less  water  to  my  trees  than  I 
did  two  or  three  years  ago,  and  with  good  results,  but,  of  course, 
with  careful  watching.  Up  to  last  year  I  perceived  the  leaves 
at  the  points  to  a  considerable  extent  brown  and  shrivelled. 
I  attributed  it  to  syringing  in  the  morning  in  bright  sunshine. 
This  year  I  do  not  syringe  uniformly  in  the  morning,  but  do 
it  liberally  about  sunset.  The  leaves  thus  continue  damp  all 
the  night,  making  an  uncomfortable  home  for  the  red  spider. 

With  regard  to  "  T.  F.'s  "  motto,  "  Let  us  down  with  such 
torture  and  cruelty,"  I  have  been  cruel  enough  to  pinch  rather 
closely  all  along;  but  having  read  M.  Da  Breuil's  book,  I  am 
now  pinching  the  Peaches  more  closely  than  ever.  I  oannot 
tell  what  the  result  may  be,  but  appearances  are  in  its  favour. 
My  trees  are  looking  more  promising  this  year  than  usual. — 
J.  M.  

A  CLEAR  HEAD,  A  PROMPT  WILL,  AND  A 
READY  HAND. 

"  I  don't  believe  it."  "  Don't  believe  what?"  was  the  rea- 
sonable response,  for  my  friend  was  not  aware  that  I  was  read- 
ing about  Selsey,  and  that  Bede  stated  it  was  so  called  because 
seals  frequented  the  coast.  I  read  the  passage  aloud.  "  Well," 
said  my  friend,  "Venerable  Bede  was  more  likely  to  know 
than  you."  "  Not  a  bit  of  it ;  he  might  be  venerable  as  an 
ecclesiastic,  and  not  at  all  venerable  as  an  etymologist.  Ton 
remind  me  of  the  boy  who  wrote  the  word  '  sut,'  and  justified 
it  on  the  ground  that  the  chimney-sweeper  so  spelt,  and  '  he 
ought  to  know!'"  "What's  your  guess  at  the  derivation?" 
"Sel,  a  mansion,  and  sea,  the  sea — pure  Anglo  Saxon."  No 
response  from  my  friend,  so  I  conclude  it  was  convincing.  He 
resumed  his  writing,  I  returned  to  my  book. 

"  It's  just  800  years  since."  "  Since  what  ?"  said  my  again- 
interrupted  friend.  "  Since  the  bishop's  see  was  removed  from 
Selsey  to  Chichester."  "Who  cares  about  that?"  said  my 
friend  resuming  his  writing,  and  I,  adjusting  my  spectacles, 
again  returned  to  my  book. 

"  It  is  incredible  that  he  taught  them  to  catch  fish,  they 
must  have  known  that."  "  Who  taught — who  was  taught  ?" 
"  Wilfrid,  Bishop  of  Hexham,  is  said  to  have  taught  the  Selsey 
men."  My  friend  laid  down  his  pen  and  inquired,  "  Why  on 
earth  do  you  keep  bothering  about  Selsey  ?  I  was  there  some 
years  since,  and  can  testify  that  Lord  Selsey  keeps  his  estate 
there  in  admirable  order.  The  crops  are  good,  tenants  are 
prosperous,  and  the  whole  peninsula  is  flat  as  a  pancake. 
The  old  Anglo-Saxon  city's  site  is  now  ever  under  water,  and 
the  fishermen  cast  their  nets  over  shallows  still  known  as  '  The 
Park'  and  'The  Street.'  Now,  that's  all,  so  why  keep  up 
suoh  a  bother  ?"  "  All  1  Why,  that  sulphurator  you  tried  and 
so  belauded  at  South  Kensington  is  made  at  a  manufactory  at 
Selsey."  "  No  !  Humbug ;  a  manufactory  is  as  likely  to  be  found 


July  7,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL    OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


8 


at  the  Needles  or  Land's  End."  Bat  I  was  not  to  be  battened 
down  in  that  mode,  so  I  talked  at  intervals,  as  much  as  was 
politic,  nntil  luncheon  time,  and  then  and  there,  over  "the 
cakes  and  ale,"  my  friend  agreed  to  journey  with  me  the  next 
day  to  Selsey.  It 's  not  the  first  time  we  have  so  journeyed  ; 
and  now,  as  on  former  occasions,  we  had  gleaned  relative 
gleanings,  and  what  follows  were  our  conjoint  contributions. 

The  Wilfrid  already  mentioned  founded  at  Selsey  a  monas- 
tery of  Benedictines  ;  and  Bede  says  that  when,  for  the  endow- 
ment of  that  and  the  bishopric,  the  South-Saxon  king  gave 
Wilfrid  the  whole  peninsula,  he  gave  him  also  the  inhabitants, 
and  Wilfrid  by  baptising  them  rescued  them  from  the  servi- 
tude of  the  Devil.  A  subsequent  bishop,  however,  found  that 
poaching  reduced  them  again  to  be  Satan's  slaves,  for  Bishop 
Rede  in  1407,  by  a  mandate  still  preserved,  condemned  to  the 
greater  excommunication  certain  "  children  of  damnation,  who, 
influenced  by  the  spirit  of  the  Devil,"  killed  game  in  the 
bishop's  demesne  of  Selsey.  The  greater  excommunication 
was  no  trivial  infliction,  for  it  not  only  excluded  the  excom- 
municant  from  the  church  sacraments,  but  rendered  him  in- 
capable of  any  legal  act,  and  forbade  his  intercourse  with  any 
of  the  faithful.  Moreover,  if  he  did  not  within  forly  days 
pacify  the  ecclesiastic  who  excommunicated  him,  a  writ  was 
issuable  for  his  apprehension  and  close  confinement  until  he 
submitted  and  obtained  absolution.  I  wonder  what  fine  the 
bishop  imposed  upon  the  "children  of  damnation"  before  he 
forgave  their  venison  theft. 

No  venison  is  in  Selsey  now,  for,  as  already  told,  the  inroads 
of  the  sea  have  involved  the  bishop's  park,  and  the  whole  pen- 
insula is  well  enclosed  and  highly  cultivated.  The  prevailing 
soil  is  a  strong  loam,  and  now,  despite  the  prolonged  drought, 
the  Wheat  crops  were  vigorous  and  heavy.  I  say  the  peninsula 
is  "  well  enclosed,"  because  the  fences  are  all  so  thoroughly 
sustained  that  they  afford  unmistakeable  evidence  that  Lord 
Selsey  and  the  farmers — landlord  and  tenants — are  all  worthy 
of  the  relationship. 

Despite  the  long  drought  all  vegetation  looked  vigorous. 
Never  did  Roses  look  more  healthy — one  more  instance  con- 
firming our  opinion  that  mildew  and  blotched  leaves  are  chiefly 
due  to  ungenial  temperature.  We  should  have  liked  to  explore 
the  sands  for  the  Sea  Bindweed  (Convolvulus  soldanella),  a 
native  of  the  Selsey  shore,  and  to  search  for  the  Sea  Pink 
(Dianthus  prolifer),  once  abundant,  but  said  now  to  be  found 
there  no  longer.  Want  of  time,  however,  forbade  our  visiting 
elsewhere  than  the  manufactory,  our  special  object.  A  pilgrim 
had  been  there  before  us,  and  thus  well  sketches  an  outline  of 
what  he  saw  at  Mr.  Colin  Pullinger's  : — 

11  We  entered  a  large  yard,  with  the  figurehead  of  some  old  vessel 
staring  us  out  of  countenance.  There  were  some  sheds,  carthouses, 
stables,  and  stores  on  the  one  hand,  and  a  line  of  workshops  on  the 
other.  '  We  cannot  afford  to  use  a  steam  engine  yet,'  he  said,  '  so  we 
get  our  motive  power  from  poor  old  Bob,'  and  he  kindly  patted  the 
horse  upon  the  neck  as  it  passed  ns  on  its  circular  journey.  I  could 
hear  the  buz,  the  whir,  the  whiz  of  the  machinery,  but  mingled  with  it 
I  heard,  too,  the  notes  of  a  fine  old  hymn  tune.  '  My  lads  don't 
always  sing  hymns  ;  they  have  a  song  occasionally,'  said  my  con- 
ductor, and  he  added,  '  sawing  up  the  wood  is  rather  monotonous 
work;  they  have  little  to  think  about,  for  the  circular  saws  are  all  so 
guarded  that  they  can't  have  an  accident,  nor  can  they  make  a  false 
cut.  So  I  allow  them  to  sing  while  at  this  kind  of  work, — it  keeps 
them  in  good  temper.' 

M  We  stepped  into  the  shop  and  saw  a  dozen  wheels  revolving  ;  there 
were  saws,  from  the  size  of  a  crown-piece  up  to  3  or  4  feet  in  diameter, 
hissing  their  way  through  the  wood  ;  there  were  holes  being  drilled ; 
queer-shaped  bits  of  wood  fashioned  into  form  ;  wire  and  zinc  cut  up 
like  so  much  thread  or  paper ;  and  all  with  the  unerring  regularity  of 
a  bit  of  watchwork.  It  was  pointed  out  to  me  that  each  man  and  boy 
had  a  form,  or  mould,  to  work  by,  thus  rendering  it  impossible  that 
even  a  tin-tack  could  be  driven  into  the  wrong  place,  or  a  scrap  of  wire 
cut  too  long  by  so  much  as  a  hair's  breadth.  The  whole  of  this 
machinery  (with  the  exception  of  the  circular  saws)  was  not  only  in- 
vented by  Mr.  Pullinger,  but  actually  made  upon  the  premises,  and  by 
the  men  and  boys  gathered  out  of  a  village  where  the  one  half  are 
fishermen,  the  other  agricultural  labourers. 

'*  I  am  not  going  to  describe  the  processes  passed  through  in  making 
a  single  trap ;  it  might  be  tedious,  or,  to  be  more  candid,  I  should  be 
sure  to  fail  in  doing  it.  Nor  shall  I  say  a  word  about  Pullinger's 
patent  self-adjusting  trap  ;  it  is  too  widely  known  to  need  that,  though 
few  may  know  where  or  by  whom  they  are  made.  The  individual 
traps  sell  for  a  mere  trifle,  yet  each  one  is  composed  of  seventy  pieces  ; 
each  side  of  the  trap  passes  through  twenty-eight  hands,  and,  after  the 
pieces  are  all  made,  it  passes  through  the  hands  of  twenty-seven  more  ; 
in  all,  about  120  distinct  operations  are  required  for  the  making  of  one 
trap. 

"  The  *  hands '  whom  I  saw  working  in  the  various  shops  varied  in 


age  from  about  seven  to  seventy.  The  youngest  was  poking  about  in  a 
tray  of  dust  with  a  common  magnet.  I  asked  what  the  little  fellow 
was  doing,  and  received  a  characteristic  answer — one  that  should  be 
written  up  and  followed  in  every  workshop  in  the  world  ;  it  was  : — '  We 
cannot  afford  to  lose  anything  here.  He  is  picking  out  every  stray 
tack,  every  scrap  of  wire,  every  morsel  of  metal  of  any  kind  which  may 
have  been  dropped  among  the  sawdust.  It  is  like  play  for  him.'  The 
little  man  looked  up  with  a  happy  face,  and  proudly  pointed  to  a  couple 
of  nailB  dangling  from  the  end  of  his  magnet. 

11  We  had  just  left  the  last  shop,  when,  at  a  given  signal,  all  left 
work  for  the  night.  l  Some  of  them  will  be  back  by-and-by,'  said  my 
guide  ;  and  then,  upon  inquiry,  I  found  that  the  boys  and  a  few  of  the 
adults  came  to  an  evening  school,  of  which  Mr.  Pullinger  and  his  fore- 
man were  the  teachers.  The  lads  availed  themselves  fully  of  the  ad- 
vantage, and  in  winter  time  the  average  attendance  was  about  thirty. 
Mr.  Pullinger  haB  also  established  a  penny  bank  for  the  use  of  his 
workmen,  and  there  are  rather  more  than  forty  depositors.  One  other 
little  fact,  showing  the  fatherly  attention  paid  by  the  proprietor  to  his 
hands,  and  I  have  done.  In  the  middle  of  the  morning's  work  the  boys 
are  allowed  to  run  out  in  the  great  yard  and  have  a  jolly  game  among 
themselves  for  a  quartor  of  an  hour  or  so." 

We  confirm  all  that  our  pre-pilgrim  state?,  and  we  add  that 
never  was  space  better  economised.  The  machines  for  sawing, 
&c,  are  very  numerous,  and  have  to  be  so  arranged  in  a  limited 
space  that  not  a  foot  is  wasted — and  not  a  foot  is  wasted.  All 
the  saws  are  circular,  varying  in  diameter  from  an  inch  or  two 
to  as  many  feet,  and  all  are  turned  by  the  strength  of  "  Bob." 
Among  the  save-alls  of  time  we  noticed  a  double-bladed  mortice- 
chisel,  invented  by  Mr.  Pullinger,  which  cuts  both  sides  of  the 
mortice  at  once.  So  deeply  were  we  interested  by  all  we  saw 
and  by  all  which  we  heard,  that  we  asked  Mr.  Pullinger  to  tell 
us  a  little  of  his  history,  and  we  publish  his  reply  as  an  incen- 
tive to  others : — 

"I  am  a  native  of  Selsey.  I  have  received  a  very  plain  education. 
My  parents  removed  to  Brighton  when  I  was  about  twelve  years  of  age. 
I  was  there  apprenticed  to  a  law  stationer.  My  master  failed  in  busi- 
ness. I  was  then  a  writing  clerk  in  a  solicitor's  office  for  about  five 
years.  Not  liking  the  confinement,  I  went  to  sea  for  about  five  years, 
tilling  nearly  all  situations  on  board  ship.  My  parents  were  getting 
old,  and  wished  me  to  give  up  the  sea.  I  came  again  to  Selsey,  where 
I  undertook  to  do  anything  which  was  offered  me  to  do.  I  was  never 
apprenticed  to  any  mechanical  trade,  but  found  no  difficulty  in  doing 
any  sort  of  work.  I  always  had  an  inventive  talent,  but  it  was  years 
before  I  could  bring  it  to  any  use  ;  whatever  I  made  or  invented  was 
thought  but  little  of  by  my  neighbours.  I  made  a  mouse  trap.  They 
then  pitied  me  for  the  sake  of  my  wife  and  children,  thinking  I  should 
bring  them  to  want ;  the  mouse  trapB  sold.  I  could  not  make  them 
fast  enough  by  hand,  I  had  not  the  means  to  buy  machinery,  so  I 
made  it  myself.  I  always  found  as  soon  as  I  made  one  thing  I  could 
improve  upon  another  ;  and  so  I  went  on,  always  an  up-hill  game  with 
me,  for  all  my  profits  went  to  inventions  and  improvements,  but  by 
perseverance  I  overcame  all  difficulties.  My  machines  I  always  made 
of  the  most  simple  description,  so  that  I  could  get  the  children, 
labourers,  and  fishermen  to  use  them,  and  so  that  they  could  not  well 
make  a  mistake  in  their  work.  To  many  a  man  from  the  plough  or 
fisherman  in  the  winter  when  out  of  work  have  I  given  employment, 
otherwise  they  must  have  gone  into  the  union  house  at  West  Hampnett, 
as  well  as  many  children  who,  when  they  enter  my  employment,  I 
consider  as  my  own,  teaching  them  all  I  know  in  the  day,  and  in 
winter  evenings  having  a  school,  and  charging  2d.  per  week  to  every 
one  who  likes  to  attend  to  be  taught  reading,  writing,  and  arithmetic, 
although  that  is  at  a  great  loss  to  me,  having  no  assistance  from  any 
one.  I  employ  many  teachers,  so  that  the  children  may  receive  all 
the  instruction  possible,  and  to  many  who  could  neither  read  nor  write 
I  have  given  a  fair  education.  I  take  but  little  credit  to  myself  for 
what  I  have  done  ;  it  comes  into  my  mind  with  but  little  thinking ; 
the  same  as  what  you  said  to  me  last  evening  came  into  my  mind  this 
morning — a  thought  entered  my  mind,  I  carried  it  out,  tried  the  in- 
vention, and  found  it  answer,  before  nine  o'clock.  The  only  thing  I 
think  where  I  have  done  some  good  is  in  having  spent  hundreds  of 
pounds  in  labour,  and  given  many  a  family  a  dinner  who  otherwise 
would  have  been  without  one." 

Mr.  Pullinger  purposes  showing  this  year  at  the  "  Workmen's  Inter- 
national Exhibition,"  to  be  held  in  the  Agricultural  Hall,  Islington, 
the  following  inventions : — 

1.  Automaton  mouse  trap. — Each  mouse  caught  resets  the  trap. 

2.  Perpetual  mouse  trap. — Always  set. ) 

3.  Self-acting  mouse  trap. — Each  mouse  caught  resets  the  trap. 

4.  An  improved  rat  trap. — One  of  the  best  to  catch  rats. 

5.  An  improved  beetle  trap. — Will  catch  hundreds  at  once. 

6.  An  improved  eel  spear. — To  catch  more  than  others. 

7.  A  sulphur  distributor.  —  To  destroy  mildew,  &c,  on  Vines, 
flowers,  &c. 

8.  A  washing  machine. — Saving  labour,  money,  and  confusion. 

9.  A  wringing  machine. — Simple  and  effective. 

10.  Cinder  sifter. — To  sift  without  dust. 

11.  Cask  stand. — To  stoop  with  ease  and  draw  off  clear. 

12.  Tapping  mallet. — To  drive  in  and  take  out  taps. 

13.  Model  for  a  steam  boat. — To  obtain  greater  speed. 


10 


JOUBNAL  OF  HOBTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENEB. 


[  July  7,  1870. 


14.  Morticing  chisel. — To  cut  both  sides  at  once. 

15.  Bradawl. — To  drive  in  and  jnmp  out  again. 

16.  An  improved  plane.— To  keep  the  month  always  fine. 

17.  A  machine  to  straighten  wire. — Simple  and  effective. 

The  sulphurator  and  the  mouse  traps  we  have  tried,  and  can 
testify  are  very  effective.  The  traps  continue  selling  at  the 
rate  of  nearly  two  thousand  weekly  ;  and  we  were  much  amused 
by  the  foreman  observing  that  he  was  with  Mr.  Pallinger  when 
he  first  commenced  making  them,  fourteen  years  since,  and  he 
added,  "  When  we  had  made  six  dozen  we  wondered  who'd 
have  'em."    The  following  is  a  drawing  of  the  sulphurator  and 


mode  of  employing  it.  It  is  a  box  fitting  on  to  the  nozzle  of  a 
common  pair  of  bellows,  and  so  made  that  every  puff  of  air 
delivered  from  the  bellows  diffuses  a  cloud  of  sulphur  over  the 
parts  of  the  tree  towards  which  it  is  directed. — G. 


THE  FRENCH  HORTICULTURAL  EXHIBITION. 

(Concluded  from  page  392.) 

After  having  seen  as  far  as  was  stated  in  the  Journal  of  June  2nd, 
I  naturally  enough  looked  for  the  bouquets,  vegetables,  and  objects  of 
art.     These  I  found  arranged  in  the  arcades  at  each  end  of  the  Palais. 

Bouquets  were  not  numerous,  being  confined  to  two  exhibitors  only, 
but  were  very  tastefully  arranged  ;  they  consisted  of  bouquets  for 
weddings,  balls,  hall,  table  and  drawing-room  decoration,  the  latter 
limit  np  in  vases  of  fanciful  pottery.  One  very  handsome  and  rich 
centre-piece  consisted  entirely  of  Orchids,  and  was  lovely.  A  silver- 
gilt  medal  was  awarded  to  M.  Bernard,  3,  Boulevard  Malesherbes,  and 
a  silver-gilt  medal  to  M.  Labronier,  9,  Rue  de  Seze.  Both  were  well 
worthy  of  what  they  gained. 

Exotic  fruits  were  very  well  represented  by  one  house — viz.,  that  of 
M.  Hediard,  13,  Rue  Notre  Dame  de  Lorette,  Paris,  and  to  whom  a 
silver-gilt  medal  was  awarded  for  the  collection.  The  principal  speci- 
mens of  interest  were  fresh  pods  of  Vanilla,  fresh  Dates  and  BananaB, 
Pear  Oranges,  Sweet  Lemons  (very  large)  ;  also  Loquats,  or  Japan 
Medlars,  the  fruit  of  Eriobotrya  japonica;  the  round  bright  yellow 
fruit,  about  the  Bize  of  small  walnuts,  being  as  produced  naturally 
upon  the  racemes.  The  above  were  all  productions  from  Algeria. 
Calebasses  (or  fruit  of  Crescentia  Cujete)  came  from  the  Island  of 
Martinique  ;  and  collections  of  dried  and  preserved  fruits,  Nuts,  &c, 
from  Guadaloupe,  Cochin-China,  Havana,  Senegal,  Spain,  and  other 
countries,  made  the  collection  very  interesting.  All  the  articles  were 
for  sale,  and  although  a  pretty  good  trade  was  kept  up,  as  each  article 
diminished  it  was  replenished  from  a  reserve. 

Vegetables  were  very  few,  and  quite  of  secondary  merit,  a  fact 
rather  surprising,  for  much  better  could  be  found  in  the  markets. 
The  awards  for  what  were  shown  consisted  of  a  silver-gilt  medal  to 
M.  Petit  for  six  passable  Cauliflowers,  and  a  large  silver  medal  to 
M.  Leshre,  Ebrenil  (Allier),for  a  large  collection  of  varieties  of  old 
Potatoes.  Another  collection  of  Potatoes  (new)  in  sixty-two  varieties, 
was  exhibited  by  a  M.  Heriollard ;  these  received  a  silver  medal. 
Another  large  silver  medal  was  awarded  to  M.  Dagnanx  for  a  collec- 
tion numerous  in  variety,  but  very  poor  in  quality.  Yet  another  large 
silver  medal,  and  this  was  awarded  to  M.  Entraygnes  for  a  small  col- 
lection, but  tolerable  in  quality ;  it  consisted  of  six  Tomatoes,  a  few 
Ashleaf  Kidney  Potatoes,  Dwarf  Kidney  Beans,  young  Turnips,  Peas, 
small  green  and  large  yellow  Cucumbers,  two  bundles  of  Asparagus, 
a  bunch  of  Radishes,  and  three  Melons.  This  ends  the  vegetable 
part,  and  now  attention  will  be  directed  to  the  objects  of  art  and 
industry  exhibited.  But  there  is  something  that  first  attracts  atten- 
tion. What  is  it?  Why,  some  fruit  trees.  Two  Pears,  two  Apples, 
two  Cherries,  two  Currants,  and  two  Vines,  the  whole  in  pots,  trained 
up  spiral  columns  of  galvanised-iron  wire,  reaching  about  2  yards 
high.  The  trees  shown,  as  could  well  be  seen,  had  been  trained  on 
this  system  from  their  infancy,  and  had  attained  three-fourthB  of  the 


height  of  the  columns,  had  plenty  of  fruit  upon  them,  and,  being  sub- 
jected  to  pinching,  produced  a  spiral  cordon.  They  were  exhibited  by 
the  person  interested  in  the  sale  of  the  wire  columns.  The  wire  was 
about  the  size  of  an  ordinary  lead  pencil.  By  the  Bide  of  these  trees 
were  two  squares  planted  out  with  Strawberries  and  salading.  the  ground 
covered  with  short  manure,  and  one  square  covered  afterwards  with 
earthen  tiles,  and  the  other  with  glass  tiles,  these  being  illustrations 
of  how  to  use  the  same,  offered  by  the  vendor  for  the  purpose  of 
keeping  the  soil  cool  and  damp  for  the  benefit  of  the  plants  cultivated 
in  the  summer  months.  The  contrivance  has  a  very  clean  appearance, 
as  may  be  supposed,  and  might  be  amusing  to  amateurs,  but  I  doubt 
it  would  not  answer  in  large  gardens,  and,  again,  must  be  the  means 
of  excluding  air,  which  is  so  beneficial  to  the  well-being  of  the  plants. 
Horticultural  structures  were  fairly  illustrated  by  three  or  four 
makers  with  greenhouses  lean-to  and  Bpan-roofed,  propagating  houses, 
&c,  and  were,  with  only  one  exception,  entirely  of  iron,  and  had  cur- 
vilinear roofs,  this  being  at  the  present  day  the  fashion  in  France. 
Melon  frames  were  also  plentiful,  some  with  oakframesand  iron  lights, 
others  all  of  iron,  and,  being  bolted  together  at  the  corners,  they  can 
be  put  np  in  winter  in  very  small  space.  Messrs.  Lefebvre-Dormois, 
Rue  de  Faubourg  du  Temple,  92,  Paris,  received  a  large  silver  medal 
for  their  lean-to,  all  of  iron,  which  is  a  very  light,  airy,  and  well-made 
house,  but  the  top  part  of  it  is  too  flat,  which  occasions  drip.  Of  this 
I  speak  from  experience,  as  I  have  one  such  house  ;  the  defect  could  be 
easily  remedied,  and  then  the  house  would  be  one  of  the  best  forms 
made.  There  is  a  railing  at  the  back  for  the  purpose  of  attaching  the 
cords,  by  which  the  straw  mats  are  drawn  up  every  morning  in  winter, 
as  it  must  be  understood  all  houses  for  horticultural  purposes  are  in 
France  covered  with  the  universal jxiilla^son,  and  this  latter  is  gene- 
rally made  at  home.  They  are  a  great  guarantee  against  frost,  and 
economise  fuel,  but  cause  a  great  deal  of  litter,  which  would  not  be 
tolerated  everywhere.  Another  exhibitor,  A.  F.  Maury,  17,  Rue  du 
BuisBon,  St.  Louis,  had  several  forms  of  houses,  but  received  no 
medal.  The  houses  from  this  exhibitor  illustrated  means  of  giving 
air  by  opening  seven  or  eight  lights  at  a  time,  hut  would  not  be  an 
improvement  on  the  winch  method  used  in  England,  and  which  has 
been  adopted  for  many  years.  The  one  house  built  with  wood  in 
place  of  iron  was  from  M.  Nattier,  2-iO,  Boulevard  du  Prince  Eugene, 
and  was  said  to  illustrate  a  new  system  of  ventilation,  but  was  merely 
a  slight  modification  of  the  well-known  lantern. 

Of  boilers,  five  or  six  exhibitors  came  forward  with  various  models 
of  different  systems,  but  I  am  afraid  they  would  come  to  grief  against 
an  ordinary  tubular,  and  especially  a  duplex.  There  was  to  have 
been  a  competition  of  boilers,  but  after  having  been  postponed  twice  it 
did  not  come  off  at  all.  Our  English  boiler-makers  ought  to  get  up  a 
friendly  competition,  and  bring  to  light  honestly  and  openly  what  each 
of  their  new  or  old  inventions  really  can  do,  and  at  the  same  time  make 
it  international.  It  would  be  an  interesting  addition  to  next  year's 
Exhibition,  and  prove  of  infinite  benefit  to  the  horticultural  public. 

Cutlery,  of  French  manufacture,  was  well  illustrated  by  Hardiville, 
218,  Rue  St.  Jacques,  Paris,  who  received  a  silver  medal  for  the 
same.  This  firm  is  one  of  the  principal  for  horticultural  cutlery  in 
France.  One  other  exhibitor,  Marmure,  Faubourg  Montmartre,  17, 
Paris,  received  honourable  mention. 

Ornamental  ironwork,  such  as  spring-bottom  chairs  for  gardens 
garden  seats,  tables,  iron  fencing,  and  ornamental  wirework,  from  the 
celebrated  "Usfne  Tronchon,"  Avenue  d'Eylau,  9,  Paris,  attracted 
considerable  notice  and  received  a  large  silver  medal.  Other  exhibitors 
in  this  class  were  M.  Borel,  10,  Quai  du  Louvre,  Paris,  and  M.  L. 
Binet,  Rue  des  Arts,  22  et  24,  Paris,  both  of  whom  have  received 
many  medals  from  time  to  time. 

Pumps,  syringes,  water-carts,  <fcc,  came  from  numerous  exhibitors, 
and  all  of  them  bad  points,  either  good  or  bad,  as  compared  with  old 
systems.  A  most  interesting  part  of  the  Exhibition  were  the  many 
forms  of  jets  for  fountains.  I  may  state  that  the  Perfect  Watering- 
can,  as  it  is  called  in  the  English  advertisements,  was  exhibited  as 
tube  arrosoir  by  Charles  Pfersdorff,  horticulteur,  inventeur  hrevete, 
S.G.D.G.,  110,  Avenae  de  Saint  Ouen,  Batignolles,  Paris,  and 
73,  South  Row,  KenBal  New  Town,  and  was  awarded  a  silver  medal 
for  the  same.     Are  there  two  inventors?  and  which  is  the  right? 

Plant  cases  were  shown  in  various  forms;  that  which  claimed  most 
attention  was  a  round  case  made  in  three  parts,  which  may  easily  be 


understood  by  the  accompanying  figures.      It  is  made  by  Fenoglio, 
1,   Rue   de   Kabylie,   19,   Arrondissement,   Paris,   who  has  already 


July  7, 1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


11 


received  eight  medals  in  gold,  silver,  and  bronze  from  Hamburg,  Italy, 
and  France.     None  was  given  this  time. 

Vases,  reservoirs,  flower  cases,  fountains,  &c,  made  on  a  new  patent 
system  of  cement  and  iron  were  Bhown.  The  iron  part  is  merely  wire- 
work  in  squares,  to  which  the  cement  is  put  on  both  sides  ;  it  appears  to 
be  very  solid,  as  several  cisterns  were  sent  that  had  been  in  constant 
use  for  six  years,  and  from  which  water  had  been  taken  ont  with  water- 
ing pots,  but  these  samples  appeared  as  Bolid  as  ever. 

The  fly  trap,  spokeu  of  in  the  English  horticultural  journals,  was 
again  brought  to  notice  by  the  inventor  himself — viz.,  M.  L.  Rommetin, 
Quai  de  Valmy,  93,  Paris,  and  although  it  was  not  awarded  a  medal 
this  time,  it  had  already  received  several. 

Imitation  china  was  well  shown  by  Lebonrg,  43,  Boulevard  du 
Prince  Eugrne,  Paris,  in  the  shape  of  vases,  tfcc,  and  was  such  an 
excellent  imitation  of  old  china-work  that  it  was  well  worth  the  silver 
medal  that  was  awarded.  Vases  and  other  ornamental  articles  for 
halls  and  rooms  manufactured  in  delph  were  well  brought  forward  by 
Barbizet  file,  17,  Place  du  Trone,  Paris,  and  who  deserved  well  the 
silver  medal  that  was  awarded.  M.  M.  J.  Leune  et  E.  Leune,  Rue 
des  2  Ponts,  29  et  31  (He  St.  Louis),  Paris,  received  a  medal  in  bronze 
for  the  same. 

This  ends  the  description  of  the  principal  articles  of  interest,  and 
although  there  were  many  things  to  interest  a  visitor,  the  Exhibition 
cannot,  certainly,  in  some  of  its  parts  be  said  to  be  a  fair  illustration 
of  French  horticulture  in  general. — Ainsi. 


INSECTS   INJURIOUS   TO   THE    PEAR    TREE. 

No.  S. 

SriLONOTA    CYN0SBATELLA — Red     BuD-CATERriLLAR.       It    bai 

also  been  Darned  by  entomologists  Tortrix  ocellana,  Penthina 
ocellana,  Pybalis  luscana,  and  Tinea  cynosbatella. 


The  moth  is  about  three-quarters  of  an  inch  from  tip,  to  tip 
of  the  expanded  wings.  Fore  wings  white,  tinged  with  brown  ; 
brownish  black  at  the  base,  and  blotched  with  bluish  black. 
Hind  wings  brownish  grey.  The  caterpillar  is  dirty  flesh- 
colour,  with  darker  lines  down  the  back  and  sides ;  the  head 
and  neck  brownish  black,  with  pale  spots.  It  passes  into  the 
chrysalis  state  in  the  flower  bud  it  has  attacked.  The  cater- 
pillar appears  at  the  time  of  the  Pear  bloom  openiog,  and  the 
moth  is  found  early  in  July.  The  eggs  are  laid  in  the  buds, 
and  remain  through  the  winter  unhatched.  A  drop  of  sap 
often  appears  on  a  bud  that  is  attacked.  The  bud  seems  glued 
bo  as  to  be  unable  to  open.  The  caterpillar  feeds  on  the  young 
fruits  as  well  as  on  the  buds.  It  is  full  grown  in  about  a 
month,  and  then  spins  a  white  cocoon,  in  which  it  changes 
to  a  chrysalis. 

To  prevent  future  ravages,  the  buds  attacked  should  be  de- 
stroyed with  the  ravagers  they  contain. 


WATERING. 

1st.  Is  it  necessary  to  water  newly-planted  subjects,  such  as 
bedding  plants,  or  kitchen  garden  crops  ?  To  this  1  reply — No, 
and  in  support  of  my  opinion  I  advance  the  following  facts. 
This  spring  and  summer,  so  far,  have  proved  remarkably  dry, 
and,  as  usual,  I  see,  as  an  every-day-affair,  watering  plants  as 
soon  as  planted,  and  that  it  is  followed  up  for  weeks.  Now 
india-rubber  tubing  is  to  be  had  at  such  a  low  rate,  there 
seems  to  be  no  end  of  the  work,  and  yet  instead  of  plants  look- 
ing better  they  look  the  contrary. 

In  the  third  week  of  May  I  turned  out  my  bedding  plants  ; 
it  was  very  cold  and  dry,  but  as  there  were  no  signs  of  rain,  and 


being  anxious  to  have  less  every-day-watering,  I  planted  out. 
The  plants  having  been  in  the  trenches  intended  for  Celery  for 
a  month,  they  were  well  hardened-off,  and  though  since  they 
were  planted  there  have  been  but  two  parts  of  days  rain,  of 
which  to-day  (June  24th)  gave  the  heaviest  fall,  I  could  not. 
wish  to  Bee  plants  better,  either  as  regards  bloom  (they  are  to- 
day a  mass  of  flowers  ;  Christine,  Stella.  Tom  Thumb,  Madame 
Vaucher,  and  Lord  Palmerston  Pelargoniums,  and  Lobelia 
speciosa,  being  lovely),  or  for  foliage,  and  that,  too,  although 
they  have  had  no  water  excepting  the  rain  and  dew.  A  friend 
called  here  on  May  28tb,  and  remarked  how  well  the  plants 
were  doing,  and  said  there  must  be  root  action.  I  lifted  a 
plant  that  had  been  put  in  on  May  23rd,  and  there  were  new 
white  roots  three-quarters  of  an  inch  long. 

Now,  I  think  there  is  nothing  very  remarkable  about  this. 
In  March  I  manure  and  deeply  dig  the  beds,  which  then  remain 
bare  till  May.  Between  March  and  May  we  have  much  cold 
wet  weather,  but  then  we  have  much  sunshine,  which  warms 
the  ground  by  the  time  it  is  ready  for  planting.  I  thoroughly 
water  in  the  morning  the  plants  which  I  intend  planting  in  the 
afternoon  ;  I  then  plant  them,  and  tome  it  seems  like  planting 
them  in  a  gentle  hotbed,  as  though  the  soil  may  be  cold  on  the 
surface,  it  is  not  so  underneath.  The  plant  then  being  in  a 
moist  state,  and  the  ground  warm,  the  roots  commence  growing 
at  once,  and,  of  course,  the  tops  will  not  be  far  behind. 

The  points  in  favour  of  a  plant  not  being  watered  are — First, 
by  thoroughly  watering  the  plant  some  few  hours  before  plant- 
ing, it  fills  or  feeds  the  plant,  and,  therefore,  when  it  is  planted 
out  the  ground,  as  I  have  tried  to  explain,  being  warm,  it  grows 
at  once.  Secondly,  I  lay  the  plants  as  near  the  ground  as  pos- 
sible ;  by  doing  so,  while  the  wind  does  not  break  them,  the 
sap  is  equalised,  causing  the  plant  to  become  bushy.  Thirdly, 
When  it  rains  the  plants  grow  very  fast. 

I  will  now  take  a  case  of  watering.  A  plant  is  planted  out ; 
most  likely  it  is  very  dry,  as  I  have  beard  men  say,  Well,  we 
are  planting  out  so-and-so  to-day,  it  will  not  require  watering. 
Well,  it  is  planted  and  then  watered ;  in  fact,  I  may  call  it 
watering  the  ground,  as  the  plants  receive  very  little  of  the 
water,  especially  if  it  is  dry  before  planting,  and  the  conse- 
quence is  the  plant  is  at  a  standstill.  It  cannot  grow,  the 
water  given  taking  the  warmth  out  of  the  ground,  and  once 
watering  does  not  serve,  and  when  it  rains,  having  plenty  of 
water  before,  they  do  not  grow  very  fast.  Let  anyone  try  the 
two  methods,  and  he  will  see  the  difference. 

I  may  add,  that  in  18C8,  when  plants  in  general  suffered  so 
severely,  I  had  no  occasion  to  water,  and  yet  I  had  a  most 
beautiful  show,  though  I  mnst  say  that  deep  cultivation  has 
much  to  do  with  the  well-being  of  plants. 

The  points  against  the  watering  are  these  :  — 

1st.  By  watering  you  starve  the  plants  and  prevent  the  roots 
pushing,  as  they  will  not  grow  in  cold  ground. 

2nd.  Extra  labour,  which  though  one  may  have,  still  it  is 
loss  of  time  ;  and  then  once  water  always  water,  and  the  ground 
must  be  often  stirred  or  it  becomes  hard. 

3rd.  Watered  plants  will  not  stand  the  wind  and  weather, 
the  water  causing  the  tops  to  be  tender. 

With  regard  to  kitchen-garden  crops,  I  never  water  them, 
Celery  excepted,  and  healthier  growth  I  could  not  wish  to  see. 
In  planting  both  summer  and  winter  crops,  I  plant  in  drills.  I 
cut  Cauliflower  which  had  received  no  protection  since  March 
1st,  on  June  4th  ;  I  gathered  on  June  18th,  Ringleader  Peas, 
sown  on  March  9th,  and  Myatt's  Prolific  Potatoes,  on  June 
22nd.  This  I  consider  early  for  my  neighbourhood. — Stephen 
Castle,  The  Gardens,  Bent  Hill,  Prestwich. 


CROSS   FERTILISATION  AND  THE  LAW  OF 

SEX  IN   EUPHORBIA. 

Mr.  Charles  Dabwin's  interesting  observations  on  cross  fer- 
tilisation have  opened  a  new  world  for  original  discovery.  The 
list  of  plants  which  seem  to  avoid  self-fertilisation  is  already 
very  large.  I  think  Euphorbia  may  be  added  to  the  number. 
Certainly  this  is  the  case  with  Euphorbia  fulgens,  Karw.  (E. 
jacquiniseflora,  Hook.)  which  I  have  watched  very  closely  in  my 
greenhouse  this  winter.  Several  dayB  before  the  stamens  burst 
through  the  involucre,  which  closely  invests  them,  the  pistil, 
with  its  ovarium  on  the  long  pedicel,  has  protruded  itself  be- 
yond, exposed  its  stigmatic  surfaces,  and  received  the  pollen 
from  the  neighbouring  flowers.  The  way  in  which  the  pollen 
scatters  itself  is  curious.  In  most  flowers  a  Blight  jar  or  a 
breath  of  wind  will  waft  the  pollen  to  the  stigmas,  but  I  have 


12 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  July  7,  1870. 


not  been  able  to  notice  any  to  leave  these  flowers  in  this  way ; 
for  as  soon  as  the  anther  cells  burst  the  whole  stamen  falls 
from  its  filament-like  pedicel,  and  either  drops  at  once  on  the 
pistils  of  other  flowers,  or  scatters  its  pollen  grains  by  the  force 
of  the  fall. 

This  Euphorbia  also  furnishes  another  contribution  to  the 
theory  of  sex  which  I  have  advanced.  The  plan  on  which  the 
male  and  female  organs  are  formed  is  evidently  a  common  one  ; 
and  the  only  reason  why  some  flower  heads  have  a  pistil  in  the 
centre,  and  others  are  wholly  staminate,  is,  that  there  is  greater 
axial  vigour  token  the  female  flower  is  formed.  Whenever  the 
common  peduncle  (below  the  scarlet  involucre)  is  weak,  a  pistil 
never  appears  in  that  head  of  flowers.  A  few  which  seem 
strong  neither  have  them,  but  the  great  majority  of  the  strong 
peduncles  are  those  which  bear  the  female  blossoms.  Another 
interesting  fact  is,  that  the  number  of  male  flowers  is  less  in 
those  heads  which  also  bear  a  female,  than  in  those  which  are 
wholly  staminate.  This  seems  to  add  to  the  point  I  made  in 
my  paper  on  Ambrosia,  that  after  the  flowers  have  been  par- 
tially formed  in  embryo,  and  before  the  sex  has  been  finally 
determined,  the  female  flower,  being  primordially  the  stronger, 
has  the  power  of  absorbing  the  males,  or  their  partially  formed 
elements,  into  its  system.  It  is  certainly  remarkable  that  in 
both  these  instances  the  number  of  male  flowers  should  de- 
crease in  proportion  to  the  existence  or  vigour  of  the  central 
female  one. 

The  male  and  female  flowers  of  Euphorbia  fulgens  are  formed 
much  alike.  The  female  occupies  the  centre,  and  seems  really 
but  a  prolongation  of  the  main  stem,  on  the  top  of  which  is  an 
articulation  from  which  the  ovarium  springs.  The  capsule 
readily  falls  from  this  articulation  when  mature.  From  the 
base  of  the  female  central  peduncle  spring  weaker  peduncles, 
odourless,  appearing  indeed  almost  like  filaments,  articulated  at 
about  the  same  height  as  the  female,  only  above  the  point 
bearing  a  short  filament  and  anther — the  caduceons  part  before 
referred  to.  No  one  can  fail  to  see  the  correspondence  of  plan 
in  these  different  parts,  and  I  think  that  nothing  but  the 
favourable  position  in  the  direct  line  of  axial  vigour  made  the 
central  flower  a  female  one. 

Cases  occasionally  occur  in  which  a  tolerably  strong  head  of 
wholly  male  flowers  will  develope  the  central  axis  into  a  pedicel 
almost  as  long  and  vigorous  as  those  which  bear  female  flowers. 
But  the  flow  of  vital  force — if  1  am  correct  in  using  this  term — 
not  being  quite  sufficient,  the  final  goal  of  natural  perfection  in 
the  female  form  was  not  reached.  These  cases  do  not  occur 
often,  but  are  well  worth  looking  for,  as  they  show  so  clearly 
the  dividing  line  between  the  forces  which  govern  the  male  or 
female  sex.  —  Thomas  Meehan. — (Proceedings  of  Academy  of 
Natural  Sciences  of  Philadelphia.) 


NOTES  AND  GLEANINGS. 

The  Soiree  given  by  the  Duke  of  Buocleuch,  President 
of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society,  will  take  place  at 
South  Kensington  on  Wednesday  next,  July  13th,  and  not  on 
the  30th,  as  stated  in  our  last  number. 

The  following  arrangements  have  been  made  for  the 

Oxford  Meetings  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  : — 

"  Contemporaneously  with  the  Society's  Provincial  Show,  which  is 
to  take  place  in  the  grounds  of  the  Observatory  at  Oxford,  itis  intended 
to  hold  a  general  meeting  of  the  Society.  At  this  meeting  an  oppor- 
tunity will  be  afforded  for  the  election  of  new  FellowB  ;  and  the  most 
remarkable  noveltieB  exhibited  will  be  made  the  subject  of  comment. 
This  general  meeting  will  be  held  on  Wednesday,  July  20th,  the  chair 
to  be  taken  at  one  o'clock. 

"Additional  meetings  will  be  held  on  July  20th  and  21st  for  the 
reading  and  discussion  of  papers  on  subjects  of  horticultural  interest, 
after  the  manner  of  a  congress.  The  gardeners  of  the  United  Kingdom, 
as  well  as  other  persons  interested  in  horticultural  pursuits,  are  invited 
to  attend,  and  to  take  part  in  these  discussions.  Ten  minutes  will  be 
allowed  to  each  speaker.  At  these  meetings  the  chair  will  be  taken 
punctually  at  2  p.m.  Those  who  have  the  intention  of  speaking  upon 
any  of  the  subjects  to  be  brought  forward,  are  requested  to  communicate 
with  the  Society's  Floral  Director,  Mr.  Thomas  Moore,  of  the  Chelsea 
Botanic  Garden,  who  has  been  good  enough  to  undertake  the  organisa- 
tion of  these  meetings. 

"  On  Friday,  July  22nd,  the  special  prizes  will  be  distributed  by  the 
Lord  Henry  Gordon  Lennox,  M.P. 

"  South  Kensington,  London,  W.,  June  29f/i." 

programme  of  the  congress  meetings. 

Wednesday,  July  20th.— W.  Wilson  Saunders,  Esq.,  F.R.S.,  in  the 
chair. 

1.  Dr.  Voelcker,  F.R.S.,  member  of  the  Society's  Scientific  Com- 
mittee, will  give  a  short  lecture  on  "  The  Principles  of  Manuring." 


2.  Mr.  William  Ingram,  gardener  to  his  Grace  the  Duke  of  Rutland, 
K.G.,  at  Belvoir  Castle,  will  give  a  short  lecture  on  "  The  Dis- 
tribution of  Soils,  and  their  Influence  on  Vegetation." 
Thursday,  July  21st. — Major  Trevor   Clarke  in  the  chair.    The 
following  papers  will  be  read  and  discussed  : — 

1.  Professor  Lawson,  M.A.,  F.L.S.,  "A  Short  Account  of  some  of 

the  more  Eminent  Oxfordshire  Botanists  and  Gardeners." 

2.  Kev.  S.  Reynolds  Hole,  M.A.,  F.R.H.S.     "Roses." 

3.  Mr.  William  Paul,  F.R.H.S.     "  On  Colour  in  the  Tree  Scenery 

of  our  Gardens,  Parks,  and  Landscapes." 

4.  Dr.  Hogg,  F.L.S.,  Pomological  Director  R.H.S.     "  On  Judging 

Fruits." 

5.  Mr.  Thomas  Moore,  F.L.S.,  Floral  Director  R.H.S.     "  On  Judg- 

ing Plants  and  Flowers." 

6.  Mr.  Benjamin  S.  Williams,   F.R.H.S.      "  On  Pitcher  Plants." 

Illustrated  by  living  specimens. 
We  have  to  direct  attention  to  a  notice  in  our  advertis- 
ing columns  of  an  important  sale  which  is  to  take  place  at  Mr. 
Stevens's  Rooms,  King  Street,  Covent  Garden  to-morrow  (July 
8tb) ;  it  is  that  of  a  valuable  collection  of  stove  and  greenhouse 
plants  from  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society's  Chiswick  Garden, 
whence  they  must  be  removed  in  consequence  of  the  alterations 
about  to  be  made. 


WORK  FOR  THE  WEEK. 

kitchen  garden. 
Endeavour  to  plant  a  good  breadth  of  Celery  forthwith. 
What  is  called  the  Scotch  plan  of  planting — viz.,  in  beds  from 
4  to  6  feet  in  width,  is  that  generally  considered  preferable. 
These  beds,  whioh  usually  succeed  crops  of  Peas,  are  trenched 
two  spits  deep.  The  bottom  spit  has  plenty  of  raw  manure  or 
half-decayed  leaves,  and  the  top  one  old  manure.  The  prin- 
ciple points  in  growing  very  tender  and  crisp  Celery,  irrespec- 
tive of  size,  is  to  sow  it  rather  late,  and  grow  it  very  quickly  by 
means  of  plenty  of  manure  and  moisture.  Let  a  good  planting 
of  Leeks  be  made  directly,  using  as  much  manure  as  for 
Celery.  Shallots  inclined  to  ripen  should  be  raised  slightly 
with  a  Potato  fork,  in  order  to  admit  air  to  counteract  mouldi- 
ness.  Let  a  good  breadth  of  autumn  Turnips  be  put  in  without 
delay,  choosing  for  the  kitchen  garden  the  Dutch  or  Stone. 

FRUIT   GARDEN. 

Birds  at  this  season  are  troublesome,  and  it  requires  netting 
in  abundance  to  preserve  fruit  from  their  ravages.  As  the 
fruit  is  gathered  from  the  earlier  Cherries  remove  the  netting, 
which  may  serve  for  protecting  later  crops.  Look  over  Peaches 
and  Nectarines,  and  in  tying-in  the  young  wood  see  that  the 
fruit  is  not  too  thick.  Nai!ing-in  the  current  year's  wood,  and 
stopping  such  shoots  as  are  not  required  for  fruiting,  are  the 
principal  things  now  to  be  attended  to  in  this  department.  It 
may,  however,  be  advisable  to  go  over  such  trees  as  are  over- 
luxuriant,  and  stop  about  half  the  shoots,  beginning,  of  course, 
with  the  strongest ;  for  a  general  stopping  at  this  time  would 
probably  be  of  little  further  service  than  to  induce  the  produc- 
tion of  a  mass  of  useless  spray,  whereas  stopping  the  stronger 
shoots  of  trees  which  incline  to  grossness  will  divert  the  sap 
into  the  weaker  shoots,  which  will  be  strengthened,  while  the 
buds  on  the  shoots  that  have  been  Btopped  will  become  full 
and  plump  without  Btarting  into  growth.  Should  it  be  found 
that  the  roots  after  stopping  incline  to  start  into  growth,  it  will 
be  advisable,  as  soon  as  the  fruit  is  gathered,  to  open  a  trench 
at  a  moderate  distance  from  the  stem  of  the  tree,  cutting  the 
strongest  roots.  This  may  be  of  the  greatest  service  in  check- 
ing growth,  and  will  probably  do  more  towards  securing  ripe 
wood  than  anything  else  that  could  be  adopted.  Let  the  Straw- 
berry plantation  intended  to  stand  for  next  season  be  trimmed 
as  soon  as  convenient,  cutting  off  the  runners,  so  as  to  afford 
the  leaves  plenty  of  room. 

FLOWER  GARDEN. 

During  the  present  continuance  of  bright  weather,  frequently 
i  x  inline  Bhrubs  transplanted  this  spring,  especially  on  gravelly 
soils,  to  see  that  they  are  not  suffering  from  want  of  water. 
Give  a  liberal  soaking  where  necessary.  Bedding  plants  must 
also  be  duly  attended  to  with  water.  As  open  ground  and 
shrubberies  are  much  more  frequented  by  company  at  this 
season  than  at  any  other,  pay  more  attention  to  keeping  the 
greatest  neatness  and  order  in  every  part  where  there  are  hands 
to  admit  of  it.  Flowering  shrubs  as  they  go  out  of  bloom 
should  have  the  dead  leaves,  &o.,  removed,  and  be  slightly  eat 
back.  For  the  same  reasons  remove  the  seed  pods  from  Rho- 
dodendrons and  Tree  Paeonies.  Such  attention  will  be  followed 
by  an  inoreased  growth  of  the  plants,  and  there  will  be  a 
greater  chance  of  their  blooming  every  season.     The  most 


July  7,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


13 


forward  Carnations  and  Picotees  may  now  be  layered.  The 
layers  should  be  made  in  light  soil,  consisting  principally  of 
leaf  mould.  Thore  shootB  which  apparently  will  not  become 
sufficiently  strong  may  be  taken  off  and  treated  in  the  same 
way  as  Pink  pipings.  Take  every  opportunity  of  fertilising 
blooms  for  seed  ;  do  not  cross  a  Picotee  with  a  Carnation,  and 
prefer  flowers  which  have  a  broad,  stout,  well-formed,  and 
smooth  petal.  The  risk  is  considerable,  even  under  these  cir- 
cumstance!', but  the  gratification  arising  from  the  production  of 
one  first-rate  flower  repays  all  the  trouble.  Remove  all  mis- 
shapen blooms  of  Dahlias,  and  place  neat  stakes  round  the 
main  stem,  to  whioh  the  lateral  shoots  may  be  attached,  other- 
wise they  are  apt  to  be  twiBted  off  by  high  winds.  Occasionally 
examine  the  pipings  of  Pinks  which  are  under  hand-glasses ; 
remove  any  that  have  contracted  mouldiness,  and  carefully 
extract  all  weeds  from  amongst  them.  Tulips  may  now  be 
taken  up ;  store  them  in  cabinets  with  the  drawers  properly 
numbered,  or  put  them  in  thin  paper,  allowing  them  to  dry 
gradually  in  an  airy,  shady  place.  Hedges  should  be  well 
cut-in  with  shears,  unless  when  formed  of  large-leaved  plants, 
as  Laurel  and  Turkey  Oak,  when  the  knife  only  should  be  em- 
ployed, as  the  leaves  look  badly  when  clipped  with  shears. 

GREENHOUSE   AND    CONSERVATORY. 

Large  olimbers,  with  other  specimen  plants  of  considerable 
size,  are  liable  to  become  pot-bound,  and  as  it  is  not  always 
expedient  to  give  them  a  thorough  shift,  it  is  a  very  good  plan 
to  sink  the  pot  in  another  which  is  somewhat  larger.  The 
pot  selected  should  be  thoroughly  drained,  and  fibrous  heath 
soil  and  loam  in  lumps,  with  charooal  and  pounded  crocks, 
should  be  laid  over  the  drainage  before  placing  the  pot.  The 
rim  of  the  pot  inserted  may  be  elevated  about  one-third  of  its 
depth  above  the  level  of  the  exterior  pot.  This  will  give  room 
for  the  prepared  compost.  After  placing  it  perfectly  level  the 
space  between  the  two  pots  may  be  filled-up  with  the  same 
coarse  materials.  This  space  affords  a  good  chance  of  in- 
troducing stakes  or  trellising  without  injury  to  the  roots.  The 
plants  should  be  fed  with  liquid  manure  during  the  growing 
season.  Camellias  may  be  shifted  at  this  period.  It  is  con- 
sidered an  excellent  plan  to  perform  this  operation  the  moment 
that  the  flower  bud  is  decidedly  formed.  As  compost,  use  two- 
thirds  of  fibrous  loam  of  an  unctuous  character,  and  one-third 
of  fibrous  heath  soil.  The  more  fibrous  and  lumpy  it  is  the 
better ;  and  a  good  sprinkling  of  charcoal  in  small  masses, 
with  sharp  silver  sand,  should  be  added.  Let  the  pots  be  com- 
pletely drained  by  placing  some  large  crocks  in  a  very  hollow 
position  at  the  bottom,  topping  these  up  with  a  ponnded  mix- 
ture of  broken  pots  and  charcoal,  from  which  all  the  very 
small  partioles  have  been  riddled.  Cover  this  with  very 
fibrous  turf  in  small  lumps  before  placing  the  ball,  and  keep 
pressing  the  material — not  ramming  it — closely  with  the  fingers 
during  the  process  of  filling-up.  Have  the  compost  in  a 
mellow  state,  rather  inclining  to  dryness.  One  most  material 
point  is,  to  see  that  the  ball  is  thoroughly  moistened  before 
shifting ;  if  any  doubt  of  this  exist  let  the  ball  be  steeped  in 
water  for  a  quarter  of  an  hour  previous  to  potting.  Some  of 
the  Statices,  as  sinuata,  puberula,  &c,  exhausted  with  bloom- 
ing, may  be  shaken  out  of  their  pots  and  repotted.  These 
plants  delight  in  an  open  oompost  with  thorough  drainage, 
and  some  of  them  are  partial  to  a  close  and  moist  atmosphere. 
Stop  gross  shoots  of  greenhouse  Azaleas,  and  see  to  cuttings  of 
the  best  Pelargoniums.  Continue  to  pinch  off  all  blossoms 
from  pot  Roses  intended  for  flowering  in  November  and  De- 
cember, and  stop  all  luxuriant  shoots.  Young  stock  of  these 
for  winter  work  should  now  have  their  final  shift. 

STOVE. 

Some  of  the  Bletias,  as  also  the  old  Phajus  grandifolius,  are 
well  adapted  for  producing  winter  flowers.  Such  should  have 
their  growth  completed  with  all  possible  rapidity ;  they  enjoy 
abundance  of  liquid  manure.  Occasionally  stop  the  shoots  of 
some  of  the  young  plants  of  Euphorbia  jacquiniieflora,  they 
will  produce  a  succession  of  later  blossom. — W.  Keane. 


DOINGS  OP  THE  LAST  WEEK. 
We  had  on  the  1st  of  the  month  a  few  showers  which  refreshed 
the  foliage  of  plants  and  cooled  the  surface  of  the  parched  soil, 
though  they  did  not  reach  the  roots  nor  replenish  reservoirs, 
We  took  advantage  of  the  shade  to  plant  out  a  quantity  of 
Brussels  Sprouts,  Scotch  Kale,  and  Cauliflowers,  drawing  drills, 
and  planting  in  the  drills  after  puddling  the  roots,  and  watering 


with  sewage  immediately  afterwards.  The  plants  now  look 
established.  We  should  have  liked  to  have  planted  out  much 
more,  but  we  have  no  ground  at  liberty,  all  of  it  being  crammed 
until  we  can  get  some  Pea  and  Strawberry  ground  empty.  It  is 
comparatively  easy  gardening  when  a  quarter  or  two  can  be  found 
empty  for  winter  Greens  and  spring  Broccoli.  Contrary  to  our 
custom  we  have  planted  Brussels  Sprouts  and  other  Greens  in 
the  place  which  had  been  filled,  up  to  within  a  few  days,  chiefly 
with  Scotch  Cabbaging  Kale — that  and  Veitch's  Dwarf  being 
about  the  best,  the  Cabbaging  Kale  yielding  fine  gatherings  of 
soft  and  tender  shoots  to  the  end  of  June,  and  making  a  change 
with  Cauliflowers  and  Cabbages.  NothiDg  beats  them,  except 
the  sprouts  from  Coleworts  that  have  stood  all  the  winter,  and 
the  most  compact  Cauliflowers.  These  shoots  from  the  Cole- 
worts  were  far  before  the  most  crisp  young  Cabbages,  though 
they,  too,  were  very  good.  The  Coleworts  filled  the  north  side 
of  a  sloping  bank,  and  they  looked  so  well  and  lasted  so  well, 
that  instead  of  removing  them  we  planted  Potatoes  between 
them  ;  but  we  fear  we  left  the  Coleworts  too  long  for  the  good 
of  the  Potatoes,  as  the  ground  was  too  mnch  exhausted  as  well 
as  Bhaded  at  first.  However,  we  expect  that  with  surfaoe- 
stirring  there  will  still  be  a  moderate  crop  of  Potatoes  to  come 
in  after  the  early  ones  on  the  south  side  are  done,  which  as  yet 
have  yielded  unusually  well,  are  quite  ripe,  and  will  be  lifted 
for  the  sake  of  room.  We  mention  this  merely  as  a  sample  of 
the  way  in  which  many  of  us  must  crop.  Even  Cauliflowers 
planted  2  feet  apart  in  rows  must  generally  have  a  crop  of 
Radishes.  Spinach,  or  Lettuce  between  them. 

As  to  the  piece  planted  with  winter  Greens  after  having 
carried  such  a  heavy  crop  of  the  same  kind,  though  contrary  to 
our  general  practice  of  rotation  of  cropping,  the  plan  may  be 
adopted  at  times  with  impunity.  In  a  neat  little  garden  which 
has  been  noticed  in  these  pages,  we  much  err  if  one  border  has 
not  carried  a  crop  of  Brussels  Sprouts  for  more  than  twenty 
years,  and  done  it  well  all  that  time.  We  presume  it  would 
yearly  have  a  dressing  of  manure.  We  put  a  fair  allowance  on 
our  piece,  and  trenched  it  over  to  from  18  to  24  inches  deep, 
mixing  the  manure  with  the  soil,  instead  of  turning  it  in  at 
the  bottom.  The  trenching  was  fully  confirmatory  of  what  has 
been  recently  stated  of  plants,  when  established,  drawing  up 
moisture  from  beneath.  The  roots  of  that  fine  plantation  had 
gone  far  down  for  moisture.  To  the  depth  of  nearly  2  feet  the 
soil  was  the  driest  we  ever  saw,  so  dry  that  even  the  lower  spit 
would  scarcely  lie  on  the  spade,  but  was  inclined  to  fall  off 
like  so  much  kiln-dried  sand.  We  made  holes  with  a  pickaxe, 
and  found  vigorous  roots  of  the  old  Kale  3  and  4  feet  from  the 
surface,  clasping  the  dampish  clay.  So  dry  was  the  soil  near 
the  surface,  that  but  for  adding  the  manure,  we  should  have  been 
inclined  to  have  made  holes  with  a  crowbar  without  digging, 
and  watered  the  holes  before  and  after  planting.  In  such  loose, 
fresh-turned-up,  dry  soil,  it  would  be  next  to  impossible  to  firm 
plants  properly,  and,  therefore,  the  surface  was  well  trodden, 
and  then  heavily  rolled,  before  the  drills  were  drawn  for  plant- 
ing the  young  plants. 

People  would  save  themselves  much  uneasiness  if  they  would 
but  recollect,  that  plants  fully  established  will  get  moisture 
from  beneath,  or  send  their  roots  down  in  search  of  it.  We  all 
know  that  a  dry  summer  generally  yields  us  the  finest  crops  of 
Wheat.  This  is  not  because  the  roots  can  do  with  so  much  less 
moisture  ;  but  because  the  drier  and  warmer  atmosphere  suits 
the  plants,  and  the  roots  obtain  moisture  from  beneath.  We 
have  carefully  traced  the  roots  of  Wheat  to  more  thaD  3  feet  in 
depth.  We  believe  that  others  more  careful  have  found  them 
deeper  than  that,  though  Wheat,  perhaps  more  than  most 
plants,  rejoices  in  a  firm,  consolidated  soil. 

It  is  with  fresh-planted-out  plants  that  the  chief  difficulty  is 
to  be  found  where  there  is  scarcity  of  water.  It  would  be  of 
little  use  transplanting  Lettuces,  for  instance,  unless  you  could 
water  and  shade ;  but  taken  on  the  whole,  our  Lettuces  sown 
thinly  in  well-stirred  soil,  and  thinned  out  early,  have  been  as 
crisp  as  usual,  and  have  stood  pretty  well  the  usual  time  before 
showing  the  flower  stem. 

Some  remarks  have  been  made  about  our  speaking  of  parasol 
Cabbage  leaves  in  such  a  season  as  this  ;  but  as  an  evidence  of 
what  can  be  done  in  a  holding  soil,  and  giving  the  plants  the 
full  chance  of  catering  for  themselves  as  regards  moisture,  we 
may  mention  that  on  measuring  a  number  of  the  larger  leaves 
near  the  base  of  the  plant  we  found  them  average  18  inches  in 
length  and  20  inches  in  breadth.  These  plants  had  one  water- 
ing (a  moderate  one)  of  house  sewage.  We  know  the  ground 
will  be  a  mass  of  roots  to  a  considerable  depth.  This  Cabbage 
is  a  very  good  early  kind.    We  obtained  the  seeds  from  Mr. 


14 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


I  July  7,  1870. 


Cannon,  of  Hitcben,  who  grows  largely  for  sale,  and  is  quite 
as  distinguished  with  his  fine  Broccoli.  We  believe  it  is  chiefly 
owing  to  his  practical  treatment,  giving  ground  entirely  to  the 
Broccoli  crop,  and  having  his  plants  a  yard  apart  every  way. 
This  is  a  very  different  thing  from  many  gardeners,  who  must 
continue  to  get  Broccoli  when  the  young  plants  are  smothered 
and  drawn  up  lanky  when  growing  between  Peas  and  other  crops. 
If  a  tradesman  finds  it  so  remunerative  to  give  such  a  free 
space  to  his  Broccoli,  is  not  this  an  argument,  where  fine  vege- 
tables are  desired,  to  give  the  gardener  the  ground  to  grow 
them  in  ?  But  to  return  to  the  parasol-leaved  Cabbages. 
Fine  as  they  are,  they  might  be  too  large  for  some  of  our 
readers  who  have  but  little  ground,  and  to  them  we  can  safely 
recommend  Veitch's  Matchless.  It  very  soon  forms  a  heart, 
though  of  small  size.  We  have  measured  the  leaves,  which 
stand  rather  upright,  and  find  they  would  average  about 
8  inches  by  7,  with  a  nice  compact  Cabbage  in  the  centre. 
Such  a  compact  kind  will  thrive  well  in  rows  16  inches  apart, 
and  the  plants  12  inches  from  each  other  in  the  row.  This 
kind  also  yields  second  and  third  crops  very  freely.  Of  the 
larger  sort  alluded  to— a  regular  fill-basket  for  a  large  establish- 
ment, the  young  Cabbages  are  coming  so  freely  from  the  stumps, 
that  we  shall  be  tempted  to  give  them  a  sewage- watering  at  the 
first  opportunity.  Unless  the  winter  proves  very  severe,  our 
spring  Cabbages  generally  yield  profuse  gatherings  until  April 
in  the  following  year. 

The  seed  leaves  of  our  first-sown  Cabbages  are  just  coming 
through  the  ground.  We  shall  sow  again  about  the  time  this 
is  printed.  The  ground  turned  up  very  dry.  It  was  left  a 
little  rough,  and  well  soaked  with  sewage.  When  it  became 
dryish  on  the  surface  it  was  levelled  down,  the  seeds  (red- 
leaded)  were  scattered  over  it,  beaten  in  with  the  back  of  a 
clean  spade,  and  then  covered  with  from  one-eighth  to  a  quarter 
of  an  inoh  of  riddled  dry  soil,  left  dry  and  open.  The  seed- 
lings looked  very  well  when  they  came  through  it.  A  little 
charcoal  dust  is  an  excellent  material  to  mix  with  the  dry 
surface  covering.  Thus  securing  moisture  beneath  is  far 
better  than  surface  waterings,  which  cake  the  surface  and  inter- 
fere with  the  seedlings  supplying  themselves  with  moisture 
from  beneath. 

Early  Peas. — Sowed  some  rows  of  early  Peas,  and  if  the 
weather  promises  to  be  fine  will  make  one  sowing  more.  With 
the  early  kinds,  so  far  as  earliness  is  concerned  we  have  no 
fault  to  find.  Sutton's  Ringleader  is  good,  and  so  is  Carter's 
Early  and  Chater's  (of  Cambridge)  Early.  Of  all  such,  with  us 
Chafer's  was  the  most  prolifio,  but  though  all  earlier  for  a  week 
or  so,  none  yielded  like  a  good  sample  of  Sangster's  No.  1. 
We  hope  our  seedsmen  will  keep  that  sort  true,  as  in  crowded 
gardens  it  is  almost  impossible  to  do  so.  Times  were  when 
seedsmen  would  send  half  a  dozen  kinds  by  name  out  of  the 
same  bag,  and  we  fear  that  Sangster's  will  have  a  ohance  of 
being  lost,  an  earlier  sort  being  sent  instead  that  would  not 
yield  a  fourth  of  the  gathering — a  matter  often  of  more  moment 
than  a  few  days'  earliness  in  picking.  Dickson's  Favourite  is 
a  fine  second  early  Pea,  and  our  young  Pea3  taste  well,  though 
the  haulm  is  getting  mildewed. 

M ildeio.— This  has  led  us  to  note  a  little  matter,  though  it 
may  afterwards  prove  to  be  of  small  moment.  All  our  earliest 
and  second  early  Peas  that  showed  signs  of  mildew  were  sown 
in  drills  in  the  usual  way.  The  drills  were  rather  narrow  at 
the  bottom,  being  drawn  out  with  the  hoe  in  the  ordinary 
method,  and  the  Peas  sown  quite  thickly  enough  in  the  bottom 
of  the  drill.  The  second  early  and  succession  Peas— that  is,  those 
coming  into  pod,  those  coming  into  bloom,  and  those  younger, 
as  yet  green  and  flourishing,  and  showing  no  signs  of  mil- 
dew, were  sown  in  the  old-fashioned  way  we  used  to  practise 
many  years  ago,  and  renewed  again  of  late,  and  more  especially 
this  year,  when  signs  of  a  dry  season  began  to  appear.  The 
ground  was  well  dug  and  pulverised,  and  where  possible  mode- 
rately enriched.  A  narrow  trench  the  width  of  a  spade  was 
then  thrown  right  and  left,  say  4  inches  deep,  a  little  rotten 
manure  was  thrown  over  its  bottom,  and  just  lightly  forked  in  ; 
the  bottom  of  the  shallow  trench  was  then  trodden  and  well 
watered.  In  an  hour  or  less,  if  the  sun  was  bright,  ihe  points 
of  a  fork  were  just  drawn  along  the  watered  bottom  to  make  the 
surface  a  little  open  and  rough,  and  then  the  seeds  were  scat- 
tered thinly  over  the  sunk  space,  say  7  inches  wide,  the  seeds 
ranging  from  1}  to  2  inches  from  each  other.  The  seeds  were 
patted  down  with  the  back  of  a  clean  spade,  and  covered  with 
nearly  an  inch  of  the  dry  Boil  from  the  sides.  Peas  so  treated, 
even  in  this  dry  summer,  have  as  yet  shown  no  mildew,  and  no 
great  signs  of  distress. 


FRUIT   DEPARTMENT. 

We  did  much  work  in  shortening  the  shoots  of  fruit  trees, 
as  referred  to  last  week,  and  gathered  a  large  quantity  of  Straw- 
berries and  Raspberries  for  preserving.  If  we  have  rain  or 
can  water  freely,  there  will  be  plenty  more  of  both.  Our  house- 
keeper tells  us  she  never  before  had  Strawberries  that  stood  so 
well  to  bulk  and  remained  so  firm.  No  doubt  this  was  owing 
to  the  sun  and  dryness  leaving  little  moisture  in  the  berries. 
We  know  of  many  instances  in  which  the  makers  of  Rhubarb 
jam  complained  of  the  hardness  of  the  Rhubarb  stalks,  but 
now  they  are  forced  to  own  that  they  never  had  such  rich  and 
firm  jam  and  jelly  before — there  was  so  little  watery  juice  in 
the  stalks.  We  must  think  of  taking  off  Strawberry  runners 
for  forcing  next  season.  Cherries  on  walls  this  season,  un- 
watered  and  unsyringed,  are  very  good  ;  Cherries  on  standards 
in  the  open  have  been  smaller  than  usual ;  Cherries  in  pots  in 
the  orchard  house  have  been  fine,  because  to  these  water  must 
be  given  or  the  plants  would  die. 

ORNAMENTAL   DEPARTMENT. 

Here  our  chief  work  has  been  switching  the  lawn  with  the 
Daisy  knife  to  remove  Plantain  Btalks,  a  few  Daisies,  some 
flowers  of  Dutch  Clover,  and  yellow  blooms  of  the  Lotus  corni- 
oulatus.  Tlie  lawn  is  a  little  brown,  but  a  good  shower  would 
make  it  green.  Clipped  the  sides  of  walks,  and  Bwept  and 
rolled  to  give  a  fresh  smooth  suiface.  A  few  dull  days  would 
give  us  more  growth  in  the  beds,  and  then  there  would  soon 
be  masses  of  bloom.  Watered  Roses  with  sewage  water.  They 
much  like  it  if  not  too  strong.  The  wood  is  now  in  good  order 
for  budding,  and  we  know  no  more  delightful  work  for  the 
amateur  and  the  cottager  to  engage  in.  In  most  gardens  of 
any  size  where  the  labour  power  is  always  at  full  stretch,  it 
will  be  most  economical  in  every  way  to  obtain  supplies  from 
our  great  Rose  growers.  The  regular  budder,  from  practice, 
puts  his  buds  in  with  a  rapidity  and  a  certainty  that  mere 
casual  budders  might  look  on  with  astonishment. 

Bedding  plants  have  now  obtained  good  hold,  and  mostly 
must  cater  for  themselves.  The  showers  encouraged  us  to 
turn  out  lots  of  ABters,  Stocks,  Wallflowers,  and  annuals. 
Firmness  in  planting  is  a  great  point  in  Buch  a  season  as  this 
— in  fact,  in  any  season.  When  the  dibber  is  used  it  is  the 
one  oblique  stroke  that  fastens  the  roots  securely.  When  the 
trowel  is  used  for  a  plant  with  a  ball,  the  chief  error  is  to 
attempt  to  fasten  the  roots  by  pressing  downwards,  which  is 
apt  to  disarrange  and  destroy  the  roots.  The  right  way  is  to 
make  the  hole  large  enough,  and  to  press  the  finely-pulverised 
earth  to  the  ball  laterally.  When  this  is  done,  water  well, 
to  settle  all  the  roots  in  their  places,  before  quite  finishing  at 
the  surface. 

Much  has  been  done  in  pricking  off  and  potting  Chinese 
Primulas,  Brov>al!ias,  Cinerarias,  and  potting  and  repotting 
Balsams.  The  Cinerarias,  fresh  potted  in  small  pots,  we 
placed  under  glass  in  a  cold  frame,  with  its  high  side  to  the 
south,  as  they  will  want  less  water  than  if  they  stood  out  of 
doors. 

Much  has  been  done  in  repotting,  and  here  wo  met  with 
several  instances  where  the  plants  did  not  seem  to  be  right, 
and  yet  the  modes  detailed  the  other  week  for  knowing  whether 
a  plant  was  damp  enough  at  the  roots  had  been  tried  without 
avail.  The  surface  and  bottom  of  the  ball  were  quite  right  as 
respects  moisture,  and  so  was  the  ball  for  about  2  inches  deep 
all  round  ;  therefore,  though  we  had  suspicions  that  part  of  the 
roots  were  dry,  the  suspicions  were  lulled  by  the  dull  sound 
that  came  from  the  pot  when  struck.  The  truth  is  that  the 
outside  of  the  ball  was  moist  enough,  and  contained  fine, 
healthy  roots ;  the  inside  of  the  ball  was  dry.  To  make  it 
wet  without  repotting,  it  would  have  been  necessary  to  have 
made  small  holes,  or  to  have  set  the  pot  in  water.  In  our  case, 
.after  getting  rid  of  a  lot  of  the  old  soil,  the  ball  was  set  in 
water  until  the  centre  was  thoroughly  moistened.  Very  likely 
these  plants  had  been  potted  last,  when  the  ball  was  compara- 
tively dry.  This  would  account  for  the  surface  and  the  out- 
sides  of  the  ball  being  moist,  whilst  the  centre  was  so  dry. 
There  is  no  more  common  error — none  that  ruins  pot  plants 
more  than  this — potting  them  afresh  whilst  the  soil  of  the  old 
ball  is  dry.  No  common  watering  will  ever  thoroughly  wet 
that  dry  soil  again  ;  the  moisture  given  will  always  escape  by 
the  looser  soil  at  the  sides.  Make  sure,  then,  first  of  all,  that 
the  ball  of  a  plant  is  sufficiently  moist  before  placing  it  in  a 
new  and  larger  pot.  And  once  more,  in  repotting  use  soil 
neither  wet  nor  dry — wet  enough  to  retain  the  marks  of  your 
fingers  when  you  squeeze  a  handful  tightly,  dry  enough  that 
that  handful  will  fall  to  pieces  when  you  lay  it  down  on  the 


Ju'y  7.  1-TO  1 


JOUBNAL  OF  HOBTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


15 


potting-board.  If  wetter,  it  may  be  too  compressed  to  allow 
water  to  percolate  freely  ;  if  drier,  there  is  a  great  difiionHy  in 
common  watering  to  get  the  whole  regularly  moistened. — R.  F. 


TO    CORRESPONDENTS. 

•••  We  request  that  no  one  will  write  privately  to  any  of  the 
correspondents  of  the  "  Journal  of  Horticulture,  Cottage 
Gardener,  and  Country  Gentleman."  By  so  doing  they 
are  subjected  to  unjustifiable  trouble  and  expense.  All 
communications  should  therefore  be  addressed  solely  to 
The  Editors  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture,  <£*<;.,  171,  Fleet 
Street,  London,  E.G. 

We  also  request  that  correspondents  will  not  mix  up  on  the 
same  sheet  questions  relating  to  Gardening  and  those  on 
Poultry  and  Bee  subjects,  if  they  expect  to  get  them  an- 
swered promptly  and  conveniently,  but  write  them  on 
separate  communications.  Also  never  to  send  more  than 
two  or  three  questions  at  once. 

N.B. — Many  questions  must  remain  unanswered  until  next 
week. 

Books  (./.  W„  Liverpool).  —  "Fruit  Gardening  for  the  Many"  con- 
tains all  you  require  about  Strawberry  culture.  Yon  can  have  it  from 
our  office,  post  free,  if  you  enclose  five  postage  stamps  with  your  address. 
Tenant  Removing  Shrubs  (Yorkshire)*— Yon  have  no  legal  right  to 
remove  shrubs  nt  plants  from  the  garden,  although  they  were  inserted 
and  have  been  cultivated  by  yourself  for  seven  years.  Cannot  you  divide 
each  plant,  put  one  part  in  a  pot,  and  leave  the  other  part  ?  The  potted 
portions  you  might  take  away. 

Measuring  Glaziers'  Work  Li.  IT.).— Unless  specified  to  the  con- 
trary, glazing  by  the  foot  is  measured  on  the  square— that  is,  the  greatest 
length  nnd  breadth;  at  least  that  used  to  be  the  case.  The  trne  measure- 
ment of  angloB  and  triangles,  as  ends  and  corners,  would  only  be  half  a 
square;  but  a  glazier  could  not  do  it  on  such  measurement,  he  would 
have  such  a  waste  of  glass  in  the  sharp  angles.  No  doubt  this  makes 
the  difference  in  the  number  of  glazed  feet.  Circular-topped  windows 
are  measured  the  same  way — by  the  square. 

Mistakes  at  Local  Shows  (B.  G  ). — We  cannot  spare  space  for  record- 
ing such  mistakes.    You  should  write  to  the  Committee. 

Galvanising  Plants  (A.  D.). — The  experiment  with  the  two  Pelar- 
goniums was  too  imperfect  to  merit  reporting.  The  results  fiom  half  a 
dozen  galvanised,  and  half  a  dozen  ungalvanised,  with  proper  precautions, 
would  be  more  worthy  of  confidence. 

Seeds  for  Arkansas  (Pangbourne).— They  will  need  no  special  pack- 
ing. In  small  paper  packets  will  be  the  best  form.  Any  seeds  that  will 
succeed  in  England  will  succeed  there. 

Pelargonium— Lobelia  (S.  Ridley).— The  box  was  smashed.  There 
was  no  Lobelia,  and  only  a  few  petals  of  the  Pelargonium.  Their  colour 
and  markings  are  not  uncommon. 

Zonal  Pelargoniums  (Quarn  St.).— We  cannot  recommend  dealers. 
Any  of  the  principal  florists  who  advertise  in  this  Journal  could  supply 
the  varieties  you  name. 

Seedling  Pelargoniums  (IF.  0.  B.,  Dublin).— The  petals  were  nearly 
all  shed,  and  the  box  smashed.  There  are  many  Pelargoniums  with 
similarly  coloured  and  marked  petals. 

Seedling  Tricolor  Pelargonium  (E.  Shepaton).— It  is  handsome, 
but  the  leaf  sont  was  precisely  like  Sophia  Dnmaresque. 

Pansy  Diseased  (E.  M.).— The  cuttings  of  the  Pansy  reached  us  safely 
last  week.  The  yellow  spots  are  the  fungus  Oidium  Viola?.  A  hybrid  be- 
tween a  Fern  and  Pansy  is  an  impossibility,  as  cryptogamic  and  phaano- 
gamous  plants  have  no  affinity.  We  do  not  remember  receiving  Pansies 
previously. 

Rose  La  Seduibante  {Centurion).  —  We  do  not  know  a  Tea-scented 
Rose  of  that  name,  but  there  is  an  old  Hybrid  Perpetual  as  well  as  the 
Alba  Rose.  Most  probably  it  is  the  Hybrid  Perpetual  that  you  have.  Yon 
must  wait  for  the  fluwers. 

Charcoal  for  Roses  (J.  B.).— It  is  a  good  manure  for  Roses  both  in 
pots  and  in  the  open  ground.  One-Bixth  of  the  compost  is  sufficient  for 
Roees  in  pots  ;  and  for  giving  colour  to  the  flowers  it  may  bo  applied  to 
the  surface  of  the  soil  in  the  pots,  and  just  scratched  in  with  a  piece  of 
pointed  wood.  If  the  surface  be  covered  about  an  eighth  of  an  inch  deep 
it  is  sufficient.  For  those  in  the  open  ground  a  dressing  a  quarter  of  an 
inch  thick  is  not  too  much. 

Brush  for  Killing  the  Rose  Aphis  (iv.  T.  Dix).-We  have  used  the 
brush  you  speak  of  to  remove  green  fly  from  Roses,  and  find  it  useful  but 
rather  tedious.  If  Roses  are  well  mulched  and  manured  during  the 
winter  they  will  very  seldom  suffer  much  from  aphis.  We  do  not  quite 
know  whether  your  Rose  plant  which  had  its  leaf  perforated  suffered  from 
the  weevil  or  the  Rose  Cutter  beetle.  If  from  the  former,  handpicking 
would  be  quite  effectual ;  if,  as  we  suspect,  it  was  the  latter,  you  would 
have  done  no  good  by  cutting  down  the  plant,  as  the  Rose  Cutter  beetle 
merely  cuts  the  leaf  to  tahe  it  away  to  line  the  sides  of  its  nest,  and  when 
the  nest  is  complete  will  commit  no  more  ravages.  Singularly  enough, 
these  beetles  generally  confine  their  attacks  to  one  plant ;  they  usually 
select  a  plant  with  stiff  short  foliage,  and  the  nest  will  be  found  in  a 
small  hole  in  the  ground  near  the  tree.  The  Rose  Cutter  beetle  always 
begins  its  perforation  at  the  outside  of  the  leaf,  and  cuts  a  semicircular 
piece  out  of  th«  side. 

Boilers  (L.  C.  J ,  Dudley).—  We  never  venture  to  commend  any. 

Manures  (H.,  Tunbridge  Wells).— You  do  not  quote  accurately.  We 
recommend  dry  earth  and  coal  ashes  to  be  used  when  saturated  with 
sewage,  which  has  to  be  stored.  Coal  ashes  so  employed  would  not  be 
injurious  to  any  soil ;  and  if  the  soil  be  tenacious  they  would  be  beneficial 
employed  even  in  large  quantities  unsaturated  with  sewage.  They  would 
improve  the  soil's  staple. 


Parsley  Turning  Brown  and  Yellow  ("  Idem ").—  But  for  being 
brownish  yellow,  the  specimens  of  Parsley  sent  seem  to  be  a  fairly  good, 
curled,  close  kind.  This  turning  yellow  might  be  owing  to  the  great 
dryness— most  probably  owing  to  some  reason  of  which  we  are  ignorant. 
As  it  is  best  to  err  on  the  safe  side,  and  as  defects  are  easily  perpetuated, 
even  if  the  plants  would  ripen  their  seed,  we  should  not  care  to  bow  it, 
unless  as  an  experiment,  as  such  withered-looking  Parsley  would  never 
be  used  in  the  kitchen. 

Heating  a  Removable  House  (T.M.L.). — Such  a  span-roofed  house 
as  you  propose  we  would  build  entirely  on  the  ground,  with  perhaps  one 
course  of  bricks  for  the  window-sill  to  rest  on.  The  roof,  &c,  we  would 
form  of  rafter  sash-bars,  say  to  receive  glass  18  inches  wide.  These  bars 
we  would  groove  to  receive  the  glass  edge  to  edge  without  putty,  and 
merely  fasten  the  squares  in  their  places  with  email  list,  soft  Curd,  or 
rope  yarn,  fixed  in  toe  groove  beneath  the  glass.  Provided  the  groove  is 
made  deep  enough  to  allow  room  for  the  gloss  to  expand,  there  will  be  no 
breakage  from  expansion,  and  if  the  glass  is  well  cut  there  will  be  no 
leakage.  The  bottom  square  will  require  a  pin  to  keep  it  from  Bliding  out. 
With  the  roof  screwed,  and  these  squares  in  grooves,  you  can  take  all 
your  glaBs  out,  and  the  house  to  pieces,  and  pacx  in  little  space.  As  to 
heating,  for  ease  in  moving,  nothing  could  be  better  than  a  small  gas 
etove ;  but  as,  on  the  whole,  you  might  not  have  gas  at  your  next 
place,  it  would  on  the  whole  be  best  and  cheapest  to  have  a  small  iron 
stove  fed  at  the  Bide,  the  smoke-pipe  coming  from  the  opposite  side, 
and  rising  with  a  bend  through  the  roof,  with  a  flat  top  to  tha 
stove  to  receive  a  vessel  of  water.  Supposing  the  stove  stood  in  the 
centre  of  the  house,  the  small  smoke-pipe  from  It  might  go  through  the 
roof  near  the  apex.  A  3  or  4-inch  pipe  would  answer  if  frequently 
cleaned.  People  cannot,  or  will  not,  see  how  easy  it  is  to  take  such  a 
pipe  through  a  glass  roof;  all  you  have  to  do  is  to  substitute  a  square  of 
plate  iron  for  a  square  of  glass,  with  a  suitable  hole  in  the  iron  to  let  the 
pipe  through.  The  pipe  should  have  a  cap  over  it  outside,  to  prevent  the 
rain  and  Bnow  falling  into  it.  If  you  prefer  a  gas  stove — and  there  are 
good  ones  to  be  had  with  argand  burners  that  consume  almost  the  whole 
of  the  gas— even  in  such  a  case  have  a  small  pipe,  if  only  from  a  quarter  to 
half  an  inch,  to  take  off  the  products  of  combustion  into  the  open  air. 

Raising  Water  (Edmonton).—  The  best  reply  we  can  give  is  to  publish 
the  following,  for  which  we  are  indebted  to  our  weekly  contemporary, 
The  English  Mechanic  and  Mirror  of  Science .  Tbe  accompanying  "  draw- 
ing will  explain  a  cheap  method  of  making  a  force  pump  for  watering.  One 
has  been  in  nse  some  time.  A,  common  lead  pipe;  B,  valve;  C,  solid 
plunge  from  pump;  D,  outlet  pipe;  E,  small  cask,  or  any  suitable  air- 


tight vessel  holding  about  6  gallons  ;  F,  valve;  G,  outlet  pipe,  reaching 
to  within  about  2  inches  of  the  bottom  ;  K,  guide  for  plunge-rol.  It  can 
now  be  used  as  a  common  pump  by  having  a  union  ;  an  india-rubber  or 
any  other  pipe  may  be  screwed  on,  and  there  would  be  sufficient  force  to 
carry  a  continual  stream  60  feet  high.  The  cask,  or  air-tight  vessel  may 
be  placed  at  any  distance  from  the  pump;  around  hole  in  the  bottom, 
with  a  piece  of  stout  leather  weighted,  is  all  that  is  required  for  the  valve." 
Failure  in  Heating  (Inquirer). — We  are  glad  you  refer  again  to  flue- 
heating,  as  instanced  at  page  191,  No  467,  for  March  10th.  It  seems  we 
were  quite  right  in  our  surmises.  No  flue  will  draw  regularly  with  the 
furnace-bars  level  with  the  middle  of  the  flue,  as  respects  its  depth,  and 
we  wonder  you  were  net  smothered  from  the  want  of  a  regular  ashpit 
below  the  fire-bars.  Your  proposal  to  let  the  present  flue  remain,  but 
block  it  up ;  let  the  fire-bars  remain,  but  break  a  hole  through  the  present 
flue  at  the  end  of  the  furnace  ;  and  place  a  flue  of  hard-burned  earthen- 
ware pipes  of  9  inches  in  diameter  on  the  top  of  the  present  flue,  will,  no 
doubt,  answer  much  better.  But  even  then  your  furnace-bars  will  scarcely 
be  low  enough,  and  instead  of  a  foot  you  would  require  to  build  a  brick 
fine  from  1  to  2  yards  in  length  on  the  top  of  the  old  flue  before  u&iog  the 
pipes,  as  such  pipes  are  apt  to  crack  when  too  near  the  surface.  We 
have  a  great  sympathy  with  people  wishing  to  carry  out  their  own  plans. 
We  do  not,  therefore,  repeat  our  advice,  "  Try  toe  flue  again,"  for  as  it 
is,  it  will  not  answer,  but  as  the  flue  is  there,  why  not  "try  it  again" 
with  a  little  alteration  ?  Would  it  not  be  easier  to  dig  down  and  sink 
your  furnace-bars  from  18  to  2i  inches,  instead  of  making  this  new  flue 
on  the  top  of  the  old  one?  Then,  instead  of  the  bar3  being  in  tho 
middle  of  the  flue  as  now,  your  bars  would  be  below  the  bottom  of  the 
flue.    However,  try  your  own  plan  if  you  like  it  best. 


16 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  July  7,  1870. 


Ice  House  (J.  D.  Whitehead).— All  ice  houses,  as  a  rule,  keep  ice  best 
in  proportion  to  the  quantity  of  ice  put  in.  A  few  loads,  however  pro- 
tected, will  seldom  last  after  midsummer.  We  know  the  plan  of  Cobbett's 
you  have  adopted  answers  well,  but, of  course,  the  smallest  opening  would 
be  ruinous,  and  it  would  be  of  no  use  where  rats  or  rabbits  could  burrow 
in  the  straw,  as  every  hole  made  would  let  in  the  heated  air.  Ice  stacks, 
if  looked  after,  and  from  fifty  to  a  hundred  load3  put  together,  answer 
well,  as  described  at  the  page  in  the  "Gardeners'  Dictionary"  you 
refer  to;  but  even  in  their  case,  holes  from  vermin  must  be  looked  after, 
and  the  covering  must  be  put  on  so  as  not  tn  heat.  We  have  ourselves 
n©  doubt  that  a  house  on  Cobbett's  plnn,  either  above  or  below  ground, 
with  double  walls  and  double  roof,  with  a  space,  say  of  6  inches  between, 
would  answer  well,  as  if  made  of  brick  or  stone  there  would  be  no  air 
holes  easily  formed,  as  there  is  almost  sure  to  be  in  most  districts  where 
gnawing  and  burrowing  animals  abound,  and  the  walls  are  wood  and 
straw.    See  article  in  No.  304,  vol.  xii.,  page  64. 

Span-roofed  Fruit  House  (A  Reader). — We  have  given  plans  and 
descriptions  of  cheap  houses,  and  there  are  advertisements  in  our  pages 
which  may  be  referred  to  and  depended  on.  You  can  do  better  for  your- 
self, knowing  the  circumstances  in  your  own  neighbourhood,  than  we 
can  do  for  you.  For  instance,  a  fixed  roof  could  be  put  up  for  less 
than  the  half  of  one  with  sashes,  and  the  netting  for  such  a  house  will 
be  very  different,  if  you  want  Grapes  ripe  in  May,  than  if  you  were 
satisfied  to  have  them  in  July  and  onwards.  Peach  trees  for  the  centre 
of  the  house  you  could  purchase  at  Is.  Gd.  per  plant,  and  yet  it  might  be 
true  economy  to  have  plants  at  from  7s.  Gd  and  onwards.  In  such  a 
house,  20  feet  wide,  and  glass  all  round,  eight  4-inch  pipes  the  length  of 
the  house  would  not  be  too  many  to  have  Grapes  ripe  in  the  beginning 
of  May.  The  Grapes  that  would  come  in  best  then  would  be  Black  Ham- 
burgh, Sweetwater,  and  Royal  Muscadine;  and  if  you  wish  to  give  a 
chance  to  the  Peaches  in  ihe  centre,  six  or  seven  Vines  on  a  side  will  be 
enough.  An  upright  tubular  boiler  is  rather  the  easiest  to  manage,  but 
otherwise  there  is  no  great  difference  between  that  and  a  terminal  saddle- 
back. The  price  of  shelving  and  fitting  up  depends  much  on  the  material 
used,  and  altogether  your  case  is  one  more  for  local  inquiry  and  agree- 
ment than  could  be  satisfactorily  entered  largely  upon  in  our  pages. 

Planting  Whole  Potatoes  (Calcarea). — We  approve  of  this  practice 
Let  us  know  the  quan'ities  produced  by  you  and  your  neighbour,  and  we 
will  publish  them  with  some  notes. 

Lawn  Covered  with  Daisies  (W.  F.) — To  destroy  them  you  acted 
judiciously  in  top-dressing  the  whole  lawn  with  a  mixture  of  good  loam 
and  well-rutted  dung,  and  in  April  Bowing  the  whole  with  a  suitable  mix- 
ture of  grass  seeds.  If  you  let  the  grass  grow  long,  in  a  season  or  two  it 
will  probably  choke  the  Daisies.  To  prevent  the  Daisies  ripening  their 
seeds,  take  the  flowers  off  with  the  Daisy  rake.  If  you  do  this,  and  have 
the  rootB  of  the  survivorB  scooped  out  with  a  knife  in  the  autumn  and 
spring,  you  will  subdue  tbem  entirely. 

Anthurium  ?cherzerianum,  Temperature  for  (S.  E.).~ This  beau- 
tiful plant  requires  at  this  season  a  temperature  of  from  65°  to  70°  at 
night,  and  75°  by  day  without  sun,  and  from  80°  to  85°  or  90°  with  sun  and 
air.    It  does  very  well  in  the  stove  during  the  summer. 

Increasing  Anthurium  Scherzerianum  (X.  O.).— Yonr  best  plan  of 
inducing  your  plant  to  form  offsets  will  be  to  give  it  a  more  moist  and 
warmer  atmosphere,  as  well  as  every  stimulus  to  growth,  and  thus,  no 
doubt,  you  will  have  a  larger  plant,  but  not  so  many  flowers.  The  taking 
out  of  the  crown  of  the  plant— just  its  centre— would  be  likely  to  afford 
an  increase  of  the  crowns. 

Melon  Treatment  iJ.F.  S.).— The  lights  should  not  be  covered  after 
May.  It  is  oDly  so  long  as  the  nights  are  cold  that  coverings  are  needed. 
When  the  nights  are  becoming  cold  in  autumn  it  is  essential  to  cover  the 
lights  as  in  spring,  but  it  will  not  be  necessary  to  do  so  before  the  close 
of  September.  The  bed  should  be  lined  as  may  be  found  necessary  for 
maintaining  the  proper  temperature.  During  the  very  bright  weather 
we  had  a  fhort  time  ago  it  was  not  necessary.  If  the  temperature  at 
6  a.m.  is  65-  no  linings  are  required ;  with  us  it  is  often  under  60°  at 
night,  and  we  have  Melons  now  in  beds  made  up  but  a  short  time  before 
yours,  and  the  beds  have  not  been  lined  more  than  twice.  Melons  will 
endure  a  great  amount  of  heat.  85°  to  90°,  however,  with  sun  and  abun- 
dance of  air,  is  quite  sufficient,  but  they  will  bear  from  100°  to  110°  without 
injury  if  they  have  air.  It  must,  however,  be  from  sun  heat.  We  would 
now  line  the  bed  with  sweet  dung,  give  a  good  watering,  but  without 
wetting  the  surface,  by  pouring  water  through  a  funnel  or  drain-pipe,  and 
by  giving  plenty  of  air  we  think  the  fruit  will  set.     The  flower  is  all  right. 

Culture  of  Black  Currants  (A  Poor  Lady).— We  do  not  think  it 
would  answer  to  prune  the  bushes  now,  cutting  them  back  in  the  hope  of 
obtaining  shoots  for  next  year's  bearing  ;  but  it  would  be  of  great  benefit 
to  give  liberal  supplies  of  liquid  manure  in  dry  weather  throughout  the 
summer,  thinning  out  the  shoots  now  where  too  thick.  Where  very  long 
and  straggling  they  may  be  shortened,  but  take  care  to  leave  a  sufficient 
number  of  shoots  for  bearing  next  year.  The  best  manure  is  cow  dung, 
as  it  is  cool,  but  any  kind  will  answer.  Apply  the  manure  in  autumn, 
after  the  leaves  fall,  removing  the  soil  down  to  the  roots  to  the  extent  of 
about  2  feet  all  round  the  stem  ;  then  give  2  or  3  inches  thick  of  manure, 
and  cover  with  about  an  inch  of  soil.  The  manure  need  not  be  more 
than  half  decayed.  Road  scrapings  are  not  of  much  value;  and  guano, 
though  it  will  do  good,  ought  to  be  applied  in  moist  weather  only,  and  in 
small  quantities  at  a  time. 

Mildewed  Vines  (C.  E.). — We  do  not  see  what  you  can  do  now,  ex- 
cept to  dust  the  mildewed  parts  with  flowers  of  sulphur,  to  paint  your 
walls  with  sulphur  and  lime,  to  use  a  little  sulphur  in  your  heating 
medium,  and  to  give  as  much  air  as  is  compatible  with  the  health  of  the 
Vines  and  other  plants.  A  close  moist  atmosphere  is  the  fertile  source 
of  mildew  ;  the  reverse  condition  keeps  it  away  or  starves  it.  Mildew 
is  often  the  result  of  many  plants  being  kept  close  and  damp  beneath 
the  Vines.  If  you  do  not  allow  the  Vines  to  be  too  thick  on  the  roof,  we 
do  not  think  the  mildew  will  much  affect  them,  but  the  more  moisture 
and  closeness  there  ib  in  the  house,  the  more  difficult  will  it  be  to  eradi- 
cate the  mildew.  We  see  little  use  in  cutting  the  Vines  down  if  you 
mean  to  take  fresh  growth  from  them.  Such  mildew  is,  generally  speak- 
ing, more  owing  to  atmospheric  than  to  root  or  earth  causes. 

Grapes  Small  and  Ill-coloured  (J.  F.  H.).— We  think  very  likely  the 
smallness  of  the  Grapes,  and  their  colouring  irregularly,  are  owing  to  the 
dryness  and  poorness  of  the  border.    If  the  previous  watering  is  not 


enough,  water  again  with  manure  water.  Keep,  as  you  say,  a  little  heat 
in  the  house  whilst  you  give  air  freely ;  meanwhile,  the  mere  irregular 
colouring  is  often  no  great  drawback.  When  a  few  berries  colour  well, 
the  others  generally  follow  suit,  if  they  are  firm  and  perfect. 

Grapes  Diseased  (M.  D.  C.).—  They  are  shanked  and  spotted  also. 
Remove  the  soil  from  over  the  roots,  replace  it  with  some  richer  soil,  and 
water  copiously  twice  a-week  with  tepid  weak  liquid  manure.  The  roots 
are  unable  to  supply  sufficient  sap. 

Mildew  on  Grapes  ( Vitis). — Dust  them  thoroughly  with  flowers  of 
sulphur.  After  the  sulphur  has  been  on  three  or  four  days,  syringe  the 
Grapes.  If  after  two  more  days  the  mildew  is  still  apparent,  apply  the 
sulphur  again,  and  continue  repeating  the  treatment  until  the  mildew  is 
entirely  removed. 

Sulphuring  Grapes  (Centurion), — It  is  not  necessary  to  syringe  the 
Grapes  and  Vines  previous  to  dusting  them  with  sulphur  for  destroying 
mildew.  The  sulphur  will  readily  adhere  to  the  Grapes  and  the  leaves 
of  the  Vines.  There  is  no  necessity  for  washing  off  the  sulphur  ;  it  may 
remain  until  the  mildew  is  destroyed,  and  then  be  syringed  off  with  clean 
rain  water.  If  this  be  done  when  the  Grapes  show  colour  it  will  be  soon 
enough,  though  we  usually  wash  off  the  sulphur  within  a  week,  but  if  the 
mildew  reappear  it  is  necessary  to  repeat  the  sulphur-dressing  and  the 
subsequent  washing.  Air  should  be  admitted  as  usual ;  if  anything,  more 
air  should  be  given  after  than  before  the  application.  Your  gardener  is 
quite  right  in  giving  all  the  air  possible  in  bright  hot  weather,  but  to  do 
so  in  cold  dull  weather  will  lower  the  temperature  needlessly,  and  unless 
fires  are  put  on  the  warmth  needful  for  ripening  the  Grapes  cannot  be 
maiutained.  We  advise  you  not  to  nail  up  the  front  and  west  sashes. 
It  is  very  important  that  a  greenhouse,  and,  indeed,  every  plant  structure, 
should  be  well  ventilated. 

LlLTUM  AURATUM    AND    LANCIFOLIUM  TREATMENT   (C.   M.    Major).—  We 

consider  the  best  time  to  repot  these  plants  is  as  soon  as  the  stems  turn 
yellow  in  autumn.  Cut  down  the  stems,  remove  all  the  old  soil  that 
comos  away  freely,  and  that  above  the  crowns,  along  with  any  roots 
on  the  stem  and  offsets,  but  all  the  roots  below  the  bulb  should  be  pre- 
served. Drain  the  pot  well,  and  pot  in  a  mixture  of  light  fibrous  loam 
two  parts,  one  part  sandy  peat  or  leaf  soil,  and  one  part  old  cow  dung  or 
well-rotted  manure,  with  a  free  admixture  of  sharp  sand.  The  plants 
should  be  so  potted  that  a  space  of  2  or  3  inches  above  the  bulbs  will  be 
left  for  top-dressing.  They  should  have  a  gentle  watering  and  be  placed 
in  a  cool  house,  and  kept  there  with  but  little  water  until  they  begin  to 
grow  in  spring  ;  then  water  so  as  to  keep  the  soil  moist,  increasing  the 
supply  with  the  growth.  Abundance  of  air  should  be  given,  and  if  the 
plants  be  kept  cool  they  will  flower  all  the  better,  the  top-dressing  being 
given  when  they  begin  showing  roots  from  the  stem  above  the  crown. 
The  same  compost  as  that  used  for  potting  will  answer  very  well.  The 
soil  should  be  kept  moderately  moist  in  winter,  but  avoid  souring  it  at 
any  time  by  too  frequent  heavy  waterings. 

Vallota  purpurea  Culture  {Idem).— We  presume  your  plants  are 
growing  freely,  but  you  cannot  get  them  to  flower.  Having  now  made  a 
good  growth,  place  them  in  a  light  airy  position,  and  give  no  more  water 
than  enough  to  keep  the  leaves  from  flagging,  with  an  inclination  to 
dryness,  and  continue  this  treatment  up  to  the  end  of  August,  when  your 
plants  Bhould  be  starting  for  flower;  if  they  do  not,  continue  them  in 
the  same  pots,  and  give  just  enough  water  to  keep  the  foliage  fresh.  In 
winter  they  merely  require  a  light  position  in  a  house  with  a  temperature 
of  from  4(<°  to  45°.  In  summer  they  need  plenty  of  light,  and  a  good 
supply  of  water  when  making  their  growth  and  until  it  is  perfected,  then 
dryness.    An  ordinary  greenhouse  will  grow  them  well. 

Insects  (C.  E.  E.).— Your  "  nigger  "  is  the  larva  of  one  of  the  Carabidse, 
and  as  it  feeds  on  other  insects  and  worms,  you  cannot  do  better  than 
preserve  them  if  you  find  others.  {J.  T.  S  ).—  The  Beech  leaves  have 
been  attacked  by  the  minute  black  jumping  weevil,  Grcbestes  Fagi,  the 
larva  of  which  lives  within  the  leaf,  eating  the  parenchyma,  and  making 
large  blister-like  blotches.  When  full-grown  it  spins  a  white  silken  cocoon 
of  the  size  of  a  pea  at  the  edge  of  the  leaf.  The  little  beetles  are  now 
making  their  appearance  out  of  their  cocoons.  They  also  feed  on  the 
leaf,  gnawing  round  holes.  (E.  Hazzard). — Your  moth  is  the  Humming- 
bird Hawk  Moth,  which  has  been  somewhat  common  during  the  last  two 
or  three  years.  It  is  quite  harmless  to  your  flowers.  (L.  H.). — Your 
Cecropia  moth  survived  the  loss  of  its  head  on  the  same  principle  that 
the  common  daddy-long-legs  seems  so  indifferent  to  the  loss  of  its  limbs. 
The  nervous  mass  is,  in  fact,  in  insects  not  concentrated  as  in  the  higher 
animals  into  the  brain,  but  is  distributed  in  knots  along  the  whole  length 
of  the  body.  The  respiratory  apertures  along  the  whole  length  of  the 
sides  of  the  creature  are  not  connected  with  the  sense  of  feeling.— I.  O.  W. 

Names  of  Plants  (South  Devon).-—  The  commonest  of  Ferns,  Poly- 
podium  vulgare. 


POULTRY,   BEE,   AND   PIGEON   CHRONICLE. 


SPALDING  POULTRY  SHOW. 
In  reply  to  Mr.  Patrick's  communication  last  week  respecting 
the  loss  of  sickle  feathers  in  his  birds  after  exhibition  at  this 
Show,  permit  me  to  assure  him  that  the  most  careful  investi- 
gation fails  to  discover  any  possibility  of  such  a  thing  having 
occurred  while  they  were  in  the  custody  of  our  Committee. 
Evidently  the  occurrence  must  have  taken  place  in  transit,  and 
our  Committee  will  gladly  add  another  £5  to  Mr.  Patriok's  to 
secure  the  conviction  of  the  perpetrator  of  this  spiteful  aot, 
and  will  take  care  that  the  rewards  are  duly  announced  in 
Mr.  Patrick's  neighbourhood  as  well  as  our  own.  It  seems 
rather  strange  if,  as  Mr.  Patrick  states,  the  same  thing  occurred 
to  his  birds  last  year,  that  he  Bent  them  again,  and  neither 
at  that  time  nor  when  sending  them  this  year  made  any  com- 
plaint nor  remark  on  the  subject.    The  perpetrator  would  seem 


July  7,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


17 


to  have  been  actuated  by  personal  feeling  against  Mr.  Patrick, 
as  neither  at  our  late  nor  any  of  the  previous  shows  have  we 
heard  the  slightest  complaint  of  any  other  birds  having  been 
injured  or  tampered  with. — Edmd.  Cammack,  Poultry  Secretary, 


THE   POULTRY  FANCY  IN   CANADA. 

The  other  day  I  noticed  the  publication  of  the  first  number 
of  a  new  poultry  journal  iu  the  United  States,  as  an  evidence 
of  the  growth  of  "  the  fancy  "  across  the  water.  I  have  just 
received  by  mail  the  announcement  of  another  journal  to  be 
published  in  Canada.  The  first  number  is  to  be  published 
on  the  1st  of  July,  under  the  title  of  the  Canadian  Poultry 
Chronicle,  but  it  will  also  be  open  to  matter  relating  to  Pigeons, 
birds,  dogs,  Rabbits,  and  similar  subjects.  The  paper  is  to 
appear  monthly,  and  the  subscription  price  is  one  dollar-and-a- 
half  per  annum.  I  imagine  that  the  readiest  way  of  remitting 
subscriptions  from  England  would  be  a  money  order  for  6s. 
The  address  is  Box  25,  Post-office,  Toronto.  The  embryo 
journal  and  its  editors  (whose  names  are  not  yet  disclosed),  are 
strongly  recommended  by  several  well-known  Canadian  fanciers, 
including  Colonel  Hassard,  whose  able  address,  or  paper,  read 
to  some  of  the  colonial  breeders  was  reported  in  the  Journal 
some  time  back. 

All  eminent  breeders  should  take  in  both  of  these  trans- 
atlantic papers.  Apart  from  all  other  considerations,  I  can 
assure  them,  from  personal  kuowledge,  that  the  poultry  fancy 
is  making  rapid  strides  across  the  water,  and  that  the  American 
market  will  offer  a  valuable  and  most  lucrative  channel  for  the 
disposal  of  good  surplus  stock.  I  say  good,  for  the  exportation 
of  mere  "  screws  "  assuredly  will  not  pay,  but  will  entail  both 
disgrace  and  loss.— L.  Wright. 


TESTIMONIAL   TO    MR.   DIXON. 

About  two  years  ago  a  well-merited  tribute  was  paid  to  one  of  oar 
leading  poultry  judges,  and  I  think  the  present  a  well-timed  oppor- 
tunity for  a  similar  mark  of  esteem  to  be  paid  to  another  gentleman, 
who  is  well  known  as  one  of  the  founders  of  the  fancy  ;  who  for  a 
great  number  of  years  was  the  leading  exhibitor  ;  and  who,  at  pre- 
sent, is  one  of  our  most  accomplished  judges.  I  think  I  need  scarcely 
say  I  refer  to  James  Dixon,  Esq.,  of  Bradford. 

Mr.  Dixon  being  a  gentleman  of  means,  I  think  the  testimonial 
ought  to  take  some  other  shape  than  money,  bat  the  exact  form  can 
be  left  for  subsequent  consideration,  and  under  these  circumstances 
the  amount  of  subscription  will  be  limited  to  10s.  67?.,  bat  smaller 
sums  will,  of  course,  be  received.  The  amount  is  placed  thus  low  to 
enable  all  classes  of  fanciers  and  exhibitors  to  show  their  appreciation 
of  his  services. — E.  Hutton,  Pudsey,  Leeds. 


BEES  ATTACKING  CHICKENS. 
Your  correspondent,  Mr.  J".  Elcome,  has  inquired  whether 
any  of  your  readers  has  heard  of  bees  attacking  fowls.  In  1845 
I  put  a  hen  under  a  coop  with  a  large  brood  of  chickens  near  a 
bee  hive,  and  thoy  had  not  been  near  each  other  above  a  day 
when  the  bees  made  a  most  violent  attack  upon  the  chickens, 
and  killed  several  of  them  ;  in  fact,  I  do  not  recollect  whether 
any  of  them  escaped.  It  was  a  warning  to  me  never  again  to 
place  chickens  near  a  bee  hive. — Senex. 


BURNLEY  POULTRY  SHOW. 

This  was  held  on  Juue  30th,  and  was  well  attended  by  exhibitors, 
there  being  upwards  of  280  entries  of  Poultry,  Pigeons,  and  Rabbits. 
The  following  are  the  awards  : — 

Game.  —  Black  or  Brown-Reds.  —  1  and  he,  C.  "W.  Brierlev,  Middleton. 
2,  J.  Bron«h.  Carlisle.  Cock.— 1  and  2,  C.  W.  Brierlev.  he,  J.  Broujrh.  Any 
other  Vancty.— Cock— \,  C.  W.  Brierley.  Hen.—1,  C.  W.  Brierley.  2.  R.  Whittam, 
Burnley.  Spanish.  —  1,  H.  Wilkinson,  Earby.  2,  W.  Bearpark,  Ainderby 
Steeple.  Dorking.— 1,  J.  Stott.  Healey,  Rochdale.  %  W.  Bearpark.  Cochin- 
China.— 1  and  2,  J.  G.  Broxup,  Burnley.  Hamburgh.— Golden-spangled  —1,  H. 
Pickles,  jun.,  Earby,  Skipton.  2,  W.  Driver,  Keighley.  he,  N.  Marlor,  Denton, 
Manchester.  Golden-pencilled.— 1  and  2.  H.  Pickles,  jun.  he,  W.  Clayton, 
Keighley,  c,  F.  S.  Driver.  8ilver-y>an'jled.—l,  J.  Fielding,  Newchurch,  Rossen- 
dale.  2  and  he,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  Silver-pencilled.— 1.  F.  &  C.  Haworth,  New- 
field,  Haslmguen.  2  and  he,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  Black—  1,  N.  Marlor,  Denton. 
2,  H.  W.  Illingvyorth,  Idle,  Leeds,  he,  D.  Lord,  Stacksteads.  Manchester. 
Brahma  Pootra.— 1.  J.  H.  Pickles,  Birkdale,  Southport.  2,  E.  Leech,  Rochdale. 
Bantam.— Game —Cock.— I,  Harwood  &  Buckley.  Accrin<rton.  2,  G.  Haworth, 
Huldenwood.  near  Hasliogden.  he,  J.  Oldroyde,  Wakefield :  P.  Jackson,  Scars, 
BnerfleM.  Game— Black  or  Brown-Reds.— 1,  T.  Barker.  2,  J.  Oldroyde.  Game. 
—Any  otlier  Variety— 1,  Bellingham  &  Gill,  Weodfield.  2,  R.  Whittam,  Burnley. 
he,  G.  Furness,  Church.  Any  otlier  variety  except  Game.— I,  J.  Walker,  Halifax. 
2,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  he,  M.  Leno,  Markyate  Street,  Dunstable  (Golden  and 
Silver-laeed).  Any  other  Variety.— I,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  (Silver  Polands).  2,  T. 
Dean,  Keighley  (Polands).  he,  H.  B.  Smith,  Brouehton, Preston  (White-crested 
Black  Polands)  (2).  Ducks.  —  Aylesbury.  —  1,  E.  Leech.  2,  M.  Wilkinson, 
Worathorne.    Rouen.— 1,  E.  Leech.   2,  H.  B.  Smith,    he,  C.  W.  Brierley.    Any 


otfier  Variety.— 1,  C.  W.  Brierley.  2,  S.  &  R.  Ashton.  Roe  Cross,  Mottram, 
Cheshire  (Pintails),     he,  B.  Consterdine.  Brookfield.  Littleborough.     Gbese.— 

1,  E.  Leeoh.  2,  W.  Halstead,  Cockden,  Burnley.  Tcbkbys.— 1,  E.  Leech.  2,  C. 
W.  Brierley. 

PIGEONS. 
Carriers.— 1  and  2,  E.  Horner,  Harewond,  Leeds,  he,  3 .  Hawley,  Binsley  ;  H. 
Yardley,  Birmingham.  Pouters.  —  1,  E.  Horner.  2  and  he,  J.  Hawley. 
Tumblers.— 1,  J.  Hawley.  2,  J.  Fielding.  Almond.— 1,  J.  Fielding,  jun,  Roch- 
dale. 2,  J.  Hawley.  MottUd.—\.  J.  Fielding,  jun.  2,  H.  Yardley.  he,  J.  Hawley. 
Barbs.— 1,  E.  Horner.  2.  J.  Hamilton.  Hashnalen.  he.  H.  Yardley.  Owls.— 
1  and  2,  J.  Fielding,    he,  W.  Buckley,  Blackburn.    Trumpeters.— 1,  E.  Horner. 

2.  J.  Hawley.  Jacobins  —1  and  he,  E.  Horner.  2,  J.  Hawley.  Fantails.— 1,  J. 
Hawley.  2,  J.  Kemp.  Haslingden.  he,  E.  Horner.  Turbits.— 1,  J.  Hawley. 
2,  E.  Horner,  he,  H.  Yardley.  Antwerps.— Short-faced—  1,  J.  Oldroyde,  Wake- 
field. 2,  E.  Horner,  he.  H.  Yardley;  J.  Parker,  Burnley.  Dragoons.— 1,  E. 
Horner.  2,  J.  Hawley.  he,  D-  Neill,  Darwen  :  H.  Yardley.  Any  otheb 
Variety.— 1,  E.  Horner.  2,  J.  Hawley.  he,  W.  Kitcher,  Fenisoowles,  near 
Blackburn  (Magpies). 

RABBITS. 
Lop-eared.— 1,  W.  Slater,  Burnley.    2,  N.  H.  Ellis,  Accrington.    he,  H.  Creeke, 
Burnley.    Any  other  Variety.— 1.  W.  J.  Buttenvorth,  Stoneyfield,  Rochdale. 
2,  L.  Pickles,  Birkhouse,  Cliviger,  Burnley. 

Judges. — Mr.  James  Fletcher,  and  Mr.  John  Martin. 


BEVERLEY  POULTRY   SHOW. 

This  meeting,  held  on  Jane  29th,  was  exceedingly  well  supported, 
and  the  weather  being  fine  and  cool,  the  attendance  of  visitors  was 
most  satisfactory.  Perhaps  Beverley  has  never  before  possessed  so 
good  Game  classes,  every  colour  being  represented  by  fowls  of  the 
highest  quality.  Although  the  bulk  of  the  Spanish  had  evidently 
been  much  taxed  by  repeated  and  almost  continuous  exhibition,  there 
were  many  of  first-rate  character.  Dorkings  were  good ;  but  one  of 
the  best  pens  was  defeated  by  the  fact  of  the  hen  being  seriously 
ruptured — a  fatal  objection  to  her  equally  as  a  show  and  a  stock  bird. 
Cochins  were  unnsually  good  throughout,  and  the  HamJmrghs  and 
Polands  were  all  that  could  be  desired.  Game  Bantams  were  sadly 
out  of  condition,  and  in  Sebrights  two  pens  were  shown  by  different 
exhibitors,  in  which  the  cocks  were  without  tail  feathers ;  it  is  a  pity 
to  show  birds  in  so  deep  moult,  as  it  tends  to  heavily  bear  on  the  con- 
stitution, already  materially  weakened  by  the  natural  changing  of 
plumage.     The  Ihicks  were  unusually  fine. 

The  best  show  of  Pigeons  ever  seen  at  Beverley  was  that  of  this 
year.  The  varieties  most  noticeable  were  the  Carriers,  Dragoons, 
Almonds,  Fantails,  and  Jacobins.  Of  Trnmpeters,  Tnrbits,  Antwerps, 
and  Nuns  there  was  also  a  very  fine  collection.  The  "  Variety  class  " 
and  the  Selling  class  of  Pigeons  were  of  high  merit.  The  arrange- 
ments were  precisely  those  carried  oat  at  the  Beverley  Show  for 
more  than  a  dozen  years  past,  and,  with  the  exception  that  the  pens 
for  the  fowls  were  placed  rather  too  low,  we  believe  they  conld  not  be 
improved.  The  Royal  Assembly  Rooms,  in  which  the  Show  was  held, 
afford  the  greatest  comfort  for  both  visitors  and  poultry,  and  the 
light  is  excellent.  Once  more  we  strongly  suggest  to  exhibitors,  Never 
trust  to  the  last  train,  as  several  most  praiseworthy  pens  were  not 
delivered  at  Beverley  till  long  after  the  Show  was  open  to  the  public. 

Game—  Black-breasted  or  otlier  Reds.—\,  W.  Boyes,  Beverley.  2.  S.  Matthew, 
Stowmarket.  he,  D.  Gellatly,  Meigle;  G.  Holmes.  DriffiVld.  c,  H.  M.  Julian, 
Hull.  Any  other  Variety.— 1,  Cup,  and  he,  W.  Boyes.  2,  H.  M.  Julian,  he,  S. 
Matthew,  c,  G.  Pounden,  Kiroymoorside.  Cock.— I.  G-  Sutton,  Boolhim.  2,  W. 
Boyes.  he,  H.  M.  Julian;  G.  Brentnell,  Burton-on-Trent.  Spanish.— 1,  H. 
Beidon.  Binelev.  2,  J.  Walker,  Wolverhampton,  lie,  E.  Jones,  Clifton ;  Messrs. 
T.  C.&E.Newtutt,  Epworth|2).  c,  J.  Smith.  Long  Leigh.  Keighley.  Dorking.— 

1,  Mrs.  F.  S.  ArkwriLfht,  Sutton  Scarsdale.  2,  J.  Stott,  Healey.  fcc.  H.  Ling- 
wood,  Barking,  Suffolk  (2).  Cochins.— Cinnamon  or  Buff.— Land  Cup,  J.  Catteli, 
Birmincham.  2.H.  Lingwood.  he,  R.White.  Shirebro-.k,  Sheffield  ;  W.A.Taylor, 
Manchester  (21.  c,  W.  A.  Burrell.  Southov-r.  Any  other  Variety.— 1,  W.  A. 
Taylor.  2,  T.  Stretch,  Ormskirk.  he,  J.  Wnite,  Whitley,  Netherton  ;  J.  Sichel. 
Hamburgh.— Gold-spangled .—  1.  W.  A.  Hyde,  Hurst,  Ashton-under-Lyne.  2,  D. 
Maynard,  Driffield,  he,  H.  Beidon  (2);  J.  Newton,  silsden,  Leeds  :  G.  Garbutt, 
Sinnington.  Silvcr-spanghd. — I.  Cup,  and  2,  H.  Beidon.  Gold-pencilled.— 1, 
H.  Beidon.     2,  G.  Holmes,  Driffield,      he,  H.  Beidon.    Silee-pencill>:d.—l,  and 

2,  H.  Beidon.  Polish.—!.  Cup,  and  2,  H.  Beidon.  he,  J.  Watts ;  J.  M.  Proctor, 
Hull.  French  Fowls.— 1,  Mrs.  J.  Cross.  Br  gg.  2,  J.  Elgar,  Newark,  he,  H. 
Wynham,  Wawne  (2).  c,  J.  K.  Fowler,  Aylesbury.  Brahma.— 1,  G.  F.  White- 
house,  King's  Heath.  2,  J.  Etear.  he.  H.  Beidon ;  H.  Lingwood ;  W.  Gamon ; 
Dr.  J.  Holmes,  Whitecoats,  Chesterfield,  c,  J.  H.  Dawes,  Moseley  Hall.  Any 
other  Variety.  —  1,  R.  Loft,  Woodmansev  (Sultans).  2,  W.  Collver,  Dubb, 
Bingley  (Black  Hamburshs).  he,  H.  W.  iilingworth,  Idle,  Leeds;  J.  Smith. 
Selling  Class.— 1,  H.  Wyndham  (Creve-Cceur).  2,  T.  C.  &  E.  Newbitt  (Spanish 
fowls),    he,  W.  A.  Taylor,  c,  H.  Beidon  :  G.  Loft ;  W.  Boyes.    Game  Bantam.— 

1,  W.  F.  Entwisle,  Westfield,  Cleckbeaton.  2,  J.  Oldrovd,  Wakefield.  C,  J. 
Stabler,  Driffield.  Cock.— 1,  and  Cup,  W.  Adams,  Ipswich.  2,  J.  R.  Robinson, 
Sunderland,  he,  W.  F.  Entwisle ;  G.  Shrimpton,  Leiuhton  Buzzard.  Bantam. 
—1,  T.  C.  &  E.  Newbitt  (Black  Bantams).  2,  H.  Beidon  (Light  Japanese). 
he, T.C.  Harrison,  Hull:  J.  Watts  (Sebrights);  S.  &  R.  Ashton,  Roe  Cross, 
Mottram.  c,  J.  Watts  (Booted  Bantams);  S.  S.  Mossop,  Long  Sutton.  Ducks. 
— Aylesbury.— 1,  Mrs.  Seamons.  2.  W.  Stonehouse.  he,  E.  Leech;  J.K.  Fowler(2) ; 
Mrs.  Seamons.  Rouen.— 1,  J.  White.  2,  J.  K.  Fowler,  he,  E.  Leech.  Any 
other  Varietu.—l,  R.  W.  Richardson  (Carolinas).  2,  T.  C.Harrison  (Bahamas). 
he,  R.  W.  Richardson  (Widgeon);  T.  C.  Harrison  (Mandarin),  c,  S.  &  R. 
Ashton  (Garganeys) ;  J.  K,  Fowler  (Carolina). 

PIGEONS. 
Carrier—  Cock.— 1,  H.  Yardlev.  Birmingham.  2,  J.  F.  White,  Birmingham. 
S,  and  he,  J.  C  Ord,  Pimlico.  c,  W.  R.  &  H.  O.  Blenkinsop,  Newcastle.  Hen.— 
1  and  3,  J.  C.  Ord  2,  H.  Yardley.  he,  H.  Headley.  Leicester,  c,  T.  H.  Frean, 
Liverpool.  Pouter.— Coefc.— I,  H.  Yardley.  2,  H.  Beidon.  3,  S.  Robson, 
Brotherton.  Hen.— 1,  H.  Beidon.  2,  Withheld.  3.  F  Key.  Almond.— Co c k.— 1,  H. 
Adams.  2,  F.  Key.  3,  J.  Ford,  c,  J.  Ford ;  H.  Adams  ;  H.  Headley.  Hen.— I, 
H.  "Adams.  2  and  3,  J.  Ford.  Tumrlers.— Cock.— 1  and  2,  H.  Adams.  3,  H. 
Beidon.  Hen.— 1,  H.  Beidon.  2  and  3.  H.  Adams.  Barbs .— 1,  H.  Yardley.  2, 
H.  Headley.    3,  No    comDetition.     Foreign   Owls.— 1  and  extra,  H.  Adams. 

2,  F.  Key.  3,  H.  Beidon.  he,  H.  Yardlev;  J.  M  Proctor.  English  Owls.— 
1,  A.  Jackson,  Heaton,  Bolton-le-Moor.  2,  J.  Watts.  R,  Messrs.  Blenkinsop. 
he,  H.  Yardley.  Fantails.— 1,  Mrs.  H.  Adams.  2  and  3,  H.  Yardlev.  he,  H.  Bel- 
don,  c,  T.  H.  Frean.  Jacobins.— 1,  R.  Bellamy,  Leven.  2,  R.  Sanders,  Leren. 
8.  H.  Yardley.  Trumpeters.— 1,  S.  Robson.  2.  H.  Beidon.  3,  T.  Statters,  Hull. 
Turbits.— 1,  Messrs.  Blenkinsop.  2,  R,  W.  Richardson.  3.  F.  W.  Mertcali, 
Cambridge,  he,  A.  A.  Vander  Meersch  (Yellow);  R.  W.  Richardson.  Dba(JOON8. 


18 


JOURNAL   OF   HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  July  7,  1870. 


— 1,  H.  Adams.  2,  R.  W.  Richardson.  8,  H.  Yardley.  c,  H.  Beldon:  T.  H. 
Frean.  Antwerpb.— 1  and  2,  H.  Yardley.  3,  T.  Statters.  he,  H.  Yardlev ; 
J.  Watts.  Nuns.— 1,  H.  Yardley.  2,  E.  O.  Davis,  Kingston-upon-Hull.  3,  H. 
Adams,  he,  W.  Charter,  Driffield.  Any  other  Variety.— 1,  H.  Beldon  (Black 
Fairies).  2,  H.  Headley  (Isabels).  3,  G.  H.  "Within trton,  Kersal  Hill,  Man- 
chester (Runts),  he,  J.  Watts ;  H  Adams ;  R.  W.  Richardson,  c,  T.  H.  Frean  ; 
J.  Watte ;  Messrs.  Hudson  &  Bunnip,  Epworth  ;  H.  Yardley.  Selling  Class. — 

1,  H.  Adams  (White  Dragoons).  2,  J.  Watts  (Mane  Pigeons).  3,  H.  Yardley 
(Hyacinths),  he,  H.  Beldon.  c,  G.  H.  Withington;  H.  Yardley;  R.  W. 
Richardson ;  Mrs.  H.  Adams. 

CANARIES. 
Belgian.— 1.  F.  Tritschler,  Beverley.  2  and  c,  W.  Needier,  Hull,  he,  J. 
Downs,  Beverley.  Half-bred.— 1,  Mrs,  Pierson,  Beverley,  he,  J.  Downs,  c, 3. 
Powell,  Beverley:  Mrs.  Grant,  Beverley.  Marked.— 1, —  Jefferies,  Market 
WeigMon.  2,  W.  Bielby,  Willow  Grove,  he,  J.  S.  Petch.  c,  —  Widdall, 
Beverley.  Ant  other  Variety.— 1,  A.  Lewis,  Hull.  2,  Miss  Young,  Driffield. 
he,  MisB  E.  Campey,  Beverley,  c,  Mrs.  J.  Powell,  Beverley.  Nest  of  Young. 
— Clear. — 1,  T.  Neall,  Beverley.  2,  J,  Downs,  he,  Mrs.  Pierson,  Beverley,  c,  J. 
Campey,  Beverley.  Marked.— I,  J.  Sykes,  Market  Weighton.  2,  Miss  E. 
Brushy,  he,  Mrs.  Pierson.  c.T.Campey.  Goldfinch. — 1,  J.  Campey.  2,  Mrs. 
Pottage,  Beverley.  hct  Miss  A.  Holmes,  c.  Miss  L.  Holmes.  Goldfinch  Mule. 
—  Variegated.— 1  and  2,  W.  Needier,    he,  J.  S.  Petch.    Dark.— 1,  J.  S.  Petch. 

2,  Miss  Widdall.  he  and  e,  T.  Neall.  Extra  Stock.  —  he,  Mrs.  W.  Dale, 
Beverley  (Paroquet);  W.  Dale,  Beverley  (Waxbills);  G.  B.  Holmes;  Wilson 
and  Sons,  Hull;  Mrs.  Pierson  (Cage  of  Birds).  The  whole  class  worthy  of 
prizes. 

The  Judge  was  Edward  Hewitt,  Esq.,  of  Eden  Cottage,  Sparkbrook, 
Birmingham. 

BARNSTAPLE   POULTRY   SHOW. 

This  was  held  on  the  29th  and  30th  of  Jane,  in  connection  with  a 
horticultural  show.     The  prize  list  is  as  follows  : — 

Cochin-China.— 1,  F.  Brewer.  Lostwithiel.  2,  W.  L.  Trewin,  Barnstaple. 
Brahmab.— 1,  J.  Beard,  St.  Blazey.  2,  Mrs.  Smith,  Camplebury,  Tavistock. 
Malays,  or  Indian  Game.— 1,  A.  Snell,  Bishop's  Tawton.  2  and  c,  H.  Darch, 
Stratton.  Game.— Black-breasted  Reds.—  1,  J.  Boyle.  Barnstaple.  2,  J.  Beard. 
Any  otlier  Variety— 1,  Rev.  G.  S.  Cruwys,  Cruwys  Morchard,  Tiverton.  2,  J. 
Westacott,  Barnstaple.  Dorkings.— Coloured.— 1,  Mrs.  Smith.  2,  A.  C.  Thinne, 
Penstowe,  Stratton,  Spanish.  —  1,  G.  Tonkin,  Bristol.  2,  S.  K.  Harris. 
Minorcas— 1,  G.  Britton.  2,  H.  Pearce,  Barbican.  Andalubian.— 1,  J.  PerriD, 
Barnstaple.  2.  G.  Parkin.  French.  —  1,  Mrs.  Smith.  2,  T.  K.  Barnes, 
CattiBtock,  Dorchester.  Polands.— 1,  T.  Jacobs,  Newton  Abbot.  2  and  c,  J. 
Beard,  he,  Mrs.  Smith.  Hambcrghs.— Golden-pencilled—  1,  S.  R,  Harris,  Cus- 
parne.  2,  N.  Barter,  Plymouth,  c,  J.  Oliver,  Bideford.  Silver-pencilled.— I,  S. 
R.  Harris.  2,  J.  Walters,  Bideford.  Golden-sjmngled.  —  1,  W.  J.  Medwav, 
Newton  Abbot.  2,  S.  R.  Harris.  Silver-spangled.— 1,  S.  R.  Harris.  2,  J. 
Woodley.  Stratton.  Any  other  Variety  except  Bantams.— 1,  W.  Littlejohns, 
Pilton.  2,  W.  L.  Trewin,  Kilkhainpton.  3,  T.  H.  Shorston,  Falmouth.  4,  J.  H. 
Nicholls.  Bantams.— Game.— I,  W.  Mudge,  Blagdon.  2,  E.  M.  Webber,  Exeter. 
S,  J.  Croote.  Any  other  Variety.— 1  and  2,  Rev.  G.  S.  Cruwys.  S,  S.  Woodman, 
Barnstaple,  c,  R.  L.  Hole,  Hannaford.  Turkeys.— 1,  A.  C.  Thinne.  2,  Mrs. 
Smith.  Guinea  Fowls.— 1,  T.  J.  Dennis.  2,  O.  A.  Young,  Driffield.  Geese. 
—Any  Variety.— 1,  L.  Witheeombe,  Buckland  Brewer.  2,  R.  B.  Molesworth, 
Bideford.  Docks.— Rouen  or  Aylesbury.— I,  S.  R.  Harris.  Lostwithiel.  2,  A.  E. 
Hawken.  3.  M.  F.  Macgregor.  Bideford.  Farmyard.— 1,  Mies  Webber,  Exeter. 
2,  J.  E.  Hawken.  Selling  Class. — Cockerel.— 1,  S.  R,  Harris.  2,  J.  E.  Hawken. 
Hen  or  Pullet.— 1,  T.  Brewer.  2,  G.  H.  Gregory,  Taunton,  he,  J.  Medway, 
Newton  Abbot. 

PIGEONS. 

Carriers.— 1,  Master  C  Bulpin.  2,  H  Yardley,  Birmingham,  he,  Miss  F.  J. 
Bulpin,  Bridge  water.  Pouters. — 1,  Miss  F.  J.  Bulpin.  2,  Mrs.  M.  J.  Bulpin. 
c,  Master  C.  W.  S.  Bulpin.  Tumblers.— 1,  Master  C.  W.  S.  Bulpin,  Bridge- 
water.  2,  H.  YaiMley.  lie,  W.  Westacott,  jun.,  Barnstaple.  Barbs.— 1,  H. 
Yardley.  2  and  he,  J.  L.  Smith  Jacobins.— 1,  W.  Westacott,  jun.  2,  H. 
Yardley.  he,  Master  C.  W.  S.  Bulpin.  Owls.— 1,  J.  L.  Smith,  Newport,  Barn- 
staple. 2,  W.  Westacott,  jun.  Fantails.— 1,  Master  C.  Bulpin.  2,  J.  S.  Sleath, 
Barnstaple.  Jut,  Miss  F.J.  Buloiii ;  H.  Yardley.  Trumpeters.— 1,  Mrs.  M.  J, 
Bulpin.  2,  W.  Mudge.  he,  H.  Yardley;  G.  H.  Gregory,  Taunton.  Turbits.— 
1,  J.  G.  Price,  Taunton.  2,  C.  Bulrun.  Nuns.— 1,  C.  Bulpin.  2,  Mrs.  M.  J. 
Bulpin.    c,  H.  Yardley.    Any  other  Variety. — 1,  H.  Yardley.    2,  G.  H.  Gregory. 

British  and  Foreign  Cage  and  other  Birds.— 1,  No.  231.  2,  A.  Nicholls, 
Newport,  Barnstaple. 

Judges. — Dr.  Scott  and  the  Rev.  G.  F.  Hodson. 


BELFAST  POULTRY  SHOW. 

The  North-east  of  Ireland  Agricultural  Association  held  its  annnal 
meeting  at  Belfast  on  June  23rd  and  24th.  The  number  of  entries 
in  nearly  every  department  was  greater  than  at  any  previous  Show. 

Most  of  the  poultry  classes  were  well  represented,  and  nearly  all 
contained  more  or  less  good  birds.  The  challenge  cup,  value  ten 
guineas,  was  won  by  Mr.  Mulligan,  of  Springfield,  near  Belfast.  This 
gentleman  showed  some  very  good  birds,  and  he  took  all  the  first 
prizes  for  Ducks  and  ducklings  with  birds  which  were  very  perfect 
both  in  plumage  and  bill.  The  Dorliiif/  class  contained  twelve  pens, 
mostly  Silver-Greys,  and  some  of  them  very  good  and  large.  The 
prize  pens  in  the  Spanish  class  were  good,  but  the  rest  of  the  class 
inferior.  The  Cochins  were  the  best  class,  in  the  Show,  and  besides 
the  three  prize  pens,  four  pens  were  highly  commended,  and  one  com- 
mended. The  Brahmas  were  not  a  large  class,  bat  the  prize  pens  were 
above  the  average.  The  Hamburgh  cfesses  were  not  np  to  the  mark, 
but  we  suppose  they  are  a  breed  not  much  kept  in  Ireland.  Some  of 
the  Game  were  very  good ;  the  best  hen  in  the  clasB  was  in  the  second- 
prize  pen,  but  she  was  matched  with  one  of  very  middling  quality.  We 
would  suggest  in  future  shows,  that  in  the  Game  classes  only  one  hen 
should  be  required.     The  Geese  and  Ducks  were  good. 

Dorking  (Any  colour).— 1  and  3,  G.  Martin,  Castlereagh  (Silver  Grey).  2,  W. 
Charley,  DHiimurrv.  he,  W.  G.  Mulligan.  Chickens.—!,  G.  Martin  ( Silver-Grey ). 
2,  F.  H.  Green,  Belfast.  Spanish— 1  and  3,  W.  G.  Mulligan.  2,  F.  H.  Green. 
Chiekem.— 1  and  2,  W.  G.  Mulligan.  S,  G.  Martin,  he,  G.  Martin.  Cochin- 
china.—!,  F.  H.  Green  (Lemon-coloured).  2  and  S,  W.  G.  Mulligan  (Buff). 
he,  F.  H.  Green  (Partridge);  S.  T.  Scott,  Belfast;  R.  Long,  Belfast  (White) ; 
G.  A.  Perrin.  Cliantillv,  Loughlinstown,  Co.  Dublin,  c.  R.  Long.  Brahma 
Pootra.— 1,  F.  H.  Green  (i)ark).  2  and  8,  W.  G.  Mulligan  (Dark).  Scotch 
Greys.— 1,  R.  Long.  2,  and  3,  W.  G.  Mulligan,  he,  G.  Martin.  H*mburgh.— 
Silver-spangled.— 1,  F.  H  Green.  2  and  8,  W.  J.  Davison,  Belfast.  Silver- 
pencilled.— 1  and  2.  C.  E.  M'Clintock,  Glendaragh,  Crumlin.  3.  W.  J.  Davison. 
Golden-spangled.— 1,W.  J.  Davison.    2  and  3,  F.  H.  Green.    Golden-pencilled. 


1,  F.  H.  Green.  2,  G.  Martin.  8,  W.  J.  Davison,  e,  E.  M'Clintock.  Game  (Any 
colour).— 1,  C.  E.  M'Clintock  (Black-breasted  Red).  2  and  S,  G.  A.  Perrin  (Duck- 
wings  and  Brown  Reds),  he,  C.  E.  M'Clintock  (Black-breasted  Reds);  R. 
Long;   G.  A.  Perrin  (Black  Red).    Bantams  (Any   breed).—!,    G.   A.  Perrin. 

2,  W.  G. Mulligan  (Black  Red),  c,  F.  H.  Green;  R.  Long.  Polands.— Silver^ 
crested  Spangled.— I,  and  3,  F.  H.  Green.  2,  G.  A.  Perrin.  vhe,  F.  H.  Green. 
Golden-crested  Spangled— 1,  F.  H.  Green.  Chickens.— 1,  W.  G.  Mulligan. 
2,  G.  Martin.  Turkeys.— 1,  Marquis  of  Downshire,  Hillsborough  Castle  (Cam- 
bridge). Geese— 1.  G.  A.  Perrin.  2,  W.  G.  Mulligan  (Toulouse),  he,  G.  A- 
Perrin.  c,  W.  G.  Mulligan  (Toulouse).  Ducks.— Aykshiiry.—l  and  2,  W.  G. 
Mulligan.  8.  R.N. Batt,  Belfast.  Ducklings.— 1  and  2,  W.  G.  Mulligan.  8,  W. 
Charley,  Dunmurry.  Rouen.— 1  and  3,  W.  G.  Mulligan.  2,  R.  Long,  he,  G. 
Martin,    c,  G.  Martin.    Ducklings.^  1,  W.  G.  Mulligan.    2,  G.  Martin. 

Ulster  Challenge  Cup. — For  the  winner  of  the  greatest  number  of  points 
in  the  Poultry  Classes.  Points  to  be  counted  as  follows :— viz,  For  each  First 
Prize,  four  points ;  Second,  two  points ;  Third,  one  point.— W.  G.  Mulligan. 

Judges. — Mr.  A.  Paterson,  Chapel  Street,  Airdrie,  Scotland ;  Mr* 
A.  Glass,  Ayr,  Scotland ;  and  Mr.  J.  Dixon,  North  Park,  Clayton 
Bradford. 

INTRODUCING  LIGURIAN   QUEENS. 

A  few  days  previous  to  the  receipt  of  two  imported  Liguriau 
queens,  kindly  obtained  for  me  from  Switzerland  by  Mr.  Wood- 
bury, I  made  two  artificial  swarms  from  old  stocks  of  black 
bees. 

I  received  the  queens  on  the  2nd  of  Jane,  and  at  once  intro- 
duced them  to  their  future  subjects,  taking  the  precaution, 
however,  in  accordance  with  Mr.  Woodbury's  suggestion,  of 
imprisoning  them,  each  in  a  little  wire  cage  {a  pipe  cover),  be- 
fore placing  them  between  the  brood  combs.  At  the  expiration 
of  twenty-four  hours  I  released  the  queens,  and  setting  them 
free  allowed  them  to  run  away  and  conceal  themselves  from 
view  in  a  cluster  of  bees,  each  in  her  respective  hive.  Presum- 
ing that  they  were  well  received,  and  that  they  commenced 
laying  eggs  at  once,  it  was  to  be  expected  that  worker  bees,  the 
produce  of  the  imported  queens,  would  be  hatched  on  or  about 
June  23rd,  and  accordingly  I  have  been  upon  the  watch  for 
them  ever  since  that  date.  Yesterday  (27th  of  June),  I  had 
the  great  satisfaction  of  observing  young  bees  beautifully 
marked,  and  in  considerable  numbers,  clustering  upon  the 
combs  and  contiguous  to  the  glass  back  or  door  of  the  hives, 
thereby  assuring  me  of  the  perfect  success  of  this  highly  in- 
teresting experiment. 

To-day  (28th  of  June)  in  the  bright  sunshine,  as  I  write,  these 
young  bees  are  playing  about  at  the  entrance  of  the  hives. 
Both  of  these  stocks  are  so  very  strong  that  it  is  not  improbable 
that  they  may  send  forth  a  natural  swarm;  and  although  the 
proverb  speaks  disparagingly  of  a  July  Bwarm,  yet  my  expe- 
rience is  that  such  a  swarm,  with  a  little  careful  nursing  and 
feeding  in  the  autumn  and  early  spring,  will  form  in  the  follow- 
ing year  as  thriving  and  populous  a  stock  as  does  a  swarm  that 
has  issued  in  May. 

I  may  add  that  up  to  the  present  time  the  honey  season  in 
this  locality  (Honiton)  has  been  exceptionally  favourable.  I 
have  a  glass  super,  the  capacity  of  which  is  about  2  cubic  feet, 
and  which  is  now  completely  filled  with  honeycomb.  I  esti- 
mate its  weight  at  not  less  than  100  lbs.  The  stock  of  bees,  of 
which  this  super  is  the  produce,  consists  of  an  artificial  swarm 
taken  last  year  from  a  stock  into  which  a  Liguriau  queen  im- 
ported from  Como  was  introduced  in  the  previous  year. — 
Re  c  tou. 

BEES  LEAVING   THEIR   HIVE. 

Having  purchased  a  beautiful  Italian  queen  last  autumn, 
guaranteed  not  more  than  a  month  old  before  importation,  I 
successfully  united  her  to  a  well-provisioned  black  stock  of 
bees,  and  saw  young  Italians  in  December.  They  continued  to 
increase  until  February,  when  they  gradually  decreased  until 
the  beginning  of  this  month  (June),  when  the  few  remaining 
bees,  with  the  queen,  left  the  hive  and  alighted  close  by.  I 
immediately  captured  her  majesty  and  restored  her  to  the 
deserted  hive,  and  the  bees  returned  quietly,  but  the  next  day 
left  again,  flew  away,  and  were  entirely  lost.  They  left  two 
combs  with  brood  in  every  stage  of  progress,  also  honey  and 
pollen,  but  no  drone  brood,  neither  did  they  ever  breed  any 
drones.  I  hived  a  black  swarm  of  bees  the  next  day  in  the 
deserted  hive  and  combs,  and  they  are  doing  well.  What  was 
the  cause  ?  The  Italians  did  not  do  the  same.  Are  the  Italians 
better  bees  for  breeding  and  gathering  honey  in  this  country 
than  the  common  black  bees? — A.  A. 

[This  appears  a  very  inexplicable  occurrence.  From  whom 
did  you  obtain  the  queen,  and  how  was  the  vendor  enabled  to 
guarantee  her  exact  age  when  imported  ?] 


Early   Supers. — With  reference  to  recent  letters  on  this 
subject  in  the  Journal,  it  may  interest  some  of  your  readers  if  I 


Jnly  7,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE!  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


19 


give  the  result  of  my  own  experience.  On  the  7th  May  last,  I 
placed  a  super  box  on  a  Stewarton  hive.  It  had  in  it  a  small 
piece  of  last  year's  comb,  and  perhaps  a  pound  of  honey.  I 
removed  this  super  on  the  28th  May,  exactly  three  weeks 
afterwards,  and  it  contained  18J  lbs.  of  honey,  nett  weight. — 
Richard  Mills,  Swanley,  Kent. 


BAR  FRAMES  versus   EARLY   SUPERS. 

Referring  to  the  account  of  an  early  super  in  Nos.  481  and 
482,  Journal  of  Horticulture,  it  might  be  interesting  to 
some  of  your  readers  to  learn  that  I  have  this  year  used  no 
supers  of  any  kind,  and  nearly  all  my  hives  are  Pettitt's  bar- 
frame  hives,  with  the  ten  and  the  thirteen  frames.  On  the  15th 
June  I  took  from  one  of  the  ten-frame  hives  (which  was  a  stock 
transferred  from  a  straw  hive  this  spring),  six  of  the  frames 
well  filled  with  honey  and  well  sealed  over,  the  six  combs 
weighing  39}  lbs.  In  exchange  for  the  fix  fall  frames  I  put  in 
six  empty  ones,  which  I  find  on  examination  to-day  are  nearly 
all  full,  and  will  in  a  few  days,  I  think,  realise  a  similar 
weight ;  but  I  shall  not  take  more  than  five  combs  in  this  in- 
stance, leaving  the  bees  five  for  their  use  during  winter.  I 
have  generally  considered  five  or  six  of  these  bar-frames  suffi- 
cient for  their  consumption  in  winter,  and  they  contain  about 
donble  the  comb-building  space  that  is  found  in  some  of  the 
common  straw  hives. 

On  the  loth  of  June  I  went  to  the  hive  above  referred  to 
with  the  intention  of  forming  from  it  an  artificial  colony,  but 
found  the  combs  so  full  of  honey  that  there  was  no  room  left 
for  brood,  and  in  all  this  ten-frame  hive  there  was  none  found, 
excepting  on  one  comb  about  3  inches  square,  which  was  oc- 
cupied by  brood  on  either  side,  or  about  18  square  inches.  I 
therefore  thought  it  best  to  appropriate  the  bix  combs  to  my 
own  use,  and  try  on  the  other  six  rather  than  to  make  a  swarm 
with  bo  little  brood  in  it. — Sudbury. 


VEGETABLES  BETTER  THAN  NOTHING. 

[W      SHOULD    THINK    SO  ! EDS.] 

Undoubtedly  great  sustenance  can  be  derived  from  vege- 
tables. Vegetarians  can  give  us  many  examples  to  prove  that 
not  only  will  vegetable  matter  alone  sustain  life,  but  that  meat 
is  injurious.  Without  going  so  far,  I  limit  myself  to  one  or  two 
instances,  proving  that  we  are  not  absolutely  dependent  on 
meat,  and  that  in  its  absence,  or  a  very  small  quantity  of  it, 
good  health  and  strength  can  be  secured.  Yolney,  a  well-known 
though  not  a  recent  authority,  describes  the  Wallachians  in  his 
travels  as  "tall,  well-built,  robust,  and  of  a  very  wholesome 
complexion,  diseases  being  rare  .among  them."  Further  on  we 
are  told,  "the  manners  of  the  Wallachians,  as  far  as  I  have  been 
able  to  judge  them,  are  simple,  and  neither  embellished  nor  sullied 
by  art.  Temperate  in  their  repasts,  they  prefer  vegetables  to 
fruit,  and  fruits  to  the  most  delicate  meat."  The  miners  in 
Belgium  furnish  another  good  example.  They  eat,  according  to 
a  report  made  in  the  locality,  2  lbs.  of  bread  per  day,  about 
2  ozs.  of  butter,  1  oz.  of  coffee  and  chicory  mixed,  while  for 
dinner  they  have  in  the  evening  a  portion  of  vegetables  mixed 
with  potatoes,  weighing  at  the  most  1£  lb.  They  have  meat 
on  Sundays  and  festivals,  but  during  the  week  they  drink  neither 
beer  nor  other  fermented  liquors.  Coffee  is  their  only  beverage. 
Yet  these  workmen  are  hardy  and  healthy.  It  is  not  the  coffee 
which  sustains  them,  for  it  constitutes  but  l-35th  of  the  nutri- 
tious property  of  their  aliment,  though  M.  de  Gasparin,  in  a 
paper  read  some  years  ago  before  the  French  Academy  of 
Sciences,  attempted  to  prove,  from  certain  tables,  that  the  waste 
in  liquid  excretion  is  less  when  coffee  is  drunk  than  at  other 
times.  The  miners'  coffee  is  not  like  the  French  cafe  ait  lait, 
for  it  has  but  l-10th  part  of  milk  in  it;  he  drinks  several  pints 
in  a  day,  and  eats  only  bread  and  butter  until  the  vegetable  meal 
of  the  evening.  The  albuminous  substance  which  enters  into 
the  rations  of  the  Belgian  miner  is  thus  reduced  from  23  grammes 
to  15  grammes  of  azote.  This  is  less  nutritious  even  than  the 
diet  of  the  monks  of  La  Trappe  at  Aiguebelle.  Here  is,  there- 
fore, proof  that  life  and  health  can  exist  throughout  a  whole 
population  with  less  nutritive  substance  than  is  generally  con- 
sidered necessary  ;  that  meat  can  well  be  replaced  by  vegetable 
and  farinaceous  matter.  But  it  will  be  argued,  that  the  im- 
poverished British  workman  and  pauper  will  object  to  the  diet 
of  the  Belgian  miner.  In  answer,  however,  might  it  not  be 
suggested  that  the  Belgian  acts  with  greater  wisdom  when  he 
preserves  his  health  and  spirits  even  on  such  a  miserable  diet, 


than  the  Englishman  who,  constantly  aiming  at  nothing  less 
than  the  sirloin,  falls  short  of  the  goal,  and  consoles  himself  with 
spirituous  liqours  ?  There  is  fortunately  a  medium  course,  and 
much  despair  might  be  avoided  if  our  poor,  and  indeed  some  of 
the  lower  middle  classes,  knew  better  how  to  combine  vegetable 
substances,  and  produce  excellent  meals,  without  any  assistance 
at  all  from  the  butcher.  Occasionally  a  good  wholesome  vege- 
table diet  would  be  better  than  nothing;  and,  by  refreshing  the 
blood  and  assuaging  thirst,  would  lessen  the  temptation  of  drink, 
always  so  great  in  moments  of  feverish  anxiety,  poverty,  and 
want.  Without  adopting  the  miner's  diet,  many  a  good  meal 
can  he  made  for  a  few  pence  from  vegetables,  cooked  with  more 
heart  than  at  present  shown.  It  would  take  too  long  to  analyse 
all  the  different  vegetables  at  hand ;  but  I  will,  on  a  future  occa- 
sion, return  to  the  subject,  and  for  the  present  content  myself 
with  a  few  practical  examples  illustrative  of  my  meaning. 

For  a  cheap,  yet  tasty  and  substantial  dish,  let  me  suggest 
that  the  housewife  grate  two  carrots,  two  turnips,  one  parsnip, 
a  little  beetroot  and  artichoke  into  one  pint  of  split  peas,  boiled 
in  two  quarts  of  soft  water  for  two  hours.  The  whole  might 
then  he  boiled  with  three  teaspoonfuls  of  Indian,  wheaten,  or 
Scotch  meal,  mixed  in  cold  water,  leaving  it  to  simmer  together 
for  two  hours  more;  a  little  parsley,  mint,  and  thyme  will  flavour 
the  dish.  More  water  might  be  added  if  necessary.  This  some- 
what complicated  "  hodge-podge"  would  well  satisfy  a  middle- 
class  family,  and  cost  less,  at  any  rate,  than  a  joint.  It  would 
not  do,  perhaps  every  day,  but  might  occasionally  save  the  meat 
and  avoid  the  horror  at  stinting  at  dinner.  For  a  cheaper  dish, 
why  should  not  the  lentil  be  introduced  for  everyday  use  in  Eng- 
land as  in  France  ?  For  instance  let  a  pint  of  lentils  be  soaked 
in  pure  soft  water  for  twenty-four  hours,  then  put  in  a  stewpan 
(earthen  or  enamelled  is  best),  and  boil  for  four  hours.  Then  two 
onions,  one  parsnip,  one  carrot,  a  little  parsley,  thyme  cut  small, 
and  a  small  quantity  of  boiled  rice  should  be  added.  This,  mixed 
and  boiled  a  short  time  together,  would  produce  a  satisfying  and 
savoury  dish,  somewhat  better  than  tho  diet  of  the  Belgian  miner, 
and  yet  very  cheap.  Lentils  are  about  the  most  nutritious  vege- 
table we  possess.  In  100  lbs.  they  contain  84  lbs.  of  solid  matter, 
and  16  lbs.  of  water,  of  which  33  lbs.  are  flesh-forming,  and  48 
of  heat-forming  principle ;  while  butchers'  meat,  according  to 
Baron  Liebig's  table,  has  but  21.5  lbs.  per  cent,  of  flesh-forming 
principle,  and  14.3  that  gives  heat.  The  rice  has  82  per  cent, 
of  the  heat- forming  principle.  Compared  with  these,  the  other 
vegetables  are  more  useful  as  giving  water,  flavour,  and  rendering 
the  dish  light  and  digestible.  The  celebrated  Indian  and  Chinese 
dish  called  dahl,  has  also  lentils  for  its  chief  ingredient,  and  is 
purely  of  vegetable  matter.  It  is  substantial  and  delicious,  and 
is  made  as  follows: — Stew  a  quart  of  split  lentils  till  they  form 
a  thick  soup ;  have  ready  a  pound  of  rice,  well  boiled  in  milk, 
and  drained  off  as  dry  as  possible.  Shake  the  rice  up  loosely  in 
a  dish,  and,  after  mixing  an  ounce  of  curry  powder  with  the 
lentils,  pour  the  lentil  soup  over  the  rice  and  serve  it  up.  Dishes, 
cheaper  even  than  these,  may  be  made  palatable. 

Before  concluding,  however,  there  is  one  important  objection 
which  has  often  been  made,  through  ignorance  of  the  first  rule  in 
cooking  vegetables.  It  is  observed  that  a  meal  from  them  is  not 
satisfying.  I  have  found  it  frequently  happen  that  the  person 
who  thus  objected,  did  not  know  even  how  to  boil  a  vegetable. 
The  rule  is  simple,  but  must  never  be  forgotten.  Every  kind  of 
vegetable  intended  to  be  served  whole  should,  when  put  to  boil, 
be  placed  at  once  in  boiling  water ;  and  this  applies  especially  to 
potatoes,  and  vegetables  from  which  the  outer  cover  has  been 
removed.  Now  it  often  happens  that  potatoes,  &c,  are,  to  save 
time  placed  in  cold  water  and  left  to  boil  gradually.  It  is  just  this 
which  allows  the  nutritious  matter  to  escape,  and  renders  the 
meai  unsatisfying.  When,  on  the  contrary,  the  water  boils  from 
the  moment  the  vegetable  is  immersed  in  it,  the  albumen  is  parti- 
ally coagulated  near  the  surface,  and  serves  to  retain  the  virtue 
of  the  vegetable.  The  reverse  is,  of  course,  the  rule  for  making 
soup,  or  any  dish  from  which  the  water  will  not  be  drained. 
By  placing  the  vegetables  in  cold  water  the  albumen  is  slowly 
dissolved,  and  actually  mixes  with  the  water — a  process  most 
necessary  for  the  production  of  nutritious  soup.  It  is  to  be, 
hoped  that  the  poor,  who  have  a  special  need  for  the  most  their 
money  can  produce,  will  learn,  in  whatever  haste  they  may  be, 
not  to  boil  all  the  albumen  from  their  potatoes,  reserving  for 
their  meal  only  the  starchy  matter. — (Food  Journal.) 


OUR  LETTER   BOX. 


Separating  Chickens  (C.B.).— The  time  at  which  yon  require  to  breed 
stock  birds  mast  influence  you  in  separating  your  chickeus.  There  is 
however,  no  fear  if  they  are  but  two  months  old.    As  a  role  with  birds  of 


20 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  July  7,  1870. 


that  age,  October  will  be  soon  enocgh.  The  cord  was  folly  described  in 
one  of  our  early  numbers  of  "Rational  Poultry-keeping"  (see  page  365 
of  last  volume).  If  you  do  not  mean  to  breed  again  from  the  parent 
cock,  the  sooner  he  is  removed  the  better. 

Inflamed  Egg-organs  (Ipstoick).— We  cannot  better  answer  your 
question  than  by  giving  the  following  quotation  from  the  "  Poultry- 
keepers'  Manual"  : — "  bymptoms,  the  hen  going  on  to  the  nest  without 
laying ;  having  a  straddling  gait ;  laying  Bhell-less  eggs  ;  dropping  eggs 
from  perch  or  elsewhere.  Cause,  overfeeding.  Another  cause  is  eating 
the  seeds  of  grapes,  or  grain  affected  with  ergot.  We  once  knew  a  yard 
of  Dorkings  having  an  extensive  grass  run.  They  all  laid  shell-less 
eggs,  and  the  pullets  evidently  had  over-excited  egg-organs,  the  eggs 
were  distorted,  and  addled  eggs,  almost  without  exception,  characterised 
every  sitting.  We  believe  the  seeds  of  the  grasses  were  affected  with 
ergot.  It  may  be  necessary  to  explain  to  some  of  our  readers  that  ergot 
is  a  fungoid  substance,  which  completely  changes  the  composition  of  the 
grass  seed  which  it  attacks." 

Eggs  of  Pigeons  for  Sale  (Qls—pe).— We  have  only  known  Pigeons' 
eggs  to  be  bought  by  boys  at  the  bird  shops,  the  dealers  not  wishing  the 
Pigeons  to  breed  in  the  cages.  We  should  scarcely  think  valuable  eggs 
are  to  be  bought,  as  the  bird  laying  but  two,  there  are  none  to  spare. 

Exhibiting  Diseased  Pigeons  (Constant  Reader). — We  think  that 
diseased  birds,  of  whatsoever  sort  they  be,  ought  not  to  be  exhibited  for 
many  reasons,  such  as  fear  of  contagion,  unsightliness,  &c.  The  Carrier 
alluded  to  must  have  been  by  far  the  best  bird,  so  the  judge  acted  rightly. 
It  was  for  the  committee  to  have  interfered,  as  they  make  the  rules. 

Carriers  at  Spalding.— Mr.  Massey  says  we  printed  his  notes  erro- 
neously, and  that  the  line  commencing  "  I  rather  gave  the  preference, 
&c."  refers  to  Mr.  Ord's  bird,  and  not,  as  it  now  reads  in  the  printing,  to 
Mr.  Fulton's. 

Cock  Carrier  Pigeons  at  Spalding  {An  Exhibitor). — Perhaps  it  was 
a  mere  mistake  of  the  printer  of  the  prize  catalogue,  and  it  ought  to 
have  been  printed  thus — "  three  years,"  instead  of  "  three  months." 

Food  for  Young  Skylarks  Feeding  Themselves  (A  Subscriber).— 
German  paste,  stale  bread  crumbs,  and  the  yolk  of  hard-boiled  egg,  mixed 
together  ;  fresh  water  should  be  given  separately,  and  as  they  grow  larger, 
supply  occasionally  two  or  three  mealworms  and  a  few  ants'  eggs.  Barley 
meal  should  not  be  given. 

Young  Nightingales  (Idem).— The  yolk  of  hard-boiled  egg,  raw  beef 
chopped  fine,  stale  bread  crumbs  grated  fine— the  same  as  put  on  fried 
soles — mixed  together,  and  about  two  mealworms  a-day ;  occasionally  a 
few  ants'  eggs.  As  they  grow  older  they  will  require  more  mealworms. 
There  are  very  few  British  and  foreign  birds  that  will  agree  together  in 
an  aviary. 

Canaries  not  Singing  (T.  S.  J.).— The  fact  of  the  Canaries  being 
placed  so  that  they  can  see  each  other  ought  not  to  interfere  with  their 
singing.  On  the  contrary,  if  they  are  in  health  and  "fresh,"  they  Bbould 
Bing  one  in  opposition  to  the  other,  rather  than  maintain  a  prolonged 
silence.  You  can  Bolve  the  question  for  yourself  by  altering  the  position 
of  the  cages ;  or  if  that  be  inconvenient,  nothing  can  be  more  simple  than 
to  cover  one  side  of  either  cage  so  that  the  respective  tenants  cannot  take 
stock  of  each  other.  In  their  privacy  they  might  be  induced  to  compare 
notes — that  is  very  nearly  a  pun  !  Discontinue  the  bread  and  milk,  and 
boiled  carrot  and.  egg — in  fact,  all  messes.  More  birds  are  injured  by 
over  than  by  under-feeding  Give  only  canary  and  rape,  with  Buch  green 
food  as  may  be  in  season. — W.  A.  Blakston. 

Cock  Goldfinches  Tapping  the  Eggs  (C.  S.  De  Witt). — The  nest 
suggested  by  our  transatlantic  correspondent  is  a  modification  of  one  long 
in  use  among  Mule-breeders  here.  I  refer  to  what  is  known  as  a  "  drop- 
nest."  It  is  simply  an  ordinary  circular  tin  nest  box,  in  the  bottom  of 
which  there  is  a  hole,  and  to  the  bottom  is  attached  a  tin  box  containing 
cotton  wool,  swan'B  down,  or  any  soft  material,  into  which  the  egg  falls. 
This  box  or  canister  is  easily  detached  from  the  nest,  and  the  egg  can 
then  be  removed.  I  would  not  advise  the  substitution  of  a  cloth  recep- 
tacle, for  both  birds  will  be  unceasing  in  their  attacks  on  it,  one  in  quest 
of  a  shred  or  two  for  her  nest,  and  the  other  from  sheer  mischief.  The 
first  contrivance  of  the  kind  I  attempted  was  a  combination  of  a  tin 
nest  and  the  leg  of  one  of  "  Jacky's"  stockings,  which  I  purloined  for 
the  purpose.  I  thought  my  apparatus  was  perfection :  unique  it  certainly 
was.  Next  day  I  found  my  little  Blocking  hanging  in  threads  eur- 
mounted  by  a  very  neat  nest  manufactured  from  the  ruins,  but  no  egg. 
My  impression  was  then  and  is  now,  that  the  Goldfinch  knew  something 
about  the  disappearance  of  that  egg.  He  was  in  fine  voice  that  morning 
{of  course,  owing  to  the  raw  egg),  and  as  he  Bat  on  the  edge  of  the  nest, 
woven  with  infinitely  more  skill  than  the  poor  little  stocking,  he  gave 
such  sly  looks  and  Buch  whisks  with  his  tail,  that  one  was  driven  to  the 
conclusion  that  he  was  crowing  over  the  demolition  of  the  bag  and  the 
abstraction  of  its  contents.  No  one  ought  to  attempt  Mule-breeding 
without  httviog  his  bead  phrenologically  examined,  and  if  patience  and 
hope  be  not  largely  developed,  do  not  begin.  Too  mueh  care  cannot  be 
taken  of  a  Mul-j  egg.  Who  knows  what  it  may  produce  ?  I  never  yet 
knew  one  to  be  broken  but  a  prize  bird  was  considered  as  lost.  The 
hatching  of  each  succeeding  nest  gives  rise  to  the  wildest  surmises  as 
to  the  value  of  its  contents.  Daily  and  hourly  the  faintest  dark  Bpeck  is 
looked  for,  and  I  have  even  surprised  an  enthusiast  in  bis  sanctum 
making  microscopic  investigations.  But  nothing  can  exceed  the  happi- 
ness of  tint  man  who,  after  a  fortnight  or  three  weeks  of  most  anxious 
suspense,  can  quietly  compose  himself  in  his  arm-chair,  coolly  comb  his 
beard,  sip  his  coffee,  and  announce  to  eager  inquirers  "  One  even-marked 
and  two  clear  in  one  nest!"  And  who  shall  toll  the  disappointment  of 
the  man  who  has— this  season— bred  fifty  dark  ones  ? — W.  A.  Blakston. 
Commencing  Bee-keeping  (Marian). — Purchase  from  any  neighbour- 
ing bee-keeper  one  or  more  first  swarms  which  issued  in  May.  It  will, 
however,  be  best  to  defer  their  removal  until  autumn  ;  but  if  you  are  too 
impatient  to  wait,  they  should  be  tied  up  ia  clothB  of  open  texture 
(cheesecloth),  and  removed  very  carefully  in  the  cool  of  the  evening.  If 
you  can  aeree  with  the  vendor  to  do  this  at  his  own  risk,  so  much  the 
better,  as  the  combs,  being  at  thiB  time  new  and  heavy,  are  liable  to  fall 
if  the  hives  are  roughly  handled. 

Supering  at  the  Time  of  Hiving  (A  Regular  Subscriber).—  Much 
depends  upon  the  size  of  the  super.  If  it  be  but  a  small  one,  you  have 
only  followed  the  example  of  many  apiarians,  who  adviBe  its  being  pit 
on  when  the  swarm  is  first  hived.    We,  however,  think  it  best  in  any  case 


to  defer  it  for  a  few  days  after  hiving,  so  as  to  insure  the  new  colony 
first  commencing  operations  in  the  stock  hive.  The  snp«r  should  be 
removed  when  full,  or  at  any  rate  as  Boon  as  the  honey  harvest  is  over,  as 
it  would  do  more  harm  than  good  to  allow  it  to  remain  on  during  the 
winter.  If,  when  a  super  is  removed,  the  bees  which  it  contains  soon 
fall  into  confusion,  and  begin  to  return  to  the  stock  hive,  all  is  probably 
right;  but  if,  on  the  other  hand,  they  remain  quiet,  whilst  a  commotion 
arises  in  the  hive  itself,  the  queen  may  be  presumed  to  be  in  the  super, 
which  in  this  case  should  be  returned,  and  the  operation  deferred  until 
some  more  favourable  opportunity. 

Artificial  Swarm  (T.  Jacobs).— What  we  advised  was  to  form  an  arti- 
ficial swarm  by  driving  all  the  bees  of  one  stock  into  an  empty  hive,  and 
then  to  repeople  the  deserted  hive  by  patting  it  in  the  place  of  another 
stock.  What  you  appear  to  have  done  is  to  drive  out  a  part,  or,  perhaps, 
nearly  the  whole  of  the  bees,  without  taking  any  steps  towards  recruit- 
ing the  exhausted  population.  Under  these  circumstances  it  is  difficult 
to  predict  the  ultimate  result.  From  what  you  state,  it  seems  most 
likely  that  the  queen  accompanied  the  expelled  bees,  and  therefore  if  the 
remainder  of  the  season  be  favourable,  there  seems  no  reason  why  the 
swarm  should  not  do  well.  With  regard  to  the  old  stock,  the  matter  is 
far  more  uncertain.  If  sufficient  bees  remain  to  hatch  out  the  brood,  a 
queen  will,  probably,  be  reared,  and  all  may  be  right.  If,  on  the  other 
hand,  the  remaining  population  is  too  scanty,  most  of  the  brood  will 
become  chilled,  and  the  colony  will  be  ruined.  Should  the  stock  survive 
until  the  autumn,  it  will,  doubtless,  be  benefited  by  adding  to  it  the  bees 
of  a  condemned  colony. 

Drone  Slaughter  (Dawlish), — A  general  massacre  of  drones  shows 
that  the  honey  harvest  is  now  at  a  standstill,  but  it  does  not  prove  that 
the  cessation  is  more  than  temporary. 

Successful  Swarm  (R.  B.  N).—A  swarm  hived  on  the  2nd  of  Junei 
and  having  gathered  24  lbs.  of  honey  and  wax  by  the  22nd,  has  done  well. 


METEOROLOGICAL   OBSERVATIONS 
In  the  Suburbs  of  London  for  the  week  ending  July  5th. 


THEBHOHETER. 

"Wind. 

Date 

BAROMETER. 

Air. 

Earth. 

Rain. 

Max. 

Min. 

Max. 

Min. 

lit. 

2  ft. 

Wed... 

29 

29.991 

29.971 

76 

43 

62 

58 

N. 

.00 

Thurs. . 

80 

29  977 

29.961 

72 

41 

62 

58 

N.W. 

.00 

Fri.  ... 

1 

29.945 

29.936 

68 

86 

61 

58 

N.W. 

.00 

Sat.  ... 

2 

29.937 

29  896 

72 

87 

59 

57 

N.W. 

.00 

Sun.  .  . 

a 

29B84 

29.817 

64 

52 

59 

57 

N.W. 

.04 

Mon.  . . 

i 

29915 

29.728 

81 

61 

fit 

57 

W. 

.00 

Tues.    . 

6 
a.. 

29.910 

29.803 

71 

59 

64 

58 

W. 

.10 

Men 

29.941 

29.873 

72.00 

47.00 

61.14 

57.57 

- 

0.14 

29.— Very  fine  ;  cloudy  but  fine;  clear  Btarlight. 
SO. — Cloudy;  fine,  heavy  clouds  ;  densely  overcaBt. 

1. — Fine,  cloudy  ;  fine  ;  slight  showers. 

2.— Overcast ;  cloudy  but  fine  ;  clear  and  fine. 

3. — Densely  overcast  throughout;  rain  at  night. 

4. — Densely  overcast ;  damp  ;  cloudy  ;  overcast. 

5. — Densely  overcast ;  drizzling  rain ;  overcast,  Btrong  wind. 


COVENT  GARDEN  MARKET.— July  6. 

Markets  are  generally  well  attended,  and  a  fair  amount  of  business 
doing,  the  supply  of  Boft  fruit  having  much  improved  during  the  past 
week.  Hothouse  produce  ib  ample,  Pines  and  Grapes  being  largely  sup- 
plied at  lower  prices.  Continental  goods  comprise  Peaches,  Nectarines, 
Apricots,  Melous,  Cherries,  and  Figa. 


FRUIT. 


Apples J  sieve  1 

Apricots doz.  2 

Cherries lb.  0 

Chestnuts bushel  0 

Currants i  sieve  4 

Blaok do.  0 

Figs doz.  6 

Filberts lb.  0 

Cobs lb.  0 

Gooseberries quart  0 

Grapes, Hothouse....  lb.  3 

Lemons ^100  8 

Melons , each  S 


Mulberries quart  0 

Nectarines doz.  6 

Oranges $*  100  7 

Peaches  doz.  10 

Pears,  kitchen doz.  0 

dessert doz.  0 

Pine  Apples lb.  S 

Plums 4  sieve  0 

Quinces  i doz.  0 

Raspberries lb.  0 

Strawberries    ........lb.  0 

Walnuts bushel  10 

do -fcHOO  1 


d.     s. 
Otn  0 
0 
0 


4 

0 

12    ii 

14    0 


IS    (1 
3    0 


VEGETABLES. 


Artichokes doz.  3 

Asparagus  ^100  3 

Beans,  Kidney do.  1 

Broad bushel  S 

Beet,  Red doz.  2 

Broccoli bundle  0 

Brussels  Sprouts . .  4  sieve  0 

Cabbage doz.  1 

Capsicums  ^  M0  0 

Carrots bunch  0 

Cauliflower doz.  2 

Celery bundle  1 

Coleworte..doz.  bunches  3 

Cucumbers each  0 

pickling doz.  2 

Endive doz.  2 

Fennel bunch  0 

Garlic lb.  0 

Herbs bunch  0 

i  Horseradish  ....  bundle  8 


d.  s. 
0to6 
0 


LeekB bunch 

Lettuce   doz. 

Mushrooms pottle 

Mustard  &  CreBS. .  punnet 
Onions  bushel 

pickling quart 

ParBley sieve 

Parsnips doz. 

Peas quart 

Potatoes buBhel 

Kidney do. 

RadiBhee  ..  doz.  bunches 

Rhubarb bundle 

Savoys doz. 

Sea-kale basket 

Shallots lb. 

Spinach bushel 

Tomatoes doz. 

Turnips buncb 

Vegetubl©  Ifurs  ws.  .doz. 


4  to  0 
6       1 


S  0 

o  a 

4  0 

0  4 


0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
4 
0 
0  0 
0    6 


July  14,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


21 


WEEKLY 

CALENDAR. 

Day 

Ol 

Month 

Day 

of 

Week. 

JULY  14—20,  1870. 

Average    Tempera- 
tare  near  London. 

Rain  in 

last 
43  years. 

Sun 
Rises. 

Sun 

Sets. 

Moon 
RiseB. 

Moon 
Sets. 

Moon's 
Age. 

Clock 
before 
Sun. 

Day 

of 

Year. 

14 
15 
IS 
17 
18 
19 
20 

Th 

F 

S 

Son 

M 

Tu 

W 

Newcastle     (Staffordshire)     Horticultural 
St.  Swithln's  Day.                                [Show. 

6  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

Royal  Horticultural  Seciety's  Oxford  Show 
[openB. 

Day. 
74.5 
76  6 
76.0 
74.3 
74.7 
73.2 
73.2 

Night. 
60.5 
50.7 
50.1 
51.3 
50.2 
49.9 
50.2 

Mean. 

62.5 

1*3.7 

63.0 

62.8 

62.5 

61.1 

61.7 

Days. 
lb 
22 
17 
16 
21 
22 
23 

m.      h. 

1  :.f   1 

2  4 

8      4 

4  4 

5  4 

6  4 

7  4 

m.      h. 

10  af  8 
9  8 
8  8 
7  8 
6  8 
5  8 
4      8 

m.      b. 
31  af  9 

0     10 
24      10 
43      10 

3      11 
19     11 
39      11 

m.     h. 
23  af  5 
35      6 
47      7 
59      8 

7    10 
14    11 

after. 

Days. 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
( 

m.    s. 

5  32 

6  88 
5    44 
5    49 
5     54 

5  59 

6  2 

195 
1»6 
197 
198 
199 
200 
201 

From  observations  taken  near  London  during  the  last  forty-three  years,  the  average  day  temperature  of  the  week  is  74.6",  and  its  night 
temperature  50.4°.      The  greatest  heat  was  94',  on  the  17th,  1834;  and  the  lowest  oold  33',  on  the  17th,  1863.     The  greatest  fall  of  ram  was 
1.60  inch. 

PRUNING  ORNAMENTAL  TREES  AND  SHRUBS. 


AVING  in  previous  papers  treated  at  con- 
siderable length  on  pruning  Conifers  and 
the  forms  most  suitable,  I  have  chosen  for 
my  third  section  the  most  serviceable  of  all 
evergreen  shrubs. 

Section  III.  consists  of  Hollies,  Laurels, 
Sweet  Bay,  Laurustinus,  and  Box.  As  spe- 
cimens on  lawns  or  at  the  sides  of  walks  I 
know  of  no  equals  to  them.  They  can  be 
pruned  to  any  extent,  and  in  a  short  time 
will  be  as  green  and  well  covered  with  foliage  as  ever; 
and  they  can  be  formed  into  cones,  pyramids,  round  bushes, 
or  any  other  shape,  and  be  kept  to  it  with  the  smallest 
possible  increase  in  size  :  hence  their  adaptability  for 
architectural  gardens.  The  subjects  comprised  in  this 
section  are  well  worthy  of  separate  note  ;  therefore  I  shall 
commence  with  the  Holly,  which  admits  of  three  dill'erent 
modes  of  pruning,  or  rather  training,  to  secure — 1st,  cones 
or  pyramids  ;  '2nd,  bushes  ;  :lrd.  open  natural  trees. 

Hollies  as  ( 'ones  or  Pyramids. — Man  can  aid  in  pro- 
ducing more  beautiful  objects  than  Nature  left  to  herself, 
but  he  cannot  cause  a  subject  Nature  has  decreed  shall  be 
a  pyramid  to  become  a  handsome  bush.  Mr.  Rivers,  the 
father  of  close  pruning  or  summer  pinching,  has  found  out 
that :  some  kinds  of  fruit  trees,  he  tells  us,  are  not  adapted 
for  bushes,  but  they  form  handsome  pyramids,  and  the 
contrary  also  holds  true  ;  and  so  it  is  with  Hollies.  All 
may  be  formed  into  cones,  but  it  is  by  a  very  close  crop- 
ping of  the  side  shoots,  and  the  subjects  thus  treated  never 
have  a  natural  appearance  ;  they  are  on  a  par  with  standai  d 
Roses — the  acme  of  ugliness. 

Good  sorts  of  Hollies  for  cones  are  I.  Aquifolium, 
Aquifolium  fffimina,  Aquifolium  flava,  altaclerensis,  balea- 
rica,  glabra,  Hodginsi,  maderensis,  and  Shepherdi.  All 
except  the  first  three  have  splendid  broad  leaves ;  the  best 
are  Hodginsi,  maderensis,  and  altaclerensis  ;  the  first  of 
these  will  form  a  fine  avenue  when  planted  by  the  sides  of 
a  broad  walk. 

Of  the  variegated  sorts,  the  gold  and  silver-edged  are  the 
best  two ;  then  Handsworth  New  Silver,  Gold  and  Silver- 
blotched,  and  the  Gold  and  Silver  Queen's,  but  none  out- 
vie the  two  first-named  and  oldest. 

Cones  or  pyramids  of  any  of  the  above  are  secured  by, 
as  might  be  expected,  cutting  in  the  sides  and  encouraging 
the  top.  The  trees  almost  invariably  grow  more  strongly 
at  some  distance  from  the  ground  than  near  it :  hence  the 
necessity  of  securing  branches  near  the  ground  or  base  of 
the  tree  while  it  is  young,  for  if  not  produced  then  they  can- 
not be  obtained  after  the  tree  is  of  good  size.  The  greatest 
difficulty  is  in  securing  a  good  leader  and  keeping  it  per- 
pendicular. If  the  trees  are  required  to  form  close  pyra- 
mids, a  strong  growth  in  the  leader  is  a  disadvantage 
rather  than  a  gain,  as  with  a  vigorous  leader  we  have  the 
side  shoots  considerably  further  apart  than  when  the 
growth  is  not  very  strong.  I  consider  it  well  to  select  for 
pyramids  trees  with  straight  stems,  and  with  the  branches 

No.  485.— Vol.  XIX.,  New  Series. 


set  on  near  the  ground,  and  the  pruning  of  the  side  shoots 
should  begin  when  these  have  extended  about  1  foot  from 
the  stem.  Then  take  off  their  points,  and  a  string  fastened 
to  the  end  of  the  shoot,  and  extending  upwards  to  a  height 
of  3  feet,  and  brought  to  the  centre  of  the  tree,  will  show 
to  what  extent  the  side  shoots  are  to  be  pruned,  none 
being  pruned  closer  to  the  main  stem  than  :i  inches ; 
the  leader  being  ti  inches  above  where  the  side  branches 
are  cut  back  to  :(  inches.  This  being  done,  we  shall  have 
trees  about  4  feet  high,  half  that  through  at  the  base,  and 
gradually  tapering  upwards.  Care  should  be  taken  to 
have  the  centre  erect,  the  cone  from  the  base  tapering 
upwards  all  round.  The  best  time  to  prune  is  just  before 
the  trees  begin  to  grow,  and  they  will  not  require  any 
further  pruning  the  same  season  than  the  stopping  of  any 
irregularity  of  growth,  which  it  is  better  to  do  in  time  ; 
for  by  stopping  a  strong  shoot  during  its  period  of  growth 
we  induce  greater  vigour  in  those  shoots  remaining  un- 
stopped, and  have  a  greater  chance  of  obtaining  in  the 
stopped  shoot  growth  of  the  character  required. 

The  following  spring  the  tree  will  need  to  be  gone  over, 
and  the  side  shoots  cut  in,  or  such  of  them  as  have  ex- 
tended beyond  an  extent  corresponding  to  the  others  ;  and 
as  we  may  in  a  vigorous,  healthy  tree  calculate  on  about 
4  inches  of  annual  increase  in  the  growth,  we  must  shorten 
the  lowest  shoots  to  that  length,  and  with  a  line  from 
them,  as  before,  to  the  apex  or  top  of  the  leader  or  tree,  it 
will  be  readily  seen  to  what  extent  the  side  branches  will 
require  shortening.  We  have  in  this  case  a  greater  in- 
crease of  the  tree  at  its  base  than  in  its  upper  parts.  The 
top  will  always  be  the  strongest,  therefore  cut  in  the  top 
most,  and  the  lower  part  will  become  well  furnished  ;  this 
effected,  we  can  easily  furnish  the  top.  If  the  leader 
deviate  from  the  perpendicular,  either  cut  it  away  to  the 
point  where  it  is  in  the  centre— and  this  is  the  best  plan  if 
the  leader  is  very  strong— or  secure  it  in  the  centre  with  a 
stake,  the  latter  mode  being  desirable  when  the  tree  is 
growing  weak  in  the  centre.  The  whole  art  in  pruning 
Hollies  in  the  form  of  cones  is  to  cut  them  to  that  form 
every  spring,  and  leave  the  rest  to  nature.  The  trees  will 
sometimes  put  out  strong  shoots  from  the  main  stem  or 
branches,  and  those  having  an  upward  tendency,  or  grow- 
ing over  shoots  they  must  enfeeble,  should  be  rubbed  or 
cut  off  close  to  the  part  whence  they  proceed.  The  trees 
will  not  have  an  equal  amount  of  branches  all  round — some 
parts  will  be  thick,  others  thin  ;  therefore,  in  pruning,  thin 
out  the  most  crowded  parts  of  the  tree,  and  cut  the  thin 
parts  but  little  or  not  at  all,  only  pruning  enough  to  preserve 
the  required  shape.  Open  spaces  or  sunk  parts  should  not 
have  the  shoots  shortened,  but  be  allowed  to  grow  until 
the  space  is  filled  up. 

Bushes  are  formed  by  restraining  the  upper  part  or  centre 
of  the  tree,  the  shoots  there  not  being  permitted  to  grow 
erect,  except  for  the  extension  of  the  plant.  To  secure  a- 
c'ose  growth  near  the  base  it  is  necessary  that  the  head  be 
taken  off  at  the  height  of  2  or  :t  feet  from  the  ground,  and 
the  side  shoots  ought  not  to  be  stopped  until  they  are 
distant  from  the  stem  half  the  height  of  the  tree.  This 
will  afford  the  basis  of  a  half  sphere.     All  that  is  required 

No.  1137—  Vol.  XLIV.,  Old  Ssbieb. 


22 


JOUBNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  July  14,  1870. 


beyond  this  is  to  cat  off  the  irregular-growing  shoots  in  spring, 
commencing  with  those  near  the  base ;  in  fact,  this  ought  to 
be  done  whenever  there  is  a  deficiency  of  vigour  in  the  weak 
shoots,  which,  for  the  most  part,  are  at  the  base  of  the  tree. 
The  pruning  of  those  parts  should  be  done  about  a  fortnight  or 
three  weeks  in  advance  of  the  pruning  of  the  shoots  in  the 
upper  part  of  the  tree.  This  will  cause  the  lower  shoots  to 
form  buds,  or,  it  may  be,  start  them  ere  the  shoots  at 
the  upper  part  are  pruned,  so  that  when  the  upper  shoots 
are  shortened  the  lower  shoots  will  start  freely,  making 
more  vigorous  growths  than  if  they  were  pruned  at  the  same 
time  as  those  at  the  upper  part.  Pruning  is  not  necessary 
every  year,  so  long  as  the  form  required  and  close  growth  are 
secured,  and  yet  it  is  well  to  go  over  the  bushes  periodically 
and  do  whatever  is  necessary ;  for  nothing  is  so  ugly  as  an 
irregular-growing  bush  Holly.  Beyond  restraining  the  growth 
upwards,  the  pruning  of  bushes  is  not  materially  different  from 
that  of  pyramidal  trees. 

Open  natural-shaped  Trees. — These  are  best  with  one  leader, 
though  it  is  not  uncommon  to  see  them  with  two  or  more,  and 
in  a  state  of  nature  they  usually  have  several.  Now,  if  the 
tree  is  young,  there  is  no  excuse  for  more  than  one  leader,  and 
being  kept  to  that,  the  side  shoots  will  only  need  to  be  short- 
ened where  too  long  in  proportion  to  those  in  another  part, 
thinning  them  out  where  too  crowded,  in  order  to  encourage 
growth  in  the  weak  and  open  parts  of  the  tree.  Care  should 
also  be  taken  to  cut  out  all  shoots  or  branches  that  cross  each 
other,  or  which,  from  growing  upright,  are  likely  to  interfere 
with  the  leader  or  with  the  vigour  of  the  side  branches. 

In  case  of  two  or  more  leaders  having  been  formed  it  will 
be  necessary  to  see  to  their  vigour  being  equalised,  which 
may  be  secured  to  a  great  extent  by  cutting  in  the  strongest 
in  spring  after  growth  has  commenced,  and  not  pruning  the 
weakest  that  season.  It  will  also  be  necessary  to  prune  the 
side  branches  so  as  to  give  an  equal  extension  to  them,  and  to 
preserve  the  balance  between  all  the  parts  of  the  tree. 

Those  having  Hollies  that  are  too  spreading  and  too  loose, 
taking  up  more  space  than  is  desired,  and  badly  formed,  will 
do  well  to  have  them  pruned  into  shape.  The  end  of  March 
or  beginning  of  April  in  a  mild  season,  or  a  fortnight  to  three 
weeks  later  if  the  season  is  late  and  cold,  is  the  most  suitable 
time.  Hollies  will  bear  pruning  to  any  extent,  but  of  course 
break  most  freely  from  the  smaller  branches.  The  strongest 
shoots  or  branches  should  be  cut  back  most,  and  the  smallest 
least,  for  if  they  are  all  cut  off  to  one  length  the  strongest  will 
push  much  more  vigorously  than  the  weak,  and  soon  be  more 
extended ;  hence  th«y  should  be  cut  well  back,  or  say  a  loot 
more  than  a  branch  half  their  thickness.  The  small  shoots 
should  be  cut  back  evenly,  so  that  there  may  be  as  nearly  as 
possible  an  equality  in  the  growth  the  first  season.  The  very 
weak  branches,  and  those  which  cross  each  other  or  grow 
upright,  should  be  cut  well  in,  and,  if  need  be,  cut  clean  out. 
To  secure  good  growth,  well  thin  out  the  branches  ;  they  do  no 
good  crossing  and  overlying  each  other.  If  the  weather  prove 
dry  in  May  and  the  beginning  of  June  give  a  good  watering, 
and  the  growth  before  autumn  will  be  good,  and  the  following 
year  handsome  trees  will  be  the  result.  I  have  cut  Hollies 
that  had  a  very  large  spread  of  head  so  closely  in  that  there 
was  little  but  sticks  left,  and  have  surprised  those  asking  for 
their  removal  aB  unsightly  objects  with  the  handsome  pyramids 
or  bushes  secured  by  a  judicious  use  of  the  saw  and  knife.  I 
have  seen  old  spreading  open  trees  formed  into  pyramids  and 
bushes  so  close  that  birds  had  to  seek  an  entrance  from  beneath. 
— G.  Abbey, 


NOTES   ON   ROSES,  AND  THEIR  CULTURE. 

Me.  Radclyffe  has  spoken  in  such  glowing  terms  of  Felix 
Genero  that  I  think  it  right,  in  order  that  amateurs  who  have 
not  seen  the  Rose  may  not  be  disappointed  in  ordering  a  great 
number,  to  say  that  I  do  not  think  the  opinion  of  Rose-growers 
in  general  would  bear  out  Mr.  Radclyffe's  estimate  of  it.  It  is, 
no  doubt,  a  good  grower,  but  the  colour  is  dull  (red,  with  too 
muoh  of  a  violet  tinge  in  it),  and  the  shape  by  no  means  first- 
class.  The  outer  petals  are  never  large  enough.  It  is  more  of 
the  form  of  Prince  Henri  de  Pays  Bas,  which,  though  I  know 
it  is  admired  by  some  Rose  growers,  does  not  approximate  a  high 
standard  in  shape.  The  only  thing,  in  my  mind,  to  recommend 
in  the  shape  of  Felix  Genero  is,  that  having  incurved  petals  it 
hides  its  own  deficiencies,  as  I  have  never  yet  picked  a  flower 
of  it  that  was  very  full  in  the  centre,  if  the  incurved  petals  were 
pushed  back  to  examine  it.     It  would  be  interesting,  I  think 


if  Rose-growers  were  to  classify  their  Roses  under  their  different 
forms,  taking  well-known  Roses  as  standards  of  form — as,  for 
instance,  Alfred  Colomb,  Comtesse  de  Chabrillant,  Baronne  de 
Rothschild,  Louise  Margottin,  La  Ville  de  St.  Denis,  &c.  I 
hope  some  of  our  best  observers  of  Roses,  as  the  Rev.  S.  R. 
Hole  and  the  Rev.  E.  N.  Pochin,  will  do  so,  and  if  new  Roses, 
when  they  came  out,  were  described  in  this  way,  as  to  their 
shape,  it  would  very  much  help  persons  who  wished  to  order 
some  of  the  new  sorts. 

While  on  the  subject  of  Roses,  I  add,  hardly  any  Rose  has 
done  so  well  or  improved  so  much  with  me  this  year  as  Princess 
Mary  of  Cambridge.  Fisher  Holmes  has  also  gained  much 
in  my  estimation,  and  Madame  la  Baronne  de  Rothschild  is 
almost  perfection  as  a  pink.  La  France  has  also  been  very 
fine,  though  too  loose  in  the  petal ;  and  Annie  Wood  has  had 
some  exceptionally  fine  flowers.  I  never  remember  to  have 
seen  dark  Roses  burn  so  much  as  this  year.  I  can  hardly  get 
a  Rose  from  Monsieur  Boncenne,  Lord  Macaulay,  Duke  of 
Wellington,  or  Pierre  Notting  which  is  not  burnt,  and  I  am 
thinking  another  year  of  planting  all  very  dark  Roses  by  them- 
selves in  a  quarter  in  my  kitchen  garden,  and  fixing  up  some 
framework  of  laths,  so  as  to  be  able  to  cover  it  over  entirely 
with  tiffany  on  very  sunny  days.  Those  that  have  no  shade 
of  purple  in  them,  as  Alfred  Colomb,  Marie  Baumann,  Le 
Rhone,  La  Brillante,  &c,  can  stand  the  sun,  and  so  do  all  the 
cerise,  pink,  and  pure  white  Roses  ;  and  it  is  one  great  point  to 
recommend  pink  Roses,  that  they  seem  to  last  much  longer 
than  dark  Roses,  either  crimson  or  scarlet.  For  instance, 
Princess  Mary  of  Cambridge,  Abel  Grand,  and  Baronne  de 
Rothschild  keep  their  true  colours  and  last  longer  than  almost 
any  Roses  I  am  acquainted  with.  There  are  other  Roses  which 
ought  to  be  grown  in  the  shade  as  well  as  the  dark  ones  ;  for 
instance,  Souvenir  de  Malmaison  and  Gloire  de  Dijon  are  both 
of  them  improved  both  in  form  and  colojr  in  hot  summer 
weather  if  they  are  well  shaded.  Souvenir  de  Malmaison, 
especially,  should  never  be  exposed  to  full  sun.  Miss  Ingram, 
again,  and  Acidalie,  also  seem  better  for  a  slight  shading. — 
C.  P.  Peach. 


TABLE  DECORATIONS. 

If  I  refer  to  this  subject  again,  it  is  not  because  I  have  seen 
any  reason  to  alter  my  opinions,  or  that  I  can  throw  any  fresh 
light  on  it,  but  because  I  have  had  the  opportunity  of  seeing 
since  I  wrote  last  two  examples  of  decoration,  one  showing  how 
it  ought  to  be  done,  and  the  other  just  the  opposite.  I  allude 
to  the  arrangement  made  at  the  Rose  Show  at  the  Crystal 
Palace  by  W.  Thomson,  Esq.,  of  Penge,  and  the  other  at 
the  Royal  Horticultural  Society's  Rose  Show.  The  former 
was  almost  perfect  in  its  way ;  the  latter,  with  the  exception 
of  that  which  obtained  the  first  prize,  as  bad  taste  as  it  was 
possible  to  be. 

The  exhibition  which  had  been  made  by  Mr.  Thomson  was 
in  the  large  theatre,  which  had  been  altered  for  the  purpose, 
and  consisted  of  one  large  dining  table  and  two  smaller  ones, 
the  two  smaller  ones  being  arranged  by  professional  artists, 
the  centre  one  by  amateurs.  It  is  to  this  centre  arrangement 
that  I  desire  to  draw  attention,  and  although  it  is  quite  impos- 
sible to  depcribe  it,  yet  I  shall  endeavour  to  give  a  brief  sketch 
of  it.  The  table  was  large — probably  would  dine  twenty  people — 
and  was  a  long  oval.  As  the  cloth  is  never  removed  now-a-days, 
the  old  tale  of  sitting  under  one's  mahogany  may  be  considered 
as  exploded,  and  any  kind  of  wood  may  be  used.  In  this 
instance  the  top  was  of  deal,  and  in  it  holes  had  been  made 
to  receive  flower  pots  containing  Palms  ;  instead  of  the  ordi- 
nary tablecloths  strips  of  damask  are  placed  on,  by  this  means 
thepctt  are  concealed,  and  the  Palms  look  as  if  they  spring 
from  the  tablecloth  itself ;  after  they  have  been  placed  the 
cloths  are  ironed,  and  all  looks  perfectly  smooth.  Some  seven 
Palms,  I  think,  were  placed  on  the  table,  the  centre  one  being 
the  tallest,  and  the  others  arranged  according  to  height,  the 
general  height  beiog  about  3  feet.  On  either  side  of  the  tall 
Palm  were  very  tall  and  graceful-looking  glass  vases,  containing 
a  few  Fern  fronds  and  some  sprigs  of  the  olimbing  Fern.  On 
the  outside  of  the  Palms  were  six  glass  vases  filled  with  Fern 
fronds  and  Pelargoniums.  In  some  of  them  were  flowers  of 
Hibiscus,  and  this  was  almost  the  only  piece  of  coloured  flower 
in  the  entire  arrangement.  To  give  colour,  coloured  wine  glasses, 
two  to  each  plate,  were  used,  and  coloured  finger  glasses.  This 
seemed  to  me  to  fulfil  all  the  conditions  of  good  taste,  and  to 
fall  in  with  the  canons  I  have  laid  down  ;  for  the  arrangement 
was  simple,  there  was  no  obstruction  of  the  view,  there  were 


July  14,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


no  highly  scented  flowers  used,  and  there  was  but  little  colour, 
what  there  was  being  quite  adapted  for  its  purpose.  No  faults 
of  deep  blues  and  glaring  yellows  were  to  be  found  there,  all 
being  in  quiet  and  sustained  harmony,  yet  I  heard  numbers 
of  people  oomplaining  of  too  much  green,  want  of  colour,  &c. 
There  was  but  one  fault  to  my  mind,  and  as  it  was  candidly 
acknowledged  by  the  exhibitor  I  feel  less  compunction  in 
noticing  it.  There  was  a  want  of  something  round  the  base  of 
the  Palm  stems,  as  they  looked  too  formal  and  unnatural 
coming  out  directly  from  the  tablecloth.  I  see  some  one  has 
suggested  allowing  the  rims  of  the  pots  to  appear,  but  this  would 
seriously  interfere  will)  the  tablecloth.  It  strikes  me  that  semi- 
circular troughs  of  white  ware,  such  as  were  used  at  the  Palace, 
to  encircle  the  base,  and  then  to  be  filled  with  Lycopodium, 
would  be  a  desirable  nit:  hod  of  getting  rid  of  this  objection. 

And  now  to  the  obverse  of  the  medal.  Prizes,  liberal  prizes, 
were  offered  by  the  Pi  evident  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society 
for  table  decorations,  and  yet  there  were  only  three  competitors. 
The  first  deserved  its  piize;  for  although  there  was  nothing 
original  in  it,  it  being,  in  fact,  the  arrangement  that  took 
second  prize  amongst  amateurs  at  the  Palace,  yet  there  were  no 
violations  of  taste.  But  why  the  Judges  should  ever  have  given 
anything  to  the  second  and  third  prize  arrangements  passes 
my  comprehension.  I  can  only  explain  it  in  one  way — they 
were  lady  judges,  and  they  leant  to  the  side  of  mercy,  and  so 
would  not  disqualify  ;  but  it  was  hardly,  in  my  mind,  possible 
to  find  anything  so  thoroughly  violating  all  taste.  It  was  a 
vase  filled  with  a  considerable  mass  of  the  common  white  Lily, 
and  the  base  with  the  white  Water  Lily  ;  around  it  were  placed 
some  cardboard  troughs  containing  single  blooms  of  scarlet 
Pelargoniums.  Imagine  the  faint  and  sickly  smell  of  the  Lilies 
in  a  heated  atmosphere,  and  how  utterly  the  white  was  lost  on 
the  white  tablecloth,  while  the  lumpiness  of  the  arrangement 
would  hinder,  if  there  were  more  stands,  any  view  that  there 
might  be  across  the  table,  and  most  certainly  few  people  would 
desire  to  have  such  a  stand  before  them  for  the  length  of  a 
dinner.  Let  us  hope — though  giving  prizes  to  such  productions 
is  liable  to  defeat  it — that  a  more  correct  taste  may  lead  people 
to  copy  better  examples  than  the  latter  one. — ]).,  Deal. 


MORE   ABOUT  SOFT  SOAP. 

I  am  glad  the  claims  of  this  article  as  an  insect  destroyer  are 
recognised  in  your  number  for  June  30th  by  your  able  corre- 
spondents— "  Annandale,"  page  460,  and  "R.  F.,"  page  467  ; 
and  I  hope  others  who  have  tried  it  will  report  the  result, 
whether  satisfactory  or  not.  As  my  former  communication 
has  evidently  been  misunderstood  by  "  Annandale,"  and,  on 
the  other  hand,  I  have  since  found  I  was  led  into  an  error  about 
the  price,  to  which  "  R.  i\"  very  properly  calls  my  attention, 
I  will  endeavour  to  explain  both.  In  the  first  place  I  may 
say  that  the  strength  of  the  wash  made  from  this  material,  as 
UBed  by  the  Hop-growers,  is  not  so  great  as  "Annandale" 
himself  advises — viz.,  2  ozs.  to  the  gallon,  as  1  lb.  to  ten  gallons 
(the  Hop-grower's  recipe)  is  little  more  than  1J  oz.  to  the  gallon. 
Whether  this  be  too  strong  for  Peaches  or  not  I  cannot  with 
sufficient  authority  affirm,  as  in  the  cases  where  we  used  it 
sufficient  attention  to  weights  and  measures  was  not  paid  to  be 
depended  on  ;  but  if  a  less  quantity  of  soft  soap  be  required, 
so  much  the  better,  as  it  cheapens  the  solution,  unless  in  sea- 
sons like  the  present,  when  twenty  or  thirty  gallons  of  water 
may  in  some  places  be  more  costly  thau  the  pound  of  soft  soap. 

As,  however,  the  price  of  the  soap  is  the  point  to  which 
general  attention  will  be  directed,  I  confess  to  having  been  led 
into  an  error  through  the  imperfect  formation  of  a  figure,  or 
other  cause,  by  which  the  2d.  per  pound  should  have  been  3d., 
an  important  advance,  which,  probably,  by  the  retail  dealer 
will  be  considerably  augmented.  I  have  made  further  inquiries 
respecting  the  soft-soap  trade,  and  have  learnt  from  a  friend 
keeping  a  shop  in  a  country  village  (who,  amongst  his  other 
manifold  stores  of  food,  clothing,  and  tools,  also  deals,  or 
rather  dealt  extensively  last  year  in  this  artiole),  that  it  is 
usually  made  up  into  small  casks,  called  firkins,  weighing 
64  lbs.  each  in  the  gross,  being  supposed  to  contain  56  lbs.  of 
soft  soap.  These  firkins  he  sold  at  from  14s.  to  16s.  each,  and 
at  the  time  the  demand  was  for  them,  fifty  or  sixty  firkins  a-day 
were  not  an  unusual  sale,  and  this  at  a  country  shop.  The  con- 
sumption of  soft  soap  in  the  neighbourhood  during  the  months 
of  June  and  the  early  part  of  July  last  year  wa9,  therefore, 
very  extensive.  Fortunately  for  all  but  the  dealers  in  soft 
soap,  none  has  been  wanted  this  year,  the  plant  being  clean,  or 
but  little  affected  by  insects.     I  may  add  that  I  believe  an 


article  oheaper  than  14s.  per  firkin  was  often  made  use  of,  but 
at  this  price  it  is  just  3d.  per  pound  ;  but  even  if  it  were  twice 
as  costly,  it  will  favourably  contrast  with  any  other  inseot- 
killing  material  in  use  if  the  sixpences  so  expended  furnisk 
ten,  twenty,  or  thirty  gallons  of  solution  as  the  discretion  of 
the  party  using  it  may  suggest.  It  would  certainly  be  prudent 
not  to  make  it  too  strong  for  delicate  plants,  but  I  am  far  from 
certain  that  it  is  so  dangerous  as  is  represented ;  on  the  con- 
trary, I  believe  it  to  be  more  harmless  to  vegetation  than  many 
of  the  mixtures  so  much  recommended.  Of  this  I  shall  be 
able  to  write  with  more  confidence  later  in  the  season.  Mean- 
while I  advise  caution. 

I  have  no  hope  of  being  able  to  say  much  on  the  application 
of  this  insect-destroyer  to  the  Hop  plant  in  the  present  year, 
for  the  fly  has  not  made  its  appearance  in  sufficient  quantity  te 
require  the  antidote.  Other  enemies  the  Hop  has,  which  I 
hope  to  refer  to  in  a  future  communication  ;  no  plant  that  I 
know  growing  in  the  open  air  is  so  liable  to  misfortunes. 

I  may  here  mention  one  other  quality  which  soft  soap  is  said 
to  possess,  although  I  do  so  on  general  repute  rather  than  from 
any  well-founded  experiments  of  my  own,  and  that  is,  that  the 
solution  is  a  manure,  which  certainly  cannot  be  said  of  some 
of  the  mixtures  used  as  insect-killers.  Others,  however,  will 
probably  give  information  on  the  subject,  and  a  few  experi- 
ments could  be  easily  tried  to  test  its  value  as  a  manure,  ae 
well  as  to  try  the  effects  of  solutions  of  different  strengths  oe 
the  foliage  of  plants. — J.  Robson. 


AERIAL   ROOTS   ON   VINES. 

I  differ  from  Mr.  J.  Douglas  (see  last  volume,  page  419), 
respecting  some  of  the  causes  of  air  roots  on  Vines.  A  close 
moist  atmosphere,  which  is  generally  an  accompaniment  ol 
early  forcing,  is  what  I  consider  to  be  their  real  cause.  Vines 
exclusively  planted  in  an  inside  border  are  those  which  the 
most  frequently  produce  air  roots,  owing  to  the  bottom  heat 
driving  the  moisture  upwards  and  causing  a  great  density  in 
the  atmosphere  of  the  house.  This  condition  will  produce  air 
roots  in  abundance,  if  ventilation  is  not  strictly  attended  to. 

I  have  seen  Vines  which  were  planted  in  an  outside  border 
only,  and  started  about  the  1st  of  January,  with  about  3  feet 
deep  of  horse  manure  mixed  with  leaves  placed  on  the  border, 
produce  better  Grapes  than  those  which  had  the  advantage  of 
bottom  heat,  and  yet  scarcely  an  air  root  was  to  be  seen.  I 
have  likewise  notioed  Vines  that  have  had  the  advantage  o£ 
both  an  inside  and  outside  border  produce  air  roots  freely  one 
season  and  the  next  scarcely  any.  Would  Mr.  J.  Douglas  say 
how  he  accounts  for  that  ? 

Vines  that  are  cropped  late  will  produce  air  roots  freely 
enough  if  the  foregoing  condition  be  afforded — that  is,  a  close 
moist  atmosphere ;  but  this  state  of  things  seldom  exists,  ae 
air  can  then  be  admitted  without  such  discrimination  as  it 
required  in  early  forcing. — Quo. 


OUR  NATIVE  FERNS. 
I  have  before  me  my  friend  Mr.  E.  J.  Lowe's  very  beautiful 
work  bearing  the  above  title.  I  begin  to  think  that  "  distinct 
varieties  "  are  often  made  out  of  nothing  at  all.  Two  yeare 
ago  I  was  watching  a  self-hunting  dog ;  about  midnight  I 
kindled  a  match  under  the  shelter  of  a  thick  bush-where  I  wae 
concealed,  and  to  my  astonishment  the  blaze  revealed  a  mag- 
nificent plant  of  the  Crested  Male  Fern,  by  far  the  finest  I 
ever  saw.  Mr.  Dickenson,  who  has  been  a  botanist  all  hie 
life,  has,  I  believe,  only  once  found  it  in  Cumberland.  This 
year  it  has  come  "  bifid  "  and  all  manner  of  shapes.  Miss  M. 
Wright,  of  Keswick,  gave  me  one  found  by  herself,  and  pictured! 
in  Lowe  as  Lastrea  F.-mas  abbreviata  cristata.  This  yearit 
has  come  perfectly  plain  and  run  back  to  the  normal  form, 
have  many  similar  communications  to  the  same  effect,  whiclt 
tend  to  show  that  such  Ferns  are  not  varieties,  but  monstrosi- 
ties which  sometimes  recover. — Jackson  Gillbanks. 


Potatoes. — In  answer  to  a  correspondent,  the  Pebble  White 
Potato  has  a  white  blossom.  Pebble  White,  Crystal  Palace 
Kidney,  Edgecote  Second  Early,  Yorkshire  Hero,  BeaconsfieM 
Kidney,  Huntingdonshire  Kiduey — all  strains  of  the  old  Cob- 
bler's Lapstone — I  have  growing  by  its  side,  and  their  blossome 
and  foliage  are  almost  identical  to  a  shade.  All  the  numerous 
strains  of  the  old  Lapstone  can  scarcely  be  distinguished  from 


24 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE   GAEDENEK. 


[  July  14,  1870. 


each  other  during  their  early  growth  ;  and,  curiously  enough, 
in  my  graft  hybrids  a  change  of  foliage  is  now  distinctly  seen, 
excepting  only  in  those  of  the  grafted  Lapstone  family.  I  have 
about  two  hundred  varieties  of  Potatoes  growing  here. — Robert 
Fenn,  Woodstock  Rectory. 

GREEN  FLY  ON  CUCUMBER  AND  MELON 

PLANTS. 
I  am  sorry  to  hear  that  some  correspondents  have  fumigated 
with  tobacco  and  syringed  with  soft-soap  water  without  any 
effect.  I  know  of  no  better  remedies  for  plants  under  glass, 
and  when  used  in  time  I  have  always  found  them  less  or  more 
effectual.  No  green  fly  will  stand  tobacco  smoke  when  pre- 
sented to  it  strong  enough,  but  smoke  will  not  hurt  those  just 
hatching  into  life,  and  even  very  young  green  fly  will  stand  a 
dose  which  older  fly  will  not.  Unlike  what  takes  place  in 
other  departments  of  life,  I  have  generally  found  that  in 
insect  life  the  vital  powers  are  strongest  in  proportion  to 
youth,  or  even  infancy.  If  the  plants  are  pretty  good  I 
should  recommend  a  continuance  of  the  smoking  and  the 
washing.  Perhaps  it  may  be  as  well  to  allude  to  a  few  of  the 
essentials  to  success. 

1,  The  smoke  must  be  kept  in  the  place  for  a  considerable 
time.  Hence,  unless  the  glass  roof  is  very  close,  it  Bhould  be 
covered,  and  litter  or  short  grass  placed  at  the  top  and  bottom 
of  the  sashes,  and  then  the  glass  and  covering  should  be  kept 
damp  by  syriDging  outside,  which  will  fill  all  laps  of  the  glass, 
and  prevent  the  smoke  escaping.  It  is  better  to  shade  than 
give  much  air  the  following  day.  Smoking  is  best  done  in  the 
evening.  With  these  precautions,  2  ozs.  of  tobacco  will  do  as 
well  as,  or  even  better  than,  a  pound  when  the  smoke  is  allowed 
to  escape. 

2,  All  plants  smoked  should  be  dry  as  respects  their  foliage  ; 
not  only  is  this  necessary  in  order  that  the  smoke  may  tell  at 
once  on  the  insects,  but  also  that  the  smoking  may  be  safe  to 
the  plants.  The  narcotic  that  kills  the  insects  will  also  poison 
and  destroy  the  plants  if  presented  to  them  in  excess,  and 
more  especially  if  the  foliage  is  damp.  I  have  a  hazy  con- 
ception in  my  own  mind  as  to  how  this  is,  but  it  is  not  quite 
clear  enough  to  myself  to  enable  me  to  put  it  in  black  and 
white  for  the  benefit  of  others.  Would  chemists,  whom  I  have 
helped  in  days  of  yore,  say  how  it  is  that  tobacco  smoke  affects 
the  leaves  of  plants  so  differently  when  they  are  wet  and  when 
they  are  dry  ? 

3,  Tobacco  smoke  and  all  combinations  of  tobacco  should 
■come  against  the  leaves  cool.  The  different  fumigators  that 
■work  with  a  wheel,  patented  or  otherwise,  are  very  useful  in 
this  reBpect.  To  be  used  against  plants  I  would  recommend 
them  to  our  amateur  friends,  just  as  I  would  use  them  mysell ; 
but  they  are  of  little  use  in  the  hands  of  common  labourers, 
who  soon  make  all  such  instruments  worthless,  and  then,  if 
we  do  not  do  the  work  ourselves,  we  see  the  folly  of  invest- 
ing in  an  instrument  of  from  10s.  Gd.  to  15s.  that  will  so 
soon  be  unworkable.  For  common  purposes  I  use  a  metal  pot, 
or  a  common  garden  pot.  Our  consumption  of  tobacco  is  very 
small.  I  know  smaller  places  where  more  pounds  are  spent 
for  tobacco  than  we  spend  shillings.  I  am  more  anxious  to 
keep  insects  away  than  to  destroy  them  when  they  come.  For 
more  than  one  reason,  though  I  think  good  shag  tobacco  the 
best,  yet  I  generally  use  a  little  tobacco  paper,  and  of  all  I 
have  met  with  as  yet,  that  manufactured  by  Griffiths  &  Avis, 
and  sent  out  at  2s.  per  pound,  I  have  found  the  safest  and 
most  effectual.  The  efficacy  and  safety  will  greatly  depend  in 
every  case  on  the  coolness  of  the  smoke.  If  we  me  a  pot,  we 
therefore  cover  it  with  damp  moss,  and  keep  it  as  far  from 
the  leaves  as  possible.  Besides  presenting  the  smoke  cool,  it 
is  always  safest  to  give  two  or  more  moderate  smokings  instead 
of  one  heavy  one. 

The  more  slowly  the  tobacco  or  its  preparations  are  burned  the 
more  effectual  the  smoke  will  be.  I  have  seen  half  a  shovel- 
ful of  red  fuel  used  to  light  a  pot  of  such  smoking  material. 
It  is  best  in  every  way  to  use  one  red  cinder  or  a  piece  of 
ignited  charcoal,  put  just  a  little  very  dry  straw,  or  slips  of 
paper  over  it,  and  when  burning  add  the  tobacco,  &c,  and 
cover  first  lightly  and  then  more  heavily.  Where  moss  is  not 
to  be  had,  a  little  short  grass  or  damped  litter  answers  equally 
well.  If  a  garden  pot  is  used,  enough  of  air  to  support  slow 
combustion  will  be  obtained  by  the  hole  in  the  bottom,  if  the 
pot  be  elevated  to  leave  the  hole  dear.  My  dislike  to  tobacco 
is  chiefly  owing  to  being  obliged  in  my  young  days  to  have 
a  hole  in  the  sides  of  such  pots,  and  then  to  blow  away  with  a 


bellows  in  a  house  until  it  was  full  of  smoke.  There  is  not 
the  least  necessity  for  such  barbarism,  if  a  little  care  and  pre- 
caution are  used.  When  a  fumigator  is  used,  its  pipe  may 
pass  through  a  hole  whilst  the  operator  remains  outside.  In 
all  cases  where  a  proper  fumigator  is  used,  and  the  possessor 
of  a  little  garden  is  his  own  operator,  nothing  is  better  or  even 
more  economical  than  good  shag  tobacco.  The  instrument 
insures  that  the  smoke,  when  it  reaches  the  plants,  shall  be 
cool. 

Lastly,  for  the  present.  If  you  wish  one  or  two  smokings 
to  be  effectual,  smoke  as  soon  as  you  see  the  first  insect.  If 
you  wait  until  the  larger  leaves  are  covered  with  them,  one 
smoking  and  syringing  will  be  of  no  use.  In  fact,  if  the  bulk 
of  the  leaves  are  so  infested,  except  as  an  experiment,  it  is 
next  to  labour  and  money  thrown  away  to  smoke  at  all.  The 
cheapest  remedy  would  be  to  clear  all  out  and  commence  afresh. 
Leaves  thus  infested  with  inseots  seldom  recover  the  com- 
bined effects  of  the  insects  and  the  smoking.  If  only  a  few 
leaves  are  very  bad,  even  if  they  suffer,  the  younger  ones 
will  come  all  right.  But  whenever  leaves  are  much  infested, 
several  smokings  at  intervals  of  twenty-four  and  forty-eight 
hours  will  be  necessary.  On  every  such  leaf  there  will  be 
found  several  generations  of  insects,  and  the  younger  will 
escape  what  will  destroy  the  older  ones.  Besides  the  myriads 
coming  into  life  at  once — that  is,  viviparous,  there  are  myriads 
of  eggs  that  the  heat  is  continually  hatching,  and  on  these, 
until  fairly  established  in  existence,  the  smoke  has  no  effect. 
Hence,  late  smoking,  so  as  to  give  the  insects  the  chance  to 
propagate  freely,  involves  the  trouble  of  many  smokings  to  get 
rid  of  them,  as  what  destroys  the  older  will  leave  the  younger 
insects  and  the  eggs  untouched. 

Washing  with  soap  water  is  more  effectual  after  smoking 
than  washing  alone.  Reference  has  lately  been  made  to  the 
strength.  It  is  less  effectual  in  frames  and  shallow  pits  than 
in  houses  or  places  where  the  plants  are  fastened  to  a  trellis, 
so  that  the  under  sides  of  the  leaves  can  be  freely  washed.  The 
insects  must  have  firm  hold  before  they  appear  on  the  upper 
sides  of  the  leaves.  Washing  is  effectual  in  proportion  as  the 
under  sides  are  freely  reached.  At  the  strength  spoken  of  by 
Mr.  Bobson,  not  only  would  the  insects  be  killed  and  dislodged, 
but  the  eggs  that  were  not  dislodged  would  to  a  great  extent  be 
sealed-up  from  the  action  of  air,  and  if  so,  the  insects  would  never 
chip  the  shell.  The  wash  is  best  applied  the  day  after  smoking. 
If  the  day,  after  smoking  the  previous  evening,  should  be  dull, 
or  the  glass  shaded,  and  little  or  no  air  given,  I  would  defer 
the  washing  to  the  second  morning.  Where  this  cannot  be 
well  done,  I  would  syringe  the  following  morning  or  afternoon.  I 
am  thus  precise  because  the  correspondents  who  have  made  the 
inquiry  are  only  a  few  of  many  who  say  tobacco  smoke  and 
soap-water  washing  are  powerless  against  the  green  fly.  I  am 
certain  that  both  will  kill,  but  they  will  not  kill  where  there  is 
not  active  life.  The  powers  of  reproduction  in  these  insects, 
by  eggs,  &c,  is  wonderful.  Never  could  there  be  a  better  ex- 
emplification of  the  old  proverb,  "  A  stitch  in  time  saves  nine." 
Put  off  one  early  smoking  and  you  may  have  to  smoke  many 
times  to  get  rid  of  the  enemy,  as  fresh  myriads  come  into 
existence  between  the  smokings,  which  have  no  injurious  effect 
on  the  eggs  deposited.  The  washings  are  more  injurious  to 
them. — R.  Fish. 


SPECIMENS   IN   BOXES   BY  POST. 

I  am  constantly  noticing  in  your  columns  complaints  made 
by  yourself  and  various  correspondents  that  articles  sent  in  a 
box  through  the  post  are  rendered  useless,  or  completely  de- 
stroyed, by  the  Post-office  stampers.  I  send  you  by  this  post 
a  small  cardboard  box  tied  round  with  string,  to  which  a 
parchment  direction  label  is  attached,  and  upon  which  label 
the  address  is  written  and  postage  stamps  affixed.  If  this 
system  were  generally  adopted  in  forwarding  articles  through 
the  post,  I  have  no  doubt,  from  my  experience,  that  they  would 
invariably  reach  their  destination  intact. — J.  Walden. 

[Our  correspondent  is  quite  right.  If  the  direction  and 
stamps  are  on  a  parchment  label  tied  to  the  box,  the  Post- 
office  stampers  punch  the  label,  and  not  the  box.  This  box 
from  our  correspondent  was  quite  uninjured. — Eds.] 


Cotton  Seed  a  Paper-maker's  Fibre.— A  Lancashire  papers 
maker  has  succeeded  in  turning  to  profitable  account  particular 
kinds  of  Cotton  seed  as  a  material  for  the  manufacture  of  the 
best  kinds  of  paper.    The  seed  is  to  be  obtained  in  quantities 


July  14,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


25 


large  enough  to  supply  the  wants  of  all  the  paper-mills  in  the 
country  ;  and  it  produces  a  fibre  of  the  finest  quality,  at  a 
price  that  will  bring  it  into  lively  competition  with  Esparto 
Grass.  Of  all  the  substances  hitherto  suggested  as  a  substitute 
for  rags,  the  best  practical  judges  regard  this  as  the  most  de- 
sirable. One  important  feature  in  its  use  is  that  it  necessitates 
little  alteration  in  the  ordinary  machinery  of  paper-mills,  while 
it  will  in  a  great  measure  overcome  the  difficulty  of  our  river 
pollution  caused  by  Esparto. — (Bookseller.) 


STRAWBERRIES  NOT  FRUITING. 

In  reference  to  the  article  at  pages  7  and  8  of  the  Journal  of 
July  7ih,  and  the  invitation  of  "K.  F.,"  the  author,  to  others 
to  give  their  experience,  I  can  attest  and  endorse  his  observa- 
tions throughout.  After  many  failures  and  close  attention  I 
arrived  at  exactly  "  R.  F.'s  "  conclusions.  It  is  nonsense  to 
buy  or  plant  the  runners  of  any  variety  of  Strawberry  indis- 
criminately if  fruit  is  expected.  The  runners,  to  make  fertile 
plants,  must  be  the  progeny  of  fertile  and  bearing  stools  or 
parents. 

My  practice  is  to  plant  thinly,  never  nearer  than  13  or 
15  inches  asunder,  unless  for  drawing  and  thinning-out  in  the 
spring  to  that  distance,  as  some  plants  will  necessarily  fail 
during  winter  ;  but  ultimately  I  allow  only  one  plant  to  every 
12  or  15  inches  square.  Always  in  the  blooming  season,  May 
and  June,  I  root  out  any  sterile  plant  I  find,  lest  a  barren 
stool  should  go  unobserved  and  produce  barren  runners.  Thus 
I  am  sure  in  the  planting  season,  early  in  August,  in  taking 
runners,  to  have  them  off  fertile  stools.  I  plant  in  strong 
brown  soil,  trenched  and  manured  as  Potato  land,  and  top- 
dress  any  standing  beds  every  autumn  with  rotten  litter,  after 
having  cleared  off  runners  and  weeds,  just  as  with  meadow 
land.  I  renovate  my  beds  by  trenching  and  planting  runners 
about  every  third  or  fourth  year,  just  as  I  fanoy  the  stools  are 
exhausted  or  scrubby. 

This  treatment  brings  fair  crops,  though  seasons  vary — as 
spring  and  summer  are  mild,  showery,  and  bright  with  sun, 
or  chill,  dry,  and  dull ;  and  varieties  differ  too,  though  suitable 
sorts  are  by  patience  ascertained  and  alone  grown.  That,  every 
Strawberry-grower  must  find  out  as  he  may  be  located — north, 
south,  east,  or  west. — Reader. 


IRIS  GERMANICA  AND  THE  ENGLISH  AND 

SPANISH  IRISES. 
In  No.  483  I  see  a  notice  of  English  and  Spanish  Irises 
which  were  sent  you  by  Messrs.  Barr  &  Sugden.  I  purchased 
a  number  of  varieties  of  the  English  Iris  of  the  same  firm  last 
autumn,  which  are  now  in  full  bloom,  and  very  beautiful  they 
are  and  much  admired,  but,  although  fine,  I  think  they  are 
surpassed  by  Iris  germanica.  I  have  a  collection  of  these, 
numbering  in  all  about  eighty  or  ninety  varieties,  and  nothing 
could  be  more  lovely  than  they  were  during  the  month  of  May. 
I  consider  this  a  neglected  flower  in  one  sense,  for  go  where 
you  will  you  seldom  find  it  grown,  or,  if  at  all,  not  to  any 
extent,  and  why  I  cannot  tell,  as  for  elegance  of  form  and 
brilliancy  of  colour  there  is,  in  my  opinion,  nothing  to  excel 
it  at  the  time  of  year  that  it  is  in  flower,  and  when  done 
flowering,  its  sword-like  leaves  make  a  telling  variety  of  form 
in  the  mixed  border.  I  was  very  pleased  to  see  a  dozen  or  so 
of  flowers  of  excellent  colours  exhibited  at  one  of  the  May 
shows  at  the  Crystal  Palace,  and  still  more  pleased  to  see  that 
they  attracted  much  and  deserved  attention.  Let  my  brother 
amateurs  get  a  few,  and  I  feel  certain  that  after  blooming  them 
one  season  they  will  try  and  enlarge  their  collection,  not  only 
of  them — the  Iris  germanica,  but  the  English.  Spanish,  and 
the  many  other  hardy  sorts.— Hakeison  Weie,  Weirleigh,  Kent. 


The  Production  of  Ozone.— We  have  heard  so  much  of  late 
years  about  the  beneficial  influence  exerted  by  the  presence  of 
ozone  in  the  atmosphere,  that  even  nonscientific  readers  may 
like  to  know  how  it  can  be  artificially  produced.  Hitherto, 
electricity,  phosphorus,  and  permanganate  of  potash  have 
been  the  recognised  sources  of  production,  but  Professor  Mante- 
gazza  has  discovered  that  it  is  developed  by  certain  odorous 
flowers  in  a  still  greater  amount.  A  writer  in  Nature  states 
that  most  of  the  strong-smelling  vegetable  essences,  such  as 
Mint,  Cloves,  Lavender,  Lemon,  and  Cherry  Laurel,  develope  a 
very  large  quantity  of  ozone,  when  in  oontact  with  atmospheric 
oxygen  in  light.    Flowers  destitute  of  perfume  do  not  develope 


it,  and  generally  the  amount  of  ozone  seems  to  be  in  propor- 
tion to  the  strength  of  the  perfume  emanated.  Professor 
Mantegazza  recommends  that,  in  marshy  distriots  and  in  places 
infested  with  noxious  exhalations,  strong-smelling  flowers 
should  be  planted  around  the  house,  in  order  that  the  ozone 
emitted  from  them  may  exert  its  powerful  oxidising  influence. 
So  pleasant  a  plan  for  making  a  malarious  district  salubrious 
only  requires  to  be  known  to  be  put  in  practice. 


PLANTS  FLOWERING  IN  JUNE. 


i    2.  Mimulus  capreus 

luteus 

maculosua 

moschatus 

cardinalis 
Oxalia  corniculata  rubra 
Chelone  barbata  coccinea 
Achillea  agyptiaca 

aurea 

Ptarinica 

serrata  ti.-pl. 

tomentosa 
Lithospermum  fruticosum 
Dianthus  Caryopbyllua 

carina 

deltoides 

barbatus 

Marie  Pare 

Heddewigi 

flmbriatua 
Aconitum  Napellua 

versicolor 
G.  Catananche  crcrulea 
Lin  urn  perenne 

Lewisii 

narbonense 

alp  in  am 
Centranthus  ruber 
Myoaotis  alpeatris 

paluatris 

sylvatica 
Agatham  ca^lestis 
Clematis  integrifolia 
Acttea  spioata 
Camasataeseulenta 
Campanula  grandis 

latifolia 

glomerata 

carpatica 

garganica 

muralis 

nitida 

pe  re  ici  folia 

coronata  alba 
Hedychium  coronarium 
Lathyrus  grandirlorus 
Nepeta  violacea 
LUium  candidum 

cha'cedonicum 

Martagon 

tigrinum 
Oenothera  yumil.t 

Fraaeri 
Lychnis  coronaria 
Heracleum  giganteum 
Lupinus  albua 

polyphyllua 
9.  Heliuntbemum  vulgarc 
Linaria  Cymbalaria 
Orchis  foliosa 

maculata 

pyramiduli3 

ustulata 
Pentstemon  glabrom 

ovatiim 

Scouleri 

procerum 

venustum 

gentianoules 
Phlomis  Russelliana 
Hemerocallia  fulva 

graminea 
Convallaria  bifolia 
ATithericum  Liliago 
Hieracium  aurantiacam 

Pilosella 
Inula  glanduloaa 
Polemonium  caruleum 

grand  iflorum 

Richard  3  on  i 
IS.  Physalis  Alkekengi 
Saxif  raga  Cotyledon 

Geum 

pyramidalis 

robiilaria 
Stenactis  speciosa 


June  13.  Veronica  frutioulosa 

gentianoides  variegata 

in<-  in  ►  glauca 

multifida 
Thymua  vulgaris 

lanuginoaus 

Serpyllum  albU3 
Alchemilla  alpina 
Crucianclla  stylosa 
Tritoma  Uvana 
Tmlliua  americauus 
Allium  Moly 
Iris,  various 
„    16.  Epilobium  angustifoliura 
Corydalia  glauca 
Delphinium  Barlowii 

for  mo  Bum 

Hendersoni 
AlyBsum  maritimum 
Ruscus  Hypoglossnm 
Genista  sagitalia 

tine  tori  a 
Aju^a  genoveneis 

reptans 
,«    20.  Spiraea  Filipendula 

japonica 

speciosa 
Aquilegia  vulgaris 

Skinneri 

glanduloBa 
Alystfum  saxatile 
Ruta  graveolena 
Tradeacantia  cxralea 

virginica 
Erigeron  Villarsii 
Helianthemum  valgare 
Aster  alpinus 
Sagina  procumbens 
Sedum  grandifloram 

kamtscnaticum 

monstrosum 

neglectum 

reflexum 
„    22.  Erinus  alpinus 

Sempervivum  montanum 

tectorum 
Solidago  cambrica 
Campanula  Medium 

Tra  ehelium 
Menyanthos  trifoliata 
Aubrietia  grreca 

Mooreana 
„    25.  Sedum  acre  aizoideam 

dasyphyllum 

Forsterianum 

glaucum 
Ligustrum  vulgare 
Ilex  Aquif  olium 
Salvia  bicolor 
Viola  tricolor 

cornuta      i 

lutea 
Lychnis  Githago 
m     7.  Sehizoatylis  coccinea 
Hesperia  inatronalis 
Stachys  lanata 
Sambucus  nigra 
AnchuBa  italica 
Convolvulus  mauritanicu3 
Potentilla  atrosanguinea 

Hopwoodiana 

aulphurea 
Geum  coccineum 

montanum 
„    SO.  Campanula  pulla 

HoBtii 
Hottonia  paluatris 
Oenothera  Sellovii 

macrocarpa 
Verbascum  pbceuiceum 
Lychnis  Haageana 
Antirrhinum  majus 
Iberia  Tenoreana 
Polygala  Chaemsebuxua 
Gypsophila  elegans 
Lupinus  nanus 


-M.  H.,  Acklam  Hall,  Middlesbrough-on-Tees. 


ARCHIMEDEAN   LAWN   MOWER. 

I  hate  read  with  interest  all  that  has  been  paid  in  the  Jour- 
nal about  the  Archimedean  lawn  mower;  and  now  I  wish  to 
say  a  few  words  concerning  that  machine,  having  had  one  in 
use  here  all  this  season. 

"D.  A.,"  Norfolk,  writing  in  praise  of  the  Archimedean, 
says,  "I  approve  of  the  machine  for  the  following  reasons: — 
First,  that  it  will  do  more  work  and  do  it  with  far  greater  ease 
than  any  other  I  have  seen."  I  imagine  "  D.  A."  has  not  used 
many  mowers,  if  he  had  I  am  quite  sure  he  would  not  say  the 


26 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


t  July  14,  1870. 


Archimedean  was  so  easy  and  so  very  perfect.  Secondly. 
"D.  A."  says,  "It  will  cut  any  length  of  grass  with  ease." 
Now,  as  I  have  used  it  on  short  and  long  grass,  I  say  it  will  not 
cut  it  with  ease. 

I  can  truthfully  say  tbe  Archimedean  is  not  to  be  compared 
with  Green's  machine  for  excellence.  It  is  very  inferior  to 
that  very  excellent  machine.  An  Archimedean  that  cuts  only 
14  inches  requires  two  strong  men  to  work  it,  and  it  is  then 
hard  work,  for  it  must  be  worked  with  great  speed  to  get  it  to 
cut  at  all,  for  if  worked  slowly  it  slips  over  the  grass,  and  leaves 
it  uncut.  Again,  it  quickly  gets  clogged,  through  the  cut  grass 
working  itself  through  the  rollers  and  getting  in  between  the 
driving  gear.  It  frequently  occurs  that  I  am  compelled  to  stop 
mowing  on  purpose  to  take  the  machine  to  pieces  to  clean  it 
before  I  can  go  on  mowing,  and  the  smallest  stick  or  stone 
coming  in  contact  with  the  cutters  leaves  a  large  notch  in  them  ; 
then,  of  course,  it  cuts  in  such  places  no  more.  The  blades  of 
my  machine  are  notched  and  look  like  a  saw.  It  ribs  the  grass 
badly,  and  it  does  not  cut  nearly  so  evenly  as  Green's  or 
Shanks's  machines,  while  it  slips  over  and  leaves  uncut  such 
things  as  Daisy  and  Clover  flowers.  Then  you  cannot  cut 
close  to  any  path  or  flower  bed,  or  cut  verges  at  all,  while  you 
can  do  so  with  all  tbe  other  machines  that  1  know.  If  there  is 
the  smallest  breeze  it  scatters  the  grass  all  over  the  beds  and 
flowers. 

In  conclusion,  I  say,  putting  together  the  time  it  takes  to 
clean  and  grind  the  Archimedean,  and  that  Bpent  in  sweeping 
the  lawn,  which  you  do  not  want  to  do  with  Green's  and  Shanks's 
machines,  the  mowing  occupies  double  the  length  of  time. — 
Vitis,  Higltgate. 

PORTRAITS  OF  PLANTS,  FLOWERS,  AND 
FRUITS. 

Vanda  Cathcarti  (Mr.  Cathcart's  Vanda).  Nat.  ord.,  Orchid- 
aeeae.  Linn.,  Gynandria  Monandria. — "By  far  the  noblest 
species  of  the  noble  genus."  Flowers  large,  yellow  ground, 
barred  very  numerously  with  bright  brownish  red.  Native  of 
the  Himalayas.— (Bot.  Mag.,  t.  5845.) 

Dracjsna  cylindrica  (Cylindric-spiked  Dracaena).  Nat.  ord., 
Asparaginaceae.  Linn.,  Hexandria  Monogynia. — Native  of  the 
banks  of  the  Old  Calabar  River,  West  Africa.  Flowers  white, 
bracts  brownish  purple. — (Ibid.,  t.  5846.) 

Iris  Ieerica  (Iberian  Iris).  Nat.  ord.,  Iridaceae.  Linn., 
Triandria  Trigynia. — A  gigantic-flowered  dwarf.  Outer  perianth 
leaves  white ;  inner  perianth,  yellow  ground  densely  barred  with 
purple,  humped  bases  of  stigmas  dark  purple.  Native  of  the 
Iberian  provinces  of  the  Caucasus. — (Ibid.,  t.  5847.) 

Anthurium  ornatcm  (White-spathed  Anthurinm).  Nat.  ord., 
Orontiacere.  Linn.,  Tetrandria  Monogynia. — Native  ef  Vene- 
zuela. Spadix  dark  purple,  dotted  with  white ;  spathe  large  and 
white.— (Ibid.,  t.  5848.) 

Saxifraga  aretioides  (Aretia-like  Saxifrage).  Nat.  ord., 
Saxifragaceie.  Linn.,  Decandria  Digynia.  —  Native  of  rock- 
crevices  in  the  Pyrenees.  It  is  hardy.  Flowers  yellow. — (Ibid., 
t.,  5849). 

Brodijea  coccinea. — "  A  beautiful  new  hardy  bulb  imported 
by  Mr.  W.  Thompson,  of  Ipswich,  from  the  Trinity  Mountains, 
California,  and  by  whom  it  was  exhibited  at  South  Kensington 
on  the  8th  ult.,  when  it  received  the  well-merited  reward  of  a 
first-class  certificate  from  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society's 
Floral  Committee. 

"  This  Brodisea  coccinea  produces  a  flower-scape  of  from  2  to 
3  feet  in  height,  and  accompanied  by  channeled  leaves  of  nearly 
the  same  length.  The  flowers  are  nodding,  and  borne  in  a 
terminal  umbel  of  from  five  to  twelve,  or  even  fifteen  to  twenty, 
when  established  and  vigorous.  The  flowers  themselves  are 
about  1J  inch  long,  on  pedicels  nearly  an  inch  in  length,  and 
are  ventricosely  cylindraceous  and  obscurely  ribbed,  the  tube 
for  about  an  inch  at  its  base  being  of  a  rich  magenta-crimson, 
while  the  upper  part  and  the  six  recurved  limb  segments  are 
externally  pea-green,  somewhat  paler  internally.  The  three 
exterior  petaloid  stamens  are  greenish  white,  much  broader 
than  the  perianth  segments,  and  forming  a  kind  of  coronet  at 
the  mouth  of  the  tube.  The  three  perfect  stamens  and  the 
trifid  stigma  are  about  as  long  as  the  perianth. 

"  As  regards  its  cultivation,  we  learn  from  Mr.  Thompson 
that  it  appears  to  be  perfectly  hardy  when  planted  deep  enough 
to  be  beyond  the  reaoh  of  frost,  and,  moreover,  that  when 
planted  in  a  clump  of  five  or  six  roots  it  has  a  most  striking 
appearance.  With  him  it  has  hitherto  been  grown  with  very 
good  success  in  loamy  soil,  but  it  should  be  well  drained.    The 


flowering  season  is  May  and  June.  It  promises  to  increase 
freely,  and  unlike  some  of  the  allied  genera,  its  bulbs  do  not 
dwindle,  but  with  ordinary  care  increase  in  vigour  annually." — 
(Florist  and  Pomologist,  3  s.,  iii.,  145.) 


ENTOMOLOGICAL  SOCIETY'S  MEETING. 

The  last  meeting  of  the  present  season  was  held  on  the  4th  inBt., 
the  President,  Mr.  A.  R.  Wallace,  in  the  chair.  The  Secretary  an- 
nounced that  the  second  part  of  the  Transactions  of  the  Society  for 
the  present  year  was  ready  for  delivery  to  members. 

Mr.  Meek  exhibited  specimens  of  Noctuida?,  Dianthcecia  conspersa 
and  allied  species,  from  Ireland  and  the  Isle  of  Man,  together  with 
what  appeared  to  be  a  very  remarkable  variety  of  Gluppisia  crenata 
from  the  latter  locality.  The  Hon.  T.  De  Grey  exhibited  Oxyptilus 
lsetus  from  Suffolk ;  and  Mr.  Moore  a  portion  of  the  stem  of  a  creeper, 
Cocculus  microcarpus,  from  Bombay,  deformed  with  a  large  swelling, 
within  which  was  a  cavity  containing  three  contiguous  cases  or  cocoons 
enclosing  the  perfect  beetles  of  a  species  of  the  curious  thick-legged 
genus  Sagra. 

Mr.  Blackmore  exhibited  several  boxes  of  insects  collected  by  himself 
during  the  past  winter  and  spring  in  Tangiers,  amongst  which  were  a 
series  of  specimens  of  Anthocharis  Eupheno,  and  a  monstrous  speci- 
men of  Pimelia  scabrosa  with  one  of  the  antennae  bifurcate  from  the 
second  joint.  Mr.  J.  J.  Weir  sent  some  further  observations  on  the 
relation  between  the  colour  and  edibility  of  Moths  and  their  larvse. 
Thus  the  remarkably  coloured  caterpillars  of  Cucnllia  Verbasci,  one  of 
the  Spark  Moths,  were  not  only  eaten  as  soon  as  their  colour  was 
developed,  hut  the  perfect  moths  were  eaten.  Hairy  larva  were 
avoided  by  birds,  but  other  coloured  larvse  appeared  to  enjoy  immunity 
on  account  of  their  colour. 

The  President  read  an  extract  from  a  letter  from  Borneo  detailing 
instances  of  protective  mimicry  in  two  species  of  Spiders,  one  of  which 
closely  resembled  the  dropping  of  a  bird.  The  Hon.  T.  De  Grey 
stated  that  he  had  observed  that  the  caterpillar  of  the  Cinxia  Fritillary 
not  only  resembled  the  leaf  of  the  Narrow-leaved  Plantain,  on  which 
it  feeds,  but  the  chrysalis  is  just  Like  the  seed  of  the  same  plant. 

Mr.  Albert  Miiller  exhibited  some  imbricated  galls  on  Ammophila 
arnndinacea  from  Aberdeen,  made  by  an  unknown  insect.  Mr.  Teget- 
meier  exhibited  some  impressions  of  Lepidopterous  insects,  made  by 
transferring  the  scales  to  paper  and  colouring  the  body,  and  which  had 
been  sold  as  a  new  species  of  lithographic  printing. 

Professor  Westwood  made  some  observations  on  some  minute  Acari 
found  in  the  unopened  bnds  of  Black  Currant  trees,  with  an  elon- 
gated cylindrical  body  and  only  four  legs,  and  another  species  which 
forms  small  pustules  on  the  leaves  of  Pear  trees ;  these,  with  a  third 
species  which  inhabits  galls  on  the  leaves  of  Lime  trees,  described 
some  years  since  in  France,  he  regarded  as  constituting  a  distinct  tribe 
in  the  Acaridte,  and  for  which  he  proposed  the  name  of  Acarellus. 
[The  Professor  has,  however,  subsequently  ascertained  that  Du  Jardin 
(not  Dejean,  as  stated  by  Mr.  A.  Miiller),  has  formed  these  insects 
into  the  genus  Phytoptus,  regarding  them  as  full-grown  animalB,  whilst 
a  still  more  recent  writer  has  described  them  as  the  larva  of  an  8-legged 
genus  of  Mites  named  Typhlodromus.] 

The  Secretary  exhibited  the  woolly  Oak  galls  of  Cynips  Ramnli, 
with  the  Gall-flies  bred  therefrom,  communicated  by  Sir  J.  C.  Jervoise 
from  Horndean. 

Mr.  Bates  commnnicated  a  memoir,  being  the  continuation  of  his 
"  Enumeration  of  the  Longicorn  Beetles  of  the  Amazons,  containing 
the  family  Cerambycidse."  There  were  also  read  a  memoir  "  On  a  Col- 
lection of  Butterflies  Bent  by  Mr.  Ansell  from  Sonth-westem  Africa," 
by  Mr.  A.  G.  Butler ;  and  "  A  List  of  the  Hymenoptera  captured  by 
Mr.  J.  K.  Lord  in  Egypt  and  Arabia,  with  descriptions  of  the  new 
species,"  by  Mr.  F.  Walker. 

THE  AMATEUR  GARDENER. 

(CHAPTERS  NOT  IN  WALTON.) 
No.  3. 

Rosticus. — See  here,  Civis,  these  poles  and  festoons  of  Ivy 
have  an  admirable  effect ;  they  are  quite  a  new  feature  to  me 
in  garden  decoration. 

Hortator. — Nothing  can  be  more  simple.  The  poles,  you 
see,  are  made  of  Larch  wood,  with  the  bark  upon  them. 
Before  their  insertion  in  the  earth  they  should  be  partially 
burnt  at  the  bottom,  and  have  a  painting  of  gas  tar  to  prevent 
their  rotting  in  the  ground.  A  slender  iron  chain,  whioh  can 
be  purchased  at  any  ironmonger's,  is  then  fastened  upon  them, 
letting  it  hang  down  in  festoons  between  the  poles,  which 
should  be  about  10  or  12  feet  apart.  Plant  your  Ivy  against 
them— prefer  strong  plants  of  the  Irish— in  good  rich  loam, 
and  supply  them  during  the  growing  season  with  plenty  of 
water;  if  a  little  quano  be  added  to  it  twice  a-week  all  the  better. 
The  Ivy  will  then  soon  run  up  the  poles,  and  can  be  trained  and 
tied  to  the  chains. 

Sylvia.— Should  you  be  tempted  to  imitate  such  an  orna- 
ment, Civis,  I  would  venture  to  suggest  an  improvement  by 


July  14, 1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


27 


planting  some  Wistaria  sinensis,  with  which  even  yon,  towns- 
man as  yon  are,  must  be  well  acquainted.  I  cannot  imagine 
a  more  elegant,  ornamental  design  than  these  festoons  of  Ivy, 
gracefully  interwoven  with  the  Wistaria's  lovely  pendulous 
racemes  of  flowers  lightly  tied-in  with  the  Ivy. 

Rusticus. — But  are  you  sure  of  its  being  hardy?  I  have 
never  seen  it  except  when  growing  on  a  wall. 

Sylvia. — I  am  quite  sure  of  its  hardiness,  for  I  have  known 
it  growing  as  a  standard  in  most  exposed  situations  with  per- 
fect immunity.  Let  me  remind  you  that  the  success  of  this 
ornament  depends  greatly  upon  its  being  placed  in  an  appro- 
priate position. 

Cms.— But  is  not  the  flower  of  the  Wistaria  very  short- 
lived ?  I  only  remember  to  have  seen  it  for  a  very  brief  tirne 
in  spring. 

Hortator. — Sylvia's  idea  is  an  excellent  one,  and  your  objec- 
tion is  plausible ;  but  the  Wistaria  does  flower  to  a  certain 
extent  a  second  time  in  the  autumn,  and  by  a  judicious  thin- 
ing-out  of  the  flowers  in  the  spring,  and  especially  by  their 
removal  when  faded,  this  second  flowering  season  might  be 
considerably  increased  and  lengthened ;  but  the  foliage  is  in 
itself  very  elegant,  and  its  peculiar  green  would  well  comport 
the  Ivy. 

Rusticus. — Permit  me  to  make  a  suggestion.  As  the  Ivy, 
even  with  careful  attention,  must  take  some  time  to  run  up  the 
poles  and  cover  the  chains,  might  not  some  of  the  elegant 
Clematises,  of  which  there  is  now  such  a  variety,  be  used  ? 

Hortatok. — Undoubtedly,  and  any  of  the  rapid-growing 
annual  climbers  might  also  be  employed.  One  root  of  Ivy  only 
need  be  planted,  so  that  the  other  side  of  the  pole  might  be 
used  as  suggested. 

Richard.— Will  you  permit  me  to  say,  gentlemen,  how  we 
keep  the  Ivy  so  well  regulated,  and  the  leaves  so  fresh  and 
green? 

Cms. — The  very  inquiry  I  was  about  to  make. 

Richa-rd. — Well,  then,  I  simply  take  a  pair  of  garden  shears 
in  March  and  cut  off  nearly  every  leaf,  and  as  that  is  the  sea- 
son in  which  it  begins  to  grow,  it  only  remains  bare  a  very 
short  time,  and  is  quickly  again  covered  with  new  green  leaves, 
and  is  not  permitted  to  grow  too  heavy  or  cumbrous-looking 
for  the  chains. 

Sylvia. — But  there  is  a  slight  shower  of  rain ;  I,  at  least, 
must  take  shelter  a  moment  in  this  evergreen  arbour. 

Civis. — What  music  there  is  in  the  sound  of  those  rain  drops 
falling  so  gently  on  these  Laurels,  suggesting  thoughts  of  in- 
vigorating freshnesB  !  Bat  see  !  what  is  that  thrush  about  on 
that  gravel  walk,  thumping  his  beak  so  violently  upon  a  stone  ? 

Sylvia. — As  the  rain  has  a  little  abated,  let  us  approach  a 
little  nearer  and  see.  Nay,  friend  Civis,  you  will  not  alarm 
him,  birds  are  so  accustomed  to  be  well  treated  in  our  garden, 
that  they  are  not  the  same  timid,  shrinking  creatures  that  they 
are  in  many. 

Rusticus. — See,  he  is  breaking  the  shell  of  a  snail  by  re- 
peated thumps  on  the  stone,  and  is  preparing  a  rich  feast  for 
his  hungry  nestlings. 

Hortator. — And  thus  relieving  us  of  one  of  the  worst  of  the 
many  enemies  of  which  gardeners  have  to  complain.  I  have 
had  to  fight  many  a  hard  battle  with  Richard,  until  I  appeased 
his  wrath  by  purchasing  some  netting  to  protect  the  Straw- 
berries ;  but  even  now  I  believe  he  would  gladly  extirpate  their 
nests  did  he  not  know  that  such  a  robbery  would  involve  his 
dismissal. 

Civis. — And  is  the  netting  expensive  ? 

Rusticus. — That  is  a  question  which  I  can  answer,  having 
just  purchased  an  ample  supply  at  one  penny  the  square  yard, 
cheap  enough  you  will  acknowledge,  and  readily  obtained. 

Cms. — How  beautiful  that  ray  of  sun  light,  now  that  the 
shower  is  over,  slants  between  the  branches  of  that  elegant 
shrub,  with  its  pendulous  branches  sweeping  the  lawn  with  its 
kirtle  of  green  like  a  fairy  queen  on  the  day  of  her  coronation  ! 
What  is  its  name  ? 

Hortator. — That  is  the  Cedrus  Deodara,  a  native  of  Nepaul, 
introduced  into  England  in  1822. 

Rusticus. — And  which  I  believe  not  many  years  hence  is 
destined  to  effect  a  wonderful  change  in  the  English  landscape, 
for  I  am  greatly  mistaken  if  it  will  not  supersede  the  Larch 
and  Fir,  being  much  better  suited  to  England  from  its  freedom 
from  disease  and  perfect  hardihood,  except  in  very  draughty 
situations. 

Sylvia. — And  what  an  elegant  contrast  it  forms  to  its  brother 
of  Lebanon ;  the  one  light,  pendulous,  and  drooping,  the  other 
dark,  solemn,  and  majestic. 


Rusticus. — The  rays  of  the  setting  sun  remind  me  that  it  is 
time  that  Civis  and  I  must  say  farewell,  and  thank  you  for  this 
delicious  stroll. — Hortator. 


INSECTS  INJUKIOUS  TO  THE   PEAR    TREE. 

,  No.  i. 

Zeuzera  .esculi,  Wood  Leopard  Moth.  It  has  been  called 
by  entomologists  Phal.ena  noctua  .esculi,  P.  noctua  pyrina, 
Bombyx  .esculus,  B.  pyrinus,  Phal^na  cossus,  P.  bombyx 
.esculi,  and  Cossus  .esculi. 
We  have  just  received  the  following  communication : — 
"  I  am  sorry  to  say  we  are  much  infested  here  (Ilford,  Essex) 
with  a  tree-boring  grub.  I  have  just  cut  out  six  of  these  grubs 
from  as  many  Pear  trees  in  Mr.  Thompson's  young  orchard 
plantation  of  pyramids.  They  also  attack  the  Apple  and 
Quince  trees  as  well  as  the  Pear.     In  the  course  of  last  year 

1  cut  out  as  many  as  twelve  or  fourteen  from  the  three  sorts  of 
trees  mentioned.  They  usually  attack  the  main  stem  of  the 
tree,  and  are,  as  you  are  doubtless  aware,  very  destructive,  fre- 
quently eating  away  almost  the  entire  substance  of  the  wood, 
so  that  a  high  wind  breaks  it  completely  off,  perhaps  not  more 
than  9  inches  or  1  foot  from  the  ground,  and  sometimes  3  or 
4  feet  from  the  bottom. 

"  Mr.  Thompson  wrote  me  in  1868  saying  that  you  had  pro- 
mised to  pay  a  visit  here  to  view  the  young  orchard.  1  trust 
such  visit  has  not  been  abandoned,  as  I  think  you  would  be 
pleased  with  the  trees,  of  which  we  have  now  about  2050,  all 
pyramids,  and  of  which  this  is  the  fifth  summer.  The  Apples 
have  hitherto  borne  but  little,  but  the  Pears  have  done  so  for 
several  years,  and  we  have  this  year  a  very  fair  crop  of  Louise 
Bonne  of  Jersey  and  Beurre  d'Amanlis  Pears." 

Tue  grub  enclosed  was  the  caterpillar  of  the  Wood  Leopard 
moth,  Zeuzera  aDSCuli. 

From  the  end  of  June  to  the  commencement  of  August, 
according  to  the  temperature  of  the  season,  this  moth  may  be 
found  clinging  to  trees,  especially  the  Lime.  Its  specific  name, 
from  iEaculus,  a  Horsechettnut,  is  singularly  inapplicable,  as 
it  frequents  that  tree  less  than  any  other.  It  is  white,  covered 
with  bluish-black  spots,  as  represented  in  our  drawing;  the 
antennae  short,  tapering  to  a  fine  point.  The  female  is  fully 
twice  as  large,  as  the  male,  often  measuring  nearly  3  inches 
across  the  expanded  fore-wings.  She  is  also  easily  distinguished 
from  the  male  by  having  her  antenna;  only  woolly  at  their  base, 
but  at  the  upper  part  simple ;  whereas  the  antennas  of  the 
male  are  feathered  at  the  base  on  each  side.  The  thorax  is 
white  and  woolly,  marked  by  six  blue-black  spots.  She  is 
furnished  with  a  long  ovipositor,  or  egg-depositor,  admirably 
adapted  for  inserting  her  eggs  in  the  cracks  of  the  bark  of  trees, 
on  the  wood  of  which  the  caterpillar  feeds.  To  the  Pear, 
Apple,  Hazel,  Walnut,  Elm,  Lime,  and  other  trees,  even  the 
Holly,  it  is  most  destructive,  burrowing  holes  into  them, 
destroying  their  sap  vessels,  and  forming  reservoirB  for  wet  to 
lodge  in  and  promote  decay. 

The  caterpillar  is  white,  tinged  with  yellow,  and  spotted  with 
black  ;  its  head  being  horny,  with  black  patches  upon  it,  and 
on  the  segment  of  the  body  next  to  it.    Its  length  is  about 

2  inches  when  full  grown.  It  is  hatched  in  August,  and  attains 
its  full  size  in  the  June  following.  It  then  enters  the  pupa 
state,  becoming  a  reddish-brown  chrysalis,  in  a  cocoon  formed 
of  the  dust  of  the  wood  which,  as  a  caterpillar,  it  gnawed  down 
in  working  its  passage.  From  this  cocoon,  as  already  stated, 
the  moth  comes  forth,  either  at  the  end  of  June  or  some  time 
between  that  and  the  beginning  of  August. 

The  chrysalis  is  of  a  reddish-brown  colour,  and  has  a  cylin- 
drical longish  body,  the  abdominal  segments  with  transverse 
rows  of  small  points  directed  backwards,  by  which  it  is  enabled 
to  push  itself  forward  to  the  outlet  when  ready  to  assume  its 
imago  or  moth  form.  The  head  of  the  chrysalis  is  armed  also 
with  a  short  hard  point,  by  which  it  opens  a  way  to  escape  from 
the  cocoon.  Oar  jiff.  3,  for  which,  as  well  as  for  the  other  cuts, 
we  are  indebted  to  Professor  Westwood's  drawing  in  the  "  Gar- 
deners' Magazine  of  Botany,"  represents  a  chrysalis  case  from 
which  the  moth  has  escaped  by  a  slit  down  the  front  part  of 
the  upper  side,  and  by  the  head-piece  becoming  detached. 

In  making  its  attacks,  the  caterpillar  generally  perforates  a 
hole  in  the  side  of  a  branch,  and  eats  its  way  upwards  in  a 
perpendicular  direction,  following  the  course  of  the  pith ;  bnt 
in  a  case  we  have  seen  exhibited  by  F.  J.  Graham,  Esq.,  of 
Cranford,  the  insect,  instead  of  taking  at  once  a  perpendicular 
course,  ate  its  way  all  round  a  branch,  keeping  just  under  the 


28 


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[  July  14,  1870. 


surface  of  the  bark,  and  devouring  the  wood  to  such  a  depth 
that  the  limb  was  weakened  and  blown  off  by  the  wind.  After 
making  its  horizontal  circuit  it  then  worked  its  way  perpendi- 
cularly in  the  ordinary  way. 


Fig.  1.— The  female  moth,  life-size,  with  her  ovipositor  protruded. 

The  way  generally  recommended  for  the  destruction  of  this 
devastator,  is  to  blow  tobacco  smoke  into  the  holes.  This 
might  do  very  well  in  cases  where  the  insect  is  near  the  orifice, 
and  the  burrow  is  shallow ;  but  in  cases  where  it  extends  to  the 
length  of  1,  2,  or  3  feet,  it  will  be  impossible  to  reach  it  by  this 


Fir,.  3. 

Fig.  3.— The  skin  of  the  chrysalis. 


Fig.  2. — The  caterpillar  within  the  tunnel  it  works  in  the  tree.  The 
roundish  mass  beneath  the  caterpillar  is  the  woody  du  8t  it  leaves  behind, 
and  of  which  it  forms  its  cocoon. 

mode.  The  only  sure  course  which  suggests  itself  is  to  wait 
till  the  period  in  June,  when  the  grub  has  gone  into  the  chry- 
salis state,  and  its  powers  of  further  destructiveness  have 
ceased,  and  then  to  plug  up  the  holes.  This  will  either  suffocate 
it,  or  it  will  effectually  prevent  it  from  emerging,  as  in  the 
imago  state  it  is  incapable  of  eating  its  way  out.  In  this  way 
the  reproduction  of  that  individual  at  least  would  be  prevented. 
The  common  house  sparrow  is  a  great  enemy  of  this  moth. 


FORMING  A   FLOWER  GARDEN.— No.  2. 

THE  DESIGN. 
F  Very,  complicated  geometrical  patterns  are,  as  a  rule,  to  be 
avoided,  for  nnless  the  resources  of  a  garden  are  fully  equal  to 
its  requirements  such  designs  are  rarely  to  be  seen  without 
Borne  flaw  in  the  colouring,  or  some  bed  whose  ragged  appear- 
ance tells  of  a  failure  in  the  supply  of  plants  in  spring.  It  is 
well,  therefore,  when  deciding  upon  a  design,  to  bear  in  mind 


the  means  which  the  gardens  afford  of  filling  the  beds  satis- 
factorily. A  few  well-filled  beds  are  far  preferable  to  the  most 
elegant  design  to  which  the  gardener  is  unable  to  do  full  justice 
from  insufficient  means.  Moreover,  the  design  of  a  flower 
garden  should  be  strictly  in  keeping  with  its  surroundings  ;  for 
instance,  a  terrace  garden  with  its  formal  accessories  should 
certainly  be  severely  geometrical,  while  in  a  shrubbery  garden 
a  somewhat  more  irregular  style  might  be  adopted  with  advan- 
tage. As  a  fair  example  of  this  style  I  give  the  plan  of  the 
flower  garden  at  Egerton  House.  It  is  about  half  an  acre  in 
extent,  and  is  in  the  centre  of  the  shrubbery.  The  centre  of 
the  garden  is  traversed  by  a  wide  walk  leading  from  the  house 
to  the  bottom  of  the  pleasure  grounds,  and  when  the  garden 
was  made,  a  circular  space  60  yards  in  diameter  was  allowed, 
but  the  walk  was  to  be  retained,  as  well  as  the  two  large  Oaks, 
one  on  each  side  of  it,  so  that  a  suitable  design  had  to  be  worked 
out  in  such  a  manner  that  the  shade  of  the  Oaks  might  be 
avoided  as  much  as  possible.  In  practice  I  have  found  the 
accompanying  plan  answer  very  well ;  and  it  is  worthy  of  note 
here  that  the  plants  in  the  large  circular  beds  17  and  42  are 
invariably  of  the  kinds  known  as  fine-foliaged  plants.  A  line 
of  Christine  Pelargonium  between  the  inner  band  of  Gnaphalium 
and  the  Farfugium  has  been  tried,  but  was  not  very  successful. 
From  my  experience  of  these  beds,  I  would  never  depend  on 
anything  but  fine-foliaged  plants  in  beds  at  all  shaded  by  trees. 

Another  important  point  is  the  maintenance  of  a  sufficient 
proportion  of  turf  among  the  beds,  which  should  not  be  crowded, 
but  should  have  a  sufficient  breadth  of  nature's  green  around 
them  to  afford  an  agreeable  relief,  whereby  the  brilliancy  of 
their  colours  will  be  much  enhanced.  To  no  style  does  this 
principle  more  forcibly  apply  than  to  those  large  single  beds 
from  50  to  100  feet  in  diameter  which  are  occasionally  to  be 
met  with ;  such  beds  are  a  flower  garden  in  themselves,  and 
when  skilfully  managed  are  very  beautiful,  but  to  be  effective 
they  require  a  wide  expanse  of  turf  around  them  ;  for  if  large 
beds,  like  these,  are  placed  in  a  confined  position,  surrounded 
by  shrubs  or  narrow  walks,  they  are  far  more  likely  to  strike 
the  eye  as  huge  blots  than  as  masses  of  floral  beauty. 

With  regard  to  the  shape  of  flower  beds,  sharp  angular  forms 
are  to  be  avoided  as  far  as  practicable,  as  they  are  difficult  to 
fill  well,  and  their  hard  abrupt  outlines  stand  out  boldly  and 
uncompromisingly.  Very  different  from  this  is  the  soft  flow 
of  a  scroll  partaking  of  the  character  of  Hogarth's  line  of  beauty, 
or  the  graceful  sweep  of  a  circle,  pleasant  to  look  upon  from 
whatever  side  it  is  viewed.  Scroll  patterns,  however,  though 
very  beautiful,  must  be  adopted  with  caution,  as  in  most  in- 
stances, to  do  full  justice  to  their  graceful  outlines,  more  space 
is  required  than  for  any  other  style  ;  for  if  the  curves  of  the 
scrolls  approach  each  other  so  closely  as  to  leave  but  little 
Bpace  for  turf  or  gravel,  the  colouring  is  apt  to  appear  crowded 
and  confused. 

THE   PLANTS. 

In  a  selection  of  the  most  suitable  plants  for  flower  beds, 
many  kinds  grown  entirely  for  the  beauty  of  their  foliage  justly 
claim  a  leading  position,  and  from  their  undoubted  excellence 
and  great  utility  we  gladly  accept  and  welcome  them  as  almost 
indispensable  aids  in  enabling  us  to  carry  out  our  designs. 
Their  excellencies  are  many.  They  offer  to  the  artist  many 
shades  of  colour  not  to  be  obtained  from  blossom ;  some  soft 
and  subdued  charming  neutral  tints  which  are  most  useful  to 
tone  down  or  divide  the  glowing  brightness  of  their  more  showy 
neighbours ;  while  others,  by  their  bright  and  gorgeous  colour- 
ing, not  only  rival  the  gayest  flowers,  but  owing  to  their  greater 
stability  and  immunity  from  many  of  those  evils  to  which  the 
blooms  from  their  frailty  are  liable,  not  unfrequently  take  the 
place  of  flowering  plants,  and  in  some  gardens  to  a  much 
greater  extent  than  I  like  to  see  ;  for,  after  all,  the  blossoms  of 
flowers  possess  a  soft  and  refined  beauty  unapproached  by 
foliage,  and  therefore  the  more  flowering  plants  we  can  intro- 
duce with  safety  the  more  general  will  be  the  appreciation  of 
the  entire  design. 

Grey-leaved  Plants. — To  our  old  friend  Cerastium  tomen- 
tosum  must  be  awarded  the  leading  position  as  the  best  dwarf 
plant  of  its  colour  for  an  edging  or  front  row.  When  well 
managed  nothing  can  surpass  it,  as  it  makes  a  dense  growth, 
yet  is  prevented  by  its  multitudinous  leaves  and  shoots  from 
appearing  at  all  heavy,  and  it  becomes  a  neat  compact  mass 
of  pearly  grey,  which  is  most  effective  next  to  turf.  Ceras- 
tium should  always  be  transplanted  once  a-year ;  it  strikes 
root  freely  from  cuttings  in  the  open  air  in  spring  and  autumn, 
and  such  young  plants  are  best,  as  they  quickly  meet  if 
planted  an  inch  or  two  apart,  but  if  old  plants  are  retained 


July  14,  1870.  1 


JOURNAL   OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


29 


tley  Bhould  be  lifted  early  in  March,  and  the  soil  either  re- 
newed, or  renovated  with  leaf  mould  or  rotten  dung.  Planted 
in  his,  the  old  plants  grow  throughout  the  summer  with  re- 
newed vigour  ;  but  if  this  is  not  done,  and  they  are  kept  in 
the  toil  for  two  successive  seasons,  they  suffer  very  much  from 


the  heat  during  the  seoond  summer,  and  brown  leaves  and  a 
starved  appearance  are  the  results. 

Cerastium  Biebersteini  I  do  not  like  so  well,  though  it  is 
useful  for  an  edging  to  large  beds  or  bold  masses  of  foliage ; 
but  even  for  such  a  purpose  it  is  surpassed  in  the  opinion  of 


FLOWER  GARDEN  AT  EGERTON  HOUSE. 


1, 16,  8,  9.  Heliotrope  Beauty  of  the  Boudoir. 

2,  15,  7,  10.  The  diamonds  are  marked  out  with  Vinca  major  elegant- 
issima.  Inside  the  Vinca  in  the  diamonds  is  a  row  of  Iresine  Herbstii, 
and  the  centre  of  each  diamond  is  filled  with  Pelargonium  Crystal 
Palace  Gem.  The  four  central  half-diamonds  contain  Lobelia  6peciosa, 
and  the  remaining  three  at  each  end  are  filled  with  Pelargonium  Adonis 
or  Little  David. 

3, 14,  60,  6,  11,  35.  Cerastium  tomentosum  nest  the  turf,  Pelargonium 
ChriBtine  in  the  centre. 

4,  5,  12,  13.  A  row  of  Centaurea  ragnsina  down  the  centre,  a  row  of 
Colons  Verschaffelti  on  each  Bide  of  the  Centaurea,  with  a  row  of  Lobelia 
speciosa  outside  of  both  rows  of  the  Coleus,  making  five  rows  in  all. 

34,  36,  59,  61.  Three  rows  of  Pelargonium  Mrs.  Pollock,  forming  a  broad 
band  along  the  centre  of  each  bed,  with  Lobelia  speciesa  on  each  side. 

39.  Pelargonium  Stella.    64.  Pelargonium  CyMster. 

37,  41,  62,  66.  Pelargonium  Minimum  Nosegay. 

38,  40,  63,  65.  Pelargonium  Flower  of  Spring  (silver  variegated). 

17,  42.  These  beds  are  shaded  very  much  by  the  large  Oak  trees,  67  and 
68,  they  are  therefore  always  filled  with  fine-foliaged  plants  in  the  follow- 
ing way. — A  broad  band  of  Gnaphalium  lanatum  nest  the  turf,  next  this 
is  an  equally  broad  hand  of  Iresine  Herbstii,  then  comes  a  narrow  band 
of  Gnaphalium  lanatum  surrounding  the  central  mass  of  Farfugium 
grande. 


33,  58.  Mixed  Verbenas. 

32,  57.  These  beds  have  a  large  mass  of  Gladiolus  Brenchleyensis  in 
the  centre,  surrounded  by  a  row  of  variegated  Ageratum  ;  next  this  is  a 
row  of  Coleus  Verschaffelti,  with  a  row  of  Pelargonium  Mrs.  Pollock  nest 
the  turf. 

22,  47.  In  these  beds  is  a  broad  band  of  Pelargonium  Golden  Chain  at  A, 
not  taken  all  round,  but  narrowing  off,  as  shown  in  the  plan,  and  the 
remainder  of  the  beds,  b,  contains  a  bold  mass  of  scarlet  Lobelia. 

25,  50.  Silver-variegated  Pelargonium  Perfection, 
24,  26,  49,  51.  Veibena  Purple  King. 

23,  27,  4^,  52.  Variegated  Pelargonium  Manglesii. 
20,  54.  Calceolaria  Aurea  Floribunda. 

29,  46.  Calceolaria  Prince  of  Orange. 

Vi.  Pelargonium  Amy  Hogg.    21.  Waltham  Seedling  Pelargonium. 

28.  Pelargonium  Rebecca.    3),  Pelargonium  Provost. 

53.  Pelargonium  Black  Dwarf.  55.  Pelargonium  Lady  Constanco 
Grosvenor. 

44.  Pelargonium  Sir  J,  Paxton.    45.  Pelargonium  Le  Grand. 

The  side  beds  18,  31,  43.  56  have  tbree  rows  in  front,  the  first  of  Cen- 
taurea ragusina,  the  second  Perilla,  and  the  third  either  a  yellow  or  orange 
Calceolaria.  These  three  rows  stretch  from  end  to  end  of  the  beds,  jnst 
filling  the  narrow  parts,  and  in  the  remaining  spaces  are  grouped  scarlet 
and  crimson  varieties  of  Pelargoniums. 


30 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  July  14,  1870. 


many  by  Gnaphalivm  lanatum,  a  strong-growing  but  most 
useful  plant,  as,  owing  to  the  trailing  recumbent  character  of 
its  long  flexible  growth,  by  close  attention  to  pinching  and 
pegging  it  becomes  one  of  our  neatest  bedders.  Its  handsome 
foliage,  of  a  peculiar  soft  grey  tint,  is  very  telling  next  deep 
crimson  or  pink.  One  other  grey-leaved  plant,  Centaurea  ragu- 
sina,  will  complete  my  selection.  It  is  the  best  plant  of  its 
class  for  a  central,  or  third  or  fourth  row.  It  is  quite  hardy, 
but  as  neat  young  plants  are  altogether  preferable  for  bedding 
purposes,  an  annual  supply  must  either  be  raised  from  cuttings 
or  seed.  By  making  cuttings  as  early  in  July  as  possible,  and 
keeping  them  in  a  moderate  even  temperature,  they  will  strike 
root  as  freely  as  a  Pelargonium.  If  the  stock  is  obtained  from 
seed  it  must  be  sown  in  January,  as  the  seedlings  are  very 
green  at  first,  and  require  a  considerable  time  before  they 
equal  in  appearance  plants  raised  from  cuttings.  For  my  own 
part,  I  very  much  prefer  cuttings,  for  when  once  well  rooted 
they  may  be  wintered  with  the  greatest  ease  in  a  dry  cold 
pit.  Cuttings  of  this  plant  also  root  in  a  brisk  moist  heat 
in  spring. 

I  have  selected  these  plants  as  being  decidedly  the  best  of 
all  in  their  section ;  they  are  of  the  highest  excellence,  their 
merits  having  been  thoroughly  tried  and  their  stability  proved 
in  a  variety  of  seasons. 

Ckimson-leaved  Plants  I  shall  take  next.  Coleus  Ver- 
schaffelti  worthily  comes  first,  for  now  the  excitement  caused 
by  the  much-vaunted  splendour  of  its  descendants  has  subsided, 
our  old  favourite  remains  master  of  the  field,  the  splendour  of 
its  rich-coloured  foliage  never  having  been  approached,  much 
less  equalled  by  any  of  them.  And  here  I  would  observe,  that  my 
experience  of  this  class  of  plants  leads  me  to  the  conclusion, 
that  no  fine-foliaged  plant  possessing  maculated  leaves  is  ever 
so  useful  as  those  of  a  rich  self-colour  for  bedding  purposes. 

1  have  tried  most  of  the  new  varieties  of  Coleus,  and  find  that 
while  Yerschaffelti  is  undoubtedly  the  best  for  forming  rich 
masses,  or  as  lines  in  a  ribbon  border,  yet  nearly  all  the  newer 
kinds  are  useful  if  grown  in  pots,  trained  in  a  conical  shape 

2  or  3  feet  high,  and  then  turned  out  into  beds  to  form  mixed 
groups,  or  as  a  background  for  brighter  colours. 

Of  the  Iresines,  acuminata  has  fine,  broad,  handsome  foliage, 
and  will  very  likely  supersede  Herbstii,  but  of  this  I  am  by  no 
means  certain,  as  Herbstii  is  a  fine  plant  when  grown  in  a 
deep,  rich,  cool  soil.  It  is  most  effective  when  next  foliage  of 
a  similar  character,  such  as  that  of  Vinca  major  elegantissima, 
or  Gnaphalium  lanatum.  Of  Lindeni  I  must  not  yet  venture 
to  offer  an  opinion ;  if  its  very  elegant  foliage  only  prove  bright 
enough  in  colour  it  is  likely  to  be  a  great  acquisition.  Ama- 
ranthus  melanchoUcus  ruber  grown  in  a  warm,  sheltered  situ- 
ation, and  pegged  closely,  makes  a  fine  crimson  mass,  and  is 
very  telling  next  bright  yellow.  Perilla  nankinensis  with  its 
rich,  dark,  chocolate  leaves,  often  changing  to  a  fine  bronze  in 
autumn,  is  a  first-clas3  bedding  plant ;  its  young  stems  are 
very  flexible,  so  that  it  may  either  be  pegged  closely  and  kept 
pinched  to  form  a  dwarf  edging,  or  it  may  be  had  of  any 
height  up  to  a  foot. 

Gold  and  Silvee  Variegated  Plants. — Among  these  we  have 
in  the  very  elegant  Arabia  lucida  variegata  a  perfect  gem,  not 
more  than  2  or  3  inches  high,  and  quite  hardy.  Arabis  alpina 
variegata  is  also  useful.  It  is  a  stronger  grower  than  the 
former.  Cuttings  made  in  October  and  wintered  in  a  cold  pit, 
make  useful  plants  for  the  following  summer.  Next  these 
comes  Polemonium  catruleum  variegatum,  a  beautiful  silvery- 
variegated  hardy  plant,  with  elegant  Fern-like  foliage.  This  is 
one  of  the  most  useful  plants  in  its  section ;  it  is  best  pro- 
pagated by  division  of  the  crowns  in  spring,  and  in  order  to 
•increase  the  stock  quickly  the  plants  should  be  potted  in 
autumn,  and  wintered  in  a  cold  pit.  Another  useful  plant  is 
Koniga  variegata.  I  have  frequently  used  this  between  plantB 
of  Lady  Plymouth  Pelargonium  ;  it  grows  quickly  and  has  the 
appearance  of  a  fringe  of  lace  around  the  Pelargoniums,  and  is 
easily  cut  away  as  the  Pelargoniums  make  growth.  Vinca 
■major  elegantissima  is  a  valuable  bedding  plant,  which  by 
judicious  pinching  and  pegging  becomes  a  sheet  of  pale  yellow 
a  few  inches  high.  It  requires  constant  attention,  as  it  grows 
quickly,  but  it  well  repays  one  for  all  the  care  bestowed  upon 
it.  Chrysanthemum  Sensation  and  Ageratum  variegatum  are 
alike  useful ;  both  are  easily  propagated,  and  both  bear  pegging 
and  pinching  well.  The  Variegated  Japanese  Honeysuckle 
(Lonicera  aureo-reticulata)  also  makes  an  elegant  bedding  plant, 
if  propagated  in  spring,  potted  singly  in  3-inch  pots,  and 
kept  in  heat  and  with  the  growth  constantly  pinched,  so  as  to 
form  the  plants  into  neat,  compact,  little  bushes.    These  do 


admirably  for  a  line  in  a  ribbon  border,  but  they  require  c»n- 
stant  pinching  throughout  the  summer.  All  plants  of  'his 
kind  possessing  a  long  trailing  habit  should  never  be  suffered 
to  produce  long  shoots  when  planted  in  flower  beds,  but  sh-iuld, 
by  pinching-off  the  tips  of  the  young  growth,  be  brougat  as 
near  to  the  appearance  of  a  regular  bedding  plant  as  possible. 

Miscellaneous  Plants. — Of  these,  Heliotrope  Beaut%  of  the 
Boudoir,  with  its  very  dark  foliage  and  abundance  of  grey 
flowers,  forms  charming  neutral  beds.  To  have  this  in  bloom 
early,  the  plants  must  be  propagated  the  previous  autumn  and 
wintered  singly  in  thumb  pots.  Spring-struck  plants  are  fre- 
quently as  large  when  planted  in  the  beds,  but  they  are  much 
later  in  coming  into  flower. 

The  tall  Scarlet  Lobelias  are  good  in  groups,  or  for  back  rows 
in  ribbon  borders ;  they  do  not  open  their  flowers,  it  is  true, 
till  late  in  the  season,  but  their  dark  stems  and  foliage  are  very 
effective,  and  when  the  spikes  of  deep  rich  scarlet  flowers  do 
expand,  nothing  can  be  finer,  and  yet  how  seldom  are  they 
seen.  Their  culture  is  most  simple;  pack  the  old  stools  closely 
in  pans  or  boxes  in  autumn,  winter  in  a  cold  pit,  avoiding 
much  damp,  and  early  in  March  divide  the  old  plants,  potting 
the  offsets  singly  in  small  pots.  These,  placed  in  any  position 
under  glass  where  they  can  have  abundance  of  light  and  air, 
as  in  a  pit,  frame,  or  cool  house,  become  nice  plants  by  May. 
Care  must  be  taken  to  guard  them  from  the  ravages  of  snails, 
which  are  very  fond  of  the  young  succulent  shoots. 

Another  useful  member  of  this  family,  of  more  lowly  growth, 
is  Lobelia  speciosa.  Coming  early  into  bloom,  and  continuing 
in  great  beauty  throughout  summer,  it  forms  a  dense  even 
mass  of  deep  blue,  and  is  everywhere  welcomed  and  admired. 
It  may  be  useful  to  some  if  I  advert  to  two  or  three  different 
methods  of  culture.  The  simplest  way  of  all  to  obtain  a  stock 
is  to  sow  a  bed  on  a  wsrm  border  early  in  September.  The 
young  seedlings  are  protected  in  winter  with  a  frame  having 
glass  lights,  which  are  covered  with  mats  and  litter  in  hard 
frosts ;  the  plants  are  slightly  thinned,  but  nothing  more  is 
done  till  they  are  taken  up  with  a  trowel  and  planted  in  the 
flower  beds  in  May.  This  plan  answers  very  well  for  gardens 
in  which  an  early  display  is  not  required,  otherwise  the  usual 
plan  of  sowing  seed  in  pans  placed  in  heat  in  March  is  prefer- 
able. In  gardens  having  very  poor  soil,  where  strong  plants 
are  required,  I  know  no  better  way  than  to  place  a  glazed 
frame  on  a  mild  hotbed,  fill  it  to  within  3  inches  of  the  glass 
with  light,  rich,  sandy  soil,  settle  this  gently  down  with  the 
back  of  a  spade,  and  prick  out  the  young  seedlings  2  inches 
apart.  Wash  the  glass  lights  with  a  thin  mixture  of  lime  and 
water  for  shading,  sprinkle  the  plants  twice  a-day  with  warm 
water,  and  give  a  thorough  watering  when  necessary,  and  a 
little  air  on  hot  days.  When  the  plants  are  growing  freely, 
more  and  more  air  may  be  given,  till  the  lights  are  drawn  en- 
tirely off,  care  being  taken  that  the  tender  foliage  is  not 
scorched  by  the  sun.  Seedlings  so  treated  grow  with  amazing 
rapidity,  and  some  care  has  to  be  exercised  that  the  plants  do 
not  become  too  robust,  and  so,  when  removed  to  the  flower 
beds,  continue  to  grow  too  strongly. 

The  method  I  prefer  to  all  others  is  to  select  a  dozen  or  two 
of  plants  from  a  late  batch  of  seedlings  or  cuttings,  to  pot 
them  singly  in  3-inch  pots,  and  plunge  them  in  the  open  gar- 
den till  the  end  of  August,  when  they  are  taken  up  and  shifted 
into  5 -inch  pots,  and  then  plunged  to  thrc  rim  in  coal  ashes  till 
October ;  they  are  then  taken  into  the  houses  along  with  the 
other  bedding  stock.  In  the  following  February  they  are  fur- 
nished with  a  good  crop  of  cuttings,  and  the  required  quantity 
of  young  plants  is  raised  with  the  greatest  ease.  By  shifting 
the  stock  plants  in  the  end  of  August,  ample  time  is  afforded 
for  them  to  become  thoroughly  established  in  the  5-inch  pots 
before  they  are  housed.  I  lay  some  stress  on  this,  because 
Lobelias  shifted  late  in  autumn  are  very  liable  to  damp  off. 

Viola  cornuta  is  another  very  useful  plant  of  most  easy 
culture.  In  order  to  insure  a  lasting  summer  display,  cuttings 
must  be  taken  in  March,  and  the  young  plants  planted  in  the 
flower  beds  in  a  deep  rich  soil  at  the  same  time  as  the  other 
bedding  plants.  It  grows  freely,  and  soon  becomes  a  mass  of 
bloom  of  a  peculiarly  fresh  arwl  pleasing  appearance. 

This  selection  of  plants  may  be  thought  a  small  one,  but  if 
to  these  are  added  the  splendid  varieties  of  bedding  Pelargo- 
niums now  in  cultivation,  together  with  Verbenas  and  Calceo- 
larias, ample  materials  of  all  shades  of  colour  may  be  had  in 
sufficient  variety  to  fill  a  design,  however  large,  in  the  most 
satisfactory  manner.  Of  the  relative  merits  of  Pelargoniums, 
Verbenas,  and  Calceolarias  I  shall  say  nothing,  as  they  have 
been  fully  treated  of  in  former  papers,  but  will  next  proceed  to 


July  14,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HOBTICULTOBE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


31 


consider  the  arrangement  of  the  plants. — Edward  Lcckhubst, 
Egerton  House  Gardens,  Kent. 


NOTES  AND  GLEANINGS. 

The  third  Show  this  year  of  the  Royal  Oxfordshire  Horti- 
cultural Society,  will  be  held  on  Tuesday,  July  19th,  and 
three  following  days,  in  the  Observatory  grounds,  Oxford,  by 
Mnd  permission  of  the  Badcliffe  Observer,  and  the  amonnts 
in  prizes  offered  are  as  follows — viz.,  for  Plants,  £35  7s.  Sd. ; 
Cnt  Flowers,  £26  3s.;  Fruit  and  Vegetables,  £12  12s.;  Cot- 
tagers' prizes,  £36  17s.  6d.  ;  in  all  £120  10s.  The  Royal 
Horticultural  Society  will  hold  their  fourth  provincial  Show 
at  the  same  time  and  place,  and  prizes  amounting  to  nearly 
£800  will  be  given  away.  The  band  of  the  Royal  Artillery 
from  Woolwich  will  play  daily  under  the  direction  of  Mr.  J. 
Smythe,  as  well  as  the  band  of  the  Oxfordshire  Militia.  The 
following  railway  companies  have  kindly  consented  to  convey 
plants  from  the  Exhibition  free  of  charge,  providing  they  re- 
main the  property  of  the  person  who  transmitted  them  to  the 
Exhibition — viz.,  Great  Northern,  Great  Western,  London  and 
North  Western,  London  and  South  Western,  and  Midland. 
The  Exhibition  will  be  open  on  Tuesday,  the  19th  July,  at 
2  o'clock  p.m.,  and  on  the  three  following  days  at  10  o'clock 
a.m.  The  terms  of  admission  are — for  the  first  day,  3s.  6d. 
(if  purchased  on  or  before  Monday,  July  18th)  ;  on  the  days  of 
Exhibition,  first  day,  5s. ;  second  day,  2s.  6<2.,  third  and  fourth 
days,  Is.  Gardeners  can  obtain  admission  as  follows— on  pro- 
ducing their  masters'  cards — viz.,  first  day,  2s.  6d. ;  second 
day  Is. 

The  Fruit  Committee  of  the  Rotal  Horticultural 

Society  will  meet  at  Oxford  on  Wednesday  next,  July  20th,  at 
11  o'Clock  a.m.,  to  examine  such  fruits  and  vegetables  as  may 
be  sent  for  their  opinion, 

The  drought  has  been  so  great  about  London,  and 

forage  so  scarce,  that  cow-keepers  are  eagerly  purchasing  the 
weeds  grown  in  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society's  garden  at 
Chiswick,  for  cattle  food.  The  weeds  are  unusually  fine, 
certainly,  having  been  undisturbed  for  the  last  year  or  two ; 
and  it  is  gratifying  to  see  how  even  its  misfortunes  can  be 
turned  to  good  account  for  the  Society's  benefit. 

The  "  German  village  "  trees  have  again  made  their 

appearance  in  Trafalgar  Square,  dotted  about  much  in  the  way 
children  do  their  mimic  toys.  Is  it  solicitude  for  the  beauties 
of  the  National  Gallery  that  these  terrace  trees  are  not  placed 
on  the  only  public  terrace  London  possesses  ?  or  is  it  that  those 
in  authority  do  not  know  how  to  make  the  best  use  of  the 
objects  they  are  entrusted  with  ?  Last  year  we  suggested  that 
some  of  these  trees  should  be  placed  on  the  terrace  above, 
where  they  would  form  an  effective  line  of  green  in  front  of 
the  National  Gallery ;  but  we  presume  some  arbiter  of  taste 
directs  the  decorative  department  of  the  metropolis  who  knows 
better. 

WORK  FOR  THE  WEEK. 

KITCHEN    GARDES. 

See  that  in  this  department  weeds  are  not  allowed  to  seed 
amongst  growing  crops,  such  as  Potatoes  and  Asparagus, 
where,  from  the  luxuriance  that  surrounds  them,  they  are 
apt  to  elude  detection  till  they  have  deposited  their  seeds  ;  at- 
tention in  proper  time  to  such  matters  entails  not  one-tenth  of 
the  labour  that  neglect  ultimately  does.  As  soon  as  cater- 
pillars attack  any  of  the  Cabbage  tribe,  give  a  slight  dredging 
with  white  hellebore  powder  in  the  morning.  Make  a  sow- 
ing of  East  Ham  Cabbage  for  early  spring  use,  and  a  late 
sowing  of  Coleworts.  Pay  strict  attention  to  early  crops  of 
Celery ;  let  them  be  gone  over  wi*h  the  hand,  and  all  offsets 
taken  off,  and  where  practicable  let  it  have  a  thorough  drench- 
ing with  dung  water,  after  which,  on  the  following  day,  give  a 
slight  earthing-up  to  prevent  evaporation.  Plant  out  suc- 
cession crops  of  it.  People  sometimes  complain  of  their 
Celery  "  running  ;"  Celery  plants  removed  in  a  gross  state  need 
little  moro  than  drought  to  bring  on  the  flowering  habit.  Sow 
another  bed  of  Endive  forthwith.  Make  a  small  sowing  of 
Early  Frame  Peas.  If  the  autumn  be  fine,  they  may  be  useful. 
Make  a  sowing  of  White  Stone  Turnips. 

FRUIT   GARDEN. 

Attend  to  previous  directions  in  regard  to  thinning  and 
stopping  the  yonng  shoots  of  all  trained  fruit  trees,  and  now 
make  the  final  thinning  of  Peaches  and  Nectarines,  of  course 
leaving  the  heaviest  orop  on  the  most  vigorous  trees    and 


strongest  branches.  As  a  general  rule  no  two  fruit  should  be 
left  together.  Plums  of  the  large  kinds,  as  well  as  the  finer 
sorts  of  Pears,  should  also  be  thinned  if  the  crop  is  too  heavy. 
Young  Peach  and  Apricot  treeB  when  making  over-vigorous 
leaders  should  have  the  points  of  the  branches  shortened  to 
encourage  them  to  make  other  shoots  less  vigorous,  and  of  a 
fruitful  character,  which  will  obviate  the  necessity  of  shorten- 
ing them  back  at  the  winter  pruning.  Strawberries  will  require 
frequent  waterings  in  this  dry  weather:  Place  netting  over  the 
plants  to  protect  them  from  birds,  and  it  will  also  be  very 
beneficial  in  partially  shading  the  fruit  from  the  midday  sun. 
Layer  the  runners  in  3-inch  pots.  For  this  purpose  prepare  a 
compost  of  two  parts  of  friable  yellow  loam  and  one  part  of 
well-decomposed  dung,  with  the  addition  of  a  tenth  part  of  the 
whole  of  charred  material.  Take  care  that  the  pots  are  well 
drained,  and  have  them  placed  on  a  south  aspect,  and  on 
boards  or  slates  raised  a  few  inches  above  the  surface  of  the 
ground,  to  prevent  the  worms  getting  into  them.  All  spare 
runners  may  be  cut  away,  and  keep  the  plants  free  from  weeds. 
Thin  and  stop  Bhoots  of  Figs  a3  soon  as  they  have  made  a 
growth  of  about  6  inches  ;  and  remove  all  useless  growth  from 
Vines,  keep  the  fruit  close  to  the  wall,  and  shaded  by  the 
foliage  from  the  sun. 

FLOWER  GARDEN. 

The  Roses  are  the  great  attraction  here  at  present,  and  these 
should  be  frequently  looked  over,  removing  decaying  flowers, 
&c,  which,  if  allowed  to  hang  on  the  plants,  have  a  very  un- 
sightly appearance.  Now  is  the  best  season  for  observing  the 
effect  of  the  arrangement  of  colours,  &c,  aDd  if  any  alteration 
is  deemed  necessary  it  should  be  carefully  noted.  This  will 
greatly  facilitate  its  execution  at  the  proper  season.  Proceed 
with  the  propagation  of  favourite  sorts  which  it  may  be  desir- 
able to  increase  either  by  budding  or  cuttings.  The  Hybrid 
Perpetuals,  TeaB,  Chinas,  and  Bourbons  are  generally  preferred 
on  their  own  roots,  and  firm,  6hort-jointed  shoots  of  these  root 
very  freely  at  this  season  ;  but  to  insure  success  they  should  be 
afforded  a  slight  bottom  heat,  be  carefully  shaded,  and  not  kept 
too  warm  until  they  emit  roots.  They  will,  however,  root  under 
a  hand-glass  on  a  shady  border.  Remove  suckers  from  worked 
plants.  Cut-back  the  shoots  of  the  autumn-flowering  varieties 
to  the  most  promising  eye,  as  soon  as  all  the  flowers  are  ex- 
panded and  begin  to  fade.  If  manure  water  cannot  conveniently 
be  giveD,  stir  the  surface  soil  with  a  fork  and  apply  a  good 
sprinkling  of  guano,  the  strength  of  which  will  be  washed 
down  to  the  roots,  and  will  serve  the  same  purpose  as  manure 
water.  Slugs  must  be  sharply  looked  after,  otherwise  plants 
to  which  they  are  partial  will  be  very  likely  to  be  injured, 
The  propagation  of  flowers  for  masses  is  a  most  important 
matter,  and  much  depends  on  its  being  performed  in  due  time. 
If  stove  plants  for  the  ensuing  year  are  propagated  and  potted- 
off  too  late,  they  will  not  be  easily  preserved  during  the  winter. 
A  bed  should  be  prepared  in  an  open  situation  where  constant 
attention  can  be  given.  The  soil  should  be  free  and  rather 
sandy,  and  should  be  made  somewhat  fine,  as  is  usual  for  cut- 
tingB,  and  a  canvas  screen  should  be  always  at  hand  to  ward 
off  continued  sunshine.  After  the  bed  is  made  particularly 
level  in  order  to  equalise  the  moisture  by  watering  or  other- 
wise, a  number  of  striking-glasses  should  be  placed  ready  to 
cover  the  cuttings  as  they  come  to  hand,  for  after  all  it  must 
be  progressive  work.  Choice  Verbenas,  Calceolarias,  Pelar- 
goniums, Petunias,  Heliotropes,  Fuchsias,  Pentstemons,  Mule 
Pinks,  Picotees,  double  Wallflowers,  with  numerous  other  mass 
or  border  flowers  may  be  successively  put  in,  as  cuttings  of  a 
proper  character  can  be  obtained.  They  should  be  slightly 
watered  when  put  in,  and  should  receive  a  slight  shading  in 
sunshine  for  the  first  month,  after  which  they  may  be  gradu- 
ally inured  both  to  sunshine  and  air. 

GREENHOUSE    AND    CONSERVATORY. 

Follow  up  shifting  with  such  of  the  hardwooded  tribes  as 
require  it.  A  turfy  compost  of  three  parts  sandy  heath  soil  of 
a  fibrous  and  rather  lumpy  character,  and  one  part  sound  loam 
of  a  similar  texture,  will  suit  the  majority.  The  more  tender 
kinds  will  require  lumps  of  charcoal,  stone,  or  crocks  introduced 
occasionally  until  near  the  surface  of  the  pot.  Let  every  at- 
tention possible  be  paid  to  the  most  thorough  drainage ;  this 
cannot  be  too  complete,  taking  care  especially  to  use  very 
hollow  crocks  at  the  bottom,  for  if  these  lie  too  flat  and  be- 
come closed  up,  it  matters  little  how  much  depth  of  drainage 
material  is  upon  them,  all  will  be  stagnation.  Some  of  the 
stove  plants  that  have  recently  been  brought  into  the  conser- 
vatory will  require  attention  to  prevent  their  being  injured  by 
damp  if  cloudy  weather  should  occur,  and  ii  will  probably  be 


32 


JOUKNAL  OF  HORTICULTUKE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  July  14,  1870. 


necessary  to  nse  slight  fires  occasionally  for  the  purpose  of 
drying  the  atmosphere  of  the  house.  The  propriety  of  this 
will,  however,  greatly  depend  upon  circumstances,  for  in  small 
well- ventilated  houses  damp  will  hardly  be  troublesome,  whereas 
in  lofty  houses  with  but  little  ventilation,  and  the  roofs  over- 
grown with  climbers,  it  may  be  so  to  a  very  great  extent. 
But  at  this  season  there  is  nothing  to  fear  from  cold,  and  air 
should  be  freely  admitted  at  every  favourable  opportunity, 
using  every  care  to  keep  the  atmosphere  of  the  house  as  dry 
as  possible,  and  keeping  the  plants  clear  of  decaying  flowers. 
Considerable  care  will  also  be  necessary  in  watering  recently 
repotted  specimens,  whether  of  the  soft  or  hard  wooded  class, 
as  in  the  case  of  cloudy  weather  they  will  require  very  little 
water,  and  will  be  speedily  injured  by  a  careless  supply.  Con- 
tinue to  carefully  regulate  the  growth  of  twiners,  but  avoid 
tying  them  too  closely,  and  allow  them  to  grow  according  to 
their  natural  habits  as  much  as  circumstances  will  permit. 
Examine  the  border  plants  frequently  for  insects,  which,  if 
allowed  their  own  way  at  this  season,  soon  injure  the  young 
tender  growth.  The  Luculias  are  matchless  subjects  for  the 
conservatory  borders  and  are  deserving  of  every  care,  but  they 
are  very  subject  to  black  thrips.  Tobacco  smoke  is  the  most 
effectual  remedy  for  this  pest. — W.  Keane. 


DOINGS  OF  THE  LAST  WEEK. 
On  the  evening  of  this,  the  9th  inst.,  we  have  had  thunder, 
but  little  rain,  though  it  has  fallen  heavily  in  some  places  in 
the  neighbourhood.  In  summer,  especially,  we  often  notice 
that  the  cloud  breaks  on  the  height,  and  sheds  its  contents  in 
the  valleys.  In  winter,  the  heights  get  their  share  more  regu- 
larly. However,  the  showers  which  we  have  had,  though  as  yet 
doing  little  to  fill  reservoirs,  have  refreshed  vegetation,  and 
even  the  lawn,  beginning  to  be  brown,  is  putting  on  its  bright 
green  livery.  As  a  commencement,  we  are  having  trough 
piping  placed  round  our  pits,  that  the  water  from  them,  as  well 
as  houses,  may  be  conveyed  to  a  clean-water  tank.  The  water 
from  these  pits  was  not  lost  formerly,  as  it  fell  on  firm  ground, 
so  sloping  that  the  rains  ran  to  cesspools,  whence  it  was  con- 
veyed in  pipes  to  a  pond  concealed  from  view.  We  thus  from 
roadways,  &c,  obtained  a  quantity  of  water,  but  it  required 
to  stand  some  time  to  become  clear.  We  shall  now  have  more 
clean  water,  and  will  just  have  so  much  less  iu  the  pond. 

Celery. — The  cloudy  days,  helped  by  occasional  drizzles, 
enabled  us  to  plant  out  a  good  deal  in  beds,  generally  three 
rows  in  a  4-feet  bed.  As  some  of  our  coadjutors  say,  there  is 
no  difficulty  in  earthing  it  up  by  placing  light  boards  between 
the  rows,  and  moving  the  boards  as  the  earthing-up  proceeds. 
We  have  long  dispensed  with  the  boards,  even  when  we  have 
had  from  four  to  six  rows  across  a  bed,  and,  provided  each 
plant  is  nicely  cleaned  at  the  base,  and  then  loosely  tied,  the 
earth  can  be  easily  applied  without  the  help  of  boards.  The 
earth  is  merely  well  pulverised  and  squeezed  to  the  plants  a 
little  by  the  hand.  In  stiff  soils,  and  where  slugs  and  worms 
are  apt  to  be  troublesome,  it  is  a  good  plan  to  have  semicircular 
pieces  of  old  spouting,  say  18  inches  long,  of  tin  or  zinc,  made 
on  purpose,  two  to  be  placed  round  and  pretty  close  to  each 
plant,  the  interior  to  be  filled  with  ashes,  and  then  the  space 
between  with  earth,  drawing  up  the  pieces  of  pipe  as  you  go 
along.  This  plan  is  one  of  the  best  for  preventing  slugs  and 
snails  marking  the  Celery. 

Our  Celery  beds  have  been  filled  until  now  with  bedding 
plants,  dwarf  Peas,  and  Potatoes,  and  now  they  have  had  an 
addition  of  very  rotten  dung,  made  moderately  firm  before 
planting.  For  large  Celery,  rather  rank  dung  may  be  used. 
When  sweet,  crisp  Celery  is  desired,  all  rank  dung  should  be 
mixed  with  the  soil  at  the  bottom,  if  used  at  all,  and  sweet 
dung  mixed  with  soil  near  the  surface.  On  the  ridges  we  have 
had  rows  of  Peas,  but  the  dry  weather  has  oaused  some  of  them 
to  come  to  maturity  earlier  than  we  wished,  and  as  some  rows 
were  removed  we  used  branches  laid  across  the  bed  to  give  a 
flickering  shade  until  the  air  became  cooler,  and  the  clouds 
gave  a  little  more  shade.  After  one  good  watering  at  planting, 
we  must  be  satisfied  with  a  few  surface  sprinklings.  Our 
plants  would  not  have  required  the  latter  if  they  had  been 
better  established  with  good  balls  before  turning  out,  as  we 
generally  have  them ;  but  in  the  press  of  matters  only  part  of 
what  is  planted  received  the  usual  attention,  and  therefore 
they  feel  the  moving  more  at  first.  Our  later  crops  will  be 
more  independent  in  this  respect,  and  where  water  is  scarce  it 
will  ever  be  easier  to  water  a  bed  somewhat  thickly  planted 
than  the  same  plants  spread  over  a  large  spaoe.    Such  plants 


forming  good  balls,  with  young  fibres  bristling  all  round  them 
like  a  wig,  when  well  watered  some  hours  before  lifting,  will  re- 
quire comparatively  little  watering  when  transferred  to  sunk 
beds  or  trenches. 

Cucumbers. — Our  earliest,  in  a  pit  heated  by  hot  water,  have 
been  all  that  could  be  desired,  but  twice  they  have  had  a  little 
fly,  and  what  was  worse,  they  were  attacked  with  red  spider. 
The  latter  was  mostly  our  own  fault,  as  three  times  suc- 
cessively we  put  a  row  of  Strawberry  plants  on  a  shelf  close  to 
the  apex,  and  thus  got  Strawberries  to  ripen  and  colour  well 
some  days  earlier  than  we  could  have  ripened  them  elsewhere. 
The  dryness,  so  necessary  to  full  flavour,  prevented  us  syringing 
near  the  top  of  the  pit — in  fact,  we  could  syringe  but  little,  hence 
the  presence  of  the  red  spider.  These  Strawberry  pots  were  taken 
there  merely  to  hasten  the  swelling  of  the  fruit,  as  it  was  all 
set  and  swelling  previously.  On  taking  away  the  Strawberry- 
shelf  we  cut  off  the  leaves  of  the  Cucumbers  most  affected  with 
the  spider,  and  then  two  or  three  smokings  with  tobacco  paper 
and  syringings  with  clear  soft-soap  water,  removed  all  trace  of 
the  insects,  and  the  plants  now  look  as  healthy  and  vigorous 
as  they  did  at  first.  We  had  planted  out  a  few  more  in  case 
the  plants  had  shown  signs  of  exhaustion. 

A  few  of  the  details  of  treatment  may  be  given.  The  pit  is 
nearly  6  feet  wide,  with  a  space  shut  off  inside  of  about  half 
that  width.  As  we  wanted  Cucumbers  soon  after  planting 
out  in  spring,  we  considered  that  width  too  much.  We  there- 
fore kept  our  plants  in  rather  large  pots,  banked-up  all  round 
with  sweet  hot  dung  to  within  an  inch  of  the  rims  of  the  pots. 
When  fairly  established  the  bed  was  surfaced  all  over  so  as  to 
be  level  with,  and  frequently  to  cover  the  rim  of  the  pot, 
the  pot  itself  being  filled  with  rich  compost.  Roots  now  come 
from  the  top  of  the  bed  and  run  along  the  surface  of  the  bed, 
and  a  sprinkling  of  fresh  rich  compost  has  been  spread  over 
them  two  or  three  times.  The  curbing  of  the  roots  by  the  pots 
caused  the  early  fruit  to  swell  better,  and  prevented  over- 
luxuriance,  and  the  pots,  though  now  concealed,  do  something 
still  to  secure  fruitfulness  and  moderate  growth  in  such  little 
space.  With  elevated  span-roofed  or  lean-to  houses  with  a 
good  length  of  roof,  we  should  consider  such  oramping  of  the 
roots  unnecessary,  unless  where  early  results  were  wanted. 
We  can  produce  Cucumbers  plentifully  enough  in  the  usual 
low  pits  and  frames,  but  in  general,  and  especially  for  all  large, 
vigorous-growing  kinds,  the  pit  and  the  frame  are  poor  sub- 
stitutes for  the  house  with  the  more  elevated  roof,  and  where 
the  most  of  the  work  can  be  done  by  the  operator  standing 
beneath  the  stems  and  foliage  of  the  plants.  In  such  circum- 
stances, with  even  soft-soap  water  at  command,  we  should  give 
little  chance  to  red  spider,  thrips,  or  green  fly  to  do  much  more 
than  make  their  appearance. 

FRUIT  DEPARTMENT. 

Here  we  pass  other  matters  to  chronicle  a  disappointment. 
A  Peach  tree  on  the  back  wall  of  our  orchard  house,  beautifully 
supplied  with  fruit,  and  looking  pretty  well  until  within  a  few 
days,  is  going  to  bid  us  good-bye.     Although  we  knew  it  had  a 
trial  to  go  through,  we  did  not  expect  we  should  lose  it.     About 
Fobruary  or  March  the  stem  of  the  tree  had  been  nibbled  all 
round  by  mice,  every  bit  of  outer  and  inner  bark  being  removed 
to  the  depth,  perpendicularly,  all  round  the  stem,  of  from  6  to 
7  inches.     The  alburnum,  or  last  season's  layer  of  wood,  was 
also  eaten  into  in  various  places,  but  a  good  portion  seemed  to 
be  untouched.    We  covered  over  the  place  with  a  mixture  of 
clay  and  cow  dung,  tying  it  up  securely  with  a  cotton  cloth,  so 
aB  to  exclude  air,  and  when  examined  once  or  twice  we  found 
fresh  bark  freely  forming  from  the  upper  and  under  sides 
of  the  large  wounded  or  barked  part.    As  we  had  often  wit- 
nessed the  heavy  crops  carried  to  completion  on  the  branches 
of  fruit  trees,  where,  owing  to  canker,  there  were  open  spaces 
all  round  destitute  of  bark  and  alburnum,  we  were  in  hopes 
that  our  tree,  and  the  crop  on  it  for  this  year,  would  not  have 
suffered,  and  more  especially  as  fresh  bark  was  forming  on 
both  sides  of  the  wound.    We  have  noticed  Plum,  Pear,  and 
Apple  trees  living  and  fruiting  for  years  with  more  than  double 
that  space    of    stem    destitute    of   bark.      We    have    been 
astonished  to  find,   on  removing  Peach  trees  becoming  ex- 
hausted, how  very  small  a  space  of  living  wood  sufficed  to 
keep  up  the  circulation.    We  felt  annoyed  at  the  mice  thus 
olearing  away  the  bark  from  the  stem  of  a  favourite  tree,  but 
after  covering  the  wound  over  we  were  in  hopes  that  our  tree 
would  eventually  suffer  no  more  than  it  would  do   from  a 
rather  severe  ringing.     Something  there  may  be  in  the  very 
nibbling  of  the  mice,   as  we  have  often  seen  hundreds  of 
Laurels  die  upwards,  even  though  the  nibbling  did  not  go 


July  14,  1870.  I 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


33 


right  round  the  stem.  We  have  not  examined  nor  removed  our 
tree,  but  we  snspect  we  shall  find  that  the  internal  wood  of  the 
stem  is  decayed,  so  that  the  mice  did  not  leave  enough  of  wood 
for  the  sap  to  pass  freely.  In  other  cases  we  have  found  that 
large  wounds  and  openings  would  be  healed  over  in  a  year  or 
two,  especially  when  covered  up  from  the  sun  and  air. 

ORNAMENTAL   DEPARTMENT. 

The  work  was  much  the  same  as  in  the  previous  week, 
diversified  with  much  labour  in  fresh  arranging  the  corridors 
and  conservatory,  and  in  potting  plants,  pricking  off  Chinese 
Primulas,  Cinerarias,  planting  out  old  Cinerarias  to  get  suckers 
from  them,  and  sowing  the  seed  of  herbaceous  and  semi- 
ehrubby  Calceolarias  blooming  for  next  spring.— R.  F. 


TRADE   CATALOGUE  RECEIVED. 

James  Veitch  &  Sons,  Royal  Exotic  Nnrsery,  King's  Road,  Chelsea, 
S.W. — Catalogue  of  New  and  Beautiful  Plants/or  1870. 


TO    CORRESPONDENTS. 

The  Journal  of  Horticulture  Pbjze  (Competitor).  —There  is  no 
limit  as  to  the  number  of  diahes  of  fruit  for  this  prize  to  be  awarded  at 
Oxford  on  the  19th,  and  flowers  may  be  used  in  any  way  in  arranging  the 
diahes  artistically. 

Elm  Seeds  (A.  McCallum).— The  seeds  you  enclosed  were  not  of  the 
Ulmns  campestris,  English  Elm,  bat  of  U.  montana,  the  Mountain  Elm. 

Royal  Botanic  Society's  Show.— Messrs.  Weeks  &  Co.  inform  us  that 
they  received  a  first-class  certificate  of  merit  for  their  patent  duplex 
boiler  and  conservatory  designs.  If  the  Society  advertised  their  awards 
in  our  columns  as  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  does  it  would  be  satis- 
factory to  the  prizetakers,  and  omissions  would  not  occur. 

Fruiting  Vines  (Reader).— In  reference  to  the  Vines  alluded  to  at 
page  466,  if  you  resolve  to  fruit  the  Vines  from  the  sill  up  the  upright 
glass,  then  leaving  the  newly-turned-out  plants  6  feet  in  length  was  right 
enough.  This  plan  may  be  well  followed  when  the  house  is  devoted  to 
Vines  only,  but  when  other  plants  are  grown  in  the  centre  of  the  house 
the  light  from  the  front  is  too  much  obstructed.  You  may,  as  you  propose, 
try  more  heat  and  moisture  to  get  the  Vines  to  grow  and  break,  but  in 
our  opinion  the  coolness  of  the  house  was  rather  in  favour  of  the  Vines 
breaking.  After  the  treatment  you  have  given  them  we  are  at  a  loss  to 
account  for  the  buds  not  breaking.  No  doubt  the  check  given  to  the  root* 
would  be  considerable,  but  treated  as  stated  the  buds  ought  to  have 
broken. 

Vine  Shoots  Dying  at  the  Tip  (J.M.  Stott).— Your  Vine  shoots  perish 
through  scorching,  caused  by  a  too  hot  dry  atmosphere,  the  roots  in  the 
meantime  being  plentifully  supplied  with  moisture  and  making  succulent 
shoots.    Give  more  air,  and  keep  a  moister  atmosphere  during  the  day. 

Diseased  Shoots  and  Leaves  of  Vines  and  Fuchsias  (J.  £.).— The 
shoots  and  leaves  were  rather  far  gone  to  enable  us  to  judge  surely  ;  but 
they  had  signs  of  scalding  from  hot  vapour,  if  these  signs  wer6  not  the 
result  of  sweating  in  your  letter.  Besides  that  there  were  marks  of  thrips, 
and  we  are  almost  sure  of  red  spider  as  well.  For  the  latter,  sulphur  and 
syringing  with  soft-soap  water  would  be  the  simplest  remedies,  the  sul- 
phur beiDg  placed  on  a  hot-water  pipe  or  on  the  wall  where  the  sun 
shines.  If  mixed  with  soft  soap  it  will  adhere  tolerably  well.  The  soft- 
soap  water  should  be  applied  as  stated  the  other  week,  clear,  and  of  the 
strength  of  1  lb.  of  soap  to  about  thirty  gallons  of  water.  The  thrips  is  a 
little  narrow  insect  that  jumps  as  yon  approach  it.  The  best  remedy  is 
smoking  with  tobacco  at  night  when  the  leaves  are  all  dry,  and  syringing 
the  next  day  with  soap  water.  Tho  only  remedy  you  have— of  cutting 
Fuchsias  down  and  getting  them  to  grow  afresh  in  a  mild  dung  heat— is 
effectual,  because  the  moist  heat  is  hated  by  red  spider  and  thrips. 

Heating  a  Small  Greenhouse  (A.  Dou-nex).— There  is  no  doubt  but 
vou  may  keep  up  a  temperature  of  from  50°  to  60°  in  your  small  glass 
house  heated  by  gas,  hot  water,  and  otherwise ;  but  we  are  doubtful  if 
you  can  get  all  this  done,  except  with  the  lightest  materials,  for  £5.  If 
you  refer  to  cur  No.  841,  pages  278  and  279,  you  will  find  all  we  can  state 
about  gas-heating. 

Dirty  Rain  Water  (Idem).— It  would  not  hurt  the  roots  of  plants 
unless  muddy  ;  but  it  would  be  easy  to  make  it  clear  by  passing  it  through 
a  barrel  or  reservoir  with  pebbles  at  the  bottom,  and  rough  clean  gravel 
and  charcoal  above  these.  A  layer  altogether  from  a  foot  to  18  inches 
thick  would  do  if  frequently  cleaned  and  replaced.  The  New  River  water 
we  should  use  without  hesitation  or  preparation. 

Melons  Going  Off  (G.  A.  N.).— We  see  nothing  wrong  with  the 
bottom  heat,  nor  in  the  time  of  admitting  air  and  shutting  up,  only  we 
should  like  to  give  a  little  air  before  8  a.m.,  and  not  shut  up  altogether 
at  4  p.m.  We  think  the  gangrene  on  the  shoots  arises  from  condensation 
of  moisture  on  the  glass,  and  consequent  drip  on  the  Btems  or  principal 
branches;  but  we  have  suffered  more  from  the  disease  this  year  than 
during  any  one  of  the  past  twenty  years,  and  lost  whole  framefuls  of 
plants.  We  have  reverted  to  a  practice  now  little  in  vogue,  that  of 
growing  the  plants  from  cuttings.  We  have  plants  propagated  in  this 
way  with  fruit  set  and  swelling  in  six  weeks,  and  none  of  the  damping 
tendencies  of  their  parents.  Fruit  17  inches  in  circumference  is  a  good 
size,  it  will  weigh  2  lbs.  and  more,  but  we  have  manv  larger  fruit  of  the 
same  sort  (Beechwood),  although  there  are  three  and  four  on  each  plant 
-—perfect  spheres,  and  netted  all  over.  They  will  weigh  4  lbs.,  and  are 
larger  than  we  like,  but  if  they  net  well  we  shall  not  care  how  large  they 
may  he,  for  with  good  netting  there  ib  flavour.  It  is  very  unusual  for 
Melon  seeds  to  germinate  inside  the  fruit,  and  especially  before  it  is  ripe. 

Watering  Pot  Vines  with  Liquid  Manure  (Idem).—  The  liquid 
manure  should  be  continued  until  the  Grapes  are  fully  swelled  and 
properly  coloured,  and  then  it  is  well  to  give  Clearwater;  but  no  more 
than  sufficient  to  keep  the  foliage  fresh.  Fifteen  bunches  on  a  Vine  in  an 
11-inch  pot  are  good,  indeed  more  than  can  be  coloured  well ;  and  the 
size— 1  lb.  each— is  also  good,  but  all  depends  on  how  they  finish.    It  is 


easy  to  obtain  a  quantity  of  bunches,  bat  quite  another  matter  to  have 
them  perfect  in  size,  colour,  and  flavour. 

Clematis  Treatment  in  Pots  (Subscriber). — The  plants  when  in 
pots  require  to  have  the  necessary  potting  early  in  spring,  or  after  they 
have  been  pruned ;  all  the  soil  that  comes  away  freely  may  be  removed, 
but  avoid  breaking  the  roots,  though  the  sides  of  the  ball  should  be 
loosened,  and  do  not  give  a  large  shift  but  allow  a  moderate  space  be- 
tween the  sides  of  the  pot  and  the  ball.  A  compost  of  two  parts  sandy 
fibrous  loam  and  one  part  leaf  soil  or  old  cow  dung,  with  free  drainage, 
will  grow  them.  They  will  not  need  much  water  until  they  are  growing 
freely,  then  copious  supplies  will  be  required,  especially  when  they  are  in 
flower.  When  the  growth  is  complete  the  plants  should  be  kept  rather 
drier,  but  not  much  so  until  the  leaves  turn  yellow,  and  then  the  water- 
ing should  be  reduced  to  a  minimum,  only  a  little  water  being  given 
occasionally  when  the  plants  are  at  rest  to  keep  the  wood  from  shrivelling. 
Before  they  begin  to  grow,  or  in  December  or  January,  they  should  be 
pruned,  cutting  out  the  old,  long,  bare  shoots,  leaving  as  many  of  those  of 
the  previous  year  as  possible.  The  summer  pruning  is  simply  a  matter 
of  slopping  any  straggling  shoots,  and  training  so  as  to  cover  the  trellis 
equally  in  every  part,  but  not  too  thickly.  They  should  have  a  light  airy 
position  in  a  cool  house,  otherwise  their  flowering  is  not  satisfactory. 
The  form  of  trellis  is  immaterial. 

Belladonna  Lily  Culture  (Idem).— Pot  the  bulbs  now,  or  as  soon  as 
the  foliage  docays,  in  a  rather  strong  yellow  loam,  providing  good  drain- 
age, and  placing  from  five  to  seven  bulbs  in  a  6-inch  pot.  Set  the  pots 
in  a  saucer  filled  with  sand,  which  at  no  time  should  be  allowed  to 
become  dry.  They  may  stand  constantly  on  a  shelf  in  a  greenhouse. 
No  water  will  be  required  until  they  begin  to  grow,  and  then  the  soil 
should  be  kept  moist,  and  when  growing  freely  a  good  supply  of  water 
must  be  given,  continuing  it  until  the  growth  is  complete,  lessening  it 
with  the  decay  of  the  leaves,  and  leaving  it  off  altogether  when  that  13 
complete,  still  keeping  the  *and  moist.  Do  not  repot  for  the  next  year  at 
least,  but  the  drainage  must  be  kept  clear.  In  the  open  ground  they 
require  to  be  planted  in  front  of  a  greenhouse,  or  in  some  other  warm 
aspect.  The  bulbs  should  be  planted  about  3  inches  deep,  and  be 
mulched  every  autumn  with  a  layer  of  partially  decayed  leaves  an  inch  or 
two  deep,  protecting  the  foliage  also  in  very  severe  weather  with  mats. 

Strawberries  (W.  G.).— It  is  very  difficult  to  name  Strawberries 
unless  one  sees  them  growing,  and  even  then  the  number  of  sorts  has  so 
much  increased  that  there  is  much  uncertainty  about  them.  No.  1  ap- 
pears to  be  Vicomtesse  Hericart  de  Thury  ;  2,  Keens'  Seedling;  3,  is  like 
Myatt's  Eliza,  well  grown.  Your  fruit  of  Dr.  Hogg,  3  inches  iu  diameter, 
are  very  fine.    Mr.  Radclyffe  is  also  excellent. 

Cutting  off  Strawberry  Leaves  (ff.).— No  practice  is  worse  than 
cutting  off  Strawberry  leaves  after  the  fruit  has  been  gathered.  The 
leaves  have  to  digest  "the  sap,  and  help  to  provide  for  the  next  year's 
producing. 

Fertilising  Carnations  (Tyro).— With  a  pincers  pluck  out  the  petals 
and  cut  out  the  stamens  of  the  flower  you  wish  to  fertilise;  secure  the 
pollen  from  the  flower  you  wish  to  fertilise  with,  apply  it  to  the  stigma 
of  the  flower  from  which  the  stamens  have  been  removed,  and  enclose 
the  flower  in  a  fine  gauze  bag.  A  camel-hair  pencil  is  beBt  for  removing 
the  pollen  and  applying  it. 

Moving  Newly-budded  Roses  [J.  IF.  C.).— Roses  budded  now  may 
safely  be  moved  in  November  next.  With  regard  to  the  new  Roses  of  the 
current  year,  we  have  no  doubt  "  D.,  Deal,"  will  give  us  some  particulars 
in  due  course. 

Wintering  Iresine  and  Cannas  (Idem).— The  former  is  best  wintered 
from  cuttings  put  in  early  in  August  in  light,  sandy,  poor  soil,  and  when 
rooted  potted-off  singly  in  small  pots,  and  kept  rather  dry  in  a  house 
with  a  temperature  of  50-.  If  well  established  in  pot3  before  winter, 
the  plants  are  not  difficult  to  keep,  except  in  a  low,  moist  atmosphere, 
but  they  must  be  kept  dry.  If  the  foliage  remains  fresh  they  have 
enough  of  water,  and  none  should  be  given  as  long  as  it  remains  so,  but 
it  must  not  be  allowed  to  flag.  The  cuttings  may  remain  in  the  pots  in 
which  they  were  struck,  and  be  potted  off  in  spring;  the  chief  thing  to 
guard  against  is  damp.  Cannas  should  be  taken  up  in  autumn  after  the 
first  frost,  be  placed  in  pots  large  enough  to  hold  the  roots,  and  in  sandy 
loam,  placing  them  in  on  airy  greenhouse,  and  keeping  them  there  until 
the  growth  is  ripened  off ;  then  cut  them  down  and  put  them  in  a  dry 
place,  from  which  frost  is  excluded.  No  water,  except  a  watering  after 
potting,  will  be  required.  Return  them  to  the  greenhouse  in  March,  but 
if  they  can  be  placed  in  a  gentle  hotbed  for  two  or  three  weeks,  so  as  to 
give  them  a  start,  all  the  better. 

Diffebent  Roses  on  the  Same  Stock  (Lang).— H  one  proves  to  be  a 
Tea  Rose,  and  the  other  a  Hybrid  Perpetual,  we  fear  the  latter  will  be 
too  strong  for  the  former.  You  can  let  both  grow  till  you  prove  the  kind, 
and  save  whichever  your  think  the  more  valuable  to  you.  Hybrid 
Perpetuals  will  do  mixed  on  the  same  stock,  provided  care  be  taken  to 
choose  those  of  similar  vigour  of  growth.  We  do  not  think,  however, 
there  is  much  to  commend  the  practice. 

Madame  Froissart  Rose  (A.  M.  Jackson).— We  do  not  know  of  any 
Rose  called  Madame  Froissart,  neither  is  there,  we  believe,  a  Madame 
Andre  Leroy,  a  distinct  Rose  from  Andre  Leroy,  generally  called  Andre 
Leroy  d' Angers. 

Climbing  Roses  (W.  E.  J.).— Nearly  all  the  most  rapid  climbing  Roses, 
as  the  Ayrshire  and  Multi flora  Roses,  Ac,  are  white  or  blush.  The  old 
Boursault  Amadis  will,  perhaps,  cover  a  wall  with  red  Roses  more  quickly 
than  any  other ;  but  we  should  not  plant  Amadis  only,  but  Gloire  de 
Dijon,  which  is  the  finest  of  all  climbing  Roses.  Climbing  Devoniensis, 
and  Celine  Forestier,  likewise  General  Jacqueminot,  and  Madame 
Charles  Crapelet,  which,  though  they  will  not  grow  as  high  as  the  last 
three  named,  will  fill  up  the  lower  part  of  the  wall  for  7  or  8  feet,  allowing 
Gloire  de  Dijon  and  Climbing  Devoniensis  to  cover  the  upper  part, 
which  can  be  done  by  judicious  training.  If  the  soil  is  light  and  dry,  put 
plenty  of  good  farmyard  manure  and  cow  dung  in  the  border  previous  to 
planting. 

Erratum.— In  my  last  paper  on  new  Roses,  near  the  bottom  of  the  first 
column  of  page  7,  "Dear  to  us  by  Francois  Lacharme,"  ought  to  have 
been  by  "  Charles  Lefebvre."— D.,  Deal. 

English  Elm  in  Scotland— Altering  a  Tree's  Habit  (A  Subscriber). 
—The  English  Elm  (Ulmus  campestris),  will  grow  near  Aberdeen.  We 
do  not  know  in  what  way  you  will  induce  trees  naturally  of  weeping  habit 


34 


JOUENAL  OF  HOBTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  July  14,  1SW. 


to  grow  upright,  but  you  may  make  those  which  are  stunted  grow  more 
freely  by  cutting  oft'  the  strongest  of  the  side  branches,  thus  throwing 
the  main  support  into  the  upright-growing  Bhoots.  This  should  be  done 
in  winter  when  the  trees  are  leafless,  and  if  persisted  iu  a  few  years  will 
give  you  a  greater  height  of  tree,  and,  of  course,  length  of  stem. 

Grapes  Spotted  (A.  M.  Callum). — The  "  black  spot  that  appears  on  the 
side  of  the  berries  and  causes  an  indentation,"  is  the  spot.  It  is  mostly 
attributable  to  a  deficiency  of  foliage,  and  neglectiDg  to  give  a  proper 
amount  of  air,  also  by  the  roots  being  in  a  cold  wet  border.  There  is 
little  doubt  of  the  scorched  appearance  of  the  foliage,  which  is  arrested 
by  sulphur,  arisiDg  from  mildew,  but  we  cannot  say  conclusively  without 
seeing  a  specimen.  It  is  most  likely  the  small  white  insect  of  the  same 
size  and  appearance  as  thrips,  but  in  a  yourjg  state.  The  white  or  young 
thrips  do  not  jump  about,  but  the  mature  insect  does  so  freely.  It  may 
be  you  have  the  white  aphis,  which  is  the  most  difficult  of  all  to  ex- 
terminate.   Thrips  varies  considerably  on  different  subjects. 

Vine  Lea ves— Aerial  Roots  { W.  T. ).— Do  not  remove  the  leaves ;  they 
are  absolutely  necessary  to  secure  Bize,  colour,  and  flavour  to  the  Grapes. 
Aerial  roots  are  not  injurious  to  the  Vines,  but  are  evidence  that  they  are 
vigorous.  The  roots  may  be  removed  and  will  not  appear  again  so  soon, 
as  you  can  have  the  air  of  the  vinery  drier  when  the  Grapes  are  ripening. 
Opening  Gaedens  to  the  Pdelic  [J.  Wise).— Yon  are  altogether  wrong, 
and  your  letter  must  not  be  published. 

PLANTIN3  Strawberries  (J.  Walker). —  Your  old  pasture  trenched 
2  feet  deep,  and  a  liberal  quantity  of  manure  worked  in,  ought  to  grow 
Strawberries  well.  Being  a  very  strong  clay,  the  addition  of  road  scrap- 
ings will  be  beneficial.  Five  varieties  for  succession — Sir  Joseph  Paxton, 
Keens'  Seedling,  Rivera's  Eliza,  Dr.  Hogg,  and  Frogmore  Late  Pine. 

Mdbhrooms  Decaying  and  Maggotty  (F.  K.  Betchworth).—  We  could 
make  nothing  of  the  Mushroom  sent,  as  it  was  altogether  rotten — top  and 
stalk.  As  you  say  that  the  small  oneB  are  the  same  when  they  appoar 
through  the  ground,  we  come  to  one  of  two  conclusions:  either  the 
surface  soil  is  too  light  for  summer,  or  the  place  wht*re  the  Mushrooms 
grow  is  too  hot  for  them.  We  used  to  have  some  trouble  with  Mush- 
rooms in  July  and  August  when  we  depended  upon  a  lean-to  house  facing 
the  north.  With  all  our  care  they  would  be  maggotty  there  and  poor  at 
times.  This  led  us  to  growing  them  in  summer  in  an  open  shed— that  is, 
with  a  wall  to  the  east,  open  to  the  west,  and  a  thatched  roof,  and  shaded 
by  trees.  Singularly  enough  we  did  not  commence  so  soon  as  usual  this 
year  in  the  shed,  and  though  we  suffered  a  little  from  ricketty  platforms 
that  gave  way  in  the  house  referred  to,  the  last  piece  in  the  house  has 
yielded  fine  Mushrooms  up  to  the  present  time,  notwithstanding  the 
heat,  and  is  doing  so  still.  Our  last  piece  in  the  open  shed  of  last  year, 
Bome  15  inches  deep.hasalso  borne  profusely.  After  being  dry  and  pretty 
well  exposed  from  November  last  year,  we  thought  it  too  good  to  be 
dug  out  in  the  beginning  of  April.  We  gave  it  a  good  manure  watering, 
and  covered  it  with  litter,  and  nobly  has  the  bed  rewarded  us.  We  think 
most  failures  are  owiDg  to  mistaken  kindness.  In  a  house,  at  this  season 
we  should  damp  walls,  paths,  &c,  to  promote  coolness.  In  a  shed,  or  in 
the  open  air,  we  should  cover,  and  do  cover,  for  the  sime  purpose — to 
keep  the  beds  cool.  The  best  Mushrooms  are  produced  at  a  temperature 
rather  under  than  above  60°;  hence  sheds,  cellars,  and  cool  places  are 
better  than  common  houses  in  summer.  After  all,  Mushrooms  are  often 
a  fickle  crop.  For  many  years  no  have  not  known  what  it  is  to  have  a 
failure,  and  yet  it  is  possible  we  may  soon  have  an  unproductive  bed, 
and  scarcely  be  able  to  assign  the  reason  why.  We  have  entered  into 
details  several  times,  telling  how  to  vary  the  treatment  according  to 
the  material.  As  to  the  material,  we  are  not  at  all  particular,  provided 
we  can  get  a  few  horse  droppings  for  the  purpose.  If  you  told  us  exactly 
how  you  managed  your  bed,  we  might  be  able  to  find  out  where  tbe  error 
is.  Meanwhile,  we  attribute  the  "  going  off"  to  too  close  and  too  warm 
an  atmosphere. 

Artillery  Plant  (J.  E.  B.). — The  botanical  name  is  Pilea  muscosa 
Formerly  it  was  called  Urtica  microphylla,  but  never  Thelygonnm 
oynocrambe,  which  is  quite  a  different  plant,  though  belonging  to  the 
same  natural  order. 

Weeks's  One-boiler  System  {Clericus).— The  beBt  example  we  know  is 
at  Manley  Hall,  near  Manchester.  If  you  write  to  Messrs.  Weeks,  King's 
Road,  Chelsea,  they  would  send  you  a  drawing  of  what  they  have  done  at 
Manley  Hall.  There  are  three  boilers,  and  these  heat  houses  of  all  kinds 
requiring  14,417  feet  of  piping. 

Potatoes  Onion-flavoured  (Cornwall). — The  flavour  could  not  arise 
from  the  sets  being  stored  with  Onions,  nor  from  being  grown  in  a  soil 
where  Onions  were  the  preceding  crop.  The  saucepan  or  the  water,  or 
some  contact  after  boiling,  we  think,  must  originate  the  disagreeable 
flavour. 

Earwigs  (A.  S.  L.  M.). — We  do  not  know  of  any  better  traps  than  pots 
stuffed  with  moss.  They  may  be  poisoned,  but  care  must  be  taken  to 
keep  the  baits  from  other  animals.  Equal  proportions  of  honey  and 
arsenic  will  destroy  all  that  partake  of  it. 

Blight  (Aphis). — When  the  composition  is  ready  for  the  public  and 
advertised,  will  be  tbe  fairest  time  to  publish  testimonials  in  its  favour. 

Glowworms  (Poplar). — The  glowworm  is  the  fully  developed,  although 
wingless,  female  of  a  species  of  beetle  of  which  the  male  is  winged. 
Insect6  when  arrived  at  the  fully-developed  state  only  live  till  they  have 
paired,  and  the  females  deposited  their  eggs.  Hence  the  chances  are 
very  slight  that  you  could  keep  glowworms  on  a  lawn  for  more  than  a 
short  time,  certainly  not  during  the  winter.  They  feed  both  in  the  larva 
and  full-grown  state  upon  snails  and  other  soft-bodied  creatures.— I.  O.  W. 
Insects  (Q.  J.). — There  was  not  any  leaf  in  your  letter  when  it  reached 
us.  Send  again.  (W.  B.  B.).~ The  insect  injuring  your  Vines  is  Curculio 
picipes,  the  clay-coloured  weevil.  The  only  remedy  is  to  go  at  night  with 
alight,  hold  a  sieve  beneath  each  branch  with  one  hand,  and  shake  the 
branch  gently  with  the  other  hand ;  the  weevils  that  may  be  on  the 
branch  immediately  drop. 

POULTRY,  BEE,  AND  PIGEON  CHRONICLE. 


RATIONAL  POULTRY-KEEPING.— No.  5. 
There  are  few  places  that  are  not  within  reach  of  a  market 
town,  and  in  all  markets  there  is  a  Bale  for  poultry.    Where 


no  sale  exists,  either  it  has  been  given  up  beoarjs®  it  was 
seldom  any  poultry  was  to  be  had,  and  more  frequently  still, 
because  when  bought  the  chickens  (?)  were  so  hard  tbey  -were 
uneatable.  The  first  reason  is  unavoidable,  because  at  some 
seasons  of  the  year  there  is  little  spare  poultry,  but  the  seeond 
is  the  result  of  such  false  calculation  and  management  that  it 
savours  of  folly.  It  was  pardonable  only  in  the  days  when  the 
cost  of  carriage  by  stage  coach  was  so  great  that  it  did  not  pay 
to  send  a  couple  or  two  of  chickens,  and  the  time  consumed  in 
the  journey  made  the  waggon  more  than  useless,  and  whea 
there  were  no  men  who  made  it  a  business  to  collect  foiris,  or 
where  a  sale  could  be  had  for  one  or  two  couples  weekly  and 
no  more.  They  were  then  killed  as  they  were  wanted,  and  if 
the  stock  was  large,  by  '  he  time  the  last  were  sent  to  market 
they  had  attained  an  n_-  that  rather  fitted  them  for  continuing 
their  breed  than  for  .  lpplying  food  in  their  own  persons. 
Now,  however,  it  is  ufferent.  In  almost  every  village  in 
England,  if  near  a  i  vay  station,  there  is  a  man  who  makes 
it  his  business  to  coli  ot  poultry  of  all  kinds,  eggs,  butter,  &c, 
to  send  either  to  some  county  capital  or  to  the  metropolis.  He 
will  buy  the  surplus  stock,  and,  mind,  it  ia  more  valuable  to 
him  and  more  profitable  to  you  if  it  is  young. 

But  we  may  be  met  with  the  answer,  "  We  do  not  lavs  Dear  a 
town.  There  is  no  man  who  collects.  We  have  no  means  of 
selling.  We  will  not  be  bothered  with  fattening  in  any  shape. 
We  do  not  know  what  to  do  with  them.  Drat  the  fowls,  we 
wish  we  had  never  seen  them."  He  has  a  bad  counsellor  who 
iistens  to  his  anger,  and  many  a  possessor  of  good  birds  has 
had  his  momentary  fit  taken  advantage  of,  and  has  so3d  for  a 
trifle  a  lot  of  birds  that  in  cooler  moments  he  wonld,  bnt  for 
shame's  sake,  have  bought  back  at  a  large  increase.  These 
fits  of  anger  with  the  birds  are  generally  caused  by  an  un- 
usually heavy  bill  for  food,  or  a  demand  for  an  increased 
quantity,  or  a  complaint  of  the  damage  they  do  in  tlse  garden, 
or  a  fit  of  the  "  blues." 

Now,  it  is  undeniably  true  that  the  fewer  fowls  jou  Ibave  on 
the  ground  the  better  they  will  thrive.  The  beat  will  make  a 
good  return  for  all  your  food  and  painstaking,  the  Janily  can 
make  no  other  return  than  to  appear  on  your  table,  and  that  is 
where  all  this  verbiage  is  to  lead  us.  It  is  in  every  way  a 
saving  to  kill  them  young,  and  we  will  admit  they  are  too  small 
either  to  roast  or  boil — as  cook  says,  "  Lor,  there  aini  nothin 
on  'em,  what  will  they  be  when  they're  roasted?"'  True,  good 
cook  ;  but  if  you  had  been  a  Sussex  woman  you  would  hava  said, 
"  Two  of  them  would  make  a  beautiful  pudding." 

Say  you  have  some  chickens  so  faulty  that  there  is  no  hope 
of  their  getting  right,  so  ugly  they  will  never  be  pretty,  so 
crooked  they  will  never  be  straight.  You  have  so  msmy  yon 
look  on  them  every  day  with  an  evil  eye ;  and  when  your  man 
tells  you  the  fox  visited  Dame  Partlett's  brood  last  night,  you 
say  in  your  bitterness  you  wish  he  would  visit  yours.  Take 
some,  according  to  the  size  of  the  pudding  you  require,  of  the 
least  promising  or  most  offending  of  your  chickens,  put  them 
away  to  fast  during  six  or  seven  hours,  kill  them,  have  them 
picked  quite  clean,  hang  them  in  a  cool  larder  for  a  day  and 
night,  and  then  proceed  to  cut  them  up,  but  do  it  properly. 
We  have  heard  the  cut  of  a  coat  criticised  by  its  being  said  it 
looked  as  though  it  was  chopped  out  with  a  spade,  and  we  have 
seen  chickens  cut  up  as  though  the  operation  had  been  per- 
formed with  a  hatchet.  First  take  out  the  crop,  tben  take  out 
all  the  inside ;  cut  off  the  feet,  and  put  them  in  nearly  boiling 
water — all  the  skin  will  then  easily  peel  off ;  put  them,  the  neck, 
the  gizzard  (having  first  taken  out  the  inside),  the  liver,  and 
heart,  in  a  small  quantity  of  water,  and  let  them  boil  for  gravy. 
Put  the  chicken  on  a  table  on  its  back  with  the  crop  towards 
you  ;  take  a  sharp  knife,  and  cut  from  tbe  point  of  the  breast- 
bone to  the  wing,  being  careful  to  keep  the  edge  of  the  knife 
against  the  bone  all  the  time,  that  no  meat  may  remain  on  the 
carcase ;  raise  the  meat  that  is  divided,  and  remove  it  wherever 
it  adheres  to  the  bone.  This  gives  you  a  delicious  wing.  One 
of  these  will  come  from  each  side  of  the  breastbone,  and  will 
leave  it  denuded  of  meat.  These  are  the  two  choicest  pieces. 
Next  remove  the  two  legs  and  divide  each  at  the  j  Ant,  making 
thigh  and  drumstick  of  each ;  then  the  wings,  cut  them  off, 
and  divide  at  the  principal  joint.  You  will  then  have  a  small 
merrythought  and  two  small  side  bones.  Lay  the  carcase  on 
its  side,  and  chop  it  in  half  lengthwise.  If  you  have  followed 
our  instructions  closely  there  will  be  little  or  nothing  left  on 
the  breastbone;  nevertheless,  put  it  in  the  saucepan  that  is 
already  turning  water  into  gravy.  Then  divide  the  backbone 
just  below  the  oyster-pieces,  and  flatten  them  with  a  good  blow 
i  of  the  flat  side  of  the  chopper. 


Jaly  U,  1870.  5 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


35 


Thus  (from  each  chicken  you  have  two  slices  of  breast,  two 
thighs,  two  drumsticks,  a  merrythought,  two  side  bones,  the 
winge,  and  two  succulent  pieces  of  back.  Next  take  three 
or  four  thin  slices  of  salted  pork  and  put  with  them.  It  is  a 
wondarfal  improvement  to  cut  up  two  sheep's  kidneys  and 
add  to  it.  Luxurious  people  put  ham  instead  of  pork,  and 
some  "  go  the  whole  hog  "  by  adding  mushroom  and  a  few 
oysters.  As  we  are  not  writing  for  them,  we  will  return  to 
our  ptsin  dissected  chicken  and  our  slices  of  pork.  Season 
them  to  your  ta6te.  Then  make  a  nice  suet  crust.  Take  a 
basin  according  to  the  size  you  desire,  line  it  well  with  the 
crust,  and  then  dispose  your  pieces  artistically  as  though  you 
were  making  mosaic  work — do  not  throw  them  in.  Pour  in 
your  gravy,  tie  the  basin  with  a  cloth,  and  boil  loDg  and  gently. 
It  oar  description  is  correct,  and  you  like  it  as  well  as  we  do, 
your  chickens  will  be  benefactors  instead  of  plagues,  and  you 
will  often  ask  yourself  whether  they  are  large  enough  for  a 
chicken  pudding. 

DAMAGING  FOWLS  AT   SHOWS. 

Last  year  I  exhibited  at  Spalding  a  very  good  pen  of  Duck- 
wings;  they  having  during  the  few  previous  months  won  cups 
at  Bristol,  King's  Lynn,  Hull,  Beverley,  and  Thorne,  besides 
first  prizes  at  Leeds,  Ulverston,  Sea.  Thorne  Show  took  place 
just  a  week  before  Spalding,  and  this  pen  had  only  been  left 
about  a  quarter  of  an  hour,  during  which  time  one  of  the  cock' ' 
sickles  was  broken.  Happening  to  arrive  at  Thorne  just  befoiv 
the  Game  classes  were  judged,  I  took  the  bird  out  of  the  pen 
and  arranged  the  broken  feather  so  that  it  kept  its  place  duriD^ 
the  Sliow,  and  the  pen  won  the  cup.  Feeling  convinced  that 
the  feather  had  been  wilfully  broken,  I  wrote  to  the  Secretary  of 
the  Spalding  Show  explaining  the  matter,  and  asked  him  as  a 
favour  to  let  special  attention  be  paid  to  this  pen,  yet  this  did 
not  prevent  the  cock  coming  back  with  the  other  sickle  broken. 
As  it  was,  the  birds  were  first  in  their  own  claps,  and  had  they 
not  met  with  foul  play  would  most  probably  have  won  the  cup 
for  the  best  pen  of  Game  fowls  in  the  Show. 

I  have  been  an  exhibitor  of  Game  fowls  for  upwards  of  a 
dozen  years,  during  which  time  I  have  had  several  Game  cocks 
returned  with  the  sickles  broken  or  out  entirely,  and  this  never 
happened  to  any  but  my  very  best  fowls,  proving  to  my  mind 
that  the  majority  of  these  cases  are  the  work  of  unprincipled 
exhibitors,  who  take  advantage  of  any  chance  to  get  rid  of  a 
troublesome  pen. — H.  M.  JuLiiX,  Hull. 


Any  other  Variety.— Cup  and  1.  H.  Beldon.  2,  J.  S.  Snowdon,  Adwalton. 
Cock.—\,  W.  Fell.  2,  H.  Beldon.  S,  C.  Sidgwick.  he,  H.  Beanland.  Bantam. 
—Game.— I.  W.  F.  ISntwisle,  Cleckheaton.  2.  W.  Greaves,  Rradford.  he,  W.  F. 
EntwiBle;  .T.  Walker,  Adwalton.  Any  other  Variety.— \,  H.  Beldon.  2,  T.E.Har- 
rison, Hull.  Geese  lanv  breed).— 1,  J,  White.  Netherton.  2,  J.  Ward,  Prigh- 
lington.  Duoss.— Aylesbury.— \,  T.  Wilson,  Crossbill.  Rouen. — 1,  J.  While. 
2.C.  Sidgwick. 

PIGEONS. 
Carriers.— 1,  E.  Horner.  Harewood.  2.  H.  TartUey,  Birmingham,  he,  J. 
Hawlev,  Binpclev;  E.  Homer.  Pouters.— 1.  J.  Hawk-y.  2.  E.  Horner,  he,  H. 
Y;u-'11<  v.  ruKBtZRB.— Abnonds— 1,  E.  Horner.  2,  H.  Yardley.  Any  other 
Vorirtu.— 1,  H.  Yardley.  2,  J.  Hawley.  Barbs-— 1  and  he,  E.  Homer.  2,  H. 
Yardlev.  Antv.-erps.-1,  J.  Cropland,  Wakefield.  2.  E.  Hoi-ner.  Extra  2,  J. 
Hawley.  he,  H.  Yardley ;  J.  Crosland  (2).  Turbits— 1,  II.  Yardley.  2,  T. 
Hollidav,  Idle.  he.  E.  Horner  (2 1.  Fantails.—I.  H.  Yardley.  2.  E.  Homer. 
he,  J.  Hawk-v;  E.  Horner.  Jacobins.— 1  and  2.  E.  Homer,  he,  H.  Yardley. 
Trbmreters—  I.E.  Homer.  2,  J. Hawley.  he,  J. Hawley;  W.  Tetley.  Birken- 
shaw.  Maopies.—I.  E.  Homer.  2.  H.  Yardley.  fcc,  T.  Huliday.  Any  other 
Variety.— 1.  H.  Yardley.  2,  E.  Horner,  he,  J.  Hawley.  Medal  for  greatest 
number  of  points  in  Pigeon  classes,  E.  Horner. 

The  Judge  was  Mr.  E.  Hutton,  Pudsey,  Leeds. 


DRIGHLINGTON   AND  ADWALTON   POULTRY 
SHOW. 

The  animal  Show  of  the  Drighlington  and  Adwalton  Agricultural 
Society  took  place  on  the  9th  inst.,  and  the  weather  beiug  very  tine 
the  visitors  were  numerous.  In  the  poultry  department  the  numbers 
were  not  large,  in  consequence  of  so  many  shows  having  been  held 
daring  the  few  preceding  days,  and  the  fact  that  a  similar  show  was 
held  simultaneously  about  two  miles  off. 

SpanisJt,  wero  iirst  on  the  list,  but  these,  the  Dorkings,  and  the 
Cochins,  were  bat  moderate  in  quality.  The  only  pen  of  Brahmae  was 
very  good,  and  of  Red  Game  the  birds  were  excellent  and  close- 
feathered.  The  first-prize  winners  were  Brown  Keds,  and  the  cap  for 
the  best  pen  was  awarded  to  these.  The  second  prize  went  to  Black 
Keds.  All  the  Hamburghs  were  good,  but  the  Black  were  especially 
noteworthy.  The  Crcve-Coeurs  in  the  French  classes  were  of  extra- 
ordinary merit.  The  cup  for  the  best  pen  except  Game  was  won  with 
Palands  6f  the  Golden  variety.  For  single  cocks  Game  was  first,  a 
Poland  secoud,  aud  a  Cochin  third.  Of  Game  Bantams,  a  pretty  pen 
of  Duokwings  was  first,  and  Brown  Keds  of  capital  style  and  colour 
were  second.     Ducks  and  Geese  were  large  and  good  in  all  points. 

The  Pigeons  were  more  numerous  than  the  poultry,  and  the  birds 
shown  were  of  high  merit.  In  Carriers,  Mr.  Horner  won  with  a 
good  pair  of  Black,  closely  pressed  by  a  neat  pair  from  Mr.  Yardley. 
In  the  class  for  Pouters,  Red  were  first  and  Blue  second.  Almond 
Tumblers  wero  well  shown,  and  the  competition  close.  The  Black 
Barbs  in  the  first-prize  pen  were  extraordinary  birds,  especially  the 
cock,  which  is  about  the  best  we  have  seen.  Antwerps  were  in  large 
numbers,  and  good  in  head,  beak,  and  feather.  In  the  Turbit  class 
Bine  were  first  and  Red  second,  and  the  winning  Red  Jacobins  were 
good  in  all  points.  The  Trumpeters  were  fine,  well- feathered  birds, 
and  good  in  rose  and  size. 

Spanish.— 1,  H.  Beldon,  Goitstock,  Binglev.  2,  W.  Schofield,  Gildersome- 
Dorkings,— 1,  H.  Beldon.  Cochins.— 1,  J.  White.  Whitelev,  NethertoD.  2- 
C.  Sidgwick,  Keighley.  Brahma  Pootra.— 1,  EL  Beldon."  Game.— Black' 
breanted  or  other  lied—  Cap  and  1,  H.  Beanland,  Westgate  Hill.  2,  T.  Bot- 
tomley,  Shelf,  he,  H.Walker.  Drub,  Gomersal;  J.  Fell,  Adwalton.  Duek- 
winged  or  other  Grey  or  Blue.—l,  J.  Fell.  Any  other  Variety —1,  R.  Walker. 
Gomersal.  2,  J.  Clayton,  Gomeraal.  Hamburghs  —  Golden-spannled.— 1,  H- 
Beldon.  Silver-spangled.— 1,  H.  Beldon.  Golden-pcnc tiled.— 1,"  A.  Smith. 
Northowrani,  2,  H-  Beldon.  Silver-penc tiled. -1,  H.  Beldon.  Black.— 1  and  2, 
H.  W.  Hlingworth,  Idle,    he,  H.  Beldon;  C.  Sidgwick.    French.— 1,  H.  Beldon. 


SNA1TH   POULTRY   SHOW. 

The  sixteenth  annual  Show  of  the  Snaith  Agricultural  Society  took 
place  in  the  grounds  of  Mrs.  Sbearbnrn  on  the  7th  inst.  This  park  is 
well  studded  with  trees,  and  the  pens  were  well  sheltered  from  the  sun, 
which  was  a  great  boon,  as  the  day  was  excessively  hot. 

The  Game  in  the  class  for  Reds  was  very  good,  and  the  competition 
keen.  The  second-prize  pen  was  only  so  placed  through  the  cock 
being  slightly  crooked  in  the  breast.  In  the  class  for  any  other  variety 
of  Game  Mr.  Sales  showed  a  first-rate  Pile  cock.  The  Spanish  class 
contained  some  of  the  best  birds  in  the  country,  and  the  timepiece 
awarded  to  the  best  pen  in  the  Show  was  won  by  birds  of  this  variety. 
The  Cochins  belonging  to  Mr.  W.  A.  Taylor  were  Partridges  of  high 
quality.  The  winning  Hamburghs  were  good  in  all  classes.  Of  Game 
if  a  handsome  pair  of  Black-breasted  Reds  were  first ;  the 
second  and  third-prize  birds  were  also  good  in  style,  but  in  bad  con- 
dition. For  Bantams  of  any  other  variety  Blacks  were  first,  Japanese 
second,  and  Sebrights  third.  Cnjve-Copurs  were  first  in  the  "Variety" 
class,  Polands  second,  and  Dorkings  third.  Mr.  Brierley  was  first  in 
the  single-cock  class  with  a  splendid  Black-breasted  Red  Game,  which 
was  one  of  the  best  birds  we  have  seen  for  some  time. 

Of  Pigeons,  the  winning  Jacobins  were  good  in  hood  and  chain,  and 
the  Fantails  were  also  in  good  order.  There  was,  in  addition,  a  good 
but  small  show  of  cage  birds. 

Game—  Black  OT  other  Red  — 1,  E.  Ackroyd.  Eccleshill.  2  and  he,  F.  Sales' 
Crowie.  3.  J.  Brierlev,  Middleton.  Any  other  V«ri't>,.—\,  F.  Sales.  2,  J" 
Stabler.  Driffield.  3.  C.  Brierley.  he,  E.  Ackroyd.  Spanish.— Black.— Time* 
pieceand  1,  H.  Beldon,  Bingley.  2.  Rev  J.  Price,  Haddlesey.  3,  T.  C.  Newbitt- 
Epworth.      Cociiin-China.— 1fW.  A.  Taylor,  Manchester.     2,  C.  Brierley.     S' 

,  Wakefield,      he.  J.  Turton,  Ackworth.      Hamburghs.— Golden-spangled.— 

1.  H.  Beldon.  2,  G.  Holmes,  Driffield.  Btfoer-spangletL— 1, H. Beldon.  Gulden- 
d .— 1.  H.  Beldon.  2,  G.  Holmes.  3.  D.White  Silrer-peticiUed.— 1, 
H.  Beldon.  2,  W.  A.  Taylor.  3,  T.  Dawson.  Bantams.—  Game—  J,  J.  Oldroyd, 
Id,  2andStJ.  K.  rM>inson.  Any  other  Variety.— i,  T.  C.  Newbitt. 
3,  H.  Beldon.  3,  T.  C.  Harrison,  Hull.  Ant  other  Variety. -1  and  2,  H. 
Beldon.  3,  W.  Purdon.  Driffield,  he,  H.  Beldon;  W.  D.  White,  Driffield. 
Cock.— 1,  C.  Brierley.  2,  W.  A.  Taylor.  S,  H.  Beldon.  Ducks.— 1, ,  Wake- 
field. J.  T.  C.  Harrison.  Gotnka  Fowls.— 1,  T.  C.  Harrison.  2,  Mrs.  W. 
Broadley.    3,0.  A.  Young,  Driffield. 

PIGEONS. 

Tumblers— 2,  R.  Simpson.  Selbv.  Jacobins.— 1,  W.  White.  2  and  he,  T.  C. 
Newbitt.  Turbits.— 1,  T.  C.  Newbitt.  2,  E.  Harrison.  Fantails.— 1,  T.  C. 
Newbitt.  2,  E.  Harrison.  Owls.— 1,  S.  Robinson.  Any  Variety.— 1  and  2, 
S.  Robinson.    Extra  2,  T.  C.  Newbitt. 

Canary.— 1,  T.  W.  Dickinson,  Doncaster.  2,  A.  J.  Wells.  Hatfield,  he,  T. 
Fosbrooke:  A.  J.  Wells  (2).  Any  other  Variety  of  Bird.— 1,  G.  Trimming- 
ham.    2,  F.  Higgins. 

The  Judge  was  Mr.  E.  Hutton,  Pudsey,  Leeds. 


BOSTON   POULTRY   SHOW. 

The  first  Show  of  this  kind  held  at  Boston  took  place  on  the  5th 
inst.,  and,  as  regards  the  number  of  entries  and  the  attendance  of 
visitors,  it  was  a  great  success.  Being  a  first  attempt,  the  arrange- 
ments were  scarcely  so  perfect  as  in  all  probability  the  experience  now 
obtained  will  make  those  of  future  years. 

Of  Dorkings,  the  majority  were,  unfortunately,  much  deformed  in 
the  feet,  though  otherwise  excellent  birds.  Coehms,  though  not 
numerous,  were  good.  Spanish-,  though  first-rate,  were  mostly  very 
deficient  in  condition.  The  Dark  Brahmas  were  an  excellent  class, 
and  as  regards  Game  fowls,  it  is  very  unusual  to  meet  with  such  ex- 
cellent classes,  the  birds  shown  by  Mr.  C.  Chaloner  in  the  various 
Game  classes  being  such  as  to  excite  the  admiration  of  all  who  saw 
them  ;  these,  together  with  the  prize  Game  Pantams,  were  shown  in 
the  most  perfect  condition  possible.  Hamburghs  were  throughout  well 
shown,  but  the  season  now  tells  much  against  the  beauty  of  the  adult 
birds,  and  the  whole  of  their  plumage  is  fast  becoming  faded  and 
shabby,  their  annual  moulting  time  being  at  hand.  The  Water  Fowls 
were  decidedly  good,  and  the  show  of  Pigeons  was  such  as  might  b6 
envied  by  the  managers  of  much  larger  and  long- established  shows. 
There  was  also  a  very  interesting  and  popular  display  of  Parrots, 
CanarieB,  fancy  song  birds,  both  English  and  Foreign,  and  Rabbits. 
The  poultry  were  exhibited  in  the  well-known  pens  of  Mr.  Turner,  of 
Sheffield. 

Dorkings.— 1,  J.  Watts,  Kins's  Heath,  Birmingham.  2,  G.  Andrews,  Tuxford. 
c,  R.  Wood,  Clapton,  near  Thrapstone.  Cochin-China.— Cinnamon  anrf^ Buff.— 
1  and  Cup,  J.  Cattell,  Birmingham.  2,  W.  Gamon,  Chester,  he,  W.  Harvey, 
Sheffield,    c.  Rev.  J.  Spencer,  Attleborough.    Any  otlier  Variety. -1,  H. H.  Blets- 


36 


JOUENAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  July  14, 1870. 


toe, Barnwell,  Onndle.  2,  Mrs.  E.  Barker,  Leverton.  Brahmas.— Dark—  1,  C. 
Ctaaloner,  Whitwell,  Chesterfield.  2,  J.  H.  Dawes,  Birmingham,  he,  J.  Watts, 
King's  Heath,  Birmingham ;  W.  Gamon.  Spanish.— 1  and  Medal,  T.  &  C.  Newbitt, 
Epworth.  2,  J.  Dixon,  Cotgrave.  Nottingham.  Game.— Black-breasted  Red. — 
1  and  Cup,  C.  Chaloner.  2,  —  Hales,  Crowle.  he,  J.  Laming,  Cowhurn,  Spald- 
ing ;  H.  M.  Julian,  Hull.  Brown-breasted  Red.—l,  C.  Chaloner.  2,  J.  Laming. 
Any  other  Variety— 1,  J.  Laming.  2,  T.  Matthew,  Stowmarket.  he,  H.  M. 
Julian,  c,  C.  Chaloner.  Hambdrghs. — Golden-pencilled.  —  I  and  Cup,  H. 
Pickles,  Earby.  Skipton.  2,  J.  Laming.  Silver-pencilled.— 1,  J.  Laming.  2,  H. 
Pickles.  Golden-spangled— \,  H.  Pickles.  2,  W.  Driver,  Keighley.  he,  J. 
Laming,    c,  R.  D.  Berne,  Boston;  — Loversidge,  Newark.    Silver-spangled. — 

1,  H.  J.  Pickles.  2,  J.  Laming,  lie,  S.  &  R.  Ashton,  Mottram.  Bantams.— 
Oame.—l  and  Medal,  C.  Chaloner.  2,  H.  Snushal],  Wisbeach.  c,  F.  Entwisle, 
Westfield,  Cleckheaton.  Any  Variety.— 1,  S.  &  R.  Ashton.  2,  T.  C.  Harrison. 
he,  S.  S.  Mossop,  Long  Sutton,  c,  J.  Watts,  King's  Heath,  Birmingham  {2); 
J.  Laming ;  T.  &  C.  Newbitt ;  A.  Storrar.  Peterborough.  Heaviest.— 1,  Withheld. 

2,  G.  Bonner,  Boston.  Ducks.— Any  Variety.— 1,  R.  W.  Riohardson,  Beverley. 
2,  T.  C.  Harrison,  he,  S.  &  R.  Ashton.  Selling.  Class.— 1,  W.  Harvey.  2,  J. 
T.;Dixon. 

PIGEONS. 

Caebiees.— 1  and  Medal,  H.  Yardley,  Birmingham.  2  and  c,  R.  Fulton,  Dept- 
ford.  Pootehs— 1  and  2,  R.  Fulton,  c,  W.  Harvey.  Tumblers.— Almond  — 
1  and  2,  R.  Fulton,  he,  J.  Ford ;  W.  Harvey.  Tumblers  —  1  and  2,  R.  Fulton. 
c,  W.  WoodhouBe,  West  Wynch,  Lynn.  Barbs.— 1,  Medal,  and  2,  R.  Fulton, 
c,  H.  Harvey.  Fantails.— 1,  T.  &  C.  Newbitt.  2,  —  Loversidge.  c,  W.  Harvey. 
Turbits.  —  1,  —  Newbitt.  2.  H.  Yardlev,  Birmingham,  c,  R.  Fulton;  W. 
Harvey.  Antwerps— 1,H.  Yardlev.  2,  J.  WattB.  Any  Variety— 1  and  Medal, 
R.  Fulton.  2.  H.  Yardley.  lie,  J.  Watts ;  J.  Fielding,  jun.,  Rochdale ;  W. 
Harvey  (2).  c,  Hudson  &  Co.,  Epworth  ;  T.  &  C.  Newbitt ;  R.  W.  Richardson, 
Beverley.  Selling  Class.— 1,  Rev.  C.  Spencer.  2,  W.  Harvey. 
CAGE  BIRDS. 

Canaby.— Belgian.— 1,  2,  and  he,  W.  E.  Smith,  Boston.  Norwich.— 1,  W.  E. 
Smith.  2,  —  AUardyce,  Boston.  Mule.— 1  and  2,  W.  Woodhouse.  he.  MaBter 
Arkvmgbt,  Sutton  Scarsdale  ;  A.  Bothamley,  Wisbeach.  Linnet,  Goldfinch, 
&c.— 1,  —  Woodhouse.  2,  M.  Crowden.  Boston,  he,  H.  J.  Waite,  Boston ;  E.  S. 
Smith,  Boston  (2) :  M.  Crowden  ;  G.  W.  Thomas,  Boston  ;  T.  Howden,  Boston. 
Lark.— 1  and  Clock,  C.  H.  Muschamp,  Boston.  2,  E.  S.  Smith,  he,  J.  H.  Eaves, 
Boston  ;  C.  H.  Muschamp.  Thrush.— 1,  R.  D.  Borne.  2,  E.  S.  Smith  Blach- 
bibd.— 1,  C.  Huggins.  2,  R.  D.  Borne,  he,  E.  S.  Smith  Parrot.-1,  Mrs.  T. 
Goodacre.  Boston.  2,  —  AUardyce.  lie,  J.  H.  Thomas,  Boston.  Variegated 
Pabbot.  &c.  —  1  and  Clock,  Miss  M.  Jenkins,  Billinghay  Vicarage.  2.  G.  E. 
Storr,  Spalding,  he,  G.  W.  Thomas.  Small  Birds— 1,  Mrs.  Illenklfrn.  2,  B. 
Storr,  Boston,    he,  T.  Elmore. 

RABBITS. 

Any  Puee  Beeed.— 1,  E.  Vaughan.  Birmingham.  2,  J.  Quick,  St.  John's 
Wood,  London,  he,  H.  J.  Tomlinson.  Barton-on-Humber ;  J.  Quick,  c.  W. 
Tiffery,  Long  Sutton;  S.  G.Hudson,  Hull.  Heaviest— 1,  Master  Arkwright. 
2,  J.  Quick,    c,  W.  Taylor,  Boston. 

Mr.  Edward  Hewitt,  of  Birmingham,  was  the  Judge  for  Poultry, 
and  Mr.  Massey,  of  Spalding,  for  Pigeons  and  Babbits. 


CAMBRIDGESHIRE   AND   ISLE   OP   ELY 
AGRICULTURAL  SOCIETY'S  POULTRY  SHOW. 

This  Society  has  now  for  a  long  succession  of  years  added  poultry 
to  the  varied  objects  of  the  annual  Show,  and  experience  proves  that 
the  display  of  poultry  and  Pigeons  is  perhaps  one  of  the  most  attractive 
parts  to  the  public  c-norally.  It  is  also  now  well  known  that  the  valu- 
able specimens  entrusted  to  the  care  of  the  Committee  are  treated  with 
the  greatest  attention,  and  from  this  cause  only  few  shows  enjoy  a 
larger  amount  of  support.  Grey  Dorkings  at  the  Show  held  at 
Royston  on  the  6th  inst.  were  very  good,  the  chickens  more  especially 
so,  several  pens  of  the  latter  being  unusually  well-grown  for  the  present 
season.  It  is  well  to  mention  as  a  guide  to  intending  exhibitors,  that 
such  malformations  as  gouty  feet,  deformed  legs,  or  spurs  set  on  the 
outside  of  the  legs,  are  to  be  especially  avoided  as  fatal  objections  in 
the  choice  of  pens  of  Dorking  chickens  for  exhibition.  Singularly 
enough  not  a  pen  of  White  Dorkings  was  shown.  As  most  poultry 
fanciers  would  anticipate,  the  collection  of  Game  fowls  was  good, 
Messrs.  Matthew  and  Hall  being  close  competitors.  The  display  of 
French  fowls  was  far  better  than  ordinary,  though  many  of  the  best 
specimens  were  fast  falling  into  deep  moult.  Of  Cochins  and  Brahmas 
the  classes  were  good,  but  the  birds  not  in  the  best  of  plumage.  The 
SamburgJis  and  Polaiuh,  for  the  neighbourhood,  were  better  than  usual. 
Still  more  worthy  of  mention  were  the  Game  Bantams:  here  Mr. 
Jeffries,  of  Ipswich,  with  two  pens  of  his  best  birds  secured  both  prizes. 
The  class  open  to  chickens  of  all  breeds  except  Dorkings  was  a  most 
interesting  feature  of  this  Show,  and  augurs  well  for  a  speedy  entry  at 
most  of  our  coming  meetings  of  a  display  of  well-grown  birds  of  the 
current  year.  Turkeys  and  Ducks  were  unmistakeably  excellent,  and 
many  of  our  agricultural  friends  appeared  quite  astounded  at  the  size 
and  perfection  of  the  majority  of  the  pens  that  were  comprised  in  these 
classes.  The  entry  of  Ornamental  Water  Folds  was  also  remarkably 
good. 

Pigeons  formed  an  interesting  portion  of  the  display,  and  Mr.  Fulton, 
of  Deptford,  though  the  chief  prizetaker,  with  birds  so  well  known,  had 
a  very  close  competition  with  other  exhibitors  in  many  of  the  classes. 

The  shedding  in  which  the  Show  was  held  was  excellent ;  and  that 
such  was  provided,  as  it  always  is,  was  fortunate,  as  an  extraordinarily 
heavy  rain  fell  throughout  the  night  preceding  the  Show,  although  the 
day  of  opening  was  as  fine  as  could  be  wished,  the  result  being  an 
attendance  of  visitors  almost  unprecedented  at  any  previous  meeting  of 
this  Society. 

Dorkings.— 1,  J.  K.  Fowler,  Aylesbury.  2,  Rev.  C.  H.  Crosse.  Cambridge. 
he,  Lord  Dacre,  Welwyn.  Single  Cocks.  —  1,  H.  Yardlev.  Market  Hall, 
Birmingham.  2,  Lord  Dacre.  he,  G.  S.  Hall,  Elv.  c,  A.  B.  Simpson.  Truinp- 
ington.  Chickens.— 1,  H.  Yardley.  2,  F.  Parlett.  Great  Baddow.  he,  Lord 
Dacre.  Qua*— Black-breasted  or  other  Beds.  —  l,  S.  Matthew,  Stowmarket. 
2,  F.  R.  Hall,  Cambridge,  he,  F.  R,  Hall ;  S.  Matthew.  Stowmarket.  c,  F.  R. 
Hall.  Any  other  Variety— 1  and  2.  S.  Matthew,  he,  F.  R.  Hall ;  W.  Bullen, 
Cambridge.  Houdans.— 1  and  2.  W.  O.  Quibell,  Newark,  he,  Lord  Dacre. 
c,  W.  Driug,  Faversham ;  J.  P.  Nunn,  Royston.  Any  other  Fbenoh  Variety.— 
1,  W.  O.  Quibell.  2,  J.  J.  Maiden,  c,  J.  K.  Fowler,  AyleBbury.  Spanish.— 
1  and  2,  F.  James,    he,  F.  Waller,  Wood  Green    c,  G.  S.  Hall.    Cochin-China.— 


LH.Lingwood.  2,  Mrs.Burrell.  he,  J.  K.  Fowler;  R.  W.  Smith  (Partridge);  S. 
Felgate,  Ipswich.  Bbahma  Pootra.  —  1,  H.  Dowsett,  Pleshey,  Chelmsford. 
2,  H.  Lingwood.  he,  Mrs.  Burrell.  c,  J.  S.  Dew ;  J.  P.  Nunn,  Royston ;  O. 
Steed,  Baldock.  Polish.  —  1  and  c,  W.  K.  Patrick.  2,  Mrs.  Burrell.  Ham- 
bueghs.— Golde n  or  Silver-spangled.— 1,  Miss  C.  E.  Palmer.  2,  J.  T.  Loversidge, 
Newark-on-Trent.  Golden  or  Silver-pencilled. —  1,  W.  K.  Tickner,  Ipswich. 
2,  Mrs.  Burrell.  c,  T.  H.  Court,  Royston.  Bantams.— Game,  any  Variety  — 
1  and  2,  W.  B.  Jeffries,  Ipswich,  lie,  Rev.  C.  H.  Crosse  ;  H.  Dowsett.  Chelms- 
ford, c,  Miss  E.  M.  Thurnall,  Royston;  J.  Pring,  Royston.  Sebrights,  Gold 
or  Silver— 1,  G.  S.  Hall.  2,  T.  C.  Harrison,  Hull.  Any  other  Variety— 1,  T. 
C.  Harrison.  2,  G.  S.  Hall,  he.  Miss  E.  Nash,  Carlton  Grange,  c,  Miss  M. 
Sandys,  Royston  ;  G.  S.  Hall.  Any  otheb  Variety.— 1,  S.  Stanley.  2,  Mrs. 
Burrell.  Chickens  (Any  variety  except  Dorkings).  —  1,  S.  Matthew.  2,  C. 
Layland.  he,  J.  K.  Fowler;  J.  J.  Maiden,  Biggleswade;  Hon.  Miss  Jervis, 
Royston.  Tubkeys  (Any  Variety).— 1,  E.  Leech,  Rochdale.  2,  G.  S.  Hall. 
he,  E.  Arnold,  Whittlesford ;  T.  Morton.  Cambridgeshire.     Ducks.— Rouen.— 

1,  E.  Leech.    2,  J.  K.  Fowler,     c,  G.  S.  Hall.    Aylesbury.— 1,  Mrs.  M.  Seamons. 

2,  J.  K.  Fowler,  lie,  J.  K.  Fowler ;  Mrs.  Burrell.  Any  other  Variety. — 1,  J.  K. 
Fowler.  2,  T.  C.  Harrison,  c,  S.  Stanley,  Longstowe  Hall.  Extba.— c,  Rev.  C. 
H.  Crosse ;  T.  H.  Court. 

PIGEONS. 
Carriers— 1,  R.  Fulton,  Deptford.  2,  H.  Yardley.  he,  R.  Fulton;  F.  W. 
Metcalfe,  Cambridge  ;  Mrs.  J.  F.  White,  Birmingham.  Tumblers.— 1  and  2,  R. 
Fulton,  he,  J.  M.  Braid,  Cambridge ;  H.  Yardley.  Owls.— 1,  G.  S.  Hall.  2,  No 
competition.  Pouters.— 1  and  2,  R.  Fulton,  he,  R.  F.  Payling,  Peterborough; 
H.  Yardley.  c,  R.  RuBton,  jun,  Chatteris.  Barbs.— 1  and  2,  R.  Fulton,  he,  H. 
Yardley.  Fantails. — 1  and  2,  H.  Yardley.  Any  other  Variety.— 1  and  2,  H. 
Yardley.    c,  G.  S.  Hall  (Jacobins). 

Edward  Hewitt,  Esq.,  of  Sparkbrook,  Birmingham,   officiated  as 
Judge. 


MOULTON  POULTRY  SHOW. 

This  Show  was  held  on  the  6th  inst.,  in  the  beautiful  grounds  of  H. 
J.  Little,  Esq.,  The  Thorpelands.  The  first-prize  Darlings,  also  the 
cup  Spanish,  Brahmas,  and  Game  were  very  good,  and  would  not  have 
disgraced  any  Show.     Among  the  Pigeons  were  some  passable  birds. 

Dorkings.— 1  and  2,  J.  Longland,  Grendon.  Spanish.— 1  and  Cup  for  beBt 
pen  in  Show,  H.  M.  Cooper,  Walsall.  2,  C.  Wright,  Northampton.  Game. — 
1  and  2,  B.  Cox,  Moulton.  Cochins. — 1,  J.  H.  DaweB,  Mosele y  Hall,  Birmingham. 
2,  W.  F.  Checkley,  Moulton.  Brahma.— 1,  G.  F.  Whitehouse.  Birmingham, 
2,  W.  Birch,  Barnacle,  Coventry.  Hamburghs.— 1,  W.  Nottage,  Northampton. 
2,  B.  Cox.  he,  R.  Knight,  Mear's  Ashby ;  W.  Collver,  Dubb,  Bindley  (2) :  P. 
Collins,  Daventry.  Bantams.— 1,  T.  Rogers,  Walsall.  2.  Mrs.  F.  Worley.  North- 
ampton. Selling  Class  — 1,  J.  Browo,  Moulton  (Dorking).  2,  T.  Rogers, 
Walsall  (Bantams),  he,  B.  Cox  (Game).  Ducks.— Aylesbury.  —  Priz*,  Miss 
Merry,  Moulton.  Prize,  J.  Dove,  Moulton.  Any  other  Variety.— 1,  H.J.  Hop- 
kins, Moulton  Grange  Farm.    2,  J.  Brown. 

PIGEONS. 

Carriers.— 1  and  2.  J.  Spence,  Kettering,  he,  T.  Adams,  Northampton. 
Tumblebs. — 1,  C.  Smith,  Northampton.  2,  G.  Johnson.  Pouters. — 1,  G.  John- 
son. 2,  W.  Nottage.  Owls.— 1,  W.  Lepper,  Northampton.  2,  A.  Bonsor,  North- 
ampton. Any  other  Varietj.  —  1  and  2,  W.  Nottage.  he,  G.  Johnson 
(Jacobins),  c,  W.  Lepper  (White  Dragoons) :  T.  Adams,  Northampton.  Three 
Pairs  Distinct.— Cup,  T.  Adams.    Barbs  (Three  Pairs).— 1,  W.  Lepper. 

Mr.  H.  Yardley,  Market  Hall,  Birmingham,  was  the  Judge. 


BISHOP  AUCKLAND   POULTRY    SHOW. 

The  second  annual  Show  took  place  on  the  Sth  inst.  Turner's  pens 
were  used,  and  were  arranged  in  single  tiers  round  the  sides  and 
through  the  middle  of  the  marquee  in  which  the  Show  was  held.  The 
arrangements  were  excellent,  and  great  credit  is  due  to  the  Committee. 
One  gold  cup,  one  silver  cup,  and  two  handsome  gold  medals,  in  addi- 
tion to  money  prizes,  were  given,  and  the  entries  were  numerous,  while 
the  quality  of  the  birds  was  excellent  in  most  of  the  classes. 

Dorkings  were  in  no  respect  noteworthy,  but  the  Cochins  very  fine. 
The  pen  of  White  shown  by  Mr.  Proctor  was  quite  perfect,  if  we  except 
the  comb  of  the  cock,  which  is  rather  plain.  Of  Brahma  Pootras 
there  were  some  fine  specimens,  a  cock  shown  by  Mr.  Stalker  being  of 
striking  size,  shape,  and  colour.  Spanish  were  as  good  as  could  be 
desired,  and  the  first-prize  pen  in  this  class  won  the  gold  cup  for  the 
best  pen  in  the  Show,  and  was  claimed  at  £20  immediately  on  the 
opening  of  the  Show  to  the  visitors.  Poltinds  were  a  very  good  class, 
perhaps  one  of  the  best  we  ever  saw  considering  the  time  of  year.  In 
the  class  for  Game,  Brown  Reds  were  first  and  Black  Red3  second. 
The  Duckwings  in  the  class  for  any  variety  of  Game  were  wanting  in 
condition  and  feather,  and  with  the  exception  of  the  winner  in  the 
single  Game  cock  class  there  was  no  tird  worthy  of  notice.  There 
were  several  good  pens  of  flamburghs  in  bad  order,  and  not  at  all  fit 
for  exhibition,  though  those  noticed  in  the  prize  list  were  in  nice  bloom 
and  well  shown.  In  the  ''Variety"  class  the  first  were  Grrre-Cceurs 
of  extraordinary  proportions,  and  the  second  a  fine  pen  of  that  almost 
extinct  variety  the  Malays.  The  Game  Bantams  showed  signs  of 
moulting,  and,  as  a  whole,  they  were  not  a  good  lot,  though  the  pair  to 
which  the  first  prize  was  awarded,  also  the  local  medal,  were  good 
Brown  Reds.  A  neat  pair  of  Blacks  were  first  in  the  next  class  for 
Bantams,  closely  pressed  by  another  pen  of  the  same  variety.  For 
Ducks  the  Rev.  J.  Milner  was  first  and  second  with  good  birds,  and 
the  single  Turkey  cocks  were  of  large  size  and  handsome  colour. 
Brahmas  were  first  in  the  selling  class,  Buff  Cochin  chickens  second, 
and  Duckwing  Game  third. 

The  show  of  Pigeons  was  a  complete  success,  and  the  classes  well 
filled  with  good  birds.  Of  Carriers  the  first-prize  birds  were  in  fine 
order,  good  in  style,  beak,  and  eye,  though  perhaps  not  so  loug  in  beak 
as  the  second-prize  birds,  which,  though  young,  were  very  large  and 
long  in  beak.  Pouters  were  good,  especially  the  first-prize  Whites, 
which  were  in  fine  showing  order,  of  great  size,  and  good  in  style  and 
girth.  Tumblers  were  shown  in  one  class,  and  were  mostly  Almonds. 
The  cock  in  the  first-prize  pen  has  an  extraordinary  skull,  and  the 
hen  is  also  good.     The  second-prize  birds  are  exceedingly  small  and 


July  14,  1870.  ) 


JOURNAL    OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


37 


well  broken  in  feather.  The  Barbs  were  good  and  in  fine  condition, 
bnt  we  did  not  consider  the  Owls  good.  Trumpeters  were  as  good  as 
we  could  wish  for,  although  some  were  partly  broken  in  feet  feathers. 
The  silver  cup  for  the  best  pen  in  the  Show  was  given  to  the  first-prize 
pair  in  this  class.  These  were  Light  Mottles,  and,  though  rather 
smaller  than  some  of  the  rest,  they  were  very  good  in  rose  and  leg- 
feathering.  Fantails  were  rather  broken  in  feather,  bnt  good  in  car- 
riage. The  winning  Jacobins  were  Whites  and  Reds  of  good  properties, 
and  the  local  medal  for  the  best  Pigeons  was  awarded  to  the  former 
pair.  In  the  "  Variety  class  "  Red  Magpies  were  first,  Blue  Bruns- 
wicks  second,  and  Black  Swallows  third. 

Dorkings—  1,  J.  White,  Warlaby.  2,  W.  Bearpark,  Ainderby  Steeple,  North, 
allerton.  he,  J.  ShorthoBe,  Newcastle-on-Tyne.  Cochins.— 1  and  2,  G.  H. 
Proctor,  Durham,  he,  J.  Shorthose.  c,  W.  Canney.  Bishop  Auckland ;  W. 
Barnes.  Tbirsk.  Brahma  Pootkas.— 1.  J.  Stalker.  West  Sleekburn,  Morpeth. 
2,  H.  Beldon,  Binglev.  he,  J.  Shorthose.  c,  G.  Richmond,  Barningham. 
Spanish.— I  nnd  Gold  Cup,  H.  Beldon.  2.  H.  Wilkinson, Earbv,  Skipton.  /tc,E. 
Brown,  Sheffield,  e,  W.  Bcarpark.  Polish.— 1  and  2.  H.  Beldon.  3,  H. 
Pickles,  jun.,  Skipton.  4,  R.  Moor,  East  Rainton.  he,  G.  Todd,  Monkwear- 
mouth ;  R.  Parsons,  Sleekburn  Cottage.  Game. — Black-breasted  or  other  Reds. 
—1,  F..  Ai'kri'yd.  EeoleBbiH.  Leeds.  2,  J.  Watson,  Knaresborongh.  he,  SI.  My- 
croft,  Bedlington.  c,  W.  Bcarpark ;  T.  Home,  Towlaw.  Any  Variety.—!,  J. 
Robson.  Bishop  Auckland.  2,  W.  Bearpark,  Ainderby  Steeple.  Cock.— 1,  Buglass 
and  Williamson,  Garville,  Durham.  2,  E.  Arkroyd.  c.  T.  Metcalfe,  Bishop 
Auckland.  Hamborghs.— Golden-spangled.  —  1,  Gr.  Holmes,  Great  Driffield. 
2, H. Beldon.  /n\  H.  Pickles,  jun.,  Skipton;  W.  Bearpark.  Sileer^iiaiifjled.— 
1.  H.  Beldon.  2,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  he,  D.  Cheque,  Northumberland,  c.  G.  Arm- 
strong, Bedlington.  (hddcii-prnrilled. — 1,  W.  Hall,  West  Sleekburn,  Morpeth. 
9,  H.  Beldon.  he,  G.  Holmes.  Sileer-ncncilled.—l,  H.  Beldon.  2,  H.  Pickles, 
jun.  he,  W.  Hall,  c,  W.  Bcarpark.  Any  other  Variety.— 1,  H.  Beldon.  2,  R. 
Hawkins,  Seaham.  he,  Mrs.  W.  Wharton,  Barningham.  Bantams.— Game.— 
1  and  Local  Medal,  T.  Robson,  Bishop  Auckland.  2,  Buglass  &  Williamson, 
he,  R.  &  J.  F.  Baldwin.  Newcastle ;  R.  Pennington.  Tbirsk.    Any  other  Variety. 

1,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  2,  S.  &  R.  Ashton,  Mottram.  he.  H.  Beldon  ;  G.  Atkinson, 
Croft.  Ducks  (Any  variety). — 1  and  2,  Rev.  J.  G.  Milner,  Leyburn.  Turkey 
Cock.  —  1,  J.  T.  Proud,  Bishop  Auckland.  2,  —  Johnson,  High  Beaumont, 
Darlington,  lie,  Mrs.  Spencer.  Helmington  Hall.  Gani»er.— 1,  J.  T.  Proud, 
Bishop  Auckland.  Selling  Class.— 1.  W.  Atkinson,  Bishop  Auckland.  2,  G. 
H.  Proctor.  Durham.  8,  J.  Robson.  he,  J.  Robson;  J.T.  Proud;  R.  Moore, 
East  Rainton.    c,  C.  Marshall,  Durham. 

PIGEONS. 
Carriers.— 1.  B.  Thompson,  Sunnybrow,  near  Willington :  W.  R.  &  H.  O. 
Blenkinsopp,  Newcastle,  lie,  H.  Yardley  Birmingham,  c,  J.  W.  Towerson, 
Egremont;  E.Brown,  Sheffield:  T.  W.  Kilburn,  Bishop  Auckland  Pouters. 
—1,  H.  Hawley.  Bingby.  2.  J.  W.  Towerson,  Whitehaven,  he,  H.  Yardley;  T. 
W.  Kilburn,  Bishop  Auckland;  J.  &.  W.  Rowell,  Tanrield,  Newcastle,  c,  H. 
Cockton,  Middlesbrough.  Tumblers  (Any  variety).— 1,  W.  R.  &  H.  O.  Blenkin- 
sopp. 2,  J.  Hawley.  he,  J.  i  W.  Rowell.  c,  J.  W.  Towerson;  T.  Coundon, 
Sunderland.  Bakos. — 1,H.  Yardley.  2,  J.  Adamson,  Low  Beeehburn.  lie,  W. 
R.  &  H.  O.  Blenkinsopp ;  T.  W.  Kilbnrn.    Owls— 1.  W.  R.  4  H.  O.  Blenkinsopp. 

2.  J.  Hawley.  he,  T.  %  Kilburn ;  W.  R.  &  H.  O.  Blenkinsopp  ;  R.  Wilson  :  R. 
Thompson.  Trumpeters.— 1  and  Silver  Cup,  W.  B.  Van  Haanshergen,  New- 
castle. 2, -T.  Hawley.  he,  T.  Rule, Durham;  R.  Wilson, Tbirsk;  R.Thompson. 
e,  H.  W.  Bruno,  Richmond;  J.  Cundale,  Ripon.  Fantails. — 1,  H.  Yardley. 
2,  T.  C.  Taylor,  Middlesbrough,  he,  W.  B.  Van  Haansbergen;  T.  Rule  (2). 
Jacobins. -1  and  Local  Medal,  T.  W.  Kilburn.  2.  W.  R.  &  H.  O.  Blenkinsopp. 
he,  J.  W.  Towerson  ;  H.  Yardley ;  T.  Rule  ;  G.  Adamson :  R.  Wilson;  W.  R. 
and  H.  O.  Blenkinsopp.  Turuits— 1.  W.  R.  &  H.  O.  Blenkinsopp.  2,  H. 
Yardley.  he,  T.  Rule,  e,  K.  Wilson.  Nuns.— 1,W.  B.  Van  Haansbergen.  2,  R. 
Wilson,  he,  H.  Yardley ;  W.  Bearpark.  Dragoons  or  Antwerps.— 1,  R. 
Brown.  2,  H  Yardley.  hc,U.  Yardley  :  J.  Cundale  :  G.  Sadler, Boroughhridge  \ 
J.  &  W.  Rowell.  Any  other  Variety.— 1,  Hudson  &  Burnip.  3,  W  Bearpark' 
he,  J.  Hawley ;  J.  Cundale ;  R.  Wilson  ;  T.  W.  Kilburn.  Selling  Class.— 1,  W' 
B.  Van  Haansbergen.  2,  T.  W.  Kilburn.  3,  R.  &  J.  F.  Baldwin,  he,  H.  Brown  ' 
T.  Coundon  :  T.  C.  Taylor,  e,  J. Hawley ;  J.  Cundale ;  W. B.  Van  Haansbergen  (2) 

Mr.  E.  Hutton,  of  Pudsey,  was  the  Judge. 


RABBITS  AND  THEIR  VARIETIES. 

Since  my  removal  from  Prestwich  my  time  has  been  so  very 
fully  occupied  and  so  much  of  it  spent  from  home,  that  our 
"  furry  friends"  have  not  had  the  attention  devoted  to  them  I 
could  have  wished  ;  but  now  I  hope  to  see  more  of  them,  and 
shall  be  able  to  say  a  word  or  two  on  their  behalf  when  required 
and  opportunity  presents.  And  the  fact  of  my  ceasing  to  exhibit, 
as  for  the  past  three  or  four  years  so  successfully,  must  not  be 
considered  by  my  fellow  exhibitors  as  a  proof  that  I  lack  the 
interest  I  once  had  in  this  portion  of  our  great  shows,  for  I  still 
keep  up  the  excellent  prize-winning  stock  in  every  variety  as 
before.  I  have  now  eighty  specimens  of  all  ages  in  my  rabbitry, 
and  I  always  anxiously  look  over  the  returns  of  the  prize- 
winners as  given  in  "  our  Journal"  (and  I  regret  they  are  not 
more  detailed)  to  see  who  is  the  fortunate  owner  of  the  speci- 
men so  perfect  as  to  secure  the  high  honour  awarded  by  the 
judge  in  attendance. 

SILVER-GREY  OR  CHINCHILLA. 

Respecting  this  lively  creature  much  may  be  said  in  its  favour, 
its  glossy  silky  hair  being  so  prized  by  the  furrier.  In  Siam 
(Indo-China)  this  animal  is  found  in  the  greatest  numbers  and 
state  of  perfection.  A  variety  of  shades  are  now  found  in  this 
country  as  the  result  of  our  colder  temperature,  and  the  experi- 
ments of  re-crossing  with  darker  or  almost  black  specimens ; 
and  I  know  of  few,  if  any,  kindB  where  a  greater  variety  of  shade 
may  be  produced.  I  have  long  experimented  in  producing  this 
variety,  and  have  arrived  at  the  conclusion  that  the  more  silver- 
like the  specimen  is  marked  all  over,  the  more  perfect.  Black 
feet,  ears,  and  faces  generally  are  objectionable,  and  as  a  hint 
to  all  breeders,  I  would  say,  Pair  two  that  are  perfectly  silvered 
all  over,  and  you  need  not  fear  the  result. 
This  animal  is  not  generally  large  ;  if  of  the  true  kind  it  is 


about  the  weight  of  the  Himalayan.  A  strong  large  animal 
called  the  "  Lincolnshire  Silver-Grey,"  or  "  Miller  "  by  the 
furriers,  with  only  a  small  sprinkling  of  the  silvery  hair,  and  at 
times  also  designated  the  "  Silver  Sprig,"  may  be  seen,  and  I 
have  known  them  weigh  10  lbs.  or  more,  but  they  are  very  dark 
in  shade  compared  to  the  Chinchilla,  which  the  real  Silver-Grey 
Rabbit  resembles,  hence  the  term  as  applied  to  this  mercurial 
little  fellow.  Of  all  the  cute  (to  borrow  a  term  from  our 
transatlantic  friends)  creatures  of  the  Rabbit  family  this  is  one, 
and  generally  not  so  docile  nor  so  easy  to  tame  as  other  varieties, 
as  the  Dutch  or  Angora,  which  if  treated  kindly  are  always  ready 
to  be  petted.  Yet  with  kindness  it  is  wonderful  what  may 
be  done,  and  the  law  of  kindness  should  be  strictly  enforced  in 
every  rabbitry  if  your  stock  is  to  afford  pleasure. 

I  think  the  active  manner  and  cheerful  temperament  of  this 
Rabbit  always  render  it  a  favourite.  All  breeders  know  the 
young  are  born  quite  black,  and  when  about  six  weeks  old  they 
present  a  greyish  shade  under  the  body,  and  this  change 
extends  over  from  five  to  seven  months,  according  to  the 
temperature  of  the  hutch  ;  if  warm,  the  process  of  silvering  is 
sooner  completed,  the  ears,  neck,  and  head  generally  retaining 
the  black  shade  longest.  I  have  noticed  the  more  jet  black  the 
young  are  at  a  month  old,  the  more  perfectly  silvered  they 
become  at  say  eight  months,  so  that  I  would  not  have  young 
fancier^  be  afraid  lest  the  jet  black  appearance  be  too  great, 
and  to  lose  hopes  of  the  true  silver  shade  appearing,  but,  in  the 
words  of  a  once  popular  song,  I  would  say,  "  wait  a  little  longer." 

Warmth  for  all  hutch  Rabbits  is  of  great  importance,  and 
this  variety  is  by  |no  means  an  exception,  yet  a  hardy  Rabbit 
generally,  and  with  the  requisite  care  by  no  means  difficult  to 
rear  with  success.  I  have  generally  had  from  fifty  to  seventy 
of  this  variety  alone  born  in  my  rabbitry  every  year,  and  I 
suppose  that  during  the  last  three  years  and  a  half  from  eleven 
to  twelve  hundred  have  been  born  of  the  seven  varieties  I  keep. 

The  doe  is  rather  shy,  especially  when  about  to  have  young, 
and  seems  very  much  afraid,  when  the  nest  is  made,  that  it  may 
be  interfered  with.  She  watches  with  an  anxious  eye  every 
motion  of  the  hand  when  placed  inside  the  hutch,  to  see  if  her 
private  domain  is  to  be  intruded  upon,  and  I  have  known  any 
such  intrusion  punished  by  the  total  neglect  of  the  litter.  The 
does  seem  to  prefer,  when  about  to  litter,  a  rather  dark  but 
clean  corner  of  the  hutch,  and  Bhould  have  plenty  of  fresh  hay 
and  water,  or  if  milk  and  bread  all  the  better  to  quench  the 
intense  thirst  experienced  at  that  time.  In  fact,  milk  and  bread 
are  no  objectionable  breakfast  at  all  times  for  the  first  two  or 
three  weeks,  if  to  be  had.  The  Belgian  Hare  Rabbit  is  rather 
an  exception  to  some  of  the  other  varieties,  especially  the  one 
in  question,  for  I  have  known  does  make  their  nests  quite 
opposite  the  wire  door,  as  though  not  in  the  least  ashamed  for 
the  lookers-on  to  Bee  what  a  important  event  has  happened 
since  the  last  visit. 

The  Silver-Grey  doe  generally  brings  forth  from  five  to  eight 
at  each  litter,  but  should  not  be  allowed  to  pair  until  nine 
months  old  at  the  earliest,  if  fine  and  strong  specimens  are 
required  for  exhibition,  and  the  litters  should  be  at  intervals 
of  not  less  than  ten  or  twelve  weeks,  to  keep  up  the  strength 
of  the  doe. 

I  have  always,  when  opportunity  presented,  tried  to  obtain  all 
the  information  possible  from  "  fanciers  "  (breeders  I  mean), 
and  have  taken  a  peep  on  all  occasions  at  the  specimens  of  my 
prize-winning  friends  in  all  parts  of  the  country.  I  am  always 
glad  to  see  any  one  here  to  look  over  my  stock,  and,  I  hope, 
ever  ready  to  give  any  information  or  useful  hint  to  insure  their 
success  as  breeders  of  the  various  varieties  of  fancy  Rabbits. 

In  conclusion  I  beg  to  thank  all  those  numerous  friends  from 
whom  I  have  received  so  many  letters  in  reference  to  my 
previous  remarks  on  the  other  varieties,  and  I  can  only  say  that 
the  information  I  may  possess  83  a  breeder  of  every  known 
variety  of  Rabbit  is  quite  at  the  service  of  any  correspondent 
who  will  take  the  trouble  to  write  to  me. — Charles  Raysok, 
Ivy  Lodge,  Didsbury,  near  Manchester. 


VEGETABLES  BETTER  THAN  NOTHING. 
As  this  touches  a  point  I  have  long  felt  interesting,  I  venture 
to  trouble  you  upon  the  subject,  as,  if  an  improved  diet  could 
be  introduced,  it  would  prove  a  comfort  to  many.  Foreign 
workpeople  have  told  me  they  found  it  impossible  to  keep 
strong  here  with  the  same  mode  of  living  as  they  followed  in  their 
own  country ;  but  soups  made  from  vegetables,  the  water  in 
which  meat  has  been  boiled,  with  pieces  of  bread  added,  would 
provide  an  occasional  wholesome  meal.    But  thia  wants  slow 


38 


JOURNAL   OP   HORTICULTURE   AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


t  July  !!%  1810. 


and  careful  cooking,  and  working  people  cannot  spare  time  for  | 
this,  and  our  open  stoves  make  firing  expensive.     One  plan  j 
would  be  to  add  a  kitchen  to  the  national  schools,  teach  the  j 
children  cheap  cookery,  and  make  it  self-supporting  by  selling. 
Food  well  cooked  would  add  to  the  comfort  of  a  poor  man's 
home,  and  save  him  from  other  temptations. — E.  M.  Major. 


NADIRING— HEATH   PASTURAGE. 

I  have  placed  several  hives  filled  with  comb,  or  empty,  below 
other  strong  stocks ;  in  these  the  bees  work  well,  but  as  the 
upper  hives  only  receive  air  through  some  twenty  inch-holes, 
is  there  net  fear  of  dysentery  ?  My  hope  is  to  obtain  artificial 
swarms  in  the  lower  hives  to  supply  great  losses  caused  by  the 
late  disastrous  winter. 

A  few  miles  distant  we  have  large  heaths  of  ling  ;  if  I  carry 
weak  swarms  to  it  when  in  bloom,  can  you  tell  me  how  much 
assistance  I  may  expect  them  to  obtain  from  it  ?  Will  it  be  such 
a  second  honey  harvest  as  to  enable  a  swarm,  driven  into  a  hive 
with  comb,  to  get  honey  enough  for  the  winter?  Will  it  also 
encourage  the  queen  to  increase  the  laying  of  eggs  ?  Can  you 
tell  me  how  long  ling  generally  remains  in  flower  ?  also,  if  a 
removal  of  four  miles  would  be  a  sufficient  distance  to  prevent 
the  return  of  bees  ?  The  nearest  ling  heaths  are  about  two 
miles  away,  but  I  do  not  think  my  bees  go  to  them  for  honey. 

I  have  been  rather  successful  for  some  years  past  in  obtain- 
ing artificial  swarms  from  wild  bees  in  roofs,  trees,  &c.  Would 
"  any  account  of  my  method  be  of  use  to  your  Journal? — A.  J.  F. 

[The  stocks  which  you  have  nadired  are  in  no  danger  of 
dysentery,  but  we  cannot  see  how  you  can  hope  to  get  artificial 
swarms  in  the  lower  hives,  which,  moreover,  are  very  likely  to 
contain  an  undue  proportion  of  drone-comb. 

The  heather  will  in  some  seasons  remain  in  bloom  four  or 
five  weeks,  or  even  more ;  in  others,  such  as  this  seems  likely 
to  be,  the  flowers  wither  much  more  speedily.  Mr.  Isaac  states 
that  a  weak  swarm  sent  to  the  heath  on  the  30th  of  July  re- 
turned two  months  afterwards  with  an  increase  of  2i£  lbs. ;  but 
this  is  a  result  much  beyond  what  we  have  been  able  to  obtain. 
It  is,  therefore,  questionable  whether  a  swarm  driven  into  a 
combed  hive  may  be  able  to  store  sufficient  for  the  winter, 
but  the  supplementary  honey  harvest  will  certainly  stimulate 
the  queen  to  increased  egg-laying.  Bees  will  not  return  from  a 
distance  of  four  miles. 

We  shall  be  glad  of  an  account  of  your  method  of  obtaining 
artificial  swarms  from  wild  bees  in  hollow  trees,  &c] 


OUR  LETTER  BOX. 

Judging  Game  Cocks  (C.  W.).— Game  cocks  are  not  judged  by  weight. 
They  are  judged  for  colour,  symmetry,  and  hard  feather.  This  latter  is 
an  important  point,  and  feeding  for  weight  often  has  the  effect  of  making 
soft  feather-  Good  barley,  a  liitle  bread  and  beer,  sometimes  a  scrap  or 
two  of  raw  meat,  and  a  few  old  peas  given  every  other  day,  are  supposed 
to  make  good  plumage. 

Diarrhoea  in  Fowls  and  Pigeons  (Subscriber). — We  always  give  chalk 
made  into  pills,  sometimes  a  few  grains  of  hempseed,  and  in  urgent  cases 
a  spoonful  of  brandy  and  water. 

White  and  Black  Fowls  (Experientia). — No  cross  is  necessary  to 
produce  White  and  Black  Bantams,  as  they  exist,  as  recognised  breeds. 
The  White  Cochins  also  exiBt.  Black  could  not  hold  their  own,  as  they 
constantly  betrayed  a  mixed  origin.  In  the  days  when  Black  Cochins 
were  attempted  and  sometimes  shown,  it  was  said  they  were  bred  be- 
tween a  Buff  hen  and  a  White  cock. 

Cross  Between  a  Dorking  and  Guinea  Fowl  {S.  W.).~ The  cross 
in  question  has  been  eeen,  and  we  have  seen  it,  but  it  is  so  rare  we 
hardly  ever  expect  to  see  it  pgain.  If  you  mean  to  persevere,  we  advise 
you  to  keep  the  same  birds  together  always,  and  to  allow  no  others  to 
associate  with  them. 

Spdrless  Cock— Roup  Symptoms  [Hamburgh).— A  cock  need  not  be 
disqualified  because  his  spurs  are  cut  off.  The  description  of  the  hen  is 
that  of  the  early  stages  of  roup.  She  must  be  purged  with  castor  oil. 
You  should  give  Baily's  pills.  If  you  have  them  not,  or  do  not  care  for 
them,  give  a  couple  of  camphor  pills  each  the  size  of  a  garden  pea.  It 
is  wise  to  separate  this  bird  from  the  others. 

Exhibiting  Golden- pencilled  Hamburgh  Chickens  (Northern  Sub- 
scriber).— The  age  at  which  the  chickens  can  be  shown  with  a  prospect  of 
success,  will  depend  on  the  age  of  those  they  have  to  compete  against. 
Iu  many  of  the  good  strains  we  have  seen  the  chickens,  especially  the 
pullets,  beautifully  marked  at  from  four  to  five  months  old.  To  be  shown 
advantageously  the  cock  should  be  older  than  the  pullets,  as  he  retains 
his  chicken  feathers  longer  than  they  do. 

Brahma  Henb'  Feathers  Broken  (Jf.  TV.).— It  is  too  late  now  to  pull 
the  Btumps  of  the  feathers  out  of  the  backs  of  your  hens.  They  would 
not  grow  in  a  month.  Take  the  cock  away  from  them.  The  feathers 
will  come  as  good  in  colour  as  before,  unless  the  process  of  pulling  them 
out  is  constantly  repeated.    In  that  case  they  often  come  white. 

Fowls  Roopy  (J.  Q.).-~ You  aro  not  prodigal  of  information.  How 
large  is  your  earth  run?  Is  the  dung  heap  merely  a  heap  of  rubbish, 
or  is  it  the  wholesome  eweepingB  of  a  well-ordered  stable?  When  you 
say  you  feed  ou  barley,  is  that  all  the  fowls  have  ?    We  gather  so  from 


your  letter.  Roup  does  not  interfere  with  fattening.  Feed  yoor  birds  on 
barleymeal  or  ground  oats.  Vary  this  with  a  little  maize  from  lime  to 
time.  Give  them  a  little  bread  and  ale,  and  to  the  sickly  ones  give  two 
camphor  pills,  each  the  size  of  a  garden  pea.  You  may  give  these  every 
night  till  they  make  a  cure.  It  is  always  well  to  remove  sickly  birds 
from  healthy. 

Testimonial  to  Mr.  Dixon.— Mr.  T.  C.  Harrison,  Beverley  Hood.,  Hull, 
writes  to  us  to  say  that  he  will  subscribe  10s.  6d.  Subscribers  had  better 
write  to  Mr.  Hutton,  and  when  the  subscription  list  isjcompleted  tsc  will 
publish  it. 

Hive  very  Light  (C.  T.).—lf  the  hive  continues  light,  we  shcnkl  deem 
it  useless  to  put  on  a  super. 

Bees  taking  Lime-water  (F.  Roberts). —We  have  had  no  eiperieuceof 
the  effects  of  lime-water  on  bees,  but  do  not  fancy  that  yours  will  have 
sustained  any  injury.  Water  is  generally  supposed  to  be  essential  S«>bees 
during  the  breeding  season,  but  they  seem  most  capricious  in  this  respect* 
t  one  time  collecting  it  with  the  utmost  avidity,  and  then  without  any 
apparent  reason  suddenly  disregarding  it  altogether. 

Bees  not  Swarming,  &c.  [A  Bee-lover). — We  fancy  the  <rioe  to  your 
difficulty  may  be  found  in  the  fact  that  the  hive  which  yoa  par<cbnsed 
waB  "small"  and  at  the  same  time  "very  heavy."  When,  therefore, 
the  winter  was  oyer  the  poor  queen  found  but  a  restricted  breeding  space 
at  her  command,  which,  as  the  overwhelmingly  good  honey  season  set 
in,  became  more  and  more  contracted,  so  that  she  has  been  in  difficulties 
ever  since,  and  has  never  been  able  to  raise  her  colony  to  ibe  drone- 
breeding  pitch  in  respect  of  population.  There  is  much  in  what  Mr.  Petti- 
grew  has  advanced  concerning  large  hives,  whilBt  tbore  can  be  no  question 
as  to  the  propriety  of  utterly  eschewing  very  small  ones.  You  had  better, 
therefore,  appropriate  the  contents  of  your  honey-choked  hive  in  the 
autumn  by  driving  the  remaining  bees  and  uniting  them  to  your  con- 
templated new  purchase,  which  might  in  this  case  take  their  place  in  the 
apiary. 

Rabpberry  Vinegar  (T.  L.).— Put  a  quart  of  raspberries  in  Jo  n  quart 
of  the  best  vinegar,  and  let  them  stand  a  week,  stirring  them  occasion- 
ally ;  then  add  1  lb.  of  loaf  sugar,  boil  slowly  twenty  minutes,  strain,  and 
bottle. 


METEOEOLOQICAL  OBSERVATIONS 

In  the  Sabarbs  of  London  for  the  week  ending  July  1 24&. 

E. 

BAROM-ETEK. 

THERMOMETER. 

■Wiafl. 

Dai 

Air. 

Earth. 

Rain. 

Max. 

Min. 

Max. 

Min. 

1ft. 

2  ft. 

Wed.. 

.     6 

29.970 

29.917 

75 

49 

64 

59 

8.W. 

."'HI 

Thurs 

.    V 

30.042 

29.916 

84 

41 

64 

59 

s.w. 

.00 

Pri.  .. 

.     8 

29.989 

29.870 

88 

61 

66 

59 

s. 

.04 

Sat.  . 

.   9 

29.80S 

29  723 

79 

59 

66 

60 

SE, 

.04 

San.  . 

.  10 

29.779 

29.751 

82 

51 

65 

60 

W. 

.00 

Mon. 

.  n 

29616 

29.556 

77 

52 

68 

61 

w„ 

.93 

Taes. 

.  12 

an.. 

29.698 

29.627 

78 

43 

65 

61 

TV . 

.Off 

M( 

29.839 

29.766 

80.43 

50.86 

65.43 

59.86 

- 

■I)  .SO 

6. — Fine ;  cloudy  but  fine ;  densely  overcast. 

7- — Foggy  ;  very  fine  ;  clear  and  very  fine. 

8. — Very  fine  ;  exceedingly  fine  ;  overcast. 

9. — Fine  ;  showery  ;  overcast,  very  fine. 
10. — Fine  ;  very  fine  ;  clear  and  fine. 
11.— Overcast ;  showery  ;  heavy  showers  at  night, 
12.— Cloudy  but  fine ;  cloudy ;  clear  and  fine. 


COVENT  GARDEN  MARKET.-Jult  IS. 

Our  supply  is  well  kept  up,  and  all  the  soft  and  bush  fnu6sa7*iu  fair 
request.  There  have  been  heavy  arrivals  from  the  Continent,  and  & 
further  supply  of  WeBt  India  Pines  is  announced.    Potato  trade  mcSava. 


FRUIT. 


Apples j  sieve  1  6  to  2  0 

Apricots doz.  2  0  4  0 

Cherries lb.  0  6  10 

CheBtnuts buBhel  0  0  0  0 

Currants J  sieve  4  0  6  0 

Black do.  3  0  5  0 

Figs doz.  6  0  10  0 

Filberts lb.  0  0  0  0 

Cobs lb.  0  9  10 

GooBeherries quart  0  4  0  6 

Grapes,  Hothouse lb.  2  0  6  0 

Lemons $*100  8  0  14  0 

Melons each  3  0  5  0 


».  A.  a. 

Mulberries qtwirt  0  Oio  0 

Nectarines doa.  6  4)  13 

Oranges %*•  100  7  ©  14 

Peaches  doz.  8  0  SO 

Pears, kitchen do-z.  P<  0  6 

dessert doa.  9  W  © 

Pine  Apples lb.  2  ®  5 

Plums $  sieve  0  0  O    v 

Quinces  doz.  Q  G  *    O 

Raspberries lb.  3>  5  0    6 

Strawberriea 12>,  0  6  IS 

Walnuts bashel  10  n  3*    U 

do ^150  3  $  SO 


VEGETABLES. 


b.  d.  s. 

Artichokes doz.    3    0  to  6 

Asparasrus  »  100    3    0  8 

Beans,  Kidney do.    10  1 

Broad bushel    SO  4 

Beet.  Red doz.    2    0  8 

Broccoli bundle    0    0  0 

Brussels  Sprouts. .Jsieve    0    0  0 

Cabbage doz.    10  2 

Capsicums  ^-100    0    0  0 

Carrots bunch    0    4  0 

Cauliflower doz.   2   0  6 

Calery bundle    16  2 

Colewons..doz.  bunches    8    0  6 

Cucumbers  each    0    6  1 

pickling  doz.    2    0  4 

Bfcdtve doz.    2    0  0 

Fennel bunch    0    8  0 

•ftrftc lb.    0    8  0 

HorVs bunch    0    3  0 

Horseradish  ....  bundle   3    0  & 


Leeks buncii 

Lettuce   doa. 

Mushrooms pott2e 

Mustard  &  Cress .  .pa.un<?t 
Onions  bu»hft> 

pickling Quart 

Parsley sieye 

Parsnips doz. 

Peas quart 

Potatoes bnabel 

Kidney do. 

Radishes  . .  doz.  bunches 

Rhubarb bundle 

Savoys cos. 

Sea-kale baaket 

Shallots lfc. 

Spinach baslsel 

Tomatoes dosu 

Turnips buncii 

Vegetable  Marrows  „dsa. 


B,  r).      s. 

ft    41ofl 

0    il       1 

B      4 

2       0 

4 

0 
B 

0 


B 


»    4 

*>  e 

O    6 


July  21,  1870.  1 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


39 


WEEKLY    CALENDAR. 


Day 

of 

Month 


21 
22 
£3 

24 
25 
26 
27 


Day 

of 

Week. 


Th 

F 

S 

Sun 

M 

To 

w 


JULY  21-27,  1870. 


Royal  Horticultural  Society's  Oxloril  Show 
[closes. 
G  Sunday  afteii  Trinity. 
St.  James. 
Buckingham  Horticultural  Show. 


Average    Tempera- 

Rain in 

last 
43  yeaia. 

Sun 

ture  noar  London. 

Rieee. 

Pay. 

Nicht. 

Mean. 

Days. 

m.      h. 

74.0 

50.8 

62.4 

19 

9af4 

72  2 

51.4 

61.8 

24 

10      4 

74  0 

51.4 

62.7 

21' 

11      4 

72.6 

517 

62.1 

14 

12      4 

73.0 

49.4 

619 

13 

14      4 

73.7 

50  3 

62.0 

22 

15       4 

74.9 

50.7 

62.8 

19 

17      4 

Sun 

Sote. 


Moon       Moon 
KiBeB.       Sets. 


3i.      b.  I  m.      h. 
SafS     57afll 


8  [  morn. 
8  23  0 
7  i  43  0 
7  22  1 
7  4  2 
7  ,  57        2 


ro.  h. 
25  af  1 

3)  2 

36  3 

40  4 

42  5 

40  6 

23  7 


Moon'i 
Age. 


Davs. 
23 
24 
25 
26 
27 
28 
29 


Clock 

before 
Sun. 


m.  s. 

6  6 

6  8 

6  11 

6  12 

6  18 

6  14 

C  14 


Day 

at 

Year. 


202 

20S 
2  1 
205 
2)6 
207 
208 


From  observations  taken  near  London  during  the  last  forty-three  Years,  the  average  day  temperature  of  the  week  is  73  0',  and  its  night 
temperature  5(1  8\  The  greatest  heat  was  93: ,  on  the  23rd  and  24tli,  1808;  and  the  lowest  cold  32',  ou  the  23rd,  1863.  The  greatest  tall  oi 
rain  was  1.48  inch. 


TOT   ROSES   FOR  EXHIBITION. 

('>'.®fii=5B»'  EL  tnie  lovers  of  floriculture  agree  in  calling 
the  Rose  the  queen  of  flowers,  the  most  beau- 
tiful of  all,  the  loveliest  among  the  lovely  ; 
and  rightly  so  too,  for  in  the  varieties  of  this 
charming  family  we  have  flowers  of  the  most 
"/Jjsr?'Mif5)  exquisite  form,  the  richest  colour,  and  the 
most  delicious  perfume.  Take,  for  instance, 
a  partly  expanded  blossom  of  Alphonse  Karr, 
in  what  flower  can  we  find  a  closer  approach 
to  perfection'.'  its  shell-like  petals,  of  a  pecu- 
liarly soft  and  pleasing  shade  of  pink,  are  so  beautifully 
fitted  to  each  other  that  the  fine  form  of  the  flowers  leaves 
ns  nothing  to  desire.  The  delicate  beauty  of  Lamarque, 
the  magnilicence  of  Charles  Lefebvre,  the  splendour  of  the 
deep  rich  Eugene  Appert,  distinct  and  striking  in  every 
feature,  it3  dark  elegant  foliage  being  in  line  keeping  with 
its  velvety-petalled  blossoms— these,  and  a  host  of  others 
possessing  some  equally  distinct  feature,  are  the  kinds  to 
grow  ;  these  are  the  rare  gems  which  command  our  ad- 
miration and  rivet  more  iirraly  the  chains  of  our  "  old 
love." 

I  have  frequently  asked  myself  the  question,  as  I  doubt 
not  others  have  done,  when  viewing  the  long  ranks  of  cut 
blossoms  staged  in  their  still'  formal  boxes  at  a  flower 
show,  "  Is  this  the  best  way  in  which  to  exhibit  the  Ruse '.'  " 
I  think  not.  Cut  flowers,  but  too  often  without  buds  or 
foliage,  are  subjected  to  the  severest  criticism  shorn  of  much 
of  their  beauty  ;  but  if  each  variety  were  to  be  exhibited  not 
cut  from  the  plant,  excepting  in  the  case  of  novelties,  but  in 
the  form  of  a  pot  plant,  what  a  different  appearance  would 
a  Rose  show  present;  instead  of  the  long  lines  of-fl.it 
staging  now  used,  an  effect  rivalling  that  of  the  Rhododen- 
dron Show  at  South  Kensington  might  be  obtained  witli 
the  greatest  ease.  From  my  own  experience  of  Rose 
culture,  I  can  see  no  real  difficulty  in  the  attainment  of  an 
object  so  desirable,  but,  on  the  contrary,  very  much  in  its 
favour.  Rose  cuttings  are  easily  struck,  and  the  plants 
grown  to  a  considerable  size  in  a  short  space  of  time,  as  I 
thoroughly  explained  in  an  article  published  in  this  Journal 
last  year  (vol.  xvi ,  pp.  77,  ?«),  and  if  an  annual  batch  of 
cuttings  were  made,  a  succession  of  healthy  pot  plants,  as 
flourishing  and  prolific  as  those  planted  out,  could  be  main- 
tained. If  it  be  objected,  that  the  culture  of  Roses  in  this 
way  for  exhibition  would  make  greater  demands  upon  one's 
time  and  skill,  I  think  this  could  very  justly  be  met  by 
pointing  to  the  great  utility  of  such  plants  for  home  decora- 
tion at  all  seasons  of  the  year.  Moreover,  by  offering  the 
principal  prizes  for  pot  Roses,  attention  would  be  drawn  to 
a  branch  of  floriculture  but  too  often  npglected,  or  not 
understood.  Who  has  not  seen  the  miserable  specimens 
of  pot  Roses  so  frequently  to  be  met  with  in  private  esta- 
blishments '  Poor  sickly-looking  objects,  which,  having 
undergone  their  annual  forcing,  are  turned  out  to  rest. 
To  rest !  why,  I  do  not  believe  a  healthy  Rose  is  ever  at 
rest.  Plant  one  early  in  November,  lift  it  and  examine  its 
roots  at  Christmas,  and  plenty  of  new  rootlets  from  1  to 
2  Laches  long  will  be  seen  ;  here  is  a  hiut  from  Nature, 

No.  480. -Vol.  XIX.,  New  Series. 


which,  if  acted  upon  in  the  culture  of  pot  Roses,  produces 
the  best  results.  If  a  Rose,  after  it  has  done  blooming, 
immediately  begins  to  grow  again,  suitable  food  should 
certainly  be  given  it;  it  is  therefore  necessary,  when  pot 
Roses  are  taken  out  of  the  houses  into  the  open  air,  that 
all  weakly  growth  should  at  onco  be  cut  clean  out,  the 
requisite  thiuning  and  shortening  given  to  the  stronger 
wood,  the  roots  shaken  free  of  the  old  soil,  repotted,  and 
the  pots  plunged  to  the  rim,  not  behind  a  wall  or  shed, 
but  in  an  open  air}'  position.  Plants  so  treated,  and  fed 
occasionally  with  guano  water  as  they  appear  to  need  it. 
will  produce  plenty  of  stout  wood  clothed  with  healthy 
foliage,  care  being  taken  to  ply  the  syringe  among  them  all 
the  summer. 

Once  again  I  would  urge  all  who  really  care  for  Roses 
to  grow  them  on  their  own  roots,  and  to  train  them  as  I 
have  before  advised.  No  standards  can  equal  the  appear- 
ance of  these  glorious  pyramids,  laden  with  a  multitude  of 
flowers.  Nor  are  their  flowers  small  or  puny,  although 
produced  in  such  profusion  ;  the  plants  are  rendered  so 
vigorous  by  the  abundance  of  Etout  suckers  constantly 
springing  up,  and  which  arc  trained  to  whatever  part  of 
the  plant  they  may  be  required,  that  the  lowest  tiers  of 
branches  present  an  amount  of  vigour  both  in  wood  growth 
and  bloom  quite  equal  to  that  of  the  highest  parts. — EDWARD 
Ldckhubst,  Egerton  /louse  Gardens,  Kent. 


CULTURE  OF  THE  LARGE-FLOWERED  OR 

SHOW  PELARGONIUM. 
Aitoxg  hardy  flowers  the  Rose  is  justly  called  the  queen, 
and  quite  as  justly  may  the  large -flowered  Pelargonium 
claim  the  same  exalted  title  a;nong  greenhouse  flowers  ; 
but  how  very  rarely  are  plants  met  with  grown  as  they 
deserve  to  be !  How  often,  instead,  do  we  find  them 
crammed  among  all  sorts  of  plants,  and  subjected  to  every 
variety  of  treatment :  hence  we  generally  find  spindly 
long-drawn  specimens,  often  infested  with  insects  to  such 
a  degree  as  to  render  them  a  nuisance,  instead  of  a  plea- 
sure. Now,  no  plant  is  easier  to  manage,  and  the  follow- 
ing mode  of  cultivation  will  bring  them  to  great  excellence. 
At  this  place  we  like  them  in  bloom  throughout  July,  and 
now  (July  8th)  the  collection  of  upwards  of  eighty  sorts  is 
in  full  bloom. 

I  put  the  cuttings  in  about  the  end  of  May  or  first  week 
in  June,  taking  what  I  can  spare  or  get  when  sts  king  the 
specimens.  I  make  them  in  the  usual  way,  and  dibble 
them  in  an  open  south  border,  give  them  a  good  watering 
when  first  put  in,  and  then  leave  them  to  take  care  of 
themselves  for  three  or  four  weeks.  I  then  pot  them  in 
(in  sized  pots,  and  keep  them  close  for  a  few  days  until 
they  begin  to  grow,  afterwards  I  give  them  a  little  more 

j  air."  (The  frame  used  when  they  are  potted  the  first  time 
should  have  a  little  bottom  heat )     In  a  few  weeks  they 

I  will  have  made  good  roots,  and  may  be  hardened  off 
gradually,  and  about  the  end  of  September  or  beginning 
of  October  potted  in  the  next  size  of  pot,  or  small  4b's. 

I  When  that  is  done,  the  best  place  for  them  is  a  shelf  in  a 
greenhouse,  and  when  they  have  made  a  fresh  leaf  or  two 

No.  1138.-VOL.  XLIV.,  Old  Series 


40 


JOUENAL  OF  HOBTICULTUEE  AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  July  21,  1370. 


nip  out  the  point  of  the  shoots.  They  should  be  again  shifted, 
using  6-inch  pots,  in  which  size  they  should  bloom  the  first 
year. 

After  they  have  finished  blooming,  or  begin  to  look  shabby, 
they  should  be  placed  out  of  doors,  and  not  watered  much 
for  a  fortnight,  when  they  will  be  ready  to  cut  down,  which 
operation  should  be  performed  with  a  sharp  knife,  cutting 
them  down  like  an  Oder  stump,  and  leave  them  outside 
until  they  have  broken  well,  when  they  should  be  carefully 
taken  out  of  the  pots,  and  have  every  bit  of  the  old  soil  shaken 
out,  and  the  ends  of  tho  long  roots  shortened.  They  should 
then  be  potted  into  their  blooming  pots,  placed  in  a  warm 
frame  or  house,  and  bo  only  sprinkled  until  growth  commences, 
care  being  taken  not  to  make  them  tco  wet,  or  the  soil  will 
turn  sour.  They  should  always  have  plenty  of  room  and  light, 
and  abundance  of  air  whenever  it  can  be  given,  for  that  is  one 
of  the  secrets  of  success.  Always  be  en  the  watch  for  green 
fly,  and  as  soon  as  that  makes  its  appearance  give  them  a  good 
tobacco  fumigation  for  two  successive  nights. 

Keep  a  very  low  temperature  all  winter,  and  nip  out  the 
points  of  long  shoots  till  February,  after  which  time  it  should 
tiot  be  done.'  No  liquid  manure  should  be  given  till  the  flower 
buds  begin  to  form,  when  they  should  have  some  once  a-week. 
When  the  shoots  are  long  enough  they  should  be  thinned  if 
they  require  it,  and  tied  out  to  neat  straight  sticks,  which  are 
best  made  out  of  plasterers'  laths.  Watering  must  be  well 
attended  to,  for  if  they  are  allowed  to  become  very  dry  they 
soon  sutler,  and  produce  small  yellow  leaves,  and  a  warm  dry 
temperature  is  very  conducive  to  filth  of  all  sorts. 

The  following  compoBt  I  find  answers  extremely  well : — To 
four  barrowloads  of  good  pasture  loam  I  add  one  of  old  Mush- 
room-bed dung,  one  of  charcoal  broken  up  fine,  one  of  very  old 
leaf  mould,  and  one  of  cocoa-nut  fibre  refuse,  the  whole"  well 
mixed.     I  drain  the  pots  with  charcoal. 

Th9  following  varieties  are  all  distinct,  first-rate,  and  would 
form  a  good  small  collection,  of  course  plenty  of  others  might 
bo  added: — Troubadour,  Progress,  Charles  Turner,  Heirloom, 
Favourite,  Viola,  Hermit,  Decision,  Congress,  Beauty  of  Windsor, 
King  of  Trumps,  Queen  of  White  (Dobson's),  Rob  Roy,  Emperor, 
Victor,  Magician,  Diadem,  Example,  Queen  of  Scots,  Turban, 
Mary  Hoyle,  Captain  John,  Lord  Lyon,  and  Lady  of  the 
Lake. — Ricuaed  Jameson,  Gargrave. 


STRAWBERRY   CULTURE. 

The  crop  generally  in  this  district  (Lincolnshire)  is  prolific, 
and  the  most  prolific  of  all  the  varieties  under  my  immediate 
care  is  President. 

In  an  enumeration  of  several  varieties,  with  their  qualities 
and  characteristics,  contributed  to  the  Journal  two  years  ago, 
I  unhesitatingly  accorded  to  this  variety  the  place  of  honour, 
which  it  continues  to  hold  worthily.  I  am  inclined  to  think 
that  it  is  most  at  homo  on  a  rather  light  soil.  Runners  which 
1  have  supplied  for  cultivation  in  gardens  on  heavy  soil,  have,  as 
a  rule,  been  rather  unsatisfactory,  producing  a  superabundance 
of  foliage.  Those,  then,  having  a  light  staple  of  soil  to  deal 
with,  I  advise  to  grow  ibis  variety,  and  if  it  serve  them  as 
well  as  it  year  by  year  has  served  me,  it  will  be  pronounced 
worthy  of  its  name. 

My  plants,  now  yielding  so  well,  are  of  the  earliest  last  year's 
runners,  bearing  tbc-ir  first  crop,  und  I  am  confident  it  is  tho 
host  they  will  ever  produce.  Every  year's  experience  fells  me 
that  to  insure  satisfactory  crops  of  Strawberries  on  soils  of  the 
character  of  a  light  vegetable  mould,  we  must  secure  runners 
as  early  as  possible,  treat  them  well  throughout  the  season,  and 
depend  on  their  first  efforts  for  the  best  yield.  If  by  adversity 
of  weather  or  any  other  kind  of  adversity,  plants  cannot  be 
secured  sufficiently  early  for  permanent  planting  in  July,  after 
early  Potatoes,  it  is  good  practice,  taking  into  consideration 
the  economy  of  the  grneral  cropping  of  the  garden,  to  wait  for 
very  late  runners— small  ones — and  prick  them  in  nursery  beds 
quite  at  tho  end  of  September,  or  in  October.  For  the  con- 
venience of  hoeing,  &c,  the  rows  should  not  be  nearer  to- 
gether than  9  inches,  and  the  plants  in  the  rows  may  be  4  or 
5  inches  apart.  Here  let  them  remain  until  an  early  crop  is  off 
in  spring — say  the  crop  of  early  Potatoes,  which  I,  as  rule,  like 
them  to  follow,  but  cannot  always  make  them  do  so — this  year  for 
instance.  I  can  see  nothing  clearer  than  to  plant  after  early 
Cabbage,  but  it  goes  rather  against  the  grain,  and  I  can  only 
keep  a  smooth  surface  by  reflecting  on  a  mixture  I  have  in 
reserve,  composed  mainly  of  old  Strawberry  plants  and  clear- 
ings of  the  beds  last  year,  kept  iu  a  separate  rot  heap.     This, 


with  a  lot  of  old  plants  in  their  last  stage  of  existence,  and 
which  will  be  cleared  off  and  put  at  once  green  into  the  trenches, 
will  act  both  as  a  sedative  and  stimulant,  and  animal  and 
vegetable — that  is,  myself  and  plants,  will  be  mutually  benefited. 

This  plan  of  manuring  Strawberries  with  Strawberries  is  as 
good  in  practice  as  it  is  in  theory,  and  was  the  secret  of  success 
of  an  amateur  cultivator,  a  clergyman  in  this  neighbourhood, 
who  for  years  produced  off  the  same  ground  magnificent  crops 
of  fruit  by  this  system  of  manuring.  I  have  also  tried  it  my- 
self, and  have  not  found  it  wanting — in  fact,  it  is  the  root  of. 
the  matter  over  which  at  present  my  President  presides  so 
worthily. 

Plants  treated  on  the  plan  described,  other  things  being 
favourable  to  their  well-being,  are  sure  to  bear  splendidly — 
quite  as  well  as,  perhaps  better  than,  plants  from  early  runners 
encouraged  and  planted  at  once  in  tho  fruiting-bedfor  the  next 
season's  bearing.  But  why  not  plant. out  sooner?  some  may 
ask.  Why  wait  until  the  end  of  June,  or  till  July?  Simply 
this,  by  planting  good  plants  of  Strawberries  in  March  or 
April,  as  is  frequently  done,  you  insure  good  crops  the  follow- 
ing season,  but  by  waiting  two  or  three  months  longer  yon 
insure  not  only  a  good  crop  of  fruit,  but  also  a  good  crop  of 
early  Potatoes,  off  the  same  ground.  Putting  this  against  the 
planting  of  fine  early  runners  in  tho  permanent  beds  at  once, 
a  season  is  certainly  lost ;  but  when  once  fairly  in  the  system 
the  loss  dwindles  away,  and  the  only  disadvantage  it  has, 
looked  at  in  tho  general  economy  of  cropping,  is  the  bit  of 
ground  occupied  as  nursery  beds  for  the  half  year  beginning  in 
October.  The  principal  point  to  be  attended  to,  is  the  plant- 
ing runners  small  and  late,  or  they  will  be  d:awn  and  injured 
by  remaining  in  tho  nursery  bed  so  long. 

Strawberries  on  soil  of  this  nature  do  not,  as  a  rule,  give 
more  than  two  fine  crops.  I  sometimes  let  them  bear  three, 
but  the  last  has  never  yet  satisfied  me.  I  do  net  "  bury  cart- 
loads of  manure ;"  I  bury  the  refute  above  mentioned,  and 
then  point  iu  tho  surface  2  or  3  inches  of  yellow  loam,  if  I 
can  obtain  it  mixed  with  old  hotbed  manure,  just  to  give  the 
plants  a  start ;  but  the  principal  amount  of  manure  is  pnt  on 
not  in  the  ground.  After  planting,  which  is  not  done  until  the 
ground  is  well  firmed  to  give  it  "  body,"  the  best  substitute  for 
"  heart,"  the  whole  surface  is  well  covered,  aud  kept  covered. 
The  surface  of  the  ground  is  never  bare  summer  nor  winter, 
and  is  not  disturbed  by  fork  nor  spade.  The  manure  used  for 
this  purpose  is  not  decayed,  but  is  in  a  comparatively  green 
state,  and  by  tho  washing  of  rains,  and  exposure  to  the  weather 
nothing  is  seen  but  strawy  material,  clean  and  close,  for  the 
fruit  to  lie  on,  no  fuither  attention  being  required  in  this 
respect. 

It  i3  to  this  surface  dressing  arresting  evaporation,  that  I 
mainly  attribute  success  in  Strawberry  culture  on  light  soils, 
undoubtedly,  en  some  soils,  Strawberries  will  yield  productive 
crops  for  four  or  five  years,  or  by  carefully  thinning  the  crowns 
even  ten  years;  but  for  soil  of  the  character  I  deal  with  in  this 
paper,  the  system  of  long-standing  plantations  breaks  down ; 
at  least,  this  is  my  experience.  For  such  soils  plant  frequently, 
mulch,  and  mulch  continually,  ever  bearing  iu  mind  Mr.  Rad- 
elyffe's  advice,  always  sound,  Do  not  pack  the  mulching  closely 
round  the  hearts  to  blanch  them,  or  farewell  Strawberries. — 
J.  W.  

EARLY  versus  LATE  PLANTING  RIBBON 
BORDERS. 

Concluded  from  payc  3.) 

In  continuation  of  the  above  subject,  although  I  practise 
early  planting,  it  is,  as  I  have  already  remarked,  often  from 
necessity  rather  tlmu  choice.  Forcing  houses  and  pits  become 
overcrowded,  and  the  othermeans  of  sheltering  the  plants  being 
insufficient,  we  are  often  reluctantly  compelled  to  thin  them 
out ;  for,  supposing  the  plants  in  single  pots  were  only- wanted 
to  plant  the  two  borders  described  in  my  former  article,  and 
that  twenty  row3  of  plants,  each  about  200  yarda  in  length, 
were  wanted,  theso  alone  would  make  upwards  of  two  miles 
and  a  quarter  of  single  row,  too  many  for  the  accommodation 
we  have,  and  as  we  have  other  beds  and  borders  as  well,  an 
easy  way  of  accomplishing  the  object  has  to  be  adopted. 

Tho  management  of  Calceolarias  is  easy  enough ;  cuttings 
put  very  thickly  into  a  cold  pit  in  October  or  November  are 
thinned  out  very  often  in  March,  and  the  plants  left  are  quite 
large  enough  for  turning  out  by  the  end  of  April ;  if  the  ground 
is  in  tolerable  condition,  and  the  site  not  too  much  exposed  to 
east  winds,  they  will  often  succeed  well.    At  all  events,  they 


July  21,  1370.  ] 


JOURNAL   OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


41 


are  about  the  hardiest  of  bedding  plants,  and  in  our  cise  were 
transplanted  direct  with  balls  from  the  old  pit  to  tho  borders, 
some  before  Easter  Sunday,  and  some  the  week  after,  the  dry 
weather  at  the  time  interrupting  tb.9  operation.  Naxt  came 
Verbena  pulchella,  a  tolerably  hardy  kind,  but  still  one  that 
likes  warm  weather  better  than  co!J,  and  I  believe  a  better 
result  would  have  followed  had  wo  waited  a  fortnight,  but  the 
plants  had  become  stunted  by  confinement  in  a  crowded  state 
in  the  cutting  pans  aud  boxes,  aud  required  more  room  ;  so, 
trusting  to  the  weather,  we  plauted  them  out  at  once  on 
April  30th,  excepting  a  few  not  sufficiently  struck  at  the 
time,  which  were  put  out  a  fortnight  afterwards.  Their  pro- 
gress was,  of  course,  slow  for  a  time — nay,  I  am  not  sure  that 
they  did  not  retrograde  ;  still,  none  of  them  died,  or  but  very 
few,  and  they  now  (June  9ih)  promise  Boon  to  occupy  their 
allotted  space. 

I  now  come  to  the  Pelargoniums.  Tho  bulk  of  these  are 
wintered  in  wooden  boxes  2  feet  long  by  1  foot  wide  and 
3  inches  deep  for  young  plants,  and  i  or  5  inches  deep  fir 
older  taken-up  plauts.  Now  it  often  happens  that  these  small 
plants  become  very  much  drawn  by  the  middle  of  April,  so 
that  a  fresh  lot  of  cuttings  is  often  taken  off;  and  in  soma 
seasons  we  have  shaken  them  out  of  the  boxes,  tied  a  little 
moss  and  soil  round  hundreds  of  them,  and  placed  them  on  a 
slight  hotbed  or  in  a  sheltered  position  for  two  or  three  weeks 
before  planting ;  but  this  season  circumstances  prevented  our 
doing  so,  and  there  was  no  alternative  but  planting  them  out 
directly  from  the  cutting  box.  The  question  then  arose,  W*9 
it  prudent  to  do  that  work  early,  or  to  wait  till  others  were 
planting  out  their  potted  plants  ?  This  wa3  the  way  to  put  tho 
matter,  and  not,  Wnich  is  the  proper  time  to  plant  ia  general  ? 
Observe,  I  am  not  advocating  early  planting  where  there  exist 
the  means  of  keeping  tho  plants  in  a  suitable  condition  till  a 
more  genial  season  arrive,  yet  the  results  of  early  planting 
are  not  always  so  discouraging  as  to  render  it  entirely  unworthy 
of  support.  I  remember  the  best  bed  of  Pelargoniums  I  had 
one  year  was  planted  in  April,  but  then  the  plants  were  covered 
with  Laurel  boughs  for  a  time,  a  practice  I  hive  often  adjpted 
with  early  planted-out  subjects,  but  which  t  had  not  the  oppor- 
tunity of  practising  this  year.  On  tho  other  hand,  one  season 
we  suffered  much  by  a  frost  late  in  M*y,  I  think  the  23rd  or 
24th,  when  a  number  of  plants  of  Perilla  were  quite  killed,  and 
the  Pelargoniums  and  other  bedding  plants  much  hurt,  while 
those  not  planted  till  after  that  time  succee  led  much  better. 
The  air  and  plants  at  the  time  of  that  frost  were  both  moist, 
hence  the  injury.  The  thermometer  on  tire  morning  of  May  3rd 
was  lower  than  I  have  ever  registered  it  in  May  daring  the  last 
twenty  years,  being  27°,  and  that  for  many  hours  too ;  but  the 
air  was  dry,  and  tho  morning  dull,  so  that  the  injury  done  was 
not  so  great  as,  from  the  severity  of  the  frost,  might  be  sup- 
posed. In  other  frosts  during  the  same  month,  the  shoots  of 
Oak,  Ash,  and  other  trees  were  blackened. 

In  connection  with  early  planting,  the  state  of  the  ground 
must  be  set  down  as  an  essential  condition  of  success,  and  it 
has  generally  been  one  of  our  difficulties,  as  the  soil  of  our 
flower  beds,  though  well  adapted  for  sustaiuing  a  long  sum- 
mer's growth,  is  not  the  best  to  work  early  in  the  season,  for 
it  is  what  13  termed  a  stubborn  soil,  and  in  some  seasons  is 
much  worse  than  in  others.  This  year  has  been  one  of  the 
best,  while  1869  was  bad.  So  stiff  is  the  ground  sometimes 
that  we  are  obliged  to  obtain  some  true  soil  from  elsewhere  to 
plant  in,  or  rather  to  cover  the  roots  cf  the  little  plants  con- 
signed to  such  hard  lumps.  I  well  remember  the  expression 
of  a  gardener  of  high  standing  win  visited  me  one  seat-on 
when  the  soil  was  of  tho  coarsest  description,  and  the  men 
were  fixing  down  the  shoots  of  Verbenas,  not  with  pegs,  hair- 
pins, or  strips  of  mattiug,  but  with  clods  of  the  suu-dried 
earth,  about  the  size  of  a  cricket  ball,  obtained  on  the  spot  in 
■  any  quantity.  Such  rude  treatment  amused  my  friend,  who, 
doubtless,  expected  more  from  his  own  neatly  manipulated 
beds,  but  a  genial  rain  setting  in  soon  after  melted  down  these 
weights,  to  the  advantage  of  the  plants  I  believe.  A  rather 
long  continuance  of  dry  weather  followed,  and  then  it  came  to 
my  turn  to  visit  my  friond's  gardeo,  and  the  laugh  was  turned 
against  him  ;  his  smooth  ashy-looking  soil  had  not  been  able, 
with  the  aid  of  the  water  of  a  eanal  that  flowed  past  it,  to  sup- 
port his  Verbenas  in  health,  while  mine  were  all  that  could  be 
desired.  However,  a  certain  degree  of  pulverisation  is  neces- 
sary at  planting,  and  I  am  in  the  habit  of  looking  as  much  at 
the  state  of  the  ground  as  at  that  of  the  atmosphere ;  never- 
theless, it  must  be  acknowledged,  that  when  the  two  are  com- 
bined the  best  result  follows.     The  condition  of  the  plants, 


however,  has  a  great  influence  in  hastening  or  delaying 
planting  out,  for  to  wait  till  a  plant  falls  into  bad  health  from 
crowding  or  lack  of  nourishment  at  the  root,  is  often  equiva- 
lent to  waiting  till  disease  sets  in.  Calceolarias  are  espe- 
cially liable  to  suffer  from  "this  cause.  The  Variegated  and 
Ivy-leaved  Pelargoniums  appear  to  bear  such  treatment  as 
well  as  any  plant,  but  it  cannot  be  said  that  they  are  im- 
proved by  it. 

Although  I  have  mentioned  some  subjects  which  may  be 
planted  out  early  without  dying,  yet  there  are  others  it,  would 
not  be  prudent  to  try.  Heliotropes,  Tropre  rlums,  Ageratums, 
and  even  Llbelias  are  less  hardy  than  the  plants  I  have 
named;  while  Alternanthera3,  Coleases,  Castor  Oil  plants,  and 
the  like,  are  still  more  delicate.  Oa  tho  other  hand,  Petunias 
are  tolerably  hardy,  so,  too,  are  Gjztuias,  Nierembergias,  and 
Centaureas.  The  last  nam  3d,  howevr  r,  has  suffered  nure  with 
me  this  past  winter  than  it  has  ever  done  before. 

I  would  now  invite  the  opinions  of  others  on  tho  snbject, 
whose  practice,  if  recorded,  may  do  much  either  to  condemn 
early  planting,  or  to  support  it  a3  not  being  so  detrimental  as 
it  is  supposed  to  be  ;  for,  be  it  remembered,  if  it  can  ba  proved 
that  a  plant  turned  out,  say  on  tho  25th  of  April,  is  as  good  on 
the  2uth  of  June  as  one  turned  out  on  the  25th  of  May,  the 
advantages  of  getting  the  Grit  planted  one  out  of  the  way  are 
such  as  to  render  the  earlier  plantiug  preferable,  the  state  of 
the  respective  plants  at  turning-out  time,  and  other  conditions, 
being  the  same.  B  it  I  have  already  said  enough,  and  I  expect 
our  worthy  rneutor,  "It.  F.,"  will  iiud  many  and  cogent 
reasons  for  delaying  his  planting  so  lite,  each  of  them  im- 
portant to  the  planter.  Nevertheless,  I  advocate  early  plant- 
ing where  circumstances,  as  here,  almost  compel  its  adoption. 
— J.  Rousox. 

THE   STRAWBERRY  SEASON. 

I  hear  on  ell  sides,  "  I  have  no  Strawberries  !  "  Here  they 
never  were  finer  nor  more  plentiful.  I  like  a  West  Iudian 
summer  for  fruits  and  fl  jwers.  All  that  is  wauttd  is  sufficiency 
of  manure,  and  water  equal,  in  some  measure,  to  excessive 
evaporation.  I  have  had  magnificent  crops  of  Rivers's  Eliza, 
Cockscomb,  Wonderful,  Dr.  Hogg,  end  Mr.  Radelyffe,  of  which 
the  last-named  is  tho  best  in  flavour.  In  constitution,  setting 
its  fruits,  and  colour,  it  is  superior  to  the  British  Queen;  in 
other  respects,  and  especially  as  regards  flesh,  flavour,  and 
foliage,  it  is  identical.  I  had  some  very  fine  early  and  highjy- 
flavoured  berries  of  Lucas,  which  should  be  more  known.  I 
think  Mr.  1!  tdclyffe  an  1  Dr.  II)gg — the  two  finest  in  the  Queen 
line — succer-d  best  by  early  annual  (say  July  1st)  plantation. 
I  took  on  July  5th  a  noble  lot  of  Strawberries,  consisting  of 
Mr.  Radclyffe,  Dr.  Hogg,  Wonderful,  and  Cockscomb,  to~Sir 
William  Marriott's  cricket-match — a  malch  between  his  eleven 
rind  eleven  of  theT.h  Fusiliers,  quartered  at  Dorchester.  Sir  W. 
Marriott  and  Capt.  Glyn  measured  Iho  largest  Cockscomb  with 
tape  marked  with  the  inches,  and  it  wa3  ll.{  inches  in  circum- 
ference. I  enclose  Sir  William's  letter  for  tho  Editors'  perusal. 
This  I  do,  because  people  who  grow  Strawberries  the  size  of 
"  snags,"  cannot  stirl  believe  that  I  grew  one  last  year  12  inches 
round.  They  do  not  appear  to  have  measured  the  largest  of 
the  Dr.  Hogg  Strawberries,  which,  I  believe,  ranged  from  7  to 
9  inches.  It  is  a  noble  Strawberry,  but  not  equal  to  Mr.  Rad- 
clyffe  in  flesh,  flavour,  and  colour.  I  should,  however,  he  in- 
clined to  recommend  it  to  careless  people  rather  than  Mr. 
Radclyffa.  They  are  both  easy  to  cultivate,  and  neither  are 
particular  as  to  soil. 

The  British  Queen  hates  chalk,  but  these,  too,  I  have  grown 
successfully  in  tho  chalky  soil  of  Eushton  and  in  the  sandy 
loam  of  Oka'ord.  The  Bicton  Pine  and  Frogmore  Pine  are  not 
in  crop  thia  year.  The  Alpines  have  been  most  abundant. 
Galande  is  a  splendid  red  Alpine.  I  wonder  people  do  not 
grow  Alpines.  With  a  little  sugar,  I  think  they  are  the  finest 
Savoured  of  ail  Strawberries. 

Last  year  my  runners  of  all  sorts  were  planted  July  1st. 
This  year  I  made  my  new  beds  July  4tb,  5th,  and  6th.  Early 
establishment  is  a  great  matter,  also  firm  ground.  I  plant  after 
Cabbages,  which  are  kept  constantly  hoel,  and  I  do  not  dig  tha 
ground  at  all.  Holes,  19  inches  apart  each  way,  are  scooped 
out,  and  filled  with  liquid  manure,  and  in  due  time  the  runners 
are  put  in  with  loam  and  decayed  manure  sifted  fiue,  and 
trodden  in  as  hard  as  it  is  possible  to  do.  The  runners  are 
then  kept  sufficiently  watered.  The  hotter  the  weather  is  the 
better  it  is  for  the  new  plantation.  The  July  plantB  of  last 
year  are  now  larger  than  some  people's  three-year-old  plants. 


42 


JOURNAL   OF   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  Jul7  21,  1370. 


Two  years,  except  in  rich  clays,  is,  I  thick,  long  enough  for 
many  sorts  to  stand. 

The  only  novelties  on  trial  here  were  Dr.  Riden's  two  seed- 
ling?, the  Duke  of  Edinburgh  and  Early  Prolific,  and  Mr. 
Segrave's  (of  Marlow)  Royalty.  The  Duke  is  a  superior  Straw- 
berry fur  form,  flesh,  and  flavour,  but  here  it  is  too  dwarf  in 
growth.  The  Early  Prolific  is  a  better  grower,  and  has  a  plea- 
sant flavour.  Royalty  appears  to  be  the  same  as  the  Scarlet 
Pine,  or  Rival  Queen,  in  foliage,  form,  flesh,  flavour,  habit,  and 
appearance.  It  has  the  same  fault — namely,  it  is  a  precarious 
setter,  but  of  a  most  rich  and  excellent  flavour.  I  should  not 
nave  p,ot  rid  of  the  Scarlet  Pine  or  Rival  Queen — in  the  same 
'line — had  they  been  good  setters.  I  cannot,  hereaf'er,  try 
Strawberry  plants  or  Potatoes  for  anyone. — W.  F.  Radclvffe, 
Ohford  Fitznainc. 


THE   ROYAL   HORTICULTURAL    SOCIETY'S 
OXFORD    SHOW. 

Oxford  is  a  city  with  a  long  history — a  longer  history  than 
one  cares  to  recount,  for  it  goes  back  a  thousand  years  and 
becomes  lost  in  the  mist  of  time  ;  for  nearly  that  period,  if  not 
quite,  there  science,  and  art,  and  literature  have  flourished,  and 
the  disciples  which  its  many  colleges  have  sent  forth  have 
carried  the  stored-up  learning  of  past  generations  and  their 
own  into  the  wide  world.  Who,  then,  can  tell  its  history? 
Who  the  iufluence  it  has  had  on  the  things  that  be  ?  Nor  is  it 
without  a  history  in  another  sense — war  has  been  no  infre- 
quent visitant  at  its  gates — and  alas  !  while  we  write  these 
words  war  Bgain  is  about  to  deform  the  fair  face  of  Europe, 
and  such  a  war,  and  between  such  nations  !  Temdt  iirliem, 
terruit  gentes,  that,  peihaps,  is  the  reason  that  when  we  left 
Oxford  yesterday  neither  Horticulture  nor  Agiiculture  was  so 
well  countenanced  as  we  should  have  wished.  Still,  the  Show 
which  commenced  on  Tuesday,  and  is  to  close  on  Friday  next, 
is  one  well  worthy  of  special  atten'iou,  and  of  special  encourage- 
ment also.  It  is  worthy  of  attention  even  by  the  frequenters 
of  the  LonJim  shows  from  its  own  merits  as  a  show,  aud  as  an 
indication  of  the  state  of  horticulture  in  tha  provinoes  ;  it  is 
worthy  of  atleution  by  those  in  the  provinces,  for  it  brings  to 
their  doors  what  many  would  never  see  without  a  long  journey, 
perhaps  never  seo  at  all ;  and  it  is  deserving  of  encouragement 
both  by  town  and  country  for  this  renson,  and  because  it  bene- 
fits both  ;  aud  more — still  more,  it  biingsmen  from  all  parts  of 
the  land  into  social  contact,  cements  old  friendships,  and  forms 
new.  It  is  more  especially  at  these  country  shows  the  gentleman 
and  the  gardener  come  together,  they  converse  with  each  other, 
and  they  learn  from  each  other;  each  gains  in  information, 
and  each  can  better  appreciate  the  other.  Thus  the  strong  wall 
which  is  built  up  between  man  and  man,  and  class  and  cUss, 
is  breached,  and  we  believe — we  feel  sure — to  the  benefit  of  the 
gardener's  art,  to  the  benefit  of  the  community  at  large.  Tre 
details  of  the  Show,  which  is  held  in  the  grouuds  of  the  Rid- 
cliffo  Observatory,  and  which,  with  the  combined  Show  of  the 
Royal  Oxfordshire  Horticultural  Society,  occupies  eight  large 
tents,  will  be  found  in  the  following  reports.  To  these  we  pur- 
pose giving  some  additions  next  week,  together  with  a  notice 
of  the  Congress,  which  commenced  yesterday  at  too  late  an 
hour  for  us  to  enter  into  details.  So  far  the  weather  has  been 
everything  that  could  he  desired,  were  it  not  for  the  drawback 
of  a  tropical  ttmperature.  Let  us  hope  that  the  results  in 
every  sense  will  be  equally  favourable. 

Mlxed  Groups  of  Flowering  and  Fine-foliaofd  Plants. — For 
these  prizes  of  £25  aud  £15  respectively  were  ottered  by  the  Royal 
Horticultural  and  Royal  Oxfordshire  Societies.  The  former  is  taken 
by  Mr.  Baines,  gardener  to  H.  Mieholls,  Esq.,  Southgate  House, 
Middlesex,  who  is  first  with  a  remarkably  fine  collection,  consisting  of 
Dipladenia  crassinoda,  very  well  bloomed  ;  Dipladenia  amabilis,  the 
large  flowers  of  which  are  in  beautiful  condition  ;  a  splendid  specimen 
of  Erica  obhata,  5  feet  in  diameter ;  Ixora  coccinea,  loaded  with  mag- 
nificent heads  of  its  brilliant  scarlet  flowers;  Allanianda  nobilis,  very 
fine  ;  an  unnamed  very  free-flowering  Allamanda  ;  Ixora  aurantiaca  ; 
"Bougaiuvillea  glabra,  forming  a  charming  mass  of  rosy  bracts  ;  Phce- 
nocoma  prolifera  Barnesii,  in  good  bloom,  but  not  large  ;  and  an 
excellent  plant  of  Erica  remula.  Of  fine-foliaged  plants  Mr.  Baines 
has  Croton  variegatum,  with  its  colour  most  beautifully  developed  ;  of 
Gleiehenia  rupestris  a  large  spocimen  extremely  beautiful  and  delight- 
folly  fresh;  Thcophrasta  imperialis,  very  fine;  Dasylirion  aerotri- 
chum  ;  a  remarkably  fine  specimen  of  Phnmicophorium  sechellarum  ; 
a  very  large  plant  of  the  equally  beautiful  and  not  dissimilar  Yer- 
schafi'eltia  snlendida  ;  Dicktouia  antarctica  ;  Croton  angnstifoliurn, 
large,  and  with  the  golden  variegation  fully  developed ;  Yucca  varie- 
gata;  and  a  good  specimen  of  Cordyliue  indivisa.     Mrs.  E.  Cole  and 


Sons,  YVithington,  Manchester,  are  second  with  a  very  good  collection, 
consisting  of  Dipladenia  crassinoda,  Allamanda  cathartica,  Genetyllia 
tulipifera,  Apbelcxis  humilis  grandillora,  Dipladenia  acuminata, 
Phajnocoma  prolifera  Barnesii,  a  very  large  busli  of  Erica  Cavendisbii, 
Apbelcxis  macrautba  rosea,  an  excellent  Kalosanthespunicea,  a  rather 
poor  specimen  of  Erica  Parmentieriana  rosea  ;  while  of  fine-foliaged 
plants  the  collection  contains  excellent  specimens  of  Croton  varie- 
gatum, Dicksonia  antarctica,  variegated  Yucca,  Livistonia  borbonica, 
Croton  angustifolium,  and  Dasylirion  acrotrichum. 

Stove  and  Greenhouse  Plants. — Mrs.  Cole  &  Sons  also  send 
the  best  collection  of  nine  stove  and  greenhouse  plants  in  flower. 
This  consists  of  excellent  specimens  of  Ixora  coccinea,  Dipladenia 
amabilis  in  fine  bloom,  Aphelexis  macrautba  purpurea,  Kalosanthes 
puurcea,  Dipladenia  crassinoda,  Gompholobium  polymorphum  splen- 
dens,  and  fair  examples  of  Ixora  javanica,  Allamanda  grauditiora, 
Dipladeuia  crassinoda,  aud  Pbomocoma  prolifera  Barnesii.  The 
second  prize  goes  to  Mr.  F.  Perkins,  Leamington,  who  has  fine  plants 
of  the  large-flowered  Allamanda  HenJersoni,  Statice  imbiicata,  Yinca 
rosea,  and  others  of  less  note.  Messrs.  Bell  &  Thorpe  also  show  in 
this  class,  and  have  a  very  good  plant  of  Dipladenia  amabilis,  the 
yellow-flowered  Cassia  corymbosa,  and  well-bloomed  Statices.  The 
special  prize  offered  by  F."  J.  Morrell,  Esq.,  for  the  best  specimen 
stove  plant  in  flower  is  taken  by  Mr.  Baines,  gardener  to  II.  Mieholls, 
Esq.,  with  a  specimen  of  Allamanda  cathartica,  forming  a  balloon 
5  feet  by  at  least  -It  feet  across;  and  the  second  prize,  given  by  the 
same  gentleman,  goes  to  Messrs.  Standish  &  Co.,  of  the  Royal  Nur- 
series, Ascot,  for  Allamanda  Herrdersoni,  not  large,  but  in  excellent 
bloom  ;  while  the  third  prize  is  awarded  to  the  singular-looking  Aristo- 
locbia  ornithocephala,  from  Mr.  F  Perkins,  nurseryman,  Leamington. 
Messrs.  Gill's  prizes  for  the  best  and  second  best  specimen  greenhouse 
plants  go  to  Mr.  Baines  for  a  very  fine  plant  of  Erica  Fairrieana, 
4  feet  in  diameter  ;  and  the  second  ti  Mr.  A.  Wright,  gardener  to  C.  H. 
Crompton  Roberts,  Esq.,  Regent's  Park.  London,  for  a  very  good 
specimen,  though  rather  past  its  best,  of  Kalosanthes  Madame  Celeste 
Winaus.  In  the  local  cl.iss  for  six  stove  or  greenhouse  plants,  Mr.  G. 
Harris,  who  is  first,  has  a  very  well-grown  Clerodeudrorr  Thomsons, 
but  its  bloom  over,  a  very  good  Rondel etia  is  also  exhibited,  and 
Asclepias  currasavica,  a  showy  plant,  but  seldom  seen,  and  in  this 
instauco  straggling;  the  otheis  do  not  require  notice.  The  second 
prize  goes  to  Mr.  J.  Walker  for  a  good  pot  of  Liiium  eximium, 
Caladiums,  and  Coleuscs.  The  "  Floriat  and  Pomologist"  prize  for 
softwooded  greenhouse  plants  was  awarded  to  Messrs.  Bell  &  Thorpe, 
Stratford-on-Avon,  for  a  collection  in  which  there  is  Abutilou  Thomp- 
soni  with  a  few  flowers,  two  Petunias,  a  Lantana,  Diplacus  grandi- 
floms  in  good  bloom,  anil  Liiium  anratum. 

Orchids — But  few  are  shown  ;  there  is  only  one  collection  in  the 
amateurs'  class  for  six,  which  conies  from  Mr.  A.  Wright,  gardener  to 
C.  H.  Crompton  Roberts,  Esq.,  Regent's  Park,  who  has  Oncidiam 
Sclieperianum,  Lycastes,  Ae rides,  a  Cattleya,  aud  other  plants  not 
remarkable,  Mr.  Williams  takes  the  corresponding  position  in  the 
nurserymen's  class  with  Angnloa  Clowesii,  Deudrobium  Parishii, 
showy";  Yunda  suavis,  Acrides  quinquevulnernui,  Cypripedium  super- 
hiens,  tine,  and  a  very  good  pan  of  Cypripedium  harbatum  superbnm. 
Messrs  Rollrsson  &  Sons  are  second  with  a  fine  specimen  of  Ae'ridea 
odoratum  majns,  with  about  two  dozen  fine  racemes,  Aerides  Lohii 
with  half  a  dozen,  EpiiUnlruiu  vitellinum  ma  jus,  fine,  a  good  pan 
of  Cypripedium  harbatum  rnajrrs.  aud  Odontoglossum  hastilabium. 

Heaths.— The  silver  cup,  offered  by  W.  Wootten-Wootten,  Esq., 
goes  to  Mrs.  E.  Cole  &  Sons  for  excellent  plants  of  Erica  Parmen- 
tieriana rosea,  ventricosa  migmtiea,  ferruginea  superba,  large  and 
fine,  venosa,  u  well-grown  Eemula,  aud  good  but  smaller  specimens  of 
other  kinds.  Tha  second  prize,  offered  by  Lord  Valeutia,  goes  to  Mr. 
A.  Wright,  gardener  to  C.  H.  Crompton  Roberts,  Esq.,  for  a  large 
specimen  of  ventricosa  Bothwelliana  in  profuse  bloom,  the  showy 
scarlet  ceriuthoides  var regata,  and  good  examples,  though  not  la:ge,  of 
tricolor  Wilsoni  and  Fairrieana.  The  special  prize,  offered  by  the 
Warden  of  New  College  for  six,  is  taken  by  Mrs.  E.  Cole  &  Sons  with 
good  plantB  of  venosa,  ventricosa  maguitica,  gemmifera  elegans,  with 
others  less  remarkable.  Messrs.  Grinibly,  Hughes,  aud  Dewe's  prize 
is  taken  by  Mr.  A.  Wright  with  an  evenly-grown  lot  of  plants,  though 
rather  small. 

Fine-foliaged  Plants. — These  make  a  good  display,  although  the 
specimens  are  not  remarkable  for  great  size.  Mr.  Johnson,  gardener 
to  the  Marquis  of  Ailesbury,  Savernako,  takes  the  first  position  in  the 
amateurs'  class  for  nine,  with  very  good  specimens  of  Alocasia  me- 
tallica,  a  fiue  Caladinm  Belleymei,  Sanseviera  angolensis,  Pandanns 
elegantissimus,  Croton  angustifolium,  a  fine  healthy  plant  of  Sphcero- 
gyne  latifolia,  Alocasia  macrorhiza  variegata  with  its  leaves  three- 
fourths  white,  and  a  very  good  specimen  of  Croton  variegatum.  The 
second  prize  goes  to  Mr.  A.  Wright,  who,  among  other  plants,  has  the 
extremelv  graceful  Cupania  filicifolia,  Dsmonorops  plnmosus,  an  elegant 
Palm,  arid  other  good  specimens.  The  best  nine  in  the  nurserymen's 
class  come  from  Mr.  Williams,  who  has  a  splendid  plant  of  Alocasia 
metallica  in  perfect  condition,  a  fine  Phceuicophorium  sechellarum, 
Dasylirion  plumosum,  Cycas  revoluta,  very  fine  ;  a  large  an.1  very 
perfect  Cordylino  indivisa,  and  a  fine  Yucca  quadricolor. 

Palms. — These  are  not  very  numerously  shown.  Mr.  B.  S.  Williams 
is  first  with  noble  plants  of  Phomicophorium  sechellarum,  Livistonia 
Jenkinsii,  and  Verschaffeltia  splendida,  the  others  being  fine  speci- 
mens of  Chamrerops  humilis,  Areca  lutescens,  and  Thrinax  elegans. 


July  21,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


43 


"Messrs.  Rollisson  are  second  with  a  pretty  collection,  prominent  in 
which  are  fine  plants  of  Chainx'rops  erecta,  Thrinax  argentea,  and 
others. 

Corpyi.ikks    and  Dru'.kn'a.v — Here   Mr.  Williams,    of  Holloway, 

'  takes  the  lead  with  very  fine  plants  of  Dractna  atrosanguinea,D.lineata, 
D.  australis,  not  a  large  hut  a  beautiful  young  specimen,  and  D.  nm- 
braculifera.  Messrs.  Bell  &  Thorpe  are  secoud  with  very  small  speci- 
mens, and  Mr.  S.  Daniels,  gardener  to  the  Rev.  S.  R.  Keene,  Swyu- 
combe  Park,  third. 

Exotic  Fkhns. — Of  these  there  U  not  so  largo  a  show  as  on  some 
former  occasions,  hut  the  want  is  more  than  made  up  for  by  the  qua- 
lity of  those  shown.  Mr.  Williams,  of  Holloway,  is  first  for  nine  with 
large  and  fine  examples,  with  fronds  of  the  greatest  freshness,  consist- 
ing of  Cyathea  dealbato,  Todea  africana,  two  good  Gleichenias,  Ci- 
botiuni  Sehiedei  furcaus,  Dicksouia  squarrosa,  Davallia  dissecta, 
very  beautiful,  Dicksouia  antarctica,  and  a  particularly  tine  and  very 
wide-spreading  Cyathea  princeps.  Messrs.  Bell  &  Thorpe,  Paddock 
Nursery,  Strntford-on-Avon,  are  secoud  with  a  very  good  Bird's-nest 
Fern,  and  small  well-grown  specimens  of  Cibotinrus,  Alsophilas, 
Blechnum  corcovadense,  Ac.  Mr.  J.  J.  Chater  is  third.  In  the 
amateurs'  class  for  six,  Mr.  Barnes  takes  the  first  position  for  a  speei- 
men  of  Gleichenia  spelunc;e  most  beautifully  furnished,  ami  measur- 
ing nearly  5  feet  in  diameter ;  good  examples  of  Cyathea  dealbata  and 
mednllaris,  Davallia  bullata,  fine  ;  Davallia  tenuifolia,  and  a  fine  pan 
of  Todea  superba.  The  second  prize  goes  to  J.  Mapplebeck,  Bsq., 
Wood  field.  Moseley,  Birmingham.  The  first  of  the  special  prizes 
given  by  H.  Grisewood,  Esq.,  was  awarded  to  Mr.  "Wright,  gardener  to 
C.  H.  Crompton  Roberts,  Esq.,  Regent's  Park,  for  a  collection  con- 
taining a  beautiful  Adiautum  farleyense,  A.  cnueatnm,  Cibotiam 
Sehiedei,  Lomaria  gibb.i,  Dicksouia  antarctica,  and  Cyathea  princeps. 
Messrs.  Bell  S:  Thorpe  ate  second.  A  first- class  certificate  was 
awarded  to  Messrs.  Wood  &  Ingram  for  a  new  variety  of  Lomaria  nudn. 

The  best  pair  of  Tree  Ferns  are  from  Mr.  Williams — viz.,  Dicksouia 
•antarctica,  and  Cyathea  Smithii  about  1'2  feet  high  ;  the  secoud  best 
come  from  Mr.  C.  Walton,  Cowley  Road,  Walton,  and  are  a  well- 
grown  pair  of  considerably  less  size,  round  the  trunks  of  which  is 
trained  white  variegated  Ivy. 

British  Ferns. — Of  these,  J.  E.  Mappluheck,  Esq.,  Woodfield, 
Moseley,  Birmingham,  lias  a  w^ll-grown  collection  of  twelve,  in  which 
are  very  good  specimens  of  Scolopcndrium  vulgare  crispam,  Tricho- 
manes  radicaus,  Athyrium  Filix-fiemina  Prichardii,  and  others.  For 
this  a  second  prize  is  awarded.  E.  J.  Lowe,  Esq.,  Hightield  llonso, 
Notts,  is  third  with  a  pretty  collection,  in  which  we  particularly 
-noticed  Osmunda  regalis  cristata  minor,  Scolopeudrium  vulgare  optan- 
dum,  Polystichum  annulare  decompositum,  and  A.  F.-f.  plumosum 
Monkmanni.  Mr.  Caskell,  St.  John's  Terrace,  Oxford,  is  awarded 
the  first  prize.  The  local  exhibitions  of  Ferns  from  Messrs.  Chap- 
man, Callani,  and  Ca^tell  in  the  class  for  twelve,  and  Messrs.  Belcher, 
Howlett,  and  Walker,  are  very  good.  The  best  twelve  in  the 
nurserymen's  class  are  from  Messrs.  Ivery,  of  Dorking,  and  consist 
of  Athyrium  F.-f.  trifidum,  lanceolatum,  Girdleitoneii,  ramo-cris- 
tatum,  formoso-ciistatum,  Fieldiie,  plumosnm,  Polystichum  augulare 
cristatnm,  acutj-disseetuni,  Lastrea  Filix-mas  cristata,  Iveryana,  and 
Osmunda  regalis  cristata.  The  Right  Hon.  E.  Cardwell's  first  prize 
for  twenty  British  Ferns  is  also  taken  by  Messrs.  Ivery  it  Son,  of 
Dorking,  with  Athyrium  F.-f.  Grantiie,  formosum  cristatum,  grandi- 
ceps,  Girdlestonii,  conioides,  plumosum  Axminster  var.,  plumosnm, 
fissidens,  Vernoni.e,  pulchellum,  corymbifernm,  Osmunda  regalis 
cristata,  Polystichum  angularo  plumosnm,  ineisnra,  conspicnlobum, 
Lastrea  Filix-mas  Pinderii,  cristata  Iveryana,  A.  F.-f.  Fieldio?  lanci- 
"lolium,  aud  Trichomaues  radicans.  The  second  and  third  are 
awarded  to  J.  E.  Mapplebeck,  Esq.,  and  E.  J.  Lowe,  Esq. 

In  the  very  extensive  collection  of  British  Ferns  shown  by  E.  J. 
Lowe,  Esq.,  of  Highfield  House,  Nottingham,  the  following  received 
first-class  certificates — viz.,  Asplenium  marinum  ochmithianum,  Poly- 
stichum angulare  mousogenes,  Lastrea  F.-nias  acceptnm,  Athyrium 
F.-f.  strombomenon,  A.  F.-f.  exemplum,  Scolopendrium  vnlgare  cor- 
culum,  S.  v.  kraspedon,  S.  v.  krosson,  S.  v.  margine,  S.  v.  perikallou, 
S.  v.  stephanedon,  S.  v.  poluskiaton,  S.  v.  semnon.  J.  E.  Mapplebeck, 
Esq.,  also  received  several  first-class  certificates  for  new  forms — viz., 
Athyrium  F.-f.  defecto-sectum,  A.  F.-f.  caput-Medusae,  A.  F.-f. 
Jonesii,  A.  F.-f.  dcnshsimuni,  A.  F.-f.  furcillaus,  A.  F.-f.  Craigii 
splendidus,  A.  F.-f.  llabellifolium  ciistatum,  A.  F.-f.  Gillsonix  fur- 
cans,  A.  F.-f.  comicum,  aud  Polystichum  augulare  brachiato-cristatnm 
Smithii. 

Pelargoniums. — For  six  double-flowered  Pelargoniums  prizes  were 
given  by  the  Rev.  W.  Vernon  Harcourt.  The  first  of  these  was  taken 
by  Mr.  Bragg  with  Gloire  de  Nancy,  Madame  Lemoine,  Capitaine 
L'Hermite,  Victor  Lemoine,  and  Marie  Lemoine.  The  plants  are  not 
large,  but  on  the  whole  well  bloomed.  The  second  prize  was  awarded 
to  Messrs.  Bell  &  Thorpe  for  coarse -looking  plants.  Of  double- 
flowered  Pelargoniums  shown  in  Class  16.  Mr.  Perkins,  of  Leaming- 
ton, has  Marie  Lemoine,  Madame  Lemoine,  and  Wilhelm  Pfitzer  in 
fine  bloom,  the  first  with  a  profusion  of  trasses.  Messrs.  Downie  and 
Co.,  of  Stanstead  Park,  are  second  with  excellent  specimens  ;  Messrs. 
Bell  it  Thorpe  third  with  immense  plants,  but  with  few  flowers  in 
comparison  to  the  quantity  of  foliage ;  and  Mr.  House,  of  Peter- 
borough, is  fourth. 

The  best  stand  of  twelve  varieties  of  double-flowered  Pelargoniums, 
five  trasses  of  each,  comes   fiom  Mr.  Perkins,  of  Leamington,  and 


cousists  of  Triotnphe,  Madame  Rose  Charineux,  Andrew  Henderson. 
Madame  Michel  Buckm-r,  Mrtrie  Lamoine,  Victor,  Triotnphe  de  Thu- 
mesnil,  Capitaine  L'Hermite,  Wilhelm  Pfitzer,  Victor  Lemoine, 
Madame  Lemoine,  Gloire  de  Nancy.  The  second  prize  went  to 
Messrs.  Kelway  it"  Son,  of  Langport,  and  the  third  to  Messrs.  Carter 
and  Co. 

The  best  six  variegated  Zonal  Pelargoniums  come  from  Mr.  Turner, 
and  consist  of  very  well-grown  specimens  of  the  following  white-edge 
kinds — viz.,  Compactum,  Jane,  May  t^aeeu,  Albion  Cliffs,  Miss 
Bridges,  and  Princess  Alexandra.  J.  E.  Mapplebeck,  Esq.,  comes 
second  with  plants  2  feet  across,  wjdl-clothed  with  foliage,  and  Mr. 
Perkius,  of  Leamington,  third.  Mr.  Welsh,  gardener  to  D.  Rutter, 
Esq.,  Parkfield  House,  Hilliugdon,  is  first  iu  class  IS.  for  six  Tricolor 
Pelargoninms,  with  excelleutplants,  both  in  growth  aud  loaf-colouring, 
of  Lucy  Grieve,  Sophia  Cnsa^k,  Countess  of  Tyrconnel,  Lady  Cullum, 
and  Sophia  Damaresqae.  Mr.  Stevens  of  Ealing  is  second,  and  Mr. 
Turner  third,  the  latter  with  small  plants  of  which  Achievement  is 
noticeable  for  the  bri^htnoss  of  its  zone,  while  Sir  Robert  Napier  i? 
equally  conspicuous  for  its  dark  zone.  Another  third  prize  wa3 
awatded  to  Mr.  Tomkins,  Spark  Hill,  Birmingham.  The  special 
prizes  given  by  Sir  A.  W.  Peyton,  Bart.,  go  to  Mr.  Welsh  for 
compact  well-grown  plants  of  Mrs.  Turner,  Iraperatrieo  Eugenie, 
Sophia  Cu*aek,  Lidy  Callam,  Glen  Eyre  Beauty,  and  Edwinia  Fitz- 
patriclr.  Mr.  Stoven3,  who  is  second,  has  also  good  plants.  The  best 
four  Zonal  Pelargoniums  (uot  variegated)  shown  in  Class  89,  in  which 
special  prizes  are  offered,  come  from  Messrs.  Bell  .1'  Thorpe,  and 
consist  of  Eleanor,  Glory  of  Waltham,  Mr.  William  Paul,  and  Lady 
Constance  Grosvenor,  and  are  well-grown  aud  bloomed  plants  of  2A  to 
3  feet  in  diameter.  The  others  are  uot  remarkable  The  best  six  in 
Class  In  also  come  from  Messrs.  Bell  &  Thorpe,  and  aro  well-grown 
nnd  bloomed,  and  include  a  good  scarlet  seedling  called  John  Thorpe, 
Eleanor,  Lord  Derby,  and  Fairy  Princess.  Mr.  Walkor  of  Thame,  is 
sec  'ill,  thobest  being  a  very  line  plant  of  Amy  Hogg.  Mr.  J.  Chater, 
of  Cambridge  is  third. 

Cut  trusses  of  Zonal  Pelargoniums  are  also  showu.  Iu  the  class 
for  three  trusses  of  twelve  varieties  there  are  several  excellent  stands, 
especially  tho  winning  ones  from  Mr.  Walker,  of  Th-iine,  Mr.  C.  J. 
Perry,  and  Mr.  Miuehin,  of  Hook  Norton. 

Petunias  present  a  gay  appearance,  especially  the  single-flowering 
sorts  from  Messrs.  Bell  &  Thorpe,  who  are  first  for  six.  The  special 
prize  offered  by  the  Warden  of  Wadham  College  for  donblo-floweriDg 
kinds  is  taken' by  Mr.  Harris,  Headingtou  Hill,  with  very  well-grown 
plants  trained  on  flat  wire  trellises  3  feet  in  diameter. 

Sloitli:nts.— Of  these  Mr.  Williams,  of  Holloway,  has  an  excel- 
lent twelve,  for  which  he  takes  the  first  prize.  Among  them  are 
Agave  VerschaiJelti,  Dickia  Vcrschaffelti,  very  handsome  ;  Agave  Schl- 
digera,  Agave  tilifera  major,  another  thready-leaved  kind;  Eehino- 
cactus  Pfeifferi,  Aloe  socotrina,  and  Rhipodeudron  plicatile.  Mr. 
Ware,  Hale  Farm  Nurseries,  Tottenham,  is  second  with  a  collection 
mainly  consisting  of  Echeverias  and  Seropervivums,  and  Messrs. 
Bell  &  Thorpe  third.  Iu  this  is  the  singular-looking  enp-shaped 
Greenovia  aurea  ;  there  is  also  a  nice  pan  of  St'iuporvivnm  araehnoides. 
Mr.  J.  Chater,  of  Cambridge,  alsa  exhibits,  and  Mr.  Ware  has  a  nume- 
rous and  interesting  miscellaneous  collection. 

Roses  make  a  grand  display,  the  stands  of  cut  blooms  occupying 
the  whole  of  one  side  of  the  long  fruit  tent  aud  part  of  the  other  side. 
In  forty-eight  single  trusses  Mr.  J.  Cranston  is  first  with,  among  others, 
beautiful  examples  of  La  France,  La  Boulo  d'Or,  Senateur  Vaisse> 
Niphetos,  Sophia  Coquerellc,  Marechal  Niel,  Gloire  de  Dijon,  &c. 
Mr.  Turner  is  second  with  very  fine  trusses,  and  equal  third  prizes  go  to 
Messrs.  Paul  &  Son  and  Mr.  Cant,  of  Colchester,  while  Messrs.  Lee, 
of  Hammersmith,  are  fourth.  In  the  amateurs'  class  for  the  sanio 
number  Mr.  C.  J.  Perry,  of  Castle  Bromwich,  takes  the  first  position, 
Mr.  Moore,  gardener  to  T.  Lloyd,  Esq.,  Warwick,  being  second,  and 
Mr.  Johnson,  Uxbridge,  third.  In  the  amateurs'  class  for  twenty- four 
Mr.  Moore  is  first,  Mr.  Johnson,  Uxbridge,  second,  and  Mr.  C.  J. 
Perry  third.  For  twelve  the  principal  prizes  go  to  Mr.Cavell,  Walton 
Manor,  and  Mr.  Tranter,  Upper  Assenden;  while  for  six  Mr.  Tranter 
takes  the  lead.  For  twelve  Roses  sent  out  in  1867  Mr.  Turner  is  first 
with  Elie  Morel,  Francois  Fontaine,  Baroness  de  Rothschild,  De- 
vieune  Lamy,  La  France,  Miss  Poole,  Dnke  of  Edinburgh,  Marie 
Cirodde,  Edward  Morren,  Nardy  Frcres,  and  Comte  de  Hainault. 
Messrs.  Paul  &  Son  are  second,  and  Mr.  Cant  third.  Prizes  were  offered 
by  J.  Thomson,  Esq.,  for  nine  yellow  Roses,  and  were  carried  off  by 
Messrs.  Paul  &  Son,  Mr.  Turner,  and  Mr.  Cranston.  Among  these 
ore  magnificent  examples  of  Marechal  Niel,  Gloire  do  Dijon,  Cloth 
of  Gold,  Madame  Falcot,  and  Madame  Margottin.  The  Rev.  J.  Dry's 
special  prize  for  the  best  six  Roses  sent  out  in  1868-9-70  is  taken 
by  Mr.  Turner  with  Reine  Blanche,  Duke  of  Edinburgh,  Henri  Lede- 
chaux,  Montplaisir,  Edward  MorreD,  and  Lord  Napier.  Mr.  Turner 
was  also  successful  in  winning  the  Oxford  Rose  Society's  first  prize 
for  a  collection  of  varieties  sent  out  in  1807-8-9  or  1870,  the  second 
prize  going  to  Mr.  Cant.  Mr.  G.  Prince's  prize  for  the  best  twenty- 
four  blooms  of  one  variety,  was  awarded  to  Mr.  Chard  for  Souvenir 
d'uu  Ami.  The  prize  given  by  the  Misses  Turner  for  the  best  three 
blooms  of  any  variety  is  taken  by  Mr.  Cant  with  Pierre  Notting,  re- 
markably fiue.  Messrs.  Lee  exhibit,  not  for  competition,  a  stand  con- 
taining, besides  beautiful  blooms  of  Marechal  Niel,  others  of  Cle- 
mence  Raoux,  very  attractive  by  its  peculiar  colouring,  as  well  as  of 
Edward  Morren. 


44 


JOURNAL  of  horticulture  and  cottage  gardener. 


[  July  21,  1870. 


Miscellaneous. — Among  miscellaneous  collections  of  plants,  that 
of  Messrs.  Vbitch  is  especially  noticeable,  not  only  from  the  excellent 
effect  of  the  arrangement,  but  still  more  from  the  value,  rarity, 
and  beauty  of  the  plants  of  which  it  is  composed.  The  Nepenthes 
suspended  in  front  add  much  to  the  grace  of  the  whole  by  their  large 
pitchers.  The  plants  funning  this  collection  are  so  numerous  that  we 
can  only  specify  a  few  of  the  most  remarkable.  These  aro  Begonia 
Chelsoni,  Sedeni,  and  Veitchii,  the  latter  with  largo  orange  scarlet 
flowers,  and  the  plant,  moreover,  is  said  to  be  hardy  ;  Deudrobiuin 
Uensoniie,  the  new  Drachmas  which  we  have  lately  noticed,  Crotons, 
Araucarias  Kulci  and  elegans,  Maranta  tubispatha,  a  fine  specimen 
of  Anthurium  Seheizeriaunin,  Dieffenbaehia  Bowmanui,  Odonto- 
glossum  Laurentianum,  Lep  top  ten's  superba,  and  Cypripedium 
Stonei.     For  this  collection  the  first  prize  was  awarded. 

The  second  prize  was  awarded  to  Mr.  Williams,  of  Holloway, 
who  had  also  a  rich  well-arranged  colled  ion,  most  conspicuous  in 
which  is  the  beautiful  Cochliostema  Jacobianuru,  beautiful  pans  of 
Hymenophyllum  demissnm  and  Todea  superba,  new  Dracaenas,  tho 
single  leaf  of  Pogonia  discolor,  Cypripedium  Stonei,  several  Palms, 
and  many  investing  plants. 

Messrs.  Lee,  of  Hammersmith,  have  also  a  large  collection  consist- 
ing of  Heaths,  Palms,  and  several  Ferns,  among  the  latter  of  which 
are  the  handsome  Adiantum  Sancta>Catherin;e,  Adiautum  luuulatum, 
and  A.  capillus-Yeneris  inagnincuiri,  a  fine  variety  and  hardier  than 
A.  farleyense  to  which  it  bears  considerable  resemblance.  Araucaria 
elegans  and  llulei,  and  the  showy  scarlet  and  black  Clianthus 
Dampieri  are  among  the  remainder.  Mr.  Ware,  of  Tottenham,  also 
has  an  extra  prize  for  one  of  his  charming  collections  of  hardy  flower- 
ing and  ornamental-leaved  plants.  Messrs.  Kollisson,  of  Tooling, 
have  a  third  prize  for  a  very  effective  group  of  Palms,  new  Dracrenas, 
Pandanads,  Ferns,  Caladiutns,  Heaths,  and  Orchids.  Chamredorea 
graminajfolia  is  a  very  handsome  Palm,  small  specimens  of  which  are 
very  elegant  for  table  decoration. 

Mr.  J.  House,  Eastgate  Nursery,  Peterborough,  has  an  extra  prize 
for  a  large  collection  of  bedding  plants  in  neat  boxes,  and  very  well 
grown.  Grccuovia  aurea  is  particularly  worthy  of  remark,  and  Lobelia 
pnmila  grandiflora  is  a  very  dwarf  free-flowering  kind,  excellent  for 
edgings,  and  forms  a  mass  of  blossom.  Iresine  Lindeni  is  likewise 
very  effective.  The  Altera  an  theras,  especially  amcena,  are  beautifully 
coloured. 

The  only  group  of  wax  flowers  shown  comes  from  Miss  Sutton,  of 
Thame,  Oxon,.and  consists  of  well-executed  Roses.  Dahlias,  Fuchsias, 
Lilies,  &e.  This  receives  a  first  prize,  and  a  similar  award  was  made 
to  a  very  elegant  group  shown  by  Mr.  John  House,  Church  Street, 
Peterborough,  the  material  used  being  muslin.  An  extra  prize  was 
also  given  for  a  case  of  skeletonised  leaves  from  J.  Kay,  Esq.,  Dids- 
bnry,  an  excellent  example  of  skilful  manipulation. 

Tho  best  four  pots  of  Lilium  auratum,  for  which  a  special  prize  was 
offered  by  W.  D.  Cole,  Esq.,  come  from  Mr.  Turner,  Slough,  and  have 
from  twelve  to  sixteen  flue  blooms. 

Lycopods  aro  creditably  shown  by  some  exhibitors,  but  are  not  up 
to  the  mark  of  the  London  exhibitions.  Clematises,  en  the  other 
hand,  as  exhibited  by  Messrs.  Jackman  &  Son,  of  Woking,  are  most 
excellent.  Their  first-prize  four  are  Mrs.  Bateman,  lanuginosa  Can- 
dida, rubella,  and  Jackmanni ;  besides  which  they  show  several  other 
kinds  ;  the  plants,  grown  in  tubs,  ranging  from  5  to  6  feet  in  height 
from  the  ground,  and  literally  covered  with  flowers.  Some  very  good 
Balsams  come  from  Messrs.  Bell  &  Thorpe,  and  the  same  firm  send 
the  beautifully  grown  Lobelias  shown  at  a  recent  meeting  at  South 
Kensington,  and  which  they  have  since  acquired.  They  also  tako  an 
extra  prize  for  bedding  plants.  Mr.  Ware  has  a  beautiful  collection 
of  hardy  cut  (lower;?  ;  Mr.  W.  Paul  boxes  of  Roses,  Zonal  Pe'argoni- 
ume,  Euonymus  ihivescens,  one  of  the  prettiest  of  golden-leaved  shrubs, 
Lilium  auratum,  and  several  of  his  valuable  new  Zonal  Pelargoniums, 
among  which  Avalanche,  at  once  white-flowered  and  white-leaved,  13 
not  the  least  prominent.  In  the  local  classes  aro  good  blooms  of 
Hollyhocks  from  Messrs.  Surman  and  Miuchin,  and  of  Dahlias  from 
Mr.  R.  Parsons.  Fuchsias,  both  in  the  local  and  general  classes,  are 
not  remarkable  either  for  size  or  beauty,  nor  have  we  seen  them  so 
this  year.  Mr.  Cattell,  of  Westerham,  had  a  first-class  certificate  for 
Tropcolum  Minnie  Warren,  dwarf,  with  leaves  having  a  very  decided 
white  variegation,  but  apparently  of  weak  constitution — at  least  that 
"was  our  impression.  Dracrena  inaguifica  from  Messrs.  Yeitch,  with 
leaves  having  the  blade  15  inches  long  by  6  wide,  is  a  plant  that 
cannot  fail  to  strike  one  by  its  rich  reddish  mahogany  colour  and  free 
growth.  Mr.  Williams  has  also  a  very  graceful  Horsetail,  Equisetum 
sylvaticum  ;  and  though  Horsetails  are  not  to  be  encouraged  in  a  hor- 
ticultural point  of  view,  this  one  seems  well  worthy  of  attention.  Mr. 
Williams  also  exhibits,  not  for  competition,  a  magnificent  specimen  of 
Cycas  circinalis,  spreading  about  12  feet,  which  is  a  great  object  of 
attraction. 

Cut  blooms  of  Carnations,  usually  not  only  numerously  represented, 
but  also  very  well  done  at  these  provincial  shows,  aro  well  shown  on 
this  occasion  also.  In  the  nurserymen's  class  for  twenty-four  varieties, 
Mr.  Charles  Turner,  Slough,  is  first  wifh  a  very  fine  lot  of  blooms, 
consisting  of  Dreadnought,  Lord  Lewisham,  Lord  RanclifTe,  Oliver 
Goldsmith,  and  Prince  Albert,  Scarlet  Bizarres  ;  Anthony  Dennis, 
Eccentric  Jack,  Graceless  Tom,  Captain  Franklin,  Rifleman,  and 
Young  Milton,  Crimson  Bizarres  ;  Princess  Royal  and  Twyford  Per- 
fection, Pink  and  Purple  Bizarres  ;  Colonel  Windham,  Squire  Mey- 


nell,  Purple  Flakes ;  Annihilator,  Coronation,  Mr.  Battersby,  and 
William  Cowper,  Scarlet  Flakes  ;  and  James  Merryweather,  Aglaiar 
Flora's  Garland,  King  John,  and  Rose  of  Stapleford,  Rose  Flakes. 
Second,  Mr.  George  Edward,  York,  with  much  smaller  but  nice  flowers, 
the  best  being  Mr.  Patey,  James  Merryweather,  and  Mr.  Walton,  Rose 
Flakes;  Rainbow  and  John  Davidson,  Crimson  Bizarres;  George 
Edward,  Scarlet  Flake ;  and  Mrs.  Gunning,  and  Mayor  of  Notting- 
ham, Purple  Flakes.  Mr.  H.  Hooper,  Bath,  is  third.  Iuthe  amateurs 
class  for  twelve  Carnations,  Mr.  S.  C.  Butfrum,  Burgh  Mills,  Wood- 
bridge,  is  first  with  a  capital  lot  of  flowers,  consisting  of  Lord  Ran- 
cliffe and  Sir  J.  Paxtou,  Crimson  Bizarres  ;  John  Bright,  Rainbow,  and 
Tenby  Rival,  Crim-on  Bizarres ;  Hannibal  and  Sarah  Payne,  Pink  and 
Purple  Bizarres;  Premier,  Purple  Flake  ;  John  Bayley  and  Marmion, 
Scarlet  Flakes ;  Flora's  Garland  and  Uncle  Tom,  Rose  Flakes. 
Second,  Mr.  N.  Norman,  Plnmstead,  with  Mayor  of  Nottingham, 
Purple  Flake  ;  Poor  Tom,  Rose  Flake  ;  and  the  remainder  seedlings, 
some  of  them  appearing  promising.  Third,  Mr.  D.  Pizzey,  gardener 
to  Sir  C.  E.  Perry,  Fulmer,  Bucks. 

The  special  prize  offered  by  the  Kail  of  Abingdon  for  twelve  Carna- 
tions is  also  taken  by  Mr.  Turner  with  a  fine  lot,  consisting  of  Lord 
Lewisham,  Admiral  Curzon,  and  Duke  of  York,  Scarlet  Bizarres  ; 
Eccentric  Jack  and  Rifleman,  Crimson  Bizarres  ;  Princess  Royal,  Pink 
and  Purple  Bizarre;  Colonel  Windham,  Purple  Flake;  Sportsman 
aud  Mr.  Battersby,  Scarlet  Flakes;  Flora's  Garland,  King  John,  and 
James  Merryweather,  Pose  Flakes.  Second,  Mr.  N.  Norman,  with  a 
good  lot  of  seedlings  as  before.  Third,  Mr.  George  Edward,  York. 
Mr.  C.  Turner  is  also  first  in  the  nurserymen's  class  for  twenty-four 
Picotees,  and  shows  a  remarkably  fine  lot  of  blooms  that  draw 
admiring  exclamations  from  the  visitors  ;  they  are  Chancellor, 
Colonel  Clark,  Exhibition,  Lavinia,  Lord  Valentia,  Mrs.  Norman, 
and  Miss  Turner,  Red-edge ;  Francis,  Jessie,  Mary,  Mra.  Summers, 
Mrs.  May,  and  Picco,  Purple-edge  ;  Elise,  Lucy,  Alfred  Ingleton, 
Mr3.  Rollings,  Queen  Victoria,  Juliana,  Obadiah,  and  Purity,  Rose- 
edge,  and  two  seedlings.  Second,  Mr.  George  Edward,  York.  The 
best  flowers  in  the  stand  are  Fairest  of  the  Fair,  George,  and  John 
Feather,  Purple  edge ;  Lord  Mayor  of  York,  and  Mrs.  Hanaford, 
Purple-edge  ;  Hannah  Maria  and  Harriet,  Rose-edge.  Third,  Messrs. 
Wood  &  Ingram,  Huntingdon.  With  twelve  blooms  Mr.  D.  Pizzey  is 
first  with  some  good  blooms,  consisting  of  Eliza,  Rosetta,  and  Forester, 
Red-edge  ;  Admiration,  Frances,  Ganymede,  Jessie,  Margaret,  Mary, 
aud  Mrs.  May,  purple-edge;  Lucy  and  Princess  Alice,  Rose-edge. 
Second,  Mr.  N.  Norman,  wiLh  Mrs.  Newball,  and  Prince  of  Wales, 
Red-edge;  Jessie  and  Margaret,  Purple-edge,  aud  th3  rest  seedlings. 
Third,  Mr.  W.  Broadbridge,  gardener,  to  Sir  C.  Mordaunt,  Bart., 
Warwick.  The  special  prize  for  twelve  blooms  given  by  the  Earl  of 
Abingdon  is  also  taken  by  Mr.  Turner  with  a  fine  lot  of  blooms  that  are 
uunamed,  though  to  all  appearance  repetitious  of  what  have  been  pre- 
viously given.*  Second,  Mr.  N.  Norman.  Third,  Mi*.  T.  Payne, 
Oxford.  The  Carnations  and  Picotees  shown  in  the  several  elas3es 
for  the  same  in  connection  with  the  Show  of  the  Royal  Oxfordshire 
Horticultural  Society,  are  pretty  good  in  quality,  and  consist  mainly 
of  flowers,  the  names  of  which  have  already  been  given.  Ajfirst-clasa 
certificate  was  given  to  Picotee  Ne  plus  Ultra  from  Mr.  J.  Payne, 
Oxford. 

In  the  open  class  for  twelve  Pinks,  Mr.  G.  Kirtland,  Oxford,  is  first 
witii  pretty  good  flowers  of  the  Rev.  Geo.  Jeans,  Annie,  Brilliant, 
Mary  Ann,  Attraction,  Bloudin,  President,  Charles  Turner,  Bertram, 
John  Ball,  Victory,  and  a  seedling.  Second,  Mr.  D.  Gammin, 
Marston,  Oxford,  the  best  flowers  being  Marion,  Charlos  Turner,  and 
John  Ball.     Third,  Mr.  A.  Evans,  Oxford. 

Cut  Verbenas  are  finely  shown  by  Mr.  C.  J.  Perry,  though  the 
close  and  heated  atmosphere  of  the  tents  tells  severely  on  tbem.  Mr. 
Peiry  is  the  only  competitor  for  the  special  prize,  offered  by  Mr. 
George  Prince,  for  thirty-six  kinds,  having  fine  examples  of  Nebula, 
James  Birbeck,  Madame  Stenger,  Champion,  Rev.  C.  Peach  (uew), 
Carnation,  a  new  striped  variety;  King  of  Lilacs,  Rose  Imperial,  Kate 
Lawden,  Thomas  Harris,  Ada  King,  Gcant  des  Batailles,  Model, 
Leah,  Mr.  George  Prince  (now),  Rising  Sun,  Annie,  Rev.  P.  M. 
Smythe,  Velocipede,  Apollo,  Black  Prince,  Lord  Leigh,  Firefly, 
Thomas  Lawden,  Rev.  J.  Dix,  and  Magnificent,  as  theleading  varieties. 
There  is  no  other  competitor.  With  twelve  trusses  Mr.  Perry  is  also 
first  with  Edwin  Day,  Rev.  C.  Peach,  James  Birbeck,  Rev.  P.  M. 
Smythe,  Firefly,  Butterfly,  Rising  Sun,  Mr.  Georg-3  Pudc?,  Thomas- 
Harris,  and  unnamed  seedlings.  Second,  Mr.  H.  Minchin,  Hook 
Norton,  the  best  being  Charmer,  Mrs.  Pochin,  Champion,  Richard 
Dean,  James  Birbeck,  and  GCant  des  Batailles.  Of  Verbenas  in  pots, 
the  Rev.  R.  H.  Charsley  has  the  beat,  aud  takes  the  special  prize 
offered  by  himself.  The  plants,  which  are  of  good  size  and  pretty 
well  bloomed,  are  in  enormous  pots.  Some  nice,  but  much  smaller 
plants,  come  from  Mr.  H.  Surman,  Witney  ;  none  of  them  are  named. 
In  the  class  for  Verbenas  in  pots  in  the  schedule  of  the  Royal  Oxford- 
shire Horticultural  Society,  the  same  exhibitors  occupy  similar 
positions.  First-class  certificates  were  awartled  by  tho  Floral  Com- 
mittee to  George  Peabody  and  Grand  Monarch  Verbenas  from  Mr. 
Eckford,  Coleshill,  aud  to  Mr.  C.  J.  Perry  for  Mrs.  George  Prince, 
John  Laing,  Perfection,  and  Rev.  C.  Peach. 

In  the  class  for  Achimenes  in  pots  Mr.  G.  Hiuton,  gardener  to  the 
Mayor  of  Oxford,  is  first  with  good  plants  of  Dazzle,  Dr.  Hogg,  Sir 
Treherne  Thomas,  Longiflora,  Longiflora  rosea,  and  Ambrose  Ver- 
sehaffelt.     Mr.  W.  Earley,  the  Gardens,  Digswell,  Welwyn,  is  second 


July  21,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER, 


45 


with  Dazzle,  Grandis,  Parsonsii,  Sir  T.  Thomas,  Margaretta,  and 
Mauve  Queen.  Mr.  Hiuton  is  also  tirst  in  the  clas3  for  Axhiinenes  iu 
tho  schedule  of  the  Oxfordshire  Horticultural  Society. 

Some  charming  young  but  finely  bloomed  plants  of  Gloxinias  are 
staged  by  Mr.  Charles  Turner  in  the  class  for  six  hinds.  They  con- 
sist of  Glowworm  and  Henry  Husson,  erect-flowering  kinds ;  and 
Rubens,  Rose  d'Amour,  Count  Benary,  and  Distinction,  drooping  kinds. 
Perhaps  a  better  and  more  varied  half-dozen  could  hardly  bo  selected. 
Mr.  W.  Hickman,  tho  Gardens,  Bletchington  Park,  Oxford,  is  second 
with  Princess  Beatrice,  Sultan,  Bridesmaid,  and  Nimrod,  erect-flower- 
ing kinds  ;  Queen  Victoria,  very  pretty,  and  Princess  Royal,  with  pen- 
dant flowers. 

Dinner-taele  Floral  Decorations. — A  proverb  will  often  throw 
a  sunbeam  of  light  over  that  which  from  a  mere  custom  is  becoming 
hazy  and  obscure.  Wo  are  not  at  all  prepared  to  sail  with  the  stream 
in  the  present  enthusiasm  for  dining-table  decoration.  We  have  a 
lingering  belief  that  there  should  be  a  place  for  everything,  and  every 
one  thing  should  be  kept  in  its  place.  The  office  of  a  dining  table 
is  to  present  eatables  and  drinkables  to  the  good  people  who  sit 
around  it.  We  have  no  desire  to  be  barbarian  enough  to  see  a  huge 
table  loaded  with  a  whole  roasted  ox,  sheep,  or  pig;  but  at  the  risk 
of  being  considered  old-fashioned,  we  like  to  see  the  joints  of  which 
we  partake  in  the  good  old  English  style,  instead  of  tho  slices  on  a 
plato,  brought  in  the  mode  <i  la  liitsse,  so  much  in  vogue,  which  puts 
as  in  mind  of  the  eating-house,  instead  of  the  home  and  the  mansion. 
Attempt  by  presumed  refinement  to  disguise  it  as  you  will,  the  natural 
principle  remains,  that  it  is  most  pleasant  to  partake  of  the  little  you 
want  from  a  largo,  next-to-an-inexhaustible  supply.  When  wo  have 
dined  a  la  JRusse,  what  we  call  next  place  to  eating-house  fashion,  if 
we  felt  we  could  take  another  slice,  we  bavo  been  deterred  by  the 
thought  that  there  might  not  be  enough  for  others.  When  we  see 
before  us  the  round  of  beef,  and  the  leg  and  shoulder  of  mutton,  &e., 
we  see  thet'e  may  be  "  cut  and  come  again,"  and  that  we  may  have 
what  wo  want  without  depriving  others  of  their  legitimate  share.  If 
a  man  is  considerate  at  any  time  he  ought  to  be  so  when  ho  dines  in 
company.  Well,  we  are  old-fashioned  enough  to  like  the  old  way?, 
and  to  inhale  the  fragranco  of  well-cooked  meat  and  vegetables,  as 
well  as  partake  of  them  for  our  nourishment.  In  such  a  case  we  want 
no  sickening  aroma  from  flowers  to  mingle  with  the  aroma  from  the 
joints.  We  have  no  objection  to  a  few  flowers  and  sprigs  of  vegetation 
to  give  a  pleasing  diversion  to  the  eye,  but  as  the  object  in  sitting 
down  at  the  table  is  to  eat,  these  floral  decorations  on  the  old  English 
system  should  never  1  e  rendered  more  lofty  and  conspicuous  than  tho 
joints  to  be  demolished.  More  latitude  may  be  given  on  the  a  la 
RusSe  style,  where  tie  table  may  be  at  once  furnished  with  the  dessert 
and  rendered  somewhat  ornamental  with  plants  and  cut  flowers.  The 
mischief  is,  that  people  forget  that  the  dining-table,  if  it  keeps  its 
place,  is  a  place  to  eat  and  drink  at.  All  floral  ornament  and  devices 
should,  therefore,  be  of  a  very  secondary  instead  of  primary  import- 
ance. We  have  read  of  an  emperor  long  ago  who  had  silver  shoes  for 
his  horse,  and  a  golden  manger  from  which  to  eat  his  oats.  Were 
the  oats  a  whit  better  than  if  they  had  bean  taken  from  iron  or  wood  ? 
Is  it  a  bit-  more  truly  refined  to  attempt  to  turn  an  eating-table  iuto 
an  aquarium,  a  fernery,  or  a  neat  conservatory?  Everything  in  its 
placo,  gentlemen.  When  you  dine,  let  dining  be  your  object,  and  not 
tho  contemplation  and  study  of  floral  display.  A  few  men  with 
wondrous  minds  can  enter  iuto  the  consideration  of  many  things  at 
once.  We  believe  that  the  great  masses  can  only  thoroughly  enter 
upon  one  subject  at  a  time. 

We  like  everyone,  however,  to  gratify  his  tastes,  considering  he  has 
a  perfect  right  to  do  so  if  he  interferes  not  with  the  rights  and 
pleasures  of  other?.  Even  on  the  d  hi  Busse  plan,  the  ornamentation 
should  never  be  so  conspicuous  as  to  lead  the  diner  for  a  moment  to 
forget  he  is  at  a  diuiDg  table.  A  few  Ferns  in  low  vases,  and  cut 
flowers  in  low  dishes,  will  generally  tell  the  best,  as  not  interfering 
with  the  free  i  o  iverse  and  free  sight  of  the  diners  on  earh  side  of  the 
tabic.  For  want  of  attention  to  keep  floral  decoration  lowly  and  sub- 
ordinate, we  have  seen  pretty  high  glasses  and  vasos  of  flowers  en  the 
dining  table,  that  we  wished  conld  be  transferred  to  side  tables,  or  to 
the  drawing-room,  where,  placed  singly  or  in  groups,  they  would 
become  objects  of  attraction,  more  especially  if  the  aroma  was  not 
overpowering.  This  hitter  observation  would  open-up  a  large  field  of 
remark  and  observation.  Our  own  opinion  is,  that  in  many  cases  the 
something  like  rage  for  cut  flowers  in  rooms  19  furnishing  more  than  is 
dreamed  of — occupation  for  our  medical  friends.  A  growing  plant  with 
light  in  a  window  is  a  source  of  health  to  the  inmates  of  that  room. 
A  plant,  though  green,  set  on  a  table,  <r  in  recesses  where  no  direct 
light  reaches  it,  is  anything  but  a  source  of  health  to  the  human  occu- 
pants. Cut  flowers  unrelieved  with  plenty  of  green,  are  always  more 
injurious  than  beneficial  in  confined  places,  and  especially  at  night. 
Did  we  consider  the  fitness  and  tbe  place  for  things,  we  woi  1 1  have 
fewer  plants  and  cut  flowers  where  we  could  not  give  them  light,  and 
feel  more  pleasure  in  examining  them  under  conditions  more  favour- 
able to  their  hea't'i  and  our  own. 

Feeling  power'eiS  to  arrest  the  stream  of  floral  decoration,  but  with 
some  small  hope,  with  the  help  of  others,  of  so  directing  it  in  its  course 
that  it  may  not  become  a  noxious  extravagant  mania,  we  will  shortly 
notice  a  few  of  the  matters  of  ornamentation  that  struck  our  attention 
at  Oxford.  And  first  of  the  three  groups  of  flowers,  or  of  flowers  and 
fruit,  suitable  for  the  decoration  of  the  dinner  table,  Class  96.     Of  the 


three  lots  nothing  is  attempted  with  fruit,  and  hence  all  are  on  some- 
thing like  equal  terms.  Mr.  Perkins,  Leamington,  who  takes  the  first 
prize,  has  a  pair  of  low  glass  plates,  each  having  a  column  of 
twisted  glass  supporting  a  smaller  and  rather  shallower  glass  veBsel  or 
vase.  The  lower  vases  aro  nicely  done  with  fine  flowers  of  Alla- 
manda,  Roses,  Pelargoniums,  all  rendered  light  and  airy  by  dressings 
of  Maiden-hair  and  the  neat  miniature  flowers  of  a  great  beauty  for 
this  purpose,  the  Gypsopbila  repens.  The  upper  vases  or  epergnes 
are  draped  with  Maiden-hair  and  Fuchsias,  and  the  (lowers  are  equally 
well  arranged.  The  centre  of  the  three  is  a  glass  vase  on  a  pedestal 
and  base,  raising  the  vase  some  9  inches  in  height.  This  is  dressed 
equal  to  the  others,  and  in  this  vase  a  central  column  rises,  terminating 
iu  a  tube  or  trumpet-mouthed  glass,  with  Fuchsias,  ifco.,  depending. 
From  the  centre  of  the  lower  vase  rise  three  wide-mouthed  tubes  to 
about  half  the  height  of  the  central  one,  and  furnished  in  a  similar 
light  and  easy  manner.  Then,  in  combination  with  theso,  there  aro 
some  thirteen  glasses  some  7  inches  in  height,  and  averaging  an  inch 
across  at  the  top  ;  these  are  dressed  chiefly  with  Maiden-hair,  some 
have  a  single  Rose  or  bud,  others  a  few  choice  flowers.  Sitting  at  the 
table,  the  upper  glasses  of  tho  three  are  above  the  line  of  vision,  but 
are  pleaeant  to  look  up  to.  Our  chief  objection  to  the  central  one  is 
the  three  central  tube  glasses  that  rise  about  half  the  height  of  the 
eontral  one.  This  would  havo  enhanced  its  beauty  as  a  separate  article 
in  the  drawing-room  or  on  a  side  table.  Looked  at  merely  as  an  orna- 
ment of  tho  dining  table,  the  centre  vase  is  rendered  more  lumpy  and 
less  airy  and  graceful  than  its  companions.  Wo  are  just  in  great  doubt 
whether,  looking  to  fitness  and  appropriateness,  these  beantii'ul  glasses, 
just  filled  as  they  are,  would  not  have  been  as  well  without  the  columns 
and  tho  upper  epergnes.     They  would  havo  been  more  simple. 

Mr.  Chard,  Clarendon  Park,  Salisbury,  is  second  with  another 
simple  arrangement,  simpler  even  than  the  last,  though  the  same 
remark  will  apply  to  the  elevated  epergne.  This  eon: ists  of  three  flat 
glass  dishes  resting  on  the  table  somo  IS  inches  in  diameter,  with 
brass  rods  or  columns  supporting  another  shallow  glass  epergue  some 
10  inches  in  diameter.  Two  columns  are  festooned  with  climbing  Fern» 
the  central  one  with  C'issus  discolor.  All  these  are  dressed  at  the 
base  with  tho  common  Malo  Fern.  Two  are  filled  chiefly  with  Roses, 
relieved  with  Maiden-hair  and  rather  thickly  studded  with  Grasses, 
the  centre  Grasses  being  some  15  inches  long.  A  few  Grasses  give 
lightness,  too  many  make  a  vase  of  flowers  look  common  and  poor. 
Tho  common  Fern  dressings  as  a  base  are  also  rather  long — some 
15  inches  beyond  the  glass,  and  therefore  taking  up  considerable  room. 
The  central  glass  is  similarly  dressed,  only  is  furnished  with  Alla- 
mamlas.  Begonias,  and  finer  flowers.  Here  the  height  of  the  upper 
epergne  leaves  plenty  of  room  for  opposite  guests  to  see  and  converse, 
and  tho  Grasses  from  the  fields  make  all  look  simple  ;  and  yet  never- 
theless, just  as  in  the  last  case,  wo  are  in  doubt  if  the  upper  epergne  is 
an  improvement. 

The  other  exhibition,  that  of  Mr.  Spiers,  of  St.  Giles's,  Oxford, 
consists  of  three  shallow  glass  epergnes,  raised  by  base  and  pedestal 
a  foot  above  the  tablecloth.  Each  of  these  has  a  central  column  ter- 
minating in  a  wide-mouthed  tube  some  18  inches  in  height.  From 
the  base  of  this  column  rise  three  other  columns  rising  about  half  the 
height  of  the  central  one,  then  circling  over  like  a  crooked  horn,  and 
terminating  in  a  hook  to  hold  each  a  little  long  glass  basket.  The 
three  lower  epergnes  are  based  with  the  common  Male  Fern  and  the 
common  Bracken,  are  then  edged  with  leaves  of  Mrs.  Pollock  Pelar- 
gonium, and  a  variety  of  flowers  used  for  grouping  upper  and  lower 
epergnes  and  the  suspeuded  baskets.  Looked  at  individually  ou  a  side 
table  each  of  theso  would  he  interesting;  as  adjuncts  to  tbe  dining 
table,  the  triple  columns  and  tho  hanging  baskets  make  them  heavy. 

In  Class  97,  Hand  Bouquets,  one  pretty  vase  is  shown  by  Mr.  House, 
of  Peterborough,  but  not  entered,  edged  with  Maiden-hair,  and  nicely 
blended  with  Stephanoti3,  Crassulas,  Marcchal  Niel  Hose,  and  Pelar- 
goniums. It  wanted  relief  at  the  centre.  That  exhibited  by  Mr. 
Perkins  is  very  pretty.  Edged  with  lace  pnper  aod  Maidenhair  ;  filled 
with  a  nice  mixture  of  small  Pioses,  Pinks,  Carnations,  scarlet  and 
light  Pelargoniums,  relieved  with  dots  of  Maiden-hair,  other  little 
green  bits,  and  dots  of  Forget-me-not.  Mr.  Earley,  of  Digswell, 
Welwyn,  exhibits  a  very  graceful  and  airy  bouquet ,  tbe  best  flowers 
lightly  relieved  by  Maiden-hair  Fern  and  smrlL  Grasses.  Mr.  Hill 
exhibits  a  nice  aiTangcment,  relieved  with  sprigs  of  Maiden-hair.  Mr. 
Chard,  of  Clarendon  Park,  has  a  very-  simple  arrangement ;  some  good 
flowers,  as  Heaths  and  Clerodendrons,  being  rather  too  much  relieved, 
though  made  light  and  airy,  with  Grasses  and  Ferns. 

The  prize  offered  by  the  Journal  of  Horticulture  for  tho  best  dessert 
of  fruits  combining  excellence  of  quality  with  taste  in  arrangement, 
has  failed  even  mors  than  hitherto  in  securing  the  object  aimed  at. 
There  is  not  the  slightest  attempt  made  at  taste  in  arrangement.  I 
had  hoped  to  have  learned  a  lesson  here,  and  so  far  have  had  my 
journey  for  nothing.  I  dearly  wished  to  open  up  the  question  of 
dressing  fruit  with  flowers,  &c,  but  here  there  was  not  the  vestige  of  a 
chance.  There  was  a  great  deal  of  fruit  altogether,  but  nothing  above 
the  usual  average.  Some  six  or  seven  Queen  Pinos  ;  four  of  Grapes 
Black  and  White,  retaining  the  traces  of  sulphur  or  dirty  water  ;  two 
of  Nectarines,  Yiolette  Hutive  and  Pitmaston  Orange,  the  former  fair  ; 
three  of  Peaches,  one  dish  at  least  rotten  and  gone ;  two  of  Strawber- 
ries, good  but  for  returning  traces  of  the  packing ;  two  of  Cherries, 
fair  ;  a  good  Melon,  Prizefighter ;  and  a  plateful  of  the  small  Royal 
Ascot  Melon,  and  very  small  Turkey  Figs.     I  give  every  credit  to 


46 


JOURNAL  OF   HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  July  21,  1870. 


the  proprietors  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture  for  their  kindness 
and  their  wish  to  advance  horticulture  and  the  beBt  interests  of  horti- 
culturists, but  I  think  they  had  better  give  up  giving  such  a  large 
reward  for  n  single  exhibition.  The  successful  exhibitor  is  Mr.  Miller, 
gardener,  Worksop  Manor. 

The  Gardeners'  Chronicle  is  more  fortunate  than  the  Journal  of 
JlortictiUttre  iu  this  respect.  There  was  a  keen  competition,  and 
very  good  things  were  exhibited.  The  first  prize  for  the  best  six  kinds 
at  least,  of  fruit  and  vegetables,  was  taken  by  Mr.  G.  T.  Miles,  gar- 
dener to  Lord  Carrington,  Wycombe  Abbey,  'Bucks.  The  collection 
consists  of  a  beautiful  dish  of  Barrington  Peach,  three  bunches  of 
Buckland  Sweetwater  Grape,  bunches  not  large  but  beautifully  yellow- 
coloured  ;  one  line  Queen  Pine,  one  Scarlet  Gem  Melon,  a  dish  of 
Downton  Nectarine,  and  one  of  blue  Plums.  The  vegetables  are 
equally  good,  consisting  of  long,  crisp  French  Beans,  Asparagus,  fine 
for  July  ;  Globe  Artichokes,  flat  Tripoli  Onions,  fine  ;  Broad  Wonder- 
ful Bean,  and  Myatt's  Prolific  Potato,  very  fine.  The  second  prize 
was  awarded  to  Mr.  Simpson,  gardener  to  Lord  Wharncliffe.  In  this 
collection  were  two  nice  Queen  Pines,  two  Melons,  Incomparable  and 
Queen  Emma ;  two  dishes  of  Peaches,  and  one  of  Nectarines,  rather 
small ;  three  bunches  of  Block  and  three  of  White  Muscat  Grapes,  not 
ripe ;  one  dish  of  Dr.  Hogg  Strawberry,  one  of  White  Cherry,  and  one 
of  Brown  Turkey  Fig,  good.  The  vegetables  consist  of  French  Beans, 
Carrots,  Onions  ;  Peas,  Ne  Plus  Ultra,  Premier  ;  Kidney  Potatoes,  &c. 
There  were  also  some  nice  fruit  and  vegetables  in  Mr.  Challis's  and 
Mr.  Keen's  collections. 

FRUIT. 

Fiuit  is  tolerably  well  represented,  the  Grapes  coming  well  to  the 
front,  and  proving  by  far  the  most  attractive  feature  of  the  Show,  and 
of  these  we  would  particularly  notice  the  very  meritorious  collection 
of  Grapes  from  Mr.  Speed,  Chatsworlh.  which  are  specially  interest- 
ing and  remarkable  (these  are  not  entered  for  competition).  They 
are  the  produce  of  Vines  thirty-seven  years  old,  which  had  been 
rejnvenised,  aj  Btated,  by  adopting  the  extension  system  of  pruning. 
The  examples  are  as  follows: — Black  Hamburgh,  the  bunches  large, 
about  3  lbs.,  perfect  in  bunch  and  berry;  Black  Prince,  fine  large 
bunches,  beautifully  coloured,  and  excellent;  Mill  Hill  Hamburgh, 
with  very  large  berries,  and  altogether  splendid. 

For  the  prize  offered  by  Professor  Lawson,  of  Oxford,  for  six 
varieties  of  Grapes,  the  second  and  third  by  S.  DaviB,  Esq  ,  and  Mr. 
Sheriff  Hauley,  the  competition  is  very  spirited,  Mr.  Turner,  of  the 
Royal  Nurseries,  Slough,  being  awarded  the  first  prize  very  worthily 
for  very  excellent  examples  of  Royal  Ascot,  Alicante  scarcely  coloured, 
Black  Prince,  Black  Hamburgh,  Buckland  Sweetwater,  and  Muscat  of 
Alexandria,  the  secciid  being  awarded  to  Messrs.  Lane,  Berkharap- 
stead,  for  nearly  eqni  lly  fine  examples  of  Golden  Champion,  large  in 
bunch  and  berry,  but  quite  unripe;  Buckhind  Sweetwater,  Foster's 
White  Seedling,  Black  Prince,  and  Black  Hamburgh.  Mr.  Wallis, 
gardener  to  J.  Dixon,  Esq.,  Aske  Park.  Cougleton,  is  awarded  the 
third  prize  for  fair  examples  of  Black  Hamburgh,  Mill  Hill  Ham- 
burgh, Black  Prince,  Royal  Vineyard,  and  Black  Frontiguan.  Mr.  W. 
Colegrave,  gardener  to  S.  Davis,  Esq.,  Swerford  Park,  Enstone,  and 
Mr.  Broadbridge,  gardener  to  Sir  C.  Mordaunt,  Bart.,  Walton  House, 
Warwick,  also  exhibit. 

In  the  class  for  six  distinct  dishes  of  fruit,  offered  by  the  Local 
Prize  Fund,  there  are  five  competitor?.  Mr.  Miles,  gardener  to  Lord 
Carrington,  is  awarded  the  first  prize  for  Stillward's  Sweetwater 
Grapes,  magnificent  exomples  of  Galande  Peaches,  small  Queen  Pine, 
Elruge  Nectarines,  Elton  Cherries,  and  a  very  poor  dish  of  Straw- 
berries. Mr.  Broadbridge  is  placed  second  with  a  very  fine  dish  of 
Muscat  of  Alexandria  and  Black  Hamburgh  Grapes,  good  Grosse 
Mignonne  Peaches  (named  Barrington),  fine  Elrnge  Nectarines,  small 
Moscow  Queen,  and  a  very  poor  Trentham  Hybrid  Melon.  Mr.  J. 
"Wallis,  gardener  to  J.  Dixon,  Esq.,  Aske  Park,  is  awarded  the  third 
prize,  who  exhibits  magnificent  examples  of  Barrington  Peaches,  good 
Nectarines,  fine  Cherries,  and  Black  Hamburgh  Grapes,  the  Pine 
Apple  here  being  the  weak  point.  Mr.  Harwood,  gardener  to  E. 
Greaves,  Esq.,  M.P.,  Avonside,  Warwick,  and  Mr.  Clark,  gardener  to 
Earl  Cowper,  Brocket  Hall,  also  exhibit. 

In  Class  00,  collection  of  fruit,  twelve  dishes,  there  was  no  compe- 
tition, the  only  exhibitor  being  Mr.  W.  Clark,  gardener  to  Earl  Cowper, 
Brocket  Hall,  who  was  awarded  the  first  prize.  His  exhibition  con- 
sisted of  two  fair  Queen  Pine  Apples,  Bowood  Muscat  Grapes  quite 
green,  and  Black  Hamburgh  ditto  poor  in  colour,  very  fine  Galande 
and  Grosse  Mi^uonnc  Peaches,  Hunt's  Tawny  and  Elrnge  Nectarines, 
Early  White  Figs,  a  good  Melon,  ApricotB,  and  a  dish  of  Bigarreau 
Napoleon  Cherries. 

In  Class  63,  single,  dish  of  Black  Grapes,  there  was  a  very  excellent 
competition.  Mr.  W.  Coleman,  gardener  to  Eorl  Somers,  Eastnor 
Castle,  Ledbury,  Hereford,  who  exhibits  magnificent  examples  of  Black 
Hamburi?h,  the  bunches  weighing  over  4  lbs.,  perfect  in  bunch  and 
berry.  These  are  the  finest  examples  in  the  Exhibition,  and  arc 
awarded  the  firBt  prize.  Mr.  Smith,  gardener,  Exton  Park,  Oakham, 
is  placed  second  with  smaller  but  very  fine  exam  pies  of  the  same  ;  and 
Mr.  C.  Turner,  Slongh,  the  third,  with  small  bunches,  but  well-finished 
examples  of  the  same  variety.  Mr.  J.  Ratty,  gardener  to  J.  Scbolc- 
field,  Esq.,  Turville  Park,  Henley-on-Thamos,  stages  good  examples 
of  Black  Prince.     Mr.  Colegrave  also  exhibits. 

In  Class  64,  three  dishes  of  Muscats,  the  competition  was  also  good. 
The  first  prize  is  awarded  to  Mr.  J.  Thomas,  gardener  to  Mrs.  T.Drake 


Bignell,  Bicester,  who  shows  splendid  examples  of  Muscat  beautifully 
ripened,  and  very  perfect  in  every  respect ;  Mr.  Turner,  of  Slough, 
being  placed  second  with  nearly  equally  good  examples  of  the  same, 
but  scarcely  so  good  in  colour;  Mr.  Janson,  gardener  to  T.  Statter, 
Esq.,  Stand  Hall,  Manchester,  is  awarded  the  third  prize  for  very  good 
examples  of  the  same.  Mr.  W.  Colegrave  exhibits  also  fine  examples 
of  Buckland  Sweetwater,  large  in  bunch  aud  berry. 

In  Class  65,  baskets  of  l'i  lbs.  of  Grapes,  a  very  good  competition 
tikes  place.  Mr.  Coleman  is  placed  first  with  fine  examples  of  Black 
Hamburgh ;  and  Mr.  Thomas,  second,  with  good  Muscats.  Mr. 
Smith,  gardener  to  H.  Walker,  Esq.,  Calderstoue.  Liverpool,  with* 
Black  Hamburgh ;  and  Mr.  Standish,  The  Royal  Nurseries,  Ascot, 
with  Royal  Ascot,  are  placed  equal  third  with  really  excellent  examples. 
Mr.  Ward,  gardener  to  T.  N.  Miller,  Esq.,  Bishop's  Stortford,  ex- 
hibited a  most  magnificent  basket  of  Gros  Colman,  with  berries  o£ 
enormous  size,  and  of  truly  beautiful  appearance,  to  which  an  extra, 
prize  was  awarded.  These  were  extremely  meritorious.  For  appear- 
ance this  Grape  surpasses  all,  but  in  flavour  is  very  inferior.  Mr. 
Smith,  gardener,  Exton  Park,  exhibits  a  fine  lot  of  a  Black  Ham- 
burgh ;  and  Mr.  Jan?on  has  also  an  excellent  basket  of  Black  Ham- 
burgh and  Canon  Hall  Muscat.  Mr.  Broadbridge.  gardener  to  Sir 
C.  Mordaunt,  and  Mr.  C.  Turner  also  exhibit. 

Iu  Class  61,  three  Pine  Apples,  the  competition  is  very  good, 
seven  lots  being  staged.  Mr.  Paten,  gardener  to  H.  S.  Lucey,  Esq., 
Charlotte  Park,  Warwick,  is  placed  first  with  three  handsome,  well- 
coloured  fruits  of  two  Moscow  Queens  and  a  Smooth  Cayenne,  the 
second  prize  being  awarded  to  Mr.  C.  Allen,  gardener  to  J.  Clegg, 
Esq.,  Withington  Hall,  Cheshire,  with  three  handsome  Providence,, 
very  even  in  size,  and  well  finished-oil",  Mr.  Gardiner,  of  Eatington 
Park,  coming-in  third  with  two  very  even  Moscow  Queens,  and  a  very 
good  Providence.  Mr.  G.  Ward  is  third  with  Charlotte  Rothschild, 
7  lbs.  10  ozs.,  and  a  Smooth  Cayenne,  7  lbs.  These  are  rather  over- 
ripe. For  single  Pine  Apples,  the  first  prize  wa3  again  awarded  to 
Mr.  Paton,  for  a  well-ripened  Enville  Queen  with  a  number  of  crownB, 
weighing  S  lbs.  14  ozs.  The  second  prize  went  to  Mr.  Gardiner,  and 
the  third  to  Mr.  Ward. 

In  Clas6  6G,  Peaches,  single  dish,  Mr.  J.  Wallis,  Astle  Park,  is 
placed  first  with  very  excellent  examples  of  Barrington.  Mr.  Miles, 
second  with  the  same  ;  and  Mr.  Sage,  gardener  to  Lord  Brownlow, 
third  with  Bellegarde.  Mr.  Ratty,  gardener,  Turville  Park,  showed 
excellent  examples  of  Galande. 

Nectarines  are  not  well  represented,  excepting  in  the  prize  lots. 
The  first  prize  went  to  Mr.  H.  Take,  gardener  to  R.  Nicholls,  Esq., 
Brunley,  Leeds,  for  good  Violettc  Hativs  ;  and  Mr.  Miller,  Worksop 
Manor,  was  second  for  the  same  ;  Mi-.  James,  gardener  to  the  Duke  of 
Newcastle,  is  third.  Good  examples  of  Hunt's  Tawny  are  shown  by 
Mr.  Turner,  and  Elruge  by  Mr.  J.  Day.  gardener  to  A.  Seymour,  Esq.,, 
Norton  Hull,  Daventry. 

Apricots  are  but  poorly  shown  ;  Mr.  Smith,  gardener  to  the  Earl  ot 
Gainsborough,  being  placed  first  wi  h  Blenheim,  and  Mr.  Eaiiey 
second  with  Moorpark. 

In  Figs,  the  first  prize  is  very  deservedly  awarded  to  Mr.  Sage, 
gardener,  Ashridge  Park,  for  iiuely-ripened  Brown  Turkey  ;  the 
second  to  Mr.  Harvey,  gardener  to  P.  Wronghton,  Esq.,  Woolley  Park, 
Wantage,  for  the  same;  and  the  third  to  Mr.  J.  Day  for  Marseilles. 

Iu  Cherries  there  is  a  good  display  ;  Mr.  Turner,  of  Slough,  being; 
placed  first  with  Bigarreaus,  and  Mr.  J.  J.  Chater,  Gonrille  Nurseries, 
Cambridge,  second  with  the  same  ;  third  to  Mr.  Smith,  Exton. 

Strawberries,  six  dishes — there  is  only  one  exhibition,  by  Mr.  D.  T. 
Irvine,  gardener  to  the  Duke  of  Hamilton,  Kaston  Park,  Wickham 
Market,  who  is  awarded  the  first  prize  for  Crimson  Queen,  Nimrod, 
Frogmore  Late  Pine,  Sir  C.  Napier,  Myatt's  Surprise,  British  Queen. 

Strawberries,  single  dish.  The  first  prize  is  awarded  to  Mr- 
Maunder,  gardener  to  the  Earl  of  Abingdon,  Wytham  Abbey,  Berks,. 
for  excellent  Eleanor;  the  second  to  Mr.  T.  Elcoine,  Rung  Gardens, 
Corwen,  for  British  Queen,  very  good. 

In  the  classes  for  Melons  there  is,  as  usual,  a  strong  competition, 
In  the  class  for  green-fleshed,  twenty-four  varieties  being  staged,  the 
first  prize  is  awarded  to  Mr.  Gardinei,  of  Eatington  Park,  for  Golden 
Perfection,  the  second  to  Mr.  James,  gardener  to  the  Duke  of  Leinster, 
Carton,  Maynooth,  and  the  third  to  Mr.  D.  T.  Fish  for  a  f;reen- 
tleshed  variety,  named  Turner's  Scarlet-fleshed.  In  Searlet-fleshed  the 
first  prize  is  awarded  to  Mr.  Bailey  for  Boyal  Ascot,  the  second  to 
Mr.  Carniiehael.  Sandringham,  and  the  third  to  Mr.  Earley. 

Plums  are  poorly  shown.  Mr.  Miles,  gardener  to  Loid  Carrington, 
is  first  with  Kirke's,  Mr.  Janson  second  with  the  Peach,  and  Mr.  Lockie 
third  with  July  Green  Gage. 

Out-door  fruits,  four  dishes.  Two  equal  first  prizes  are  awarded  to 
Mr.  Turner,  of  Slough,  for  very  excellent  Frogmore  Late  Pine  Straw- 
berries .large  Early  Apricots,  Black  and  White  Cherries  ;  and  to  Mr. 
T.  S-  Irvine,  gardener  to  the  Duke  of  Hamilton,  for  well-kept  Northern 
Greening  Apples,  Black  Circassian  Cherries,  British  Queen  Straw- 
berries, and  Black  Currants. 

In  Class  111,  prizes  offered  by  H.  M.  Gammon,  Esq.,  for  three 
varieties  of  Vines  in  pots,  Messrs.  Lauo  it  Son,  of  Beriibnmpstead 
are  the  only  competitors.  They  exhibit  three  Very  large  plants  in 
pots  10  inches  in  diameter,  profusely  laden  with  fruit,  which  is, 
however,  of  not  much  merit.  The  varieties  are  Foster's  White  Seed- 
ling, Black  Hamburgh,  aud  Royal  Ascot.  The  first  prize  was  awarded. 

In   ClasB  11'2,  six  orchard-house  trees  in  pots;  the  prizes  offered 


July  21,  1870.  ) 


JOUBNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


17 


ly  the  Baroness  Wenman,  H.  Wykeham,  Esq.,  and  H.  C.  Tawney, 
Isq.,  Messrs.  Lane  again  had  the  field  to  themselves,  and  were 
awarded  the  first  prize  for  very  fair  examples  of  a  Peach  and  Nec- 
tarine, Apple  and  Pear,  Plnm  and  Cherry.  The  exhibition  here  is, 
h&wever,  by  no  means  so  good  as  we  could  have  expected. 
Vegetables  will  be  noticed  next  week. 


Fruit  Committee,  Juhj  20(7;.— G.  F.  Wilson,  Esq.,  F.R.S.,  in  the 
chair.  Messrs.  Standish  &  Co.,  of  Ascot,  Bent  a  seedling  Grape  called 
Citronelle  Mnscat,  in  appearance  much  like  Chasselas  Mnsque,  and 
much  resembling  it  in  flavour.  The  Committee  requested  that  it 
should  be  sent  again  later  in  the  season.  Mr.  Eckford,  gardener  to 
the  Earl  of  Radnor,  Coleshill,  again  sent  his  seedling  Grape,  named 
Coleshsll  White  Hamburgh,  which  too  closely  resembles  the  old  White 
Tokay,  to  be  of  any  value  as  a  new  variety.  From  Mr.  Anderson, 
gardener  to  the  Earl  of  Stair,  Oxenford  Castle,  came  a  seedling  Straw- 
berry, named  Moffutt's  Duke  of  Edinburgh,  raised  from  Keens'  Seed- 
ling, crossod  with  Elton  Pine.  Fruit  very  large  and  extremely  hand- 
Borne,  but  very  deficient  in  flavour.  Mr.  T.  Elcome,  Rhug  Gardens, 
Corwen,  sent  a  seedling  Strawberry  named  Owen  Glendower,  but  of 
no  merit.  Mr.  Gilbert,  Burleigh  Park,  scut  a  seedling  Cherry,  raised 
at  Bnrleigh  more  than  thirty  years  ago.  It  was  somewhat  in  appear- 
ance  like  Bigarrcan  Napoleon,  but  more  acid.  It  received  a  first-class 
certificate.  Mr.  Smith,  gardener  to  the  Earl  of  Gainsborough,  sent 
some  Scarlet  Gem  Melons,  stated  to  have  been  grown  in  the  open 
air.  Mr.  G.  Lee,  Clevedon,  Somerset,  sent  Lee's  Prolific  Black 
Currant,  which  had  before  received  a  certificate. 


EXTRACTS  FROM  THE  REPORT  ON  THE 
BRISBANE  BOTANIC  GARDENS. 

Encouraged  by  the  great  success  of  the  growth  of  the  Palms 
and  the  Cycads  made  in  the  compartment  of  ground  set  apart 
for  them  near  the  aviary,  and  the  great  interest  taken  in  them, 
a  new  plantation  has  been  foimed  adjacent  to  the  residence  of 
the  Director,  and  many  of  these  graceful  and  highly  useful 
trees  have  already  attained  to  dimensions  of  considerable  im- 
portance ;  they  consist  of  the  Cocoa  Nut  (Cocos  nucifera),  the 
African  Oil  Palm  (Elais  guinensis),  the  Date  Palm  (Phctnix 
dactylifero),  the  Wine  Palm  (Caryola  mens),  the  Cabbage  P*lm 
(Oreodoxa  regis),  the  Sago  Palm  (Sagus  Knmpbii),  the  S»go 
Palm  of  Queensland  (Sigus  Blackalli),  the  Wax  Palm  (Ceroxy- 
lon  andicola),  the  Betel  Nut  (Areca  catechu),  &c. 

Of  the  fibrous  plants  the  China  Grass-cloth  plant  (Bcchmeria 
nivea),  still  continues  to  thrive  exceedingly  well,  but  though 
many  have  essayed  to  prepare  it  for  manufacturing  purposes, 
all  have  most  sigually  failed.  It  has  been  experimented  on  by 
those  who  have  spared  no  pains,  and  on  every  occasion  with 
similar  results.  The  remaining  fibrous  plants  consisting  of  the 
Jute  (Corchorus  capsulaiis),  the  Sun  Hemp(Crotalaria  juncea), 
the  Queensland  Hemp  (Sida  retusa),  <fcc,  are  thriving,  and 
gradually  gaining  favour  Rmong  those  interested  in  the  culti- 
vation of  what  may  yet  become  a  new  and  important  branch 
of  industry.  The  Cotton  Plant  was  doing  extremely  well  np  to 
the  late  rains,  which,  however,  have  severely  checked  its  deve- 
lopment. Some  five  or  six  varieties  have  been  furnished  to 
this  department,  during  the  six  months,  for  experimental  pur- 
poses, and  are  now  bearing ;  one  or  two  of  these  varieties 
promise  to  prove  an  acquisition  to  Queensland  planters. 

Of  the  dye  plants  the  Indigofera  tiuctoria  (Indigo),  the  Rubia 
tinctorum  (Maddei),  the  Lawsonia  inermis  (Henna  plant),  and 
the  Cochineal  insect,  &c,  still  continue  to  prove  their  adapta- 
bility for  successful  cultivation  in  Queensland. 


THE   STAPLEHURST  ROLLER  BARROW. 

All  who  have  grass  lawns,  and  flower  beds  around  them  or 
in  these,  know  full  well  how  very  inconvenient  it  is  to  go  to 
work  on  them  with  a  barrow,  especially  after  wet ;  the  wheel 
makes  such  marks  in  the  grass  that  the  work  seems  almost 
useless.  I  have  lately  seen  a  very  ingenious  contrivance  brought 
out  by  Messrs.  Pollard,  Urquhart,  &  Co.,  of  Bear  Garden, 
Southwark,  entitled  the  roller  barrow  ;  it  is  made  of  iron,  and 
there  is  no  wheel,  but  in  lieu  of  it  there  is  a  broad  roller, 
which,  instead  of  making  marks  and  spoiling  the  grass,  really 
improves  it,  and,  of  course,  the  fuller  the  barrow  the  better  is 
the  result  produced.  It  is  exceedingly  light,  can  be  moved  by 
a  boy,  and  is,  I  think,  a  contrivance  well  worthy  of  attention 
by  all  those  who  pride  themselves  upon  the  condition  of  their 
grass ;  it  will  also  save  the  tearing-up  of  walks  by  the  wheel, 
fcanrow  in  wet  weather.    With  care  it  is  likely  to  last  a  lifetime. 


and  thus  again  has  an  advantage  over  the  old  wooden  barrow- 
— D.,  Deal. 

[Wa  conclude  that  the  Staplehurst  barrow  is  the  same  as 
that  described  as  follows  in  the  English  Mechanic  and  Mirror  uf 
Science.  "  The  peculiarity  of  this  ingenious  invention  is,  that 
it  causes  no  unsightly  scores  or  marks  upon  lawns  or  walks  in 
wet  weather,  when  the  use  of  the  ordinary  wheelbarrow  is  a 
source  of  constant  disfigurement.  It  is  easily  worked  by  a  boy, 
though  it  can  be  rendered  of  any  weight  desired  by  filling  it  up 
with  ballast,  the  load  being  discharged  at  once  by  tipping  the 


handle.  It  is  very  serviceable  for  bedding-out  plants,  carrying 
away  cut  grass  or  turf,  gathering  up  leaves,  or  when  manuring 
the  ground.  The  roller  barrow  is  equally  adapted  for  grass 
lands  where  horses  and  carte  cannot  be  employed,  and  for 
croquet  lawns,  being  always  sufficiently  light  to  be  managed  in 
case  of  need  by  a  lady.  It  is  in  use  at  the  Crystal  Palace, 
Kensington,  and  other  gardens,  where  its,  handy  qualities  have 
rendered  it  a  permanent  favourite." 

Another  combination  is  of  the  roller  and  watering  eDgine, 
made  by  Mr.  J.  Dove,  17,  Exmouth  Street,  Cleikenwell. 


The  advantages  of  this  neat  little  garden  machine  may  bo 
seen  in  not  only  throwing  water  a  distance  of  about  CO  feet,  but 
of  watering  and  rolling  grass  or  gravel  walks  at  the  Bame  time, 
so  that  while  two  wheels  would  in  either  case  be  injurious,  this 
roller  absolutely  doeB  good,  and  is  so  portable  that  any  ordinary 
domestic  may  use  it. — Eds.] 


STANDARD   ROSES. 


There  is  a  trifling  art  or  secret  in  the  budding  and  preser- 
vation of  standard  Roses,  perhaps  not  observed  and  practised 
by  our  rosarians  generally.  I  refer  to  the  need  of  one  good 
bud  at  least  on  each  side  of  the  standard,  not  opposite  exactly, 
but  1J  or  2  inches  distant,  bet«ist  the  buds  on  opposite  sides, 
to  form  somewhat  equal  heads  and  flower  shoots.  And  I  allude 
to  the  necessity  of  a  clean-cut  or  sawn  standard  apex  or  point, 
not  more  than  1  inch  beyond  the  highest  bud,  aDd  protected  by 
a  oap  of  grafting  wax  or  pitch  (a  thin  patch),  to  preserve  the 
core  of  the  standard  from  decay,  and  the  wood  of  the  standard 
from  dying  down  to  the  buds,  and  the  decay  thus  reaching  and 
destroying  the  buds  also.  Long  standard  remnants  above  the 
buds  carelessly  cut  admit  the  air  and  frost  into  the  cavity  of 
the  decayed  core,  like  a  mown  Thistle  stem,  and  hence  ou? 
standard  Roses  pel  ish.  I  say  protect  the  ends  by  oapsules  or 
wax,  pitch,  or  tar  for  preservation. — Reader. 


LAWN  MOWERS. 
Having  read  the  letter  of  "  Vms  "  on  the  subject  of  ths- 
Archimedean  mower,  I  wiite  to  give  you  my  opinion  on  the*- 
value  of  the  machine.  I  have  at  present  a  30-inch  machine  of 
Green's,  and  a  15-inch  one  made  by  Kennan  of  Dublin.  The 
two  are  equally  good.  I  purchased  this  year  a  11-inch  Archi- 
medean, and  the  result  is  that  I  find  one  man  or  well-grown 
lad  can  work  it  with  greater  ease  than  a  man  and  boy  can  work 


48 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER 


[  July  21,  1B70. 


Kennan's,  which  is  much  the  same  ae  Green's.  It  does  not  do 
such  perfect  work  as  either  of  the  others,  but  the  ribbing  is  so 
regular  that  it  is  not  unsightly ;  it  has  rather  a  quaint  appear- 
ance when  seen  in  a  strong  light,  that  is  all.  It  is  much  more 
liable  to  notch  than  the  others  if  it  meets  a  stone,  but  stones 
ought  to  be  cleared  off  for  any  machine. 

I  never  sweep  after  the  Archimedean,  and  have  taken  a  hint 
from  it,  as  I  now  have  taken  off  the  box  from  my  other 
machines,  and  allow  the  grass  to  scatter.  This  is  practically 
no  eyesore,  as  the  grass  is  not  seen  after  a  few  hours,  and,  if 
too  much  gets  collected  on  one  spot,  it  is  easily  scattered  with 
a  broom. 

Another  great  advantage  the  American  mower  has — it  will 
out  the  grass  when  it  is  wet.  I  have  no  experience  as  to 
whether  it  will  cut  long  grass. — A  Subscriber,  Co.  Clare. 


NOTES  AND  GLEANINGS. 
A  Natural  History  Association  has  been  established 
at  Natal.  Besides  many  successful  researches  in  ornithology 
and  entomology,  our  contemporary  Nature  notices  that  in 
botany  the  Association  reports  a  new  climbing  Scrophulari- 
aceous  plant,  Buttonia  natalensis,  discovered  by  Mr.  E.  Button, 
and  of  a  new  Date  Palm,  detected  by  Mr.  M'Ken,  Curator  of 
the  Natal  Botanic  Gardens.  The  colony  may  be  congratulated 
on  possessing  so  energetic  a  Society. 


WORK  FOR  THE  WEEK. 

KITCHEN   GARDEN. 

As  we  have  been  favoured  with  rain  at  last,  and  aB  there  is 
some  probability  of  its  being  general,  I  cannot  do  better  than 
urge  the  importance  of  attending  at  once  to  those  crops  of  the 
kitchen  garden  which  must  constitute  the  chief  supply  for  the 
coming  winter  and  spring.  Plantiug  out  Celery  in  its  various 
stages,  Broccoli,  Cauliflowers,  Brussels  Sprouts,  Savoys,  Kale, 
and  many  other  useful  vegetables,  should  be  a  matter  of  fre- 
quent occurrence.  The  ground  from  which  early  Peas,  early 
Potatoes,  early  Beans,  Winter  Spinach,  &c,  have  been  cleared 
will  come  in  for  this  purpose.  Exhausted  plots  of  Strawberries, 
too,  after  the  fruit  is  gathered,  will  be  excellent  as  a  change  for 
the  better  Broccoli  and  Cauliflowers.  Deep  digging  and  heavy 
manuring  must  be  resorted  to  in  all  these  cases,  more  especially 
for  the  Celery,  which  cannot  be  produced  of  a  tender  and  crisp 
character,  if  lacking  manure  and  moisture.  Keep  the  suc- 
cession beds  of  Horn  Carrots  thinned  in  due  time.  A  consider- 
able breadth  of  Endive  should  be  planted  out  without  delay  ;  in 
Jact,  one-half  of  the  crop.  High  manuring  13  absolutely  neces- 
sary to  produce  this  valuable  salad  in  perfection.  In  planting 
succeeding  crops,  keep  raising  the  beds  higher  as  the  season 
declines.  Let  a  good  breadth  of  ground  be  duly  prepared  for 
Winter  Sjyinacli  forthwith,  by  thoroughly  trenching  and  bury- 
ing a  good  coat  of  half-rotten  mannro  in  the  bottom.  It  gene- 
rally succeeds  best  in  highly-raised  beds,  stagnation  being  its 
chief  enemy.  An  autumn  Mushroom  bed  should  now  be  made. 
Throw  the  dung  together  to  ferment  for  a  few  days  ;  when  half 
dry  mix  one-third  of  loamy  soil  with  it  to  keep  in  check  any 
farther  fermentation,  and  tread  or  beat  hard  whilst  building 
the  bed,  making  the  spawn  holes  immediately  the  bed  is 
finished,  to  assist  in  keeping  down  the  heat.  Strawberry  run- 
ners should  be  procured  for  new  plantations  without  delay. 
Those  who  cannot  spare  ground  for  a  new  plantation  may  prick 
them  out  in  prepared  beds  about  6  inches  apart,  and  remove 
them  with  balls  iu  October  or  the  early  part  of  February. 

FLOWER  GARDEN. 

No  flower  is  more  popular  or  more  useful  than  the  Rose, 
whether  as  standards  by  the  sides  of  promenades,  in  bed3  or 
masses,  festooned  about  pillars,  or  enlivening  the  conservatory 
in  th9  depth  of  winter.  For  all  these  purposes  Eoses  demand 
a  considerable  share  of  attention,  especially  at  this  period. 
Budding,  cutting-striking,  final  pottiug,  &e.,  are  processes  of 
paramount  importance  at  tho  present  moment.  The  Hybrid 
Perpetuals,  Teas,  Bourbons,  and  Chinas  are  the  most  eligible 
classes  from  which  to  select  kinds  for  pot  culture.  The  follow- 
ing are  good  old  kinds  for  a  winter  collection  on  aocount  of 
their  general  utility  : — Devoniensis,  Cramoisie  Superieure,  La 
Paetole,  Caroline,  Elise  Sauvage,  Cimte  d'Eu,  Coupe  d'Hebe, 
Prince  d  Esterhazy,  William  Jesse,  Pi  iucess  Maria,  Clara  Sylvain, 
Aubernon,  La  Beioe,  Madame  Laffay,  Duchess  of  Sutherland, 
Earl  Talbot,  Belle  de  Florence,  Bourbon  Qaeen,  and  Crimson 
Perpetual.    The  Persian  Yellow  and  Harrisoni  have  also  been 


found  to  force  tolerably  well.  Proceed  with  Rose-budding 
without  delay.  Keep  down  all  Buckers,  and  clear  the  stems  of 
wild  shoots.  See  that  all  heps  are  cut  away  from  those  which 
blossomed  early ;  these  exhaust  the  plants  much.  Strong 
shoots  of  Chrysanthemums  may  now  be  layered  in  pots  to  pro- 
duce dwarf  and  compact  bushes.  Those  in  pots  may  soon 
receive  their  final  shift.  The  layering  of  Carnations  and 
Picotees  must  be  proceeded  with  as  rapidly  as  possible,  it  being 
a  point  of  great  importance  to  have  the  plants  well  rooted  and 
established  before  placing  them  in  their  winter  quarters.  Moro 
of  the  next  year's  success,  a3  to  fine,  healthy  growth,  &c, 
depends  on  attention  to  this  matter  than  many  people  are 
aware  of.  All  Beedling  plants  should  be  marked  and  layered, 
noting  their  various  properties  as  to  form,  colour,  texture, 
pod,  See.  Should  any  seedling,  otherwise  fiue,  have  serrated 
petals,  it  will  be  advisable  to  propagate  it,  as  growing  it  in 
another  situation  may,  to  a  certain  degree,  rectify  this  defect, 
for  seme  of  our  best  varieties  will  come  occasionally,  when 
poorly  grown,  very  rough  on  the  edge.  As  the  blooms  decay, 
extract  the  faded  petals.  Amongst  the  best  old  flowers  are 
Matthew's  Enchantress,  purple  Picotee;  Fletcher's  Ne  plus 
Ultra,  light  purple  ;  Barrenger's  Unique,  red  Picotee  ;  Gatliff's 
Proconsul,  a  very  fiuo  heavy-edged  rose  Picotee  of  extra  form 
and  substance ;  and  Easom's  Admiral  Curzon,  scarlet  bizarre 
Carnation.  Plant  out  rooted  cuttings  of  Pinks  on  beds  of  well- 
prepared  soil,  but  not  too  rich.  A  second  crop  of  pipings  may 
also  be  inserted  whero  an  increase  of  stock  is  required.  Seed 
may  also  be  gathered,  retaining  rather  long  stalks ;  tie  half  a 
dozen  together,  and  allow  them  to  dry  well,  after  which  the 
head3  or  pods  of  seed  may  be  put  in  small  paper  bags,  which 
may  be  fastened  round  the  stems  and  then  hung  up  in  a  dry, 
airy  situation  till  wanted.  Seedling  Auriculas  which  had  been 
put  out  in  pans  or  boxes  in  spring  will  now  have  attained  a 
considerable  size  ;  they  may  be  potted  in  pint  pots  (singly)  in 
equal  parts  of  good  sound  loam  and  leaf  mould,  and  placed  in 
the  shade. 

GREENHOUSE    AND   CONSERVATORY. 

The  pot  Roses  intended  to  flower  in  the  conservatory  late  in 
the  autumn  should  now  receive  whatever  pruning  is  necessary. 
All  those  which  require  a  shift  should  have  it  forthwith,  in 
order  that  they  may  havo  their  pots  full  of  healthy  roots  by  the 
flowering  period ;  this,  and  the  application  of  liquid  manure, 
togother  with  a  sweet  and  mild  atmosphere,  will  perform 
wonders.  After  these  operations  they  should  be  placed  in 
some  open  and  airy  spot,  and  if  pluuged  in  ashes  they  should 
be  frequently  turned,  or  the  interior  of  the  pot  will  be  without 
fibrous  roots.  Give  them  regular  waterings,  and  persist  in 
picking  off  all  blossom  buds  as  they  appear  from  those  required 
to  blossom  in  November  and  December.  Let  the  Camellia 
buds  have  a  thinning  as  soon  as  possible.  Look  out  and  en- 
oourage  a  lot  of  good  things  for  a  late  autumn  display.  Fuchsias 
and  Achimenes  in  succession,  and  even  choice  Verbenas  in 
somewhat  thick  masses  in  wide-mouthed  pots,  will  add  to  the 
general  effect.  Remember  that  all  those  plants  required  to 
blossom  in  midwinter  must  have  their  final  shift  betimes. 
There  is  no  success  in  forcing,  or  even  retarding,  without  a  pot- 
ful  of  roots. 

STOVE. 

Stove  plants  in  general  have  made  a  good  growth  ;  the  next 
point  is  to  have  the  growth  matured.  To  this  end  give  a  still 
freer  circulation  of  air,  and  avoid  shading  a3  much  as  possible. 
The  propriety  of  a  second  house  for  Orchids  will  be  more  readily 
seen  at  this  period  than,  perhaps,  any  other.  The  early- 
growing  kinds,  several  of  which  are  winter  or  early-spring 
bloomers,  will  row  require  the  withdrawal  of  a  portion  of  the 
atmospheric  moisture  still  necessary  to  many  others.  Several 
of  them,  such  as  the  Cattleyas,  might  be  removed  to  a  vinery 
wore  it  not  for  the  attack  of  snails  and  slugs.  In  cases  where 
the  whole  stock  must  be  grown  in  one  house,  it  is  advisable  to 
keep  a  free  circulation  of  air  by  day  at  this  period,  and  even  all 
night ;  if  possible,  endeavour  to  have  a  good  source  of  atmo- 
spheric moisture  in  the  latter  half  of  the  day,  and  dispense 
with  shading  as  much  as  possible. — W.  Keane. 


DOINGS   OF   THE   LAST    WEEK. 

KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

Dry  as  ever,  but  we  never  had  better  Lettuces  for  all  the 
heat,  and  that  chiefly  owing  to  sowing  them,  and  thinning  and 
mulching.  The  roots  catered  for  themselves.  Transplanting 
Lettuoes  without  watering  and  shading  in  such  weather  would 


July  21,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


i'J 


be  merely  labour  thrown  away.  M  ilched  Peas,  Beans,  C  luli- 
flowers,  &i.,  with  anything  ami  everything  we  could  get  hold 
of,  and  it  is  wonderful  how  the  mulching  tells  in  relieving  the 
roots  and  euabling  them  to  pump  up  moisture  to  meet  the  de- 
mands of  the  snn  on  the  largo  foliage.  All  in  all,  we  have  never 
had  better  Ciuliflower,  but  it  has  given  us  extra  trouble  and 
labour.  Again,  never  had  we  better  Ashleaved  Kidney  Potatoes, 
and  never  earlier  out  of  doors,  and  yet  the  soil  about  them  and 
around  them  was  as  dry  as  chut.  Liter  kinds,  however,  are 
not  doing  so  well,  soms  of  them  are  tubering  slowly.  Even 
Early  Sbaws,  pretty  early,  and  generally  a  great  bearer,  is  far 
from  equalling  the  Kidneys.  Myatt's  Ashleaf  is  perhips  the 
best  for  forcing,  but  the  Proline  of  others  is  fine  for  out-door 
work.  We  attribute  the  greit  yield  in  our  case  partly  to  a 
dressing  of  lime  which  the  ground  had  not  recoivod  for  many 
years.  This  helped  to  deouipose  more  rapidly  the  organic 
matter  in  the  soil,  and  helped  also  to  mike  the  soil  a  better 
retainer  and  absorber  of  moisture,  Lnwover  obtained.  We  fear, 
if  this  dryness  continues,  the  haulm  of  the  late  kinds  will  wither 
before  the  tubers  ripen.  The  dryness  his  force!  us  to  make 
some  plautiug  depend  on  our  ability  to  give  a  watering  when 
first  turned  out.  Thj.se  moved  with  bills  hold  their  own  pretty 
well ;  those  turned  out  with  the  dibbsr  huug  their  heads  unless 
they  had  moisture  at  the  roots. 

Wa  were  pleased  to  notice  the  communication  of  Mr.  Cistle, 
at  page  11,  on  no  watering.  Oar  attention  ha3  been  directed  to 
it  by  several  amateur  correspondents,  who  say  they  are  in  a 
perfect  maze  betweon  our  little  and  peculiar  watering  at  the 
roots  beneath,  and  keeping  the  surface  as  much  as  possible  dry, 
and  Mr.  Castle's  no  watering  at  all.  In  our  circumstances, 
even  at  bedding-out  time,  and  watering  our  plants  iu  beds 
and  trenches  previously,  aud  lifting  the  plants  with  balls  well 
moistened,  and  planting  them  at  once  iu  the  moistest  soil,  we 
could  not  hivo  done  without  a  little  watering  to  settle  the  roots, 
and  encourage  them  to  progress,  because  our  soil  was  in  general 
so  dry,  and  wo  only  secured  a  little  moisture  beneath  by  keeping 
the  soil  there,  and  not  bringing  it  to  the  surface.  The  great 
key  to  the  difference  between  onr  treatment  aud  that  of  Mr. 
Castle,  and  both  we  presutne  successful,  is  to  be  found  in  the 
statement,  page  It — "  Between  March  and  May  we  have  tnuoh 
cold  weather."  The  plants  being,  therefore,  well  waters  I  as 
often  recommended  baforehaud,  the  roots  have  a  comparatively 
moist  soil  to  go  into,  and,  therefore,  need  but  little  wateiing, 
though  a  little  given  at  the  roots,  aud  not  a  surface  dressing, 
would  have  done  iu  our  opinion  no  harm,  but  soma  good  as 
preventing  anything  like  a  check.  We  are  quite  as  much 
opposed  as  Mr.  Cisile  to  every-day  watering.  We  kuo.v  that  in 
many  circumstances  the  cold  thus  produced  by  rapid  evapor- 
ation cools  the  roots  of  the  plant,  but  that  is  not  owing  to  the 
water  in  these  circumstances  being  colder  than  the  soil  im- 
mediately rouud  tho  roots,  unless  trouble  has  bsou  taken  to 
turn  down  sunbeams,  or  in  other  words  tho  heated  soil  of  th9 
surface,  for  water  fully  exposed  will  geuerally  be  found  little  or 
no  colder  than  the  soil  within  -4  or  6  inches  of  the  surtace, 
unless  that  has  been  artificially  hoattd  by  the  turning-down 
mode  j  ist  referred  to,  and  tlut  plan,  however  good  ia  general, 
we  could  not  practise  this  year,  as  if  we  had  done  so,  the  soil 
to  the  depth  cf  tho  turning  would  have  been  like  so  much 
ashes  taken  from  under  a  grate.  It  is  the  rapid  evaporation 
from  the  surface  that  cools  tho  soil ;  but,  then,  that  is  avoided 
when  the  watering  is  so  given  as  to  leave  a  dry  surface.  We  have 
stated  how  dry  soma  of  our  dug  soil  was  to  the  depth  of  2  feet. 
The  other  day  men  were  making  holes  for  the  posts  of  a  new 
fence  in  a  meadow,  and  to  the  depth  of  16  inches  the  soil  was 
perfectly  dry,  notwithstanding  that  the  surface  was  covered 
with  rough  horbaga.  Further  down  you  could  first  find  traces 
of  moisture,  aud  then  enough  of  it  for  anything.  Now  to 
plant  with  even  moistened  balls,  and  still  more  with  a  dibber, 
in  such  thoroughly- dried  ground  would  just  be  labour  thrown 
away.  Circumstances  thus  entirely  alter  the  treatment  that 
should  be  given.  Where  there  has  been  plenty  of  wet  weather 
up  to  May,  planting  out  in  the  end  of  May  may  be  done  very 
differently  to  what  would  be  required  in  case3  where  there  has 
scarcely  been  a  good  rain  since  the  beginning  of  th9  year.  In 
general,  too,  on  the  west  coast  the  atmosphere  is  more  chargod 
with  vapour,  and  there  are  more  passing  aud  frequent  showers 
than  in  the  midland  and  eastern  counties  of  the  island.  It 
used  to  be  said  there  was  scarcely  a  day  without  a  shower  in 
B5me  parts  of  tha  west  of  Sjotland.  As  the  heat  and  drought 
of  the  summer  progressed  we  found  a  little  water  at  the  roots, 
still  more  essential  at  all  fresh  plantings  and  sowings.  After 
the  yery  hot  days,  had  we    the  water  we  would  have  been 


tempted  to  have  given  some  of  the  tenderest  things  a  skiff 
from  the  syringe  or  garden  engine,  just  to  refresh  the  foliage, 
as  what  little  fell  on  the  heatel  soil  would  be  quickly  raised  in 
vapour,  and  thus  help  to  give  what  Nature  had  refused  to  give 
for  weeks — a  gentle  dew.  For  a  couple  of  months  we  have 
rarely  had  anything  worthy  of  the  name  of  a  dewy  morning. 
In  the  moistest  fait  of  ground  we  had  we  turned  out  strong 
Cauliflower  plants  with  large  balls,  and  though  we  shaded  them 
a  little,  we  soon  fonud  we  would  have  heads  like  buttons  and 
spinning  top3  if  we  could  not  have  watered  wi.h  6ven  dirty 
water.  Personally  we  feel  obliged  to  Mr.  Castle  for  his  pithy 
article.  Extremes  often  meet.  The  freqnout  or  every-day 
waterer  of  plants  in  the  open  ground  may  be  led  to  see  that 
there  may  be  too  much  of  a  good  thing.  The  advocate  of  "  no 
watering"  may  come  to  the  conclusion  that  "  once  watering," 
or  even  "  judioious  watering,"  does  not  involve  "  always  water- 
ing," and  those  who  are  now  somewhat  bewildered  by  differences 
of  opiuion,  may  seo  daylight  through  their  difficulties  by  re- 
membering that  different  circumstances  as  to  soil  aud  climate 
require  some  difference  in  management.  We  have  no  doubt 
whatever  that  many  of  our  friends  with  water  at  full  command 
water  their  plants  into  disease  and  dissolution. 

Muslirooms. — "  Anxious,"  fond  of  Mushrooms,  but  hitherto 
unsuccessful,  with  a  low  close  shed  18  feet  long  and  11  feet 
wide,  aud  having  about  a  bushel  and  a  half  of  horse  droppings 
every  day,  with  about  as  much  of  littery  straw,  wants  to  know 
how  to  get  the  moat  Mushrooms  most  easily.  In  such  a  case, 
as  the  beds  are  to  be  on  the  floor,  we  would  divide  our  space  into 
four  equal  parts,  with  a  walk  of  2  feet  or  30  inches  down  the 
centre.  Tuis  would  give  room  for  four  beds  9  feet  long  and 
rather  more  than  4  feet  iu  width.  Our  shallowest  beds  we 
would  have  about  12  inches  deep  in  front,  and  from  15  to 
18  inches  deep  at  hack.  For  winter  work  we  would  have  them 
a  little  deeper,  and  depend  on  surface  covering  to  keep  up  tho 
necessary  heat.  Now,  there  are  many  ways  of  making  such 
beds.  We  will  put  ourselves  just  in  the  position  of  "  Anxious," 
and  advise  him  to  do  as  we  have  frequently  done.  Collect 
the  droppings  with  nearly  an  equal  portion  of  short  litter  for 
a  week  or  ten  days,  and  lay  them  in  any  place  not  too  thickly, 
where  no  rain  will  fall  on  them.  Then  add  a  barrowload  or 
two  of  dry  soil,  mix  all  together,  and  make  this  the  base  of  the 
9-feet  bed.  Beat  it  firmly  together,  aud  it  will  heat  yery 
moderately.  Then  every  second  day  add  the  dropi  iuga,  and 
the  same  amount  of  short,  dryish  litter  all  over,  tread  or  beat, 
and  then  put  a  little  dry  soil  over.  Continue  the  process  until 
the  necessary  height  is  secured,  a3  referred  to  above,  for  the 
different  seasons.  By  this  plan,  as  will  be  perceived,  the  bed 
will  never  become  very  hot,  and  the  bulk  of  the  manure  will  be 
fresh — full  of  nitrogenous  matter — and,  therefore,  capable  of 
carrying  a  heavy  crop  of  Mushrooms.  We  have  tried  many 
moJes,  and  successfully  too,  but  never  one  with  more  success 
than  the  above,  and  it  is  peculiarly  applicable  where  a  bushel 
or  so  of  droppings  can  be  obtained  every  day.  The  success 
will  greatly  depend  on  preventing  overheating  by  tho  frequent 
beating  and  the  adding  of  a  little  dry  earth.  Street  sweepings 
or  road  scrapings  wheu  dry  are  admirable  for  4hi3  purpose 
People  are  slow  t)  learn  that  fermenting  material,  as  dung,  wil. 
heat  mildly  and  keep  up  the  heat  long  in  proportion  as  it  isl 
so  consolidated  as  to  keep  out  air,  or  rather  prevent  its  free 
entrance.  By  such  a  mode  the  manure  is  not  exhausted  as 
it  often  is  when  thrown  into  a  li9ap  and  allowed  to  ferment 
freely. 

If  we  had  the  droppings  of  a  single  horse  aud  had  leisure, 
the  above  is  the  mode  we  would  adopt.  Why  do  you  not  adopt 
it  now  ?  Just  because  we  could  not  easily  get  the  droppings 
regularly,  and  amidst  tho  multiplicity  of  matters  demanding 
attention  we  should  not  be  able  to  attend  to  Mushroom-bed- 
making  every  day  or  every  other  day.  Those  who  try  the  plan, 
however,  will  soon  be  satisfied  that  manure  cannot  be  put  in 
the  beds  too  fresh,  provided  the  layers  are  so  thin  and  com- 
pressed that  violent  heating  is  avoided.  Such  beds  generally 
become  a  mass  of  spawn,  and  continue  bearing  a  long  time. 
A  peculiar  treatment,  however,  has  something  to  do  with  long 
bearing.  When  the  beds  seem  a  little  exhausted  it  is  well  to 
sweep  them  clean,  and  allow  the  surface  to  become  a  little  dry. 
Then,  in  eight  or  ten  day?,  make  a  few  small  ho!e3  over  the 
bed,  and  give  a  good  watering  with  water  at  from  80°  to  90°,  so 
that  the  water  wil!  pass  down  into  the  manure,  pat  the  bed 
gently  over  with  the  back  of  a  clean  spade,  coyer  with  clean 
Utter  to  keep  in  tho  heat  and  moisture,  and  often  in  such 
cases  in  a  week  or  two  you  will  have  a  white  carpet  of  Mush- 
rooms. 


•50 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  July  21,  1970. 


Much  depends  on  the  spawning.  Be  sure  the  heat  of  the 
bed  is  on  the  decline  before  inserting  pieces  of  spawn  about  the 
size  of  a  walnut — if  the  spawn  is  good,  about  8  inches  apart. 
At  spawning,  the  heat  of  the  bed  should  be  about  80'.  If  after 
spawning  the  heat  should  seem  to  fall  a  little,  add  from  half  an 
inch  to  an  inch  of  fresh  droppings  all  over  the  bed,  and  if  the 
temperature  keep  all  right  do  not  be  long  in  adding,  as  a 
.covering,  from  1  to  2  inches  of  earth;  1J  is  a  good  medium 
thickness.  When  the  spawn  runs  it  will  make  heat  enough  for 
itself.  To  assist  it  at  first,  a  little  covering  over  the  bed  is 
useful,  but  not  so  much  as  to  cause  the  bed  to  be  overheated. 
The  general  management  has  often  been  given,  and  in  varied 
circumstances. 

The  above  method  is  chiefly  applicable  in  cases  where  it 
would  be  desirable  to  get  rid,  or  nearly  so,  of  all  labour  in  pre- 
paring the  materials.  We  Bpeak  confidently,  because  from 
frequent  practice.  In  fact,  other  matters  attended  to,  as  care 
of  heat  at  spawning,  &c,  we  are  quite  sure  that  the  best  and 
the  most  lasting  crops  are  obtained  from  beds  where  the  ma- 
nure used  is  freshest,  and  least  exhausted  by  heating  previously. 
The  placing  thin  layers  on  the  bed,  and  consolidating  as  you 
go,  keeps  up  the  freshness  and  prevents  exhaustion  from  over- 
heating at  first.  We  may  here  add  that  the  materials  referred 
to  are  the  best  for  Mushroom  beds  ;  we  have  been  forced  to  be 
content  with  very  inferior  material,  but  we  always  liked  to  have 
a  surfacing  of  such  horse  droppings,  except  when  we  had  fer- 
mented common  dung  for  the  purpose,  as  used  to  be  done  for 
Cucumber  and  Melon  frames.  The  half-decayed  dung  from 
old  beds  and  linings  of  Cucumber  and  Melon  frames  makes  also 
fine  Mushroom  beds,  either  flat,  sloping,  or  on  the  ridge,  if  built 
firmly  and  a  fair  depth  is  given  to  them.  No  plan,  so  far  as 
labour  and  preparation  are  concerned,  will  beat  the  above  where 
only  a  small  daily  supply  of  material  can  be  obtained. 

FRUIT   DEPARTMENT. 

Mulched  a  number  of  our  bush  and  pyramidal  fruit  trees, 
to  arrest  the  moist  vapour  as  it  rises.    We  fear  even  with  that 
help,  Apples  and  Pears,  however  good  they  may  be,  will  be 
small.     We  would  have  watered  some  of  tliem,  and  wall  fruit 
trees,  if  we  could  before  this  mulching.     The  ground  is  in 
general  warm  enough  now  for  general  purposes,  and,  therefore, 
the  mulching  will  do  no  harm,  if  it  keeps  heat  and  moisture  in,  ] 
though  it  keeps  extra  heat  out.     Early  mulching  is  often  in- 
jurious, because  it  keeps  the  heat  of  the  sun  from  acting  freely 
on  a  cold  soil.     By  waiting  until  the  soil  is  heated,  the  mulch- 
ing will  be  beneficial  in  dry  weather,  and  if  wet  comes,  the  ma- 
nurial  qualities  in  the  mulching  will  help  to  entice  the  roots  to 
the  surface.     Laid  a  part  of  our  Strawberry  runners  in  pots  in- 
tended for  forcing,  and  would  have  done  more,  but  with  us 
runners  are  scarce.     Strawberries,  too,  are  getting  thin.    From 
the  first  planted-out  forced  plants  we  have  got  a  few  dishes, 
and  regret  we  had  not  more  out  early,  as  the  later-planted  Sues 
have  Buffered  from  the  drought.     Mulohed  again  the  pots  in 
the  orchard  house,  chiefly  with  horse  dropping?.     It  is  amazing 
how  soon  such  mulchings  disappear,  and  leave  the  bare  soil  of 
the  pots.     The  mulching  greatly  saves  watering  in  all  such 
cases.     If  we  see  not  the  chance  of  rain  water,  we  will  mulch 
the  Burface  soil  of  these  houses,  even  though  we  thus  keep 
heat  out.     We  have  been  obliged  to  do  so  with  the  borders  of 
Peaches  and  Apricots  to  within  some  4  feet  of  the  wall,  to 
keep  them  moderately  moist,  as  otherwise  the  trees  would  have 
suffered  from  dryness.     We  have  our  own  views  as  to  planting 
the  borders  of  fruit  trees,  but  we  cannot  help  ourselves  ;  ours 
are  rarely  empty,  but  we  generally  contrive  to  have  low-grow- 
ing things  on  them  after  the  beginning  of  July,  so  that  the  sun 
.may  have  free  access  to  the  trees.     For  Borne  4  feet  from  the 
wall  we  like  the  ground  to  be  uncropped  all  the   autumn, 
though  that,  too,  is  generally  well  filled  in  winter  and  spring. 
All  bad  policy  in  many  respects,  but  when  much  must  be  had 
from  little  room,  many  a  compromise  must  be  made. 

Extended  pleasure  grounds,  and  small  gardens  for  vegetables 
and  fruit,  are  a  great  mistake.  The  great  part  of  the  expense 
then  goes  for  what  merely  pleases  the  eye,  and  does  nothing 
whatever  to  gratify  the  palate.  One  gentleman  complained  to 
another  that  "  his  table  was  quite  as  well  supplied,  and  yet  you 
know  I  keep  nearly  double  the  number  of  men  in  my  garden." 
Truly  replied  his  host,  "But  then  you  have  three  times  the 
extent  of  flower  garden  and  mown  pleasure  ground.  That  is 
pretty  and  gratifying,  no  doubt,  very  pleasing  to  the  eye,  but  it 
must  be  paid  for.  It  is  like  investing  a  handsome  sum  in  a 
fine  painting,  with  this  difference — that  the  painting  purchased 
retains  its  beauty  and  costs  but  little  more,  whilst  the  flower 
garden,  lawns,  Ssa.,  during  the  whole  of  the  pleasant  months 


are  a  matter  of  constant  outlay,  and  are  scarcely  made  nice 
before  they  require  to  be  made  nice  again."  Flower  beds  are 
bad  enough  when  looked  at  in  a  utilitarian  point  of  view,  but 
they  are  nothing  as  regards  expense  when  compared  with  a 
well-kept  lawn.  Strange  that  gentlemen  with  an  eye  to  the 
economical — and  matters  will  not  be  long  right  if  that  is  not 
kept  in  view — will  be  content  with  an  acre  of  kitchen  garden 
and  care  nothing  about  some  three  to  six  times  as  much  of  lawn 
and  pleasure  grounds.  As  a  practical  advice  to  gardeners  we 
would  say,  Be  always  chary  in  getting  additions  to  your  lawn. 
Recollect  that  addition  will  cost  you  extra  work  every  week,  at 
least  all  the  summer  months,  and  rollings,  &<s.,  in  winter.  A 
friend  of  ours,  as  a  matter  of  improvement,  was  anxious  to  add 
about  an  acre  to  the  already  pretty  lawn,  and  it  would  have 
been  an  improvement.  The  proprietor  at  once  owned  to  the 
improvement,  and  said  the  addition  could  be  made  at  once,  but 
candidly  added,  "  I  cannot  afford  to  give  you  more  help,  more 
labour  power."  The  lawn  has  not  yet  been  enlarged.  We 
believe  that  now  the  gardener  would  rather  have  a  half-acre 
added  to  the  kitchen  garden. 

ORNAMENTAL    DEPARTMENT. 

A  good  deal  has  been  done  in  potting  Balsams,  Coleus,  &c, 
for  late  work,  giving  the  former  large  pots  and  a  cool  place  to 
keep  them  stubby.     Cinerarias,  Primulas  have  also  been  potted 
and  pricked  off,  leaving  still  plenty  of  work  to  do  in  the  over- 
hauling and  dividing  of  Ferns,  &-c.     But  the  chief  work  of  the 
week  has  been  mulching  our  flower  beds  and  ribbon  borders. 
The  first  planted  of  these,  and  especially  Calceolarias,  are  pretty 
full,  and  so  far  able  to  Bhade  themselves.     With  a  watering  at 
planting,  and  a  little  help  since  at  long  distances,  they  have 
otherwise  been  treated  a  good  deal  on  Mr.  Castle's  system, 
though  not  to  the  extent  of  no  watering.     A  few  slight  showers, 
though  not  telling  on  the  roots,  refreshed  and  filled  out  the 
foliage.     Of  late,  however,  when  the  sun  was  bright  they  began 
to  show  some  signs  of  distress,  and  therefore  we  resolved  to 
mulch  the  beds.     We  have  generally  done  this  less  or  more 
every  year  to  save  wateiing,  when  we  were  sure  that  the  ground 
was  sufficiently  warm  to  suit  even  the  tenderest  of  the  Pelar- 
goniums.   We  have  been  later  this  season  than  usual,  partly 
from  being  scarce  of  time  and  suitable  material,  and  partly 
because  the  clouds  so  often  promised  the  rains  that  did  not 
come,  that  we  were  anxious  that  the  beds  Bhould  have  a  water- 
ing from  the  heaven3  before  we  put  the  mulching  on.     But  for 
the  Calceolarias  being  so  strong  we  would  have  mulched  them 
earlier,  as  nothing  pleases  them  more  than  a  bright  sun  over- 
head and  a  moist  cool  soil  at  the  roots.     These  conditions  se- 
cured, nothing  is  more  easy  to  manage.     Putting  off  the  mulch- 
ing so  late  rendered  it  impossible  in  many  cases,  as  in  that  of 
Verbenas,  closely  covering  the  ground.     A  little  could  only  be 
hustled  in  where  there  was  an  opening.     For  such  a  purpose 
anything  is  better  than  nothing,  but  it  will  always  look  and. 
answer  best  when  done  neatly  and  with  good  material.     The 
centres  of  our  largest  beds  were  thinly  covered  with  half-rotted 
dung  and  leaves  that  had  been  used  for  Vine  borders.    This 
was  too  damp  to  pass  through  an  open  sieve,  but  it  was  nicely 
broken  with  the  points  of  a  fork  so  as  to  be  well  mixed  and 
made  rather  fine,  put  with  a  shovel  into  the  openings  and  then 
spread  with  the  hands.     The  smaller  beds  and  the  outsides  of 
the  larger  ones  were  covered  over  chiefly  with  old  Mushroom 
beds  that  were  passed  through  an  inch  mesh  sieve  or  riddle, 
and  this  gives  a  neatness  to  the  beds  when  finished.  _  Without 
any  watering  from  the  pail  or  the  clouds  this  mulching  helps 
the  roots  by  keeping  the  rising  moisture  about  them,  keeps  the 
heat  of  the  sun  from  penetrating  so  freely  ;  and  the  only  draw- 
back is,  that  if  we  had  a  succession  of  warm  heavy  rains  we 
might  have  more  luxuriance  in  growth  in  some  things  than 
might  be  desirable.    It  is  more  pleasant,  however,  to  neutralise 
too  vigorous  growth  by  removing  some  of  the  larger  leaves,  than 
to  look  on  plants  at  all  stunted  and  aB  if  they  were  half  starved. 
All  Buch  mulching  will  soon  be  out  of  sight  in  autumn.    We 
do  not  mean  that  the  leaves  will  thoroughly  cover  it,  for  that 
they  will  do  very  soon,  but  the  earth  and  roots  together  soon 
take  it  all  away,  so  that  scarce  a  trace  of  it  will  be  left.     Mean- 
while it  does  its  useful  work.     It  takes  more  time  than  a  good 
wateiing,  which  could  only  be  given  now  from  the  surface,  and 
which  in  such  heat  would  steadily  evaporate,  but  the  influence 
of  the  mulching  will  continue  until  we  hope  a  change  of  weather 
comes.     When  the  soil  is  excessively  dry  and  hot  it  is  well  to 
water  before  mulching,  and  mulch  immediately  before  it  has 
the  chance  of  escaping  upwards,  and  this  is  the  plan  we  have 
followed  generally  in  the  kitchen  garden ;  but  in  this  ease,  if 
after  mulching  we  should  be  forced  to  water,  the  water  will  run 


Jnly  21,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


51 


ttoderneath  tlie  mulching  and  get  into  the  soil,  whilst  the  sur- 
face of  the  mulching  aa  a  whole  will  remain  dry.  These  mi- 
nutia)  may  be  useful  where  water  is  scarce.  In  a  kitchen 
garden  rough  mulching  is  all  very  well,  but  it  should  be  done 
■neatly  in  a  flower  garden. — R.  F. 


TO    CORRESPONDENTS. 

*«*  We  request  that  no  one  will  write  privately  to  any  of  the 
correspondents  of  th\8  "Journal  of  Horticulture,  Coitage 
Gardener,  and  Country  Gentleman."  By  so  doing  they 
are  subjected  to  unjustifiable  trouble  and  expense.  All 
communications  should  therefore  be  addressed  solely  to 
The  Editors  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture,  &e.%  171,  Fleet 
Street,  London.  E.C. 

N.B. — Many  questions  must  remain  unanswered  until  next 
week. 

Books  (.4  Constant  Ilea  h-r).— Henfrey's  "Rudiments  of  Botany."  We 
cmnot  name  plants  from  leaves  only. 

Florist  or  Amateur. — Argun  asks  if  «  man  who  grows,  advertises,  and 
sella  such  florist  flowers  as  Pelargoniums,  Fuchsias,  and  Cyclamens, 
ought  he  to  be  classed  as  an  amateur  at  a  local  show,  and  allowed  to 
exhibit  as  such  ?  Yes,  if  he  does  not  live  chiefly  on  such  saleg.  A 
gentleman  who  broods,  advertises,  and  sells  poultry  is  not  a  dealer,  but 
an  amateur. 

Storing  Potatoes  [C.  A.  G  ).— Aa  you  have  no  shed  or  other  store 
place,  take  the  Potatoes  up  immediately  the  leaves  begin  to  be  pirtially 
yellow;  place  the  Potatoes  singly  in  alternate  layers  with  earth,  and 
cover  the  whole  a  foot  deep  with  earth.  Have  the  heap  on  the  north  side 
of  a  wall.  The  tubers  will  keep  without  sprouting  for  years  at  a  tempera- 
ture of  not  less  thau  S35  nor  more  than  85°. 

^  Grubs  on  Pear  Le  vves  (J.  T.  V.).— They  are  the  larva?  of  the  Pear 
Saw-fly,  Selandria  mthiops.  andcalled  !>v  gardeners  the  slimy  grub.  Dast 
the  leaves  thoroughly  with  fresh-slaked  quicklime,  and  syringe  afttr  a 
day  or  two.    Repeat  the  process  if  needed. 

Seedling  Pelargoniums  (M.  C.)  —Every  petal  was  shed  and  the  box 
smashed.  It  is  useless  to  Bend  full-blown  Pelargonium  flowers,  the  petals 
always  fall. 

Roseries  of  Iron—  ll  A.  Y.  Z."  wishes  to  know  if  anyone  can  inform 
him  who  are  the  principal  makers  of  roseries  of  light  wire  material. 

Hardy  Ferns  (J.  N.  C.).— Two  dozen  distinct  and  not  expensive  kinds 
are:— Aspleuium  adiantum  Digram,    A.  trichomonas,    Athyrinm  Filix- 
Jceaitna,  A.  Filix-fcemina  pLimosa,    ' 
spicant,    B.  spicant  multilidum, 

L.  Filis-mas,  L.  Filix-maa  cristnta,  L.  oreopteris,  Polypodium  dryopteris, 
P.  phegopteris,  P.  vulgare,  Polysticbura  angular*,  P.  ongulare  prolifevum, 
P.  aculestum,  P.  loochitis,  P.  alpeslre,  Scolnpendrium  officinalo,  S.  var. 
mnltifidum,  Lastrea  recurvn,  and  AlIo3oras  crispus.  "The  Fern  Manual  " 
will  suit  you.  It  can  bo  had  free  by  post  from  our  office  if  you  send 
Zs,  id.  in  stamps  with  your  address. 


_,  A.  Filix-fcemina  Frizellhe,  Bleehnam 
B.  spicant  multilidum,    Cystopteris  fragilis,  Lastrei  diktats,  j  jgjT *^  secured la  greater  uniformity  of  atmosphere 


difficult  to  grow  the  fruit  to  any  size  ;  they  generally  fall,  as  yours  have 
done  in  former  years,  when  of  the  size  of  peas.  The  only  thing  that 
would  cause  them  to  remain  and  grow  to  full  size  is  more  heat;  indeei, 
to  have  good  fruit  a  heated  honse  is  necessary— a  warm  greenhouse,  in 
fact,  though  they  do  very  well  in  a  vinery,  yet  to  have  the  fruit  full- 
flavoured  and  juicy  thev  require  a  temperature  in  autumn  and  early 
winter  of  not  less  than  5  D,  Fruit  on  trees  in  ft  cool  house  formed  this 
year  will  not  ripen  until  the  end  of  next  summer  or  autumn. 

Lilies  of  the  Valley  [A  Subscriber).— The  plants  undisturbed  flower 
every  year,  but  they,  of  course,  vary  in  different  years.  Sometimes  the 
flowers  are  more  abundant  one  year  than  another,  but  they  llowormore 
or  less  every  year.  Yon  may  secure  very  good  pots  by  choosing  those 
roots  with  plump  crowns  only,  and  potted  pretty  closely  together  they 
would  do  well  in  a  gentle  heat  or  in  a  greenhouse. 

Coleus  Losing  Colour  (Idem). — We  apprehend  yours  is  the  Colen3 
Verschafi'elti,  and  that  is  losing  colour  through  being  kept  in  a  shady 
position.  Keep  it  in  a  light  position,  and  pot  in  a  compost  of  two  part? 
fibrous  loam,  and  one  part  leaf  soil  or  old  cow  dang,  with  a  free  ad- 
mixture of  sharp  sand,  and  good  drainage.  With  that  your  plants  will 
rec  jver  their  beautiful  dark  colour. 

Dalechampia  Roezleana  rosea  Culture  (A  Constant  TUa&er). — This 
is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  plants,  and  requires  but  little  skill  in  cul- 
tivation. We  have  it  now  in  a  vinery  beautiful,  with  its  bright  rosy 
pink  bracts  contrasting,  as  they  do,  well  with  deep  green,  graceful, 
drooping  Oak  like  foliage.  It  is  seldom  or  never  out  of  flower,  and  the 
plants  bloom  when  a  few  inches  high.  It  is  readily  raised  from  seed, 
which  ripon  freely.  Sown  when  ripe  iu  Bandy  peat  and  loam,  and  placed 
in  a  hotbed,  the  plants  soon  attain  to  a  flowering  state.  It  requires  a 
cool  stove,  but  will  do  well  in  a  vinery  or  even  a  greenhouse  in  summer ; 
indeed,  wo  think  it  will  do  iu  a  warm  greenhouse  in  winter,  but  not 
having  tried  it  we  cannot  say  positively.  We  grow  it  in  a  compost  of 
equal  parts  san^y  peat,  fibrous  loam,  and  'eif  soil,  with  a  free  admixture 
of  sand,  and  afford  good  drainage.  The  potting  is  dono  in  April;  that 
satisfies  its  wants  until  autumn,  then  wo  again  repot,  removing  what  soil 
we  can  without  interfering  much  with  the  roots,  and  give  a  moderate 
shift,  and  wo  have  flowers  all  winter.  In  pnint  of  moisture  it  requires 
the  soil  moist,  good  supplies  when  the  soil  becomes  dry,  and  a  moist 
atmosphere.  With  frequent  sprinklings  overhead  it  is  at  home,  but  a3 
that  interferes  with  the  beauty  of  its  bracts,  a  moist  atmosphere  is 
neceS  lary,  as  it  is  rather  subject  to  red  spider,  but  that  yields  readily  to 
a  sponging  with  a  solution  of  soft  soap,  2  ozs.  to  the  gallon.  Being  very 
enduring  of  a  dry  atmosphere,  it  is  ono  of  the  most  useful  of  plants  for 
house  dtcoration.  Wo  cannot  name  plants  from  leaves.  Specimens  with 
both  flowers  and  foliage  are  necessary. 

Placing  Camellias  and  Azaleas  out  of  Doors  (J.  B.  Boyd). — It  is 
not  desirable  to  place  out  of  doors  Camellias  and  Azaleas  that  have  their 
bloom  buds  well  set,  and  have  been  well  hardened  otf;  they  are  best  con- 
tinned  under  glass  in  a  cool,  airy,  slightly  shaded  house,  or  one  with  an 
eastern  aspect  will  answer  very  well.    They  are  better  under  glass,  for 

Placed  out-doors 


GLOXINIA,    A.OHTMGNES,   AND    CALADICM    PROPAGATION     (R).-Gloxiniai 

are  readily  propagated  from  leaves  or  parts  of  a  leaf,  but  for  general  pro- 
pagation  it  is  well  to  take  the  whole  of  the  leaf  and  a  part  of  the  leaf- 
stalk, and  insert  about  an  inch  of  it  in  a  compost  of  equal  parts  light 
loam,  sandy  peat,  and  silver  sand.  They  may  be  put  around  tho  sides  of 
a  pot,  and  be  placed  in  a  house  with  a  gentle  heat,  or  in  a  hotbed  where 
they  will  form  bulbs  and  be  good  plants  the  second  year.  They  shouM 
he  kept  moist  and  shaded  from  bright  sun,  and  carefully  watered.  In 
about  six  weeks  they  will  be  established,  and  should  he  continued  in  a 
stove  until  autumn,  when  gradually  withhold  water,  and  keep  dry,  but 
not  dust  dry,  over  the  winter.  Iu  February  pot  off  the  small  "bulbs 
81  "!f  5'  aDd  iQ  8ma11  P°ts-  "lacing  in  a  hotbed.  They  will  give  Bhoots 
and  flowers  next  year  in  due  course.  Achimenes  are  propagated  by 
division,  or  properly  increase  of  the  roots,  which  are  plentiful  in  moat 
cases i  after  a  year's  growth,  and  also  bv  cuttings  of  the  young  growths, 
which  strike  freely  in  a  hotbed,  inserted  in  sandy  soil,  as  described  for 
Gloxinias,  and  in  about  three  weeks  they  will  bo  well  rooted.  Cuttings 
of  Achimones  flower  well  the  first  year, 'and  do  nearly  as  well  as  those 
having  a  start  from  the  root.  CaladiuTM  are  increased  by  offsets  in 
spring,  they  being  token  off  in  spring  when  the  plants  are  fresh  potted. 
Gloxinias  and  Achimenes  are  cool  stove  plants,  requiring  the  assistance 
of  a  hotbed  to  start  them  in  the  spring,  and  then  a  rather  shady  position, 
but  near  the  gla-s,  in  a  stove  or  vinery.  When  flowering  they  "do  well  in 
a  not-too-airy  greenhouse  or  conservatory,  being  removed  back  after 
flowering  to  a  stove  to  ripen  the  growth  and  mature  the  roots.  None  of 
the  modes  of  propagation  above  named  will  give  new  varieties;  that 
must  be  effected  by  hybridising  and  sowing  the  seed.  Caladiums  require 
a  warm,  moist  stove  for  their  successful  cultivation. 

Canna  Seed  Sowing  (Idem),— You  mav  now  sow  the  seed  of  Canna 
discolor  floribunda  iu  a  hotbed,  and  keep  the  plants  in  a  stove  during  tho 
winter,  with  the  soil  inclining  to  dryness,  but  it  will  not  be  necessary  to 
dry  them  off  like  established  plants.    They  will  be  strong  fur  next  year. 

Turf  Babe  under  Lisie  Trees  (One  who  Likes  the  Turf  t.— The  ro-.ts 
of  Lime  trees  are  not  more  injurious  to  turf  than  any  o'thers ;  indeed, 
they  are  not  nearly  so  bad  as  Ash.  The  grass  being  bare,  we  have  no 
doubt,  is  due  to  the  roots  of  the  Limes  making  the  ground  poor  and  dry, 
the  foliage  depriving  the  ground  of  considerable  moisture  and  light.  We 
should  advise  you  to  scratch  the  surface  well  with  an  iron  rake,  sprinkling 
on  it  some  very  rotten  short  manure  or  rich  soil,  and  then  sow  over  it 
some  grass  seeds  in  moist  weather,  and  of  kinds  that  do  under  trees,  as 
Poa  nemoralis  sempervirens  and  Festuca  duriuacula,  and  some  white 
Clover.  Though  September  is  a  good  time  to  sow  grass  seeds,  we  should 
prefer  spring,  as  the  ground  will  then  be  moist,  whilst  in  September  the 
ground  under  trees  is  often  little  better  than  dust;  but  if  you  have 
moisture  in  autumn,  by  all  means  sow  then.  There  is  no  necessity  for 
tiking  up  and  relaying  the  turf  every  year.  A  few  grass  seeds  is  all  that 
is  required. 

Orange  Trees  not  Fruiting  (H.  D.).— Without  a  greenhouse  it  is 


they  have  to  contend  against  the  change  of  atmosphere  consequent  on 
;  removal.  The  weather  may  be  hot,  dry,  or  its  opposite— very  wet,  and 
the  plants  are  scorched  by  the  heat  and  dryness  in  the  one  case,  and 
excited  to  a  renewal  of  growth  by  tho  other,  and  before  they  are  honsed 
they  have  been  deluged  with  wet  it  may  be;  anyhow,  they  cannot  be 
placed  out-doors  without  danger  of  a  check,  nor  removed  in-doors  without 
fear  of  another,  hence  we  consider  them  be=t  retained  under  gl  iss.  If 
placed  out-d^ors  at  all  they  should  have  a  position  shaded  from  the  mid- 
d  iy  sun,  and  be  carefully  attended  to  with  respect  to  water.  They 
should  be  housed  at  the  close  of  September. 

Tree  Fep.ns  (Idem).— Alsophila  excelsa,  Coopfrl,  and  austrftlis  will 
succeed  in  au  ordinary  Peach  houso,  hut  not  in  that  h\>m  which  frost  is 
not  excluded  in  winter.  All  do  admirably  in  a  vinery  ;  better  there  than 
in  a  Peach  house. 

Equisetum  aryense  Eradication  (E.  7?.  P.).— From  the  specimen  and 
later  description  you  give  of  it  we  find  it  is  tlic  Corn  Horse-tail,  and  not 
E.  fluviatile,  as  we  thought  from  the  former  description.  It  is  found  on 
land  of  a  sandy  nature  or  light  loam,  the  subsoil  being  sand  or  a  layer  of 
that  overlying  a  marly  blue  clay.  The  land  to  all  appearance  is  dry,  at 
least  its  surface,  from  its  sandy  nature,  soon  becomes  dry  after  rain,  but 
upon  examination  at  a  depth  of  3  or  4  feet  it  will  be  seen  that  tho  ground 
is  one  spring  of  water;  the  drain  fills  soon  from  the  loose  nature  of  the 
sand.  No  land  needs  draining  so  much  as  this.  We  remember  a  field  that 
was  so  poor  from  tho  sandy  soil,  tint  it  was  only  practical  to  get  Pvye  and 
Oat  crops  off  it-  It  was  one  mass  of  Horse  tail  every  year.  Tho  land 
was  drained,  would-be  savane  laughing  at  the  idea.  At  3  feet  there  was 
plenty  of  water,  and  the  Equisetum  roots  were  lower  than  that.  Tho 
result  was  that  the  Horse-tails  began  to  grow  less  every  year,  and  were  in 
a  short  time  reduced  to  a  minimum.  The  land  had  a  good  dressing  of 
marl,  the  under  strata  of  the  same  field,  and  it  was  sown  with  Wheat  and 
producod  a  capital  crop— over  sixty  bushels  per  acre  We  should  have 
said  thit  the  drains  were  only  laid  3  feet  deep,  and  with  the  old  horse- 
shoe tiles  with  loose,  flat  bottoms.  Though  laid  on  straw  in  some  places, 
and  the  tiles  covered  with  that  material  or  loose,  small  brushwood,  the 
drains  soon  filled  with  the  sand,  and  the  Ho  se-tails  began  to  grow 
thicker  and  faster.  The  occupier,  by  tbe  way,  a  practical  drainer  all  his 
life,  determined  on  undoing  want  he  had  done,  laying-in  pipes  down  into 
the  clay— sequel,  death  to  the  Equisetum.  Tho  land  gave  better  crops, 
and  he  soon  had  offered  him  land  to  rent  that  the  farmers  would  not 
have.  We  say,  therefore,  Well  drain  the  land  and  the  Horse-tails  will  dis- 
appear. They  root  deeply,  require  moisture  ;  thnttafcen  off,  they  disappear. 
Frequent  cutting-off  the  tops  will  tend  to  weaken  them,  but  we  need  to 
strike  at  the  roots.  The  drains  should  be  about  21  fett  apart,  and  deep- 
not  less  than  3  feet  6  inches  ;  4  feet  and  over  if  you  can  got  an  outfall. 

Endurance  of  Strawberry  Beds— Planting  (E.  It.  P.).— As  lately 
stated  in  "  Doings  of  the  Last  Week,"  a  Strawberry  b^d  will  bear  well  for 
many  years,  if  the  plants  fire  gone  over  every  year,  tho  smaller  buds  of 
tbe  plants  thinned  out,  and  tho  1  eat  left,  and  the  plants  well  manured 
between  the  rows.  By  the  usual  plan  of  planting  and  management,  from 
three  to'fouryeirs  maybe  considered  a  gond  time  to  remain.  When 
runners  are  used  they  generally  produce  fairly  the  first  season  after 
planting,  very  abundantly  tbe  second,  nnt  quite  so  good  the  third,  and 
moderately  the  fourth.  We  seldom  ke^p  a)  e  1  above  three  years,  and  that 
permits  rotation  of  cropping.     We  ara  now  digging  down  three-year- 


52 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  July  21,  1870. 


old  Strawberry  plants,  following  with  Broccoli,  &c.  The  above  plan  of 
thinning  is  useful  to  those  who  dislike  the  bother  of  making  fresh  beds, 
but  the  ground  has  not  the  same  rotation.  You  can  rarely  obtain  all  ad- 
vantages by  following  out  any  one  mode.  Runners  should  be  tnken  off 
as  soon  as  you  can  get  them.  To  make  the  most  of  them  for  a  new 
plantation,  it  is  well  to  lay  them  in  pots,  or  encourage  them  to  root  in  the 
ground.  If  not  wanted  for  such  purposes,  the  sooner  runners  are  re- 
moved the  better,  as  more  light  and  air  will  go  to  the  old  plants.  In 
forming  new  beds  rotten  manure  should  be  used,  but  if  scarce,  rank 
manure  may  ho  trenched  down,  and  some  rotten  manure  incorporated 
with  the  suiface  soil  to  encourage  free  rooting.  The  sooner  nil  this  is 
done  the  better.  "Whilst  this  is  doing,  as  recommended  to  another  corre- 
spondent, you  might  prick  out  your  runners  in  a  rich  bed  to  be  raised 
with  halls,  and  afterwards  transplanted.  When  we  have  been  scarce  of 
ground  we  have  used  the  space  intended  for  a  new  plantation  of  Straw- 
berries for  autumn  and  winter  crops  of  vegetables,  had  the  runners 
pricked  out  in  rich  toil,  say  -i  to  C  inches  apart,  and  hiving  got  our 
ground  nicely  pulverised  in  spring,  we  have  lifted  our  Strawberry  plants 
with  nice  balls,  and  they  grew  away  strong  at  once,  and  produced  a  fair 
crop  the  first  summer.  Where  ground  is  of  less  consequence  than  a 
little  additional  labour,  then  it  is  best  to  plant  out  at  once  to  where  the 
plants  arc  to  remain.  We  may  add  that  in  cold  place3  keeping  the  plants 
a  little  thick  in  a  bed  gives  tbem  a  good  protection. 

Lasting  of  Mushroom  Bed  (E.  It.  P.).—  The  Mushroom  bed  wil1 
most  likely  continue  bearing  for  some  Utne,*bnt  it  should  be  covered 
from  the  sun  with  litter  ns  well  as  a  mat,  and  should  nnt  bo  allowed  to 
get  dry.  See  hints  on  Mushrooms.  Plenty  of  air  will  get  through  a 
covering,  sey  3  inches  deep.  In  very  hot  weather  you  may  sprinkle  the 
covering  outside  so  as  to  keep  the  bed  cool.  Heat  in  the  present  and 
next  month  is  to  bu  kepi  out,  rather  than  let  in.  The  bed  will  he  of  little 
use  for  renewing  if  it  bears  well.  You  must  make  a  new  bed  of  fresh 
materials. 

Seedling  Strawberry  Duke  of  Edinburgh  (Moffat's).  — This 
variety  received  a  certificate  at  the  Royal  Caledonian  Horticultural 
Society's  Meeting  on  the  13th  inst.  It  is  a  strong  grower,  and  very 
prolific,  and  produces  very  large  cockscomb-shaped  fruit.  It  is  a  cross 
between  Keens'  Seedling  and  Elton  Pine.  Some  of  the  berries  Bent  to 
as  were  8  inches  in  circumference,  deep  crimson-coloured,  and  very 
highly-flavoured. 

Strawberry  Plants  Failing  (R.  H.). — See  the  remarks  of  "  R  F." 
and  others  iu  lale  numbers,  so  far  as  sterile  plants  are  concerned.  As 
yours  bloomed  freely,  that  eould  not  1c  the  rearon.  The  produce  in 
most  places  afflicted  with  the  drought  has  been  much  less  than  usual. 
Our  gatherings  will  soon  be  over  as  respects  the  main  crops.  The 
shrivelling-up  of  the  flowers  we  would  attribute  to  overdryness.  The 
turning  black  of  the  centres  of  the  flowers  we  would  attribute  to  frost, 
and  the  plants  suffered  from  Ibis  in  many  places.  The  ground  for  a  new 
plantation  should  be  got  ready  at  once,  trenchiog  two  spits  deep  if  the 
soil  is  good,  incorporating  a  layer  of  dung  with  the  lower  spit,  and  when 
finished  pricking-in  with  a  for);  another  layer — say  2  or  3  inches  near  ihe 
surface.  You  may  p'.ant  as  soon  as  you  get  runners:  hut  if  this  dry 
weather  lasts,  we  would  advise  you  to  prick  out  the  runners,  say  4  inches 
apart,  in  a  rich  bed.  and  when  they  had  formed  a  ball  of  ronts,  lift  and 
plant  with  halls  in  the  prepared  ground.  It  will  be  easier  to  water  and 
shade  a  small  bed  than  a  large  piece. 

Gardeners'  Assistant  (Inquirer). — Wo  cann<t  either  advise  or  inter- 
fere in  a  case  of  such  petty  differences.  Even  if  you  have  any  claim  for 
expenses,  which  we  doubt,  the  time  and  cost  of  recovering  them  would 
purchase  them  dearly. 

Insects  (E.  F.  IT.).— The  cegs  on  your  Rose  lenf  (from  which  the 
young  have  been  hatched  during  its  transit  by  post),  are  those  of  the 
Brown-tailed  moth  (Porthcsia  chrysorrhea).  (E.  8.). — The  curious  fly 
found  in  a  window  in  Bradford,  is  the  Sires  Gigas,  the  larva  of  which 
makes  cylindrical  burrows  ia  Fir  trees,  often  doing  much  mischief.— 
I.  O.  W. 

Names  of  Plants  (Centurion). — The  shrub  is  Spiraoa  ulmifolia.  We 
cannot  name  varieties  of  florists'  flowers.  (J.  Bath-maker). — We  cannot 
name  the  varieties  of  florists'  flowers.    They  are  in  legions. 


POULTRY,   BSD,   AND  PIGEON   CHRONICLE. 


REARING  LARGE  FOWLS. 

The  number  of  dwarf  specimens,  even  of  the  largest  breeds, 
which  are  to  be  seen  at  any  of  the  poultry  shows,  is  an  evidence 
that  the  absolute  essentials  for  roaring  fine  chickens  are  very 
imperfectly  understood  by  many  who  have  sufficient  interest 
in  the  subject  to  psy  for  first-rate  stock  but  know  not  what  to 
do  with  them.  It  is  not  enough  to  hatch  Dorkings,  Cochins, 
or  Brahrnas  of  the  very  best  strains,  the  eggs  may  be  the  very 
best  that  can  be  bad  for  money,  but  if  the  chickens  are  not 
properly  treated  they  will  never  make  fine  birds. 

With  regard  to  breeding,  I  am  quite  certain,  after  varied 
experience,  that  the  largest  and  finest  fowls  in  our  climate  are 
produced  from  chickeus  batched  between  the  end  of  March  and 
the  end  of  April.  For  Dorkings  alone,  which  grow  early  and 
are  delicate,  the  period  ought  perhaps  to  be  extended  to  the 
end  of  May ;  but  Cochins  or  Brahmas  hatched  during  that 
month  will  not,  except  in, very  favourable  circumstances,  attain 
great  size — at  least  so  great  as  April  birds.  March  birds  are 
often  large,  fcnt  on  the  average  are  inferior  to  April  birds.  As 
to  the  parents,  medium-sized  birds  are  quite  as  likoly  to  pro- 
duce large  chickens  as  unusually  large  specimens.  Hens  with 
lorjg  backs  and  legs  will  generally  produce  large  chickens  ;  and 


though  this  conformation  is  faulty  in  itself,  if  they  be  mated 
with  short,  compact,  "dumpy"  cockerels  or  cocks,  the  result 
is  usually  good. 

The  great  essential  in  feeding  is  to  give  a  constant  and  care- 
ful supply  of  soft  food.  It  is  here,  perhaps,  that  novices  most 
frequently  fail,  the  opinion  that  "  grits  " — i  e.,  the  kernel  of 
the  oat — are  the  only  proper  food  for  chickens  being  about  as 
widely  diffused  as  the  idea  that  peppercorns  and  rue  are  good 
for  the  "  pip,"  or  whatever  other  ailment  a  fowl  may  have. 
Such  feeuinggives  no  trouble,  and  may  answerwell  for  Game  or 
Hamburgh?,  but  it  will  never  rear  large  birds,  for  the  simple 
reason  that  the  food  is  not  digested  fast  en.  ugh  for  rapid 
growth.  Good  oatmeal,  good  sharps,  good  barleymeal,  and 
ground  cats  when  they  can  be  got — these  are  the  staple  food, 
and  must  be  given  not  less  than  every  two  hours  throughout 
the  day  till  the  birds  are  at  least  three  months  old,  when 
the  time  may  be  gradually  extended  till  after  a  few  more  weeks 
they  have  only  three  allowances  of  meal  and  one  of  dry  grain 
per  day.  The  last  feed  at  night  should  always  be  grain  ;  grits 
or  canary  seed  at  first,  and  afterwards  buckwheat.  The  latter 
grain  I  always  find  chickons  prefer  to  anything  else,  but  the 
one  meal  a-day  of  it  is  quite  enough. 

Oatmeal  alone  is  very  dry  and  hard  to  mix  nicely.  I  also 
find  chickens  fledge  badly  on  it.  It  is  better  to  mix  it  with 
crumbled  bread,  which  removes  all  difficulty,  while  the  birds 
like  it  better  and  eat  more.  Another  great  point  is,  with  every 
meal  to  get  a  quantity  of  fresh  grass,  cut  it  into  chaff  an  eighth 
of  an  inch  long  with  a  pair  of  shears,  and  add  it  plentifully  to 
the  food,  mixing  the  wholo  with  milk.  The  grass  will  keep 
the  food  moist  and  sweet  long  after  it  would  be  sour  without, 
besides  being  eagerly  relished  by  the  chicks  and  keeping  them 
in  health.  I  like  this  plan  far  better  than  giving  a  turf,  which 
may,  however,  be  added,  but  is  not  nearly  enough  greon  food 
for  them  alone.  By  adding  cut  grass  to  every  meal  without 
exception,  and  throwing  some  down  by  itself  also,  chickens 
may  be  reared  quite  as  large  and  in  perfect  health  in  a  yard 
15  feet  square  as  if  they  had  the  range  of  acres.  To  get  the 
beautiful  "condition  "  of  fowls  at  liberty  in  such  circumstances 
is  indeed  impossible,  but  health  and  size  are  within  the  reach 
of  all. 

Milk  should  be  nsed  plentifully,  not  only  mixing  every  feed 
with  it,  but  giving  the  chioks  a  good  drink  of  it  every  morning. 
If,  in  cold  or  early  seasons,  it  is  slightly  warmed  all  the  better  ; 
and  this  morning  drink  helps  them  wonderfully,  while  it  will 
be  found  both  cheaper  than,  and  quite  as  effectual  as,  the 
custard  which  is  sometimes  recommended.  I  need  not  say 
that  early  chickens  must  be  fed  at  night  by  candlelight,  hut 
April  birds  do  not  require  it. 

Another  most  valuable  adjunct  in  rearing  the  large  breeds, 
as  I  have  elsewhere  explained  in  treating  on  Brahmas,  is  what 
is  called  ground  bones  or  "  bone  dust,"  for  the  knowledge  of 
which,  as  I  have  there  stated,  I  was  first  indebted  to  my  friend 
Mr.  John  Stuart,  of  Helensburgh.  I  have  often  found  it  very 
difficult  to  procure,  but  of  its  value  I  can  speak  without  hesi- 
tation. It  adds  both  to  the  eventual  size  and  stamina  of  the 
birds,  and  has  a  marked  efiect  in  postponing  their  "  setting," 
keeping  them  raw  or  leggv,  and  preventing  them  in  a  great 
degree  from  getting  fat.  It  appears,  in  fact,  to  have  nearly  all 
the  good  effects  of  forcing  with  meat  without  its  evils.  It 
should  be  added  in  about  the  proportion  of  a  tea-spDonful  to 
half  a  pint  of  meal,  and  be  given  thus  in  every  feed  from  the 
time  the  chicks  are  ten  days  old.  I  may  just  remark  that  the 
foetid  smell  is  of  no  consequence  so  far  as  the  chickens  are  con- 
cerned ;  but  as  the  bone  dust  imparts  a  most  offensive  taste  to 
eggs,  it  should  be  discontinued  before  the  pullets  lay. 

At  about  six  weeks  old  the  oatmeal  and  bread  may  be  dis- 
continued for  a  mixture  of  equal  parts  of  sharps,  or  middlings, 
and  barleymeal,  and  the  grits  at  night  may  be  exchanged  for 
buckwheat.  The  milk,  grass,  and  bone  dust  should  be  con- 
tinued, however,  and  special  care  be  taken  that  no  more  be 
given  than  is  eaten  up,  so  that  every  two  hours  the  birds  may 
have  both  fresh  appetite  and  fresh  food.  If  any  does  remain 
it  must  not  be  left  for  the  chickens  to  finish,  but  taken  up  and 
thrown  to  the  old  fowls.  The  water,  too,  must  be  kept  clean 
and  cool,  always  adding  a  little  sulphate  of  iron  in  wet  or  cold 
weather.  A  little  camphor  kept  always  in  the  water  is  also 
good. 

I  think  chicks  grow  faster  and  do  better  away  from  the  hen 
as  soon  as  they  are  fledged  enough,  or  the  weather  is  warm 
enough,  to  keep  them  from  being  chilled.  In  that  case  care 
must  be  taken  that  until  they  roost  they  Bleep  on  very  dry 
ashes  or  earth,  and  if  tho  ground  be  damp  their  bed  of  ashes 


July  21,    1S70.  ] 


JOURNAL   OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GABDENEK. 


53 


ehoalil  be  put  on  a  board.  Though  it  has  been  said  already 
over  and  over  ngaiD,  it  ia  still  needful  to  repeat,  that  if  large 
birds  are  desired  the  oockerels  must  be  separated  from  the 
pnllets  by  the  time  they  are,  say,  three  months  old. 

To  the  above  feeding  a  little  meat  rnny  bo  added  once  a-day 
with  advantage,  but  is  not  needful.  AYhit  is  needful  is,  not 
only  to  feed  well  while  with  the  hen,  but  to  continue  the  same 
careful,  cleanly,  liberal,  constant  feeding  till  the  birds  are  full 
grown.  Growing  chickens  cannot  be  overfed  so  long  as  they 
have  only  their  regular  plaio.  diet  and  eat  it  with  good  appetite. 
It  is,  perhaps,  for  this  reason  that,  so  far  as  my  knowledge 
goes,  chickens  seldom  grow  so  well  in  an  unlimited  run  as  in 
good  grass  runs  of  moderate  size. 

I  have  always  noticed  that  my  chickens  did  not  grow  so  well 
in  very  hot  dry  seasons ;  and  though  I  have  never  tried  it 
systematically,  I  believe  watering  the  ground  at  intervals  in 
hot  weather  would  have  a  beneficial  effect  on  the  birds  as  well  as 
upon  the  soil,  where  the  runs  are  of  small  size. — L.  Weight. 


Vermis  in  Hen  House. — My  hen  house  was  literally  alive 
with  parasites.  I  procured  a  packet  of  X.  Howe's  preparation 
from  carbolic  acid,  and  the  parasites  are  completely  destroyed. 
— Mes.  Tnoiiis,  Febntnham,  Beds. 

[Carbolic  acid  may  bo  obtainod  from  any  chemist.] 


GUILDFORD   POULTRY  EXHIBITION. 

It  is  very  rarely  indeed  that  any  committee  can  boast  of  so  good  an 
entry  as  took  place  at  Guildford  on  Friday  last,  particularly  as  a  first 
Show.  This  is,  no  doubt,  well  deserved,  as  the  prize  schedule  was  a 
most  liberal  one,  comprising  not  only  ten  pieces  of  plate,  but  also  the 
''Poultry  Book"  and  "Pigeon  Book,"  a3  extra  prizes,  beyond  the 
money  premiums.  The  County  Hall  is  well  adapted  for  showing 
specimens  to  advantage,  and  had  there  been  a  little  different  arrange- 
ment in  the  disposal  of  the  best  positions  for  light  to  those  classes 
most  requiring  it,  in  lieu  of  a  very  extensivo  "  Selling  class  "  mono- 
polising the  principal  position  in  the  Show,  the  management  would 
have  been  faultless. 

The  Spanish  proved  such  a  class  as  can  only  bo  rarely  met  with, 
and  the  first-rate  condition  in  which  most  of  them  were  shown  is 
worthy  of  the  highest  praise.  The  Grey  Dorkings  were  not  less  perfect, 
and  the  entry  was  a  large  one;  but  the  White  and  the  Cuckoo- 
coloured  Dorkings  were  very  few  in  number,  althouah  a  plate  prize  was 
offered  for  the  winner  of  the  last-named  breed.  The  Light  Brahmaa 
were  just  as  good  as  might  fairly  be  anticipated  in  this  neighbourhood  ; 
most  of  the  hens  were,  however,  in  very  ragged  plumago,  and  al- 
together out  of  show  trim.  The  Game  prizes  were  warmly  competed 
for  by  Messrs.  Matthew,  Hall,  and  Laming,  with  pens  of  no  common 
character.  The  chief  of  these  pens  were  shown  in  really  faultless 
condition.  The  Aylesbury  Duck  class  was  perfection,  Mrs.  Soamon3 
and  Mr.  Fowler  with  extraordinarily  £u3  pens  completely  throwing 
into  shade  all  other  rivals.  The  Rouens  were  naturally  in  the  worst 
of  feather.  The  class  for  any  variety  of  Ducks  was  decidedly  the 
worst  filled  in  the  Show,  consequently  the  first  and  third  prizes  were 
withheld.  Geese  and  Turkeys  also  were  as  well  represented  as  at  the 
very  largest  of  our  shows. 

To  speak  too  highly  of  the  rigeons  is  impossible,  most  of  the  Lon- 
don fancy  being  competitors;  so  good  were  they  that  in  some  classes 
every  pen  was  highly  commended  that  was  left*  after  the  selection  of 
the  winners.  Most  of  the  Pigeons  were  well  shown  and  with  perfect 
fairness.  We  regretted,  however,  to  find  a  pen  of  Tnrbits  heavily 
"trimmed,"  the  beard  on  one  side  of  the  flight  feathers  having  evi- 
dently been  carefully  stripped  off  to  insure  favourable  appearances  in 
the  eyes  of  the  Judges,  for  it  would  not  affect  the  powers  of  flight  in 
this  bird  at  all.  On  this  discovery  the  pen  was,  of  course,  "  disquali- 
fied." Some  well-marked  u  Spots,"  and  some  rather  superior  Arch- 
angels, were  mutters  of  note  in  the  "  Variety  class  "  of  Pigeons. 

The  Silver-Grey  Rabbits  were  perfection,  but  the  competition  in 
Lop-eared,  and  those  for  weight,  might  have  been  mnch  better. 

The  weather  was  as  fine  as  could  be  wished  for,  and  great  numbers 
of  visitors  from  the  metropolis  were  in  attendance. 

Spanish.— 1,  G.  Tonkin.  2,  C.  Howard.  3  and  he,  F.  James,  Peckham  Rye, 
Surrey.  Dorkings.— Coloured.  —  Cup,  Gunson  &  Jefferson.  2,  L.  Patton, 
Bishop's  Hull,  Taunton.  ?,  F.  Parlett,  Great  Baddow.  he,  Rev.  T.  J.  Hov- 
sted;  C.  Pannell.  c,M.  Putney.  White.— I, G.  Cnbitt,  M.P.  2  and  3.W.  Attlee. 
Blue.  — Cup,  G.  Hme.  2,  W.  Belcher.  CoOHOTS.  —  Cinnamon  and  Buff.— 
Cup,  J.  Cartel!.  2,  E.  Fearon.  3,  J.  H.  Dawes.  Brown  and  Partridge- 
Trnilnred—1,  J.  H.  Dawes,  2,  F.  T.  Hillvard.  S,  J.  K.  Fowler,  Aylesburv. 
Whit,\— Cnpand2,  R.  Smalley.  3.  A.  J.  E.  Swindell,  he,  G.  Shrimpton  (2):  E. 
Fearon;  Mrs.  A.  Williamson,  c,  E.  Fearon.  Bradmas.— Dark.— 1,  H.  DowRett. 
Pleshey,  Chelmsford.  2,  J.  Stalker.  3,  F.  James.  Light.— Cup,  J.  Pares,  Post- 
ford.  2,  A.  O.  Worthing  ton.  3,  F.  Crooke,  Forest  Hill,  he,  Mrs.  A.  William- 
son- H.  M.  Maynard.  c,  H.  Dowsett;  Rev.  N.  J.  Ridley  :  P.  Crowley.  Game. 
—Black-breasted  and  other  Beds.— Cup,  R.  Hall.  9  and  c.  J.  Laming.  3,  S. 
Matthew,  Stowmarket.  he,  R.  Hall;  S.  Matthew.  Ami  other  Variety.— I,  S. 
Matthew  (Duckwing).  2,  J.  Laming,  3,  R.  Hall  (Duck-wing).  Hamdurghs.-- 
Gold  or  Srfver.pennUed.—l,  W.  K.  Tickner.  2,  C.  Havers,  In  twites  tone.  3,  R.  S. 
I.  Woodjrate.  Gold  or  SUver-spanalcd.—!,  Miss  C.  E.  Palmer.  2.  J.  F.  Lover- 
sidge.  8,  J.  Moon.  Polish  (Any  variety).— 1,  J.  Hinton  (Silver).  2.  T.  P. 
Edwards  (V  hite-crested  Black).  3.  W.  H.  Patrick,  he,  E.  Fearon.  French 
(Any  variety).— Cup,  R.  B.  Wood  (Houdans).   2,  Rev.  N.  J.  Ridley  (La  Fleche). 


3,  W.  O.  Quibell,  Newark  (Creve-Crcur).  he,  J.  J.  Maiden  (Creve-Cceur) ;  P* 
Crowley  (Hondana);  R.  B.  Wood  (Houdans).  Any  other  Variety.— 1  and 
Boole,  w.  Wildey  (Andalusian).  2,  Mrs.  Bun-ell,  Stoke  Park,  Ipswich  (Silkies). 
3,  W.  Colly er  (Black  Hamburghs).  he,  C.  F.  Montresor  (Indian  Game);  H.  J. 
Godfrey  (Black  Cochin-Chinal.  c,  J.  Hinton  (Malay);  W.  Perry.  Ducks.— 
Ai/l'  isbury.— Cup  and  2,  Mrs.  M.  Seamons,  Aylesbury.  3,  J.  K.  Fowler,  he,  J. 
K.  Fowler;  Sir  H.  P.  De  Bathe,  Bart.  Rouen.—  !,  I  very  &.  Sons.  2.  J.  K. 
Fowler.  3,  L.  Patton.  c,  M.  Putney.  Any  other  Variety.—1},  J.  K.  Fowler 
(Carolina).  Geese.— Cup,  J.  K.  Fowler.  2,  Mrs.  M,  Seamons.  3,  Sir  H.  P. 
de  Batbe,  Bart,  c,  J.  Pares.  Turkeys.— Cup,  L.  Patton.  2,  Rev.  N.  J.  Ridley. 
3,  Mrs.  Messenger,  he,  —  Harrison.  Bantams.—  Game.— Cup,  W.  Adams,  2, 
W.  B.  Jeffries,  Ipswich.  3,  W.  F.  EntwUle,  Leeds,  c,  W.  B.  Jeffries;  W. 
Bouteher:  E.  S.  C.  Gibson.  Any  other  Variety.— 1,  S.  &  R.  Ash  ton,  Mottranz 
(Itlacki.  2,  H.  M.  Maynard  (Black).  3,  W.  Masland  (Japanese).  Selling 
Class.— 1,  MHs  C.  E.  Palmer  (Gold-spangled  Hamburghs).  2,  H.  Dowsett, 
Meshey  (Brahmas).  S,  J.  Smith  (Coloured  Dorkings),  he,  H.  S.  Fraser 
(Houdans).  e,  W.  WUdey  (Andalasisn  Fowls};  F.  James  (Blaek  Spanish);  J. 
Mansell  (Spanisl);  Miss  M.  C.  Barnes  (Dark  Brahma  Cock);  G.  W.  How 
(Guinea  Fowls). 

PIGEONS. 
Carriers.— 1,  II.  Yardlev,  Birmiughdin.  2  and  extra  2,  R.  Fulton,  Deptford. 
he,  J.  C.  Ord  (2) ;  H.  M.  Maynard;  J.  Lufkin.  Pouters— 1  and  2,  R.  Fulton. 
Tumblers.— 1  and  2,  R.  Fulton,  lie,  J.  Ford.  Fantails.~-1  and  2,  H.  Yardley. 
He,  C.  Bnlpin.  Barbs.— 1,  R.  Fulton.  2,  11.  M.  Maynard.  he,  T.  Randall. 
Jacobins.— I,  IT.  M.  tfaynard.  3,  H.  Yardlev.  c,  R.  Fulton.  Dragoons.— I.  C. 
Bnlpin.  2,  E.G.  Jones,  c,  J.  Philpott.  TuSBITS.— 1,  C.Bulpin.  2,  H.  Yardley. 
Any  other  Varuty.— ],  H.  Yardley.  2,  C.  Bulpiu.  3,  S.  A.  Wyllio,  East 
Moulscy,  Surrey.  

Rabbits.— Longest  Ears.— J,  G.  Johnson.    2,  H.  Young.     Heaviest.— I  and 

2,  E.  E.  Braby.  Any  }'ari':ty  not  Lop-eared.— 1  and  2,  S.  G.  Hudson  (Silver- 
Greys),    e,  E.  E.  Braby  (Smuts  with  Pink  Eyes). 

Mr.  Hewitt,  of  Birmingham,  and  Mr.  Tegetmeier,  of  London,  were 
the  Judges. 

LEICESTERSHIRE   BIRD    SHOW. 

Tins  was  held  in  the  Grand  Stand  building  on  the  5th  inst.     The 
following  prizes  were  awarded  : — 

CANARIES. 
Norwich,—  Clear  Yellow.— I,  Moore  &  Wynn.  Northampton.  2  and  3,  S. 
Tomes,  Northampton,  o,  J.  Smith,  Leicester.  Clear  Buff.—l,  S.  Tomes.  2,  J. 
Goode,  Leicester.  S,  J.  march,  Leicester,  e,  H.  Amlley,  Leicester  ;  J.  W.  Hunt, 
Eelgrave.  Variegated  Fellow.— 1  and  2,  fifoore  ft  Wynn.  s,  S.  Tomes.  Varie- 
gated  Baff.—l  and  3,  Moore  &  Wynn,  Northampton.  2.  S.  Tomes,  c,  H. 
Audley,  Leicester;  II.  Headier,  Thurmaston.  Gbkbted.— Stiff. — 1,  Moore  and. 
Wynn.  2  and  3,  J.  Goode.  Variegated.— \  and  2.  Moore  &  Wynn.  3  and  c,  S. 
Tomo3.  Belgian.— Clear  Buff.— 1  and  2,  H.  Headier.  3,  J.  Mason,  Leicester. 
Variegated  Buff.—i  and  j,  il  Headley.  Ltpiabtx — (tQid*7iMamgled.—i  and  8,  J. 
Essex,  Leicester.  'J,  H.  Higtuns,  Leicester.  SiVoer-spangUd.— 1,  T.  Hudson, 
Bullwell.  2,  J.  Essex.  3,  S.  Tomes.  Cinnamon. — Fellow. — 1,  Moore  &  Wynn. 
2  and  3,  W.  Burton,  Hinckley,  c,  S.  Tomes  12).  Buff.—!  and  2,  S.  Tomes. 
Sand  c,  Moore  &  Wynn.  Goldfinch  Mi-le. — Yelloie.— 1,  T.  Cradock,  Stonton 
Wwille.  a,  Moore  &  Wynn.  Buff.— 1  and  2,  J.  Bott.  Leicester.  3,  J.  Goode. 
Extra  S.  Moore  ft  Wvnn.  c.  T.  Harrison,  Btonton  Wyville.  Ten  Canaries.— 
1,  J.  Essex.    2,  W.  Burton.    3,  J.  Goode.    Extra  3,  J.  Mason. 

BRITISH  BIRDS. 
Brr.LEiNcn.— 1,  J.  W.  Hunt,  Belgrave.    2,  M.  Cave,  Leicester.    Goldfinch.— 

1.  Mrs.  P.  Jones,  Loughborough.  $,  J.  Goode.  Linnet.— 1,  J.  Mason.  2,  M. 
Cave.  Skylakk.— 1,  Master  II.  Cox,  Leicester.  2,  M.  Cave.  Magpies.— 1,  Master 
H.  Cox. 

FOREIGN  BIRDS. 

Cockatoo.  —  1,  T.  Hopkins,  Leicester.     Parrot.— Grey.— 1,  J.  Billington, 

Leicester.   2, H.  Headley.    Green, or  any  other  variety  except  Qreu.—l,  Mrs. 

Doff,  Leicester.    2, —  Burgess,  Leicester.    3,  R.  Gant,  Leicester.    Equal  3,  J. 

Smith,  Leicester, 

PIGEONS. 
Tcmdlers.— 1  and  2,  H.  Headley.    Carrifrs.— 1  and  2,  H.  Headiey.    Pouters. 
— 1  and  lie,  H.  Barsbv,  Leicester.    2,  G.   Sturgcss,  Leicester.    Runts.— 1  and 

2,  H.  Headier.  Jacobins.— 1  and  S,  H.  Headley.  2,  G.  Stnrgess.  Fan  tails.— 
1,  W.  Stnrgess.  2,  H.  Headley.  Anx  other  Variety.— 1,  H.  Headley.  2,  W. 
Sturgess. 

Judge. — Mr.  A.  YVilmore,  London. 


ROSSENDALE   AGRICULTURAL    SOCIETY'S 
POULTRY   SHOW. 
(From  a  Correspondent.) 

This  was  held  at  Stacksteads  on  the  11th  inst.  There  were  152 
entries  of  poultry  and  85  of  Pigeons.  The  pens  were  supplied  by  Mr. 
Turner.  Many  spoke  of  the  excellent  arrangements,  and  to  the  feed- 
ing. &c.,  of  the  poultry,  and  tho  courtesy  of  the  Committee  and  Secre- 
taries. Mr.  Beldon  obtained  the  challenge  cup  offered  for  the  most 
successful  exhibitor  in  the  poultry  classes.  Tho  Show  on  the  whole 
was  pretty  satisfactory,  and  would  have  been  more  so  but  for  the 
disastrous  flood  which  occurred  a  few  days  before  in  the  neighbonr- 
hood,  doing  damage  to  over  £100,000,  which  was  the  means  of 
seriously  crippling  the  exchequer  of  the  Society.  The  Society's 
friends,  and  the  successful  exhibitors  especially,  might  be  reminded  to 
render  some  little  assistance  to  the  Committee.  Their  grand  stand 
was  completely  washed  away,  besides  a  very  large  quantity  of  boards. 

Game.  —  1.  G.  Bagnall,  Draycott,  Cheadle.  2,  C.  W.  Brierley,  Middleton 
Cock— I  and  2,  C.  W.  Brierley.  Cockerel.— 1,  T.  Dyson,  Claypits,  Halifax.  2,R. 
Payne,  Brierfield,  Burnlcv.  Chickens.—!,  T.  Dyson.  2,C.  W.  Brierley.  Dork- 
nrs.— 1,  J.  Stott,  Healev.  2,  J.  White,  Warlaby.  Spanish  (Black).  — 1,  H. 
Beldon,  Bingley.  2,  C.  W.  Brierley.  Gochik-Chisa.— Cinnamon  and  Buff.— 
1  and  2,  W.  A.  Taylor,  Manchester.  Any  other  Variety— 1,  W.  A.  Taylor.  2,  H. 
Beldon.  Brahma  Pootra  (Any  variety).— 1,  J.  H.  Pickles.  Birkdale,  Southport. 
2,  W.  Hargreaves,  Baeup.  Hamburghs.  —  Golden  pencilled.— 1,  H.  Pickles, 
jun.,  Earbv,  Skipton  2,  H.  Beldon.  Chickens— 1,  H.  Pickles,  jnn.  2,  H. 
Beldon,  Bingley.  Golden-spangled.— I,  H.  Beldon.  2,  H.  Pickles,  jnn.  Chickens. 
— I,  J.  Andre. w,  Waterhouses,  Ashton-under-Lvne.  2.  F-.  Brierley.  Heywood, 
Silrer-prneiiled.—l,  H-  Pickles,  jun.  2,  H.  Beldon.  Chickens.— 1,  H.  Pickles, 
jun.  2,  H.  Beldon.  Silrer-svangled.—l,  J.  Fielding,  Newehurch.  2,  H.  Pickles, 
jun.  Chickens.-!,  H.  Pickles,  jnn.  2.  J.  Fielding.  Black.—!,  N.  Marlor, 
Denton.  2,  H.  W.  Hlingworth,  Idle.  Chickens.— 1,  J.  Cockroft,  Hamkcliffe. 
2,  C.  Sidgwick,  Rvddlesden  Hall,  Keichley.  Bantam.— Game.  —  1.  T.  Barker, 
Hill  End.  2.  T.  Sharpies,  Forest  Bank,  Rawtenstall.  Game.— Single  Cock  — 
1,  G.  Hsworth,  Helmshore.  2,  T.  Tattersall,  Tunstead  Bottoms.  Any  other 
Variety.—!,  J.  Walker,  Halifax.    2,  H.  Beldon.    Ans  other  Variety.— 1,  H. 


54 


JOUKNAIj  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


t  July  21,  1670. 


Beldon  (Polands).    2,  J.  Watts,  King's  Heath,  Birmingham.    Selling  Class.— 

1,  F.  &  C.  Haworth,  Haelingden.  2,  W.  A.  Taylor,  Manchester.  Ducks.— 
Ayleshitry.—l.  E.  Leech,  Rochdale.  Eouen—  1,  E.  Leech.  2,  H.  B.  Smith, 
Brooklands,  Broughton,  Preston.  Any  other  Variety.— 1.  C.  W.  Brierley.  2,  H. 
B.  Smith.    Geese  (Any  variety).— 1  and  2,  E.  Leech.    Turkey.— 1,  E.  Leech. 

2,  C.  W.  Brierley. 

PIGEONS. 
Cabrikrs.— 1  and  2,  E.  Horner,  Harewood.  Tumblers.— 1  and  2,  J.  Fielding, 
jun.,  Rochdale.  Barbs.— 1,  J.  Fielding,  jun.  2,  E.  Horner.  Owls.— 1.  J.  Field, 
ing,  jun.  2.  J.  Hawlev,  Bingley.  Pouters  or  Croppers.— 1,  E.  Horner.  2,  J. 
Hawlov.  Fantails.— 1,  E.  Horner.  2,  H.  Vardley,  Birmingham.  Turbits.— 
1,  J.  Fielding,  jun.  2,  H.  Yardley.  Dragoons.— 1,  J.  Hawley.  2,  J.  Watts. 
Trumpeters.— 1,  E.  Horner.  2,  J.  Hawley.  Jacobins.— 1  and  2,  E.  Horner. 
Antwehps.— 1  and  2,  H.  Yardley.  Any  other  Variety.— 1,  E.  Horner.  2,  H. 
Yardley. 

The  Judges  were  Mr.  Fielding,  Trentham,  and  Mr.  Dixon,  Bradford. 


OUNDLE  EXHIBITION   OF  POULTRY  AND 
PIGEONS. 

The  entries  this  year  both  of  poultry  and  Pigeons  at  the  Oundle 
Show  were  remarkably  good,  and  the  weather  proved  most  favourable, 
consequently  the  success  of  the  Show  was  nnmistakeably  good.  The 
tent  erected  for  the  poultry  was  large  and  airy,  and  the  pens  supplied 
by  Messrs.  Turner,  of  Sheffield,  completed  the  arrangements  in  a 
most  satisfactory  manner. 

One  of  the  best  varieties  shown  were  the  Grey  Dorkings.  The  Game 
fowls  were  mostly  very  superior  birds,  but  many  of  them  were  fast 
falling  into  bad  condition,  moulting  having  commenced  somewhat 
earlier  this  season  than  usual  amongst  most  varieties  of  poultry.  The 
classes  of  Cochin  fowls  were  all  good,  being  decidedly  tho  best  ever 
seen  at  Oundle.  A  few  good  pens  of  llamhirrghs  were  shown,  hut  the 
entries  were  few  in  number.  Bantams  were  not  so  good  as  those 
shown  last  year  at  this  meeting.  Turkeys  and  Ducks  were  as  fine  as 
could  be  desired  ;  but  the  Geese  were  not  remarkable  in  any  way. 

It  is  only  a  rare  occurrence  that  we  rind  a  better  competition  than 
took  place  in  Pigeons,  Each  exhibitor  showed  a  collection  of  three 
pens,  the  only  restriction  being,  they  must  be  of  three  different  breeds, 
and  this  portion  of  the  Exhibition  proved  most  interesting  to  those 
nine  persons  who  competed,  not  an  indifferent  pen  being  on  view. 

The  silver  cup  given  by  Lord  Lilford,  for  the  best  pen  of  poultry  of 
any  kind  exhibited,  was  won  by  the  first-prize  pen  of  Spanish  hens, 
closely  pressed  by  tho  first-prize  pen  of  Dorking  hens. 

Dorkings.— Scns.—l,  J.  Longland,  Grcndon.  2  and  3,  R.  Wood/ Clapton. 
he,  Rev.  E.  Bartrutn,  Great  Bcrkbainstcad.  Pullets.— 1,  J-  Longland.  2.  H. 
Yardlev,  Birmingham,  lie.  J.  Longland  ;  J.  Watts,  Birmingham,  c,  K.  Wood. 
Cock—  I,  2,  and  3,  B.  Wood.    Cockerel— I  and  2,  H.  Yardley.    Game.— ffdts  — 

1  and  2.  H.  Lotan.  Oundle.  S.  J.  Stephen!,  Walsall.  PuUets.-\,  Green  &  Sut- 
cliffe,  Queenshurv,  Halifax.  2.  H  H.  Bletsoe,  Barnwell.  CocL—1  and  c,  S. 
Deacon,  Polehrodk  Hall.  2,  S.  W.  Smith,  Manor  House,  Titehniarsh.  S,  B.  Cox. 
Moulton.  Cockerel— 1  and  2,  H.  H.  Bletsoe.  Spanish.— Black.— Bens.— 1  and 
Cup  for  hest  pen  in  Show,  J.  F.  Dixon,  Cotgravc.  Nottingham.  2.  W.  R.  Bull, 
Newport  Pagnell.  3,  H.  F.  Cooper,  Lichfield  Street,  Walsall,  he,  M.  E.  Coltag- 
wood,  Peterborough  ;  J.  Stephens,  Walsa'l ;  E.  Smith,  Rectory,  Oundle.  Cock. 
—1,  H.  F.  Cooper.  2,  J.  Stephens,  he,  W.  Bearpark,  Aindcrby  Steeple,  North- 
allerton ;  Ladv  G.  Gordon,  Ortnn  Hall.  Chickens.— 1,  W.  R.  Bull.  2,  Lady  G. 
Gordon.  3,  M.  E.  Cnllingwood.  Cochis-ChhaS.— Hens.— 1,  J.  W.  Beasley, 
Northampton.  2,  J.  Stephens.  3,  Rev.  A.  A.  Longhurst,  Fotheringhay.  lie,  J. 
L.  Hilliam,  Oundle.  e,  W.  A.  Burnell,  Winkharu  Hall.  Southwell.  Cock.— 1,  W. 
A.  Burnell.  2.  J.  Stephens.  3,  .T.  A.  Boaslcy.  he.  H.  H.  Bletsoe  ;  H.  Yardley. 
c,  W.  F.  Checklcy,  Moulton.  Chickens.— 1,  3.  Stephens.  2,  H.  Yardley.  3,  Kev. 
A.  A.  Longhurst.  he,  W.  F.  Checklev.  c,  H.  H.  Bletsoe;  J.  Dove,  Moulton; 
W.  A.  Burnell.  Brahmas.— 1,  .1.  Watt's.  2,  T.  Rogers,  Walsall.  Hambuh<;hs. 
—Gold  and  Silver-pencilled.— If  W.  Bearpark.  2,  Rev.  J.  Payne,  High-im 
Fen-era.    3,  J.  A.  W.  Underwood,  Warmington.    Gold  and  Bilver^pangUd.— 

1,  W.  Bearpark.  2,  J.  F.  Loveridge,  Newark-on-Trent.  3,  J.  Stephens.  Bant. Ms. 
— Game.— 1,  G-.  Anns,  Chipham.  2,  T.  Rogers.  he,  H.  H.  Bletsoe ;  S.  Deacon, 
Polebrook  Hall;  L.  Caleott.  Oundle.  Any  other  Variety.— I,  F.  Worley, 
Northampton.    2,  J.  Beal,  Oundle.     Any  other  Variety.— 1,  J.  N.  Beasley. 

2,  E.  Goodliffe.  Conningtou.  Sellixo  Class.— 1,  S.  Deacon.  2,  J.  Dove,  Moul- 
ton.   Geese.— 1,  E.  Goodl'ffe.    2,  S.  Deacon.    Duoks.— Aylesbury.- 1,  J.  Dove. 

2  and  c,  S.  Deacon,  he.  E.  Goodliffe  (2).  Rouen. — 1  aud  2,  R.  Wood.  Any 
other  Variety  — 1  and  2,  E.  Gftodliffe.  e,  S.  Deacon.  Turkeys.—}.  J.  Craig, 
Fotheringhay.  2.  M.  Kew,  Market  Overton,  Oakham,  he,  J.  A.  W.  Under- 
wood ;  J.  N.  Beasley. 

Pigeons—  Three  Pairs— 1.  H.  Yardley.  !,  J.  Watts,  he,  R.  F.  .Trayling, 
Peterborough ;  W.  Lepper,  Northampton. 

Rabbits.—  Lop<ared.—\,  S.  W.  Fenn,  Nassington.  Fancy.— 2,  J.  Clipston, 
Oundle. 

Edward  Hewitt,  Esq.,  of  Sparkbrook,  Birmingham,  officiated  as 
Judge. 

REPORTS  ON  RABBITS  AT  SHOWS. 
I  have  often  wondered  if  better  reports  on  the  Rabbit  section 
at  shows  could  not  be  supplied  to  "our  Journal."  I  am  sure 
an  enlarged  and  explanatory  report  of  the  various  points  of 
excellence  would  be  much  more  satisfactory  to  the  readers 
generally,  anil  the  prize-winners  in  particular,  and  not  the 
mere  record  of  prizes  as  now  too  frequently  seen,  and  even  at 
times  the  address  of  the  owner  of  such  prize-winner  not  fully 
given.  Could  not  a  few  words  be  inserted  as  to  the  reason 
why  such  specimens  received  their  honours,  and  some  in- 
formation be  given  respecting  the  merits  of  the  whole  exhi- 
bition of  Rabbits  ?  I  can  assure  committees,  judges,  and  all 
who  are  offiiially  connected  with  such  shows,  that  any  report, 
if  not  too  long,  will  have  space  given  it,  and  the  report  would 
evidence  that  some  interest  was  taken  in,  and  nice  discrimi- 
nation brought  to  boar  upoD,  the  merits  or  defects  of  the  speci- 


mens exhibited.  Could  we  not  have  the  number  of  entries  in. 
the  various  classes  given,  and  any  reason  stated  why  this 
section  of  the  show  was  attractive,  or  otherwise,  to  exhibitors, 
and  a  gentle  hint  to  the  "  powers  that  be  "  as  to  the  remedy, 
if  such  be  requisite  ?  I  fancy  I  hear  some  one  say,  "  But  who 
is  to  do  it?"  Why,  who  so  likely  as  the  judge?  or,  if  his 
duties  prevent  him,  can  no  competent  admirer  be  found  who 
could  devote  an  hour  or  two  between  each  show  he  visits  and 
the  reports  appearing  in  print  ?  We  find  very  intelligent  and 
highly  interesting  reports  from  admirers  of  poultry,  Pigeons, 
and  bees.  I  am  sure  the  hint  given  will  be  acted  upon  and 
very  much  appreciated.  I  promise  that  each  exhibition  in  my 
neighbourhood  shall  have  its  Rabbits,  when  exhibited,  alluded 
to  if  I  can  possibly  find  the  time  to  look  at  them.— Himalayan. 


SWARMING. 


The  swarming  season  is  generally  tho  most  interesting  period 
of  the  year  to  apiarians,  but  it  is  impossible  to  predict  the  hour 
or  even  the  day  when  a  first  swarm  will  take  its  departure.  If 
the  stores  are  nearly  exhausted,  and  unfavourable  weather  set 
in,  no  preparations  are  made  for  this  event ;  or,  if  preparations 
have  been  made,  and  young  queens  are  coming  forward,  the 
expected  swarm  not  unfrequently  delays  its  exit  until  the 
eldest  royal  lady  leaves  her  cell.  When  this  takes  place,  the 
old  queen  is  almost  sure  to  fall  a  victim  to  the  animosity  of  the 
young  one,  unless  the  latter  happens  to  be  an  only  daughter. 
The  presence  of  royal  sisters  in  a  hive  renders  a  queen  that 
has  just  escaped  from  her  cell  furious,  and  in  her  malignant 
hatred  of  maturing  rivals  she  will,  without  compunction,  com- 
mit matricide.  I  have  never  seen  an  old  queen,  when  weather 
or  other  circumstances  would  not  permit  a  swarm  to  make  an 
exodus,  destroy  the  royal  cells  or  their  inmates — her  offspring. 
On  a  few  occasions  I  have  seen  a  top  swarm  go  oil  just  as  the 
successor  to  the  throne  waB  about  to  obtain  her  liberty.  The 
reigning  sovereign  does  not  appear  to  be  animated  by  any 
hostile  feeling  towards  her  daughters,  and  the  reason  why  she 
lingers  in  the  hive  till  any  of  them  are  matured,  and  falls  a 
sacrifice,  is  entirely  owing  to  the  bees  in  not  sounding  a  timely 
note  of  alarm,  and  hurrying  her  away  from  a  habitation  that 
has  become  dangerous  to  dwell  in,  to  some  more  secure  place. 

It  was  in  this  way  I  lost  my  two-year-old  wingless  matron, 
which  I  received  from  "Apicola"  in  March  last,  and  which, 
with  her  daughter,  had  conjunctly  occupied  one  of  his  hivee- 
duriug  the  whole  of  last  winter.  Though  this  old  queen  had 
permitted  her  daughter  to  become  a  mother  and  divide  the 
throne,  jet  her  own  powers,  as  far  as  I  could  judge,  were  not 
impaired  in  the  very  least.  By  the  end  of  the  first  week  of 
June  she  had  peopled  her  hive  to  overflowing,  royal  cells  were 
tenanted,  and  all  requisite  preparations  made  for  swarming. 
Unfortunately  the  weather  broke,  no  food  was  to  be  obtained 
from  the  flnwers,  and  the  Btock  had  hut  a  6inall  store  of  honey 
laid  up.  With  a  temperature  seldom  above  55°  or  56°  at  its 
maximum  point  a  swarm  was  scarcely  to  be  looked  for;  but 
whilst  swarming  was  delayed  time  passed  on,  aud  the  royal 
cells  matured.  On  June  20th  the  eldest  princess  escaped  from 
her  cell,  and  went  piping  over  the  combs.  I  beciine  concerned 
for  the  safely  of  the  old  wingless  monarch,  and  forthwith 
opened  the  hive  to  search  for  her.  Amid  the  vast  multitude  of 
bees  I  failed  to  find  her,  but  every  comb  was  brooded  ;  some 
cells  contained  larvre  not  larger  than  piuheads,  aud  I  was  satis- 
fied tlrit  I  saw  eggs  in  others.  I  shut  up  the  hive  in  the 
hope  that  my  old  favourite  might  somehow  escape  destruction  ; 
but  in  this  I  was  disappointed,  for  not  many  hours  afterwards 
she  was  dragged  out  dead  and  thrown  overboard,  having 
evidently  been  stung  by  her  rival,  which  on  the  day  following 
led  forth  a  swarm. 

But  whilst  using  the  common  phraseology,  and  speaking  of 
the  queen  leading  forth  a  swarm,  I  beg  to  state  my  distinct 
conviction  that  queens  do  not  lead  out  swarm?,  but  are  led 
fcrth  by  them.  On  two  occasions,  at  least,  I  have  witnessed  in  a 
glass  uuicomb  hive  the  proceedings  that  took  place  immediately 
before  a  first  swarm  made  its  exodus.  Prom  the  listlessness 
and  clustering  on  the  lower  edge  of  the  comb  observable  in  the 
early  part  of  the  forenoon,  it  was  not  difficult  to  divine  that  a 
migration  was  contemplated.  As  soon  as  the  day  brightened 
up  a  few  bees  hurriedly  left  the  hive,  and  after  a  short  absence 
returned,  we  may  suppose,  with  a  favourable  report;  where- 
upon two  or  three  bees  advanced  towards  the  entrance,  and 
began  to  emit  a  series  of  sharp  sounds,  almost  identioal  with 
the  shrill  notes  of  distress  or  auger  wliich  bees  utter  at  nightfall 
as  they  run  out  and  in  at  the  entrances  of  their  hives  when  tor- 


July  21,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL    OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


55 


mented  by  moths.  These  sharp  sounds  in  a  little  while  were 
caught  up  by  other  bees,  and  a  troubled  movement  began,  which 
gradually  extended  itself.  At  length  the  sounds  became  so 
merged  as  to  resemble  a  continuous  hiss,  and  a  general  running 
backwards  and  forwards  over  the  comb  followed.  In  the 
midst  of  the  commotion  the  queen  for  a  minute  or  two  re- 
mained placid  till  the  tumult  became  irresistible,  and  she  also 
began  to  move.  As  soon  as  she  was  fairly  in  motion  a  rush 
was  made  towards  the  entrance,  and  her  majesty,  nolens  volens, 
fairly  carried  along  with  the  crowd.  The  like  procedure  to  that 
now  described  was  noticed  on  the  second  occasion  as  well  as  on 
the  first,  and  I  have  no  hesitation  in  expressing  my  conviction 
that  queens  have  very  little  to  say  in  the  matter  of  swarming, 
and  that  it  is  instinctively  initiated  by  the  bees  alone  when  the 
arrangements  within  are  complete,  and  circumstances  without 
are  favourable. — K.  S. 


DRIVING  BEES. 

About  the  middle  of  June  la3t  year  I  had  a  first  swarm  of 
bees.  I  hived  them  in  a  common  straw  hive,  and  about  the 
middle  of  July  I  found  it  to  be  about  40  lbs.  weight.  The 
weight  of  the  honey  being  tempting,  and  having  heard  people 
talk  about  driving  bees,  I  tried  the  experiment.  I  had  a  man 
to  assist  me,  and  we  turned  the  hive  containing  the  honey  and 
bees  upside  down  (th'i3  was  abont  9  r.ai.,  when  the  bees  were 
all  quiet) ;  we  placed  an  empty  hivo  upon  the  top,  then  drew  a 
piece  of  muslin  round  the  place  where  the  two  hives  joined,  and 
commenced  tapping  round  the  under  hive,  which  made  the 
bees  rush  into  the  top  one.  Still  we  were  uncertain  whether 
the  queen  had  gone  up,  aud,  consequently,  placed  the  two  hives 
in  that  position  upon  the  bee-stand,  and  toulc  off  the  muslin, 
leaving  them  over  the  night.  The  next  morning  they  com- 
menced working  as  if  nothing  had  happened.  In  the  evening 
I  lifted  the  top  hive  to  examine,  and  found  the  bees  were 
working  in  it.  I  allowed  them  to  remain  another  day  in  the 
same  position.  On  the  following  morning  a  drizzling  rain 
afforded  a  very  suitable  opportunity;  I  therefore  took  down 
the  two  hives,  lifted  the  top  one  upon  the  stand  again,  and 
exposed  the  other  to  the  rain.  As  a  matter  of  course,  the 
inmates,  not  liking  the  raiD.  fled  in  hundreds  to  their  new  abode. 
As  soon  as  they  all  left  I  took  away  the  hive  containing  the 
honey,  and  the  bees  continued  working  in  their  new  home  ap- 
parently as  contented  as  though  nothing  had  occurred.  In 
the  autumn  I  sold  them  for  20s.,  and  thay  were  a  first-rate 
Standard. 

I  believe  there  is  no  difficulty  in  driving  bees  out  of  one  of 
Neighbour's  hives,  as  described  by  Mr.  Elcome.  It  iB  a  very 
interesting  process,  and  one  I  should  greatly  recommend,  rather 
than  allowing  the  bees  to  throw  a  virgin  swarm  ;  it  should  not 
be  attempted  after  the  middle  of  July,  but  earlier  if  possible,  in 
order  to  allow  the  bees  time  to  provide  their  winter  storage. — 
Jas.  Glessall,  Old  Hall,  Hilnthorpe. 

[The  objection  to  the  above  process  is,  the  enormous  quan- 
tity of  brood  which  must  have  been  destroyed.  This  difficulty 
may,  however,  be  got  over  by  transferring  the  bees  into  a 
moveable-comb  hive,  and  utilising  all  the  worker  brood  comb, 
by  fitting  it  into  frames  in  the  manner  delineated  in  page  72, 
of  our  seventeenth  volume.] 


HOW  LONG  ARE  QUEENS  IN  HATCHING,  AND 

WHEN  DO  THEY  COMMENCE  EGG-LAYING? 

The  perusal  of  Mr.  Pettigrew's  recently-published  "  Handy 
Book  of  Bees,"  has  set  me  observing,  and  even  experimenting 
upon  my  own  bees,  with  the  view  of  correcting  some  of  the 
mistakes  which  he  has  made  iu  the  natural  history  of  our  little 
favourites — mistakes  which  I  know  he  is  himself  most  anxious 
to  rectify  as  soon  as  sufficient  evidence  has  been  adduced  to 
satisfy  him  that  he  is  really  in  error. 

In  the  first  place,  then,  Mr.  Pettigrew  states  that  "perfect 
queens  are  produced  on  the  fourteenth  day  after  eggs  have  been 
put  into  royal  cells,"  whilst  a  worker  is  "  in  the  cell  twenty- 
one  days,"  and  he  calls  upon  us  to  marvel  at  the  shortness  of 
time  in  which  queens  are  in  their  cradle-cells.  Huber,  on  the 
other  hand,  declares  that  queens  occupy  tLt :.  cells  sixteen,  and 
worker  bees  twenty  days  respectively  ;  whilst  Dr.  Bevan,  who 
in  this  respect  is  followed  by  most  later  writers,  assigns  the 
same  period  to  queens,  but  extends  that  of  workers  to  twenty- 
one  days. 

In  order,  therefore,  to  determine  which  of  these  statements 


was  correct,  I  on  the  7th  of  June  placed  an  empty  worker- 
comb  in  the  centre  of  a  populous  colony.  This  comb  when  re- 
moved the  next  morning,  was  found  to  contain  a  great  number 
of  eggs  deposited  iu  the  cells  on  both  sides,  and  was  then  with 
a  honeycomb  on  either  side  placed  in  a  nucleus-box,  which, 
having  been  supplied  with  a  sufficient  population  of  worker 
bees,  was  left  to  the  development  of  royal  cells.  Turee  of  these 
accordingly  appeared  in  due  time,  all  on  the  same  side  of  the 
brood  comb.  One  was  speedily  seen  to  be  empty,  and,  of 
course,  never  advanced  beyond  the  rudimentary  stage ;  two 
were  tenanted,  and  ultimately  completed.  The  morning  of  the 
23rd  (sixteen  days  from  the  commencement  of  the  experiment) 
witnessed  the  birth  of  a  very  large  aud  handsome  queen,  and 
the  remaining  royal  cell  being  cut  open  on  the  same  day,  was 
found  to  contain  only  a  deal  maggot,  which  had  not  progressed 
beyond  the  larval  stage.  This  experiment  conducted  just  at 
the  height  of  a  very  favourable  season,  would  seem  to  prove 
conclusively  that  Huber  and  Bevan  were  right  in  fixing  six- 
teen days  as  the  period  required  for  the  evolution  of  a  queen 
bee,  and  I  may  conclude  the  hutjry  of  the  one  in  question  by 
stating,  that  although  I  watched  her  v.iih  some  care,  I  failed  to 
determine  the  exact  period  of  her  impregnation,  but  that  she 
commenced  egg  laying  on  the  fifteenth  day  of  her  age,  and  is 
now  breeding  most  profusely. 

With  regard  to  the  time  occupied  in  the  production  of  workers, 
I  have  this  season  obtained  abundant  evidence  by  placing  nu- 
merous empty  combs  in  the  "brood  nests"  of  various  hives, 
and  have  invariably  found  that  workers  commenced  hatching 
out  not  later  than  the  nineteenth,  and  in  some  cases  so  early 
as  the  e'ghteenth  day. 

Taken  together,  these  experiments  prove  that  queens  occupy 
only  from  two  to  three  days  less  time  than  workers  in  coming 
to  perfection,  instead  of  seven  days  less,  as  stated  by  Mr. 
Pettigrew. 

It  should,  however,  be  remarked,  that  although  it  doe3  not 
seem  possible  that  these  periods  can  under  any  circumstances 
be  materially  abbreviated,  they  may,  unquestionably,  be  pro- 
longed in  less  favourable  seasons,  since  I  have  myself  had  a 
fine  queen  hatched  out  so  late  as  the  twenty-first  day. 

Mr.  Pettigrew  also  states  that  egg-lajing  "  commences  from 
six  to  ten  days  after  impregnation  takes  place,"  whilst  Huber 
and  succeeding  writers  declare  that  it  begins  in  forty-six  hours. 
During  my  experience  iu  breeding  queens,  I  have,  of  course, 
had  very  numerous  opportunities  of  observing  them  either  on 
their  actual  return  from  a  successful  wadding  flight,  or  im- 
mediately afterwards,  and  before  the  well-known  sign  of  recent 
fecundation  had  disappearel,  and  I  may  at  once  state  that  in 
every  instance  I  have  invariably  found  that  egg-laying  com- 
menced on  the  second  day. 

After  perusing  Mr.  Pettigrew's  book,  however,  I  became  desir- 
ous of  making  more  exact  observation  on  this  point,  and  have 
I  accordingly  watched  eagerly  from  time  to  time  during  the  pre- 
sent summer  for  evidences  of  recent  fecundation  in  such  young 
|  queens  as  I  have  reared  ;  but  fortune  seemed  against  me,  and 
it  was  not  until  about  3  o'clock  p  m.  on  the  8ih  of  this  month 
(July)  that  I  succeeded  in  detecting  the  looked-for  appearance 
at  the  extremity  of  the  abdomen  of  a  young  queen  then  just 
eight  days  old.  Careful  and  frequent  observations  showed  that 
no  eggs  were  laid  during  the  same  or  the  next  day,  but  at  half- 
past  eight  in  the  morning  of  the  day  following  (10th  July),  the 
discovery  of  a  couple  of  eggs  placed  in  cells  at  some  distance 
apart,  proved  that  oviposition  had  commenced  well  within  the 
period  of  forty-six  hours  assigned  by  Huber. 

I  am  satisfied  also  that  Mr.  Pettigrew  is  equally  wrong  on 
other  points,  which  unfortunately  do  not,  like  the  foregoing, 
admit  of  being  readily  put  to  the  test  of  actual  experiment. — 
A  Devonshire  Bee-keeper. 


LARGE  AND   SMALL  HIVES. 

I  commenced  thi3  year  with  four  hives.  No.  1.  A  small  straw 
skep  with  a  hole  at  the  top,  of  18G4.  No.  2,  A  S.ewarton  with 
two  boxes,  of  1865.  No.  3,  A  wooden  Woodbury  hive,  of  1868. 
No.  4,  A  straw  Woodbury  hive  of  May,  18C9,  the  strongest  of 
the  four. 

No.  1  commenced  work  in  a  super  about  the  20!h  of  May, 
and  has  filled  a  good-sized  glass  and  two  go^d-sized  boxes  ; 
but  uotbiag  that  I  could  do  would  indue  i  any  of  the  other  three 
to  take  to  a  super  till  the  8ih  of  July,  when  the  limes  came 
into  bloom,  and  all  three  took  possession  of  their  supers  in 
great  force.  Up  to  that  day  I  tried  clean  comb  of  last  year,  and 
new  comb  of  this  year  with  fresh  honey  in  it,  but  all  was  in 


56 


JOUENAIj  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  July  21,  1870. 


vain.  My  conclusion  is  that  the  three  hives  were  too  large, 
and  that,  unless  in  very  favourable  situations,  the  smaller  hive 
is  likely  to  be  more  productive  than  the  larger. — H. 


NEW  BOOK. 


B>j    G. 


Home-made  Wines:  How  to  Make  and  Keep  Them. 
Vine.    London  :  Groombridge  &  Sons. 

This  is  a  useful  little  book.  The  following  extract  will  be 
the  best  evidence  of  its  contents  : — 

"  The  following  recipe  to  mate  ten  gallons  of  rhubarb  wine  ;  or 
British  champagne,  will  do  for  unripe  grapes  with  their  leaves,  tops, 
and  tendrils,  currants,  gooseberries,  aud  similar  sharp  fruit,  as  well 
as  for  rhubarb,  and  will  give  a  general  idea  of  the  proper  mode  of 
making  a  brisk  wine.  The  time  of  fermenting,  quantity  of  fruit,  Arc, 
must  be  modified  somewhat  in  each  case  to  suit  the  peculiarities  of 
each  fruit;  for  which  directions  will  be  given  under  their  respective 
heads. 

"Provide  a  fermenting  tub  that  will  hold  from  15  to  '30  gallons,  or 
larger  if  required.  It  should  have  a  guard  or  rim  on  the  inside,  simi- 
lar to  that  used  for  brewing  beer,  in  order  to  keep  back  the  husks  of 
the  fruit,  and  a  tap  near  the  bottom. 

"Take  50  lbs.  of  rhubarb,  and  37  lbs.  of  fine  moist  sugar.  In  the 
tub  bruise  the  rhubarb;  when  done,  add  four  gallons  of  water;  let  the 
whole  be  well  stirred  together;  cover  the  tub  with  a  cloth  or  blanket, 
and  let  the  pulp  stand  for  twenty-four  hours  ;  then  draw  off  the  liquor 
through  the  tap  into  another  tub  or  pan  ;  add  one  or  two  more  gallons 
of  water  to  the  pulp,  let  it  be  well  stirred,  then  allowed  to  remain  an 
honr  or  two  to  settle,  and  then  draw  off;  mix  the  two  liquors  together, 
and  in  it  dissolve  the  sugar. 

"  Let  the  tub  be  made  clean,  and  return  the  liquor  to  it,  cover  it 
with  a  blanket,  and  place  it  in  a  room,  the  temperature  of  which  i3  not 
below  60°  of  Fahrenheit's  thermometer;  here  it  is  to  remain  for  twenty- 
four,  forty-eight,  or  more  hours,  until  there  is  an  appearance  of  fer- 
mentation having  begun,  when  it  should  be  drawn  off  into  a  ten-gallon 
cask,  as  fine  as  possible,  which  cask  must  be  filled  up  to  the  bnnghole 
with  water,  if  there  is  not  liquor  enough ;  let  it  lean  to  one  side  a 
little,  that  it  may  discharge  itself ;  if  there  is  any  liquor  left  in  the 
tub  not  quite  fine,  pass  it  through  flannel,  aud  fill  up  with  that  instead 
of  water.  As  the  fermentation  proceeds,  and  the  liquor  diminishes, 
it  must  be  filled  up  daily,  to  encourage  the  fermentation,  for  ten  or 
twelve  days ;  it  then  becomes  more  moderate,  when  the  bung  should 
be  put  in,  and  a  gimlet-hole  made  at  the  side  of  it,  fitted  with  a  spile ; 
this  spile  should  be  taken  out  every  two  or  three  days,  according  to  the 
state  of  the  fermentation,  for  eight  or  ten  days  to  allow  some  of  the 
carbonic  acid  gas  to  escape.  When  this  state  is  passed,  the  cask  may 
be  kept  full  by  pouring  a  little  liquor  in  at  the  vent-hole  once  a-week 
or  ten  days,  for  three  or  four  weeks.  This  operation  is  performed  at 
long  intervals,  of  a  month  or  more,  till  the  end  of  December,  when, 
on  a  fine  frosty  day,  it  should  be  drawn  off  from  the  lees  as  fine  as 
possible  ;  the  turbid  or  muddy  part  passed  through  flannel.  Make  the 
cask  clean,  return  the  liquor  to  it,  with  one  drachm  of  pure  isinglass 
dissolved  in  a  little  water;  stir  the  whole  together,  and  put  the  bung 
in  firmly.  Choose  a  clear  dry  day  in  March  for  bottling.  They  should 
be  champagne  bottles — common  wine  bottles  are  not  strong  enough — 
secure  the  corks  in  a  proper  manner  with  wire,  &c.  The  liquor  is 
generally  made  np  to  two  or  three  pints  over  the  ten  gallons,  which  is 
bottled  for  the  purpose  of  filling  the  cask  as  it  is  wanted. 

"  To  make  a  dry  wine  like  sherry  from  the  same  kind  of  fruit,  the 
cask  must  be  kept  constantly  filled  up  to  the  bunghole,  daily,  or  every 
other  day,  as  long  as  any  fermentation  is  perceptible  by  applying  the 
ear  to  the  bunghole  ;  the  bung  may  then  be  put  in  lightly  for  a  time, 
before  finally  fixing  it ;  it  may  be  racked  off  on  a  fine  day  in  Decem- 
ber, and  fined  with  isinglass  as  previously  directed,  and  bottled  in 
March." 

OUR  LETTER  BOX. 

FEEDING.  Cochin-Chinas  (An  Amateur).—  Your  food  is  not  good  enough. 
Do  away  with  the  pollard  and  Indian  meal.  Feed  on  ground  oats,  good 
heavy  barley,  a  little  Indian  corn  now  and  then  for  a  change,  and  table 
scraps  of  every  kind,  crumbs  of  bread,  &c.  We  are  not  friendly  to  any 
artificial  food. 

Poultry-yard  Arrangements  (Constant  Header). — As  a  rule  where 
fowls  are  kept  no  other  poultry  should  be  kept  with  them.  The  same 
management  with  your  Turkeys  probably  has  the  same  result.  The  hen 
is  let  loose  too  soon  in  the  age  of  the  chickens,  or  the  hour  of  the  day. 
A  hen  Tnrkey  Bhould  not  be  at  liberty  till  the  poults  are  seven  or  eight 
weeks  old,  and  when  that  time  has  arrived  she  should  not  be  at  liberty 
till  10  a.m.,  when  the  sun  is  well  up,  and  the  grass  is  dry.  Separate  the 
Turkeys  from  the  fowls  ;  give  the  sickly  ones  green  onion  tops  chopped 
fine,  and  mixed  with  meal,  give  them  two  pills  of  camphor  daily,  the  size 
of  horsebeans,  and  let  their  water  be  strongly  impregnated  with  the  same. 
If  they  are  sinking  you  must  give  them  some  strong  beer.  We  can  only 
tell  you  how  to  combat  the  disease.  If  you  tell  us  how  you  treat  your 
birds,  we  will  do  our  best  to  advise  how  to  prevent  it. 

Chickens  Dying  Wholesale  *A  Lover  of  Poultry).— Try  some  other 
plan  of  feeding.  Either  Mr.  Wright's  disagrees  with  them,  or  they  get 
something  besides  his  bill  of  fare.  Do  the  yew  trees  drop  any  berries  ? 
If  they  do  not,  then  the  chickens  get  at  something  at  times  that  is  highly 
injurious,  and  causes  these  periodical  and  fatal  attacks.  We  feed  on 
bread  and  milk,  chopped  egg,  crumbled  bread  and  cheese  curd,  and 


chopped  scraps  of  meat.    We  give  them  beer  to  drink  while  they  are  not 
more  than  a  month  old,  and  we  lose  none. 

Houdan  Chickens  almost  Featherless  (J.  ff.  C.).— Again  let  us 
observe  that  the  best  food  is  the  cheapest.  Sharps,  fourths,  middlings, 
bran,  "  chicken  food,"  and  all  such  appliances  are  as  good  for  the  chickens 
as  a  handful  of  sawdust  each  would  be  for  a  large  family  where  the  meat 
would  not  hold  out.  Adopt  the  dietary  we  have  mentioned  in  our  last 
answer.  Wash  the  chicken  that  is  suffering  from  inflammation  with 
warm  water  and  soap,  dry  it  thoroughly,  and  then  rub  it  with  sulphur 
ointment.  Your  maggot-  feeding  probably  helps  to  produce  the  disorder' 
which  arises  from  a  heated  system. 

Houdan  Hen  having  a  Brood  (Frances  Anne).— We  have  never  had  a 
broody  Houdan,  but  thero  is  no  rule  without  an  exception,  and  we  have 
known  both  Pencilled  Hambur^hs  and  Spanish  to  Bit,  and  fulfil  all  the 
subsequent  duties  in  a  most  satisfactory  manner,  as  your  Houdan  hen  is 
doing. 

Snaith  Show.—  Messrs.  Nawbitt  send  the  following  as  a  correction  of 
our  prize  list :— Spanish,  fivat,  H.  Beldon ;  second,  T.  C.  &  E.  Newbitt; 
third,  C.  W.  Brierley.    Jacobins,  first  and  second,  T.  C.  &  E.  Newbitt. 

Ant3  in  a  Hive  (Miss  P.).— The  ascent  of  ants  to  a  hive  of  bees  may 
be  prevented  by  nailing  round  the  pedestal,  a  short  distance  from  the 
ground,  a  bit  of  sheepskin  with  the  wool  outwards,  and  anointed  with 
coal  tar. 

Dwindled  Stock  (A.  O.  L.).— Your  stock  has  most  probably  dwindled 
owing  to  the  death  of  its  queen  during  the  winter,  and  can  now  only  be 
restored  to  prosperity  by  addia-,'  to  it  a  new  swarm. 

Bees  in  an  Old  Hive  (A  Sub.).— I!  you  had  expelled  the  remaining 
hoes  by  driving  at  tho  oxpiration  of  tbrce  weeks  from  the  issue  of  the 
first  swarm,  little  or  no  brood  wonH  have  been  found  in  the  hive; 
whereas,  at  this  time  there  is  probably  a  considerable  quantity.  You 
may,  how  aver,  now  transfer  them,  combs  and  all,  to  a  frame  hive  in  the 
manner  described  in  page  72  of  our  seventeenth  volume,  or  you  may 
drive  and  unite  them  to  another  stock  in  the  autumn. 


METEOROLOGICAL  OBSERVATIONS 
In  tha  Suburbs  of  London  for  the  week  ending  July  19th. 


THERMOMETER 

Dati 

. 

Air. 

Earth. 

Wind. 

Rain. 

Max. 

Min. 

Max. 

Min. 

1ft. 

2  It. 

Wed... 

13 

29.833 

29.7"0 

76 

50 

64 

61 

S. 

.00 

Thurs. 

14 

29  977 

29.967 

83 

43 

67 

60 

S.W. 

.10 

Fri..  .. 

16 

29.927 

29.772 

84 

53 

67 

61 

S. 

.00 

Sat.  ... 

IB 

29.882 

29  769 

80 

47 

67 

61 

W. 

.00 

San.  . . 

17 

80  018 

29.963 

80 

52 

63 

61 

N.W. 

.00 

Man.  . . 

18 

81050 

31.018 

71 

61 

67 

61 

S. 

•oo 

Tue3. 

19 
n.. 

30.151 

30.115 

87 

51 

67 

61 

N.W. 

.00 

Mea 

29.977 

29.909 

83.14 

50.8G 

66.00 

60.86 

•■ 

0.10 

13.— Overcast  but  fine  ;  showery ;  clear  and  fine. 
14,— Pine,  cloudy;  very  fine  ;  clear  and  very  fine. 
15. — Very  fine ;  exceedingly  floe  and  hot ;  fine. 
16  —Very  fine ;  fine,  heavy  clouds  ;  clear. 
17.— Very  fine ;  cloudy,  fine  ;  densely  overcast. 
18 — Overcast ;  densely  overcast ;  heavy  clouds. 
19.— Fine  but  overcast ;  fine  ;  very  fine  ana  clear. 


COVEN  T  GARDEN  MARKET.— Jolt  20. 
A  vert  steady  demand,  and  fair  prices  are  realised  for  most  of  the 
goods  now  coming.    Continental  and  Channel  Island  supplies  continue 
heavy,  and  share  the  demand.    Among  the  former  are  Peaches,  Nuts, 
Apricots,  Melons,  Pears,  and  Apples.    Potato  trade  is  easier. 

FRUIT, 


s. 

A. 

n. 

d 

R. 

d. 

B, 

9 

1 

6  to  2 

0 

ll 

0  to  0 

0 

lb. 

2 

(l 

0 
6 

4 
1 

0 
0 

6 
7 

0 
0 

12 
14 

0 

.  bushel 

0 

II 

II 

II 

5 

II 

15 

(1 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Pears,  kitchen  .. 

ft 

0 

0 

0 

.....do. 

8 

0 

5 

II 

2 

ft 

R 

(1 

8 

(I 

6 

(1 

SI 

ft 

r, 

n 

lb. 

n 

0 

ft 

ft 

0 

0 

n 

n 

lb. 

0 

9 

1 

0 

(1 

0 

n 

n 

0 

4 

ft 

ft 

lb. 

0 

s 

ii 

« 

Grapes, Hothouse....  lb. 

« 

0 

6 

ft 

0 

ft 

1 

ft 

8 

3 

0     14    0 
0       5    0 

VEGET 

10 

1 

0 
0 

16 
SI 

n 

1BLES. 

R. 

a. 

F. 

(1 

R. 

d. 

s. 

d 

8 
8 

4 

0to6 
0      8 
0       C 

0 
0 

11 

.  pottle 

0 

1 

8 

4  to  0 
0       1 
0       4 

ft 

Beans,  Kidney  . 

J  sieve. 

n 

bushel 

s 

n 

4 

(1 

Mustard  &  Cress 

.punnet 

ft 

a 

II 

n 

Beet,  Red 

2 

ft 

8 

ft 

4 

ii 

li 

n 

.  bundle 

0 

ft 

ft 

(1 

LI 

4 

0 

K 

Brussels  Sprouts 

..i  sieve 

0 

(1 

ft 

0 

S 

0 

0 

u 

1 

II 

•2 

(1 

0 

9 

1 

ft 

0 

1) 

ft 

0 

1 

u 

1 

li 

0 

4 

II 

8 

4 

0 

li 

II 

2 

ft 

li 

11 

E 

II 

8 

II 

1 

fi 

i 

II 

Radishes  ..  doz. 

hunches 

1 

II 

1) 

(1 

Coleworta..doz. 

bunches 

11 

ft 

r, 

n 

(1 

II 

ft 

II 

II 

II 

l 

6 

0 

11 

0 

II 

V, 

0 

4 

(i 

II 

0 

1) 

1) 

2 

(1 

0 

n 

II 

i; 

<} 

H 

11 

II 

(1 

0 

8 

u 

(1 

II 

lb. 

(l 

0 

8 

3 

0 
ft 

u 
(i 

1 
c 

u 
ft 

3 
1 

0 

0 

Horseradish  ... 

a  handle 

t 

0 

5 

0 

Vegetable  Marrows . .  doz. 

4 

0 

u 

0 

July  28,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL   OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


57 


WEEKLY 

CALENDAR. 

Day 
of 

Month 

Day 
of 

Week. 

JULY  28— AUGUST  S,  1870. 

Average    Tempera- 
ture near  London. 

Rain  in 

last 
43  years. 

San 
Rises. 

Sun 

Sets. 

Moon 
Risos. 

Mom 
Sets. 

Moon's 
Age. 

CJook 
before 
Sun. 

Day 

of 

Year. 

28 
29 
SO 

n 
i 

2 
8 

Til 

F 

S 

Son 

M 

To 

W 

Lee  and  Blackheath  Horticultural  Show. 

7  Sunday  after  TniNiTT. 
Lammas  Day. 

Royal  Horticultural  Society,  Fruit.  Floral, 
[and  General  Meeting. 

Day. 

76.4 
75  5 
75.2 
74.9 
75.6 
75.3 
74.9 

Night. 
50.8 
49.9 
50.2 
50.0 
50.4 
50.9 
50.6 

Mean. 

63.6 

H2.7 

62.7 

62.4 

63  0 

631 

62.8 

Davs. 
21 
18 
16 
15 
19 
20 
19 

m.      h. 
19af4 
21      4 

23  4 

24  4 

25  4 

26  4 
28      4 

hi.      b. 
51  af  7 
50      7 
49      7 
47      7 
46      7 
44      7 
42      7 

m.      h. 

0  af  4 
11        5 
27        6 
44        7 

4       9 
23      10 
43      11 

m.     h. 
10  af  8 

44  8 
12      9 
3G      9 

0    10 
22    11) 

45  10 

Days. 

• 

1 

o 

S 
4 
5 

6 

m.    s. 
6    13 
6    12 
6    10 
6      7 
6      4 
6      1 
5    58 

209 
210 
211 
212 
213 
214 
215 

From  observations  taken  near  London  during  the  last  forty-three  years,  the  average  day  temperature  of  the  week  is  75.1',  and  its  night 
temperature  60.4°.      The  greatest  heat  was  92",  on  the  2nd,  1856;  and  the  lowest  cold  81°,  on  the  2nd,  1864.     The  greatest  fall  of  rain  was 
1.39  inch. 

CULTIVATION  OF  THE  STRAWBERRY  IN  THE 
OPEN   GROUND. 

AVING  been  for  some  years  successful  in 
the  cultivation  of  the  Strawberry  out  of 
doors,  I  will  give  the  mode  I  adopt,  by  which 
a  good  crop  is  obtained  every  year  almost 
with  certainty.  I  shall  first  describe  the 
way  in  which  I  grow  the  plants  in  the  open 
ground  without  any  protection  ;  then  the 
mode  in  which  1  have  grown  them  in  the 
open  ground  with  protection,  to  forward  the 
early  crop. 

I  will,  however,  in  the  first  place  offer  a  few  hints  that 
will  be  found  necessary  to  success.  Never  keep  a  barren 
plant ;  go  over  the  rows  as  soon  as  they  are  well  in  bloom, 
and  pull  out  all  such  plants.  I  am  persuaded  there  are 
many  failures  from  omittin  *  to  do  this.  Never  dig  amongst 
the  plants,  nor  cut  off  the  leaves  at  any  time.  If  we  wish 
to  grow  the  Strawberry  well  we  must  bestow  some  attention 
on  it ;  if  it  is  cultivated  on  the  starvation  system  of  remain- 
ing three,  four,  or  five  years  on  the  ground,  how  can  one 
expect  fine  fruit  ?  if  every  year  a  good  crop  can  be  pro- 
duced of  fruit  fit  for  any  table,  either  private  or  exhibition, 
by  bestowing  no  more  care  than,  if  so  much  as,  will  have  to 
be  done  to  get  a  crop  of  good  Celery,  I  think  it  is  worth  the 
trouble.  I  have  this  year  gathered  many  fruit  from  British 
Queen,  Lucas,  Dr.  Hogg,  and  President  from  4  to  5f  inches 
in  circumference  off  plants  put  out  last  September,  many 
of  these  young  plants  producing  from  1  to  1£  lb.  the  first 
year,  and  very  heavy  crops  the  second,  though  the  fruit  is 
then  never  so  fine  as  on  the  young  plants.  Some  sorts, 
such  as  Wizard  of  the  North  and  Black  Prince,  I  never 
again  intend  to  cultivate  longer  than  one  year,  for  the 
quality  of  fruit  from  the  young  plants  is  much  superior, 
many  of  the  berries  of  Black  Prince  being  3  inches  in 
circumference. 

I  will  first  describe  the  mode  of  taking  the  runners. 
Having  at  this  time  of  year  plenty  of  empty  pots  out  of 
which  bedding  plants  have  been  turned,  I  have  as  many 
washed  clean  as  I  require ;  any  size  from  3  to  5  inches 
in  diameter  will  do.  I  then  mix  about  equal  parts  of 
rotten  dung  (generally  from  an  old  Mushroom  bed)  and 
loam  ;  this  mixture  is  put  through  an  inch  sieve,  and  the 
rough  part  is  used  for  crocking.  The  soil  is  pressed  into 
the  pots  rather  firmly,  and  a  small  peg,  cut  from  old  birch 
brooms  during  the  winter,  put  into  each  pot ;  the  pots  are 
then  watered,  carried  to  the  rows,  and  a  runner  pegged  into 
each,  generally  the  first  runner  from  the  plant.  If  the 
weather  is  dry  they  are  watered  a  few  times  with  a  rose- 
watering  pot,  and  the  runners  will  be  rooted  in  from  twelve 
to  sixteen  days.  I  have  1100  that  were  layered  on  June 
27th  and  28th,  taken  off  rooted  on  July  13th.  They  are 
then  set  on  a  hard  walk  in  the  full  son,  each  sort  by  itself, 
till  the  ground  is  at  liberty  for  planting,  which  is  often  not 
till  late  in  September. 

The    plants   are  then  planted  thus  :  —  Supposing   the 
ground  has  borne  a  crop  of  Onions  or  Peas,  the  usual  way 
would  be  to  trench  it  over,  instead  of  which  I  dig  out  a 
No.  487.— Vol.  XIX.,  New  Series. 


trench  the  depth  of  a  spade  and  as  wide,  as  for  Celery  ;  I 
put  in  3  or  4,  inches  of  good  dung,  return  the  soil,  and 
tread  it  quite  hard.  I  treat  all  the  rows  the  same,  making 
them  2  feet  from  each  other,  till  I  have  as  many  rows  as 
I  require.  The  plants  when  turned  out  of  the  pots  have  a 
mass  of  roots,  and  are  planted  with  a  trowel  at  18  inches 
apart  in  the  rows,  not  making  the  hole  too  large,  and  are 
pressed  in  very  firmly.  If  the  weather  is  dry  they  are 
watered,  otherwise  they  seldom  have  any  water  during  the 
time  they  are  on  the  ground.  During  the  winter  they  are 
mulched  with  rotten  dung  from  an  old  hotbed,  if  it  can  be 
spared — the  two-3'ear  plants  always. 

I  plant  every  year  about  half  the  plants  intended  to 
produce  the  main  crop,  say  from  100  to  150  square  yards, 
so  that  if  one  part  of  the  bed  should  fail  I  never  miss 
having  a  crop.  For  the  last  three  hot  summers  the  berries 
have  been  splendid  ;  this  I  attribute  to  the  firmness  of  the 
ground  and  the  depth  the  roots  go  down.  The  hoe  is  used 
once  or  twice  in  spring  to  cut  down  weeds  and  to  keep  the 
fruit  free  from  soil,  &c,  and  a  layer  of  clean  straw  is  put  be- 
tween the  rows  just  as  the  plants  begin  to  show  their  flower 
stalks.  After  I  have  secured  the  runners  I  require,  the  rest 
are  cut  off,  and  cleared  off  along  with  the  straw  from  the 
young  plants  :  the  other  plants  are  done  away  with,  i  No 
digging  nor  cutting  off  leaves  is  practised.  I  do  not  find 
any  injurious  effects  arising  from  the  runners  being 
allowed  to  remain  while  the  plants  are  fruiting,  as  I  have 
taken  as  many  as  a  dozen  this  year  from  young  plants 
which  have  borne  equally  well  with  those  which  had  the 
runners  cut  off. 

I  will  now  describe  the  mode  of  cultivating  the  Straw- 
berry  in  the  open  ground,  with  protection  to  forward  the 
early  crop,  by  which  this  year  I  was  enabled  to  ripen  a 
good  crop  three  weeks  before  the  main  crop  was  ready  for 
use.  Wanting  some  Strawberries  last  year  early  in  June, 
and  not  having  any  plants  in  pots,  I  covered  part  of  a  bed 
of  two-year-old  plants  with  lights  used  for  Vine  and  Peach 
borders  during  the  winter.  The  plants  did  so  well  that  I 
determined  to  make  a  bed  specially  for  this  year.  The 
plants  were  turned  out  of  pots  late  in  September  in  ground 
that  had  borne  a  crop  of  Onions,  a  dressing  of  dun"  being 
trenched  in,  and  at  only  1  foot  apart  each  way.  I  could 
not  plant  in  trenches.  They  had  a  top-dressing  of  rotten 
dung  about  November,  and  were  covered  with  lights  on 
the  7th  of  March.  The  lights  are  7  feet  9  inches  lono-  by 
3  feet  6  inches  wide,  covering  fourteen  rows  of  plants,°and 
forming  a  span-roof  15  feet  wide,  and  15  iuches  high  in 
the  centre. 

It  is  a  very  simple  affair,  not  taking  more  than  an  hour 
to  construct ;  there  are  a  few  pegs  driven  into  the  ground, 
leaving  them  15  inches  clear  above  it  ;  then  some  boards, 
9  inches  wide,  which  are  used  for  shelves  during  the  winter, 
are  fastened  to  the  pegs  with  two  or  three  nails,  and  form 
the  ridge.  The  bed  slopes  from  north  to  south.  The 
lights  are  put  on  the  east  side  first,  resting  on  the  ridge, 
and  those  on  the  west  side  resting  on  them.  A  piece  of 
slate  is  put  under  the  ends  of  the  lights  to  keep  them 
off  the  ground,  and  a  short  peg  is  put  in  to  keep  them  from 
shifting.  Some  thin  boards  are  put  to  each  end,  not  by 
No.  1139.-VOI.  XLTV,  Old  Serqm, 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  July  23,  1870. 


any  means  closely,  and  there  is  a  span-roof  30  feet  by  15  made 
in  an  hour.  By  varying  the  length  of  the  pegs,  it  could  be 
made  higher  if  required. 

The  bed  was  made  close  to  a  walk  6  feet  wide,  so  that  in 
showery  weather  the  lights  could  be  taken  off,  which  was  done 
lliree  or  four  times  during  April ;  they  could  be  taken  off  and 
piled  on  the  walk  in  less  than  five  minutes  by  two  men,  and 
put  on  in  the  same  time.  I  know  well  enough  many  gar- 
deners are  not  so  fortunate  a3  to  have  lights  to  spare  for  a 
pnrpose  of  the  kind.  Were  I  to  have  the  choice  of  the  various 
patent  plant-protectors,  about  which  so  much  has  been  said,  I 
should  still  prefer  glass  lights.  These  lights,  of  which  there 
ase  upwards  of  seventy  for  covering  Vine  and  Peach  borders, 
answer  extremely  well  for  Vegetable  Marrows  and  Tomatoes, 
by  driving  into  the  ground  two  stakes,  such  as  are  used  for 
Bahlias,  and  resting  two  lights  against  them,  as  a  child  who  was 
about  to  build  a  house  of  cards  would  do.  Theu  rest  each 
light  on  two  bricks  laid  flat,  and  drive  down  a  peg  to  each  light 
to  prevent  its  slipping  off  the  bricks.  Of  coarse,  the  plants  are 
put  in  first,  four  under  each  span.  By  these  means  I  secure 
an  abundance  of  Vegetable  Marrows  and  Tomatoes.  The  latter 
have  plenty  of  fruit,  some  just  showing  colour,  and  the  Vege- 
table Marrows  I  commenced  to  eat  in  the  last  week  in  June. 

To  return  to  the  Strawberries.  The  lights  were  elevated  on 
bricks  laid  flat  as  the  plants  began  to  grow  and  show  flower,  after 
another  week  they  were  put  on  edge,  and  by  the  time  the  plants 
ware  in  full  bloom  they  were  put  on  end,  two  lights  resting  on 
oae  brick.  The  lights  were  entirely  removed  by  the  loth  of 
May.  I  only  used  twenty  bricks,  as  there  were  eighteen  lights. 
A  few  fruit  were  ripe  during  the  last  two  days  of  May,  and  I 
gathered  from  the  bed  up  to  June  30th,  92J  lbs.  of  good  fruit, 
some  of  Lucas  5  inches  in  circumference.  I  have  since 
gathered  8J  lbs.,  making  101  lbs.  There  must  have  been  fully 
6  lbs.  lost  by  birds  and  damp.  The  bed  was  never  netted,  and 
after  the  main  crop  was  ready,  which  was  June  25th,  little 
aotiee  was  taken  of  the  bed.  The  smallest  quantity  gathered 
at  one  time  was  half  a  pound.  June  15th,  8j  lbs.;  June 
ISth,  7}  lbs.  ;  and  June  21st,  15  lbs.,  were  the  largest  quantities 
at  one  time.  The  sorts  grown  were — Black  Prince,  four  rows  ; 
Filbert  Pine,  four  rows;  President,  two  rows;  British  Queen, 
one  row  ;  Lucas,  one  row  ;  La  Constante,  one  row ;  and  ltivers's 
Eliaa,  one  row.  This  was  an  experimental  bed.  The  bed  I  am 
about  to  plant  for  early  next  year  will  contist  of  four  rows 
of  Filbert  Pine,  four  of  President,  four  of  Lucas,  two  of  Black 
iPrince,  and  another  of  Dr.  Hogg,  British  Queen,  and  President, 
with,  perhaps,  two  rows  of  Lucas.  This  will  be  covered  a 
month  later  than  the  firBt  bed,  which  I  hope  to  gather  from  by 
the  middle  of  next  May. 

I  will  now  add  a  few  remarks  respecting  varieties,  but  only  as 
legarda  my  own  experience,  as  they  differ  so  much  according 
to-soil,  situation,  &c.  I  shall  first  name  Lucas,  President,  Dr. 
Hogg,  and  Cockscomb.  These  four  I  procured  two  years  ago 
aest  September,  owing  to  the  Rev.  W.  F.  RadclyfiVs  having 
sjioken  so  highly  of  them  in  the  Journal.  When  I  received  the 
mnners,  fifty  of  eaoh  sort,  they  were  very  small  and  got  beauti- 
Inllj  less,  till  by  spring  I  had  only  seven  plants  of  Dr.  Hogg, 
ana  not  many  of  any  of  the  others.  I  only  had  a  few  fruit 
last  year,  making  runners  the  chief  point.  I  obtained  a  good 
number  of  Dr.  Hogg,  many  from  President  and  Lucas,  but 
Cockscomb  was  very  shy,  as  it  is  this  year  also.  Lucas  has 
suteeeded  very  well  indeed  under  glass,  the  fruit  being  very 
Efcrge,  fine -flavoured,  and  early,  as  it  likewise  was  out  of  door?. 
It  has  one  fault  at  present,  which  I  hope  to  get  rid  of  next 
year — I  have  had  to  pull  out  one-fifth  of  the  plants  on  account 
©3  their  being  barren.  President  has  proved  a  firBt-rate  ejrjipper, 
very  large,  of  good  flavour,  and  with  no  barren  plants.  Dr. 
3ogg  has  been  very  fine,  producing  many  fruit,  very  large,  and 
t>5  first-rate  flavour,  but  it  has  not  borne  so  heavily  as  British 
Sjjueen  does  on  what  might  be  called  the  trench  system.  Cocks- 
comb I  do  not  think  so  fine-flavoured  as  either  of  the  others. 
With  me  it  is  not  in  full  work  yet,  nearly  half  the  plants  I  had 
b»ing  not  true  or  barren.  The  largest  fruit  I  had  from  it  was 
54  inches  in  circumference.  It  is  late.  In  addition  to  the 
above  I  have  British  Queen,  Wonderful,  Wizard  of  the  North, 
MJbert  Pine,  Black  Prince,  Sir  Charles  Napier,  La  Constante, 
and  Rivers's  Eliza.  British  Queen  is  the  best  flavoured  of  the 
5ot,.  produces  splendid  fruit  and  plenty  of  it,  especially  on  the 
young  plants.  Berries  5  J  inches  in  circumference  are  the 
Sargest  I  have  had  from  it,  but  there  were  many  of  that  size. 
Wonderful  is  a  good  cropper,  many  of  the  fruit  being  very 
Sarge,  particularly  on  the  young  plants.  It  does  best  in  a  wet 
>:-vjob.  and  is  of  good  flavour.    Wizard  of  the  North  is  a  cer- 


tain cropper ;  many  of  the  plants  planted  last  September  must 
have  borne  more  than  a  pound  of  fruit.  It  would  take  the 
place  of  Black  Prince  for  kitchen  purposes  ;  the  fruit  is  much 
finer,  has  a  peculiar  flavour,  and  is  rather  acid.  Black  Prince 
is  too  well  known  to  need  description,  and  is  a  sure  cropper. 
Filbert  Pine  cannot  be  spoken  of  too  highly ;  it  comes  into 
bearing  as  soon  as  Black  Prince,  is  as  prolific,  continues  bearing 
longer,  and  many  of  the  fruit  are  very  large  ;  it  is  of  first-rate 
flavour,  and  a  certain  cropper.  I  have  grown  it  eight  or  nine 
years,  and  never  knew  it  fail  to  pioduce  a  good  crop  ;  it  is  very 
robust,  and  makes  plenty  of  runners.  With  it  I  superseded 
Keens'  Seedling  two  years  since,  as  it  is  in  every  respect  supe- 
rior to  that  well-known  sort.  La  Constante,  I  think,  is  not 
true  with  me  ;  the  fruit  is  not  large,  as  I  sometimes  hear  of  its 
being;  it  is  only  second-rate  as  regards  crop,  but  is  good 
flavoured.  It  did  tolerably  well  under  glass.  Rivers's  Eliza 
has  never  succeeded  well  here  ;  I  am  doubtful  if  it  is  true.  I 
shall  only  keep  it  another  season  if  it  do  not  improve.  I  am 
loath  to  part  with  it,  as  I  see  it  is  spoken  very  highly  of  at 
times.  Sir  Charles  Napier  is  bearing  well  this  year ;  it  has 
been  very  barren.  It  is  valuable  for  its  lateness,  only  just 
coming  into  use  ;  it  is  much  like  British  Queen,  but  more  acid. 
Sir  Harry  I  grew  two  or  three  years,  I  could  get  nothing  but 
leaves  from  it,  and  I  have  discarded  it. — J.  T.  Creed,  Gardener 
to  F.  Swanwich,  Esq.,  Whittington  House,  near  Chesterfield. 


AMONG  THE 
Glad  was  I  when 


SHOW   ROSES. 


"  The  storms  of  wintry  time  had  passed, 
And  one  unbounded  spring  encircled  all," 

for  I  purposed,  though  with  fear  and  trembling,  that  the  next 
Birmingham  Exhibition  of  Roses  should  fiod  me  an  exhibitor, 
and  I  knew  that  nothing  but  the  hardest  work  and  the  closest 
attention  would  bring  me  the  glory  of  success  ;  and  who  would 
not  strive  for  success  in  such  a  cause  ?  So  with  a  right  good 
will  I  set  my  rosery  in  order,  removed  all  superfluous  wood, 
turned  over  all  the  soil,  pruned  where  I  thought  the  knife  was 
needed,  and,  above  all,  manured  heavily  with  thoroughly  de- 
cayed horse  dung.  How  I  watched  with  growing  anxiety  day 
after  day  for  the  dreaded  east  wind,  which,  I  gratefully  add, 
never  came,  or  came  so  lightly  as  to  do  no  damage  !  How  I 
looked  forward  with  apprehension  for  the  storms  which  usually 
visit  our  neighbourhood  with  levelling  power  each  spring,  and 
they  also  did  not  come !  Then  an  anxious  period,  when  the 
grubs  were  expected,  and  though  they  sprang  into  existence 
like  magic,  yet  almost  as  suddenly  did  they  disappear. 

So  far  all  was  inspiring — no  blighting  winds  scorching  the 
foliage,  no  gales  tearing  the  leaves  from  the  wood  and  the 
wood  from  the  stem  ;  no  insects  to  check  the  healthy  growth  of 
buds  and  foliage.  From  the  beginning,  therefore,  until  the 
drought  checked  the  growth  and  forced  the  buds,  circumstances 
stimulated  me  to  labour  with  a  cheerful  heart  from  "  early 
morn  to  dewy  eve."  But  I  had  bedding  stock  to  attend  to  aa 
well  as  Roses,  and  my  business  likewise.  So  I  overstrained  my 
powers  and  fell  sick.  To  recruit  I  went  into  Yorkshire,  and 
then  came  the  tropical  heat  of  the  latter  part  of  June,  filling  me 
with  anxiety  about  my  Roses,  as  I  feared  they  would  be  pre- 
maturely forced  into  flower.  When  I  returned  home  ten  days 
before  the  show,  to  my  chagrin  I  found  the  Roses  in  full  bloom 
— a  heavy  disappointment ;  it  seemed  that  all  my  time  and 
labour  had  been  thrown  away,  for  had  I  not  trained  for  a  race 
I  could  not  enter  ?  However,  courage  soon  revived  when  the 
glorious  rain  came,  soaking  deeply  into  the  earth,  and  fresh 
buds  made  their  appearance  everywhere. 

Our  show  was  on  Thursday,  July  7th,  and  the  Tuesday  pre- 
ceding it  was  a  day  which  Mark  Tapley  might  have  pronounced 
jolly,  but  to  me  it  was  simply  and  downright  miserable.  The 
rain  came  down  steadily  and  persistently  for  twelve  hours, 
spoiling  nearly  all  the  expanded  blooms  upon  which  I  was 
reckoning,  besides  spoiling  my  Moss  hunt,  which  I  had  pro- 
mised myself  should  be  a  kind  of  happy  prelude  to  the  show. 

Well,  I  wandered  through  Sutton  Park  till  drenched  to  the 
skin,  but  I  obtained  a  stock  of  pretty,  compact  Moss.  The  next 
day  was  hot  and  clear,  and  the  rapidity  with  which  buds  ex- 
panded was  marvellous.  The  eve  of  the  show  was  spent  in 
arranging  the  boxes,  getting  ready  the  labels,  and  taking  aaref  ul 
stock  of  the  best  blooms. 

The  morning  of  the  show,  and  of  my  first  competition,  I 
shall  never  forget.  The  days  of  my  boyhood  were  back  again 
with  all  their  freshness  and  delight.     The  rising  sun   wa3 


Joly  28,  1870.  J 


JOURNAL   OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


59 


surely  brighter,  the  air  purer,  the  dew  fresher  than  ever  before, 
and,  as  I  looked  around  me,  beauty  everywhere,  and  peace  in 
my  heart,  I  oould  not  help  repeating  those  exquisite  lines  of 
Wordsworth — 

"  God  made  the  flowers  to  beautifv 

The  earth,  and  cheer  man's  careful  mood  ; 
And  he  is  happier  who  hath  power 
To  gather  wisdom  from  a  flower, 
And  wake  his  heart  in  every  hour 

To  pleasant  gratitude." 

But  this  is  by  the  way.  The  business  of  the  hour  was  to  cnt 
the  best  twenty-four  Roses.  That  Rose  which  the  Rev.  S. 
Reynolds  Hole  says  "  is  looking  in  at  the  window  in  every  con- 
dition of  life,"  was  soon  at  my  Bide  deciding  as  to  the  merits 
of  this  bloom  and  that  bloom,  this  combination  of  colours  and 
that,  and  by  7  a  m.  we  had  placed  the  better  twelve  blooms  in 
one  box,  and  the  worse  twelve  in  another.  I  thought  it  better 
to  concentrate  my  strength  in  this  manner  rather  than  make 
each  box  equal,  and  the  result  proved  I  was  right.  Nearly  all 
the  Roses  in  my  boxes  had  opened  within  thirty  hours  of  my 
plucking  them  ;  they  had,  consequently,  ono  very  good  quality 
— freshness.  Friend  Spencer  (an  enthusiastic  rosarian,  for 
whom,  by-the-by,  a  name-machine  should  be  invented,  for  he 
can  never  remember  the  name  of  a  Rose),  popped  over  to  see 
the  boxes  before  they  were  closed,  and  he  bade  me  be  of  good 
cheer.  Then  came  the  hasty  breakfast,  the  thort  run  by  train 
to  Birmingham,  and  fjr  the  first  time  I  was  elbowing  the 
heroes  of  a  hundred  fights.  Talk  about  the  exhilirating,  glori- 
ous vintage  of  Champagne!  Why,  I  felt  more  exhiliralion, 
of  a  pure  and  enduring  nature,  too,  than  could  have  been  pro- 
duced by  the  choicest  champagne  that  ever  was  raised  in  hi 
helle  France.  Alas,  that  she  Bhould  have  since  let  slip  the  dogs 
of  war ! 

At  10.30  the  Hall  was  oleared  for  the  judges,  and  at  12  we 
were  again  admitted.  Need  I  say  that  a  rush,  decorous  as 
possible,  but  still  an  unmistakeable  rush,  was  made  for  the 
stand,  and  that  my  cup  of  joy  was  filled  to  overflowing  when  I 
gazed  upon  the  curd  which  announced  that  my  Roses  had 
gained  &  first  prize!  No  wonder  that  for  the  remainder  of  the 
day  the  burden  of  my  song  was— 

"  What  is  fairer  than  a  Rose  ? 
What  is  sweeter  ?  " 

— C.  W.  M.,  Wijhh  Green. 


THE   BALSAM. 


1  am  very  glad  to  see  that  in  several  gardens  the  old  love 
for  the  Balsam  is  being  rapidly  revived.  Gardeners  find  out 
that  in  order  to  get  up  a  good  floral  display  with  as  little 
trouble  as  possible  the  Balsam  is  one  of  the  best  plants  they 
can  grow.  I  find  it  is  as  useful  as  ever,  and  I  think  there  are 
few  things  easier  grown,  or  that  will  reward  the  cultivator  with 
so  much  bloom  according  to  the  trouble  of  growing  them.  It 
is  quite  a  summer  and  autumn  decorative  plant,  and  its  culti- 
vation is  most  conveniently  commenced  when  bedding  plants 
are  cleared  out. 

The  best  plants  I  ever  grew  were  nearly  4  feet  high  and  some 
of  them  3  feet  through,  and  fully  bloomed  from  bottom  to  top. 
The  following  was  the  treatment  given  : — The  seed  waB  sown 
in  thumb-pots  during  the  first  week  in  May,  two  seeds  in  the 
centre  of  eaoh  pot  in  light  sandy  soil,  and  placed  in  a  Melon 
frame  at  work.  When  up  and  the  seed  leaves  well  developed,  the 
weakest  plant  was  taken  away,  and  the  other  shifted  into 
60-sized  or  3-inch  pots  ;  they  were  plunged  and  kept  near  the 
glass.  Their  next  shift  was  into  48-sized  or  5-inch  pots  ;  but 
while  they  were  growing  to  this  stage,  preparations  were  being 
made  for  them  to  occupy  a  place  to  themselves — namely,  a 
heap  of  spent  hotbed  and  green  manure  in  equal  parts  thrown 
together,  well  mixed,  and  heated  almost  to  a  blackness  ;  a  bed 
3  feet  high  at  back  and  2  feet  in  front,  and  long  enough  to  take 
six  lights,  or  two  three-light  garden  frames,  was  made  up,  the 
inside  of  the  frames  filled  up  to  within  a  foot  of  the  glass  with 
decayed  leaves,  and  when  the  whole  became  warm  the  plants 
were  plunged  into  it,  and  in  these  places  they  were  grown  until 
they  were  coming  into  bloom,  when  they  were  taken  into  more 
airy  quarters  for  their  buda  to  open.  In  the  early  part  of  the 
time  they  are  growing  in  theBe  places  an  intermediate  tempera- 
ture must  be  maintained ;  give  the  plants  plenty  of  light, 
at  all  times  keep  them  near  the  glass,  shift  them  iuto  larger 
pots  as  they  require  it,  and  give  them  a  rich  soil  composed  of 
equal  parts  of  turfy  loam  and  rotten  manure,  with  sand  added, 
nsing  the  soil  coarse  as  the  plants  increase  in  size. 


In  potting,  let  the  plants  down  into  the  pots,  so  that  the 
cotyledons,  or  seed  leaves,  shall  be  level  with  the  soil.  Attend 
well  to  watering,  of  which,  when  growing,  the  plants  like  am 
abundant  supply  and  often,  likewise  sprinkling  the  foliage 
to  keep  the  red  spider  in  check.  Turn  the  plants  at  regular 
intervals  to  keep  the  shoots  equally  balanced  and  the  plants  al 
good  shape.  If  the  plants  do  well  they  will  throw  out  strong 
side  shoots,  and  these  in  turn  will  throw  out  laterals.  The  first- 
named  Bhould  be  tied  or  pegged  down  as  low  as  possible,  and 
the  latter  kept  properly  staked-ont,  which  will  add  much  to  the 
beauty  of  the  plants.  They  will  all  flower.  As  the  plants  in- 
crease in  size  and  height,  the  frames  must  be  hoisted  *n  blockg 
cf  wood  or  on  bricks,  and  the  air  that  is  thus  admitted  under 
the  plants  will  keep  the  foliage  of  the  lower  branches  both 
strong  and  healthy.  16  sized  or  8-inch  pots  will  grow  very  fine 
plants,  but  12's  or  even  8-sized  pots  may  be  used  when  extra- 
tized  plants  are  wanted. 

Soon  after  the  last  shift,  or  when  the  pots  are  filled  with 
roots,  a  liberal  top-dressing  of  rich  manure  should  be  given. 
In  this  the  side  branches  will  root  vigorously,  and  if  manure 
water  be  regularly  applied,  the  plants  will  fully  develope  them- 
selves. It  is  my  practice,  and  I  can  recommend  it,  to  pull  off 
regularly  the  largest  flower  buds  until  eveiy  branch  is  regularly 
furnished  with  them ;  then  let  them  flower,  and  the  result  will 
be  such  a  mass  of  bloom  as  will,  perhaps,  surprise  the  culti- 
vator himself. 

After  the  plants  have  attained  their  full  size  and  the  pots  arc 
full  of  roots,  water  must  be  given  most  carefully,  especially 
manure  water;  for  if  the  soil  becomes  too  wet,  or  the  water  not 
able  to  pass  freely  through  the  drainage,  the  plants  are  liable  to 
rot  off  at  the  neck  suddenly.  It  is  now  so  easy  to  get  seed  that 
will  produce  a  giod  per-centage  of  double  flowers  that  the  old 
plan  of  proving  the  flower  by  first  limiting  the  plants  to  small 
pots  may  be  dispensed  with.  I  generally  grow  Smith's  packet 
of  nine  colours. — Thomas  Record,  Lilicsdcn. 


MYOSOTIS  DISSITIFLO  .A  AND  OTHER 

FORGET-ME-NOTS. 

Some  discussion  took  place  last  year  on  the  respective  merits 
of  Myosotis  dissitiflora  and  others  for  spring  decoration,  the 
admirers  of  M.  dissitiflora  extolling  it  in  terms  which  may 
fairly  invite  criticism,  if  it  should  fail  to  satisfy  those  whe 
secured  the  plant  for  this  season.  I  think  those  dissatisfied 
with  it  must  be  rather  numerous,  as  the  past  winter  has  not 
been  so  favourable  for  plants  of  this  class  as  the  previous  one ; 
but  the  question  arises,  lias  not  this  Forget-me-not  been  over- 
praised ?  In  the  few  instances  in  which  it  is  said  to  have  done 
well,  it  has  failed  to  meet  tho  requirement  it  was  expected  to 
satisfy,  "  earliness  of  blooming,"  for  it  certainly  has  no  ad- 
vantage in  this  respect  over  another  Forget-me-not  that  hae 
been  long  known  in  this  neighbourhood.  Neither  is  it  at  any 
time,  so  far  as  I  have  observed,  so  pretty  ;  the  pink  tinge  o£ 
the  early  flower  of  M.  dissitiflora  in  its  early  blooms  is  a  dis- 
advantage. Besides,  it  never  forms  such  a  neat,  compact 
corymb  as  the  common  species,  if  I  may  so  call  the  other, 
which,  I  may  remark,  seeds  and  grows  freely  enough,  and  its! 
bloom  forms  a  much  neater  auxiliary  to  the  bonquet-maker 
than  that  of  M.  dissitiflora.  In  my  own  case,  I  must  say  Z 
am  disappointed  with  it,  as  I  gave  the  plants  I  had  the  best 
position,  and  yet  they  did  not  flower  so  early  as  the  common 
Forget-me-not,  and  at  first  the  dirty  pinkish  hue  was  anything 
but  agreeable.  Latterly  the  flowers  have  improved  in  colour,  and 
individually  the  pips  or  blooms  are  a  trifle  larger  than  those  of 
the  common  Forget-me-not,  but,  as  before  stated,  too  loose  and 
disconnected  to  form  a  neat,  compact  head,  and,  taken  indi- 
vidually, the  petals  or  limbs  of  the  corolla  have  too  starry  an 
appearance,  with  less  of  that  neatness  which  forms  the  prin- 
cipal charm  of  the  Forget-me-not. 

Oiher  growers  may  been  more  successful  than  I  have  been, 
or  it  may  have  succeeded  better  in  some  places  than  here;  but 
as  I  have  not  heard  of  any,  and,  besides,  have  heard  of  several 
failures,   the  inference  would  appear  that  it  has  been  over- 
praised, as  maDy  useful  things  have  been  before  it.     Witness 
the  flourish  of  trumpets  whieh  ushered  in  Plumbago  Larpentae, 
and  where  is  it  now  to  be  found  ?     Viola  coinuta  is  better,  bnt 
I  imagine  that  those  who  planted  their  edging  of  this  in  March 
J  last  have  not  received  many  compliments  on  its  appearance,  and 
I  yet,  if  two  or  three  years  in  a  place,  it  is  very  showy  and  a 
:  great  acquisition. 

I  yet  hope  to  see  more  made  of  the  Forget-me-notB  than  has 
hitherto  been  done,  but  I  can  hardly  believe  in  the  number 


JOURNAL  OF  HOBTICULTUBE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENEB. 


I  July  28, 1870. 


of  botanical  species  the  names  given  would  imply.  I  think 
there  ii  room  for  improvers  of  florists'  flowers  to  turn  their 
attention  to  this  genus,  and  if  they  can  give  us  a  hardy,  com- 
pact-growing plant  that  flowers  early,  with  blooms  of  a  pretty 
blue  with  a  buff  eye,  I  would  not  care  how  small  the  individual 
flowers  were,  provided  there  were  plenty  of  them  to  form  a 
compact  corymb.  The  later-flowering  species  or  varieties,  as 
Myosotis  azurea,  ccelestina,  and  others,  are  pretty  enough 
when  they  succeed  well,  but  I  have  never  been  able  to  do  any- 
thing with  them.  The  season  is  generally  too  dry  in  this  part  of 
England  at  the  time  of  their  flowering  for  them  to  flouri-b, 
and,  as  there  is  no  lack  of  blue  flowers  at  the  time,  they  are  not 
so  much  wanted  as  earlier-flowering  sorts. 

The  poetic  associations  of  the  plant  will  always  entitle  it  to 
a  place  in  gardens,  but  that  place  will  be  higher  when  im- 
provement is  carried  a  little  further  than  it  has  yet  been.  The 
Lily  of  the  Valley  is  a  name  equally  venerated,  yet  the  im- 
proved garden  variety  is  quite  as  great  a  favourite  as  the  wild 
one  ;  and  the  interest  taken  in  the  Forget-me-not  will  not  be 
lost  when  it  is  made  to  conform  more  to  the  requirements  of  a 
flower-garden  plant,  and  if  it  can  be  induced  to  bloom  some- 
what earlier  its  value  will  be  much  increased.  In  colour  it  is 
far  behind  Nemophila  insignis  and  some  other  plants.  I  re- 
member one  season  having  a  quantity  of  Forget-me-not  occu- 
pying two  circular  beds  10  or  12  feet  in  diameter,  and  in  a  line 
with  them  in  a  certain  direction  were  beds  of  Nemophila,  and 
further  on  some  two-year-old  6dgings  of  the  best  variety  of 
Viola  cornu'a.  In  taking  a  view  of  all  three  from  a  distance 
of  50  or  100  yards,  most  persons  pronounced  in  favour  of  the 
Nemophila,  but  as  the  latter  is  not  to  be  depended  on  in  severe 
winters,  I  would  prefer  a  good  hardy  Forget-me-not  if  it  could 
be  obtained.  From  what  I  have  seen  here  and  elsewhere, 
Myosotis  dissitiflora  falls  Bhort  of  meeting  the  requirements 
needed  in  a  spring-flowering  plant.  If  others  have  been  more 
successful  with  it,  I  shall  be  pleased  to  hear  the  particulars ; 
only,  if  a  plant  lequhes  special  treatment  of  an  inconvenient 
or  labour-giving  kind,  it  comes  to  me  with  a  certain  drawback; 
therefore,  unless  the  propagation  and  culture  of  a  Myosotis  can 
be  made  as  speedy  and  as  easy  aB  that  of  a  Primrose,  the  plant 
loses  much  of  its  value,  and  something  else  must  be  substituted 
for  it.  Let  us  see  if  a  few  years  cannot  make  as  great  an  im- 
provement on  the  Myosotis  as  was  done  in  the  case  of  tho  Pe- 
largonium ;  certainly  there  is  ample  room. — J.  Bobson. 


FORMING  A   FLOWER  GARDEN.— No.  8. 

ARRANGEMENT  OP  THE  PLANTS. 

The  arrangement  of  the  plants  in  the  flower  garden  is  a 
work  full  of  interest,  and  a  person  to  be  successful  should 
possess  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the  laws  of  colours,  as  well 
as  skill,  experience,  and,  above  all,  a  natural  taste  and  liking 
for  the  work.  In  a  paper  written  by  me  on  another  sub- 
ject, yet  bearing  somewhat  on  this,  in  stating  the  principles 
which  should  guide  us  in  the  arrangement  of  the  colours  in  a 
flower  garden,  I  considered  "breadth  of  colouring  without 
heaviness,  brightness,  cheerfulness,  distinctness  without  gaudi- 
ness,  variety  without  confusion,  and  the  harmonious  blending 
of  the  whole  design,"  to  be  the  most  important  points  to  be 
remembered.  One  colour  should  predominate  just  sufficiently 
to  impart  its  peculiar  tone  to  the  whole  design.  Great  caution 
xuuist  be  exercised  in  deciding  upon  the  number  and  position  of 
the  beds  to  be  filled  with  this  colour  or  its  shades,  for  if  there 
be  an  overwhelming  preponderance  of  it,  heaviness  or  glare 
will  be  the  inevitable  result.  I  have  seen  gardens  in  which 
some  of  the  beds  were  really  well  planted,  and  the  arrangement 
good  and  pleading,  but  the  effect  was  quite  spoilt  by  some  large 
masses  of  scarlet  and  yellow,  so  glaring  as  at  once  to  attract 
the  eye,  and  "kill"  every  other  colour  in  their  immediate 
neighbourhood. 

Taking  the  centre  of  the  garden  as  our  starting  point,  the 
colouring  here  should  be  more  massifs  iu  its  character  than  at 
any  other  part.  A  deep  scarlet  flower,  as  Stella  Pelargonium, 
or  a  rich  crimson  leaf,  as  Coleus  Verachaffelti,  is  best  adapted 
for  such  a  position.  A  quantity  of  either  of  these  sterling 
bedding  plants  grouped  together  in  correct  proportion  to  the 
size  of  the  entire  garden  produces  a  rich,  bold,  and  striking 
effect  without  any  approach  to  vulgarity  ;  and  while  they  im- 
part the  requisite  importance  to  the  centre  of  the  design,  they 
form  an  excellent  groundwork  for  other  colours.  An  edging  of 
pale  yellow  or  grey  might  hi  formed  around  such  a  central 
group,  but  much  subdiviskn  of  this  or  of  any  of  the  beds  is  to 
be  avoided. 


Neutral  colours,  such  as  soft  grey  or  lavender,  skilfully  intro- 
duced, serve  to  divide  and  act  as  foils  to  the  brighter  colours. 
By  way  of  example,  I  may  mention  a  bed  planted  with  Purple 
King  Verbena  in  the  centre,  with  an  edging  of  Manglesii  Pelar- 
gonium, the  pink  blossom  of  Manglesii  being  kept  picked  off, 
and  another  containing  a  mixture  of  Perilla  pegged  closely, 
and  either  Parfum  de  Madeleine  or  Mrs.  Mole  Verbena.  The 
latter  was  designed  by  a  lady,  and  is  one  of  the  best  neutral 
mixtures  I  have  ever  seen.  The  position  of  such  beds  is  a 
matter  requiring  much  care,  for  when  present  in  the  slightest 
excess  these  colours  impart  an  insipid  tone  quite  as  hurtful  to 
the  general  effect  as  a  preponderance  of  any  other  colour. 
The  position  of  foil  beds  in  gardens  of  large  size  is  usually 
about  midway  between  the  centre  of  the  garden  and  its 
boundaries,  for  as  the  rich  colours  of  the  key  bed  are  usually 
repeated  in  smaller  quantities  in  some  of  the  outer  beds,  it  is 
quite  obvious  that  these  neutral  tints  will  be  most  effective  in 
an  intermediate  position.  Masses  of  bright  colours  in  the  out- 
side beds  serve  to  maintain  an  even  balance  in  the  colouring, 
and  by  attracting  the  eye  cause  the  whole  design  to  appear 
more  expansive  than  colours  of  a  quieter  tone  would  do. 

Of  the  colours  requiring  particular  care  in  their  use,  yellow 
may  be  said  to  be  the  most  important;  a  few  masses  of  a 
bright  yellow,  such  as  we  have  in  Calceolaria  Aurea  floribunda, 
judiciously  introduced,  light  up  and  brighten  a  design  with  the 
best  possible  effect.  If  the  beds  are  small,  such  masses  are,  I 
think,  best  seen  pure  and  simple,  surrounded  only  by  the  turf; 
but  if  a  border  or  edging  be  used,  it  should  certainly  be  of  some 
complementary  colour,  such  as  a  dark  Heliotrope,  or  deep  blue 
Lobelia,  or  a  crimson  Iresine.  It  may  be  useful  to  repeat  the 
axiom  here,  that  two  colours  placed  in  juxtaposition  mutually 
influence  each  other.  But  while  we  recognise  the  importance 
of  a  knowledge  of  the  laws  of  colours  to  render  a  person  com- 
petent for  this  work,  it  will,  I  think,  be  granted  that  in  the 
flower  garden  some  modification  of  these  laws  may  be  allowed. 
Many  instances  might  be  adduced  in  which  they  have  been 
broken  with  impunity.  Green  and  blue  are  discordant,  yet 
how  frequently  do  we  see  broad  lines  of  Lobelia  speciosa  next 
turf.  It  must  be  owned  that  a  row  of  Cerastium,  however 
narrow,  outside  the  Lobelia  is  undoubtedly  best,  but  then  we 
may  not  always  use  it,  and  while  the  Lobelia  is  intensely  blue, 
the  turf  more  frequently  approaches  a  brown,  and  I  would 
rather  have  blue  next  the  turf  than  render  the  garden  insipid 
by  planting  too  much  grey.  Again  in  purples,  if  we  form  a 
mass  of  Purple  King  Verbena  without  any  other  colour  inter- 
vening between  it  and  the  turf,  its  effect  is  not  weakened, 
because  we  have  masses  of  its  complementaries  of  yellow,  pink, 
or  white  near  it. 

Another  important  point  is  the  introduction  of  shades  of 
the  same  colour ;  this  applies  especially  to  the  multitudinous 
varieties  of  bedding  Pelargoniums.  If  two  of  one  colour  are 
planted  side  by  side,  the  brighter  is  certain  to  spoil  the  effect 
of  its  neighbour,  and  so  it  is  best  to  select  colours  sufficiently 
distinct  from  each  other  to  be  really  effective.  This  caution 
may  also  well  be  applied  to  novelties ;  it  is  quite  useless  to 
depend  on  the  description  given  in  the  catalogues,  and  if  the 
purchaser  has  not  seen  them  planted  out,  it  is  always  the  safer 
plan  to  give  them  one  season  in  the  trial  border  before  ventur- 
ing to  introduce  them  into  the  flower  garden,  where  the  plant- 
ing should  not  be  of  a  speculative  character,  but  with  varieties 
the  merits  of  which  have  been  fully  tested. 

ACCESSORIES  AND   SURROUNDING  FEATURES. 

The  manner  in  which  the  appearance  of  masses  of  bright 
colour  is  affected  by  surrounding  objects,  does  not  appear  to  be 
so  fully  recognised  as  it  ought  to  be. 

The  approach  to  the  flowers  should  wind  amongst  the  shrubs, 
under  the  shade  of  trees,  or  past  green  lawns,  so  that  the  eye, 
soothed  and  rested,  may  be  prepared  to  enjoy  the  full  beauty 
of  the  flowers.  The  approach  to  the  terrace  garden  at  Surren- 
den-Dering,  designed  by  Mr.  Nesfield,  is  very  masterly.  A 
broad,  winding,  gravel  walk,  having  a  belt  of  shrubs  on  one 
side,  and  a  lawn  on  which  are  some  fine  old  Cedars  and  other 
trees  of  a  large  size  on  the  other,  leads  to  a  flight  of  stone 
steps,  from  the  top  of  which  there  is  seen  on  the  one  hand  a 
broad  expanse  of  turf,  and  on  the  other  a  glimpse  of  the  flowers 
is  obtained.  Ascending  another  flight  of  steps  a  broad  terrace- 
walk  is  gaiued,  and  fiom  this  elevated  position,  in  a  direct 
line  with  the  centre  ol  the  design,  the  whole  of  the  flower 
garden  is  visible,  and  the  beholder  is  not  only  in  the  best 
possible  position  to  enjoy  its  full  beauty,  but  from  this  fine 
stand-point,  if  the  colouring  is  good  and  the  beds  well  filled, 


Jo)y  28,  1CT0.  1 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE!   GARDENER. 


6r 


the  flower  garden  is  displace  I  in  the  ruo?t  favourable  manner, 
and  none  of  its  finest  features  is  lost.  In  contrast  to  this,  I 
may  instance  another  case  where  a  fine  walk  passing  through 
grounds  of  great  extent,  past  handsome  shrubs,  and  under 
noble  trees,  leads  to  a  small  flower  garden  of  such  puny 
dimensions  as  to  be  ont  of  all  proportion  to  its  surroundings  ; 
but  what  tends  more  than  anything  else  to  completely  spoil 
the  entire  effect  is,  that  one  corner  of  the  design  becomes 
visible  first,  and,  consequently,  a  sort  of  diagonal  view  aoross 
the  beds  is  all  thut  this  fine  walk  commands,  and  the  im- 
pression conveyed  to  the  mind  is  one  of. disappointment. 

Another  important  feature  is  the  position  of  the  shrubs  near 
it ;  many  gardens  are  enclosed  by  a  belt  of  shrubs,  and  these, 
by  the  exercise  of  a  little  care  in  planting,  and  in  their  after- 
management,  contribute  very  much  to  the  general  effect.  In 
such  a  belt  the  two  front  rows  should  be  planted  in  quincunx — 
that  is,  every  shrub  in  one  line  should  be  opposite  the  space 
between  two  plants  in  the  other ;  they  should  also  be  far 
enough  apart  and  well  back  from  tho  beds  to  adroit  of  their 
gradual  formation  into  fine  handsome  specimens,  These 
shrubs  should  not  possess  variegated  foliage,  but  should  be  of 
a  deep  green.  Of  all  hardy  shrubs  I  know  none  to  equal  the 
Portugal  Laurel  for  Buoh  a  position  ;  the  handsome  outline 
and  deep  hue  of  its  foliage,  and  the  ease  with  which  the  finest 
proportions  may  be  imparted  to  it  by  the  use  of  the  pruuing- 
knife  alone — all  tend  to  recommend  it  as  the  best  shrub  to  use 
for  this  purpose.  The  common  Laurel  may  have  its  admirers, 
but  I  think  if  a  fair  comparison  of  the  two  kinds  be  made,  the 
deeper  colour  of  the  foliage,  and  the  more  elegant  growth  of 
the  Portugal  Liurel  will  cause  it  to  find  favour  with  the 
majority. 

With  regard  to  the  introduction  of  Roses  into  the  flower 
garden,  while  objecting  to  their  use  in  such  quantities  as  would 
influence  or  affect  the  colouring  of  the  design,  it  is  by  no  means 
intended  to  assert  that  some  may  not  be  used,  and  that  with 
the  happiest  effect  in  certain  instances.  I  can  remember  one 
such,  where  a  small  flower  garden  was  laid  out  on  a  somewhat 
confined  lawn,  shut  in  by  walls  on  three  sides,  and  with  the 
residence  on  the  fourth.  Now,  the  wall  opposite  the  honse 
was  a  low  unsightly  object  with  a  public  road  close  outside ; 
and  to  conceal  the  wall  and  obtain  a  higher  screen  a  row  of 
shrubs  was  planted  close  to  its  inner  side.  This  had  the  de- 
sired effect ;  bat  as  there  was  only  space  for  one  line  of  shrubs, 
its  aspect  was  that  of  a  formal  hedge.  To  break  up  this  stiff 
outline,  a  double  line  of  dwarf  conical  Rose  trees  planted  thinly 
produced  a  pleasing  effect ;  the  handsome  form  of  the  plants 
tapering  upwards  from  the  turf,  with  their  clusters  of  flowers, 
instead  of  detracting  aught  from  the  design,  contributed  mate- 
rially to  its  finish  and  beauty. 

Vases  are  almost  always  out  of  place  in  a  flower  garden  ;  in 
fact,  it  may  be  stated  broadly  that  nothing  should  be  introduced 
into  the  garden  itself,  in  its  surroundings,  or  in  the  approach 
to  it,  but  what  is  so  quiet  in  tone  and  appearance  as  to  make 
it  entirely  subordinate  to  the  gardon  itself.  One  other  word  as 
to  the  garden  seats.  These  should  be  of  a  simple  bnt  elegant 
form,  and  painted  of  a  quiet  neutral  tiut.  Nothing  can  possibly 
be  in  worse  taste  than  the  lively  green  colour  but  too  often 
visible  on  such  seats. — Edward  Luckhurst,  Egerton  House 
Gardens,  Kent. 

CALADIUM  ESCULENTUM  AS  A  VEGETABLE. 

Travelling  north  through  Philadelphia  last  summer,  I 
noticed  in  the  'gardens,  grown  as  an  ornamental  plant,  our 
common  Tanyah  (Caladium  esculentum).  I  had  no  idea  it 
would  thrive  so  well  so  far  north.  Tho  leaves  were  not  nearly 
so  large  as  we  have  them  here  sometimes,  for  I  have  seen  them 
in  favourable  localities  3  feet  long,  and  at  least  2  feet  wide. 
Here  we  use  it  as  a  vegetable,  and  think  it  excellent  washed 
and  roasted,  as  Potatoes  are  sometimes,  with  the  skins  on. 

When  living  in  the  north  many  years  ago,  we  used  to  dig 
up  in  woods  roots  called  Indian  Turnips,  and  bake  them  in 
ashes  which  we  made  by  kindling  a  fire  in  the  woods.  The 
root  of  this  plant  tastes  very  much  like  those  Indian  Turnips, 
which  will  give  a  good  idea  of  them  to  those  who  have  no  know- 
ledge of  them. 

A  rich,  wet  soil,  seems  to  suit  them  best.  In  this  they  furnish 
one  big  root  and  make  many  offsets  in  the  manner  of  the  com- 
mon Tuberose,  which  side  shoots  make  the  sprouts  for  the 
next  year's  crop.  Besides  this,  the  roots  can  be  more  rapidly 
increased  by  dividing  them  into  four,  and  perhaps  more,  as 
you  would  do  a  Rhubarb  root. 


I  am  told  by  a  friend,  that  plants  can  be  raised  from  the 
leaves,  the  leafstalks  rooting  in  warm,  wet  soil,  but  of  this  I 
have  no  knowledge  of  my  own.  I  think  if  you  were  to  try  that 
as  a  vegetable  crop  in  your  gardens,  it  might  add  one  more  to 
the  many  pleasant  table  dishes  I  so  much  enjoyed  in  my  last 
summer's  trip. — (American  Gardener's  Monthly  ) 


OKEFORD   FITZPAENE. 

I  feel  confident  that  the  name  of  my  kind  and  valued  friend 
Mr.  Radcljffa  is  so  well  known,  and  his  opinion  on  Ihose  points 
of  horticulture  which  he  makes  his  special  study  so  much 
valued,  that  a  slight  record  of  my  annual  visit  will  be  accept- 
able to  the  readers  rf  the  Journal.  Many  will  like  to  know 
how  he  has  fared  in  this  strange  season,  and  whether  the 
opinions  he  has  advanced  and  the  dicta  he  has  laid  down  have 
been  iu  any  way  altered  by  the  experience  of  the  present  year. 

It  has  probably  been  thought  by  many  who  have  read  his 
enthusiastic  remarks  on  the  Rose,  that  he  is  revelling  in  some 
rich,  unctuous,  loamy  soil,  such  as  makes  Rose-growing  in 
Hertfordshire  a  comparatively  easy  matter  ;  but  I  have  endea- 
voured always  to  correct  this  notion.  His  soil  is  anything  but 
a  congenial  one,  and  were  it  not  for  his  use  of  the  Manetti,  and 
his  excessive  attention  to  the  wants  of  his  Roses  at  all  seasons, 
he  could  not  possibly  succeed.  I  do  not  believe  the  Briar 
would  do  at  all  there,  and  where  that  is  the  case  I  need  not  say 
it  cannot  be  said  to  be  a  good  Rose  soil.  TheD,  again,  he  lacks 
the  Bhelter  in  some  parts  of  the  garden  that  the  Rose  ought  to 
have,  provided  that  shelter  be  not  caused  by  overhanging  trees  ; 
as  I  have  before  explained,  a  great  part  of  the  garden  lies  open 
to  the  S.W.  wind,  the  prevailing  wind  here,  and  which  sweeps 
into  it  with  the  force  of  a  hurricane,  so  that  his  canvas  cover- 
ing for  his  Peach  trees  ha3  been  often  torn  to  shreds,  and  once, 
aa  we  know,  his  brick  wall  was  blown  down. 

I  did  not  come  here  at  this  date  (July  15th),  to  see  Roses, 
for  I  knew  from  my  own  garden  that  was  out  of  the  question  ; 
indeed,  the  first  bloom  of  Roses  must  be  generally  over  by  now, 
and  we  are  on  the  look-out  for  Ihose  fine  long  shoots  and  that 
fresh  growth  of  young  wood  which  will  give  us  good  blooms  in 
August  and  September.  Tho  French  term  remontant  is  much 
more  expressive  of  their  character  than  Hybrid  Perpetnal  ;  they 
are  not  perpetual,  but  they  do  what  no  summer  Rose  does — 
throw  out  fresh  shoots  and  give  a  second  blooming  season. 
But  I  came  to  see  the  Rose  trees,  and  certainly  no  one  could 
look  at  the  debris  of  Roses  on  the  bushes,  th«  immense  and 
overflowing  clusters  of  dead  blooms,  and  fail  to  lament  not 
having  been  to  fee  them  in  their  beauty — no  symptoms  of  the 
effects  of  drought,  but  everything  in  the  most  vigorous  state. 
As  to  the  yellows,  it  is  impossible  to  conceive  anytLing  more 
vigorous.  Triomphe  de  Rennes  is  a  marvel  of  beauty.  There 
were  s'x  plants  of  this  flower  in  front  of  the  greenhouse  end 
three  of  Isabella  Gray,  which  formed  a  complete  hedge — shoots, 
fresh  shoots  4  and  5  feet  long,  with  great  clusters  of  blooms  at 
the  head  of  them,  while  hundreds  had  died  away.  Isabella 
Gray  is  too  hard-hearted  to  display  her  charms,  and  so  with  a 
true  Henry  VIII.  short  and  easy  method  Mr.  Radcljffe  is  going 
to  have  her  head  off  and  bud  Marechal  Niel,  which  is  doubtless 
one  of  her  own  children,  on  her  decapitated  trunk.  He  is  no 
admirer  of  novelties,  "varieties  without  variation,"  as  he 
styles  them,  so  that  they  are  not  to  bo  seen  here  in  great 
quantities,  but  when  he  does  get  a  novelty  that  he  likes  he  goes 
in  for  it  with  a  vengeance.  He  has  lately  highly  extolled  Felix 
Genero,  and  although  my  friend  Mr.  Pe.ach  does  not  agree  with 
him,  I  (if  Mr.  Peach  will  allow  me  to  be  anything  of  a  judge), 
think  that  the  balance  lies  with  Mr.  Radcljffe.  It  is  a  good 
Rose  in  my  opinion.  Its  shape  is  admirable,  notwithstanding 
the  row  of  outer  petals  being  often  small ;  its  colour  is  not  red, 
but  a  lilac  rose  ;  and  it  is  a  free  and  good  bloomer.  As  to  the 
test  which  Mr.  Peach  would  submit  it  to,  I  fancy  very  few 
Ro3es  would  stand  that — certainly  Charles  Lefebvre  and  Ba- 
roness de  Rothschild  would  not,  yet  would  Mr.  Peach  disoard 
these  ?  Now,  so  convinced  is  Mr.  Radch  ffe  of  Felix  Genero 
being  a  good  Rose,  that  he  is  going  in  for  fifty  of  it.  And  this 
is  the  way  which  he  adopts  with  really  good  Roses.  Charles 
Lefebvre  and  Jules  Margottin  are  to  be  seen  by  hundreds,  and 
Comtesse  de  Chabrillant,  John  Hopper,  and  others  by  dozens. 
He  is  equally  determined  in  his  proceedings  when  a  Rose  dis- 
appoints him.  Mdlle.  Marie  Cirodde  was  highly  recommended 
to  him;  he  bought  a  dozen,  but  she  is  a  "rant  rien"  and  so 
off  she  goes  this  season.  He,  however,  retains  some  kinds 
that  otherB  have  discarded,  snch  as  Due  de  Cazes  and  Souvenir 


JOUBNAL  OF  HOKTICULTUKE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  July  28,  1870. 


de  Dr.  Jamain,  and  I  think  he  is  right ;  hut  as  I  mean  to  have 
a  say  on  "  some  discarded  Boses  "  by-and-by,  I  will  add  no 
more  en  this  point.  All  over  his  garden  the  queen  asserts  her 
authority  ;  it  is  "  Boses,  Roses,  Boses  everywhere  " — on  the 
front  of  his  house,  on  the  sides  thereof,  on  the  pretty  bank  at 
its  back,  in  the  rosarium  proper,  along  the  walks  of  his  kitchen 
garden  ia  double  tiers  :  so  that  I  do  not  wonder  to  hear  that  so 
many  of  all  ranks  and  classes,  admitted  by  his  genial  kindness 
to  see  his  garden  from  far  and  near,  have  expressed  their  delight 
»t  the  prospect. 

Strawberries  are  another  feature  of  Mr.  Badoljffe's  gardening, 
and  probably  nothing  could  more  thoroughly  testify  his  skill 
than  their  appearance  at  this  season.  Loud  have  been  the 
complaints  of  deficiency  of  supply  and  smallness  of  the  fruit, 
but  such  complaints  find  no  echo  here.  I  have  never  seen 
([  say  it  advisedljjc  such  plants  and  such  crops  ;  for  although 
I  am  here  at  the  end  of  the  season,  the  size  and  excellence 
of  the  Strawberries  are  something  wonderful.  As  Mr.  Ead- 
cljfie  has,  however,  himself  written  on  this  subject,  I  can  do 
no  more  than  corroborate  his  views  from  personal  survey.  Mr. 
Badclyffe  he  regards  as  the  finest-fleshed  and  finest-flavoured 
Strawberry.  Dr.  Hogg  comes  next  in  his  estimation,  and  for 
general  growth  he  advises  it  in  preference  to  Mr.  Badclvffe. 
Bivers's  Eliza  comes  next,  then  John  Powell ;  and  for  size  and 
preserving,  Cockscomb  and  Wonderful. 

Thi3  season  is  in  general  a  good  one  for  wall  fruit,  but  I  very 
much  question  if  anywhere  a  more  regular  crop  is  to  be  seen 
Jhan  on  the  smell  trees  which  now  cover  Mr.  Radclyffe's  wall. 
He  ha3  had  them  now  planted  three  or  four  years,  and  he  might 
by  this  time,  had  he  so  liked,  have  covered  the  entire  space 
with  a  few  trees  ;  but  he  prefers  variety,  and  so  has  about  108, 
which  he  keeps  within  bounds  by  a  judicious  system  of  pinch- 
ing. He  does  not  allow  them  in  a  season  like  this  to  crop 
heavily,  preferring  fine  fruits  to  a  quantity  of  indifferent  ones. 
There  is  no  blistering  on  the  leaves,  and  but  little  symptom  of 
that  pest  red  spider.  In  fact,  going  all  over  his  garden,  you 
aould  hardly  imagine  that  we  were  in  the  midst  of  one  of  the 
most  trying  seasons  on  record. 

Mr.  Radeljffe,  like  myself,  is  pretty  well  tired  out  of  Potato 
trials,  and,  although  he  has  several  new  varieties  growing  iu 
his  garden,  is  determined  for  the  future  to  cling  to  those  he 
has  already  proved  to  be  good.  "  Early  ripeners  nnd  late 
keepers "  is  his  motto,  and  such  sorts  as  the  Old  Ashleaf, 
Bivers's  Boyal  ABhleaf,  Cobbler's  Lapstone,  Taylor's  Hybrid, 
and  Yorkshire  Hero  seem  to  be  all  that  he  requires.  Of  the 
American  sorts  he  has  no  opinion,  and  a  Potato  tournament 
he  cannot  see  the  value  of.  I  confess  I  agree  with  him  in 
this.  Of  what  use  is  the  best-looking  Potato  in  the  world  if 
it  is  not  a  good  one  for  eating  ?  and  some  of  the  very  prettiest 
Potatoes  and  largest  croppers  are  in  this  predicament— for 
sxample,  Premier  and  Prince  of  Wales ;  and  I  am  afraid,  if 
the  judges  were  to  be  called  upon  to  taste,  so  many  are  the 
varieties,  that  they  would  be  like  the  celebrated  wine  committee, 
which  at  last  ordered  port  instead  of  sherry,  and  sherry  in&tead 
of  port.  A  good  Potato  will,  like  the  Lapstone,  win  its  way, 
and  all  the  Potato  tournaments  in  the  world  will  not  help  it  on 
if  it  be  indifferent. 

What,  then,  is  the  secret?  "Water."  If  with  the  Manches- 
ter school  "  Cotton  is  king ;"  if  with  the  politician  "  Begister  I 
Register  !  "  is  the  cry  ;  so  with  my  friend,  Water  is  king.  He 
has  had  two  men  constantly  watering;  and  everything — 
Roses,  Strawberries,  Peaches,  and  Nectarines — has  been  well 
saturated  ;  and  this,  with  his  rational  oommon-sense  method  of 
doing  things,  secures  him  that  success  which  often  great  theorists 
and  would-be  philosophers  never  attain  to.  I  should  add  that 
"  Steeve  "  is  as  dry  as  ever,  as  thoroughly  as  ever  believes  in 
ii<5  master,  is  as  laborious  and  painstaking  as  a  man  can  well 
be,  and  does  his  best  to  maintain  the  credit  of  the  famous 
garden  he  has  to  manage. — D.,  Deal. 


SOFT  SOAP  AS  AN  INSECT  DESTROYER. 
About  1855  I  was  growing  a  few  Dahlias,  and  soon  after  they 
wore  planted  out  they  were  nearly  destroyed  by  the  fly.  In  a 
bncket  nearly  full  of  water  I  mixed  some  soft  soap,  and  taking 
Eome  of  the  water  in  my  hand  I  drew  it  up  each  shoot,  com- 
mencing at  the  bottom,  wetting  the  under  as  well  as  the  upper 
sides  of  the  leaves.  There  was  not  a  fly  to  be  seen  next  day. 
Seeing  the  effect  on  the  Dahlia,  I  tried  the  experiment  on  Boses 
with  the  same  result,  but  the  improved  appearance  of  the 
foliage  surpassed  that  of  the  Dahlia.  In  applying  the  water 
to  the  Rose  I  take  the  end  of  the  shoot  in  the'  left  hand,  and 


with  the  right  throw  the  water  on,  or  hold  the  shoot  over  the 
bucket  and  wet  the  foliage  well  without  wasting  much  water. 

About  nine  years  ago  I  put  up  a  greenhouse,  and  grow  a  few 
Pelargoniums,  Fuchsias,  herbaceous  Calceolarias,  Cinerarias, 
and  some  other  plants,  but  those  I  have  named  I  found  most 
subjeot  to  insect  attacks.  My  house  was  glazed  with  rather 
small  squares  of  glass,  and  was,  therefore,  not  very  easy  to  fumi- 
gate effectually.  I  nearly  filled  a  large  pail  with  water,  mixed 
some  soft  soap  with  the  water,  and  when  any  of  the  plants  were 
attacked  by  aphis  I  took  the  pot  in  my  right  hand,  placed  my 
left  hand  on  the  soil  to  keep  it  from  falling  out  of  the  pot, 
turned  the  plant  upside  down,  and  ducked  it  in  the  water.  At 
the  end  of  two  years,  when  the  solution  was  accidentally  upset, 
it  was  as  effectual  as  on  the  day  it  was  prepared. 

There  appears  to  be  some  doubt  about  the  proper  weight  of 
soft  soap  to  use  to  a  gallon  of  water.  I  always  mix  the  soap 
iu  warm  water  first,  taking  care  to  leave  none  undissolved.  A 
little  soap  will  do  no  harm  to  any  of  the  plants  I  have  named, 
will  kill  the  fly,  and,  especially  in  the  case  of  Boses,  will  im- 
prove the  beauty  of  the  foliage.  Of  course  greenhouse  plants  are 
only  dipped  when  out  of  bloom,  but  doing  so  beforehand  is  a 
preventive  of  insects. 

I  have  never  had  occasion  to  use  soft  soap  to  my  Dahlias 
since  1865,  but  the  Boses  have  required  a  dressing  or  two  every 
year.  As  it  seems  to  improve  the  foliage,  I  have  applied 
the  soft  soap  even  when  the  fly  has  not  made  its  appearance. 
I  have  scarcely  known  what  mildew  meant,  and  this  year, 
although  so  hot  and  dry,  I  have  not  seen  an  aphis  on  the  Rose. 
A3  I  have  been  very  bu»y,  the  plants  were  so  clean,  and  the 
blooms  the  best  I  have  ever  had,  the  customary  bath  was  not 
given,  and  now  I  have  not  a  Eose  on  the  Mauetti  or  its  own 
roots  which  is  not  white  with  mildew.  Those  ou  the  Briar  at 
present  are  all  right. — J.  C.  H.,  Moorgate  Grove,  Botheiham. 


THE  ROYAL  HORTICULTURAL   SOCIETY'S 
OXFORD    SHOW. 

(Concluded  from  paye  47.) 
VEGETABLES. 
Of  these,  considering  tliat  there  were  only  five  classes,  and  these 
necessarily  very  limited,  in  which  vegetables  could  be  exhibited, 
the  exhibition  may  be  said  to  have  been  good,  moat  of  the  articles 
being  of  very  fair  quality.  Peas  and  Potatoes  were  well  shown. 
These,  however,  were  the  only  special  subjects  asked  for.  We  should 
like  to  see  vegetables  generally  better  recognised  at  our  provincial 
shows,  and  greater  encouragement  given  to  their  cultivation.  It  may 
be  that  they  have  uot  such  an  ornamental  appearance  as  fruit  on  the 
exhibition  tables,  and  are  not  quite  so  attractive  to  the  general  sight- 
seer ;  still,  bciug  by  far  the  most  important  products  of  a  provincial 
garden,  and  their  cultivation  the  most  important  of  a  gardener's  duties — 
seeing,  also,  that  the  cultivation  of  vegetables  is  not  what  it  should  be, 
and  that  the  rising  race  of  gardeners  are  somewhat  inclined  to  look 
down  upon  this  department  as  derogatory,  wo  think  that  the  Royal 
Horticultural  Society,  which  professes  to  hold  its  meetings  for  the 
encouragement  of  cultivation,  would  do  well  to  make  good  vegetables 
a  greater  feature  iu  their  provincial  exhibitions. 

The  prize  given  by  W.  Munton,  Esq.,  for  the  best  nine  dishes  or 
baskets  of  vegetables,  was  awarded  to  Mr.  George  Craddock,  gardener 
to  Lord  Willoughby  do  Broke,  Comptou  Verney.  In  this  there  were 
excellent  Canlitlowers,  ParBnips,  Peas,  Globe  Artichokes,  Beet,  Italian 
Red  Onions,  Prince  of  Wales  Potatoes,  good  Tomatoes,  and  Cucum- 
bers. Mr.  Miles,  gardener  to  Lord  Cnrriugton,  was  placed  second,  and 
Mr.  PerLins,  gardener  to  the  Earl  of  Hartisinere,  Eye,  Suffolk,  third ; 
the  second  prize  being  given  by  the  Oxford  Journal,  and  the  third  by 
W.  Munton,  Esq.  Mr.  Broadbridge  and  Mr.  Henwood,  gardener  to 
M.  H.  Turnbull,  Esq.,  also  competed  with  good  collections.  The  Cauli- 
flowers were  throughout  much  finer  than  we  could  have  expected  to 
rind  them. 

For  the  best  three  baskets  of  Round  and  ditto  Kidney  Potatoes,  the 
prizes  given  by  Messrs.  Hall  &  Co.,  the  competition  in  each  class  wa3 
keen,  thirteen  collections  being  set  up.  The  first  prize  in  both  in- 
stances was  awarded  to  Mr.  Craddock,  gardener  to  Lord  Willoughby 
de  Broke,  the  specimens  being  clean  and  well  grown.  The  second 
prize  for  Round  Potatoes  went  to  Mr.  Henry  Miucbin,  Hook  Norton  ; 
the  third  to  Messrs.  Bell  &  Thorpe  ;  and  the  fourth  to  Mr.  Earley, 
Digswell.  In  the  class  for  Kidneys  Mr.  Miles  was  placed  second,  Mr. 
Earley  third,  and  Mr.  D.  Gammon  fourth.  For  six  dishes  of  Peas, 
"  preference  being  given  to  collections  containing  Fortyfold  and 
Multum-in-parvo,"  the  prizes  being  given  by  Messrs.  Nutting  &  Sons, 
Mr.  Simmons,  Union,  Tbarue,  was  placed  fust  with  very  fine  examples 
of  McLean's  Wonderful,  Mnltum-in-parvo,  Premier,  Fortyfold,  Yeitch's 
Perfection,  and  Berkshire  Hero.  Mr.  J.  Walker  was  placed  second. 
Iu  the  class  for  three  half  pecks  of  Peas,  one  variety,  tbe  prize  being 
given  by  Mr.  David  Day,  some  confusion  seemed  to  exist  as  to  whether 
it  was  intended  for  three  half  pecks  of  one  variety,  or  for  three  half 


July  28,  1870.  ) 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


63 


pecks — half  a  peck  of  one  variety.  The  prize  wag  given  to  the  three 
half  pecks,  distinct  varieties,  exhibited  by  Mr.  Mannders,  gardener  to 
the  Earl  of  Abingdon,  Wytham  Abbey — viz.,  British  Qneen,  General 
Wyndham,  and  Ne  pins  Ultra,  all  of  which  were  very  excellent  ex- 
amples, the  pods  fine,  long,  fall,  and  fresh.  Mr.  J.  Perkins  was  placed 
aeoond,  and  Mr.  F.  Sims,  Marston,  Oxford,  third.  There  were  no  less 
than  seventeen  competitors  in  this  class,  and  all  the  collections  were 
creditable.  Laxton's  Supreme,  Ne  plas  Ultra,  Premier,  Veitch's  Per- 
fection, Champion  of  England,  &c,  were  amongst  the  most  noticeable 
of  the  other  varieties  exhibited. 

Thongh  not  strictly  coming  under  the  head  of  vegetables,  we  may 
here  add  that  Messrs.  Suttoa  Ss  Sons,  of  Reading,  had  in  the  Agri- 
cultural Show  Ground  a  large  and  very  complete  collection  of  Grasses, 
seeds,  roots,  &c,  and  Messrs.  Carter  &  Co.  had  a  similar  collection. 

HORTICULTURAL  APPLIANCES,  IMPLEMENTS,  STRUCTURES,  Sc. 
This  department  of  the  Exhibition  was  very  meagre — meagre  as  to 
extent  and  meagre  as  to  quality.  As  to  the  implements  and  a  great 
portion  of  the  appliances  or  useful  articles  applicable  to  horticulture, 
a  better  selection  could  be  obtained  by  taming  out  the  interior  of  any 
ordinary  ironmonger's  shop.  As  to  structures  also,  with  a  few  excep- 
tions, we  can  say  but  little.  In  this  special  department,  indeed,  specially 
pertaining  to  the  garden,  the  exhibition  in  the  yard  of  the  Agricultural 
Society  was  infinitely  su- 
perior, more  varied,  and 
more  extensive,  the  ex- 
hibitors thus  finding  it 
more  to  their  interest  to 
exhibit  at  the  great  ga- 
thering than  at  the  little 
show.  Mr.  Beard,  of  Bury 
St.  Edmunds,  exhibited 
some  of  his  patent  glass 
walls,  which  are  to  be 
nsed  instead  of  brick. 
The  glass  need  is  com- 
mon rough  plate  in  large 
squares,  set  on  edge,  and 
fixed  in  grooves  in  up- 
right iron  pillars.  They 
have  a  very  light,  ele- 
gant, and  pretty  appear- 
ance, take  up  but  little 
space,  and  are  thus  re- 
commendable  for  smill 
gardens.  They  will  pro- 
vide shelter  for  the  plants 
trained  agoiost  them,  but 
cannot  in  any  way  com- 
pete withbri'k  Wills  in  a 
horticultural  sense. 

Mr.  Ormson,  of  Chel- 
sea, exhibited  several 
forms  of  wrought-iron 
boilers,  which  seem  to  be 
bf  a  very  powerful  cha- 
racter, also  drawings  and 
designs  for  hothouses, 
&c.  Mr.  Ormson  fur- 
ther exhibited  models 
of  his  new  patent  venti- 
lating hot-water  appa- 
ratus, which  appears  me- 
ritorious, the  cold  air 
being  admitted  into  the 
centre  of  a  cylinder 
heated  by  four  pipes, 
which  are  cast  in  one 
piece  with  the  cylinder; 
combined  with  this,  the 
rafters  are  made  hollow 
and  faced  with  perforated 
zinc,  whereby  all  stag- 
nant and  vitiated  air  is 
carried  off  by  ventilators 
in  the  back  wall,  and  which  can  be  regulated  at  pleasure.  As  a 
means  of  ventilating  in  winter  this  method  of  Mr.  Ormson's  is,  we 
think,  very  excellent.  The  glass  used  by  Mr.  Ormson  is  of  immense 
thickness,  being  what  is  known  as  32-oz.,  and  is  fixed  in  grooves,  thus 
"°}JS  awaJ  wita  front  putty,  which  is  always  expensive  to  keep  in  repair. 
Messrs.  Weeks  &  Co.  exhibited  models  of  greenhouses,  &c,  and  of 
their  well-known  upright  tubular  boilers,  one  of  which  is  further 
altered  by  being  made  in  two  halves,  either  of  which  may  be  used 
whilst  the  other  is  being  repaired.  Mr.  Kendle  exhibited  numerous 
examples  of  his  patent  plant-protectors,  ground  vineries,  etc.  Mr. 
Looker  had  .also  his  patent  propagating  boxes  and  other  ingenious  con- 
trivances for  the  cultivation  and  propagation  of  little  things.  These 
may  be  all  very  useful  in  their  way,  especially  to  amateurs.  Mr. 
James  Cranston,  Birmingham,  had  examples  of  his  patent  green- 
houses, which  have  the  merit  of  being  very  ornamental. 


From  Messrs.  T.  H.  P.  Dennis  &  Co.  we  have  a  novelty  in  Gilbey's 
patent  glass  orchard,  represented  in  the  accompanying  engravings.  It 
is  at  least  ingenious  and  simple,  and  also  neat  in  appearance.  We 
cannot  say,  however,  that  we  should  expect  great  results  from  it.  The- 
same  firm  also  exhibited  two  strong  lean-to  houses,  the  sashes  and 
sashbara  being  made  of  galvanised  iron  ;  these  had  a  light  and  elegant 
appearance.  They  had  also  examples  of  their  square  tubular  boiler. 
Mr.  P.  J.  Perry,  of  Banbury,  had  a  model  of  what  is  very  modestly 
styled  "  The  Improved  Peach  House,"  a  lean-to,  the  glass  being  in. 
large  squares,  and  fixed  with  strips  of  flat  lead  instead  of  putty. 
Messrs.  Messenger,  of  Loughborough,  exhibited  a  structure  invented 
and  patented  by  Mr.  Ayres,  of  Nottingham.  This  is  called  the  "  Im- 
perishable Hothouse,"  and  so  far  it  is  almost  worthy  of  the  title.  The 
glass  itself  will  not  perish,  and  the  glass  is  held  in  its  place  by  small 
clips  of  brass  or  other  material,  which  will  likewise  not  perish.  The 
house  consists  of  a  mere  framework  of  rafters  and  mnllions,  placed 
from  G  to  8  feet  apart,  and  connected  together  by  cross  pieces  of  iron 
or  wood  at  such  distances  apart  as  may  be  required  to  take  the  glass, 
which  is  laid  on  in  much  the  same  way  as  tiles  on  the  roof  of  a  house, 
and  held  fast  by  the  clips  as  before  stated.  We  have  some  objection 
to  the  lapping-over  of  the  glass  at  the  sides,  otherwise  we  consider  this 
a  decided  move  forward  in  horticultural  structures.  The  outside  being 
all  glass,  no  painting  whatever  is  required,  and  what  a  wonderful 

saving  this  niuBt  be  ! 

Messrs.  Green  &  Son 
had  some  of  their  most 
excellent  lawn  mowers 
on  view ;  and  the  new 
Archimedean  was  Bhown 
by  Messrs.  Gill  &  Co., 
of  Oxford,  besides  a 
great  variety  of  minor 
articles.  Messrs.  Dick 
Radclyffe  &  Co.  had 
some  mowing  machines 
and  other  articles  on 
view  ;  and  Messrs. 
Haynes  &  Sons  had  a 
large  stand  of  their 
patent  bydronettes.which 
are  too  "  squirty  "  in 
their  action  to  meet  with 
much  approval.  There 
were,  besides,  Appleby's 
and  Drechsler's  fumiga- 
tors,  neat  wire  flower 
baskets,  and  various 
other  articles  in  wire- 
work,  from  Mr.  Holli- 
day,  of  Notting  Hill,  as 
well  as  many  other  things 
of  a  miscellaneous  cha- 
racter. 


THE 
GENERAL  HJEETING 
AND  HORTICULTURAL. 
CONGRESS. 
At  the  General  Meet- 
ing,  held  on  the   20th, 
G.     F.     Wilson,     Esq., 
F.R.S.,  was  in  the  chair. 
After    the    nsual    preli- 
minary business  several 
new  Fellows  were  elected. 
The  only  object  of  spe- 
cial interest  not   before 
reported  npon  ,was  Mac- 
adamia      ternifolia,      of 
which  Dr.  Masters  exhi- 
bited   the    nuts,    which 
ve;e  too  late  to  be  sub- 
mitted to  the  Fruit  Com- 
mittee.    These  nuts  were 
stated  to  be  fully  equal  to  Filberts  in  flavour,  and  were  accompanied  by 
the  following  remarks  from  Dr.  Hooker  : — 

"A  year  ago  I  received  from  Australia  ripe  seeds  of  the  Haeadamia 
ternifolia,  for  the  garden,  and  happening  to  taste  one,  I  found  it  to  be  so 
excellent  in  texture  and  flavour  that  I  at  once  wrote  to  my  friend,  Mr. 
Hill,  ot  the  Brisbane  Botanic  Garden,  to  send  me  a  supply  for  trial  as 
a  dessert  fruit.  The  box  has  now  arrived,  and  Mr.  Hill  requestB  me  to 
toward  a  sample  to  the  Scientific  Committee  for  an  opinion,  which  I 
now  do.  I  shonld  add  that,  the  box  having  been  delayed  considerably  in 
transmission,  some  of  the  nuts  have  deteriorated  in  consequence. — J.  D. 
Hookeb." 


'I.AN      OF     A        QUARTER        A  C   R    C 


The  Horticultural  Congress  commenced  on  the  20th  inst.,  was 
preside  1  over  on  that  day  by  G.  F.  Wilson,  Esq.,  and  was  well  attended. 
Dr.  Voelcker  opened  it  with  a  lecture  on  "  The  Principles  of  Manur- 
ing."    H3  was  glad,  he  said,  to  have  the  opportunity  of  imparting  in- 


u 


JOURNAL  OF   HORTIOTLT0BE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDjBKEJR. 


[  July  28,  1879. 


formation  to  the  horticulturist,  although  hardly  knowing  in  what 
manner  to  treat  the  subject,  for  the  simple  reason  that  the  horticul- 
turist was  far  in  advance  of  any  theory  that  could  be  laid  down  to 
regulate  his  proceedings.  The  agriculturist,  on  the  other  hand,  was 
far  behind  the  horticulturist  in  practice,  though  well  aware  of  some 
of  the  great  principles  which  should  guide  him  iu  the  application  of 
manures.  It  was  within  the  agriculturist's  power  to  increase  the  crop 
in  an  average  season  by  the  judicious  application  of  farmyard  manure, 
and  in  tho  event  of  the  supply  of  dung  running  short,  he  could  apply 
artificial  manures  in  certain  proportions  which  experience  had  shown 
would  produce  a  particular  effect  on  the  crop.  The  farmer,  by  experi- 
ment, had  learnt  precisely  what  to  do  in  order  to  attain  his  object — 
when  to  give  a  supply  of  manure,  and  when  to  withhold  it,  and  he  also 
knew  what  particular  kinds  of  manure  were  nsefnl  at  certain  stages  of 
growth,  and  when  to  withhold  them.  A  gardoner,  as  a  rule  [no,  no], 
could  command  any  amount  of  stable  manure,  whilst  the  agriculturist 
was  not  in  such  a  favourable  position,  being  often  compelled  by  the 
force  of  circumstances  to  eke  out  his  deficiency  by  using  certain  arti- 
ficial manures,  generally  expensive  even  when  applied  in  the  best 
manner.  Dr.  Voelcker  then  said  he  would  arrange  his  remarks  under 
the  following  heads: — First,  Tho  nature  of  the  organic  and  mineral 
food  of  plants  ;  secondly,  the  properties  of  ordinary  stable  manure  and 
artificial  manures  ;  thirdly,  the  time  of  application;  and  fourthly,  the 
fertilising  combination  and  the  special  uses  and  effects  of  manures. 

In  the  first  place,  in  reference  to  nitrogen,  he  considered  a  supply 
of  it  necessary  to  growing  plants.  This  was  one  of  the  questions 
upon  which  there  is  a  good  deal  of  dispute  among  scientific  men. 
Nitrogen  was  not  absorbed  by  plants  directly  from  the  atmosphere, 
which,  however,  contains  small  quantities  of  ammonia,  which  are 
absorbed  by  a  porous  soil  or  by  rain,  rain  carrying  with  it  at  the  same 
time  small  quantities  of  nitric  acid.  Ho  would,  therefore,  to  insure 
the  healthy  and  luxuriant  growth  of  garden  plants,  make  use  of 
nitrogenous  manures.  Then  the  question  would  arise,  In  what  form 
was  this  nitrogenous  food  beBt  supplied  to  plants  ?  He  would  supply 
it  in  the  shape  of  ordinary  dung,  in  which  it  is  to  be  found  as  a 
nitrogenous  substance  in  a  progressive  state  of  decomposition,  partly 
as  ammonia,  and  partly  in  the  form  of  nitric  acid.  Mineral  manure, 
which  could  only  be  derived  from  the  soil,  was  not  only  essential  to 
the  existence  of  plants,  but  absolutely  necessary  for  the  luxuriant 
development  of  every  kind  of  produce.  In  this  sense  lime  was  as  im- 
portant as  potash,  sulphnric  acid  as  phosphoric,  soluble  silica  as  any 
other  mineral  composition  which  entered  into  plants.  There  were 
certain  matters  Bpread  throughout  the  soil  that  occurred  in  very  small 
quantities,  while  others  were  of  more  abundant  distribution.  The 
alkalies,  potash  more  especially,  on  some  descriptions  of  land  were  more 
sparsely  distributed  than  the  corresponding  soda  or  magnesia.  Then, 
as  to  the  combinations  on  which  plants  feed,  nitrogen  is  always  present 
in  great  variety,  so  that  if  in  one  form  it  fails  to  exert  its  beneficial 
influence,  it  will  be  sure  to  do  it  in  another,  and  this  is  of  great  prac- 
tical advantage.  Sulphate  of  ammonia  and  nitrate  of  soda  are 
especially  useful  to  the  growing  plant ;  but  if  applied  at  the  wrong 
time  they  are  very  dangerous.  Experiments  had  been  carried  on  in 
Germany  during  the  last  four  or  five  years  with  plants  which  ordinarily 
grow  on  arable  land,  and  which  had  been  successfully  cultivated  in 
various  solutions,  but  if  the  solution  was  too  strong  the  development  of 
the  plants  was  greatly  interfered  with.  Great  care  should  be  exer- 
cised in  using  manures  which  are  quick  in  their  action,  and  he  ques- 
tioned whether  they  should  be  used  at  all,  but  he  would  recommend 
good  top-dres6ings.  If  good  results  were  to  be  secured  from  the  appli- 
cation of  phosphoric  acid,  potash,  ammonia,  and  nitrates  for  horti- 
cultural purposes,  these  ought  to  be  mixed  with  a  large  mass  of  soil, 
and  used  in  the  form  of  a  compost.  He  waB  of  opinion  that  manure 
could  not  be  applied  too  early  in  autumn,  and  if  thoroughly  mixed 
with  the  soil  it  entered  into  a  great  variety  of  combinations  favourable 
to  the  growth  of  plants.  All  soils  possessed  the  remarkable  property  of 
fixing  some  of  the  more  fertilising  ingredients  of  manure,  provided 
sufficient  rain  fell  to  enable  the  ground  to  do  so.  With  regard  to  the 
effects  of  certain  manures  upon  plants,  he  found  that  these  affected 
not  only  plauts,  but  also  particular  parts  of  plants.  No  doubt  the 
application  of  phosphato  manures  had  done  much  to  bring  root  crops 
to  that  perfection  in  which  they  were  seen  at  shows.  If  the  regular 
Bnpply  of  phosphates  were  withheld,  he  believed  root  crops  would 
return  to  their  original  fibrous  condition.  By  the  application  of 
strong  forcing  manures,  containing  mineral  matters  as  well  as  nitrogen, 
to  which  element  their  forcing  action  was  mainly  due,  leaf-growth 
would  be  obtained  at  the  expense  of  well-ripened  wood  and  fruit. 
Other  manures  promoted  early  maturity,  which  was  of  especial  import- 
ance to  fruit-growers,  and  to  this  result  a  combination  of  phosphatic 
manures  with  potash  contributed.  Potash  and  phosphate  of  lime,  as 
in  mixtures  of  the  latter  and  wood  ashes,  gave,  perhaps,  a  better 
crop  of  fruit  than  any  kind  of  manure.  The  best  form  in  which 
phosphate  of  lime  could  bo  applied  for  the  purpose  of  growing  fruit 
waB  that  of  bones  partially  deprived  of  their  nitrogenous  matters,  of 
which  they  contain  too  much  to  be  usoful  for  frnit-growing  in  great 
perfection,  more  especially  Grapes.  Better  fruit  waB  often  produced 
by  using  only  half  tho  quantity  of  manure.  An  artificial  manure  con- 
taining a  good  proportion  of  potash  was  often  of  great  use,  provided  the 
potash  was  not  in  too  large  quantity,  when  it  retarded  rather  than 
forwarded  the  development  of  plants.  If  land  were  of  a  sandy  nature 
a  limited  mixture  of  salts  of  ammonia  would  be  found  very  useful. 


In  some  experiments  which  he  had  recently  tried,  he  had  increased  the 
produce  of  a  crop  of  Potatoes  by  the  following  dressing — viz.,  4  cwt. 
of  superphosphate,  2  cwt.  of  potash,  and  2  cwt.  of  ammonia,  costing 
33s.  per  acre.  The  produce  amounted  to  between  12  and  13  tons, 
while  an  unmanured  portion  only  produced  C  tons  per  acre.  This 
showed  what  could  be  done  by  a  proper  selection  of  manure.  He  had 
also  tried  another  experiment,  using  only  superphosphate  and  potash, 
omitting  the  ammonia,  and  the  result  was  that  tho  crop  fell  short  by 
3  or  4  tons,  thus  showing  the  great  service  rendered  by  the  ammonia. 
He  believed  that  there  was  a  great  field  open  for  investigation  with 
reference  to  the  supply  of  manure  to  fruits.  Within  the  last  few  years 
several  fruit-growers  had  dressed  their  Gooseberry  bushes  with  artificial 
manures,  and  with  great  success.  In  pot-culture  they  should  not  apply 
any  strong  quick-acting  manures,  but  they  should  prepare  a  compost, 
and  use  it  with  discrimination. 

The  Chairman  said  he  believed  there  were  pome  gentlemen  present 
who  took  rather  a  different  view  from  that  of  Dr.  Voelcker,  especially 
upon  the  source  of  the  supply  of  nitrogen  to  plants,  and  he  would, 
therefore,  invite  discussion  upon  the  subject. 

Tho  Rev.  C.  P.  Peach  remarked,  that  of  the  various  constituents 
contained  in  plants,  nitrogen  rarely  existed  to  the  extent  of  more  than 
2£  per  cent.  In  grain,  analysis  gave  us  2J  per  cent.,  and  in  the  case  of 
Potatoes  about  0.7  per  cent.,  and  this  after  the  materials  had  been  partly 
deprived  of  their  hydrogen  and  oxygen.  He  thought  it  was  going  too 
far  to  say  that  nitrogen  was  of  more  value  in  a  plant  that  any  other 
substance  ;  the  carbon,  for  instance,  amounted  to  50  per  cent,  of  the 
whole.  Nitrate  of  soda  and  ammonia  formed  the  only  two  useful  in- 
gredients of  the  chemicals  sold  for  manuring  purposes.  Ammonia 
had  very  great  power  in  dissolving  carbonaceous  matters  and  rendering 
them  available  for  the  food  of  the  plants,  which,  when  growing,  took 
their  carbon  principally  from  the  soil,  and  he  was  inclined  to  think 
that  in  this  lay  the  great  value  of  amnvmiaeal  substances.  It  was 
commonly  stated  that  a  plant  could  obtain  the  hydrogen  which  it 
required  from  water,  bnt  his  opinion  was,  that  it  was  obtained  more 
easily  from  ammonia.  Silica  was  one  of  the  most  insoluble  substances, 
but  plants  took  it  up  by  the  roots,  its  solution  being  facilitated  by 
alkaline  salts,  and  hence  the  value  of  nitrate  of  soda.  He  thought 
silica  was  more  valuable  than  nitrogen  to  the  plant.  He  considered 
that,  though  temporarily  guano  might  be  of  great  service,  its  effects 
were  not  permanent.  Nitrogenous  matters  were  important  as  facili- 
tating the  formation  of  diastase,  which  as  a  solvent  of  starch  was  of 
the  highest  importance  in  plant  nutrition,  and  on  this  account,  rather 
than  for  any  direct  value,  nitrogen  was  important. 

Dr.  Gilbert  remarked  that  Mr.  Peach's  statements  concerning  the 
per-centage  of  nitrogen  in  various  crops  was  irrelevant.  It  was  a 
question  which  had  been  under  discussion  for  the  last  thirty  years, 
and  most  elaborate  experiments  had  been  made.  Boussingault  and 
Ville  had  come  to  the  conclusion  that  free  nitrogen  is  not  absorbed  by 
plants,  and  the  latter  was  at  the  present  time  making  quite  a  sensa- 
tion in  France  by  his  advocacy  of  nitrogenous  manures.  Mr.  Lawes 
and  himself  had  worked  for  several  years  to  determine  this  question, 
and  their  conclusions  were,  that  if  nitrogenous  substances  were  with- 
held, and  only  free  nitrogen  had  access  to  the  plant,  no  increase  in  the 
quantity  of  nitrogen  in  the  plant  took  place  ;  but  when  a  small  quan- 
tity of  ammonia  was  given,  it  showed  its  effects  in  less  than  twenty- 
four  hours.  Mr.  Peach  had  stated  that  the  small  quantity  of  carbonic 
acid  contained  in  the  atmosphere  was  insufficient  for  the  proper  deve- 
lopment of  plants,  but  he  considered  there  was  an  ample  supplyin 
water  and  the  air.  The  presence  of  an  increased  per-centage  of  silica 
did  not  strengthen  straw,  as  he  had  found  that  in  almost  all  cases 
the  best  standing  crop  was  that  in  which  the  lowest  proportion  of  silica 
was  found.  In  approving  of  the  manner  in  which  Dr.  Voelcker  had 
brought  the  subject  forward,  Dr.  Gilbert  stated  that  horticulturists 
would  have  to  carry  out  many  experiments  before  they  would  be  able 
to  get  at  the  principles  which  had  been  so  long  arrived  at  in  agricul- 
ture. The  horticulturist  had  a  far  larger  field  for  experiment  than 
the  agriculturist,  in  the  vast  number  of  his  products  and  the  wonderful 
control  he  had  to  exercise  over  tho  growth  of  plants.  At  present  they 
had  arrived  at  some  useful  results — results,  perhaps,  not  quite  con- 
clusive, for  they  must  not  look  to  obtain  from  a  few  years'  experiments 
the  conclusions  which  they  would  eventually  succeed  in  arriving  at. 

Major  R.  Trevor  Clarke  fully  concurred  in  Dr.  Voelcker's  views 
with  regard  to  manures  applied  in  a  solid  form  being  more  beneficial 
than  those  in  a  liquid  state.  One  of  their  most  clever  Rose-growers, 
who  was  present  (the  Rev.  Reynolds  Hole),  was  well  aware  of  their 
superiority.  Great  development  in  root  crops  and  fruit  was  mainly 
due  to  the  nse  of  manures  rich  in  phosphates,  and  he  thought  there 
was  a  very  good  field  open  for  physiologists  to  experiment  in  ;  for  in- 
stance, in  causing  plants  to  revert  to  their  original  state,  or  to  develope 
into  new  races. 

Mr.  D.  T.  Fish  said  that  if  the  gardener  desired  a  good  crop  of 
Roses  ho  must  have  rich  manure.  The  farmer  was  content  with  one 
crop  where  the  gardener  required  three,  and  therefore  it  was  necessary 
that  the  gardener  should  use  a  much  greater  quantity  of  stable  manure. 
The  time  of  applying  it  had  also  a  very  great  effect  upon  the  crop, 
and  he  had  found  that  those  farmers  who  left  the  manure  upon  the 
top  of  the  ground  in  winter  had  the  best  crops.  Soluble  manures 
were  certainly  those  which  accomplished  the  greatest  good.  He  be- 
lieved that  the  atmosphere  contaiued  sufficient  material  for  tho  food 
of  plants  without  much  aid  from  the  soil,  and  he  should  account  for 


July  28,  1870.  J 


JOURNAL   OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


65 


the  presence  of  silica  in  Orchids  and  other  tree  plants  hy  the  presence 
of  it  in  the  atmosphore,  as  the  roots  of  these  plants  never  touched  the 
soil.  This,  he  thought,  was  borne  out  by  Professor  Tyndall's  recent 
experiments.  This  was  a  very  interesting  question,  and  he  hoped 
some  of  tbeir  scientific  men  would  be  able  to  throw  some  light  upon  it. 

The  Chairman  then  proposed  a  vote  of  thanks  to  Dr.  Voelcker, 
which  was  unanimously  agreed  to. 

Dr.  Voelcker,  in  returning  thank3,  remarked  that  there  is  always  an 
abundance  of  silica  both  in  soils  and  water,  and  that  silica  applied  in 
the  form  of  dust  would  certainly  do  no  good  to  the  plants. 

Mr  Ingram's  paper  on  "  The  Distribution  of  Soils,  and  their  Influ- 
ence on  Vegetation,"  was  then  read,  but  elicited  no  discuseion. 

The  Congress  again  mot  on  the  21st  inst.,  Major  R.  Trevor  Clarke 
occupying  the  chair.  The  first  paper  read  was  by  Professor  Lawson, 
and  entitled  "  A  Short  Account  of  some  of  the  more  Eminent  Oxford- 
shire Botanists  and  Gardeners." 

The  Rev.  S.  Reynolds  Hole  then  made  the  following  remarks  on 
Roses. 

Mr.  Hole  commenced  by  mentioning  that  ten  minutes  being  the 
time  allowed  to  each  speaker,  he  would  have  to  compress  twenty-five 
years'  study  of  the  Rose  into  that  time,  much  in  the  same  way  as  they 
compressed  several  ounces  of  meat  into  small  lozenges,  a  box  of  which 
would  last  a  man  for  a  week's  travelling.  There  were  three  main 
elements  required  to  grow  good  Rosea — site,  soil,  and  sustenance.  As 
to  site,  the  Rose  should  be  protected  from  boisterous  winds,  and  at  the 
same  time  have  plenty  of  fresh,  pure  air.  It  did  not  much  matter 
whether  the  site  was  a  hill  or  table-laud,  provided  there  was  plenty  of 
timber  to  make  natural  screens,  so  that  the  wind  came  in  as  through 
a  respirator.  They  must  not  como  to  him  and  say  there  was  not 
sufficient  space  for  this  ;  it  must  he  found  where  there  is  shelter  and 
not  shade,  as  overhanging  boughs  were  fatal,  as  also  were  the  main 
roots  of  trees.  Thero  was  a  Rose  called  the  Royal  Horticultural 
Society,  which  had  been  attempting  to  bloom  for  the  last  three  or  four 
years  under  the  shade  of  a  large  tree,  called  the  Agricultural  Society, 
and  although  it  had  bad  the  most  consummate  skill  and  the  best 
attention  paid  it,  still  its  efflorescence  was  not  satisfactory.  "  Let  it 
come  away  from  the  lar^e  timber,"  said  Mr.  Hole,  "  and  then  gather  yo 
your  golden  Roses."  Where  Potatoes  would  grow  well  there  was  the 
Rose  to  be  found  in  its  glory.  Then  as  to  soil,  plenty  of  lime  in  Rose 
soil  added  additional  brightness  to  the  glowing  colours.  With  regard  to 
sustenance,  he  would  recommend  good  farmyard  manure  as  the  best  food 
for  Roses.  Much  good  had  been  done  by  the  use  of  artificial  manures, 
but  they  would  always  remain  second  and  supplemental  to  farmyard  ma- 
mire.  Manure  should  be  laid  on  liberally  in  November,  and  be  dug-in  in 
March,  and  then  one  more  dressing  should  be  given  when  the  buds 
began  to  swell,  and  the  colour  to  show.  Pruning  should  be  done  in 
Ootober,  and  the  weak  wood  cut  out  in  March.  The  great  enemies  of 
the  Rose  were  aphis  aud  mildew,  but  if  it  had  proper  soil  and  sus- 
tenance these  would  never  appear  unless  caused  by  spring  frosts.  For 
the  caterpillars  there  was.no  remedy  but  to  employ  children,  and  have 
them  picked  off  by  the  baud.  The  best  stocks  from  which  to  select 
Roses  were  those  which  most  frequently  took  the  great  prizes  at  our 
exhibitions,  but  if  they  only  wonted  a  Rose  garden  and  did  not  caro 
about  exhibiting,  let  them  buy-in  a  large  proportion  of  Roses  upon 
their  own  roots,  because  they  were  prettier,  more  abundant  in  flowers, 
and  more  enduring,  and,  therefore,  more  economical.  The  best  stock 
for  the  Rose  was  the  Manetti. 


We  understand  that  the  total  number  of  the  visitors  at  the  Show 
amounted  to  about  12,000. 


SEA-SIDE   PLANTING. 


From  the  remarks  which  have  appeared  in  your  columns 
from  time  to  time  on  this  subject,  it  would  seem  that  additional 
particulars  would  be  acceptable. 

One  of  the  principal  points  to  be  considered  is,  as  Mr.  Robson 
and  Mi'.  Owen  have  remarked,  that  of  soil,  which  differs  so 
considerably  along  the  coast-line  of  England.  Confining  our- 
selves to  the  southern  porlion  of  the  kingdom,  it  is  obvious 
that  the  same  standard  could  not  apply  alike  to  the  district  of 
the  Dover  cliffs,  of  the  Cornish  downs,  and  the  slopes  of  Torbay. 
To  treat  them  alike  because  they  agree  in  the  bare  fact  of  being 
lines  of  sea-coast  would  be  to  fail.  Take,  again,  the  important 
differences  of  climate ;  these  are  illustrated  by  the  state  of 
growth  to  be  seen  in  the  narrow  district  of  the  western  half  of 
the  county  of  Cornwall.  There  passes  down  through  this 
section  a  backbone  of  granite  hills,  which  in  a  rough  way 
equally  divides  its  width.  From  tbe  base  of  this  range  north- 
ward to  the  sea,  for  instance,  the  Larch  and  Spruce  Fiis  suc- 
ceed hardly  in  a  siuglo  case,  and  for  a  full  length  of  fifty 
miles  it  would  scarcely  be  too  much  to  say  that  no  one  tree  of 
either  of  these  kinds  is  worthy  to  be  called  a  specimen  of 
ordinary  symmetry ;  but  immediately  you  leave  the  grim 
granite,  southward  tbey  grow  successfully,  and  within  ten  miles 
of  where  the  failure  of  these  and  many  other  desirable  trees 
is  apparent,  choice  and  beautiful  arboretnma  may  be  seen. 


In  confirmation  of  this,  if  any  of  your  readers  find  themselves 
in  the  neighbourhood  of  Falmouth,  for  instance,  and  will  visit, 
say,  the  grounds  of  B.  W.  Fox,  Esq.,  PenJTriche,  they  will  be 
satisfied  that  almost  abutting  on  the  sea  it  is  possible  to  rear 
one  of  the  finest  collections  of  Conifers  and  other  choice 
growths  probably  to  be  found  in  England.  Then  let  them 
steer  due  north  until  they  find  themselves  equally  near  the  sea 
of  the  north  channel,  and  the  contrast  will  bo  complete.  This 
difference  in  so  small  an  area  of  country  is  due  not  so  much  to 
difference  of  soil  as  of  climate,  for  i(  the  soils  of  the  northern 
and  southern  sections  were  exchanged  the  difference  would 
probably  continue.  The  main  reason  of  this,  variance  is,  of 
course,  that  the  storms  which  so  keep  down  the  foliage  come 
principally  from  the  north  and  west,  and  whilst  tbe  northern 
is  mercilessly  beaten  by  these,  aggravated  by  saliue  particles, 
the  southern  portion  enj  >ys  comparative  immunity  owing  to 
the  shelter  of  the  range  of  hills. 

Along  the  north  coast  nothing  is  found  so  successful  for  an 
outsider  as  the  Black  Italian  Poplar  stuck  in  almost  as  thickly 
as  beau-stalks,  and  cuttings  answer  nearly  as  well  as  rooted 
trees.  No  ill-usage  of  the  weather  or  neglect  of  the  planter 
seems  able  to  prevent  its  rapid  growth. 

The  next  line  of  planting  should  be  an  evergreen  shelter; 
invaluable  for  this  will  be  found  a  mixture  of  the  Pinus  aus- 
triaca,  Evergreen  Oaks,  and  many  species  of  the  large-leaved 
Hollies,  particularly  Ilex  nobilis,  which  erjjoys  the  soubriquet 
of  Dreadnought  in  this  neighbourhood.  This  class  of  Holly 
is  not  cultivated  bo  much  as  it  deserves.  The  common  one  is 
no  great  acquisition,  but  the  larger-growing  kinds  grow  faster, 
staud  unblemished  in  the  severest  frosts,  rarely  suffer  from 
storm,  aud,  moreover,  are  beautiful  in  their  foliage  and  outline. 

Amongst  the  Couifernj  that  may  safely  bo  planted  within  the 
lines  named,  I  should  class  as  being  at  the  same  time  most 
ornamental  and  hardy,  Picea  Nordmauniana  and  Abies  Men- 
ziesii.  Wellingtonias  are  useless,  Cedrus  Deodara  is  a  failure, 
and  the  Arbor- Vita?,  Cypress,  and  Juniper  tribes  scarcely  ever 
suoceed,  but  almost  always  sutler  more  in  the  winter  (rather, 
I  think,  from  the  action  of  the  salt  than  from  the  force  of 
the  wind),  than  they  recover  in  the  summer,  and  so  gradually 
deteriorate.  The  Pinus  insignis  is,  I  suppose,  tried  oftener 
than  any  other  tree  of  its  class,  and  with  various  results.  It 
is  to  be  observed  that  a  great  difference  exists  in  the  appearance 
of  different  specimens,  and  in  the  seedlings  of  the  same  bed  ; 
whilst  some  have  a  texture  approaching  in  coarse  hardihood 
to  the  austriaca,  otbors  are  obviously  of  more  delicate  consti- 
tutions, the  leaves  being  finer  and  more  numerous,  the  colour 
more  delicate,  and  this  variation  is  alt  the  difference  between 
its  being  a  most  handsome  and  valuable  tree,  which  cannot  be 
too  often  planted,  and  its  being  an  eyesore.  The  Stone  Pine 
is  found  valuable  also.  The  Scotch  and  Pinaster  Firs  should 
be  excluded  as  much  as  possible,  as  their  shattered  remains, 
scittered  on  the  barren  downs,  or  near  the  ruins  of  a  defunct 
mine,  remind  one  of  nothing  so  much  as  rare  old  Bewick's 
woodcut  of  "  Desolation" — a  half-starved  donkey,  by  a  ruin  on 
a  barren  waste,  in  a  pelting  storm,  chewing  the  remains  of  a 
broom.  The  English  Yew  will  succeed  if  somewhat  sheltered, 
but  if  prominently  exposed  will  fail  miserably. 

Of  deciduous  trees  the  Cornish  Elm,  Alder,  and  Sycamore  do 
best ;  tbe  Poplar  should  not  only  form  the  windward  wing,  but 
should  also  be  sprinkled  over  the  whole  wherever  there  is 
standing  room,  to  be,  of  course,  cut  out  as  the  permanent 
growth  fills  up.  The  Sycamore  certainly  acquires  a  battered  ap- 
pearance by  the  autumn ;  but,  nevertheless,  does  not  so  shrink 
from  the  wind  as  the  Elm,  which,  although  indigenous,  never 
holds  its  head  erect  where  there  is  any  wind-drift,  but  looks 
like  a  weathercock  permanently  indicating  a  north-west  gale. 

As  to  flowering  trees,  if  "Wiltshire  Rector's"  floral  ex- 
perience were  confined  to  this  district,  "  by  the  Cornish  sea," 
where  the  Lilac  and  Laburnum  dare  not  droop  tbeir  lovely 
pendants,  instead  of  giving  us  his  charming  little  Lilac-tide 
article,  he  would  have  been  compelled  to  write  a  pastoral  on 
the  Tamarisk,  which  holds  the  field  in  their  stead  ;  and  besides 
its  usefulness,  who  has  not  felt  its  beauty,  and  lingered  by  it 
after  a  gentle  summer's  rain  or  heavy  dew — 

"  When  the  creat  sun  begins  his  state, 
Robed  in  flame  and  amber  light  7" 

As  to  shrubs,  in  the  first  rank  must  stand  Escallonia  ma- 
orantha,  Euonymus,  and  Berberis  Darwinii;  next  in  value 
come  Phillyreas,  Garrya  elliplica,  Daphne  Fioniana,  Hollies, 
plain  and  variegated  ;  Elaugnus,  and  Spirals.  The  Laurel  and 
Laurustinus  are  not  equal  to  the  foregoing,  as  the  wind  easily 
Btrips  them  ;  the  Arbutus  and  Bay  will  be  found  to  be  more 


cc 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  July  28,  1870. 


successful.  For  covering  walls  Cotoneaster  microphylla  and 
Simmonsii  may  be  used,  and  in  many  instances  Ceanothus 
azureus  and  Veitchii  do  very  well.  Worth  noticing  also  is  the 
success  of  the  Elder  as  a  screen  in  kitchen  gardens,  fruit 
quarters,  &c.  Around  the  Mount's  Bay  in  particular,  the  seat 
of  the  earliest  vegetable  and  fruit  produce  of  the  oountry,  these 
may  be  seen  more  frequently  than  elsewhere.  The  cuttings 
strike  easily,  and  planted  in  single  rows  in  a  few  years  run  up, 
and  when  kept  close-cnt  the  little  ground  they  ocoupy,  the 
rapidity  and  close  inwoven-form  of  growth,  would  make  this 


screen,  but  for  its  drawback  of  being  deciduous,  and,  I  suppose 
I  must  add,  want  of  beauty,  the  consummation  of  shelter. 
Privet,  Hornbeam,  Thorn,  and  other  fencings  are  tried  fre- 
quently, but  never  with  the  success  of  an  Elder  hedge.  In 
ground,  however,  where  appearance  is  more  important,  the 
Escallonia  makes  the  best  evergreen  hedge  ;  in  Scilly  it  is  the 
favourite,  and  does  most  of  the  hard  work  there.  In  fact,  this 
is  among  shrubs  what  the  Poplar  is  amongst  trees,  indispen- 
sable to  success  in  seaside  planting. — Cornueu. 


GLASS 
TnE  accompanying  engraving  is  a  representation  of  a  struc- 
ture I  have  recently  erected.  It  differs  somewhat  from  those 
I  have  called  double  walls  of  glass ;  it  being  the  intention  to 
force  the  fruit  in  this  structure,  it  was  necessary  to  add  a  roof, 
in  all  other  reBpects,  with  this  exception  of  its  beiug  wider  at 
the  top,  it  is  similar  to  the  glass  walls  which  I  first  introduced. 

In  this  struc- 
ture the  venti- 
lation is  not 
only  in  the  roof, 
but  on  each  side 
nnder  the  gut- 
ter which  car- 
ries off  the 
water  from  the 
glass,  the  earth 
being  removed 
to  the  depth  of 
4  or  5  inches, 
thus  enabling 
the  air  to  pass 
up  between  the 
trellis  and  the 
glass,  birds  be- 
ing excluded  by 
galvanised  wire 
netting. 

In  a  former 
article  I  have 
described  the 
mode  in  which 
the  glass  is  fixed 
in  grooves,  in 
which  are  in- 
serted triangu- 
lar pieces  of 
copper  to  clasp 
the  glass,  keep 
it  tight  in  the 
grooves,  and 
prevent  one 
sheet  of  glass 
slipping  down 
over  the  other. 
I  have  also 
described  the 
mode  of  prepar- 
ing the  timber, 
so  as  to  render 
unnecessary  any 
painting  after- 
wards, which,  with  puttying,  are  very  important  items  of  ex- 
pense in  horticulture.  My  present  experience  leads  me  to 
hope  that  insects  will  not  harbour  in  timber  that  has  been 
boiled  in  creosote.  Some  persons  object  to  the  colour  of  the 
wood  thus  prepared;  which  in  the  course  of  a  few  months 
becomes  of  a  rich  brown  ;  if  thought  proper  the  fronts  of  the 


WALLS. 

rafters  might  be  painted  stone  colour  in  the  course  of  a  year, 
which  would  give  the  whole  a  lighter  appearance. 

As  I  have  before  alluded  to  the  advantages  to  be  derived  by 
this  mode  of  growing  fruit,  I  will  merely  mention  a  few  of  its 
most  important  features — viz.,  thorough  control  over  autumnal 
rains ;  perfect  ventilation  by  the  passage  of  the  air  between 

the  trellis  and 
the  glass,  both 
surfaces  of  the 
leaf  being  thus 
exposed  to  light, 
for  without 
quality  in  foli- 
age we  must  not 
expect  quality 
in  fruit ;  tho- 
rough ripening 
of  the  wood ; 
command  over 
the  red  spider ; 
and,  to  crown 
all,  we  have 
every  part  of 
the  fruit  tho- 
roughly ripen- 
ed. I  may  also 
add  that  early 
fruit  is  ripened 
a  fortnight  ear- 
lier, and  that 
late  fruit  be- 
comes tho- 
roughly ripe. 

The  fruit  trees 
in  the  structure 
here  engraved 
consist  of  vari- 
ous kinds  of 
Peaches,  Necta- 
rines, Aprioots, 
Plums,  Cher- 
ries, Figs, 
Strawberries  in 
the  border,  and 
Grapes,  the  last 
beitg  trained 
along  a  wire 
under  the  ven- 
tilator, which 
ventilator  is 
opened  or  shut 
simultaneously  throughout  the  whole  length  of  the  structure  by 
tie  usual  mode  of  a  winch.  I  was  induced  to  try  various  experi- 
ments to  insure  a  crop  of  fruit  independent  of  the  weather,  a 
very  large  supply  being  here  required  for  consumption.  I  have 
now  had  sufficient  time  to  test  this  last  experiment, ..  ml  I  can  re- 
commend its  adoption  with  the  greatest  confidence. — Observed. 


THE  WORK  DONE   BY  A  LEAF. 


Now,  what  does  it  do?  It  pumps  water  from  the  ground, 
through  the  thousands  of  tubes  in  the  stem  of  the  tree  (the  tubes 
which  itself  has  made),  and  sends  it  into  the  atmosphere  in  the 
form  of  unseen  mist,  to  be  condensed  and  fall  in  showers — the 
very  water,  that,  were  it  not  for  the  leaf,  would  sink  in  the  earth, 
and  find  its  way  perchance  through  subterranean  channels  to 
the  sea.  And  thus  it  is  that  we  see  it  works  to  give  us  the  "early 


and  the  latter  rain."  It  works  to  send  the  rills  and  streams, 
like  lines  of  silver,  adown  the  mountain  and  across  the  plain. 
It  works  to  pour  down  the  larger  brooks  which  turn  the  wheel 
that  energises  machinery,  which  gives  employment  to  millions. 
And  thus  a  thousand  wants  are  supplied,  commerce  stimulated, 
wealth  accumulated,  and  intelligence  disseminated  through  the 
agency  of  this  wealth.    The  leaf  does  it  all. 


Joly  28,  1B70.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


67 


It  has  been  demonstrated  that  every  square  inch  of  leaf  lifts 
3-oOOths  of  an  ounce  every  twenty-four  hours.  Now,  a  large 
forest  tree  has  about  five  acres  of  foliage,  or  6,272,610  square 
inches.  This  being  multiplied  by  3-500ths  (the  amount  pumped 
by  every  inch)  gives  us  the  result— 2S52  ozs.,  or  1176  quarts,  or 
291  gallons,  or  S  barrels  ;  a  medium-sized  forest  tree,  about 
5  barrels.  The  trees  on  an  acre  give  800  barrels  in  twenty-four 
hours.  An  acre  of  GraBS,  or  Clover,  or  grain,  would  yield 
about  the  same  result. 

The  leaf  is  a  worker,  too,  in  another  field  of  labour,  where 
we  seldom  look,  where  it  exhibits  its  unselfishness — where  it 
works  for  the  good  of  man  in  a  most  wonderful  manner.  It 
carries  immense  quantities  of  electricity  from  the  earth  to 
the  clouds,  and  from  the  clouds  to  the  earth.  Rather  danger- 
ous business,  transporting  lightning.  I  think  it  would  be  con- 
sidered contraband  by  the  "  U.S.,"  or  "  Merchant's  Union," 
or  any  common  carriers  :  but  it  is  particularly  fitted  for  this 
work.  Did  yon  ever  see  a  leaf  entire  as  to  its  edges  ?  It  is 
always  pointed,  and  these  points,  whether  they  be  large  or 
small,  are  just  fitted  to  handle  this  dangerous  agent.  These 
tiny  fingers  seize  upon  and  carry  it  away  with  ease  and 
wonderful  dispatch.  There  must  be  no  delay;  it  is  "time 
freight."  True,  sometimes  it  gathers  up  more  than  the  trnnk 
can  carry,  and  in  the  attempt  to  crowd  and  pack  the  baggage 
the  trunk  gets  terribly  shattered,  and  we  say  that  lightning 
struck  the  tree.  But  it  had  been  struck  a  thousand  times 
before.     This  time  it  was  overworked. 

As  we  rub  a  stick  of  sealingwax  or  a  glass  tube  with  a  warm 
silk  handkerchief,  so  the  air  is  always  rubbing  over  the  face  of 
the  earth  with  more  or  less  rapidity.  And  what  a  huge  elec- 
trical machine  !  But  be  not  afraid,  the  leaf  will  see  that  it  is 
taken  care  of.  As  we  guard  our  roofs  from  the  destructive 
action  of  lightning — dashing  to  the  earth — crashing,  rending, 
burning  on  its  way — by  erecting  the  lightning  rod,  whose  brist- 
ling points  quietly  drain  tho  olouds,  or  failing  to  do  this,  re- 
ceive the  charge  and  bear  it  harmless  to  the  earth — so  God  has 
made  a  living  conductor  in  every  pointed  leaf,  in  every  blade 
of  grass.  It  is  said  that  a  common  blade  of  grass,  pointed  by 
nature's  exquisite  workmanship,  is  three  times  as  effectual  as 
the  finest  cambric  needle  ;  and  a  single  twig  of  leaves  is  far 
more  efficient  than  the  metallic  points  of  the  best  constructed 
rod.  What,  then,  must  be  the  agency  of  a  single  forest  in  dis- 
arming the  forces  of  the  storm  of  their  terror  ? 

Nature  furnishes  the  lightning,  and  it  furnishes  the  light- 
ning rods.  Take  a  hint,  then,  and  plant  trees. — (The  American 
Entomologist  and  Botanist ) 


EXTRACTS  FROM  THE  REPORT  ON  THE 
BRISBANE  BOTANIC  GARDENS. 

Among  the  plants  used  for  tanning  purposes  may  be  men- 
tioned the  Sumach  (Rhus  Cotinus),  See.,  all  of  which  are 
flourishing,  and  eventually  will,  doubtless,  become  hereof  great 
practical  utility  and  value.  The  Croton  Oil  (Croton  Tiglium), 
the  Candle  Nut  Oil  (Aleuritis  triloba),  two  species  of  Castor  Oil 
plants  (Ricinus  communis,  and  R.  spectabilis),  have  been  pro- 
perly tested,  and  will,  beyond  doubt,  yield  most  remunerative 
profits  to  both  the  cultivator  and  the  manufacturer. 

Of  the  Teas  (Thea  Bobrea)  and  the  famous  Paraguay  Tea  (Ilex 
paraguensis),  the  Coffee  (Coffea  arabica)  most  excellent  samples 
have  been  made,  and  it  can  hardly  ba  doubted  that  before 
many  years  Queensland  will  be  independent  of  the  world  for  a 
supply  of  these  luxuries.  The  Allspice  (Pimenta  vulgaris),  the 
Ginger  (Zingiber  officinalis),  the  Turmeric  (Curcuma  longa),  the 
Cardamon  (Elettaria  Cardamomum),  the  Grain  of  Paradise 
(Amomum  Melegueta),  the  Tapioca  (Manihot  utilissima),  the 
Cassava  (Manihot  Jatropha),  &c,  are  growing  luxuriantly,  and 
samples  of  all,  and  of  superior  quality,  have  been  manufactui  e  J. 

Among  the  tropical  fruits  may  be  enumerated  the  Mango, 
the  Cherimoyer,  the  Soursop,  the  Sweetsop,  the  Jack  Fruit, 
China  Date  Plum,  the  Avocado  Pear,  Bananas,  &c.  Fern 
were  publicly  expressed  in  Brisbane  a  short  time  since  that 
the  Banana  was  deteriorating,  but  under  careful  cultivation  it 
is  satisfactory  to  know  that  there  is  no  reaeon  for  apprehension 
on  that  score. 

The  silkworm  trees,  Morus  cedrona,  alba,  and  mnlticanlis, 
the  Ailanthus  glandulosa,  to,  remain  in  excellent  condition, 
and  are  frequency  inquired  after  by  those  who  are  interested 
in  sericulture.  I  would  respectfully  propose  that  cuttings  or 
plants  of  these  trees  be  planted  on  the  grounds  of  the  Orphan- 
age, they  would  answer  the  purpose  of  shade  trees,  and  would 


serve  to  amuse  the  children  by  furnishing  food  for  their  silk- 
worms. Frequently  applications  are  made  by  them  at  the 
gardens  for  leaves  of  the  Mulberry  for  this  purpose. 


Selset  Island.  —  Tour  correspondent  "  G."  is  wrong  in 
speaking  of  a  living  Lord  Selsey,  for  the  title  became  extinct 
in  1838,  owing  to  the  absence  of  male  issue.  There  is  no 
doubt  that  the  last  baron  who  bore  the  title  fostered  the 
culture  of  the  soil,  and  may  have  inherited  the  taste,  for  he 
was  descended  from  one  of  the  most  celebrated  gardeners  of  a 
previous  generation.  His  ancestor,  Sir  John  Peachey,  married 
a  daughter  of  George  London,  Esq.,  of  Long  Ditton,  who  was 
Superintendent  of  the  Royal  Gardens  in  Ordinary  to  Queens 
Mary  and  Anne. — J. 


WORK  FOR  THE  WEEK. 

KITCHEN   GARDEN. 

Use  all  diligence  in  filling  up  vacant  pieces  of  ground  with 
Broccoli,  Borecole,  Brussels  Sprouts,  Coleworis,  Sea. ;  and  where 
ground  is  scarce,  crops  likely  to  come  off  soon  should  be  inter- 
lined, for  the  purpose  of  establishing  as  large  a  breadth  of  the 
above  useful  vegetables  as  can  be  done.  Hoe  frequently  be- 
tween young  crops,  and  plant  out  a  good  supply  of  Endive, 
Cauliflowers,  Walcheren  Broccoli,  and  Cabbage  for  the  autumn. 
Sow  Lettuce  and  Onions  to  stand  over,  and  Radishes.  Liberal 
waterings  twice  or  thrice  a-week  in  dry  weather  will  be  required 
by  Peas,  Cauliflowers,  Spinach,  Artichokes,  Lettuces,  See.,  render- 
ing them  not  only  better  in  quality,  but  making  them  last 
longer  in  perfection.  Sow  immediately  Wheeler's  Imperial 
and  other  approved  kinds  of  Cabbage  for  the  principal  spring 
crop.  Sow  thinly  on  good,  but  not  rich  laDd,  and  in  an  open 
situation,  which  are  points  to  be  kept  in  view  in  sowing  all 
seeds  of  this  class.  The  earliest  Celery  may  be  forwarded  by 
small  addition!  tf  etr.b.  Sow  small  quantities  of  Basil, 
Chervil,  and  Marjoram  required  for  use  in  a  green  state.  Let  a 
good  sowing  of  Bath  Cos  Lettuce  be  made  directly.  This  will 
stand  all  the  autumn,  and  on  well-prepared  ground  will  produce 
fine  Lettuces.  Some  of  the  later  plantings  from  this  sowing 
may  be  covered  «i'h  inverted  pots  after  tviog  up.  Fine  large 
Lettuces  can  be  preserved  by  this  means  up  to  the  early  part 
of  the  winter. 

FKUIT    GARDEN. 

At  this  period  a  very  general  stopping  of  late  growths  and 
laterals  should  take  place,  both  in  wall  trees  and  espaliers;  it 
may,  in  the  main,  be  accomplished  by  pinching  oft  the  extreme 
points.  This  is  particularly  necessary  where  it  is  desirable  to 
carry  out  the  dwarfing  system.  With  regard  to  other  fruits, 
however,  there  cai  exist  no  reason  for  suffering  over-excited 
trees  to  continue  producing  wood,  which  can  never  be  perfectly 
ripened,  and  which  must  be  pruned  away  in  the  ensuing  winter. 
The  necessary  consequences  of  this  process  are — first,  a  greater 
concentration  of  sap  iu  the  neighbourhood  of  tho  fruit ;  se- 
cond, an  inducement  to  the  axillary  buds  to  prepare  for 
development;  and  third,  the  equalisation  of  the  sap,  thereby 
encouraging  a  greater  uniformity  of  growth.  In  performing 
the  operation  with  reference  to  the  latter  principle,  the  grossest 
of  the  shoots  only  should  be  stopped,  leaving  all  the  lower 
parts  of  the  tree  growing  until  the  end  of  the  season.  Attend 
well  to  fruit  trees  of  all  kinds.  Little  superfluous  wood  should, 
if  possible,  be  formed  on  tender  fruit  trees  after  the  middle  of 
August.  Not  only  the  fruit,  but  the  wood,  for  the  ensuing  year, 
must  be  ripened.  Even  Apples,  Pears,  Plums,  and  Cherries 
are  amenable  to  this  law  in  some  degree. 
flower  garden. 

Let  nothing  be  allowed  to  grow  out  of  place,  but  attend  to 
the  wants  of  growing  plants  by  giving  them  their  proper  sup- 
ports and  training  at  this  season  ;  the  next  matter  requiring 
consideration  will  be  tbe  propagation  of  stock  for  another  year. 
In  commencing  with  Pelargoniums  employed  for  bedding  pur- 
poses, beds  of  sandy  soil  in  the  open  gronnd  wi'l  serve  the 
Scarlets  of  all  sorts  and  their  allies,  while  the  Fancies  and 
other  kinds  with  a  delicate  habit  will  be  better  iu  pots,  or, 
where  large  quantities  are  required,  in  a  frame  under  glass. 
Under  any  circumstances  they  will  require  protection  from 
heavy  rains.  There  is  a  class,  of  which  Sidonia  is  one,  whieh 
strike  with  difficulty  by  cuttings  of  the  shoots,  and  are  best 
propagated  by  root  cuttings  ;  prepare  cuttings  of  the  thickest 
roots  about  1}  inch  in  length,  whioh  should  be  inserted  in 
shallow  pans  and  plunged  in  a  frame  ;  the  old  plants  should 
be   selected  for  the  purpose.     Herbaceous  plants   and   hardy 


68 


JOUBNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  July  28,  1870. 


bulbs  now  in  fall  beauty  should  be  kept  in  order  by  tying 
up  loose  growths  and  keeping  the  ground  free  from  weeds. 
Novelties  should  have  their  colour,  habit,  and  time  of  flower- 
ing marked  down  as  a  guide  for  future  arrangements.  Follow 
up  Rose  budding ;  those  planted  last  winter,  if  they  have  not 
started  well,  mu3t  have  a  little  more  time.  Care  must  be  taken 
that  all  the  decayed  and  withered  petals  of  Carnations  and 
Picotees  are  removed  from  those  calices  where  the  seedpod  is 
formed.  This  may  be  ascertained  by  subjecting  each  to  a 
gentle  pressure  of  the  thumb  and  finger.  It  will  also  be  ad- 
visable to  carefully  split  the  calyx  in  order  to  prevent  the 
lodgement  of  water,  which  i3  apt  to  take  place  when  this  is 
neglected.  Proceed  with  all  possible  dispatch  in  layering,  and 
prepare  some  good  loam  and  leaf  mould,  well  mixed,  for  potting- 
off  the  early-rooted  layers,  for,  when  sufficiently  rooted,  they 
are  better  away  from  the  parent  root ;  it  gives  them  a  check 
and  prevents  spindling.  The  old  stools  of  Pinks  will  have  now 
made  considerable  growth,  and  thrown  up  much  grass ;  this 
will  afford  a  second  crop  of  pipings,  and  a  large  stock  if  re- 
quired. If  the  plants  have  been  grown  in  pots  they  may  be 
turned  out  in  the  open  border  the  first  showery  or  suitable 
weather.  It  is  advisable  to  preserve  some  old  stools  of  new  or 
scarce  sorts,  for,  if  well  grown,  they  are  often  more  steady  in 
the  production  of  well-laced  flowers  than  younger  ones,  and  they 
are  also  useful  for  producing  seed.  The  beds  of  Ranunculuses, 
from  which  the  roots  have  been  taken  up,  should  now  be  dug 
over  and  ridged  up  in  order  to  sweeten  the  soil  by  exposure  to 
sun  and  air.  The  soil,  also,  for  planting  Tulips  should  be 
carefully  turned  over,  and  all  grubs  and  wireworms  destroyed. 
Entrap  by  all  possible  means  earwigs  on  Dahlias,  and  remove 
all  misshapen  buds  as  they  appear. 

GREENHOUSE    AND    CONSERVATORY. 

Although  flowers  of  all  kind  are  at  this  period  most  abun- 
dant out  of  doors,  yet  some  large  and  well-grown  specimens  of 
choice  kinds  will  always  furnish  interest  in  the  conservatory. 
To  accomplish  this,  large  shifts  must  be  had  recourse  to,  ac- 
companied by  improved  modes  of  potting — viz.,  extra  drainage, 
together  with  a  greater  reliance  on  turfy  soils  in  a  lumpy  state, 
than  upon  complex  composts.  The  climbers  must  at  all  times 
receive  much  attention  in  this  house.  Stopping  gross  wood  is 
too  much  neglected.  Above  all  secure  a  thorough  freedom 
from  insects,  together  with  a  most  cleanly  system.  All  this 
presupposes  plenty  of  labour  directed  with  judgment.  Cut 
down  Pelargoniums,  pot  off  cuttings  directly  the  roots  are 
formed,  and  repot  plants  previously  beaded  down  as  soon  as 
they  begin  to  break.  Shift  and  sow  Cinerarias  and  Calceo- 
larias. Sow  Mignonette  for  winter  use.  The  stock  of  pot  Roses 
should  be  looked  over,  useless  wood  and  decayed  blossoms 
removed,  and  the  plants  shifted  ;  fibrous  loam,  night  soil,  and 
burnt  earth  may  be  used  effectually.  Camellias  which  have 
matured  their  flower  buds  may  receive  additional  assistance 
either  by  soil  or  manure  water,  as  circumstances  allow.  The 
common  Anemone,  potted  three  or  four  in  a  pot,  and  placed  in 
a  comfortable  frame  with  the  Neapolitan  or  Russian  Violet  in 
September,  may  be  introduced  to  blossom  on  the  shelveB  of 
the  greenhouse  during  November  and  December.  The  com- 
mon single  Blood  Wallflower,  also,  if  sown  in  March,  the 
leading  shoots  pinched  out  in  June,  and  potted  three  in  a 
moderate-sized  pot,  generally  produces  a  good  bloom  through 
the  dead  of  winter.  Many  more  plants  of  this  kind  might  be 
enumerated. 

STOVE. 

Those  Orchids  suspended  in  baskets  or  on  blocks  should 
have  frequent  handling  as  to  their  state  of  moisture.  They 
will  require  a  liberal  supply  at  this  period.  All  blockB  will 
need  frequent  though  light  sjringings.  The  business  here  is 
mere  routine  at  this  period  ;  propagation  matters  having  been 
attended  to,  together  with  high  cultivation,  little  remains  but 
to  endeavour  to  perfect  the  wood  already  made.  This  must  be 
accomplished  by  a  fretr  circulation  of  air,  and  a  somewhat 
less  amount  of  atmospheric  moisture. — W.  Keane. 


DOINGS  OF  THE  LAST  "WEEK. 
With  next  to  no  water,  for  years  we  have  never  seen  plants 
suffer  more  in  a  garden  than  they  did  on  the  21st  and  22nd 
inst,  and  even  the  23rd  was  trying,  though  the  air  was  cooler ; 
and  some  slight  signs  were  given,  if  not  of  a  change,  at  least  of 
a  more  vapour-laden  atmosphere,  as  on  the  morning  of  Satur- 
day we  had  a  better  deposition  of  dew  than  we  have  seen  for 
two  months.    Many  plants  whose  leaves  were  prostrate  and 


seemingly  half  dried  up,  revived  and  stood  erect  for  a  time  on 
Saturday  morning. 

It  is  rather  tantalising  to  r6ad  how  some  of  our  coadjutors 
and  friends  speak  of  what  may  now  be  done  after  "  rain  has  come 
at  last."  From  the  beginning  of  the  year  we  have  scarcely  had 
more  than  skiffs  of  rain — nothing  to  sink  into  the  soil,  nothing 
to  replenish  our  exhausted  reservoirs.  Most  of  the  rains  have 
been  very  partial.  Daring  a  day  from  home,  in  a  Bpace  of 
some  twenty  miles,  in  three  small  places  far  apart,  we  found 
the  roads  in  a  puddle  from  next  to  a  deluge,  whilst  immediately 
beyond  this  little  spot  we  might  os  well  have  driven  through 
the  desert  of  Sahara.  The  absence  of  anything  like  a  hay  crop 
in  this  neighbourhood,  though  very  trying  to  the  holders  of  the 
land,  will  be  lessened  in  its  evils  by  the  reported  heavy  crops 
in  the  northern  counties.  On  our  journey  the  other  day  from 
Luton  to  Oxford,  with  the  exception  of  a  few  green  meadows, 
we  found  the  whole  of  that  district  bad  suffered  from  drought 
as  much  as  our  own  neighbourhood.  Even  the  princely  Blen- 
heim with  its  wondrous  lake  was  no  exception.  The  park 
grass  crackled  beneath  our  feet ;  the  extensive  lawns,  except 
in  shaded  places,  had  scarcely  a  tinge  of  green.  Even  in  such 
circumstances,  though  in  many  places  the  cereal  crops  were 
thin,  in  others,  Barley  and  Wheat  especially,  seemed  rather  to 
be  above  the  average— a  pleasant  thought  for  us  bread-eaters, 
though  liable  to  be  greatly  counteracted  by  this  unlooked-for, 
hideous,  and  more  than  culpable  war. 

From  all  we  could  learn  at  Oxford  we  came  to  the  conclusion 
that  as  respects  the  fall  of  rain,  this  has  been  an  exceptional 
year.  We  recollect  many  years  ago,  in  an  early  article  in  this 
Journal,  alluding  to  the  proverb,  "  Cart  corn  to  the  west,  drive 
cattle  to  the  east,"  based  on  the  faot  that  the  dripping  weather 
of  the  western  counties  was  so  conducive  to  rich  meadows, 
whilst  the  drier  and  sunnier  atmosphere  of  the  eastern  counties 
was  more  favourable  to  cereals.  This  season,  on  the  evidence 
of  such  men  as  Mr.  Garaway,  of  Bristol,  the  drought  has  been 
felt  severely  in  the  west ;  whilst  Mr.  Canuichael,  of  Sandring- 
ham,  spoke  of  the  splendid  crops  in  that  naturally  rather 
hungry  district,  owing  to  the  frequent  and  abundant  rains. 
Our  recollections  of  Oxford  and  its  gathering  will  be  delightful, 
only  possible  to  be  enhanced  if  the  visitors  to  the  horticultural 
department  had  been  three  times  the  number  they  were  on  the 
first  two  days.  Something  in  this  respect  may  be  owing  to  the 
neighbourhood,  to  the  extreme  heat  and  fierceness  of  the  sun, 
to  having  the  horticultural  and  the  agricultural  shows  so  far 
apart,  and,  perhaps,  to  having  them  at  the  same  time  at  all. 
Many  seemed  to  complain  of  the  toil  in  going  over,  so  as  to 
"  do  "  one  of  the  exhibitions  thoroughly. 

Those  who  are  interested  in  the  watering  question,  will  do 
well  to  correct  for  themselves  an  extract,  as  given  about  the 
middle  of  page  49,  first  column.  It  should  have  been,  "Be- 
tween M;irch  and  May,  we  have  much  cold  wet  weather."  As 
priuted,  the  word  "  wet "  is  left  out,  to  the  derangement  of  the 
sense  and  argument.  Great  as  was  the  outcry  about  general 
dryness,  we  found  no  case  where  there  were  less  means  of  arti- 
ficial watering  than  our  own.  Our  small  sources  were  very 
nearly  exhausted  on  the  two  dread  days  above  referred  to.  We 
knew  if  we  could  tide  over  until  the  25ib,  we  should  have  the 
chance  of  getting  some,  even  if  dirty,  water,  though  other  things 
were  not  neglected. 

The  chief  work  of  the  end  of  the  week,  was  mulching  and 
shading,  the  latter  in  the  case  of  small  plants  coming  in  along 
with  the  first.  For  instance,  we  put  rather  short  litter  round 
Lettuces,  young  Cabbages,  Cauliflowers,  and  Broccoli,  not  so 
protected  before,  fresh  planted  Strawberries,  &c,  and  on 
many  of  these  we  sprinkled  longer  cleaner  litter  over  the  tops. 
Calceolarias  showing  signs  of  suffering,  and  which  we  would 
be  sorry  t)  lose  for  three  months,  and  which  in  addition  to 
mulching  we  could  not  litter  without  destroying  their  beauty, 
we  shaded  rather  thickly  with  laurel  boughs,  firmly  inserted 
and  secured,  so  that  even  in  wind  they  might  not  chafo  against 
the  flowers.  The  .young  growths  of  the  laurels  came  in  well  for 
this  purpose.  A  little  water  was  given  to  individual  plants 
suffering  most.  Everything  under  glass  was  given  less  air,  and 
the  glass  more  or  less  shaded,  to  keep  out  the  drying  heat, 
either  with  moveable  coverings  or  a  fair  coating  of  whitened 
water.  With  everything  looking  well  it  seemed  a  pity  that  so 
many  plants  should  be  burned  up,  which  they  would  have  been, 
with  our  inability  to  water,  and  two  or  three  days  of  burning, 
cloudless  sun,  such  as  we  had  on  the  22nd.  We  hope  to  tide 
over  until  the  25  th  or  26th,  when  we  may  expect  either  more 
means  or  a  ohange  of  weather.  The  gardener  with  a  plentiful 
supply  of  water,  knows  nothing  of  the  anxiety  of  him  who  has 


Joly  28,  1870.  ] 


JOURXAL  OF   HORTICULTPRE  AND   COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


a  large  establishment  to  serve,  and  every  store  of  clean  water 
exhausted.  Some  would  say.  Let  the  plants  die  and  be  done 
with,  but  that  is  poor  polioy,  until  every  remedial  measure  is 
exhausted. — R.  F. 


TO    CORRESPONDENTS. 

*.*  We  request  that  no  one  will  write  privately  to  any  of  the 
correspondents  of  the  "  Journal  of  Horticulture,  Cottage 
Gardener,  and  Country  Gentleman."  By  so  doing  they 
are  subjected  to  unjustifiable  trouble  and  expense.  All 
communications  should  therefore  be  addressed  tolely  to 
The  Editors  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture,  <£c,  171,  Fleet 
Street,  I.onilnn,  E.G. 

We  also  request  that  correspondents  will  not  mix  up  on  the 
same  sheet  questions  relating  to  Gardening  and  those  on 
Poultry  and  Bee  subjects,  if  they  expect  to  get  them  an- 
swered promptly  and  conveniently,  but  write  them  on 
separate  communications.  Also  never  to  send  more  than 
two  or  three  questions  at  once. 

N.B. — Many  questions  must  remain  unanswered  until  next 
week. 

Blce  Pimpernel  (Wild  Ftowrr).— Thin  variety  of  the  Shepherd's 
Weather  Glass,  or,  as  yon  call  it,  "  Shepherd's  Darling,"  is  not  uncommon. 
The  following  is  an  extract  from  onr  "  British  Wild  Flowers  "— "  There  is 
a  variety  with  bine  flowers,  which  has  been  regarded  by  some  as  a  species 
under  the  name  of  Anagatlis  crerulea;  and  there  is  another  very  pretty 
variety  discovered  by  J.  Dillwyn  Llewellyn,  Esq.,  of  Ponllergoro,  South 
Wales,  which  is  pure  white,  with  a  purplish-pink  eyo  in  tho  centre  of 
each  corolla." 

CocoA-Nur  Fibre  Refuse  (E.  It.  A).— You  can  obtain  it  f rom  Messrs. 
Barsham  &  Co  ,  Kingstonon-Thamoi.    It  is  very  cheap. 

Phsalis  edulis  (IP.  Dickson).—  This,  commonly  called  the  Cape  Goose- 
berry, has  been  known  for  nearly  a  hundred  years.  Yon  will  And  it 
figured  and  described  in  the  "Botanical  Magazine,"  vol.  xii ,  t.  1068.  It 
has  been  frequently  noticed  in  our  back  volumes,  particularly  in  vol.  vii., 
old  series,  page  137,  and  there  is  a  very  full  account  of  its  eulture  by 
Mr.  Beaton  in  vol.  xx  ,  page  250.  As  a  material  for  cordage  and  paper, 
the  plant,  it  is  obvious,  could  not  be  grown  in  sufficient  quantity  in  this 
country  to  pay.  We  shall  be  glad  to  learn  your  mode  of  culture,  if 
different  from  that  described  by  Mr.  Beaton. 

Adiantum  (D.  if.).— The  dato  of  Mr.  Williams's  book  on  Ferns  and 
Lycopods  is  18'*8.  It  would  not  pay  to  issue  a  new  edition  every  year. 
Consult  the  "  Gardeners'  Year-Book  "  for  tho  most  recent  introductions. 
The  part  frond  of  Adiantnm  enclosed  belongs  to  A.  formosum.  We  do 
not  know  A.  recurvum.  There  is  one  named  A.  carvatum.  The  flowers 
of  the  Solannm  Cupsicastrum  probably  turn  yellow  and  fall  from  want  of 
water,  a  deficiency  of  air,  too  muoh  heat,  or  imperfect  root-action.  We 
have  ours  a  mass  of  berries  in  an  airy  greenhouse. 

Adiantum  pedatdsi  (A  Yorkshire  Amateur).— It  is  a  hardy  Fern,  and 
as  snch  may  justly  be  exhibited  in  a  collection  of  hardy  Ferns,  though  it 
would,  of  course,  be  disqualified  if  exhibited  as  a  British  Fern,  it  being 
an  exotic.    We  cannot  bo  positive  without  a  specimen. 

Cucumber  Leaves  Scorched  (T.  Steenlen,  Southu-ark).— The  leaf 
presents  every  appearance  of  red  spider,  but  we  cannot  discover  it.  We 
think,  however,  it  is  the  causo  of  the  brownness  of  tho  leaves.  We 
advise  you  to  pick  or  cut  off  all  the  leaves^ike  those  sent  us,  and  then 
syringe  the  plants  with  a  solution  of  soft  soap  and  sulphur,  3  ozs  of  the 
former  and  1  lb.  of  tbo  latter  in  three  gallons  of  water,  boiled  for  a 
qin?uteJ  of  aa  hour'  S^'US0  with  tho  clear  liquid,  and  pant  the  sides 
the  frame,  pit,  or  house  with  the  sediment.  Keep  rather  close,  moist, 
and  shaded  from  bright  sun,  and  stir  the  surface  soil,  removing  it  if  at 
all  sodden,  and  replacing  it  with  fresh.  A  sprinkling  of  water  every  after- 
noon at  dosing  will  be  very  beneficial,  thoroughly  wetting  tho  leaves,  but 
not  very  forcibly  directing  the  water  against  them,  otherwise  thoy  mav 
be  injured.  J 

Pruning  Hollies  (Norwood).  —  Having  now  made  their  growth  it 
would  be  injudicious  to  prune  the  Hollies  at  this  season.  It  would  be 
best  done  in  the  spring  of  next  year,  when  they  are  beginning  to  grow. 

Peach  House  Planting  (B.  D.).— In  a  house  so  narrow  as  7  feet  wide 
We  .u  rvy<m  wi"  not  have  8Pace  for  a  row  of  pyramids  in  front  and  trees 
on  the  back  wall.  For  the  front,  if  you  have  any  trees,  we  should  prefer 
espaliers  or  cordons,  but  not  training  them  so  high  as  to  shade  the  trees 
on  the  back  wall.  If  you  have  height  in  front,  then  bv  all  means  have 
pyramids.  For  pyramids  or  cordons,  we  should  select  Rivers's  Early 
Beatrice,  Early  Louise,  Early  Rivers,  Acton  Scot,  and  Early  York :  and 
for  tho  wall,  Early  York,  Royal  George,  Noblesse,  Grosse  Mignonne,  Bel- 
legarde,  Violette  Hative,  Barrington,  and  Late  Admirable. 

Azalea  Leaves  Brownfd  (Julia).— The  loaves  sent  ns  have  no  si<nis 
01  having  been  attacked  by  insects,  and  we  think  they  are  scorched  in 
•onsequence  of  the  sun  shining  powerfully  on  them  whilst  wet.  Admit 
air  earlier  in  the  day.  so  as  to  have  the  leaves  dry  before  the  sun  strikes 
on  the  plants.  A  slight  shade  from  bright  sun  whilst  the  plants  are 
making  new  growth  is  necessary. 

Oak  Fern  not  Thriving  (Idem).— We  think  your  Fern  would  do  better 
if  yon  were  to  cover  it  with  a  glass  shade,  unless  it  bo  in  a  cool,  shady 
moist  part  of  a  greenhouse,  or  in  a  fernery,  where  the  glass  is  not  needed. 
It  requires  a  compost  of  two  parts  sandy  peat,  and  one  part  limestone 
broken  up  rather  small,  and  intermixed,  with  a  free  admixture  of  silver 
sand.  Gooo.  drainage  is  necessary.  It  is  essential  that  the  plant  shonld 
nave  a  good  supply  of  water  when  growing,  and  at  no  time  should  the 
soil  be  dry,  but  it  is  not  good  to  sour  it  by  too  frequent  and  heavy  water- 
ings. A  gentlo  sprinkling  overhead  during  dry,  hot  weather,  is  very  bene- 
ficial. It  succeeds  ont  of  doors  in  a  slightly  shaded  situation,  and  in  a 
calcareous  soil ;  the  plant  should  be  well  drained,  and  be  well  supplied 
with  water  when  growing.  The  cause  of  the  fronds  drooping  and  shrivel- 
ling is  probably  a  too  dry  and  draughty  atmosphere. 


8TKAWBERBIE8  FOR  A  Sakdy  Son,  (Reader.)—  Wo  have  on  a  sand; 
soil  Sir  Joseph  Paxton,  Keens'  Seedling,  Rivers's  Eliza,  Dr.  Hogg,  Bicton 
Pine,  and  Frogmore  Late  Pine,  with  Cockscomb,  all  good.  You  may 
obtain  them  of  any  respectable  nurseryman,  but  we  must  decline  re- 
commending dealers.    Consult  our  advertising  columns. 

Cucumbers  Damping-off  (A  New  Subscriber).— The  cause  of  the  fruit 
damping  is,  no  doubt,  a  deficiency  of  bottom  heat,  accompanied  with  too 
muoh  moisture.  We  advise  you  to  thin  out  the  shoots,  shortening  those 
retained,  which  should  be  the  most  healthy,  and  those  promising  fruit. 
Those  with  or  showing  fruit  should  be  shortened  one  joint  beyond  it,  and 
we  would  cut  off  all  the  leaves  which  are  at  all  yellow  and  browned. 
This  will  admit  m*re  air  and  light.  Water  so  as  to  keep  the  soil  moist- 
two  or  three  times  a-week  will  bo  sufficient— and  admit  air  early  in  the 
day,  closing  early  in  tho  afternoon.  If  you  could  give  the  bed  a  lining  of 
hot  dung,  but  not  rank  or  fresh,  it  wou'd  assist  the  swelling  of  the  fruit. 

Manuring  Ground  for  Onions  (Idrm).— The  seed  bed  for  Tripoli 
Onions  need  not  be  manured,  but  the  ground  must  be  in  good  heart. 
When  the  ground  is  manured  the  plants  are  liable  to  grow  too  strong  and 
do  not  stand  the  winter  well ;  besides,  thev  become  thick-necked,  and  do 
not  plant  out  well  in  spring  and  form  good  bulbs.  The  ground,  however, 
in  which  you  intend  to  plant  them  ont  in  spring  should  bo  well  manured 
in  November,  and  then  well  dug  or  trenched,  throwing  the  soil  in  ridges 
if  at  all  heavy.  In  Febtuary  or  March,  throw  down  the  ridges  in  dry 
frosty  weather,  making  the  soil  fine,  and  you  may  before  planting  give  a 
good  dressing  of  powdered  charcoal  and  point  it  in  with  a  fork.  Well- 
decayed  Btable  or  farmyard  manure  is  most  suitable. 

Heatino  a  Small  Greenhouse  (C.  A.).—Vfe  think  that  your  slow- 
combustiou  Musgrave  stove,  ought  to  keep  out  frost  from  your  span-roofed 
greenhouse  of  18  feet  by  10  feet,  but  in  cold  nights  you  should,  before  you 
go  to  bed,  turn  your  slow  combustion  into  a  more  active  combustion,  by 
admitting  more  air  to  the  fuel.  We  do  not  know  the  size  of  your  stove, 
but  we  have  kept  frost  out  of  a  house  donble  the  size  of  yours  with  a 
moderate-sized  iron  stove,  but  then  we  made  its  combustion  of  fuel  sub- 
servient to  our  pleasure,  making  the  combustion  slow  when  we  wanted 
little  beat,  and  more  active  when  more  was  demanded.  A  principle  is 
good  to  act  on,  but  we  should  not  let  it  regulate  every  circumstance.  If 
you  cannot  thus  manage,  then  in  your  circumstances  you  had  better 
have  a  small  stove  at  each  end  of  the  house.  We  think  one,  however, 
if  well  managed,  would  be  ample. 

Pear  and  Plum  Trees  Spurless  (If.  O  ).—  As  the  spurs  of  both  - 
Plums  and  Pears  have  so  dried  np  and  died  on  your  old  trees,  but  are 
still  fruitful  on  the  top  branches,  and  the  breastwood  is,  nevertheless, 
strong,  we  would  cut  out  the  strongest  shoots,  and  lay-in  those  of  mo- 
derate size  between  the  old  branches.  If  these  are  stopped  at  from  18  to 
24  inches,  you  may  expect  a  few  fruit  buds  the  first  season,  and  more  the 
next. 

Mushroom  Culture  in  a  Vinerv  Pit  (CU/toniensis).— You  could  have 
first-rate  MushroomB  In  the  pit  in  the  vinery  whilst  vour  Vines  were  at 
rest,  and  after  being  started  until  the  temperature  reached  60°.  After 
that  the  Mushrooms  would  not  do  so  well,  unless  you  could  keep  from 
them  the  higher  temperature  of  the  house.  The  pipes  bolow  the  bed  for 
bottom  heat,  though  not  so  bad  in  winter,  would  bo  rather  unfavourable 
to  them  when  you  had  a  brisk  temperature  for  Muscats. 

Exhibiting  Fine-foliaged  Plants  (E.  P.).— We  shonld  prefer  the 
Cissus,  unless  the  Alocasia  is  a  fine  plant ;  if  the  latter  is  so,  and  the 
variegation  well  marked,  it  would  have  the  preference.  It  is  impossible 
to  decide  which  you  should  show  without  seeing  the  plants. 

Dicksonia  Antarctica  and  Pteris  argyr.ea  (IT.  H.).—  Both  are 
exotic  Ferns  ;  the  former  a  tree  Fern  from  Tasmania,  and  the  other  from 
the  East  Indies.  The  latter  requires  the  temperature  of  a  cool  stove  or 
warm  greenhouse.  The  Dicksonia  thrives  well  in  a  similar  temperature, 
and  will  succeed  in  a  cool  greenhouse  fernery.  The  fragment  of  Fern 
frond  we  think  is  Dicksonia  davallioides,  bnt  we  are  not  sure,  as  it  is  so 
sni-ill,  and  not  in  fruit.  If  it  is  that  species  it  requires  a  greenhouse  tem- 
perature, being  from  Australia. 

Luculia  Propagation  (A.  B.,  Gi.ild/ord).— Take  cuttings  of  the  young 
shoots  when  they  are  becoming  a  little  firm,  as  they  will  be  from  mid- 
summer to  the  end  of  July,  and  insert  them  in  sand  over  san^y  peat  well 
drained.  It  is  desirable  to  place  the  cutting-pot  in  one  of  larger  size- 
bringing  the  rims  of  both  level,  and  then  fill  the  space  between  with  crocks 
to  within  an  inch  of  the  top,  then  with  fibrous  peat,  surfaced  with  silver 
sand,  and  on  this  should  rest  a  bell-glass  covering  the  cuttings.  Stand 
in  a  close  pit  or  frame,  and  in  a  fortnight  afford  a  bottom  heat  of  7&°,  and 
in  six  weeks  they  will  have  callused,  but  it  will  be  the  following  spring 
before  the  plants  can  be  said  to  be  established  in  small  pots,  though  when 
they  are  rooted  they  should  be  potted  off.  It  is  a  plant  that  strikes  root 
slowly,  and  makes  but  little  progress  in  a  young  state. 

Myrtles  not  Flowering  (An  Inquirer). — As  your  plants  grow  freely, 
we  conclude  they  have  a  too  shady  position  ;  if  so,  all  that  is  required  to 
flower  them  is  to  place  them  in  a  light,  airy  position  in  the  full  sun,  keep 
ing  them  moderately  dry,  and  we  have  no  doubt  they  will  flower  next 
year.    In  the  shade  Myrtles  grow  well,  but  seldom  flower. 

Improving  Light  Sandy  Gabden  Soil  (T.  H.  S.).— The  blue  marl 
which  easily  falls  with  the  frost  would  vastly  improve  your  garden.  A 
good  dressing  of  it  spread  on  the  surface  after  the  crops  are  off,  allowed 
to  be  acted  on  by  frost,  and  then  dug  in,  would  be  of  more  value  than 
manure,  though  on  sandy  soils  there  must  not  be  any  stint  of  ma- 
nure, that  of  a  cool  nature,  as  cow  dung,  being  the  most  serviceable. 
As  regards  the  Vine  borders,  we  think  the  dressing  with  marl  will  also 
be  advantageous,  especially  as  the  soil  is  very  poor  and  light.  Though 
light  open  soil  is  generally  advised  for  Vines,  yet  there  is  danger  in 
extreme  openness  and  dryness  of  soil,  as  well  as  in  adhesiveness  and 
wetness  of  soil.  It  is  well  to  have  a  dry  in  preference  to  a  heavy  border, 
as  we  can  by  top-dressings  with  bones,  &c,  vastly  improve  the  soil's 
fertility.  In  addition  to  the  dressing  with  marl,  we  would  give  a  good 
top-dressing  of  equal  parts  of  turfy  loam,  fresh  horse  droppings,  a  fourth 
of  half-inch  bones,  and  the  like  proportion  of  charcoal,  all  well  mixed, 
and  put  on  the  border  when  the  Vines  are  pruned. 

Asters  (P.  E.  J.).— It  is  no  doubt  green  fly  which  troubles  you  in  the 
cultivation  of  your  ABters.  It  would  have  been  easier  to  have  prevented 
its  appearance  than  it  will  now  be  to  remedy  it.  Syringe  them  with  a 
decoction  of  soft  soap  and  tobacco,  and  keep  them  always  well  watered 
and  growing  freely;  that  is  the  great  secret.    It  is  in  this  that  the 


70 


JOURNAL  OP   HORTICULTURE   AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  July  28,  1670. 


Parisian  gardeners  beat  yon— viz.,  the  proper  use  of  the  watering-pot. 
Gofed,  rather  light,  but  rich  soil,  with  an  almost  unlimited  supply  of 
water,  is  what  Asters  like.  If  they  hare  this  there  will  seldom  be  any 
green  fly  or  curled  leaves. 

Insects  on  Vine  Leaves  (J.  Easton).—We  do  not  know  how  yon 
packed  yonr  Vine  leaf,  bnt  on  the  closest  examination  we  could  discover 
neither  caterpillar  nor  red  spider,  and  only  found  some  little  bits  of  red 
wax.  Such  a  leaf  should  have  been  securely  enclosed  in  oiled  paper. 
We  can  hardly  understand  your  allusions  to  red  spider,  in  connection 
with  caterpillars.  This  is  just  a  seuson  for  red  spider,  where  plenty  of 
water  conld  not  be  used. 

Insects  Attacking  Conifebs  (I.  H.).—  The  resinous  swellings  at  the 
bases  of  the  young  shoots  of  your  Pin  us  insignis  are  caused  by  the  exuda- 
tion of  the  sap,  resulting  from  the  attacks  of  the  caterpillars  of  a  small 
handsome  moth  (Tortrix  Buoliana),  which  is  now  being  produced  in  the 
perfect  state,  and  which  ought  to  be  carefully  sought  for  on  the  trunks  of 
the  trees  and  killed.  Later  in  the  season  smaller  swellings  (caused  by  the 
caterpillars  hatched  from  eggs  deposited  by  the  present  brood  of  moths) 
should  be  looked  for  and  destroyed.  We  found  no  insect  on  the  small 
single  shoot  of  Picea  Nordmanniana.  The  shoots  of  the  Abies  orientalis 
and  the  Spruce  Fir  exhibit  curious  swellings  like  miniature  Pine  Apples, 
caused  by  tbe  minute  Chermes  Laricis,  a  fly  allied  to  the  aphides,  which 
is  reared  within  the  swellings.  If  they  are  so  numerous  as  to  become 
injurious  to  the  trees,  the  swellings  should  be  cut  out,  especially  before 
the  insects  are  developed,  at  which  time  the  small  scales  which  surround 
the  swellings  burst  open  to  allow  of  the  escape  of  the  flies.— I.  0.  W. 

Name  of  Insect  (Chesham). — The  caterpillar  sent  by  you  is  the  re- 
markable one  known  under  the  name  of  the  Lobster  caterpillar.  The 
moth  is  named  Stauropus  Fagi.— I.  O.  W. 

Names  of  Plants  (Marten  Cat).— Wo.  1,  of  which  we  had  preserved 
your  flowering  specimen,  we  now  recognise  as  Cornus  mascula.  popularly 
known  as  tbe  Cornelian  Cherry.  No.  2,  is  the  Calycanthus  floridus,  or 
Carolina  Allspice.  {Constant  Reader). — 1,  Centranthus  ruber;  2,  Spiraea 
Balicifolia  ;  3,  Bryonia  alba,  a  poisonous  plant.  (G.  A.  N.)-—l,  EBCallonia 
rubra ;  2,  Jasminum  odoratissimum.  (E.  H.  D.). — Pelargonium  alche- 
milloides  ;  Escallonia  rubra.  Your  Tropreolum  has  no  merit  to  recommend 
it.  (A.  IP.).— Oncidium  sphegiferum.  (Flora,  Guernsey).— Fatsiw  japo- 
nica,  more  commonly  known  as  Aralia  Sieboldi.  (P.  J.  Newton.).— Viola 
cornnta  ;  Campanula  ciespitosa  of  Scopoli,  generally  known  as  C.  pusilla. 
(W.  H.,  BelbrouphtonK — Your  shrub  is  Rhu3  Cotinus,  sometimes  known 
as  the  "Burning  Bush."  (An  Old  Subscriber).— Linaria  Elatine.  (Thos. 
Pearson).— 1,  Goniophlebium  appondiculatum  ;  2,  Pteris  tremula  ;  3,  Adi- 
nntum  cuueatum ;  4,  Pteris  cretica  albo-lineata ;  5,  Pteris  serrulata; 
6,  Asplenium  bulbiferum  ;  7,  Adiantum  assimile,  (.4  Young  Gardener). — 
Gaultheria  bracteatft.  Henfrey's  "  Rudiments  of  Botany,"  is  the  work 
we  should  recommend  to  you;  its  price  will,  we  believe.be  not  more 
than  3s.  6d.  Oliver's  "  Elementary  Botany,"  published  by  Macmillan,  is 
also  first-rate,  and  will  cost  about  Ss.  Gd. 


POULTRY,  BEE,  AND  PIGEON  CHRONICLE. 


THE  MANAGEMENT  OF  POULTRY. 

Kecently  at  a  meeting  of  the  Whitby  Chamber  of  Agriculture, 
William  Storehouse,  Esq.,  of  Darnholme,  himself  a  noted 
poultry-keeper  and  prize-winuer,  read  the  following  instructive 
and  amusing  paper  on  the  management  of  poultry  :  — 

It  was  not  without  some  misgivings  that  I  acceded  to  the  request  of 
Mr.  Wilkinson  to  read,  to  the  members  of  the  Whitby  Chamber  of 
Agriculture,  a  paper  ou  poultry.  Knowing  that,  with  farmers,  and 
indeed  with  many  others,  poultry  is  not  a  popular  theme  ;  knowing 
also  that  Chambers  of  Agriculture  usually  apply  themselves  to  the 
discussion  of  questions  of  greater  importance,  such  as  "  The  con- 
sideration of  legislative  enactments  affecting  land,"  "Leases,"  "  Tenant 
Eights,"  "  Rotation  of  Crops,"  "Deep  versus  Shallow  Draining,"  "  The 
effects  of  various  manures  upon  different  soils, '\and  so  forth  ;  and 
knowing,  moreover,  that  in  this  society,  small  though  it  may  be  in 
point  of  numbers,  you  have  had  able,  and  I  might  say  exhaustive, 
papers  read  to  you  on  local  taxation,  the  adulteration  of  seeds  and 
cakes,  dairy  farming,  &c,  I  felt  that  you  could  scarcely  be  expected  to 
descend  so  far  as  to  listen  to  a  paper  upon  poultry  ;  for,  somehow, 
poultry-keeping  has  come  to  be  regarded  as  a  somewhat  ignoble  pursuit, 
and  a  fit  occupation  only  for  women  and  children.  If  a  man  of  mature 
age  busies  himself  about,  or  takes  any  interest  in  poultry,  he  is  looked 
upon  as  a  sort  of  "harmless  lunatic  ;"  and  anyone  who,  in  later  life, 
indulges  in  this  hobby,  must  be  prepared  to  endure  a  large  amount  of 
gcol-humonred  "chaffing"  from  his  friends,  who  will  crack  stale 
jokes  over  him.  and  after  inspecting  his  stock,  will  perhaps  inquire  if 
he  does  not  keep  any  while  mice,  or  monkeys,  or  racoons.  At  an  agri- 
cultural show,  your  wives  and  daughters,  your  sons  too,  if  they  are  not 
more  than  ten  or  twelve  years  of  age,  may  visit  and  Bcrutinise  the 
show  pens  in  the  poultry  department,  but  yon,  yourselves,  would  almost 
blush  to  be  seen  there.  Even  the  judges  of  horses,  cattle,  and  pigs, 
at  these  shows,  give  the  cold  shoulder  to  the  judges  of  poultry,  and  look 
down  upon  them  as  persons  occupying  an  inferior  social  status.  At 
one  of  the  Whitby  shows,  some  three  or  fonr  years  ago,  sitting  in  the 
tent  during  the  brief  interval  which  is  devoted  to  luncheon,  the  judge 
of  horses  was  interrogated  by  the  judge  of  sheep  or  pigs,  or  something 
else  : — "  I  say,  who  is  yon  chap,  and  what  is  he  judging  ?"  "  Which 
chap?"  inquired  the  judge  of  horses.  "Yon  chap  with  the  white 
waistcoat,"  pointing  out  a  gentleman  who  was,  on  that  occasion,  one 
of  the  judges  of  poultry,  and  who  was  of  course  conspicuously  adorned 
with  the  proper  badge  of  office.     The  judge  of  horses  rested  his  eyes 


for  a  moment  or  two  upon  the  judge  of  poultry,  a  curious  expression 
settled  upon  his  features — an  expression  eloquent  of  coutempt,  and  he 
delivered  himself  in  this  wise — "  Him  a  judge — he's  nea  judge.  He's 
nobbut  a  chuchie  greaper." 

Well,  with  a  knowledge  of  (his — may  I  say  ? — prejudice  which  exists 
against  my  feathered  friends,  there  was  an  instinctive  presentiment  in 
my  mind  that  this  paper  would  have  to  he  read  to  a  "  beggarly 
account  of  empty  benches."  At  the  outset,  let  me  say  that  the  paper 
possesses  one  quality — that  of  brevity — which,  if  it  does  not  commend 
it  to  yonr  favour,  will.  I  hope,  bespeak  your  indulgence  and  soften 
yonr  criticisms.  The  supply  of  food  for  an  ever-increasing  population 
is  a  question  fraught  with  deep  importance,  not  only  to  the  statesman 
and  political  economist,  but  to  all  who  feel  an  interest  in  the  future 
well-being  of  their  country  ;  and  if  it  be  true  that  he  is  to  be  regarded 
as  a  benefactor  of  his  species  who  makes  two  blades  of  grass  grow 
where  one  only  had  previously  grown,  then  also,  in  like  manner,  must 
he  be  regarded  who  trebles  and  quadruples  the  produce  of  eggs  and 
fowls,  especially  when,  in  these  islands,  our  present  supply  of  those 
articles  is  so  inadequate  to  the  demand  that  we  have  to  import 
annually  about  five  hundred  million  eggs,  besides  an  enormous 
number  of  fowls,  amonnting  altogether  in  money  value  to  between 
three  and  four  millions  of  pounds  sterling ;  and  is  it  not  wise  to  inquire 
whether  the  productiveness  of  our  poultry  could  not  be  developed  and 
increased,  so  that  these  three  or  four  millions  of  pounds  sterling 
annually,  instead  of  going  into  the  coffers  of  our  continental  neighbours, 
might  flow  into  the  pockets  of  the  English  farmer?  Does  France 
possess  any  peculiar  facilities  for  breeding  and  rearing  poultry  ?  for  it 
is  from  France  that  much  of  our  poultry  produce  is  imported.  I  know 
of  no  advantage  over  England  save  that  of  climate,  and  that  is  not  so 
great  as  it  might,  at  first  sight,  seem  to  be,  because  it  is  not  in  the 
south,  but  in  the  north  of  France  chiefly,  that  egg3  and  fowls  for  the 
English  market  are  produced. 

The  secret  of  the  success  of  poultry-breeding  in  France  lies  not  so 
much  in  any  superiority  of  the  climate  as  in  superior  management. 
"  They  manage  these  things  better  in  Franco  "  is  a  saying  which  is 
litterally  true  with  respect  to  poultry.  There  are  in  the  northern  parts 
of  France  large  numbers  of  small  holdings  of  land,  and  on  those  small 
holdings  poultry-keeping  is  not  nnfrequently  the  leading  object  of 
husbandry.  The  small  farmer  in  France  has  found  out  that  by  the 
application  of  care  and  skill  poultry- keeping  pays  well ;  and  if  the 
small  farmer  in  England  would  devote  the  same  time  and  attention  to 
the  pnrsnit,  there  seems  to  be  no  reason  why  it  should  not  be  equally 
remunerative  to  him.  When  we  hear  persons  complaining  that  poultry- 
keeping  does  not  pay,  we  Bhould  inquire  whether  any  pains  have  been 
taken  to  make  it  pay  ;  for  when  we  know  the  way  in  which  poultry  is 
treated,  or  rather  maltreated,  in  too  many  instances  around  as,  we 
cease  to  wonder  at  these  complaints.  Any  sort  of  a  cockloft,  without 
light  and  without  ventilation,  is  considered  good  enough  for  a  "hen 
house."  The  excrement  from  the  birds  is  allowed  to  accumulate  for 
twelve  months,  or  sometimes  longer;  the  walls  are  never  whitewashed 
or  cleaned.  If  you  were  just  to  put  your  nose  into  a  house  of  this 
description  some  night  when  the  birds  had  been  roosting  for  a  few  hours, 
you  would  at  once  admit  that  it  is  impossible  for  poultry,  under  such 
circumstances,  to  do  well.  Then  it  is  by  no  means  an  uncommon  ■ 
practice  for  poultry-keepers  to  send  the  chickens  of  each  year  to  the 
market,  and  to  keep  the  old  hens  for  stock,  instead  of  keeping  the 
pullets  for  stock  birds  and  killing  off  the  old  hens.  Again,  it  is  very 
seldom  that  any  skill  or  judgment  is  exercised  in  the  selection  of  stock  ; 
the  birds  are  allowed  to  breed  in-and-in,  with  little  or  no  admixture  of 
fresh  blood,  and  as  a  necessary  consequence  the  progeny  become  feeble 
and  unproductive.  In  the  pages  of  the  Field  and  the  Journal  of  Hor- 
ticulture, two  publications  which  contain  much  poultry  intelligence, 
the  question  is  often  put — Does  poultry- keeping  pay  ?  and  if  you  read 
the  letters  which  appear  in  answer  to  the  inquiry,  you  will  be  amused 
and  bewildered,  some  writers  asserting  that  their  fowls  almost  lay  the 
fabled  golden  eggs,  and  that  the  shortest  way  to  wealth  is  to  take  a 
large  farm  and  stock  it  entirely  with  poultry.  Others  declare  their 
fowls  eat  their  heads  off  two  or  three  times  in  the  course  of  the  year ; 
that  eggs  cost  them,  at  least,  Is.  each ;  that  such  of  their  chickens 
as  do  reach  maturity  are  the  scraggiest  of  the  scraggy ;  and  that,  in 
short,  if  you  want  to  make  ducks  and  drakes  of  your  money,  go  in  for 
poultry-keeping. 

Desiring  to  eschew  the  exaggerated  statements  of  these  writers,  and 
anxiously  to  guard  myself  against  conveying  the  notion  that  I  regard 
the  poultry  yard  as  a  veritable  "  Tom  Tiddler's  ground,"  I  do  not  hesi- 
tate to  affirm  that  a  limited  number  of  poultry,  if  properly  managed, 
will  be  as  remunerative  to  the  farmer  as  any  other  stock  will  be — that 
is,  in  proportion  to  the  amount  of  capital  employed.  This  is  the 
testimony,  after  long  experience,  of  many  practical  farmers,  notably  of 
Mr.  Mechi,  who  maintains  that  his  poultry  are  more  profitable  to  him 
than  his  sheep.  But  perhaps  you  do  not  consider  Mr.  Mechi  an  in- 
fallible authority.  At  any  rate  Mr.  Mechi's  works  prove  the  sincerity 
of  hiB  faith  and  words,  and  that  is  saying  something,  for  he  keeps  up- 
wards of  three  hundred  fowls  upon  his  Triptree  Hall  Farm,  which  are 
allowed,  and  indeed  encouraged,  to  roam  over  the  corn  fields  up  to  the 
time  of  harvesting,  and  in  a  letter  to  The  Times  newspaper  he  tellsus 
that  a  field  of  wheat  immediately  adjoining  the  poultry  yard,  and  which 
had  been  daring  the  year  the  favourite  resort  of  the  fowls,  yielded  a 
larger  amount  of  grain  per  aore  than  any  other  field  on  the  farm.  Mr. 
Mechi  does  not  deny  that  the  fowls  eat  some  of  the  corn,  but  the  loss 


July  28,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL    OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


71 


sustained  in  this  way,  be  contends,  is  far  more  than  over-balanced  by 
the  good  which  they  do  in  destroying  grubs  and  insects. 

Well,  then,  we  Bay,  for  poultry  to  be  remunerative,  there  must  be 
good  management.  And  what  constitutes  good  management  ?  In 
the  first  place  the  poultry  house  must  be  properly  constructed,  suffi- 
ciently large  for  the  birds  contained  within  it,  dry  and  warm  in  winter, 
and  well  ventilated  in  summer ;  it  must  be  kept  scrupulously  clean, 
the  walls  whitewashed  with  limo  two  or  three  times  during  the  sum- 
mer;  then  there  must  be  a  bath-room,  simply  a  dost  heap,  protected 
from  the  rain  by  a  Bhcd  or  covering,  and  open  in  front  to  the  sun's 
rays.  This  dust  heap  should  be  composed  of  finely-sifted  ashes,  sand, 
or"  soil,  and  kept  perfectly  dry.  Here  the  birds  will  constantly  repair 
to  luxuriate  in  their  bath,  and  rid  themselves  of  the  numerous  para- 
Bites  to  which  they  are  much  subjected.  Of  course,  the  birds  must  be 
fed,  and  fed  at  fixed  times.  If  their  meals  are  scanty,  let  them  be 
regnlar.     They  must  have  a  grass  ruu,  and  a  constant  supply  of  pure 


reminded  him  of  nothing  so  much  as  ft  lot  of  Cochin-China  fowls." 
Cochins  possess  many  good  qualities  ;  they  are  hardy,  are  easily  kept 
in  confinement,  and  they  are  good  winter  layers  ;  but  as  fowls  for  the 
table  they  do  not  hold  a  good  position,  the  yellowness  of  their  skin  and 
fat  is  not  prepossessing,  and  the  flesh  is  coarse.  The  Hon.  Mrs. 
Arbuthnot  some  years  ago — then  Mrs.  Fergusson  Blair — published  a 
little  book,  entitled  "The  Hen  Wife,"  in  which  she  strongly  recom- 
mends, as  decidedly  the  most  profitable  fowl  for  farmers,  a  cross 
between  Grey  Dorkings  and  Black  Brahmas.  Brabmas  are  large 
birds,  very  hardy ;  the  flesh,  if  not  so  white  as  that  of  the  Dorking,  is 
said  by  connoisseurs  to  possess  a  peculiar  juiciness,  which  is  highly 
prized.  They  are  quiet  and  docile;  have  no  propensity  to  fly;  they 
live  contentedly  and  healthy  in  a  confined  space,  and  are  never  trouble- 
some in  getting  into  gardens  or  fields.  As  egg-producers  they  are 
commendable ;  not  so  prolific  as  Hamburghs,  but  then  their  eggs  are 
much   larger,  and,  like    Cochins,  they  lay  freely  m  winter.     Their 


water.     When  these  few  essentials  are  provided,  poultry  will  thrive  j  chickens  are  particularly  hardy,  and  easily  reared  ;  the  pullets  com- 


and  do  well ;  and  surely  when  we  reflect  how  useful  these  domesticated 
animals  are  to  us,  we  mu>t  a<  knowledge  that  it  ifl  an  imperative  duty 
on  those  who  keep  poultry  to  supply  them  with  whatever  may  be  neces- 
sary to  their  health  and  comfort.  In  that  admirable  paper,  read  by 
Mr.  Kerr  a  mouth  since,  admirable  for  the  useful  hints  which  it  con- 
veyed, there  was  much  which  most  of  you  could  grasp  and  appreciate 
better  than  I  could  ;  but  there  was  one  portion  which  delighted  me  on 
account  of  the  humane  sentiments  which  pervaded  it.  Mr.  Kerr 
deprecated  all  rough  usage  of  cows,  and  pleaded  for  kind  and  gentle 
treatment.  Let  me  put  in  a  like  plea  for  fowls.  Certainly  it  is  one 
of  the  most  pleasing  signs  of  the  times  in  which  wo  live,  that  kindly 
treatment  of  the  so-called  animal  world  13,  among  educated  persons  at 
least,  fully  recognised  and  taught,  and  we  may  hope  that  anything  like 
cruel  or  harsh  treatment  of  domesticated  animals  will  soon  be  blotted 
from  the  things  that  be. 

Then  as  to  the  particular  breed  of  fowls  which  it  is  the  most  profit- 
able to  keep.     If  eggs  are  wanted,  Hamburghs,  or  everlasting  layers  as 
some  term  them,  are  unquestionably  the  best ;  for  young  birds  of  this 
breed  will  lay,  on  the  average,  more  than  two  hundred  eggfl  each  in 
the  year  ;  they  are  never  broody,  their  eggs  are  small,  but  so  long  as 
the  stupid  custom  obtains  of  selling  eggs  by  number,  instead  of  by 
weight,  this  circumstance  inflicts  no  lo3s  upon  the  seller,  whatever  it 
may  do  on  the  buyer.     There  are  five  varieties  of  Hamburghs — the 
Gold   and   Silver-spangled,   the  Gold  and   Silver-pencilled,  and   the 
Black.    Mongrel  varieties  are  to  be  found  in  almost  every  farmyard  in 
the  neighbourhood.    They  have  an  abundance  of  names,  as  Pheasants, 
Moonies,  Dutch  Chitteprats,  Bolton  Greys,  and  several  others.    When  ■ 
pure,  with  their  markings  perfect  and  regular,  Hamburghs  are  very  \ 
beautiful  birds,  but  they  aro  small,  and  not  of  much  value  as  birds  j 
for  the  table. 

If  chickens  are  required,  some  other  breed  must  bo  kept ;  and  as  to  \ 
the  best  bird  for  this  purpose,  I  suppose  a  jury  of  matrons  would  pro-  , 
nounce  in  favour  of  the  Grey  Dorking.  Dorkings  are  large  and  heavy 
birds ;  their  flesh  is  white  and  firm,  abounding  particularly  on  those  [ 
parts  which  are  most  esteemed — viz.,  the  breast,  wings,  and  merry- 
thoughts. As  chickens,  they  grow  rapidly,  and  conio  to  maturity  ! 
early.  These  are  qualities  which  commend  them  to  all  good  house-  | 
wives,  and  fully  account  for  the  character  which  for  generations  the 
Dorking  has  had  as  the  table  fowl,  par  excellence.  Some  writers 
claim  for  this  bird  a  very  ancient  lineage,  averring  that  the  Dorking 
cock  Btrutted  on  the  British  dunghill  when  the  Romans  occupied  this 
country.  Dorkings  are  not  prolific  in  the  production  of  eggs,  and 
they  are  unfortunately  of  a  tender  constitution,  and  will  never  succeed 
on  wet  or  cold  soils.  If  a  fit  of  cold  or  wet  weather  assails  their 
chickenhood,  they  droop  and  die  with  fearful  rapidity.  This  is  a 
serious  drawback  upon  their  merits,  and  poultry-breeders  have  long 
been  seeking  to  find  a  table  fowl  which  will  combine  the  good  qualities 
of  the  Dorking  with  a  greater  degree  of  hardiness.  Game  fowls  are 
hardy  and  handsome ;  they  are  great  favourites  with  many  as  table 
fowls,  but  they  are  small,  and  have,  generally,  a  tendency  to  yellow- 
ness in  the  skin.  Epicurians,  however,  assert  that  the  flavour  of  a 
Game  fowl  is  superior  to  that  of  any  other  breed  ;  but,  then,  tastes  are 
fanciful  and  capricious.  A  gentleman,  well  known  to  you  all,  keeps  a 
breed  of  Game  fowls  upon  his  farm.  His  wife  favours  Dorkings,  and, 
consequently,  Dorkings  are  kept  at  the  hall  where  these  worthy  folks 
reside.  One  day  last  autumn  the  lady  and  gentleman  in  question  sat 
down  to  dinner,  the  bill  of  fare  including  a  roast  fowl,  which  was  in 
due  time  carved  and  discussed.  "  Did  this  fowl  come  from  the  farm  ?" 
inquired  the  gentleman  ;  the  lady  answered  "  Yes."  *' Ah  !  I  thought 
so  ;  I  never  tasted  anything  like  it,  the  flavour  is  delicious.  You  may 
say  what  you  like,  but  there's  no  kind  of  fowl  equal  to  that  of  Game 
for  flavour."  "  Except  Dorkings,"  mildly  suggested  the  lady.  *'  Dork- 
ings !  pooh,  pooh,"  says  he,  "  they  have  no  flavour  at  all."*  And  then 
the  lady  laughed  loud  at  her  lord — "  Why,  my  dear,  this  deliciously- 
flavoured  fowl,  which  charms  your  palate  so  much,  is  a  Dorking 
hatched  at  the  farm  from  eggs  which  I  sent  from  here."  So  you  see 
how  a  person  may  be  beguiled  by  his  fancy. 

A  few  years  ago  there  was  quite  a  mania  for  Cochins,  which  mania 
afforded  the  artists  of  Mr.  Punch  materials  for  a  number  of  humour- 
ous illustrations ;  and  Mr.  Roebuck,  I  remember,  when  he  returned 
from  France,  on  that  memorable  occasion  when  the  Queen,  accom- 
panied by  so  many  members  of  Parliament,  paid  a  visit  to  the  Em- 
peror of  the  French,  said  '*  the  '  Mosoos,'  in  their  peg-top  trousers, 


menee  laying  early ;  they  are  capital  mothers,  and  after  hatching  a 
brood  of  chickens  will  resume  their  laying  within  a  month,  and  they 
are  by  no  means  such  heavy  f coders  as  Cochins.  Mrs.  Arbuthnot  re- 
commends Brahma  hens  to  be  mated  with  a  Dorking  cock  ;  from  this 
cross  table  fowls  may  be  obtained  which,  as  she  says,  "  look  like  young 
Turkeys." 

There  is  ft  very  wide  diversity  of  opinion  among  poultry-keepers  as 
to  what  is  the  best  food  for  poultry.  In  tho  winter  season  there  is, 
perhaps,  nothing  belter  than  barley,  but  in  summer,  and  more  par- 
ticularly in  hot  weather,  barley  is  too  heating,  and  wheat,  what  is 
termed  "  tail  wheat,"  is  then  much  better.  But  whatever  may  be  the 
main  article  of  food,  there  should  be  a  frequent  change  of  diet.  Indian 
coin,  barleymeal  and  potatoes,  turnips,  and  beetroot  boiled,  are  all 
good  for  this  purpose.  In  France  buckwheat  is  almost  exclusively 
used.  It  is  chenp,  and  is  considered  by  some  authorities  to  be  the  very 
best  poultry  food.  Lime  in  some  shape  must  be  provided,  to  furnish 
material  for  the  construction  of  the  shell  of  the  egg. 

The  proper  management  of  sitting  hens  is  so  well  known,  that  it  is 
unnecessary  to  say  much  on  that  head.  Nature  is  the  be.^t  and  surest 
guide  in  such  matters,  and  it  is  always  the  best  to  allow  the  hens  to 
follow  the  direction  of  their  own  instincts  as  much  as  possible.  Too 
much  interference  irritates  tho  birds,  and  it  often  frustrates  our  suc- 
cess. To  give  an  illustration.  In  February  or  March  last  year  two  or 
three  of  us — birds  of  a  feather— met  on  the  platform  of  the  Whitby 
Railway  Station,  and  straightway  began  to  compare  notes  as  to  our 
poultry.  Each,  in  turn,  gave  a  recital  of  his  ill-luck  in  hatching,  and 
in  snmming-np  and  taking  tho  average  the  result  showed  that  we 
had  got  about  one  bird  out  of  every  ten  eggs.  Mr.  Cooper,  the  station- 
master,  hearing  or  surmising  the  subject  of  our  discourse,  accosted  us 
— **  You  are  talking  about  chickens,  just  como  with  me."  We  walked 
on  to  the  goods  station.  "There,"  says  Mr.  Cooper,  pointing  with 
pardonable  pride  to  a  hen  and  seventeen  chickens,  "  what  do  you  think 
of  that?"  Aye,  what  indeed  I  We  had  been  reading  and  cramming 
ourselves  with  poultry  lore,  had  been  nursing  our  much-prized  sitting 
hens  with  every  imaginable  care,  administering  their  diet  on  the  most 
scientific  principles,  lifting  them  off  their  nests  daily,  and  sprinkling 
their  eggs  with  tepid  water,  and,  in  short,  using  "  all  applhmces  and 
means  to  boot,"  only  to  reap  the  disappointment  and  mortification 
which  I  have  mentioned  ;  and  here  was  a  mongrel  thing  of  a  hen, 
which  had  "  stolen  her  nost,"  aB  the  phrase  goes  ;  secreting  in  some 
snug  corner,  Bhe  had  deposited  and  hatched  her  eggs.  She  had  been 
missed  from  her  accustomed  place,  was  supposed  to  have  been  stolen, 
when  one  morning  she  came  back  clucking  with  seventeen  fine  chickens 
at  her  heels. 

You  will  meet  with  persons  who  tell  you  they  can  correctly  predict 
the  sex  of  the  future  chickens  from  the  peculiar  shape  of  the  egg. 
Some  eggs,  as  you  know,  are  more  elongated,  and  some  more  round 
than  others,  and  the  long  and  the  round  forms  have  been  held  to  be 
each  indicative  of  ft  certain  sex.  Others  again,  have  pretended  to 
discover  the  sex  from  the  position  of  the  air  bubble  at  the  larger  end 
of  the  egg.  These  are  all  fallacies  which  have  existed  hundreds  of 
years,  and  although  proved  to  be  fallacies  hundreds  of  times,  they 
still  exist.  Not  only  is  it  impossible  to  predict  the  sex,  but  it  is  im- 
possible even  to  tell,  before  the  egg  has  been  sat  upon  for  a  short  time, 
whether  it  has  been  fecundated.  A  friend  told  me  that  the  subject  of 
determining  the  sex  of  the  chicken  beforehand  was  discussed  at  great 
length  at  an  anniversary  meeting  of  one  of  the  Shipping  Insurance 
Clubs  in  our  town  last  winter — an  odd  subject  certainly  for  a  maritime 
party,  reminding  me  by  its  very  incongruity  of  an  incident  which 
occurred  some  time  ago.  A  gentleman  on  going  into  the  smoke-room 
of  the  Angel  Hotel  found  two  master-mariners  in  their  shirt  sleeves, 
engaged  in  fistycuffs.  The  combatants  were  parted,  and,  on  investi- 
gation, it  turned  that  their  fight  had  originated  in  a  difference  of 
opinion  as  to  "  whether  the  Wesleyans  or  the  Congregationalists  had 
the  better  collection  of  hymns."  But  speaking  of  eggs,  it  may  sur- 
prise some  to  be  told  that  the  strongest  man  in  this  room  is  not  Btrong 
enough  to  crush  an  egg  when  it  is  placed  endways  between  the  palms 
of  his  hands.  The  shell  of  an  egg  is  composed  of  small  particles  of 
carbonate  of  lime,  arranged  somewhat  in  tho  same  manner  as  bricks, 
and  placed  in  an  arch,  and  have  an  enormous  strength,  but  during  the 
incubation  the  particles  of  lime  lose  that  regularity  of  arrangement, 
and  become  confused,  and  the  same  egg,  which  before  lesisted  your 
utmost  strength,  is  now  easily  crushed  by  a  chili. 


72 


JOUKNAL  OF  HOrmCULTUBE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  July  28,  IffJO. 


A  great  quantity  of  poultry  is  kept  almost  entirely  for  exhibition. 
Points  of  excellence  in  the  various  birds  have  been  argued  upon  and 
laid  down,  by  which  they  are  judged.  But.  as  perfection  is  rare,  even 
in  our  species,  so  also  it  is  rare  in  that  of  the  gallinaceous,  and  many 
are  the  tricks  and  frauds  practised  to  remove  blemishes,  and  to  impose 
npon  unsuspecting  judges.  The  face  of  a  Black  Spanish  fowl,  for 
instance,  must  be  of  a  pure  white.  If  a  faint  blush  of  pink  obtrude, 
or  if  a  few  straggling  hair-like  feathers  show  their  unwelcome  presence, 
farewell  to  all  hope  of  a  prize  at  a  good  show,  so  the  owner  of  this 
bird  paints  the  stains  with  Borne  white  substance,  shaves  off  the  ob- 
noxious feathers,  and  probably  carries  off  a  silver  cup,  which,  had  the 
bird  been  exhibited  in  its  natural  and  untrimmed  condition,  he  would 
not  have  had  the  remotest  chance  of  doing.  In  Brahmas  and  in 
Cochins  one  great  object  is  to  get  birds  with  heavily  feathered  legs. 
Now  this  peculiarity  is  mostly,  aDd  as  it  would  seem  naturally,  accom- 
panied by  a  projection  of  feathers  from  the  leg-joint,  which  is  known 
as  the  "  vulture  hock,"  but  the  arbitrary  taste  of  judges  has  decreed 
that  this  vulture  hock  shall  be  deemed  a  defect.  The  consequence,  is, 
that  in  scores  of  instances  these- hock  featherB  are  skilfully  pnlled  out, 
and  the  judges  are  imposed  upon.  Then  there  are  smaller  sins  in  the 
way  of  trimming.  A  Silver-Grey  Dorking  cock  must  have  a  breast  of 
spotless  black,  but  a  few  white  feathers  will  come.  Well,  these  are  dex- 
terously extracted,  and  then  the  bird  is  pronounced  perfect.  A  Dorking 
cock's  comb  must  be  rigidly  upright ;  a  Dorking  hen's  comb  must  lop 
over  ;  and  all  sorts  of  schemes  are  adopted  to  coax  these  combs  into  the 
required  condition.  I  heard  the  other  day  of  a  gentleman  who  had 
two  Dorking  cocks— cne  a  splendid  bird  except  his  comb,  which  would 
lop  in  spite  of  all  that  could  be  done  to  it ;  the  other  bird  had  nothing 
much  to  boast  of  except  his  comb,  which  was  magnificent.  Well,  the 
two  birds  were  brought  together,  an  expert  surgeon  was  summoned, 
who  whipped  gS"  the  combs,  popped  the  perfect  one  on  the  otherwise 
perfect  bird,  and  secured  it  in  its  new  position  by  a  few  stitches.  It 
struck,  and  grew,  and  flourished,  and  the  bird  subsequently  achieved 
distinction  as  a  great  prizewinner.  A  clever  case  of  trimming  was 
exposed  at  a  poultry  show  last  winter.  In  the  West  Biding  of  tins 
county  there  are  two  great  rival  poultry-keepers,  more  particularly 
rivals  in  Hamburgh  breeding — Mr.  Beldon  and  Mr.  Pickles.  Beldou 
generally  takes  the  first  rank,  but  last  year  Pickles  almost  invariably 
distanced  his  rival  in  Silver-pencilled  Hamburghs.  According  to  the 
standard  of  excellence  the  sickle  feathers  of  the  cock's  tail  in  this  breed 
must  be  black,  or  very  dark,  with  a  fine  edging  of  white,  and  in  this 
particular  the  superiority  of  Pickles's  birds  was  conspicuous ;  and  at 
the  show  in  question  they  were  awarded  the  first  prize.  Beldon  has  a 
poultryman  named  Job,  and  Job  was  of  course  put  out  at  his  ill  luck, 
and  stood  ruminating  before  Pickles's  prize  pen.  "  His  birds  are  not 
so  good  as  ours  if  it  wasn't  for  their  sickleB,  but  they're  stunning 
sickles,  certainly.  I  can't  make  it  out  how  he  manages  to  get  them." 
Gaining  the  consent  of  the  attendant,  Job  contrived  to  get  hold  of  the 
bird  with  the  wonderful  sickles,  and  blowing  into  the  roots  of  the  tail 
feathers,  when  lo  1  the  murder  was  out.  "  Well  I'm  blow'd,"  said 
Job,  "fetch  Mr.  Hewitt."  Mr.  Hewitt,  who  was  the  judge  of  the 
poultry  at  the  show,  was  soon  on  the  spot,  when  Job  pointed  out  to 
him  how  the  natural  sickle  feathers  of  the  bird  had  been  cut  down  to 
the  quill,  and  the  beautiful  artificial  sickles  neatly  fitted  into  their 
place.  Mr.  Hewitt  immediately  cut  off  the  borrowed  plumes,  and 
gibbetted  Mr.  Pickles,  by  affixing  a  notice  to  the  front  of  the  pen,  fully 
describing  the  fraudulent  transaction. 

To  prize-poultry  breeders  the  annual  show  at  Birmingham  is  the 
great  event  of  the  year,  where  some  five  thousand  of  the  best  fowls  in 
the  three  kingdoms  are  exhibited.  Among  the  exhibitors  you  have  the 
royalty,  nobility,  and  clergymen  in  great  numbers,  for  your  clergymen 
are  generally  good  livers,  and  can  appreciate  fresh  eggs  and  well-fed 
chickens;  notwithstanding  Sidney  Smith,  who  says  "  Barndoor  fowls 
for  dissenters,  but  for  the  thirty-uine-times-articled  clerk  of  the  Church 
of  England  —  the  Pheasant  —  the  Pheasant,  and  nothing  but  the 
Pheasant. "  I  summed  up  the  amount  at  which  the  birds  were  priced 
in  the  catalogue  of  the  show  of  last  year,  and  found  it  to  be  £40,000.  In 
many  instances  no  doubt  these  prices  were  intended  to  be  prohibitory, 
but  a  single  bird  at  the  Birmingham  Show  will  sometimes  sell  for  a 
sum  of  money  which  would  buy  the  best  cow  in  this  district.  I  saw  a 
bird,  it  might  be  called  a  chicken,  only  nine  months  old,  sold  by 
auction  for  sixteen  guineas,  and  with  n  the  last  eighteen  months  two 
birds  have  been  sold  from  Whitby  for  ten  guineas  each. 

Having  kept  poultry  for  about  five  years,  and  having  kept  also 
during  that  time  a  careful  debtor  and  creditor  account  of  my  poultry 
doings,  I  can  speak  with  the  certainty  acquired  by  experience  as  to  the 
cost  of  keeping  fowls.  Even  under  the  unfavourable  position  of  baving 
all  the  food  to  buy,  and  at  retail  prices,  I  have  had  the  pleasure  to  find 
at  the  end  of  each  year  a  small  balance  on  the  right  side.  The  cost 
of  the  food  does  not  exceed  \\fl.  per  head  per  week.  Then  if  you  kill 
off  the  hens,  say  at  the  expiration  of  the  second  laying  season — that  is, 
when  they  are  a  little  more  than  two  years  of  age — the  entire  cost  of 
keeping  each  bird  up  to  that  time  will  have  been,  in  round  numbers, 
about  155.  Now  take  the  per  contra  side — each  hen  in  those  two  years 
and  odd  will  lay  250  eggs.  I  am  speaking  from  my  experience  of 
Brahmas  ;  Hamburghs  will  lay  more  than  400,  besides  hatching  two  or 
three  broods  of  chickens,  if  yon  obtain  a  fair  proportion  of  eggs  during 
the  winter  season,  and  yon  may  do  so  by  contriving  to  have  your  pullets 
hatched  early  in  the  year.  It  will  be  fair  to  put  down  the  price  of 
these  eggs  at  Id.  each,  making  £1  0s.  10<L,  and  the  hen,  if  put  np  to 


feed  for  ten  days  or  so,  will  not  be  dear  at  2s.  2d.,  making  a  total  of 
23s.  of  receipts  npon  each  hen,  as  against  18s.  of  expenditure.  Then 
there  is  the  dung,  and  you  do  not  need  to  be  told  that  the  dung  of 
fowls,  when  mixed  with  dry  earth  and  pounded,  is  in  value  not  far  short 
of  the  best  Peruvian  guano.  In  this  calculation  I  have  not  taken  into 
account  any  of  the  untoward  contingencies  to  which  all  kinds  of  stock 
are  liable.  Accidents  will  happen  in  the  best  regulated  poultry 
establishments,  hut  with  careful  management  these  should  be  few  and 
far  between. 

With  respect  to  Ducks,  Geese,  and  Turkeys,  I  have  not  had  much 
experience.  I  believe,  however,  that  they  are  fully  as  remunerative  aa 
fowls ;  and  except  when  very  young,  do  not  require  so  much  attention. 
Ducklings  and  Goslings  for  the  first  two  or  three  weeks,  and  Tnrkeys 
for  six  or  eight  weeks,  are  tender,  and  require  great  care  ;  but  when 
these  ages  are  attained  they  are  all  hardy,  and  require  comparatively 
little  care  or  attention. 

To  conclude  this  desultory  paper,  and  to  epitomise,  very  briefly,  the 
few  practical  suggestions  which  it  offers — let  me  say  to  those  who  keep 
poultry,  Be  very  careful  in  the  selection  of  your  stock.  If  your  object 
be  to  produce  a  large  quantity  of  eggs,  keep  some  of  the  varieties  of 
Hamburghs.  If  you  require  chickens  for  the  table,  keep  Brahmas  and' 
Grey  Dorkings.  Keep  young  birds  only.  Introduce  fresh  blood  into 
your  yards  every  year,  or  at  any  rate  every  second  year.  Pay  strict 
attention  to  the  sanitary  condition  of  your  fowls.  Give  them,  in  short, 
the  same  care  and  thought  which  you  would  give  to  other  branches  of 
husbandry,  and  you  will  not  much  longer  entertain  the  opinion  that 
poultry -keeping  does  not  pay. 

Mr.  S.  Burn  said  he  entirely  agreed  with  many  portions  of  Mr. 
Stonehouse's  able  paper,  and  with  some  portions  he  disagreed.  For  a 
length  of  time  he  had  been  one  of  those  maniacs  alluded  to  by  Mr. 
Stonehouse  (laughter),  and  he  had  certainly  derived  both  pleasure  and 
profit  from  the  pursuit  (hear,  hear.)  He  had  been  the  fortunate 
owner  of  a  chicken  that  was  sold  by  auction  at  Birmingham  for  ten 
guineas,  a  result  which  had  not  been  attained  without  some  little  care 
and  attention.  As  a  farmer's  bird,  he  reccommended  a  cross  between 
the  Brahma  aud  the  Dorking.  Most  farmers  looked  upon  poultry  as 
a  department  belonging  entirely  to  the  mistress,  forgetting  that  if  she 
did  not  rear  the  poultry  and  the  poultry  lay  the  eggs,  they  would  have 
to  give  the  goodwives  money  to  make  the  marketing  with.  Lately,  he 
(Mr.  Burn)  had  superintended  the  poultry  department  of  a  farmer  who 
thought  he  was  not  receiving  as  much  from  his  grocer  as  he  was  spend- 
ing in  corn,  &c.  He  (Mr.  Bum)  found  that  this  individual  had  on 
his  farm  many  of  the  same  fowls  that  were  there  when  he  entered,  and 
some  of  them  must  have  been  part  of  the  original  birds  introduced  into 
this  neighbourhood.  They  had  a  general  slaughter  amongst  them, 
some  fresh  birds  were  introduced,  and  the  effect  was  so  beneficial  that 
poultry-keeping  became  much  more  profitable.  The  owner  was 
astonished  to  find  that  by  going  on  this  improved  system,  it  made 
about  £30  a-year  difference.  He  brought  about  three  hundred  eggs  to 
market  every  week,  and  had  a  large  fine  stock  of  poultry.  He  (Mr. 
Burn)  had  put  this  theory  to  the  proof,  for  he  had  one  six-year-old  hen 
which  had  laid  very  few  eggs,  and  he  had  another,  a  young  Golden- 
pencilled  Hamburgh,  which  had  laid  204  eggs  since  the  1st  of  January. 
As  to  food,  he  entirely  agreed  with  Mr.  Stonehouse.  The  scraps  ought 
to  suffice,  and  poultry  should  be  made  the  cleaners-np  of  the  farm, 
except  in  winter  time  when  they  required  feeding  well.  If  farmers 
would  feed  their  poultry  well,  they  would  find  the  benefit  of  it  when 
eggs  were  Id.  each,  and  generally  poultry  was  not  sufficiently  well  fed. 
In  France  they  had  a  moveable  poultry  house,  which  went  on  wheels 
from  field  to  field.  He  believed  farmers  would  find  all  kinds  of  poultry 
profitable  if  they  paid  the  same  attention  to  it  as  they  did  to  other 
stock. — ( Whitby  Times.) 


THE  CANADIAN  " POULTRY  CHRONICLE"— 
HATCHING  EXPORTED  EGGS. 

I  have  received  the  first  number  of  this  new  journal  by  last 
mail.  It  contains  sixteen  octavo  pages,  but  the  editor  seems 
to  have  found  some  difficulty  in  filling  up  his  first  number. 
It  is  not  stated  in  the  "Chronicle"  itself,  but  I  learn  from 
other  sources  that  it  is  edited  by  Mr.  McLean,  Secretary  of  the 
Canadian  Poultry  Society. 

The  most  interesting  paper  in  this  number  is  one  containing 
the  results  of  eggs  imported  from  England,  the  number  being 
fifty  dozen,  all  from  one  breeder.  The  eggs  were  badly  packed, 
and  many  were  broken  or  altogether  missing ;  nevertheless,  the 
results  were  better  than  could  have  been  expected.  From 
twelve  Brahma  eggs  the  result  was  four  chicks  ;  twelve  Houdan 
eggs,  eight  chicks,  four  of  which  were  Black  Hamburghs  1  as  is 
remarked  with  good-humoured  irony  by  the  writer ;  from  ten 
Pencilled  Hamburgh  eggs  four  chicks,  with  two  dead  in  the 
shells  ;  from  twelve  more  of  the  same  breed,  seven  chicks  and 
one  dead.  The  remainder  of  the  consignment  were  not  hatched 
at  the  date  of  the  report. 

I  suppress  the  name  of  the  exporter  for  the  purpose  of 
remarking  that  the  purchaser  complains  strongly  of  his  con- 
duct in  sending  varieties  not  ordered  in  place  of  some  he  was 


July  28,  1870. 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


73 


unable  to  furnish.  The  complaint  is  just ;  and  it  cannot  be 
too  strongly  urged  upon  all  doing  any  business  across  the  water, 
that  anything  but  strictly  honourable  deali'Jg  will  infallibly 
lead  to  dissatisfaction,  not  to  say  disgrace. 

By  the  way,  I  hear  that  Col.  Hansard,  BE.,  is  under  orders 
for  England,  and  has  sold  off  his  Canadian  stock.  If  so, 
Canada  will  lose,  and  we  Bhallgain,  a  most  enthusiastic  fancier. 
— L,  Weight. 


THE   TROUBLES    OF   EGG-HATCHING. 

"Every  chicken,"  said  Mrs.  Thorp  to  her  sister,  as  they 
passed  through  a  large  stack-yard  in  which  scores  of  young 
chickens  were  playing  among  the  dry  straw  and  hay  seeds, 
"  should  live  and  grow  through  May,  if  it  is  to  cost  little,  and 
be  of  worth  to  its  owner." 

"  Don't  speak  to  me,  Clara,  of  May  chickens,  or,  indeed, 
chickens  of  any  month,"  replied  her  sister,  "  I  cannot  bear  it. 
We  have  striven  and  failed,  failed  so  completely  that  the  sight 
of  a  feathered  thing  is  distasteful  to  me.  Frank  spent  more 
money  last  year  over  rearing  his  chickens  than  would  have 
taken  his  own  chicks  and  their  hen  mother  to  the  seaside  for  a 
month.  To  think  of  the  bother  and  trouble,  and  loss  and  death 
we  had.     I  would  not  for  anything  go  through  it  again." 

"  You  might  have  better  luck  another  time ;  my  chickens  are 
no  trouble." 

"  Ah  1  but  then  you  have  had  a  world  of  experience,  and  you 
have  a  lot  of  old  fowls  at  the  farm  to  choose  from,  when  you 
want  one  to  hatch  your  fancy  eggs  bought  at  a  fancy  price  ;  we 
had  nothing  but  the  market  to  go  to,  and  the  oldest,  ugliest 
hen  we  could  purchase  at  a  dear  rate,  under  the  name  of  a 
cluoking  hen,  was  sure  to  have  clucked  her  last  before  sho 
reached  our  home.  We  were  once  nearly  desperate,  for  we  had 
half  a  score  of  big  idle  hens  neither  hatching  eggs  nor  laying 
eggs,  but  walking  up  and  down  scratching  and  eating.  What 
barley  they  did  consume,  to  be  sure !  our  man  seemed  to  be 
always  on  the  way  to  the  nearest  retail  shop  with  a  little  white 
bag  on  his  arm,  and  I  cannot  tell  you  how  many  sittings  of 
eggs  we  had  in  the  study  laid  up  in  baskets,  and  wrapped  in 
ootton  wool  to  keep  them  warm,  and  all  these  eggs  had  to  be 
turned  over  daily.  I  never  could  understand  the  necessity  of 
doing  so,  but  yet  I  did  it  lest  Frank  should  break  them." 

"  But  what  were  you  doiag  to  have  so  many  eggs,  and  never 
a  hen  to  sit  ?  " 

"  We  did  not  know  the  hens  would  not  sit  when  wo  bought 
them.  We  were  assured  they  would,  that  nothing  could  prevent 
their  doing  so,  and  like  you  we  were  determined  to  have  May 
chickens.  It  was  not  to  be  ;  all  about  us  eggs  were  hatching, 
in  the  old  stone  walls,  and  among  the  ivy,  and  rocking  in  the 
high  thick  branches  of  the  sycamores ;  but  our  nests  were 
empty.  We  could  not  walk  out  but  we  everywhere  mr t  with 
white  or  bine  or  spotted  castaway  shells,  tell-tales  of  the  new 
birds  that  had  come  to  enrich  the  world  ;  but  our  bird  life  lay 
dormant  in  the  dark  shell.  We  tried  all  ways  reasonable,  and 
I  sometimes  think  unreasonable,  to  bring  about  the  fulfilment 
of  our  desires ;  we  put  them  in  new  nests,  on  lots  of  common 
eggs,  and  closed  them  up  safe  and  fast,  but  they  screamed  and 
stamped  and  broke  the  eggs,  and  finally  escaped.  They  would 
neither  be  ooaxed  nor  driven  ;  if  you  went  near  them  they  flew 
about  like  wild  birds." 

"  You  must  have  been  deceived  in  the  he»s  you  bought.  I 
have  had  them  from  a  long  distance,  and  they  have  done  well." 

"  Have  you?  You  are  a  farmer's  wife,  and  understand  such 
things.  If  I  were  troubled  with  a  lot  of  sitting  hens— I  never 
shall  be,  though,  if  I  can  have  my  will — I  would  tiike  them  out 
for  a  drive,  or  hire  lodgings  at  a  strange  place,  and  briDg  thtm 
home  after  a  time.  I  am  sure  it  would  cure  the  most  stubborn 
Cochin  that  ever  dared  to  sit  at  an  unreasonable  time." 

"  Bat  the  Cochin  I  sent  you,  did  she  not  do  well  ?  " 

"  Yes,  she  did  very  well,  but  she  had  no  chicks.  We  thought  to 
be  wise  and  just,  that  it  was  first  come  first  served,  so  gave  her 
the  oldest  eggs,  some  Black  Spanish  that  had  cost  a  great  deal 
of  money.  I  do  not  know  how  old  they  were,  but  I  had  turned 
and  re-turned  them  over  and  over  again  for  many  weeks — I 
cannot  tell  you  how  many  ;  but  I  remember  when  I  firBt  took 
upon  myBelf  the  important  work,  the  starlings  were  building  in 
the  barn  roof,  and  when  I  turned  them  over  for  the  last  time, 
they  were  popping  large  wormB  down  the  wide  throats  of  their 
noisy  youngsters.  No  life  would  come  out  of  the  shells.  Frank 
said  they  had  been  dipped  in  hot  water,  or  pricked  through 
with  a  pin,  or  some  one  had  played  Columbus  with  them  to  a 
purpose." 


"Your  wisdom  was  at  fault,  Emily,  for  once;  a  few  fresh 
eggs  from  the  nearest  farm  would  have  done  better  for  you, 
better  for  my  poor  hen." 

"  But  what  a  mongrel  tribe  they  would  have  been — all  colours 
and  shapes.  I  do  not  like  common  barndoor  fowls  ;  they  may 
be  all  very  well  about  cottages,  but  in  a  poultry-yard  devoted  to 
their  use,  they  should  be  all  of  a  sort,  and  of  one  colour." 

"  They  would  have  made  a  settlement  for  yon,  a  nursery  in 
which  to  rear  delicate  birds,  all  of  one  colour,  and  so  nearly  re- 
sembling each  other  that  you  could  not  distinguish  one  from 
the  others,  if  that  is  your  desire.  I  would  rather  have  the 
beauty  of  strong  young  life,  than  that  of  plunirige  apart  from 
strength.  I  am  afraid  that  many  would  rather  their  white  birds 
were  delicate  of  constitution,  than  betray  one  coloured  feather. 
And  then,  too,  the  blame  of  failure  is  often  thrown  upon  the 
hen  or  the  eggs,  when  in  truth  it  rests  with  ourselves.  We 
cannot  let  well  alone,  we  go  groping  about  the  nest,  it  is  never 
deep  enough,  or  soft  enough,  and  we  irritate  the  poor  bird, 
until  in  disgust  at  our  proceedings  she  forsakes  her  eggs— per- 
haps if  we  are  fortunate  to  hide  away  her  nest,  and  bring  home, 
to  our  delight,  suoh  a  brood  of  chickens  as  could  not  have  been 
if  our  curious  eyes  and  busy  fingers  had  intermeddled  with  her. 
Fowls  of  all  kinds  are  very  distrustful  of  human  help  ;  by  long 
patience,  gentle  tones,  and  quiet  movements,  do  we  alone  win 
their  confidence,  and  even  then  they  are  apt  to  regard  us  as 
giant  marauders,  taking  our  spoils  after  a  wholesale  fashion, 
and  no  outrage  which  the  strong  ever  perpetrate  on  the  weak 
is  equal  to  stealing  away  the  eggs  from  a  secret  nest.  My 
wonder  never  is,  that  there  are  so  few  chickens  hatched,  but 
that  there  are  so  many.  We  nurse  and  coddle,  and  shelter  our 
sitting  hens  from  a  drop  of  rain,  a  breath  of  fresh  air,  or  a 
glimpse  of  sunshine,  as  though  these  powers  were  set  to  fight 
against  our  success,  and  yet  we  know  that  the  rain  often  drips 
through  the  blackbird's  nest,  and  the  long  grass  and  dead  fern 
fronds  that  hide  the  pheasants  are  wet  with  dew,  and  yet  their 
little  ones  come  and  thrive.  But  many  think  that  they  can  do 
better  than  work  with  Nature.  I  have  seen  poor  hens  shut  up 
in  little  dark  places,  deprived  of  their  daily  walk  and  bath,  with 
food  to  eat  and  water  to  drink,  but  no  spaoe  in  which  to  use 
their  limbs.  A  weary  three  weeks  they  must  have,  a  sad  ne- 
gation though  not  of  their  own  choosing,  for  they  would  make 
all  the  way  of  their  life  bright  and  glad.  The  healthy  chick 
comes  with  gladness  into  the  world,  and  of  all  sufferers  they 
are  the  most  patient." 

"  Beally,  Clara,  I  never  thought  there  was  any  need  to  con- 
sult their  feelings  and  inclinations.  I  used  to  think  if  a  hen 
wanted  chicks  she  would  hatch  them  in  any  place,  and  under 
any  circumstances.  I  know  now  to  my  cost  ehe  will  not  always 
do  so." 

"And  suppose  that  she  would,  in  what  condition  would  she 
be  when  her  three  weeks'  imprisonment  was  over  ?  Would  the 
dark  airless  nest  have  given,  or  kept,  an  appetite  ?  And  with 
its  loss  surely  health  and  spirits,  and  warmth  would  have  fled. 
Then  wonder  would  be  expressed  that  the  poor  bird  grown 
tame  and  quiet,  did  not  teach  her  chicks  to  play.  How  little  do 
the  wisest  know  of  the  ailments  of  birds,  and  yet  we  all  know 
that  a  vigorous  healthy  growth  can  only  be  produced  under  the 
happiest  circumstances ;  therefore,  we  are  diverging  in  no  wrong 
path  when  we  surround  our  poultry  with  what  is  needful  for 
pleasure  and  comfort." 

'■  No  wonder  Frank  and  I  failed.  I  must  own  we  thought 
more  of  our  new  poultry-yard  than  our  poultry,  but  we  tried 
over  and  over  again.  We  had  a  sitting  of  Dorkings,  and  were 
lucky  enough  to  get  a  hen  to  sit  them  ;  she  did  well,  and 
our  expectations  ran  high  ;  the  proper  time  passed,  the  shells 
remained  unsnipped,  though  we  could  feel  the  throb  of  life 
beating  strong  within  the  eggs  when  they  were  held  in  the 
palm  of  the  hand.  Some  one  told  Frank  they  were  too  dry, 
and -if  left  to  their  fate  would  all  perish  in  the  shell,  so  a  gallon 
watering-can  filled  with  tepid  water  was  brought,  and  its  con- 
tents poured  over  them  ;  the  water  ran  in  little  rivulets  all 
among  the  white  eggs,  and  settled  in  a  pool  in  the  hollow  of  the 
nest,  and  I  thought  surely  they  would  be  drowned.  It  did  no 
good ;  when  morning  came  they  lay  a  cruel  sight,  all  dead,  some 
in  the  shell,  some  out.  It  was  a  great  disappointment  to  be  so 
near  to  success,  and  yet  to  fail.  Frank  declared  that  he  would 
have  the  next  batch  brought  in-doors,  and  sit  up  with  them  all 
night,  but  be  would  save  them.  Our  next  were  Hamburghs,  from 
the  breezy  Yorkshire  moors.  They  promised  well ;  night  after 
night  we  held  them  before  the  lamp  to  make  sure  they  were  not 
deceiving  us ;  all  were  dark,  not  one  remaining  dear ;  seven- 
teen of  them  had  the  big  Cochin,  and  we  had  left  her  in  a 


74 


JOUBNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  July  28,  1870. 


moveable  nest  of  her  own  choosing  out  in  the  poultry-yard.  A 
long  dry  season  was  broken  up  by  a  thunderstorm,  which 
threatened  to  leave  a  raioy  night ;  fearing  for  the  safety  of  our 
coming  chicks,  we  took  nest  and  eggs  and  hen  into  the  poultry 
house.  I  felt  glad  to  think  all  night  they  were  safe  from  harm. 
Next  day  the  Cochin  was  found  comfortably  squatted  on  the 
very  Bpot  where  her  nest  had  stood  before  being  moved,  not  in 
the  least  caring  for  the  falling  rain,  and  her  eggs  were  forsaken, 
they  had  been  cold  for  hours.  She  never  took  to  them  again. 
We  had  no  need  to  tit  up  all  night.  A  week  after  our  dis- 
appointment reached  its  height,  we  had  what  was  said  to  be  a 
Brahma  hen  batching  eight  Brahma  eggs.  Frank  wis  in  Ire- 
land, and  I  was  determined  they  should  not  be  in  any  way 
played  with  ;  they  should  do  as  chickens  did  in  the  days  of  our 
grandmothers,  find  their  way  unaided  into  the  world,  the  strong 
6hould  live,  and  the  weak  die  ;  better  to  do  so  at  once  than  after 
eating  eggs  and  bread  for  weeks.  Ah,  me !  Your  little  four- 
year-old  namesake,  Clara,  came  to  me  one  morning  with  her 
pinafore  held  tight,  exclaiming,  '  Oh !  Aunt  Emily,  your 
great  yellow  hen  has  laid  such  a  lot  of  soft  yellow  eggs,  only 
see.'  Tbey  were  my  long-expected  chicks  ;  her  small  fingers 
had  stolen  them  from  their  sleepy  mother,  and  grasped  them 
much  too  tightly  ;  five  were  dead,  she  had  but  six  ;  the  one  re- 
maining would  not  die,  though  I  much  wished  it  would,  but  for 
months  trotted  on  the  sheltered  Bide  of  its  mother  like  a  March 
lamb.  It  was  all  over  with  bird  hatching.  I  sent  the  unused 
eggs  into  the  kitchen  for  tbe  cook,  but  she  looked  at  them, 
smelled  at  I  hem,  aud  wa3  quite  sure  they  would  not  do  for 
cakes  or  puddings,  they  were  not  fresh  enough.  Frank  sayB 
'  he  will  try  again.'    I  hope  not." — Maud. 


EXPORTING    FOWLS. 


During  the  past  three  months  I  have  received  many  American 
orders  for  fowls,  and  though  I  shall  be  able  to  supply  very  few 
if  any  of  them,  I  have  had  to  make  inquiries  ou  the  subject  in 
consequence,  the  results  of  which  may  be  useful,  and  save  some 
time  and  trouble  to  other  readers  of  "  our  Journal,"  who  may 
be  desirous  of  supplying  the  American  market. 

There  is  only  one  line  of  steamers  I  believe,  the  Guion,  which 
takes  live  birds,  and  the  vessels  of  which  sail  every  Wednesday. 
As  far  as  I  can  ascertain,  the  most  convenient  plan  is  to  em- 
ploy the  American-European  Express  Agency,  of  Messrs.  Staveley 
and  Co.,  the  Temple,  Dale  Street,  Liverpool,  who  will  make  all 
arrangements  for  care  and  feeding,  and,  in  fact,  take  the  sole 
charge  of  the  birds  from  Liverpool,  if  delivered  to  them  car- 
riage free,  by  Tuesday  afternoon,  with  all  advice  and  instruc- 
tions a  post  before. 

The  freight  and  charges  from  Liverpool  cbd,  if  desired,  be 
carried  forward  to  consignee,  in  which  case  a  small  percentage 
extra  is  charged  on  account  of  the  risk.  The  mortality  is, 
however,  on  the  average  very  small.  The  freight  and  charges 
to  New  York  will  vary  from  about  35s.  to  £2  10s.,  for  a  pen  of 
three  fowls,  according  to  their  size. 

The  birds  should  be  sent  in  strong  wooden  pens  or  coops  of 
proper  size,  with  the  top  of  a  good  slope  to  throw  off  wet,  and 
only  open  in  front.  There  should  be  fastened  at  the  top  of  the 
open  side  a  6trong  piece  of  canvas,  to  draw  down  in  bad  weather. 
The  floor  ought  to  be  a  few  inches  above  the  ground,  and 
slightly  sloping,  and  handles  for  lifting  must  also  be  provided. 
The  size  for  three  birds  may  vary  from  2  to  2fc  feet  square,  ac- 
cording to  the  breed,  and  the  front  is,  of  course,  to  be  so 
arranged  that  the  floor  can  bo  scraped  easily. 

The  food  of  sea-going  birds  I  find  is  usually  mixed  with  a 
portion  of  sand  to  assist  digestion. 

The  customs  duty  levied  at  New  York  is  20  per  cent.,  ad 
valorem,  on  the  actual  price  of  the  fowls,  and  a  very  stringent 
declaration  of  the  real  value  is  required  if  declared  by  the  con- 
signer ;  but  if  the  purchaser  resides  near  New  York,  it  may  be 
best  to  let  him  declare  the  value,  which  may  be  done.  This 
heavy  duty  is  most  oppressive,  and  endeavours  are  being  made 
now  to  reduce  or  remove  it,  as  being  a  great  hindrance  to  the 
improvement  of  poultry  in  the  United  States.  I  believe  Ame- 
rican fanciers  are  not  without  hope  these  efforts  in  favour  of  a 
free  trade  in  fancy  fowls  may  be  successful. — L.  Weight. 


think  this  hot  weather  (it  is  92°  in  the  shade  with  me),  an  odd 
time  to  mention  roup,  but  I  think  differently  ;  the  first  change 
of  weather  will  be  eo  sudden  a  transition  that  maDy  severe 
cases  may  be  expected. 

The  prescription  consists  of;  one  ounce  balsam  of  copaiba 
and  one  drachm  piperine  made  into  sixty  pills.  They  should 
be  enclosed  in  gelatine  capsules,  or  the  medicine  will  be  very 
difficult  to  administer.  Two  or  three  capsules  or  pills  are  to 
be  given  daily,  and  the  head  and  eyes  washed  with  a  solution 
of  a  teaspoonful  of  sugar  of  lead  to  a  pint  of  water. 

This  remedy  appears  to  me  extremely  likely  to  be  effectual ; 
and  Mr.  M.  W.  Lawrence,  who  gives  it,  states  that  he  has  used 
it  in  over  a  hundred  cases  with  complete  success. — L.  Wbighi. 


CURE  FOR  ROUP. 

This  deadly  disease  is  of  such  continual  interest  to  all  fanciers 
that  I  have  thought  it  well  to  copy,  for  English  readers,  a  new 
prescription  from  the  New  York  Poultry  Bulletin.     Sjme  may 


WESTWARD  HO!   POULTRY   SHOW. 

Although  under  a  disadvantage  from  being  held  so  far  from  tbe 
majority  of  poultry-breeders,  tbe  Westward  Ho  Exhibition  has  gradu- 
ally increased  in  importance,  until  tbe  Show  this  year  was  a  moBt 
creditable  one.  Tbe  increase  in  the  number  of  visitors  from  year  to 
year  is  really  surprising — so  much  so,  indeed,  that  it  was  calculated 
that  from  ten  to  twelve  thousand  persons  were  on  tbe  (grounds  at  one 
time.  Tbe  Show  is  held  close  to  tbe  beach,  and  the  natural  beauty  of 
the  coast,  and  the  gaiety  and  fashion  of  those  who  attended,  rendered 
it  most  attractive.  The  general  arrangements  were  most  creditable. 
Although  a  matter  for  which  the  committee  could  not  be  blamed,  we 
think  it  well  to  call  attention  to  a  mistake  in  the  arrangements  of  the 
railway  companies  that  cannot  be  otherwise  than  most  prejudicial  to 
their  own  interests,  and  which  may  well  exasperate  the  owners  of 
valuable  show  birds.  We  allude  to  the  folly  wo  have  so  frequently 
exposed  of  placing  show  poultry  and  show  dogs  in  the  same  van  during 
transit.  In  the  present  case,  a  fox  terrier,  tbe  breed  of  all  others 
which  is  the  most  prone  to  commit  mischief,  tore  to  pieces  her  own 
basket,  and  then  ate  away  tbe  basket  containing  some  valuable  fancy 
Pigeons,  killing  two  pairs  of  birds  that  it  would  have  been  difficult  to 
replace  on  any  terms.  In  the  case  at  Bidei'ord,  luckily  the  journey 
was  completed  bjfore  all  the  mischief  that  might  have  been  done  was 
accomplished,  for,  as  the  party  in  charge  of  the  dog  stated,  (( If  we'd 
had  to  go  another  mile  or  two  farther,  not  one  would  have  been  left ;" 
and  for  the  information  of  onr  readers  we  may  mention  that  the 
Pigeons'  basket  being  once  broken,  it  was  most  fortunate  that  out  of 
twelve  pairs  only  two  pairs  were  sacrificed,  for,  but  for  this  timely  dis- 
covery, all  would  beyond  question  have  been  destroyed.  The  tents  for 
both  were  very  superior,  and  every  attention  was  paid  to  the  welfare 
of  all  tbe  specimens  exhibited.  The  repacking  of  the  birds  was  also 
carried  out  with  promptitude. 

First-rate  Grey  Darlings  were  shown,  and  among  the  White 
Dorkings  were  a  few  isolated  specimens  of  extraordinary  worth. 
Bralimas  were  poor,  but  Cochins  and  Game  fowls  were  much  better 
than  had  been  previously  exhibited  in  this  district.  Ilamburghs  did 
not  reach  our  expectations,  but  6ome  good  Polands  were  to  be  met 
with.  Tbe  class  for  the  best  Barndoor  cock  and  hen  brought  together 
a  most  incongruous  though  large  entry,  and  in  thi3,  as  alao  in  the 
11  Any  other  Variety  "  class,  some  unusually  good  Malays  were  entered. 
There  was  a  class  for  "  chickens  of  any  breed  "  of  the  current  year, 
in  which  some  of  the  most  forward  specimens  we  have  seen  this  sea- 
son were  competing.  The  first  prize  in  this  class  went  to  Duckwings, 
the  second  to  a  pen  of  good  Partridge-feathered  Cochins,  and  the  third 
to  Light  Brahmas.  It  is  evident  that  a  great  advantage  arises  from 
the  mildness  of  the  early  months  of  the  year  in  this  neighbourhood, 
and  the  development  that  eusues  is  rapid,  from  the  chickens  not 
meeting  those  sudden  checks  from  change  of  atmosphere,  which,  to  the 
sorrow  of  too  many  breeders  in  the  northern  counties,  cause  mal- 
formations of  the  extremities. 

Dorkings.— Coloured.— 1,  Mrs.  A.  C.  Thvnnc,  Penstowe,  Stratton.  2,  Rev.  G. 
F.  Hodson,  North  Pttherton.  8,  Mrs.  P.  Coffin,  Peppcrcombe.  he,  Miss  J.  Mil- 
wood,  Newton  St.  Loe,  Bristol.  White.—  1  and  2,  W.  Pickard,  Hartland.  3,  — 
Hammett,  Bideford.  Spanish.—],  S.  R.  Harris.  Cusgarne,  near  at.  Day.  2,  G. 
Tonkin,  Bristol.  3,  J.  Joce,  Bideford.  e,  Mrs.E.  Smith,  Camplehay,  Tavistock  ; 
F.  Brewer,  Loetwithiel.  Game.— 1,  G.  S.  Cruwys,  Cruwys  Morchard.  2,  S.  R. 
Higham,  Morchard  Bishop.  3,  J.  Westacott,  Barnstaple,  he,  J.  Boylea,  Barn- 
staple ;  G.  S.  Cruwys  (i) ;  E.  Stephens,  Ilfracombe;  S.  R.  Higham.  Cochin- 
China.— 1,  F.  Brewer.  2  and  3,  W.  S.  Trewin,  Kilkhumpton.  he,  J.  Long, 
Plymouth,  c.  Miss  J.  Milward.  Brahmas.— 1,  Mrs.  A.  C.  Thynne.  3,  Mrs* 
Gordon,  Inptuw.  3,  Mrs.  E.  Smith,  Hambuughs.— Gold-spaitnlt'd-— 1,  S.  R. 
Harris.  2,  S.  Woodman,  Barnstaple.  3,  J.  Oliver,  Bideford.  Gold-pencilled.— 
1,  S.  R.  Harris.  2  and  3,  .T.  W.  Banbury,  Bude,  Cornwall.  Silvei'Spangled.— 
1,  S.  R.  Harris.  2,  J.  Woodley,  Stratton.  8,  L.  Withecombe,  Bueklaud  Brewer, 
Silver-pc  ncilled.—\,  S.  R  Harris.  2,  J.  Turner,  Abboteham.  3,  J.  Walters, 
Bideford.  Pulands.— 1,  T.  Jacobs.  2,  Miss  Webber,  Exeter.  8,  Mrs.  E.  Smith, 
B*RNnooa.— 1  and  2,  D.  Barrable,  Paize,  Bade.  3.  A.  Trewin.  he,  L.  Withe- 
combe. c,  W.  Birdwnod.  Glenburnie.  Any  OTHER  Variety. — 1,  H.  Leworthy, 
Newport  {White  Spanish).  2,  Mrs.  E.  Smith  (Creve-Ccaur).  8,  S.  Veale,  Lang- 
tree  Village  (Malavfc).  he,  H.  Francis ;  G.  Britton,  Bishop's  Tawton,  near 
Barnstaple ;  R.  Mitchell,  Eideford.  c,  F.  Glover,  Bridgerule ;  J.  F.  Yelland,  St. 
Giles,  near  Gr.  Torrin»ton  ;  G.  H.  Hackwill,  Collacott,  Langtree;  W. Trewin. 
Cock.— 1,  S.  R.  Harris.  2,  W.  Masland,  Milverton,  Somerset.  3,  J.  Heale, 
Chickens.— 1,  S.  R.  Hicham.  2  and  3,  J.  N.  Nicholls.  he,  Mrs.  Gordon;  N. 
Treleven ;  Mrs.  P.  Coffin.  Bantams.  —  Game.  —  1,  W.  How.  2,  S.  Wood- 
man. 8,  E.  A.  Bazelev,  Bideford.  c,  C.  Veal.  Any  other  Variety.— 1,  Rev.  G. 
F.  Hodson  (Gold-laced).  2  and  3,  G.  S.  Cruwvs  {Blacks  and  Gold-laced),  he,  S. 
Woodman.  Guinea  Fowls.—],  J.  S.  Snow,  Instow.  2,  Miss  S.  H.  Northcote, 
Upton  Pynes.  3,  Mrs.  P.  Coffin.  Docks.—],  T.  E.  Hawken.  2,  S.  R.  Han-is. 
8,  J.  Heal,  Parkhain.  Common,  or  any  other  sort.—l  and  3,  Miss  Turner, 
Coombe,  Abbotsham  (Moscovy).     2,  Miss  Webber,  Exeter  (Carolina).     Geese. 


July  28,  1870.  J 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


75 


— 1.  2,  and  8,  J.  Heal,     he,  L.  Withecombe ;  J.  Santera.     Turkeys.— 1,  Mrs. 
A.  0.  Thj-nne.    2,  J.  Heal.    S,  W.  Pridham.    he,  E.  Smith. 

PIGEONS. 
Carriers.— 1,  H.  Yardlov.  Birmingham.  2.  J.  Chappie.  BiPBS—  1,  W. 
Weatacott.  jun.  2  and  he,  J.  L.  Smith,  o,  Messrs.  J.  ft  (J.  Bullen.  Pouters.— 
1.  H.  Yardlev.  2,  Miss  Mactjregor.  Fantails.— 1.  H.  Yardley.  2,  J.  T.  Sleuth. 
he,  T.  A.  Pearce.  Jacobins.— 1,  W.  Westacott,  Jan.  2.  No  competition. 
Trumpeters.— 1.  J.  A.  Sleath.  2.  W.  Masland,  Milverton.  e,  H.  Yardley. 
Tumblers.— 1.  H.  Yardley.  3,  W.  Westacott,  jun.  Turbits.—I,  H.  Yardley.  2, 
H.  H.  Gresrurv.  Taunton.  N'u.vs—  1.  H.  Yardlev.  2.  Messrs.  J.  &  C.  Bullen. 
Common.— 1.  H.  Hearn,  Eeaford.  2,  M.  Olde.  Oidd'is,  Stratto  n.  Extra.— 1.  J.  S. 
Sleath.   2,  J.  Chappie.  

Rabpits  —  1.  H.  J.  Parsons.     2,  S.  Vinnicombe.    3,  J.  Darch,  Bideford.    he. 
Miss  S.  H.  Northcote. 

The  Judge  was  Edward  Hewitt,  Esq.,  of  Sparkbrook,  Birmingham. 


HASLINGDEN  POULTRY   SHOW. 

The  following  awards  were  made  at  this  Show,  held  on  the  21st 
inst. : — 

CocnrNs.— Buff.— 1  and  2,  "W.  A.  Taylor,  he,  J.  Sichcl.  Chickens.— 1  and 
2,  \V.  A.  Tavlor.  he,  C.  Sidgwick.  Any  other  Colour.— 1,  W.  A.  Tavlor.  2,  J. 
Siohel.  he,  J.  Rnl-insnn,  jun. ;  T.  Stretoh.  Chickens.— 1,  G.  Lamb.  2,  C.  Sidg- 
wick. Brahma^.— D<irA\— 1,  J.  H.  Pickles.  2,  E.  Leech,  he,  H.  Lacy.  Chicken*, 
1  and  2,  VV.  A.  Tavlor.  //.-,  E.  Leech  :  G.  Anderton  :  W.  Harvev.  Dorking.— 
1.  J.  Stott.  2,  J.  Watts.  Chickens.— 1,  J.  Stotr.  2.  F.  A  C.  Haworth.  he,  T. 
Briden:  T.  Statter.    French  Fowls.— 1.  H.  Beldon.    2.  J.  Watts.    Spanish.— 

1,  F.  &  C.  Haworth.  2,  C.  W.  Brierley.  he,  H.  B.  Smith ;  H.  Beldon.  Chicken*. 
— 1.  C.  W.  Bricrlev.  3,  H.  Beldon.  he,  E.  Brown.  Game— 1  and  2,  C.  W. 
Brierley.  Si  tale  <'ock.—\  and  2,  C.  W.  Brierley.  he,  T.  Statter.  Local  Pries. 
— 1,  A.  Sutherland.  2,  Eastwood  A:  Hindle.  e.  J.  Smith.  EUkbubghs.— Gold- 
pencilled.— 1,  H.  Pickles.  2,  S.  Smith,  he.  H.  Beldon.  e,  J.  Andrew.  Chickens. 
— 1,  J.  Wri^hlev.  2.  H.  Beldon.  he,  H.  Pickles,  c,  W.  S.  Sciu  fi  ■M.  Sitrcr- 
pencilled.— I,  F.  &  C.  Haworth.  2,  H.  Beldon.  hcuwlc,  H.  Pickles.  Chi ekene, 
—1  and  2,  H.  Pickles.  GoldrSpangl  ■<!.— 1,  N.  Marlor.  2,  J.  Newton,  he,  W. 
Driver,  c.  H.  Pickles.  Chicken-*. — 1,  J.  Andrew.  2.  E.  Brierlev.  Sitver- 
spangled.— h  H.  Bt-ldon.  2.  H.  Pickles,  he.  J.  Fielding.  Chickens.— 1,  II. 
Pickles.  2,  J.  Fielding,  he.  G.  &  J.  Duckworth,  e,  J.  Fielding.  Black.—],  X. 
Marlor.    2.  S.  Sidgwick.      lie,  Masen  &  Walker.      Chickens.— I,  C.  Sidgwick. 

2.  Mason  &  Walker.  Any  other  Variety.— 1,  H.  Beldon.  2,  W.  Harvev.  he.  T. 
Dean;  H.  B.  Smith.  Bantams.— Game—  1,  T.  Sharpie:;.  2,  W.  F.  Entwiele. 
St'ngk  Cock.—I,  G.  Hawnrth.  2,  Harwood  &  Bucklev.  he.  W.  F.  Entwiale.  Any 
other  Variety.— 1,  J.  Walker.  2.  S.  &  R.  Ashton.  he,  J.  Watts.  Turkeys.— 
1  and  2.  E.  Leech,  he.  C.  W.  Brierlev.  Geese.— I,  E.  Leech.  Ducks.— Ayles- 
bury.— 1,  E. Leech.  2,  R.  A.  Wild.  Sown.— I.E.  Leech.  2,  T.  Statter.  jun.  Any 
nth,  r  Varit  Ctf.-l.  C.  W.  Brierley,  2,  H.  B.  Smith,  he,  S.  &,  R.  Ashton;  C.  W. 
Brierley ;  T.  Siatter,  inn. 

PI3EONS. 
Carriebs.— 1  and  he,  E.  Horner.  2,  H.  Yardley.  Tumelers.— 1.  J.  Field- 
ing, jun.  2,E.  Horner,  he,  J.  Fielding;  W.  Harvey  i'2'i.  Barbs.— 1,  E.  Horner. 
%  H.  Yardley.  he.  E  Horner;  J.  Fielding,  jun.  c,  W.  Harvey.  Owls.— 1,  J. 
FieMing,  jun.  2,  W.  Harvey,  he,  J.  Fielding;  J.  Hawley.  Croppers. — 1,  E. 
Horner.  9,  W.  Harvey,  he.  E.  Horner  ;  W. Harvev;  J. Hawley  t'2).  Fantails. 
— 1,  W.  Harvey.  2,  E.  Horner,  he,  E.  Horner;  H.  Yardley.  Turbits.— 1,  E. 
Horner.  2,  J.  Fielding.  /(<",  E.  Horner ;  F.Moore.  Dragoons. -1,  H.  Yardley. 
2,T.  H.  Frean.  he.  w.  Harvey,  c.  J.  Watt?.  TRrai peters.—  1,  E.  Homer. 
2,  J.  Hawley.  he.  W.  Harvey.  Jacobins.— 1  E.  Homer.  2,  W.Harvey,  he,  F. 
Horner;  -7.  Hawley.  Antwerps—  1,  E.  Horner.  2,  S.  Fle'cher."  he,  H. 
Yardley  (2);  J.  Oldroyd  (21;  J.  Watts  ;  J.  Hawley.  Any  other  Variety.— 1,  J. 
Hawley,  2.  H.  Yardley.  fcfl,W,  Harvey;  E.  Horner  (2).  Local  Prizes.— 1,  J. 
Hamilton.    2,  J.  Kemp,    he,  J.  Hamilton  ;  H.  Madden. 


Rabbits.— Lop-eared.—!,  C.  Gravil,  jun.    2,  J.  B^ylcjon.    he,  W.  Higham  :  F. 
Vaughan.    Angora,— 1,  D.  Kenyon.    2,  .T.  Butterworth.    Himalayan, — 1,  W.  J. 

Butterworth.    2,  A.  L.  Rawstron.    he,  J.  Boyle,  jun.    Any  oilier  Variety. — 1,  J. 
Lunn.    2,  J.  Butterworth. 

Judges. — Poultry:  Mr.  R.  Teebay  and  Mr.  Hindson.      Pigeons: 
Mr.  Charlton. 


(From  a  Correspondent.) 

Rabbits. — These,  as  a  whole,  were  good,  but  I  regret  that  not  more 
than  twenty-six  were  shown,  and  more  ought  to  have  been  shown, 
seeing  that  four  classes  were  given,  and  the  prizes  if  not  so  valuable  as 
at  some  shows,  were  sufficient  to  have  attracted  more  entries.  Few 
exhibitors  are  induced  to  enter  their  Rabbits  solely  because  of  the 
value  of  the  prize,  so  long  as  it  is  adequate  to  pay  all  expenses  if 
won.  Honest  judging,  and  great  care  taken  of  the  specimens,  are 
great  inducements  to  exhibitors.  The  pens  at  this  Show  were  large 
and  well  supplied  with  oats,  straw,  and  hay,  and  I  may  add,  as  a  hint 
to  all  committees,  that  the  feeding  is  very  important,  considering  the 
length  of  time  some  of  the  Rabbits  are  away  from  their  hutches.  In 
this  instance  some  I  know  did  not  reach  home  until  6  p.m.  on  the  day 
following  the  Show.  Carrots  and  turnips  are  cheap  enough,  in  the  ab- 
sence of  oats,  etc. 

The  first-prize  pair  of  Yellow  and  White  Lop-eared,  belonging  to 
Mr.  C.  Gravil,  of  Thome,  fully  deserved  the  position  they  took,  being 
a  splendid  pair.  A  little  more  and  equal  sprinkling  of  the  white  would, 
perhaps,  have  rendered  them  more  perfect.  Length  of  ears,  doe 
21$  inches  by  5J  wide  ;  back,  21J  inches  by  5]  wide.  The  second- 
prize  pair  from  Mr.  J.  Boyle,  Jan.,  Blackburn,  were  Black  and  "White  ; 
a  pair  of  Grey  and  White,  of  Mr.  Walter,  Higham,  Middleton,  and  a 
pair  of  clear  Fawn,  sent  by  Mr.  Vaughan,  Market  Hall,  Birmingham, 
were  also  highly  commended.  The  first-prize  Angoras  of  Mr.  D. 
Kenyon,  St.  Leger  Yard,  Accrington,  were  larger,  perhaps,  than  the 
second-prize  pair  from  Mr.  J.  Butterworth,  Rochdale,  but  not  so  silky 
and  long  in  the  hair,  and  that  is  the  important  point  with  this  variety. 
The  first-prize  pair  of  Himalayan  from  Mr.  J.  Butterworth  were  well 
marked,  and  as  good  in  points  as  could  be  desired.  The  second-prize 
pair  of  Mr.  Rawstron,  Haslingdea,  were  a  nice  pair,  and  the  highly- 
commended  pair  of  Mr.  James  Boyle,  I  think,  must  have  given  the 
Judge  a  little  trouble  before  arriving  at  his  decision.  Of  the  Silver- 
Greys  in  tho  "  Any  other  variety  "  class,  the  first-prize  pair  from  Mr. 


John  Lunn,  of  Hull,  were  not  so  beautifully  silvered  as  the  second- 
prize  pair  from  Mr.  J.  Butterworth,  perhaps  a  little  larger,  and  if  only 
five  months  old,  as  stated,  they  were  too  young,  perhaps,  to  be  fully 
shaded  or  exhibited.  The  Judge,  Mr.  T.  Charlton,  51,  Trafalgar 
Street,  Bradford,  I  think,  may  be  commended  for  the  justness  of  his 
awards,  except  whero,  I  think,  a  little  more  careful  handling  of  one  or 
two  of  the  specimens  might  have  eaused  the  prize  cards  to  have  been 
fixed  upon  other  pens.  The  exhibiting  of  Rabbits  in  pairs  tests  a 
man's  rabbitry,  as  single  good  ones  can  often  be  found,  but  to  pair 
them  with  others  equally  good  in  all  points  is  at  times  difficult.  Again, 
all  white  Rabbits,  as  a  rule,  appear  to  disadvantage  in  pairs,  especi- 
ally the  Angora,  not  looking  so  clean  as  when  alone.  I  hope  Hasling- 
den  will  find  next  year,  with  the  care  bestowed,  that  the  Rabbits  will 
appear  in  great  numbers,  and  I  trust  this  improvement  upon  last  year 
will  induce  owners  to  send  their  specimens. — C.  R. 


PONTEFRACT  POULTRY  SHOW. 

The  thirteenth  annual  show  of  poultry  took  place  in  the  park,  on 
Thursday,  July  *21st,  and  the  weather  being  all  that  could  bo  desired, 
numbers  came  to  witness  the  best  show  ever  held  in  Pontefraet. 

The  Dorkings  were  not  numerous,  but  were  in  excellent  condition 
for  the  time  of  year.  The  Spanish  class  was  rather  small,  the  first 
prize  being  taken  by  Mr.  Newbitt,  of  Epworth,  with  a  very  good  pen. 
The  Cochins  were  an  excellent  lot,  but  greatly  out  of  condition.  The 
Brahma  Pootra  class  was  unusually  large,  and  there  was  some  diffi- 
culty in  making  the  awards,  owing  to  most  of  the  birds  being  first-rate. 
The  llamburghs  were  not  up  to  tho  mark.  In  the  Game  classes  there 
was  severe  competition,  a  pen  of  Brown  Reds  from  Mr.  F.  Sales,  of 
Crowle,  taking  the  first  prize,  as  being  the  best  pen  in  the  show.  The 
Game  Bantams  were  rather  large,  but  many  of  the  best  birds  were  not 
in  condition.  The  chickens  of  1870  were  very  numerous,  the  Society 
offering  a  much  larger  prize  than  for  older  birds.  The  first  prize  went 
to  a  pen  of  excellent  Brown  Reds.  Below  will  be  found  a  list  of  the 
successful  competitors. 

DOBKOtGS.— 1.  J.  Barraeloncft,  Ackworth.  2,  W.  B.  Arundel,  Transhelf 
Lodce.  Spanish.— 1,  Messrs.  Kewoitt,  Epworth.  '2.  Messrs.  Pickerel,  Thorner. 
fie,  W.  B.  Turton,  Ackworth.  Cochin-China. — l.JMiss  A.  Moxon.  Pontefraet. 
2,  Messrs.  Pickard.  Brahma  Pootra.— l.lLady  Hawke,  Wnmersley  Park.  2,  T. 
Addy,  Askern.  Hamburghs  —  Golds n-xpanylnl.  —  \,  J.  Barraclough.  2,  W. 
Jefferson,  Pontefraet.  Goldcji-penciltct}.~\,J.  Wardell,  Ackworth.  2,  J.  Barra- 
clough.  Silver-pencilled.— 1,  J.  Wardell.  2,  J.  Arnery.  Methley.  Game.— 1,  F. 
Sales,  Crowle.  2,  J.  GreenouscVFeatherstone.  '«~.  H.  Poskitt,  Darrington. 
Bantams. — Game.—l,  J.  Warrimler.  Sandal -Masna.  2,  H.  Harrison,  Pontefraet. 
he,  Lady  Hawke.  Any  other  Variety. — I,  Messrs.  Newbitt.  2,  A.  E.  Fox,  Ponte- 
fraet. Any  other  Variety  — 1,  W.  Doulty,  Ackworth.  2,  F.  B.  Brank,  Camp- 
Ball  Hall.    Chicken*.— I,  F.  Sales.    2,  —  Pickard.    he,  F.  B.  Frank  (2).    Cock.— 

1,  W.  B.  Taunton  (Cochin-Chinnl.  2,  F.  Sales  (Black-Red).  Extra  2,  Messrs. 
Newbitt   (Spanish).      DTJOK8V—  White. —  1,  Master  W.   Kenworthy,  Ackworth. 

2.  D.  LongstafT,  Monkroyd  House.  Bouen.—l  and  2,  Dr.  Horsfall.  Any  other 
Variety.— 1,  E.  Lord.  East  Hardwick.  2,  G.  Horsley.  Geese.— 1,  E.  Moore, 
Womersley.  2,  J.  Whittaker.  Carlton.  Turkeys.— 1,  T.  Pletnorpe,  Carlton. 
2,  Lady  Hawke.    Guinea  Fowls.— 1,  D.  Longstaff.    2,  C.  Marshall,  Peckfield. 

Jndges. — Mr.  S.  Robson,  Brotherton,  and  Mr.  J.  Wright,  Snaith. 


LIGURTANS   IN   JERSEY. 

I  should  be  glad  to  know  if  any  of  your  readers  have  noticed 
two  things  in  connection  with  their  bees  that  I  have  observed — 
viz.,  the  late  appearance  and  scarcity  of  drones.  In  my  stocks, 
four  in  number,  no  drones  appeared  till  the  middle  of  June, 
and  then  only  very  sparingly,  and  even  at  the  present  time 
they  are  not  in  great  force.  This  time  last  year  the  massacre 
of  drones  was  in  progress  ;  this  year  I  see  no  signs  of  its  com- 
mencement. A  gentleman  here  who  has  a  very  fine  strong 
stock  of  bees  in  a  Woodbury  hive,  has  seen  no  drones  till  within 
a  day  or  two.  The  boney  harvest  has  not  been  by  any  means 
good  here  up  to  the  present  time,  as  will  be  seen  when  I  state 
what  my  colonies  have  done. 

No.  1  is  a  pure  Ligurian,  with  a  queen  at  the  head  which  I 
procured  last  autumn  ;  it  was  then  very  strong  and  well  pro- 
visioned. Though  it  had  thrown  off  three  swarms,  it  came 
through  the  winter  well,  which  was  a  very  destructive  one  to 
bees  here  ;  many  lost  nearly  all  their  stocks.  In  the  spring 
they  gave  signs  of  swarming,  so  the  super  was  put  on,  hut 
they  have  neither  gone  into  it  nor  swarmed. 

No.  2,  hybridised  Ligurians,  located  in  a  Neighbour's  im- 
proved cottage  hive.  This  contains  a  swarm  of  last  year,  which 
threw  off  a  maiden  swarm,  was  weak  in  the  spring,  but  soon 
became  very  strong.  The  bells  were  put  on,  and  the  bees  took 
possession,  but  did  no  work.  Finding  that  the  bells  did  not 
give  them  room  enough,  and  that  they  were  still  likely  to  swarm , 
I  put  an  adapting  board  on  and  a  Woodbury  super,  taking  care 
to  wrap  it  up  with  non-conducting  material;  the  bees  began  to 
work  almost  at  once.  They  have  constructed  plenty  of  comb, 
but  seem  unable  to  find  much  honey,  the  long  drought  having 
had  the  effect  of  making  the  number  of  flowers  less  than  usual. 
At  one  time  honey-gathering  went  on  very  fast,  but  has  almost 
stopped  lately. 


76 


JOURNAL   OF   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE    GARDENER. 


[  July  28,  187a 


No.  3,  a  maiden  swarm  of  last  year,  located  in  a  Woodbury, 
oame  through  the  winter  well ;  at  the  head  of  this  is  my  original 
Italian  queen.  They  went  into  the  super  June  16th,  and  for 
some  time  worked  fast ;  they  have  filled  up  the  bars  with  comb, 
but  now  eeem  unable  to  get  honey  to  finish  filling  the  cells ; 
they  have  only  admittance  to  five  bars.  The  hive  is  very  full 
of  be8S,  and  the  queen  breeding  fast. 

No.  4  is  a  stock  obtained  by  uniting  two  lots  of  driven  bees 
together  last  autumn  ;  at  their  head  is  a  fine  hybrid  Liguiian 
queen.  These  wintered  in  two  nucleus  boxes  placed  side  by 
side,  but  they  only  filled  one  with  comb  in  the  autumn.  They 
came  through  the  winter  well,  and  are  now  fairly  strong,  but 
have  neither  swarmed  nor  supered.  This  I  attribute  to  their  not 
making  use  of  the  second  nucleus  box  till  I  shifted  half  the  combs 
and  bees  into  it  at  the  beginning  of  June.  Strange  to  say,  they 
have  built  no  drone  comb,  and  there  is  not  a  drone  to  be  seen 
in  the  hive.  I  hope  still  that  I  shall  get  my  supers  finished, 
and  that  when  the  heath  comes  into  full  flower  there  will  be  a 
change  for  the  better. — D.  D.  B. 


OUR  LETTER  BOX. 


Swelled  Hocks  (J.  H,).— There  are  two  causes  to  which  swelled  hocks 
may  be  attributed.  Tkc  first  is  weakness,  and  may  be  the  result  of  over- 
growth, or  insufficient  or  improper  food.  The  other  is  improper  flooring. 
The  treatment  for  the  first  is  to  feed  well  and  judiciously,  giving  plenty 
of  grit  and  green  food  ;  above  all,  in  such  cases,  we  recommend  the  use  of 
Sussex  ground  oats.  The  only  outward  application  is  iodine.  The 
remedy  for  the  other,  if  the  flooring  is  wood,  brick,  stone,  or  asphalt, 
is  to  remove  it  and  substitute  earth.  Not  only  is  there  always  damp  from 
each  of  the  floors  we  have  mentioned,  but  from  the  hard  non-yielding 
surface  the  toes  are  kept  constantly  stretched  out,  and  the  leg  is  for  hours 
in  a  strained  and  unnatural  position.  The  overgrowth  cures  itself  every 
day. 

Poultry,  4c,  Dying  (B.  C.).~ At  first  sight  we  Bhould  pronounce  your 
case  one  of  poison,  and  the  reason  why  some  died  while  others  escaped 
would  be  easily  found— all  did  not  eat  it.  You  do  not,  however,  believe 
in  the  poison.  We  fancy  the  pepper  has  been  administered  too  freely. 
We  are  not  friendly  to  peppor.  We  have  given  peppercorns  advantage- 
ously sometimes,  but  never  pepper  itself.  If  your  fields  are  like  ours, 
the  birds  would  get  little  from  them.  They  would  more  likely  want 
cooling  than  heating  things.  Have  you  had  any  thunder  showers  ?  They 
will  sometimes  cause  all  you  complain  of.  Young  Turkeys  are  very  prone 
to  disease  very  closely  akin  to,  if  not  identical  with  the  roup,  and  they  are 
spiritless  crfatures,  giving  up  directly  they  are  attacked.  Their  eyes 
swell,  they  refuse  food,  and  die.  Fowls  and  Partridges  would  catch'  it. 
Guinea  fowls  seldom  do.  It  is  always  a  bad  plan  to  keep  Turkeys  and 
fowls  together  if  it  can  be  avoided.  We  believe  it  to  be  a  case  of  poison 
from  your  description.  If  it  is  not,  it  must  be  either  from  sudden  and 
violent  rainfall  or  from  roup.  We  advise  you,  if  you  can,  another  time 
to  keep  the  Turkeys  and  fowls  apart.  Give  the  former  onion  tops  chopped 
fine  and  mixed  with  their  food.  Avoid  pepper  for  them  all.  When  fail- 
ing give  them  beer  to  drink,  and  let  them  have  camphor  iu  their  water. 
There  is  nothing  better  for  Turkeys  and  Pea  fowls,  if  they  nppeir  droop- 
ing, than  to  give  them  two  or  thre'e  pills  of  camphor,  each  tlie  size  of  a 
garden  pea. 

Keeping  Geese  (S.  T.).~ For  breeding,  not  more  than  three  Geese  to 
one  gander  must  be  kept,  and  their  breeding  powers  continue  undiminished 
until  more  than  twenty  years  old.  They  require  a  wide  range,  affording 
plenty  of  grass  and  still  water.  The  goose-house  for  the  four  should  not 
be  less  than  8  feet  long  by  6  feet  wide,  and  high  enough  for  a  man  to 
6tand  in  upright.  A  smooth  floor  of  brick  and  good  ventilation  aro 
necessary.  Over  the  floor  a  little  clean  straw  should  be  spread  every 
second  day,  after  removing  that  previously  used,  and  washing  down  the 
floor.  A  compartment  about  2£  feet  6quare  should  be  assigned  to  each 
Goose  for  laying  and  sitting,  and  when  one  is  hatching  the  gander  and 
other  Geese  must  be  shut  out  from  her.  Wherever  a  Goose  lays  her  first 
egg  she  is  very  pertinacious  in  there  depositing  the  remainder.  The 
Toulouse  Goose  is  a  very  good  layer,  but  rarely  requires  to  sit,  and,  if  she 
does,  is  a  very  bad  mother.  Where  laying  Geese  are  kept  together,  and 
they  are  liable  to  interrupt  each  other,  remove  the  eggs  daily,  and  mark 
on  each  the  day  it  was  laid.  They  will  continue  good  for  three  weeks  ; 
but  the  freshest  eggs  should  be  sat  upon.  If  the  Geese  keep  well  to  their 
separate  nests  let  the  eggs  remain.  March  and  early  April  is  the  best 
period  for  goslings  to  be  hatched  in. 

Black  Specks  on  Aylesbury  Dock's  Bill  {Aylesbury  Duck).— We 
doubt  whether  you  will  by  any  means  get  rid  of  the*  black  specks.  They 
are  very  common,  and  by  no  means  a  sign  of  impurity  or  degeneracy  of 
breed.  They  can  be  rubbed  out  with  pumice-stone,  but  they  often  bleed, 
and  the  remedy  is  worse  thrn  tho  disease.  There  is  a  sort  of  sand  or 
grit  in  Buckinghamshire,  which  is  said  to  exercise  a  beneficial  influence 
on  the  bills  of  the  Ducks.  We  do  not  belieye  anything  will  remove  the 
black  spots.  Your  feeding  is  very  good,  and  the  birds  will  vet  increase 
in  weight.  You  are  fixing  a  great  task  when  you  seek  to  attain  18  lbs. 
the  pair. 

Hatching  Artificially  {A  Recent  Subscriber).— Whatever  the  source 
of  heat,  the  temperature  needed  is  the  same,  and  in  answer  to  your  query 
we  cannot  do  better Hhan  give  the  following  extract  from  our  "  Poultry- 
Keeper's  Manual :  "— "  Anything  will  make  a  hatching-machine  in  which 
the  temperature  can  be  kept  regularly  at  104-  or  105°.  The  commonest 
kitchen  oven  partly  filled  with  dry  sand,  and  kept  at  that  temperature, 
will  unfailingly  hatch  eggs.  It  can  be  done  with  greater  certainty  where 
gas  can  be  made  use  of.  Hatching  is  too  often  to  the  amateur  what 
marriage  is  said  to  be  to  a  man—  then  his  troubles  begin.  He  cannot 
make  a  mother.    An  incubator  is  useful  in  hot  weather  as  a  means  of 


providing  every  hen  with  a  large  brood  of  chickens,  but  the  artificial 
mother  is  not  equal  to  a  good  motherly  hen." 

Canker  in  Young  Pigeons,  &c.   (.4   Constant  Subscriber).— Apply  a 
strong  solution  of  alum  to  the  mouths  and  throats  of  the  birds  twice  a-day 
with  a  feather.    It  may  arise  from  bad  constitution,  or  the  parents  eating 
dirt  with  their  food,  or  drinking  bad  water.    Sand  on  the  floor  frequently 
changed  would  tend  to  diminish,  and  not  encourage,  vermin. 

Dried  Ash  Leaves  as  Provender  for  Cows  in  Winter  (S.I.— We 
have  made  inquiry  amongst  our  country  correspon dents  as  to  gathering 
and  drying  the  leaves  of  the  ash  for  winter  use,  but  we  cannot  learn  that 
the  practice  has  ever  been  adopted  in  England.  The  ash  plants  from 
which  the  leaves  are  taken  must  be  injured  in  conpequence,  and,  there- 
fore, we  cannot  recommend  the  practice  except  where  an  ash  coppice  is 
to  be  destroyed.  It  is  perfectly  right  to  endeavour  to  increase  the 
amount  of  fodder  for  the  ensuing  winter,  and  we  intend,  amongst  other 
things,  to  give  our  cows  a  quantity  of  cut  straw  mixed  with  other 
materials  from  the  miller,  and  to  eteani  the  whole,  avoiding  as  far  as 
possible  everything  likely  to  give  the  milk  a  taste. 


METEOROLOGICAL  OBSERVATIONS 
In  the  Suburbs  of  London  for  the  week  ending  July  26th. 


TSERMOMETEF 

Date. 

Air. 

Earth. 

Wind. 

Rain. 

Max. 

Mill. 

Max. 

Mtn. 

1  (t. 

2  ft. 

Wed...  20 

30.159 

30.099 

89 

51 

72 

63 

W. 

.00 

Thurs. .  21 

30.093 

80.043 

90 

50 

72 

63 

W. 

.00 

30.109 

30.079 

91 

57 

72 

64 

N.E. 

.00 

Sat.  ...  28 

30.061 

29  957 

82 

59 

73 

64 

E. 

.00 

Sim.  .  .  24 

29.946 

29.792 

84 

61 

70 

64 

S.b. 

.00 

Mon. . .  25 

29.789 

29.725 

87 

55 

69 

64 

S.E. 

•26 

Tues.    .  26 

29.859 

29.846 

81 

58 

06 

64 

S. 

.02 

Mean . . 

80.002 

29.9S4 

86.29 

55.71 

70.57 

63.71  j       .. 

0.28 

20. — Fine  ;  exceedingly  fine  ;  clear  and  fine  at  night. 
21. — Very  fine  ;  fine  and  very  hot ;  clear  and  fine. 
22.— Exceedingly  fine;  very  fine  ;  fine,  starlight, 
28. — Very  fine;  exceedingly  fine;  fine  and  clear. 
24. — Cloudy  but  fine  ;  very  fine  ;  clear  and  fine. 
25.— Fine  but  overcast ;  very  fine  ;  clear  and  fine. 
26. — Thunderstorm  ;  overcast,  very  damp ;  fine. 


COVENT  GARDEN  MARKET.— July  £7. 
Very  little  variation  is  to  be  noticed  here,  for  althoneh  there  is  a  large 
influx  of  soft  fruit,  the  market  is  well  attended  by  buyers  to  clear  it 
away.  The  demand  for  hothouse  produce,  however,  has  much  fallen  off, 
the  London  season  being  over.  In  the  Potato  market  we  find  a  difficulty 
in  meeting  with  good  rounds,  but  kidney  Borts  are  abundant  and  good. 


fl. 

J. 

R. 

d 

fl. 

d. 

H. 

.1 

Apples 

.  i  sieve 

1 

6  to  2 

0 

I) 

OtoO 

0 

2 

0 
6 

4 
1 

0 

8 

0 

l'l 

lb. 

.  bushel 

0 

0 

0 

n 

5 

fl 

15 

n 

>2 

0 

4 

i) 

Pears,  kitchen  .. 

n 

fl 

n 

n 

8 

II 

5 

ii 

s 

1) 

8 

ii 

3 
0 

0 

n 

6 
0 

0 
0 

2 

fl 

6 

D 

S 

l) 

n 

0 

9 

1 

n 

0 

1) 

n 

n 

0 

4 

0 

6 

lb. 

n 

8 

n 

t 

Grapes.  Hothouse lb. 

y 

n 

6 

0 

0 

8 

i 

Ii 

H 

0 

14 

(i 

0 

in 

0 

8 

0       5    0 
VEGET 

do 

...  V100 

i 

0 

•J 

0 

iBLES. 

B. 

a. 

fl. 

A 

H. 

d. 

B. 

ll 

8 

8 

0to6 
0       8 

0 
0 

0 
1 

4  to  0 
0       1 

fi 

Beans,  Kidney  . 

.  1  sieve. 

4 

0 

6 

n 

8 

fl 

4 

0 

.  bushel 

3 

II 

4 

ii 

MuBtard  &  Cress 

.punnet 

ll 

■ 

II 

0 

•/. 

n 

8 

0 

4 

fl 

II 

11 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

4 

(1 

s 

BniBsels  Spront 

. .  i  sieve 

0 

0 

II 

II 

S 

II 

0 

II 

1 

it 

1 

II 

I) 

V 

1 

II 

0 

0 

(1 

II 

1 

0 

1 

8 

II 

4 

(I 

H 

4 

II 

6 

II 

2 

(1 

8 

n 

6 

0 

8 

II 

1 

n 

» 

0 

Radishes  ..  doz. 

bunches 

1 

II 

fl 

II 

Coleworts..doz. 

bunches 

8 

n 

8 

n 

II 

fl 

0 

(1 

0 

6 

1 

6 

n 

fl 

0 

0 

2 

n 

4 

n 

ii 

(1 

1) 

II 

a 

0 

0 
8 

0 
0 

0 

n 

0 
A 

8 

0 

0 
0 

0 

0 
0 
8 

8 

8 
0 

0 
0 
B 

0 
0 
0 

Vegetable  Marrows .  .doz. 

1 
0 
4 

0 
6 
« 

3 

1 
0 

,  bundle 

Horseradish  ... 

0 

POULTRY  MARKET.— July  27. 
Prices  gradually  diminish,  and  will  do  so  for  a  short  time.    We  are  led 
by  the  change  that  is  coming  over  the  trade  to  think  of  Grouse ;  and 
then  we  shall  drift  on  to  Michaelmas. 


p.  d.  s.  d. 

LargeFowls 3  6to  4  0 

Smaller  ditto 3  0  3  6 

Chickens 2  0  2  6 

Dneks    2  0  2  6 

Geese 5  6  6  0 

Turkeys    0  0  0  0 


s.  d.      s.  d. 

Guinea  Fowls 0    0  to  0    0 

Pigeons     0    8 

Rabbits 1    ' 

Wild  ditto    0 

Hares    0 

Partridges   0 


8 

0 

9 

4 

1 

6 

8 

II 

'.I 

0 

(1 

11 

0 

0 

0 

August  4,  1870.  ] 


JOUKNAL   OF   HOETICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENEK. 


77 


WEEKLY 

CALENDAR. 

Day 

of 

Month 

Day 

of 

Week. 

AUGUST  4—10,  1870. 

Average    Tempera- 
tare  near  London. 

Rain  in 
last 

IS  years. 

Sun 
RiseB. 

Sun 
Sets. 

Moon 
Rises. 

Moon 
Sets. 

Moon's 
Age. 

Clock 
before 
Sun. 

Day 

of 
Year. 

4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 

Th 

F 

S 

Sun 

M 

To 

W 

Stafford  Horticultural  Show. 
East  Neok  of  Fife  Horticultural  Show. 
Duke  of  Edinburgh  Born,  1844. 
B  Sunday  after  Trinity. 
Length  of  day  14h.  58m. 

Anniversary    Meeting    of   Royal   Botanic 
[Society. 

Dav. 

75.9 
74  5 
7S.2 
74.6 
74.5 
74.9 
75.1 

Night. 
50.6 
50.9 
50.8 
50.9 
49.4 
49.6 
51.9 

Mean. 

62.8 

62.7 

62.0 

62.7 

61.9 

62.2 

68.5 

Days. 
17 
19 
21 

16 
18 
16 
19 

m.      h. 
30af4 
31      4 
33      4 
35      4 
86      4 
38      4 
40      4 

m.      b. 
41af7 
40      7 
38      7 
86      7 
84      7 
82      7 
31      7 

m.      b. 
after. 
24        2 
40       3 
53       4 
56       5 
47       6 
27        7 

m.     h. 
lOafll 
40    11 
morn. 
IS      0 
4      1 
1      2 
6      3 

Days. 

31 

8 
9 
10 

11 

12 
13 

m.    s. 
5    51 
5    46 
5    39 
5    33 
5    25 
5    17 
5      8 

216 
217 
218 
219 
220 
221 
222 

From  observations  taken  near  London  during  the  last  forty-three  years,  the  average  day  temperature  of  the  week  is  74.6:>,  and  its  night 
temperature  50.6".      The  greatest  heat  was  93  ,  on  the  10th,  1842;  and  the  lowest  cold  35°,  on  the  4th,  1865.     The  greatest  fall  of  rain  was 
1.08  inch. 

PEA  CULTURE. 

**  O  generally  recognised  is  the  importance  of 
obtaining  a  supply  of  Peas  as  early  in  the 
season  as  possible,  that  any  mode  of  cultiva- 
tion tending  to  do  away  with  the  feeling  of 
uncertainty  respecting  the  success  of  the 
first  sowings  is  worthy  of  attention.  I  will 
therefore  describe,  long  before  such  sowings 
should  be  made,  a  method  by  which  I  have 
been  very  successful. 

A  mode  of  culture  now  somewhat  obsolete, 
but  wliich,  notwithstanding  its  speculative  character,  has 
still  its  advocates,  was  to  make  the  first  sowing  in  Novem- 
ber, some  sowing  on  a  warm  sheltered  border,  while  others 
having  greater  resources  sowed  a  double  quantity — half  on 
the  south  side  of  a  wall  and  half  in  a  more  exposed  situa- 
tion. In  mild  winters  the  sowing  on  the  warm  sheltered 
border  would  grow  so  fast,  and  become  so  tender,  that  the 
first  sharp  frost  would  be  sure  to  destroy  it.  A  row  or  two 
in  the  open  ground,  across  one  of  the  garden  squares,  had 
a  much  greater  chance  of  success.  This  success,  however, 
was  never  certain ;  even  if  the  Peas  escaped  the  ravages  of 
the  mice  and  the  tender  attentions  of  the  sparrows— to  say 
nothing  of  the  operations  of  snails,  which,  concealed  from 
view,  made  their  Christmas  dinner  off  the  abundance  of 
rich  succulent  matter  with  which  the  gardener  had  so 
abundantly  stored  their  winter  quarters — the  chilly  blasts 
of  lingering  winter  or  tardy  spring  frequently  destroyed 
the  young  plants. 

The  way  in  which  I  have  avoided  all  this  uncertainty 
and  loss  has  been  by  sowing  in  boxes  made  in  the  following 
manner : — Some  half-inch  deal  boards,  9  inches  wide,  were 
sawn  in  halves,  and  cut  into  lengths  of  3  feet  for  the 
sides,  and  smaller  lengths  of  5  inches  for  the  ends  ;  these 
were  nailed  together,  and  thus  a  number  of  narrow  frames 
were  formed,  each  measuring  4  inches  wide,  44/  inches 
deep,  and  8  feet  long.  Pieces  of  board  were  next  cut  of  a 
suitable  size  to  form  a  bottom  to  each  frame.  The  loose 
bottom  boards  were  ranged  side  by  side  on  a  warm  sheltered 
border,  and  the  frames  placed  on  them,  and  filled  with  rich 
soil,  in  which  the  Peas  were  sown  in  the  second  week  in 
January.  I  may  say  I  was  pleased  with  the  plan  so  far. 
but  then  came  the  thought.  "  How  about  the  mice  and 
sparrows  9  "  True,  I  could  defy  the  sparrows  by  placing 
some  netting  over  the  boxes  ;  but  then  netting  is  no  pro- 
tection against  mice,  and  I  began  to  fear  for  the  result, 
when  I  suddenly  remembered  that  I  had  nearly  100  feet  of 
glass  on  hand,  in  squares  !ti  by  /A  inches,  just  a  handy 
size  for  the  purpose.  Nothing  could  be  better  ;  the  entire 
surface  of  the  soil  in  the  boxes  was  at  once  covered  with 
the  sheet  glass,  which  not  only  protected  the  Peas,  but  the 
soil  was  warmed  by  the  sun  heat  it  transmitted,  and  the 
seed  vegetated  very  quickly.  The  glass  was  allowed  to 
remain  till  it  was  fairly  lifted  up  by  the  young  growth, 
when  it  was  removed,  and  laid  flat  on  the  soil  over 
another  crop  which  had,  meanwhile,  been  sown  in  the 
open  garden.  As  crop  followed  crop,  the  glass  was  kept 
constantly  in  use  with  the   best  possible  results.    The 

No.  488,-Vol.  XIX.,  New  Series. 


mice  were  decidedly  puzzled,  traces  of  them  were  visible 
at  places  along  the  edges  of  the  glass  where  they  had 
tried  to  burrow  underneath,  but  the  labour  was  evidently 
too  great  for  one  night's  work,  and  before  the  next  night 
the  holes  were  filled  up  and  traps  set.  Should  any  of 
your  readers  adopt  this  means  of  protection  (and  I  would 
strongly  recommend  it  to  all  whose  crops  suffer  from  the 
depredations  of  sparrows  and  mice),  they  will  find  the  size 
of  squares  I  have  mentioned  the  best  for  laying  lengthwise 
over  rows  of  Peas. 

When  the  drills  are  drawn,  if  the  soil  is  found  to  be  at 
all  dry,  it  is  necessary  to  give  a  thorough  watering  after 
the  Peas  are  sown  before  laying  on  the  glass.  If  the  glass 
is  used  for  the  summer  sowings  it  must  be  removed  imme- 
diately after  the  young  growth  becomes  visible,  as  the  sun 
is  then  so  powerful  that  it  will  burn  the  tops  of  the  young 
plants  if  they  be  suffered  to  come  in  contact  with  the 
glass. 

To  return  to  the  first  crop  in  the  boxes.  When  the  glass 
was  taken  off,  as  the  plants  were  somewhat  tender  and, 
consequently,  likely  to  suffer  from  frost,  stumps  were 
driven  in  the  ground  on  each  side  of  the  boxes,  and  some 
slight  poles  laid  across  and  nailed  to  the  tops  of  the  stumps, 
thus  forming  a  light  framework  a  few  inches  above  the 
Peas,  on  which  a  couple  of  thatched  hurdles  were  placed 
nightly  and  during  snowy  weather.  As  an  instance  of  the 
utility  of  the  thatched  hurdles,  I  may  mention  a  fall  of 
snow  'Z  inches  deep  on  the  night  of  March  12th  :  the  morn- 
ing of  the  13th  being  clear  and  bright,  the  hurdles  with 
their  load  of  snow  were  lifted  off,  and  so  the  Peas  enjoyed 
the  genial  sunshine  while  other  things  were  buried  under 
the  snow. 

The  spring  of  this  year  was  so  cold  and  changeable  that 
the  Peas  were  not  turned  out  of  the  boxes  till  April  1st, 
when  a  narrow  trench  was  made  to  which  they  were  taken 
one  by  one,  the  loose  bottoms  removed,  and  the  sides, 
after  a  slight  shake,  lifted  up,  leaving  the  Peas  in  the  trench, 
where  the  lengths  were  fitted  against  each  other,  form- 
ing one  long  row.  The  soil  was  a  mass  of  roots,  so  that 
the  wooden  sides  were  drawn  off  without  any  mishap. 

After  the  Peas  were  planted  out  the  frames  were  again 
placed  on  their  moveable  bottoms,  filled  with  soil  in  which 
some  dwarf  Kidney  Beans  were  sown,  and  set  under  the 
stage  of  a  vinery  at  work.  In  six  days  the  cotyledons 
were  to  be  seen  forcing  their  way  through  the  soil,  and  the 
young  plants  were  at  once  taken  out  of  the  vinery,  and  the 
boxes  once  more  'occupied  their  original  position.  The 
Beans  were  protected  for  awhile  at  night  by  the  hurdles, 
and  at  length  turned  out  in  a  warm  border.  Thus 
two  early  crops  were  obtained  by  means  of  these  useful 
boxes. 

In  concluding  this  paper,  a  few  remarks  on  Pea-culture 
generally  may  not  be  out  of  place.  One  of  the  chief  points 
is  the  maintenance  of  a  constant  supply  of  young  Peas 
throughout  the  season,  and  as  an  important  means  to  this 
end,  well-tried  sorts  only  should  be  selected.  If  novelties 
are  cared  for  (and  they  should  certainly  have  a  trial),  a 
small  quantity  may  be  sown,  but  they  should  form  no 
link  in  the  regular  cropping.    Dwarf-growing  kinds  are, 

No.  1140— Vol.  XLIV.,  Old  Series. 


78 


JOURNAL  OF  HOBTICULTUBE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


I  August  4, 1870. 


as  a  rule,  best  suited  for  small  gardens,  but  in  large  gardens 
the  tall  kinds  are  best. 

In  making  a  selection  of  the  best  sorts,  to  be  sown  in  the 
order  in  which  they  are  named,  I  would  choose  Ringleader, 
Climax,  Laxton's  Prolifio,  Champion  of  England,  King  of  the 
Marrows,  British  Queen,  Veitch's  Perfection,  and  Ringleader 
again  for  a  very  late  sowing.  As  to  the  time  of  sowing,  monthly 
sowings  should  be  made  in  January,  February,  and  March,  and 
fortnightly  sowings  in  April,  May,  and  June ;  after  which  time 
two  or  three  successive  sowings  of  Veitch's  Perfection  and 
Ringleader  are  useful  to  prolong  the  season  should  it  prove 
favourable. 

Peas  flourish  best  in  a  deep  rich  soil,  in  which  the  roots 
penetrate  to  a  great  depth,  and,  therefore,  wherever  the  soil  is 
poor  or  very  light,  and  manure  scarce,  the  latter  should  be  put 
in  trenches  as  for  Celery  plants,  and  the  Peas  sown  in  the  soil 
covering  it.  A  thin  dressing  of  manure  spread  over  the  sur- 
face of  the  soil  and  forked  in,  will  be  of  very  little  service  to 
the  Peas.  As  I  have  found  it  necessary  to  nse  trenches  for 
Peas  in  the  garden  here,  the  plan  followed  is,  when  arranging 
the  ground  for  cropping  in  spring,  to  leave  spaces  about  20  feet 
apart  across  the  garden  squares,  each  space  to  be  occupied  by 
a  single  row  of  Peas.  The  trenches  are  opened,  the  dung 
wheeled  in,  and  the  whole  of  the  spaces  fully  prepared  before 
spring  comes  on,  so  that  nothing  is  left  to  be  done  when  the 
Peas  are  sown  but  to  draw  the  drills  in  the  usual  way.  I  have 
now  a  large  breadth  of  Potatoes  intersected  in  this  manner 
with  rows  of  Peas,  and  as  the  crops  are  all  flourishing  and  the 
Pea  rows  at  a  uniform  distance  from  each  other,  the  whole  has 
a  very  neat  appearance. — Edward  Luckhubst,  Egerton  House 
Gardens,  Kent, 

A  PLEA  FOR  DOUBLE- FLOWERED 
PELARGONIUMS  AS  BEDDERS. 
"They  will  never  do  as  bedders,"  is  the  remark  one  con- 
stantly hears  concerning  these  brilliant  novelties.  "  They  are 
so  scant  in  their  flowering,  and  they  are  so  thick  in  the  truss, 
that  they  will  be  matted  together  like  the  Hollyhock  in  wet 
weather."  And  so  I  thought  too,  but  a  little  longer  experience 
has  caused  me  to  alter  my  opinion,  and  I  am  now  inclined  to 
think  that  in  a  little  time  they  will  become  very  great  favourites. 
We  shall  have  to  discard  the  originator  of  the  new  strain  Gloire 
de  Nancy,  and  any  others  that  partake  of  its  very  gross  habit ; 
but  we  are  gradually  obtaining  varieties  of  a  dwarfer  habit,  and 
it  is  to  these  I  look.  I  have  a  long  border  running  down  my 
small  lawn,  and  have  planted  in  it  various  kinds  of  Pelargo- 
niums, dividing  the  sorts  with  a  band  of  Perilla.  We  had 
heavy  rain  on  two  days,  but  on  looking  down  the  border  on  the 
evening  of  the  second  day,  my  eye  rested  at  once  on  the  greenest 
and  most  brilliant-looking  spot  in  it — where  some  of  the 
doubles  were  planted ;  the  rain  had  not  injured  them,  and  their 
large,  massive  trusses  shone  out  above  the  green  foliage.  When 
I  say  that  I  had  in  this  border  Exoellent,  Lord  Derby,  Editor, 
Sir  Fitzroy  Kelly,  Chieftain,  and  Miss  Martin,  I  think  this  is 
saying  something  for  it ;  and  when  we  can  multiply  such  kinds 
as  Wilhelm  Pfitzer  and  Marie  Lemoine,  they  will  form  striking 
objects,  while  in  a  dry  season,  such  as  we  had  last  year,  they 
are  admirable.  There  are  no  seed  pods,  and  the  bed  is  there- 
Sore  not  disfigured  by  them,  so  that  as  the  propagating  season 
has  now  begun  I  would  suggest  a  trial  being  made,  and  I  do  not 
fancy  those  who  may  make  it  will  be  disappointed. — D.,  Deal. 


BERBERIS  DARWINII. 

Or  the  hardy  berry-bearing  shrubs  that  are  commonly  grown 
for  pleasure-ground  ornamentation,  there  is  none  that  I  have 
seen  to  equal  Berberis  Darwinii.  It  is  Bukable  for  very  nearly 
any  position,  it  will  stand  wind  and  wet  well,  is  perfectly 
hardy,  and  is  very  attractive  at  all  times.  Since  its  orna- 
mental qualities  have  become  better  known  I  see  it  is  being 
used  in  park  planting;  a  group  of  from  seven  to  twenty  or 
more  plants  will  in  a  comparatively  short  space  of  time  form 
an  almost  impenetrable  thicket  of  wood  and  foliage,  the 
branches  growing  close  to  the  ground.  Its  orange-coloured 
flowers  are  produced  in  great  profusion,  and  it  is  then  a  con- 
spicuous and  ornamental  object  when  viewed  from  a  distance  ; 
and  afterwards  its  slate-coloured  berries,  which  are  as  nume- 
rous as  its  flowers,  make  the  plant  not  less  attractive  to  the 
passer-by. 

In  my  opinion  one  of  the  most  suitable  positions  that  can 
be  assigned  to  such  a  desirable  shrub  is  by  the  side  of  a  car- 


riage drive,  whether  planted  singly  or  in  groups  of  three  plants 
here  and  there,  and  associated  with  tall9r-growing  plants. 
Where  circumstances  are  favourable  to  such  an  arrangement, 
I  think  it  will  not  fail  to  please.  Of  course  in  such  positions 
a  good-sized  bushy  plant  rather  than  a  very  tall  one  will  be  the 
best  to  grow,  but  as  its  habit  is  favourable,  and  its  growth 
vigorous,  these  proportions  will  soon  be  reached.  A  little 
guiding,  however,  will  be  necessary,  by  giving  an  annual  pruning 
of  all  gross  shoots,  which  the  plant  is  apt  to  throw  np  after 
it  has  become  established.  This  pruning  will  favour  the  pro- 
duction of  flowers  and,  consequently,  fruit,  beoause  it  is  on  the 
medium-sized  wood  that  these  are  most  abundantly  formed. 

This  beautiful  Berberis  is  often  to  be  seen  growing  at  the 
front  of  Bhrubbery  borders,  or  round  the  margin  of  shrubbery 
beds.  These  I  consider  are  very  suitable  and  proper  places  for 
such  a  useful  plant.  The  plants  are  here  growing  in  such 
positions  in  great  numbers,  and  nothing  oould  better  suit  the 
purpose  for  which  they  were  planted.  I  do  not  advise  planting 
them  as  some  do  in  the  background  of  a  shrubbery  bed  or 
border,  among  coarser-growing  subjects ;  they  are  there  seldom 
fit  to  be  seen,  and  are  in  time  quite  overgrown  by  their  more 
vigorous  associates. 

To  keep  the  plants  in  good  health,  the  surface  soil  around 
them  should  never  be  dug,  but  only  stirred,  as  the  roots  are 
very  near  the  surface.  There  are  few  places  where  this  Berberis 
thrives  better  than  it  does  here,  in  a  very  heavy  loamy  soil  ap- 
proaching a  clay.  Although  it  will  thrive  tolerably  well  in  a 
light  soil,  I  consider  a  heavy  one  the  most  suitable  ;  the  foliage 
is  then  darker,  and  the  colour  of  the  flowers  a  beautiful  orange 
yellow. — Thomas  Record,  Lillesden. 


NEW  AMERICAN  POTATOES. 
In  April  last  I  planted  1  lb.  each  of  Bresee's  King  of  the 
Earlies  (four  Potatoes,  sixteen  sets),  and  Climax  (three  Po- 
tatoes, twenty-three  sets),  and  have  taken  up  the  produce 
to-day  (July  25tb),  with  the  following  results — King  of  the 
Earlies,  18}  lbs.,  largest  Potato,  5 J  ozb.,  many  about  that  size; 
Climax,  39}  lbs.,  largest  14  ozs.,  no  other  near  that  size. — 
W.  J.  S.,  Devon.        

PRUNING  ORNAMENTAL  TREES  AND  SHRUBS. 

No.  S. 
Portugal  Laurel. — Under  most  conditions  this  is  a  handsome 
shrub,  but  is  never  so  fine  as  when  subjected  to  judicious, 
timely  pruning.  It  requires  plenty  of  room,  light,  and  air, 
though,  with  pruning  at  an  early  stage  of  growth,  and  con- 
tinued annually  or  biennially,  it  may  be  kept  in  comparatively 
small  space.  In  shrubberies,  however,  the  plants  ought  not  to 
be  very  closely  pruned,  but  I  consider  it  necessary  to  go  over 
them  every  spring  and  well  cut  back  any  irregularities  ;  indeed, 
whenever  there  is  very  free  growth  the  shoots,  from  being  long, 
are  apt  to  start  from  the  points  only,  and  the  tree  beoomes 
open  and  bare  of  foliage  unless  the  long  annual  shoots  are 
pruned  in  well  every  spring.  If  height  be  wanted,  the  prun- 
ing may  be  confined  to  the  sides  of  the  tree,  but  I  would, 
nevertheless,  shorten  the  shoots  near  the  top,  as  stronger, 
more  regular  growths  are  produced  from  the  ripe  than  the 
sappy  points  of  the  shoots.  Should  the  trees  have  become  too 
large,  they  may  be  cut  back  to  the  size  required,  and  in  a  year 
or  two  they  will  exhibit  a  close  leafy  growth.  When  of  the 
desired  size  the  pruning  should  be  performed  every  year  in 
April,  cutting  off  most  of  the  preceding  year's  growth,  which 
will  be  replaced  by  that  of  the  current  year.  Of  course,  where 
there  is  room,  all  the  pruning  required  is  confined  to  cutting 
off  any  growths  likely  to  interfere  with  the  symmetry  of  the 
tree. 

Standard  Portugal  Laurels  have  so  close  a  resemblance  to 
the  Orange  and  Sweet  Bay,  that  unless  closely  examined  by  a 
practised  eye  they  are  hardly  distinguishable  ;  but  it  is  seldom 
we  see  Orange  trees  so  leafy  and  healthy  as  to  be  presentable 
as  summer  ornaments  in  English  gardens.  Portugal  Laurels, 
on  the  contrary,  are  quite  hardy,  and  succeed  both  in  summer 
and  winter  in  all  but  very  bleak  situations,  being,  in  point 
of  hardiness,  vastly  superior  to  the  Sweet  Bay,  which  only 
succeeds  in  warm  situations  :  hence  the  neoessity  of  growing 
the  latter  in  tubs  for  removal  in  winter  to  a  place  of  shelter. 

Portugal  Laurels  grown  as  standards  may  have  stems  of  any 
height,  but  I  consider  3  or  4  feet  sufficient.  The  plants  in- 
tended for  standards  should  be  trained  with  one  straight  clear 
stem,  and  those  raised  from  seed  are  to  be  preferred.    To  give 


August  4,  1870.  ] 


JOUKNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


79 


stability  to  the  stem  it  is  well  not  to  cut  away  the  side  shoots, 
nor  shorten  them  very  closely  until  the  required  length  of  stem 
is  obtained,  as  well  as  a  head  large  enough  to  shield  it  from 
the  sun,  or  say  of  2  feet  in  diameter.  The  leader  must,  of 
coarse,  be  stopped  when  it  attains  the  height  desired,  and  the 
shoots  that  result  from  the  stopping  should  have  their  points 
taken  out  when  they  have  grown  6  inches,  and  I  would  again 
stop  them  when  that  length  of  fresh  shoot  is  made  ;  for,  thongh 
we  may  obtain  a  larger  spread  of  head  in  the  first  two  or  three 
years  by  allowing  the  shoots  to  grow  at  will,  or  with  but  little 
shortening  the  first  few  seasons,  the  head  will  be  for  the  moet 
part  bare  of  foliage  near  the  stem,  and  to  clothe  them  there 
we  have  to  begin  over  again.  On  the  other  hand,  by  attending 
to  the  stopping  of  the  shoots  in  the  first  instance,  we  secure  a 
close  leafy  growth  from  the  first,  and  maintain  it  by  a  system 
of  close  pruning.  Thus,  though  the  annual  progress  may 
appear  small,  the  trees  from  the  first  are  compact. 

The  first  shoots  should  be  brought  down  at  the  end  of  Bum- 
mer to  a  horizontal  position,  and  be  secured  with  matting  to 
the  stem.  Unless  this  be  done  they  have  a  tendency  directly 
upwards,  and  once  they  are  allowed  to  take  this  direction  it  is 
difficult  to  get  the  side  shoots  sufficiently  low  to  hide  the 
setting-on  of  the  head  ;  but  when  the  shoots  have  an  outward 
tendency  it  is  easy  to  maintain  that  character  of  growth. 
When  the  head  has  grown  to  the  size  already  stated,  the  shoots 
on  the  stem  should  be  gradually  removed,  and  finally  cut  off 
close  to  the  stem,  and  by  a  clean  cut  with  a  knife;  thongh 
allowed  to  remain  for  a  time,  they  must  always  be  kept  second- 
ary to  the  head  by  close  stopping.  Another  point  to  be  at- 
tended to  is  keeping  the  head  fiat  or  table-like  for  a  few  seasons  ; 
therefore,  the  shoots  produced  on  the  top  of  the  head  must  be 
more  closely  stopped  than  those  at  the  sides,  so  as  to  cause 
more  vigorous  growth  outwards  or  at  the  sides.  When  the 
desired  breadth  of  base  is  secured  the  centre  can  soon  be  filled 
np,  as  the  growth  is  always  more  free  in  that  part  than  in  the 
horizontal  6ide  branches.  Nevertheless,  we  must  not  allow 
the  centre  to  fill  up  too  quickly,  but  by  frequently  stopping 
and  shortening  the  shoots  we  must  endeavour  to  secure  a  close 
growth,  which  is  very  important  in  geometrical  and  architec- 
tural gardens. 

The  form  of  head  is  a  matter  of  taste.  Half  spheres  are  pretty, 
and  pyramidal  heads  are  effective,  whilst  columns  but  little 
wider  at  the  base  than  at  the  top  are  equally  desirable.  I  may 
be  thought  restricted  in  my  views,  but  I  cannot  forbear  express- 
ing my  admiration  of  a  fine  line  of  Portugal  Laurels  on  stems 
of  equal  height,  and  with  symmetrical,  even-sized  heads,  on  a 
wide  terrace  of  velvety  lawn,  green  to  their  trunks,  and  with  a 
wide  walk  running  between  tbem — a  line  being  on  each  side  of 
the  walk.  When  desirable  the  plants  may  be  in  tubs,  but 
they  do  not  grow  so  well  in  this  way  as  when  planted  out,  and 
it  is  necessary  to  protect  the  tubs  with  straw  in  very  severe 
weather,  otherwise  the  roots  will  be  injured,  and  in  the  case  of 
standards  the  stems  require  to  be  wrapped  round  with  hay- 
bands  to  preserve  them  from  severe  frosts.  In  bleak  exposed 
situations  they  should  bo  removed  to  a  sheltered  position  in 
winter. 

The  Sweet  Bay  is  one  of  the  best  of  all  trees  for  forming 
pyramids,  and  even  standards,  but  except  in  warm  situations  it 
does  not  succeed  in  tubs  in  our  climate,  requiring  protection  in 
winter.  Standards,  as  a  rule,  are  not  generally  successful ;  pyra- 
mids are  much  to  be  preferred.  They  are  formed  in  much  the 
same  way  as  pyramidal  Hollies,  and  the  same  remarks  apply 
to  pyramidal  Portugal  Laurels  :  therefore  it  will  be  needless  to 
give  further  instructions  for  their  formation,  and  I  shall  dis- 
miss them  by  stating  that  in  winter  Sweet  Bays  should  have  a 
warm  sheltered  position,  the  tubs  being  well  mulched  round 
with  dry  litter,  and  in  case  of  very  severe  weather  they  would 
be  the  better  of  a  cool  house. 

Laurustinus  is  another  of  those  subjects  which  form  handsome 
pyramids  and  dwarf  standards,  and  these,  in  their  formation, 
require  the  same  treatment  as  Hollies.  The  best  time  to  prune 
them  is  immediately  the  flowering  is  past,  and  then  they  may 
be  cut  in  little  or  much  as  required.  When  grown  in  tubs  they 
require  to  have  a  sheltered  position,  and  in  severe  weather 
protection  like  the  Portugal  Laurel  and  Sweet  Bay ;  indeed,  they 
are  well  worthy  of  glass  protection,  and  are  much  in  demand 
on  the  Continent  both  for  out-door  and  in-door  decoration. 
The  Laurustinus  is  well  suited  for  the  decoration  of  corridors, 
halls,  and  cool  conservatories  during  the  winter  months.  They 
are  fine  whether  grown  in  pots  or  tubs. 

Box  is  not  much  in  repute,  except  for  general  purposes  in 
shrubberies,  though  for  forming  small  cones,  and  for  bushes  of 


any  form,  there  are  few  trees  to  equal  it.  Box  trees  thus 
trained  have  the  disadvantage  of  becoming  loose  and  open, 
and  that,  too,  when  of  considerable  size  ;  but  this  might  have 
been  remedied  by  commencing  the  pruning  in  the  early  stages 
of  the  plant's  growth,  and  continuing  it  annually,  so  that  the 
growth  becomes  stiff  and  branched  instead  of  long  and  but 
little  forked.  The  main  point  to  be  attended  to  is  to  well 
furnish  the  plants  at  the  base ;  to  secure  their  being  so 
cut-in  the  upper  part  more  than  the  lower,  and  thin  out  the 
shoots  in  the  thick  parts,  so  as  to  encourage  the  growth  of  the 
thin.  If  that  be  attended  to  once  a-year,  or  even  every  two 
years,  the  trees  will  be  very  regular  and  close.  If  the  lower 
parts  are  very  weak  and  thin,  it  is  advisable  to  leave  them  al- 
most entire,  only  cutting  off  the  long  straggling  parts  ;  but 
the  upper  portion  of  the  plant  should  be  cut-in  closely  a  fort- 
night or  three  weeks  after  the  lower  part  is  pruned. 

The  best  time  to  prune  is  in  May  or  early  in  June  in  moist 
weather.  At  that  time  the  trees  may  be  cut-in  to  any  extent, 
and  will  soon  push  again,  and  be  quite  green  before  winter. 
Any  irregularities  of  growth  may  be  removed  in  August  or 
early  in  September.  The  pruning,  of  course,  must  be  such  as 
to  allow  a  progressive  growth ;  but  when  the  trees  are  of  the 
size  required  they  should  annually  be  cut-in  closely,  or,  if  the 
growth  is  weak,  every  alternate  year  will  be  sufficient.  Those 
which  are  of  weak  growth  ought  to  be  pruned  earlier  than  those 
which  are  strong,  as  by  pruning  the  latter  after  they  have 
made  some  growth  they  do  not  get  so  strong  as  when  pruned 
while  at  rest.  Pruning  when  a  tree  or  shrub  is  at  rest,  is 
favourable  to  an  increased  vigour,  but  pruning  a  growing  tree 
has  a  contrary  effect. 

The  beBt  kind  of  Box  for  pyramids,  bushes,  and  trees,  is  the 
Tree  Box,  which  in  some  soils  and  situations  attains  a  con- 
siderable size,  and  is  a  handsome  tree.  The  best  variety  of  it 
for  pyramids  is  pjramidalis  ;  and  B.  balearica,  the  Minorca 
Box,  is  good.  The  silver-variegated  and  the  gold-variegated 
form  fine  busheB  and  pyramids  for  the  winter  decoratiun  of  the 
flower  garden  ;  in  summer,  even,  they  have  not  a  bad  effect  as 
neutrals,  as  centres  to  large  beds  or  detached. 

Box  makeB  an  excellent  low  screen,  being  better  for  the  pur- 
pose than  either  Yew  or  Holly,  being  more  easily  kept  in  form. 

Common  Laurel. — I  can  say  but  little  of  its  merits  for  train- 
ing as  a  cone  or  pyramid,  but  those  who  wish  it  in  these  forms 
may  pursue  the  treatment  recommended  for  the  Portugal 
Laurel. — G.  Abbey. 


"REDCARRE,  A  POOR  FYSHER  TOWNE." 
That  is  the  description  in  one  of  the  Cotton  MSS.  in  the 
British  Museum,  of  the  place  whence  I  am  now  writing,  and  the 
MS.  proceeds  saying,  "  The  sea  shells  and  sand  serve  instead 
of  marie  to  enrich  the  land,  which  is  fruitfull  of  itself,  but 
much  bettered  by  the  neighbourhood  of  the  sea,  makynge  the 
good  husbandes  of  the  lowe  grounds  fatt  in  the  purse,  and 
merry  in  the  hearte."  The  said  sea-sands,  however,  and  they 
are  vast,  do  not  so  benefit  and  make  merry  the  denizens  in 
Redcar.  I  have  read  of  sand  storms  and  sand-buried  cities  in 
the  East ;  I  have  been  dredged  thoroughly  with  the  red  sand 
of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  ;  I  have  been  near  the  exhumed 
Cornish  church,  Peranzabuloe,  but  never  until  I  rested  at 
Redcar  could  I  realise  the  silent  conquests  by  the  sand. 
Whilst  I  write  a  half-gale  from  the  north-east  is  blowing,  no 
clouds  of  sand  are  raised,  but  it  flows  in  ripples  along  the 
ground  and  rapidly  accumulates  in  heaps  againBt  any  opposing 
object,  and  soon  forms  a  hillock.  The  scavengers  are  now 
carting  away  loads  that  accumulated  in  one  mound  before  the 
window  where  I  am  now  sitting.  A  former  visitor  was  simi- 
larly surprised  at  this  rapid  sand-accumulation,  and  not  seeing 
any  mode  of  rescue,  on  asking  a  man  how  he  extricated  his 
cottage  from  the  sand,  he  felt  rather  humiliated  by  the  rep.y — 
"  Why,  I  shovels  it  away." 

"  The  husbandes  of  the  lowe  grounds  " — the  Cleveland  Vale — 
will  this  year  be  "  fatt  in  the  purse  and  merry  in  the  hearte," 
if  the  weather  of  harvest-time  be  propitiouB,  for  never  did  I 
look  upon  heavier  unlaid  crops  of  Wheat  and  Oats,  better- 
podded  Beans  and  Peas,  or  more  perfect  plants  of  Swedish 
Turnips.  I  remember  the  time  when  a  field  of  Swedes  was 
very  rare,  but  now  white  Turnips  are  the  rarity.  Winter  keep, 
therefore,  will  not  fail  the  noble  Teeswater,  or  Holderness  kine 
which  prevail  along  this  valley.  "  The  sea-shells  and  sand,"  I  am 
pleased  to  see,  are  not  the  only  enrichers  now  from  the  sea  used 
by  the  Cleveland  "  husbandes,"  for  I  see  pastures  recently  and 
judiciously  sprinkled  over  with  sea-weeds.  I  say  "  judiciously," 


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[  August  4,  1370. 


because  they  are  so  thinly  scattered  as  to  shade  and  shelter 
but  not  to  blanch  the  grass.  Their  saline  and  organic  con- 
stituents gradually  fertilise  the  soil. 

Let  it  not  be  supposed  from  the  quotation  with  which  I  have 
headed  these  notes,  that  I  consider  it  still  applicable.  Those 
words  might  have  been  appropriate  two  centuries  since,  but 
they  are  used  by  me  only  as  a  striking  contrast  to  a  fair  de- 
scription of  Redcar,  as  it  is  now  a  thriving,  increasing  town, 
supplied  with  all  the  requisites  of  a  sea-bathing  resort,  and  with 
unsurpassable  sands  for  exercise.  On  foot,  on  horseback,  or 
in  a  carriage,  those  firm  stoneless  sands,  hundreds  of  yards 
wide,  and  more  than  seven  miles  in  length,  may  be  traversed. 
Many  places  of  interest,  too,  are  within  easily-reached  distance 
on  foot,  by  railway,  and  by  carriage,  but  at  present  I  must  con- 
fine my  notes  to  one  day's  stroll. 

That  stroll  was  to  Kirkleatham  and  a  few  miles  beyond,  little 
expecting  to  find  hereabouts  monuments — worthy  monuments, 
of  a  Lord  Mayor  of  London  ;  yet  in  the  church  there  rests  Sir 
William  Turner,  chief  magistrate  of  your  city  in  1669,  one  of 
its  most  wealthy  merchants,  and  the  frequent  creditor  of 
Charles  II.  He  founded  at  Kirkleatham  a  noble  hospital  for 
aged  men,  aged  women,  and  children;  a  museum,  a  library, 
and  a  free  grammar  school,  but  this  last-named  is  now  rebuilt 
at  Redcar.  I  presume  he  was  a  native  of  Kirkleatham,  and  I 
was  well  pleased  to  rest  beneath  venerable  trees  whose  shade 
he  must  have  often  enjoyed.  Not  many  years  since  one  of 
their  companions  was  felled,  and  then  rifted  for  firewood,  in 
doing  which  the  heart  of  the  tree  turned  out  entire,  and  on  it, 
spirally  written,  were  these  two  lines — 

"  This  tree  long  witness  bear, 
Two  true  lovers  did  walk  here." 

The  portion  of  the  tree  with  its  inscription  is  preserved  in  the 
Turner  Museum  I  have  mentioned.  The  inscription  is  perfectly 
legible,  and  is  literally  as  follows — 

"  This  tre  lovng  time  witnes  beare 
Of  tow  lovers  that  did  walk  heare." 

A  poet  has  written  on  this  theme,  but  I  will  only  quote  the 
first  and  last  verses  : — 

"  Long  the  wintry  tempests  braving, 
Still  this  short  inscription  keep ; 
Still  preserve  this  rude  engraving, 
On  thy  bark  imprinted  deep — 
*  This  tree  long  time  witness  bear, 
Two  true  lovers  did  walk  here.' 
On  thy  yielding  bark  engraving 

Now,  in  short,  our  tender  tale ; 
Long,  time's  roughest  tempest  braving, 

Spread  thy  branches  to  the  gale  ; 
And  for  ages  witness  bear, 
'  Two  true  lovers  did  walk  here.' " 

Passing  on  I  soon  reached  Wilton  Castle,  a  residence  of  Sir 
Charles  Lowther,  Bart.  The  village  is  within  the  park's 
boundary,  and  if  any  one  wishes  to  see  model  cottages,  church, 
and  graveyard,  they  are  there.  Never  did  I  see  such  appro- 
priate, uniform  neatness.  The  cottages  are  examples  of  clean- 
liness and  comfort,  they  make  one  feel  how  such  dwellings  must 
tend  to  promote  a  love  of  home  and  self-respect  in  their 
labourer  tenants.  To  them  with  truth — would  that  I  could  say 
the  same  of  all  in  England — may  be  applied  the  verse — 

"  The  cottage  homes  of  England  !  how  cheerily  they  stand, 
Abodes  of  comfort  and  content  throughout  the  pleasant  land." 

The  gardens  of  Wilton  Castle  are  of  very  limited  extent, 
which  is  fortunate  for  the  gardener,  Mr.  Henry  Reed,  for  as 
there  is  only  one  small  greenhouse,  he  would  be  unable  to 
winter  the  bedding-out  plants  required  for  extensive  flower 
borders.  The  great  charm  of  the  place,  however,  is  in  the  exten- 
sive walks  through  the  wood-clothed  hills  ;  these  wide,  well-kept 
walks  are  delightfully  shady  in  summer,  and,  facing  the  south, 
are  sheltered  and  enjoyable  in  the  fine  days  of  winter.  There 
is  a  large  picturesque  waterfall,  but  the  dry  summer  we  have 
had  prevented  me  seeing  it  in  its  full  beauty.  The  Magnolia 
was  in  bloom,  and  the  Figs  ripening  against  the  south  front  of 
the  Castle,  and  an  abundant  crop  of  Mooipark  Apricots  are  on  a 
wall  having  the  same  aspect  in  the  kitchen  garden — it  deserves 
a  note  that  they  had  no  protection  of  auy  kind  during  either 
the  winter  or  spring,  though  at  this  north-east  corner  of  York- 
shire. The  whole  are  well-ordered  by  Mr.  Reed,  and  one  of 
your  Editors  will  say  he  is  a  man  of  judgment,  for  among  his 
books  I  saw  Loudon's  "Encyclopaedia  of  Plants,"  Lindley's 
"  Theory  of  Horticulture,"  and  Johnson's  "  Cottage  Gardeners' 
Dictionary." — G. 

Dendrobium  MacCarthue.— This  beautiful  Orchid  is  just 
now  in  great  beauty  at  Messrs.  Teitch's,  Royal  Exotie  Nursery, 


Chelsea,  where  there  is  a  plant  with  no  less  than  one  hundred 
expanded  flowers. 


THE  EVERGREENS  OF  CALIFORNIA. 

Perhaps  no  country  in  the  known  world  has  been  more 
liberally  favoured  with  all  that  is  grand  and  beautiful  in 
vegetable  life  than  has  California.  Whether  we  are  particularly 
interested  in  the  smallest  plants  with  their  gorgeous  flowers, 
in  ligneous  shrubs  clothed  in  attractive  foliage,  and  emitting 
delightful  fragrance,  in  deciduous  trees  with  a  semi-tropical 
aspect,  or,  lastly,  evergreens  of  the  most  imposing  and  elegant 
forms — the  Sierra  Nevada  range  of  the  "  Golden  State"  cannot 
be  surpassed  in  richness. 

I  purpose  to  call  attention  exclusively  to  the  various  mem- 
bers of  the  order  Conifera;,  and  especially  to  those  which  I  have 
studied  in  all  the  glory  of  their  native  haunts. 

In  the  Pine  family  proper,  I  will  commence  with  the  Finns 
contorta,  Douglas  (Twisted-branched  Pine). — A  medium-sized 
tree,  rarely  growing  more  than  50  feet  in  height,  but  forming 
one  of  the  most  beautiful  and  compact  specimens  I  have  ever 
seen.  They  are  never  found  in  the  valleys,  but  always  near 
the  summits  of  the  higher  ranges,  especially  surrounding  some 
level  plateau,  where  the  soil  is  damp  and  cool.  In  such  situa- 
tions it  is  of  moderately  rapid  growth,  very  dense  in  structure, 
bright  glossy  green  in  colour,  and  regularly  conical  in  outline. 
It  is  closely  allied  to  the  P.  inops  (Yellow  Pine)  of  the  Atlantic 
coast,  although  far  superior  to  the  latter  as  an  ornamental 
tree. 

Pinus  Fremontiana,  Endlicher  (Fremont's  Pine) — Is  found  at 
high  elevations  on  the  mountains,  and  is  another  of  the  smaller- 
sized  trees,  which  will  undoubtedly  prove  very  attractive  in  our 
collections.  The  leaves  of  this  species  present  a  very  curious 
feature,  being  almost  entirely  monophyllous — i.e.,  one  leaf  in  a 
sheath  on  the  younger  shoots,  and  of  a  bright  bluish  green  in 
colour.  The  branches,  although  not  so  numerous  as  in  the 
preceding,  are  nevertheless  sufficiently  so  to  form  a  moderately- 
compact  head,  and  when  viewed  in  conjunction  with  the  very 
attractive  foliage,  leave  little  to  be  desired.  The  cones  are 
small,  and  of  a  greenish  tinge  on  the  surface;  when  open,  dis- 
playing a  few  large  edible  seeds ;  these  are  in  great  request  by 
the  Indians,  and  are  very  nutritious  and  agreeable  to  the  taste. 

Pinus  cdulis,  Engelmann  (Edible-fruited  Pine)  —  Closely 
resembles  the  foregoing,  the  distinctive  feature  being  in  the 
size  and  shape  of  the  cone.  Young  plants  of  this  species  have 
proved  quite  hardy  in  the  Eastern  States,  and  I  trust  we  shall 
thereby  secure  a  valuable  addition  to  our  collection. 

Pinus  ponderosa,  Douglas  (Heavy-wooded  Pine) — Is  seen  soon 
after  commencing  the  ascent  of  the  mountain  range,  and  is  one 
of  the  most  numerous  species  until  we  approach  the  summit, 
when  it  ceases  to  be  met  with.  In  passing  through  the  almost 
interminable  forests  that  clothe  these  regions,  we  see  many 
thousands  of  the  Heavy-wooded  Pine  of  all  ages  and  sizes,  from 
the  handsome-shaped  specimen  of  8  or  10  feet  in  height,  to  the 
old  scarred  veteran  towering  up  at  least  150  feet.  In  the  case 
of  the  latter,  the  rough,  deeply-seamed  bark  presents  a  curious 
appearance.  Indeed,  the  whole  tree  forcibly  reminds  one  of  a 
vigorous  specimen  of  the  Austrian  Pine  (Pinus  austriacs),  but 
much  coarser  in  growth  than  the  latter  Bpecies.  As  a  strictly 
ornamental  tree,  it  will,  therefore,  never  prove  popular,  but  in 
our  larger  plantations,  on  rocky  eminences,  and  for  distant 
belts  and  masses,  it  will  be  available  and  useful.  One  of  the 
largest  specimens  I  have  seen  was  growing  in  the  beautiful 
valley  of  the  Yo  Semite,  and  measured  21.}  feet  in  circumference 
5  feet  above  the  ground.  I  frequently  met  with  trees  from 
15  to  18  feet  in  girth,  and,  in  fact,  the  larger  portion  of  them 
were  at  least  4  feet  in  diameter,  with  their  huge  bodies  destitute 
of  limbs  for  at  least  one-half  their  height. 

Pinus  Jeft'reyi,  Hort.  (Jeffrey's  Pine) — In  size  and  appear- 
ance of  tree  presents  all  the  characters  pertaining  to  P.  ponde- 
rosa. The  cones,  however,  are  very  different,  and  herein  alone 
exists  the  specific  distinction.  Occasionally  I  have  noticed  a 
chance  specimen  with  more  slender  leaves,  but  this  peculiarity 
is  not  constant.  It  is  hardy,  a  rapid  grower,  and  would  make 
an  admirable  shelter. 

Pinus  Sabiniana,  Douglas  (Sabine's  Pine) — Belongs  entirely 
to  the  Foot  Hills  at  the  base  of  the  mountains,  and  in  conse- 
quence will  prove  of  doubtful  utility  with  us.  Indeed,  I  do 
not  know  of  an  instance  where  it  has  proven  successful  ;  but, 
nevertheless  it  is  remarkably  elegant  when  young,  present- 
ing one  of  the  most  charming  examples  of  the  delicate  graceful 
type  of  Conifers  to  be  met  with.     The  foliage  is  about  12  inches 


August  4,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


81 


in  length,  very  slender,  and  of  a  peculiar  light  bluish  green 
colour.  All  the  young  Bhoots  are  likewise  tinted  with  a  pretty 
glaucousnese,  thus  adding  to  its  charms.  The  older  trees  do 
not  attain  a  large  size,  and  differ  from  other  species  in  the 
form  of  the  head,  which  is  always  branched  at  the  summit, 
and  spreading  after  the  manner  of  many  deciduous  trees. 

Pinus  Torreyana,  Parry  (Torrey's  Pine) — Greatly  resembles 
the  foregoing  in  manner  of  growth  and  general  appearance  of 
foliage.  If  hardy,  it  would  prove  a  decided  acquisition  here, 
but  from  its  close  affinity  to  the  Sabine's  Pine,  and  its  still 
warmer  locality,  I  very  much  doubt  its  utility  with  us  in  the 
Middle  States. 

Pinus  insir/nis,  Douglas  (Oregon  Pitch  Pine,  Seal  Pine,  &c.) — 
Is  found  along  the  coast  near  San  Francisco,  and  is  frequently 
seen  in  cultivation  in  the  gardens  of  that  city.  Vr'heu  young 
the  trees  are  remarkably  dense  and  elegant  in  appearance,  but 
the  mature  specimens  present  rather  a  ragged  and  open  struc- 
ture. The  Pinus  radiata  of  Don  is  not  distinot  from  this 
species. 

I  now  arrive  at  the  grandest  of  all  our  Pines  proper,  Finns 
Lambertiana,  Douglas  (Sugar  Pine,  Lambert's  Gigantic  Pine, 
&c). — This  species  is  even  more  sub-alpiao  in  its  choice  of 
looation  than  P.  ponderosa,  and,  as  a  natural  consequence,  is 
entirely  hardy  with  us.  The  Bight  of  these  great  trues  rising 
in  the  air  to  the  height  of  150  and  200  feet,  with  a  clean  shaft 
of  75  or  100  feet  without  a  limb,  presents  a  grand  spectacle. 
I  measured  a  large  number  of  specimens,  varyiug  from  '20  to 
25.J  feet  in  circumference,  and  it  was  no  uncommon  Eight  to 
see  several  of  this  size  standing  close  together.  The  ground 
beneath  was  usually  covered  with  huge  cones,  which  weio  often 
at  least  20  inches  in  length.  The  leaves  are  not  unlike  those  of 
the  P.  Strobtis  (White  Pine),  excepting  that  they  are  more 
rigid,  and  of  a  darker  green  iu  colour. 

Pinus  monticola,  Douglas  (Short-leaved  Weymouth  Tine, 
Mountain  Pine) — Also  closely  resembles  our  White  Pine,  but 
has  a  larger  cone,  and  rather  shorter  leaf.  It  grows  to  a  large 
size,  and  is  entirely  hardy  in  our  climate.  I  only  noticed  it  in 
localities  where  the  preceding  species  was  growing- 
Leaving  the  Pines,  we  now  pass  to  the  next  genus  of  im- 
portance— the  Abies  or  Spruce  family.  Soon  after  commencing 
the  ascent  of  the  mountain  ranges,  we  find  specimens  of  Abies 
Douglasii,  Lindley  (Douglas's  Spruce),  and  as  we  rise  still  higher, 
a  large  portion  of  the  forests  are  composed  of  this  tree.  The 
younger  specimens  are  really  charming ;  not  only  on  account 
of  the  rich  glossy  green  colour  of  the  foliage,  but  more  particu- 
larly for  the  graceful  droopiog  habit  of  the  branches.  As  to 
their  size,  I  measured  many  trees  whose  bodies  were  from 
15  to  18J  feet  in  circumference. 

Abies  amabilis,  Lindley  (Lovely  Silver  Fir) — Is  justly  named, 
for  the  most  indifferent  observer  of  trees  could  not  possibly 
pass  through  the  great  forests  of  this  species  which  clothe  the 
summits  of  the  Sierra  Nevada  without  experiencing  a  feeling 
akin  to  awe.  So  dense  is  the  verdure  and  so  numerous  the 
trees,  that  the  darkness  on  oar  path  induces  the  belief  that  the 
dusk  of  evening  is  near  at  hand  ;  and  yet,  as  we  emerge  from 
these  vast  clumps  into  a  cleared  space,  where  the  bright  sun- 
light glances  through  the  foliage,  the  effect  changes,  almost  like 
a  kaleidoscope,  into  the  most  brilliant  tints  of  blue  and  green. 
Such  is  the  aspect  of  the  Lovely  Silver  Fir.  In  size  I  may  say 
they  form  no  exception  to  the  neighbouring  trees,  for  J  saw  very 
many  that  were  from  20  to  23J  feet  in  circumference,  and  with 
a  naked  body  of  100  feet  in  height,  the  foliage  branching  out 
in  a  dense  mass  at  the  summit. 

Abies  nrandis,  Lindley  (Great  Silver  Fir) — I  found  in  the 
same  localities  as  the  preceding,  and  about  equal  in  size  and 
number.  Well  does  t  merit  its  name ;  and  had  I  even  the 
time  to  give  you  a  perfect  description  of  its  surpassing  beauty 
and  grandeur,  I  could  not  do  it  simple  justice.  It  differs  from 
A.  amabilis  in  having  the  leaves  arranged  strictly  in  two  rows, 
long,  and  slightly  incurved  at  the  extremities.  The  colour  is 
pale  green,  but  the  great  height  of  the  old  trees— 200  feet  and 
upwards — leads  one  to  believe  that  the  foliage  is  exceedingly 
dark.  The  odd-looking  cones  stand  erect  on  the  summit,  and 
are  rarely  seen  on  the  younger  plants. 

The  only  Juniper  I  noticed  in  California  was  the  really  beau- 
tiful Juniperus  occidcntalis,  Hooker  (Rocky  Mountain  Juniper). 
A  specimen  is  found  on  one  of  the  highest  peaks  near  the 
Yo  Semite  Valley,  where  the  bleak  winds  and  cold  storms  for 
many  years  have  not  marred  its  symmetry.  The  silvery  foliage, 
thickly  interspersed  with  purplish-brown  berries,  presents  an 
agreeable  picture  to  the  lover  of  trees.  I  am  happy  to  say  it 
succeeds  well  in  our  Eastern  collections. 


One  of  the  largest  trees  to  be  found  in  California,  excepting 
only  the  Sequoia,  is  undoubtedly  the  Liboccdrus  decurrens,  Tor- 
rey  (incorrectly  White  Cedar,  in  its  native  locality).  Many  of 
you  will  doubtless  recognise  it  as  the  Thuja  gigantea  of  foreign 
nurseries  and  authors,  and  as  such  introduced  into  our  collec- 
tions from  abroad.  I  found  vast  numbers  of  it  on  the  steep 
mountain  sides  at  high  elevations,  and  especially  in  the  vi- 
cinity of  the  Yo  Semite  Valley.  The  trees,  when  young,  are 
very  handsome,  forcibly  reminding  one  of  a  fine  specimen  of 
Arbor-Vitre,  but  much  more  glossy,  and  lighter  in  colour.  The 
finest  specimen  I  saw  was  25!  feet  in  circumference,  and  over 
200  feet  in  height. 

Torus  brevifolia,  Nuttall  (Short-leaved  Tew)— Forms  but  a 
small  shrub  in  California,  although  further  north  it  assumes 
the  proportions  of  a  tree.  In  foliage,  it  approaches  more  nearly 
the  handsome  T.  adpressa,  of  Japnu,  than  any  other  species. 
The  brilliant  scarlet  fruit,  scattered  thickly  over  the  plant,  con- 
trasts charmingly  with  the  dark  glossy-green  of  the  leaves. 

Torreya  califurniea,  Torrey  (Californian  Nutmeg  Tree) — Is 
quite  rare  ;  but  I  was  fortunate  in  finding  a  very  fine  specimen 
on  the  cliffs  at  the  foot  of  the  Yo  Semite.  It  is  Yew-like  in 
character,  forming  a  medium-sized  tree,  with  long,  dark-green 
glossy  leaves,  very  sharp-pointed.  The  fruit,  as  its  name 
suggests,  is  not  unlike  a  nutmeg  in  appearance,  but  totally 
unfit  for  use.  I  am  afraid  it  will  not  prove  hardy  here ;  but 
should  it  do  so,  we  may  anticipate  much  pleasure  in  its  in- 
troduction. 

I  close  my  descriptions  with  the  most  majestic  of  all  onr 
native  trees,  the  Sequoia  gigantea,  Torrey  (Great  Tree  of  Cali- 
fornia), and  popularly  called  "  Washingtonia  "  and  "  Welling- 
tonia."  During  my  journey  over  the  Sierra  Nevada  Mountains, 
I  had  the  pleasure  of  visiting  the  extensive  group  known  as 
the  Mariposa  Grove,  embracing  the  largest  trees  to  be 
found.  I  shall  not  soon  forget  my  feelings,  when,  after  having 
ridden  all  day  through  forests  of  great  Pines  and  Firs,  I 
emerged  suddenly  into  a  little  valley,  and  found  myself  sur- 
rounded by  these  wonderful  trees.  The  abrupt  change  in 
character  was  so  new,  and  almost  incomprehensible,  that  I 
lingered  among  these  strange  forms  until  the  quickly  passing 
hours  warned  me  I  should  once  mote  be  obliged  to  resume  my 
journey  towards  civilisation.  The  casual  observer  cannot  at 
first  comprehend  their  immensity  ;  but  standing  close  by  their 
sides,  and  looking  steadily  up  into  their  great  shaggy  tops,  the 
vastness  and  sublimity  of  their  proportions  almost  impercep 
tibly  steal  upon  the  senses.  —  Josun  Hoopes,  Westchester, 
Pennsylvania. — {American  Gardener's  Honlldy  ) 


MYATT'S   FILBERT  PINE    STRAWBERRY. 

I  doubt  whether  Mr.  Creed  (page  58)  has  the  true  variety. 
Mine,  which  came  from  Mr.  Turner,  instead  of  coming  into 
bearing  with  Black  PriDce,  are  decidedly  late,  as  pointed  out  in 
Dr.  Hogg's  '•  Fruit  Manual,"  and  runners,  so  far  from  being 
plentiful,  are  late  and  scarce.  Indeed,  it  is  probably  from  this 
latter  circumstance  that  so  high-flavoured  a  variety  is  seldom 
seen  in  cultivation. — G.  S. 


LAWN  MOWERS. 

I  think  all  who  have  worked  the  Archimedean  lawn  mower  will 
agree  with  me  that  "  Tins,"  in  writing  about  it  (see  page  25), 
rests  too  much  on  its  inferiority  to  Green's  machine.  I  cannot 
speak  ill  of  the  latter,  nor  do  I  give  the  Archimedean  the  pre- 
ference, but  who  can  say  a  11-inch  Archimedean  is  hard  work 
for  two  strong  men  ?  I  have  one  of  that  size  here,  and  can 
testify  as  to  the  small  amount  of  exertion  required  to  use  it ; 
and  more,  I  can  confidently  and  truthfully  say  that  there  is  no 
other  machine  to  approach  it  for  ease  in  working.  As  to  its 
cutting  long  grass,  it  does  it  well,  and  with  comparatively  little 
labour,  although  it  is  a  quality  not  much  needed,  as  a  lawn,  to 
look  well,  ought  never  to  be  allowed  to  grow  more  than  a  week 
without  mowing.  With  regard  to  the  machine  clogging  quickly, 
I  have  never  found  it  do  so,  not  even  when  the  grass  was 
very  wet.  What  machine  has  cutters  capable  of  withstanding, 
without  being  notched,  contact  with  stones?  As  to  a  small 
stick,  I  think  it  would  have  but  little  effect.  If  the  blades  of 
the  machine  "  Vitis  "  has  are  notched  and  look  like  a  saw,  his 
lawn  must  be  extremely  stony.  I  never  sweep  after  mowing, 
nor  is  it  necessary,  as  not  a  trace  of  cut  grass  is  to  be  seen 
after  a  few  hours. 

I  agree  with  "Vitis"  as  to  the  Archimedean  not  cutting 
close  to  a  flower  bed,  and  the  shorter  the  curve  the  greater  the 


82 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  August  4,  1870. 


objection,  owing  to  the  skids  protruding  so  far  that  in  going 
round  they  thrust  into  the  bed  and  injure  the  plants,  but  verges 
I  can  and  do  cut  with  it.  Another  objection  is  that  it  does  not 
cut  quite  so  cloaely  as  I  should  wish;  but  this  objection  will, 
perhaps,  be  all  in  the  machine's  favour,  as  in  a  more  growing 
season  than  the  present  the  cut  grass  will  be  more  readily  lost 
to  view  than  if  it  were  shaven  off  close  to  the  ground,  which 
would  tend  to  give  a  rusty  appearance. 

I  do  not  pretend  to  say  that  the  Archimedean  is  the  height 
of  perfection,  far  from  it ;  there  is  room  for  improvement,  but 
it  is  a  great  advance  in  the  way  of  diminishing  labour.  We 
must  also  bear  in  mind  that  since  Green's  and  other  machines 
came  into  use  great  improvements  have  been  made  in  them, 
and  I  have  not  the  slightest  doubt  but  that  our  American 
cousins  will  eventually  make  as  great  an  improvement  on  the 
Archimedean.— E.  Morgan,  The  Buttsy  Han'ow-on-the-IIill. 


HORTICULTURAL  CONGRESS    AT   OXFORD. 

(Continued  from  page  65.) 
The  next  paper  read,  was  that  of  Mr.  William   Paul,  of 
Waltham  Cross,  viz. : — 

ON  COLOUR  IN  THE  TREE  SCENERY  OF  OUR  GARDENS,  PARKS, 
AND  LANDSCAPES. 

Last  year  I  bad  the  privilege  of  reading  a  paper  at  the  Manchester 
Congress  of  this  Society,  "  On  the  Improvement  of  Races,"  which 
subject  may  be  said  properly  to  belong  to  the  "  science  "  of  gardening. 
To-day  I  have  the  pleasure  of  submitting  to  you  my  thoughts  "  On 
Colour  in  the  Tree  Scenery  of  our  Gardens,  Parks,  and  Landscapes," 
and  here  I  find  myself  dealing  more  directly  with  the  "art"  of  gar- 
dening. While  fully  recognising  the  progress,  both  in  the  art  and 
science  of  gardening,  which  has  taken  place  in  my  day,  I  yet  think  that 
in  this  outlying  but  important  province,  our  professors  have  not  made 
so  free  and  effective  a  use  as  they  might  have  done  of  the  various  tints 
of  folinge  which  are  to  be  found  amongst  trees  and  shrubs.  Lest  I 
should  be  misunderstood,  permit  me  to  state  at  the  outset,  that  I  hold 
the  prevailing  green  with  which  the  earth  is  clothed  to  be  the  best 
colour  that  could  have  been  devised  for  the  purpose,  as  blue  is  the 
most  appropriate  colour  for  the  sky.  But  the  sky,  which  is  beyond 
our  reach  and  power,  is  naturally  subject  to  constant  and  considerable 
variation,  and  is  singularly  free  from  monotony.  It  is  not  altogether, 
or  long  together,  of  one  colour.  There  are  light  fleecy  clouds  con- 
tinually breaking  up  the  hemisphere  of  blue  ;  varying  in  substance  and 
colour  ;  sometimes  hanging  motionless,  but  oftener  sailing  noiselessly 
along,  more  or  less  rapidly,  and  eveiy  moment  changing  in  form. 
Then  there  are  the  dark  thunder  clouds,  and  the  golden,  silvery,  purple 
and  roseate  hues,  which  often  give  both  life  and  brilliancy  to  the 
morning  and  evening  sky. 

But  we  have  the  power  given  nnto  us  to  vary  and  adorn  the  surface 
of  the  earth,  and  I  would  here  invite  public  attention,  and  invoke  the 
artist's  aid  in  behalf  of  colour.  There  appears  to  me  a  monotony  on 
the  face  of  our  English  landscapes  arising  from  one  uniform  and  all- 
pervading  colour — green.  This  monotony  I  would  seek  to  remove  by 
the  introduction  of  trees  with  purple,  white,  and  yellow  leaves.  With 
the  same  end  in  view,  I  would  also  plant  more  freely  the  transitory 
red,  yellow,  brown,  and  purple  tints  of  spring  and  autumn,  supple- 
menting these  effects  by  the  introduction  of  berry-bearing  trees — 
trees  with  white,  red,  black,  and  yellow  berries,  and  trees  with  white, 
red,  and  yellow  bark  for  winter  ornament.  With  these  preliminary 
remarks  I  shall  endeavour  to  show — 1st,  that  the  object  I  seek  is  de- 
sirable ;  next  that  it  is  attainable,  and  shall  conclude  with  a  few 
general  remarks  and  brief  examples  in  support  of  my  views.  I  am 
free  to  confess  that  there  is  nothing  in  the  whole  range  of  Nature 
■which  yields  me  more  pleasure  than  the  contemplation  of  a  beautiful 
landscape._  To  stand  on  some  elevated  spot  in  the  English  or  Scotch 
lake  district,  for  example,  and  look  down  on  a  broad  and  varied 
expanse  of  country  ;  to  row  upon  the  surface  of  the  lake,  and  look  up- 
wards upon  the  towering  masses  of  rock  and  tree ;  to  trace  the  lake 
shores,  the  lake  islets  and  waterfalls,  is,  I  believe,  a  recreation  of  a 
higher  intellectual  and  more  aesthetic  order  than  the  many  who  have 
not  practised  it  might,  at  first  sight,  take  it  to  be. 

A  highly  cultivated  American  gentleman  once  said  to  me,  "Eng- 
land is  a  series  of  varied  aud  improved  landscapes.  Now  and  then  in 
remote  districts  one  catches  a  glimpse  of  Nature,  unaided  aud  un- 
adorned, bnt  generally  throughout  the  length  and  breadth  of  the  laud 
high  art  has  been  so  skilfully  applied  as  to  effect  the  artist's  object 
■without  leaving  behind  any  traces  of  the  artist's  hand.  But  I  miss  the 
brilliant  autumnal  glow  of  the  American  forests  :  your  landscapes 
lack  colour."  This  very  nearly  expresses  my  ideas  of  English  scenery ; 
the  natural  beauties  of  oar  landscapes  have  in  many  cases  been  im- 
proved or  developed  at  a  sufficiently  distant  date,  that  the  old  and  the 
new  have  become  blended  iu  one  harmonious  whole,  leaving  no  strong 
lines  of  demarcation  between  the  work  of  Nature  and  the  work  of  Art ; 
but  the  landscapes  are  generally  cold  and  monotonous — wanting  in 
variety  and  colour. 

If  wo  proceed  to  analyse  a  beautiful  English  landscape  we  shall  find 
it  composed  of  diversity  of  surface,  light  and  shade,  wood,  water,  rock, 


and  many  minor  accessories,  which  may  or  may  not  be  present,  either 
singly  or  in  combination.  These  I  mention  not  to  dwell  upon,  but  to 
dismiss,  as  the  recognised  features  of  the  landscape.  My  business  at 
present  is  with  tree  scenery,  and  principally  with  one  feature  of  it — 
colour.  Our  earth  tints  are  prominently  neutral,  often  sombre,  and  to 
correct  this  should,  in  my  judgment,  be  a  leading  idea  with  the  true 
artist  in  landscape  gardening.  A  piece  of  country,  however  beautiful 
by  nature ;  a  garden,  however  perfectly  planned,  yields  more  or  less 
pleasure  according  to  the  skill  and  taste  exercised  in  the  planting,  just 
as  the  proportions  and  beauty  of  the  human  form  are  improved  or 
otherwise  by  the  style  of  dress — trees,  shrubs,  and  flowers  constituting, 
iu  fact,  the  exterior  dress  of  the  garden  and  the  landscape.  Now,  it 
must  be  patent  to  those  even  who  are  but  slightly  acquainted  with  this 
subject,  that  the  labour  of  our  plant  collectors  abroad,  and  plant  cul- 
tivators at  home,  have  placed  within  our  reach  many  trees  with 
coloured  leaves — purple,  yellow,  and  white — of  various  shades,  and  I 
hold  that  these  colours  should  be  so  blended  with  the  prevailing  green 
as  to  remove  the  monotony  which  at  present  obtains.  That  the  effect 
of  colour  in  the  landscape  would  he  generally  appreciated  was  once 
brought  home  to  me  in  a  pecnliar  manner.  I  was  riding  iu  company 
with  some  friends  through  the  park  at  Chatsworth,  in  Derbyshire. 
Suddenly  we  sighted  a  tree  with  reddish -brown  leaves  rising  from  the 
green  sward,  and  surrounded  at  some  little  distance  with  the  nsual 
green  trees.  Remote  as  it  was,  we  could  not  at  the  moment  make  it 
out,  but  all  admired  it,  and  agreed  that  it  was  at  once  telling  and 
beautiful.  Led  by  admiration  as  much  as  by  curiosity,  we  approached 
it,  and  discovered  a  dead  tree  retaining  its  reddish  brown  withered 
leaves. 

I  think  that  any  cultivated  observer  who  may  dwell  ever  so  briefly 
on  the  tree  scenery  of  Great  Britain  will  admit  that  the  contrasts  of 
colour,  weak  and  little  varied  as  they  generally  are,  present  to  him 
one  of  its  most  pleasing  features.  If,  then,  the  slight  existing  variation 
of  colour,  restricted  principally  to  the  contrast  between  light  and  dark 
green,  is  admitted  to  be  an  element  of  beauty,  may  we  not  justly  infer 
that  we  should  gain  something  if  we  varied  and  increased  the  con- 
trasts by  the  use  of  stronger  and  more  distinct  colours?  I  think, 
then,  that  I  may  fairly  assume  that,  on  a  free  and  full  consideration 
of  this  subject,  it  will  be  generally  admitted  that  a  greater  variety  of 
colour  would  be  au  improvement  in  the  tree  scenery  of  our  English 
gardens,  parks,  and  landscapes. 

I  have  next  to  show  that  the  object  I  seek  is  attainable.  The  ar- 
rangement of  the  colours  of  flowers  in  the  flower  garden  has  of  late 
years  been  worked  out  with  wonderful  skill  and  effect.  What  were 
our  flower  gardens  in  this  respect  thirty  years  ago  ?  I  remember  that 
results  predicted  then  were  considered  impossible  by  the  many,  al- 
though they  have  been  accomplished,  and  more  than  accomplished, 
long  ago.  Now,  as  far  as  I  am  aware,  no  one  has  yet  applied  the 
same  principles  in  the  arrangement  of  trees  and  shrubs  with  coloured 
leaves.  I  have  been  told  that  it  cannot  be  done.  But  after  a  long 
study  of  the  question  and  numerous  experiments,  I  have  come  to  a 
different  conclusion,  which  I  submit  with  all  deference  to  those  who 
think  otherwise.  I  believe  that  here,  as  in  the  flower  garden,  there 
only  needs  a  beginning,  and  progress  will  be  rapid  and  success  certain. 

Many  yearB  ago  I  formed  a  collection  of  pictorial  trees  and  shrubs, 
and  planted  them  closely  together,  with  the  view  of  watching  their 
development  and  eradicating  those  kinds  which  might  prove  undesir- 
able on  more  mature  acqnai  itance.  This  plan  I  vigorously  pursued, 
and  now  find  myself  in  possession  of  a  select  list,  which  I  believe  ia 
sufficient  to  carry  out  all  that  I  shall  advance. 

In  addition  to  the  ordinary  or  prevailing  green,  I  find  that  I  have 
five  colours,  or  tones  of  colour,  with  which  to  work  : — 1,  Light  green  ; 
2,  Dark  green  ;  3,  Keddish  puqile  ;  4,  Yellow  or  golden  ;  5,  White  or 
silvery  ;  and  these  may  be  combined  iu  a  variety  of  ways.  Dark 
bluish  green  has  a  good  effect  when  placed  in  contrast  with  light 
yellowish  green  ;  white  with  dark  green  ;  reddish  purple  with  light 
green ;  reddish  pnrple  with  yellow  ;  yellow  with  dark  green.  And 
these  contrasts  by  uo  means  exhaust  our  resources.  I  merely  quote 
them  from  among  a  number  of  experiments  which  I  have  actually 
tried  and  found  agreeable  to  my  taste.  I  have,  indeed,  no  intention 
here  of  laying  down  any  precise  or  definite  rules  for  the  application  of 
these  principles ;  I  aim  at  no  more  than  to  show  that  the  materials  in 
colour  exist,  leaving  their  combination  to  be  dealt  with  by  the  ingenuity 
and  industry  of  a  cnltivated  taste.  It  would  be  chimerical  to  suppose, 
unfair  to  expect,  that  any  person  taking  this  subject  in  hand  without 
previous  study,  or  without  the  fullest  acquaintance  with  the  materials 
which  exist — some  of  them  newly  introduced — would  at  once  realise  any 
great  measure  of  success.  To  such  an  individual  the  scheme  would 
probably  appear  utopian.  He  might,  by  a  momentary  effort,  call  up 
in  his  mind  the  short  list  of  old  and  familiar  trees  with  purple,  white, 
aud  yellow  leaves, — the  purple  Beech,  the  white  Poplar,  the  variegated 
Turkey  Oak,  and  some  few  others  still  among  the  most  valuable,  but 
so  few  in  number  that  he  would  dismiss  the  subject  as  impracticable. 
But  unless  familiar  with  the  black  and  yellow  Oaks,  the  yellow  Elm, 
Acacia,  and  Alder,  the  white-leaved  Acer  Negundo,  and  the  many 
beautiful  Maples  recently  introduced  from  Japan — the  host  of  richly 
variegated  trees  only  now  becoming  plentiful, — in  a  word,  unless 
familiarly  acquainted  with  the  latest  introductions  of  this  kind,  he 
would,  I  submit,  be  drawing  hiB  conclusions  from  incomplete  in- 
formation. 
In  order  to  bring  my  views  to  a  practical  test,  I  have  here  a  diagram, 


August  4,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


83 


'in  which  I  have  merely  sought  to  obtain  the  identical  colours  existing 
among  trees  and  shrubs,  and  must  refer  you  to  the  specimens  exhibited 
to  show  that  these  colours  really  exist.  This  diagram,  hastily  exe- 
cuted, will  perhaps  also  give  some  idea  of  the  effect  of  the  arrange- 
ment of  the  colours  which  we  possess.  The  light  green  here  is  sup- 
posed to  represent  the  Larch,  the  dart  green  the  Yew,  the  reddish 
purple  the  purple  Beech,  the  yellow  the  golden  Oak,  and  the  white 
variegated  Acer  Negnudo.  Th  re  is  also  introduced  here  the  ordinary 
green  of  Nature,  which  may  fairly  be  taken  as  the  groundwork  of  our 
operations. 

Now,  I  am  well  aware,  ami  would  not  ignore  the  fact,  that  the 
colours  of  the  leaves  of  trees  are  influenced  in  some  degree  by  cul- 
tivation and  soil,  but  this  does  not  affect  our  argument,  as  in  the 
majority  of  cases  they  still  bear  the  same  relation  to  each  other. 

I  have  now  to  offer  a  few  general  remarks,  with  brief  examples  in 
support  of  the  views  which  I  have  advanced.  Let  us  remember  that 
we  are  working  with  pictorial  trees  for  pictorial  effect.  We  may  have 
spring  pictures,  summer  pictures,  autumn  pictures,  and  permanent 
pictures.  Summer  and  permanent  pictures  are  the  most  valuable 
because  of  their  greater  durability.  Specimens  of  these  are  before 
you,  and  a  list  of  their  names  will  be  given  at  the  end  of  this  paper. 
The  materials  for  spring  and  autumn  pictures  can  onlv  be  shown  in 
spring  and  autumn.  The  varying  tints  of  the  uufolding  leaves  of 
some  trees  in  spring,  and  the  glowing  colours  of  the  leaves  of  other 
trees  in  autumn,  must  be  familiar  to  all  observers,  and  these  trees  are 
beautiful  in  their  seasons,  whether  regarded  individually  or  in  com- 
bination. But  they  are  transitory.  The  varied  and  telling  colours  of 
spring,  ordinarily,  quickly  Bubsnle  into  the  universal  green  ;  and  the 
bright  leaves  of  autumn  fall  speedily  before  the  frost  and  gales  of  that 
season.  Yet  both  are  desirable.  The  warm  red  and  yellow  tints  of 
the  unfolding  leaves  are  peculiarly  cheering  in  the  cold  days  of  early 
spring,  and  should  be  introduced  freely  when  planting.  The  splendour 
of  the  American  forests  in  autumn  is  a  theme  on  which  many  travellers 
have  loved  to  dwell,  and  leaves  from  these  forests  may  be  seen  in  that 
admirable  institution,  the  South  Kensington  Museum.  The  trees  we 
have  long  bad  under  cultivation,  and  they  are  not  only  available  but 
capable  of  being  wrought  up  with  magnificent  effect  in  this  country. 
Among  the  most  effective  of  spring  trees  the  Corstorphine  Plane  (Acer 
Psendo-Platanns  flavo-variegatum),  yellow;  the  Acer  colchicnm  ru- 
forum  (red)  ;  the  purple  Horse  Chestnut  (JEscuIub  Hippocaatanum 
pnrpurenm),  purple  ;  and  the  Silver  Poplar  (Populus  argentea),  white, 
may  be  instanced.  The  shades  of  green  at  this  season  are  also  in- 
numerable, although  for  the  most  part  gradually  subsiding  into  one 
nearly  uniform  tint.  The  brightest  among  the  leaves  of  autumn  are, 
perhaps,  the  Scarlet  Oak  (Quercus  coccinea),  the  Liquidambar  (L.  sty- 
•raciflna),the  Stag's-horn  Sumach  (Rhus  typhina),  theOstrya  virgiuica, 
and  several  varieties  of  Cherries,  Pears,  and  Maples  ;  these  usually 
die-off  bright  red.  Of  yellow  shades  may  be  instanced  the  Lombardy 
■and  Ontario  Poplars  (P.  fastigiata  and  P.  candicana),  the  Norway 
Maple  (Acer  platanoides),  the  Horse  Chestnut  {JE.  Hippocastannm), 
the  Salisburia  adiantifolia,  the  Lime  (Tilia  europaea),  the  Tulip  Tree 
(Liriodendron  tulipiferum),  the  White  Mulberry  (Morns  alba),  the 
ijleditschia  triacanthos,  the  Magnolia  tripetala,  the  Juglana  amara, 
the  Acer  Negundo,  the  Kolreuteria  paniculata,  the  Birch  (Betula 
alba),  and  certain  varieties  of  Cherries,  Pears,  Thorns,  and  Maples. 

As  examples  of  planting  for  pictorial  effect,  nothing  can  be  more 
beautiful  in  the  flower  garden  than  pillars  or  columns  of  Ivy,  provided 
that  they  be  appropriately  placed.  Here  we  have  dark  green,  light 
green,  green  blotched  with  gold,  and  green  edged  with  silver,  all  cal- 
culated to  form  permanent  pictures.  Standard  and  pyramidal  golden 
Yews  and  golden  Hollies  also  form  beautiful  permanent  pictures  in  the 
garden.  All  permanent  pictures  are  of  course  also  winter  pictures, 
i>ut  the  common  Beech  (Fagus  sylvatica)  deserves  special  notice  ;  it 
holds  its  reddish  brown  leaves  throughout  the  winter,  and  this  colour 
stands  in  warm  and  beautiful  contrast  with  the  Pines  and  other  ever- 
greens at  that  season.  The  white  bark  of  the  Birch,  the  white,  purple, 
and  yellow  bark  of  certain  species  of  Willows,  the  red  and  vellow 
terries  of  the  Holly,  and  the  yellow  and  black  berries  of  the  Privet, 
are  also  invaluable  for  winter"  decoration.  I  have  often  admired  the 
effect  of  three  large  trees  placed  in  juxtaposition  in  a  garden  in  my 
neighbourhood,  whether  by  accident  or  design  I  have  no  means  of 
ascertaining.  Near  the  bend  of  a  river  is  a  Weeping  Willow,  the  pale 
green  drooping  branches  appearing  in  the  distance  almost  to  sweep 
over  the  stream.  Behind  rises  a  mass  of  the  dark  feathery  Yew,  the 
plum&s  of  foliage  waving  in  beautiful  contrast  of  motion,  form,  and 
colour.  Still  farther  behind  there  appear  in  spring  rigid  masses  of 
Apple  blossom,  the  snow-white  crimson-tinted  flowers  blending  in 
beautiful  contrast  with  the  dark  and  pale  green  of  the  Yew  and 
Willow.  Here  we  have  the  evergreen  and  deciduous  forms  in  combina- 
tion, but  they  are  most  effective  as  a  spring  or  summer  picture.  Of 
all  the  errors  to  be  avoided  in  the  association  of  colours,  I  would 
caution  the  planter  against  an  arrangement  that  should  present  a 
'spotty"  appearance.  Broken  lines,  or  irregular  shapes  of  colour, 
appear  to  me  more  desirable  in  forming  plantations  or  belts  than 
figures  with  a  more  easily  definable  outline.  On  the  face  of  belts  or 
woodg,  three  or  five  plants  of  a  kind  may  be  planted  in  a  group,  the 
outline  being  so  broken  that  there  are  bavs  or  promontories.  In  parks 
and  gardens,  single  trees  or  groups  of  trees,  each  group  of  a  distinct 
colour  or  shade  of  colour,  would  seem  most  appropriate.  In  working 
•out  these  ideas  we  must  never  lose  sight  of  harmony,  reniembericg, 


however,  that  there  are  harmonies  of  contrast  as  well  as  of  analogy. 
There  is  another  point  which  should  on  no  account  be  lost  Bight  of. 
There  are  some  trees  the  effect  of  which  is  beautiful  close  to  the  eye, 
but  which  lose  their  distinctive  character  in  the  distance.  Such  are 
more  appropriate  to  the  garden,  where  brought  in  close  contact  with 
the  eye,  than  in  the  distant  landscape.  But  there  are  others  which 
lose  little  or  nothing  from  a  distant  view,  and  these  facts  must  be 
taken  into  account  and  acted  on  when  planting.  As  a  rule,  trees  with 
variegated  leaves  are  best  placed  near  to  the  eye,  and  those  of  one 
uniform  tint  are  most  effective  in  the  distance.  I  have  already  insti- 
tuted a  comparison  between  the  colours  of  flowers  and  the  colours  of 
leaves,  but  there  is  an  important  difference  iu  them,  which  I  must  not 
omit  to  mention.  The  colours  of  flowers  are  often  so  bright  and  pro- 
nounced, that  certain  of  them  cannot  be  judiciously  brought  into  close 
contact;  they  require  an  intervening  mass  or  line  of  Borne  intermediate 
or  neutral  colour  to  render  the  effect  agreeable  and  satisfactory.  Not 
so,  however,  with  the  colours  of  trees  :  they  are  so  subdued  in  tone 
that  the  association  of  the  strongest  colours  does  not  produce  violent 
contrasts.  Again,  for  this  very  reason  the  colours  of  leaves  being  less 
bright  than  those  of  flowers,  it  becomes  necessary  here  to  accomplish 
by  breadth  of  colour  that  which,  with  flowers,  is  effected  by  brilliancy 
of  tone.  Thus  it  follows  that  great  breadths  of  scenery  may  be  dealt 
with  most  effectively.  It  is,  indeed,  a  mere  question  of  outlay,  and 
nothing  more,  whether  variety  of  colour  shall  or  shall  not  be  extended 
from  the  garden  to  the  outer  pleasure  ground  and  shrubberies,  the 
hills  of  plantations,  the  outskirts  of  woods  and  forests,  and  the  most 
distant  mountains  and  plains. 

A. — Summer  Pictures. 

1.  Light  Green. 
Larix  europaea. 
Taxodium  distichum. 
Gleditschia  triaoanthos. 
Julians  laoiniata* 
Acer  Neguudo. 

2.  Dark  Green. 


Tilia  europEea. 
Catalpa  syrini.':pf"lia. 
Robinia  Pseud-Acacia. 
Platanua  occidentals. 


Fraxinus  criapa. 

„        monophylla. 
Alnua  glutinoba. 
Cytiaus  Laburnum. 
Pyrud  Aucupariu. 


yEaculns  Hippocastanum. 
Betula  nigra. 
Fatras  sylvatica. 
Ulmus,  various  kind.3. 
Quercua  Cerris. 


3.  Jie/hiish  Purple. 
Fagua  Bylvatica  purpurea.  Corylns  Avellana  purpurea. 

Ulmua  eampentris  fol.  purp.  Quercua  pedunculata  purpurea. 

Acer  Pseudo-  Platunus  fol.  purp.  Quercua  nigra. 

Acer  japonicum  atropurpureum.  .berberis  vulgaris  fol.  purp. 

4.  Yelloic  or  Golden. 


Quercua  Ccrria  variegata. 

,.        Robur  var.    Concordia 
Fraxinua  aueubsfolia, 
Castanea  vesca  variegata. 


Sambucus  nigra  nareo-variegata. 
Symphoricarpos  vulg.  fol.  aureia 
Spmt-a  opuliiolia  lutea. 
Robinia  Paeud-Acaeia  auxea. 


5.   White  or  Silvery. 

Populua  argentea.  Pyrua  salicifolia. 

Acer  Negundw  variega'.am.  salix  argyrea. 

Tilia  argentea.  Shepherdia  argentea. 

Pyrua  vtrstita.  HippophUe  rhaninoides. 

B. — Permanent  Pictures. 

1.  Light  Cr:en. 

Pinna  pyrenaica.  Ilex  balearica. 

Cedrus  Deodara  {the  green  variety).  Jnniperua  thurifcra. 
Abies  orientalis  „         virginiana. 

„     rubra.  H         cniuenaia. 

2.  Bark  Green, 

Finns  insignia-.  Quer«ua  Ilex. 

„      austriaca.  Ceraaua  lusitanica. 

Pieea  Nordinanniana.  Phillyrea. 

Araucaria  imbricata.  Garrya  elliptica. 

Cupreasua  Lambeniana.  Hollies  and  Yews,  various. 

3.  Purple. 
There  are  no  suitable  purple  evergresns,  consequently  this  colour  is 
restricted  to  summer  pictures. 

4.  Telloio  or  Golden, 

Abies  excelsa  finedonenais.  Thuja  elegantiSBima. 

Cupreaaus  thyoid^s  variegata.  Taxus  baccata  anrea. 

Hex  Aquifolium  aurea.  Euonymus  japonica  flavescenff* 

Thuja  aurea.  Retinospora  pisifera  aurea. 

5.  White  or  Silvery. 

Cedrus^   Deodara    (the    glaucous  Abiea  alba  clauca. 

Ilex  Aquifolium  argentea. 
Juniperua  virginiana  glauca. 
Rhainnus  Alaternus  fol.  argenteis 


variety). 
Pinus  excelsa. 
„     monticola. 
H     nivea. 


— "W.  Paul,  Paul's  Nurseries,   Waltham  Cross. 


Mr.  Barron,  of  Barrowash,  remarked  that  all  delight  to  see  a  pictorial 
landscape  if  the  picture  is  a  pleasing  one,  but  unfortunately  this  had 
not  been  so  prominently  brought  forward  in  practice  as  it  should  be. 
If  we  considered  the  varied  acquisitions  which  had  come  into  our 
possession  through  recent  introductions,  every  pigment  necessary  to 
form  the  finest  landscape  would  be  found.  We  had  within  reach  a 
great  variety  of  trees  both  for  pictorial  effect  and  for  profit,  and  he  was 
glad  to  see  that  arboriculture  had  engaged  special  attention.  It  was  a 
subject  that  should  occupy  the  attention  of  all. 

Mr.  D.  T.  Fish  complained  that  the  ruin  of  our  landscapes  had 


84 


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[  August  4,  1870. 


been  the  mixed  system  of  planting,  sufficient  attention  not  having 
been  paid  to  distinctness  of  colour.  He  did  not  advocate  the  intro- 
duction of  so  much  green  into  our  gardens. 


JUDGING  FRUITS. 

Dr.  Hogg,  after  a  few  preliminary  observations,  said — ■ 

Though  the  judging  of  fruit  has  on  various  occasions  occupied  the 
attention  of  those  interested  in  the  subject,  and  has  from  time  to  time 
been  discussed  in  the  public  prints  by  those  most  competent  to  deal 
with  it,  I  am  not  aware  that  any  common  understanding  as  to  the 
bases  on  which  fruit-judging  should  rest  has  yet  been  arrived  at.  Not- 
withstanding this  want  of  a  written  law  on  the  subject,  the  practice  of 
judging  fruit  is  followed  with  results  which,  though  not  always  agree- 
able to  unsuccessful  competitors,  are,  upon  the  whole,  generally  ac- 
cepted and  acceptable. 

It  is  not  my  intention  to  submit  anything  to  this  meeting  which  can 
be  regarded  in  any  light  as  a  solution  of  the  question,  Upon  what 
principles  ought  fruit  to  be  judged  ?  This  I  will  leave  to  be  dealt 
with  by  those  of  my  audience  who  are  sufficiently  versed  in  the  subject, 
and  who  feel  themselves  competent  to  do  so.  All  that  I  shall  do  is  to 
state  the  motives  which  actuate  me  in  coming  to  the  conclusion  I  do 
when  I  am  acting  the  part  of  a  fruit  judge,  leaving  others  to  set  up 
any  other  code  they  may  think  better  and  more  in  accordance  with 
their  own  views. 

And  first,  let  me  remark  that,  in  judging  fruit  at  exhibitions,  I 
think  we  ought  to  do  so  npou  different  grounds  to  what  we  would 
judge  it  at  our  own  tables.  We  must  bear  in  mind  that  exhibition 
fruit  is  exceptional,  and  is  produced  by  the  greatest  effort  of  the  hor- 
ticultural eliill  of  the  exhibitor.  It  generally  receives  an  amount  of 
attention  which  he  cannot  afford  to  bestow  on  a  general  crop,  provided 
his  establishment  is  an  extensive  one;  and  we  ought,  therefore,  to 
regard  the  exhibition  fruit  of  a  gardening  establishment  very  much  as 
we  would  the  exhibition  ox — as  the  exceptional  animal  on  the  farm. 
In  judging  fruit,  therefore,  we  must  first  look  to  those  points  which 
exhibit  the  greatest  amount  of  horticultural  skill,  and  the  first  of  these 
are  size  and  symmetry. 

In  judging  size  and  symmetry  we  must  deal  with  each  variety  on  its 
own  merits.  It  would  not  be  fair,  for  instance,  to  judge  on  tile  same 
grounds  a  bunch  of  Buckland  Sweetwater  Grape  and  one  of  White 
Muscat  of  Alexandria.  That  of  Buckland  Sweetwater  may  be  much 
larger  than,  and  equally  as  handsome  as,  that  of  Muscat  of  Alex- 
andria, and  both  may  he  in  every  point  what  gardeners  call  "  well 
finished  ;"  but  the  skill  required  in  producing  such  a  bunch  of  Muscat 
of  Alexandria  being  much  greater  than  what  is  required  to  grow  the 
Buckland  Sweetwater,  and  the  Muscat  of  Alexandria  being  a  much 
superior  fruit,  I  would  give  the  preference  to  the  latter,  although 
inferior  in  size  to  the  former.  The  same  may  be  said  of  Black  Ham- 
burgh and  Black  Prince  shown  in  the  same  class,  though  not  on  the 
ground  that  Black  Hamburgh  requires  greater  skill  in  the  production 
of  it,  but  because  it  is  a  superior  fruit. 

It  matters  not  what  description  of  fruit  we  may  be  judging;  be  it 
Grapes,  Pines,  Peaches,  or  any  other  fruit,  size  and  symmetry  are  the 
features  which  first  attract  our  attention,  and  therefore  to  size  and 
symmetry,  but  not  to  size  apart  from  symmetry,  I  attach,  perhaps,  the 
greatest  importance  when  other  points  are  not  greatly  deficient. 

The  next  important  feature  is  colour,  requiring  mu,ch  skill  in  the 
development  of  it.  This  is  by  some  regarded  as  of  even  greater  im- 
portance than  size  and  symmetry.  I  am  rather  inclined  to  give  colour 
second  place,  except  when  it  is  unusually  fine,  and  the  difference  of 
size  and  symmetry  between  the  competing  fruit  is  not  great.  In 
such  a  case  I  would  certainly  give  the  preference  to  colour,  for  I 
conceive  that  in  such  circumstances  there  is  a  greater  exhibition 
of  horticultural  skill  in  producing  the  highly-coloured  fruit  than  in 
producing  the  larger,  because  it  betokens  attention  to  the  mainten- 
ance of  the  just  equilibrium  between  the  action  of  the  roots  and 
that  of  the  leaves,  and  a  knowledge  as  to  the  crop  the  plant  is' 
capable  of  producing,  without  which  I  conceive  no  fruit  can  be  well 
and  perfectly  coloured.  One  may  feed  and  force  a  plant  so  as  to  in- 
duce it  to  produce  large  and  showy  fruit,  but  unless  the  treatment  is 
so  regulated  as  to  preserve  the  just  equilibrium  between  the  root  which 
serves  as  the  mouth  and  the  leaves  wbich  perform  the  functions  of 
digestive  organs,  there  is  no  guarantee  either  for  high  colour  or  perfect 
flavour,  which  generally  go  together.  Still  I  say  when  fruit  has  not 
an  objectionably  bad  colour,  and  is  not  deficient  in  flavour,  but  has 
size  and  symmetry  much  in  advance  of  another  which  possesses  higher 
colour  and  better  flavour,  but  is  much  inferior  in  size  and  symmetry, 
I  would  certainly  give  the  award  in  favour  of  the  larger  fruit. 

The  next  point  on  which  I  have  to  touch  is  flavour ;  and  here  I 
know  there  is  a  great  diversity  of  opinion.  Some  hold  that  the  begin- 
ning and  the  end  of  all  fruit  culture  is  flavour  ;  no  matter  how  large  or 
how  small,  or  however  badly  coloured  the  fruit  may  be,  if  flavour  is 
obtained  the  grower  has  got  all  he  has  ever  striven  for.  Now  that  is 
very  well  when  fruit  is  grown  merely  for  private  use ;  and  so  long  as 
the  palate  is  satisfied  there  is  no  other  desire  to  be  gratified ;  but  we 
are  now  discussing  the  merits  of  exhibition  fruit,  into  which  the  whole 
energy  of  the  cultivator  is  thrown  to  develope,  not  one,  but  every 
feature  of  his  production,  and  the  greatest  display  of  cultural  skill  is 
to  succeed  in  gratifying  the  mind  as  much  through  the  eye  as  through 
the  palate.  It  is  not  to  be  supposed  that  I  depreciate  flavour.  On 
the  contrary,  I  consider  it  an  important  point  in  making  awards  to 


exhibition  fruit ;  but  I  think  it  ought  only  to  come  in  when  the  com- 
petition is  otherwise  so  close  that  another  point  is  required  to  torn  the 
scale. 

There  is  only  one  exception  I  would  make  on  the  question  of  flavour, 
and  that  is  iu  judging  Melons,  which,  if  they  have  not  flavour,  have 
nothing  whatever  to  recommend  them.  They  may  be  Vegetable  Mar- 
rows, or  Pumpkins,  or  any  other  vegetable  production,  if  flavour  is 
absent ;  and  I  think  experience  will  testify  that  if  the  flavour  of  a 
Melon  is  even  but  indifferent,  then  the  fruit  is  not  worth  eating,  and 
hence  1  think  all  Melons  onght  to  be  cut,  and  judged  by  flavour  only. 


Ix  the  report  of  the  Rev.  S.  Reynolds  Hole's  paper  on  the  Rose,  at 
page  65,  he  is  made  to  say,  "  The  best  stock  for  the  Rose  was  the 
Manetti."  His  remarks  were  these  : — t(  What  is  the  best  stock  for  the 
Rose  ?  If  you  purpose  to  exhibit,  grow  it  upon  the  Briar,  and  show 
it  the  year  after  bndding.  If  you  desire  a  beautiful  Rose  garden,  and 
do  not  care  to  exhibit,  grow  a  large  proportion  of  your  Rose  trees  on 
their  own  roots.  These  are  prettier,  because  more  natural  in  form- 
more  abundant  in  flowers,  more  enduring,  and  therefore  more  econo- 
mical. Some  Roses  attain  their  foil  perfection  on  th<=  Manetti  stock, 
and  all  do  well  on  it  in  our  lighter  soils/" 


ROYAL   HORTICULTURAL    SOCIETY. 
August  3rd. 

It  was  probably  owing  to  the  groat  heat  which  has  prevailed  for  tho 
last  month  that  the  subjects  for  which  prizes  were  offered  on  this 
occasion  were  but  poorly  represented,  both  in  respect  to  number,  and  as 
regards  the  variegated  Pelargoniums,  for  tho  most  part,  in  quality  also. 
Tho  flowering  specimens  of  the  Nosegay  and  double-flowered  varieties 
were  on  the  whole  much  better,  although  some  of  the  former  had  suf- 
fered greatly  from  the  heat.  The  subjects  brought  before  the  Floral 
Committee  constituted  the  great  attraction  of  the  day,  and  the  Council 
room,  where  they  were  exhibited,  presented  an  unusually  gay  appear- 
ance for  the  end  of  the  London  season. 

In  Class  1,  for  the  best  Golden-variegated  Zonal  (Tricolor)  Pelar- 
gonium, Messrs.  E.  G.  Henderson  &  Son  were  first  with  the  Rev. 
K.  R.  Benyou,  the  plants  very  well  grown  and  finely  coloured.  The 
second  prize  went  to  Mr.  Mann,  Brentwood,  for  Gold  Crown  with  a 
dark  zone  flushed  with  bright  rose.  The  third  prize  was  taken  by 
Mr.  Stevens  with  small  plants  of  Ealing  Rival. 

Class  2  was  for  one  Silver-variegated  Zonal  (Tricolor)  Pelargonium. 
The  first  prize  went  to  Messrs.  E.  G.  Henderson  &  Son  for  well- 
grown  plants  of  Lass  o'  Gowrie ;  the  second  to  Mr.  Turner,  for  Mrs. 
Rousby  ;  and  the  third  to  Mr.  C.  Edmonds,  Hayes  Nursery,  for  Hayes 
Rival.  Mr.  Mann  exhibited  Leader  ;  Mr.  Turner  Miss  Pond  and 
Princess  of  Wales. 

Iu  Class  3,  one  Gold  and  Bronze  (Bicolor)  Zonal,  Messrs.  Downie, 
Laird,  &  Laing  were  first  with  Impcratrice  Eugenie,  one  of  their  high- 
coloured  kinds.  Mr.  Cannell,  of  Woolwich,  was  second  with  Annie 
Keeler. 

In  Class  5,  one  Silver  edged  Pelargonium,  Mr.  Turner,  who  was  the 
only  exhibitor,  wis  first  with  May  Queen  ;  and  in  Class  6,  one  Ivy- 
leaved  Pelargonium,  Mr.  Turner  was  also  first  with  Compactum,  a 
neat-growing  white  variegated  kind. 

Class  7  was  for  one  Nosegay  Pelargonium  in  flower.  The  first  prize 
was  taken  by  Mr.  G.  Smith,  Tolliugtou  Nursery,  with  Mr.  Gladstone. 
Mr.  Cannell  was  second  with  Master  Christine,  awarded  a  first-class 
certificate  on  June  8th,  the  plants  being  the  same  as  those  exhibited 
on  that  occasion,  and  still  in  good  bloom.     No  third  prize  was  given. 

In  Class  8,  for  one  Zonal  Pelargonium  in  flower,  Mr.  Mann  was 
first  with  Lord  Derby,  and  Mr.  George,  gardener  to  Miss  Nicholson, 
second  with  Annihilator.  The  best  double-flowered  Pelargoniums 
shown  in  Class  9  were  Marie  Lemoine  from  Messrs.  Downie  &  Co., 
and  Madame  Lemoine  from  Mr.  Mann.     These  were  good  specimens. 


Fruit  Committee. — G.  F.  Wilson,  Esq.,  F.R.S.,  in  the  chair. 
Prizes  were  offered  at  this  meeting  for  the  best  dish  of  early  Plums. 
Mr.  Douglas,  of  Loxford  Hall,  Ilford,  sent  Early  Green  Gage  ;  Mr. 
Beasley,  of  Ecton  Hall,  sent  Early  Orleans ;  Mr.  Roberts,  of  Holwood, 
Beckenham,  sent  Early  Prolific;  Mr.  Gilbert,  of  Burghley,  sent 
Early  Violet,  and  Myrobalan  ;  and  Mr.  Porter,  Syon  Lodge,  Isle- 
worth,  sent  Early  Morocco,  and  Early  Orleans.  Mr.  Douglas  was 
awarded  the  first  prize  ;  and  the  second  fell  to  Mr.  Porter.  Dishes  of 
McLaughlin,  a  large  form  of  Green  Gage,  Woolston  Black  Gage,  and 
Perdrigon  Violet  H;Uif,  were  sent  from  the  Society's  garden  at 
Chiswick,  all  of  which  elicited  the  approval  of  the  Committee.  Mr. 
Gilbert,  of  the  gardens,  Burghley,  sent  a  dish  of  Brown  Turkey,  re- 
markably well  grown,  bat  deficient  in  flavour.  Mr.  Gilbert  also  sent 
flue  fruit  of  Noblesse  Peach,  which  was  of  excellent  flavour,  and  of 
Moorpark  Apricot,  also  highly  flavoured. 

Mr.  Dodds,  gardener  to  Sir  G.  Smyth,  Ashton  Court,  Bristol,  sent  a 
seedling  Nectarine,  which  is  said  to  be  fourteen  days  later  than  Elrnge. 
The  Committee  were  of  opinion  that  the  fruit  bore  a  strong  resem- 
blance to  Violette  Hative  ;  but  in  the  absence  of  a  knowledge  of  the 
flowers  and  leaves,  the  identity  could  not  be  settled.  Mr.  J.  McLaren, 
of  Ash,  Surrey,  sent  a  dish  of  fruit  of  his  Prolific  Raspberry,  which  re- 
ceived a  first-class  certificate  last  year,  and  which  was  this  year  com- 
mended on  account  of  its  flavour.     Mr.  Stowe,  of  Farnborough,  sent 


August  4,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  OAUDENER. 


85 


branches  of  Black  Naples  Currants,  laden  with  frnit,  and  a  dish  of 
the  bunches.  The  Committee  awarded  a  special  certificate  for  supe- 
rior cultivation. 

Mr.  A.  Henderson,  of  Thoresby  Gardens,  Notts,  Bent  a  Melon  called 
Calder's  Hybrid  Netted  Green-nYsh,  which  was  a  large  handsome  fruit, 
bnt  deficient  in  flavour.  Mr.  Meake3,  gardener  to  R.  Fowler,  Esq., 
Petersham,  Surrey,  sent  two  fruit  of  Golden  Perfection,  of  good,  but 
not  superior  flavour.  Mr.  Sidney  Ford,  of  the  gardens,  Leonardslee, 
Horsham,  sent  a  frnit  of  Golden  Perfection  Melon,  excellent  in 
flavour. 

MeBsrs.  Minier,  Nash,  it  Nash,  seedsmen  of  the  Strand,  sent  two 
dishes  of  the  large  Late  White  Tripoli  Onion,  and  also  of  the  large 
Red  Italian  Tripoli,  all  of  which  were  grown  in  this  country.  The 
exhibition  was  so  meritorious  that  a  special  certificate  was  awarded  to 
them.  Messrs.  J.  Carter  ft  Co.,  of  Holborn,  sent  samples  of  their  Covent 
Garden  Garnishing  Parsley,  with  a  splendidly  curled  leaf.  This  was 
much  admired,  and  received  a  first-class  certificate.  Messrs.  Carter 
also  exhibited  a  long  green-striped  Cluster  Vegetable  Marrow.  The 
habit  of  the  plant  is  that  of  a  bush,  like  that  of  the  Bush  Custard 
Marrow,  and  produces  one  fruit  in  the  axil  of  the  branches  just  over 
the  stock.  Mr.  Gilbert,  of  the  gardens,  Burghley,  sent  samples  of  the 
following  Potatoes,  remarkably  well  grown — Coldstream  Early,  Myall's 
Prolific,  Early  Shaw,  Milky  White,  King  of  Potatoes,  and  Silver  Skin. 
Mr.  Eckford,  of  Coleshill  Gardens,  sent  samples  of  Potatoes  to  show 
that  supertuberatiou  is  the  result  of  dry  weather.  Mr.  Porter,  gar- 
dener to  E.  Benham,  Esq..  Syon  Lodge,  Isleworth,  sent  a  tray  of 
vegetables.  The  same  gentleman  also  sent  a  collection  of  five  sorts  of 
Potatoes. 

Messrs.  Lane  ft  Son,  of  Berkhampstead,  exhibited  a  collection  of 
frnit  grown  in  pots,  to  which  a  special  certificate  was  awarded. 

Floral  Committee. — Mr.  J.  Fraser  in  the  chair.  From  Messrs. 
E.  G.  Henderson  it  Son,  St.  John's  Wood,  came  a  basketful  of  Tri- 
color Pelargonium  Rev.  E.  R.  Benyon,  a  free-growing  variety  with 
finely  coloured  dark  crimson  zones  flamed  with  bright  crimson ; 
Hydrangea  japonica  speciosa,  with  the  leaves  having  a  creamy  white 
patch  extending  from  near  the  apex  to  the  leafstalk,  and  in  the  speci- 
men shown  from  1  to  11  inch  wide;  the  flower-heads  have  a  bluish 
tinge.  This  is  a  very  ornamental  plant,  and  its  merit  was  marked  by 
a  first-class  certificate.  The  same  firm  also  sent  Phlox  decnssata 
elegans  argentea,  with  the  leaves  largely  variegated  with  pale  yellow, 
an  ornamental  variegated  plant  which  may  prove  useful  in  borders ; 
and  a  group  of  dwarf  Antirrhinums  from  G  to  i)  inches  high,  and  of 
different  varieties.     These  received  a  special  certificate. 

From  Messrs.  Veitch  it  Sons  came  a  large  and  fine  group  of  plants, 
consisting  of  various  elegant  Palms,  a  handsome  specimen  of  Croton 
Veitchii,  Dracaena  Chelsoni  with  leaves  very  beautifully  coloured, 
D.  Guilfoylei,  Oncidiums,  Cypripedium  Veitchii  with  seven  fine  flow- 
ers, Croton  maximum  and  Croton  undulatum,  the  latter  with  its  dark- 
coloured  leaves  richly  spotted  and  blotched  with  crimson  and  rose  ; 
Zamia  Lehmanni,  a  very  handsome  specimen — for  this  a  special  cer- 
tificate was  awarded  ;  Maranta  chimboracensis  and  Walhsii  ;  and  a 
Sciadophyllum  from  New  Caledonia,  with  large  shining  leaves  with 
obovate  leaflets.  Besides  these,  Dendrobium  Bensonii,  Cattleya  Ack- 
landia?,  and  Saccolabium  Blnmei  majus  were  each  represented  by  good 
specimens ;  and  a  special  certificate  was  given  to  Renanthera  Lowii, 
which  is  rarely  seen  flowering  on  so  dwarf  a  specimen,  but  which  had, 
nevertheless,  a  fine  spike  of  its  rich-coloured  red  and  yellow  flowers.  A 
first-class  certificate  was  given  to  Bowenia  spectabilis,  a  Cycad  with 
very  handsome,  shining,  clear  dark  green  foliage.  A  special  certificate 
was  given  Messrs.  Veitch  for  the  whole  collection. 

Mr.  Bull  sent  Croton  maculatum,  with  the  leaves  irregularly  marked 
with  rich  pale  yellow,  which  was  in  a  much  larger  patch  on  the  young 
leaves  ;  several  Palms ;  Cycas  Broughtoni,  a  handsome  species  ;  Syn- 
gonium  Seemanni,  with  dark  green  foliage  beautifully  variegated  with 
silvery  markings  along  the  midribs  and  principal  veins  of  the  leaves; 
Adiantum  Seemanni,  Dieffenbachia  Wallisii.  Macrozaniia  magnifica, 
and  Lilinm  auratnm  Brilliant,  finely  dotted  with  purple.  First-class 
certificates  were  awarded  to  Cycas  Broughtoni  and  Macrozamia  mag- 
nifica. 

Mr.  J.  Stevens,  4,  Ealing  Terrace,  Ealing,  contributed  a  splendid 
collection  of  Balsams,  beautifully  grown,  and  with  flowers  which  for 
size  were  more  like  small  Camellias  than  Balsams.  The  colours  were 
chiefly  scarlet  and  flesh,  the  mottled  kinds  were  also  very  fine.  For 
these  a  well-deserved  special  certificate  was  awarded.  Mr.  Windsor, 
gardener  to  J.  R.  Ravenhill,  Esq.,  Leytonstone,  sent  a  number  of 
hybrid  Nosegay  Pelargoniums  of  various  shades  of  scarlet,  and  all 
producing  large  trasses;  and  Mr.  George  Bent  a  similar  collection, 
including  several  varieties  with  fine  trusses. 

From  Mr.  William  Thompson,  of  Ipswich,  came  CEnothera  or 
Godetia  Whitneyi,  a  hardy  Californian  annual  with  flowers  2j  inches 
across,  lilac  rose,  with  a  red  blotch  in  each  petal,  the  plant  apparently 
of  compact  habit.  For  this  a  first-class  certificate  was  given.  Mr.  Ford, 
Leonardslee,  Horsham,  sent  Lady  of  the  Lake  white-edged  Pelar- 
gonium, with  a  broad  white  edge,  and  Golden  Pink,  a  yellow-edged  kind. 
Messrs.  Carter  &  Co.  received  a  special  certificate  for  three  baskets 
of  cut  blooms  of  double-flowered  Pelargoniums  neatly  set  up.  Mr. 
Cannell,  Woolwich,  sent  cut  trusses  of  various  Zonal  Pelargoniums. 

From  G.  F.  Wilson,  Esq.,  Weybridge  Heath,  came  a  pot  of  Lilium 
speciosum  atropurpureum,  a  beautiful  deep-coloured  variety,  and  which 
will  soon  be  covered  with  a  profusion  of  bloom.     The  Bame  gentleman 


also  sent  a  cut  flower-stem  of  Lilium  tigrinum  flore-pleno,  a  very  fine 
variety  of  Tiger  Lily  with  four  rows  of  petals,  also  Lilium  Leichtlinii 
with  spotted  pale  yellow  flowers.  Mr.  Turner,  of  Slough,  exhibited  an 
extremely  beautiful  variety  of  Lilium  auratum  dotted  with  deep  purple, 
and  the  same  colour  shading  into  the  golden  bands.  For  this  lovely 
variety  a  first-class  certificate  was  given.  Messrs.  Downie,  Laird,  and. 
Laing  contributed  a  collection  of  Phloxes  in  very  fine  bloom,  La 
Candeur,  Mr.  Charles  Turner,  and  Gt-ant  des  Batailles  being  especially 
remarkable.  Messrs.  Downie  &  Co.,  also  sent  Monsieur  Guldenschych, 
salmon  rose  with  a  purple  eye. 

Messrs.  Barron  &  Son,  of  Elvaston  Nurseries,  exhibited  scarlet 
Zonal  Pelargonium  Maguificum,  a  large-trussed  and  large-flowered 
variety,  which,  from  the  abundance  of  buds,  appears  to  be  a  variety 
that  will  flower  in  long  succession.  Messrs.  Cntbush  &  Son,  of  High- 
gate,  received  a  special  certificate  for  excellently  grown  Cockscombs. 
Messrs.  Standish  ft  Co.  sent  a  fine  stand  of  Gladiolus,  and  Messrs. 
Carter  it  Co.  had  a  special  certificate  for  a  large  collection  of  the 
same  flower.  A  special  certificate  was  awarded  to  Mr.  Stevens, 
Reigate,  for  two  pots  of  Disa  grandiflora,  which  were  very  fine  speci- 
mens of  culture.  Mr.  Green,  gardener  to  W.  Wilson  Saunders,  Esq., 
sent  Agave  auricantha,  a  handsome  plant ;  a  new  Orchid  from  Natal, 
with  the  small  lanceolate  leaves  barred  across  with  black  spots,  and 
the  bracts  of  the  lilac  flowers  similarly  marked  ;  and  Achimenes 
argyrostigma,  with  very  small  white  flowers.  Mr.  G.  Thomson,  Stan- 
Btead  Park  Gardens,  Emsworth,  was  awarded  a  first-class  certificate  for 
a  seedling  Lilium,  a  hybrid  between  L.  auratum  and  L.  speciosum; 
the  flowers  bear  most  resemblance  to  those  of  speciosum  in  form, 
and  are  white  without  golden  bands,  and  spotted  with  purple.  This 
was  named  Parity,  and  received  a  first-class  certificate,  which  it  well 
deserved,  being  very  beautiful. 

Mr.  Cattell,  Westerham,  again  exhibited  Tropsolum  Minnie  Warren, 
and  Mr.  Cripps,  Tunbridge  Wells,  two  stands  of  cnt  blooms  of  his  fine 
Clematis  Crippsii.  from  the  open  air.  Mr.  C.  J.  Perry.  Castle  Brom- 
wich,  was  awarded  a  special  certificate  for  a  stand  of  seedling  Ver- 
benas. From  the  Society's  Gardens  at  Chiswick  came  six  seedling 
fimbriated  Petunias  and  Pteris  serrulata  major  cristata,  a  handsome 
crested  form,  which  received  a  first-class  certificate.  Mr.  W.  Dodds, 
gardener  to  Sir  G.  Smyth,  Bower  Ashtou,  Bristol,  sent  Heliotrope 
Misa  Dodds,  which  is  stated  to  be  a  very  free  bloomer  and  of  good 
habit,  but  neither  that  nor  seedling  Pelargonium  Miss  Upton,  a  free- 
blooming  pink  kind,  was  in  proper  condition  to  judge  of.  Messrs. 
Carter  ft  Co.  contributed  cut  flowers  of  Sunflowers,  very  large  and 
perfectly  double.  Mr.  Porter,  gardener  to  E.  Benham,"  Esq.,  Isle- 
worth,  exhibited  cut  flowers  of  seedling  Tropreolurns,  Pentstemons, 
Zinnias,  and  Hollyhocks. 

A  first-class  certificate  was  given  to  G.  F.  Wilson,  Esq.,  for  his 
doable  Tiger  Lily  above  noticed,  and  second-class  certificates  to  Mr. 
Keynes  for  Dahlia  Incomparable  and  Flora  Hyatt.  Special  certifi- 
cates were  awarded  to  Messrs.  Downie  &  Co.,  for  Phloxes  ;  to  Messrs. 
Carter  &  Co.  for  a  fine  collection  of  Gladioluses ;  and  to  Mr.  C.  J. 
Perry,  of  Castle  Bromwich,  for  seedling  Verbenas. 


General  Meeting.— G.  F.  Wilson,  Esq..  F.R.S.,  in  the  chair. 
After  the  usual  preliminary  business  the  Rev.  M.  J.  Berkeley  com- 
mented on  the  most  remarkable  plants  exhibited.  The  first  which 
occupied  attention  was  Renanthera  Lowii,  shown  by  Messrs.  Veitch 
under  the  name  of  Vanda  Lowii,  which  was  that  given  it  by  Dr. 
Lindley,  and  Mr.  Berkeley  read  the  following  account  of  the  plant 
given  by  Mr.  Bateman  in  the  "  Botanical  Magazine  "  for  1854 : — 

"  A  more  remarkable  plant  is  not  to  be  found  among  the  vast  and 
varied  tribe  to  which  it  belongs.  While  in  etateliness  of  habit  and  in 
the  length  of  its  flower-spikes  it  stands  quite  unrivalled  among  the 
Orchids  of  the  Eastern  world,  its  greatest  peculiarity  is  to  be  found  in 
the  constant  occurrence  of  two  entirely  distinct  forms  of  flower  on  the 
same  spike.  This  extraordinary  circumstance  was  first  observed  by 
Professor  Reif.henbach,  who  satisfied  himself,  after  a  careful  examination 
of  fresh  specimens  furnished  from  M.  Reichenheim's  garden,  that  the 
strange  phenomena  had  nothing  to  do  with  the  separate  production  of 
male  or  female  blossoms,  since  the  organs  in  either  form  were  equally 
perfect.  In  the  present  case  nothing  can  be  set  down  to  caprice,  for  that 
singular  pair  of  tawny  flowers  is  found  at  the  base  of  every  spike. 

"  This  wonderful  Orchid  is  a  native  of  Borneo,  whence  it  was  originally 
sent  to  the  late  Mr.  Low,  of  the  Clapton  Nursery,  by  his  son  (Colonial 
Treasurer  at  Labuan),  in  whose  honour  the  species  was  named  by  Dr. 
Lindley.  It  has  also  been  imported  by  Messrs.  Veitch,  in  whose  nursery, 
at  Chelsea,  I  first  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  the  plant  in  bloom.  It  was 
not,  however,  uotil  the  autumn  of  the  year  1862,  when  the  species 
flowered  in  Mr.  Rucker's  collection,  that  any  adequate  idea  could  be 
formed  of  its  beauty.  A  full  account  was  published  in  the  Gardener*' 
Chronicle  at  that  time,  which  would  apply  equally  to  Mr.  Rucker's  plant, 
as  it  might  have  been  seen  in  September  last,  when  it  again  burst  into 
flower,  and,  if  possible,  in  greater  beauty  and  profusion  than  before. 

"  I  gather  from  a  memorandum  received  from  Mr.  Piicher,  Mr.  Rucker's 
gardener,  that  the  Wandsworth  plant  is  already  9  feet  high,  and  that  it 
produced  six  spikes,  each  bearing  from  forty  to  fifty  flowers,  which  lasted 
in  perfection  for  a  month.  The  spikes  attained  to  such  an  extraordinary 
length  that  they  had  to  be  supported  on  props,  and  thus  formed  graceful 
fe3toons,  under  which  a  person  might  walk  !  The  plant  requires  the  heat 
of  the  East  Indian  house,  and  grows  so  freely  that  it  seems  almost  to 
chafe  at  the  comparatively  narrow  scope  which  the  low  roofs  of  modern 
Orchid-houses  afford  it. 

"Dr.  Lindley,  who  had  only  seen  the  specimens  originally  sent  from 
Borneo,  referred  our  plant  to  Vanda  ;  but  Reichenbach,  who  more  recently 
had  the  advantage  of  examining  living  flowers,  is  decidedly  of  opinion  that 
it  falls  more  properly  under  the  genus  Renanthera  ;  and  as  in  this  case  I 


86 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  4,  1870. 


quite  concur  in  the  view  of  the  German  Professor,  I  have  not  hesitated 
to  substitute  the  name  of  Renanthera  for  that  of  Vanda  Lowii." 
It  was,  remarked  Mr.  Berkeley,  a  singular  fact  that  the  two  tawny 
flowers  are  strongly  scented,  while  all  the  others  are  scentlesB.  The 
Godetia,  shown  by  Mr.  Thompson,  of  Ipswich,  the  hybrid  Lilium 
Purity,  and  the  unnamed  Natal  Orchid  from  Mr.  Wilson  Saunders's 
garden,  were  next  referred  to  in  highly  commendatory  terms,  and  Mr. 
Berkeley  pointed  out  that  the  bracts  of  the  last-named  are  striated 
exactly  like  the  leaves.  Mr.  Berkeley  concluded  by  pointing  out  to 
the  meeting  a  curious  specimen  from  the  garden  of  Mrs.  Lloyd  Wynne, 
of  Coed  Coch,  in  which  the  pigmy  Abies  clanbrasiliana  was  6een  to 
be  reverting  to  the  common  Spruce,  thus  affording  a  proof  that  the 
opposition  that  it  was  a  sport  of  that  tree  is  correct. 

The  next  meeting,  in  conjunction  with  the  Gladiolus  Show,  will  be 
held  on  the  17th  inst. 


DIFFERENT   ROSES  ON   THE   SAME    STOCK. 

I  have  seven  varieties  all  doing  well  on  the  6ame  stock — viz., 
Gloire  de  Dijon,  Paul  Perras,  Sir  Joseph  Paxton,  Prince  Im- 
perial, Caroline  de  Sansal, Charles  Lawson,  and  MadameCharles 
Crapelet.  These  are  all  budded  on  a  Rose  of  the  Multiflora 
family,  white  or  blush,  and  are  growing  on  a  west  wall  in  front 
of  my  cottage.  Your  readers  will  remember  the  coldness  of 
the  weather  in  April  and  May,  18C9,  yet  I  cut  beautiful  Roses 
from  this  tree  on  May  15th,  and  again  on  December  25th.  All 
the  varieties  are  thriving,  and  they  had  an  admirable  effect 
last  June  when  the  various  coloured  flowers  were  out  together. 
I  may  add  that  I  had  on  the  same  stock  General  Jacqueminot 
and  a  Perpetual  Moss,  but  accidents  happened  to  them,  and 
they  were  pulled  off. — C.,  Ireland. 


EDIBLE-FRUITED   RIBES. 

The  enclosed  fiuit,  which  is  of  American  origin,  I  have  not 
before  observed.  It  is  said  to  be  a  hybrid  between  a  Goose- 
berry and  some  sort  of  Currant ;  when  ripe  it  is  a  pleasant  sub- 
acidfruit,  is  very  good  for  cooking  and  preserving,  and  has  the 
great  meiit  of  always  bearing  a  heavy  crop,  even  when  Currants 
and  (jooseberries  fail  in  the  garden  in  which  it  grows. — 
W.  D.  Fox. 

[This  is  one  of  the  many  interesting  species  of  Ribes  found 
in  North  America,  we  think  Bibes  oxyscanthoides,  although 
we  cannot  determine  exactly  with  the  fruit  only.  The  fruit,  as 
stated,  is  not  unlike  a  small  Gooseberry,  and  not  UDpleasant 
to  eat.— Eds.] 

GLASS   WALLS. 

Every  extension  of  the  use  of  glass  has  marked  an  improve- 
ment in  the  science  and  practice  of  gardening.  The  more  glass 
used  in  the  roof  or  sides  of  a  house  the  greater  the  yield,  the 
richer  the  reward.  Gardening  lingered  long  under  the  shadows 
of  semi-opaque  roofs  of  inferior  and  dear  glass.  The  emtmcipa- 
tion  of  glass  from  fiscal  burdens  marked  a  new  and  much  higher 
epoch  in  cultivation.  Within  the  last  thirty  years  horticulture 
has  advanced  more  than  in  three  hundred  years  previously. 
The  chief  reasons  of  this  rapid  progress  are  the  cheapness  and 
plentifulness  of  glass.  The  improvement  in  quality  has  kept 
pace  with  the  increase  in  quantity,  until  now  good  glass,  but  a 
few  years  ago  the  luxury  of  the  few,  has  become  a  necessity  to 
the  many.  Neither  have  we  reached  the  limits  of  its  use.  The 
plentifulnesB  of  glass  has  stimulated  invention.  We  are  not 
using  enormous  quantities  of  glass  for  old  purposes,  but  almost 
daily  applying  it  to  new  uses.  We  are  roofing  our  houses  and 
draining  our  land  with  glass  tiles  ;  applying  portable  glass  to 
wood  and  earthenware  for  the  formation  of  miniature  hothouses 
on  the  ground  or  the  surface  of  our  walls  ;  covering  the  faoes 
of  these  walls  with  glass  screens,  moveable  or  otherwise  ;  and 
last,  but  by  no  means  least,  building  the  walls  themselves  with 
glass.  This  promises  most  important  issues  for  horticulture, 
and  will  be  a  substantial  boon  to  every  one  who  grows  fruit  or 
flowers  against  walls. 

Bank  any  plant  up  against  an  ordinary  wall,  and  you  weaken 
it  in  two  ways  :  You  deprive  it  of  motion,  and  yon  rob  it  of 
light  The  last  is  by  far  the  more  serious  injury.  Doubtless 
the  vibration  of  plants  in  the  open  air  is  a  strengthening  process 
of  more  or  less  power,  bnt  the  shutting-out  of  light  is  a  much 
more  seiious  and  potent  cause  of  weakness  than  the  fixing  of 
plants  Bgainst  walls,  for  light  not  only  enables  plants  to  assi- 
milate their  food,  but  to  build  it  up  into  structure  or  produce ; 
it  at  one  and  the  same  time  transforms,  extends,  aid  consoli- 


dates. By  so  much  as  you  lessen  the  supply  of  light  yon 
weaken  their  assimilating  and  growing  force.  It  therefore 
follows  that  plants  on  walls  will  as  a  rule  be  much  weaker  than 
those  not  on  walls  ;  and  this  weakness,  born  of  semi-darkness, 
renders  them  liable  to  diseases,  and  exposes  them  to  premature 
death.  If,  however,  by  any  means  plants  against  walls  can  be 
exposed  to  almost  as  much  light  as  those  in  the  open  air,  they 
will  probably  become  nearly  as  robust  and  long-lived. 

Now,  by  the  use  of  glass  for  walls  each  side  of  the  tree,  and 
both  sides  of  the  wall,  will  be  more  or  less  fully  exposed  to  the 
light.  Transparent  walls  will  banish  the  chilling  coldness  of 
northern  aspects  from  our  gardens.  The  sun,  that  hitherto 
wasted  its  strength  upon  dead  bricks,  will  from  henceforth  be 
employed  in  the  nourishment  of  living  trees.  Experiments 
have  shown  that  the  north  side  of  glass  walls  is  only  a  few 
degrees  colder  than  the  south  side,  and  there  will  be  but  little 
difference  in  the  intensity  of  the  light  upon  the  two  sides. 
Were  the  glass  perfectly  transparent  the  difference  in  either 
light  or  heat  on  the  two  sides  would  hardly  be  perceptible  ;  for 
though  glass  bendB  the  rays  of  light  or  heat  passing  through  it 
out  of  their  straight  course,  it  ecarcely  perceptibly  hinders 
them.  But  the  glass  employed  in  the  construction  of  these 
walls  is  rough  plate  weighing  about  2  lbs.  to  the  foot,  and  there- 
fore not  quite  transparent  :  hence  it  arrests  and  retains  a 
certain  proportion  of  the  heat,  and  radiates  the  remainder  back 
into  the  air  and  down  upon  the  ground.  There  may  be  some 
drawbacks  incident  to  the  very  active  radiation  of  glass  walls. 
Probably  they  may  cool  at  night  faster  than  opaque  walls,  but 
this  activity  is  not  an  unmixed  evil.  During  hot  weather  the 
surface  of  glass  will  be  cooler  than  any  other  wall.  The  heat 
that  rebounds  from  this  is  not  lost ;  much  of  it  goes  to  warm 
the  ground  and  the  roots  of  the  trees ;  and  it  seems  probable 
that  in  practice  it  will  be  found  the  borders  at  the  foot  of 
glass  walls  will  bave  a  superior  mean  temperature  to  those 
at  the  bottom  of  any  kind  of  opaque  walls.  This  reserve  of 
heat  stored  in  the  earth  during  the  day,  will  be  slowly  given  out 
at  night  to  the  protection  of  the  t;ees  on  the  walls. 

The  comparative  coolness  of  glass  walls  during  bright  sun- 
shine is  also  a  great  cultural  advantage.  Heterodoxical  as  it 
may  appear,  I  am  prepared  to  affirm  that  we  lose  more  wall 
trees  through  an  excess  of  heat  than  of  cold.  The  sun  scorches 
tbem  on  the  surface  of  the  bricks  or  stones  with  a  dry  heat  of 
100°,  120°,  or  130° ;  they  succumb,  and  then  we  mostly  blame 
the  preceding  winter.  The  accumulated  force  of  the  sun  and 
the  bricks  together  in  nine  cases  out  of  ten  kills  or  ruins  the 
trees  that  die  suddenly  or  become  the  victims  of  fatal  diseases. 
On  glass  walls,  not  only  will  the  surface  be  cooler,  but  the  trees 
perforce  must  be  trained  on  a  trellis  from  2  to  3  inches  from 
the  glass.  So  placed,  and  with  such  an  active  radiation  behind 
them,  the  trees  will  never  be  scorched.  The  advantages  will 
also  be  wholly  on  the  side  of  glass  in  the  spring.  Our  great 
difficulty  through  February  and  March  with  such  excitable 
subjects  as  Peashes  and  ApricotB  is  to  hold  them  back.  While 
the  flowers  are  within  the  buds  they  are  safe ;  once  they  have 
come  out,  they  are  in  danger.  The  absorptive  powers  of  the 
brick  wall  hurry  them  forth  into  the  cold  biting  weather. 
A  hot  day  or  two  come,  and  the  blazing  sun,  accumulating 
its  whole  force  upon  the  surface  of  the  wall,  makes  all  the  buds 
spring  open  ;  and  then  frost  comes  and  feasts  upon  their 
tender  beauty,  to  the  wreck  and  ruin  of  our  fruit  prospects. 
Glass  will  act  to  keep  the  flowers  within  their  scaly  sheaths, 
where  tbey  are  well-nigh  invulnerable. 

And  then,  consider  for  a  moment  the  cleanliness,  the  ele- 
gance, and  the  beauty  of  glass  walls.  They  hardly  afford  a 
hiding  place  for  a  thrips  ;  they  seem  mirrors  for  the  trees  to 
admire  themselves  in  ;  and  their  beauty,  with  the  sunbeams 
leaping  out  and  in,  and  bendiDg  down  in  all  directions  among 
the  branches,  is  a  sight  that  must  be  seen  to  be  appreciated. 
Nothing  could  well  be  more  uninteresting,  if  not  positively  ugly, 
than  our  opaque  walls,  and  few  thiDgs  more  neat  and  orna- 
mental than  glass  walls ',  but  they  have  also  utilitarian  merits 
of  the  highest  order.  Is  space  valuable  in  most  gardens  ?  It 
is.  Glass  walls  will  save  about  8  inches  out  of  every  0  occu- 
pied by  brick  or  other  opaque  walls.  Their  strong  framework 
of  iron,  felt  packirg,  and  slabs  of  glass,  with  or  without  a  slate 
base,  only  occupies  about  1  inch  of  space.  They  are  easily 
erected,  quickly  removed,  and  conveniently  portable.  They 
can  be  had  of  any  height  and  in  any  form,  as  straight,  zigzag, 
square,  &c.  Being  transparent,  they  may  be  placed  closely 
together  in  blocks.  By  such  arrangements  an  immense  area  of 
wall  cont<l  b»  sheltered  from  spring  frosts,  and  protected  from 
b  rds,  with  the  smallest  possible  quantity  of  oanvas  or  netting. 


August  4,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF   HORTIOULTOBE   AND   COTTAGE   GAKDENEK. 


87 


But  the  thinness  of  these  walls  will  not  only  save  surface  space, 
bat  also  give  up  a  large  area  of  ground  to  the  roots.  No  cum- 
brous and  massive  foundations  will  be  needed  for  them  to 
stand  upon.  The  sharp  dividing  lines  between  north  and 
south  borders  will  be  abolished.  The  roots  of  trees  on  both 
sides  of  the  walls  will  turn  to  the  warmth,  and  seek  supplies 
of  food  from  the  most  genial  quarters. 

Through  the  courtesy  of  the  inventor  and  patentee,  Mr. 
Charles  Beard,  of  the  Victoria  Works,  Bury  St.  Edmunds,  I 
am  enabled  to  give  woodcuts  of  sections  of  his  straight  and  zig- 


zag glass  walls.  As  will  be  seen,  they  have  an  iron  coping  to 
ward  off  rain  and  frost.  They  are  offered  complete  at  a  consider- 
ably less  cost  than  9-inch  brick  walls.  Their  complete  portability 
will  render  them  invaluable  to  tenants,  who  are  often  prevented 


from  building  walls  for  horticultural  purposes  by  the  unsatis- 
factory law  of  fixtures,  which  leaves  us  free  to  put  property 
down  almost  anywhere,  but  hinders  us  from  taking  it  up  again. 
These  walls  may  be  covered  with  fruit  trees  or  flowers  to-day, 
and  to-morrow  be  resolved  into  their  original  elements  of  a 
bundle  of  iron,  a  crate  of  glass,  and  a  roll  of  felt  on  ship  or 
rail,  and  carried  to  any  part  of  the  world.  For  forming  bound- 
aries between  small  gardens,  screens  between  different  parts 
of  the  same  domain,  barriers  between  kitchen  and  flower  gar- 
dens, partitions  in  offices  or  even  dwelling-houses — different 
forms  of  glass  walls  will  prove  most  useful.  Within  the  gar- 
den they  provide  shelter  without  shading,  and  for  this  reason 
they  cannot  fail  to  improve  the  health  and  increase  the  fruit- 
fulness  of  most  of  our  wall  fruit  trees. 

Iri  a  word,  the  glass  walls  threaten  to  drive  the  north  pole 
out  of  our  gardens,  which  some  have  protested  against,  inas- 
much as  this  cold  region  has  been  useful  in  steering  our 
desserts  through  the  arctic  regions  of  winter.  But  my  idea  of 
this  matter  is,  that  we  may  gather  as  late  Plums,  Cherries,  and 
Pears  off  standards  in  cold  aspects,  as  we  can  from  north  walls, 
and  that  in  our  climate  it  is  a  sheer  waste  of  moDey  to  build 
walls  to  increase  the  cold.  By  the  use  of  glass  walls  we  shall 
double  the  extent  of  our  genial  climate,  and  may  grow  superior 
fruitB  successfully  on  both  sides.  Late  winter  supplies  we 
even  gather  as  good,  or  better,  off  espaliers,  pyramids,  or  com- 
mon standards,  as  from  the  backs  of  north  walls. — D.  T.  Fish, 
F.B.H.S. 


AMONGST  THE  ROSES  AT  SOUTHWELL. 
"  Have  you  seen  Merryweather's  Roses  ?  "  This  is  a  familiar 
and  oft-repeated  query,  and  has  escaped  the  lips  of  hundreds 
during  the  past  few  weeks  in  the  midland  counties,  where  the 
stands  of  this  young  aspirant  to  Rose  fame  have  been  a  great 
centre  of  attraction  by  their  sterling  excellence  and  the  hi^u 


honours  achieved.  In  every  case  thi3  season,  save  one,  that 
these  Roses  have  entered  the  competitive  lists  they  have  carried 
off  the  first  honours.  The  exception  was  Loughborough,  where 
they  ran  second  in  the  race  in  a  field  of  veteran  rosarians. 

Mr.  Merryweather  has  brightened  many  otherwise  bright 
horticultural  exhibitions  where,  in  "  all-England  "  lists,  in  the 
short  space  of  three  weeks,  he  has  carried  off  in  his  quiet  modest 
manner  ten  first  prizes.  It  was  on  the  evening  of  one  of  these 
exhibitions,  under  the  hospitable  parsonage  roof  of  "  C.  C.  E.," 
that  a  trio  met  in  solemn  conclave,  discussed  and  decided  all 
about  Roses,  and  settled  that  the  next  meeting — of  the  majority 
—should  be  held  at  the  hom6  of  the  Roses  at  Southwell.  The 
train  duly  set  me  down,  and  permitted  a  stay  of  twelve  hours 
"among  the  Roses."  I  have  seen  many  collections  public  and 
private,  but  have  not  seen  those  of  MesBrs.  Rivers,  and  Paul, 
and  Radclyffe  ;  so  set  it  down  for  what  it  is  worth  when  I  say 
that  I  never  saw  a  finer,  healthier,  better-managed  lot  of  Roses 
than  in  the  little  nursery  at  Southwell.  It  was  a  veritable 
feast  of  beauty.  It  is  the  result  of  an  alliance  of  great  power 
and  unlimited  resources — viz.,  natural  position  and  cultural 
skill.  The  part  of  the  nurseries  set  apart  for  Roses  may  be 
termed  one  of  Nature's  miniature  hollows,  and  is  sheltered 
by  the  gradual  rising  of  the  ground  on  the  one  hand,  and  by 
distant  trees  on  the  other.  The  soil  is  a  fine,  sound,  good- 
hearted,  alluvial  loam,  just  the  kind  to  build  np  a  sound  con- 
stitution for  the  Rose. 

But  Roses  here  do  not  grow  themselves,  but  are  tended  in  a 
very  practical  manner  from  their  very  infancy  by  Mr.  Merry- 
weather,  jun.,  for  be  it  understood  he  is  not  of  the  kid-glove- 
and-lavender-water  school.  No,  his  gloves  are  pruning  gloves, 
and  his  "  rose  water  "  is  far  more  relished  by  the  roots  of  his 
Roses  than  by  delicate  noses.  To  these  let  me  commend  that 
exquisite  Rose  La  France,  which  has  a  delicious  scent  and  is 
truly  a  grand  Rose.  The  most  attractive  of  the  new  Roses  was, 
undoubtedly,  MarquiEe  de  Mortemart,  with  examples  of  blooms 
4J  inches  across,  of  a  satiny  white  colour  deepening  towards 
the  centre.  A  useful  feature  in  this  fine  Rose  is,  that  it  seems 
to  inherit  the  robust  nature'  and  free-blooming  habit  of  its 
parent,  Jules  Margottin.  Another  worthy  son  of  a  worthy  sire 
is  Henry  Ledtchaux,  from  Victor  Verdier.  Montplaiser  is 
very  promising,  though  its  outliving  its  parent,  Gloire  de  Dijon, 
is  very  problematical.  Two  other  fine  new  Rose3  were  Thtrese 
Levet  and  Victor  le  Bihan,  the  latter  quite  first-rate  in  every 
respect.  Of  the  general  collection  there  were  strikingly  fine 
examples  of  Abel  Grand,  good  all  over ;  Black  Prince,  looking 
as  bold  as  his  great  prototype ;  ComteBse  de  Jaucourt  and 
Madame  la  Baronne  de  Rothschild  in  their  calm  beauty  of 
colour  and  superlative  foliage ;  Duchesse  de  Caylus,  Madame 
Victor  Verdier,  Le  Rhone,  Marie  Baumann,  Mauiice  Bernardin, 
and  Xivier  Olibo,  all  extra  grand,  with  Horace  Vernet,  Mar- 
guerite de  St.  Amand,  Princess  Mary  of  Cambridge,  and  Edward 
Morren  simply  magnificent.  But  I  must  close  my  note-book 
for  fear  the  matter  may  be  interesting  only  to  myself,  just 
chronicling  the  remarkable  vigour  of  a  batch  of  Maiecbal  Niel, 
and  the  mildew-resisting  powers  of  that  fine  Rose,  Madame 
Clfimence  Joigneaux  ;  not  a  particle  of  the  parasite  can  be  found 
on  this  variety  in  any  part  of  the  nursery.  The  Noisette  and 
Tea  section  is  well  represented,  a  larger  number  being  in  pots 
of  a  haudy  portable  size. 

Mr.  Merryweather's  secret — no,  he  has  no  secrets — his  basis 
of  success  rests  with  the  sound  practical  attention  bestowed 
from  the  very  moment  of  planting  his  Briars.  His  power  lies 
in  his  mulching,  a  practice  in  general  gardening  which  cannot 
be  over-estimated.  The  Manetti  as  a  stock  is  a  great  favourite 
here,  and  as  managed  is  an  unequivocal  success.  Out  of  a 
batch  of  several  hundreds  or  thousands  worked  on  this  stock, 
budded  close  to  or  below  the  ground,  hardly  a  sucker  can  be 
found,  and  all  are  growing  in  the  perfection  of  vigour. 

To  those  who  know  little  or  nothing  of  Roses  I  append  a 
short  list  compiled  with  great  care  on  the  spot.  It  is  a 
selection  of  generally  useful  varieties,  free  growers,  and  free 
bloomers,  and  such  as  may  be  planted  with  confidence  to  give 
a  good  display  iu  the  garden  ;  many  good  kinds  are  left  out,  even 
fine  ones  ;  its  merit  is,  that  no  bad  "  miffy  "  growers  are  kept 
in.  If  six  only  are  wanted,  take  the  first  six;  if  twelve,  the 
first  twelve,  and  so  on.  It  contains  nothing  unproved  or  ex- 
pensive, and  may  he  useful  to  some  one.  The  names  are — 
Alfred  Colomb,  Charles  Lefebvre,  Madame  la  Baronne  de 
Rothschild,  MaiSchal  Vaillant,  Marguerite  de  St.  Amand, 
Margchal  Niel,  Docteur  Andry,  Duchesse  de  Caylus,  John 
Hopper,  Madame  Victor  Verdier,  La  Franee,  Madame  Willer- 
moz  (Tea),  Black  Prince,  Due  de  Rohan,  Duke  of  Edinbnrgb, 


88 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  4,  1870. 


Exposition  de  Brie,  Madame  Clemence  Joigneaux,  Horace 
Vernet,  Marie  Baumann,  Princess  Mary  of  Cambridge,  Victor 
Verdier,  Madame  Margottin  (Tea),  Souvenir  d'nn  Ami  (Tea), 
and  Souvenir  d'Elise  (Tea). 

For  an  amateur  making  a  start,  the  above  are  recommended 
as  good-all-round  Roses.  They  are  selected  on  their  merits, 
regardless  of  the  names  of  the  raisers  or  the  time  at  which 
they  were  introduced. 

Taking  a  glance  at  the  other  parts  of  the  nursery,  we  find 
some  acres  of  fruit  and  forest  trees  kept  well  in  hand,  also  a 
large  stock  of  evergreens,  and  Conifers  good  and  well  managed. 
The  houses  are  useful  span-roofed  structures.  One  is  planted 
almost  entirely  with  Mrs.  Pince's  Black  Muscat  Grape,  and  is 
bearing  fine  bunches.  There  is  a  splendid  stock  of  pot  Vines, 
and  a  healthy  stock  of  Azaleas  and  Camellias  raised  and  grafted 
on  the  spot.  The  general  aspect  of  the  nursery  is  neat  and 
well-kept,  the  edges  being  close  and  trim,  and  weeds  banished. 
The  whole  place  gives  evidence  of  skill,  enterprise,  industry, 
and  perseverance,  and  by  a  continued  exercise  of  these  qualities 
the  present  rapidly  acquired  position  will  soon  be  left  behind, 
and  Mr.  Merryweather  will  speedily  occupy  the  front  rank  as 
a  rosarian,  and  take  a  highly  creditable  stand  as  a  general 
provincial  nurseryman.  He  is  animated  by  the  spirit  of  his 
good  neighbour  the  Rev.  S.  Reynolds  Hole,  and  will  in  time 
excel.  By  the  way,  my  pleasant  day  closed  with  two  disappoint- 
ments. I  went  to  see  the  Caunton  Roses — they  were  out  of 
bloom  ;  and  the  king  consort  of  the  queen  of  flowers  was  "  out 
of  town."— J.  W. 


PELARGONIUM  PRESIDENT  REVEIL. 

This  Pelargonium  is  of  great  merit  as  a  bedding  plant.  To 
fully  realise  its  value  it  should  be  planted  by  the  side  of  other 
dwarf  kinds ;  very  dwarf  and  compact  in  its  habit  of  growth, 
its  chief  superiority  lies  in  its  great  abundance  of  oompact 
trusses  of  vivid  scarlet  flowers,  borne  on  short  stout  stalks  just 
clear  of  the  foliage.  For  so  dwarf  a  plant  the  size  of  its  flowers 
is  remarkable,  they  being  almost  as  large  and  quite  as  well 
shaped  as  those  of  Lord  Derby.  Its  great  utility  as  a  front-row 
plant  for  ribbon  borders,  for  small  beds,  and,  indeed,  for  any 
position  where  dwarf-growing  plants  are  required,  should  render 
it  a  general  favourite. 

In  one  or  two  former  papers  I  have  included  this  Pelargonium 
in  my  list  of  select  sorts,  and  after  having  grown  it  for  three 
years,  so  highly  do  I  esteem  it  that  I  consider  it  fully  merits 
this  special  notice. — Edward  Luckhurst,  Egerton  House  Gar- 
dens, Kent. 

WORK  FOR  THE  WEEK. 

KITCHEN   GARDEN. 

This  is  the  time  for  laying  the  foundation  of  a  sure  supply 
of  vegetables  and  salads  for  the  ensuing  winter.  I  shall  sup- 
pose that  all  the  spring  and  midwinter  Broccolis  have  been 
planted  some  time,  and  that  Turnips  for  October  and  Novem- 
ber have  also  been  sown  ;  it  remains  to  insure  a  continuous  suc- 
cession of  Cauliflower  and  autumn  Broccoli,  also  a  full  supply 
of  Salads.  The  Cape  Broccolis,  although  apt  to  sport,  are 
amongst  the  most  useful  for  affording  a  sure  supply,  provided 
the  family  are  resident  at  their  country  seat  from  October  to 
Christmas.  Where  such  is  the  case  the  last  planting  should 
be  immediately  accomplished,  and  that  should  be  a  good 
breadth.  A  rich  border  should  also  be  highly  prepared  for 
Cauliflowers  ;  these,  planted  immediately,  will  supply  the  table 
until  Christmas  if  kept  secure  from  frost.  Endive,  also,  must 
be  planted  out  with  a  liberal  hand,  likewise  autumn  Lettuces. 
Let  no  piece  of  ground  remain  vacant,  and  let  a  clearance  be 
made  forthwith  of  all  decaying  crops,  or  those  which  are  un- 
profitable, supplying  their  place  immediately  with  crops  such 
as  those  just  mentioned. 

FLOWER.    GARDEN. 

Now  that  the  effect  of  the  present  arrangement  of  the  colours 
in  the  beds  can  be  fairly  seen,  there  is  an  excellent  opportunity 
for  noticing  any  mistakes,  and  determining  upon  the  arrange- 
ment for  next  season,  and  this  should  be  done  without  delay. 
When  it  is  decided  what  each  bed  is  to  be  occupied  with  next 
season,  a  plan  of  the  garden  should  be  made,  writing  the 
names  of  the  plants  on  the  beds  according  to  the  arrangement 
decided  upon.  This  will  be  of  the  greatest  service  in  Bhowing 
at  any  time  what  quantity  of  each  kind  of  plant  has  to  be  pro- 
pagated, and  unless  some  method  of  this  sort  be  adopted,  it  is 
not  unusual  to  find  at  planting-out  time  that  there  is  a  scarcity 


of  some  plants  and  a  superabundance  of  others  ;  whereas  those 
who  have  their  plan  to  refer  to  can  tell  at  a  glance  the  exact 
number  of  everything  required,  and  avoid  mistakes  in  propa- 
gating too  many  of  one  plant  and  too  few  of  another,  and  all 
the  anxiety  and  confusion  of  working  without  a  well-defined 
object  in  view.  DahliaB  will  require  to  be  gone  over  frequently 
to  keep  their  side  branches  securely  tied-in,  for  when  left  untied 
they  are  readily  broken  off  by  a  thunderstorm.  Hollyhocks 
must  also  be  securely  tied  to  their  stakes.  Continue  to  remove 
dead  flowers  from  Roses,  and  give  plenty  of  manure  water  to 
the  autumn-blooming  varieties.  Those  who  can  find  time 
may  pick  off  the  seed-pods  from  their  Rhododendrons ;  this 
will  add  much  to  the  strength  of  the  blossom  in  the  next  year. 
The  Azaleas,  of  course,  will  benefit  by  the  same  process. 
During  showery  weather  plant  out  all  rooted  Pink  pipings. 
Should  very  dry  weather  occur  they  must  be  shaded  and  care- 
fully attended  to.  It  is  advisable  to  pot  a  few  pairs  of  the  best 
sorts,  and  place  them  in  frames ;  though  the  Pink  is  much 
hardier  than  the  Carnation.  By  adopting  this  plan  they  may 
be  safely  removed  at  any  time,  will  make  more  roots,  and,  con- 
sequently, are  more  likely  to  form  strong  plants  and  to  bloom 
well.  Prepare  a  bed  for  the  Tulip  offsets,  which  must  be 
planted  in  a  few  weeks,  for  many  of  the  smaller  ones,  if  kept 
out  of  the  ground  till  the  usual  planting  time,  will  shrivel  and 
perish.  It  will,  therefore,  be  necessary  that  amateurs  and 
those  commencing  the  fancy  should  immediately  secure  offsets 
of  expensive  or  scarce  sorts,  if  blooming  roots  cannot  be 
readily  or  reasonably  obtained,  aB  most  growers  have  com- 
menced arranging  their  collections.  Continue  the  directions 
given  for  Carnations  and  Picotees  last  week,  and  carefully 
prevent  the  seed-pods  from  contracting  damp.  Early  appli- 
cation should  be  made  for  new  or  favourite  varieties,  in  order 
that  they  may  be  potted  off  as  soon  as  they  are  well  rooted. 
Seedling  Auriculas  that  have  hitherto  been  kept  in  pans  or 
boxes  may  now  be  placed  singly  in  small  pots ;  the  soil  used 
may  consist  of  equal  parts  of  sound  turfy  loam  and  leaf  mould. 

GREENHOOBE    AND    CONSERVATORY. 

Now  that  there  is  a  profusion  of  flowers  out  of  doors,  it  will 
not  be  possible  to  maintain  the  interest  of  the  conservatory 
except  by  keeping  it  furnished  with  handsome  specimens  of 
showing  plants.    Azaleas,  which  do  not  seem  inclined  to  start 
freely  into  growth,  should,  if  possible,  be  placed  in  a  moist 
situation,  and  be  afforded  every  possible  attention  to  induce 
them  to  make  vigorous  growth.     Specimens  in  heat  which  have 
their  bloom  buds  well  formed,  should  be  removed  to  a  cool 
house  or  a  sheltered  shady  situation  out  of  doors,  but  they 
must  be  protected  from  drenching  rains.     Young  plants  which 
it  may  be  desirable  to  increase  in  size  as  much  as  possible 
should,  if  they  are  setting  their  bloom,  be  stopped  regularly 
over  and  encouraged  to  make  another  growth.     See  that  the 
whole  stock,  particularly  of  plants  in  heat,  is  free  from  black 
thrips,  and  spare  no  trouble  to  keep  the  plants  clear  of  this  pest. 
Camellias  which  have  fairly  formed  their  bloom  buds  should 
either  be  placed  out  of  doors  or  in  a  cool  dry  house,  keeping 
them  rather  dry  at  the  roots,  in  order  to  prevent  their  making 
a  second  growth,  which  young  vigorous  plants  are  apt  to  do  if 
kept  in  a  close  moist  situation  after  they  have  formed  their 
flower  buds.    Any  of  the  plants  which  may  require  more  pot 
room  should  be  repotted  at  once,  so  that  the  roots  may  take 
hold  of  the  fresh  soil  before  the  blooming  season,  for  these 
seldom  bloom  finely  unless  the  pots  are  moderately  filled  with 
roots.     If  there  are  sickly  or  badly  rooted  specimens  of  other 
plants  here  they  must  be  frequently  examined  for  red  spider, 
or  they  may  become  a  nursery  for  that  pest,  and  it  will  soon 
spread  to  adjoining  plants.     See  that  the  young  stock  is  not 
allowed  to  suffer  from  want  of  pot  room,  and  attend  carefully 
to  watering,  giving  weak  liquid  manure  to  all  plants  in  free 
growth  that  are  likely  to  be  benefited  by  it.     Stove  plants  which 
may  have  been  removed  to  the  conservatory  while  in  bloom 
should  be  placed  in  heat  again  as  soon  as  their  beauty  is  over, 
in  order  to  permit  the  young  wood  to  ripen.    Plants  which 
require  repotting  should  be  kept  in-doors  after  shifting  until 
the  roots  are  established  in  the  fresh  soil.    Attend  well  to 
young  stock,  which  will  now  be  growing  freely.   Keep  the  shoots 
nicely  regulated  and  shaped  as  may  be  necessary  to  secure  well- 
formed  specimens,  and  use  every  care  to  afford  these  a  moist 
atmosphere,  sprinkling  them  overhead  early  in  the  afternoons 
of  bright  days,  and  reducing  the  amount  of  air.     Chrysanthe- 
mums should  now  receive  their  last  shift.    Endeavour  to  keep 
them  stiff  in  habit  and  to  preserve  their  lower  leaves.    Any 
necessary  amount  of  strength  may  be  imparted  to  them,  when 
the  flower  buds  are  formed,  by  good  liquid  manure.    For  the 


Aogust  4,    1870. 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


89 


greenhouse,  look  well  after  winter-floweriDg  plants  of  a  rather 
commoner  order,  such  as  Cinerarias,  Verbenas,  Scarlet  Pelar- 
goniums, Heliotropes,  Roses,  &c.  Cinerarias  must  now  be 
potted  off,  whether  from  seed  or  suckers,  also  Chinese  Prim- 
roses, remembering  to  give  the  last  shift  immediately  to  those 
intended  to  blossom  in  October  and  November.  Scarlet  Pelar- 
goniums aud  Heliotropes,  in  order  to  bloom,  mast  be  potbound. 

STOVE. 

Successions  of  Brngmansias,  Clerodendrons,  Euphorbias,  and 
Poinsettias  should  receive  a  last  shift  directly,  in  order  to  pro- 
vide a  rich  autumn  display  in  the  conservatory.  Climbers  on 
ornamental  trellises  should  be  occasionally  cut  back,  in  order 
to  have  a  succession  later  in  the  season  when  flowers  become 
scarce.  A  quantity  of  such  plants  as  Thunbergias,  Ipomceas, 
Pergalarias,  Jasminnms,  Stephanotis,  and  Passifloras,  &c, 
should  be  trained  up  ornamental  trellises  without  delay. — 
W.  Keane. 


DOINGS   OF   THE   LAST    WEEK. 

KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

Though  there  have  been  next  to  deluges  at  places  not  far 
distant,  we  have  only  had  showers  so  soft  as  more  to  resemble 
dew  than  rain  on  several  morniDgs  ;  and  this,  along  with  cooler 
weather,  has  given  everything  a  rest,  if  not  some  encourage- 
ment to  growth.  Nothing  could  so  well  show  the  advantage 
of  a  syringing  overhead  in  hot  weather,  where  it  could  be  given, 
as  these  misty  showery  wrappings  in  the  morning.  The  whole 
tops  of  the  plants  were  so  swelled  out  with  the  gentle  bedew- 
ings  that  they  stood  the  sun  well.  We  feel  sure  that  many 
plants  would  have  been  completely  burned  up  but  for  the 
change  iu  temperature,  these  drizzling  dews,  and  shading  and 
mulching.  It  was  pleasing  to  note  how  even  a  mulching  put 
on  roughly  assisted  plants  that  could  hold  their  own  with  great 
difficulty.  Leaves  that  were  prostrate  one  day  held  up  their 
heads  the  next,  and  that  when  there  was  no  more  difference  as 
respects  the  sun  heat  than  there  was  between  the  22nd  and 
23rd  ultimo,  and  where  no  watering  of  any  kind  could  be  given. 
If  the  mulching  was  short  and  put  on  rather  roughly  it  acted 
better  than  longer  litter,  though  that,  too.  helped.  Our  theory 
for  this  is,  that  the  shorter  litter,  though  keeping  the  sun  from 
so  fiercely  acting  on  the  soil  beneath,  did  not,  like  a  surface- 
watering,  arrest  the  rising  of  moisture  from  considerable  depths, 
and  then  the  closer  texture  of  the  shorter  litter  kept  that  rising 
vapour  about  the  roots  instead  of  permitting  it  freely  to  escape 
into  the  atmosphere.  By  such  means,  and  the  help  of  some 
sewage  water  from  the  25th  and  onwards,  until  that,  too,  was 
exhausted,  we  feel  that  now  we  can  breathe  somewhat  freely 
again,  and  hope  that  the  worst  of  the  season  is  past,  as  the 
longer  and  colder  nights  will  give  us  refreshing  dews. 

This  season  ought  to  be  a  lesson  to  many.  We  know  of 
some  farms  where  several  horses  have  been  employed  every 
day  in  drawing  water  in  barrels  for  a  distance  of  from  three 
to  four  miles.  Syringing  or  engining  any  kind  of  wall  trees  has 
been  with  us  quite  out  of  the  question. 

We  dug  down  a  large  quarter  of  three-year-old  Strawberries, 
and  found  the  ground  so  hard  that  neither  Bpade  nor  fork  was 
of  any  avail,  but  we  had  to  use  the  pick  to  break  it  up,  and 
then  to  turn  it  over  with  the  spade  when  broken.  This  ground, 
though  so  hard,  was  not  so  dry  as  ground  whence  crops  of  vege- 
tables had  been  taken.  The  tops  of  the  Strawberries  and  the 
mulching  given  had  prevented  in  this  respect  the  free  action 
of  the  weather,  but  we  never  recollect  finding  the  ground 
so  hard.  We  were  half  inclined  to  clear  off  the  Strawberries, 
make  holes  with  a  crowbar,  and  plant  in  the  firm  soil,  as  thus 
thus  frequently  Broccoli  and  other  vegetables  do  well ;  but  then 
we  thought  of  the  wheeling  involved  in  clearing  off  the  large 
crowns  of  the  Strawberry  plants,  and  the  manure  thatwould  also 
thus  be  lost,  so  we  resolved  on  trenching  all  down.  When  well 
broken  and  levelled  we  rolled  the  ground  well,  and  then  drew 
drills,  and  planted  Broccolis,  Borecoles,  and  Brussels  Sprouts  in 
the  usual  way,  first  watering  them  well  in  beds,  lifting  and 
soaking  them,  and  then  watering  after  planting  with  a  little 
sewage  water.  This  will  be  our  second  main  planting.  The 
first  is  pretty  well  holding  its  way  in  defiance  of  the  dryness, 
the  watering  of  sewage  in  their  case  having  been  given  to  the 
roots  and  not  over  the  ground.  In  such  weather  as  we  have 
lately  passed  through,  all  surface-watering  was  worse  than 
useless,  unless  it  was  merely  given  for  the  purpose  of  refresh- 
ing the  foliage,  or  given  in  such  quantity  and  manner  as  tho- 
roughly to  reach  the  roots  of  the  plants. 
We  would  have  used  much  more  water  than  we  could  obtain, 


bnt  our  observation  and  experience  tell  us  that  millions  of 
gallons  have  been  UBed  in  gardens  to  the  injury  rather  than  the 
benefit  of  the  crops.  , 

Sowed  Lettuces,  Radishes,  Turnips,  and  a  few  Cauliflowers 
for  early  work,  reserving  our  main  sowing  until  the  end  of  the 
month.  By  means  of  sewage,  &c,  we  sowed  in  damp  soil,  and 
covered  over  with  dry  soil,  for  reasons  several  times  given. 
Our  Dwarf  Kidney  Beans  have  done  well  under  this  treatment 
with  little  or  no  watering.  The  Scarlet  Runners  have  grown 
and  bloomed  very  well,  bnt  they  have  not  set  so  freely  as  we 
should  have  liked.  Taken  altogether,  we  suffered  more  from 
the  heat  and  excessively  bright  sun  of  July  22nd  than  in  all 
the  days  of  the  summer.  Ou  that  day  myriads  of  Scarlet 
Runner  blossoms  fell,  as  if  there  was  nothing  to  suppo:t  them. 
Now  they  seem  all  right  with  mulching,  and  we  have  no  doubt 
will  be  benefited  by  sewage  water  if  the  warm  weather  con- 
tinue. 

We  shall  most  likely  sow  a  few  rows  of  Spinach  and  Onions 
for  the  earliest  winter  crop  by  the  time  this  is  in  piiut.  The 
Onions  with  us,  though  plentiful,  will  be  small,  owing  to  the 
dryness.  The  spring-planted  ones,  though  fair,  are  nothing  to 
what  we  have  had  them.  A  good  rain  would  increase  the  size 
of  all  these  useful  bulbs.  We  shall  have  none  this  season  frcm 
10  to  15  inohes  in  circumference,  even  with  the  advantage  of  a 
heavy  rain.  Fine  rains  in  June  are  what  tell  most  on  the 
Onion  crop.  Were  we  sure  of  their  coming,  and  just  when  they 
were  coming,  a  slight  dusting  with  guano  or  bone  dust  between 
the  rows,  will  have  an  astonishing  effect.  On  the  other  band 
the  dressing  with  guano,  if  dry  weather  succeed,  will  do  more 
harm  than  good.  We  gave  a  slight  dressing  of  superphosphate 
and  sewage  water  to  an  early  piece  of  Onions  planted  out  in 
spring.  The  state  of  the  atmosphere  and  the  readings  of  the 
barometer  led  us  to  expect  a  plentiful  rain.  Had  the  rain 
come  we  should  have  gained  our  purpose.  We  only  had  a  few 
drops,  and  our  kindness  in  other  respects  did  more  harm  than 
good.  We  do  not  believe  our  sewage  watering  reached  the 
roots,  and  the  damped  Burface  did  the  mischief.  It  kept  the 
roots  dry  when  they  might  have  had  plenty  of  moisture,  as  it 
passed  them  to  escape  into  the  atmosphere.  In  this  case  the 
tops  soon  began  to  show  eigns  of  exhaustion.  The  bulbs  will 
only  average  some  3  inches  in  diameter.  If  we  had  merely  let 
them  alone  they  would  have  been  larger.  If  the  expected  rain 
had  come,  they  would  have  been  much  better  still.  The  water- 
ing we  gave  would  not  have  gone  above  an  inch  or  so  deep — a 
mere  nothing  to  the  rooting  of  an  Onion,  but  a  great  help  if 
only  the  heavy  rains  expected  had  come. 

During  the  week  we  have  seen  some  nice  Onions  at  the 
cottagers'  show  at  Woburn,  but  though  fine  they  exhibited 
traces  of  the  dry  season.  We  have  generally  thought  that  we 
would  not  be  much  out  of  the  way  if  our  crops  at  all  corre- 
sponded with  those  of  our  friends,  Mr.  Manning,  of  Tingrith, 
and  Mr.  McKay,  of  Woburn  Abbey.  In  both  cases  their  general 
crops  of  Onions  will  not  be  as  they  used  to  be  in  better  seasons, 
though  there  would  be  plenty.  At  Woburn  we  noticed  a  very 
fine  piece  of  winter  Onions  in  a  border.  As  a  merely  passing 
notice,  we  should  judge  many  of  the  bulbs  were  from  4  to  4  J  and 
more  inches  in  diameter.  We  know  the  garden  is  pretty  well 
supplied  with  water,  but  we  do  not  know  whether  these  had 
any  given  artificially  or  not.  Some  weeks,  ago,  however,  they 
had  one  good  soaking  rain. 

Cauliflowers. — Two  gentlemen  the  other  day  took  notice  of  a 
border  of  Cauliflowers,  one  of  them  a  gardener,  the  other  a 
nurseryman,  and  the  first  especially  well  conversant  with  the 
ideas  of  watering  we  have  fully  set  forth  in  these  pages. 
This  border  is  something  like  our  fifth  succession,  for  where 
there  is  little  ground  and  a  large  establishment,  the  supply  is 
best  made,  not  by  great  gluts,  but  by  regular,  if  small,  suc- 
cessions. At  present  this  border  will  be  our  third  ;  one  lot  is 
almost  done,  another  is  just  coming  in,  and  by  the  time  they 
are  mostly  gone  this  border  will  be  coming  in,  and  be  suc- 
ceeded by  small  plants  just  turned  out.  Now,  the  border  had 
carried  a  rather  heavy  mixed  crop  of  Peas,  Spinach,  Lettuces, 
and  Radishes.  On  clearing  them  off  we  never  found  a  piece  of 
ground  so  dry.  On  planting  the  Cauliflowers  we  made  rather 
deep  drills  and  soaked  the  plants  in  with  sewage,  and  covered 
the  surface  with  the  dry  soil.  The  leaves  of  these  plants 
fell  to  the  ground  on  the  22nd  as  if  struck  with  paralysis. 
We  could  do  nothing  to  help  them,  and  we  felt  convinced  they 
had  that  at  their  roots  that  would  enable  them  to  recover  on 
the  slightest  change  in  the  weather.  By  the  24th  they  showed 
they  would  bear  the  weather.  The  other  day  they  looked 
tolerably  well,  so  well,  indeed,  as  to  be  admired  by  our  friends, 


80 


JOUBNAL  OF  HORTICTJLTUBE  AND  COTTAGE   GABDENEB. 


[  Angnst  4,  1870. 


and  though  they  Baw  that  every  tank  and  reservoir  was  empty, 
they  could  not  but  hint  that  there  must  be  some  way  of  satu- 
rating them  with  water.  We  pulled  our  boot  between  the  rows 
to  the  depth  of  6  or  7  inches,  to  show  how  dry  the  soil  was  ;  with 
a  stick  we  know  we  might  have  gone  6  inches  deeper  without 
finding  a  trace  of  moisture.  What  mere  skiffing  showers  would 
ever  wet  such  a  depth  of  earth  as  dry  as  ashes  ?  What  would 
be  the  use  of  mere  watering  on  the  surface  ?  The  watering  at 
the  roots  enabled  the  plants  at  once  to  grow,  and  once  fairly 
set  to  work  they  would  pump  up  moisture  for  themselves  all 
the  more  easily  because  the  already  dry  surface  helped  to  keep 
the  moisture  about  the  roots.  If  the  weather  should  continue 
dry,  we  6hall  most  likely  give  a  watering  of  sewage,  which 
Cauliflowers  can  take  pretty  strong,  but  if  possible,  besides 
confining  the  water  to  the  roots,  we  shall  have  a  dry  surface. 

FRUIT    GARDEN. 

The  chief  work  here  has  been  shortening  the  summer  shoots 
of  bush,  pyramidal,  and  wall  trees,  chiefly  the  lower  parts  of 
the  trees,  as  the  upper  parts  had  been  previously  done.  This 
balances  the  strength  and  vigour  of  the  trees  more  than  if  such 
shortening  and  stopping  had  been  done  all  at  once. 

Went  over  Apricot  and  Peaeh  trees  the  second  time,  remov- 
ing extra  shoots,  and  spurring  back,  as  the  Apricots  have  grown 
freely  again,  especially  after  the  watering  with  sewage.  But 
for  that,  we  are  convinced  a  great  portion  of  the  fruit  would 
have  dropped,  and  several  large  branches  would  have  given 
way.  We  are  convinced  that  dryness  at  the  roots  is  one  chief 
cause  why  large  branches  of  Apricots  frequently  die  off  without 
any  apparent  cause.  When  some  of  the  Apricot  fruit  began  to 
drop  about  six  weeks  ago,  we  were  surprised  to  find  the  earth 
about  the  roots  so  very  dry.  On  forkirig  the  surface,  and 
making  holes  to  let  the  water  down,  we  were  not  at  all  afraid  of 
strong  sewage,  knowing  that  it  would  be  pretty  well  filtered  and 
cleared  before  reaching  the  bulk  of  the  roots.  We  would  have 
mulched  heavily  the  little  space  left  between  the  walls  and  the 
crops  on  the  border,  in  the  case  both  of  Apricots  and  Peaches, 
only  we  would  thus  keep  out  the  sun  heat,  so  favourable  to 
root  action  and  perfect  ripening.  Many  of  our  wall  trees  we 
would  wash  if  we  could,  if  it  were  only  to  refresh  the  foliage,  for 
insects  have  troubled  us  but  little.  In  our  orchard  houses, 
though  the  fruit  will  be  fair,  the  red  spider  is  making  its  ap- 
pearance, chiefly  owing  to  our  being  unable  to  syringe.  We 
must  use  more  sulphur  on  the  wall,  &c,  to  prevent  it  spread- 
ing. The  Cherries  in  orchard  houses  and  on  walls  were  never 
better.  Cherries  on  standards  out  of  doors  were  never  more 
abundant,  but  they  came  small  at  first,  and  ripened  very  un- 
equally— all  in  our  favour,  as  we  forget  how  many  weeks  we 
have  gathered  from  them,  and  still  on  a  short  row  of  May 
Dukes  there  are  a  good  many,  and  finer  than  the  first,  as  the 
trees  had  each  a  small  barrel  of  sewage,  whioh  told  amazingly 
on  the  fruit.  We  hope  it  will  do  the  same  with  Morellos  on 
north  walls,  as,  though  plentiful,  they  were  small  when  they 
began  to  colour.  We  should  like  to  give  them  another  watering. 
Even  in  their  case  the  soil  when  examined  was  very  dry, 
though  receiving  Utile  direct  sun. 

With  our  soarcity  of  water,  we  are  not  so  forward  with  Straw- 
berry plants  as  we  would  wish  to  be.  Took  off  some  of  the 
most  forward  runners  layered  in  pots,  layered  more,  and  potted 
in  5-inch  and  G-inch  pots  some  of  the  most  forward,  using 
loamy  soil  moderately  enriched,  potting  firmly,  and  shading  a 
little  from  the  bright  sun  for  a  few  days,  and  to  save  frequent 
watering.  As  several  times  referred  to,  future  success  will 
chiefly  depend  on  these  simple  points — keeping  the  bud  of  the 
plant  slightly  below  the  rim  of  the  pot ;  fastening  the  young 
plant  firmly  in  the  pot,  not  merely  using  the  fingers,  but  a 
blunt-ended  wooden  stick  for  the  purpose  ;  watering  and  shad- 
ing a  little  at  first,  or  syringing  in  bright  sun,  instead  of  shad- 
ing, where  water  can  be  spared  ;  and  as  soon  as  the  roots  are  pro- 
gressing freely,  giving  all  the  sunlight  possible,  whilst  the  pots 
stand  on  a  hard  bottom.  As  soon  as  the  roots  reach  the  sides 
of  the  pot,  manure  water  may  be  given.  The  health  and  ma- 
turing of  the  plants  before  the  end  of  autumn  will  be  of  more 
consequence  than  their  luxuriance  and  Bize. 

As  to  drainage,  much  more  depends  on  the  mode  than  on  the 
quality  and  quantity  of  the  drainage.  In  this  case  we  do  not 
like  taking  up  room  from  the  plant  by  a  lot  of  drainage.  Never- 
theless, nothing  spoils  a  good  Strawberry  plant  in  a  pot  sooner 
than  the  pot  becoming  waterlogged.  We  have  often  found  a 
pot  made  so  by  the  hole  getting  next  to  hermetically  sealed, 
outside  from  the  material  on  which  the  pot  stood.  The  out- 
sides  of  the  holes  should,  therefore,  be  examined  at  times.  For 
saving  room  and  keeping  out  worms,  there  is  no  plan  better 


than  the  following.  Take  a  clean,  dry  pot,  place  one  crock,  a 
piece  of  a  broken  pot,  say  roughly  from  I  to  lj  inch  in  dia- 
meter, over  the  hole  in  the  bottom  of  the  pot,  but  with  its 
rounded  or  convex  side  downwards,  bo  as  to  securely  cover  the 
hole.  ThiB  will  let  water  escape  and  keep  out  worms.  Then 
lay  a  few  more  smaller  pieces  of  broken  pot  round  it — say 
three  or  four,  though  we  are  often  satisfied  with  the  one  piece. 
On  this  or  these  lay  a  little  clean,  dry  moss,  which  is  the  best, 
or  a  scattering  of  clean  straw,  chopped  into  from  1  to  2-inch 
lengths,  which  is  the  next  best ;  over  that  a  sprinkling  of  soot ; 
and  then,  as  a  base,  a  handful  of  the  roughest  compost.  Very 
little  space  may  thus  be  taken  up  with  drainage,  and  yet  it  will 
be  thoroughly  effectual.  The  water  will  pass  quite  freely 
enough,  if  the  hole  do  not  get  clogged  outside.  Though  we 
have  used  a  little  half-rotten  dung  and  tree  leaves  to  put  over 
the  drainage,  the  practice  is  not  to  be  commended.  Such 
material,  besides  being  apt  to  become  too  cloBe  and  unctuous, 
is  also  liable  to  have  germs  of  fungi  conveyed  along  with  it, 
which  are  often  difficult  to  get  rid  of.  Simple  modes  are  often 
the  best.  The  moss  is  the  best  material  for  separating  soil 
and  drainage,  and  it  has  this  advantage  over  chopped  Btraw,  or 
chopped  clean  litter,  that  it  is  in  itself  such  an  equaliser  of 
moisture,  parting  with  it  freely  when  in  excess,  and  retaining 
it  to  a  certain  extent  when  moisture  is  too  limited. 

ORNAMENTAL    DEPARTMENT. 

With  many  forebodings  when  we  last  wrote,  we  have  reason 
on  the  whole  to  be  thankful  and  satisfied.  That  dread  Friday 
browned  our  beautiful  Coleus,  and  though  the  points  are 
acquiring  their  rich  colour,  a  near  inspection  will  show  the 
leaves  below  somewhat  browned.  Bejoicing  in  the  sunlight, 
as  the  Coleus  Verschaffelti  does,  it  would  appear  that  about 
110°  in  the  sun  iB  as  much  as  it  can  bear  with  impunity. 
Against  the  wall  in  the  open  air  that  day  our  thermometer  rose 
to  117°.  We  could  not  say  whether  a  good  watering  beneath 
would  have  helped  much  to  neutralise  the  extreme  heat  and 
brightness  of  the  sun.  In  a  few  days,  if  the  weather  be  favour- 
able, the  young  growth  will  conceal  all  the  browned  leaves,  and 
until  then  we  would  wish  the  plants  to  be  looked  at  from  a 
distance  instead  of  close  at  hand.  The  fine  bed  at  Woburn 
had  suffered  on  the  same  day,  but  you  could  only  observe  it 
when  close  to  it  on  the  27th,  and  every  trace  will  be  gone  in  a 
few  days.  We  have  told  several  times  before  what  that  bed 
was  bordered  with  in  former  years.  This  season  the  combina- 
tion was  the  most  beautiful  we  ever  saw. 

Iresine  Herbstii,  though  a  drinking  plant,  stood  the  ordeal  of 
the  heat  and  dryness  extremely  well.  We  noticed  at  Tingrith 
that  Iresine  Berkleyi,  in  a  prominent  place,  had  been  a  little 
browned,  but  the  brownneBS  was  gone  before  that  Friday.  We 
have  not  tried  Iresine  Lindeni,  a  kind  with  a  narrow  pnrple  leaf, 
which  we  hope  will  be  useful.  Herbstii  is  very  effective  in  a 
moist  autumn  ;  in  suoh  a  summer  as  this  the  plants  are  apt  to 
get  rather  lumpy,  and  the  leaves  round  and  large. 

We  have  not  lost  more  than  half  a  dozen  out  of  long  lines  of 
Calceolarias,  which  are  a  mass  of  bloom,  and  now  we  hope  they 
will  hold  on,  as  even  these  drizzling  rains  in  the  morning  have 
greatly  helped  them.  The  ground  seems  so  dry  that  the  roots 
must  have  gone  down  to  a  considerable  depth.  We  come  to 
this  conclusion,  for  though  in  other  cases  we  lost  few  plants, 
yet  the  bloom  so  flagged  on  small  beds  and  where  the  plant 
was  used  chiefly  as  edgings,  that  we  had  to  out  off  more  than 
we  liked  ;  but  then  in  all  such  cases  we  could  not  stir  the  soil 
so  deeply  previous  to  planting  as  we  could  do  in  the  case  of 
these  rows  and  in  that  of  larger  beds,  which  look  now  as  if  there 
had  been  no  such  week  as  that  which  terminated  on  the  23rdl 
ult.  Say  what  we  will,  and  use  the  brightest-coloured  yellow- 
leaved  Pelargoniums  as  you  will,  and  the  most  graceful  and 
finest-foliaged  Marigolds,  none  will  make  up  for  the  want  of 
the  Calceolaria  in  flower  beds.  If  Mr.  Eobson  saw  these  just 
now  after  the  severe  ordeal  through  which  they  have  passed, 
whilst  advocating  early  planting,  as  he  does  so  well,  he  would 
own  there  was  also  something  to  say  on  the  other  side. 

Our  Hollyhocks  would  please  some  people  this  season ;  the 
flowers  are  small,  and  the  plants  are  dwarfs.  Giving  them  any 
water  was  out  of  the  question. 

We  had  much  to  do  in  bringing  up  arrears  of  potting,  and 
must  think  ere  long  of  propagating  for  the  flower  beds  next 
season. — B.  F. 


TRADE  CATALOGUE  RECEIVED. 

Ant.  Roozen,  Florist,  Overvecn,  near  Haarlem,  Holland. —  Catalogu 
of  Hyacinths, Tulijis,  Crocus,  Narcissus,  anil other  Dutchond  Capt  Bulbs. 


August  4,  1B70.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


91 


TO    CORRESPONDENTS. 

•*•  We  request  that  no  one  -will  write  privately  to  any  of  the 
correspondents  of  the  "  Journal  of  Horticulture,  Cottage 
Gardener,  and  Country  Gentleman."  By  so  doing  they 
are  subjected  to  unjustifiable  trouble  and  expense.  All 
communications  should  therefore  be  addressed  solely  to 
The  Editors  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture,  &cn  171,  Fleet 
Street,  London,  E.C. 

We  also  request  that  correspondents  -will  not  mix  up  on  the 
same  sheet  questions  relating  to  Gardening  and  those  or 
Poultry  and  Bee  subjects,  if  they  expect  to  get  them  an- 
swered promptly  and  conveniently,  but  write  them  on 
separate  communications.  Also  never  to  send  more  than 
two  or  three  questions  at  once. 

Secretary  Exhibiting  (H.  8.  G.).— There  is  nothing  illegal  in  his  ex- 
hibiting, if  there  is  no  rule  to  the  contrary. 

Temperature  (TV.  H.  0.).~ What  was  the  greatest  hest  in  England 
and  in  the  East  Indies  in  lHGs '.'  is  a  question  too  wide  for  us  to  answer. 
The  greatest  heat  in  the  shade  near  London  in  July  was  9.V,  and  at 
Calcutta  probably  not  5-  more  in  the  hottest  mouth;  but  there  the  dif- 
ferences in  the  temperature  between  hour  and  honr,  and  night  and  day, 
are  but  small  compared  to  what  they  are  in  this  country. 

Pelargoniums  ( Veritas),— The  box  was  smashed,  and  all  the  petals  were 
intermixed.    They  appeared  to  belong  to  some  of  the  French  kinds. 

Tricolor,  Bxoolob,  and  Discolor  (R.  G.).—  Tricolor  means  three- 
coloured,  bicolnr  am*  discolor  two-coloured,  and  four-coloured  would  be 
quadricolor.  Your  friend  is  right  in  saying  that  hicolor  and  discolor 
mean  the  same  number  of  colours,  but  wrong  as  to  the  number. 

Petrified  Fig  (C.  Pocoek).—V?e  believe  it  to  be  a  fossil  Echinus  or 
zoophyte  ;  we  cannot  decide  as  to  the  species  nnless  we  see  the  specimen. 
A  similar  one  is  engraved  in  some  of  the  books  on  British  fossils,  but  we 
forget  which. 

Lapageria  rosea  Culture  [Subscriber).— This  plant  is  not  difficult  to 
cultivate  either  in  a  pot  or  border.  In  pot  culture  the  plant  should  have 
a  rather  large  pot.  Good  plants  can  be  grown  in  11-inch  or  lS-inch  pots, 
the  shoots  being  trained  to  a  trellis,  a  flat  one  being  most  suitable. 
Whether  grown  in  a  border  or  pot,  «»nd  drainage  should  be  secured.  A 
border  4  feet  long,  *£  feet  wide,  and  2  feet  deep,  clear  of  the  drainage,  will 
support  a  large  plant.  The  drainage  should  be,  as  already  stated,  very 
good,  for,  during  the  season  of  growth,  the  watering  must  bo  plentiful, 
and  at  no  time  must  the  Boil  be  allowed  to  become  dry.  At  that  time  a 
plant  in  a  pot  will  require  a  gallon  daily,  and  one  in  a  border  thrice  the 
quantity.  When  the  urowth  and  flowering  are  over,  less  water  will,  of 
course,  be  required.  The  soil  most  suitable  is  fibrous  brown  peat,  free  of 
sticks,  torn  in  pieces,  but  used  ron^h  without  any  admixture.  If  the 
peat  is  deficient  in  sand,  the  latter  should  be  liberally  added.  A  light 
airy  position  in  an  or  Unary  greenhouse  mil  suit  it,  but  it  must  be  shaded 
from  direct  sun.  The  shado  must  not  be  produced  by  climbers.  The 
north  side  of  a  span-roofed  house,  or  the  east  or  we3t  end  of  a  house,  will 
answer  well,  though  almost  any  position  will  do  if  not  dark  nor  exposed 
to  the  midday  sun.  It  is  impatient  of  having  its  roots  disturbed,  and 
should  only  be  interfered  with  when  at  rest,  and  then  so  as  not  to  injure 
the  roots. 

Budding  Roses  on  the  Manetti  Stock  (Constant  Header).— The  buds 
Bhould  be  put  in  quite  cIobo  to  the  ground,  or  as  near  that  as  practicable, 
so  that  when  the  plants  are  placed  in  their  final  positions  the  union  of 
the  itock  and  bud  may  be  covered  with  Boil.  The  buds  take  quite  as 
freely  on  the  Manetti  as  on  the  Briar  stock,  and  there  m  this  advantage — 
that  the  operation  can  be  performed  as  late  as  September.  Bndded 
plants  are  of  much  freer  growth  than  grafted  plants  ;  and  whilst  budding 
may  be  done  in  the  open  air,  a  close  frame  or  house  and  bottom  heat  are 
necessary  for  grafting. 

Vines  on  the  Back  Wall  of  a  Vinery  (Ignoramus).— The  Vines  on 
the  roof  will  shade  the  back  wall  too  much  for  successful  Grape  culture. 
Having  failed  with  Figs,  it  is  not  likely  you  can  grow  Vines,  as  Figs  will 
suoceed  on  the  back  wall  of  a  vinery  where  the  Vines  are  not  closer  to- 
gether than  3  feet  or  3  feet  6  inches.  On  the  back  wall,  Vines  do  not  re- 
quire different  treatment  from  those  on  the  rafters.  We  think  it  un- 
suitable. 

DfiivrNG  Worms  out  of  Pots  (J.  W.  M.).— The  lime  water  is  made  by 
pouring  twenty  gallons  of  water  on  li)lbs.  lime,  stirring  well  up,  and 
allowing  the  lime  water  to  stand  forty-eight  hours,  then  watering  the 
plants  with  the  clear  water,  having  previously  stopped  the  holes  in  the 
pots.  Give  water  enough  to  stand  on  the  surface.  In  about  three  hours 
the  obstruction  to  the  drainage  should  be  removed.  The  worms  will  by 
that  time  have  come  out  of  the  pots  or  been  destroyed.  It  is  stated  that 
a  Bolution  of  2  ozs.  of  soda  to  a  gallon  of  water  will  destroy  them  and 
benefit  the  plants,  but  we  have  not  tried  it. 

Tobacco  and  Bitter  Aloes  for  Destroying  Aphis  (Idem). — To- 
bacco water  and  bitter  aloes  have  for  some  time  been  used  successfully 
for  destroying  aphides  on  Roses  and  other  out-door  plants,  but  the 
tobaoco  water  is  sufficient,  and  the  aloes  a  superfluity.  Four  ounces  of 
tobacco  to  two  gallons  of  boiling  water  allowed  to  stand  until  cool,  and 
then  strained,  will  destroy  all  kinds  of  aphides. 

Pruning  Crasstjlas,  Cactuses,  and  Clerodendron  Balfourianum 
(H.  S.  B).-We  should  cut  back  each  Crassula  shoot  that  has  flowered  to 
within  an  inch  or  two  of  its  base,  leaving  the  others  entire,  for  thoBe  not 
flowering  this  year  you  will  need  to  retain  for  next  season's  bloom.  Those 
cut  back  now  will  produce  flowering  shoots  in  the  second  year.  Old 
plants,  from  their  size,  are  preferable  to  young  plants,  but  why  not  have 
both  ?  The  Cactuses  may  also  be  cut  down,  but  we  should  confine  our- 
selves to  cutting-out  the  old  parts,  laaving  as  much  of  the  young  fresh 
growth  as  possible.  It  will  not  binder  their  flowering  next  season. 
Straggling  shoots  of  the  Clerodendron  ought  also  to  be  cut-in  now,  but 
we  should  reserve  the  general  pruning  until  spring,  well  thinning-out 
the  growths  in  February,  previous  to  fresh  potting  and  starting  into 
growth.    It  is  best  trained  on  a  trellis  j  you  may  indulge  your  taste  as  to 


the  form.  The  shoots  ought  to  be  kept  rather  thin,  but  let  them  cover 
every  part  at  from  3  to  4  inches  apart.  On  a  roof  trellis  the  shoots  ought 
to  be  kept  about  6  inohes  apart,  and  at  abont  9  inches  from  the  glass. 

Wych  Elm  (W.  N.  M.).—W&  think  it  is  simply  honeydew,  which  is  a 
great  a'traction  to  the  wasps  and  small  humble  bees.  The  leaves  turning 
yellow  is  frequently  a  consequence  of  their  pores  being  closed  by  the 
honeydew,  and  the  drought  wo  have  recently  experienced  has  also,  no 
doubt,  exerted  an  influence.  We  do  not  think  you  can  do  anything  to 
the  tree.  A  good  rain  will,  no  doubt,  set  all  right  again.  The  wasps  and 
bees  do  not  injure  the  tree. 

Orchard  Houses  (Nov is).— There  have  been  no  subsequent  articles 
by  the  same  gentleman,  but  it  is  probable  he  may  favour  us  with  others 
when  time  permits.  You  can  have  Pea*  son's  little  volume,  "  The 
Orchard  House,"  free  by  post  from  our  office  if  you  enclose  nineteen 
postage  Btamps  with  your  address. 

Peaches  Falling  (0.  S.).— Your  Peaches  are  ripe,  but  badly  coloured. 
We  think  you  have  left  too  many  on  the  trees,  and  that  that  is  the  cause 
of  their  falling  by  hundreds. 

Peach  Leaves  (G.  IF.).— The  leaves  of  your  trees  are  scalded  through 
water  resting  upon  them,  and  a  deficiency  of  ventilation  early  in  the 
morning  when  the  buu  has  been  so  bright  and  fierce. 

Early  Peach,  Plum,  and  Cherry  (Subscriber). — The  earliest  Plum  is 
Rivers's  Prolific.  We  would,  however,  recommend  you  as  a  single  variety, 
Jefferson  ;  of  Peaches,  Early  York  or  Royal  George  ;  of  Cherries,  Black 
Circassian.  Cherries  require  a  considerable  amount  of  air  to  set  their 
flowers  ;  we  do  not  think  you  would  be  very  successful  with  them  on  a 
back  wall ;  Plums  would  do  better. 

Double-blossomed  Peach  Fruiting  (N.  H.,  Southampton). — It  is  not 
at  all  an  unusual  occurrence  for  the  double-blossomed  Peach  to  fruit 
abundantly;  and  in  fine  warm  autumns  the  fruit  ripens  perfectly,  but  is 
not  of  good  quality,  being  rather  astringent.  It  is  utterly  unworthy  of 
being  prown  as  a  fruit.  It  would,  no  doubt,  during  this  intense  heat  be 
beneficial  to  give  the  tree  a  good  soaking. 

Fuchsias  at  Exhibitions  (R.  S.  T.).— The  prize  having  boen  offered 
for  "  six  Fuchsias,  distinct  varieties,"  and  no  restriction  being  given,  any 
variety  was  admissible,  whatever  its  character.  Fuchsia  gracilis  variegata 
is  no  more  hardy  than  many  others.  It  is  used  for  bedding  solely  oa 
account  of  its  beautiful  foliage.    The  judges  could  not  disqualify. 

Keeping  Ripe  Peaches  (Idem). — Keep  them  in  the  coolest  place  you 
can  find. 

Soft  Soap  (G.  C.)—  If  you  refer  to  page  23,  you  will  see  that  3£.  per  lb- 
was  a  mistake.  We  believe  you  can  obtain  it  wholesale  for  3d.  per  lb.,  or 
even  less.  A  wholesale  dealer  would  supply  you  at  a  less  rate  than  you 
are  paying,  if  you  ordered  a  quantity.    We  cannot  recommend  dealers. 

Melons  Dbcaying  (P.  E.  C.).— It  is  difficult  to  state  the  cause  of  Melons 
decaying  before  they  are  ripe.  We  Bhould  attribute  it  to  want  of  heat, 
but  it  may  be  caused  by  too  much  moisture.  When  Melons  are  ripening 
they  require  but  little  moisture,  and  Bhould  be  kept  dry  and  have  plenty 
of  heat  and  air.  Without  particular!  of  the  cultivation  afforded  the 
plants,  it  is  difficult  to  state  the  cause  of  failure.  We  could  not  say  where, 
the  fault  lay  without  further  particulars. 

Primula  cortusoides  amo2NA  (/.  S.  B.). — It  is  hardy,  but  if  the  situ- 
ation is  cold  and  wet  it  should  be  wintered  in  a  cold  frame.  A  compost 
of  two  parts  licht  fibrous  loam,  one  part  leaf  soil,  ond  one  part  sandy  peat, 
with  a  t-ixth  of  silver  sand,  will  grow  it  well.  Good  drainage  iB  necessary. 
The  plant  should  have  an  abundant  supply  of  water  when  growing,  and 
even  when  at  rest  the  soil  should  be  kept  moist.  After  April  it  will  do 
best  in  the  open  ground  in  a  position  shaded  from  the  midday  sun.  Wa 
have  no  doubt  that  your  plant  will  flower  next  spring  if  taken  up  care- 
fully in  autumn,  potted,  and  wintered  in  a  cold  frame  with  plenty  of  air. 
If  the  situation  is  well  drained  we  should  leave  it  undisturbed,  putting 
round  it  a  light  mulching  of  leaf  soil  or  cocoa-nut  fibre  refuse.  It  flowers 
in  April  and  May,  and  is  very  beautiful. 

Black  Currants  (James  Carter  d-  Ca.). — The  Black  Currant  of  which; 
you  sent  branches  appears  to  be  a  profuse  bearer,  but  the  berries  are  not 
so  large  as  those  of  Black  Naples  ;  they  hang  firmly  on  their  stalks,  which 
is  a  great  recommendation,  and  their  flavour  is  good. 

Camellia  Leaves  Falling  (J.  T.  S.).— It  is  not  likely  that  the  shading 
could  have  anything  to  do  with  the  Bcorching  of  the  leaves  ;  and  we  do 
not  think  they  are  scorched,  but  that  there  has  been  a  great  deficiency 
of  root  action,  the  roots  not  supplying  nutriment  for  the  full  development 
of  the  leaves,  and  when  this  is  the  case  it  is  not  unusual  for  the  leaves 
and  even  young  shoots  to  turn  black  and  decay  or  fall.  The  only  remedy 
is  to  repot  at  once  in  turf  cut  from  a  pasture  of  light  loam,  taking  off 
the  turf  about  an  inch  thick,  tearing  it  to  pieces  with  the  hand,  using  it 
rough,  and  pressing  the  soil  firm.  Remove  as  much  of  the  old  soil  as  you 
can  without  injuring  the  roots.    Water  freely. 

Beechwood  Melon  {T.  5.).— The  old  true  Beechwood  is  very  scarce. 
Not  one  out  of  a  hundred  oultivators  has  the  true  stock.  The  Beech- 
wood, as  we  see  it  at  the  present  day,  is  a  long  elliptical  fruit,  ribbed, 
very  often  deeply,  seldom  or  never  netted,  thin  in  flesh,  not  melting 
but  tough,  insipid  in  flavour,  and  not  often  exceeding  2  lbs.  in  weight. 
The  true  Beechwood  is  in  form  more  spherical  than  elliptical,  and 
flattened  at  the  ends  like  an  orange,  very  slightly  ribbed,  and  beautifully 
netted;  flesh  thick,  melting,  and  finely  flavoured.  Under  good  cultiva- 
tion it  usually  attains  a  weight  of  4  lbs.,  often  much  more.  We  cannot 
recommend  one  seedsman  in  preference  to  another,  such  a  course  would 
be  unfair. 

Insects  (R.  Maries),— Tour  Rose  leaves  have  been  disfigured  by  the  leaf- 
cutter  bee,  Megachele  centuncularis,  which  has  been  very  abundant  this 
season.  (E.  P.,jun.)—  The  Elm  trees  on  the  Parade  and  in  the  People's 
Park,  at  St.  Helier,  Jersey,  are  infested  with  the  Scolytus  destructor, 
which  lays  its  oggs  iu  the  bark  of  the  trees,  the  young  grubs  burrowing 
off  the  central  burrow,  made  by  the  female,  at  right  angles,  and  so  cutting 
through  the  sap  vessels  and  in  time  destroying  the  trees.  Such  is  our 
opinion  at  least,  and  that  of  many  other  oaturalists ;  but  another  opinion 
is  also  current,  that  the  trees  are  never  attacked  by  the  insects  until  they 
are  in  a  state  of  disease  from  want  of  drainage,  or  want  of  water,  or  bad 
soil,  &o.  In  Fance,  as  well  as  in  the  Regent's  Park,  London,  some  benefit 
has  been  obtained  by  partia  ly  disoarking  the  trees  whilst  young,  taking 
care  to  burn  the  bark.    It  would  also  be  serviceable  if  the  trees  were 


92 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENEB. 


[  August  4,  1870. 


surrounded  with  tarred  haybands  at  the  time  that  the  perfect  insects  are 
making  their  appearance. — I.  O.  W. 


POULTRY,   BEE,    AND   PIGEON    CHRONICLE. 


end  of  November,  and  for  early  eggs  only  cocks  penned  up, 
which  have  moulted  well  and  regained  perfect  health  and 
vigour. — L.  Weight. 


EARLY  EGGS  FOR  HATCHING. 
It  need  hardly  be  pointed  out  that  to  the  breeder  of  fancy 
poultry  it  is  of  very  great  importance  to  obtain  eggs  from  his 
best  hens  early  in  the  year,  whether  for  sale  or  for  his  own  use. 
I  say  from  his  best  hens,  because  egg3  from  pullets  are,  of 
course,  to  be  had  easily  in  any  quantity,  but  are  by  no  means 
Bo  good  for  early  broods,  producing  chicks  with  less  stamina, 
which  fieri  ge  more  slowly,  and  are  altogether  less  adapted  to 
withstand  the  vicissitudes  of  the  early  months.  It  is,  there- 
fore, to  the  early  laying  of  the  mature  hens  I  purpose  to  devote 
this  paper,  the  present  being  the  time  which  my  own  expe- 
rience leads  me  to  believe  has  much  influence  upon  the  matter. 
It  has  been  said  over  and  over  again  that  early  eggs  cannot 
be  obtained  except  from  pullets,  and  also  that  there  are  no 
artificial  means  by  which  the  production  of  eggs  can  be  either 
hastened  or  retarded,  being  a  natural  process  incapable  of  being 
interfered  with.  Both  statements  are  generally  true,  but  they 
are  only  true  relatively,  and  any  intelligent  breeder  who  knows 
definitely  what  his  object  is,  has  very  great  power  over  the  degree 
in  which  it  shall  be  attained.  If  he  wants,  for  instance,  merely 
the  greatest  possible  number  of  eggs  in  a  year,  his  treatment 
will  not  be  that  I  am  now  considering.  But  the  fancy  breeder 
does  not  so  much  seek  a  high  average  as  to  have  eggs  in  good 
time.  He  knows  that  every  egg  early  in  the  year  may  produce 
a  valuable  fowl,  or  will  be  saleable  at  a  high  price,  whilst  later 
on  it  will  only  realise  its  mere  food  value  ;  so  that  twenty  eggs 
in  August  may  be  of  less  account  than  one  in  February.  It  is 
on  this  principle  he  must  proceed. 

All  my  observations  during  several  seasons  have  satisfied  me 
that  the  time  at  which  a  bird  begins  laying  depends  chiefly, 
after  allowing  for  differences  of  breed  and  character,  upon  the 
time  when  she  left  off.  If  a  Cochin  hen  has  been  laying 
very  late  in  the  autuma,  almost,  in  fact,  into  the  winter,  it  is 
absurd  to  expect  she  can  begin  again  till  the  season  is  well 
advanced.  Cochins  and  Brahmas,  and  even  Hamburghs,  will, 
in  fact,  often  lay  till  more  than  half  through  a  severe  moult, 
which  is,  of  course,  a  drain  upon  the  system  so  extensive  as  to 
demand  much  time  for  recovery.  But,  on  the  other  hand,  if  a 
hen  has  had  a  late  brood  of  chickens,  it  will  almost  always  be 
found  that  she  lays  in  good  time,  and  for  several  years  I  have 
found  no  difficulty  in  getting  eggs  from  a  portion  at  least  of 
my  hens  by  Christmas,  or  even  before. 

As  the  hens  become  broody  towards  the  end  of  July  and 
August,  therefore,  let  them  either  be  allowed  to  sit,  or  if  that  be 
inconvenient,  to  remain  on  the  nest  for  a  month  or  five  weeks. 
This  will  not  only  give  the  system  a  rest,  but  it  actually 
induces  or  hastens  the  moult,  the  feathers  dropping  off  very 
frequently  almost  in  handfuls.  The  process  will  generally  be 
half  through,  in  fact,  by  the  time  the  bird  is  turned  off,  and 
she  will  then  rarely  lay  again  till  after  it  is  completed  ;  whereas, 
if  the  moult  finds  a  hen  laying,  she  will  often,  as  I  have  said, 
continne  till  nearly  through.  A  little  meat  and  ale  will  also 
help  to  hasten  the  process,  and  plenty  of  fresh  green  food  must 
also  be  supplied.  Under  these  conditions,  and  not  being  re- 
duced by  egg-laying,  the  moulting  will  be  hastened  very  con- 
siderably, and  the  bird  will  be  in  laying  condition  much  sooner 
than  if  turned  off  her  nest  directly  she  is  broody  for  the  sake 
of  her  autumn  eggs,  as  is  generally  done. 

Of  course  some  breeds  are  less  prolific  than  others,  and  it  is 
much  more  difficult  to  get  early  eggs  from  a  Dorking  than  a 
Cochin ;  but  in  all  cases  much  may  be  done  by  such  a  system 
of  management  in  the  case  of  breeds  which  evince  a  regular 
desire  for  incubation.  There  are,  of  course,  several  minor 
matters  to  observe,  such  as  the  selection  of  birds  hatched  in 
good  time,  and  which  will,  therefore,  moult  tolerably  early  ;  the 
providing  tight  and  well-sheltered  houses,  &c. ;  but  the  securing 
the  cessation  of  eggs  for  some  little  time  before  the  moult,  and 
the  hastening  of  that  process,  have  by  far  the  greatest  influence 
on  the  matter,  so  far  as  my  observations  go. 

There  is  one  more  point  to  be  mentioned.  Though  the 
mating  will  not,  I  think,  hasten  laying  in  the  least,  I  have 
generally  found  that  even  hens  which  left  off  early  in  the 
autumn  did  not  lay  till  three  weeks  or  a  month  after  enjoying 
the  company  of  the  cock,  and  not  then  unless  he  also  were  in 
good  condition,     The  hens  should  therefore  be  mated  by  the 


WATCHING  THE   CHICKENS. 

By  some  people,  but  not,  certainly,  by  readers  of  "  our 
Journal,"  watching  the  chickens  would  at  once  be  set  down  as 
an  amusement  suited  to  the  buttercup-and-daisy-gathering  age. 
Be  it  so  ;  sensation  novels,  railway  running  about,  and  the 
like,  have  unsettled  many  minds,  and  made  people  enjoy  less, 
or  unfitted  them  to  enjoy  at  all,  pleasures  found  at  home.  But 
yet  a  taste  for  simple  enjoyments  is  a  healthy  taste,  and  one 
which  never  tires.  Still,  tastes  will  differ  to  the  end.  "  I  can- 
not understand,"  said  a  young  lady  to  me,  "  whatever  there  is 
for  you  to  make  a  fuss  about,  week  after  week,  in  that  garden- 
ing and  poultry  paper  of  yours."  I  replied  "  I  cannot  think 
why  you  are  so  particular  to  have  the  newspaper  the  first  day 
that  it  contains  the  month's  fashions." 

Well,  tastes  will  differ.  Thus  some  people  cannot  even  see 
a  joke.  A  man  with  a  keen  sense  of  humour  was  looking 
through  a  gallery  of  pictures  with  a  friend  who  had  no  more 
sense  of  humour  than  an  iron  bar.  Presently  they  came  to  a 
picture  of  two  cats  fighting.  "Ah,"  said  the  quick-witted  one, 
"  evidently  by  Claude  (clawed)."  "Indeed,  it  is  not,"  replied 
the  matter-of-fact  man,  "  I  assure  you  that  Claude  painted 
only  landscapes,  of  which  I  have  seen  many,"  &o.  Not  even 
Sidney  Smith's  remedy  for  a  dull  man — viz.,  to  have  a  surgical 
operation  performed  upon  his  skull,  in  order  to  get  a  joke  in, 
would  suffice  for  such  a  one.  Yet  dullness  is  at  times  amusing, 
as  "  Did  'em  wear  tin  gaiters  then?"  said  an  old  farmer  who 
was  looking  at  a  brass  in  a  church.  But  I  am  conscious  that 
I  am  rambling,  roaming  far  away  from  my  subject. 

To  return.  During  this  hot  weather,  now  reaching  over 
many  weeks,  when  I  was  afraid  to  be  in  the  sun,  lest,  as  some- 
body said,  "a  small  heap  of  bones  and  a  grease  spot  should  be 
found  instead  of  one's  self" — sitting,  then,  in  the  shade  of  a 
far-reaching  elm  that  throws  its  shadow  on  some  part  or  other 
of  a  greensward  the  summer  day  long,  I  was  day  after  day 
reading,  but — I  could  not  help  it — "  from  my  slack  hand 
dropped"  very  often  not  "  the  gathered  rose,"  as  Rogers  de- 
scribes the  child  who  had  fallen  asleep,  but  dropped  my  book  to 
my  knee  while  I  watched  the  chickens.  Perhaps  they  this 
year  were  even  more  attractive  than  usual,  being  groups  of  tiny 
Bantam  chicks — little  neat-formed  "  sprack  "  (sprack  is  good 
Wiltshire,  though  not  good  English)  Game  Bantam  chickens 
from  eggs  of  Mr.  Crosland's.  Let  me  prattle — a  child-like 
word  becomes  a  child-like  pleasure,  as  some  one,  not  a  reader 
of  "  our  Journal,"  but  one  who  has  taken  it  up  by  mistake, 
would  say — let  me  prattle,  then,  about  these  tinies.  How  tiny, 
indeed,  they  are  when  from  the  little  eggs  they  first  come, 
seeming  too  Bmall  to  get  on  their  feet ;  but  soon  they  do,  and 
totter  about  an  inch  or  two,  and  then  make  a  tumbling  plunge 
under  the  feathery  care  of  all  warmth  and  comfort  beneath  the 
hen.  Then  follow  the  first  pickings  and  sippings,  trying  the 
appetite  with  that  as  yet  unknown  thing — food.  But  how 
rapid  is  the  progress  of  chickens  well  cared  for — that  is,  under- 
standing^ cared  for.  The  warm  south-fronted  outhouse  first 
receives  them,  and  next  day  they  venture  upon  little,  still 
tottering  walks,  and  one  bolder  or  stronger  than  the  rest  even 
circumambulates  the  coop,  and  feels  as  he  felt  who  first  sailed 
round  the  world.  The  following  day  they  are  on  the  lawn, 
shaded  duly  from  midday  sun,  and  then  note  their  progress. 
Little  aerial  fly-catchings  are  attempted,  and  wanderings  and 
scratohings  with  feeble  feet,  and  the  first  worm  found  and  run 
away  with,  the  fortunate  or  unfortunate  chick  (for  he  usually 
loses  it)  duly  chased  by  the  rest,  eager  to  become  worm- 
devourers.  Then  some  one  or  other  of  the  brood  strays  into 
some  laurel  bush,  and,  like  the  babes  in  the  wood,  is  lost,  and 
shrilly  yelps  forth  his  sorrow  to  the  sore  discomfiture  of  the 
listening  but  not  seeing  hen.  But  head  grows  with  body  ;  soon 
they  kuow  their  feeder  and  his  wonted  call,  and  run  to  meet 
him  with  expanded  wings  assisting  their  legs,  for  they  soon  be- 
come things  with  wings,  each  week  the  useless  winglets  grow- 
ing more  and  more  into  useful  wings. 

When  the  first  month  is  turned,  as  I  notice  in  my  little 
Game  Bantam  chicks,  the  little  pulletB  have  their  golden  hackles 
coming,  seen  as  they  run  from  me,  and  resembling  tags  of 
gold  thread  hung  to  the  back  of  their  necks.  Then  the  little 
cockerels  are  developing,  for  here  and  there  a  black  or  red 

feather  is  appearing,  and  a  cock-pheasant-like  hue  is  visible  in 

their  plumage.    In  watching  a  couple  of  broods  of  Game  Ban- 


Angust  4,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


93 


tarns  of  a  similar  age  it  is  interesting  to  notice  the  slight  vari- 
ations in  colour,  and  how  gradually  the  owner  comes  to  mark 
with  the  eye  and  know  individuals,  as  an  eastern  shepherd  gets 
to  know  his  flock,  though  a  stranger  would  think  all  pretty  nearly 
alike.  Adult-like  and  yet  not  adult  feathers  come  on  ;  and  the 
little  sinewy  legs,  ludicrous  miniatures  of  Game  fowls'  legs, 
are  to  be  noticed ;  and  here  and  there  the  eye  marks  what  will 
be  the  gems  of  the  brood.  Now,  too,  is  the  time  of  peace, 
when  all  are  good  boys  and  girls,  and  no  fighting;  it  is  the 
time,  too,  of  affectionate  clustering  together  in  the  sunshine, 
and  posing  in  graceful  attitudes,  or  having  or  shamming  to 
have  a  dust  bath  in  common.  But  lo  !  six  weeks  have  turned, 
and  the  weather  is  warm,  so  away  shall  go  the  brood  henB. 
The  more  independent  lot  show  no  signs  of  regret,  but  go  to 
roost  like  old  birds,  struggling,  however,  for  the  inside  places. 
These  sturdy  independents  wander  further  than  before  and 
wherever  they  choose,  and  are  evidently  glad  that  mamma  is 
gone  with  her  unceasing  and  commanding  duckings  and  call- 
ings. The  less  independent  give  forth  a  chorus  of  miserable 
yelps  on  discovering  that  they  are  alone  in  the  world  ;  and  at 
bedtime,  after  a  few  manly  attempts  at  roosting,  fearing,  per- 
haps, that  they  should  fall  off,  they  huddle  together  in  the 
corner  of  a  manger,  and  fancy  they  are  brooded  as  formerly. 

Thus  I  have  noted  down  my  "  watching  the  chickens  "  from 
their  first  appearance  in  the  world  to  their  life  of  independence. 
I  have  noted  all  down,  not  in  a  very  particular  manner,  or  in 
a  very  orderly  style,  perhaps  ;  but  I  am  not  such  a  particular 
man  as  he  was  who  took  me  up  sharply  when  I  said,  "  Now  1 
will  put  on  my  coat  and  waistcoat,"  saying,  "  That  is  incorrect, 
you  mean  you  will  put  on  your  waistooat  and  coat ;"  or  a 
brother  particularian,  who  laid  much  emphasis  on  the  order  of 
the  words  "I  eat  and  drink,"  eating  at  dinner,  and  having  a 
tumbler  of  water  brought  in  an  hour  afterwards. 

But  particularians,  avaunt !  I  have  noted  down  in  my  own 
way  and  told  how  I  have  watched  the  chickens,  an  interesting 
pastime — one  giving  pleasure,  and  tending  to  make  a  man  love 
still  more  his  own  home  and  feel  how  dear  it  is  to  him,  and 
that,  loving  it,  he  does  not  need  to  rove  away  and  rattle  along 
the  railway  in  search  of  happiness.  The  town  man,  and  espe- 
cially he  of  London  town,  needs  a  summer  change.  But  where 
to  ?  To  woods,  and  fields,  and  country  scenes,  to  relieve  and 
comfort  eye,  and  ear,  and  mind.  But  we  in  the  country  dwell- 
ing have  all  these  comforts  continually,  and  can  well  remain 
in  the  spring,  summer,  and  autumn,  not  wishing  for  chaDge. 
I  speak  of  those  who  love  and  not  merely  endure  the  country. 
I  speak  of  those  who  feel  an  interest  in  all  around  them — 
people,  garden,  and  pets,  in-door  and  out,  and  these  enjoy  their 
life  and  bless  the  Almighty  for  their  lot  and  His  good  gifts. 
— Wiltshire  Rector. 


from  exhibitors,  especially  as  the  Show,  if  successful,  will  bs 
repeated  on  a  larger  scale  next  year.  The  amount  of  sub- 
scriptions already  collected,  exclusive  of  the  town  of  Warring- 
ton, is  £400,  and  the  prizes  are  liberal. 


APPLETON-LE-STREET   POULTRY   SHOW. 

The  poultry  show  in  connection  with  the  Floral  and  Agricaltnral 
Society  held  at  Appleton-le  Street,  near  Maltoii,  last  week,  was  a  very 
creditable  one,  and  proves  what  can  be  done  by  carefnl  management 
and  judicious  arrangements  to  raise  a  small  village  show  into  an  im- 
portant district  one.  Most  of  the  classes  were  well  filled,  and  in  some 
the  competition  was  very  close.  The  Dorkings  were  large  and  good, 
but  some  otherwise  good  birds  lost  all  chance  from  imperfect  feet.  The 
Brahmas  were  very  few  in  number.  The  Dark  Cochins  were  good,  bat 
the  Buffs  very  poor.  The  Spanish  formed  a  very  good  class,  and  the 
winning  pen,  belonging  to  Mr.  Holmes,  of  Driffield,  carried  off  the 
silver  medal  for  the  best  pen  of  poultry  in  the  yard.  The  Game,  also, 
were  a  good  and  numerous  class.  The  Hamburgh  class  was  well  filled 
with  some  good  birds.  As  all  the  varieties  were  shown  together,  it 
was  difficult  to  decide  on  the  merits  of  the  different  pens ;  wo  hope 
next  year  they  will  be  divided  into  two  if  not  four  classes.  The  class 
for  crossbred  farmyard  birds  brought  oat  some  really  good  and  useful 
specimens  of  the  right  sort.  The  little  Bantams,  chiefly  Game,  were 
as  good  and  pretty  as  usual.  Some  of  the  Geese  were  very  fine  and 
large.  Rouen  Ducks  were  numerous,  but  sadly  in  the  moult.  Ayles- 
buries  were  large,  but  few  in  number.  Special  prizes  were  given  for 
young  poultry  for  table  purposes,  which  brought  a  good  show  of  useful 
chickens  and  heavy  ducklings,  but  the  goslings  were  not  so  good. 


White  Cochins. — There  are  only  two  or  three  poultry  shows 
where  White  Cochins  are  separately  classed  ;  this  prevents 
many  from  exhibiting,  and  I  think  the  committees  only  want 
reminding  of  this  exclusion  to  remedy  it. — F.  R. 


Warrington  Poultry  Show.— The  date  of  the  entries  clos- 
ing for  this  Show  has  been  extended  to  August  8th,  and  we 
trust  that  this  will  be  the  means  of  bringing  increased  support 


THIRSK  POULTRY   SHOW. 

The  following  prizes  were  awarded  at  the  first  Show  of  the  Thirsk 
Agricultural  Society,  which  took  place  on  July  27th. 

Dorkings.— 1.  J.  White,  Northallerton.  2,  W.  Bearpark,  Aindorby  Steeple. 
Game.— 1.  J.  Watson.  Koaresborouph.  2,  R.  Akenh^ad.  Otterin-jton  Hall. 
Spanish.— 1  and  2,  W.  Bearpark.  Cochin-China. — Buff.  —  1,  R.  E.  Brown. 
Oswaldkirk.  2,  W.  4  F.  Pickard,  LeedB.  Partridge—  1.  W.  Barnes.  Thirek, 
2,  W.  J.  Stewart,  Darlington.  Brahma  Pootras. — 1,  F.  Horseman,  Borough- 
bridge.  2,  J.  Bell.  Thirsk.  Hambcrghs. — Guiden-spinnled  — 1,  Mrs.  Plummer, 
Easingwold.  2,  W.  Bearpark.  Silver-xpungled. — 1,  J.  Best,  Boroughbridge. 
2,  W.  Manfleld.  Thirsk.  Gulden. peneilted. — 1  and  2,  W.  Bearpark.  Silver- 
peneilled. — 1,  W.  H.  Atkinson,  Thirsk.     2.  W.  Bearpark.    Bantams.— Black, — 

1,  G.  Atkinson,  Croft.    2,  J.  Watson,  Knaiesborough.    Game.— I,  W.  J.  Stewart, 

2,  E.  Barker,  Stokesley.  Any  other  Variety— 1,  G.  Robinson,  Thirsk.  2,  T, 
Tweedy,  Thirak.  Duces.— Rouen  — 1,  C.  Graham.  2.  G.  Smith,  York.  Ayhrs- 
hury.—l,  G.  Smith.  Any  other  Variety.— 1,  K.  Wilson,  Thirsk.  2,  M.  Fairy. 
Thirsk.  Tcrkeys.— 1,  Rev.  G.  Hastier,  Stiilrngfleet,  York.  2.  J.  Arrowsmith, 
South  Kilvington.  Thirsk.  Geese.— 1,  Rev.  G.  Hustler.  2,  .1.  B.  Braithwaite. 
Northallerton.  Guinea  Fowls. — 1  aud  2.  K,  Wright.  Ski.i.ing  Class. — I.  W. 
R.  Weat,  Sowerby  Grange,  Thirak.  2,  G.  Calvert.  Darlington.  Any  other 
Variety.— 1,  C.  Walker.  Borougtiiiridgo.  2.  T.  Barnett,  Birdrorth.  Chickens, — 
(Pen  of  four).— J,  J.  White,  Warlaby.  Northallerton. 

PIGEONS. 
Carriers.— 1,  G.  Sadler,  Boroughbridge.    Tumulfrs  — Almond*— J,  C  Anton, 
York.     Any  Variety.— L  C.   Anton.     Pui'TERs.— 1.  W.  Bearpark.     Jacobins. — 

1,  R.  Wilson,  Thirsk.  Fantails.-I,  W.  Fisher,  Thirnk.  Titmpeters.— 1,  C. 
Auton.  Owls.— 1,W.  Bearpark.  Nuns.-I.  W.  B<  arpark.  Barbs.— 1,  R.  Wilson. 
Tcrbits.— 1,  R.  Wilson.  Dragoons.— 1,  I.  Cundale.  Coot  Howick,  Ripon. 
AiaiiANGELS.—l,  R.  Wilson.    Any  other  Variety.— 1,  V..  Bearpark, 

Judges. — Poultry:  Mr.  Barker,  York.  Pigeons:  Mr.  E.  Wilsoni 
York.  

PRESTON   POULTRY  SHOW. 

The  first  Show  of  the  Preston  Agricaltnral  Society  was  held  July 
27th  and  *23th.  The  weather  was  very  fine,  the  "round  in  all  respects 
suitable,  and  being  very  easy  of  access  the  Show  was  well  attended. 
The  extent  of  the  show-ground  was  seventeen  acres,  and  the  whole  was 
well  filled. 

The  poultry  was  not  numerous,  taking  into  account  the  liberal  prizes 
offered,  the  nnniber  of  pens  being  a  little  under  two  hundred,  but,  as 
a  whole,  the  quality  was  very  good.  The  Dorkings  were  in  poor  con- 
dition. The  single  Spanish  cocks  were  mostly  in  deep  moult,  bat  the 
prize  birds  were  good.  The  Game  classes  contained  some  good  pens, 
but  many  of  them  were  much  out  of  condition.  The  Uamlntrghs  were 
not  numerous,  bnt  the  birds  were  good.  The  French  fowls  were  very 
good,  and  the  Brahmas  were  the  best  class  in  the  Show.  The  Rouen 
Ducks  were  good,  but  the  entries  were  small  in  all  the  Duck  classes. 

Dorkings.— i  Gunson  &  Jefferson,  'Whitehaven.  2,  J.  Robinson,  Garstang. 
he,  Hon.  H.  W.  Fitzwillinm,  Wentworth  Woodhouse,  Rotherham.  French 
Fowls. — 1,  H.  Beldon,  Goitstock,  Bingley.  2  and  he,  Hon.  W.  H.  Fitzwilliam. 
Brahma  Pootras.— 1,  J.  H.  Pickles,  Birkdate,  Southport.  2,  H.  Lacy,  Hebden 
Bridge,  he,  F.  H.  Green.  Derrievolgie,  Windsor,  Belfast;  J.  H.  Pickles  ;  W. 
Gamon,  Chester.  Spanish.— 1,  F.  &  C.  Haworth,  Haslingden.  2,  C.  W. 
Brierley,  Middleton.  lie,  H.  Wilkinson,  Earby;  F.  &  C.  Haworth  ;  J.  Leeming, 
Bronghton,  Preston.  Game  (any  colour}.— 1  and  2,  C.  W.  Brierley.  he,  B.  Bee, 
Goosnargh  (Black-breasted  Red);  T.  Waroing,  Preston  (Black  Red).  Cochin- 
China.— L  T.  Stretch,  Ormskirk.  2,  J.  H.  Dawes,  Birmingham  (Buff).  Ham- 
burgh.— Goldt  >t-i>cnei}h'd.—\r  H.  Pickles,  jun.,  Eurby.  2,  H.  Beldon.  Silver- 
pencilled.— 1,  H.  Pickles,  .inn.    2,  H.  Beld-m.     GtildcH-span/iled.  —  'l.  H.  Beldon. 

2,  II.  Pickles,  jun.  Silr,-r-span>jh  d..—l,  II.  Belduii.  2,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  he,  J. 
Fielding,  Newchurch,  Rossendale.  Game  Bantams  (Any  colour).— 1,  W.  F. 
Entwisle,  Cleckbeaton,  Leeds.  2,  J.Oldrovd,  Wakefield.  Bantams  (Any  colour). 
1.  S.  &  R.  Aahton,  Roe  Cross,  Mottram.  %  H.  Beldon.  he,  J.  Walker,  Halifax 
IBlnek).  Geese.— 1.  E.  Leech,  Rochdale.  2,  S.  H.  Stott,  Iiuihdalc.  he,  W.  H. 
Hutrher,  Preston.  Docks.— Airfexbury  —1,  E.  Leech.  2,  S.  H.  Stott.  Rouen.— 
I.E. Leech.  2.  T.  Wakefield.  Ac,  H.  B.  Smith.  Brnughtuii:  S.H.Stott:  T. 
Wareing.  Preston.  Obnamental  Waterfowl—  1,  C.  W.  Brierley.  2,  U.K. 
Smith  (Shield  Ducks).  Turkeys.— 1,  E.  Leech.  2,L.Anyon,  Wk.tile-le-Woods, 
Chorley. 

SINGLE  COCKS. 

Dorking.— 1,  J.  Robinson.     2,  Hon.  H.  W.  Fitzwilliam,      Spanish.— 1.  H. 

Beldon.    2,  J.  Leeming.     he,  W.  G.  Mulligan,  Springfifl  '.  Belfast.    Game.— 

1  and  2,  C.  W.  Brierley.     Ga*e  Bantam  (Any  colour).— 1,  ^i-.awood  &  Buckley, 

Accrington  (Black  Red).    2,  Bellingham  &  Gill,  Burnley. 

PIGEONS. 

Carriers.— 1  and  2,  T.  Pincock,  Preston  iDun  and  BlackV  Tumblers.— I,  J. 
Hawley.  Bingley.  Barbs.— 1,  T.  Pincock  (Black).  2,  H.  Yardley,  Birmingham. 
Owls.— 1,  J.  Hawlev.  Pouters  or  Croppers.— I,  J.  Hawley.  Fantails,— 1,  H. 
Yardley.  2,  J.  Kemp,  HaBlingden.  Turrits.— 1,  J.  Kemp.  2,  H.  Yardley. 
Dragoons.— 1,  H.  Oakley,  Preston  (Blue).  2,  H.  Yardley.  TxmiPKTBB&r— 1  and 
he,  J.  Hawley.  2,  J.  Turner,  Broughton  (White).  JacO]  IKS  —1.  J.  Hawley. 
Nuns.— 1  ana  2,  h.  Yardley.  Antwerps.— 1.  J.  Oldroyd.  '1,  W.  H.  Mitchell. 
Any  other  Variety.— 1,  H.  Yardley.    2,  J.  Hawley. 

Judges. — Mr.  R.  Teebay,  Fulwood,  Prestou,  and  Mr.  J.  Dixoa, 
North  Park,  Bradford. 


CROYDON  POULTRY  SHOW. 

This  Show,  held  in  connection  with  that  of  the  East  Surrey  Agri- 
cultural Association,  took  place  July  27th.  The  arrangements  re- 
flected great  credit  on  the  Secretary,  Mr.  W.  H.  Rowland.  Mr.  Billett, 
of  Southampton,  supplied  his  pens,  which  are  roomy  and  convenient, 
and,  which  is  of  great  importance,  they  are  of  such  a  height  as  to 
prevent  the  largest  birds  injuring  themselves  against  the  tops. 

The  best  classes  were  Dorkings,  Spanish,  and  Hamburghs.  The 
first  and  second  prize  pens  of  Game  Bantams  were  very  good.  Of  the 
larger  Game  fowls  there  was  a  very  poor  show,  there  being  scarcely  a  pen 


u 


JOUKNAL  OF  HORTICULTUKE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


t  August  4,  1870. 


■worthy  of  the  name.     Aylesbury  and  Rouen  Ducks  were  good,  but  the 
11  Variety  clasB  "  very  indifferent.   Only  one  pen  of  Turkeys  was  entered. 
Geese  were  more  numerous,  but  the  quality  was  indifferent,  and  we 
noticed  but  little  attention  had  been  paid  to  matching  the  birds. 
Dorkings.  — 1,  C.  Havers,  Ingatestone.    2,  Ivery  &  Son,  Dorking.    Spanish.— 

1,  F.  James,  Peekham  Rye.  2,  Rev.  J.  Randolph,  Sit  rule  rate  ad  Rectory.  Fancy 
Breeds.— 1  and  c,  W.  Drintr,  Faversham  (Creve-Cceurs  and  Hondans).  2,  Rev. 
N.  G.  Ridley,  Newbury  (Malav).  he,  J.  Pares,  Postford,  Guildford  (.Japanese 
Silkies).  Game.— 1.  E.  C.  Goad,  Carshalton.  2,  C.  Purrott,  Croydon.  Ham- 
burghs.—).,  Miss  C.  E.  Palmer.  Lighthorne,  Warwick  (Golden-spangled).  2,  C. 
Havers  (Golden-pencilled),  he,  T.  Penfold.  Newhaven  (Golden-spangled). 
Cochins  and  Brahmas.— 1,  J.  Pares  (Light  Brahma).  Bantams.— 1,  T.  R. 
Edndpe.  Croydon  (B'ack-Red  Game).  2,  G.  H.  Gillham,  New  Cross  Road, 
London  (Game),  he,  H.  Nalder,  Croydon  (Black-Red),  c.  Rev.  A.  H.  Bridges, 
Be.llingtnn  House  ;  T.  T.  Keen,  Croydon  (Duckwing  Game).  Tdrkets.— 1,  Rev. 
N.  J.  Ridley  (Cambridge).  Geese.— 1,  "W.  Oakley,  Oxted  (Grey).  2,  E.  Byron. 
CoulBdon  Court,    c,  J.  Pares  (SebaBtopol);  C.  Purrott.   Goslings.— 1,  W.  Oakley. 

2,  E.  Bvron.  he,  T.  Chandler,  Parley  Oaks.  Docks.— Aylesbury.— 1,2,  and  Extra, 
W.  Oakley  (Ducklings).  Rouen—  1,  W.  Oakley.  2,  J.  Ivery  &  Son.  Any  other 
Variety.— 1,  2,  and  Extra,  J.  \V.'. Sutherland  (Sheldrake  and  Wild  Ducks). 

The  Judges  were  Mr.  Elgar,  Red  Hill,  Surrey,  and  Mr.  G.  S.  Sains- 
bury,  Devizes. 

SLEAFORD  POULTRY  SHOW. 

The  second  Exhibition  of  the  Lincolnshire  Agricultural  Society  was 
held  at  Sleaford  on  the  27th,  28th,  and  29th  of  July.  The  show  of 
poultry  and  Pigeons  consisted  of  upwards  of  150  pens. 

Dorkings.— 1,  G.  Andrews,  Tuxford.  2.  R.  Wood,  Clapton,  Thrapstone.  S,  J. 
Hornsby,  Grantham,  he,  T.  F.  A.  Burnaby,  Newark,  c,  W.  Dudding,  Howell, 
Sleaford.  Cochins  (Anv  variety).— 1  and  Sir  T.  Whichcote's  prize,  M.  A. 
Sandav,  Rad cliff e-on-Trent  (Buff).    2,  H.  H.  Bletsoe,  Barnwell,  Oundle  (White). 

3,  J.  K.  Fowler,  Aylesbury  (Partridge),  c,  J.  H.  Dawes,  Birminqham  (Buff). 
Brahmas.-I,  C.  Chaloner,  Whitwell,  Chesterfield.  2,  J.  Elgar,  Newark.  3,  C. 
Layland,  Morris  Brook,  Warrinqton  (Dark).  Polands.— 1,  W.  R.  Patriok,  West 
Winch,  Lynn.  2,  J.  P.  Mansell,  Lincoln.  French.— 1,  Mrs.  J.  Cross,  Brigg 
(Creve-Cceur).  2,  G.  Andrews.  8,  G.  S.  Harvev,  Dorrington,  Sleaford  (Houdans). 
7(c,W.O.  Quibcll,  Newark  (Houdans).  e,  J.  Elgar  (Hondans) ;  J.  J.  Maiden, 
Biggleswade  (Creve-Co?ur) ;  Mrs.  J.  Cross  (Hondans):  W.  0.  Quibell  (Houdans); 
J.  K.  Fowler.  Game  (Any  variety).— 1  and  Sir  T.  Whichcote's  prize,  C.  Cha- 
loner, Chesterfield.  2.  J.  Laming,  Cowhurn,  Spalding.  3,  F.  Tomlinson,  Thorpe 
Latimer.  Sleaford  (Riaek-breasted  Reds).  Spanish.— 1,  T.  C.  &  E.  Newbitt, 
Epworth.  2  and  3  Withheld.  Hambuhghs  (Any  variety).— 1,  J.  F.  Loversidge, 
Newark  (Golden-spangled).  2,  C.  Edwards,  Holbeach  (Golden-pencilled). 
Bantams.— Ga me,  any  variety.— 1,  C.  Chaloner.  2,  J.  G.  Lyall.  Middle  Rasen 
(Black-breasted).  Any  other  Variety— -1,  T.  C.  &  E.  Newbitt  (Black).  2,  Hon. 
and  Rev.  F.  Sugden,  Hale  Magna  (Black).  Any  Variety.— Cocfc.—l,  C.  Cha- 
loner. 2,  J.  Laming  (Game).  3.  T.  F.  A.  Burnaby  (Dorking).  Geese.— 1,  E. 
Leech,  Rochdale.  2,  J.  K.  Fowler.  3,  Withheld.  Ducks.— Aylesbury  — 1  and 
2,  J.  K.  Fowler.  3.  .7.  Hornsby,  Grantham.  Rouen.— 1.  E.  Leech.  2,  W.  Dud- 
ding, Howell,  Sleaford.  3,  R.  Wood.  Anv  other  Variety.— I  and  he,  W.  Dud- 
ding (Buenos  Ayrean).  2,  S.  &  R.  Ashton,  Mottram  (Gargany).  3,  J.  K.  Fowler 
(Carolina).  Turkeys.— I  and  extra  prize,  E.  Leech.  2,  M.  Kew  (Cambridge). 
Guinea  Fowls.— 1,  W.  Dudding.  2,  Mrs.  G.  Burton.  Barrow-on-Humber. 
Selling  Class.— 1,  T.  C.  &  E.  Newbit.  2,  C.  Chaloner  (Game).  8,  J.  Hornsby, 
Castlegate  House,  Grantham. 

Pigeons.— Carriers.— 1,  H.  Yardley,  Birmingham.  2,  J. Elgar.  Pouters.— 1,H. 
Yardley.  2,  R.  F.  Pavling,  Peterborough.  Tumblers.— 1,  H.  Yardley.  2,  J, 
Elgar.    Any  other  Variety.— 1  and  c,  J.  Elgar  (Black  BarbB).    2,  H.  Yardley. 

Judge. — Mr.  W.  B.  Te^etmeier. 


HESSLE   POULTRY   SHOW. 

This  Exhibition  took  place  at  Hessle,  near  Hull,  on  the  27th  ult. 
The  number  of  eotries  was  considerably  less  than  last  year,  but  the 
general  quality  of  the  birds  was  much  superior;  some  excellent  speci- 
mens were  shown  in  the  Game,  Hamburgh,  Polish,  and  Bantam  classes. 
In  the  Pigeon  department  the  competition  was  very  close,  the  Dragoon, 
Carrier.  Trumpeter,  and  "  Any  variety  "  classes  were  the  best ;  in  the 
latter  "White  Owls  took  both  prizes. 

Spanish.— 1,  G.  Holmes,  Driffield.  2,  —  Lawson,  Hull.  Cock.— 1,  G.  Holmes. 
Dofkings.— 1,  G.  Holmes.  2,  J.  Thompson.  Cock.— G.  Livergidge,  Cotting- 
ham.  Cochin-China.— 1,  H.  Lawson.  Cock.— 1,G.  Liversidge.  Game.— Black- 
breasted  or  other  Beds.— 1,  H.  M.  Julian.  2,  G.  Holmes.  Cock.— 1,  H.  M. 
Julian.  Any  other  Variety.— 1,  H.  M.  Julian.  2,  W.  Boyes,  Beverley.  Cock.— 
1,  H.  M.  Julian.  Polanos.— 1  and  2,  Mrs,  Proctor.  Cock.— I.  Mrs. Proctor.  Ham- 
burghs. — Golden-Spangled.— 1,  G.  Holmes.  Cock.— 1,  G.  Holmes.  Golden-pen- 
cilled.--1,  G.  Holmes.  2,  G.  Pardon.  Driffield.  Cock.-l,  D.  White.  Driffield. 
Silver-spanab-d.— 1,  G.  Holmes.  2,  —  Willerton,  Hessle.  Cock.— I,  —  WiUerton. 
Silver-pencilled.— 1,  G-  Holmes.  2,  R.  Robson.  Beetonsville.  Cock. — 1,  G. 
Holmes.  Bantams.— Game.— I,  J.  Duggleby,  Driffield.  2,  W.  Adams,  Ipswich. 
Cock.— I,  J.  Duggleby.  Any  other  variety.— 1,  T.  C.  Harrison,  Hull.  2,  Miss  E. 
Harrison,  Hull.  Cock.— 1,  T.  C.  Harrison.  Any  other  Variety.— 1,  G.  Loft, 
Beverley.  2,  R.  Loft,  Woodmansey.  Selling  Class.— 1,  —  Purdon,  2,  W. 
Hardy,  He^le.  Ducks.— Aylesbury.—],  D.  Merkin,  Driffield.  2,  O.  A.  Young, 
Driffield.  Rouen.— 1, D.  Merkin.  2,  O.  A.  Young.  Common.— 1,  O.  A.  Young. 
PIGEONS. 

Dragoons. — 1,  W.  H.  Adams,  Beverley.  2,  H.  Lawson.  Pouters. — 1,  F. 
Hague,  Hull.  2,  T.  Starters,  Hull.  Carriers— 1,  W.  Campey,  Beverley.  2,  T. 
Thompson,  Hull.  Trumpeters.— 1,  T.  Stutters.  2,  C.  Lythe,  Cottingham. 
Jacobins.— 1.  C.  Lythe.  2,  G.  C.  Davis,  Hull.  Fantails.— 1,  H.  Adams.  2,  H. 
Lawson.  Tumblers.— 1,  K.  Adams.  2,  C.  Lythe.  Barbs.— 1,  T.  Statters.  2,  T. 
Thompson.  Nuns.— 1,  C.  Lythe.  2,  H.  Adams.  Any  other  Variety.— 1,  Mrs. 
Proctor.    2,  H.Adams.  ■ 

Rabbits.—  Lop-cart d.— I,  J.  White,  Hull.  2,  Miss  Fletcher.  Any  variety.— 
1,  P.  Ashtun,  Hull.    2,  J.  Lunn.    Heaviest.— 1,  J.  Fletcher. 

Judges. — Mr.  J.  Hodgkinson,  and  Mr.  D.  Pickering,  Hull. 


J.  Mason.  2,  R.  &  H.  Walker,  Gomersnl.  Dorkings.— 1,  T.  Briden,  Earby. 
2.  W.  H.  King,  Rochdale.  Cochin-China.— Cinnamon  or  Buff.— I,  H.  Beldon, 
Bingley.  Any  Variety.— -1,  J.  White,  Netherton.  2,  H.  Beldon.  Spanish.— 1,  H. 
Beldon.  2,  J.  Powell,  Bradford.  Brahma  Pootra,— 1,  H.  Lacey,  Hebden 
Bridge.  2,  E.  Leech,  Rochdale,  he,  W.  Whitelev,  Sheffield.  Hamrurghs.— 
Golden-pencilled.— 1,  H.  Beldon.  2,  S.  Smith,  Northowram.  Black.— 1,  H. 
Beldon.  2.  H.  W.  IlUngworth,  Idle.  Galden-spanalcd.— 1,  H.  Beldon.  Silver- 
spangled.— I  and  2,  H.  Beldon.  Bantams.— Game,  Black  or  Red.— I  and  he,  W. 
F.  Entwisle,  Cleekheaton.  2,  G.  Noble,  Stainc.'iffe.  Game,  any  Variety.— 1  and 
2.  W.  F.  Entwisle.  Any  other  Variety— I,  J.  Walker,  Halifax.  2,  H.  Beldon. 
he,  S.  Rhodes,  Wike.    Any  other  Variety.— 1  and  2,  H.  Beldon.    Turkeys. — 

1,  E.  Leech.  2,  W.  Stocks,  Cleckheaton.  he.  S.  E.  England,  Silsden.  Geese 
(Any  variety).— 1.  E.  Leech.  2,  J.  White,  Netherton.  3,  H.  Crossley,  Halifax. 
Ducks.— Aylesbury.— 1,  E.  Leech.  Rouen.— 1.  E.  Leech.  2,  J.  White.  An;/ 
other  Variety.— 1,  T.  C.  Harrison,  Hull.    2,  J.  Woodcock,  Cleckheaton. 

PIGEONS. 
Tumblers.— 1,  J.  Hawlev,  Bingley.    2.  H.  Yardlev,  Birmingham.    Carriers. 
—1.  W.  H.  Mitchell,  Moseley.    2,  H.  Yardley.    he,  S.  Smith.  Idle  (2).    Pouters 
or  Croppers.— 1  and  2,  J.  Hawley.     Fantails.— 1.  F.   Graham,  Birkenhead. 

2,  H.  Yardley.  Dragoons.— 1,  W.  H.  Mitchell.  2,  S.  Smith,  c.  T.  Kaye, 
Honley.  he.  H.  Yardlev.  Jacobins.— 1  and  2,  J.  Hawlev.  Nuns.— 1,  F.  Graham. 
2.  H.  Yardley.  Antwerps.— 1,  B.  Peel,  BirkenBhaw.  2,  J.  Oldroyd.  he,  J. 
Hawley ;  C.  Arton,  York.    Any  othir  Variety.— 1,  C  Arton.    2,  J.  Hawley. 


Rabhits.— Lop-eari'il— I,R.  Thornton,  Gomersal.    2,  W.  Crowther,  Gomersal. 
Any  Variety.— I,  K.  Thornton.    2,  J.  Birkby,  Cleckheaton. 


CLECKHEATON  POULTRY  SHOW. 

This  was  held  on  the  30th  ult.,  when  the  following  prizes  were 
awarded  by  the  Judges,  Mr.  James  Dixon,  of  Bradford,  and  Mr.  11. 
Teebay,  of  Fulwood,  Preston: — 

Game.— Black  or  Brown  Bed.— 1,  E.  Aykroyd,  Eecleshill.  2,  T.  Bottomley, 
Shelf,  he,  J.  W.  Thompson,  Southowrain.  Duckwina,  Bl-ue  or  Grey.— I,  E. 
Aykroyd.    2,  H.  C.  &  W.  J.  Mason,  Drighlington.    Any  Variety.— 1,  H.  C.  &  W, 


DRIFFIELD   POULTRY   SHOW. 

This  year's  meeting  of  the  Driffield  Society  was  a  most  satisfactory 
one  as  regards  both  the  receipts  at  the  entrance  gates  and  the  number 
of  pens  exhibited.  Many  very  excellent  birds  were  shown  in  the 
deepest  moult,  which  was  a  considerable  drawback  to  the  general  effect. 
The  poultry  were  placed  entirely  in  the  open  air,  but  as  the  day  was 
exceedingly  fine  no  evil  consequences  ensued  to  delicato  varieties. 
Game  fowls  throughout  were  exceedingly  fine,  but  the  HamburgJis, 
with  the  exception  of  very  few  pens,  were  most  defective.  Geese  and 
Turkeys  were  first-rate,  and  the  entry  of  fancy  Ducks  was  a  really  good 
one ;  but  the  display  of  both  Aylesbury  and  Rouen  Ducks  was  so  very 
limited  that  there  was  no  competition  for  the  second  prizes.  Pigeons 
in  most  instances  were  both  good  and  attractive,  and  a  few  remarkably 
good  Babbits  were  shown. 

Dorkings— 1,  G.  Holmes.  Driffield.  2,  W.  Charter,  Driffield,  he,  R,  W. 
Richardson,  Beverley.  Chickens  —  1,  R.  W.  Richardson,  he,  W.  English, 
Pickering,  e,  Miss  Jordan.  Eastburn ;  T.  H.  Trigg.  Cock.—  1.  J.  A.  Blanchard. 
he,  D.White,  Driffield.  Spanish.— 1.  G.  Holmea.  2,  J.  Williamson.  Driffield. 
he,  W.  Charter.  Cock.— 1,  D.  Maynard,  Driffield,  he.  G.  Holmes ;  W.  Charter. 
c,  R.  Stabler,  Driffield  ;  W.  English.  Game.— Blac k-b reastet I  and  other  Reds.— 
1.  H.  Holmes.  2,  W.  Boves,  Beverley,  he,  J.  W.  LacuD.  Driffield  (2) ;  W.  Boyes. 
Cock.— 1,  W.  Boyes.  he,  G.  Holmes.  Any  otlier  Variety.— 1,  2,  and  Silver 
Medal  for  the  best  pen  of  poultry  of  any  kind  exhibited,  W.  Boves.  Cock.— 
1  W.  Boyes.  Chickens. — 1,  W.  Boyes.  c,  F.  Parkinson,  Market  Woi^hton  ;  J. 
W.  Lacup;  W.  English.  Cochin-China.— 1,  R.  Dawson,  Beverley.  2.  T.  S. 
Turner.  Borobridge.  e,  G.  Holmes.  Chickens.— 1,  W.  J.  Purdon.  Driffield. 
he,  G.  Holmes;  T.  H.  Trig?  ;  R.Dawson.  Cock.— 1,  R.Dawson.  Polanos.— 
1  and  2,  T.  S.  Turner,  c.  W.  English.  Hamhurc.hs.—  Golden-spangled.— 1,  G. 
Holmes.  2,  H.  Holmes,  he,  D.  Mavnard.  Cock— I,  T.  Holmes,  he,  H.  Holmes. 
Silver-spangled.— l.  H.  Holmes.  2,  Withheld.  Cock.— 1.  H.  Holmes.  Golden- 
pencilled.— 1,  H.  Holmes.  2,  W.  J.  Purdon.  Cock.— I,  D.  Stabler,  he,  R. 
Wilson,  Norton,  Malton.  Silver-pencilled.*- 1,  T.  Holmes.  2.  R.  Wilson,  c,  H. 
Holmea.  Cock.— 1,  H.  Holmes.  Ann  Variety.— I.  H.Holmes,  he,  O.A.  Young. 
Farmyard  Cross.— 1,  H.  Mevkin,  Driffield.  2,  M.  Merkin,  Driffield,  c,  O.  A. 
Young.  Coek.—l.  G.  Robinson,  Frodingham.  c,  H.  Merkin.  Bantams.— Ga)ne. 
— 1,  W.  Adams.  Ipswich.  2,  A.  Dugdeby.  Driffield,  he,  W.  Meeke,  Driffield. 
c,  J.  Stabler;  E.  Hutchinson;  T.Holmes;  H.  Smith.  Piccadilly.NortOD,  Malton. 
Cock.— 1,  T.  Holmes,  he.  F.  Pickering;  E.  Stabler;  G.  H.  Pickering.  Any 
other  Variety.— 1  and  2.  T.  C  Harrison,  Hull  (Black  and  Gold-laced),  he,  T. 
Holmes  (White).  Cock.— 1.  T.  C.  Harrison.  Geese— 1,  O.  A.  Young.  2,  G. 
Smithson,  Driffield.  Gosliiuts.—l,  Mrs.  W.  Mosev,  Skerne.  2.  Mr*.  Croft. 
Pluckham.  Tcrkf.v;.— 1,  F.  C.  Matthews,  Driffield.  2.  W.  Charte"'.  Poults.— 
1.  M.  A.  Ullyott.  Middleton  Grange,  e,  L.  Danby.  Great  Kclk  :  Mrs.  Drinkrow, 
Frodingham.  Guinea  Fowls.— 1,  0.  A.  Youucr,  "Driffield.  Ducrs  —  Aylesbury. 
— 1.  O.  A.  Youug.  2,  no  competition.  Ducklings.— I,  O.  A.  Young.  2,  no  com- 
petition. Rouen. — 1,  O.  A.  Young.  2.  no  competition.  Ducklings.— \,  Miss 
Jordan,  he,  O.  A.  Young.  Any  other  Variety.— 1  and  2,  T.  C.  Harrison  (Pin- 
tails and  Carolina*-).  Ducklings.— 1,  O.  A.  Young,  c,  Mrs.  T.  B.  Beilby,  Evcr- 
ingham ;  Miss  Jordan. 

PIGEONS. 

Pouters.— 1,  W.  Adams,  Ipswich,  he,  E.  Waites,  Driffield,  c,  B.  W.  Hutton, 
Cranswick.  Carriers.— 1,  W.  Campey,  Beverley,  he,  R.  P.  Moon,  York,  c,  C. 
Potter,  Driffield.  Jacobins  — 1,  E.  O.  Davis,  Hull,  c,  R.  Sanders,  Leven.  Fan- 
tails. — 1.  W.  Adams.  Ipswich,  c.  R.  P.  Moon,  York.  Tumblers.— 1,  W.Adams. 
he,  J.  Gilbank,  Wetwang.  Barbs.— 1,  A.  Waites.  he,  D.  Maynard.  Nuns.— 
1,  W.  Adams,  c,  R,  P.  Moon.  Any  other  Variety.— 1,  W.  Adams,  he,  B. 
Leason.  c,  J.  Stabler  ;  R.  Watson ;  W.  J.  Purdon.  Extra.— Extra  prize  Mrs.  J. 
Purdon  (Crcve-CffiursJ. 

Radbits.— Any  Breed.— I,  A.  M.  Donkin.  2,  J.  Hudson,  Leven.  he,  E.  Green ; 
P.  Ashton. 

Mr.  Edward  Hewitt,  of  Sparkbrook,  near  Birmingham,  was  the 
Judge. 


LIGUFJAN  QUEENS   IN  JERSEY,   AND    THE 
HONEY   SEASON. 

A  correspondent  has  lately  related  his  misfortunes  with  an 
Italian  queen.  Two  very  similar  cases  have  come  under  my 
own  notice.  Last  autumn  I  procured  three  fine  queens.  One 
I  put  at  the  head  of  a  hybridised  stock  in  my  own  possession, 
she  is  now  alive  and  well.  A  second  I  placed  at  the  head  of  a 
strong  black  colony  belonging  to  a  friend,  it  was  well  pro- 
visioned for  the  winter ;  the  queen  was  received  well,  and  at 
once  began  to  breed.  In  April,  when  I  saw  them,  they  seemed 
to  be  doing  moderately  well ;  the  queen  was  breeding,  and  very 
few  black  bees  were  to  be  seen.    I  next  saw  them  in  June ;  the 


August  4,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL    OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


93 


queen  was  then  not  to  be  seen,  neither  was  there  an;  brood, 
and  very  few  bees,  but  plenty  of  honey.  The  majority  of  the 
bees  had  dispersed  themselves  amongst  the  adjoining  hives. 
This  stock  was  lost.  The  third  queen  wa3  placed  at  the  head 
of  a  strong  colony  that  had  been  strengthened  by  the  addition 
of  a  stock  of  driven  bees.  These  belonged  to  another  friend. 
The  queen  was  accepted,  and  began  to  breed,  but  during  the 
winter  I  heard  there  was  more  mortality  amongst  the  Ligu- 
rians  than  should  have  been.  In  April  I  opened  the  hive,  and 
found  only  the  queen  and  about  two  hundred  Ligurians,  a 
little  brood,  and  plenty  of  honey.  The  next  day  the  queen  was 
found  dead,  and  scarcely  a  bee  left. 

What  could  have  been  the  cause  of  these  two  stocks  thus 
dwindling  to  nothing  ?  It  puzzles  me.  Was  it  because  the 
black  and  Ligurian  bees  oould  not  agree  ?  Was  it  a  freak  of 
the  bees  ?  Other  correspondents  have  spoken  of  the  honey 
season  being  very  favourable,  I  wish  I  could  say  the  same.  My 
supers  are  not  filled,  nor  are  they  likely  to  be.  A  Woodbury 
hive  is  almost  entirely  combed,  but  I  do  not  think  the  bees 
have  deposited  more  than  2  lbs.  of  honey.  Two  stocks  in 
Woodbury  hives  weigh  only  1G  lbs.  each,  exclusive  of  the  hive, 
yet  they  have  both  been  strong  all  the  summer.  So  far  as  I 
can  judge,  the  honey  season  set  in  and  lasted  but  a  very  short 
time,  and  then  ceased  quite  suddenly.  At  one  time  there  was 
every  prospect  of  an  excellent  honey  harvest.  Last  year  was 
much  better  here.  I  had  a  Ligurian  stock  which  threw  three 
swarms,  and  yet  by  the  autumn  it  was  strong  and  well  pro- 
visioned. Very  dry  seasons,  contrary  to  general  experience, 
would  appear  to  be  unfavourable;  here,  as  in  1868,  stocks  grew 
lighter  after  the  middle  of  June.  Swarms,  too,  have  been 
scarce  here  this  season. — D.  D.  B. 

[We  cannot  tell  why  your  friends'  ligurianised  stocks 
dwindled  in  so  remarkable  a  manner,  but  it  certainly  did  not 
arise  from  any  disagreement  between  the  two  races.] 


THE  HONEY   SEASON  IN  WEST   SUFFOLK. 

To  some  of  your  readers  an  account  of  the  honey  season  in 
this  neighbourhood  may  be  interesting.  Though  of  very  short 
continuance,  the  season  has  not  been  altogether  an  unfavour- 
able one.  It  commenced  on  May  16th,  on  the  morning  of 
which  day  my  stock  hives  averaged  less  than  in  the  middle  of 
April ;  between  this  and  the  23rd,  however,  they  commenced 
in  earnest,  two  of  my  hives  increasing  in  weight  14  lbs.  each, 
two  13i  lbs.  each,  and  the  worst  and  smallest  of  all  making 
-5  lbs.  They  continued  doing  well  till  June  21st,  which  day  I 
consider  the  termination  of  the  season,  as  they  actually  lost 
weight  between  the  21st  and  July  5th,  since  which  they  have 
slightly  improved.  Facts  speak  volumes.  I  give  you  the 
weights  of  two  united  swarms ;  it  will  be  seen  that  5  lbs.  were 
made  by  one  hive  in  one  day. 


■fane 


Swarmed  Juno  6th,  hive  and  board  13  lbs. 
lbs. 


21 
23 
25 

27*i 


lba. 


June  12  83 4 

„      13  85^ 

„     14  894 


Swarmed  Juno  13th,  hive  and  board  13  lbs. 


lbs. 
June  14  22 


15 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
26 


24 

26  V, 
27 
314 
31  % 
33  4 
34 


June  ! 
July 


14 
17 


lbs. 
.  834 
.  88 
.  824 
.  324 
.  85 
.  374 
.  38 


My  spring  balance  only  weighing  40  lbs.,  I  have  not  been 
able  to  weigh  them  since. 

From  one  of  Pettitt's  single-box  hives  I  have  obtained  11  lbs. 
nett  of  virgin  honey,  and  estimate  what  is  now  in  the  hive  at 
9  lbs.,  in  addition  to  two  excellent  swarms.  From  one  of  his 
ten-frame  bar-hives  I  have  had  one  swarm,  23*  lbs.  nett,  a 
splendid  super,  and  taken  four  bars  for  draining  23  lbs.  nett. 

I  will  not  tireyou  with  more  at  present,  but  if  you  think  it 
will  be  interesting,  I  shall  be  pleased  to  give  you  an  account 
of  all  my  hives,  the  average  and  performance  of  the  whole, 
bad  as  well  as  good. 

I  should  be  pleased  to  know  the  average  of  "  Sudbury's" 
hives,  "all  told,"  and  whether,  which  is  not  the  case  with 
mine,  the  bar  honey  will  bear  comparison  with  that  from 
supers.     Perhaps  "Rector"  will  favour  us  in  like  manner, 


and  also  give  us  the  weight,  when  taken,  of  his  gigantic  super' 
whether  it  was  entirely  free  from  brood,  &o. 

I  have  no  doubt,  also,  that  you  would  be  conferring  a  favour 
on  many  readers  of  "  our  Journal,"  if  you  would,  now  the 
season  is  approaching  its  close,  give  us  your  advioe  as  to  the 
best  method  of  disposing  of  our  superfluous  honey,  the  prices 
of  different  qualities,  the  best  markets,  &o.  Why  should  we  not 
know  the  market  price  of  honey  as  well  as  of  vegetables,  &c.  ? 

—  UlTENHAGE. 

TAKING  HONEY  AND  INTRODUCING  A 
LIGURIAN  QUEEN. 

I  have  a  very  large  and  heavy  stook  of  bees  from  which  I 
want  to  take  the  honey,  but  without  destroying  the  bees,  and 
at  the  same  time  I  wish  to  introduce  a  Ligurian  queen  in  the 
following  manner — viz.,  I  would  remove  the  stock  to  some 
distance  in  the  middle  of  a  fine  day,  and  place  the  Ligurian 
queen,  in  a  hive  partially  filled  with  comb,  on  the  stance  lately 
occupied  by  the  full  hive.  Would  the  bees  leaving  the  old 
stock  and  naturally  going  back  to  their  old  situation  (the  now 
empty  hive  and  Ligurian  queen)  be  likely  to  agree  and  make 
up  a  tolerably  good  stook  ? 

[All  the  old  bees  would  probably  return  to  their  accustomed 
stanoe,  and  being  old  bees  would  almost  to  a  certainty  destroy 
the  Italian  queen.  The  plan  which  offers  the  best  chance  of 
success  would  be  to  fumigate  the  colony,  Bearch  for  and  remove 
their  queen,  and  when  the  stupefied  bees  begin  to  recover  bury 
the  stranger  queen  in  the  heap,  and  permit  the  whole  to  asoend 
together  into  their  new  habitation,  which  should  be  put  on  the 
old  stance,  and  the  bees  fed  liberally  by  means  of  an  inverted 
pickle-bottle  filled  regularly  every  evening  until  they  attain  a 
nett  weight  of  about  20  lbs.] 


FERTILISATION   OF  THE   QUEEN   BEE. 

In  your  number  of  the  26th  of  May  last,  in  a  communication 
on  the  above  subject  by  Mr.  Fitzwilkins,  allusion  is  made  to 
the  experiments  of  Mrs.  Tupper  to  procure  fertilisation  within 
the  hive.  As  I  am  entirely  ignorant  of  these  experiments,  or 
of  Mrs.  Tupper's  publication  of  them,  will  you  kindly  say  where 
the  information  can  be  obtained  ?  as  the  subject  is  one  of  the 
highest  importance  to  all  interested  in  apiarian  pursuits. 
Until  the  statement  of  thiB  theory  in  the  Journal,  I  was  under 
the  impression  that  fertilisation  always  took  place  in  the  open 
air,  and  on  the  wing. 

Supposing  the  above  theory  correct,  if  a  second  swarm  of 
Ligurians,  issuing  ten  days  after  a  first  swarm,  be  placed  in  an 
apiary  surrounded  by  stocks  of  English  bees,  would  it  not 
amount  to  a  certainty  that  the  Ligurian  queen  would  be  fer- 
tilised by  English  drones,  as  I  notice  drones  frequently  enter 
other  hives  than  their  own  ?  I  am  putting  an  actual  oase,  in 
which  the  Ligurian  swarm  was  taken  from  a  pure  Ligurian 
apiary,  to  which  there  were  no  English  bees  nearer  than  one 
mile,  and  Bhall  esteem  your  opinion  a  favour  as  to  whether  the 
queen  in  question  may  be  expeoted  to  breed  pure  Ligurians  or 
hybrids,  there  being  no  Ligurian  drones,  as  far  as  I  could 
ascertain,  with  the  swarm,  which  was  removed  on  the  day  it 
issued. — G.  Raysob,  Tonbridge. 

[Mrs.  Tupper's  process  was  fully  described  in  our  number 
published  on  the  28th  April  last,  but  so  far  as  we  know  no  one 
in  this  country  has  succeeded  with  it.  We  should  expect  the 
queen  to  be  hybridised  under  the  circumstances  which  you 
describe.] 

OUR  LETTER  BOX. 

Golden-pencilled  Hakbubohs  (IT.  S.  D).— Congratulate  yourself  on 
the  tails  of  your  Golden-pencilled  Hambnrgh  pullets  ;  they  will  remain 
as  perfect  as  ever  in  their  markings,  the  only  difference  being  tbey  will 
become  more  distinct.  The  cockerels  will  not  be  in  full  feather  till  next 
November,  and  even  then  there  are  feathers  remaining  that  to  the 
practised  eye  speak  of  adolescence.  They  are,  however,  perfectly  fit  to 
snow.  If  the  legs  of  Pencilled  Hamburghs  are  dirty  they  mnst  be 
washed ;  tbe  leaden-blue  of  the  legs  helps  much  in  producing  the 
ensemble  that  is  so  attractive.  If  the  face  is  dirty  it  may  be  washed  in 
cold  water  with  a  little  vinegar  in  it,  but  the  deaf  ear  must  not  be  touched. 
This  year's  chickens  do  not  really  moult  until  next  year,  but  tbey 
change  their  feathers  little  by  little  without  becoming  naked  as  tbey 
attain  virility. 

Brahma  Cock's  Markings  (Carrier).— It  is  more  than  desirable  to 
have  the  tail  of  a  Brahma  cock  of  a  buff  or  fawn  colour  entirely.  Failing 
that,  it  should  be  blacs,  but  if  some  of  them  are  white-tipped  or  curled, 
it  is  not  a  disqualification,  especially  in  an  old  bird.    In  fowls,  as  in 


96 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  August  4,  1870. 


human  beings,  perfection  is  the  exception.  So  far  from  a  black  breaBt 
being  essential  to  a  Brahma  cock,  many  of  our  best  amateurs  prefer  one 
spotted  with  white.  We  do  not  admire  the  description  you  give  of  the 
Brahma  hen  you  have  bred.  With  a  brown  colour  and  a  black  head,  we 
should  unhesitatingly  class  her  among  those  which  are  inferior  to  the 
Grey  or  Pencilled  birds. 

Judges*  Awards  (Querist). — We  are  very  happy  to  give  all  the  in- 
lormation  in  our  power  to  those  who  use  our  columns,  but  we  have  no 
means  of  knowing  the  reasons  that  guide  judges  in  their  awardB,  or  in 
Withholding  prizes.    We  should  not  dream  of  asking  them. 

Bone  Dust— Poland  not  Laying  (Mrs.  Bain).— See  Mr.  Lingwood's 
advertisement  in  this  Journal.  It  is  very  possible  for  a  substance  to  be 
quite  innocent  when  given  regularly  in  small  quantities,  which  would  be 
very  injurious  when  eaten  suddenly  in  excess ;  but  Mr.  Wright  only  recom- 
mends the  bone  dust  for  large  breeds.  Possibly  the  Poland  is  too  fat.  As 
she  appears  well  it  will  be  best  to  leave  her  till  after  moulting,  unless  you 
like  to  try  the  effect  of  a  spoonful  of  castor  oil.  It  is  not,  however, 
always  possible  to  tell  the  reason  a  hen  stops  laying.  We  have  a  Brahma 
which  has  stopped  in  the  same  way.  Having  no  cock  in  company  would  not 
cause  it.    It  is  possible  the  bird  lays,  but  eats  her  eggs. 

Parrot  Breathing  with  Difficulty  (A  Constant  Reader).— We  con- 
clude from  your  statement  that  your  Parrot  has  caught  cold  and  is  moult- 
ing; if  so,  keep  it  out  of  draughts,  place  a  pan  of  water  in  the  cage  for  it 
to  bathe  in,  and  give  it  bread  soaked  in  cold  water,  squeezed  rather  dry, 
and  occasionally  soaked  in  milk  for  a  change  ;  Canary,  millet,  and  hemp 
seed  mixed,  very  little  of  the  latter ;  Indian  corn  boiled ;  also  a  Chili  or 
white  peppercorn  occasionally,  and  any  ripe  fruit  you  find  it  will  eat ;  but 
if  the  bird  pull  out  or  bite  oft*  its  feathers,  then  give  it  a  good  washing 
with  water  twice  a-day  through  a  fine-rosed  watering  pot,  and  do  not  give 
it  any  Chilies,  peppercorns,  nor  hempseed.  You  should  notice  what 
your  birds  like  best,  for  what  one  Parrot  is  fond  of  another  often  will 
not  touch. 

Lice  on  Canary  (J.  S.  B.,  and  Forest  Sill).— There  is  an  insect-de- 
stroying powder  sold  by  most  druggists  under  the  name  of  Persian  vermin 
destroyer,  or  some  similar  title,  which  I  have  known  to  be  very  effectual 
in  eradicating  these  pests.  It  is  sold  with  a  distributor,  an  indianrubber 
ball  and  tube,  with  directions  for  use,  and  is  not  expensive.  Any  re- 
spectable druggist  will  supply  the  right  article,  if  I  should  have  "been 
somewhat  incorrect  in  namiDg  it.  If  the  bird  were  mine  I  should  wRsh 
it,  but  that  is  an  operation  I  should  scarcely  recommend  an  inexperienced 
person  to  attempt,  and  especially  so  near  the  moulting  season.  A  tho 
rough  dusting  with  sulphur  will  materially  assist  in  dislodging  the  Acari 
— W.  A.  Blakston. 

Canaries  not  Pairing  (F.  IF.  Herbert).— Are  you  quite  sure  that  the 
necessary  conditions  for  pairing  are  present?  "Not  to  put  too  fine  a 
point  on  it,"  are  they  cock  and  hen  ?  Such  mistakes  will  sometimes 
occur.  It  may  be  disappointing  to  persons  who  have  only  one  pair  of 
birds  up,  to  find  that  they  show  no  signs  of  pairing;  but  to  those  who 
breed  on  a  larger  scale  it  is  only  one  of  the  many  failures  which  are 
written  on  the  debit  side  of  the  account.  If  the  birds  are  in  health  there 
is  no  reason  why  they  should  not  have  paired,  if  fed  even  on  the  plainest 
diet.  It  is  usual  to  give  a  little  hard-boiled  eeg  and  hempseed  as  a  stimu- 
lant. Try  it,  and  induce  them  to  make  hay  while  the  sun  Bhines,  as  the 
seaBon  is  nearly  over.  The  German  method  of  preparing  birdlime  is  by 
putting  abont  2  lbs.  of  linseed  oil  into  a  pot,  to  simmer  upon  the  fire  for 
some  time,  after  which  it  is  taken  off  and  lighted  with  a  match.  In  this 
state  of  inflammation  it  continues  about  two  hours,  when  half  the  quan- 
tity will  be  consumed.  By  dipping,  from  time  to  time,  a  stick  into  the 
oil,  and  trying  the  matter  between  the  fingers,  its  proper  glutinous  con- 
sistence may  be  easily  ascertained,  on  which  the  pot  is  covered  and  the 
flame  extinguished. — W.  A.  Blakston. 

Commencing  Bee-eeeping  (J.  G.  T.).— The  pamphlet  which  you  men- 
tion is  still  in  print,  and  can  be  obtained  through  any  bookseller  for  one 
shilling.  The  common  straw  hive  is  theoDe  most  easily  managed  by  a 
beginner,  but  it  affords  no  facilities       improvement. 

Deficient  Honey  Harvest  (Horseshoe).— Yout  bees  have  done  quite 
as  much  as  could  fairly  be  expected  from  them,  for  you  may  rely  upon  it 
that  Mr.  Pagden's  golden  promises  can  only  be  realised  (if  at  all)  under 
the  most  exceptionably  favourable  circumstances.  A  strong  swarm  may 
fill  a  super  the  same  year  if  the  honey  season  be  sufficiently  prolonged, 
but  it  cannot  be  expected  to  do  so  when  it  issues  so  late  as  the  beginning 
of  July.  As  a  rule,  a  stock  that  has  swarmed  will  not  afterwards  fill  a 
super  during  the  same  season,  anything  that  Mr.  Pagden  may  say  to  the 
contrary  notwithstanding.  Your  friend's  bees  may  have  been  "hybrid- 
ised by  Ligurians,  but  are  certainly  not  "  half  wasps,"  unless,  indeed, 
they  are  defunct,  and  the  Vespidte  and  robber  bees  are  ransacking 
their  hive. 

Sowing  Lucerne  (B.  B.).— There  is  much  difference  of  opinion  about 
the  quantity  of  seed  required  per  acre,  but  the  universal  practice  seems 
to  be  to  sow  it  in  drills  from  14  to  IS  inches  apart.  Assuming  the  ground 
to  have  been  ploughed  neatly  and  straight,  we  have  Been  the  seed  sown 
in  the  alternate  furrow  slices  before  harrowing  down,  and  in  the  case  of  a 
small  quantity,  as  an  acre  or  so,  sowing  may  be  done  by  band  or  by  some 
light  drill.  If  you  sow  by  hand,  putting  the  seed  into  a  common  bottle 
with  a  suitable-sized  hole  in  the  cork,  is  as  convenient  a  way  as  any. 
About  March  or  early  in  April  is  the  best  season  for  sowing,  and  the 
ground  ought  to  be  kept  clear  of  weeds  for  a  time  ;  after  the  plant  has 
been  once  established  it  is  capable  of  taking  care  of  itself.  Nevertheless, 
it  is  good  practice  to  slightly  dig  over  the  gTound  in  April,  and  harrow  it 
to  destroy  the  grass  and  other  weeds  which  often  grow  amongst  the 
Lucerne,  taking  care  in  digging  to  use  only  a  pronged  fork  for  the  pur- 
pose. Lucerne  likes  a  deep  soil  or  one  with  a  subsoil  which  permits  of 
its  roots  descending,  which  they  do  to  a  great  depth. 

Mushroom  Catsup  (G.  N.  B.,  Dublin).— We  give  you  three  modes:  — 
'1).  Take  4  lbs.  of  mushrooms,  and  the  same  of  common  salt;  sprinkle 
*.he  salt  over  the  mushrooms,  and  when  the  juice  is  drawn  eut  add  8  ozs. 
of  pimento  and  1  oz.  of  cloves.  Boil  these  for  a  Ehort  time,  and  press  out 
the  liquor:  that  which  remains  may  be  treated  again  with  salt  and  water 
for  an  inferior  kind.  (2).  Take  the  large  flaps  of  mushrooms  gathered 
when  dry,  and  bruise  them ;  put  some  at  the  bottom  of  an  earthen  pan, 
and  strew  salt  over  them  ;  then  put  on  another  layer  of  mushrooms,  then 


salt,  and  so  on  till  you  have  sufficient.  Let  them  Btand  a  day  or  two, 
stirring  them  every  day ;  strain  the  liquor  through  a  flannel  bag,  and  to> 
every  gallon  of  liquor  add  one  quart  of  red  wiue ;  mace,  cloves,  allspice , 
of  each  £  oz.,  with  a  race  or  two  of  cut  ginger.  If  not  salt  enough,  add  a 
little  more.  Boil  it  till  one  quart  ia  wasted,  strain  it  into  a  pan,  and  let 
it  get  cold.  Pour  it  from  the  settlings,  bottle  it,  and  cork  it  tightly. 
(3).  Take  care  that  the  mushrooms  are  of  the  right  sort,  and  fresh 
gathered.  Full-grown  flaps  are  the  best.  Put  a  layer  of  these  at  the 
bottom  of  a  deep  earthen  pan,  and  sprinkle  them  with  salt ;  then  add 
another  layer  of  mushrooms,  with  more  salt,  and  so  on  alternately.  Let 
them  remain  two  or  three  hours,  by  which  time  the  salt  will  have  pene- 
trated the  mushrooms,  and  rendered  them  easy  to  break ;  then  pound 
them  in  a  mortar,  or  mash  them  well  with  your  hands,  and  let  them 
remain  two  days,  during  which  stir  them  up  and  mash  them  well ;  then 
pour  them  into  a  Btonc  jar,  and  to  every  quart  put  1  oz.  of  whole  black 
pepper ;  stop  the  jar  closely,  set  it  in  a  stewpanful  of  boiling  water,  and 
keep  it  boiling  two  hours.  On  taking  out  the  jar  pour  the  juice  clear 
from  the  sediment  through  a  hair  sieve  into  a  clean  stewpan,  and  let  it 
boil  gently  half  an  hour  ;  sMm  it  well,  and  pour  it  into  a  clean  jar  or  jug  ; 
cover  it  closely,  let  it  stand  in  a  cool  place  till  the  next  day,  then  decant 
it  off  as  gently  as  possible  through  a  tamis  or  thick  flannel  bag  till  it  is 
perfectly  fine,  and  add  a  table-spoonful  of  good  brandy  to  each  pint. 
Now  let  it  stand  again,  when  a  freEh  sediment  will  be  deposited,  from 
which  the  catsup  must  be  gently  poured  off  into  bottles  which  have  been 
previously  washed  with  brandy  or  other  ardent  spirit.  Kept  closely 
corked  and  in  a  cool  place  it  will  remain  good  a  long  time.  Examine  it, 
however,  occasionally  by  placing  a  strong  light  behind  the  neck  of  the 
bottle,  and  if  any  skin  appears  upon  it  boil  it  up  again  with  a  few  pepper- 
corns. This  is  called  double  catsup,  and  a  table-spoonful  of  it  will 
impart  the  full  flavour  of  Mushroom  to  half  a  pint  of  sauce. 


METEOROLOGICAL  OBSERVATIONS 
In  the  Suburbs  of  London  for  the  week  ending  August  2nd. 


THERMOMETER. 

■Wind. 

Date. 

BAROMETER. 

Air. 

Earth. 

Rain. 

Max. 

Miu. 

Max. 

Mis. 

1ft 

2  ft. 

Wed...  27 

31.012 

29.931 

84 

58 

67 

64 

E. 

.00 

Thurs. .  28 

80.100 

80.078 

65 

43 

66 

64 

N.E. 

.00 

Fri..  ..  29 

29.982 

29917 

65 

50 

63 

62 

N. 

.00 

Set.  ...  SO 

29.926 

29  789 

76 

51 

64 

61 

E. 

.00 

Son.  . .  81 

29  686 

29.655 

80 

59 

66 

62 

S.li. 

.10 

Mon. . .    1 

29.779 

29.724 

82 

63 

67 

62 

E. 

■  72 

Tnes.    .    2 

29.827 

29.786 

70 

61 

67 

62 

E. 

.04 

Moan.. 

29.902 

29.840 

74.57 

55.00 

65.71 

62.43 

•• 

0.86 

27. — Fine  ;  cloudy  but  fine ;  clear  and  fine. 
28. — Densely  overcast ;  overcast ;  clear,  starlight. 
29. — Cloudy  but  fine  ;  densely  overcast ;  overcast. 
30. — DenBely  overcast ;  overcast ;  mild,  overcast. 
SI.— Densely  overcast ;  thunder;  overcast. 

1. — Densely  overcast,  damp;  cloudy,  thunder;  foggy. 

2.— Foggy,  drizzling  rain  ;  foggy  and  overcast ;  densely  overcast. 


COVENT  GARDEN  MARKET.— August  S. 
We  have  scarcely  any  alteration  worth  quoting.  The  supply  of  out 
door  produce  is  well  kept  up,  and  a  good  attendance  of  buyers  enables 
the  growers  to  clear  a  large  quantity  of  goods.  The  last  cargo  of  West 
India  Pines  is  now  in  the  market.  Foreign  importations  continue  heavy, 
and  include  some  very  considerable  consignments  of  Apples  from  the 
south  of  Spain,  which  are,  however,  of  very  poor  quality.  Good  Regents 
are  more  plentiful  this  week  among  the  Potato  dealers. 

FBUIT. 


p. 
1 
1 
0 
0 
2 
3 
3 
0 
0 
0 
2 

8 
2 

d.     8.  d 

6  to2    0 
0       3    0 
6       10 
0       0    0 
0       4    0 
0       5    0 
0       6    0 
9       10 
9       10 
4       0    6 
0       6    0 
0     14    0 
0      5    0 

VEQET 

lb. 

8. 

0 
6 
1 
5 
0 
2 
2 
8 
0 
0 

0 

10 

1 

d.     B. 
9  too 
0     12 
0     14 
0     15 
0       0 
0      3 
6       5 
0      5 
0       0 
6       1 
6       1 
0     16 
0       2 

c 

Pears,  kitchen  .. 

lb. 

0 
0 
0 
0 

Grapes,  Hothouse lb. 

do 

lb. 

6 

0 

iBLES. 

B. 

3 
8 
4 
3 
2 
0 
0 
1 
0 
0 
2 
1 
3 
0 
2 

9 
0 
0 
0 

3 

d.     b. 
0  to  6 
0      8 
0       6 
0      4 
0       3 
0       0 
0      0 
0       2 
0       0 
4       0 
0       6 
6       2 
0       6 
6       1 
0       4 
0       0 
8      0 
8       0 
8       0 
0       5 

n 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
8 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 

B. 
0 
1 

3 

0 

•1 

0 

3 
0 

1 

4 
6 
1 
0 
0 
0 
a 
8 
1 
0 
4 

d.     B. 
4  to  0 
6      3 
0      4 
9       0 
0       6 
4       0 
0       0 
9       1 
0       1 
0       6 
0       8 
0      0 
0       0 
0       0 
0       0 
6       0 
0       0 
0       3 
6      1 
0       0 

d 

Beans,  Kidney  ..J  sieve. 

Mustard  &  Cress 
Radishes  ..  doz. 

.punnet 

bunches 
lb. 

0 
0 

(1 

Brussels  Sprouts.. 4 sieve 
Coleworts..doz.  bunches 

8 
0 
0 
6 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 

Vegetable  Marrows . .  doz. 

0 

Horseradish  ....  bundle 

0 
0 

0 

August  11,  1870.  ] 


JOUBNAL  OF  HORTICULTUKE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


97 


WEEKLY 

CALENDAR. 

Day 
ol 

Month 

Day 
of 

Week. 

ADGTJST  11—17,  1870. 

Average    Tempera- 
ture near  London. 

Rain  in 

last 
43  yeai^. 

Sun 
Rises. 

San 
Sets. 

Moon 
Rises. 

Moon 
Sets. 

Moon's 
Age. 

Clock 
before 
Sun. 

Day 

of 
Year. 

11 
12 
18 

14 
15 
16 
17 

Th 

F 

S 

Son 

M 

To 

W 

Birmingham  Horticultural  Show  opens. 
Birmingham  Horticultural  Show  closes. 
9  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

Warrington  Horticultural  Show. 
Koyal  Horticultural  Society  Fruit,  Floral, 
[and  General  Meeting. 

Day. 
75.8 
75.1 
74  5 
72.9 
73.1 
73.0 
72.7 

Night. 
50.7 
50.5 
50.0 
50.8 
60.0 
61.5 
50.1 

Mean. 
63.2 
62.8 
62.3 
61.8 
61.6 
62.2 
61.4 

Days. 
90 
16 
19 
18 
17 
21 
23 

m.      h. 
41af4 
42      4 

44  4 

45  4 

46  4 

47  4 
49      4 

m.      b. 

29  af  7 
27      1 
25      7 
23      7 
21       7 
19      7 
17      7 

m.      b. 

0  af  8 
26       8 
47       8 

5        9 
23        9 
43       9 

1  10 

m.     h. 
17af4 
29      5 
40      6 
50      7 
58      8 
4    10 
11    11 

Days. 
O 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 

m.    b. 
4    59 
4    49 
4     39 
4    28 
4    17 

4  5 

5  53 

223 

2?4 
225 
226 
227 
228 
229 

Prom  observations  taken  near  London  during  the  last  forty-three  years,  the  average  day  temperature  of  the  week  is  73.9',  and  its  night 
temperature  50.5°.      The  greatest  heat  was  92°,  on  the  11th,  1835 ;  and  the  lowest  cold  333,"  on  the  11th,  1864.     The  greatest  fall  of  rain  was 
1.14  inch. 

THE   BLACK   CURRANT. 

F  all  the  kinds  of  bush  fruit  grown  for  the 
markets,  the  Black  Currant  is  undoubtedly 
the  most  profitable.  Its  easy  cultivation, 
the  vigour  with  which  it  grows  in  almost  all 
soils,  and  its  great  fruitfulness  are  all  points 
in  its  favour.  It  flourishes  in  the  cold  Weal- 
den  clay,  in  which  but  few  other  fruit  trees 
will  thrive,  and  it  is  considered  poor  soil 
indeed  in  which  the  Black  Currant  will  not 
grow  ;  nor  is  its  crop  so  much  affected  by 
being  shaded  during  its  growth  as  that  of  other  fruits  would 
be,  for  most  flourishing  plantations  of  it  may  be  seen  grow- 
ing around  and  under  standard  trees. 

But  while  all  this  may  be  said  in  its  favour,  it  must  also 
be  granted  that  it  is  a  gross-feeding  plant,  increasing  in 
vigour  in  proportion  to  the  quality  of  the  soil,  and  it  will 
well  repay  the  fruit-grower  for  all  the  manure  he  can 
bestow  upon  it.  Some  little  care  is,  however,  necessary 
in  regard  to  the  way  in  which  manure  is  applied  ;  no 
practice  can  possibly  he  worse  than  to  dig  in  manure  in 
the  way  in  which  it  is  sometimes  done,  the  fork  going  into 
the  ground  so  deeply  as  to  tear  off  quantities  of  the  young 
roots,  thus  doing  more  harm  than  good.  This  deep  culture 
may  answer  very  well  when  the  plants  are  young,  but  as 
they  attain  a  larger  size,  and  the  roots  gradually  spread 
farther  and  farther,  manure  is  best  given  as  a  top-dressing 
or  in  a  liquid  state. 

In  propagating  the  Black  Currant  it  is  a  common  prac- 
tice to  leave  a  clear  stem  of  nearly  a  foot  in  length  ;  now 
this  is  not  only  unnecessary,  but  is  altogether  a  mistake, 
as  it  is  impossible  for  such  trees  with  their  long  stems  to 
continue  to  produce  such  fine  fruit  as  others,  the  branches 
of  which  spring  from  the  ground  erect  and  strong,  and 
whose  vigour  and  size  is  constantly  increased  by  the  sturdy 
suckers  springing  up  and  taking  the  place  of  the  older 
wood. 

As  an  example  of  what  can  be  done  with  such  bushes, 
I  may  instance  two  fine  rows  of  Black  Currants  growing 
in  the  gardens  of  the  Earl  of  Romney.  These  bushes  are 
upwards  of  twenty  years  old  :  they  "were  planted  6  feet 
apart,  but  have  grown  with  such  vigour  that  notwithstand- 
ing the  freedom  with  which  they  have  constantly  been 
pruned,  they  are  now  5  feet  high,  and  the  side  branches  of 
every  tree  touch  those  of  its  neighbour.  Nothing  can  ex- 
ceed the  robust  appearance  of  these  splendid  bushes.  The 
soil  about  their  roots  has  not  been  disturbed  for  some  years 
past,  with  the  exception  of  being  deeply  hoed  on  the  sur- 
face a  few  times  in  summer,  in  order  to  work-in  the  annual 
top-dressing  of  hotbed  manure.  In  favourable  seasons  the 
fruit  crop  averages  four  gallons  on  each  bush  :  this  year 
it  will  not  be  so  good,  as  the  crop  has  suffered  from  the 
late  spring  frosts 

The  sight  of  these  large  bushes,  which  from  the  vigour 
of  their  young  growth  appear  likely  to  flourish  for  twenty 
years  longer,  and  the  large  crops  of  fine  fruit  which  they 
produce,  are  enough  to  set  one  thinking  ;  and  after  making 
a  calculation  of  the  value  of  their  produce  at  the  rate  of 
Ne.  4S8.-VOL.  XIX.,  new  Semis. 


4'/.  per  quart,  as  given  by  "  A  Lancashire  Subscriber," 
in  No.  470  of  this  Journal,  so  enormous  is  the  total,  and 
so  much  in  excess  of  what  it  is  customary  to  speak  of,  that 
one  hardly  likes  to  put  it  on  paper.  However,  here  are 
my  facts,  and  I  would  ask  all  growers  of  fruit  for  profit  to 
give  them  the  notice  they  deserve.  An  acre  of  such  trees 
planted  (i  feet  apart  will  contain  1310  plants,  and  taking 
the  crop  at  4  gallons  or  1(1  quarts  per  bush,  at  id.  per 
quart,  we  have  the  astounding  sum  of  .£'322  18*.  4(7  per 
acre.  Now,  I  do  not  pretend  to  say  that  an  acre  of  Black 
Currants  has  ever  produced  such  a  crop,  but  here  we  have 
forty-two  bushes  growing  side  by  side,  the  yield  of  which 
has  been  up  to  this  average  in  every  favourable  season 
for  some  time  past,  and  therefore  there  can  be  no  reason 
why  an  acre,  or  many  acres,  of  such  trees  should  not  be 
capable  of  producing  some  such  desirable  results. 

And  this  leads  to  the  inquiry,  Why  is  it  that  such  fine 
Black  Currant  trees  are  not  more  frequently  to  be  met 
with  ?  It  may  be  that  the  answer  is  contained  in  the  fact 
that  the  hardy  and  accommodating  nature  of  the  Black 
Currant  causes  it  generally  to  be  planted  in  poor  soil  and 
in  an  equally  bad  situation,  and  so  it  is  very  rarely  indeed 
that  the  requisite  conditions  are  afforded  to  enable  it  to 
attain  its  fullest  development. 

Now  these  conditions  are  few,  simple,  and  easily  under- 
stood. Large  juicy  fruit  always  commands  the  best  sale. 
Such  fruit  is  only  produced  on  the  young  vigorous  growth 
of  the  preceding  year ;  it  must,  therefore,  be  our  aim  to 
obtain  an  abundance  of  such  wood  by  planting  in  a  deep 
rich  loam,  by  manuring  freely,  and  by  cutting  away  the 
old  and  thinning  the  young  wood,  so  as  to  admit  air  and 
light.  Such  being  the  case,  it  must  be  admitted,  that  while 
no  fruit  tree  is  so  useful  as  the  Black  Currant  for  planting 
in  poor  soil,  yet  none  thrives  better  or  yields  such  rich 
returns  when  enjoying  the  advantages  of  a  good  soil  and 
generous  treatment. — Edward  Ldckhdrst,  Etjerton  House 
Gardens,  Kent. 


SELECT   GARDEN   ROSES. 

Doubtless  as  the  autumn  comes  on  there  will  be  many 
inquiries  for  the  best  varieties  of  Roses  for  planting.  In 
anticipation  of  these,  I  have  made  out  a  list  which  I  think 
will  not  fail  to  please  those  who  may  select  from  it.  The 
selection  is  taken  from  a  large  collection  of  Roses  growing 
here,  and  I  offer  it  with  a  view  more  particularly  to  suit 
those  who  contemplate  making  new  plantations,  or  a  rosery, 
and  where  the  soil  does  not  approach  that  standard  of 
fertility  generally  recommended  and  required  for  the  culti- 
vation of  the  more  delicate  kinds  of  Roses.  I  have,  there- 
fore, excluded  most  of  the  latter,  because,  from  experience, 
I  consider  it  useless  to  plant  anything  but  Roses  of  vigor- 
ous growth  and  constitution,  unless  the  soil  and  situation 
be  very  suitable. 

The  site  of  the  Rose  garden  at  this  place  is  good,  being 
well  sheltered  from  the  north  and  east,  but  it  is  laid  well 
open  to  the  south  and  west ;  the  soil,  however,  was  very 
poor,  a  hungry- looking  clayey  loam,  but  now  that  it  is  well 
drained  and  enriched  with  manure  it  grows  Roses  well ; 

No.  Uil.-VOL.  XLIV.,  Old  Semes. 


98 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  Aagust  11,  1870. 


still  for  some  years  the  delicate-growing  sorts  did  not  thrive. 
The  frequent  trenchings  that  the  soil  had  to  undergo  in  order 
to  enrich  it,  and  consequently  the  lifting  of  the  plants,  was 
a  treatment  too  severe  for  any  but  the  vigorous  and  robust- 
growing  sorts  ;  these,  however,  have  thriven  very  well,  and  are 
included  in  the  list  below.  I  believe  them  to  be  a  selection  of 
generally  useful  varieties,  and  many  of  them  exhibition  Roses. 
Those  with  an  asterisk  I  consider  the  best. 

Hybrid  Perpetual. — 'Prince  de  Portia,  vermilion ;  Made- 
moiselle Alice  Leroy,  pale  rose;  Madame  de  Cambaceies,  rose  ; 
Duchess  of  Sutherland,  rose  ;  Alba  carnea,  white  ;  Jules  Mar- 
gottin,  cherry;  'ComteBse  de  Turenne,  pink;  Duchess  of 
Norfolk,  crimson;  *John  Hopper,  rose;  Madame  Clemenee 
Joigneaux,  red;  'Jean  Goujon,  red;  'Beauty  of  Waltham, 
eherry  ;  'Baronne  Prevost,  rose  ;  'Elizabeth  Vigneron,  pink  ; 
•Sir  Rowland  Hill,  crimson;  'Monsieur  de  Montigny,  rose; 
•Rev.  H.  H.  Dombrain,  carmine;  'Geant  des  BatailleB  ;  Jean 
Rosenkrantz,  red;  *Paul  Verdier,  crimson;  *Madame  Boll, 
rose ;  La  Reine,  pink ;  »Madame  Charles  Wood,  crimson ; 
Triomphe  de  Caen,  dark  crimson  ;  Duchesse  d'Orleans,  blush  ; 
•Marguerite  de  St.  Amand,  rose  ;  Leopold  HauBburg,  carmine; 
•William  Jesse,  crimson  ;  'Charles  Lefebvre,  crimson  scarlet ; 
•Souvenir  de  Comte  Cavour,  crimBon ;  'Alfred  Colomb,  red; 
Miss  Ingram,  flesh ;  *Madame  Alfred  de  Rougemont,  white ; 
Joseph  Fiala,  dark  red  ;  'Black  Prince ;  Madame  Fillion,  sal- 
mon ;  Madame  Moreau,  bright  red  ;  Merveille  d'Anjou,  red  ; 
♦Madame  Vidot,  flesh;  »La  Ville  de  St.  Denis,  rosy  crimson  ; 
Pius  IX. ;  Caroline  de  Sansal,  flesh ;  'Pierre  Notting,  dark 
red;  Charles  Rouillard,  rose;  Madame  Pulliat,  dark  rose; 
Madame  Boutin,  crimson;  'Madame  Knorr,  rose;  Francois 
Treyve,  scarlet;  *  Mademoiselle  Marie  Rady,  deep  rose  ;  'Comte 
Litta,  scarlet ;  Francois  Premier,  red  ;  'Anna  de  Diesbach,  deep 
rose;  *Auguste  Mie,  pink  ;  *Le  Geant,  rose ;  Madame  Rivers, 
flesh;  'Reine  du  Midi;  rose;  Thorin,  bright  rose;  *Pauline 
Lansezeur,  crimson  ;  Antoine  Ducher,  bright  red  ;  Jean  Lam- 
bert, red  ;  and  Prince  Camille  de  Rohan,  crimson. 

Hybrid  Chinese  and  Bourbon.  —  *Cbenedole,  crimson; 
*Coupe  d'Hebe,  pink;  'Paul  Ricaut,  oarmine ;  'Vivid,  crim- 
son ;  and  Madame  Plantier,  white. 

Damask. — »La  Ville  de  Bruxelles,  rose ;  and  Madame  Hardy, 
white. 

Alba. — Fclicite  (Parmentier),  flesh ;  and  'Queen  of  Denmark, 
pink. 

Gallic*. — Grandissima,  rose  ;  'Boula  de  Nanteuil,  crimson 
purple;  Kean,  purple;  and  Letitia,  rose. 

Moss. — 'Comtesse  Murinais,  white  ;  Baronne  de  Wassenaiir, 
red  ;  Common  Moss,  and  Perpetual  White  Moss. 
Tea. — »Gloire  de  Dijon  and  'Homer. 

The  above  sorts  are  suitable  for  growing  as  standards  or 
dwarfs;  being  vigorous-growing  they  mostly  succeed  well  worked 
on  the  Briar  as  standards,  but  the  same  sorts  will  become 
quite  robust  as  dwarfs. 

With  regard  to  the  planting  of  Roses,  I  may  remark  that  the 
earlier  in  the  autumn  they  are  planted  the  better,  especially  in 
low  damp  situations ;  it  is  much  the  best  plan  to  plant  early 
and  induce  them  to  make  as  many  roots  as  possible  before 
winter  sets  in.  Spring-planted  Roses  seldom  do  any  good 
towards  a  first  bloom. — Thomas  Record,  Lillesden. 


EARLY  PEACHES  IN   THE   NORTH. 

Another  season  has  confirmed  my  experience  of  Mr.  Rivers's 
early  Peaches.  The  trees  were  placed  in  the  house  in  January  ; 
the  heat  was  given  to  them  on  the  20th  of  that  month,  and 
was  only  enough  to  keep  the  frost  fairly  out.  Early  Beatrioe 
ripened  on  the  3rd  of  June,  Early  Louise  on  the  7th,  Early 
Rivers  on  the  10th ;  these  were  followed  by  Hale's  Early  and 
Rivers's  White  Nectarine  a  week  later. 

Early  Louise  was  fair-sized  and  very  good,  but  Early  Rivers 
was  both  larger  and  better  in  flavour — in  fact,  I  think  it  very 
nearly  the  best  Peach  I  know ;  the  flavour  is  so  piquant  that 
there  is  no  fear  of  it  ever  becoming  insipid  from  early  forcing. 
And  then  with  regard  to  earliness,  it  is  only  a  few  days  later 
than  the  very  earliest  of  Mr.  Rivers's  early  varieties,  a  month 
earlier  than  Early  York,  and  six  weeks  earlier  than  Early 
Grosse  Mignonne  (specimens  of  both  these  varieties  stand- 
ing between  trees  of  Early  Rivers),  so  that  I  feel  assured 
it  ought  to  be  largely  cultivated  under  glass.  I  find  Rivers's 
White  Nectarine  to  be  very  early,  and  to  be  one  of  the  best  in 
flavour  under  glass,  and  very  vigorous  and  productive. 

Midseason  Peaches  are  so  numerous  that  it  is  hardly  worth 
while  trying  to  get  new  varieties  of  them ;  but  these  early  ones, 


and  also  the  late,  show  that  much  may  still  be  done  in  both 
directions  of  earliness  and  lateness.  At  any  rate,  the  attention 
of  gardeners  ought  to  be  turned  to  these  early  varieties  of  Mr. 
Rivers's,  for  a  month  gained  in  earliness  ought  in  every  way 
to  make  them  profitable. 

The  potted  trees  of  these  early  sorts  have  their  fruit  buda 
fully  formed  for  next  year,  are  out  of  doors,  and  quite  ready 
for  having  water  withheld  in  order  to  set  them  to  rest ;  and 
they  might  be  placed  in  heat  in  November  or  December  if 
early  forcing  were  desired. — W.  Kingsley,  South  Kilvington. 


THE  SALISBURY  ROSES. 

A  visit  to  Salisbury  is  almost  a  necessary  adjunct  with  me 
to  one  to  Okeford  Fitzpaine,  and  consequently  on  my  return 
from  my  good  friend  Mr.  Radcljft'e's  hospitable  home  I  stopped 
at  the  old  cathedral  city,  where  Mr.  Keynes  was  good  enough 
to  meet  me,  and,  as  my  time  was  limited,  to  take  me  to  his 
nurseries.  Under  his  guidance,  and  that  of  his  able  and  intel- 
ligent foreman  Mr.  Gill,  I  had  a  good  opportunity  of  seeing  his 
stock,  and  also  of  talking  over  the  quality  of  the  various  new 
kinds  introduced  during  the  last  two  years. 

There  are  some  people  who  go  to  war  for  an  idea.  Here  are 
two  of  the  greatest  of  continental  powerB,  like  two  big  boys  at 
Bchool,  determining  to  slay  thousands  of  their  fellow  creatures, 
because  one  thinks  and  says,  "  I  can  lick  you,"  and  the  other 
replies,  "  You  can't ;  try  it."  But  there  are  also  some  people 
who  will  not  fight  because  of  an  idea.  We  have  this  year, 
except  from  the  lists  of  the  Crystal  Palace,  missed  the  vigorous 
onslaught  of  the  knight  of  Salisbury ;  and  yet  that  ought  not 
to  have  been,  for  I  never  saw  finer  Roses  than  there  were  in 
the  nurseries.  But  there  was  an  idea  that  there  would  be  no 
necessity  for  watering ;  and  although  Mr.  Keynes  has  a  river 
running  at  the  bottom  of  his  grounds,  his  Roses  were  not 
watered.  Bain  never  came,  although,  as  in  most  places,  it 
threatened  much  to  do  so,  and  the  result  was  that  he  was  liors 
de  combat,  and  the  queen  of  flowers  missed  one  of  her  doughtiest 
champions.  But  it  is  an  "  ill  wind  that  blows  nobody  good," 
and  so  I  had  an  opportunity  of  seeing  the  Roses  unmutilated, 
and  with  a  far  larger  amount  of  bloom  than  I  should  have  done 
had  Mr.  Keynes  exhibited  as  usual. 

It  is  a  great  treat  to  a  lover  of  Roses  to  see  30,000  all  in  one 
piece  in  full  bloom,  and  in  such  fine  condition  as  they  were 
here — to  see  row  after  row  of  such  fine  flowers  as  Baroness 
Rothschild,  Marie  Rady,  Marguerite  Dombrain,  Louise  Pey- 
ronny,  Alfred  Colomb,  Duke  of  Edinburgh,  and  JoEephine 
Beauharnais.  But  this  is  an  oft-told  tale,  and  so,  as  a  matter 
of  greater  interest,  we  will  have  a  look  at  the  new  Roses,  of 
which  Mr.  Keynes  has  a  grand  supply.  As  to  those  of  last  year, 
the  following  was  the  estimate  we  formed  : — 

Berthe  Baron,  a  well-shaped  Rose  ;  pretty  colour,  and  good. 
Charles  Fontaine,  a  rich  deep  crimson  Rose  of  good  quality. 
Devienne  Lamy,  brilliant  carmine ;  very  large,  well-shaped 
flowers,  but  will  not  answer  on  the  Manetti.  Dupuy  Jamain, 
bright  cherry  colour.  Emilie  Hausburg,  beautiful  rose  colour  ; 
an  exquisitely  shaped  Rose.  Henri  Ledechaux,  bright  rosy 
oarmine  ;  very  pretty.  Madame  Creyton,  a  beautifully  formed 
Rose,  and  a  novel  colour — carmine  shaded  with  rose.  Marquise 
de  Mortemart,  blush  white;  very  pretty,  although  at  times 
inclined  to  be  rough.  Monsieur  Journeaux,  crimson  scarlet ; 
flowers  large  and  full ;  a  particularly  beautiful  shade  of  oolour. 
Souvenir  de  Monsieur  Poiteau,  bright  salmon  rose,  quite  dis- 
tinct in  colour.  Thyra  Hammerich,  a  beautiful  flesh-coloured 
Rose  ;  a  seedling  from  Duchess  of  Sutherland.  Victor  le  Bihan, 
brilliant  rosy  carmine  ;  flowers  large  and  full. 

It  will  thus  be  seen  that  a  dozen  Roses  of  last  season  were 
considered  worthy  of  being  retained  ;  others  which  have  been 
much  spoken  of,  such  as  Julie  Touvais,  Madame  Jacquier, 
Reine  Blanche,  and  Clovis,  were  condemned.  Of  Tea  Roses, 
Marie  Sisley,  Adrienne  Christophle,  and  La  Tulipe  were  con- 
sidered good,  the  first  two  especially. 

Of  the  new  Roses  of  this  year  Mr.  Keynes  and  Mr.  Gill  spoke 
very  highly  of  Marquise  de  Castellane,  raised  by  Fernet,  the 
raiser  of  Baronne  de  Rothschild,  and  of  Louis  Van  Houtte  and 
Mdlle.  Eugenie  Verdier,  both  of  which  I  have  already  noticed  as 
fine.  There  are  some  Roses  "  well  done  "  here,  which  one  does 
not  often  see  elsewhere.  Joseph  Fiala,  Hippolyte  Flandrin,  an 
enormous  Rose,  not  free-flowering,  but  at  times  giving  Roses 
far  larger  than  Louise  Peyronny  and  more  double,  and  Madame 
Moreau,  are  cases  in  point ;  while  Marfchal  Niel  is  in  perfection 
here  on  the  Briar,  a  stock  well  suited  for  all  the  Tea-scented 
Noisettes.    There  was  a  Rose  the  name  of  which  I  forgot  to 


August  11,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE   AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


get,  probably  Mr.  Keynes  can  supply  it ;  it  was  numbered  13, 
very  dwarf,  not  growing  more  than  a  foot  high,  of  a  pretty 
blush  oolour,  and  good  shape. 

Although  Roses  were  my  chief  object,  yet  one  could  not  pass 
by  some  other  things  which  Mr.  Keynes  cultivates  admirably. 
Need  I  say  that  the  Salisbury  Dahlias  with  which  he  first  won 
bis  way  to  fame  are  as  famous  as  the  Salisbury  Roses  ?  and 
notwithstanding  the  excessive  drought  they  were  looking  beau- 
tiful ;  while  some  seedlings  that  I  saw  seemed  to  me  to  be  in 
advance  of  those  we  already  have,  notably  a  Bhaded  purple  of 
great  beauty.  But  as  Mr.  Keynes  will  be  a  large  exhibitor  at 
the  first  exhibition  of  the  new  Metropolitan  Society  for  the 
Enoonragement  of  Florists'  Flowers  I  shall  have  more  to  say  of 
them  then. 

I  have  before  now  noticed  the  Vines  at  these  nurseries,  and 
again  I  have  to  express  my  wonder  at  the  fine  plants  which  fill 
the  houses.  To  pick  and  choose  from  them  would  be  simply 
needless,  for  they  are  all  alike  good ;  and  I  wish  those  good 
people  who  talk  of  Golden  Champion  being  an  indifferent 
grower  could  have  seeu  the  canes  here  from  eyes,  quite  as 
vigorous  in  every  respect  as  the  Black  Hamburghs  close  by 
them.  Of  Royal  Ascot,  too,  Mr.  Keynes  spoke  highly,  especi- 
ally as  a  Vine  for  pot  culture,  for  which  its  prolifio  character 
makes  it  admirably  suited.  These  Vines,  with  their  long  stout 
canes,  were  not  forced  by  stimulating  manures  ;  they  were 
grown  in  nothing  but  leaf  mould  and  good  loam,  and  their 
appearance  fully  justified  the  treatment  to  which  they  had  been 
subjected. 

It  is  well  known  that  Mr.  Keynes  sends  out  yearly  some 
Verbenas  raised  by  Mr.  Eckford.  I  saw  those  of  this  season, 
and  notwithstanding  the  drought  they  looked  very  well  indeed. 
The  finest  as  a  bedder  was  Eclipse,  but  the  others  were  also 
very  good — Mrs.  Eckford,  Henry  Eckford,  Countess  of  Radnor, 
Miss  Cole,  and  Sensation.  The  past  season  has  tried  Verbenas 
very  much,  and  I  fear  they  are  gradually  going  out  of  estima- 
tion as  bedding  plants. 

Such  is  a  brief  notice  of  what  I  saw  at  Salisbury.  A  finer 
stock,  especially  of  Roses  on  the  Manetti,  I  never  saw  ;  and  one 
has  only  to  vieit  such  a  nursery  as  this  to  see  how  universal  is 
the  love  of  the  queen  of  flowers  in  these  islands. — D.,  Deal. 


EARLY  PROLIFIC  AND   OTHER 
STRAWBERRIES. 

The  season  for  planting  Strawberries  having  arrived,  it  may 
interest  amateurs  to  hear  something  of  the  above  splendid 
variety,  raised  from  seed  by  that  indefatigable  amateur,  W. 
Roden,  Esq.,  of  Kidderminster,  and  latterly  made  known  to  the 
public.  After  having  admired,  two  years  ago  in  Dr.  Roden's 
garden,  the  fruit  of  bis  pet,  he  kindly  sent  me  a  few  plants  for 
trial.  I  increased  them  so  as  to  form  a  nice  bed  of  fifty  plants, 
which  had  grown  strong  and  capable  of  bearing  a  full  crop  the 
past  season. 

In  consequence  of  the  late  cold  spring  my  lot  only  began  to 
bloom  on  the  10th  of  May,  and  it  beautifally  set  its  fruit,  the 
first  of  which  was  ripe  on  June  15th,  and  the  plants  continued 
bearing  for  more  than  five  weeks.  To  describe  the  beauty  of 
this  little  bed  in  full  bearing  is  impossible ;  suffice  it  to  say 
that  everybody  who  saw  it  was  struck  by  the  picture. 

In  size  the  fruit  is  rather  large,  of  a  very  handsome  even 
shape,  mostly  conical,  sometimes  flattened;  in  colour  it  is 
bright  glossy  vermilion  from  calyx  to  point ;  and  as  to  quality, 
it  is  surpassed  by  none.  The  plant  is  of  healthy  growth,  ele- 
gant habit,  and  easy  propagation.  I  can  boldly  assert  that  the 
Early  Prolific  is  the  earliest  of  the  large  kinds,  and  it  produces 
no  fruit  of  inferior  size.  When  better  known  it  must  become 
a  general  favourite,  the  more  so  as  I  found  it  very  useful  for 
early  forcing  in  pots.  Another  point  of  recommendation  is  the 
fact  that  it  stands  the  drought  and  heat  better  than  most 
others.  I  am  convinced  that  all  fragarians  will  feel  glad  of  my 
having  called  their  attention  to  such  a  superior  novelty. 

Dr.  Roden  has  another  valuable  seedling,  the  Duke  of  Edin- 
burgh, a  worthy  companion  to  Early  Prolific.  This  is  a  little 
later,  but  its  noble  fruit  is  larger  still.  Mr.  Bradley's  Sir 
Joseph  Paxton,  quite  a  gem  here,  is,  I  am  sorry  to  see,  but 
rarely  mentioned  across  the  Channel.  It  is  later  than  the 
Early  Prolific,  but  likewise  a  sort  which  will  be  grown  as  long 
as  Strawberries  are  cultivated. 

Of  the  late  Dr.  Nicaise's  ten  new  seedlings,  sent  out  last 
spring  at  exorbitant  prices,  I  have  as  yet  not  been  able  to  form 
an  opinion.  As  far,  however,  as  I  have  proved  them,  I  believe 
that  Eome  of  them  will  be  useful  additions  to  a  choice  collection. 


Our  Strawberry  crop  has  been,  generally  speaking,  small  and 
of  short  duration.  On  account  of  the  extraordinary  drought 
and  tropical  heat  of  the  present  summer,  the  fruit  of  such  soft 
kinds  as  Marguerite  was  roasted  before  completing  its  maturity. 
It  is  to  be  wondered  that  we  should  have  had  Strawberries  at 
all. — Ferdinand  Gloede,  Beauvais  (Oise)  France. 


Aftek  reading  Mr.  Creed's  paper  on  the  Strawberry  (see  page 
57),  it  has  just  occurred  to  me  that  a  few  more  notes  from 
another  pen  might  be  of  service  to  those  about  to  plant.  My  soil 
is  a  clayey  loam,  hard  as  a  flint  when  dry,  yet  easily  worked 
under  certain  conditions.  The  whole  of  my  Strawberry  beds 
I  had  trenched  two  spades  deep,  and  as  much  manure  as 
possible  was  put  in.  I  planted  the  following  sorts  all  grown 
under  the  same  conditions,  that  is,  throughout  the  dry  weather 
they  received  no  water,  as  I  had  it  not  to  give — Rivere's  Royal 
Hautbois,  Rivers's  Eliza,  Dr.  Hogg,  President,  Mr.  Radcljffe, 
De  Jonghe's  Emma,  Lucas,  Nimrod,  Stirling  Castle  Pine,  La 
Constante,  and  Carolina  Superba. 

As  regards  the  Royal  Hautbois  the  flavour  was  excellent,  and 
it  bore  better  than  I  expected ;  I  shall  still  grow  some  of  this 
sort.  Rivers's  Eliza  was  exceedingly  prolific,  a  good  strong 
grower,  producing  some  very  good  fruit,  but  this  was  rather 
surpassed  by  the  Stirling  Castle  Tine  in  quantity,  flavour, 
and  colour,  Mr.  Radclyffe  being  equal  with  this  variety  in  all 
these  respects,  but  beating  it  in  size.  President  was  small  with 
me  and  had  but  few  fruit.  Dr.  Hogg  did  not  grow  well,  and  to 
my  mind  is  not  bright  enough  in  colour.  Lucas  was  also  a  sby 
bearer,  also  Nimrod,  but|both  are  good.  La  Constante  was  weakly 
and  very  Bmall  in  fruit.  Carolina  Superba  is  not  strong  enough  in 
constitution  for  my  soil,  and  gives  too  small  a  crop.  De  Jonghe's 
Emma  was  very  fine  in  flavour  and  colour,  a  free  bearer,  and 
certainly  worth  growing.  After  taking  all  qualities  into  con- 
sideration, for  my  stiff  soil  I  have  decided  that  Mr.  Radclyffe 
and  Stirling  Castle  Pine  are  my  best  two,  very  closely  followed 
by  Rivers's  Eliza  and  De  Jonghe's  Emma  ;  for  I  hold  that  one 
wants  quantity  as  well  as  quality,  and  I  also  like  a  good  bright- 
looking  Strawberry,  something  that  appeals  to  the  palate 
through  the  eye.  Lucas  and  President,  also  Dr.  Hogg,  I  shall 
grow,  but  if  they  do  not  serve  me  better  another  year  I  shall 
discard  them.  1  have  only  a  dozen  of  President,  and  I  shall  not 
increase  my  stock.  La  ConetaDte  and  Carolina  Superba  I  shall 
dig  in  most  of  at  once,  on  account  of  their  weakly  growth. 
Nimrod  I  shall  try  another  year,  but  I  think  most  likely  I  shall 
reduce  my  varieties  to  Mr.  Radclyffe,  Stirling  Castle  Pine,  and 
De  Jonghe's  Emma,  if  the  last  go  on  as  well  as  it  has  begun. 
I  may  here  remark  that  I  can  do  nothing  with  the  British 
Queen  in  my  soil,  and  also  I  may  smv  that  amongst  all  the  fore- 
going sorts  I  do  not  think  I  had  a  dozen  barren  plants,  which 
seem  to  have  been  so  common  with  Mr.  Creed. — Harrison 
Weir,  Weirleigh,  Kent. 


IMPERIAL    BLUE    PANSY,    EAST    LOTHIAN 
STOCKS,  AND  BETA  CICLA  CHILENSIS. 

Perhaps  one  of  the  greatest  acqusitions  which  has  gladdened 
the  hearts  of  bedders-out  lately  is  Imperial  Blue  Pansy.  We 
may  write  it  down  as  first-rate  as  surely  as  Golden  Pyrethrnm. 
The  colour,  a  beautiful  deep  lavender  blue,  is  all  that  can  be 
wished  for,  and  it  is  one  that  was  much  needed.  The  blooms 
seem  to  retain  their  depth  of  hue  to  the  end — at  least,  there  is 
no  Bymptom  of  change  as  I  write  now,  on  August  4tb.  With 
attention  to  taking  off  decaying  blossoms  and  pretty  constant 
top-dressing,  this  Pansy  remains  vigorous  in  constitution  and 
a  mass  of  bloom  all  summer.  What  would  be  the  best  edging 
for  it  ?  I  have  Golden  Pyrethrum,  but  it  is  too  pale.  Some- 
thing more  orange  would  be  better.  I  am  inclined  to  think  its 
best  companion  would  be  Duke  of  Edinburgh  bronze  zonal 
Pelargonium. 

The  next  plant  I  wish  to  express  my  gratitude  to  iB  the  crim- 
son East  Lothian  Stock.  Here,  again,  we  have  a  colour,  which 
in  the  north  of  Ireland  we  have  always  found  it  most  difficult 
to  obtain  in  a  mass.  The  nniform  habit  of  the  growth  of  this 
Stock,  its  durability,  and  the  large  proportion  of  plants  bearing 
double  flowers,  entitle  it  to  a  very  high  place  indeed.  Golden 
Eagle  Pansy  would  make  a  beautiful  border  for  it. 

Beta  Cicla  chilenBis  is  a  very  beautiful  and  Btriking  plant. 
It  would  be  a  magnificent  border  for  a  shrubbery,  or  a  large 
bed  of  Dahlias  or  Rhododendrons.  The  stems,  which  are  very 
broad,  are  most  brilliantly-coloured — scarlet,  orange,  yellow, 
magenta,  rose,  and  white.     It  would,  I  think,  be  very  handsome 


100 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  August  11,  1870. 


in  vases  on  a  terrace,  or  as  a  pot  plant  for  hall  decoration.  All 
who  have  large  gardens  and  extensive  grounds  should  try  it 
next  season. — Q.  Q. 


THE   POTATO   CROP. 


This  season  has  been  a  very  peculiar  one  for  the  Potato 
crop  in  this  neighbourhood  (Hawkhurst) ;  the  severe  drought 
caused  a  premature  ripening  of  the  tubers,  especially  in  the 
second  early,  general,  and  late  crops.  Here  we  had  no  rain  to 
speak  of  for  fully  four  months,  but  last  week  heavy  showers 
fell,  which  improved  the  condition  of  everything  except  the 
Potatoes.  These  are  growing  and  supertuberating  at  an 
alarming  rate.  ActiDg  upon  the  experience  gained  the  year 
before  last,  when  the  Potatoes  I  left  in  the  ground  proved 
worthless  for  eating  after  having  grown  again,  I  have  now 
decided  on  taking  up  all  those  sort3  that  have  tubers  of  an 
average  size,  for,  although  the  crop  is  small,  I  feei  convinced 
that  it  is  better  to  secure  what  I  have  than  to  run  the  risk  of 
spoiling  the  present  crop  for  the  uncertain  chance  of  obtaining 
a  better  one.  I  would  advise  others  whose  Potatoes  are  going 
in  a  similar  way  to  take  them  up,  because  I  acted  on  the  same 
plan  last  year  and  the  year  before  and  did  well. 

But,  perhaps,  some  will  say  that  such  Potatoes,  if  taken  up, 
will  not  keep  well.  I  admit  that  sometimes  they  will  not  keep 
so  well  as  a  fully-ripened  Potato,  but  if  a  little  additional  care 
be  bestowed  upon  them  there  will  not  be  much  to  complain  of 
in  that  respect.  I  say,  Do  not  be  in  a  hurry  to  finally  store 
them,  but  do  all  that  is  possible  to  encourage  ripening  by  keep- 
ing them  spread  thinly  in  a  dry  airy  shed,  from  which  strong 
light  is  excluded  ;  then  their  tendency  to  grow  will  be  checked, 
ripening  will  go  on,  and  when  they  are  finally  stored  in  heaps 
they  will  not  be  so  likely  to  heat  or  sweat,  which  would  be  sure 
to  induce  decay.  My  opinion  is,  that  all  Potatoes  should  be 
planted  early  ;  even  the  late  sorts  should  be  planted  early  or 
very  late  indeed.  My  plan  is  to  plant  for  early  crops  as  soon 
after  January  as  the  state  of  the  soil  will  allow,  but  I  like  to 
have  the  late  sorts  in  by  the  first  week  in  March. — Thomas 
Becokd,  Lillesden. 


FELIX   GENERO   ROSE. 

I  do  not  wish  to  impeach  "  D.,"  of  Deal's,  judgment  with 
regard  to  Roses.  I  think,  however,  owing  to  the  general  vigour 
which  he  describes  everything  to  have  at  Okeford  Fitzpaine,  he 
has  seen  Felix  Genero  through  rose-coloured  spectacles.  Since 
writing  about  it,  however,  I  have  been  told  by  two  much  better 
judges  than  myself  that  it  is  a  good  Rose,  and  useful  for  exhi- 
bition purposes;  but  the  chief  merit  they  attach  to  it  is,  that 
owing  to  its  being  of  a  different  shade  of  colour  to  most  Roses,  it 
helps  to  diversify  a  stand  of  Roses,  and  acts  as  a  foil  to  other 
and  brighter  colours.  It  also  has  the  merit,  which  is  a  valuable 
one  for  exhibition  purposes,  of  keeping  its  shape  well  after  it  is 
cut.  My  object  in  writing  was  merely  to  warn  amateurs  who 
have  only  room  for,  perhaps,  150  to  200  Roses,  that  it  was  not 
worth  their  while  to  order  several  of  Felix  Genero  to  the  exclusion 
of  other  and  better  sorts  ;  and  though  my  friend,  the  Rev.  S.  R. 
Hole,  was  one  of  those  who  told  me  I  had  put  too  light  an 
estimate  on  it,  yet  he  himself  has  not  so  high  an  opinion  of  it 
as  Mr.  Radclyffe,  if  I  may  judge  from  the  fact  that  when  I  was 
at  Caunton  on  the  6th  of  August  he  had  finished  budding 
Briars  to  the  number  of  1440,  and  had  not  put  in  a  single  bud 
of  Felix  Genero.  It  may  be  by  way  of  euphemy  called  a  violet 
Rose,  but  with  me  it  is  dull  red,  with  a  lilac  shade  in  it. 

It  may  seem  heresy  on  my  part  to  venture  to  differ  from 
Mr.  Radcljffe,  but  I  cannot  see  the  wisdom  of  the  advice  which 
he  has  more  than  once  given  to  amateurs  who  have  asked  for 
lists  of  Roses,  to  grow  a  hundred  of  Charles  Lefebvre  and  a 
hundred  of  Jules  Margottin.  Many  amateurs  have  only  room 
for  a  few  Roses  to  begin  with,  and  certainly,  good  as  Charles 
Lefebvre  and  Jules  Margottin  undoubtedly  are,  there  are  at 
least  fifteen  or  twenty  just  as  well  worthy  of  cultivation. — 
C.  P.  Peach. 


cow  dung  sunk  in  the  winter.  They  are  not  yet  full  grown  ; 
the  largest  two  are  respectively  11  i  and  11  inches  in  circum- 
ference. Between  the  plants  runners  of  Dr.  Hogg  Strawberry 
were  planted  in  the  spring,  the  flowers  taken  off,  and  they  are 
now  fine  plants. — W.  F.  Radclyffe. 


ONIONS  AT   OKEFORD   FITZPAINE. 

The  White  Spanish  are  small.  The  Underground  Onions 
also  are  not  their  usual  size.  The  Portugal  Onions  are  fine 
and  still  growing.  The  seed  was  sent  by  Messrs.  Barr  and 
Sugden,  as  received  from  Her  Majesty's  Consul  at  Oporto,  Mr. 
Crawford.  It  was  sown  in  pans,  and  kept  during  the  winter 
in  my  vinery.    The  Onions  were  planted  out  in  February,  over  i 


"  REDCARRE,  A  POOR  FYSHER  TOWNE."— No.  2. 
I  told  in  my  previous  notes  of  the  superlative  sands  which 
here  margin  the  sea,  and  I  have  now  traversed  tie  whole,  from 
the  mouth  of  the  Tees  near  Middlesbrough  to  Saltburn — full 
seven  miles.  Between  the  sands  and  the  main  land  is  an 
almost  unbroken  series  of  huge  sandbanks,  bound  down  by  the 
roots  of  Carex  arenaria,  Phleum  arenarium,  Triticum  littorale, 
and  other  species  of  the  maritime  Gramineaa.  They  and  Ononis 
arvensis  (Rest-harrow),  Erodium  moschatum,  Cakile maritima, 
and  Ualium  cruciatum  form  almost  the  entire  flora  of  these 
rabbit-tenanted  sandbanks.  But  the  ledges  of  rocks  called  the 
Scars  abound  in  what  are  called,  with  wrongful  depreciation, 
Sea-weeds. 

"  Ah  !  call  us  not  weeds,  but  flowers  of  the  sea, 
For  lovely,  and  gay,  and  bright-tinted  are  we  ; 
And  quite  independent  of  culture  or  showers : 
Then  call  us  not  weeds,  we  are  ocean's  gay  flowers." 

Though^"  independent  of  culture,"  yet  they  may  be  made 
tenants  of  that  marine  flower  border  the  aquarium.  I  have 
my  hand  upon  a  charming  little  volume,  the  author  of  which, 
Mr.  D.  Ferguson,  a  schoolmaster,  is  resident  here,  and  an  ac- 
complished naturalist.     He  says  :— 

"  The  red  weeds  are  the  most  beautiful,  and  we  have  succeeded  in 
growing  them  very  successfully,  but  some  of  them  are  so  delicate  that 
they  seldom  endure  confinement  for  a  very  lenetkened  period ;  yet 
there  are  others  of  the  more  hardy  kinds,  as  the  Ceramium  rubrum, 
Rhodymenia,  Irida?a,  Polysiphonia,  and  Ptilota,  which  answer  re- 
markably well ;  and  the  pretty  little  chain-like  Chylocladia  also  thrives, 
and  gives  the  miniature  rocks  au  interesting  appearance.  To  the  green 
weeds  we  must  resort  for  oxygisers.  The  Sea  Lettuce,  the  Purple 
Laver,  and  the  Enteroinorpka,  are  under  some  circumstances  the  best. 
Then  we  have  the  feathery  Bryopsis  growiug  freely  in  the  still  waters 
of  the  tank ;  and  one  of  darker  shade  in  the  rock-inhabiting  Clado- 
phora.  Many  of  these  are  plants  of  annual  growth  ;  all  are  composed 
entirely  of  cellular  tissue,  those  parts  that  approach  most  nearly  to 
wood  being  only  compressed  cellular  tissue,  and  destitute  of  fibre. 
Being  always  immersed,  or  at  least  covered  with  water  during  the 
greater  part  of  their  existence,  they  have  no  need,  like  terrestrial  plants, 
of  organs  specially  adapted  to  absorb  fluids,  but  their  whole  surface 
acts  the  part  which  the  roots  alone  perform  in  land  plants ;  they  have, 
therefore,  no  true  roots  and  the  pedicel  or  footstalk  by  which  the  plant 
is  fixed  to  the  rock,  is  simply  an  organ  of  prehension,  from  which  it 
receives,  not  sustenance,  but  merely  support.  "We  find  many  of  the 
microscopic  Alga  very  beneficial  in  commencing  a  tank,  though  not  so 
effective  in  the  appearance  of  the  tank  as  the  more  highly  developed 
plants,  yet  they  yield  a  large  supply  of  oxygen,  and  stud  the  rocks  with 
beautiful  crystal  bubbles  ;  such  plants  are  the  Lyngbya,  Oscillatoria, 
Bangia,  and  Conferva.  Whatever  be  the  selection  of  plant,  care  must 
be  taken  that  each  is  adherent  to  a  piece  of  rock :  and  always  choose 
the  hardest  rock ;  the  soft  blue  lias  is  very  apt  to  thicken  the  water  by 
giving  off  tho  alumina  which  it  contains,  when  in  contact  with  the  sea 
water. 

"In  many  of  the  pools,  growing  very  luxuriantly,  you  will  find  the 
Gigartina  mamillo&a,  a  very  peculiar-looking  plant,  nearly  resembling 
the  Choudrus  crispus  so  very  common  on  West  Scar,  but  easily  dis- 
tinguished from  it  by  its  warty  appearance.  The  only  time  we  have 
ever  seen  the  Desmarestia  aculeata  in  a  growing  state  was  upon  this 
rock,  in  such  a  condition  very  different  in  its  appearance  from  the 
hard  beach-worn  specimens ;  when  young,  each  branch  is  beset  with 
the  finest  pencilled  filaments  of  pea  green,  these  are  succeeded  by  stiff 
spines  of  dark  olive,  bard  and  woody  in  their  texture ;  but  when  yon 
first  gather  the  plant,  it  is  impossible  to  conceive  a  more  lovely  object 
waving  its  delicately  feathered  fronds  in  your  vase  of  water.  Attached 
to  the  roots  of  Laminaria  digitata,  Tangle,  may  be  found  the  pretty 
Nitophyllum  laceratum,  whose  prescribed  locality  seems  to  be  the 
strong  stems  of  Laminaria,  rocks  or  stones,  but  rarely  within  tide-mark, 
but  here,  as  the  rock  projects  so  far  into  the  sea  we  reach  the  Lamina- 
rian  region,  and  are  thus  enabled  to  find,  in  a  growing  state,  many  of 
the  delicate  Rhodosperms,  or  red-seeded  Algffi. 

You  will  find  on  the  north  side  of  the  rock  a  good  supply  of  Deles- 
seria  alata,  Winged  Delesseria,  the  extreme  beauty  of  which  makes  it 
much  sought  after ;  and  notwithstanding  the  common  occurrence  of  it 
on  our  shores,  is  never  seen  without  attracting  admiration.  With 
equal  beauty,  in  rock  pools  near  low-water  mark,  the  Esculent  Iridaja 
(Iridfea  edulis)  presents  its  red  feathery  leaves,  many  of  which  grow 
together  from  the  same  root;  and  from  its  jagged  and  eaten  appear- 
ance we  should  imagine  it  the  favourite  food  of  many  of  the  denizens 
of  the  deep.  Another  of  the  red  sea  weeds  adorns  the  sides  of  every 
pool,  the  Laurencia  pinnatifida,  though  one  of  the  most  common,  it  is 
certainly  the  most  variable  of  our  marine  Alga?. 


August  11,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


101 


11  A  beautiful  feathery  sea  weed  often  adorns  the  roots  of  Focus  ser- 
ratus,  or  the  stems  of  Laminaria  digitata,  this  is  the  Ptilota  plumosa, 
and  yon  will  often  find  it  to  be  the  abode  of  an  interesting  Zoophyte 
the  Membranipora  pilosa.  Ptilota  sericea,  a  plant  much  finer  in  tex- 
ture than  the  preceding,  decks  the  lower  ledges  with  its  silky  fronds. 

11  The  Odenthalia  dentata,  though  recorded  as  not  occurring  Bouth  of 
Durham,  abundantly  ornaments  the  lowest  ledges  of  East  Scar,  and  a 
ridge  of  rock  on  West  Scar,  easy  of  access  at  very  low  tides.  The 
living  plant  presents  a  very  different  appearance  to  the  dried  specimen, 
which  is  much  darkened  in  drying.  We  have  grown  this  elegant  plant 
with  other  Rhodosperms  tolerably  successfully. 

"  The  Chondrus  norvegicus,  Norwegian  Chondrus,  though  rather 
rare,  is  found  in  the  deep  pools  on  the  north  side  of  the  rock.  In  leav- 
the  Scar,  the  beauties  of  which  we  have  endeavoured  to  unfold,  you 
will  find  the  Porphyra  laciniata  densely  clothing  the  ledges  of  rock 
nearest  the  shore  ;  this  is  the  Purple  Laver,  one  of  the  Chlorosperms, 
or  green-seeded  seaweeds;  though  called  purple,  it  assumes  at  diffe- 
rent seasons  various  hues  or  shades.  Many  of  the  rarer  Algre  are  only 
to  be  found  at  extreme  low-water  mark,  or  at  the  lowest  water  of  spring 
tides,  either  along  the  margin  of  the  rocks  partially  laid  bare,  or  more 
frequently  fringing  the  deep  tidepools  left  at  low  water.  The  side  of 
the  pools  richest  in  Red  Algie  will  be  found  to  be  the  northern  or 
Bhaded  side;  whilst  the  olive,  or  green,  require  a  sunny  position  to 
bring  them  to  maturity."  * 

On  the  afternoon  of  the  day  on  which  I  collected  many  of 
the  Algae  eo  commented  on  by  Mr.  Ferguson,  I  wended  my  way 
inland  to  Guisboroagh,  celebrated  even  in  Drayton's  time  for 
its  lovely  scenery.    He  thus  describes  it  in  his  "  Polyolbion  :" — 
"  Mark  Guisborongh's  gay  site,  where  nature  seems  so  nice, 
As  in  the  same  she  makes  a  second  paradise  ; 
Whose  soil  embroidered  is  with  so  mre  sundry  flowers, 
Here  large  Oaks  so  long  green  ;  as  Summer  there  her  bowers 
Had  set  up  all  the  year  ;  her  air  for  health  refin'd, 
Her  earth  with  alum  veins  so  richly  iutermin'd." 

The  last  line  refers  to  the  first  alum  works  in  England  being 
erected  at  Gaisborough  by  Sir  Tuomas  Cballoner  in  the  reign 
of  Elizabeth.  He  noticed  that  the  strata  here  are  like  those 
near  Rome,  and  obtained  workmen  from  the  Pope's  works  near 
that  city.  Hie.  success  reducing  the  price  of  alum,  the  Pope 
anathematised  Sir  Thomas  !  but,  as  Graves  remarks,  "  the 
Pope's  infallibility  is  in  this  respect  to  be  doubted — the  heretic 
flourished,  and  so  do  his  descendants,"  one  of  whom,  Admiral 
Cballoner,  is  now  resident  at  Guiaborough  Priory. 

What  tales  and  doings  of  the  olden  time  does  the  naming  of 
that  monastery  recall  to  my  memory.  This  was  a  wild  district 
when  the  Augustine  monks  were  settled  here  by  Robert  de 
Bras  in  the  twelfth  century,  and  bo  exposed  to  the  Northmen's 
inroads  that  in  the  fourteenth  a  royal  license  was  granted  to 
the  Prior  and  Canons  to  fortify  their  house  sufficiently  to  pro- 
tect them  from  pirates  and  other  marauders,  from  whom  they 
had  suffered  severely.  "  The  Prior  kept  a  most  pompous  house, 
insomuch  that  the  towne,  consystinge  of  five  hundred  house- 
holders, hade  no  lande,  but  lyved  all  on  the  abbay  ;  and  a 
steward  of  theirs  was  turned  out  of  office,  because  he  had  afore- 
hande  but  oneley  four  hundred  quarters  of  grayne  to  serve 
their  house.  But  nowe  all  these  lordings  are  gone,  and  the 
countrye  as  a  wydowe  remaynethe  mournfull." — (Cotton  MSS  ) 

However,  a  good  time  has  come  again  ;  for  although  only 
the  east  end  of  the  Priory  remains,  a  noble  fragment,  and  an 
arch  of  the  north  side,  yet  they  are  surrounded  by  a  well-kept 
garden,  and  beneath  the  old  sacred  ruin  is  a  spacious  wine- 
vault,  suggestive  of  the  adoption  of  this  inscription — 

"  There  are  spirits  above,  there  are  spirits  below, 
There  are  spirits  of  joy,  there  are  spirits  of  woe  ; 
The  spirits  above  are  spirits  divine, 
But  the  spirits  below  are  the  spirits  of  wine." 

From  that  vault  a  subterranean  passage  is  said  to  pass  to  a 
plantation  in  Toccotes,  and  a  legend  tells  that  midway  there  is 
an  enormous  chest  of  gold  guarded  by  a  .vaven,  which  keeps 
incessant  watch  over  the  treasure.  Once  only  was  it  invaded, 
but  when  the  intending  thief  reached  the  chest  the  raven  was 
transformed  to  a  demon,  who  belaboured  the  intruder  so  severely 
that  no  one  has  repeated  the  attempt.  There  is  little  reason, 
if  any,  for  doubting  that  tne  legend  was  founded  on  the  known 
wealth  of  the  Priory.  At  the  time  of  its  suppression  it  was 
endowed  with  the  patronage  of  more  than  fifty  churches,  be- 
sides many  other  estates  and  privileges,  among  which  were  the 
right  to  claim  fish  from  fishing  cobbles  of  Redcar.  But  this 
was  not  the  only  contribution  to  the  refectory  table  of  the 
white-tunicked  monks,  for  there  are  notices  extant  of  annual 
benefactions  of  poultry  and  other  good  things  to  their  larder 
and  buttery.  The  produce  of  the  dovecotes  of  their  let  farms 
was  always  reserved.     Be  it  ever  remembered,  too,  that  they 

*  The  Natural  History  of  Redcar  and  its  Neighbourhood.  By  D.  Fergu- 
son.   London    Simpkin,  Marshall  &  Co.  ' 


were  the  best  husbandmen,  gardeners,  and  orchardists  of  their 
age.  No  better  testimony  to  this  could  be  quoted  than  the  fact 
that  the  "  five  hundred  householders  "  of  Gaisborough  placed 
all  their  lands  under  the  management  of  its  monks,  to  benefit 
by  their  superior  means  and  knowledge. — G. 


HORTICULTURAL  CONGRESS    AT  OXFORD. 

[Continued  from  page  84  ) 
The  following  paper  is  that  real  on  the  first  day  of  the 
CongresB,  by  Mr.  William  Ingram,  of  Belvoir  Castle  Gardens. 
THE  FORMATION  OF  SOUS. 
Investigations  into  the  history  of  soils  lead  us  far  back  to  a  voice- 
less, but  not  unrecorded,  antiquity;  and,  tracing  effects  to  their  causes, 
we  shall  find  ourselves  carried  beyond  the  written  records  of  men, 
beyond  the  ages  of  iron,  and  bronze,  and  stone,  and  we  shall  be  left 
stranded  amidst  the  bewildered  and  struggling  creatures  whose  de- 
struction was  accomplished  during  that  eventful  time  called  by 
|  geologists  the  glacial  drift  period.  Some  writers  on  soils  have  attri- 
buted their  occurrence  and  formation  to  atmospheric  causes  alone. 
This  theory  will  he  found  insufficient  to  account  for  all  the  various 
circumstances  of  soil  occurring  in  this  country.  The  preparation  of 
the  surface  soil  for  the  growth  of  plants  is  mainly  due  to  the  action  of 
the  weather,  and  we  all  know  that  rocks,  and  marls,  and  clays,  ex- 
posed to  the  action  of  the  elements,  are  disintegrated  and  pulverised, 
and  that  the  particles  scattered  by  the  wind,  or  spread  over  the  land 
by  rain,  enricbed  and  carbonised  by  vegetation,  form,  during  long 
periods  of  time,  considerable  accumulations  of  soil  ;  but  such  cauaes 
as  these  are  not  adequate  to  account  for  the  immense  masses  of  earthy 
material  composed  of  matters  derived  from  the  rocky  crust  of  the 
earth,  and  consisting,  in  one  place,  of  deep  beds  of  clay,  in  another  of 
sand  and  gravel,  or  loam,  and  distributed,  with  more  or  less  irregu- 
larity, over  the  hills,  and  valleys,  and  plains  of  this  island. 

After  the  deposition  of  the  lower  tertiaries  it  would  seem  that 
Britain  and  the  north  of  Europe  underwent  a  vast  revolution  as  to 
climate,  and  that  some  new  arrangement  of  sea  and  land  took  place 
at  the  same  period.  At  all  events,  the  large  mammalia  of  the  earlier 
tertiaries  disappeared,  and  the  land  was  submerged  to  the  extent  of 
several  hundred  feet,  for  we  now  find  water-worn  boulders  on  the  tops 
of  our  hills  at  an  altitude  of  liSOO  or  2000  feet. 

A  cold  period  ensued,  and  icebergs,  laden  with  boulders  and  travel 
from  other  regions,  passed  over  these  latitudes,  and  dropped  their 
boulders  on  our  then  submerged  lands.  How  long  this  process  con- 
tinued it  is  impossible  to  determine,  hut  by-and-by  a  gradual  elevation 
of  the  submerged  lands  took  place.  Our  hill  tops  and  ranges  appeared 
as  islands,  and  our  valleys  as  straits.  These  islands  were  now  covered 
periodically  with  glaciers;  during  a  brief  season  avalanches  descended, 
glaciers  smoothed  the  hill  sides,  and  left  the  debris  as  morasses  of 
sand  and  gravel. 

In  process  of  time  the  land  was  elevated  to  its  present  level,  another 
distribution  of  sea  and  land  took  place,  and  the  glacial  epoch  passed 
away. 

The  agencies  in  action  during  this  time  were  eminently  calculated, 
as  no  doubt  they  were  designed,  for  the  production  of  results  of  the 
greatest  possible  importance  to  us,  uthe  latest  gifts  of  time."  It 
appears  to  me  to  have  been  the  most  evident  period  of  preparation  for 
the  race  of  beings  that  was  to  become  dominant  on  the  earth,  and  to 
glorify  by  intelligent  appreciation  the  gracious  gifts  of  God. 

To  the  action  of  these  great  forces  of  Nature — turbulent  seas,  ice- 
bergs, glaciers,  and  the  Btreams  from  the  great  ice  fields,  as  the 
climate  changed — may  be  referred  many  of  the  drift  soils  which  I  have 
already  said  are  widely  distributed,  and  which  wherever  they  occur 
give  their  own  character  to  our  agricultural  and  horticultural  produc- 
tions. Looking  broadly  over  the  vast  fields  of  Nature,  we  see  a  cease- 
less round  of  causes  and  effects,  of  processes  and  products.  Change 
alone  is  dominant.  While  we  enjoy  the  great  results  of  time,  we  must 
not  omit  to  read  the  great  lessons,  written  in  what  I  may  call  the  ripple 
marks  of  these  ancient  sea  margins,  which,  while  carrying  destruction 
to  the  mighty  race  of  mammals  of  that  time,  caused  the  production  of 
vast  areas  of  soil  fertilised  more  or  less  by  the  decay  of  uuimals  and 
plants  which  were  coeval  with  and  commingled  in  the  dxbris  of  a  vast 
disrupted  world  of  matter" 

The  causes  which  have  subsequently  contributed  to  produce  the 
more  important  deposits  of  soil,  are  less  in  magnitude,  and  in  the 
process  of  soil-making  are  fortunately  unattended  by  such  wide-spread 
destruction  as  that  which  occurred  during  the  drift  periods.  The 
ceaseless  and  prolonged  action  of  rivers,  commencing  in  periods  in- 
calculably remote,  and  coming  down  to  the  present  time,  have  neces- 
sarily produced  immense  deposits  of  soil.  We  have  all  had  oppor- 
tunities of  seeing  how  the  devious  course  of  a  river  is  changed  by  the 
waters  acting  upon  the  banks  that  bound  it.  Masses  of  sand,  silt,  mud, 
and  gravel,  are  annually  diplaced  and  deposited,  and  loam  beds,  for 
future  fattening  fields,  are  being  formed,  inch  by  inch,  and  year  by 
year.  Our  true  and  best  loam  beds  are  our  ancient  and  matured 
river  deposits. 

While  the  rivers  pierce  and  ramify  through  the  land,  displacing 
and  reforming  new  beds  of  the  matters  through  which  they  pass,  they 
still  carry  onwards  some  of  the  spoils  of  the  land  into  the  bosom  of 
the  sea.      Sea  and  land,  like  rival  monarchs,   are  ever  striving  for 


102 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  Angast  11,  1870. 


mastery.  At  the  mouths  of  our  great  rivers  we  have  islands  or  deltas 
constantly  increasing,  which  are  destined  some  day,  perhaps,  to  be 
rich  pastures,  where  prize  stock  will  fatten,  or  fair  gardens  where  cham- 
pion Grapes  will  win  future  medals. 

But  the  sea  is  sometimes  generous,  and  gives  tribute  to  the  land. 
This  is  attested  by  the  rich  alluvial  tracts  along  onr  eastern  coast,  for 
where  the  land  slopes  smoothly  to  the  ocean,  and  the  waters  roll  over 
a  shallow  strand,  every  tide  leaves  a  deposit  which,  increasing  thus,  is 
at  last  embanked,  and  forms  the  rich  alluvial  fields  that  Lincolnshire 
delights  in. 

I  have  already  referred  to  the  operation  of  th6  forces  of  the  atmo- 
sphere on  the  exposed  surfaces  of  the  earth.  In  the  comparatively 
equable  climate  of  our  own  country  such  causes  as  heat  and  cold,  wind 
and  rain,  are  in  constant  operation,  and,  as  we  all  know,  assist  us  greatly 
in  the  preparation  of  land,  and  the  labour  we  bring  to  bear  upon  the 
earth's  surface  assists  the  process  of  disintegration. 

Having  thus  cursorily  glanced  at  the  causes  which  have  contributed 
in  the  greatest  degree  to  the  accumulation,  dispersion,  and  deposition 
of  the  earthy  matters  that  result  in  soils,  before  proceeding  to  trace 
out  in  detail  the  various  deposits  of  soil,  spread  like  a  garment  over 
the  stony  framework  of  the  earth,  it  will  be  as  interesting  as  it  is  im- 
portant to  our  inquiry  to  examine  the  great  rock  system  of  England. 
We  shall  by  so  doing  be  better  able  to  trace  back  to  their  natural  bedB 
or  formations  some  of  the  drifts  or  accumulations  of  soil  which  are 
found  to  occur,  more  or  lesB  abundantly,  on  different  places. 

From  the  western  end  of  the  Cheviots  a  mountain  range  commences, 
termed  the  Pennine  Chain.  It  stretches  due  south  through  North- 
umberland, Cumberland,  Lancashire,  Yorkshire,  Derbyshire,  and  with 
a  break  terminates  in  the  small  mountain  range  of  Charnwood,  in 
Leicestershire.  A  great  part  of  this  range  is  composed  of  carboni- 
ferous rocks,  lying  in  an  anticlinal  ridge,  and  having  the  lower  series 
of  rocks  in  the  centre  and  the  upper  in  the  flanks.  Connected  with 
this  chain  is  a  group  of  mountains,  occupying  part  of  Cumberland, 
Westmoreland,  and  Lancashire ;  these  form  the  Cambrian  group  of 
the  lake  district,  and  present  the  highest  summits  in  England  (Hel- 
vellyn,  3,055  feet).  The  stratification  of  these  rocks  has  been  dis- 
turbed by  intrusive  masses  of  granite  and  igneous  rock.  The  old  red 
sandstone  or  Devonian  has  a  considerable  development  in  Hereford- 
shire. That  important  section  of  the  carboniferous  system,  the  coal 
measures,  occurs  extensively  in  the  north  of  England,  Yorkshire, 
Lancashire,  Derbyshire,  Notts,  Lincoln,  and  Stafford.  The  lower  red 
sand-stone  fringes  the  northern  coal  field,  and  appears  in  Shropshire 
associated  with  the  coal  formation.  The  magnesian  is  found  in  North- 
umberland, Durham,  Yorkshire,  and  Nottinghamshire.  The  new  red 
sandstone  spreads  from  the  foot  of  the  rocks  already  described  into 
great  rolling  plains  which  occupy  a  large  part  of  some  of  tho  midland 
counties  ;  an  extension  of  this  system  runs  down  the  valley  of  the 
Severn,  through  Somerset  and  Devon,  to  the  mouth  of  the  Teign.  A 
similar  extension  runs  through  the  county  of  York  to  the  Tees,  while 
a  third  occupies  nearly  the  whole  of  Cheshire. 

The  secondary  rocks,  from  the  lias  to  the  chalk,  strike  regularly 
across  it  in  a  S.W.  and  N.E.  direction,  and  presenting  escarpments  to 
the  W.  and  N.W.  The  softer  portions  of  these  formations  make  plains 
or  valleys,  and  the  harder  and  stronger  rocks  long  ridges  of  hills.  We 
have  thus  the  plain  or  valley  of  the  lias  running  from  Lyme  Regis  to 
Whitby.  Over  this  comes  the  oolitic  escarpment.  As  the  chalk  dips 
towards  the  east,  it  becomes  overlaid  by  tertiary  beds,  which  extend 
from  Norfolk  to  Hampshire,  with  one  remarkable  interruption.  This 
is  a  broad  and  eldvated  ridge  of  chalk  that  extends  from  Salisbury 
Plain  to  the  N.E.  of  Winchester,  where  it  divides  into  two  ridges,  one 
the  North  Downs,  the  other  the  South  Downs.  In  the  centre  of  this 
valley  rises  a  ridge  composed  of  Hastings  sand,  the  beds  of  which 
have  been  largely  removed  by  denudation. 

The  tertiary  beds  of  the  south-east  of  England  are  separated  into 
two  parts,  occupying  two  basin-shaped  depressions,  called  the  London 
and  Hampshire  basins.  Every  rock  formation  which  I  have  described 
has  been  more  or  less  denuded  by  the  operation  of  the  various  causes 
incident  to  the  drift  period,  but  notably  by  glacial  action,  and  by  the 
great  boreal  and  the  subsequent  eastern  drift.  Had  the  carboniferons 
and  red  sandstone  formations  been  composed  only  of  rock,  however 
powerful  the  action  of  the  agencies  brought  into  play  during  the 
pleistocene  period,  the  resulting  detritus  would  have  been  great  plains 
of  gravel  and  boulders — fragments,  in  fact,  "  confusedly  hurled  like 
relics  of  an  earlier  world."  The  preparation  for  the  great  events  that 
caused  the  dispersion  of  soil  had  preceded  the  time  of  their  occurrence. 
The  ancient  seas  of  the  carboniferous  period  had  formed  from  the 
waste  of  tbe  granite,  silurian  and  Devonian  systems,  immense  beds 
composed  of  shales,  clays,  slates,  and  sandstoues,  while  the  profuse 
vegetation  of  the  period  added  the  coal  beds.  The  displacement, 
amalgamation,  and  dispersion  of  these  matters  is  evidenced  throughout 
the  system.  The  deep  valleys  that  intersect  the  mountain  masses  of 
the  carboniferous  rocks  show  the  amount  of  denudation  they  have 
suffered  ;  and  the  debris  are  scattered  far  and  wide  over  the  land. 
Some  of  the  best  soil  in  the  northern  counties  is  composed  of  the 
matters  borrowed  from  those  ancient  rocks. 

Chatsworth,  amongst  other  places,  owes  some  of  its  deep-loam  beds 
to  the  degradation  of  the  neighbouring  rocks ;  and  the  feeding  meadows 
that  surround  ancient  Haddon  have  lost  noue  of  their  fertility  al- 
though they  fattened  beeves  for  the  hospitable  owners  of  the  Hall 
centuries  ago. 


The  upheaval  of  the  millstone  grit  in  Derbyshire,  and  the  subse- 
quent waste  of  the  stone,  has  formed  over  a  wide  extent  of  surface  a 
poor,  siliceous  soil,  which  sustains  heath  and  endless  moors.  This  i3 
an  example  of  what  I  call  a  primitive  soil,  one  obtained  directly  from 
the  wash  or  decay  of  rocks  or  marl  beneath.  This,  too,  is  first  in  my 
list  of  peat  soils,  on  which  I  shall  comment  presently.  The  mountain 
limestone,  which  is  one  of  the  divisions  of  the  carboniferous,  is  associ- 
ated, but  not  intermixed,  with  grit.  Its  purely  calcareous  character 
separates  the  vegetation  of  the  two  rocks  as  widely  as  the  poles  ;  and 
while  on  your  right  you  Bee  the  purple  Heather  blooming,  on  your 
left  you  have  woods  and  corn  fields. 

The  next  important  soil-producing  formations  to  be  noticed  are 
those  derived  from  the  permian  and  triassic  systems.  These,  by  their 
subordinate  elevation  and  central  position,  the  previous  character  of 
their  shells  and  marls,  suffered  greatly  ironi  the  denuding  action  of 
the  various  drift  currents  to  which  they  were  exposed,  and,  con- 
sequently, contributed  an  immense  amount  of  earthy  matter  over  the 
whole  face  of  the  midland  and  Bouth-eastern  counties.  The  red 
loams,  of  which,  fortunately,  we  have  many  examples,  are  derived 
from  these  marls,  intermixed  with  gravel  and  vegetable  dibris.  The 
Bunter  conglomerate  of  this  system  gave  rounded  pebbles,  the  gypseous 
beds  of  the  lower  series  sulphate  of  lime ;  altogether  the  mineral 
matters  from  this  system  are  of  incalculable  value  in  fertilising  vast 
tracts  of  land. 

An  example  is  offered  in  this  formation  of  benefits  conferred  but 
not  enjoyed.  The  pebbly  beds  of  the  conglomerate  remain  undis- 
turbed, a  poor  siliceous  gravelly  soil  is  the  result,  the  marl  beds  below 
being  out  of  reach.  This  affords  some  of  the  least  protitable  land  in 
Nottinghamshire.  A  crystallised  form  of  magnesian  limestone  occurs 
at  Mansfisld,  but  this  is  overlaid  to  a  depth  of  10  feet  by  beds  of 
marl,  inter  stratified  with  a  band  of  limestone.  As  a  rule,  it  is  not 
safe  to  assume  that  the  surface  soil  partakes  exclusively  of  the 
character  of  the  substrata,  and  contains  its  essential  principles  ;  and 
in  recent  discussions  some  eminent  gardeners  have  made  the  mistake 
of  supposing  the  surface  soil  above  the  dolomite  rocks  to  be  invariably 
made  up  of  their  dibn's,  when  in  reality  the  rocks  are  too  far  below 
the  surface  to  affect  vegetation. 

Descending  in  the  series,  we  find  the  upper  beds  of  the  oolite,  the  lias, 
have  suffered  extensive  denudation ;  an  immense  quantity  of  limestone, 
clay  ironstone,  has  been  swept  away  from  the  oolites  throughout  Leicester 
and  the  adjoining  counties.  The  sweeping  effects  of  the  currents  of 
the  drift,  as  the  land  gradually  rose,  are  very  evident.  The  relics  of 
our  rocks,  in  fragments  of  stone,  fossils,  and  ironstone  nodules,  may 
be  found  scattered  through  the  gravel  teds  of  the  counties  south-east 
of  us,  as  well  as  filling  some  of  our  own  valleys. 

We  hear  occasionally  of  great  agricultural  as  well  as  of  horticultural 
achievements  in  our  eastern  counties.  Sporting  gentlemen  tell  of 
Turnips  whose  growth  reaches  the.knees,  and  gardens  eminent  for  the 
excellence  of  their  products  are  known  to  us  all;  but  while  conceding 
a  great  deal  to  skill,  I  must,  as  a  faithful  chronicler  of  soils,  attribute 
not  a  little  to  their  influence  in  securing  such  favourable  results. 
Throughout  the  northern  and  midland  counties  we  find,  as  I  have  de- 
scribed, the  great  rock  system  scored,  and  rent,  and  abraded  of  a  por- 
tion of  the  mineral  treasures  of  the  red  sandstone,  the  oolite  lias, 
chalk,  swept  away,  and  this  grand  compost  spread  as  a  dressing  over 
tbe  limy,  craggy  beds  of  Norfolk  and  Suffolk.  Can  we  wonder  that 
Turnips  grow?  or  that  "Mrs.  Pollocks"  are  evoked?  or  that  man  has 
been  rendered  eloquent,  when  half  a  country  has  been  broken  up,  and 
its  fertile  stores  given  to  these  happy  lands  in  the  east? 

The  cretaceous  groups  which  comprise  the  chalk  and  the  greensand 
are  not  very  extensively  developed,  although  the  white  chalk  cliffs  have 
given  a  name  to  our  country.  We  are  ail  more  or  less  acquainted  with 
one  of  the  products  of  the  Downs,  which  have  given  us  a  breed  of  sheep 
(Southdown)  few  fail  to  appreciate. 

But  little  drift  rests  on  our  chalk  hills,  and  the  sparse  flinty  soil, 
though  fertile  with  management,  requires  good  farming  or  good  garden- 
ing to  bring  it  up  to  the  mark.  The  numerous  valleys  which  intersect 
the  formation  contain  deposits  of  detrital  loam,  while  beds  of  clay  and 
gault  occur  in  the  system.  The  associated  greensand  formations  are 
developed  largely  in  Surrey,  Bedfordshire,  and  Kent.  The  greensand 
of  the  latter  county  forms  a  base  for  the  peat  soils,  which,  according  to 
certain  notions,  produce  a  wonderful  effect  on  the  growth  of  Heaths. 
The  upper  and  lower  greensands  are,  under  good  cultivation,  valuable 
for  early  cropping  and  for  seed  lands.  The  two  well-known  examples 
of  the  tertiary  system  which  I  shall  instance,  are  the  London  clay  and 
the  Bagshot  sand.  I  cannot  speak  in  terms  of  very  high  commendation 
of  the  horticultural  capabilities  of  London  clay.  It  is  very  hard  to 
work,  and,  like  a  dull  boy,  requires  a  good  deal  of  keeping  up  when  it 
reaches  the  friable  point.  It  does  not  equal  the  lias,  plastic,  or  gault 
clays,  when  made  into  a  soil. 

I  have  spoken  a  little  regretfully  of  the  waste  of  some  of  the  form- 
ations, but  when  I  approach  the  Bagshot  sand,  that  dreary  waste 
of  comminuted  silica  that  runs  through  parts  of  Surrey,  Sussex,  and 
Hampshire,  I  can  only  say  that  it  is  a  matter  for  regret  that  some  of 
it  at  least  was  not  overwhelmed,  like  Norfolk,  and  either  its  sandy 
wastes  swept  away  or  covered  over  with  a  few  feet  of  loam,  which, 
were  it  spread  upon  these  heathy  barrens,  would  make  this  tract  of 
country  smile  like  a  garden.  The  pebbly  beaches  and  sand  beds,  poor 
and  hungry  as  they  seem,  are  gradually  submitting  to  reclamation, 
and  being  healthy,  are  attracting  the  smoke-dried  Londoner,  who  may 


August  11,  1870.  ] 


J0UK1>"AL  of  horticulture  and  cottage  gardener. 


103 


gather  health,  if  not  profit,  in  the  pursuit  of  gardening;  under  difficulties. 
Rut  we  must  forgive  the  general  sterility  of  this  formation  when  we  re- 
member the  Rhododendrons  and  Azaleas,  and  the  vision  of  beauty  we 
have  before  us  now  in  Oxford  in  Mr.  Jackrnau's  varieties  of  Clematis. 

The  natural  world  is  replete  with  examples  of  agencies  compensating 
wasted  powers,  and  effecting  restoration — evolving  new  forms.  We 
have  seen  how  the  hills  have  been  riven  and  washed,  and  the  frag- 
ments spread  far  and  wide  over  the  land  and  sea.  An  illustration  of 
the  saying,  that  nothing  is  ever  lost,  is  before  us  in  the  rich,  alluvial 
plains  that  are  found  in  Lincolnshire  and  elsewhere  along  the  coast. 
If  any  one  wants  a  proof  of  the  influence  of  soil  and  situation  on 
animals  and  plants,  he  should  go  first  to  a  hilly  inland  district  in 
Derbyshire,  and  after  looking  at  the  cattle  and  the  crops,  he  should 
proceed  to  Peterborough,  Wisbeach,  Sutton  Bridge,  or  to  Sleaford 
and  Boston — he  would  rind  cattle  doable  the  Bize,  and  corn  crops  at 
least  twice  as  productive  as  in  the  colder  county.  Here  we  come  to 
a  grand  result,  and  a  great  example,  in  showing  what  soil  and  situa- 
tion will  do.  A  realisation  of  an  almost  perfectly  fertile  condition  of 
land  is  a  sort  of  philosopher's  stone  to  gardeners  ;  and  what  often 
gives  additional  value  to  these  fine  alluvial  plains,  is  that  beds  of  silty 
gravel  are  found  beneath  them,  and  form  the  best  natural  drainage. 
Nothing  is  wanting  in  such  fortunate  districts  but  increased  elevation 
(50  feet  heavenward).  Some  of  our  best  seed  grounds  are  found  on 
these  rich  tracts,  and  the  principle  is  quite  right,  to  grow  seed  stocks 
on  the  most  fertile  land ;  there  will  then  be  no  retrogression  of  type. 

It  would  be  interesting  in  a  horticultural  point  of  view,  and  at  the 
same  time  it  would  tend  to  illustrate  my  subject,  if  I  could  follow  out 
the  river  system  of  England,  and  write  the  story  of  all  the  streams 
that,  springing  from  the  heart  of  the  country,  flow  ever  onwards  to- 
wards the  sea.  In  the  present  instance  I  can  only  venture  to  indicate 
very  slightly  the  influence  of  rivers,  regarded  in  the  light  of  soil-produc- 
ing agents.  A  great  arterial  river  is  a  great  power  moving  through  the 
land,  and  together  with  its  tributary  streamlets,  which  gather  their 
quota  of  earthy  matter  from  the  land  adjacent,  effects  great  changes 
in  the  distribution  of  soil. 

The  gravel  beds  of  a  river  help  us  to  understand  the  history  of  its 
wanderings.  Pebbles  of  quartz  and  grit,  and  eroded  fragments  of  granite, 
a  lump  of  mountain  limestone,  tell  us  that  the  water  has  passed  over 
an  ancient  drift  bed.  The  Trent  gravels  are  very  much  made  np  of 
the  pebbles  from  the  Bnuter  conglomerate,  and  the  meadows  that 
spread  out  through  its  wide  valley  show,  in  occasional  sections,  that 
the  rich  loams  that  belong  to  it  were  borrowed  from  the  marls  and  red 
sandstones,  through  which  it  has  for  so  many  miles  forced  its  way. 

An  immense  gravel  bed  fills  np  the  valley  of  the  Thames  to  a  dis- 
tance of  fifty  miles.  The  gravel  is  composed  chiefly  of  chalk  flints. 
The  great  beds  of  loam  which  rest  from  one  to  several  yards  in  thick- 
ness on  the  gravel  bed,  appear  to  hs  an  alluvial  deposit  of  the  post- 
pliocene  time.  This  loam,  derived  from  calcareous  formations,  clay, 
greensand,  and  gault,  is  an  extremely  valuable  soil  for  garden  pur- 
poses. I  know  three  tributaries  of  the  Trent  ;  one  passes  through  a 
great  clay  formation,  another  comes  from  the  iron  beds  of  the  inferior 
oolite,  and  passes  through  lias  clay  and  marl  stone — its  gravel  is  but 
the  stone  from  the  beds  over  which  it  flows.  Another  takes  its  rise 
amongst  oolite  hills,  and  in  ancient  times  has  given  large  sandy 
deposits  to  the  valley  through  which  it  runs.  An  unwary  gardener 
might  look  upon  these  light  soils  as  suitable  for  American  plants,  he 
would  be  woefully  deceived;  derived  from  limestone  they  still  possess 
some  of  the  properties  of  that  mineral,  and  are  inimical  to  Heaths 
and  Rhododendrons  when  planted  in  them.  Each  of  these  rivers,  in 
a  comparatively  restricted  area,  has  formed  loamy  deposits,  which, 
derived  immediately  from,  are  exclusively  characteristic  of,  the  forma- 
tions through  which  they  pass.  From  these  examples  I  judge  that 
tributary  Btreams  bring  down  more  waste  in  proportion  from  the  land 
than  the  main  streams,  and  give  a  more  varied  character  to  the  loam 
beds  that  are  formed  in  the  main  valleys. 

I  must  not  conclude  my  story  of  the  soils  without  referring  to  the 
peaty  deposits  and  the  bog  lands,  which,  having  a  special  botany,  are 
of  greater  interest  and  importance  to  gardeners  than  many  ordinary 
soils.  Nature  has  infinitely  multiplied  her  forms  of  life,  and  adapted 
them  to  every  circumstance  of  soil  and  position  found  in  the  world  ; 
nothing  seems  so  abhorrent  as  utter  barrenness.  The  desolation  of 
our  moorlands  would  be  complete  were  it  not  for  the  Heather  and 
Gorse,  the  Fern,  Moss,  and  Lichen. 

The  weathering  of  the  millstone  grit  gives  us  a  poor  siliceous  soil ; 
decaying  Moss,  and  Lichen,  and  Heath,  in  process  of  time  add  the 
vegetable  pabulum  necessary  to  support  these  hardy  denizens  of  the 
mountains.  The  greensands  in  Kent  and  Surrey,  the  Bagshot  sands 
in  Sussex  and  Hants,  afford  examples  of  peat  soils.  "Wherever  poor 
sandy  drifts  occur,  heath  and  peat  soil  is  found. 

Bog  is  a  product  of  decayed  vegetable  matter  due  to  moisture ;  an 
alteration  in  the  level  of  a  district  has  caused  the  submergence  of  ex- 
tensive forests,  and  so  a  black  vegetable  soil  is  formed.  Most  larga 
rivers  have  boggy  deposits,  due  to  inundations,  and  to  the  course  of 
■the  river  being  encumbered  with  weeds  and  rubbish,  just  as  the  Upper 
Nile  is  at  the  present  day. 

The  value  to  us  of  either  peat  or  bog  is  due  to  the  fact  of  their 
perfect  freedom  from  the  taiut  of  stronger  soils.  Pure  sands  and 
vegetable  matter  are  always  safe  to  employ. 

In  endeavouring  to  recall  instances  of  an  exceptionally  favourable 
development  of  vegetation  arising  from  the  influence  of  soil,  the  mag- 


nificent Oaks  in  Bagots'  Park,  North  Stafford,  are  vividly  brought  to 
my  recollection.  The  park  is  1000  acres  in  extent,  and  splendid  speci- 
mens of  Oak  timber  occur  all  over  it,  but  notably  in  the  case  of  the 
Beggar's  Oak,  the  Squitch  Oak,  tho  King  and  Queen  Oaks.  These 
are  giants  amongst  trees,  and  exhibit  perfect  vigour  and  health. 

Knowing  that  red  marl  occupied  to  a  great  extent  the  country  about 
Bagots,  I  had  assnmed  that  these  trees  were  luxuriatiug,  as  they  often 
do,  in  the  rich  marl  beds  of  the  red  sandstone.  A  subsequent  and 
closer  inquiry  proved  my  assumption  erroneous. 

The  park  is  thinly  covered  by  beds  of  the  lower  lias  which  have 
escaped  denudation.  These  beds  have  not  been  disturbed  by  cultiva- 
tion. A  section  on  the  north  side  of  the  park  shows  1  foot  of  drift 
clayey  soil,  few  pebbles,  '2  feet  clay,  '2  feet  laminated  shale  with  mica- 
ceous particles,  3  feet  mixed  clayey  rubble,  3  feet  shale. 

Nothing  can  he  more  unpromising,  on  first  looking  on  this  section, 
than  the  soil.  The  secret  lies  in  the  fact  that  all  these  apparently 
poor  beds  contain  an  exact  balance  of  the  mineral  constituents  of 
fertility  in  a  state  of  slow  decomposition.  They  are  compact,  without 
being  too  retentive  of  moisture. 

I  may,  in  conclusion,  advert  to  the  singular  advantages  enjoyed,  in 
an  economical  point  of  view,  by  the  assemblage  within  a  comparatively 
restricted  area  of  all  the  more  important  rock  formations  that  belong 
to  the  earth,  and  by  the  position  of  these  rocks,  by  which  they  are 
rendered  accessible  to,  and  their  peculiar  products  more  readily  avail- 
able for,  the  uses  to  which  they  are  applied  by  man.  England  epito- 
mises the  world  in  its  rocks  and  rich  mineral  products  ;  such  a  laud  is 
a  fitting  home  for  representatives  of  the  great  races  of  the  world, 
whose  energy  and  intelligence  have  found  a  home  and  fitting  field  for 
the  exercise  of  the  best  and  highest  human  faculties.  A  land  endowed 
like  this  is  a  fitting  school  for  a  hardy  and  enterprising  nation,  and 
the  varied  knowledge  gathered  in  the  pursuit  of  the  industrial  arts, 
manufactures,  mining,  agriculture,  and  horticulture,  has  fitted  the 
adventurous  men,  the  pioneers  of  civilisation  and  Christianity  through 
the  world,  for  the  great  works  they  are  destined  to  accomplish.  I 
think  I  may  truly  say  that  Englishmen  generally  are  content  to  win 
laurels  by  successes  achieved  in  prosecuting  the  arts  of  peace,  in  con- 
quering the  unproductive  soil  of  those  countries  whose  undeveloped 
resources  remained  too  long  in  abeyance  under  the  sway  of  the  savage. 
The  agricultural  and  horticultural  productions  brought  together  in 
this  city  of  learning  help  to  illustrate  my  remarks.  The  cereal  riches 
and  the  blessings  Bpread.  far  and  wide  over  the  world,  in  fruits  that 
gratify  every  sense,  aod  flowers  that  gladden  the  very  soul  of  man,  are 
presented  to  ub.  The  lessons  gained  in  these  bloodless  encounters, 
these  modern  wars  of  the  Roses,  are  carried  by  our  ever-departing 
pilgrims  to  their  distant  habitations  ;  and  it  is  the  glory  and  deUght 
of  our  brothers  in  their  far-off  homes  to  gather  together  their  flowers 
and  fruit,  and  emulate  the  work  of  this,  the  parent  Society  of  the 
world  of  horticulture. 


The  next  pap*r  which  we  shall  give  is  that  of  Mr.  Williams, 
of  the  Victoria  Nursery,  Holloway, 

ON   PITCHER   PIANTS. 

The  plants  upon  which,  with  your  permission,  I  intend  to  offer  a 
few  cultural  remarks  to-day,  and  of  which  I  have  brought  a  few  Bmall 
specimens  for  yoar  inspection,  are  amongst  the  most  curious  of  Nature's 
productions  which  have  hitherto  been  introduced  to  our  gardens.  They 
are  known  popularly  as  "  Pitcher  Plants,"  from  the  curious  ascidia  or 
pitcher-like  bodies  which  terminate  the  midrib  of  their  leaves. 

In  treating  of  Pitcher  Plants,  I  shall  confine  myself  exclusively  to 
the  genus  Nepenthes,  although,  did  time  permit,  the  genera  Sarracenia, 
Darlingtonia,  and  Cephalotus  would  be  found  equally  deserving  of 
attention. 

Of  Nepenthes  we  have  now  a  considerable  number  in  cultivation. 
Some  are  hybrid  forms,  which  have  been  produced  in  this  country,  but 
the  majority  are  introduced  species,  and,  what  is  very  singular,  we 
appear  to  have  introduced  the  least  interesting  kinds  first  There  are 
many  large  and  most  remarkable  forms  yet  to  introduce,  which  will  be 
grand  acquisitions  for  our  plant  stoves.  The  names  of  those  in  cultiva- 
tion are— Nepenthes  ampallacea,  N.  ampulla^ea  picta,  N.  distillatoria, 
N.  distillatoria  rubra,  N.  Dominiana,  N.  gracilis,  N.  gracilis  major, 
N.  hybrida,  N.  hybrida  maculata,  N.  Hookeriana,  N.  hevis,  N.  phyl- 
lamphora,  N.  RafHesiana,  N.  sanguinea,  and  N.  villosa. 

Some  of  these  are  hybrids  which  have  been  produced  in  the  establish- 
ment of  Messrs.  Veitch  &  Sons ;  but  beautiful  as  many  of  them  are, 
they  are  entirely  eclipsed  by  some  kinds  yet  unincroduced,  such  as 
Nepenthes  Lowii,  N.  Rajah,  N.  Edwardsiana,  N.  Boschiana,  and  some 
others,  which  I  am  extremely  anxious  to  see  in  cultivation. 

Many  absurd  stories  are  in  circulation  respecting  the  uses  of  the 
curious  ascidia  developed  at  the  extremities  of  the  leaves  of  these  plants. 
The  most  popular  amongst  these  describe  how  the  plants  are  endowed 
with  such  extraordinary  vitality  as  to  enable  them  to  grow  in  arid 
sandy  deserts,  where  nothing  else  in  the  shape  of  vegetation  exists  ; 
that  they  have  the  power  of  distilling  water  to  till  their  pitchers  ;  that 
the  lids  are  closed  down  to  prevent  evaporation  ;  and  that  birds, 
animals,  and  even  man  is  accustomed  to  resort  to  them  to  allay  their 
thirst  with  the  cool  and  pure  water  found  therein.  It  is  scarcely 
requisite  for  me  to  state  that  these  are  nothing  but  pretty  fancies,  the 
fact  being,  that  they  grow  in  boggy  swampy  soils,  and  cannot  exist 
long  n  an  arid  atmosphere. 


104 


JOURNAL  OF  HOBTIOULTUBE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  11,  1870. 


In  Nepenthes  Hookeriana  and  N.  Rafflesiana  an  extrordinary  altera- 
tion in  the  form  of  the  pitcher  takes  place  as  the  plants  attain  height. 
Thus,  the  leaveB  which  are  near  the  base,  and  the  lateral  growths, 
produce  pitchers  broad  at  the  base,  broadly  winged  in  front,  with 
ciliated  hairs  at  the  edges,  and  the  long  petiole  is  attached  in  front, 
and  passes  np  between  the  wings.  Bnt  in  the  pitchers  produced  higher 
np  the  stem  a  wonderful  alteration  takes  place  :  the  petiole  is  attached 
behind,  the  pitcher  becomes  narrow  at  the  base,  and  the  wings  entirely 
disappear.  To  the  canse  of  this  alteration  of  form  I  have  utterly 
failed  to  obtain  the  slightest  clue,  and  I  should  be  extremely  glad  to 
hear  the  opinion  of  any  gentlemen  present  who  may  have  given  some 
attention  to  the  subject. 

The  species  of  Nepenthes  appear  to  be  entirely  confined  to  the  Old 
World,  and  chiefly  find  their  homes  in  the  islands  of  the  Indian  Archi- 
pelago, where  they  grow  in  boggy  soil  at  considerable  elevations — in- 
deed, in  some  instances  up  to  9000  feet — the  mountain  of  Kiua  Balou, 
in  Borneo,  appearing  to  be  their  head-quarters.  Two  species  (N.  cris- 
tata  and  M.  madagaseariensis)  are  found  in  Madagascar  ;  the  Philip- 
pine Islands  also  produce  one  or  two  species,  which,  however,  are  not 
peculiar  to  them,  and  ono  species  (N.  gymnophora),  which  grows  plen- 
tifully in  Java  and  several  other  islands,  is  also  found  in  New  Cale- 
donia. Another  species  (N.  phyllamphora)  is  said  to  grow  on  the 
Khaeia  Hills,  at  an  elevation  of  some  3000  feet,  and  this  is  probably 
the  extreme  northern  limit  of  the  genus. 

Few  people  have  had  the  pleasure  of  raising  Nepenthes  from  seeds, 
and  this  brings  me  to  my  principal  object  in  writing  these  remarks ; 
for  as  there  are  a  quantity  of  grand  species  yet  to  be  introduced,  a  few 
of  which  I  have  already  named,  and  as  it  is  not  generally  known  that 
the  seeds  of  these  plants  do  not  long  retain  their  vitality,  I  wish  to 
impress  npon  the  minds  of  any  and  all  who  are  either  about  to  pro- 
ceed to  the  countries  they  inhabit,  or  who  may  have  friends  resident 
there,  the  absolute  necessity  there  is  that  seeds  should  be  sent  home 
by  post  as  soon  as  gathered  ;  and  I  wish  our  home  cultivators  to 
remember  that  these  seeds  should  be  sown  immediately  upon  arrival, 
irrespective  of  the  season.  It  has  been  my  good  fortune,  during  the 
course  of  my  gardening  experience,  to  raise  young  plants  of  N.  dis- 
tillatoria  both  from  home-grown  and  imported  seeds,  and  I  may  safely 
Bay  the  pleasurable  feelings  created  in  watching  their  curious  leaves 
nnfold,  far  surpassed  that  derived  from  the  growth  of  any  other  seed- 
lings, but  at  the  same  time,  the  doubts,  hopes,  and  fears  for  their  wel- 
fare wero  equally  increased. 

Under  the  impression  that  an  account  of  my  system  of  raising  these 
seeds  may  be  of  service  to  some,  I  shall  in  concluding  this  paper  offer 
a  few  remarks  on  that  subject.  The  seeds  having  been  obtained,  take 
a  well-drained  seed  pan  or  pans,  and  fill  up  to  within  an  inch  or  two 
of  the  top  with  a  mixture  of  peat  and  Sphagnum  moss  in  equal  parts, 
adding  a  little  silver  sand  to  keep  it  sweet.  Upon  this  the  seeds  should 
be  sprinkled,  and  not  covered  with  soil.  This  may  seem  wrong  to 
those  obtaining  the  seeds  for  the  first  time,  because  they  will  appear  to 
be  large,  but,  if  examined,  they  will  be  found  to  be  in  reality  very 
small,  and  enclosed  in  a  long  loose  tunic-like  covering,  which  is  evi- 
dently a  provision  of  Nature  to  float  the  minute  seed  to  a  safe  position 
for  its  germination.  This  loose  coat  also  serves  to  protect  the  roots 
during  the  early  stage  of  existence,  for  it  is  some  time  after  germina- 
tion before  roots  are  protruded  from  the  tunic.  The  seeds  having 
been  sown,  the  pan  must  be  either  covered  with  a  bell-glasB,  and 
plunged  into  a  bottom  heat  of  about  S0°  or  85°,  or  what  is  better,  the 
seed  pans  should  be  placed  in  a  small  close  frame,  where  this  heat  can 
be  maintained.  In  this  temperature  they  should  begin  to  germinate 
in  the  course  of  a  month  or  five  weeks  ;  and  it  is  very  curious  to 
observe  that  the  very  first  leaf  which  is  formed  after  the  seed  leaf  is 
like  a  little  pitcher — not  like  those  yon  see  upon  the  plants  now  before 
you,  but  very  much  resembling  miniature  leaves  of  the  Sarracenia 
purpurea.  These  are  produced  freely  and  quickly,  and  the  plant  soon 
resembles  a  little  ball,  with  its  numerous  almost  sessile  leaves.  As 
soon  as  the  roots  begin  to  spread,  the  seedlings  should  be  transplanted 
singly  into  very  small  pots,  but  still  kept  in  the  same  temperature  and 
close  moist  atmosphere  until  they  begin  to  assume  their  normal  form. 

These  plants  will  succeed  either  in  pots  or  in  baskets.  I  prefer  the 
latter,  because  they  display  their  beauties  to  the  greatest  advantage ; 
but  whether  grown  in  pots,  baskets,  or  tubs,  or  planted  out  in  a 
prepared  border,  it  must  be  borne  in  mind  that  they  require  more  sur- 
face than  depth,  and  that  the  soil  must  be  open  to  allow  their  black 
woolly-looking  roots  to  spread.  Frequent  applications  of  water  over 
the  foliage,  through  the  agency  of  the  syringe,  will  be  necessary  during 
the  day,  and  a  liberal  supply  to  the  roots  will  be  found  advantageous. 
These  rules  being  attended  to,  and  the  plants  shaded  from  the  sun's 
rays  to  a  greater  extent  than  is  usually  done,  Nepenthes  will  not  be 
found  difficult  to  cultivate,  whilst  their  unique  and  peculiar  beauty  is  a 
never-failing  source  of  wonder  and  astonishment. 

In  conclusion,  I  sincerely  hope  to  see  the  species  we  already  have, 
cultivated  to  a  far  greater  extent  than  has  hitherto  been  the  case,  and 
the  fine  species  from  Borneo  nnd  the  surrounding  islands  speedily 
introduced  to  our  gardens. 


The  Royal  Horticultural  Society's  Gladiolus  Show. — 
As  will  be  perceived  by  a  notice  in  our  advertising  columns, 
tbis  will  be  held  on  Wednesday  next ;  and  as  good  prizes  are 
offered,  both  to  British  and  foreign  growers,  nurserymen  and 


amateurs  having  each  separate  classes,  we  expect  an  excellent 
exhibition.  The  Hollyhocks,  too,  notwithstanding  the  drought 
we  have  experienced,  will  no  doubt  contribute  their  share  to 
the  interest  of  the  Show. 


APPLETON-LE-STREET  FLORAL  AND 
AGRICULTURAL   SOCIETY. 

It  is  not  our  practice  to  notice  the  exhibitions  of  local 
horticultural  societies  unless  there  iB  something  in  connection 
with  them  which  calls  for  especial  notice,  and  which  has  an 
interest  for  our  readers  far  beyond  the  district  in  which  the 
exhibition  is  held.  Such  a  Society  is  the  Appleton-le-Street 
Floral  and  Agricultural  Society,  founded  three  years  ago  by  our 
valued  correspondent  the  Rev.  C.  P.  Peach.  It  is  because  of 
the  singular  success  which  has  attended  the  progress  of  this 
Society,  and  the  impetus  it  has  caused  in  the  neighbourhood, 
that  we  give  it  this  prominence  ;  and  it  is  also  bb  an  encourage- 
ment to  others  to  do  as  Mr.  Peach  has  done  that  we  state  the 
following  facts.  In  186S  the  total  number  of  entries  of  horses, 
cattle,  sheep,  pigs,  and  poultry  was  254.  In  the  following  year 
they  amounted  to  308,  and  this  present  year  they  reached  the 
extraordinary  number  of  434,  of  which  203  were  for  horses.  In 
the  horticultural  department  the  same  ratio  of  increase  was 
maintained,  and  as  evidence  of  the  quality  of  subjects  shown  in 
that  department  we  give  Mr.  Peach's  commentB  on  an  exhibi- 
tion which  attracted  great  attention. 

"  I  have  seldom,  if  ever,  seen  a  better  collection  of  Carnations 
and  Picotees  than  those  which  were  exhibited  by  Mr.  George 
Edwards,  of  York,  at  our  Floral  and  Agricultural  Show,  at 
Appleton-le-Street,  on  the  26th  of  July.  They  were  all  seed- 
lings of  Mr.  Edwards's  own  raising,  and  reflect  great  credit 
upon  the  care  and  attention  which  he  must  have  given  to 
the  plants  before  he  could  have  brought  them  to  that  state  of 
perfection.  As  one  of  the  Judges  of  the  Carnations  and  Picotees 
at  the  late  Royal  Horticultural  Exhibition  at  Oxford,  I  am  con- 
vinced that  those  exhibited  by  Mr.  C.  Turner,  of  Slough,  were 
the  only  ones  at  all  to  compare  with  these  seedlings  of  Mr. 
Edwards's,  which  he  sent  here.  Mr.  Edwards  was  second  to 
Mr.  Turner  at  Oxford,  but,  having  to  contend  with  a  more 
northern  climate,  his  blooms  were  too  backward  to  compete 
with  Mr.  Turner  from  Slough,  but  if  he  had  been  able  to  get 
his  seedlings  which  he  sent  here  forward  enough  for  competition, 
it  would,  in  my  opinion,  have  been  a  very  near  struggle. 

"  Among  the  seedlings  sent  by  Mr.  Edwards,  the  best  were — 
George  Edwards,  scarlet  flake  Carnation ;  Mrs.  Edwards,  purple 
flake ;  Mr.  Paley,  rose  flake ;  Mr.  Dove,  J.  Davidson,  Mrs. 
Smith,  and  J.  Holliday,  bizarres,  of  which  the  latter  seems  to 
me  a  great  acquisition. 

"  Among  the  Picotees  the  following  struck  me  as  of  great 
merit : — Ada  and  John  Feather,  heavy-edged  red ;  Fairy  and 
Sweet  Lucy,  light-edged  red ;  British  Sailor,  heavy-edged 
pink  ;  Rosa  and  Mrs.  G.  Edwards,  light-edged  pink ;  Deli- 
cata,  light-edged  mauve,  the  latter  a  great  acquisition,  one  of 
the  best  mauve-edged  Picotees  I  have  ever  seen,  and  John 
Feather  equally  good  as  a  heavy-edged  red.  Mr.  Dove  has  the 
quality,  a  very  valuable  one  in  exhibition  flowers,  of  lasting 
well,  and  will,  in  my  opinion,  prove  a  very  useful  addition  to 
the  list  of  show  Carnations. — C.  P.  Peach." 

The  amount  of  money  received  has  been  also  in  proportion 
to  the  increase  of  the  exhibitions.  In  1868  it  was  £90 ;  in 
1869,  £128 ;  and  we  believe  this  year  it  will  be  as  much  as  £150. 


STRAWBERRY  CULTURE. 

We  are  agreed  upon  the  necessity  of  eradicating  sterile 
plants,  and  propagating  only  by  runners  taken  from  fruitful 
stocks,  or  stools.  We  might  venture  to  add,  and  agree,  that 
runners  drawn  from  stools  not  worn  out,  as  well  as  fruitful,  are 
still  better  than  when  drawn  from  old,  although  fruiting  stocks. 
In  other  words,  runners  off  stools  at  most  of  one  and  two 
years'  growth  are  best,  as  partaking  of  the  fruitfulness  and 
vigour  of  their  parentage  or  stock. 

We  are  not,  however,  quite  agreed  upon  the  mode  of  plant- 
ing our  runners,  some  adopting  the  ridge-and-trench  (Potato 
fashion),  and  some  the  level  bed  plan,  the  plantations  in  each 
mode  being  in  single  rows,  varying  from  12  to  15  or  18  inches 
in  the  distance  of  the  plants  apart  laterally  and  longitudinally. 
Bed  or  ridge  is  the  question  in  comparative  merit.  In  either 
event — bed  or  ridge — the  land  is  easily  trenched  spade  deep, 
and  interlaid,  or  underlaid,  with  rotten  manure,  the  merit  of 


August  11,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HOBTICULTUBE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


105 


each  plan  being  so  far  equal.  The  planting,  too,  in  lines  or 
rows  is  also  of  equal  merit.  It  is  when  we  come  to  the  ridge 
that  the  merits  of  the  bed  and  ridge  plans  diverge.  The  ridge 
plan  forms  parallel  mounds,  with  the  soil  drawn  or  sloped  up- 
wards, the  plants  sitting  on  the  summit  and  drooping  into  the 
intervening  trenches  or  open  drains.  Have  any  of  your  readers 
observed  that  the  plants  are  thus  occasionally  blanched  like 
Celery,  and  that  sometimes  the  ridges  drop  or  fall,  and  the 
plants  perish  from  exposure  to  drought,  or  frost  and  cold 
winds  ?  And  has  it  been  noticed  that  the  trenches  carry  off, 
like  drainage,  the  moisture  so  essential  to  the  Strawberry  in  its 
period  of  swelling  before  ripening  fruit?  And  has  it  been 
seen  that  ridges  cannot  be  easily  mulched  or  top-dressed,  the 
manure  tumbling  into  the  trenches,  and  having  its  virtues 
washed  away  as  sewage  ?  Such  features  in  ridge  planting  have 
occurred  under  my  own  observation,  and  I  place  them  before 
your  contributors  for  comment. 

The  bed  is  my  choice.  Beds  4  feet  wide,  to  reach  across 
from  each  side  in  weeding,  &c,  with  two  rows  of  Strawberry 
plants,  all  equidistant,  say  12  inches,  the  ground  trenched  and 
underlaid  with  manure,  are  my  system.  Thus  the  plants  Bit 
firm  and  hard  beneath  the  wind,  the  ground  retains  its  natural 
moisture,  and  the  mulching  with  short  litter  and  manure  by 
hand  or  weeding-fork  is  little  trouble,  the  mulching  being  also 
allowed  to  remain  as  a  winter  protection,  and  to  sink  into  the 
beds.  It  neither  blows  nor  washes  away.  Weeding  is  all  that 
is  needed,  and  that  is  easy  across  4-feet  beds  with  12-iuch  path- 
ways between.  Thus  I  plant,  grow  on  two  to  three  years,  and 
trench,  manure  the  Boil,  and  plant  and  mulch  successively  the 
same  beds  (no  rotation  of  crops)  satisfactorily. 

Many  growers  use  straw  for  protection  from  dirt  in  the  fruit- 
ing season.  Straw  has  the  worse  property  of  enticing  birds 
and  slugs,  as  well  as  damping  and  moulding  the  fruit  in  damp 
weather ;  besides,  straw  confines  the  heat  of  the  earth,  and 
makes  the  under  sides  of  the  Strawberries  soft  and  watery  in 
flavour,  at  least  I  think  so,  and  I  use  nothing  except,  for  a  choice 
stool  here  and  there,  a  few  broken  flower  pots  or  tile  layers  and 
reflectors.  Netting  for  bird-scaring,  and  vegetable  charcoal  dust 
and  sharp  sand,  hand-scattered,  for  slug  protection  ! 

As  regards  the  sorts  of  Strawberries  fancied,  we  may  differ 
as  we  are  located.  My  choice  is  Lucas,  President,  Eclipse, 
Eivers's  Eliza,  John  Powell,  Fairy  Queen,  Filbert  Pine,  Dr. 
Hogg,  Frogmore  Pine  (though  Frogmore  Pine  ripens  badly  in 
dull  weather),  and  Wonderful;  and  taken  all  in  all — flavour, 
size,  and  productiveness,  I  think  them  the  cream.  Of  La  Con- 
stante,  La  Ghalonnaise,  Marguerite  (washy),  Sir  Harry,  and 
Cockscomb  I  can  make  little  but  a  few  far-apart  fruit  not  worth 
the  room  of  the  plants.     However,  "  tastes  differ." — Beader. 


GARDENING  AS  A  RECREATION. 

I  would  recommend  every  man  in  the  autumn  of  his  life  to 
take  to  gardening,  if  he  has  not  already  experienced  its  plea- 
sures. Of  all  occupations  in  the  world  it  is  the  one  which  beBt 
combines  repose  and  activity.  It  is  rest-in-work  or  work-in-rest. 
It  is  not  idleness;  it  is  not  stagnation — and  yet  it  is  perfect 
quietude.  Like  all  things  mortal  it  has  its  failures  and  its 
disappointments,  and  there  are  some  things  hard  to  under- 
stand. But  it  is  never  without  its  rewards.  And  perhaps  if 
there  were  nothing  but  successful  cultivation,  the  aggregate 
enjoyment  would  be  less.  It  is  better  for  the  occasional 
shadows  that  come  over  the  scene.  The  discipline,  too,'  is 
more  salutary.  It  tries  one's  patience,  and  it  tries  one's  faith. 
The  perpetual  warfare  that  seems  ever  to  be  going  on  between 
the  animal  and  the  vegetable  world  is  something  strange  and 
perplexing.  It  is  hard  to  understand  why  the  beautiful  tender 
blossoms  and  the  delicate  fresh  leaflets  of  my  Bose  trees  should 
be  covered  with  green  flies  and  destroyed  as  soon  as  they  are 
born.  It  is  a  mystery  which  I  cannot  solve ;  but  I  know  that 
there  is  a  meaning  in  it,  and  that  it  is  all  decreed  for  good,  only 
that  I  am  too  ignorant  to  fathom  it.  And  even  in  the  worst  of 
seasons  there  is  far  more  to  reward  and  encourage  than  to  dis- 
hearten and  to  disappoint. 

There  is  no  day  of  the  year  without  something  to  afford 
tranquil  pleasure  to  the  cultivator  of  flowers,  something  on 
which  the  mind  may  rest  (using  the  word  in  its  double  sense) 
with  profit  and  delight.  If  there  is  no  new  surprise,  no  fresh 
discovery  for  you,  there  is  always  something  to  be  done.  "  The 
garden  is  a  constant  source  of  amusement  to  us  both,"  wrote 
Dr.  Arnold  in  one  of  his  delightful  letters — he  was  writing  of 
himself  and  wife;  "there  are  always  some  little  alterations  to 
be  made,  some  few  spots  where  an  additional  Bhrub  or  two 


would  be  ornamental,  something  coming  into  blossom;  so  that 
I  can  always  delight  to  go  round  and  see  how  things  are  going 
on."  In  the  spring  and  summer  there  is  some  pleasure-giving 
change  visible  every  morning,  something  to  fulfil  and  some- 
thing to  excite  expectation.  And  even  in  the  winter,  flower  cul- 
ture has  its  delights.  If  you  have  a  greenhouse  or  conserva- 
tory, no  matter  how  small,  you  have  an  in-doors  garden,  in 
which  you  may  watch  the  same  changes  and  enjoy  the  same 
delights.  And  if  you  have  not,  you  may  still  do  something  to 
preserve  your  nurslings  during  the  rigours  of  the  hybernal 
season.  Indeed,  there  are  few  states  of  life  in  which  floricul- 
ture is  not  an  available  enjoyment.  To  rich  and  to  poor  it  is  a 
blessing  equally  accessible.  "  As  gardening,"  it  was  observed 
by  Sir  William  Temple,  who  has  had  a  new  lease  of  life  in  one 
of  the  best  of  Maeaulay's  "  Essays,"  "  has  been  the  inclination 
of  kings  and  the  choice  of  philosophers,  so  it  has  been  the  com- 
mon favourite  of  public  and  private  men,  a  pleasure  of  the 
greatest,  and  the  care  of  the  meanest;  and,  indeed,  an  employ- 
ment and  a  possession  for  which  no  man  is  too  high  or  too  low." 
I  am  disposed,  indeed,  to  think  that  to  men  of  low  estate  it 
yields  greater  joy  than  to  those  who  hail  from  high  places. — 
(Cornhill  Magazine.) 

VIOLA  CORNUTA. 
Allow  me  to  inform  Mr.  Bobson,  that  although  my  Viola 
cornuta  and  Yellow  Pansies  were  not  planted  until  June,  I 
have  never  seen  them  do  better.  They  have  been,  and  will 
yet  continue  for  some  time,  a  perfect  mass  of  blossoms.  They 
are  both  new  introductions  here,  and  have  been  the  admiration 
of  thousands.  Indeed,  the  bedding  has  been  very  much  ad- 
mired, mort>  especially  the  mixed  and  tricolor  beds.  The  old 
style  of  bedding  solid  masses  of  colour  has  to  a  great  extent 
been  abandoned  this  season  for  the  first  time,  much  to  the 
gratification  of  all  who  visit  these  grounds. — Edward  Bennett, 
The  Gardens,  Enville. 


DOUBLE-FLOWERED   PELARGONIUMS  AS 
BEDDERS. 

I  have  to  thank  "  D.,  Deal,"  for  his  article  on  this  subject 
at  page  78.  I  agree  with  his  remarks  as  to  the  suitability  of 
double- flowered  Pelargoniums  for  bedding  purposes.  As  "  D., 
Deal,"  says,  there  are  no  seed  pods — undoubtedly  a  great  ad- 
vantage of  double-flowered  varieties  as  compared  with  some  of 
the  single-flowered  sorts,  of  which  Christine  and  most  of  the 
Nosegays  require  almost  daily  attention  to  keep  up  a  decent 
appearance  during  dry  hot  weather.  In  rainy  weather  the 
flowers  of  the  double  kinds,  though  much  more  compact  in  the 
truss  than  the  single-flowered,  are  not  so  soon  destroyed  by 
wind  and  rain  ;  indeed,  a  heavy  rain  spoils  the  beauty  of  the 
single-flowered  sorts  for  a  time,  until,  in  btighter  drier  weather, 
more  flowerB  open.  The  double-flowered  kinds  are  not  in  the 
least  the  worse  of  a  heavy  rain,  but  should  the  weather  con- 
tinue dull,  as  it  often  does  for  several  days  together,  the  trusses, 
from  being  so  close,  are  "  matted  together  ;"  the  whole  truss, 
from  the  decay  of  a  few  flowers  in  the  centre,  is  then  soon  a 
mass  of  white  mould.  During  bright  hot  weather  is  when  they 
shine,  as  do  all  kinds  coming  up  to  the  florists'  standard  of 
excellence — those  with  good  trusses  of  well-formed  flowers,  as 
Lord  Derby,  Editor,  and  others,  which  "  D.,  Deal,"  grows,  and 
which  more  of  us  would  grow  if  they  flowered  profusely  and 
recovered  more  speedily  after  wet  and  cold.  The  double  and 
large-flowered  kinds  suffer  less  from  wet  and  cold  than  the 
smaller-flowered,  but  during  a  continuance  of  wet  they  damp 
to  a  pitiable  extent,  and  are  very  slow  of  recovery. 

However,  like  "  D.,  Deal,"  I  am  so  well  satisfied  with  my 
experience  of  them  out  of  doors  that  I  intend  to  give  them  a 
more  extended  trial,  and  would  advise  others  to  do  the  same. 
All  seasons  are  not  wet ;  in  a  dry  bright  summer  they  greatly 
outvie  those  we  should  not  keep  except  for  their  free  continuous 
blooming.  But  why  discard  kinds  whose  only  fault  is  a  free 
vigorous  habit  ?  Are  there  no  large  beds  to  fill,  or  back  lines 
in  borders  where  height  is  an  advantage  rather  than  otherwise  ? 
Gloire  de  Nancy  has  rosy  scarlet  trusses  very  effective  for  large 
beds  ;  Madame  Lemoine  is  of  course  to  be  preferred  for  smaller 
beds  and  where  low  growth  is  desired,  but  the  idea  that  all  our 
plants  ought  to  be  pigmies  if  they  are  to  have  a  place  in  our 
gardens  seems  ridiculous.  We  might  as  well  lay  down  a  carpet 
at  once  as  fill  our  beds  with  dwarf  plants  only.  Height  is  as 
necessary  for  effect  as  colour,  and  quite  as  essential  in  pro- 
ducing harmonious  pleasing  arrangements.     The  great  evil  of 


106 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  11,  1870. 


our  flower  parterres  is  having  the  plants  huddled  togeth  er 
There  is,  no  doubt,  a  great  number  of  plants  put  in  a  sm  al 
space.  Distinctness  of  feature  is  practically  ignored  in  flower 
gardening.  Fewer  and  larger  beds,  with  more  space  between, 
■would  do  more  to  place  our  flower  gardening  on  a  level  with  a 
painter's  ideal  than  anything  else. 

Of  the  double-flowered  Pelargoniums  one  most  likely  to  meet 
our  views  of  a  bedding  Pelargonium  is  Madame  Rose  Char- 
meux.  In  habit,  foliage,  and  flowers  it  resembles  Tom  Thumb, 
and  is  of  similar  dwarf  habit  and  very  free-flowering. — G. 
Abbey. 

THE    FIG   AND  ITS  CULTURE.— No.  7. 

Setting  the  Fruit. — How  little  we  know  really  respecting 
this  important  process,  and  with  the  Fig  least  of  all !  In  this, 
the  organs  of  fructification  being  hidden  from  our  view,  we 
cannot  tell  how  or  when  fertilisation  is  effected ;  therefore,  it 
is  but  little  we  can  do  to  assist  matters.  The  time  when  it  is 
supposed  the  setting  takes  place  may  be  known  by  the  eye, 
which  assumes  a  pinkish  hue  and  expands  a  little,  thus  giving 
admission  to  a  little  air  into  the  interior,  where  the  flowers  are. 

In  many  parts  of  Italy,  and  the  south  of  Europe  generally, 
especially  in  olden  times,  but  still  to  some  extent  at  the  pre- 
sent day,  the  Fig  cultivators  pay  much  attention  to  setting  the 
Figs,  and  very  much  has  been  written  on  what  is  called  caprifi- 
cation.  This  is  a  practice  much  believed-in  by  those  who 
practise  it,  but  is  condemned  by  most  modern  scientific  writers 
as  absurd.  The  process,  stripped  of  all  its  mystification,  is  a 
simple  one.  There  is,  in  the  first  place,  "  a  wild  species  called 
the  Caprifig,  on  which  it  is  said  a  certain  insect  exists,  which 
enters  the  fruit  when  in  a  young  state  at  the  eye,  thereby  facili- 
tating the  entrance  of  light  and  air,  or  some  fertilising  vapour, 
whereby  the  flowers  are  enabled  to  set  and  ripen.  In  Fig 
plantations  numbers  of  this  wild  species  are  planted  for  the 
sole  purpose  of  bearing  these  insects,  and  at  the  proper  season 
the  fruits,  with  the  insects,  are  carried  and  deposited  on  the 
fruit  or  shoots  of  the  domestic  species."  There  are  in  southern 
France  the  Fig  trees,  called  Caprifiguiers,  which  bear  the  insect, 
and  alBO  the  men  who  carry  and  place  these  insects  about. 
Without  all  this  manceuvering  it  is  faithfully  believed  but  very 
scanty  crops  of  Figs  would  be  secured,  but  this,  according  to 
my  experience,  is  altogether  a  delusion,  and  is  only  alluded  to 
here  as  such. 

About  the  time  when  it  is  supposed  the  fruit  is  setting,  it  is 
well  to  be  extremely  careful  as  to  all  the  conditions  which 
would  be  likely  to  affect  the  plant.  It  is  well  to  keep  it  in  a 
uniform  state  as  to  moisture  at  the  roots — it  is  better  to  be 
rather  dry  than  otherwise — and  to  preserve  an  equable  tem- 
perature, rather  airy,  if  possible.  The  whole  subject,  however, 
is  somewhat  obscure,  the  particular  stage  and  the  particular 
treatment  required  being  only  understood  by  long  experience. 

Casting  the  Fruit. — This  is  a  result  of  defective  Betting. 
There  can  be  little  question  respecting  that.  It  is  a  very  com- 
mon occurrence,  and  altogether  a  very  puzzling  one.  It  most 
usually  happens  to  the  first  crop,  more  rarely  to  the  second, 
and  some  varieties  are  far  more  apt  to  do  so  than  others,  even 
particular  plants  have  a  greater  tendency  to  cast  their  fruit 
than  others.  There  is  nothing  more  tantalising  or  vexatious 
in  Fig  culture  than  this.  A  plant  may  be  loaded  with  beautiful 
fruit,  which  grow  to  a  goodly  size,  and  appear  to  be  developing 
themselves  beautifully,  when  suddenly  they  assume  a  yellowish 
sickly  hue  and  fall  from  the  tree.  Very  frequently  this  is  the 
case  with  the  entire  crop  on  that  particular  plant.  If  these 
fallen  fruit  are  examined  by  cutting  them  lengthwise,  a  great 
difference  will  be  observed  between  them  and  those  which  do 
not  fall.  In  the  former  there  is  a  great  cavity,  the  little  florets 
of  the  interior  are  undeveloped,  and  there  is  no  seed  formed. 
In  the  others  the  parts  have  increased  so  much  that  the  fruit 
is  almost  solid,  seeds  are  there  in  abundance,  and  every  part 
is  perfect.  It  is  clear,  then,  that  the  flowers  have  not  set  and 
the  fruit  fahs,  as  with  the  Apple,  Pear,  Plum,  or  Cherry.  With 
some  fruits  the  setting  is  not  material  to  its  development,  as  in 
some  of  the  CucurbitaceK,  where  the  fruit  so-called  will  grow 
and  ripen  without  possessing  a  single  seed.  In  the  Grape, 
again,  the  absence  of  the  seed  only  checks  the  development  of 
the  berry  to  a  certain  extent. 

I  need  not,  however,  pursue  this  subject  further,  but  inquire. 
How  is  the  casting  of  the  fruit  of  the  Fig  to  be  prevented  ? 
Get  the  fruit  to  set  properly.  How  to  do  that  I  have  already 
stated  as  fully  as  I  am  able,  with  this  addition  for  trees  grown 
in  pots — Have  the  pots  set  on  a  bed  of  ashes,  it  is  better  than 
staging  or  shelving  of  any  kind.    It  is  cool  and  equable,  always 


retaining  a  little  moisture,  which  is  comfortable  to  the  roots, 
which  Bpeedily  find  their  way  into  it  aud  enjoy  it  much.  Some 
cultivators  are  very  positive  in  ascribing  the  evil  to  direct 
causes,  such  as  dryness  at  the  root,  or  the  reverse — too  much 
moisture — or  to  some  sudden  check,  as  excessive  cold,  excessive 
heat,  &c.  In  so  far  as  these  may  affect  the  actual  setting  of 
the  ftuit  they  tend  towards  it,  but  not  otherwise  or  further. 
Sudden  checks,  or  extremes  of  any  kind,  are  at  all  times  in- 
jurious, and  especially  so  at  the  critical  stage  of  setting.  I 
have  tried  experiments  in  many  ways,  snbjected  plants  to 
every  extreme,  and  the  results  have  been  very  different  from 
those  which  ordinarily  occur  without  our  sanction  with  plants' 
well-known  for  their  persistency  in  holding-on  their  fruits ; 
excepting  by  positive  injury  to  the  plant  I  have  in  no  instance 
succeeded  in  the  wholesale  casting  of  the  fruit,  as  is  naturally 
the  case.  No,  we  want  some  power  given  us  to  set  the  fruit  of 
the  Fig,  as  we  do  Peaches  in  dull  cloudy  weather. 

Fruit-ripening. — Fruits  of  all  kinds  when  ripening  require 
a  dry  and  bracing  atmosphere,  and  rather  cool  than  otherwise. 
Immediately  the  fruits  begin  to  ripen  less  water  should  be 
given  to  the  roots,  otherwise  the  fruit  will  become  watery  and 
tasteless.  With  trees  in  pots  only  enough  Bhould  be  given  to 
keep  the  foliage  healthy,  and  at  the  same  time  a  drier  atmo- 
sphere  should  be  secured  in  the  house  by  syringing  less, 


Kg.  12. 

applying  more  air  both  by  night  and  by  day,  and  applying  fire 
heat  if  necessary  for  that  end.  With  the  first  crop  of  fruit  it 
is  somewhat  difficult  to  follow-out  this  practice  exactly,  as  it  is 
in  a  great  measure  injurious  to  the  progress  of  the  second 
crop  ;  some  modification  is  here  required  which  can  only  be 
gained  by  experience.  In  some  parts  of  France  it  is  stated  to 
be  a  not-uncommon  practice  to  prick  the  eye  of  the  fruit  with 
a  straw  or  quill  dipped  in  olive  oil.  Brandy,  also,  is  employed 
for  the  same  purpose  by  dropping  a  little  in  at  the  eye,  or 
through  a  puncture  in  the  skin,  the  object  being  to  hasten  the 
maturity  of  the  fruit  and  improve  the  flavour.  I  have  had 
no  experience  as  to  its  effects.  I  may  just  observe,  as  bearing 
somewhat  on  the  point,  that  fruits  damaged  in  the  skin,  or 
otherwise  deformed  or  injured,  are  frequently  much  more 
highly-flavoured  than  the  more  perfect  examples. 

Figs,  to  be  enjoyable,  must  be  thoroughly  well-ripened ;  a 
half-ripened  Fig  is  simply  abominable.  The  outward  appear- 
ances which  denote  the  highest  excellence  in  ripe  Figs  are 


August  11,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HOBTIOUIjTORE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


107 


these — The  fruit  is  bent  at  the  neck  and  drops  its  head  a  little  ; 
there  is  a  large  drop  of  juice  at  the  eye,  like  a  great  tear ;  the 
sides  are  cracked  lengthwise,  and  the  juice  is  seen  exnding  a 
little  and  standing  on  the  surface  like  great  dewdrops  on  the 
petals  of  a  Rose.  That  fruit  is  in  a  condition  fit  to  eat, 
and  its  appearance  does  not  belie  its  quality.  With  some 
varieties,  such  as  the  White  Ischia,  Black  Provence,  <fec,  and 
in  warmer,  drier  climates,  the  fruits  dry  up  a  little  and  assume 
somewhat  the  oharacter  of  a  sweetmeat.  These  are  simply  de- 
licious. 

The  engraving  here  given  (fig.  12),  represents  the  mode  of 
production  of  the  second  crop  of  fruit  in  the  axils  of  the  leaves 
on  the  wood  of  the  current  year's  formation,  as  stated  in  my 
second  paper  (vol.  xviii.,  page  162),  to  which  it  should  be  re- 
ferred.—A.  B.  C. 


TO   PREVENT  CHASSELAS   MUSQUE    GRAPE 

FROM  CRACKING. 
Every,  gardener  who  has  grown  the  Chasselas  Musqufi  Vine 
knows  how  prone  its  fruit  is  to  crack,  and  one  of  the  finest 
Grapes  in  cultivation  is  rendered  useless,  if  not  worthless,  by 
this  unfortunate  habit.  An  effectual  method  of  preventiog  this 
has  been  discovered,  and  for  some  time  successfully  practised, 
by  Mr.  Speed,  the  talented  gardener  to  the  Duke  of  Devonshire, 
at  Chatsworth.  It  consists  in  simply  making  a  sloping  cut  half 
through  the  stalk  of  the  bunch,  not  sufficient  to  weaken  it  for 
the  work  it  has  to  do,  but  enough  to  check  the  flow  of  too  much 
sap,  which  is  evidently  the  cause  of  the  fruit  cracking.  This 
ont  is  very  much  such  an  one  as  is  used  in  "  tongueing  "  when 
plants  are  layered. 


LOOKERS   PLANT   COVERS. 
We  have  no  doubt  that  these  are  good  plant  protectors  ;  their 
sides,  being  of  earthenware,  retain  the  heat  accumulated  within 


o 


".•:■■• 


them,  and  exclude  cold  ;  but  Mr.  Looker  is  quite  mistaken 
when  he  says  they  "  generate  "  heat.  Their  ventilation  is 
good,  they  are  easily  shaded  and  protected,  and  are  very 
cheap. 

WORK  FOR  THE  WEEK. 

KITCHEN   GARDEN. 

All  vacant  ground  having  been  duly  filled  with  crops  of  the 
Cabbage  tribe,  attention  should  be  instantly  given  to  Celery. 
The  late  crops  of  this  should  be  planted  forthwith,  and  the 
early  crops  carefully  enrthed-up.  The  following  must  be  sown 
directly — viz.,  Cabbage  for  the  main  crops  of  next  summer ; 
Prickly- seeded  Spinach  for  supplying  the  table  from  November 
to  May;  of  Onions,  the  Welsh  and  Deptford  for  drawing  young 
during  the  winter,  also  for  transplanting  in  March  for  bulbing  ; 
Badishes  and  the  various  Cresses  for  autumn  use  ;  a  little  Com 
Salad,  and  a  little  Chervil.  Continue  to  plant  Endive  on  ele- 
vated beds  well  manured  ;  some  of  these  should  be  so  con- 
trived as  to  admit  of  being  covered  with  hoops  and  mats  or 
other  protection  in  winter.  Let  all  forward  Onions  be  laid  im- 
mediately, in  order  to  get  them  Boon  off  the  ground,  which 
should  then  be  manured  and  planted  with  Coleworts  in  rows 
15  inches  apart,  allowing  10  inches  between  the  plants.  Let 
the  Marrow  Peas  have  the  best  of  stickB,  and  be  sure  to  top 


them  when  they  reach  the  height  of  the  sticks.  If  any  of  the 
Parsley  is  becoming  too  gToss  and  forward,  let  a  portion  be 
mowed  down  at  once  ;  this  is  an  old  but  a  very  excellent  plan. 
A  top-dressing  of  soot  and  dry  soil,  ashes,  or  sawdust,  may  be 
immediately  applied.  In  this  way  fine  young  ParBley  for  gar- 
nishing will  be  produced  by  October.  Dress  Tomatoes,  and  see 
that  all  herbs  are  housed  and  the  Camomile  flowers  picked 
when  perfectly  dry. 

FRUIT    OAROEN. 

Proceed  with  thinning  and  nailing-in  young  shoots  of  all 
wall  trees,  if  any  remain  unfinished.  Peach  trees,  in  particular, 
should  now  be  kept  closely  nailed,  in  order  that  the  wood  may 
be  ripened,  and  to  admit  air  and  light  to  the  fruit.  Remove  a 
portion  of  the  leaves  where  the  fruit  is  too  much  shaded,  and 
at  the  same  time  remove  any  nails  with  which  it  is  likely  to 
come  in  contact.  If  the  weather  is  dry  before  the  crop  ripens, 
give  the  borders  a  good  watering.  Wash  the  trees  occasionally, 
and  trap  earwigs ;  perhaps  the  easiest  way  is  to  place  short 
pieces  of  beanstalks  or  other  hollow  stems  in  different  parts  of 
the  trees,  and  look  them  over  every  second  day,  blowing  the 
contents  into  a  bottle  and  replacing  the  tubes  as  before.  Pro- 
tect with  nets  or  canvas  all  ripe  fruit  intended  for  use  late  in 
the  season,  and  net-up  Currants  and  Gooseberries  for  late  use. 
As  soon  as  the  crop  of  Strawberries  is  gathered,  go  over  the 
beds  and  cut  off  all  runners  ;  fork  the  soil  about  the  plants  to 
encourage  them  to  make  a  good  growth  before  the  growing 
season  is  past.  Layer  rnnners  for  new  plantations.  Use  the 
garden  engine  occasionally  in  warm  weather  to  prevent  red 
spider. 

FLOWER    GARDEN. 

Propagation  by  cuttings  is  now  a  most  important  business 
in  this  department.  If  time  can  possibly  be  spared,  let  there 
be  no  delay  in  this  respect ;  not  only  mass  flowers,  but  many 
in  the  mixed  beds  and  borders,  require  to  be  annually  propa- 
gated in  order  to  insure  their  oontinnance.  Such  are  some- 
times termed  imperfect  perennials  ;  as  instances  of  these  may 
be  adduced  such  plants  as  Pentstemon  campanulatum  and 
its  varieties,  Chelone  barbata.  Antirrhinums  in  great  variety, 
Coreopsis  lanceolata,  C.  auriculata,  and,  better  still,  C.  grandi- 
flora.  Mimulus  atroroseus  also  requires  looking  after,  and 
deserves  it.  Many  of  these  are  old  plants,  but  they  are  still 
useful  in  contributing  to  the  general  effect  at  least.  Cuttings 
of  Pentstemon  gentianoides  Bhould  be  struck  early ;  if  well- 
established  they  will  flower  sooner  than  seedlings.  The  half- 
shrubby  Calceolarias  must  be  thought  of,  and  such  climbers 
as  the  Maurandyas,  the  Lophospermums,  and  Rhodochiton 
Bhould  be  well  established  in  their  store  pots  before  winter. 
Intermediate  Stocks  may  be  sown  for  pots,  and  a  little  Mig- 
nonette in  pots  every  week  until  the  end  of  August.  Let 
Rose-budding  proceed,  and  for  common  purposes  the  old  Crim- 
son Perpetual,  the  Bourbon  Queen,  Phoenix,  Armosa,  Lafayette, 
Aimee  Vibert,  See.,  are  recommended.  These,  although  not 
of  the  exhibition  class,  are  nevertheless  most  useful  about  tho 
pleasure  grounds  of  a  country  seat.  All  the  early  layers  of 
Carnations  and  Picotees  will  now  be  ready  to  take  off.  They 
may  be  potted  singly  in  pint  pots,  and  gently  watered  to  settle 
the  soil.  When  dry  they  thould  be  put  in  a  close  cold  frame  for 
three  or  four  days,  till  they  have  emitted  fresh  roots,  when  they 
may  be  gradually  inured  to  the  air.  After  the  layers  have 
taken  root  the  pots  should  not  be  allowed  to  be  drenched  with 
wet,  though  they  should  be  exposed  to  the  air  as  much  as 
possible.  A  good  plan  is  to  remove  the  pots,  when  ready,  from 
the  frame,  placing  them  on  a  layer  of  coal  ashes  to  prevent  the 
ingress  of  worms,  &c,  and  throwing  a  covering  of  calico  over 
them  when  the  weather  is  too  hot,  or  during  heavy  rain.  By 
these  means  they  will  be  well  established  and  hardened  pre- 
vious to  being  removed  to  their  winter  quarters.  Continue  to 
plant  out  Pink  pipings  when  well  rooted,  shading  and  watering 
as  occasion  requires.  Look  well  to  the  6eed,  which,  with  that 
of  Carnations  and  Picotees,  promises  to  be  abundant.  New 
or  scarce  sorts  of  Dahlias  may  be  propagated  by  cuttings  in  a 
brisk  heat.  These  make  good  pot  roots.  Trap  earwigs  by 
placing  small  pots  half  filled  with  dry  moss  on  the  tops  of  the 
sticks,  and  remove  all  imperfect  buds  as  they  appear.  Attend 
to  the  preparation  of  the  offset  bed  of  Tulips,  and  regulate  all 
small  bulbs  for  planting. 

GREENHOUSE   AND    CONSERVATORY. 

No  time  Bhould  now  be  lost  in  putting  all  houses,  pits,  &c, 
in  thorough  repair.  The  glazing  Bhould  be  well  seen  to,  and 
painting  where  needed.  With  regard  to  the  interior  of  houses, 
the  painting  must  ever  depend  on  the  crops.  Whitewashing, 
however,  can  be  managed  at  all  times.     The  lime  should  have 


108 


JOUENAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  Angast  11,  1870. 


abundance  of  sulphur  mixed  with  it.  No  one  need  be  afraid 
of  using  any  amount  on  cool  surfaces.  The  repairing  and 
cleaning  of  flues  will,  of  course,  Buggest  itself,  and  the  exami- 
nation of  boilers  or  other  apparatus,  where  suspicion  may  rest, 
should  be  proceeded  with  forthwith.  The  end  of  August  or 
early  part  of  September  is  the  most  eligible  time  in  the  whole 
year  to  procure  and  carefully  store  loam  and  other  materials 
necessary  for  special  purposes  during  the  next  year.  A  good 
loam  should  be  uniform  in  colour,  rather  tenacious,  containing 
a  fair  proportion  of  fine  and  sharp  sand,  and  somewhat  unctuous 
when  squeezed  between  the  fingers.  It  should  not,  however, 
cake  together  too  much  on  pressure.  The  more  grass  or  other 
rank  herbage  it  contains  the  better.  It  should  be  dug  in  a 
dry  state,  for  if  handled  when  wet  its  porosity,  and  conse- 
quently its  power  of  transmitting  moisture  and  air,  will  be  in  a 
considerable  degree  impaired.  When  removed  to  the  compost 
yard  it  should  be  piled  up  in  narrow  ridges  about  4  feet  wide  at 
the  base,  and  as  high  as  possible.  If  carefully  placed  the  ridge 
will  exclude  much  rain  ;  it  is,  however,  an  excellent  plan  to  place 
thatched  portable  hurdles  against  it,  these  may  be  removed  in 
fine  and  settled  weather  for  the  purpose  of  air-giving.  When 
it  has  been  in  the  compost  yard  for  a  few  months  it  will  be 
found  in  excellent  order  for  use,  in  fact,  what  gardeners  term 
mellow.  From  the  compost  yard  it  should  be  removed  to  the 
potting  shed  in  moderate  quantities  at  a  time,  for  if  it  lie  too 
long  there  it  becomes  dry,  and  in  this  state  it  is  not  proper  for 
compost.  By  the  use  of  the  thatched  hurdles  there  need  be  no 
particular  hurry  in  housing  it ;  in  doing  this  it  should  be  cut 
down  with  a  perpendicular  face,  and  cleared  thoroughly,  in 
order  that  so  precious  a  material  may  not  be  needlessly  wasted. 
Give  every  attention  to  flowers  for  a  late  display.  Everything 
intended  for  thiB  purpose  should  be  thoroughly  established  in 
the  pot.    Late  shifting  will  never  do  here. 


Take  every  means  in  due  time  to  harden,  or  rather  ripen,  the 
growths  already  made.  Give  air  very  freely  at  all  times,  more 
especially  when  the  atmosphere  is  warm,  but  shut  up  abund- 
ance of  solar  heat  with  a  good  amount  of  atmospheric  moisture 
betimes  in  the  afternoon. — W.  Keane. 


DOINGS   OF   THE   LAST    WEEK. 

KITCHEN    GABDEN. 

The  weather  and  the  ground  are  so  dry  that  planting-out  is 
not  to  be  thought  of,  except  where  water  of  some  sort  can  be 
given.  The  sun  on  the  5th  and  Gth  was  as  fierce  and  cloudless 
as  ever.  The  amount  of  vapour  raised  must  ere  long  give  us 
clouds,  and  for  these  we  shall  be  thankful.  The  dews  in  the 
morning  have  been  our  safety.  The  stems  and  leaves  of  plants 
were  so  filled  and  refreshed  that  they  stood  the  sun  pretty  well. 
Water  is  now  eo  scarce  in  this  neighbourhood  that  it  will  be  a 
great  blessing  if  we  be  not  visited  with  low  fevers,  &c,  as  in 
many  cases  working  people  can  hardly  find  the  means  to  secure 
cleanliness. 

We  sowed  Turnips,  Radishes,  and  Cauliflowers,  and  took  up 
some  forward  Onions,  to  be  followed  by  Cabbages ;  we  also 
planted  out  winter  stuff  where  we  could  give  a  little  water  at 
the  roots.  As  to  surface  watering,  that  would  be  worse  than 
useless.  Plants  well  established  will  pump  up  moisture  for 
themselves  if  left  unwatered  ;  puddle  the  surface,  and  you  do 
little  good,  and  for  the  time  you  deprive  them  of  the  supply 
from  beneath.  No  common  watering  given  at  the  surface  in 
soil  so  dry  as  ours  would  have  much  chance  of  reaching  the 
bulk  of  the  roots.  In  different  circumstances  the  treatment 
may  be  different. 

At  present,  in  these  dryiug  days  our  chief  resources  are 
mulching  and  shading.  The  breaking  the  surface  of  the  mulch- 
ing is  next  to  giving  a  jfresh  layer.  Our  Celery  beds  would 
have  been  dried  up  but  for  shading.  The  Celery,  as  a  ditch 
plant,  likes  a  little  shade  in  summer,  even  in  ordinary  seasons, 
and  much  more  when  it  can  have  only  a  minimum  of  water 
in  a  season  like  this.  What  has  often  surprised  us  is  the 
quickness  with  which  a  moderate  mulching  disappears.  The 
earth,  the  air,  and  the  roots  together  soon  make  short  work 
of  it.  Where  we  could  not  well  mulch,  the  surface  of  the  soil 
has  been  frequently  stirred  with  a  Dutch  hoe.  As  one  proof 
of  dryness,  we  may  state  that  the  walks  in  the  pleasure  ground 
have  had  scarcely  a  weed  all  the  season,  and  we  could  only 
switch  them  to  freshen  them  now  and  then.  We  have  never 
had  wet  enough  since  March  to  consolidate  them  with  a  roller, 


and  without  a  certain  amount  of  moisture  beneath  it  is  of  little 
use  to  pass  a  roller  over  them. 

fruit  garden. 
What  we  have  stated  of  mulching  applies  equally  to  fruit 
trees.  Applied  when  the  ground  is  warmed,  besides  excluding 
drought,  its  tendency  is  to  entice  the  roots  near  the  surface, 
and  thus  encourage  fertility  rather  than  over-luxuriance.  We 
have  gathered  Joanneting  and  Red-streak  Apples,  but  though 
clear  fruit,  they  are  small.  With  more  moisture,  the  quantity 
as  well  as  quality  would  have  been  good.  As  a  great  saving  of 
water,  we  have  mulched  our  fruit  trees  in  pots  with  horse 
droppings  previously  allowed  to  heat.  This  is  the  third  time 
this  summer,  and  though  each  time  mulched  rather  heavily, 
the  mulching  had  all,  or  nearly  all,  disappeared  before  we  re- 
peated the  dressing.  As  a  saving  to  watering  it  is  most 
effectual.  To  help  ua  still  more,  though  not  looking  so  parti- 
cularly neat,  we  mulched  a  good  part  of  the  floor.  We  did  this 
all  the  more  as  the  only  water  we  could  give  was  rather  strong, 
and  we  were  afraid  to  use  it  largely.  We  shall  not  here  enter 
into  the  manurial  question,  though  we  feel  convinced  that  even 
in  this  respect  the  roots  get  the  benefit  of  the  mulching.  There 
is  no  question  that  it  often  saves  the  top  of  a  plant  when  other- 
wise it  would  be  dried  up. 

All  at  once,  though  scarcely  seeing  any  wasps  for  the  season, 
we  have  been  attacked  by  myriads.  Hives  of  bees  have  also 
made  free  with  the  best  Gooseberries.  The  wasps  threatened 
to  make  such  a  clearance  of  rather  hard,  though  fine  fruit  of 
the  late  Florence  Cherries,  that  we  gathered  them  in  self- 
defence.  We  shall  have  to  use  gauze,  &c,  to  keep  them  from 
our  beEt  fruit  in  houses.  Fine  Peaches  may  be  secured  by 
means  of  a  very  thin  layer  of  wadding,  the  paper  side  next  the 
fruit,  and  the  woolly  side  out.  The  wool  baffles  the  wasps,  as 
their  legs  become  entangled  in  it.  It  is  well  to  catch  wasps  early, 
but  this  year  we  hardly  saw  any  all  the  season,  and  these 
were  captured.  Until  within  a  few  days  we  thought  we  were 
to  be  free  of  them  for  the  season.  They  and  ants,  we  fear,  will 
speck  the  best  Apricots.  As  to  the  ants,  we  should  manage 
them  if  we  could  give  soot  and  lime  water,  allowed  to  stand 
until  as  clear  as  brandy,  and  if  a  little  guano  were  dissolved  in 
it  all  the  better,  if  the  liquor  were  clear,  as  that  would  increase 
the  smell  of  ammonia,  which  ants  dislike.  Well  washing  the 
trees  from  the  top  downwards  would  dislodge  the  ants  and 
bring  them  to  the  ground  ;  then  a  sprinkling  of  guano  at  the 
foot  of  the  wall  will  generally  succeed  in  making  them  decamp. 
If  the  ants  are  all  brought  to  the  ground,  the  most  effectual 
means  for  preventing  them  going  up  again  is  to  paint  a  cordon 
at  the  foot  of  the  wall  with  tar  and  oil,  say  2  or  3  inches  wide. 
So  long  as  the  tar  is  moist  and  keeps  its  scent  they  will  not 
pass  it.  A  piece  of  wadding  dipped  in  tar  may  be  tied  round 
the  stem  of  the  tree,  and  that  will  take  away  that  ladder  from 
them.  Proceeded  with  potting  Strawberries  as  detailed  last 
week,  and  would  have  done  more  but  for  the  scarcity  of  water. 
Many  rather  large  plants  must  be  given  up,  and  smaller  ones 
substituted.  Many  things  have  received  less  air  and  more 
shade  than  usual,  in  order  to  save  the  watering-pot. 

ORNAMENTAL    DEPARTMENT. 

As  yet  the  flower  beds  stand  better  than  the  Cabbages  do, 
but  the  latter  had  no  mulchiug  except  their  own  leaves.  A  few 
Calceolarias  have  succumbed,  but  not  so  many  as  to  make 
vacanoies.  Nothing  but  the  heavy  dews  in  our  case  could  have 
saved  them. 

Most  of  the  lrer'jenas  have  succeeded  well ;  that  which  has 
done  worst — that  is,  stood  the  dryness  worst  with  us,  is  the 
Maonetti,  called  also  Imperatice  Josephine.  Both  as  a  broad 
edging  and  as  a  carpeting  for  beds  it  is  just  alive,  but  furnishing 
fewer  of  its  pretty  striped  heads  of  flowers.  Among  the  Ver- 
benas, it  seems  to  be  as  sensitive  to  dryness  as  the  Black  Prince 
Strawbenyia  among  Strawberries.  With  a  few  showers  and 
dull  days  this  little  favourite  would  still  be  fine.  Another  old 
favourite  of  ours,  and  which  also  used  to  be  a  favourite  for 
groundwork  with  Mr.  Robson— the  little  lilac  Verbena  pul- 
chella — has  thriven  remarkably  well,  bloomiDg  profusely,  and 
looking  as  fresh  as  a  Mesembryanthemum.  This  fine  old  sort 
is  not  grown  so  generally  as  it  ought  to  be.  Its  soft  lilac- 
bluish  colour  gives  a  pleasant  relief  to  more  gaudy  flowers. 
When  fairly  planted  it  generally  looks  after  itself,  running 
along  the  ground  and  rooting  as  it  goes,  without  troubling  one 
with  pegging  down.  In  fact,  for  the  generality  of  plants,  to 
save  labour,  we  scarcely  peg  down  anything  ;  we  would  rather 
fasten  and  keep  secure  by  twigs  which  the  branohes  would 
cover,  and  depend  for  symmetry  on  the  natural  heights  of  the 
plants.    Many  a  fine  group  is  destroyed  as  respects  symmetry 


Aognst  11,  187a  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


109 


by  neglecting  to  study  the  natural  heights  of  the  plants.  Some 
time  ago  we  saw  a  large  bed  of  Ageratum  mexicannm  laid 
down  and  pegged  so  as  to  present  a  low  flat  surface.  There 
were  rests  and  planks  laid  across  the  bed,  so  that  the  men 
should  properly  do  the  work.  The  bed  was  solitary,  or  at  leaBt 
not  in  direct  combination  with  others,  and  therefore  there  was 
no  necessity  obvious  to  the  passer-by  why  the  heads  of  the 
flowers  of  the  Ageratum  should  be  on  a  level  with  the  grass, 
instead  of  18  or  2-i  inches  above  it.  As  the  bed  would  be  some 
18  feet  in  diameter,  a  bed  showing  from  half  to  two-thirds  of  a 
globe  in  outline  would  have  been  much  more  telling,  looked 
far  more  natural,  and  would  have  cost  but  a  tithe  of  the 
labour.  Wheu  such  plants  must  be  used  in  regular  groups, 
there  would  be  more  excuse  for  pegging  and  tying  down,  but 
the  desired  end  would  in  every  way  be  better  secured  by  at  once 
using  plants  of  the  necessary  height  that  would  require  no 
such  torturing.  Stopping  and  pegging  must  often  be  resorted 
to  in  the  case  of  coloured  plants  used  as  edgings  ;  for  instance, 
Perilla,  Amaranthus,  Iresine,  and  Cineraria  maritima,  but  even 
they  always  look  best  when  there  is  little  necessity  for  pruning 
or  cutting  them.  Some  massive  lines  of  Iresine  with  us  have 
never  been  touched,  and  they  only  want  a  little  moist  weather 
to  make  them  look  beautiful.  We  like  to  see  Iresine  best  when 
bathed  with  dew. 

We  have  commenced  cuttings  for  the  beds  next  season  ;  will 
take  a  few  Verbenas,  Heliotropes,  &c,  first,  and  then  will 
follow  with  variegated  Pelargoniums.  If  we  can  manage  we 
will  place  all,  or  as  many  as  possible,  in  small  shallow  wooden 
boxes,  so  as  to  be  easily  moved,  and  they  pack  closer  than  pots. 
On  an  average,  our  cuttings  will  have  from  1  to  1\  inch  each, 
and  will  be  small,  to  take  up  little  room  in  winter. 

We  have  had  a  busy  week  potting  and  overhauling  Ferns  ; 
for  drainage  and  mixing  we  used  a  good  deal  of  charcoal,  and 
as  we  were  scarce  of  it  we  made  a  few  barrowloads  by  the 
quick  and  handy  process  we  lately  detailed.  We  were  rather 
anxious  that  our  readers  would  guess  what  the  Coleus  bed  at 
Woburn  was  edged  with,  as  we  might  have  gained  some  new 
idea;  but  we  find  that  to  prevent  many  inquiries  we  may  as 
well  state  at  once  that  the  edging  consists  of  a  double  row, 
from  16  to  18  inches  wide,  of  the  Polemonium  casruleum  varie- 
gatum.  There  was  hardly  a  leaf  of  the  Polemonium,  except 
a  few  central  ones,  that  would  not  average  fully  9  inches  in 
length,  and  beautifully  coloured  and  marked.  We  have  seen 
and  tried  a  great  many  plants  in  combination  with  the  Coleus, 
but  such  fine-leaved  plants  of  this  Polemonium  seemed  to 
leave  everything  else  we  have  seen  far  behind.— R.  F. 


TO    CORRESPONDENTS. 

*•»  We  requpst  that  no  one  will  write  privately  to  any  of  the 
correspondents  of  the   "  Journal  of  Horticulture,  Cottage 
Gardener,  and   Country  Gentleman."     By   so   doing  they 
are   subjected   to  unjustifiable   trouble  and   expense.      All 
communications  should   therefore   be   addressed   solely    to 
The  Editors  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture,  t£c,  171,  Fleet 
Street,  London,  E.G. 
Books  (Mr.  P.,  Salisbury).— You  will  find  a  treatise  on  Vines  in  pots  in 
the  "  Vine  Manual,"  which  can  be  had  from  onr  office  by  post  for  thirty- 
two  stamps.    (Prudence). — "  Greenhouses  for  the  Many  "  will  give  you  the 
instruction  you  require  for  erecting  a  greenhouse,  and  "  Flower  Garden 
Plans  "  will  furnish  the  other  information  you  aBk  for.    The  former  can 
be  had  from  our  office,  free  by  post,  for  Beven  postage  6tamps,  the  latter 
for  5s.  5d. 

Renanthera  Lowii.— In  page  85  the  quotation  is  from  the  "  Botanical 
Magazine  "  for  1864,  not  1854. 

Gardeners'  Examinations  (Jos.  Bowker). — Apply  to  Mr.  Richards, 
Royal  Horticultural  Society,  South  Kensington,  W.,  and  he  will  supply 
you  with  the  information. 

Carnations  (Old  Subscriber). — We  cannot  recommend  tradesmen.  Any 
of  the  leading  florists  who  advertise  in  our  columns  will  be  able  to  supply 
yon. 

Vinegar  Plant  (J.  G.,  Chester).—  This  is  the  mycelium  of  a  mould, 
Penicillium  glancum,  found  on  liquids  undergoing  acetous  fermentation. 
We  do  not  know  where  it  can  be  obtained.  The  Fern  is  Scolopendrium 
vulgare  ramo-proliferum. 

Araocaria  imbricata  ( W.  R.}.— It  has  frequently  produced  cones  and 
seeds  at  Bicton,  and  in  other  gardens,  but  such  an  occurrence  cannot  be 
said  to  be  common. 

Select  Hardy  Roses  for  Standards  (J".  W.  Boyd).— Gloire  de  Dijon, 
oraDge  yellow ;  Celine  Forestier,  bright  yellow  ;  Pierre  Notting,  rich  dark 
crimson  purple ;  Jules  Margottin,  cerise  pink ;  Baronne  Prevost,  rose ; 
Baronne  de  Maynard,  lovely  white  ;  Maurice  Bernardin,  rich  vermilion ; 
Marguerite  de  St.  Amand,  pink  flesh;  William  Griffiths,  salmon  pink; 
and  Charles  Lefebvre,  rich  crimson.  I  should  buy  new  plants.  The 
only  really  fit  land  for  Briar  Roses  is  rich  land  with  20  per  cent,  of  rich 
clay  in  it.  For  inferior  soils  the  Manetti  stock  is  the  best.— W.  F. 
Radclyffe. 


Roses  not  Succeeding*  (C.).-lt  has  been  a  very  trying  season  for 
Roses.  I  should  stir  the  surface  of  the  ground  and  water  the  plants  well. 
September  is  a  good  month  for  rooting.  You  ought  not  to  havecnt  down 
yoor  plants  so  late  as  September.  The  wood  made  after  that  time  could 
not  have  been  sufficiently  matured  to  stand  well  so  severe  a  winter, 
followed  by  a  late  cold  spring.  If  you  cut  down  your  Manetti  plants  or 
Roses  on  their  own  roots,  it  should  he  done  in  the  spring.  If  you  wish  to 
remove  tbem,  it  must  be  done  cautiously,  aB  you  will  disturb  and  perhaps 
injure  the  new  rootlets.  If  your  laud  is  wot  and  needs  draining,  yon  had 
better  take  up  the  plants  and  treuch  the  ground. — AY.  F,  Radclyffe. 

Exhibiting  Roses  (Inquirer).— A  single  bloom  of  a  Rose  is  certainly 
not  a  truss,  and  the  committee  of  the  show  must  clearly  have  understood 
so,  otherwise  why  did  they  specify  one  class  to  be  shown  as  "one  bloom 
each,"  and  the  other  "  one  truss  of  each  ?"  The  only  wonder  is  that  any 
doubt  should  have  arisen  on  the  subject. 

Roses  Lady  Suffield  and  Felix  Genero  (Q.).— I  cannot  tell  the 
weight  of  the  Strawberry  which  measured  1 1 A  inches  in  circumference. 
Lady  Suffield  is  a  beautiful  and  successful  Rose,  raised  by  Mr.  William 
Paul,  of  Waltham  Cross.  I  am  glad  you  agree  in  admiring  Felix  Genero. 
Mr.  Taylor,  of  Fencote,  Yorkshire,  wrote  on  June  30th  ;— "  Felix  Genero 
is  quite  extra,  but  it  was  raised  by  Damaizin,  and  not  by  Lachanne,  as 
you  said."  Since  "  D.,"  of  Deal,  left  here  on  July  16th.  he  visited  Mr. 
Keynes's  nursery,  and  wrote — "  I  saw  many  specimens  of  Felix  Genero, 
and  they  were  very  good."  I  spoke  of  the  Rose  on  the  Manetti  stock. — 
W.  F.  Radclyffe. 

Long  Shoots  on  Roses  (Frank  W ihon).— We  cut  back  all  our  Hybrid 
Perpetual  Koses  after  flowering,  shortening  the  flowering  shoots  to  within 
five  or  six  joints  of  their  bases,  and  the  long  shoots  we  cut  back  about 
half  their  length,  or  shoots  of  4  feet  we  reduce  to  2  feet,  and  in  this 
way  we  keep  the  plants  compact,  and  have  flowers  in  autumn,  with  the 
wood  well  ripened  at  its  base.  We  should  cut  the  shoots  back  about  half 
their  length  at  once.  There  is  no  good  in  a  shoot  4  feet  long  rednced 
three-fourths  at  the  winter  pruning,  all  the  best  buds  are  cut  away,  the 
worst  retained.  Dwarf  Roses  should  be  planted  8  feet  apart  every  way. 
Bones  are  first-rate  manure  for  Roses,  whether  applied  in  the  form  of 
half-inch  bones,  or  as  dust.  Of  hair  we  have  no  experience,  but  do  not 
see  why  it  should  not  be  a  valuable  fertiliser. 

Makino  Vine  Borders  and  Planting  them  (C.  P.). — The  beginning 
of  July  is  the  best  time  for  planting  Vines,  as  they  have  then  time  to 
become  established  before  winter.  After  August  is  too  late,  we  would 
then  prefer  planting  in  sprint?.  We  should  likewise  prefer  leaving  the 
making  of  the  border  until  then,  as  if  it  is  made  now  the  soil  will  become 
considerably  solidified,  if  not  soddened,  before  spring,  and  the  Vine  roots 
will,  consequently,  not  take  so  readily  with  it. 

Goniophlebium  appendiculatum  ( T.  H.  V.).— Wo  should  not  consider 
this  a  variegated  Fern.  Though  it  has  distinct  reddish  veius  and  minute 
spots  on  the  pinnse,  yet  it  is  no  more  variegated  than  some  others,  as 
Blechnum  corcovadense.  To  be  variegated,  the  plant  should  not  only 
have  more  than  one  Bhade  of  colouring,  but  the  markings  must  be  dis- 
tinct, as  in  Pteris  argyriea,  P.  tricolor,  &c. 

Gardenia  Propagation  (C.  A.  <?.).— Take  cuttings  now  from  the  shoots 
of  the  current  year,  or  those  that  have  growing  points,  and  with  the  base 
rather  firm,  or  what  is  termed  half  ripe;  insert  them  in  a  pot  well 
drained  and  filled  to  within  an  inch  of  the  rim  with  silver  sand  and  sandy 
peat  in  equal  parts,  and  to  the  rim  with  silver  sand.  Place  them  in  a 
bottom  heat  of  from  70°  to  75°,  and  in  a  corresponding  top  heat,  and 
keep  them  moist  and  shaded  from  bright  sun.  They  will  be  well  rooted 
in  about  six  weeks,  when  they  should  bo  potted  off  singly,  and  again 
placed  in  bottom  heat  until  established. 

Canna  Seeds  not  Germinating  (Caroline).— The  seeds  sent  to  ns  of 
Canna  indica  coccinea  we  believe  are  sound  and  will  yet  vegetate.  Soak 
the  seeds  for  twelve  hours  in  water  at  a  temperature  of  125°,  and  then 
sow  them  in  light  soil,  placing  the  pots  in  a  bottom  heat  of  not  less  than 
70°,  and  not  more  than  9J  .  The  seeds  are  best  sown  in  Bpring,  and 
then  the  young  plants  can  be  forwarded  so  as  to  become  good  plants 
before  autumn.  If  you  sow  now  it  will  be  necessary  to  winter  the  plants 
in  a  house  where  there  is  a  good  heat,  a  light  airy  position  in  a  stove 
being  most  suitable.  We  remember  the  time  when  they  were  grown  as 
stove  plants. 

Produce  of  Forced  Strawberries— Stephanotis  floeibunda  Cul- 
ture (Inquirer). — We  have  seldom  weighed  the  general  produce,  but 
from  3  to  6  ozs.  would  be  a  fair  average  crop  for  good  plants  of  Straw- 
berries in  6-inch  (32- sized)  pots,  from  March  to  April.  Frequently  we 
must  be  satisfied  with  leBS,  sometimes  wo  obtain  more.  Cut  flowers  of 
Stephanotis  floribunda  are  generally  in  demand,  but  as  we  have  seen  the 
roofs  of  houses  covered  with  it,  we  are  not  so  sure  of  their  being  the  most 
profitable  flowers.  It  is  best  trained  about  15  inches  from  the  glass,  and 
grown  in  a  large  tub  or  planted  out.  If  a  little  heat  can  be  given  to  the 
roots  all  the  better.  We  do  not  think  you  will  do  much  good  with  it  in 
any  way  in  a  house  intended  for  Vines  or  Peaches,  as  these  must  have  a 
cooler  resting  period  than  will  Buit  it.    A  medium  stove  heat  suits  it  beBt. 

Border  of  Spring-flowering  Plants  (L.  H.  M.). — You  do  not  tell  ns 
how  your  border  is  surrounded,  a  matter  of  Bome  importance.  One  of 
the  simplest  arrangements  with  seeds  for  early  work  would  be  to  sow  the 
diamonds  with  blue  Nemophila  insignis,  and  the  triangles  opposite  each 
other  with  pink  and  white  Virginian  Stocks.  These  would  not  last  long, 
but  they  would  make  a  fine  display  early.  If  your  position  is  damp,  the 
common,  also  the  alpine  Forget-me-not,  especially  the  latter,  would  make 
a  fine  display  early.  We  do  not  undertake  to  plant  beds  and  borders,  we 
only  advise  and  criticise.  Such  a  border  would  look  well  filled  with  three 
colours  of  Daisies,  also  with  three  colours  of  Pansies  or  Heartsease. 

Wintering  Caladiums  (IF.  L.).— After  the  foliage  is  withered  shake 
out  the  tubers,  and  pack  them  in  sand  in  a  box,  being  careful  not  to 
injure  the  outer  skin.  They  ought  not  to  he  packed  so  closely  together  as 
to  touch.  Keep  them  in  the  warmest  part  of  the  stove;  indeed,  they 
require  a  winter  temperature  of  from  60-  to  65°.  They  should  not  be 
kept  dust  dry,  but  are  the  better  of  slight  moisture,  though  the  soil  is 
to  every  appearance  dry.  If  you  had  room  we  should  prefer  keeping 
them  in  the  pots. 

Aphis  on  Cabbages  (James  Levesque). — We  have  found  dusting  the 
plants  with  quicklime  very  beneficial,  and  that  we  are  now  practising 
with  ours  very  successfully.  Dusting  with  tobacco  powder  is  more  effi- 
cacious, and  bo  is  sprinkling  overhead  with  tobacco  water,  that  of  the 


110 


JOUBNAL   OF  HOBTIOULTTJEE   AND   COTTAGE   GAEDENEE. 


[  August  11,  1870. 


shops  being  diluted  with  six  times  its  bulk  of  water.    Various  insect-de- 
stroying compounds  are  also  uBed  successfully. 

Manuring  Roses  (A.  B.  A.).— We  should,  in  November,  give  a  good 
mulching  over  the  dressing  of  manure,  which  may  be  2  or  3  inches  thick, 
and  a  few  inches  of  dry  litter  would  keep  all  safe  from  frost.  Every 
winter  we  have  our  Rose  beds  mulched  nearly  a  foot  thick,  and  we  never 
knew  an  eye  decay.  In  spring  remove  the  loose  portion  of  the  litter,  and 
point  the  manure  neatly  in  with  a  fork.  There  is  no  necessity  to  go  so 
deep  as  to  interfere  with  the  roots.  Liquid  manure  is  very  serviceable 
when  plants  are  growing,  but  not  when  the  plants  are  at  rest,  and  is  not 
to  be  recommended  in  preference  to  manure  in  a  solid  state.  Both  are 
useful. 

Forming  Rhododendron  Beds  (Idem)  —The  soil  where  the  beds  are 
to  be  made  should  be  taken  out  to  a  depth  of  2  feet,  and  the  space  filled 
with  the  sandy  soil  and  the  peat  from  the  meadow  in  about  equal  pro- 
portions. The  peat  is  best  used  fresh,  but  that  exposed  to  the  atmo- 
sphere during  the  summer  will  aDSwer  very  well.  The  ground  should  be 
drained,  for  if  stagnant  water  lodge  in  the  soil  even  American  plants, 
which  delight  in  moisture,  will  not  thrive.  The  peat  should  be  chopped 
up,  but  need  not  he  made  very  fine. 

Forming  a  Lawn  (Idem). — Turf  being  scarce,  you  may  sow  grass  seeds 
instead.  Fill  up  all  holes  and  take  down  the  hillocks,  so  as  to  form  an 
even  surface,  and  dig  or  trench  the  ground  so  as  to  give  the  turf  or  grass 
seeds  a  chance  of  growing,  becoming  established,  and  making  uni- 
form growth  throughout.  For  your  soil  wo  advise  Festuca  duriuscula, 
3  lbs.  ;  Cynosurus  cristatus,  6  lbs. ;  Festuca  tenuifolia,  8  lbs.;  Poa  nemo- 
ralis,  2  lbs.;  Poa  trivalis,  2  lbs.;  Poa  nemoralis  sempervirens,  2  lbs.; 
Trifolium  repens,  8  lbs. ;  Trifolium  minus,  4  lbs. ;  Lotus  cornicnlatus 
minor,  1  lb. ;  and  Lolium  perenne  tenue,  24  lbs.,  in  mixture  for  one  acre. 
You  may  sow  this  mixture  in  September,  the  ground  being  in  good  tilth 
and  free  of  weeds,  especially  Dock,  Dandelion,  Plantain,  Yarrow,  and 
Conch.  The  finer  the  surface  the  better  for  the  seeds.  Roll  well  after 
sowing.  If  the  ground  is  not  in  good  order  do  net  sow  until  next  April. 
Your  Carnation  we  shall  notice  next  week. 

Heating  a  Small  Greenhouse  (Q.  Q.).— Your  caBe  is  just  one  of  those 
frequently  referred  to  by  Mr.  Fish.  As  the  house  is  21  feet  by  15,  one  of 
the  best  arrangements  would  be  a  narrow  platform  all  round,  except  at 
the  doors,  a  walk  all  round,  and  a  platform  and  6tage  in  the  centre.  Then 
you  could  place  your  furnftce  deep  enough  at  the  most  convenient 
corner,  and  take  your  flue  all  round,  or  round  three  sides,  but  sunk  so  that 
the  top  of  the  flue  would  form  part  of  the  pathway.  By  this  mode  you 
Would  have  no  difficulty  with  your  doorways,  as  the  flue  would  be  beneath 
their  level.  You  would  have  also  a  pleasant  pathway  in  cold  weather. 
Your  having  to  raise  the  chimney  8  or  10  feet  would  make  the  flue  draw 
all  the  better.  (C.  I*.  C,  Bedford).— You  do  not  give  us  suflicient  data, 
especially  as  to  levels,  to  enable  us  to  help  you.  We  do  not  think  tank- 
heating  would  suit  you  as  to  expense,  nor  yet  as  to  the  doorwayB,  aa  the 
tanks  must  be  level.  Then  we  have  no  idea  how  the  level  of  the  chimneys 
in  the  hall  and  the  drawing-room  agree  with  the  level  in  the  greenhouse. 
It  is  very  difficult  to  make  heat  descend ;  it  has  a  natural  tendency  to 
rise.  There  are  exceptions ;  for  instance,  in  a  large  parlour  we  lately  saw 
an  iron  stove  in  the  middle  of  the  room  with  an  open  grate,  but  a  close 
"bevelled  top,  and  underneath  that  an  opening  for  the  smoke  to  go  down, 
which  it  did  beneath  the  floor,  and  also  beneath  the  floor  of  a  large 
kitchen,  but  then  the  smoke  flue  terminated  in  a  high  kitchen  chimney, 
and  the  draaght  was  the  cause  of  success.  It  was  here  altogether  au 
exceptional  case.  It  is  always  expensive  to  heat  such  houses  as  yours, 
11  feet  by  14  feet,  by  hot  water,  if  the  apparatus  has  to  be  erected  on 
purpose.  Then  there  is  an  objection  to  a  chimney  being  seen ;  and, 
again,  there  are  the  doorways  in  the  greenhouse.  If  in  the  hall  chimney 
you  could  fix  a  little  boiler,  so  that  the  top  of  it  should  be  about  6  inches 
below  the  level  of  the  floor  in  the  hall,  and  at  leaBt  as  low  as  the  floor  in 
the  greenhouse,  then  you  could  cross  the  floor  of  the  hall  under  the  level, 
and  have  the  pipes  above  the  floor  in  the  greenhouse,  entering  on  the 
hall  side,  going  as  far  as  the  doorway  on  the  west  Bide,  and  returning.  If 
you  could  sink  low  enough  under  that  hall  chimney,  you  might  take  a 
flue  from  it  all  round  the  greenhouse  ander  the  floor  level,  and  let  it 
terminate  at  the  chimney  above  the  furnace.  Again,  if  you  could  make 
a  small  furnace  outside  on  the  west  aide  near  the  doorway,  you  might 
also  have  a  small  flue  below  the  floor  level,  crossing  the  hall  into  the 
chimney.  If  none  of  these  suit,  the  simpleBt  plan  would  be  to  have  a 
metal  stove,  with  a  flat  top  to  receive  an  evaporating  basin,  and  take  a 
4-inch  pipe  from  it  outside  the  roof  of  the  greenhouse.  The  Btove  will 
be  rarely  wanted  from  April  to  the  middle  of  October.  Is  there  no 
iitchen  not  so  far  off  on  a  lower  level  than  the  greenhouse,  from 
which  you  could  borrow  heat  ?  Level  in  these  matters  cannot  be  dis- 
regarded. 

Mildew  on  Peas  (Mrs.  H.  Thring).— The  way  to  prevent  Peas  becom- 
ing mildewed,  is  to  give  them  copious  supplies  of  water. 

Berberis  not  Flowerino  (Norwood).— The  plants  will  flower  as  soon 
as  they  are  old  enough,  if  not  interfered  with. 

Discolor  (R.  G.).— This  word  is  applied  to  parts  having  one  surface  of 
one  colour,  and  the  other  of  another  colour ;  also  to  green  altered  by  a 
mixture  of  purple.  The  leaves  of  Cissus  discolor  are  green  mottled  with 
white  on  the  upper  surface,  and  purplish  red  be'jeath  :  hence  the  appli- 
cation of  the  word.  Tricolor,  as  applied  to  variegated  zonal  Pelargo- 
niums, has  before  been  objected  to,  but  it  is  sanctioned  by  use,  and  gene- 
rally understood,  and  the  leaves  of  such  Pelargoniums  contain  three 
colours  in  various  degrees  of  intensity. 

Cabbage  Caterpillars  (Subscriber).— Those  you  complain  of  appear 
to  be  the  larva;  of  Pontia  brassicK,  for  which  hand-picking  is  the  remedy. 

Plants  for  Exhibition  (C.  R.).— We  should  decidedly  prefer  the  Fern. 

Wasps.—"  J.  P.  H."  says  that  he  has  noticed  for  years  that  however 
abunoant  wasps  are  throughout  England,  it  is  a  very  unuBual  thing  to 
meet  with  one  in  the  town  of  Southampton.  It  cannot  be  on  account  of 
the  sea  air,  as  he  has  noticed  in  other  seaport  towns  the  grocers'  and 
other  windows  full  of  wasps  at  this  season."  If  Southampton  is  so 
exempt,  we  can  assign  no  valid  cause;  but  we  remember  the  storv  of 
Charles  II.  and  the  Royal  Society. 

Insects  (B.  S.  P.Jun.).— The  bees  sent  are  Andrena  pilipes,  one  of  the 
solitary  nest-making  species.  The  smaller  ones  are  the  males,  which, 
like  all  male  insects,  are  destitute  of  a  sting.  (J.  H ).— Your  Cherrv 
loaves  are  infested  with  the  slimy  larva;  of  a  small  black-winged  species 


of  saw-fly,  Selandria  fethiops.  Theymay  be  killed  with  dusted  lime  or  lime- 
water.  (E.  S.,  Liverpool). — Your  Ash  trees  are  attacked  by  the  small 
and  not-uncommon  little  beetle  named  Hylesinus  Fraxini.  Its  habits 
are  quite  like  those  of  the  Scolytus  destructor  which  attacks  the  Elm,  the 
female  depositing  her  eggs  in  the  bark,  and  the  young  larva;  burrowing 
into  the  inner  bark.  If  very  numerous  the  trees  might  be  partially 
barked,  the  baik  being  burnt.— I.  O.  W. 

Names  of  Fruit  (Sir  Percy  Burrell).— The  Plum  is  evidently  a  wild- 
ing, and  not  referable  to  any  cultivated  variety. 

Names  of  Plants  (Chdteau  Vallon). — We  cannot  say  exactly  what 
your  plant  is  from  the  leaf  only,  but  suppose  it  to  be  some  Anthemoid 
Composite,  some  ally  of  the  Feverfew.  Cannot  you  send  us  a  flower? 
(J.  G.  S.). — 1,  Veronica  Teucrium  ;  2,  4,  5,  6,  Y.  longifolia  and  its  varieties, 
differing  only  in  colour  or  variegation ;  8,  V.  gentianoides  variegata ; 
8,  Some  epecies  of  Teucrium,  send  when  in  flower ;  7,  Pentstemon 
glaucum.  (Subscriber). — 1,  Rhus  Cotinus;  2,  Hypericum  chinense ;  3, 
Geranium  sanguineum.  (Tyro).  —  Apparently  Anchusa  sempervirens. 
(Foxgrove ). — One  of  your  shrubs  (that  in  fruit)  is  Rhamnus  Frangula,  the 
other  is  very  doubtful,  probably  some  Prunus  ;  send  a  better  specimen, 
if  possible,  in  flower  or  fruit.  (A  Constant  Reader). — 1,  A  narrow-leaved 
variety  of  Sweet  Bay,  Laurus  nobilis ;  2,  We  suppose  it  to  be  some 
Acacia,  but  do  not  recognise  it.  (R.  Jameson,  Gargrave). — Ornithogalum 
alliaceum.  iShort  Grass)  — Bromus  Becalinus.  The  idea  of  its  being 
degenerated  Oats  is,  we  find,  widely  spread,  but  is  utterly  unfounded  ;  a 
like  fallacy  in  supposing  Lolium  temulentum  to  be  degenerated  Wheat 
also  prevails.  (S.  Brierley). — Seedling  state  of  Pteris aquilina.  (Amateur), 
Colutea  arborescens. 


POULTRY,   BEE,   AND   PIGEON   CHRONICLE. 


PREVENTION  OF  FRAUDULENT    PRACTICES 
AT  POULTRY  AND    BIRD    SHOWS. 

The  process  of  incubation  being  completed,  and  the  ad- 
monition not  to  study  one  of  the  simple  rules  of  arithmetic  aa 
applied  to  poultry  being  removed,  breeders  will  be  legitimately 
engaged  in  counting  their  chickens. 

In  prospect  of  the  approaching  exhibition  season,  let  me  take 
time  by  the  forelock,  and  call  the  attention  of  committees  to 
the  importance  of  legislating  on  the  above  question.  Muoh 
has  been  said  about  it,  and  many  suggestions  made  with  a  view 
to  putting  a  stop  to  the  dishonest  (there  is  only  one  word  for  it) 
practices  of  certain  exhibitors.  I  cannot  now  refer  to  the 
artioles,  for  though  I  have  the  index  to  the  last  volume  of  the 
Journal,  unfortunately  that  is  all  I  have,  as  I  either  give  away 
my  weekly  numbers,  or  lend  them,  which  amounts  to  the  same 
in  the  end.  But  if  my  memory  serves  me  correctly,  nobody 
seems  to  have  prescribed  a  specific  for  this  loathsome  form  of 
moral  disease,  while  those  who  do  recommend  some  mild  kind 
of  medicine,  either  do  it  as  if  with  a  desire  not  to  hurt  the  sen- 
sitive feelings  of  their  patients,  or  administer  it  in  such  a  way 
that  its  effects  are  not  felt.  Cautions  and  hints  are  only  gentle 
aperients,  and  the  disease  can  only  be  met  by  strong  purgatives. 

One  correspondent,  taking  what  I  think  is  a  correct  view  of 
the  matter,  suggested  that  action  should  commence  with  the 
committee  of  management,  and  said  he  should  hail  with  satis- 
faction the  appearance  of  a  schedule  with  stringent  rules  affect- 
ing the  subject  under  consideration.  A  prize  list  with  regu- 
lations worded  in  general  terms,  implying  that  specimens  must 
be  shown  honestly,  is  issued,  but  no  special  punishment  for  an 
infringement  of  this  necessary  requirement  is  attached.  On 
this  head  all  is  vague,  and  in  many  cases  the  extreme  penalty 
is  the  disqualification  of  the  single  pen  or  specimen  in  the 
quietest  manner  possible,  not  to  alarm  intending  purchasers, 
and  so  spoil  the  market,  and  when  any  disagreeable  work  has 
to  be  done,  the  judge  is  expected  to  take  it  on  his  shoulders. 
It  is  no  part  of  his  office.  When  any  case  of  more  than  ordi- 
nary barefaced  impudence  occurs,  when  a  manufactured  bird" 
appears  in  borrowed  plumes,  or  minus  his  surplus  plumage,  or 
daubed  up  to  such  an  extent  that  the  paint  "  comes  off  in 
lumps,"  as  I  once  heard  it  rematked,  then  comes  the  cry  that 
the  judge  ought  to  do  this,  and  the  judge  ought  to  do  that,  and 
the  judge  ought  to  do  the  other  thing.  It  is  quite  a  mistake. 
The  judge  should  do  nothing  of  the  sort.  It  is  his  duty  to 
award  prizes  and  detect  frauds,  and  nothing  else.  He  has  no 
right  even  to  put  "  disqualified"  on  a  pen,  or  as  muoh  as  to 
mark  with  his  pencil  a  card  or  a  label.  His  awards  and  re- 
marks should  be  handed  in  to  the  committee,  and  it  is  for  them 
to  inflict  the  punishment  which  the  rules  say  shall  be  inflicted. 
Then  let  the  rules  be  stringent.  It  is  the  pusillanimity  of  com- 
mittees which  alone  is  to  blame  for  the  demoralised  state  of 
things  existing  in  our  shows  unchecked,  which  allows  exhibit- 
ors convicted  of  fraudulent  doings  still  to  carry  on  their  ne- 
farious trade  in  the  most  unblushing  manner,  and  I  grieve  to 
say,  that  in  discussion  with  men  im  whom  I  might  have  ex- 
pected to  find  a  higher  tone  of  exhibitionising  morality,  I  have 


August  11,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


Ill 


discovered  a  mental  obliquity  most  painful  to  witness,  a  dis- 
position to  shirk  the  question,  and  au  implicit  belief  in  the 
shuffling  creed,  that  two  wrongs  make  one  right. 

I  would  therefore  urge  on  all  committees  to  revise  their  rules, 
or  rather  those  relating  to  fraudulent  practices  and  the  penal- 
ties thereunto  attaching  ;  and  if  they  be  really  anxious  to  root 
out  dishonesty  and  expunge  the  names  of  dishonest  meu  from 
their  catalogues,  let  them  enact  such  laws  as  shall  be  a  terror 
to  evil-doers,  and  which  will  practically  have  the  effect  of 
driving  them  from  the  exhibition- field,  nailing  them  up  against 
the  gable  ends  of  our  catalogues  and  reports  as  the  stoats  and 
polecats  of  the  hen-roost.  It  is  useless  winking  at  any  mal- 
practices, or  trying  to  gloss  them  over — pull  them  up  by  the 
roots.    A  time-serving  policy  is  always  a  self-defeating  policy. 

In  our  rules  (North  of  England  Ornithological  Association, 
Sunderland],  we  have  the  following — "  Any  bird  with  clipped, 
drawn,  or  artificially  coloured  plumage  shall  be  excluded,  and 
the  owner  of  such  bird  shall  forfeit  all  entrance  fees,  and  shall 
be  disqualified  from  taking  a  prize  at  this  or  any  future  shows 
of  the  Association."  We  issued  this  in  1866,  and  have  found 
it  work  well.  But  with  the  object  of  still  further  checking  the 
evil  the  rule  will  be  made  still  more  comprehensive  in  its  grasp, 
inoluding  all  who  shall  at  any  time  have  been  convicted  of  such 
practices  at  any  public  show.  The  published  report  of  such 
delinquency,  or  a  notification  from  an  accredited  secretary  or 
official  authority,  will  be  deemed  sufficient  reason  for  such 
exclusion ;  while  the  option  of  accepting  or  refusing  any  entry 
will  enable  us  to  deal  very  summarily  with  cases  of  suspected 
bona  fide  ownership.  We  shall  do  this  or  give  up  shows  en- 
tirely, for  we  will  never  consent  to  their  existence  if  connection 
with  chicanery  and  knavery  be  the  conditions. 

The  result  of  my  own  observation  as  a  judge,  and  my  expe- 
rience as  a  breeder,  is  that  perfection  (in  the  department  I 
represent)  is  in  many  classes  a  much  scarcer  article  than  is 
supposed,  and  exists  really  in  a  much  less  degree  than  is  ap- 
parently presented  to  us  at  shows.  Translate  that  into  plain 
Saxon.  It  is  to  induce  an  honest  exhibition  of  the  nearest 
approximation  to  perfection  that  the  legislation  of  our  com- 
mittees should  tend,  that  we  may  know  when  we  are  looking 
at  any  bird  that  what  we  see  is,  and  not  that  it  is  not. — W.  A. 
Blakston. 

TESTIMONIAL  TO  MR.  E.  FULTON. 

It  will  be  in  the  recollection  of  many  of  your  readers  that  at 
the  exhibition  of  Pigeons  held  at  Glasgow  in  December,  1869, 
when  the  contest  for  the  grand  challenge  cup  was  decided, 
some  birds  exhibited  by  Mr.  Fulton  were  by  some  unaccount- 
able means  transposed  to  the  pens  belonging  to  his  principal 
opponent,  who  thereby  received  the  points  really  gained  by 
Mr.  Pulton's  birds.  This,  in  the  opinion  of  some  fanoiers, 
materially  affected  the  position  of  the  competitors,  and  some 
of  Mr.  Fulton's  friends  being  of  opinion  that  the  cup  should 
have  been  finally  awarded  to  him,  have,  in  order  to  testify  to 
his  thoroughly  upright  conduct,  and  their  opinion  he  had  been 
somewhat  harshly  treated,  subscribed  for  and  presented  to  him 
a  duplicate  of  the  original.  The  cup  is  of  very  handsome 
design,  and  an  exact  fac-simile,  excepting  that  the  figure  of  a 
Pouter  on  the  cover  and  the  stand  itself  is,  as  well  as  the  body 
of  the  cup,  of  silver,  instead  of  being  plated  like  the  original. 

The  presentation  took  place  in  the  presence  of  several  of 
Mr.  Fulton's  friends,  who  warmly  congratulated  him  upon  the 
position  he  has  attained  amongst  fanciers  generally  by  his  strict 
integrity  and  straightforward  dealings.  Amongst  the  sub- 
scribers were  Messrs.  F.  Crossley,  G.  Ure,  F.  T.  Wiltshire, 
J.  Ford,  G.  Chapman,  and  other  English  and  Scotch  fanoiers. 
— J.  Fobd,  Treasurer. 


CLITHEROE   POULTRY   SHOW. 

The  following  are  the  awards  made  at  the  above  Show,  held 
August  6th  : — 

Gike.— 1  and 2,  P.  &  C.  Haworth.  NewfleW,  Haslingden.  Cock— 1,  F.  &  C. 
Haworth.  '_>,  Messrs.  Eastwood  ,t  Hindle,  Accrington.  Any  other  Variety  — 
1,  F.  &C.  Haworth.  2,  W.RobinBon,  Clitheroe.  Dokkings.  -1  and 2, T.  Briden, 
Earliy,  Skipton.  Cochins.— Buff  or  Cinna  mon—  1  and  2,  T.  Seed,  B;ishall  Town, 
Chitheroe.  Any  Variety.  —  1.  G.  Anderton,  Accrington.  2,  H.  Smalley, 
GrindJetoi).  Clitheroe.  Spanish— 1,  F.  &  C.  Haworth.  2,  H.  Wilkinson,  Earbv, 
Skirton.  Brahma— 1,  F.  &  C.  Haworth.  2,  G.  Anderton.  Hambobohs.— 
6ohlen-i>ene,Ued.-l,B.  Bee,  Goosnargh.  2,  H.  Pickles,  jun.,  Earhy.  Skipton. 
Sdrer-peneilled.  —  l,  B.  Bee.  2,  H.  Pickles.  Jan.  Golrten-spantiled.  —  1,  H. 
Pickles.  Silver  spangled.  — 1,  H.  Pickles.  2.  J.  Cronkshaw,  Accrington. 
Black.— I,  F.  &  C.  Haw.  rtta.  2,  B.  Bee.  Poland.— 1,  H.  Pickles.  Gaiie 
Bantams.— 1.  T.  Barker,  Hill  End,  Burnley.  2,  N.  H.  Ellis,  Accrington.  Cork. 
—1,  Harwood  $  Buckley.  Accrington.  2,  Bellingham  &  Gill,  Burnley.  Turkeys. 
—1,  J.  Houlker,  Blackburn.    Geese.— 1,  J.  Houlker.   2,  T.  Bank,  Waddington.  I 


Ducks.— Aylesbury.— 1,  H.  Deane,  "Whalley.    2.  .1.  Snaith,  Clitheroe.    Rouen.~ 

1,  J.  Houlker.   Any  Variety.— 1,  F.  &  C.  Haworth. 

PIGEONS. 
Carriers.— 1,  L.  Byrom,  Blackburn.  2,  J.  Ashwortb,  Blackburn.  Tumblebs. 
—1  and  2.  Bellin?bam  A  Gill,  Burulev.  Babbs.  —  1  and  2,  J.  Hamilton, 
Haslingden.  Owls.— 1,  W.  Buckley,  Blackburn.  2,  J.  W.  Brade,  Blackburn. 
Pouters  oh  Cboppebs. — 1,  Bellingham  &  Gill.  Fantails.— 1  and  2.  J.  Kemp, 
Haslingden.    Tubuits.— 1,  J.  Kemp.    2,  F.  Moore,  Burnley.    Dragoons.— 1  and 

2.  J.  Ashworth.     Trumpeters. — 1  and  2,   Bellingham  &   Gill.     Any  other 
Vabietv.— 1,  Bellingham  &  Gill.    2,  J.  Riley,  Accrington. 


Rabbits.— Spanish— \.  J.  Boyle,  jun.,  Blackburn.  2,  -T.  Irving,  Park  Gates, 
Blackburn.  Any  other  Variety.— I,  J.  Boyle,  jun.  (Silver-Grey).  2,  A.  L. 
Lawstron,  Haslingden  (Himalayan). 

Judges  : — Mr.  T.  Wareing,  of  Preston,  and  Mr.  Thompson,  of 
Halifax. 


(From  a  Correspcnuhnt.) 

The  Rabbits  were  quite  a  Buccess,  considering  there  were  only  two 
classes,  and  that  the  prizes  were  so  small,  the  hrst  prize  bein^  only 
105.,  the  second  5s.  The  first  prize  was  awarded  to  a  Black  and  White 
buck  belonging  to  Mr.  Boyle,  jun.,  a  very  fine  specimen  ;  the  second 
prize  to  a  Tortoisesbell  buck  belonging  to  Mr.  J.  Irving,  a  first-class 
Rabbit,  but  in  poor  condition.  There  were  five  pens  iu  this  class,  and 
some  leally  good  Lops.  The  "Any  other  variety"  class  bad  nine 
entries,  and  all  bnt  one  put  in  an  appearance.  The  first  prize  was 
awarded  to  Mr.  Boylo's  Silver-Grey  buck,  decidedly  the  best  in  tbo 
class,  a  beautifully  silvered  Rabbit.  The  second  prize  went  to  a 
Himalayan  buck,  very  dark  in  all  points,  but  spoiled  with  a  white 
streak  on  bis  nose,  a  fine  Babbit  but  for  that  fault. 

Taking  the  Rabbits  on  the  whole  there  was  a  first-cla39  show,  which 
ou^ht  to  encourage  the  Committee  to  offer  at  least  four  classes  for  the 
future.  The  management  was  anything  but  good ;  part  of  the 
Rabbit  pens  were  among  the  cats,  and  the  other  part  among  the 
Pigeons,  20  yards  off.  They  were  viewed  by  crowds  of  people  through- 
out the  day. 

ALLERTON  POULTRY  SHOW. 

This  Show,  which  has  attained  a  leading  position  among  the  Yorkshire 
exhibitions,  was  held  on  the  6thinst.,  and  was  a  complete  success  as 
regards  arrangements,  number  of  entries,  and  number  of  visitors.  The 
poultry  pens  were  arranged  in  a  square  with  the  Pigeon  pens  along 
the  centre.  The  pens  were  from  Turner,  and  were  purchased  for  the 
occasion  ;  their  appearance  was  very  pretty. 

Many  of  the  adult  Game,  were  much  out  of  feather,  but  the  pen  to 
which  the  cup  was  given  was  in  good  bloom  and  consisted  of  Brown 
Reds.  Spanish  were  good,  but  not  numerous.  The  first-prize  Cochins 
were  White,  ind  of  excellent  quality.  Poland*  were  very  fine,  and  the 
French  fowls  unusually  good.  The  single  Hamburgh  cocks  were  in 
full  plumage,  and  excellent  in  marking.  The  cup  for  Hamburghs 
was  won  by  Golden-pencilled  of  extraordinary  colour  and  quality  for 
the  time  of  year.  The  Bantam  classes  were  not  well  filled,  but  there 
were  some  well-shaped  birds. 

The  chickens  were  scarcely  so  numerous  as  we  have  seen  them  at 
this  Show,  and  were  as  a  rale  rather  backward  iu  feather.  This  re- 
mark applies  particularly  to  the  Game  classes.  The  Hamburghs  were 
the  best  classes  of  young  birds,  although  Mr.  Sidgwick  sent  two  excel- 
lent pens  of  Cochins ;  the  first  prize  birds  were  Buffs,  and  the  second- 
prize  birds  Partridge.  The  first-prize  Black  Red  Game  cockerel  waa 
of  extraordinary  quality,  but  the  second-prize  bird  was  most  decidedly 
one  of  last  year. 

Of  Pigeons  there  were  some  excellent  birds.  Mr.  Hawley  had  the 
best  position  for  Pouters,  and  Mr.  Horner  for  Carriers.  The  first- 
prize  Red  Mottled  Tumblers  were  little  gems,  and  the  second -prize 
Almonds  also  good  in  point  of  feather.  The  Turbit  class  was  large, 
and  many  more  prizes  might  have  been  given  to  deserving  pens.  The 
first  prize  went  to  Blacks  of  perfect  colour,  the  second  to  Blues,  and 
the  third  to  Reds.  Jacobins  were  Red  and  Black,  the  latter  losing 
only  in  the  length  of  face.  Fantails  were  moderately  good,  but  the 
first-prize  pair  rather  dirty.  The  Barb  class  contained  such  birds  as 
are  rarely  seen,  though  some  of  those  left  out  of  the  prize  list  were 
exceedingly  high  in  colour  of  eye  wattle.  The  Trumpeters  were  good, 
the  Nuns  neat,  and  the  Autwerps  the  most  extraordinary  class ;  five 
prizes  were  awarded  and  several  high  commendations.  In  Mag- 
pies the  birds  were  most  beautiful  in  colour  and  marking,  though  we 
regret  to  say  that  one  of  the  principal  exhibitors  did  not  scruple  to 
exhibit  his  expertness  iu  the  trimming  department  before  the  very  eyes 
of  the  public.  In  the  "Any  other  Variety"  class  the  first  were 
Porcelain  Swallows,  the  second  Reds,  and  the  third  a  fine  pair  of 
Silver  Runts.  In  the  SelliDg  Class  the  winners  were  a  splendid  pair 
of  pure  Silver  Dragoons,  Red  Barbs,  and  Black  Trumpeters. 

There  were  some  excellent  Rabbits,  the  best  of  which  were,  however, 

left  out  on  account  of  only  one  being  sent  in  place  of  pairs.     The  cup 

offered  to  the  exhibitor  of  Pigeons  gaining  the  greatest  value  in  prizes 

was  won  by  Mr.  J.  Hawley,  of  Bingley. 
Game—  Cock.— 1,  E.  Aykroyd.  Eccleshill.    2,  W.  Bentley,  Allerton.    S,  E. 

Wood.  "Worcester.    Hen.— 1,  J.  Hodgson.  Bradford.    2,  J.  Spencer,  Clayton. 

3  H.  C.  &  W.  J.  Mason,  Dri«hlini;toii.     he,  W.  Spencer,  Haworth  ;  E.  Aykroyd. 

Red  — 1  and  Cup,  E.  Aykroyd.    2,  J.  Sunderland,  Halifax.    Any  other  Variety. 

— 1,  H.  Jowett,  Idle.    2,  E.  Aykroyd.    S.  J.  Sunderlnnd.     Spanish  (Black).— I 

and  2.  H.  Beldon,  Goitstock.     3,  J.  Powell,  Bradford.      Cochin-China.— 1,  J. 

sichel,  Timperley.     2,  H.  Beldon.     3,  J.  H.  Dawes.  Birmingham,     he,  G. 

Fletcher,  Didsbufv.    Polands— 1,  2,  and  3,  H.  Beldon.    Dorkingr.— 1,  Hon.  H 

Fitzwiluam,  Wentworth   Woodhouse.     Brahaia   Pootras.— 1,  W.  "Whiteley 


112 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


I  August  11,1870. 


Sheffield.  2,  E.  Leech,  Rochdale.  3.  J.  Sichel.  he,  H.  Beldon.  French 
Fowls.—].  H.  Beldon.  2,  Hon.  C.  W.  Fitzwilliam.  8,  Hon.  H.  W.  Fitzwilliam. 
lie,  J.  J.  Maiden,  Biggleswade.  Hambdrghs.— Cock*.— 1,  H.  Beldon.  2,  W. 
Driver,  Keiphley.  3,  A.  Driver,  Keighley.  he,  H.  Beldon;  H.  Pickles,  jun,, 
Earby.  Golden-spangled.— 1,  W.  Driver.  2.  J.  Newton.  8,  H.  Beldon.  he,  H 
Pickles,  jnn ;  T.  Walker,  Denton.  Silver-spanaled.—  1  and  3,  H.  Beldon.  2  and 
he,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  GohU-n-pencilled.—l,  3,  and  Cup,  H,  Beldon.  2,  H.  Pickles, 
jun.  SUve r-pencilled.— 1  and  he,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  2  and  3,  H.  Beldon.  Black. 
—1,  H.  Beldon.  2,  H.  W.  Illin^worth,  Idle,  near  LeedB.  8,  T.  Walker.  Denton, 
near  Manchester,  he,  H.  W.  Illintfworth  ;  C.  Sidgwick,  Ryddlesden  Hall, 
Keiphley.  Bantams.— Game.— Gup,  W.  F.  EntwiBle.  2,  G.  Noble.  Staineliffe, 
Dewsbury.  Cock.— I,  W.  F.  Entwisle,  Westfleltf,  near  Cleekbeaton.  2.  W. 
Breaves,  Bradford.  3,  J.  Bailev,  G-reetland,  near  Halifax.  Game,  any  other 
Variety— 1,  W.  F.  EntwiBle.  Any  other  Variety.— 1,  J.  Walker.  Halifax.  2,  J. 
W.  Cannan.  Bradford.  3,  J.  Pearson,  Hill  Top,  Allerton.  he,  H.  Beldon;  S. 
and  R.  Asbtou,  Mottram,  Cheshire.  Any  other  Variety. — 1,  R.  Loft,  Wood- 
mansy,  near  Beverley.  Ducks.  —  Rouen.  —  1,  E.  Leech.  i2,  J.  Crosland, 
HudderBfield.  3.  W.  Bentley,  Greenside,  Allerton.  he,  J.  White.  Whitley, 
Netherton.  .4?!?/  other  Variety.— I,  E.  Leech.  2.  W-  Wilson,  Farnbill,  Kild- 
wick.  Ducklings.— 1  and  2,  E.  Leech.  3.  J.  Dove.  Selling  Class.— 1,  J.  J. 
Booth,  Silsden.  2,  J.  Bailey,  Earby.  3,  R.  Loft,  he,  H.  Beldon.  c,  J.  Berry, 
Silsden. 

CHICKENS. 
Game.— Cockerel— 1,  J.  Carlisle,  Earby.  2,  J.  MaBon,  Worcester.  8,  T. 
Dyson,  Halifax,  he,  J.  Fortune;  E.  Lund,  Morton  Banks.  Pullet.— 1.  J.  Car- 
lisle. 2,  J.  Harker,  Heaton.  3,  W.  H.  Green.  Queensbury.  he,  W.  Spencer, 
Haworth  ;  J,  Pearson,  Allerton  ;  H.  C.  &  W.  J.  Mason,  c,  W.  Drake,  Allerton. 
Bed.— 1,  W.  Spencer.  2.  T.  Dyson.  8,  J.  Smith.  Any  other  Variety .— 1,  M. 
Jowett,  Clayton.    2,  J.  Mitchell,  BinniiiRham.    3,  H.  Jowett.    Cochin-China.— 

1  and  2,  C  Sidgwick,  Keighley.  3,  J.  Dove,  Moulton.  Hambdrghs.— Golden- 
spangled.—l,  J.  Andrew,  Ashton-under-Lyne.  2,  W.  Driver.  8,  T.  Walker. 
Bilverspangled.—l,  H.  Beldon.  Binglev.  2,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  3.  J.  Rhodes, 
Harden,  lie,  C.  Smith.  Golden-pencilled.— 1,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  2,  H.  Beldon. 
3,  T.  Wrigley,  jun.,  Tonge   Hall,  IUiddlrton      Silver  pencilled.  — \,  H.  Beldon. 

2  and  3,  H.  Pickles,  he,  H.  Pickles;  T.  HaiiBon,  Keighley.  c,  T.  Hanson. 
Black.— I,  J.  Coekcroft,  Keighley.  2  and  3.  C.  Sidgwick.  Bantams.— Game, 
Bed.— I,  W.  F.  Entwisle.  2  and  he,  F.  Steel,  Halifax.  3,  G.  Noble,  Staineliffe. 
Any  oilier  Variety.— 1,  H.  Beldon.  2,  T.  Dyson.  3,  W.  F.  Entwisle.  he,  S.  and 
B.  Ashton,  Mottram;  W.  Clayton. 

PIGEONS. 
Pouters  or  Croppers.— 1  and  a,  J.  Hawley,  Bingley.  8,  J.  T.  Lishman 
Girlington.  Carrif.ks.— 1,2,  and  3.  E.Horner,  Harewood.  c,  S.  Smith.  Idle. 
Tumblers.— Slwrt-faeed.—l  and  3,  J.  Hawley.  2.  E.  Horner,  he,  F.  Graham, 
Birkenhead.  Any  other  Variety.— 1  and  2.  J.Hawlev.  3. E.  Horner,  he,  Clayton 
and  Bairstow,  Girlington.  Owls.— 1.  H.  Yardley,  Birmingham.  2,  J.  W. 
Cannan,  Bradford.  3,  J.Hawlev.  he,  J.  Hawley ;  S.  Smith,  Idle;  E.Horner. 
Turrits.— 1,  E.  Horner.  2.  A.  Child,  Idle.  3,  T.  Foster,  Denholme  Gate,  he,  J. 
IUiugworth,  Allerton.  c.  C.  Sugden,  Wilsden ;  E.  Horner.  Jacobins— 1  and 
2,  J.  Hawley.  S,  J.  W.  Cannan.  he,  J.  T.  Lishman  :  J.  Crosland ;  E.  Horner. 
Fantails.—I,  H.  Yardley.  2,  E.Horner.  S.C.Sugden.  he,  J. Hawley;  E. Horner. 
c,  F.  Graham.  Barbs.— 1,  E.  Horner.  2,  J.  W.  Cannan.  3,  H.  Yardley. 
he,  J.  Crosland.  Dragoons.— 1  and  2,  F.  Graham.  3,  J.  Hawley,  Bingley. 
c,  J.  T.  Lishman;  J.  Hawley.  Trumpeters.— 1,  J.  Hawlev.  2,  E.  Horner. 
S,  J.  Crossland.  Nuns.— 1,  F.  Graham.  2  and  3,  H.  Yardley.  he,  J.  T.  Lishman. 
Antwerps.— 1,  J.  T.  Lishman.  2,  E.  Homer.  3.  J.  Hawley.  4,  J.  Crosland. 
5,  W.  Lund,  Shipley,  he,  J.  A.  CoUinson,  Halifax:  J.  Hawlev;  J.  Oldroyd, 
Mabefield;  R.  Sidgwick;  Clavton  &  Bairstow:  E.  Horner.  Magpies.— 1  and 
2,  J.  T.  LiBhman.  8,  E.  Horner,  he.  A.  H.  Easten,  Hull;  J.  Crosland;  E. 
Horner  (2).  Archangels.— 1,  H.  Yardley.  2,  E.  Horner.  3,  S.  Smith.  Any 
other  Variety.-I,  J.  T.  Lishman.  2.  E.  Horner.  3,  S.  Smith,  he,  H. 
Yardley;  J.  T.  Lishman  ;  J.  Hawley  ;  E.  Horner.  Selling  Class.— 1,  Clayton 
and  Bairstow.  2,  J.  Hawley.  3.  C.  Sugden,  he.  J.  T.  Lishman  (2);  E.Horner; 
W.  B.  von  Haansbergen,  Newcastle-on-Tyne.    c,  J.  T.  Lishman. 


Rabbits.— Long-eared.— I,  C.  Gravel,  Thorne.  Any  other  Distinct  Breed.— 
1.  T.  M.  Cording! cy,  Bradford.  2,  A.  Preston,  Allerton.  S,H.  G.  Pool,  Bradford. 
Common.--1,  J.  Knight,  Allerton.    2,  H.  Dixon,  Allerton.    8,  L.  Leech,  Allerton. 

Judges.— Poultry :  Mr.  J.  Dixon,  Bradford,  and  Mr.  R.  Teebay, 
Fulwood.    Pigeons:  Mr.  E.  Hutton,  Pndsey. 


MORLEY  POULTRY   SHOW. 
This  was  held  on  the  5th  and  6th  inst.     The  Game,  Geese,  and 
Ronen  Duels  were  very  good.     The  first-prize  pen  of  Golden-pencilled 
was  by  far  the  best  of  those  shown  in  the  Hamburgh  classes.     Of 
Pigeons  there  was  a  good  show. 

Spanish.— 1  and  Cup,  C.  W.  Brierley,  Middleton.  2,  J.  Thresh,  Bradford.  Dork- 
ings.—1.  J.  White,  Northallerton.  Brahma  Pootras.— Dark.— 1,  E.  Leach, 
Rochdale.  2,  W.  Whitely,  Sheffield.  Ua-xe— Black-breasted  Reds.—\,  R  Hem- 
ingway, Halifax.  2  W.  Fell,  Adwalton.  Brown-breasted  or  other  Re&s.—l  and 
Cup,  C.  W.  Brierley.  2,  W.  Fell.  Duekwinas  or  other  Greys  or  Blues.— 1,  J. 
Laming.  Spalding.  2,  H.  C.  Mason,  Drighlington.  Any  oilier  Variety.— 1,  T. 
and  C.  Mason.  2,  R.  and  H.  Walker.  Cock.—l,  C.  W.  Brierley.  2,  H.  Been- 
land,  Bradford.  8,W.  Fell.  Hen.-l,  H.  Beenland.  2.  J.  Fell,  he,  C.  W.  Brier- 
ley. Hambdrghs.— Golden-spangled—  1  and  2,  J.  Rollinson.    Silver-spangled.— 

1,  H.  Pickles,  .jun.,  Earby.  2,  R.Barren,  Morley.  Gulden-pencilled.— 1  and  Cup, 
S.  Smith,  Norihowram.  2,  W.  Hlingworth,  Idle.  Black— 1  and  2,  W.  Hlingworth. 
Bantams.— Game.—l,  J.  Rollinson.  2  and  he,  F.  Steel,  Halifax.  Black—  1,  S. 
andR.  Aehton.Mottrftm.    2,  W.  Illirjgworth.  Any  other  Variety.— 1,W.  Whitely. 

2,  S.  and  R.  Ashton.  Selling  Class.— 1,  C.  W.  Brierley.  2,  J.  Fell.  GEEse.— 
1,E.  Leach.  2,  J.  White.  Ducks.— Rouen— I,  E.  Leach.  2,  J.  White .— Ayles- 
bury.—1,  E.  Leaoh.  Any  other  Variety.- 1,  C.  W.  Brierley.  2,  S.  and  R.  ABhton. 

PIGEONS. 
Carriers.— 1,  H.  Yardley.  2,  E.  Horner,  Harewood.  Owls.— 1.  J.  Thresh. 
TrjRBiTS.—l,  E.  Horner.  2,  H.  Yardley.  Barbs.— 1,  H.  Yardley.  2,  E.Horner. 
Tumblers.— 1,  H.  Yardley.  2,  C.Auton.  Fantalls.- 1,  H.  Yardley.  2,  E.  Hor- 
ner. Pouters—  1,  and  2,  E.  Horner.  Jacobins.— 1,  and  2,  E.  Horner.  Trum- 
peters.—1,  J.  Thresh.  2.  C.  Anton.  Awtwerps.— I,  C.  Auton.  2,  E.. Horner. 
Amy  other  Variety.— 1,  E.  Horner.    2,  C.  Auton. 

Judge. — Mr.  John  Crosland,  Jan.,  Wakefield. 


ROYAL  AGRICULTURAL    SOCIETY'S  (OF 
IRELAND)  POULTRY   SHOW. 

This  was  held  at  Ballinasloe  on  the  3rd,  4th,  and  5th  inst.,  and  the 
following  awards  were  made  : — 

Dorkxngs.— Silver-Greys .—  1  and  2,  Mrs.  Warburton,  Kill,  Naas.    Chickens.— 

1,  W.  Magrath.     2  Mrs.  Warburton.     he.  MrB.  Warburton;  R.  P.  Williams. 
Coloured. — 1  and  2,  Mrs.  Warburton.    Chickens. — 1.  J.  C.  Cooper,  Limerick. 

2,  Mrs.  Warburton.    Spanish— 1,  S.  Mowbray,  Mountrath.    2,  R.  P.Williams. 
c,  J.  C.  Cooper.    Chickens.— 1,  S.  Mowbray.    2,  R.  P.  Williams,    c,  J.  C.  Cooper. 


Brahma  Pootra.— 1  and  2,  Mrs.  Warburton.  Chickens.  —  1,  J.  C.  Cooper. 
2,  Mrs.  Warburton.  Cochins.— Buff.— 1,J.  C.Cooper.  2,  Mrs.  Taaffe.  Chickens. 
— 1,  Mrs.  Taaffe.  2,  J.  C.  Cooper.  Other  colours.— 1  and  2,  Mrs.  Taaffe  (Black 
and  Partridge),  he,  R.  P.  Williams  (Partridge).  Chickens.— 1,  R.  P.  Williams 
(Partridge).  Turkeys.— 1,  S.  Mowbray.  2,  J.  C.  Cooper.  Poults.—  1  and  2,  J. 
Hyland,  Dublin.  Geese.— 1,  Mrs.  Warburton.  2,  R.  P.  Williams.  S,  J.  C. 
Cooper,  he,  S.  Mowbray,  c.  R.  Bowman.  Ducks. — Aylesbury.— 1  and  2,  R- 
P.  Williams.    Rouen.— 1  and  he,  R.  P,  Williams.    2,  J.  C.  Cooper. 

Judges. — Mr.  C.   F.   Staunton,  Cappagh,  Clonda  lkin  ;  Mr.  W.  G. 
Merrey,  Blesinton,  Co.  Wicklow. 


FULFORD  POULTRY  SHOW. 

This  Show  was  held  on  the  1st  inst.  The  entries  were  not  nume- 
rous, bnt  the  qnality  of  the  birds  was  good.  The  Spanish,  Dorhings, 
Samburglis,  Duels,  Geese,  and  Turkeys  were  all  thatconld  be  desired. 

Spanish.— 1,  W.  Bearpark,  Ainderby  Steeple.  2,  E.  Thackray.  Dorking 
(Any  variety).— 1  and  Extra  for  best  pen,  W.  Bearpark.  2.  Rev.  G.  Hastier, 
Stillingfleet,  York.  Game  (Any  variety).-!,  c.  Triffitt,  Cattal.  2,  —  Mollett. 
Hamburgh.— Golden-spanuled  or  pencilled— 1,  W.  Bearpark  (Spangled).  2, — 
Mollett  (Pencilled),  he,  —  Crummack.  Fnliord.  Silecr-Hiningled  or  Pencilled, 
— 1.  W.  Bearpark.  2.  —  Lazenby,  Eacrick.  lie,  W.  Croft,  Lendal.  Barndoor 
(Any  cross  breed  of  fowls,  Bantams  excepted).— 1,  J.  Hatfield,  Osbaldwick. 
2,  Rev.  G.  Hastier,  he,  —  Lazenby.  Chickens  (Any  variety).— 1,  Rev.  G.  Hastier. 
2,  —  Tasker,  Naburn.  Bantams  (Any  variety).— 1.  —  Lazenby.  2.  G.  Hutchin- 
son, he,  T.  Wheatley;  A.  S.  Perfect,  Fulford.  r.  J.  Jackson,  Heworth  •  Miss 
G.  Cattlev,  Bishopthorpe.  Any  Variety.— 1,  W.  Bearpark.  2  and  he,  C. 
Triffitt.  c,  S.  A.  Webster.  Geese  (Any  variety).— 1,  Rev.  G.  Hastier.  2,  J. 
Harrison.  Turkey  (Any  variety).— 1,  Rev.  G.  Hustler.  2,  A.  S.  Perfect. 
Ducks  (Any  variety).— 1,  Rev.  G.  Hustler.  2,  A.  S.  Perfect. 
CAGE  BIRDS. 

Canary.— Belgian,  Yellow.— 1  and  2.  J.  Baines,  Little  Shambles.  Belgian, 
Buff— I,  3.  Baines.  Yellow  hrilf-bred.—l,  —  Bradbury.  Drinuhouses.  2,  J. 
Calvert,  Bootham.  Buff  half-bred.— 1,  —  Bradbury.  2,  J.  Calvert.  Yellow 
Common.— I  and  2,  C.  Burton.  Common.  — I,  C.  Burton.  2,  —  Bradbury. 
Any  Breed  (Marked).— 1,  C.  Calvert.  2.  C.  Burton.  Created.— I.  J.  Calvert. 
2,  —  Mollett.  Cinnamon  (Yellow  or  Buff).— 1  and  2,  J.  Baines.  Lizard  (Gold 
or  Silver-spangled).— 1,  J.  Baines.  2,  C.  Burton.  Mule  (Marked).— 1,  Mrs. 
Kirlew,  Wartbill.  2,  C.  Burton.  Redcap— 1,  J.  Calvert.  2,  Mrs.  Kirklew. 
Parrot.— 1,  J.  Calvert.  2,  — Hill.  Cage  of  British  Birds  (Canaries  excepted). 
— 1,  J.  Calvert.    Turtle  and  Ring  Doves.— 1,  W.  Kirby. 

Rabbits.— Lop-eared.  —  1,  W.  Ellison,  Skeldergate.  Any  other  Variety.— 
1,  J.  W.  Hunter.    2,  C.  Woollons. 

Judges. — Poultry :  Mr.  Coates,  Escrick.  Cage  Birds  :  Mr.  Cooper, 
York.    Baibitt;  Mr.  M.  Millirjgton. 


FOOD  FOR  PIGEONS. 

All  breeders  of  fancy  Pigeons  know  that  it  is  absolutely 
necessary  during  the  breeding  season  to  add  a  little  wheat  to 
the  usual  food  given  at  each  meal.  I  refer  more  particularly 
to  the  feeding  of  such  stocks  as  are  kept  in  confinement.  Some 
old  birds  feed  more  greedily  upon  wheat  than  others,  and  con- 
sequently give  their  young  ones  a  large  portion  of  that  grain. 
When  this  is  the  case  it  is  the  means,  as  a  rule,  of  causing  a 
purging  or  scouring  in  the  young  ones,  keeping  their  nestfl  wet 
and  dirty,  retarding  the  development  of  their  plumage,  and 
preventing  them  from  thriving  as  they  would  otherwise  do. 
The  antidote  I  have  used  for  this  is  a  few  tick  beans  put  over 
the  throats  of  the  nestlings  every  evening  till  the  purging  is 
stopped.  No  Pigeons  are  more  liable  to  purging  from  an  over 
quantity  of  wheat  than  young  Pouters,  and  there  are  none  so 
liable  to  go  wrong  from  being  handled  while  in  the  nest.  With- 
out great  care  many  lose  the  power  of  their  limbs,  and  exces- 
sive purging  also  causes  this. 

A  few  weeks  ago,  while  looking  over  a  grain  merchant's 
samples,  I  came  upon  a  bag  of  rye,  which  I  ordered  as  a  substitute 
for  wheat.  My  birds  seem  to  like  it  as  well  as  wheat,  and 
having  at  the  time  young  ones  of  all  ages,  from  one  day  to 
flying  point,  this  (to  me)  new  summer  food  has  proved  so  far  a 
success,  as  I  have  not,  since  its  introduction,  had  one  case  of 
purging  among  my  birds.  It  has,  so  far,  been  the  means  of 
saving  time  and  trouble  to  myself,  and  also  of  allowing  the  old 
birds  to  pass  out  of  and  into  their  nests  with  comfort.  Bye  is 
cheaper  than  wheat,  a  matter  of  importance  now-a-days ; 
but  should  it  be  proved  that  it  does  not  cause  purging,  as  wheat 
is  so  apt  to  do,  it  will  be  of  great  importance,  as  many  valuable 
young  Pouters  may  be  saved. 

Should  any  of  our  friends  have  tried  this  grain  or  feel  in- 
clined to  try  it,  their  remarks  on  its  effects  as  a  feeding  article 
will  be  of  consequence.  It  is  little  things,  often  the  very 
little  things,  on  which  our  success  in  these  matters  depends. 
— J.  Hule. 

THE   ALMOND   TUMBLER. 

[The  following  minute  and  excellent  article  is  from  the  pen 
of  Mr.  Thou.  Hallam,  of  the  Birmingham  Columbarian  Society, 
which  Society  has  also  supplied  the  engraving.] 

In  accompanying  our  illustration  of  a  standard  Almond  with 
a  description  of  this,  in  the  opinion  of  many,  the  most  beauti- 
ful of  our  fancy  Pigeons,  which,  as  well  as  the  Carrier  and 


August  11,  1870.  ] 


JOUBNAL    OP  HORTICULTUBE  AND   COTTAGE   GABDENEB. 


113 


the  Pouter,  is  an  indigenous  variety  that  the  faDciers  of  this 
country  may  well  feel  proud  of,  it  may  be  as  well,  perhaps, 
to  preface  our  remarks  by  stating  that  our  aim  on  the  present 
occasion  is  not  to  set  up  any  new  standard  or  to  improve  upon 
any  of  the  properties  which  have  long  ago  been  established. 
We  merely  hope,  by  the  help  of  the  accompanying  exquisite  pic- 
ture, and  by  setting  forth  the  points  of  the  variety  in  question 
briefly  and  lucidly  before  the  readers  of  this  Journal,  by  pointing 
out  its  beauties,  and  perhaps  touching  a  little  on  that  bugbear 
which  no  doubt  deters  many  from  entering  the  fancy — the  diffi- 
culty of  breeding — -to  be  able  to  enlarge  the  circle,  not  of  the 
admirers  of  the  Almond,  for  every  one,  whether  in  the  fancy  or 
not,  admires  its  pretty  form,  its  jaunty  step,  and  wonderful 
diversity  of  colour,  but  the  circle  of  its  cultivators ;  in  short, 
to  induce  more  gentlemen  to  enter  into  this  engrossing  fancy, 
and  not  to  leave  it,  as  at  present,  in  the  hands  of  but  a  few. 

Further  improvement  we  do  not  think  it  is  possible  to  make 
upon  the  beBt  strains ;  the  utmost  limit  having  been  reached. 
But  the  majority  of  the  birds  we  meet  with,  especially  out 
of  the  neighbourhood  of  the  metropolis,  are  sadly  in  want  of 
some  improvement,  particularly  in  head,  beak,  and  carriage ; 
and  we  cannot  but  express  the  hope  that  our  present  contribu- 
tion to  "  our  Journal  "  may  be  instrumental  in  some  slight 
degree  in  bringing  about  this  desirable  end.  We  should  much 
like  to  see  this  lovely  variety  in  greater  force  at  our  exhibitions  ; 
to  see  some  of  the  gems  which  we  know  are  in  the  possession 
of  a  few  private  fanciers  who  never  dream  of  exhibiting  ;  to  see 
them  with  their  beautiful  plumage  all  fresh  and  glossy  from 
their  own  lofts,  instead  of  the  jaded  and  in  many  cases  worn- 
out  birds  which  make  their  appearance  merely  for  trade,  and 
which  are  bundled  from  one  exhibition  to  another  till  death 
happily  puts  an  end  to  their  miserable  existence.  We  are, 
however,  well  aware  of  the  uBelessness  of  setting  our  anticipa- 
tions too  steadfastly  on  a  pleasure  which  we  fear  will  never  be 
realised,  at  least  while  exhibitions  continue  open  so  long  as 
at  Bingley  Hall,  standard  Almond  Tumblers  so  valuable,  and 
the  prizes  (we  are  not  complaining),  so  inadequate  to  the  risk 
incurred. 

But  to  return  to  the  more  immediate  object  of  this  notice. 
In  giving  a  description  of  the  five  acknowledged  properties  of 
the  Almond  Tumbler,  we  are  well  aware  that  we  are  touching 
upon  a  delicate  subject.  It  is  a  well-known  fact  that  even  our 
first  fanciers  and  judges  cannot  agree  amongst  themselves  as  to 
which  property  of  the  five  is  of  the  greatest  importance.  Some 
claim  colour,  others  head  and  beak,  and  some  are  for  shape 
and  carriage.  In  offering  our  opinion  upon  this  contested 
point  we  merely  state  what  we  as  a  society  are  guided  by, 
without  in  the  slightest  degree  hoping,  after  so  long  a  period 
of  indecision,  that  our  opinion  will  come  to  be  the  generally 
acknowledged  one.  It  has  been  argued  that  the  great  difficulty 
of  attaining  and  maintaining  the  true  standard  feather  of  the 
Almond  should  not  only  cause  that  to  occupy  the  first  position, 
but  to  rank  equal  to  three  of  the  other  properties.  But  we  would 
respectfully  urge  that  this  difficulty  exists  only  in  connection 
with  the  high-class  head-and-beak  birds — that  is,  getting  both 
head  and  colour  together.  It  is  well-known  that  among  the 
coarse  common  birds  some  of  the  loveliest  colours  are  not  only 
easily  got,  but  just  as  easily  kept.  In  fact,  there  is  not  the 
slightest  difficulty  in  breeding  to  standard  for  feather  in  that 
class.  We  may,  perhaps,  be  allowed  to  ask  the  practical 
question,  "  Which  of  the  properties  imparts  the  greatest  value 
to  a  bird  intrinsically,  setting  aside  all  questions  of  indi- 
vidual taste  ?"  and  we  have  every  confidence  that  the  answer 
from  the  majority  of  fanciers  who  really  know  what  Almonds 
are,  would  be,  "head and  beak."  However  beautiful  birds  may 
be  in  feather,  and  combining,  as  we  have  known  instances,  a 
good  carriage  as  well,  if  they  want  the  head  and  beak — that  is, 
if  they  are  mousey  and  coarse — a  few  shillings  is  the  most 
which  can  be  obtained  for  them.  Generallv,  and  we  speak  from 
experience,  the  difficulty  is  to  get  rid  of  them  at  all.  On  the 
contrary,  however,  for  first-class  bead-and-besk  birds,  what- 
ever may  be  their  colour,  whether  Kite,  Agate,  Whole-feather, 
or  Splash,  a  ready  market  is  always  at  hand,  with  good 
prices,  and  sometimes  such  fabulous  ones  as  would  astonish 
many  an  uninitiated  person.  Fifteen  pounds  have  been  re- 
fused for  Kites  and  Agates,  and  we  have  even  known  their 
weight  in  sovereigns  offered  and  refused  for  a  pair  which  it 
was  well  known  would  not  breed.  How  much  would  have  been 
offered  for  them  with  bad  heads  and  beaks,  but  maintaining 
every  other  point  they  possessed  ?  We  leave  the  question  to 
the  decision  of  the  fancy,  merely  repeating  that  the  property 
or  properties  which  intrinsically  lend  the  greatest  value  to  a 


bird  are,  in  our  opinion,  the  most  important.  We  are  not  par- 
ticularly anxious  about  this  matter,  neither  do  we  wish  to 
thrust  our  opinion  upon  those  who  do  not  agree  with  us  ;  but 
believing  we  are  right,  and  that  the  majority  of  the  fancy  who 
are  competent  to  judge  are  with  us,  we  shall  mention  the  pro- 
perties of  the  standard  Almond  in  the  following  order — viz., 
head,  beak,  eye,  shape  and  carriage,  feather,  and  leave  our 
readers  to  the  Englishman's  privilege  as  to  what  they  will 
make  np  their  minds  to  breed  for. 

The  head  of  the  Almond  Tumbler  should  be  round,  broad, 
and  high.  The  forehead  especially  should  be  broad  and  pro- 
minent, the  feathers  rising  perpendicularly  from  the  nostril, 
and  the  more  they  give  the  appearance  to  the  bird  of  the  fore- 
head overhanging  the  beak  the  greater  will  be  its  value.  This 
is,  of  course,  when  looking  at  a  bird  in  its  natural  position  ; 
but  the  actual  skull  of  the  bird  denuded  of  its  feathers,  or 
when  they  are  pressed  down  with  the  finger,  should  form  the 
half  of  a  circle— that  is,  drawing  a  line  from  the  centre  of  the 
nose  wattle  to  the  back  of  the  he:Tt  A  bead  such  as  we  have 
described  possesses  what  is  termed  by  the  fancy  a  good  "  stop," 
and  is  the  very  opposite  to  the  term  "  mousey,"  which  means 
a  low,  narrow  skull,  tapering  gradually  and  in  a  point  to  the 
bill.  ThiB  latter  is,  in  our  opinion,  the  greatest  defect  a  bird 
can  have.  The  feathers  running  from  the  lower  jaw  round  to 
and  covering  the  ears  should  be  full,  yiroroinent,  and  slightly 
curving  upwards,  as  shown  in  the  pi  iim.it.  This  feature  adds 
very  much  to  the  appearance  of  I  be  head,  and  its.  technical 
term  is  "  muffy." 

In  speaking  of  the  beak,  we  shall  not  attempt  to  describe  the 
points  of  difference  between  what  fire  termed  the  Goldfinch, 
Canary,  or  other  beak6,  or  instance  half  an  oat  or  barleycorn 
as  a  simile.  Such  guides  are  at  the  best  merely  ambiguous 
ones,  and  point  out  nothing  definite  to  the  young  fancier.  We 
shall  simply  say  the  beak  should  be  as  short,  straight,  and  fine 
!  as  possible  ;  and  the  smaller  the  nose  wattle  is  the  better.  It 
has  been  said  that  it  should  be  so  fine  as  merely  to  resemble  a 
white  thread  drawn  across  the  roots  of  the  feathers ;  but  we 
do  not  wish  to  cut  the  matter  so  fine  as  this,  because,  for 
various  natural  reasons,  we  do  not  think  it  is  to  be  obtained. 
On  the  other  hand,  we  would  deprecate  anything  in  the  way  of 
a  large  and  coarse  wattle.  It  has  also  been  urged  that  the  beak 
6hould  be  white  ;  but  this,  again,  cannot  be  depended  upon,  as 
it  is  always  affected  very  much  by  the  colour  and  age  of  the 
bird. 

The  eye  should  be  a  clear  pearl,  large,  bright,  and  prominent, 
and  should  be  in  the  centre  of  the  head.  If  possible,  no  cere 
or  lash  should  be  perceptible,  and  the  feathers  should  grow 
close  up  to  the  edge. 

The  shape  and  carriage  of  the  Almond  are  generally  taken  as 
one  property,  and  as  such  is  one  of  the  greatest  recommenda- 
tions a  bird  can  have  in  the  eyes  of  a  true  fancier,  especially 
for  purposes  of  breeding.  Such  property  at  once  indicates  a 
well-bred  bird.  The  smaller  a  bird  is  the  better,  the  beauty  of 
the  other  properties  being  thereby  greatly  enhanced.  It  should 
be  short  in  body,  flights,  and  tail ;  I  lie  legs  short,  and  the  feet 
small.  The  neck  should  also  be  short,  and  thin  immediately 
around  the  throat,  curving  gracefully  and  imperceptibly  into 
the  chest,  which  Bhould  be  full,  broad,  and  prominent.  In 
position  the  bird  should  stand  erect  with  the  head  thrown  back, 
so  as  to  be  in  a  direct  perpendicular  line  above  the  feet;  the 
chest  held  well  up,  showing  its  greate  '  prominence  between  the 
butts  of  the  wings.  A  low  chest  is  n  areat  disfigurement  to  the 
proper  carriage,  and  is  what  is  termed  "  goose-breasted."  The 
tip  of  the  tail  should  just  touch  'lie  ground.  The  flight 
feathers  should  be  carried  drooping  lelow  the  tail,  showing 
their  colours  to  greater  advantage,  and  clearly  developing  the 
rump,  which  should  be  well  covered  i-iih  feathers,  and  nicely 
curved.  A  bird  in  the  above  position  should  stand  entirely  on 
its  toes,  the  ball  of  the  foot  beic-  -lightly  raised  from  the 
ground.  Of  course  an  Almond  Tumbler  i3  not  always  to  be 
seen  in  this  position,  any  more  than  the  Carrier  or  Pouter  are 
constantly  in  the  positions  in  which  they  are  invariably  pour- 
trayed  ;  but  if  a  bird  ha3  any  pretensions  at  all  to  a  good  shape 
and  carriage,  whether  cock  or  hen,  it  will  be  seen  in  all  its 
beauty  during  the  time  the  cock  is  driving  to  nest. 

In  speaking  of  colour,  we  must  confess  we  are  troubled  by 
the  difficulty  with  which  all  writers  on  this  subject  have  had  to 
contend— that  is,  the  want  of  a  suitable  term  adequately  to 
express  what  the  proper  ground  colour  of  the  bird  should  be. 
The  term  most  in  use,  and  which  seems  to  us  the  best  for 
the  purpose,  is  to  call  it  a  bright  "  Almond  Yellow  "—that  is, 
that  it  should  as  nearly  as  possible  resemble  the  colour  on 


114 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  August  11,  1870. 


the  inside  of  the  shell  of  the  almond  nut.  Having  this  as  the 
ground  colour,  the  whole  of  the  body  should  be  neatly  and 
evenly  pencilled,  not  splashed  or  spangled,  with  a  clear  black. 
This  should  be  the  case  particularly  on  the  neck  and  rump. 
Each  feather  in  the  flights  and  tail  should  be  evenly  and  dis- 
tinctly broken  with  the  three  colours — black,  white,  and  the 
yellow  or  ground  colour.  The  feathers  should  be  tight  and 
compact,  and  a  bright  glossy  hue  overspread  the  whole  of  the 
body,  the  beautiful  effect  of  which,  when  the  bird  stands  in  a 
ray  of  sunlight,  can  readily  be  imagined.  We  have  omitted  to 
state  that  any  tinge  of  blue  about  the  tail,  or,  in  fact,  on  any 
part  of  the  bird,  is  very  detrimental,  at  once  showing  that  it  is 
not  well  bred.  The  hen  should  be  similar  to  the  cock  in  every 
respect,  due  allowance,  of  course,  being  made  for  the  sex ;  the 
hen  in  every  variety  being  never  so  bold  in  appearance,  and 
always  more  delicate  in  structure  than  the  cock  bird.  The 
great  and  insurmountable  difficulty,  however,  with  the  Almond 
Tumbler  hen  is  to  get  the  proper  ground  colour  sufficiently 
broken.  A  hen  up  to  the  standard  in  all  points  would  realise 
a  small  fortune. 

Whilst  upon  the  subject  of  feather,  it  will  be  perhaps  as  well 
to  notice  the  great  variety  in  colour  that  is  produced  by  these 
birds,   such  as  Kites,  Duns,  Red  and  Yellow  Whole-feather, 


Splashes,  and  Agates,  the  latter  term  beiDg  applied  to  all  birds 
which  have  the  red  or  yellow  feather  more  or  less  inter- 
mingled with  white,  after  the  manner  of  what  are  known  as  Gay 
Mottles.  Kites  are  black  birds,  with  a  brilliant  metallic  lustre 
pervading  the  feather;  and  the  flight  and  tail  feathers  are 
tinged  with  red  or  yellow,  which  is  termed  "  Fiery."  These 
birds  generally  run  better  in  head  and  beak  than  the  Almonds, 
and  are  most  useful  for  breeding  purposes.  In  fact,  it  is  totally 
impossible  without  them  to  maintain  strength  of  feather. 
Splashes  generally  run  very  light  in  the  ground  colour,  with 
the  black  very  considerably  and  unevenly  intermixed.  These 
birds,  especially  the  hens,  are  also  most  valuable  for  obtaining 
a  good  break  of  feather.  Birds  of  nearly  all  the  above  varieties 
of  colour  now  make  their  appearance  with  success  in  the 
"  Shortfaced,  any  variety,"  class  at  most  of  our  large  exhi- 
bitions. 

In  conclusion,  although  we  have  already  been  far  too  lengthy 
in  our  notice,  we  should  like  to  add  a  few  words  in  reference  to 
breeding.  We  firmly  believe  that  a  false  impression  exists 
respecting  the  great  delicacy  of  these  birds,  and  the  difficulty, 
nay,  almost  impossibility,  of  raising  progeny  from  them.  We 
wish  distinctly  to  state,  more  particularly  for  the  encouragement 
of  those  who  otherwise  have  an  inclination  to  enter  the  fancy. 


that  all  such  fears  are  groundless.  The  birds  are,  or  should 
be,  as  robust  as  any  variety  of  fancy  Pigeon  we  have  ;  and  in 
illustration  of  this  we  may  perhaps  be  allowed  to  state  that  a 
member  of  the  Birmingham  Columbarian  Society  kept  a  few 
of  these  birds  in  an  open  aviary,  certainly  with  a  southernly 
frontage,  for  a  space  of  eight  or  nine  years  winter  and  summer, 
without  any  other  protection  from  the  weather  than  the  roof, 
and  no  birds  could  possibly  be  healthier  than  they  were,  having 
during  the  time  never  had  the  slightest  ailment.  We  also  know 
on  reliable  authority  of  a  collection  of  fancy  Pigeons  of  all 
kinds  being  sent  to  Canada,  and  all,  we  believe,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  the  Almonds,  succumbing  to  the  rigorous  winter  which 
followed.  And  theBe  were  birds  of  the  highest  quality  as  to 
standard  properties.  With  regard  to  breeding,  a  little  more 
attention  is  no  doubt  required  for  the  Almond  than  for  other 
varieties.  This  is  particularly  the  oase  at  the  times  of  hatching, 
and  shifting  the  young  under  the  feeders  ;  but  this  little  extra 
attention,  instead  of  being  a  trouble,  is  rather  a  pleasure  to 
the  ardent  fancier.  For  the  information  of  would-be  fanciers, 
we  will  give  a  simple  plan  in  regard  to  breeding  which  has 
been  found  not  only  effective,  but  remarkably  successful.  The 
first  and  most  important  matter  in  Almond  breeding  is  properly 
matching  the  birdB;  and  on  the  fancier's  knowledge  of  this 


much  of  his  success  will  depend.  No  precise  rule  can  be  laid 
down  ;  nevertheless  a  few  practical  suggestions  may  be  given. 
A  Kite  may  be  matched  to  almost  anything  but  a  Kite,  Buch 
as  an  Almond,  light  Splash  (that  is,  a  bird  with  not  too  much 
black),  Red  or  Yellow  Agate  or  Whole-feather  ;  but  of  all,  the 
best,  in  our  opinion,  is  the  match  of  a  Splash  and  a  Red  or 
Yellow  Agate — the  Red  preferred.  It  is  well  not  to  match  the 
birds  too  rich  in  feather,  especially  if  close  bred,  or  white  and 
purblind  birds  will  be  the  result.  Experience  and  a  knowledge 
of  how  the  birds  are  bred  are  everything  in  this  matter ;  and 
even  then  no  certainty  as  to  the  colour  of  the  offspring  can  be 
depended  upon.  It  is  a  faot  that  birds  which  one  year  have 
thrown  the  moBt  beautiful  Almonds,  have  the  next  season  pro- 
duced nothing  but  Kites.  A  great  advantage  in  this  variety  is 
the  extent  to  which  they  can  be  bred  in,  not  only  improving 
them  in  character,  but  avoiding  that  nuisance  to  all  breeders 
of  other  birds,  especially  the  Carrier  and  the  Pouter,  of  the  ne- 
cessity of  finding  and  purchasing  suitable  crosses.  Almonds  as 
a  rule  are  very  prolific ;  and  to  insure  a  fair  amount  of  suocess 
all  that  is  required  is  a  little  attention  at  the  right  moment. 

A  staff  of  nurses  is  an  indispensable  requisite  to  the  Almond 
breeder.  For  this  purpose  the  common  Baldheads  are  the  best, 
and  of  these  what  are  called  the  "  pleasant-faced  "  ones — that 


Aogast  11,  1870.  1 


JOURNAL   OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


115 


is,  not  too  long  in  the  bill,  are  to  be  preferred.  It  ia  well  to 
keep  as  many  of  these  as  the  fancier  conveniently  can.  for  when 
not  rearing  Almonds  their  yonng  ones  will  find  a  ready  sale  at 
prices  which  will  render  their  keeping  profitable.  And  now  for 
the  simple  plan  to  whiob  we  have  alluded.  When  the  first  egg 
is  laid  remove  it  to  some  safe  place  (a  little  box  of  bran,  or  else- 
where) substituting  an  addled  one.  Replace  the  good  egg  about 
9  a.m.  on  the  third  day.  This  prevents  the  birds  commencing 
to  sit  on  the  first  egg,  which  is  very  often  the  case,  and  ensures 
both  birds  being  hatched  together.  Keep  a  diary  of  the  date 
on  which  the  eggs  should  hatch ;  and  on  that  day  be  ready, 
should  occasion  require  it,  to  help  any  young  bird  to  extricate 
itself  from  the  shell,  as  it  often  happens,  either  from  weakness 
or  excessive  shortness  in  bill,  they  are  unable  to  extricate  them- 
selves. Do  not  be  in  too  great  a  hurry  to  break  the  shell ;  and 
above  all,  abstain  from  doing  so  till  all  the  blood  in  the  shell  is 
absorbed.  It  is  often  the  case  that  a  young  bird  is  so  fine  in 
the  bill  or  so  weak  that  the  old  birds  are  unable  to  give  it  food, 
and  it  dies  in  consequence.  If  either  of  the  young  birds  are 
not  fed  towards  the  evening  of  the  day  on  which  they  are 
hatched,  get  a  few  groats  and  masticate  them  into  a  pulp.  The 
young  bird  will  readily  take  this  from  the  mouth.  In  this 
manner  it  can  be  kept  alive  till  something  can  feed  it.  Dozens 
of  the  best  birds  have  been  saved  in  this  way.  The  great  diffi- 
culty with  regard  to  Almonds  is  the  early  period  at  which  they 
leave  their  young  (generally  on  the  fifth  or  sixth  day),  and  the 
fanoier  must  be  ready  the  moment  they  are  left  to  remove  them 
under  a  pair  of  feeders  which  have  just  hatched.  They  may  be 
then  said,  unless  any  unforeseen  accident  happens,  such  as  all 
varieties  are  liable  to,  to  be  out  of  hand,  and  require  very  little 
more  attention.  If  the  old  birds  have  sat  on  them  till  the  sixth 
day,  let  them  go  to  nest  again.  If  they  leave  them  earlier,  and 
have  not  fed  off  their  soft  food  sufficiently,  supply  them  with  a 
common  young  one  for  a  day  or  so. 

Having  now  considerably  exceeded  the  limit  of  the  space  at 
our  disposal,  we  shall  conclude  our  remarks  by  hoping  they 
may  be  found  useful  to  some,  and  may  be  the  means  of  atill 
further  extending  the  delightful  fancy  of  which  we  have  been 
speaking. 

HOW  LONG  ARE  QUEENS  AND  WORKERS  IN 
THEIR  CELLS.' 

AND    WHEN    DO    QUEENS   COMMENCE    EGO-LAYING  '.' 

I  am  glad  Mr.  Woodbury  has  been  induced  to  set  about 
observing  and  experimenting,  with  the  view  of  correcting  some 
of  the  mistakes  which  I  have  made  in  the  natural  history  of 
bees.  Without  admitting  that  I  am  wrong  on  the  points 
noticed  in  his  letter  (page  55),  I  am,  as  he  says,  "  most  anxious 
to  rectify  mistakes  as  soon  as  sufficient  evidence  has  been  ad- 
duced to  satisfy  me  that  I  am  really  in  error."  Every  honest 
and  truth-loving  man  is  not  only  anxious  to  avoid  making  mis- 
takes, but  is  ever  anxious  to  acknowledge  and  rectify  those  he 
has  made.  I  hold  that  there  is  more  honour  in  confessing  a 
fault  or  admitting  a  mistake  than  there  is  in  conquering  a 
kingdom. 

I  have  read  Mr.  Woodbury's  letter  touching  my  so-called 
mistakes  twice  over  without  finding  "sufficient  evidence  to 
satisfy  me,"  and  until  sufficient  evidence  be  adduced  I  shall 
be  permitted  to  adhere  to  my  old  opinions  ;  and  after  all,  the  I 
difference  is  only  a  question  of  forty-eight  hours.  Very  recently 
Mr.  Woodbury  admitted  that,  dating  from  the  removal  of  an  old 
queen,  fourteen  days  are  the  average  time  which  elapses  before 
a  young  one  is  hatched  out,  although  some  are  longer.  His 
last  experiment,  recorded  in  page  55  of  the  Journal,  indicated 
that  sixteen  days  elapse  before  a  queen  is  developed  from  an 
egg.  This  experiment  was  fairly  made  and  honestly  recorded, 
andl  consider  that  Mr.  Woodbury  is  incapable  of  acting  unfairly 
in  word  or  deed,  and  I  know  something  of  his  diligence  in 
honestly  investigating  questions  of  bee-history.  No  one  would 
rejoice  more  than  myself  to  see  the  bee-loving  community  of 
this  country  acknowledge  in  some  tangible  and  substantial  form 
the  services  of  Mr.  Woodbury,  better  known  as  "  The  Devon- 
shire Bee-keeper." 

His  queen  that  was  born  on  the  23rd  of  June  was  unquestion- 
ably sixteen  days  in  being  hatched.  I  have  known  queens 
fifteen  and  sixteen  days  in  their  cells,  but  I  have  found  that  four- 
teen days  are  the  usual  time.  Large  hens'  eggs  are  sometimes 
twenty-two,  twenty-three,  or  twenty-four  days  under  the  hen, 
but  the  usual  time  is  twenty-one  days ;  and  so  with  other 
animals  the  period  varies.  Probably  the  next  exDeriment  made 
will  not  tally  exactly  with  that  recorded  by  Mr.  Woodbury. 


Now  as  to  the  production  of  workers,  "The  Devonshire  Bee- 
keeper "  says  he  has  "  obtained  abundant  evidence  by  placing 
numerous  empty  combs  in  '  brood  nests  '  of  various  hives,  and 
has  invariably  found  that  workers  commenced  hatching  not  later 
than  the  nineteenth  day,  and  in  some  cases  on  the  eighteenth." 
Theword  "commenced"  leads  me  to  ask  our  friend  if  all  the  brood 
of  workers  was  hatched  on  the  nineteenth  day  in  one,  and  on 
the  eighteenth  day  in  another  ?  for  to  say  it  commenced  to 
hatch  leaves  us  to  guess  when  the  hatching  was  completed. 
I  have  the  evidence  of  three  score  of  hives  artificially  swarmed 
every  year  to  prove  that  many  young  bees  are  unhatched  till  the 
twenty-first  day  after  their  queens  have  been  removed  from  them. 
I  swarm  about  sixty  hives  yearly,  and  many  of  them  have  all  the 
honey  taken  from  them  as  soon  as  the  brood  is  hatched,  and  I 
have  never  found  an  instance  of  all  the  brood  being  hatched  on 
the  twentieth  day  after  the  queen  was  gone,  and  sometimes  I 
have  known  workers  twenty-two  days  in  being  hatched.  Besides, 
the  experiment  of  removing  queens  from  hives  altogether  is, 
I  think,  a  far  more  satisfactory  one  than  that  of  placing  a  bit  of 
empty  comb  in  a  brood  nest.  When  a  queen  is  removed  from 
a  hive  altogether  I  find  that  her  egg?  last  laid  in  the  hive  do  not 
become  perfect  bees  till  the  twenty- first  day  after  ;  and  if  all  the 
bees  be  removed  from  the  hive  on  the  twentieth  day,  the  un- 
hatched working  bees,  generally  a  great  number,  will  Btruggle  out 
of  their  cells  on  the  day  following.  My  mode  of  managing  bees 
for  profit  leads  me  to  witness  this  fact  almost  daily  for  weeks 
and  months  every  year.  Hence  I  repeat  that  twenty-one  days 
are  the  usual  time  for  workers  to  be  in  their  cells,  "  The  Devon- 
shire Bee-keeper's"  late  experiment  notwithstanding. 

The  other  point  of  Mr.  Woodbury's  letter  calling  for  a  remark 
is  that  touching  the  fertilisation  of  queens  and  egg-laying  after- 
wards. I  have  said  that  egg-laying  generally  commences  from 
six  to  ten  days  after  impregnation.  He  mentions  an  in- 
stance of  a  queen  commencing  to  lay  in  forty-six  hours.  I  do 
not  question  it  for  one  moment,  but  I  may  be  allowed  to  state 
that  the  fertilisation  which  he  observed  was  perhaps  not  the 
first,  and  it  is  not  at  all  unlikely  that  his  queen  would  have 
commenced  laying  drone  eggs  at  the  same  time  if  she  had  never 
met  the  drone. 

It  is  exceedingly  painful  to  me  to  have  to  offer  any  remarks 
apparently  in  opposition  to  Mr.  Woodbury,  and  I  should  be  glad 
to  see  with  him  eye-to-eye,  but  there  is  a  great  want  of  complete- 
ness in  the  evidences  he  has  adduced.  I  have  known  many 
young  queens  commence  to  lay  ten  days  sooner  than  others, 
and  with  close  observation  there  will  be  seen  in  every  apiary  a 
difference  of  some  days  as  to  the  time  of  the  successful  flight 
and  egg-laying.  Every  honest  writer  of  experience  fairly  and 
faithfully  records  the  evidences  and  facts  that  come  to  him 
through  his  own  eyes.  "  The  Handy  Book  of  Bees  "  is  welcomed 
into  the  homes  of  riot  and  poor  as  an  honest  production,  and 
the  great  satisfaction  it  gives  to  all  classes  of  readers  will  be  a 
stimulus  to  the  author  to  make  a  second  edition,  if  ever  called, 
for,  more  complete  and  satisfactory  than  the  first.  Only  two  or 
three  points  in  the  book  have  been  demurred  to  by  critical 
reviewers,  and  our  Devonshire  friend  is  satisfied  that  some 
other  points  are  wrong,  but  which  cannot  readily  be  put  to  the 
test  of  actual  experiment.  The  author  will  feel  indebted  to 
him  if  he  will  kindly  catalogue  these  supposed  errors,  so  that 
others  may  examine  and  test,  if  possible,  the  points  disputed. — 
A.  Pettigrew. 

[I  do  not  know  that  I  need  say  much  in  reply  to  the  above 
communication,  in  which,  without  adducing  a  tittle  of  evidence 
in  support  of  his  views,  Mr.  Pettigrew  contents  himself  with 
reasserting  his  errors  and  cavilling  at  the  facts  by  which  they 
have  been  refuted.  It  seems  to  me,  however,  that  when  a  man 
professes  to  understand  these  points  in  the  natural  history  of 
the  honey  bee  better  than  either  Huber  or  Dzierzon,  Dr.  Bevan 
or  Mr.  Langstroth,  something  more  than  this  may  fairly  be 
required  of  him.  If  Mr.  Pettigrew  has  really  found  that  the 
usual  time  which  elapses  between  the  laying  of  an  egg  and  its 
development  into  a  queen  is  only  fourteen  days,  he  can  surely 
have  no  difficulty  in  citing  at  any  rate  a  single  instance,  stating 
as  I  have  done  the  circumstances  under  which  it  occurred,  and 
the  precautions  taken  to  guard  against  mistakes.  So  also  with 
regard  to  his  assertion  that  egg-laying  is  delayed  until  six  to 
ten  days  after  fertilisation  ;  it  is  scarcely  too  much  to  ask  him 
for  particulars  of  one  such  case,  together  with  the  circumstances 
which  attended  so  remarkable  a  phenomenon.  As  in  order  to 
weaken  my  evidence  it  is  suggested  that  the  results  which  I 
have  reoorded  may  be  regarded  as  exceptional,  I  would  state 
that  I  have  been  breeding  queens  for  the  last  ten  years,  during 
which  period  scores  of  instances  have  come  under  my  direct 


116 


JOURNAL  OF   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE    GARDENER. 


[  AugilBt  11,  1870. 


observation  (sometimes  as  many  as  tbree  or  four  in  the  same 
day),  and  I  bave  never  yet  known  a  case  in  whicb  oviposition 
did  not  commence  on  the  second  day.  Neither,  in  all  my  ex- 
perience, bave  I  ever  met  with  anything  that  would  countenance 
the  belief  that  a  queen  can  be  raised  in  so  short  a  time  as  fourteen 
days  from  the  laying  of  the  egg.  Parthenogenesis  is  a  subject 
which  I  must  decline  to  enter  upon  here,  but  I  may  remark 
that  Mr.  Pettigrew  is  utterly  mistaken  in  what  he  fancies  to  be 
the  effect  of  my  reasoning  on  this  point.  I  have,  however,  a 
high  opinion  of  his  abilities  as  a  practical  apiarian,  and  it  is 
for  this  reason,  and  because  he  has  expressed  himself  as  being 
most  anxious  to  correct  mistakes,  that  I  have  expended  no  little 
time  and  trouble  in  what  turns  out  to  be  the  vain  attempt  to 
set  him  right.  I  find  it  indeed  so  difficult  to  satisfy  him  that 
he  is  in  error  on  points  which  admit  of  being  brought  to  the 
conclusive  test  of  actual  experiment,  that  I  must  excuse  myself 
from  particularising  others  which  cannot  so  readily  be  submitted 
to  the  same  decisive  proof. — A  Devonshire  Bee-keeper.] 


OUR  LETTER  BOX. 

Brahma  Chickens  Leo-weak  (T.  A.  Z>.)  —  As  at  thirteen  weeks  old. 
and  without  a  drop  of  rain  to  cool  the  surface  of  the  earth,  your  Brahma 
chickens  have  reached  5  lbs.  weight,  tho  growth  has  been  so  rapid  that 
we  do  not  wonder  the  legs  decline  to  carry  the  load  of  flesh.  They  are 
little  more  than  cartilages.  That  is  leg  weakness.  Patience  and  good 
feeding  will  remedy  that,  and  as  the  bird  gets  older  the  progress  in  the 
right  direction  will  be  visible.  As  his  legs  gain  strength  he  will  carry  his 
body  with  comfort.  We  are  almost  tempted  to  imagine  yon  have  over-fed 
to  attain  the  weight  you  mention,  and  if  so,  you  have  induced  idle  and 
fat-making  habits,  which  are  opposed  to  the  formation  of  bone  and 
muscle.  You  would  have  helped  us  to  have  come  to  aright  conclusion  if 
you  had  given  us  an  idea  of  the  feeding  and  lodging.  The  contraction 
of  the  toes  is  not  from  leg-weakness,  but  from  cramp,  and  that  is  either 
from  bad  feeding  or  damp.  We  do  not  here  speak  of  atmospheric  damp- 
ness, but  of  damp  flooring— wood,  stone,  brick,  or  asphaltum.  Either  of 
these  will  produce  cramp,  and  when  the  toes  are  drawn  up  and  paralysed 
the  appearances  are  against  recovery.  If  you  have  any  of  the  floor- 
ings above  described,  take  them  up,  or  cover  them  inches  deep  in  gravel 
or  road  grit.  Feed  the  birds  on  ground  oats  or  meal ;  give  them  bread 
and  ale,  and  also,  once  a- day,  a  couple  of  camphor  pills  the  size  of 
garden  peas.  These  may  be  discontinued  as  strength  returns.  We  pre- 
sume it  is  only  among  cocks  weakness  prevails.  If  they  persist  in  roost- 
ing on  the  ground,  it  is  well  to  put  a  little  straw  for  them  in  one  corner 
of  the  house,  otherwise  they  suffer  from  a  round  troublesome  sore  on  the 
hocks. 

Hoddan  Chickens  (Subscriber).— We  call  your  chickens  good  for  their 
age.  In  the  breeds  where  weight  is  one  of  the  principal,  if  not  the 
principal  merit,  1  lb.  per  month  np  to  four  months  is  called  satisfactory 
progress,  and  such  are  viewed  hopefully  as  future  prizetakers.  See  that 
both  are  five-clawed,  that  their  legs  are  spangled,  and  that  the  cock  has 
no  red  feathers.  Whtn  they  grow  older  and  are  furnishing,  you  can 
always  add  weight  by  judicious  feeding  daring  the  fortnight  preceding 
the  show. 

Ducklings  Champed  (E.  B.  P.).— Where  do  your  Ducks  roost  ?  If  it 
is  in  a  house  with  a  stone,  brick,  or  pitched  floor,  there  is  the  cause.  It  is 
cramp.  Let  them  choose  their  own  roosting-place,  and  recollect  in  a 
state  of  nature  they  often  rooat  on  the  water.  They  do  not  suffer  from 
any  damp  that  arises  from  water,  but  they  do  from  boards,  stones,  or 
bricks.  You  say  nothing  of  food.  If  they  have  oats  mixed  with  gravel 
and  a  sod  of  grass  in  their  troughs,  with  the  run  of  a  meadow  and  a 
pond,  they  should  do  well.  Cramp  is  often  induced  by  insufficient  or  im- 
proper feeding. 

Spanish  Fowls  Losing  Feathers  (E.).— Part  of  the  loss  offeather 
may  be  attributed  to  the  natural  action  of  the  season.  The  birds  are 
moulting ;  but  if  they  are  in  confinement  and  denuded  of  all  save  the 
tail  ond  wing  feathers,  thev  are  picking  each  other's  plumage  and  eating 
it.  We  know  no  cure.  We  believe  there  is  only  one,  that  is  to  give 
them  their  liberty.  If  at  liberty  you  are  convinced  by  seeing  one  pick 
and  eat  the  feather  of  another,  remove  the  offender  ;  It  is  a  habit,  once 
taken  to,  that  is  never  given  up. 

Feeding  Rabbits  (.1  Young  Subscriber).— A  great  point  in  making 
good  Rabbits  is  to  allow  a  doe  to  reur  but  four  young  ones.  If  well  fed 
she  will  almost  fatten  them  on  her  milk  ;  but  they  will  not  be  large.  If 
it  is  desired  to  rear  as  many  as  possible,  and  to  make  them  large,  they 
should  be  fed  on  oats  and  bran  moderately,  with  green  food,  but  liberally, 
and  with  the  greatest  variety  of  roots  They  may  have  milk  to  drink, 
and  if  not  milk,  they  should  always  have  water. 

Rabbit  Management  (A  Novice). — Rabbits  will  not  generally  indulge  in 
the  disagreeable  habit  named  if  well  supplied  with,  say,  a  little  milk  and 
bread  once  a-day,  or  common  peas  soaked  in  water  for  twelve  hours, 
pouring  off  the  water  the  peas  are  soaked  in.  and  giving  fresh  along  with 
them ;  or  give  fresh  water  alone  three  or  four  times  a-week,  especially 
during  this  hot  weather,  when  the  juices  of  all  green  food  are  almost 
dried  np  from  want  of  rain.  It  will  not  be  difficult  to  wean  them  of  the 
habit  complained  of  by  offering  them  greater  and  more  wholesome 
attractions  in  the  feeding  trough. 

Removing  Bees  (D.  D.  B.).— We  should  advise  you  to  dispose  of  your 
present  stocks  rather  than  incur  the  risk  first  of  uniting,  and  then  of 
transporting  them  from  Jersey  to  the  north  of  England.  The  canvas 
hive  cover  affordB  shade  and  excludes  rain,  but  is  uot  a  good  winter  pro- 
tection. 

Points  of  Nuns  (T.A.D.). — Nuns  should  have  from  seven  to  ten  flight 
feathers  dark,  the  same  colour  as  the  head,  also  the  twelve  tail  feathers, 
and  a  few  of  the  tail-coverts.  The  body  should  be  perfectly  white,  as  well 
as  the  hood,  which  should  be  large  and  well-developed.  The  eyes  should 
be  of  a  clear  pearl  colour. 

Still  for  Distilling  Lavender  (E.  E.  P.).— By  applying  to  your 


ironmonger  he  could  procure  you  a  small  still,  suitable  for  distilling 
lavender  and  rose  water.  Such  a  thing  made  of  tin  is  very  inexpensive, 
and  answers  the  purpose  equally  as  well  as  one  much  more  costly.  The 
following  may  guide  you  in  making  rose  water : — Gather  the  flowers  in 
fine  weather  two  hours  after  sunrise;  takeout  the  calyx,  and  separate 
the  petals ;  pound  them  in  a  marble  mortar  to  a  paBte,  and  leave  them 
five  or  six  hours  in  the  mortar;  then  put  them  in  a  large  close  cloth,  and 
let  two  persons  wring  it  with  all  their  strength.  Having  by  this  operation 
obtained  4  lbs.  of  juice,  infuse  it  in  an  equal  weight  of  fresh  rose  petals 
for  twenty-four  hours.  At  the  eud  of  that  time  put  the  whole  into  the 
alembic,  which  place  in  a  sand  bath,  and  distil  it.  When  you  have 
collected  about  1  oz.  of  the  water  unlute  the  receiver,  and  if  that  which 
issues  from  the  still  is  as  odoriferous  as  that  which  proceeded  first,  con- 
tinue the  operation  ;  but  if  not,  collect  it  into  another  vessel,  as  this 
second  water  is  not  single,  and  must  be  kept  separate  from  the  first, 
which  is  the  e°sential  water.  Should  the  second  water  have  an  un- 
pleasant smell  (caused  by  the  application  of  too  much  heat),  expose  it  to 
the  sun  for  a  few  days,  covered  only  by  a  sheet  of  paper.  The  utmost 
care  is  necessary  in  distilling  this  and  ail  other  odoriferous  substances. 
A  still  more  powerful  essence  than  the  above  may  be  procured  by  the 
following  method  :— Gather  as  many  roses  as  will  afford  30  lbs.  of  petals, 
and  pound  these  with  4  lbs.  of  salt ;  when  pounded  place  the  paste  in  a 
vessel  in  layers,  with  salt  between  each:  press  them  closely,  cork  them 
tightly,  leave  the  vessel  twelve  days,  and  then  distil  as  usual. 


METEOROLOGICAL   OBSERVATIONS 
In  the  Suburbs  of  London  for  the  week  ending  August  9th. 


BAEOMETEK. 

THERMOMETEB 

Wind. 

Date. 

Air. 

Earth. 

Rain. 

Max. 

Min. 

Max. 

Min. 

1  ft. 

2  ft. 

Wed. . .     8 

29.822 

29.728 

72 

62 

66 

62 

E. 

.00 

Thui-s. .    4 

29.688 

29  628 

79 

51 

65 

62 

S. 

.02 

Fri..  ..     5 

29  768 

29.670 

77 

47 

68 

62 

S. 

.00 

Sat.  ...     6 

29  874 

29  843 

81 

46 

66 

62 

W. 

.00 

Sun.  . .    7 

29  771 

29  743 

76 

57 

64 

62 

S.E. 

.12 

Mon.  . .    8 

29930 

29.771 

7ti 

51 

65 

61 

S.E. 

08 

Tues.   .    9 

30.021 

29.957 

79 

53 

70 

62 

N. 

.00 

Mean.. 

29.839 

29.762 

77.14 

51.00 

66.28 

61.86 

0.22 

8. — Overcast;  densely  overcast;  foggy. 

4. — Densely  overcast ;  fine,  cloudy;  showery  at  night. 

5.— Cloudy  but  fine  ;  very  fine  ;  clear  and  line. 

6. — Fine,  cloudy  ;  fine  ;  very  fine  and  clear. 

7. — Rain  ;  showery;  overcast,  very  damp. 

8. — OvercfiBt;  thunder  and  rain  ;  heavy  clouds, 

9.— Very  fine  ;  cloudy  but  fine  ;  cloudy,  very  fine. 


COVENT  GARDEN  MARKET.— August  10. 
A  steady  course  of  business  is  maintained,  and  prices  are  stationary. 
There  is  little  alteration  either  in  foreign  or  home-grown  produce,  except 
that  the  latter  now  comprises  out-door  Peaches  and  Nectarines. 

FRUIT. 


R. 

d. 

p. 

d 

R. 

d. 

R. 

A 

1 

6  to  2 

II 

lb. 

0 

9  too 

0 

1 

0 

8 

0 

6 

0 

lil 

0 

II 

r, 

1 

0 

7 

11 

It 

II 

.  bnshel 

0 

ii 

(1 

I) 

5 

II 

If, 

0 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Pears,  kitchen  .. 

0 

0 

0 

u 

do. 

8 

0 
0 

5 

0 

0 
6 

3 

5 

n 

lb. 

0 

lb. 

0 
0 
0 

9 
9 

4 

1 
1 
0 

0 
0 
6 

8 
0 
0 

0 
0 
6 

G 
0 

1 

n 

lb. 

A 

lb. 

0 

Grapes, Hothouse....  lb. 

*> 

0 

6 

II 

lb. 

0 

6 

1 

0 

...  V-100 

ft 

0 

14 

0 

0 

u 

0 

2 

0       5    0 
VEGET 

do 

1 

0 

» 

II 

ABLES. 

R. 

d. 

n. 

A 

s. 

d. 

s. 

a 

s 

0to6 

0 

0 

4  to  0 

ii 

4 

0 
0 

8 
6 

0 

0 

1 

8 

6 
0 

3 
4 

ii 

Beans,  Kidney  . 

.£  sieve. 

0 

bushel 

S 

1) 

4 

II 

Mustard  &  Cress 

.pnnnet 

0 

2 

0 

A 

s 

n 

3 

n 

4 

0 

6 

ii 

n 

0 

0 

n 

0 

4 

0 

8 

Brussels  Sprouts 

. .  1  sieve 

n 

0 

0 

0 

3 

0 

0 

0 

i 

ii 

2 

0 

0 

9 

1 

0 

0 

0 

0 

ii 

1 

0 

1 

A 

n 

4 

0 

8 

4 

0 

6 

0 

....doz. 

ft 

0 

K 

0 

do. 

6 

0 

8 

0 

i 

A 

2 

0 

Radishes  ..  doz. 

bunches 

1 

0 

0 

II 

Coleworts..doz. 

bunches 

II 

II 

II 

II 

0 

6 

1 

0 

0 

0 

0 

e 

pickling  .... 

....doz. 

a 

0 

4 

(1 

0 

0 

0 

ii 

9 

0 

II 

II 

0 

6 

0 

0 

n 

8 

0 

0 

8 

0 

0 

0 

0 

n 

8 
ft 

0 
0 

0 
0 

1 

0 

0 
6 

8 

1 

i 

0 

Horseradish  ... 

bundle 

8 

0 

5 

0 

Vegetable  Marrows. .doz. 

4 

U 

0 

0 

POULTRY  MARKET.— AUGUST  10. 


s.  d.  s.  d. 

LargeFowls 3  OtoS  6 

Smallerditto 2  0  2  6 

Chickens  19  2  0 

Ducks    2  0  2  6 

Geese 6  0  6  6 

Turkeys    0  0  0  0 


.  d.  s.  d. 

GnineaFowls 0    0  to  0    0 

Pigeons     0    9  0  10 

Rabbits 14  1    i 

Wild  ditto    0    9  0  10 

Hares    0    0  0    0 

Partridges   0    0  0    0 


August  18,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


117 


WEEKLY 

CALENDAR. 

Day 

of 

Month 

Day 

of 

Week. 

AUGUST  18—24,  1870. 

Average    Tempera-    R?in j" 
tore  near  London.  Iw  ™£,, 

Sun 
Rises. 

Sun 

Sets. 

Moon 
Rises. 

Moon 

Sets. 

Moon's 
Age. 

Clock 
before 
Sun. 

Day 

of 

Year. 

18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 

Th 

F 

S 

Son 

M 

Tn 

W 

Kirkby  Stephen  Horticultural  Show. 
Eeighley  Horticultural  Show. 

10  Sunday  after  Trinity. 
Length  of  night  9h.  50m. 
vVotton-under-Edge  Horticultural  Show. 
Lewes  Horticultural  Show. 

Day. 
73.2 
73.1 
72-8 
72.6 
71.6 
71.8 
71.6 

Night. 
50.7 
492 
50.6 
49.7 
49.7 
49.0 
47.9 

Mean. 

62.0 

61.2 

61.7 

61.2 

60.6 

60.4 

69.7 

Days. 
16 
21 
20 
14 
17 
21 
16 

m.      h. 
51af4 

52  4 

53  4 
55      4 
57      4 
59      4 

1      5 

m.     b. 

15  af  7 

13      7 

11      7 

9      7 

7      7 

B      7 

3      7 

m.       h. 
23  aflO 
46      10 
17      11 
56      11 
morn. 
44      0 
43      1 

in.     h. 
after. 
22  af  1 
26      2 
29      3 
28      4 
20      5 
5      6 

Davs. 
21 
< 

23 

24 
25 
26 

27 

m.    s. 
3    40 
3    26 
3    12 
2    58 
2    43 
2    28 
2    13 

230 
231 
283 
233 
234 
235 
286 

From  observations  taken  near  London  during  the  laBt  forty-three  years,  the  average  clay  temperature  of  the  week  is  72.4J,  and  its  night 
temperature  49.8°.      The  greatest  heat  was  92°,  on  the  18th,  1842 ;  and  the  lowest  cold  36',  on  the  18th,  1866.     The  greatest  fall  of  rain  was 
0.95  inch. 

KENTISH   ORCHARDS. 

Vw  \r;  HATEVEK  advantages  there  may  be  in 
cultivating  our  ordinary  fruits  under  glass, 
and  no  doubt  there  are  advantages,  still  it 
is  evident  the  great  bulk  of  the  population 
must  be  satisfied  with  what  is  grown  in 
the  open  air  in  orchards.  The  word  or- 
chard has  always  appeared  to  me  to  have 
something  of  poetry  and  wealth  united; 
the  beautiful  appearance  the  orchard  pre- 
sents in  April  and  May  is  followed,  or  is 
expected  to  be  followed,  by  a  sight  not  less  lovely  in  August 
and  September,  and  at  either  season  an  orchard  forms  a  very 
important  feature  in  the  landscape.  Whether  the  trees  are 
in  blossom  or  laden  with  fruit,  a  full-grown  healthy  orchard 
is  an  object  which  the  most  careless  never  fails  to  take 
notice  of,  added  to  which  the  districts  where  orchards 
abound  are  generally  well  cultivated,  and  have  a  clothed 
appearance  even  in  winter.  The  utility  of  orchards  in  a 
commercial  point  of  view  is  also  not  one  of  the  least  of 
their  attractions,  and  seemingly  fabulous  prices  have  often 
been  paid  for  crops  of  fruit  when  sold  on  the  trees.  Into 
this  subject,  however,  I  will  not  enter,  but  shall  content 
myself  with  making  observations  on  the  system  of  manage- 
ment which  some  cultivators  adopt  with  great  success. 

Considering  the  great  diversity  of  soil  in  which  the 
cultivation  of  Apple,  Pear,  Plum,  Cherry,  and  bush  fruit 
trees  is  attempted  in  this  county  (Kent),  it  can  hardly  be 
expected  that  a  uniform  system  of  treatment  can  be  re- 
commended, but  in  general  it  used  to  be  urged  that  a 
Cherry  orchard  ought  to  be  on  grass,  and  that  the  ground 
in  which  the  other  fruits  were  grown  might  all  be  in 
tillage.  This  idea,  with  certain  modifications,  formed  the 
prevailing  creed  of  the  last  generation  of  fruit-growers,  and 
is  far  from  being  abandoned  yet ;  but  of  late  years  many 
innovations  have  been  made,  and  the  advisability,  or  the 
contrary,  of  tillage  has  been  discussed,  some  of  its  advocates 
pointing  to  the  hedges,  the  best  of  which  have  adjoining 
the  collar,  in  many  cases,  about  a  foot  of  tilled  space  free 
from  weeds,  and  often  dug  6  or  8  inches  deep  ;  while,  on 
the  other  hand,  the  advocates  of  a  turf  bottom  point  to 
the  oldest  examples  of  fruit  trees  known,  and  in  these  think 
they  have  a  strong  plea  in  their  favour,  such  trees  being 
met  in  a  green  hearty  old  age  in  a  meadow  or  paddock. 
The  inquiry  has  led  to  many  experiments,  and  I  have  on 
more  than  one  occasion  seen  a  mode  adopted  to  meet  the 
views  of  both  parties  without  to  any  important  extent  losing 
the  advantages  of  either  system. 

Happening  lately,  in  company  with  a  friend,  to  be 
travelling  a  few  miles  from  here,  we  observed  a  very 
promising  orchard  of  full-grown  trees,  with  the  usual 
undergrowth  of  bush  fruits,  which  appeared  to  be  in  the 
best  of  health,  and  bearing  abundantly,  yet  we  were  told 
by  the  proprietor  that  the  ground  had  never  received  a 
particle  of  dung  or  other  manure  for  a  great  many  years. 
This  orchard  was  planted  in  the  usual  way  in  this  county, 
consisting  of  standard  Apple  and  Plum  trees,  with  6-feet 
stems,  at  18  or  20  feet  apart,  underneath  them  Filberts  or 
No.  490.— Vol.  XBL,  New  Semis. 


Cob  Nuts,  with  Currants  to  fill  up  the  intervals,  the  Cob 
Nuts  being  usually  12  feet  and  the  Currant  bushes  6  feet 
apart.  The  whole  presented  a  mass  of  bush  and  foliage 
which  some  not  acquainted  with  Kentish  orchard-manage- 
ment would  say  wanted  the  saw  and  knife  freely,  or  per- 
haps the  mattock,  but  these  are  seldom  used  to  the  extent 
a  stranger  would  think  necessary  ;  and  whether  necessary 
or  not,  I  will  not  here  stop  to  inquire.  Let  the  result 
tell  for  itself.  This  mixed  orchard,  I  may  remark,  was 
originally  in  tillage,  but  Mr.  Manwairing,  its  owner,  de- 
termined to  try  if  it  would  not  be  as  well  to  avoid  mutilat- 
ing the  roots  by  digging,  and  for  many  years  he  has 
abandoned  the  use  of  the  spade  among  his  trees,  and 
merely  has  the  weeds  hoed  up  when  they  are  troublesome. 
In  alternate  autumns  he  spreads  over  the  ground  some 
hop-bine  cut  a  little,  so  as  to  prevent  its  entangling  any- 
one passing  through  it.  This  covering  partly  shades  the 
ground,  and,  decaying  gradually,  supplies  the  trees  with 
some  additional  food  to  compensate  for  the  drain  on  the 
soil  caused  by  what  is  taken  away.  It  would  doubtless  be 
better  if  this  dressing  could  be  given  every  year,  but  it 
cannot  always  be  spared,  owing  to  the  other  uses  the  hop- 
bine is  put  to,  but  substitutes  are  sometimes  had  recourse 
to.  Any  kind  of  herbage  or  decaying  substance  would 
probably  serve  the  same  purpose,  and  I  am  not  certain 
whether  the  result  would  be  much  different  if  nothing  of 
the  kind  were  used,  as  I  imagine  the  principal  benefit 
arises  from  the  upper  roots  of  the  fruit  trees  not  being 
disturbed  by  digging  ;  at  the  same  time  the  surface  soil  is 
not  exhausted  by  supporting  a  crop  of  grass  or  hay,  as 
where  the  orchard  is  in  turf. 

The  above  case  is  not  an  isolated  one  ;  I  may  mention 
one  nearer  home,  where  the  best  possible  results  appear 
to  follow  the  adoption  of  a  similar  plan.    Adjoining  the 
grounds  of  Preston  Hall,  near  Maidstone,  is  a  fine  orchard 
of    some  twenty  years'   growth.     This   orchard  in  some 
degree  resembles  that  last  described,  being  composed  of 
Apple,  Plum,  and  Pear  trees  as  standards,  with  Filberts, 
Cob  Nuts,  and  Currants  for  undergrowth,  and  as  it  was 
planted  expressly  for  the  private  use  of  the  family,  the 
variety  of  fruits  was  greater  than  is  often  the  case  where 
the  produce  is  intended  for  market,  and  I  have  on  several 
occasions  seen  most  excellent  crops  of  fruit  there ;  yet  Mr. 
Bradley,  the  intelligent  gardener,  never  puts  a  spade  in 
the  ground,  only  the  weeds  are  hoed  up  when  necessary, 
and  the  orchard  forms  a  receptacle  for  all  the  rubbish  of 
the  garden,  weeds  and  decaying  matter  of  all  kinds  being 
wheeled  on  and  spread  about.     I  remember  one  year  visit- 
ing the  garden  in  spring,  after  a  severe  winter  had  made 
havoc  with  Laurels  and  other  shrubs,  and  I  found  that 
Mr.  Bradley  had  covered  the  orchard  in  a  great  measure 
with  the  foliage,  shoots,  and  slender  branches  of  the  ever- 
greens that  had  been  killed  or  injured  in  the  winter,  re- 
serving the  stouter  woody  matter  for  faggots  and  other 
purposes.     Decayed  stalks  of  vegetables  and  other  matters 
were  also  lying  about  for  the  same  purpose.     I  have  no 
doubt  that  the  decomposition  of  these   materials  would 
benefit  the  soil  at  the  spot  where  decay  was  going  on : 
certainly  nothing  could  be  more  healthy  than  the  trees-. 

No.  1112.-TOL.  XLIV,  OlJ>  Sesess. 


118 


JOURNAL  of  horticulture  and  cottage  gardener. 


[  August  18,  1870. 


even  the  Ribston  Pippin  Apples  looked  tolerably  well,  which 
they  rarely  do  in  many  places.  Mr.  Bradley  had  been  trying 
some  experiments  with  this  fruit ;  he  had  worked  some  robust- 
growing  varieties  with  the  RibBton  Pippin,  and  thought  the 
result  was  more  satisfactory  than  when  the  latter  was  not 
double-worked.  I  forget  which  variety  was  employed,  but  I 
think  it  was  the  Yorkshire  Greening.  More  than  one  tree  was 
operated  upon  with  success. 

Now,  in  the  two  cases  referred  to,  there  was  a  great  difference 
of  soil.  In  the  first  there  was  a  somewhat  adhesive  loam,  not 
by  any  means  a  stiff  elay,  but  destitute  of  stones  and  sharp 
sand,  the  subsoil  a  sort  of  grey  marl,  and  the  surface  so  fine  in 
texture  that  water  did  not  easily  percolate ;  in  the  other  case 
the  soil  was  more  open,  with  a  gravelly  bottom,  dry  and  porous, 
but  not  huDgry  in  the  sense  in  which  that  term  is  usually 
applied,  for  Plums,  in  particular,  seemed  to  do  remarkably  well. 
The  managers  of  both  these  fruitful  orchards  are  strenuous 
opponents  of  cultivating  orchard  ground,  especially  after  the 
trees  and  bushes  have  attained  some  size,  and  their  roots 
occupy  the  ground ;  and  certainly  the  appearance  of  their 
orchards  indicated  the  correctness  of  this  view.  Their  ex- 
ample, indeed,  is  partially  adopted  in  many  cases  when  the 
standard  trees  attain  suffioient  size  to  be  thought  worthy  of 
occupying  the  whole  of  the  ground  ;  the  undergrowth  being  then 
removed,  graBs  is  sown,  but  this  is  a  questionable  benefit;  at 
least  it  is  doubtful  if  it  is  so  good  as  preserving  for  the  use  of 
the  fruit  orop  the  whole  energies  of  the  ground,  whilst  provid- 
ing that  shade  and  covering  so  necessary  to  keep  in  the  moisture 
during  such  dry  periods  as  we  are  now  passing  through. 

I  might  say  more  on  the  matter,  but  I  will  merely  remark 
that  in  such  a  place  as  an  orchard  there  is  ample  space  for  the 
gradual  decay  of  any  woody  or  vegetable  substance  that  may 
be  put  upon  it,  and  the  benefit  of  such  substances  to  the  Boil 
they  lie  upon  is  evidently  not  yet  sufficiently  appreciated, 
but  may  be  roughly  judged  by  the  fact  of  a  stone  of  some  size 
lying  on  the  ground  protecting  the  roots  of  all  below  it,  but 
remove  the  stone  and  the  result  is  hurtful.  This  well-known 
faot  has  led  in  many  instances  to  landlords  objecting  to  their 
tenants  removing  stones. 

I  advise  all  those  who  have  not  tried  the  plan  here  described 
to  do  so  on  a  small  soale,  until  they  feel  assured  of  its  success, 
and  in  the  end  I  have  no  doubt  they  will  regard  the  practice  of 
mutilating  the  roots  of  Apple,  Pear,  and  other  fruit  trees  as 
injurious  ;  at  the  same  time,  as  some  assistance  from  manure  is 
wanted,  and  the  finer  description  of  dung  and  easily-worked-in 
manure  may  be  required  elsewhere,  the  orchard  forms  a  suit- 
able plaoe  to  deposit  all  such  cartloads  of  rubbish  as  are  re- 
jected from  other  quarters.  Time  works  wonders  with  such 
unpromising  materials. — J.  Robson. 


they  must  be  well  ventilated.  Careful  and  constant  watching 
for  snails  will  be  necessary,  for  if  these  get  in  they  will  take  off 
scores  in  one  night.  In  about  three  weeks  the  plants  will  be 
large  enough  for  potting-off ;  small  60's  cr  small  thumb  pots 
may  be  used,  and  if  the  plants  have  not  hitherto  occupied  a 
cold  frame,  let  them  have  the  protection  of  one  at  this  stage 
and  onwards  through  the  winter,  if  protection  from  frost  and 
good  ventilation  can  be  afforded.  The  shifting  of  the  plants 
into  larger  pots  may  go  on  when  the  plants  require  it  and  the 
weather  is  favourable ;  a  good  general  guide,  however,  is  to 
shift  when  the  roots  are  well  at  the  sides  of  the  pots,  though 
the  plants  must  not,  under  any  circumstances,  be  allowed  to 
become  pot-bound  when  in  a  young  state,  for  it  causes  pre- 
mature flowering,  and  often  throws  the  plants  into  a  sickly 
state,  from  which  they  will  not  soon  recover. 

Good  specimens  may  be  grown  in  6-inch  pots,  a  size,  per- 
haps, large  enough  for  the  amateur,  but  if  plenty  of  space  is  at 
command,  8-inch  or  even  larger  pots  may  be  used  with  ad- 
vantage. Arrange  the  potting  so  that  the  last  shift  Bhall  not 
be  later  than  the  last  week  in  February. 

The  compost  I  recommend  to  be  used  consists  of  strong 
turfy  loam  one  half,  decayed  leaf  mould  and  road  grit  in  equal 
part6  to  make  up  the  other  half ;  add  sand  liberally,  and  about 
one-fourth  of  the  whole  bulk  of  decomposed  cow  manure  sifted. 
This  soil  will  do  for  all  the  pottings,  from  first  to  last,  only  as 
the  plants  increase  in  size  use  it  in  a  rougher  state. 

The  plants  may  be  advantageously  pinched  back  about  twice 
in  the  early  part  of  their  growth  ;  this  dwarfs  them,  and  con- 
siderably increases  the  number  of  flower  stems.  At  short 
intervals  give  some  gentle  smokings  with  tobacco,  to  keep  the 
green  fly  in  check ;  remember  that  if  it  onoe  establish  itself 
on  the  plants,  the  foliage  being  thick  and  close  to  the  soil,  it  is 
not  easy  for  the  smoke  to  penetrate,  and  it  will  be  almost  im- 
possible to  free  the  plants  of  the  enemy.  Water  must  be  given 
sparingly  in  the  depth  of  winter,  but  towards  spring,  and  after 
the  plants  have  established  themselves  on  their  last  shift, 
plentiful  supplies  may  be  given,  with  liquid  manure  from  cow 
dung  added.  The  great  improvements  that  have  been  effected 
in  this  plant  of  late  years  render  it  no  longer  a  diffioult  matter 
to  secure  a  good  strain  of  seed,  with  a  large  per-centage  of  good 
and  distinct-coloured  flowers  ;  but  the  moBt  varied  assortment 
and  the  most  pleasing  strain  I  have  grown  was  from  a  packet 
of  seed,  called  Thomson's  strain,  purchased  of  Messrs.  Veitch. 
— Thomas  Recokd,  Lillesden. 


GLOXINIA  CULTURE. 


CULTURE  OF  THE   HERBACEOUS 
CALCEOLARIA. 

With  amateur  gardeners  this  beautiful  plant  is  becoming 
more  popular,  and  with  the  cottager  it  is  now  an  especial  fa- 
vourite ;  most  gentlemen's  gardeners  are  in  possession  of  a 
good  system  of  growing  this  plant,  therefore  I  only  offer  my 
remarks  to  the  first  named. 

Perhaps  the  most  difficult  part  for  the  amateur  to  overcome 
is  raising  the  seedlings ;  in  this  I  think  even  professional 
gardeners  often  err  by  treating  them  too  kindly.  The  follow- 
ing is  a  good  plan.  Prepare  a  shallow  pan  by  filling  it  with 
light  soil ;  press  this  down  so  as  to  present  a  very  level  surface 
a  little  below  the  rim ;  add  sufficient  silver  sand  on  the  surface 
to  fill  up  the  interstices  ;  water  well  with  a  fine-rosed  watering- 
pot,  giving  enough  water  to  thoroughly  moisten  the  soil,  let  it 
drain  off,  and  then  sow  the  seed.  After  this  add  a  sprinkling 
of  very  finely-sifted  sandy  soil,  be  careful  only  to  just  cover  the 
seeds,  and  finish  by  giving  a  mere  sprinkling  of  water.  Place 
the  pan  in  a  hand-light  on  a  bottom  of  coal  ashes  ;  a  suitable 
spot  is  a  cool  part  of  the  garden,  where  no  sun  but  plenty  of 
light  can  reach  the  pans.  The  surface  soil  must  not  be  allowed 
to  become  dry,  and  water  very  carefully  to  avoid  washing  the 
seeds  out  of  the  soil.  The  ashes  may  also  be  kept  moist.  A 
good  time  to  sow  the  seed  is  the  middle  of  August. 

When  the  seedlings  are  large  enough  to  be  handled,  prick 
them  out  an  inch  apart  in  pots  or  pans.  If  hand-lights  oan  be 
provided  continue  the  same  treatment ;  but  if  not,  a  cold  frame 
will  do,  plaoing  the  plants  on  a  cool  bottom,  and  keeping  them 
near  the  glass.  For  a  time,  at  least,  they  must  be  shaded 
icon,  bright  sun,  but  at  all  times  and  stages  of  their  growth 


Possessed  of  rare  elegance  of  form  both  in  its  foliage  and 
flowers,  easy  to  cultivate  and  to  maintain  in  full  beauty  and 
freshness  for  a  considerable  time,  the  Gloxinia  takes  high  rank 
amongst  summer-flowering  pot  plants.  Strictly  speaking,  it  is 
a  tuberous-rooted  stove  plant,  and  this  is  doubtless  the  reason 
why  Gloxinias  are  not  more  frequently  to  be  seen  in  the  ama- 
teur's collection  of  plants  contained  in  his  solitary  greenhouse 
or  conservatory.  Many  persons  who  admire  them  very  much 
never  think  of  attempting  to  grow  some,  because  they  have  no 
stove  or  other  glass  structure  in  which  a  high  temperature  is 
maintained.  Now  this  is  a  mistake ;  and  it  is  my  object  in 
writing  this  paper,  while  treating  of  Gloxinia  culture  generally, 
also  to  endeavour  to  show  how  the  plants  may  be  grown  and 
kept  from  year  to  year  by  persons  having  only  one  glass  house, 
without  the  aid  of  a  very  high  temperature. 

A  cheap  and  easy  method  of  obtaining  a  collection  of  Glox- 
inias is  to  purchase  a  packet  of  seed,  which  should  be  sown 
early  in  March  on  the  surface  of  a  pan  well  drained  and  rilled 
with  fine  soil.  The  seed  should  not  be  covered,  but  the  pan 
should  be  placed  in  the  brisk  moist  temperature  of  a  hotbed, 
and  the  soil  kept  damp.  When  the  young  seedlings  have 
formed  two  leaves  they  are  potted  singly  in  3  inoh  pots  and 
kept  in  the  same  position,  taking  care  to  paint  the  glass  with 
whitewash,  as  all  Gloxinias,  and  especially  young  plants,  thrive 
best  when  kept  moderately  shaded.  The  seedling  plants  form 
firm  tubers  in  the  3-inch  pots,  in  which  they  are  kept  through- 
out the  first  summer  and  winter;  as  growth  ceases  they  may 
be  removed  to  a  cool  house,  and  they  are  stored  in  winter  on 
any  spare  shelf  where  the  temperature  is  kept  at  about  10° 
above  the  freezing-point.  The  tubers  are  not  disturbed  till 
spring.  The  only  important  point  in  their  winter  management 
is  to  see  that  the  soil  never  becomes  very  dry,  for  if  it  is  not 
kept  somewhat  moist  every  tuber  will  perish  of  dry  rot. 

When  spring  comes  round  again,  or  rather  at  any  time  in 
the  first  four  months  of  the  year,  the  plants  may  be  shaken 


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JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


119 


out  of  the  old  Boil,  repotted  in  the  same  pots,  and  placed  in  a 
temperature  similar  to  that  in  which  they  were  raised  from 
seed.  As  they  make  growth  they  should  receive  one  or  two 
shifts  into  larger  pots,  and  be  brought  into  II  >wer  in  a  house 
kept  at  a  temperature  of  65°  or  70°.  All  the  se  kinds,  the  flowers 
of  which  show  that  the  plants  are  worth  keeping,  may  now  be 
considered  to  be  established  plants.  As  the  flowers  decay  the 
plants  should  still  be  constantly  watered,  so  as  to  make  the  decay 
of  ths  foliage  a  very  gradual  process.  By  the  time  they  are 
stored  away  in  their  winter  quarters  young  growth  will  be  just 
visible  on  the  crown  of  each,  and  this  is  precisely  the  state  in 
which  I  like  to  have  them  throughout  the  winter,  during  which 
they  occupy  a  shelf  at  the  back  of  a  cool  house  from  which 
frost  is  excluded.  Care  is  taken  not  to  saturate  the  soil  in 
winter,  but  it  is  always  kept  in  such  a  moist  state  that  the  few 
small  leaves  remain  fresh  and  green  ;  and  as  each  successive 
batch  is  potted  in  fresh  soil  in  spring,  strong  vigorous  growth 
quickly  follows. 

GloxiniaB  are  also  increased  by  cuttings  of  the  shoots  and 
leaves.  Shoots  taken  off  the  plants  early  in  spring  will  form 
plants  and  produce  a  few  flowers  the  same  season.  The  best 
way  to  propagate  by  leaves  is  to  insert  each  leaf  upright  and 
firmly  in  rich,  sandy  soil  in  a  3-inch  pot ;  placed  in  a  vinery 
under  the  shade  of  the  Viues  and  kept  well  watered,  they  pro- 
duce fine  tubers,  which  make  good  succession  plants  for  the 
following  season. 

It  has  frequently  been  stated  that  the  influence  of  a  high 
temperature  is  necessary  to  enable  Gloxinias  to  start  into 
growth  strongly  and  well,  and  so  their  culture  would  appear  of 
necessity  to  be  confined  to  those  persons  having  such  means  at 
their  disposal.  A  fair  trial  of  the  cooler  method  of  culture, 
which  I  will  now  explain,  will  show  this  advice  to  be  somewhat 
fallacious.  If  the  owner  of  one  of  those  pretty  little  conser- 
vatories now  so  frequently  to  be  seen  attached  to  villa  resi- 
dences be  desirous  of  growing  a  few  plants  of  this  charming 
family,  some  strong  young  plants  just  coming  into  flower  should 
be  obtained,  and  kept  while  in  bloom  under  the  shade  of  some 
of  the  creepers  which  will  probably  be  trained  to  the  conser- 
vatory roof.  As  they  go  out  of  bloom  they  should  be  treated 
in  precisely  the  way  I  have  described,  storing  them  olosely  on 
any  back  shelf  where  they  can  have  light  and  are  safe  from 
drip  and  frost.  So  they  should  pass  through  winter,  and  as 
spring  advances,  and  the  young  growth  exhibits  signs  of  anima- 
tion, they  are  taken  down,  shaken  carefully  out  of  the  old  soil, 
and  repotted  in  the  same  pots  in  soil  composed  of  two  parts 
loam  and  one  part  each  of  old  decayed  dung,  sand,  and  broken 
oharcoal.  A  position  on  the  stage  near  the  front  of  the  house, 
where  they  can  erjjoy  the  morning  sun,  but  are  shaded  at  mid- 
day, will  suit  them  admirably.  Avoid  exposing  them  to  draughts, 
and  syringe  the  foliage  with  clear  soft  water  twice  a- day,  taking 
care  to  water  the  roots  thoroughly  when  necessary.  So  treated 
they  will  grow  steadily;  and  when  the  roots  touch  the  sides  of 
the  pots,  if  large  plants  are  required,  they  should  receive  a 
liberal  shift,  but  otherwise  a  little  guano  water  given  occasion- 
ally will  much  assist  the  development  of  the  foliage  and  flowers, 
which  will  be  in  full  beauty  early  in  August,  and  will  continue 
so  to  nearly  the  end  of  September. 

Gloxinias  may  be  grown  after  this  fimple  fashion  to  the 
greatest  perfection,  the  plants  being  quite  equal  in  vigour  and 
beauty  to  those  grown  in  a  stove.  Moreover,  by  this  method  a 
splendid  lot  of  succession  plants  may  be  had,  which  will  serve 
to  prolong  the  flowering  season,  and  thus  prove  in  the  highest 
degree  serviceable  to  the  gardener. — Edwarb  Luckhurst,  Eger- 
ton  House  Gardens,  Kent. 


POMOLOGICAL   GLEANINGS. 

The  following  new  Strawberries  are  this  year  introduced 
by  M.  Gloede,  of  Beauvais  : — 

Baron  Brisse  (Gloede).— Large  and  rich,  of  quite  a  novel 
yellowish  colour,  rather  late,  and  very  productive. 

Belle  de  Nantes  (Boisselot)— Extremely  large,  and  handsome 
shape,  flavour  first-rate  ;  a  noble  dessert  fruit.  Plant  exceed- 
ingly robust,  and  coming  in  very  late. 

Constantin  Tretiakoff  (Gloede).— Large  and  very  handsome  ; 
colour  deep  brilliant  scarlet,  flesh  solid  and  rich.  A  strong 
grower,  very  prolific,  and  remains  long  in  beaiing. 

Favourite  (Madame  Clements).— Large,  even  conical  shape, 
bright  orange,  of  exquisite  flavour.  An  improvement  on  Caro- 
lina superba,  aod  a  good  forcer. 

Helena  Gloede  (Gloede).— Very  large  and  of  delicious  flavour. 
A  noble  fruit,  ripening  very  late ;  will  be  valuable  as  a  highly 


improved  Frogmore  Late  Pine,  which  it  resembles  as  regards 
6ize  and  flavour,  but  to  which  it  is  far  superior  in  growth, 
hardiness,  and  lateness. 

President  Delacour  (Horticultural  Society's  Trial  Gardens  at 
Beauvais). — Large,  globular  thape,  blight  glossy  red.  A  very 
showy  Strawberry,  solid,  rich,  and  bnttery.  Plant  very  hardy 
and  extremely  prolific.     Ripens  at  the  medium  season. 

lioseberry  maxima. — This  is  a  very  fine,  large,  and  useful 
Strawberry,  extensively  grown  in  Russia,  especially  for  early 
forcing.  Exceedingly  hardy  and  prolifio ;  belongs  to  the  Pine 
class.     Real  origin  unknown. 

Alpine  Trouillet. — A  much-improved  variety  of  the  Red  Alpine 
Strawberry  ;  fruit  of  large  size  for  its  race,  and  an  immense 
bearer  till  frost  sets  in. 


SELECT  GARDEN  ROSES. 

Not  a  few  of  the  numerous  Rose  amateurs  who  regularly 
read  "  our  Journal,"  and  whose  first  eager  glance  over  the 
headings  of  the  various  articles  is  to  single  out  for  immediate 
perusal  any  that  relate  to  their  especial  favourite,  must  have 
experienced  astonishment  while  scanning  over  a  list  of  Roses, 
set  forth  as  a  select  one,  which  appeared  in  page  98  of  last 
week's  issue.  In  the  section  of  Hvbrid  Perpetuals  (Kemon- 
tants),  there  are  sixty-one  varieties  named.  Of  these,  Prinoe 
de  Portia,  Jules  Margottin,  John  Hopper,  Beauty  of  Waltbam, 
Paul  Verdier,  Marguerite  de  St.  Amand,  Charles  Lefebvre,  Al- 
fred Colomb,  La  Ville  de  St.  Denis,  Caroline  de  Sansal,  Pierre 
Notting,  Marie  Rady,  Antoine  Ducher,  and  Prince  Camille  de 
Rjhan  are  really  first-class  Roses,  and  should  be  in  every 
collection,  large  or  small,  but  tbeir  number  all  told  amounts 
to  only  fourteen,  or  less  than  one-fourth  of  the  whole  selection  ; 
and  one,  Paul  Verdier,  is  a  very  doubtful  remontant,  while 
Miss  Ingram,  also  in  the  list,  is  certainly  not  remontant. 

Of  some  merit,  but  by  no  means  to  be  considered  so  good  as 
the  preceding,  are  Madame  Clumence  Juigneaux,  occasionally 
fine,  but  too  often  coarse  and  dull  in  colour,  not  full,  nor  suffi- 
ciently remontant ;  Jean  Gonjon,  large,  but  rough;  Monsieur 
de  Montigny,  good,  but  of  weak  constitution,  an  insuperable 
bar  to  recommendation  ;  Madame  Charles  Wood  and  Madame 
Moreau,  remarkable  for  size,  which  renders  them  popular 
among  exhibitors,  but  deficient  in  several  respects.  Leopold 
Hausburg  has  ceased  to  find  favour  from  the  inconstancy  of  its 
bloom  ;  it  occasionally  produces  a  good  flower  ;  it  is  also  sur- 
passed by  others  of  similar  colour.  Madame  Alfred  de  Ronge- 
mont  is  praised  by  some  rosarians  on  account  of  its  pure 
colour;  it  is  now  superseded  by  Boule  de  Niege,  which  "in- 
quirers" should  substitute  when  they  make  their  purchases. 
Madame  Vidot  is  acknowledged  to  be  a  beautiful  Ro6e,  but  few, 
if  any,  can  grow  it  satisfactorily.  Madame  Knorr  may  still  re- 
ceive partial  favour  for  its  unique  colour  and  free-blooming 
qualities.  Madame  Rivers,  too,  would  be  one  of  the  most 
beautiful,  and  therefore  one  of  the  most  valuable,  of  light  Roses 
if  it  were  but  strong  enough,  but  with  regret  we  must  place  it 
among  the  things  that  were.  Thus  ten  more  in  the  list  may 
receive  a  qualified  recommendation,  and  this  in  some  cases 
rather  faint. 

The  remaining  three  dozen,  or  thereabouts,  I  would  utterly 
discard  from  the  rosery,  if  there  already,  and,  of  course,  rigor- 
ously exclude  their  entrance  for  reasons  which  shall  be  stated. 
Taking  them  seriatim,  or  in  groups,  it  seems  almost  a  waste 
of  time  and  space  to  discuss  them  ;  but  people  might  be  mis- 
led unless  the  fallacy  of  such  a  list  offered  for  their  assist- 
ance be  fully  exposed  :—  Mdlle.  Alice  Leroy  and  Duchess  of 
Sutherland  are  Roecs  of  the  past,  which  nobody  would  speak 
or  even  dream  of  now  tla*  we  have  the  superb  Baronne  de 
Rothschild,  a  truly  magnificent  addition  to  our  light  kinds. 
Comtesse  de  Turenne,  who  has  proved  this  ?  at  what  great 
show  has  it  carried  til  honours  ?  Duchess  of  Norfolk  was  once 
thought  a  good  Rose,  but  who  would  care  for  it  now  in  com- 
parison with  Madame  Victor  Verdier,  Horace  Vernet.  Marie 
Eaumann,  Leopold  Premier,  Maurice  Bernardin,  Camille  Ber- 
nardin,  Maisichal  Vaillant,  and  Senateur  Vaisse,  every  one 
of  which  should  be  chosen  a  long  way  in  preference  to  the 
trash  we  are  now  reluctantly  compelled  to  discuss?  They  are 
also  among  the  best  known  and  most  familiar  of  all  Roses. 
Of  Baronne  Pievost,  Btill  in  almott  every  gardeD,  an  eminent 
rosarian,  who  contrioutes  much  valuable  information  to  these 
pages,  on  one  occasion  wrote  to  me,  "  Poor  Baronne  Pievost, 
her  glory  is  departed,"  which  is  but  too  true.  Sir  Rowland 
Hill.  Does  it  exist  ?  has  it  ever  existed  ?  or  is  it  what  mathe- 
maticians call  "  an  imaginary  quantity  ?"  or,  is  it  one  that 


120 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  18,  1870. 


should  be  rescued  from  oblivion,  as  a  souvenir  of  the  great 
postal  reformer?  Rev.  H.  Dombrain,  let  us  hope  to  retain  the 
person  but  not  the  Rose  for  many  many  years  to  come.  Geant 
des  Batailles,  Pauline  Lansezeur,  Francois  Premier  are  of  a 
tribe  long  since  deservedly  gone  out  of  favour ;  flat,  and  with 
small  notched  petals  when  expanded,  of  varying  and  often  dull 
colour,  with  little  or  no  substance — there  is  no  longer  room  nor 
necessity  for  them ;  Jean  RoBenkranz,  not  half  so  good  as  its 
manifest  parent,  Jacqueminot,  the  "  old  General  "  destined  to 
brave  many  a  rude  buffet  yet ;  Madame  Boll,  rough  and  coarse ; 
La  Reine,  an  old  Rose  hard  to  expand,  producing  an  over- 
whelming per-centage  of  bad  to  good  flowers,  its  place  fully 
supplied  by  Comte  de  Nanteuil,  still  a  superb  variety,  Gloire  de 
Vitry,  and  La  Ville  de  St.  Denis  mentioned  above  ;  Triomphe 
de  Caen  and  Merveille  d'Anjou,  neither  a  triumph  nor  a  marvel 
at  all.  Duchesse  d'Orleans  must  still  have  friendly  remem- 
brance, it  is  now  completely  eclipsed  by  the  lovely  Marquise 
de  Mortemart.  William  Jesse  recedes  far  into  the  earliest  re- 
collections of  the  oldest  rosarians  ;  to  Rose  annals  it  is  almost 
prehistoric.  Souvenir  du  Comte  Cavour  is  still  in  favour  with 
me  on  account  of  its  colour,  symmetrical  form,  breadth  of  petal, 
and  robust  habit.  I  yield  to  the  judgment  of  many  experi- 
enced growers  and  pass  it  by ;  it  is  surpassed  in  some  respects 
by  Xavier  Olibo  and  Duke  of  Wellington,  and  infinitely  so  by 
Lord  Macaulay,  one  of  the  most  brilliant  and  attractive  of  all 
the  crimson-scarlet  Roses  of  this  shade  of  colour.  Monsieur 
Boncenne  must  also  claim  notice,  although  its  remontant 
qualities  are  very  defective,  if  not  entirely  absent.  Alba  carnea, 
Madame  Pulliat,  Francois  Treyve,  and  Comte  Litta  have  been 
weighed  in  the  balances  and  found  wanting.  Joseph  Fiala  is 
praised  by  Mr.  Keynes,  but,  I  believe,  he  almost  stands  alone 
in  his  estimation  of  it.  Madame  Fillion  does  not  yield  flowers 
enough  to  pay  for  cultivation  ;  it  is  very  beautiful  when  it  does 
come.  Pius  IX.  fails.  Charles  Rouillard,  Auguste  Mie,  and 
Reine  du  Midi,  are  a  multiplication  of  varieties  worthless  com- 
pared with  Chabrillant,  ThSrese  Levet,  La  France,  Dereux 
Douvill£,  a  neglected  but  fine  Rose ;  and  the  robust  William 
Griffiths.  Anna  de  Diesbach  was  fashionable  about  the  time 
that  crinoline  was  a  la  mode,  of  which  it  may  be  said  to  be  a 
synonyme.  A  floral  critic,  I  forget  who,  once  enunciated  a  very 
famous  apothegm  in  these  paget-  ;  it  was,  that  "  the  graces  of 
ladies  should  be  imitated,  not  their  garments."  Crinoline  is 
gone,  Anna  de  Diesbach  will  soon  disappear  too.  L?  G6ant  and 
Jean  Lambert  are  loose  jaunty  flowers  soon  to  be  forgotten. 
Thorin  is  still  in  debateable  ground  ;  with  me  in  light  soil  it 
does  no  good.    Felix  Genero  is  still  worse. 

There  are  yet  more  in  the  list  under  notice  that  I  have  not 
reproduced.  I  cannot  but  think  that  so  palpable  an  error  in 
judgment  as  is  shown  in  the  article  at  pages  97  and  98  will  be 
fully  challenged  and  refuted  by  the  able  contributors  to  the 
Journal  on  Rose  subjects,  and  that  my  own  omissions  will  be 
amply  made  good  by  them.  A  few  more  remarks  remain  to  be 
made.  Following  the  section  containing  the  list  of  Hybrid 
Perpetuals  are  six  paragraphs  assigned  to  as  many  different 
classes.  Five  varieties  of  Hybrid  Chinas  and  Bourbons  are 
recommended  to  the  "many  inquirers"  to  Belect,  including 
Vivid  and  Paul  Ricaut,  both  surpassed  by  many  remontants  of 
the  same  colour.  Blairii  and  Charles  Lawson  are  omitted, 
although  superior  to  any  of  the  five  inserted.  Few  will  now 
care  to  grow  the  Alba  Roses,  Felicite  and  Queen  of  Denmark,  in 
preference  to  Acidalie,  Souvenir  de  la  Malmaison,  Boule  de 
Niege,  or  even  Baronne  de  Maynard,  none  of  which  receives  a 
notice ;  and  among  Moss  Roses  the  old  CrimBon  will  always 
be  the  most  admired.  Two  Tea  Roses  only  are  mentioned — 
Gloire  de  Dijon,  which  everyone  must  have,  and  Home  re,  a 
peculiar  but  certainly  not  a  good  Rose.  The  pretty  Celine 
Forestier,  which  can  be  grown  almost  everywhere,  is  left  out. 
Marochal  Niel,  almost  as  hardy  as  Gloire  de  Dijon,  is  ignored  ; 
Sombreuil,  a  beautiful  hardy  wbite  Tea  Rose,  finds  no  place  ; 
the  useful  free-blooming  Narcisse,  so  easy  to  grow  and  propa- 
gate, is  passed  over.  In  fact,  throughout  the  whole  list  the 
omissions  are  as  extraordinary  as  the  insertions. 

Enfin,  but  no ;  let  one  glance  be  given  to  the  descriptions, 
or,  I  should  say,  the  colours  of  the  different  kinds  named. 
tc  Brevity  is  the  soul  of  wit,"  hence  nearly  all  are  described  in 
single  words.  To  select  a  few.  Jules  Margottin  and  Beauty 
of  Waltham  are  "  cherry."  What  did  Mr.  Radclyffe  think  of 
his  "old  jewels"  being  thus  characterised?  Alfred  Colomb 
and  Clemence  Joigneaux  "  red  j"  they  are  as  muoh  alike  as  the 
sun  and  moon,  but  then  "  red  "  is  a  comprehensive  quality. 
Pierre  Notting  is  "  dark  red."  Paul  Verdier,  Madame  C.  Wood, 
Souvenir  du  Comte  Cavour,  and  Prince  Camille  de  Rohan  are 


all  "crimson;"  it  would  not  be  correct  to  say  that  they  are 
not— it  is  equally  untrue  to  say  that  they  are  and  nothing 
else. — Adolphus  H.  Kent. 


PLANTS  FLOWERING  IN  JULY. 


July 


4.  Linum  LewiBii 

grandifloram 

narbonense 

alpinum 

perenne 

flavum 
Fraukenia  leevis 
Cineraria  maritima 
Lathyrus  grandifloruB 

splendens 

latifolius 
Rosmarinus  officinalis 
hill  in  a   f  it.:  vi  mi  in 

aurantiacum 

candidum 

chalcedonicum 

longiflorum 

Thunbergianum 
Amorpha  fruticoaa 

fragrans 
Spiraea  daurica 

?runifolia 
anceolata 
Lonicera  longiflora 
aempervirens 
Xyloateum 
Rudbeckia  laciniata 

Newmanni 
8.  Antirrhinum  mnjus,  varieties 
Statice  bellidifolia 

Gmelini 
Nymphsea  alba 
Actsea  spicata 
Catananche  bicolor 
Sedom  acre 

daayphyllum 

Forsterianum 

kamtachatieum 
Azalea  : ■  i.u ;   .!. 

nitida 

viscosa  alba 
Coronilla  varia 
Tilia  europsea 
Aubrietia  Mooreana 

grffica 

Campbellii 
Silene  Sehafti 
11.  Aconitum  Napellus 
Solidago  virgata 

cambrica 
Helianthus  diffusus 

mnltiflorua 
Symph  or  i  carpus  racemosus 
Hesperis  matronalis 
Spirie*  japonica 

venuata 
Aira  cseapitosa 
Euonymus  latifolius 
Liriodendron  tulipifera 
Sempervivum  tectorum 
Rhododendron  hirsutum 
14.  Hedyaarum  coronarium 
Buddlea  globoaa 
Hemerocallis  fulva 
Eacallonia  rubra 
Stachya  lanata 
Viburnum  Tinus 
Potentilla  alba 

insignia 

Hopwoodiana 
Aquilegia  glandulosa 
Ajuga  genevenaia 
Nierembergia  rivularis 
Hottonia  palustris 
Nuphar  lutea 
Potentilla  fruticosa 
Pyrethrum  Parthenium 
Salvia  fulgens 

bicolor 
Lychnis  coccinea 

Haageana 

chalcedonica 

Viacaria  plena 
Clematis  erecta 

integrifolia 
Campanula  Hostii 

garganica 

grandis 

pyramidal  is 

rotundifoka 

Trachelium 
1C.  Myosotia  alpesfris 
Lysimachia  ciliata 

Nummularia 
Colchicum  autumnale 
Oxalis  Bowieana 

floribunda 
Meconopsis  cambrica 
Erica  ramentacea 
Koniga  maritima  variegata 
Inopsidium  acaute 
CEnothera  acaulis 

fruticoBa 

macrocarpa 


July  19.  Liatris  spicata 

pyenoatachya 
elegans 
Lythrum Salicaria 
Lavandula  Spioa 
Philadelphus  grandiflorus 
Aster  alpinua 

lsevis 

Tripolinm 
Catalpa  syringEefoIia 
Astilbe  rivularis 
Statice  latifolia 

incana 
Scabiosa  lutea 

nana 
Clematis  cserulea 

Flammula 

florida 
Primula  acaulis 

cortusoides 
„   28.  Aristolochia  Sipho 

Ceanothus  americanus 

azureus 
Magnolia  tripetala 
Dianthus  deltoidea 

cseaius 
Erica  tetralix 
Hypericum  calycinum 
Leyceateria  formosa 
Kalmia  latifolia 

glauca 
Rhus  Cotinua 
Sedum  populifolium 

aexangulare 

denta'um 

Telephium 
Phlomis  Rueselliana 
Mirabilia  Jalap  a 
Iberi3  Tenoreana 
Gladiolua  brenchleyenBia 
Mimuhia  cupreus 

tigrinuB 

maculosus 

cardinaliB 
Centaurca  caudidissima 

gymnocarpa 
Mitraria  coccmea 
Phlox  Nelsoni 

eetacea 
Lupines 
„   25.  Greum  coccineum 

rivale 

montanum 
Pentstemon  gentianoidea 

glabrum 

procerum 

ovatum 

Scouleri 

venustum 
Morina  peraica 
Linaria  alpina 
Polygonum  Brunoni 

Sieboldi 
Polemonium  CEernleum 

Richardaoni 
Diantbua  odoratus 

Buperbua 

petrseus 
Chelone  barbata  coccinea 
Malope  grandiflora 
Malva  zebrina 

Morenii 

Tsurnefortiana 
Phlox  Prummondi 
Nemophila  inaignia 
„   80.  Meseinbryanihemum     gla- 
brum 

tricolor 
Lobelia  ramosa 
TageteB  patula 

pumila 
Aster  chinenBis 

auperbua 
Adonis  autumnalia 
Lavatera  trimestria 
Portulaca  aurea 

insignia 
Silene  compacta 

rubella 

pendula 
Viacaria  apleudens 
Convolvulus  major 
Verbena  venoaa 
Clintonia  pulchella 
Yucca  glauceacena 

an  guati  folia 

gloriosa 

fllamentosa 
Veronica  Candida 

incana 
Cacalia  aurea 
Jasminum  frulicana 
Cobrea  scandena 
Abrouia  umbcllata 


-M.  B.,,Acklam  Hall,  Middlesbrough- on-Tees. 


LAWN  MOWERS. 
The  trial  of  lawn  mowers  is  very  important,  and  all  lovers 
of  a  velvety  and  verdant  lawn  are  deeply  interested. 


I  have 


Angust  18,  1870.  1 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


121 


used  only  Green's  16-inch  machine  for  some  years  ;  it  is  very 
hard  work  for  two  men.  If  the  grass  is  long  it  cannot  catch 
it,  and  fine  short  grass  it  almost  tears  up  by  the  roots.  During 
the  past  three  years  my  grass  plots  have  been  much  burnt  up 
and  very  ngly  ;  this  made  me  desire  a  better  machine.  When 
the  Archimedean  was  announced  I  wrote  to  inquire,  and  had 
one  offered  no  care  no  pay,  and  on  trial  I  was  glad  to  keep  it 
and  pay  for  it.  My  gardener,  having  been  ill,  is  now  only  weak, 
80  I  volunteered  to  mow  the  grass,  of  which  I  have  more  than 
half-an-aore.  I  have  mown  it  all  myself  during  the  past  three 
weeks,  with  the  exception  of  a  small  portion,  which  was  cut  last 
week  with  Green's  machine  by  two  men,  but  the  result  iB  very 
inferior.  The  grass  left  on  by  the  Archimedean  is  a  benefit ; 
the  turf  improves  and  becomes  like  velvet.  I  can  work  the 
machine  easily ;  it  is  a  delightful  implement,  its  work  a  success, 
and  those  who  wish  to  know  more  may  come  and  see  or  write. 
— Thomas  Baines,  Stock  Hottse,  Bingley. 


STRAWBERRIES  WORTHY  AND  UNWORTHY 
OF  CULTIVATION. 

Year  by  year  our  Strawberry  lists  are  extended,  new  and 
wonderful  varieties  coming  upon  us  from  every  quarter ;  to 
grow  even  a  dish  of  each  would  fill  with  plants  an  ordinary- 
sized  garden.  Variety  is  getting  so  abundant  as  to  be  perfectly 
embarrassing,  and  amidst  so  much  variety  there  must  neces- 
sarily exist  much  inferiority.  If  our  Strawberries  have  been 
improved — and  they  have  been  so  considerably — many  sorts  are 
thus  superseded,  and  ought  to  be  discarded  and  forgotten.  To 
grow  inferior  sorts  is  certainly  useless ;  to  have  to  purchase 
such  is  more  than  vexing.  Feeling  that  "  to  know  what  to 
avoid  "  is  good  knowledge,  we  subjoin  a  list  of  varieties  which 
have  come  under  our  personal  observation,  both  during  the 
present  and  the  last  year,  and  which  ought  to  be  entirely  dis- 
carded. Some  of  them  may,  perhaps,  in  certain  localities,  and 
for  certain  purposes,  prove  passable.  We  venture  to  say,  how- 
ever, they  are  but  few,  and  that  even  these  are  improved  upon 
and  superseded.  We  have  this  season  examined  upwards  of 
four  hundred  named  kinds,  and  out  of  these  we  discard  the 
following : — 

A.  Van  Geert  Gelineau  Nimrod 

Adair  Globe  Nonsuch 

Admiral  Dundas  Goldfinder  Old  Chili 

Ambrosia  Great  Eastern  Orange  Chili 

Augusta  Kitmeyer  Great  Exhibition  Orb 

Australia  Green's  Prolific  Palmyre 

Baronne  DumarLanage  Hacquin  Patrick's  Seedling 

Beauty  of  England  Helena  Jamain  Peabody's  Seedling 

Beehive  Hendries,  Seedling  Pearl 

Belle  Artoissienne  Henrietta  Pitmaston  Black 

Belle  Cauchoise  Hero  Prince  Charlie 

Belle  de  Paris  Highland  Mary  Prince  Arthur 

Bicolor  Hooper's  Seedling  Princess  Alice  Maud 

Blandford  Hovey's  Seedling  Prin«ess  Fredk. William 

Bostock  Iowa  Princess  of  Wales 

Boston  Pine  Jenny  Lind  Princess  Royal  of  Eng- 

Bonbon  John  Powell  land 

Bonte  de  St.  Julien  Jucunda  Progres 

Boule  d'Or  Jung  Bahadoor  Richard  II. 

Brighton  Pine  Kimberley  Robert  Traill 

British  Queen  Seedling  King  Arthur  Roseberry 

Britannia  KraminBky  Rosebud 

Brittany  Pine  La  Boule  du  Monde  Royal  Victoria 

Ceres  La  Fertile  Ruby 

Chinese  La  Grosse  Sucree  Rushtoniensis 

Choix  d'un  Amateur         La  Negresse  St.  Lambert 

Cole's  Prolific  La  Paysanne  Sanspareil 

Comte  de  Zans  La  Perle  Savoureuse 

Comtesse  TheresaKickx  La  Petite  Marie  Scott's  Seedling 

Comtesse  de  Marne  La  Heine  Sir  Walter  Scott 

CorniBh  Diamond  La  Rustique  Stirling  Castle  Pine 

Cornucopia  La  Vineuse  Sultane 

Cox'a  Hybrid  Ladies'  Finger  Surpasse  Grosse  Sucree 

Defiance  Le  Baron  Surprise  (Myatt's) 

Delices  du  Palais  Le  Titiens  The  Lady 

Delices  d'Automne  Lecoq  Pine  Thorn's  Seedling 

Dr.  Karl  Koch  ■  Leon  de  St.  Lannier        Topsy 

Deptford  Pine  Leopold  Trollope's  Victoria 

Douglas's  Califorman      Lorenz  Booth  Triomphe 

Duchesse  de  Beaumont  Lord  Clyde  Triomphe  de  Gand 

Eliza  Champion  Mon  Gout  Unique  Scarlet 

Elton  Pine  Improved       Monstrueuse  de  Robine  Versaillaise 
Excellente  Munro's  Scarlet  Virgin  Queen 

Fairy  Queen  Muscadine  Virginie 

Fertile  d' Angers  Myatt's  Mammoth  Wellington 

Fillmore  Myatt's  Prolific  Wilmot's  Superb 

Garibaldi  (Nicholson)       Ne  Plus  Ultra  Wizard  of  the  North 

General  Havelock  Newton  Kyme  Wonderful 


the  number  is  really  not  required,  yet  we  here  enumerate 
them  as  possessing  some  distinctive  property.  Those  the 
most  meritorious  in  our  estimation  we  have  marked  with  an 
asterisk  *. 

*Ajax,  very  large,  fine  colour,  splendid  for  forcing. 
Alice  Nicholson,  fine  quality. 
Ascot  Pine  Apple,  fine  quality,  early. 
Bicton  Pine,  best  white. 
Black  Prince,  useful  early  sort. 
♦British  Queen,  finest  quality,  suitable  for  Borne  soils. 

Comte  de  Paris,  splendid  colour  and  texture. 

CrimBon  Cluster,  Hautbois  flavour. 
*Dr.  Hogg,  finest  quality,  large,  fine  constitution. 
♦Due  de  MalakofT,  the  largest  of  all. 

Duke  of  Edinburgh,  large  and  very  handsome. 

Duke  of  Edinburgh  (Moffat's),  very  large,  fine  market  sort. 
*Elton  Pine,  best  late -preserving. 

Empress  Eugenie,  great  bearer,  large  size. 
•Frogmore  Late  Pine,  excellent  late  variety. 
•Gloria,  excellent  early  sort,  fine  flavour. 

Grove  End  Scarlet,  good  preserving. 

Her  Majesty,  large  and  handsome. 

Highland  Chief,  excellent  quality. 
♦Keens'  Seedling,  one  of  the  best  for  forcing. 

Kitley's  Goliah,  great  bearer  in  some  soils. 
•La  ConBtante,  finest  quality,  remarkable  hibit. 
•Lucas,  very  large,  fine  constitution  and  quality. 

May  Queen,  the  earliest  of  all,  but  very  small. 
•Mr.  Radclyffe,  large  and  excellent. 

Myatt's  Eleanor,  fine  appearance,  late. 
•Myatt's  Eliza,  finest  quality. 

Old  Scarlet,  good  preserving. 
•Oscar,  fine  quality,  splendid  colour. 
•Old  Pine,  fine  quality,  distiuct  character,  bears  well  in  the  shade. 

Perpetual  Pine,  interesting  as  a  variety. 
•Premier,  fine  quality,  great  bearer. 

President  Wilder,  large,  handsome. 

Prince  of  Wales  (CuthiU'B),  extraordinary  bearer,  late. 

Rifleman,  great  bearer,  large. 

Royalty,  fine  quality,  great  bearer. 

Scarlet  Cluster,  fine  colour,  good  quality. 
•Sir  C.  Napier,  most  profitable  for  the  London  market,  excellent  for 
forcing  and  general  purposes. 

•Sir  Harry,  large,  splendid  cropper,  fine  market  sort. 

Sir  J.  Paxton,  excellent  variety. 

Souvenir  de  Kieff,  very  handsome,  large. 
•The  Amateur,  very  large,  enormous  bearer. 

W.  J.  Nicholson,  fine  quality,  large. 

Waltham  Seedling,  enormous  bearer,  good. 
•Vicomtesse  Hericart  de  Thury,  the  most  generally  UBefnl. 

fc  Synonymes  are  not  here  given.  There  are,  in  addition  to  both 
of  these  lists  now  given,  a  great  number  of  varieties  which 
may  be  termed  of  mediocre  quality,  but  sufficiently  good  for 
retention  in  large  collections,  or  for  some  particular  use,  or  for 
being  specially  suited  for  some  particular  soil  or  district ;  also 
a  never-ending  stream  of  novelties,  or  so-called  improvements, 
or  repetitions  of  the  same  under  other  names ;  likewise  many 
others  which  have  never  come  under  our  observation,  as  we 
write  only  of  our  own  knowledge  and  experience. 


We  next  furnish  a  shorter,  yet  sufficiently  extensive,  list  of 
those  varieties  which  have  proved  sufficiently  meritorious  for 
some  purpose  or  other  to  warrant  their  retention.    One-tenth 


DOUBLE   GERANIUMS. 

I  cannot  agree  with  "  D.,  Deal,"  that  the  double  Geranium 
is  good  for  bedding  purposes,  for  as  Mr.  Abbey  justly  says  in 
his  article  last  week,  the  centre  of  the  trusses  is  very  apt  to 
clog  and  mildew  in  wet,  and  turn  black  in  dry  weather.  I  have 
tried  several  varieties,  and  found  all  fail,  even  the  double  Tom 
Thumb;  this  Mr.  Abbey  thinks  might  do.  But  there  is  one 
purpose  I  find  them  very  suitable  for,  and  that  is  window 
plants,  as  they  remain  a  very  long  time  in  bloom,  and  the 
cen'res  of  the  trusses,  being  perfectly  dry,  scarcely  change 
colour,  while  they  have  the  advantage  of  retaining  their  petals 
until  removed  altogether,  and  having  this  property  they  are 
also  very  suitable  for  button-hole  flowers. 

I  have  grown  the  following  in  my  window  this  year — Gloire 
de  Nancy,  Smith's  Victor,  Victor  Lemoine,  Marie  Lemoine, 
Madame  Lemoine,  Vesuve,  and  Wilhelm  Pfitzer.  Of  these  I 
think  Marie  Lemoine  the  best  light  colour,  being  so  compact 
in  its  growth,  but  Madame  Lemoine  is  also  good.  Gloire  de 
Nancy  ought  to  be  kept  dry  to  prevent  its  growing  too  strong, 
and  it  will  then  open  well.  Victor  Lemoine  is  by  far  the  best  and 
brightest  of  the  scarlets,  a  very  good  trusser,  and  of  dwarf  habit. 
Vesuve  is  of  the  same  colour  and  shape  as  Smith's  Victor, 
but  not  so  dwarf  in  habit,  but  both  heavy  in  colour  and  small 
in  truss.    Wilhelm  Pfitzer  is  also  a  dull  red,  ragged  in  form 


122 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  18,  1870. 


of  flower,  and  rather  a  strong  grower.  So  I  retain  but  two  as 
first-clas?,  Victor  and  Marie  Lemoine,  and  Madame  Lemoine 
and  Gloire  de  Nancy  where  more  height  is  wanted.  Growing 
these  varieties  in  a  window  they  are  apt  to  draw  a  little,  which 
prevents  the  flowers  being  too  closely  packed,  so  they  open 
much  better,  and  have  a  finer  effect,  and  being  in  a  cool 
atmosphere  last  in  bloom  a  very  long  time. — Harrison  Weir, 
Weirlcigh,  Kent. 

HORTICULTURAL  CONGRESS    AT   OXFORD. 

(Continued  from  page  104.) 
The  following  paper  by  Mr.  Thomas  Moore,  F.L.S.,  was  read 
on  the  second  day  of  the  Congress,  and  is  of  much  interest  to 
those  who  have  to  act  as  judges,  as  well  as  to  exhibitors. 

ON  JUDGING  PLANTS  AND  FLOWERS. 

The  object  of  this  paper  is  to  bring  ont  as  briefly  as  possible,  and 
rather  in  a  suggestive  than  an  exhaustive  manner,  a  few  practical 
thonghts  in  reference  to  the  more  important  of  the  laws  which  should 
regulate  the  judging  of  plants  and  flowers  at  horticultural  exhibitions. 
The  subject  is  one  of  the  greatest  importance,  and  it  is  also  so  exten- 
sive that  I  can  do  little  more  than  touch  upon  some  of  the  more 
salient  points.  To  do  this  effectually,  it  will  be  necessary  to  treat 
separately  of : — I.  Plants  staged  in  collections;  II.  Plants  staged  as 
individual  specimens  ;  III.  Plants  and  flowers  staged  as  novelties  ; 
IV.  Flowers  staged  in  the  cut  state. 

§  I. — As  examples  of  the  subjects  which  fall  under  the  head  of 
Plants  staged  in  Collections,  the  groups  of  Pelargoniums,  Heaths, 
Roses,  Orchids,  miscellaneous  stove  and  greenhouse  plante,  &c,  may 
be  cited.  In  judging  groups  of  this  character,  the  following  points 
should  be  careinlly  estimated,  and  their  true  value  credited  to  the 
several  collections,  in  the  following  order : — 

1.  Conformity  mth  the  Terms  of  the  Schedule  under  which  they 
are  shown.  This,  it  must  be  evident,  is  the  first  and  most  important 
point  to  be  decided,  since,  if  the  group,  as  a  whole,  or  in  respect  of 
any  of  its  component  parts,  docs  not  meet  the  terms  under  which  it 
baa  been  invited,  it  is  at  once  removed  beyond  the  pale  of  competition, 
and  must  be  set  aside  or  disqualified.  On  this  account  it  is  of  the 
utmost  importance  that  prize  schedules  should  be  explicitly  and  clearly 
worded.  Moreover,  in  making  up  a  schedule,  undefined  groups  should 
be  avoided.  They  are  fair  neither  to  exhibitors  nor  judges ;  the 
former  are  uncertain  what  to  stage,  the  latter  cannot  possibly  compare 
and  adjust  the  points  of  merit  between  objects  which  are  not  com- 
parable. 

2.  Health  and  Vigour. — Plnnts  which  are  in  an  evidently  sickly  or 
moribund  condition  are  not  likely  to  be  often  exhibited,  but  when  they 
are,  they  are  to  be  regarded  as  blots  and  blemishes.  What  are  more 
likely  to  be  seen  at  exhibitions  are  old.  worn-out,  debilitated  specimens 
—plants  which  have  served  a  good  purpose  in  their  day,  and  which 
still  have,  it  may  be,  the  recommendations  of  size,  and  of  producing 
abundance  of  blossoms,  but  beneath  which  the  experienced  eye  can 
detect  the  signs  of  decrepitude.  Such  plants  as  these  should  not  be 
preferred  before  younger  and  more  vigorous  specimens  merely  because 
they  happen  to  be  larger,  if  the  younger  plants  are  fairly  over  what 
would  be  known  as  half-specimen  size,  and  are  otherwise  good  ex- 
amples of  cultivation  as  to  growth  and  bloom.  In  other  words,  young 
vigorous  growth,  with  its  robust,  high-coloured  flowers,  is  to  be  pre- 
ferred to  stunted  growth  and  starved  flowers,  even  though  the  plants 
may  be  considerably  smaller.  This  is  equally  true  in  respect  to  plants 
grown  for  their  foliage ;  vigorous  youth  must  here  also  come  before 
stunted  old  age. 

3.  Freshness  and  Unimpaired  Condition. — The  foliage  of  exhibition 
plants  should  not  only  be  well-developed,  but  fresh  and  in  an  uninjured 
state ;  the  flowers  should  be  perfect,  and  without  blemish.  Such  plants 
come  decidedly  before  others  that  from  any  cause  may  have  become 
bruised,  broken,  or  disfigured,  as  regards  either  stem,  leaves,  or  flowers. 
Injuries  of  this  sort  chiefly  occur  in  packing  and  transit,  but  all  such 
defects  mnst  couut  as  decided  blemishes. 

4.  Intrimic  Beauty.— This  may  be  of  two  kinds,  floral  beauty  or 
leaf  beauty,  and  both  may  sometimes  count  in  the  same  group.  Thus 
in  a  collection  of  miscellaneous  flowering  plants,  while  flowers  are 
essential,  and  the  floral  display  may  carry  high  marks,  yet  where 
elegant  or  ornamental  foliage  is  associated  with  these  handsome 
flowers,  still  higher  marks  must  be  allowed.  In  florists'  subjects, 
Pelargoniums  or  Fuchsias  for  example,  on  the  other  hand,  the  floral 
beauty  of  the  subjects  has  mainly  to  be  considered,  the  foliage  being 
similar  in  all,  while  any  differences  it  may  present  will  have  been 
estimated  under  the  heads  of  health  and  freshnesB.  Singularity  of 
form  may  sometimes  compensate  for  want  of  colour  beauty.  There 
may  also  be  subjects  whose  beauties,  such  as  they  are,  are  of  a  plain 
or  ordinary  character,  and  which  are  not  therefore  effective  ;  and  such 
plants  count  rather  as  blemishes  than  otherwise. 

5.  General  Compatibility.  —  In  all  collections  there  should  be  an 
evident  fitness  of  plant  to  plant,  a  general  resemblance,  though  not 
necessarily  a  rigid  uniformity  of  character,  especially  as  to  size, 
quality,  and  style.  Sometimes  in  marshalliug  his  forces  an  exhibitor 
will  bring  into  his  collection  some  one  or  two  magnificent  specimens 
aa  a  makeweight  against  sundry  inferior  ones,  and  with  inexperienced 


judges  the  artifice  now  and  then  succeeds,  Binee  they  cannot  free  them- 
selves from  the  impulse  to  reward  the  superior  plant  or  plautB.  This, 
however,  should  always  be  discountenanced,  and  a  certain  average 
amount  of  merit  throughout  the  group,  higher  or  lower  according  to 
circumstances,  insisted  on.  The  whole  of  the  plants  in  the  group, 
whether  many  or  few,  should  fit  into  their  respective  places  as  though 
they  bad  been  prepared  for  them.  There  may  be  some  larger  to 
occupy  the  back  or  centre  of  a  group,  and  some  smaller  to  take  the 
front  places ;  but  there  should  never  be  one  or  two  very  large  plants 
mixed  up  with  several  very  small  ones,  nor  one  or  two  Bmall  plants 
associated  with  several  large  ones.  If  there  cannot  be  an  approxi- 
mate equality  of  size,  there  should  be  a  gradation,  and  that  not  too 
sudden.  As  to  the  form  of  individual  plants,  that  must  vary  to  some 
extent  with  the  subjects,  especially  in  miscellaneous  groups,  but  the 
contrast  even  here  should  not  be  too  violent ;  and  in  the  case  of  collec- 
tions of  particular  flowers,  as  Pelargoniums,  Roses,  &c,  there  should 
be  an  approximation  to  symmetry  and  uniformity  of  outline,  as  well 
as  of  size. 

6.  Size  Bhould  only  count  where  other  conditions  are  equal.  In  urg- 
ing this  point,  it  is  not  intended  to  depreciate  fine,  large,  and  really 
healthy  specimens,  since  these,  of  whatever  kind,  are  the  pride  and 
glory  of  our  plant  shows,  but  only  to  insist  that  mere  size  is  never  to 
be  preferred  to  perfect  health  and  irreproachable  condition  and  finish. 
The  old  proverb  comes  in  very  true  here — the  biggest  not  always  the 
beat.  Size  is  of  course  comparable  only  between  different  classes, 
some  subjects  naturally  attaining  larger  dimensions  than  others. 

7.  Variety  is  an  element  which  must  be  allowed  to  have  weight 
after  the  few  first  and  most  essential  points.  There  must  be  some 
variety,  and  the  greater  the  variety  after  the  essential  points  are  met 
the  better ;  but  beyond  the  avoidance  of  positive  sameness  too  much 
importance  must  not  be  attached  to  the  mere  circumstance  of  a  group 
being  highly  varied.  This  is  one  of  the  points  upon  which  schedules 
should  be  made  especially  clear,  so  that  it  may  be  thoroughly  under- 
stood if  distiuct  species  or  varieties  are  required,  and  whether  or  not 
duplicates  are  admissible. 

8.  Facility  of  Culture. — The  least  weight  should  be  attached  to 
the  plants  which  are  most  easily  cultivated,  other  points  being  equal, 
though,  as  a  considerable  amount  of  skill  is  necessary  to  bring  any 
plant  into  a  state  fit  for  exhibition,  too  much  importance  should  not 
he  attached  to  plants  of  diincult  culture.  An  easily  grown  plant, 
thoroughly  well  done,  perfect  in  every  point,  may  even  be  better  than 
a  moderately  good  plant  of  a  more  difficult  subject,  and  is  certainly 
better  than  an  inferior  one  of  that  class. 

9.  Rarity  ana  Intrinsic  Value  take  about  the  same  position  as 
facility  of  culture  and  variety.  All  these  may  be,  and  should  be, 
taken  iuto  account,  but  they  are  scarcely  essential,  and  certainly  not 
of  primary  importance.  Rarity  is  the  least  important  of  them  all, 
since  it  may  add  nothing  to  the  beauty  of  the  show ;  and  the  money 
value  of  the  objects  is  not  the  ground  upon  which  the  plants  are 
brought  iuto  competition.  As  auxiliary  points  in  collections  that 
come  near  together  in  merit,  these  may  be  fairly  considered ;  but 
certainly  too  much  importance  should  not  be  attached  to  them.  Hor- 
ticultural exhibitions  are  held  for  the  display  and  reward  of  cultural 
skill,  not  for  the  appraisement  of  the  objects  shown.  The  latter  is  a 
consideration  more  suited  to  an  auction-room  than  a  flower  show. 

§  II.  The  considerations  which  give  importance  to  the  several  points 
of  merit  in  the  case  of  plants  staged  as  Individual  Specimens,  and 
which  may  include  such  subjects  as  Azaleas,  Heaths,  Pelargoniums, 
Orchids,  Palms,  Ferns,  or  any  of  the  plants  included  in  miscellaneous 
collections,  are  almost,  if  not  exactly,  the  same  as  those  already 
advanced,  and  therefore  need  not  be  repeated.  They  should  be  taken 
in  the  order  indicated,  and  perfection  in  each  should  in  these  cases  be 
insisted  on. 

1.  Confomiitif  until  the  Terms  of  the  Schedttle. 

2.  Health  and  Vigour  as  opposed  to  weakness  and  infirmity. 

3.  Freshness  and  Unim paired  Condition  as  opposed  to  decay  and 
mutilation. 

4.  Intrinsic  Beauty,  which  must  here  include,  so  far  as  they  pro- 
perly attach  to  the  particular  kind  of  plant  under  examination,  such 
points  as  free  and  symmetrical  habit,  profusion  of  well- displayed 
flowers,  pure  or  pleasing  colours,  firm  and  enduring  flowers,  and  suc- 
cession of  bloom, — points  which  will  be  more  specially  noticed  under 
§  III.,  New  Plants. 

5.  FwiUfy  of  Culture. 

6.  Si-;e. — The  coinpmison  in  respect  to  size  must  not  be  absolute 
but  relative,  in  those  classes  where  mixed  subjects  compete  together. 

7.  Rarity  and  Intrinsic  Value. — Where  specimens  of  one  particular 
kind  of  plant — say  Azaleas  or  Heaths  —  are  brought  together  for 
adjudication,  there  is  comparatively  little  difficulty  in  arriving  at  a 
correct  decision  by  such  stages  as  those  indicated  by  the  foregoing 
points  ;  but  it  is  not  so  easy  to  arrive  at  a  satisfactory  conclusion  in 
the  case  of  miscellaneous  specimens  when  shown  together  in  the  same 
class,  since  the  consideration  of  the  value  of  the  plant  will  obtrude 
itself,  and  will  affect  different  minds  in  a  different  manner,  according 
to  peculiar  tastes  or  fancies.  Hence,  at  least  special  subjects,  Orchids 
for  example,  which  generally  bear  a  high  money  value,  should  have 
separate  classes  assigned  to  them,  and  should  not  be  left  open  to  com- 
pete with  such  plants  as  Fuchsias,  or  even  such  as  Ixoras,  Alla- 
maudas,  &c. 

§  III.  The  considerations  which  should  govern  the  award  of  prizes 


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to  New  Plants  and  Flowers — that  is,  subjects  Btaged  as  novelties,  have 
been  already  noted  in  a  paper  published  in  the  first  volume  of  the 
Society's  Journal,  but  in  order  to  present  a  more  complete  view  of 
the  subject,  I  will  here  briefly  recapitulate  what  I  have  therein 
advanced. 

(a).  Flowering  Plants. — The  features  which  are  the  most  desir- 
able in  a  plant  cultivated  as  a  decorative  object  for  the  sake  of  its 
flowers — that  is,  in  an  ornamental -flowering  plant  viewed  as  a  whole, 
are  the  following  : — 

1.  Free  and  Symmetrical  Habit  of  Growth.  —  Whether  naturally 
slender  or  robust  an  ornamental  plant  should  at  least  be  free  in  the 
development  of  its  parts,  and  should  present  something  like  regularity 
in  its  growth,  so  far  as  that  can  bo  realised  in  conjunction  with  its 
natural  habit.  The  plant  should  not  be  of  a  stubborn  immovable 
character,  resulting  in  a  stunted  aspect,  nor  must  it  be  of  a  delicate 
constitution,  such  as  gardeners  call  "  niiffy."  Iu  a  general  way  it 
should  bo  compact  and  bushy,  so  far  as  its  natural  character  permits 
— the  opposite  of  lean  and  straggling  in  its  mode  of  growth.  Some- 
times, it  is  true,  a  bad  habit  may  be  overcome  by  the  skill  of  the  culti- 
vator, but  it  is  better  that  a  good  habit  should  be  inherent.  Even  in 
a  climber,  lanky  long- jointed  growth  is  not  desirable. 

2.  Profusion  of  Fhtoers  well  disjflmfed. — There  should  not  only  be 
an  abundance  of  flowers  produced,  but  they  should  be  so  disposed  as  to 
be  effective  ;  that  is,  they  must  not  be  hidden  amongst  the  foliage,  nor, 
if  their  beanty  depends  upon  a  view  of  their  face,  must  they  hang  about 
loosely  so  that  the  face  cannot  be  seen.  If  they  are  pendent,  it  should 
be  with  natural  grace.  They  should  not  be  crowded  by  foliage,  nor 
crushed  among  themselves  by  being  over-numerous  or  disadvautage- 
ously  set  on. 

3.  Healthy  Leafdrrelojoncnt. — No  plant  can  be  really  beautiful 
which  has  not  well- grown  and  well-coloured  healthy  foliage  ;  but  the 
leaves  should  generally  be  subdued  in  comparison  with  the  flowers,  and 
must  not  in  any  case  be  disproportionately  large  or  numerous.  If  tho 
foliage  is  handsome,  so  much  the  better,  but  it  must  be  healthy  and 
wholesome-looking. 

4.  Bright,  pure,  dense,  or  pleasingly -contrasted  Colours. — All  dull 
dingy  colours  stamp  a  flower  with  inferiority,  though  they  may  some- 
times be  permitted  as  curiosities,  especially  if  the  flower  is  of  some 
very  remarkable  form  in  its  family,  or  presents  some  peculiar  novelty. 

5.  Form  and  Substance  of  Flowers  and  Endurance. — Unless  flowers 
put  on  some  of  the  best  forms  which  their  particular  type  may  be  ca- 
pable of  yielding,  and  are  stout  and  durable  in  texture,  they  neither 
present  the  highest  beanty  of  which  they  are  capable,  nor  do  their 
beautieB,  of  whatever  order,  continue.  Flimsy  flowers  soon  perish,  and 
are  hence  much  inferior  to  those  of  stont  enduring  substance. 

6.  Succession  of  Bloom. — It  is  a  greater  merit  to  produce  a  succession 
of  flowers,  in  order  that  the  blooming  season  may  be  prolonged,  pro- 
vided they  are  not  thereby  rendered  scanty  and  scattered,  than  to  give 
a  flush  of  flowers,  the  beanty  of  which  is  fleeting,  and  then  not  to 
blossom  again  for  a  considerable  period.  Next  in  merit  to  a  plentiful 
succession  of  flowers  comes  a  good  head  of  bloom  ;  and  those  plants 
are  of  the  least  value  for  ornamental  purposes  which  only  bear  a  few 
scattered  blossoms  at  long  intervals  of  time. 

7.  Sine  of  Flowers  is  an  advantage,  all  other  points  being  equal ;  but 
size  is  apt  to  degenerate  into  coarseness,  and  hence  it  is  not  a  feature 
to  be  estimated  too  highly. 

8.  Distinctness. — If  it  were  not  for  the  development  of  thi;  character- 
istic, our  flowers  would  lack  half  the  charms  they  now  have,  owing  to 
the  almost  endless  variety  they  present;  and  hence  this  feature  of  dis- 
tinctness should  be  made  a  sine  qua  non.  A  new  flower  which  has  not 
appreciable  distinctness  has  no  advantage  over  the  older  ones  which 
resemble  it. 

9.  Graft  fid  <  ktoar. — A  pleasant  perfume  is  a  great  advantage  in  any 
flower,  and  must  have  its  full  weight  in  making  any  award  to  a  new 
plant. 

10.  Novelty. — A  decidedly  new  character  is  worth  recognition  in  the 
absence  of  any  other  merit;  for  if  the  plant  presenting  it  does  not 
in  other  respects  give  us  exactly  what  we  desire,  the  new  feature  is  to  be 
regarded  as  the  first  step  towards  obtaining  a  new  race ;  and  to  produce 
a  new  race  is  equivalent  to  the  addition  of  a  new  province  to  the  king- 
dom of  Flora.  If  the  new  feature  is  some  manifest  improvement  so 
much  the  better,  but  a  new  feature,  though  not  in  itself  a  direct  and 
present  advantage,  may  lead  to  something  which  is  desirable.  When, 
moreover,  it  is  made  an  aim  to  develope,  in  connection  with  the  novel 
character,  the  elements  of  beauty  or  utility,  in  which  it  may  be  deficient, 
this  aim  will  in  almost  all  cases  be  sooner  or  later  realised,  owing  to 
the  plasticity  of  vegetable  development. 

(6).  Foliage  Plants. — In  regard  to  plants  grown  for  the  sake  of 
their  foliage,  many  of  the  points  of  merit  are  the  same  as  those  Bought 
for  in  flowering  plants.  The  most  desirable  features  appear  to  fall 
under  the  following  heads: — 

1.  Free  and  Symnu  trim/  Habit  of  Growth. — This  feature  is  even 
more  essential  here  than  in  the  case  of  flowering  plants,  as  great  part 
of  the  beauty  of  the  specimen  neccessarily  depends  upon  it. 

2.  Healthy  Leaf-development. — As  the  beauty  of  the  plant  is  to  be 
sought  in  its  foliage,  the  leaves  must  at  least  be  developed  in  a  healthy 
and  vigorous  manner. 

3.  Gracefulness  or  Nobility  of  Aspect. — Most  of  the  plants  grown 
for  foliage  alone  are  prized  on  account  of  one  or  other  of  these  features, 
Hence  a  common-looking  piant  which  does  not  possess  either  one  or 


the  other,  and  does  not  yield  showy  flowers  as  a  compensation,  must 
be  held  to  possess  little  merit  from  the  decorative  point  of  view,  how- 
ever curious  or  interesting  it  may  be  in  other  respects. 

4.  Endurace  of  Foliage. — When  the  beauty  of  the  plant  depends  on 
the  appearance  presented  by  the  foliage,  it  is  obvious  that  the  more 
enduring  the  character  of  that  foliage,  the  longer  will  the  plant  retain 
its  beauty.  Hence  endurance  in  the  foliage  becomes  a  very  important 
quality.  A  deciduous  plant  is  on  this  ground  less  valuable  per  se 
than  an  evergreen,  although  it  may  be  good  in  its  way,  or  in  its 
season.  But,  then,  evergreens  and  deciduous  plants  are  not  strictly 
comparable. 

5.  Distinctness. — When  the  beauty  of  a  plant  has  to  be  sought  in 
its  leafago  alone,  there  is  much  less  scope  for  variety  than  when  flowers 
are  superadded;  but  it  becomes  all  the  more  essential  to  avoid  the 
sameness  of  aspect  which  must  prevail,  if  distinctness  of  character  is 
not  insisted  on. 

6.  Pleasing  and  Welt -marked  Oolour. — The  leaf,  that  is  to  Bay, 
should,  if  green,  be  a  good  pleasant  healthy-looking  green,  and  if  of 
any  other  colour,  it  should  be  of  some  decided  and  agreeable  tint 
or  tone. 

7.  Well-defined  Colours  or  Markings. — This  is  an  essential  part  of 
beauty  in  the  case  of  variegated  leaves,  and  variegation  is  a  condition 
commonly  presented  by  what  are  called  ornamental-foliaged  plants. 
A  cloudy  intermixture  of  colours  in  leaves,  as  in  flowers,  i3  seldom  or 
never  effective. 

8.  Novelty  of  Cltaractcr.—  Though  only  to  be  valued  as  the  stepping 
stone  to  the  production  of  new  races,  as  iu  the  case  of  flowering  plants, 
yet  when  combined  with  other  elements  of  beauty,  or  as  indicating 
features  which  may  be  improved  upon  and  worked  up  to  greater  per- 
fection, this  is  a  property  much  to  be  desired. 

It  may  here  be  observed  that  stove  plants,  greenhouse  plants,  and 
hardy  plants  require  to  be  judged  independently  of  each  other.  At 
first  sight  it  might  appear  needless  to  estimate  separately  the  merits 
of  these  several  groups,  since  it  might  be  said  that  hardy  plants,  the 
lowest  in  value  intrinsically,  stand  really  at  an  advantage  in  being 
suited  to  the  means  of  a  larger  number  of  cultivators  than  would  be 
able  to  accommodate  hothouse  plants,  owing  to  the  more  costly  nature 
of  the  conditions  necessary  to  the  successful  production  of  the  latter  ; 
while  to  some  cultivators,  who  cannot  command  any  such  costly  ap- 
pliances, they  would,  of  course,  be  all  in  all.  On  the  whole,  however, 
the  several  classes  may  be  placed  on  an  eqnality  in  so  far  as  concerns 
the  judgment  on  their  merits  as  new  plants;  for  whilst  an  advantage 
must  be  admitted  in  the  case  of  the  hardier  subject,  on  the  ground  of 
its  more  general  applicability,  an  advantage  must  certainly  be  accorded 
to  the  hothouse  plant  on  the  grouud  of  intrinsic  value.  But  still  I 
would  urge  the  adoption  of  this  rule,  that  plants  of  the  classes  de- 
nominated stove,  greenhouse,  and  hardy,  should  be  compared  only 
among  themselves.  This  limitation  should  indeed  be  carried  further, 
for  annuals,  perennials,  and  shrubs  or  trees  should  in  the  same  way 
only  bp  compared  amongst  themselves ;  and  of  the  latter,  deciduous 
plants  and  evergreens  can  only  be  fairly  compared  with  plants  corre- 
sponding in  character.  The  same  may  be  said  in  reference  to  plants 
of  any  specially-marked  group,  such  as  Agaves  or  Orchids.  To  ascer- 
tain if  a  hardy  Conifer  was  of  first-class  merit,  it  would  he  useless  to 
compare  it  with  a  Fern  or  a  Palm. 

Further  than  this,  plants  adapted  for  blooming  in  the  winter,  or 
Spring,  or  summer,  or  autumn  seasons,  must  be  judged  in  their  rela- 
tions to  those  particular  seasons,  and  must  not  be  rigidly  compared 
except  with  those  of  their  own  season,  because,  in  order  to  avoid  a 
scarcity  of  flowers  at  any  period,  it  is  necessary  to  cultivate  such  as 
will  extend  the  flowering  period  throughout  the  year.  A  plant  may 
thus  be  really  valuable  on  account  of  its  blooming  in  winter,  which 
would  bo  regarded  as  comparatively  worthless  in  summer,  for  the  mere 
fact  of  producing  blossoms  during  winter  is  sufficient  to  outweigh  a 
multitude  of  minor  defects.  Hence  may  be  deduced  another  conclu- 
sion— namely,  that  the  rules  by  which  new  plants  are  judged  must  be 
relaxed  in  inverse  proportion  to  the  supply  of  flowers  obtainable  at 
the  particular  season  at  which  they  bloom.  These  general  considera- 
tions must  bd  allowed  their  full  force  in  applying  any  Bet  of  rules  for 
the  determination  of  the  merits  of  new  plants. 

(c).  Florists'  Flowers. — Though  various  in  character,  these  admit 
of  more  ready  and  exact  comparison  than  the  subjects  of  the  two  pre- 
ceding groups ;  for  the  number  of  organs  to  be  adjudicated  upon  are 
fewer,  and  hence  the  requisite  features  admit  of  more  exact  comparison 
and  definition,  which  definition  has  been  already  well  worked  out  by 
florists.  The  features  to  be  specially  sought,  and  their  relative  value, 
are  these : — 

1.  Form. — In  most  single  flowers  this  should  he  circular,  or,  where 
the  circle  will  uot  apply,  symmetrical.  Iu  double  flowers  there  should 
be  a  semi-globular  outline  Compound  flowers  follow  the  same  law  as 
double  flowers.  Tubular  flowers,  and  some  others  of  peculiar  forms, 
offer  exceptions,  which  can  only  be  dealt  with  individually. 

2.  Substance. — The  "texture  of  the  petals  must  be  stont  and  dense 
if  the  flower  is  to  be  durable,  for  if  flimsy  it  soon  gires  way,  and  loses 
both  form  and  colour. 

3.  Smoothness  ami  Flatness  of  EJqe  and  Surface. — These  qualities 
are  eminently  necessary  to  give  refinement  to  the  flower.  A  coarse 
rough -surfaced  flower  bears  no  comparison  with  one  of  a  velvet-like 
smoothness  and  softness,  and  evenness  of  margin  is  equally  necessary. 
A  regular  series  of  wart-like  spots,  as  in  the  case  of  some  Lilies,  is, 


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[  August  18,  1870. 


however,  admissible.     In  some  cases,  but  not  often,  a  well-developed 
fringe  or  frill  is  also  admissible. 

4.  Colour. — This  must  be  bright  or  pure  and  decided  in  self-flowers 
(that  is,  flowers  of  one  colour),  and  clearly-defined  and  well- contrasted 
in  striped  or  laced  flowers. 

5.  Fixity  of  Colour  is  a  quality  of  some  importance,  and  depends 
partly,  but  not  wholly,  on  the  texture  or  substance  of  the  corolla. 

6.  Proportion  of  Parts  to  the  Whole  is  an  essential  element  of 
beauty,  but,  as  this  depends  on  the  actual  form,  it  must  be  defined  in- 
dividually in  the  different  kinds  of  flowers. 

7.  Size  is  an  advantage,  so  that  it  is  not  disproportionate  nor  con- 
ducive to  coarseness,  but  it  is  very  apt  to  degenerate  into  coarseness. 

8.  Distinctness  is  absolutely  necessary  for  the  sake  of  variety. 

9.  Novelty  is  a  quality  always  welcome,  as  it  enlarges  the  field  of 
floriculture  ;  but  to  count  as  a  point  in  judging  the  change  must  not 
be  a  mere  variation,  but  a  decided  difference  of  form  or  feature.  The 
merit  of  any  novelty  of  feature,  moreover,  must  always  be  estimated 
subject  to  the  higher  qualities  of  form,  substance,  smoothness,  pro- 
portion, &c. 

§  TV.  Cut  flowers  for  competition  are  always  shown  in  collections — 
e.g.t  Roses,  Carnations,  Pansies,  Gladioli,  Hollyhocks,  Asters,  &c. 
Hence,  many  of  the  points  advanced  under  the  head  of  Plants  staged 
in  Collections  (§  I.),  apply  to  these  also;  but  there  are  additional 
points,  such  as  those  advanced  under  New  Florists'  Flowers  (§  III.  c), 
and  over  and  beyond  all  these  come  in  the  special  properties  of  each 
particular  kind  of  flower.  Time  will  not  permit  me  to  enter  into 
detail  on  these  points,  and  I  will  therefore  merely  mention  those 
which  are  of  general  application,  or  nearly  so  : — 

1.  Conformity  with  the  Terms  of  the  Schedule. 

2.  Freshness,  and  Unimpaired  Condition. 

3.  Special  Properties  of  the  particular  flower  under  judgment,  and 
more  particularly  as  regards : — Form,  substance,  smoothness  of  tex- 
ture and  margin,  purity  and  definition  in  colour. 

4.  Variety. 

The  only  strictly  accurate  mode  of  judging  is  by  allotting  marks  to 
each  collection  or  plant  in  respect  of  each  point  of  merit,  and  finally 
summing  up  the  total.  This  may  seem  a  tedious  method  of  arriving 
at  a  result,  but  it  need  not  be  so  in  reality ;  and  it  is  practically  the 
method  under  which,  by  means  of  a  mental  process,  our  best  judges 
arrive  at  their  decisions.  When  this  plan  is  adopted  there  is  no  guess- 
work, but  the  sum  of  the  merits  of  a  plant  or  a  collection  must  come 
out  accurately.  I  can  only  here  briefly  indicate  how  the  method  may 
be  applied : — 

In  Section  I.,  that  is,  Plants  staged  in  Collections,  the  first  point 
settles  whether  the  collection  is  admissible  or  not — nonconformity 
with  the  schedule  means  disqualification.  The  other  points  must  be 
gone  over  seriatim,  and  a  decision  arrived  at  whether  each  plant  can 
be  marked  as  good,  bad,  or  indifferent,  in  respect  to  each  point.  As 
the  points  are  not  all  equal  I  would  allow  double  marks  for  the  points 
of  primary  importance,  and  single  marks  for  the  secondary  ones. 
Under  the  former  good  would  be  represented  say  by  6  marks,  in- 
different by  3  marks,  bad  by  1  mark.  Under  the  latter  good  would 
stand  at  3,  indifferent  at  2,  bad  at  1.  With  a  little  practice  these 
numbers  would  be  soon  run  out,  even  in  a  collection  of  a  dozen  or  a 
score  of  plants,  especially  if  prepared  Blips  with  columns  for  the  dif- 
ferent points  were  banded  to  the  judges  previous  to  their  commencing 
their  duties.  I  should  put  the  points  numbered  2,  3,  4,  and  5  (health, 
freshness,  beauty,  compatibility),  in  the  first  category,  and  6,  7,  8,  and 
9  {size,  variety,  facility  of  culture,  rarity,  and  value)  in  the  second,  as 
regards  collections  of  flowering  plants  ;  and  2,  3,  and  4  (health,  fresh- 
ness, beauty)  in  the  first,  and  5,  6,  and  7  (facility  of  culture,  size, 
rarity)  in  the  second  category,  as  regards  specimen  plants.  In  this 
way  the  decisions  in  §§  I.  and  II.,  and  even  §  IV  cmay  be  very  ac- 
curately made  out,  these  groups  being  all  competitive. 

In  the  case  of  new  plants  the  subjects  require  a  different  treatment, 
the  object  being  to  determine  their  intrinsic,  not  their  comparative 
merit.  Here,  consequently,  a  fixed  number,  say  100,  should  indicate 
the  highest  degree  of  excellence,  and  any  lesser  number  awarded  will 
show  the  degree  in  which  they  approach  this  highest  degree  of  merit. 
Practically  those  plants  which  gain  75  marks  or  upwards  would  be  1st 
class  in  merit ;  those  which  gain  over  50  up  to  75  would  be  2nd  class ; 
knd  those  which  gain  only  from  30  to  50  would  be  3rd  class.  In  these 
cases  the  full  number  assigned  to  each  meritorious  feature  is  only  to 
be  awarded  to  the  perfect  condition  of  that  feature,  and  any  lesser  pro- 
portionate number  according  to  the  actual  degree  of  merit. 

In  reducing  this  to  practice,  the  following  would  be  the  marks  indi- 
cating the  highest  degrees  of  excellence  in  the  case  of  New  Flowering 
Plants :— 

1.  Freeness  of  habit 15 

2.  Profuseness  and  display  of  flowers 15  1 

S.  Healthiness  of  leaf-development 15 

4.  Purity,  brightness,  or  contrast  of  colour 10 

5.  Endurance,  subBtanee,  and  form  of  flowers    10  L      IM         , 

6.  Succession  of  bloom ]©  f  =  100  marks. 

7.  Size  of  flower 10 

8.  Distinctness  of  character 5 

8.  Gratefulness  of  odour  in  leaves  or  flowers 5/ 

10.  Novelty  of  a  decided  kind 6 

Glaring  defects  amongst  new  flowering  plants  would  be  presented  by 
the  undermentioned  peculiarities,  each  of  which  should  reduce  the 
award  by  10 ; — Straggling  habit,  flimsy  flowers,  muddled  or  dingy  or 
fleeting  colours,  foetid  odour. 


The  following  is  the  scale  proposed  for  New  Foliage  Plants : — 

1.  Freeness  of  habit 15 

2.  Healthiness  of  leaf-development 15 

S.  Gracefulness  or  nobility  of  aspect  15 

4.  Endurance  of  foliage 15 

5.  Distinctness  of  character 15 

6.  Agreeableness  of  colouring 10 

7.  Definition  in  markings  10 

8.  Novelty 5 

As  glaring  defects  which  may  occur  in  this  class  of  plants,  may  be 
mentioned  the  following  peculiarities,  each  of  which  should  reduce  the 
award  by  10 : — Straggling  habit ;  flimsy,  tender,  rapidly  perishing 
leaves  ;  indistinct  or  fleeting  colours  or  markings. 

In  the  case   of  New  Florists'   Flowers,   the  points  of  excellence 
would  bear  the  numerical  ratio  indicated  below : — 

1.  Form   15 

2.  Substance     lfl\ 

3.  Smoothness 15  I 

4.  Colour 10 

5.  Fixity  of  colour 10  y  -  100  marks. 

6.  Proportion    10 

7.  Size 10 

8.  Distinctness   10  I 

9.  Novelty 5 

The  most  glaring  faults  in  this  class  of  subjects  are  to  be  found  in  the 
following  features,  which  are  in  most  cases  altogether  incompatible 
with  a  high  position  : — Open  eyes,  as  they  are  called,  when  double 
flowers  show  any  part  of  the  disc  or  centre ;  split  petals  or  floretB ; 
run  or  confused  or  fading  colours  ;  roughness  of  outline  or  surface. 


The  laBt  paper  which  we  shall  give  is  that  of  Professor  Law- 
son,  which  was  read  on  the  second  day  of  the  Congress. 
OXFORD  BOTANISTS. 

Having  been  honoured  with  a  request  that  I  would  write  for  this 
occasion  a  shoit  paper,  I  chose  for  my  subject  "  The  History  of  the 
More  Eminent  Botanists  and  Gardeners  connected  with  the  County." 
But  had  I  written  my  paper  first,  and  then  selected  my  title,  instead 
of  adopting  the  opposite  course,  I  should  have  entitled  it,  "  The  His- 
tory of  the  More  Eminent  Botanists  and  Gardeners  connected  with  the 
University ;"  for  when  I  came  to  examine  the  subject  more  closely, 
I  found  the  amount  of  information  that  might  be  given  was  so  great, 
that  to  do  it  justice  I  should  require  several  papers  in  which  to  treat 
it,  instead  of  one. 

Thus  I  have  to  apologise  for  having  departed  in  some  degree  from 
my  original  intention. 

I  will  mate  use  of  this  opportunity,  and  take  the  liberty  of  suggest- 
ing to  the  Committee  the  propriety  of  engaging,  on  each  succeeding 
year,  the  services  of  some  person  well  acquainted  with  the  history  of 
the  city  and  neighbourhood  in  which  their  meeting  may  be  held,  who 
shall  undertake  to  give  us  a  short  account  of  all  who  have  advanced 
the  botany  or  horticulture  of  their  county.  By  these  means  we  should 
gain  a  vast  amount  of  valuable  information  that  might  otherwise  be 
irretrievably  lost ;  while  many  a  name  worthy  of  being  chronicled 
would  also  be  saved  from  oblivion. 

The  first  item  of  interest  connected  with  this  place,  to  which  I  will 
now  direct  your  attention,  is  the  founding  of  the  Botanic  Gardens,  by 
Henry  Earl  of  Danby,  in  the  year  1632. 

This  event  established  a  new  era  in  British  botany ;  for,  with  the 
exception  of  a  private  physic  garden  belonging  to  Gerarde  in  Holborn, 
none  in  England  as  yet  had  been  set  aside  for  scientific  purposes. 

Lord  Danby  obtained  from  Magdalen  College  a  lease  of  nearly  five 
acres  of  ground,  which  he  surrounded  with  the  present  noble  wall,  and 
built  the  gateway  that  adorns  the  principal  entrance  to  the  gardens. 
He  erected,  ako,  greenhouses  and  stoves  for  exotics,  and  a  house  for 
one  Jacob  Bobart,  whom  he  appointed  as  the  first  curator.  At  his 
death,  also,  this  generous  nobleman  added  to  his  former  liberality  by 
bequeathing  the  rectory  of  Kirkdale  in  Yorkshire,  from  the  funds  of 
which  he  hoped  to  maintain  the  efficiency  of  the  gardens,  and  secure 
the  services  of  a  professor. 

Bobart,  of  whose  name  I  have  already  made  mention,  was  a  German 
by  birth,  having  been  born  at  Brunswick.  On  his  appointment  as 
superintendent  he  set  himself  most  industriously  to  fill  the  new  gardens 
with  all  kinds  of  rare  plants,  both  English  and  exotic  ;  and  in  the 
year  1648  he  published  a  catalogue  in  which  he  enumerates  no  less 
than  1600  species  as  having  been  grown  by  him  at  that  time.  Of  these, 
however,  many  were  doubtless  only  varieties  ;  but  even  after  allowing 
a  liberal  margin  for  them,  the  number  must  have  been  great  for  one 
man  alone  to  have  collected,  in  those  days,  in  so  short  a  time.  Ten 
years  afterwards  he  republished  his  catalogue,  with  the  assistance  of 
his  son ;  Dr.  Stephens,  then  a  Fellow  of  New  College,  afterwards 
Principal  of  Magdalen  Hall ;  and  Mr.  William  Browne,  who  was 
afterwards  Senior  Fellow  of  Magdalen  College.  The  number  of  species 
in  this  second  list  was  greatly  increased,  but  owing  chiefly,  it  would 
appear,  to  a  number  of  palpable  varieties  being  raised  to  that  rank. 
The  great  value  of  this  work  Hob  in  the  plan  which  was  here  first 
adopted,  of  quoting  the  synonyms  of  other  authors,  and  of  giving  refer- 
ences to  the  pages  of  their  works. 

Jacob  Bobart  died  at  his  house  in  the  gardens,  in  the  year  1679,  at 
the  advanced  age  of  81. 

Although  the  gardens  were  begun  in  1632,  and  Bobart  appointed  to 
them,  Lord  Danby'B  second  intention  of  establishing  a  professorship 


August  18,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


125 


was  not  accomplished  till  the  year  1669  ;  owing  partly  to  the  unhappy 
state  into  which  the  country  had  fallen  in  those  times,  and  partly 
owing  to  the  insufficiency  of  the  funds  arising  from  the  estate  in  York- 
shire. But  in  this  year  Dr.  Robert  Monson  received  from  the  Univer- 
sity his  appointment  to  the  chair. 

Morison  was  a  Scotchman,  born  at  Aberdeen  in  1638.  In  that  town 
also  he  received  an  education  which  it  was  intended  should  fit  him  for 
the  Church.  But  finding  the  study  of  theology  less  in  accordance  with 
his  tastes  than  that  of  physic,  he  fitted  himself  for  that  profession 
instead ;  and  his  reputation  rose  with  such  rapidity  among  the  learned, 
that,  before  he  was  thirty  years  old,  he  was  chosen  by  Charles  II.  as 
king's  physician. 

In  his  younger  days  he  had  espoused  the  Royal  cause,  and  fought  in 
the  battle  at  Brigg,  near  Aberdeen,  where  he  was  dangerously  wounded 
in  the  head.  In  consequence  of  this  display  of  bis  loyalty  he  was 
compelled  to  fly  from  his  native  country  and  take  refuge  in  France. 
While  there  he  was  brought  under  the  notice  of  the  Duke  of  Orleans, 
who,  quickly  perceiving  his  merit,  appointed  him  superintendent  of 
his  gardens  at  Blois,  and  furnished  him  with  the  means  of  travel- 
ling through  France,  in  order  that  he  might  collect  plants  and  in- 
formation. 

During  his  stay  in  France  he  published  a  new  edition  of  the  "  Hortus 
Bloisensis,"  in  which  he  sets  forth  his  new  method  of  classification. 
From  this  work  he  gained  muoh  honour  among  the  scientific  men  of 
the  day ;  and  it  established  his  character  as  an  original  writer  and 
thinker.  On  the  restoration  of  Charles  II.  he  returned  to  England, 
though  earnestly  solicited  to  remain  where  he  was. 

On  his  appointment  to  the  professorship  at  Oxford  he  commenced  a 
course  of  lectures,  consisting  of  three  every  week  during  the  summer 
and  autumn  terms.  From  this  time  to  his  death  he  occupied  himself 
chiefly  with  the  preparation  of  his  "  Historia  Plantarum  Oxoniensium." 
Of  this  work,  however,  he  lived  only  to  complete  a  portion,  his  life 
being  cut  short  by  an  accident  that  happened  to  him  while  crossing  a 
street  in  London.  He  died  in  the  year  1633,  and  lies  buried  in  the 
church  of  St.  Martiu's-in-the-Fields,  Westminster. 

After  Morison's  death  Jacob  Bobart,  son  of  the  first  curator,  was 
appointed  professor  in  his  place.  He  finished  the  second  volume  of 
Morison's  "  Historia  Plantarum,"  and  in  the  preface  of  this  book  he 
gives  an  interesting  account  of  all  the  botanical  authors,  both  English 
and  foreign,  who  had  flourished  up  to  that  time.  He  appears  to  have 
been  a  man  of  some  humour,  for  Dr.  Gray,  in  his  edition  of  "  Hudibras," 
relates  the  following  amusing  story  concerning  him.  He  says  : — "  Mr. 
Smith,  of  Bedford,  observes  to  me  upon  the  word  '  Dragon '  as  follows : — 
Mr.  Jacob  Bobart,  Botany  Professor  of  Oxford,  did,  about  forty  years 
ago,  find  a  dead  rat  in  the  physic  garden,  which  he  made  to  resemble 
the  common  pictures  of  dragons,  by  altering  its  head  and  tail,  and 
thrusting  in  taper  sharp  sticks,  which  distended  the  skin  on  each  side 
till  it  mimicked  wings.  He  let  it  dry  as  hard  as  possible.  The  learned 
immediately  pronounced  it  a  dragon :  and  one  of  them  sent  an  accurate 
description  of  it  to  Dr.  Malibechi,  librarian  to  the  Grand  Duke  of 
Tuscany.  Several  fine  copies  of  verses  were  wrote  on  so  rare  a  subject. 
But  at  last  Mr.  Bobart  owned  the  cheat.  However,  it  was  looked  upon 
as  a  masterpiece  of  art,  and  as  such  deposited  in  the  museum,  or 
anatomy  school,  where  I  saw  it  some  years  after." 

Whether  the  Ashmolean  Museum  or  Dr.  Rolleston  still  possesses 
this  variety  I  cannot  say;  but  if  not,  I  can,  unfortunately,  produce 
abundance  of  material  from  the  same  place,  for  any  who  may  again  be 
inclined  to  exercise  their  ingenuity.  Bobart  died  in  1719,  being  79 
years  old. 

The  next  botanist  of  whom  I  have  to  speak  is  Dr.  William  Sherard, 
or  Sherwood.  This  indefatigable  worker  and  liberal  patron  was  born 
at  Bushby,  in  Leicestershire,  in  1659.  From  the  Merchant  Taylors' 
School,  where  he  laid  the  foundation  of  his  knowledge,  he  matriculated 
at  St.  John's  College  ;  and  in  his  twenty-fifth  year  was  elected  Fellow 
of  the  same  Society.  Leaving  Oxford,  he  travelled  as  tutor  to  Lord 
Townsend,  on  the  Continent,  and  there  made  such  excellent  collections 
as  won  for  him  the  esteem  and  friendship  of  Ray.  The  encomiums 
passed  upon  him  by  tbiB  immortal  naturalist  served  to  increase  his 
ardour,  and  we  find  him  next  making  tours  throughout  England  and 
the  Channel  Islands  in  search  of  new  and  rare  plants,  which  were  com- 
municated to  Ray  for  insertion  in  his  "Synopsis  Plantarum."  About 
the  year  1702  he  was  appointed  consul  at  Smyrna,  and  the  opportunity 
being  thus  offered  him  of  collecting  Eastern  plants,  he  set  himself  with 
wonderful  diligence  to  obtain  all  that  were  to  be  had  from  Natolia  and 
Greece.  These  collections  were  the  beginning  of  that  magnificent 
Herbarium,  which,  with  his  Pinax,  made  his  name  to  stand  so  high 
amongst  botanists.  After  residing  in  Asia  fifteen  or  sixteen  years,  he 
returned  to  England  in  1718,  when  the  University,  in  consideration  of 
his  learning,  conferred  upon  him  the  degree  of  Doctor  of  Law. 

Remaining  in  England  a  few  years,  he  again  visited  the  Continent, 
travelling  through  Holland,  France,  and  Italy,  renewing  personal 
intercourse  with  his  older  friends,  and  making  the  acquaintance  of 
those  with  whom  he  had  before  only  corresponded.  Amongst  these 
latter  stood  Dillenius,  for  whom  he  soon  learned  to  entertain  bo  high  a 
regard  that  he  persuaded  him  to  come  over  and  cast  in  his  lot  with  him 
in  England.  Here  he  directed  his  studies,  urging  him  in  particular  to 
turn  his  attention  to  the  cryptogamic  portion  of  the  vegetable  kingdom 
— a  class  of  plants  that  had  as  yet  been  greatly  neglected,  and,  in  con- 
sequence, but  little  understood.  Although  possessor  of  ample  means 
that  had  been  accumulated  by  him  during  his  residence  in  Smyrna, 


Sherard  lived  with  the  greatest  unostentation  in  London,  devoting  his 
whole  time  to  the  study  and  arrangement  of  his  collections  and  the 
advancement  of  his  Pinax.  Shortly  before  he  died  he  gave  £500  to 
the  Botanic  Garden,  for  the  enlargement  of  the  conservatory,  and  other- 
wise testified  to  his  zeal  for  botanical  science,  as  well  as  to  the  love  he 
bore  for  his  "  alma  mater  "  by  presenting  to  the  gardens  a  great  number 
of  new  and  rare  plants,  and  by  endowing  them  with  his  unrivalled  col- 
lections of  dried  specimens,  and  with  his  library  of  botanical  works, 
perfect  for  the  time  in  which  he  lived. 

On  his  death,  in  1728,  he  left  by  will  £300  to  provide  for  a  professor, 
stipulating  that  the  University  should  add  annually  to  that  Bum  £150 
for  the  maintenance  of  the  garden  and  library,  and  that  Dillenius,  his 
friend,  should  be  elected  to  the  chair.  The  bargain  was  accepted  by 
the  University,  and  John  Jacob  Dillenius  was  elected  professor.  He 
was  a  native  of  Darmstadt,  and  was  born  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1687. 
He  received  his  education  at  the  University  of  Giessen,  and  practised 
in  that  city  as  physician,  occupying  himself  also  with  the  study  of 
botany,  and  publishing  the  results  of  his  observations  in  the  "Miscellanea 
Curiosa  "  or  the  papers  of  the  "  Academia  Curiosorum  Germanise,"  a 
Society  into  which  he  was  elected  at  a  very  early  age.  But  the  work 
that  contributed  mainly  to  bring  him  into  notice  was  his  "Catalogue 
of  Plants  growing  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Giessen,"  published  in  the 
year  1719,  and  it  was  probably  owing  to  this  work  that  Sherard  was 
led  to  form  so  high  an  opinion  of  him,  and  to  desire  so  earnestly  to  gain 
his  permanent  assistance. 

Of  the  manner  in  which  Dillenius  was  persuaded  by  Sherard  to  leave 
his  native  land,  and  return  with  him  to  England  in  1721,  I  have 
already  spoken.  His  effort,  after  settling  down  in  his  adopted  country, 
was  a  new  edition  of  Ray's  "  Synopsis  Stirpium  Britauicarum,"  with 
some  improvements  of  his  own.  During  the  life  of  Sherard  he  lived 
chiefly  with  him  in  London,  or  with  his  brother  James  Sherard,  who 
had  an  estate  at  Eltham  in  Kent,  and  who  took  such  pleasure  in  botany 
and  horticulture,  that  his  garden  was  said  to  be  the  richest  of  the  time 
in  England.  While  staying  in  this  congenial  place,  Dillenius  projected 
an  illustrated  description  of  all  such  plants  as  were  new  or  rare  grow- 
ing in  this  garden,  a  work  he  afterwards  published  under  the  title  of 
"  Hortus  Elthamensis."  In  this  work  he  describes  and  figures  with 
wonderful  accuracy  and  faithfulness  417  plants,  and  quotes  the 
synonyms  of  other  authors. 

In  1728  his  friend  and  benefactor  died,  and  he  removed  to  Oxford, 
where  he  was  chosen  Professor  of  Botany  in  the  University,  according 
to  the  agreement  made  by  Sherard.  His  first  desire  and  highest 
ambition  was  thus  realised.  In  1736  Dillenius  was  visited  by  Linnaus, 
who  was  then  a  young  man,  and  had  been  sent  over  by  Clifford  to 
collect  plants  for  his  garden  in  Holland.  Dillenius,  who  had  thoroughly 
imbibed  the  doctrines  inculcated  by  Ray,  had  naturally  no  love  for  one 
who  was,  as  he  supposed,  endeavouring  to  upset  his  system,  by  intro- 
ducing a  new  one  of  his  own.  Consequently,  it  was  with  no  very  friendly 
feeling  that  he  first  made  his  acquaintance.  But  how  long  this  un- 
friendliness lasted  may  be  best  inferred  from  the  following  passage, 
which  I  will  quote  from  the  "  Diary  of  Linnaeus."  He  says  : — "  In 
1736  Linnaeus  went  over  to  England  at  the  expense  of  M.  Clifford  ; 
and  here  he  saw  not  only  the  gardens  at  Chelsea  and  Oxford,  but  also 
procured  many  of  the  rarest  and  nondescript  plants  sent  thither.  He 
likewise  became  acquainted  with  all  the  learned  at  that  time  in  the 
kingdom.  At  Oxford,  Linnseus  was  received  in  a  friendly  manner  by 
Dr.  Shaw,  who  had  travelled  in  Barbary,  and  who  declared  himself  a 
disciple  of  Linnaeus,  having  read  his  system  with  great  pleasure.  The 
learned  botanist,  Dillenius,  was  at  first  haughty,  conceiving  Linnaeus' 
'  Genera '  (which  he  got  half  printed  in  Holland),  to  be  written  againBt 
himself.  But  he  afterwards  entertained  him  a  month,  without  leaving 
Linnasas  an  hour  to  himself  the  whole  day  long ;  and  at  last  took 
leave  of  him  with  tearB  in  his  eyes,  after  having  given  him  the  choice 
of  living  with  him  till  his  death,  as  the  salary  of  the  professorship  was 
sufficient  for  them  both." 

Can  anything  be  more  touching  than  this  description  of  the  change 
of  sentiment  that  Dillenius  manifested  towards  the  young  man  he  had 
at  first  looked  upon  as  an  innovator,  and  one  personally  hostile  to  him- 
self ?  But  although  the  feelings  of  suspicion  and  diBlike  were  so  com- 
pletely obliterated  that  others  of  admiration  and  affection  took  their 
place,  still  Dillenius  never  adopted  Linnaeus'  views,  but  remained  con- 
stant to  the  system  of  Ray. 

There  ia  another  version  of  this  story  current,  that  makes  Linnaeus 
appear  in  company  with  Sherard.  According  to  this  account,  Sherard 
received  him  with  affability,  Dillenius  with  coldness,  the  latter  re- 
marking in  English  to  Sherard,  "  This  is  the  young  fellow  who  is 
putting  all  botanists  and  all  botany  into  confusion."  LinnsBns,  for  a 
time,  took  no  notice  of  this  unmannerly  remark,  the  meaning  of 
which  he  gathered  from  the  way  Dillenius  pronounced  the  word  "  con- 
fusion ;"  but  after  he  had  explained  away  some  difficulties  respecting 
the  "  Linaria  Cymbalaria,"  which  neither  Sherard  nor  Dillenius  had 
been  able  to  do,  he  revenged  himself  by  saying  quietly,  he  hoped  he 
had  not  brought  "confusion"  into  the  Botanic  Gardens  at  Oxford. 
Dillenius  blushed,  and  apologised  for  his  expression. 

There  is  no  reason  for  disbelieving  the  correctness  of  this  story, 
only  we  must  substitute  the  name  of  Dr.  Shaw  for  that  of  Sherard, 
for  Linnaeus  did  not  visit  England  till  1736,  eight  years  after  Sherard's 
death. 

All  this  while  Dillenius  had  been  collecting  material,  and  investi- 
gating the  class  Cryptogamia,  making  considerable  excursions  into 


126 


JOURNAL  01-  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  August  18,  1870. 


Wales  and  other  parts  of  the  country  in  search  of  new  species,  more 
especially  of  Mosses ;  and  when  the  publication  of  his  "  Hortus 
Elthamensis  "  had  furnished  him  with  more  leisure,  he  gave  his  whole 
attention  to  this  particular  branch  of  botany,  and  in  the  year  1741  he 
gave  to  the  world  that  excellent  digest  of  his  labours,  the  "  Historia 
Muscorum." 

Six  years  after  the  publication  of  this  wort  he  was  seized  with  a  fit 
of  apoplexy,  which  ended  his  life  on  April  '2nd,  1747,  at  the  compara- 
tively early  age  of  60. 

Dillenius  was  succeeded  in  the  professorship  by  Dr.  Humphrey  Sib- 
thorp,  of  Magdalen  College,  who  continued  in  possession  of  the  chair 
till  the  year  17S4,  when  he  made  way  for  his  illustrious  son,  Dr. 
John  Sibthorp,  of  Lincoln  College.  This  gentleman  is  well  known  for 
his  labours  in  the  European  Flora.  He  made  two  excursions  into  the 
East  of  Europe,  collecting  and  describing,  and  with  the  assistance  of 
Ferdinand  Bauer,  the  celebrated  draughtsman,  illustrating  by  the  most 
beautiful  drawings  everything  of  interest  in  natural  history  ;  and  before 
his  death,  which  took  place,  alas!  in  the  year  1796,  when  he  was  but 
38  years  old,  he  had  prepared  for  publication  those  wonderful  monu- 
ments of  perseverance  and  learning,  his  "  Flora  Gneca,"  and  "Fauna 
Gracca."  Stricken  down  with  consumption,  induced  by  a  cold  caught 
when  on  his  travels,  he  died  after  a  short  illness  at  Bath.  After  his 
death  it  was  found  that  he  had  left  in  his  will  £300  a-year  to  defray,  first 
the  expenses  of  his  "  Flora  Gra?ca,"  and  after  its  completion  to  found 
a  Professorship  in  Rural  Economy,  and  to  furnish  funds  for  making 
additions  to  the  berbarium  and  library.  The  successor  to  Dr.  Sibthorp 
was  Dr.  George  Williams  of  Corpus  Christi  College.  During  his 
lifetime  many  preparations  were  made  for  the  improvement  of  the  gar- 
dens. The  lower  parts,  which  during  rains,  used  to  be  flooded,  were 
raised  a  considerable  height,  and  this  led  the  way  for  the  changes  that 
■were  effected  by  Dr.  Daubeny,  who  succeeded  to  the  chair  on  the  death 
of  Dr.  Williams  in  1834. 

Dr.  Charles  Giles  Bridel  Daubeny  was  born  at  Stratton,  in  Gloucester- 
shire, in  1795.  From  the  school  at  Winchester,  where  he  remained  six 
years,  he  went,  in  his  20th  year,  to  Magdalen  College,  where  he  obtained, 
first  a  "demyship,"  and  afterwards  a  fellowship.  After  taking  his 
degree,  he  sought  to  extend  Lis  experience  by  studying  at  other  univer- 
sities, and  for  this  purpose  went  to  London  and  Edinburgh,  and  after- 
wards at  Geneva  attended  a  course  of  De  Candolle's  lectures  on  botany, 
of  which  he  took  the  most  ample  and  elaborate  notes. 

One  of  his  earliest  works,  and  one  of  which  his  reputation  as  a  great 
philosopher  may  fairly  rest,  was  his  "History  of  Volcanos."  Into 
this  work  he  compressed  a  wonderful  amount  of  original  information ; 
and,  notwithstanding  the  gigantic  strides  geology  has  made  since 
then,  it  is  one  that  may  be  read  with  the  greatest  profit  at  the  pre- 
sent day. 

In  1822  he  was  elected  Professor  of  Chemistry,  and  in  1834  Professor 
of  Botany.  The  first  of  these  chairs  he  held  till  1865,  when  he  resigned 
it  in  favour  of  the  present  professor*.  Of  the  changes  that  Dr.  Daubeny 
effected  on  his  appointment  it  is  difficult  to  speak  too  favourably.  In 
the  place  of  the  old  herbai-ium  and  library  he  built  the  present 
dwelling-house,  while  he  removed  the  herbarium  to  a  new  and  more 
commodious  building  on  the  north  side  of  the  gardens,  away  from  the 
river.  The  garden  itself,  too,  was  entirely  remodelled,  the  rabbits 
that  infested  its  walks  routed  out,  and  the  garden  laid  out  partly  on 
the  natural  system  and  partly  on  the  Linnaian.  The  improvements 
that  were  made  during  both  Professor  Williams's  time  and  Dr.  Danbeny's 
were  conducted  entirely  by  Mr.  Baxter,  sen.,  and  his  son,  Mr.  William 
H.  Baxter,  who  together  nave  for  the  last  57  years  devoted  their  whole 
time  with  the  greatest  ability  to  their  accomplishment ;  and  with  what 
success  they  have  laboured  I  am  not  permitted  to  speak,  but  I  leave  it 
for  you  discerning  gentlemen  to  inspect  the  gardens,  and  judge  for 
yourselves.  The  greater  number  of  the  present  conservatories  also  are 
the  result  of  Dr.  Daubeny's  indefatigable  exertions.  In  all  matters 
relating  to  horticulture  or  agriculture  he  took,  as  most  of  yon  will  well 
remember,  the  deepest  interest.  For  the  furtherance  of  both  he  pur- 
chased a  piece  of  ground  in  the  parish  of  IiHey,  with  the  intention  of  carry- 
ing on  experiments  with  different  kinds  of  manures ;  and  this  ground 
he  caused  to  be  conveyed  to  the  University,  to  be  held  in  trust  by  them 
for  the  use  of  the  Professor  of  Rural  Economy.  For  some  years,  how- 
ever, before  his  death  his  health  was  such  as  to  prevent  his  undertaking 
any  fresh  experiments,  so  he  let  it,  and  when  he  died  it  had  run  into 
great  disorder. 

Dr.  Daubeny  was  one  of  the  earliest  supporters  of  the  British 
Association,  and  in  1856  he  presided  over  its  deliberations  at  Chelten- 
ham; and  so  great  was  his  popularity  there,  that  a  medal  was  struck 
in  his  honour  to  commemorate  the  occasion — a  tribute  of  respect 
that  has  never  been  paid  to  any  other  president  by  his  friends  and 
admirers. 

It  would  be  beside  my  purpose  in  this  paper  to  enlarge  upon  other 
matters  than  such  as  are  purely  botanical;  but  I  cannot  before  con- 
cluding refrain  from  drawing  your  attention  to  the  fact  that  Dr. 
Daubeny  was  one  of  the  earliest  and  strongest  supporters  of  scientific 
instruction  being  given  in  this  University.  With  but  few  sympathisers 
on  his  side  he  did  battle  for  a  natural  science  school,  at  a  time  when 
its  introduction  was  dreaded  by  the  majority  of  his  contemporaries. 
But  he  lived  to  see  his  early  dreams  realised,  and  before  he  died  he 
had  the  satisfaction  of  beholding  a  young  but  flourishing  school,  with 
ample  opportunities  for  teaching,  and  an  efficient  staff  of  professors 


and  tutors  labouring  in  all  its  various  branches.  What  he  aided  in 
establishing  it  is  our  part  to  maintain  ;  and  you,  I  am  sure,  will  wish 
us  "  God  speed." 

HOYAL  HORTICULTURAL   SOCIETY. 

August  17th. 

Although  one  of  the  minor  Shows,  this  was  advanced  to  the  dignity 
of  being  held  in  the  conservatory  instead  of  the  Council-room,  as  every 
one  expected.  It  deserved  the  distinction.  It  was  not  a  large  show, 
it  was  not  a  remarkable  show,  but  it  was  a  good  show,  and  a  good 
show  under  adverse  circumstances.  Who  is  there  not  calling  out 
owing  to  the  drought?  Very  few,  and  fortunate  they ;  and  it  was  a 
marvel  to  see  such  stands  of  Gladiolus  as  were  shown  by  Messrs. 
Kelway,  Messrs.  Downie,  and  Messrs.  Bunyard  among  nurserymen ; 
by  Mr.  Fry,  Mr.  Douglas,  and  the  Rev.  H.  Dombrain,  Happy  may 
they  be  in  their  well-earned  honours,  for  even  in  the  best  of  soils, 
in  the  best  of  situations,  with  the  best  of  means,  and  with  abundance 
of  water,  many  could  not  have  nearly  approached  the  excellence  in 
which  these  exhibited  their  favourite  flowers.  It  was,  too,  an  exhibi- 
tion in  all  senses  satisfactory  ;  it  was  well  arranged — nay,  gracefully 
arranged,  for  along  the  centres  of  the  tables  were  lordly  Tree  Ferns, 
Campanulas,  andmiseellaneousplants, which  relieved  the  flatness  stands 
of  florists'  flowers  generally  have.  There  were  groups  every  so  far  giving 
diversity  amidst  the  long  lines  of  the  regular  tabling,  bearing  a  variety 
of  beautiful  subjects.  There  were  exhibitors  well  pleased  (a  rarity) ,  and 
there  were  sight-seers  well  pleased  too,  but  of  the  last  there  were  not 
enough  ;  for  fine  as  the  day  was,  fine  as  the  show,  London  is  now  out 
of  town.  We  have  given  great  credit  to  the  Gladiolus  exhibitors  ;  those 
of  the  Hollyhock  equally  deserve  a  word  of  praise,  but  we  missed  one 
well-known  name,  that  of  the  Rev.  E.  Hawke,  of  Willingham  Rec- 
tory— a  name  that  will  ever  be  connected  with  the  Hollyhock,  as  the 
place  will  with  Jeannie  Deans.  But  there  were  many  other  things  to 
interest — the  Phloxes,  neglected  too  much,  but  yet  so  beautiful  en 
masse,  or  individually  ;  the  ornamental-leaved  trees  and  shrubs  from 
Messrs.  Paul  &  Son,  affording  the  means  of  diversifying  the  scenery  of 
our  pleasure  grounds  and  parks ;  and,  last,  there  was  ample  store  of 
those  novelties  for  which  the  advanced  horticulturist  is  ever  seeking, 
and  that  in  many  ways.  The  whole  formed  one  of  the  best  of  the 
minor  shows  ;  it  might  have  been  better,  but  better  it  could  hardly 
have  been  under  the  circumstances.     The  details  we  subjoin. 

In  Class  1,  for  foreign  growers,  there  was  no  exhibition,  as  might 
indeed  be  expected  in  the  present  disturbed  state  of  the  Continent. 
In  tha  nurserymen's  class  for  thirty-six  Messrs.  Kelway  &  Son,  Lang- 
port,  were  first  with  magnificent  spikes  of  Moliere,  Madame  Vilmorin, 
Spectabilis,  Le  Titien,  Rosa  Bonheur,  Freemason,  Madame  Desportes, 
Robert  Fortune,  Agnes  Mary,  James  Veitch,  Elizabeth,  Meyerbeer, 
Due  de  Montebello,  Prince  Imperial,  De  Humboldt,  Schiller,  Newton, 
Lacepede,  Legouve,  Velleda,  Eugene  Scribe,  Formosa,  Rossini,  Stella, 
Norma,  Virgile,  Mathilde  de  Landevoisin,  Leonora,  Orphee,  Monsieur 
A.  Brongniart,  Sultane,  Van  Dyck,  Canova,  Anna,  Noemie,  and 
Homtre.  The  spikes  in  this  stand  were  all  fastened  to  brass  rails 
running  longitudinally,  which  made  them  stand  well  up,  and,  being 
placed  about  9  inches  apart,  the  effect  of  the  collection  was  much 
better  than  where  the  spikes  were  more  crowded.  No  second  prize  was 
awarded,  and  the  third  prize  went  to  Mr.  D.  Robertson,  Helensburgh, 
Dumbarton.  The  spikes  in  this  collection  were  much  inferior  to  those 
in  the  first-prize  one  and  to  those  in  a  collection  from  Messrs.  Bun- 
yard,  of  Ashford  and  Maidstone,  which  would  have  been  second  had  it 
not  been  too  late  for  competition. 

Class  3  was  for  eighteen  spikes.  In  this  Messrs.  Downie,  Laird, 
and  Laing,  of  Stanstead  Park  Nursery,  were  first  with  splendid  spikes, 
thoueh  not  on  the  whole  equal  to  those  shown  by  Messrs.  Kelway  in 
the  preceding  class.  The  varieties  were  Madame  Leseble,  Hortense, 
Le  Poussin,  Canova,  Orpheus,  Madame  Binder,  Fulton,  Lacepede, 
Sultan,  Norma,  Horace,  Milton,  Alexandra,  Crystal  Palace,  Diomede, 
Meyerbeer,  and  Shakspeare.  The  second  prize  went  to  Messrs.  Dray- 
cott  &  Sons,  Humberstone  Nursery,  Leicester,  who  had  excellent  spikes 
of  Shakspeare,  Imperatrice  Eugenie,  James  Veitch,  Madame  Furtado, 
Sir  William  Hooker,  and  some  others.  Messrs.  Paul  &  Son  were 
third  ;  but  Messrs.  Stuart  &  Mein,  Kelso,  who  sent  noble  spikes  of 
Princess  Mary  of  Cambridge,  Rossini,  Arniide,  Monsieur  Legouve,  and 
Maria  Stuart,  and  very  good  ones  of  several  others,  if  not  too  late  for 
competition  would  have  taken  a  high  position. 

In  the  amateurs'  class  for  twelve,  Mr.  R.  Fry,  gardener  to  V.  Stuckey, 
Esq.,  Taunton,  had  an  excellent  stand  in  which  Shakspeare,  Madame 
Vilmorin,  Legouve,  Charles  Turner,  Norma,  and  Mathilde  de  Lande- 
voisin were  the  most  prominent.  For  this  and  a  stand  from  the  Rev. 
H.  H.  Dombrain,  Westwell  Vicarage,  Ashford,  equal  first  prizes  were 
given.  The  latter  had  fine  spikes  of  Leonora,  Madame  Dombrain, 
Madame  Furtado,  Orphee,  Eleanor  Norman,  Rosa  Bonheur,  Mario 
Stuart,  Homere,  James  Veitch,  and  Roi  Leopold.  Mr.  J.  Douglas, 
gardener  to  F.  Whitbourn,  Esq.,  Loxford  Hall,  was  second  with  De- 
licatissima,  well  named,  being  flushed  with  delicate  pinkish  lilac; 
Orphee,  Princess  of  Wales,  and  good  spikes  of  several  other  kinds. 

For  nine  spikes,  Mr.  R.  Fry  was  again  first  with  excellent  spikes, 
Mr.  Douglas  being  second,  and  the  Rev.  H.  H.  Dombrain  third  ;  and 
of  Bix  spikes,  Mr.  Welch,  gardener  to  J.  Marshall,  Esq.,  Belmont 
Park,  Taunton,  was  the  only  exhibitor,  and  took  a  first  prize.  For  four, 
Mr.  Fry  was  first  with  very  fine  spikes  of  Lacepede,  Robert  Fortune, 


August  18,  1870.  ] 


JODBNAXi  Of  HOBTICULTXJBE  AND  COTTAGE  GABDENEB. 


127 


Ajioa,  and  De  Humboldt ;  the  Rev.  H.  H.  Dombrain  being  second ; 
his  varieties  were  Rosa  Bonheur,  Agathee,  Madame  Desportes,  and 
Elizabeth,  all  being  good. 

Hollyhocks,  though  not  numerously  shown,  were  very  good,  espe- 
cially for  such  a  dry  season.  For  six  cut  spikes  Mr.  W.  Chater,  of 
Saffron  Walden,  was  first  with  fine  spikes  with  very  perfect  flowers, 
the  varieties  being  Fascination,  Conquest,  Eclipse,  salmon  rose,  very 
large  and  fine ;  Cygnet,  white ;  Scarlet  Gem,  and  Frederick  Chater, 
ruby.  Messrs.  Downie,  Laird,  &  Laing  were  second  with  Mrs.  Downie, 
Alexander  Henderson,  Lady  W.  W.  Wynne,  Queen  of  Yellows,  Miss 
Henderson,  a  lovely  flower,  and  John  McDonald.  The  third  prize 
went  to  Mr.  Minchin,  The  Nurseries,  Hook  Norton,  who  had  Frederick 
Chater  very  fine,  and  good  spikes  of  several  others. 

The  best  twenty-four  cut  blooms  came  from  Mr.  W.  Chater,  and 
were  well  worthy  of  his  reputation,  being  very  perfect :— Fanny 
Chater,  beautiful  rose ;  Conquest ;  King,  cream  colour,  tipped  with 
lilac  rose.  Midnight,  Scarlet  Gem,  Champion,  Bullion,  Walden  Prim- 
rose, Talisman.  Alfred  Chater,  Jewel  Conquest  (ruby),  Leviathan, 
Leah,  Alfred  Chater,  Mochanna,  Crimson  King  were  very  fine.  The 
tipped  kinds  are  quite  ladies'  flowers.  Mr.  Minchin  was  second,  and 
Messrs.  Draycott  third,  each  with  excellent  blooms.  The  only  exhi- 
bitor of  twelve  blooms  was  Mr.  Minchin,  who  had  a  first  prize. 

Phloxes  looked  rather  rough  as  cut  bloom3 ;  we  would  prefer  to  see 
them  shown  on  the  plants,  which  would  also  give  a  better  idea  of  the 
habit.  Messrs.  Downie,  Laird,  &  Laing  were  first  with  La  Duchessa 
de  Bauffremont,  Triomphe  dn  Pare  de  Neuilly,  very  fine  and  free- 
flowering ;  La  Candeur,  Monsieur  William  Bull,  Monsieur  Charles 
Turner,  Monsieur  Hugh  Low,  lovely  colour ;  Madame  Domage, 
Joseph  Heim,  Magnificent,  and  Gloire  de  Neuilly,  tho  latter  very 
brilliant.  Messrs.  E.  G.  Henderson  were  second;  Souvenir  de 
Berryer,  Louis  Wanrich,  Diomcde,  and  Hermine  de  Turenne  were 
very  attractive.  The  third  prize  went  to  Messrs.  Paul  &  Son,  who 
had  also  some  very  fine  varieties.  To  those  who  know  how  ornamental 
this  flower  is,  it  is  somewhat  surprising  it  is  not  more  extensively  cul- 
tivated. 

Of  miscellaneous  groups,  one  from  Messrs.  Arthur  Henderson  and 
Co.,  of  the  Pine  Apple  Place  Nurseries,  contained  numerous  small 
specimens  of  PalmB,  such  as  Malortia  speciosa,  Calamus  accidens,  a 
graceful  species ;  Euterpe  sylvestris,  Livistonia  rotundifolia,  Hyo- 
phorbe  Verschaffelti ;  Ferns  ;  the  pretty,  free-flowering,  and  very  use- 
ful Begonia  weltoniensis ;  and  Dracrenas.  In  a  group  from  the  So- 
ciety's gardens  accompanying  that  of  Messrs.  A.  Henderson  was  Tra- 
chelium  casruleuin,  an  old  but  very  ornamental  plant,  nearly  hardy, 
and  producing  a  profusion  of  heads  of  bluish  lavender  flowers.  The 
same  plant  is  freely  introduced  in  the  baskets  in  the  conservatory  and 
with  excellent  effect.  Mr.  B.  S.  Williams,  of  Holloway,  had  a  very 
effective  group,  in  which  was  a  remarkably  fine  specimen  of  Allamanda 
Hendersoni ;  Cochliostema  Jacobianum  with  two  heads  of  its  beau- 
tiful flowers  ;  Miltonia  Morelliana  atrorubens,  a  very  fine  variety ; 
numerous  Acrides  ;  Dendrobium  triadenium,  with  a  head  of  small 
white  flowers  tinged  with  lilac,  and  having  a  small  rich  yellow  blotch 
at  the  base  of  the  lip ;  Cypripedium  Stonei ;  new  Dracaenas ;  Yucca 
hlamentosa  variegata,  very  fine;  Billbergias ;  Anthurium  Scherzeri- 
annm,  with  fourteen  spathes,  most  of  them  expanded  ;  several  fine 
Pitcher  Plants  ;  Ferns,  and  a  handsome  specimen  of  Pbtrnicophorinm 
sechellarum,  and  Nerine  coruscans  major,  an  old  but  showy  plant  now 
but  seldom  seen. 

Messrs.  F.  &  A.  Smith  sent  a  fine  collection  of  Balsams,  and  several 
plants  of  the  showy  Rochea  falcata.  Mr.  Bull,  of  Chelsea,  also  con- 
tributed an  interesting  group,  iu  which  were  a  double  Tiger  Lily,  the 
extremely  handsome  Encephalartos  shown  by  him  lately,  several 
Palms,  Dracamas,  Orchids,  the  singular  Godwinia  gigas,  fully  noticed 
some  time  ago  in  our  pages,  and  some  other  plants. 

Messrs.  Paul  &  Son,  of  Cheshunt,  sent  a  small  collection  of  pot 
Roses,  stands  of  cut  blooms,  and  an  extensive  and  interesting  collection 
of  cut  specimens  of  hardy  trees  and  shrubs,  with  ornamental  foliage. 
Messrs.  Draycott,  Humberstone  Nurseries,  and  Mr.  Walker,  nursery- 
man, Thame,  sent  good  collections  of  double  Zinnias,  and  Mr.  Walker 
sent  a  very  good  stand  of  Dahlias. 


Fruit  Committee.— George  F.  Wilson,  Esq.,  F.R.S.,  in  the  chair. 
Mr.  Stow,  of  Farnborough,  near  Bromley,  sent  specimens  of  a  seedling 
Black  Cnrrant,  which  was  exhibited  at  last  meeting,  and  also  speci- 
mens of  Black  Naples,  to  show  that  the  seedling  was  not  tho  same 
variety;  but  the  Black  Naples  shown  were  very  inferior  examples  of 
that  variety,  and  the  Committee  confirmed  the  previous  opinion.  Mr. 
Dry,  of  Hayes,  Middlesex,  sent  a  seedling  Plnm,  called  Duke  ol 
Edinburgh,  a  handsome  purple  Plum,  with  a  thick  blue  bloom.  It  is 
a  freestone,  with  yellow  flesh,  and  judging  from  the  branch  which  was 
sent,  it  appears  to  be  very  prolific.  It  was  awarded  a  first-class  cer- 
tificate. Mr.  Porter,  gardener  to  E.  Beuharn,  Esq.,  Siou  Lodge,  Isle- 
worth  sent  a  dish  of  Prince  of  Wales  Plnm.  Mr.  Porter  also  ex- 
hibited a  dish  of  Hawthornden,  and  another  variety  unnamed.  Mr 
lillery,  of  Welbeck,  sent  a  dish  of  Barrington  Peaches,  large  and 
handsome,  and  of  delicious  flavour,  to  which  a  special  certificate  was 
awarded. 

Of  Apricots,  Moorpark,  from  Mr.  Tillery,  gardener  to  the  Duke  of  ' 
Portland  Welbeck,  was  first ;  Mr.  Gardiner,  Lower  Eatington  Park, 
btratford-on-Avon,  being  second,  and  Mr.  Smith,  gardener  to  the  Earl 
of  Gainsborough,  Hexton  Park,  third. 


Mr.  Pearson,  of  Chilwell,  sent  a  bunch  of  a  seedling  Grape,  called 
Chilwell  White,  which,  as  Mr.  Pearson  observed,  he  intended  as  a 
white  companion  to  the  Black  Hamburgh.  It  produces  a  fine  berry, 
with  a  short,  stout,  warted  berry  stalk  ;  the  skin  membranous,  though 
not  thick,  and  the  flavour  of  the  flesh  like  that  of  Black  Hamburgh. 
This  was  awarded  a  first-class  certificate.  Mr.  Pearson  also  exhibited 
a  bnnch  of  Ferdinand  Lesseps,  raised  by  crossing  Royal  Muscadine  with 
the  Strawberry  Grape,  in  which  the  flavour  of  the  latter  is  distinctly 
traceable.  The  bunches  are  nearly  as  large  as  those  of  Royal  Mus- 
cadine, and  the  berries  quite  as  large,  of  a  fine  deep  amber  colour,  and 
the  flavour  particularly  rich,  with  a  fine  perfume.  It  was  awarded  a 
first-class  certificate.  Mr.  Record,  of  Lillesden,  sent  a  dish  of  very 
large  and  handsome  Morello  Cherries,  which  received  a  special  certi- 
ficate. Messrs.  Rollisson,  of  Tooting,  sent  a  collection  of  fifteen  dif- 
ferent sorts  of  Crabs. 

Messrs.  Carter  &  Co.  sent  pans  of  a  new  salad  called  Chinese  Mustard, 
which  is  a  distinct  sort  from  the  ordinary  Mustard.  The  seed  is  black 
and  as  large  as  that  of  the  White  Mustard,  and  quite  different  from 
the  common  Black  Mustard.  The  flavour  of  the  salad  is  more  pungent 
than  common  Mustard,  and  by  some  thought  to  be  more  agreeable. 
Seed  was  sent  to  Chiswick  to  be  grown,  and  the  salad  to  be  exhibited  at 
next  meeting.  Mr.  Tillery,  of  Wellbeck,  sent  specimens  of  the  White 
Turkey  Cucumber.  Mr.  Record,  of  Lillesden,  sent  dishes  of  Giant 
King  Potato,  a  large  second  early  and  very  prolific.  Messrs.  Carter 
and  Co.  again  exhibited  large  specimens  of  the  Italian  White  Tripoli 
Onion.  A  collection  of  vegetables  was  sent  by  Mr.  G.  Bloomfield, 
gardener  to  W.  Williams,  Esq.,  Parkside,  Wimbledon.  Messrs.  Harri- 
Bon  &  Son,  of  Leicester,  sent  a  brace  of  Black  Spine  Cucumbers. 

Mr.  Ward,  gardener  to  T.  N.  Miller,  Esq.,  Bishop  Stortford,  sent 
four  magnificent  Charlotte  Rothschild  Pines,  weighing  38  lbs.  col- 
lectively.    They  received  a  special  certificate. 

Floral  Committee.— Rev.  Joshua  Dix  in  the  chair.  Messrs. 
CrippB,  nurserymen,  of  Tunbridge  Wells,  received  a  first-class  certi- 
ficate for  Clematis  Victoria,  a  remarkably  fine  purplish  variety  ;  and 
a  similar  award  was  made  to  Messrs.  Baker  &  Sou,  Bagshot,  for  Cle- 
matis Gem,  small,  but  distinct  in  colour,  a  bluish  lavender.  Messrs. 
Cripps  also  sent  a  variety  of  Catalpa  syringpefolia  with  golden  leaves^ 
which,  it  was  stated,  had  been  exposed  to  the  sun,  and  became  im- 
proved in  colour,  while  in  the  shade  it  reverted  to  the  normal  green. 
From  G.  F.  Wilson,  Esq.,  came  Lilium  longiflorum  albo-marginatumj 
quite  white,  which  received  a  first-class  certificate  ;  his  handsome 
namesake,  Lilium  Wilsoni ;  the  still  more  beautiful  true  Lilium 
speciosum  being  also  shown  by  the  same  gentleman,  an  ardent  lover  of 
the  Lilies,  and  one  who  can  grow  them  well.  It  is  a  marvel  to  us  that 
such  flowers,  with  such  a  poetry,  with  such  fragrance,  such  loveliness, 
are  not  more  cultivated  now. 

Mr.  Porter,  gardener  to  E.  Benham,  Esq.,  Isleworth,  had  a  second- 
class  certificate  for  Hollyhock  Rose  Queen.  Mr.  Bull,  of  Chelsea, 
received  a  first-class  certificate  for  Lilium  tigrinnm  splendens,  a  re- 
markably fine  variety ;  also  for  Curculigo  recurvata  variegata,  broadly 
Btnped  with  white,  a  very  fine  variegated  plant.  The  same  exhibitor 
also  sent  Geonoma  Verschaffelti,  Lomaria  anriculata,  and  other  in- 
teresting plants. 

From  Messrs.  E.  G.  Henderson  &  Sons,  Wellington  Nurseries,  St. 
John's  Wood,  came  Pteris  serrnlata  gleichenisefolia,  a  beautiful,  small- 
leaved  Fern,  which  received  a  first-class  certificate. 

Mr.  Wheeler,  Bath,  was  awarded  a  first-class  certificate  for  Dahlia 
Marchioness  of  Bath,  white,  tipped  with  purplish  rose,  and  of  fine 
form.  Mr.  Williams,  of  Holloway,  received  a  first-class  certificate  for 
Laiha,  or  Cattleya,  elegans  gigantea,  a  very  fine  variety.  He  also  ex- 
hibited Ixora  Williamsii,  a  plant  which  promises  to  be  very  fine  for 
exhibition  purposes,  and  Maranta  Baraquinii. 

Mr.  Cannell,  of  Woolwich,  had  a  first-class  certificate  for  double 
Pelargonium  Crown  Prince,  of  the  same  colour  as  Marie  Lemoine, 
and  apparently  not  so  good. 

Mr.  Perry,  Castle  Broniwich,  sent  a  stand  of  his  fine  seedling  Ver- 
benas, of  which  Mrs.  Boulton,  with  large  pips,  white,  with  a  purplish 
crimson  eye,  was  awarded  a  first-class  certificate.  Mr.  Eckford  gar- 
dener to  the  Earl  of  Radnor,  Coleshill,  bad  first-class  certificate's  for 
Verbenas  Grand  Monarch  and  George  Peabody,  the  first  a  fine  scarlet, 
the  second  plnm  with  a  white  eye.  Mr.  George,  gardener  to  Miss' 
Nicholson,  Putney  Heath,  had  a  Bpecial  certificate  for  a  collection  of 
cut  Zonal  Pelargoniums.  Mr.  Williams,  Crystal  Palace,  Sydenham, 
sent  a  fine  golden  variety  of  Lilinm  auratum  ;  Messrs.  Carter  &  Co., 
fine  cnt  blooms  of  Marigolds,  French  and  African,  a  double-headed 
Love-lies-Bleeding,  and  a  white  Lupine.  Mr.  Minchin,  Hook  Norton, 
sent  some  fine  Hollyhocks,  which  were  not.  however,  considered  art 
advance  on  existing  varieties  ;  Mr.  Walker,  Thame,  seedling  Dahlias ; 
Mr.  W.  G.  Smith,  Boletus  calophus,  B.  edulis,  B.  subtomentosus,  and 
Lactanns  oxsuccus,  which,  however  fine  the  specimens,  were  by  no 
means  appetising.  From  the  Society's  gardens  came  cut  branches  of 
a  Gleditschia,  which,  we  believe,  furnishes  some  of  the  much-vaunted 
cattle  foods.  

General  Meeting.— W.  Marshall,  Esq.,  in  the  chair.  The  Rev. 
JJ-  J-  Berkeley  in  addressing  the  meeting  called  special  attention  to 
Mr.  Williams's  Cattleya  already  noticed,  to  the  beautiful  Dendrobium 
triadenium  shown  also  by  the  same  exhibitor,  and  to  Rodriguezia  sua- 
veolens,  which,  he  said,  was  the  same  as  Gomesa  recurva  of  Loddiges' 


128 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  18,  1870. 


11  Botanical  Cabinet."  the  trne  plant  being  figured  in  the  "  Botanical 
Magazine  "  under  the  name  of  Pleurothallis  suaveolens.  The  varie- 
gated Cnrcnligo  recurva  from  Mr.  Bull  was  a  plant  well  worthy  of 
notice.  With  regard  to  Lilinm  Wilsoni,  it  had  at  one  time  been  sup- 
posed to  be  the  same  as  Lilinm  Thunbergianum,  but  the  two  had  been 
found  to  be  perfectly  distinct.  The  golden  Catalpa  syringsefolia  had 
been  awarded  a  first-class  certificate.  Many  other  plants  had  exhibited 
a  similar  character  this  year,  and  this  might  be  rendered  permanent  by 
grafting.  The  Dodder  on  the  Clover  was  next  referred  to  in  connection 
with  a  curious  parasite  on  a  Heath,  and  one  of  the  species  of  Cuscnta,  it 
was  stated,  attacked  the  Vine.  With  regard  to  the  Onions  shown,  he 
had  been  informed  that  what  had  been  supposed  to  be  the  early  variety 
of  the  Tripoli  was  that  of  which  the  seed  had  been  procured  from 
Naples,  whilst  the  later  variety  was  raised  from  seed  ripened  in  colder 
parts.  Mr.  Berkeley  then  referred  to  some  abnormal  specimens  of 
Gourds  he  had  lately  had  submitted  to  him,  which  were  covered  with 
warts,  which  had  the  rudiments  of  leaves,  but  in  which  he  could  dis- 
cover no  rudiments  of  flowers ;  and  in  those  varieties  of  Gourds 
Galled  Bush  SquaBhes  he  had  noticed  this  season  a  tendency  to  develops 
an  infinity  of  blossoms  without  fruit. 


NEGLECTED   PLANTS. 


Canarina  campanulata.  —  This  fine  old  greenhouse  her- 
baceous perennial,  which  was  introduced  as  far  back  as  1696, 
is  now  very  rarely  met  with  indeed.  Last  spring  I  saw  a  large 
specimen  of  it,  covered  with  its  numerous  orange-coloured, 
bell-shaped  flowers,  and  growing  in  a  small  conservatory,  ap- 
parently receiving  no  extra  care,  and  yet  doing  as  well  as  the 
most  ardent  cultivator  could  desire  to  see  it.  As  it  blooms 
early  in  the  winter  and  spring,  it  dieB  down  in  May,  and  the 
plant  is  then  put  out  of  doors  in  some  shady  place  to  rest.  In 
August  young  growth  appears  breaking-up  from  the  root,  like 
that  which  comes  from  a  Dahlia,  and  the  young  shoots,  if 
taken  off,  can  be  struck  in  a  similar  manner  to  the  cuttings  of 
the  Dahlia.  As  it  will  not  stand  the  slightest  frost,  it  must  be 
removed  to  a  greenhouse  ere  frost  sets  in  ;  and  here  the  plant 
will  make  its  growth,  and  flower  before  Christmas.  Like  the 
Dahlia,  it  will  do  with  generous  treatment :  a  good  fibry  loam, 
enriched  with  some  manure,  and  helped  with  some  sand,  would 
suit  it  well.  It  is  one  of  those  neglected  plants  that  richly 
deserve  a  much  more  extended  cultivation,  and  the  example 
referred  to  above  I  saw  at  Redbridge,  near  Southampton,  the 
residence  of  Mr.  William  Stride.  The  fine  condition  of  the 
plant  was  highly  creditable  to  the  gardener,  Mr.  Davis. 

Zephyranthes  rosea. — It  seems  scarcely  possible  to  believe 
that  this  beautiful  half-hardy  bulb  should  have  to  be  classed 
with  the  neglected  plants,  but  so  rarely  is  it  now  seen  that  the 
conclusion  is  inevitable.  It  cannot  be  because  it  is  difficult  to 
cultivate,  for  Mr.  Baines,  gardener  to  H.  L.  Micholls,  Esq., 
formerly  of  Manchester,  at  whose  new  residence — Southgate 
Park,  near  London — I  recently  saw  it  in  bloom,  says  it  is 
difficult  to  kill  it ;  and,  as  it  was  here  developed,  I  can  conceive 
nothing  more  suitable  for  conservatory  decoration  at  this  season 
of  the  year.  It  remains  in  bloom  quite  two  months  ;  and  when 
in  bloom,  it  should  be  kept  shaded  to  prolong  the  duration  of 
the  flowers ;  previously  to  that,  it  should  have  plenty  of  light 
and  air.  The  ordinary  treatment  of  the  hardy  kinds  of  Amaryl- 
lidaceous  plants  would  appear  to  suit  it  well. 

Anomatheca  cruenta. — This  is  another  somewhat  neglected 
plant,  though  more  frequently  met  with  than  either  of  the  pre- 
ceding. I  also  saw  this  at  Southgate  Park,  growing  in  the  same 
pot  with  the  Zephyranthes,  as  well  as  in  the  pots  of  other 
Amaryllids.  Mr.  Baines  stated  he  encouraged  it  to  grow  in 
this  fashion  as  much  as  possible,  by  saving  the  seed,  and 
sprinkling  it  over  the  surface  of  the  pots.  The  seed  grows 
readily,  and  in  this  somewhat  irregular  way  a  good  many  pretty 
dull  crimson  flowers  are  thus  secured  to  cut  from.  It  is  also 
capable  of  being  cultivated  out  of  doors,  and  will  bloom  in 
borders,  or  planted  in  some  soil  made  up  of  sandy  peat.  It  is 
a  bulbous-rooted  plant,  with  an  Ixia-like  appearanoe  of  growth, 
and  it  can  be  increased  by  offsets  as  well  as  by  seed. — B.  D. — 
(The  Gardener.) 


WEEDS. 
Evert  weed  allowed  to  arrive  at  maturity  with  any  crop  is  a 
diminution  of  the  yield ;  it  impoverishes  the  soil  as  much  as  a 
cultivated  plant.  Wheat,  Barley,  and  Oats  do  not  exhaust  the 
soil  more  than  Couch,  Bent,  or  Rib-grass.  Land  in  which 
these  are  plentiful  will  produce  good  crops  of  one  or  other  of 
the  former.  The  same  holds  good  of  the  more  succulent  weeds, 
as  Groundsel,  Chickweed,  and  Charlock.    Docks,  ThistleB,  and 


Dandelions  take  quite  as  much  nutriment  from  the  soil  as 
Mangold  Wurtzel,  Turnips,  and  other  root  crops.  It  is  an 
acknowledged  fact  that  land  rank  with  natural  vegetation  is 
capable  of  the  highest  cultivation ;  it  will  produce  in  perfection 
some  one  of  the  many  plants  necessary  for  the  comfort  of  man. 
Land  by  nature  sterile  forms  but  a  very  insignificant  portion 
of  the  earth's  surface  ;  exoept,  perhaps,  the  sands  in  the  interior 
of  Africa  and  other  quarters  of  the  globe,  there  is  but  little  of  its 
surface  not  teeming  with  vegetable  life,  on  which  man  directly 
and  indirectly  is  dependent  for  his  sustenance.  He  must, 
therefore,  look  well  to  the  proper  cultivation  of  the  ground. 
He  must  select,  not  only  the  plants  most  suitable  to  the  soil, 
but  those  which  will  afford  him  the  greatest  return.  All  soils 
have  constituents  suited  to  the  growth  of  plants  of  more  or  less 
value  to  man.  The  natural  vegetation  may  be  Couch,  Bent, 
and  other  coarse  Grasses,  but,  as  already  stated,  such  ground 
will  grow  most,  if  not  all,  of  the  cereals.  By  breaking  up  the 
natural  vegetation,  and  freeing  the  ground  of  that  which  is  of 
little  worth,  it  is  made  suitable  for  the  growth  of  plants  of 
considerably  greater  value. 

Uncultivated  soils  are  in  course  of  time  enriched  by  the 
plants  growing  on  them  decaying  year  by  year,  increasing 
the  depth  of  the  soil  and  adding  to  its  fertility.  Uncultivated 
plants  return  to  the  soil  quite  as  much,  if  not  more,  than  is 
taken  from  it,  but  cultivated  plants  impoverish  the  soil,  because 
their  produce,  for  instance  in  grain  and  straw,  is  taken  away, 
and  there  is  no  annual  deposit  of  vegetable  matter  except  by 
weeds.  Every  crop  is  exhausting,  and  the  soil  soon  becomes 
worn  out,  for  no  one  crop  can  for  any  long  period  be  profitably 
grown  on  the  same  soil.  Hence  the  desirability  of  a  change  of 
soil — a  rotation  of  crops.  We  must  not  only  afford  a  change 
of  soil,  but  we  must  return  to  the  soil  what  the  crop  takes 
from  it.     This  is  effected  by  manuring. 

Whilst  vegetable  matter,  which  we  have  in  the  decayed 
natural  vegetation,  is  necessary  for  the  fertility  of  the  soil,  the 
removal  of  such  matter  does  not  cause  sterility  if  due  regard 
be  paid  to  the  application  of  manures.  Weeds,  then,  are  of  no 
value  in  cultivated  soils  ;  tbey  appropriate  that  which  ought  to 
go  to  nourish  the  crop,  and  diminish  production  without  re- 
turning an  adequate  equivalent.  The  great  advance  made  in 
the  art  of  culture  is  one  of  the  boasts  of  our  generation.  Various 
implements  for  breaking  up  the  soil,  giving  increased  depth  of 
soil,  exposing  it  to  the  influence  of  the  atmosphere,  and  pro- 
ducing a  better  tilth  for  the  reception  of  the  seed,  have  done 
much  in  enabling  us  to  obtain  better  cropB ;  they  have  also 
assisted  in  freeing  the  ground  of  weeds.  Sowing  in  drills  has 
likewise  afforded  greater  facilities  for  the  cutting-up  of  weeds  ; 
and,  as  regards  root  crops,  this  is  so  well  carried  out  that  many 
fields  would  compare  advantageously  with  some  gardens.  Fields 
of  Wheat,  however,  may  be  seen  red  with  Poppies,  and  Oats 
and  Barley  a  mass  of  yellow  from  the  quantityof  Charlock.to 
say  nothing  of  the  Thistles,  Docks,  and  Plantainst  jat  arepro- 
minent  in  every  meadow  and  pasture  ;  and  what  of  the  Ground- 
sel, Chickweed,  and  other  annual  or  biennial  weeds  which  un- 
disturbed attain  maturity  with  every  cereal  crop  ?  The  weeds, 
along  with  a  portion  of  their  seeds,  must  be  harvested  with  the 
crop,  and  some  must  remain  among  the  grain  however  well  it 
may  be  cleaned,  and  a  still  greater  portion  will  find  its  way 
with  the  straw  to  the  manure  heap,  and  ultimately  to  the  soil 
again.  In  this  way  weeds  are  propagated. — G.  Abbey. 
(To  be  continued.) 


FLORAL  ICE  HOUSES  IN  NEW  YORK. 
The  present  has  been  one  of  the  most  trying  seasons  known 
in  this  latitude  for  a  great  number  of  years,  the  thermometer 
having  frequently  risen  above  100°  in  the  shade,  and  seldom 
fallen  below  85°  day  or  night  for  the  last  four  weeks  (I  write 
on  July  27th),  and  being  frequently  up  to  92°  by  eight  o'clock 
in  the  morning.  Think  of  that,  ye  floral  devotees.  How  long 
would  your  pets  exist  in  such  a  temperature  ?  A  bud  in  the 
morning  is  a  full-blown  flower  by  midday,  and  rapidly  forming 
a  seed  vessel  by  night.  This  unusually  heated  term  has  caused 
a  great  amount  of  loss  to  those  who  deal  extensively  in  cut  flowers 
in  this  city,  from  the  rapid  depreciation  in  value  of  their  stock 
in  trade  ;  but  one,  at  least,  of  our  spirited  business  men  has 
been  equal  to  the  ocoasion.  Mr.  Walter  Reid,  one  of  onr  most 
enterprising  city  florists,  has  had  a  miniature  ice  house  con- 
structed in  the  rear  of  his  store,  and  so  arranged  that  he  can 
raise  or  lower  the  temperature  at  will.  There  he  can  keep 
1  Rose  buds,  Tuberoses,  Gardenias,  &c,  fresh  for  a  week  if 


August  18,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


129 


necessary,  instead  of  becoming  stale  and  unsaleable  a  few  honrs 
after  getting  them  on  hand.  Mr.  Reid  is  the  son  of  Mr.  Robert 
Reid,  lately  a  florist  in  this  city,  and  for  many  years  a  judge  at 
Chiswick  in  its  palmiest  days,  and  he  has  now  his  father's 


certificate  of  membership  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society, 
framed  and  hung  up  in  his  store,  with  the  Duke  of  Devonshire's 
signature  and  the  Society's  seal  attached — perhaps  the  only 
thing  of  the  sort  in  America. — David  Foulis,  New  York. 


DESIGN   FOR  A   FOUNTAIN. 
The  design  represented  in  the  accompanying  engraving  is  I  beautiful  serieB  of  water  jets.     The   fountain  is  a  beautiful 
entirely  of  iron,  the  centre-piece  and  spouts  throwing  out  a  |  specimen  of  ornamental  ironwork  for  lawn  and  garden  pur- 


poses. The  use  of  architectural  and  iron  ornamental  work  in 
and  around  our  suburban  villa  grounds  is  becoming  more  and 
more  extensive,  and  in  truth  is  necessary  to  help  out  to  the 
full  the  pleasure  and  tasteful  enjoyment  of  rural  life. — (Horti- 
culturist.) 


BEDDING  PLANTS  IN,  1870. 

As  this  has  been  an  exceptional  season  for  bedding  plants,  I 
send  a  few  notes,  which  may  be  of  interest  to  some  of  your 
readers. 

I  have  always  been  an  advocate  for  early  planting,'combined 


130 


JOTJBNAL  OF  HORTICULTUKE  AND  COTTAGE,  GARDENER. 


[  Angast  18,  1870. 


with  early  preparation,  of  bedding  plants,  and  this  year  has 
more  than  ever  confirmed  my  views  on  this  subject,  for,  with 
hardly  any  exception,  in  every  garden  which  has  come  under 
my  notice  this  year,  those  plants  which  were  backward  or  put 
out  late  have  done  no  good,  while  those  which  were  put  out 
early  as  good  established  plants  have  stood  the  dry  weather 
and  done  admirably.  And  in  this  view  I  am  confirmed  in  a 
letter  from  A.  0.  Walker,  Esq.,  of  Chester,  who  says  that  he 
has  never  seen  bedding  plants  finer  where  they  were  planted 
out  early,  and  that  those  planted  late  have  done  no  good  what- 
ever. 

This  year  I  was  living  in  Gloucestershire  at  bedding-out 
time,  and  I  had  all  the  beds  planted  and  the  garden  finished 
by  the  26th  of  May ;  and  though  from  that  time  through  the 
whole  of  June  there  was  only  one  shower  of  rain,  I  never 
allowed  any  of  the  Geranium  beds  to  be  watered  ;  the  only 
beds  which  had  any  water  were  Verbenas  and  Calceolarias. 
We  left  there  late  in  June,  and  I  have  been  twice  there  since, 
and  although  the  lawn  was  burnt  up  as  brown  as  a  high  road, 
and  the  leaves  were  falling  from  the  Elm  trees  as  if  it  had 
been  October,  the  last  time  I  was  there,  about  the  3rd  of 
August,  the  Geranium  beds  were  still  good,  especially  Waltham 
Seedling  and  Indian  Yellow ;  the  only  useless  one,  which  I  have 
long  given  up  here,  being  Christine.  Lord  Palmerston  was 
splendid  in  the  middle  of  July,  but  had  over-flowered,  and  the 
exceeding  heat  and  drought,  in  Gloucestershire,  of  the  last  week 
in  July  were  beginning  to  tell  upon  it. 

Here,  in  Yorkshire,  we  began  to  bed  out  about  the  16th  of 
May,  and  planted  everything  but  Coleus  and  Indian  Maize  by 
the  end  of  the  month  ;  these  were  put  in  the  first  week  in 
June.  The  Indian  Maize,  grown  from  a  cob  of  English-ripened 
seed  sent  me  by  Dr.  Hogg,  has  done  very  well. 

It  has  been  too  hot  and  dry  for  the  Coleus,  which  was  planted 
under  the  front  wall  of  the  house,  but  the  plants  are  growing 
well  still,  and  I  expect  will  get  a  good  colour  when  the  sun  has 
less  power ;  but  as  the  thermometer  laid  on  the  grass  in  the 
sun  has  frequently  registered  over  120°— this  very  day,  August 
12th,  being  over  120°  for  two  or  three  hours  consecutively — it 
seems  to  burn  the  colour  out  of  the  leaves,  and  to  give  them  a 
rusty  hue.  It  is  almost  impossible  in  a  stove  to  give  them  too 
much  light,  but  there  the  moist  atmosphere  prevents  the  sun 
blanehing  them. 

Beet  has  done  well  with  me  where  the  sparrows  will  leave  it 
alone ;  but  they  have  proved  a  great  enemy  to  it  this  dry  sum- 
mer when  they  are  short  of  insects,  and  they  get  under  the 
shade  of  the  leaves  and  peck  the  juicy  stems  to  pieces,  hardly 
ever  touching  the  leaves  themselves,  but  destroying  the  stems 
completely.  In  a  wet  season  the  plants  would  have  grown 
away  from  them,  but  this  dry  season  they  have  done  the  plants 
in  places  a  great  deal  of  injury. 

Iresine  Lindeni  will,  I  think,  be  a  valuable  acquisition  in  a 
less  trying  season.  It  has  stood  the  dry  weather  pretty  fairly ; 
but  as  we  have  now  had  only  0  33,  or  the  third  of  an  inch  of 
rain,  since  the  30th  of  June,  and  the  last  few  days  have  been 
hotter  and  drier,  if  possible,  than  ever,  ranging  from  75°  to  86° 
in  the  shade,  with  a  north-easterly  wind,  they  are  beginning  to 
succumb,  and  as  I  can  only  afford  water  for  Verbena  beds,  I  am 
afraid  if  rain  do  not  come  very  soon  that  they  will  hardly  re- 
cover. Even  Indian  Corn  is  beginning  to  flag  now,  and  Perilla 
is  suffering  worse  than  Iresine. 

My  Verbenas,  especially  mixed  Verbenas,  have  been  splendid 
this  year,  but  I  have  watered  them  regularly — not  mere  surface 
watering,  but  copiously,  and  the  plants  cover  the  surface  of  the 
beds  so  entirely  that  there  is  comparatively  very  little  evapora- 
tion now.  There  were  some  very  good  sorts  among  the  new 
ones  of  last  year,  especially  Monarch,  Emma  Perry,  Sunny 
Thoughts,  Peacemaker,  Out-and-Outer,  Mrs.  B.  Hole,  &c.  I 
do  not,  in  fact,  ever  remember  a  much  better  lot  of  seedlings 
being  sent  out  by  Mr.  Perry.  Of  older  sorts,  James  Birbeck 
and  Miss  Wimsett  have  been  remarkably  good,  and  a  chance 
seedling,  a  cross  between  Crimson  King  and  Foxhunter,  which 
I  bedded  on  trial,  has  proved  an  effective  bedder. 

Calceolarias  have  not  done  well  with  me ;  I  have  used  this 
year  more  Tagetes  signata  pumila  than  Calceolaria,  but  intend 
another  year  to  go  back  to  the  Calceolaria  again.  Two  beds  of 
Tagetes  have  been  very  good,  but  a  row  of  Tagetes  was  too  near 
some  Arabis  vaviegata,  which  was  a  harbour  for  slugs,  and 
several  plants  were  destroyed,  and  the  blanks  had  to  be  filled  up 
from  reserves,  so  that  the  rows  were  uneven.  Tagetes  also  comes 
in  too  late  to  please  me,  so  that  I  shall  plant  more  Calceolarias 
another  year,  though  I  think  the  colour  is  rather  too  gaudy 
and  striking  to  use  much  of,  especially  in  masses,  as  there  is 


no  relief  to  the  eye  in  a  large  bed  of  yellow  Calceolarias  if  in 
full  bloom.  As  a  row  in  a  ribbon  border  it  is  more  appropriate, 
and  certainly  there  is  no  yellow  to  equal  it  in  point  of  ;ichness 
of  colour.  All  yellow -foliaged  plants  are  really  only  yellow 
greens,  but  as  such  are  very  useful,  notably  Pyrethrum  Golden 
Feather,  which  is  certainly  one  of  our  most  valuable  additions 
to  the  garden,  its  only  drawback  being  its  tendency  to  flower, 
which  can,  however,  be  kept  under  by  judicious  cutting,  and 
seedlings  are  much  less  troublesome  than  cuttings,  especially 
if  the  centre  be  well  cut  back  at  the  first  appearance  of  a  flower 
bud. 

Lobelia  Little  Gem  has  been  beautiful  with  me  this  year. 
Tliose  who  do  not  possess  it  should  certainly  give  it  a  trial. 
The  colour  is  much  the  same  as  that  of  Paxtoni,  but  it  is  much 
more  dwarf,  and  has  the  invaluable  habit  of  making  plenty  of 
leaf  and  growth  before  flowering,  so  that  when  turned  out  in 
spring  it  forms,  under  proper  treatment,  masses  of  dense 
foliage.  I  pricked  out  mine  in  the  middle  of  March  under 
light  frames,  such  as  I  have  previously  described  in  the  pages 
of  your  Journal,  and  transplanted  them  with  ballB,  and  I  have 
not  seen  a  single  failure  in  those  planted  early ;  but  some 
which  were  planted  out  later  to  take  the  place  of  some  seedling 
Lobelia,  speciosa  which  had  not  done  well,  died  after  flowering. 
Those  which  were  planted  early  are  still  blooming  profusely, 
and  likely  to  continue  some  time  longer,  though  they  have  been 
in  full  bloom  now  for  more  than  eight  weeks,  and  most  of  the 
plants  were  blooming  when  put  out  in  May. 

Another  plant  for  edgings  which  always  does  well  with  me, 
and  is  not,  I  think,  sufficiently  used,  is  the  large-leaved  va- 
riegated Periwinkle  (Vinca).  Its  leaves  are  always  bright,  and  it 
stands  both  wet  and  drought ;  it  has  a  straggling  habit,  but  is 
easily  pegged  down  and  kept  in,  and  it  can  be  pegged  by  means 
of  its  own  shoots.  If  one  of  the  long  trailing  stems  be  buried 
on  one  side,  then  drawn  over  the  plant,  and  buried  again  on 
the  other,  both  of  the  ends  will  root,  and  the  plant  may  thus 
be  made  to  keep  itself  trained. 

I  will  defer  my  remarks  on  Geraniums  till  another  time,  as  it 
would  make  these  present  notes  too  long.  I  will  only  add  about 
them  at  present,  that  with  me  the  Nosegays  have  again  been 
much  the  best,  William  Underwood  having  been  the  only  good 
Zonal  which  can  at  all  compare  with  such  sorts  as  Violet  Hill, 
Bayard,  Waltham  Seedling,  Indian  Yellow,  Duchess  of  Suther- 
land, (fee.  Violet  Hill  seems  still  the  very  best  I  have  seen,  and 
in  this  opinion  I  am  confirmed  by  every  gardener  who  has  seen 
it  here  this  year.  It  is  nearly  as  good  now,  when  other  Gera- 
niums are  suffering  from  the  dry  weather,  as  ever,  and  the  beds 
have  never  had  a  drop  of  water  given  to  them  since  they  were 
planted  ;  and  I  am  more  and  more  convinced,  that  the  best  way 
to  treat  Geraniums  is  to  get  sorts  that  will  bear  manure  and 
rich  treatment  without  growing  coarse ;  then,  if  dry  weather 
come,  they  have  the  manure  to  support  them,  and  if  wet 
weather,  from  their  dwarfer  growth  and  freer  habit  of  blooming 
they  will  not  go  to  leaf,  even  under  good  treatment,  so  much 
as  the  older  sorts  of  strong-growing  Zonals,  as  Clipper,  Dr. 
Lindley,  Lord  Derby,  Herald  of  Spring,  &c,  and  in  dry  seasons 
they  do  not  run  to  seed  or  shed  their  petals  as  the  Zonals  do. 
I  forgot  to  say  that  in  Gloucestershire  Iresine  Herbstii  has 
stood  the  dry  weather  admirably,  and  grown  vigorously, 
though  the  colour  is  not  so  rich  as  in  damp,  warm  weather. — 
C.  P.  Peach,  Appleton-le-Street. 


After  experiencing  a  wet  and  somewhat  sunless  spring  and 
fore-summer  in  this  part  of  the  country,  we  are  now  undergoing 
a  roasting  process  much  more  severe  than  that  to  which  we 
were  subjeoted  last  season,  and  it  may  be  interesting  as  well  as 
useful  to  note  how  different  bedding  plants  are  enduring  it. 

To  begin  at  the  beginning,  for  they  are  undoubtedly  the  alpha 
of  the  bedding  alphabet,  Pelargoniums  are  mostly  doing  well. 
The  principal  exceptions  are  Golden  Fleece,  Cloth  of  Gold,  and 
some  of  the  new  bronze  sorts.  The  first  two  were  beautiful  so 
long  as  the  dripping  weather  lasted,  but  now  many  of  their 
leaves  are  turning  up  round  the  edges  and  crumbling  away  into 
dry  dust.  Why  they  Bhould  do  so  when  others  of  the  white 
sorts  with  just  as  little  green  in  their  leaves,  such  as  Castlemilk 
for  example,  stand  uninjured,  will  most  likely  remain  one  of 
the  many  unanswered  whys  which  are  continually  meeting  us. 
Perhaps  it  may  be  that  the  leaves  of  the  latter,  being  white, 
reflect  the  sun's  rays,  while  the  yellow  leaves,  being  able  to  do 
so  only  in  an  inferior  degree,  are  sunstruck  and  shrivel  up  ;  or 
perhaps  it  may  be  from  a  totally  different  cause  ;  but  one  thing 
is  certain,  that  those  two  of  the  golden  names  cannot  be  trusted 
to  behave  themselves  when  planted  where  they  are  fully  exposed 


Angnst  18,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


131 


to  the  sun.  Some  of  the  larger  leaves  of  Mrs.  Pollock  are  also 
similarly  affected,  but  otherwise  this  oldest  and  best  of  bedding 
Tricolors  is  at  present  wearing  her  brightest  colours.  That 
pr9tty,  variegated,  Ivy-leaved  Geranium  L'Elegante  seems  to 
find  its  way  but  slowly  over  the  oountry,  yet  it  is  really  one  of 
the  most  delicate  and  quietly  artistio  plants  I  know  either  for 
edgings  or  for  carpeting  under  tall-growing  plants,  and  it  is 
never  more  beautiful  than  during  weather  such  as  this. 

Calceolarias  are  giving  much  trouble  in  watering  and  stuffing 
short  grass  among  them,  but  in  return  they  are  blooming  most 
profusely,  and  promising  well  for  the  rest  of  the  season,  except 
Aurea  floribunda,  whose  beauty  threatens  soon  to  be  a  thing  of 
the  past.  This  fine  Calceolaria  will  not  succeed  in  dry  light 
soils  without  more  work  being  expended  upon  it  than  even  it  is 
worth.  In  the  beginning  of  May,  while  they  were  growing  in 
Celery  trenches,  the  Calceolarias  suffered  rather  severely  from 
what  was  to  me  a  rather  novel  cause,  the  tops  of  many  of  them 
being  destroyed  by  a  curious  shield-shaped  insect  called  Penta- 
toma  baccarum,  which  lives  on  the  sap  of  plants,  piercing  the 
soft  tissues  for  the  purpose  of  extracting  it,  and  literally  suck- 
ing them  to  death.  I  have  long  known  them  as  preying  upon 
the  tops  of  Potatoes,  Beans,  &c,  though  not  previously  upon 
Calceolarias,  but  they  have  never  appeared  in  such  numbers 
here  as  they  did  last  spring. 

Many  of  our  new,  and,  in  point  of  flower,  best  Verbenas 
seem  utterly  incapable  of  enduring  any  great  hardship.  It 
would  appear  that  the  improving  process  has  well-nigh  ruined 
their  constitutions  ;  but  this  is,  all  the  world  over,  one  of  the 
ills  incidental  to  a  highly  artificial  state.  Even  we,  in  ceasing 
to  be  savages,  have  had  to  make  considerable  sacrifices.  Many 
of  them,  while  refusing  point-blank  to  grow  upon  a  dry-dust 
regimen,  likewise  take  offence  at  the  daily  waterings  necessary 
to  keep  them  moist,  let  the  water  be  never  so  scientifically 
applied,  and  make  little  more  progress  than  if  it  were  one  of 
the  coldest  of  seasons.  Fortunately  they  are  not  all  alike,  and 
there  are  plenty  to  choose  from,  and  for  decorative  purposes 
very  few  gardeners  really  require  more  than  four  or  five  sorts, 
including  Verbena  veuosa,  which  ought  to  be  everywhere. 

Viola  cornuta  that  was  planted  in  April  is  still  passable,  but 
old  edgings  of  last  year's  planting  are  done.  V.  lutea  dees  not 
succeed  here.  The  yellow  and  blue  bedding  Pansies  have  also 
begun  to  look  seedy. 

The  much-vaunted  Golden  Feather  Pyrethrum  is  most  un- 
sightly wherever  I  have  seen  it  during  the  last  three  weeks. 
There  can  be  no  doubt  as  to  its  proper  place  being  the  spring 
garden,  where  there  are  no  Calceolarias  to  outshine  it,  but  long 
before  the  dog-days  it  ought  to  be  on  the  rubbish  heap.  The 
variegated  Polemonium  is  doing  well,  with  liberal  waterings, 
and  is,  as  everybody  knows,  a  most  beautiful  eilging  plant,  but 
how  does  it  happen  that  though  it  is  universally  known  as 
P.  cseruleum  variegatum,  yet  the  flowers  are  invariably  white, 
at  least  all  those  that  I  have  seen  ? 

Petunias,  Gazanias,  and  Gaillardias  are  doing  well.  Gail- 
lardia  coccinea  is  quite  an  effective  bedding  plant  when  grown 
from  cuttings,  from  seed  it  is  rather  late  in  beginning  to  bloom. 
— Ayrshire  Gardener. 


METROPOLITAN  SOCIETY'S  EXHIBITION  AT 
THE   CRYSTAL  PALACE. 

May  I  nse  this  channel  of  communication  to  answer  a  good 
many  letters  that  I  have  received  on  the  subject  of  the  exhi- 
bition to  be  held  on  the  6tb,  7th,  and  8th  of  September?  And 
first  of  all  to  thank  the  very  many  kind  friends  (for  friends 
they  are,  although  many  of  them  unknown  to  me),  whose 
letters  strew  my  table,  for  the  kind  and  cheery  words  of  encou- 
ragement that  they  give  me,  and  for  the  offers  of  assistance 
ungrudgingly  made.  It  is,  I  can  safely  say,  a  matter  to  me  of 
deep  gratitude  that  not  only  these  have  been  given,  but  that  I 
have  been  so  implicitly  trusted  in  all  the  arrangements  for  the 
show.  To  be  told  by  one  that  "  the  Society  is  the  very  thing 
that  is  wanted,  and  that  it  is  sure  to  be  popular;"  by  another, 
one  of  our  most  distinguished  florists,  "  I  have  been  asked  to 
go  to  Ireland,  but  have  declined,  as  I  want  to  stay  and  help 
you  ;"  by  another,  one  of  our  most  ardent  amateurs,  that  "  I 
am  quite  willing  to  give  you  any  assistance  in  my  power,"  is 
indeed  cheering,  and  these  are  but  samples  of  many  that  I  have 
received. 

"  What  are  our  prospects  of  a  good  show  ?"  Well,  far  better 
than  I  could  have  anticipated.  We  commence  operations  in 
Vrobably  the  most  trying  season  for  florists'  flowers  the  present 


generation  has  known,  and  yet  withal,  from  the  entries  already 
reoeived,  I  feel  convinced  we  shall  have  a  good  exhibition.  The 
time  has  now  come  when  the  florists  can  testify  whether  they 
are  able  to  hold  their  own,  and  I  sincerely  truBt  they  will  give 
one  and  all  a  hearty  pull  in  this  matter.  I  can  promise  them, 
as  far  as  I  am  concerned,  there  shall  be  nothing  but  fair  and 
open  dealing,  and  that  we  know  no  party.  We  bury  the  hatchet 
of  all  past  differences,  and  welcome  all  who  desire  to  encourage 
florists'  flowers. — D.,  Deal. 


"  REDCARRE,  A  POOR  FYSHER  TOWNE."— No.  3. 

Sauntering  southward  along  the  unexcellable  sands  for  a 
short  three  miles,  the  four  bathing  machines  of  the  village  ol 
Marske  are  reached,  and  on  a  lofty  cliff  point  above  stands 
forth  the  goodly  mansion  of  Joseph  Pease,  Esq.  It  seema 
bare,  and  needing  plantations  of  sea-defying  trees  to  nestle 
among ;  and  high  and  exposed  though  it  is  to  all  the  gales  from 
every  point  of  the  east,  I  think  some  of  the  trees  enumerated 
not  long  since  in  your  columns  as  successful  settlers  on  our 
sea-shores  would  maintain  their  good  character  here,  and  they 
deserve  the  trial,  and  the  mansion  deserves  their  success. 
Wheu  the  cliff  is  climbed,  and  a  peep  obtained  over  the  garden 
wall,  there  is  evidence — special  evidence — of  provision  made 
for  shelter  against  the  rough  oold  winds  which  sweep  over  the 
cliff.  A  deep  sheltering  valley  is  cut,  with  turfed  sloping  banks 
on  either  side,  and  at  the  bottom  of  the  valley  are  flower  borders 
with  a  broad  gravelled  walk  between. 

I  am  a  wanderer  just  now,  and  my  thoughts,  like  my  steps, 
are  vagrant,  and  you  will  so  think  when  you  read  my  next 
jotting — the  name  of  Pease  led  to  the  query,  Is  that  the  correot 
plural  of  Pea?  I  think  it  is  not.  A  correspondent  in  Notes 
and  (Jaeries  recently  remonstrated  against  such  a  plural  form, 
and  truly  observed  that  if  admitted,  then  the  plural  of  sea 
might  be  "  seaee."  I  think  that  "  Pease  "  was  formerly  the 
singular.  At  all  events,  Phillips  in  his  "World  of  Words," 
published  in  1G78,  so  used  it.  He  says,  '-Pease  (Pisum),  a 
sort  of  pulse  of  a  most  pleasing  savor,  and  at  the  first  coming 
accounted  a  great  rarity.  That  sort  called  Pease  Everlasting 
hath  a  very  fine  flower  or  blossom,  and  is  called  in  Latin 
Latlujrus  ;  the  Wood  or  Heath  Pease,  Astragalus."  "  Pease  " 
might  have  been  used  both  as  a  singular  and  plural  noun,  just 
as  we  use  fish  and  sheep ;  but  I  remember  that  "  Peason " 
was  one  plural  form,  but  being  away  from  my  books  I  cannot 
detail  the  when  and  where  it  was  so. 

"  Here  is  the  smugglers'  grave,"  said  an  old  man  in  the  grave- 
yard which  crowns  the  cliff  opposite  to  Mr.  Pease's  house. 
"  They  was  drown'd  by  their  boat's  upsetting,  but  the  scription's 
clean  gone."  "  Not  quite,"  I  observed,  "  here  are  the  com- 
mencements of  five  lines — H ,  Franci ,  Ka ,  W , 

K .     Then  the  soulptured  figures  on  this  headstone  are  of 

a  man  carrying  a  woman  on  his  back,  and  a  girl  by  another 
man's  Bide.  The  boat  upset  is  plain  enough,  but  I  interpret 
that  the  four  drowned  were  Francis  some  one  and  Katherine 
his  wife,  and  William  some  one  and  Katherine  his  daughter." 
My  old  guide  "  never  knew  the  like,"  and  so  we  parted  ;  but  as 
I  made  a  circuit,  facing  me  was  a  monument  to  the  memory  of 
the  Earl  of  Zetland's  gardener,  Henry  Yarker,  and  Hester  his 
wife.  Strange  is  it  that,  go  where  I  will,  something  about  horti- 
culture is  sure  to  confront  me.  My  next  move  was  on  to  Salt- 
burn,  and  the  first  book  handed  to  me  by  a  bookseller  in  answer 
to  my  inquiry  for  a  book  on  plants,  was  the  seventeenth  volume 
of  The  Journal  of  Horticulture  ! 

Well,  without  any  prejude  I  have  passed  on  to  Saltbnrn, 
and  turning  to  notes  previously  taken  at  the  British  Museum, 
I  find  this  extract  from  the  Cotton  MS.  quoted  in  my  previous 
communication : — 

"  At  Saltburne  Mouth  a  smale  brooke  disohargeth  ytself  into 
the  sea,  which  lyinge  lowe  under  the  banks,  serveth  as  a 
trnnke  or  conduite  to  convey  the  rnmor  of  the  sea  into  the 
neighbour  fieldes ;  for  when  all  wyndes  are  whiste,  and  the  sea 
restes  unmoved  as  a  standing  poole,  sometymes  there  is  such  a 
horrible  groninge  heard  from  that  creake  at  the  least  fix  myles 
in  the  mayne  lande,  that  the  fishermen  dare  not  put  forth, 
though  thyrste  of  gaine  drive  them  on,  houlding  an  opinion 
that  the  sea,  as  a  greedy  beaste  raginge  for  hunger,  desyers  to 
be  satisfied  with  men's  carcases." 

The  sea  must  have  changed  its  diet  since  that  was  written, 
for  I  could  not  meet  with  any  one  that  had  heard  its  carcase- 
coveting  "  groninge."  The  "  smale  brooke,"  now  travels 
quietly  and  deviously  to  the    sea,  between    precipitous  and 


132 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  18,  1870. 


wooded  cliffs,  with  broad  varied  surfaces  below,  and  a  fourth  of 
a  mile  in  length,  affording  the  most  beautiful  site  for  a  garden 
I  ever  traversed.  It  is  laid  out  as  a  garden,  and  not  a  sug- 
gestion can  I  offer  to  improve  its  plan ;  the  terraced  walks, 
mostly  under  thickly  shading  trees,  the  seats,  the  alcove,  are 
all  judiciously  placed,  and  the  flower  beds,  croquet  ground,  and 
bedding-out  at  the  extreme  end  near  Mr.  Bell's  residence,  Bush- 
pool  Hall,  are  well-arranged  and  well-cultivated  ;  but  the  other 
portions  of  this  "  Happy  Valley  "  are  most  offensively  neglected 
and  overwhelmed  with  weeds.  I  expressed  my  regret  and  sur- 
prise, but  was  met  with  the  reply,  puzzling  to  the  most  astute 
Chancellor  of  the  Exchequer — "  We  have  no  funds."  This 
should  not  be,  and  I  venture  to  prognosticate  will  not  long  be, 
lor  visitors  must  increase  in  number,  and  if  the  inhabitants 
would  raise  a  fund  and  open  a  subscription,  there  would  surely 
be  a  sum  annually  subscribed  worthily  to  sustain  a  garden 
capable  of  being  made  one  of  the  most  beautiful  in  England. — G 


DEATH   OF  MR.  JOHN  GOULD  VEITCH. 

It  is  not  yet  twelve  months  since  we  recorded  the  lamented 
death  of  Mr.  James  Veitch,  of  Chelsea.  It  is  now  our  painful 
duty  to  announce  that  of  his  eldest  son,  John  Gould  Veitch,  a 
young  man  of  great  promise,  at  the  early  age  of  thirty-one.  He 
was  born  in  the  nurseries  at  Mount  Badford,  near  Exeter, 
April  17th,  1839,  and  died  at  the  nurseries,  Coombe  Wood, 
near  Kingston-on-Thames,  on  the  evening  of  Saturday  laBt. 

At  an  early  age  Mr.  John  Gould  Veitch  took  an  active  part 
in  the  management  of  the  nurseries  at  Chelsea,  and  so  early 
as  1861,  when  only  twenty-one  years  of  age,  became  one  of  its 
travelling  collectors,  and  proceeded  to  China  and  Japan.  He  at 
the  same  time  visited  the  Philippine  Islands,  and  during  that 
expedition  he  discovered  and  sent  home  many  plants  that  now 
form  important  features  in  our  gardens  and  horticultural  ex- 
hibitions. He  returned  home  for  the  Great  Industrial  Exhi- 
bition of  1862  ;  and  again  left  for  the  Southern  Pacific  in  1864, 
landing  at  Sydney,  and  afterwards  proceeding  as  far  north  as 
Cape  York  and  the  Gulf  of  Carpentaria.  He  returned  early  in 
1866,  and  shortly  after  his  marriage,  in  February,  1867,  he  was 
attacked  by  a  severe  disease  of  the  lungs,  which  has  necessitated 
his  wintering  in  the  south  of  Europe  for  the  last  two  years,  and 
it  has  been  by  extreme  care  that  his  life  has  been  preserved 
so  long.  On  the  Tuesday  preceding  his  death  Mr.  J.  G.  Veitch 
visited  Chelsea,  and  exhibited  the  greatest  interest  when  he 
went  over  the  whole  of  that  vast  establishment,  and  the  same 
evening,  on  his  return  to  Coombe  Wood,  he  had  a  relapse  of  his 
complaint ;  and  haemorrhage  of  the  lungs  having  set  in,  he 
gradually  became  worse  till  he  sank  on  Saturday  night  through 
pure  exhaustion.  Thus  died  a  young  man  of  great  ability, 
singular  kindness  of  heart,  and  loved  and  esteemed  by  all  who 
enjoyed  the  pleasure  of  his  friendship.  The  funeral  will  take 
place  in  Brompton  Cemetery  this  day,  and  the  service  will  be 
performed  by  the  Bev.  Joshua  Dix,  of  All- Hallows,  Friday  Street. 

Among  the  numerous  plants  which  Mr.  J.  G.  Veitch  dis- 
covered and  sent  home  from  his  expeditions  we  may  mention 
Lilium  auratum,  Sciadopitys  verticillata,  Baphiolepis  ovata, 
various  species  of  Betinosporas  and  Osmanthus  ;  Abies  firma, 
Alcocquiana,  microsperma,  polita,  and  Veitchii ;  Cryptomeria 
elegans,  Ampelopsis  Veitchii  and  japonica;  the  handsome 
Palm  Veitchia  Johannis,  Juniperus  rigida,  many  sorts  of  Bam- 
busas  and  Ancubas,  Cypripedium  laevigatum,  and  large  quan- 
tities of  the  valuable  Orchids  Vanda  Batemanni  and  Dendro- 
bium  bigibbum,  which,  however,  had  been  introduced  before, 
but  were  rare  in  Europe.  Of  Crotons  he  sent  no  less  than 
twenty-three  distinct  kinds,  and  of  Dracaenas  twelve  or  four- 
teen, among  which  were  Begina,  Mooreana,  Chelsoni,  and  Mac- 
leayi.  The  beautiful  Phormium  tenax  variegatum  he  sent  in 
large  quantities,  and  also  the  charming  Pandanus  Veitchii. 
The  now  popular  Acalypha  tricolor  and  Amaranthus  melan- 
cholicus  ruber  were  also  of  his  introduction,  and  a  new  Ama- 
ranthus not  yet  sent  out,  called  salicifolius.  Then  there  were 
Alocasia  zebrina,  Phyllanthus  variegatus,  Colons  Veitchii  and 
Gibsoni,  a  number  of  fine  Lycopods  not  yet  sent  out ;  these 
and  many  more,  of  which  it  is  unnecessary  to  extend  the  list, 
were  among  the  botanical  treasures  this  indefatigable  young 
man  added  to  our  collections  during  his  short  but  brilliant 
career. 


applied  to  the  old  Scarlet  Geranium  class  of  flowers.  Bed- 
ding or  Scarlet  Geraniums  they  were  always  called,  and  what 
necessity  is  there  for  calling  them  otherwise  ?  We  speak  of  Tall 
and  Dwarf  Nasturtiums,  Laurus  Tinus,  Althaea  frutex,  and 
Bose  Acacia,  although  they  do  not  severally  belong  botanically 
to  the  genera  Nasturtium,  Laurus,  Althaea,  or  Acacia.  And 
why,  then,  this  raid  against  our  old  favourite  popular  name 
of — Scarlet  Geranium  ? "  There  is  no  donbt  that  the  sudden 
adoption  of  the  name  Pelargonium  in  popular  speaking  and 
writing  does  startle  old-fashioned  and  non-botanical  gardeners. 
It  was  after  visiting  Mr.  William  Paul's  Bose  Show  at  the 
Crystal  Palace  a  few  months  ago,  we  were  returning  to  town 
in  the  railway  train,  and  a  lady  and  gentleman  occupied  seats 
in  the  same  carriage  with  us.  The  gentleman  had  procured 
a  copy  of  Mr.  Paul's  nursery  catalogue  at  the  show,  and  was 
carefully  perusing  it,  when  he  ejaculated,  "  Pe-lar-gon-iumB ! 
What  are  Pe-lar-gon-iums  ?  Do  you  know  ? "  and  the  lady 
addressed  confessed  her  ignorance.  "  Whatever  they  are,  there 
are  plenty  of  them,"  said  the  gentleman,  and  the  subject 
dropped.  Now,  in  all  probability  the  name  of  Scarlet  Gera- 
nium was  well  known  to  both.  We  confess  to  a  weakness 
in  favour  of  the  old  name  when  used  popularly.  It  is  like 
calling  an  old  friend  by  his  pet  name  after  he  has  been 
ennobled. 

Under  the  name  of  Chinese  Mustard  Messrs.  Carter 

and  Co.,  of  Holborn,  have  sent  us  a  pot  of  "  small  salading." 
In  the  form  in  which  we  have  received  it,  the  plant  is  stout  and 
Bucculent,  apparently  more  so  than  the  ordinary  Mustard,  and 
possesses  an  agreeable  though  a  powerful  pungency.  The  seed 
which  accompanied  the  pot  is  black,  and  much  larger  than 
that  of  the  ordinary  Black  Mustard. 


NOTES  AND  GLEANrNGS. 

A  correspondent  writes  to  us  remonstrating  against  what 
"  the  pedantic  use  of    the  word  Pelargonium  as 


he  calls 


WORK  FOR  THE  WEEK. 

kitchen  garden. 
The  Celery  and  moBt  of  the  Endive  being  planted,  the  cul- 
tivation of  the  ground  between  growing  winter  crops  should  pro- 
ceed in  fair  weather.  This  is  a  good  time  to  plant  Hautbois 
Strawberries  about  6  or  8  inches  apart  in  beds.  Those  planted 
earlier  are  apt  to  blossom  in  the  autumn.  Let  all  runners 
be  trimmed-off  the  Alpines,  and  slates  placed  under  the  plants. 
Cut  all  hard  or  bursting  Cabbages,  in  order  to  secure  a  good 
crop  of  early  sprouts  on  the  stools  to  face  the  winter.  Let  late 
Kidney  Beans  be  well  earthed-up  to  protect  them  against 
storms,  and  top  or  pinch  all  inclined  to  assume  a  running 
character.  In  gathering  Kidney  Beans,  good  cultivators  pick 
the  old  with  the  young  at  all  gatherings,  whether  of  use  or 
not.  It  is  astonishing  how  a  few  large  or  ripening  pods  will 
exhaust  the  plant,  and  hinder  succession.  The  Onion*  which 
were  laid  down  a  fortnight  ago  should  be  removed  forthwith  to 
a  gravel  walk,  and  the  ground  well  manured,  and  planted  with 
late  Coleworts ;  these  will  be  very  useful.  Shallots  should  be 
housed  directly ;  these  require  a  warm  and  dry  room,  where 
they  will  often  keep  till  May,  or  they  will  keep  for  a  long  period 
suspended  in  a  Cabbage-net  in  a  kitchen. 

FLOWER    GARDEN. 

Those  who  are  fond  of  early  annuals,  whether  in  pots  in  the 
mixed  greenhouse,  or  in  the  flower  garden,  should  sow  soon. 
Stocks  and  Mignonette  should  be  sown  forthwith ;  the  latter 
may  be  sown  in  a  warm  border  and  transplanted  into  well- 
drained  pots,  treating  them  with  much  care  for  a  week  after- 
wards. The  Moss  and  Provence  Boses  for  forcing  should  now 
be  all  turned  round,  if  plunged,  in  order  to  break  the  roots 
through  the  bottoms  of  the  pots  ;  at  the  same  time  let  all  gross 
sucker-shoots  be  cut  away.  The  filling-up  of  blanks,  staking 
and  tying-up,  mowing,  cleaning,  and  rolling,  will,  of  course,  go 
on  as  usual.  Lose  no  time  in  putting-in  an  abundance  of 
cuttings  of  flowers  for  next  year's  masses.  Auriculas  may  now 
be  repotted.  AH  decayed  leaves  should  be  removed,  but  this 
must  be  done  carefully,  otherwise  more  injury  will  be  sustained 
by  the  plant  than  many  people  imagine.  In  potting,  should 
the  plant  appear  at  all  unhealthy,  carefully  remove  the  soil 
without  breaking  the  ball,  and  examine  the  tap  root.  Should 
this  be  decayed  or  cankered,  as  is  sometimes  the  case,  it  must 
be  cut  completely  away.  Avoid  all  complicated  stimulating 
composts,  for,  however,  fine  the  plants  may  grow,  the  health 
of  the  stock  will  be  jeopardised.  Well-decayed  leaves,  with 
turfy  loam,  will  form  a  good  compost  for  wintering  the  plants 
in.  Many  Tulip  bulbs,  from  the  serious  check  they  experienced 
last  blooming  season,  and  which  reduoed  in  numerous  is- 


August  18,  1870.  ) 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


133 


stances  their  balk  one-half,  will  require  to  be  moved  from  the 
situation  they  hold  in  the  best  bed,  as  they  will  not  bloom 
satisfactorily,  and  their  plaoes  filled  from  the  reserve  beds  or 
other  quarters  with  bulbs  which  will  bloom  in  similar  charac- 
ter, so  that  the  uniformity  of  the  collection  may  be  maintained. 
Pay  strict  attention  to  the  soil  for  the  ensuing  planting  season, 
turning  it  over  occasionally  in  order  to  sweeten  it.  Continue 
to  put  out  Pink  pipings,  and  attend  to  the  directions  given  last 
week  relative  to  potting  the  layers  of  Carnations  and  Picotees. 
Pansies  will  now  strike  very  freely,  and  when  the  weather  is 
suitable  plant  out  seedlings  in  beds  of  rich-prepared  com- 
post. Examine  Ranunculus  roots,  being  careful  that  they  do 
not  contract  damp,  and  pray  strict  attention  to  Dahlias,  which 
now  require  much  care.  Young  shoots  may  be  struck  in  brisk 
heat,  and  the  regular  routine  of  tying,  disbudding,  &c,  must 
be  persevered  in,  not  forgetting  to  carry  on  continual  war 
against  earwigs  and  all  destructive  insects. 

GREENHOUSE  AND  CONSERVATORY. 

The  time  has  now  arrived  when  plants  intended  to  supply  a 
floral  display  under  glass  during  autumn  and  winter  must  have 
attention.  Let  Begonias  have  another  shift  if  not  already  in 
pots  sufficiently  large.  Keep  the  plants  thin  that  their  foliage 
may  be  preserved  from  injury.  Crowea  saligna  and  Plumbago 
capensis  are  both  valuable  autumn-blooming  plants,  and  the 
latter  furnishes  large  supplies  of  cut  flowers.  Attend  to  Chry- 
santhemums, and  water  freely  with  liquid  manure  ;  good  speci- 
mens should  be  aimed  at  rather  than  a  few  fine  blooms.  The 
earliest  winter-flowering  Heaths  and  Epacrises  must  soon  be 
placed  under  glass,  as  it  will  forward  their  blooming.  The 
appearance  of  bulb  catalogues,  too,  tells  us  that  Hyacinths  and 
Narcissus  for  forcing  must  soon  occupy  attention.  About  equal 
portions  of  good  loam  and  decayed  leaf  mould,  with  silver 
sand,  will  be  the  best  soil  for  them  if  for  forcing,  but  well- 
decomposed  cow  dung  must  be  substituted  for  the  leaf  soil  when 
the  bulbs  are  intended  for  late  flowering.  After  potting  place 
them  on  a  dry  bottom,  and  cover  the  pots  2  or  3  inches  deep 
with  old  tan  or  ashes,  preserving  them  at  the  same  time  as 
much  as  possible  from  heavy  rains ;  under  this  treatment  they 
will  fill  their  pots  with  roots,  and  will  be  in  readiness  for  forc- 
ing when  wanted.  Van  Thol  Tulips  for  forcing  may  be  potted 
early  next  month.  Place  them  on  coal  ashes,  cover  them  as 
recommended  for  Hyacinths,  and  early  in  November  remove 
them  into  heat ;  the  principal  bulk  need  not  be  potted  until 
late  in  October,  and  a  last  batch  of  Tournesol  or  Rex  Rubrorum 
towards  the  end  of  November.  Where  conservatory  borders  or 
beds  exist,  see  that  they  are  duly  watered.  Examine  the  plants 
individually,  as  their  wants  will  be  various.  Arrangements 
must  be  made  forthwith  for  housing  tender  plants.  There  is 
in  many  oases  no  necessity  to  have  them  all  in  at  once  ;  let  it 
be  done  progressively,  according  to  their  wants.     A  few  of  the 


frequently,  turning  them  partly  round  in  order  to  expose  all 
their  sides  equally  to  light  and  air.— W.  Keane. 


DOINGS  OF  THE  LAST  WEEK. 
We  had  a  slight  rain  for  a  short  time  on  the  7th  and  10th 
inst.,  but  not  enough  to  do  more  than  moisten  the  surface  a 
little,  without  placing  anything  appreciable  in  tanks  or  reser- 
voirs. Better  harvest  weather  there  could  not  be,  as  even 
these  showers  and  some  heavy  dews  helped  to  swell  the  grains 
of  corn.  For  everything  growing  the  weather  has  been  most 
trying.  The  drizzling  rain  on  the  forenoon  of  the  10th  helped 
to  refresh  the  foliage,  and  until  the  moisture  at  the  surface 
was  evaporated  the  foliage  felt  the  benefit  of  the  vapour  as  it 
passed  upwards.  But,  singular  to  say,  the  plants  thus  refreshed 
suffered  greatly  from  the  bright  sun  of  the  following  day — far 
more  than  they  did  in  the  bright  days  before  the  refreshing 
shower  came.  We  account  for  it  on  the  principle  frequently 
alluded  to — that  the  surface-damping  before  it  was  quite  eva- 
porated prevented  the  roots  absorbing  moisture  from  beneath, 
and  thus  they  were  unable  at  first  to  meet  the  rapid  evapora- 
tion of  the  foliage  when  the  sun  shone  brightly,  and  the  surface 
moisture  was  nearly  evaporated.  Those  placed  under  similar 
circumstances,  who  watched  such  results  on  a  large  scale,  would 
be  taught  the  impropriety  of  resorting  to  mere  surface-water- 
ing, and  that  it  was  in  general  better  not  to  water  than  so  to 
water  as  not  to  reach  the  bulk  of  the  roots. 

KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

Artichokes. — The  Jerusalem  Artichoke,  with  its  tubers,  and 
the  Globe  Artichoke,  with  its  rough  heads,  have  suffered  much 
with  us,  though  both  were  mulched,  and  the  latter  once  well 
watered  with  sewage.  The  former,  like  our  Hollyhocks,  have 
such  short  stems  that  they  will  suffer  little  from  high  winds 
this  season  ;  the  latter,  though  yielding  a  fair  produce  in  the 
first  part  of  the  season,  look  now  as  if  the  autumn  produce 
would  be  scanty  indeed — a  matter  of  importance  where  such 
things  are  much  in  demand. 

Asparagus  and  Sea-kale  never  looked  more  healthy,  though 
watering  them  was  quite  out  of  the  question,  but  a  slight  salt- 
ing about  May  has  helped  to  keep  the  ground  moister  than  it 
would  otherwise  have  been. 

Autumn  Peas,  we  fear,  will  be  thin  and  scarce,  notwithstanding 
all  our  trouble  ;  but  Dwarf  Kidney  Beans  and  Scarlet  Runners 
are  abundant,  though  in  some  cases  suffering  from  the  dryness. 

We  sowed  Spinach,  Tripoli  Onions,  Radishes,  Turnips, 
and  Lettuces  in  well-pulverised  soil,  but  to  the  depth  of  at 
least  18  inches  it  was  so  dry  that  sowing  in  the  usual  way 
would  have  been  seed  and  labour  thrown  away.  There  could 
be  no  vegetation  nntil  there  was  a  good  heavy  rain,  and  we 
may  yet  wait  a  long  time  for  it.    All  the  vegetables  named 


more  showy  annuals,  such  as  the  Collinsias,  Clarkias,  Lepto-  I  were  sown  in  rather  deep  drills  for  the  seed,  the  drills  having 


siphon.  Erysimum,  Iberis,  Lasthenia,  Eutoca,  Nolana,  and 
Calandrinia,  may  be  sown  now  in  pots  and  kept  in  cold  frames 
through  the  winter.  They  will  serve  to  decorate  the  shelves  of 
the  mixed  greenhouse  early  in  spring,  as  well  as  to  enliven  the 
early  flower  beds  or  borders.  A  nice  turfy  loam,  rather  old, 
will  be  better  than  rich  composts,  the  object  being  to  obtain  a 
stiff  and  healthy  p.ant,  capable  of  enduring  a  hard  winter. 
There  will  also  be  more  colour  in  proportion  to  the  amount  of 
foliage — a  most  important  matter  in  the  cultivation  of  annuals. 
Where  valuable  stove  plants  have  been  kept  in  the  conserva- 
tory in  bloom,  they  will  require  careful  management  to  prevent 
their  being  injured  by  damp,  and  they  must  not  be  overwatered 
at  the  root,  as  stove  plants  are  soon  injured  by  a  low  tempera- 
ture if  the  soil  is  kept  too  wet.  Give  air  freely  in  bright  days, 
but  if  the  house  contains  many  stove  plants,  it  will  be  advis- 
able to  shut  up  rather  early  in  the  afternoon,  so  as  to  retain  a 
little  warmth  for  the  night ;  and  in  the  event  of  wet,  cloudy 
weather  continuing,  it  will  probably  be  found  necessary  in  old- 
fashioned,  badly-glazed  houses  to  use  a  little  fire  heat  to  preserve 
the  blossoms  of  tender  plants,  and  this  should  be  seen  to  before 
handsome  specimens  become  disfigured  or  ruined  for  the  sea- 
son, for  those  in  bloom  are  not  over-plentiful  in  most  places, 
and  are  therefore  worth  caring  for.  Keep  everything  in  this 
honse  as  clean  and  neat  as  possible,  removing  decayed  leaves 
and  flowers  immediately  they  are  perceived. 

STOVE. 

Ripen  growths  for  the  winter,  day  by  day.  Continue  to 
increase  the  amount  of  air  in  general,  and  to  slightly  decrease 
the  amount  of  atmospheric  moisture.    Examine  pot  specimens 


previously  been  well  drenched  with  sewage  put  on  twice  at  a 
short  interval  between  the  applications.  In  about  an  hour  the 
surface  of  the  watered  drill  was  sufficiently  dried  to  permit 
sowing,  and  then  the  seeds  were  slightly  covered  with  the  dry 
soil  at  the  sides.  This  encourages  germination  at  once,  and 
the  rootlets  have  something  to  entice  them  to  go  down. 

Cauliflowers. — Until  lately  we  never  had  better,  larger,  more 
compact  heads ;  but  the  heat  and  the  dry  air  are  becoming 
rather  too  much,  many  of  the  heads  losing  compactness,  and 
coming  like  loose  Spronting  Broccoli.  Even  a  fair  water- 
ing with  sewage  has  not  in  a  good  many  cases  arrested  this 
evil.  In  hot,  dry  summers  August  and  the  first  half  of  Sep- 
tember are  the  most  difficult  times  to  obtain  fine,  compact 
Cauliflowers.  Partly  on  this  account  we  like  to  gather  all  for 
preserving  and  pickling  early.  In  the  cooler  times — towards  the 
end  of  autumn,  the  Cauliflowers  will  again  be  close  and  crisp. 
A  dripping,  rather  shady  summer  suits  the  Cauliflower  best. 

Potatoes. — All  the  early  kinds  have  proved  extra  fine,  pro- 
lific, and  clean.  With  us  the  later  kinds  will  be  smaller  than 
usual,  especially  where,  from  crowding,  they  scarcely  had 
justice.  It  was  astonishing  to  find  such  masses  of  tubers  in 
soil  so  dry  that  it  might  have  come  from  a  hot  oven.  In  many 
case3  the  Bmall  feeding  fibres  had  gone  to  a  good  depth.  A  few 
tubers  have  commenced  growing  again,  a  sure  sign  that  they 
will  do  no  more  good  by  remaining.  We  noticed  this  among  a 
few  of  the  Walnut-leaved  Kidney,  and  had  them  taken  up 
forthwith,  as  they  are  ripe  enough.  Still,  but  for  the  above,  we 
would  have  given  them  a  week  or  ten  days  more  to  make  the 
tubers  more  mealy. 
Most  of  such  ground,  though  very  dry,  we  have  planted  with 


134 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


August  18, 1870. 


Broccoli  and  Winter  Greens,  watering  the  plants  well  first,  letting 
them  stand  a  little  in  a  pot  of  thinnish  mud,  planting  them 
out  in  drills,  and  soaking  each  plant  with  sewage.  We  are 
alluding  to  those  planted  with  the  dibber.  Those  pricked  out 
previously  were  carefully  watered  and  lifted  with  balls.  Those 
dibbled  out  are  looking  better  than  could  have  been  expected, 
but  they  will  grow  slowly  until  we  have  duller  and  damper 
weather. 

We  find  from  several  notes  that  this  season  will  force  many 
like  ourselves  to  make  arrangements  for  securing  a  larger  water 
supply  in  summer.  In  most  distriots  plenty  of  water  falls,  if 
part  of  it  could  only  be  secured  for  summer  use.  No  doubt 
draining  has  been  serviceable  to  the  land,  but  if  nothing  is 
thought  about  exoept  disposing  of  the  water,  we  may  make  our 
fields  next  to  barren  from  dryness  if  we  have  no  stored-up 
supply  from  the  drainage.  It  is  possible  to  carry  a  good  prin- 
ciple too  far.  One  or  two  facts,  or  seeming  facts,  are  worth 
mentioning  for  consideration. 

The  first  is,  that  though  all  fine-pointed  matter  when  fully 
exposed  to  a  clear  sky  becomes  rapidly  cooled,  and  therefore  a 
good  condenser  of  vapour  near  it,  yet  it  seems  that  even  in 
this  respect  there  is  a  difference  in  the  condensing  power  of 
comparatively  dried,  inert  points  and  the  points  of  living  sub- 
stances. For  instance,  we  have  repeatedly  noticed  this  season 
that  after  a  clear  starry  night  the  exposed  places  of  our  brownish 
short-cropped  lawns,  and  the  larger  benty  grass  on  the  quite-as- 
brown  park,  would  be  so  destitute  of  dew  that  the  finest  satin 
slipper  of  a  lady  would  not  be  damped ;  in  fact,  so  far  as  the 
feeling  of  the  hand  went,  no  moisture  whatever  could  be 
detected,  whilst  in  a  few  places  where  the  grass,  from  some 
peculiar  circumstance,  remained  green,  there  you  might  have 
washed  your  hands  in  dewdrops.  It  would  not  be  fair  from 
such  limited  observation  to  deduce  an  inference,  or  we  would 
Bay  that  the  inference  would  be  that  it  is  possible  to  make  land 
80  dry  that  the  grass  on  it  may  become  so  withered  as  to  be  un- 
able to  condense  for  itself  the  fair  amount  of  dew  to  which 
otherwise  it  would  have  been  entitled.  As  another  fact  bearing 
on  this  subject,  we  may  mention  that  this  hot  summer  we  have 
frequently  noticed  that  healthy,  flourishing  plants  in  flower 
beds  would  be  slightly  dewed  in  the  morniDg,  whilst  the  short, 
brownish  lawn  around  them  was  perfectly  dry. 

One  other  fact  is  worthy  of  consideration  and  observation. 
The  rains  this  summer  have  been  something  like  deluges  in 
some  places,  and  mere  drizzles  in  others.  We  have  frequently 
seen  the  rains  fall  heavily  only  a  few  miles  off,  whilst  we  had 
not  enough  to  damp  the  mere  surface.  We  do  not  here  speak 
so  much  from  facts  as  a  kind  of  belief  from  observation,  that 
there  seems  to  be  an  attraction  between  a  dampish  soil  and  a 
watery  cloud ;  so  much  so,  that  the  cloud  will  sail  past  the  dry 
soil,  and  shed  its  resources  on  that  which  is  damper.  If  there 
should  be  any  truth  in  such  an  inference,  then  extra  draining 
without  husbanding  may  not  only  leave  a  scarcity  of  water, 
but  may  prevent  such  drained  land  obtaining  its  due  share  of 
moisture  from  the  clouds.  In  such  a  fitful  season  as  this,  as 
respeots  moisture,  it  would  be  well  worth  observing  and  noting 
whether  highly-drained  land  or  the  reverse  had  received  the 
greater  amount  of  rainfall. 

In  the  enthusiasm  for  improvement  it  is  just  possible  to 
make  fields  too  large,  and  to  leave  too  few  trees  standing.  We 
know  of  places  quite  changed  in  this  respect.  Where  small 
fields  and  meadows  with  hedgerow  timber  made  the  country 
look  like  a  forest  from  a  distance,  all  is  now  open,  and  scarcely 
a  tree  is  to  be  found.  We  have  no  doubt  that  such  districts 
are  now  very  different  as  respects  moisture.  Every  tree  not 
only  absorbs  moisture,  but  it  is  a  first-rate  collector.  When, 
after  clear  nights,  our  brownish  lawns  were  almost  dust-dry,  it 
would  not  have  been  difficult  to  have  collected  barrowloads  of 
mud  from  beneath  some  large  Ashes  and  Beeches.  The  time 
may  come,  if  such  seasons  as  this  continue,  when,  instead  of 
rooting  out  every  tree  from  cultivated  lands,  such  as  hedge- 
rows, we  may  be  forced  to  plant  again  in  order  to  obtain 
moistare-distiller3.  The  more  pointed  and  healthy  the  foliage, 
the  more  will  be  its  condensing  power.  One  morning,  with  the 
brownish  grass  in  the  park  almost  quite  dry,  a  large  Beech 
tree  was  sending  quite  a  Bhower  of  sweet  water  to  the  ground 
beneath,  where  it  stood  in  little  pools. 

Protection  for  Winter. — Some  rough-and-ready  material  is 
very  useful  for  late  Cauliflowers,  Broccoli,  roots  of  tender 
plants,  and  throwing  over  mats  and  frames.  Nothing  is  better 
for  such  purposes  than  rough  hay,  and  from  some  outlying 
places  in  the  pleasure  grounds  we  used  to  collect  and  keep 
some  for  this  purpose.    This  season  we  have  not  saved  more 


than  will  be  required  for  Mushroom  beds.  There  has  been  so 
little  hay  in  this  neighbourhood  that  we  know  it  will  be  of  no 
use  going  after  such  material  to  the  farm.  We  know  that 
though  corn  crops  on  the  whole  are  good,  the  straw  is  short, 
and  it  will  be  wanted  for  feeding  as  well  as  littering  purposes. 
We  have,  therefore,  secured  ourselves,  and  will  yet  collect  more 
as  a  substitute.  We  obtain  a  certain  amount  of  stable  dung, 
chiefly  litter  with  some  droppings.  We  could  make  little  use 
of  it  in  the  ordinary  way,  as  we  could  not  command  water 
to  moisten  and  work  it.  We  had  it.  therefore,  well  shaken  to 
get  droppings,  &c,  out  of  it,  well  dried,  and  built  as  we  got 
it  into  a  stack,  which  we  shall  cope  with  itself,  and  with  this 
litter  now  well  dried  we  feel  we  shall  be  tolerably  independent 
asjrespects  protection  for  the  winter. 

Turf  Heaps. — Where  the  soil  is  not  so  dry  as  ours,  now  is 
the  best  time  of  the  year  for  making  a  heap.  There  is  no 
better  plan  than  making  such  heaps  in  parallelograms  of  from 
3 1  to  4  feet  in  width,  raising  them  to  a  height  of  4  or  5  feet, 
and  then  drawing  gradually  in  with  a  hipped  roof  in  form  like 
the  letter  A.  We  used  to  cover  tbo  hip  with  turf,  the  grass 
outside,  fastened  with  wooden  pins,  to  ensure  dryness  ;  but  we 
find  the  outsides  of  the  ridge  soon  become  green,  and  that  dry- 
ness is  sufficiently  secured  without  any  such  trouble.  When 
the  hip  roof  is  formed  we  merely  beat  it  on  each  side  with  a 
spade.  These  heaps  nicely  piled  should  not  be  wider,  or  the 
air  will  not  play  through  the  layers.  The  object  of  the  heaps 
is  to  have  the  soil  thoroughly  sweetened  without  wasting  or 
rotting  the  fibre. 

FRUIT  GARDEN. 

Gathered  quantities  of  Apricots,  even  when  not  quite  ripe,  to 
save  them  from  wasps.  The  wasps  are  not  now  so  troublesome, 
as  we  found  and  destroyed  some  large  nests.  A  few  cool  nights 
would  be  the  best  relief,  though  other  means  must  be  tried. 

General  operations  have  been  much  the  same  as  last  week. 
On  the  13th  all  trees  fully  exposed  to  the  sun  suffered  much 
from  the  heat  and  the  wind,  Peach  trees  even  hanging  their 
leaves  ;  and  if  we  have  not  a  few  dull  days  we  must  try  if  pos- 
sible to  help  them  at  the  roots.  This  season  will  try  a  good 
many  plans  and  systems.  Shallow  borders  and  bottomed  with 
concrete,  slabs  of  stone  or  tiles  cemented,  were  all  the  rage  at 
one  time.  It  would  be  well  to  know  in  what  kind  of  borders  trees 
have  stood  best  this  season  where  they  could  not  be  helped  with 
much  water.  We  know  that  moisture  in  the  form  of  vapour 
will  rise  through  firm  substances,  as  we  have  seen  a  good  deal 
of  moisture  condensed  under  large  bell-glasses  set  on  a  firm, 
dry,  gravel  walk,  and  even  on  exposed  stone  pavement.  Still, 
we  do  not  think  that  moisture  in  the  form  of  vapour  will 
rise  so  freely  through  such  tiles  and  stone  flags  as  through  the 
more  open  general  soil,  and  therefore  some  facts  and  observa- 
tions in  this  respect  would  be  valuable.  Perhaps  we  may  find 
in  the  end  that  a  deepish  loam  is  no  bad  thing  if  by  surface 
mulching  we  can  only  encourage  the  roots  to  keep  near  the 
surface.  They  would  then  be  more  independent  of  moisture 
in  dry  seasons,  and  they  would  not  be  encouraged  too  deep  and 
become  too  luxuriant  in  moist  seasons.  Many  of  our  Apples 
are  falling,  and  the  general  crop  will  be  smaller  than  usual 
unless  rains  come  quickly. 

ORNAMENTAL   DEPARTMENT. 

Much  the  same  as  last  week.  Lawns  needed  nothing  except 
a  switch  with  the  daisy  knife  ;  walks  were  put  into  good  order  ; 
and  potting  and  cutting-inserting  were  the  chief  work  engaged 
in.    The  flower  beds  have  as  yet  Btood  well. — B.  F. 


TRADE  CATALOGUES  RECEIVED. 

H.  Cannell,  Station  Road,  Woolwich. — Autumn  Catalogue  oj 
Fuchsias,  Pelargoniums,  Verbenas,  &c. 

Sutton  ife  Sons,  Reading. —  Catalogue  of  Bulbous  Flower  Roots, 
Plants,  Seeds,  &c. 

Child  &  Lorimer,  49,  Darley  Street,  Bradford,  and  Bradford 
Nurseries,  Shipley. — Catalogue  of  Butch  Bulbs,  tC-c. 

Ferdinand  Gloede,  Beauvais  (Oise),  France. — List  of  Neto  and 
Splendid  Strawberries. 

TO    CORRESPONDENTS. 

•«*  We  request  that  no  one  will  write  privately  to  any  of  the 
correspondents  of  the  "  Journal  of  Horticulture,  Cottage 
Gardener,  and  Country  Gentleman."  By  so  doing  they 
are  subjected  to  unjustifiable  trouble  and  expense.  All 
communications  should  therefore  be  addressed  solely  to 
The  Editors  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture,  <ic,  171,  Fleet 
Street,  London,  E.C. 


Anguet  18,  1370.  1 


JOURNAL    OF   HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


135 


We  also  request  that  correspondents  will  not  mix  up  on  the 
same  sheet  questions  relating  to  Gardening  and  those  on 
Poultry  and  Bee  subjects,  if  they  expect  to  get  them  an- 
swered promptly  and  conveniently,  but  write  them  on 
separate  communications.  Also  never  to  send  more  than 
two  or  three  questions  at  once. 

N.B. — Many  questions  must  remain  unanswered  until  next 
week. 

Books  (H.  T.).— The  "  Cottage  Gardeners'  Dictionary,"  which  you  can 
have  free  by  post  from  our  office  for  7a.  2d. 

^Netting  for  Fruit  Trees  (J,  P.). — We  are  sorry  we  cannot  assist 
you  to  the  address  you  require. 

Moreton  Bay  Chestnut  (Vibilia).-- This  plant  has  been  introduced 
to  this  country  as  well  as  some  of  the  fruit.  It  is  not  yet  common  in 
England,  and  we  are  not  aware  to  what  extent  it  has  been  exposed  to 
our  winter  climate.  If  it  will  do  anywhere,  the  Sussex  coast  will  be 
as  favourable  as  any.  We  do  not  know  where  the  Bunya-Bunya  is  to  be 
procured. 

Budding  Peaches  (E.  G.).— From  now  till  September  is  a  good  time 
for  budding.  You  must  skilfully  extract  the  wood  from  the  Peach  buds 
before  inserting  them,  and  you  may  use  the  double  or  triple  buds  in- 
discriminately. 

Grapes  Mildewed  (T.  V.),— Your  Grapes  are  severelv  attacked  by 
mildew,  the  remedy  for  which  is  flowers  of  sulphur  dusted  over  all  the 
parts  affected.  Keep  the  air  of  the  house  dry  and  well  ventilated,  and 
do  not  allow  the  Vine  to  suffer  from  want  of  water  at  the  roots. 

Grapes  not  Ripening  (A.  T.).— Yonr  Vines  are  overcropped,  and  your 
border,  though  inside,  does  not  keep  the  roots  there  ;  they  have  evidently 
got  into  a  soil  which  is  ungenial  to  them.  It  is  a  case  which  is  not 
unusual. 

Exhibiting  Fruit  (A  Young  Gardener).—  1,  2,  3,  4,  6,  7,  8,  and  either 
Apricots  or  Plums  according  to  their  quality,  the  former  the  more  valu- 
able. Black  and  White  Grapes,  and  Peaches  and  Nectarines,  are,  of 
course,  distinct  varieties,  and  no  judge  could  disqualify  on  that  account. 
On  the  contrary,  to  have  both  Black  and  White  Grapes  would  enhance 
the  merit  of  a  collection. 

The  Almond  (A.  B.).— We  have  little  doubt  that  the  Almond  is  "  the 
parent  of  our  present  race  of  Peaches."  but  how  or  when  the  hard  husk 
became  succulent  wo  cannot  tell;  not  by  impregnation,  certainly,  but  in 
all  probability  it  arose  from  certain  conditions  in  which  the  original 
abnormal  tree  was  placed,  and  then  culture  would  probably  secure  and 
develope  the  new  form. 

Showing  Roses  {Felix  Gencro).—Y-m  must  show  twelve  trusses  of 
Roses,  a  truss  being  any  number  of  blooms  provided  they  are  all  grown 
on  one  stalk.  You  must  not  tie  several  blooms  together,  or  you  will  be 
disqualified,  or  cught  to  be. 

Cinerarias  Diseased  (Old  Subscriber).— Your  Cinerarias  appear  to  be 
suffering  from  mildew.  Dust  them  with  flowers  of  sulphur,  and  give 
more  air. 

Heating  a  Small  Forcing  House  (W.  S.).— The  proposed  plan  will 
answer  if  your  flue  is  strong  and  covered  with  strong  tiles  or  Qn«s.  We 
would  make  the  first  half  of  the  flue  in  the  chamber  at  least  brick-on-bed. 
It  will  not  heat  so  soon,  but  it  will  retain  heat.  You  will  also  need  some 
means  for  ensuring  a  moist  atmosphere.  One  ventilator  over  the  door- 
way will  not  do.  You  will  want  three  or  four  at  the  apex  of  the  roof, 
however  small  the  openings  in  winter.  The  aspect  will  also  be  against 
you  unless  you  make  your  short  hip  longer,  but  for  Cucumbers  it  may  do. 

Transplanting  Mulberry  Trees  (E.  M.  3/.).— We  would  recommend 
you  to  transplant  your  Mulberries  immediately  after  the  fall  of  the  leaves, 
or  when  they  are  being  shed.  As  the  roots  from  the  stumps  may  not  be 
very  vigorous  this  season,  aud  tender,  try  one  only,  and  leave  one  for 
next  year. 

Strawberries  {E.  Jones).— We  recommend  Dr.  Hogg  as  a  first-class 
variety,  of  vigorous  constitution,  large  size,  and  of  most  excellent  quality. 

Plum  Leaves  Injured— Marie  Louise  Pear  (An  Amateur).— We  be- 
lieve the  leaves  of  your  Plums  to  be  in  great  part  destroyed  by  some 
insect,  the  tissues  seeming  to  be  eaten  up.  Give  them  a  syringing  with 
a  decoction  of  quassia  chips,  or  soft  soap  and  tobacco  water.  The  Marie 
Louise  Pear  will  not  grow  if  grafted  on  the  Quince.  It  must  be  double- 
worked  on  that  stock— i.e.,  some  other  variety  grafted  on  the  Quince  first ; 
for  instance,  Beurre  d'Amanlis,  and  the  Marie  Louise  worked  on  that. 

Hoya  carnosa  Seed  Sowing  (A  Fore igner).— It  is  not  uncommon  for 
the  plant  to  seed  in  this  country,  though  it  is  rather  unusual  for  it  to  do 
ao  in  a  greenhouse.  The  seed  should  be  sown  in  a  sandy  peat  soil  in  a 
pot  well  drained,  the  soil  being  mixed  with  rather  small  crocks  and  silver 
sand,  so  as  to  keep  it  open.  Care  Bhould  be  tasen  to  just  cover  the  seed 
with  fine  soil.  Water  gently,  and  place  the  pot  in  a  bottom  heat  of  about 
75°.  Keep  the  soil  moist,  but  not  very  wet,  otherwise  the  seeds  will 
perish.  Continue  in  the  hotbed  until  the  plants  are  potted-off  and 
established  in  small  pots,  then  remove  them  to  a  stove  or  warm  green- 
house. The  seedlings  you  allude  to  are  kept  for  exchange  and  for  dis- 
tribution to  other  botanical  gardens. 

Conservatory  Plants  Infested  with  Red  Spider,  (T.  H.  T.).— As 
you  cannot  use  sulphur  on  the  hot-water  pipes,  we  would  advise  you  to 
employ  one  of  the  insect-destroying  compounds  you  will  see  advertised 
in  our  columns,  or  you  may  dip  or  syringe  the  plants  in  a  solution  of 
2  023.  of  soft  soap  in  a  gallon  of  water ;  but  it  must  only  be  applied  to 
plants  with  smooth,  not  hairy,  leaves.  A  few  good  syringings  with  clear 
water  are  as  good  as  anything  for  the  prevention  and  destruction  of  red 
spider.  It  is  not  often  that  Ferns  are  attacked  by  red  spider,  thrips  are 
their  great  enemy.    Fumigation  with  tobacco  is  the  remedy. 

Various  (Idem).— The  espalier  Cherry  and  Pear  trees  which  have  not 
shown  a  leaf  this  season  we  fear  are  beyond  recovery.  Those  which  are 
weak,  and  have  made  but  little  wood,  we  would  manure  well  or  mulch 
with  manure  as  far  as  the  roots  extend,  and  in  spring  point  it  in,  not 
going  so  deep,  however,  as  to  injure  the  roots.  No  time  should  be  lost  in 
sowing  Calceolaria  and  Primula  seed  to  produce  plants  for  flowering 
next  spring.    We  sow  Primulas  in  spring  for  autumn  and  winter  bloom, 


and  in  July  or  August  for  spring  flowering.  Calceolaria  seed  we  think 
best  sown  in  July.  Pampas  Grass  after  flowering  may  have  the  dead 
flower-stalks  cut  away,  but  the  grass  should  all  be  left,  as  it  serves  to 
protect  the  plant.  It  should  not  be  removed  until  the  plants  begin  to 
grow  again,  or  in  April.  The  "  Portable  Orchard  "  appeared  in  Nos.  411, 
412,  413,  414,  416,  417,  413,  421,  423, 425,  426,  and  428. 

Surplus  Fruit  (Constant  Reader).— Apply  to  Mrs.  Webber  &  Co., 
Central  Avenue,  Covent  Garden  Market,  London,  W.C. 

Apricots  (Hortus  Apricot). — Your  trees  are  starved.  They  are  either 
very  old  or  in  very  poor  soil.  Manure  them  well  in  the  autumn  by  taking 
away  the  soil  in  which  they  are  now  growing,  and  filling  up  the  space 
with  a  mixture  of  good  loam,  lime  rubbish,  and  well-rotted  manure. 

Ants  (Heron).— Mix  treacle  with  arsenic,  and  spread  it  thinly  on  pieces 
of  glass  or  tiles  which  lie  near  their  haunts.  This  will  soon  rid  you  of 
these  pests.  You  had  better  allow  your  Potatoes  to  remain  in  the  ground 
and  give  the  new  crop  a  chance  of  ripening.  You  will  be  no  worse  off  in 
the  end  than  you  are  now,  and  there  is  no  remedy  for  your  present 
difficulty. 

Name  of  Insect  (<?.  Egerton).— Your  caterpillar  is  that  of  Sphinx 
Ligustri. 

Names  of  Fruits  (A  Reader  for  Profit)*— 1,  Royale  Hative  ;  2,  Standard 
of  England;  S,  Fotheringham.  (C.  Winn}. — We  cannot  determine  the 
name  of  your  Apple. 


POULTRY,   BEE,   AND   PIGEON   CHRONICLE. 


POULTRY  FEEDING  IN  FRANCE. 

We  have  spoken  previously  of  the  large  supply  and  excellent 
quality  of  Frenoh  poultry,  in  order  to  show  how  valuable  an 
article  of  food  it  supplies  to  our  neighbours.  We  are  now 
enabled  to  relate,  from  an  official  report,  in  what  manner,  at 
what  cost,  and  with  what  profit  poultry  is  fattened  in  France. 

M.  Martin,  who  resides  near  the  town  of  Cusset,  is  the  in- 
ventor of  a  peculiar  method  of  management  of  poultry,  and 
has  attracted  so  much  attention  to  his  system,  that  the  Agri- 
cultural Society  of  Allier  appointed  a  commission  to  visit  and 
report  upon  his  establishment. 

The  feeding-house  is  a  large  rotunda,  Bituated  in  the  midst 
of  a  park  of  ten  acres  in  extent,  and  on  the  summit  of  a  tolerably 
elevated  hill.  In  it  are  three  octagonal  stands  which  turn  on 
a  vertical  axis ;  each  side  of  the  stand  has  five  perches,  and 
each  perch  receives  five  birds,  or  two  hundred  in  all.  The 
fowls  are  divided  off  from  each  other  by  means  of  small  slabs 
of  wood  placed  vertically  on  the  perch,  and  are  secured  to  the 
latter  by  means  of  strips  of  hide  around  the  feet,  leaving  their 
heads  and  wings  at  full  liberty.  The  feeding  is  effected  in  the 
following  manner:— The  operator  has  a  small  seat,  which  he 
can  shift  upwards  and  downwards  in  order  to  reach  the  various 
cages ;  he  takes  the  head  of  the  fowl  opposite  to  him  in  his  left 
hand,  and  with  his  right  places  in  its  gullet  a  small  tin  nozzle 
which  is  attached  to  a  flexible  tube  communicating  with  a 
reservoir  containing  the  food,  so  that  a  touch  of  the  foot  on 
a  treadle  projects  the  desired  quantity  into  the  fowl's  stomach. 
A  graduated  dial,  with  a  hand  in  connection  with  a  piston, 
serves  to  regulate  the  amount  of  food  according  to  the  age  and 
kind  of  bird,  and  the  degree  to  which  it  has  been  fattened. 
The  feeding  is  performed  with  great  rapidity,  an  hour  being 
sufficient  for  two  hundred  birds,  or  one  frame,  and  the  fowls 
seem  to  enjoy  it,  looking  sharply  after  any  stray  drops  of  food 
that  may  have  fallen  within  their  reach.  This  food  consists  of 
barley  and  maize  meal  mixed  with  lard,  and  reduced  with  milk 
to  almost  a  liquid  state.  The  fowls  are  kept  scrupulously 
clean,  the  droppings  falling  on  sloping  boards  behind  the 
perches,  and  thence  towards  the  centre ;  every  morning  cut 
straw  is  thrown  upon  it,  and  the  whole  is  swept  into  a  hole 
near  the  centre,  where  it  is  received  in  an  iron  barrow  running 
in  a  channel  beneath  the  frame.  When  the  fowls  are  ready  for 
market,  they  are  placed  in  a  dark  but  well-ventilated  apart- 
ment, and  left  without  food  for  twenty-four  hours ;  they  are 
then  suspended  by  the  feet,  a  cloth  is  passed  round  them  to 
prevent  movement,  and  a  small  instrument  is  introduced  into 
the  throat  so  adroitly  that  they  are  killed  instantaneously.  They 
are  then  plucked,  washed,  drawn,  wrapped  up  in  wet  cloths  to 
cause  them  to  cool  rapidly,  and  placed  on  stages  that  the  blood 
may  escape  freely.  From  thirty  to  forty  are  sent  to  market 
daily. 

The  reports  speak  highly  of  all  the  arrangements  made  by 
M.  Martin,  which  are  the  results  of  many  trials,  and  especially 
those  for  the  radical  destruction  of  the  mites  which  iDfest  all 
fowl-houses.  M.  Martin  patented  his  system  in  1867.  The 
fowls  fattened  under  this  system  have  obtained  for  M.  Martin 
several  medals,  and  the  Commission  is  of  opinion  that  they  are 
amongst  the  finest  sent  to  market.    As  regards  the  economy  of 


136 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  August  18,  1870. 


the  system,  the  report  takes  for  basis  the  cost  per  day  of  fatten- 
ing six  hundred  pnlletB,  aged  from  three  to  four  months ; 
those  to  which  it  has  been  principally  applied.  The  duration 
of  the  fattening  is  eighteen  days,  and  one  man  and  woman  do 
the  whole  work,  so  that  the  great  eoonomy  of  the  plan  is  easily 
demonstrated.  In  feeding  by  hand,  one  person  cannot  cram 
more  than  twenty  birds  an  hour,  or  thirty  at  most  with  the  use 
of  a  funnel,  while  under  the  new  system  two  hundred  are  fed 
in  an  hour.  The  bill  of  costs  for  one  day  is  thus  set  forth  : — 
Purchase  of  33  lean  pullets,  at  an    verage  coBt  of  2f.  each  . .    66f .  0c. 

(60  kilogrammes  of  meal,  at  25c 15  0 
30  litres  of  milk,  at  15c 4  50 
2  kilogrammes  of  lard,  If.  60c 3  20 

Wages  of  a  man  and  woman    3  go 

Loss  at  the  rate  of  3  pullets  per  100 2     0 

Interest  on  cost  of  material  valued  at  2000f '..'.]      0  40 

Kent  of  building  at  360f.  per  annum , 1     0 

Paid  for  plucking,  &c,  6c.  per  head 1   65 

Sundry  expenses 3     o 

Total say    £4    0    0       100  25 

This  brings  the  cost  of  a  fattened  pullet  to  a  trifle  over 
2s.  5d.,  or  50  per  cent,  more  than  the  price  paid  for  it  originally. 
But  there  are  certain  deductions  to  be  made  from  the  expenses 
incurred — sale  of  feathers,  manure,  blood,  and  offal,  which 
diminish  the  cost  of  a  fat  pullet  to  little  more  than  2s.  Sd.  To 
form,  however,  an  exact  estimate  of  the  cost,  it  is  necessary  to 
take  weight  into  account.  The  ordinary  pullet  of  Allier  at  the 
age  stated  weighs  950  grammes  (nearly  2^  lb.  avoirdupois),  and, 
when  fattened,  plucked,  and  ready  for  market,  1,123  grammes. 
This  brings  the  cost  to  2f.  53c.  per  kilogramme,  or  lid.  per  lb. 
M.  Martin  sells  his  fat  pullets  at  3f.  50c.  Better  results  still 
are  said  to  be  obtained  with  the  breeds  peculiarly  adapted  to 
fattening,  such  as  that  of  La  Bresse ;  pullets  of  this  race 
weighing  2}  lbs.,  and  doubling  in  their  weight  during  the  fatten- 
ing. The  plan  is  applicable  to  other  poultry  besides  pullets. 
Last  winter  Capons,  Ducks,  and  Turkeys  were  fattened  by  the 
same  means  with  success. 

The  Commission  expresses  its  surprise  at  the  results  achieved, 
especially  considering  that  M.  Martin  has  inaugurated  bis 
system  in  a  part  of  the  country  where  no  progress  has  been 
made  in  the  rearing  of  poultry,  and  where  the  breed  of  fowls 
is  not  the  best  adapted  for  fattening,  and  it  believes  that  the 
plan  may  be  made  the  starting  point  of  a  radioal  improvement 
in  the  rearing  of  poultry,  which  hitherto  has  been  little  appre- 
ciated, except  in  certain  districts.  France  exports  annually 
eggB  to  the  amount  of  18,000, OOOf.  (£720,000),  and  only  im- 
ports one-sixth  of  that  amount,  which  proves  that  the  climate 
is  well  adapted  for  poultry.  If  establishments  like  M.  Martin's 
were  set  up  in  every  department  of  France,  and  every  district 
of  England,  they  would  become  perfect  manufactories  of 
poultry,  for  the  farmers  would  then  always  have  a  market  for 
their  chickens,  as  fattened  poultry  always  finds  ready  pur- 
chasers. Moreover,  the  produce  in  manure  would  not  be  un- 
important, for  each  pullet  fattened  by  M.  Martin  gives  on  an 
average  2§  lbs.  of  dry  manure,  said  to  be  equal  to  the  best 
guano  of  Peru.  Another  great  point  is  the  health  of  the 
breeders  as  well  as  of  the  fowls.  Poultry  fattened  by  hand  is 
generally  kept  in  narrow  cages,  often  in  barrels,  without  a 
proper  supply  of  pure  air  ;  and  in  the  midst  of  all  the  filth,  the 
persons  who  feed  them  tie  three  of  the  unfortunate  birds  to- 
gether by  the  legs,  and  then  cram  them  alternately  with  fifteen 
or  twenty  balls  of  food  in  spite  of  their  violent  struggles  ;  and 
it  is  surprising  how  the  feeders  themselves  live  in  the  vitiated 
air  around  them. 

In  M.  Martin's  system  the  fowls  are  always  surrounded  by 
pure  air,  everything  is  kept  scrupulously  clean,  washed,  and 
disinfected  by  means  of  sulphate  of  iron  ;  the  birds  suffer  in  no 
way  from  the  mode  of  feeding,  and  are  almost  invariably 
healthy,  and  the  feeders  have  but  little  to  do.  It  has  been  pro 
posed  to  set  up  a  model  feeding  establishment  in  the  gardens 
of  the  Acclimatisation  Society  in  the  Bois  de  Boulogne. 

There  is  little  donbt  that  many  supplies  of  food  are  capable 
of  great  extension,  and  that  poultry,  whether  reared  naturally 
with  the  aid  of  houses  on  wheels,  or  on  Martin's  system,  offers 
to  farmers  and  others  a  fair  prospeot  of  remunerative  occu- 
pation. PerhapB  in  time  we  may  see  realised  the  hope  of 
Henri  of  Navarre,  that  every  peasant  should  have  a  fowl  for 
dinner  on  Sundays. — (Food  Journal.) 


It  was  the  Society's  twenty-seventh  meeting,  but  the  first  on  which 
poultry  was  introduced.  The  Show  was  quite  a  Buccess,  and  most  of 
the  classes  were  well  represented.  Turner's  penB  were  used,  and  every 
care  was  taken  of  the  birdB  by  the  Committee. 

Of  Dorkings  and  Cochins  there  was  only  a  small  entry ;  of  Spanish 
there  were  nine  pens,  but  most  of  them  were  in  the  moult ;  the  prize 
Brahmas  were  good.  There  were  nine  pens  of  Red  Game  in  the  adult 
class;  the  first-prize  Brown  Red  was  a  splendid  bird,  and  in  good 
condition  ;  the  Black  Red  second-prize  bird  was  also  very  good,  but 
a  little  out  of  condition.  There  were  ten  pens  of  Spangled  Hamhurghs, 
some  of  them  of  great  merit ;  the  same  may  be  said  of  the  Pencilled 
Hamburghs.  The  Pol-ands  mustered  nine  pens,  but  many  of  them 
were  not  so  good  as  we  should  have  liked  to  have  seen.  There  were 
eleven  pens  of  Red  Game  chickens,  some  of  them  very  promising,  but 
a  little  too  young  for  the  exhibition  pen.  Of  Hamburgh  chickens  there 
were  eleven  pens,  and  in  the  "  Any  other  variety  "  class  eighteen  pens, 
some  of  them  of  first-rate  character.  The  cup  for  the  best  pen  went 
to  an  excellent  pen  of  Brahma  chickens  in  this  class.  There  were 
eighteen  pens  of  adult  Red  Game  Bantams,  and  twenty-one  pens  of 
chickens.     The  cup  waB  awarded  to  a  very  good  pen  in  this  class. 

Dorkings  (Any  variety).  —  1,  J.  White,  Warlabv,  Northallerton  (Grey) 
Cochins  (Any  variety).— 1  and  2.  G.  H.  Proctor,  Durham  (Buff  and  White). 
Spanish  (Any  variety).— 1,  G.  Holmes,  Great  DrifBeld.  2,  W.  Elliott,  Bishop 
Auckland,  he,  W.  Bearpark.  Brahmas  (Any  variety).— 1,  E.  Leech,  Rochdale. 
2,  J.  Statker,  West  Sleekburn.  he,  G.  Todd,  Bisbopwearmouth.  Game.— Black- 
breasted  or  otlier  Reds.—l ,  T.  Robson,  Bishop  Auckland.  2,  J.  Brough,  Carlisle. 
he,  W.  Rodgers,  Bishopwearmouth;  Buglass  &  Williamson,  Durham.  Any 
other  Variety.— 1  and  2,  J.  Robson  (Duckwings).  Chickens.— 1,  .T.  Dixon. 
2,  J.  Hardy,  he,  T.  Dent,  Sunderland ;  W.  Bearpark,  Ainderbv  Steeple. 
Hamburghs.— Gold  and  Siiver-spanqled.—l,  H.  Pickles,  jun., Earbv,  Skipton. 
2,  W.  Bearpark.  Ainderby  Steeple,  he,  H.  Pickles,  iun. ;  W.  Whitfield,  Hetton 
Station  ;  G.  Holmes,  Great  Driffield.  Gold  and  Silver-pencilled.— 1  and  2,  H. 
Pickles,  jun.  he,  W.  Hall ;  W.  Bearpark.  Chickens  (Any  variety).— 1  and  2,  H. 
Pickles,  Jan.  he,  C.  Armstrong,  Bedlington  (Silver-pencilled):  J.  Brown  &  Co., 
Water  WorkB  (Silver-pencilled).  PoLANns  (Any  var  ety).— 1,  J.Brown  (Silver). 
2,  H.  Pickles.  Any  other  Variety.— 1,  R.  Loft,  Wuodmansey  (Sultans).  2,  B. 
Hawkins,  Seaham  (Malays).  Chickens.— Cup,  E.  Leech.  2,  H.  Pickles,  jun. 
(Polandal.  he.  J.  J.  Waller,  Kendal  (Coloured  Dorkings);  T.  W.  L.  Hind, 
Kendal  (Dorkings) ;  J.  White,  Warlaby  (Grey  Dorkings) ;  G.  H.  Proctor  ( White 
Cochins),  c,  W.  Bearpark  ;  E.  Brown  (Spanish).  Guinea  Fowl  (Any  variety). 
—1,  G.  Todd.  2,  J.  S.  Challoner,  Benwetl  Lodge,  he,  H.  Forest,  Durham;  T. 
C.  HarriBon,  Hull.  Turkeys.— 1,  E.  Leech.  Ducks.— Aylesbury.— \,  W.  Stone- 
house,  Whitby.  2,  E.  Leech.  Any  other  Variety.— I,  E.  Leech.  2,  Rev.  J.  G. 
Milner,  Bellerby  (Rouen),  e,  Rev.  J.  G.  Milner  (Rouen  Ducklings);  T.  C. 
Harrison.  Selling  Class.— 1,  G.  Todd  (Partridge  Cochins).  2,  G.  H.  Procter 
(Buff  Cochins).  Bantams.— Game  (Black-breasted  and  other  Reds).  —  1,  D. 
Hunter,  Nile  Street  (Black  Reds).  2.  W.  Grey,  Tow  Law  (Black  Redsl.  he,  W. 
Rodgers  (Brown  Reds);  T.  Wigham,  Sunderland  (Black  Reds).  Chickens. — 
Cup,  T.  Clark  (Black  Reds).  2,  D.  Hunter,  he,  F.  Steel,  Halifax  (Brown  Reds); 
T.  Clark  (Black  Reds).  Any  other  Colour.  —  ],  J.  Ferry  (Duckwingst.  2,  J. 
Hurrell  (Duckwings).  he,  Buglass  &  Williamson  (Lemon  Piles).  Any  other 
variety.— I,  S.  &  R.  Ashton,  Mottram  (Black).  2.  R.  Youll  (Black  Rose-combs). 
he,  W.  Dixon,  Bishopwearmouth  (Black  Rose-combs).  Chickens.— 1,  S.  &  R. 
ABhton  (Black  Rose-combs).    2,  T.  C.  Harrison,  Hull. 

Mr.  James  Dixon,  of  Bradford,  was  the  Judge. 


LISKEARD  POULTRY  SHOW. 

The  second  annual  Poultry  Show  held  at  Liskeard  on  the  -1th  Lost. 
was  a  great  success,  the  entries  having  been  three  times  as  many  as 
last  year's,  and  some  of  the  birds,  especially  in  the  Dorking  and  Game 
classes,  being  of  high  merit.  The  cup  given  for  the  best  pen  of  Grame 
was  won  by  Mr.  J.  H.  Reynolds,  of  Redruth,  closely  pressed  by  Mr.  J. 
Jeken.  A  noted  local  breeder  of  Game  fowl  exhibited  some  fine  birds 
in  each  of  the  Game  classes,  notably  some  Henny  and  Tassell  chickens, 
said  to  be  the  purest  strains  of  those  scarce  breeds,  but  being  on  the 
Committee  he'  withdrew  them  from  competition.  Exhibitors  visiting 
the  Show  were  pleased  with  the  care  and  attention  given  the  birds 
by  the  Committee. 

Game.— Black-breasted  and  other  Reds.— I  and  Cup,  J.  H.  Reynolds,  Red 
rotb.  2,  J.  Jeken.  3,  J.  Beard,  St.  Blazev.  huckicings  and  other  Greys  and 
Blues— -1,  J.  Hancock,  Liskeard  (Silver-Grey).  2,  J.  H.  Reynolds  (Black). 
3.  Withheld.  Tassells,  Hennies,  and  any  White-leaned  Variety— I.W.  Kenrick, 
Menheniott  (Tassells).  2,  G.  Martin,  Devonport.  Extra  2,  J.  H.  Reynolds 
(Hennies).    3,  H.  Roberts,  St.  Cleer  (Hennies).    Malayb—  1,  J.  Toll,  Menheniott. 

2,  C.  White,  Liskeard.  3,  J.  Bone,  LiBkeard.  Dorkings.— 1  and  2,  E.  Burton, 
Truro.  8,  J.  H.  Nickolls,  Lostwithiel.  Spanish.— 1,  S.  R.  Harris,  St.  Day.  2,  Mtb. 
Smith.  3,  J.  H.  Nickolls.  Cochins.— 1,  W.  Humphreys,  Liskeard.  2,  J.  Long, 
Plymouth.    3,  F.  Brewer,  Lostwithiel.    Brahmas.— 1,  Mrs.  Smith.    2,  J.  Beard. 

3,  J.  H.  Nickolls.  Polands.— 1  and  2,  J.  Beard.  S,  Miss  Webber.  Exeter.  Ham- 
burghs. —  Pencilled.  —  1  and  2,  S.  R.  Harris.  3,  R.  Courtney,  Liskeard. 
Spangled.— 1  and  2,  S.  R.  Harris.  8,  J.  Roberts,  MeDheniott.  Bantams— 1,  C 
White.  2,  Miss  Webber.  3,  S.  R.  Harris.  Any  other  Variety.— 1,  J.  Nickolls 
(Black  Hamburghs).  2,  S.  R.  Harris  (Minorcas).  3,  F.  Brewer  (Minorcas). 
Selling  Class.— 1.  J.  S.  An  ear,  Truro  (Golden-pencilled  Hamburghs).  2,  W. 
Tolland,  Liskeard  (Crested  Polands).  8,  J.  Hancock  (Game  Hennies).  Ducks. 
—1,  J.  E.  Hawken,  Lostwithiel  (Avlesburies).  2,  E.  Burton  (Rouen).  Extra 
2,  Miss  Webber  (Mandarin).  8,  S.  R.  Harris.  Geese.— 1,  T.  Burrows,  St.  Cleer. 
2.  S.  Bone,  Liskeard.    Turkeys.— 1,  Mrs.  Smith.    2,  Withheld. 


DURHAM  COUNTY  POULTRY  SHOW. 

The  Poultry  Show  in  connection  with  the  Durham  County  Agricnl- 
tnral  Society's  Exhibition  was  held  on  the  9th  Lust,  at  Sunderland. 


Pigeons.— Carriers— 1,  E.  Burton.    2,  S.  Richards,' Truro.    Tumblers.— 1,  E. 
Burton.    2,  A.  Bailev,  Liskeard.     Jacobins.— 1,  W.   C.  Herring,  Menheniott. 
2.  MrB.  Lander,  Menheniott    Fantails.—l,  S.  Richards.    2,  J.  Obver,  Liskeard. 
Common.— 1,  E.  Burton.    2,  S.  Richards. 
Mr.  Leeworthy,  of  Barnstaple,  was  the  Judge. 


BLACKPOOL  POULTRY  SHOW. 

The  following  awards  were  made  at  this  Show,  held  on  the  10th  and 
11th  inst. 

Dorkings—  Grey.— I,  T.  Briden.  2,  J.  Robinson.  White—  1  and  2,  J.  Robin- 
son. Cock— 1,  J.  Robinson.  Brahmas—  1,  J.  H.  Pickles.  2,  J.  Watts.  Spanish. 
—1,  C.  W.  Brierley.   2,  H.  Beldon,  Bingley.    Game.— 1  and  2,  C.  W.  Bnerlej 


Angnst  18,  1879.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


137 


Middleton.  Cock— I  and  2.  C.  W.  Brierley.  Cochins.— 1,  T.  Stretch.  2.  H. 
Oreen.  Hampurghs.— Golden-pencilled.- 1,  H.  Beldon.  2,  B.  Bee.  Silver, 
pencilled.— I,  J.  Robinson.  2.  H.  Beldon.  Golden-spangled.— 1,  J.  Robinson. 
!LH.  Beldon.  Sileerspangled.— 1,  G.  &  J.  Duckworth.  2,  H.  Beldon.  Black  — 
1,  C.  Sidcwick.  Keighlev.  2,  H.  Beldon.  BiNTiMS.— 1,  J.  Watts.  2,  G.  Anderton. 
CaEVE-CtKl'liH.— 1.  H.  Beldon.  2,  E.  Cross.  Houdans.— 1,  H.  Beldon.  2,  J. 
Robinson.  Auv  other  Vabtetv.— 1,  J.  Watts.  2.  H.  Beldon.  Geese— 1.  M. 
Seamona,  AvleBbury.  2.S.H.  Stott.  DccKS.— Aylesbury.— 1,  M.  Seamons.  2,  J. 
Robinson,  'Ducklings.— 1,  E.  Leech,  Rochdale.  2,  M.  Seamons.  Rouen.— 1,  T. 
Wakefield.  2,  J.  J.  Waller.  Ducklings—  1,  J.  J.  Waller.  2,  T.  Wakefield. 
Black— 1,  S.  Bum.  2.  J.  Robinson.  Any  other  Variety.-  1,  H.  B.  Smith.  2.  S. 
H.  Stott.  Ducklings.— 1,  C.  W.  Brierley.  2,  S.  Burn.  Turkeys.— 1  and  2,  E. 
Leech. 

CHICKENS. 

DoazrNO.— Grey.—  1,  T.  Briden.  2,  J.  Watts.  White.— 1  and  2,  J.  Bobinson. 
Game.— 1,  C.  W.  Brierley.  2,  T.  Warein?.  Cochins.— 1  and  2,  C.  Sidirwiek. 
HaMBrBGES—  Goldenjpencilled—  1.  H.  Beldon.  2,  B.  Bee.  Silver-pencilled.— 
I.  li    !'■ .  . .  1  < . 1 1 .    2,  J.  Robinson.    Golden-sparuiled.—l  and  2,  E.  Brierley.    Silver- 

ingled.—l.G.  4  J.  Duckworth.    2,  H.  Beldon.    Bantams— 1,  HJBeldon.    2,B. 

e.    Geese.— 1,  E.  Leech.   2,  W.  Brierley. 


V^ 


WHITBY   POULTRY   SHOW. 

The  following  are  the  awards  at  this  Show,  held  on  the  11th  inst. : — 
Dorking.— 1.  J.  White,  Warlaby.  2.  G.  Holmes,  Driffield.  Chicken*.—},  J- 
White.  '2.  W.  English,  Pickering.  Spanish.— 1,  G.  HolmeB.  2,  W.  Elliott. 
Bishop  Auckland.  Chicken*,— \t  H.  Beldon.  2,  J.  B.  Stephenson.  Game.— 
Blaek-breasted  or  other  Reds.-l.  H.  M.  Julian,  Hall.  2,  T.  Robson,  Bishop 
Auckland.  Any  other  Variety— 1,  H.  M.  Julian.  2,  J.  Robson  (Duckwine). 
Chicken*.— 1,  T.  Blackburn,  jun.,  Broughton.  2,  W.  SloiKhthulm,  Ut^baniby. 
Cochin-China.— 1,  J.  Sichel,  Cheshire.  2,  J.  Booth,  Lythe.  e,  G.  Speedy, 
Whitby.  Chickens.— 1,  J.  Dove,  Northampton.  2,  T.  H.  Readman.  he,  G. 
Holmes,  e,  W.  G.  Purdon,  Driffield.  Brahma  Pootra.— 1,  E.  Leech,  Rochdale. 
2.  W.  Whiteley.  he,  E.  Cornev,  Whitbv;  H.  Beldon;  W.  Newton,  Whitby. 
Chickens— \,&.  Leech.  2,.I.Sichel.  he,  W.  Stonehouse.  French.— 1,  H.  Beldon. 
2,  J.  J.  Maiden  (Creve-Co?ur).  he,  W.  G.  Purdon.  c,  T.  Percival  (Cr.ve-GVeur). 
HAMBJmGn.—Goldrn-spanaled .— 1,  H.  Beldon.  2,  G.  Holmes,  he,  H.  Pickles, 
jun.,  Enrby;  <i.  Garbutt,  Sinnintrton.  Silrer-spangled.—l,  H.  Pickles,  jun. 
2,  H.  Beldon.  he.  G.  Holmes.  Gold  or  Silrerspanghd  Chicken*.— 1,  H.  Beldon 
(Silver).  2,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  Golden-pencilled—  1,  G.  Holmes.  2,  H.  Pickles, 
jon.  far,  H.  Beldon.  Silver-penalled.— 1,  H.  Beldon.  2.  H.  Pickles,  jun.  lie,  G. 
Holmes.  Gold  or  Silver-prncillrd  Chickms.—1,H.  Pickles,  jun,  2,  Rev.  R.  A. 
White,  he,  J.  Webster,  c,  H.  Beldon  (Silver).  Game  Bantam.— 1.  G.  Holmes. 
2,  T.  Blackburn,  jun.  3,  W.  F.  Entwisle,  Cleckheaton.  Bantam  (Any  other 
variety).— 1,  H.  Beldon.  2,  T.  Tinley,  Whitby.  Any  other  Variety.— 1  and 
2,  H.  "Beldon,  Bin*lev  (Poland).  8,  R.  Loft.  Beverley,  he,  T.  H.  Welburn 
(Java  FowIb);  H.  Pickles  (Silver  Poland).  Ducks  —  Black  Ea*t  Indian.— \  and 
2,  S.  Burn.  Aybsbury.— 1  and  he,  W.  Stonehouse.  2,  E.  Leech,  c,  J.  Dove. 
Rouen.—  1,  G.  Garbutt.  2,  E.  Leech.  Any  other  Variety— \,  S.  Bum  (Mandarins). 
2,  W.  English.  Geese.— 1,  E.  Leech.  2,  Rev.  G.  Hustler,  Stillingfleet.  he,  3. 
Wilkinson.  QotlinffB.— 1.  G.  R.  Young.  2.  J.  Wilkinson,  he,  G.  Riehardson, 
Ugglebarnby.  Turkey.— 1,  E.  Leech.  2,  Rev.  G.  Hustler,  he,  G.  R.  Young. 
Poult*.— 1  and  he,  Mrs.  Ward.  Banniel  Flat.  2,  G.  R.  Yoanff-  Selling  Class. 
—1  and  2,  W.  English,  he,  W.  Dickinson,  Lythe  (Creve-Caaur);  W.  English. 
c,  C.  Banberry. 

DISTRICT  PRIZES. 
DoRKrNG,  Spanish,  Cochin,  Brahma,  or  Creve-Ccsor.—  Chicken.*.— Cup,  T. 
H.  Readman  (Cochin),  he,  E.  Corney  (Brahma),  c,  W.  Stonehouse  (Brahma). 
Any  other  Variety.— Chickens.  —  Cup,  J.  Webster  (Golden-pencilled  Ham- 
burghs),  he,  C.  Clark^on  (Game),  c,  T.  H.  Readman  (Silver-pencilled  Ham- 
burghs).  Docks,  Geese,  or  Turkeys.— Young  Birds.— Cap,  S.  Burn  (Black 
DnokB).    he,  W.  Stonehouse  (Aylesbury),    c,  J.  Wilkinson  (Geese). 

PIGEONS. 

Pouter.— 1.  E.  Horner.Harewood.  2,  J.  Hawley,  Bingley.  Tumbler.— 1,  E 
Horner.  2,  I.  Garbutt,  Farndale.  Carrier.— 1,  E.  Horner.  2,  W.  Campey, 
Beverley,  he,  W.  Tavlor,  Stanhope  Mill ;  J.  F.  While,  Birmingham.  Fantatl. 
—1,  J.  F.  Loversidge.*2, E.Horner.  Jacobin.— land  2,  E.  Horner,  he,  R.  Wilson. 
Trumpeter.— 1,  E.  Horner.  2,  R.  Wilson.  Barb.— 1  and  2.  E.  Horner,  he,  H. 
Yardley.  Any  other  Variety.— 1,  H.  Yardley.  2.  E.  Horner,  he.  Dr.  Alex- 
ander, Castleton  (Owls).    Selling  Class.— 1  and  2,  E.  Horner,    c,  J.  Cundale. 

Judges. — Mr.  James  Dixon,  Bradford ;  Mr.  Harry  Adams,  Beverley. 


STROUD   POULTRY   SHOW. 

The  meeting  on.  the  10th,  11th,  and  12th  inst.,  was  the  first  of 
the  kind  ever  held  in  Strond,  and  nnder  the  management  of  a  most 
energetic  Committee  it  was  certainly  one  of  the  best  first  shows  we 
ever  met  with.  Saving  a  slight  mistake  in  the  classification  of  the 
Hamburgh  s  in  the  prize  schedule,  the  arrangements  were  as  faultless 
as  could  have  emanated  from  the  most  practised  managers.  The  tent 
was  spacious  and  well  ventilated  ;  the  pens  the  well-known  ones  of  Mr. 
Billott,  of  Southampton  ;  and  in  the  matter  of  feeding,  if  error  existed 
it  was  rather  on  the  side  of  over-attention  than  of  neglect.  All  this, 
coupled  with  the  finest  weather,  brought  together  a  host  of  visitors, 
and  the  success  of  the  Show  must  have  been  very  great. 

Grey  Dorkings  were  especially  good  classes,  but,  as  might  be  antici- 
pated, mostly  much  out  of  condition.  Spanish  were  in  strong  force, 
some  of  the  best  birds  in  the  kingdom  competing  ;  and  it  is  worthy  of 
especial  note  Mr.  E.  Jones's  cup  pen  was,  even  thus  late  in  the  season, 
in  point  of  condition  equal  to  birds  of  early  spring  time.  A  remark- 
ably good  collection  of  Cochins  was  on  view,  and  the  good  quality  of 
the  Game  classes  is  equally  worthy  of  record.  Of  Hamburghs  the 
Spangled  varieties  took  precedence  in  all  cases,  as  by  an  oversight  in 
the  prize  list  they  had  to  compete  with  the  Pencilled  breeds,  the  latter, 
as  will  be  expected,  showing  jast  now  in  very  faded  feather.  The 
Game  Bantavi  class  waB  perhaps  the  worst  represented  of  any.  Ayles- 
bury Ducks  were  faultless,  and  in  this  class,  as  in  Geese,  Mr.  Fowler, 
of  Aylesbury,  held  undisputed  Bway.  This  gentleman's  wonderfully 
wall-shown  pen  of  Geese  took  the  victuallers'  silver  cup,  being  the  prize 
of  highest  value  in  the  schedule  for  the  best  pen  of  any  variety  of 
poultry  exhibited.  In  the  "Variety"  Duck  class  Buenos  Ayrean, 
shown  by  Mr.  Saunders  Sainsbury,  took  the  first  prize,  and  a  pen  of 
good  Carolinas  the  second  position. 

The  Pigeons  were  well  worthy  of  a  close  inspection.  Carriers 
throughout  were  extraordinary,  though  many  pens  were  badly  matched 


— viz.,  a  really  unexceptionable  and  a  middling  bird  together.  Pouters 
were  as  good  as  can  be  generally  met  with  at  our  best  shows,  and  to  a 
remarkably  good  Blue  pair  of  this  variety  the  Pigeon  silver  cup  was 
awarded. 

Dorkings  (Anv  variety).— 1  and  Cup,  J.  Martin,  Worcester.  2,  F.  Parlett, 
Great  Baddow,  S  and  c,  L.  Patten,  he.  Rev.  A.  Kingacote  ;  J.  Lewry,  Bolney 
Cockfield ;  M.  Putney,  Dorking ;  Hon.  H.  Fitzwilliam.  Brahmas  —  Dark.— 1  and 
Cup,  G.  F.  Whitehouse,  Birmingham.  2,  Hon.  Miaa  Douglas  Pennant,  Penrhyn 
Castle,  Bangor.  8,  J.  Stalker,  c,  J.  Sichel,  Timperley ;  W.  A.  Taylor.  Man- 
chester; H.  Lingwood.  Creeting.  Light.— 1,  H.  Dowsett.  2  and  S,  J.  Pares, 
Postford.  Cochins.— Cinnamon  and  Buff.— 1,2,  and  Cup.  J.  Cat  tell,  Birmingham. 
3,  W.  P.  Rylands.  he,  W.  A.  Taylor,  c,  Mrs.  Allsopp,  Hindlip  Hall.  Brown  or 
Partridge.— 1,  E.  Tudman,  Whitchurch.  2,  J.  K.  Fowler,  Aylesbury.  3,  W.  A- 
Taylor,  he,  J.  Stephens,  Walsall.  Spanibh.— 1  and  Cup,  E.  Jones,  Clifton, 
Bristol.  2,  F.  C.  Nicholas.  8,  T.  Barmfield,  Clifton,  he,  —  Barry,  Totterdown ; 
G.  Tonkin,  Bristol;  -  Allsopp.  e,  Hon.  Miaa  Douglas  Pennant;  R.  Barrett, 
Stroud.  Game.— Black-breasted  and  other  Reds.—l  and  Cup,  Duke  of  Suther- 
land, Trentham.  2,  J.  Laming,  Spalding.  8,  S.  Matthew,  Stowmarket.  he,  R. 
Scrimminger,  Pailton,  Lutterworth,  c,  G.  Thomas.  Duckuungs  and  other 
Greys  and  Blues.— 1,  H.  M.  Julian,  Hull.  2  and  3,  S.  Matthew,  Suffolk,  he,  J. 
Laming,  c,  G.  S.  Cruwya,  Cruwya  Morchard.  Hambubghs. — Silver-pencilled 
or  Spangled— I  and  Cup,  H.  Beldon,  Bingley.  2  and  8,  Duke  of  Sutherland- 
Go  laen-pencilled  or  Spangled. — 1  and  c,  Duke  of  Sutherland.  2,  J.  Newton, 
Silsden,  Leeda.  8,  C.  Bloodworth.  he,  Misa  C.  E.  Palmer.  Polish. — 1,  J. 
Hinton,  Warminster.  2,  H.  Beldon.  3,  Misa  E.  Webber,  Exeter.  French 
Fowls.— 1,  H.  Wyndham.  2,  Hon.  C.  Fitzwilliam,  Wentworth  WoodhouBe. 
3,  Mrs.  Smith,  he,  J.  K.  Fowler;  Mra.  J.  Pattison.  Any  Variety.— 1,  Duke  of 
Sutherland.  2,  J.  Sichel.  8,  Mrs.  Burrell,  Ipswich,  he,  F.  Brewer,  e,  F. 
Wilton  :J.  Hinton ;  Mason  &  Walker,  Denton.  Game  Bantams  (Any  variety). 
— 1,  T.  Dyson,  Halifax.  2,  J.  Norris.  Callowell,  Stroud.  3,  E.  S.  Cornwall, 
Wotton-under-Edge.  c.  Miss  M.  Webber,  Exeter.  Bantams  (Any  other 
variety).— 1,  Rev.  G.  S.  Cruwya.  2,  Rev.  F.  Cooper,  Ampney  Cruois.  3,  W.  Mas- 
land.  Single  Cocks.— 1,  J.  Martin.  2,  H.  Stephens.  3,  J.  H.  DaweB.  he,  G. 
Dingley.  c,  E.  Brown  ;  G.  Tonkin ;  J.  Laming,  Spalding  (2);  J.  Bloodworth; 
Duke  of  Sutherland;  H.  Yardley,  Birmingham.  Duuks.— Aylesbury.  —  1  and 
2,  J.  K.  Fowler,  he,  Mrs.  Burrell.  c,  J.  W.  Webb,  Stroud ;  D.  Lane.  Rouen.— 
1  and  2.  W.  Stephens,  he.  G.  Hanks ;  J.  K.  Fowler ;  J.  MaggB,  Tetbury.  Any 
other  Variety.— 1  and  c,  G.  S.  Sainsbury,  Devizes.  2,  G.  S.  Cruwya.  Geese 
(Any  variety).— 1  and  Cup,  J.  K.  Fowler.  2,  G.  Hanks,  he,  J.  Pares,  Postford. 
Turkeys  (Any  variety).— 1,  Rev.  N.  J.  Ridley,  Hollington  Houae,  Newbury. 
2,  Miss  Godsell. 

PIGEONS. 

Carriers  (Any  varietv).— 1.  H.  Yardley.  2,  R,  Fulton,  lie,  R.Fulton;  J.  C. 
Ord.  c,  H.  Yardley;  J.  F.  While,  Birmingham.  Pouters.— 1,  2,  he,  and  Cup, 
R.  Fulton,  Deptford.  c,  H.  Yardley.  Tumblers.  —  Almond.— 1  and  he,  R. 
Fulton.  2,  P.  H.  Jones,  Fulham.  Any  variety  except  Almonds.— 1,2,  and  he,  R. 
Fulton.  c,  S.  A.  Wyllie.  East  Moulsey ;  J.  Elgar ;  P.  H.  Jones.  Runts.— I,  P. 
H.  JoneB.  2,  H.  Yardley.  he,  S.  A.  Wyllie.  Fantails— 1,  H.  Yardley.  2,  J. 
Walker,  he,  J.  Walker ;  J.  Mil  ward,  c,  P.  H.  Jones.  Any  other  Variety.— 
1,  R.Fulton.  2,  S.  A.  Wyllie.  he,  S.  A.  Wyllie ;  P.  H.  Jones;  F.  G.  Phillips;  G. 
Gregory,  c,  H.  Yardley  (2);  C.  Stephens,  Ebley;  E.  T.  Dew,  WeBton-super- 
Mare ;  S.  A.  Wyllie ;  T.  A.  Dean  (2) ;  W.  Stephens. 

The  Judges  for  poultry  were  the  Rev.  G.  Hodson,  of  North  Pether- 
ton,  and  Mr.  Edward  Hewitt,  of  Birmingham  ;  the  Judge  for  Pigeons, 
Mr.  Tegetmeier,  of  London. 


THE   HONEY  SEASON,  Ac. 

Your  correspondent,  "  Uitenhaqe,"  would  be  pleased  to 
know  the  average  of  my  hives,  "  all  told."  I  can  only  tell  him 
that  I  have  in  my  home  apiary  fourteen  stocks  of  Ligurians, 
and  in  another  apiary,  about  two  miles  distant,  I  have  eighteen 
other  stocks ;  all  with  the  exception  of  three,  are  in  frame 
bives.  The  latter  apiary  consists  principally  of  black  or 
English  bees.  The  bees  in  each  apiary  have  been  pretty  freely 
experimented  upon,  for  the  purpose  of  making  notes  on  or  to 
refute  certain  statements  lately  put  forth,  the  result  of  which 
will  appear  in  another  bee  book  at  no  distant  period  ;  and  there 
is  no  question  but  this  has  been  one  of  the  most  favourable 
seasons  for  my  purpose.  I  have  raised  queens  from  Ligurian 
brood  comb  in  eleven  days,  and  worker  brood  has  come  forth 
in  nineteen  days  from  the  eggs  being  deposited  in  the  cells, 
and  to-day  I  have  examined  a  stock  which  has  been  thirteen 
days  raising  a  queen.  I  saw  her  this  morning  running  wildly 
over  the  cells ;  she  was  rather  small,  but  well  marked,  and  I 
shall  anxiously  watch  her  leaving  the  hive  for  her  wedding 
trip,  as  I  have  done  that  of  several  other  Ligurian  queens 
which  I  have  reared  this  season,  and  probably  I  may  report  the 
result. 

It  may  be  of  interest  to  some  of  your  readers  to  know  that 
on  May  21st  I  reoeived  a  swarm  of  Ligurians,  imported  from 
their  native  Alps,  which  I  at  once  transferred  into  a  thirteen- 
frame  hive.  This  swarm  went  to  work  in  good  earnest,  and  on 
July  11th  had  so  far  filled  the  whole  of  the  frames  as  to  induce 
me  to  form  from  it  two  artificial  swarms.  I  did  it  thus — viz., 
I  took  four  of  the  combs,  which  I  put  into  a  ten-frame  hive, 
five  of  the  combs  (with  the  bees  of  course)  I  put  into  another 
hive  of  the  same  kind,  and  left  the  queen  (I  think  one  of  the 
largest  and  finest  queens  I  ever  saw)  "  at  home  "  with  the  four 
combs  remaining,  and  on  the  22nd  of  July  each  division  or 
artificial  colony  had  raised  for  itself  a  beautiful  queen,  which 
I  have  since  found  on  examination  to  have  proved  fertile. 

I  cannot  now  give  the  average  produce  of  my  hives  "all 
told,"  good  and  bad,  having  never  weighed  any,  except  the  par- 
ticular hive  referred  to  in  my  previous  communication,  for  I 
have  found  that  experiments  on  my  Ligurians  in  my  home 
apiary  have  occupied  so  much  of  my  time,  that  I  have  been 


138 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  Angnst  18,  1870. 


compelled  to  let  my  black  bees  take  their  chance  until  the  end 
of  September,  at  which  time  I  hope  to  exchange  the  queens  for 
pure  imported  Italians  to  reign  in  their  stead. 

I  shall  be  interested  to  see  the  account  of  all  "  Uitenhage's  " 
hives,  good  and  bad,  and  I  may  state  that  most  of  the  out- 
Bide  combs  which  I  have  taken  already  will  bear  comparison 
with  those  usually  taken  from  "  supers." 

In  reference  to  the  Rev.  G.  Raynor's  communication,  I  may 
just  remark  that  I  much  question  whether  the  queen  is  ever 
impregnated  inside  the  hive,  as  my  experience  teaches  me  that 
impregnation  always  takes  place  outside  the  hive  and  "  on 
the  wing ;"  and  I  am  also  of  opinion  that  the  queen  is  generally 
impregnated  prior  to  her  leaving  the  hive  with  a  swarm,  in 
which  case  her  progeny  would  not  be  affected  by  her  being  placed 
amongst  an  apiary  of  black  bees. — Sddecby. 

[It  is  only  first  swarms  that  can  be  expected  to  remain  pure, 
as  these  are  usually,  although  not  always,  accompanied  by  the 
old  queen.    After-swarms  have  only  virgin  queens.] 


Colonel  F.  C.  Hassard,  R.E.— The  lovers  of  poultry  will 
learn  with  regret  that  this  gentleman  has  been  ordered  home, 
and  will  soon  have  reached  England.  Few  who  had  any  acquaint- 
ance with  the  Colonel  will  deny  that  to  his  individual  efforts 
during  his  stay  in  Canada,  especially  in  Toronto,  is  owing  much  of 
the  improvement  in  the  culture  of  pure-bred  poultry  which  has 
recently  become  so  visible  in  this  country.  As  a  poultry  and 
Pigeon  fancier  he  had  in  Canada  no  equal,  while  to  his  thorough 
acquaintance  with  the  rules  of  English  poultry  clubs,  and  his 
superior  knowledge  of  poultry,  much  of  the  recent  improve- 
ment in  poultry  judging  at  our  shows  is  to  be  attributed.  With 
him  originated  the  inception  of  a  poultry!  club  in  Ontario. 
He  communicated  his  views  on  the  subject  to  a  few  fanciers, 
who  aided  him  in  the  formation  of  a  sooiety,  the  benefits  of 
which  to  poultry-breeders  is  a  recognised  fact. — (Canadian 
Poultry  Chronicle.) 

THE  VINEGAR  PLANT. 

In  answer  to  inquiries  as  to  where  this  strange  production 
may  be  purchased  or  procured,  I  may  state  that  it  is  never 
offered  for  sale,  but  may  be  easily  obtained  by  the  following 
means.  Leave  a  little  vinegar  in  a  small  bottle  to  become  stale 
(during  hot  close  weather  is  best),  till  a  film  appears  on  the 
surface.  This  film  is  the  spawn  or  mycelium  of  a  species  of 
mildew,  and  ia  the  incipient  state  of  the  Vinegar  Plant  proper. 
If  a  few  fragments  of  coarse  brown  sugar  be  now  added  it  will 
somewhat  aid  its  growth  ;  but  when  the  film  has  attained  the 
thickness  of  parchment  it  is  ready  for  transfer  to  syrup,  where 
it  soon  becomes  the  housewife's  normal  Vinegar  Plant. 

Procure  a  large  jar  or  bottle,  and  to  two  quarts  of  boiling  water 
add  half  a  pound  of  treacle  and  half  a  pound  of  the  commonest 
brown  sugar;  stir  well  together,  and  when  cool  transfer  the 
film  from  the  surface  of  the  vinegar  to  the  surface  of  the  syrup  ; 
cover  up  to  exclude  air,  and  keep  in  a  warm  cupboard.  This 
film  will  now  rapidly  grow  and  form  a  thick,  slippery,  gelatinous 
mass  all  over  the  surface  of  the  syrup,  and  in  the  course  of  six 
weeks  or  so  the  liquid  will  be  changed  to  excellent  vinegar. 
The  Vinegar  Plant  can  now  be  taken  and  divided  into  layers, 
or  cut  up  into  fragments,  each  piece  of  which,  if  placed  upon 
fresh  syrup,  will  rapidly  grow  and  change  the  liquor  into  vine- 
gar. The  vinegar  should  be  allowed  to  settle,  and  be  strained 
before  it  is  used. — W.  G.  S. 


OUR  LETTER  BOX. 

Books  {John  Choytc).— The  "  Poultry-Keeper's  Mannal,"  published  at 
our  office,  is  the  best  book  on  the  subject,  and  can  he  forwarded  free  by 
post  for  7«.  1  d.  (Q.  Lee).—"  My  Bee  Book,"  by  the  Rev.  W.  C.  Cotton, 
is  an  interesting  and  instructive  work,  but  the  fact  of  its  having  been 
written  nearly  thirty  years  ago  is  sufficient  to  prove  that  it  is  not  suited 
to  the  instruction  of  even  a  novice  in  the  modern  syBtem  of  scientific 
bee-keeping. 

Canker  in  Pigeons  {Nonplussed).—  Diseases  of  the  throat  have  this 
dry  weather  been  wonderfully  common,  both  with  the  human  subject  and 
with  Pigeons,  aB  if  the  very  intense  and  lengthened  dryness  of  the  atmo- 
sphere acted  as  the  reverse  so  frequently  does.  Try  a  strong  solution  of 
alum,  applied  with  a  feather  twice  a-day.  Thirty  years'  experience  in 
Pigeon-keeping  convinces  ns  that  these  birds  will  bear  almost  any  amount 
of  heat  in  their  loft,  but  cannot  bear  any  draught.  Vary  their  food 
giving  peas  now  for  a  time. 

Roup  in  Pigeons  {W.  M.).— See  what  we  have  said  above  concerning 
heat  and  cold  for  Pigeons.  Perhaps  you  ventilate  overmuch,  in  other 
words,  put  the  birds  at  night  in  a  constant  draught.  Try  a  doBe  or  two 
of  charcoal  powder,  or  a  dose  of  carbonate  of  soda,  or  a  pinch  of  alum : 
all  these  have  been  known  to  cure  roup. 

Pigeons  not  Breeding  (J.  N.  £.).— Baldpated  Tumblers  are  such  ex- 


cellent breeders,  that,  supposing  your  birds  are  of  the  opposite  sexes,  we 
can  conceive  no  reason  for  their  barrenness,  except  old  age. 

Hiving  a  Swarm  of  Bees  Settled  in  a  Roof  {J.  M.).— You  require 
skilled  assistance  to  enable  you  to  secure  the  swarm,  which  can  only  be 
done  by  opening  the  roof,  and  thus  obtaining  access  to  the  space  occupied 
by  the  bees. 

Bee  Hives  at  Liskeard  Pocttry  Show.— Mr.  W.  J.  Pettltt,  of  Dover, 
was  awarded  the  silver  medal  for  the  best  bee  hive  for  cottagers'  use  at 
this  show. 

Frame  Hives  (James  Hall,  Kedington).—V?e  have  no  knowledge  of  the 
hive  to  which  you  refer  beyond  what  we  can  glean  from  the  handbill,  but 
we  may  confess  to  not  being  very  favourably  impressed  with  it.  If  you 
wish  for  a  moveable  comb  hive  we  should  recommend  the  one  named 
after  Mr.  Woodbury. 

Oak  Silkworm  ( ). — The  following  reply  is  from  Dr.  Wallace,  of 

Colchester : — "  The  culture  of  the  Yama  Mai  {Japan  Oak)  Silkworm  in 
this  country  is  not  yet  successfully  introduced.  Many  have  failed  in 
Great  Britain  and  Europe ;  nevertheless,  there  are  several  exceptions. 
In  le69,  a  Gerrjaan  Baron  obtained  27.000  cocoons,  and  others  have  like- 
wise succeeded  in  various  parts  of  the  Continent.  In  England  several 
gentlemen  have  reared  this  insect,  more  especially  in  the  western  and 
midland  districts  ;  but  in  the  southern  and  eastern  districts  nearly  all 
attempts  have  failed.  I  believe  the  cause  of  failure  to  be  the  exposure 
of  the  caterpillar  to  too  dry  an  atmosphere.  In  a  cool  moist  climate 
success  has  been  obtained.  I  know  of  at  least  one  hundred  cocoons  this 
year  raised  by  three  individuals.  Correspondents  in  Japan  have  promised 
to  send  me  full  details  of  the  mode  they  practised  of  rearing  this  valuable 
insect,  and  also  some  particulars  of  the  climatal  influences.  Bombyx  Mori 
culture  on  light  Boils  and  in  such  seasons  as  the  present  is  highly  suc- 
cessful in  our  southern  and  eastern  districts." 


METEOROLOGICAL  OBSERVATIONS 
In  the  Suburbs  of  London  for  the  week  ending  August  16th. 


THERMOMETER. 

barometer. 

Date. 

Earth. 

Wind. 

Rain. 

Max. 

Min. 

Max. 

Min. 

1ft. 

2  ft. 

Wed...  10 

80.d71 

29.936 

76 

52 

67 

5a 

N. 

.16 

Thurs..  11 

80.099 

30.084 

78 

50 

73 

62 

N. 

.00 

Fri 12 

30159 

30.106 

82 

56 

68 

62 

N.E. 

.00 

Sat.  ...  IS 

30.182 

30.162 

79 

52 

70 

63 

E. 

.00 

Sun.  . .  14 

30.189 

30.050 

78 

69 

66 

68 

E. 

.00 

Mon. . .  15 

29  987 

29  911 

70 

43 

69 

62 

E. 

•00 

Tues.   .  16 

30.012 

29.995 

76 

42 

63 

61 

N.E. 

.00 

Mean.. 

80.099 

30.031 

76.14 

50.57 

68.00 

62.14         .. 

0.16 

10. — Fine,  cloudy  ;  showery  ;  clear  and  very  fine. 

11. — Cloudy  but  fine  ;  cloudy;  very  fine,  clear. 

12.— Very  fine;  exceedingly  fine ;  clear  and  fine. 

13. — Overcast ;  very  fine  ;  cloudy  but  fine. 

14. — Fine  ;  overcast ;  densely  overcast. 

15. — Densely  overcast;  clear  and  fine  at  nigbt. 

16.— Densely  overcast ;  fine ;  clear  at  night. 


COVENT  GARDEN  MARKET.— A ugctst  17. 
The  markets  have  been  less  active  during  the  week,  and  the  demand 
in  the  provinces  has  also  slackened  as  they  become  supplied  from  their 
own  localities,  bo  that  a  reduction  in  prices  has  taken  place.  Hothouse 
produce  is  more  than  sufficient  for  the  trade.  Peaches  and  Nectarines  of 
good  quality  are  being  offered  from  the  open  walls,  and  range  from  3s.  to 
6s.  per  dozen.  Plums  of  all  descriptions  are  very  abundant.  In  the 
Potato  trade  in  all  its  branches  a  fair  amount  of  business  is  done. 


FRUIT. 


s,  d.     b.  d 
Apples i  Bieve    1    0  to  2    0 


Apricots doz. 

Cherries lb. 


1    0 
0    G 


CheBtnuts bushel  0  0 

Currants J  sieve  2  0 

Blaok do.  3  0 

Figs doz.  3  0 

Filberts lb.  0  9 

Cobs lb.  0  9 

Gooseberries quart  0  0 

Grapes, Hothouse.,.,  lb.  2  0 

Lemons ^100  8  0 

Melons each  1  0 


0 
1    0 


Mulberries lb. 

Nectarines doz. 

Oranges ^  100  0 

Peaches  doz.  5 

Pears,  kitchen doz.  0 

desBert doz.  1 

Pine  AppleB lb.  2 

Plums j  sieve  S 

Quinces  doz.  0 

RaapberrieB lb.  0 

Strawberries    lb.  0 

Walnuts bushel  10 

do %*100  1 


i,  d.    s. 

0    9  to0 
3    0      10 


d 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
16    0 

a  o 


VEGETABLES. 


Artichokes doz.  3 

Asparagus 3t>  10Q  0 

BemiB,  Kidney  ..J  sieve.  4 

Broad bushel  0 

Beet,  Red doz.  2 

Broccoli bundle  0 

Brussels  Sprouts. .  J  sieve  0 

Cabbage doz.  1 

CapsicumB  ^100  0 

CarrotB bunch  0 

Cauliflower doz.  2 

Celery handle  1 

Coleworts..doz.  bunches  8 

Cucumbers each  0 

pickling doz.  2 

Eadive doz.  2 

Fennel hunch  0 

Garlic lb.  0 

Herbs bunch  0 

Horseradish  ....  bundle  3 


Leeks bunch 

Lettnce  doz. 

Mushrooms pottle 

Mustard  &  Cress.. punnet 
Onions  bushel 

pickling quart 

Parsley sieve 

Parsnips doz. 

Peas quart 

Potatoes bushel 

Kidney do. 

Radishes  ..  doz.  bunches 

Rhubarb bundle 

Savoys doz. 

Sea-kale basket 

Shallots lb. 

Spinach bushel 

Tomatoes doz. 

Turnips bunch 

Vegetable  Marro  wb  . .  doz. 


s.  d.     s. 

0   4  to  0 

16      3 

0 


0    8 
3    0 


Anguet  26,  1670.  ] 


JOURNAL   OF   HORTICULTURE    AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


139 


WEEKLY    CALENDAR. 


Day 

Day 

of 

ol 

Month 

Week. 

25 

Th 

26 

F 

27 

S 

28 

Son 

29 

M 

SO 

Tu 

81 

w 

AUGUST  25-31,  1S70. 


Newcastle-under-Lynie  Horticultural  Show. 


11  Sunday  after,  Trinity. 

Banbury  and  Daven  try  Horticultural  Shows. 
Glamorganshire  Horticultural  Show, 


Average    Tempera- 

Rain in 

last 
43  yea] 8. 

San 

Sua 

Moon       Moon 

Moon's 

Clock 
before 
Sun. 

Day 

of 

Year. 

ture  near  London. 

Rises. 

Seta. 

Rises.       Sets. 

Age. 

Day. 

Night.  Mean. 

Days. 

m.       h. 

m.      b. 

m.      h.'  m.    b. 

Days. 

m.    8. 

74.1 

49.7 

61.9 

16 

2  af  5 

1  af  7 

50  af  2     41  af  6 

2S 

1    67 

237 

72.6 

48.4 

60.1 

15 

S      5 

69      6 

5       4  '  12      7 

• 

1    40 

238 

78.8 

49.1 

P1.2 

12 

6      5 

57      6 

24        5     39       7 

1 

1     23 

239 

72  7 

49.7 

61.2 

19 

7      5 

55      6 

46       6  1    S      8 

2 

1      6 

240 

71.2 

47.0 

59.4 

16 

8      5 

63      6 

7        8     25      8 

3 

0    49 

241 

74.5 

48.2 

61.3 

11 

ll      6 

51       6     30        9     49       8 

4 

0    81 

242 

71.5 

47.4 

69.4 

U 

13      5 

49      6 

51      10  1  13      9 

5 

0     12 

243 

From  observations  taken  near  London  daring  the  last  forty-three  years,  the  average  day  temperatnre  of  the  week  is  72.SJ,  and  its  night 
temperature  48  6°.  The  greatest  heat  was  S33,  on  the  25th,  1859;  and  the  lowest  cold  31°,  on  the  93th,  1861.  The  greatest  fall  of  rain  was 
1.91  inch. 


AMONGST  MR.  LAXTON'S  PEAS. 

ROM  London  the  Great  Northern  Railway 
takes  us  to  Stamford,  or  ought  to  have  done  so 
if  the  great  lord  of  Burghley  had  not  willed 
it  otherwise.  Now  it  leaves  us  at  Essendine, 
a  few  miles  distant,  and  from  thence  we  are 
the  passengers  of  the  Most  Noble  the  Marquis 
of  Exeter.  Stamford  was  a  busy  place  in 
the  old  coaching  days,  and  is  now  a  very 
interesting  one,  celebrated  for  its  churches 
and  bells.  Stamford  might  have  been  what 
Peterborough  now  is — a  brisk  and  busy  centre  of  railway 
communication,  had  not  the  lord  of  the  soil  prevented  the 
passing  of  the  great  railway  near  his  portals.  As  it  is, 
Stamford  stands  still ;  Stamford  wants  brushing  up.  It 
was  not.  however,  to  see  the  town  that  I  went  there,  but 
the  greatest  man  in  Stamford,  horticolturally  speaking — 
Mr.  Laxton,  well  known  as  a  great  horticulturist,  as  a 
successful  introducer  of  new  Peas — Peas,  too,  of  a  most 
wonderful  character. 

What  an  advance  amongst  our  Peas  during  the  last  ten 
or  twelve  years  !  Our  Pea  lists,  no  doubt,  are  too  long 
already,  and  if  wo  are  to  believe  all  that  is  said  of  them, 
they  possess  all  the  requirements  wanted,  and  are  every 
year  becoming  earlier  and  superior.  The  greater  portion, 
however,  of  these  so-called  new  varieties  are  merely  se- 
lections— selections  it  may  be — magnificent  improvements 
on  the  original,  and  consequently  valuable.  New  Peas, 
however — Peas  raised  by  careful  cross-breeding— come  only 
to  us  from  the  hands  of  a  very  select  few.  The  first  great 
Pea  cross-breeder  was  Thomas  Andrew  Knight,  for  a  long 
time  President  of  the  Horticultural  Society,  who  raised 
for  us  many  line  sorts  remarkable  for  their  thin  skins  and 
delicate  flavour,  not  yet  equalled  ;  I  allude  to  Knight's 
Tall  and  Dwarf  White  and  Green  Marrows,  &e.  Then 
came  the  late  Dr.  McLean,  of  Colchester,  who  gave  us 
dwarf  and  early  Marrows,  such  as  Little  Gem,  Advancer. 
Premier,  &c,  of  wonderful  value.  Next,  or  now,  we  have 
Mr.  Laxton,  who,  although  he  has  already  done  much, 
will  yet  do  more.  He  is  at  present  almost  our  only  Pea 
cross-breeder.  There  are  not  many,  it  is  true,  who  could 
give  the  time  ;  there  are  but  few  who  would  have  the 
patience,  or  the  knowledge  either.  There  is  no  greater 
enthusiast.  And  what  an  enthusiasm  one  must  have  for 
this  sort  of  labour  ! 

No  one  who  has  not  attempted  it  can  have  the  least 
conception  of  the  time  or  labour  that  is  involved  in  making 
a  single  cross  amongst  Peas.  It  may  seem  most  incredible, 
it  is  nevertheless  the  fact,  that  from  a  single  cross,  the 
crossing  of  a  single  flower,  some  four  or  five  hundred 
distinct  varieties  may  be  procured  ere  any  one  form  is 
fixed  or  fit  for  sending  out,  which  takes  up  a  period  of 
from  five  to  seven  years — that  is,  from  the  time  of  the 
crossing  of  the  flower. 

In  the  hybridised  pod  there  may  be  eight  peas  ;  each  of 
these  when  sown  will  produce  from  eight  to  ten  pods  con- 
taining each  eight  or  ten  peas — a  total  of  more  than  five 
hundred  peas  the  first  season.   These,  according  as  the  cross 
No.  491.— Vol.  XIX.,  New  Series. 


may  have  been,  may  be  either  very  similar  or  dissimilar. 
Mr.  Laxton  showed  me  some  pods,  the  produce  of  a  cross 
between  the  old  Maple  Purple  and  a  white  Pea,  in  which 
every  pea  was  dissimilar — some  round,  smooth,  white  ; 
some  white,  wrinkled  ;  others  blue,  grey,  mottled,  brown, 
green,  &o.,  not  any  two  peas  alike.  All  of  these  have  to 
be  grown  distinctly,  gathered  separately,  and  again  sown, 
or  else  discarded,  if  considered  unworthy.  These  again 
will  sport  the  following  season  as  before,  and  more  or  less 
for  some  time.  After  a  time,  however,  by  great  care  in  the 
selection  of  the  dried  seed  in  winter  and  "  rogueing  "  in 
summer,  they  leave  oft'  these  vagaries,  and  become  what 
is  called  "  fixed,"  and  lit  to  send  out  to  the  public. 

Some  new  Peas  have  been  sent  out  too  soon — such  as 
Laxton's  Prolific  Longpod,  and  this  accounts  for  its  mixed 
character,  one  portion  of  the  sample  being  green,  and  the 
other  white,  the  true  variety,  according  to  Mr.  Laxton, 
being  the  white  one.  The  condition  of  this  Pea  before  the 
public  is  not  due  to  Mr.  Laxton,  but  to  the  vendors  who 
had  it  from  Mr.  Laxton  as  an  unfixed  variety.  It  will 
thus  be  seen  that  the  raising  of  new  Peas  and  their  intro- 
duction to  our  gardens  are  a  most  laborious  affair,  requiring 
the  utmost  patience,  zeal,  and  perseverance,  and  also  a 
considerable  outlay,  the  recompense  therefrom  being  little 
commensurate  with  the  actual  cost,  excepting  in  the  grati- 
fication of  indirectly  benefiting  mankind. 

One  of  Mr.  Laxton's  greatest  triumphs  as  yet  before 
the  public  is,  no  doubt,  Laxton's  Supreme.  The  pods  of 
this  are  very  large  and  extremely  handsome.  It  belongs, 
however,  to  a  class  which  is  more  remarkable  for  good 
looks  than  fine  quality.  With  Mr.  Laxton  this  Pea  was 
not  over-grand,  whilst"  with  Mr.  Gilbert,  at  Burghley,  it 
was  superb.  There  are  other  two  varieties  as  large  and 
nearly  as  handsome  as  this  yet  to  come  out — viz.,  Laxton's 
(Jitnliti/,  a  wrinkled  Marrjw,  and  Laxton's  Quantity,  a 
selection  from  it.  Here  we  have  a  line  of  the  green  variety 
of  Laxton's  Prolific  Longpod,  a  very  excellent  Pea,  and 
side  by  side  another — Carter's  Hundredfold,  said  to  be  a 
cross-bred  kind.  They  are,  however,  identical,  as  Mr. 
Gilbert,  an  experienced  gardener,  testifies. 

I  mu3t  just  remember  Alpha,  the  first  step  towards 
long  podded  early  wrinkled  Marrows,  and  a  very  fine  Pea. 
This  is  now  to  be  superseded  by  William  the  First  as  an 
earlier  still,  more  wrinkled,  and  better  sort.  This  is  one 
of  the  most  important  introductions  in  the  Pea  line  which 
will  be  amongst  ns  next  season,  and  will  completely  drive 
away  such  tasteless  stuff  as  Ringleaders  and  First  Crops. 

I  am  afraid  to  speak  of  the  many  varieties  Mr.  Lax- 
ton has  here,  and  of  such  high  promise.  One  batch  were 
from  crosses  between  Ne  Plus  Ultra  and  Veitch'S  Per- 
fection Most  of  these  were  about  3  feet  in  height,  earlier 
than  Yeitch's,  with  pods  more  nearly  resembling  Ne  Plus 
Ultra.  Then  another  lot  of  dwarfs,  over  one  hundred  in 
number,  in  little  short  lines,  crosses  from  Little  Gem, 
&c.  Here  was  Little  Gem  itself  as  a  test  sort.  All  the 
seedlings  were  much  of  the  same  habit,  many  were  earlier, 
others  larger  in  pod,  &c.,  some  white,  wrinkled,  some  blue, 
wrinkled.  From  these  I  expect  something  good.  This 
is  the  style  of  Pea  for  general  use.     Here  is  another  lot 

No.  1143,-Vol.  XLIV.,  Old  Series. 


140 


JOUENAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  August  25,  1870. 


between  Alpha  and  Little  Gem,  and  Ringleader  and  Little 
Gem,  all  showing  marks  of  distinction  and  promise  of  merit. 
From  some  of  these  comes  a  deep  green,  early,  wrinkled 
Marrow,  a  wrinkled  Pea  as  early  as  Sangster'a  No.  1,  and 
as  green  as  possible.  This  is  a  decided  novelty  and  a  great 
gain. 

We  have,  again,  some  carious  results  from  crosses  of  the  old 
purple-flowered  Maple  Pea,  the  purple  blood  of  which  seems  to 
drive  the  white  Peas  mad ;  they  run  into  all  colours,  being 
white,  brown,  green,  freckled,  and  speckled;  something  in- 
teresting Mr.  Laxton  will  no  doubt  secure.  Again,  there  are 
numerous  crosses  from  the  Sugar  Peas,  those  of  which  the 
pods  are  eaten  like  Kidney  Beans.  What  may  come  out  of 
these  one  can  hardly  tell — enormous  podders,  no  doubt.  Lastly, 
and  I  found  th6m  growing  at  the  farthest-ofi  side  of  Mr.  Lax- 
ton's  garden,  wore,  perhaps,  the  finest  lot  of  Peas  the  world 
lias  ever  seen ;  they  were  superior  in  3ize  and  appearance  to 
Laxton's  Supreme.  I  measured  one  pod  which  was  quite 
6  inches  in  length,  full  of  large  peas,  and  remarkably  handsome. 
This  was  the  last.     I  cared  for  no  more. — Akchambaud. 


THE  GLADIOLUS  AT  SOUTH  KENSINGTON. 

The  general  details  of  the  Show  having  been  already  given 
in  last  week's  Journal,  I  am  left  the  more  free  to  enter  upon 
that  part  of  the  subject  which  is  more  especially  grateful  to  me 
■ — not  the  comparative  merits  of  the  different  exhibitions,  but 
the  value  of  the  different  flowers.  One  or  two  words,  however, 
I  must  say.  The  Exhibition  amply  bore  out  what  I  have  ever 
stated — that  if  you  give  real  encouragement  to  a  flower  you 
will  soon  induce  people  to  grow  and  exhibit  it,  and  the  value  of 
such  exhibitions  no  one  can  tell.  If  a  few  prizes  of  a  pound 
a-piece  had  been  offered,  would  they  have  brought  men  from 
Kelso,  Dumbarton,  Taunton,  Edinburgh,  &e.  ?  Should  we  have 
heard,  as  we  did,  the  broad  Doric  Scotch  on  all  sides  of  us?  I 
am  only  sorry  that  we  did  not  also  hear  the  rich  unctuous 
brogue  of  Cork  and  Dublin.  Perhaps  another  year  we  may  be 
so  favoured.  And  assuredly  our  thanks  are  due  to  the  Rev. 
Joshua  Dix  for  having  originated  and  carried  out  this  scheme. 
Its  success  will,  let  ns  hope,  induce  him  to  try  it  again.  I  may 
just  as  well  say,  to  show  the  value  of  such  shows,  that  two  of 
my  acquaintances  were  so  delighted  with  the  flowers  that  they 
at  once  determined  to  grow  them,  and  will  purchase  a  selection 
of  sorts — one  of  them,  at  any  rate,  to  exhibit. 

It  is  quite  clear  that  the  last  two  or  three  years  have  mate- 
rially altered  and  improved  the  Gladiolus.  Varieties  that  we 
then  thought  excellent  will  bear  no  comparison  with  those  of 
later  date.  The  flowers  individually  are  larger,  the  tendency 
to  be  "  winged  "  is  less,  and  a  larger  number  of  flowers  are 
opened  together.  Who,  for  example,  would  care  to  grow  Rsine 
Victoria  when  ha  can  grow  Madame  Desportss,  or  Napoifion  III. 
when  he  can  have  Horace?  and  hence  a  great  change  is  seen 
in  the  character  of  the  stands.  Of  the  flowers,  then,  of  last 
year — that  is,  sent  out  in  the  autumn  of  1868,  the  following 
were  shown  in  fine  condition  : — 

Homere. — A  long  spike.  A  sort  of  light  purple  flamed  with 
brilliant  magenta. 

Madame  Desportcs. — A  magnificent  bloom  of  this  graced  Mr. 
Kelway's  stand.  It  was  of  the  purest  ivory  white,  with  a  violet 
feather  in  the  lower  petals. 

Madame  Dombrain  — Dwarf  plant,  but  vigorous ;  well-arranged 
spike,  somewhat  in  the  style  of  Homere,  but  distinct. 

Marie  Stuart. — A  very  beautiful  blush  flower,  tinted  with 
rose  and  flamed  with  carmine.     A  most  beautiful  flower. 

Michel  Angc. — A  very  remarkable  variety;  long  spike,  dark 
purplish  crimson,  light  centre,  and  the  flower  very  curiously 
displayed — more  like  a  Lily  than  a  Gladiolus.  I  fear  it  is  deli- 
cate in  habit. 

Monsieur  Legourr. — A  splendid  fiery  red,  the  petals  with  a 
white  line  on  them  ;  a  grand  flower.     Vigorous  plant. 

Racine. — A  magnificent  spike  of  this  was  in  Messrs.  Stuart 
and  Moiu'a  stand  from  Kelso.  A  fine  cherry  colour  stairjed 
with  violet. 

Schiller. — A  pale  primrose  flower,  large  carmine  spots,  very 
handsome. 

Argus  is  too  pointed,  Fenelon  and  Thomas  M:  t'nven  have 
tho  flowers  too  far  apart,  Romulus  is  too  loose,  Virgila  fine  in 
colour,  but  somewhat  starry. 

The  eight  above  mentioned  were  all  fine,  and  all  shown  in 
good  condition. 

With  regard  to  the  flowers  of  1870— that  is,  those  let  out 


last  autumn,  the  following  were  shown  well,  and  are  worthy  ol  a 
place  in  any  collection  : — 

Armidc. — A  grand  spike  of  this  was  exhibited  by  Stuart  and 
Mein.     It  is  a  white  ground  tinted  with  carmine. 

Agathee. — Fine  spike  of  large  flowers ;  light  ground  tinted 
with  orange. 

Delicatissima. — A  beautiful  light,  delicate  violet  flower,  well 
deserviug  its  name. 

De  Humboldt. — Cherry  red  tinted  with  purple,  somewhat  o! 
the  colour  of  Michel  Ange. 

Horace. — Red  with  white  spots,  of  the  same  style  as  Na- 
poleon III.,  but  greatly  improved. 

Orphee. — A  magnificent  spike  of  this  was  in  my  own  stand ; 
it  is  a  fine  flower,  rose  ground  flamed  with  carmine. 

Robert  Fortune. — Carmine-flamed,  crimson  centre. 

Rosa  Bonheur. — White,  with  a  deep  violet  carmine  spot.  It 
has  a  peculiarity  of  doubling  back  the  top  petal,  which  a  little 
detracts  from  its  beauty. 

Rosea  Perfecta. — Rose-tinged  violet,  each  petal  marked  with 
white. 

There  are  others  yet  to  be  decided  on,  such  as  Bijou,  Living- 
stone, Elizabeth,  La  Candeur,  Pericles,  Spectabilis,  Hylphide, 
and  Sullane,  about  which  I  may  have  to  say  more  by-and-by. 
— D.,  Deal. 


THE   STRAWBERRY   SEASON   OF   1870. 

I  consider  a  dry  season  the  best  for  Strawberries;  it  causes 
no  diminution  iu  the  quantity  of  tho  produce,  and  the  quality 
is  vastly  improved.  Of  course  abundant  supplies  of  water  must 
be  administered.  Take,  for  instance,  that  flue  but  peculiar 
Strawberry  Dr.  Hogg;  in  a  wet  season  it  is  very  indifferent,  but 
in  a  season  like  the  present  it  has  been  unsurpassed. 

Tho  rainfall  for  the  first  six  months  of  the  year  was  not 
much  more  than  half  tho  usual  quantity.  In  January  we  had 
1.59  inch,  in  February  0.22  inch,  in  March  1.70  inch,  in  April 
0.40  inch,  in  May  0.56  inch,  in  June ,0.45  inch;  in  all  4.98 
inches.  Excepting  by  well-watered  plants  no  runners  were 
formed.  The  superiority  of  young  plants  was  easily  determined 
this  year ;  the  value  of  deep  cultivation  and  high  manuring 
equally  eo.  For  pot  culture  Black  Prince  is  still  grown  as  the 
earliest  variety  ;  it  is  a  sure  bearer,  and  always  colours  well. 
For  the  second  crop  Premier  was  grown  this  year,  succeeded 
by  President.  Premier  is  not  first-rate  as  regards  flavour,  but 
is  a  most  robust  grower,  and  bears  an  immense  crop  of  large  fruit 
of  a  bright  dark  rod  colour.  President,  is  oue  of  the  best  both 
for  pot  culture  and  out  of  doors.  For  late  bearing  British 
Qaeen,  La  Constantc,  Mr.  Radclyffe,  and  Frogmore  Late  Pine 
are  most  esteemed.  Dr.  Hogg  is  generally  very  deficient  in 
colour  when  grown  in  pots  under  glass,  although  the  fruit  are 
of  the  largest  size  of  any.  La  Constante  is  a  great  favourite; 
it  is  not  to  be  compared  with  British  Queen  or  President  for 
flavour ;  the  flesh  is  very  firm,  and  it  is  the  best  variety  to 
keep  after  it  is  ripe.     The  fruit  is  of  a  brilliant  crimson. 

The  main  point  in  successful  cultivation  is  to  have  the 
runners  layered  early,  and  let  the  plants  experience  no  cheok 
to  their  growth  afterwards.  The  pots  ought  to  stand  on  a  hard 
bottom,  and  means  should  be  taken  to  prevent  tho  ingress  of 
worms  through  the  holes.  I  set  each  pot  singly  on  a  brick;  the 
plants  are  by  this  method  more  fully  exposed  to  the  sun  and 
air,  and  worms  are  effectually  excluded.  If  bricks  cannot  be 
obtained  the  next  best  method  is  to  form  a  bed  of  coal  ashes, 
beat  it  hard,  and  make  it  perfectly  level  with  a  rake.  Oat  of 
about  250  grown  in  the  orchard  house  there  were  not  more 
than  two  or  three  barren  plants ;  two  or  three  more  were  turned 
out  because  of  weak  or  badly  formed  trusses. 

Lucas  and  Souvenir  de  Kieff  I  fruited  for  the  first  time  this 
year.  They  are  both  good.  Lucas  is  the  stronger  grower  and 
superior  to  tho  other.  I  think  it  will  displace  La  Constante.  I 
cannot  concur  in  M.  Gloede's  estimate  of  Sir  Joseph  Paxton ; 
it  sometimes  does  well,  but  is  uncertain  and  very  much  subject 
to  mildew  :  for  the  last-named  reason  alone  I  have  discarded 
it.  Mr.  Weir's  estimate  in  the  same  page  (99),  is  also  very 
different  from  mine.  The  reason  must  be  the  difference  in  soil 
and  climate.  Lucas,  President,  Li  Constante,  and  British 
Queen  ho  discards.  I  consider  them  four  of  the  very  best  sorts 
iu  cultivation,  and  grow  them  largely  both  in  pots,  and  out  of 
doors.  The  soil  here  is  of  a  light  sandy  nature,  and  not  far 
from  the  gravel.  I  have  plaited  sixteen  varieties  this  year, 
and  tho  best  six  of  them  as  grown  here  are  President,  Lucas, 
L*  Constante,  Mr.  Radcl.\ffe,  British  Queen,  and  Frogmore  Late 
Pine.    British  Queen  might  be  omitted,  as  it  is  not  sufficiently 


August  26,  1878.  ] 


JOURNAL   OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


141 


distinct  from  Mr.  Radcljffe,  and  Premier  substituted,  as  it 
comes  in  before  President. — J.  Douglas. 


DOUBLE  GERANIUMS,  AND   WHAT  THEY 
MAY  BE. 

Among  the  plants  to  which  the  present  dry  season  has  been 
favourable  may  be  ranked  the  double -flowered  GeraDiums, 
which  have  gained  friends  where  before  they  were  merely  tole- 
rated as  novelties.  They  have  flowered  well  this  season,  and 
most  likely  there  will  be  an  increased  demand  for  them  next 
year.  I  fully  expect  in  a  very  few  years  they  will  take  a  higher 
position  in  the  flower  garden  than  their  most  ardent  admirers 
ever  dreamt  of,  when  varieties  are  produced  possessing  the 
necessary  qualifications  for  an  oat-door  plant,  which  those  we 
now  have  scarcely  do.  Their  well-doing  this  >ear  is,  I  think, 
due  to  the  exceptional  character  of  the  seasoD,  but  I  hardly 
expect  the  same  success  in  future;  for,  as  I  write  en  August 
10th,  it  is  only  reasonable  to  look  for  a  greater  amount  of 
moisture  during  the  remainder  of  the  summer  than  we  have 
yet  had  ;  and  with  that  I  expect  the  evils  of  furmer  years  will 
reveal  themselves  in  the  double  Geranium  ;  those  evils  being 
a  gross  leafy  growth,  with  few  flowers,  and  these  apt  to  decay 
before  making  any  show.  Even  the  long  dreary  nights  will 
accomplish  this  in  a  measure,  whether  there  be  raiu  or  not. 

I  think  with  varieties  having  a  greater  disposition  to  flower 
than  those  wo  now  have,  and  posses.-ingsome  other  properties 
which  I  shall  notice,  we  may  expect  greater  success  tban  we 
have  yet  had.  I  venture  to  predict  for  the  double-flowered 
Geraniums  a  mere  extonded  area  of  usefulness  than  the  Tri- 
colors are  likely  to  have,  and  this  is  saying  much  in  the  face  of 
the  class  in  whose  honour  special  prizes,  nay  special  show?, 
have  been  given ;  but  great  favourites  are  not  always  lasting 
friends,  and  I  expect  half  a  dozen  years  hence  doublo  Gera- 
niums will  be  more  extensively  cultivated  than  these  sickly 
fashionables  of  the  present  day.  As  double  flowers,  in  general, 
retain  their  individual  beauty  long6r  tban  single  ones — for  in- 
stance, the  double  Cherry,  Poach,  Stock,  Rocket,  and  others — 
there  is  no  reason  why  the  Geranium  should  not  do  so  also. 
The  principal  defect  seems  to  be  a  disposition  on  the  part  of 
the  centre  of  each  truss  of  flowers  to  decay  before  we  would  like 
it  to  do  so,  and  no  doubt  it  ia  owing  to  the  absence  of  rain,  and 
very  often  dew,  during  the  present  season,  that  has  pre- 
served  the  flowers  longer  than  usual.  As  there  is  no  limit  to 
improvement  iu  flower  culture,  there  is  reason  to  hope  we  may 
hereafter  be  favoured  with  varieties  capable  of  withstanding  the 
destructive  influence  of  moisture.  Witness  what  was  dojio  with 
the  Pansy  many  years  ago ;  its  thin  flimsy  petals  were  taught 
to  assume  a  stiff,  leathery  substance,  and  to  stand  up  unscathed 
against  the  fierce  sun  of  midsummer;  rnsy  not  the  Geranium 
also  be  brought  to  resist  decsy  when  it  comes  in  the  shape  of 
moisture  rather  than  lack  of  vitality?  To  aooomplish  this, 
however,  I  believe  we  must  abandon  some  of  the  points  insisted 
on  by  what  may  be  called  the  red-tape  class  of  florists.  The 
code  of  laws  thty  have  laid  down  for  the  guidance  of  cultivators 
of  this  and  other  florists'  flowers  must  be  disregarded,  and  the 
compaot  truss  or  head  of  bloom  so  much  insisted  on  ought  to 
be  transformed  into  a  rather  loose  one.  The  individual  flowers 
should  be  sufficiently  far  apart  to  let  the  air  circulate  freely 
amongst  them,  and,  consequently,  enable  the  blooms  to  shake 
off  the  moisture  much  sooner  than  they  do  now,  and  most 
likely  a  prolonged  blooming  period  will  be  the  result,  especially 
if  in  addition  to  the  quality  referred  to  the  plant  also  possesses 
a  disposition  to  flower  as  abundantly  as  some  of  the  single  cues 
now  do.  I  merely  throw  out  these  hints,  thinking  they  may  be 
of  service  to  those  who  may  be  experimenting,  and  if  iu  the 
course  of  their  experience  they  produce  a  good  double  flower 
that  is  set  somewhat  loosely  upon  its  stem,  they  should  not 
throw  it  away  until  after  a  trial  out  of  doors,  and  perhaps  it 
may  turn  out  better  than  some  conforming  more  closely  to  the 
present  standard. 

As  I  have  not  been  at  many  horticultural  shows  this  season, 
I  may  not  have  seen  the  last  new  varieties  of  this  section  of 
Geraniums,  but  I  hardly  think  those  who  supply  the  public  with 
such  flowers  would  venture  to  present  them  with  a  loose,  open- 
headed  one  like  that  I  have  been  describing  as  likely  to  be 
nseful  for  out-door  purposes.  Variety  is  certainly  wanting  in 
another  direction.  Good  whites,  and  other  light-coloured  kinds 
seem  to  be  scarce,  and  yet  they  are  as  desirable  cs  scarlets. 
Time,  however,  I  have  no  doubt,  will  supply  us  with  all  these 
kinds  ;  and  with  such  good  flowers  as  Wilhelm  Pfitzer,  Marie 


and  Madame  Lemoine,  Andrew  Henderson,  Triomphe,  and 
others,  to  begin  with,  flower-garden  requirements  will  probably 
be  met.  By-andby,  when  our  Mrs.  Pollcik,  Lady  Cullum,  and 
others  have  to  retire  to  the  drawing-room,  our  flower  beds  may 
come  out  iu  all  their  glory  vsi'.h  double  Geraniums  in  sufficient 
variety  to  enable  everyone  to  have  his  button-hole  supplied 
with  one. — J.  RossoN. 


THE   ONION   CROP. 

In  December  last  1  trenched  a  piece  of  ground  25  yards 
square,  to  the  depth  of  2  feet,  jus:  deep  enough  to  biing 
3  mihes  of  clay  to  the  surface.  After  it  had  remained  in  a 
rough  state  for  six  weeks  I  forked  in  a  good  quantity  of  strong 
manure — principally  lefuse  from  tho  pardeu — and  on  the  10th 
of  March  sowed  the  seed  in  drills  18  icebes  apart.  One  half 
of  tire  ground  I  sowed  v.ith  the  Xuneham  Park,  the  seeds  of 
my  own  s-sviug  ;  the  other  half  I  sowed  with  Dinvers'  Yellow 
and  Giant  Rocco. 

To-daj  |  '  ago  I  15ili),  I  have  measured  ?<.me  bulbs  of  the 
Nuneham  Park,  and  I  tiud  tbat  they  are  fully  13  inches  in  cir- 
cumference. The  largest  of  Giant  Roeco  are  11  inches  in  cir- 
oumferenoe,  and  Danvtrs'  Yellow  10  inches.  They  have  not 
had  a  drop  of  watei  e\cept  that  which  has  fallen  from  the 
c\  udf>,  and  we  have  only  had  very  little  here. — A.  Donald- 
son, Latimers. 

ARAUCAIUA   IMBRICATA   AT   BICTON. 

It  may  be  interesting  to  your  readers  to  hear  something 
about  the  Araucarias  at  Biclou  in  the  preset!,  year.  From  two 
trets  in  the  Aiaueiuia  avenue  we  have  already  gathered  up- 
wards of  five  hundred  perfect  seeds,  a  specimen  of  which  is 
enclosed,  and-frorn  several  other  trees,  on  which  the  cones  are 
not  yet  lipe,  we  may  safely  calculate  on  securing  at  least  five 
hundred  more.  The  cones  from  which  the  produce  here  stated 
was  taken  averaged  fif  ;y  perfect  seeds  to  ei  oh  ;  it  may  therefore 
be  inferred  that  Iho  Araucuria,  whtn  it  arrives  at  maturity, 
will  be  a  roost  productive  tree. 

There  are  iu  the  nursery  here  only  thirty  plants  averaging 
1  foot  in  height  which  have  been  raised  from  seeds  ripened  at 
Bictcn  ;  and  three  others  that  were  se^nie  years  since  planted  in 
the  pmetum  a.,  rage  1  foot  6 inches  high.  From  the  above  data 
it  is  presumed  that  the  Araucanas  at  Breton  have  produced  very 
few  setd3  in  t  as. 

When  writing  on  this  subject  it  may  be  worth  recording 
that  the  last  year's  seeds  of  Picea  Nordmacniana,  P.  Pinsapo, 
P.  amabilis,  and  many  other  good  species  havo  germinated  very 
freely  here  this  season  ;  it  is  therefore  hoped  that  those  to 
whom  my  noble  employer  requested  me  to  seed  u  supply  have 
been  equally  successful. — R.  Beoeie,  Bicton  Gardens. 

~Tae  seed  sent  was  very  fine,  pluiuo,  and  perfect. — Eds.] 


PEA  CULTURE. 
I  aai  interested  in  Mr.  Luckhurst's  suggestion  for  protecting 
early  Peas,  at  page  77 ;  but  would  not  the  same  end  be 
answered,  and  the  trouble  of  making  the  boxes  be  saved,  by 
adopting  for  the  first  the  plan  he  recommends  for  the  sub- 
sequent growths  ?— say,  by  dusting  the  seed  wtli  with  red  lead, 
sowing  as  deeply  as  is  consistent  with  good  practice,  sowing 
thickly,  and  th<;n  putting  oa  the  glass — laying  it  on  the  ground 
I  mean.  I  assume  that,  apart  from  the  red  lead,  mice  do  not 
meddle  T,ith  seed  when  geimiuated,  and  although  sparrows  will 
take  off  the  young  tops,  if  the  plants  come  up  thickly  they  will 
not  take  all.  Would  it  not  be  useful  to  mingle  plenty  of  black- 
smiths' ashes  in  the  drills  before  sowing  ?  The  sharp  ashes 
from  the  forge  must  tend  to  keep  off  slugs,  etc.— H.,  Vcntnor. 


CALIFORNIAN  CONIFERS. 
Mr.  Hoopes,  in  his  excelleit  description  of  the  Pines  of  Cali- 
fornia (pages  80  and  81),  confounds  Abies  with  Picea.  The  Abies 
has  hanging  cones  wiih  persistent  scales.  The  Picea  (amabilis 
and  grandi;)  has  upright  cones  with  deciduous  scales,  and,  as 
he  justly  remarks,  the  leaves  nearer  two  rows  ;  they  have  like- 
wise two  white  lines  on  their  under  side.  This  is  a  distinction 
which  gardeners  seldom  notice,  and  it  makes  it  very  puzzling 
to  botanists  and  those  ordering  of  trees.  It  is  not  to  be  found 
in  Bentham  or  an  English  flora,  as  the  country  does  not  furnish 
either  specimen  ;   but  tho   whole  family  are  excellently  dis- 


142 


JOURNAL  OF   HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  August  25, 1870. 


tinguished  in  Loudon's  "  Arboretum  et  Fruticetum,"  a  work 
which  is  still  to  be  bad  at  old  bookstalls;  I  bought  mine  at  one, 
and  it  is  well  worth  the  small  price  the  two  volumes  can  now 
be  had  for.  If  it  were  better  known,  our  gardeners'  lists  would 
be  greatly  improved,  and  better  understood  by  accurate  students, 
who  are  their  beat  friends. — R.  H.  W. 


GARDENING  IN   THE  LONDON  PARKS— No.  1. 

BATTERSEA  PARK. 

The  modern  style  of  flower  gardening  has  probably  done 
more  than  anything  else  to  draw  the  attention  of  the  gardening 
world  to  the  importance  of  a  knowledge  of  the  relative  value  of 
colours,  and  to  the  cultivation  of  correct  taste  in  the  arrange- 
ment cf  them.  Like  the  painter  or  sculptor,  we  strive  to 
obtain  a  sight  of  the  works  of  masters  in  the  art,  not  altogether 
with  the  view  of  closely  imitating  what  we  see,  but  rather  to 
endeavour  to  grasp  the  intention  of  the  artist,  to  see  what  his 
aim  has  been,  to  study  the  general  effect  of  the  whole,  and  so 
render  the  lesson  useful  to  ourselves  by  applying  its  soundest 
principles  in  our  future  practice. 

It  was  with  some  such  thoughts  as  these  that  I  went  to  see 
the  flowers  at  Battersea  Park,  Hyde  Park,  and  the  Crystal 
Palace,  and  it  is  my  purpose  in  these  notes  to  give  some  de- 
scription of  what  I  saw  at  each  place,  with  the  hope  that  it 
may  prove  useful  and  interesting  to  those  who  are  prevented 
by  distance  and  other  causes  from  seeing  and  judging  for 
themselves. 

Taking  them  in  the  order  in  whish  they  are  named,  Bitter- 
sea  Park  worthily  occupies  the  first  place,  not  simply  because 
the  tropical  plants  are  its  chief  feature,  but  because  at  Batter- 
sea  one  sees  evidence  of  great  skill  and  ability  in  the  singularly 
appropriate  manner  in  which  the  grounds  have  been  adapted 
for  their  intended  purpose.  The  winding  walks,  the  gently 
sloping  banks,  the  abrupt  eminences,  the  sheltered  nooks,  and 
the  pleasant  glimpses  of  water,  all  contribute  to  the  formation 
of  such  a  scene  of  beauty  as  is  rarely  to  be  met  with  ;  and  at 
this  season,  when  to  all  these  fine  permanent  features  are 
added  the  host  of  fine-foliaged  plants  from  the  tropics,  which, 
by  the  skill  devoted  to  their  arrangement,  display  their  curious 
growth  and  foliage  to  the  greatest  advantage,  these  gardens 
may  be  said  to  be  quite  unique,  so  skilfully  has  the  Super- 
intendent availed  himself  of  the  rich  variety  which  the  grace- 
ful forms  and  varied  hues  of  the  tropical  plants  afford — the 
novel  effects  succeeding  eaoh  other  so  constantly  that  the 
interest  excited  by  the  first  glimpse  is  fully  sustained  in  every 
part  of  the  subtropical  garden. 

In  designing  these  grounds  the  aim  of  the  artist  was  evi- 
dently to  obtain  as  much  shelter  as  possible,  in  order  to  screen 
the  large  foliage  of  the  tropical  plants,  which  soon  loses  its 
beauty  if  at  all  exposed  to  violent  winds ;  this  shelter  is  ob- 
tained by  causing  the  walk*  to  wind  about  in  graceful  curves, 
so  as  to  form  a  number  of  semicircular  spaces,  behind  which 
rise  banks  well  clothed  with  a  variety  of  trees  and  shrubs,  the 
growth  of  which,  while  it  is  void  of  all  stiffness  or  formality,  is 
kept  beautifully  graduated  downwards  till  it  meets  that  of  the 
plants  it  is  designed  to  proteot.  As  an  example  of  how  well 
this  is  done,  I  will  instance  one  group  of  beds  occupying  the 
space  in  front  of  a  long  sweeping  curve.  Towards  the  highest 
part  of  the  bank  is  a  broad  belt  of  Lilacs,  next  below  this  is  a 
row  of  variegated  Aacuba  japonioa,  then  a  fine  bold  line  of  the 
dark-flowered  Nosegay  Pelargonium  Waltham  Seedling,  next 
this  a  row  of  Golden  Pyrethrum,  with  a  front  row  of  Stachys 
lanata.  Close  in  front  of  this  bank,  at  the  centre  and  deepest 
part  of  the  curve,  is  a  fine  long  bed  having  lines  of  Canna  discolor 
behind,  then  Canna  expansa  rubra  of  lower  growth  and  with 
dark-coloured  foliage,  and  a  row  of  Pelargonium  Golden  Fleece 
in  front.  This  bed  has  a  very  bold  and  striking  appearance. 
In  front  of  it,  near  the  walk,  are  three  circular  beds,  the  middle 
one  containing  in  its  centre  a  splendid  Cycas  revoluta,  with  its 
elegant  fronds  spreading  gracefully  over  a  mass  of  Coleus 
Albert  Victor  beneath,  while  around  the  Cycas,  but  not  near 
enough  to  crowd  it  or  affect  its  beauty,  were  smaller  plants  of 
Latania  borbonica  and  Chamterops  Martiana,  with  an  edging 
of  the  pretty  grey  Santolina  lavandulasfolia,  which  gave  an 
appropriate  finish  to  the  whole.  Of  the  other  two  beds,  one 
contained  a  compact  mass  of  Li'itim  lancifolium  rubrum,  and 
the  other  a  crimson  scarlet  Pelargonium  ;  both  beds  had  edg- 
ings of  Ceutaurea  gymnocarpa.  A  few  Palms  springing  from 
the  turf  among  the  beds  imparted  grace  and  lightness  to  the 
entire  group,  which  is  but  one  among  many  others  equally 
striking  aud  effective. 


Another  very  long  graceful  ourve,  having,  like  the  rest,  ita 
sloping  bank  of  shrubs,  had  all  round  the  curve  at  the  base  of 
the  bank,  but  raised  2  or  3  feet  from  the  actual  level,  a  number 
of  small  semicircles  out  into  the  bank,  on  each  of  which  was 
enthroned  a  noble  Musa  Ensete,  surrounded  by  other  tropical 
plants.  On  the  level  surface  of  the  turf,  at  the  foot  of  the  bank, 
were  some  fine  groups  of  Cannas  and  various  other  fine-foliaged 
plants,  interspersed  with  good  specimens  of  Seaforthia  elegans, 
Cordyline  indivisa,  a  fine  Latania  borbonica,  and  a  beautiful 
plant  of  Areca  Bapida.  In  front  of  this  group,  on  the  turf 
beyond  the  walk,  were  a  number  of  beds,  some  containing 
varieties  of  Cannas,  and  all  interspersed  with  handsome  speci- 
mens of  Palms.  A  novel  effect  was  here  produced  by  a  long 
narrow  bed,  the  curves  of  which  were  so  close  to  each  other  as 
to  form  a  number  of  small  semiciroles,  each  of  which  embraced 
a  neat  circle  of  green  Ivy ;  the  sides  of  the  bed  were  faced  with 
a  thick  compact  hedge  of  Euonymus  radicans  variegatus  nearly 
a  foot  high  ;  the  soil  of  the  bed  was  almost  level  with  the  top 
of  this  hedge.  A  broad  line  of  Pelargonium  Cybister  ran  along 
the  centre  of  the  bed,  with  a  row  of  Pelargonium  Golden  Fleece 
on  each  side.  This  bold  mass  of  colour  lost  all  its  harshness 
by  the  proximity  of  so  much  green  foliage. 

At  another  part  of  the  garden  is  a  fine  group  of  Acer  Ne- 
gundo  variegatum,  occupying  an  elevated  and  commanding 
position  in  front  of  a  belt  of  dark-foliaged  shrubs.  Passing 
round  one  of  the  numerous  curves  one  cannot  fail  to  admire 
the  fine  effect  produced  by  this  mass  of  silvery  foliage,  whioh 
is  so  placed  that  a  walk  leads  straight  to  its  centre,  where  the 
tallest  plants  are  placed,  the  whole  group  being  so  arranged  as 
to  slope  gently  downwards  from  its  centre  to  the  outer  row.  A 
short  distance  from  this  group  a  striking  contrast  presents 
itself  in  a  number  of  Yuccas  clothing  a  steep  bank. 

A  fine  effect,  different  in  character,  and  certainly  as  novel  in 
design  as  any  group  to  be  found  in  the  entire  garden,  is  pro- 
duced by  four  beds  on  the  turf,  in  a  line  parallel  to  the  walk  ; 
two  of  these  beds  are  parallelograms,  and  two  are  circles ;  all 
of  them  are  plauted  with  the  same  kind  of  plants,  but  with 
the  colours  arranged  in  different  designs.  The  soil  of  these 
beds,  in  common  with  that  of  most  others  here,  rises  abrnptly 
from  the  turf,  and  thus  a  miniature  ramp  having  a  sharp  slope 
is  formed  all  round  the  beds.  On  the  face  of  all  the  beds  is  a 
neat  row  of  Echeveria  secunda  glauca,  and  in  each  of  the  long 
beds  a  band  of  Alternanthera  paronychioides  runs  all  round 
next  the  Echeveria.  Along  the  centre  of  each  bed  are  three 
separate  small  scrolls  of  Golden  Pyrethrum,  with  a  small  star 
of  Santolina  incana  on  each  side  of  the  central  scroll.  Closely 
surrounding  these,  and  entirely  covering  the  remaining  surface 
of  the  beds,  is  a  compact  mass  of  the  splendid  Alternanthera 
amocna,  with  foliage  of  a  deep  pink  or  crimson  shade.  In  the 
circles  a  band  of  Alternanthera  amoena  is  outside  next  the 
Echeveria,  then  comes  a  band  of  Santolina,  then  A.  amcena 
again,  then  Golden  Pyrethrum,  then  more  of  A.  amcena,  with 
centres  of  Santolina,  the  Pyrethrum  forming  a  number  of 
Vandykes,  the  spaces  of  which  are  filled  on  each  side  by  the 
colours  given  above.  Behind  these  oharming  beds  are  two 
masses  of  Cannas,  with  an  edging  of  the  dull  grey  Veronica 
incana,  the  quiet  tone  of  which  acts  as  a  capital  foil  to  the 
bright  colours  in  the  front  beds.  I  have  described  this  group 
fully,  because  the  plants  themselves,  and  the  pretty  designs 
into  which  their  colours  are  interwoven,  are  such  as  are  suit- 
able for  any  flower  garden  however  small. 

Passing  from  this  bright  scene  round  one  or  two  curves  we 
come  upon  another  equally  striking,  and  far  more  uncommon 
— the  miniature  Alps,  with  their  summits  clothed  with  Anten- 
naria  tomentosa,  which  really  conveys  a  very  good  idea  of  the 
perpetual  snow  it  is  intended  to  represent.  From  the  "snow 
line  "  downwards  to  the  ravine  and  lower  slopes  of  the  "  moun- 
tains "  are  a  host  of  alpine  plants,  the  majority  of  which  are 
of  such  diminutive  growth  that  the  plants  of  Echeveria  metal- 
lica,  which  are  interspersed  among  them,  tower  above  them 
like  giants.  The  quaint  forms  and  the  dwarf,  compact  growth 
of  this  rich  collection  of  alpine  plants  offer  an  interesting 
study  of  a  class  of  plants  but  too  little  known  ;  the  agreeable 
and  natural  manner  in  which  they  are  here  seen  growing,  and 
the  novel  effect  of  the  whole  scene,  are  also  well  calculated  to 
fix  the  visitor's  attention. 

Turn  we  now  to  a  very  different  scene,  but  quite  as  effective 
in  its  way,  at  another  part  of  the  garden,  in  a  quiet  nook,  shut 
in  and  overshadowed  by  the  spreading  branches  of  trees.  On 
one  side  of  tho  walk  is  a  group  of  Tree  Ferns,  so  disposed  as 
to  exhibit  the  full  beauty  of  their  graceful  proportions,  and  on 
the  other  sidB  a  narrow  glade  stretches  away  till  it  is  lott  among 


Aogust  2D,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


143 


■the  trees.  All  along  the  sides  of  this  glade  are  Tree  Ferns, 
their  graceful  fronds  almost  touching  each  other,  and  spread- 
ing out  over  other  kinds  of  more  lowly  growth,  forming  a 
oharming  vista  full  of  quiet  beauty  and  repose. 

Having  thus  given  a  sketch  of  some  of  the  most  striking 
scenes  with  which  these  gardens  abound,  I  will  now  proceed  to 
describe  a  few  of  the  principal  beds,  most  of  which  oocupy 
raised  spaces  on  the  banks  by  the  sides  of  the  walks.  A  good 
effect  was  produced  by  a  broad  band  of  Canna  Rendatleri,  with 
abundance  of  its  orange-coloured  flower  spikes  ;  in  front  of 
this  was  a  row  of  Solanum  laciuiatum,  with  deeply  serrated 
foliage  and  pale  blue  flowers,  and  outside,  an  edging  of  Ama- 
raathus  melancholicus  ruber.  Another  bed  had  a  band  of 
Canna  limbata,  with  pale  green  foliage ;  in  front  of  this  was 
Canna  zebrina  coccinea,  of  medium  height,  with  bronze 
foliage,  having  a  handsome  edging  of  Santolina  lavandula- 
folia.  A  bold  mass  of  Wigandia  caraoasana,  with  broad  deep 
green  leaves,  had  a  fine  effect,  somewhat  spoilt,  however, 
by  the  rough  and  unsightly  stakes  supporting  the  plants. 
Another  interesting  bed  contained  the  curious  Solanum  pyra- 
canthum,  with  narrow  foliage  deeply  serrated,  having  a  number 
of  spines  or  thorns  of  a  bright  orange  colour  on  the  stems  and 
the  upper  sides  of  the  leaves.  In  front  of  these  were  some 
plants  of  Amaranthus  trioolor,  with  the  rich  leaf-markings 
beautifully  developed.  A  long  border  contained  Canna  limbata 
and  the  fine  Canna  Bihorelli,  with  a  good  edging  of  Scarlet 
Pelargonium  ;  another  had  two  rows  of  Canna  purpurea  specta- 
iulis,  a  fine  variety,  with  deep  bronze  foliage.  In  front  of  this 
was  a  row  of  Canna  Sellowii,  a  dwarf  kind  with  green  foliage; 
the  edging  was  Pelargonium  Golden  Fleece.  A  mass  of  Canna 
zebrina  coccinea  was  surrounded  by  a  row  of  Pelargonium  Dr. 
Lindley,  with  an  edging  of  Statice  in  fine  flower ;  this  bed 
would  have  been  better  without  the  Pelargonium.  In  another 
bed  was  a  fine,  bold  mass  of  foliage,  consisting  of  Canna  lim- 
bata, with  Ricinus  purpureus,  and  with  an  edging  of  Funkia 
suboordata.  A  circular  bed  of  Coleus  Berkleji,  interspersed 
with  Abutilon  Thompsoni,  had  a  very  novel  effect.  In  another 
bed  was  Solanum  macrophyllum,  with  Solanum  marginatum 
next  it,  then  a  row  of  alternate  plants  of  Amaranthus  melan- 
cholicus ruber  and  Golden  Chain  Pelargonium,  with  an  edging 
of  Sempervivum  montanum.  A  line  effect  was  obtained  in  a 
oiroular  bed  by  planting  the  centre  with  Coleua  Prince  Arthur, 
out  of  which  sprang  a  few  small  Musas  ;  round  this  was  a  row 
of  pink-flowered  Lantanas  (Delicatissima,  I  think),  with  an 
edging  of  dwarf  Ageratum.  Another  bed  had  a  central  mass 
of  Coleus  nigricans,  out  of  which  sprang  a  number  of  Abutilon 
Thompsoni ;  round  this  was  a  handsome  line  of  Pelargonium 
Daybreak,  a  very  fine  variegated  kind,  the  foliage  having  a 
broad  silvery  margin,  and  next  this  was  an  edging  of  the  bright 
crimson  Alternanthera  ameena.  This  was  a  very  handsome 
and  attractive  bed.  Some  of  the  beds  were  bordered  with  a 
broad  line  of  a  gold-blotched  Ivy  iHedera  Helix  aureo-maculata, 
I  think),  which  looked  well.  Many  of  the  variegated  Ivies  are 
very  valuable  for  this  purpose.  A  small  circle  had  a  pretty 
design,  formed  of  Alternanthera  spathnlata,  Golden  Pyrethrum, 
Blue  Lobelia,  and  Santolina  incana.  Nor  must  I  omit  some 
good  groups  of  Ficus  elastica,  conspicuous  by  their  glossy 
green  leaves  and  long,  crimson,  taper  buds. 

From  other  groups  I  may  select  Polymnia  granJis,  Arundo 
Donax  variegata,  Canna  metallica  with  very  dark  rich  foliage, 
and  Canna  expansa,  a  dwarf  kind  with  bronze  foliage,  as 
plants  possessing  distinct  and  striking  features.  One  or  two 
lines  of  Artemisia  Stelleriana  had  a  very  dull  and  ragged  ap- 
pearance, and  it  was  to  be  regretted  that  so  paltry  a  plant, 
without  one  good  quality  to  recommend  it,  should  find  a  place 
among  so  many  plants  of  sterling  merit.  Some  lines,  too,  of 
Plumbago  capensis,  though  not  so  objectionable,  were  some- 
what ragged  in  appearance,  and  had  a  very  scanty  crop  of 
flowers.  It  must,  however,  be  acknowledged  that  in  the  entire 
garden  there  was  little,  if  anything,  to  cause  one  to  indulge  in 
a  "  growl ;"  on  the  contrary,  the  very  high  degree  of  skill 
exhibited  in  the  selection,  arrangement,  and  culture  of  the 
plants,  their  health,  vigour,  and  uniform  excellence,  and  the 
neatness  and  order  which  everywhere  prevailed,  all  formed 
cause  for  hearty  congratulation  to  all  concerned. 

I  must  not  conclude  this  notice  without  referring  to  the 
numerous  healthy  examples  of  Palms  and  other  fine-foliaged 
plants  interspersed  among  the  beds.  The  kinds  most  worthy 
of  note  were — Phoenix  reclinata,  Cbamserops  Fortunei,  some 
fine  plants  of  the  elegant  Cordyline  indivisa,  Seaforthia  elegans, 
Ferdinanda  eminens,  Areca  sapida,  and  our  old  friend  Cha- 
masrops  humilis,  a  fine  Musa  superba,  and  nobler  than  all 


the  rest,  the  splendid  Musa  Ensete,  the  Abyssinian  Banana. 
The  largest  plant  of  this  was  probably  12  leet  high  ;  one  enor- 
mous leaf  springing  erect  from  its  centre  was  perfect,  but  most 
of  the  other  leaves  had  apparently  been  lacerated  by  wind. 
This  stately  denizen  of  the  tropios  has  its  stem  sheathed  in 
the  bases  of  the  leaves,  which  spring  upwards  and  outwards, 
often  being  10  or  12  feet  long.  Though  attaining  such  noble 
dimensions  the  texture  of  the  leaf  is  of  exquisite  delicacy  ;  the 
bright  red  midrib,  standing  out  boldly  from  the  under  surface 
of  the  leaf,  contrasts  most  beautifully  with  its  lively  green 
colour.  Beautiful  as  the  plant  is  at  Battersea  this  summer, 
it  must  be  seen  growing  under  the  shelter  of  glass  to  be  fully 
appreciated,  for  there  its  huge  foliage  acquiies  a  delicaoy  of 
appearance  far  surpassing  that  which  it  presents  in  the  open 
air.  The  fine  plant  growing  in  the  Crystal  Palace  is  well 
worthy  of  inspection. 

The  able  manner  in  which  all  formality  is  avoided  in  the 
gardens  at  Battereea  is  an  important  consideration,  for  sure  I 
am  that  a  much  greater  degree  of  eDJoyment  must  be  derived 
from'  pleasure  grounds  so  beautifully  diversified,  and  offering 
such  a  charming  contrast  to  the  flat  monotonous  style  which 
has  hitherto  obtained  an  almost  universal  adoption  than  from 
the  latter  ;  but  this  is  a  subject  which  to  my  mind  is  far  too 
important  to  be  dealt  with  here,  and  I  therefore  propose  at  some 
future  time  to  devote  a  paper  specially  to  it. — Edward  Lbck- 
nunsT,  Egertun  Home  Gardens,  Kent. 


BEET  FOR  DECORATIVE  PURPOSES. 

Or  the  many  subjects  that  within  the  pa6t  few  years  have 
been  pressed  into  the  service  of  the  flower  gardener,  there  is 
none  which  seems  to  me  so  much  out  of  place  and  character  as 
Beet.  Look  at  it  as  we  may,  intermix  it  as  we  choose— whether 
in  the  front  or  at  the  back  of  a  border,  near  to  the  eye  or  dis- 
tant from  it — the  impression  given  by  the  dark  broDzy  purple 
foliage  of  Dell's  Crimson  is  that  of  a  kitchen  garden,  whilst  the 
Chilian  Beet  reminds  me  of  a  field  of  Mangolds.  Flowers  in  a 
kitchen  garden  may  be  tolerated,  they  ate  there  for  a  purpose 
— to  afford  cut  flowers  ;  but  for  vegetables  in  a  flower  garden 
there  can  be  no  such  excuse  so  long  as  suitable  plants  having 
no  culinary  use  eau  be  found.  But  are  there  no  plants  so  good 
as  Beet  ?  I  imagine  there  are,  and  better  subjects  fur  a  flower 
garden. 

Dell's  Crimson  Beet  is  the  most  compact  and  close-growing, 
and  it  has  the  property  of  keeping  well  furnished  at  the  base, 
the  root  being  hidden  by  the  dense  leaf-growth  even  in  a  front 
line.  The  foliage  is  Dracaona-like,  arches  over  from  the  centre, 
and  its  colour  is  very  uniform.  Iudividual  plants  hardly  vary 
in  this  respect,  but  present  a  dark  bronzed  purple,  a  hue  that 
may  well  be  termed  metallic.  They  are  very  regular  in  growth 
and  size,  and  there  are  no  "  runners";  indeed  it  is  by  far  the 
best  variety  I  have  seen.  Of  its  value  as  a  decorative  plant 
there  can  be  no  question.  It  is  much  bolder,  has  more  of  an 
oriental  aspect  than  any  of  the  Iresines,  Amaranthuses,  or  Alter- 
nantheras,  and  may  be  used  with  or  without  them.  Unlike 
them,  however,  it  is  hardy,  does  not  require  to  be  reared  in 
pots,  and  takes  up  no  time  nor  house  room.  It  may  lie  in  the 
seed-oloset  until  April,  and  then  be  sown  where  it  is  to  do  its' 
duty.  Besides,  it  comes  in  for  the  table  quite  as  well  as  Beet 
grown  in  the  kitchen  garden.  It  will  grow  in  cold  localities 
where  Iresine,  Amaranthus,  and  Coleus  do  not  succeed,  and  it 
is  equally  at  home  in  a  wet  cold  summer  as  in  one  like  the 
present.  It  is  just  the  plant  for  places  where  a  mass  or  lines 
of  a  dark  purple  colour  are  required  with  the  least  amount  of 
labour  and  expense.  But  it  is  only  a  Beet ;  if  one  can  get  over 
that,  which  I  cannot,  it  will  not  fail  to  please. 

Sown  in  April  it  attains  a  good  size  by  the  end  of  June,  and: 
is  in  its  beauty  all  through  July,  improving  as  the  season  ad- 
vances, and  is  never  finer  than  when  taken  up  in  November. 
The  first  or  second  week  in  April  is  when  I  should  sow  it  in 
order  to  have  it  in  condition  in  July,  but  I  would  not  sow  until 
the  first  week  in  May  if  it  were  not  wanted  to  produce  an  effect 
before  August.  Of  course  it  will  grow  in  any  soil.  Sow  the 
seed  in  drills,  cover  with  light  soil,  and  thiu  out  the  seedlings 
to  9  inches  apart.  Some  sow  in  pans  and  transplant,  but  I  do 
not  perceive  any  benefit  in  the  practice;  on  the  contrary,  if 
the  weather  be  dry  after  transplanting  many  plants  will  pro- 
bably run  to  seed  and  must  be  pulled  up,  spoiling  the  mass 
or  line.  I  have  not  seen  a  more  select  stock  than  Dell's  Crim- 
son. It  remains  to  be  seen  how  long  this  Beet  will  continue 
true  to  its  characteristics. 
Of  the  Chilian  Beet  I  cannot  say  much,  this  being  my  first 


144 


JODENAL  OF  HOBTICULTUBE  AND  COTTAGE   GABDENEK. 


[  August  25,  1870. 


year  of  growing  it,  but  unless  it  prove  better  than  it  has 
done,  I  shall  discard  it.  The  seed  was  obtained  from  a 
first-class  firm,  so  that  I  have  no  reason  to  donbt  its  being 
true  to  name.  The  plants  vary  in  the  colour  of  the  leaves  ; 
some  plants  have  yellow  stslks  and  veins,  others  red,  but  of  the 
"  deep  waxy  oraDge,"  and  "  vivid  polished  crimson,"  I  have  not 
seen  any  more  than  are  developed  in  yellow  or  red  Mangold, 
whilst  the  growth  is  coarse — very  different  from  the  refinement 
we  aim  at  in  flower  borders  or  beds.  It  may  do  for  shrubbeiy 
borders,  but  not,  I  think,  for  flower  gardens;  in  fact,  I  do  not 
see  why  the  Silver  Beet  should  not  have  a  place  as  well  as 
this  novelty.  In  the  same  way  we  might  adopt  in  the 
flower  garden  other  kitchen-garden  plants.  Where  is  there 
a  more  stately  plant  than  the  Globe  Artichoke,  so  silvery  in 
its  foliage,  and  what  plant  has  such  a  finely  cut  foliage  as 
the  Carrot  ? 

The  Chilian  Beet  I  shall  not  gvow  again  unless  some  one 
seeing  it  (und  I  have  it  in  all  the  colours  spoken  of  by  "  Q.  Q."), 
should  between  now  and  November  express  himself  in  its 
favour.  I  have  it  in  a  conspicuous  part  of  the  kitchen  ga'iden  ; 
no  one  but  myself  seems  to  notice  it — proof  enough  of  its 
little  attractiveness  and  beauty.  In  the  flower  garden  I  have 
no  doubt  it  would  soon  be  noticed,  and  might  be  thought  from 
its  novelty  very  beautiful,  unlit  it  became  known  that  it  was 
nothing  more  than  Beet  with  vaiious-colouied  loaves,  green 
largely  predominating  iu  all. — G.  Abbey. 


A  GLIMPSE  OF  THE  ROSES  IN  THE  NORTH 
AND  SOUTH. 

I  have  received  the  following  communication  from  Mr. 
Henry  Taylor,  of  Feneote,  Bedale,  Yoikshire.  It  is  reliable, 
as  he  is  a  first-rate  propagator,  cultivator,  and  judge  of  Hoses, 
and  not  a  mere  scribbler. 

"I  have  been  to  ste  Mr.  Harmon's  Eoses,  at  Darlington. 
He  has  20,000,  one-half  on  the  Manetti  stock,  and  the  other 
half  on  the  Brier;  both  are  fine,  but  he  has  a  strong  clay  soil, 
which  suits  the  Briar.  Amongst  the  Eoses  of  1870  these  were 
good — Albion,  Baronne  Chaurund,  Blanche  Meon,  Ferdinand 
de  Lesseps,  Louisa  Wood,  Eugenie  Verdier,  of  immense  size 
and  the  best  of  the  year.  The  following  were  good  and  promis- 
ing:-Jules  [Seurre?]  Madame  Duatour,  Jeanne  Guillot,  La 
Motte  Sanguine,  good  and  free  ;  Charles  Lee,  Henri  Ledechaux, 
Clemence  Eaoux,  Leopold  II.,  Black  Prince,  Madame  Neman, 
Ville  de  Lyon,  Marquise  de  Mortemart  (properly  Montmartre). 
Teas — Belle  Lyonnaise,  Adrienne  Christophle,  Madame  Level, 
Hontplaisir.  He  marks  the  following  Hybrid  Perpetuus  as 
extra  fine  : — Monsieur  Woolfield,  Nardy  Fieres,  Felix  Genero, 
and  Tbyra  Bamrneiich."  He  adds  further  on  in  his  letter, 
"  Madame  Auguste  Verdier  is  a  magnificent  Eose,  very  large 
and  perfect,  a  new  Eose."  Then  again,  "Velours  Pourpre  of 
1866  is  one  of  the  best  daik  Eoses,  a  fine  Eose  not  much 
known.     I  have  budded  it." 

At  the  same  date  I  received  a  letter  from  my  esteemed  friend, 
Mr.  William  Paul,  in  which  he  says,  "  I  am  of  opinion  that 
Felix  Genero  is  quite  first-rate." 

Buses  are  now  blooming  well  again  here.  What  a  wonderful 
stock  is  the  Manetti !  We  are  told  that  we  cannot  grow  Eoses 
big  enough  for  exhibition  except  on  Briars.  Such  is  a  fallacy. 
The  Eev.  Mr.  Going,  vicar  of  Walworth,  came  here  with  his 
friend  Mr.  C.  Ingram,  and,  being  astonished  at  the  size  of  the 
Eoses,  he  measured  with  my  marked  tape  one  Eose,  and  found 
it  to  be  6  inches  in  diameter.  I  have  had  numbers  of  Eoses 
4  inches  and  over.  What  a  man  does,  and  what  he  can  do  and 
ought  to  do,  are  two  different  things.  I  brought  down  on  my- 
self satire,  sarcasm,  and  the  sardonic  laugh  some  years  ago  for 
saying  what  I  shall  now  repeat,  that  we  have  lots  of  possessors 
of  hoses,  and  prize-winners,  and  scribblers,  but  very  few  ex- 
perienced Eose-cultivators  ! 

The  best  of  the  Eoses  of  1870,  so  far  as  I  have  been  able  to 
try  them,  are  Princess  Christian,  Mademoiselle  Eugenie  Ver- 
dier, two  beauties  of  great  substance — an  important  point — and 
Maiquise  de  Castellane.  'l~D.,Deal,"  brought  here  beautiful 
blooms  of  Louis  Van  Houtte.     My  plant  has  maJe  no  sign. — 

W.  F,  EaDCLYFIE. 


is  well  known  to  bo  very  fatal  to  small  animals. — (Student  and 
Intellectual  Obseiver.) 

[This  doubtless  refers  to  the  Phylloxera  vastatrix. — Eds.] 


Vine  Pests. — Many  of  the  continental  vineyards  havo  been 
attacked  thi3  year  by  a  grub  which  iufesta  the  roots  of  the 
plant.  M.  Maichand  propo.-es  the  extermination  of  this  pest 
by  watering  the  soil  with  stdphureted  hydrogen  water,  which 


SOME  FLOWERS  AND  GRASSES   SUITABLE 
FOR  DRYING. 

Possibly  some  of  your  numerous  readers  who  do  not  possess 
a  stove  or  other  heated  structure  in  which  to  grow  flowers 
all  the  year  round,  find  it  at  times  very  difficult  to  obtain  them 
for  the  decoration  of  the  dinner-table  and  other  purposes  of 
houso  ornamentation.  To  thoso  so  situated  I  would  recommend 
the  following  flowers  and  Grasses,  all  of  which  come  under  the 
general  head  of  Everlastings,  as  suitable  for  drying,  and  so 
capable  of  being  turned  to  account  when  fresh  flowers  may  not 
be  obtaiuable. 

Of  these  the  Helichrysums  are  a  mo3t  interesting  class  of 
plants.  They  are  easily  cultivated,  and,  if  the  flowers  be  eat 
before  the  disc  becomes  fully  expanded,  will  retain  their  colour 
for  upwards  of  two  years.  Ehodantho  Manglesii  and  some  of 
its  varieties  are  also  well  worth  growing  for  the  same  purpose, 
but  they  require  a  warm  situation.  Ammobium  alatum  is 
another,  and,  as  its  generic  name  indicates,  will  thrive  in  a 
poor  3andy  soil.  Waitzia,  or  Morua,  grandiflora,  I  may  men- 
tion, requires  the  protection  of  glass,  unless  in  the  more 
southern  counties  of  England,  where  it  may  be  planted  out  of 
doors  after  the  middle  of  June.  The  Aphelexis  is  allied  to  the 
HelichryEum;  all  of  the  species  are  greenhouse  evergreen  shrubs, 
but  they  are  not  all  hardy.  The  Statices  are  a  numerous 
class,  and  so  useful  that  they  must  be  included  in  this  list. 
Several  kinds  of  Gnaphalium,  together  with  the  varieties  of 
Gomphrena  globosa,  or  the  Globe  Amaranth,  are  more  or  less 
pretty,  especially  the  latter,  and  well  deserving  more  extended 
cultivation.  Humea  elegans  is  not  by  any  means  to  be  despised. 
When  dried,  its  bronzy-red  spikes  show  to  great  advantage 
when  other  things  of  the  same  character  are  not  so  plentiful. 
The  Xeranthemum  is  a  true  Everlasting;  the  flowers,  after  being 
dried,  may  be,  and  are,  dyed  of  any  colour,  and  it  can  be  grown 
from  seed  sown  in  the  open  border.  Acroclinium  roseum  must 
also  be  in  this  list.  Many  others  might  be  named,  but  these 
are  sufficient  for  the  purpose  at  present. 

In  the  way  of  Grasses,  as  suitable  for  use  with  the  above- 
mentioned,  the  following  will  be  found  to  afford  much  satisfac- 
tion to  thoso  who  have  not  hitherto  grown  them,  and  are  not 
well  acquainted  with  this  elegant  tribe  of  plants : — Agrostis 
argentea,  A.  pulchella,  and  A.  nebulosa ;  Briza  maxima,  and  the 
lesser  species,  B.  gracilis;  the  graceful  and  "useful  Eragrostis 
elegans ;  Lagurus  ovatus  ;  Stipa  pencata,  or  the  common  Feather- 
grass of  the  seed  shops,  a  British  plant  capable  of  propagation 
either  by  root-division  or  by  seeds,  and  will  grew  in  auy  com- 
mon soil.  The  Pampas  Grass  is  also  found  useful ;  the  elegant 
and  stately  inflorescence  of  this  fine  Grass  can  be  easily  pre- 
served, and  retained  in  use  for  a  considerable  time. 

Such  are  a  few  of  the  more  useful  of  flowers  and  Grasses 
capable  of  preservation.  Those  unaccustomed  to  their  use  are 
scarcely  aware  of  the  excellent  effect  they  have  when  grouped 
in  epergnes  and  such-like  for  the  decoration  of  the  dinner-table. 
— (The  Gardener.) 

CHAPMAN'S  PATENT  FLOWER-CASES. 
I  am  convinced  that  these  cases  must  come  into  very  general 
use.  I  lately  sent  by  rail  to  a  flower  show  twelve  blooms  of 
cut  Eoses,  and  they  arrived  without  a  petal  shaken ;  and 
to  the  Eoyal  Horticultural  Society's  late  Show  at  South 
Kensington  I  brought  up  twelve  Gladiolus,  which  won  the 
first  prize,  and  I  took  them  home  again  without  the  least 
damage.  It  was  the  first  case  for  Gladioli  Mr.  Chapman  had 
made,  and  all  who  saw  it  were  delighted  with  its  success.  The 
comfort  of  merely  having  to  take  out  your  box  and  put  it  on 
the  exhibition-table  is  something  to  be  grateful  for.— D.,  Deal. 


The  Flower  Tkade  of  St.  Louis.— It  is  but  a  few  years 
Bince  the  entire  flower  trade  of  the  city  was  in  the  hands  of  a 
few  old  women,  and  the  list  of  flowers  on  salo  was  of  the  most 
limited  character.  St.  Louis  was  held  up  in  contrast  with 
Chicago  and  other  cities,  and  denounced  by  interested  strangers 
as  displaying  an  utter  want  of  enterprise.  We  havo  watched 
the  indications  of  progress  in  this  direction,  especially  during 
the  last  ten  years,  and  find  an  amazing  expansion  and  develop- 


Angust  25,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


145 


merit.  We  have  now  commercial  floral  establishments,  green- 
houses, gardens,  &a.,  that  are  a  credit  to  the  community,  and 
an  illustration  of  progress  in  the  love  of  the  beautiful  that  can- 
not fail  to  work  a  marked  effect  on  the  health  and  moral  cha- 
racter of  the  community.  The  total  sales  for  a  single  week 
this  spring  come  to  the  very  neat  amount  of  3550  dols.  The 
annual  sales  of  a  single  turn  fjr  several  years  amounted  to 
12,000  dols.  In  regard  to  the  character  of  the  stock  for  sale,  it 
embraces  every  article  in  the  greenhouse,  conservatory,  and 
open  garden  ;  with  all  the  equipments  for  parlour,  window,  and 
table  floral  ornamention.  In  the  department  of  bouquets  and 
cut  flowers  what  amazing  progress  has  been  made.  The  finest 
flowers  of  the  garden  and  conservatory,  arranged  in  the  most 
artistic  styles,  with  all  the  most  recent  accompaniments,  as 
rich  and  costly  holder?,  vases,  baskets,  &e.  1  The  hou=os  and 
grounds  are  generally  in  excellent  order,  and  the  collections 
embrace  everything  new  as  it  oomeB  out  in  every  department  of 
floriculture,  whether  iu  Europe  or  the  United  States.  The 
displays  made  at  some  of  our  fairs  and  horticultural  exhibitions 
fail  to  furnish  an  adequate  idea  of  the  variety  or  extent  of  the 
floral  trade  of  our  citv,  and  this  is  yet  in  its  infancy. — (Rural 
World  )  ' 

KENFIELD   HALL,  AND  ITS  CONIFERS. 

In  passing  by  the  South-Enstevn  Railway  through  the  Weald 
of  Kent  the  traveller  remarks  that  it  is  a  level  tract  highly 
cultivated,  plentifully  interspersed  with  woods  and  coppices, 
Hop  gardens  and  orchards  ;  that  there  are  small  moadows  and 
equally  diminutive  corn  fields  separated  by  hedges  of  every 
conceivable  shape,  with  considerably  more  than  tho  usual 
number  of  dwelling-houses  met  with  in  a  purely  agricultural 
district,  only  it  is  Beldom  these  buildings  are  seen  until  one  is 
close  to  tbem,  as  the  woods  and  orchards  conceal  the  comfort- 
able farm  houses  and  cosy  cottages  with  which  the  district  is 
studded.  No  high  embankment  gives  the  traveller  a  distant 
view,  and  only  Decisional  gaps  in  the  almost  continuous  line  of 
coppice,  trees,  orchard,  or  Hop  garden  that  hems  in  tho  rail  v.;v 
afford  glimpses  of  far-off  objects.  It  is  only  when  the  train 
pulls  up  at  Ashford  that  another  kind  of  eceuery  presents 
itself,  especially  if  the  journey  is  made  iu  the  direction  of  tho 
ancient  city  of  Canterbury.  The  heavy  Wealden  clay  and  com- 
parative flatness  give  place  to  gently  rising  hills,  which  by 
degrees  assume  greater  altitude1,  and  gradually  Hop  gardens 
and  orchards  give  place  to  corn  fields  of  considerable  magni- 
tude, and  should  there  be  any  portion  of  such  fields  in  tiilage, 
the  colour  reveals  at  once  that,  chalk  predominates.  Corn  and 
green  crop3  are  the  principal  objeats  cultivated,  the  valleys 
being  meadow  land,  with  now  and  then  orchards  and  Hop 
gardens,  and  it  is  not  unusual  to  see  tho  crests  of  the  hills 
clothed  with  wood.  This  undulating  country  bordering  the 
valley  of  tho  Stour  between  Ashford  and  Canterbury,  along 
which  the  lioo  of  railway  runs,  is  not  without  its  interest. 
Occasionally  mansions  are  seen,  and  still  more  freuqeutly 
the  parks  attached  to  them.  The  parks  of  Eastwell,  God- 
mersham,  and  Chilham  Castle  form  conspicuous  objects  along 
the  line  of  route,  but  it  is  to  one  some  distance  from  the 
railway  that  I  would  here  more  especially  call  the  attention  of 
th.9  reader. 

About  three  miles  eastward  from  Chartbam  stntion  and  six 
from  Canterbury  is  Keufield  Hall,  one  of  those  commodious  brick 
edifices  whose  erection  might,  perhaps, date  from  the  beginning 
of  the  last  century,  The  road  thither  from  Cbartham  leads  over 
some  of  those  chalky  downs  which  afford  such  excellent  ma- 
terials for  roads  ;  flints  in  great  quantities  were  to  be  seen 
wherever  the  surface  was  not  hidden  by  the  crops,  for  these 
uplands  were  invariably  aribl6  land,  the  vallej'3  b6ing  generally 
meadows  ;  but  care  had  been  taken  to  break  the  largest  of  these 
stones,  so  that  rarely  was  anything  larger  than  ordinary  road 
metal  to  be  seen,  so  that  the  action  of  the  harrow  and  other 
agricultural  implements  should  not  be  impeded. 

Passing  along  the  crest  of  one  of  these  ridges  some  little 
distance,  we  at  length  obtain  a  glimpse  of  the  residence  we  are 
bound  for,  occupying  a  position  on  a  sort  of  natural  terrace 
facing  the  north,  and  overlooking  the  valley  which  lies  be- 
tween us  and  the  grounds.  The  house  is  so  well  sheltered  by 
timber  that  only  a  portion  of  it  can  b9  seen  at  a  time  until  it 
is  nearly  reached,  when  its  elevation  is  found  to  be  more  than 
might  be  expected,  although  there  is  still  higher  ground  to  the 
south  of  it.  The  carriage  front  iB  at  the  north  6ide,  the  various 
offices  being  to  the  west,  while  a  more  spaoious  front  opens  to 
the  south,  where  there  is  a  neat  and  well-stocked  flower  gar- 


den. The  dressed  grounds,  occupying  many  acres,  surround  the 
whole  on  all  sides  but  the  west,  which  abuts  on  the  park.  The 
mansion  and  grounds  are  in  the  centre  of  a  well-wooded  park 
of  large  size,  and  sufficiently  broken  by  undulations  to  render 
it  interesting  without  being  romantic.  The  character  of  the 
soil  is  much  superior  to  that  of  the  downs  I  have  noticed. 
The  soil  of  the  dressed  grounds,  including  the  pinetum,  is  a 
rather  stiff  loam,  such  as  one  often  meets  with  at  tho  base  of 
chalky  hills,  and  much  deeper  than  is  generally  the  case. 

A  good-sized  flower  garden  on  turf  extends  some  distance 
southward  of  the  house,  ample  space  being  allowed  between 
the  beds,  which  in  no  case  approach  each  other  nearer  than 
10  feet,  while  they  are  each  of  not  less  than  6  or  8  square 
yards.  The  design  of  the  whole  was  pleasing,  and  the  beds 
were  all  filled  with  well-selected  plants  of  the  usual  charac- 
ter. I  r.oticed  very  good  beds  of  Geraniums  Lady  Cullnm, 
Mis.  Pollock,  Beauty  of  Ca'.derdale,  and  other  ornamental- 
leaved  varieties,  as  well  as  kinds  cultivated  for  their  flowers, 
Lord  Palmerston  being  by  no  means  the  least  important. 
The  most  striking  bed  was  a  circular  one  about  12  feet  in 
diameter,  composed  entirely  of  Centaurea  endidissima,  Colons 
Vertebaffelti,  and  Golden  Pyrethrnm,  the  last-named  being 
used  as  an  edging.  The  rich  colouring  of  the  Coleus  and 
Centaurea  I  have  never  seen  exceeded.  Other  beds  to  the  east 
of  the  house  were  of  a  more  mixed  character.  A  piece  of 
interesting  rockwork,  forming  a  suitable  screen  between  this 
part  of  tho  garden  and  tho  carriage  entrance  at  the  north- 
eastern corner,  was  well  worthy  of  iuspecfion,  for  the  frag- 
ments of  stone  composing  it  are  said  to  have  been  taken  from 
an  old  religions  edifice  iu  the  neighbourhood  that  had  been  de- 
molished. Carved  corbels,  portions  of  clustered  columns,  and 
capitals  with  soma  foliage  in  an  exceedingly  good  state  of  preser- 
vations attest  the  quality  of  the  stone,  which  assuredly  was  not 
obtained  in  the  neighbourhood.  Relics  like  these  give  a  charm 
to  rockwork,  which  mere  flints  and  petrified  clay  fail  to  do. 
There  was  likewise  no  lack  of  plants  suitable  for  such  a  place. 
A  very  fine  Samach  (Rhus  Cotinus),  at  a  short  distance,  in  full 
flower  attracted  my  attention  ;  this  very  handsome  shrub  is  not 
planted  so  much  as  it  deserves  to  be,  neither  is  the  common 
Berberry,  which  in  another  port  of  the  grounds  was  really 
beautiful. 

Having  desctibed  the  flower  garden  and  its  appendages  as 
adjoining  the  mansion  on  its  southern,  eastern,  and  north- 
eastern sides,  I  shall  now  proceed  eastward,  and  as  there  are 
plenty  of  walks  leading  in  that  direction,  I  will  follow  the  most 
southerly  one,  by  which  I  soon  come  to  the  choice  Conifers 
and  shrubs  for  which  this  place  is  noted.  Broad,  well-kept 
gravel  walks  in  easy  graceful  curves  intersect  the  grounds  in 
all  directions,  now  and  then  approaching  the  boundary  fence 
so  as  to  afford  a  peep  into  the  park,  and  at  other  parts  skirting 
a  mass  of  shrubbery  on  one  side,  with  a  thriving  Conifer  on 
the  other,  the  intervening  spacss  being  closely-shaven  turf. 
Some  of  the  shrubbery  was  necessarily  dug  ground  ;  but  even 
the  marginal  belts  of  these  wore  in  many  places  made  acces- 
sible by  neatly-formed  turf  wa!k3  cmving  through  them.  The 
centre  of  this  extensive  area,  the  ground  originally  level,  had 
been  broken  info  agreeably-Bhaped  mounds  in  the  most  natural 
manner  possible,  and  these,  being  planted  with  choice  speci- 
mens, gave  an  ever-varying  character  to  the  scene. 

The  only  attempt  at  formality  was  a  bowling-green  or  croquet- 
ground  forming  a  circle  upwards  of  100  feet  in  diameter,  and 
suck  about  2}  foet  below  the  surrounding  level.  Flights  of 
steps  descended  to  it  on  opposite  sides  with  fairly-grown  speci- 
mens of  Irish  Yews  flanking  the  steps,  and  on  one  side  a  pretty 
summer-house  occupied  an  elevated  position  overlooking  the 
circle,  the  other  being  approached  by  an  important  walk.  The 
quality  of  tho  turf  forming  the  bottom  and  sides  of  this  fine 
bowling-green  showed  that  pains  had  been  taken  to  secure  a 
suitable  depth  of  good  soil  for  the  grass  to  grow  in,  which  is 
not  always  the  case  where  extensive  ground  works  are  carried 
out.  The  undulations  of  the  ground  are,  I  believe,  wholly  arti- 
ficial, for  although  a  long  period  of  dry  weather  had  preceded 
my  visit  (early  in  Augnst),  and  many  meadows  and  grass  fields 
had  not  thrown  off  their  russety  garb,  there  did  not  appear  to 
be  any  place  in  the  grounds  more  burnt  up  than  was  common 
everywhere,  while  the  general  aspect  of  the  Pinuses  and  other 
shrubs  was  such  as  indicated  the  most  robust  health,  with  the 
exception  of  those  which  formed  the  belt  or  boundary  to  the 
north  ;  but  as  these  were  for  the  most  part  common  trees  and 
shrubs  planted  for  shelter,  and,  consequently,  exposed  to  cold 
blasts,  their  weather-beaten  appearance  to  windward  is  not  to 
be  wondered  at.     The  valuable  trees  inside  had  sustained  no 


146 


JOURNAL  OP  HOBTICULTOBE  AND   COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  25,  1870. 


injury,  and  the  past  winter  had  done  scarcely  any  damage  to 
tie  collection  at  Kenfield. 

I  will  now  describe  more  particularly  some  of  the  contents 
of  the  pinetnm.  First  on  the  list  is  the  Wellingtonia,  which 
here,  as  in  most  places,  grows  most  luxuriantly,  the  tallest  tree 
being  33  feet  high,  and  the  spread  of  its  branches  at  bottom 
26  feet.  Here  I  may  remark  that  the  specimens  of  this  tree 
at  Kenfield  (and  there  were  many  of  31,  28,  26,  and  23  feet 
high  and  downwards),  differed  in  outline  from  those  met  with 
in  most  places,  where  the  general  outline  is  a  cone  with  the 
greatest  diameter  at  2  or  3  feet  from  the  ground.  This  is  the 
case  with  most  of  the  Wellingtonias  at  Linton,  while  at  Ken- 
field it  was  just  the  reverse  ;  the  trees  there  resembled  a  cone 
placed  upon  a  sort  of  circular  base  of  2  feet  in  height  or  more, 
so  that  although  the  diameter  of  the  tree  above  described  was 
26  feet  at  the  bottom,  it  would  cot  be  more  than  21  feet  at 
3  feet  higher  up,  but  from  thence  to  the  apex  it  formed  as  true 
a  cone  as  could  be  desired.  Both  it  and  the  ether  trees  were 
densely  clothed  with  branches  covered  with  healthy  foliage,  and 
promised  to  vie  with  any  indigenous  tree.  There  was  but  one 
exception,  a  tree  whose  history  I  should  be  anxious  to  learn, 
as  I  expressed  my  suspicions  it  might  go  the  Eame  way  as  one 
at  Linton  did.    However,  all  the  others  were  pictures  of  beauty. 

The  Deodar  was  also  well  represented,  and  handsomely- 
clothed  trees  met  the  eye  at  almost  every  turning,  and  what  is 
more,  they  seemed  to  relain  the  Deodar  character,  which  is  not 
the  case  with  all  the  early-planted  specimens  of  this  tree,  for 
many  are  gradually  merging  into  the  Lebanon  form,  losing 
alike  the  glaucous  hue  and  pendant  habit  of  the  original 
Deodar.  I  believe  these  trees  suffered  but  little,  if  any,  either 
in  1860  or  1866,  and  many  of  them  are  assuming  the  dimen- 
sions of  useful  timber  trees.  A  group  of  Abies  Merjzietii, 
occupying  a  rather  prominent  position  in  the  grounds,  promises 
to  far  eclipse  the  Common  Spruce,  which  formed  part  of  the 
outer  belt ;  for,  while  the  former  were  healthy  and  vigorous,  and 
evidently  50  feet  high,  the  latter  showed  unmistakeable  tokens 
of  disease  that  will  carry  them  off  ere  long  if  they  be  allowed 
to  stand  till  then;  this  is  the  fxte  that  has-befallen  them  at 
Linton.  The  Spruce  seems  to  luxuriate  until  about  twenty 
years  old,  then  it  comes  to  a  sort  of  standstill ;  a  shabby,  half- 
dead  appearance  carries  it  on  some  ten  years  more,  and  it 
then  succumbs.  Whether  Abies  Moiinda  and  A.  Menziesii  bo 
destined  for  a  longer  existence  remains  to  be  proved.  Certain 
it  is  that  A.  Menziesii  at  Kenfield  was  all  that  could  be  wished. 
A.  Morinda,  though  healthy,  was  less  rapid  in  its  growth  ;  but 
there  were  some  fine  specimens  of  Pinus  Cerabrs,  which,  I 
may  remark,  is  not  so  much  Eought  after  as  it  deserves  to  be. 
Its  upright,  almost  cvlindrical  foim,  contrasts  strongly  with  the 
spreading  habit  of  Pinus  excelsa  ;  there  are  good  specimens  of 
both  at  Kenfield,  but  the  disinclination  of  the  latter  to  grow 
upwards  was  manifest  there,  as  at  other  places ;  however,  the 
density  of  the  rich  glaucous  foliage,  and  its  horse-mane-like 
texture,  will  ever  render  this  tree  a  favourite.  Pinus  ronderosa 
was  not  so  good  as  I  have  seen  elsewhere ;  in  fact,  this  is 
seldom  met  with  in  good  form.  The  same,  however,  could  not 
be  said  of  Pinus  macrocarpa,  which  was  all  that  could  be 
desired;  and  one  that  I  would  have  called  P.  Sabiniana  was 
likewise  good.  Pinus  Benthnmiana  was  promising,  but  had 
not  had  time  to  attain  the  dimensions  of  the  others,  while, 
perhaps  the  prince  of  all  the  Pinus  family,  P.  insignis,  was 
unsurpassed  in  beauty  of  form  and  healthiness  ;  it  had,  how- 
ever, suffered  in  the  winter  four  years  ago,  but  was  a  fine,  hand- 
some tree.  P.  radiata  was  said  to  have  suffered  more,  and  had 
since  been  destroyed.  Most  excellent  specimens  of  P.  austriaoa 
were  met  with  in  various  directions,  some  thriving  better  in 
the  outer  belt  than  the  Spruce  Firs.  P.  Jtffreyana  and  others 
were  also  well  represented. 

Of  the  Picea  family  there  were  several  good  specimens  of 
P.  Pinsapo,  one  large  tree  growing  in  the  outer  belt  was  fully 
exposed  to  the  cutting  north  winds,  which  are  so  trying  to  all 
kinds  of  trees,  aud  which  last  winter  affected  our  native  ever- 
greens as  well.  It  was,  however,  satisfactory  to  observe  that 
this  popular  species  had  not  suffered  more  than  others,  and  cer- 
tainly not  so  much  as  the  Spruce  ;  most  of  the  specimens, 
however,  showed  a  tendency  to  be  dumpy,  unwilling  to  grow 
upwards,  which  is  a  fault  with  some  others  of  the  Pinus  tribe. 
Picea  cephalonica  was  better,  but  this  also  has  in  most,  cases  a 
disposition  to  spread  laterally,  still  its  beautiful  green  tint  will 
always  entitle  it  to  a  place.  The  prince  of  this  section,  how- 
ever, is  undoubtedly  P.  Nordmanniana,  of  which  a  fine  specimen 
26  feet  high,  and  of  symmetrical  growth,  occupied  a  prominent 
position,  and  well  deserved  it.     Picea  nobilis  was  also  a  fine 


tree,  but  less  fortunate  in  its  site  ;  it  had,  like  others  of  its  clas3 
elsewhere,  borne  fruit  a  year  or  two  previously,  but  its  upright 
growth  gave  promise  of  maintaining  that  superiority  amongst 
its  brethren  which  its  name  implies.  Of  the  SBrae  glaucous 
hue  was  a  remarkably  fine  tree  of  P.  maguifica,  the  height  of 
which  I  unfortunately  omitted  to  ascertain.  Promising  speci- 
mens of  Picea  Lowii,  lasiocarpa,  and  Parsonsii,  perhaps  all  the 
same  species,  were  also  noticeable.  P.  lasiocarpa  has,  perhaps, 
the  longest  foliage,  which  is  also  awl-shaped,  and  at  Kenfield  it 
promised  to  become  a  tree  of  6ome  magnitude,  its  growth  being 
rapid,  and  its  form  good.  I  found  here,  as  at  many  other 
places,  that  P.  Webbiana  bad  succumbed  to  some  of  the  hard 
winters  of  late  years.  P.  amabilis  and  grandis,  also  thought  to 
be  synonymous,  were  likewise  good, and  a  very  promising  plant 
of  P.  bracteata  appears  likely  to  be  amongst  the  first  of  its 
series  in  this  country,  and  to  all  appearance  will  become  a 
favourite.  I  believe  it  has  not  been  long  introduced,  but  still 
sufficiently  so  to  establish  its  hardiness. 

Near  some  of  the  Conifers  just  named  were  excellent  speci- 
mens of  Cryptomeria  japoniea  and  I.obbii,  the  former  being 
about  30  feet  high.  C.  elegans  was  also  in  a  promising  con- 
dition, being  upwards  of  7  feet  in  height,  while  C.  Lobbii 
rivalled  C.  japoniea  in  height,  and  still  more  in  luxuriance,  but 
as  the  difference  between  it  and  C.  japoniea  is  so  slight,  perhaps 
both  may  merge  in  one  hereafter.  C.  elegans,  however,  is  one 
of  the  handsomest  Conifers  of  recent  introduction.  Of  Cepha- 
lotaxus  Fortunei  there  were  both  male  and  female  plants,  the 
two  differing  widely  in  appearance,  but  they  may  only  be  re- 
garded as  shrubs  of  moderate  growth,  or  even  lower  than  that. 
Not  so,  however,  the  Japan  Betinospora,  of  which  good  speci- 
mens of  squarrosa,  obtusn,  and  pieifern,  stood  out  conspicuously, 
the  last  named  promising  to  become  a  good-sized  tree,  while 
the  silvery  graceful  appearance  of  R.  squarrosa  contrasted  well 
with  plants  of  a  deeper  hue.  R  leptoclada  also  promises  to 
rival  the  Irish  Yew  iu  form  and  size,  although  diffaring  widely 
from  it  in  foliage.  Some  variegated  forms  of  Betinospora  were 
also  pointed  out,  but  their  liability  to  return  to  the  original 
condition  impairs  their  interest. 

I  believe  all  the  dwarf  forms  of  the  Pinus  family  were  well 
represented.  By  far  the  fines"  specimen  I  have  seen  of  Scia- 
dopitys  verticillata,  the  Umbrella  Pine,  was  shown  me,  as  well 
as  Abies  Ka>mpferi.  The  specimens  of  Abies  clanbrasiliana, 
Pinus  pygmrea,  and  others,  contrasted  strongly  with  the  up- 
right form  of  Thuja  Lobbii  and  Menziesii,  each  of  which  was 
upwards  of  20  feet  high.  Thuja  gigautea  was  here,  as  else- 
where, less  robust,  and  somehow  is  hardly  deserving  the  name 
it  bears,  as  its  growth  is  slower,  its  form  cylindrical,  and  the 
head  rounded  rather  than  conical.  Thujopsis  borealis,  how- 
ever, was  flourishing,  and  equalled  T.  Lobbii  in  stuidiness  of 
growth.  One  or  two  good  plants  of  T.  doiabraia  were  also 
pointed  out,  as  well  as  the  more  recently-introduced  T.  laite- 
virens,  but  it  was  hardly  large  enough  to  give  an  opinion  upon, 
as  were  also  some  other  varieties  or  species  of  Thuja,  and 
possibly  several  of  those  which  now  present  a  marked  difference 
may  in  time  merge  into  oihers,  and  the  same  with  Juniperus 
and  Cupressns.  Conspicuous  amongst  the  latter  were  C.  ma- 
crocarpa, 30  feet  high  ;  C.  funebris,  more  inclined  to  spread 
than  grow  upwards  ;  and  C.  Lswsoniana,  by  no  means  so  satis- 
factory here  as  I  have  met  with  it  elsewhere,  although  plenti- 
fully planted.  Other  species,  as  Cupressus  McNabiana,  and 
majestica,  were  good. 

Tbe  Juniper  family  were  also  in  force,  and,  as  I  have  noticed 
elsewhere,  their  inclination  to  frnit  seemed  to  check  their 
growth,  but  I  confess  my  recollection  of  this  interesting  section 
is  not  sufficiently  clear  to  deserve  recording.  One  or  two  ex- 
cellent plants  of  Taxodium  sempervirens  ought  not  to  be  passed 
over,  as  I  do  not  think  better  specimens  can  be  found.  One  of 
these  in  the  interior  of  the  grounds  had  not  received  any  injury 
during  tbe  past  winter,  yet  anoiher  exposed  to  the  north  winds 
hadsuffsred;  both  were  high  fiae  timber-looking  trees.  Araucaria 
imbricata  was  hardly  so  much  at  home,  but  it  wes,  nevertheless, 
upwards  of  30  feet  high.  Libocedrus  chiliensis  was  as  good 
and  as  promising  as  it  usually  is,  while  one  of  the  most  con- 
spicuous of  all  Pines  in  many  places,  Abies  Douglasii,  fell  short 
of  what  might  be  expected  of  if.  Although  there  was  a  good 
full-sized  tree  of  it,  yet  the  proper  robust  character  and  dense 
deep  green  hue  wero  wanting,  proving  that  the  soil  did  not 
exactly  suit  it.  The  too  great  abundance  of  calcareous  matter, 
however  useful  it  may  be  for  tbe  welfare  of  a  number  of  plants, 
is  inimical  to  the  well-being  of  the  Douglas  Fir.  There  was, 
however,  a  very  fair  specimen  of  the  deciduous  Cypress  ;  and 
though  the  equally  interesting  Salisburiaadiantifolia  was  much 


AaguBt  25,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


117 


smaller,  it  was  a  good  specimen  of  its  kind.  The  more  recent 
introductions  were  also  duly  represented,  for  Mr.  Thomson,  the 
proprietor,  who  for  thirty  years  and  more  has  been  an  ardent 
admirer  of  Conifers,  and  haB  daring  that  time  added  to  hi3  col- 
lection all  that  were  worth  having,  still  secures  anything  new 
that  may  appear,  and  the  collection  la  'ks  but  little  to  make  it 
unique.  Other  shrubs  also  were  not  forgotten,  for  I  noticed  a 
border  containing  an  excellent  collection  of  Hollies,  and  now 
and  then  the  whole  was  enlivened  by  the  beautiful  bloom  of 
AltLa-i  frutex,  Yirgiuian  Sumach,  and  other  gems  of  the 
shrubbery. 

I  have  said  the  pinetum,  or  pleasure-ground  enclosure,  was 
surrounded  by  the  park ;  it  ought  also  to  be  mentioned  that 
the  former  is  so  large  a3  also  to  enclose  within  it — nay,  almost 
conceal  from  view,  the  kitchen  garden,  where  some  good  vege- 
tables are  growing  in  spite  of  the  dry  weather,  and  the  Teach 
trees  on  the  walls  were  loaded  almost  too  heavily.  Outside  the 
kitchen  garden,  but  still  within  the  dressed  grounds,  there  was 
a  group  of  plant  houses  and  pits,  the  latter  partly  hidden  from 
the  pleasure  grounds  by  a  fernery.  They  were  all  in  excellent 
order,  but  the  space  already  occupied  by  the  description  of  the 
pinetum  forbids  my  entering  into  details  here.  I  must  not, 
however,  omit  to  mention  a  very  promising  young  orchard  two 
or  three  acres  in  extent,  where  there  was  as  fine  a  lot  of 
Plum,  Apple,  and  Fear  trees  well  loaded  with  fruit  as  can 
be  met  with  anywhore.  The  Pear  and  Apple  trees  were  mostly 
pyramid-trained,  and  planted  about  8  feet  apart.  The  Plum 
trees  were  grown  as  standards,  and  were  heavily  laden  with 
fruit. 

This  plantation  is  outside  of  the  park,  and  on  the  way  to  it 
I  passed  a  Horse  Chestnut  trea  in  which  one  branch  was 
growing  into  another,  forming  a  natural  graft  in  a  manner  I 
had  never  before  seen.  The  tree  was  of  good  size,  and  at 
12  feet  or  so  from  the  ground  a  limb,  about  as  thick  as  a  man's 
body,  extended  from  the  trunk  in  a  diagonal  direction  at  an 
angle  of  upwards  of  40°,  and  about  3  feet  higher  up  the  bole 
another  limb,  much  smaller  than  the  last,  projected  at  an  angle 
of  about  25°  or  less,  so  that  at  some  10  feet  or  so  from  the 
bole  the  two  limbs  crossed  and  united,  the  junction  presenting 
none  of  the  swellings  or  excrescences  so  common  in  grafting, 
the  bark  being  as  smooth  and  uniform  as  on  any  part  of  the 
tree.  A  short  distance  from  the  junction  the  limb  broke  out 
into  branches.  The  appearance  was  that  of  a  well-oonstructed 
brace,  and  no  doubt  the  graft  acted  S3  such ;  but  although  I 
have  often  enough  seen  natural  grafting  in  Beech  and  other 
trees,  I  never  saw  anything  to  equal  this,  and  Mr.  Thomson, 
who  takes  especial  notice  of  trees  and  their  various  peculiarities, 
pointed  it  out  to  me  as  deserving  of  notice. 

The  park  is  well  studded  over  with  groups  of  trees  and  single 
specimens,  especially  Horse  Chestnuts  and  Thorns,  with  some 
good  Oaks  and  Ashes.  Mr.  Thomson,  who  is  also  a  great 
admirer  of  the  common  Yew  and  Sjotch  Fir,  pointed  out  a 
piece  of  woodland  on  the  crest  of  one  of  the  distant  hills  in 
which  were  some  good  specimens  of  the  English  Yew  that  he 
made  an  especial  point  of  preserving.  The  wild  Cherry,  or 
Gasooign,  he  also  admired,  as  well  for  its  beauty  in  autumn 
when  its  foliage  dies  off  crimson,  as  in  spring  when  its  snow- 
white  blossoms  give  such  a  charm  to  woodlaud  soenery.  I 
believe  he  has  planted  this  tree  extensively  in  places  where  its 
beauties  will  be  seen  to  advantage ;  and  in  a  district  where 
cultivators,  as  a  rule,  have  denuded  it  of  all  its  beauiies,  an 
admirer  of  Nature's  noblest  productions  like  Mr.  Thomson 
must  be  looked  on  as  a  benefactor. — J.  Eobson. 

[Our  readers  will  remember  that  some  time  ago  Mr.  Coveuey, 
at  Kenfield,  replied  through  our  columns  to  au  inquiry  made 
about  the  height  of  Welliugtonias,  and  we  hope  others  having 
fine  trees  of  this  species  will  also  favour  us  with  the  dimensions, 
as  well  the  soil  and  situation  in  which  the  trees  are  growing ; 
for  although  the  Wellingtonia  seems  to  accommodate  itself  to 
almost  every  place,  there  is  no  doubt  certain  soils  suit  it  better 
than  others. — Eds.] 


ORCHARD-HOUSE  PRODUCE. 
I  send  an  account  of  this  year's  produce.  I  have  gathered 
and  sent  to  table  850  Peaches  and  Nectarines,  and  100  really 
good  well- finished  bunches  of  Grapes  out  of  the  orchard  house, 
of  which  I  wrote  some  time  ago.  The  Peaches  averaged 
9  inches  in  circumference,  and  the  Nectarines  8  iuches.  The 
largest  Peach  measured  11}  inches  in  circumference,  and 
weighed  llj  ozs.     I  think  even  the  most  sceptical  (no  one  can 


be  more  so  than  I  was  three  years  ago),  must  own  that  orchard 
houses  are  really  useful,  profitable,  and  highly  ornamental. 
They  are  more  especially  adapted  for  the  villa  residences 
near  London,  where  a  Peach  wall  is  out  of  the  question,  but 
orchard  houses  might  easily  be  erected,  and  with  them  the 
crop  is  almost  a  certainty,  at  least  with  anything  like  good 
management. 

I  find  the  syringe  my  most  useful  friend,  having  had  no 
symptoms  of  insects,  and  the  trees  rejoice  in  frequent  appli- 
cations of  house  sewage  made  lukewarm  by  dilating  it  with  hot 
water. — J.  H.  Davi3,  llazelwood,  Upper  Norwood. 


NEW  VERBENAS  AND  GOLDEN  FEATHER 
PYRETHRUM  FOR  BEDDING. 

"  Ayrshire  Gardener  "  condemns  the  new  and  improved 
Verbenas  as  being  utterly  incapable  of  enduring  any  hardship. 
I  do  not  know  any  of  the  old  sorts  of  Verbenas  which  will 
endure  hardships  such  as  the  Zonal  Geraniums  have  to 
undergo.  If  a  Verbena  will  not  stand  dryness  at  the  root,  and 
cold  and  want  of  light  daring  the  winter,  it  is  condemned. 
Small  half-rooted  plants  are  pricked  out  from  cnttiDg  pots  into 
beds  in  May  and  June,  and  expected  to  grow  and  flourish. 
Daily  waterings  are  as  sure  to  iujure  these  plants  as  dry-and- 
dust  treatment.  A  watering  once  or  twice  a- week,  with  a  little 
liquid  manure  each  time,  is  enough  for  any  Verbena ;  and 
every  plant  ought  to  be  well  rooted  and  established  in  4-inch 
pots  before  bedding-out,  and  the  foliage  healthy,  free  of  thrips, 
red  spider,  and  green  fly.  If  only  a  little  more  pain3  were 
devoted  to  Verbenas  there  would  not  be  such  au  outory  against 
tbem. 

Contrary,  again,  to  "  Ayrshire  Gardener's  "  experience,  I 
can  see  Golden  Feather  Pyrethrnm  as  good  now  as  ever. 
Instead  of  waiting  for  the  flowers  to  open  and  cover  the  plants, 
if  the  flower-spikes  are  cut  closely  down  at  the  first  appearance 
of  a  head  of  bloom,  the  plants  will  continue  dwarf  and  bushy 
to  the  last.  Though  the  heat  blanches  the  colour,  it  is,  how- 
ever, quite  as  golden  now,  where  this  treatment  is  pursued,  as 
Crystal  Palace  Gem  or  Cloth  of  Gold  ( 1  iranium, — An  Amateur. 


In  "Ayrshire  Gardener's"  interesting  notos  on  bedding 
plants  in  your  last  issue,  I  was  sorry  to  learn  of  his  failure  with, 
and  "condemnation  of  the  above  Bubjeot  as  a  summer  beddiDg- 
out  plant,  inasmuch  as  here  it  has  proved  all  that  could  be 
desired.  If  I  may  judge  by  last  season's  experience  of  its 
attributes,  I  will  venture  to  say  it  will  continue  so  until  the 
end  of  the  season,  with  no  more  trouble  bestowed  upon  it 
than  is  aceordud  to  the  various  other  occupants  of  the  parterre, 
with  their  peggings-down,  picking  off  of  seed  heads,  &c,  the  only 
attention  required  by  the  Golden  Feather  being  by  occasional 
picking  off  of  the  fiower3  as  they  appear. 

I  may  add,  we  have  Gulden  Feath6r  Pyrethrnm  here  doing 
duty  in  charmiu;  contrast  with  Hrgo  beds  of  Stella  Nosegay 
Geranium,  to  which  it  affords  an  effective  margin,  the  greenish 
yellow  of  the  latter  afi  irding  a  pleasing  harmony  with  the 
scarlet  crimson  inflorescence  of  the  latter.  And  as  an  edging 
to  such  as  Colens  Verschaffelti,  Iresine  Horbstii,  Csntaurea 
ragusina,  blue  Lobelia,  Verbena  Turple  King,  &c,  I  have  also 
found  it  to  be  most  effective,  proviug  in  some  instances 
more  satisfactory  than  Cloth  of  Gold.  Geraniums  will  only 
flourish  in  a  comparatively  lich  and  moist  soil,  whereas  the 
Golden  Feather  is  not  so  particular  as  to  the  condition  of  the 
.medium  in  which  it  grows,  unless  dust  dry.  I  trust,  with  due 
respect  to  "  Ayrshire  Gardener's"  opinion,  that  your  readers 
who  have  not  as  yet  patronised  the  Golden  Feather  Pyrethrum 
as  a  summer  bedding  plant  may  not  be  deterred  from  giving  it 
a  trial  next  season,  as  I  am  confident  that  with  due  attention 
to  picking  off  the  flower  heads  as  they  appear,  and  to  keeping 
the  roots  in  a  growing  state  by  an  ordinary  amount  of  moisture, 
success  will  be  thereby  insured. — William  Gardiner,  Gardener, 
Lower  Eatington  Park,  Stratford-on-Avon. 


BEDDING  PLANTS   IN    1870. 

(Continued  from  page  130.) 

In  continuing  my  remarks  on  bedding  plants  this  season  I 

will  now  proceed  to  the  Zonal  Pelargoniums,  and  will  take  the 

flowering  section   first — th*t   is  to  say,   those  grown   for  the 

beauty  of  their  flowers,  and  not  of  their  foliage,  aad  in  which 


us 


JOURNAL  OF  HOBTICULTUBE  AND  COTTAGE  GAEDENEB. 


[  August  25,  1870. 


the  foliage  is  only  a  secondary  consideration,  though  it  must 
be  always  borne  in  mind  that  coarse  large  leaves,  or  straggling 
footstalks  to  the  leaves,  are  a  great  drawback  to  the  merit  of 
a  Geranium,  however  good  the  flowers  may  be. 

It  is_  difficult  to  classify  Geraniums  now  by  their  colours,  as 
theie  is  almost  every  gradation  of  shade  in  reds,  from  a  dark 
orimeon  to  an  orange  scarlet,  and  so  on  ;  but  I  will  endeavour 
to  take  the  different  colours  in  order  as  nearly  as  I  can,  begin- 
ning with  the  crimsons  and  crimson  soarlets. 

Of  these,  the  best  two  with  me  have  been  Waltham  Seedling 
and  Bayard.  The  first  is  a  trifle  the  darker,  and  the  latter  the 
brighter ;  they  are  quite  distinot  in  habit,  and  ought  both  to 
be  grown.  Bayard,  now  that  I  have  given  it  a  soason's  trial, 
is  certainly  the  best  crimson  scarlet  I  have  grown  in  beds,  and 
I  must  confess  myself  mistaken  as  to  the  size  of  the  truss, 
which  in  some  notes  I  sent  you  in  the  spring  I  said  I  thought 
Would  not  be  so  large  as  Waltham  Seedling,  but  it  is,  on  the 
contrary,  larger.  It  is  very  free-blooroiug,  and  the  trusses 
last  well ;  its  only  fault  is  that  the  stalks  are  hardly  strong 
enough  for  the  heads  and  fall  about,  and  in  this  respect 
Waltham  Seedling  is  better,  as  the  flower  stalks  are  short  and 
Stiff,  and  show  every  head.  Good  as  Bayard  is,  Mr.  Pearson 
has  better  varieties  in  store,  which  he  has  not  yet  S6nt  out, 
especially  some  seedlings  of  this  year,  which  I  have  twico  care- 
fully looked  over,  and  of  which  I  will  send  some  notes  at  a 
future  time.  I  think,  also,  Douglas  Pearson,  Thomas  Speed, 
Duke  of  Devonshire,  William  Thomson,  and  some  others  he 
3ent  out  this  spring,  are  quite  as  good,  if  not  better. 

Other  crimsons  I  have  tried  this  year  have  been  International, 
Eclat,  Lord  Palmerston,  end  Lo  Grand.  International  does 
not  flower  freely  enough.  Eclat,  though  it  has  a  very  fine  truss, 
is  too  long  in  the  flower  stalk,  and  too  coarse  in  the  foliage.  Le 
Grand  is  at  times  very  good,  but  the  flowers  do  not  stand  sun 
well,  and  it  runs  to  seed.  A  very  promising  variety  which  I 
had  in  a  trial  bed  ie  Stanstead  Bival  (Downie,  Laird,  &Laing)  ; 
it  is  a  brighter  and  lighter-coloured  crimson  than  those  before 
mentioned,  a  very  fine  truss,  and  free-blooming. 

Two  other  very  good  sorts  of  dark  crimson  I  have  not  grown 
myself,  but  sec-n  elsewhere,  are  Vesta  and  Glory  of  Waltham. 
The  first  was  highly  spoken  of  at  Chiswick  last  year,  and  I 
have  seen  it  very  good  this;  very  dwarf  and  compact.  The 
latter  I  saw  very  good  at  Studley  Eoyal  (Earl  de  Grey  and 
Bipon's),  under  the  care  of  Mr.  Clark,  the  rich  dark  green  of 
the  foliage  harmonising  very  well  with  the  colour  of  the  flower. 
Lord  Palmerston  is  so  well  known  1  need  not  make  any  re- 
marks on  it.  It  is  an  old  favourite,  and  I  do  not  like  to  dis- 
card it ;  it  is  exceedingly  good  as  a  late  bloomer.  It  is,  how- 
ever, far  surpassed  by  Duchess  of  Sutherland,  though  they  are 
not  of  exactly  the  same  shade  of  colour,  as  Duchess  of  Suther- 
land is  brighter,  and  it  13  a  first-class  dry-weather  plant.  It  has 
been  in  full  beauty  now  with  me  over  Bince  I  came  back  (21st  of 
June),  and  is  as  full  of  fresh  flower  stems  now  as  ever.  Some- 
thing of  the  fame  shade  of  colour  is  Lady  Iurkland,  another 
of  Messrs.  Downie,  Laird,  &  Laing's  seedlings,  and  which  was 
kindly  sent  me  on  trial  by  Mr.  Charles  Turner.  It  has  the 
largest  head  of  bloom  I  have  almost  ever  seen  on  a  Nosegay 
Geranium. 

I  will  take  the  scarlet  and  orange  scarlet  sections  next,  as 
Cybister,  Lady  C.  Grosvenor,  Multiflora,  Grand  Duke,  William 
Underwood,  and  Bival. 

Cybister  has  again  been  very  good,  but  rather  too  leggy  in 
habit ;  it,  however,  does  not  run  to  seed  in  dry  weather.  Lady 
Constance  Grosvenor  has  been  far  better  with  me  this  year 
than  last,  and  has  bloomed  much  more  freely ;  the  colour  is 
nndemably  good,  brighter  than  Cybister,  and  the  habit  more 
dwarf  and  spreading ;  its  only  fault  is  that  tho  flower  stalks 
are  not  strong  enough  for  the  truss,  and  it  is,  consequently, 
much  better  in  dry  weather  than  wet.  Multiflora  has  not  been 
so  good  as  I  expected  ;  it  has,  however,  a  very  nice  dwarf  habit, 
but  the  flower  trusses  are  not  large  enough  individuallv,  though 
they  are  very  freely  produced ;  but  it  is  of  a  very  rich  colour, 
and  the  individual  blooms  are  large.  Grand  Duke  is  an  orange 
scarlet,  with  an  immense  truss,  good  footstalk,  and  vigorous 
habit ;  of  tho  same  sort  of  growth  as  Le  Grand,  but  a  freer 
bloomer,  and  would  be  a  splendid  sort  for  a  large  bed  or  a 
ribbon  border.  It  might  be  coarse  in  wet,  weather,  but  is  cer- 
tainly very  good  in  dry. 

William  Underwood  is  the  beet  red  Zonal  with  me,  but  like 
all  of  the  Zonals  I  have  ever  tried,  it  does  not  branch  freely. 
I  am  gradually  discarding  all  the  Zonals  (as  I  said  in  the 
spring),  for  this  reason.  I  have  tried  a  great  many,  as  Clipper, 
Dr.  Liudley,  Herald  of  Spring,  Mies  Martin,  &c,  and  always 


find,  that  though  by  pinching-in  closely  in  the  spring,  and 
putting  them  out  as  bushy  plants,  they  make  good  beds  at  first, 
yet  unless  planted  very  thinly  they  never  branch,  and  the  same 
number  of  stems  almost  will  be  found  on  them  at  the  end  of 
nine  or  ten  weeks  as  they  had  when  planted  out ;  moreover, 
although  the  individual  flowers  are  more  circular  and  of  a  better 
form,  yet  it  is  seldom  they  make  a  very  large  truss,  and  now 
that  the  Nosegay  section  are  so  much  improved  by  crossing, 
some  of  the  blooms  of  the  Nosegays  are  almost  as  gond  in  shape 
as  the  old  Zonals  with  double,  or,  I  might  say,  three  or  four 
times  the  amount  of  truss. 

Of  all  the  Zonals,  Bival  has,  to  my  mind,  tho  finest-shaped 
flower,  but  though  I  shall  try  it  another  year,  I  do  not  think  it 
will  stand  wind  or  rain.  Glow  is  another  very  fine  scarlet,  but 
the  centre  of  tho  truss  is  too  crowded,  o^ing  to  the  stalk  of  the 
individual  fbwers  being  too  short. 

Among  the  orange  scarlets  of  the  Hybrid  Nosegay  section, 
two  that  were  sent  out  this  year  by  Downin,  Laird,  &  Laing  are 
very  good,  Lady  Hawley  and  Sunlight.  Of  the  two,  I  prefer  Lady 
Hawley  ;  it  has  ah  immense  truss  with  a  good  stiff  footstalk, 
which  hold3  the  truss  erect,  the  habit  is  also  good,  and  I  shall 
be  much  mistaken  if  it  do  not  prove  a  great  acquisition. 
Kentish  Fire  and  Masterpiece  were  planted  out  too  late  in 
my  trial  beds  this  year  to  give  them  a  fair  trial,  as  they 
bad  been  too  long  in  small  pots  ;  both,  however,  I  think  are 
good  varieties. 

I  hardly  know  whether  to  class  Godfrey  among  the  orange 
scarlets  or  the  next  class  I  shall  name,  the  Beds.  It  is  very 
free-flowering,  but  the  footstalks  are  too  long  ;  still,  it  is  a  good 
variety. 

I  will  defer  my  remarks  on  the  ether  colours  till  another 
week.  I  only  wish,  in  conclusion,  to  ask  some  of  those  who  are 
now  cutting  their  beds  of  Geraniums  to  pieces  to  get  cuttings 
to  try  the  plan  of  striking  them  later,  whin  they  finally  have 
to  pull  the  garden  to  pieces  in  the  autumn,  putting  them  in 
small  pots,  five  or  six  outtings  in  a  4  ioch  pot,  and  placing 
them  on  shelves  close  to  the  glass  iu  vineries  or  elsewhere.  It 
is  a  great  mistake  to  think  that  plants  are  hardened  by  being 
kept  cold  during  the  winter ;  and.  cuttings  struck  in  this  way, 
and  kept  growing  all  the  winter  through,  soon  overtake  cuttings 
that  are  taken  off  now,  struck  in  the  open  border,  and  then 
potted  off  for  winter ;  and  still  more  will  they  surpass  those 
that  are  pricked  close  together  in  boxes  or  pons  to  be  struck  in 
the  open  air  now,  and  stored  in  these  pans  all  the  winter 
in  cold  frames.  Warmth  during  winter  will  not  make  Gera- 
niums tender,  so  long  as  they  have  plenty  of  iight  and  are  near 
the  glass. 

The  earliest  and  best  Geraniums  I  had  this  year  were  some 
I  put  into  the  stove  in  November  to  grow  on  for  cuttings ;  and 
the  cuttings  I  struck  in  the  stove  in  January  and  forced  on 
were  more  forward  and  better  plants  than  those  struck  in  the 
open  air  in  August,  were  earlier  in  bloom,  and  have  lasted 
quite  as  long — in  fact,  I  cannot  in  any  one  instanes  see  that 
they  have  less  bloom  now  than  those  which  were  more  backward 
in  coming  into  flower.  They  were  removed  from  the  stove  into 
a  light  donble-span  house  the  third  week  in  March,  and  were 
not  moved  out  of  this  house  till  they  were  taken  out  to  be 
planted  iu  May.  I  tried  this  with  several  sorts — B  »yard,  Grand 
Duke,  Eclat,  Godfrey,  Bluo  Bell,  Lady  Coustanoe  Grosvenor, 
Violet  Hill,  Ne  Plus  Ultra,  &c.  Of  course  it  would  not  do  in 
stoves  where  climbers  were  growing  over  the  roof,  or  where 
shade  is  used  for  ornamental-foliaged  plants,  but  where  Gera- 
niums can  have  plenty  of  light  and  are  not  too  far  from  the 
glass  there  need  be  no  fear  of  making  them  tender  from  too 
much  warmth  during  the  winter.  Tbe  best  use  for  cold  frames 
is  not  to  winter  plants  in,  but  to  put  them  into  in  spring,  using 
vineries  and  other  houses  during  winter — 0.  P.  Peach,  Applf- 
ton-le-  Street. 

(To  be  continued.) 


Expohting  Cuttings  or   Fruit  Tbees  to  Australia. — In 
the  form  of  cuttings,  all  the  new  varieties  of  fruit  tieen  may  be 
introduced  with  the  certainty  of  success.     The  importance  of 
this  will  strike  all  who  have  experienced  the  losses  and  disap- 
pointment attending  tho  importation  of  the  trees.     The  intro- 
duction of  new  varieties  is  by  this  means  rendered  a  very 
simple  and  inexpensive  matter.    A  ease  of  G  cubic  feet  capacity 
will  contain  some  thousands  of  cuttings,  the  trees  of  which 
i  would  require  a  space  equal  to  many  hundreds  of  tuns  measure- 
j  ment.     Another  advantage  with  the  cuttings  is,  that  the  case 
j  may  bo   hermetically   sealed  and  stowed  away  like   ordinary 
merchandise ;  whereas,  special  instructions  as  to  care  (whioh. 


Angnat  25,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL   OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


149 


is  seldom  exercised)  have  to  be  given  as  to  the  stowage  of  the 
cases  containing  trues. — (Report  of  the  Horticultural  Society  of 
Victoria  ) 

NOTES  AND  GLK ANINGS. 
International  Exhibition  op  1871. — We  aro  requested  by 
Her  Majesty's  Commissioners  to  state  that  there  is  no  founda- 
tion for  the  rumonr  that  the  International  Exhibition  appointed 
for  1871  is  to  be  postponed  by  reason  <.f  iho  war.  The  first 
of  the  series  of  Annual  International  Exhibitions  of  selected 
works  of  fine  and  iudustiial  art  and  scientific  inventions  will 
take  jilace  next  year,  as  already  announced. 

Mr  W.  Taylor,  pardoner  to  J.  Yates,  Esq.,  Lauderdale 

House,  Higbgate,  informs  us  there  is  a  fine  specimen  of  the 
Litt-ea  jdncba  no,v  in  flower  at  that  place.  The  spike  is 
15  feet  in  height. 

We  aro  requested  by  the  Council  of  (he  Royal  Hor- 
ticultural Sooiety  to  state,  tbat  in  consequence  of  the  works 
now  in  program  for  the  Annual  International  Exhibitions  of 
next  an  1  following  voir-,  the  R  >yal  Horticultural  Society's 
Gardens  at  South  Kensington,  will  not  be,  open  free  to  the 
publio  on  t lie  '2t>  li  of  August,  the  auniversary  of  the  late  Prince 
Consort's  birthday. 

WORK  FOR  THE  WEEK. 

KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

Every  attention  should  at  ibis  period  bo  given  to  the  high 
cultivation  of  winter  crops.  Where  sufficient  labourist  provided 
at  all  times,  not  a  weed  should  be  allowed  to  show  its  head. 
When,  unfortunately,  weeds  have  done  so,  the  use  of  the  spade 
is  recommeudad  isibtead  of  the  hoe.  Besides,  it  is  as  economi- 
cal in  the  first  instance,  excepting  in  very  hot  aud  dry  weather 
like  the  piesent,  for,  unless  'he  hoeing  be  succeeded  by  a  raking, 
the  hoeing  will  in  general  have  little  effect.  Moreover,  the 
benefits  of  exposing  the  soil  to  the  air  are  very  considerable, 
especially  in  effete  s-oiN,  such  as  those  of  most  of  our  kitchen 
gardens.  Ail  (be  Cabbage  iiioe,  from  the  Early  York  Cabbage 
up  to  the  Cauliflower,  should  be  soiled  up  the  stem  as  high  as 
possible.  When  such  crops  are  on  poor  land  a  dressing  of 
guano  or  fowls'  dung  at  this  period  would  be  of  eminent  service. 
It  might  be  introduced  as  in  South  America  in  the  cultivation 
of  Tobacco,  Inriinn  Com,  &e. — viz.,  by  hand  around  the  stems 
of  the  plants.  It  is  advisable  to  mix  it  with  four  times  its  bulk 
of  dry  old  tan,  sawdust,  charcoal  dust,  or  aDj  thing  which  will 
duly  separate  its  pajtioles.  This  process  should,  of  course, 
precede  the  soiling.  Where  plants  of  this  family  are  liable  to 
"  club  "  this  course  will  be  found  of  much  service,  as  they  fre- 
quently depend  for  their  existence  on  a  few  late-made  roots. 
Let  a  good  breadth  of  Coleworts  be  planted  out  in  well-prepared 
ground;  as  before  observed,  the  Onion  beds  will  ho  available. 
Let  the  winter  Cuulirhm-ers  be  sown  directly.  Late  plantings  of 
Endive  must  be  mode  forthwith.  The  plants  will  be  eligible  to 
move  with  balls  of  earth  iuto  frames  iu  November.  The  soil 
must  be  very  rich.  This  is  an  excellent  time  to  make  a  sowing 
of  the  Brown  or  Bath  Cos  and  Hammersmith  Lettuces  to  re- 
main where  sown  through  the  winter.  The  beds  should  be 
elevated  considerably,  the  higher  the  better,  and  the  seed  scat- 
tered broadcast  rather  thinly.  A  rich  border  should  now  be  pre- 
pared, and  planted  with  the  Bath  or  Brown  Cos  Lettuce  ;  these 
will  oarry  on  a  supply  from  the  open  ground  until  Christmas, 
if  protected.  Leeks  are  most  useful  in  a  variety  of  ways,  and 
should  now  be  soiled  up  after  the  manner  of  Broccoli ;  a  dress- 
ing of  guano  may  be  introduced  previously,  if  the  soil  is  not 
sufficiently  rich.  The  old  Strawberry  rows  should  now  have 
attention.  Toe  leaves  of  the  runners  will  shade  the  principal 
leaves  of  the  mother  plant,  and  therefore  some  gardeners  mow 
down  the  runners  in  ovder  to  throw  sunlight  on  the  leaves  left. 
Mowing  down  the  old  plants  is  an  absurd  process  which  some 
still  adhere  to.  If  the  Tomatoes  are  over-luxuriant,  cutaway  a 
portion  of  their  roots. 

TKCIT   GARDEN. 

_  Go  over  the  fruit  trees  aud  stop  about  half  tbe  shoots,  be- 
ginning, of  course,  with  the  strongest,  for  a  general  stopping  at 
this  time  would  probably  he  oi  little  further  service  than  to  in- 
duce the  production  of  a  mass  of  useless  spray  ;  whereas  stop- 
ping the  stronger  thoots,  or  those  which  incline  to  grossness, 
will  divert  the  sap  into  the  weaker  ones,  which  Trill  be  strength- 
ened, while  the  buds  ou  the  shoots  that  have  been  stopped  will 
become  full  and  plump  without  starting  iuto  growth.  The 
only  effectual  method,  however,  of  curing  a  gross  habit  of 


growth,  when  it  occurs  in  ordinary  seasons,  is  root-prnn- 
ing,  or  keeping  the  roots  within  proper  limits  by  means  of 
shallow  well-drained  borders ;  and  should  it  be  found  that  the 
shoots  after  stopping  incline  to  start  into  growth,  it  will  be 
advisable  as  Boon  as  the  fruit  is  gathered  to  open  a  trench  at  a 
moderate  distance  from  the  stem  of  the  tree,  and  to  cut  the 
Btronger  roots.  This  will  be  of  the  greatest  service  in  checking 
growth,  and  will  probably  do  more  towards  securing  ripe  wood 
than  anything  else  that  could  be  adopted. 

FLOWER     GARDEN. 

In  many  neighbourhoods  bedding  plants  are  only  just  coming 
into  full  beauty.  Go  over  them  frequently,  and  without  loss  of 
time  remedy  any  defects  that  may  be  perceptible,  for  the 
flower  garden  this  year  will  bo  enjoyed  but  for  a  comparatively 
short  season  ;  and  now  that  the  plants  are  in  beauty  every 
means  should  be  used  to  render  them  as  enjoyable  as  possible, 
by  maintaining  the  most  perfect  order  and  neatness.  Where 
the  stock  is  clean  and  grosiug  vigorously  this  will  involve  con- 
siderable labour,  and  it  will  be  necessary  to  look  over  the  beds 
frequently,  pegging  down  where  necessary,  removing  decayed 
flowers,  and  cu'ting  back  such  of  the  shoots  as  may  incline  to 
encroach  upon  the  edging  of  the  beds.  Keep  herbaceous -plants 
neatly  tied  up,  aud  cut  off  the  flower-stems  of  any  that  are  be- 
coming unsightly.  Take  advantage  of  every  leisure  hour  to 
put  iu  cuttings,  and  use  every  possible  dispatch  with  this  work 
until  there  be  iu  a  fair  way  for  rooting  a  good  stock  of  such 
plants  as  are  kuowu  to  be  difficult  to  winter  except  as  well- 
established  plants.  Make  gravel  walks  perfectly  clean  and 
smooth  by  weeding,  sweeping,  and  rolling,  as  msy  be  necessary, 
and  keep  climbers  on  walls  within  due  limits.  Propagate 
Hollyhocks  by  cuttings.  Mark  good  seedlings,  digging  up  all 
single  and  semi-double  varieties.  Take  off  the  tops  of  seed- 
ling spikes,  if  not  already  done  ;  it  throws  strength  into  the  re- 
maining flowers,  and  encourages  the  formation  aud  growth  of 
the  seed.  A  few  Crocuses,  Snowdrops,  &c,  may  be  planted 
soon  to  obtain  an  early  bloom. 

GREENHOUSE   AND    CONSERVATORY. 

Continue  to  look  over  climbers,  borders,  &o.  Large  speci- 
mens which  had  been  removed  out  of  doors  to  give  room,  will 
soon  require  to  be  replaced  in  these  structures  ;  indeed,  the 
whole  of  September  will  occasionally  call  for  business  of  this 
kiDd.  The  earth  worm  is  a  greater  enemy  to  pot  plants  in 
general  than  low  temperature.  Look  well  after  late-floweiing 
plants.  The  late  Heliotropes,  Scarlet  Pelargoniums,  Petunias, 
&c,  if  proceeded  with  as  recommended  weeks  since,  will  now 
be  somewhat  potbound,  and  will  in  that  state,  with  the  appli- 
cation of  weak  liquid  manure,  produce  abundance  of  blossom 
on  a  light  shelf  until  the  beginning  of  December.  Lichen  alias 
should  be  instantly  repotted,  and  the  Persian  Cyclamens,  if 
planted  out  in  spring,  will  now  be  fine  bushy  plants  full  of 
young  leaves.  They  must  be  taken  up  forthwith  with  all  the 
soil  possible,  potted  carefully,  and  placed  in  a  cold  frame  or 
propagating  house ;  a  bottom  heat  of  75°  would  be  an  advan- 
tage, with  a  very  moderate  atmospheric  temperature.  After 
three  weeks  of  this  treatment  they  may  be  introduced  to  the 
greenhouse,  where  they  will  produce  their  fragrant  blossoms  in 
abundance  from  November  until  April. 

STOVE. 

Many  of  the  earliest  growths  of  Orchids  showing  signs  of 
ripeness  in  the  leaf  and  plump  pseudo-bulbs,  may  be  removed 
forthwith  from  the  excitement  of  the  growing  house.  Any 
situation  in  the  light  where  a  temperature  averaging  60°  night 
and  day  can  be  guaranteed,  will  suit  them  well.  A  very 
moderate  amount  of  atmospheric  moisture  will  suffice. 

COLD    PITS. 

Young  stock  in  eold  pits  intended  to  flower  next  season, 
should  be  exposed  to  the  midday  sun,  in  order  to  ripen  the 
wood,  taking  care  not  to  do  this  .so  rashly  as  to  injure  the 
foliage.  This,  however,  will  only  be  proper  in  the  case  of  such 
things  as  have  already  made  plenty  of  young  wood,  but  it  is  ad- 
visable after  this  season  to  be  anticipating  the  approach  of 
winter,  and  to  use  every  means  to  forward  the  growth  of  vain- 
able  hardwooded  plants  in  order  to  have  it  somewhat  firm  and 
able  to  resist  damp,  and  that  as  soon  as  possible. — W.  Keane. 


DOINGS   OF   THE  LAST    WEEK. 

kitchen  garden. 
Owing  to  the  dryness  most  work  was  held  over,  except  a  free 
hoeing  of  the  surface,  and  digging  and  trenching  all  vacant 


150 


JOURNAL  OP  HOBTICULTUBE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  Angust  25,  1870. 


ground,  to  be  ready  for  planting  when  rain  comes,  or  we  can 
obtain  water.  Frequent  hoeing,  even  though  there  be  few  or  no 
weeds,  greatly  helps  to  prevent  the  escape  of  what  moisture  is 
left  in  the  soil.  In  ground  which  had  been  rather  heavily 
cropped,  we  found  scarcely  a  trace  of  moisture  at  the  depth  of 
18  inches.  Planting,  without  being  able  to  water,  was  out  of  the 
question.  We  find  all  round  here  that  Potatoes  are  beginning 
to  grow  again  ;  the  sooner  they  are  taken  up  the  better,  as  the 
tubers  become  hard  and  stringy  when  fresh  ones  are  allowed  to 
come  from  them. 

FRUIT  GARDEN. 

Many  trees,  as  Peaches  on  walls,  are  so  suffering  from  these 
dry  bright  days  that  we  would  have  soaked  the  roots  if  we 
could  have  done  so.  We  may  have  to  resort  to  some  mode  of 
shading  to  preserve  the  crop,  but  unless  a  change  come  Boon 
all  fruit  will  be  smaller  than  usual.  Trees  in  houses,  whether 
in  pots  or  otherwise,  have  been  greatly  assisted  by  slightly 
shading  the  glass  with  whitened  water.  We  have  been  forced 
to  apply  it  to  almost  every  house,  to  enable  us  to  do  with  as 
little  moiBture  as  possible.  We  have  used  gauze  netting  for  ven- 
tilators, in  some  cases  removing  the  ventilators— to  keep  wasps 
and  flies  out,  but  now,  after  doing  this,  few  wasps  are  to  be 
seen  again,  though  for  three  or  four  days  they  were  in  myriads. 
Melons,  as  a  rule,  have  been  good  this  season,  being  none  the 
worse,  perhaps,  of  having  had  less  of  the  syringe  than  usual. 
It  must  be  pretty  well  put  aside  when  water  has  to  be  carried 
from  three  to  four  miles. 

ORNAMENTAL   DEPARTMENT. 

With  a  little  picking  flower  beds  and  borders  still  look  very 
well  in  places  where  Peas  have  been  burnt  up  as  if  with  a  hot 
blast  from  a  furnace,  and  even  Cabbages  blue-coloured  and 
hard.  With  rain  to  refresh  the  grass,  the  flower  garden  will 
stand  out  the  season.  We  are  doubtful  as  to  the  results  with 
another  ten  days  of  this  weather.  The  lawns  have  neither  been 
mown  nor  machined  for  a  long  time,  except  in  the  ease  of 
little  pieces  here  and  there,  that  were  too  long  for  the  daisy 
knife  to  manage.  It  was  altogether  too  dry  for  Daisies  to  show 
themselves,  but  Bents,  Plantains,  and  the  pretty  yellow  Lotus 
corniculatus  would  appear,  and  the  knife  soon  settled  them. 

Walks. — These  have  needed  little  care  this  season,  but  we 
were  apprehensive  that  they  might  trouble  us  in  the  autumn 
if  it  should  prove  damp  and  drizzly,  and  then  walks  are  diffi- 
cult to  clean.  We  have  had  them  all  put  in  good  order,  whioh 
we  generally  do  rather  earlier  in  the  season.  The  sides  were 
neatly  cut,  the  walks  hard-swept,  and  then  a  slight  sprinkling 
of  salt  was  thrown  all  over  them,  followed  by  enough  of  fine 
sandy  gravel  passed  through  a  half-inch  sieve ;  the  back  of  a 
rake  was  passed  over  this,  and  then  they  were  rolled  when  dry. 
As  soon  as  rain  enough  comes  to  wet  the  walks  they  will  be 
swept  to  take  out  all  inequalities,  and  when  well  rolled  will 
give  little  more  trouble  through  the  autumn  and  winter.  By 
adopting  this  plan  we  rarely  break  the  surface  of  these  walks, 
and  in  general  they  are  dry,  smooth,  and  pleasant  to  walk 
on  in  all  weathers.  The  slight  sprinkling  of  hard  sandy 
gravel  causes  them  to  look  bright  and  fresh,  especially  after 
they  have  been  rolled  when  damp.  But  for  that  sprinkling 
we  would  not  salt  walks  so  late,  as  they  would  be  apt  to  be 
damp,  and  even  to  adhere  to  the  feet  in  winter.  The  slight 
sprinkling  of  sand  above  the  salt  neutralises  that  tendency, 
whilst  it  also  insures  the  salt  being  equally  absorbed  instead 
of  being  washed  to  the  sides.  Salt  when  merely  scattered 
over  the  surface  acts  most  effectually  when  so  soattered  in  dry 
weather.  It  is  also  the  easiest  way  to  apply  it,  and  the  salt  is 
quite  as  effectual  as  when  presented  in  a  strong  solution  of  hot 
or  cold  water,  which  we  could  not  contemplate.  Even  in  dry 
weather  the  salt  will  disappear  in  a  few  days.  It  is  no  orna- 
ment to  the  walks,  however,  so  long  as  it  remains  white,  and  it 
does  not  do  to  traverse  walks  and  lawns  alternately.  The 
slight  covering  of  sand  remedies  both  inconveniences;  it  also 
ensures  a  dry  surface  instead  of  a  clammy  one  in  winter. 

Now  is  a  good  time  to  sow  Mignonette  for  winter  and  spring 
blooming,  Stocks  for  spring  blooming,  and  many  hardy  annuals, 
Use.,  to  be  protected  a  little  in  winter.  Such  as  Sohizanthus, 
Collinsia,  Clarkia,  Nemophila,  as  well  as  Wallflowers,  potted, 
oome  in  useful  for  cut  flowers  in  spring,  and  good  pots  of  them 
in  full  bloom  look  very  well.  A  fine  specimen  of  Collinsia 
bicolor  might  grace  any  drawing-room. 

Pinks,  Cloves,  Carnations,  and  Picotees. — We  are  rather  late 
with  cuttings  of  these  this  season.  The  better  kinds  of  Car- 
nations and  Picotees  do  best  layered  if  suitable  "grass"  can 
be  had,  but  they  strike  freely  enough  as  cuttings,  and  a  cutting 
can  often  be  obtained  when  a  layer  could  not  be  made  without 


some  trouble.  Pinks  and  Cloves  of  all  kinds  may  be  struck 
now,  either  under  hand-lights  or  in  a  frame,  if  just  a  little 
mild  bottom  heat  be  given  them.  They  will  do  planted  out 
in  fresh  sandy  soil,  with  a  little  sand  at  the  top.  If  at  all 
doubtful,  the  best  Cloves  and  Carnations  might  as  well  be  put 
round  the  sides  of  a  small  well-drained  pot,  and  the  pot  be 
plunged,  for  then  there  is  the  advantage  that  you  can  renew  the 
mild  heat  if  it  be  wanted.  Where  space  in  a  frame  can  be 
spared,  thiB  plan  involves  far  less  trouble  on  the  whole  than 
layering. 

No  kind  of  cuttings  can  bo  more  quiokly  made.  It  is  seldom 
that  a  knife  need  touch  them.  We  think  that  years  ago  we 
detailed  the  simple  process,  which  also  has  the  advantage  of 
mutilating  to  the  least  possible  extent  the  old  plant.  Proceed 
thus  : — Take  hold  of  the  ehoot  that  you  are  to  take  the  cutting 
from  in  your  left  hand,  to  keep  it  firm  and  steady,  and  take  the 
point  of  the  shoot  in  your  right  hand  near  to  the  second  joint, 
give  a  sharp  pull,  and  out  it  comes  at  the  joint  cleaner  and 
more  neatly  than  ever  you  could  cut  it  with  a  knife  after  much 
stripping  of  leaves.  Sometimes  a  little  film  may  be  left  at  one 
side,  and  that  Bhould  be  removed  with  a  olean  knife.  In  general 
nothing  whatever  is  wanted,  but  the  cutting  or  piping  will  be 
in  the  best  possible  condition  for  planting.  A  clever  lad  will 
slip  out  these  cuttings  as  quickly  as  one  can  write  a  letter  in  one 
of  these  words. 

Propagating  Bedding  Plants. — This  must  often  depend  on 
oircumstancea.  Where  there  are  reserve  gardens  for  cut  flowers, 
it  may  be  done  early.  We  have  not  such  a  garden,  and  there 
is  always  a  little  reluctance  to  spoil  the  contour  of  a  bed  or 
border,  which  taking  many  cuttings  from  a  small  place  is  sure 
to  do.  On  the  same  principle  the  question  may  be  settled  as 
to  the  advisability  of  taking  large  or  small  cuttings.  Had  we 
plenty  of  room  for  wintering,  and  other  matters  suitable,  we 
would  take  oil  strong  cuttings  of  Scarlet  Geraniums,  insert 
them  at  once  in  small  pots,  and  winter  them  in  these  pots. 
We  might  save  time  at  first  by  planting  the  cuttings  in  an  open 
border,  and  then  lifting  and  potting,  but  ultimately  we  should 
gain  but  little,  and  the  plants  struck  in  a  border  are  likely  to  be 
more  succulent  than  those  struck  in  a  pot.  One  advantage  of 
large  cuttings  is,  that  provided  some  of  the  larger  leaves  are 
removed,  they  need  little  or  no  protection  or  Bhading,  as 
there  will  be  enough  of  moisture  stored  up  in  the  cuttings  to 
enable  them  to  bear  sun  and  air  before  roots  are  formed.  Even 
light  drooping  does  them  little  harm.  We  Beldom,  however, 
for  reasons  indicated,  take  large  cuttings,  and  thus  we  break  as 
little  as  possible  the  outline  of  the  bed,  and  save  a  great  many 
in  little  room  in  winter,  but  we  give  them  a  little  help  in  spring. 
Some  gentlemen  looking  at  large  plants  in  vigorous  growth 
in  beds  would  scarcely  oredit  that  these  plants  were  cuttings 
from  11  to  2}  inches  in  length  hut  September.  These  we 
generally  place  thickly  in  pots  and  shallow  boxes,  preferring 
the  latter,  leaving  them  about  1}  inch  apart.  The  cuttings 
when  obtainable  are  chiefly  short,  stubby  side  shoots  slipped 
off  close  to  the  stouter  stems,  and  most  of  these  cuttings, 
therefore,  will  have  the  point  or  axis  of  growth.  With  such 
small  cuttings,  especially  of  the  variegated  Geraniums,  it  is 
well  to  protect  them  at  first  with  old  sashes,  mats,  or  calico, 
the  last  the  best,  until  the  base  of  the  cuttings  swell  so  as  to 
be  ready  to  protrude  roots. 

With  such  plants  as  Verbenas,  Heliotropes,  Pentstemons, 
Salvias,  Iresines,  Colons,  &c,  we  prefer  the  small  side  shoots 
as  cuttings,  and  such  plants  as  Verbenas  we  put  in  more  closely 
than  Geraniums,  seldom  giving  them  more  room  until  spring, 
when  they  are  cropped  for  more  cuttings,  and  encouraged  with 
weak  manure-waterings.  The  most  of  these  plants  are  the 
better  of  being  placed  under  glass,  kept  close  during  sunshine, 
and,  if  near  the  glass,  shaded.  If  from  20  to  24  inches  from 
the  glass  they  will  not  need  Bhading  if  given  a  skiff  from  the 
syringe  about  midday.  We  like  to  get  these  at  least  partly  in 
before  we  begin  with  Geraniums,  as  they  always  succeed  best 
when  struck  cool — that  is,  in  a  cold  pit  or  frame  without  any 
artificial  heat.  The  heat  of  the  sun  during  the  day  we  neu- 
tralise by  keeping  them  cool  at  night — by  giving  air  then,  the 
best  of  all  securities  against  damping.  From  G  or  7  p.m.  to 
7  or  8  a.m.  the  young  cuttings  will  bear  a  little  air  well,  and 
be  all  the  more  robust  in  consequence. 

We  frequently  use  small  pots,  as  60's  and  48's,  for  Verbenas, 
and  sometimes  shift  into  larger  pots  when  the  cuttings  are  well 
Btruck,  but  we  prefer  wooden  boxes  averaging  3  inches  deep  for 
our  main  stores,  and  just  of  the  size  we  can  find  wood  to  suit, 
but  averaging  a  foot  in  width  and  2J  to  3  feet  in  length.  The 
pots  are  generally  filled  from  a  fourth  to  a  third  with  drainage, 


August  25,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL   OF   HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


151 


then  rough  nodules  of  fresh  loam  over  the  drainage,  then  finer 
light  soil,  followed  by  a  surfacing  of  lighter  still,  with  more 
sand.  The  boxes  need  no  drainage.  They  are  chiefly  made  in 
rough  weather  from  rough  packing  boxes,  or  boards  which  have 
been  merely  sawn,  not  planed.  The  extra  waterings,  therefore, 
can  escape  quite  fast  enough  at  the  sides.  These  boxes,  if  old, 
are  well  cleaned  before  being  used,  and  old  and  new  alike  are 
well  painted  with  fresh  limewash.  This  is  a  great  preservative 
against  fungi,  which  otherwise  are  apt  to  attack  rough  wood  in 
damp  places.  These  boxes  are  easily  moved  from  place  to 
plaoe,  a  matter  of  importance  where  muoh  moviDg  is  to  be  done. 
A  thin  layer  of  rough  nodules  of  the  turfy  soil  is  spread  over 
the  bottom  of  the  box,  very  likely  with  the  addition  of  a  little 
charcoal,  then  a  finer  layer  of  sandy  loam,  followed  by  one  finer 
still,  with  more  sand  in  it,  and  a  little  charcoal  dust  at  the 
surface,  the  whole  pressed  down  moderately  firm.  If  at  all 
moist,  we  put  in  the  cuttings  before  watering,  and  then  the 
watering  settles  the  soil  firmly  about  them. 

From  years  of  experience  and  observation  we  can  safely  state 
that  the  health  and  robustness  of  the  cuttings  and  young  plants 
depend  more  on  the  freshness  of  the  soil  than  on  its  richness. 
It  is  safer  to  aid  the  roots  with  weak  manure-waterings  than  by 
mixing  crude  manure  with  the  soil.  We  have  Been  tine  heaps 
for  euoh  cuttings  made  from  old  Cuoumberbeds,  decayed  leaves, 
dung,  and  plenty  of  sand,  but  the  cuttings  often  turned  out  very 
unsatisfactorily.  We  prefer  sweet  fresh  sandy  loam,  and  made 
so  if  it  cannot  be  found  naturally.  This  we  pass  through  sieves 
to  obtain  the  requisite  qualities — rough,  but  not  in  pieces  much 
larger  than  beans  for  the  bottom,  lighter  and  finer  above,  and 
the  top  layer  finest  of  all.  This  takes  very  little  more  time.  All 
half- rotten  leaves  or  dung  for  the  bottom  we  discard,  as  they 
are  the  fruitful  source  of  fungi  and  deoay  at  the  roots.  We  do 
not  object  to  a  little  sweet,  thoroughly  decayed,  well-aired  leaf 
mould,  finely  sifted,  mixed  with  the  upper  layers,  along  with  a 
little  fine  charcoal  duet,  but  if  the  leaf  mould  be  not  sweet  and 
well  aired  beforehand,  we  would  rather  be  without  it  altogether. 
We  have  known  hundreds  and  thousands  of  struck  cuttings 
mined,  because  the  propagator  placed  a  good  handful  of  half- 
decayed  tree  leaves  over  the  drainage.  Of  course,  they  would 
often  do  no  harm,  but  very  frequently  they  become  dangerous 
as  a  regular  feeding  ground  for  fungi. — R.  F. 


TRADE  CATALOGUES  RECEIVED. 

F.  and  A.  Dickson  &  Sons,  106,  Eastgate  Street,  and  Upton  Nur- 
series, CheBter. —  Catalogue  of  Dutch  F'tnoer  Hoots,  &c. 

W.  Catbash  &  Son,  Highgate. — Bulb  Catalogue  for  1870. 

H.  Curtis  &  Co.,  Devon  Rosery,  Torquay. — Descriptive  Catalogue 
of  Selected  Hoses. 

Dick  RadclyffeA;  Co.,  129,  High  Holborn,  London,  W.C.— Autumn 
Catalogue  of  Dutch  Bulbs,  tic. 

Downie,  Laird,  &  Laing,  Stanstead  Park,  Forest  Hill,  London,  and 
17,  Sonth  Frederick  Street,  Edinburgh. — Descriptive  Catalogue  of 
Dutch  Flower  Roots. 


TO    CORRESPONDENTS. 

* » *  We  request  that  no  one  will  write  privately  to  any  of  the 
correspondents  of  the  "  Journal  of  Horticulture,  Cottage 
Gardener,  and  Country  Gentleman."  By  doing  so  they 
are  subjected  to  unjustifiable  trouble  and  expense.  All 
communications  should  therefore  he  addressed  solely  to 
The  Editors  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture,  (6c,  171,  Fleet 
Street,  London,  E.C. 

We  also  request  that  correspondents  will  not  mix  up  on  the 
same  sheet  questions  relating  to  Gardening  and  those  on 
Poultry  and  Bee  subjects,  if  they  expect  to  get  them  an- 
swered promptly  and  conveniently,  but  write  them  on 
separate  communications.  Also  never  to  send  more  than 
two  or  three  questions  at  once. 

N.B. — Many  questions  must  remain  unanswered  until  next 
week. 

Books  [Constant  Reader). — There  is  no  snch  book.  If  you  read  what 
Mr.  Moore  said  at  Oxford,  which  is  reported  in  last  week's  Journal,  and 
Dr.  Hogg's  address,  which  you  will  find  at  page  84,  you  will  meet  with  all 
you  require  to  know.  {Henry). — A  new  and  very  much  enlarged  edition 
of  the  "  Fruit  Minual "  is  now  in  preparation,  but  it  will  not  be  published 
until  a  few  months  hence. 

.Double  Geranium  Crows  Prince.  —  Mr.  Cannell,  of  Woolwich,  has 
sent  us  blooms!  of  his  new  double  Geranium  Crown  Prince,  which  was 
awarded  a  first-class  certificate  at  the  last  meeting  of  the  Floral  Com- 
mittee, showing  that  the  colour  is  much  more  intense  than  that  of 
Madame  Lemoine,  while  the  plant  has  the  advantage  of  not  being  so  gross 
In  habit  as  most  of  the  double  varieties. 


Abnormal  Carnation  (A.  B.  A.).— The  structure  of  your  Carnation  is 
much  the  same  as  that  of  the  Wheat-ear  Carnation,  wherein  all  the  floral 
organs  assume  the  form  of  bracts.  The  difference  between  yours  and  the 
Wheat-ear  is,  in  the  latter  the  spike  is  elongated  like  an  ear  of  Whoat, 
whereas  in  yours  it  is  contracted  in  the  form  of  that  of  the  Canary-grass. 
You  will  find  all  these  curious  vegetable  forms  very  ably  treated  on  in  Dr. 
Masters's  "  Vegetable  Teratology,"  a  work  which  every  gardeuor  ought 
to  possess,  and  which  we  shall  take  an  early  opportunity  of  describing. 

Grapes  Shanking  (G.  Musk).— The  Grapes  are  what  are  called  shanked, 
a  disease  generally  attributable  to  bad  Boil,  overcropping,  and  other 
conditions,  but  of  which  we  believe  the  cause  is  little  understood.  Vie  have 
seen  Vines  grown  in  pots  and  not  overcropped,  but  well  treated,  produce 
Bhanked  fruit. 

Grahs  Lawn  (H.  A.  B.). — If  you  break  np  your  present  lawn  and  sow  it 
down  now,  it  will  not  be  sufficiently  solid  and  thick  for  you  to  play  croquet 
on  it  next  summer.  The  best  way  will  be  to  take  up  the  wholo,  select 
the  best  turf  for  relaying,  and  procure  good  new  turf  to  make  up  the 
quantity  required.  When  your  turf  is  up  proenro  some  heavier  soil  to 
mix  with  the  staple,  and  add  also  a  liberal  dressing  of  cow  manure,  potash 
salts,  and  bones.  Next  season  you  will  have  a  good  turf.  This  should  be 
done  after  this  dry  weather  has  gone.  {Grain  Plot). — As  you  object  to 
returf  your  lawn,  you  had  better  clear  out  all  those  patches  where  the 
grass  has  failed,  and  bow  tbem  with  a  mixture  of  lawn  grasses,  which  you 
can  procure  from  any  seedsman.  In  autumn  top-dres3  the  whole  with 
well-rotted  manure,  or  in  February  give  a  dressing  of  guano  and  super- 
phosphate In  equal  proportions. 

Peaches  not  Swelling  (Agnes). — It  is  not  from  any  effect  of  tho  BUl 
phnr,  but  from  the  dry  season,  that  yonr  Peaches  have  not  grown  so  large 
If  you  had  opened  a  trench  round  the  roots  and  given  them  a  good  water- 
ing, in  all  probability  the  fruit  would  navo  buou  much  larger  than  tbey  are. 

Leap-shaped  Rose  Petal  (H.  D.  Nash).— It  is  simply  a  proof  of  the 
origin  of  the  petal  from  a  leaf.    It  is  a  curious  freak. 

Glass  Walls  (F.  Fane).— Apply  to  Mr.  Beard,  Victoria  Works,  Bury  St. 
Edmunds— that  is,  if  you  mean  his  glass  walls,  and  not  those  of  "  Ob- 
server." 

Names  op  Pelargoniums  (IV.). — We  c*nno*.  undertake  to  name  florists' 
flowers.  Tbo  French  Marigolds  are  good;  we  have  seen  better-marked 
and  larger.    The  Pelargonium  sport  is  of  no  value. 

Crickets  Attacking  Nectarinbs  (G.  S.).— The  insect  gnawing  the 
fruit  off  Nectarines  in  your  orchard  house  is  tha  common  house  cricket, 
which  often  in  hot  Bummers  quits  the  kitchen  hearth  and  takes  up  its 
quarters  in  congenial  situations  out  of  doorfl. — I.  O.  W. 

Pyrbthrum  Shed  Sowing  (Subscriber).— The  Goldon  Pyrethrum  seed 
may  now  be  Bown  in  a  sheltered  iituation  in  light  sandy  soil,  and  the 
plants  may  be  taken  up  in  October,  potted,  ani  wintered  in  a  cold  frame 
or  greenhouse.  They  will  be  floe  for  planting  out  in  spring.  The  Golden 
Pyrethrum,  however,  is  quite  hardy,  and  the  seedlings  may  be  pricked 
off  about  8  inches  apart  in  October,  or  oven  as  late  as  November,  on  a 
warm  border  of  sandy  Boil,  and  they  will  form  good  plants  for  planting 
in  April  or  May. 

Ferns  for  Lilt  House  (An  Amateur). — Wo  do  not  understand  what 
you  mean  by  a  Lily  house,  unless  it  bo  a  house  for  aquatic  plants,  in 
which  case  any  or  all  of  the  exotic  Ferus  introduced  would  succeod  if  it 
were  not  that  they  require  Bhade,  which  aquatics  do  not.  If  you  can 
afford  shade  to  the  Ferns  without  making  the  hons  •  too  gloomy,  or  can 
do  bo  without  shading  the  aquatics,  then  you  may  have  stove  or  green- 
house Ferns,  according  to  the  temporatnre  of  the  structure. 

Double  Petunias  Losing  Colour  (H.  E). — The  double  white  and 
pnrple-blotcbed  Petunias  lose  colour  through  decrease  d  vigour  in  the 
plants.  We  advise  yon  to  take  off  cuttings  of  tho  young  growths  now, 
and  strike  them  in  a  cold  frame  or  in  a  hotbed  ;  when  well  rooted  pot 
them  off  singly  In  email  pots.  In  spring  shift  the  plants  into  larger  pots 
as  required,  using  a  compost  of  two  parts  turfy  loam,  one  part  leaf  soil, 
and  one  part  old  cow  dung,  with  a  froe  admixture  of  sand  and  charcoal. 
Keep  them  in  a  cool,  airy  position  near  the  glass,  and  safe  from  frost. 
The  flowers  will  be  finer  and  the  foliage  larger  than  on  old  plants. 

Pottin3  Show  Pelargoniums  (Iiltm).—  Tho  plants  should  not  be 
rlaced  in  their  blooming  pots  at  tho  first  potting  after  being  cut  down. 
Shake  them  out— that  is,  remove  all  the  soil  from  their  roots,  and  place 
them  in  pots  large  enough  to  hold  the  roots  without  cramping.  When 
the  plants  have  made  freBh  roots  and  need  repotting,  as  they  do  when 
the  roots  are  matting  round  the  sldeB,  they  may  be  put  into  their  blooming 
pots. 

Clematis  fob  North  Wall  (Idem).— We  have  not  found  the  new 
Clematis  Jackmanni,  &c,  succeeding  on  a  north  wall,  but  C.  Vitalba, 
C.  frankfurtensis,  and  C.  Viticella  do  tolerably  well ;  the  first-named  we 
have  seen  very  fine. 

Everlasttng  Flowebs  (Twelve-years  Subscriber).— We  do  not  think 
if  the  words  in  which  the  prize  is  offered  are  strictly  interpreted,  that 
you  could  exhibit  dried  Laguruses  and  other  ornamental  Grasses  in  "  8 
collecting  of  Everlasting  Flowers."  The  heads  of  such  dried  Grasses 
are  only  a  part  of  tho  flowers. 

Figs  (7i.  H.  W.).— We  purpose  doing  as  you  suggest,  but  we  must  have 
all  that  our  correspondent  has  to  say  on  the  subject  before  we  decide. 

Vabious  (Kittle),— The  common  wood  Hyacinth  is  the  Scilla  non- 
scripta  of  botanists,  the  Harebell  of  common  nomenclature.  Very  little 
frost  and  damp  destroy  the  Gnaphalum  lanatum.  Your  proposed  plant- 
ing will  do  very  well  if  you  have  the  crimson  or  red  Tom  Thumb 
Tropseolnm.  The  latter  will  want  picking  off  superfluous  leaves  and 
Beeds  as  they  como.  To  raise  Echeverias  for  edgings  next  year,  Eow  at 
once,  merely  covering  the  seeds,  prick  off  tho  seedlings  as  Eoon  as  sown, 
and  keep  airy  and  rather  dry  in  winter. 

Sulphur  on  Hot-water  Pipes  (A.  B.  C.).— If  you  put  the  sulphur  on 
the  hot-water  pipes,  either  by  making  n  paint  with  water,  or  milk,  or 
lime  to  make  it  adhere  better,  tho  Grapes  will  not  be  injured  if  the  heat  of 
the  pipes  bo  not  above  1605,  and  a  little  air  be  given  at  the  top  of  the 
house  early  in  the  morning. 

Cucumbers  Damping  Off  (Tilney).— Thrips  and  neglecting  to  fertilise 
the  flowers  will  not  cause  the  fruit  to  go  off  at  the  end.  It  arises  from 
the  growth  not  being  free  enough,  owing  to  a  deficiency  of  bottom  heat, 
or  a  cold  and  moist  atmosphere  at  top.    We  think  a  little  more  bottom 


152 


JOURNAL   01?    HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  August  26,  1870. 


heat  with  a  brisk  top  heat  would  set  all  right.  Vegetable  Marrows  are 
indifferent  bearers  this  year,  owing  to  the  dry  weather. 

Wood-lice  is  Ccccmekk  Frame  lit.  J>J)ry).— Place  a.  bailed  potato 
wrapped  up  in  a  little  hay  in  a  small  flower-pot,  and  lay  the  pot  on  its 
side  near  the  baunts  of  the  woodlice.  A  number  of  such  baits  put  down 
at  night,  and  tbe  contents  emptied  in  the  morning  into  a  bucket  of 
boiling  water,  will  considerably  thin  tbe  woodlice. 

_  Peaches  Diseased  (Mrs.  W.  F.  Kria.tchbull,.—Tha  Peaches  are  suffer- 
ing from  sum,  and  probably  the  trees  are  also.  The  cause  of  this  is  the 
roots  of  the  trees  having  got  into  an  nngenial  soil.  In  autumn  let  tbe 
roots_ be  uncovered  and  examined,  una  as  some  of  them  will  in  all  pro- 
bability have  thrown  down  tap  roots  into  tbe  subsoil,  let  these  be  cut  off, 
and  all  the  remaining  roots  encouraged  near  ti;e  surface. 

Mesehbkyanthemcm  Culture  (H.  T.I.— The  culture  of  these  plants  is 
not  difficult.  They  require  to  be  grown  in  a  compost  of  equal  parts  of 
light  turfy  loam,  sandy  peat,  lime  i  ubbish,  charcoal  or  broken  pots,  and 
silver  sand.  If  Ihe  loam  is  pr  or,  one  part  of  old  cow  dung  may  be  ad- 
vantageously added.  Mix  the  whole  well.  The  pots  must  be  well  drained. 
Small  potB  onry  are  necessary,  er  rather  they  should  be  small  compared 
with  the  plants.  Pot  in  spring,  or  when  the  plants  begin  to  grow.  Propa- 
gate by  cuttings  laid  on  a  shelf  in  the  sun  a  few  davs  to  dry  at  the  base, 
and  then  insert  them  in  the  above  compost,  with  "an  equal  quantity  of 
sand  added  to  it.  In  summer  they  succeed  out-doors  en  rcckwork  in  an 
open,  very  sunny  situation,  and  are  very  suitable  ps  wineiow  plnnts  for 
warm  south  aspects.  In  winter  they  nee"d  to  be  kept  secure  from  frost, 
and  ought  to  have  no  more  water  than  will  prevent  the  stems  and  leaves 
from  shrivelling.  When  growing  they  require  a  plentiful  supply  of  water, 
at  other  times  dryness.  Some  of  Ibo  best  are  M.  densum,  dtltoideum, 
strictum,  conspicuum,  falcatum,  nJamentosttm,  relnxatum,  spectabile, 
cordifolium  variegatum,  coccineunr,  uncinatum,  falcatum.  echinatum 
album,  cvliudricum,  bicolorum  prt'ulum,  Ifeve,  aurnnrium,  spinosnm, 
aureurn,  bsrbatuin,  polyantbon.  tuberosum,  incurvum,  denticulatuur, 
blandurn,  difforme,  heteropetalum,  elolabriforme,  and  inclaudens.  If 
planted  out  in  Eummcr  they  will  need  to  he  taken  up  in  autumn,  potted, 
and  wintered  in  a  house  with  a  temperature  not  below  35°,  nor  higher 
from  fire  heat  than  45°,  keeping  them  near  the  glass  and  dry.  Theyaro 
not  Everlastings. 

Peaches  (V.  W.  Pojiliam).— We  do  not  know  the  Dymond  Peach,  and 
never  heard  of  the  name.  Tbe  nurseryman  who  sold  it  to  you  ought  to 
be  able  to  give  some  account  of  it.  The  variety  which  he  supplied  you 
wrth  for  Eoyal  George,  may  probably  be  Early  Victoria,  as  thai  is  a  dark- 
coloured  Peach,  and  with  glaudless  leaTts. 

_  Shoots  op  Vine  Dying  (IT.  C.  ill.).— This  decay  arid  the  Grapes  shank- 
ing, indicate  that  the  roots  of  the  Vint-  do  not  supply  a  sufficiency  of  sop. 
They  have  either  descended  into  a  bad  subsoil,  or  tboy  have  not  a  good 
supply  of  moisture  and  nourishment.  Give  an  abundant  watering  once 
a-week  with  tepid  weak  liquid  manure,  and  mulch  the  surface  of  the 
border. 

Names  of  Plants  (Julia].— Achilla?a  Millefolium.  (D.  B  ).— Cuscuta 
Trifolii.  (M.  ClutterbucK).— Catalpu  syringssfoiia.  It  does  not  bloom 
until  of  a  large  size.  (J.  S).—  l.  Aspleieium  bulbiferum  ;  2,  Nephrosis 
exaltala  ;  8,  Kttris  cretica  albo-lineata  ;  4,  Platyloma  rotuudife.lia  ;  5,  Ha- 
brothamnus  elegnns  ;  6,  Asclepias  curassavica."  (Milj'ord).— Atriplcx  por- 
tnlacoides  of  Linnteus,  now  frequently  referred  to  tbe  genus  Gbione  ; 
O.  portubscoides  of  Moquin.  (31.  .4.).— V  ithout  seeing  the  flowers  of 
your  scenttd-leaved  Pelargonium  it  is  imposi-ibJe  to  say  if  it  is  tetter 
than  existing  named  varieties.  The  leaf  you  sent  will  be  that  of  Achi- 
menes  Ghiesbrecbtii.  A  piece  of  a  Fern  frond  enclosed  with  your  letter 
is  Adiantum  bispiduhim.  (J.  G.  S  ).— So.  4  is  Lysimachia  Nu'mmularia, 
and  5  Itarmica  vulgaris  fl.  pi. ;  No.  3,  Gnapbuliiim  margarituceum.  The 
rest  in  a  future  issue.  ID.  A.).— j,  Some  Labiate,  apparently  a  Melissa; 
specimen  in  this  and  the  next  far  too  imperfect ;  2,  a  Habreithamnus  or 
Cestrum ;  B,  Cassia  lsevigata.  Send  better  specimens  when  you  make 
inquiry  again  (£.'.  P.).— Pelitea  adiantitulia.  (S.  W.).— 1,  Lastrea  dila- 
tata  ;  5,  L.  ipinulosa  ;  2,  Lomaria  spicant ;  4,  8,  and  10,  all  forms  of  Athy- 
rium  Filix-fcemina ;  3,  Lastrea  Fiiix-mas;  l:,  Polypodium  calcareum ; 
9,  Polystichum  Lonchites.  (A  Suktcriber).— 1,  Uigginsia  (or  Campjlo- 
bolrys)  refulgems;  2,  Eranthemum  leuconeurum. 


POULTRY,   BSE,   AND  PIGEON    CHRONICLE. 


A  TRIP  INTO  GLOUCESTERSHIRE   AFTER 

POULTRY.— No.  1. 
Theee  are  many  charming  bits  of  scenery  in  England  which 
are,  a*,  yet,  fi  m  ljiug  away  from  railway  stations,  scarcely 
fcnov>u  eo  ranch  as  they  deserve  to  be.  Or,  if  they  have  a 
railway,  it  is  •!  at  unsatisfactory  thing,  a  Bingle  line,  which  in 
slowness,  perbapB,  is  meant  to  be  a  pleasing  reminder  of  old 
coaching  limes;  sometimes,  too,  it  comes  to  an  end  at  ap- 
parently nowhere  particular,  and,  perhaps,  at  a  very  small 
station,  where  tv>o  men  are  yawning,  thus  making  a  pretence  of 
doing  something,  or  a  lively  boy,  the  only  vigorous  inhabitant 
of  the  district,  is  whistling  a  tune  which  was  a  popular  one 
ten  years  ago.  But  there  are  often  chaiming  bits  of  scenery 
close  by  ;  one  such  it  was  my  happy  lot  to  see  last  week  in  the 
district  lying  near  Dursley,  in  Gloucestershire.  Although  the 
Romaus  left  their  mark  about  I'ursley,  yet  something  more 
ubiquitous  even  than  that  conquering  power  gave  many  of 
the  names  to  tbe  places  around — namely,  pasturage  and  a 
shepherd's  life.  Thus  in  Dursley  we  have  deers-lie  ;  the  next 
palish  is  Uley— i  e.,  Ewes-lie  ;  the  next  Owlpen,  from  old-pen  ; 
and  Lampeii.  Hill  from  lombe-pen.  Doubtless,  the  shepherds 
gave  the  names,  and  all,  save  the  first,  tell  of  their  quiet 
pasture  life. 


The  valley  of  Uley  is,  indeed,  a  choice  piece  of  scenery — high 
hills  covered  with  beech  trees,  there  a  natural  growth ;  then 
in  contrast  to  the  thick  woods,  one  bare  long  hill,  Uleybury,  so 
unlike  its  well-clothed  brothers,  and  a  valley  with  wood — 
perhapB  too  much — and,  marvellous  this  dry  season,  a  glimmer 
of  water  and  perfectly  green  grass.  Place  in  this  scenery  a 
couple  of  Gothic  churches,  a  picturesque  mansion  or  two,  one 
smaller,  yet  its  ivy,  and  its  stone  tiles,  and  its  air  of  comfort 
and  refinement,  make  each  traveller  instinctively  say,  "What 
a  nice  old  place  !  Who  lives  there?"  I  check  rein  before  that 
house,  where  lives  and  has  long  lived  a,  brother  cleric,  a 
brother  poultry  fancier,  and  a  brother  rosarian — a  threefold 
binding-chord.  Mine  is  a  second  visit,  so  I  know  what  to 
i  xpect  and  whom  to  look  for — the  kindly  parson  himself,  his 
wife,  and  oh,  marvellous  !  bis  small  family.  Then  there  will 
be  his  man  Hosea  (a  parson's  man  should  have  an  Old  Testa- 
ment name).  Then  there  will  be  the  garden,  apparently  given- 
up  entirely  to  roses,  though  there  is  a  cabbtge  here  and  there  ; 
tlieie  will  be  the  Dorkings,  and  the  Game  Eintams  ;  there  will 
be  the  selecting  and  packing-off  the  poultry  for  the  coming 
show ;  there  will  be  the  master  taking  a  last  loving  peep  and 
saying,  "  I  wonder  what  prizes  I  shall  get — perhaps  none  at  all, 
for  those  wretched  judges  may  not- see  tae  beauties  of  my 
beauties,  and  yet  (bere  hope  sparkles  in  his  eye),  I  think,  that 
Doikiug  cockerel  will  do  something."  (N.B.,  He  did.)  There 
will  he  Hosea,  gravely  and  cautiously  putting  the  show  roses 
in  their  case,  dipping  tbe  moss  in  the  water,  filling  the  glasses, 
sorting  the  roses,  and  thinking  they  will  get  a  prize.  Hosea 
was  right,  they  did. 

Wednesday  morning  we  start  from  tho  valley  of  Uley  for 
Sttoud,  driving— that  pleasante3t  way  of  getting  through  a  short 
journey  in  fine  and  warm  weather.  Soon  v^e  emerge  from  the 
lovely  valley  and  begin  to  climb  that  long  steep  hill,  Lampern 
Hill,  with  a  forest  of  beech  trees  on  our  right,  and  a  dip  of 
many  hundred  feet  on  our  left.  Pity  we  cannot,  as  far  as 
locomotion  is  concerned,  do  away  with  all  hills.  Look  at  the 
wise  Londoners,  they  only  had  one  hill,  Holborn  Hill,  and 
they  have  done  away  with  that.  Railways  also  know  no  hills  ; 
in  fact,  hills,  except  to  look  at,  are  sad  nuisances.  The  late 
Mr.  Cobden  once  talked  of  crumpling-up  Russia  as  he  could, 
suiting  the  action  to  the  word,  crumple  up  a  newspaper,  which, 
perhaps,  contained  an  atticle  against  him.  I  wished  he  had 
lived  to  lower  all  the  hills  by  filling  up  the  valleys  in  the  roads. 

Having  at  long-last  climbed  that  tedious  hill,  we  come  into 
tbe  stone-wall  country,  leaving  a  little  on  cur  right  Eingscote 
Park,  which  has  been  in  the  hands  of  the  EiDgscotes  for  nearly 
a  thousand  years.  A  Nigel  de  Eingscote  came  over  with  the 
Conqueror,  and  Colonel  Nigel  Eingscote  now  represents,  as  his 
forefathers  did  in  many  generations,  a  division  of  Gloucester- 
shire. 

Further  on,  the  country  improved  until  we  get  among  de- 
cidedly pretty  scenery.  At  Horsley,  there  stands  an  empty 
unused  jail,  which  ugly  building  though  it  be,  we  may  look 
at  with  pleasure,  as  it  is  a  happy  indication  of  improved  morals. 
But  we  get  on  to  Nailsworth,  and  still  the  scenery  improves, 
passing  Amberley,  which  gives  a  title  to  Earl  Russell's  eldest 
son.  heaching  soon  Woodchester,  we  are,  I  suppose,  in  the 
golden  valley  of  Stroud,  and  beautiful  it  is  ;  not  a  close-shut-in 
valley  as  some  of  our  North  Wilts  combes  are,  nor  yet  a  wide 
valley  with  hills  so  far  off  as  scarcely  to  come  into  the  land- 
scape— wide,  and  not  too  wide,  with  hills  well-shaped  and 
well-wooded,  iodeed  the  whole  of  the  golden  valley  has  a 
paik-like  appearance,  so  well-grown  is  the  timber.  Among  the 
scattered  hamlets  one  caught  sight  now  and  then  of  a  fine 
gable,  or  oinate  house  of  the  Queen  Anne  date,  but  factories 
are  also  in  the  valley,  which,  though  indicating  wealth  and  a 
comfoitable  livelihood  to  many.add.no  beauty  to  the  scene. 
Art  put  alemgside  of  Nature  must  not  only,  in  order  to  add  to 
the  beauty  of  tbe  landscape,  be  high  art,  but  must  be  altered 
and  improved  by  the  hand  of  Nature,  an  alteration  and  im- 
provement stretching  over  many  years  before  it  harmonises 
with  Nature.  Thus,  how  a  new  monument,  or  a  new  church 
smites  the  eye ;  but  let  the  church  tower  or  spire  meet  the 
winds  of  Heaven  for  years  and  years  and  get  well  weather- 
stained,  how  (as  witness  hundreds  of  old  churches)  it  adds  to 
the  beauty  of  the  view ;  but  new  factories  can  never  be  im- 
proved. This  train  of  thought  reminds  me  of  Shakspeare'S 
words  in  the  Winter  Tale — 

"  Yet  nature  is  made  better  by  no  mean, 
But  nature  makes  that  mean  :  so  o'er  that  art 
Which,  you  say,  adds  to  nature,  is  an  art 
That  nature  makes, the  art  iteelf  is  nature.'' 


August  25,  1870.  J 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


153 


Bat  Stroud  is  now  near,  bo  let  me  think  over  its  history. 
Stroud  or  Stroudwater  was  so  named  from  being  on  the  Slade 
or  Stroud. vater,  and  is  situated  in  the  beautiful  golden  valley. 
It  was  once  but  a  long  street  up  the  hill,  crossed  by  another  at 
its  base.  Stroud  is  the  centre  of  the  woollen  manufactures  of 
Gloucestershire.  The  Stroud  water  is  said  to  be  admirably 
adapted  for  dying  scarlet  colour,  hence  clothiers  and  dyers  at 
an  early  period  gathered  near  its  banks.  John  Canton,  a  cele- 
brated natural  philosopher,  who  discovered  the  means  of 
making  artificial  magnets,  for  which  the  Royal  Society  gave  its 
gold  medal,  was  born  here,  as  was  Jo;c-ph  White,  a  Professor  of 
Arabic  at  Oxford — both  mm  sons  of  Stroud  weavers,  and 
both,  too,  specimens  of  what  Englishmen  may  rise  to  and 
from.  Once  a  youth  applied  to  me  to  help  him  to  the  office  of 
letter-carrier.  I  asked  him  why,  as  I  knew  he  earned  a  good 
living.  He  said  "  he  wa3  a  weaver,  and  nobody  thought  any- 
thing of  a  weaver."  It  was  not  a  wise  speech,  for  every  man, 
whatever  his  calling,  is  respected  because  of  his  character,  and 
not  because  of  his  calling.  Weaving  has  made  Stroud  famous, 
and  no  man,  so  that  he  weaves*  well,  and  is  an  honest  man,  bnt 
may  bo  proud  of  his  weaving ;  and  in  free,  fair,  open-to-com- 
petition England,  his  sous  may,  if  they  have  the  brain  power, 
be  equal  to  a  John  Canton  or  a  Joseph  White. — Wiltshire 
Rector. 

ALDBOROUGH  AND  BOROUGHBRIDGE 
POULTRY  SHOW. 

This  Show  was  held  on  the  12th  inst.  in  the  grounds  of  Aldborough 
Manor.  The  day  was  line  and  hot,  but  tho  birds  were  well  supplied 
with  water.  The  entries  were  more  nnmerons  than  last  year,  and 
some  of  the  birds  were  exceedingly  fine. 

The  adult  Dorkings  were  good,  and  in  excellent  feather  for  the 
season,  and  the  winning  Spanish  and  Cochins  also  noteworthy.  The 
Game  were  not  quite  so  good  as  we  have  seen  them  at  this  place,  bnt 
the  Polantls  made  amends,  having  well-developed  crests,  and  being 
good  in  colour  and  marking.  Tho  Hamhurghs  were  not  good,  but  the 
Turkeys  and  Qeese  were  very  large  and  well  matched.  The  adult  and 
young  classes  of  Ducks  were  among  the  best  in  the  Show  ;  in  fact,  the 
Rouens  were  quite  equal,  if  not  superior,  to  any  we  have  seen  during 
the  present  season. 

In  the  Pigeon  classes  most  of  the  winners  were  first-rate  The 
Pouters  in  the  first-prize  pen  were  Red,  and  the  first-prize  Carriers 
Dun,  and  fine  in  eye  and  beak.  The  Trumpeters  were  Mottles  in 
good  bloom,  but  the  Jacobins  not  of  the  best.  In  Tumblers  a  neat- 
headed  pair  of  Ked  Baldpates  were  first,  and  in  Turbits  the  first  were 
Yellows,  and  the  second  Silver  Dun?.  The  winning  Antwerps  were  all 
that  could  bo  desired  in  qnality  and  colour.  In  the  class  for  English 
Owls  there  were  only  three  entries,  but  the  birds  were  capital  in  skull. 
In  the  "  Variety  "  class  the  first-pri^o  went  to  Black  Swallows,  and  the 
second  to  Black  Magpies. 

Dorkings.— I.  A.  Thompson,  Kirby  Hall.  2,  J.  &  P.  Potter,  Whixley.  he,  A. 
Thompson ;  H.  R.  Farrar.  Green  Hammerton.  Spanish. — 1,  F.  Horsman, 
Boroughbridge.  2,  A.  ThompBOn.  Game.— 1,  J.  Watson,  Knaresborongu.  2, 
J.  Watson.  Jan..  Knaresborough.  Ii.\  W.  Scott.  Cochin-China. — 1,  Mrs- 
T.  S.  Turner,  Borooghbridge.  2.  W.  Barnes,  Thirsk.  he.  Mrs.  J.  W.  Green, 
Boroughbridge;  H.  R.  Farrar.  Brahma  Pootras.— 1,  A.  Thompson.  2  and 
he,  F.  Horsman.  Chickens  of  the  foregoing  classes.— 1.3.  Robshaw,  Whixlcv. 
2,  H.  R.  Farrar.  S,  A.  Thompson,  he,  Mis.  J.  W.  Green;  A.Thompson;  J. 
Watson  ;  R.  Sowerby.  H&HBUBOHB. — Go'alcnspanaled. — I,  F.  Carver.  2.  Miss 
Mawtus,  Minskip.  Golden-pencilled.— 1  and  2,  F.  Horsman.  Silrer-spanaled. 
—1,  J.  Best.  Boroughbridge.  2.  A.  Thompson.  Poland.— 1  and  2.  T.  S.  Turner, 
Boroughbridge.  he,  C.  Walker ;  W.  Lonsdale.  Chickens  of  the  I 
classes.— 1.  J.  Best.  Bantams.— Game.— 1,  W.  J,  Stewart,  Darlington.  Any 
varittt/.—l,  3.  Watson.  2,  Mrs.  Croft,  Aldborough.  Ant  other  Variety.— 
1,M.  Dickson,  Little  Ouseburn  (Houdans).  2,  Miss  Woodward.  Turkeys.— 
1, 1.  Moorey,  Mulwith,  Ripon.  2,  F.  Parker.  Roeeliffe  Grange.  Poults.— 1  and 
2, 1.  Moorey.  he.  W.  Bickerdike,  Brampton  Hall :  F.  Parker  (2).  Geese.— 1, 
Mrs.  Smith,  Humburton.  2.  S.  Renton,  Ripon.  he.  W.  Bickerdike  (2).  Goslings. 
— 1,  S.  Renton.  2.  Mrs.  Smith,  he,  I.  Moorev :  W.  Bickerdike.  Docks. — Ai/les- 
burij.—l,  A.  Thompson.  2.  J.Mason,  he,  3.  Cuthbertson,  Aldborough;  W. 
Pipes,  Tholthorpe.  Ducklings.— 1,  C.  Graham,  Aldborough.  2.  A.  Thompson. 
he,  A.  Thompson;  J.  Handley,  Skelton  :  J.  Mason.  Rouen.— 1  and  2,  C.Graham. 
he,  J.  Handley;  J.  King,  Boroughbridge.  Ducklings.— 1,  C.  Graham.  2,  J. 
Handley.  lie,  J.  King.  Any  other  variety.— 1,  R.  Wilson,  Tbirsk.  Guinea 
Fowls— 1,  S.  Renton.  Selling  Class.— 1,  H.  R.  Farrar.  2,  J.  Watson,  he, 
A.  Thompson. 

PIGEONS. 

Pouters.— 1,  G.  Sadler.  2,  W.  Bearpark,  Ainderby  Steeple,  he,  R.  Wilson, 
Thirsk.  Carriers.— 1  and  2,  G.  Sadler,  lie,  W.  Bearpark.  Trumpeters.— 
1,  J.  Condale,  Copt  Hewick.  2,  R.Wilson,  he.  F.  Horsman.  Jacobins— 1,  R. 
Wilson.  2,  W.  Bearpark.  Fantails.— 1,  W.  Bearpark.  2.  G.  Sadler,  he,  R. 
Wilson.     Tumblers.—  1,  G.  Stutter.    2,  E.  Wilson,    lie,  F.  Hor>man.    Barbs  — 

1.  R.Wilson.    Nuns.— 1,  R.Wilson.    2,  W.  Bearpark.    Turbits.— 1.  G.  Sadler. 

2,  R.Wilson,  he,  J.  W.  Smith,  Ripon  (2).  Antwerps.— 1,  . I.  Cundale.  2,  G. 
Sadler.  English  Owls.— 1,  R.  Wilson.  2,  G.  Sadler.  lie,  W.  Bearpark.  in 
other  Variety.— 1  and  he,  W.  Bearpark.  2.  J.  Cundale.  Selling  Class.— 
1,  J.  Hardcastle,  jun  ,  Skelton.  2,  W.  Bearpark.  he,  J.  Cundale ;  W.  Scott ;  R. 
Wilson.  ■-  — 

Rabbits.— Any  Breed.— Buck.—l,  J.  Mason.  2,  W.  W.  Garwood.'  'Doe.—l, 
A.S.  Lawson.    2,  J.  Mason.    lie,  J.  Benson. 

Judge. — Mr.  E.  Hutton,  Pudsey. 


Long  Sutton  Poultry  Show. — Eight  silver  cups  of  the 
value  of  five  guineas  each  are  this  year  offered  for  poultry,  and 
three  of  three  guineas  for  Pigeons,  with  one  of  like  valu9  for 


Rabbits.  In  addition  to  the  usual  Pigeon  premiums  prizes 
are  offered  for  the  competition  of  Carriers  and  Barbs  bred  in 
1870.  The  middle  of  October  is  a  time  when  it  can  be  readily 
ascertained  whether  the  competitive  birds  are  of  the  season's 
produce  or  not.     These  classes  will  be  most  attractive. 


GREETLAND  poultry  show. 

The  following  awards  were  made  at  this  Show,  beldon  the  13th  inst : — 
Brahma  Pootras. — Chickens.— 1,  Dr.  J.  Holmes.  Whi'icoats,  Chesterfield. 
2,  J.  Bailey.  Cochin-China—  1.  J.  E.  Eastwood,  West  Vale.  2,  M.  B.  Riley, 
niingworth.  Spanish  (Blank).— 1,  K.  Holrovd.  Barkisland.  2,  T.  Dyson,  West 
Vale.  Chickens.— 1.  J.  W.Cannan, Bradford.  Hahbubohs.— 1,  S  Smith,  North- 
owraru.  2,  D.  Garside,  Greetland.  Chickens.— 1,  S.  Smi  h.  2,  S.  Hirst,  Stain- 
land.  Game.  —  1.  C  w.  Eastwood,  West  Vale.  9.  •'.  GledhilL  Rastrick. 
Chickens— 1, 0.  W.  Eastwood.  2.  E.  Holland.  Grasshill,  Chesterfield.  Game 
Pantams.-I  and  2,  F.  Steel,  Halifax.    I  1.  F.  Steel.    2,  T.  S.Dyson, 

Halifax.  Any  Breed—  1,  J.  W.  Cannon.  2,  M.  B.  Riley.  Chickens.— 1,  O.  W. 
Eastwood.  Duces.— I,  T.  Parr,  Oreetland.  2.  J.  Taylor,  Rippenden.  Duck- 
ling*.—1,  S.  Briggs.  Greetland.  2,  B.  Day,  Wakefield.  Geese— 1,  T.  Parr, 
id.  2,  G.  Betlison.  Soholea,  Greetland.  Goslings.— 1,  T.  Parr.  2,  G. 
Bettison.    Turkeys.— 1.  J.  >^t:.  s,  Halifax. 

Extra  Prizes—  Sam,'.— Cuck.—\,  0.  W.  Eastwood.  2,  \.  Stott.  Hen.— I,  J. 
Shaw.  8,  C.  W.  Eastwood.  Any  oilier  Variety.— 1,  W.  BirBt,  Stainland.  2.  C. 
W.  Eastwood.    Rabbits.— 1,  T.  Lumb,  Barkisland.    2,  J.  Dixon,  North  Dean. 

Judges.— Mr.  M.  Smith,  Leeds,  and  Mr.  JameB  Thompson, 
Southowram. 

HUNSLET  poultry  show. 

The  ninth  Show  at  Hunslet  took  place  on  the  15th  inst.,  and  was 
the  most  successful  one  held  there.  The  day  being  fire  the  number 
of  visitors  was  very  large.  The  entries  in  the  poultry  classes  were 
not  so  numerous  as  tbc  prizes  would  have  led  ns  to  expect,  but  the 
qnality  of  most  of  the  fowls  was  all  that  could  be  desired.  Many  of 
the  Pie/eons  were  of  great  merit,  particularly  the  prize  pens. 

Dorkings— 1,  E.  Maul.  Middleton.  2,  J.  Britton.  Leeda.  Spanish.— 1.  F. 
Pickard,  Thorner.  2,  H.  Pellon.B  ngiey.  Cochin-China.—  1.  F.  Pickard.  2,  J. 
White.  Wakefield.  Game.— Black-breasted  and  other  Beds—1.  H.  Beldon. 
2.  W.  Fell,  Adwalton.    White  or  Piles  — 1  and  2,  H.  C    Ma  Mmgton. 

Any  other  colour.— 1,  H.  c.  Mason.  2.  W.  Fell.  Hakbukohs.— Gal  I  pencilled. 
— 1,  H.  Beldon.  2.  Hainswortb  ft  Fail-bank.  silvcr-pencilUd.— 1  and  2,  H. 
Beldon.  Gold-spangled.—  1,  H.  Beldon.  J,  —  Nichols,  N  w  Wortley.  Silrer- 
spangled.—\  and  2.  H  '     '''  QgWOrfh,  Idle. 

2.  H."  Beldon.    Poland (Any  variety).— 1  and  in.     Bastams.— Black 

or  White— %  H.  Beldon.  Game.— I,  —  Fatithoirc.  P  2,  T  Marsden, 

Cleckheaton.     Any  other  variety.— 1,  H.  Beldon.     Bbahma    Pootras— 1,  H. 
Beldon.    Selling'  Ci.a-s.— ).  W.  Fell.    Turkeys—  1.  J.  B.  Britton.    Seese 
(Anv  colour).- 1.  J.  White,  Wakefield,    2,  W.  Taylor.  Oswoldthorpe     Ducks.— 
.■■v.— 1,  T.  Pull  in,  '.    2,  G.  Saynor.  Allwoodley.    Rouen.— 1,  J. 

J,  J.  Ward,  Drlghlington.      Guinea   Fowl.— 1,  T.  Pulum.    2,  J.  B. 
Britton. 

PIGEONS. 

Carriers.— 1  and  2,  E.  Horner.  Hnrewood.  Antwerps  —1,  E.  Horner. 
Owxs.— 1.  E.  Homer.  2.  A.  Britton.  tt/rbits.— 1  and  2,  E.  Homer.  Barbs.— 
1,  E.Horner.    2,  W.  Hughes,  Leeds.    Tumblers.  B  .Leeds.    2,  C. 

Gravel,   Thome.     F..ni.ails.—  1,    E.  Honur.     v.  J.    Pollard,    Sew    Wortley. 
a.— 1,  E.  Horner.    2.  W.  Hughes.     Nuns— 1.  C.  Gravil.    Jacobins.— 
].  E.  Homer.    2,  W.  Hughes.     Any  other  Variety. -1,  W.  Hughes.    2,  E. 
Horner. 

Rabbits.— Long-eared.— 1,  C  Gravil.   2,  R.  Calvert,  Hunslet.    Any  other  de 

-1,  C.  Burton. 
Mr.  James  Dixon,  of  Bradford,  was  the  Judge. 


WARRINGTON  POULTRY   SHOW. 

This  was  held  on  the  16th  and  17tb.  and  was  well  attended,  the 
entries  amounting  to  394  pens,  and  the  qnality  generally  very  good. 
Mr.  Hewitt,  who  was  to  have  been  one  of  the  Judges,  was  unable  to 
attend  owing  to  his  being  unwell. 

Dorkings.— Coloured.— 1  and  Cap,  Admiral  W.  Hornby.  Knowsley.  2,  J. 
Robinson,  Garstang.  he.  J.  K.  Fowler,  Aylesbary;  J.  White,  Warlaby; 
G.  Andrews,  Tnxford.  c.  J.  Watts,  Birmingham  Chicken-..—  1,  T.  E  Kell, 
Wetherby.  2,  T.  Briden,  Earbv.  he,  J.  Lewrv,  Bolney  Cucknela;  J.  Copple, 
Eccleston,  Prescot ;  Hiss  Faii-hurst,  Otniskirk.  Any  other  vansUh—1,  3. 
Robinson.  2,  Miss  Foirhnrst.  Chickens.— 1,  3.  Robinson.  J.  P.  McDonald, 
Sale  Moor.  Spanish— 1  and  Cur.  F.  &  C.  Haworth.  Haslmgden.  2,  C.  W. 
BrierlCY,  middleton.  he.  F.  .i  C.  Hawortb ;  J.  F.  Dixon  Cotgrave  ;  T.  C.  and 
E.  Newbitt,  Epworth  :  W.  Green,  Warrington,  c,  W.  R  Bull,  Newport  Pag- 
nell.  Chickens— 1.  C.  W. Biieriey.  1,  G.  Winteibottom.  AO.ton-under-Lyne. 
he,  E.  Brown,  Sheffield.  Cochtss.— Buff  and  Cinnamon.- 1  an  1  2.  W  .  A..  Taylor, 
Manchester,  he,  J.  Cattail,  Birmingham,  c,  T.  Stretch.  Onm-kirk  ;  G.  R. 
DartnaU,  Henley-in-Arden.  Chickens.— 1  end  Cup,  Hon  Mrs.  Biiriell,  Ipswich. 
2  W  A.  Taylor,  he,  C.  Sedgwick;  T.  Stretch ;  W.  A  Taylor;  \\  .  P.  Kylanci, 
Eardington."  Partridge  or  any  other  variety.— I,  E.  Tudman,  Whitchurch. 
2.  J.  Sichel,  Timpcrlev.  he,  1.  Stretch:  W.  A.  Taylor,  e.  W.  A.  Taylor. 
Chickens.— 1,W.  A  Tartor.  2.  A.  J.  E.  Swindell.  Stourbridge.  If.  C.  Sedgwick. 
Keighley.  BRAHUAS.-Korf:.— 1.  J.  Pick'es.  Earby.  2.  J.  Stalker.  West  Sleek- 
burn.  )ir\  Hon.  Miss  •  onglas  Pennant,  Penrhyn  Castle.  Bangor;  H.  Lacy, 
Hebden  bridge:  W.  Hargreaves,  Bacup.  c.  Rev.  E.  Alder.  Eiwall  Vicarage. 
Chickens.— 1  and  Cup.  Hon.  Mrs  Burrcll.  2  W.  A.  Taylor,  he,  E.  Pntchard, 
Tettenhall:  W  A.Taylor;  Hon.  Mrs  Burrell :  L.Wright,  KlMSdown,  Bristol ; 
J.  H.  Pickles.  Stockport ;  W.  Ha.rgrea.ves.  c,  H.  Dowsett.  Pleshey.  Chelmsford. 
Light.— 1  and  Cop.  H.  Dowsett.  2,  A.  O.  Wortbinet.m,  Barton-on-Trent  he,  J. 
Pares,  Postfoid.  Guildford.  Chickens.— 1.  A.  O.  Worthington  2.  H.  Dowsett. 
lie.  Mrs.  A.  Williamson,  Leicester.  Game— .■lay  variety.— Cocks- 1  and  cup^j. 
Laming.  Cowhum.  Spalding.  2.  J.  Halsall.  Eccleston.  hc.C.  Chalonex,  vyhit- 
w.  11,  Chesteifield.  Black-breasted  and  other  Iteds.-l  and  Cvj,  J.  Wood.  2,  G. 
Bagnall.  Drarcott.  lie,  W.  C.  Oakley.  Albert  .n :  J.  Fnth,  thatsworth. 
Chickc„s.-1,  J.  Caili»le.  Earby.  2,C.  Cbaloner.  Ire  S.  Matthew,  stowmarket. 
J.  Laming,  c,  R.  Asldey.  Nantwich.  Anyotlrr  1  arirtu.—\,  C.  Cbaloner. 
2,  J.  Laming.  )ic,  H.  M.  Julian,  Hull.  Chickens.— 1.  S. Matttew.  2  A.  G.  Wild, 
iig,  Bsrnlev.  c,  C.  Cbaloner,  WbitweU.  Chesterfield  :  J.  Frith.  Chatsworth. 
Polanls  (Auvvariety).— land  <np  and  2.  H  Beldon.  Burnley,  lie.  G.  C.Ad. 
kins.  Birmingham.  HiMBTmoas.— Qolderwpanglcd.— 1,  H.  Beldon.  2,  1. 
Walker,  jun.,  Denton.    Chickens— 1,  Duke  of  Sutherland, Trentham.    i,  Chad. 


154 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER 


[  August  25,  1870. 


derton  &  Scholes,  Hotlinwood.  he.  T.  Walker,  jun.  Silver-spangled.— 1  and 
Cup,  H.  Beldon.  2,  H.  Pickles.  CJUekens.—l,  H.  Pickled.  2,  H.  Beldon.  he, 
J.  H.  Howe,  Denton.  Golden-pencilled.— 1  and  Cup,  H.  Beldon.  2,  H.  Pieklce. 
he,  W.  Speakmun,  Nantwich.  Chickens. — 1,  T.  Wrigley,  .inn.,  MiddMon.  2,  H. 
Beldon.  he,  T.  Edwards,  jun.:  H.  Pickles,  jun.  Silver-pencilled.— 1,  H. 
PickleB.  jun.  2,  H.  Beldon.  Chicken*.— 1,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  2,  H.  Beltion.  he, 
H.  Pickles,  jun.  Black.— 1  and  Cup,  C.  Sedgwick.  2,  H.  Beldon.  Gajie 
Bantams.— Any  Variety.— \,  J.  R.  Robinson.  2,  J.  Frith.  Cock.— 1,  J.  W. 
Morris.  2,  Harwood  &  Bucklevs*  he,  J.  Frith  :  W.  F.  Entwisle,  Leeds. 
Chickens.— 1  and  Cup,  W.  F.  Entwisle.  2,  J.  W.  Morris,  he,  J.  Frith ;  W.  F. 
Entwisle.  Ami  variety  except  Game.— I.  S.  &  R.  Ashton,  Mottram.  $,  H.  Drav- 
coH.  /(c,  M.  Leno;  T.  C.  &  E.  Newbitt;  G.  A.  Stephens,  Walsall.  French 
Fowls.— 1  and  Cup,  H.  Beldon.  2,  G.  Andrews,  he.  Rev.  N.  V.  Ridlev,  New- 
bury ;  W.  G.  Pardon,  Driffield  ;  C.  Broadbent ;  G.  A.  Stephens ;  J.  Drewry, 
Burton-on-Trent.  c,  C.  Morris.  Any  other  Variety.— 1,  R.  Loft,  Wood- 
mansey  (Sultan).  2,  W.  Wiley.  fcc,  Hon.  Mrs.  Burrell  (Japanese  Silkies). 
Docks.— Aylesbury.— I  and  Can,  J.  K.  Fowler.  2.  Mrs.  M.  Seamons.  Aylesburv. 
he,  E.  Leech,  Roohdale:  Mrs.  M.  Seamons ;  M.Harrison:  Hon.  Mrs*.  Burrell; 
S.  H.  Stott,  Rochdale;  J.  Robinson.  Rouen. — i,  R.  Gladstone,  jun.,  Liverpool. 
2,  E.  Leech,  he,  H.  B.  Smith,  Bmnphton,  Preston  ;  T.  Wakefield.  GolWne; 
R.  Gladstone,  jnn.  e,  J.  Scot-son,  Little  By  ram.  Any  other  Variety.— 1,C.  W. 
Brierley.  2.  H.  B.  Smith,  he.  G.  Bnrbouf;  R.  Gladstone,  jnn.  Geese  (Any 
variety).— 1,  E.  Leeeh.  2,  J  K.  Fowler,  he,  Mrs.  M.  Seamons :  S.  H.  Stott ;  E. 
Leech;  D.  Bennett,  Warrington,  c.  R.  Gladstone,  jun.  Turkey*. — I.E. 
Leech.  2.  M.  Kew.  Market  Overtftn.  Selling  Class.— 1,  T.  C.  &  E.  Newbitt. 
2,W.  A.  Taylor,  he,  H.  Beldon;  W.  A.  Taylor;  C.  W.  Brierley.  c,  F.  &  C. 
Howard;  J.  F.  Dixon. 

Jut>ge.— Mr.  R.  Teebay,  Fulwood,  Preston. 


KEIGHLEY  AGRICULTURAL   SOCIETY'S 

POULTRY   SHOW. 

This  was  held  cm  the  19tb  inst.     The  following  are  the  awards  : — 
CocHTN-CniNA..    Buff.— 1  and  2.  W.  A.  Taylor,  Manchester.    3,  T.   Stretch, 

Ormekirk.     Chickens.— 1  ami  2.  W.  A.  Taylor.    8,  C.  Sidprwick,  Keighley.    he,  C. 

Sidtrwick;   T.  Stretch.    Any  Colour.— 1  and  3,  W.  A.  Tavlor.     2,  H.  Beldon, 

Goitstock.    he,  T.  Stretch.    Chickens.— 1,  W.  A.  Taylor.    2  and  3,  C.  Sidcwict. 

c,  J.  H.  Dawes,  Birmingham.     Spanish  (Black)  — 1,  C.  W.  Brierley,  Middleton. 

2,  H.  Wilkinson,  F-arby.    3,  H.  Beldon.    Chickens.- 1,  C.  W.  Brierley.    2,  H. 

Beldon.    3,  J.  W.  Cannon,    he,  J.  I,  Booth.    Hamburghs.— Silver-pen- lilled.— 

1,  H.  Beldon.    2  and  8.  H.  Pickles,  iun.,  Earby.     Chickens— 1  and  8,  H.  Beldon. 

2,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  Silver-spangled,— 1  and  Cup,  H.  Beldon.  2.  H.  Pickles,  jun. 
Chickens.— 1,  H.  Beldon.  2,  U.  Pickles,  jnn.  3,  T.  FawceU,  sen.,  BaiUlon. 
Gohie n-sjmn aled— 1.  .7.  Newton.  2,  H.  Pickles,  jnn.  3,  H.  Beldon.  he,  W. 
Driver,  Keighley.  Chickens.— 1,  W.  Driver.  2,  T.  &  W.  Walker.  Denton.  3,  c. 
E.  Palmer.  High  thorn,  Warwick,  e,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  Golden-peneiUed.—l,  II. 
Beldon.  2,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  8,  S.  Smith.  Northowram.  Chickens.— 1,  H. 
Pickles,  jun.  2,  H.  Beldon.  s,  T.  Kinder,  Mieklcthwaite.  Black.— 1,  H. 
Beldon.    2,  T.  &  W.  Walker.    9.  II.  W.  It'.inpworth,  Idle.    Chickens  —Cup  and 

3,  C.  Sidfrwiek.  2.  S  Hallidav.  he.  J.  Cockcroft,  Hawkeliffe,  Keighlev.  Polish. 
—1,  2,  and  3.  H.  Beldon.  Chickens.— 1  and  he,  II.  Pickles,  jun.  2,  H.  Beldon. 
8,  J.  Bowk  or,  Keighley.  Dorking.— I  and  3,  T.  Briden,  Earbv.  2,  W.  A. 
Taylor.  Chickens.— 1,  T.  E.  Kc-N.  Wetherby.  2,  T.  Briden.  3,  J.  J.  Waller, 
Kendal.  Game .— R- >.d .— Cup.  C.  W.  Brierley.  2,  T.  &  J.  Robson.  Bishon  Auck- 
land. 8,  W.  Spencer,  Haworth.  Chicken--.— I  and  2,  J.  Carlisle.  S.  H.  Jen- 
nings. AUeitou.  Any  other  Vari-tu.—l.  C.  W.  Brierlev.  2.  H.  M.  Julian,  Hull. 
3,  T.  &  J.  Robson.  he,  J.  &  T.  Sunderland,  Hali'ax.  Chickens.— 1,  J.  Fortune 
and  Co.,  Keighley.  2,  M  Jbwett,  Clayton.  3,  Green  &  Sutcliffe,  Queeneburv. 
Any  other  Distinct  Brekd.— 1,  J.  H.  Pielilea,  Birkdale,  Soutbport.  2,  H. 
Beldon.  3,  E.  Leech.  Rochdale,  he,  W.  Wildcv.  Cosham.  Chickens.— 1,  E. 
Leech.  2,  W.  O.  Quibell,  Newark.  3.  W.  A.  Taylor.  Bantam.— Game— 7,  O. 
Anderton,  Acerincrtim.  2,  W.  F.  Entwisle,  Cleckheaton.  3,  T.  Dyson,  he,  F. 
Steel,  Halifax.  Chiikena.—l,  G.  Noble.  2,  W  F.  Entwisle.  3,  Horewood  and 
Bucklev,  Accrington.  he,  F.  Steel ;  W.  F.  Entwisle.  Any  other  Distinct  Breed. 
— 1.  J.  W.  Cannon,  2,  S.  &  R.  Ashton,  Mottram.  8,  H.  Beldon.  Chickens.— 
1,  H.  Beldon.  2.  T.  C.  Harrison,  Hull.  8,  W.  H.  Robinson,  Loncr-Iee.  Ducks.— 
1,  E.  Leech.  2,  J.  Clayton.  Aylesbury.— 1  ond  2,  E.  Leech.  3.  T.  Wilson.  Farn- 
hill.  Any  other  Variety.— If  J.  Dixon,  Bradford.  2,  0.  W_  Brierley.  3,  T.  C. 
Harrison,  he,  S.  &  R.  Ashton;  J.  Dixon.  Geesf.— 1  and  2,  E.  Leech.  3,  Rev. 
G.  Hustler,  Stillingfleet.  Silling  Class.— Cocfc.—l,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  2.  J. 
Berry,  Silsden.  fi.  H.  Beldon.  Bens,— 1,  J.  I.  Booth.  2,  H.  Wilkinson.  3,  J. 
Berry,    he.  H.  Pickles,  jun. 

PIGEONS. 
Cup  for  best  pen,  E.  Horner,  Hardwood.    Pouter  on   Cropper. —  Cock. — 

1  and  2,  E.  Horner.    »,  J.  Hawley,  Binglev.    Ren.— 1,  W.  Harvev,  Sheffield. 

2  and  c,  J.  Hawley.  8,  E.  Horner.  CABBIBR.-Cocfc.-l,  2,  and  3,  E.  Horner. 
Ben.—l.  2,  and  8,  F.  Horner.  Tumblers.— Almond.—}.  E.  Homer.  2.  J.  Field- 
ing, jun.,  Rochdale.  3,  W.  Harvey,  Sheffield.  Mottled— I,  J.  Hawley.  2.  J. 
Fielding,  jun.  S,  H.  Yardley.  Balds  or  Beards.— 1,  2,  and  3.  J.  Fielding,  jnn. 
Owls.— 1,  W.  Harvey.  2.  J.  Fielding,  jun.  Tuhbits.— 2.  R.  D.  Borne,  Boston. 
Extra  2,  E.  Horner.  3,  H.  Yardley.  Jacobins.— 1  and  2,  J.  Thompson.  3,  E. 
Homer.  Fantails.— 1,  H.  Yardley.  2,  J.  Thompson.  3,'F.  Horner.  Barbs.— 
1  and  3,  E.  Homer.  2.  J.  Fioblintr,  jun.  e,  II.  Yardlep  :  J.  W.  Cannan. 
Dragoons.— 1,  H.  Yardley.  2,  J.Mitchell,  Moseley.  3.  F.  Graham,  c.  J.  Jowett, 
Idle;  W.  Luud,  Shipley.  Trumpeters.— 1,  J.  Hawley.  2,  W.  Harvey.  3,  F. 
Horner.  Magpies.— 1,  2,  and  3,  E.  Horner.  Archangels. — 1,  E.  Horner.  2,  J. 
Thompson.  3,  H.  Yardley.  Anv  other  Breed.— 1.  W.  Lund,  Shipley.  2,  E. 
Horner.  3,  J.  Fielding,  jun.  c.  H.  Yardley;  W.  Harvey.  Selling  Class.— 
1,  W.  Lnnd.    2,  A,  H.  Easten,  Hull.    8,  J.  Thompson. 

Rabbits.— Loni-cared.—Buck.—l,  A.  H.  Easten.  2,  G.  Johnson,  Kettering. 
he,  C.  Gravil,  jiiu.,  Thorne.  Doc— 1,  G.  Johnson.  2,  A.  H.  Easten.  he.  C 
Gravil.jun.  Ann  other  Description. — Buck. — 1,  A.  II.  Easten.  2,  F.  Moulson, 
Little  Horton.  Doe.—l,  A.  H.  Easten.  2,  F.  Moulson.  he,  Wood  &,  Poole, 
Bradford. 

Judges. — Poultry:  Mr.  E.  Hewitt,  Eden  Cottage,  Sparkbrook, 
Birmingham ;  Mr.  R.  Teebay,  Fulwood,  Preston.  Pigeons :  Mr.  W. 
Smith,  Halifax. 

WHITBY  POULTRY   SHOW. 

We  published  last  week  the  awards  made  to  the  poultry  mid  Pigeons 
at  the  Whitby  Agricultural  Society's  thirty-sixth  annual  Show.  *"  The 
weather  being  extremely  fino  and  the  visitors  very  numerous,  Ihe 
receipts  at  the  gates  were  much  greater  than  at  any  former  Show.  The 
arrangements  were  everything  that  could  bo  desired.  The  Dorkings 
did  not  form  a  large  class  ;  the  prize  chickens  were  very  good.  Many 
of  the  Spanish  were  in  deepmonlt;  the  first-prize  chickens,  however, 
were  good.  Iu  the  class  for  Red  Game,  Mr.  Julian  was  first  with  a 
very  good  peu  of  Black  Reds  ;  and  Mr.  Robson,  of  Bishop  Auckland, 
second  with  an  excellent  pair  of  Browu  Reds.  The  two  pens  of 
Duckwings  belonging  to  the  same  gentleman  were  also  first-rate.     Of 


Brahmas  there  was  a  large  entry,  but  many  of  them  were  much  out  of 
condition.  Some  of  the  chickens  were  of  great  merit.  The  French 
fowls  were  tolerably  numerous,  and  the  two  prize  pens  of  great  merit. 
Most  of  the  Hamburgh  classes  contained  Borne  good  birds,  but  the 
entries  were  not  so  numerous  as  we  should  have  wished.  The  Ducks 
and  Geese  were  well  represented  ;  and  all  the  classes  of  Pigeons  con- 
tained many  first-class  specimens. 

The  local  cups  for  the  best  pen  of  chickens,  of  the  large  breeds,  was 
awarded  to  Mr.  Readman,  for  Cochins  ;  that  forG-amo  orHamburgbs, 
to  Mr.  Webster  ;  and  for  Ducks,  to  Mr.  Burn,  for  a  good  peu  of  Black 
East  Indian. 

PENISTONE  POULTRY   SHOW. 

The  seventeenth  annual  Show  of  poultry  took  place  at  Penistone 
on  Thursday  last,  upon  the  admirably  adapted  grounds  belonging  to 
Mr.  Unwin  There  may  have  been  years  when  the  number  of  entries 
have  been  larger,  but  the  different  classes  have  never  been  better 
represented.  The  poultry  included  some  of  the  finest  birds  in  the 
kingdom.  The  prize  for  DorHngs  wa<*  carried  off  by  a  very  fine  pen. 
Spanish  were  well  represented.  The  Polands  shown  were  remarkable 
for  their  excellent  quality.  Of  Hamburahs  there  was  a  large  display, 
and  finer  birds  could  not  be  found.  The  Game  classes  caused  some 
excitement,  the  several  kinds  shown  beiug  admirable.  The  competi- 
tion between  Mr.  C.  Chaloner  and  Mr.  F.  Sales  was  exceedingly 
keen.  The  Cochin- Chinas  were  poorly  represented,  owing  to  most  of 
this  class  of  birds  being  out  of  feather.  However,  Mr.  Harvey  showed 
one  excellent  pen. 

DoxtElNGB- —  1,  Hon.  H.  W.  Fitzwilliam,  Wentworth  Woodhouse.  2.  W. 
Harvev,  Sheffield.  Chickens.— I,  W.  Parkin.  Spanish  (Black).— 1  and  2,  Burch 
and  Boulter.  Sheffield,  Chickens.— 1,  E.  Brown.  2,  Burch  A  Boulter.  Cochin- 
Chinas.— 1,  W.  Harvev.  2,  W.  Topham,  Sheffield.  Chickens.— 1,  Burch  and 
Boulter.  2.  W.  Whiteley,  Sheffield.  Polands.— 1,  W.  Harvev.  2,  J.  Batty. 
Hambtjrohs.  —  SUner-spangled.—  1,  W.  Harvey,  Sheffield.  Chickens.— 1,  W. 
McMcllon,  Gloseop.  Golden-pencilled.— 1,  W.  Harvey.  2,  Burch  &  Boulter. 
Chickens.— 1,  Burch  &  Boulter.  Silver-pencilled.  —  1.  W.  Harvev.  Game.— 
Black-breasted  and  other  Reds— I,  C.  Chaloner.  "Whitwell.  2  F.  Sale?,  Crowle. 
he.  W.  -T.  Cope,  Barnsley.  Cockerel  and  one  Hen  —  1,  B.  Burton.  Thurgoland. 
2.  C.  Chaloner.  he,  F.  Sales.  Duckwings  and  other  Greys  and  Blues. — 1,  C. 
Chaloner.    2,  F.  Sales  (Duckwings).    he.  W.  J.  Cope,  Barnslev.    Chickens.— 

1.  J.  B.  Ep worth.  2,  C.  Chaloner.  he.  F.  Sn!es  (DuckwingB).  Whites  and 
Piles.— 1.  F.  Sales.  2,  C.  Chaloner.  Chicken.-..— 1,  F.  Sales.  2,  C  Chaloner. 
Any  Breed.  —  1,  Hon.  H.  W.  Fitzwilliam  (Creve-Cceur).  2,  W.  Whiteley 
(Brahmas).  Chickens.— 1,  "W.  Harvey.  2,W.  Whitelev.  Bantams.— 1,  C.  Chaloner. 

2.  J.  North,  New  Mill.  Turkeys.— 1,  J.  Thickett,  Penistone.  2.  E.  Booth. 
Wharnrlifffl  Side.  Geese.— 1.  C.  Chaloner.  DuCKB.™ White  Aylesbury.— I  and 
2,  Shillito,  Pitsmoor.    Other  Colour.— 1,  J.  Flood,  Penistone.    2,  C.  Chaloner. 

Judges.— Mr.  William  Wood,  Sheffield,  and  Mr.  Thomas  Wilkin- 
son. Holmfirth. 


DEANE  AND  BOLTON  POULTRY  SHOW. 

This  was  held  on  the  18th  inst.,  at  Beane,  near  Bolton,  in  connec- 
tion with  the  Agricultural  and  Horticultural  Show,  and  the  day  heing 
fine  there  was  a  large  attendance  of  visitors.  The  following  are  the 
awards : — 

Spanish.— 1,  F.  &  C.  Howarth,  Newfield,  HaRlincden.  2.  C.  W.  Brierley, 
Mtddleton.  rxinKiN<;s.-l,  C.  W.  Brierlev.  2,  J.  Watts,  King's  Heath.  Bir 
mincham.  he,  .T.  Stott.  Game.— 1  and  2,  C.  AY.  Brierlev.  c.  J.  Wallas. 
Cock.— 1  and  2.  C  W.  Brierlev.  he.  J.TVallan,  Heaton.  Cochin-China.— 1,  J. 
Siohel.  Timporiev.  2,  C.  w.  Brierlev.  c,  G.  Anderton,  Accrinffton.  Brahmas. 
—I  and  2.  .1.  H.  Pickles,  Birkdale.  Kouthnort,  llAXnvr.Giis.-Gohlcn  pencilled. 
— 1.  T.  Wrigley,  jnn.,  Tonee  Hall,  Mifldlr-ton.  Silver-pencilled.— 1  and  2.  J. 
Piatt.  Dean--.    Qolden.8pangled.-i.  T.  Bolton,  Handtbrd.     Silpcr-tpangled.— 

1  and  2,  J.  Fieldinir,  Newchurch.  Polands — 1  nnri  2.  P.  Uns  worth,  Law  ton, 
Newton-le-Willows.  Any  other  Variety. — 1,  C.  W.  Brierley.  2.  S.  H.  Stott. 
Bantams.— Game.—\.  T.  Sharpies.  Forest  Bank.  Rawtenstall.  2.  G.  Anderton. 
he,  T.  Sharpies;  J.  Wall-is.  c.  N.  Cook.  Chow  bent;  J.  Howarth.  Holeombe 
Harriers,  Tottington.  Any  other  Variety.—  !,  N.Cook  2.  S.  &  E.  Ashton, 
Roecross,  Mottram.  Tie,  N.  Piatt,  Denne.  Ducks  — Aylesbury.— 1,  E.  Leeeh, 
Rochdale.  2,  S.  H.  Stott.  Rouen.—!,  T.  Wakefield,  Golborne.  2.  S.  H.  Stott. 
he,  -T.  Scotson,  Litt'e  Byrom  (2).  Ann  other  Varietu  — 1.  C.  W-  Brierlev.  2, 
S.  &  R  Ashton,  Mottram.  Geese.— 1,  E.  Leech.  2,  S.  H.  Stott.  he,  W.  Raby, 
Bolton,    Turkeys.— 1,  E.  Leech. 

PIGEONS. 
Carriers. — 1.  D.  Bromiley,  Over  Hulton.  2,  W.  Marklan-l,  Deane.  Tumblers. 
— 1,  F.  Moore.  Burnley.  2,  H.  Yardlcv,  Birmingham.  ENGLISH  Owls.— 1,  A. 
Jackson,  The  Whins,  Heaton.  2,  D.  Bromiley.  he,  J.  Watts,  Binninsham. 
CRoppHiis.— 1,  H.  Yardley.  Faktails.— 1,  J.  F.  Loversidge,  Ncwark-on-Trent. 
2,  J.  Kemp,  Haslintnlen.  Dragoons.— 1,  P.  Untiworth.  2,  J.  Wa'ts.  hc,D. 
Bromiley.    Antwerps.— 1,  H.  Yardley.  2,  W.  Markhm-l.   Barbs.— 1,  II.  Yardley. 

2  andc.  D.  Bromiley.  Any  other  Variety.— 1,  D.  Bromiley.  i,  P.  Unsworth. 
he,  F.  Moore.    Extra  Class.— 1,  Withheld.    2,  D.  Bromiley  (Blue  Carriers). 

Judges.— Mr.  S.  Fielding,  Trentham,  and  Mr.  T.  S.  Ridpcth,  Out- 
wood  Hull,  Hanforth. 


WOODSOME   POULTRY  SHOW. 

The  Woodsorae  Society's  fifteenth  Show  wn3  held  on  the  17th  inst. 
The  arrangements  were  good,  the  birds  well  attendod  to,  and  the  ex- 
hibitor ■*  treated  with  the  utmost  courtesy. 

Dorkings  are  neglected  in  this  part,  and  there  were  no  entries,  and 
of  Spanish  and  Cochins  there  were  very  few  specimens.  Game  were 
r.dnlt  birds,  and  not  in  the  finest  bloom,  though  good  iu  hand.  Of 
Brahmas  thero  were  some  good  specimens,  the  first-prize  pen  beiug  in 
excellent  order.  The  second-prize  birds  were  better  in  marking,  but 
out  of  feather.  The  Kamhurglis  were  all  good.  In  the  Game  Bantam 
class  the  competition  was  very  close;  the  awards  were  made  to  Black 
Reds.  In  the  class  for  any  other  variety  of  Bantams,  Blacks  were 
first,  and  Japanese  second.  The  Rouen  Duchs  were  largo,  and  the 
winners  correct  in  points,  though  some  of  the  rest  were  bad  in  beak. 


August  25,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


155 


Of  Pigeone,  tho  best  Carriers  were  a  good  pair  of  Dims,  and  the 
winning  Pouters  were  good  in  limb  and  feather.  Fantails  were  of  but 
moderate  quality,  as  also  the  Barbs,  but  the  Trumpeters  were  good. 

The  Rahl'tt  classes  contained  some  good  specimens,  notably  the 
Lop-ears,  and  a  handsome  Silver-Grey  Buclr. 

Spanish.— 1,  H.  Beldon.  Goitstoek.  2.  H.  Sngden,  Woodsome  Lees.  Cochin- 
CHINA. — Cinnamon  or  Uuft.—l,  H.  I!  Mon.  Anil  other  Variety  —  1,  J.  White, 
Whitley  Netherton.  2,  II.  Beldon.  Game  (Black-breasted  or  Brown  lied).— 1,  E. 
Aykroyd,  EeoleBhiU.  2,  W.  J.  Cope,  Barnsley.  he,  J.  Smith.  Kirkburlon. 
Polands.— 1,  II.  Beldon,  Br.vhmas.—1,  E.  Leech,  Rochdale.  2,  H.  Beldou  ;  H. 
Lacy.  Hebdeii  Bridge,  c,  J.  Brooke,  Huddersfield.  Haxburghs. —  Gold- 
prncithd.-i,  H.  Beldon.  Oold«pangled.—l,  H.  Beldon.  2.. I.  White.  Silver- 
pencilled  —1.  H.  Beldon.  Sileer-spanoled. — 1,  H.  Beldon.  Bantaus.— Qanu  .— 
1  and  he,  G.  Noble.  Staincliffe.    2,  F.  Steel.  Halifax  (21.    Ann  other  Variety.— 

1.  T.  Dvson.  Halifax.  2,  H.  Beldon.  Ducks— Aylesbury— \,  E.  Leech.  2.' H. 
Sugdnn.  Rouen.— US.  Leech.  2,  J.  White;  J.  Crosland,  Huddersfield.  )ir,  F. 
Brooke;  J.  Crosland.  Ttrkevs.— 1,  E.  Leech.  Any  Breed.— Cklckeui.—l,  F. 
Steel.    2,  J.  Bradbury,  Bradshaw,  Austonley.   c,  J.  Clcgg,  Dalton. 

PIGEONS. 

Carriers.— 1.  H.  Yardley,  Birmingham.     Pouters.— 1  and  2,  J.  Hawlev, 

Bingley.    Tcmhlers.— 1,  J.  Hawley.     2.  H.  Yardley.     c.  .1.  Hawley;    .T.   H. 

Sykes,  Hudderstield.     Fantails.— 1,  J.  Hawley.     2,  H.  Yardley.     Jacoiiins.— 

1  and 2,  J.  Hawley.    he.  H.  Yardlev.    c,  C.  Gravel,  jnn.    Tin  mpeters.-  1  and 

2.  J.  Hawley.  Extra  2  and  he,  T.  Kaye,  HoDley.  c.  J.  H  Sykes  (2).  Barbs.— 
1.  H.  Yardley.  2,  J.  Hawley.  c,  T.  Kaye;  J.  H.  Sykes.  Dovecote  (Common). 
—1,  A.  Roberts.  2.  J.  Hawley.  he.  J.  Hawley  ;  J.  Svkes,  Almondbr.rv  ;  H. 
Sugden.    Extra  Stock.— 1  and  2,  T.  Kaye  (Blue  Dragoons  and  Turbita). 

Rabbits.—  Iluck.  —  1,  C.  Gravil,  Thorne.  2,  Robinson  &  Glew,  Wakefield. 
he,  J.  Armitagr,  Almondbury  Bank,  c,  E.  Butterworlh,  Rochdale.  Doc— 1,  C. 
liravil.    2,A.Broughton,  Dalton.  he,  J.  Armitage  ;  J.OldGeld  ;  E..Butter\vorth 

Judge. — Mr.  E.  Hutton,  Pudsey,  Leeds. 


Whitby  Canary  Show.— Was  it  not  Dickens  who,  at  the 
close  of  a  preface,  said  with  reference  to  the  familiar  cover  ia 
which  tho  monthly  parts  of  Lis  works  appeared,  that  he  would 
someday  put  forth  his  "  two  green  leaves"  again?  Whitby, 
the  first  Show  of  the  season,  has  put  forth  its  two  green  leaves, 
and  I  hope  it  is  iu  the  hands  of  all  fanciers.  It  is  an  excellent 
schedule  eonta  ioing  nineteen  classes  of  Canaries,  three  of  Mules, 
and  two  of  foreign  birds,  for  open  competition,  exclusive  of  dis- 
trict pi  izes.  The  Show  is  advertised  for  September  13th— rather 
early  it  is  true,  but  it  is  held  in  connection  with  the  flower 
show ;  and  I  can  assure  exhibitors  that,  apart  from  the  great 
care  and  attention  bestowed  on  the  birds  (which  of  itself  is 
one  distinctive  feature  of  the  Whitby  executive),  they  will  be 
seen  by  a  concourse  of  visitors  such  as  they  will  not,  probably, 
greet  again  on  this  tide  of  the  Palace  Show.  Now,  sire,  what 
kind  of  a  s?ason  have  you  had  ?  Who  is  to  the  front  this  year? 
Let  us  see  what  you  have  moulted  through  for  Whitby,  and 
may  the  best  man  win.— W.  A.  B. 


A   HUNGARIAN    METHOD     OF    CONTROLLING 

THE  FERTILISATION  OF  THE  QUEEN  BEE. 

The  following  artiole  from  the  pen  of  Mr.  A.  Semlitsch 
is  translated  from  a  recent  number  of  the  German  "Bee 
Journal :" — 

"  Some  time  ago  I  was  informed  by  the  Chevalier  de  Azula 
that  Mr.  Johann  Dax,  of  Giins,  Hungary,  had  a  method  of  in- 
suring tho  fertilisation  of  a  queen  bee  by  any  drone  which  he 
chose  to  select,  and  under  his  own  immediate  supervision.  He 
stated  that  Mr.  Dax  excised  a  royal  cell  the  day  before  its  oc- 
cupant would  hatch  out,  and  placing  it  in  a  cage  permitted  the 
young  queen  to  emerge  therein.  She  was  afterwards  trans- 
ferred with  a  few  workers  to  a  suitable  receptacle,  and  a 
selected  drone  being  introduced,  fertilisation  was  speedily  ac- 
complished. 

'Following  these  instructions  I  performed  several  experi- 
ments last  spring,  but  was  ia  every  case  unsuccessful.  Having 
occasion  early  in  the  autumn  to  proceed  to  Penkafeld,  in  Hun- 
gary, I  resolved  to  extend  my  journey  to  Giins.  Here  I  found 
Mr.  Dax,  who  received  me  cordially  and  imparted  much  in- 
teresting information  collected  by  him  in  the  course  of  forty 
years'  practical  experience  in  bee-culture,  besides  allowing  me 
to  peruse  a  manuscript  treatise  embracing  his  observations 
and  opinions,  under  the  head  of  136  questions  and  answers, 
forming  literally  a  bee-keeper's  catechism. 

"  It  follows  that  the  pure  fertilisation  of  queen  bees,  and  the 
best  means  of  securing  it,  soon  became  the  subject  of  con- 
versation, and  he  unreservedly  described  his  mode  of  accom- 
plishing that  object.  As  he  generously  allows  me  to  make  this 
information  public,  I  now  do  so  for  the  benefit  of  bee-keepers 
generally.  The  importance  cf  the  dis-.overy,  if  it  should  prove 
reliable,  induces  me  to  publish  it  at  once,  although  I  should 
have  preferred  testing  it  first  more  thoroughly  myself.  The 
few  experiments  which  I  have  been  able  to  make  failed,  as  it 
seems  to  me,  only  because  the  weather  was  so  cold  that  I  could 


not  prevent  the  embryo  queens  from  becoming  chilled  in  their 
cells  ;  but  that  it  is  possible,  by  using  the  requisite  precautions 
to  procure  the  fertilisation  of  queens  in  the  manner  described 
by  Mr.  Dax,  I  consider  unquestionably  true.  I  now  proceed  to 
details. 

"  We  require  for  our  purpose  in  tho  first  place,  an  ordinary 
pipe-cover  made  of  very  fine  wire.  This  is  fastened  t*  a  small 
piece  of  wood  less  than  a  quarter  of  an  inch  thick,  and  thus  be- 
comes a  regular  queen-cage.  The  wood  must,  however,  be 
sufficiently  large  to  entirely  cover  the  feeding-hole  at  the  top  of 
the  hive,  and  must  also  have  a  circular  aperture  which  will 
permit  a  queen  cell  to  pass  easily.  Auother  thin  bit  of  wood  ia 
also  required,  to  which  a  royal  cell  is  fastened  by  means  of 
melted  wax,  and  this,  being  laid  on  the  queen  cage  with  the 
royal  cell  passing  through  its  central  aperture,  closes  it  entirely. 
Wo  next  require  a  piece  of  perforated  zinc  6  or  7  inches  square, 
and  lastly  a  glass  box  G  inches  square  by  7  inches  high.  This 
is  entirely  open  at  the  bottom,  and  has  small  openings  at  the 
top  for  ventilation,  as  in  a  lantern.  .  Through  one  side  of  the 
frame  of  this  glass  case  ia  passed  a  pointed  wooden  skewer,  on 
which  we  can  easily  hang  a  bit  of  honeycomb.  These  are  all 
the  materials  required. 

"  If  a  hive  contain  many  royal  cells  we  must  note  tho  date 
on  which  each  becomes  sealed  over,  and  on  the  seventh  day  a 
queen  cell  must  be  cut  out  and  fastenod  with  a  little  wax  to  the 
covering  board,  which  must  be  put  over  the  opening  of  the 
queen-cage  with  the  cell  prrjecting  inside,  takiug  care  that  suf- 
ficient space  is  left  to  permit  the  queen  to  crawl  out.  We  then 
open  the  feeding-hole  at  the  top  of  the  hive  from  which  the 
cell  has  been  taken,  and  put  the  queen-cage  over  it,  allowing  it 
to  project  into  the  hive  as  far  as  the  wood  to  which  it  is  fastened 
will  permit.  A  piece  of  paper  should  then  be  pasted  over  all, 
so  that  no  heat  may  escape,  and  a  blanket  may  be  laid  upon 
this.  By  raising  this  blanket  and  the  bit  of  wood  to  which  the 
cell  is  attached  we  can  readily  ascertain  whether  the  queen  has 
emerged  from  it  or  not.  We  then  wait  until  the  fourth  or  fifth 
day,  or,  in  short,  the  first  fine  day  after  the  third,  which  is  the 
day  on  which  queens  usually  take  their  wedding-flight.  The 
little  cage  is  now  raised  with  all  the  bees  which  adhere  to  it, 
the  feeding-hole  covered  with  the  perforated  zinc,  and  the  glazed 
box,  which  must  be  furnished  with  a  bit  of  honeycomb,  placed 
on  the  top.  The  bees  and  queen  are  then  introduced  through 
the  ventilator  at  the  top  into  the  box  to  the  number  of  at  least 
one  hundred,  and  if  those  adhering  to  the  cage  are  not  sufficient 
the  perforated  zinc  must  be  slightly  drawn  back  until  enough 
have  ascended.  The  glazed  box  is  then  darkened,  and  between 
the  hours  of  eleven  and  three  a  drone  is  added,  when  you  may 
watch  their  intercourse.  If  this  does  not  occur  on  the  first 
day,  which,  however,  is  generally  the  case,  before  three  o'clock, 
it  will  take  place  the  next  day  about  the  same  time. 

"  Mr.  Dax  assures  me  that  having  tried  this  process  many 
times,  he  has  almost  always  succeeded  with  the  first  drone,  but 
that  the  second  never  failed. 

"  In  addition  to  the  undoubted  veracity  of  Mr.  Dax  himself 
there  are  other  good  reasons  for  presuming  that  a  properly  con- 
ducted experiment  would  ensure  a  successful  result.  Why 
should  not  fertilisation  occur  within  the  hive  itself?  Because 
in  the  crowded  condition  of  the  colony  it  evidently  could  not  be 
effected  without  a  disturbance  and  commotion  endangering  the 
life  of  the  queen,  and  under  these  circumstances  it  has  been 
provided  that  natural  instinct  should  compel  the  queen  to  leave 
her  hive  for  this  purpose.  Even  if  the  bee-kesper  should  inter- 
fere by  catching,  confining,  and  removirg  the  queen,  she  would 
still  be  in  a  state  of  alarm  and  endeavour  to  effect  her  escape 
and  return  to  the  hive — excitement  and  distress  subduing 
every  other  passion  or  natural  impulse.  Whether  a  queen  thu3 
removed  be  liberated  in  a  roomy  chamber  and  permitted  to  fly 
amidst  workers  and  selected  drones,  or  allowed  to  take  wing  in 
the  open  air,  restrained  only  by  a  silken  filament,  the  desired 
result  will  rarely  be  attained  ;  but  under  the  treatment  pre- 
scribed by  Mr.  Dax  she  becomes  neither  alarmed  nor  excited, 
being  born  in  a  state  of  confinement,  and  when  permitted  to 
mingle  with  a  few  workers  she  feels  free  and  at  her  ease,  and 
readily  yields  to  her  natural  impulse  to  provide  for  the  increase 
of  the  little  colony.  If  then  a  mature  drone  be  introduced, 
fertilisation  is  almost  certain  to  follow,  because  from  the  small 
number  of  workers  present  (clustered  also  for  the  most  part  on 
the  inserted  honeycomb),  no  interference  or  commotion  need 
be  apprehended.  These  are  the  reasons  which  induce  me  to 
look  with  confidence  for  a  successful  result." 

The  above  process  certainly  appears  by  far  the  most  likely  of 
any  that  have  yet  been  devised  to  secure  the  desired  end,  and  I 


156 


JOURNAL   OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAOE   GARDENER. 


[  August  25,  1870. 


much  regret  that  it  is  now  too  late  in  the  season  for  me  to  sub- 
mit it  immediately  to  the  test  of  experiment. — A  Devonshire 
Bee-keeper. 

The  Biggest  Pie  on  Record  was  made  at  Lowther  Castle,  in 
Westmoreland,  in  the  year  1762,  and  was  sent  up  as  a  present 
to  the  King.  It  contained  2  geeBe,  4  ducks,  2  turkeys,  4  wild- 
fowls, 1  wild  goose,  6  wild  ducks,  3  teal,  2  starlings,  12  partridges, 
15  woodcocks,  2  guinea-fowls,  3  snipes,  6  plovers,  3  water-hens, 
6  widgeons,  1  cuilew,  46  yellow-hammers,  15  sparrows,  2  chaf- 
finches, 2  larks,  3  thrushes,  1  field-fare,  6  pigeons,  4  blackbirds, 
20  rabbits,  1  leg  of  veal,  half  a  ham,  3  bushels  of  flour,  2  stone 
of  butter.  The  whole  pie  weighed  22  stone.  This  muBt  have 
been  the  original  pie  commemorated  in  the  nursery  rhyme — 
"  When  the  pie  was  opened 

The  guestB  began  to  sing 

'Is  not  this  a  dainty  dish 

To  set  before  the  king  ? '  " 
— (Food  Journal ) 


OUR  LETTER  BOX. 

Breeding  Turkeys  and  Geese  (A  Comtant  Subscriber).— Most  breed- 
ers prefer  early-hatched  young  hen  Turki>ys,  and  seldom  keep  them  after 
the  second  or  third  year.  Young  cock  Turkeys  are  preferred,  especially 
if  the  hens  are  old  ones,  but  there  is  little  objection  to  using  a  three-year- 
old  bird ;  we  do  not  advise  an  older.  You  may  use  very  old  Geese,  but 
you  want  fresh  and  young  ganders.  We  have  known  a  Goose  doing  good 
duty  at  eight  years  old,  and  we  have  been  told  of  some  that  were  posi- 
tively patriarchal.  We  do  not  advise  you  to  keep  Aylesbury  Ducks  after  the 
second  year—that  is,  after  breeding  from  them  two  seasons.  None  of  the 
non-sitters  will  last  so  long  as  those  that  become  broody.  We  advise  the 
TouloUBe  as  the  best  breeding  Geese ;  but  as  they  do  not  sit  we  say  of 
them,  and  of  AyleBbury  Ducks,  Kenew  your  stock  frequently. 

Legs  of  Pile  Game  Fowls  (H.L.  C.).— There  is  no  fixed  colour  for 
the  legs  of  Game  fowls,  but  in  almost  every  instance  willow  are  preferred. 
Some,  however,  like  yellow  for  Piles,  especially  in  the  Worcestershire 
diBtrict.  Of  late  years  willow  and  lead-coloured  seem  almost  to  have 
monopolised  the  strains.  White,  yellow,  and  carp  are  seldom  seen.  There 
was  a  time  when  yellow  were  thought  almost  indispensable  to  Duckwings, 
but  now  they  have  nearly  disappeared.  Of  course  every  bird  in  the  pen 
must  have  the  same  shade,  but  if  that  were  accomplished  we  should  look 
only  to  the  more  important  points  of  the  birds. 

Breeding  Pheasants  {Pheasant).— We  know  no  other.  Lengthy  trea- 
tises on  these  subjects  are  made  up  of  non-essentials.  Young  hen  Phea- 
sants lay  the  earliest  eggs.  Two-year-old  birds  lay  the  largest  number. 
The  old  hens  require  to  be  put  to  young  cocks,  and  they  will  then  go  on 
well  for  years.  It  is  well,  however,  and  nothing  is  easier  in  a  well- 
managed  preserve,  to  turn  out  the  hens  after  they  have  bred  the  second 
time,  and  put  others  in  their  places.  The  number  of  pens  you  have  for 
adult  birds  must  depend  on  the  number  of  birds  you  wish  to  keep  up. 
Your  old  birds  arenow,of  course,  out  of  tholaying  pen,  andinthe  winter 
pen.  Let  thoBO  that  have  already  bred  two  seasons  grow  their  wings  and 
fly  away.  Replace  them  with  young  birds  from  which  you  have  bred  this 
year  for  the  first  time,  and  in  the  pen  they  vacate  put  this  year's  poults. 
By  doing  this  you  will  always  have  a  succession  of  two-year  birds,  and  at 
no  extra  expense.  These  young  hens  that  are  to  lay  next  season,  and 
afterwards  be  your  two-year-olds,  should  have  their  wings  cut  now,  and 
be  penned.  A  Pheasant  that  has  had  its  liberty,  although  tame-bred, 
never,  if  caught  again,  becomes  a  tame  bird  to 'be  depended  upon  for 
breeding  in  pens. 

Game  Chickens— Dubbing  (Pile).— It  is  very  rare  to  find  chickens  that 
are  deserted  by  the  hen  at  a  month  do  any  good  ;  but  they  should  never 
be  allowed  to  perch,  as  the  breast  bone  must  thereby  become  crooked. 
There  is  no  cure  for  it,  and  it  is  a  disqualification  everywhere.  Chickens 
that  are  deserted  by  their  mother,  should  for  some  weeks  be  allowed  to 
roost  in  their  rip.  They  huddle  together,  and  keep  themselves  warm, 
and  it  is  better  for  them,  while  their  bones  are  forming ;  whereas  if  they 
perch  while  they  have  cartilage  instead  of  bone,  their  legs  cannot  support 
them,  and  their  breasts  rest  on  the  perch.  The  bone  is  soft,  and  takes 
the  impress  of  it.  They  may  be  dubbed  at  six  or  seven  months  old,  but 
care  must  be  tnken  not  to  perform  the  operation  while  feathers  are  form- 
ing. They  are  then  in  cockers' parlance  in  "  bloody  stub,"  and  cannot 
bear  the  operation.  Scissors  used  by  grooms  in  clipping  horses  are  good 
for  dubbing.  They  are  curved.  The  gills  are  taken  off  close,  and  the 
deaf-ears.  The  cuts  are  black  the  next  day,  and  they  soon  cicatrise.  The 
birds  suffer  so  little,  that  if  all  that  is  removed  be  chopped  up,  they  will 
eat  it  directly.    It  takes  two  persons  to  perform  the  operation  properly. 

Fattening  Decks  (J.  H.).— With  Ducks  as  with  human  beings,  exercise 
is  not  favourable  to  fattening.  Shut  them  in  a  small  pigstye  if  you  have 
one ;  if  not,  in  some  place  of  the  same  character.  Feed  them  on  oats 
bran,  and  oatmeal,  pnt  in  a  shallow  vessel— sav  from  1J  to  2  inches  deep 
add  a  little  gravel,  and  cover  the  whole  with  water. 

CoLODR  of  the  Eves  of  Archangel  Pigeons  (S.  Smith).—  We  never 
impugn  the  judgment  of  judges,  for  their  decision  is,  as  to  any  certain 
show,  a  final  decision.  However,  we  think  that  orange  eyeR  suit  best 
with  the  plumage  of  the  Archangel,  and  prefer  them  decidedly  to  pearl 
colour. 

Rabbits— Lop-eared,  Spanish,  Andalusian,  and  Patagonian  {In- 
quirer).—The  Lop-eared  Rabbit  is  the  variety,  the  point  of  which  is 
length  of  ears,  and  the  longer  the  better.  A  specimen  with  ears 
22  inches  long  is  good.  The  colour  is  of  no  importance  if  rightly  dis- 
tributed over  the  body.  The  Andalusian  is  a  native  of  Spain  of  large 
size,  weighing  from  12  to  18  lbs.,  colour  grey,  hair  glossy  and  smooth. 
The  ears  are  generally  long  and  dangling,  as  if  inclined  to  be  half  lop,  at 
least,  longer  than  in  all  the  other  varieties,  Lop-eared  excepted.  This  is  at 
times  also  designated  the  Ram  Rabbit.  The  Patagonian  is  another  large 
variety  more  frequently  found  in  France,  and  the  sort  seeming  to  be  the 


greatest  favourite  here  is  of  a  light  yellow,  or  almoBt  cream  shade,  so 
called;  weight  about  from  12  to  15  lbs.  Ears  shorter  and  more  erect 
than  those  of  the  Andalusian.  The  last  two  varieties  are  scarce,  but 
they  are  valuable  for  the  table. 

Canary  (Bird  Fancier).— Write  to  W.  A.  Blakston,  Esq.,  22,  Norfolk 
Street,  Suuderland. 

Goldfish  (H.  £.).— Mr.  G.H.  King,  190,  Great  Portland  Street,  London. 

Oats  Grodnd,  &c.  {Inquirer).— Crushed  oats  are  oatB  crushed  between 
two  flutod  rollers.  Ground  oats  are  the  whole  grain,  including  the  husk, 
ground  to  a  course  flour,  and  oatmeal  is  the  kernel  of  the  grain  only 
ground  to  a  coarse  or  a  finer  meal. 

Canvas  Hive  Cover  (M.  J.  P.).— We  are  unable  to  say  where  this  can 
be  obtained. 

Mouse  and  Beetle  Traps  {Perplexed).— For  information  respecting 
the  prices  of  the  inventions  to  which  you  refer  apply  at  10,  Essex  Street, 
Strand,  London. 


METEOROLOGICAL,  OBSERVATIONS 
In  the  Suburbs  of  London  for  the  week  ending  August  23rd. 


thermometer. 

Wind. 

Date. 

barometer. 

Air. 

Earth. 

Rain. 

Max. 

Min. 

Max. 

Min. 

1  ft. 

2  ft. 

Wed...  17 
Thurs..  18 

Fri 19 

Sat.  ...  20 
Sun.  . .  21 
Mon. . .  22 
Tues.    .  23 

29.977 
29.886 

29  910 
30.041 
30.103 

30  021 
29.805 

29  971 
29.708 
29.756 
29.968 
30.076 
29  685 
29.735 

74 
83 
69 
74 
71 
69 
70 

40 
49 
S3 
32 
33 
46 
42 

64 
64 
66 
63 
60 
61 
59 

61 
61 
61 

61 

eo 

59 
68 

N. 

W. 

N. 

W. 

N. 
S.W. 
N.W. 

.00 
.00 
.00 
.00 
.00 
•78 
.00 

M9an.. 

29.963 

29.843 

72.86 

39.S8 

62.43 

60.14 

•• 

0.78 

17.— Overcast,  fine;  densely  overcast ;  clear  and  fine. 

18.— Very  fine;  exceedingly  fine  ;  clear  and  fine. 

19.— Very  fine  ;  cloudy,  but  fine  ;  clear  and  tine. 

20.— Exceedingly  fine;  very  fine  ;  cloudv,  but  fine. 

21.— Very  fine;  cloudy  but  fine;  overcast,  beavy  clouds. 

22.— Very  fine  ;  overcast,  fine  ;  beavy  rain. 

23.— Overcast,  damp;  cloudy,  but  fine;  clear  and  fine. 


COVENT  GARDEN  MARKET.— August  24. 
Ocr  chief  demand  is  now  among  the  rougher  descriptions  of  goods 
■which  are  supplied  in  very  large  quantities,  and,  consequently,  the  sale 
must  be  forced  at  a  low  price  to  dispose  of  it.  Continental  supplies  are 
also  heavy,  notwithstanding  the  interruption  caused  by  the  war.  Potatoes 
are  good  and  a  fair  steady  trade  is  doing. 


s.  .1.     . 
Apples iBieve    1    0  to  2 


Apricots doz.  1 

Cherries lb.  0 

Chestnuts bushel  0 

Currants j  sieve  2 

Black do.  0 

Figs doz.  1 

Filberts lb.  0 

Cobs lb.  0 

Gooseberries quart  0 

Grapes,  Hothouse....  lb.  2 

Lemons ^-100  10 

Melons each  1 


Mulberries lb.  0 

Nectarines doz.  8 

Oranges $»•  100  0 

PeacbeB  doz.  6 

Pears,  kitchen doz.  0 

dessert doz.  1 

Pine  Apples lb.  2 

Plums i  sieve  2 

Quinces  doz.  0 

Raspberries lb.  0 

Strawberries    lb.  0 

Walnuts bushel  10 

do ^-100  1 


9  toO 
0  8 
6  14 
10 
0 
3 
5 


VEGETABLES. 


S.  d.     s.    d 

Artichokes doz.    0    0  to  0    0 

ABparagus a&'lOO    0    0       0    0 

Beans,  Kidney  ..i  sieve.    4 

Broad bushel    0 

Beet,  Red doz.   2 


Broccoli bundle  0 

Brussels  Sprouts . .  J  Bieve  0 

Cabbage doz.  l 

Capsicums  ^  100  0 

Carrots bunch  0 

Cauliflower doz.  2 

Celery bundle  1 

Coleworts..doz.  buuehes  3 

Cucumbers each  0 

pickling doz.  2 

Endive doz.  2 

Fennel bunch  0 

Garlic lb.  0 

Herbs bunch  0    _ 

Horseradish  ....  bundle  8    0      6    0 


3       0    0 


Leeks bunch 

Lettuce   doz. 

Mushrooms pottle 

Mustard  &  Cress. .  punnet 
Onions  bushel 

pickling quart 

Parsley sieve 

Parsnips doz. 

Peas quart 

Potatoes bushel 

Kidney do. 

Radishes  ..  doz.  bunches 

Rhubarb bundle 

Savoys doz. 

Sea-kale basket 

Shallots lb, 

Spinach bushel 

Tomatoes... doz. 

Turnips  bunch 

Vegetable  MarrowB . .  doz. 


s.  d.     s. 

0    4  to  0 

3 

0 


1     6 


POULTRY  MARKET.— August  24. 

There  is  a  good  supply  of  poultry  and  an  average  trade, 
unusually  plentiful. 

d.     s.  d. 
Oto  8    6 


Grouse  are 


Large  Fowls 8 

Smaller  ditto 2  6  8  0 

Chickens 1  9  2  0 

DuckB    2  0  2  6 

Geese 5  6  6  0 

Turkeys    0  0  0  0 


s.  d.  s.  d. 

Grouse  (young) 1    9  to  2    0 

Pigeons     0    8  0    9 

Rabbits 14  15 

Wild  ditto    0    8  0    9 

Hares    0    0  0    0 

Partridges   0    0  0    0 


September  1,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL   OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


157 


• 

WEEKLY 

CALENDAR. 

Day 

of 

Month 

Day 
of 

Week. 

SEPTEMBER  1—7,  1870. 

Average    Tempera- 
tore  near  London. 

Rain  in 

last 
43  years. 

San 
Rises. 

San 
Sets. 

Moon 
Rises. 

Moon 
Sets. 

Moon's 
Age. 

Clook 
after 
Son. 

Day 

of 

Year. 

1 
2 
8 
4 
6 
6 
7 

Th 

F 

S 

Scs 

M 

To 

W 

Kidderminster  Horticultural  8how. 

12  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

Crystal  Palace  Florists' Flower  Show  opens. 

Royal  Horticultural  Society,  Fruit,  Floral, 

[and  General  Meeting. 

Day. 
71.1 
71.0 
718 
71.0 
70.4 
70.2 
70.3 

Night. 
47.5 
47.6 
47.7 
46.7 
47.1 
46.8 
47.5 

Mean. 
50.3 
69.3 
59.2 
68  9 
58.8 
68.5 
68.9 

Days. 
21 
19 
19 
19 
18 
20 
19 

m.      h. 
13af5 

15  5 

16  5 
18      5 

20  5 

21  5 
23      5 

m.      b. 
46af6 
44      6 
42      6 
40      6 
37      G 
35      6 
32      6 

in.      b. 

after. 
32       1 
46       2 
50       8 
45       4 
27       5 

0       6 

m.    h. 

43  af  9 

18     10 

1     11 

54  11 
morn . 

55  0 
3      2 

Days. 

6 
3> 

8 

9 
10 

11 

12 

m.    s. 
0      6 
0    25 

0  44 

1  4 
1     23 

1  43 

2  4 

244 
245 
246 
247 
248 
249 
260 

From  observations  taken  near  London  daring  the  last  forty-three  years,  the  average  day  temperature  of  the  week  is  70.8\  and  its  night 
temperature  47.3^.      The  greatest  heat  was  91 ;i,  on  the  7th,  1868;  and  the  lowest  cold  28:',  on  the  7th,  1856.     The  greatest  fall  of  rain  was 
1.50  inch. 

THE  GENUS   SAMBUCUS,   OR  ELDER. 


C!y  F&reSft    VERYONE  is  acquainted  with  the  common 
AS  l?X%>       Elder,  Elder  berry,  or  Boortree.     Although 


berry, 
a  native  of  this  country,  it  is  but  little  valued, 
but  some  cultivate  it  in  gardens  or  shrubbe- 
ries for  ornament,  as  well  for  its  flowers 
and  berries.  The  former  yield  by  distilla- 
tion Elder-flower  water,  and  from  the  ber- 
ries Elder  wine  is  made.  The  flowers  are 
white  and  yellow,  in  very  large  heads,  and 
agreeably  fragrant ;  and  they  are  succeeded 
by  purple  or  black  berries  in  autumn.  The  foliage  is 
little  different  from  that  of  the  Ash,  but  wanting  its  light 
shining  green,  otherwise  the  tree  might  be  taken  for  a  low- 
growing  bold-foliaged  Ash.  It  grows  anywhere.  From  old 
associations,  or  some  such  cause,  it  is  allowed  a  place  near 
almost  every  homestead,  particularly  those  with  any  pre- 
tension to  age,  but  it  is  seldom  planted,  or  if  so  only  to  a 
very  limited  extent. 

To  the  gardener,  however,  the  Elder,  though  common,  is 
one  of  the  most  valuable  of  trees ;  I  regret  its  valuable 
properties  are  not  more  appreciated.  In  the  first  place,  it 
acts  as  a  preventive  and  destroyer  of  insects.  If  a  quantity 
of  the  leaves  be  put  into  as  much  water  as  will  cover  them, 
and  boiled  until  it  becomes  quite  black,  the  liquor,  after 
having  been  strained  and  cooled,  may  be  applied  through 
a  fine-rosed  watering  pot  to  trees  or  bushes  infested  with 
caterpillars.  Poured  over  the  nests  of  ants  it  will  drive 
them  away  ;  and  the  fresh  leaves  put  in  the  runs  of  moles 
will  soon  cause  them  to  disappear.  The  Elder  is  also 
valuable  on  account  of  its  succeeding  where  few  other  trees 
will  grow.  In  the  smoky  atmosphere  of  towns  it  thrives 
admirably :  it  succeeds  as  well  in  a  confined  as  in  an  open 
space;  and  near  the  sea,  in  places  where  there  are  no 
trees,  it  attains  in  a  short  time  a  degree  of  vigour  which  is 
quite  surprising. 

In  towns  and  near  the  sea,  great  difficulty  is  experienced 
in  getting  anything  to  grow  to  afford  shelter  for  more  tender 
subjects.  I  was  much  struck  with  the  screens  of  Elder 
which  I  recently  saw  near  Sunderland.  The  points  most 
exposed  were  sheltered  by  hedges  or  screens  of  Elder,  and 
it  was  remarkable  what  growths  they  had  made,  and  what 
a  fine  shelter  they  formed  to  the  plants  they  enclosed. 
Rough-looking  though  these  hedges  were,  yet  where  the 
growth  of  more  trim  hedge  plants  is  very  slow,  and  in 
many  cases  impracticable  without  some  protection,  the 
value  of  the  Elder  is  considerable ;  for,  besides  growing 
better  than  anything  else,  it  effects  in  two  or  three  years 
all  we  look  for  from  a  hedge.  Some  fine  screens  5  and 
6_  feet  high  had  been  formed  in  three  years  from  the  cut- 
tings. The  cuttings  are  put  in  after  the  leaves  fall  in 
autumn,  the  ripened  wood  of  one  or  more  years'  growth 
being  cut  into  lengths  of  about  a  foot,  and  inserted  to  within 
an  inch  or  two  of  the  top,  the  uppermost  joint  only  being 
left  above  ground.  From  9  inches  to  a  foot  is  the  distance 
they  are  put  in  at,  and  all  the  attention  they  require  is 
to  be  kept  clear  of  weeds.  If  watered  a  few  times  in 
summer  with  sewage,  the  growth  the  first  year  is  wonder- 
No,  4W.-V01.  xrx.,  N»w  Sum. 


ful.  In  fact,  three  years  only  are  required  for  a  screen  of 
Elder  6  feet  high  and  as  much  through,  where  the  Thorn 
and  Privet  in  that  time  can  hardly  make  headway,  and 
do  not  grow  more  inches  than  the  Elder  does  feet. 

Useful  as  the  Elder  is  in  smoky  town  gardens  and  posi- 
tions near  the  sea,  it  is  as  useful  in  shrubberies  in  more 
favourable  situations,  being  one  of  the  few  low  trees  or 
shrubs  that  succeed  under  the  shade  and  drip  of  large 
trees,  so  that  it  ought  to  be  in  every  pleasure  ground. 
There  are  varieties  of  it  which  cannot  fail  to  please,  and 
which  are  deserving  of  more  extended  cultivation.  The 
moat  beautiful  variety  is,  I  think,  the  cut  or  Parsley-leaved 
Elder  (Sambucus  nigra  laciniata),  the  foliage  being  finely 
divided,  and  the  plant  not  so  strong  as  the  common  Elder. 
It  has  a  very  elegant  appearance  ;  it  is  also  of  very  free 
growth.  There  is  a  sub- variety  of  this  with  yellow- striped 
leaves,  which  is  far  more  ornamental  than  many  vaunted 
novelties.  It  is,  however,  more  tender  than  the  preceding, 
and  does  not  do  well  in  exposed  positions.  The  white- 
variegated  form  of  the  species  (S.  nigra  foliis-.argenteis)  is 
a  good  distinct  variegated  shrub,  not  so  vigorous  as  the 
parent,  nor  so  capable  of  enduring  exposure,  and  the  same 
remarks  apply  to  the  yellow- variegated  kind,  which,  though 
very  ornamental,  has  the  disadvantage  of  not  succeeding 
in  cold  situations,  though  the  Elders  thrive  in  all  but  very 
bleak  positions. 

Ornamental  as  all  the  preceding  are  by  their  foliage, 
flowers,  and  fruit,  none  of  them  can  compare  with  the 
red-berried  Elder,  wliich  I  think  is  Sambucus  raoemosa, 
though  I  am  not  sure  of  the  proper  name  of  this  species, 
but  it  is  one  of  the  finest  of  all  flowering  deciduous  shrubs. 
In  May  it  is  one  sheet  of  white,  every  shoot  bearing  large 
heads  of  bloom,  at  a  distance  not  unlike  those  of  the  Snow- 
ball (Viburnum  Opulusl,  but  which,  if  more  closely  exa- 
mined, are  found  to  be  of  a  greenish  yellow,  and  they 
continue  long  in  beauty.  The  flowers,  however,  constitute 
but  a  small  part  of  the  plant's  attractions,  for  the  berries  are 
of  the  finest  coral  red,  rendering  the  plant  so  conspicuous 
at  a  distance  as  to  be  quite  a  feature.  So  bright  are  the 
berries  in  colour  that  those  of  the  Mountain  Ash  are  dull 
beside  them.  The  berries  are  produced  in  clusters  or  heads, 
like  the  flowers,  and  are  of  the  brightest  red  or  scarlet  of 
any  berry  I  know.  Their  full  colour  is  attained  about  the 
middle  of  July,  but  at  the  beginning  of  August  they  are 
highly  ornamental,  and  they  continue  so  until  late  in  the 
year.  In  the  beauty  of  its  berries  it  eclipses  every  shrub 
that  I  know,  and  here  it  is  growing  in  a  variety  of  posi- 
tions— beside  the  rich  purple  of  the  Berberis,  both  sheltered 
and  exposed,  and  under  the  shade  of  large  Sycamore  trees 
— in  all  of  which  it  shows  advantageously.  To  see  it  in 
perfection  it  should  be  grown  in  a  mass  in  an  open  situa- 
tion, but  protected  from  northerly  and  easterly  winds  ;  but 
even  where  exposed  to  these  winds  it  maintains  its  ground, 
where  Cupressus  Lawsoniana,  Portugal  Laurels,  and  Rho- 
dodendrons are  severely  injured,  and  it  survives  under 
trees  where  the  Yew,  the  common  Laurel,  and  the  Portugal 
Laurel  have  failed. 

In  appearance  it  much  resembles  the  common  Elder, 
but  is  more  shrubby  and  compact.     In  smoky  towns  and 
No.  1144.— Tol.  XLTV.,  Oid  Series. 


158 


JOURNAL  OF  HOBTIOCLTUBE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENEB. 


[  September  1,  1870. 


near  the  sea  it  is  quite  at  home,  and  mast  prove  invaluable 
in  such  localities.  There  is  a  variety  with  white  and  another 
with  purple  berries.  I  believe  it  is  a  native  of  several  parts  of 
the  south  of  Europe.  Those  who  do  not  already  possess  it 
should  next  autumn  add  a  mass  of  it  to  their  shrubberies.  It 
is  not  particular  in  regard  to  soil  and  situation,  and  is  easy 
of  propagation  by  cuttings  of  the  ripe  shoots  and  by  seeds. 
— G.  Abbey. 

POT  VINES. 

The  economical  value  of  pot  Vines  has  often  been  called  in 
question  ;  indeed.  I  have  often  heard  people  say,  "  Grapes 
produced  on  pot  Vines  are  never  worth  eating."  It  is  quite 
true  they  are  often  very  inferior,  nor  is  it  surprising  that  such 
should  be  the  case.  Badly  grown  and  badly  ripened  canes  are 
often  fruited  in  pots ;  and  frequently  where  no  fault  can  be 
found  with  the  Vines  they  are  expected  to  bear  far  too  many 
bunches,  and  are  not  half  fed  nor  attended  to  during  their  growth. 

Gardening  must  generally  be  considered  a  luxury  except  in 
the  case  of  the  commonest  vegetables.  Supposing  the  problem 
to  solve  be  how  to  get  Grapes  when  they  are  worth,  say,  from 
7s.  to  10s.  a-pound  in  the  market,  I  think  it  is  a  great  question 
whether  this  cannot  be  done  more  cheaply  by  growing  pot 
Vines  than  by  forcing  permanent  ones;  besides  which,  nothing 
is  more  beautiful  than  a  pot  Vine  loaded  with  well-ripened 
fruit. 

Having  seen  at  Chatsworth  last  spring  the  best  house  of  pot 
Vines  I  ever  saw  grown,  I  asked  Mr.  Speed  to  tell  me  how  they 
had  been  managed.  They  were  standing  on  a  shelf  covered 
with  white  spar,  such  as  is  brought  out  of  the  Derbyshire  lead 
mines,  consequently  not  a  root  had  grown  out  of  the  pots. 
Every  eye  had  been  allowed  to  break  and  produce  a  shoot,  and 
each  shoot  had  made  six  leives  before  being  stopped.  From  the 
time  leaves  were  produced,  till  the  fruit  began  to  colour,  the 
Vines  had  never  had  water  without  guano  in  it,  the  plan  being 
to  give  very  weak  doses  constantly  in  place  of  stronger  ones  at 
longer  intervals.  A  quantity  of  Peruvian  guano  broken  small 
and  passed  through  a  fine  sieve  stood  in  a  large  pot,  and  the 
foreman  put  as  much  as  his  closed  hand  grasped  into  a  large 
watering-pan  each  time  he  filled  it.  I  have  never  weighed  this 
quantity,  but  it  must  be  a  Bmall  amount  to  the  gallon. 

One  thing  struck  me — that  was  the  very  careful  way  the 
watering  was  performed.  The  man  had  in  his  left  hand  a  small 
wooden  hammer  with  which  each  pot  was  struck,  and  if  the 
sound  produced  did  not  indicate  a  want  of  water  the  plant  was 
passed  by.  During  the  hot  weather  the  pots  were  examined 
twice  a-day,  so  that  no  plant  could  suffer  from  want  of  water, 
or  reoeive  it  before  it  was  required. 

I  should  think  the  Vines  carried  on  an  average  8  lbs.  of 
Grapes,  and  yet  many  of  them  had  only  four  bunches,  and  none 
more  than  five,  and  they  were  as  well  coloured  as  one  would 
wish  to  see.  As  the  Vines  were  trained  to  meet  in  the  centre 
of  a  narrow  double-roofed  house,  and  the  leaves  of  the  Vines 
just  met  all  the  way  up,  the  whole  roof  was  covered  by  foliage, 
and  the  crop  looked  a  very  heavy  one.  It  was  one  of  the  pret- 
tiest sightB  I  ever  saw.  Where  less  skill  and  attention  can  be 
bestowed  on  pot  Vines,  it  is  a  question  if  they  had  not  better 
be  placed  on  a  rich  bed  of  soil  and  be  allowed  to  root  through  ; 
but  as  I  never  before  saw  so  good  a  lot  of  pot  Vines  as  these 
were,  I  thought  some  of  your  readers  might  like  to  know  how 
they  were  cultivated. — J.  E.  Pearson,  Chilwell. 


A   FEW   SUPERIOR  BEDDING  PLANTS. 

I  have  read  with  interest  what  your  correspondent,  Mr. 
Peach,  and  others  have  lately  written  in  the  Journal  on  bed- 
ding plants,  especially  Geraniums,  and  I  have  a  wish  to  recom- 
mend to  your  readers  two  which  are  by  far  the  best  that  I  have 
ever  tried  or  seen — namely,  Vesuvius  and  Glorious,  raised  and 
sent  out  by  the  Messrs.  Smith,  of  Dulwich. 

I  have  tried  all  the  most  highly  commended  varielies  sent 
out  during  the  last  twelve  years,  and  these  two  are  the  most 
effective  bedders  that  have  ever  come  under  my  notice.  Taking 
into  consideration  habit  and  wonderful  productiveness  of 
bloom,  in  combination  with  substance  of  pftal  as  points  of 
merit,  they  have  no  eqmls  that  I  know  of.  For  distant  effect, 
VeBnviuB  in  particular,  from  its  lively  shade  of  scarlet,  is  most 
valuable.  Conlraiy  to  the  habit  of  most  Gerariums,  the  more 
they  grow  the  more  productive  are  they  of  their  fine  trusses  of 
bloom,  borne  on  stiff  stalks.  When  forced  in  moist  stoves  in 
vaster  their  blooming  powers  are  nwst  conspicuous,  as  thgy 


throw  np  a  trnsB  from  nearly  every  leaf.  Glow,  raised  by  the 
same  firm,  is  aho  %  gool  bedder,  bat  compared  to  the  two 
referred  to  only  second-rate. 

Imperial  Blue  Ageratum  sent  ont  this  year  I  regard  as  one  of 
the  finest  bedding  plants  introduced  for  many  years.  There 
are  four  beds  of  it  here,  and  they  are  a  perfeot  sheet  of  beau- 
tiful lavender,  while  its  habit  is  all  that  can  be  wished.  In  the 
distance  it  is  much  more  effective  than  Viola  cornuta  or  Lobelia 
speciosa,  while  its  habit  is  preferable  to  either  of  these.  Tro- 
p<zolum  Cooperi  for  a  sheet  of  orange  scarlet,  and  its  adaptation 
for  scroll  work,  baa  no  equal  that  I  know.  Golden  Feather 
Pyrethrum,  so  severely  condemned  by  fome,  surpasses  any  of 
the  golden-leaved  Geraniums.  If  raised  from  seed  it  seldom 
blooms  much  the  first  year.  It  requires,  like  most  bedding 
plants,  liberal  culture. — D.  Thomson,  Drumlanrig. 


A   TRIAL   OF  PEAS. 


I  enclose  a  statement  of  the  results  of  a  trial  of  Peas,  mostly 
well-known  sorts,  thinking  it  may  be  interesting  and  useful  to 
some  of  your  readers  to  know  how  they  have  behaved  in  such 
a  season  as  the  past  on  a  heavy  soil  in  the  cool  moist  valley  of 
the  Lea.  The  first  two  sort3  were  sown  on  the  ll'h  of  March, 
the  remainder  on  the  23rd  of  March.  They  were  hoed  fre- 
quently, but  never  watered. 

Sutton's  Ringleader.— Sown  March  11th  ;  fit  for  ubo  June  10tb. 
Height,  2J  feet. 

Sangster's  No.  1.— Sown  March  11th  ;  fit  for  use  June  12th. 
Height,  2{  feet.     Pods  rather  larger  than  Sutton's  Eingleader. 

Multum  in  Parvo. — Sown  Maich  23rd  ;  fit  for  use  June  16th. 
Height,  1  foot.     Pods  large  and  well  filled. 

Nutting's  No.  1.  Wrinkled  Marroio. — Sown  March  23rd;  fit 
for  u^e  June  16U  .     H  ight.  15  inches. 

Advancer  (MiLsai.V). — Sown  March  23rd  ;  fit  for  use  June 
23rd.     Height.  2  feet.     Long,  well-filled  pods,  and  good  cropper. 

Champion  of  England. — Sown  March  23rd  ;  fit  for  use  June 
25ih.  Height,  4!  feet.  Heavy  cropper ;  pods  of  good  length 
and  well  filled. 

Hundredfold. — S  iwn  March  23rd  ;  fit  for  use  June  25th. 
Height,  44  feet.  Heavy  cropper ;  pods  large  and  well  filled; 
hard,  and  of  indifferent  flavour. 

McLean's  Wonderful. — Sown  March  23rd;  fit  for  use  June 
25th.  Height,  3  feet.  Good  cropper ;  pods  of  good  length, 
but  not  well  filled. 

McLean's  Dwarf  Prolific. — Sown  March  23rd  ;  fit  for  use 
June  27th.  Height,  3£  feet.  Good  cropper;  pods  of  good 
lengtb.  bnt  not  quite  fall. 

Culliiigford's  Champion. — Sown  March  23rd  ;  fit  for  use  June 
27th.  Hsight,  4i  feet.  Fair  cropper,  bearing  most  towards 
the  top  ;  pods  of  medium  length,  four  or  five  peaB  in  each. 

Laxton's  Supreme. — So  vn  March  23rd  ;  fit  for  use  June  27th. 
Height,  4  feet.     Medium  cropper ;  pods  large,  but  not  well  filled. 

Princess  Royal. — Sown  March  23rd  ;  fit  for  use  June  27th. 
Height,  3  feet.     Heavy  cropper ;  pods  large  and  well  filled. 

Yorkshire  Hero. — Sown  March  23rd ;  fit  for  use  June  28th. 
Height,  2J  feet.  Fair  cropper;  pods  of  medium  length,  four 
or  five  peas  iu  each. 

Ne  Plus  Ultra.— Sown  March  23rd;  fit  for  use  June  30th. 
Height,  5J.  feet.     Pods  large  and  well  filled,  good  cropper. 

McLean's  Premier. — Sown  March  23rd  ;  fit  for  use  June  30th. 
Height,  3  feet.  Pods  of  good  length  and  well  filled ;  a  good 
cropper ;  fine  flavour. 

Veiteh's  Perfection. — Sown  March  23rd  ;  fit  for  use  July  2nd. 
Height,  3  feet.  Heavy  oropper  ;  pods  of  good  length,  and  very 
well  filled. 

The  Prince.— Sown  March  23rd  ;  fit  for  ue  July  3rd.  Height, 
3  feet.  Good  cropper ;  pods  medium  length,  five  or  six  peas 
in  each. 

British  Queen. — Sown  March  23rd  ;  fit  for  use  July  4th. 
Height,  6  feet.  Good  cropper ;  pods  large  and  well  filled. — 
William  Paul,  Paul's  Nurseries,  Waltham  Cross,  N. 


Le  Butt's  Hand  Deill. — Among  the  helps  to  gardens  which 
the  ingenuity  of  inventors  has  placed  within  onr  reach,  a 
good  place  must  be  given  to  the  hand  drill,  which  has  been 
already  highly  recommended,  but  of  which  I  had  no  experience 
until  this  season.  Oue  knows  the  sort  of  haphazard  way  in 
which  seeds  are  too  often  sowd,  patches  of  plsnts  coming  up  in 
one  place,  while  there  is  a  blank  in  another.  Sometimes  we  see 
peed  sown  through  a  quill  placed  in  the  cork  of  a  bottle  contain- 
ing the  teed,  but  this  is  &  poor  way  of  endeavouring  to  counter- 


September  1,  1670.  ]  JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


159 


act  the  evil.  Now  nothing  can  be  more  effective  and  handy 
than  Mr.  Le  Bull's  hand  drill.  The  seed  is  Bown  evenly,  and  by 
the  use  of  the  brass  collar  the  drill  can  be  adjusted  to  any 
description  of  seed.  I  have  found  it  very  useful,  and  can  re- 
commend it  to  any  who  like  efficiency  and  neatness  in  their 
gardens. — D.,  Deal. 


GERANIUMS   GROWN  IN  RUTLAND  DURING 
1870. 

I  have  tried  many  varieties,  but  find  none  better  than  the 
following : — 

For  Bedding. — Stella  and  Cybister,  both  do  well  here,  espe- 
cially the  latter ;  Trentham  Scarlet;  Cbrietine,  rather  too  seedy 
this  dry  summer ;  Sutton's  Scarlet  Perfection,  the  very  best 
scarlet  bedder  I  have  ever  grown,  being  dwarf,  compact  and  a 
free  bloomer,  with  well-shaped  flowers  ;  Indian  Yellow  ;  Orange 
Nosegay  ;  Monsieur  Martin  ;  Captain  Daley  ;  Admiration  ;  Dr. 
Hogg,  good,  but  goes  to  seed  rather  too  much  ;  Mr.  Ejles  ; 
Hon.  Gathorne  Hardy,  the  best  Nosegay  Geranium  I  have 
grown  ;  and  International. 

Double  Geraniums. — Gloire  de  Nancy.  Madame  Rose  Char- 
meux,  Madame  Lemoine,  and  Marie  Lemoine,  are  all  good 
bedders. 

For  Pot  Culture  or  Vases. — Donald  Beaton,  Lord  Derby, 
Chieftain,  Commander-in-Chief,  Marie  Van  Hontte,  Clipper, 
Mrs.  William  Paul,  and  Monsieur  Comner.— E.  C,  Oakham. 


Cabbage  plants  three  times  in  the  season — say  the  first  week 
in  May,  the  first  week  in  June,  and  the  first  week  in  July. 
The  moth  which  lays  the  eggs  will  not  light  on  the  plants  on 
aceountof  the  smell  of  the  Boot,  and  the  soot  is  a  good  manure. 
— A  Constant  Reader. 


STRAWBERRIES  WORTHY  AND   UNWORTHY 
OF  CULTIVATION. 

In  the  retained  list  of  kinds  (page  121)  I  notice  the  following  : 
—Oscar,  Myatt's  Eliza,  Goliab,  Due  de  Malakoff,  Comte  de 
Paris,  and  Ajax,  all  most  uncertain  croppers  in  this  northern 
locality.  I  have  tried  each  of  them,  but  have  long  since  dis- 
carded them.  On  the  other  hand,  in  the  rejected  list  I  notice 
Comte  de  Zing,  Cornucopia,  Excellente,  Lecoq  Pine,  and 
Wonderful— kinds  that  I  have  grown  for  years,  and  I  cannot 
recall  an  instance  in  which  they  have  failed  to  give  satisfaction 
to  the  grower. 

Again,  in  the  list  of  retained  kinds,  those  stated  to  possess 
especial  merit  aro  marked  with  an  asterisk.  I  notice  a  variety 
apparently  considered  unworthy  of  that  distinction,  which  I 
think  the  best  Strawberry  I  ever  saw— namely,  W.  J.  Nicholson. 
I  saw  a  very  fine  plantation  of  this  variety  at  Egglescliffe  on 
the  11th  of  July,  the  quantity  and  size  of  the  fruit'being  some- 
thing wonderful  for  the  season,  and  I  was  assnred  it  was  the 
first  to  ripen  in  any  quantity  there,  having  completely  beaten 
kinds  like  Sir  J.  Paxton.  Its  habit  is  good,  with  nice  bright 
green  foliage  ;  the  fruit,  sometimes  wedge-shaped  but  generally 
conical,  is  very  bright  in  oolour,  with  rich,  juicv,  melting  white 
flesh— in  fact,  I  think  this  the  best  of  any  of  the  largefruited 
varieties  possessed  of  fine  flavour  that  I  ever  saw,  and  those 
who  have  it  not  would  do  well  to  procure  it  at  once. 

I  have  seen  another  fine  seedliDg,  raised  by  M.  Gloede,  called 
James  Veitch,  which  must,  I  think,  prove  an  acquisition, 
though  I  have  not  tasted  it.  The  fruit,  however,  is  very  large, 
and  the  plant  appears  to  be  a  capital  cropper. 

The  following  are  a  few  of  the  kinds  I  have  noticed  as  gene- 
rally doing  well  wherever  I  have  seen  them  grown  in  the  north 
—viz.,  Lucas,  Cockscomb,  Wonderful,  Cornucopia  (capital  for 
preserving),  La  Constante,  Comte  de  Zans,  Ascot  Pine  Applf, 
W.  J.  Nicholson,  Dr.  Hogg,  Mr.  RidchftV,  President,  and  Sir 
J.  Paxton.— J.  W.,  Middlesbrough  on-Tees. 


DIFFERENCES  ABOUT  ROSES. 
_  Mademoiselle  Mahib  Radt  having  been  before  the  public 
since  18G5,  and  universally  acknowledged  by  all  Rose-growers 
to  be  good,  has  at  last  been  admitted  by  Mr.  Radeljffe  among 
the  good  Roses,  as  having  been  fully  proved  by  him.  I  suppose 
in  about  two  years'  time  we  shall  be  told  by  the  tnme  authority 
that  we  may  Bafely  grow  Madame  U  Baronne  de  Rothschild  or 
La  France.  Some  persons  may  prefer  to  try  if  even  a  scribbler's 
opinion  be  sound  rather  than  wait  for  a  fiat  issued  from  Okeford 
Fitzpaine. — An  Amateur. 


Avoiding  Cabbagb  Caterpillars.— A  correspondent  lately 
SBked  how  to  keep  caterpillars  from  Cabbagee.  I  have  found 
it  a  good  plan  to  eow  a  little  dry  toot  between  the  rows  of 


THE  ROYAL  HORTICULTURAL   SOCIETY. 

PROPOSED    VISIT   TO    NOTTINGHAM. 

The  Council  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  having  deter- 
mined upon  each  year  holding  a  summer  exhibition  in  some 
important  town  in  Great  Britain,  a  meeting  was  held  August 
25th  in  the  Major's  parlour,  at  the  Exchange,  to  take  into  con- 
sideration the  desirability  of  forwarding  an  invitation  from 
Nottingham  for  their  first  exhibition  in  1871  to  be  held  in  that 
town.  Lord  Belper  presided,  and  there  were  also  present  the 
Mayor,  Mr.  H.  Sherbrooke.  Mr.  E.  J.  Lowe,  Mr.  J.  L.  Thack- 
eray, Mr.  J.  H.  Lee,  Mr.  R.  Birkio,  Mr.  J.  Barber,  Mr.  Aid. 
Herbert,  the  fcev.  J.  M.  Valpy,  MeEsrs.  Chapman,  Oann,  the 
Rev.  Samuel  Reynolds  Hole,  Messrs.  Armitage,  Johnson  (Town 
Clerk),  Tarbotton,  Starey,  Ayres,  Speed,  of  Cbatsworth  ;  Ander- 
son, of  Newstead  ;  PearBon,  of  Chilwell ;  Cooling,  of  Derby; 
Caparn,  of  Newark  ;  Gibbons,  of  Bramcote  ;  Spencer,  of  Beeston; 
Edwards,  of  Nuttall ;  Frettingham,  of  Beeston  ;  Cookson,  of 
Canington  ;  Johnson,  of  Colwick  ;  Read,  of  Pleasley  Vale,  &c. 
The  following  gentlemen,  not  being  able  to  attend,  sent  their 
approval  of  the  project :— Mr.  Ingram,  of  Belvoir  Castle  ;  Mr. 
Lamb,  of  Colston  Basset ;  Mr.  Tillery,  of  Welbeck  ;  Mr.  Hen- 
derson, of  Thoresby  ;  Mr.  Miller,  of  Worksop  Manor;  Mr. 
BartoD,  of  Oxton  ;  Mr.  Cruikshans:,  of  Kingston;  Mr.  Meiry- 
weather.  of  Southwell,  and  others.     In  opening  the  meeting, 

His  Lordship  observed  that  no  doubt  those  present  vr?re 
aware  of  the  object  which  had  brought  them  together.  The 
Royal  Horticultural  Society  had  held  its  meetiogs  in  the  country, 
but  always  at  the  same  place  and  at  the  same  time  as  the  Royal 
Agricultural  Society.  He  understood  that  now,  however,  they 
were  of  opinion  that  it  would  be  more  advantageous  to  hold  a 
separate  meeting,  and  seme  gentlemen  believed  that  if  there 
was  an  application  from  Nottingham  it  might  be  held  there. 
The  meeting  was  called  for  the  purpose  of  considering  the  de- 
sirability of  sending  an  invitation,  and  as  Mr.  Lowe  would  be 
prepared  to  state  all  particulars,  he  should  at  once  call  upon 
him  to  do  so.     (Hear,  hear.) 

Mr.  Lowe  remarked  that  he  had  reoeived  a  number  of  letters 
from  different  persons  who  were  unfortunately  absent  from  the 
meeting,  amongst  others  from  Bail  Manvers,  who  was  at  the 
Isle  of  Wight,  but  who  would  have  been  glad  to  have  attended 
and  given  his  cordial  support.  Sir  Henry  Bromley  had  also 
written,  but  as  his  train  did  not  arrive  UDtil  ten  minutes  to 
twelve  o'clock  they  could  not  expect  him  there  at  eleven  o'cloek. 
Sir  Henry  expressed  himself  very  anxious  that  they  should  get 
the  Society  to  bold  its  meeting  at  Nottingham ;  and  added  that 
he  should  like  to  see  an  artisans'  prize  cup  worth  ten  guineas, 
towards  which  object  he  should  wish  to  give  five  guineas  him- 
self. (Hear,  hear.)  He  had  had  letters  also  from  the  Mayor 
of  Newark  and  others,  but  ho  would  not  detain  the  meeting  by 
reading  them.  As  Lord  Belper  had  said,  the  Royal  Horticul- 
tural Society  had  for  the  last  four  years  gone  into  ihe  provinces 
once  a-year  with  the  Agricultural  Society,  but  it  had  now  in- 
creased bo  much  in  importance  that  it  felt  that  it  ought  no 
longer  to  play  second  fiddle  to  any  other  sc  ciety.  It  had  there- 
fore determined  upon  holding  a  show  by  itself  in  some  town 
not  then  frequented  by  the  Royal  Agricultural  Society.  Hear- 
ing of  this  he  spoke  to  some  of  the  members  of  the  Council, 
and  asked  if  Nottingham  sent  a  proper  invitation  whether  there 
would  be  any  chance  of  success  in  obtaining  the  first  inde- 
pendent meeting  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  there.  To 
that  question  he  received  a  very  favourable  reply,  and  he  be- 
lieved that,  though  there  were  other  towns  in  the  field,  they  stood 
a  better  chance  than  any  other.  (Hear,  hear.)  He  next  wrote 
to  the  Secretary  of  Ihe  Horticultural  Society  to  inquire  thecon- 
ditions  on  which  they  would  come,  and  received  this  reply  : — 
"lam  favoured  with  your  letter  of  the  4th  inst.,  and,  in  reply, 
beg  to  inform  you  that  the  sum  required  as  a  guarantee  fund 
is  £700  when  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  is  visiting  the 
provinces,  and  the  following  will  give  you  an  idea  of  the 
amounts  collected  for  special  prizes  in  the  towns  visited  by  the 
Society— viz.,  at  Bury  St.  Edmunds  we  offered  £423  W,  they 
collected  £238  6s.  6d. ;  at  Leicester  we  offered  £478  10s.  Cd., 
they  collected  £3G2  ;  at  Manchester,  we  offered  £497  16s.  6d., 
they  collected  £394  9s.  ;  at  Oxford  we  offered  £510  6s.,  they 
collected  £251  0s.  Cd."    From  this  it  appeared  that  the  prize 


160 


JOUBNAL  OF  HOETICULTTJEE  AND   COTTAGE   GAEDENEB. 


[  September  1,  1870. 


list  of  the  Society  had  gradually  risen  from  £400  to  £500,  whilst 
the  local  subscription  list  had  been  from  £250  to  £390.  With 
regard  to  the  local  list,  he  thought  the  sum  was  so  small,  that 
when  spread  over  so  large  an  area  there  could  be  no  difficulty 
in  getting  it;  and  with  respect  to  the  £700  required  as  a 
guarantee  fund,  when  they  considered  the  importance  of  the 
exhibition,  and  the  fact  that  it  was  kept  open  for  four  days, 
they  would  see  that  there  was  little,  if  any,  of  that  money 
really  needed.  He  believed  none  was  required  at  Manchester, 
and  he  did  not  know  what  would  be  required  at  Oxford  this 
year.  Such  a  show  as  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society's  now 
was  Nottingham  ;had  not  yet  witnessed.  Two  years  ago  the 
Society  held  a  meeting  with  the  Agricultural  Society  at  Leicester, 
but  that  was  at  a  time  when  plants  were  out  of  their  glory. 
When  the  Society  eame  forth  into  the  provinces  when  plants 
were  just  ki  perfection,  he  was  not  exaggerating  if  he  said  that 
the  show  would  be  one  which  if  once  seen  would  never  be  for- 
gotten. He  was  a  strong  advocate  for  Nottingham  to  receive 
the  Horticultural  Society,  for  he  thought  it  would  be  a  great 
honour  for  them  to  get  the  first  independent  meeting  of  the 
Society  held  here.  He  hoped  they  should  succeed  in  doing  so. 
(Applause). 

Mr.  Thackeray  moved  "that  the  present  meeting  considers 
it  desirable  to  invite  the  Boyal  Horticultural  Society  to  hold 
their  great  provincial  flower  show  in  Nottingham  in  1871,  and 
that  the  Lord-Lioutenant,  as  chairman,  be  requested  to  com- 
municate this  wish  to  the  President  of  that  Society."  He  con- 
sidered that  it  would  be  a  great  honour  if  they  could  get  the 
Society  to  hold  its  meeting  there.  He  had  no  doubt  as  to  its 
financial  success,  and  should  have  no  objection  to  becoming 
one  of  the  guarantors,  so  confident  did  he  feel  on  the  subject. 
There  were  few  towns  where  the  artisan  class  were  greater  culti- 
vators of  flowers  than  in  Nottingham,  and  it  would  be  a  means 
of  great  instruction,  as  well  as  a  treat,  to  them  to  inspect  the 
show  of  such  a  Society.  As  regarded  the  site,  ho  thought  the 
best  place  would  be  the  Arboretum ;  and  he  did  not  see  any 
difficulty  in  setting  it  apart  for  suoh  an  occasion.  (Hear,  hear.) 
Mr.  Lee  seconded  the  resolution,  and  said  he  sincerely  trusted 
that  the  application  to  the  Society  might  be  successful. — The 
motion  was  carried  unanimously. 

Mr.  Barber  said  he  supported  the  movement  which  had  been 
started.  Like  all  other  movements,  however,  it  required  the 
sinews  of  war.  As  Mr.  Lowe  had  explained,  the  amount  of 
subscription  required  was  not  very  large,  and  he  thought  there 
would  bo  no  difficulty  in  getting  the  necessary  fund.  Besides 
the  subscription,  a  guarantee  fund  of  £700  was  required  to  be 
raised,  and  should  any  portion  be  needed,  those  gentlemen  who 
guaranteed  the  money  would  bo  called  on  pro  rata,  according  to 
the  amount  of  their  guarantee.  In  some  cases  no  portion  of 
the  money  was  required,  as  for  instance,  at  Manchester.  Ho 
begged  to  move  "  That  a  guarantee  and  local  subscription  list 
be  at  once  commenced,  as  an  evidence  that  Nottingham  is  pre- 
pared to  give  the  lloyal  Horticultural  Society  a  proper  recep- 
tion."    (Hear,  hear.) 

Mr.  Starey  seconded  the  motion,  and  remarked  that  the  show 
would  be  a  means  of  pleasure  to  a  great  many  in  the  neighbour- 
hood who  were  fond  of  horticultural  pursuits.  The  amount 
required  was  very  little  when  spread  over  the  town  and  county, 
and  if  they  all  did  a  little  towards  it,  there  would  not  be  the 
slightest  difficulty  in  obtaining  it.  For  his  own  part,  he  could 
only  say  that  he  should  be  very  pleased  to  assist.  (Hear,  heai). 
The  motion  was  carried  nem.  dis. 

Mr.  Leivers  proposed  that  a  committee  be  formed,  consisting 
of  the  Mayor,  chairman  ;  Mr.  J.  Smith  Wright,  treasurer;  and 
Mr.  Lowe,  secretary,  together  with  Mr.  Sherbrooke,  Mr.  Mil- 
ward,  Mr.  Edge,  Mr'.  Seely,  M.P.,  Mr.  Smith,  M.P.,  Mr.  Akroyd, 
Mr.  Nowton,  Eev.  S.  E.  Hole,  Dr.  Robertson,  Sir  H.  Bromley, 
Messrs.  Wmdley,Birkin,jun.,Forrrjau,  Farmer,  Sbilton,  Knight, 
Davy,  Gadd,  Ingram,  Speed,  Cruickshank,  Pearson, Evans,  Hen- 
derson, Tillery,  and  Lamb,  with  power  to  add  to  their  number ; 
also  that  the  Mnyors  of  Derby,  Leicester,  Grantham,  Eetford, 
and  Newark  be  invited  to  form  district  committees,  to  co-operate 
with  that  p.t  Nottingham. 

Mr.  Goodall  seconded  the  motion,  and  it  was  carried. 
The  assemblage,  presided  over  by  the  Lord-Lieutenant  (Lord 
Belper)  was  a  most  respectable  one,  representing  all  classes, 
and  with  a  large  sprinkling  of  the  practical  gardening  element. 
Nothing  could  have  been  more  unanimous  than  the  tone  of  the 
meeting.  Every  person  seemed  willing  and  anxious  to  do  all 
that  he  could,  and  the  offers  of  material  support  were  such  as 
to  leave  nothing  to  be  desired.  One  special  feature  may  be 
noted,  and  that  was,  Sir  Henry  Bromley,  who  was  unable  to 


get  to  the  meeting  in  proper  time,  suggested  that  a  ten-guineas 
cup  should  be  given  to  artisans  for  Eoses,  to  which  he  offered 
to  subscribe  five  guineas.  This  is  a  very  good  beginning,  and 
in  the  right  direction,  and  though  it  was  not  announced  at  the 
meeting,  we  have  reason  to  know  that,  should  the  exhibition  be 
held  here,  Lord  Belper  has  promised  twenty  guineas  towards 
the  special  prizes.  We  therefore  think  it  is  only  necessary 
for  us  to  make  a  united  effort,  and  success  is  certain  to  crown 
it.  Other  towns,  York,  Manchester,  and  Leeds,  are  competing 
against  us ;  but  there  is  no  doubt  the  Council  will  recollect 
that  these  towns  for  years  past  have  had  their  large  flower 
shows,  while  in  this  locality  a  really  first-class  show  would  be 
an  entire  novelty,  and  hence  we  assert  the  chances  of  complete 
success  are  greater  here  than  they  can  be  in  any  place  where 
large  flower  shows  are  common.  Then,  as  a  gardening  centre, 
there  is  no  town  in  England  that  can  compare  with  our  own. 
Every  second  man  you  meet,  whether  dressed  in  fustian  or  fine 
linen,  is  a  gardener,  and  many  of  them  cultivators  of  superior 
skill.  Where  great  flower  shows  are  common,  success  cannot 
be  so  certain  as  where  there  is  novelty  added  to  the  attraction  ; 
and  here,  anything  really  great,  such  as  the  Boyal  Horticul- 
tural Society  could  place  before  the  visitors,  would  be  something 
that  must  command  success. — {Nottinghamshire  Guardian.) 


BLOOMING  GLOXINIA  SEEDLINGS. 
Let  me  add,  as  a  corollary  to  Mr.  Luckhurst's  article  on 
Gloxinias,  that  where  there  is  a  stove,  or  even,  I  should  ima- 
gine, any  kind  of  forcing  pit,  there  is  not  the  slightest  occasion 
to  keep  Gloxinia  seedlings  for  twelve  months  before  blooming 
them.  On  the  28  th  March  last  I  sowed  a  pan  of  Gloxinia  seed, 
which  produced  many  hundreds  of  seedlings.  At  our  flower 
show  on  July  10th  I  had  two  of  these  in  bloom,  and  since  then 
I  have  had  scores  in  fine  bloom  and  in  endless  variety.  All 
that  was  done  was  to  give  them  one  or  two  shifts  and  bring 
them  on  in  the  Cucumber  house.  I  came  to  the  conclusion 
that  the  Gloxinia  was  the  most  satisfactory  floriBts'  flower  to 
raise  from  seed  that  I  had  ever  sown. — Alfred  O.  Walker. 


PICKING  AND  MARKETING  EKUIT. 

Nothing  adds  so  much  to  the  profits  of  fruit  culture  as  a 
good  system  of  picking  and  marketing.  Often  a  single  ship- 
ment of  Strawberries  will  vary  from  40  to  100  dols.  in  price, 
according  to  the  neatness  of  the  appearance  of  the  fruit,  its 
quality,  and  its  condition. 

Josiah  Hoopes,  in  the  Delaware  Bepubliean,  in  a  series  of 
articles  on  fruit  culture,  gives  many  judicious  hints  on  this 
important  subject.  In  regard  to  the  gathering  of  ripe  fruits  of 
different  kinds,  he  says  that  no  fruit  should  be  taken  from  the 
tree  or  plant  during  a  damp  time,  and  especially  when  the  dew 
is  plentiful  in  early  morning.  Each  specimen  should  be  taken 
from  the  tree  one  by  one,  handled  as  if  they  had  been  so  many 
eggs.  The  slightest  bruise  or  even  abrasion  of  the  skin  is  the 
sure  forerunner  of  a  dark  spot,  which  will  eventually  change 
into  some  form  of  rot.  The  spores  or  seed  of  fungi  are  always 
ready  to  assist  in  the  work  of  dissolution,  and  the  slightest 
scratch  gives  them  a  foothold  for  their  destructive  work. 
Scarcely  any  varieties  of  the  largest  fruits  colour  and  ripen  so 
well  if  left  to  perfect  themselves  on  the  tree,  and  especially  is 
this  true  in  respect  to  Pears.  Summer  varieties,  as  they  ap- 
proach maturity,  loosen  their  hold  somewhat  on  the  limb,  and 
by  gently  raising  the  fruit  they  will  easily  detach  themselves  at 
the  proper  period.  This  is  an  excellent  test,  and  may  always 
be  relied  on.  To  colour  up  fruit  nicely,  all  that  is  necessary 
will  be  to  spread  a  blanket  on  the  floor  of  a  cool  room,  and 
then  thinly  and  evenly  place  the  fruit  on  the  floor.  A  second 
blanket  must  be  spread  over  them,  and  in  a  short  time  the 
effect  of  this  treatment  will  be  apparent.  Pears  perfected  in 
this  manner  rarely  have  the  mealiness  of  their  naturally- 
ripened  companions;  nor  do  they  prematurely  decay  at  the 
core  as  when  left  on  the  tree.  Peaches  are  too  frequently 
gathered  before  attaining  full  size,  and  when  this  is  the  case 
we  need  not  expect  good  flavour.  They  must  obtain  this  re- 
quisite before  gathering  ;  although  it  is  not  necessary  to  delay 
picking  until  very  mellow.  As  a  general  rule,  all  small  fruits 
are  gathered  too  early ;  and,  as  high  colour  is  not  a  sign  of 
maturity,  many  experienced  fruit  growers  are  frequently  mis- 
led. Ndver  pick  Strawberries  because  they  are  red,  nor  Black- 
ben  ies  solely  on  account  of  their  dark  appearance.  Each 
should  remain  on  the  plant  for  some  time  thereafter.    Steaw- 


September  l,  187(1.  J  JOURNAL   OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE    GARDENER. 


161 


berries  picked  with  the  oalyx  adhering  will  always  carry  better 
and  be  less  liable  to  decay  than  if  carelessly  pulled  off  without 
this  appendage.  And  so  with  Cherries  also,  as  the  cavities 
made  by  parting  with  their  stalks  are  liable  to  engender  speedy 
decay.  Neither  do  they  present  so  fine  an  appearance  on  the 
table,  or  in  the  fruit  baskets  of  our  market  gardeners  as  when 
temptingly  displayed,  each  with  its  stalk  attached.  The  fore- 
going remarks  in  relation  to  the  proper  time  for  gathering 
fruits  are  equally  applicable  to  Grapes.  These  generally  colour 
long  before  they  are  mature  ;  and  thus  many  a  novice  in  fruit 
culture  frequently  forms  an  unjust  opinion  of  his  varieties 
simply  from  testing  unripe  specimens.  Grapes  should  always 
be  severed  from  the  Vine  with  strong  scissors  or  trimming- 
shears,  and  never  twisted  or  broken  off. — (Horticulturist ) 


MELONS   IN   A  GROUND   VINERY. 

After  raising  some  plants  in  a  warm  orchard  houpe,I  placed 
them  under  a  ground  vinery,  without  any  bottom  heat.  There 
were  three  sorts,  all  sown  on  the  same  day — Windsor  Piize, 
Beeohwood  (for  which  I  have  to  thank  you),  and  Aehope3nor- 
rischer.  Windsor  ripened  on  the  Gth  of  August,  and  Beech- 
wood  on  the  13th.  Both  Borts  are  now  finished.  The  third 
sort,  which  is  said  to  grow  out  of  doors  on  a  ridge,  has  not  yet 
ripened ;  so  under  glass  it  seems  to  have  no  advnntage  over 
sorts  which  are  reputed  more  tender.  In  former  years  I  have 
ripened  it  in  warmth,  and  found  it  of  good  flavour,  though 
coarse  in  appearance. 

An  American  correspondent  of  yours  once  stated  that  no 
soil  succeeded  so  well  as  virgin  forest  mould.  This,  I  presume, 
means  leaf  mould  and  sand.  Now,  in  EngHnd  we  prefer  stiffer 
soil:  so,  to  decide  the  question,  I  filled  a  Ssa-kale  pot  with  an 
imitation  of  forest  mould  mixed  with  pieces  of  broken  brick, 
as  better  than  stones,  while  a  similar  pot  wft3  filled  with  a 
mixture  of  the  same  soil  with  loam.  Into  each  pot  was  put  a 
plant  of  Windsor  Prize.  The  plant  in  light  soil  was  always 
thirsty,  and  produced  but  oue  fruit  neighing  2  lbs.  2  oz?.  The 
heaviest  fruit  on  the  other  weighed  i  lbs.  li  ozs. 

In  cutting  open  a  Beechwood  to-day,  and  very  excellent  it 
was,  I  could  not  help  contemplating  the  enormous  number  of 
its  seeds,  yet  most  of  these  seeds  wore  probably  fertilised,  and 
only  by  a  touch  of  a  male  flower  to  the  stigma.  What,  then, 
must  not  be  the  minuteness  of  each  grain  of  pollen,  and  how 
marvellous  its  active  power! — G.  S. 

P.S. — Though  the  ground-vinery  system  succeeds  perfectly 
in  fine  summsrB  like  1868  and  1870,  it  did  not  succeed  in  18G9. 


MY  GARDEN   PLUM  ORCHARD. 

So  many  of  my  friends  who  have  seen  my  little  Plum  trees 
in  growth  have  written  to  know  more  about  their  different  qua- 
lities, that  I  have  thought  it  best  to  send  a  few  notes  to  "  our 
Journal,"  so  that  all  may  read,  as  it  were,  from  one  letter.  At 
the  SRme  time  I  have  thought  it  might  interest  others  unknown 
to  me,  and  who  are  about  to  plant.  I  consider  my  fruit  trees 
in  many  cases  as  trees  of  ornament  as  well  as  utility,  and  there- 
fore plant  many  of  them  among  my  shrubs,  where  they  all  thrive 
exceedingly  well,  and  not  only  are  beautiful  in  the  spring  when 
in  bloom,  but  give  a  rich  colouring  effect  in  the  autumn  when 
in  fruit.  But  there  are  some  at  least  that  I  would  not  advise 
to  be  so  plauted,  and  they  are  all  the  Green  Gage  tribe,  for  the 
bullfinches  will  assuredly  peck  out  all  the  bloom  buds  and  spoil 
the  trees.  There  are,  however,  many  others,  Plums  as  well  as 
Pears,  which  do  well ;  and  at  this  time  of  the  year,  when  flowers 
are  scarce,  my  fruit  trees  are  the  chief  attraction  to  my  vi-itors. 
I  do  not  pretend  to  go  into  the  minutise  of  every  kind,  but  to 
give  a  general  outline  as  to  their  qualities  as  grown  here. 
Those  wishing  to  know  more  I  would  advise  to  consult  that 
very  excellent  work,  Dr.  Hogg's  "  Fruit  Manual,"  a  book  which 
no  pomologist  ought  to  be  without.  As  I  attend  to  all  my 
Plum  trees  entirely  myself,  I  have  the  opportunity  of  judging 
pretty  oorrectly  as  to  their  qualities  as  regards  the  summer- 
pruning  system,  brought  into  notice  by  Mr.  Rivers,  of  Saw- 
bridgeworth,  and  to  whom  amateur  fruit-growers  are  indebted 
for  much  instruction,  knowledge,  and  pleasure. 

I  give  below  a  few  notes  of  some  of  the  sorts  of  Plums  which 
have  already  ripened  with  me.  and  if  thought  worth  while  I 
will  send  more  as  others  come  to  maturity,  as  I  have  many  yet 
in  full  growth,  some  of  which  are  especial  favourites  of  almost 
every  one,  though  grown  under  different  circumstances  than  as 
out-door  pyramids  and  bushes.    I  may  here  remark  that,  as  a 


rule,  I  find  the  Gage  tribe  less  adapted  for  pyramids  than  bushes, 
as  some  are  difficult  to  keep  in  form.  Several  of  my  trees  did 
marvels  this  year.  In  the  way  of  crop  I  have  one  little  bush 
of  tbe  Mirabelle  Plum,  just  1  foot  high,  that  ha3  twenty-one 
Plums  on  it ;  I  merely  retained  the  quantity  just  to  see  how 
many  it  would  carry. 

Early  Mirabelle. — This  Plum  was  the  first  of  my  earlies  to 
ripen.  It  is  a  small  round  fruit  of  a  light  greenish  yellow, 
slightly  tinted  with  red  on  the  sunny  side,  and  covered  with  a 
thin  grey  bloom  ;  the  flavour,  if  I  may  use  the  expression,  is 
bright,  sweet,  and  delicious.  I  gathered  the  first  fruit  on  July 
22ad.  It  is  an  excellent  bearer,  and  makes  a  good  pyramid  or 
bush. 

Early  Rivers  is  a  first-class  variety  as  regards  cropping.  For 
the  last  two  years  the  quantity  has  been  wonderful.  Tho  fruit 
is  of  a  deep  purple,  covered  with  a  thick  grey  bloom.  It  is 
oval  in  form,  and  when  suffered  to  hang  long  on  the  tree  has  a 
fine  vinous  flavour.  It  makes  an  exceilent  pyramid  or  bush  ; 
the  fruit  was  ripe  July  29th. 

St.  Etienne  very  much  resembles  the  Early  Mirabelle  in 
form  and  colour,  but  is  rather  larger.  It  does  not  hang  quite 
6o  well,  nor  is  it  of  quite  so  good  a  flavour.  It  makes  a  good 
pyramid.     The  fruit  was  gathered  on  July  30th. 

Early  Orleans  ia  a  second-class  Plum,  an  excellent  bearer, 
but  better  adapted  for  a  bush  than  a  pyramid.  The  fruit  is 
too  well  known  to  need  description. 

Denniston's  Superb  is  a  fine,  large,  rich  Plum,  of  a  bright 
yellow  colour,  slightly  tinted  with  purplish  red,  and  spotted  on 
tho  sunny  side.  It  is  vigorous  in  growth,  but  its  branches  are 
apt  to  die  from  no  seeming  cause.  It  makes  a  large  pyramid, 
but  is  rather  a  shy  bearer. 

Red  Morocco  is  a  fine,  largo,  culinary  Plum  of  a  deep  bright 
red  colour,  almo3t  purple  ;  in  form  it  is  a  long  oval,  and  rather 
more  narrow  at  one  end.  The  flesh  is  firm.,  snd  it  preserves 
well.    It  is  best  kept  as  a  bueh.    It  was  gathered  August  10th. 

De  Montfart  is  a  very  rich,  sugary,  delicious  Plum,  above 
the  medium  size,  oval  in  shape,  and  of  a  deep  purple,  streaked 
with  a  lighter  colour  and  brown.  It  is  a  veiy  fair  bearer,  and 
is  well  worth  growing  either  as  a  pyramid  or  bush.  It  was 
gathered  August  loth.  If  allowed  to  haug  until  it  shrivels  it 
make3  a  perfect  sweetmeat. 

Prince  Englebert  mskes  a  noble  pyramid,  and,  when  the  fruit 
on  it  is  ripe,  has  a  fine  appearance,  it  being  of  deep  purple 
colour,  covered  with  a  beautiful  blue  bloom.  The  fruit  is  large, 
long  oval  in  form,  and  when  quite  ripe  is  delicious.  It  is 
strong  in  constitution,  an  excellent  bearer,  end  is  well  worth 
cultivating.     It  was  gathered  August  18th. 

Tlie  Orleans  is  a  well-known  Plum.  It  bears  well  and  makes 
a  good  pyramid  or  bush.     It  was  gathered  August  26th. 

Peach  Plum. — This  is  large  and  delicious,  of  excellent  quality  J 
but  with  me  it  is  a  bad  grower,  dying-back  continually,  although 
a  good  bearer.     I  am  afraid  I  must  give  it  up  for  that  reason. 

Mirabelle  is  a  small  round  Plum,  of  a  deep  bright  yellow 
colour  covered  with  dots.  It  is  of  good  flavour,  though  rather 
mealy  at  times.  It  is  an  excellent  bearer,  makes  a  very 
compact  and  healthy  pyramid,  and  might  be  grown  as  an 
ornamental  tree  if  considered  needful.  With  most  it  is  a  great 
favourite. 

Of  these  I  would  select  for  pyramid  growth,  the  Early  Mira- 
belle, Early  Rivers,  De  Montfort,  Prince  Englebert,  Orleans, 
and  Mirabelle. — Harrison  Weir,  Weirleigh,  Kent. 


METROPOLITAN  SOCIETY'S  EXHIBITION  AT 

THE  CRYSTAL  PALACE. 
I  am  glad  to  say,  that  notwithstanding  the  very  unfavourable 
character  of  the  season  for  florists'  flowers,  there  is  every  pro- 
bability of  a  good  exhibition.  The  following  gentlemen  have 
kindly  consented  to  act  as  Judges: — For  Dahlias  :  Mr.  Charles 
Turner,  Slough;  Mr.  Richard  Dean,  Ealing;  Mr. W.Holmes, 
Hackney.  For  Hollyhocks  and  Gladiolus  :  Mr.  John  Standish, 
Ascot ;  Mr.  J.  Fraser,  Lea  Bridge ;  Mr.  Kinghorn,  Richmond. 
For  Asters,  Verbenas,  and  Roses :  The  Rev.  Cleaver  Peach, 
Appleton-Ie-Street ;  Mr.  Lidgard,  Hammersmith ;  and  Mr. 
Cutbush,  Highgate.  For  baskets  of  cut  flowers  :  W.  Thomson, 
Esq.,  Penge. — D.,  Deal. 


Messrs.  Weeks  &  Co.'s  Patent  Duflex  Boiler.— We  are 
informed  that  this  is  now  in  regular  work  at  W.  L6af,  Esq.'s, 
Park  Hill,  Streathp.m.    If  it  fulfils  all  that  is  stated  relative  to 


162 


JOLBNAL  OF  HOBTICULTTJBE    AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  September  1,  1870. 


its  advantage?,  it  will  be  what  Messrs.  Weeks  assert  it  is,  "  the 
best,"  but  continued  use  can  best  decide  that. 


BRADFOED   ANNUAL   GOOSEBERRY  SHOW. 

This  was  held  at  the  Junction  Inn,  Manningham,  near  Bradford 
Yorkshire,  on  August  29th. 

dwtB.    ffT8 

EobertPettey Twins     Dan's  Mistake 37      0 

John  Firth do Leveller    41     13 

Joseph  Backhouse  . .       do Plunder    34      4 

"William  Willans    . .       do Careless   30      1 

Jonathan  Firth  ....  Premier  prize.  High  Sheriff    25     15 

EobertPettey Stewards' prize  Boiling  Hall    25       0 

John  Firth do Leveller    22     18 

William  Raistrick  . .       do London  City    21       4 

Joseph  Backhouse . .       do Careless    20     15 

Isaac  Normington . .       do London     22    21 

Thomas  Windle ....       do Trumpeter 19      3 

William  Willans    . .       do Stockwell 20      0 

BED. 

Jonathan  Firth London     24     13 

John  Firth England  23     11 

John  Firth Companion 22    23 

Jonathan  Firth Clayton    22     17 

Bobert  Pettey Talfourd 22     10 

Isaac  Normington John  Anderson    20     13 

Bobert  Pettey Dnke  of  Sutherland    . .  21       0 

William  Willans    Boiling  Hall    20    10 

YELLOW. 

John  Firth Leveller    24       8 

John  Firth Singer 21     15 

Joseph  Backhouse Mount  Pleasant 20     20 

Jonathan  Firth Kitley  20       9 

William  lluistrick Drill 20       7 

Jonathan  Firth High  Sheriff    19     11 

Thomas  Windle Mr.  Whitaker 19     10 

William  Baistrick Cathcrina     19      9 

GREEN. 

Bobert  Pettey Stockwell 22     22 

John  Firth Plunder     21     15 

William  Baistrick Telegraph     20     19 

John  Firth Hospool    20    12 

William  Baistrick Surprise 19     15 

Jonathan  Firth Bough  Green 19       3 

Thomas  Windle Express    18     18 

Thomas  Windle Thumper 18    21 

WHITE. 

John  Firth Postman  24     12 

Joseph  Backhouse Careless    21     17 

Thomas  Windle Elizabeth 20    22 

t  Jonathan  Firth Antagonist  20     15 

Joseph  Backhouse Mitre     20       3 

William  Willans    Lady  Stanley 19    22 

William  Raistrick Freedom  19      0 

Jonathan  Firth Peto 18       8 

Mr.  John  Emmott,  Judge  and  Weigher. 

The  above  were  all  grown  in  the  immediate  neighbourhood  of  one 
of  the  largest  manufacturing  towns  in  Yorkshire. 


JUDGES   DISQUALIFYING  PELARGONIUMS. 

Were  the  Judges  of  a  flower  show  right  in  disqualifying 
anyone  for  exhibiting  the  blooms  of  Le  Grand,  Stella,  Lord  Pal- 
merston,  and  Cybister  as  single  Zonals  ?— H.  A.,  Newtek. 

[Much  will  depend  on  the  wording  of  the  sohedule.  All  the 
varieties  you  name  are  Nosegays,  and  do  not  belong  to  the 
Zonal  section.  We  thould  therefore  say  any  judge  would 
rightly  disqualify  in  your  case  if  the  class  was  for  Zonals  only. 
MoEt  schedules  in  the  present  day  give  distinct  eiasses  for 
Nosegays  and  Zonals.— W.] 


CHARRING  REFUSE. 
To  make  room  for  Mushroom  beds  out  of  doors  I  had  to  get 
rid  of  a  huge  mass  of  woody  rubbish,  chiefly  cuttings  and  prun- 
ings  that  were  small,  averaging  from  one-eighth  to  one-quarter- 
inch  diameter,  some  being  with  and  some  without  leaves.  I 
could  soon  have  burned  the  whole  into  a  few  barrowloads  of 
ashes,  but  I  did  not  wish  to  waBte  it  so ;  and  therefore  I  set 
apart  a  day,  and  had  all  charred  in  the  simple  mode  recently 
described  (vol.  xviii.,  page  304),  I  have  thus  easily  obtained 
from  two  to  three  cartloads  of  charred  refuse ;  the  half,  or 
rather  more  perhaps,  will  be  fine  rough  charcoal  dust,  so  useful 


for  cuttings  ;  and  the  other  will  be  Bmall  bits  of  charred  wood 
of  the  sizes  above  indicated,  which  we  can  again  separate  into 
different  sizes  by  means  of  a  sieve.  Now  the  quantity  is  en- 
tirely owing  to  making  heaps  of  the  rubbish  rather  small,  and 
pulling  it  out  as  soon  as  charred.  Even  the  dampish  litter 
placed  on  the  top  was  well  charred.  In  every  department  I  shall 
find  this  most  useful.  Had  I  attempted  to  ehar  this  heap  of 
rubbish  in  the  usual  way  the  great  bulk,  in  spite  of  every  care, 
would  have  gone  to  aBhes,  which  would  have  been  chiefly  vain- 
able  for  the  alkalies  they  contained.  Now  the  finest  charred 
dust  will  be  very  useful  for  outtings,  seed-covering,  &c,  and  the 
larger  for  potting  and  drainage,  making  many  a  compost  sweet 
and  porous  that  might  have  been  the  reverse. — K.  Fish. 

[Of  the  two  or  three  cartloads  Mr.  Fish  has  just  made  he  has 
sent  us  a  sample,  and  though  he  tells  ns  that  there  are  larger 
pieces  in  the  heap  and  more  dust  in  others,  we  can  clearly  per- 
oeive  how  useful  such  small  stuff  is. — Eds.] 


OUR  SALAD   HERBS. 


Thbub  is  perhaps  no  country  in  the  world  so  rich  as  England 
in  native  materials  for  salad-makiDg,  and  none  in  which 
ignorance  and  prejudioe  have  more  restricted  their  employ- 
ment. At  every  season  of  the  year  the  peasant  may  oull  from 
the  field  and  hedgerow  wholesome  herbs  which  would  impart 
a  pleasant  variety  to  his  monotonous  meal,  and  save  his  store 
of  Potatoes  from  premature  exhaustion  ;  and  there  can  be  no 
question  that  in  hot  seasons  a  judicious. admixture  of  fresh 
green  food  is  as  salutary  at  it  is  agreeable.  Much  has  been  said 
lately  about  the  advantage  whioh  the  labouring  man  would 
derive  from  an  accurate  acquaintance  with  the  various  sorts  of 
Fungus,  and  he  has  been  gravely  told  that  the  Fistulina  bepa- 
tica  is  an  admirable  substitute  for  beefsteak,  and  the  Agaricus 
gambosus  for  the  equally  unknown  veal  cutlet.  But  deep- 
rooted  suspicion  is  not  easily  eradicated,  and  there  will  always 
be  a  certain  amount  of  hazard  in  dealing  with  a  class  of  pro- 
ducts in  which  the  distinctions  between  noxious  and  innocuous 
are  not  very  clearly  marked.  There  is  not  this  difficulty  with 
regard  to  Ealad  herbs,  and  we  conceive  that  the  diffusion  of  a 
little  knowledge  as  to  their  properties  and  value  would  be  an 
unmixed  benefit  to  our  rural  population. 

The  first  place  must  be  assigned,  on  the  score  of  antiquity, 
to  the  Sorrel  plant  (Bumex  acetosa),  which  in  some  districts 
still  preserves  the  name  of  "  green  sauce,"  assigned  to  it  in 
early  times  when  it  formed  almost  the  only  dinner  vegetable. 
Its  acid  is  pleasant  and  wholesome,  and  more  delicate  in  flavour 
than  that  of  the  Wood  Sorrel  (Oxalis  Acetoselfa),  which,  however, 
is  used  for  table  purposes  in  France  and  Germany.  Chervil 
(Authiiscus  Cerefolium)  is  often  found  in  a  wild  etate,  and  is 
an  admirable  addition  to  the  salad  bowl ;  and  it  is  unnecessary 
to  enlarge  upon  the  virtues  of  Celery  (Apium  graveolens)  when 
improved  by  cultivation.  John  Bay,  writing  in  1CG3,  says  that 
"  The  Italians  use  several  herbs  for  sallets  which  are  not  yet, 
or  have  not  been  used  lately,  but  in  England — viz.,  Selleri, 
which  is  nothing  else  but  the  Sweet  Smallage ;  the  young 
(■hoots  whereof,  with  a  little  of  the  head  of  the  root  cut  off,  they 
eat  raw  with  oil  and  pepper ;"  and  to  this  we  may  add  that 
the  Alisander  (Smyrnium  Olusatrum)  is  no  bad  substitute  for 
its  better-known  congener.  The  Dandelion,  which  in  Franca 
id  blanched  for  the  purpose,  affords  that  amari  aliquid  whioh 
the  professed  salad-maker  finds  in  the  leaves  of  the  Endive, 
and  the  same  essential  ingredient  may  be  supplied  by  the 
Avens  (Geum  urbanum),  the  Bladder  Campion  (Silene  inflate), 
and  the  tender  shoots  of  the  wild  Hop.  Most  people  are  familiar 
with  the  properties  of  the  Water  Cress  (Nasturtium  officinale), 
and  the  Garlic  Hedge  Mustard  (Erysimum  Alliaria) ;  but  it 
may  not  be  generally  known  that  the  common  Shepherd's 
Purse  (Capsella  bursa-pastoris)  and  Lady's  Smock  (Cardamine 
pratensic)  are  pleasant  additions,  whose  merits  have  long  been 
recognised  by  our  foreign  neighbours.  In  fact,  there  is  scarcely 
a  herb  that  grows  which  has  not  some  culinary  virtue  in  a 
French  peasant's  eyes.  Oat  of  the  blanched  shoots  of  the 
wild  Chicory  (Cbicorium  Intybus),  he  forms  the  well-known 
barbe  de  Capucin,  and  dignifies  with  the  title  of  salade  de 
Chanoint  our  own  neglected  Corn  Salad  (Fedia  olitoria).  It 
would  be  very  easy  to  extend  the  dimensions  of  our  list  of 
native  salad  herbs,  for  there  are,  perhaps,  some  palates  to 
which  the  stroDg  flavours  of  the  Chive  (Allium  Scboenoprasum) 
and  Stonecrop  (Sedum  reflexum)  may  commend  themselves, 
but  enough  has  been  said  to  show  that  Nature  has  not  dealt 
niggardly  with  us,  and  that  only  knowledge  is  needful  to  make 


September  1,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF   HOBTICTJLTUBE   AND  COTTAGE   GABDENEB. 


163 


the  riches  the  offers  available.  If  the  British  peasant  can  be 
taught  to  discover  hidden  virtues  in  these  plants  with  whose 
outward  forms  lie  has  had  a  life-long  familiarity,  we  do  not 
despair  of  his  acquiring  the  one  secret  of  salad-making — viz., 
the  judicious  employment  of  oil  so  as  to  eorreat  the  aeid  jaioes 
of  the  plants  and  yet  preserve  their  several  flavours  unim- 
paired.— C.  J.  Robinson. — (Nature  ) 


GRAPES  NOT  COLOURING  AND  SHANKING. 
I  rnvE  a  span-roofed  honse  with  glass  all  round  to  about 
U  feet  from  the  floor,  and  with  an  inside  border.  The  bottom 
is  concreted  and  drained  with  pipes  ;  on  this  is  nearly  a  foot  of 
broken  bricks,  &!>.,  for  drainage,  and  on  the  latter  about  2  feet 
9  inches  of  decayed  turf,  with  layers  of  old  wall  plaster  and 
mortar.  In  this  material  the  roots  are  planted.  The  Vines  are 
five  years  old  ;  they  were  started  this  year  in  the  middle  of 
January,  therefore  the  fruit  is  overripe.  For  the  last  two  years 
the  Grapes  have  not  coloured  well,  and  several  of  the  bunches 
have  some  shanked  berries  upon  them  ;  I  am  satisfied  with  their 
size  (between  2  lbs.  and  3  lbs.  per  bunch),  and  the  berries  are 
fine.  I  am  afraid  there  is  some  improper  treatment  on  my 
part.  From  their  starting  the  Virjes  have  been  constantly 
watered  up  to  the  first  week  in  July,  since  which  time  they 
have  not  been  watered,  bat  they  have  since  then  thrown 
out  fresh  shoots,  producing  fresh  bunches  of  Grapep.  The 
foliage  is  large  and  healthy  when  I  expected  the  sap  to  have 
been  drying  and  the  root  action  ceased.  Did  I  use  water  too 
abundantly,  and  for  too  long  a  time?  or  is  the  bottom  and 
material  for  the  roots  wrongly  constructed  ?  or  has  the  soil  be- 
come too  dense  from  the  watering  and  wants  now  renewing? 
—J.  H. 

[We  think  the  chief  faults  have  been  overcropping  and  over- 
watering.  The  Vines  seem  to  be  in  such  a  thriving  fertile 
condition  that  we  would  not  care  to  renew  the  soil,  but  it 
would  be  well  to  have  o  few  trial  holes,  so  as  to  know  the  state 
of  the  border  generally  before  heavy  waterings. — Eds.] 


THE   AMATEUR   GARDENER. 

(CHAPTEKS  NOT  IN  WALTON.) 
No.  4. 

Hortator. — Now  then,  my  friends,  permit  me  to  present  you 
to  the  queen  of  flowers,  for  this  bright  day  of  June  is  one  of 
her  majesty's  most  joyous  levees. 

Clericus. — Are  there  no  kings  or  prince  consorts  to  support 
the  royal  dignity  ? 

Sylvia. — Indeed  there  are  many.  For  instance,  snrely  this 
deep  crimson  Charles  Lefebvre  is  a  worthy  consort  to  Coupe 
d'HCW: ;  especially,  too,  as  the  beauty  of  the  latter  does  not 
extend  much  beyond  midsummer,  and  so  is  a  true  type  of  the 
brief  existence  of  feminine  charms. 

Cms. — Had  such  a  remark  come  from  masculine  lips  I  should 
have  been  tempted  to  question  its  soundness,  for  the  calm 
gentle  expression  of  feminine  loveliness  in  old  age  has  to  me 
peculiar  fascination. 

Clericus. — These  are  indeed  lovely  Boses  !  They  are,  I 
perceive,  principally  dwarfs  and  pillars.  Bat  where  are  your 
standards  ? 

Hortator.— Conspicuous  by  their  absence !  Probably  you 
may  greatly  question  my  taste  when  I  tell  you  that  I  have  an 
invincible  hatred  of  them. 

Sylvia.— Shared  by  myself,  if  Hortator  would  modify  his 
strong  expression  by  the  substitution  of  objection  for  hatred, 
for  I  can't  admit  such  a  word  in  connection  with  Roses. 

Cms.— What  may  be  the  grounds  of  your  strong  dislike, 
Hortator  ? 

Hortator.— Principally  their  ugliness— a  very  decided  word 
this,  notwithstanding  Sylvia's  reproof,  for  standard  Boses  always 
remind  me  of  the  beautiful  princess's  head  upon  the  red  repub- 
lican's pike  in  the  groat  French  revolution. 

Sylvia. — Or  a  less  frightful  Bimile,  and  quite  as  appropriate, 
would  be  "  long  broomsticks  with  a  flaunting  head-dress." 

Civis. — You  modified  your  objection  by  the  word  principally. 
What  are  the  other  objections  ? 

Hortator.— Many,  one  of  which  is  their  short-livedness  ;  a 
second,  their  throwing  up  shoots  here,  there,  and  everywhere, 
so  that  they  require  constant  watching ;  a  third,  that  they  re- 
quire peculiar  soil  to  suit  them  ;  another,  that  they  are  often 
partially  destroyed  by  frost,  so  that  while  one  side  of  the  head 
M  etrong  and  vigorous  the  other  is  weak  and  feeble,  and  in 


severe  frosts  the  head  is  frequently  destroyed  altogether,  and 
then  your  Bose  is  gone ;  whereas,  if  the  heads  of  Boses  on 
their  own  roots  be  killed  it  is  seldom  that  the  roots  themselves 
are,  so  that  they  push  forth  again  in  spring  with  little  abated 
vigour. 

Clebicus. — But  are  there  not  dwarf  Rjses  budded,  or 
"  worked,"  as  I  believe  they  are  called,  upon  foreign  stocks  ? 

Hortator. — You  mean  upon  the  Manetti  stock.  Yes,  and 
they  are  far  less  objectionable  than  the  Briar,  as,  if  properly 
planted,  they  throw  up  only  a  few  shoots  ;  but  they  are  fre- 
quently difficult  to  distinguish  from  the  true  branch.  The  only 
possible  defence  I  can  imagine  to  be  made  for  standard  Rosea 
is  the  ease  with  which  they  may  be  procured,  accounted  for 
readily  by  the  rapidity  with  which  they  are  budded  and  sent 
out  for  sale.  Pillar  Boses  like  this  [pointing  to  a  specimen  of 
the  Duchess  of  Sutherland]  certainly  take  some  time  to  raise 
to  this  height  and  state  of  perfection. 

Cms. — It  is  indeed  magnificent !  One  mass  of  flower  from 
the  top  to  the  very  bottom.  But  surely  there  must  be  much 
art  required  to  reach  such  perfection  as  this. 

Sylvia. — No  art  at  all,  simple  judicious  troiuing  and  prun- 
ing, which  observation  of  the  habit  and  growth  of  the  Rose  will 
soon  enable  anyone  who  loves  flowers  to  do  for  himself.  I 
always  think  if  Boses  must  be  invested  with  royalty  that  I 
would  have  kings,  queens,  and  princesses  ;  all  the  dark  ones 
should  be  kings — Cuarles  Lefebvre,  by-the-by,  should  be 
emperor — the  reds  and  yellows  queens,  and  the  Tea-scented  a 
family  of  princesses. 

Hortator. — If  Charles  Lefebvre  be  an  emperor,  then  surely 
Maraehal  Niel,  notwithstanding  the  masculine  Eame,  should 
be  empress  ;  never  was  there  a  greater  misnomer  than  to  give 
such  a  name  to  such  a  Rose. 

Clericus. — What  a  lovely  Bose  is  the  Cloth  of  Gold.  I 
know  but  little  about  Boses,  but  my  eyes  were  almost  dazzled 
by  the  tiuht  of  this  ia  the  garden  of  tho  old  Bi-hop's  palaoe  at 
Wells.  The  gardener  there  told  me  that  he  had  cut  eight 
hundred  blooms  from  that  tree  in  one  season  !  It  covers  a 
large  space  on  the  ruined  stone  wall  of  that  venerable  pile. 
He  told  me,  too,  what  seemed  to  surprise  hira  much,  that  he 
had  in  vain  endeavoured  to  coax  Maruchal  Niel  into  bloom  ; 
indeed,  that  he  had  lost  three  plants  in  succession  in  the 
winter,  but  that  he  was  now  going  to  tiy  it  on  its  own  roots. 

Hortator. — And  will,  doubtless,  succeed. 

Cms. — Pray  tell  mo,  Hortator,  what  gardens  that  are  ac- 
cessible are  most  worth  seeing. 

Hortator. — That  is  a  wide  question,  but  those  that  at  once 
strike  me  are — Chatsworth  (ihe  Duke  of  Devonshire's,  in  Derby- 
shire) ;  Trentham  (ihe  Duke  of  Sutherland's  in  Staffordshire)  ; 
Enville  (the  Earl  of  Stamford's,  in  the  same  county)  ;  and 
Deepdene  (Mrs.  Hope's,  near  Dorking,  in  Surrey).  The  latter  is 
unique  in  its  way,  which  is  attributable  to  nature  rather  than 
art,  though  art  has  greatly  assisted  in  making  it  one  of  the 
most  classical  gardens  in  the  kingdom. 

Clericus. — It  always  seems  to  me  a  matter  of  regret  that 
in  such  gardenB,  where  the  owners  so  kindly  admit  the  public, 
some  uniform  plan  of  payment  for  the  privilege  is  not  adopted, 
instead  of  leaving  it  to  individuals  to  fee  the  gardeners.  Not 
knowing  whether  we  have  paid  sufficient  to  satisfy  them,  or 
may  be,  that  we  have  overpaiJ,  thus  inflicting  an  injustice 
upon  other  visitors,  appears  to  me  most  objectionable. 

Hortator. — True,  indeed,  and  did  I  possess  suoh  gardens  I 
should  adopt  a  plan  that  I  think  all  would  bo  satisfied  with, 
and  which  would  be  a  great  help  to  any  neighbouring  local 
charity.  I  would  have  printed  tickets  admitting  a  single  person 
at  Is.,  and  others  at  2s.  6d.  admitting  a  party  of  four,  stating 
distinctly  for  what  purpose  the  proceeds  would  be  applied,  and 
also  that  farther  fees  were  strictly  prohibited.  Certain  days 
might  be  mentioned  when  the  gardens  would  be  accessible,  and 
the  expense  of  the  man  (he  need  not  be  a  gardener,  thus  avoid- 
ing the  inconvenience  of  the  interruption  of  tho  work),  might 
be  deducted  from  the  amount.  Were  this  plan  adopted  at  such 
a  place  as  Enville,  where  visitors  may  frequently  be  counted 
by  hundreds  in  a  day,  the  help  to  any  neighbouring  hospital 
would  be  material. 

Clericus. — An  excellent  idea.  What  would  I  give  for  such 
aid  to  my  parochial  institution. 

Cms. — But  this  is  a  digression  from  the  great  Bose  question. 
Pray  tell  me  the  names  of  those  you  would  recommend  me  to 
purchase,  for  I  perceive,  like  the  family  human,  though  they 
resemble  each  other  in  general  features,  yet  they  differ  ma- 
terially on  closer  contact. 

Hobiator. — Well,  I  shall  indeed  be  very  glad  to   furnish 


164 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  September  1,  1870. 


yon  with  a  list  which  I  could  recommend,  bnt  it  would  take  me 
gome  little  time  to  make  the  selection,  which  I  will,  therefore, 
defer  until  we  have  a  longer  time  to  discuss  the  subject  as  I 
suggested,  and  you  will  not  want  to  send  in  your  order  before 
October  at  least.— Hoktatob. 


BOXES  FOR  HOLDING  USUAL  MEASURES. 

The  following  table  will  be  found  valuable  to  many  of  our 
readers: — A  box  24  inches  by  16  inches  square,  and  28  inches 
deep,  will  contain  a  barrel.  A  box  26  inches  by  15*  inches 
square,  and  8  inches  deep,  will  contain  a  bushel.  A  box  12 
inches  by  llj  inches  square,  and  9  inches  deep,  will  contain 
half  a  bushel.  A  box  8  inches  by  8  inches  square,  and  8  inches 
deep  will  contain  a  peck.  A  box  8  inches  by  8  inches  square, 
and  4J-  inches  deep,  will  contain  one  gallon.  A  box  7  inches 
by  8  inches  square,  and  4J  inches  deep  will  contain  half  a  gal- 
lon. A  box  4  inches  by  4  inches  square,  and  4}  inches  deep, 
will  contain  a  pint. —  {English  Mechanic.) 


ABOUT  THE  LAND'S  END. 

"  Penzance,  eight  or  fifteen  dayB  for  24s."  "  Yes,  that  will 
do."  Away,  then,  last  Saturday  morning  at  six  o'clock  in  my 
good  friend's  trap  to  Paddington.  London  is  scarcely  up,  inns 
and  cab  horses  have  a  dissipated  appearance,  and  stale  odours 
taint  even  the  early  summer  morning.  Now  we  skirt  the  park, 
and  a  fringe  of  jewel-like  beds,  all  set  in  emerald  velvet,  glow 
fresh  and  beautiful  in  the  morning  sun.  But  the  pleasant 
picture  disappears,  and  nothing  reminds  us  of  country  life  but 
milk  cans  and  market  carts,  the  latter  laden  heavily  with  all 
good  things. 

Paddington  is  reached  ;  there  is  an  awful  crush  for  tickets,  and 
at  eight  we  are  off  on  what  turns  out  to  be  a  loDg  and  for  the 
most  part  tedious  ride  of  fifteen  hours.  To  the  traveller  for  the 
first  time,  however,  the  rail  from  Dawlish  to  Penzance  is  in- 
teresting on  account  of  the  enormous  engineering  difficulties 
overcome  by  the  genius  of  Brunei,  and  the  very  beautiful  scenery 
along  the  line.  At  last  we  reach  Penzance,  and  grope  our  way  in 
search  of  an  inn,  whence  we  shortly  remove  into  lodgings  on 

the  Parade — cheap,  clean,  and  comfortable  at .     No,  I  do 

not  write  to  advertise,  but  to  tell  something  of  the  Fein?, 
flowers,  and  fancies  of  this  delightful  county. 

We  consulted  a  borrowed  copy  of  Murray  as  the  best  guide, 
in  some  respects,  as  to  what  to  avoid.  For  instance,  in  the 
cave  where  the  Maiden-hair  Fern  grows  so  luxuriantly,  who 
would  expect  to  find  a  frond  ?  Have  not  the  Vandals  spoiled 
it  so  that  only  a  few  tiny  plants  hide  timidly,  high  out  of  reach, 
under  the  friendly  shade  of  grasses  and  Briars  ?  Let  would- 
be  botanists  who  begrudge  the  time  and  toil  for  honest  search 
go  away  disappointed.  We  started  westward  early  on  Monday, 
soon  r( ached  the  pictuie^que  but  unsc.vjury  Newlyn,  and  under 
the  grey  rocks  in  tho  crevices  of  Tol,  found  our  first  frond  of 
Asplenium  lanceolatum,  small  and  crisp,  but  distinct  enough 
from  its  habit,  divided  pinna?,  and  spore  cases,  from  Aspleuium- 
Adiantum  nigrum.  We  have  found  it  since  in  great  abundance 
all  along  the  walls  from  the  Logan  Rock  Inn  to  Gnrnard's 
Head,  bul  there  is  scarcely  a  hundred  yards  of  wall  (all  the 
fields  are  walled),  around  Penzance,  where  A.  lanceolatum  does 
not  grow.  Devonshire  lanos  have  been  much  praised  by 
tourists,  but  I  do  not  admire  them  sufficiently  not  to  wish 
they  would  let  me  see  a  little  of  the  country  they  run  through. 
Almost  every  yard  of  Cornish  fence  contains  a  painter's  or  a 
botanist's  study.  Lichen-stained  stones  of  all  rich  hues,  the 
lines  between  them  filled  with  Asplenium  lanoeolatum,  A.-Adi- 
antum  nigrum,  Polypody,  Lady  Fern,  and  Bracken  at  their 
base,  and  bunches  of  purple  Heath  on  their  summits,  with  a 
careless  Bramble  throwing  a  shadow  across  them ;  while  bits  of 
bine  Thrift,  and,  perhaps,  a  Foxglove,  give  their  aid  in  light- 
ing-np  the  picture.  Over  the  wall,  perhaps,  is  the  glorious  sea, 
flecked  with  many  a  sail,  stretching  away  to  the  dim  purple 
line  where  it  meets  the  sky. 

There  are  various  odours,  mostly  fishy,  and  notwithstanding 
the  picturesqueness  of  sailors,  and  fishwives,  and  boats,  and 
hanging  nets,  we  walk  on  along  the  cliff.  Here  is  a  cottage 
perched  on  the  rock,  its  Fuchsias  reach  the  roof,  with  stems  the 
girth  of  one's  thigh,  and  Pear  trees  laden  with  Chaumontels. 
What  a  feast  in  prospect !  The  road  winds  along  the  cliff  ;  there 
is  a  strong  scent  of  Almonds  in  the  air,  the  Tamarisk  flourishes, 
and  a  succulent  that  grows  luxuriantly  on  St.  Mishael's  Mount, 
hangs  in  masses  from  tho  wall  on  the  right.     It  is  a  kind  of 


Mesembryanthemum,  admirably  adapted  for  rockwork.  We 
peer  over  the  cliff  draped  in  wild  flowers  and  Ferns,  and  just 
below  us  is  a  splendid  tuft  of  Osmunda  regalis.  It  grows 
plentifully  all  along,  though  not  large ;  by  the  Gurnard's  Head, 
however,  in  a  watercourse,  it  is  grand.  There  are  fairy  bowers 
of  it  over  crystal  pools  of  water  that  make  us  envious — one  such 
to  grace  our  fernery  and  we  should  be  happy.  But  let  us  get 
down  on  the  beach,  it  is  hard  climbing  yet  worth  the  trouble. 
Hundreds  of  plants  of  Asplenium  marinum  grow  in  the  shady 
places  under  tho  cliff.  It  is  an  elegant  Fern  here,  particularly 
when  drooping,  which  seems  its  most  natural  habit  of  growth. 
The  younger  plants  are  best  for  potting ;  a  light  sandy  and 
peaty  soil  suits  it,  and  a  little  salt  should  bo  put  in  the  water 
occasionally.  For  a  greenhouse  fernery  it  is  most  effective, 
but  it  will  not  grow  out  of  doors  unless  within  reach  of  the  sea 
spray. 

Past  Newlyn  is  Mousehole,  a  fishing  village,  and  reputed  to  be 
the  hottest  place  in  England.  The  cave,  which  is  much  visited, 
lies  under  (he  cliff  beyond  the  village.  It  is  difficult  of  access, 
but  well  worth  seeing  ;  the  roof  and  sides  are  completely  oovered 
with  Asplenium  maiioum  and  Atbyrium  Filix-'oamina.  The 
latter  does  not  grow  large,  but  has  an  elegant  drooping  habit, 
and  contrasts  well  with  the  glossy  dark  green  Asplenium 
marinum. 

But  here  are  Potatoes.  This  is  where  they  come  from  long 
before  they  even  make  their  appearance  in  the  most  sheltered 
spots  round  London.  Potatoes  and  Cauliflowers  are  a  specialty 
of  the  neighbourhood,  and  wo  certainly  never  tasted  Potatoes 
so  good  and  yet  so  handsome,  and  Penzance  itself  consumes  an 
enormous  quantity  of  them.  Here  is  an  old  native  at  work  in 
his  plot.  He  is  respectful  but  shy  at  first ;  then,  as  he  becomes 
interested  in  our  interest,  he  takes  eff  his  old  straw  hat,  rubs 
bis  venerable  pate,  puts  down  the  spade  about  6  feet  long,  and 
tells  us  all  about  it.  (By  the  way,  the  Cornish  spade  is  surely 
a  more  scientific  implement  than  ours,  which  requires  so  much 
stooping,  and  loses  the  valuable  assistance  of  the  knee  as  a 
fulcrum).  His  Potato  garden  is  only  about  30  yards  by  10,  and 
the  crop,  owing  to  the  dry  weather,  is  not  large  but  excellent 
in  quality.  He  points  out  that  the  manure,  chiefly  ashes,  has 
not  had  the  chance  to  decay;  but  the  soil  is  good  enough  for 
potting,  and  two  crops  a-year  are  the  rule,  the  second  crop 
being  Cauliflowers  or  Mangolds,  which  are  transplanted  of  course 
to  the  Potato  ground.  Just  along  here  for  half  a  mile  is  the 
most  favoured  spot  in  Cornwall  for  early  Potatoes  and  Cauli- 
flowers. The  plots  are  for  the  most  part  very  small,  many 
not  10  yards  square,  but  sheltered  by  high  hedgerows,  chiefly 
Alder,  or  stone  walls  about  5  feet  high.  The  sort  almost  exclu- 
sively grown  for  early  market  is  Myatt's  Prolific,  which  is  much 
preferred  to  tho  Asbleaf,  and  seta  are  sprung  eaily,  planted  in 
November,  and  frequently  hoed  before  Christmas.  The  aspect, 
as  my  informant  said,  lay  just  in  the  eye  of  the  sun,  and  was 
singularly  exempt  from  frost.  Last  year  Potatoes  were  dug  in 
April,  and  brought  2s.  Gd.  per  lb.  in  the  London  and  Birming- 
ham markets.  The  grower,  we  were  told,  sold  f  40  worth  from 
a  tithe  of  the  land  which  he  bought  for  £70.  The  late  sort,  or 
"keepers"  a3  they  are  called,  are  Paterson's  Victoria  and 
Flukes.  Paterson's,  he  assured  me,  were  ousting  the  Flukes  ; 
they  were  "  mar  mealy  and  better  crappers." 

We  bid  our  old  friend  good  day,  and  strolled  on  to  the  Logan 
Rock,  an  immense  boulder  of  granite  poised  on  the  summit  of 
grand  sea  cliffs.  After  gazing  awhile  on  the  tremendous  pre- 
cipices, and  the  beautiful  and  never-resting  sea  at  their  base, 
round  which  the  sea  birds  floated  and  screamed,  we  turned  onr 
eyes  landward  and  found  some  beautiful  specimens  of  Asple- 
nium marinum.  A  frond  or  two  whioh  we  broke  off  4  or 
5  inches  from  the  stool  measured  2  feet  8  inches.  There  were 
probably  finer  specimens  to  be  had  for  searching.  From  the 
coast  for  a  few  miles  inland,  the  country  is  here  singularly  de- 
stitute of  trees.  The  extreme  violence  of  the  south-west  gales, 
I  imagine,  so  strips  and  bruises  the  young  leaves,  that  the 
trees  do  not  recover  from  the  attack. 

I  had  forgotten  to  say  that  we  passed  in  our  journey  the  new 
telegraph  station,  and  the  beautiful  cove  of  Lamorna.  In  the 
valley  leading  to  the  latter  we  found  Lastrea  recurva,  with 
several  other  Ferns  of  less  note.  It  is  finer  in  Devonshire, 
however.  In  the  neighbourhood  of  Clovelly  there  are  miles 
of  it,  and  certainly  it  is  there  the  most  elegant  in  form  and 
colour  of  all  the  British  Ferns.  When  grown  in  favourable 
situations  it  has  a  peculiar  softness  and  bloom  that  I  cannot 
describe,  the  result,  perhaps,  of  the  crisping  of  the  edges  of 
the  pinnules.  We  found  it  all  along  under  Cairn  Galva,  by  the 
road  side,  and  finest  in  the  pits  and  sides  of  tho  old  workings 


September  1,  1878.  ) 


JOURNAL  OF  HOBTICULTDBE  AND  COTTAGE  GABDENEB. 


165 


of  a  tin  mine.  Hymenophyllurn  tunbridgense,  which  was  said 
to  grow  at  Cairn  Galva,  we  could  not  find. 

Oar  next  halt  was  at  Gurnard's  Head,  a  bold  rocky  promon- 
tory stretching  due  north.  Asplenium  lanceolatum  had  ac- 
companied us  some  miles,  and  onoe  or  twice  we  found  it  with 
fronds  a  foot  long,  but  then  only  growing  in  deep  insterstices 
in  the  walls.  When  in  a  favourable  position  it  is  dark  green, 
and  nioBt  elegant  in  habit.  To  the  left  of  the  road  down  to  the 
beach,  having  Gurnard's  Head  on  the  left,  and  below  a  raised 
platform  for  boats,  we  found  an  immense  quantity  of  large 
Asplenium  marinum,  and  the  most  elegant  little  cave  it  is 
possible  to  conceive. 

A  walk  of  six  miles  across  from  Morvah,  brought  U3  on  the 
Wednesday  evening  to  our  lodgings  at  Penzance,  and  the 
change  from  north  to  south  of  the  narrow  peninsula  was  strik- 
ing. The  entire  absence  of  trees  and  bareness  and  wildness 
of  the  country  in  the  north  are  oppressive.  The  cottages  have 
no  gardens  in  front,  and,  indeed,  few  anywhere,  but  gradually  as 
one  prooeeds  south  the  trees  appear  dwarfed  and  lichen-stained 
at  first,  the  Firs  just  tufted  with  a  solemn  green,  their  stems 
and  branches  almost  white ;  then,  gradually,  a3  a  friendly 
shelter  is  afforded  by  a  hillside,  Oaks  and  Beech  begin  to  thrive  ; 
and  as  the  warm  valleys. on  the  south  open  out  to  the  sea,  fine 
timber  appears,  and  orchards  loaded  with  fruit.  Immense 
quantities  of  Black  Currants,  and  small  fruit  are  grown.  Bisp- 
berries  are  iid.  a-pint;  Gooseberrios,  1<(.  "But  what  about 
Adiantum  capillus-Veneris  ?  "  some  of  your  readers  will  ask. 
Well,  we  found  it  one  spot  in  great  plenty  though  small. 
Thousands  of  young  plants  grew  on  the  cliff  round  about.  I 
must  let  your  readers  search.  There  are  several  places,  how- 
ever, where  the  graceful  fronds  nod  in  mockery  from  the  cliff 

between  St.  Ives,  and there,  I  had  almost  said.     When, 

however,  your  readers  have  searched  so  long  and  toilfully,  they 
will  be  as  loth  to  let  the  secret  out  as  your  obedient  servant. — 
Pencil. 


THE  MANUFACTURE   OF  TAR  PAVEMENT. 

Tab  pavement  may  be  made  of  the  ordinary  cinder-dirt 
produced  in  gasworks,  of  shingle,  or  of  a  mixture  of  both. 
The  material  is  burnt  in  heaps  like  ballast,  and  when  hot 
is  mixed  with  hot  tar.  In  practice  a  small  fire  of  coke  is  made 
on  the  ground,  and  covered  with  cinder-dirt  or  shingle.  When 
this  layer  is  hot  another  i3  added,  and  so  on  in  succession 
until  a  large-enough  heap  has  been  provided.  The  tar  is  now 
boiled  in  an  iron  copper,  and  taken  when  hot  and  mixed  with 
the  hot  material  from  the  heap  already  described,  in  quan- 
tities of  two  bushels  at  a  time,  in  about  the  proportion  of  one 
gallon  to  every  bushel  of  cind6r-dirt,  and  slightly  less  than  a 
gallon  for  the  gravel.  It  is  turned  over  and  over  with  the 
shovel  until  every  part  of  the  material  has  got  a  covering  of 
tar.  Then  the  whole  is  passed  through  a  sieve  with  f-inch  mesh, 
and  part  of  it  through  another  with  t-inch  mesh,  and  put  in 
heaps  until  required.  Indeed,  it  may  be  kept  for  mouths 
before  being  laid  down. 

Before  the  pavement  is  laid,  an  edging  should  be  provided 
about  2  inches  thick,  and  projecting  2  inches  above  the  surface 
of  the  ground  to  be  covered,  whioh  should  be  tolerably  even. 
It  is  advisable  to  have  the  ground  next  the  curb  well  trodden 
on  and  rammed  before  the  pavement  is  laid,  otherwise  there 
will  be  an  unseemly  hollow  next  the  curb.  In  laying,  the  rough 
stuff  is  put  down  first  and  rolled  tolerably  firm,  then  the 
second  quality  is  put  on,  then  the  third,  and  when  the  whole 
has  been  raked  level,  a  little  of  the  finest  material  is  sifted  on 
through  a  sieve  with  J -inch  meshes,  and  a  little  fine  white 
shingle  or  Derbyshire  spar  is  sprinkled  on  the  top.  The  whole 
must  now  be  well  rolled.  The  best  roller  is  a  water  ballast 
roller,  which  at  first  is  used  without  ballast,  and  well  wetted  to 
prevent  adhesion  of  the  material,  and,  when  the  pavement  is 
slightly  consolidated,  the  full  weight  should  be  applied. 

For  heavy  cart  traffic  the  material  should  be  made  of  shingle 
only,  heated  and  mixed  as  above,  and  well  rolled.  Both  de- 
scriptions of  pavement  are  laid  best  and  most  easily  in  warm 
weather,  and  should  be  rolled  when  the  sun  has  warmed  it 
well.  Those  parts  in  angles  should  be  well  rammed  and 
rimmed  off  with  a  light  shovel. 

_  Though  apparently  a  simple  manufacture,  ther9  is  a  little 
difficulty  in  ascertaining  the  proportion  of  tar  to  gravel  or 
cinder-dirt.  A  little  experience  will  only  be  necessary  in  this, 
as  well  as  in  all  other  manufactures,  to  enable  anyone*  to  carry 
it  out  successfully. 

This  pavement  cannot  be  spoken  of  too  highly,  as  it  is  cheap,  ' 


wears  well,  and  can  be  easily  repaired.  The  colour,  which 
never  can  be  made  to  equal  York  flag,  and  the  smell  for  some 
time  after  it  is  laid,  are  the  only  objections  to  its  nse ;  it  can 
be  laid  with  a  good  profit  in  any  district  at  Is.  id.  per  square 
yard ;  and  besides  being  a  boou  to  the  public,  who  must  other- 
wise walk  on  gravel,  is  a  great  advantage  to  gas  companies. — 
[Nature.) 

PORTRAITS  OF  PLANTS,  FLOWERS,  AND 
FRUITS. 

Tillandsia  Lixdeniana  (M.  Linden's  Tillandsia).  Nat.ord., 
Bromeliacere.  Linn.,  Hexandria  Monogynia. — This,  the  largest- 
flowered  of  the  genus,  is  a  native  of  Brazil.  Flowers  violet- 
blue  with  white-based  petals. — (Bot.  Mag.,  t.  5850.) 

Cymbidicsi  canaliculatom  (Channelled-)eaved  Cymbidium). 
Nat.  crd.,  Orchidaces.  Linn  ,  Gynandria  Monandria. — Native 
of  N.E.  tropical  Australia.  Flowers  purplish  brown,  and  green 
edged,  lip  white  with  pink  spot?.— (Ibid.,  t.  5851.) 

M.vlopk  malacoides  (Barbary  Bastard  Mallow).  Nat.  ord., 
Malvaccip.  Linn.,  Mouadelpbii  Polyandria. — Native  of  southern 
Europe  and  north-western  Africa.  Flowers  rose-coloured  with 
crimson  HneB. — (Ibid.,  t.  5852.) 

Eritrichiuh  nanum  (Dwarf  Alpine  Eritrichium).  Nat.ord., 
Boraginaceie.  Linn.,  Pentaudria  Monogynia. — Native  of  the 
entire  range  of  the  Alps.  Flowers  blight  blue.  —  (Ibid., 
t.  5853.) 

Asimina  triloba  (North-Atnerican  Papaw  or  Custard  Apple). 
Nat.  ord. ,  Anonacea>.  Linn.,  Polyandria  Polygyuia. — Native  of 
tha  middle,  western,  and  southern  states  of  North  America. 
Fruit  fragrant  and  eatable.  Flowers  brown,  deeply  reticulated. 
—(Ibid  ,  t.  5854) 

Cypripedium  candiduh  (Small  white  Lady's  Slipper,  or 
Mocasson  Flower).  Nat.  ord.,  Orchidaeeaa.  Linn.,  Gynandria 
Diandria. — Native  of  bogs  of  New  York  States,  Kentucky,  and 
Wisconsin,  and  further  northward  and  westward.  Flowers 
white  with  purple  bands,  lip  dotted  with  the  same  colour. — 
(Ibid.,  t.  5855.) 

Tulip—  John  Henri/.— It  is  white  edged  with  dark  purple. 
"  Mr.  John  Hepworth,  of  Huddersfield,  says — 'The  Tulip  John 
Henry  was  raised  from  seed  sown  in  1856,  the  pod  having 
been  gathered  two  years  previously  from  the  No.  1  fine  strain 
of  that  very  old  favourite  Louis  XVI.,  impregnated  with  a  very 
tine  seedling  byblcemen  breeder.  From  the  same  pod  of  seed 
I  have  obtained  several  other  superb  seedlings,  not  yet  named.' 
Mr.  Hepworth  further  states  that  no  bulbs  of  this  variety  have 
as  yet  been  parted  with,  nor  will  there  be  any  for  distribution 
before  August,  1871,  but  should  the  Btock  at  that  time  amount 
to  one  dozen  good  blooming  bulbs  of  the  rectified  flower,  it  will 
then  be  in  the  market  at  the  price  of  one  guinea  each  bulb. 
The  breeder,  whioh  in  the  breeder  state  is  also  a  first-class 
show  flower,  will  also  be  sent  out  at  7s.  Gd.  each.  In  case  any 
untoward  circumstances  should  intervene  to  prevent  this  num- 
ber from  being  obtained  by  the  time  stated,  the  bulbs  must  be 
kept  buck  till  AugU3t,  1872."— (Florist  and  Pomoloaht,  3  s., 
iii.,169.)  

LAWN  MOWERS. 

I  was  sorry  to  read  the  remarks  at  page  121  respecting  lawn 
mowers.  We  have  had  for  nine  or  tsn  years  one  of  Messrs. 
Green's  21-inch  machines,  and  I  can  safely  say  I  cannot  wish 
for  a  better  machine  for  lightness  and  good  work.  It  is  worked 
by  two  men,  who  have  three  acres  to  keep  in  order.  This 
machine  we  send  to  London  once  in  three  years  to  undergo 
repairs. 

I  am  sorry  to  say  we  have  one  of  the  Archimedean  lawn 
mowers.  I  have  cast  it  aside  after  three  months'  trial,  and  I 
cannot  make  anything  of  it.  The  first  time  I  tried  it  unfor- 
tunately it  came  in  contact  with  a  small  stone,  which  made  a 
great  gap  in  the  revolving  cutter.  Stones  are  not  in  their 
proper  place  on  lawns,  we  know,  but  the  keenest  eye  does  not 
always  see  them  until  too  late.  I  hope  all  those  who  have  tried 
this  new  machine  will  give  us  their  opinion,  that  we  may  know 
if  the  fault  is  behind  the  handles  or  not ;  if  it  is,  we  will  try  it 
again.  I  should  almost  imagine  that  the  16  inch  machine 
which  Mr.  Baines  has  is  out  of  order,  if  it  cause  hard  work  for 
two  men. — Edward  Coveny. 

[We  think  the  correspondence  relative  to  the  comparative 
merits  of  lawn  mowers  had  better  cease.  We  have  no  doubt, 
in  fact  we  know,  that  all  those  now  manufactured  do  their 
work  well.     Which  does  it  best— that  is,  which  ribs  least,  re- 


166 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAOB  GARDENER. 


[  September  1,  1870. 


quires  least  labour,  and  is  least  liable  to  be  out  of  order,  can 
only  be  determined  by  comparative  trials  by  a  jury  of  competent, 
disinterested  tryers. — Eds.] 


ARRANGING  FLOWERS. 

It  is  astonishing  how  very  few  people  know  just  how  to  dis- 
play cut  flowers  to  the  best  advantage.  Everybody  muBt  have 
bright  blossoms  in  the  parlour  vases  now-a-days,  but  the  com- 
binations made  are  enough  to  vex  the  soul  of  a  person  with  the 
least  artistic  taste.  What  business  has  a  blue  Larkspur — 
beautiful  though  it  may  be  in  itself — by  the  side  of  a  Scarlet 
Geranium  ?  or  by  what  law  are  Marigolds  and  Roses  brought 
together  ? 

In  the  first  place  one  must  have  the  right  kind  of  a  vase,  and 
I  will  give  my  ideas  of  the  fitness  of  things.  Vases  Bhould  not 
be  very  high,  unless  they  are  wide-topped,  in  which  latter  oase 
branches  of  foliage  and  tall  spikeB  of  bloom  should  fill  Ihem ; 
for  instance,  either  a  ground  glass  or  a  ruby  vase  a  foot  high  is 
well  furnished  by  common  Lily  leaves,  or  leaves  of  Mountain 
Ash,  with  white  Petunias,  or  any  long-stemmed  white  flowers. 
Parian  vases  of  the  many  pretty  patterns  are  beautiful  always ; 
so  are  those  of  engraved  glass.  I  have  a  little  one  of  the  Fern 
pattern  about  6  inches  high,  which  occupies  a  carved  bracket 
over  the  sewing  machine.  This  year  it  began  very  early  to 
hold  forest  flowers — spring  beauties — and  Hepaticas  ;  Violets 
white  and  blue;  then  a  handful  of  Adder's  Tongues  (Orohis 
Bpectabilis).  Then  came  the  garden  flowers,  of  which  I  notice 
some  pretty  arrangements,  Ribbon  Grass,  Pear  blossoms  and 
Tea  Violets,  Lily  of  the  Valley,  with  its  leaves  and  a  single 
purple  Pansy ;  a  bit  of  white  Lilac  and  Dielytra  ;  Roses  during 
their  season ;  and  now,  since  the  fragrant  Lilies  of  June  are 
gone,  I  take  very  kindly  to  bright  Geraniums  and  Verbenas, 
feathery  Bprays  of  Gypeophila,  a  little  Mignonette,  and  leaves 
of  the  Rose  Geranium,  which  I  always  grow  in  great  abundance 
for  bouquets,  not  forgetting  a  stem  of  the  variegated  Balm, 
which  always  harmonises  with  scarlet  or  crimson  flowers.  A 
coople  of  Fern  fronds  (Aspidium  acrostichoides)  and  the  delicate 
Hare-bell  are  pretty  together,  or  Hare-bell  and  white  Spiraea ; 
St.  Peter's  Wreath,  bent  so  as  to  simulate  a  basket  handle,  and 
flowers  of  any  hue  filling  the  basket.  A  great  Datura  may  be 
put  in  a  narrow-mouthed  vase,  and  this  natural  vase,  with 
water  in  it,  may  hold  a  cluster  of  delicate  blossoms. 

Some  flowers  show  best  in  plates ;  saucers  of  Pansies  edged 
with  Musk  are  lovely ;  so  are  Balsams  with  plenty  of  their  own 
leaves.  Fill  a  pickle-shell  with  Caraway  leaves,  put  a  white 
Jonquil  in  the  centre,  from  which  let  five  sprays  of  Lily  of  the 
Valley  radiate;  or  a  star  may  be  made  of  Daieies  and  Myrtle; 
or  of  blue  and  white  Lnrkspur.  Verbenas  as  well  as  Phloxes 
are  prettiest  when  looked  down  upon.  Many  of,  the  Grasses 
mingle  well  with  flowers,  and  they  are  so  graceful  that  a  whole 
bouquet  of  them  is  not  to  be  despised.  Ferns,  too,  all  by 
themselves,  are  very  pretty.  I  saw  them  in  a  church  lately,  so 
bravely  green,  so  delicate  and  airy,  that  I  doubt  not  other  eyes 
than  mine  found  them  a  rest  after  loo kiEg  at  the  round  bunches 
of  strong-hued  flowers  standing  near.  Sedges  and  Ferns  are 
especially  pretty  before  a  window,  where  one  can  get  the  full 
effect  of  their  delicate  outlines.  Nothing  is  prettier  than  a 
amall  basket  of  Ferns  in  a  window  with  plenty  of  bright  Cardinal 
Flowers. 

Late  in  the  autumn  one  is  often  so  luckless  as  to  have  many 
rmripe  Melons.  Cut  off  the  bottom  of  one  so  that  it  may  stand 
firmly  in  a  soup  plate,  surround  it  with  stiff  foliage,  Pmonia  for 
instance;  then  stick  the  Melon  full  of  Dahlias  or  Asters.  This 
makes  a  symmetrical  bouquet,  and  is  the  most  satisfactory  way 
of  treating  Dahlias,  whioh  I  have  found  exceedingly  difficult  to 
manage  otherwise. 

I  have  only  hinted  of  my  subject  after  all.  One  needs  to 
study  flowers,  their  manner  of  growth,  their  affinities,  their 
prominent  traits,  and  then  one  would  not  bunch  them  together 
Stiffly  and  destroy  their  individualities.  Give  them  a  place  upon 
the  dining  table  every  day  ;  let  them  stand  before  you  when 
you  work  or  read  ;  wear  them  in  your  hair  when  you  go  about 
your  work  ;  and  some  of  their  grace  and  fragranoe  will  surely 
sweeten  your  daily  life. — (Rural  New-Yorker.) 


New  Flower  Market  in  Leicester  Square. — There  is  a 
talk,  which  we  earnestly  trust  may  ripen  into  action,  of  making 
Leicester  Square  a  flower  market.  A  more  desirable  change 
oould  not  take  place,  desirable  not  only  in  an  arobitectnral  and 
aesthetics  sense,  but  on  moral  and  sanitary  grounds.    Perhaps 


within  a  year  or  two  we  may  see  that  desolate  gamin-haunted 
area  covered  with  pretty  buildings  and  a  bright  array  of  flowers, 
whose  perfume  will  replace  the  unsavory  odours  which  now 
prevade  the  square,  and  whose  presence  will  assuredly  indued 
a  purer  and  more  respectable  moral  atmosphere.  Covent  Gar- 
den, too,  whioh  has  long  suffered  from  repletion  under  a  badly 
arranged  system,  would  find  no  little  benefit  from  such  an 
establishment  as  is  now  proposed. — (Food  Journal.) 


FRAGMENTS. 


Wbll,  I  am  away  from  Redcar,  and  what  may  be  called 
Captain  Cook's  district,  for  I  learned  that  the  father  of  that 
circumnavigator  was  buried  at  Marske  ;  the  Captain  was  born 
at  Morton  ;  he  was  apprenticed  at  Staithes  ;  his  brothers  and 
sisters  are  buried  at  Stokesley,  where  also  his  mother  rests, 
and  whose  shoe  is  preserved  in  the  Eirkleatham  Museum — all 
villages  around  Redcar.  I  am  away  from  the  district,  havo 
wandered  since  to  the  north  and  south  of  it,  but  having  rested 
nowhere  remember  only  some  fragments,  disjointed  and  super- 
ficial, that  may  be  deemed  worthy  of  filling  a  gap  in  your 
columns;  first  among  which  is  of  and  about  Durham,  that 
city  associated  from  childhood  with  Mustard.  Mills  for  its 
grinding  I  saw  there ;  but  why  it  Ehonld  there  be  a  specialty 
is  probably  not  known  to  many  of  your  readers — no  fields 
devoted  to  growing  Mustard  seed  are  to  be  seen  ;  but  it  is  said 
that  Charlock  seed  was  the  original  seed  used  for  Durham 
Mustard,  and  I  saw  too  much  of  that  weed  in  some  of  the 
Durham  fields. 

Prior  to  1720  no  such  luxury  as  Mustard,  in  its  present 
form,  was  at  our  tables  ;  the  seed  was  only  coarsely  pounded, 
as  ooarsely  separated  from  the  iE  tegument,  and  in  that  rough 
state  prepared  for  use.  In  1720  it  occurred  to  an  old  woman 
of  the  name  of  Clements,  resident  at  Durham,  to  grind  tha 
seed  in  a  mill,  and  to  sift  the  meal  as  in  making  flour  from 
Wheat.  The  secret  she  kept  for  many  years  to  herself,  and 
supplied  the  principal  parts  of  the  kingdom,  and  in  particular 
the  metropolis,  with  this  article;  George  I.  stamping  it  with 
fashion  by  his  approval.  Mrs.  Clements  twice  a-year  travelled 
to  London,  and  to  the  principal  towns  throughout  England,  for 
orders,  and  the  old  lady  contrived  to  pick  up,  not  only  a  decent 
pittance,  but  what  was  then  thought  a  tolerable  competency. 
Prom  this  woman  living  at  Durham,  it  acquired  the  name  of 
Durham  Mustard. 

Of  all  the  genera  of  residences  scattered  over  England,  none 
ever  have  been  so  inviting  to  me  as  those  old-fashioned  family 
residences,  setting  all  architectural  rules  at  defiance,  that  have 
been  compounded  from  time  to  time  by  successive  generations 
without  regard  to  any  consideration  but  the  present  require- 
ments and  comfort  of  the  occupants,  nntil,  at  last,  no  observer 
can  detect  which  is  the  centre,  for  it  seems  all  wiDgs.  Just 
such  a  residence  is  Aykley-heade,  near  the  Mustard  capital.  A 
residence  is  known  to  have  been  on  the  present  site  for  five 
hundred  years— Alan  de  Billingham  in  1371  was  possessed  of 
land  at  "  Akelyheads  "  in  right  of  his  wife  Agnes — and  though 
that,  and  probably  many  successors  have  been  levelled,  yet  the 
existing  house  bears  evidence  by  its  long  passages,  many  divi- 
sions, panelled  rooms,  and  decorated  ceiling?,  that  it  has  had 
many  generations  within. 

Ac,  is  the  Anglo-Saxon  for  an  Oak  ;  Ugh  or  ley,  for  a  stead  or 
place;  and  hea/J,  for  a  head,  and  I  accept  such  a  derivation,  for 
the  house  commands  an  extensive  view  from  the  highest  of  a 
series  of  elevations,  and  in  a  place  of  fine  Oak  and  Beech 
trees.  It  is  not  a  Bhow  place,  but  the  grounds  are  well  ar- 
ranged, well  kept  up,  and  where  one  can  glean  useful  facts 
and  suggestions.  The  owner  (one  of  your  editors  will  say 
"  of  course  "),  is  a  Johnson,  and  asks  questions  of  Nature.  He 
has  been  a  planter  and  replanter  of  evergreens  for  some  thirty 
and  more  years,  and  he  showed  me  He  Hies,  from  G  to  12  feet 
high,  that  had  been  transplanted  one,  two,  and  three  years, 
all  doing  well,  and  all  removed  in  June,  just  when  the  buds 
for  the  year's  growth  are  beginning  to  burst.  He  saya  they 
never  fail  then,  care  being  taken  to  have  a  good  ball  of  earth 
about  the  roots,  and,  when  placed  in  the  hole  prepared  for 
them,  covering  them  with  earth,  then  soaking  it  with  water, 
and  finally  filling  in  the  remainder  of  the  earth.  I  saw  there 
also  a  direct  proof  of  the  good  influence  of  mulching  the 
roots  of  old  fruit  trees.  The  soil  is  light,  and  some  Apricot 
trees  about  thirty  years  old  bad  latterly  shed  their  fruit  unripe 
during  dry  summers.  The  surface  over  their  roots  had  been 
mulched  this  year  and  well  watered.     The  soil  beneath  the 


September  1,  1870.  ] 


JOPRNAL  OF  HOBTICULTURE   AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


1M 


mulching  never  dried,  and  the  Apricots,  a  good  crop,  were 
ripeoing,  and  none  had  fallen. 

There  is  a  terraoe  before  the  house,  and  flanking  a  portion  of 
that  terrace  ia  a  Yew  hedge  about  6  feet  high.  This  forms  a 
good  background  to  a  ribbon-border,  the  rows  in  which  are 
Hollyhocks,  Dahlias,  dwarf  Roses,  Ferilla  nankinensis,  Scarlet 
Geranium?,  yellow  Calceolaria,  Lobelia  speciosa,  and  white- 
edged  Saxifrage,  but  this  last  is  too  tufty,  and  Arctotis  reptans, 
old  Donald  Beaton's  "  frosted-silver  plant,"  would  be  more 
effective. 

In  the  vicinity  I  had  great  pleasure  in  converting  with  the 
author  of  one  of  my  favourite  works,  "  The  Land  of  Israel," 
the  Eev.  Mr.  Tristram.  He  gave  me  much  information  relative 
to  the  Holy  Land,  and  I  would  gladly  have  asked  him  about  its 
Pigeons  and  poultry,  just  to  gratify  his  brother  cleric,  *'  Wilt- 
shire Bectob,"  but  I  remembered  the  story  of  the  farmer  to 
whom  a  reverend  Palestine  traveller  was  relating  the  discoveries 
m  and  about  Jerusalem,  stopping  the  interesting  narrative  with 
the  inquiry,  "  Beg  pardon,  Sir,  but  how  he's  the  Turmets  out 
there  ?" 

"  Up  and  away  from  Palestine,"  and  my  next  remembrance 
is  of  Barnard  Castle,  from  whence  I  rambled  among  the  herds 
of  red  deer  at  Baby  Castle;  hung  admiringly  over  the  ruins  of 
Atherstone  Abbey,  and  the  views  of  the  Tees  from  the  battle- 
ments of  its  bridge  ;  lingered  at  Wycliffe,  the  place  of  origin  of 
our  great  Beformer — great  in  the  eyes  of  all  Christians,  for  he 
struggled  for  wbat  he  considered  the  truth ;  but  I  rested  at 
night  at  the  King's  Head,  going  ever  and  anon  to  walk  in  tho 
gardens  around,  and  on  the  ramparts  of  the  ruins  of  Brrnard 
Castle,  which  are  visitable  from  the  yard  of  that  mott  comfort- 
able hostelry. 

There  are  some  flag  stones  near  the  entrance  of  the  keep  of 
the  Castle,  and  having  ascertained  that  they  covered  the 
entrance  to  the  dungeon?,  I  inquired  if  they  were  visitable,  and 
was  told  in  the  negative,  and  that  Mr.  Charles  Dickens  had 


similarly  inquired.  This  led  to  further  talk  about  our  great 
novelist,  and  I  found  that  the  garden  and  ruins  had  been  his 
frequent  resort  whilst  making  inquiries  about  the  "  Do-the- 
boys-hall  "  schools;  and  that  my  sitting-room,  like  his,  directly 
faced  the  house  on  the  street's  opposite  6ide,  which  led  to  the 
adoption  of  the  well-known  title,  "  Master  Humphrey's  Clock." 
Of  that  house  I  append  a  sketch,  and  regret  that  I  could  not 
converse  with  its  owner,  and  Mr.  Dickens's  correspondent,  in- 


asmuch as  that  he  died  some  twelve  months  since.  The  watch- 
making business  is  still  continued  by  his  widow,  and  there  is 
an  old-faBhioned  appearance  about  the  shop's  coctente,  in  tho 
window  being  suspended,  among  other  old-world  things,  a  pre- 
ponderating number  of  those  little  fat  watches,  looking  as  if 
poached  in  silver. 

Last  of  my  reminiscences  must  be  of  Whitby  and  its  associa- 
tions, prominent  among  which  is  its  jet.  Few  wearers  of  the 
ornaments  of  which  it  is  the  material  are  aware  that  it  is  only 
a  variety  of  coal,  and,  like  it,  is  only  wood  reduced  to  charcoal 
under  a  high  pressure  in  some  former  volcanic  conflagration. 
Jet  in  some  way  owes  its  peculiar  characteristics  to  its  being 
the  coal  formed  from  coniferous  trees.  I  have  a  piece  of  rcngb 
jet  in  which  the  annual-formed  rings  of  the  Conifer  are  plainly 
marked. 

Next  among  my  Whitby  memoiies  are  the  ruins  of  its  Priory, 
and  its  history  adds  to  the  testimony,  tbat  though  the  fail- 
ings and  excesses  of  the  monks  were  many,  yet  they  were 
national  benefactors;  they  promoted  literature  and  the  culture 
of  the  soil.  Even  their  excess  in  luxurious  living  induced 
attention  to  the  rearing  of  supeiior  animals  for  the  supply  of 
the  refectory.  Somo  notes  relative  to  Whitby  Priory,  notes 
gathered  from  Domesday  Book  and  the  Priory's  Register, 
afford  confirmatory  evidence.  They  show  that  the  Priory 
lands  alone  were  cultivated  in  the  manor  of  Whitby,  all  the 
rest  were  waste.  The  Priory  poulterer  was  an  officer  of  suffi- 
cient position  to  have  a  horse  allowed  him.  No  gardener  is 
mentioned,  but,  as  at  the  Abbey  of  Evesham,  it  was  probably 
managed  by  the  Priory  almoner.  That  gardens  were  cultivated 
in  tho  vicinity  is  testified  by  their  tkht3  rendering  to  the 
Piiory  <js.  8d.  annually. 

A  ramble  to  the  woods  of  Mulgrave  Castle  closed  my  sum- 
mer's holiday.  The  roads  through  tbofe  woods  are  truly 
delightful  and  very  varied  ;  they  extend  for  many  miles,  and 
were  chiefly  formed  by  Maharajah  Dhulep  Siugh  whilst  tenant 
of  the  estate,  but  it  is  now  again  inhabited  by  members  of  the 
family  of  its  owner,  the  Marquis  of  Normanby. — G. 


GARDENING  IN   THE   LONDON   PARKS— No.  2. 
HYDE   PARK. 

Neatness  is  one  of  the  leading  principles  in  the  management 
of  dressed  grounds.  Gay,  well-filled  flower  beds,  handsome 
shrub?,  and  so  forth,  are  things  to  care  for,  and  to  etch  a 
proper  share  of  attention  must  be  devoted  ;  but  without  the 
greatest  possible  care  in  the  maintenance  of  order  and  cleanli- 
ness, both  among  the  plants  and  ILeir  surroundings,  little 
enjoyment  is  likely  to  be  derived  from  tbem,  however  beautiful 
they  may  be.  The  importance  of  this  principle  appears  to  be 
fully  recognised  by  the  superintendent  of  the  flower  beds  in 
Hyde  Park,  for  one  cannot  fail  to  notice  the  exquisite  neatness 
which  prevails  both  in  the  flower  beds  there  s.nJ  in  their  sur- 
roundings, all  of  which  were  in  the  best  possible  condition  in 
this  respect  at  the  time  of  my  visit,  August  5th. 

The  outlines  of  the  whole  of  the  bed3  in  Hyde  Park  are 
simple  in  the  extreme,  and  rightly  so  too,  for  the  flower  garderj, 
if  I  may  so  oall  it,  consists  of  a  series  of  long,  narrow  strips 
of  turf,  on  which  are  the  beds,  extending  from  the  Marbls 
Arch  to  Stanhope  Gate  by  the  side  of  Park  Lane.  A  detailed 
description  of  the  whole  of  these  beds  would  offer  but  little  to 
interest  your  readers,  I  shall  therefore  confine  my  notes  to  a 
description  of  a  few  of  the  more  striking  beds,  or  those  which, 
by  the  excellent  arrangement  of  their  oecnpants,  are  worthy  of 
imitation. 

Some  good  circular  beds  had  an  onter  row  of  Sempervivnra 
oalifornicum,  inside  which  was  a  row  of  Golden  Feather  Pyreth- 
rum,  with  a  compact  central  mass  of  Coleus  aureo-marginata. 
These  beds  had  a  neat  effect,  but  others,  having  crimson  Ama- 
ranthus  instead  of  the  Coleus,  were  much  brighter.  The  turf 
on  whioh  are  the  principal  beds  narrows  to  a  point  at  the  end 
oloee  by  the  Grosvenor  Gate.  At  its  extremity  was  a  charming 
little  heart-shaped  bed,  the  soil  of  which,  as  in  most  of  the 
other  beds,  rises  so  abruptly  as  to  form  a  miniatnre  ramp  ;  on 
the  face  of  this  is  a  row  of  the  neat  Echeveria  seeunda  glauca, 
a  row  of  Golden  Pyrethrum  corning  next,  with  a  centre  of 
Coleus  Verschaffelti.  The  surface  of  this  bed  was  not  decidedly 
flat,  but  by  the  skilful  pinching  of  the  Colons  it  was  made  to 
rise  very  gently  to  the  centre.  Nothing  could  surpass  the  ex- 
quisite neatness  of  the  bed,  which  wbb  as  near  perfection  as 
possible.  From  it  a  series  of  parallelogram  beds  is  continued 
i  for  a  long  distance.     The  formality  of  these  long  lines  is  broken 


168 


JOURNAL  OP  HOBTICULTUBE  AND  COTTAGE   GAEDENEK. 


[  September  1,  1870. 


about  halfway  along  them  by  a  group  consisting  of  a  large  oval 
bed  of  Rhododendrons,  on  eaoh  side  of  which,  in  a  line  with 
the  other  beds,  were  two  Bmall  hearts,  with  a  circle  of  propor- 
tionate size  between  them,  making  six  beds  besides  the  large 
oval.  In  the  small  circles  was  a  central  mass  of  Alternanthera 
magnifica,  surrounded  by  a  row  of  Golden  Feather  Pyrethrum, 
with  a  broad  border  of  the  very  dwarf  grey  Antennaria  tomen- 
tosa.  Each  of  the  heart  shaped  beds  had  a  central  mass  of 
Coleus  Verscbaffelti,  surrounded  by  Golden  Pyrethrum,  with 
an  outer  row  of  Echeveria  secunda  glauca.  The  high  finish  of 
these  beds  left  nothing  to  wish  for,  and  the  arrangement  of  the 
plants  was  most  satisfactory.  Alternanthera  magnifica  has 
handsome  orange  and  crimson  foliage. 

Of  the  long  narrow  beds,  I  may  mention  as  being  very  good 
one  filled  with  Pelargonium  Chrisline,  having  an  edg'iDg  of 
alternate  plants  of  Lobelia  speciosa  and  Pelargonium  Lady 
Plymouth  ;  another  with  the  same  kind  of  edging,  and  Pelar- 
gonium Walthain  Seedling  in  the  centre ;  and  another  of 
Pelargonium  Amy  Hogg.  There  were  several  side  beds  of  Cal- 
ceolarias, but  all  had  a  very  poor  appearance.  A  quantity  of 
the  dull  ragged  grey-leaved  Artemisia  Stelleriana  was  verv 
tame  indeed.  A  number  of  long  narrow  beds  had  edgings  of 
alternate  plants  of  Lobelia  speciosa  and  Dactylis  glomerata 
variegata  ;  inside  this  was  a  row  of  Purple  King'Verbena,  with 
various  kinds  of  variegated  Pelargonium  in  the  centre.  This 
was  rather  an  unsafe  arrangement,  but  as  the  Dactylis  pre- 
dominated very  much,  the  blue  and  purple  did  not  clash  suffi- 
ciently to  materially  affect  the  appearance  of  the  beds.  In 
some  mixed  beds  of  Viola  cornuta  and  variegated  Pelargoniums 
the  Viola  was  a  decided  failure,  its  weak  straggling  growth  being 
almost  without  flowers. 

Of  eleven  heds  which  I  noted  as  containing  each  a  variety  of 
variegated  Pelargonium,  one  containing  Qaeen  of  Queens  mixed 
with  Verbena  Purple  King  was  very  good  ;  Artemus  Ward  was 
very  dull.  Golden  Fleece,  free  in  its  growth  and  with  bright- 
coloured  foliage,  was  good,  but  it  is  not  by  any  means  equal  to 
Crystal  Palace  Gem,  of  which  there  was  a  fine  mass.  Some  of 
these  beds  would  have  had  a  much  better  effect  had  the  blossom 
been  kept  picked  off  the  plants.  Some  rows  of  Verbenas  intro- 
duced in  several  mixed  beds  were  very  poor  indeed,  with  very 
few  flowers.  The  beds  of  various  Zonal  Pelargoniums  were 
well  filled,  but  (he  flower  trusses  had  been  so  battered  by  recent 
showers  that  I  was  quite  unable  to  form  a  fair  opinion  of  their 
merits.  The  uniform  appearance  of  the  fringe  of  Sempervivum 
or  Echeveria,  which  surrounds  most  of  the  beds  here,  imparts 
a  finish  and  contributes  very  materially  to  the  air  of  neatness 
which  pervades  the  whole  of  them. 

On  the  side  of  Rotten  Row,  near  Hyde  Park  Corner,  were  a 
few  noteworthy  fine-fuliaged  and  tropical  plants.  Of  these  two 
very  fine  groups  of  Canna  discolor  bordered  with  Tussilago 
Farfara  variegata,  the  vaiiegated  Coltsfoot,  had  a  most  striking 
effect.  Good  specimens  of  Monstera  deliciosa,  Musa  Ensete, 
the  graceful  Phoenix  dactylifera,  a  fine  Seaforthia  robusta, 
Phcenix  reclinata,  Latania  borbonica,  and  the  singular  and 
striking  Phormium  tenax  variegatum,  all  presented  a  healthy 
and  flourishing  appearance.— Edward  Luckhckst,  Egerton 
House  Gardens,  Kent. 


WORK  FOR  THE   WEEK. 

KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

Geound  now  becoming  vacant  should  be  trenched  up  as 
roughly  as  poss-ible,  manure  being  applied  if  necessary.  This 
should  always  be  done  as  soon  as  the  crops  are  off,  whether  the 
ground  is  wanted  immediately  or  not.  Trench  and  immure 
well  for  the  winter  Cabbage  in  due  time,  and  plant  out  some 
more  strong  plants  of  the  early  kinds  for  late  Coleicorts.  Young 
seedling  Cauliflowers  must  not  be  allowed  to  stand  too  thickly 
in  the  seed  bed  ;  tbe  thinnings  may  be  pricked  out  at  sufficient 
distances,  and  will  make  sturdy  plants.  If  any  strong  Celery 
plants  remain,  they  may  be  taken  up  with  balls  and  "  heeled'" 
deeply  for  soup  purposes ;  this  will  save  the  stock  for  salads. 
Plant  out  more  Endive  for  the  last  batch,  using  high  slopes, 
which  may  be  protected  by  covers  or  hoops  and  mats  in  severe 
weather.  Sow  Hardy  Green  Lettuce  on  sloping  banks  to  stand 
through  the  winter.  These  banks  may  be  rather  small,  not 
more  than  4  feet  through  at  the  base,  and  steep  ;  sow  on  both 
sides  of  the  bank,  and  it  will  produce  a  succession.  See  that 
Spinach  is  properly  thinned  and  the  surface  stirred.  Make  a 
good  sowing  of  approved  sorts  of  Radishes  for  winter  use.  Let 
all  the  Scarlet  Runner  pods  be  picked  clean,  except  a  few  for 
seed;  if  allowed  to  grow  old  they  exhaust  the  crop  much,  and 


prevent  succession.     Thin  Turnips  in  due  time,  and  pass  the 
hoe  among  them. 

FRUIT   GARDEN. 

Fig  trees  out  of  doors  should  be  liberally  supplied  with 
water  if  no  rain  ensues,  to  enable  them  to  swell  off  the  late 
fruit.  Give  a  final  nailing  to  all  wall  fruit  trees,  that  there 
may  be  nothing  to  obstruct  the  perfect  ripening  of  the  wood. 
Fruit  of  every  sort  should  be  gathered  as  it  ripens,  and  not  be 
allowed  to  fall.  Grapes  out  of  doors  should  have  every  shoot 
of  useless  wood  removed,  and  the  branches  laid  in  close  to  the 
wall.  Wherever  it  is  practicable,  it  is  of  great  advantage  to 
them  to  place  the  spare  lights  from  early  Peach  houses  or 
vineiies  against  the  wall ;  when  this  is  done,  a  good  crop  of 
fairly  ripened  fruit  may  often  be  obtained. 

FLOWER    GARDEN. 

It  will  be  well  to  fill  up  many  blanks  in  flower  borders  as 
soon  as  possible  with  plants  of  a  biennial  character,  such  as 
Wallflowers,  Sweet  Williams,  Campanulas  (the  Campanula 
grandis  is  a  useful  sort),  Hollyhocks,  biennial  Stocks,  and  the 
various  Primulas.  Most  of  these,  although  somewhat  old- 
fashioned,  will  be  found  very  useful  next  spring.  All  spare 
time  will  now  be  probably  employed  in  the  reserve  garden,  as 
success  during  the  spring  and  summer  months  depends  in  a 
great  degree  upon  the  efficient  manner  in  which  the  labour  is 
performed  just  now.  Still  continue  to  propagate  showy  and 
choice  herbaceous  plants  by  cuttings  and  division  of  the  roots, 
and  seedlings  of  late-sown  perennials  may  still  be  pricked  out 
with  advantage.  Pot  off  a  good  number  of  the  different  varie- 
ties of  Brompton,  Giant,  and  Queen  Stocks  ;  likewise  Pent- 
stemons,  Antirrhinums,  Linums,  Viscarias,  &a.,  that  they  may 
have  a  little  protection  Bhould  the  winter  be  severe.  Continue 
to  plant  out  Pinks,  Clove  Carnations,  and  rooted  cuttings  of 
hardy  herbaceous  plants  in  nursery  beds.  See  that  the  plants 
already  established  in  beds  are  kept  in  a  state  of  health  and 
vigour  by  stirring  the  surface  of  the  soil.  Look  now  and 
then  at  the  late-budded  Roses,  and  loosen  the  ligatures  ;  when 
necessary,  pinch  back  to  half  their  length  those  buds  which 
have  made  shoots.  If  left  at  full  length  they  are  apt  to 
be  blown  out  by  the  winds.  Remove  all  shoots  and  suckers 
from  the  stock ;  if  left  too  long  in  their  present  position 
they  have  a  tendency  to  weaken  the  constitution  of  the  stock. 
Roses  budded  last  year  will  likewise  require  attention.  See 
that  the  heads  are  well  secured  against  high  winds,  which 
generally  prevail  during  this  month  and  next.  The  early 
Carnation  layers  are  now  well  rooted.  In  potting  them  off, 
either  one  or  two  plants  may  be  placed  in  each  pot,  accord- 
ing to  the  convenience  which  the  amateur  may  have  for 
wintering  them.  Care  must  be  taken  not  to  have  the  soil 
too  light,  and  manure  or  any  stimulating  composts  must  be 
avoided  ;  in  fact,  the  soil  cannot  well  bo  too  simple  or  pure; 
decayed  turf  with  a  little  sand  is  found  to  be  the  most  suitable 
for  their  winter's  growth.  Procure  varieties  from  the  different 
cultivators,  so  that  they  may  be  well  established  before  winter. 
The  offsets  of  all  choice  sorts  of  Tulips  may  be  put  into  the 
ground  as  soon  as  convenient,  choosing  fine  dry  weather  for  the 
operation.  It  will  be  found  a  good  plan  not  to  let  the  beds 
have  too  much  moisture,  hooping  them  over,  so  that  mats  or 
other  protecting  material  may  be  thrown  over  in  excessive  wet. 
Where  Pinks  have  been  planted  out  in  beds,  they  must  be  kept 
free  from  weeds,  and  old  stools  or  stock  plants  which  have 
been  grown  in  pots  may  be  planted  out  on  borders.  They  will 
produce  an  immense  number  of  flowers  next  season  from  which 
much  seed  may  be  saved.  Make  up  beds  of  rich  compost  in 
rather  a  cool  situation,  and  plant  out  rooted  cuttings  or  young 
plants  of  Pansies  for  next  year's  blooming.  Continue  to  shelter 
Dahlias,  and  to  thin  the  buds  as  before  directed. 

GREENHOUSE   AND    CONSERVATORY. 

Clerodendrons,  early  Cameliias,  well-grown  Fuchsias,  trellis 
climbers,  Brugmanaias,  Scarlet  Goraniums,  &o.,  should  now  be 
in  high  perfection.  The  Veronica  speciosa,  and  Buddlea 
Lindleyana,  where  properly  grown,  will  aho  prove  very  inter- 
esting, as  tending  to  sustain  the  true  conservatory  character. 
The  two  latter  shrubs  want  very  similar  root  treatment.  No- 
thing of  a  stimulating  character  will  bloom  them  iu  perfection, 
A  plain  simple  loam,  of  a  rather  sound  character,  will  be  found 
to  suit  them  best,  accompanied  by  the  one-shift  system  of 
potting.  Luculias,  and  other  winter-flowering  plants  growing 
in  the  border,  must  be  freely  exposed  to  light  and  air  in  order 
to  have  the  growth  well  ripened,  and  to  inBure  a  fine  display  of 
bloom.  Also,  see  that  all  plants  are  clear  of  black  thrips,  for 
this  pest  is  particularly  active  ai  the  present  season,  wherever 


September  1,  1670.  ]  JOURNAL  OF   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


169 


it  is  allowed  to  gain  a  hold,  especially  on  Lucnlias  and  plants 
in  a  growing  state. 

STOVE. 

Where  there  is  bnt  one  house  for  the  accommodation  of  tro- 
pical plants  considerable  care,  and  attention  are  necessary  to 
properly  manage  these  at  this  season,  as  some  having  com- 
pleted their  season's  growth  require  to  be  kept  cool  and  rather 
dry,  in  order  to  ripen  the  wood,  while  others  in  free  growth 
require  to  be  encouraged  with  warmth  and  moisture.  If  there 
is  no  convenience  for  removing  to  a  cooler  house  such  plants 
as  have  made  their  growth,  these  should  be  placed  together  at 
one  end  of  the  stove,  keeping  them  sparingly  supplied  with 
water  at  the  roots,  and  giving  air  rather  freely,  which  will 
generally  serve  to  prevent  any  attempt  at  second  growth;  and 
those  requiring  to  be  kept  warm  and  moist  should  also  be 
placed  together  at  the  opposite  end  of  the  house,  where  very 
little  air  should  be  given,  using  every  care  to  keep  the  atmo- 
sphere moist  about  them.  Allamandss,  Clerodondrons,  &c, 
which  have  done  blooming,  may  be  removed  to  a  vinery  where 
the  Grapes  are  ripe  or  ripening,  for  as  these  will  require  very 
little  water,  they  will  not  do  much  mischief  in  the  way  of 
causing  damp,  and  their  room  in  the  stove  will  be  found  very 
useful  for  other  plants.  See  that  everything  is  free  from 
insects,  and  keep  the  foliage  of  Ixoras  clean  by  washing  with  a 
sponge  and  soapy  water  when  necessary. — W.  Keaxk. 


DOINGS   OF   THE   LAST    WEEK. 

HITCHES    GARDEN. 

Ik  onr  greatest  extremity,  when  we  could  obtain  no  water  of 
any  sort  except  what  we  carted  from  three  to  four  miles,  we 
had  on  the  evening  of  the  22cd  the  most  genial  refreshing  rain 
of  the  present  year,  and  it  came  so  softly  that,  whilst  refreshing 
the  parohed  soil,  it  did  nothing  to  injure  the  masses  of  Gera- 
nium and  Calceolaria  bloom.  On  this,  the  27th,  there  are 
yellow-tinted  fleecy  clouds  in  the  west,  which,  with  a  falling 
barometer,  give  us  hopes  that  we  shall  have  moro  rain,  and  if 
so,  then  we  may  shortly  expect  a  green  carpeted  lawn  to  set  off 
the  masses  of  blocm  and  to  give  additional  crispness  and  suc- 
culence to  all  our  vegetables.  On  the  whole,  in  the  kitchen 
garden,  notwithstanding  the  heat  and  the  extreme  dryness,  we 
shall  not  suffer  so  much  as  we  expected,  except  in  the  case  of 
Peas.  We  fear  that  they  are  gone  beyond  recall,  though  after 
the  rain  some  of  the  rows  seemed  as  if  they  would  break 
afresh,  and  we  shall  leave  them  a  little  longer  to  see  what  they 
will  do.  The  want  of  Peas  in  September  is  a  great  want 
indeed,  but  in  this  respect  we  believe  we  are  no  worse  off  than 
the  generality  of  our  neighbours,  even  in  cases  where  water 
could  have  been  had  in  abundance.  The  Peas,  even  in  our  case, 
suffered  more  from  the  dry,  hot  atmosphere,  than  from  ex- 
cessive dryness  at  the  roots.  A  good  syringing  or  engining  over 
the  tops,  could  it  have  been  given,  would  have  been  more  bene- 
ficial in  many  cases  than  watering  with  cold  water  at  the  roots. 

Dwarf  Kidney  Beans  and  Scarlet  Runners. — The  loss  of  the 
Peas  made  us  more  anxious  about  the  Kidney  Beans,  and  in 
the  case  of  both,  and  especially  the  Dwarf  Kidney  Beans,  we  had 
the  rows  gone  over  and  every  Bean  arriving  at  the  seeding 
state  cut  carefully  off,  that  the  strength  of  the  plants  should 
be  thrown  into  the  free  production  of  young  succulent  Beans. 
In  small  gardens,  where  the  greatest  table  supply  from  the 
smallest  space  is  most  desirable,  it  is  scarcely  worth  while  to 
save  the  seed,  and  if  attempted,  it  is  best  to  set  aside  a  little 
piece  for  bea'iug  seed,  so  as  to  have  it  well  ripened.  Amateurs 
should  keep  in  mind,  that  a  couple  of  Kidney  Bean  pods  left  on 
a  plant  to  perfect  their  seeds  will  exhaust  the  plants  more  than 
a  score  of  pods  gathered  when  young  and  juicy.  Such  pods  can 
scarcely  be  too  young,  if  grown  a  little  beyond  the  half  of  their 
full  size.  They  should  never  be  so  old  as  not  to  break  across 
freely,  if  they  are  expected  to  cook  well.  The  incipient  seeds 
should  never  be  more  than  visible.  The  almost  universal  custom 
is  to  cut  and  shred  even  young  pods  before  boiling,  allowing 
much  of  their  nourishing  properties  to  escape  into  the  water. 
We  wish  some  of  our  readers  would  try  boiling  young  Beans 
from  3  inches  long,  doing  nothing  to  them  except  nipping  the 
stalks  and  points  off,  and  then  report  their  opinion  of  the 
richer  flavour  of  the  dish. 

Broad  Beans,  though  excellent  when  young,  and  a  fine  stand- 
ing dish  when  full  grown  and  associated  with  bacon,  are  not 
appreciated,  because  not  tried,  as  they  ought  to  be,  when  the 
pods  are  young — just  when  the  seeds  are  forming  inside — the 
pods  boiled  whole,  as  indicated  above  for  young  Kidney  Beans, 
and  cut  at  table  into  the  sizes  most  suitable  for  convenience. 


In  this  case,  as  well  as  the  young  Kidney  Beans,  the  peculiar 
richness  is  greatly  owing  to  the  inside  of  the  Beans  coming  but 
little  in  direct  contact  with  water.  We  shall  be  glad  if  a  hint 
in  this  direction  prove  useful  or  suggestive.  We  have  no  doubt 
that  very  often  the  simplest  mode  of  doing  anything  will  turn 
out  to  be  the  best. 

Vegetable  Marrows. — Not  long  ago  we  saw  a  housewife  pare- 
ing  off  the  outsides  or  skin  of  young  Vegetable  Marrows,  pre- 
paratory to  boiling  them.  She  also  cut  them  open.  We  did 
not  wonder  that  the  lady  called  them  poor,  watery  stuff  at  the 
best.  In  our  opinion  they  are  one  of  the  richest  delicacies  grown 
— so  rich  that  we  rarely  taste  tbem  above  once  a-year,  but  we 
should  have  had  no  desire  to  taste  those  thus  peeled  previously, 
so  as  to  let  the  water  thoroughly  soak  them.  There  are  many 
ways  of  nsing  this  well-named  Marrow,  by  boiling,  frying,  &c, 
but  few  modes  for  simple  people  are  better  than  the  following  : — 
Select  the  Marrows  when  young,  say  from  6  to  8  inches  long, 
and  from  2J  to  3}  inches  in  diameter,  cut  them  with  a  good 
long  stalk,  and  if  clean  they  need  nothing  more ;  if  there 
should  be  a  little  Boil,  &c,  rub  or  wash  it  off  without  grazing 
the  skin  ;  place  them  in  boiling  water  vviih  a  little  carbonate  of 
soda  in  it ;  try  with  the  point  of  a  foik  onc9  or  twice  to  see 
that  they  are  done  enough,  but  not  so  deeply  as  to  let  the  water 
inside.  When  done  slice  them  down  the  middle,  and  remove 
the  soft  inside,  and  then  a  little  pepper  and  salt  added,  with  or 
without  melted  butter,  will  yield  a  dish  a  king  might  envy. 
We  never  tasted  a  Vegetable  Marrow  where  the  water  was  per- 
mitted to  get  inside  freely  but  we  considered  it  spoiled.  Good 
cooks,  of  course,  can  make  them  nice,  however  done,  just  as 
they  could  make  delicious  soup  from  flints  with  the  good  things 
they  could  add  to  the  flints ;  but  as  Vegetable  Marrows  are 
rather  plentiful  this  season,  it  may  not  be  out  of  place  to  tell 
how  they  may  be  made  most  delicious.  Even  when  they  are 
grown  to  a  large  size,  as  in  some  cottage  gardens,  along  with 
Gourds,  for  pies  and  puddings,  the  cottager  might  have  many 
a  dish  from  thinnings  of  the  young  fruit,  as  a  plant  will  seldom 
bring  many  of  a  large  size  to  maturity.  To  obtain  this  large 
size  we  have  been  mortified  to  see  dozens  of  young  fruit  thinned 
out  and  thrown  away,  when  even  a  little  pepper  and  salt  and 
boiling  water  would  have  turned  them  into  a  delicious  dishj 
They  are  so  rich  that  it  is  not  every  one  who  can  partake  of 
them  very  often,  unless  cooked  in  the  simplest  manner. 

Winter  Vegetables. — Thanks  to  a  little  sewage  just  at  the 
r'ootB,  and  frequent  surface- stirring  and  forking,  the  earliest 
are  more  forward  than  wo  expected  them  to  be,  end  after  the 
refreshing  rains  of  Monday,  we  turned  out  a  quantity  of  Broc- 
coli, Coleworts,  Borecoles,  &-e.,  drawing  deepish  drills,  and 
giviDg  a  little  water  along  the  drills  after  planting.  Some  of 
the  plants,  from  standing  rather  long  and  thickly  in  the  seed, 
beds,  bad  become  somewhat  leggy,  and  these  we  planted  chiefly 
with  the  help  of  a  crowbar,  eo  as  to  get  the  roots  deep  enough. 
This  was  especially  the  case  when  we  filled  up  the  spaces  be- 
tween rows  of  Gooseberries  and  Currants,  and  where  we  should 
not  have  liked  to  have  dug  the  ground  too  deeply,  even  in  the 
middle  of  the  space.  It  is  always  well  to  have  plenty  of  plants 
in  winter,  even  if  one  should  pull  them  up  early  in  spring.  It 
was  useless  to  plant  earlier  in  the  weather  we  lately  had,  and 
we  did  not  think  there  was  any  occasion  to  hurry,  as  the  first 
plantings-out  were  doing  well. 

Cauliflowers,  after  the  rain,  are  becoming  what  they  ought  to 
be,  and  we  hope  they  will  form  compact  heads  now,  instead  of 
spreading  and  shooting,  as  they  did  in  the  hot  weather.  In  a 
piece  planted  in  an  earth  pit,  the  greater  part  of  which  is  now 
removed,  and  the  space  filled  with  Savoys,  &c,  even  though 
assisted  with  sewage  water,  hardly  a  third  came  with  compact 
heads ;  the  rest  shot  away  like  a  bad  kind  of  sprouting  Broccoli, 
good  enough  for  hall  purposes,  but  quite  unfit  to  send  to  the 
dining-room.  We  planted  out  our  last  piece,  to  which  we  shall 
most  likely  give  a  little  protection. 

Most  of  our  earth  and  turf  pits,  which  we  use  for  hardening 
off  our  bedding  plants,  are  now  filled  with  Lettuces,  Little  Pixie 
Cabbage,  Rose  Coleworts,  and  the  Ulm  Savoy  beginning  to 
heart  well,  and  lookiDg  vigorous  now,  though  standing  merely 
one  foot  apart.  All  these  we  shall  get  off  early  in  winter,  as 
we  should  not  be  able  to  keep  four-footed  depredators  from 
them,  but  they  will  give  a  great  relief  to  the  vegetables  grown 
inside  the  walls.  We  have  planted  part  of  what  we  intend  for 
our  earliest  spring  main  crops  of  Cabbage,  giving  such  compact 
kinds  as  Veitch's  Matchless  18  by  9  inches,  and  a  larger  kind, 
alluded  to  previously,  2-1  by  15  inches.  We  could  hardly  say 
which  is  the  more  profitable  where  there  is  a  large  consump- 
tion.    A  head  of  the  latter  is  a  regular  fill-basket  when  well 


170 


^OTJBNAL  OP  HOBTICULTUBE  AND  COTTAGE  GABDENEB.  [  September  i.  m 


grown.  Two  or  three  of  the  former,  just  when  hearting  and 
Stable.  iU  tb6  6entre'  l0°k  Tery  weU  on  Mento- 

Our  main  last  spring  qnarters  of  Cabbages  were  very  stunted 
and  blue  in  the  hot,  dry  weather,  and  we  used  younger  plant- 
nigs,  chiefly  because  they  were  sweet,  soft,  and  succulent ;  but 
now  after  the  rain  these  old  quarters  ore  much  improved  and 
m  an  ordinary  winter  we  shall  be  able  to  cut  plenty  from  them. 
In  going  through  the  rows  we  noticed  that  the  bulk  of  the 
stumps  were  producing  from  five  to  twelve  youn?  Cabbages, 
and  as  they  are  removed  more  will  come.    We  like  young  Cole- 

™£?aT?fWeU  !  ^ «e,aleef«"»  °='°ber  and  onwards  to  the 
Spring,  but  even  planted  from  10  to  12  inches  apart  the  yield  is 
small  in  comparison  with  that  obtained  from  an  old  Cabbage 
at "nlrf  rILW6  hSV!  hea1  and  li8tened  i0  advice  to  destroy 
™?J  l£  oil8 6?uart°r  •ftJDd  d,epend  on  ?°™8<*  Pl»n»».  but  we 

Ah*  mL  i  fWh°  C,°D8-der  the  1aestion  of  Pwfi'  «d  loss  to 
think  twice  before  clearing  away  such  a  source  of  a  large  con- 

SXEJSSS?7™  TmterV,We  general,y  allow  °™«  'o8  stand 
K°tnrgencheesW1Dt6r  ^  "«  WaQt  ,he  ground  f°r  PeaB  and 

Jta^^VT  °blig,e<1  *°  8hade  the  beds  we  PIanted  in 

h«  laf.wi  P  lt  aIlTe' and  even  with  some  showers  we  shall 

t'Sr       The  chief  bolk  is  «till  unplanted,  because 

22h  ^.S.    an  »en  water  where  u  was  srowin8  thick'y ia 

££Lt£  E  Y£  C?Uld  J"?  6asiIv  d0  whea  transferred  per- 
manently  to  the  trench  beds.    Fortunately  the  plants   were 

^MmSSi^'  f,r6  ?°W  8tr0Dg  8cd  J»«ri.nt.  and  m 
SS^J  w  lar8f  balls  they  will  suffer  but  little  from  the 
removal      We  must,  therefore,  vary  our  practice  according  to 

EanTr  Tr^W*lth  '?  1Utle  Wat6r'  if  tbe8a  *>«»■  b»d  been 
JK*J  tbe  '""J**?  ™  should  have  expected  the  most 
shall  Z  £J?*!  Btart6f  lnto  bloom  from  mere  drvness.  We 
ftfS,  r,W,  Sfnrp"sed  and  disappointed  if  one  per  cent,  of 
t^lfl  i  •  aft6r  b61Dg  tnrnod  out-  8bould  bolt ;  and  as  we 
expect  to  have  more  moisture  in  the  autumn  the  plants  will 

fSnZfJZ  „  ■ Qd  VI4oro,U8ly-  September  is  the  great  month 
for  Celery  growing.     Wa  have  earthed-up  none  as  yet  though 

3" L™*™f  t0  b6  takiD8  °P 'o°g  before^ow  '  At  one 
L  til  J'^  g,  Tn,eeev6ary  t0  have  lar«6  fine  CBl«y  at  latest 
KS  °f  ^  but  "  conId  Dot  be  had  large  and  fine  so 
early  without  a  good  degree  of  forcing  and  no  lack  of  moisture. 

hJ^^TiT0?1?8  1°,  neceseary  "Pairs  in  the  Mushroom 
house  we  shall  not  be  able  to  commence  there  for  some  time  i 
and  not  w!shing  to  have  a  break  in  the  supply,  if  we  can  obtain 
water  enough  to  wet  heat,  and  partially"  decompose  a  lot  of 
ST&  ,  f-  W6 Jth-?k  0f  making  a  bed  or  two  out  of  doors  in 
™  -™'i?  \°ned,  "d,ge  0r  triaDgIe  form-  At  the  present  time 
E  JSSl ?«  ^aw  tbe,9e»dges  large,  as  then  they  would  be  apt 
Fn^ELl  ♦  HeaV°.?  l0Dg  ,0  6nabIe  us  t0  H>awn  tbem  quickly. 
For  a  bed  to  stand  through  the  winter  they  ought  to  be  larger, 
say  at  least  i  feet  wide  at  the  base,  and  3  j  feet  to  the  apex.  With 
good  covering  to  keep  out  cold  and  wet,  we  have  never  had 
better  Mushrooms  than  from  such  out-door  ridges.  Of  course 
there  was  trouble  in  uncovering  and  covering.  Fora  temporary 
purpose  such  as  we  propose,  we  should  be  satisfied  just  now 

™$JJZ°tlmCleu",ide  8nd  2i  incbeB  in  height,  made  of 
hSh¥*  thf^  half-decomposed  dung,  and  then  a  couple  of 

Shti?  i .1°  °l  dr°PP1De3  added  all  over.  We  are  rather  in- 
rt^n.n.i  tnJ8,.beca.nse,we  cannot  make  up  our  mind  to  follow 
Krlnint  r°^tl0«  '1 the  open  Bhed'  wbich  we  use  for  summer 
£25P  ?g'  ?  .  fi-rst  Enmmer  piece  has  there  been  bearing 
hZ£7l%  7t°ni  vu  we.eks  :  the  8econd  lutle  Piece  is  showing 
What  wnnwT  ''I*  pin  beads-  1uite  as  soon  as  we  wanted8 
What  would  have  been  the  third  piece  is  occupied  by  a  bed 
XSSJL  £  *  two]Temonth  ago,  and  which  produced  freely  in 

w™;^°Ve,?ber,,an.d,the  first  Part  ol  December,  and  then 
was  pretty  well  neglected,  as  the  house  beds  gave  us  plenty  to 
goon  with  This  little  bed,  as  witnessed  by  soma  of  our 
leading  gardeners  the  other  day,  is  a  proof  that  many  of  the 
i^a1  wu-l\  Jil13hrooms  a"  the  results  of  mistaken  kind- 
rfSl*  >l  u  vf.B,  ne8lected  during  the  winter,  and  in  a  cold 
night  though  a  little  was  left,  the  chief  part  of  the  covering 
T"w,as  rem?ved  to  protect  other  things.  In  the  spring  the 
otter  beds  in  the  shed  were  turned  out  for  compost-making, 

H£f£  ♦*"%  &;°/  Jn  COmiDg  t0  thia  1Ut'e  bed  the  man  who 
stands  to  the  Mushrooms  drew  our  attention  to  the  freshness 
ol  the  spawn.  He  cleaned  the  surface  well,  made  a  few  little 
holes,  and  gave  the  bed  a  good  watering  with  warm  manure 
water  at  about  100°,  covered  it  up  with  a  little  hay  and  litter,  as 
narwLWe  "°°lle°t,  about  the  end  of  April,  and  from  the  end 
of  May  and  the  middle  of  June  we  have  gathered  freely,  and 


there  are  good  Mushrooms  now  at  the  end  of  August.  Of 
oourse  it  has  not  equalled  in  yield  the  first  bed  put  up  in  the 
shed  this  season,  but  it  still  yields  enough  to  render  it  a  little 
imprudent  to  turn  it  out  for  the  sake  of  immediately  making  a 
new  bed.  As  far  as  we  recollect  the  flat  bed  is  about  16  inches 
deep,  and  the  bulk  of  it  is  short  dryish  litter,  with  a  casing  of 
about  3  inches  of  droppings.  No  doubt  the  rest  in  winter 
helped  it  to  produce  this  summer.  All  we  can  say  is  the 
Mushrooms  were  very  acceptable,  as  they  oame  in  well  when 
those  in  the  house  were  becoming  rather  thin  in  texture  before 
the  first  bed  in  the  shed  was  ready. 

_  We  have  frequently  alluded  to  the  simplest  modes  of  obtain- 
ing Mushrooms.  Perhaps  the  chief  cause  of  failure  is  a  want  of 
patience.  The  material  must  not  be  spawned  too  hot.  It  is  easy 
to  give  a  little  heat,  when  necessary,  by  covering,  watching 
that  the  covering  does  not  make  the  bed  too  hot.  Of  all 
materials  we  prefer  horse  droppings,  with  nearly  an  equal 
amount  of  short  litter— not  too  much  wasted,  decomposed,  or 
dried  previous  to  use. 

For  ridge  beds,  nothing  is  better  than  dryish  hall-decomposed 
littery  dung,  such  as  is  often  obtained  from  tbe  linings  to  hot- 
beds. One  of  the  best  beds  we  ever  had  in  a  shed  was  made  of 
equal  parts  of  stubble,  longieh  dryish  litter,  and  rather  long 
green  grass.  We  relied  on  the  grass  to  give  a  certain  amount 
of  moisture  to  the  other  materials,  and  also  a  fair  amount  of 
nitrogen.  These  materials  did  not  heat  very  strongly,  but,  as 
they  were  well  mixed,  enough  to  consolidate  them  when  trodden 
and  beaten.  When  the  heat  was  on  the  decline,  2  inohes  of 
droppings  were  added  and  well  beaten,  and  when  the  heat  was 
suitable  the  bed  waB  spawned,  and  in  a  few  days  earthed-np. 
When  that  bed  was  turned  out  a  year  afterwards  one  could  still 
see  the  straws  of  the  litter  and  the  stubble,  and  over  every  straw 
the  spawn  had  spread  like  a  network.  As  already  stated,  we 
think  horse  droppings  are  the  best,  but  we  mention  the  above 
fact  merely  to  show  those  short  of  the  best  materials  that  they 
may  make  the  most  of  what  they  have.  In  fact,  we  do  not  see 
why  every  farmer  who  has  an  empty  stall,  a  piece  of  shed 
unused,  or  a  piece  of  a  oellar  unoccupied,  should  not  have 
Mushrooms  pretty  well  all  the  year  round  if  he  can  obtain  the 
material  and  exercise  patience — that  is,  neither  spawn  too  Boon, 
nor  earth- up  too  soon.  Heat  destroys  ten  times  more  beds 
than  coolness  and  all  other  causes  put  together.  To  give  too 
high  a  temperature  to  Mushroom  spawn  is  just  as  wise  as  bring- 
ing a  plant  from  alpine  snows,  and  expecting  it  to  flourish  in  a 
tropical  hothouse. 

The  rains  of  Monday  evening  enabled  us  to  roll  and  con- 
solidate firmly  the  walks  in  the  pleasure  ground  treated  as 
alluded  to  last  week. — R.  F. 


TRADE   CATALOGUE  RECEIVED. 

William  Paul,  Paul's  Nurseries,   Waltham  Cross,  London,  N.— 
Bulb  Catalogue  fur  1870. 


TO    CORRESPONDENTS. 

*#*  We  request  that  no  one  will  write  privately  to  any  of  the 
correspondents  of  the  "  Journal  of  Horticulture,  Cottago 
Gardener,  and  Country  Gentleman."  By  doing  so  they 
are  subjected  to  unjustifiable  trouble  and  exponse.  AU 
communications  should  therefore  be  addressed  solely  to 
The  Editors  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture,  <f>c,  171,  Fleet 
Street,  London,  E.G. 

We  also  request  that  correspondents  will  not  mix  up  on  the 
same  sheet  questions  relating  to  Gardening  and  those  on 
Poultry  and  Bee  subjects,  if  they  expect  to  get  them  an- 
swered promptly  and  conveniently,  but  write  them  on 
separate  communications.  Also  never  to  send  more  than 
two  or  three  questions  at  once. 

N.B. — Many  questions  must  remain  unanswered  until  next 
week. 

Tan  Manure  (Subtcriber).— Spent  tanners'  bark  nseel  as  a  horse's  bed- 
ding, and  consequently  mixed  with  hia  urine  and  droppings,  is  an  excel- 
lent fertiliser.    The  fresher  lt  is  U8ed  the  better. 

Kkepino  Walnuts  (A  Subscriber).— When  quite  ripe  and  out  of  the 
green  hnak,  p»t  them  in  stone  jars  or  sine-lined  boxes,  in  alternate  layers 
with  moderately  dry  sand,  and  keep  them  in  a  cold  cellar. 

Pinb  Sawdust  as  a  Manure  [J.  N.).— There  is  nothing  in  red  Pina 
sawdust  to  render  it  injurious  as  a  manure;  and  soaked  and  mixed  as 
you  mention  with  the  excrements  either  of  horses  or  pigs  it  would  be  a 
powerful  and  enduring  fertiliser. 

Malvbbh  Hali,  MatoN  (FT.  a  J.— It  is  a  scarlet-fleshed  kind  ol  fine 
flavour. 


September  1,  1870. 


JOURNAL  OF  HOKTICULTURH  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


171 


Seedling  Bronze  Pelargoniums  (H.  E.  J.).— Your  seedllnga  are  very 
pretty,  but  there  are  many  like  tbem,  and  they  are  not  distinct  from 
others  now  in  cultivation  either  in  the  foliage  or  colour  of  the  flowora. 

Sblect  Pelargoniums  [A  Subscriber).  —Show.—  Heroine,  Llewellyn, 
Attraction,  Archbishop,  Captain  John,  Heirloom,  Hermit  (Foster), 
Emperor,  Sceur  de  Charite,  Progress,  Empress,  Maid  of  Honour.  Spotted 
Pelargoniums.— Amy  Robaart,  Guillaame  Severyns,  King  Arthur,  Eugene 
Duval,  Landseer,  MonBieur  Rougiere,  Dr.  Andry,  Monsieur  Bouchdrlat, 
Nabob,  Spotted  Gem,  William  Bull,  Madame  Charles  Keteleer. 

Zonal  Geraniums  for  Pot  Culture  (Mem).— Jean  Sisley,  Lord  Derby, 
Clipper,  Surpasse  Beaute  de  Snresnes,  Provost,  Leonida9,  Glow,  Rev.  H. 
Dombrain,  Excellent,  Warrior,  Rose  Rendatler,  Chieftain. 

Hybrid  Perpetual  Roses  por  Pot  Culture  {Idem).— AntoineDucher, 
Duchesse  de  Cavlus,  General  Jacqueminot,  John  Hopper,  Jules  Margottln, 
Madame  Victor  Verdier,  Mdlle.  Bonoaire,  Mdlle.  Therese  Levet,  Senatour 
Vaisae,  Victor  Verdier,  Fisher  Holmes,  Marechal  Vaillant. 

Selected  PnLoxES  (Idem).— Madame  Barillot,  Mdlle.  Hormine  de  Ta- 
renne,  Conitesso  de  Chambord,  Comtosse  de  la  Panouse,  Monsieur  Linden, 
Monsieur  C.  Turner,  Queen  Victoria,  Monsieur  Malet,  Madame  Marie 
Saison,  Madame  Froment,  Madame  Domage,  Edith. 

Selected  Antirrhinums  {Idem).— Algeria,  George  Gordon,  Oberon, 
Rosa.  Yellow  Gem,  Pretty  Polly,  Admiral,  Grand  Duke,  Leopard,  Nonpa- 
reil, Undine,  Gladiator. 

Lilium  lancifolium  (D.  White).— Album  and  Rubrnm  are  varieties  of 
the  same  species. 

Wintering  Bedding  Geraniums  in  a  Melon  Frame  (An  Amateur). — 
We  do  not  consider  that  Melon  frames,  or  indeed  frames  of  any  kind,  are 
suitable  for  wintering  such  kinds  of  Geraniums  as  Cloth  of  Gold,  Bijou, 
Stella,  Flower  of  Spring,  and  Oak-leaved.  To  winter  them  properly  they 
require  a  house  or  pit  with  means  of  applying  fire  heat  in  cold  and  doll 
moist  weather,  to  keep  out  frost  and  expel  damp.  Wintering  in  cold 
frames  is  always  attended  with  great  risk  of  damping,  the  lights  having 
very  often  to  be  kept  closed  on  account  of  cold  when  the  plants  are  damp- 
ing off  and  require  air.  Some,  however,  are  under  the  necessity  of  win- 
tering them  in  cold  frames,  and  we  therefore  advise  you  to  choose  tho 
warmest,  most  sheltered  spot  you  can  find,  and  the  site  must  be  dry.  Let 
the  lights  face  the  south,  and  slope  well  so  as  to  throw  off  the  wet  rapidly, 
for  when  they  are  flat  there  is  a  danger  of  drip.  Set  the  frame  on  bricks, 
having  at  least  one  course  above  the  surrounding  ground  level,  and  leave 
between  the  bricks  a  tpaoe  of  about  an  inch.  Fill  coarse  gravel  or  loose 
rubble  to  the  level  of  the  bricks,  and  then  an  inch  or  two  of  coarse  ashes, 
and  you  can  then  surface  with  an  inch  of  finer  gravel  for  tho  pots  to  stand 
on.  Place  the  plants  in  as  small  pots  as  can  be  done  without  reducing 
the  roots  to  a  very  great  extent,  and  set  the  pots  on  the  ashes.  If  the 
aoil  be  moist  but  not  wet  you  will  not  need  to  water,  but  givo  air  day  and 
night  when  the  temperatnre  outside  is  above  85°.  Early  in  December 
remove  any  leaves  at  all  likely  to  damp,  but  not  the  fresh  leaves  and 
growing  points,  and  with  a  sharp  knife  cut  off  any  shoots  or  portions  of 
shoots  in  which  decay  may  have  begun.  This  done,  clear  away  every 
decayed  leaf  and  return  the  plants  to  the  frame,  plunging  the  pots  to  the 
rims  in  dry  cocoa-nut  fibre  refuse  or  ceal  ashes,  with  the  finer  particles 
sifted  out.  No  water  bhould  be  given  however  dry  the  Boil.  A  dry  fine 
day  should  be  chosen  for  this  preparation  of  the  plants  for  the  winter. 
Outside  the  frame,  all  round  the  sides  and  ends,  place  coal  ashes,  piling 
them  up  level  with  the  under  Bide  of  the  ligl  t ',  or  as  high  as  you  can 
without  preventing  the  sashes  being  drawn  off.  In  rainy  weather  tilt  the 
lights  at  back,  and  whenever  the  weather  is  mild  give  air  day  and  night. 
In  frosty  weather  the  lights  will  of  course  need  to  be  kept  on,  and  pro- 
tecting material  will  often  be  necessary  in  addition,  and  it  may  remain  on 
daring  the  day  when  the  temperature  out  of  doors  does  not  exceed  82°. 
In  very  severe  weather  you  will  need  a  covering  of  straw  6  inches  thick 
in  addition  to  a  double  thickness  of  mats.  The  straw  should  be  dry  and 
overhang  the  frame  by  6  inches  all  round.  This  should  only  be  resorted 
to  in  hard  frost,  and  should  remain  on  day  as  well  as  night  as  long  as  the 
temperature  in  the  shade  does  not  rise  above  S'Z*.  On  fine  days  expose 
fully,  give  air  in  all  mild  weather,  and  pick  off  all  decayed  loaves. 

Coleus  for  Bedding  (Duncan  SI'Neil).—  The  better  kinds  of  Coleus 
are  not  suitable  for  the  northern  counties.  The  kinds  most  suitable  are 
C  Verscbaffelti,  and  Coleus  Beauty  of  St.  John's  Wood.  Tho  latter  ii  of 
free  growth,  and  endures  neat  and  cold  well.  To  have  good  plants  for 
planting  out  at  the  beginning  of  next  June,  and  to  give  an  effect  at  once, 
we  put  in  the  cuttings  at  this  time  singly  in  3-inch  pots,  and  strike  them 
in  s  frame  with  a  gentle  heat.  When  struck  remove  them  fro  shelves  in  a 
bouse  having  a  temperature  of  not  less  than  45'  in  winter,  keeping  them 
dry  and  near  the  glass.  In  February  we  shift  them  into  6-inch  pots,  and 
in  April  into  9-incb  pots,  and  commence  hardening  them  off  by  the  middle 
of  May,  by  which  lime  they  will  be  fine  plants,  affording  an  effect  at  once. 
They  are  stopped  in  order  that  they  may  be  of  compact  growth,  and  the 
tope,  if  inserted  in  a  hotbed,  will  make  small  plants  by  June.  However, 
in  cold  northern  localities,  the  Coleuses  are  of  little  value,  and  unless 
planted  out  when  strong  and  effective  to  begin  with,  they  are  best  left 
alone,  for  small  plants  put  out  in  the  hope  of  becoming  larger  have  but 
a  email  chance  of  doing  so. 

Neapolitan  Violets  (Idem).— For  blooming  in  winter  these  do  not 
require  bottom  heat.  Plant  them  in  the  frame  early  in  October,  after 
taking  them  up  with  balls.  Light  turfy  loam  with  one-third  leaf  soil  or 
well-decayed  manure  intermixed,  will  answer  very  well.  The  plants 
should  be  6  inches  from  the  glass,  the  distance  from  the  soil  to  the  glass 
being  9  or  10  inches.  Russian  Violets  require  the  same  soil.  They 
cannot  have  too  much  air ;  but  they  should  be  protected  from  frost  by 
mats  or  other  covering  in  frosty  weather. 

Replanting  Tulips  {Idem).— The  bulbs  having  been  left  in  the  ground 
all  summer,  we  should  not  advise  their  being  taken  up  this  autumn  on 
the  removal  of  the  bedding  plants.  After  lightly  stirring  the  Burface 
with  a  fork,  give  a  top-dreBsing,  a'lout  H  Inch  thick,  of  loam  and  leaf 
soil  in  equal  parts.  If  you  could  have  taken  up  your  Tulips  before  they 
bad  made  fresh  roots,  we  would  have  Bdvised  replanting  as  soon  as  the 
ground  had  been  manured  and  dug.  Ihe  only  advantage  in  taking  them 
np  would  be  iu  your  being  able  to  remove  the  offsets  and  small  bulbs  not 
likely  to  flower,  and  to  enrich  the  soil.  If  they  had  begun  to  mate  fresh 
roots  when  taken  up  the  removal  would  be  more  injurious  than  beneficial. 
Beet  Seed  (Idem).—  The  eeed  you  have  ripening  from  plants  of  last 
fear's  sowing  will  be  equal  to  that  you  could  purchase.  \ 


Marquise  de  Mortbhart  (R.  P.}.— This  is  not  a  Rose  of  strong 
growth;  indeed,  few  Roses  of  that  shadt  of  colour  are.  It  i  9,  however, 
well  worth  growing,  and  fine  blooms  have  nice  shell-shaped  satiny  petals. 
Weak  blooms  are  certainly  apt  to  be  flat. 

Superior  Hybrid  Perpetual  and  Tea  Rosbs  op  ths  Last  Foua 
Sbabons  (B.  H.  B.).  —  Of  1867-  —  Antolue  Ducher,  Black  Prince,  like 
Pierre  Notting ;  Horaoe  Vernet  and  Annie  Wood,  both  very  good ; 
Monsieur  Noman  and  Princess  Mary  of  Cambridge,  two  of  tho  best  pinks. 
Of  1868. — Boule  de  Neige,  very  good  pillar  Rose;  Duke  of  Edinburgh, 
very  flue  colour;  Christine  Nilsson,  Elie  Morel,  Francois  Fontaine, 
Madame  la  Baronne  de  Rothschild,  one  of  the  greatest  acquisitions  of 
late  years  ;  Pitord,  Reine  du  Midi.  0/1869. — Berthe  Baron,  Emilie  Hans- 
burg,  Julie  Touvais,  Henri  Ledechanx,  Dupuy  Jamin,  Devieune  Lamy, 
Monsieur  Creyton,  Marquise  de  Mortemart,  Nardy  Freres,  Thyra  Ham- 
merich.  and  Victor  le  Bihan.  Of  1870. — It  has  been  a  trying  season  to 
test  this  year's  Roses.  Candide,  Ch*rles  Turner,  Comtesse  d 'Oxford, 
Ferdinard  de  LeBSeps,  Jules  Seurre,  Louis  Van  Houtte,  Mdlle.  Eugenie 
Verdier,  Marquise  de  Castellane,  Paul  Neron,  Reine  des  Beautes,  and 
Thomas  Methven.  Teas  of  1867,  1868,  1869,  and  1870.— Madamo  Mar- 
gottin,  Clotilde,  Reine  du  Portugal,  Mnrie  Sialey,  Marie  Duoher,  Mont- 
plaiaier,  Belle  Lyonuaise,  and  Catherine  Uermet. 

Peaches  (V.  W.  Popham).—  There  Is  no  such  Peach  as  Dymond. 
Probably  it  is  Diamond,  a  seedling  raised  by  Mr.  Veitch,  of  Exetor,  some 
years  ago.  Since  the  rain  my  splendid  crop  of  Peaches  and  Nectarines 
is  swelling  beautifully.  (R.).— Mr.  Standish's  Early  Ascot  is  beautiful 
and  excellent.  It  ripens  soon  after  the  Karly  York,  which  id  still  one  of 
the  best  early  Peaches.  Early  Victoria  Is  much  like  it,  but  larger 
and  very  delicious.  Early  Alfred  is  also  an  early  Peach  of  great  beauty 
and  excellence,  and  an  excellent  cropper.  Lord  Palmerston  is  a  very  large 
and  fine  Peach,  not  yet  tasted.  Too  much  praiBe  cannot  be  given  to 
Princess  of  Wales  as  a  very  large  late  Pouch .  in  season  here  from  tho 
J  th  to  the  end  of  September.  It  forms  a  good  succession  to  Barrington, 
one  of  our  best  lato  Peaches.  It  has  a  creamy  cheek  with  delicate  pink 
suffusion.  My  trees  are  in  famous  triple  bud,  and  the  wood  is  hard  aud 
nearly  ripe.  In  the  Rose  "Glimpse,"  page  144,  real  Blanche  "  Mem," 
and  not  "  Meon."— W.  F.  Radclyefb. 

Diseased  Pear  Leaves  {R.  S.  T.).—  They  are  suffering  from  the  para- 
sitic fungus  RoeBtelia  cancellata.  There  is  no  remedy  now,  for  picking 
off  tho  leaves  and  burning  them  would  be  of  no  use,  jh  the  sporee 
are  shod.  When  the  leaves  fall  collect  them,  p  ire  off  an  inca  depth  of 
the  soil  around  the  tree,  and  burn  all  togothor.  Paint  the  stem  and 
branches  with  a  mixture  of  clay  and  sulphur,  look  out  nest  year  for 
the  first  reappearance  of  tho  fungus,  and  pick  off  the  leaves  as  fast  as  it 
appears  upon  them. 

Terra-cotta  Gas  Stoves  (Hoirell).-Vi'G  have  not  Been  tho  torra-cotta 
stoves  of  Mr.  Bonnet  In  use,  heated  by  gas.  We  have  no  doubt  that  with 
tho  dish  beneath  supplied  with  water,  the  flame  of  gas  rogulated,  and 
especially  if  argand  burners  are  used,  that  there  will  be  so  little  escape 
of  gas,  that  the  stove  would  do  admirably  for  halls,  corridors,  &c,  where 
plenty  of  air  was  admitted.  We  are  informed  that  with  argftDd  burners, 
under  such  circumstances,  there  is  no  escape  and  no  smell.  For  our- 
selves, if  using  the  stove  for  plants,  wo  would  prefer  a  sm  ill  pipo,  even  if 
less  than  a  quarter  of  an  inch  in  diameter,  to  go  from  the  top  of  the  3tove 
into  the  open  air.  For  your  place  a  -kJ-shilling  stove  would  do,  but  as  it 
is  always  desirable  to  have  enough  of  heat,  the  largest  might  be  desirable. 
We  are  well  aware  tbat  the  heat  will  be  more  genial  than  from  iron 
stoves.    The  water  below  is  also  an  advantage. 

Watering  Vires  in  a  Conservatory  Bordbr  (A.  A.).— Water  delivered 
from  pressure,  and  if  cold,  is  often  not  beneficial.  We  think  if  yon 
examine  the  Vine  roots  you  will  find  them  overdry.  Whv  not  have  a 
latticed  path  over  the  roots  instead  of  the  gravel  pain  inside  ?  Gravel  is 
very  deceiving  in  this  respect,  and  you  cannot  easily  water  sufficiently 
without  breaking  It  up.  Watoring  the  floor  in  your  case  will  be  safer 
than  sj ringing  the  Vines. 

Flower-garden  Border  Planting  (Kiltie).— You  will  find  an  answer 
to  your  inquiries  at  page  161.  For  such  a  narrow  border  three  lines 
would  be  more  effective  than  any  composition.  What  you  have  will  do 
very  well  if  you  can  keep  the  Tropeeolums  right  by  picking.  We  would 
greatly  prefer  a  row  of  Scarlet  Geraniums  instead,  and  if  cuttings  are 
inserted  now,  as  Btated  in  *' Doings  of  tho  Last  Week  "  a  fortnight  ago, 
It  would  take  little  room  in  winter  to  hold  about  three  hundred.  Some- 
thing like  Tom  Thumb,  Little  David,  or  Brilliant  would  be  best,  as  not 
too  high  for  Calceolarias  at  the  back,  aud  the  variegated  Alyssum  in 
front,  next  the  Ivy. 

Training  Miniature"  Apple  and  Pear  Trbes  (Amateur).— We  cannot 
advise  you  as  to  training  your  young  grafted  fruit  trees  as  bushes  or  as 
pyramids,  as  both  are  good,  and  both  havo  their  advantages.  You  can 
have  more  plants  as  pyramids,  but,  on  the  other  hand,  the  bushes  fill  the 
places  best,  instead  of  leaving  room  between,  as  with  pyramids.  In 
either  case  you  must  cut  your  one  Bhoot,  so  as  to  secure  a  base,  but 
perhaps  it  would  be  as  well  to  defer  that  until  tho  spring,  as  shoots 
made  after  cutting  or  stopping  now  would  not  be  ripened.  If  resolved 
on  pyramids,  after  forming  a  base,  you  must  keep  one  leader  instead  of  a 
number.    On  the  whole  we  think  the  bash  plan  the  more  profitable. 

Shading  Poinsettia  pulcherrima  apter  Potting  (J.  B.).— Poinsettla 
pulcherrima  when  freBh  potted  will  be  the  better  of  a  little  shade.  After- 
wards, and  especially  in  autumn,  the  plants  can  scarcely  have  too  much 
sun  light  to  ripen  the  terminal  buds. 

Giving  Liquid  Manure  to  Strawberries  (Idem).— We  give  no  manure 
water  to  fresh-potted  Strawberry  plants  until  the  roots  begin  to  touch 
the  sides  of  the  pots.  Your  pots  must  be  large  and  the  plant*  very  fine 
if  from  a  thousand  pots  forced  you  can  gather  a  ton  of  fruit ;  that  would 
be  nearly  2£  lbs.  from  a  pot. 

Golden,  Silver,  and  Haresfoot  Ferns  (A.  Z.).~ Thero  are  neither 
golden  nor  silver  Haresfoot  Ferns,  but  if  you  mem  different  species, 
then  of  Gymnograminas  there  are  the  common  golden  and  silver,  but  no 
species  of  them  thrives  in  a  greenhouse.  There  is  a  golden  Adiantum 
(A.  Bulphureuml,  and  also  a  silver  one  (A.  scabrum),  both  of  which 
succeed  admirably  in  a  greenhouse.  The  genus  known  popularly  as 
Haresfoot  Ferns  is  Davallia,  of  which  D.  canariense,  D.  pyxidata,  D.  Lind- 
leyi,  and  D.  solida  will  thrive  in  a  greenhouse,  the  first  named  being  the 
commonest  species. 
Potatoes  (L.  /.  if  V— In  the  Borough  and  Farringdon  Markets  they  are 


172 


JOUBNAL  OF   HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


f  September  1, 1870. 


especially  sold  in  wholesale  quantities  by  weight.  The  great  railway 
Potato  market  is  at  King's  Cross. 

Strawberries  Losing  tiieir  Colour  {E,  C,  Oakhavx). — We  cannot 
tell  how  tho  Strawberries,  after  being  planted  two  or  three  years,  lose 
their  colour — become  whitish,  though  well  flavoured.  Probably  in  your 
shaly  soil  a  good  annual  dressing  of  rich  manure  and  a  little  soot  would 
prevent  it.  If  not,  you  must  plant  oftener.  The  varieties  we  prefer  are 
British  Queen,  Empress  Eugenie,  Dr.  Hogg,  and  Keens'  Seedling;  but 
tastes  differ,  and  so  do  varieties  in  different  soils  and  climatos. 

Burning  Sulphur  in  a  YrNERY  {Dilemma), — We  cannot  understand 
how  anyone  having  a  knowledge  of  plants  could  venture  even  to  "  burn  a 
pinch  of  sulphur"  in  a  vinery.  The  sulphurous  acid  formed  by  such 
burning  is  death  to  any  part  of  a  leaf  that  inhales  it.  The  Vines,  the 
leaves  of  which  you  have  thus  injured,  will  have  their  present  crop 
deteriorated,  and  next  year's  crop  lessened  probably.  Keep  the  air  of  the 
vinery  moist,  and  do  not  remove  any  leaf  that  has  a  particle  of  green 
surface  left ;  such  leaves  and  new  cues  which  will  be  formed  probably 
may  mature  the  crop. 

Ailanthus  glandulosa  (F.  Z>.).— It  is  now  very  common.  If  you  state 
what  you  wish  to  exchange,  and  what  you  require  in  return,  wo  will 
insert  your  wishes  in  the  exchange  column  if  you  enclose  twelve  postage 
stamps. 

Names  of  Fruits  (A.  M.  E.). — Plums.'— 1,  Orleans  ;  2,  Lucombo's  None- 
such ;  3,  Goliath ;  4,  No  wood  sent.  Apples. — 2,  Margil ;  3,  Nonesuch. 
Pears.— 1,  Williams's  Bon  Chretien;  2,  Gansel's  Bergamot;  3,  Nouveau 
Poiteau;  4,  Passe  Colniar;  5,  Striped  Virgouleuse.  Many  of  the  Pears 
are  too  immature. 


POULTRY,   BEE,   AND   PIGEON   CHRONICLE. 


A  TRIP  INTO  GLOUCESTERSHIRE  AFTER 
POULTRY.— No.  2. 

As  I  began  to  enter  Stroud,  it  was  easy  to  be  seen  that  its 
inhabitants  had  determined  to  make  their  picturesquely  situ- 
ated town  as  gay-looking  as  possible.  There  was  such  a  dis- 
play of  bunting  that  I  began  to  think  whether  that  was  not  its 
staple  manufacture,  until  a  motto  over  an  arch  recalled  to  my 
mind  the  truth,  for  its  words  were,  "  Success  to  our  staple 
trade,  superfine  cloth."  There  were  flags  everywhere,  and 
wreaths  of  evergreens,  and  garlands  and  festoons,  which  all 
told  of  the  long  and  successful  labour  of  many  hands.  Thank- 
ful am  I  to  say  that  we  were  spared  the  almost  inevitable  fir 
trees  in  the  streets,  the  only  benefit  of  which  is,  that  they  are 
decorations  which  cost  no  trouble,  while,  on  the  contrary,  the 
good  Stroud  people  evidently  had  spared  themselves  no  trouble. 
I  rode  under  numerous  arches,  reading  and  commenting  upon 
their  various  mottos — mottos  religious  and  secular,  mottos 
agricultural  and  commercial,  and  I  said  back  what  one  said  to 
me,  "  Happy  to  see  you."  A  motto  over  a  very  telling  arch, 
but  somewhat  bidden  by  its  surroundings,  puzzled  me  awhile. 
At  first  I  read  it  as,  "  Success  to  the  Gas,"  but  could  not  con- 
clude that  gas  was  a  recent  introduction  in  the  go-a-head 
borough  of  Stroud.  Then  I  read  it  "  Success  to  the  Gals," 
and  I  thought,  however  right  the  feeling  expressed,  yet  Stroud 
men  might  have  been  more  gallant,  and  should  have  written 
"  Success  to  the  Ladies."  I  then  noticed  a  little  comma,  and 
the  puzzling  word  was  no  word  at  all,  but  "  G.  A'l.  S.,"  which 
I  presume  meant  "Gloucestershire  Agricultural  Society." 
Bight  through  the  town  we  go,  and  I  always  notice  that  in 
prosperous  towns  the  respectable  outlying  part,  the  verge,  the 
fringe  so  to  speak,  whatever  be  the  scenery,  is  very  pleasing  to 
an  eye  that  loves  the  subjects  dilated  on  in  "our  Journal,"  for 
it  is  in  this  part  that  the  inhabitants  build  villas,  and  make 
their  homes  beautiful  with  tree,  shrub,  and  flower  ;  and  on  tho 
bright  paths  or  green  grass,  or  swinging  on  the  gates,  I  see 
pretty  little  children  with  bright  blue  eyes,  and  bright  locks, 
some  very  "  golden  fleeces,"  blowing  in  the  breeze,  their  fathers 
so  many  happy  Jasons,  and  cheeks,  as  on  this  day,  a-glow  with 
excitement,  and  eyes  watching  with  delight  the  holiday-makers 
as  they  drive  past.  Truly  there  is  no  prettier  sight  in  the 
world  than  a  well-built,  well-gardened  English  villa.  A  mansion 
often  looks  cold  and  desolate,  a  palace  not  unfrequently  looks 
gloomy  though  grand,  but  an  English  villa  looks  a  bright, 
happy,  liveable  place. 

Having  driven  past  several  such  villas,  we  reach  Stratford 
Park,  where  the  Show  is  held.  "Bath  and  West  of  England, 
but  smaller,"  is  my  exclamation  as  I  enter.  The  Gloucester- 
shire Agricultural  Society  held  its  first  show  in  1858,  that  was 
at  Gloucester.  Since  1862  it  has  been  peripatetic,  and  now  for 
the  first  time  wandered  to  Stroud,  and,  I  am  told,  is  larger  than 
it  ever  was  before.  There  is  also  this  year  another  improve- 
ment, particularly  interesting  to  us  of  this  Journal — a  Poultry 
and  Pigeon  Show  has  been  added.  I  understand  that  this  de- 
cision was  arrived  at  very  late,  but  energy  brought  success. 


There  was  energy  and  liberality  in  the  Committee,  for  they 
gave  a  silver  cup,  and  seven  other  cups  came  from  various 
liberal  persons  or  classes.  Thus  from  all  I  saw  and  heard  at 
Stroud,  there  seems  to  have  been  but  ono  spirit  pervading  its 
worthy  inhabitants  and  their  neighbours,  that  of  putting  their 
shoulders  to  the  wheel,  and  doing  all  they  could,  and  doing  it 
for  the  most  part  well. 

The  placards,  "  To  the  Show-i/arrf,"  contained  a  pleasing 
deception,  for  instead  of  a  yard,  it  was  a  goodly  portion  of  a 
goodly  park,  and  the  shelter  of  its  elms  was  as  welcome  as  the 
trees  were  ornamental ;  among  which,  indeed,  the  white  tents, 
large,  middle-sized,  and  small,  glimmered  in  their  whiteness. 
There  was  a  long  row  of  horse-boxes — extempore  stables,  and 
the  horse-ring  with  the  keen-eyed  judges  in  the  centre,  and 
there  were  implements  of  course,  though  not  many,  and  cattle 
and  sheep,  and  unsavoury  pigs,  to  become  savoury  after  death. 

I  watched  the  horse-ring  until  a  poultry  catalogue  was  to  be 
had,  and  then  entered  the  tents,  whose  inhabitants  crowed, 
cackled,  and  cooed.  The  Dorkings,  as  was  their  due  at  an 
agricultural  show — for  they  are  the  farmer's  and  cook's  fowls — 
stood  first,  and  formed  a  very  good  class,  a  considerable  num- 
ber of  pens  being  occupied  by  prizetaking  birds,  so  that  a  loBer 
of  a  prize  here  was  not  necessarily  a  bad  pen ;  indeed  the 
Dorkings  were  good,  excellent,  and  most  excellent.  Dark 
Brahmas  next,  followed  by  their  Light  brethren.  The  first 
prize  in  the  latter  class  wont  actually  to  chickens  !  The  Cochins 
were  good.  The  Spanish  class  was  both  large  and  good,  and 
the  cup  pen  in  most  excellent  feather.  Of  the  Game,  the  Duck- 
wings  were  a  better  class  than  the  Black  Reds.  The  Ham- 
burghs  were  jumbled  together;  this  a  mistake.  Polish  were 
fairly  numerous,  and  the  "  Any  variety  class"  showed  a  very 
good  pen  of  Blaok  Hambnrghs.  Of  the  Game  Bantams,  I  can 
only,  as  a  true  chronicler,  say  of  them  as  a  friend  of  mine  said 
to  a  discharged  servant  upon  her  asking  whether  he  could  give 
her  a  character.  He  replied,  "  Oh  !  yes,  I  can  give  you  a  cha- 
racter, certainly,  but  not  a  character  that  will  do  you  any 
good."  The  single  cock  class  contained,  besides  the  prize 
birds,  an  excellent  Dorking  cockerel  belonging  to  the  Eev. 
A.  K.  Cornwall,  which  extorted  praise,  but  was,  strangely 
enough,  not  even  commended.  Among  the  quacking,  hissing, 
gobble,  gobble  birds,  a  curious  circumstance  occurred.  Mr. 
Fowler's  pen  of  Geese  won  the  blue  riband  of  the  Show  by  "  a 
fluke" — viz.,  the  Stroud  Licensed  Victuallers'  silver  cup  for 
the  best  pen  of  poultry  in  the  Show.  The  Committee  added  a 
proviso  that  the  same  pon  should  not  be  eligible  to  take  two 
oups.  Mr.  Fowler  must  indeed  have  been  surprised,  and  I 
hope  he  will  drink  the  health  of  his  beautiful  pen,  and  spare 
them  from  ever  being  eaten,  they  having  won  silver. 

And  now  I  come  to  the  Pigeons.  The  Carriers  were  most 
excellent  and  numerous  ;  Pouters  few  but  good  ;  and  Mr.  Ful- 
ton's Blues,  which  took  the  cup,  were  very  good.  The  Tum- 
blers, too,  were  good,  as  we  should  infer  from  the  names  of 
their  exhibitors.  Of  the  Bunts  I  was  pleased  to  see  as  many 
as  five  pairs.  Fantails  followed,  and  then  a  large  and  pretty 
"  Any  other  variety  class ;  "  but  among  them  I  noticed  only 
one  pair  of  Nuns,  those  old  and  strikingly  pretty  Toys. 

But  home  I  must  drive  ;  so  taking  a  loving  stroll  through  the 
flower  tents, -and  sitting  listening  to  the  Fusiliers'  band,  whose 
music  made  me  forget  time's  flight,  but  kept  me  in  a  pleasing, 
dreamy,  lotus-eater  condition,  while  the  groups  of  fair  ladies, 
mothers  and  daughters,  passed  before  my  eyes  like  figures  in  a 
vision,  at  length  I  drew  myself  reluctantly  away  at  the  very 
moBt  enjoyable  time,  the  cool  evening  hour.  Not  soon  shall  I 
forget  Stroud  Show  and  the  beautiful  sceneiy  around  it.  Of 
course  there  were  a  few  amusing  incidents,  there  always  are  at 
all  shows.  Thus  there  was  the  red-faced  man  who  declared  his 
pen  of  Ducks  was  the  beBt  in  England,  in  truth  it  was  the 
worst  in  the  show.  Then  there  was  the  non-poultry  friend 
gently  chaffing  his  poultry  friend  by  saving,  "  Is  it  true  that 
you  send  your  fowls  to  the  shows  simply  to  save  three  days' 
keep  ?"  I  trust  that  a  poultry  show  will  always  be  attached  to 
"  G.  A'l.  S.,"  and  be  as  good  a  one  as  this  was  at  Stroud. 
Baok  we  went  through  the  same  lovely  scenery  until  darkness 
dropped  its  curtain  aronnd  us,  and  I  sat  and  thought  all  over, 
and  tried  to  fix  the  beauty  of  all  on  my  recollection. — Wiltshire 
Rector. 


roosting-place  for  chickens. 

We  begin  now  to  perceive  the  approach  of  mid- autumn,  and 
winter  treads  on  its  heels.  Hitherto  we  have  allowed  our 
chickens  to  roost  where  they  would,  but  it  is  time  to  think  of 


September  1,  1870.  ] 


JOUBNAL.  OP  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


173 


their  being  safely  housed  daring  the  long  nights.  We  are 
often  told,  and  we  believe  it,  that  they  never  do  so  well  as  when 
they  choose  their  own  roosting-places  ;  but  we  have  to  recollect 
that  with  the  long  nights  come  sharp  morning  frosts,  cutting 
winds,  and  driving  rains  and  sleet.  These  are  very  hurtful  to 
fowls  of  all  ages.  A  labouring  man  once  said  to  lis,  "  A  good 
fire  is  half  a  bellyfull,"  and  we  believe  him.  In  our  country 
labourers  burn  turf,  and  when  a  man  comes  home  from  his 
work,  damp,  hungry,  and  tired,  end  the  goodwife  throws  on  a 
couple  of  large  turves,  stirs  in  the  ashes,  blows  into  them  with 
the  bellows  till  the  dead  heather  on  the  turves  ignites,  and  the 
flame  roars  and  crackles  up  the  chimney,  lighting  the  house, 
and,  through  the  windows,  yards  out  into  the  road,  though  the 
meal  be  but  potatoes,  there  is  a  sense  of  comfort  that  is  to 
a  certain  extent  satisfying.  Compare  the  meal  with  one  even 
of  a  better  quality  eaten  standing  in  a  ditch  with  your  back 
against  the  bank  to  be  screened  from  the  rain  and  wind.  It  is 
the  same  with  chickens  in  all  respects  but  one.  The  man  will 
choose  the  best  lodging  he  can,  the  chickens  will  most  ob- 
stinately stick  to  the  first  roosting-place,  which  is  now  getting 
positively  injurious  to  them.  They  will  hold  to  it  just  as  a 
covey  of  Partridges  cling  to  the  stubble  where  they  were  bred 
in  the  corn,  until  no  vestige  of  it  remains.  "  Ah  ! "  says  one, 
"  bring  up  your  chickens  like  Partridges,  they  roost  where  they 
like."  We  are  quite  sure  we  rear  more  chickens  in  our  artificial 
way,  than  Partridges,  Pheasants,  and  Grouse  do  in  following 
nature.  Many  of  those  who  start  with  high  expectations  to- 
day will  be  able  to  tell  us  how,  through  the  drought,  covies 
have  disappeared,  that  the  wonderful  promise  of  the  third  week 
in  June  has  been  badly  kept,  that  pairs  of  old  birds  have  been 
found  where  eighteens  were  expected,  that  want  of  water  and 
scorching  sun  have  done  their  work  to  the  destruction  of  the  breed 
in  many  places.  The  same  would  happen  with  our  chickens 
if  we  allowed  them  to  choose  roosting-places  for  themselves,  and 
as  it  is  too  late  to  do  so  after  they  have  colds  and  incipient 
roup,  they  would  soon  follow  the  natural  Partridges ;  and  now 
cub-hunting  begins,  the  litters  are  scattered  and  driven  into 
fresh  districts,  and  they  soon  find  the  roosters  in  the  hedges 
or  trees.  But  in  many  places  the  chickens  roost  in  the  rips 
after  the  hens  have  left  them  ;  in  such  a  case  the  rips  should 
be  moved  every  day  nearer  to  the  house  they  are  intended  to 
occupy,  till  at  last  they  are  brought  into  it.  The  rips  should 
then  be  taken  away,  and  for  some  nights  the  chickens  must  be 
driven  into  the  house  ;  they  will  not  take  to  it  willingly.  To 
do  this  now  will  save  trouble  and  death  hereafter. 

There  are  many  complaints  about  the  inconvenience  of 
numbers  of  young  cooks  now  arriving  at  a  troublesome  age. 
We  have  for  years  made  a  pen  about  20  feet  by  12,  with  a 
warm  brick  and  slated  roosting-place,  and  we  keep  therein 
from  fifteen  to  twenty  cocks.  They  grow  up  there  and  do 
better  than  they  would  running  about.  They  do  not  fight,  and 
they  give  no  trouble. 

BONE  DUST  FOR  CHICKENS. 

In  reply  to  those  who  desire  a  few  further  particulars  re- 
garding the  ubo  of  this  substance  for  rearing  large  birds,  I 
desire  to  add  the  following : — I  only  recommend  it  for  the  large 
breeds,  and  my  experience  of  it  does  not  extend  further.  For 
them  it  is  certainly  not  injurious.  I  cannot  conceive  that  it 
would  be  so  for  delicate  varieties  ;  for  small  fowls  it  is  useless, 
except  to  give  to  adults  during  moulting  time.  In  this  way  it 
is  most  valuable,  supplying  just  the  material  wanted  for  the 
formation  of  new  feathers.  It  must  not  be  confounded  with 
raw  or  new  bones  crushed,  the  effects  being  altogether  different. 
Were  raw  bones  given  constantly  the  effect  would  be  injurious 
and  unhealthy  stimulation  and  hastening  of  maturity  ;  hence, 
these  cannot  be  given  regularly  to  pullets  as  they  approach 
the  laying  age,  though  valuable  in  moderation  for  cockerels  and 
adult  fowls.  The  dry  bone  dust,  on  the  contrary,  retards  ma- 
turity, keeping  back  laying,  enl  maintaining  the  raw  or  leggy 
appearance,  during  which  the  birds  grow.  To  have  this  effect, 
I  repeat  it  ought  to  be  given  constantly  in  every  feed  of  Boft 
food,  adding  about  a  good  heaped-up  teaspoonful  to  every  half- 
pint  of  meal. 

The  bone  dust  is  not  always  precisely  the  same,  and  is  not 
always  easy  to  procure  at  all.  Sometimes  it  is  very  dark- 
coloured,  and  has  an  offensive  fcetid  smell,  but  is  not  injurious 
on  this  account,  except  that  if  given  to  laying  fowls  the  eggs 
will  taste  "  musty."  Sometimes  it  is  almost  in  fine  powder, 
at  others — and  I  like  this  best  myself — it  more  resembleB 
coarse  meal.    In  this  case  the  coarser  splinters  need  not  be 


separated,  a3  the  birds  will  reject  all  too  large  for  them.  Some 
I  got  this  season  was  the  best  I  have  had  for  some  time,  being 
nearly  white  and  almost  free  from  smell.  I  have  also  heard 
that  bone  sawdust,  as  obtained  from  workers  in  bone,  has  been 
found  very  good. 

Finally,  I  never  recommended  this  snbstance  as  a  necessity 
for  rearing  fine  birds.  Hundreds  of  splendid  fowls  have  been 
reared  without  it,  and,  probably,  people  with  good  runs  and 
skilled  feeders  do  not  need  it.  But  all  my  poultry-keeping  is 
carried  on  under  a  host  of  difficulties.  My  largest  pen  or  run 
is  only  20  feet  square,  and  all  the  others  much  less.  Of  grass, 
I  have  not,  of  course,  a  blade  in  my  whole  yard.  How  I  manage 
under  such  circumstances  I  may,  perhaps,  say  some  other  time  ; 
but  my  present  point  is  this,  that  in  Buch  confined  spaces  I 
find  a  marked  difference  in  the  size  of  pullets,  especially  sinoe 
I  used  the  bone  meal.  I  used  to  think  i  lbs.  a  good  weight  for 
a  Brahma  pullet  four  months  olJ  ;  now  I  can  generally  get 
5  lbs.  Further,  I  have  letters  since  I  first  recommended  it  in 
my  work  on  Brahmas,  from  some  of  ourbest-kuown  exhibitors, 
stating  similar  effects  in  their  experience,  and  I  am  convinced 
that  to  all  who  only  have  such  small  pens  as  poor  "  Nemo," 
the  ingredient  will  be  a  real  boon. — L.  Wright. 


THE  CRYSTAL  PALACE   POULTRY   SHOW. 

May  I  ask  if  it  is  the  intention  to  repeat  this  year  the  Show 
held  at  the  Crystal  Palace  ?  If  so,  is  it  not  quite  time  the 
date  were  announced,  that  it  may  not  clash  with  other  exhibi- 
tions, as  is  likely  to  be  the  caso  if  left  until  the  last  moment? 
The  Birmingham  and  Bristol  authorities  have  for  some  time 
past  fixed  their  dates,  and  if  tho  Committee  of  the  Crystal 
Palace  follow  their  example,  it  will  probably  prevent  two  or 
more  important  shows  being  held  at  the  same  time.  I  am  sure 
many  of  your  readers  will  be  glad  to  know  that  the  only  exhi- 
bition in  the  vicinity  of  the  metropolis  will  not  be  discontinued, 
and  the  large  number  of  visitors  at  the  last  show  gave  ample 
proof  of  the  interest  taken  in  it  by  the  public  Perhaps  the 
late  President  or  Secretary  will  oblige  by  stating  if  any  steps 
are  intended  to  be  taken  to  repeat  the  show,  or  if,  so  far  as  they 
and  the  late  Committee  are  concerned,  it  is  decided  to  let  the 
matter  drop. — Columba. 


CLEAN-LEGGED  WHITE  BANTAMS. 
We  have  had  East  Indian  Ducks,  Brown  Bed  Game  Bantams, 
and  other  varieties  noticed  a3  being  much  neglected,  and  de- 
serving of  encouragement  from  poultry  committees.  Being  an 
admirer  and  breeder  of  White  Bantams,  I  wish  to  introduce 
them  to  the  notice  of  committees  and  others  interested  in  them 
as  being  a  variety  nearly  lost  sight  of ;  and  if  something  be 
not  done,  and  some  encouragement  held  out  for  them,  we  shall 
soon  lose  sight  of  them  in  the  show  pen  altogether.  They 
have  mostly  to  compete  (with  few  exceptions)  against  the 
Black,  Laced,  and  foreign  varieties,  and  in  most  cases  the 
prizes  fall  to  Blacks.  Being  a  breeder  and  exhibitor  of  Blacks, 
I  have  shown  them  successfully,  at  the  same  time  I  have  to 
keep  my  White  Bantams  at  home,  knowing  that  Black  would 
be  preferred  by  the  judges.  Still  I  do  not  know  why  it  ought 
to  be  so,  for  I  consider  White  Bantams  hardier,  better  layers, 
and  better  mothers  ;  and  what  can  look  more  beautiful  than  a 
clean  satiny  White  Bantam  ?  Being  an  old-established  breed, 
I  think  it  the  duty  of  every  White  Bantam  fancier  to  do  his 
best  for  them.  Out  of  twenty-three  entries  of  Bantams  "  Any 
other  variety,  except  Game,"  at  Eochdale  last  week,  there  was 
not  a  single  White  clean-legged  Bantam.  I  should  be  glad  to 
hear  the  opinion  of  other  fanciers ;  but  I  hope  ere  long  we 
shall  have  at  evory  show  a  separate  class  for  Black  Bantams,  to 
which  their  numbers  entitle  them,  and  it  would  give  a  better 
chance  of  success  for  the  poor,  despised,  and  neglected — White 
Bantam. 

WORSLEY  AND   SWINTON  POULTRY  SHOW. 

This  was  held  on  Angnst  25th  in  the  Park  at  Worsley.  The  follow- 
ing awards  were  made  by  the  Judges,  Mr.  R.  Teebay,  aud  Mr.  John 
Douglas : — 

Doekixgs.— 1  and  2,  J.  Stott.  Healey.  Rochdale.  Spanish.-1,  C.  W.  Brierley, 
Middleton.  2,  W.  Parr,  Patricroft.  Cochin-Chixa.— Buff—  I,  2.and  Cap,  W. 
A.  Taylor,  Manchester.  Partridge  or  any  other  Colour—  1,  W.  A.  Taylor. 
Brahma  Pootkas.— 1  and  2,  W.  A.  Taylor,  he,  E.  Leech.  P.ochdale.  Gajte.— 
Cock.— 1  and  2,  C.  W.  Brierley.  Black  or  Brown  Red.—\  and  he,  J.  Carlisle, 
Earby.  2,  C.  W.  Brierley.  Any  Colour— 1,  C.  W.  Brierley.  2,  J.  MitcheU, 
Moseley.  Birmingham.  Hambcbghs.— Golden-yenciUed  — 1.  T.  Wrigley,  inn., 
Tonge  Hall,  Middleton.    2,  W.  Parr.     Silver-ptncilkd.— 1  and  2,  W.  Parr. 


174 


JOURNAL  0¥  HORTICULTURB  AND   COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  September  1,  1970. 


Golden-spangled.— 1  and  2,  E.  Brier-ley,  Heywoed.  Bihcer-spanglcd.—  1  and  2,  W. 
Parr.  Bantamh.— Game.— 1.  T.  Gregory,  Ltttlc  Hnlt-on.  2,  L.  EinBey.  Man- 
chester. Any  Variety.— 1,  S.  &  R.  Ashton,  Roe  Cross,  Mottram.  J,  T.  Stone, 
Worsley.  Any  Breed.— 1,  P.  Unsworth,  Lowton,  Newlon-le-WlUowi.  8,  L. 
Binney(Houdans).  Goblikhb.— 1,  K.  Leech.  2,  S.  H.  Stott,  Rochdale  (Toulouse). 
I>doks.— Aylesbury.— 1,  K.  Leeeb.  %  W.  Parr.  Rouen.— 1,  J.  Soottson,  Littlo 
Byrom,  Lowton.  2,  T.  Wakefield,  Golborne,  Newton-le-WiUows.  Torhj*ys.— 
J,  E.  Leech.    £,  W.  Whittle,  WortUey. 

PIGEONS. 
Carriers.— 1  and  2,  E.  Horner.  Har«weod.  Potjtrrs.— 1  and  2,  E.  Horner. 
Tumblers.  —  Short-faced.  —  1,  B.  Horner.  2,  3.  Fielding,  jun ,  Rochdale. 
Common.— 1,  E.  Horner.  Barbs.— 1  and  t,  Capt  H.  Heatoh,  Worsley.  he,  J. 
Fielding,  jnn.;  Capt.  H.  Heaton.  Owls.— 1  and  2,  J.  Fielding,  jun.  he,  G. 
A.  Thorn,  Pendleton.  Jacobins.— I  and  2,  E.  Horner.  Torbits.— 1  and  2,  J. 
Fielding,  jun.  he,  H.  Yard  ley,  Birmingham.  Fantailb.— 1,  H.  Yardley.  2,  E. 
Horner.  Trumpf.tkhs.~1.  E.  Horner.  2,  P.  Unsworth.  Dragoons'.  —  1.  P. 
UnBworth.  2,  E,  Midgley,  Swinfcon.  Ant  other  Variety.  —  J.  J.  Fielding. 
2,  E.  Horner. 


WHITWORTH   AND   ROCHDALE   POULTRY 

SHOW. 

The  following  award's  were  made  at  this  Show,  held  on  the  24th 
nit.  :— 

Spanish.— Cock.— 1,  F.  A  C.  Haworth,  Newfield,  Haslinpden.  2,  H.  Bcldon, 
Goitstock.  c,  F.&  C.  Haworth;  T.  C.  &  E.  NewMit,  Ep worth.  Hens.— I.  F. 
and  C.  Haworth.  2,  J.  Brown.  Pntnev  Heath.  Cockerel— 1,  C.  W.  Bilerley, 
Middleton.  2.  E.  Brown,  Sheffield.  Pallets— lt  H.  Brown,  Surrey.  2,  E. 
Brown,    c,  C.  W.  Brierley. 

CocniNS.— Cinnamon  and  Buff.— Cock.— I  and  2,  W.  A.  Taylor,  Manchester. 
Hcns.—l  and  he,  W.  A.  Taylor.  2,  C.  W.Brierlev.  Coekerel.-l.  W.  P.  Rylands- 
Erdington.  he,  C.  Sidgwick,  Keighley.  et  J.  Watte,  King's  Heath.  Birminu- 
ham;  W.  A.  Taylor  (2).  Pullets.— 1,  C.  Sidgwick.  2,  W.  A.  Taylor,  he,  T- 
Stretch,  Ormskirk:  W.  A.  Taylor;  C.  Sidgwick.  Any  othei  Variety.— Cock.— 
1  and  2,  W.  A.  Taylor.  Bens.— I  «ind  2,  W.  A.  Taylor.  Cockerel.— lt  W.  A. 
Taylor.  2,  C.  Sidgwick.  he.  J.  H.  Dawes,  Birmingham.  Pullet*.— 1,  W.  A. 
Taylor.    2,  C.  Sidgwick.     he.  T.  Stretch. 

BRAnMAH.-ZJ.irA:.— Cock.— 1.  J.  H.  Pickles,  Birkdale,  Southpoit  2,  F.  Dow- 
Rett,  Plethcv.  Hem.—l  and  2,  J.  H.  Pickles.  Cockerel.— 1.  Mrs.  Bum-ll,  Inf. 
wich.    2,  W.  A.  Taylor,     he.  C.  Layland,  Warrington  :  W.  A.  Taylor.    Pullets  — 

1,  Mrs.  Barrell.  2,  W.  A.  Tnylor.  Light —Cock— I,  F.  Crook,  Forest  Hill. 
2. 'J.  Pares,  Postford,  near  Guildford.  Hem  —  1,  H.  Dowsett.  2.  F.  Crook. 
Cockerel—  1,  H.  Dowsett.  2,  J.  Watte.  Pullets—  1,  T.  Matthew,  Hurstend, 
Rochdale.    2,  M.  Leno,  Markvatc  Street,  DunBtable. 

Game.— Blatk  or  Brown  R'd.— Cock.— Cnp,  T.  Statter.  jnn.,  Whitcfleld,  Man- 
ehoeter.  2,  C.  XV.  Brierley.  he,  W.  BoyeB,  Beverley,  Yorkshire :  C.  W.  Brierley  ; 
C.  Chaloner.  Whi'well.  Hen.— I,  C.  W.  Brierley.  2,  C.  Chaloner.  he,  W. 
Boyee;  T.  C.  &  E.  Newbitt.  Cockerel— 1,  J.  Carlisle.  Eorbv.  2,  T.  Statter, 
jun.  he,  C.  Chaloner.  Pullet— 1,  3.  F.  M.  Fitton,  Holmflcld,  Halifax.  2,  Cnei 
and  Sutcliffe,  Queenslmry.  he,  Stott  &  Booth,  Hantley  Brook,  Bury;  C.  W. 
Brierley;  O.  Chaloner.  Any  other  Variety  —Cock.— 1,  C.  Chaloner.  2  and 
he,  W.  Boyea.  Hen.— I,  C.  Clialonor.  2,  C.  W.  Brierlcv.  Cockerel*— 1.  C. 
Chaloner.  2.  J.  Laming.  Pullet.— 1,  C.  Chaloner.  2,  J.  F.  M.  Fitton  (Duck- 
wing),    he,  C.  W.  Brierley. 

Polands  —  Cock.— 1  and  2,  H.  Beldon.  Hcns.—l  and  2,  H.  Beldon.  Cockerels. 
—I,  H.  Beldon.  2,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  Pullets.-l  and  2,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  he,  H. 
Beldon. 

Hamuurghs.— Golden  spangled,— -Cock.—l  and  2,  H.  PickleB,  jun.  lie,,  MIsb 
C.  E.  Palmer,  Liyhihorne,  Warwick.  Hcns.  —  l,  H.  Beldon.  2,  J.  Buckler, 
Taunton,  Ashton-nnder-Ljne.    he,  T.  Walker,  jun.,  Denton.    Cockerel.— 1  arid 

2,  J.  Buckley,  he,  T,  Walker,  jun. ;  J.  Andrew,  Waterhonaea,  Ashton-under- 
Lyne.  Pullets.— 1,  T.  Scholes,  HolMngwood.  2, T.Walker,  jun.  he,T.  Walker, 
jun.;  J.  Chadderton,  Hollingwood;  E.  Brierley,  Heywood.  Silver-spangled.— 
Cocfc—1,  J.  Fielding,  Newchurch.  2  and  he,  H.  Beldon.  Hcns.-l,  U.  Pickles. 
2,  H.  Beldon.  he,  J.  Fielding.  Newchurch,  near  Manchester.  Cockerel.— 1,  J. 
Fielding.  2.  H.  P-ckles.  he,  G.  &  J.  Duckworth,  Blackpool,  c,  J.  H.  Howe; 
Ashton  &  Booth,  Broadbottom,  Mottram.  Pullets.— 1,  J.  Fielding.  2,  Ashton 
and  Booth,  he,  H.  Beldon.  Golden-pencilled,— Coek.-l,  H.  Pickles.  2,  H. 
Beldon.  Hens.—l,  H.  Beldon.  2,  H.  Pickles.  Cockerel— 1.  T.  Wriglev,  jun., 
Tonge.  3.  S.Smith,  Northowram.  Halifax,  he,  H.  Beldon  ;  H.  Pickles.  Pullets. 
—I.  and  he,  T.  Wrigley.  jun.  2,  S.  Smith.  Silver-pencilled,— Cock  —1,  H. 
Pickles.  2,  H.  Beldon.  Hens.-l,  H.  Beldon.  2,  H.  Pickles.  Cockerel— 1,H. 
Beldon.  2  and  c,  H.  Pickles.  Pullets.— 1  and  he,  H.  Pickles.  2,  H.  Beldon. 
Black.— Cock.— 1,  H.  Bcldon.  2,  T.  Walker,  he,  C.  W.  Brierley.  Hens  —1,  T. 
Walker.  2,  H.  Beldon.  he,  U.  W.  Illingworth ;  J.  Watts.  Cockerel.— I  and 
he,  C.  Sidgwick.  2,  H.  W.  Illingworth.  Pullets.— 1  and  2,  C.  Sidgwick  c,  W. 
CoUyer. 

Dorkings.— Cock.— I,  S.  H.  Stott  2,  T.  Statter,  jun.  Hens.— 1,3  Stott.  2 
J.  Watts.  Cockerel— land  3,  J.  Stott.  Pullets.— Cup,  T.  E.  KeU,  Wetherby' 
2,  J.  White,  Warlaby. 

French:  Fowls.— CoeJe.—l,  IT.  Beldon,  Goitstock.  2,  C.  Morris,  Holmleigh 
Crasscndale.  Hen*.— 1,  II.  Beldon.  2,  W.  O.  Quibell,  Newark.  Cockerel  — 
1,  W.  O.  Quibell.  2,  W.  Gamon,  Chester,  he,  Mrs.  U.  Seamons,  Hartwell, 
AyleBbnry  (Crevo-CCBur).  Pullets.— 1,  W.  O.  Quibell.  2,  MrB.  M.  Seamons 
(Creve-Cceni).    he,  Mrs.  E.  Williams.  Henllys,  Berriew  (Creve-Cceur>. 

Any  other  Variety  except  Bantams.— Cock.—l.  Mrs.  BurrelL     2,  Messrs. 

Kitchen  &  Co.,   Feniscoles,  Blackburn.     Hens.-l,  Mrs.  Burrell.     Cockerel.— 

1,  J.  Hinton,  Warminster  (Malay).      2.  Mrs.  M.  Seamons  (Silky).      Pullets.— 1, 

J.  Hinton  (Malay).    2.  Mrs.  M.  Seamons  (Silkv). 

Gams    Bantams.— Black  or  Brown  Red.— Cock.— 1,  3.  Crosland,  Wakefield. 

W.  F.  Entwisle,  Cleekheaton  (Black-breasted  Red).     Hens.— land  2.  J.  W. 

orris.    Any  other  Vurietu.—  Coek.—l.  T.  Dyson,  HaUfax.     2,  W.  F.  Entwisle. 

ens.— 1,  T.  Barker,  Burnley.      2,  W.  F.  Entwisle.      Any  other  Variety  except 

Game.— Cock.— 1,  H.  Beldon.      2,  A.  Stott,  Rochdale.      Hen*.— 1,  J.  Walker, 

Halifax.    2,  M.  Leno. 

Ducks.— Aylesbury— Drake—  Cup,  E.  Leech.  2,  J.  K.  Fowler,  he,  Mrs.  M. 
Seamons.  Ducks.— 1,  E.  Leech.  2.  Mrs.  M.  Seamons.  he,  Mrs.  M.  SeamonB  ; 
J.  K.  Fowler.  Rouen,— Drake—  1,  T,  Statter.  jun..  Stand  Hill,  Whitefield,  Man- 
chester. 2,  W.  E.  Stott,  bochdale.  he.  E.  Leech  ;  S.  H.  Stott;  H.  B.  Smith, 
Bronghton.  Preston.  Docks.— 1.  E.  Leech.  2,  T.  Statter.  jnn.  Drake  and  Duck. 
—J,  C.  W.  Brierley.     2,  H.  B.  Smith,     kc,  S.  &  R.  Ashton  ;  T.  Statter.  jun. 

Geese—  White.— Gander.— 1  and  2,  E.  Leech,  he,  T.  Statter,  jun.  Geese.— 
1  and  2,  E.  Leech,  he,  Mrs.  M.  Seamons.  c,  T.  Statter.  Goslings.— Cub,  E. 
Leech.  2,  Mrs.  M.  Seamons.  he,  E.  Leech;  G.  Hustler,  StillinKtleet,  York. 
Grey.— Gander— 1,  J.  K.  Fowler.  2,  E.  Leech,  he,  Mrs.  M.  Seamons;  T. 
Statter,  jun.  e,  J.  White,  White-ley,  Netherton,  near  Wakefield.  Geese.— 1, 
G.  Hustler.  2,  E.  Leech.  Gjsling*.— L.  E.  Leech.  2,  Mrs.  M.  Seamons.  he, 
3.  K.  Fowler. 

Turkeys.— Cock.—l  and  ?,  E.  Leech,  c.  H.  CrosBler,  Halifax.  Hens.— Cnp, 
E.  Leech.  2,  F.  E.  Richardson,  Bramshall,  TJttoxeter."  e,  H.  Crosaley.  Poults. 
—1  and  2,  E.  Leech. 

Selling  Class.— Coefc.—l,  C.  W.  Brierley.  2.  J.  Watts,  c,  E.  Leech.  Hen.«. 
—1,  Burch  &  Boulter,  Sheffield.  2,  H.  Brown,  he,  F.  &  C.  Howarth :  H.  Beldon 
H.  Dowsett.    c,  W.  A.  Taylor. 

Cottagers'  Classes.— Game.— Cock.— I.  P.  Leech,  Rochdale.  2,  A.  Milnes, 
Rochdale.  Hen,— 1,  J.  Whitehead,  Littltborough,  Rochdale.  2,  A.  Milnes. 
S,  P.  Leech.  Cochins.— 1,  W.  Trevor,  Rochdale.  2,  J.  Picknp,  Rochdale. 
Spanish.— 1,  J.  Pickup.  2,  S.  Hill.  Whitworth.  Brahma.-  -1  and  2.  W.  Trevor. 
HAHWKGHS.-Pe/icirtal.-l,  J.  T.  &  J.  SU»tt,  Wardia,     2,  J.  Law,  Rochdale. 


Spangled.— 1,  J.  Greonwood,  Rochdale.     2,  S.  Wrigley,  Brotdhaugh.    Black.— 

1,  3.  Law.  8,  J.  A  R.  Rigg,  Kochdale.  Any  other  Variety.— 1  and  2,  J.  Butter- 
worth,  Whitworth,  Rochdale.  Bartamb.-I  and  2,  A.  Milnee.  Geese.— 1,  T. 
LiT«ey,  Rochdale.  2,  J.  Butterworth.  Goslings.-  1,  3.  Butterworth.  2,  T.  C. 
Walker,  Spodden.  Ducks.—  White.— L,  3.  Bnokley,  Rochdale.  2.  J.  W.  Simp- 
son, Greave,  Rochdale.  Any  other  Colour.— 1,  G.  Healey,  Two  Bridges,  Eoeh- 
dale.    8,  W.  Lamb.    Turkeyb.— 1,  T.  Spawforth. 

PIGEONS. 

Pouters.— Red  or  Yellow.— Coek.—l,  2,  and  S,  R.  Fulton,  Dept'ord.  he,  3. 
Hawley,  Bingley  (Red.  2) ;  E.  Horner,  Harewood.  Hen.— 1  and  2,  R,  Fulton. 
'i.  E.  Homer.  Any  other  Colour.— Cock.— 1,  E.  Horner.  2,  R,  Fulton.  3,  J.  H. 
Harvey,  Sheffield,  he.  S.  Robson,  Brotherton,  Ferry-bridge;  R.  Fulton.  Hen. 
— 1,  E.  Horner.    2  and  S,  R.  Fulten.    he,  R.  Fulton  ;  J.  H.  Harvey. 

Carriers.— Black.-  Cock.—l,  3.  W.  Wiltshire,  West  Croydon.  2,  R.  Fultion. 
3,  E.  Horner,  he,  H.  Yardlev,  Birmingham  ;  E.  Horner  (2);  J.  Ord.  London  (2); 
R.Fulton.  Hen.— 1,  2.  and  3,  R.  Fulton,  he,  H.  Yardley;  E.Horner;  J.  C. 
Ord  (2).  Any  other  Colour—  Coek.—l,  F.  Wiltshire,  West  Croydon.  Equal  1, 
R.Fulton.  2,  E.  Horner,  he,  B.  Consterdine,  Littleborough,  Rochdale;  J.  C. 
Ord  ;  R.  Fulton.    Hen.— 1  and  2.R.  Fulton.    S,  E.  Horner,    he, 3.  C.  Ord. 

Tumblers.—  Almond.— 1.  J.  Fieldincr,  jun.,  Rochdale.  2,  F.  W.  Wiltshire. 
8.  E.  Horner,  he,  F.  W.  Wiltshire  ;  J.  Ford,  Monkwell  Street,  London,  E.C. ; 
R,  Fulton  (2) ;  J.  H.  Harvey,  e,  F.  Kev,  Beverley.  Balds  or  Beards.— 1  and  2, 
J.  Fielding,  jun.  8.  R.  Fulton.  Any  other  Variety.— 1,  R,  Minnett,  jun.,  Healey, 
Rochdalo.    2,  J.  Hawley.    S  and  he,  R.  Fulton. 

Owls.— Foreign.— 1  and  he,  3.  Fielding.  2,  R.  Fulton.  S,  P.  H.  Jones,  Fulham. 
English— 1.  3.  Hawley  (Blue).  2,  J.  Thresh,  Bradford.  S,  E.  Horner,  he,  A. 
Jackson,  Heaton,  Bolton-le-Moor 

Barms.— Black.— 1  and  2.  Capt.  Hoaton,  Worsley,  Manchester.  S,  F.  Firth, 
Jun.,  Dewsbury.  he,  E.  Horner;  R.  Fulton  (2).  c,  E.  Horner.  Any  other 
Colour, — 1,  Capt.  Heaton.    2,  J.  Fielding.    3.  A.  Mangnall,  Lower  Broughton. 

Turtiits.— Red  or  Yellow.— I,  J.  Fielding,  jun.  2,  E.  Horner.  3,  H.  Yardley. 
Any  other  Colour.-l,  3.  Fielding,  jun.  2,  H.  Yardley.  3,  T.  C.  &  E.  Newbitt, 
Epwortb.     he.  J.  Hawley.     e.  E.  Horner. 

Nuns.— 1,  II.  Yardley.    2,  Miss  R.  C.  Frew,  Kirkcaldy. 

jAConrss.—  Yelloiv.— 1  and  2.  E.  Horner.  3.  R.Fulton,  he,  T.  C.  &  E.  Newbitt. 
Any  other  Colour.— 1,  E.  Horner.  2,  E.  E.  M.  Royds,  Grecnhill,  Rochdale.  3, 
B.  Van  Haanfcbergen,  Newcastle-on-Tyne.     he,  T.  C.  <fc  E.  Newbiit. 

Antwrrps.—  Medal.  E.  Horner.    2,  W.  A.  Taylor.      3.  J.  Crosland,  Wakefield. 

Fantails.— 1,  E.  Horner.  2,  T.  C.  &  E.  Newbitt.  S  and  he,  3.  Baily  &  Sons', 
Mount  Street,  Grosvenor  Square.  London. 

Dragoons.— Bluc.—l  and  2,  H.  Yardlev.  8,  E.  Horner,  he,  W.  Gamon* 
Chester.  Any  other  Colour— 1,  3.  C.  Ord.  2,  H.  Yardley.  3,  A.  W.  Wren, 
Lowestoft,    he,  J.  Watts  ;  R.  Fulton  ;  C.  Bulpin. 

Trumpetrrs  —1,  E.  Horner.  2,  W.  B.  Van  Haansbergen.  8,  J.  Hawley.  he, 
S.  Robson  ;  J.  Firth,  jun. ;  A.  Ashton,  Parkfield. 

Magpies.— 1,  E.  Horner.    2.  T.  C.  &  E.  Newbitt.     8,  W.  Kitchen. 

Ant  other  Variety.  — 1,  E.  Horner.  2  and  8,  J.  Baily  &  sons,  he,  H. 
Yardley. 

Selling  Class. -1,C.  Anton,  York.  2,F.  W.  Zurborst,  Dublin.  3. E.Horner, 
he,  F.  Key;  J.  Firth.. jun.;  T.  Statter,  Hull;  J.  Watts  ;  J.  H.  Harvey,  Sheffield  ; 
J.  Kershaw,  Rochdale  (2). 

Rabbits.— Lop-eared.— 1,  A.  H.  Fasten,  Hull.  3,  E.  Vanghan,  Birmingham, 
he,  G  Johnson,  Kettering  (2).  Silver-Grcu .— 1,  E.  E.  M.  Royds.  2,  S.  G.  Hud- 
son. Hull,  he,  E.  E.M.  Royds;  S.G.Hudson.  Himalayan.— 1,B.  S  Rothwell, 
Rochdale.    2,  J.  Bovle,  jun.,  Blackburn.    Am/  Breed.— 1,T.  Schofield,  RochdaUs. 

2,  S.  G.  Hudson  (Dutch).    Selling  Class.— I,  E.  E.  M.  Royds.    2,  G.  Johnson. 

Judges. — Poultry:  Mr.  Richard  Teebay,  Fnlwood,  Preston;  Mr. 
John  Douglas,  Clumber ;  and  Mr.  Edward  Hewitt,  Sparkbroot,  Bir- 
miuyham.  Pigeons:  Mr.  F.  Esqnilaut,  Brixton  ;  and  Mr.  J.  Charlton, 
Trafalgar  Street,  Bradford.     Rabbits:  Mr.  Richard  Teebay. 

I  soox  found  myself  amongst  the  Rabbits,  some  of  which  I  beheld 
foi  the  first  time,  others  were  familiar  to  my  eyes ;  very  well  they 
looked  with  the  sun  shining  on  them,  but  not  so  much  as  to  injure  or 
anuoy.  In  my  opinion  the  arrangements  were  good  ;  the  pens  wh?ib 
roomy  and  all  that  could  he  desired  with  one  or  two  exceptions.  A 
little  straw  or  hay  would  have  been  a  comfortable  addition.  I  do  not 
care  to  see  so  much  green  food  given  Rabbits  from  twenty  to  forty 
hoars  from  their  comfortable  hutches  where,  jadging  from  the  animals' 
appearance,  they  had  been  abundantly  supplied  with  better  fare.  I  am 
sure  the  steward  iu  charge  will  promise  better  things  for  next  year. 

The  show  of  Rabbits  was  quite  a  success,  about  twice  as  many  being 
shown  as  in  the  preceding  year,  and  I  see  no  reason  why  Rochdale 
and  its  twin  sister  Middleton  should  not  have  the  best  exhibitions  of 
Rabbits  in  Lancashire.  Mr.  R.  Teebay  was  the  Judge,  and  with  per- 
haps one  or  two  exceptions  gaye  most  satisfactory  awards.  Of  Lops 
there  were  nine  entries.  The  splendid  Black  and  White  buck  of  Mr. 
A.  H.  Fasten,  Hull,  justly  deserved  the  position  which  he  took  here, 
as  at  many  other  shows,  as  a  cup-winner;  his  ears  were  22^  inches 
by  5J.  The  second  prize  was  given  to  Mr.  E.  Vaughan,  Market  Hall, 
Birmingham,  for  a  Yellow  and  White  Rabbit,  eleven  months  old,  with 
ears  22  inches  long  by  nearly  5  inches  wide.  The  highly  commended 
specimen  from  Mr.  Cr.  Johnson,  Wood  Street,  Kettering,  was  good.  Of 
Silver-Greys  there  were  eleven  entries  of  good,  well- silvered  specimens, 
and  the  first  prize  and  a  high  commendation  were  given  to  Mr.  K.  M. 
Royds,  of  Greenhill,  Rochdale,  and  the  second  prize  and  a  high  com- 
mendation to  Mr.  S.  G.  Hudson,  Paragon  Street,  Hull,  for  specimens 
which  wero  all  that  could  bo  desired.  I  rather  incline  to  the  belief  that 
the  specimens  most  to  be  appreciated  are  those  most  perfectly  silvered, 
and  in  this  particular  some  beautiful  Rabbits  were  shown.  The  Hima- 
layans  (six  entries)  were  not  quite  so  perfect  as  I  could  have  wished.  Tba 
first-prize  specimen  from  Mr.  B.  S.  Rothwell,  Rochdale,  and  the  second- 
prize  one  from  Mr.  James  Boyle,  jun.,  of  Blackburn,  were  the  beat  in 
some  important  points;  yet  one  shown  by  Mr.  Butterworth,  Rochdale, 
if  not  equal  to  its  more  fortunate  neighbours,  which  I  rather  incline  to 
tbink  it  was,  at  least  deserved  high  commendation.  Strange  to  say,  no 
high  commendations  were  given  in  this  class,  yet  the  Silver-Greys 
could  boast  of  two.  In  the  class  for  "  Any  other  Variety  "  there  were 
eleven  entries.  An  Angora,  well  nosed,  from  Mr.  T.  Schofiold.  140, 
Drake  Street,  Rochdale,  was  first ;  the  second  prize  going  to  a  good 
Dutch  Rabbit  from  Mr.  Hudson.  This  little  animal  seemed  quite 
proud  of  its  grey  coat  and  white  collar.  A  hiRh  commendation  was 
given  to  a  White  Angora  from  Mr.  Joseph  Butterworth,  Indie  Pasture, 


September  1,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HOBTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER, 


175 


noar  Rochdale.  In  the  Selling  Class  {seventeen  entries),  a  Silver- 
Gcey,  from  Mr.  E.  M.  Rojds  was  first ;  the  second  prize  going  to  a 
L*»-ear  from  Mr.  G.  Johnson,  of  Kettering. 

The  entries  of  Rabbits  numbered  fifty-four  against  some  twenty-six 
last  year,  and  let  me  hope  the  Committee,  with  this  fact  before  them, 
will  be  induced  to  give  a  class  more  for  the  Angora,  and  not  mis  it  up 
with  others  aB  this  year.  I  feel  sure  the  experiment  will  be  no  pecuniary 
loaa,  but  that  it  will  attraet  more  entries  to  the  Rabbit  section  of  the 
Show,  which  visitors  seem  also  to  have  so  much  pleasure  in  beholding. 
— C.  R.  

LYTHE   POULTRY   SHOW. 

The  pleasant  little  village  of  Lythe,  situated  about  four  miles  north- 
west of  the  now  fashionable  watering  place  Whitby,  held  its  fourth 
annual  Poultry  Show  on  August  26th.  The  exhibition  was  highly 
creditable,  both  as  to  the  number  of  entries  and  the  quality  of  the 
birds,  and  it  is  not  too  much  to  Bay  that  some  of  the  Cochins  ex- 
hibited at  this  little  village  gathering  were  of  sufficient  merit  to  make 
a  mark  in  any  Bhow  in  England. 

The  Rev.  t.  Phillips,  Robin  Hood's  Bay,  and  W.  Stonehouse,  Esq., 
of  Whitby,  were  Judges,  and  made  the  following  awards  : — 

BRimus,— 1,  Mr.  Corney,  Whitby.  2,  Mr.  Booth,  Lythe.  Chicken*.— 1,  Mr. 
Corney.  2,  Mr.  Stephenson,  Whitby.  Spanish.— 1,  Mr.  Crow t her,  Lythe.  2,  T. 
Cleuunitt,  Lythe.  Chickens.— 1,  T.  Clemmitt.  2,  Mr.  Stephenson.  Cochin- 
Chinas.—  IjS.  Booth,  Lvthe.  2.  M.  G.  Greenbary,  Whitby.  Chickens.— 1,  T.  H. 
Headman,  whitby.  2,  Mr.  KllioU,  Lythe.  Gamc— 1,  Mr.  Dickenson.  Lythe. 
3,  Mr.  PrJngle,  Eirton.  Ohickent.— 1,  Mr.  Dickenson.  2,  E.  Noble,  Whiiby. 
SiXBCBQHS.— Golden-spa  ruil>-<!.— 1,  J.  Pvbus,  Sandsend-  2,  J.  Cooper,  Miekleby. 
Bihter-tpangled.—l,  Mr.  Pickering,  Barnby.  2,  T.  Kidd,  Lythe.  Golden- 
pencilled.—],  Mr.  Stewart,  Whitby.     2,  J.  W.  Boves,  Lythe.     Silver-pencilled.— 

1,  T.  H.  Headman.  2,  Mr.  Pickering.  Gold  or  8itocr*pangled  Chickens.— 1.  T. 
Kidd.  2,  J.  Pvbus.  Gold  or  Silver-pencilled  Chickens.— 1,  Rev.  R.  A.  White, 
Whitbv.     2,  T.  II.  Reuilmiin.     Bahndour  Fowls,— 1,  Mrs.  Wellhurn,  Barnby, 

2,  A.  Wei  ford,  Brock  Rings.  Chickens.— ltO.  Barker,  Egton.  2,  Mrs.  Wellborn. 
Ant  other  Variety.- 1,  T.  Percival,  Whitbv.  2,  Mr.  Dickenson.  Chickens. 
—I,  T.  Percival.  2,  Mr.  Booth.  Cock.—l,  Mr.  Speedy,  Whitby.  2,  R.  While, 
Lythe.  Gbebb. — 1,  Mr,  Kerr,  Deep  Grove.  2,  Mr.  While,  Lythe.  Duoes.— 
1,  R.  Dobson,  East  Row.    2,  Mrs.  Harland,  East  Row. 

Local  Prizes.— Cuickens.— Lnrpc  Breeds.— 1, Mr.  Elliott.  2,  Mr.  Crowther. 
Snail  Breeds.— I,  T.  Kidd.    2,  R.  Thompson 


MEIGLE   POULTRY   SHOW. 

This  was  held  on  August  24th.  The  following  are  the  awards  : — 
Dorkisos.— Chickens.— 1  and  Cnp.  Mrs.  A.  Bruce,  Wes thill.  Airlie.  2,  D. 
Gellatly,  Meigle.  e,  G.  Anderson,  Blairgowrie.  Spanish*.— Chickens.— 1,  P. 
Syiuou.  Errol,  2,  J.  W.  Will,  c,  Mrs.  Anderson,  Meigle.  Brahmas.— Chickens. 
—1,  J.  W.  Will.  2,  J.  Anderson.  Gamr.— Chickens.— 1,  D.  Harley,  Edinburgh. 
9,  W.  Meldnim,  Forfar,  c,  K.  Nicoll  Carnoustie;  J.  Anderson.  Cochin- 
chinas.—  Chickens—  1,  J.  W.  Will.  2,  1).  Gellatlv.  HAMBURons.— Golden.— 
Chickens— 1,  G.  Caithness,  Carnoustie.  2,  J.  W.  Will.  Silver.— 1,  J.  W.  Will. 
2,  J.  Maoandrew,  Carnonst'e.  Bantams—  Chickens.— I,  J.Anderson.  2,  J.  A. 
Dempster.  Stirling.  Any  other  VatIety.— Chickens.— 2,  Miss  A.  Anderson, 
Meigle.  Any  Distinct  Variety.— 1,  T,  Raines,  Stirling.  2,  W.  Meldrnm. 
a, J.  W.Wiil.  Chickens.— l.G.Cuthill.  2  T.Raines,  c, Mrs. A. Bruce.  Selling 
Class.— 1,  J.  Porter,  jun.,  Myreside.  2,  P.  Symon.  e,  W.  Simpson,  Cardean. 
Ducks.— Aylesbury.— 1,  D.  Gellatly.  2,  Mrs.  A.  Bruce.  Rouen— 1,  A.  Easson. 
2,  J.  W.  Will.  Geese.— 1,  Mrs.  Barclay,  Sim  prim .  2  and  c,  Mrs.  Ballingall, 
Cookston.    Turkeys.— l,  Mrs.  Barclay.    2,  Lord  J.  F.  G.  Hallyburton, 

DISTRICT  PRIZES. 
Dorkings— I,  G.  Allan.  2,  D.  Gellatly.  3,  Mrs.  A.  Bruce.  Chickens.— 1  and 
•J,  Mrs.  A.  Bruce.  S,  J.  Sinclair,  Drumkilbo.  c,  G.  Allan.  Spanish.— 1,  Mrs. 
Anderson.  2  and  S,  A.  Shepherd,  Meigle.  Chickens.— 1  and  Tea  Service,  D, 
Gellatly,  2  nnd  B,  Mrs.  Anderson.  Any  other  Variety.— 1  and  3,  D.  Gellatly. 
C,  Miss  A.  Anderson.  Chickens.— 1  and  Salver,  D.  Gellatly.  3,  Mrs.  Lamond, 
Inverqueich.  3,  J.  Porter,  jun.  Ducks.— 1,  G.  Allan.  2,  G.  Cuthill.  S,  A. 
Bruce,  Holl.  Ducklings.— 1  and  c,  G.  Cuthill.  2,  Miss  Kiddie.  3,  Mrs.  Kidd, 
Drumkilbo.  Chickens.— 1,  Mrs.  A.  Bruce,  Westhill.  2,  W.  Simpson.  3,  G. 
Cuthill.    c,  J.  Fraser,  Meigle. 

Pigeons.  — 1,  2,  and  3,  A.  G.  M'Neil,  Coupar  Angus' (Owls,  Turbits,  and 
Tumblers). 


CITY  COLUMBARIAN   SOCIETY. 

On  Thursday  last,  August  25th,  tho  City  Colnmbarian  Society  held 
its  first  show  for  the  season  at  the  Crown  and  Cushion  Tavern,  London 
Wall.  The  meeting  was  well  attended  by  members  and  friends  from 
Ireland  and  Scotland,  as  well  as  from  all  parts  of  England,  and  great 
was  the  suspense  of  several  who  were  eagerly  watching  every  bird  as  it 
was  put  in  the  pen  to  catch  the  first  glimpse.  The  birds  shown  were 
quite  np  to  the  average  of  quality  for  which  this  Society  is  celebrated, 
and  several  of  them  will  be  seen  carrying  off  high  honours  at  some  of 
the  leading  shows  when  they  get  a  little  older.  It  is  to  be  regretted  that 
the  committees  of  public  shows  do  not  offer  prizes  for  young  birds.  I 
feel  assured  the  entries  would  repay  the  prize  money,  and  would  be  a 
very  attractive  feature. — J.  F. 


BEE-KEEPING  AT  MANCHESTER  IN  1870. 
The  present  season  has  been,  as  a  whole,  somewhat  unfavour- 
able for  bees  id  this  neighbourhood.  The  honeydew  bo  abun- 
dantly oollected  last  year,  made  the  honey  very  impure  and 
rather  unhealthy.  Owing  to  the  long  winter,  cold  spring,  and 
impure  honey,  many  hives  were  weak  in  numbers,  in  other 
words,  had  only  a  small  population  in  Match  and  April ;  in- 
deed, many  weak  hives  of  bees  did  not  survive  the  cold  spring 
months,  and  tho  strong  hives  of  bees  which  outlived  the  severe 


winter  and  spring  did  not  swarm  early.  This  year  there  were 
very  few  swarms  in  May.  I  had  only  one,  all  the  rest  were  June 
swarms.  Usually  most  of  our  stooks  swarm  in  May.  Soma 
seasons  bees  are  loth  to  swarm  even  after  they  are  ready  ;  but 
this  year  all  the  hives  that  swarmed  did  so  freely,  many  of 
them  yielding  second  swarms. 

Notwithstanding  the  length  of  time  without  rain,  very  little 
honey  was  found  in  flowers  this  season,  save  during  the  first 
three  weeks  of  June  and  this  month  (August).  Still,  swarms 
kept  themselves,  and  needed  but  little  feeding.  Daring  the 
fair  month  of  July,  and  in  the  absence  of  cloud  or  rain,  hives 
generally  became  much  lighter,  breeding  was  discontinued, 
white  drones  were  torn  out  of  their  cells  and  cast  out,  and 
drones  were  massacred.  The  drought  and  easterly  winds  con- 
tinued to  the  loss  and  discouragement  of  bee-keepers.  I  had 
then  upwards  of  2,000,000  of  my  faithful  and  industrious  ser- 
vants near  starvation  point.  Their  commissariat  stores  had  to 
be  thought  of.  A  favourable  balance  sheet  this  year  was  but  a 
remote  idea,  if  not  quite  out  of  the  question.  Soon — very  soon 
14  lbs.  of  sugar  per  day  will  be  required  to  keep  them  alive  ; 
28  lbs.  would  do  it  better.  A  twig  of  heather  just  bursting  into 
blossom  was  sent  from  the  moors.  Well,  heather  is  hardy,  and 
not  easily  affected  by  weather.  Perhaps  it  will  yield  honey 
while  the  wind  is  easterly.  Let  me  try  my  bees  there?  Away 
they  go  to  grousoland  about  the  end  of  July  and  beginning  of 
August,  fifteen  hives  at  a  time  every  two  or  three  days.  The 
bees  began  work  at  once,  and  before  the  last  lot  arrived  the  first 
one  had  gained  in  weight  several  pouuds  per  hive. 

Yesterday  (August  23rd)  I  wont  to  see  them,  and,  arriving 
about  11  a.m.,  I  found  them  busy,  and  collecting  honey  rapidly. 
My  May  swarm,  the  best,  was  first  uncovered  and  weighed ;  its 
weight  was  just  95  lbs.,  and  its  mother  hive  standing  by  its 
side  was  82  lbs.  Some  swarms  weighed  80  lbs.,  some  70  lbs., 
some  00  lbs.,  and  toine  40  lbs.  At  3  p.m.  the  best  swarm  was 
again  weighed,  and  found  to  be  just  98  lbs.,  with  many  bees  out 
at  work.  Some  of  the  best  hives  have  gained  from  50  to  60  lbs. 
each  during  the  last  three  weeks.  Grand  results !— a  fair  harvest 
of  honey  without  a  speck  of  impurity,  a  favourable  balance- 
sheet  after  all,  and  the  lightest  of  the  hives  have  ample  stores 
for  themselves  if  kept  for  stocks. — A.  Pettigrew. 


BEES   BUILDING   OUTSIDE  THEIR   HIVE. 

Mi*  bees  this  year  seem  to  have  behaved  strangely.  First,  I 
have  a  common  straw  hive  with  a  tquare  box  at  the  top,  the 
whole  enclosed  in  a  wooden  stand,  fur  tho  sake  of  warmth  and 
shelter  iu  winter.  In  order  to  take  the  box  of  honey  from  the 
top  of  the  hive,  I  opened  the  door  of  the  outer  case,  and  found 
that  my  bees  had  not  only  filled  the  small  pquare  box  at  the 
top  of  the  hive  which  I  was  goiDg  to  remove,  but  had  also  made 
large  combs  filled  with  honey  outside  the  box,  and  on  the  top 
of  the  straw  hive  (inside  the  outer  case),  so  that  I  had  some 
difficulty  in  detaching  the  box  of  honey,  which  when  emptied 
was  put  back  again.  The  combs  outside  still  remain,  and  the 
bees  continue  working.  Secondly,  Another  straw  hive,  also 
inside  a  bee  case,  had  a  glass  super  put  on,  and  over  that  a 
small  Btraw  hive  to  keep  out  the  light,  and  on  opening  the 
door  of  the  case  I  find  likewise  outside  the  glass  super,  and  in- 
side the  little  straw  hive  (put  on,  as  I  said,  to  keep  out  the 
light),  the  bees  are  workiDg  combs.  Is  not  this  unusual? — 
C.B. 

[Bees  when  pressed  for  room  will  extend  their  combs  in  any 
direction,  and  sometimes  take  possession  of  the  outer  cases  in- 
tended only  for  the  protection  of  their  hives.  All  such  combs 
should  now  be  removed,  and  those  portions  which  are  available 
carefully  preserved  until  next  year,  when  they  will  bo  found 
useful  either  as  guide  comb3  or  decoy  combs  for  glasses  and 
Bupers,  and  when,  also,  somewhat  more  care  should  be  taken 
to  afford  the  little  labourers  sufficient  accommodation.] 


THE  BEE  SEASON  IN  SCOTLAND. 

We  have  now  arrived  at  nearly  the  close  of  the  bee  season 
of  1870.  In  Scotland  it  has,  on  the  whole,  been  one  of  a  very 
unsatisfactory  character.  A  cold,  dry,  and  ungeuial  spring 
succeeded  a  very  protraoted  and  unfavourable  winter,  in  which, 
as  I  formerly  remarked,  many  weak  hives,  otherwise  well  pro- 
visioned, succumbed.  The  weather  at  the  commencement  of 
summer  was  more  propitious,  and  thicg?  began  to  look  mora 
hopeful,  but  notwithstanding  a  oontinvions  track  of  apparently 


176 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  September  1,  1870. 


fine  weather,  yet  farther  progress  was  not  so  manifest  as  could 
be  wished.  As  the  season  advanced  this  became  even  more 
evident  by  a  want  of  activity  among  the  bees,  a  deficiency  of 
pollen  and  honey  in  the  flowers,  and  a  consequent  falling-off 
in  breeding  and  general  advancement.  How  is  this  to  be 
accounted  for  ?  No  doubt  the  long  prevalence  of  dry  weather 
operated  adversely  on  vegetation.  I  think  these  two  past  sea- 
sons furnish  irrefragable  evidence  that  very  dry  weather  is  not 
the  best  for  bees.  For  the  secretion  and  exudation  of  the 
nectar  in  flowers  it  is  necessary  that  there  be  a  certain  quantity 
of  moisture.  Warm  weather  and  genial  showers  are  the  indis- 
pensable requisites  for  a  thriving  apiary,  and  hence  in  many 
localities  I  have  lately  visited  there  is  both  a  deficiency  of 
swarms  and  flower  honey.  There  are  exceptions,  no  doubt,  but 
I  ascribe  these  to  the  oircumstance  that  the  fall  of  rain  was 
very  unequally  distributed  in  Scotland — there  being  plenty  in 
some  parts  of  the  country,  and  a  scarcity  in  others.  For  my- 
self I  have  had  very  few  natural  swarms  this  summer,  and  very 
little  flower  honey  in  supers.  It  is,  perhaps,  yet  too  early  to 
estimate  the  amount  of  honey  colleoted  at  the  heath.  This,  of 
course,  is  one  of  the  best  of  honey-yielding  plants,  and  con- 
sidering the  luxuriance  and  abundance  of  the  crop  this 
season,  and  the  splendid  weather  we  have  had  during  its 
blossom,  I  should  expect  the  results  to  be  good,  unless,  indeed, 
the  long  drought  in  summer  has  not  also  affected  its  honey- 
yielding  qualities.  In  some  oases,  however,  I  know  of  hives 
having  during  the  past  three  weeks  added  from  this  source 
alone  from  10  to  26  lbs.  to  their  store.  The  heath-blossom 
is  early  this  season,  and  will  be  all  over,  I  expect,  by  the 
end  of  the  month  (August). — J.  Lowe. 


FEEDING  BEES  AND  STRENGTHENING 
STOCKS. 

Feeding:  or  strengthening  weak  stocks  by  giving  cards  of 
honey  from  strong  ones  is  generally  delayed  too  long.  The 
bee-keeper  will  find  it  a  great  saving  of  syrup  or  honey  to  feed 
early,  as  the  bees  will  deposit  far  more  of  what  they  take 
up  if  fed  just  at  the  close  or  winding-up  of  the  honey  har- 
vest. In  all  localities  where  there  is  but  little  fall  pasturage 
it  would  be  well  to  feed  in  August,  or  at  latest  by  the  1st  of 
September. 

At  this  season  most  of  the  food  given  them  will  be  deposited 
in  the  cells,  and  capped  over  the  same  as  the  honey  brought 
in  from  the  field,  which  prevents  its  becoming  sour  and  unfit 
for  winter  use.  And  if  stocks  are  to  be  strengthened,  it  dis- 
turbs the  bees  far  less  to  do  so  while  the  weather  is  warm, 
and  the  bees  will  not  consume  so  much  of  what  is  given  them 
if  it  is  given  early,  when  they  are  gathering  a  little.  Feeding 
or  giving  cards  also  stimulates  to  greater  industry,  and  seems 
to  encourage  labour  in  the  field,  when  given  early,  before  all 
the  flowers  are  gone.  Let  bee-keepers  try  it,  and  they  will 
not  feed  late  afterwards.  As  a  rule,  it  does  not  pay  to  keep 
stocks  that  require  much  feeding ;  still,  many  stocks  with  a 
very  little  early  feeding  would  become  good  ones,  and  in  such 
instances  it  pays  to  feed. — J.  H.  Thomas  (in  Toronto  Globe). 


OUR  LETTER  BOX. 

Dorking  Cook's  Feet  Swollen  {E.  B.). — The  goodness — i.e.,  size  of 
the  Dorking  cock,  is  probably  the  cause  of  his  Bwollen  feet.  Forgetful  of 
his  weight,  he  has  flown  off  some  high  place,  and  either  bruised  bis  feet 
or  driven  a  gravel  stone  through  the  skin.  In  either  case,  as  soon  as  the 
apparent  callosity  becomes  red  and  inflamed,  there  is  no  cure.  He  may 
be  used  a  little  longer  as  a  stock  bird,  by  keeping  him  strictly  on  grass, 
but  every  step  on  gravel  is  an  injury  to  him.  This  disease  cannot  always 
be  prevented,  but  something  is  done  in  that  way  when  the  perches  in  a 
house  are  kept  scrupulously  within  2  feet  of  the  ground,  and  nothing 
allowed  in  the  place  higher  than  can  be  used  as  a  perch. 

Brahma  Cock's  Comb  (Blink  Bonny). — The  comb  is  not  desirable,  but 
we  do  not  think  it  a  serious  fault.    It  would  be  so  in  a  single  comb. 

Comb  op  a  Light  Bbahma  Pootra  Cock  (R.  P.).— The  pea-comb  is 
more  esteemed  than  the  single  comb,  and  is  a  more  valuable  property  if 
a  yard  is  for  sale.  Vulture  hocks,  as  we  know  from  experience,  show 
distinctly  before  the  chickens  are  six  weeks  old.  With  us  we  condemn 
such  at  once  to  the  kitchen,  or  we  give  them  to  friends  to  whom  we  owe 
some  small  obligation,  and  who  boast  that  to  them  one  fowl  is  as  good  as 
another.  We  have  read  of  a  country  where  all  the  people  were  hump- 
backed, and  a  stranger  having  entered  during  divine  servioe,  the  clergy- 
man prayed  for  the  deformed  man  who  had  just  entered.  So  a  friend  to 
whom  we  gave  some  vulture- hocked  birds,  and  who  bred  from  them,  told 
us  he  had  bred  some  nasty  plain  birds  from  them,  and  could  not  think 
they  were  pure. 

Crested  Buff  Hen  with  Jonqoe  Cinnamon  Cock— Pairing  Lizards 
(E.  B.). — It  will  mainly  depend  upon  how  the  Crested  hen  is  bred.  If  Bhe 
be  from  a  recent  cross  between  a  Cincamon  and  Crested  bird  not  being 


Cinnamon,  you  will  probably  not  get  all  Cinnamons,  but  some  dirty 
greens  among  them,  or  some  broken  Cinnamons — i.e.,  splashed  birds. 
The  greater  proportion,  however,  will  bo  Cinnamon,  Crested  and  plain, 
Jonque  and  Mealy.  It  is  perfectly  right  to  pair  a  Golden  Lizard  cock 
with  a  Silver  Lizard  hen.— W.  A.  B. 

Wasps  (A  Miserable  Victim). — We  have  never  found  wasps  do  any 
serious  injury  to  bees,  and  are,  therefore,  unable  to  prescribe  a  remedy 
from  actual  experience.  The  mouth  of  the  hive  should,  of  course,  be  at 
once  contracted,  and  Mr.  Taylor  recommends  laying  a  piece  of  barley- 
sugar  across  or  just  within  the  entrance  so  as  greatly  to  narrow  it 
"  This,  he  says,  "  is  so  attractive  to  the  bees,  that  they  muster  at  the 
door  in  greater  force  than  the  wasps  dare  venture  to  assail.  As  fast  as 
the  fortification  is  devoured  it  ought  to  be  renewed,  and  the  out-generalled 
enemy  will  retire  from  a  hopeless  contest."  Last  autumn  an  esteemed 
correspondent  recommended  carbolic  acid  as  a  means  of  repelling  robber 
bees,  and  it  may  possibly  bo  found  to  be  equally  efficacious  in  deterring 
wasps.  His  advice  was  as  follows : — "  Early  in  the  morning,  or  soon 
as  corsair  bees  [wasps]  are  on  the  raid,  dip  a  feather  in  carbolic  acid 
and  wet  the  entrance  of  the  assailed  hive  all  round,  pouring  at  the  same 
time  a  few  drops  on  the  landing.  Repeat  the  dose  during  the  day  as  the 
odour  passes  off.  If  properly  managed  the  inmates  will  remain  at  home 
ventilating,  whilst  not  a  single  robber  dare  cross  the  threshold."  Fruit 
can  only  be  preserved  from  wasps  by  covering  it  with  gauze. 


METEOROLOGICAL  OBSERVATIONS 
In  the  Suburbs  of  London  for  the  week  ending  August  30th. 


THERMOMETER. 

Wind. 

Date. 

EAROMETEB. 

Air. 

Earth. 

Rain. 

Mas.    I     Min. 

Max. 

Min. 

1  ft. 

ait. 

Wed. . .  24 
Thurs..  25 

Fri 26 

Sat.  ...  27 
Sun.  ..  28 
Mon. . .  29 
Tues.    .  30 

29.833 
29.866 
29  853 
29.894 
29.457 
29.891 
30.197 

29.831 
29.833 
29.727 
29.123 
29.874 
29  733 
30.046 

73 
71 
70 

7a 

73 
71 
69 

39 
42 
33 
53 
46 
48 
32 

60 
60 
62 
64 

60 
59 
57 

59 
59 
69 
56 
58 
68 
56 

N.W. 
N.W. 
N.W. 
N.W. 
S.W. 
N.W. 
N.W. 

.00 
.00 
.00 
.40 
.00 
•00 
.00 

Mean.. 

29.856 

29.756 

71.29 

41.86 

60.29 

58.14 

•■ 

0.40 

24.— Fine,  cold  wind;  oloudy,  but  fine  ;  clear  and  fine. 

35. — Very  fine;  exceedingly  fine;  clear  and  fine. 

26. — Fine  and  clear ;  cloudy,  but  fine  ;  clear,  starlight. 

27. — Very  fine  ;  exceedingly  fine;  heavy  rain. 

28.— Drizzling  rain  ;  boisterous;  heavy  clouds. 

29. — Very  fine  ;  fine  but  cloudy  ;  clear  and  fine. 

30. — Clear  and  very  fine  ;  cloudy  ;  clear  and  very  fine. 


COVEN T 

We  have  no  material 
well,  supplied. 


GARDEN  MARKET.— August  31. 

alteration  to  report,  and  the  market  continues 


Apples J  sieve 

Apricots doz. 

Cherries lb. 

ChestnutB bushel 

Currants J  sieve 

Black do. 

Figs doz. 

Filberts lb. 

Cobs lb. 

Gooseberries quart 

Grapes, Hothouse....  lb. 

LemonB ^100 

Melons each 

Artichokes doz. 

Asparagus  ....,-...  ^  100 
Beans,  Kidney  ..i  sieve. 

Broad bushel 

Beet,  Red doz. 

Broccoli bundle 

Brussels  Sprouts. .  J  sieve 

Cabbage doz. 

Capsicums  ^100 

Carrots bunch 

Cauliflower doz. 

Celery bundle 

Coleworts..doz.  bunches 
Cucnmbers  eaoh 

pickling doz. 

Endive doz. 

Fennel bunch 

Garlio lb. 

Herbs bunch 

Horseradish   ....  bundle 


b,  d.      s. 
1    0  to  2 

0       S 

6 

0 

0 

0 

0 

9 

9 

0 

0 

0 

0 


Mulberries lb. 

Nectarines doz. 

Oranges %*- 100 

Peaches  doz. 

Pears,  kitchen doz. 

dessert doz. 

Pine  Apples lb. 

Plums i  sieve 

Quinaes doz. 

Raspberries lb.    0 

Strawberries   lb.    0 

Walnuts buBhel  10 

do tf'lOO    1 


d.  s. 
0  9  toO 
0  8 
0  " 
0 
0 
0 

B 

0 

0 

(i 

0 

0 
0 


VEGETABLES. 


d.    s. 

Oto  0 

0       0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

4 

0 


Leeks bunch 

Lettuce  doz. 

Mushrooms pottle 

Mustard  &  Cress . .  punnet 
Onions  bushel 

pickling quart 

Parsley...  sieve 

Parsnips doz. 

Peas quart 

Potatoes bushel 

Kidney do. 

Radishes  ..  doz.  bunches 

Rhubarb bundle 

Savoys.  doz. 

Sea-kale basket 

Shallots lb. 

Spinaoh bushel 

Tomatoes doz. 

Turnips  bunch 

Vegetable  MarrowB . .  doz. 


s.  d.     s. 

(I  4  to  0 

1  6  S 

3  0  4 

o  a  o 

4  0  6 

"  4 
0 


POULTRY  MARKET.— August  31. 
The  trade  is  positively  nominal,  fortunately  the  supply  is  not  large, 
None  but  low  prices  can  be  looked  for  for  some  time.    Grouse  are  plen- 
tiful and  good. 


Large  Fowls 2 


d.     s.  d. 
6to  3    0 


Smaller  ditto 2  0  2 

Chickens 1  6  1 

Ducks    2  0  2 

Geese 6  0  6 

Turkeys    0  0  0 


S.  d.  s.  d 

Grouse  (young) 2    0  to  2  G 

Pigeons     0    8  0  9 

Rabbits 14  15 

Wild  ditto    0    8  0  9 

Hares    ,0    0  0  0 

Partridges   0    0  0  0 


September  8,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


177 


WEEKLY 

CALENDAR. 

Day 

of 

Mouth 

Day 

of 

Week. 

SEPTEMBER  8-14,  1870. 

Average   Tempera* 
ture  near  London. 

Rain  in 

last 
48  years. 

Snn 
Rises. 

Snn 

Sets. 

Moon 
Rises. 

Moon 
SetB. 

Moon's 
Age. 

Clock 

after 

Snn. 

Day 

of 

Year. 

Day. 

Night 

Mean. 

Davs. 

m.      h. 

m.      h. 

m.      h.!  m.    h. 

Davs. 

m.    s. 

8 

Th 

Crystal  Palace  Florists' Flower  Show  closes. 

69.4 

48.0 

68.7 

19 

25af5 

29  af  6 

23  af  6    13  af  8 

13 

2    24 

251 

9 

F 

P9.1 

48.1 

68.6 

19 

2-*      5 

27      6 

51        6    2t       4 

• 

2    45 

252 

10 

S 

Length  of  Day  12b.  58m. 

69.7 

45.5 

67.6 

21 

27      5 

25      6 

11        7    85       6 

15 

8      6 

253 

11 

SOS 

13  Sunday  after  Trinitt. 

68.7 

47.0 

57.8 

11 

29      5 

22      6 

28       7  i  44      6 

16 

3    26 

254 

12 

M 

69.1 

44.8 

57.0 

16 

31      5 

20      6 

46       7    62      0 

17 

3    47 

255 

13 

To 

68.4 

45.7 

67.0 

19 

32      5 

18      6 

5        8  ,  57      8 

18 

4      8 

256 

14 

W 

Nottingham  Horticnltnral  Show. 

67.0 

46.1 

66.5 

22 

33      5 

16      6 

24       8      3    10 

19 

4    29 

257 

From  observations  taken  near  London  during  the  la 

st  forty-three  years, 

tho  average  day  temperature  of  the  week  is  G8.S", 

ind  its  night 

temperature  46.4°.      The  greatest  heat  was  88  !,  on  the  13th,  1SG5 ;  and  the  lowest  cold  28%  on  the  12th,  1860.    Tho  greatest  fall  of  rain  was 

1.27  inch. 

RAMBLES   ABOUT   CORBRIDGE. 
SANDHOE. 

WAS  spending  the  vacation  at  Corbridge,  an 
old  village  on  the  Tyne,  in  the  centre  of  the 
garden  of  Northumberland — an  old  village, 
nobody  knows  how  old,  with  an  old  church, 
a  grand  old  church,  and  an  old  stone  bridge, 
very  long,  very  narrow,  and  abominably  dusty, 
with  always  the  same  old  man  on  it  with  an 
old  barrow  and  shovel,  engaged  in  the  ma- 
nure line  of  business.  It  was  a  hot  day— I 
cannot  say  what  the  glass  was  standing  at 
in  the  shade,  but  the  cows  were  all  standing  up  to  their 
knees  in  the  river,  illustrating  the  theory  of  perpetual 
motion  with  their  tails.  I  sauntered  down  to  the  river- 
side to  a  small  piece  of  what  I  thought  was  unenclosed 
waste  ground.  It  looked  like  it,  though  there  was  an  old 
broken  rail  fence  on  one  side.  I  think  Corbridge  shoots 
its  rubbish  there  when  it  has  any  to  shoot  The  old 
fence,  a  very  shabby  old  fence,  ran  down  almost  to  the 
water's  edge,  or  what  would  be  the  water's  edge  when 
the  rains  swelled  the  river,  which  now,  with  its  gravelly 
bed  laid  bare  through  the  long  drought,  was  lazily  creep- 
ing on  towards  the  bridge,  on  which  I  could  just  see  the 
old  man's  head  bobbing  up  and  down  above  the  parapet : 
he  was  evidently  reaping  a  rich  harvest  of  ammoniacal  de- 
posits that  morning.  The  other  side  of  the  fence  looking 
rather  more  inviting,  but  not  much,  I  stepped  over  the  rail 
and  sat  down.  I  cannot  say  I  was  comfortable.  There 
was  not  much  grass,  and  my  seat  was  hard  ;  besides,  I  was 
pestered  by  the  flies,  impertinent,  inquisitive  flies,  with 
a  thirst  for  a  knowledge,  geographical  and  anatomical,  of 
my  epidermis.  It  was  not  by  any  means  a  pleasant  spot, 
but  such  as  it  was  I  was  not  allowed  to  occupy  it  long. 
A  lad,  who  seemed  half  afraid  or  half  ashamed  (let  us 
hope  he  was  :  he  was  a  decent-looking  lad  i  to  deliver  his 
message,  came  to  me  with  an  intimation  that  I  was  to  "  go 
away,  go  away;  it's  private  property,  private  property," 
and  then  he  retreated ;  and  so  did  I  in  the  face  of  a  "  notice." 
which  I  had  not  observed  before,  to  the  effect  that  if  I 
were  found  trespassing  on  that  ground,  or  drying  my 
clothes  on  its  fences,  I  should  be  prosecuted  with  the 
utmost  rigour  of  the  law.  The  launch  of  a  paper  ship  with 
a  dandelion  mast,  which  I  was  under  contract  to  complete 
for  "  Jacky,"  was  deferred  to  a  more  convenient  season  ;  for 
which  demurrage  he  suggested  that  the  sum  of  Id.  would 
be  an  acceptable  equivalent,  to  be  invested  in  a  donkey-ride. 
The  donkey  tariff  in  Corbridge  is,  with  or  without  a  saddle 
(which  is  always  a  side  saddle,  difficult  to  put  on,  and  apt 
to  slip  round,  but  very  handy  to  hold  on  by),  id.  an  hour  ; 
ditto  with  cart  without  springs,  but  plenty  of  straw,  (id. 

But  what  has  this  to  do  with  Sandhoe  ?  A  good  deal. 
The  donkey  took  us  to  Sandhoe.  I  went  rather  against 
my  inclination ;  I  am  certain  he  went  contrary  to  his, 
though  he  was  on  the  whole  a  well-behaved  ass,  not  given 
to  rubbing  against  walls  or  rolling  in  dusty  roads.  I  would 
rather  have  been  off  among  the  grand  old  woods  about 
Dilston  than  on  terraced  walks  or  among  flower  beds  and 
No.  493.— Vol.  XIX.,  New  Series. 


ribbon  borders.  I  wanted  rather  to  get  away  from  Nature 
"  with  her  haircut,"  than  to  travel  over  hot  dusty  roads  under 
a  broiling  July  sun  to  see  a  specimen  however  beautiful. 
I  was  anxious  to  get  away  from  the  "  noise  and  smoke  of 
the  clearings,"  as  my  eldest  boy,  who  is  great  in  Indian 
story,  has  it.  He  carries  colours  and  chalks  (war-paint  he 
calls  them)  in  his  pocket,  and  when  we  were  in  the  woods 
was  continually  waylaying  poor  Jacky,  and  scalping  him. 
Once  he  tried  to  make  me  a  party  to  a  horrible  plot,  pro- 
posing that  I  should  let  him  touch  me  up  with  a  bit  of 
vermilion  and  a  flannel  blue-bag,  and  then  rush  in  and 
carry  his  mamma  into  captivity,  when  he  would  give  me 
five  minutes'  start  and  fjllow  my  trail,  and  when  he  had 
rescued  her,  would  tie  me  to  a  tree,  and  show  me  how 
near  he  could  come  with  his  knife  without  hitting  me. 

I  shall  never  reach  Sandhoe  at  this  rate,  which  is  just 
what  I  thought  toiling  up  the  hillside  that  hot  July  day. 
Once  there,  my  only  regret  whs  (hat  I  bad  deferred  my  visit 
so  long,  and  that  I  had  not  more  time  at  disposal  to  exa- 
mine all  the  beauties  of  the  place.  Sandhoe,  the  seat  of 
Sir  Rowland  Stanley  Errington,  Bart.,  is  most  delightfully 
placed  on  the  hillside  on  the  left  or  north  bank  of  the 
Tyne,  about  midway  between  Hexham  and  Corbridge, 
adjoining  the  lordly  manor  of  Beaufront.  The  principal 
entrance  to  the  grounds  is  through  a  beautiful  gateway 
surmounted  by  a  massive  stone  arch,  but  I  entered  this 
little  paradise  through  a  private  door  opening  on  a  winding 
path,  hedged  in  with  Laurels  of  most  luxuriant  growth,  . 
leading  to  what  I  may  call  Terrace  No.  1,  the  arrangement 
of  the  grounds  being  a  system  of  terraces,  a  plan  necessi- 
tated by  the  nature  of  the  site,  and  worked  out  in  detail 
by  the  head  gardener.  Mr.  Marshall,  with  infinite  skill. 

The  first  terrace  was  a  Rose  walk,  which  my  attendant, 
an  intelligent  young  Scotchman,  informed  me  is  200  yards 
long,  aud  I  can  only  describe  it  as  one  continuous  bower 
of  Roses  carpeted  with  velvet  pile.  The  most  striking 
feature  in  it  is  a  series  of  festoons  formed  by  connecting 
the  uprights  of  some  rustic  work  on  either  side  with  light 
chains  both  longitudinally  and  transversely,  the  whole  being 
clothed  with  masses  of  lovely  Roses.  The  coup  d  ceil  is 
charming. 

An  easy  descent  from  this  fairy  palace  leads  to  a  beau- 
tiful sloping  lawn  stretching  away  in  a  bold  circular  sweep 
from  the  west- end  of  the  house,  which  faces  terrace  No.  2, 
the  terrace.     The  higher  part  of  the  lawn  is  scalloped  its 
entire  length  with  flower  beds  of  elegant  design,  something 
like  a  series  of  inverted  fleur-de-lis.     Looking  at  them  as 
|  they  lie  on  the  slope  with  the  apex  towards  you,  the  outer 
(  row  of  plants  next  the  grass,  forming  an  edging  to  the  bed, 
:  is  Cerastium  somethiiig-osara^  then  blue  Lobelia  and  Golden 
Pyrethrum  mixed,  with  the  centre,  or  body  of  the  bed, 
Calceolarias  and  scarlet  Geraniums  in  each  alternate  scal- 
lop, while  at  the  base  of  each  stands  either  an  Ivy-covered 
vase  or  an  Irish  Yew.     I  have  never  seen  Ivy  turned  to 
(  such   purposes  as  it  is   at  Sandhoe.     Some  of  the  long 
slopes  are  of  Ivy,  and  very  effective  they  are.     The  west- 
[  end  of  the  lawn  is  bounded   by  the  woods  of  Beaufront, 
;  consisting  of  fine  specimens  of  Larch,  Oak,  Beech,  and 
Lime,  with  ornamental  Pines  and  other  Conifers  on  the 

No.  1145.— Vol-  XLIV.,  Old  Series. 


178 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  September  8,  1870. 


margin.  The  grass  itself  was  in  excellent  trim,  and  I  was 
informed  they  used  Green's  machine.  I  asked  if  they  had 
seen  the  Archimedean,  and  produced  the  picture  which  gives 
Jacky  so  much  anxiety  as  to  how  the  man  has  broken  the 
handle,  but  I  fancied  my  attendant  had  some  idea  I  was  an 
agent  fishing  for  an  order,  and  was,  therefore,  not  very  com- 
municative on  the  subject  of  grass. 

The  house  faces  terrace  No.  2,  and  is  in  itself  an  object  of 
great  attraction  to  visitors,  from  the  costly  character  of  the 
internal  decorations.  In  the  front  are  several  flower  beds,  in 
some  of  which  Mrs.  Pollock  Geranium  was  growing  in  great 
perfection,  the  masses  of  richly-variegated  foliage  showing  to 
great  effect.  The  centre  of  the  terrace,  which  is  254  yards  long, 
and  is  being  extended  to  about  COO  yards,  is  occupied  by  a  lawn 
with  a  ribbon  border  on  each  side  ;  that  to  the  south,  or  remote 
side,  being  edged  with  Flower  of  the  Day  Geranium,  with  rows 
of  Calceolarias  and  scarlet  Geraniums,  intermixed  with  a  pretty 
ornamental  Grass,  and  bounded  by  a  Yew  hedge — a  low,  living, 
green  wall,  alone  worth  going  to  see.  At  either  end  of  the 
lawn  is  an  oval-shaped  raised  bed  of  four  steps,  the  first  con- 
sisting of  a  front  of  Ivy,  carpeted  with  Calceolarias  and  Flower 
of  the  Day  Geranium  ;  then  more  Ivy,  and  a  floor  of  scarlets  ; 
next  Ivy,  and  a  surface  of  white  ;  then  Ivy  again,  crowned  with 
dwarf  white  Dahlias.  Bat  the  most  pleasing  feature  on  this 
beautiful  terrace  was  the  fragrance  emitted  from  an  inscription 
on  a  tablet  built  into  an  Ivy-covered  wall  supporting  one  of 
■-the  upper  slopes. 

"  Stranger,  within  these  grouuds, 
Whoe'er  thou  art, 
No  limitation  of  thy  freedom  fear; 
Go  where  thou  wilt, 
And  when  thou  wilt,  depart, ' 
Since  for  thy  pleasure  all  is  ordered  here. 

"  R.  S.  E." 

It  is  needless  to  say  whose  iuitials  are  these,  nor  is  it  a  matter 
of  surprise  to  find  the  writer's  name  uttered  by  the  poor  with 
blessings,  as  well  it  may  be,  connected  as  it  is  with  unostenta- 
tious acts  of  practical  Christian  charity.  I  will  just  stay  to 
remark  that  this  little  Eden  is  open  from  morning  till  night  to 
all  who  choose  to  lift  the  latch  of  any  of  its  gates.  No  fear  of 
being  told  it  is  not  convenient,  or  that  the  "  family  "  are  at 
home,  or  of  being  warned  off  and  told  to  "go  away,  go  away  ; 
it's  private  property,  private  property!"  If  the  "family" 
meet  you,  it  will  raise  its  hat  if  you  be  a  lady,  or  bid  you  a 
hearty  good-day  and  welcome  if  you  be  a  gentleman  ;  and  then, 
if  you  be  a  true  gentlewoman  or  gentleman,  you  will  neither 
lean  over  the  Yew  hedge  or  press  it  out  of  shape,  nor  splash 
about  in  the  fish  pond.  I  saw  both  done,  and  should  have 
thought  it  no  sin  to  pitch  one  offender  over  the  hedge,  and 
baptise  the  other. 

The  slope  from  this  terrace  to  the  next  is  clothed  with  Ivy 
kept  close  to  the  ground,  and  a  more  effective  foliage  cannot 
be  conceived.  Along  it  runs  what  may  either  be  called  a  Lime 
avenue  or  another  Rose  bower.  The  Lime  trees  are  trained  to 
very  prettily- designed  rusticwork,  and  are  already  assuming 
the  characteristic  form  of  the  trelliswork,  which  will  ultimately 
be  removed.  They  form  a  beautiful  leafy  canopy  overhead. 
The  spaces  between  the  trees  are  occupied  with  Roses,  while 
here  and  there  a  straggling  piece  of  Ivy  from  the  slope  has 
been  allowed  to  add  its  share  to  the  beauty  of  this  shady  re- 
treat. At  the  east  end  is  a  roomy  summer-house,  oval-shaped, 
with  a  roof  of  bark  thatched  with  heather,  containing  rustic 
tables,  chairs,  and  lounges.  More  slopes,  more  Ivy,  more 
flowers,  and  we  are  on  the  lowest  terrace,  in  the  centre  of  which 
are  a  large  circular  basin  and  fountain.  The  Yew  hedge,  which 
forms  the  extreme  south  boundary  of  this  walk,  is  3  feet  high, 
and  of  the  same  width,  clipped  exactly  square  with  astonish- 
ing accuracy. 

The  view  from  this  point  is  very  fine.  The  Tyne  is  seen 
running  eastward  for  some  distance.  To  the  west, 'at  a  short 
distance,  lies  the  quaint  little  town  of  Hexham,  the  tower  of 
the  Abbey  ohurch  standing  out  grandly  above  the  surrounding 
buildings,  which  seem  snugly  nestled  in  among  the  trees  at  the 
foot  of  the  hills,  a  little  cloud  of  bluish  smoke  floating  over, 
marking  its  site  and  apparent  area.  Almost  in  front,  on  the 
further  side  of  the  river,  surrounded  by  its  majestic  woods,  is 
seen  the  solitary  tower  of  Dilston  Castle,  a  grim  memorial  of 
the  bygone  glories  of  the  Derwentwater  family,  while  stretch- 
ing far  beyond  to  the  south  lie  the  hills  enclosing  the  valley  of 
the  Tyne.  To  the  we6t  is  Corbridge  with  its  church,  not  so 
pretentious,  perhaps,  as  the  more  majestic  pile  at  Hexham,  but 
replete  with  interest.  We  pass  close  under  its  shadow  as  we 
return  home.    Just  one  word  about  this  hoary  old  temple  before  i 


I  say  good-bye  to  a  day  whose  pleasures  I  shall  long  remember. 
Seeing  the  doors  open  one  morning,  and  hearing  the  voices  of 
the  choristers,  I  entered,  and  found  that  it  was  the  celebration 
of  Divine  service  on  the  occasion  of  one  of  the  festivals  of  the 
Church.  Perhaps  I  was  impelled  by  curiosity,  for  I  had  heard 
of  the  ritualistic  services  of  Corbridge.  What  a  blind  thing 
is  prejudice!  I  had  been  led  by  hearsay  to  expect  to  Eee 
nothing  less  than  a  cloven  hoof  peeping  from  beneath  the 
cassock,  but  I  could  perceive  nothing  but  the  cross  elevated 
with  a  majestic  simplicity.  The  congregation  was  not  large, 
as  might  easily  be  expected  in  a  country  village  on  a  week  day, 
but  the  service  was  most  impressively  rendered  by  the  vicar, 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Gipps,  M.A.  He  kindly  spent  fully  an  hour,  nay 
more,  after  service  was  over  in  pointing  out  to  me  every  object 
of  interest  in  the  building,  which  has  been  only  lately  restored 
under  his  own  immediate  superintendence.  A  more  enthusi- 
astic ecclesiastical  antiquarian  it  has  never  been  my  pleasure 
to  meet ;  and  bringing  to  bear  on  the  subject  a  scholarly  mind, 
he  invested  every  stone  in  the  old  church  with  a  history  of  its 
own,  converting  old  grey,  time-eaten  blocks  by  a  touch  of  his 
magician's  wand  into  living  testimonies  of  that  undying  faith 
which  our  forefathers  handed  down  to  us.  It  was  plainly  to 
be  seen,  too,  how  the  desolating  effects  of  war  had  visited  the 
sacred  building.  Here  in  one  corner  of  the  noble  tower  are 
unmistakeable  evidences  of  the  troopers  in  the  border  warfare, 
or  in  the  bloody  wars  of  the  Roses,  having  bivouacked  under 
its  shelter,  and  in  another  are  the  marks  where  they  sharpened 
their  pikes  upon  its  corner  stones,  while  the  effects  of  fire  are 
observable  everywhere.  I  said  it  was  an  old  church,  a  very  old 
church,  nobody  knows  how  old,  and  so  it  is. — W.  A.  Blakston. 


BEDDING  PLANTS  IN   1870. 
(Continued  from  page  148.) 

In  continuing  my  remarks  on  bedding  Geraniums,  I  come 
next  to  the  reds,  as  Mrs.  Laing,  King  of  the  Nosegays,  and 
Rebecca. 

Mrs.  Laing  is  very  dwarf  and  free-flowering,  and  is  a  very 
useful  sort,  as  it  seems  to  stand  weather  well ;  the  colour  is 
rather  dull.  King  of  the  Nosegays  has  a  very  fine  truss,  and  is 
of  good  habit ;  it  is  a  bright  shade  of  red,  and  deserves  a  trial 
everywhere. 

Rebecca,  though  free-flowering,  has  run  to  seed  with  me  very 
much  this  year,  and  I  have  heard  the  same  complaint  from 
others.  It  is  one  of  the  very  best,  however,  for  pot  culture  for 
winter  blooming. 

I  will  next  take  the  cerise-coloured,  as  Violet  Hill,  Duchess, 
Amy  Hogg,  Dr.  Hogg,  Arthur  Pearson,  &a. 

Violet  Hill  is  still  my  type  of  the  best  bedding  Geranium 
I  have  ever  seen.  It  only  requires  good  treatment  to  remain 
in  full  beauty  all  the  summer  months.  It  is  very  compact  and 
dwarf,  branches  naturally,  and  is  one  of  the  freest  bloomers 
both  as  a  bedder  and  a  pot  plant  I  have  ever  seen.  It  is  not 
much  in  nurserymen's  hands,  because  it  requires  time  to  pro- 
pagate a  stock  of  it,  and  in  some  gardens  it  has  been  discarded 
because  it  has  not  grown  enough,  but  it  will  well  repay  any 
extra  care  in  saving  all  old  plants,  and  liberally  manuring  the 
beds  before  planting ;  for  however  freely  it  may  be  made  to 
grow,  it  will  always  blossom  as  freely. 

Duchess  is  a  good  sort  for  a  back  row,  and  it  did  well  this 
dry  summer  in  Gloucestershire,  but  it  is  too  coarse  most  sea- 
sons.   It  is  another  good  sort  for  winter  blooming. 

Amy  Hogg  is  too  well  known  to  require  much  comment.  I 
still  think  it  too  long  in  the  footBtalk.  Arthur  Pearson  is  very 
like  Amy  Hogg,  with  rather  a  rounder  flower,  and  stronger  foot- 
stalk. 

Dr.  Hogg  is  a  decided  improvement  on  Amy  Hogg— a  very 
bright  telling  colour  without  being  gaudy,  and  a  free  bloomer. 
It  is  rather  apt  to  run  to  seed,  but  this  has  been  too  much  the 
case  with  most  Geraniums  this  year.  It  makes  a  beautiful 
pot  plant,  and  is  one  of  the  freest  bloomers  of  any  in  the  winter. 
It  is  altogether  a  very  valuable  variety. 

Comte  de  Morny  is  one  of  the  best  Zonals,  as  it  has  naturally 
a  branching  habit ;  its  colour  is  more  pink  than  Amy  Hogg, 
and  it  is  decidedly  the  best  bedder  I  know  in  that  colour. 

Roi  d'ltalie  and  Glorious  are  much  about  the  same  shade  of 
colour,  cerise  with  an  orange  shade.  Roi  d'ltalie  has  fine  in- 
dividual flowers  but  small  trasses,  and  does  not  stand  weather 
well.     Glorious  has  done  well  this  year. 

Indian  Yellow  has  a  very  peculiar  shade  of  colour,  is  one  of 
the  freest-blooming  Geraniums  of  any,  and  in  always  worth 


September  8,  1870.  ] 


JOBENAL  OF  HOETI CULT  ORE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENEK. 


179 


growing  as  a  contrast  to  other  colours.  It  stands  sun  and  rain 
better  than  almost  any  variety  I  know. 

I  have  only  tried  two  orange-coloured  Geraniums  this  year — 
viz.,  Orange  Nosegay  and  Grace  Holmes.  The  latter  is,  in  my 
opinion,  a  great  acquisition,  very  dwarf  and  free-blooming,  and 
will,  like  Violet  Hill,  stand  good  treatment,  when  it  will  flower 
freely  without  growing  coarse.  Orange  Nosegay  is  of  a  good 
colour,  but  too  small  in  the  truss,  and  does  not  bloom  freely 
enough. 

We  next  come  to  the  pink  and  rose  section. 

Of  these  Eose  Eendatler  is  facile  princeps  with  me,  and  has 
proved  itself  the  best  for  four  years.  On  some  soils  it  is  coarse  ; 
here  both  old  plants  and  young  bloom  freely,  and  stand  the 
weather  well.  Its  fault,  which  it  has  in  common  with  all 
pinks,  is  its  tendency  to  run  to  seed. 

Ne  Plus  Ultra  is  a  very  fine  shade  of  pink  with  a  good  truss 
of  flowers.     I  do  not  think,  however,  it  blooms  freely  enough. 

Blue  Bell  is  too  coarse  with  me,  but  it  is  a  different  shade 
of  colour — a  lilac  pink — has  a  handsome  trus3  of  bloom,  and  I 
shall  certainly  try  it  again,  as  I  think  for  the  sake  of  variety, 
and  to  prevent  monotony,  one  cannot  have  too  many  different 
shades  of  colour. 

Pink  Perfection  is  a  fairly  good  sort.  Pink  Stella  does  not 
bloom  enough,  and  after  three  years'  trial  I  shall  discard  it. 

Countess  of  Eosslyn,  which  I  had  not  enough  of  for  a  separate 
bed,  and  which  I  planted  in  a  mixed  bed,  is  a  promising  sort, 
with  a  dwarf  habit,  but  more  lilac  than  rose. 

Christine  Njsegay  has  also  a  nice  dwarf  habit  with  a  soft 
light  shade  of  pink,  bat  hardly  blooms  freely  enough,  and  is 
too  stiff  in  the  growth. 

Gloire  de  Corbenay  was  the  only  salmon-coloured  GeraDium 
I  bedded  this  year,  and  it  has  done  better  than  any  salmon  I 
ever  tried  before,  having  had  to  discard  Eugenie  Mezard, 
Francois  Desbois,  Madame  Kudersdorff,  and  others.  I  shall 
certainly  try  it  again,  and  I  think  it  will  succeed. 

All  the  whites  I  have  ever  tried  have  turned  to  a  dirty  pink 
in  the  sun,  but  they  have  all  been  so  like  their  prototype, 
Madame  Vaucher,  as  for  all  practical  purposes  to  be  identical ; 
but  one  which  was  sent  me  on  trial  by  Mr.  C.  Turner  has  kept 
its  colour  well,  is  of  quite  a  different  habit,  and  seems  to  me 
most  promising,  and  I  intend  to  give  it  a  good  trial  next  year. 
Another  good  dwarf  white  which  has  kept  its  colour  was  kindly 
sent  me  as  a  present  by  Mr.  Aldred,  and  will,  I  think,  bed  well. 

I  will  defer  my  notes  on  the  Bicolors,  Tricolors,  and  Varie- 
gated sorts  till  another  time.  I  would  only  conclude  now  by 
saying,  if  I  had  to  choose  twelve  (not  counting  newer  sortsj, 
one  of  each  colour,  I  should  take  the  following  : — Waltham 
Seedling,  Bayard,  Cybister,  Grand  Duke,  Violet  Hill,  Duchess 
of  Sutherland,  Dr.  Hogg,  Indian  Yellow,  Grace  Holmes,  Gloire 
de  Corbenay,  Eose  Eendatler,  and  The  Bride.  I  have  included 
the  latter  though  a  new  one,  as  I  do  not  know  any  white  of 
the  Madame  Vaucher  type  worth  growing.  I  can  also  un- 
hesitatingly recommend  Vesta,  Lady  C.  Grosvenor,  Douglas 
Pearson,  Thomas  Speed,  William  Thomson,  Lady  Hawley,  Lady 
Kirkland,  and  Stanstead  Eival. 

Since  writing  the  above  notes  we  have  had  heavy  rain,  0.92 
inch  in  one  night,  and  the  sorts  which  have  stood  it  best  are 
Waltham  Seedling,  Bayard,  Violet  Hill,  and  Indian  Yellow. — ■ 
C.  P.  Peach. 


BUSH  VINES   IN  POTS. 

Mr.  Pearson's  account  of  the  pot  Vines  at  Chatsworth  has 
much  interested  me  ;  perhaps  some  of  your  readers  may  like 
to  know  what  may  be  done  with  pot  Vines  grown  as  bushes 
about  5  feet  high,  including  the  pot.  I  have  ten  pot  Vines 
fruiting  in  13-inch  pots  on  a  raised  border  in  a  cold  vinery, 
the  roof  being  covered  with  border  Vines  ;  they  are  two  years 
old,  and  no  fruit  was  taken  from  them  last  year,  which  may 
account  for  their  fruitfulness  this  year. 

In  November  last  they  were  pruned  according  to  Mr.  Eivers's 
directions.  The  earth  4  inches  down  the  pots  was  taken  out, 
all  roots  springing  from  the  stem  cut  off  to  an  inch  in  length, 
and  the  vacant  space  filled  with  freEh  earth  (clayey  loam),  and 
plenty  of  half-inch  bones,  well  rammed  down.  Nothing  was 
done  in  the  way  of  painting  the  stems.  The  pots  were  then 
laid  on  their  sides  on  a  south-east  border,  a  little  earth  was 
thrown  up  round  them,  and  the  Vines  bore  13°  of  frost  without 
injury.  In  the  middle  of  February  they  were  set  in  their 
places ;  all  buds  were  allowed  to  break,  and  stopped  at  one 
joint  beyond  the  bunch  of  bloom.  As  soon  as  the  berries  were 
set  they  had  a  plentiful  top-dressing  of  malt  screenings  and  | 


horse  droppings  in  equal  quantities,  a  second  edition  of  the 
same  when  the  berries  began  the  second  swelling,  plentiful 
supplies  of  tepid  water  throughout,  and  liquid  manure  of 
sheep  droppings,  a  la  Tearson,  twice  a-week  until  colour  ap- 
peared. A  good  crop  has  been  the  reward  of  the  trouble  which 
the  watering  and  general  treatment  entail.  Two  Black  Ham- 
burghs  have  five  bunches  each,  Black  Frontignan  three,  Sweet- 
water nine,  Black  Bordeaux  ten,  Frankenthal  four,  Muscat  of 
Alexandria  seven,  Muscat  St.  Laurent  six,  Eoyal  Muscadine 
seven,  and  a  Black  Hamburgh,  grown  through  a  C-inch  pot, 
bears  six  bunches.  The  last-named  Vine  has  now  two  sets  of 
roots,  the  lower  in  a  13-inch  pot,  the  upper  in  a  6-inch  pot, 
and  when  the  Grapes  are  ripe,  by  dividing  the  stem  between 
the  two  pots  I  hope  to  have  a  handsome  ornament  for  the 
sideboard. 

I  may  add,  that  the  Muscat  St.  Laurent,  which  Mr.  Pearson- 
describes,  or  abuses,  as  a  "  worthless  little  early  Grape,  with  an 
objectionable  Muscat  flavour,"  has  with  me  large  bunches  and 
fine  oval  berries  of  a  yellowish-green  colour.  I  have  not  cut 
any,  so  can  say  nothiDg  about  the  flavour,  but  it  is  worth 
something  to  look  at. — V.  W.  Pofham,  Portrcath,  Cornwall, 


BEET  FOB  A  FLOWEB  GABDEN. 
At  page  143  I  saw  an  article  on  Beet  for  decorative  purposes, 
and  I  fully  agree  with  your  correspondent  that  Beet  is  certainly 
out  of  place  anywhere  but  in  the  kitchen  garden.  This  year  I 
purchased  seed  of  a  well-known  firm,  and  when  ready  I  planted 
out  in  the  flower  border  in  places  where  I  should  otherwise 
have  put  Coleus  had  I  not  heard  the  Beet  so  highly  Bpoken  of. 
I  have  been  thoroughly  disappointed  with  the  result  of  my 
experiment,  for,  instead  of  separating  the  lineB  of  colour  as  I 
had  intended,  the  Beet  has  simply  overgrown  everything,  not 
withstanding  the  bushels  of  leaves  that  have  been  cut  off. 
Some  of  the  leaves  are  now  30  inches  high  instead  of  about 
12  inches,  the  height  those  in  my  kitchen  garden  usually  attain. 
Now  I  want  cuttings  of  Tom  Thumb  Geraniums  and  Calceo- 
larias, which  plants  the  Beet  divides,  but  positively  have  none. 
My  only  apparent  resource  is  to  cut  down  the  wretched  Beet 
(which  I  intend  doing  next  week),  that  my  legitimate  bedding 
plants  may  grow  more  freely. — H.  Gaiseord  Gotto. 


NOTES  ON  POTATOES,    CUCUMBEBS,  AND 
BOSES. 

I  mentioned  in  my  last  that  I  had  here  (Somerset),  planted 
several  varieties  of  Potatoes  in  rows  on  the  same  piece  of  ground, 
using  to  each  row  1  lb.  of  seed  cut  in  sets.  The  following  were 
the  kinds — Early  Ease,  Climax,  Bresee's  Prolific,  Bresee's  King 
of  the  Earlies,  Carter's  Queen  of  Potatoes,  Carter's  Ashtop 
Fluke,  Eivers's  Eoyal,  Sutton's  Eacehorse,  and  Kelway's  Non- 
pareil. Eivers's  Eoyal,  Climax,  Nonpareil,  and  Early  Eose 
were  up  a  little  before  the  rest.  They  all  met  with  that  severe 
frost  which  was  so  general,  and  I  looked  out  one  morning  to 
find  them  all  as  black  as  a  ooal.  I  thought  to  myself,  Here  is 
an  end  to  my  trial  and  my  prize  seed ;  but  they  came  round, 
and  I  give  the  result.  The  first  I  dug  was  Climax,  and  well 
pleased  was  I  to  find  that  my  1  lb.  had  produced  17  lbs.  of 
fine,  large,  good-looking  tubers.  I  must  add  that  at  least  one- 
third  of  the  sets  of  this  variety  were  quite  killed  by  the  frost ; 
it  seems  to  be  the  most  delicate  of  all.  Of  Bresee's  Prolific  I 
had  29  lbs.  ;  King  of  the  Earlies,  25  lbs. ;  Kelway's  Nonpareil, 
27  lbs. ;  Carter's  Queen  of  Potatoes,  10  lbs. ;  Ashtop  Fluke, 
9  lbs. ;  Eivers's  Eoyal,  11  lbs. ;  and  Sutton's  Eacehorse,  7  lbs. ; 
but  when  I  came  to  Early  Eose  I  could  scarcely  believe  my 
eyes  when  I  found  that  I  had  52  lbs.  of  enormous  tubers  with 
scarcely  a  small  one  amongst  them.  I  was  prepared  to  receive 
the  l'ankee  character  of  this  Potato  with  one  or  two  large 
"  grains  of  salt,"  but  the  result  has  surprised  me  beyond  mea- 
sure. In  my  whole  stock  of  twenty-four  varieties  I  give  the 
palm,  taking  all  qualities  into  consideration,  to  Early  Eose 
and  Nonpareil. 

My  Eoses  this  year,  as  a  whole,  have  been  good.  I  have  had 
splendid  blooms  on  Alfred  Colomb,  Xavier  Olibo,  Baroness  do 
Bithschild,  Princess  Mary  of  Cambridge,  Marguerite  de  St. 
Amand,  La  France,  Christine  Nilsson,  and  Pierre  Notting. 
Duke  of  Edinburgh,  Edward  Morren,  Clemence  Baoux,  and 
Lord  Macaulay,  with  some  of  the  other  dark  Perpetnals,  have 
been  so  infested  with  mildew  that  as  yet  my  blooms  have  been 
indifferent.  I  have  grown  very  fond  of  ArchimJde,  Monsieur 
Furtado,  Moiret,  and  Fortune's  New  Yellow,  among  Teas.     I 


180 


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[  September  8,  1870. 


shall  expect  to  show  some  good  examples  of  them  this 
autumn. 

I  have  this  year  had  a  beautiful  show  with  Arab  and  Egyptian 
Queen,  among  Golden  GeraniumB.  I  much  prefer  the  Bioolors 
to  the  Tricolors,  for  a  show  en  masse ;  they  seem  to  me  to  make 
a  far  brighter  bed. 

I  have  tried  a  great  many  different  Cucumbers  during  the 
last  year.  Two  plants  of  Carter's  Champion  were  placed  in  my 
frame,  heated  with  hot-water  pipes,  the  last  week  in  October, 
and  I  cut  fruit  from  them  up  to  May,  when  I  wanted  my  frame 
for  Melon  plants,  so  cleared  them  out.  I  had  the  pleasure  of 
giving  away  seven  Cucumbers  for  Christmas-day,  and  during 
the  whole  winter  I  never  was  in  want  of  that  useful  fruit. — 
Stiff  Soil. 

P.S. — I  should  have  said  that  I  tried  Paterson's  Bovinia, 
with  the  rest  of  the  Potatoes  ;  I  had  literally  nothing  but  haulm 
for  my  pains. 

NOTES   ON   STRAWBERRIES. 

"  Doctor  Hogg  (Bradley). — Very  large,  handsome,  rich,  a 
great  bearer,  and  of  very  healthy  growth.  Perftction."  Having 
grown  this  Strawberry  for  the  last  three  years.  I  can  endorse 
the  above  description  as  given  in  the  cataloguo  of  Mrs.  Nichol- 
son, of  Tarm,  for  18G8— 69. 

The  soil  of  this  garden  is  not  one  favourable  to  the  Straw- 
berry, being  of  a  light  character,  of  no  great  depth,  and  resting 
upon  what  we  in  Derbyshire  call  a  "  ratchelly  "  bottom — that 
is,  a  substratum  of  loose  stones,  and  inert,  hungry  sandy 
matter,  which  probably  in  its  turn  rests  upon  the  rock,  as  a 
solid  floor  of  gritstone  rock  crops  out  some  50  yards  from  the 
south-western  corner  of  the  kitchen  garden  wall,  and  at  no 
great  depth  from  its  level.  I  found  some  years  ago  that  that 
type  of  a  good  Strawberry,  the  British  Queen,  would  neither 
grow  nor  bear  satisfactorily  here,  and  consequently  the  variety 
ceased  to  be  grown,  along  with  some  otherB  which  at  different 
times  have  shared  the  same  fate,  such  as  Old  Pine.  Filbert 
Pine,  Oscar,  Carolina  Superba,  Crimson  Queen,  Rivera's  Eliza, 
Kimberley,  &c.  Out  of  a  somewhat  large  number  of  varieties, 
I  three  years  ago  reduced  my  principal  stock  to  three — viz.,  Dr. 
Hogg,  La  Constante,  and  Sir  Joseph  Paxton,  with  smaller 
quantities  of  Sir  Harry,  an  excellent  Strawberry,  Elton  Pine  for 
late  crop,  and  Black  Prince,  which  is  still  a  useful  early  kind.  I 
have  for  trial  next  year,  and  awaiting  the  trenching  of  a  piece 
of  ground  for  their  reception,  runners  of  Lucas,  Vicomtesse 
Hencart  de  Thury,  Mr.  Radclyffe,  President,  Cockscomb,  and 
John  Powell  nicely  established  in  small  pots.  I  am  afraid  I 
shall  not  greatly  improve  on  my  three  favourites  as  given 
above,  or  notably  on  the  first-named  and  subject  of  my  text, 
Dr.  Hogg,  though  I  suppose  that  it  has  in  Mr.  Radclyffe  a 
formidable  rival  for  honours  in  this  class.  I  must  say,  how- 
ever, as  an  honest  chronicler  of  facts,  that  Sir  Joseph  Paxton 
(for  the  first  time  with  me)  has  this  season  been  affected  with 
mildew  to  a  serious  extent.  I  am  afraid  there  must  be  some 
hereditary  predisposition  to  that  disease  an  the  part  of  Sir 
Joseph  Paxton,  as  I  see  Mr.  Douglas  reports  the  same  at  page 
140.  I  see  at  page  121  that  John  Powell  is  placed  in  the 
index  cxjmrgatorius. 

I  find  that  in  this  soil  it  is  very  undesirable  practice  to  fruit 
the  same  plants  more  than  three  years,  but  by  securing  runners 
early,  and  layering  them  in  pots,  I  obtain  well-established 
plants  that  produce  a  fair  quota  of  fruit  the  first  year  of  fruit- 
ing ;  the  second  year  the  fruit  will  be  both  fine  and  abundant ; 
and  probably  the  third  year  there  may  be  an  abundant  crop, 
but  the  fruit  will  be  very  sensibly  less  in  size.  I  am  not  cer- 
tain but  that,  if  ground  and  time  were  plentiful,  it  would  not 
be  better  to  take  but  two  crops  off  the  same  plants.  On  soils 
more  congenial  to  the  plant,  the  necessity  far  a  constant  mi- 
gration of  the  Strawberry  quarter  may  be  less.  To  all  cultiva- 
tors of  light-land  gardens  I  would  say,  in  the  present  state 
of  my  experience  with  reference  to  the  different  varieties  of 
Strawberries,  commend  me  to  Dr.  Hogg. — W.  Hudson,  Chase 
Cliffe,  Derby. 

THE  COMMON  BERBERRY. 
In  most  shrubberies  which  have  been  established  for  any 
length  of  time  will  be  found  a  plant  of  this  in  the  background, 
cut  and  hacked  aB  if  its  presence  there  were  only  tolerated  as 
a  nuisance,  yet  the  wild  Berberry,  when  grown  to  perfection,  is 
oae  of  the  most  handsome  of  our  deciduous  shrubs,  especially 
when  covered  with  ripe  fruit.  Some  years  ago  I  was  forcibly 
struck  with  this  on  visiting  Drumlanrig  Castle,  the  princely 


seat  of  the  Duke  of  Buccleuch,  in  Dumfriesshire,  where  siDgle 
specimens  of  this  shrub  were  dotted  about  amongst  Spruce 
Firs  and  other  Conifers  on  the  more  distant  parts  of  the  lawn. 
Instead  of  the  miserable,  one-sided,  half-cut-away  objects  we 
often  meet  with  in  a  mixed  shrubbery,  there  were  single  speci- 
mens of  conical  shape  loaded  with  the  ripening  fruit,  and  look- 
ing, when  seen  from  a  distance,  like  so  many  huge  FuchBia 
bushes,  differing  widely  from  the  miserable  objects  we  often 
see  struggling  for  an  existence  amongst  plants  of  more  robust 
growth.  Despite  the  cutting  it  experienced  on  account  of  its 
medical  virtues,  it  still  struggled  on,  but  at  Drumlanrig  it  was 
all  in  its  glory.  Whether  the  rainy  climate,  or  the  soil  par- 
taking of  the  Scottish  Highland  character,  was  more  favour- 
able to  it  than  other  lowland  parts  I  cannot  say,  but  cer- 
tainly the  plants  which  I  saw  there  in  the  early  part  of  Sep- 
tember were  models  of  beauty,  and  I  believe  had  received  very 
little,  if  any,  pruning.  The  handsome  fruit  of  the  wild  Ber- 
berry certainly  entitles  it  to  more  attention  than  Berberis 
dulcis  and  some  similar  species ;  for  altnough  these  flower 
pretty  well,  they  bear  but  little  fruit,  and  very  often  none  at 
all ;  while  the  wild  Berberry  is  as  prolific  as  a  Currant  or  any 
other  fruit. — J.  Eoeson. 


GROWING  ZONAL  GERANIUMS  FOR 
EXHIBITION. 
Years  ago,  when  one  saw  in  a  schedule  of  prizes  a  class  for 
three,  or  four,  or  six  "  Scarlet  Geraniums,"  the  intending  ex- 
hibitor had  no  difficulty  in  understanding  what  was  required, 
for  at  that  time  the  number  of  varieties  was  limited  to  those 
having  more  or  less  of  this  shade  of  colour  in  the  flowers. 
Then,  when  with  an  increase  of  varieties  came  some  having 
flowers  with  quite  pale  colours,  the  limitation  of  "  Scarlet 
Geraniums,"  though  always  widely  interpreted  as  inclusive  of 
a  oertain  class  rather  than  of  a  certain  shade  of  colour,  was 
felt  to  be  somewhat  absurd ;  and  in  time  that  gave  place  to 
"  Zonal  Pelargoniums,"  the  former  again  widely  interpreted 
as  takingin  all  that  section  known  as  "  Scarlet  Geraniums," 
though  having  flowers  of  various  hues  and  leaves  destitute  of 
the  zone  common  to  many  of  them.  A  better  botanical  know- 
I  ledge  also  led  to  the  substitution  of  the  generic  term  Pelar- 
gonium for  Geranium.  A  wonderful  improvement  has  gone  on 
in  these  plants  during  the  past  twenty  years  ;  and  tracing 
forwards  from  the  circle  of  bright  colour  in  the  flowers  of  the 
well-known  Tom  Thumb,  it  has  been  seen  to  change,  like  a 
chromatrope,  into  a  wondrous  variety  of  shades  of  colour  and 
types  of  flowers,  that  now  form  at  summer  and  autumn  ex- 
hibitions some  of  their  brightest  and  most  effective  features. 
The  general  term  "  scarlet,"  still  found  in  some  schedules  of 
prizes,  has  become  a  misnomer.  We  are  no  longer  confined 
to  that  sole  colour,  but  have  a  range  from  the  purest  white,  as 
found  in  Purity,  to  the  deep  crimson  scarlet  of  Sambo.  Thus 
it  is  easy  and  possible  to  stage,  in  a  collection  of  six,  nine,  or 
twelve  plants,  as  many  shades  of  colour ;  and  there  is  not  a 
good  variety  in  cultivation  at  the  present  day  of  which  a  well- 
grown  plant  does  not  constitute  a  striking  and  beautiful  objeot. 
But  classes  and  varieties  have  developed  as  well  as  colours; 
and  the  Zonal  Pelargonium,  swelling  into  importance  with  its 
high-sounding  name,  has  assumed  double  forms  that  bid  fair 
to  become  formidable  rivals  to  the  single  varieties,  either  for 
exhibition  or  for  decorative  purposes.  It  is  true  the  range  of 
colour  in  the  flowers  is  as  yet  somewhat  restricted  ;  but  that 
is  a  drawback  that  probably  will  not  long  exist,  whilst  it  is 
also  largely  compensated  for  by  the  more  permanent  character 
of  the  flowers,  which  retain  their  petals  and  consequent  use- 
fulness for  a  much  longer  period.  The  Nosegay  section  has 
usually  a  separate  class  also  allotted  to  it,  because  it  differs  in 
its  general  features  somewhat  distinctly  from  the  original 
Zonal  kinds ;  but  later  varieties  have  exhibited  such  an  ap- 
proximation in  the  form  of  the  pip  to  that  of  the  best  of  the 
Zonal  section,  whilst  retaining  all  the  Nosegay  freedom  of 
growth  and  floriferous  character  of  truss,  that  we  may  naturally 
look  by-and-by  to  such  a  fusion  of  the  two  divisions  as  shall 
result  in  one  improved  type  that  will  swallow  up  the  dis- 
tinction, but  leave  us,  nevertheless,  a  section  perfect  in  beauty 
and  in  form,  and  possessing  all  those  features  that  make  the 
Nosegays  so  popular  both  for  bedding  and  pot-culture. 

Perhaps  it  will  not  be  out  of  place  to  state  at  the  outset  that 
there  is  no  exhibition  plant  that  appears  more  to  dislike  train- 
ing, or  less  to  require  a  formal  severity  of  shape,  than  the 
Pelargonium  ;  and  yet,  in  spite  of  these  facts,  there  are  to  be 


September  8,  1670.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


181 


found  plenty  of  j  ndges  ready  and  willing  to  make  leading  awards 
to  plant9  that  Lave  been  subjected  to  a  degree  of  training  and 
torture  that  would  be  ridiculous  were  it  not  that  it  is  almost 
disgusting  in  appearance.  Who  that  has  visited  metropolitan 
shows  is  not  familiar  with  those  flattened  surfaces  bearing  a 
resemblance  to  giant  floral  Mushrooms '.'  or,  if  you  like,  flower 
beds  upon  wire  ?  What  a  miserable  parody  on  plants  do  these 
things  present,  tortured  and  twisted  out  of  natural  form,  devoid 
of  all  grace  and  beauty  !  They  add  another  instance  of  the 
fitness  of  the  saying,  "  that  Nature  gave  us  form  and  outline, 
and  humanity  alone  are  its  despoilers." 

As  a  reverse  to  this,  I  have  lately  seen  staged  for  competition 
at  a  provincial  show  a  lot  of  pillar-trained  plants,  from  4  to 
6  feet  in  height,  certainly  fairly  flowered,  but,  nevertheless, 
looking  so  ungainly  as  to  merit  ridicule  rather  than  praise. 
Unfortunately  against  them  there  was  no  competition,  other- 
wise I  should  have  viewed  with  some  interest  the  awards  of 
the  judges,  as,  in  spite  of  size  and  flower,  I  could  not  conceive 
that  any  sensible  men  would  have  placed  these  statuesque 
abortions  before  well  and  naturally-grown  specimens.  As  a 
mode  of  training  to  obtain  plenty  of  bloom  the  pillar  plant 
may  be  very  useful,  but  for  exhibition  it  only  deserves  dis- 
qualification. 

My  specimens  have  usually  been  prepared  for  autumn  ex- 
hibition— say  in  the  beginning  of  September ;  and  having  this  in 
view,  I  get  some  cuttings  and  put  t  hern,  in  early  in  the  previous 
year,  and  when  well  rooted,  potted-up  into  48's  to  stand  the 
winter,  giving  the  shoots  their  first  Btopping.  In  an  ordinary 
greenhouse  these  plants  will  not  make  much  growth  during 
the  winter,  but  by  the  beginning  of  April  will  be  ready  for  a 
shift  iuto  32's,  giving  any  robust  shoots  another  pinching. 
Plenty  of  air  and  light  are  necessary  now  to  maintain  robust 
short-jointed  growth,  and  by  the  time  the  pots  are  well  filled 
with  roots  the  cold  weather  will  have  passed  away,  and  the 
external  air  may  be  safely  trusted.  To  save  much  needless 
labour,  a  shift  should  now  be  made  into  the  blooming-pots 
(No.  12  is  a  good  size  for  that  purpose]  ;  and  as  the  plants 
are  to  remain  in  these  for  a  long  time,  a  really  good  compost 
should  be  used,  nothing  being  better  than  yellow  loam,  well- 
rotted  manure,  especially  cow  dung,  and  a  fair  mixture  of 
sand.  I  find  it  desirable  to  pot  firmly,  otherwise  the  Eoil  will 
settle  very  much  by  the  autumn,  and.  therefore,  it  is  better  to 
make  it  all  the  firmer  at  the  first.  When  the  plants  are  thus 
potted,  and  especially  potted  low  down,  an  open  situation  in 
the  garden  is  selected  that  is  convenient  for  watering.  A  good, 
hard,  and  level  bottom  should  be  secured,  or,  if  soft  beneath, 
pieces  of  slate  should  be  used  to  place  the  pots  upon,  to  exclude 
the  worms.  Here  the  plants  should  be  placed  at  proper  dis- 
tances from  each  other  to  admit  of  growth  without  crowding, 
and  then  filled-in  all  round  to  the  brim  of  the  pots  with  ashes 
or  some  other  good  plunging  material,  so  that  the  roots  are 
thus  protected  from  the  force  of  the  sun's  rays,  and  consequent 
drought  and  exhaustion.  The  bedding  Pelargonium  can  bear 
almost  any  amount  of  solar  heat  with  impunity  if  its  roots  are 
kept  moist  and  cool.  As  I  usually  put  my  plants  in  the  open 
air  at  the  end  of  May,  and  get  them  under  glass  from  a  week 
to  ten  days  only  before  showing,  they  thus  get  about  three 
months  of  thorough  exposure  to  the  weather,  and  are  as  dwarf 
and  short-jointed  as  could  possibly  be  wished.  Of  course,  the 
process  of  stopping  has  not  been  neglected,  but  rather  has 
been  maintained  with  constant  regularity,  every  strong  6hoot 
having  its  extremity  nipped  out  as  fast  as  it  had  made  three 
or  four  joints,  care  being  taken  also  to  encourage  the  centre 
growth,  so  as  to  secure  a  somewhat  rounded  form.  An  oc- 
casional turning  round  of  the  plants  will  also  facilitate  the  pro- 
duction of  a  good  shape.  Pinching  out  all  points  and  flower- 
buds  is  rigidly  continued  until  within  one  month  of  the  time 
of  showing,  when  the  process  is  discontinued,  and  the  plants 
are  allowed  to  grow  away  as  freely  as  they  please. 

As  a  result  of  all  this  careful  attention  and  exposure,  the 
grower  will  find  that  he  has  a  lot  of  robust,  dwarf,  bushy  plants, 
that  will  now  commence  to  throw  up  a  mass  of  flower  well 
above  the  foliage,  that  will,  when  expanded,  need  but  the 
finish  of  a  week  or  bo  under  glass  to  make  them  perfect  speci- 
mens. There  are  no  yellow  or  discoloured  leaves  to  be  seen, 
all  is  fresh  and  vigorous ;  and  the  plants,  after  they  have 
brought  the  highest  honours  at  the  show,  will,  with  a  little 
attention,  make  a  greenhouse  or  conservatory  look  very  gay 
indeed  nearly  up  to  Christmas. 

The  Zonal  Pelargonium  is  naturally  a  gro6B  feeder,  and  will 
take  up  an  abundance  of  strong  diet.  The  use  of  such  ma- 
terial, however,  to  plants  in  the  open  ground  would  have  a 


most  undesirable  tendency.  This  objection  does  not  exist  in 
the  case  of  pot  plants,  as  the  roots,  being  confined  within  a 
contracted  space,  are  necessarily  subject  to  different  conditions, 
and  need  stimulants  to  maiatain  that  free  growth  so  essential 
to  the  production  of  good  specimens.  Any  application  of 
liquid  manure  is  scarcely  needed  until  the  flowering  pots  have 
become  filled  with  a  mass  of  roots ;  but  when  such  is  the  case 
— and  that  would  probably  result  in  about  six  weeks  from 
potting — then  a  watering  of  a  weak  mixture  twice  a-week  is 
desirable  ;  and  this  dose  may  be  increased  in  Btrength  when 
the  bloom  is  allowed  to  come  up,  as  the  claim  on  the  resources 
of  the  plants  will  be  proportionately  increased.  Horse  drop- 
pings well  soaked  in  water  usually  mako  good  liquid  manure, 
and  even  stronger  stuff  than  that  may  be  used,  such  as  guano 
water,  draiqings  from  cow  sheds,  and  even  from  the  closet 
cesspool,  as  I  have  used  this  latter  during  the  past  summer  in 
the  proportion  of  one  bucketful  to  about  five  of  water  withthe 
best  results.  Amateur  growers,  especially,  may  take  my  word 
for  it  that  they  will  secure  better  specimen  plants  in  moderate- 
sized  pots  with  a  free  use  of  liquid  manure  than  they  can 
obtain  in  large  pots  under  any  conditions,  besides  the  credit  of 
having  produced  aa  good  or  even  better  results  in  small  pots 
than  their  fellow-competitors  have  realised  in  large  ones. 

Readers  will  have  observed  that  I  have  not  proposed  the 
tying  down  or  pegging  of  the  plants  in  any  way,  and  I  say  cer- 
tainly not,  as  all  these  processes  are  to  me  highly  objectionable. 
I  strongly  contend  that  it  should  be  the  object  and  purpose  of 
all  exhibitors  to  produce  specimen  plants  that  have  been  as 
little  as  possible  subjected  to  training  with  ties  or  sticks  in  any 
shape  or  fashion.  Especially  does  this  apply  to  the  Zonal 
Pelargonium,  as  training  of  any  description  other  than  that 
induced  by  stopping  is  both  unnecessary  and  absurd.  I  have 
now  ready  for  show  a  fine  lot  of  dwarf  compact  plants,  with 
close  rounded  heads,  each  about  24  inches  in  diameter,  and 
which  will  be  larger  still  in  a  few  weeks  hence.  Flower  stems 
are  being  thrown  up  all  over  them,  and  I  have  every  reason  to 
be  satisfied  with  the  prospect. 

The  treatment  that  is  here  so  strongly  recommended  for  the 
Zonal  section  bears  with  equal  force  to  the  growth  of  the  Nose- 
gays, with  the  exception  that  somo  of  the  latter  require  less 
pinching,  otherwise  I  make  no  distinction  as  to  treatment.  The 
double  Pelargoniums  are  now  rapidly  becoming  popular,  and 
have  become  at  many  shows  a  class  of  themselves ;  and  ex- 
ceedingly attractive  they  are  when  well-grown  specimens. 
With  these  pinching  must  be  performed  with  rather  more 
moderation,  but  should  still  be  carefullv  attended  to,  otherwise 
the  plants  will  soon  become  leggy.  If  well  looked  after  and 
grown  as  herein  described,  plants  as  dwarf  and  compact,  and 
almost  as  free  of  flower  as  the  single  varieties,  can  easily  be 
produced. 

I  shall  conclude  with  a  list  of  twelve  good  show  Zonals,  the 
same  number  of  Nosegays,  and  Eix  double-flowering  Pelargo- 
niums, all  of  which  will  well  repay  good  cultivation. 


Parity. 
Clipper. 
Rosabella. 
Excellent. 


Grand  Duke. 
Violet  Hill  Nosegay. 
Cbilwell  Beauty. 
Gathorne  Hardy. 


Wilhelm  Pfltzer. 
Gloire  de  Nancy. 

— Exhibitor  (in  The  Gardener) 


ZONALS. 

Sambo. 

William  Underwood. 
Beante  de  Suresues. 
Lord  Derby. 

NOSEGAtS. 
Celestial. 
International. 
Eclat. 
Emmeline. 

double-flowering 
Andrew  Henderson. 
Victor  Lemoine. 


Highgate  Rival. 
Madame  Madeleine. 
Br.  Lindley. 
Madame  Werle. 


Dr.  Hogg. 

Triomphe  de  Stella. 
Pink  Globe. 
Mrs.  Laing. 


Madame  Lemoine. 
Marie  Lemoine. 


OSBOENS'   SELECT  RED  BEET,  alias  DELL'S 

BEET. 

Youn  number  of  August  25th  contains  an  article  on  the  so- 
called  Dell's  Eeet,  justly  praising  it  for  its  decorative  qualities, 
and  expressing  some  doubts  as  to  its  retaining  for  aDy  length 
of  time  the  same  character.  Now  on  this  point  we  can  speak 
from  experience.  Nearly  twenty  years  ago  we  had  this  same 
Beet  from  Mr.  Bogue,  the  intelligent  gardener  at  Gorhambury, 
near  St.  Albans  (under  whom  Mr.  Dell  once  acted  as  foreman), 
and  distributed  it  under  the  simple  name  of  "  Fine  Dwarf  Red 
Beet,"  until  the  year  1866,  when  it  became  spoken  of  as  a 
very  useful  decorative  plant,  and  to  prevent  confusion,  with 
Mr.  Bogue's  consent,  we  affixed  our  name  to  it,  and  have  con- 


182 


JOURNAL  OF   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  September  8,  1870. 


tinned  to  grow  it  extensively  for  seed  at  our  Sunbury  nursery, 
where  a  large  quarter  may  now  be  seen  as  true  to  character  as 
when  it  was  first  sent  out,  and  admired  by  everyone  who  sees  it, 
for  its  decorative  effect.— Oseoen  &  Sons,  Fulham  Nursery,  S.W. 


METROPOLITAN   FLORAL   SOCIETY'S  FIRST 
SHOW. 

September  6th,  7th,  and  8th. 

An  autumn  show  of  florists'  flowers — a  show  which  would  bring 
together  at  one  time  the  early  autumn  flowers  from  a  number  of  exhi- 
bitors in  nil  parts  of  the  country,  has  been  a  long-felt  want  among 
florists.  The  Crystal  Palace  Autumn  Show  was  given  up  some  years 
ago,  because  it  did  not  pay,  and  the  subjects  of  exhibition  at  that 
show  were  mainly  flowers  of  the  description  just  referred  to  and  fruit. 
Since  then  there  has  been  a  blank,  which  has  only  been  to  some  extent 
filled  by  the  Floral  Committee  meetings  at  Kensington,  but  it  was 
felt  that  larger  prizes  should  be  offered  to  bring  competitors  from  a 
distance  and  in  sufiicient  numbers  to  create  an  autumn  exhibition 
equal  to  those  held  at  the  Crystal  Palace  some  years  ago,  and  which 
would  be  worthy  of  English  florists.  The  Rev.  H.  H.  Dombrain  con- 
ceived some  time  ago  the  happy  idea  of  resuscitating  an  autumn 
Show  at  the  Palace,  he  was  supported  with  great  spirit,  and  the  result 
has  been  a  complete  success,  for  the  show,  which  opened  on  Tuesday 
and  will  close  this  evening,  is  better  than  most  of  its  predecessors  at 
the  same  season  at  the  Palace,  there  being,  as  we  are  given  to  under- 
stand, fully  double  the  number  of  entries.  Of  the  quality  it  is  im- 
possible to  speak  too  highly — the  Dahlias  with  but  few  exceptions  are 
equal  to  those  produced  in  the  best  of  seasons,  and  in  some  stands 
even  better  than  in  more  favourable  years.  The  Gladioli  are  ex- 
cellent, Hollyhocks  good,  and  Hoses  good  for  the  time  of  year.  The 
Society  may  therefore  be  congratulated  on  the  success  of  this  their 
first  exhibition,  and  it  only  wants  a  little  more  encouragement,  and 
that  encouragement  we  are  convinced  will  be  given,  to  render  its 
exhibitions  permanent.  Now  that  one  part  of  the  Autumn  Show  at 
the  Palace  has  been  renewed,  would  it  not  be  desirable  to  make  an 
effort  to  restore  the  other — fruit  ? 

In  the  class  for  forty-eight  Show  Dahlias,  Mr.  Keynes,  of  Salisbury, 
is  first  with  splendid  blooms  of  John  Kirby,  Queen  of  Beauties,  Vice- 
President,  Annie  Neville,  Gazelle,  Lightning,  Flag  of  Truce,  Heroine, 
Amy  Creed,  James  Cocker,  Mary  Keynes,  Octoroon,  Princess  of 
Prussia,  Miss  Henshaw,  William  Lucas,  Mrs.  Eckford,  very  beautiful, 
Mrs.  Thornbill,  Flora  Wyatt,  Yellow  Boy,  Toison  d'Or,  Matilda,  Mr. 
Dix,  Lady  Jane  Ellis,  Sir  Greville  Smyth,  Lady  of  the  Lake,  James 
Backhouse,  Golden  Drop,  Hon.  Miss  Herbert,  Lilac  Queen,  Victory, 
Mrs.  Bunn,  James  Hunter,  Julia  Wyatt,  John  Harrison,  Mrs.  Boston, 
Incomparable,  Lady  Gladys  Herbert,  King  of  Primroses,  Emperor, 
Netty  Buckle,  Memorial,  Jenny  Austin,  George  White,  Earl  of  Pem- 
broke, Leah,  splendid,  and  Norfolk  Hero,  Mr.  H.  May,  of  Bedale, 
is  secoud  with  an  excellent  stand  ;  John  Dunnington,  Baron  Taunton, 
Memorial,  High  Sheriff,  and  Miss  Henshaw  being  remarkably  fine ; 
while  Mr.  J.  Harrison,  of  Darlington,  and  Mr.  G.  Edwards,  of 
York,  are  respectively  third  and  fourth,  each  having  fine-sized,  sym- 
metrical blooms.  Messrs.  Kimberley ;  Milner,  of  Bradford  ;  Draycott, 
of  Humberstone ;  and  Mr.  Searle,  of  Sevenoaks,  also  exhibit  good 
stands. 

The  best  thirty-six  come  from  Messrs.  Draycott,  who  are  first  with 
a  very  even  and  fine  set  of  blooms,  consisting  of  Gazelle,  Lady  Jane 
Ellis,  Norfolk  Hero,  Heroine,  Lord  Derby,  Criterion,  Volunteer, 
Annie  Neville,  John  Duunington,  James  Hunter,  Blushing  Fifteen, 
Julia  Wyatt,  Memorial,  Princess  of  Wales,  Mr.  Dix,  very  fine.  Firefly, 
Lilac  Queen,  Leah,  Flag  of  Truce,  Vice-President,  Triomphe  de  Pecq, 
John  Kirby,  Hon.  Mrs.  Wellesley,  Misa  Henshaw,  British  Triumph, 
Yellow  Perfection,  Eclipse,  Mrs.  Thornbill,  Mrs.  Boston,  James 
Bennett,  Juno,  Lord  Palmerston,  Lady  G.  Herbert,  George  Brown, 
King  of  Primroses,  and  Sir  G.  Smythe.  Mr.  May,  of  Bedale,  is 
second,  and  Mr.  Keynes,  of  Salisbury,  is  third,  each  with  fine  blooms, 
Mr.  Harrison,  of  Darlington,  being  fourth. 

The  best  twenty-four  come  from  Mr.  Walker,  of  Thame,  and  com- 
prise fine  examples  of  Yellow  Boy,  Mr.  Dix,  John  Kirby,  Gazelle, 
Norfolk  Hero,  Hugh  Miller,  George  White,  Champion,  and  Mrs. 
Boston.  Messrs.  Kelway,  of  Laugport,  Somerset,  are  second  ;  Mr. 
Clark  and  Mr.  Pilcher,  of  Horsham,  are  respectively  third  and 
fourth. 

By  far  the  best  stand  in  the  amateurs'  classes  is  Mr.  C.  J.  Perry's 
twenty-four.  In  this  there  are  very  fine  blooms  of  Lord  Shaftesbury, 
Pink  of  Perfection,  Head  Master,  Mr.  Dix,  King  of  Primroses,  High 
Sheriff,  Lady  G.  Herbert,  Memorial,  Andrew  Dodds,  Leah,  Flag  of 
Truce,  George  Brown,  and  Queen  oi  Beauties ;  second,  Mr.  Petfield, 
with  excellent  blooms ;  third,  Mr.  Burfitt,  Wandsworth  Common ; 
and  fourth,  Mr.  R.  Hopkins,  New  Brentford. 

In  twelves,  the  prizes  went  to  Mr.  J.  F.  Martin,  Henfield,  Sussex  ; 
Mr.  Fewkcs,  Birmingham ;  Mr.  Glasscock,  Bishop  Stortford ;  and 
Mr.  Fry,  Taunton. 

The  Fancy  Dahlias  are  not  very  numerously  represented  ;  the  best 
six  in  the  amateurs'  class  are  from  Mr.  C.  J.  Perry,  and  are  Fanny 
Sturt,  Pauline,  Lightning,  Prospero,  Grand  Sultan,  and  Butterfly. 
.Mr.  Petfield  is  second  ;  Mr.  Burfitt  third  with  large  blooms  ;  and  Mr. 


Fewkes  fourth.  In  the  nurserymen's  class  for  twenty-fonr,  Mr. 
Keynes  is  first  with  splendid  blooms  of  Flora  Wyatt,  Flossie  Williams, 
Sparkler,  Hero  of  York,  John  Salter,  Fanny  Sturt,  Chameleon, 
Leopardess,  Richard  Dean,  and  Attraction.  Mr.  May,  of  Bedale,  is 
second  with  large  blooms ;  and  Mr.  Draycott  has  a  remarkably  fine 
stand,  in  which  Stafford's  Gem,  an  old  but  most  beautiful  variety, 
rosy  purple  tipped  with  gold,  is  ever  welcome  ;  third,  Mr.  Walker ; 
fourth,  Mr.  Edwards. 

A  first-class  certificate  was  given  for  Beedling  Annie  Hobbs,  white 
self,  shown  by  Mr.  Hobbs,  of  Lower  Easton,  Bristol ;  and  a  similar 
award  was  made  to  Fancy  Dahlias,  Flora  Wyatt,  buff  ground  tipped 
with  pnrplish  red ;  and  Richard  Dean,  yellow,  dotted  and  tipped  with 
dark  crimson.  Excelsior,  rosy  purple,  and  Princess  Mary  of  Cam- 
bridge, white,  from  Mr.  Kimberley,  of  Coventry,  are  large  well- 
built  flowers,  the  latter  less  so  than  the  former.  James  Cocker,  rosy 
purple  ;  and  John  Neville,  yellow,  are  also  very  promising  selfs. 

Of  Gladiolus  there  is  a  very  good  though  not  large  display.  Messrs. 
Kelway  take  the  first  prize  for  thirty-six  with  fine  spikes  of  Meyerbeer, 
Circe,  Norma,  Rosea  perfecta,  Etendard,  Adolphe  Brongniart,  Prince 
Imperial,  James  Veitch  (splendid),  Eurydice,  Sultane,  Molit-re,  Mar- 
shal Bazaine,  Laccpcde,  Mr.  Eyles,  Madame  Desportes,  and  Vandyke, 
and  some  others  mostly  as  good.  Mr.  G.  Wheeler,  of  Warminster,  is 
second.  For  twenty-four  Messrs.  Stuart  &  Mein,  of  Kelso,  are  first 
with,  among  others,  splendid  examples  of  Madame  Desportes,  Robert 
Fortune,  Delicatissima,  Michel  Ange  (very  fine  colour),  Meyerbeer, 
Marechal  Vaillant,  Molit-re,  and  Bernard  de  Jussieu.  The  second 
prize  goes  to  Messrs.  Draycott  for  a  stand  in  which  Virgile  is  conspi- 
cuous among  several  good  spikes  ;  the  third  and  fourth  prizes  being 
taken  by  Mr.  Edwards,* of  York,  and  Mr.  Walker,  of  Thame.  The 
best  twelve  come  from  Mr.  Fry,  of  Taunton.  In  this  stand  are  fine 
spikes  of  Etendard,  Rosea  perfecta,  Molit-re,  and  TJlysse.  The  second 
prize  is  taken  by  the  Rev.  H.  H.  Dombrain  with  excellent  examples 
of  Eleanor  Norman,  Madame  Dombrain,  Madame  Furtado,  Norma, 
and  others.  For  six  Mr.  G.  Rickwood,  Ikley,  Leeds,  is  first ;  Mr. 
Minchin,  Hook  Norton,  being  second. 

Asters  afford  a  very  good  display,  although  not  so  large  on  the  whole 
as  we  have  seen  at  former  shows,  a  fact  easily  explicable  by  the  extra- 
ordinaiy  character  of  the  season.  The  best  thirty-six  French  come 
from  Mr.  G.  Wheeler,  the  second  best  from  Mr.  W.  Sandford,  gardener 
to  T.  Thomasett,  Esq.,  Maidenhead.  The  largest  of  these  measure 
1  inches  across.  The  third  prize  was  awarded  to  Mr.  Walker,  of 
Thame,  and  the  fourth  to  Mr.  H.  Minchiu.  The  best  twelve  come 
from  Mr.  G.  Matthews,  of  High  Street,  Shoreditch,  who  takes  the  first 
prize  for  beautifully  incurved  flowers  almost  like  show  Chrysanthe- 
mums. Mr.  Petfield,  gardener  to  G.  Thornbill,  Esq.,  Diddington,  is 
second,  and  Mr.  Jennings,  of  Shipston-on-Stour,  third. 

Of  the  German  or  Quilled  Asters  there  is  a  good  show,  those  from 
Mr.  Wheeler,  of  Warminster,  being  particularly  noteworthy.  Two 
flowers  in  his  stand,  white  bordered  with  violet,  are  very  conspicuous. 
The  second  prize  for  twenty-four  went  to  Mr.  Walker,  for  blooms 
which,  though  larger,  are  not  so  refined;  and  the  third  to  Mr.  Bet- 
teridge,  of  Chipping  Norton. 

Verbenas  are  not  numerously  shown,  but  mostly  excellent.  Mr. 
Perry,  of  Castle  Bromwieh,  takes  the  lead  with  remarkably  fine  trusses, 
of  which  Rev.  C.  Peach  (purple),  Mrs.  George  Prince,  Mauve  Ring, 
Modele,  Edwin  Day,  Mrs.  Mole,  Diana,  Rev.  S.  Hole  (a  lilac  seedling), 
and  Velocipede  are  most  conspicuous.  The  second,  third,  and  fourth 
prizes  are  taken  respectively  by  Mr.  Minchin  ;  Mr.  Fewkes,  Birming- 
ham ;  and  Mr.  Burfitt,  of  Wandsworth. 

Hollyhocks  aie  shown  both  in  spikes  and  as  cut  blooms.  The  best 
nine  spikes  are  from  Mr.  Minchin ;  Mr.  Chater,  of  Saffron  Walden, 
being  second  ;  and  Mr.  Harrison,  Darlington,  third.  As  a  whole  the 
cut  spikes  are  not  so  fine  as  we  have  seen.  In  cut  blooms,  Mr.  Chater, 
of  Saffron  Walden,  takes  the  first  prize,  and  Mr.  Minchin  the  second 
with  blooms  between  which  it  would  be  difficult  to  decide ;  Mr.  Harri- 
son is  third,  and  Messrs.  Draycott  fourth.  For  twelve  blooms  the 
prizes  went  to  Messrs.  Minchin,  Fry,  and  Rickwood. 

Cut  Roses  are  shown  by  Messrs.  Paul  &  Son,  Keynes,  Coppin 
among  nurserymen,  and  by  Messrs.  Exell,  Paruell,  Perry,  and  Soder 
among  amateurs,  and  are  fair  specimens  for  the  time  of  year.  Each 
of  these  exhibitors  takes  a  prize. 

In  baskets  or  vases  of  cnt  flowers  for  table  decoration,  Miss  A. 
Hassard,  is  first  with  a  stand  having  Ferns,  Grasses,  and  Pelar- 
goniums in  the  bottom  dish,  and  the  top  dish  similarly  filled,  with 
the  addition  of  Lilium  lancifolium,  the  whole  surmounted  with  an 
elegant  aigrette  of  Grasses,  pink  Pelargoniums,  and  blue  Lobelias. 
The  second  prize  went  to  Mr.  Soder,  gardener  to  O.  Hanbury,  Esq. ; 
the  third  to  Mrs.  Dombrain,  Westwell  Vicarage,  for  a  basket  of  Ferns, 
Caladiums,  Vincas,  Pelargoniums,  Roses,  Zinnias,  and  Stephanotis. 
Mr.  D.  McKay,  of  Sudbury,  sent  a  stand  of  African  Marigolds; 
Messrs.  E.  G.  'Henderson  &  Co.,  baskets  of  Tricolor  Pelargoniums ; 
and  Messrs.  Carter  and  Messrs.  Downie,  Laird,  &  Laing  sent  fine 
groups  of  plants,  which  were  very  tastefully  arranged  in  front  of  the 
orchestra.  For  these  special  certificates  were  given;  and  certificates  of 
the  first  class  were  likewise  awarded  to  Messrs.  Downie  &  Co.  for 
Pelargonium  Piuk  Queen  ;  to  Messrs.  Paul  &  Son  for  Cupressus  Law- 
souiana  pendula  alba,  a  pretty  variegated  form  of  that  handsome 
species ;  to  Mr.  Appleby  for  his  simple  and  effective  fumigator,  and  to 
Mr,  Chapman  for  his  excellent  flower  and  fruit  cases,  which  have 
been  frequently  noticed  as  admirable  contrivances  for  transporting  cut 


September  8,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


183 


blooms  uninjured  to  a  distance.  Lastly,  Mr.  Chafft  gardener  to 
A.  Smee,  Esq.,  Carshalton,  sent  some  large  specimens  of  kitchen 
Apples,  including  Lord  Derby,  Lord  Suffield,  and  Warner's  King. 

At  the  Judges'  dinner  on  the  first  day  of  the  Show,  the  Rev.  H.  H. 
Dombrain  presided,  the  Rev.  C.  P.  Peach  occupying  the  vice  chair. 
Among  those  present  were  Messrs.  Turner,  Holmes,  Dean,  Fra3er, 
Kinghorn,  Standish,  Cutbush,  Edmonds,  Lidgard,  P.  Barr,  Wilkin- 
son, Shirley  Hibberd,  Keynes,  and  several  leading  florists.  After  the 
usual  loyal  toasts  the  Chairman  gave  the  Crystal  Palace  Company 
coupled  with  the  name  of  Mr.  "Wilkinson,  who,  in  replying,  regretted 
the  necessity  which  the  managers  had  been  under  of  discontinuing  the 
Autumn  Show,  and  expressed  his  pleasure  at  its  revival  under  the 
auspices  of  the  Metropolitan  Florists'  Society.  Mr.  Keynes  in  pro- 
posing "  Success  to  the  Metropolitan  Florists'  Society,"  coupled  with 
the  name  of  Mr.  Dombrain,  said  their  meeting  that  evening  put  him 
in  mind  of  old  times,  and  expressed  his  great  satisfaction  at  the  ex- 
cellence of  the  Show.  The  Chairman  in  acknowledging  the  toast 
remarked  that  he  had  received  the  most  thorough  encouragement  from 
florists  and  amateurs,  and  that  the  entries  had  been  nearly  double  the 
number  of  those  at  the  last  Crystal  Palace  Autumn  Show.  He  trusted 
that  the  present  Show  would  be  the  commencement  of  something  that 
would  permanently  aid  the  cultivation  of  florists'  flowers.  Several 
additional  subscriptions  having  been  announced  for  next  year,  the 
meeting  broke  up. 

ROYAL   HORTICULTURAL   SOCIETY. 

September  7tii. 

The  subjects  submitted  to  the  Committees  on  this  occasion  were 
somewhat  numerous,  though  those  for  which  prizes  were  offered  were 
only  shown  to  a  limited  extent.  The  weather  was  extremely  unfavour- 
able, and  the  attendance  of  visitors  proportionally  small.  Many  of 
the  plants,  however,  were  very  interesting,  and  in  almost  all  cases 
good  culture  was  evident. 

Dahlias,  Verbenas,  and  LiHums  were  the  special  objects  of  the  day, 
but  the  show  of  these  formed  only  a  small  portion  of  the  whole,  yet 
what  were  shown  were  shown  well. 

The  show  of  Dahlias  was  but  small,  but  the  blooms  excellent.  In 
Class  1,  for  twenty-four.  Mr.  Walker,  Thame,  was  first  with  Chairman, 
Julia  Wyatt,  Mentor,  Flag  of  Truce,  Jobn  Duunington,  Prince,  Auto- 
crat, Netty  Buckle,  Toison  d'Or,  Annie  Neville,  Gazelle,  Mrs. 
Walker,  Norfolk  Hero,  Lady  Jane  Ellis,  George  White,  Queen  of 
Beauties,  Mr.  Dix,  Jenny  Austin,  Rosy  Circle,  Commander,  Ne  Plus 
Ultra,  and  Lottie  Atkins,  Mr.  Burfitt,  gardener  to  C.  Lambert,  Esq., 
Wandsworth,  was  second. 

In  Class  "2,  for  twelve,  Mr.  R.  Hopkins,  of  New  Brentford,  wa3  first 
with  very  tine  blooms  of  Annie  Neville,  Chancellor,  Sir  Greville 
Smyth,  British  Triumph,  Lady  Gladys  Herbert,  and  others  also  very 
good;  Mr.  Burfitt  was  second  with  a  good  stand,  and  Mr.  Adams, 
Wyke  Green,  was  third.  Mr.  C.  J.  Perry  sent  excellent  blooms,  which, 
however,  were  too  late  for  competition. 

Several  stands  of  seedlings  were  sent.  Second-class  certificates 
were  awarded  to  Flower  of  Kent,  yellow  self,  from  Mr.  Harris,  of 
Orpington  ;  and  to  Mrs.  Watts,  blush  tipped  with  purplish  lilac,  from 
Mr.  Parker,  Maiden's  Green,  Winkfield,  a  very  pretty  variety. 

Of  Terbenas,  Mr.  C.  J.  Perry  sent  the  only  stand  in  his  usual 
excellent  style,  including  several  seedlings,  but  these  were  too  late  for 
competition. 

The  only  exhibitor  of  LiHums  wa3  Mr.  W.  Bull,  who  had  a  first 
prize  for  lancifolium  album  and  rubrum,  L.  tigriunm  splendens, 
L.  tigrinum  Fortunei,  and  L.  auratum  maculatum,  the  last-named  a 
beautifully  marked  variety  with  large  segments  and  broad  bauds. 
The  whole  of  these  were  most  admirable  specimens. 


Floral  Committee. —  Mr.  J.  Fraser  in  the  chair.  From  Mr. 
Pilcher,  gardener  to  S.  Rucker,  Esq.,  Wandsworth,  came  a  fine  group 
of  Nerines,  of  which  the  splendid  scarlet  heads  of  bloom,  along  with 
Vallota  purpurea,  formed  conspicuous  objects  at  one  end  of  the  room, 
Mr.  King,  gardener  to  S.  Wiggett,  Esq.,  Allanby  Park,  Binfield,  sent 
two  varieties  of  Coleus  named  Bella  Donna  and  Leopard  ;  the  latter, 
green,  veined  and  blotched  at  the  base  of  the  leaves  with  velvety  dark 
purple,  the  prettier  of  the  two.  A  special  certificate  was  awarded  to 
Mr.  Denning,  gardener  to  Lord  Londesborough,  for  a  fine  collection 
of  Orchids,  in  which  were  beautiful  specimens  of  Ai-rides  suavissimum, 
Cattleya  superba,  splendid  in  colour;  Polycycnis  muscifera,  Bnrling- 
tonia  venusta,  the  rich  yellow  Dendrobium  chrysanthum,  Oncidium 
incurvum,  remarkably  fine  ;  Miltonia  Candida  grauditiora,  and  Acrides 
Huttonii. 

Messrs.  Veitch  also  received  a  special  certificate  for  a  collection  in 
which  were  a  magnificent  specimen  of  the  white  Lapageria,  a  plant  of 
Begonia  Veitchii  in  perfect  health,  bearing  several  of  its  showy  scarlet 
flowers,  and  which  had  stood  out  of  doors  unprotected  for  the  last 
three  years,  a  number  of  elegant  Palms,  fine  specimens  of  Atrides, 
Cattleyas,  Lrelias,  and  other  Orchids,  new  Crotons,  and  Dracaenas, 
and  several  Ferns.  First-class  certificates  were  awarded  to  Daphne 
elegantissima,  a  variegated  form  of  D.  indica,  in  which  the  leaves  are 
contorted  and  are  edged  with  cream  colour,  a  very  pretty  plant ;  to 
Calamus  cinnamomeus,  an  elegant  Palm ;  Adiantum  peruvianum,  a 


noble  Fern  with  pinna?  of  immense  size  ;  and  to  Livistonia  rotundi- 
folia,  a  handsome  dwarf  Palm. 

Mr.  Bull  likewise  received  a  special  certificate  for  a  very  extensive 
collection,  consisting  of  Palms,  Lilium  auratum  in  fine  bloom,  God- 
winia  gigas,  the  white  Lapageria,  Cassia  calliantha,  a  very  pretty 
plant;  the  variegated  Curculigo  recnrvata,  Ferns,  and  Dracaenas.  A 
first-class  certificate  was  given  for  Dapmonorops  cinnamomea,  an  ele- 
gant dwarf  Palm  with  the  young  fronds  cinnamon-coloured.  (Eno- 
carpus  dealbatus,  with  glaucous  foliage,  is  also  an  elegant  Palm. 
Ptychosperma  nobilis,  a  very  handsome  Palm,  with  the  back  of  the 
leaves  of  a  coppery  tinge,  formed  a  striking  object  in  this  collection, 
in  which  we  also  noted  Macadamia  ternifolia. 

A  special  certificate  was  given  to  Messrs.  Osboru  &  Sons,  of  the 
Fulham  Nursery,  for  Grevillea  Banksii  of  Hooker,  producing  two 
heads  of  its  crimson  and  yellow  flowers.  A  first-class  certificate  was 
awarded  to  G.  F.  Wilson,  Esq.,  for  cut  spikes  of  Lilium  Leichtlinii 
grown  in  the  open  border,  the  flowers  having  the  segments  recurved 
like  the  Tiger  Lily,  yellow,  spotted  with  brownish  crimson.  Accom- 
panying these  was  a  splendid  spike  of  the  Tiger  Lily  of  gigantic  growth 
from  an  open  border,  likewise  splendidly  coloured  flowers  of  Lilium 
speciosum  rubrum.  Messrs.  E.  G.  Henderson  &r  Son,  Wellington 
Nurseries,  had  a  special  certificate  for  baskets  of  Silver  Tricolor  Lass 
o'  Gowrie  and  Golden  Tricolor  Peter  Grieve,  with  the  leaves  beauti- 
fully coloured.  Messrs.  Henderson  likewise  sent  a  collection  of  Tri- 
colors in  small  pots. 

From  Messrs.  J.  &  C.  Lee,  came  a  very  interesting  collection  of  cut 
specimens  of  hardy  trees  and  shrubs,  which  had  a  special  certificate  ; 
from  Messrs.  Carter  &  Co.,  of  Holborn,  flowers  of  a  large  variety  of 
Lilium  speciosum,  imported  from  Japan  ;  from  Messrs.  Bell  &  Thorpe, 
of  Stratford -on -Avon,  nicely-marked  Petunias  and  seedling  Pelargo- 
niums, of  which  David  Garrick,  a  Nosegay,  with  immense  trasses 
of  crimson  scarlet  flowers  with  a  glow  of  purple,  received  a  first-class 
certificate,  a  distinction  which  it  thoroughly  deserved.  Mr.  Cocks, 
gardener  to  G.  S.  Candell,  Esq.,  Clapham,  exhibited  several  seedling 
Coleuses  and  a  yellow-leaved  Pelargonium.  Mr.  Cannell,  of  Wool- 
wich, sent  a  pretty  Gold  and  Bronze  Pelargonium,  called  Champion 
and  Pride  of  Kent,  with  scarlet  flowers  2  inches  in  diameter,  and 
fine,  very  dark-zoned  foliage  ;  also  Mrs.  J.  C.  Mappin,  white- variegated 
and  white-flowered. 

Mr.  Eckford,  gardener  to  the  Earl  of  Radnor,  Coleshill,  had  a 
second-class  certificate  for  Verbena  Miss  Charlotte  Mildmay,  rose, 
with  a  pale  edge.  He  also  sent  Rose  Imperial,  with  very  large  pips 
of  a  lilac  rose  colour,  Lavender  Queen,  a  pretty  variety,  and  two  other 
seedlings,  likewise  seedling  Dahlias.  Mr.  Seaile,  gardener  to  R.  C. 
Steel,  Esq.,  Marlesford  Lodge,  Ha  miner  smith,  sent  Lobelia  Miss 
Steel,  of  a  very  dark  blue,  with  a  rather  large  white  eye,  a  very  ef- 
fective variety,  though,  perhaps,  not  sufficiently  distinct. 

Mr.  Green,  gardener  to  W.  Wilson  Saunders,  Esq.,  Hillfield,  Rei- 
gate,  sent  a  most  interesting  collection.  Stangeria  paradoxa,  of  which 
there  was  the  female  plant  in  fruit,  as  well  as  the  male  plant  bearing 
two  cones  of  inflorescence,  received  a  special  certificate.  This,  we 
believe,  is  the  first  time  the  plant  has  ripened  fruit  in  this  country. 
A  second-class  certificate  was  given  for  Gritlinia  dryades,  with  violet 
blue  flowers,  white  in  the  centre  of  the  segments.  Amaryllis  Bella- 
donna pallida,  a  pretty  variety,  pale  blush,  more  or  less  tinged  with 
pink,  came  from  the  same  exhibitor. 

Messrs.  Lee,  of  Hammersmith,  had  a  first-class  certificate  for 
Thnja  semper-anrea,  a  beautiful  golden  Arbor-Vitre,  far  more  golden 
than  the  Thuja  aurea  sent  for  comparison. 

Mr.  H.  Bennett,  Manor  Farm  Nursery,  Stapleford,  sent  a  box  of 
Ch-mence  Raoux  Rose;  Mr.  George,  gardener  to  Miss  Nicholson, 
1'ntney  Heath,  stands  of  cut  flowers  of  seedling  Nosegay  Pelargo- 
niums"; and  Mr.  Green,  gardener  to  W.  Wilson  Saunders,  Esq.,  a 
new  Composite  plant  from  Chirique,  with  ample  foliage  silvery  at 
the  back.  A  special  certificate  was  given  to  Mr.  C.  J.  Perry  for  hia 
collection  of  seedling  Verbenas  previously  noticed. 

Fruit  Committee.— G.  F.  Wilson,  Esq.,  F.R.S.,  in  the  chair.  On 
this  occasion  prizes  were  offered  by  Messrs.  Osborn,  of  Fulham,  for 
the  best  bunch  of  Golden  Champion  Grape,  but,  unfortunately,  there 
was  hardly  any  competition.  Mr.  Sage,  gardener  to  Earl  Browalow, 
Ashridge,  took  the  first  prize  with  bunches  which  were  large,  symme- 
trical, and  with  large  berries,  though  rather  green  in  colour,  each 
bunch  weighing  3  lbs.  Mr.  Douglas,  gardener  to  F.  Whitbourn,  Esq., 
Loxford  Hall,  Ilford,  had  bunches  of  the  same  Grape  from  a  Vine 
grafted  on  Trentham  Black,  and  the  latter  seemed  to  have  imported 
some  of  the  dark  hue  and  oval  shape  of  its  berries  into  the  Golden 
Champion  ;  the  berries,  too,  were  very  much  smaller  than  those  of 
that  kind  generally  are.  From  G.  F.  Wilson,  Esq.,  came  Early 
Ascot  Frontignan,  which  he  had  found  to  be  valuable  for  cold  orchard- 
house  cultivation,  being  a  fortnight  earlier  than  Chasselas  Musque, 
alongside  of  which  it  had  been  grown.  The  latter,  exhibited  from  the 
same  house,  was  decidedly  unripe,  while  the  former  was  perfectly  so, 
and  of  delicious  flavour. 

Mr.  C.Noble,  of  Bagshot,  sent  a  seedling  Peach,  TheLady,  which 
was  considered  to  he  no  improvement  on  existing  varieties  ;  and  a 
seedling  Nectarine  resembling  Pitmaston  Orange  was  also  exhibited. 
Messrs.  Lee  sent  Royal  Vineyard  Peach  grown  on  pot  trees  ;  this  variety 
is  considered  to  be  very  hardy. 

Mr.  Sage,  Ashridge,  exhibited  a  small  collection  of  Apples,  Figs, 
and  Filberts  ;  Mr.  Francis  Dancer,  of  Little  Sutton,  Chiswick,  Pond's 


184 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  September  8, 1870. 


Seedling  and  other  Plums,  of  which  the  excellence  justified  his  high 
reputation  as  a  cultivator  of  this  fruit;  and  Mr.  Cox,  of  Redleaf, 
Bunyard's  Early  Apple,  a  small  but  excellent  variety.  Messrs.  Carter 
and  Co.  exhibited  their  Chinese  Mustard,  together  with  the  white  and 
black  kinds,  but  the  Chinese,  though  delicate  and  pungent,  was  not 
considered  sufficiently  distinct  for  an  award.  Mr.  Clarke,  of  Whitton, 
exhibited  Whitton  Pippin,  a  very  showy  high-colonred  Apple ;  Mr. 
Catleugh,  Chelsea,  a  tine  specimen  of  Puff  ball ;  Mr.  Sage,  of  Askridge, 
fine  heads  for  the  season  of  Dwarf  White  Celery  ;  and  Mr.  Cadger,  of 
Luton  Hoo,  three  seedling  Cucumbers  of  great  size,  but  coarse.  Mr. 
Dean  sent  fine  Onions  nnder  the  name  of  Danvers'  Yellow  selected 
from  plants  raised  from  Vilmorin's  seed,  but  the  Committee  considered 
they  were  not  the  true  Danveis'  Onion.  Finally,  Messrs.  Sutton  and 
Sons,  of  Reading,  had  a  fine  collection  of  fifty  kinds  of  Potatoes,  to 
which  a  special  certificate  was  given. 


General  Meeting. — W.  Wilson  Saunders,  Esq.,  F.R.S.,  in  the 
chair.  The  Chairman,  in  opening  the  proceedings,  regretted  the 
absence  of  the  Rev.  Joshua  Dix,  who  had  been  struck  down  by  serious 
illness,  but  who,  he  was  glad  to  learn,  was  on  the  previous  evening 
very  much  better,  and  called  on  Mr.  Moore  to  report  the  awards  of 
the  Floral  Committee.  This  having  been  done,  and  Mr.  Wilson 
having  performed  a  similar  task  as  regards  the  Fruit  Committee,  the 
Chairman,  in  the  absence  of  Mr.  Berkeley,  pointed  out  the  most  re- 
markable of  the  plants  exhibited,  first  noticing  the  beautiful  group  of 
Nerine  Fothergilli  and  Vallota  purpurea  from  Mr.  Rucker's  gardener. 
Of  the  latter  plant  it  was  evident  there  were  two  varieties  in  the 
collection;  the  one  was  the. plant  as  originally  received,  the  other 
the  plant  as  improved  by  raising  from  seed  and  crossing.  The  in- 
creased size  of  the  petals  and  flower  was  most  noticeable,  added 
to  which  a  yellowish  tinge  had  been  imported  into  it,  all  tending  to 
show  that  the  plant  had  entered  upon  the  road  to  variation.  It 
was  a  highly  ornamental  plant,  and  the  great  secret  of  its  successful 
cultivation  was  to  keep  it  in  a  greenhouse  temperature,  with  the  soil 
damp  at  all  times.  The  singular  Godwinia  from  Mr.  Bull,  with  its 
mottled  stem-like  leafstalk  and  single  leaf,  was  then  pointed  out,  and 
several  of  Messrs.  Lee's  specimens  of  ornamental  trees  and  shrubs  were 
also  noticed,  especially  the  variegated  Cornel  and  Judas-tree,  Quercus 
Concordia,  and  a  Lime  tree  with  leaves  which,  instead  of  being  cor- 
date, were  lobed  in  all  fashions.  Lilium  Leichtlinii  next  came  under 
notice,  and  it  was  remarked  that  the  plauts  which  attracted  the  attention 
of  one  generation  of  men  were  passed  over  by  other  generations,  that 
the  attention  of  one  set  of  men  was  attracted  to-  ono  thing,  that  of 
another  set  to  another ;  but  the  Lily  had  held  its  ground  for  several 
thousands  of  years.  That  referred  to,  he  thought,  would  be  produced 
some  day  in  great  perfection.  The  Chairman  then  called  attention 
to  the  Stangeria  paradoxa  from  his  own  garden — a  plant  which  had 
been  a  puzzle  to  botanists,  but  on  which  ho  expected  further  light 
would  soon  be  thrown.  The  result  of  placing  staminiferous  and 
female  plants  together  some  three  months  ago  had  been  the  fruit  before 
the  meeting. 

The  Chairman  said  he  had  now  to  state  that  the  Council  had  come 
to  the  determination  to  hold  the  country  show  of  1871  at  Nottingham, 
and  the  show  there,  not  being  in  conjunction  with  the  Royal  Agri- 
cultural Society's  show,  would  take  place  at  a  season  when  plants 
were  to  be  seen  in  their  greatest  perfection.  The  date  had  not  been 
as  yet  fixed,  but  it  would  be  announced  at  the  next  meeting,  Sep- 
tember 21st. 


GARIBALDI  STRAWBERRY. 
In  a  recent  issue  I  noticed  a  correspondent  recommending  a 
new  Strawberry  named  Garibaldi.  Now,  I  do  not  want  to 
question  the  veracity  of  those  sending  the  Strawberry  out  by 
this  name  as  a  new  one,  but  suffice  it  to  say  that  last  year  a 
Strawberry  was  sent  out  under  that  name,  and  which  has  now 
been  proved  to  be  Vicomtesse  Hi-iicart  de  Thury.  Many  people 
are  still  sceptical  as  to  the  value  of  this  Strawberry.  I  can 
with  confidence  recommend  it  as  the  most  useful  Strawberry 
in  cultivation.  It  appears  to  adapt  itself  to  every  soil  and 
climate.  While  other  Strawberries  droop  and  fade  it  remains 
fresh  and  green,  and  bears  an  enormous  quantity  of  peculiar- 
flavoured  fruit.  As  a  proof  of  its  great  productiveness  when 
true,  two  rows  of  one  hundred  plants  each,  as  a  trial,  and  very 
badly  grown  by  a  market  gardener,  produced  400  lbs. ;  and  at 
Glasgow  June  Show  Mr.  Matthew  Campbell,  nurseryman,  Blan- 
tyre,  exhibited  three  plants  taken  from  a  field  of  thousands,  where 
all  were  equally  good,  with  one  hundred  ripe  Strawberries  and 
more  than  two  hundred  altogether,  and  it  was  allowed  by  com- 
petent judges  to  be  fully  3  lbs.  on  each  plant. — W.  Thomson. 


Lilium  aurattjm. — A  bulb  of  the  above  fine  Lily  was  planted 
by  Mr.  A.  Anderson,  gardener  to  J.  C.  Burns,  Esq.,  Glenlee, 
Hamilton,  about  three  years  since  in  a  14-inch  pot,  and  once 
shifted  into  an  18 -inch  one,  the  plant  has  this  year  grown  to 


the  height  of  from  10  to  12  feet,  carrying  120  flowers — a  number 
which  I  have  not  yet  seen  excelled.— W.  T. 


THE    GARDEN    PINK    FOR    FORCING 
PURPOSES. 

The  Garden  Pink,  in  its  several  varieties,  has  always  been, 
and  will,  no  doubt,  long  continue  to  be,  a  special  favourite. 
Everybody  loves  the  modest  beauty  and  delightful  fragrance  of 
its  flowers,  and  many  consider  it  as  only  inferior  to  the  Rose 
itself.  One  or  two  varieties  of  this  Pink  have  been  generally 
found  very  useful  for  forcing  into  flower  during  the  winter  and 
early  spring  months ;  and  I  would  here  call  attention  to  a  few 
other  sorts,  well  suited  to  the  same  purpose,  but  which  are  not 
so  well  known  as  they  should  be. 

The  varieties  mostly  used  for  forcing  are  the  Common,  or 
London  White,  a  fragrant  and  very  useful  sort ;  and  a  larger 
dark  variety  known  by  the  name  of  Anne  Boleyn,  and  which 
produces  exceedingly  beautiful  and  very  sweet-scented  flowers, 
but  has  the  great  drawback  of  being  addicted  to  bursting  its  pod 
or  calyx.  Observing  and  regretting  this  defect,  an  enthusiastic 
amateur  florist,  Rowland  Dalton,  EEq.,  of  Bury  St.  Edmunds, 
many  years  since,  after  much  perseverance,  succeeded  in  origi- 
nating a  variety  with  flowers  of  the  Bame  colour,  somewhat 
smaller,  similar  in  habit,  equally  fragrant,  and  possessed  of  all 
the  forcing  properties  of  Anne  Boleyn,  but  with  the  advantage 
of  having  a  strong,  well-formed  calyx,  which  never  by  any 
chance  bursts;  and  this  very  useful  variety  was  named  Claude. 
He  afterwards  succeeded  in  raising  another  still  more  beau- 
tiful variety,  which  he  named  Plato,  and  this  is  a  truly 
magnificent  flower  of  a  beautiful  rose  colour,  with  a  finely- 
formed,  strong  calyx,  quite  free  from  bursting,  and  it  proves 
to  be  also  a  fine  forcing  sort,  coming  into  flower  earlier  than 
Anne  Boleyn. 

Another  amateur  florist  residing  in  the  same  town,  Mr.  J. 
Clarke,  who  has  made  the  cultivation  of  the  Pink  quite  a 
specialty,  has,  amongst  many  other  triumphs  in  that  way, 
originated  an  exceedingly  fine  variety  resembling  the  old  fa- 
vourite Anne  Boleyn,  but  a  great  improvement  upon  it,  being 
more  compact  in  habit,  and  produciug  in  wonderful  abundance 
finely-formed,  large,  sweet-scented  flowers,  with  a  firm  strong 
calyx,  which  never  bursts.  This  fine  variety,  which  is  exceed- 
ingly well  adapted  for  forcing,  was  named  Garibaldi.  The  same 
raiser  also  originated  another  splendid  sort,  which  he  named 
Clarke's  Lord  Lyons,  but  this  variety,  although  exceedingly 
beautiful,  is  in  all  respects  very  nearly  identical  with  Dalton's 
Plato.  Some  years  since  the  Messrs.  E.  G.  Henderson  and 
Son  sent  out  a  most  useful  variety  under  the  name  of  Most 
Welcome.  This  is  also  excellent  for  the  purpose  of  forcing,  and 
may  be  considered  as  an  almost  perpetual  flowerei,  in  addition 
to  which  it  is  possessed  of  all  the  qualities  of  a  first-class 
florists'  flower,  and  is  quite  free  from  bursting,  either  when 
forced,  or  when  grown  in  the  open  air. 

The  treatment  of  these  plants  for  the  purpose  of  forcing  is  so 
very  simple,  that  little  need  be  here  said  upon  the  subject. 
During  the  month  of  March,  or  early  in  April,  cuttings  should 
be  taken  from  plants  which  have  been  forced,  and  inserted  in  a 
compost  made  up  of  sand  and  sifted  leaf  soil,  using  pots  of  some 
0  inches  diameter ;  place  them  in  a  gentle  hotbed,  and  in  all 
respects  treat  them  as  cuttings  of  Verbenas,  although  they  will 
not  root  so  quickly  as  the  latter.  When  rooted,  pot  them  singly 
into  3-inch  pots,  and  gradually  harden  off,  and  towards  the  end 
of  May  or  early  in  June  plant  them  out  in  the  open  border,  in 
any  convenient  situation,  in  rows  about  15  inches  apart,  and 
about  1  foot  from  plant  to  plant.  While  here  let  them  have 
abundance  of  water  when  required. 

During  the  first  fortnight  of  October  they  should  be  carefully 
raised  and  potted  into  pots  some  5  inches  or  6  inches  in  diameter, 
using  soil  composed  of  turfy  loam,  enriched  with  a  little  well- 
rotted  hotbed  manure,  or  leaf  soil.  They  should  be  placed  in 
a  shaded  position  for  a  short  time,  and  ultimately  wintered  in 
a  cold  pit,  from  which  they  are  to  be  introduced  to  the  forcing- 
house  as  may  be  required.  When  this  is  done,  it  is  necessary 
that  the  plants  be  kept  as  close  to  the  glass  as  possible.  Per- 
haps no  better  situation  can  be  found  for  them  than  a  shelf  on 
the  back  wall  of  an  early  vinery  or  Peach  house  at  some 
18  inches  from  the  glass.  _    , 

With  the  varieties  I  have  mentioned — viz.,  Common  White, 
Claude,  Garibaldi,  Plato  or  Lord  Lyons,  and  Most  Welcome, 
assisted  by  a  few  of  the  perpetual  or  winter-flowering  Carna- 
tions and  Picotees,  little  difficulty  will  be  found  in  keeping  up 


September  8,  1870.  . 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


185 


an  ample  supply  of  these  fragrant  flowers  throughout  the  entire 
year. — P.  Grieve,  Culford. — (Florist  and  Pomoloyist.) 


A  LARGE   OAK  TREE. 

On  the  outskirts  of  the  park  of  Sir  William  Smith  Marriott, 
Bart,  of  florsemonden,  in  Kent,  stands  a  very  fine  Oak  tree  with 
a  healthy  top  and  straight  bole.  The  circumference,  at  about 
5  feet  from  the  ground  and  in  the  smallest  part  between  the 
root-claws  and  the  first  branch,  is  21  feet,  the  bole  appearing 
to  be  perfectly  sound,  or  at  all  events  there  is  no  outward  indi- 
cation of  decay  of  any  consequence.  The  appearance  of  the 
upper  part  of  the  tree  would  indicate  that  the  decline  of  life 
had  scarcely,  if  at  all,  set  in.  Some  limbs  had  been  broken  off, 
but  these  looked  more  as  if  by  the  effects  of  high  winds  or  other 
accidents  than  the  decay  of  nature  ;  and  the  top,  as  a  whole, 
was  not  so  large  as  is  often  met  with  in  much  smaller  trees. 
The  situation  was  on  the  top  of  a  slight  embankment,  caused 
by  the  making  of  a  sort  of  dry  moat  or  excavation  5  or  0  feet 
deep,  the  roots  of  the  noble  tree  clasping  the  sides  of  the  bank, 
and  presenting  an  extended  mass  of  root  timber  rarely  met  with, 
showing  their  naked  surfaces  along  the  side  of  the  bank  for 
some  distance,  swollen  and  enlarged  so  as  to  resemble  a  kind 
of  irregular  ribbed  work,  and  finally  disappearing  at  the  bottom 
of  the  moat,  which  was  perfectly  dry.  The  soil,  I  should  think, 
was  of  the  kind  common  in  the  neighbourhood — a  decomposed 
sandstone,  and  sandstone  formed  the  substratum  ;  it  was  evi- 
dently well  suited  to  the  growth  of  this  tree  by  the  good 
examples  to  be  seen  around. 

Another  fine  tree  is  pointed  out  as  having  been  all  hut  sacri- 
ficed at  one  time  to  a  mistake.  Some  workmen  sent  to  cut  oak 
timber  in  this  park  had  actually  stripped  the  bark  of  the  lower 
part  of  the  trunk  prior  to  felling  it,  when  the  mistake  was  dis- 
covered, and  the  bark  nailed  on  again  so  carefully  that  no 
vestige  of  the  operation  is  to  be  seen,  excepting  a  ring  mark 
round  the  tree  at  about  3  feet  from  the  ground.  This  tree, 
although  much  less  than  that  previously  noticed,  is  a  fine  speci- 
men, and  I  believe  tempting  offers  have  been  made  for  it  by 
purveyors  to  the  navy  and  others.  The  bole  where  the  girth 
was  made  is  aB  nearly  circular  as  could  be  guessed,  and  free 
from  any  bulges  or  swellings  that  increase  the  measurement. 
I  should  think  that  at  30  feet  up  it  would  be  16  or  17  feet  in 
circumference.  It  grows  on  the  escarpment  of  a  moat,  which 
may,  for  anything  I  know  to  the  contrary,  have  formed  the 
boundary  of  an  entrenched  camp. — J.  Robson. 


BLUEBELLS  AND  HAREBELLS. 

In  your  Journal  of  August  25th,  page  151,1  read,  "The 
common  wood  Hyacinth  is  the  Scilla  nonscripta  of  botanists, 
the  Harebell  of  common  nomenclature."  I  presume  you  mean 
the  "  Bluebell "  of  common  nomenclature.  Campanula  rc- 
tuudifolia  is  the  Hare  (or  Hair)  Bell,  but  I  believe  it  is  usual 
to  call  both  "  Bluebells,"  though  the  Campanula  is  "  the  Blue- 
bell of  Scotland." — Bluebell. 

[It  is  quite  certain  that  the  Harebell  is  the  Hyacintbns  non- 
scriptus,  or  Scilla  nonscripta.  Two  of  our  oldest  botanical 
writers,  Gerarde  and  Parkinson,  portrait  it,  and  call  it  "  Hare- 
bels,"  probably  from  the  Anglo-Saxon,  liar,  grey,  and  belle, 
a  bell.  The  "  Bluebell "  is  the  Campanula  rotundifolia,  ac- 
cording to  our  best  modern  authorities,  but  when  or  by  whom 
the  name  was  first  applied  we  cannot  tell,  for  all  the  old 
herbalists  call  it  the  "  Small  round-leaved  B9ll-flower."  The 
name  "  Hairbell  "  applied  to  this  flower  on  account  of  the  fine 
hair-like  stalk  of  the  flowers,  is  of  very  modern  invention, 
though  probably  for  its  aptness  it  is  adopted  by  Babington  and 
Hooker.  Dr.  Hogg  in  his  "  Vegetable  Kingdom,"  says  that 
C.  rotundifolia  is  "  the  lovely  little  Scotch  Bluebell."  We  have 
always  heard  it  so  called,  and  we  will  conclude  by  quoting — 

"  Then  Btrike  the  loud  harp  to  the  laud  of  the  river, 
The  mountain,  the  valley,  with  all  their  wild  spells  ; 
And  shout  in  the  chorus  for  ever  and  ever. 
The  Bluebells  of  Scotland,  the  Scottish  Bluebells."] 


NEW  AMERICAN  POTATOES. 
Seeing  the  interest  that  is  felt  in  the  new  American  Potatoes 
which  have  been  so  highly  spoken  of,  I  forward  the  results  of 
a  trial  on  a  small  scale,  which  may  be  interesting  to  some  of 
your  readers,  and  is  strictly  reliable,  as  I  weighed  and  counted 
the  Potatoes  myself.  The  Potatoes  were  imported  in  December, 
and  planted  on  January  21st.    A  large  proportion  in  weight  of 


each  kind  consisted  of  handsome  useable  Potatoes,  but  in  the 
count  and  weights  given  I  have  included  every  small  tuber 
down  to  the  size  of  a  marble.  I  may  remark,  that  having  so 
few  of  each  Bort  I  cut  them  into  as  many  sets  as  there  were 
eyes,  and  no  doubt  the  produce  would  have  been  much  larger 
had  small  seed  Potatoes  of  the  same  weight  been  planted.  The 
five  Canadian  Kidneys  sent  to  me  prove  to  be  identical  with  a 
similar  number  I  received  from  my  brother  in  Canada  four 
years  ago,  and  from  which  I  have  succeeded  in  raising  a  large 
stock.  I  have  no  hesitation  in  saying  that  it  is  the  best  eating 
Potato  I  ever  met  with,  and  has  the  valuable  property  of  keep- 
ing good  until  late  in  the  year. 

Early  Rose. — Four  Potatoes,  weighing  1  lb.  5J  ozs,  cut  into 
twenty  sets,  and  dug  on  July  28th  quite  ripe,  producing  161  Po- 
tatoes weighing  21  lbs.  6  ozs. 

Garnet  Chili. — Five  Potatoes,  weigbiDg  2  lbs.  4(  ozs.,  cut 
into  twenty-eight  sets,  and  dug  on  August  31st  not  quite  ripe, 
but  had  begun  to  grow  again,  producing  212  Potatoes  weighing 
50J  lbs. 

Canadian  Kidney. — Five  Potatoes,  weighing  2  lbs.  1  oz.,  cut 
into  twenty-seven  sets,  and  dug  on  August  1st  quite  ripe,  pro- 
ducing 160  Potatoes  weighing  32  lbs.  12  J  ozs. — John  J.  Stone, 
Seyhorwen,  Llantrissent. 


ROSES  NEW   AND    OLD. 

I  always  read  Mr.  Radcljfle's  and  Mr.  Kent's  contributions 
to  Rose  lore.  They  do  not  purloin  and  hash-up  other  men's 
thoughts,  but  write  independently  from  their  own  observation 
and  experience ;  there  is,  consequently,  a  freshness  and  in- 
dividuality about  what  they  offer.  Further,  Blechingley  and 
Okeford  iitzpaine  are  far  apart,  and  the  soils  are  so  diverse 
that  it  is  interesting  to  know  how  differing  seasons  affect  the 
varieties  of  Roses,  whether  new  or  old,  in  different  localities 
and  soils.  I  can  quite  understand  that  a  new  Rose,  when  the 
stock  is  limited  to  two  or  three  plants,  does  not  always  reveal  its 
true  character  for  one  or  even  two  seasons,  and  it  is  better  to 
speak  under  reserve  when  doubts  exist,  than  to  speak  positively 
and  have  to  retract.  The  latter  plan  does  not  really  inform, 
although  it  may  appear  to  do  so,  but  it  often  misleads.  The 
"  latest  intelligence "  is,  doubtless,  important  when  the  au- 
thenticity of  it  can  be  guaranteed.  But  the  expeiience  of  life 
is  beginning  to  teach  me  not  to  be  guided  so  much  by  the  thing 
said,  as  by  who  says  it. 

The  best  dozen  of  the  older  Roses  were  with  me  this  year — 
Alfred  Colomb,  Baron  Haussman,  Edward  Morren  (not  always 
good  but  sometimes  very  fine),  Elie  Morel,  Horace  Vernet, 
Madame  Fillion,  Madame  Noman  (valuable  as  a  white),  Mdlle. 
Marie  Rady,  Marie  Baumann,  Monsieur  Journeaux,  Perfection 
de  Lyon,  Souvenir  de  Monsieur  Boll  (very  fine  on  the  old  bnt 
not  so  good  on  the  young  plants),  and  Souvenir  de  Monsieur 
Poiteau.  It  will  be  observed  that  I  have  avoided  here  the 
very  old  kinds,  on  the  assumption  that  their  merits  and  de- 
merits are  already  sufficiently  well  known.  My  soil  is  strong, 
cool,  and  moist,  and  my  system  of  cultivation  is  directed  to  the 
development  of  bone  and  muscle  rather  than  of  fatty  matter. 

Of  the  new  Roses  I  speak  under  reservation,  but  the 
following  have  been  satisfactory  with  me : —  Hybrid  Per- 
petuals:  Albion,  Baron  Chaurand,  Comtesse  d'Oxford,  Louis 
Van  Houtte,  Madame  Dustour,  Mademoiselle  Eugenie  Verdier, 
Marquise  de  Castellane,  Paul  Neron,  and  Princess  Christian. 
Tea-scented :  Belle  Lyonnaise,  Madame  Ducher,  and  Madame 
Hippolyte  Jamain.  Perpetual  Moss:  Madame  William  Paul. 
I  find  that  I  have  in  each  case  given  a  baker's  dozen,  but  full 
measure  is  a  good  ruie,  and  seldom  leads  to  difficulties. — 
William  Paul,  Paul's  Nurseries,  Waltham  Cross,  N. 


FLOWER  BED  ARRANGEMENTS. 
You  frequently  tell  us  in  "  our  Journal  "  that  you  make  a 
rule  of  not  offering  suggestions  for  planting  flower  gardens,  but 
you  criticise  plans  sent  to  you  of  those  planted.  Now,  myself 
and  two  sisters  are  fond  of  flowers  (the  fat  baby  don't  take 
much  notice  of  them  yet),  and  we  have  a  small  flower  garden 
laid  out  on  the  grass,  a  copy  of  which  we  enclose  for  your  in- 
spection. We  all  claim  our  separate  beds,  though  at  planting 
time  we  pay  due  regard  to  order,  and  so  have  the  beds  to  match 
with  each  other.  In  the  afternoons  we  spend  many  happy 
moments  in  picking  off  dead  flowers,  and  otherwise  making 
things  look  neat.  Ar  we  are  but  little  girls  we  cannot  mow  the 
grass  but  two  of  our  father's  men  run  the  machine  over  it  once,' 
a-week.     Next  year  we  want  a  perfect  arrangement  of  colours, 


186 


JOURNAL  OF  HOBTICULTU8E  AND  COTTAGE  GABDENEE. 


[  September  8,  1870. 


though  this  year  the  beds  in  themselves  are  as  good  as  they 
can  be.  We  have  no  failures,  though  the  yellow  Pansies  are 
hardly  up  to  the  mark  for  bedding.  Beds  10  and  11  are  grand, 
and  as  for  2  and  3  we  cannot  describe  their  glories.  My  father 
wishes  Mr.  Peach  could  see  them  and  another  bed  or  two  that 
we  have  elsewhere  of  William  Thomson  and  Douglas  Pearson, 
and  then  he  says  he  would  not  write  about  such  rubbish  as 
Waltham  Seedling  and  others  as  useless.  Bed  8  is  also  grand, 
and  you  must  tell  everybody  who  wants  an  effective  bed  to 
grow  Miss  Kingsbury. 

The  following  is  the  way  the  beds  are  planted  : — Bed  1,  Cen- 
raurea  candidissima,  edged  with  Amaranthus  melancholicus 
tuber,  with  a  terra  cotta  vase  in  the  centre  filled  with  Violet 
Hill  Nosegay,  and  margined  with  a  pretty  variegated  Ivy-leaved 
Geranium  ;  all  very  good.  Bed  2,  Biyard  Geranium,  edged 
with  Cerastium  tomentosum.  Bed  3,  William  Underwood, 
edged  the  same  as  bed  No.  2.  Beds  4  and  5,  Amy  Hogg  Gera- 
nium,   edged    with 


yellow  Pansies.  Beds 
G  and  7,  Geranium 
Madame  KuderB- 
dorff.  Bed  8,  Miss 
Kingsbury  Gera- 
nium, edged  with 
Blue  Lobelia.  Bed 
9,  Bijou  Geranium, 
edged  the  same  as 
bed  8.  Miss  Kings- 
bury is  the  best 
white-edged  Gera- 
nium. ■  Beds  10  and 
11,  Mrs.  Pollock  Ge- 
ranium, edged  with 
Cerastium  tomento- 
sum and  Lobelia 
speciosa  in  links  of 
about  15  inches  long 
all  round  the  beds, 
and  a  few  plants  of 
Verbena  venosa  in- 
terspersed among 
the  Geraniums,  the 

effect  of  which  is  good.  Beds  12  and  13  are  Verbena  Purple 
King,  edged  with  Cloth  of  Gold  Geranium,  and  are  very  good. 
All  the  plants  have  grown  well,  and  we  could  not  wish  them  to 
be  better.  All  we  want  is  a  different  arrangement  of  colours. 
Now  we  hope  our  old  friends  will  help  us — we  should  have 
liked  to  have  said  our  "  old  Gooseberries." — Sarah  Ann,  Clara, 
and  Amy  Alice,  Geranium  Cottage,  Bculah. 

[The  reading  of  your  letter  does  one  good.  We  are  sorry  to 
say  that  we  feel  almost  helpless  as  regards  advising  you  to  do 
better.  One  thing  we  may  note,  however,  with  respect  to  the 
garden  ;  the  centre  is  as  simple  and  neat  as  it  well  can  be,  con- 
sisting of  a  circle,  with  another  circle  divided  into  four  clumps 
round  it.  The  circles  and  two  ends  are  all  that  could  be  wished, 
as  all  are  bounded  by  curved  lines  so  pleasant  to  the  eye.     The 


two  clumps  6  and  7,  with  their  irregular  six-sided  straight  lines, 
break  in  on  the  general  regularity.  A  bed  smaller,  but  shaped 
like  those  round  the  circle,  made  with  the  ends  concave  to 
suit  the  circle  on  each  side,  would,  we  think,  be  more  appro- 
priate. As  you  do  things  so  well,  we  would  like  to  see  you  try 
a  11-inch  mowing  machine,  even  if  two  should  work  it.  You 
cannot  tell  how  much  we  admire  the  good  sense  which  leads 
you,  though  having  separate  beds  under  your  especial  control, 
yet  to  agree  so  to  plant  that  the  whole  garden  shall  form  a 
harmonious  whole.  Under  similar  circumstances  we  often  see 
nothing  but  confusion,  owing  to  each  young  lady  following  her 
individual  tastes.  Where  there  cannot  be  such  agretment  as 
to  planting,  as  in  your  case,  we  think  it  best  that  every  young 
lady  should  have  a  bed  or  beds,  far  apart,  so  that  each  could  be 
judged  separately. 

In  making  a  change  in  No.  1,  you  could  place  scarlet  in  the 
centre  of  the  vase,  draped  as  now,   or  with  the  white  Ivy- 
leaved     Geranium ; 
then  fill  the  bed  with 
Coleus  Verschaffelti, 
and  edge  with  the 
Centaures,  or,  better 
still,   with  Polemo- 
nium  ccruleum  va- 
riegatum,  as  at  Wo- 
burn.  The  four  beds 
round  you  can  hard- 
ly better,   and  you 
might  edge  all  alike, 
or  two  and  two  ;  but 
if  you  had  a  whitish 
edging  for  No.  1  we 
would  not  have  Ce- 
rastium for  2  and  3, 
but    a   mixture    of 
variegated  Alyssum 
and    blue    Lobelia. 
Instead    of     yellow 
Pansies    we    would 
edge  the  other  two 
with  Golden  Fever- 
few.    If  you  did  not 
object  to  the  sameness,  we  would  edge  all  these  four  beds  with  a 
string  of  small  plants  of  the  Feverfew,  and  have  a  line  behind  of 
the  Alyssum  and  the  Lobelia  mixed  ;  6  and  7  might  be  edged 
with  Cerastium,  and  a  thin  line  of  purple  Verbena  inside  would 
improve  it.    Nos.  Sand  9  we  would  edge  with  a  bluish  purple 
Verbena,  with  a  string  of  Cerastium  round  it,  and  thus  the 
four  beds  would   be  something  alike  ;    10  and  11  cannot  be 
improved  ;  we  think  we  see  the  looping  of  the  Lobelia.     12  and 
13  are  no  doubt  neat,  but  the  big  leaf  of  the  Cloth  of  Gold 
is  rather  too  much  for  the  Purple  King  Verbena.     We  would 
be  inclined  to  centre  the  beds  with  yellow  Calceolaria,  and 
then  fill  up  with  the  purple  Verbena.     The  "  Old  Gooseber- 
ries "  have  expressed  even  these  ideas,  however,  with  great 
diffidence. — Eds.] 


■WINTER-BLOOMING  ORCHIDS.— No.  6. 


LJJUA. 


I  shall  now  resume  my  brief  notes  upon  this  subject ;  I 
very  much  regretted  my  inability  to  continue  them  in  due 
course,  but  1870  has  been  an  unusually  busy  season  with  me, 
and  the  exceptional  weather  we  have  experienced  has  materi- 
ally increased  my  work. 

The  genus  Lielia  bears  a  strong  resemblance  to  Cattleya, 
and  to  an  ordinary  observer  it  would  be  impossible  to  point 
out  the  difference,  which  lies  only  in  the  last-named  having 
four  pollen  masses,  whilst  the  other  has  eight;  indeed,  one  of 
the  highest  living  authorities  upon  these  plants  merges  both 
genera  into  Epidendrum,  an  arrangement  which  is  not  likely 
to  find  much  favour  with  English  Orchid-growers,  however 
correct  it  may  be  in  a  scientific  point  of  view. 

The  genus  now  under  consideration  contains  many  fine 
species,  some  of  them  summer-flowering,  which,  as  a  matter  of 
course,  must  be  left  out  in  this  place,  and  I  will,  therefore, 
proceed  to  give  a  brief  description  of  the  charms,  and  how  to 
produce  them,  of  the  kinds  flowering  in  winter.  A  fact  very 
much  in  favour  of  these  plants  is,  that  most  of  them  are 
amenable  to  cool  treatment ;  those  which  require  to  be  grown 
in  pots  should  have  good  drainage,  and  be  potted  in  equal 


parts  of  fibrous  peat  and  sphagnum  moss,  adding  some  pieces 
of  charcoal.  During  (he  growing  season  an  abundant  supply 
of  water  may  be  given,  both  from  the  watering-pot  and  syringe, 
at  the  same  time  strictly  observing  that  none  is  allowed  to  lie 
in  the  Bheaths  which  envelope  the  young  growths,  for  if  this 
occurs  ruin  is  most  likely  to  follow  and  that  speedily.  After 
growth  is  completed  gradually  withhold  water  until  the  short 
dull  days  set  in,  when  only  just  sufficient  must  be  given  to 
prevent  shrivelling  until  the  flowers  begin  to  swell,  when  a 
little  extra  warmth  and  moisture  will  be  advantageous.  Should 
any  of  the  plants  show  signs  of  shrivelling  remove  them  to  a 
warmer  place  and  water  carefully,  it  is  a  sign  the  energies  of 
the  plant  have  been  overtaxed. 

L.  acuminata  should  be  grown  upon  a  block  of  wood,  and 
made  fast  to  it  with  a  little  sphagnum  moss.  I  have  seen  it 
grown  in  pots,  but  it  makes  comparatively  little  root,  and  in  a 
pot  it  is  apt  to  rot.  The  flowers  are  produced,  several  to- 
gether, upon  the  top  of  a  slender  scane  proceeding  from  the 
apex  of  the  short,  somewhat  ovate  p6eudo-bulbs.  The  leaf  is 
short  and  oblong,  thick,  and  dark  green.  The  sepals  and  petals 
are  of  a  waxy  white  ;  the  lip  is  also  white,  stained  towards  the 


September  8,  1670.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


18? 


base  with  a  dark  rosy  purple  blotch.  It  blooms  in  the  very 
depth  of  winter,  and  if  the  flowers  are  not  wetted  it  retains  its 
beauty  several  weeks.  For  bouquets  it  is  very  useful,  and  for 
gracing  a  lady's  hair  it  is  very  effective.  It  is  a  native  of 
Mexico. 

L.  acuminata  pedoncdlakis. — This  resembles  the  preceding 
in  general  appearance,  and  manner  and  time  of  flowering.  It  is 
considered  by  many  a  distinct  species,  but  it  has  little  but 
colour,  in  my  opinion,  to  distinguish  it,  the  flowers  being  of  a 
uniform  rosy  purple,  offering  a  lovely  contrast  to  the  waxy  white 
of  L.  acuminata.    Native  of  Mexico. 

L,  anceps. — A  plant  of  robust  habit,  which  thrives  best  in  a 
pot.  The  pseudo-bulbs  and  leaves  are  dark  green,  and  from 
6  to  12  inches  in  length,  the  latter  oblong-acuminate.  The 
flowers    are  produced,  several  together,   upon  a  stem  about 


IS  inches  long.  They  are  thick  and  fleshy,  and  last  a  very 
long  time  without  the  least  Bign  of  fading.  The  sepals  and 
petals  are  in  colour  soft  rosy  lilac,  whilst  the  lip  is  suffused 
with  various  shades  of  rich  dark  pnrple.  The  entire  flower 
measures  about  3  inches  in  diameter.  This  is  a  most  pleasing 
and  useful  kind.    Native  of  Mexico. 

L.  ANCErs  Dawsonii. — This  charming  variety  is  of  recent  in- 
troduction, and  is  still  very  rare.  The  habit  is  exactly  that  of 
L.  anceps;  the  flowers,  however,  are  very  different,  for  the 
sepals  and  petals  are  of  the  purest  waxy  white,  whilst  the  rich 
purple  lip  is  relieved  with  the  addition  of  white  lobes,  and  is 
tinged  with  yellow.  It  requires  the  same  treatment  as  the  pre- 
ceding.    Native  of  Mexico. 

L.  albida. — This  species  should  be  grown  upon  a  block  of 
wood,  and  as  it  is  very  reasonable  in  price  it  is  within  the  reach 


Lielia  superbiens. 


of  all ;  therefore  I  say,  Have  several  large  blocks  of  it  in  the 
collection,  for  it  is  one  of  the  most  elegant  winter-blooming 
plants  it  is  possible  to  conceive.  The  pseudo-bulbs  are  small, 
and  nearly  round,  bearing  a  single  leaf ;  the  flowers  are  borne 
upon  a  spike  some  6  or  9  inches  long  ;  the  sepals  and  petals  are 
white,  the  lip  rosy  pink,  streaked  with  yellow  towards  the  base. 
In  some  of  the  varieties  the  sepals  and  petals  are  of  the  same 
colour  as  the  lip.  The  flowers  of  L.  albida  are  thick  and 
fleshy,  and  last  a  long  time  in  full  beauty.  This  species  may 
be  grown  successfully  in  a  Wardian  case,  if  suspended  from  the 
roof.  It  is  a  native  of  the  cool  parts  of  Mexico. 
L.  autumsalis  is  another  kind  which  may  be  obtained  at  a 


low  price,  thanks  to  the  persevering  collectors  ;who  have  sent 
such  quantities  home.  It  succeeds  best  on  a  block  of  wood, 
although  it  is  a  more  robust-growing  kind  than  the  last,  and 
the  flowers  are  proportionately  larger,  measuring  between^  and 
4  inches  in  diameter.  The  sepals  and  petals  are  rosy  purple, 
and  the  lip  is  the  same  colour,  with  a  few  white  markings,  and 
streaked  with  yellow  towards  the  centre.  It  blooms  in  Decem- 
ber and  January,  and  produces  a  beautiful  effect  for,  several 
weeks.     Native  of  Mexico.  rtB?"~srf 

L.  fukfuracea. — This  is  very  similar  in  growth  to  L.  antum- 
nalis ;  the  flowers,  however,  are  very  distinct,  being  both  larger 
and  different  in  colour,  but  it  does  not  produce  them  with  me 


188 


JOUENAL  OF  HOBTICULTUEE  AND  COTTAGE  GAEDENEB. 


[  September  8,  1870. 


very  freely.  The  sepals  and  petals  are  of  a  rich  rosy  purple, 
paBsing  into  dark  purple  in  some  varieties,  and  with  a  bright 
rose  lip.  The  flowers  are  usually  produced  in  autumn.  It 
should  be  grown  upon  a  block.     Native  cf  Mexico. 

L.  superbiens. — A  superb  species,  and  one  that  may  be  re- 
garded as  the  giant  amongst  Lrclias.  The  pseudo-bulbs  are 
long,  and  support  a  pair  of  oblong-acute  dark  green  leaves, 
from  between  which  the  flower  spike  is  produced,  and  which 
extends  upwards  of  5  feet  in  length,  and  bears  towards  the  top 
from  twelve  to  twenty  of  its  fine  flowers,  each  of  which  is 
usually  between  3  and  4  inches  in  diameter.  The  sepals  and 
petals  are  bright  rose  suffused  with  red  and  reddish  crimson ; 
the  lip  is  crimson  Btreaked  with  yellow.  It  lasts  in  beauty 
during  the  greater  portion  of  the  winter  months.  It  should 
be  grown  in  a  pot  in  the  cool  house.  Native  of  Guate- 
mala, &c. 

L.  Perrenii. — This  should  be  grown  in  a  pot,  and  be  placed 
in  a  temperature  a  few  degrees  higher  than  any  of  those  pre- 
viously named.  The  pseudo-bulbs  are  slender,  supporting  a 
large,  oblong,  very  dark  green  leaf.  The  flowers  are  produced 
from  a  spathe  at  the  base  of  the  leaves.  The  sepals  and 
petals  are  somewhat  narrow,  in  some  varieties  light,  in  others 
dark  purple;  the  lip  is  contracted  and  rich  crimson  in  front. 
It  iB  a  very  handsome  species,  producing  its  flowers  in  autumn. 
Native  of  Brazil. — Experto  Crede. 


WORK  FOR  THE  WEEK. 

KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

It  is  now  favourable  weather  for  performing  all  necessary 
operations  in  this  department.  If  the  grass  in  any  of  the 
Asparagus  beds  is  withering,  and  ground  is  scarce,  cut  it  over 
if  quite  yellow,  and  plant  a  row  or  two  of  Endive  and  Lettuce 
for  late  work.  Young  Cabbages  just  through  the  ground  should 
have  a  little  soil  thrown  among  their  stems  if  intended  to  re- 
main where  sown.  Plant  the  principal  crop  of  spring  Cab- 
bages in  well-manured  ground.  The  East  Ham  is  found  to  be 
a  good  variety  for  standing  over  the  winter ;  it  is  not  bo  prone  to 
run  to  seed  in  spring  as  most  sorts.  Prick  out  into  beds  a  few 
inches  apart  a  large  quantity  of  Cabbage  plants  which  have 
just  expanded  their  two  first  rough  leaveB ;  they  will  be  re- 
quired in  spring.  All  Serbs,  if  not  gathered,  should  be  cut 
immediately.  Quick  drying  is  proved  to  be  the  best  mode,  for 
the  same  reason  that  quick  hay-making  exceeds  a  lingering 
process.  Sweet  Basil  should  be  bunched  and  hung  up  in  a  hot 
kitchen,  also  Sweet  Marjoram.  When  thoroughly  dry  let  them 
be  immediately  packed  closely  in  boxes,  so  as  to  exclude  all  air  ; 
indeed,  bottled  herbs  sealed  up  after  this  treatment  are  very 
superior. 

FRUIT   GARDEN. 

The  summer  fruit  season  being  now  nearly  ended,  attention 
must  be  paid  to  the  gathering  at  a  proper  period,  and  storing 
away  in  a  proper  manner,  the  keeping  winter  stock.  It  is  a 
somewhat  nice  point  to  know  when  to  gather  the  respective 
fruits,  some  being  best  at  one  stage  of  the  ripening  process, 
and  some  at  another.  As  a  general  rule,  fruits  of  a  precocious 
character,  and  which  ripen  rather  hastily,  and  those  also 
possessing  some  aroma,  should  be  gathered  somewhat  under- 
ripe ;  while  those  which  ripen  with  difficulty,  which  are  long 
in  gaining  colour,  and  those  which  are  scentless,  should  re- 
main much  longer  on  the  trees.  Certainly  the  way  to  obtain 
the  greatest  amount  of  flavour  is  to  suffer  fruit  to  become  ripe 
on  the  tree,  but  I  think  that  longer  keeping  is  secured  by 
gathering  rather  earlier.  The  colouring  of  the  pip  or  seed  is, 
perhaps,  the  most  sure  criterion ;  if  it  is  one-half  coloured  it 
will  seldom  be  wrong  to  gather  the  fruit.  It  need  Ecarcely  be 
observed  that  much  care  must  be  exercised  in  handling  fruit 
for  long  keeping,  especially  the  Flemish  Pears.  Some  have 
advised  them  to  be  handled  like  eggs  ;  the  latter,  however,  will 
bear  a  much  rougher  handling  than  some  Pears,  many  of 
which  possess  a  fine  skin,  and  are  very  susceptible  of  bruises. 
The  Pears  should  only  be  placed  one  layer  in  thicknesB,  if 
possible,  and  for  material  nothing  is  found  better  than  cap 
paper,  where  the  shelves  are  solid,  placing  the  cap  paper 
double.  Pears  require  less  ventilation  than  Apples;  the  latter 
are  apt  to  give  out  a  large  amount  of  moisture  when  first 
placed  in  the  room,  especially  if  full  of  juice  through  rain. 
The  Pears  for  long  keeping  may  in  such  cases  have  something 
laid  over  them,  in  order  to  prevent  excessive  perspiration. 

FLOWER    GARDEN. 

If  previous  directions  have  been  attended  to,  the  propaga- 


tion of  next  year's  bedding  stock  will  by  this  time  be  well 
advanced,  and  where,  from  the  pressure  of  work  or  other  causes, 
this  is  not  the  case,  every  possible  dispatch  must  be  used 
while  the  weather  is  favourable.    When  cuttings  of  Verbenas 
and  similar  plants  have  yet  to  be  put  in,  they  should  be  in- 
serted rather  thinly  in  deep  pans  or  shallow  pots,  in  which 
they  can  be  wintered,  as  they  will  be  sooner  established  in 
this  way   than   would   be   the   case   if    they  were   potted-off 
before  winter;    and  late  cuttings  managed  in  this  way  fre- 
quently winter  quite  as  well  as  stronger  plants,  and  unless 
plants  are  intended  to  furnish  cuttings  in  spring,  it  is  very 
immaterial  how  small  bedding  plants  are  before  winter,  pro- 
vided they  are  well  rooted,  without  having  been  raised  in  a 
close,  warm  atmosphere,  to  render  them  sappy  and  tender. 
Many  through  anxiety  to  secure  large   plants    keep  bedding- 
out  stock  close    and    moist  until  late  in    autumn,   and  fre- 
quently in  frames  on  dung  beds,  where  size  is  soon  obtained, 
but  plants  treated  in  this  way  are  necessarily  so  soft  and  tender 
that  it  is  almost  impossible  to  carry  them  over  the  winter  with- 
out  serious  loss.     Therefore,  avoid  keeping  such  plants   too 
warm  after  this  season,  and  if  they  are  planted  in  bottom  heat 
give  air  at  night,  and  whenever  it  can  be  done,  without  the 
cuttings  flagging,  so  as  to  prevent  weakly  growth.      See  to 
staking  late  Asters,  Phloxes,  &c,  of  tall  growth,  otherwise  the 
autumn  storms  will  destroy  them  prematurely.     Choice  Holly- 
hocks for  seed  should  have  the  decaying  corollas  plucked  out; 
this  greatly  helps  the  formation  of  seed.     Make  observations  on 
the  colour  and  general  character  of  the  flower  garden  before  the 
season  closes,  in  order  to  improve  it  next  year.    After  studying 
the  individual  effect  of  flowers,  let  collective  effect  receive  a 
consideration,  as  well  as  proportion,  outline,  and  the  combi- 
nation of  colours.     Auriculas,  if  not   already  potted   for   the 
winter,  should  be  potted  without  delay.     Bemove  suckers  or 
offsets,  and  place  these  round  the  sides  of  the  pots,  which 
should  be  G  inches  in  diameter.     Auriculas  are  impatient  of 
rich  compost  during  winter ;  turfy  loam,  river  sand,  and  very 
rotten  horse  dung,  will  make  a  suitable  compost,  using  only  a 
small  portion  of  the  two  latter.     It  is  far  better  to  give  them  a 
strong  top-dressing  in  the  spring,  than  to  use  soil  of  too  strong 
and  forcing  a  nature  for  their  winter  food.     In  consequence  of 
the  general  weakness  of  Tulip  bulbs,  it  will  be  advisable  to  put 
a  small  portion  of  decayed  manure  and  leaf  Boil  about  2  or 
3  inches  beneath  the  offsets.    It  is  argued,  and  with  some  show 
of  reason,  that  manure  fouls  the  cups,  but  as  there  are  ex- 
ceptions to  every  rule,  I  would  recommend  a  richer  soil,  at  all 
events  for  the  offsets,  in  the  coming  season.     The  Carnation 
and  Pieotee  layers  may  be  taken  off  and  potted  without  delay, 
using  the  compost  as  directed  last  week.     Many  seedlings  have 
missed  blooming,  and  if  not  convenient  to  let  them  stand  over 
the  winter  in  their  present  situation  in  consequence  of  the  large 
spaces  in  the  beds  from  which  the  single  ones  have  been  re- 
moved, it  will  be  advisable  to  prepare  another  bed  of  suitable 
compost,  and  carefully  remove  the  seedlings  with  balls  of  Boil, 
and  plant  them  in  regular  rows.     Here  they  may  stand  the 
winter,  and  will  bloom  profusely  next  season. 

COLD    PITS. 

The  sooner  the  potting  of  bulbB  for  forcing  is  accomplished 
the  better,  more  especially  imported  bulbs.  The  chief  aim 
should  be  to  have  the  roots  well  established  before  growth  com- 
mences, otherwise  it  is  impossible  to  produce  an  early  and  a 
strong  bloom.  Most  of  the  failures  we  meet  with  are  charge- 
able to  the  omission  of  this  most  important  point,  and  the 
fault  has  not  unfrequently  been  charged,  most  imjustly,  on  the 
roots.  A  soil  composed  principally  of  a  mellow  loam  with  the 
addition  of  old  cow  manure  and  leaf  soil,  and  a  sprinkling  of 
Bharp  sand  and  fine  charcoal  dust,  will  be  found  excellent 
material.  Secure  good  drainage,  and  put  the  bulb  high,  three 
parts  above  the  level  of  the  rim,  taking  care  that  the  soil  is  in 
a  mellow  state,  neither  wet  nor  dry.  Shake  the  pot  slightly  in 
order  to  prevent  the  bulb  settling  too  low,  but  do  not  by  any 
means  press  the  soil.  They  succeed  by  far  the  best  in  a  cold 
frame,  and  it  is  most  desirable  that  they  should  receive  no 
moisture  beyond  that  which  the  soil  contains,  until  the  pot  is 
somewhat  filled  with  roots.  Those  who  have  not  a  frame  may 
plunge  the  pots  in  cinder  ashes  in  some  sheltered  spot,  taking 
care  to  raise  them  above  the  ground  level  for  fear  of  water 
lodging.  Be  careful  that  there  is  a  free  passage  for  the  rain, 
and  let  them  be  covered  with  C  inches  of  some  mellow  ma- 
terial, such  as  old  tan,  old  leaf  Boil,  sawdust  (if  not  too  new), 
or  ashes.  This  depth  is  necessary  to  keep  out  sharp  frost. 
Bulbs  put  in  water-glasaes  should  be  kept  in  a  somewhat  dark 


September  S,  1870. 


JOURNAL  OF   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


189 


place  until  pretty  well  rooted,   suffering  the  bulbs  to  barely 
touch  the  water  at  first. — W.  Keane. 


DOINGS   OF   THE  LAST    "WEEK. 

KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

The  anticipated  showers  came  greatly  to  our  relief,  freshen- 
ing up  everything  out  of  doors.  Parks  and  pastures  are  still 
rather  brown,  but  lawns  are  in  some  cases  quite  green,  and  in 
others  greenish  yellow,  with  the  green  making  headway.  In  some 
places  the  rain  has  commenced  to  fill  the  pools  and  ponds,  and 
the  water,  dirty  as  it  is,  will  be  a  great  relief  in  many  neigh- 
bourhoods, where  even  the  household  washing  in  working  men's 
homes  was  becoming  a  serious  matter,  when  every  bucketful 
of  water  had  to  be  daily  paid  for.  All  vegetables  feel  the  genial 
influence  of  the  showers  and  the  cooler  atmosphere.  To  make 
amends  for  the  loss  of  Peas,  Scarlet  Runners  and  Dwarf  Kidney 
Beans  are  exceedingly  fine.  Perhaps  in  the  case  of  cottagers 
and  amateurs,  and  many  of  the  former  read  these  pages,  we  had 
better  modify  a  little  what  we  said  last  week  about  pulling  off 
all  pods  too  forward  for  use,  especially  as  respects  the  Scarlet 
Runners.  A  market  gardener  who  largely  supplies  several  towns 
in  this  district  called  the  other  day,  and  said  that  Scarlet 
Runner  Beans  must  be  scarce  and  expensive  next  season.  He 
never  had  poorer  crops  ;  the  extreme  dryness  had  scorched  up 
everything.  Even  Scarlet  Runners  were  very  poor,  though 
generally  they  used  to  yield  abundantly.  All  but  the  first 
early  Cauliflower  had  been  nowhere,  and  even  now  his  winter 
vegetables  looked  miserable;  the  young  Cabbages,  too,  were 
eaten  up  with  caterpillars,  and  whole  clouds  of  fly  lodged  in  tha 
hearts  and  destroyed  the  vitality  of  the  plants.  It  will  be  well, 
therefore,  for  small  growers  who  have  healthy  Scarlet  Run- 
ners, to  allow  some  of  the  oldest  pods  near  the  base  to  ripen 
their  seed.  We  fear  that  in  many  oases  the  plants  are  too 
far  gone,  and  so  eaten  up  with  red  spider  as  to  be  of  little  avail, 
and  in  that  case  it  is  of  little  use  retaining  them  where  a  row 
of  good  winter  Greens  could  take  their  place.  Owing  partly  to 
the  stiff  character  of  the  ground,  our  Scarlet  Runners  were 
never  better,  being  tall,  and  covered  with  pods.  If  these  frosty 
mornings  continue,  we  shall  most  likely  suspend  over  them  a 
rough  straw  band — that  is,  a  band  with  a  good  deal  of  straw  left 
outside  of  the  band,  so  as  to  arrest  free  radiation  upwards.  By 
such  means,  even  after  frequent  frosts,  we  have  gathered  in 
November.  Where  cottagers  cannot  save  a  few  seeds,  owing  to 
the  plants  being  too  much  exhausted,  if  the  roots  are  still  fresh 
and  fleshy  they  might  save  themselves  buying  seed  at  a  high 
price,  by  lifting  the  roots,  and  packing  them  in  dry  earth  in 
any  place  where  frost  did  not  reach  them.  A  good  many  would 
begin  to  push  in  April,  and  when  planted  out  would  produce 
rather  earlier  than  plants  raised  from  seed.  Some  also  Bay  that 
such  roots  yield  more  profusely  than  plants  raised  from  seed  ; 
but  we  cannot  say  so  from  our  own  experience,  having  generally 
found  plants  from  seed  the  most  productive. 

Caterpillars,  Fly,  and  Slugs. — There  are  many  complaints 
that,  besides  being  smaller  than  usual,  all  the  Cabbage  and 
Broccoli  tribes  are  eaten-up  by  these  depredators.  One  gentle- 
man told  us  the  other  day,  that  the  leaves  of  his  Broccoli  and 
Cauliflower  were  quite  riddled  with  holes,  and  that  after  much 
perseverance  in  picking  oil"  caterpillars.  For  several  days 
we  had  a  goodly  company  of  white  butterflies,  which  are  so 
partial  to  depositing  their  eggs  on  the  Cabbage  tribe.  When 
we  had  little  boys  in  the  garden  we  used  to  send  them  to  hunt 
down  the  butterflies,  which  was  as  good  as  play  to  the  boys  at 
first.  We  did  not  adopt  any  such  plan  this  year,  and  we  have 
been  troubled  with  scarcely  any  caterpillars  as  yet.  The 
butterfly  is  rather  a  fine  gentleman  or  lady,  and  is  rather  par- 
ticular as  to  scent.  We  attribute  our  comparative  freedom 
from  insects  to  the  scent  from  a  little  soot  and  half-burned 
charred  refuse  scattered  over  the  ground  on  some  parts  of  the 
garden  ;  this  we  think,  deterred  the  butterfly  from  alighting. 

As  a  whole,  we  have  never  known  a  season  in  which  so  few 
sings  and  snails  were  to  be  seen.  The  dryness  taught  them  to 
keep  down  where  they  could  fiud  moisture.  Now  we  see  traces 
of  them,  though  not  at  all  plentiful.  All  the  soft  molluscs  are 
deterred  from  crawliug  on  rough  surfaces,  such  as  fresh-stirred 
ground,  and  more  especially  if  a  little  rough  ashes  and  lime 
are  strewed  over  it.  Fresh  lime  will  kill  them  and  worms 
when  it  reaches  them,  though  sometimes  a  big  snail  will  escape 
by  quickly  getting  rid  of  its  outside  skin.  They  may  be  easily 
collected  on  handfuls  of  fresh  brewers'  grains,  to  which  they 
are  very  partial,  or  beneath  young  Cabbage  leaves  slightly 


heated  and  greased  on  the  under  side  before  laying  them  dowD, 
and  going  round  with  a  lantern  at  night  or  early  in  the  morn- 
ing. There  is  a  hard  slug  or  snail  with  a  yellowish-brown 
belly  that  nothing  seems  to  kill.  Thore  is  nothing  for  it  but 
catching  or  trapping  in  some  of  the  above  ways.  Fortunately 
it  is  fond  of  marching  on  hard  substances,  Buch  as  a  firm, 
smooth  gravel  walk,  and  thus  numbers  may  be  picked  up  in  a 
damp  morning.  Though  injurious,  we  never  found  them  so 
voracious  as  the  softer  common  slug. 

As  yet  grubs  have  not  troubled  us  much  this  season.  Per- 
haps we  have  had  to  replace  a  score  of  Cabbage  plants,  after 
finding  the  grub  at  the  roots.  All  the  slug  tribe  have  as  yet 
been  scarce,  though  we  hear  they  are  plentiful  in  some  places. 
We  found  to-day  clusters  of  bluish  fly  in  the  hearts  of  the 
young  fresh-planted  Cabbages.  We  shall  syringe  them  forcibly 
with  clear  lime  and  soot  water.  A  little  water  will  go  a  great 
way,  and  a  double  doBe  will  generally  settle  them.  A  little 
soot  and  quicklime  in  powder  scattered  over  them  will  do  the 
same,  but  sometimes  that  is  rather  too  much  for  young  plants, 
and  les3  or  more  it  daubs  up  the  leaves,  and  in  bright  weather 
is  apt  to  scald  them  at  times.  The  syringing  with  the  caustic 
water  is  the  cleanest  mode,  and  does  the  young  plants  least 
harm.  We  have  noticed  a  few  Cauliflower  plants  with  the 
heads  just  forming  thus  attacked  with  fly,  and  in  their  case  we 
would  use  clear  soot  water,  as  dusting  or  even  fresh  lime  water 
mieht  affect  the  colour,  if  not  the  tenderness  of  the  head. 

We  tied  up  our  earliest  Celery,  and  ere  long  will  earth-up 
the  first  bed,  the  tying  having  already  commenced  the  blanch- 
ing. We  are  much  later  than  usual,  owing  to  dryness  and 
the  scarcity  of  water ;  bnt  as  yet  we  see  no  sign  of  a  plant 
bolting,  which  we  attribute  greatly  to  the  shade  given  by  green 
branches,  &c. 

FRUIT   DEPARTMENT. 

Flies  and  a  few  wasps  make  holes  in  the  best  fruit  in  the 
open  air,  but  are  pretty  well  excluded  from  that  under  glass  by 
gauze  netting  over  the  openings.  It  is  well,  therefore,  to  com- 
mence gathering  early  Apples,  Pears,  and  Plums  before  they  are 
dead  ripe,  and  before  they  drop.  They  eat  all  the  more  juicy 
if  gathered  a  short  time  before  they  are  thoroughly  ripe.  All 
dropped  fruit  is  less  or  more  injured  by  falling.  The  beBt 
Plums,  Peaches,  and  Nectarines  that  drop  are  good  enough  for 
cooking  purpose,  but  a  Plum  for  the  dessert  will  look  all  the 
better  with  the  stalk  attached  to  the  fruit,  and  the  bloom  un- 
injured. Even  an  Apple  can  scarcely  fall  without  leaving  a  mark 
or  bruise,  which,  if  not  seen  before,  is  sure  to  be  seen  when  peeled. 
We  have  several  times  gone  over  Red  Quarrendens  and  Kerry 
Pippins,  both  good  Apples  in  their  way.  A  little  practice 
enables  the  gatherer  to  pick  the  ripest  as  if  by  instinct.  To 
keep  the  stalk  to  Plums  a  sharp  knife  or  small  scissors  are 
necessary.  The  stalk  is  just  as  essential  to  completeness  as 
the  stalk  is  to  the  Melon.  A  fine  fruit  of  the  latter  looks  in- 
complete without  it. 

We  gathered  in  the  last  days  of  August  a  few  Peaches  from 
the  open  wall.  We  fear  we  shall  not  be  able  to  keep  the  fruit 
in  the  orchard  houses  so  late  as  usual.  With  double  glass  roofs 
much  might  be  done  in  the  way  of  retarding,  as  the  extreme 
heat  would  be  kept  out,  and  yet  the  light  allowed  to  pass  to 
give  perfection  in  colouring.  Owing  to  the  heat  and  dryness 
our  fruit  are  ripening  faster  than  we  wished  them  to  do. 

Strawberries. — The  plants  turned  out  of  pots  have  yielded 
some  good  gatherings,  but  nothing  to  what  they  would  have 
done  in  an  ordinary  season,  or  if  we  could  have  watered  them 
freely.  There  are  plenty  of  runners  comiDg  now.  All  the 
earliest-potted  Strawberry  plants,  having  pretty  well  filled  the 
pots  with  a  mass  of  roots,  have  received  manure  waterings,  and 
lately  each  pot  has  received  over  the  soil  a  pinch  of  soot  held 
between  the  thumb  and  two  fingers.  It  is  best  to  err  on  the 
safe  side,  and  not  give  too  much,  as  two  dressings  are  better 
than  one  large  one.  These  will  be  washed  down  with  frequent 
waterings  for  a  month,  and  if  by  rain  now  and  then  all  the 
better.  The  scent  of  the  soot  keeps  many  intruders  away,  and 
few  manures  are  so  successful  in  imparting  a  rich  green  to  the 
foliage.  Perfecting  growth  should  be  the  main  object  this 
month,  and  ripening  the  buds  the  chief  object  at  the  end  of 
September  and  the  beginning  of  October.  All  runners  from 
plants  in  pots  have  been  cat  off.  as  in  such  a  case  they  are  ex- 
hausters rather  than  feeders,  and  were  we  to  allow  them  to  act 
as  feeders  we  should  so  far  neutralise  our  object,  as  they  would 
continue  growth  and  pronnte  luxuriance  when  we  wish  the 
early  ripening  of  the  plant,  to  make  it  fruitful  early  in  the 
spring.  Our  object  should  be  by  healthy  foliage  first  to  secure 
a  strong,  well-shaped  bud,  and  then  to  mature  it  early.    With- 


190 


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out  this  attention,  huge  plants  in  September  and  October  may 
be  less  productive  of  fruit  in  March  and  April  than  plants  of 
half  their  size  but  thoroughly  matured. 

Have  our  readers  noticed  that  though  last  year  Beech  mast 
was  abundant,  there  is  very  little  to  be  found  this  season  ?  On 
the  other  hand  we  never  witnessed  such  crops  of  acorns,  hips, 
haws,  horse  chestnuts,  &e.  These  are  generally  regarded  as 
the  signs  of  a  severe  winter.  We  do  not  contemplate  any 
scarcity  of  food,  but  we  fear  in  many  country  districts  there 
will  be  a  great  scarcity  of  the  means  of  procuring  it,  owing  to 
the  scarcity  of  employment,  &c,  the  ensuing  winter,  partly 
owing  to  the  shortness  of  straw,  and  chiefly  to  the  general 
failure  of  the  Turnip  crop,  as  good  fields  are  too  much  the  ex- 
ception. Food,  though  cheap,  may  be  very  scarce  if  there  be 
little  or  no  wages  forthcoming  to  purchase  it.  If  in  such  a 
season  some  of  our  chemical  coadjutors  could  hit  on  a  simple 
plan  for  removing  the  astriugency  from  chestnuts  and  acorns, 
they  would  confer  a  public  advantage.  Fowls,  pheasants,  pigs, 
deer,  A-c,  thrive  well  on  acorns,  notwithstanding  the  astiin- 
gency.  People  in  time  may  become  used  to  anything.  The 
other  day  we  saw  a  man  with  a  branch  of  Sloes  well  loaded 
with  fruit,  and  he  was  eating  them  with  as  great  avidity  aB 
most  of  our  readers  would  have  partaken  of  the  finest  Goose- 
berries. 

ORNAMENTAL   DEPARTMENT. 

We  have  had  several  sharp  hoar  frosts  in  the  last  week  of 
August,  much  earlier  than  we  have  been  in  the  habit  of  wit- 
nessing. Owing  to  comparative  dryness  these  did  little  harm. 
After  a  heavy  Bhower  in  the  ovening  of  the  2nd  inst.  the  sky 
became  very  bright,  and  the  frost  early  in  the  morning  told 
more  owing  to  the  flowering  plants  in  beds  being  wet.  A  second 
time  our  Coleus  beds  were  browned  a  little,  but  not  so  much 
as  they  were  by  the  one  day  of  excessive  heat.  A  number  of 
leaves  of  Perilla  were  also  slightly  browned,  and  a  few  flowers 
of  gorgeous  masses  of  different-coloured  Geraniums  had  their 
petals  a  little  bleached.  Broad-petalled  blooms,  as  Rubens  and 
Donald  Beaton,  suffered  more  than  the  smaller-petalled  Nose- 
gays. What  struck  us  as  a  little  singular  is,  that  the  lighter 
flowers,  as  Rubens,  suffered  more  than  dark  ones  of  the  Tom 
Thumb  and  Punch  varieties.  Towards  the  afternoon  the  traces 
of  the  bleaching  by  frost  were  nearly  gone.  Five  lines  of 
Iresine  Herbstii  were  not  in  the  least  touched.  We  have  as 
yet  no  break  in  the  general  gorgeousness,  with  the  exception  of 
some  beds  of  Verbenas,  that  all  at  once  almost  entirely  stopped 
blooming  owing  to  the  dryness.  We  hope  they  will  come  on 
again  after  the  showers,  as  they  form  part  of  a  group  where 
their  colour  is  required  to  make  the  composition  complete. 
Similar  beds  rather  disappointed  U3  in  the  autumn  last  year. 
If  we  had  the  prospect  of  a  like  scarcity  of  water  we  should 
be  inclined  to  do  without  Verbenas  in  beds  forming  part  of  a 
group.  The  mulching  did  not  save  them  from  the  drought,  as 
we  believe  it  saved  the  moisture-loving  Calceolarias.  No  such 
precautions  need  be  considered  by  those  who  can  apply  water 
as  needed. 

Picking  faded  flowers  and  petals  from  beds  is  a  matter  of 
great  importance,  especially  in  showery  autumns.  Wishing  to 
have  everything  neat,  this  work  has  taken  up  much  time.  It 
is  not  only  that  these  faded  blooms  look  badly  when  dry,  and 
most  wretched  when  wet,  but  every  shower,  if  at  all  continuous, 
is  apt  to  send  the  dirty  colour  of  the  exhausted  flowers  over  the 
blooms  and  leaves  that  are  still  perfect,  thus  greatly  disfigur- 
ing them.  Our  beds  have  needed  little  picking  this  year,  the 
blooms  having  stood  so  well,  and  the  showers  having  been  so 
gentle  as  not  to  disturb  them.  A  number  of  the  oldest  required 
removing  so  as  to  give  room  to  the  younger  and  fresher  blooms. 
A  correspondent  has  told  us  that  in  his,  and  some  neighbour- 
ing places,  the  foliage  of  the  varieties  of  Scarlet  Geraniums, 
kept  getting  yellow  and  dying  off.  We  have  had  nothing  of  the 
ort  here  as  yet,  with  all  the  dryness  and  scarcity  of  water.  We 
never  saw  the  foliage  better,  and  we  like  to  see  good  growth  as 
well  as  plenty  of  bloom. 

Took  the  opportunity  of  the  showers  to  well  roll  the  walks  and 
lawns.  This  will  help  to  keep  them  smooth  and  firm  for  the 
season.  When  a  lawn  is  well  rolled,  it  is  comparatively  eat-y 
to  keep  it  neat,  either  with  the  machine  or  scythe.  We  lately 
saw  a  young  lady  working  a  12-ineh  machine,  and  she  did  it 
with  as  much  gracefulness  as  if  she  were  handling  a  croquet 
mallet. 

Prooeeded  with  potting  Cinerarias,  Primulas,  Geraniums, 
Ferns,  and  stove  plants;  with  re-arranging  corridors,  the  con- 
servatory, &c. ;  and  with  propagating  for  next  summer,  as 
lately  more  fully  detailed. 


Comparing  Notes.— There  has  been  great  diversity  of  opinion 
expressed  as  to  the  Golden  Feverfew.  We  have  been  both  dis- 
appointed and  delighted  with  it.  We  believe  the  secret  of 
being  delighted  consists  chiefly  in  using  young  seedlings  in- 
stead of  cuttings  or  older  plants  left  or  divided.  We  have  used 
it  round  Coleus,  and  as  the  plants  were  from  cuttings  and  old 
plants  divided,  they  have  disappointed  us,  as  they  have  not 
grown  so  strongly  and  regularly  as  we  wished.  We  have  edged  a 
group  of  six  beds  round  a  centre,  which  was  edged  with  white- 
leaved  Cineraria.  The  six  beds  are  in  pairs,  though  crossed 
alike,  and  these,  though  the  season  has  been  dry,  form  a  fine 
edging  about  7  inches  wide,  of  a  rich  soft  greenish  yellow.  The 
plants  were  raised  from  seed  sown  in  March  under  glass,  pricked 
out  first,  and  then  planted  out  when  small.  We  may  have  to 
take  cuttings,  but  in  our  opinion  they  are  not  to  be  compared 
to  seedlings  for  regular  vigorous  growth.  These  six  beds  have 
each  inside  of  the  Feverfew  a  blue  ring  of  a  dwarf  blue  Lobelia. 
One  pair  of  beds  particularly  pleases  us  by  their  soft  beauty. 
These  are  edged  and  ringed  as  stated,  then  the  beds  are  filled 
with  Mangles's  Variegated  Geranium,  and  that  is  again  mixed 
with  the  light  blue  free-growing  Lobelia  gracilis.  This  small 
blue  mingling  with  small  pink  flowers,  and  carpeted  with  the 
variegated  leaves,  and  edged  as  stated,  is  to  our  eye  very  beau- 
tiful. The  soft  greenish  yellow  edging  made  all  complete. — 
R.  F. 

TRADE   CATALOGUES  RECEIVED. 

James  Carter  &  Co.,  237  and  238,  High  Holbora,  London,  W.C.— 
List  of  Dutch  Bulbs,  Fruit  Trees,  Eoses,  &e.,for  1870. 

B.  S.  Williams,  Victoria  and  Paradise  Nurseries,  Upper  Holloway, 
London,  N. — General  Bulb  Catalogue.  Catalogue  of  Fruit  Trees, 
Boses,  &c. 

Hooper  &  Co.,  Central  Avenue,  Covent  Garden  Market,  London, 
W.C. — Genera'  Catalogue  far  1870,  containing  Descriptive  Lists  of 
Dutch  Bulks,  d-c. 

Robert  Parker.  Exotic  Nursery,  Tooting,  Surrey. —  Catalogue  of 
Hyacinths  ami  other  Bulbous  Boots. 

Wood  &  Co.,  3,  St.  Nicholas  Street,  Worcester.—  Catalogue  of 
Dutch  Flowering  Bulbs. 


TO    CORRESPONDENTS. 

*  *  *  We  request  that  no  one  will  write  privately  to  any  of  the 
correspondents  of  the  "  Journal  of  Horticulture,  Cottage 
Gardener,  and  Country  Gentleman."  By  doing  so  they 
are  subjected  to  unjustifiable  trouble  and  expense.  All 
communications  should  therefore  be  addressed  solely  to 
The  Editors  of  the  Journal  of  Horticultuic,  etc.,  171,  Fleet 
Street,  London,  E.C. 

Drying  Flowers  (Miss  AsMon).—Bnt  few  flowers  retain  their  full 
colour  when  dried.  To  retain  it  as  far  as  possible  place  them  between 
folds  of  blotting  paper,  press  very  gently,  and  change  the  blotting  paper 
for  fresh  every  morning  and  evening. 

White  Excrescence  on  Beech  Tree  (Stafford). — It  is  a  parasitic 
fungus,  and  all  such  parasites  are  injurious  in  some  degree.  Scrape  it 
ofl',  and  paint  the  trunk  and  branches  with  a  mixture  of  clay  and  sulphur 
in  water. 

Fountain  (A.  Robinson). — That  figured  was  executed  in  America,  but 
many  of  our  EngliBh  founders  could  supply  one  similar. 

Ailanthus  glandolosa  (F.  D.). — So  far  from  being  rare  it  is  one  of 
the  commonest  of  trees.  Seedlings  two  years  old  may  be  bought  by  the 
hundred  at  about  l\d.  a-piece,  and  plants  from  1  to  2  feet  high  for  about 
4s.  per  dozen.    We  answered  your  question  last  week. 

Stove-heating  a  Smalt.  Greenhouse  (It.  A.). — An  iron  stove  12  to 
14  inches  square  would  be  avnple  to  suit  your  purpose.  So  many  makers 
advertise  stoves  lined  with  fire-brick,  that  we  cannot  with  impartiality 
recommend  one.  If  there  is  any  difficulty  in  your  neighbourhood,  buy  a 
stove  1  foot  square,  and  a  fire-box  8  inches  square  to  stand  in  the  middle. 
(H.  B.)  — Nothing  will  be  so  good  for  your  little  house  as  a  small  iron 
stove  with  the  pipe  through  the  roof.  If  you  can  ubo  gas,  a  small  gas 
stove  either  of  iron  or  terra  cotta  would  do,  a  small  gas-pipe  from  the 
top  into  the  open  air  being  provided. 

Removing  Pine-Apple  Suckers  {A  Constant  Reader).— The  true  Ripley 
Queen  Pine  Apple  has  a  broad  pip.  A  number  of  suckers  will  take 
strength  from  the  fruit.  Wa  would  have  removed  a  number  of  yours 
earlier.  If  the  fruit  is  swelling  it  would  do  as  much  harm  as  good  to 
remove  the  suckers  now.  When  the  fruit  is  cut  we  would  earth  them  up 
and  take  four  fruit  from  a  stool. 

Roses  on  the  Manetti  Stock  (Seybor). — Manetti  stocks  are  pro- 
pagated from  cuttings  about  10  inches  long,  of  firm  wood,  leaving  a  couple 
of  leaves.  The  cuttings  should  be  inserted  in  the  earth  now.  They 
should  be  planted  about  5  inches  deep,  and  be  trodden  in  firmly.  The  dis- 
tances at  the  Dorset  Nurseries,  Blandford,  are  6  inches  from  plant  to 
plant,  and  18  inches  or  2  feet  from  row  to  row.  It  is  not  too  late  to  bud 
Roses  on  the  Manetti  stock.  If  the  slice  will  peel,  and  the  stock  run,  you 
will  succeed.  Do  not  bud  on  the  wood  of  this  year,  but  on  the  main 
stock.  Bud  as  low  as  you  can.  Scrape  away  the  earth,  as  the  covered 
bark  of  the  stock  will  often  run,  when  the  exposed  part  will  not  do  so. 
Now  with  regard  to  the  131  feet  of  sloping  bank  6  feet  in  width,  with  a 
15-inch  wall,  I  Bhould  plant  against  the  wall  those  noble  yellow  Roses  on 


September  8,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL    OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


191 


short  stocks,  so  as  to  utilise  the  wall— namely,  Gloiro  de  Dijon,  Marshal 
Kiel,  C.  line  Forestier,  Triomphe  de  Rennes,  Snlfaterre,  and  Lamarque. 
I  should  allow  each  Rose  ample  room  to  ramble  in  single  file,  espalier 
fashion— that  is,  a  single  branch  on  each  side  of  the  stock.  As  you  have 
some  good  Briar  Roses,  I  should  use  them,  by  planting  them  at  the  top  of 
the  slope  6  feet  apart,  and  the  Manotti-stocked  Roses  3  feet  apart  each 
way,  planting  the  strongest  growers  nest  in  rank  to  the  standards,  and 
the  dwarfer  plants  lowest.  I  do  not  understand  whether  the  wall  is  at 
the  top  of  the  slope  or  at  tho  bottom,  but  in  any  case  I  should  use  it  for 
the  Tea-scented  yellow  Noisettes,  which  are,  for  beauty  and  perform- 
ances, the  best  in  the  Rose  kingdom.  My  garden  now  groans  with  these 
fine  yellow  Roses.  Lamarque  and  ^olfaterre  are  not  here,  I  regret  to  say. 
As  to  the  description  of  Roses,  there  can  be  no  question  that  Hybrid 
Perpetuals,  with  Baron  Gonella,  Marguerite  Bonnet,  and  Souvenir  de  Mal- 
maison,  Bourbons,  and  beautiful  Mrs.  Bosanquet,  China,  are  the  best  to 
have.  In  my  opinion,  Teas,  Tea-scented  yellow  Noisettes,  and  Hybrid 
Perpetuals,  are  the  Roses  to  have.  If  you  wish  variegated  Roses,  you 
must  have  summer  Roses— namely,  CEillet  Parf  ait,  Tricolore  de  Flnndre, 
Madeline,  called  also  Emmeline,  and  Double-margined  Hip.  They  are 
all  beautiful.  The  first  is  tender,  but  the  best;  and  the  other  two  are 
vigorous  and  hardy.— W.  F.  Radclyffe. 

Burning  Sulphur  to  Destroy  Red  Spider  (E.  H.).—lf  you  had  con- 
sulted the  repeated  statements  made  in  our  pages  you  would  never  have 
burned  sulphur  in  your  viDery  to  get  rid  of  red  spider  or  anything  else. 
BurniDg  sulphur  in  a  confined  place  is  likely  to  kill  everything  that  is 
green.  It  makes  little  or  noimpressionon  weil-ripened  hardwood  of  deci- 
duous tr^es  when  the  leaves  are  gone;  but  even  if  the  leaves  are  fallen 
it  will  injure  wood  that  is  net  well  ripened.  Sulphur  fumes,  so  distaste- 
ful to  red  spider  and  other  insects,  cannot  be  safely  liberated  at  a  tempe- 
rature higher  thiin  from  160°  to  170°  among  growing  plants.  We  are 
not  surprised  that  the  foliage  and  Grapes  have  suffered.  If,  as  you  say, 
the  wood  was  ripening  at  the  base,  we  should  not  be  so  much  afraid  of 
nest  year's  crop,  more  especially  if  you  encourage  some  offset  shoots 
with  young  leaves  on  them,  to  maintain  the  root-action,  reducing  first 
and  then  removing  them  in  the  autumn.  Thi3  will  help  to  remedy  the 
great  error. 

LlLirM    LANCIFOLIUM   RUBRUM  AFTER  FLOWERING   (R.  H.   F.).— Let   the 

Soil  be  kept  moist,  but  by  no  means  give  so  much  water  as  when  the 
plants  are  growing  and  flowering,  and  when  the  stalks  deciy  turn  the 
plants  out  of  the  pots  and  remove  the  old  loose  soil,  but  no  more  than 
can  be  done  without  injury  to  the  roots;  remove  the  small  offsets  and 
repot,  using  a  compost  of  two  parts  turfy  loam,  one  part  peat,  and  one 
part  of  old  cow  dung  or  leaf  soil,  with  a  free  admixture  of  sand.  Drain 
the  pots,  and  pot  low  enough  to  afford  room  for  a  top-dressing  of  rich 
compost  in  spring.  If  the  crowns  of  the  bulbs  are  just  covered  with  soil 
at  the  pottiDK  that  is  sufficient.  Set  the  pots  in  a  cool  house,  and  keep 
the  soil  moderately  moist.  They  will  winter  safely  in  a  cold  pit  or 
orchard  house,  the  pots  being  plunged  so  as  to  protect  the  roots  from  frost. 
Selecting  Vegetables  and  Fruit  for  Exhibition  [Taffy). — Of  the 
Vegetables  you  mention— viz.,  Potatoes,  Peas,  Runner  Beans,  Celery, 
Gnions,  Cauliflower,  Carrots,  Turnips,  Maize,  and  Globe  Artichokes,  we 
should  select  the  first  eight  as  being  the  most  useful,  and  to  such  the 
prize  should  be  given  rather  than  to  novelty,  the  specimens  being  well 
cultivated.  Peaches,  Pears,  Plums,  Apples,  and  Melons  would,  we  con- 
sider, be  a  better  collection  of  five  fruits  (Pines  and  Grapes  being  ex- 
cluded), than  your  showing  Nectarines  in  place  of  tho  Plums;  but  you 
must  look  closely  to  the  wording  of  the  schedule,  for  we  think  the  prize 
will  be  offered  for  five  out-door  fruit,  and  in  that  case  you  must  exclude 
the  Melon,  and  show  Nectarines  instead.  Show  a  Melon  if  you  can 
without  infringing  the  rules. 

SPIR-FA     .IAPONICA     AND     S.    PALMATA    TREATMENT     (GlOAtCUtter), — The 

best  way  to  grow  them  is  to  plant  them  out  in  an  open  situation,  and  in 
a  soil  well  drained  and  enriched  with  cow  dung  or  leaf  soil.  If  the 
sitoation  he  shaded  frem  the  direct  midday  sun  all  the  better.  Water 
freely  when  growing  and  flowering.  The  Meadow  Sweets  delight  in  a 
moist  soil.  If  you  wish  to  grow  the  plants  in  pots,  plunge  them  now  in 
a  sitoation  such  as  we  have  described,  and  let  them  remain  until  Novt  m- 
ber,  when  you  may  place  them  on  a  shelf  in  a  light  airy  greenhouse.  The 
plants  will  flower  early  in  spring,  and  are  among  the  finest  of  forced 
plants.  After  flowering  continue  them  under  glass  for  a  time,  and  then 
plant  them  out  in  the  open  ground.  In  autumn  take  them  up,  pot  them, 
and  place  them  in  a  cold  frame  until  required  for  forcing,  or  in  the  green- 
house, where  they  will  come  on  more  slowly  than;  in  a  forcing  house,  but 
will  flower  as  well  if  not  better.  They  are  hardy  herbaceous  plants  and 
ought  to  be  in  every  garden.  If  left  in  the  open  ground  give  a  mulching 
of  leaf  soil  to  the  plants  every  autumn,  when  the  foliage  decays,  and 
before  severe  weather  sets  in. 

Vinery  Building  over  a  Vine  (Inquirer).— We  have  no  doubt  that 
raising  a  light  house  against  your  warm  Vine  wall  would  be  of  great 
service,  even  though  you  put  it  up  in  March  and  remove  it  in  October* 
As  you  use  no  artificial  heat  the  Vine  would  not  suffer  in  winter,  for  you 
protect  the  roots.  All  moveable  houses  are  expensive — that  is,  if  made 
in  sashes,  and  not  merely  glazed  in  grooves  to  be  easily  removed.  The 
cheapest  houses  are  fixtures,  with  largo  squares  and  strong  sash  bars 
instead  of  rafters.  In  such  a  case,  without  any  fire  in  winter,  there  is 
little  danger  of  glass  breaking  if  not  glazed  too  tightly,  and  such  a  cold 
house  is  useful  for  many  things  in  winter. 

Superior  Heliotropes  (Hatfield).— For  "prettiness  of  flower,  com- 
pactness of  habit,  and  constitution,"  Beauty  of  the  Boudoir;  but  if  you 
want  one  for  winter-flowering,  Monsieur  Hamaitre  is  excellent. 

Taking  up  Gladiolus  Bulbs  and  Potting  (Idem). — There  is  no  doubt 
that  many  of  the  evils  which  beset  this  splendid  flower  are  due  to  the 
drying  the  bulbs  during  the  season  of  rest.  We  do  not  think  it  wise  to 
take  up  the  bulbs,  dry  them  to  the  extent  they  frequently  are,  and  then 
plant  in  wet  soil.  We  like  your  plan  best— namely,  taking  up  the  bulbs 
soon  after  ripening,  potting  them,  plunging  and  covering  them  in  ashes, 
and  then  setting  them  on  shelves  in  a  cold  house.  Tnere  is  but  one 
objection,  and  that  is,  unless  you  can  ward  off  heavy  rains  the  soil  is 
rendered  too  wet  to  be  of  benefit  to  the  plants,  but  that  can  be  guarded 
against  by  a  waterproof  covering  during  wet  weather.  The  situation 
selected  for  plunging  should  be  dry  and  well  drained.  With  us  the  Gla- 
diolus grows  and  blooms  finely  in  the  shrubbery  borders,  and  with  no 
more  care  than  the  shrubs  and  "other  plants,  weeds  being  kept  down,  and 
the  surface  occasionally  stirred.  It  is  not  nearly  so  tender  as  many 
suppose. 


Heating  a  Pit  (E.  W.  F.).— Sometime  ago  Mr.  Fish  described  how  to 
make  the  most  of  such  a  pit  as  yours,  5  feet  high  in  front,  74  feet  high  at 
back,  and  5i  feet  in  width,  with  it  pathway  along  the  back,  and  a  brick- 
on-bed  wall  to  separate  the  path  from  the  bed.  In  his  case  the  pit  was 
sunk  below  the  ground  level  nearly  3  feet,  a  matter  of  importance  so  far 
as  heating  was  concerned,  as  3-inch  pipes  .would  he  about  as  effectual 
as  4-inch  pipes  if  the  walls  were  exposed  to  the  atmosphere.  With  the 
mode  of  giving  air  in  front  and  also  at  the  back  we  are  satisfied,  only 
for  early  forcing  it  would  have  been  as  well  if  the  ventilators  had 
been  lower  down,  so  that  the  air  given  in  front  should  go  over  the  pipes 
before  passing  into  the  house.  Now,  we  have  repeatedly  stated  that  the 
cheapest  mode  of  heating  such  a  pit  or  house  for  propagating  Cucumbers, 
Melons,  Ac,  would  be  to  take  a  strong  flue  made  of  brick-on-bed,  and 
strong  covering  through  the  chamber  r,  under  the  bed,  and  having 
openings  into  the  passage  to  let  up  top  heat.  We  could  command  any 
amount  of  moisture  from  such  a  flue  by  giving  plenty  of  moisture  round 
it,  not  on  it.  Hot  water,  however,  is  more  easily  managed  and  requires 
less  care.  For  winter  Cucumbers  in  such  a  house,  you  would  require  two 
4-inch  pipes  for  bottom  heat  in  the  chamber  e,  and  two  for  top  heat  near 
the  ventilators  in  front.  If  you  were  satisfied  with  spring  forcing,  3-inch 
pipes  would  do.  The  price  of  the  pipes  would  be  proportional,  the  larger 
ones  about  2s.  6d.  a-yard,  with  more  for  elbows  aud  turns.  A  small 
saddle-back  or  conical  boiler  costing  from  £3  to  £i  would  suit  your  pur- 
pose. We  decline  to  recommend  tradesmen,  as  we  believe  all  who  ad- 
vertise in  our  columns  are  to  be  trusted,  and  that  disappointments  and 
misconceptions  are  more  owing  to  the  whims  and  changes  of  opinions  of 
the  employers,  than  to  any  wish  to  take  advantage  in  the  case  of  the 
employed.  Hence,  when  a  plan  is  adoped  and  a  fair  estimate  given,  it  is 
to  the  benefit  of  all  parties  to  adhere  to  the  plan  and  keep  out  all  extras, 
which,  in  general,  are  anything  but  an  advantage  to  either  party.  Now, 
to  some  of  the  specific  questions  :— First,  if  you  are  resolved  to  have  a 
chamber  beneath  your  bed,  with  pipes  for  bottom  heat,  then  strong  slate 
will  be  the  best  covering,  the  pipes  running  throuch  the  chamber  and 
having  the  means  of  giving  bottom  heat  and  top  heat  as  you  like,  by 
hiving  the  top  of  the  boiler  lower  than  the  lowest  pip«  in  the  chamber. 
If  you  resolve  on  such  a  chamber,  it  will  be  all  the  better  to  have  a  few 
slits  from  the  passage  at  the  bottom  of  the  chamber  to  admit  air,  as  the 
want  of  this  is  a  fertile  source  of  the  pipes  for  bottom  heat  not  acting. 
Above  the  slate  you  should  have  at  least  a  2-feet  space  for  drainage  and 
soil,  say  from  4  to  6  inches  of  the  former,  which  should  consist  of  rough 
rubble.  We  would  have  upright  drain-pipes  in  each  light,  and  by  pouring 
down  water  among  the  rubble  we  could  have  moist  bottom  heat,  and 
moist  top  heat  at  will.  The  latter  could  be  also  obtained  by  evaporating- 
pans  placed  on  the  top  [pipes.  Whatever  space  you  leave  between  the 
earth-bed  aud  the  trellis  for  the  Cucumbers,  the  trellis  should  be  at  least 
15  inches  from  the  glass.  We  have  no  fault  to  find  with  heated  chambers 
provided  with  the  air-slits  before  referred  to  ;  but  we  would  never  think 
of  one  in  such  a  pit  as  yours.  Having  fixed  on  the  position  of  our  pipes, 
by  taking  into  account  the  trellis,  depth  of  soil,  and  depth  of  covering  of 
pipes,  we  would  concrete  and  roughlv  cement  the  bottom  of  the  smaller 
enclosed  pit  for  soil.  On  that  we  would  place  our  pipes,  and  pack  be- 
tween them  and  over  them  as  looselv  as  possible  to  the  depth  of  4  inches, 
with  brick-bats,  clinkers,  stone3,  flints,  &c,  finishing  at  the  top  with  a 
layer  of  clean-washed  gravel  stones,  say  from  5  and  not  more  than 
6  inches  from  the  pipes.  On  this  place  the  soil,  which  can  always  be 
removed  easilv  without  at  all  disarranging  the  covering.  A  common 
drain-tile  set  upwards  in  the  back  or  front  of  the  pit.  the  bottom  and  just 
a  little  above  the  concrete  will  enable  you  to  give  a  moist  bottom  heat  at 
will;  wo  have  had  such  in  use  many  years,  and  never  found  anything 
cheaper  or  better.  When  we  renew  our  beds,  we  brush  the  soil  as  clean 
as  possible  out  from  the  small  clean  gravel.  We  think  this  mode  rather 
more  effectual  and  far  cheaperthan  chambering  for  all  narrow  pits.  One 
question  remains—"  Would  it  add  much  to  the  expense  to  have  the  pit 
divided,  and  the  heating  apparatus  so  arranged  as  to  heat  one  or  both 
halves  as  desired?"  Yes,  it  would  add  to  the  expense.  The  cheapest 
mode  of  heating  such  a  29-feet  pit  would  be  to  place  the  boiler  at  one  end, 
and  let  the  bottom  and  top  heat  go  right  through.  We  have  done  so  with 
some  pits  much  larger  than  yours,  and  we  divide  each  pit  as  we  like  with 
moveable  wooden  partitions,  easily  lifted  out  and  in,  and  we  keep  a  high 
temperature  and  a  comparatively  low  one,  merely  by  giving  little  or 
abundance  of  air.  There  is  alwavs  much  expense  connected  with  valves, 
&c.  The  cheapest  way  you  could  regulate  your  pit,  so  as  to  have  one 
half  well  heated,  and  the  other  heated  only  a  little,  or  none  at  all.  would 
be  to  place  the  boiler  in  the  centre,  take  the  flow-pipe  to  a  receiving-box, 
and  in  that  have  two  pipes  for  a  flow  both  ways,  one  of  which  you  could 
wholly  or  partially  plug  up  as  you  like.  You  would  thus  escape  the 
expense  and  trouble  of  valves,  which  are  very  good  in  their  way,  but  the 
best  of  them  are  apt  to  go  wrong. 

Lawn  Weedy  (T.  H.  T.).— We  should  weed  the  lawn  at  once,  cutting  - 
np  the  weeds  bv  the  roots— that  is,  as  far  down  as  you  can,  removing  as 
much  of  the  root  as  possible,  and  this  we  would  continue  to  do  all  the 
autumn,  and  early  in  March  we  would  well  rake  the  lawn  with  an  iron 
rake,  and  then  apply  to  it  a  good  dressing  of  very  rotten  manure  ;  early 
in  April  we  would  rake  it  well,  sow  some  grass  seeds,  and  roll  well. 

Mrs.  Pollock  Geranium  not  Thriving  (Idem).— Your  plants  are 
probably  in  a  dry  situation  and  are  suffering  from  that.  We  should  pot 
them  at  once  in  a  rich  turfy  loam,  and  place  them  in  a  light  airy  part  of 
the  greenhouse,  where,  we  have  no  doubt,  they  will  recover. 

Treatment  of  Bamboo  after  Growth  (Idem).— We  should^leave  the 
plant  entire,  and  in  spring  after  growth  commences  we  would  cut  away  all 
the  injured  and  dead  parts.  Mulch  round  the  plant  in  winter  with 
decaved  leaves.  The  leaf  and  flower  sent  us  appear  to  belong  to  some 
herbaceous  Phlox.  If  so,  the  plant  should  be  grown  in  an  open  situation 
in  good,  li^ht,  loamy  soil.  The  Willow  must  have  had  its  stem  or  roots 
injured,  the  bark  probably  gnawed  off  the  stem,  perhaps  by  water  rats. 

Wiring  a  Fruit  Wall  (X,  Sidmouth).—The  most  suitable  wire  is  that 
known  as  No.  10.  For  Peach,  Plum,  and  similar  fruit  trees  the  wires 
should  be  G  inches  apart.  For  the  Peach  and  Apricot  we  like  them  in 
every  course  of  brick,  or  31  inches  apart ;  but  for  Apples  and  Pears 
10  inches  will  be  a  good  distance.  The  Morello  Cherry  requires  them  the 
same  distance  as  the  Apricot.  We  have  our  wires  4h  inches  apart,  and 
make  that  do  for  all  kinds  of  fruit  trees.  They  ought  not  to  be  more 
than  three-quarters  of  an  inch  from  the  wall,  the  nearer  the  better.  The 
directing  eves  may  be  6  feet  apart,  but  we  prefer  them  half  that,  or 
as  near  as  we  can  get  them  to  suit  the  openings  in  the  wall  for  driving 


192 


JODENAL   OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER 


[  September  8,  1870. 


them  in.  You  will  need  a  piece  of  iron  at  one  end  to  fasten  the  wires  to» 
and  at  the  other  end  you  will  need  a  similar  pieco  with  holes  at  the 
proper  distances,  through  which  bolts  can  pass,  and  by  means  of  those 
you  can  tighten  the  wires  like  a  fiddle  string.  The  screws  are  kept  oy 
every  ironmonger,  or  he  will  procure  them  for  you,  and  all  that  is  neces- 
sary for  fixing.  The  wires  should  be  stretched  in  a  horizontal  direction  ; 
it  is  the  cheapest  and  best  plan. 

Viola  cornuta  Dying  (J.  F.  ^.).-We  think  the  plants  are  old  and 
exhausted  by  early  flowrring,  and  the  heat  and  drought  of  the  past  sum- 
mer. We  advise  you  to  take  up  the  whole,  raise  fresh  plants  from  cuttings 
or  seed,  and  plant  afresh  after  diguing  the  ground  well  and  working  in  a 
liberal  quantity  of  manure  or  leaf  soil.  Trees,  by  keepirjg  the  ground 
dry  and  exhausting  it  with  their  roots,  would  b.i  injurious.  Had  you 
given  the  ground  a  few  good  soakings  of  water,  and  a  too-dressing  of 
short  manure,  which  the  foliage  would  have  hidden,  we  think  all  would 
have  been  right. 

Nectarines  Withering  before  Ripening  (Idem), — The  tree  has  most 
likely  been  too  dry  at  the  roots,  and  the  fruit  has  consequently  shrivelled; 
or  it  may  have  been  infested  with  rpd  spider.  We  think  more  copious 
supplies  of  water  and  mulching  over  the  roots  would  have  prevented  the 
mishap. 

Filling  and  Managing  a  Fern  Case  (3*.  J.  IT.)  —In  an  early  number 
we  shall  treat  of  the  subject  fully. 

Gloxinias  after  Floweeing  (E.  H.).— After  flowering  the  plants 
ought  to  have  a  position  near  the  glass,  in  a  house  with  a  temperature  of 
from  50°  to  55°  at  night  until  the  growth  is  matured,  as  it  will  be  when 
the  leaves  and  stems  arc  withered.  Give  no  water  from  the  present  time 
until  the  leaves  ?how  signs  of  flagging,  then  give  a  moderate  supply  ; 
continue  this  trealment  until  October,  then  withhold  water  altogether, 
hut  set  the  pots  on  a  floor  whence  a  moisture  will  pass  to  the  soil  but  not 
to  the  extent  of  making  it  wet.  The  tubers  winter  all  the  better  if  kept 
rather  moist,  for  when  kept  dust-dry  through  the  winter  they  are  apt  to 
become  farinaceous,  and  decay  when  moistened  in  the  spring.  In  winter 
they  will  be  safo  if  kept  in  a  house  with  a  temperature  of  45°. 

Plants  for  Winter  and  Early  Spring  Flowering  (Idem).— We  have 
the  following  in  our  greenhouse,  and  they  fl  >wer  at  the  time  yon  wish  : — 
Acacia  armata,  Drummoiidi,  grandis,  oleifolia  elegans,  and  longiflora 
magnifies,  the  last  two  in  our  opinion  the  fiuest  of  all  the  Acacias  ;  Beau- 
fortia  splenaens.  Boronia  Drummoudi,  Bouvnrdia  Humboldtii,  B.  Lei- 
anthacornpacta,  Coronilla  glauca  ;  Correas  Brilliant,  Harrisi,  and  speciosa 
major;  Cyclamen  persicum,  Cypripedium  venustum,  Cytisus  Atleeanus 
and  racemosus,  Luculia  gratissima,  Magnolia  fnrcata.  Honochastum  onsi- 
ferum,  Primulas,  Camellias,  Violets  ;  Epaorises  II yaeintbiflora,  Lady  Alice 
Peel,  Lady  Panmure,  Rubella,  The  Bride,  and  Viscountess  Hill ;  and 
Erica  coloraus,  melanthera,  hyemalis,  and  autumnalis.  The  forcing 
house  will  give  you  Azaleas,  and  a  variety  of  hardy  shrubs  and  plants, 
as  Lilacs,  Double-flowering  Peaches.  Cherry,  and  Plnm,  Prunus  sinensis 
Bore-plena,  Deutzia  gracilis,  Roses,  Dielytra  spectabilis,  Spinea  japonica, 
Lily  of  the  Valley,  and  bulos  of  Hyacinths,  Narcissus,  Tulips,  and 
Crocuses. 

Mildew  on  Roses  (Idem).— Soot  is  a  good  remedy,  but  not  always  a 
cure  for  mildew.  We  have  not  found  anything  better  than  frequent 
forcible  syringing  of  the  trees  overhead,  and  to  keep  the  roots  well  sup- 
plied with  water,  and  dust  the  parts  infested  witli  flowers  of  sulphur 
whilst  the  leaves  are  wot.  An  old  stocking  i3  as  good  as  anything  for 
distributing  the  sulphur. 

Planting  Strawberries  {M.  (?.).— The  best  time  to  plant  Strawberries 
is  in  summer,  as  good  wel!-rooted  runners  as  can  be  secured.  The 
rooting  ought  to  be  facilitated  hy  laying  them  and  taking  off  the  runners 
or  string  b«yond.  Well  trench  and  manure  the  ground,  mixing  the 
manure  with  the  soil.  Plant  the  Strawberries  in  rows  2  feet  apart  and 
1  foot  from  each  other  in  the  row.  After  they  have  fruited  once  take  out 
every  alternate  plant,  so  that  they  will  be  2  feet  apart  every  way.  Water 
well  after  planting,  and  during  dry  weather. 

Annuals  for  Present  Sowing  (Idem), — Candytuft,  crimson,  lilac, 
and  white ;  Clarkia  pulchella  and  Clarkia  pulchella  alba,  Collinsia  hicolor 
and  grandiflora,  Krysimum  Peroft'skianum,  Eschscholtzia  calif ornica, 
Limnanthes  Douglasii,  Lupinus  nanus,  :Nemophila  insiguis,  Saponaria 
calabrica,  Silene  pendula  and  alba,  and  Virginian  Stock,  red  and  white. 

Ashleaf  Kidney  Potatoes  for  Seed  (Idem), — Take  them  np  if  you 
have  not  already  doue  so,  and  place  them  in  a  dry  shed,  if  on  shelves  all 
the  better,  so  that  they  may  have  air  all  round.  When  they  are  thoroughly 
dried  place  them  in  a  cool  dry  cellar  or  other  place  secure  from  frost, 
hut  the  colder  the  better,  so  long  as  they  are  safe  from  frost. 

Hyacinths  and  Tulips  for  Planting  in  a  Rose  Border  (B.  C.).— 
We  think  you  will  only  be  disappointed  if  you  plant  Hyacinths  and  Tulips 
in  the  same  border  for  simultaneous  blooming.  We  should  confine  our- 
selves to  one  of  the  two,  h-iving  a  lino  of  red,  white,  and  blue  Hyacinths, 
placing  tho  blue  next  the  walk,  the  red  at  the  back,  and  the  white  between 
the  two.  We  have  no  doubt  thac  they  would  have  a  pretty  effect  if  a 
double  line  of  each  were  planted  with  bulbs  9  inches  apart,  and  the  rows 
half  that  distance  from  each  other.  If  you  had  Tulips  which  would 
flower  later  we  would  advise  a  line  of  Bleu  Celeste,  then  La  Candeur,  and 
Tournesol  at  the  back.  But  why  have  either  of  those?  the  Roses  are 
sufficiently  beautiful  without  them.  We  like  to  grow  one  thing  well,  aud 
if  we  had  our  choice  would  have  Roses  only  on  the  same  ground.  Besides, 
to  do  the  Roses  justice  they  ought  to  have  a  good  mulching  of  manure  in 
autumn,  and  it  ought  to  remain  over  the  winter,  removing  the  loose 
manure  in  spring,  and  pointing  the  rest  in  with  a  fork. 

Alfred  Colomb  Rose  [Idem), — It  is  more  vigorous  on  the  Manetti 
atock  than  on  the  Briar,  though  on  the  latter  it  does  well  when  the  soil  is 
a  strong  loam.  It  requires  plenty  of  manure,  and  abundant  watering  and 
mulching  in  dry  weather.    It  is  a  splendid  Rose. 

Liquid  Manure  (A  Constant  Reader). — The  stable,  cowhouse,  and  other 
sewage  without  diluting  with  water  may  ho  put  on  to  the  soil  previous  to 
digging  for  any  kitchen-garden  crop,  and  so  it  may  to  Asparagus  and 
Rhubarb  whilst  growing.  For  flowering  plants  it  should  be  diluted  with 
at  least  five  times  its  bulk  of  water. 

Grubs  (John  Knight). — The  grubs  eating  off  your  Cabbago  plants  just 
below  the  surface  are  the  larvae  of  the  Daddy-longlegs  (Tipula).  Try 
taking  up  the  plants  and  replanting  with  their  roots  only  just  below  the 
surface.  It  has  been  stated  that  it  is  only  the  soft  succulent  collar  of  the 
plant  that  the  grubs  can  bite ;  the  woody  part  is  too  hard  for  them. 


Names  of  Plants  (J.  T.  Sinclair), — Senecio  saracennicus ;  Stenactis 
speciosa;  Atriplex  patula.  (A  Fern-grower). — 1,  Scnlopendrium  vulgare; 
2,  Pteris  longifolia  ;  3,  Pteris  tremula  ;  4,  Probably  Nephrolepis  exaltata ; 
5,  Cystopteris  fragllis;  6.  Aspienium  furcatum.  (Richard  Jameson,  Gar- 
grave).— it  is  a  Moss,  Eryum  undulatum.  (Somerset},— 1,  Euonymns 
japoniens  aareo-variegatus ;  2,  We  do  not  undertake  to  name  florists' 
flowers;  3,  Senecio  elegans  purpurea  flore-pleno.  Give  the  Euonymua 
greenhouse  treatment.  ((?.  P.). — 1,  Adiantum  iethiopicum  (—  A.  assimile) ; 
2,  A.  capillus-Vencis,  deeply  cut  variety.  (M.  R.).— Nephrolepis  tube- 
rosa;  Pteris,  apparently  P.  quadriaurita.  We  do  not  recognise  the 
Adiantum,  which  appears  much  too  large  in  the  pinnas  to  be  referred  to 
capillus-Veueris,whichotherwise  it  much  resembles.  [Coll Ingham,  R.  W.). 
—2,  Nephrolepis  tuberosa  ;  3,  JDoodia  lunulata. 


POULTRY,   BSE,   AND  PIGEON   CHRONICLE. 


POULTRY  AND   EIRDS. 

It  appears  to  me  that  I  must  say  a  word  on  behalf  of  farmers' 
wives  who  have  to  keep  poultry  as  a  source  of  profit,  and  who 
sometimes  get  considerably  snubbed  by  their  husbands,  who 
grudge  the  destruction  of  a  few  rods  of  corn  or  clover,  and  who 
evidently  don't  reason  on  the  matter,  and  don't  or  wo'n't  un- 
derstand either  the  habits  or  the  profits  of  poultry. 

A  farmer  will  readily  turn  a  large  flock  of  sheep  to  trample 
on  and  drag  down  a  fine  field  of  clover  or  grass,  but  he  would 
be  much  annoyed  to  see  half  an  acre  eaten  by  his  wife's  poultry. 
He  will  give  his  pigs  barley  and  beans  by  the  sack,  but  objects 
to  the  poultry  helping  themselves  to  their  kernels.  By-and-by 
I  will  tell  him  which  pay  best  for  their  food,  for  I  am  sure  he 
has  never  entered  into  the  question.  Let  us  now  consider  the 
habits  of  poultry.  Take  my  own  as  an  instance,  for  some  three 
hundred  of  them  have  free  access  to  all  my  fields  (no  fences  to 
obstruct  them)  from  the  early  morn  to  dewy  eve. 

As  soon  as  the  fowl-house  door  is  opened  they  receive  their 
morning  meal  of  barley  ;  they  then  at  once  betake  themselves 
to  the  fields — for  what  ?  Observe  them.  That  wonderful  eye 
of  theirs  examines  everywhere,  and,  quick  as  thought,  they 
appropriate  every  fly,  slug,  worm,  or  insect  on  every  blade  of 
grass  or  clover.  This  is  their  occupation  dnring  the  whole  day, 
except  when  at  rest  or  when  grazing, — for  poultry  graze  equally 
as  do  sheep  or  cattle, — and  it  is  essential  that  a  piece  of  pasture 
should  be  near  the  fowl-house,  otherwise  they  will,  and  must, 
appropriate  your  young  cabbage,  turnip,  or  mangold  plants. 
They  must  also  have  free  access  to  water. 

What  a  mistake  we  make  when  we  cage  up  poultry,  and  de- 
prive them  of  their  natural  food — green  food  and  insects,  with 
some  grain.  They  are  first-class  judges  of  weather.  They 
know  by  instinct  (where  does  instinct  end  and  reason  begin?) 
when  and  where  their  food — insects,  worms,  &c,  is  to  be  most 
readily  found.  They  watch  for  every  load  of  green  tares  or 
green  beans  brought  home  to  be  passed  through  the  chaff-cutter, 
and  they  at  once  set  to  work  upon  the  myriads  of  insects  that 
infest  almost  every  crop. 

They  are  the  most  industrious  and  economical  of  creatures — ■ 
their  ready  claw  and  keen  eye  are  ever  at  work — not  a  seed  of 
weeds  or  grass  is  wasted.  In  fact,  fowls  and  birds  are  true 
farmer's  friends,  and  the  farmer  can  have  no  idea  how  many 
enemies  he  has  (invisible  ones  to  him)  in  the  shape  of  insects 
until  he  devotes  his  attention  to  the  operations  of  his  poultry. 
Although  he  can  neither  see  his  enemies  nor  know  of  their 
whereabouts,  the  fowls  and  birds  at  once  detect  them,  as  yon 
may  see  by  their  eager  darts  and  rapid  movements  hither  and 
thither. 

Watch  a  company  of  Ducks  toddling  along  in  regular  line,  for 
fair  play,  and  they  will  show  you  slugs  and  insects  where  yon 
never  suspected  them.  In  fact,  within  a  week  of  leaving  the 
shell  the  juveniles  are  on  the  alert  for  their  natural  food,  the 
insect  tribe.  I  could  write  a  small  volume  on  the  value  of 
birds,  for  it  is  only  by  watching  their  habits  and  good  work  that 
the  farmer  can  realise  how  many  enemies  he  has,  and  how 
many  friends  there  are  ready  to  seek  for  and  destroy  these 
enemies. 

It  is  a  well-admitted  fact  by  all  my]  labourers  that  my  best 
and  thickest  crops  are  in  immediate  proximity  to  the  fowl- 
house,  commencing  at  only  10  yards  distance.  Yes,  but  see 
how  they  are  scratching  up  the  seed  corn,  and  what  a  mess 
they  make.  Well,  I  have  seen  them  at  work  between  the  rows 
of  young  wheat  (and  I  only  put  in  a  bushel  per  acre  at  9  inches 
from  row  to  row),  and  I  find  in  nine  cases  out  of  ten  that  they 
are  in  search  of  insects,  and  that  they  do  find  them.  Gardeners 
who  are  sensitively  particular  about  the  appearance  of  their 
gardens,  and  hate  fowls,  see,  however,  what  takes  place  : — An 
intelligent  chemist  took  to  a  garden  where  insects  had  long  and 


September  8,  1870.  ] 


JOUKNAL  OF  HORTICULTURK   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


193 


undisturbed  sway,  and  devoured  everything.  He  was  fond  of 
poultry,  and  understood  their  habits,  therefore  he  gave  them 
free  access  to  his  garden ;  they  clearod  off  the  enemy,  and  he 
had  plenty  of  everything.  No  doubt  there  are  times  when  you 
would  protect  your  fruit,  or  your  shallow-sown  seeds.  In  my 
case  I  sometimes  employ  a  boy  for  a  fortnight  immediately 
after  drilling  close  to  the  poultry-house,  but  even  when  I  have 
not  done  so,  I  have  Bcarcely  been  inconvenienced  if  the  grain 
was  properly  deposited  by  the  drill.  The  hen-coops  and  broods 
of  chickens  are  always  placed  on  a  patch  of  grass  edging  the 
wheat  or  barley  fields ;  and  if,  when  the  cropB  are  ripe,  they  help 
themselves  to  a  few  sheaves,  I  know  they  are  good  customers 
for  they  must  be  fed  like  sheep,  or  pigs,  or  cattle  ;  and  they 
always  sell  for  double  the  price  per  pound,  although  they  cost 
less  to  produce.  Partridges  are  great  fiiends  to  farmers,  al- 
though they  don't  always  believe  it.  There  is  no  surer  sign  of 
imperfect  tillage  than  when  you  hear  of  birds  and  game  getting 
out  the  Beed.  What  I  call  imperfect  tillage  is  ploughing  the 
land  and  then  merely  scratching  the  surface  with  light  wooden 
barrows,  so  that  the  seeds  are  close  to  the  surface,  and  under 
them  are  unbroken  furrow  slices — long,  hard  lumps  of  undivided 
and  unbroken  earth,  in  the  caBe  of  strong  Boils  almost  as  tough 
and  impenetrable  as  weather  boarding.  In  my  case  I  always 
use  heavy  iron  harrows  and  deep  steeled  teeth  that  cut  the 
furrow-slices  into  mould,  or  sometimes  cultivate  with  the  culti- 
vator harrow  before  drilling,  and  generally  the  surface  has  been 
well  scarified  before  ploughing,  so  that  the  seed  is  not  only 
properly  deposited,  but  where  it  grows  the  young  fibres  find 
mould  below  to  work  in. 

For  want  of  this  proper  tillage  I  have  seen  great  losses ;  the 
fine  fibres  cannot  work  into  the  great  lumps  of  undivided  plough 
slices  which,  in  Btiff  clays,  are  nearly  as  hard  and  as  whole  as 
weather  board.  I  don't  believe  that  one  farmer  in  ten  can  tell 
me  what  price  per  pound,  live  weight,  he  getB  for  his  poultry, 
and  for  his  beef  and  mutton,  but  I  will  tell  him  ; — 5s.  per  stone 
of  8  lbs.  is  4{d.  per  lb.  live  weight  of  beef,  and  nearly  about  the 
same  for  mutton.  Now  as  good  poultry  always  Bell  for  at  least 
9<f.  per  lb.  live  weight  (I  mean  wholesale),  and  as  they  cost  no 
more  per  pound  to  produce  than  beef  or  mutton,  it  follows  that  ! 
we  gain  one  hundred  per  cent,  by  poultry,  as  compared  with  j 
meat.  I  have  tested  this  carefully.  In  fact  I  know  that  the  l 
eUfference  is  greater  than  this,  because  I  have  frequently  sold 
poultry  at  Ud.  and  lGd.  per  lb.  live  weight,  or  more  than  three 
times  the  price  of  meat.  When  we  sell  a  chicken,  the  purchaser 
pays  for  head,  skin,  feet,  entrails,  and  all  but  feathers  (which 
sell  for  more  than  the  carcase  per  pound),  but  when  thfy  buy 
meat,  the  feet,  skin,  blood,  entrails,  &c,  are  all  removed,  and 
called  offal ;  consequently,  it  requires  no  conjuror  to  convince 
heads  of  families  that  poultry  is  dearer  food  by  one  hundred 
per  cent,  than  meat. 

But  should  poultry  be  so  dear?  I  answer,  Decidedly  not,  if 
we,  as  farmers,  did  our  duty  to  ourselves,  our  land,  and  our 
country.  The  demand  is  evidently  in  excess  of  the  supply  for 
both  poultry  and  eggs,  for  we  import  immense  quantities, 
and,  in  addition,  500,000,000  of  eggs  annually  !  In  a  former 
paper  I  gave  you  comparative  trials  of  the  consumption  of 
barley  by  a  hen  and  a  pig,  much  in  favour  of  the  hen.  Of 
course,  your  poultry-breeder  must  understand  the  business,  as 
must  the  breeder  of  other  farm  creatures.  The  edge  of  the 
fields  is  the  proper  place  for  juveniles,  and  not  coopedup  in 
yards  and  sheds.  Mine  are  not  fancy  poultry.  I  breed  from 
pure  stock  on  each  Bide,  say  Game,  Cochin-China,  and  Brahma 
Pootra,  all  running  and  mixing  together.  I  like  Dorkings, 
but  they  wo'n't  thrive  on  our  stiff  clays.  Every  two  or  three 
years  I  change  the  male  birds,  paying  21s.  each  for  young  well- 
bred  ones.  We  send  them  to  the  wholesale  salesmen  in  LonJ 
don,  ready  plucked. 

The  hen-houses  should  have  asphalted  floors,  be  kept  clean, 
well-ventilated,  and  occasionally  lime-washed  ;  the  slated  roof 
lime-washed  in  hot  weather. 

A  farmer  never  grudges  barley  by  the  load  for  his  pigs,  and 
cake  and  corn  for  his  other  stock  ;  why  should  he  regret  feed- 
ing his  poultry  ?  We  should  consider  that  poultry  manure  the 
land  the  same  as  any  farm  animal. 

As  we  are  doing  away  with  our  trees  and  fences,  there  should 
be  plantations  on  every  farm  for  birds  to  build  in  ;  and  we 
should  have  plenty  of  poultry  and  Partridges — the  latter  for 
the  farmer's  table,  if  not  for  his  sport.  It  is  well  known  that 
many  a  farmer's  wife  clothes  herself  and  her  numerous  family 
by  the  proceeds  of  her  poultry.  In  some  cases  that  I  know  of 
one  of  the  farm  hands  receives  a  pint  of  beer  when  the  gover- 
nor is  at  market  to  carry  in  a  sack  of  barley  on  the  sly  for  the 


use  of  the  poultry,  so  as  not  to  shock  the  farmer's  excessive  and 
unreasonable  prejudice  about  the  unprofitableness  of  ponltry. 

The  hen-house  floors  being  asphalted,  and  swept  daily,  and 
having  no  open  farmyard,  knee  deep  in  straw,  we  know  nothing 
about  fleas. — J.  J.  Mechi,  Tiptrce  (in  .Essex  Gazette.) 


WAKEFIELD   POULTRY   SHOW. 

Turner's  pens  were  used  for  the  feathered  stock,  placed  in  two  rows 
on  platforms  erected  for  the  purpose.  Unfortunately  a  mistake  which 
is  of  daily  occurrence  seemed,  to  some  extent,  to  mar  the  regular 
course  of  events,  though  we  strongly  suspect  that  none  but  the  exhibitors 
themselves  are  to  blame,  a  large  number  of  pens  of  both  poultry 
and  Pigeons  arriving  too  late  for  competition,  although  the  arbitrations 
were  considerably  protracted,  so  as  to  allow  late  arrivals  a  chance. 

Game  in  all  classes  were  moderate  in  quality,  and  the  pen  to  which 
the  cup  was  awarded,  fine  close-feathered  Black  Reds.  In  Game 
Bantams  were  three  classes,  and  the  cup  awarded  to  Black  Reds, 
and  in  the  Variety  class  the  whole  of  tbo  prizes  went  to  Duckwings. 
The  Black  and  White  were  but  a  poor  lot,  but  there  were  two  pens  of 
Golden-laced  of  high  quality.  There  were  five  classes  for  Ihvnbnrghs  ; 
most  of  the  birds  were  very  fine,  and  the  cup  won  by  a  grand  pair  of 
Silver-spangles.  The  Spanish  were  very  good  ;  in  fact,  the  first-prize 
pair  were  the  most  promising  we  have  seen  this  year.  The  Dorkings 
were  large  and  forward  ;  but  the  most  handsome  pen  in  the  large 
varieties  was  a  pair  of  Buff  Cochin  chickens,  to  which  the  cup  for  tho 
best  section  was  given.  Iulaiuh  were  a  nice  display,  and  the  birds  in 
fine  feather.  The  first-prize  Aylesbury  Ducks  were  not  the  largest, 
and  won  by  the  great  beauty  of  beak  and  plumage.  In  Kouens  the 
second-prize  birds  were  in  full  plumage,  but  the  first  much  larger  and 
correct  in  marking.  The  Grey  Toulouse  Geese  in  the  first-prize  pen 
were  fit  representatives  of  a  Yorkshire  farmstead,  the  girth  being 
more  like  that  of  a  well-fed  pig  than  a  fowl.  Tho  rest  were  Whites  of 
gigantic  frame.  In  the  Selling  class  Spanish  were  first,  Cochins 
second,  and  Game  third. 

The  Pigeon  classes  were  well  filled,  the  quality  being  also  very  fine. 
Mr.  Fulton  won  first  in  Carriers  with  a  good  pair  of  Blacks,  excellent 
representatives  of  the  high-class  Carriers,  and  the  second-prize  pen 
contained  a  very  fine  aged  hen,  but  the  cock  was  very  short  in  neck. 
The  Dragoons  were  a  nice  lot,  as  aUo  the  Pouters,  in  which  class  Mr- 
Fulton  was  again  in  the  first  rank.  Trumpeters  were  good,  and  the 
Barbs  extraordinary,  and  Mr.  Horner  won  the  cup  for  Pigeons  with  a 
well-developed  pair  of  Blacks.  In  foreign  Owls,  the  Whites  in  the 
first-prize  pen  were  very  neat  in  head,  and  the  BlnoB  were  also  very 
neat.  The  first-prize  English  Owls  were  good  in  all  points  except 
beaks,  which  were  a  little  too  spindly,  although  exceedingly  good  in 
gullet  and  frill.  Of  Turbits,  the  first  were  Blue,  in  nico  bloom  and 
correct  in  marking.  The  first  in  Jacobins  were  Reds,  of  high  quality 
and  colour,  the  hood  and  chain  very  close.  The  second  were  Yellows. 
The  first  Fantails  in  style  and  carriage  were  all  that  can  be  desired, 
and  the  second  also  very  good.  Nuns  were  neat  and  well  marked. 
In  Tumblers  the  winners  were  Almonds  and  Beards,  and  in  the  Variety 
class  were  some  good  Magpies  and  Ice  Pigeons. 

There  was  a  good  show  of  Babbits,  the  Lop-ears  measuring  well 
and  counting  well  in  points.  In  bucks  Mr.  Fasten  won  first  and 
medal  for  the  best  Rabbit  in  the  Show  with  a  grand  Black  and  White 
buck.  The  second  was  Blue  and  Wliite,  and  the  third  Y'ellow  and 
White.  In  does  the  first  was  a  Tortoiseshell,  not  quite  so  long  in  ear 
as  the  second,  but  beating  in  colour,  marking,  and  condition.  The 
Himalayan  and  the  Silver-Greys  were  shown  in  good  fur,  and  were  a 
very  pretty  gathering;  and  in  the  Variety  class  the  first  and  third 
were  excellent  Angoras,  and  the  second,  a  cross  between  Angora  and 
Lop-ear,  was  fawn-coloured  and  of  great  size.  As  regards  the  Rabbits, 
we  believe  it  is  the  intention  of  the  Committee  to  augment  the  prize 
list  for  future  Bhows. 

Game.—  Any  Variety,  —  Cockerel.  —  1,  C.  Chaloner,  Whitwell,  Chesterfield. 
2,  T.  Dyson.  Halifax.    3,  Osborn  Bros..  Worcester.    Pullet.— 1,  C.   Chaloner. 

2,  J.  Carlisle.  Earbv.  S.  Green  &  Sutcliffe.  Queensburv.  Halifax,  he,  C-Bborn 
Bros.  c.  J.  Wade,  Bradshaw,  Ovenden.  Black-hrcaetea  Beit.— (7fcicfc«W*— Cap, 
H.  Jennings,  Alk-rton.  2,  C.  Chaloner.  S,  J.  Wade,  Rroicn-brcasted  Red.— 
Chickens— 1,  J.  Carlisle.  2,  H.  Beanland,  Bradford.  3,  T.  Dyson,  he,  J. 
Preston.  Duekvriruje,  Blue*  or  Greys— 1,  C.  Chaloner.  2,  M.  Jowett.  Clay- 
ton. 3,  J.  Fell,  Adwalton.  he.  J.  Mason.  Any  other  Variety.—  Chickens.— 
1.  C.  W.Brierlev.Middleton.  12.  J.  Sunderland,  Halifax.  3.W.  Fell.  Bantams  — 
Game.— Any  Variety.— Cockerel.— 1,  W.  F.  Entwisle,  Wostfield,  Cleckheaton. 
2  and  8,  Miss  K.  Cropland.  Wakefield.  Black-breasted  Red— chickens— Cup, 
Master  J.  Croaland,  Wakefield.  2  and  c,  W.  F.  Entwisle.  3,  F.  Steel,  Stump 
Cross.  Halifax,  he,  G.  Noble.  Stainclifle.  Any  other  Varietti.—  Chickens— 1  and 

3,  T.  DyBon.  2.  Bellingham  A  Gill,  Burulev.  he.  Miss  A.  Crosland.  Wakefield. 
c.W.F.  Entwisle.  Blackor  White— Chickens— l.B.  Beldon.  2,T.Dyson.  3.J. 
Walker.  Halifax,  c.  Miss  M.  A.  Sandy.  Eadoliffe,  Nottingham.  Any  other 
Variety.— Chickens— I,  T.  C.  Harrison,  Hull.  2.  J.  Watts,  Birmingham.  Ham- 
burghs.—  Golden-spangled—  Chickens— \,  H.  Beldon.  2.  J.  Fortune  &  Co., 
Morton  Banks.  Keighley.  Golden-pencilled.-  Chickens.— 1.  H.  Beldon.  2.  J. 
Preston.  Allerton.  3,  J.  Sunderland.  Halifax.  Silver-spangled.— Chickens.— 
Cop  and  2,  H.  Beldon.  Silver-pencilled— Chickens.— 1  and  3,  H.  Beldon.  2,  J. 
Preston.  Black—  1  and  2,  C.  Sidgwick,  Kyddle*dnn  Hall,  Keighley.  3,  S. 
Halliday,  Keighley.  Spanish—  Chickens  — 1.  C.  W.  Brierley,  Middleton.  2,  H. 
Beldon.  3,  E.  Brown.  Sheffield,  he,  Miss  E.  Pickard,  Thorner.  Leeds.  Dork- 
raos.— Cliicltfiw.— 1.  T.  E.  Kelt,  Wetherbv.  2,  J.  Wbite.  Warlaby.  North- 
allerton. Cochin-China.— Cinnamon  or  Bun*.  — Chickens.— Cup,  G.  Fletcher, 
Didsburv,  Manchester.  2,  C.  Sidgwick,  Rvddlesden  Hall.  Keighley.  Any 
other  Variety.— Chickens.— 1,  C.  Sidgwick.  Braitma  Pootra. -Chickens— 1, 
Mrs.  Eurrell,  Ipswich.  2,  E.  Leech.  Rochdale.  3.  Dr.  Holmes,  Whitecotes, 
Chesterfield,  he,  J.  Watts,  c,  E.  Holland,  Chesterfield.  Polands.— Any 
Variety— Chickens— I  and  3.  H.  Beldon.  2.  H.  Bowker,  Keighley.  Ducks.— 
Aylesbury.— 1,  E.  Leech.    2,  J.  Shillito,  Sheffield.    8,  W.  Stonehouse,  Whitby. 


194 


JOURNAL  Ofc    HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  September  8,  1870. 


he,  J.  Williams,  Wath-upon  Dearne.  Rouen.— I,  J.  White,  Whitley,  Netherton. 
2, E.  Leech.  3,  J.  Haigh.  Hudrtc-r&tield.  he,  S.  H.  Stott,  Rochdale;  Dr.  Hore- 
fall,  Pontefract.  Any  other  variety.— 1,  C.  W.  Brierley,  Middleton.  2,  F.  E. 
Sehofield,  Morpeth.  3,  T.  C.  Harrison,  Hull.  Geese.— 1,  J.  White.  2,  E. 
Leech.  3,  Rev.  G.  Hustler.  Stillingfleet,  York,  he,  S.  H.  Stott,  Rochdale;  H. 
Crossley,  Broomtield,  Halifax.  Turkeys.— 1,  E.  Leech.  2,  T.  Palethorpe, 
Carleton,  Pontefract.  3.  L.  Any  on,  Gorse  Hall,  Chorlev.  Selling  Class.— 
1,  T.  C.  &  E.  Newbitt,  Epworth.  2,  G.  Fletcher,  DidBbury.  3,  H.  Eeanland. 
lie,  E.  A.  Johnson,  Wath-upon-Deurne;  C.  W.  Brierley.  Extra  Stock.— 
lie,  Mrs.  Wade,  Stanley. 

PIGEONS. 

Carreers.— 1  and  3,  R.  Fultnn.  Deptford.  2,  E.  Horner,  Harewood.  he,  H. 
Yardley,  Birmingham;  J.  F.  While.  Dragoons.— 1,  E.  Hornpr.  2,  H.Yardley. 
S,  F.  Graham,  Birkenhead,  he,  F.  Graham  ;  A.  Murgatroyd,  Woodroyde,  Brad- 
ford. Pouters.— I  and  3,  R.  Fulton.  2,  E.  Horner,  he,  J.  Hawley,  Bingley. 
Trumpeters.— 1,  R.  Fulton.  2,  J.  Hawley.  3.  E.  Horner,  Harewood.  Barbs.— 
Cup,  E.  Horner.  2,  J.  Fielding,  jun.,  Rochdale.  8,  R.  Fulton,  c,  W.  Massey, 
Spalding.  Owls.— 1  and  3.  J.  Fielding,  jun.  2,  R.  Fulton,  he,  Miss  Hales, 
Canterbury.  English.— 1,E.  Crosland,  Wakefield.  2,  G.  Horridge,  Wakefield. 
3,  J.  Watts,  he,  E.  Horner.  Turrits.— 1.  T.  C.  &  E.  Newhitt,  Epworth.  2,  R. 
Fulton.  3,  H.  Yardley.  he,  J.  Fielding,  jun.  c,  E.  Horner.  Fantails.— 1,  J.  F. 
Liversidge,  Newark.  2  and  3.  E.  Homer,  he,  H.  Yardlev  ;  T.  C.  &  E.  Newbitt. 
Jacobins.— 1,  T.  C.  A  E.  Newbitt.  2  and  he,  E.  Horner.  *3,  P.  Fulton.  Nuns.— 
J  and  he,  H.  Yardley.  2  and  8,  F.  Graham.  Tumblers.— 1,  E.  Horner.  2,  R. 
Fulton.  3,  F.  Graham,  Birkenhead,  he,  J.  Fielding,  jun.  Antweeps.— 1, 
J.  A.  Collinson,  Halifax.  2.  Master  J.  Crosland.  3,  Master  C.  Crosland. 
Equal  3,  E.  Horner,  he,  J.  Williamson,  Wakefield:  A.  Aprdeyard,  Wakefield. 
Any  other  Variety.— 1,  T.  C.  &  E.  Newbitt.  2,  H.  Yardlev.  3,  A.  Murgat- 
royd. he,  J.  Watts.  Selling  Class.— 1,  E.  Horner.  2,  C.  Gravil,  jun.,  Thome. 
3,  J.  Fielding,  jun. 

RABBITS. 

Lop-eared.— Buck.— I  and  Medal,  A.  H.  Easten,  Hull.  2,  Lewin  &  Johnson, 
3,  C.  Gravil,  jun.,  Thorne.  lie,  E.  Vaugban ;  H.  Creeke.  Doe.-i,  A.  H. 
Easten.  2.  C.  Gravil,  jun.  3,  A.  Broughton,  Huddersfield.  he,  H.  Creeke, 
Burnley.  Himalayan.— 1,  B.  S.  Rothwell,  Rochdale.  2,  Master  F.  W.  Hors- 
fall,  Pontefract.  3,  R.  Wallis.  Wakefield,  he,  J.  R.  Jessop.  Hull :  R.  Pearson, 
Altofts.  Silver-Grey.— 1  and  3,  S.  G.  Hudson,  Hull  2,  E.  E.  M.  Royds, 
Greenhill,  Rochdale,  he,  A.  H.  Easten,  Hull;  E.  E.  M.  Royds;  J.  R.  Jessop. 
Any  other  Variety.— 1.  S.Greenwood.  Hebden  Bridge.  2,  E.  Vaugban,  Bir- 
mingham. 3,  S.  G.  Hudson,  he,  W.  Hudson,  Wakefield;  Misses  Horsfall, 
Pontefract. 

Judges. — Mr.  Enoch  Hatton,  Pudsey ;  Mr.  James  Dixon,  Clayton' 
Bradford  ;  Mr.  J.  Douglas,  Clumber. 


STANNINGLEY  AND   FARSLEY   POULTRY 
SHOW. 

The  first  annual  Show  of  this  Society  was  held  on  the  27th  of  last 
month.  The  Committee  chiefly  consists  of  working  men  ;  but  the 
moral  and  pecuniary  support  of  the  tradesmen  and  gentry  of  the  neigh- 
bourhood have  proved  the  mainstay  of  the  Society.  The  arrangements 
were  excellent,  and  there  was  nothing  to  mar  the  pleasure  of  the 
visitors,  except  a  little  rain  which  fell  at  the  close  of  the  Show.  The 
entries  were  good  id  all  the  sections,  and  the  quality  of  the  stock  very 
fine.  Some  of  the  best  of  thfi  Yorkshire  exhibitors  were  represented 
in  the  poultry  classes,  and  the  Pigeons  formed  a  most  attractive  portion 
of  the  Show.  The  pens  for  both  sections  were  quite  new,  on  Turner's 
principle,  and  were  borrowed  from  the  Allerton  Society. 

The  Cage  Birds  were  shown  in  a  tent  separated  from  the  other 
departments,  and  it  was  crowded  to  excess  during  the  latter  part  of 
the  day. 

Spanish.— 1,  H.  Beldon,  Bingley.  2,  J.  Thresh,  Bradford,  he,  H.  Wilkins«n, 
Earby.  e,  W.  Sehofield,  Gilderiome.  Cochins.— 1,  C.  Sidgwick,  Keighlev. 
2,  H.  Beldon.  he,  E.  Baxter,  Idle.  Brahma  Pootras  —  1,  H.  Bfldon.  2,  H. 
Andrews,  Eccleshill.  he,  M.  Scott,  Idle.  Dorkings.— 1,  T.  Briden,  Earby. 
Hamburghs.— Silrt '.r-spangled.— 1  and  2,  H.  Beldon.  c.  G.  Worseman,  Tong. 
Golden-spanghd. — 1,  A.  Smith,  Northowram.  2,  W.  Dine,  Keighley.  he,  H. 
Heldon.  Silver-pencilled.  —I  and  2,  H.  Beldon.  Golden-}>encilled.  —  l,  H. 
Beldon.  2,  W.  Clayton,  Keighley.  he,  A.  Smith,  Northowram;  Hainsworth 
and  Fnirbank,  Farslev.  e,  A.  W.  Hainsworth,  Parsley.  Black. — 1,  C.  Sidgwick, 
2,  H.  Beldon.  he,  E.  Raxter:  H.  W.  Ulingworth,  Idle,  c,  H  W.  Illingworth. 
Bantams.— Game.— I  and  2,  W.  F.  Entwisle,  Scholes.  lie,  A.  Smith.  Any  other 
Variety.— I,  H.  Beldon.  2,  S.  &  R.  Ashton,  Motfram.  fee,  W.  Clavtdn ;  T. 
Dyson,  Halifax.  Game.— Cock.— 1,  W.  Fell,  Adwalton.  2,  H.  Beanland.  Tong. 
he,  Harwood  &  Buckley  ;  E.  Ackroyd.  Red.— I,  W.  Fell.  2.  H.  Beldon.  he,  J. 
Wilson,  Calverley.  Any  other  Colour.— 1.  H.  Mason,  Adwalton.  2,  E.  Ackroyd, 
Bradford.  Ddcks. — Rouen  or  Aylesbury. — 1,  J.  Ward,  Drighlington.  2,  J. 
Gaunt,  Pudsey.  Any  other  Variety— \,  S.  &  R.  Ashton.  Anyothrb  Variety.— 
1, 2,  and  Timepiece,  H.  Beldon. 

PIGEONS. 
Carriers.— 1  and  2,  E.  Horner,  Harewood.  he,  S.  Smith,  Idle,  c,  S.  Smith  ; 
H.  Yardley,  Birmingham.  Pouters.— 1,  E.  Horner.  2,  J.  Hawley,  Bingley. 
he,  J.  Hawley  ;  S.Smith;  J.T.Lisbinan.Girlington.  Tumblers.— Short-faced. 
—land  Timepiece,  J.  Hawley.  2,  E.Horner,  he,  S.Smith;  H.Yardley,  Bir- 
mingham. Loruhftteed.—l  and  2.  J.  Hawlev.  he,  E.  Horner.  Owls. — 1,  H. 
Yardley.  2,  J.  T.  Lishman.  he,  J.  Hawlev;  J.  Thresh,  Bradford;  S.  Smith. 
Turbits.— 1,  J.  T.  Lishman.  2,  T.  C.  &  E.  Newbitt,  Epworth.  he,  S.  Smith  (2) ; 
H.Yardley;  E.Horner  (2).  e,  A.  Batty,  Bramley.  Dragoons.— 1,  H.Yardley. 
2,  J.  T.  Lishman.  he,  J.  W.  Ward.  Stunninglcv;  E.  Horner,  c,  A.  Murgatroyd, 
Bradford.  Antwerps.— 1,  J.  A.  Collinson,  Halifax.  2,  J.  T.  Lishman.  8,'E. 
Horner.  4,  H.  W.  Illingworth.  he, J.  Hawley;  H.  Yardley;  B.  Peel,  Birken- 
shaw.  Jacobins.— 1  and  2.  T.  C.  &  E.  Newhitt.  he,  J.  Hawlev  (2) ;  E.  Hnrner 
Fantails.  —  1,  T.  C.  &  E.  Newbitt.  2,  E.  Horner,  he,  J.  T.  Lishman;  H. 
Yardley.  c,  J.  Hawley;  E.Horner.  Anv  other  Variety. — 1,  E.  Horner.  2,  J. 
T.  Lishman.  he,  J.  Hawley  ;  S.  Smith ;  H.  Yardley ;  A.  Murgatroyd. 
CAGE  BIRDS. 
Canaries. — Yellow  or  Marked. — 1  and  Cage  for  best  bird  in  Show  W.  Heap, 
Bradford.  2,  T.  E.  Fosbrook,  Lofthonse.  he,  W.  Heap:  G.  Gott,  Calverley. 
c,  B.  Taneson,  Rodley  ;  G.  Gott.  Buff  and  Marked.— 1  and  2,  W.  Heap,  he,  A. 
Brook,  Swinnow ;  B.  Lawson{2);  G.  Gott.  British  Birdb. — 1,  W.  Heap.  2,  J. 
Benn,  Upper  Workley.  he,  T.  E.  Fosbrook.  Parrot  or  Cockatoo.— 1,  W. 
Garnett,  Stanningley.  2,  G.  Bowling,  Stanninglev.  vhc,  W.  Heap,  Bradford. 
he,  W.  Heap:  J.  Couison,  Stanningley.  Foreign  Birds.— Any  other  Variety.— 
1  and  2,  W-  Heap. 

The  Judge  was  Mr,  E.  Hutton,  Pudsey. 


it  is  proposed  to  be  held  during  the  time  of  the  London'4Cattle 
Show.  Next  week  we  hope  to  be  able  to  announce  it^in  our 
usual  list  of  forthcoming  Poultry  Shows. 


FARNWORTH   POULTRY    SHOW. 

The  following  awards  were  made  in  the  poultry  department  at  the 
sixth  annual  Show  of  the  Farnworth  (near  Warrington)  Agricultural 
Society  held  on  the  '2nd  inst.  : — 

Game.— Black-breasted.— Chickens.— 1  and  Cup,  C.  Chaloner,  Whitwell.  2,  J. 
Halsall,  Eccleeton.  Brown-breasted.— Chickens.— 1,  J.  Carliale,  Earby.  2,  M- 
A.  Forde,  Maghull.  Any  other  variety.— Chickens.— 1  and  he,  J.  Halsall  (Duck 
wing).  2,  C.  Chaloner.  Any  colour.— Cock.—  1,  C.  Chaloner.  2,  M.  A.  Forde* 
Dorkings.— Chickens.— \,  Hon.  H.  W.  Fitzwilliara,  Wentworth  Woodhouse. 
2,  H.  Pickles,  jun..  Earby.  Spanish,— Chickens.— 1,  C.  W.  Brierlev,  Middleton. 
2,  E.  Brown,  Sheffield.  Cochin-China.— Cinnamon  or  Buff.— ( 'hi'ekrns.— 1  and 
Cup,  W.  A.  Taylor,  Manchester  (Buff).  2,  Mrs.  Burrell,  Ipswich  (Buff),  lie,  W. 
P.  Ryland,  Erdington.  Partridge  or  any  other  variety.— Chickens.— 1,  W.  A. 
Taylor  (Partridge).  2,  J.  Stephens.  Walsall.  Hamburghs.— Goklen-pe ncilled. 
—Chickens.— 1.  T.  Wrigley,  jun.,  Middleton.  2,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  Golden- 
spangled.—  Chickens.— 1,  Chaddertou  &  Scholes,  Hollinwood.  2,  J.  Buckley, 
Ashton-under  Lyne.  Silver-pencilled.— Chickens.—l  and  2,  H.  Pickles,  jun. 
SiVoer-Bpa-Agled.— Chickens.— 1  andUup,  J.  Fielding,  Newchurch.  2.  H.  Pickles, 
jun.  Polands.— Any  Variety. — Chickens. — 1  and  2,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  (Silver). 
Brahma  Pootras.—  Chickens.—  1  and  Cup,  Mrs.  Burrell.  2,  W.  A.  Taylor. 
Bantams.— Game. — Chickens.— 1  and  Cup,  J.  W.  Morris.  2  and  he,  W.  F. 
Entwisle,  Cleckheaton.  Cock.  —  l.  J.  W.  Morris.  2,  G.  Maples,  Wavertree. 
fee,  W.  F.  Entwisle  (2).  Any  Breed.— Chickens — 1,  Withheld.  2,  S.&R.  Ashton, 
Mottram  (Black  Bantams).  Any  other  Variety. — Chickens. — 1,  Hon.  C.  W. 
Fitzwilliam.  2,  A. D.Payne, Shrewsbury  (Malay).  Selling  Class.— Chickens. 
— 1,  Withheld.  2,  H,  Pickles,  jun.  (Poiish).  Docks.— Rouen.— 1  and  Cup,  A, 
Woods,  Sefton.  2,  G.  Pagnall.  he,  R.  Gladstone,  jun.,  Broad  Green ;  T.  Wake- 
field, Golborne.  Aylesbury.— 1,  E.  Leech.  2  and  he,  M.  Seamons,  Hartwell, 
Aylesbury.  Any  other  variety.— 1,  C.  W.  Brierley.  2,  H.  B.  Smith,  Broughton 
(Shields)  he,  R.  Gladstone,  jun.  (Carolinas  and  Brown  Calls).  Geese.— 1,  E. 
Leech.    2,  Withheld.    Turkeys.— 1,  E.  Leech. 

Judges.  —  Mr.  Richard  Teebay,  Fulwood,  Preston  ;  Mr.  Joseph 
Hindson,  Barton  House,  Everton. 


Poultry  Show  at  the  Crystal  Palace. — We  are  informed 
that  negotiations  are  now  pending  with  the  Crystal  Palace 
Company,  for  a  repetition  of  a  London  Show  this  year,  and  that 


BINGLEY  POULTRY   SHOW. 

The  best  of  the  chicken  shows  of  the  present  season  is,  undoubtedly, 
that  held  at  Bingley,  nnder  the  auspices  of  the  Airedale  Agricultural 
Association.  The  greater  part  of  the  poultry  pens  were  arranged 
round  the  sides  and  part  through  the  centre  in  single  tier,  the 
only  drawback  being  that  the  Pigeons  were  placed  on  the  top,  which 
was  a  great  disadvantage  for  both  Judges  and  the  public.  Of  Game 
fowl  there  were  some  good  birds  in  both  classes,  the  cup  falling 
to  Black  Beds,  and  the  display  of  Duckwings  was  such  as  we  did  not 
expect  to  tind  at  this  time  of  year,  the  colour  of  both  cockerels  and 
pullets  being  very  fine.  Spanish  were  but  moderate,  but  the  Dorkings 
very  large  and  good  in  colour,  and  Mr.  Kell  won  the  cup  for  this 
section  with  birds  of  this  variety.  Cochins  and  Brahnias  were  of  high 
quality.  But  with  the  exception  of  the  winners  the  Golden- spangles 
were  poor.  The  rest  of  the  Hamburglis  mustered  well.  The  quality 
was  of  high  order,  although  the  Gold-pencils  showed  somewhat  later 
than  was  the  case  last  year.  Polands  were  good  and  were  all  Silvers. 
All  the  Bantams  were  good,  and  the  cup  awarded  to  Game.  In  the 
Selling  Class  Game  were  first,  Spanish  second,  and  Polands  third. 
The  Ducks  were  large  and  good  in  beak  and  plumage. 

Among  the  rigeons  were  some  of  the  best  specimens  in  the  king- 
dom. In  Pouter  cocks  many  of  the  birds  were  out  of  feather.  The 
first  White,  and  the  second  Blue.  In  Pouter  hens  a  capital  Yellow 
was  first,  and  won  also  the  cup  for  the  first  eight  classes.  The  Carriers 
were  well  represented  in  both  sexes.  The  Almonds  were  good  through- 
out, and|  the  first-prize  pen  nearly  perfect.  In  other  Tumblers,  Red 
Mottles  were  first,  Bluebeards  second,  and  Kites  third.  The  Barbs 
were  very  broad  in  skull  and  good  in  eye.  In  Owls,  Whites  were 
first,  and  Blues  second  and  third.  The  Jacobins  were  a  neat  lot,  close 
in  (hood  and  chain,  and  very  sound  in  colour;  but  the  best  gathering 
of  this  section  was  the  Fantails,  the  carriage  and  style  perfect.  In 
the  "  Variety  class,"  Porcelain  Swallows  were  first,  Reds  second,  and 
Runts  third.  The  first  in  the  Selling  class  were  Agates,  and  second, 
Turbits. 

The  heaviest  Babbits  were  ldh  and  13£  lbs.  The  length  of  the  ears 
22  inches,  and  the  width  a  little  over  5  inches.  The  first-prize  Lop- 
ear  was  a  grand  Black  and  White  buck,  the  second  Grey,  and  the 
third  Tortoiseshell.  The  class  for  varieties  was  good  in  all  respects, 
the  first  a  perfect  Himalayan,  the  second  Silver-Grey,  and  the  third 
Angora,  and  many  capital  specimens  had  to  be  content  with  com- 
mendation only. 

Game.— Black  and  other  Reds.— Cup,  J.  Preston.  2,  J.  Carlisle,  Earby.  3,W. 
Bentley.  c,  J.  Hird.  Bingley.  Any  other  Variety.— 1,  M.  Jowett,  Clayton.  2,  J. 
Carlisle.  3,  G.  Ambler,  Queensbury,  Halifax,  he,  J.  Fortune,  Morton  Banks. 
c,  T.  Briggs,  Binglev.  Spanish. — 1,  H.  Beldon,  Bingley.  2,  J.  Newton,  Silsden. 
3,  E.  Brown,  Sheffield,  c,  J.  I.  Booth,  Silsden :  J.  Thresh,  Bradford.  Dorking. 
—1, 2,  and  Cup,  T.  E.  Kell,  Wetherby.rS,  J.  "White,  Northallerton,  he,  T.  Briden, 
Earbv.  Cochin-China.— 1,  2,  and  3,  C.  Sidgwick,  Kvddlesdi  n  Hall.  Keighley. 
Braiimas.— 1,  E.  Leech.  2,  W.  Harvey.  Sheffield.  3,  W-  Whitley,  Sheffield. 
Hamburghs.— Gold-spariglecL—1  and  Cup,  W.  Driver,  Keigbley.  2,  T.  Wray, 
Wolverhampton.  3,  T.  Dean,  Keighley.  he,  C.  Halstead,  Bingley.  Silver- 
spangled.— 1  and  2,  H.  Beldon.  S,  G.  &  J.  Duckworth,  Church,  Accrington. 
c,  W.  Bairstow,  Bint'lev.  Black.— 1  and  3,  C.  Sidgwick.  2.  H.  Beldon.  he,  J. 
Cockcroft,  Haw  k*li  fie,'  Keighlev.  Gold-pencilltd.~l  and  :;.  H.  Beldon.  2,  J. 
Wilkinson,  Earbv.  he,  E.  Clavton.  Morton  Banks:  J.  Smith,  Gilstead;  T. 
Kinder,  Micklethwaite,  Binglev.  Silver-pencilled. —  I  and  Cup,  H.  Beldon. 
2,  R.  Longbottom,  Bingley.  3,  T.  Longbottoin,  Bingley.  Anv  OTHKB  Variety 
except  Bantams.— 1  and  3,  H.  Beldon.  2,  H.  Bowker,  Hill  Top,  Keighley. 
Bantams.— Game— I,  8,  and  Cup,  W.  F.  Entwisle,  Cleckheaton.  2,  G.  Noble, 
Stainclifle,  Dewsbury.     he,  Harewood  &  Buckley,  Accrington.     Any  other 


September  8,  1870.  J 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


195 


variety.— -1,  H.  Beldon.  2,  T.  C.  Harrison.  Hull.  3.  J.  Riley,  Hawksworth. 
lie,  W.  H.  Robinson.  Lonfj  Lee.  Keighley  ;  H.  Beldon.  Selling  Class.— 1,  W. 
Johnson,  Idle.  2,  J.  I.  Booth.  3,  J.  Swire,  Morton,  c,  J.  Berry.  Silsden. 
DocK9.~Aylcifbunt.~l,  E.  Leech.  2,  G.  Andrews,  Newark.  Rouen. — I,  E. 
Leech.  2.  J.  I.  Booth.  3.  C.  Sidgwick.  he,  J.  Clayton,  Keijjbley.  Any  variety. 
—Ducklings.— I,  J.  I.  Booth.  2,  J.Watts,  Birmingham.  3,  H.  Cockshott,  Morton. 
PIGEONS. 
Por/TF.R.— Cock.  —  1,  J.  Hawley.  2,  R.  Fulton,  Deptford.  3,  W.  Harvey, 
Sheffield,  he,  J.  Hawley ;  J.  Walker,  Newark ;  R.  Fulton  (2) ;  E.  Horner,  Hare- 
wood.  Hev.—l,  3,  and  Cup.  R.  Fulton.  2,  E.  Horner,  he,  J.  Hawlev  (2);  R. 
Fulton.  Carrier.— Cock.— 1,  R.  Fulton.  SL  H.  Yardley.  8,  E.  Horner.  he,  K. 
Fulton  ;  E.  Horner.  Hen.—l  and  2,  R.  Fulton.  3,  E.  Horner,  he,  H.  Yar.lky  ; 
R.Fulton.  Tumblers.—  Almond.— I,  R.  Fulton.  2,  E.  Horner.  3,  J.  Fielding; 
jun.,  Rochdale,  he.  W.  Harvey,  Sheffield.  Any  other  Variety.  —  1,  T.  H. 
Hawley.  2,  J.  Fielding,  jun.  3,  R.  Fulton,  he,  J.  Hawley;  R.  Fulton.  c,W. 
Harvev.  Barbs.— 1,  E.  Homer.  2,  J.  Fielding,  jun.  3,  R.  Fulton,  he,  W. 
Harvey;  R.  Fulton.  Owls.— 1,  J.  Fielding,  jun.  2.  R.  Fulton.  3,  W.  Harvey. 
he,  F.  Moore  ;  J.  Fielding,  jun.  Jacobins.— 1,  R.  Fulton.  2  and  3,  E.  Horner. 
he,  J.  Hawlev ;  E.  Horner.  Trumpeters.— 1  and  4,  J.  Hawley.  S,  W.  Harvey. 
Fantails.— 1  and  Cup,  W.  Harvev.  2,  J.  F.  Loversidge.  3,  E.Horner,  he,  J. 
Walker.  Newark  ;  C.  Sugden,  Wilsden  ;  F.  Graham,  Birkenhead.  Tcrbits.— 
1,  J.  Fielding,  jun.  2,  R.  Fulton.  3.  Clayton  &  Bairstow,  Girlington,  Bradford. 
he,  E.  Horner;  J.  T.  Lishman,  Girlington,  Bradford.  Dragoons.  —  1.  F. 
Graham.  9,  H.  Yardley.  3,  J.  Watts,  he,  J.  Hawley;  Clayton  &Bairstow; 
W.  Harvev  :  W.  Stanhope,  Eeeleshill ;  E.  Horner.  Antwerps.— 1,  J.  Collin- 
son,  Halifax.  2,  E.  Horner.  3.  J.  T.  Lishman.  he,  H.  Yardley;  W.  Firth, 
Birkenshaw.  Any  other  Variety.— 1,  J.  T.  Lishman.  2  and  he,  E.  Horner. 
8,  S.  Smith,  Idle,  c,  W.Harvey;  H. Yardley.  Selling  Class.— 1,  J.  Fielding, 
inn.  2  and  he,  Clayton  &Bairstow.  3.J.  Watts.  c,J. Hawley;  W.  tiling  worth .; 
W.  Stanhope  ;  E.  Homer. 


Rabbits.— Heaviest.— 1,  E.  Vaughan.  Birmingham.  2,  A.  H.  Easten,  Hull, 
8,  J.  Qniokj  St.  John's  Wood.  Lop-eared— I,  A.  H.  Easten.  2  and  he,  C.  King 
St.  John's  Wood,  London.  3,  Lewin  &  Johnson,  Kettering,  c,  W.  Searbrook,- 
St.  Juhn's  Wood.  Any  other  Variety.~~l,  A.  L.  Rawstraw,  Haslingd.u.  2,  E- 
E.  M.  Royds,  Greeuhill,  Rochdale.  3,  M.  Driver,  Morton,  he,  E.  Vaughan  ;  A- 
H.  Easten;  S.  G.Hudson  (2);  J.  R.  JeBBOp  (2). 

The  Judge  was  Mr.  E.  Hntton,  Pudsey,  Leeds. 


SOUTH-WEST  AGRICULTURAL    SOCIETY'S 
POULTRY   SHOW. 

This  was  held  at  Limerick  on  August  30th. 

Dorkings.  —1  and  he.  Mrs.  Warburton.  2,  S.  Mowbrav.  Spanish.  -1,  S.  Mow- 
bray. 2,  J.  C.  Cooper,  he,  E.  G.  Poer.  Brahmas—  1  and  c,  J.  C.  Cooper. 
2,  Mrs.  Warburton.  he,  Hon.  J.  Massey;  Mrs.  Warburton.  Game.— 1,  2,  and 
he,  E.  G.  Poer.  Any  otheb  Variety.-  1,  2.  and  vhc,  J.  C.  Cooper,  he,  E.  G. 
Poer;  Hon.  J.  Massey.  DrcKS.—l,  Hon.  J.  Massey.  2,  J.  C.  Cooper,  he,  J.  C. 
Cooper;  W.  Lysaght;  S.  Mowbray.  DuckUnqs.—l,  Hon.  J.  Massey.  2,  Mrs. 
Warburton.  Geebe.— 1,  S.Mowbray.  2,  J.C.Cooper.  Extra 2, Mrs.  Warburton. 
he,  Hon.  J.  Massey;  J.  Cv  Cooper;  Mrs.  Warburton.  Turkeys. —Cup  and  2,  J. 
C.  Cooper,    he,  S.  Mowbray.    Hamburghs. — 1  and  2,  Hon.  J.  Massey. 

Judge. — Mr.  C.  F.  Staunton,  Clondalkin. 


PIGEONS   AT   WHITWORTH  AND  ROCHDALE 
POULTRY  SHOW. 

The  Pigeons  at  Rochdale  were  one  of  the  most  attractive  features 
of  the  Exhibition,  and,  as  would  be  seen  by  the  prize  list  published 
last  week,  not  only  were  the  entries  unusually  large  for  an  agricultural 
meeting,  but  the  choicest  specimens  from  many  of  the  best  collections 
in  the  kingdom  were  brought  together,  thanks  to  the  enterprise  and 
jndicions  management  of  Messrs.  Royds  and  Fielding — two  most  enthu- 
siastic local  fanciers,  to  whom,  we  believe,  the  success  of  this  depart- 
ment of  the  Show  is  due. 

With  an  entry  of  *28S  pens  of  Pigeons  the  services  of  two  well- 
known  Judges  were  secured,  the  classes  being  divided  between  them 
with  the  exception  of  the  special  prizes,  which  were  awarded  con- 
jointly, the  first  prize  in  each  class  only,  of  course,  competing.  This 
arrangement  is  very  objectionable,  for  we  think  each  Judge  should  also 
award  the  special  prizes  in  the  portion  entrusted  to  him. 

Pouters  had  four  classes.  In  those  for  single  cocks  and  hens  re- 
spectively, Red  or  Yellow,  the  latter  colour  took  the  lead,  Mr.  Fulton 
winning  with  very  fine  birds.  The  principal  prizes  in  the  other  classes 
were  awarded  to  capital  Blues,  with  the  exception  of  the  third  prize 
being  taken  by  a  good  White  hen. 

Carriers  had  the  Like  number  of  classes,  with  a  good  competition. 
Mr.  Wiltshire's  first-prize  Black  cock  was  particularly  good  in  beak 
and  wattle.  The  single  Black  hens  formed  a  fine  class,  Mr.  Fulton 
taking  all  the  prizes,  and  also  the  sectional  cup,  with  his  first-prize 
hen.  All  were  remarkably  good  specimens,  shown  in  the  finest  possible 
manner.  Several  excellent  hens  received  notice.  The  Duns  were  not 
so  numerous,  but  good  in  quality. 

Short-faced  Tumblers  were  well  represented,  having  three  classes — ■ 
namely,  Almonds,  Balds  or  Beards,  and  Any  other  variety.  Curiously 
enough  in  every  class  the  southern  fanciers  had  to  give  place  to  local 
exhibitois.  Mr.  Fielding's  splendid  pair  of  Almonds  also  gained  the 
sectional  cup.  The  same  exhibitor  held  his  usual  place  in  Balds  and 
Beards.  In  the  Any  other  variety  class  Mr.  Minnett,  jun., 'took  first 
with  a  magnificent  pair  of  Black  Mottles,  Mr.  Hawley  having  second 
with  an  equally  fine  pair  of  Red  Mottles,  the  best  we  have  seen  for 
some  time. 

Owls,  foreign  and  English,  had  each  a  class,  which  wa3  well  filled. 

Barbs  were  divided  into  Blacks  and  Any  other  colour,  and  were  a 
show  of  themselves  ;  indeed,  it  is  very  seldom  we  have  seen  such  a 
competition.  Captain  Heaton  took  the  first  prize,  as  well  as  the 
sectional  cup  and  the  second  prize,  for  Blacks  with  splendid  birds, 
evenly  matched,  and  Bhown  in  admirable  condition,  while  Mr.  J. 
Firth,  jun.,  was  third  with  a  remarkably  good  pen ;  the  cock  is  one  of 


the  best  in  the  kingdom,  but  requires  a  more  developed  hen  to  match 
him.     We  understand  £25  were  offered  for  this  cock  and  declined. 

Turbits,  Red  or  Yellow,  competed  together,  while  Turbits,  Any  other 
colour,  also  had  a  class.  Mr.  Fielding  took  both  first  prizes  with 
small,  fine,  well-marked  birds. 

Niais  were  a  poor  lot,  only  one  prize  being  awarded  ;  want  of  merit, 
trimming,  and  disease  being  the  causes  of  the  prizes  being  withheld. 

Jacobins  were  good.  In  the  class  for  Yellows  Mr.  Horner  was  first, 
also  taking  the  sectional  cup  with  a  splendid  pen.  For  Any  other 
colour  Mr.  Horner  also  took  the  first  prize  with  excellent  Reds,  and 
particularly  fine  Blacks  were  second  and  third.  Mr.  E.  E.  M.  Royds 
also  exhibited,  not  for  competition,  his  crack  pair  of  Black  Jacobins, 
winners  of  cups  and  prizes  at  most  of  the  leading  shows. 

Through  the  considerate  interest  of  Mr.  Royds,  Messrs.  Ottley,  of 
Birmingham,  offered  a  silver  medal  for  the  best  pair  of  Antwerps, 
which  Mr.  Horner  obtained  with  very  smart  Duns.  The  class  con- 
tained many  good  birds,  the  cocks  being  generally  of  great  merit,  but 
in  most  cases  imperfectly  or  indifferently  matched  in  some  respect. 

Fantails  and  Dragoons  were  average  classes.  Trumpeters  were 
good.  Mr.  Horner  was  first  with  Dark  Mottles  in  a  very  keen  compe- 
tition with  Mr.  Haansbergen's  Light  Mottles  ;  the  latter  were  un- 
usually good  in  points,  but  rather  too  light  in  colour.  The  third 
position  was  taken  by  good  Whites.  There  was  nothing  particularly 
new  or  worthy  of  especial  remark  in  <l  Any  other  variety  "  class. 


HOW  LONG  ARE    QUEENS  AND  WORKERS 
IN  THEIR  CELLS? 

With  the  "  Handy-Book  of  Bees  "  I  am  not  acquainted,  but 
from  the  extracts  given,  and  the  reviews  of  the  work  which  ap- 
peared in  several  newspapers,  I  have  formed  a  very  high  idea 
of  the  author,  both  as  an  elegant  writer  and  a  practical  api- 
arian. I  am,  however,  rather  surprised  that  the  evidence  ad- 
duced by  Mr.  Woodbury  has  not  convinced  him  that  he  is  un- 
doubtedly mistaken  when  he  says  that  "  perfect  queens  are 
produced  on  the  fourteenth  day  after  eggs  have  been  put  into 
royal  cells."  Instances,  I  do  not  deny,  may  have  occurred,  but 
none  have  come  under  my  observation,  and  I  am  not  aware  of 
Mr.  Pettigrew  having  given  any  proof  of  the  allegation  beyond 
a  mere  ipse  dixit.  I  would,  therefore,  like  him  to  say  that  he 
has  actually  witnessed  what  he  states,  and  that  his  conclusions 
have  been  arrived  at,  not  by  inference,  but  from  observations 
correctly  made. 

It  is  well  known  that  the  evolution  of  queens  and  bees  is 
much  influenced  by  temperature  and  the  supplies  without,  but 
the  circumstance  of  hatching  being  hastened  or  retarded  in 
particular  cases  does  not  affect  the  general  law.  The  commonly 
received  opinion,  that  twenty-one  days  are  required  for  the 
egg  of  the  hen  to  hatch,  is  not  proved  to  be  erroneous  by  large 
hens'  eggs  needing  to  remain  under  the  hen  twenty-three  or 
twenty-four  days.  Exceptions  prove  the  rule.  To  my  mind  the 
experiments  conducted  by  Mr.  Woodbury  satisfactorily  prove 
his  position.  He  tells  us  that  the  colony  employed  by  him  was 
"  populous,"  and  that  the  period  selected  for  applying  his  test 
was  "  the  height  of  a  very  favourable  season."  AU  the  con- 
ditions requisite  for  determining  the  point  at  issue  appear  to 
have  been  present,  and  the  result  showed  that  sixteen  days 
were  required  for  the  evolution  of  a  queen  from  an  egg. 

The  general  rule  I  believe  is  this,  that  if  the  queen  regnant 
is  removed  from  her  hive,  a  young  queen  as  successor  will 
make  her  appearance  on  the  fourteenth  day ;  but  this  circum- 
stance does  not  prove  that  fourteen  days  and  no  more  have 
elapsed  since  the  hour  that  the  egg  from  which  she  proceeds 
was  deposited.  Bees  when  their  queen  is  removed  do  not  im- 
mediately discover  their  loss,  but  they  are  seldom  so  long  in 
finding  out  the  calamity  that  has  befallen  them  as  to  be  under 
the  necessity  of  selecting  for  royal  honours  the  larvse  that 
proceed  from  the  most  recently-laid  eggs.  The  fact  that  open 
cells  containing  larva)  are  almost  always  to  be  seen  for  a  day  or 
two  after  the  royal  cells  are  sealed,  shows  that  they  are  re- 
latively younger. 

The  precise  age,  however,  of  enclosed  queens,  and  the  time 
required  for  their  evolution,  has  been  ascertained  on  ocular 
evidence,  and  as  I  have  had  considerable  experience  with  re- 
gard to  the  matter,  I  shall  relate  some  experiments  that  were 
made  a  few  years  ago  which  bear  on  the  questions  at  issue 
between  Mr.  Pettigrew  and  Mr.  Woodbury.  In  18G2  I  lodged 
a  swarm  in  the  "  mirror  hive,"  which  is  described  in  the 
"  Naturalist's  Library."  On  August  20th  eRgs  fur  the  first  time 
were  seen  to  be  laid.  On  the  20th  the  cells  >reie  Fealed.  On 
September  7th  the  young  bees  had  left  their  cell*,  and  the  entry 
made  in  my  note-book  of  that  date,  and  which  I  copy  verbatim, 
is  «  Bees  hatched-out  in  about  eighteen  days."    Again,  on  the 


196 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  September  8,  1870. 


15th  of  July,  1863,  I  lodged  a  second  cast  in  a  small  glass  uni- 
comb.  On  the  22nd  the  young  queen  was  impregnated.  On 
the  25th  numbers  of  eggs  were  laid,  and  on  the  27th  I  removed 
her  from  the  hive.  The  bees  selected  a  grub  for  a  queen  from 
the  earlier-laid  eggs.  It  was  sealed  August  2nd,  and  a  young 
queen  emanated  on  the  10th.  On  the  16th  every  young  bee 
had  left  its  cell  bave  three,  of  which  no  record  has  been  taken 
whether  they  were  abortive  or  ultimately  hatched  out.  I  may 
also  mention  that  in  the  same  year  (1863)  I  removed  the  queen 
from  a  Huber  hive,  that  a  young  queen  emanated  on  the 
thirteenth  day  after  her  removal,  and  that  every;  common  bee 
had  vacated  its  ceil  before  the  nineteenth. 

It  is  unnecessary  to  multiply  proofs,  but  I  can  give  them 
if  needed.  Meanwhile  I  shall  only  add  that  it  is  my  firm 
conviction,  founded  on  personal  experience,  that  the  views 
advanced  by  Mr.  Woodbury  in  opposition  to  those  of  Mr. 
Pettigrew  are  correct. — R.  S. 


OUR  LETTER   BOX. 

Hard  Projecting  Leg-scales  (F.  A.  M.).—l%  is  comparatively  a  new 
disorder,  and  is  very  prevalent  among  poultry.  We  have  it  among  onrs, 
but  it  is  chiefly  confined  to  Cochins  and  to  the  oldest  birds.  It  has  also 
shown  itself  this  year  on  the  legs  of  a  Chinese  Pheasant.  We  are  trying 
experiments,  but  we  have  discovered  no  remedy. 

Ceossing  Houdans  and  Dorkings  (R.  H.  F.).— The  Hondan  would  not 
be  the  bird  you  require ;  it  is  a  non-sitter,  and  we  always  protest  against 
crossing  between  those  and  sitters.  It  is  against  all  reason.  We  can 
easily  name  a  cross  that  will  suit  you  in  all  respects  but  one,  that  is  the 
Bize  of  the  eggs.  You  will  not  in  any  of  the  sitting  breeds  get  larger  eggs 
than  you  do  from  the  Dorking.  We  advise  yon  to  cross  between  the  Dorking 
and  Brahma  Pootra  if  you  want  a  good  hardy  fowl  that  will  lay  and  sit 
well,  rear  its  young  without  trouble,  and  make  a  capital  bird  at  table. 
We  are  never  friendly  to  crosses,  but  we  think  this  is  the  beat  we  know. 

Chickens  wrrn  Nostril  Discharge  (W.  B.B.).— Your  Hamburghs  are 
suffering  from  cold,  which  will,  if  neglected,  turn  to  roup.  If  only  part  of 
them  are  afiected  remove  them  from  the  others.  Wash  their  nostrils 
with  cold  water  and  vinegar.  Give  each  bird  two  pills  of  camphor  each 
the  size  of  a  pea.  Feed  them  twice  per  day  for  a  time  on  bread  and  ale. 
Discontinue  the  sharps  and  potatoes.    Use  Eaily's  pills. 

Brabma  Cock  Moulting  {J.  A.  C.).— Brahma  cocks  of  the  age  you 
name  are  often  a  long  time  getting  their  feathers,  and  we  do  not  think 
the  bird  yon  mention  will  he  in  full  plumage  before  the  end  of  September 
or  beginning  of  October.  He  may,  however,  be  fit  to  exhibit,  although 
not  quite  moulted,  ns  he  will  in  all  probability  be  shown  against  blrdB  of 
his  own  age  It  will  be  a  good  thing  if  his  sickle  feathers  never  come 
back.  Feed  him  well  on  ground  oats,  give  him  bread  soaked  in  milk,  and 
let  him  have  plenty  of  green  food,  lettuce  above  all. 

Double  Nail  (.-i  K.  C). — This  on  a  Dorking  cockerel's  toe  is  no  doubt 
a  disadvantage,  but  could  only  prejudice  success  where  the  competition 
between  two  birds  was  bo  close  thb  judges  had  to  look  to  some  such  acci- 
dent to  enable  them  to  decide,  otherwise  it  would  not  disqualify  the  bird. 

Young  Turkeys  Dyino  (F.  I.  C.).— We  advise  you  to  remove  all  the 
healthy  birds  to  some  other  place  ;  it  is  always  a  risk  and  a  mistake  to 
keep  healthy  and  diseased  birds  together.  You  do  not  say  on  what  yon 
feed.  From  your  description  of  the  crops  of  your  birds  we  should  think 
there  was  something  wrong  in  their  diet.  Even  if  they  roost  too  thickly 
that  would  not  account  for  it;  that  would  produce  the  swelled  heads, 
which  you  seem  to  have  overcome.  In  all  cases  where  food  remains  in 
the  crop  pour  warm  water  down  the  throats  freely,  afterwards  give  each 
a  table-spoonful  of  castor  oil  Give  two  pills  of  camphor  each  the  Bize  of 
a  garden  pea.  Feed  only  on  bread  and  ale,  ground  oats  mixed  with  milk, 
and  having  onion-tops  chopped  fine  with  the  ground  oats.  This  treat- 
ment must  be  continued  till  they  are  well.  It  would  be  beneficial  if  yon 
have  a  convenient  place,  such  as  an  old  barn,  if  you  were  to  shnt  up  the 
invalids.  They  would  require  large  sods  with  plenty  of  growing  grass 
and  mould  to  be  given  to  them  daily,  as  well  as  the  food  we  have  recom- 
mended. 

Whitworth  and  Rochdale  Poultry  Show.— Mr.  S.  H.  Stott,  of 
Quarry  Hill,  Rochdale,  states  that  he,  and  not  the  Rev.  G.  Hustler,  took 
the  first  prize  for  Grey  Geese  at  this  Show.  The  error  is  that  of  the 
prize  list  forwarded  to  us. 

Keighley  Show  (J*.  G.). — If,  as  you  sny,  your  birds  were  not  exhibited 
owing  to  the  mistake  made  by  the  Secretary,  the  Committee,  ought  to 
return  you  the  entrance  moneys. 

Rats  in  a  Pigeon  Loft,  and  Proper  Food  for  Pigeons  (A  Weekly 
Reader).— G&s  tar  frequently  applied  to  the  runs  of  rats  will  cause  the 
rats  to  leave.  They  are  cleanly  animals,  and  cannot  bear  the  touch  of 
tar.  We  have  got  rid  of  the  vermin  from  a  pigstye  in  this  way.  The  tar 
once  dried  is,  however,  of  no  use,  as  it  will  not  stick  to  the  rat's  fur.  The 
best  plan  you  could  a  lopt  would  be  to  put  Rheeting  of  tin  on  the  wall  the 
rats  run  up,  letting  a  piece  of  tin  stand  out  at  right  angles  from  the  wall, 
projecting,  say,  half  a  foot  or  more  ;  the  rats  could  not  get  above  that.  Let 
not  the  tin  be  painted,  nor  have  anything  on  it  to  give  foothold.  As  to 
the  best  food  for  Pigeons,  a  mixture  of  peas.  Indian  corn,  and  barley  is 
excellent.  We  add  barley  for  the  sake  of  the  young  birds  which  their 
parents  are  just  ceasing  to  feed.  They  go  about  in  a  starved  condition, 
unable  to  pick  up  the  peas  or  Indian  corn,  so  we  always  have  some  smaller 
grain  mixed  with  them.  They  also  readily  pick  up  charlock,  which  the 
farmers  gladly  give  away,  only  take  care  it  does  not  get  into  your  garden. 

Food  for  Silver-Grey  and  Angora  Rabbits  ( ). — Clover,  Vetches, 

Dandelion,  Carrots,  Turnips,  Ac,  with  crushed  oats,  bran,  Indian  meal 
boiled  into  porridge,  say  once  or  twice  a-week.  This  fattens  them.  Too 
much  green  is  objectionable,  and  avoid  cabbage.  Oat  straw  and  sweet 
hay  they  like,  and  are  good  for  them.  They  ^ill  not  succeed  well  upon 
the  ground  all  winter,  especially  the  Angora,  being  hutch  Rabbits.  The 
Silver-Grey  may  he  allowed  to  run  as  the  wild  Rabbit,  and  many  are 


turned  out  with  tnem  to  improve  the  fur.  If  intended  to  remain  outside 
all  winter  in  hutches  these  must  be  made  warm  and  dry,  2  feet  above 
ground,  and  placed  with  a  south  aspect.  Avoid  all  damp  air,  as  this  gives 
them  the  snuffles.  In  removing  them  from  the  hutches  to  place  them 
upon  the  ground  (but  never  except  it  ia  dry),  take  hold  of  the  ears  with 
one  hand,  and  place  the  other  hand  under  the  hind  part  of  the  Rabbit,  bo 
as  to  prevent  the  hind  legs  bringing  out  the  bedding  with  them.  If  the 
hutches  are  5  or  6  feet  in  superficial  extent  they  will  not  often  require 
any  exercise  out  of  them  ;  yet  to  let  them  have  a  frisk  upon  a  lawn  when 
the  grass  is  dry  is  by  no  means  objectionable.  All  green  food  should  be 
given  dry,  or  it  tends  to  give  the  Rabbit  the  rot ;  and  in  the  absence  of 
green  food  soaked  peas  are  good  twice  a-week,  with  a  little  clean  water, 
especially  during  hot  weather. 

Uniting  Swarms  (T.  M.  N.).~ The  dead  bees  were  all  workers,  but  we 
cannot  tell  why  they  were  killed,  except  that  in  this  mode  of  uniting 
more  or  lees  fighting  often  ensues.  The  best  plan  is  to  drive  both  lots  of 
boes  into  the  same  empty  hive  one  after  the  other,  and  then  induct  them 
into  their  permanent  home  by  knocking  the  united  cluster  out  on  a  cloth 
and  placing  their  hive  over  them.  It  is  not  absolutely  necessary  to  re- 
move one  of  the  queens,  although  it  is  well  to  do  so  If  the  opportunity 
presents  itself.  Your  syrup  appears  to  have  been  too  thick,  but  the 
crystals  will  not  injure  the  bees.  We  use  three  parts  sugar  to  two  parts 
water  by  weight. 

Commencing  Bee-keeping  (T.  A.). — A  stock  of  bees  ought  at  this  sea- 
son to  be  readily  obtainable  for  tbe  bare  value  oftthe  hive  and  the  honey 
which  it  may  be  fairly  estimated  to  contain.  Get  "Bee-keeping  for  the 
Many,"  which  may  be  had  free  from  this  office  for  five  stamps,  and  select 
from  the  hives  therein  described  the  one  which  you  think  most  likely  to 
meet  your  views.  If  the  bees  now  belong  to  a  near  neighbour  many  will 
return  to  the  old  spot  and  be  lost,  thereby  weakening  the  colony,  a  result 
which  would  be  avoided  if  they  were  brought  from  a  distance  of  not  less 
than  a  mile  and  a  half.  We  cannot  recommend  you,  as  a  novice,  to 
attempt  transferring  the  Btock  to  a  new  hive,  but  should  rather  advise 
your  waiting  for  it  to  Bwarm  in  the  usual  way. 

Stewing  Vegetable  Marrows.—"  E.  A.  M."  recommends  the  follow- 
ing recipe.  Just  scald  the  vegetable.  When  a  little  softened  cut  off  one 
end  and  scoop  out  the  seeds ;  fill  with  chopped  meat  that  has  been  partly 
cooked,  a  little  parsley,  pepper,  and  salt ;  lay  them  in  a  saucepan  the  cut 
end  uppermost,  to  keep  out  steam  and  water ;  add  some  good  gravy 
flavoured  with  tomato,  and  let  them  stew  gently. 


METEOROLOGICAL  OBSERVATIONS 
In  the  Suburbs  of  London  for  the  week  ending  September  6th. 

Date. 

BAHOMETEB. 

THEBMOHETEB. 

Wind. 

Air. 

Earth. 

Rain. 

Max. 

Mln. 

Max. 

Mill. 

1  ft. 

8  ft. 

Wed...  31 
Thurs. .    1 
Fri. ...     2 
Sat.  ...     3 
Sun.  .  .    4 
Mon. . .    6 
Tnes.    .    0 

Mean.. 

80.1S2 
29.913 
29.456 
29.883 
29.920 
29.618 
29.471 

30.013 
29.6S7 
29.412 
29.3^7 
29.839 
29  867 
29.373 

72 
73 
73 
69 
72 
67 
67 

S3 
45 
65 
82 
62 
52 
46 

60 
60 

60 
60 
68 
60 
60 

57 
57 
67 
67 
67 
67 
67 

.  W. 
S. 

S. 
N.W. 

S.W. 

s. 
s. 

.00 
.00 
.04 
.00 
.00 
'42 
.16 

29.770 

57.574 

70.43 

46.00 

59.71 

57.00 

•• 

0.62 

31. — Clear  and  fine  ;  very  fine  ;  clear  and  very  fine. 
1. — Very  fine;  very  fine  ;  overcaBt  at  night. 
2.— Drizzling  rain  ;  cloudy,  but  fine  ;  clear. 
3. — Showery  ;  heavy  showers  ;  clear  and  fine. 
4. — Very  fine  ;  exceedingly  fine  ;  overcast. 
6.— Overcast;  heavy  rain;  exceedingly  heavy  showers. 
C—  Overcast,  damp  ;  showery  ;  clear  and  fine. 


COVENT  GARDEN  MARKET.— September  7. 
The  market  is  overstocked  with  all  sorts  of  fruit,  and  clearances  are 
only  made  at  low  prices. 

FKTJIT. 


Apples J  sieve  1 

Cherries lb.  0 

Currants $  sieve  2 

Figs doz.  0 

Filberts lb.  0 

Cobs lb.  C 

Grapes,  Hothouse....  lb.  3 

Lemons ^-100  10 

Melons each  1 


0  to  2    0 


Mulberries lb. 

Nectarines doz.  2  0 

Oranges ¥"100  D  0 

Peaches  doz.  1  0 

Pears,  dessert doz.  1  A 

PineAppIes lb.  3  0 

Plums i  sieve  1  6 

Walnuts bushel  10  0 

do ^-100  1  0 


d.      8. 

9to0 
8 
14 
8 


VEGETABLES. 


Artichokes doz. 

Asparagus  %*■  100 

Beans,  Kidney  ..J  sieve. 

Broad.'. bushel 

Beet,  Red doz. 

Broccoli bundle 

Brussels  Sprouts . .  £  sieve 

Cabbage doz. 

Capsicums  ^100 

Carrots bunch 

Cauliflower doz. 

Celery bundle 

C«leworta..doz.  bunches 
Cucumbers each 

pickling doz. 

Endive doz. 

Kennel bunch 

Garlic lb. 

Herbs bunch 

Horseradish  ....  bundle 


OtoO 
0       0 


Leeks bunch 

Lettuce  doz. 

Mushrooms pottle 

Mustard  &  Cress.. punnet 
Onions  bushel 

pickling quart 

Parsley sieve 

Parsnips doz. 

Peas quart 

Potatoes bushel 

Kidney do. 

Radishes  ..  doz.  bunches 

Rhubarb bundle 

Savoys.- doz. 

Sea-kale basket 

Shallots lb. 

Spinach bushel 

Tomatoes doz. 

Turnips bunch 

Vegetable  Marrows  ..doz. 


s.  d.     s. 
0   4  to  0 

lea 

3    0 


September  15,  1870.  ]  JOURNAL   OF   HORTICULTURE   AND    COTTAGE    GARDENER. 


137 


WEEKLY    CALENDAR. 


Day 

Day 

of 

of 

Month 

Week. 

15 

Th 

16 

F 

17 

S 

18 

Sum 

19 

M 

20 

Tc 

21 

W 

SEPTEMBER  15—21,  1870. 


Welchpool  Horticnltnral  Show. 
Wellingborough  Horticultural  Show. 

14  Sunday  after  Trinity. 


Royal  Horticultural  Society,  Fruit,  Floral, 
[and  General  Meeting. 


Average    Tempera- 

Rain in 

last 
43  years. 

Sun 

ture  Dear  London. 

Rises. 

Dav. 

NUM.  Mean. 

Davs. 

m.      h. 

67.5 

45.9      56.7 

16 

S5af5 

68.4 

46.8 

57.6 

16 

Si      5 

689 

44.9 

56.9 

16 

38      5 

68.2 

46.5 

57.4 

19 

40      5 

67.3 

45.3 

66.3 

21 

42      5 

68.0 

44.0 

66.0 

20 

43      5 

66.4 

45.6 

56.0 

24 

45      5 

Snn 
Sets. 


Moon 
Rises. 


Moon 
Sets. 


14  af  6     48  af  8 
12      6  ;  15        9 


morn. 
28       0 


9    17 

10  17 

11  11 
58 


m.  h. 
9afll 
after. 
1 


Moon's 
Age. 


Days. 
20 
21 
22 
< 
24 
25 
26 


Clock 
after 
Sun. 


Day 

of 

Year. 


258 
259 
260 
S61 
262 
263 
264 


From  observations  taken  near  London  during  the  last  forty-three  years,  the  average  day  temperature  or  the  week  is  67.8J,  and  its  night 
temperature  45.6\  The  greatest  heat  was  8?°,  on  the  15th,  1365;  and  the  lowest  cold  29^,  ou  the  17th,  1840.  The  greatest  fall  of  rain  was 
0  90  inch. 


PLANTS  FOR  BASKETS  AND  VASES. 

VERYTHING  in  its  place,  and  a  place  for 
everything,"  is  a  saying  applicable  to  more 
things  than  those  for  which  it  was  first 
intended,  and  even  in  gardening  matters  a 
just  application  of  this  rule  is  not  met  with 
in  every  case.  It  is  with  a  view  to  help  the 
inexperienced  that  I  purpose  calling  atten- 
tion to  the  plants  suitable  for  vases  and 
similar  positions,  as  well  as  to  those  which 
are  unsuitable  for  the  purpose.  I  do  not 
profess  to  give  a  complete  list  of  such  plants,  for  many 
others  might  be  added,  and  possibly  some  cultivators  may 
differ  with  me  as  regards  the  merits  and  demerits  of  those 
which  I  shall  name.  This  I  shall  be  the  last  to  find  fault 
with,  as  with  other  treatment  from  that  adopted  here  the 
plants  may  give  different  results. 

The  plants  which  I  shall  notice  are  those  suitable  for 
growing  in  vases  or  baskets  out  of  doors,  and  I  use  the 
term  growing  in  the  full  sense  of  the  word,  and  not  as 
implying  that  the  plants  may  he  reared  elsewhere,  and 
placed  in  a  vase  when  they  are  ornamental,  and  removed 
when  they  are  no  longer  so.  This  mode  of  treating 
vases  is,  I  know,  very  frequently  adopted,  and  with  good 
results  ;  but,  to  save  trouble  and  expense,  a  more  econo- 
mical plan  has  often  to  be  put  in  practice  by  those  who 
have  not  the  means  of  changing  the  plants  often.  I  shall 
therefore  confine  my  remarks  to  vases  or  baskets  which 
are  expected  to  support  during  the  whole  of  the  growing 
season  a  set  of  plants  which  must  have  a  creditable,  if  not 
gay,  appearance  throughout  that  time.  The  number  of 
plants  capable  of  fulfilling  this  requirement  is  by  no  means 
so  great  as  might  be  expected,  still  they  are  varied,  and, 
doubtless,  considerable  additions  may  be  made.  One  pro- 
perty all  such  plants  must  have  is  that  of  supporting  a 
healthy  growth  in  a  flowering  condition  on  the  smallest 
quantity  of  soil  that  can  well  be  allowed  them  ;  for  with 
the  exception  of  water  or  other  liquid,  it  is  seldom  that 
any  additional  help  can  be  given  after  they  are  once  put 
in  position.  Fragile  delicate  plants  are  also  to  be  avoided ; 
for  vases  are  often  placed  in  windy  situations ;  yet  hanging 
plants  are  indispensable,  but  they  ought  to  be  selected  with 
care.  Flowers  that  will  endure  wind  and  sun  are  also 
requisite,  and  when  plants  are  made  use  of  for  their  foliage 
they  must  be  of  the  most  robust  character.  There  are 
some  other  desirable  properties,  but  they  will  be  explained 
as  the  plants  possessing  them  come  under  notice. 

I  will  now  suppose  that  a  series  of  vases  or  tazzas  on  a 
parapet  wall  bordering  a  terrace  have  to  be  filled,  and  very 
often  such  vases  are  better  adapted  for  appearance  than 
for  the  growth  of  plants  ;  the  Grecian  tazza,  in  particular, 
being  very  shallow,  especially  near  the  edges,  yet  a  broad 
brim  or  edge  is  expected  to  he  covered  with  foliage  of  some 
kind.  Wooden  or  wire  baskets  are  sometimes  deeper,  and 
even  some  kinds  of  vases,  as  the  Warwick  and  Maltese,  are 
tolerably  deep,  still  the  extent  of  outer  surface  to  be 
partially  covered  with  pendant  plants  or  flowers  is  such 
that  the  space  allotted  for  soil  is  in  no  instance  in  excess 

No.  494.-VOI,.  SIX.,  New  Series. 


I  of  what  is  wanted.     I  have  found  by  experience  that  the  soil 
i  ought  always  to  be  of  the  soundest  description,  and  not 
'  rendered  too  light  by  its  containing  much  partially-decayed 
matter,  even  if  that  be  turf  itself,  for  a  certain  amount 
of  solidity  is  required  which  leaf  mould  and  half-decayed 
turf  does  not  possess.     One  of  the  best  mixtures  I  ever 
succeeded  in  making  for  supporting  plants  in  vases  for  a 
lengthened  time  contained  a  large  proportion  of  mud  from 
a  lawn  drain,  good  garden  soil  and  sand  being  the  other 
ingredients.     The  "  staying  "  powers  of  this  soil  were  better 
than  in  any  I  ever  tried.     Of  course  sufficient  sand  was 
added  to  make  the  whole  porous.     It  is  usual  to  supply 
vase  plants  with  manure  water  occasionally,    but  unless 
it  is  very  clear  indeed  it  tends  to  sodden  and  choke  up 
,  ordinary   soils,  it   is   therefore   advisable    not   to   be   too 
;  sparing  of  the  sand  added.     Drainage,  also,  is  an  essential 
matter,  and  some  vases  are  without  any  means  of  securing 
|  this,  and  care  must  consequently  be  taken  to  guard  against 
the  inconveniences  attending  its  absence.     A  greater  pro- 
portion of  broken  stones,  brickbats,  or  crocks  ought  to  be 
placed  at  the  bottom,  and  covered  with  some  moss  before 
the  soil  is  put  in,  so  that  all  superfluous  water  may  drain 
to  the  bottom :   judgment  must  likewise  be  exercised  in 
not  giving  more  water  than  is  necessary  to  moisten  the 
soil,  so  that  it  may  accumulate  as  little  as  possible  at  the 
bottom.      This   remark,   of  course,   only  relates   to   such 
j  vases  as  have  no  hole  at  the  bottom  by  whicfi  the  water 
1  can  drain  away.     The  modern  vases,  however,  generally 
have  some  provision  of  the  kind,  and  are  as  a  consequence 
easily  enough  managed.     In  their  case  a  few  rough  crocks 
at  the  bottom,  with  smaller  ones  over  them,  are  all  that  is 
generally  required,  and  the  shape  of  the  vases  usually  in- 
sures all  the  surplus  water  draining  to  the  proper  outlet. 

Assuming  these  matters  to  be  all  well  attended  to,  and 
each  vase  about  half-filled  with  earth,  I  will  now  proceed 
to  the  planting.  If  summer -flowering  or  other  showy 
plants  are  decided  on,  it  is  desirable  to  prepare  them  be 
forehand,  or  to  pick  from  amongst  those  intended  for  the 
flower  garden  such  as  are  most  suitable  for  the  work, 
taking  care  to  have  a  few  large  plants  for  the  centre,  with 
smaller  plants  for  the  sides.  All  should  be  fully  hardened- 
off  before  being  turned  out  in  exposed  quarters.  I  will 
now  commence  with  one  of  the  most  popular  plants  for 
the  flower  garden,  the  conservatory,  and  the  vase  or 
basket — the  Geranium. 

Geraniums. — Most  of  the  varieties  used  in  bedding  may 
be  planted  in  vases,  excepting,  perhaps,  the  dwarf  slow- 
growing  kinds,  which  ought  only  to  be  so  used  where  the 
intention  is  to  frequently  change  them  ;  and  as  the  plan 
is  more  like  exhibiting  them  in  vases  than  growing  them 
there,  I  have  at  the  commencement  of  this   paper   dis- 
avowed it.     Therefore  I  recommend  only  the  strong-grow- 
ing kinds,  of  which  there  is  an  endless  variety,  but  amongst 
,  them  some  are  better  fitted  for  the  purpose  than  others. 
The  Golden  Tricolors  do  not  always  grow  fast  enough  to 
meet  our  requirements  in  every  case  when  there  are  only 
small  plants  to  begin  with,  and  the  Silver  Tricolors  are 
I  still  more   slow  of  growth,  but  where  great  variety  is 
wanted  both  may  be  used.     A  pair  of  our  best-filled  vases 
No.  IHC.-Vol.  XLTV.,  Old  Semes. 


198 


JOURNAL  OF   HORTICULTURE   AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER.  [  Sept.mber  15,  1870. 


at  the  present  time  (the  beginning  of  September),  have  Mrs. 
Pollock  in  the  centre,  and  the  white-floweiiog  I  vj -leaved  round 
the  outside.  The  latter,  by  its  robust  character,  makes  up  for 
all  the  shortcomings  of  Mrs.  Pollook,  and  nothing  can  well 
exceed  the  profusion  of  its  pendant  shoots  with  its  glossy 
green  foliage  reflecting  the  pretty  white  blooms,  while  in  the 
interior  some  of  its  shoots  climbing  amongst  the  stems  of  Mrs. 
Pollock  improve  the  effect  rather  than  diminish  it.  In  plant- 
ing such  vases,  however,  Belect  the  best  Golden  Tricolors — that 
is  to  say,  the  largest,  with  only  small  plants  of  the  Ivy-leaved 
Geraniums,  as  the  latter  by  their  more  rapid  growth  soon  over- 
take the  former.  The  crimson-flowered  Ivy-leaf  is,  on  the 
whole,  not  so  useful  as  the  white-flowered,  but  may,  neverthe- 
less, be  often  used  with  advantage;  and  a  vase  tilled  in  the 
centre  with  a  pink-flowered  Zonal  Geranium — for  instance, 
Christine— may  have  an  edging  of  the  crimson-flowered  Ivy- 
leaved  with  perfect  propriety,  and  some  we  have  so  treated 
look  well.  We  employed  a  stronger  grower  than  Christine  for 
the  centre,  but  of  the  same  colour  ;  but  I  regard  the  Ivy-leaved 
Geraniums  as  the  most  essential  of  any  for  vase  decoration, 
and  a  good  pink-flowered  kind  is  certainly  as  useful  as  either 
the  crimson  or  white.  There  is  one  with  thick  glossy  green 
leaves  and  a  good-sized  pink  flower  that  is  occasionally  met 
with,  but  I  am  not  sure  whether  it  has  ever  been  dignified  with 
a  distinctive  name,  still  it  is  a  great  improvement  on  the  oldest 
variety  of  this  claBS,  and  makes  an  excellent  vase  plant,  pos- 
sessing the  free  growth  of  the  two  kinds  mentioned  with  flowers 
of  a  bright  pink  colour.  The  Golden  Ivy-leaf  has  also  pink 
flowers,  but  they  are  less  plentifully  produced,  and  on  the 
whole  tbe  plant  seldom  looks  so  well  as  the  sorts  just  referred 
to.  There  is  hardly  yellow  enough  in  its  foliage  to  entitle  it  to 
the  term  golden,  and  in  tbe  distance  it  rather  looks  diseased 
than  edged  with  that  rich  striking  hue,  but  it  growB  and  flowers 
freely,  and  many  persons  like  it;  an  improvement,  however, 
rendering  it  as  bright  as  Golden  Chain  is  much  wanted.  I  am 
also  constrained  to  make  a  similar  complaint  of  the  only  silver- 
edged  Ivy-leaf  I  have  used  for  the  purpose,  L'Elegante.  It 
may  have  more  merit  a*  au  omamental-foliaged  plant,  but  its 
habit  with  me  has  been  for  its  shoots  to  grow  over  and  amongst 
each  other,  and  not  strike  out  boldly  for  tbe  edge  of  the  basket 
or  vase  ;  even  where  they  are  tempted  or  constrained  to  do  so 
they  do  not  bend  down  in  the  same  graceful  way  as  the  flower- 
ing varieties  first  mentioned.  Tbe  leaves  seem  to  want  the 
weight  necessary  to  bend  the  shoots  downwards,  and  the  latter 
stick  out  horizontally  in  anything  but  a  graceful  manner.  I  am 
sorry  for  this,  for  the  fine  growth  and  other  characteristics  of 
the  plant  appear  to  claim  for  it  a  high  position  as  a  vase 
plant ;  but  as  I  regard  training,  excepting  of  the  very  simplest 
kind,  as  out  of  the  question  here,  I  am  constrained  to  place 
this  plant  lower  in  the  scale  of  useful  ones  tliau  I  should  like. 

In  weighing  the  respective  merits  of  ordinary  bedding  Gera- 
niums, the  position  of  tbe  vase  with  respect  to  other  things 
must  be  taken  into  consideration.  If  tbe  vase  should  be  so 
placed  as  to  have  a  building  of  a  light  colour  as  a  sort  of  back- 
ground, then  let  scarlet,  or  some  other  colour  approaching  it, 
prevail ;  but  if  the  background  is  of  foliage,  a  light-coloured 
flowering  Geranium  will  be  most  telling — say  pink,  blush, 
flesh-coloured,  or  white,  which  colours  stand  out  well  against 
evergrtens  and  similar  plants,  and  should  therefore  be  liberally 
employed  in  Buch  places. 

I  may  here  remark,  that  whatever  colour  is  determined  on, 
generally  the  Zonal  Geraniums  are  better  than  the  Nosegays, 
especially  late  in  the  season.  It  may  be  true  that  at  some  par- 
ticular time,  for  instance  the  month  of  August,  the  Nosegays 
may  present  a  mass  of  bloom,  which  the  others  fail  to  do  ;  but 
the  bloom  does  not  stand  the  long  dewy  nights  and  frequent 
wettings  of  the  latter  part  of  the  season.  This  observation  ap- 
plies to  plants  in  beds  as  well  as  to  those  in  vases.  I  may 
also  observe,  that  where  an  edging  of  Ivy-leaved  Geraniums 
like  those  recommended  is  used,  upright-growing  Zonals  may 
be  planted  iu  the  centre,  instead  of  those  uf  spreading  habit ; 
for  instance,  an  old  variety  called  Crystal  Palace  Scarlet  has  an 
upright  growth,  and  most  of  its  flowers  likewise  point  upwards, 
which  is  not  the  case  with  Tom  Tbumb,  neither  is  it  so  with 
Cybister  and  Stella,  popular  Nosegay  Geraniums ;  but  where 
no  edging  plant  is  used,  then  a  spreading  habit  is  indispensable. 
The  confinement  of  the  roots  of  the  plant  when  in  a  vase  checks 
all  robust  growth,  therefore  the  most  vigorous  growers  may 
often  be  planted  without  any  danger  of  grossness,  and  even  tbe 
rank  habit  of  most  of  the  double  varieties  may  be  so  much 
altered  by  confinement  that  free-flowering  specimens  will  be 
produced,  and  the  present  Beason  they  have  done  remarkably 


well  in  this  position.  Madame  and  Marie  Lemoine,  Andrew 
Henderson,  Triomphe,  and  others,  all  gross  in  habit,  have  be- 
come more  free-flowering,  and  the  almost  entire  absence  of  rain 
has,  no  doubt,  tended  to  make  the  beauty  of  the  blooms  con- 
tinue longer  than  would  have  been  the  case  in  a  moister  season. 
Their  satisfactory  flowering  this  season  entitles  them  to  be 
tried  again,  for  it  a  certain  number  of  plants  of  a  good  double 
variety  present  only  half  the  number  of  blooms  that  such  free 
flowerers  as  Orange  Nosegay,  Indian  Yellow,  Brilliant,  and  single 
varieties  of  old  date  exhibit,  the  fact  of  their  being  double  will 
insure  them  many  admirers.  Double  Geraniums  edged  with 
some  other  plant  may  be  set  down  as  well  deserving  of  notice. 
The  old-fashioned  Mangles'e  Variegated  must  not  be  forgotten, 
for  it  is  well  deserving  a  place,  although  it  does  not  withstand 
the  wind  so  well  as  the  stronger  varieties  of  the  Ivy-leaved 
section,  neither  is  its  habit  so  truly  pendant.  Most  of  the 
greenhouse  varieties  of  Pelargoniums,  as  they  are  commonly 
called  (lor  I  am  unwilling  to  apply  that  term  to  the  bedding 
Zonab),  are  not  at  all  suited  for  the  summer  decoration  of 
vases  and  baskets,  with  the  exception,  it  may  be,  of  some  of 
the  smaller-leaved  varieties  of  the  Oak-leaved  section,  of  which 
the  old  Sbrubland  Pet  might  be  regarded  as  the  type,  but  the 
shortness  of  its  flower-stalk,  aB  well  as  that  of  most  others,  is  a 
drawback  to  its  use  for  this  purpose,  except  in  some  special 
cases.  The  different  varieties  of  sweet-scented  Geraniums  are 
better  suited  for  the  mixed  border,  where  a  sprig  ma3'  he  cut  for 
eveiy  bouquet. — J.  Robson. 

(To  be  continued.) 


DAMSONS. 
Obsekyixg  a  few  weeks  since  Mr.  Robson's  remarks  on  Crit- 
tenden's Damson,  I  wrote  to  my  friend  Mr.  Roach  Smith,  at 
Stroud,  asking  him  if  the  sort  he  gave  me  a  few  years  since 
under  the  name  of  the  Cluster  Damson  was  not  the  same,  and 
I  enclose  his  reply,  which  is  as  follows  : — 

"  My  former  tenant,  the  late  William  Herbert,  informed  me  he 
noticed  for  years  that  iu  his  plantation  of  fruit  trees  opposite  my  house 
one  Damson  tree  bore  constantly,  while  tbe  others  had  fruit  only  once 
iu  two  or  three,  or  three  or  four  years,  and  tbeu  only  sparingly.  He 
then  noticed  that  the  habit  of  the  tree  was  different  from  that  of  the 
old  or  common  kind,  being  more  spreading,  while  tbe  other  grows  up 
tapering  and  loose.  But  the  grand  characteristic  is  its  enormous  crops 
of  fruit,  failing  only  once  or  so  in  ten  or  twelve  years.  It  must  have 
beeu  fully  twenty-five  years  ago  when  Herbert  discovered  this  tree  ;  and 
tbe  tree  could  uot  well  have  been  uuder  fifteen  years  old,  as  he  said  he 
always  made  £1  a-year  by  it.  But  who  is  Crittenden  ?  Did  he  not 
have  it  (if  the  same)  of  Herbert  ?  Herbert  had  no  idea  of  husbanding 
the  treasure  he  had  by  sheer  luck  got  hold  of. — C.  Roach  Smith." 

Damsons  are  undoubtedly  the  first  remove  from  the  Sloe,  for 
I  perfectly  well  remember,  some  sixty  or  seventy  3  ears  since, 
my  father  raising  a  large  number  from  seed,  thinking  to  get  Up 
a  largo  stock.  The  trees  came  into  full  bearing  when  I  was  a 
youth,  and  I  recollect  that  they  were  unfit  for  sale,  for  the 
greater  number  bore  email  round  fruit,  much  like  Sloes,  but 
with  less  roughness  and  acidity.  Among  Damsons  the  Prune 
or  Shropshire  Damson  bears  the  palm  for  flavour,  and,  if  Mr. 
Pearson  would  tell  us  about  his,  I  have  no  doubt  that  the  pro- 
duce of  his  trees  would  rival  that  of  Mr.  Crittenden.  The  Dal- 
rymple  Damson  has  the  downy  leaves  of  the  Prune  Damson, 
but  is  of  Btiffer  growth  ;  it  is  Scotch,  and  very  hardy.  Here 
we  have  the  English  Damson  larger  than  the  Prune  or  the 
Cluster,  and  really  good.  I  have  suckers  from  trees  planted 
by  my  great  grandfather  about  1730. 

The  American  Damson  was  so  highly  eulogised  by  the  late 
C.  J.  Downing  some  years  ago,  and  I  was  so  taken  by  his  vivid 
description,  that  I  imported  trees  from  America  and  planted 
a  hedge  300  or  400  yards  long.  The  trees  are  about  twenty 
odd  years  old  ;  tbe  fruit,  now  nearly  ripe,  is  round,  and  good 
in  flavour  without  roughness,  but  it  does  not  bear  so  well 
as  the  Cluster  or  the  Prune  Damson.  Another  Damson  I  re- 
ceived from  Mr.  Varden  under  a  name  common  in  Hertfordshire 
many  years  ago,  but  now  not  known  ;  this  is  the  "Damascene." 
It  is  larger  than  any  other  Damson.  The  Bedfordshire  Damson 
makes  its  appearance  in  Covent  Garden  in  October ;  this  is 
nearly  or  quite  as  large  as  the  Damascene.  I  was  much  struck 
with  the  lateness  and  goodness  of  this  kind,  and  I  wrote  to 
Leighton  Buzzard  for  a  dozen  trees.  They  were  sent.  Most 
uncouth  suckers  they  were.  This  year  they  are  bearing  fruit. 
Two  or  three  are  common  small  Damsons ;  tbe  others  are  bo- 
tanical curiosities,  being  versions  of  our  wild  Plum,  some  red, 
some  gveen,  hut  all  worthless. 


September  15,  1870.  ) 


JOUBNAL    OF   HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


199 


So  mnoh  for  Bedfordshire  Damsons.  A  DamsonT  introduced 
from  Germany  some  years  since  is  very  remarkable.  I  have 
named  it  the  Sweet  Damson.  It  is  a  lump  of  sugar,  and 
shrivels  on  the  tree,  it  then  eats  like  a  small  rich  Frenoh  Plum. 
Eugene  Fiirst  is  its  German  name.  It  is.  however,  damsonian 
in  habit.  Another  vaiiety  with  downy  leaves  is  peculiar  to  the 
valley  of  the  Severn  near  Gloucester,  where  it  "  makes  a  for- 
tune "  for  the  growers.  It  is  a  variety  of  the  Violet  Plum,  but 
ripens  a  fortnight  or  more  after  the  Early  Violet.  I  have 
named  this  the  Summer  Damson  ;  it  is  excellent  for  tarts  and 
puddings,  as  are  all  the  tribe.  Lastly,  we  have  the  White 
Damson,  a  very  old  sort.  There  are  several  varieties  of  this; 
the  best  among  them  gives  handsome  yellow  fruit,  and  is  really 
good.  A  tree  trained  to  a  S.W.  wall  in  my  son's  garden  gives 
fruit  as  large  as  moderate-sized  Green  Gages,  and  he  says 
they  are  as  good,  having  a  charming,  unkillable,  yet  agreeable 
acidity. — Tnos.  Rivers. 


GERANIUMS   AND   OTHER    BEDDING    PLANTS 

IN   1870. 

The  season  being  far  advanced,  I  send  a  few  notes  on  bed- 
ding plants  as  grown  here,  trusting  they  will  be  found  useful 
by  those  who,  like  myself,  have  little  space  for  wintering 
bedding  plants,  and  yet  have  a  great  number  of  beds  to  fill. 

By  way  of  preface,  I  must  state  that  I  do  not  wait  for  any 
particular  time  after  July  comes  in  for  putting  in  cuttings  of 
Geraniums.  I  take  them  off  as  early  as  possible,  as  by  doing  so 
the  beds  present  a  more  uniform  appearance  during  the  grow- 
ing season  ;  and  should  I  not  have  pat  in  sufficient  cuttings  by 
the  third  week  of  August,  I  find  it  an  easy  matter  to  seenre  a 
great  number  without  spoiling  the  appearance  of  the  beds.  On 
the  other  hand,  by  letting  the  plants  grow  at  will  till  August,  and 
pntting  in  the  cuttings  at  once,  both  the  neatness  of  the  beds 
and  the  flowers  are  spoilt.  Cuttings  inserted  in  beds  out  of 
doors  require  but  little  attention,  and  make  bushy  plants  with 
plenty  of  hard  wood.  Syringing  at  night  is  all  the  care  they 
need,  and  though  they  will  flag  in  the  bright  sunshine,  do  not 
Bhade  them,  nor  give  them  water. 

I  will  now  begin  with  the  different  Variegated  Geraniums. 
The  first  on  my  list  is  Luna,  a  bronze  ;  it  is  a  really  splendid 
bedding  plant  when  used  in  a  bed  or  mass  by  itself.  By  no 
other  Geranium  is  the  same  effect  produced,  and  unlike  most 
of  the  Variegated  or  Tricolor  kinds,  it  is  not  necessary  to  take 
off  the  flowers.  I  do  not  like  it  in  ribbon  borders,  except  when 
planted  in  a  double  row.  Too  much  cannot  be  said  in  praise 
of  this  variety  ;  it  is  a  Geranium  that  can  be  kept  through 
the  winter  well,  being  as  hardy,  or  nearly  so,  as  Tom  Thumb. 
This  quality  is  a  great  consideration,  and  though  the  leaves 
become  nearly  green  during  the  dark  months,  they  regain  their 
beautiful  colours  in  spring,  or  sooner  if  placed  in  gentle  heat. 
Luna  is  also  very  readily  propagated  either  in  autumn  or 
spring.  My  mode  of  doing  so  is  to  take  up  the  old  plants  in 
October,  pot  them  in  moderately  rich  compost,  leaving  the  tops 
on,  and  to  place  them  in  January  or  February  in  an  early 
vinery.  As  soon  as  they  are  fairly  growing  I  take  off  the  tops. 
Luna  is  but  a  moderate  grower,  but  very  compact.  A  few 
cuttings  inserted  in  thumb-pots  in  August,  kept  growing 
throughout  the  winter,  and  potted  in  4-iDch  pots  in  February, 
make  useful  decorative  plants  for  the  conservatory.  Beauty  of 
Oulton  must  give  way  to  Luna  both  for  foliage  and  flowers,  but 
is  useful  as  a  pot  plant. 

Mrs.  Pollock,  a  well-known  Golden  Tricolor  variety,  is  un- 
doubtedly good,  but  the  flowers  should  never  be  allowed  to 
remain,  as  I  consider  the  beautiful  markings  of  the  leaves  are 
lost  when  the  blossoms  are  preserved.  To  prove  this  I  ask 
any  of  your  correspondents  who  are  growing  Mrs.  Pollock  to 
allow  the  plants  of  one  bed  to  flower,  to  pull  the  flowers  off  the 
other,  and  to  note  the  difference.  This  is  an  excellent  bedding 
plant,  of  much  quicker  growth  than  Luna,  and  inclined  to  be 
loose  in  habit,  though  this  defect  is  remedied  by  taking  the 
long  shoots  off,  and  putting  them  in  as  cuttings.  It  requires 
a  little  heat  and  but  little  water,  in  fact  the  less  the  better, 
to  keep  it  through  the  winter.  I  find  autumn-struck  cuttings 
keep  better  than  the  old  plants,  and  are  less  troublesome.  Sun- 
set is  but  a  poor  bedder,  though  useful  for  pot-cultnre. 

Cloth  of  Gold  has  done  well  with  me,  but  I  have  decided  to 
discard  it,  and  replace  it  with  Crystal  Palace  Gem.  The  latter 
is  a  decided  acquisition,  the  foliage  being  good  and  the  flowers 
and  habit  better.  A  bed  of  it  is  very  striking,  the  rose-coloured 
flowers  showing  it  off  to  perfection.     It  should  be  kept  rather 


dry  during  the  winter,  and  is  apt  to  become  nearly  green  unless 
it  is  in  a  warm  atmosphere. 

I  now  come  to  a  different  section — the  Silver  Variegated,  of 
which  Flower  of  Spring  Bhall  be  the  firet  noticed.  This  is  really 
a  first-class  variety  both  in  respect  to  its  habit,  which  is  un- 
surpassed, and  its  flowers,  which  are  fine.  It  may  be  classed 
with  Luna  for  keeping  in  the  winter;  it  is  also  readily  propa- 
gated in  spring,  and  I  find  cuttings  struck  then  do  as  well  as, 
or  better  than,  antumn-strnck  cuttings  or  old  plants.  Bijou, 
which  has  been  useful  in  its  time,  has  seen  its  day  with  me ; 
it  has  a  good  silver  variegation,  but  the  habit  is  wretched. 
Flower  of  the  Day,  a  good  old  variety,  is  still  useful,  though 
inferior  to  Flower  of  Spring. 

Italia  Unita  is  a  lovely  variety.  Too  much  cannot  be  said  in 
praise  of  it.  The  habit  is  unique,  and  the  colour  of  the 
leaves  beautiful ;  it  blooms  freely,  and  the  flowers  are  good. 
It  should  be  planted  rather  thickly,  so  as  to  make  a  display  at 
once,  for  it  is  a  rather  slow  grower.  It  is  also  a  good  kind  for 
keeping  through  the  winter,  either  as  cuttings  or  old  plants. 
The  old  plants,  lifted  in  October,  potted  in  light  rich  soil,  and 
kept  growing  steadily  during  the  winter,  make  a  grand  show 
for  the  conservatory  in  March  or  April,  and  can  then  be 
hardened-off  and  planted-out  as  usual. 

Countess  of  Warwick  is  good  for  pot-culture,  but  makes  too 
much  growth  with   me  to  be  useful  for  bedding.     Lady  Ply- 
mouth is  still  a  favourite  of  mine,  though  it  is  difficult  to  keep 
it  in  winter,  the  autumn-struck  cuttings  doing  best.     It  is 
useful  for  mixing  in  bouquets,  and  is  very  fragrant.     Mangles'a 
Variegated,  though  old,  is  still  unequalled  as  an  edging  plant, 
!  and  its  treatment  is  very  simple.     In  October  I  lift  a  few  old 
I  plants,  plaoe  them  in  small  pots,  and  keep  them  rather  dry 
;  during  the  winter  ;  early  in  the  year  I  place  them  in  an  early 
1  vinery,  they  afford  abundance  of  cutiings,  and  spring-struck 
cuttings  of  this  variety  are  better  marked  than  old  plants  and 
autumn-struck  cuttings.     Attention  must  he  paid  to  pegging 
it  down,  otherwise  it  soon  grows  out  of  bounds,  being  of  very 
free  growth. 

I  now  come  to  the  Nosegays,  of  which  Stella  stands  un- 
doubtedly first  as  regards  its  flowers,  the  trusses  of  which 
are  enormous,  its  habit,  its  foliage,  and  its  hardiness.  It  is 
easy  of  propagation,  but  this  should  be  done  in  the  autumn. 
It  is  so  well  known  that  I  need  say  no  more  respecting  it. 
With  respect  to  Lady  Constance  Grosvenor,  I  must  wait  till 
j  another  season  before  I  say  much  of  its  qualifications,  though 
so  far  there  is  nothing  to  say  against  it.  Lord  Palmerston, 
another  well-known  variety,  though  rather  loose  in  its  truss,  is 
j  still  worth  growiog,  and  is  one  of  the  best  for  pot  culture. 

Of  the  Zonals,   I  will    first  notice  an  old   variety,   and   a 

;  favourite  with  me — Ivery's  Masterpiece,  which  I  have  not  seen 

■  grown  for  some  years.     I  consider  it  very  effective  in  foliage, 

;  and  the  white  flower  stems  with  good  trusses  of  light  scarlet 

flowers  are  very  showy.     I  hope  to  have  a  good  stock  of  it  by 

i  May,  having  now  abont  a  hundred  rooted  cuttings  ready  for 

I  potting.     The  wood  being  very  soft,  it  must  be  kept  rather  dry 

during  the  winter.     Autumn-struck  cuttings  potted  aa  soon  as 

!  rooted  make  useful  decorative  plants  for  the  conservatory.     It 

j  is  very  early-flowering.     No  manure  should  be  used  where  it  ia 

intended  to  plant  this  kind. 

Beauty  of  Calderdale  I  believe  will  be  the  best  of  its  class, 
but  I  will  wait  till  another  season  before  I  say  much  abont  it. 
Madame  Vaucber  does  well  here  in  light  soil.  It  is  one  of  the 
first  to  bloom  in  spriDg  if  kept  in  small  pots  :  it  is,  therefore, 
useful  for  the  greenhouse  or  conservatory.  Mrs.  William  Paul 
is  an  excellent  variety  for  pots,  but  not  of  much  value  for  bed- 
diDg.  Of  Rose  Rendatler  I  must  say  the  same.  Roi  d'ltalie 
is  good,  but  to  keep  it  bushy  it  should  have  the  tops  pinched 
off  early  in  summer ;  it  is  free-blooming,  and  very  effective. 
William  Underwood  is  good,  though  inclined  to  make  more 
wood  than  flowers.  The  same  holds  true  of  Dr.  Lindley  and 
Clipper,  each  of  which  is  good  for  pot  culture.  Christine  is 
still  useful  ;  in  fact,  I  have  not  seen  anything  to  equal  it  for 
blooming,  though  it  requires  constant  attention  in  picking,  as 
it  soon  becomes  seedy.  The  cuttings  should  not  be  put  in 
later  than  August,  and  should  be  potted  as  soon  as  rooted,  and 
have  every  attention  to  keep  them  from  damping.  Trentham 
Rose  is  another  good  old  variety,  very  free-blooming,  of  a  good 
colour  and  good  habit.  This  is  a  good,  useful  variety,  and  re- 
quires about  the  same  treatment  as  Christine  in  the  winter. 
Tom  Thumb,  though  good,  is  too  well  known  to  need  comment. 
Little  David  I  like  ;  it  is  dwarfer  than  Tom  Thumb,  as  free  in 
blooming,  and  is  readily  known  by  its  white  eye. 

In  concluding  my  remarks  on  Geraniums,  I  must  say  that 


200 


JODKNAL   OF  HORTICULTUKE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  September  15,  1870. 


with  me  they  are  favourites,  and  it  will  be  some  time  before 
they  can  be  surpassed,  especially  the  Bronze,  Tricolor,  Bicolor, 
and  Silver  Variegated,  kinds  of  which  the  foliage  is  a  show 
without  mentioning  the  flowers. 

I  now  pass  to  some  other  good  bedding  plants.  The  first 
shall  be  Lobelia  speciosa,  which  still  holds  the  sway  as  a  dwarf 
blue-flowering  plant;  it  comes  in  flower  early,  and  is  the  last 
to  go  out  of  bloom.  Its  treatment  is  very  simple.  In  October 
I  lift  a  few  plants  from  self-sown  seeds,  of  which  there  are 
plenty  in  the  beds,  prick  them  out  in  square  pans,  keep  them 
from  frost  during  winter,  and  place  them  in  gentle  heat ;  it  is 
then  propagated  as  freely  as  a  weed.  This  method  is  preferable 
to  sowing  seed  in  spring. 

Calceolaria  Aurea  floribunda,  and  Prince  of  Orange,  are  both 
useful  and  effective  plants  ;  the  latter  is  more  liable  to  damp- 
off  in  winter  than  the  former,  but  care  should  be  taken  to  keep 
the  cuttings  dry  when  put  in,  shutting  them  up  closely  in 
the  day  for  the  first  week  to  prevent  their  flagging,  and  giving 
ventilation  at  night. 

Ageratum  mexicanum  is  also  good  where  there  is  room  for  it. 
A  pan  of  cuttings  put  in  during  this  month,  and  kept  from 
frost,  will  afford  plenty  of  cuttings  in  spring.  The  same  remark 
is  true  of  Gazania  splendens,  which  still  holds  a  place  in 
my  garden,  though  it  closes  its  blooms  in  rainy  or  cloudy 
weather.  Viola  cornuta  Perfection  is  very  fine  with  me,  though 
my  stock  is  limited  ;  still  I  hope  to  have  a  good  quantity  of  it 
for  next  season.  So  far  nothing  has  approached  it  in  beauty, 
excepting  Lobelia  speciosa,  and  even  that  is  not  equal  to  it,  the 
blooms  of  Perfection  being  large  and  of  a  good  colour,  it  is  also 
very  coustaut  in  blooming.  I  consider  this  plant  well  named. 
Viola  lutea  grandiflora  has  done  well  here;  it  is  very  dwarf, 
and  bears  an  abundance  of  yellow  flowers.  I  think  a  bed  of  it 
will  look  well. 

Iresine  LiDdenii  is  with  me  another  gem  ;  the  colour  is 
splendid,  and  it  withstands  the  hot,  dry  weather  without  flinch- 
ing. This  will  prove  the  best  coloured  plant  grown.  Iresine 
Herbstii  I  have  thrown  away ;  it  is  not  to  be  compared  with 
I.  Lindenii,  though  it  is  useful  for  pots  and  baskets.  Dactylis 
glomerata  variegata  is  a  good  edgiDg  plant,  and  is  easily  pro- 
pagated, for  the  old  plants  can  be  kept  in  a  very  small  space  in 
the  winter,  and  in  spring  can  be  divided  by  dozens.  It  will 
also  stand  the  winter  if  left  in  the  ground.  Abutilon  Thomp- 
sonii  is  very  showy,  and  is  likely  to  do  well  bedded  here. 
Seduin  sempervirens  is  a  neat,  compact  plant  for  small  beds  or 
rockeries,  but  it  will  be  some  time  before  it  and  Echeveria 
nietallica  be  established  as  favourites.  Pyrethrum  Golden 
Feather  has  only  been  moderately  good  with  me,  but  I  think 
it  is  owing  to  my  treatment  of  it.  I  put  in  cuttings  of  it  in 
October  with  the  Calceolarias,  and  the  consequence  is  they 
have  nearly  all  flowered,  which  spoils  it. 

ComiDg  now  to  hardier  plants,  Arabis  variegata  is  a  good 
plant  for  edgings,  but  the  flowers  should  be  pinched  out  as  soon 
as  seen.  Cerastium  tomentosum  is  still  good,  but  requires  to 
be  divided  in  spring;  if  left  more  than  a  year  without  replant- 
ing it  becomes  very  rough,  and  is  not  like  the  same  plant. 
Pentstemon  magnificum  is  a  good  hardy  blue-floweiing  plant 
in  a  mixed  garden  or  for  borders. 

I  have  now  given  the  names  and  the  winter  treatment  of  the 
bedding  plants  which  succeed  well  at  this  place,  three  miles 
from  Manchester.  I  have  purposely  avoided  annuals,  as  I  con- 
sider them  out  of  place  in  the  flower  garden  proper,  though  ex- 
tremely useful  for  borders  and  clumps ;  still  Saponaria  C9,la- 
brica  sown  in  pans  or  boxes  in  spring,  pricked  out  as  soon  as 
the  plants  can  be  handled,  and  well  hardened-off,  is  very  useful 
and  neat. 

In  conclusion,  I  would  say  there  is  nothing  like  sti iking 
Geraniums  early  and  potting  when  ready,  half  a  dozen  well- 
established  plants  being  worth  a  score  of  weak,  sickly  cul tings 
placed  in  boxes  and  kept  anywhere  but  in  the  right  place. 
Speaking  from  my  own  practice,  cuttings  should  all  be  in, 
at  the  latest,  in  August,  and  potted-ofj  in  September.  Every- 
thing should  be  well  hardened-off  by  the  middle  of  May  at  the 
latest,  and  then  planted  out, the  hardeningoff  the  plants  simply 
meaning  the  well-being  of  the  flower  garden  for  the  summer. 
— Stephen  Castle,  The  Gardens,  Bent  Hill,  Prestwich. 


RED  BEET  FOR  A  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

Ma.  Gotto  must  have  made  the  mistake  of  not  getting  the 
right  sort  of  Beet.  I  purchased  a  packet  of  seed  from  Messrs. 
Osborn,  of  Fulham,  sowed  it  on  a  gentle  hotbed,  and  pricked 


out  a  hundred  plants  in  a  border.  The  effect  has  been  all  that 
could  be  wished ;  every  plant  has  come  true  to  its  colour,  and 
has  remained  about  10  inches  high  in  my  rich  soil.  I  have 
Coleus,  Iresine,  Amaranthus,  and  Perilla  planted  out,  but 
Osborn's  Select  Red  Beet  has  far  surpassed  them  in  every  re- 
spect ;  in  future  it  will  be  a  regular  bedding  plant  with  me. 
Its  effect  in  a  bed  with  Centaurea  candidissima  is  superb. — 
Stiff  Soil. 


BEDDING  PLANTS   IN   THE   NOB.TH   OF 
ENGLAND— LAWN   MOWERS. 

I  send  you  a  few  notes  of  how  bedding  plants  have  done  here 
this  hot  summer,  as  such  notes  from  others  are  always  useful 
to  me. 

Of  Geraniums,  Waltham  Seedling  surpasses  anything  else 
among  the  scarlets,  and  is  all  that  could  be  wished.  Christine 
is  also  beautiful  in  its  colour.  I  have  tried  Lord  Derby,  but 
the  caterpillars  are  too  fond  of  it,  and  damage  it  to  its  de- 
struction. I  have  likewise  tried  the  Double  Tom  Thumb,  but  it 
does  not  bloom  freely  enough,  and  is  not  effective  in  colour. 
Gold  and  Bronze  Geraniums  have  been  much  greener  than  last 
year;  they  do  better  with  plenty  of  moisture.  Gloire  de 
Nancy  is  of  no  use  out  of  doors,  even  as  a  centre  ;  it  runs  to 
leaf,  and  the  trusses  become  small.  Verbenas  have  succeeded 
better  without  water,  and  were  most  beautiful  when  it  was 
hottest.  Lobelia  is  a  short-lived  flower,  and  if  plants  are 
forward  enough  to  bloom  in  June,  they  are  out  of  bloom  at  the 
end  of  August.  Calceolarias  have  been  a  failure  this  year, 
except  where  well  watered.  I  think  they  cannot  have  too  much 
water.  Iresine  Lindeni  looks  beautiful  when  well  watered,  and 
edged  with  Golden  Feather  Pyrethrum,  as  it  is  here.  Echeveria 
metalliea  is  not  effective  when  mixed  with  such  as  the  above. 

May  I  add  a  word  about  lawn  mowers,  from  a  theoretical 
point  of  view  ?  It  appears  obvious  that  a  machine  which  makes 
few  cuts  per  yard  must  necessarily  rib  the  glass  more  than  one 
which  makes  many  ;  the  only  question  (which  is  a  practical 
one)  is,  whether  the  ribbing  of  any  particular  machine  is  suffi- 
cient to  be  objectionable.  Second,  that  such  a  machine  must 
be  easier  to  work,  as  it  does  less  ;  the  only  question  is,  whether 
the  other  is  too  hard  to  work  when  the  grass  is  short.  Third, 
that  a  machine  with  many  knives  must  necessarily  be  able  to 
cut  the  grass  shorter,  and  by  hard  work  it  is  able  to  cut  it 
when  long.  The  conclusion  from  these  considerations  is,  that 
the  old  machines  alone  can  bring  a  lawn  to  the  highest  state  of 
finish,  such  as  is  required  for  croquet,  while  the  new  must  be 
a  great  boon  to  those  who  have  a  large  spaoe  to  keep  in  order, 
and  where  the  close-cutting  of  the  old  machines  would  be 
thrown  away.  So  in  a  large  establishment  both  may  be  in- 
dispensable, since  neither  can  do  satisfactorily  the  work  of  the 
other.— J.  F.  B.,  York. 


METROPOLITAN  FLORAL  SOCIETY- 
CHAPMAN'S  FLOWER  CASES. 
Having  seen  the  report  of  the  first  show  of  the  Metropo- 
litan Floral  Society,  I,  for  one,  shall'be  most  happy  to  aid  the 
Rev.  H.  H.  Dombrain  in  his  praiseworthy  efforts  to  encourage 
the  cultivation  of  the  pets  of  my  childhood,  supposing  that 
those  gems  of  the  old-fashioned  country  and  cottage  gardens 
will  be  permitted  a  place  in  the  metropolitan  shows.  I  refer 
to  the  spring  flowers — Pansies,  Ranunculuses,  the  gay  and 
brilliant  Anemones,  and  the  lovely  Auriculas.  As  we  hope  to 
have  the  support  of  our  country  cousins  in  this  good  work,  I 
must  remind  them  that  distance,  or  fear  of  their  pets  being 
injured  in  transit  or  flagging  from  want  of  natural  provision 
(water),  is  now  a  secondary  consideration,  for  by  the  intro- 
duction of  Chapman's  patent  case  flowers  may  be  sent  hun- 
dreds of  miles  without  being  injured.  To  prove  what  I  say  is 
correct,  I,  as  an  amateur  of  very  humble  pretensions,  sent  from 
this  place  (Gloucester)  to  the  Worcestershire  Show,  held  at 
Kidderminster  on  the  30th  of  last  month,  in  one  of  these 
patent  cases  six  bunches  of  flowers,  and  on  their  return  on 
Monday  morning  the  5th  inst.,  finding  them  in  such  good  pre- 
servation, sent  through  a  friend  to  the  Crystal  Palace  Show 
on  the  Gth  of  tins  month,  where  they  remained  the  three 
days,  and  look  well  this  morning  after  having  been  in  the 
case  ten  days,  and  travelled  above  three  hundred  miles ! 
I  suppose  an  advertisement  of  the  Society  will  soon  appear. 
Wben  it  does  I  shall  be  happy  to  subscribe  my  mite,  and  do 
all  I  can  to  induce  others  to  follow  my  example  ;  for,  depend 


September  15,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


201 


upon  it,  those  who  spend  their  leisure  hours  in  the  cultivation 
of  flowers  will  have  their  minds  guided  to  higher  thoughts, 
and  set  a  good  example  to  all  around  them. — L.  W. 


MANDEVILLA   SUAYEOLENS   HARDY. 

Lovers  of  this  most  beautiful  and  useful  plant  should  more 
frequently  try  to  grow  it  out  of  doors.  I  believe  that  with  care, 
and  good  judgment  in  selecting  a  proper  position,  it  will  thrive 
in  many  parts  of  England.  1  have  this  summer  seen  it  grow- 
ing at  three  or  four  different  places  that  I  have  visited  ;  but 
just  before  I  left  Lillesden  I  called  upon  my  friend  Mr.  Jack, 
of  Battle  Abbey,  in  Sussex,  and  among  the  many  choice  things 
he  showed  me  was  a  large  plant  of  the  Mandevilla  growing 
against  the  walls  of  the  old  Abbey.  It  was  so  luxuriant,  and 
flowering  so  freely,  as  to  quite  surprise  me;  the  foliage  was 
very  large  and  healthy,  which  is  very  different  from  the  state 
in  which  it  is  many  limes  found  when  the  plant  is  under  glass  ; 
the  flowers  were  fine  and  white,  and  the  clusters  large.  If  my 
memory  does  not  deceive  me,  there  were  two  plants  growing 
against  the  wall.  The  larger  one  was  planted  about  twelve 
years  ago,  and  it  covered  many  square  feet  of  the  old  abbey 
wall ;  the  smaller  plant  was  a  seedling  raised  from  tho  old  one, 
and  was  planted  by  Mr.  Jack  about  seven  years  ago  ;  it,  too, 
was  in  a  perfectly  healthy  condition,  and  flowering  freely. 
Roth  plants,  Mr.  jack  told  me,  withstood  last  winter's  frost 
uninjured  without  tho  protecting  material  that  was  usually  put 
over  the  plants.  Perhaps  they  were  a  little  sheltered  from  the 
cold  and  cutting  winds  by  tho  large  stone  buttresses  that  stand 
at  regular  intervals  a'ong  the  front  of  the  Abbey,  but  even 
these  were  no  defence  against  last  winter's  frost ;  and  the  par- 
ticularly healthy  appearance  of  the  plants,  after  what  some 
would  call  an  unnatural  treatment,  I  thought  was  not  only 
worth  notice  as  an  unusual  circumstance,  but  also  as  suggestive 
of  the  question  whether  we  give  the  plant  its  proper  treatment- 
nnder  glass.  Except  in  a  few  places,  I  have  seldom  seen  a 
healthy  plant  growing  under  such  protection ;  red  spider  and 
thrips  appear  to  be  its  greatest  enemies,  especially  if  the  roots 
are  confined  in  too  small  a  space,  in  which  case  the  plants 
seldom  thrive  or  flower  satisfactorily  ;  and  as  to  growing 
plants  in  pots,  I  have  never  found  it  worth  trying — the 
growth  the  plants  make  is  not  strong  enough  to  produce  more 
than  three  or  four  flowers  where  there  ought  to  be  large  clusters. 
In  my  opinion  the  Mandevilla  wants  plenty  of  rooting  space 
in  a  well-drained,  deep,  rich  soil,  abundance  of  water  when 
growing,  both  at  the  root  and  overhead,  care  to  thin  out  the 
shoots  when  growing,  and,  finally,  every  means  to  be  adopted 
to  well  ripen  the  wood  before  the  leaves  fall. 

There  are  adorning  the  Abbey  walls  many  other  choice 
plants  which  are  not  commonly  met  with  elsewhere  in  such 
positions  ;  the  vigorous  growth  and  free  flowering  of  most  are 
remarkable.  The  early  maturation  of  the  wood  is  apparent. 
also  that  the  roots  are  in  a  comfortable  medium.  The  latter 
condition  is  no  doubt  in  a  great  measure  owing  to  the  immense 
quantity  of  soil  brought  there  to  form  the  upper  terrace,  which 
is  well  drained,  and  to  the  great  depth  and  age  of  the  material 
forming  the  foundations  of  the  Abbey,  and  which  the  roots  of 
the  plants  are  induced  to  penetrate. — Thomas  Record,  Batfield 
Gardens. 

A  STANDARD  EARLY  YORK  PEACH. 
On  the  8th  of  September  I  gathered  the  last  of  thirty-one 
Peaches  from  a  small  pyramid  tree  that  has  been  standing 
without  any  protection  throughout  tho  winter  and  spring  ;  they 
were  rather  small,  but  of  excellent  flavour  and  perfectly  ripe. 
I  should  mentiun  that  the  variety  is  the  Early  York.  About 
fifteen  days  prior  to  this  I  gathered  the  fruit  of  Rivers's  Early 
York  from  a  tree  against  an  oak  fence,  so  there  was  not  much 
difference  in  the  ripening  as  regards  protection,  Rivers's  variety 
being  said  to  be  about  ten  days  earlier.  I  know  that  this  is 
not  the  first  time  the  above  Peach  has  ripened  its  fruit  without  a 
wall  or  protection,  but  I  thought  I  would  call  attention  to  it, 
as  others  might  like  to  try  a  bush  or  a  pyramid  where  they 
had  little  or  no  wall  to  spare. — Harrison  Weir,  Weirleigh,  Kent. 


ROYAL   HORTICULTURAL   SOCIETY. 

We  noticed  in  our  last  issue  that  the  Society  had  resolved 
to  hold  its  country  exhibilion  in  1871  at  Nottingham.  On 
Thursday,  September  1st,  a  supplementary  meeting  to  that 
reported  by  us  at  page  159  was  held  in  the  Mayor's  parlour 


at  Nottingham  to  consider  certain  important  details  and  ar- 
rangements. AmoDgst  those  present  were  Mr.  E.  J.  Lowe, 
Mr.  Pearson,  of  Chilwell,  and  Mr.  Ingram,  of  Belvoir  Castle 
Gardens.  From  the  thoroughly  earnest  manner  of  all  present, 
and  the  announcement  of  the  numerous  promises  already  made 
of  liberal  sums  towards  a  guarantee  fund,  it  is  very  probable 
that  a  most  successful  provincial  exhibition  will  at  length  be 
held  by  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society. 


THE   METROPOLITAN   FLORAL    SOCIETY'S 

FIRST   SHOW. 
ALTHoron  your  reporter  has  already  given  a  full  report  of 
this  wonderful  exhibilion,  yet  I  cannot  allow  it  to  pass  without 
recording  a  few  observations  which  have  struck  me  as  connected 
with  it. 

1.  It  proves  conclusively  that  the  race  of  florists  is  not  dead  or 
buried  under  the  superincumbent  mass  of  bedding-out  plants, 
or  sick  at  heart  through  the  unworthy  attacks  if  those  who  are 
now  far  too  magnificent  to  allow  themselves  to  be  styled  florists. 
Never  had  a  more  unfavourable  reason  been  experienced  by 
florists.  The  long-continued  drought  had  not  only  made  it 
indeed  a  labour  of  love  to  attend  to  the  wautsof  their  flowers,  but 
it  had  so  forced  prematurely  into  bloom  many  such  as  the 
Hollyhock  and  Gladiolus,  that  some  advised  we  should  post- 
pone the  show  for  a  year,  as  it  was  not  possible  that  we  could 
obtain  flowers  ;  yet,  withal,  the  skill  and  perseverance  of  the 
poor  despised  florist  conquered  nil  difficulties.  It  required  no 
small  amount  of  constant  :are  and  attention,  watering,  shading, 
Sec. ;  but  florists  are  a  hard-working  race,  they  take  pride  in 
their  pets,  and  the  result  was  the  grandest  show  of  cut  flowers 
ever  held. 

2.  It  shows  the  great  advance  that  has  been  imperceptibly 
made  in  the  quality  of  florists'  flowers.  In  talking  about  the 
show  to  many  people  before  it  was  held  one  gentleman  remarked, 
"  The  Dahlia — ah  !  there's  nothing  to  be  done  with  that ;  you 
can't  improve  upon  it."  Yet  I  venture  to  say  such  stands  of 
flowers  as  were  shown  at  the  Palace  were  never  exhibited 
before.  We  sometimes  look  back  on  the  past,  all  with  the  old 
feeling,  laudator  temporia  acti,  and  think  that  no  days  were  like 
those;  but  could  we  conjure  up  a  stand  of  forty-eight  Dahlias 
such  as  used  to  be  Bhown  at  the  Surrey  Gardens  in  days  gone 
by,  and  place  them  alongside  of  those  Mr.  Keynes  or  Mr.  May 
exhibited  last  week,  I  venture  to  say  horror  would  seize  us  to 
think  we  could  ever  have  praised  those  older  flowers.  The 
Gladiolus,  too,  was  unknown  theu  save  in  a  few  now-discarded 
flowers,  and  what  a  gorgeous  addition  they  are  to  an  autumn 
show  !  How  magnificent  the  spikes  of  Mr.  Kelway  and  Messrs. 
Stuart  &  Meiu  !  Hollyhocks,  too,  thanks  to  Mr.  Chater,  Messrs. 
Downie,  Laird,  &  Laing,  Mr.  Hawke,  and  others,  are  as  dif- 
ferent from  the  flowers  of  those  days  as  light  from  darkness ; 
and  although  we  have  been  running  ra'her  too  much  on  light 
and  undecided  colours,  yet  some  magnificent  scarlets  and  dark 
flowers  were  exhibited  the  other  day.  My  experience  goes  back 
now  through  a  good  many  years.  I  have  visited  many  autumn 
shows,  and  I  unhesitatingly  declare  that  such  a  show  was  never 
before  held  in  or  near  the  metropolis. 

3.  It  shows  clearly  that  if  prizes  are  offered,  good  in  amount 
and  reasonably  adjusted,  you  will  induce  competitors  to  come 
forward  from  all  parts.  By  "reasonably  adjusted"  I  mean 
giving  small  growers  a  chance  —  not  putting  the  nursery- 
man who  has  his  hundred  acres  on  a  par  with  the  man  who 
has  only  a  dozen,  or  the  amateur  who  grows  fifty  or  a  hundred 
Dahlias  with  one  who  grows  three  or  four  times  the  number. 
In  proof  of  this  let  me  say  that  the  entries  were  over  two  hun- 
dred ;  that  the  best  twenty-four  Gladiolus  came  all  the  way 
from  Kelso,  and  the  best  twelve  Asters  from  Sboreditch,  two 
very  opposite  localities.  And  that  the  Show  was  all  I  have 
stated  may  be  gathered  from  the  following  comparative  table — 

Exhibition  of  lb70.  Last  Autumn  Show  at  Crystal  Palace. 

Dahlias    85  entries  24  entries. 

Asters  83  .   6 

Hollyhocks ....  18  5 

Verbenas 8  2 

Gladiolus 12  5 

This  is,  I  think,  conclusive ;  and  as  to  quality,  the  opinion  has 
been  very  decidedly  expressed  by  all  who  visited  the  Show,  that 
it  was  really  wonderful. 

And  now  as  to  our  future.  I  cannot  but  look  forward  hope- 
fully ;  and  for  the  success  that  has  been  attained  I  have  to 
thank  many  kind  friends.  The  Judges,  who  were  the  very 
best  that  could  be  obtained,  gave  their  services  gratuitously,  and 


202 


JOURNAL  OF   HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  September  15,  1870. 


worked  with  a  hearty  good  will ;  the  exhibitors  were  courteous 
and  thankful  for  the  exertions  made,  and  were  neither  the 
rogues  nor  simpletons  some  have  tried  to  paint  them ;  and  I 
need  not  add  that  my  friend  Mr.  Wilkinson  gave  every  aid  that 
courtesy  and  kindly  feeling  could  do.  The  assistants  at  the  Palace 
worked  with  a  hearty  good  will ;  and  from  first  to  last  there 
was  not  one  hitch — save  one,  and  that  we  bad  no  control  over — 
the  dinner  was  not  what  it  ought  to  have  been :  at  this  we 
grumbled,  and  rightly.  Our  Committee  is  formed  ;  and  when 
I  saw  it  include  Buch  honoured  names  aB  Turner,  Keynes, 
Hughes,  Peach,  Holmes,  Fraser,  CutbUBh,  &c,  I  have  no  fear 
of  a  successful  course.  Already  one  gentleman  has  promised 
special  prizes  for  new  J  >ahlias,  others  have  doubled  their  sub- 
scriptions, new  members  have  been  added,  and  I  think  the 
florists  will  show  that  they  can  keep  alive  a  Society  which  they 
have  thus  happily  inaugurated.— D.,  Deal. 


RUNNERS   FROM   BARREN   STRAWBERRIES. 

Amongst  the  various  articles  on  Strawberry  culture  in  your 
Journal,  those  on  non-productiveness  of  runners  taken  from 
sterile  plants  have  particularly  interested  me,  and  from  a  series 
of  experiments  carried  on  duiing  several  years  I  am  satisfied 
that  now  the  best  and  strongest  runners  have  been  sacrificed 
to  a  theory  quite  at  variance  with  factB.  I  give  you  a  table  of 
my  trial  in  18CJ— 70,  and  this  was  carried  on  under  my  own 
inspection  ;  every  plant  from  which  runners  were  taken  I 
marked  myself.  The  parent  plants  which  were  barren  in  1869 
and  which  were  fiuited  in  1870  are  marked  with  an  asterisk  (►). 

In  1870. 

President 144   runners  11      barren. 

Premier   96         „         y      barren. 

♦Turner's  Seedling    24         „     none    barren. 
*Vicomtesse  Heri- I  .0  „         ,    „ 

cartdeThury/48  "      none  barreD' 

— J.  L.  Thomas,  The  Cottage,  Macclesfield. 


Mostly  barren. 
Several  barren. 
All  old  plants  fruited. 


EARLY  GARDEN  PRODUCE  FROM  CORNWALL. 
Very  few  persons  are  aware  .of  the  earliness  aDd  value  of 
some  of  the  garden  produce  from  South  Cornwall.  Many  times 
we  have  heard  the  first  early  Potatoes  in  Covent  Garden  Market 
stigmatised  as  "  stale  foreign  things,"  when  we  knew  the  very 
plot  of  ground  beyond  Penzance  from  which  those  Potatoes  had 
been  dug  not  twenty-four  hours  before.  The  following  interest- 
ing statement  was  recently  made  by  Mr.  DenHgb,  of  the  West 
Cornwall  Railway  : — The  average  despatch  of  PntaMes  from  the 
railway  station  for  the  past  eight  years  has  been  23H7  tons  per 
year,  and  <>f  Broccoli  2627.  The  largest  despntcli  of  Potatoes 
was  in  1868—3146  tons  ;  and  of  Broccoli,  1868  S.r>71  tons;  the 
smallest— Potatoes,  1868.  1418  tons  ;  Broccoli.  1867,  1544  tons. 
For  the  last  season  the  quantities  were  respi  civelj — Potatoes, 
2591  tons  ;  Broccoli,  2574.  These  crops  aie  vely  similar  in 
amount,  for  the  successful  cultivation  of  the  Broccoli  largely 
depends  upon  the  land  being  previously  occupied  by  the  Potato. 
Mr.  Thomas  had  given  him  the  following  figures  : — 


Acres. 

Broccoli    500 

Potatoes    508 

Raspberries 10 

Gooseberries  60 

Blackcurrants 25 

Asparagus    7 

Onions 80 


Average  Value      Total 

Wages. 

per  acre.           Value. 

..  £2000 

£20     £10.000 

..     45  0 

50     25,000 

80 

40     40  J 

..      400 

....     80     ....        1500 

..      200 

85     875 

20 

....     60     ....          420 

..       800 

....    40    ....       8200 

£8000 


PLANTS   FLOWERING   IN   AUGUST. 


August   3.  Draeocephalnm  specioeum 

nioldavicuni 
Malva  Morenii 
Achillea  tomentosa 

serrata 

macrophylla 

compacta 
EchinopsBitro 
Sedum  Telephium 

Sieboldii 

rariegata 

spectabile 
Schizostylis  coccinea 
Oalyategia  pubeacens 
Hieracium  Pilostlla 

alpinura 

aurantiacum 
Phyealis  Alkekengi 
Plumbago  eapensis 
Cuphea  platy centra 
Godetia  rosea 


August   3.  Yucca  filamentosa 

glorioaa 
Acroclinium  roseum 
M  it  ran  a  coccinea 
„       6.  Lytbium  Salicaria 

roseum  supei  bum 
Datura  Stramonium 
Nigella  hispanica 
Helichrysum  monatrosum 
Mesembryanthemum     tri- 
color 

gin  brum 
Peutstemon  ovatuiu 

Scoulerii 

veDustum 

procerum 

slabrum 
Lupin  us  nanus 

mutabilis 
Linum  perenne 

alpinum 


August   6.  Linum  narbonense 

grandiflorum 

Lewisii 
Potentilla  opaca 

insignia 
Phlox  Drummondi 
Arundo  Donax 
Chelone  barbata 

glabra 

obliqua 
Gaillardia  grandiflora 

picta 
Dianthus  barbatus 

deltoides 

Marie  Pare 

supt-rbus 

petneus 
Cyclamen  europaeum 

hedersfolium 
Acanthus  mollis 
Catananche  cjerulea 
Ceniaurea  argentea 

candidissima 
„       9.  Linaria  splendida 
Verbena  venosa 
Coronilla  varia 

iberica 
Aster  Amellua 

spectabilis 

la?  vis 

Novie-Angliae 

cyaneus 
Briza  maxima 
Aloysia  citriodora 
Sanvitalia  procumbens 
Pyrethrum  grandiflorum 

Golden  Feather 
Scabiosa  lutea 
Whitlavia  grandiflora 
Sphenogyne  speciosa 
Gnaphalium       margarita- 

ceum 
Erica  stricta 

ramentacea 

vagans 

ciliaris 
Adonis  aestivalis    • 

autumnalis 
Tradescantia  virginiea 

eserulea 
Caealia  coccinea 

aurea 
Vinca  minor 
Tntoma  Uvaria 
,,     12.  Lathyrus  grandiflorus 
Anagellis  grandiflora 

Breweri 
Oxalis  Bowieana 

floribunda 

speciosa 

versicolor 
Lychnis  chalcedonica 

coccinea 
Kudbeckia  lacinata 

Newmanni 
Alonsoa  grandiflora 
Brachycome  iberidi  folia 
Ammobium  alatmn 
Viola  montana 

tricolor 

cornuta 

lutea 
Clintonia  pnlchella 
Collinsia  bicolor 
Clematis  integrifolia 

erecta 

Jackinanni 
Gazania  ailendens 
Amaranthus  speciosus 

hypochondria  cua 
CEnothera  acaulis 

grandiflora 

biennis 

macrocarpa 

Fraseri 
Crepis  virens 
Aster  tenellus 
Athanaeia  annua 
CallinpBi3  Burridgii 

tinctoria 
Mirabilis  Jalapa 

lutea 

striata 
Keseda  lmea 

odorata 
Abronia  umbellata 


August  12.  CallirhOe  digitata 

pedata 
„    15.  Commelina  ccolestis 
Erinus  alpinua 
Clarkias 

Hypericum  perforatum 
Tagetes  patula 
Saponaria  ocymoide8 
Callichroa  platyglossa 
Calendula  Pongei 
Veronica  Candida 

incana  glauca 

Bpicata 

elegans 
Balsamina  hortensis 
Convolvulus  major 
Epilobium  hirBiitiim 
Calandrinia  umbellata 
Asclepias  tuberosa 
Iberis  coronaria  alba 
Lysimachia  Nummularis 
,,     19.  Maurandya  Barclayana 
Primula  cortusoides 
Campanula  Lorei 

pentagonia 
CentranthuB  macrosiphon 
Hibiscus  africanua 
Cladanthus  arabicus 
Phlomis  Russelliana 
Polygonum  Bmnoni 

Sieboldi 
Salvia  fulgens 

patens 

splendens 

bicolor 

argentea 
Delphinium  Consolida 

Ajacis 
Funkia  ciBrulea 

ovata  variegata 

undulata 
Campanula  mtundifolia 
Senecio  eleeans 
Lavatora  trimestris 
M     22.  Portulaca  splendens 

Thelluaoni 

coccinea 
Saponaria  calabrica 
Fpilobitim  angusti folium 
Delpliinium  Belladonna 

Lowei 
Anemone  japonica 
Matlhiola  annua 
Calendula  officinalis 
Lathyrus  odoratus 

magellanieus 
Helianthus  annuus 
Lotus  corniculatus 
Malcolmia  maritima 
Zinnia  plegans 
„     2C.  Tropreolum  neregTinum 
Sedum  cceruleum 
Heliotropium  mexicanum 
Agapanthus  umbellatus 
Lobelia  Erinus 

ramoaa 
Alyssum  saxatile 
Anchusa  italica 
Lupinua  luteus 
Pentstemcn  gentianoides 

coccineum 
Schizanthus  piunatua 

splendens 
Silene  rubella 
Viscaria  oculata 
EccremocarpuB  scaber 
TigrHia  Pavonia 

eonchiflora 
„     30.  Leptosiphon  densiflorus 

aureus 
Antlu-iicum  Lillago 
Astilbe  rivularis 
Silene  compacta 

maritima  plena 
Schaftii 

Calandrinia  speciosa 
Trit^nia  aurea 
Statice  Gmplini 
Linaria  alpina 

Cymbal  aria 
Hydrangeas 
Dj'aris  Tenoreana 
Lilium  speeiosum  album 

rubrnm 
Helenium  autumnale 
Liatris  elegans 
Gladiolus  ramosus 


-M.  H.,  Acklam  Hall,  Middlesbrough-on-Tees. 


GRUBS  DESTROYING  THE   TURNIP   CROP. 

The  grubs  which  have  devastated  "  acres  upon  acres  of  Turnips 
in  East  Kent "  are  the  caterpillars  of  the  Agrotis  segetum,  a  moth 
which  in  the  dry  season  of  1864  also  committed  great  mischief 
on  nearly  all  sorts  of  vegetables,  and  which  the  long  drought 
during  the  present  year  has  also  developed  to  a  fearful  extent; 
the  motbs  having  been  enabled  to  lay  their  eggs  without  inter- 
ruption by  wet  in  June  last.  The  earth  round  the  crowns 
of  tLe  plants  should  be  carefully  moved  by  hand,  and  the 
grubs,  often  several  at  one  root,  picked  out  and  destroyed. 
They  are  now  nearly  full  grown,  and  will  soon  bury  themselves 
deeper  in  the  earth  to  undergo  their  transformations.  "When 
the  earth  is  moved  by  the  plough  in  the  spiing  children  should 
be  employed  to  pick  up  the  chestnut-coloured  shining  chrysa- 


September  15,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


203 


lids,  or  they  may  be  left  to  tbe  rooks  if  there  are  pleaty  in 
the  neighbourhood.  Fowls  will  also  eat  the  grubs  greedily, 
but  will  not  hunt  for  them.— I.  0.  W. 


ISABELLA   GRAY   ROSE. 

I  have  a  Rose  called  Isabella  Gray ;  I  have  had  it  for  ten 
years,  but  it  has  never  flowered,  but  grows  most  luxuriantly. 
Can  you  tell  me  the  reason,  and  give  me  the  history  of  this 
Rose  ?— Gadgirth,  N.B. 

[Isabella  Gray  was  raised,  I  believe,  in  South  Carolina,  U.S., 
from  the  Cloth  of  Gold  ;  and  Maiiicbal  Niel  was  raised  from 
Isabella  Gray  by  Pradel,  juo.  It  is  eurious  that  the  parent 
and  grandchild  should  bloom  so  freely,  and  Isabella  be  so  re- 
luctant to  do  likewise.  I  have  three  trees  of  Isabella  Gray 
I)  feet  in  advance  of  my  vinery,  and  so  luxuriant  that  *'  D., 
Deal,"  mistook  them  fur  six  plants.  They  have  bloomed  tole- 
rably freely  this  summer  ;  aud  when  the  buds  are  hard  tbey 
are  still  useful  for  bouquets.  There  is  no  doubt  that  all  yellow 
Roses  prefer  hot,  walls  to  any  other  position.  It  is  also  true 
that  some  reluctant  bloomers  flower  freely  with  shade  to  the 
south  of  them.  William  Bull  is  a  glorious  tirst-class  Rose  in 
this  position,  but  as  hard  as  a  mortar  ball  when  exposed  to 
the  sun. 

I  believe  we  puff  up  Roses  and  puff  them  eut  much  too  soon. 
A  Rose  miserable  on  one  stock  or  in  one  position  in  the 
garden,  may  be  glorious  on  another  stock  and  in  another 
position.  I  adviBe  carefully  takiug  up  Isabella  Gray,  aud  try- 
ing a  wall,  first  a  south  wall  and  afterwards  an  east  wall.  I 
further  advise  this  variety  beiDg  plauted  on  the  surface,  earth- 
ing-up  like  a  molehill,  60  as  to  allow  the  sun  full  action  on  the 
roots.  In  this  case,  in  such  a  hot  summer  aB  the  last,  the 
plant  should  be  mulched,  and  watered  copiously  twice  a-week. 
Under  all  circumstances  it  would  be  well  to  dig  a  deep  hide 
under  the  site  before  planting,  and  to  Bink  stones  for  free 
drainage.  All  Tea  and  Tea-scented  Roses  like  high  cultivation, 
deep  drainage,  intense  heat,  aud  copious  waterings.  I  am  not 
sure  as  to  the  raiser.  Probably  the  name  was  given  in  honour 
of  one  of  Asa  Gray's  family. — W.  F.  Radclykfe.] 


NEW  BOOK. 

The  Wild  Garden:  or  our  Groves  and  Shrubberies  made  Beau- 
tiful by  Hardy  Exotic  Plants,  with  a  Chapter  on  a  Garden  of 
British  Wild  Flowers.  By  W.  Robinson,  Autlior  of  "Alpine 
Flowers,"  etc.    London  :  J.  Murray. 

Many  years  ago  a  gentleman,  an  ardent  lover  of  natural 
beauty,  wandered  through  the  New  Forest,  following  the  route 
pointed  out  by  the  best  sketcher  and  analyser  of  landscapes, 
the  Rev.  William  Gilpin,  in  his  "  Remarks  on  ForeBt  Scenery." 
That  volume  was  our  friend's  companion,  and  he  saw  so  many 
illustrations  of  one  passage  in  "  Forest  Soenery,"  that  he  re- 
solved to  accept  it  as  a  lesson  and  be  its  copjist.  One  illus- 
tration especially  impressed  him.  On  a  tongne  of  high  ground 
stood  a  weeping  Birch,  close  to  it  were  groups  of  Osmunda 
regalis  Fern,  among  and  above  which  were  pyramids  of  Fox- 
gloves laden  with  their  pink  bells  ;  and  the  Bloping  sides,  and, 
indeed,  the  whole  surface,  were  clothed  with  the  tender  green 
Wood  Sorrel,  dotted  here  and  there  with  tufts  of  low-growing 
Ferns. 
The  passage  in  "  Forest  Scenery  "  referred  to  is  this  : — 
"  The  larger  kinds  of  weeds,  and  wild  flowers  have  their  effect  in 
filling  up  the  smaller  vacancies  near  the  ground ;  and  add  to  the  rich- 
ness of  the  whole.  Among  these,  the  Heath,  and  Broom,  with  their 
purple  and  yellow  tints  ;  the  Foxglove  with  its  pale  red  pendent  bells  ; 
the  wide-spreading  Dock,  and  many  of  the  Thistle  tribe,  are  very 
beaatifal.  The  hue  of  the  Farze.  too,  is  pleasant ;  but  in  bloom  its 
luxuriant  yellow  is  too  powerful.     Nothing  can  accompaDy  it. 

"  But  among  all  the  minuter  plants.  Fern  is  the  most  picturesque. 
I  do  not  mean  where  it  is  spread  iu  quantities,  but  where  it  is  sparingly 
and  judiciously  introduced.  In  itself  it  is  beautiful.  We  admire  the 
form  of  its  leaf,  its  elegant  mode  of  hanging,  and  its  dark-brown 
polished  stem.  As  an  accompaniment,  also,  nothing  is  better  suited  to 
nnite  the  higher  plants  with  the  ground  ;  while  its  bright-green  hne  in 
summer,  and  its  ochre  tint  iu  autumn,  join  each  season  with  its 
correspondent  tinge. 

"  Of  all  this  undergrowth  I  know  but  one  plant  that  is  disagreeable, 
and  that  is  the  Bramble.  We  sometimes  see  it  with  effect  scrawling 
along  the  fragments  of  a  rock,  or  running  among  the  rubbish  of  a  ruin  ; 
and  though  it  is  even  then  a  coarse  appendage,  I  should  not  wish  to 
remove  it  from  landscape.  But  as  a  pendent  plant  it  has  no  beauty. 
It  does  not  hang  carelessly,  twisting  round  every  support,  like  the  Hop, 


and  others  of  the  creeping  tribe ;  but  forms  one  stiff,  unpliant  curve. 
Nor  has  it  any  foliage  to  recommend  it.  Iu  other  pendent  plants,  the 
leaf  is  generally  luxuriant,  and  bangs  loosely  in  rich  festoons ;  but  iu 
the  suckers  of  a  Bramble  the  leaf  is  harsh,  shrivelled,  and  discoloured. 
In  short,  it  is  a  plant,  which  should  not,  I  thiuk,  presume  in  landscape 
farther  than  hath  just  been  allowed  :  it  has  little  beauty  in  itself,  and 
harmonises  as  little  with  anything  around  it ;  and  may  bo  characterised 
among  the  most  insignificant  of  vegetable  reptiles." 

Our  friend  did  eopy  and  illustrate  that  passage,  UBing,  how- 
ever, for  garnishing  his  shrubbery,  not  only  our  Dative  Ferns 
and  flowering  plants,  but  hardy  exotics,  Aconites,  Hepaticas, 
Mezereon,  aud  others  now  too  rarely  found  anywheie  but  in 
gardens  of  old  people  who  still  wear  poked  bonnets  and  blue 
coats  with  gilt  buttons. 

What  our  friend  did  Mr.  Robinson  advocates — well  advocates 
— in  the  volume  before  us.  He  does,  however,  much  more, 
and  does  that  well  also.  He  gives  desciiptive  classified  lists  of 
the  plants  suitable  for  ornamenting  our  shrubberies,  aud  tells 
the  soils  and  situations  those  plants  prefer.  "  My  object," 
says  Mr.  RobiDson, 

"  Is  to  show  how  we  may,  without  losing  the  better  features  of  the 
mixed  bedding  or  any  other  system,  folb-w  one  infinitely  superior  to 
any  now  practised,  yet  supplementing  both,  aDd  exhibiting  more  of  the 
varied  beauty  of  hardy  flowers  than  the  most  ardent  admirer  of  the 
old  style  of  garden  ever  dreams  of.  We  may  do  this  by  naturalising 
or  making  wild  innumerable  beautiful  natives  of  many  regions  of  the 
earth  in  our  woods,  wild  and  semi-wild  places,  rougher  parts  of  pleasure 
grounds  &c,  and  in  unoccupied  places  iu  almost  every  kind  of  garden." 

"  My  reasons  for  advocating  this  system,  as  I  do,  are  as  follows  : — 
First,  because  hundreds  of  the  finest  hardy  flowers  will  thrive  much 
hetter  in  the  places  I  recommend  for  them  thau  ever  they  did  in  the 
old-fashioned  border.  Even  comparatively  small  ones,  like  the  Ivy- 
leaved  Cyclamen,  a  beautiful  plant  that  we  rarely  find  in  perfection  in 
gardens,  I  have  seen  perfectly  naturalised  and  spread  all  over  the 
mossy  surface  of  a  thin  wood.  Secondly,  because  they  will  look 
infinitely  better  than  ever  they  did  in  gardens,  in  consequence  of  fine- 
leaved  plant,  Fern,  and  flower,  and  climber,  ornamental  grass,  and 
dwarf  trailing  shrub,  mutually  relieving  each  other  in  ways  innumer- 
able as  delightful.  Any  one  of  a  thousand  combinations,  which  this 
book  will  suggest  to  the  intelligent  reader,  will  prove  as  far  superior  to 
any  aspect  of  the  old  mixed  border,  or  the  ordinary  type  of  modern 
flower  garden,  as  is  a  lovely  mountain  valley  to  a  country  iu  which  the 
eye  can  Bee  but  canals  and  hedges.  Thirdly,  becan.-e,  arranged  as  I 
propose,  no  disagreeable  effects  result  from  decay.  Tbe  rapgedness  of 
the  old  mixed  border  after  tbe  first  flush  of  spring  and  early  summer 
bloom  had  passed  was  intolerable,  bundleB  of  decayed  stems  tied  to 
sticks  making  the  place  look  like  the  parade-ground  of  a  number  of 
croBsing-sweepers  with  their  '  arms  piled.'  When  Lilies  are  sparsely 
dotted  through  masses  of  Rhododendrons  as  I  recommend,  their 
flowers  are  admired  more  than  if  they  were  iu  isolated  showy  masBeB  ; 
when  they  pass  out  of  bloom  tbey  are  unnoticed  amidst  tbe  vegetation, 
and  not  eyesores,  as  when  in  rigid  unrelieved  tufts  in  borders,  &c.  In 
a  wild  or  semi-wild  state,  the  beauty  of  individual  species  will  proclaim 
itself  when  at  its  height ;  and  when  passed  out  of  bloom,  they  will  be 
succeeded  by  other  kinds,  or  lost  among  the  numerous  objects  around. 
Fourthly,  because  it  will  enable  us  to  grow  hundreds  of  plants  that 
have  never  yet  obtained  a  place  in  our  'trim  gardens,'  nor  ever  will  bo 
admitted  therein.  I  allude  to  the  multitudes  of  plants  which,  not 
being  60  showy  as  those  usually  considered  worthy  of  a  place  in  gardens, 
are  never  seen  there.  The  flowers  of  many  of  these  are  of  the  higheBt 
order  of  beauty,  especially  when  seen  in  numbers.  An  isolated  tuft  of 
one  of  these,  seen  in  a  formal  border,  may  not  be  considered  worthy  of 
a  place  at  any  time — in  some  wild  glade,  in  a  wood,  associated  with 
other  subjects,  its  effects  may  be  exquisite."' 

Mr.  Robinson  assigns  other  good  reasons,  but  here  we  must 
close  our  notice.  We  recommend  the  book,  for  it  will  help  to 
increase  the  beauty  of  all  pleasure  grounds,  whether  around  a 
small  villa  or  encircling  a  princely  mansion. 


WINTER-BLOOMING  ORCHIDS.— No.  7. 

CCELOGYNE. 

This  is  an  Indian  genus  of  great  interest,  which  comprises 
two  distinct  sets  of  plants.  Some  authors  separate  them  into 
two  genera,  Ccelogyne  and  Pleione,  whilst  others  consider  the 
latter  only  a  sub-genus.  I  oonsider  them,  however,  well  de- 
serving of  generic  rank,  and  as  such  I  shall  treat  of  them  here. 
The  Ccelogynes  are  all  compact-growing  plants,  and  readily  be- 
come handsome  specimens;  they  recommend  themselves  also 
on  account  of  many  species  thriving  well  under  cool  treatment. 

Ccelogyne  is  a  Bomewhat  extensive  genus,  but,  I  must  here 
confine  myself  to  the  best  of  those  which  enliven  our  dull 
months.  In  order  to  produce  goodfloweriDg  plants,  the  majority 
of  them  Bhould  be  potted,  at  the  same  time  they  must  be  well 
elevated  above  the  rim  of  the  pot,  and  the  pots  must  be  well 
drained.  The  soil  should  be  good  fibrous  peat,  a  little  sphagnum 


204 


JOURNAL   OP   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER.  [  September  15,  1870. 


moss,  and  sand  ;  and  in  addition  I  have  used,  with  advantage, 
a  small  portion  of  good  leaf  mould,  but  it  must  be  good. 
Daring  the  growing  season  the  species  of  Ccelogyne  luxuriate  in 
a  plentiful  supply  of  water  both  upon  the  foliage  and  at  their 
roots  ;  when  growth  is  complete  gradually  withhold  water,  and 
expose  them  well  to  the  influence  of  sun  and  light,  in  order  to 
ripen  their  growth,  whilst  during  winter  a  very  Bmall  quantity 
of  water  will  suffice. 

C.  cristata. — This  is,  perhaps,  one  of  the  most  elegant  of 
winter-flowering  Orchids,  compact  in  its  habit  of  growth,  with 
dark  green  ovate  pseudo-bulbs  about  3  inches  in  length,  bearing 
two  linear-lanceolate,  somewhat  leathery,  dark  green  leaves, 
with  wavy  edges.  The  flowers  are  produced  in  nodding  racemes, 
four  or  five  together,  each  flower  being  about  4  inches  in 
diameter;  sepals  and  petals  oblong-lanceolate,  the  former 
narrower  than  the  latter,  all  with  undulated  edges,  and  of  the 
purest  snow  white  ;  lip  also  white,  concave,  having  five  raised 
parallel  lines  along  the  centre,  which  are  fringed  or  crested, 
and  suffused  with  clear  delicate  yellow.  This  lovely  plant  lasts 
a  considerable  time  in  full  beauty  ;  it  is  extremely  ornamental 
in  the  plant  house,  and  it  may  be  removed  to  the  drawing-room 
without  injury.  It  is  also  admirably  adapted  for  adorning 
ladies'  hair.     Native  of  Sikkim,  at  6-7000  feet  elevation. 

C.  corrugata  is  a  much  smaller  plant  than  the  preceding. 
The  pseudo-bulbs  are  ovate  and  wrinkled  ;  leaves  in  pairs, 
oblong,  somewhat  acuminate,  membranous,  and  dark  greeD. 
Racemes  erect,  bearing  from  three  to  six  flowers  ;  sepals  and 
petals  oblong-acute  and  pure  white  ;  lip  smaller,  white,  yellow 
inside,  and  streaked  with  orange,  having  three  raised  parallel 
lines  on  the  disc.  A  rather  uncommon  but  very  elegant  cool- 
house  species.     Native  of  the  Madras  Hills. 

C.  flaccida. — This  species  produces  drooping  spikes  of 
flowers,  which  are  strongly  but  not  very  pleasantly  scented. 
Pseudo-bulbs  oblong  and  ribbed ;  leaves  long,  somewhat  lan- 
ceolate, petiolate,  dark  green,  and  leathery.  Racemes  zigzag, 
drooping,  and  many-flowered;  sepals  and  petals  white;  lip 
white  with  a  yellow  centre,  recurved  at  the  point,  and  toothed 
at  the  base,  where  it  is  streaked  with  crimson.  The  plant  will 
succeed  either  in  a  pot  or  upon  a  block  ;  in  the  latter  manner 
its  drooping  racemes  are  displayed  to  the  greatest  advantage. 
It  blooms  during  January  and  February,  and  during  the  grow- 
ing season  requires  more  heat  than  the  kinds  previously  named. 
Native  of  Nepal. 

C.  srECiosA. — This  plant  is  more  properly  an  autumn  flowerer, 
but  as  at  this  season  flowers  are  scarce,  it  well  deserves  a  place 
in  every  amateur's  collection.  The  pseudo- bulbs  are  ovate- 
oblong  in  shape,  and  bear  a  single  oblong-lanceolate  dark 
green  leaf.  The  flowers  are  about  3  inches  iu  diameter,  and 
usually  produced  in  pairs ;  sepals  and  petals  reflexed,  dull 
brown  ;  lip  large,  crested  in  the  centre,  of  the  same  colour  as 
the  petals,  with  the  front  portion  white.     Native  of  Java. 

C.  ODORATissiiiA. — An  elegant  but  small-flowered  kind.  The 
small  size  of  the  flowers  is  no  doubt  the  reason  of  its  being  so 
little  grown,  but  being  white  and  sweet-scented  they  are  very 
acceptable  for  cutting  during  March  and  April.  The  whole  plant 
seldom  exceeds  6  inches  in  height,  both  pseudo-bulbs  and  leaves. 
The  flower-spike,  which  is  produced  simultaneously  with  the 
young  growth,  is  drooping,  and  bears  about  three  flowers,  which 
are  all  white  except  the  centre  of  the  lip,  which  is  yellow.  It 
is  a  cool-house  plant  from  the  mountains  of  Madras. 

C.  Gardneriana. — A  plant  far  less  grown  than  it  deserves  to 
be.  The  pseudo-bulbs  are  somewhat  flask-Bhaped,  tapering 
upwards  from  the  base ;  leaves  from  10  to  18  inches  long,  and 
about  3  in  breadth,  lanceolate,  acuminate,  petiolate,  and  bright 
green  ;  the  racemes  are  slightly  drooping,  bearing  from  six  to 
eight  large  flowers,  which  are  pure  white,  saving  the  centre 
of  the  lip,  where  it  is  stained  with  lemon  colour.  Native  of 
East  Indies,  in  Nepal,  and  Khasia. 

C.  ocellata. — This  species  should  bo  grown  upon  a  block  of 
wood,  where  it  will  form  an  elegant  specimen,  and  produce  its 
chaste  flowers  during  February  and  March.  The  pseudo-bulbs 
are  shining,  ovate,  and  angular ;  leaves  lanceolate,  narrow  at 
the  base,  and  about  10  inches  long.  Flower-spike  6  inches  or 
so  in  length  ;  sepals  and  petals  white  ;  lip  of  the  same  colour 
except  at  the  base  of  the  middle  lobe,  where  there  is  a  yellow 
spot,  and  the  lateral  ones  are  also  stained  with  deep  yellow. 
Native  of  Khasia  and  Sylhet. 

C.  fuscescens  is,  perhaps,  the  least  desirable  species,  espe- 
cially if  the  collection  is  small,  or  the  space  limited.  However, 
where  the  space  for  two  or  three  pots  more  or  less  is  not  of 
vital  importance,  this  plant  should  find  a  place.  The  pseudo- 
bulbs  are  about  4  inches  high,  round,  and  rather  thin,  bearing 


oblong  acute  leaves  A  inches  in  length,  and  nearly  3  broad; 
raceme  nodding,  and  bearing  about  five  good-sized  brown  and 
green  flowers.  It  succeeds  in  a  cool  house.  Native  of  Nepal. — 
Exerio  Ckede. 

PORTRAITS   OF   PLANTS,   FLOWERS,   AND 
FRUITS. 

Cereus  fulgidus  (Brilliant-flowered  Cereus).  Nat.  ord.,  Cact- 
acea?.  Linn.,  Icosandria  Monogynia. — The  history  of  this  flower 
is  unknown.  It  has  bloomed  annually  at  Kew  for  many  years. 
Flowers  scarlet,  opening  early  in  an  evening,  and  remaining 
expanded  until  the  following  noon. — (Bot.  Mag.,  t.  5856.) 

Brodijea  coccixea  (Crimson-flowered  BrodiKa).  Nat.  ord., 
LiliaceaB.  Linn.,  Hexandria  Monogynia. — It  is  a  brilliant- flow- 
ered bulbous  plant,  native  of  California,  blooming  in  May  and 
June.  Flowers  crimson,  tipped  with  yellow  and  green. — (Ibid., 
t.  5857.) 

Oncidicm  cryptocopis  (Long-sepalled  Oncidium).  Nat.  ord., 
Orchidacete.  Linn.,  Gynandria  Monandria. — Native  of  Peru. 
Flowers  brown,  edged  with  yellow. — [Ibid.,  t.  5858.) 

Tabern.emontana  Barteri  (Mr.  Barter's  Tabernfemontana). 
Nat.  ord.,  Apocynacere.  Linn.,  Pentandria  Monogynia.— Native 
of  Old  Calabar  and  other  districts  of  the  tropical  west  coast  of 
Africa.     Glabrous  shrub.     Flowers  white. — [Ibid.,  t.  5859.) 

Salvia  interrupta  (Ash-leaved  Sage).  Nat.  ord.,  Labiataj. 
Linn.,  Didynamia  Gymnospermia. — "  A  tall  hardy  herbaceous 
plant,  with  a  woolly  suffrutescent  stem,  belonging  to  the  same 
set  of  Sages  with  S.  officinalis,  and  many  other  handsome 
species  that  are  common  ornaments  of  continental  gardens,  but 
are  all  but  wholly  unknown  in  our  own.  It  was,  according  to 
the  '  Hortus  Kewensis,'  formerly  cultivated  in  the  Royal  Gar- 
dens under  the  name  of  the  Ash-leaved  Sage,  having  been 
originally  introduced  from  Morocco  into  the  Cambridge  Botanic 
Garden,  1708.  It  has,  however,  long  since  disappeared  from 
cultivation,  and  so  remained  till  three  years  ago,  when  it  was 
reintroduced  from  TangierB  by  G.  Maw,  Esq.,  of  Benthall  Hall, 
during  a  botanical  expedition  into  North  Africa,  from  whence 
he  sent  living  plants  to  the  Royal  Gardens  that  flowered  in  May 
of  last  year.  From  its  habit  of  flowering  through  several  suc- 
cessive months,  it  is  well  worthy  of  cultivation  in  the  open 
border."— (Ibid.,  t.  5860.) 

Primula  cortusoides  and  its  Varieties. — "  In  the  large 
Japanese  varieties  of  Primula  cortusoides,  so  much  superior  to 
the  ordinary  form  as  to  appear  quite  distinct,  we  have  acquired 
some  of  the  choicest  and  most  beautiful  materials  for  orna- 
menting the  hardy  flower  garden.  The  public  are  indebted  to 
the  late  Mr.  John  Gould  Veitch  for  the  introduction,  and  to  the 
Messrs.  Veitch  &  Sons  for  the  distribution  of  these  charming 
hardy  plants.  Amcena  is  of  the  richest  magenta,  with  white 
centre,  and  has  notched  but  otherwise  entire  segments  ;  striata, 
a  pretty  lilac,  which  has  the  margin  of  the  flowers  toothed,  and 
the  colour  prettily  striated ;  and  grandiflora,  remarkable  for 
its  drooping  concave  or  cup-shaped  form,  and  for  having  the 
inside  almost  pure  white,  while  the  outer  surface  is  of  a  rosy 
purple  hue.  The  variety  striata  has  been  sometimes  called 
lilacina,  a  name  which  is  now  cancelled.  Besides  these,  there 
are  alba,  with  pure  white  blossoms,  and  albida,  with  blossoms 
of  a  greyish  white,  and  of  the  same  drooping  type  as  grandi- 
flora. These  Primulas,  grown  in  pots,  form  excellent  decorative 
plants  for  cool  houses  in  spring." — (Florist  and  Pomologist, 
3rd  s.,  iii.,  193.) 


WEEDS. 

(Continued  from  page  128.) 

The  removal  of  weeds  being  conducive  to  the  value  of  a 
crop,  their  extirpation  must  be  an  important  means  of  keeping 
up  the  fertility  of  the  soil,  and  securing  an  increased  produce. 
It  is  impossible  to  have  a  good  crop  if  it  is  weedy,  as  the  soil's 
fertility  is  wasted  on  the  weeds  instead  of  being  devoted  to  the 
crop. 

Apart  from  the  deficiency  in  produce,  and  the  waste  of  the 
soil's  fertility,  the  evil  effect  of  weeds  presents  itself  in  many 
forms  of  disease  to  which  vegetable  life  is  subject  when  de- 
prived of  light  and  air.  To  allow  weeds  to  grow  as  well  as  the 
crop  is  simply  to  cause  the  production  of  drawn,  weak  plants, 
incapable  of  supporting  themselves  against  wind  and  rain  ; 
whilst  in  times  of  drought  weeds  are  a  direct  cause  of  the  crop 
lagging  behind,  the  ears  of  corn  not  filling,  and  the  roots  not 
swelling.  Half  and  more  of  the  failures  and  deficiencies  of 
the  agriculturist  are  a  result  of  the  little  care  taken,  as  a  rule, 


September  15,  1870.  ]  JOURNAL   OF   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


205 


to  keep  down  weeds.  He  looks  upon  them  as  altogether  oon- 
temptible.  What  is  the  use  of  imposing  penalties  for  the 
adulteration  of  seeds  when  we  see  the  agriculturist  so  heedless 
of  the  growth  of  weeds  with  his  crops,  and  the  ripening  of 
their  seeds  with  his  grain?  It  is  not  the  weed  seeds  sown  with 
the  seed  of  his  crops  that  the  farmer  has  to  fear,  but  those  he 
harvests  with  every  crop,  and  which,  being  rejected  by  his 
animals,  find  their  way  to  the  fields  again  with  the  manure. 

Some  very  nice  calculations  have  been  made  as  to  the  in- 
crease some  weeds  are  capable  of  by  their  seeds  iu  the  course 
of  a  year  ;  but  can  anyone  tell  the  decrease  in  the  yield  of 
Wheat,  Barley,  Oats,  and  other  crops  caused  by  the  unre- 
strained growth  of  weeds?  Some  will,  no  doubt,  jump  to  the 
conclusion  that  the  deficiency  is  of  no  practical  moment. 
Presuming  that  to  be  case,  and  I  cannot  for  a  moment  admit 
it,  how  does  it  happen  that  the  best  and  most  profitable  farm- 
ing is  that  which  is  the  cleanest  ?  Or,  why  should  gardens 
afford  more  than  double  the  produce  of  the  best  laud  of  the 
agriculturist  ?  Is  it  because  the  system  of  culture  is  different 
the  ground  more  deeply  dug,  more  manure  applied  ?  Or  can 
it  be  that  the  weeds  as  they  appear  are  cut  down,  the  whole 
resources  of  the  soil  reserved  for  the  plants  it  is  cropped 
with?  "Oh,  but  gardens  do  not  pay!"  The  fact  is  they  do 
pay,  and  the  ground  is  worth  twice,  often  four  times  as  muoh 
rent  as  the  same  land  is  let  for  to  the  farmer.  I  have  no  doubt 
but  that  the  yearly  produce  of  every  acre  of  land  in  Britain 
would  be  doubled  were  the  ground  kept  as  clear  of  weeds  as  it 
is  by  the  gardener.  What  is  the  practical  value  of  draining, 
of  deep  cultivation,  and  manuring,  if  the  resources  of  the  soil 
be  expended  in  a  growth  of  weeds,  in  many  cases  little  in- 
ferior to  that  of  the  crop  ?  Where  good  crops  are  reared,  there 
are  good  cultivation  and  freedom  from  weeds. 

I  have  digressed,  and  could  digress  very  wide  of  my  purpose, 
to  endeavour  to  show  that  the  land  of  this  country  is  not  agri- 
culturally so  productive  as  it  is  horticultural!)1,  and  that  if  it 
is  to  be  rendered  more  productive,  such  a  result  will  be  attained 
by  a  system  like  that  of  the  gardener — by  deep  cultivation, 
free  exposure  to  the  air,  and  allowing  nothing  to  grow  upon  it 
except  those  cultivated  plants  essential  to  the  health  and  com- 
fort of  man. 

No  one  knows  better  than  the  gardener  and  amateur  what 
are  the  injurious  results  of  weeds  permitted  to  grow  with  plants 
or  crops  of  any  kind.  It  is  well  known  that  full  good  crops  are 
not  had  along  with  a  profusion  of  the  plants  which  the  ground 
naturally  produces.  Whatever  is  sown  or  planted  does  not 
attain  perfection  without  an  array  of  weeds,  each  seeking  the 
continuation  of  its  kind  ;  therefore  to  secure  a  good  crop,  what- 
ever it  may  consist  of,  the  ground  must  not  be  occupied  by 
anything  else. 

For  the  successful  cultivation  of  every  plant  it  is  essential, 
first  that  the  soil  be  open,  affording  free  access  of  water,  air, 
and  manurial  agents  to  the  roots  of  plants  ;  secondly,  that  the 
plants  have  air  and  light.  To  secure  the  former  result  the  soil 
must  be  frequently  stirred,  and  the  more  it  is  stirred  both  as 
regards  depth  aud  frequency  the  more  vigorous  are  the  plants. 
The  deeper  the  cultivation  the  less  is  the  danger  from  drought, 
for  the  roots  penetrate  further,  and  the  inert  soil,  exposed  to  air, 
slowly  and  surely  yields  to  its  influence,  whilst  a  loose  surface 
admits  the  rain  aud  dew,  and  allows  a  freer  admission  of  air 
and  solar  heat  than  a  hard  close  surface.  This  is  well  exem- 
plified by  land  of  which  one  part  is  surface-dug  and  another 
part  trenched.  There  is  no  comparison  between  the  crops. 
The  first  suffers  from  drought,  the  growth  is  weak,  and  the  pro- 
duce correspondingly  small ;  but  the  latter  withstands  drought 
well,  the  rains  penetrate  more  deeply  and  more  regularly,  and 
the  plants  are  more  vigorous  and  attain  a  higher  degree  of  per- 
fection. Whilst  in  the  one  case  there  is  a  weedy  crop,  in  the 
other  it  is  remarkably  clean. 

When  plants  are  sown  and  allowed  to  attain  maturity  close 
together,  being  deprived  of  light  and  air,  they  have  a  weak 
growth.  The  support  taken  from  the  soil  is  divided  between 
many  plants,  and  light  and  air  having  diminished  access  to  the 
plants,  the  nutriment  is  imperfectly  elaborated;  hence  they 
are  drawn  up  weakly,  and  the  produce  is  poor.  On  the  other 
hand,  if  plants  have  space  for  their  full  development,  and  are 
exposed  to  light  and  air,  they  are  strong  and  attain  a  high 
degree  of  perfection,  the  produce  being  greater  and  of  better 
quality.  Every  plant  left  iu  the  ground  beyond  what  can  have 
proper  support  and  due  exposure  to  light  and  air  is  a  robber — 
in  fact  a  weed.  If  we  plant  Cabbages  at  1  foot  apart  we  know 
that  the  produce  is  not  equal  in  quantity  to  what  it  is  with  half 
the  number  of  plants  at  2  feet  apart ;  therefore  we  may,  by 


having  twice  as  many  plants  on  the  ground  as  it  can  support 
or  can  have  light  and  air,  obtain  a  result  no  better  than  were 
we  to  allow  weeds  to  grow  with  what  we  sow  or  plant.  Weeds 
have  the  same  influence  on  our  crops  as  allowing  too  many  plants 
to  grow  in  a  given  space — two,  three,  or  more  where  one  only 
should  be.  They  waste  the  soil's  fertility,  deprive  the  culti- 
vated plant  of  part  of  its  sources  of  support,  and  keep  from  it  the 
essential  agents  for  elaborating  the  sap — light  and  air.  There  is 
this  difference,  however,  that  whilst  a  thick  seeding  or  planting 
will  give  produce  leBs  in  quantity  and  inferior  in  quality,  weeds 
allowed  to  grow  with  plants  at  a  proper  distance,  whilst  they 
cause  a  less  and  inferior  yield  of  the  cultivated  crop,  like  thick 
sowing  or  planting,  cause  nothing  but  vexation  present  and 
future. 

The  object  of  all  cultivation  is  to  secure  crops  of  plants 
useful  to  man.  All  soils  have  a  greater  adaptability  for  the 
growth  of  some  plants  rather  than  others,  hence  increased 
facilities  are  afforded  for  the  cultivation  of  a  greater  variety  of 
plants  than  were  all  soils  alike  in  their  constituents.  Naturally 
we  have  plants  suited  to  every  soil,  situation,  and  climate, 
whether  these  plants  are  in  a  natural  or  in  a  cultivated  state. 
All  vegetation  improves  with  cultivation,  though  some  have  ideas 
of  there  being  such  a  thing  as  degeneration,  whereas  everything 
in  nature  is  advancing  towards  perfection,  cultivation  causing 
nature  to  show  itself  iu  new  and  improved  forms.  To  make 
the  ground  suitable  for  the  plants  aff  jrding  support  and  enjoy- 
ment to  man  it  must  be  improved,  the  original  vegetation  got 
rid  of,  or  to  such  an  extent  as  to  be  rendered  subordinate  to  that 
intended  to  supplant  it,  and  he  cannot  fit  the  soil  for  the  re- 
ception of  a  cultivated  plant  without  removing  the  original 
vegetation  ;  the  means  necessary  to  secure  a  cultivated  plant's 
free  growth  and  maturity  being  the  readiest  means  of  freeing 
the  land  of  the  obnoxious  weeds.  Indeed,  the  whole  system 
of  culture  is  based  on  the  extermination  of  useless  plants, 
and  rearing  in  their  place  those  which  are  useful.  Still  we 
cannot  cultivate  the  ground  without  first  clearing  it  of  the 
original  vegetation  ;  nor,  in  the  second  place,  can  we  have  a 
cultivated  crop  without  weeds,  for  however  well  the  ground 
!  may  be  prepared  plants  will  come  up  which  we  must  remove, 
or  if  we  allow  them  to  remain  we  must  submit  to  a  decrease 
in  the  value  of  the  crop.  If  we  turn  a  bog  into  a  dry  place 
we  do  not  find  the  land  become  barren  ;  the  bog  or  marsh 
plants  disappear,  and  are  replaced  by  vegetation  of  a  very  dif- 
ferent class,  and  in  turning  up  a  piece  of  the  original  wild, 
completely  destroying  the  present  vegetatioD,  the  soil  gives  us 
vegetation  in  another  form  in  its  place.  No  art  of  man  is 
sufficient  to  prevent  vegetation  appearing  without  rendering 
the  soil  wholly  unsuitable  for  the  growth  of  plants. 

Now,  the  best  means  of  destroying  weeds  is  preparing  the 
ground  for  the  plants  we  wish  to  cultivate.  The  first,  and,  per- 
haps, the  most  important  part  of  cultivation  is  draining.  "  And 
what  has  this  to  do  with  the  destruction  of  weeds  ?  If  it  im- 
prove the  ground  for  a  cultivated  plant,  the  weeds  must  grow  all 
the  more  rank  as  a  consequence  !  "  We  must  not  lose  sight  of  all 
our  labour  being  expended  for  a  cultivated  plant,  one  that  from 
cultivation  is  more  tender,  and  less  capable  of  enduring  hard- 
ships than  one  in  its  wild  state.  A  plant  is  rendered  less 
hardy  by  cultivation  ;  we  require  for  its  growth  more  warmth, 
which  is  afforded  by  draining,  which  removes  all  the  water  that 
would  otherwise  lodge  in  the  subsoil,  and  leaving  none  but 
what  the  soil  is  capable  of  returning.  In  this  way  the  soil  is 
rendered  warmer,  for  the  rains,  which  are  charged  with  am- 
monia, pass  directly  to  the  roots,  and  containing  less  water  the 
soil  is  more  quickly  warmed  by  the  sun.  It  absorbs  heat  and 
moisture  better,  and  air  has  access  to  it ;  besides,  water  is 
slower  in  heating  than  any  kind  of  soil,  consequently  to  have 
an  undue  amount  of  water  in  the  soil  is  to  reduce  the  soil's 
heat-absorbing  power,  and  consequently  warmth.  Though  for 
cultivated  plants  it  is  essential  to  free  the  soil  of  all  stagnant 
water,  and  to  afford  a  free  passage  for  rain  through  the  soil, 
doing  so  is  certain  destruction  to  some  native  plants,  or  what 
are  in  many  places  noxious  weeds,  and  without  draining  it  is 
extremely  difficult  to  make  them  secondary  to  a  cultivated  crop. 
It  would  be  useless  to  seek  the  destruction  of  the  Horsetails 
or  Equisetums  by  any  other  process  of  culture  than  draining. 
Cutting  off  the  tops  weakens  them  to  a  considerable  extent, 
but  they  root  so  deeply  that  any  injury  to  the  tops  is  soon  re- 
paired, and  there  are  times  when  their  tops  must  make  head- 
way, and  the  roots  are  consequently  strengthened  ;  but  if  we 
drain  the  soil,  remove  the  water  from  the  subsoil,  their  growth 
annually  becomes  less,  and  in  time  they  disappear.  For  the 
'  destruction  of  the  Horsetails  there  is  no  means  but  draining. 


20G 


JODBNAL  OF  HOBTICULTUEE  AND   COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  September  15, 1876. 


Not  only  is  it  necessary  for  destroying  those  which  grow  in  soils 
that  are  tboronghly  saturated,  but  also  for  killing  those  growing 
where  there  are  no  signs  of  moisture  on  the  surface.  The  Marsh 
Horsetails  (Equisetum  palustre,  and  E.  limosum),  and  the 
Great  Biver  Horsetail  (E.  fluviatile),  must  for  their  destruction 
have  the  water  in  the  soil  drained  off,  and  equally  so  the 
Wood  Horsetail  (E.  Bylvaticum),  and  Corn  Horsetail  (E.  ar- 
vense).  The  latter,  especially,  though  often  abundant  on  light 
shifting  sands,  is  doomed  to  destruction  when  the  soil  is  effi- 
ciently drained. 

Again,  in  low  wet  soils  there  is  often  a  preponderance  of 
semi-aquatic  Grasses  and  allied  plants,  that  in  a  great  measure 
yield  to  draining.  TheCarex  family,  the  Bushes  (Juncus),  and 
many  others,  owe  their  existence  to  moisture  in  the  soil,  mois- 
ture more  than  the  soil  would  retain  had  it  an  outlet  by  the  sub- 
soil.    Drain  the  ground  where  those  are,  and  they  disappear. 

It  would  be  useless  enumerating  all  the  plants  of  which 
draining  assists  in  freeing  the  soil,  but  I  must  not  pass  over 
Thistles,  Docks,  and  several  others  with  root  stems  that  pene- 
trate to  a  great  depth,  and  need  for  their  free,  vigorous  growth, 
moisture  in  the  soil,  and  that  to  a  greater  extent  than  is  bene- 
ficial to  cultivated  plants. 

The  casual  observer  will  have  noticed  that  the  natural  vege- 
tation occurs  in  patches  of  one  species  of  plant  in  a  place,  or  if 
there  are  several,  one  of  them  is  more  vigorous  than  the  others. 
Now,  if  we  were  to  drain  the  ground  that  grows  a  great  variety 
of  plants  naturally,  it  does  not  follow  that  we  should  destroy 
every  plant,  but  on  the  contrary,  whilst  we  destroyed  some, 
others  would  be  invigorated.  Fortunately  there  is  no  cultivated 
plant,  in  this  country  at  least,  that  is  not  improved  by  being 
grown  in  well-drained  ground  ;  such  ground  improves  every 
crop  in  quantity  and  quality,  and  entirely  changes  the  character 
of  the  natural  vegetation.  Indeed,  so  beneficial  is  draining  to 
US  in  cultivating  the  soil,  that  no  one  ought  to  neglect  it.  It  is 
but  seldom  that  the  agriculturist  neglects  it;  but  many  gardens, 
and  especially  small  gardens,  are  not  drained  at  all,  or  very  in- 
efficiently, the  weeds  grow  remarkably  strong,  and  many  plants 
are  loBt  every  year  from  the  wetness  of  the  soil.  Fruit  trees 
are  barren,  their  growth  sappy,  or  the  branches  mossoovered. 
The  cause  is  attributed  to  bad  soil  into  which  the  roots  have 
struck,  whereas  it  is  all  due  to  the  water  not  having  a  means  of 
escaping  from  the  subsoil.  Measures  are  taken  to  keep  the 
roots  from  descending  into  the  cold,  wet  Bubsoil,  but  no  thought 
is  given  to  the  fact  that  they  are  wholly  unnecessary,  the  sub- 
soil were  rendered  dry  by  efficient  drainage. 

Drains  to  be  of  service  should  be  deep.  The  rain  mnst  enter 
by  the  surface,  pass  through  the  soil  as  if  it  were  a  sieve,  and 
be  freely  carried  off.  The  water  should  be  attracted,  as  it  is  by 
drains,  from  the  surface  to  the  roots,  and  not  allowed  to  remain 
there  and  render  the  soil  a  wet,  cold,  inert  mass.  Experience 
points  to  4  feet  as  the  most  suitable  depth  for  drains.  At  that 
depth  they  are  beyond  the  reach  of  any  cultivated  plant. — 
G.  Abbey. 

(To  be  continued.) 


line  below  our  drawing  of  the  insect  magnified.  The  fore  wings 
are  reddish  brown,  in  bands  of  various  degrees  of  darkness. 
The  hind  wings  are  dusky.  It  deposits  its  eggs,  probably, 
upon  the  branches,  where  they  remain  all  the  winter.  The 
caterpillars  are  most  frequently  found  upon  the  Apricot,  but  it 
also  infests  the  leaves  of  Pear  trees. 


INSECTS  INJURIOUS  TO  THE   PEAR  TREE. 

No.  5. 
Narrow-winged  Bed  Bar  Moth. 

ToRTRIX   ANGUSTIORANA,    DlTULA   ANGUSTIORANA,  P^DISCA    AN- 
GUSTIORANA. 

In  an  early  volume  we  warned  all  cultivators  of  wall  fruit,  as 
soon  as  they  observed  in  May  one  of  the  leaves  rolled  up,  to 
destroy  the  little  caterpillar  within  the  roll,  and  to  watch  for 
others,  because  the  eggs  of  the  moth  from  which  that  caterpillar 
came  continue  to  hatch  for  several  weeks.  That  moth  is  the 
Narrow-winged  Bed  Bar.  These  caterpillars  appear  during 
May  and  June ;  they  are  about  half  an  inch  long,  are  pale 
yellowish  green,  and  with  the  head  brownish  yellow.  A  few 
bristles  are  scattered 
over  the  body.  It  is  a 
very  active  caterpillar, 
wriggling  about  in  most 
varied  contortions  when 
disturbed,  crawliDgwith 
equal  facility  backwards 
and  forwards,  and  let- 
ting itself  down  by  a 
single  thread   from   its 

mouth.  It  passes  into  the  state  of  a  brown  shining  chrysalis, 
rolled  up  in  the  same  leaves,  and  from  this  the  moth  comes 
forth  in  July.     The  moth  is  very  small,  not  longer  than  the 


SUMMER  DROUGHT. 

When  autumn  rains  are  falling  heavily,  or  spring's  late 
showers  appear  unwilling  to  cease,  we  think  not  of  the  sum- 
mer drought,  or  its  moisture-consuming  power ;  of  the  dry 
warm  atmosphere  which  comes  to  us  as  though  it  had  passed 
over  burning  plains,  and  which  day  and  night  surrounds  every- 
thing. Yet  all  vegetation  is  hastened,  or  retarded,  or  suffers 
from  its  too  long  continuance.  The  summer  drought  changes 
all  too  rapidly  the  outward  aspect  of  nature ;  beneath  its  in- 
fluence the  young  growth  loses  its  soft  tender  green,  and 
assumes,  as  if  by  the  touch  of  some  fatal  spell,  the  grey  ma- 
tured look  of  autumn — brown  leaves,  sap-dried  before  their 
time,  mingle  with  summer's  brilliant  colours ;  fruits  ripen  ere 
they  have  half  attained  their  size  ;  and  Flora,  liviDg  too  faBt 
and  working  too  hard,  brings  the  end  too  soon.  The  Eose-bud 
withers  as  it  opens,  and  the  forced  seed-vessels  ripen  and  push 
away  the  beautiful  petals  before  tbey  have  half  eDJoyed  their 
blooming  season  ;  and  the  green  graes  is  robbed  of  its  verdure 
and  becomes  dust-coloured  like  the  dry  soil  which  is  moved 
over  it  by  every  breath  of  wind.  Stunted  growth  or  cessation  of 
growth  is  everywhere  to  be  met  with,  for  little  of  real  growth 
can  summer's  heat  acoomplish  apart  from  her  twin  helper 
moisture.  How  we  tire  of  the  long  bright  sunny  days,  and 
sultry  clondless  nights!  How  man.  and  beast,  and  bird,  and 
tree,  and  flower  sicken  beDeath  the  scorching  heat !  Faded  and 
weary  grows  all  the  land  ;  the  water  sheds  aredry  in  the  hills, 
and  silent  all  the  brooks  in  the  valleys,  and  not  a  drop  of 
moisture  lingers  in  the  Calceolaria  bags,  and  wild  flowers  are 
not,  and  poor  and  withered  are  the  numberless  hosts  of  leaves 
that  crowd  the  Oak  tree.  The  sheep  climb  the  mountains,  or 
spread  over  the  wolds,  and  seek  in  vain  the  moist  sweet  grass  ; 
and  with  an  angry  scream  the  rooks  fly  over  the  desert-like 
pasture  fields  ;  and  the  wild  birds  of  the  hills  and  woods  forget 
their  fears  and  freely  slake  their  thirst  with  the  home  birds. 

How  we  suffer  from  the  summer's  drought,  and  how  anx- 
iously we  look  for  a  change  !  We  watch  the  sky,  the  clouds,  and 
the  winds;  we  look  out  in  the  early  morning  and  grieve  that  the 
rain  has  not  come,  and  in  the  eventide  and  hope  it  will ;  and 
in  the  dark  hours  of  the  Dight,  when  the  breeze  softly  stirs  the 
forest  trees,  our  thoughts  are  of  rain.  Long-believed-in  signs 
of  a  coming  change  vitit  us,  and  thus  keep  hope  alive  within 
our  hearts;  but  even  the  weather  prophets  fail  to  read  them 
aright.  Soft,  feathery,  white  clouds  adorn  the  blue  sky,  tenderly 
veiling  its  brightness — "mare's  tails  "  and  "mackerel  skies," 
enough  with  their  foreboding  to  dispirit  one  on  the  eve  of  an 
excursion  ;  but  the  clouds  melt  away  and  leave  only  an  in- 
tenser  blue,  a  heat  more  consuming  in  its  power.  Clouds  rise 
in  the  east  and  in  the  west,  they  travel  with  the  wind  and 
against  it,  they  meet  in  angry  contest,  but  a  few  muttered 
thunderings  and  they  part  and  go  their  separate  ways  in  peace, 
the  dispute  settled,  and  to  our  loss  no  rain-tears  fall.  Threaten- 
ing winds  drive  right  into  the  "  Noah's  ark,"  boldly  painted 
on  a  sea  of  blue,  and  we  point  in  rapture  to  the  unfailing  sign, 
sure  that  the  deluge  will  come  ;  but  the  wind  lulls,  the  ark 
goes  on  in  safety,  and  the  rain  descends  not.  Nearer  and 
nearer  to  our  vision  comes  the  distant  landscape — woods,  and 
fields,  and  cottage  homes,  and  homes  of  prayer,  all  clearly 
revealed  to  us  in  the  soft  evening  light  ;  and  we  take  heart  of 
hope  again,  for  all  signs  of  change  cannot  surely  fail.  Yet  day 
after  day  comes  and  goes  the  same;  only  drier  and  more  irritat- 
ing beoomes  the  atmosphere,  more  parched  and  desolate  the 
land,  more  autumn-like  the  summer  foliage.  The  sun  rises  in 
glory,  and  travels  in  undiminished  brightness  through  the  bine 
immensity,  and  sets  among  vapcrur-clouds  of  gorgeous  colour- 
ing, that  turns  each  wayside  weed,  and  blade  of  grass,  and  giant 
tree  to  burnished  gold  ;  but  a  grey  morning  follows  the  yellow 
sunset,  and  our  momentary  hopes  are  gone. 

Then  we  look  nearer  home  for  signs  of  approaching  change 
of  weather  that  may  be  trnsted  in,  and  we  take  comfort,  nay, 
almost  pleasure,  out  of  suffering,  and  fail  to  sympathise  fully 
with  the  rheumatic  pains  of  the  long-ago  injured  limb,  in  the 
certainty  there  is  damp  in  the  air.  rain  bringing  relief  at  last. 
All  day  the  sun  shines,  all  night  the  stars  ;  but  in  the  first 


September  15, 1670.  ]         JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


207 


hours  of  the  morning  a  thick  heavy  cloud  passes  low  over  the 
country  and  leaves  it  bathed  in  generous  dew ;  nothing  living 
and  striving  to  grow  is  missed  or  forgotten,  and  when  the  sun 
comes  forth  he  finds  everything  sparkling  with  joy,  our  pains 
of  the  body  suddenly  depart,  but  they  leave  a  pain  that  will 
not  go — a  long-unanswered  wish. 

We  become  sceptical  of  Bigns,  though  the  troubled  wind  goes 
sighing  through  every  hole  and  cranny  and  unfaBtened  window, 
and  moans  away  into  the  far  distance.  And  even  our  house- 
hold gods  break  their  accustomed  silence,  and  startle  us  with 
strange  noises,  and  stairs  creak  all  night  through,  as  though 
burglars  with  shoeless  feet  were  asoending  and  descending ; 
and  veteran  spiders  come  forth  from  their  secret  nooks  to 
catch  the  first  breath  of  moisture,  and  flies  with  their  im- 
patient visits  torment  the  weary  worker,  and  the  pea  fowl 
from  the  neighbouring  garden  lifts  his  discordant  voice  in 
louder  and  still  louder  notes,  and  deeper  down  go  the  worms 
in  their  wondrous  search  for  the  necessaries  of  life ;  and  the 


swallows  fly  hither  and  thither,  and  hold  long  converse  over  the 
abbey  ruins,  and  we  know  they  are  meditating  a  journey  to 
more  genial  climates.    Cold  blows  the  wind  from  the  north  as 

j  though  in  pity;  it  beats  hard  upon  the  trees  with  a  noise  as  of 
waves  beating  upon  a  rocky  shore.     The  rain  comes  not,  and 

]  through  the  same  dusty  lanes  as  the  mower  led  his  scanty 
crop  goes  the  reaper  with  his  golden  harvest — a  harvest  that 
in  the  olden  times  was  stored  away  for  winter  use,  now  pressed 
into  the  service  of  summer  to  supply  her  needs,  to  lessen  the 

!  sufferings  of  the  long  summer  drought. 

At  last  the  change  comes,  the  welcome  rain  falls,  slow  at 

'  first  but  sure  and  certain,  touching  everything  as  with  a  hand 
of  blessing,  finding  its  hidden  way  among  the  hills,  and  giving 

!  a  voice  of  gladness  to  every  running  brook,  a  sense  of  renewed 

j  life  to  every  thirsty  plant ;  the  poor  brown  moss  comes  back 

i  to  greenness,  and  every  node  of  grass  begins  its  work  of 
growth  anew,  and  surely  all  our  hearts  are  filled  with  thankful- 

'  ness. — Maud. 


The  elevated  position  of  the  Crystal  Palace,  and  the  gentle 
manner  in  which  the  grounds  slope  away  from  it,  tend  to 
impart  an  additional  dignity  even  to  its  gigantic  proportions  ; 
this,  and  the  scenery  which  it  commands,  proclaim  the  hand  of 
a  master  in  the  selection  of  its  site. 

In  a  survey  of  the  Palace  and  its  surroundings  one  cannot 
fail  to  be  struck  by  the  peculiar  tone, which  this  huge  mass  of 
glass  and  iron  imparts  to  the  whole  scene.  All  who  read  these 
notes,  if  they  have  never  seen  the  Palace,  should  remember 
that  it  is  this  peculiarity  that  enables  the  gardener  to  form 


GARDENING   IN   THE  LONDON    PARKS.— No.  3. 
THE  CRYSTAL  PALACE. 

combinations  of  such  striking  colours  in  the  flower  beds  as 
would  be  hardly  adapted  for  small  gardens,  and  which  mUBt  be 
followed  with  the  greatest  caution,  for  the  bold  style  of  colour- 
ing which  may  be  used  here  with  safety,  is  hardly  suited  to  the 
quiet  repose  of  the  small  lawn  or  shrubbery.  Not  that  I  would 
wish  to  convey  an  impression  that  there  are  no  beds  at  this 
place  the  planting  of  which  may  not  be  safely  followed,  for 
many  of  the  circular  beds  on  the  rosery  slopes  are  gems  of 
refined  beauty,  which  are  quite  certain  to  be  appreciated  in  al- 
most any  position. 


1.  Verbena  Purple  Kine. 
2,  2.  Two  rows  ol  a  Silver-edged  Varie- 
gated Pelargonium  like  Perfection 
or  Bijoa. 


3,  3.  Two  rows  of  pink  Pelargonium    Chris- 

tine. 

4,  4.  Coleus  Verschaffelti. 

5.  Diamonds  of  Centaarea  candidissima. 


6,  6.  Two  rows  Pelargonium  Crys 
tnl  Palace  Gem. 
7.  Pelargonium  Stella. 


The  flower  beds  at  the  Crystal  Palace  may  be  divided  into 
two  distinct  groups ;  these  are  the  rosery  slopes,  and  the 
terrace.  Taking  the  rosery  group  first,  we  have  a  bold  mass  of 
colour  in  the  sloping  border,  which  closely  encircles  the  rosery 
itself.  As  the  arrangement  is  somewhat  complicated,  I  give  the 
above  sketch  of  the  border  in  order  to  convey  a  just  impression 
of  its  character. 

The  Coleus  was  very  beautiful ;  nothing  could  be  more  satis- 
factory than  its  even  compaot  growth,  and  the  deep  rich  hue 
of  its  foliage.  The  effect  of  the  entire  border,  fine  as  it  un- 
doubtedly was,  would,  I  think,  have  been  more  pleasiDg  had 
the  flowers  been  kept  picked  off  the  yellow  and  white  varie- 
gated Pelargoniums,  and  this  I  would  insist  upon  more  espe- 
cially in  the  case  of  Perfection,  for,  situated  as  it  was  here  be- 
tween deep  purple  and  bright  pink,  its  white  variegation  seen 
pure  and  simple,  as  it  ought  always  to  be,  would  have  pro- 
duced an  effect  both  chaste  and  refined  in  the  highest  degree. 
The  dark  green  foliage  of  the  Ivy  and  other  climbing  plants 
trained  over  the  ironwork  behind  this  border  formed  an  ex- 
cellent background.  The  bold  style  of  its  colours  and  its  ele- 
vated position  rendered  it  a  conspicuous  object,  glimpses  of 
which  are  visible  from  all  parts  of  the  grounds. 

On  the  lawn  sloping  downwards  from  this  border  were  a 
number  of  beds,  most  of  which  were  of  a  circular  form,  and 
about  10  feet  in  diameter.     Many  of  them  were  well  arranged, 


and  all  were  sufficiently  quiet  in  tone  to  be  quite  subordinate 
to  the  grand  border.  Of  these  the  best  was  one  having  an 
edging  of  Pelargonium  Flower  of  Spring  surrounding  a  fine 
mass  of  a  large-flowered  purple  Petunia.  There  were  no  names 
to  the  plants  in  any  of  the  beds,  which  was  to  be  regretted,  as 
it  robs  tbem  of  much  of  their  interest.  In  another  bed  was  a 
mass  of  Centaurea  candidissima,  surrounded  by  a  ring  of  Coleus 
Verschaffelti,  with  a  broad  edging  of  Golden  Pyrethrum  ;  this 
was  very  fine.  The  Golden  Feather  Pyrethrum  has  been  re- 
markably healthy  and  well-coloured  this  season  in  all  the 
gardens  in  which  I  have  met  with  it. 

Another  circle  was  very  attractive  ;  in  it  Gazania  splendens 
was  edged  with  Ecbeveria  secunda  glauca.  Another  consisted 
of  an  equally  fine  mass  of  Coleus  Verschaffelti,  surrounded 
by  a  broad  band  of  Centaurea  candidissima,  with  an  edging 
of  Lobelia  Paxtoniana.  The  great  proportion  of  white  in 
the  flowers  of  this  Lobelia  renders  it  altogether  unsuitable 
for  planting  next  the  Centaurea ;  L.  speciosa,  or  some  other 
deep  blue  variety,  should  have  been  used.  A  pair  of  these 
circles  had  fine  rings  of  Iresine  Herbstii,  which  has  succeeded 
well  in  most  gardens  this  season.  Another  bed,  containing  a 
mixture  of  the  pretty  Pelargonium  Lady  Plymouth  and  Verbena 
Purple  King,  was  very  good  ;  so,  too,  was  a  mixture  of  Verbena 
venosa  and  Cineraria  maritima.  Another  striking  bed  had  a 
broad  edging  of  Golden  Pyrethrum  surrounding  alternate  rings 


208 


JOURNAL   OF   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE    GARDENER.         [  September  15,  1870. 


of  itself  and  a  very  compact-growing  blue  Lobelia.  A  novel 
effect  was  produced  by  surrounding  a  mass  of  orange  and 
scarlet  Tropieolum  witb  an  edging  of  Nierembergia  gracilis ;  and 
a  very  neat  and  attractive  bed  contained  white,  orange,  and 
pink  Lantanas.  These  pretty  Lantanas  are  alike  useful  iu  pots 
and  beds,  and,  although  somewhat  old  fashioned,  yet  when  well 
managed  they  bear  favourable  comparison  with  all  other  bed- 
ding plants.  A  few  mixed  beds  of  Verbenas  were  very  poor 
indeed,  nor  did  it  appear  at  all  difficult  to  understand  why  they 
were  so,  for  it  was  evident  at  a  glance  that  they  were  planted 
in  the  ordinary  garden  soil,  and  hence  their  ragged  and  starved 
appearance.  This  was  to  be  regretted,  for,  after  all,  the  suc- 
cessful culture  of  Verbenas  is  a  very  simple  matter.  With  a 
deep,  cool,  light,  rich  soil,  and  healthy  plants  at  the  time  of 
planting,  there  need  be  no  more  failures  with  Verbenas  than 
with  Pelargoniums.  The  only  advantage  which  the  latter 
really  possesses  is  that  it  will,  under  favourable  circumstances, 
continue  somewhat  longer  in  full  beauty  than  the  former.  We 
have  only  to  affurd  the  Verbena  a  sufficient  quantity  of  that 
rich,  cool  soil,  in  which  its  roots  love  to  spread,  to  produce 
beds  of  the  most  exquisite  loveliness,  and  certainly  far  more 
attraciive  and  interesting  than  those  of  almost  any  other 
denizen  of  the  flower  garden. 

The  great  utility  and  beauty  of  circular  flower  beds  is  here 
fully  demonstrated,  and  while  there  were  several  beds  the 
colours  of  which  were  tame  and  their  arrangement  faulty,  yet 
the  majority  of  them  were  good  in  every  respect  and  highly 
satisfactory. 

In  the  hollow  at  the  foot  of  the  rosery  slopes,  on  the  side 
facing  the  water  temples,  a  triangular  space  is  enclosed  or 
bonnded  by  three  walks,  each  of  which  runs  parallel  with  one 
side  of  the  triangle,  which  is  of  turf,  having  a  fine  Welling- 
tonia  in  its  centre,  and  with  three  small  triangular  beds,  one  at 
each  angle  of  the  triangle.  Each  of  these  beds  contained  a 
mass  of  a  light  orange  scarlet  Pelargonium,  with  an  edging  of 
Pelargonium  Manglesii,  which  filled  the  beds  well ;  but  the 
result  would  have  been  very  much  better  had  a  deep  crimson 
shade  of  colour  been  used  in  place  of  the  orange  scarlet,  for 
then  a  rich  and  dignified  effect  would  have  been  obtained  ;  the 
deep  colours  blended  together  would  have  imparted  just  that 
air  of  importance  which  the  group  required  to  be  satisfactory. 

Proceeding  from  this  part  of  the  grounds  to  the  terrace,  I 
noticed  in  full  flower  some  fine  bold  masses  of  Hollyhock,  which 
struck  me  as  being  one  of  the  best  of  plants  to  introduce  in 
that  way  in  such  extensive  grounds. 

The  beds  on  the  terrace  form  no  regular  design,  but  are 
arranged  in  a  single  row  round  the  principal  plots  of  turf,  each 
of  which  has  a  fountain  in  the  centre,  on  the  margin  of  which 
a  few  vases  are  placed.     The  ohief  display  on  the  terrace  was 
that  of  the  two  central  groups,  one  on  each  side  of  the  broad 
walk  which  leads  from  the  Palsce  across   the  centre  of  the 
terrace  down  the  various  flights  of  steps.     The  form  of  each  of 
the  central  spaces  of  turf  will  be  easily  understood  if  I  compare 
it  to  the  quarter  of  a  huge  oval,  with  the  longest  side  facing  the 
front  of  the  terrace.     The  line  of  beds  here  consists  of  alternate 
circles  and  parallelograms,  the  formality  of  which  is  broken  up 
by  specimen  standard  shrubs,  which  spring  from  the  centre  of 
each  of  the  circular  beds.     The  flowers  in  these  consisted  of  an 
outer  row  of  Golden  Pyrethrum,  inside  which  were  two  rows  of 
Coleus  Verschaffelti,  with  a  central  mass  of  Pelargonium  Pro- 
vost.     In  every  alternate   circle  Pelargonium  Flower   of  the 
Day  took  the  pUce  of  the  Pyrethrum.      The  long  beds  had  a 
broad  band  of  Pelargonium  Stella  along  the  centre,  with  yellow 
Calceolaria  on  each  side,  and  with  a  row  of  Verbena  Purple 
King  round  the  outside  of  the  beds.     The  flowers  and  trusses 
of  the  Calceolarias  were  alike  small.     This  long  line  of  bright 
colours,  softened  somewhat  by  the  mass  of  Provost,  had  a  very 
bold  effect,  and  the  proximity  of  the  "  pale-hued  Palace,"  de- 
prived it  of  all  its  harshness,  and  even  added  to  its  beauty. 
_  The  line  of  beds  running  parallel  to  the  walk  along  the  other 
sides  of  these  central  plots  of  turf  is  peculiar ;  it  consists  of 
circular  beds  containing  an  Araucaria  imbricata  in  the  centre, 
alternating  with  very  large  empty  vases,  with  high  pedestals 
standing  on  turf,  and  surrounded  by  a  broad  ring  having  a  wide 
band  of  either  pink  or  scarlet  Pelargoniums  along  the  centre, 
with  a  margin  of  Pelargonium  Flower  of  the  Day  on  each  side. 
These  rings  had  a  very  good  effect ;   but  the  circular  beds  con- 
taining the  Araucarias  appeared  perfectly  ridiculous,  owing  to 
the  absurdly  narrow  row  of  Cerastium  tomentosum  enclosing 
a  broad  ring  of  blue  Lobelia. 

A  line  of  beds  by  the  side  of  the  walk  nearest  the  Palace, 
consisting  of  parallelograms  broken  occasionally  by  vases  or 


statuary,  was  very  good.  Of  these  beds  one  containing  a  mass 
of  a  very  dwarf  orange  scarlet  Tropasolum,  bordered  with  an 
equally  dwarf  blue  Lobelia,  was  very  good  ;  another  had  a 
splendid  mass  of  Pelargonium  Waltham  Seedling.  This  fine 
variety  has  been  very  brilliant  all  through  the  past  hot  season. 
In  others  of  these  beds  equally  fine,  Pelargoniums  Amy  Hogg 
and  Provost,  and  a  fine  large-flowered  purplish  crimson  Pe- 
tunia, were  noteworthy.  All  these  beds  had  a  uniform  edging 
of  blue  Lobelia.  The  vases,  which  were  of  large  and  handsome 
proportions,  contained  a  pleasing  mixture  of  plants,  the  growth 
of  which  was  very  uniform.  These  vases,  and  beds  were  among 
the  most  effective  of  any  that  came  under  my  notice,  and  this 
was  undoubtedly  owing  to  the  broad  rich  masses  of  colour 
which  the  beds  contained,  for  had  there  been  much  subdivision 
of  colour  here  the  effect  would  not  have  been  nearly  so  telling. 
The  beds  iu  the  other  compartments  of  the  terrace  contained 
nothing  worthy  of  note;  and  I  may  very  justly  conclude  this 
paper  by  observing,  that  while  there  is  much  in  the  arrange- 
ment of  the  flowers  here  to  which  the  greatest  praise  must  be 
accorded,  yet  there  is  also  very  much  of  the  colouring  which  :s 
faulty  and  insipid  ;  it  may  be  that  there  was  a  lack  ot  better 
materials  at  the  planting  season.  Knowing  nothing  of  the  re- 
sources of  the  Superintendent,  I  cannot  say  how  this  may  be; 
but  I  may  say  that  a  season  trying  even  as  the  past  hot  sum- 
mer, can  form  no  excuse  for  the  tame  appearance  presented  by 
many  of  the  minor  flower  beds  in  these  grounds. — Edwakd 
Luckhukst,  Egerton  House  Gardens,  Kent. 


THE   FLOWER   SERMON. 
Collinson,  in  his  "History  of  Somersetshire"  speaking  of 
Yatton,  says,  that  "John  Lane  of  this  parish  left  half  an  acre 
of  ground  to  the  poor  for  ever,  reserving  a  quantity  of  grass  for 
strewing  the  church  on  Whit- Sunday." 

For  many  years  past  a  sermon  upon  flowers  has  been  preached 
iu  Shoreditch  annually  on  Whit-Tuesday;  an  old  florist,  Thomas 
Fuirchild,  enamoured  of  his  floral  charges,  having  bequeathed  a 
certain  sum  of  money,  in  trust  to  the  Royal  Society,  "  for  the 
providing  of  a  clergyman  to  deliver  that  sermon."  This  had 
been  familiar  to  us,  not  only  as  a  legend  but  as  a  reality,  from 
our  childhood's  days,  for  our  father  had  often  been  invited  to 
preach  it ;  and  we,  a  large  party  of  boys  and  girls  about  the  tea- 
table,  had  been  in  the  habit,  for  days  before,  of  hazarding  many 
a  guess,  or  even  bolder  suggestion,  as  to  what  the  text  would  or 
should  be.  "  Consider  the  Lilies,"  was  a  favourite  one,  being 
very  apposite.  But  "  Much  too  commonplace,  my  love,"  would 
be  the  reply  to  that.  "  Rose  of  Sharon  "  came  next;  but  natu- 
rally all  these,  patent  to  the  minds  of  everyone,  had  year  by 
year  been  used  up,  and  we  had  to  confess,  when  told,  perhaps, 
that  it  would  be  such  a  one  as  "  He  giveth  them  their  meat  in 
due  season,"  and  that  the  discourse  would  turn  upon  corn,  that 
it  sounded  much  more  "  uncommon,"  and  that  there  would  be 
a  great  deal  to  say  about  it. 

Shoreditch  was  a  very  long  way  off,  and  an  out-of-the-way 
place  to  take  young  folks  to.  We  did  not  attend  these  annual 
services,  nor  in  fact  were  they  much  frequented  by  any.  Per- 
haps not  more  than  a  dozen  persons  heard  the  carefully 
thought-out  sermon,  or  profited  by  the  lessons  which  the  good 
old  gardener,  so  long  since  dead,  would  have  had  them  taught 
concerning  the  beauty  and  charm  of  God's  creatures. 

Knowing  all  this,  which  by-the-by,  not  one  in  ten  thousand 
Londoners  does  know,  we  were  taken  by  surprise  when,  about 
a  week  before  Whit-Sunday  last,  an  announcement  appeared  in 
the  public  papers  to  the  effect  that  "  The  Flower  Sermon, 
usually  preached  at  St.  James's,  Aklgate,  would  this  year  be 
preached  at  the  Church  of  St.  Katharine  Cree,  Leadenhall 
Street,  on  Whit-Tuesday  evening,  by  the  Rev.  W.  M.  Whitte- 
more,  D.D.,  that  the  service  would  be  choral,  members  of  St. 
Paul's  Cathedral  special  service  choir  attending,  that  the  church 
would  be  crowded,  and  that  it  was  the  custom  for  all  the  young 
people  present  to  carry  bouquets  of  flowers." 

Our  first  mental  question  was,  "  Is  this  the  Flower  Sermon," 
of  which,  like  so  many  others  who  have  lived  within  sound  of 
Bow  Bells  all  their  lives,  we  have  never  before  heard  ;  or  has 
our  old  acquaintance  of  poor  Shoreditch  prior  right  to  the  appel- 
lation? And  then  we  began  to  wonder  whether  other  flower 
sermons  of  which  we  knew  nothing  might  bepreaohed  at  Whit- 
suntide in  other  places  ;  and  this  led  us  to  Collinson's  notice  of 
the  grass-strewing  in  Tatton  Church  on  Whit-Sunday. 

The  evening  in  question,  June  the  7th,  was  bright  and  balmy. 
A  long  drive  through  streets  of  holiday-makers  streaming  to  the 


September  15,  1670. 


JOURNAL   OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


209 


purer  air  of  our  "  Northern  Heights,"  through  dreary  Islington, 
amid  street-vendors  of  sherbet,  •'  water  from  the  cooler  "  at  a 
halfpenny  a-glass,  rows  of  poor  little  birds  in  cages,  and  Btalls 
of  wind-fallen  trait  and  drooping  plants,  about  which  ragged 
children  played  ;  on  through  the  busy  regions  where  looms  the 
dome  of  St.  Paul's,  and  the  massive  Bink  of  EngUnd  rears  its 
heavy  walls;  brought  us  at  length  to  Leadenhatl  Street,  and 
the  doors  of  tho  old  church  of  St.  Kitbarine  Cree. 

Beneath  the  Gothic  arched  portal  of  this  old  church  we  passed, 
out  of  the  din  of  the  bustling  street,  and  with  difficulty  squeez- 
ing our  way  in,  truly  we  were  astonished  at  the  Bight  that  met 
oar  eyes.  An  overflowing  congregation  filling  all  the  square 
old  high-backed  pews,  lining  the  nave  and  aisles,  seated  on  ex- 
tempore benches,  or  standiug  as  thickly  as  elbows  would  allow, 
the  crowd  extended  to  the  porch  and  even  beyond  it.  For  our- 
selves, having  arrived  a  little  late,  we  were  fain  to  be  content — 
and  grateful  for  it  too — with  space  for  our  two  feet  within  the 
sheltering  walls  of  a  certain  pew  where  several  other  ladies  also 
stood  during  the  whole  service. 

A  goodly  congregation  of  men,  women,  and  children  it  was, 
although  the  service  is  supposed  to  be  chiefly  fur  the  latter. 
Almost  everyone  carried  a  bouquet  of  bright  sweet-smelling 
flowers,  Pinks,  Geraniums,  or  Ruses,  from  sober  middle-aged 
spinsters  down  to  the  little  children  in  pinafores  ;  indeed,  as 
Dr.  Whittemore  said,  anyone  who  felt  too  proud  or  too  old  to 
carry  one  must  feel  out  of  place  at  this  service. 

The  text  chosen  was  from  Canticles — "  Tho  flowers  appear 
on  the  earth  ;"  and  Dr.  Whittemore  called  his  ht-arers'  atten- 
tion to  five  principal  lessons  from  it.  Fir-t,  God's  love  in 
giving  us  blight  and  beautiful  flowers,  not  as  a  necessity  to  our 
existence,  but  as  a  source  of  deep  and  pure  eDJoymtnt.  Tbis 
he  illustrated  by  a  little  anecdote  of  a  Strawberry  plant  given 
to  the  inmate  of  a  hospital  ward,  where,  when  the  possibility 
was  realised  of  positively  a  ripe  live  Strawberry  some  day  ap- 
pearing on  it,  the  intenstst  keenest  interest  grew  up  amongst 
the  sufferers  there,  as  hour  by  hour  pale  wistful  faces  watched 
first  for  a  tender  bud,  then  for  the  littlo  starry  blossom,  and 
then  for  the  formation  of  the  tiny  fruit,  till  the  universal  joy 
and  expectation  were  crowned  by  the  ripening  of  the  luscious 
crimson  berry.  Secondly,  (he  flowers  were  to  teach  us  faith  in 
God;  for  if  He  cires  for  them,  He  will  for  us.  And  again, 
eager  listening  ears  drank  ia  the  story  of  the  African  traveller, 
lost  in  a  barren  expanse  of  desert  waste,  who,  casting  himself 
down  in  despair,  perhaps,  as  he  thought,  to  die,  presently  per- 
ceived at  his  side  a  tiny  blue  blossom.  "  That,"  he  reflected, 
"  has  been  set  here  and  tended  by  our  Father  in  heaven.  He 
will  not  suffer  me  to  perish."  And  so  with  renewed  hope  and 
courage  he  rose,  and  persevered  till  the  route  was  found. 
Thirdly,  we  were  to  note  God's  wisdom  shown  in  the  subtle 
and  mysterious  mechanism  to  these  delicate  structures,  in  their 
wondrous  formation  suited  to  various  soils  and  many  climes,  in 
their  gradual  transformations  from  seedlings  to  fruit-bearing 
growth,  causing  them  to  become  sweet  food  for  man  or  beast, 
and  to  renew  and  multiply  themselves.  Fourthly,  God's 
benevolence,  affording  to  the  poorest  and  youngest,  as  well  as 
those  better  off,  a  means  of  bestowing  innocent  pleasure  upon 
others.  And  lastly,  we  were  reminded  of  the  lesson  that  all 
must  learn  sooner  or  later,  that  as  the  grass  withereth  and  the 
flower  fadeth,  so  all  our  earthly  pleasures,  even  the  brightest 
and  the  best,  must  vanish. 

This  "  Flower  Sermon,"  so  far  as  we  have  since  been  able  to 
learn,  is  not  in  itself  an  ancient  institution,  although  perhaps 
an  imitation  of  the  older  one. 

The  special  service  was  originated  by  Dr.  Whittemore  him- 
self some  sixteen  or  seventeen  years  ago,  in  order  to  interest 
young  people  in  nature  and  its  teachings. 

We  wish  it  all  success,  and  can  but  hope  that  it  may  live  to 
grow  into  an  old  custom,  and  that  it  may  in  its  turn  find  other 
imitators,  for  we  understand  that  hundreds  of  persons  who 
would  have  listened  to  the  Flower  Sermon  had  to  turn  from 
the  low  porch  of  St.  Katharine  Cree  on  Whit-Tuesday  night,  for 
want  of  space  within.— (The  Monthly  Packet.) 


WORK  FOR   THE   "WEEK. 

KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

The  beds  of  young  Cabbages  should  be  looked  all  over,  and 
the  most  forward  plants  transplanted  or  pricked  out  at  once. 
Continue  to  earth-up  Celery.     Earthing-up  a  little  at  a  time  ; 
and  often  is  the  maxim  of  many  ;  with  them  it  is  a  rule  to  , 
sow  fresh-slacked  quicklime  among  their  Celery  immediately  j 
previous  to  the  first  earthing-up.    It  is  found  by  experience  that 


the  Celery  bed  is  the  best  slug-trap  in  the  garden.  A  double 
operation,  as  it  were,  is  performed — the  Celery  is  unblemished, 
and  a  vast  number  of  slugs  are  destroyed.  The  lime,  however, 
must  not  be  applied  hot,  and  it  must  be  shaken  carefully  into 
the  hearts  of  the  plants,  and  not  in  coarse  lumps.  Let  a  con- 
tinual succession  of  the  forward  Endive  be  tied  for  the  salad- 
bowl.  Continue  tying-up  autumn  Lettuce.  Tay  general  at- 
tention to  thinning  Spinach  ;  that  to  stand  the  winter  may  be 
thinned  to  6  inches  apart  from  plant  to  plant.  Sow  Radishes 
in  a  raised  bed  in  a  warm  situation;  these  will  come  in 
through  November,  and  even  up  to  Christmas  with  a  slight 
covering  occasionally.  Remove  decaying  leaves  from  amongst 
crops  of  Brussels  Sprouts,  Broccoli,  and  similar  vegetables,  and 
trench  tbem  into  the  soil  in  some  spare  part  of  the  garden  that 
is  set  apart  for  early-spring  crops.  No  summer  that  has  oc- 
curred within  my  memory  has  made  the  advantages  resulting 
from  a  system  of  high  cultivation  so  ttiikingly  apparent  as  the 
present.  That  part  of  the  ground  which  was  trenched  two 
spits  deep  last  autumn  bore  luxuriant  and  ample  crops  of 
Strawberries,  while  the  part  of  the  same  garden  which  was 
simply  dug  one  spit  deep,  with  a  hard  and  comparatively  im- 
pervious bottom  at  the  depth  of  about  0  inches,  produced  only 
I  a  few  scorched  leaves  and  a  very  few  wretched  fruit.  In  this 
,  case  manure  and  other  circumstances  were  the  same,  except 
|  the  depth  to  which  the  soil  was  trenched.  What  is  true  of 
Strawberries  is  also  true  of  every  other  crop  whether  in  the 
garden  or  the  field. 

FRUIT    GARDEN. 

Of  all  the  operations  necessary  to  promote  bearing,  the  general 
stopping  of  fruit  trees  is,  perhaps,  the  most  necessary,  yet  the 
most  neglected,  when  the  trees  are  stripped  of  their  leaves; 

!  whilst  even  by  some  they  are  neglected  at  the  very  period  when 
the  rivalry  of  contending  shoots  and  the  darkness  occasioned  by 

I  watery  breastwood  are  so  prejudicial  to  the  welfare  of  the  true 
bearing  shoots  or  spurs.  Hence,  in  the  spring,  we  hear  so 
many  complaints  of  the  trees  blooming  irregularly,  "  breaking 
blind,"  blossoms  produced  without  pistils,  &c.  I  would  advise 
that  at  this  period  the  trained  trees  be  gone  over  once  more, 
entirely  removing  all  late  growths  except  from  the  lower  and 
inferior  shoots  on  Peach  and  Nectarine  trees.  These  may  be 
kept  growing  as  late  as  possible  in  order  to  encourage  strength 
in  those  parts,  and  to  equalise  the  sap  in  the  ensuing  year,  by 
the  enlargement  of  their  capacities  for  its  reception.  Pears 
will  be  found  to  benefit  much  by  this  mode  of  procedure  ; 
indeed,  the  whole  of  the  snags  should  be  left  by  shortening- 
back  the  young  spray  in  June,  which  is  totally  removed  in  the 
first  week  in  September.  Much  earlier  than  this  would  not 
answer,  for  although  it  might  not  cause  the  true  blossom-buds 
of  next  year  to  "push,"  it  would  cause  them  to  elongate, 
thereby  producing  abortive  blossoms,  and  malformations  in 
the  fruit.  Late-growing  Vines  should  always  undergo  the  same 
process,  at  the  same  time  removing  every  lateral  that  is  shading 
the  principal  leaves.  This  treatment  should  be  applied  to 
Vines  in-doors  as  well  as  on  the  open  walls. 

FLOWER   GARDEN. 

Every  attention  should  be  paid  at  this  period  to  collecting 
seeds  of  popular  flowers  for  mixed  beds  or  masses  next  year. 
The  Petunias,  Salvia  patens,  Pentstemons,  Calceolarias,  the 
Antirrhinums,  with  a  host  of  annuals  and  other  plants  may  at 
this  period  be  collected.  Gardeners  in  general  can  scarcely  be 
expected  to  save  many  seeds ;  those  who  have  small  gardens 
may,  however,  do  much  in  this  way.  Some  of  the  climbers 
also  produce  seeds,  such  as  the  Tropasolums,  Maurandyas,  the 
Lophospermums,  &c.  Let  the  planting  of  bulbs  for  very  early 
work  proceed  directly.  Borders  or  beds  deficient  in  the  number 
of  Snowdrops,  Crocuses,  and  Narcissuses  should  have  some 
introduced.  The  main  planting,  however,  may  be  reserved  for 
the  early  part  of  November.  A  few  of  the  earlier  sorts  of 
Hyacinths  may  also  be  planted,  covering  them  4  or  5  inches 
in  depth,  and  surrounding  the  bulbs  with  sand. 

GREENHOUSE   AND   CONSERVATORY. 

Many  of  our  summer  favourites  will  now  be  going  out  of 
flower,  if  they  are  not  already  so,  and  their  place  must  be  stu- 
diously supplied  with  plants  peculiar  to  the  autumn  months. 
Brugmansias  and  Clerodendrons  make  an  admirable  display  at. 
this  period  ;  some  large  specimens  should  be  grown  later  every 
season  for  this  purpose.  They  succeed  admirably  throughout 
the  summer  in  any  common  vinery  or  Peach  house,  if  duly 
supplied  with  water  and  kept  perfectly  free  from  insects.  Let 
all  large  Orange  trees,  Camellias,  and  other  large  specimens 
belonging  to  such  structures  be  brought  under  cover  in  good 


210 


JOUBNAL   OF  HOBTIOULTUBB   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  September  15,  1870. 


time.  Amongst  climbers  the  Stephanotis  and  Pergularia  grown 
on  ornamental  trellises  show  themselves  peculiarly  eligible  to 
be  introduced  here  on  the  decay  of  other  flowers.  The  Jasmines, 
also,  especially  Jaeminum  Sambac,  are  valuable  thus  treated. 
They  are  to  be  had  in  flower  on  pot  trellises  continuously  from 
May  ;  the  principal  treatment  consists  in  stopping  every  luxu- 
riant shoot  as  soon  as  it  is  a  few  joints  long.  The  Francieceas 
are  very  ornamental  plants,  and  well  adapted  for  those  who 
have  only  one  house.  Francisoea  Hopeana,  although  an  old 
kind,  is  still  very  useful,  and  is,  besides,  very  fragrant.  The 
young  rambling  shoots  should  be  constantly  stopped ;  doing 
so  will  induce  them  to  bloom  freely  and  remain  in  a  bushy 
state.  Stout  young  Mignonette  plants,  potted  immediately 
and  kept  under  cutting  treatment  for  a  week  or  more,  will 
flower  well  in  November  and  December,  when  every  little  matter 
of  this  kind  will  be  acceptable.  The  Cyclamen  hedenefolium 
is  a  pretty  little  pot  plant  for  those  whose  space  is  limited; 
indeed,  the  whole  family  of  Cyclamens  are  particularly  orna- 
mental and  easy  of  cultivation.  The  Linum  trigynnm  is  a 
pretty  winter  flower,  one  or  two  should  grace  every  collection. 
As  before  observed,  continue  daily  to  house  everything  likely 
to  suffer  from  the  autumn  frosts. 

STOVE. 

Several  of  the  Dendrobiums,  Aerides,  Saccolabiums,  and 
Vandas  will  still  make  considerable  growth  in  a  high  tempera- 
ture with  much  moisture,  but  take  care  to  increase  the  amount 
of  sunlight.  Cattleyas  should  not  be  encouraged  to  grow  after 
this  time  if  good  blooms  are  required.  Young  specimens  may, 
however,  still  be  kept  growing  for  the  sake  of  size.  Stanhopeas 
which  have  made  robust  growth  should  have  the  supply  of 
water  diminished,  and  have  a  lower  temperature  with  less 
shading  ;  those  still  growing  may  be  watered  freely. 

COLD    PITS    AND    FRAMES. 

These  should  now  be  furnished  with  bulbs  of  the  most  ap- 
proved kinds  for  forcing,  Pinks  in  variety,  particularly  the  Anne 
Boleyn,  Neapolitan  and  Russian  Violets,  and  sturdy  young 
plants  of  Wallflowers  in  variety.  Mignonette  should  be  thinned 
in  due  season.  Ten-week  Stocks  should  be  sown  for  pricking 
into  pots  by  the  end  of  next  month.  Cinerarias  should  now  be 
repotted,  and  Calceolarias  parted,  placed  in  3-inch  pots,  and 
plunged  close  to  the  glass  in  some  cinder  ashes  in  a  cold  pit 
or  frame.— W.  Keane. 


DOINGS  OF  THE  LAST  WEEK. 
What  a  pity  it  is  that  fine  sunny  weather  should  ever  do 
harm  !  It  is  so  much  more  pleasant  to  move  about  when  the  air 
is  dry  and  calm,  and  the  sun  bright  but  shaded  by  occasional 
clouds.  Many  felt  this  during  the  week  when  caught  far  from 
home,  or  obliged  to  remain  under  what  shelter  could  be  obtained 
during  the  heavy  rains  that  have  visited  us,  after  similar 
accumulated  vapours  had  been  condensed  and  soaked  the 
battlefields  of  France.  Would  not  these  dread  battles,  by  the 
disturbance  in  the  atmosphere  by  the  discharge  of  artillery, 
have  something  to  do,  naturally  speaking,  with  the  free  falling 
of  the  rain  ?  We  know  how  all  onr  weather-glasses  fell  with- 
out any  seeming  cause  at  the  last  awful  bombardment  of  Sebas- 
topol.  Some  of  our  volunteers,  who  have  got  their  fair  soak- 
ings  at  Wimbledon,  have  half- seriously  commented  on  what  a 
good  firing  of  cannon  might  do  for  us  in  Buch  a  dry  season. 
Further  evidence  is  wanted  before  we  can  set  down  as  cause 
and  effect  what  may  after  all  be  a  mere  coincidence.  We  were 
glad,  however,  to  see  the  showers  falling,  as  they  have  done 
so  much  to  cleanse  and  invigorate  all  vegetation,  to  give  a 
green  colouring  to  our  meadows,  and  to  make  our  lawns  like 
green  carpets.  The  wind  that  reached  more  than  an  equi- 
noctial gale  on  the  night  of  the  8th  and  part  of  the  9th  did 
considerable  damage  in  breaking  and  scattering  limbs  and 
branches  of  trees,  rendering  the  flower  garden  less  lovely,  and 
sending  down  lots  of  fruit  far  from  being  ripe.  These,  however, 
would  suffer  less  from  the  fall,  owing  to  the  softening  of  the 
ground  by  the  rain.  A  rising  barometer  seems  to  indicate  that 
the  wind  and  the  rains  will  soon  be  over,  or  be  more  gentle. 

KITCHEN  GARDEN. 

Almost  everything  is  thriving.  Brussels  Sprouts,  Borecole, 
and  Broccoli  seem  to  grow  like  magic,  and  all  the  more  from 
the  ground  between  the  plants  being  stirred  with  a  fork.  As 
a  class  (and  even  our  cottager  gardeners,  who  often  beat  the 
professed  gardeners  in  vegetables),  we  are  not  fully  aware  of 
the  great  advantage  this  stirring  gives  to  free  growth.  The 
late-put-in  small  plants  of  all  sorts  of  Greens,  if  they  do  not 


become  very  large,  will  be  fine  cutting  in  the  early  spring 
months.  By  the  means  referred  to  last  week,  and  followed  by 
the  nice  showers,  we  find  Cabbages  and  Cauliflowers  are  now 
almoBt  entirely  free  of  the  fly  which  settled  on  them  in  clouds. 
We  have  two  nice  pieces  of  early  Cabbages,  growing  well,  for 
early  cutting  next  year,  and  will  ere  long  follow  with  the  main 
quarter  and  younger  plants,  having  removed  the  Onions  on 
purpose.  The  Onions,  though  plentiful,  are  much  smaller  than 
usual,  as  they  were  never  thoroughly  moistened  from  the  time 
they  were  above  ground  until  they  were  pulled  up  when  all 
growth  was  over.  We  always  had  a  difficulty,  treat  them  how 
we  would,  even  bringing  poverty  of  soil  to  our  aid,  in  securing  a 
good  supply  of  pioklmg  Onions,  but  there  will  be  no  want  of 
picklers  this  year. 

Cauliflower,  instead  of  coming  forked  and  Bprouting,  as  it 
was  forced  to  do  in  the  dry  hot  weather,  is  now  vigorous,  and 
turning  in  with  beautiful  white  heads,  so  useful  for  table  in  the 
autumn  months.  Our  seedling  Cauliflower  intended  for  next 
spring  is  just  fairly  up,  and  we  shall  scatter  a  little  charcoal 
dust  among  it,  as  it  looks  as  if  the  rains  had  been  heavy 
enough  for  the  little  plants.  Having  these  too  early  is  gene- 
rally anything  but  an  advantage,  as  Cauliflower  plants  are 
next  to  lost  if  they  show  any  sign*  of  forming  a  head  before 
the  plants  have  attained  a  good  size.  When  the  heads  are  for- 
ward in  autumn  they  are  apt  to  bolt  in  winter  and  spring,  and 
thus  prove  worthless. 

We  have  found,  on  the  whole,  no  plan  better  for  early  cutting 
than   placing  a   lot   of  these   plants   under   hand-lights   next 
month.     We  generally  put  nine  under  a  hand-light,  and  thin 
to  four  or  five  in  spring.     We  have  tried  pots,  repotting  and 
then  planting  out,  and  it  is  a  good  plan  where  room  can  be 
found  in  a  cool  house,  an  orchard  house,  cold  pit,  or  frame 
from  which  rats  and  mice  can  be  excluded  ;  but  on  the  whole 
our  plants  put  out  under  hand-lights  in  autumn,  and  attended 
to  in  winter,  generally  beat  all  other  competitors  where  no 
artificial   heat   was   given.      Once  we   were  hard  driven,  rats 
having  nearly  cleared  off  our  fine  young  plants  in  winter,  and 
we  sowed  in  heat,  pricked  out  in  gentle  heat,  then  transplanted 
in  an  earth  pit — such  as  we  use  for  early  Potatoes — with  a 
little  bottom  beat,  and  covered  at  first  with  old  sashes,  straw 
frames,  &c,  and  thus  we  obtained  fine  early  gatherings,  and 
the  mischief  the  vermin  did  was  never  known  at  the  dining- 
table  ;  the  additional  trouble,  however,  was  considerable.     We 
have  also  had  plants  potted  at  the  end  of  this  month  and 
treated  with  a  little  extra  heat  until  they  were  strong,  come  in 
early  ;  but  on  the  whole,  where  nothing  but  the  heat  of  the 
external  atmosphere  is  available,  we  have  a  decided  leaning,  for 
the  first  crop,  to  planting  out  under  hand-lights,  or  little  wooden 
boxes  with  a  moveable  glass  top.    No  doubt  the  French  cloches 
would  do  equally  well,  but  of  these  we  have  had  no  experience. 
The  dull  dripping  weather  enabled  us  to  plant  out  the  last 
of  our  Celery ;  and  as  the  plants  were  fine  and  strong,  and  had 
been  pricked  out  rather  thinly,  they  lifted  with  large  balls  full 
of  roots,  and  the  suckers  being  removed,  they  were  planted  in 
well-prepared  beds,  which,  when  finished,  were  little  if  at  all 
below  the  general  ground  level.    These,  being  well  watered, 
have  shown  no  signs  of  distress  in  the  brightest  sun.  but  are 
pushing  their  roots  freely  in  their  new  quarters.    We  never 
planted  out  so  much  Celery  so  late,  but  it  looks  now  as  if 
planted  in  July.     Circumstances  must  often  regulate  our  prac- 
tice.   In  such  a  season  we  never  could  have  obtained  water 
to  keep  the  Celery  in  health  if  it  had  been  turned  out  in  beds 
and  rows,  but  it  was  kept  healthy  with  little  water  and  shading 
by  letting  it  remain   rather  thickly  until  the  5th  inst.,  when 
the  weather  changed.     Most  of  it  has  been  planted  three  rows 
in  a  bed,  but  as  a  piece  of  Peas  gave  no  sign  of  being  useful 
any  longer,  we  had  the  ground  cleared  and  15-inch-wide  shallow 
trenches  made,  with  2-feet  spaces  between,  and  there  we  planted 
in  single  rows,  the  soil  with  the  dung  added  being  quite  up  to 
the  general  level.    This  is  often  a  great  advantage  in  damp, 
drizzling  winters,  as  damping  and  rotting  the  plants  are  avoided. 
These,  being  strong  plants,  will  show  little  signs  of  the  late 
planting  by  the  first  weeks  in  November. 

We  forgot  to  state,  that  though  the  Onion  ground,  after 
Celery,  was  well  manured,  yet  we  shall  add  a  little  rotten  dung 
and  a  dressing  from  the  rubbish-heap  before  half  trenching 
the  ground  for  the  Cabbage  crop — all  the  more  essential  when 
we  generally  allow  these  Cabbages  to  occupy  the  ground  for 
eighteen  months,  that  is  all  next  summer,  and  through  the 
winter  until  the  following  spring.  In  some  of  our  earth  pits 
which  we  use  for  bedding  plants,  we  have  lots  of  the  Little 
Pixie  Cabbage  and  the  Early  Ulm  Savoy  heartiDg  nioely,  both 


September  15,  1870. 1  JOURNAL   OF   HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENEB. 


211 


of  which  will  come  in  before  the  earliest  Coleworts,  and  aB 
they  will  be  liable  to  the  attacks  of  depredators,  we  shall  use 
them  up  before  the  cold  weather  sets  in. 

The  dry  weather,  as  in  the  case  of  early  Potatoes,  which 
never  were  finer,  has  made  little  impression  on  Carrots, 
Parsnips,  and  Beet,  which  we  have  rarely  had  finer.  Later- 
sown  Carrots  have  not  done  so  well.  We  planted  out  lots  of 
Lettuces  and  Endive  to  stand  the  winter,  and  sowed  at  the  foot 
of  walls  to  give  them  a  chance.  Hoed  between  the  autumn- 
sown  Spinach  and  Onions,  and  lest  the  autumn  should  be  fine, 
and  the  Spinach  become  rather  tender,  we  shall  sow  a  few  rows 
more,  which  will  be  useful  in  spring  if  the  frost  prove  very 
severe. 

Rubbish-heap. — Mentioning  it  above  reminds  us  that  in 
damp  days  we  have  hud  ours  made  up  afresh,  mixing  a  little 
littery  dung,  and  a  sprinkling  of  rough  salt  with  earth  from 
pots,  weeds,  Cabbage  stalks,  &a.,  and  covering  it  all  over  with 
earth,  so  that  what  escapes  from  the  heating  may  be  retained. 
We  are  often  surprised  from  whence  such  a  huge  heap  of  scores 
of  cartloads  comes.  If  we  had  rich  waters  to  spare,  we  would 
have  added  them,  and  also  some  loads  of  lime  if  to  be  had. 
Built  up  in  layers,  and  cut  down  from  top  to  bottom,  the  rubbish- 
heap  thus  formed  and  heated  will  be  an  excellent  dressing  to 
wheel  on  in  the  winter  months.  Cottagers  would  greatly  add 
to  their  supply  of  manure  if  they  never  allowed  weeds,  Cabbage 
or  Cauliflower  stems,  &c,  to  decay  without  being  covered  with 
earth. 

FRUIT   DEPARTMENT. 

The  wind  has  thrown  down  even  from  our  dwarf  trees  many 
fruit  far  from  being  ripe,  and,  therefore,  they  will  be  more 
liable  to  shrivel  before  beiug  used.  Applet  and  Pears  should 
in  general  be  gathered  befoie  they  are  fully  ripe,  just  when  the 
pips  are  about  half  coloured.  They  will  thus  be  more  juicy 
and  have  a  richer  flavour.  Before  this  appears  in  type  we 
shall  have  been  using  for  three  weeks  in  first-rate  condition 
that  fiue  autumn  Pear,  Williams's  Eon  Chieiien,  and  that  from 
one  espalier  tree  bearing  very  fine  fruit  for  the  season.  Such 
a  Pear  if  allowed  to  hang  until  9ven  nearly  ripe,  would  not  last 
many  days.  We  have  gathered  the  most  forward,  if  not  every 
day,  at  least  every  other  day,  and  kept  them  two  or  three  days 
before  using  them,  just  when  full  of  their  aromatic  rich  juice 
The  first  we  had  we  sweated  a  little  in  a  little  extra  heat, 
covering  them  up  to  prevent  the  juice  of  the  Pear  escaping. 
Even  when  we  give  no  extra  heat,  we  prefer  covering  this  rich 
Pear  when  gathered.  We  had  a  sample  of  small  fruit  of  this 
Pear  from  a  standard  orchard  tree,  the  possessor  saying  he 
had  two  or  three  bushels  of  it,  and  they  all  came  in  together. 
They  could  be  of  no  use  except  for  children,  or  those  who  liked 
a  half-rotten  Pear.  They  were  as  mealy  as  Potatoes,  marked 
on  the  skin,  and  quite  unfit  to  send  to  table.  In  some  seasons, 
by  careful  picking,  we  have  had  this  Pear  in  use  for  six  weeks. 
If  we  had  left  it  to  itself  it  would  not  have  been  in  use  for  more 
than  six  days.  We  mention  this  Pear  merely  as  an  example 
of  what  our  amateurs  might  accomplish  with  favourite  Pears 
and  Apples — the  Kerry  Pippin  Apple,  for  instance,  and  they 
can  do  far  more  than  gardeners  in  general  can  find  time  and 
means  to  attend  to.  We  have  great  faith  in  many  improve- 
ments in  gardening  coming  from  and  through  enthusiastic 
amateurs.  Even  Peaches  and  Nectarines  against  walls  were 
thrown  off  by  the  gale  of  the  Uth  and  10th.  Perhaps  what 
vexed  us  most  was  the  number  of  fine  fruit  of  the  Heine  Claude 
de  Bavay  Plum  thrown  from  a  bush  tree,  and  these  so  green 
as  not  to  be  fit  even  for  cooking.  We  expected  them  to  be 
fine  by  the  end  of  the  month. 

We  alluded  to  orchard  houses  last  week. 

In  late  vineries  we  are  using  a  little  fire  heat  to  perfect  the 
ripening,  and  keep  a  drier  atmosphere.  Ere  long  we  shall,  as 
the  best  we  can  do,  throw  some  litter  over  the  borders  of  the 
late  house,  especially  to  keep  the  heat  in  and  the  wet  partially 
out,  as  the  late  rains  have  given  pretty  well  enough  of  moisture. 

0RSA5IENTAL   DEPARTMENT. 

Taking  plants  under  protection  must  now  be  thought  about. 
The  lawns  are  now  beautifully  green,  and  the  flower  beds  stood 
the  rains  well  until  after  the  gale  of  the  9th.  But  for  our  bush- 
staking,  our  beds  would  have  been  nowhere.  Large  heads  of 
scarlet  Geraniums  were  nipped  off  aud  carried  away  scores  or 
hundreds  of  yards.  After  all,  a  sunny  day  or  two  will  make 
the  beds  very  presentable  agaiD,  though  we  hardly  expect  them 
to  be  so  massive  and  rich  as  before  the  gale.  That  they  suffered 
comparatively  so  little  we  attribute  chiefly  to  two  causes — first, 
the  fastening  the  plants  with   small  branchy  twigs  ;  aud  se- 


condly, having  picked  the  beds  over,  so  as  to  remove  the  faded 
blooms  before  the  gale  and  the  heaviest  rains  came.  Even  as 
it  was,  the  rains  dashed  and  discoloured  many  trusses  of  bloom, 
which  will  want  picking  or  removing.  Picking  over  a  Geranium 
bed  involves  care  and  discrimination.  Some  pickers,  if  not 
looked  over,  if  there  are  a  few  faded  flowers  in  a  Geranium 
truss,  will  forthwith  cut  it  over  Hud  put  it  in  their  waste-basket, 
instead  of  neatly  taking  out  the  decayed  flowers  with  the  point 
of  a  sharp  knife.  The  other  day  in  such  baskets  we  found 
trusses  of  Geraniums  with  from  twenty  to  thirty  small  flowers 
only  seeking  room  and  time  to  expand  and  show  their  beauties. 
To  cut  off  such  where  massive  colouiing  is  required  is  worse 
than  carelessness. 

All  plants  to  flower  in  winter  cin  now  hardly  have  too  much 
sunlight.  Such  fine  plants  as  Euphorbia  jacqninheflora  and 
Poinsettia  pulcberrima,  if  full  grown,  should  have  less  water 
and  all  the  sun  possible  to  set  the  flower  buds.  Sowed  some 
hardy  annuals  to  stand  the  winter,  and  a  few,  along  with  Mig- 
nonette, in  pots  to  bloom  early  in  spring.  Proceeded  with 
potting  and  cutting-miking  as  previously  detailed,  propagating 
most  of  what  will  be  wanted  for  the  flower  garden,  except 
Calceolarias.  Pricked  off  herbaceous  Calceolarias  for  spring- 
blooming. — R.  F. 


TRADE   CATALOGUES   RECEIVED. 

James  Veitch  &  Sous,  Royal  Exotic  Nursery.  King's  Road.  Chelsea, 
London,  S.W.— Caialogut  of  Hyacinths  and  other  Bulbous  Roots. 

William   Panl,   Waltham   Cross,    London,   N.  —  Rose    Car 
1870-71. 

E.  G.  Henderson  A'  Son,  Wellington  Koarl,  St.  John's  Wood, 
London,  N.W. — Autumn  Catalogue  of  Bulbs  and  Flower  Soots. 

J.  Honse,  Eastgate  Nursery,  Peterborough. — Select  I  ist  of  Hya- 
cinths, Tulips,  Crocuses,  Narcissus,  Gladiolus,  and  other  Floicer 
Roots. 

T.  Bunyard  &  Sons,  Maidstone.— Sehet  Liit  of  Dutch  Flower 
Roots. 

Butler,  McCulloch,  &  Co.— Catalogue  of  Dutch  Bulbs,  Flower, 
Vegetable,  and  Agricultural  Seeds. 


TO    CORRESPONDENTS. 

%*  We  request  that  no  one  will  write  privately  to  any  of  the 
correspondents  of  the  "  Journal  of  Horticulture,  Cottage 
Gardener,  and  Country  Gentleman."  By  doing  so  they 
are  subjected  to  unjustifiable  trouble  and  expense.  All 
communications  should  therefure  be  addressed  solely  to 
The  Editors  of  the  Journal  of  Ilorticultui e,  dte.,  171,  Fleet 
Street,  London,  E.C. 

We  also  request  that  correspondents  will  not  mix  up  on  the 
same  sheet  questions  relating  to  Gtrdening  and  those  on 
Poultry  and  Bee  subjects,  if  they  expect  to  get  them  an- 
swered promptly  and  conveniently,  but  write  them  on 
separate  communications.  Also  never  to  send  more  than 
two  or  three  questions  at  once. 

N.B. — Many  questions  must  remain  unanswered  until  next 
week. 

Cottinob  of  Red-bekeued  Eldee  {North).— We  do  not  know  where 
you  can  obtain  them. 

Ripe  Grapes  Shrivelling  ( West  Cumberland).— The  berries  you  en- 
closed are  dead  ripe,  and  if  the  inside  border  is  dry  and  the  house  heated 
the  berries  are  likely  to  approach  the  raisin  state  Watering  and  mulch- 
ing the  roots  and  a  moist  atmosphere  we  think  would  stop  the  shrivelling. 

Moscat  of  Alexandria  Geapes  Shrivellino  IJanah)  —We  think 
that  the  reply  we  have  [riven  to  "  West  Cumberland  "  is  applicable  to  your 
case.  If  you  mulch  the  border  and  water  it  in  dry  weather  —in  your  case 
it  is  outside— and  keep  the  air  of  the  house  moist,  tne  Grapes  will  not 
shrivel,  and  those  of  the  Lady  Downe's  be  larger. 

Stephanotis  floribonda  Frcitino  IF.  £.).— It  is  not  unusual  for  it 
to  ripen  its  fruit  in  this  country.  We  have  remarked  more  fully  on  the 
subject  on  page  397  of  our  last  volume. 

Desmodiuji  racemosum.— J.  V.  wishes  to  know  if  anyone  has  seen  this 
shrub  in  bloom,  or  whether  it  is  marvellously  good  anywhere  except  in  a 
trade  catalogue.  It  is  not  a  newly-discovered  plant,  for  it  is  described 
by  Thunberg  among  otner  Japanese  plants. 

Dvmond  Peach.— "  This  Peach  is  in  the  catalogue  of  Mrs.  Pontey,  of 
Plymouth,  who,  in  answer  to  my  inquiries,  tells  me  the  tree  was  raised 
from  seed  by  Mr.  Sharland,  who  was  gardener  at  Wellington  Park,  near 
Launceston,  about  twenty  years  ago.  The  variety  is  well  worthy  of  a 
notice  in  the  •  Fruit  Manual.'— V.  W.  Popham,  Portreath." 

Spot  on  Melons  (Somerset).— We  are  unable  to  account  for  the  spot 
on  the  Melon,  but  as  the  fruit  arrived  at  maturity  the  spot  could  not  have 
been  of  material  consequence.  The  leaves  going  off  alter  the  fruit  is 
ripe  is  ouly  natural,  though  sometimes  by  cutting  back  the  shoots  which 
have  produced,  fresh  shoots  will  start  and  bear  a  second  crop  of  fruit ; 
but  for  this  to  be  the  case,  the  first  crop  of  fruit  must  be  ripe  and  cut 
early  in  Julv.  so  that  the  fresh  shoots  mav  be  formed  aud  fruit  showing 
early  in  August.    We  think  the  plants  are  exhausted,  lence  their  dying 


212 


JOURNAL   OF  HORTICULTURE   AND  COTTAGE    GARDENER. 


[  September  15,  1870. 


off.  The  leaves  are,  no  doubt,  scorched  through  allowing  the  sun  to 
shine  powerfully  on  them  whilst  wet.  To  prevent  it  give  a  little  air 
earlier  in  the  day,  and  slight  shade  during  very  bright  weather,  especially 
when  it  is  preceded  by  a  period  of  dull  weather.  The  thirteen  fruit,  some 
the  size  of  walnuts,  and  others  as  large  as  ducks'  eggs  are  early  enough 
to  ripen,  but  we  should  reduce  the  number  at  least  one-half;  indeed,  four 
fruit  on  a  plant  are  as  many  as  we  have  found  swell  and  ripen  well.  It  is 
not  sufficient  that  each  fruit  be  on  a  separate  tertiary  shoot,  but  ono 
fruit  to  each  primary  shoot  is  necessary  to  secure  fintdyswelled  fruit. 
The  temperature  of  763  in  the  morning  is  too  high  by  10°,  65'~  being  a 
very  good  temperature  for  Melons  in  the  night  when  in  a  beariog  state, 
and  we  think  you  have  made  some  mistake.  Perhaps  the  temperature  of 
76"  is  when  you  give  air— 8  a  m.,  or  later.    If  so  it  is  right. 

Laurel  Screen  for  Roses  (F.  J.  AM.— The  screen  of  Laurels  to  the 
north  of  your  standard  Roses  will  not  injure  the  Rose  trees  unless  they 
are  so  near  as  to  interfere  with  the  Rose  roots  by  robbing  the  soil  ol 
nutriment,  but  if  not  nearer  than  4  feet  they  will  do  no  harm.  Wo  would 
keep  the  Laurels  well  cut  back  on  the  side  next  the  Rose  border,  and 
their  roots  may  be  kept  within  hounds  by  taking  out  a  trench  about 

2  feet  from  the  stems  of  the  Laurels,  cutting  off  all  roots  there  to  the 
same  depth  as  the  Laurel  roets  are  situated.  This  may  be  done  in  spring 
before  they  begin  to  grow. 

Pyramid  Apple  and  Pear  Trees  Unfruitful  (Idem).— There  is 
nothing  strange  in  your  trees  not  fruiting.  They  have  all  gone  to  wood, 
and  the  height,  10  feet,  indicates  to  us  that  summer  pruning  has  been 
totally  neglected.  We  advise  you  to  take  out  at  2  feet  from  the  stem  a 
trench  round  each  tree  as  soon  as  the  leaves  begin  to  fall,  cutting  off 
every  root  great  or  small,  and  whilst  the  trench  is  open  cut  with  a  spade 
under  the  ball  towards  the  centre  of  the  tree,  severing  every  root  at 
15  inches  beneath  the  surface.  Fill  up  the  trench,  and 'prune  when  the 
leaves  are  all  off,  so  as  to  form  a  well-shaped  plant.  If  the  ground  is 
damp  we  would  take  up  and  replaut  each  tree  on  a  raised  mound,  or  lift  it 
with  a  ball,  place  it  on  the  level,  and  put  soil  against  the  ball  so  as  to 
form  a  cone  twice  as  wide  at  the  base  as  it  is  high.  If  the  height  be 
18  inches  the  soil  should  slope  away  for  3  feet  from  the  stem  all  round. 
Mulch  with  litter  2  or  3  inches  thick  to  protect  the  roots  from  frost ; 
they  should  not  be  covered  more  than  3  inches  deep.  This  will  check 
the  growth.  Whichever  course  you  pursue  it  will  have  one  result,  pre- 
venting gross  growth  for  the  next  two  or  three  years  at  least;  and  by 
keeping  the  shoots  pinched  in  summer,  taking  out  the  point  of  each  when 
it  has  made  six  leaves,  again  at  the  second  leaf  from  that,  and  then  to 
one  afterwards  throughout  the  summer  up  to  the  middle  of  September, 
in  the  following  year  we  think  you  will  have  fruit.  There  is  no  necessity 
to  take  up  the  trees  and  replant  unless  they  have  grown  beyond  bounds 
and  are  irreclaimable.  We  presume  the  Pears  are  on  the  Quince,  and  the 
Apples  on  the  Paradise  stock.  Apples  and  Pears  on  these  stocks  are  with 
us  bearing  heavy  crops  this  year.  Pyramid,  Plums  are  also  loitded  with 
fruit. 

Pond  for  Garden  Use  (Idem)— The  pond  for  securing  water  for  the 
garden  in  summer  will  be  valunble.  Us  si^e  will  be  enlirely  dependant 
on  the  extent  of  the  garden.  For  ordinary  purposes,'by  which  we  mean 
watering  in  dry  weather,  we  should  not  have  a  pond  less  than  18  feet  by 

3  feet,  and  b"  feet  deep,  but  twice  that  size  would  not  be  too  lnrge  if  you 
are  entirely  dependant  on  filling  it  during  the  winter  months  ;  but  if  you 
can  command  a  supply  with  every  fall  of  ruin,  then  the  size  named  would 
answer  very  well.  Now,  before  rainy  weather  sets  in,  is  the  proper  time 
to  do  this  kind  of  work.  The  sides  and  bottom  will  need  to  be  made 
watertight  either  by  puddling  with  clay,  or  by  walling  it  round,  plastering 
with  cement,  and  backing  the  wall  up  with  clay  rammed  firm. 

Azalea  Leaves  Browned  (J.  Clark)  —The  leaves  appear  to  have 
been  browned  at  the  ends  through  allowing  the  sun  to  shine  on  them 
whilst  wet,  and  they  look  as  if  water  had  stood  on  them  almost  con- 
stantly. One  of  the  leaves  has  every  appearance  of  having  been  infested 
with  thrips.  The  remedy  in  the  lntier  esse  iB  to  fumigate  with  tobacco, 
and  in  the  former  not  to  syringe  so  heavily;  indeed,  at  this  time  of 
year  it  is  not  necessary  to  syringe.  Admit  air  freely.  Surely  something 
must  be  altogether  wrong  in  the  soil  or  the  treatment,  otherwise  six 
plants  out  of  ten  would  not  have  died.    See  to  the  drainage  of  the  pots. 

Luculia  gratissijia  Leaves  Falling  (Subscriber,  Dublin).— The  leaf 
sent  has  the  usual  appearance  when  the  roots  of  this  plant  are  not  in  a 
healthy  state.  In  a  pot  the  plant's  leaves  always  have  a  tendency  to  fall, 
especially  when  the  pot  is  small.  It  is  well,  therefore,  to  place  it  in  a 
large  pot,  or,  better  still,  plant  it  out  in  a  bed  or  border  in  a  conservatory. 
Peat  and  loam  in  equal  parts,  both  fibrous,  and  a  fourth  of  charcoal  in 
lumps  between  the  size  of  peas  and  walnuts,  with  a  sixth  of  silver  sand, 
form  a  very  good  compost.  Good  drainage  is  necessary.  Care  should  be 
taken  not  to  overwater;  indeed  no  water  should  he  given  as  long  as  the 
leaves  do  not  fiatr,  but  before  they  do  this  give  a  good  watering.  Watering 
constantly  in  dribblets  is  ruinous  to  it.  The  leaves  attain  but  a  small  size 
and  have  a  brown  dingy  appearance  when  the  plant  is  kept  deluged  with 
water. 

Tacsonia  riollissima  not  Flowering  (Idem).— We  cannot  account  for 
your  plant  not  flowering,  as  you  do  not  afford  us  any  data.  We  have  it 
planted  out  in  a  greenhouse  border  in  a  compost  of  equal  parts  of  loam 
and  leaf  soil,  with  a  free  admixture  of  sharp  sand.  The  shoots  are  trained 
about  14  inches  from  the  glass,  and  from  3  to  6  inches  apart ;  it  has  been 
in  bloom  since  May,  and  is  now  finely  in  flower,  having  several  fruits 
about  the  size  of  an  egg.  Water  has  been  given  as  required  to  keep  the 
leaves  from  flagging.    That  is  all  it  has  had  or  seems  to  require. 

Camellia  Potting  (Idem).— Your  plant  with  all  its  buds  well  set  would, 
we  think,  swell  tbem  and  flower  all  the  better  if  it  were  left  alone  for  the 
present,  deferring  the  potting  until  the  flowering  is  over.  There  is  a  risk 
of  the  buds  falling  if  the  potting  is  done  now,  though  it  may  be  performed 
now,  care  being  taken  not  to  injure  the  roots. 

Potting  Dry  Bulbs  of  Lilium:  auratum  (An  Amateur).— No  Lilium 
ought  to  be  kept  out  of  the  ground  all  the  winter.  It  by  dry  you  mean 
imported  bulbs,  pot  them  at  once  in  a  compost  of  one-half  fibrous  loam, 
one-fourth  sandy  peat,  and  one-fourth  leaf  soil  or  old  cow  dung,  with  a 
free  admixture  of  sharp  sand.  Drain  the  pots  well,  and  pot  so  that  a 
space  of  from  H  to  2  inches  will  be  left  below  the  rim  for  top-dressing  in 
spring,  or  when  the  shoots  are  fairly  above  the  rim  of  the  pot.  In  potting 
cover  all  but  the  crown  of  the  bulb.  For  dry  bulbs  place  a  little  silver 
sand  at  the  base  of  the  bulb  and  all  round  it.  After  potting  water  gently, 
but  not  for  some  time  if  the  soil  be  moist,  and  place  the  bulbs  in  a  cold 


pit  or  house  secure  from  frost,  watering  but  little,  if  at  all,  so  long  as  the 
soil  remains  moi^t.  When  the  shoots  appear  water  more  freely,  and  top- 
dress  with  the  same  compnst  as  that  used  in  potting,  when  the  shoots 
are  sufficiently  advanced.  When  growth  begins  place  the  pots  in  a  light, 
airy  position,  and  as  near  as  practicable  to  the  glass  to  allow  room  for 
growth. 

Gatherino  Medlars  (N.  C.  IF.).— They  will  not  be  fit  to  gather  for 

I  some  time.     They  are  usually  not  ripe  until  the  leaves  begin  to  fall ;  but 

I  when  they  part  freely  from  the  tree  they  should  be  gathered  and  stored 

i  in  a  single  layer  in  a  fruit-room,  and  all  they  require  is  to  be  looked  over, 

taking  out  any  that  decay,  and  securing  them  as  they  ripen.    No  use 

|  of  which  we  are  aware  can  be  made  of  the  fruit  now  failing.    If  bruised 

it  will  not  keep  till  mellow,  but  will  decay  prematurely.    Medlars  are 

not  eaten  until  they  have  undergone  incipient  decay,  and  are  then  much 

relished  by  some.    Of  the  grauitic  paint  we  have  no  experience,  but  we 

do  not  see  why  it  should  not  be  kept  in  a  vessel  like  any  other  paint  for 

occasional  use. 

Vines  Injured  (E.  J.)—  No  doubt  the  burning  of  the  leaves  by  a  firo 
in  the  house  greatly  injured  the  Vines,  and  tlie  Grapes  especially.  Still, 
as  the  leaders  that  chiefly  suffered  made  fresh  leaves,  we  are  doubtful  if 
that  would  cause  the  berries  to  rot  off  now.  We  are  inclined  to  think  it 
must  have  been  the  result  partly  of  a  close  damp  atmosphere.  The 
border  having  been  made  so  recently,  and  the  season  so  dry  generally, 
we  can  hardly  tbink  the  evil  can  be  owing  to  too  much  moisture  there. 
If  it  should  be  at  all  owing  to  the  roots  going  down  into  a  bad  soil,  we  do 
not  se^  how  bricking-up  the  back  of  the  border  inside  and  the  front  of 
the  border  outside  would  arrest  the  evil.  The  roots,  prevented  spreading, 
would  be  more  induced  to  go  down.  We  would  mulch  the  surface  of  the 
borders,  and  give  the  Vines  a  fair  chance  another  year  before  disturbing 
the  roots. 

Heating  by  Hot  Water  (Vindex).— The  top  of  your  boiler  must  be 
lower  than  the  lowest  heating  pipe  in  the  house  ;  if  a  foot  or  two  lower  still 
all  the  better.  The  boiler  will  be  best  placed  at  one  end.  Covering  the 
pipes  for  bottom  heat  thinly  with  rubble  will  be  the  most  economical.  For 
early  spring  work  two  3-inch  pipes  below  and  two  above  will  do.  For 
winter  work  4-inch  pipes  will  be  necessary,  unless  you  can  cover  the 
glass  in  severe  weather.  For  all  particulars^  see  auswer  to  another  corre- 
spondent in  the  second  column,  page  191. 

French  Marigolds  [R.  N.).— Very  like  many  others,  and  not  equal  to 
the  best  now  cultivated. 

Heating  by  Gas  (E.  L.  J.).— The  plan  will  answer  very  well  provided 
you  have  a  little  door  for  lighting  the  gas  burners,  and  use  burners  in 
proportion  to  the  size  of  the  place  to  be  heated  There  will  be  little 
danger  of  a  stout  Blate  cracking.  If  all  is  made  secure — that  is,  the  slate 
and  covering,  no  gas  can  escape  into  the  house.  Cocoa-nut  refuse  would 
be  the  cleanest.  The  bottom  of  the  pit  being  almost  close  to  the  slate, 
you  will  succeed  with  seeds  and  propagating  best  by  having  small  move- 
able glass  sashes  over  the  bed.  Without  top  heat  we  do  not  think 
Brazilian  Ferns  will  thrive  in  such  a  place  in  winter. 

Fuel  for  Heating  Garden  Structures  (Mrs.  P.  A.).— It  is  difficult 
to  advise  you,  because  we  are  not  decided  ourselves  as  to  what  is  most 
economical,  without  taking  circumstances  into  consideration.  No  doubt 
those  who  recommend  Welsh  smelting  coal  as,  though  expensive,  the 
cheapest  in  the  end,  have  so  far  reason  on  their  fide,  that  this  kind  of 
coal  is  very  strong,  and  gives  out  a  great  amount  of  heat.  But  when  you 
come  to  have  rapid  changes  of  weather  from  cold  to  warmer,  or  you 
have  a  stoker  or  fireman  who  now  and  then  puts  on  too  large  a  fire  of 
this  strong  coal— and  to  keep  things  right  he  must  either  open  the  furnace 
door  that  the  cool  air  may  play  over  the  fire  instead  of  under  it,  or  take 
the  fire  partly  out— in  either  case  there  will  be  a  waste  of  this  expensive 
fuel,  thus  counteracting  moat,  if  not  all,  of  its  extra  advantages.  The 
amateur  who  attends  to  the  fire  himself  will  find  it  cheapest  to  use  the 
best  fuel.  Wo  do  not  think  the  possessor  of  several  hothouses,  who 
must  employ  others  to  do  such  work,  will  find  the  dearest  fuel  the 
cheapest.  If  fair  fuel  is  used,  if  a  mistake  occurs  tbere  is  not  so  much 
loss.  As  you  refer  to  coke,  it  has  a  great  advantage  beyond  mere 
economy — the  little  smoke  it  makes.  We  think,  on  the  whole,  coke 
would  be  the  cheapest,  but  there  should  he  [nut  coals  used  tor  lighting 
and  adding  a  little  at  a  time,  nuts  being  small  nodules  of  the  best  and 
middling  coal  freed  from  the  more  dusty  matter.  Such  plants  as  Virginian 
j  Stocks,  Candytufts,  and  Chinese  Chrysanthemums  will  often  bloom  for  a 
I  month  or  two  after  the  Geraniums  are  injured  by  frost.  Plants  of 
I  Lauru^tinus,  Hollies,  Cotoneasters,  and  Snowberries  turned  out  of  pots 
|  would  also  look  well ;  but  for  much  flowering  you  must  depend  on  Snow- 
,  drops  and  Crocuses. 

Standard  Fruit  Trees  (Povias).— You  do  not  state  what  part  of  the 
j  country  you  live  in,  or  what  you  chiefly  want  the  fruit  for,  whether  for 
:  table  or  kitchen.  We  shall  place  the  first  four  as  most  useful  for  the 
I  table.  Apples  :  Devonshire  Quarrendfn,  Kerry  Pippin,  Cockle  Pippin,  Blen- 
heim Pippin,  Cellini,  Emperor  Alexander,  Kentish  Fillbasket,  Bedford- 
shire Foundling,  Northern  Greening.  Pears :  Citron  des  Carmes,Williams's 
Bon  Chretien,  Louise  Bonne  of  Jersey,  Aston  Town,  Beurre  de  Capiau- 
mont,  Bishop's  Thumb,  Winter  Nelis ;  Catillac  and  Winter  Franc  Real 
for  stewing.  Plums:  Green  Gage,  Purple  Gage,  Jefferson's,  Kirke's, 
Orleans,  Goliath,  AVashington,  Victoria,  Pond's  Seedling.  These  are 
mostly  arranged  in  the  order  of  their  ripening.  All  the  Pears,  except  the 
last  two,  will  do  for  table.  Of  Apples,  Cellini  would  be  between  table 
and  kitchen,  as  when  good  it  comes  in  for  both.  The  first  four  Plums 
are  good  for  dessert  and  also  for  preserving.  The  Diamond  and  Damson 
are  good  for  cooking  and  preserving.  The  best  time  to  plant  is  as  early 
as  possible  at  the  end  of  October  or  the  beginning  of  November,  as  soon 
as  the  leaves  change. 

Vines  and  Vine  Borders  (J.  Jackson).— In  raising  the  roots  of  Vines, 

begin  by  a  deep  trench  at  the  extremities,  and  carefully  pick  out  the  roots 

of  the  Vines  as  you  go,  keeping  them  covered  and  moist,  and  replant  again 

as  soon  as  possible  in  sweet  mellow  loam,  covering  from  6  to  8  inches.    Let 

the  border  bo  from  20  to  24  inches  deep,  and  well  drained.    In  such  a 

case  as  yours,  however,  where  the  bunches  are  only  getting  smaller,  we 

would  do  nothing  of  the  kind.    We  would  merely  take  a  lighter  crop  for 

j  a  year  or  two,  fork  away  as  much  of  the  surface  of  the  border  as  would 

I  not  hurt  the  roots  at  all,  and  then  surface  with  fresh  soil  with  a  sixth 

part  of  lime  rubbish  and  a  few  bushels  of  boiled  broken  bones.    We 

j  come  to  this  conclusion  as  you  are  so  sure  the  border  is  not  sodden  or 

1  sour.    In  such  dry  summers  as  we  have  had,  almost  every  outside  border 


September  15,  1870.  j         JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTQRE  AND   COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


213 


would  have  been  better  of  a  good  manure  watering,  especially  if  there 
was  drainage. 

Cow  Dong  for  Vine  Border  (B.  Jr.).— Cow  dung  is  a  good  mulching 
for  Vino  borders  when  put  on,  not  fresh,  but  dry  and  sweet.  If  that  can- 
not be  obtained,  we  would  prefer  horse  droppings  as  fresh  as  you  like. 
Cow  dung,  if  fresh,  is  too  close.  It  matters  little  when  npplied.  A  cover- 
ing all  summer  would  save  watering  considerably.  After  it  baa  been  on 
some  time  it  is  as  well  to  rako  it  off,  or  scrape  it  off, and  »d  I  fresh.  There 
are  various  modes  of  making  a  loose  gravel  walk  smooth.  You  might 
consolidate  it  with  tar,  so  as  to  make  your  gravel  walk  into  tar  pavement, 
as  described  at  page  165.  You  might  gain  the  same  object,  as  we  did 
years  ago  in  some  cases,  without  all  the  trouble  of  heating,  boiling,  and 
mixing,  by  merely  using  enough  of  tar  in  its  nntural  state  to  moisten  tho 
gravel,  and  then  covering  with  fresh  and  rolling  clown,  so  that  the  sur- 
face should  be  just  embedded.  We  would  do  this  in  one  of  two  ways  in 
such  a  case  as  yours.  First,  if  wo  could  obtain  enough  of  fine  sandy 
pavel  for  a  surfacing,  we  would  roll  the  present  walk  hard,  place  on  it  a 
layer  of  tar,  say  one-eighth  ol  an  inch  thick,  roll  with  a  wet  roller,  apply 
the  surfacing  soon  after,  and  roll  again.  If  we  could  get  no  fresh  gravel 
we  would  sift  the  best  surface  gravel,  passing  it  through  a  half-inch  sieve, 
tar  what  was  left,  and  put  tho  sifted  surface  on.  We  never  could  aee 
much  advnntage  in  boiling  tar.  The  tar  will  run  and  mix  admirably 
without  boiling.  The  simplest  mode  of  making  such  a  {pebbly  rough 
walk  smooth  is  to  collect  a  lot  of  clay,  dry  and  riddle  it,  roll  tho  walk, 
add  a  surfacing  of  the  clay,  which  will  fill  the  interstices,  and  then  cover 
with  a  slight  surfacing  of  rough  sand  to  prevent  any  of  the  clay  adhering 
to  the  feet.  We  have  used  thick  clay  water,  or  rather  clny  mud,  for  a 
similar  purpose,  but  it  requires  more  time.  Such  rough  walks  as  you 
describe  are  unpleasant,  but  they  are  better  than  smooth  walks  that  stick 
to  the  feet  in  damp  weather;  the  sand-surfacing  will  prevent  that. 

Profitable  Vegetable  Chop  (Germanicus).— -Tour  ground  lying  fallow 
for  two  years  will  be  suitable  for  most  kinds  of  vegetables,  and  we  think, 
all  things  considered,  that  Potatoes  are  most  likely  to  repay  you.  The 
ground  should  be  manured  now,  or  between  now  and  November,  and  we 
would  dig  it  well  and  deeply,  and,  if  the  soil  is  stiff,  throw  it  up  in  ridges 
for  the  winter,  lhat  frost  mayjact  on  it.  In  February  in  dry,  frosty  weather 
— if  such  do  not  occur,  then  in  dry  weather — turn  over  the  ground  with  a 
fork,  Jevel  it,  aud  when  the  ground  is  in  good  working  order  plant  the 
Potatoes  as  soon  after  the  middle  of  March  as  you  can.  Having  ma- 
nured in  autumn,  it  is  not  necessary  nor  des  rable  to  manure  at  planting. 
As  to  kinds,  we  can  recommend  two  second  earlies,  ripening  early,  ex- 
cellent both  before  and  after  they  are  ripe,  and  keeping  late  They  are 
Lapstoue  (a  kidney)  and  Early  Oxford  (roundi,  both  first-class  croppers. 
Our  Potatoes  this  year  are  a  very  fine  crop,  both  in  quantity  and  quality. 
Wintering  Geraniums  in  a  Poultry  House  (Idem).— We  fear  your 
chances  of  wintering  bedding  Geraniums  in  a  poultry  house  are  "very 
small.  Your  best  p  an  would  be  to  take  up  the  o  d  plant?,  strip  off  every 
leaf,  keep  them  in  the  sun  for  a  few  hours  to  dry,  and  then  store  them  in 
your  house  in  dry  sand.  They  will  need  to  have  the  root  portion  buried 
in  the  sand,  as  well  as  a  portion  of  the  stems,  but  the  soft  succulent  parts 
ought  not  to  be  covered.  You  must  give  air  every  fine  day,  and  in  frosty 
weather  protect  with  a  covering  of  dry  hay  or  nther  littery  material, 
removing  it  when  tho  weather  is  mild.  In"  March  you  may  place  the 
plants  in  pots  or  boxes  in  sandy  soil,  and  with  light  and  air  they  will 
begin  to  grow,  though  they  will  be  better  of  a  frame  and  a  gentle  hotbed. 
Fruit  Trees  for  a  Garden  (E.  B.).— For  the  espalier*,  we  think  Apples 
and  Pears  are  best  Dessert  Apples  :  Early  Rod  Margaret,  Kerry  Pippin, 
Cellini,  Adams's  Pearmain,  Golden  Pippin,  M argil.  Nonesuch,  Ribston 
Pippin,  Sykehouse  Russet,  Curt  of  Wick,  K.'ddleston  Pippin.  Cockle 
Pippin,  Downton  Pippin,  Braddick's  Nonpareil,  Old  Nnnpareil,  Cox's 
Orange  Pippin,  Wyken  Pippin,  and  Pearson's  Plate.  Kitchen  Apples : 
Cos's  Pomona,  Keswick  Oodlio,  Lord  Snmeld,  Alfriston,  Hertfordshire 
Foundling,  Oumelow's  Seedling,  Beauty  of  Kent,  N<  rtbern  Greening, 
Norfolk  Beefing,  Blenheim  Pippin,  Rymer,  and  Winter  Ma je ting.  Pears  : 
Beurre  Giffard,  Citron  des  Carnies,  Fondante  d'Amtomne,  Comte  do 
Lamy,  Beurre  de  Capiaumont,  Bergamotte  E^pereu.  Louise  Bonne  of 
Jersey,  Forelle,  Marie  Louise,  Williams's  Bon  Chretien,  Thompson's, 
Seckle,  Napoleon,  Hacon's  Incomparable,  Beurre  Bosc,  Beurre  Diel,  Jean 
de  Witte,  Glou  Moi\eau,  Ne  plus  Meuris,  and  Beurre  de  Ranee.  These 
we  have  found  answer  well.  If  you  wish  for  a  stewing  Pear,  Catillac  will 
suit.  We  do  not  consider  Plums  do  well  on  espaliers,  as  they  do  not 
readily  submit  to  horizontal  training.  They  are  best  grown  as  pyramids 
or  bu-hes,  and  kinds  tbat  so  succeed  aro  July  Green  Gage,  Orleans, 
Kirke's,  Jefferson,  Golden  Gage,  and  Coe's  Golden  Drop.  Cherrim,  if 
wished  for  in  the  open  garden,  are  best  treated  as  pyramids,  in  which 
way  they  bear  profusely.  Bigarreau  Napoleon,  Black  Eagle,  Elton, 
Florence,  Knight's  Early  Black,  May  Duke,  and  Late  Duke,  the  Morelto 
being  a  very  handsome  and  exceedingly  prolific  pyramid.  The  east  wall 
we  should  devote  to  Plums,  Pr-ars,  aud  Cherries.  Plums— Green  Gage, 
Jefferson,  Coe's  Golden  Drop,  Pond's  Seedling,  Victoria,  and  Prince  of 
Wales.  Pears— Beurre  Diel,  Flemish  Beauty,  Passe  Colmar,  Leon  le 
Clerc,  Marie  Louise.  Winter  Nelis,  Glou  Moreeau,  and  Ne  plus  MeurU. 
Cherries— Early  Purple  Gean,  May  Duke,  and  Black  Circassian  or  Tar- 
tarian. For  the  fence  with  a  north  aspect,  Morello  and  Tradescant's 
Heart  Cherries  are  the  only  fruit  trees  likely  to  succeed,  but  we  have 
grown  excellent  Red,  White,  and  Black  Currants  against  such  a  fence, 
and  have  them  now  in  fine  condition. 

Emperor  Stocks  (A.  Z.).—1hey  are  biennials,  and  sometimes  of  longer 
duration. 

Scarborough  Lily  Treatment  (C  R.  H.).~ Fromjtbe  description  we 
think  tbat  is  the  common  name  of  your  plant,  Valloti  purpurea.  Unless 
you  wish  for  more  plants,  we  would  not  divide  the  plant,  for  we  do  nr.t 
think  any  bulbousplantcan  be  effective  with  but  a  few  bulbs  in  a  p  t.  We 
have  it  now  with  from  six  to  a  dozen  and  m^re  spikes  in  a  single  pot,  aud 
the  effect  is  very  fine.  If  you  wish  to  have  more  plants,  then  you  may 
divide  it  into  as  many  parts  as  there  are  bulbs,  and  pot  each  separately, 
employing  pots  twice  the  diambter  of  the  bulbs.  As  much  soil  and  as 
many  roots  as  possible  should  be  secured  with  each  bulb.  Drain  the  pot 
well,  using  a  compost  of  tsvo-tbirds  fibrous  loam,  and  one-third  leaf  soil 
or  old  cow  dung,  with  a  sixth  of  silver  sand.  Pot  firmly,  the  foil  being 
moderately  dry,  and  with  the  neck  of  the  bu;b  level  with  the  rim  of  the 
pot,  the  bulb  being  covered  that  depth  with  soil.  Set  the  pots  in  a  green- 
house in  a  light  airy  position,  and  keep  the  soil  moist  at  all  seasons, 
but  never  very  wet,  though  when  the  plant  is  growing  freely  abundant 
supplies  of  water  should  be  given.    In  July  and  August  give  plenty  of 


light  and  air,  with  no  more  water  than  will  keep  the  foliage  fresh.  It  is 
a  splendid  plant,  of  very  easy  culture,  and  one  of  the  most  useful  for 
autumn  display,  doing  ivell  as  a  window  plant,  and  not  suffering  to  any 
great  extent  when  placed  in  rooms  during  its  flowering  period. 

Richardia  ;ethiopica  Treatment  (W.  N.).—  It  thrives  in  a  rich, 
liyht,  fibrous  loam,  and  thougb  requiring  plenty  of  water  when  growing 
it  needB  good  drainage.  A  small  pot  for  the  size  of  the  plant  is  desirable 
When  it  has  done  growincr.  or  fav  from  June,  or  if  in  a  window  from 
August,  keep  it  dry,  not  giving  wa'er  to  any  great  extent  for  the  next 
three  months,  and  when  the  plant  heizins  to  grow  again  water  it  copiously, 
and  wheu  it  is  growing  freely  set  tho  pot  in  a  saucer  of  water,  or  in  a 
window  in  May,  June,  and  July,  when  its  growth  will  be  complete ;  then 
keep  it  dry  three  or  four  months,  aud  water  it  again  according  to  tho  fresh 
growth,  increasing  the  quantity  as  the  plant  grows.  A  situation  exposed 
to  the  full  sun  is  necessary.    Iu  winter  Keep  frost  from  it. 

Trop.eolum  tuberosum  and  pentaph velum  Flowerless  (Idem).— The 
cause  of  their  not  flowering  is  no  doubt  the  exposed  situation,  but  as  the 
soil  is  dry,  that  may  have  something  to  do  with  it.  Try  a  mulching  of 
leaf  soil  or  well-decayed  manure  in  autumn,  and  copious  waterings  in 
spring  and  early  in  summer.  Train  tho  tshoots  near  the  wall  so  as  to  give 
them  the  benefit  of  its  warmth,  syringing  freely  un  the  evenings  of  hot 
days. 

Evergreen  Trees  for  Screen  on  a  Light  Soil  (Idem).— No  ever- 
green shrub  will  bear  exposure  without  some  other  shelter,  except  Gorse. 
Both  the  siocle  and  double  Gorse  are  very  ornamental,  and  will  stand 
I  any  amount  of  exposure.  Pinus  austriaca  is  the  best  evergreen  tree  for 
,  shelter,  aud  by  planting  it  you  may  have  all  the  hardy  evergreen  shrubs 
I  without  fear.  If  yon  only  wish  for  a  screen,  then  we  advise  Holly  or 
l  Yew,  both  of  which  are  excellent,  and  you  can  cut  them  in  as  much  as 
|  you  desire.    The  latter  is  the  beat  screm  or  hedge  known. 

Climbers  for  a  South-east  Wall  (Idem). — Jasminum  nudiflorum, 
I  Lonicera  flexuoBa,  Clematis  Fortune!,  and  C.  Jackmanni  would  answer 
!  very  well  on  your  wall,  and  so  would  Ayrshire  Queen  and  Dundee  Ram- 
1  bier  Roses,  but  you  should  manure  the  soil  well,  and  if  it  is  dry  water  well 
in  summer.  If  you  wish  for  evergreens,  Escallonia  macrautha,  Garrya 
I  elliptica,  and  Crataegus  Pyraeaotha  will  suit. 

Large  Melon  {John  Leslie). — We  know  of  no  record  of  a  Melon  weigh- 
ing 15  lbs.  10  ozs.    What  of  the  flavour?    Aud  what  is  it  like  in  nhape — 
I  netted  or  not,  round  or  long,  ribbed  or  not,  and  where  did  it  originate  ? 
Large  Melons,  as  a  rule,  are  no  better  flavoured  than  Turnips,  but  we 
|  have  known  some  persons  eat  and  admiro  for  its  flavour  an  Orange 
j  Gourd  weighing  over  a  hundredweight.    Is  not  your  supposed  Melon  a 
Gourd  ? 

White  Substance  on  Bark  of  Beech  Tree   (Rev.  ).— The  sub- 
stance on  the  Beech  tree  is  not  a  fungus,  but  the  produce  of  a  Coccus. 
It  has,  however,  been  described  as  a  fungus  by  Fries  under  the  name  of 
I  Psilonia  nivea. 

Insects  (C.  C.  E.). — The  insect  you  have  sent,  said  to  devour  wire- 
worms,  is  itself  a  wireworm — that  is,  it  is  the  larva  of  Etater  fulvipes,  or 
a  closely  allied  species.  It  is  distinguished  from  the  true  wireworm  by 
having  the  extremity  of  the  body  ending  in  a  point  with  two  small  in- 
cisions on  each  side.  Nothing  has  been  recorded  of  its  precise  habits, 
and  it  may  possibly  feed  on  other  larvffi,  which  is,  however,  at  least 
doubtful.  [A  Constant  Subscriber). — The  Apple  twig  is  badly  infested 
with  the  too  common  woolly  American  Might  (Aphis  lanigera).  The  in- 
fested parts  should  be  well  washed  with  hot  soft-soap  suds  with  lime  and 
soot  mixed,  forming  a  stiff  solution,  applied  with  a  soft  brush  so  as  to 
i  cause  it  to  enter  tho  wounds  of  the  bark.  The  Thorn  twigs  have  swellings 
Utee  galls  with  minute  holes,  but  we  can  find  no  trace  of  insects  within, 
and  believe  them  to  be  a  vegetable  gout-like  disease.  The  Oak  leaves  are 
covered  with  th«  Oak-spangles,  which  are  real  galls  formed  by  Cynips 

longipennis. 1.  O.  W. 

Names  of  Fruits    {II.  3f.   P.).—  Both  Plums    are  Guthrie's  Golden. 

[  (E.  C,  Oakham). — Your  Plum  is  evidently  a  seedling  which  has  not  yet 

been  named.      (0.   X.   Z.).—  Van    Moris'  Rel.      (JS.    Chitrcher). —  Yellow 

S  Imperial.     (J.  B.  A.). — Your  Plum  is  McLaughlin.     (Centurion). — We  can- 

1  not  identify  either  the  Apples  or  the  Plum.    If  the  Apple  is  not  named, 

Summer  Ribston  is  very  applicable.    (A,  B.,  Ware,  Berts).— The  Apple  is 

certainly  not   Pine  Apple   Russet.      Scud  it  to  Mr.  Rivers,  and  he  will 

I  probably  be  able  to  compare  it  with  some  in  his  collection. 

Names  of  Plants  (2*.,  a  Subscriber). — We  cannot  undertake  to  name 
a  plant  from  even  a  green  leaf,  and  yon  have  sent  a  dead  one.    We  re- 
I  quire  to  see  a  flower.      (IT.  W.).— What,   you   call  "tho   Toad-plant,"  is 
!   Stapelia   normalis,   or   Regularly-spotted    Stapelia.       "■  A    Subscriber's" 
i  plant  is  the  common  Hemp(Cannabis  saliva),  the  specimen  sent  being 
I  female.     It  usually  grows  very  much  tiller,  but  the  circumstances  it  was 
]  placed  under  would  induce  it  tr>  be  so  dwarf.    (Judy), — 1,  Nephrolepis 
exaltata ;  2,  Selagmella  Braunii  (S.  pubescens  of  gardens) ;  3,  Asplenium 
flaccidum ;    4,   Selaginella    Kraussiana.    the    S.    hortensis    of    gardens ; 
5,  S.  Martensii.    (S.  IF.,  Torquay). — We  do  not  identify  the  Madeiran 
creeper  from  the  solitary  leaf  sent  us  ;  but  should  she  succeed  in  bloom- 
ing it,  we  would  then  gladly  en  leavour  to  assist  her  by  naming  it.     We 
should  consider  a  loamy  soil,  with  sand,  without  any  peat,  as  best  fitted 
for  it.  together  with  greenhouse  treatment.    (Chateau  Vallon). — A  pretty 
Crucifer,  which  we  have  not  yet  recognised. 


POULTRY,    BEE,    AND   PIGEON    CHRONICLE. 


KEEPING  POULTRY  AS  A  BUSINESS. 
At  a  meeting  of  the  New  York  Farmers'  Club,  in  answer  to 
an  inquiry  about  keeping  poultry  on  a  large  scale,  Warren 
Leland.of'the  Metropolitan  Hotel,  New  York,  who  raises  chickens 
at  his  Highland  Farm  in  Westchester  Co.,  said  :  I  have  found 
that  for  every  hundred  fowls  one  must  give  up  at  least  an  acre, 
but  rough  land  is  as  good  as  any.  Hens  naturally  love  the  bush, 
and  I  lop  young  trees,  but  leave  a  shred  by  which  they  live  a 
year  or  more.     These  form  hiding  places  and  retreats  for  them. 


214 


JOUENAL  OF  HORTICULTUKE  AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


t  September  15,  1870. 


In  such  places  they  prefer  to  lay.  I  have  great  success,  and  it 
depends  en  three  or  four  rules,  hy  observing  which  I  believe  one 
can  make  a  good  living  by  hens  and  Turkeys. 

1.  I  give  my  fowls  great  range;  eighteen  acres  belong  to 
them  exclusively.  Then  the  broods  have  a  range  of  another  large 
lot,  and  the  Turkeys  go  half  a  mile  or  more  from  the  house. 
The  eighteen  acres  of  poultry  yard  are  rough  land  of  little  use 
for  tillage.  It  has  a  pond  in  it  and  many  rocks,  bushes,  weeds, 
sandy  places,  ash  heaps,  lime,  bones,  grass,  and  a  place  which  I 
plough  to  give  them  worms. 

2.  When  a  hen  hatches,  I  take  her  box,  throw  out  the  straw 
and  earth,  let  it  be  out  in  the  sun  and  rain  a  few  days,  and  give 
it  a  good  coat  of  whitewash  on  both  sides.  In  the  winter,  when 
very  cold,  I  have  an  old  stove  in  their  house  and  keep  the  tem- 
perature above  freezing.  There  is  also  an  open  fire-place  where 
I  build  a  fire  in  cold  wet  days.  Tbey  dry  themselves,  and  when 
the  fire  goes  out  there  is  a  bed  of  ashes  for  them  to  wallow  in. 
Summer  and  winter  my  hens  have  all  the  lime,  ashes,  and  sand 
they  want. 

3.  Another  reason  why  I  have  such  luck  is  because  my  poultry 
yards  receive  all  the  scraps  from  the  Metropolitan  Hotel.  Egg- 
making  is  no  easy  work,  and  hens  will  not  do  much  of  it  without 
high  feed.  They  need  just  what  a  man  who  works  requires — 
wheat,  bread,  and  meat.  Even  when  wheat  costs  2  dols.  a-bushel 
I  believe  in  it  for  feeding  hens.  As  to  breeds  I  prefer  the  Brahmas, 
Light  and  Dark.  I  change  the  cocks  every  spring,  and  a  man 
on  the  farm  has  no  other  duty  than  to  take  care  of  my  poultry. 
I  often  have  at  one  time  three  thousand  spring  chickens. 


HINCKLEY  POULTRY  SHOW. 

The  general  arrangement  of  both  the  poultry  and  the  Pigeons,  in 
Turner's  exhibition  pens,  under  a  very  capacious  tent,  was  all  that 
could  be  desired,  but  a  little  mismanagement  in  the  prize  schedule,  by 
which  both  cockerels  and  pullets  were  entitled  to  separate  premiums, 
though  exhibited  together  in  the  same  pen,  caused  considerable  con- 
fusion. This  plan,  however,  will  be  rectified  at  future  meetings. 
Some  very  excellent  Dorkings,  both  Grey  and  White,  which  competed 
in  the  general  class,  were  to  be  met  with  at  Hinckley.  Of  White 
Cochins,  the  whole  were  of  the  highest  merit  ;  in  fact,  verv  rarely,  if 
ever,  have  such  excellent  pens  of  this  breed  been  on  view  at  any 
public  exhibition,  as  those  that  were  successful.  The  Brahmas  were 
not  nearly  so  good  as  they  should  have  been,  and  the  majority  of  the 
Game  fowls  were  sadly  out  of  feather.  Some  extraordinarily  good 
Sebright  Bantams  were  shown  ;  and  the  collection  of  Pigeons  was 
throughout  especially  praiseworthy.  The  weather  being  very  fine 
there  was  a  large  concourse  of  spectators,  who  expressed  themselveB 
in  terms  of  high  approval. 

Porking.— 1.  R.  Wood,  Clapton,  Thrapstone.  2,  J.  Chovce,  Atherstone. 
c,  W.  H.  Salt.  Leicester.  Chickens—  Frizes,  R.  Wood  (Pullets  and  Cockerel). 
c,  J.  Watts,  Kine's  Heal]].  Birmingham  (Pullets  and  Cockerel).     Spanish.— 

1.  M.Brown,  Ab  Kettlebv,  Melton  Mowbrav.  2  and  Prize,.!.  Stephens,  Walsall 
(Cockerel  and  Pullets).  Cochin  Crini.— 1.  J.  Stephens.  2.  H.  C.  Wood- 
cock, Rearsbv.  Leicester.  Chickens.— 1,  J.  Stephens  (Cockerel  and  he  PuPets). 
Prize,  H.  C.  Woodoock  (Pitll»ts).     White.— 1,  H.  K.  F.mberlin.Oadby,  Leicester. 

2,  no  competition.  Chickens. — Prizes,  A.  Williamson,  Queeniborough  Hall, 
Leicester  (Pallets  and  Cockerel),  he,  H.  E.  Emberlin  (2).  Brahma  Pootkas.— 
Chickens.  —  Prize.  J.  Watts  (cockerel).  Prize,  H.  C.  Woodcock  (Pullets). 
Game.— 1.  F.  Handlev.  Loughborough.  2,  TV.  E.  Oaklev,  Atherstone.  c,  W.  H. 
Clare,  Atherstone.  Chickens.— Prize,  Mrs.  Milltaouse,  Hinckley  (Pullets).  Prize, 
W.  E.  Oakley  (Cockerel),  he.  W.  H.  Clare  (Pullet):  W.  E.  Oaklev,  AtherBtone 
(2)  (Pullet).  BuMBmciKS—Oolden-spaTigled.—l,.!  Stephens.  2,  H  E.  Emberlin. 
Silverspannlcd.— 1,  J.  Choyce.  Atherstone.  2.  F.  Handley,  Loughborough. 
Bantams  {Clean-legged,  any  variety).— 1  and  c.  W.  Dravcott  &  Pons.  Humber- 
Btone.  2.  J.  Watts.  Same.— 1  and  Prize,  F.  Handley.  2,  J.  Stephens,  he.  S. 
Deacon,  jun.,  Oundle.  Ducks.— Aylesbury.— lj. J.  rhoyce.  2,  H.  E.  Emberlin. 
he,  S.  Deacon,  jun.:  .T.  Chovce.  Souen.— 1,  W.  Chovce.  SilBden,  Atherstone. 
2,  J.  Watts,  he.  R.Wood.  Tijrkkys  (Any  variety).— 1  and  2,  W  H.Johnson. 
Geese —1,  A.  Guy,  Eaton,  Grantham.  2  and  he,  J.  Choyce.  Extra  Stock.— 
he,  W.  H.  Jackson  (Houdan  Fowls  and  Buenos  Ayrean  Ducks). 

PIGEONS. 

Carriers.— 1.  J.  Watts.  2,  J.  Stephens.  Turrits.— 1,  J  Stephens.  2.  W 
Choyce,  Sibson.  he.  F.  H.  Paget.  Birstall,  Leicester.  Pouters.— 1  and  2,  J 
Stephens.  ftc,H.  w.  Emberlin.  Fantails.— 1,  J.  Stephens.  2.  J. Watts.  hc.Y 
H.Paget:  W. Chovce;  H.  E.  Emberlin.  Mir.pms  — 1.  J.  Stephens.  2ande,W 
Dravcott  &  r>on.  Any  other  Variety.— 1,  F.  H.  Paget.  2.  J.  Stephens,  he,  F 
H.  Paget ;  W.  Choyce :  J.  Stephens ;  W.  Dravcott  Si  Son  ;  J.  Watts  (3).  c,  J 
Choyce ;  W.  Draycott  &  Son. 

Rabbits.— Heaviest— I,  Withheld.  2.  W.  H.  Jackson.  Lutterworth.  Greatest 
length  of  ears.— 1,  W.  H.  Jackson.    2,  M.  Foxwell,  Hinckley. 

Mr.  Hewitt,  of  Sparhbrook,  near  Birmingham,  officiated  as  Judge. 


Hens  Trespassing.' — The  steeping  of  corn  in  whiskey  to 
catch  hens  which  trespass  is  no  bad  idea.  It  brought  to  my 
mind  a  circumstance  which  occurred  in  my  early  days.  A 
farmer  complained  to  Mr.  Beecher  that  his  crows  did  a  great 
deal  of  harm,  and  requested  compensation.  Mr.  Beecher  told 
him  to  impound.  The  farmer  got  good  stroDg  porter,  and 
steeped  wheat  and  laid  it  for  the  crows.  When  they  got  drunk 
he  tied  their  claws  with  twine,  and  carried  along  his  line  of 
crows  to  Mr.  Beecher,  who  with  his  visitors  enjoyed  the  fun 


very  much,  and  I  must  add  that  the  farmer  was  liberally  and 
generously  rewarded. — (Irish  Farmers'  Gazette  ) 


ECCLESHILL  POULTRY  SHOW. 
This,  the  third  annnal  Show  of  the  Eecleshill  Society,  was  held  on 
the  3rd  inBt.,  and  in  spite  of  all  the  difficulties  against  which  the 
Committee  had  to  contend,  notably  the  want  of  time  in  which  to  ob- 
tain subscriptions  and  get  up  the  Show,  it  was  in  almost  all  respects 
a  complete  success.  The  prize  list  for  poultry  had  been  remodelled, 
and  instead  of  divisions  for  old  and  youog  poultry  the  two  were 
thrown  together,  the  prizes  consequently  doubled,  and  some  additional 
classes  made.  The  Pigeon  prizes  were  also  increased,  and  a  cup 
given  for  the  largest  number  of  points  brought  some  strong  entries. 
The  pens  were  on  Turner's  principle,  and  all  the  arrangements  were 
very  good.  The  stock  shown  both  in  the  poultry  and  Pigeon  classeB 
was  excellent  in  quality  and  good  in  numbers.  More  especially  may 
this  be  said  of  the  Pigeons,  in  which  one  class,  Autwerps,  consisted  of 
no  less  than  twenty-three  entries,  most  of  them  of  great  merit. 

Game.— Black-breasted  and  other  Reds.— Cup,  E.  Aykroyd,  Eecleshill.  2,  J. 
Hodgson,  Bradford,  he,  W.  Johnson,  Idle.  Ann  other  variety.—-!,  E.  Aykroyd. 
2.  H.  C.  &  W.  J.  Mason,  Drighlington.  he,  J.  W.  Thornton,  Bradford.  Hen  or 
Pullet.— 1,  J.  Preston,  Allerton.  2,  J  Jackson,  Eecleshill.  he,  J.  Hodgson :  E. 
Avkrovd;  J.  Firth,  Chatsworth.  Spanish  (Black).— I,  H.  Beldon,  Bingley. 
2.  J.  Thresh.  Bradford.  Dorkinhs— 1  and  2,  J.  Stott,  Healev.  Cochin-China. 
—1.  H.  Beldon.  2,  E.  Baxter.  Brahma  Pootras.— 1,  J.  Bailey,  Earby.  2.  H. 
Andrews,  he.  H.  Beldon  :  M.  Scott,  Cote, Idle.  Hamburghs.— Silrcr-spanglcd. 
—Cup.  H.  Beldon.  2,  H.  Pickles,  jun.,  Earbv.  he.  W.  Bairstow.  Golden- 
spangled— I.  H.  Beidon.  2,  J.  Rollinson.  Lindlev.  he,  C.  Holstead,  Fearn- 
cliffe.  Sileer-oeneilled.  —  1  and  he,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  2  and  e.  H.  Beldon. 
GoMen-pencilled.—l.  J.  Smith.  Gilstead.  2.  H.  Beldon.  he,  J.  Hough.  Black. 
—1,  H.  Beldon.  2.  H.  W.  Illlngworth,  Idle.  he.  D.  Clayton,  Allerton.  Any 
other  Variety.— 1  and  he.  H.  Beldon.  2.  H.  Pickles,  jnn.  Game  Bantams.— 
Brown  Beds.— 1,  —  Steele,  Halifax.  2.  W.  F.  Entwisle,  Westfield,  Cleckheaton. 
Any  other  Variety.— 1,  J.  Thornton.  Idle.  2,  —  Steele.  Bantams.— Any  other 
Variety.— 1,  J.  Waddington,  Guiselev.  2,  H.  Beldon.  he,  a.  W.  Hlingworth; 
—  Steele,  c,  W.  Greaves.  Bradford.  Selling  Class— 1,  J.  Thresh.  2,  W. 
Johnson,  he.  H.  Beanland:  M.  Scott;  H.  Beldon.  Ducks. — Aylesbury  and 
Rouen.  —  2,  J.  Ward,  Drighlington.  Any  otlter  Variety.  —  2,  A.  Vint,  Idle 
(Muscovy). 

PI3EONS. 

Carriers.— I,  E.  Horner.  2,  H.  Yardley,  Birmingham,  he,  H.  Yardley ;  E. 
Horner.  Pouters  or  Croppers.— I.E.  Horner.  2.J. Hawley.  he,  J.Hawley  ; 
F.  Horner;  Robinson  A  Glen.  Tumblers.  —  1  and  2,  J.  Fawley.  he,  H. 
Yardley  (2),  Owls.— 1,  H.  Yardley.  2  and  c.  J.  Hawley.  he.  H.  Yardley;  W. 
Stanhope,  Eecleshill.  Turbits—  1.  W.  Lund.  Shipley.  2  and  he,  E.  Horner. 
Antwerps—  1,  J.  Jackson.  2  and  e,  S.  Smith,  Idle,  he,  J.  Hawley;  W.  S. 
Ingle:  J.  Chadwick.  Windhill ;  A.  Child.  Apperlev  Bridge:  W.  Stanhope;  W. 
Hall.  Undercliffe;  E.  Horner;  W.  H.  Mitchell,  Moselev.  Birmingham. 
Dragoons.— 1,  W.  Lund.  2,  H.  Yardley,  Birmingham,  he,  J.  Hawley;  H. 
Yardley:  C.  Jowett.  Idle;  J.  A.  Collinsnn,  Halifax:  E.  Horner.    Fantails.— 

1,  H.  Yardley.    2,  E.  Horner,    he,  J.  Hawlev;  E.  Horner.    Jacobins.— 1  and 

2,  J.  Hawley.  he.  E.  Horner.  Any  other  Variety.— 1.  J.  Thr-sh,  Bradford. 
2,  J.  Cannan.  Bradford,  he,  H.  Yardley :  S.  Smith:  E.  Horner  (2);  Robinson 
and  Glen.  c.  J.  Jackson.  Selling  Class.— 1,  J.  Hawley.  2,  W.Lund.  /te.W. 
Stanhope;  W.  Lund  ;  E.  Horner,    c,  S.  Smith. 

Rarbits.— Loni7  eared—  Point  Cup.  J.  Hawley.  1,  C  Dihb.  2.  W.  Rndd, 
UnderolifTe.  Any  other  Variety.— 1,  Master  J.  Hartley,  Bowling.  2  and  he,  F. 
Moulson. 

Judges. — Poultry,  Pigeons,  and  Babbits :  Mr.  J.  Thompson,  South- 
owram  ;  Mr.  E.  Smith,  Middleton. 


LEYBURN   POULTRY    SHOW. 
This  was  held  in  collection  with  the  Richmondsbire  Agricultural 
Society's  Show,  on  the  7th  inst.     The  following  awards  were  made  by 
the  Judge,  Mr.  James  Dixos,  North  Park,  Clayton,  Bradford. 

Gamr. — Black-bre  anted  or  other  Reds.— land  2,  W.  Bearpark,  A  inderby  Steeple. 
Any  other  Variety.— I,  C.  Other,  Leyburn.  2.  W.  Bearpark.  Rorkino.— Any 
Variety.  —  1.  W.  Bearpark.  2,  Mm.  B.  Pierse.  Bedale  Hall.  Spanish.— Black.— 
1,  W.  Bearpark.  2,  Rev.  J.  G.  Milner.  Rellerhy.  Cochin-China. —  I  and  2,  Rev. 
J.  RobertBon,  Swinton.  Polish. — 1,W.  Bearpark.  2,  G.  Wood.  Hamburghs. — 
Qolden-svangled.—],  W.  Bearpark.  Silvei--spanaled.—l.  Rev.  J.  a.  Milner. 
Golden-pcnc Med.— 1,  W.Rparpark.  2,  Miss  B,  Pierse.  Silver-pencilled.— 1.  W. 
Bearpark.  9.  Miss  B  Pierse.  Bantams. — 1,  G.  Carter,  Bedale.  2.  Rev..  J. 
Robertson.  Ducks. — Rouen  — 1  and.  e,  Rev.  J.  G.  Milner.  2  and  he.  Rev.  J. 
RoberlBOn.  Ai/lrnbury.— 1,  Rev.  J.  Robertson.  2,  M.  Richardson,  Constable. 
Burton.  Any  other  Variety.— land.  2,  Rev.  J.  G.  Milner.  Geese.— 1,M.  Robinson. 


MORPETH  POULTRY  SHOW. 

This  was  held  on  the  8th  inst.,  and  was  decidedly  an  improvement 
upon  last  year's  show,  both  as  regards  quality  and  the  number  of  spe- 
cimens exhibited.  The  Game  fowls  were  very  good,  hut  the  adults 
were  mostly  ont  of  feather.  The  prize  Brahma*  were  in  full  feather, 
and  very  nearly  won  the  cop.  which  went  to  a  very  fine  pen  of  Spanish 
in  excellent  condition  ;  a  pair  of  very  promising  chickena  were  shown 
in  this  class.  IFat/ihtt  refits  were  very  pood  considering  the  season. 
Pantams  were  of  fine  qnality.  especially  the  fiist-prizo  Black  Red 
Game  cockerel  and  pullet.  Ducks  wero  well  shown,  first-class  Black 
East  Indian  ducklings  winning  in  the  ''Variety  class."  The  first 
prize  in  the  Selling  class  was  won  by  a  grand  pair  of  Brown  Red 
Game  chickens,  which  were  soon  claimed  at  the  selling  price,  £1. 
In  several  of  the  classes  birds  of  this  year's  hatching  competed  suc- 
cessfully with  nil  others. 

Game.—  Rlaek-hreattcd  and  other  Reds.— I,  J.  Boll.  Sleekbnrn.  2.  Nicbol  and 
Lindsay.  Morpeth,  he.  G.  Taylor.Sleekhnrn.  Any  other  Variety.— 1.  G.  Taylor. 
2.  Nicko]  &  Lindsay.  Cock.— 1,  J.  Robsnn,  Bedside.  2.  Nichol  A  Lindsay. 
Cochin-Ch'n*s  (Any  varietv).— 2,  J.  Podds,  Nedd^rton.  Brahma-Pootras. — 1 
and  2.  J.  Stalker.  Spanish.— Cup.  Gibson  A  Stalker,  Woodhorn.  2  and  he, 
Sanderson  &  Oliver.  Hamburghs  —  Gohlen-ppannlcd.— 1  ard  he,  G.  &  W. 
Johnson,  Cheppinjjton.  2,  A.  Tail,  Morpeth.   Silrer-t>pangled.— 1,C.  Armstrong 


September  15,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


215 


Bebside.  2.  StemVuson  A  Chevne,  Cowpen  Lane,  he,  G.  &  W.  Jobnson  Gold 
Of  SUver-pencilled.-l,  R  Bell.  2,  Master  J.  W.  Sehofield,  Morpeth,  he, 
Stephenson  &  Cheyne.  Any  other  Variety  except  Bantams.— 1,  J.  Brown  and 
Co.,  Sunderland.  2,  M.  Ryder,  Mtmkwearmouth.  Bantams.— flam*  Black- 
breasted  or  other  Reds.  —  ],  nnd  2,  G.  Dowie,  Sleekburn.  Gamp,  Any  other 
Variety. — 1  and  2.  J.  Ferry,  Cowpen.  Any  other  Variety  except  Game.-  1,  It. 
Lashlwy,  Sleekbnrn.  2,  Miss  F.  Wilson,  Wuodhorn  Manor.  Ducks.— Aylesbury. 
1.  Miss  F.WiUou.  2,  J.  O'Laary.  Morpeth.  Rouen.— 1.  Miss  F.  Wilson.  2,  Miss 
Wilson,  he,  Miss  Davie,  Hopscott  IW  Honse.  Any  other  Variety.— 1,  Miss 
Seliofleld,  Morpeth  (Buenos  Ayre-H).  2,  Mrs.  J.  Salneld,  Braraweil  (Buenos 
Ayre*).  he,  Miss  A.  Wilson  (Call).  Selling  Class.— 1,  J.  Bell.  2,  C.  Armstrong. 
he,  Stephenson  &  Cheyne  :  Miss  F.  Wilson  (various).  Noj  fob  competition.— 
iic,  F.  E.  Scuoiield,  Morpeth  (Buenos  Ayres). 

JrjDGE. — Mr.  John  Shorthose,  Hartford  Bridge,  Cramlington. 


CLEVELAND    AGRICULTURAL   SOCIETY'S 
SHOW." 

The  Show  of  the  Cleveland  Agricultural  Society  was  this  year  held" 
at  Guisbo rough,  on  the  Sth  inst.  The  railway  communication  is  not  of 
the  most  complete  kind,  and,  in  addition,  the  district  is  not  densely 
populated  ;  there  were,  consequently,  fewer  visitors  than  usually  attend 
this  Society's  Show.  It  was  held  iu  Admiral  Chaloner's  grounds,  in  a 
most  picturesque  locality  iu  front  of  the  Priory,  and  shielded  by 
woodlands  on  three  sides,  and  by  a  bill  on  the  fourth.  A  large 
marquee  was  devoted  to  the  ixmltry,  of  which  tbo  classes  were  not 
numerous,  but  the  entries  were  good. 

Spanish  were  but  poor,  the  Dorkings  of  good  quality,  and  the  White 
Cochins  in  the  first-prize  pen  of  extraordinary  merit,  although  the 
Buffs  were  bad,  and  the  Partridge  and  Brahmas  but  moderate.  The 
first-prize  Red  Game  were  Black  Reds  of  excellent  style  and  form, 
and  very  close  in  flesh  ;  and  the  second  good  Brown  Red  chickens. 
The  Duckwings  were  bad,  but  the  single  cocks  compensated  for  them, 
a  cockerel  of  good  proportions  gaining  first  honours.  Tbe  Bantams 
were  bad,  but  the  winning-pens  in  all  the  Hamburgh  classes  were 
first-rate  ;  and  iu  the  "  Variety  class  "  was  an  extremely  good  pair  of 
Houdau  chickens.  Tbe  Aylesbury  Ducks  were  very  good  in  beak,  as 
also  tbo  Rouens,  and  tbe  latter  were  also  very  large  ;  and  in  the  next 
class  for  Ducks,  Black  East  Indian,  splendid  iu  plumage,  were  first, 
and  domesticated  Wild  Ducks  second.  It  is  seldom  we  have  seen  such 
a  display  of  Geese,  both  Geese  and  goslings  being  of  remarkable  size 
of  frame  and  very  good  in  plumage;  of  Turkeys  there  were  some  very 
large  birds,  and  we  noticed  a  great  improvement  in  the  size  of  tho 
Turkey  ponlts,  as  compared  with  those  shown  last  year. 
There  were  not  many  Rabbits,  but  those  shown  were  good. 

Spanish  (Black),— 1.  \Y.  G.  Pardon,  Driffield.  2,  W.  Bearpark.  Aindorby 
Steeple,  Northallerton.  Dobkings. — 1,  W,  Bearpark.  2.  O.  A.  Young,  Driffield. 
CocHiN-CniNA.— Buff  or  Cinnamon.— 1,  G.  H.  Procter,  Durham.  2.T.  Braith- 
waite.  Stockton-on-Tees.  White.— Jj  G.  H.  Procter.  2  and  fee,  G.  Calvert,  Dar- 
lington. Partridge  or  ffrouw.— 1,  w.  J.  Stewart,  Darlington.  Brahma  Pootba. 
—1,  E.  Cornev,  Whitby.  2,W.  <*.  Pardon.  Game.— Black-breasted  or  "titer 
Reds.— I.  E.  Aykroyd.  Ecclcshill.  2,  W.  Bearpark.  he,  P.  Sturdy,  Ormeaby, 
Middlesbrough  ;  T.  Blackburn,  jun..  Great  Brou^hton  (2).  Any  other  Variety, 
— 1,  E.  Aykroyd.  9.W.  Bearpark.  Cock.— 1,  T.  Blackburn,  juu.  2,  J.  Watson. 
he,  E.  Aykroyd  ;  W.  Gfttenby,  Hemlington,  Game  Ban  tams. — 1,  W.  .T.  Stewart 
(  Black  Red).  2,  E.  Barker.  Stokesley.  fee,  T.  Blackburn,  jun.  Hamburghs.— 
Golden-pencilled.—!,  W.  Bearpark.  2,  G.  Holmra,  Great  Driffield,  he.  Rev, 
R  A. White,  ■Whitby;  S.  Bum.  Whitby.  Silver-pencilled.— \,Q. Holmes.  'J. 
W,  Bearpark.  Gold'  n -spangled.— I,  W.  G.  Purdon.  2,  G.  Pounder,  Klrhy 
Mooreide.  he,  G.  Holmes,  c,  O.  A,  Young.  Silver-spangled.— 1,  J.  Best, 
Boroujrbbridce.  2,  G.  Holmes.  Any  other  Variety.— 1,  Rev.  J.  G.  Milner, 
Bellerby  Vicarage,  Levburu.  2,  W.  Bearpark.  Cross  Bred.— 1,  Mrs.  Buff- 
ham.  Saltbnrn-by-the-Seo.  2.  J.  W.  Pease,  Hutton  Hall,  he,  G.  Pounder. 
Ducks. — Aylesbury.—  1,  W.  Stonehouse.  2,  M.  Harrison,  he,  J.  Stevenson; 
i  >.  A.  Young.  Rouen.—  1  nnd  2,  Rev  J.  G.  Milner.  he,  G.  Pounder.  Any  other 
Variety.— 1,  S.  Burn.  Whitby  iBlaek  East  Indian),  he.  Rev.  J.  G.  Milner. 
Gekbe.— 1.  Rev.  G.  Hustler,  Stillingfleet,  York.  2,  O.  A.  Young  c,  J.  Storry, 
StokeBley;  Mrs.  Braithwaite,  Stokesley.  Goslings. — 1,  Eev.  G.  Hustler.  2,  J. 
Storrv.  c,  Mrs.  Braithwaite.  Turkeys.— 1.  J.  Storrv.  2.  Mrs.  Braithwaite. 
fee,  Rev.  G  Hustler;  G.Holmes.  Poults.—  1.  Mr*.  Buffham.  2,  Mrs.  Ward, 
Banniel  Flat,  Whitby,  he,  O.  A.  Young;  M.  Harrison;  Mrs.  Reardthaw, 
Skntterskelf,  Yarm;  J.  Storry.  

Rabbits.— Length  of  Ear.— \,  T.  Bcuslcy  Egffleseliffe,  Yarm  (Lop-eared). 
Heaviest. — 1,  O.  a.  Young.  Fancy  Breed. — 1,  E.  Bensley  (Himalayas;.  2,  W. 
Elcoate,  Guisborouyh.    he,  J.  Mudd,  Newport,  Middlesbrough. 

Judge. — Mr.  E.  Hutton,  Pudsey,  Leeds. 


LEIGH   POULTRY   SHOW. 

This  Show  was  held  on  August  31st.     The  awards  were  as  follow  : — 

Game.— Blaek-brea s ted  Red.— I,  C.  Chaloner,  Whitwell,  Chesterfield.  2,  C.W. 
Brierley,  Middleton.  Brown-breasted  Bed.— Cup,  C.  W.  Brierley.  1,  T.  Statter, 
jun..  Stand  Hall,  Whitefield.  2,  C.  Chaloner.  Any  other  Variety.— 1,  C.  Cba- 
louer.  2,  C.  W.  Brierley.  Spanish  (Black)— 1,  C.W.  Brierb-y.  3,  N.  Cook, 
Chowbent.  Cochins  —Duff.— I  and  2,  W.  A.  Taylor,  Manchester.  he,  T. 
Princle.  Newcastle-on-Tvne.  Any  other  Colour. — 1,  J.  Sichel,  Timperley, 
Cheshire  (White).  2  and  he,  W.  A.  Taylor.  Brahma  Pootras.— 1,  J.  H.  Pickles. 
Birkdaie.  Southport.     2.  W.  A.  Taylor,     he.  E.  Leech.  Rochdale.    Dorkings.— 

1.  J  White,  Warlaby,  Northallerton.  2,  J.  Stott,  Healey,  near  Rochdale,  lie, 
H.  Pickles,  jun.,  Earby,  Skipton.  Hamburghs. —  Goldsn^peneilled. —  1,  H. 
Pickles,  jun.  2,  T.  Wrigley,  juu.,  Middleton.  he,  H.  Pickles,  jun.;  S.  Smith, 
Nortliowram,  Halifax.  Stiver-pencilled.— I  and  2,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  Golden- 
spangled.— 1  and  he,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  2.  D.  Lord,  Stacksteads.  c,  N.Martin, 
Denton,  near  Manchester.  Siloer-epanglSd.— Cup  and  he,  D.  Lord.  1  and  2,  H. 
Picldes,  jun.     Black.— 1,  N.  Cook.    2,N.  Martin.    Pounds  (Any  varietv)  —1  and 

2,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  (silver),  he,  P.  Unaworth,  Lowton  (2).  c,  W.  Fearnley,  Low- 
ton  (Silver).  French  Fowls.— 1.  J.  H.  Stott,  Rochdale.  2.  N.  Cook.  Bantams. 
— Game.— 1,  G.  Anderton,  Accriupton  (Black  Reds).  2,  P.  West.  Abram.  he,  N. 
Cook.  Any  other  Variety.— 1,  J. H.  Pickles.  2,  S.&R.  Ashton.Mottram  (Black). 
he,  N.  Cook;  J.  Watis,  King's  Heath,  Birmingham.  Any  other  Variety, — 
1  and  2,  N.  Cook  (Bantams).  DxjcksJ— Aylesbury.— 1,  E.  Leech.  2,  J.  H.  Stott. 
Rouen.— Cup,  R.  Gladstone,  jun.,  Court  Hey,  Liverpool.  1,  J.  Scotsnn,]  ittle 
Hyi-om.  2.  W.  Gamon,  Chester,  he,  E.  Leech;  J.  Scotson;  T.  Wakerield, 
Golborne,  Newton-le-Willows.  Any  other  Variety. — 1,  C.  W  Brierley.  2,  R. 
and  W.  Barton  (Shell),     he,  R.  &  W.  Barton  (Call);   J.  Kilshall,  Atherton  Hall 


(Red-neck  Divers);  C.W.  Brierley.  Geese.— 1  and  2,  E.  Leech.  Turkeys.— 
1,  E.  Leech.  2,  .1.  Bent,  Bradshawleach,  Pennington.  Selling  Class.— 1,  N. 
Cook.  2.  W.  A.  Turner.  3,  C.  W.  Brierlev.  he,  P.  Unsworth  (Polands,  2).  c, 
T.  Wakefield,  Lowton.  Extra.  Stock.— vhe,  N.  Cook  (Pheasants),  he.  Miss  A. 
Cook  (Rabbit). 

SINGLE  BIRDS. 

Game  (any  variety).— Co ck.—lt  J.  Wood,  Wigan.  2,  J.  Holland,  Manchester. 
he,  C.  Chaloner.  c,  R.  Southern,  l-eigh.  Hen.— 1,  T.  Statter,  jun.  2,  C.  W. 
Brierley.  he,  C.  Chaloner.  Cockerel.—!,  C.  chaloner.  2,  J.  Mason,  St,  John's 
Worcester,  he,  C.  W.  Brierley;  J.  &  W.  Wallas.  Heaton.  Pullet— 1,  C.W. 
Brierley.  2,  .J.  Holland,  he,  W.  Scotson.  Bickershaw,  Abram  ;  J.  Home. 
Mvddleton,  Warrington  (Brown  Red)  :  C.  Chaloner.  Bantam  (any  variety).— 
CocAr  or  Cockerel.— 1  and  2,  A.  Smith,  Westleigh  (Cockerels). 
PIGEON'S. 

Tumblers.— 1,  J.  Hawley,  Binffley,  Yorkshire.  2,  F.  Moore,  Burnley.  Car- 
riers— 1,  D.  Bromiley.  Over  Hulton.  2,  H.  Yardlev,  Birmingham.  hc,\V. 
Markland,  Deane,  Bolton.  Pouters.— 1,  J.  Hawley.  2,  W.  Gamon.  Barbs.— 
1.  H.  Yardlev.  2,  D.  Bromiley.  Owls  (auv  variety). — 1,  D.  Bromiley.  2,  J. 
Hawley.  Dragoons.— 1  and  2,  J.  Holland,  vhc,  D.  Bromiley.  he,  P.  Unsworth; 
W.  Markland.  Trumpfters.— 1.  J.  Hawley.  2,  P.  Unaworth.  Fantails.— 1, 
J.  Hnwlev.  2,  D.  Bromiley.  he.  J.  Kemp.  Bolton.  Any  other  Variety. — 
1,  J.  Hawley.  2,  J.  Watts,  he,  H.  Yardley.  Selling  Class.— 1,  J.  Hawley. 
2, -T.  Watts. 

Jcdges. — Poultry:  Mr.  R.  Teebav,  Fulwood,  Preston.  Pigeons: 
Mr.  llidpetb,  Handforth  Hall,  near  Wilmslow,  Cheshire. 


TODMORDEN  POULTRY   SHOW. 

This  was  held  on  the  10th  inst.  The  birds  were  numerous  and  of 
first-class  quality.  Tbe  pens  including  old  and  young  birds  made  it 
a  difficult  task  for  the  Judge. 

Game,— 1,  C.W.  Brierlev,  Middleton.  2.  E.  Avkroyd.  Leeds.  Cock.— 1,  C  W. 
Brierley.  2,  E.  Aykroyd.  Hen.— 1,  B.  Consterdine,  Littlchnmuj:h.  2,  C.  W. 
Brierley.  Brahmas. -1,  J.  H.  Pickles.  Birkdale.  Southport.  i.  i<  .  Leech,  Roch- 
dale. Cociun-Ciunvh.— 1,T.  Greenwood,  Tndmmdcn.  2,  .7.  White,  Wakefield. 
Bantams.— 1,. I.  W.  Morris,  Rochdale  (Silver-laced).  2,  J.  H.  Pickles  {Japanese). 
//-•.  R,  a:  K.  Asbton,  Mottram.  Game.— 1  and  he,  W.  F.  Entwisle,  Cleckheaton. 
'i,  .T.  \V.  Morns.  Rochdale,  he,  Betlingham  &GU1.  Burnley,  c,  T.  Baker,  Burn- 
ley.  Dorkings.— 1.  H.  Pickles,  jun.  Earby.  2  and  he,  .T.  Stott,  Rochdale. 
Spanish.— 1,  W.  Sutcliffe.  Todmorden.  2,  C.  W.  Brierley.  Hamburghs. — 
Golden-pencilled.—  I,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  2  and  hr,  T.  WriL'lry,  inn.  Middleton. 
Goldertrepangled  —l  nnd  2,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  Rilvi  r-apangk  d.—l,  H.  Pickles,  jun. 
2.  D.  Lord,  Stacksteads, Manchester.  Stlvt  r  pi  nciUed\—l  and2,  H.  Pickles,  jun. 
Black. — 1,  P.  Lord.  Any  other  Variety.— 1  and  2,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  Selling 
Class.— 1.  H.  Pickles,  jun.  2,  S.  Lord,  Henley  Hall  Bottom,  Rochdale,  c,  T. 
Barker,  Burnley.  Geese.— 1,  E.  Leech.  Rochdale.  2.  S.  H.  Stott.  Ducks.— 
Aylesbury.— 1.  E.  Leech.  2.  S.  H.  Stott  Rouen.— 1,  E.  Leech.  2,  A.. West. 
Worsthorne,  Bnrnlev.  he,  S  H.  Stott.  Any  other  Variety.  1.  T.  C.  Harrison, 
Hull.  2,  S.  oii  R.  Ashton.  Turkeys.— 1,  E.  Leech.  2,  J.  Sykes,  Shircoat, 
Halifax. 

Mr.  Kobert  Payne,  of  Brierfield,  Burnley,  was  the  Judge. 


COTTINGHAM   POULTRY    SHOW. 

Cottixuham,  one  of  the  most  beautiful  villages  of  the  East  Riding 
of  Yorkshire,  held  its  poultry  Show  on  tbe  0th  inst.,  in  a  small  but 
well-wooded  park.  The  entries  were  numerous,  and  in  some  of  the 
classeB  tbe  birds  were  good.  The  Spanish  were  exceedingly  fine,  es- 
pecially the  first-prize  pen,  but  the  Cochins  and  Dorkings  were  only  of 
moderate  quality.  The  first-prize  Red  Game  were  Brown,  and  the 
second  Black  Red.  The  former  were  out  of  condition  to  some  extent, 
but  the  hen  in  tbo  latter  pen  was  bad  in  colour  of  plumage  and  eye. 
Duckwings  were  first  in  the  Variety  class,  and  the  extra  prize  for  the 
best  pen  was  awarded  them.  The  Polands  were  uncommonly  fine, 
Silvers  being  first  and  Blacks  second  ;  and  the  first-prize  Silver  cock 
was  also  extremely  good.  The  Hamburghs  were  of  moderate  quality, 
and  the  entries  good  ;  and  in  the  class  for  Farmyard  crosses  there 
were  some  remarkably  heavy  birds.  In  the  Selling  class  an  unusually 
pood  pen  of  Spanish  was  shown,  and  quickly  appropriated,  the  cock 
being  superior  to  the  first- prize  bird  in  the  Spanish  class.  The 
Bantams  were  all  exceedingly  good,  with  tbe  exception  of  the  Game, 
which  were  very  poor.  There  were  some  large-framed  Qccac  and  ex- 
cellent />»(/•>. 

Tbe  competition  with  Figeons  was  keen  iu  all  classes,  ami  the  quality 
much  finer  than  we  expected  to  find.  Tbe  first-prize  Pouters  were 
White,  very  good  in  thigh  and  feather.  The  second  prize  went  to 
Reds.  The  Carriers,  though  a  little  coarse,  were  very  long  and  well 
developed.  The  first-prize  Tnrbits  were  Blue,  and  the  second  Red. 
No  class  contained  birds  of  higher  quality  than  the  Dragoons,  though 
some  were  rather  old  for  the  buow  pen.  The  Almonds  shown  by  Mr. 
Adams  were  an  exquisite  pair  in  all  points,  and  an  exceedingly  good 
match  iu  colour  and  marking  ;  the  Nuns  were  also  very  good.  In  the 
"  Variety  class  "  White  Owls  were  first,  and  Black  Magpies  second. 
The  Babbits  made  but  a  moderate  display.  For  tbe  small  amount 
awarded  to  Cage  Birds  there  was  a  capital  entry.  The  two  winning 
birds  in  the  first  class  were  Belgians,  and  in  the  next  tbe  first  was  a 
handsome  light  Goldfinch  Mule,  and  the  second  a  Marked  Canary ; 
and  tbe  winner  of  the  new  cage  was  a  good  Jonque  Lizard,  though 
rather  fiecked  with  white. 

Spanish.— 1,  T.  C.  &  E.  Newhitt.    2,W.  G.  Pinder,  Driffield,    fee.  J.  William- 
son.   Coek.—\,  G.  Holmes.     Dorkings.— 1,  G.  Holmes.    2,  J.  White.    Cock,.— 

1,  J.  Thompson.  Coohins. — 1,  R.  Dawson,  Beverley,  lie,  —  Taylor;  J.  Daw- 
son. Cock.— 1,  R.  Cook.  Game—  R.rl—l,  G.  Holmes.  2.W.Boyee.  Cock.— 1,  W. 
G.  Pinder.  he,  W.  Roves.  Ann  other  Variety.— 1,  2.  and  Extra  Prize,  W.  Boyes. 
he, Mrs.  Allams.  Cock— ),  W.  Boyes.  Polands.— 1  and  2,  Mrs.  Proctor,  Hull. 
Cock.— 1,  Mrs.  Proctor.  Hamburghs.  —  Gold-spangled. — 1,  G.  Purdon.  2, — 
Marma^k.     Cock.  —  l.G.  Holmes.    Goldenspencilled.—l,—  Chavttr,  Driffield. 

2.  G.  Hdmes.  Cock.— 1;  G.  Holmes.  SiVoer-pencilled.— 1,  G.  Holmes.  2, — 
Holbv,  Hull.  Cock.— 1,  G.  Purdon.  Silver-spangled,— 1,  G.  Liversid^e.  ?,  G 
Holmes,  he,  C.  A.  Harrison.  Cock.— 1,  G.  Hulmes.  Farmyard  Cross. -1,— 
Covfrd:>1e.  2,— Charter.  Cork.— 1.  —  Cnverdale.  Selling  Class.— 1,  T.  C 
and  E.  Newbitt.    2,  T.  C.  Harrison,    he,  —  Loft ;  G.  Holmes  ;  C.  Riley.    Cock.  - 


216 


JOURNAL   OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  September  15,  1870. 


1,  — Hague,  Newland.    he,  T.  C.  Harrison,  Hull.    Variety  Class.— 1, —  Loft. 

2,  —  Vawse.  he,  T.  C.  Harrison  ;  —  Loft.  Bantams.— Gold-laced.— 1  and  2,  T.  C. 
Harrison.  Cock.— I,  T.  C.  Harrison.  Game.— I,  —  Hardy,  Hesale.  2,  —  Raw, 
Beverley,  he,  H.  Adains,  Beverley,  he.  C.  Wilson,  Driffield.  Cock, — 1, — 
Ringrose.  Any  other  variety. — 1  and  he,  T.  C.  Harrison.  2,  Messrs.  Newbitt. 
Special  Prise.— 1,  G.  Bromay.  2, —  Charter,  fee, —  Loft.  Geese.— 1,  J.  Harri- 
son. 2,  J.  Jordan.  Ducks.— Aylcslntry. — 1  and  2,  O.  A.  Young,  he,  —  Lawson. 
Any  other  Variety,— 1,  —  Richardson.     2  and  3,  T.  C.  Harrison.    Turkeys.— 

1,  G.Holmes.    2, —  Jordan. 

PIGEONS. 
Pouters.— 1,  H.  Adams.    2,  G.  Statter.    Carriers.— 1,  —  Campey,  Beverley. 

2,  H.  Yardley.  Turrits.— 1,  —  Lawson.  2,  —  Richardson,  he,  Whole  class. 
Trumpeters. — 1,  —  Marshall.  2.  —  Collins.  Jacobins.—  1,  —  Sanders.  2,  G. 
Statter.  Fantails.— 1,  Davis  &  Thompson.  2,  H.  Yardley.  Dragoons,— 1  and 
vlic,  —  Richardson.  2,  Davis  &  Thompson,  he,  —  Lawson.  Tumblers.— 1  and 
2,  H.  Adams,  he,  H.  Yardley.  Barbs.  —  1,  —  Lawson.  2,— Richardson. 
Nuns.— 1,  T.  Statter.  2,  —  Richardson,  he,  H.  Yardley;  Davis  &  Thompson. 
Any  other  Variety.— 1,  H.  Adams.    2  and  he,  Mrs.  Proctor,  Hull. 

Canaries.  — 1,  Miss  Ellison.  2,  G.  Grant,  he,  R.  Redhead:  —  Lewis;  — 
Petch.  Any  other  Variety. -1  and  he,  —  Petch.  2,  R.  Redhead.  For  Nnr  Cane. 
—1,  G.  LewiB,  Hull,    he,  C.  Weddall. 

Rabbits.— Lop-eared— Buck— 1,  —  Ashton,  Hull.  2,  —  Turner,  Hull.  Doe.— 
1  and  2,  —  Ashton.    Any  other  Variety.—!,  —  Ashton.    2,  —  Lunn. 

Judge. — Mr.  E.  Hutton,  Pudsey,  Leeds. 


GREAT  HORTON  POULTRY  SHOW. 

There  is  scarcely  a  village  in  the  West  Riding  of  Yorkshire  that 
has  not  its  annual  Poultry  and  Pigeon  Show,  and  followiug  the 
example  of  their  neighbours,  a  few  of  the  amateurs  of  this  district 
brought  together  on  the  10th  inst.  an  excellent  exhibition  of  stock, 
which  was  inspected  by  a  great  number  of  visitors.  The  Game,  with 
the  exception  of  the  first-prize  Black  Reds,  were  of  poor  quality.  The 
Ifamhurt/hs  were  moderately  good,  and  the  PoJands  very  fine  ;  but  the 
best  class  in  the  Show  was  the  Game  Bantam.  In  Ducks,  ths  first 
prize  was  taken  by  Ruddy  Shell,  and  the  second  by  Rouens. 

The  Pigeons  were  tolerably  numerous,  and  there  were  some  good 
birds  in  all  classes,  although  several  peus  of  birds  were  disqualified; 
in  the  Antwerp  class,  for  instance,  two  cocks  were  exhibited  as  a  pair. 

The  entries  of  Gage  Birds  were  not  numerous,  but  there  were  some 
very  fine  specimens,  notably  of  Norwich  Canaries.  The  Evenly 
Marked  were  also  very  good,  also  the  Jonque  Lizard  ;  the  Mealies  were 
poor.  "We  noticed  a  most  handsome  Piebald  Linnet  Mule,  winner  of 
the  first  prize  for  that  variety,  and  both  Buff  and  Yellow  Goldfinch 
Mules  were  worthy  of  notice. 

Game.— Cock,— 1,  C  Naylor,  Great  Horton.  2,  E.  Jowett,  Great  Horton. 
he,  J.  Hodgson,  Bowling.  Any  Variety  besides  Game.— Cock.— 1,  H.  Barker. 
Keighley.  2,  J.  Thresh,  Bradford.  Black-breasted  or  other  Beds.  —  1,  J. 
Preston,  Allerton.  2,  E.  Jowett.  he,  J.  Hodgson.  Any  other  variety.— 1,  G. 
Ambler,  Queensbury.  ?,  J.  Preston.  Hambuhqus.  —  Gold-spangled.  —  1,  J. 
PreBton.  2,  H.  Bowker,  Keighley.  Sihoer-spangled. — I,  H.  Bowker.  2.  T. 
Robinson,  Harden,  he,  T.  Fawcett,  Baildon ;  W.  Bairstow,  Bingley.  Gold- 
pencilled.— I,  J.  Preston.  2,  F.  Si  eel,  Halifax,  he,  Clough  &  Jackson,  Lister 
Hills.  Silver-pencilled.— I,  H.  Bowker.  2,  J.  Preston.  Black.— 1,  H.  W. 
Illinsworth,  Idle.  2,  T.  Robinson,  ha,  Clough  &  Jackson.  Spanish  (Black).— 
1  and  2.  J.  Thresh.  Cochin-Chinas  —  1,  J.  Preston.  2,  J.  Dixon,  Horton.  he,  J. 
Rudd,  Hortun.  Dorkings —1,  T.Preston.  Any  other  Variety.— l.H.  Bowker. 
2,  J.  Preston.  Game  Bantams.— Any  Variety.— \,  F.  Steel.  2,  J.  Blamiers. 
he,  F.  Steel;  J.  Blamiers  ;  E.  K.  Fox,  Great  Horton  (2).  Bantams.— Any  other 
Variety.— 1,  H.  "W.  Illingvrorth.  2,  J.  Hodgson.  Ducks.— Any  Variety.— 1  and 
2,  J.  Dixon,  Horton.  ho,  Miss  Bentley;  H.  Flatber,  Bowling. 
PIGEONS. 

Carriers.— 1,  H.  Snowden,  Horton.  2,  J.  Holden,  Wibsey.  Croppers.— 1,  J. 
Hawley,  Bingley.    2,  H.  Snowdon.    he.  W.  Whitaker,  Horton.    Tumblers.— 

1,  J.  Hawley.    2,  Clayton  &  Bairstow,  Girlington.    Jacobins.— 1.  J.  Hawlev. 

2,  Clayton  &  Bairstow.  he,  J.  Thomnson,  Bineiey.  Barbs.— 1.  J.  ThreBh.  2,  J. 
Hawley,  Bingley.  he.  Clayton  &  Bairstow.  Fantails.— 1,  J.  Hawley.  2,  Clay- 
ton &  Bairstow.  he,  J,  Thompson.  Dragoons. — 1,  J.  Holden.  2,  Clayton  and 
Bairstow.  he,  E.  Jowett;  Clayton  &  Bairstow.  Turbits.— 1  and  2.  Clayton 
and  Bairstow.  he,  J.  Thompson.  Antwerps.— 1,  Clayton  &  Bairstow.  2,  F. 
Steel.  Any  other  Variety.— 1,  J.  Hawley.  2.  Clayton  &  Bairstow.  he,  H. 
Snowden;  S.  Hey  worth,  Dirkliill ;  M.  Smith,  Horton ;  J.Thompson;  J.  Thresh. 

CAGE  BIRDS. 

Norwich.— Clear  Yellow.— 1  and  2,  W.  H^ap.  Bradford.    Clear  Buy'.— 1,  W. 

Heap.    2,  J.  Wilkinson.    Belgian-—  Clear   Yellow.— I,  J.  Wilkinson.     2,  W. 

Heap.    Clear  Buff.—l,  J.  Wilkinson.    2,  W.  Heap.    Evenly-marked  Yellow.— 

1,  S.  Burton,  Middlesbrough.     2.  W.  Heap.  Bradford.    Erenly-marked  Buff.— 

1,  J.  Wilkinson.  2.  S.  Burton  Lizard.—  Yellow.— 1,  R.  Horman.  2.  J.  Wil- 
kinson.   Buff.— 1  and  2.  J.  Wilkinson.     Yurkrhire.— Yellow.— 1,  J.  Wilkinson. 

2,  W.  Heap.  Buff.—l.  J.  Wilkinson  2,  M.  Holroyd,  Horton.  Any  Variety.— 
1,  J.  Wilkinson.  2,  J.  Crossley,  Great  Horton  Goldfinch  Mole.— Eve nly- 
marked  Yellow— I  and  2.  W.  Heap.  Evenly-marked  Buff.—l,  R.  Hawman, 
Middlesbrough.  2,  W.  Heap.  Linnet  Mdle.  —  1,  W.  Heap.  2,  W.  &  C. 
Burniston,  Middlesbrough. 

Rabbits  (Any  variety).— 1,  J.  Evans,  Queensbury.  2,  F.  Moulson,  Little 
Horton.    he,  H.  Pool,  Bradford. 

Judges. — Poultry  and  Pif/eons:  Mr.  E.  Hutton,  Pudsey,  Leeds; 
and  Mr.  W.  Cannan,  Bradford.  Canaries:  Mr.  James  Taylor,  Middles- 
brough.   

{From  a  Correspondent.) 
There  was  not  a  large  entry  of  birds,  which  I  attribute  to  the  Show 
not  being  properly  advertised  and  its  being  the  first  attempt.  Norwich 
Canaries  were  not  so  good  as  they  are  at  some  shows;  the  Belgians 
were  very  good,  and  will  make  a  mark  at  any  place  they  may  go  to. 
The  competition  of  Evenly- marked  birds  was  very  close,  and  some  of 
the  best  birds  in  the  country  were  exhibited.  LizardB  were  not  up  to 
the  standard,  except  the  first-prize  Golden,  and  it  was  very  evident 
that  its  joui'ney  had  done  it  much  harm,  as  it  could  not  fairly  draw 
itself  together  the  whole  day.  Great  credit  is  due  to  the  Committee  for 
the  interest  they  took  in  this  bird  to  bring  it  round  ;  and  should  they 
have  another  show  at  Horton  I  would  advise  exhibitors  to  Bend  them 
good  entries,  for  I  never  saw  birds  better  attended  to.     The  Yellow 


Yorkshire  Canaries  were  noble,  likewise  the  Buff  Yorkshire.  Evenly  - 
marked  Goldfinch  Mules  were  very  good,  and  the  prizes  went  to  birds 
of  no  ordinary  merit.     Linnet  Mules  were  only  inferior  specimens. 


WHITBY  CANARY   SHOW. 

This  was  held  in  the  Congress  Hall,  Whitby,  on  the  13th  inst.  The 
following  is  the  prize  list,  but  we  must  defer  further  remarks  till  next 
week : — 

Norwich.— Yellow. —1,1!.  Irons,  Northampton.  2,  W.Barwell,  Northampton- 
3,  J.  Baines,  York,     he,  C.  Burton.  York;  G.   Gavton,  Northampton.    Buff.— 

1,  R.  Simpson.  Whitby.  2,  J.  Adams.  3,  T.  Irons,  he,  Moore  &  Wynne. 
Evenly-marked  Yellow.  — 1,  Moore  &  Wynne.  2,  J.  Adams.  3,  J.  Baines. 
K mi! ii- marked  Buff.  —  l,  J.  Bexson.  2,  G.  Gayton.  3,  T.  Irons,  he,  Moore 
and  Wynne;  J.Adams;  W.Barwell.     Unevenly-marked  Yellow.— 1,  J.Adams. 

2,  T.  Irons.  3,  C.  Yeoman.  U neverdy worked  Buff.  -1,  Moore  &  Wvnne.  2,  W. 
Barwell.     3,  T.  Wales.     Green,   Grey,  or  Buff-crested   Yellow— 1,  T.  Irons. 

2,  J.  Bexson.  3,  Moore  A  Wynne,  Green,  Grey,  or  Buff-crested  Bu  ff.- 1  and  2,  T. 
Irons.  3,  J.  Bexson.  he,  W.  Barwell;  T.  Irons.  Belgian.— Yellow.— 1,  J.  N. 
Harrison.    2,  T.  Wales.    3,  W.  Buhner.    Buff.—  1,  W.  Buhner.    2,  J.  Bexson. 

3,  J-  Barnett.  Yorkshire.— Yellow.— 1,  T.  Waudby,  Norton.  2,  Mrs.  J.  Wilkin- 
son. Whitby.  3,  C.  Burton.  Buff.—l,  A.  Webster.  2,  Fairclough  &  Howe. 
3,  W.  &  C.  Burniston.  Cinnamon.— Yelloto.— 1,  T.  Irons.  2,  J.  Bexson.  3,  W. 
Buhner.    Buff.— 1  and  2,  T.  Irons.    3,  J.  Bexson.     Lizard.— Golden-spanoled  — 

1,  J.  Taylor.    2,  J.  N.  Harrison,    he,  J.  Baines.    Silver-spangled. — 1,  J.  Baines. 

2,  J.  N.  Harrison  he,  T.  Wales ;  J.  Baines.  Canary.— Green— 1,  G.  Atkinson. 
2,  M.  Burton,  he,  Fairclough  &  Howe.  Six  Canaries  Bred  in  1870.— 1,  R. 
Simpson.  2,  Moore  &  Wynne.  3,  R.  Collinson.  Any  other  Variety.— 1,  A. 
Webster.  2  and  3,  M.  Burton.  Goldfinch  Mule.—  Buff  Marked.— 1,  W. 
Handel.  2,  C.  Burton.  3,  R.  Hawman.  Dark.—l,  C.  Burton.  2,  J.  Gray, 
Whitby. 

Parrot.— 1,  Mrs.  J.  Wilkinson.    2,  Mrs.  J.  Weighill. 

LOCAL   CLASSES. 

Norwich.— Yellow  or  Buff.—l,  R.  Simpson.  2.  McLaehin  &  Brown.  3,  H. 
Dale.  Yelloiv  or  Buff  Marked.— 1  and  2,  Mrs.  J.  Wilkinson.  3,  T.  Stewart. 
Canary  (Any  other  variety.)— 1,  Mrs.  J.  Wei£hill  (Clear  Buff).  2,  W.Henderson, 
Whitby  (Crested  Norwich).  3,  M.  Taylor  (Cinnamon.  Mule.— 1.  R.  Corner, 
Whitby.    2  and3,J.Gray. 

Bullfinch.  —  1,  J.  Haw.  2,  W.  Porritt.  Goldfinch.— 1,  H.  Dale.  2,  T. 
Mcintosh. 

Judge. — Mr.  W.  A.  Blakston,  Sunderland. 


MANAGEMENT   OF   BIKD    SHOWS. 

As  the  time  is  fast  drawing  on  when  fanciers  of  cage  birds 
will  be  busily  engaged  in  sending  their  various  specimens 
for  exhibition,  I  should  like,  as  one  of  the  fraternity,  to  call 
the  attention  of  committees  and  secretaries  of  bird  shows  to  a 
few  defects  which  may  and  do  arise  in  their  management.  I 
was  much  amused  the  other  day,  if  not  a  little  vexed  as  well, 
on  receiving  my  birds  from  a  show  (less  than  a  hundred  miles 
away)  twenty-seven  hours  after  it  had  closed.  The  birds  were 
sent  properly  caged,  enveloped  in  a  wrapper,  and  well  tied 
up  with  a  strong  cord.  Thus  packed  they  went  as  one  parcel, 
booked  through  for  Is.  3d.  They  were  returned  as  two  parcels, 
wretchedly  packed,  minus  the  cord,  not  booked  through  and 
the  carriage  was  2s.  lOd.  One  of  the  best  birds  has  since  died 
from  exposure.  Now,  if  secretaries  or  their  deputies  would 
only  take  the  trouble  to  observe  how  birds  arrive  packed,  and 
return  them  in  like  manner,  care  being  taken  when  unpacking 
that  all  cords,  wrappers,  &c,  were  systematically  stowed  away, 
I  am  sure  we  should  hear  fewer  complaints  from  exhibitors. 
Secretaries  must  not  imagine  that  because  they  receive  no 
written  complaints,  on  that  account  there  is  cause  for  none, 
and  that  none  are  made.  I  am  well  aware  the  duties  of  se- 
cretaries at  such  times  are  both  "anxious  and  arduous,"  but 
exhibitors  and  their  birds  should  receive  the  best  of  treatment 
from  all  show  officials,  and  particularly  those  fanciers  who 
do  their  utmost  to  uphold  all  well-regulated  exhibitions  by 
sending  their  specimens  at  no  small  risk,  certainly  at  no 
pecuniary  advantage.  Few  fanciers  show  their  birds  from 
motives  of  profit.  There  is  an  indescribable  degree  of  interest 
and  excitement  in  conjecturing  beforehand  what  will  be  the 
position  of  such  and  such  a  bird,  particularly  so  to  the  true 
fancier — he  who  breeds  his  own  birds,  and  whether  he  will  have 
the  same  rivals  as  last  year,  and  what  will  be  their  relative 
positions.  Such,  I  believe,  are  the  feelings  which  move  the 
majority  of  exhibitors. 

Again,  how  much  better  it  would  be  if  secretaries  would  dis- 
tinctly state  when  specimens  will  be  returned ;  for  fanciers 
residing  some  miles  from  a  railway  station,  and  beyond  the 
limits  for  delivery,  may  have  a  whole  day  or  more  wasted  in 
fruitless  journeys  after  them.  Catalogues,  I  think,  ought  to 
be  forwarded  by  the  first  post  after  the  awards  are  made,  lime, 
of  course,  being  allowed  for  marking  them.  Fanciers  like  to 
know  as  soon  as  possible,  especially  when  they  pay  for  it,  what 
their  birds  have  done,  and  surely  there  is  nothing  unreason- 
able or  impossible  in  expecting  a  catalogue  twenty-four  houra 
after  the  judge  has  made  his  decisions.  Secretaries,  too,  and 
this  is  a  matter  of  the  greatest  importance,  should  give  strict 
injunctions  to  have  all  birds  booked  through  if  possible.     This 


September  15,  1871).  ] 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


217 


not  only  reduces  the  charge  for  carriage  very  considerably,  but, 
what  is  of  far  more  consequence,  enables  birds  to  reach  their 
destination  much  earlier  than  they  could  possibly  do  if  they 
had  to  be  dragged  out  at  some  intermediate  station  to  be  re- 
booked  and  await  the  arrival  of  the  next  train — frequently 
some  hours.  It  is  true  the  booking  of  parcels  is  generally 
done  by  lads  who,  either  not  knowing  or  not  caring  to  ascertain 
to  what  places  they  can  book  through,  despatch  them  to  the 
next  principal  station,  and  leave  them  to  reach  their  destina- 
tion as  best  they  may.  This  I  have  experienced  over  and  over 
again,  and  it  must  stand  to  sense  that  if  parcels  can  be  booked 
through  one  way,  say  from  Derby  to  Newcastle,  it  is  only 
rational  to  expect  to  have  them  booked  through  from  New- 
castle to  Derby.  I  am  well  aware  that  railway  people  are 
anything  but  obliging,  but  I  think  committees  and  secretaries 
of  exhibitions  of  all  kinds  should  do  their  utmost  to  enforce 
justice. 

Another  suggestion  I  would  make  is  that  Eelgian  and  Lizard 
Canaries,  usually  shown  in  open  wire  cages,  should  be  so  placed 
in  the  exhibition-room  as  to  be  free  from  all  draughts.  They 
are  naturally  more  delicate  than  the  other  varieties  of  the 
Canary,  and,  in  order  the  better  to  protect  them,  a  screen  of 
calico  or  bunting,  or  any  other  material,  might  be  advan- 
tageously erected.  Belgians,  generally  placed  first  on  the  list, 
should  during  arbitration  reverse  their  position,  or  be  judged 
last,  for  this  reason — they  are  birds  which  bear  travelling  but 
badly,  and  if  judged  shortly  after  being  unpacked  are  fre- 
quently "rough"  and  unsteady.  This  arrangement  would  at 
any  rate  give  them  a  little  more  time  to  compose  themselves, 
and  better  display  those  peculiar  characteristics  which  are  so 
marked  in  the  Belgian  Canary,  and  on  which  their  relative 
positions  must  depend. 

A  little  more  attention  on  the  part  of  committees  and  secre- 
taries generally  would  do  much  to  encourage  fanciers  to  send 
for  exhibition  specimens  which  they  have  hitherto  deemed  too 
valuable,  and  so  tend  to  raise  up  more  fanciers  and  exhibitors 
of  that  beautiful  bird,  the  Canary,  the  keeping  of  which  is  a 
recreation  that,  if  innocently  pursued,  is  one  of  the  most  in- 
teresting and  instructive. — James  N.  Harbison,  The  Lawn, 
Helper,  Derbyshire. 


THE  NEW  METHOD  OF  CONTROLLING  THE 
FERTILISATION   OF  THE  QUEEN  BEE. 

Some  time  ago  there  appeared  in  the  columns  of  your  valu- 
able paper  two  or  three  communications,  the  purport  of  which 
was  to  give  further  enlightenment  to  the  bee-master  on  the 
very  important  matter  of  queen-impregnation.  This  remark- 
able discovery  hails  from  Tankeeland,  and  is  quite  equal  to  any 
of  the  big  talk  we  are  accustomed  to  hear  almost  any  day 
from  the  same  quarter.  It  has  now  for  a  long  series  of  years 
been  regarded  as  a  settled  fact  amongst  apiarians  that  the  young 
queen  not  only  leaves  the  hive,  but  that  the  contact  is  actually 
when  she  is  on  the  wing;  but  according  to  our  American 
cousins  this  may  be  accomplished  by  a  different  method,  the 
modus  operandi  being  to  place  the  young  princess  aJoDg  with  a 
number  of  males  in  a  small  box  or  glass  globe  in  which  they 
are  able  to  fly,  not  forgetting  the  necessary  supplies,  to  shut  them 
up,  and  in  the  course  of  forty-eight  hours  at  the  longest  fecun- 
dation will  have  been  secured. 

At  first  when  I  read  this  new  method  I  looked  upon  it  with 
the  gravest  suspicion,  and  had  very  strong  doubts  regarding  the 
practicability  of  a  thing  so  far  from  the  natural  instincts  of  our 
little  favomites,  but  which  if  true  would  be  a  valuable  addition 
to  apiarian  science.  A  friend  and  myself,  therefore,  resolved  to 
make  the  experiment  and  see  if  such  could  really  be  accom- 
plished. Accordingly  on  a  fine  day  about  the  beginning  of  the 
month  (August),  we  opened  a  hive  and  removed  from  it  a 
beautiful  young  Ligurian  queen  a  number  of  days  old,  and 
which  we  were  very  anxious  should  meet  with  a  pure  mate, 
placed  her  in  a  box  (certainly  not  smaller  than  those  recom- 
mended), in  company  with  a  number  of  the  opposite  sex,  shut 
them  up,  and  allowed  them  to  remain  in  this  condition  for 
twenty- four  hours,  at  which  time  we  had  a  survey  and  found 
her  ladyship  fine  and  lively,  but  the  most  of  the  drones  dead, 
as  we  supposed  from  clashing  themselves  against  the  sides  of 
the  box,  certainly  not  from  any  exhaustive  cause.  A  fresh 
lot  was  added  and  allowed  to  remain  for  the  same  length  of 
time  with  a  like  result.  This,  now,  being  all  that  was  necessary 
and  more  than  sufficient  for  us,  we  both  pronounced  it  nothing 
short  of  Yankee  bunkum.     Chagrined,  disheartened,  yet  not 


altogether  disappointed,  we  returned  our  aspirant  after  regal 
honours  to  the  home  from  which  two  dayB  previously  she  had 
been  rather  unceremoniously  removed,  and  on  the  next  day  to 
our  great  delight  we  saw  her  sally  forth  on  what  proved  to  be  her 
wedding  trip,  and  after  a  fifteen-minutes  anxious  watch  saw 
her  return  safely,  bearing  unmistakeable  evidence  that  the 
object  for  which  she  had  undertaken  the 'journey  had  been  ac- 
complished. So  far  this  is  my  experience,  but  should  any 
other  of  your  correspondents  have  tested  the  American  state- 
ment, I  shall  be  very  glad  to  hear  their  opinion  on  the 
matter. — A  Siewaeton  Apiarian. 


I  have  had  my  attention  directed  to  two  or  three  communi- 
cations which  appeared  in  the  Journal  regarding  a  "  New  Mode 
of  Controlling  the  Fertilisation  of  the  Queen  Bee,"  a  discovery 
stated  to  have  been  made  by  Mis.  E.  S.  Tupper,  of  Iowa,  U.S., 
and  corroborated,  it  appears,  by  others."  If  this  were  an 
established  fact  it  would  completely  overthrow  the  whole  views 
and  findings  of  our  best  and  most  eminent  bee-writers,  and  the 
discovery  wouid  be  welcomed  by  practical  apiarians  as  an  in- 
estimable boon,  not  only  as  lespects  the  rearing  and  propaga- 
ting of  different  varieties  of  the  honey  bee,  but  also  in  securing 
the  fecundation  of  queens  reared  at  seasons  of  the  year  when 
weather  influences  render  such  an  event  out  of  doors  extremely 
hazardous  and  uncertain,  if  not  impracticable. 

From  my  own  experience,  however,  on  this  subject,  which 
extends  over  a  considerable  number  of  years,  I  never  had  any 
reason  to  doubt  that  the  fecundation  of  the  queen  bee  took 
place  only  in  the  open  air.  Indeed,  there  is  no  fact,  I  think, 
better  attested  in  the  natural  history  of  the  bee  than  this  ;  and 
that  although,  in  the  language  of  Dr.  Bevan,  the  queen  were 
confined  "  amid  a  seraglio  of  males,"  yet  a  barren  or  abnormal 
queen  she  would  ever  remain.  But  we  are  told  that  by  adopt- 
ing either  of  the  following  methods  we  can  control  the  fertilisa- 
tion of  the  queen  bee  :  — 

1st,  "  Put  the  queen  with  the  selected  drones,  and  some 
honeycomb  containing  honey,  in  a  box  having  a  sliding  cover 
and  plenty  of  small  gimlet  holes  through  the  top  and  sides  for 
ventilation  ;  remove  the  honey-board,  and  place  the  box  on 
the  frames,  so  that  the  queen  and  her  companions  may  be 
kept  warm ;  put  on  the  cap,  and  leave  them  two  or  three 
days,  and  at  the  end  of  that  time  your  queen  will  be  purely 
fertilised." 

liud,  "  Ou  the  fifth  day  after  the  queen  is  hatched,  or  earlier 
if  you  choose  (says  Mr.  Thomas  in  describing  Mrs.  Tupper's 
method),  catch  the  queen  and  confine  her  with  four  or  five 
select  drones  in  a  wire  cage,  with  honey  in  the  comb  or  in  a 
sponge,  and  place  the  cage  on  the  top  of  the  nucleus  or  stock 
from  which  she  has  been  taken,  and  let  her  remain  from  twenty- 
four  tu  thirty-six  hours,  covering  her  up  with  the  cap  so  that 
it  will  be  quite  dark.  She  will  be  fertilised,  and  commence  to 
lay  soon  alter  beiDg  liberated." 

3rd,  Mr.  Dax,  of  Guns,  Hungary,  confines  along  with  the 
queen  about  one  hundred  bees.  "  The  glazed  box,"  he  says, 
"  is  then  darkened,  and  between  the  hours  of  eleven  and  three 
a  drone  is  added,  when  you  may  watch  their  intercourse.  If 
this  does  not  occur  on  the  first  day,  which,  however,  is  gene- 
rally the  case,  before  three  o'clock,  it  will  take  place  the  next 
day  about  the  eame  time." 

A  Mr.  Moore,  of  Ohio,  however,  has  stated  even  a  simpler 
process  still.  He  has  succeeded,  he  says,  in  getting  queens 
fertilised  "  by  confining  them  with  a  few  drones  under  a  wine- 
glass or  tumbler  placed  in  the  sun  ;  also  by  confining  them  in 
a. 'amp  chimney,  with  the  upper  end  stopped  by  a  cork,  and 
the  lower  end  fitted  into  the  feeding  hole  on  the  top  of  the 
hive,  egress  in  this  direction  being  prevented  by  means  of 
wire  cloth." 

Mr.  Woodbury,  I  observe,  in  alluding  to  the  Hungarian 
method,  thinks  it  a  very  feasible  one,  and  far  the  most  likely 
of  any  that  has  yet  been  devised  to  secure  the  end  desired  ; 
but  I  must  confess  I  am  very  sceptical  as  to  any  one  of  the 
plans  succeeding.  Let  us  consider  the  matter.  In  what  re- 
spect do  the  circumstances  in  which  the  virgin  queen  is  placed 
in  the  Hungarian  method  differ  from  those  in  which  we  experi- 
mental apiarians  find  her  in  our  various  operations  a  hundred 
times  ?  Is  it  by  reason  of  the  queen  being  alone  in  company 
with  the  males  that  success  attends  the  experiment  ?  I  fear 
not.  I  have  more  than  once  confined  drones  along  with  a 
queen  under  glass,  and  have  witnessed  nothing  but  mutual 
indifference  aud  repugnance  to  each  other;  and  intelligent 
apiariais  aie  familiar  with  the  case  recorded  by  Huber,  cf  his 


218 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  September  15, 1870. 


having  constructed  a  cubical  glass  box  8  feet  high  in  connec- 
tion with  a  hive  containing  a  virgin  queen.  Her  exit  to  the 
open  air  was  prevented  by  a  contracted  entrance,  but  she  had 
free  access  to  the  box  by  means  of  a  glass  tube,  where  she  fre- 
quently betook  herself  every  fine  morning  along  with  the 
drones ;  but  though  the  experiment  extended  over  fifteen  days 
under  a  constant  watch,  yet  no  evidence  was  afforded  of  im- 
pregnation. 

Again,  is  it  because  of  the  scantiness  or  paucity  of  the  bees 
along  with  the  queen  that  the  desired  object  is  attained  ?  If 
80,  why  should  not  the  same  result  follow  in  a  hive  where  the 
bees,  equally  scant  in  numbers,  have  perfect  freedom  of  exit? 
Such,  at  least,  appears  to  me  to  be  the  logic  of  the  case.  But 
reasonings  have  no  force  in  the  face  of  facts.  To  the  test, 
therefore,  let  us  go. 

It  so  happened  that  at  the  very  time  that  Mr.  Woodbury  ex- 
pressed his  regret  at  being  unable  to  experiment  so  late  in  the 
season,  I  had  in  my  apiary  two  young  queens  in  process  of 
rearing.  In  one  of  the  hives,  a  very  large  one,  the  bees  were, 
from  certain  cironmstances,  reduced  to  two  or  three  hundred. 
The  queen  remained,  to  my  certain  knowledge,  unfecundated 
in  this  hive  for  several  days,  though  of  proper  age,  and  in  the 
society  of  males,  the  weather  not  permitting  her  to  go  abroad. 
But  why  was  this  if  the  fact  be  an  accredited  one,  that  tbe 
queen  could  be  fecundated  in  the  interior  of  the  hive?  The 
space  was  large,  the  population  scanty,  and  no  disturbing  in- 
fluences of  any  kind  were  present  to  prevent  the  desired  object. 
But  my  experiment,  perhaps,  is  defective.  I  must  detach  a  still 
smaller  number  of  bees,  and  confine  them  along  wi'.U  the 
queen,  separating  them  by  perforated  zinc  from  the  other 
moiety,  and  placing  the  prisoners  over  the  hive  in  order  to 
succeed.  Well,  I  did  so,  and  introduced,  according  to  directions, 
selected  drones  to  her  majesty,  and  after  two  days'  confinement 
allowed  her  and  her  associates  to  descend,  but  no  evidence  was 
forthcoming  that  she  was  fecundated.  In  the  meantime  the 
marauding  bees  began  to  pillage  the  hive  and  its  scanty  popu- 
lation offered  but  little  resistance.  I  examined  the  interior 
occasionally,  and  now  found  the  queen  encased  by  the  entrants 
and  much  injured.  I  immediately  dissected  her  iu  order  to  set 
all  doubts  at  rest,  and  found  that  a  virgin  queen  she  still 
remained. 

Such  being  the  result  in  this  case,  I  did  not  submit  the  other 
queen  to  the  like  ordeal,  as  I  miglit.  Whether  by  repeated 
experiments  a  more  favourable  result  would  follow  is  another 
question  ;  but  in  the  case  tested  with  every  care  and  according 
to  the  directions  prescribed,  I  find  no  evidence  whatever  of  the 
truth  of  this  new  theory  of  queen-fecundation,  and  I  here 
simply  desire  to  record  the  fact. 

The  Kohler  process  I  consider  almost  valueless  and  imprac- 
ticable in  this  country. — J.  Lowe. 


The  Hungarian  Method  of  Controlling  the  Fertili- 
sation of  the  Queen  Bee  — Mr.  J.  H.  Thomas,  tbe  apiarian 
editor  of  the  Toronto  Globe,  after  describing  Mr.  Dax's  method 
of  controlling  the  fertilisation  of  queens,  says — "  The  above 
process,  it  will  be  Been,  is  very  similar  to  the  method  already 
described  in  this  Journal.  We  have  experimented  with  one 
queen,  and  succeeded  in  getting  her  artificially  impregnated." 


OUR  LETTER  BOX. 

Wakefield  Show. — We  are  informed  that  the  Cochin  chickens  that 
won  tho  cup  are  the  property  of  Lady  Eurrell,  and  not  of  Mr.  George 
Fletcher. 

Profit  from  Poultry-keeping  (R.  K.\— It  is  almost  impossible  to 
answer  your  question.  To  keep  twenty-five  fowls  profitably  you  should 
have  at  least  three-quarters  of  an  acre,  and  part  of  it  should  be  submitted 
to  the  landscape  process  we  described  some  weeks  since — that  is,  if 
chickens  are  to  be  reared.  We  cannot  understand  profit  without  breeding, 
except  in  some  localities  where  new-laid  eggs  sell  well.  In  Buch  places 
fowls  properly  managed  are  very  profitable,  the  eggs  selling  at  3d.  or  4<Z. 
each,  and  often  more.  If  you  do  not  intend  to  breed  you  may  keep  twenty- 
five  fowls  well  on  a  quarter  of  an  acre.  If  you  have  not  so  much  you 
may  keep  them  on  less,  but  when  space  diminishes  painstaking  must 
increase. 

Rouen  Docks  (J.  Dove).—  You  are  overfeeding  your  Ducks,  and  they 
are  consequently  most  likely  unwieldy  from  fat.  Such  a  dietary  as  yon 
name  would  only  be  excusable  if  you  were  feeding  for  exhibition  where 
weight  was  the  only  merit.  Give  barleymeal  and  a  little  Indian  corn,  but 
discontinue  the  sheeps'  entrails.  Compel  them  to  take  a  little  exercise, 
and  allow  them  a  swim  if  possible.  They  will  then  most  probably  regain 
the  use  of  all  their  members. 

Guinea  Pigs. — Constant  Header  wishes  to  know  if  any  colour  or  kind 
is  to  be  preferred  of  these  unprofitable  little  animals. 


Driving  Bees  (B.  Marshall). — Bees  will  not  quit  their  own  well- 
furnished  domicile  for  an  empty  or  even  a  partially  furnished  hive  merely 
because  the  former  is  capsized  and  the  latter  placed  over  it.  They 
require  to  be  expelled  by  "  driving,"  in  the  manner  described  in  page  60, 
of  tbe  last  edition  of  "  Bee-keeping  for  the  Many,"  which  is  now  being 
reprinted. 

Ants  in  Dwelling-house  (/.  L.  T.).— Try  sprinkling  Scotch  snuff  in 
and  around  their  haunts,  and  in  the  places  which  you  especially  desire 
them  not  to  invade. 

Flies  {B.  C). — We  know  of  no  mode  of  relieving  a  sitting-room  from 
flies  except  opening  the  windows,  driving  them  out  by  buffetings  with  a 
handkerchief,  and  then  closing  the  windows. 

Dressing  Rabbit  Skins.— "W."  will  be  glad  to  be  informed  the  best 
way  to  preserve  the  skins  of  White  Rabbits  to  be  used  for  fur  trimming. 


METEOROLOGICAL   OBSERVATIONS 
In  the  Suburbs  of  London  for  the  week  ending  September  13th. 


barometek. 

THERMOMETEI 

. 

Wind. 

Date. 

Air. 

Earth. 

Rain. 

Max. 

Min. 

Max.     Min. 

1  ft. 

2  ft. 

Wed. . .     7 

29  429 

29  386 

58         44 

58 

67 

S. 

.26 

Thurs. .    8 

29.662 

29  490 

67 

46 

59 

57 

W. 

.20 

Fri 9 

29.463 

29  328 

72 

48 

59 

67 

W. 

.20 

Sat.  ...  10 

29.939 

29  541 

70 

34 

62 

56 

w. 

.00 

Sun.  ..  11 

30.089 

S0.U66 

68 

34 

67 

56 

s. 

.00 

Man. . .  13 

30.083 

29  995 

67 

42 

57 

65 

w. 

00 

Tues...   13 

29.892 

29.752 

59 

53 

58 

56 

s.w. 

.24 

Mean.. 

29.792 

29.651 

65.86 

43  00 

58  57 

56.28 

0.90 

7.— Overcast;  heavy  rain;  showery;  clear,  starlight. 

8.— Very  fine;  clear  and  very  fine  ;  rain  at  night. 

9. — Overcast,  strong  wind  ;  cloudy;  clear  and  fine 
10. — boisterous  ;  exceedingly  boisterous  ;  clear  and  fine. 
11. — Very  fine  ;  fine,  bright  sunshine  ;  clear. 
12. — Very  fine  ;  cloudy  but  fine  ;  clear  and  fine. 
18. — Fine,  but  overcast :  rain  ;  fine  and  clear. 


COVENT  GARDEN  MARKET.— September  14. 
Continuous  heavy  supplies  of  goods  prevent  any  better  prices  from 
being  obtained,  and  we  find  large  consignments  of  French  fruit  coming 
to  hand  that,  but  for  the  war,  would  have  found  their  way  to  Paris,  alt  tend- 
ing to  glut  the  market.  Pears  now  cunipriae  Marie  Louise,  Louise  Bonne, 
Bon  Chretien,  and  Beurre  d'Amanlis.  The  best  varieties  of  Apples  are 
Ribston  Pippin,  Downton  Pippin,  Ingestrie,  and  Kerry  Pippin.  Regents 
Potatoes,  90s,  to  110s.  per  ton  ;  Kidneys,  110s.  to  120s.  per  ton. 


Apples J  sieve  1 

Apricots doz.  0 

Chestnuts bushel  0 

Cherries lb.  0 

Currants J  sieve  2 

Black do.  0 

Fiars doz.  0 

Filberts lb.  0 

Cobs lb.  1 

Gooseberries quart  0 

GrapeB,  Hothouse....  lb.  2 

Lemons V-100  10 

Melons each  1 


0  to: 
0      0 


FRUIT. 
d  I 


i.  d.     s. 
0    0  to  ii 

4 


Mulberries lb. 

Nectarines doz.  2    0 

Oranges It*  100  0    0 

Peaches  doz.  1    0 

Pears,  kitchen doz.  0    0  0 

dessert doz.  10  8 

PineApples lb.  3    0  5 

Plums i  sieve  16  S 

Quinces  doz.  0    0  0 

Raspberries lb.  0    0  0 

Strawberries    lb.  0    0  0 

Walnuts bushel  10    0  16 

do %*1Q0  10  2 


VEGETABLES. 


p.  d.     b. 

Artichokes doz.    0    0  to  0 

Asparagus  J*- 100    0    0       0 

Beans,  Kidney  ...J  sieve.    4    0       6 

Broad bushel    0    0       0 

Beet.Red doz.    2    0       3 

Broccoli bundle    0    0       0 

Brussels  Sprouts. .jBieve    0    0       0 

Cabbage doz.    10      2 

Capsicums  ^100    1    0       1 

CarrotB bunch    0    4       0 

Cauliflower doz.    2    0       6 

Celery bundle    16       2 

Coleworts. .doz.  bunches    3    0 
Cucumbers each    0    6 

pickling doz.    2    0 

Endive doz.    2    0 

Fennel bunch    0 

Garlic lb.    0 

Herbs bunch    0 


Horseradish  ....  bundle    8    0 


Leeks bunch    0 

Lettuce   doz.    1 

Mushrooms pottle    S 

Mustard  &  Cress.,  punnet    0 
Onions  bushel    4 

pickling quart 

ParBley Bieve 

ParsnipB doz. 

Peas quart 

Potatoes bushel 

Kidney do. 

Radishes  ..  doz.  bunches 

Rhubarb bundle 

Savoys doz. 

Sea-kale basket 

Shallots lb. 

Spinach bushel 

Tomatoes doz. 

Turnips bunch 

Vegetable  Marrows .  .doz. 


d.  s. 
4  to  0 
6  3 
0  4 
2  0 
0  & 
4  0 
0  0 
1 
0 
5- 


POULTRY  MARKET.— September  14. 
The  only  alteration  we  have  to  note  is  the  beginning  of  the  regular 
season  for  Partridges      If  the  hatch  was  satisfactory,  there  haB  been 
great  mortality.    Wo  find  a  dozen  old  for  one  young.    Trade  is  dull  for 
everything. 

s.  d.      s.  & 

Pigeons    0    8  to  0    9 

Rabbits 14        IB 

Wild  ditto    0    9        0  18 

Hares    ,  0    0        0    » 

Partridges   14        16 

Grouse 2    6        SO 


B. 

Large  Fowls 2 

Smaller  ditto 2 

Chickens 1 

Ducks    2 

Geese 6 

Turkeys    0 


d.     s. 

d. 

6  t«  S 

0 

0        2 

6 

9        2 

0 

0        2 

6 

0        6 

6 

0        0 

0 

September  22,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


219 


WEEKLY 

CALENDAR. 

Day 
of 

Month 

Day 

of 

Week. 

SEPTEMBER  22—28,  1870. 

Average    Tempera- 
ture near  London. 

Rain  in 

last 
43  yeais. 

Sun 
Rises. 

Sun 

Sets. 

Moon 
Rises. 

Moon 
Sets. 

Moon's 
Age. 

Clook 

after 
Sun. 

Day 

of 

Year. 

22 
23 
24 
25 
26 
27 
23 

Th 

F 

S 

Sun 

M 

To 

W 

Length  of  night  lib.  48m. 

15   SONDA?  AFTEB  TRTNITT. 

Day. 

66.4 
66.3 
66.1 
65.8 
65.7 
65.3 
65.1 

Nieht. 
44.7 
45.7 
43.6 
41.1 
43.8 
44.6 
44.0 

Mean* 
55.6 
55.9 
54.8 
54.4 
54.7 
55.0 
64.5 

Days. 
21 
22 
19 
21 
21 
24 
22 

m.      h. 

46af5 

48  5 

49  5 
51       5 
53      5 

55  5 

56  5 

m.      h. 
58  af  5 
56      5 

r.4     5 

52      5 
51)      5 
47      5 

45      5 

m.      h. 

40  af  1 
56       2 
19       4 
42       5 
6       7 
31        8 
55       9 

m.    h. 
11  af  5 
38      5 
3      6 
27      6 
49      6 
15      7 
42      7 

Dlivs. 
27 
28 
29 
• 
1 
2 

3 

m.    8. 
7    18 

7  39 

8  0 
8    20 

8  40 

9  0 
9    20 

265 
266 
267 
268 
269 
270 
271 

From  observations  taken  near  London  during  the  last  forty-three  years,  the  average  ilnv  temperature  of  the  week  is  65. 83,  and  its  night 
temperature  44.2-.      The  greatest  heat  was  82°,  on  the  25th,  1882;  and  the  lowest  cold  si~ ,  uu  the  28th,  1836.    The  greatest  fall  of  rain  was 
1.68  inch. 

THE    GREENHOUSE   OF   ONE  HAVING   A 
SMALL  INCOME— No.  1. 

HOUGH  ray  income  is  rather  limited  (not 
over  t'100  per  annum),  it  was  my  good  for- 
tune about  four  years  ago  to  become  the 
possessor  of  a  small  span-roofed  greenhouse, 
and  I  wish  to  tell  the  readers  of  this  Journal 
how  I  stocked  it  with  plants,  and  how  I  grew 
them.  At  that  time  I  was  not  a  reader  of 
this  nor  of  any  other  horticultural  paper, 
and  hence  did  not  know  of  the  existence  of 
Editors  who  would  answer  any  question  you 
proposed  to  them  in  regard  to  stocking  a  greenhouse.  But 
supposing  I  had  known  of  their  existence,  and  supposing 
they  had  given  me  such  a  list  of  greenhouse  plants  as 
they  have  given  to  other  inquirers,  I  would  have  had  to 
say,  after  consulting  the  priced  catalogue  of  greenhouse 
plants  which  I  kept  constantly  near  me,  "I  cannot  afford 
to  purchase  them,  and  hence  must  content  myself  with  an 
empty  greenhouse."  But  I  quite  meant  to  stock  it,  and 
hence  resolved  on  availing  myself  of  the  resources  I  had 
at  command. 

Well,  I  had  a  few  Heliotropes,  Verbenas,  Fuchsias,  and 
Pelargoniums  growing  in  a  frame,  and  these  I  transferred 
to  my  greenhouse,  intending  some  day  to  supersede  them 
with  plants  which  rejoiced  in  much  longer  names  ;  but  I 
have  never  done  so,  and  never  mean  to  do  so.  I  admit 
that  I  have  added  a  few  plants  whose  names  were  as  long 
as  their  price,  but  with  one  exception,  to  be  afterwards 
noted,  they  have  never  come  to  occupy  such  a  prominent 
place  in  my  collection  as  their  old-fashioned  brethren. 

In  enumerating  my  original  collection  of  plants  I  made 
mention  first  of  all  of  Heliotropes.  If  I  recollect  rightly, 
the  first  plant  to  grace  the  stage  of  my  greenhouse  was  a 
Heliotrope,  and  while  I  have  a  greenhouse  I  shall  always 
give  a  prominent  place  to  this,  my  favourite  flower.  Since 
I  have  had  a  greenhouse  it  has  been  to  me  a  source  of 
considerable  pleasure  to  visit  other  greenhouses  and  com- 
pare notes,  and  I  have  often  been  surprised  to  find  how 
very  few  people  grow  the  Heliotrope.  Indeed,  with  the 
exception  of  my  own  and  a  few  other  greenhouses  in  the 
neighbourhood,  I  have  never  seen  Heliotropes  grown  to 
such  a  state  of  perfection  as  they  are  capable  of.  The 
plants  which  I  grew  and  flowered  in  my  greenhouse  this 
year  were  three  years  of  age.  They  were  5  feet  in  height, 
were  grown  in  the  form  of  a  pyramid,  and  were  clothed 
from  top  to  bottom  with  handsome  dark  green  foliage  and 
fine  trusses  of  lilac  flowers,  contrasting  beautifully  with 
their  gayer  neighbours  the  Fuchsias  and  Pelargoniums. 
The  only  difficulty  which  I  have  experienced  in  growing 
old  plants  of  the  Heliotrope  was  to  get  them  to  break 
freely  in  the  spring,  but  I  have  no  longer  any  difficulty 
in  this  direction. 

The  manner  in  which  I  grow  them  is  as  follows  : — In  the 
spring  I  select  several  of  the  strongest  autumn- struck  cut- 
tings, and  pot  them  off  in  rich  soil,  giving  them  the  benefit 
of  the  bottom  heat  of  any  frame  which  I  may  have  in 
operation.  In  a  few  days  they  commence  to  grow  vigorously, 

No,  195.— Vol.  SIX.,  New  Semes. 


after  which  I  carefully  stake  up  the  main  stem,  and  pinch 
in  the  lateral  branches.  In  a  month  they  are  ready  to  be 
repotted.  I  then  give  them  a  0  or  a  7-inch  pot,  and  soil 
consisting  of  three  parts  rich  turfy  loam  and  one  part  good 
rotten  manure,  with  the  addition  of  a  little  silver  sand, 
and  replunge  them.  When  they  have  again  begun  to  grow 
I  take  them  to  the  greenhouse,  and  give  them  the  place 
which  they  are  to  occupy  during  the  summer,  taking  care 
never  to  let  them  sutler  from  want  of  water,  for  I  know  no 
plants  which  suffer  more  owing  to  neglect  in  this  direction. 
If  they  are  carefully  attended  to  and  nourished  with  fre- 
quent applications  of  weak  liquid  manure,  they  will  grow 
and  bloom  abundantly  during  the  summer  and  up  to  the 
end  of  August.  At  that  time  I  take  them  out  of  the  green- 
house, and  lay  the  pots  on  their  broadside,  withholding  water 
from  them.  A  week  or  ten  days  will  suffice  to  ripen  the 
wood  and  strip  the  leaves  off  them,  after  which  I  replace 
them  in  the  greenhouse,  taking  out  the  old  stake  and  re- 
placing it  with  a  longer  and  stronger  one,  to  which  I  tie 
the  main  stem  as  well  as  the  lateral  branches.  And  herein 
lies  the  secret  of  successful  growth — I  used  to  cut  off  the 
laterals,  and  treat  the  plants  as  Fuchsias,  but  they  would 
not  break  so  freely  as  I  could  wish,  and  hence  in  several 
places  the  bare  brown  stem  was  conspicuous,  detracting 
from  the  beauty  of  the  plant ;  but  since  I  began  to  tie 
up  the  laterals  close  to  the  main  stem  all  difficulty  has 
vanished,  for  the  laterals  break  quite  freely. 

By  the  end  of  September  the  plants  begin  to  throw  out 
side  shoots,  which  will  increase  to  an  inch  in  length  before 
the  growth  is  suspended.  All  that  they  require  during 
the  winter  is  a  little  water  occasionally,  and  to  be  kept 
free  from  frost.  In  March  give  them  quite  a  liberal  shift. 
Let  the  pots  be  at  least  10  inches  in  diameter,  and  the 
soil  as  formerly  recommended,  with  the  addition  of  half  a 
handful  of  dissolved  bones  above  the  drainage  of  the  pot. 
It  is  not  easy  to  reproduce  the  fine  dark  shade  of  green  in 
the  foliage  of  plants  grown  indoors  which  you  will  find  in 
plants  grown  out  of  doors  in  rich  soil.  But  the  bones,  with 
the  rich  soil,  abundance  of  pot-room,  and  liberal  supplies  of 
liquid  manure  will  work  wonders. 

Another  point  to  be  attended  to  is  the  regular  pinching- 
in  of  the  side  shoots  until  you  have  succeeded  in  making 
compact  bushy  plants,  after  which  they  may  be  allowed 
to  flower. 

I  hardly  know  anything  finer  than  a  well-grown  Helio- 
trope. What  a  delicious  odour  the  flower  emits,  and  how 
finely  it  contrasts  with  other  plants !  In  my  greenhouse 
this  year  I  had  four  plants  of  the  dimensions  formerly 
described,  two  of  these  being  Reine  d'Hiver,  and  the  other 
two  Miss  Nightingale.  Reine  d'Hiver  is  a  very  fine  Helio- 
trope either  for  greenhouse  culture  or  for  outside  decoration. 
In  colour  its  flower  is  of  a  rich  violet  with  a  yellow  centre, 
and  the  plant  is  a  most  abundant  flowerer.  It  is  far 
superior  to  the  old  peruvianum  and  Voltaireanum.  There 
may  be  finer  varieties  in  cultivation  now.  Indeed,  in  your 
answers  to  correspondents,  you  speak  of  a  Beauty  of  the 
Boudoir  as  being  the  best  in  cultivation;  and  really,  if  it 
is  much  finer  than  my  favourite,  I  should  like  to  make  its 
acquaintance.    However,  no  one  need  be  in  difficulties  in 

No.  1147.- Vol.  XLIV.  Old  Series. 


220 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


t  September  22,  1870. 


regard  to  acquiring  a  stock  of  Heliotropes.  I  see  from  some  of 
the  catalogues  that  half  a  dozen  cuttings  of  the  best  varieties 
will  be  sent  for  a  dozen  stamps,  and  half  a  dozen  is  a  large- 
enough  stock  for  any  greenhouse.  I  am  satisfied  that  to  inex- 
perienced amateurs,  such  as  I  am,  a  shilling's  worth  of  Helio- 
tropes will  afford  as  much  pleasure  as  a  pound's  worth  of  plants 
of  a  rarer  kind ;  not  that  I  mean  to  disparage  the  latter,  but 
when  cuttings  of  Heliotropes  and  other  plants  are  to  be  obtained 
at  such  a  cheap  rate,  no  one  need  be  at  a  loss  in  regard  to 
stocking  a  greenhouse. 

It  will  be  at  once  apparent  that  I  am  writing  for  the  encou- 
ragement of  amateurs  as  poor  as  myself,  but  who  do  not  happen 
to  have  as  much  experience — not  that  I  have  much.  Indeed, 
I  am  not  without  my  fears  that  your  learned  readers  may  be 
shocked  by  some  things  which  appear  in  my  paper.  I  can 
only  say,  I  am  not  learned,  but  am  learning,  and  hope  some 
day  to  be  able  to  entertain  a  more  highly  educated  class  of  your 
readers  than  I  am  addressing  at  present. — H.  S. 


PLANTS   FOR   BASKETS  AND   VASES. 
( Concluded  from  page  198.) 

TropzEOlums. — After  trying  a  great  number  of  varieties,  in- 
cluding a  fair  proportion  of  seedlings,  I  am  sorry  I  cannot  give 
them  such  a  good  character  as  I  should  like.  That  they  flower 
abundantly  cannot  be  denied,  and  even  the  varieties  whose  prin- 
cipal fault  when  grown  in  the  open  ground  is  the  great  length 
of  their  leafstalks  hiding  or  concealing  so  much  of  the  flower, 
are  not  objectionable  in  the  vase  ;  but  the  trailing  Tropseolums 
never  seem  to  me  to  beat  home  in  such  a  place;  the  long 
dangling  shoots  are  few  in  number,  and  hang  in  anything  but  a 
graceful  manner,  struggling  to  move  up  and  catch  hold  of  some- 
thing for  support,  and  every  wind  tosses  them  about  in  a 
manner  that  soon  renders  them  the  reverse  of  beautiful.  The 
place  for  a  trailing  Trop,i;jlum  is  where  it  can  cling  to  some- 
thing for  support,  and  ramble  over  roots  or  amongst  branches, 
instead  of  hanging  in  mid  air.  The  dwarfer  varieties,  however, 
are  more  at  home  in  vases  ;  they  flower,  perhaps,  more  abund- 
antly than  when  in  the  open  ground,  and  the  habit  is  all  that 
can  be  desired.  Perhaps  a  few  short  branching  sticks  put  in 
amongst  them  may  help  to  secure  them  against  high  winds 
where  much  exposed,  for  they  are  not  very  strong  at  the  neck, 
but  in  general  their  compact  growth  renders  them  easily 
managed,  and  nothing  can  exceed  their  abundant  blooming. 
The  yellow  varieties,  perhaps,  exceed  the  scarlet  in  this  respect, 
and  certainly  they  are  more  useful,  as  yellow-flowered  vase 
plants  are  the  leas  plentiful ;  but  there  are  some  dark-coloured 
varieties  as  well,  and  many  intermediate  shades.  A  good  white 
Tropaeolum  would  be  valuable  ;  perhaps  there  may  be  one,  bat 
I  have  not  seen  it. 

Cuphea  platycentra. — Differing  widely  from  the  above  is 
this  plant,  which  I  would  not  recommend  as  a  competitor  to 
the  Geranium  in  every  place,  but  where  there  is  a  vase  in  a 
shady  situation  it  comes  in  very  well ;  it  is  also  good  late  in 
the  season,  flowering  during  the  autumn  until  a  nipping  frost 
cuts  it  off,  but  rain  does  not  seem  to  injure  it.  Its  spreading 
habit  renders  it  suitable  for  occupying  a  vase  by  itself  with- 
out the  accompaniment  of  other  plants,  but  I  have  known  a 
white-flowered  Ivy-leaved  Geranium  look  well  when  employed 
as  an  edging  to  it,  and  the  plant  next  mentioned  is  also  well 
suited  for  the  same  purpose. 

Arctotis  repens. — This  has  never  become  so  popular  for 
bedding  as  it  deserves  to  be,  but  as  an  edging  to  other  plants 
in  a  vase  or  basket  it  is  valuable.  Its  beautifully  frosted  stems 
and  foliage  differ  widely  from  those  of  ordinary  pendent  plants  ; 
indeed,  its  growth  shows  but  little  indication  of  hanging,  as  it 
extends  horizontally  from  the  edge  of  the  vase,  forming  a  sort 
of  frame  or  guard  to  the  centre,  in  the  same  manner  as  the 
guard  petals  of  the  Anemone  or  Hollyhock.  Without  pruning 
or  training  it  gives  a  star-like  outline  to  the  vase,  setting  off 
to  advantage  a  cluster  of  scirlet  or  other  dark-flowered  Gera- 
niums. It  may  be  used  with  advantage  as  an  edging  to  most 
plants  having  green  or  dark-coloured  foliage.  It  is  not  hardy, 
although  it  will  bear  a  considerable  amount  of  cold.  This 
Arctotis  is  easily  propagated,  for  when  lying  on  the  ground 
every  joint  strikes  root.  As  an  edging,  it  requires  but  little 
trimming,  excepting,  perhaps,  directing  some  of  the  wayward 
shoots,  and  picking  off  a  few  of  the  old  leaves  in  the  centre  of 
the  plant,  which  have  a  tendency  to  become  brown  duiing  the 
summer  months.  This,  however,  is  not  always  the  case,  and 
in  tho  present  season  there  seems  to  be  less  browning  than 


usual;  indeed,  I  have  never  seen  anything  to  complain  of  it 
as  a  vase  plant  on  that  acoount. 

Sebum  Fabaria. — The  sturdy  habit  of  this  plant,  its  glau- 
cous foliage,  and  its  free-flowering  character,  entitle  it  to 
mention  as  a  vase  plant,  and  its  value  is  further  enhanced  by 
its  being  perfectly  hardy,  plants  in  vases  having  survived  the 
winter  and  grown  w9ll.  For  very  small  vases,  where  only  one 
plant  can  be  employed,  I  do  not  know  anything  better  than 
this ;  and  in  a  larger  vase,  if  edged  with  some  other  plant,  it 
is  also  of  great  Bervice,  as  it  never  has  an  untidy  appearance. 
It  is  astonishing  how  large  a  plant  of  this  will  grow  and  flower 
in  a  small  vase,  requiring  no  support  nor  attention  of  any  kind 
save  watering  ;  but  even  if  this  be  neglected,  the  plant  seems  to 
bear  neglect  better  than  many  of  its  class.  The  flowers  are 
also  numerous,  and,  though  not  bright,  are  elegant.  There 
are  some  other  Bpecies  of  Sedum  resembling  this  in  outward 
form,  but  not  so  well  adapted  for  the  purpose,  but  I  have  never 
been  able  to  make  much  of  the  dwarfer  or  horizontal-growing 
kinds.  S.  azoricum  variegatum  is  not  so  satisfactory,  neither 
is  S.  Sieboldi  variegatum,  there  not  being  sufficient  clearness 
in  the  white  colour  of  either;  and  S.  Krempferi  is  likewise 
only  an  inferior  kind,  while  S.  glancum  is  more  ornamental  in 
winter,  its  extreme  dwarfness  rendering  it  only  useful  for  cover- 
ing the  ground.  Other  species  are  only  Buited  for  the  same 
purpose. 

Portulacas. — Bright,  goy,  and  varied  to  a  degree  not  equalled 
by  any  other  plant,  these  highly-ornamental  annuals  are, 
nevertheless,  somewhat  capricious.  In  1868  I  had  some  very 
good  examples  in  vases  of  very  limited  size,  but  they  were  very 
small  both  last  year  and  in  some  previous  seasons,  and  I  can 
therefore  only  give  them  a  qualified  recommendation.  For 
very  small  vases,  however,  they  may  be  tried,  and  may  do  well, 
requiring  no  attention  after  planting  beyond  watering  at  times, 
and  picking  the  dead  flowers  off  to  prevent  the  plant  exhausting 
itself  with  seeding.  The  extreme  brightness  of  the  colours  of 
the  flowers  cannot  well  be  matched  in  anything  else,  and  when 
at  their  best  the  Portulacas  are  everyone's  favourites. 

Mesembrtanthe.mums. — A  small-leaved  species  named,  I  be- 
lieve, insigne,  has  often  been  used  here  as  an  edging  to  plants 
of  more  robust  growth.  It  is  a  compact-growing  and  elegant 
plant,  with  abundance  of  starry  flowers  of  the  richest  magenta 
colour.  It  is  nearly  hardy,  not  unfrtquently  withstanding  the 
winter  even  in  an  exposed  vase.  Other  Mesembryanthemums 
of  more  robust  growth  may  be  tried,  but  I  have  not  found  any 
equal  to  insigne  for  general  usefulness. 

Centaurea  gtmnocarpa. — The  fine  habit  and  form  of  this 
render  it  suitable  for  planting  as  a  centre,  to  be  surrounded  by 
some  other  plant  of  a  darker  colour  ;  but  it  requires  somewhat 
more  nourishment  than  the  majority  of  vase  plants.  It  is 
superior  to  C.  candidissima  for  general  effect,  nevertheless  I 
would  not  recommend  it  excepting  where  variety  is  wanted. 

Iresine  Herbstii  is  late  in  coming  into  fine  condition,  un- 
less good  plants  are  put  in  at  first,  but  with  liberal  treatment 
and  a  favourable  autumn  it  is  often  very  effective.  It  stands 
the  wind  better  than  the  Coleus,  and  is  a  good  autumn  plant, 
perhaps  the  best  in  its  way. 

Echeveria  metallica  and  other  species  are  better  fitted  for 
a  sheltered  corner  or  small  formal  bed  than  for  vases,  where 
E.  secnnda  is  held  in  great  esteem.  I  have  seen  a  rather  good 
effect  produced  by  planting  a  number  of  small  or  middle-sized 
plants  of  E.  me'allica  around  the  edge  of  a  vase,  with  a  large 
centre  plant  of  another  species,  I  believe  an  Aloe ;  but  I  am 
not  an  admirer  of  such  plants  in  general,  and  hardly  think  the 
vase  a  suitable  place  for  them. 

Having  now  run  through  most  of  the  subjects  usually  planted 
out  for  summer  effect,  I  come  now  to  hardy  plants,  which  may 
be  used  either  for  winter  display,  or  to  occupy  a  permanent 
position.  For  the  latter  purpose  some  variegated  Ivies  are 
useful,  and  a  good-sized  vase  with  a  Fuchsia  in  the  centre  and 
Ivies  hanging  round  the  outside  is  by  no  means  a  bad  arrange- 
ment, for  though  the  Fuchsia  may  die  down  in  winter,  the  vase 
will  still  be  furnished,  and  the  Fuchsia  spring  up  again  in  sum- 
mer. The  Japanese  Euonymuses  may  also  be  employed  in  the 
same  way,  and  there  is  certainly  less  likelihood  of  their  run- 
ning into  the  green  state  when  they  are  so  treated.  Much  has 
been  said  of  the  value  of  Vinca  tlegantissima  for  this  purpose, 
but  it  is  not  without  its  drawback,  as  the  shoots,  by  dying  off 
in  winter,  necessitate  a  new  growth,  which,  by  first  rising  up- 
wards, does  not  acquire  a  pendent  character  until  the  summer 
is  far  advanced,  especially  if  the  plan's  are  cramped  for  room, 
and,  perhaps,  imperfectly  supplied  with  water;  nevertheless, 
I  think  the  variegated  Vinca  will  have  to  rank  high  as  a  winter 


September  22,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL    OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


221 


or  continuous  vase  plant,  as  its  graceful  babit,  when  tbe  plant 
is  really  good,  cannot  well  be  improved  upon. 

Of  plants  which  may  be  temporarily  placed  in  such  a  posi- 
tion for  tbe  winter,  tbe  most  effective  we  bave  is  Helleborus 
fcetidus,  a  Palm-like  plant  witb  dark  green  foliage.  It  flowers 
in  midwinter  or  very  early  in  spring,  and  has  well-shaped  pale 
green  blooms,  the  oontrast  of  tbe  two  hues  being  very  effective. 
The  plant  is  easy  of  transplantation,  its  numerous  fibrous 
roots  allowing  of  its  removal  almost  without  injury,  and  it  is 
amongst  the  hardiest  of  the  hardy.  Some  of  the  Sempervi- 
vums  are  also  suitable  for  outer  edgings,  but  I  bave  only  used 
S.  califomicum  and  S.  globiferum,  these  and  Sedum  glaucum 
being  sufficient,  in  general,  as  dwarf  plants,  for  it  is  not  unusual 
to  plant  bulbs  and  early  spring-flowering  plants  in  sucb  places. 
Among  the  latter  tbe  whole  family  of  Primula  affords  great 
diversity,  as  well  as  the  variegated  and  plain-leaved  Arabis 
albida ;  in  ,'at,  this  class  of  plants  maybe  extended  to  ary 
length,  for  in  a  large  vase  or  basket  evergreen  shrubs  of  more 
kinds  than  one  may  be  so  employed,  as  well  as  the  hardy  early- 
flowering  plants. 

I  now  come  to  plants  not  fitted  for  vase  work  in  summer, 
and  as  the  negative  here  is  as  important  aB  the  affirmative,  1 
believe  tbe  following  may  be  considered  as  unsuitable,  although 
they  rank  amongst  tbe  greatest  ornaments  of  the  garden  at  the 
time  tbey  are  in  bloom.  Calceolarias,  Verbenas,  and  Agera- 
tums  all  require  more  support  than  they  can  obtain  in  a  vase, 
and  the  same  may  be  said  of  Lobelias,  Salvias,  Nierembergias, 
and  some  otber  plants  of  strong  growth,  as  Pentstemons,  most 
of  the  Fuchsias,  and  Petunias,  excepting  where  they  have 
plenty  of  room.  Few  annuals  do  well,  excepting  dwarf  French 
Marigolds,  but  I  have  sometimes  been  successful  with  several 
of  tbe  summer  annual  oreepers,  as  Lophospermum,  Maurandya, 
and  the  Canary  plant ;  but  generally  they  present  an  immense 
hump  just  over  the  collar  of  tbe  plant,  and  tbe  shoots  seem 
rather  inclined  to  plait  themselves  into  a  sort  of  thong  rather 
than  to  spread  out  in  a  graceful  manner,  like  tbe  Ivy-leaved 
Geranium ;  consequently  I  now  rarely  ueo  them,  bat  it  is 
possible  some  of  the  newer  annuals  may  be  better  adapted  for 
the  purpose.  Only  such,  however,  as  are  capable  of  thriving 
on  a  limited  supply  of  food  are  admissible. 

The  list  of  vase  and  basket  plants  which  I  bave  given  is  far 
from  complete,  and  I  shall  be  glad  if  others  will  supplement  it 
with  the  names  of  plants  which  they  have  found  suitable. — 
J.  Robson. 

P.S. — In  page  197,  second  column,  ninth  line,  for  "lawn 
drain  "  read  "  sewer  drain." — J.  R. 


THE  NEW  GRAPES. 

Some  time  ago  a  correspondent  of  "our  Journal"  com- 
plained of  bis  being  unsuccessful  in  making  plantB  from  eyes 
of  the  White  Lady  Downe's  Grape.  I  wrote  to  Mr.  Methven, 
who  kindly  supplied  me  witb  some  eyes,  and  every  eye  became 
a  plant.  This  variety  is  late  in  starting,  as  stated  by  Mr. 
Thomson  and  Mr.  Methven,  but  good  in  constitution,  and  in 
all  respeots  equal  to  that  good  Vine,  the  Black  Lsdy  Downe's. 
I  recommend  all  to  try  it.  No  bottom  beat  was  used,  I  never 
do  employ  it,  as  more  fruitful  hardy  plants  are  obtained  with- 
out it. 

Madresfield  Court  is  excellent  in  constitution,  as  free  as 
Frankenthal — in  my  estimation  the  best  of  all  the  Hamburghs. 
This  is  growing  strongly  and  well  out  of  doors  against  a  wooden 
fence  with  a  south  aspect,  and  on  this  stock  I  graft  my  Vines 
grown  under  glass.  I  offer  Mr.  Cox,  the  raiser,  my  thanks.  I 
think  very  highly  of  this  Grape. 

Golden  Cbampion  is  equally  satisfactory,  and  succeeds  per- 
fectly in  a  house  without  fire  heat.  Of  my  grafted  Vines  fruit- 
ing I  cannot  yet  speak.  This  has  been  stated  to  be  the  largest 
white  Grape ;  it  is  a  noble  fruit,  but  not  so  large  as  Canon 
Hall  Muscat. 

Of  Mrs.  Pince,  the  grafted  plants  still  maintain  tbe  first 
place  ;  this  I  recommend. 

Royal  Blaok,  Perpetual  Grape,  or  Royal  Ascot  is  very  free  ;  tbe 
smallest  eyes  soon  make  good  plants  suitable  for  pot  Vines.  I 
have  large  plants  variously  grafted  ;  of  them  anon.  In  January 
last  a  brother  amateur  sent  me  some  good  eyes.  I  was  very 
successful  in  rooting  them,  growing  them  on  in  the  same  way 
as  softwooded  plants  for  fioweriDg,  and  stopping  tbem.  Al- 
though tbis  seemed  a  "  very  fast  "  proceeding,  I  also  read  in  a 
catalogue  now  before  me  that  "  on  the  28th  of  May,  18G8,  a 
house  was  planted  with  small  canes  raised  from  eyes  since  the 
February  of  the  same  year  (i.e.,  1868),  which  in  the  Ootober 


following  had  an  abundant  crop  about  the  size  of  marbles  to 
ripen  during  the  winter  months."  I  have  many  plants  of  this 
Vine,  and  if  it  be  possible  for  it  to  perform  in  sucb  a  manner, 
it  will  be  the  best  of  all  Vines  for  thousands  of  small  Grape- 
growers,  and  the  raiser  deserves  public  thanks.  With  me 
tbe  laterals  bave  not  given  any  frnit,  and  tbe  plants  seem 
likely  only  to  break  at  the  upper  three  or  four  buds  of  the 
rods.  I  Bend  some  leaves  and  three  of  the  laterals  for  the  in- 
spection of  the  Editors,  to  ehow  the  health  and  vigour  of  the 
Vines,  and  I  shall  be  glad  of  information  as  to  growing  the 
Royal  Ascot  in  tbis  manner,  as  bo  far,  with  me  at  least,  it  is  a 
failure.  I  shall,  however,  try  again  and  again  if  any  hopes  of 
success  appear,  and  report  progress. — R.  M.  W.,  Fir  View,  near 
Sheffield. 


BEDDING  GERANIUMS. 

As  mentioned  recently  in  your  columns,  this  has  been  an  ex- 
ceptional season  for  bedding  plants,  but  I  send  a  few  notes  which 
may  be  of  interest  to  some  of  your  readers,  having  seen  all  the 
best  new  and  old  varieties  of  GeraninmB  bedded  out  and  grown 
aB  pot  plants.  I  would  certainly  advise  your  correspondent 
Mr.  Peach  to  give  them  a  trial. 

First  I  will  notice  the  scarlet  zonal  Jean  Sisley,  which  will 
surely  become  the  favourite.  It  standB  the  weather  better  than 
Vesuvius,  has  a  finer-shaped  flower  witb  a  large,  conspicuoua 
white  eye,  and  in  brilliancy  of  colour  excels  all  other  Gera- 
niums that  I  have  seen  either  as  a  bedding  or  a  pot  plant. 

Next  I  will  speak  of  tbe  Stella  class.  Geant  des  Batailles  is 
tbe  moBt  abundant  bloomer  I  ever  saw.  being  a  great  improve- 
ment on  Vesta,  Bayard,  Waltham  Seedling,  and  many  others 
of  this  class.  Tbe  colour  is  more  intense,  and  tbe  plant  never 
exceeds  about  8  inches  in  height.  Charlie  Casbon  is  an  im- 
provement on  Lady  Constance  Groevenor,  Cybister,  and  many 
others ;  it  is  a  moBt  profuse  bloomer,  produces  fine  trusses,  ia 
very  dwarf,  and  must  take  tbe  place  of  the  above. 

Of  semi  or  Hybrid  Nosegays  Claude  Lorraine  is  an  improve- 
ment on  Dr.  Hogg,  for  its  colonr  is  splendid  ;  tbe  plant  is  of 
a  fine  habit  of  growth,  and  the  flower  of  a  nice  shape  ;  it  is  the 
first  nearly  purple  Geranium  sent  out.  Docteur  Muret  has 
oraDge-scarlet  blooms  of  immense  size,  and  is  a  very  fine 
grower.  Everyone  ought  to  grow  it  as  a  bedding  or  a  pot  plant 
on  account  of  the  large  size  of  its  blooms. 

There  has  been  of  late  a  great  stride  in  the  Christine  class, 
Beauty  of  Lee  being  a  first-rate  bedder,  also  a  good  pot  plant ; 
it  is  of  tbe  most  intense  bright  scarlet  pink,  a  good  grower,  and 
the  best  for  large  beds.  Having  seen  Magenta  Christine,  Ad- 
vancer, Mrs.  C.  Custons,  and  Beaute  de  SureBnes  growing  side 
by  side,  I  find  Magenta  Christine  is  the  best  bloomer  ;  the 
trusses  are  smaller,  but  very  abundantly  produced  For  Bmall 
beds  tbis  is  a  gem.  Advancer  stands  next ;  it  is  a  self-coloured 
flower,  and  good  for  general  bedding  purposes.  Tbere  is  a 
variety  not  yet  sent  out  called  Master  Christine,  which  will  no 
doubt  eclipse  all  in  tbis  section,  and  will  therefore  take  their 
place,  being  tbe  most  abundant  bloomer  and  tbe  richest  in 
colour  of  any.  I  have  seen  this  in  all  stages  of  growth,  likewise 
at  tbe  South  Kensington  Exhibition,  where  it  was  awarded  a 
first-class  certificate,  and  was  admired  by  everyone  who  brw  it. 

I  will  now  notice  the  white  section.  Having  seen  Purity, 
White  Perfection,  Madame  Martha  Vincent,  White  Wonder, 
and  Turner's  Bride,  I  find  the  last  tbe  best,  it  being  a  fair 
bedder  and  a  good  pot  plant.  The  flowers  are  large  and  cir- 
cular, with  brnad  overlapping  petals,  and  far  superior  to  any  of 
the  Madame  Vaucber  class. 

Before  closing  these  few  notes  I  will  refer  to  bedding  Tri- 
colors. It  has  been  a  moBt  trying  BeaBon  for  this  class,  a  great 
many  losing  their  colour  and  foliage.  Lady  Cullum  and  Flo 
rence  certainly  retain  their  colour  the  best ;  tbe  latter  is  the 
better  of  the  two. 

Of  the  Golden  Bronze  bedding  varieties  which  are  now 
acquiring  a  fine  colour  I  may  mention  Plutus,  Sybil,  Rev.  Mr. 
Radclyffe,  KentiBh  Hero,  and  Crown  Piince.  The  last-named 
takes  the  lead  for  every  purpose,  its  colour  being  amongst  the 
most  intense  ;  yet  it  stands  the  sun  admirably,  always  retaining 
its  splendid  zone,  and  is  in  every  way  distinct  from  the  older 
varieties. 

Of  the  plain  yellow-leaved  section  I  bave  taken  much  notice 
of  Creed's  Seedling,  which  is  a  most  profuse  bloomer,  producing 
a  number  of  scarlet  blooms  long  and  continuously,  and  the 
plant  rarely  exceedR  about  8  inches  in  height.  It  makes  a 
splendid  bed.  Of  Yellow  Boy,  Golden  Beauty,  Star  of  Gold, 
Golden  Emperor,  Golden  Queen,  Yellow  Sovereign,  Little  Golden 


222 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  September  22,  1870. 


Christine,  and  Yellow  Christine,  the  first  three  are  decidedly 
the  best,  retaining  their  colour  better  than  any  of  the  others 
this  hot  season.  I  feel  fully  convinced,  had  all  your  Geranium 
correspondents  had  the  opportunity  of  seeing  the  best  varieties 
side  by  Bide,  that  they  would  have  endorsed  my  opinion. — J.  F. 


POTATO    CULTURE— ALPINE    STRAWBERRIES. 

I  have  this  season  tried  allowing  only  one  shoot  on  each  seed 
Potato  to  grow,  and  as  you  solicit  your  readers  to  give  the 
results  of  their  experiments  the  following  is  at  your  service. 

I  planted  a  small  piece  of  ground  with  Rivers's  Ash-leaved 
Kidney.  Each  row  consisted  of  an  equal  number  of  sets  9  inches 
apart.  One  row  I  took  under  my  own  especial  care,  the  re- 
mainder were  planted  by  my  gardener.  My  sets  were  planted 
in  a  box  of  pure  leaf  mould  and  placed  in  the  greenhouse  ;  as 
soon  as  they  broke  through  the  surface  they  were  planted  care- 
fully in  the  ridge  allotted  to  them. 

The  whole  were  planted  in  ridges,  and  each  set  was  put  in 
9  inches  deep  ;  in  the  hollows  were  subsequently  planted  rows 
of  Brussels  Sprouts. 

The  haulm  of  the  general  crop  died  down  a  full  fortnight 
before  my  single  row  showed  any  symptom  of  decay,  so  that 
the  latter  commenced  growth  earlier  and  continued  it  longer 
than  those  treated  in  the  ordinary  way.  The  result  was  that  a 
selected  row  of  the  latter  yielded  7i  lbs.  of  Potatoes,  whereas 
my  row,  taken  up  three  weeks  afterwards,  produced  12  lbs.  of 
very  much  finer  tubers.     It  was  a  fair  trial  in  every  respect. 

Many  of  your  correspondents  have  been  lately  writing  upon 
Strawberries,  and  at  page  180  Mr.  W.  Hudson,  of  Chase  Cliff  e, 
gave  his  useful  experiences  on  the  best  sorts  to  grow  on  light 
soils,  but  neither  he  nor  any  of  your  correspondents  ever  men- 
tion the  Alpine  Strawberry.  What  can  be  the  reason  of  this  ? 
It  appears  to  me  that  it  ought  to  be  in  every  garden.  Two 
years  ago  I  had  a  packet  of  seed  in  one  of  the  collections  sent 
out  by  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society.  Plants  came  up  by 
hundreds,  and  were  planted  out  0  inches  apart.  They  yielded 
fruit  in  six  months— say  seven,  I  forget  to  a  day.  I  had  some 
very  good  dishes  in  the  spring,  two  months  before  the  general 
fruit  came  in.  During  the  heat  of  summer  the  yield  was 
scarcely  worth  collecting,  but  on  the  10th  of  this  month  a  large 
dish  was  picked,  and  they  will  go  on  until  the  end  of  October. 
They  are  a  small  fruit,  it  is  true,  and  they  have  not  the  flavour 
of  a  British  Queen,  but  broken  up  with  sugar  and  a  dash  of 
elaret  they  are  delicious,  and  then  Strawberries  in  September 
and  October  are  not  to  be  sneezed  at.  Again  I  ask  why  they 
are  not  more  cultivated.  They  will  grow  almost  anywhere — 
under  hedges,  under  Gooseberry  bushes,  and  our  neighbours 
the  French  scarcely  have  anything  else — in  fact,  until  the  last 
few  weeks  positively  nothing  else ;  at  least,  if  I  am  right  in 
believing  them  to  be  the  same  as  they  call  "  Tons  les  Moia."  I 
can  detect  no  difference.  They  have  a  drawback — everything 
has — they  throw  out  an  infinity  of  runners,  which  take  root 
easily,  and  without  attention  become  matted  together.  Will 
any  of  your  clever  and  able  growers  explain  why  this  class  of 
Strawberry  is  never  spoken  of  or  recommended  ? — H.  Watson, 
Old  Charlton,  Kent. 


DYMOND   PEACH. 


'  The  history  of  this  Peach  is  soon  told.  The  late  Mr.  Veitch, 
of  the  Mount  Radford  Nurseries,  Exeter  (grandfather  to  the 
present  Messrs.  Veitch,  of  the  Royal  Exotic  Nursery,  Chelsea), 
met  with  it  in  the  garden  of  a  gentleman  named  Dymond. 
Mr.  Veitch  saw  the  good  qualities  which  it  possessed,  propa- 
gated it  extensively,  and  called  it  the  Dymond,  and  it  is  now 
widely  distributed  over  the  western  counties  under  that  name. 
I  never  heard  Mr.  Veitch  mention  it  as  a  new  variety ;  but  if 
it  was  not  new  it  was  a  sort  he  did  not  know,  and  from  the 
many  good  qualities  it  possessed  he  strongly  recommended  it 
to  all  fruit-growers.  It  is  very  hardy,  a  great  bearer,  later  than 
the  Royal  George,  and  differs  from  all  that  section  in  having 
large  flowers.  It  resembles  the  Hemskerk  by  the  very  small, 
round,  and  smooth  stone.  It  usually  ripens  in  Devon  from  the 
middle  to  the  end  of  September,  but  in  late  seasons  will  last 
into  October.  The  leaves  are  deeply  and  doubly  serrated. — A. 
McKelvie,  Torrington. 

[Thanks  lor  the  buds.— Eds.] 


Damsons. — When  Mr.  Crittenden's  crop  of  the  present  sea- 
son is  all  gathered  I  shall  have  something  further  to  say  on 


this  fruit,  and  especially  on  the  variety  that  bears  his  name. 
— J.  Roeson. 

NOTES  ON  ROSES  AND  ROSE  STOCKS. 

The  Rose  is  my  favourite,  and  I  love  her  "  oh,  how  well  I" 
I  have  now  exactly  four  hundred  plants,  of  which  three  hun- 
dred are  Perpetuals,  and  I  have  had  the  greatest  of  pleasure 
from  them  this  year.  My  soil  is  perfection  for  Roses — a  good 
rich  stiff  loam.  The  hedges  bristle  with  the  Dog  Rose,  but 
yet,  in  spite  of  the  Rev.  S.  Reynolds  Hole,  give  me  the  Manetti. 
I  have  many  plants  of  the  sam6  varieties  on  both  stocks ; 
during  the  last  two  summers  the  result  has  been  a  long  way 
in  favour  of  the  Manetti.  Both  for  size,  colour,  and  health 
there  has  been  no  comparison ;  even  Manettis  planted  last 
autumn  have  beaten  long-established  Briars,  especially  Alfred 
Colomb,  Charles  Lefebvre,  Fisher  Holmes,  Victor  Verdier,  and 
Dr.  Jamin.  They  were  failures  on  the  Briars.  Mildew  set  in 
verj  early,  but  I  soon  subdued  it  on  the  Manetti  ;  I  was 
powerless  on  the  Briar.  May  this  not  be  one  great  cause — 
the  long  stem  of  the  Briar  is  so  acted  upon  by  the  sun  that 
the  nourishment  cannot  make  its  way  to  the  head  before  it  is 
dried  up  by  the  sun  ?  In  future  I  shall  have  nothing  on  the 
Briar  but  strong-growing  Tea  Roses. 

I  have  a  plant  of  Unique  planted  out  last  May  ;  it  has  now 
made  a  grand  plant,  and  is  flowering  most  abundantly.  Marie 
Sisley  refuses  to  open  out  of  doors,  but  has  done  well  in  a  pot 
in  the  conservatory.  I  et  me  recommend  my  brother  amateurs 
if  they  want  always  to  have  a  Rose  in  their  garden  from  which 
to  cut  a  lovely  bloom,  to  invest  in  two  or  three  plants  of  Archi- 
mede  ;  with  me  it  is  beautiful.  I  see  but  little  mention  of 
Charles  Margottin  in  the  various  letters  on  Roses  ;  with  me  (in 
Somerset)  it  is  grand. — Stiff  Soil. 


NOTES  FROM  BELFAST. 

In  the  well-known  and  excellent  Botanic  Gardens  at  Belfast 
on  the  8th  and  9th  inst.,  was  held  the  first,  we  believe,  of  a 
series  of  great  horticultural  exhibitions  after  the  style  of  the 
Regent's  Park  and  Manchester  Shows,  which  have  never  failed 
to  please.  Horticultural  exhibitions  in  Belfast  are  not  new 
things  ;  they  have,  however,  never  been  particularly  successful; 
the  late  Show  was,  therefore,  a  bold  attempt  on  the  part  of  the 
Directors  of  the  Botanic  Gardens  to  resuscitate  them,  and  to 
introduce  the  Belfast  people  to  new  pleasures  by  adopting  a 
new  style  of  arrangement  in  their  exhibitions.  The  attempt, 
we  are  happy  to  state,  was  so  far  successful,  reflecting  con- 
siderable credit  on  the  very  energetic  Curator,  Mr.  J.  F.  John- 
ston, under  whose  management  the  whole  was  carried  out. 

The  grounds  where  the  Show  was  held  were  exceedingly  well 
laid  out  for  the  purpose,  about  80  yards  in  length  and  30  yards 
in  breadth,  the  centre  being  somewhat  hollowed  and  cut  up 
into  irregularly-shaped  beds  and  mounds  of  grass,  on  which 
the  plants  were  placed.  This  piece  of  ground  had  been  pre- 
viously prepared,  and  was  in  good  condition,  greatly  marred, 
however,  by  the  use  for  the  walks  of  ugly  coal  ashes,  which 
contrasted  badly  with  beautiful  flowers.  A  huge  canvas  tent 
was  erected,  supported  by  a  great  wooden  framework  and  four 
lines  of  exceedingly  ugly  rough  Larch  trees,  which  proved  a 
great  eyesore.  The  arrangement  of  the  Show  itself  was  in 
some  respects  faulty ;  the  centre,  which  ought  to  have  been 
the  chief  point,  being  particularly  bare  and  destitute. 

Prizes  to  the  amount  of  £200  were  offered  for  competition, 
and  very  spirited  in  some  cases  was  the  contest.  The  display 
of  Fuchsias  was  remarkably  fine,  far  surpassing  anything  of 
the  kind  seen  about  London  for  years,  those  from  Professor 
Yonghe  and  Mr.  Hawkins  being  particularly  fine.  Zonal  Pe- 
largoniums were  likewise  well  displayed,  also  exotic  Ferns,  for 
which  the  Belfast  people  seem  to  have  a  particular  regard. 
Hardy  Ferns  were  likewise  shown  in  great  numbers,  and  among 
them  were  many  remarkably  fine  varieties.  The  Dahlias  from 
Messrs.  Dickson,  of  NewtownaVds,  were  about  the  largest  and 
beat  finished  flowers  we  have  ever  seen.  Roses,  for  the  season, 
were  also  well  shown.  There  were,  besides,  some  very  good 
examples  of  stove  plants,  Ixoras,  Bambusa  Fortunei,  Yucca 
variegata,  Sanchezia  nobilis  variegata,  Cyanophyllum  mag- 
nificum  and  Bowmanii,  a  very  fine  Croton  variegatum,  and 
Anthurium  msgnificum.  Vallota  purpurea  was  particularly 
well  shown.  We  only  observed  one  "wee"  solitary  Orchid, 
which  oven  Mr.  Anderson  almost  overlooked.  Bouquets  were 
well  represented,  showing  better  taste  than  is  to  be  found  in 
many  places. 


SepiMnber  22,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


223 


Fruit  was  pretty  well  shown,  the  competition  for  the  collec- 
tion between  Mr.MeLaeklan  and  Mr.  Mason  being  very  close. 
Black  Grapes  were  in  pretty  good  order,  and  there  were  some 
good  Muscats.  There  appeared  here  with  the  exhibitors  a 
Blight  inclination  to  prefer  the  big  coarse  Trebbiano  to  the 
smaller  sorts.  Peaches  and  Nectarines  were  wonderfully  good. 
There  were  also  some  good  Figs  and  Plums — Jefferson,  Reine 
Claude  de  Bavay,  Victoria,  A-c,  being  the  principal  sorts  of  ike 
latter.  Pine  Aoples  were  at  a  minimum,  there  being  only  oue 
"  one-pounder."  Several  good  dishes  of  Pears  were  skown,  in- 
cluding flue  examples  of  Jargonelle,  the  best  of  all  summer  Pears 
for  the  north.  Apples  were  also  well  sho»vu,  a  collection  of 
about  forty  sorts  coming  from  the  gardens  of  Colonel  Leslie, 
Glasslough.  The  Kerry  Pippins  in  several  instances  were  par- 
ticularly tine,  a-.d  this  is  a  truly  Irish  Apple. 

Vegetables  were  also  well  displayed.  Parsnips  were  parti- 
cularly fino,  yellow  Turnips  and  Celery  very  excellent,  and 
there  was  a  fine  lot  of  Potatoes,  consisting  of  Berkshire  Kid- 
ney, Paterson's  Victoria,  Paterson's  Blue,  Fortyfold,  and  a 
good-looking  sort  called  CroffiU'3.  Mr.  Meredith,  of  Garston, 
exhibited  a  small  box  of  very  fine  black  Grapes.  These  were 
exceedingly  meritorious,  but  very  badly  shown.  Mr.  Fowler, 
of  Castle  Kennedy,  had  a  very  large  bunch  of  Syriau  Grapes, 
weighing  over  15  lbs.  This,  although  large,  was  in  no  re- 
spect captivating.) 

The  Judges  on  this  occasion  were  all  men  of  sterling  ability 
■ — for  the  plants,  Dr.  Moore,  Glasuevin  ;  Mr.  P.  Robertson, 
Edinburgh  ;  and  Mr.  Anderson,  Meadow  Batik  :  for  fruit,  &c, 
Mr.  Stevens,  Trentham ;  Mr.  Meredith,  Garston ;  and  Mr. 
Fowler,  Castle  Kennedy.  It  showed  a  praiseworthy  desire  on 
the  part  of  the  Directors  to  secure  such  hij;h  talent,  and  so  far 
so  good  ;  but  why  should  they  have  exerte  1  themselves  so  little 
afterwards,  the  whole  burden  of  the  duties  appearing  to  be 
shelved  on  the  Curator,  Mr.  Johnston,  who  aoted  as  Asustant 
Seoretary  ? 

We  are  pleased  to  state  that  financially  the  Exhibition  has 
proved  successful,  being  visited  on  the  first  day  by  all  the  elite 
of  the  wealthy  and  thriving  city  of  Belfast. 


THE  CHILWELL  NURSERIES. 

The  extensive  nurseries  of  Mr.  J.  R.  Pearson,  of  Chilwell, 
near  Nottingham,  from  the  variety  of  interesting  objects  whioh 
the}'  contain,  possess  many  attractions  both  for  the  florist  and 
pomologist ;  for  there  the  culture  and  preparation  for  sale  if 
the  most  useful  varieties  of  fruits  and  flowers,  as  well  as  a  host 
of  other  things,  are  carried  on  with  such  energy  and  skill,  and 
such  painstaking  attention  to  minor  details,  as  are  not  only 
most  praiseworthy  of  themselves  but  highly  advantageous  tj 
the  purchaser. 

One  of  the  most  attractive  features  of  Chilwell  this  autumn 
is  the  bedding  Pelargoniums,  or  Geraniums  as  they  are  com- 
monly called,  and  to  these,  therefore,  I  purpose  first  of  all  to 
draw  the  attention  of  your  readers.  For  some  years  past  Mr. 
Pearson  has  devoted  much  time  and  money  on  the  work  of 
raising  seedling  Pelargoniums,  impregnating  most  of  the  flowers 
with  his  own  hands,  and  flowering  about  five  thousand  setd- 
lings  every  year  in  hi3  trial  grounds.  From  this  large  number 
he  has  selected  those  which  have  appeared  sufficiently  meri- 
torious to  be  subjected  in  following  seasons  to  the  severe  test 
of  a  comparison  with  tbe  best  varieties  in  cultivation,  with 
which  they  are  planted  side  by  side ;  and  so  he  has  gone  on 
selecting  and  discarding  with  a  keen  eye  to  the  development  of 
all  the  moat  important  points  of  excellence  in  this  class  of 
plants,  till  at  length  a  collection  has  been  formed  of  proved 
kinds  of  such  sterling  merit,  and  which  are  so  decidedly  supe- 
rior to  almost  all  the  best  established  sorts,  that  I  am  confident 
they  must  command  universal  acceptance  at  the  hanls  of  true 
lovers  of  the  flower  garden.  Nor  does  it  appear  that  Mr.  Pear- 
son intends  to  rest  content  even  with  his  present  splendid 
snecess,  for  a  view  of  his  trial  garden  this  autumn  fairly  be- 
wilders one,  and  it  wa3  not  till  I  saw  in  full  bloom  the  thou- 
sands of  magnificent  seedlings  which  are  there  that  I  could 
realise  the  immense  amount  of  labour  which  selection  implies. 

That  Mr.  Pearson  sets  his  standard  of  excellence  very  high 
may  be  easily  inferred  from  the  fact  that  out  of  all  the  hosts  of 
seedlings  which  have  passed  under  his  critical  eye  the  collection 
of  named  varieties  offered  to  the  public  does  not  much  exceed 
two  dozen  in  all.  Of  these  I  may  select  Bayard  as  one  of  which 
something  is  already  known  ;  this  is  a  sterling  variety  in  every 
respect,  with  an  abundance  of  large  trusses  of  rich  crimson 


flowers,  and  with  a  free  yet  compaot  habit  of  growth.  Brighter 
in  colour  tban  Bayard,  and  with  a  profusion  of  magnificent 
flower  trusses,  is  Douglas  Pearson  ;  in  its  habit  of  growth  it  is 
everything  that  one  could  wish,  and  I  have  no  hesitation  in 
naming  it  as  the  most  magnifioent  bedding  Pelargonium  I  have 
ever  seen.  Arthur  Pearson  is  another  useful  introduction  in 
the  way  of  Amy  Hogg,  but  surpassing  it  in  every  respect,  espe- 
cially in  its  brighter  colour  aud  larger  petals.  Then  comes 
Othello,  of  a  deep  rich  crimson,  uiually  fine  in  growth  and 
flower  ;  this  will,  I  think,  prove  a  splendid  variety  for  massing, 
its  daik  complexion  being  far  more  likely  to  be  admired  by  the 
lanies  than  was  that  of  Shakspeare's  hero.  William  Thomson, 
of  a  deep  shade  of  scarlet,  is  also  a  kind  that  will  be  highly 
valued  ;  it  forms  a  close  compact  mass,  and  is  peculiar  from 
its  very  neat  and  erect  habit  of  growth.  Milton,  too,  is  another 
tine  variety,  excellent  in  every  respect,  and  of  a  peculiar  and 
distinct  shade  of  colour,  which  may  be' described  as  a  cherry 
red.  Another,  named  Duke  of  Devonshire,  with  rosy  red 
flowers,  is  a  splendid  variety,  with  a  profusion  of  such  huge 
trusses  that  I  was  tempted  to  measure  one,  which  proved  to  be 
fully  5  inches  in  diameter ;  it  has  a  compact  aud  erect  habit  of 
growth.  Mrs.  Mellows  has  very  dark  rich  crimson  flowers,  and 
the  trusses  are  very  large  and  well-shaped.  An  important 
peculiarity  of  the  Chilwell  seedlings  is  the  duration  of  the 
flowers,  for  I  notioed  that  in  almost  all  the  fully  expanded 
trusses  the  flowers  which  opened  first  still  remained  intact. 

Of  other  varieties  of  the  Nosegay  tribe  Alfred  Pearson  de- 
serves mention,  its  3tout-petaled  flowers  of  fine  form  and  of 
an  attractive  shade  of  rose  are  freely  produced  in  fine  compact 
trusses.  Lawrence  Heywood  is  also  a  promising  kind,  having 
a  fine  spreading  habit,  with  its  flowers  of  a  deep  shade  of 
cherry  with  a  dash  of  magenta.  Thomas  Speed,  auother  of 
this  shade  of  colour,  but  quite  distinct,  ha3  very  large  flowers, 
but  it  appeared  to  be  hardly  compact  enough  in  the  truss  ;  yet 
its  free  growth,  and  the  bold  and  striking  appearance  which  a 
mass  of  it  produces,  are  qualities  very  much  in  its  flavour.  Nor 
must  I  omit  to  mention  another,  named  Mrs.  Henderson,  of  a 
peculiar  shade  of  colour,  which  may  be  called  violet  crimson ; 
it  hm  flowers  of  fino  form,  and  is  a  promising  variety.  All 
the  foregoing  kinds  belong  to  the  Nosegay  section.  Three 
other  varieties  of  broad-petaled  scarlets  were  very  fine  ;  these 
were  E.  J.  Lowe,  a  splendid  sort,  having  very  large  flowers  of 
fiue  form,  William  Hill,  and  Rev.  John  Woolley. 

Among  the  Golden  Tricolors  Edith  Pearson,  from  its  dense, 
compact  habit  of  growth,  and  the  brilliant  markings  of  its  very 
flat,  circular  foliage,  will  prove  a  useful  introduction  both  for 
pot  culture  and  beds.  Another  if  tLi*  section,  named  William 
Sandys,  i3  the  most  vigorous  Golden  Tricolor  I  have  met  with  ; 
many  of  its  young  shoots  were  9  inches  long.  It  is  also  pecu- 
liar from  the  very  deep  green  centre  of  its  foliage,  in  which 
the  yellow  and  crimson  colours  are  well  developed.  So  striking 
was  its  effect,  that  a  mass  of  Sophia  Damaresq.ua  growing  near 
it  made  a  very  poor  display.  Mrs.  Edge  is  also  a  pleasing 
variety,  from  its  pretty  compact  growth  and  well-formed  foliage. 
My  last  selection  from  this  group  is  Monsieur  Durand,  and  a 
very  handsome  dashing  fellow  he  is  too,  decked  out  after  the 
latest  fashion  iu  the  brightest  possible  crimson,  yellow,  and 
green,  and  with  a  freshness  of  appearance  that  at  once  attracts 
one. 

I  come  now  to  another  distinct  variety,  named  Pearl,  a  white 
variegated  sort,  having  a  dark  zone  on  its  foliage,  but  with  a 
very  broad  pure  white  leaf-margin,  having  flowers  of  a  pleasing 
shade  of  pink  ;  it  is  just  one  of  those  rare  gems  among  varie- 
gated plauts  in  which  the  colours  of  foliage  and  blossom  con- 
tribute to  each  other's  beauty,  in  this  instance  producing  such 
a  chaste  effect  that  it  must  become  a  general  favourite ;  and  I 
was  not  surprised  to  hear  Mr.  Pearson  say  that  he  was  afraid 
he  should  be  unable  to  propagate  a  sufficient  stock  of  it  to 
supply  the  requirements  of  his  customers.  Another  silver- 
variegated  kind  with  which  I  was  much  pleased,  but  which  was 
not  raised  by  Mr.  Pearson,  was  Miss  Kingsbury.  Its  flowers 
are  of  such  a  soft  shade  of  rosy  scarlet,  that  in  certain  posi- 
tions they  might  be  retained  with  advantage ;  out  this  kind, 
from  its  dense  growth  and  fine  broad  silver  leaf-margin,  is 
peculiarly  adapted  for  producing  a  fine  effect  by  the)  beauty  of 
it3  foliage  alone. 

The  select  Pelargoniums  which  I  have  thus  described  are  all 
varieties  of  sterling  merit,  and  they  are  certainly  a  great  ad- 
vance upon  most  of  our  best- known  and  most  popular  bedders. 
To  prove  the  merits  of  his  own  kinds  thoroughly,  Mr.  Pearson 
has  introduced  beds  of  such  well-known  kinds  as  Stella,  Lady 
Constance  Grosvenor,  Blue  Ball,  and  others,  and  I.was  amused 


324 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  September  22,  1870. 


to  see  the  poor  appearance  which  even  Stella  presented  along- 
side the  Chilwell  varieties.  I  do  not  doubt  if  Mr.  Beaton  had 
lived  to  see  varieties  so  greatly  surpassing  his  own  pet  sort, 
he  would  have  been  among  the  first  to  accord  them  his  hearty 
admiration.  Although  planted  Dear  the  best  kinds  which  I 
have  named,  yet  a  bed  of  Violet  Hill  was  as  effective  here  as 
elsewhere,  and  this,  to  my  mind,  tends  more  than  anything 
else  that  has  been  said  in  its  favour  to  stamp  it  as  a  first-class 
bedder. 

AH  these  Pelargoniums  were  planted  on  the  lawn  near  Mr. 
Pearson's  residence,  each  kind  filling  a  circular  bed  of  sufficient 
size  to  give  a  good  mass  of  colour,  so  that  one  was  able  to 
judge  very  fairly  of  their  merits  and  fitness  for  the  flower 
garden.  These  beds  were  not  all  together,  but  were  dispersed 
among  the  fine  masses  of  Rhododendrons  and  beautiful  speci- 
men Conifers  which  aie  the  permanent  occupants  of  this 
pleasant  lawn,  and  they  hive  grown  into  beauty  under  the 
hands  of  the  present  owner  during  the  past  twenty  years.  A 
fine  Welliugtonia  is  about  30  feet  high,  and  in  perfeot  health 
and  vigour.  Mr.  Pearson  attributes  this  principally  to  the  bed 
of  very  deep  rich  soil  in  which  it  is  planted,  and  it  is  his  opinion 
that  the  chief  cause  of  decay  in  so  many  fine  young  Welling- 
tonias  is  because  a  suitable  provision  is  not  first  of  all  made 
for  the  perpendicular  or  tap  roots  which  force  their  way  so 
deeply  into  the  soil,  and  as  this  tree  depends  very  much  upon 
Buch  roots  for  its  sustenance,  it  is  but  reasonable  to  suppose 
that  a  shallow  soil  would  quickly  become  exhausted.  This  is 
worthy  of  attention,  for  it  would  be  a  fallacy  to  suppose  that 
those  huge  trees  still  flourishing  in  the  primeval  forests  of 
America  ever  attained  their  gigantic  proportions  by  the  aid  of 
mere  surface  roots ;  and,  therefore,  if  succeeding  generations 
in  our  own  land  are  to  see  our  native  timber  trees  dwarfed  by 
mighty  Wellingtonias,  too  much  attention  cannot  be  given  to 
the  selection  of  the  best  situation  and  careful  preparation  of 
the  soil.  The  plant  to  which  I  allude  above  was,  when  planted 
in  its  present  position  in  18(J0,  only  1  foot  high. 

Another  point  in  the  culture  of  Coniferte  on  which  Mr. 
Pearson  lays  great  stress,  is  the  planting  of  the  trees  in  their 
permanent  stations  when  quite  young,  as  he  is  able  to  demon- 
strate that  small  healthy  young  trees  not  only  acquire  the 
handsomest  proportions,  but  by  their  more  vigorous  growth 
they  soon  beat  those  large  specimens  which  have  been  trans- 
planted so  often  before  occupying  their  permanent  quarters. 
Among  the  many  fine  examples  growing  on  the  lawn  here,  there 
are  verv  fine  specimens  of  Cupressus  maciocurpa,  the  branches 
of  one  having  a  spread  of  18  feet  in  diameter  at  the  base,  while 
the  plant  caunot  be  more  than  14  or  15  feet  high.  Cupressus 
Lawsoniana  was  also  fine,  its  pendulous  shoots  giving  it  a  very 
graceful  appearance.  This  and  numerous  other  species  were 
all  well  furnished  with  branches  downwards  to  the  turf,  and  as 
good  lower  branches  are  among  the  piincijial  attractions  in  this 
class  of  trees,  the  mode  of  culture  followed  here  appears  to  be 
the  right  one.  In  some  instances  where  the  young  trees  did 
not  produce  lower  branches  in  sufficient  quantity,  cutting  off 
the  leading  shoots  has  proved  an  effectual  remedy.  By  this 
somewhat  startling  operation  the  vigour  of  the  tree  is  almost 
entirely  thrown  into  the  side  branches  for  a  year  or  two.  and 
in  time  a  sturdy  leader  is  again  formed,  growing  so  erect  as  to 
render  it  a  difficult  matter  in  a  few  years  to  discover  its  start- 
ing point.  A  beautiful  specimen  of  Picea  Nordmanniana  was 
pointed  out  to  me,  the  leader  of  which  was  accidentally  cut  off 
some  years  ago,  and  it  is  now  as  handsome  a  specimen  as  any 
on  the  lawn,  with  a  particularly  dense  mass  of  lower  branches 
restingion  the  turf,  from  whence  it  tapers  upwards  in  most 
elegant  proportions. 

A  few  good  beds  of  Cannas  near  the  margin  of  the  lawn  were 
noteworthy  from  the  agreeable  effect  which  their  foliage  had 
when  tbus  contrasted  with  that  of  the  Pinuses. 

Passing  from  the  lawn  we  at  once  come  to  the  glass  houses, 
twenty-one  in  number,  nearly  the  whole  of  them  being  of  the 
span-roof  form,  and  many  of  them  being  really  magnificent 
Structures  of  noble  proportions,  of  great  strength,  and  yet, 
from  the  judicious  use  of  iron  pillars  and  tieB,  they  have  a 
light  and  elegant  appearance.  They  were  built  by  Mr.  Foster, 
of  Beeston,  but  the  elaborate  details  are,  I  believe,  the  joint 
conception  of  Mr.  Pearson  and  Mr.  Foster.  Nothing  appears 
to  have  been  overlooked  in  the  building  of  these  houses ;  the 
ventilating  apparatus  is  as  simple  as  it  is  effective,  and  I  saw 
many  ingenious  appliances,  the  usefulness  of  which  I  could 
not  but  admire.  One  novel  feature  was  that  of  the  form  of  the 
glass  ;  the  ends  of  the  panes,  which  lap  over  each  other,  instead 
of  being  cut  straight  or  at  right  angles  with  the  (ides,  ha  1  a 


semicircular  outline,  and  thus  the  moisture  from  evaporation 
inside  the  house,  instead  of  gathering  along  the  edges  of  the 
glass  and  dripping  on  the  plants  beneath,  runs  down  the 
centre  of  the  panes  in  a  single  stream.  Another  plan  for  the 
avoidance  of  drip  was  that  of  a  broad  groove  along  each  side  of 
the  roof  bars  holding  the  glass,  which  thus  had  concave  sides 
instead  of  the  usual  flat  surface,  by  which  means  any  accumu- 
lation of  moisture  on  the  woodwork  runs  downwards  to  the  front 
or  sides  of  the  house. 

The  houses  and  their  contents  were  alike  interesting ;  one, 
an  orchard  house  90  feet  long  by  30  wide,  contained  a  remark- 
ably fine  healthy  stock  of  Peaches  and  Nectarines  in  pots  of 
all  Bizes  and  heights  ;  a  number  of  very  large  standard  Peach 
trees  planted  in  one  of  the  borders  had  been  cropping  heavily, 
and  there  was  still  enough  fine  fruit  remaining  to  convince  one 
of  the  excellence  of  the  entire  crop.  A  few  Vines,  trained  at 
intervals  along  the  iron  rods  used  to  strengthen  the  roof,  had 
an  agreeable  effect.  Another  orchard  house  contained  an 
equally  fine  batch  of  pot  trees  all  in  a  flourishing  condition ; 
here,  too,  were  a  number  of  standard  trees  bearing  fine  crops. 
The  sight  of  the  treeB  leads  to  the  conviction  that  where  the 
houses  are  lofty  enough,  Peaches  may  be  grown  so  with  much 
less  care,  and  with  results  quite  equal  to  that  of  any  other 
more  laborious  method. 

The  pot  Vines  at  Chilwell  are  a  grand  sight.  They  are  grown 
principally  in  two  span-roofed  houses,  one  60  feet  by  20,  and 
the  other  100  feet  by  24.  They  were  all  in  splendid  condition, 
forming  such  a  collection  of  noble,  well-ripened  canes  as  is 
very  rarely  to  be  met  with.  The  collection  of  sorts  is  good, 
comprising  all  the  leading  varieties.  Another  of  these  fine 
houses,  intended  eventually  for  a  Fig  house,  was  filled  princi- 
pally with  Figs  and  a  variety  of  standard  fruit  trees  in  pots. 

The  grand  vinery,  of  which  a  section  is  figured  in  Mr.  Pear- 
son's book  on  Vine  culture,  iB  100  feet  loDg  by  24  wide.  The 
entire  length  of  one  Bide  is  taken  up  by  seedling  Vines,  which 
form  a  most  interesting  sight  from  the  varied  appearance  of 
the  foliage,  a  sure  sign,  in  Mr.  Pearson's  opinion,  of  Buccess  in 
the  operation  of  impregnation,  which  is  well  known  to  be  a 
work  of  great  difficulty,  requ  ring  much  skill  and  watchfulness 
on  the  part  of  the  operator,  owing  to  the  peculiar  structure  of 
the  flowers  of  the  Grape  Vine.  Among  these  seedling  Vines 
was  a  plant  of  Ferdinand  de  Lesseps,  raised  by  Mr.  Pearson, 
and  awarded  a  first-class  certificate  by  the  Fruit  Committee  at 
South  Kensington.  This  is  the  most  distinct  and  remarkable 
Grape  of  modern  introduction.  The  berries  are  of  a  fine 
golden  amber,  but  it  is  the  full  rich  Strawberry  flavour  that 
renders  this  variety  so  remarkable,  aDd  I  am  confident  that 
there  is  no  one  caring  for  Grapes  at  all  but  who,  after  tasting 
this  delicious  sort,  would  wish  to  grow  it.  From  what  Mr. 
Pearson  told  me  of  its  hardiness  and  vigour,  it  iB  likely  to 
thrive  in  a  cool  vinery  equally  with  the  Black  Hamburgh,  and 
if  this  prove  to  be  the  case  it  will  be  an  acquisition  indeed. 
On  the  opposite  side  of  the  house  were  a  number  of  young 
Vines  bearing  some  magnificent  fruit,  among  which  were  some 
grand  bunches  of  Muscat  of  Alexand  it,  ejually  fine  in  bunch 
and  berry,  and  thoroughly  well  finished.  Bowood  Muscat, 
Black  Hamburgh,  and  Muscat  Hamburgh  were  also  fine ;  an 
extraordinary,  but  by  no  means  handsome,  bunch  of  the  latter 
kind  had  such  wonderful  Bhoulders  that  I  measured  it,  and  it 
was  actually  fully  2  feet  across.  Mrs.  Pince,  ton,  was  very  fine, 
and  Mr.  Pearson  spoke  very  highly  of  it.  Frankenthal,  or 
Victoria  Hamburgh,  was  equally  good,  with  berries  ol  a  large 
size. 

The  conservatory  is  a  fine  house,  filled  principally  with  a 
healthy  stock  of  Camellias  all  growing  in  a  pure  turf  soil. 
Among  the  miscellaneous  plants,  Pelargonium  tchinatumwith 
its  clusters  of  pretty  white  flowers,  having  a  crimson  blotch  on 
the  upper  petals,  was  an  attractive  object ;  this  fine  old  speoies 
is  most  useful  to  cut  from  ;  its  sprightly  flowers  would  have  a 
charming  effect  in  a  bridal  bouquet. 

Another  long,  low,  span-roofed  house  was  filled  with  plants 
of  the  famous  Long  Gun  Cucumber,  growing  on  a  trellis;  they 
were  in  pots,  which  were  plunged  in  cocoa-nut  fibre,  into  which 
the  roots  had  penetrated  on  all  sides,  apparently  very  much  to 
the  benefit  of  the  crop,  which  was  a  very  fine  one. 

The  two  long  rangeB  of  span-roofed  pits  struck  me  as  being 
the  most  admirable  structures  of  the  kind  that  I  have  seen  ; 
great  utility  and  simplicity  are  their  leading  characteristics.  A 
description  of  them  has  already  been  published  in  "our  Journal" 
by  Mr.  Pearson,  but  as  it  is  probable  that  their  full  value  is  far 
from  being  understood,  I  will  give  a  slight  sketch  of  them.  A 
low  9-inch  wall  forms  the  sides  andetds ;  half  the  width  of  the 


September  22,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HOBTICTJLTOBE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


225 


top  of  this  wall  is  taken  up  by  the  plate  on  which  the  roof 
rests,  thna  leaving  space  enongh  inside  for  the  4-inch  pipe 
which  runs  along  each  side.  The  sashes  or  lights,  which  are  on 
hinges,  do  not  meet  at  the  apex  of  the  roof,  but  a  space  wide 
enongh  for  thorough  ventilation  is  left  by  attaching  the  sashes 
on  each  side  to  a  separate  bar  or  plate.  The  opening  along  the 
top  of  the  roof  is  covered  by  a  moveable  wooden  cap,  which  is 
raised  and  lowered  throughout  its  entire  length  by  simply  turn- 
ing a  wheel.  To  say  that  the  lights  are  hung  on  hinges  is  not 
strictly  correct,  for  there  are  no  hinges  at  all  in  the  true  sense 
of  the  word,  but  two  small  hooks  or  angle  irons  are  attached 
to  each  light,  one  on  each  side  at  the  top,  and  when  the  lights 
are  in  their  proper  positions,  the  hooks  fit  into  grooves  or 
little  semicircular  pieces  of  iron  which  are  sunk  in  the  top  bar, 
and  so  the  lights  can  be  raised  or  lowered  with  as  much  facility 
as  if  they  were  hung  on  real  hinges.  Moreover,  by  this  simple 
contrivance  each  light  can  be  lifted  off  at  pleasure,  and  all 
annoyance  from  stiff  or  broken  hinges  is  avoided.  The  body 
of  the  pit  is  filled  with  cocoa-nut  fibre  iu  which  the  pots  are 
plnnged.  I  need  hardly  point  to  the  numerous  uses  to  which 
these  capital  structures  may  be  applied  at  all  seasons  of  the 
year  ;  from  their  lightness,  simplicity,  and  great  practical  use- 
fulness, they  are  certainly  very  superior  to  the  old  style  of  pit, 
with  its  costly  high-raised  walls  and  heavy  sliding  sashes. 

The  general  nursery  stock  was  in  a  healthy  and  flourishing 
condition  ;  it  consisted  of  the  U9ual  varieties  of  Conifers,  fruit 
and  forest  trees,  and  shrubs.  The  soil  of  the  various  quarters 
of  the  nursery  among  the  young  stock  is  kept  free  from  weeds, 
by  allotting  the  work  to  the  men  at  a  stated  sum  per  acre,  for 
which  the  surface  has  to  be  kept  thoroughly  clean  and  well 
stirred  throughout  the  growing  season.  This  plan  not  only 
acts  as  an  incentive  to  the  labourers  to  earn  all  they  can,  but 
it  also  developes  their  intelligence  sufficiently  to  enable  them 
to  see  the  wisdom  of  never  trampling  on  a  weed  after  it  is 
hoed-up. 

By  the  kindness  of  Mr.  Pearson  I  was  enabled  to  see  some- 
thing of  the  famous  Chilwell  orchards,  of  which  I  believe  there 
are  seventy  acres  ;  as  most  of  the  trees  were  laden  with  a  heavy 
crop  of  fruit,  it  was  an  extraordinary  and  interesting  sight.  I 
noticed  several  handsome  trees  of  the  Bess  Pool  Apple,  but  the 
most  attractive  and  showy  fruit  that  I  saw  was  Duchess  of 
Oldenburgh  Apple,  a  very  handsome  striped  kitchen  fruit, 
which,  ripening  early,  must  command  a  much  better  sale  than 
such  pale-skinned  kinds  as  Keswick  Codlin  and  Hawthornden. 
It  is  a  heavy  cropper,  and  its  fruit  grows  to  a  large  ;size.  A 
number  of  dwarf  Plum  trees  had  heavy  crops  of  fruit;  they 
consisted  principally  of  those  excellent  hardy  kinds,  Denyer's 
Victoria  and  Piince  Englebert.  Large  numbers  of  trees  of  the 
Shropshire  Dimson  had  a  heavy  crop  of  fruit. 

One  other  notable  feature  of  these  orchards  is  the  numerous 
huge  Pear  trees  bearing  a  fall  crop  of  fine  fruit.  Most  of  these 
trees  some  years  ago  had  arrived  at  that  tantalising  state  of 
barrenness  with  which  all  fruit-growers  are  familiar  ;  but  instead 
of  destroying  them  after  the  usual  fashion,  Mr.  Pearson  had 
the  whole  of  the  branches  cut  off,  not  close  to  the  stem,  but  a 
long  way  from  it.  They  were  grafted  with  useful  kinds  which 
have  flourished  so  vigorously  that  without  looking  closely  it  is 
difficult  to  see  the  junction  of  stock  and  scion,  and  ever  since 
this  operation  the  branches  resulting  from  the  grafts  have  been 
moBt  prolific. — Edward  Luckhurst. 


INQUIRY. 

Having  answered  an  advertisement  which  appeared  in  The 
Journal  of  Horticulture  of  July  21st,  by  Wm.  Dillistone, 
Nurseries,  Sible  Hedingham,  Essex,  in  which  he  offered  twelve 
double  Pelargoniums  for  6s.,  which  sum  I  sent  to  the  above 
address  in  stamps  on  the  4th  of  August,  I  wrote  again  on  the 
13th  nit.,  but  still  no  reply.  I  wrote  to  the  General  Post-office, 
and  the  reply  is  that  my  letters  were  duly  delivered.  The 
Post-office  authorities  state  that  Mr.  Dillistone  left  Sible  Hed- 
ingham on  the  17th  nit.  Can  you  inform  me  of  his  where- 
abouts ?—S.  T.  Foster,  13,  Washington  Road,  Sheffield. 


Abundance  of  Mushrooms.  —  Have  any  of  your  readers 
noticed  the  extraordinary  crop  of  Mushrooms  there  has  been 
this  year?  I  have  never  witnessed  anything  like  it;  for  the 
l«9t  three  weeks  the  fields  about  here  have  been  oovered  with 
them.  I  gathered  this  evening  six  of  the  largest  I  have  ever 
Been  or  heard  of ;  one  of  them  measured  8  inches  in  diameter  ; 


the  stalk  was  about  7  inches  high.     Is  not  this  size  rather 
unusual? — An  Old  Subscriber,  Co.  Dublin. 

[We  never  saw  such  abundant  natural  crops  of  Mushrooms 
as  we  have  seen  on  the  pastures  this  year  in  Northamptonshire, 
Sussex,  and  other  counties. — Eds.] 


METROPOLITAN  FLORAL   SOCIETY. 

I  have  to  thank  "  L.  W."  for  his  kindly  and  cheery  words, 
they  are,  I  rejoice  to  say,  but  echoes  of  many  others  which  I  am 
continually  receiving ;  and  amidst  the  difficulties  which  have 
attended  the  starting  of  a  new  Society,  I  have  been  greatly 
helped  by  the  words  of  those  whom  I  have  never  seen,  and 
who  know  me  only  as  a  scribbler  or  brother  "  maniac." 

With  regard  to  the  future  of  our  Society,  we  have  considered 
that  it  would  be  very  unwise  to  risk  everything  iu  holding 
independent  exhibitions,  which  might  prove  failures  and 
cripple  our  exertioDS  ;  we,  therefore,  adhering  to  our  original 
programme,  mean  with  the  liberal  assistance  of  the  Crystal 
Palace  Cjmpany,  to  hold  an  annual  autumn  show  there  ;  this 
will  take  in  three  of  the  flowers  named — the  Dahlia,  Gladiolus, 
and  Hollyhock.  We  have  already  made  overtures  to  the  Boyal 
Horticultural  Society  to  offer  special  prizes  in  April  for 
Auriculas,  and  in  July  for  Carnations  and  Picotees,  the  arrange- 
ment of  these  prizes  to  be  left  to  us,  and  to  bo  regulated  by 
the  amount  of  support  we  shall  obtain.  We  have  not  yet  de- 
termined what  course  we  shall  adopt  with  regard  to  the  Pansy, 
Pink,  Banunculus,  and  Tulip,  but  it  will  probably  be  to  offer 
prizes  for  them  in  the  same  manner  at  the  Crystal  Palace 
exhibitions  in  May  and  June.  I  need  not,  I  hope,  say  that  in 
all  this  we  shall  act  entirely  independently,  and  shall  en- 
deavour to  do  our  best  to  advance  the  interests  of  our  favourites, 
having,  so  the  Committee  has  decided,  especial  reference  to 
amateurs.  We  are  preparing  a  report  of  our  proceedings, 
which  I  Bhall  be  happy  to  forward  to  "  L.  W."  and  any  other 
friends,  and  I  am  prepared  now  to  receive  the  names  of  any- 
one who  may  desire  to  join  us.  Our  motto  must  be  Amor  omnia 
vincit ;  love  of  our  flowers,  and  brotherly  love  to  one  another. 
— D.,  Deal. 

THE    FLOWER   SERMON. 

I  am  glad  to  observe  that  you  have  extracted,  at  page  208,  a 
short  account  of  the  flower  sermon.  I  beg  permission  to  make 
a  correction  in  it.  The  plant  found  by  Mungo  Park  in  Africa 
was  not  a  blue  flower  but  a  Moss,  which  bears  no  real  flowers. 
He  brought  it  home  with  him,  and  it  was  ascertained  by  his 
brother-in-law,  James  Dickson,  of  Covent  Garden,  the  eminent 
eryptogamist,  to  be  the  Dicranum  bryoides.  It  is  abundantly 
produced  in  our  hedgesides  and  by  sides  of  newly  cut  ditches  in 
spring.  It  is  figured  in  plate  xvi.  of  Hooker  and  Taylor's 
"  Muecologia  Britannica,"  second  edition,  London,  1829. 

Dr.  Whittemore  was  entirely  ignorant  of  Fairchild's  bequest 
when  he  commenced  his  annual  flower  sermon.  Whether  such 
sermons  are  still  delivered  in  Shoreditch  Church  I  know  not. 
Jones,  of  Nayland,  delivered  some  of  them,  and  I  should  be  glad 
to  learn  if  either  his  or  any  of  the  others  have  been  published 
as  some  of  the  Boyle  lectures  have  been.  All  honour  to  Dr. 
Whittemore,  who  began  his  interesting  discourses  proprio  motu. 
— A  Constant  Reader. 


WATER  CRESSES  GROWN  OUT  OF  WATER. 
I  wtsh  to  tell  that  one  of  your  contemporaries  is  wrong  in 
saying  that  Water  Cresses  not  grown  in  water  are  not  fit  to  eat. 
Six-pennyworth  of  seed  having  been  sown  at  Staumore  Lodge, 
Penge,  last  spring,  in  a  few  weeks  we  had  plenty  of  Cresses, 
and  we  have  had  enough  for  the  family  ever  since.  The  value, 
at  the  lowest,  would  be  2s.  per  week,  and  this  off  about  4  square 
yards  of  ground.  So  far  from  the  plants  standing  in  water, 
they  stand  about  6  inches  above  the  level  of  the  ground.  The 
Cresses  are  excellent. — S.  Hatching,  Maple  Road,  Penge. 


Mistletoe  on  the  Oak. — The  extreme  rarity  of  well-au- 
thenticated examples  of  the  parasitism  of  the  Mistletoe  on 
the  Oak  has  induced  Dr.  Bull,  of  Hereford,  to  collect  the  known 
instances,  which  he  finds  to  be  eight  in  number — viz.,  three 
in  Herefordshire,  and  one  eaoh  in  Gloucestershire,  Monmouth- 
shire, Devonshire,  Hants,  and  Surrey.  In  the  most  recently 
discovered  instance,  in  the  Forest  of  Deerfold  in  Herefordshire, 


226 


JOURNAL    OF   HORTICULTURE    AND    COTTAGE    GARDENER.  [  September  22,  1870. 


the  Mistletoe  was  found  on  an  Oak  of  the  species  sesBiliflora, 
some  fifty  or  sixty  years  old;  it  is  a  female  plant,  growing  high 
up  on  the  main  stem,  and  forming  a  large  spreading  branch 
with  a  diameter  of  3£  feet,  and  springing  from  the  Oak  in  a 
single  stem  nearly  4  inches  in  circumference.  The  Mistletoe 
also  grows  on  a  Thorn  close  by,  and  has  probably  sprung  from 
a  seed  dropped  by  a  bird  from  above. — (Nature.) 


ROYAL   HORTICULTURAL    SOCIETY. 
September  21st. 

There  was  on  this  occasion  an  excellent  show  of  novelties,  although 
the  subjects  specially  invited  in  the  floral  department  were  but  poorly 
represented  as  regards  numbers,  and  were  but  fair  in  quality.  On  the 
other  band  the  Fruit  Committee  bad  their  hands  full.  On  the  whole 
the  meeting  sustained  the  good  character  of  its  predecessors,  and, 
though  a  large  attendance  could  not  be  expected  at  this  season,  there 
was  a  fair  sprinkling  of  visitors. 

Fruit  Committee. — G.  F.  "Wilson,  Esq.,  F.R.S.,  in  the  chair.  Mr. 
William  Paul,  The  Nurseries,  Walthain  Cross,  sent  a  number  of  seed 
ling  Grapes ;  many  of  tbem  were  very  excellent,  but  none  sufficiently 
meritorious  to  receive  any  special  award.  Messrs.  Lane  &  Sons, 
Great  Berkkampstead,  sent  a  magnificent  collection  of  fifteen  varie- 
ties of  Grapes,  some  of  them  very  large  and  fine,  to  which  a  special 
certificate  was  awarded.  Mr.  Clarke,  gardener  to  J.  Brown,  Esq., 
Holmbush,  Horsham,  sent  three-  fine  bunches  of  Black  Alicante 
Grapes,  beautifully  coloured  but  quite  acid.  Mr.  Webb,  Calcot, 
Heading,  sent  a  basket  of  Black  Hamburgh  Grapes,  grown  in  the  open 
air.  Mr.  Rochford,  market  gardener,  Page  Green,  Tottenham,  sent  a 
fine  example  of  Charlotte  do  Rothschild  Pine  Apple,  weighing  9  lbs., 
but  it  was  scarcely  ripe.  Mr.  Perry,  Algarkirk,  Spalding,  sent  some 
seedling  Grapes  which  were  considered  simply  Black  Hamburghs. 

Mr.  G.  Goldsmith,  gardener  to  G.  D.  Fryer,  Esq.,  Hollenden  Park, 
Hildenborough,  sent  a  dish  of  remarkably  beautiful  Peaches,  named 
Coupe  d'Hebe.  They  somewhat  resembled  Bellegarde.  The  variety 
was  not  known.  Mr.  Goldsmith  further  exhibited  a  dish  of  Late  Duke 
Cherries.  Mr.  Smith,  gardener  to  the  Earl  of  Gainsborough,  Exton 
Park,  Oakham,  sent  some  examples  of  Prince  of  Wales  Nectarine,  a 
fine  late  varety. 

Messrs.  Wheeler  &  Son.  nurserymen,  Gloucester,  sent  examples  of 
a  seedling  Pear,  named  Brockworth  Park,  which  greatly  resembled 
Louise  Bonne  of  Jersey,  but  it  was  much  larger  and  finer.  It  was 
awarded  a  fivst-class  certificate.  Mr.  Tillery,  of  Welbeck,  sent  some 
examples  of  Williams's  Bon  Chretien  Pears,  also  examples  of  a  fine 
large  seedling  Apple.  Mr.  Hurley,  gardener  to  E.  J.  Weld,  Esq., 
Lulworth  Castle,  Dorset,  sent  examples  of  a  large  green  kitchen 
Apple.  Mr.  W.  Reid,  Sydenham  Hill,  Kent,  had  examples  of  a  small 
flat  Russet  dessert  Apple. 

Mr.  Gilbert,  gardener  to  the  Marquis  of  Exeter,  Burghley,  Stam- 
ford, exhibited  examples  of  two  enormous  hybrid  Melons.  One  named 
General  Moltke  weighed  9  lbs. ;  the  other,  Princess  Louise,  weighed 
15t  lbs.  ;  excepting  for  great  size,  which  is  not  required,  these  were 
in  no  way  remarkable.  Mr.  W.  Paul  sent  a  box  containing  about 
thirty  varieties  of  Apples,  to  which  a  special  certificate  was  awarded. 
Mr.  Gilbert  exhibited  good  examples  of  Coe's  Golden  Drop  and  Reine 
Claude  de  Bavay  Plums.  Mr.  Eckford,  Coleshill,  again  submitted 
his  seedling  Nectarine.  Mr.  Fenn,  Woodstock,  exhibited  some  inter- 
esting examples  of  Apples,  showing  the  effect  the  stock  has  upon  the 
scion.  Ribston  Pippin  grafted  on  the  Blenheim  Pippin  had  quite  lost 
its  character,  being  so  different  both  in  appearance  and  flavour  that 
no  one  could  have  recognised  it.  Mr.  Fenn  also  submitted  a  pie  made 
from  the  fruit,  but  it  was  too  much  sweetened. 

Mr.  Fenn  exhibited  a  very  large  and  interesting  collection  of  Po- 
tatoes, showing  the  results  produced  by  grafting  to  be  in  every  instance 
to  deteriorate  instead  of  to  improve.  The  true  Milky  White  was  ex- 
hibited cooked,  also  the  same  sort  grafted  on  the  Fluke.  The  latter 
was  inferior  to  the  former.  A  special  certificate  was  awarded  to  Mr. 
Fenn  for  his  excellent  and  interesting  collection.  Messrs.  J.  C. 
Wheeler  &  Son  sent  some  very  fine  examples  of  a  green  Cos  Lettuce, 
named  Highuam  Court.  Messrs.  Carter  &  Co.  contributed  some  good 
examples  of  Giant  Rocca  Onion.  Messrs.  Veitch  <fc  Sons,  Royal 
Exotic  Nurseries,  Chelsea,  had  a  large  and  fine  collection  of  Beetroot, 
examples  of  which  were  cooked  for  the  Committee.  A  special  certifi- 
cate was  awarded. 

M.  Verhulpen,  of  Brussels,  exhibited  Bouckart's  Patent  Fruit- 
gatherer,  a  very  ingenious  instrument  for  gathering  Pears  and  Apples 
on  high  trees  without  the  necessity  of  ladders  to  get  at  them.  This, 
which  we  shall  notice  more  fully  afterwards,  was  greatly  approved  by 
the  Committee,  and  was  awarded  a  first-class  certificate. 

Prizes  were  offered  by  H.  Bohn,  Esq.,  for  Peaches  grown  on  stan- 
dards in  the  open  air,  for  which  there  was  one  exhibition.  The  Com- 
mittee, however,  believed  the  fruit  had  been  grown  on  walls,  and 
consequently  withheld  the  prize.  A  prize  was  also  offered  for  a  col- 
lection of  Tomatoes,  for  which  Messrs.  Carter  &  Co.  exhibited  a  very 
extensive  collection  of  varieties  both  in  pots  and  as  cut  fruit ;  to  these 
the  first  prize  was  awarded.  For  the  best  dish  of  dessert  Pears  the 
first  prize  was  awarded  to  Mr.  Douglas,  Loxford  Hall,  for  Cox's  Orange 
Pippin  ;  the  second  was  awarded  to  Mr.  Craddock,  Compton  Yerney, 
Warwick,  for  the  same.     For  the  best  dish  of  Pears  the  first  prize  was 


awarded  to  Mr.  Smith,  gardener,  Exton  Park,  for  Beurre  d'Amanlis; 
the  second  prize  to  Mr.  Craddock,  Compton  Verney,  for  Louise  Bonne 
of  Jersey. 

Floral  Committee. — Mr.  J.  Fraser  in  the  chair.  From  Messrs. 
J.  Brooke  &  Co.,  Fairfield  Nursery,  Manchester,  came  a  magnificent 
new  Dendrobiuin,  named  D.  chrysotis  by  Professor  Reichenbach.  The 
flowers  of  this  were  about  3  inches  in  diameter,  and  of  a  rich  yellow, 
the  lip  beautifully  fringed,  and  of  the  same  colour,  but  with  two  dark 
purple  blotches  at  the  base.  To  this  a  first-class  certificate  was 
awarded. 

Messrs.  Veitch,  of  the  Royal  Exotic  Nursery,  Chelsea,  sent  a  nume- 
rous and  very  fine  collection  of  Orchids  and  Pitcher  Plants.  Among 
the  former  were  splendid  examples  of  Odontoglossum  grande,  the 
brilliant  Masdevallia  Veitchii,  Vanda  Bensonii,  Pescatorea  cerina, 
Cypripedinm  Hariisianum,  C.  concolor,  several  fine  varieties  of 
Cattleyas,  Ladia  elegans,  and  Sobralia  macrantha  in  beautiful  con- 
dition. The  Nepenthes,  or  Pitcher  Plants,  were  magnificent  speci- 
mens, some  of  them  with  upwards  o»  two  dozen  pitchers.  They 
consisted  of  Nepenthes  Dominiaua,  Rafflesiana,  and  Hookeri,  each 
with  large  and  finely-marked  pitchers,  N.  hybrida,  and  N.  hybrida  ma- 
culata  with  a  multitude  of  pitchers,  blotched  with  dark  red.  A  special 
certificate  was  awarded  the  collection.  Messrs.  Veitch  also  exhibited 
Brazilian  or  Chilian  Beet,  with  most  brilliant-coloured  leafstalks, 
and  Dell's  Crimson,  well  known  by  its  compact,  finely-coloured  tops, 
whilst  the  root  is  excellent  for  culinary  purposes. 

Mr.  B.  S.  Williams,  of  Holloway,  also  sent  a  fine  collection  of 
Odontoglossum  grande,  together  with  Cypripedinm  Stonei,  Phala> 
nopsis  amabilis,  and  the  pretty  pink  and  white  Oncidium  incurvum. 
A  special  certificate  was  given  for  the  collection. 

From  Messrs.  J.  Sz  C.  Lee  camo  a  collection  of  Orchids  and  fine- 
foliaged  plants.  Among  the  Orchids  was  Dendrobiuin  calseolare,  with 
a  profusion  of  orange  yellow  flowers  ;  and  amon^  the  fine-foliaged 
plants  were  several  very  handsome  Palms,  such  as  Livistonia  rotundi- 
folia,  Cocos  Weddelliana,  Geonoma  VerschafMti,  Areca  Verschaffelti, 
and  Chamaidorea  graminifolia.  The  last  is  an  elegant  Palm  for  a 
basket,  in  which  way  it  was  exhibited.  A  special  certificate  was 
awarded.  From  the  same  firm  came  Mrs.  John  Lee,  a  most  beautiful 
Gold  and  Bronze  Pelargonium,  with  a  deep  rich-coloured  zone.  This 
had  been  grown  in  the  open  ground,  and  well  deserved  the  first-class 
certificate  awarded  it.  Along  with  this  was  Edward  Milner,  a  Golden 
Tricolor,  likewise  lifted  from  the  open  ground,  Livistonia  altisshna, 
forming  part  of  the  collection  of  Palms,  received  a  first-class  cer- 
tificate. 

Messrs.  E.  G.  Henderson,  St.  John's  Wood,  contributed  a  collection 
of  tree  Carnations;  dwarf  Asters;  Golden  and  Silver  Tricolor  Pelar- 
goniums, very  fine  ;  Hydrangea  japonica  speciosa,  a  handsome  white 
variegated  sort,  which  had  before  received  a  certificate ;  Thymus 
citriodorus  aureus,  a  pretty  dwarf  golden-leaved  variety;  and  Alter- 
nanthera  magnifica,  a  finely-coloured  bronze  and  rose  variety.  To 
each  of  the  two  last-named  a  first-class  certificate  was  given,  and 
special  certificates  were  awarded  to  the  collections  of  tree  Carnations 
and  Tricolor  Pelargoniums.  Cineraria  asplenifolia,  with  very  orna- 
mental silvery  foliage,  also  received  a  first-class  certificate. 

Messrs.  Ivery  &  Son,  Dorking,  exhibited  a  numerous  collection  of 
hardy  British  Ferns,  and  likewise  a  number  of  new  varieties,  of  which 
Scolopendrium  vulgare  Iveryannm,  S.  vulgare  lacerato-cristatum, 
and  Polystichum  augulare  congestum,  were  awarded  first-class  cer- 
tificates. 

Mr.  W.  Paul  received  a  special  certificate  for  four  boxes  of  cut 
Roses,  very  fine  for  this  time  of  year,  and  accompanying  these  were 
fine  Asters  and  cut  blooms  of  Zonal  Pelargoniums.  Mr.  W.  Paul 
likewise  exhibited  Silver  Tricolor  Marchioness,  with  a  broad  white 
edge,  a  very  promising  variety,  which  requires,  however,  to  be  seen  in 
better  condition. 

Mr.  Thomas  Hobbs,  Lower  Easton,  Bristol,  had  a  first-class  certifi- 
cate for  self  Dahlia  Annie  Hobbs,  white,  and  a  second-class  certificate 
for  Robert  Lambert,  dark  maroon.  Mr.  Rawlings,  Romford,  had  a 
like  award  for  George  Peabody,  a  well-formed  maroon  flower.  Rev. 
C.  Roe,  Welnetham  Rectory,  Bury  St.  Edmunds,  exhibited  Suffolk 
Gem  Dahlia,  in  the  way  of  Stafford's  Gem.  Gem  of  the  Grove,  a 
beautiful  flower  of  the  same  character,  but  finer,  had  a  first-class  cer- 
tificate ;  this  came  from  Mr.  Harris,  Orpington.  Second-clasa  certifi- 
cates were  given  to  Mr.  Keynes  for  Victory,  maroon  self ;  James 
Cocker,  ruby,  with  a  mauve  tinge ;  and  Flossy  Williams,  fancy,  white, 
streaked  and  dotted  with  lilac ;  while  Mary  Keynes,  cream  tipped  with 
purplish  rose,  had  a  first-class  certificate.  A  similar  award  was  made 
to  Mr.  Eckford,  gardener  to  the  Earl  of  Radnor,  Coleshill,  for  seedling 
Verbena  Peter  William,  scarlet  with  a  large  white  eye,  and  large  pips. 
Mr.  Eckford  sent  several  other  fine  seedlings.  Mr.  J.  Douglas,  gar- 
dener to  F.  Whitboum,  Esq.,  Loxford  Hall,  Ilt'ord,  sent  seedling 
Gladiolus  John  Standish,  a  magnificent  pale  blush  flower,  having  a 
small  bright  purple  feather  in  the  lower  divisions.  For  this  a  first- 
class  certificate  was  given. 

Messrs.  Stuart  it  Mein,  of  Kelso,  sent  a  number  of  blooms  of  seed- 
ling Petunias  ;  and  Mr.  Porter,  gardener  to  E.  Benham,  Esq.,  seed- 
ling Pentstemons. 

Mr.  Anthony  Waterer,  Knap  Hill  Nursery,  Woking,  was  awarded  a 
special  certificate  for  beautifully  grown  plants  of  CupressusLawsoniana 
erecta  viridi3,  forming  fine  pyramids ;  and  accompanying  these  were 
Cupressus  Lawsoniana  gracilis,  which  is  of  a  drooping  habit,  and  a 


September  22,  1870.  ]  JOURNAL  OF   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


227 


basketful  of  a  Rhododendron  called  cheiranthifolium,  with  very  small 
narrow  leaves. 

Messrs.  Standisb  &  Co.,  of  the  Royal  Nurseries,  Ascot,  were  awarded 
a  special  certificate  for  a  group  of  hardy  shrubs,  consisting  of  Aueubas, 
Euonymns,  Osmanthus.  Juniperns,  Retinosporas,  and  Cnpressus 
nootkatensis  variegata  alba,  which,  with  several  other  of  the  variegated 
forms,  was  very  effective.  Skiuimia  oblata  with  its  bright  scarlet 
berries  served  to  enliven  the  collection. 

From  Messrs.  Lane  came  a  seedling  variegated  form  of  Cupressns 
Lawsoniana. 

Mr.  Green,  gardener  to  W.  "Wilson  Saunders,  Esq.,  Hillfield,  Rei- 
gate,  sent  a  small  collection  of  Agaves,  of  which  A.  Bosserianaeandida 
with  glaucous  leaves  had  a  first-class  certificate.  Mr.  Green  likewise 
exhibited  Gloxinia  insignis,  and  a  very  fine  spike  of  Aeinota  Barkeri. 

To  Mr.  Parsons,  gardener  to  W.  J.  Blake,  Esq.,  Dancsbury,  a  first- 
class  certificate  was  given  for  a  pretty  variety  of  Athyriuui  Filix- 
fcemina  named  Blakei. 

Prizes  were  offered  for  twenty-four  cut  blooms  of  Asters.  There 
were  only  two  exhibitors — viz.,  Mr.  J.  "Walker,  nurseryman,  Thame, 
and  Mr.  J.  George,  gardener  to  Miss  Nicholson,  Putney  Heath,  who 
received  first  and  second  prizes  respectively.  In  the  next  class  for 
twelve  blooms  there  was  more  competition,  stands  coming  from  Messrs. 
E.  G.  Henderson,  Mr.  Walker,  Mr.  George,  and  Mr.  Porter,  gardener 
to  E.  Benham,  Esq.,  Isleworth.  The  last  three  exhibitors  took  prizes 
in  the  order  in  which  their  names  occur.  In  the  different  collections 
several  very  good  blooms  were  sIiowd,  and  the  colours  bright  and  well 
varied.  All  the  blooms  were  French  Asters  with  the  exception  of  the 
first-prize  twenty-four,  in  which  there  were  a  few  quilled  varieties. 

Prizes  were  likewise  offered  for  double  Zinnias  of  sis  colours.  The 
best  came  from  Mr.  Walker,  the  second  best  from  Mr.  Porter,  but 
neither  collection  was  up  to  the  mark.  In  Stocks  and  Begonias  there 
was  no  competition. 


GENERAL  Meeting. — Major  R.  Trevor  Clarke  in  the  chair.  After 
the  usual  preliminary  business,  the  Rev.  M.  J.  Berkeley  directed 
special  attention  to  Dondrobium  chrysotis,  which,  he  said,  bore  a 
close  resemblance  to  D.  fimbriatnm,  and  although  the  two  differed 
in  the  spotting  of  tho  lip,  and  fimbriatum  came  from  Nepal,  whilo 
chrysotis  was  from  Assam,  yet  those  who  were  in  tho  habit  of  study- 
ing plants  would  bo  inclined  to  think  the  two  the  same.  Gloxinia 
insignis  from  Mr.  Wilson  Saunders's  gardener  was  next  noticed  as 
very  pretty,  and  as  being  known  sometimes  as  G.  maculata.  Major 
Trevor  Clarke  had  brought  a  tlower  of  the  true  Fuchsia  coccinea. 
Tho  plant  which  had  passed  under  that  name  was  Fuchsia  magellanica. 
Mr.  Berkeley  then  read  the  following  account  of  it  given  in  the  "  Bo- 
tanical Magazine,"  vol.  xciv.,  t.  5710: — 

"It  will  surpriso  many  of  our  horticulturists  to  lenrn  that  the  plant 
now  called  Fuchsia  coccinea  in  our  gardens  is  not  tho  first  described 
species  of  that  name,  though  it  has  borne  it  almost  exclusively  from 
within  a  year  or  two  of  the  introduction  of  the  real  plant;  and  it  may 
still  more  surprise  them  to  know  that  the  original  F.  coccinea  is  very 
rarely  seen  in  cultivation.  There  is  a  Btory  current  amongst  gardeners 
that  the  common  Fuchsia  was,  when  originally  introduced,  a  greenhouse 
plant,  but  that  it  has  become  so  far  acclimatised  as  to  withstand,  without 
protection,  the  coldest  winters  of  many  parts  of  England,  Scotland,  and 
Ireland,  and  the  milder  winters  of  all  Great  Britain  :  be  this  as  it  may,  it 
is  not  doubted  that  tho  Fuchsia  coccinoa  was  once  treated  as  a  stove  or 
greenhouse  plant,  and  now  flourishes  both  in  a  greenhouse  and  out-of- 
doors.  Now,  when  the  true  F.  coccinea  has  changed  its  habits  no  one 
can  say,  for  next  to  nothing  seems  to  be  known  of  its  history  between  tho 
date  of  its  introduction  as  a  greenhouse  plant  in  17*3,  and  its  re-discovery 
in  the  greenhouse  of  the  Oxford  Botanic  Garden  in  1857  ;  the  fact  being, 
that  the  much  hardier  F.  magellanica  was  imported  from  wintry  Terra 
del  Fuego  very  shortly  after  the  introduction  of  F.  coccinea,  and  im- 
mediately usurped  its  name  and  spread  it  to  every  garden  in  the  king- 
dom, whilst  thu  true  plant  lingered  in  botanic  gardens,  lastly  surviving 
(greatly  to  the  credit  of  the  Baxters,  father  and  son)  iu  that  of  Oxford 
alone.  It  may  be  more  common  abroad,  and  is  almost  naturalised  in 
Madeira,  according  to  Maudon. 

"The  native  country  of  tho  true  coccinea  is  unknown;  it  is  probably 
Brazilian,  as  it  resembles  the  Brazilian  more  than  the  Western  or  South- 
ern American  species  ;  Salisbury  says  it  was  introduced  by  Vandelli 
from  Brazil,  whereas  Aiton  attributes  its  introduction  to  a  Captain  Frith, 
from  Chili. 

"  The  evidence  of  the  plant  here  figured  being  the  true  and  original 
plant  of  Aiton's  '  Hortas  Kewensis,'  ed.  1,  rests  on  the  fact  that  named 
specimens  of  the  same  are  preserved  in  the  Banksian  Herbarium  of  the 
British  Museum,  and  in  Sir  J.  Smith's  Herbarium  at  the  Linuean  Society, 
all  procured  at  Kew  in  the  year  of  tho  introductiou  of  the  plant,  and  at 
the  date  of  its  being  described  by  Aiton. 

"As  a  species,  F.  coccinea  is  much  more  graceful  than  any  of  the  va- 
rieties of  F.  magellanica,  flowers  even  more  freely,  and  is  readily  distin- 
guished by  the  almost  sessile  leaves  with  broad  bases,  and  the  hairy  twigs 
and  petioles  :  further,  its  foliage  turns  of  a  bright  crimson  when  about  to 
fall." 

The  new  pest  which  had  attacked  the  Vine  was  the  next  subject  to 
which  attention  was  directed.  It  was  a  pest  which  would  almost  be 
destructive  to  cultivation  if  spread  as  widely  as  the  mildew,  and  in 
some  cases  it  had  done  hundreds  of  pounds  of  damage.  Iu  1867  he 
was  at  Lord  Powerscourt's  at  Enniskerry,  and  Mr.  Dunn,  the  intelli- 
gent gardener  there,  pointed  out  to  him  (Mr.  Berkeley),  Vines  affected 
by  this  insect,  Phylloxera  vastatrix  (See  vol.  xvii.,  pp.  45,  46,  where  a 
description  and  figures  of  it  are  given).  At  first  it  seemed  probable 
that  the  insect  attacking  the  roots  might  not  be  the  same  as  that  on 
the  stems,  but  he  had  come  to  the  conclusion  that  the  two  were  the 
same.     He  might  say  that  Mr.  Dunn  had  discovered  the  only  method 


of  destroying  the  insect,  a  plan  which  had  proved  perfectly  successful. 
This  consisted  in  taking  the  Vinos  up,  removing  all  the  soil  from  their 
roots,  washing  these  three  times  in  pure  water,  and  then  replanting  in 
fresh  soil.  The  winged  male  insects  figured  by  Planchou,  so  far  as  he 
knew,  had  not  been  seen  in  this  country,  and  it  would  be  a  great — in 
fact,  a  national,  service,  if  anyone  who  saw  them  would  forward  speci- 
mens to  Mr.  Andrew  Murray  at  the  South  Kensington  Museum.  Mr. 
Fenn's  collection  of  Potatoes,  particularly  as  showing  the  results  of 
grafting,  and  the  effects  of  the  same  operation  as  regards  the  Ribstou 
Pippin  Apple  and  the  Blenheim  Pippin,  which  have  before  been  fully 
described  in  our  pages,  were  then  noticed  ;  and,  passing  to  the  Toma- 
toes, Mr.  Berkeley  said,  however  good  they  were  as  a  sauce,  they  made 
an  excellent  salad  if  cut  in  slices,  and  mixed  with  Water  Cresses,  a 
SOUppon  of  Garlic  or  Shallots,  a  little  oil,  and  plenty  of  vinegar.  In 
conclusion,  he  reminded  the  meetiug  that  on  October  5th  prizes  were 
offered  for  collections  of  edible  and  poisonous  Fun^i. 

Mr.  Marshall  kindly  offered  pollen  of  Nepenthes  RafHosiana  to  any- 
one who  might  be  desirous  of  attempting  hybridisation  with  these 
interesting  plants. 

EEDDING   PLANTS   IN    1670. 

(Continued  from  page  179.) 

I  will  continue  my  remarks  on  bedding  Geraniums  by  refer- 
ring next  to  those  that  are  grown  for  their  foliage  and  not  for 
their  flowers. 

To  commence  with  the  Tricolors,  I  still  think  Mrs.  Pollock 
nearly  as  good  as  any  for  general  effect.  It  is,  no  doubt,  sur- 
passed by  many  in  regularity  of  outline  as  regards  the  zone, 
but  I  do  not  think  our  old  favourite  will  be  easily  discarded. 
Lady  Culluin  has  a  much  darker  zone,  and  a  more  brilliant 
colouring  in  the  red  of  the  zone,  and  is  especially  good  in  the 
spring  and  again  in  the  autumn,  but  the  colour,  owing  perhaps 
to  the  darkness  of  the  zone,  seem?  more  bright  in  the  height  of 
the  summer  than  either  in  Mrs.  Pollock  or  Sophia  Dumareeque. 
The  latter  and  Flambeau,  a  variety  sent  out  by  Messrs.  Back- 
house, of  York,  and  exceedingly  like  it,  are  both  very  effective 
bedders,  with  a  more  spreading  habit  than  Mrs.  Pollock. 

Lady  Headley  and  Attraction  are  both  very  beautiful  wher- 
ever I  have  seen  them,  but  I  have  not  tried  them  as  yet  my- 
self, but  have  seen  none  equal  in  colouring  to  Mrs.  Headley  as 
yet.  Edith  Pearson,  a  variety  sent  out  by  Mr.  Pearson,  of 
Chilwell,  has  a  very  soft  and  pleasing  effect  in  a  bed,  but  is 
surpassed  by  another  variety  of  his,  William  S  mday,  which  I 
think  he  has  not  sent  out  as  yet. 

If  we  may  judge  from  plants  in  pots,  Prince  of  Wales.  Mrs. 

I  Uunnett,  and  Fairvland,  varieties  sent  out  by  Messrs.  Carter 

and  Co.,  of  High  Holborn,  are  likely  to  be  great  acquisitions 

in  the  flower  garden ;  and  so  is  Ealing  Rival,  raised  by  Mr. 

Stevens,  of  Ealing. 

Of  those  I  have  tried  this  summer  (besides  those  I  have  pre- 
viously mentioned),  as  Lucy  Grieve,  Sophia  Cusack,  Louisa 
Smith,  Que9n  of  Tricolors,  Lurliue,  and  Spanish  Beauty,  I 
much  prefer  Lucy  Grieve  as  one  of  the  very  brightest-coloured 
varieties  I  have  yet  bedded  out,  the  red  of  the  zone  being  very 
distinct,  and  lasting  a  long  time  before  it  fades.  Louisa  Smith 
has  too  much  yellow,  but  is  good  in  other  respects.  Spanish 
Beauty,  on  the  other  hand,  is  too  dark,  and  Queen  of  Tricolors 
has  orange  instead  of  red  in  the  zone. 

Of  the  Silver  Tricolors  I  cannot  recommend  any  for  bedding 
purposes.  For  pot  plants  I  like  Italia  Unita,  Picturata,  Caro- 
line Longfield,  Mabel  Morris,  and  Mrs.  John  Clutton. 

Of  Golden-variegated  varieties,  as  Golden  Chain,  Cloth  of 
Gold,  Crystal  Palace  Gem,  &c,  I  still  think,  where  it  will  grow, 
that  none  equals  in  point  of  colouring  the  old  Golden  Chain  ; 
it  requires,  however,  manure  and  liberal  treatment.  Crystal 
Palace  Gem  turns  too  green  with  me ;  I  have  seen  it  very  good 
elsewhere,  but  a  self  yellow-leaved  sport  from  it  has  kept  its 
colour  better. 

There  are  several  self-coloured  Golden  varieties  now,  but 
much  the  best  with  me  is  Pillar  of  Gold  ;  the  leaves  die  off  a 
lighter  colour  instead  of  turning  green,  and  the  young  fresh 
leaves  as  they  open  are  nearly  pure  gold;  a  line  of  it  which  I 
have  under  my  windows  in  front  of  the  house  is  very  striking 
now.  It  is  a  good  grower  under  proper  treatment,  but  will  not 
stand  neglect. 

Of  the  White-margined  section  I  still  like  Flower  of  the 
Spring  as  much  as  any  ;  it  has  such  a  compact  habit,  and  fills 
the  beds  so  well  with  the  foliage.  Miss  Kingsbury  is  very 
good,  but  I  do  not  see  any  great  improvement,  as  I  do  not  like 
the  colouring  of  the  green  in  the  leaf  so  well,  and  the  margin 
is  not  so  wide  and  so  well  defined  as  in  Flower  of  Spring. 
Alma  is  a  desirable  variety  for  larger  beds.  Bijou,  though  very 
white,  has  too  upright  a  habit.    Mrs.  Lennox  and  Mountain 


228 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  September  22,  1870. 


of  Light  are  both  very  good  in  point  of  colour,  but  delicate  in 
habit. 

Of  those  I  have  not  tried,  but  seen  elsewhere,  I  prefer  Mr. 
Turner's  May  Queen,  an  exceedingly  effective  variety,  and 
Waltham  Bride  and  Avalanche,  which  have  the  advantage  of 
white  flowers. 

I  turn  next  to  the  Bicolor  or  Gold  and  Bronze  section,  which 
in  the  hands  of  Mr.  Laing,  at  StanBtead  Park  Nursery,  made 
such  rapid  advances  last  year;  and  though  we  hear  very  con- 
flicting statements  as  to  their  merit  in  the  flower  garden,  yet 
I  anticipate  that  when  such  sorts  as  Imp6ratrioe  Eugenie, 
Crown  Prince,  and  Brilliancy  become  better  known  they  will 
be  largely  employed.  I  have  tried  a  great  number  of  sorts  this 
year — Beauty  of  Oulton,  Beauty  of  Calderdale,  Model,  Princess 
Alice,  and  one  or  two  otherB  raised  by  Mr.  Wills ;  Ebor, 
Messrs.  Backhouse's  ;  Egyptian  Queen  (Carter)  ;  E.  G.  Hender- 
son, Mrs.  J.  Todd,  Duke  of  Edinburgh,  Her  Majesty,  Golden 
Sceptre,  and  Bronze  Queen,  most  of  which,  I  believe,  were  sent 
out  by  Messrs.  Henderson  ;  and  Kentish  Hero,  Black  Prince, 
Brilliancy,  King,  Charming,  Countess  of  Kellie,  Mrs.  Allan 
Lowndes,  Fairy  Ring,  Princess  of  Wales,  Mrs.  Lewis  Lloyd, 
and  one  or  two  others  of  Messrs.  Downie,  Laird,  &  Laing's.  I 
begin  by  discarding  all  those  that  have  too  much  tendency  to 
turn  green  and  have  too  much  dark  brown  in  the  zone,  as  they 
run  far  too  near  in  colouring  to  the  old  dark- leaved  Zonals,  as 
Baron  Ricasoli,  Striking,  Symmetry,  and  others,  and  I  selest 
those  that  have  true  gold  margins  and  discs  with  red  or  red- 
bronze  zones.  Of  these  Impenatrice  Eugenie  is  the  brightest 
in  point  of  colouring,  and  the  leaves  instead  of  turning  green 
die-off  a  lighter  colour,  so  that  the  effect  from  a  distance  is 
very  brilliant.  Crown  Prince,  Mrp.  Allan  Lowndes,  and 
Brilliancy  approach  nearer  to  Imperatrice  Eugenie  in  point  of 
colour  than  any  others,  and  the  first  named,  Crown  Prince,  has 
vigour  of  habit  combined  with  brilliancy  of  colouring.  Of 
those  that  are  gold  and  bronze — that  is  to  say,  with  less  red  in 
the  leaf,  1  like  Kentish  Hero,  Duke  of  Edinburgh,  E.  G.  Hender- 
son, Mrs.  J.  Todd,  and  Charming.  Beauty  of  Oulton  very  soon 
turns  green.  Beauty  of  Calderdale  is  effective  when  just  bedded 
out,  but  is  coarse  in  its  habit  and  loses  its  gold  colour  in  the 
gammer.  Black  Knight  is  too  dark  in  the  zone.  But  there  is 
another  section  with  very  narrow  zones,  and  a  great  deal  of 
yellow  on  the  leaf  which  is  very  effective,  but  it  produces  more 
the  effect  of  a  yellow  bed.  Of  these  the  best  is  Mrs.  Lewis 
Lloyd,  Princess  of  Wales,  and  Golden  Sceptre.  The  first  has 
a  dwarf  spreading  habit,  and  will  be  very  useful  as  an  edging 
plant.  Princess  of  Wales  has  a  stronger  and  more  upright 
habit ;  and  Golden  Sceptre  has  a  less  distinctly-marked  zone, 
the  old  leaves  scarcely  showing  the  zone  at  all,  but  it  has  a 
Tery  golden  effect. 

There  is  one  secret  in  the  management,  they  require  liberal 
treatment,  and  they  should  always  be  kept  growing,  as  the 
leaves  when  they  become  old,  with  the  exception  of  those  of 
Impfiratrice  Eugenie,  Crown  Prince,  Mrs.  Allan  Lowndes,  and 
Brilliancy,  lose  their  colouiing.  If  they  are  liberally  treated 
they  will  stand  any  amount  of  sun,  but  shade  is  fatal  to  them. 
This  is  true  with  regard  to  all  gold-leaved  plants,  but  the 
reverse  is  true  with  regard  to  the  white-margined  sorts. 

While  on  the  subject  of  Bicolor  or  Gold  and  Bronze  Gera- 
niums, I  must  protest  against  their  being  shown,  as  is  so  often 
the  case  at.  country  shows,  as  Variegated  Geraniums.  Varie- 
gation implies  a  sport.  All  our  Tricolors  and  white-edged  Gera- 
niums were  green  Zonals  to  begin  with,  but  the  Bicolors  have 
not  changed  since  they  were  seedling  plants.  The  mere  fact 
of  having  two  colours  in  a  leaf  does  not  constitute  a  variegation, 
otherwise  Biron  Ricasoli  or  Lady  Constance  Grosvenor,  or 
any  Zonal  that  is  not  self-leaved  might  be  shown  as  a  vaiie- 
gated  Geranium.  I  could  pick  leaves  at  this  present  moment 
from  Beauty  of  Oulton  or  Her  Majesty  which  no  one  would 
distinguish  from  an  ordinary  green  Zonal.  I  cannot  again  see 
that  a  Nosegay  Geranium  ought  ever  to  be  disqualified  for 
competition  among  Zonal  Geraniums  unless  there  is  a  separate 
class  especially  mentioned  in  the  schedule  for  Nosegays.  A 
Zonal  Pelargonium  is  classified  by  the  leaf  and  not  by  the 
flower,  and  several  of  the  hybrid  NoBegays  approach  so  near  in 
roundness  of  petal  to  those  that  are  commonly  called  Zonals, 
that  I  defy  anyone  to  distinguish  them  if  the  individual  flowers 
were  taken  from  the  truss,  but  they  are  still  easily  distin- 
guished when  on  the  plant  by  the  Bize  and  shape  of  the  truss 
and  habit  of  growth. 

Let  me  add  as  a  postscript  that  I  really  am  exceedingly 
obliged  to  the  young  ladies  of  Geranium  Cottage,  Benlah,  for 
the  wish  expressed  that  I  could  see  their  beds  of  Bayard  and 


William  Underwood.  I  should  like  also  to  see  the  young  ladies 
themselves,  and  then,  perhaps,  I  might  be  able  to  persuade 
them  that  Waltham  Seedling  is  not  the  rubbish  they  imagine. 
I  am  sure  of  one  thing,  that  at  the  time  of  the  Metropolitan 
Florists'  Show  at  the  Crystal  Palace  the  beds  of  Waltham 
Seedling  were  far  the  best  Geranium  beds  there  ;  and  if  they 
could  at  present  see  William  Underwood  in  my  garden,  grow- 
ing within  a  few  feet  of  Waltham  Seedling,  they  would  be 
obliged  to  own  there  was  no  comparison  between  the  two,  as 
there  is  as  much  bloom  on  a  square  foot  of  Waltham  Seedling 
as  on  a  square  yard  of  William  Underwood.  I  have  said  before 
in  my  notes  on  bedding  Geraniums  that  William  Underwood 
is  the  best  Zonal  I  have  tried,  but,  like  all  other  Zonals,  it  is 
too  upright  in  its  habit ;  and  though  it  produces  a  good  effect 
by  close  planting,  yet  it  does  not  last.  I  do  not  know  what 
are  the  Geraniums  which  the  young  ladies  class  as  others  as 
useless.  Bayard  is  undoubtedly  good  ;  William  Thomson  and 
Douglas  Pearson  I  have,  and  appreciate.  And  now,  as  they 
wish  to  alter  the  planting  of  their  garden,  I  will  suggest 
another  plan  besides  that  mentioned  by  the  "  Old  Gooseberries." 
As  with  only  thirteen  beds  in  a  garden,  I  should  make  no  two 
alike,  in  order  to  have  more  vaiiety,  which  adds  much  to  the 
interest  of  a  garden,  though  I  Bhould  match  my  colouring  so 
as  to  cross- balance  as  nearly  as  possible  : — 

1. — Centre  vase. — Arundo  Donas  variegata ;  edge,  Iniperatrice  Eugenie 
Bronze  and  Gold  Geranium  and  Blue  Lobelia,  plant  for  plant.  Centre  of 
bed,  Centaurea  ragu»ina;  edge,  Alternanthera  amabili6. 

2. — Purple  King  Verbena  ;  edge,  Golden  Feather  Pyrethrum. 

8. — Mibs  Wimsett  Verbena  ;  edge,  Golden  Feather  Pyretbrum. 

4. — Mrs.  Pollock ;  edge,  Ireeine  Lindeni,  planted  cloBely  and  kept 
pinchtd. 

5. — Lady  Cullum  ;  edge,  Amaranthus  melancholicus  ruber. 

6.— Miss  Kingsbury. 

7. — Flower  of  Spring. 

q'ZnnT.cMa,  Penrunn      ]      Humea  in  centre  of  each,  and  edged  with 
10  — Amv  Hoifa  I         Cerastium  end   blue  Lobelia  in  loops  of 

lL-Ur.Hogg  )         Hoot  of  each. 

12. — Centre  line,  Centaurea  ragusina  ;  edge  each  side,  Violet  Hill. 
13.— Centre  line,   Cineraria  maritima ;   edge  each  side,  Duchess  of 
Sutherland. 

If  these  beds  are  wide  enough  to  admit  five  rows  of  plants, 
edge  one  bed  with  dwarf  kindB  of  Gold  and  Bronze  Geraniums' 
and  the  other  with  small  plants  of  Pillar  of  Gold  or  Cloth  of 
Gold. 

If  6  and  7  are  enlarged  and  altered,  as  the  Editors  suggest, 
I  should  plant  one  with  Rose  Rendatler  edged  with  Miss  Kings- 
bury, the  other  with  Maid  Kent  edged  with  Flower  of  Spring. 
I  have  discarded  Madame  hudersdoiff  as  not  good  enough  to 
go  with  the  reBt  of  the  plants  they  have  named. — C.  P.  Peach. 


•WINTER-BLOOMING  ORCHIDS.— No.  8. 

PLEIONE. 

This  is  a  small  but  extremely  beautiful  genus,  which,  as  I 
remarked  in  my  former  article,  is  often  included  in  the  genus 
Ccelogyne.  Beside  the  minute  botanical  differences  between 
the  two  genera,  they  differ  considerably  in  general  appearance 
and  habit;  moreover,  they  are  all  deciduous  and  produce  their 
exquisitely-marked  flowers  in  winter  whilst  destitute  of  leaves. 
The  majority  of  the  species  grow  at  elevations  of  from  CO0O  to 
8000  feet  in  the  forests  of  Nepal,  Sikkim,  and  Bhotan,  clothing 
the  trunks  and  branches  of  the  trees,  and  when  in  flower  are 
said  to  present  a  most  gorgeous  aspect,  causing  the  woods 
to  appear  all  ablaze.  They  are  moBtiy  grown  in  pots,  but 
succeed  equally  well  upon  blocks ;  in  the  latter  way  they 
require  more  sphagnum  about  Ihem  than  most  plants  grown 
in  a  similar  manner.  When  grown  in  pots,  which  is  un- 
doubtedly the  best  method,  they  should  have  ample  drainage. 
The  soil  should  be  fibrous  peat,  sphagnum  moss,  and  rich  leaf 
mould  in  equal  parts,  adding  a  small  portion  of  silver  sand, 
but  the  curious  little  pseudo-bulbs  should  not  be  elevated 
above  the  rim  of  the  pot,  as  in  the  usual  method  of  potting 
Orchids.  During  the  growing  season  moderate  heat  and  an 
abundance  of  moisture  are  necessary  to  the  development  of 
large  strong  flowering  pseudo-bulbs;  after  these  are  formed 
they  may  be  removed  to  a  cool  house  and  kept  tolerably  dry 
until  the  flower  buds  begin  to  show  themselves  at  the  base  of 
the  old  bulbs,  when  additional  heat  may  be  applied  with  ad- 
vantage. 

P.  humilis. — Pseudo-bulbs  some  2  inches  high,  in  shape  like 
little  flasks,  of  a  rich  green  colour,  tinged  with  purple.  Leaves 
narrow,  acuminate,  and  dark  green,  turning  yellow  and  falling 
off  soon  after  growth  is  complete.    The  flowers  are  produced 


September  22,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE   AND  COTTAGE    GARDENER. 


229 


singly ;  sepals  nd  petals  linear-lanceolate,  white  suffused 
with  pale  rose ;  lip  of  the  same  colour,  fringed  at  the  upper 
part,  and  traversed  by  six  fringed  parallel  lines  ;  between  each 
of  these  lines  is  a  streak  of  rioh  crimson.     This  lovely  plant 


Pleione  humilia. 

is  in  full  beauty  in  the  very  depth  of  winter,  and  no  collection 
should  be  without  it.     Native  of  Nepal. 

P.  Wallichiana. — In  this  species  the  pseudo-bulbs  are  some- 
what different  fromthoBe  of  the  preceding,  being  elevated  into 
a  narrow  point  at  the  top,  dark  green  and  beautifully  spotted 
with  purplish  crimson.  Flowers  very  brilliant ;  sepals  and 
petals  rich  bright  rose  ;  lip  plaited,  toothed  at  the  point,  of  the 
same  oolour  as  the  sepals,  streaked  inside  with  white  and 
yellow,  and  Bplaahed  with  orimson.  This  is  a  more  attractive 
kind  than  the  preceding,  flowering  usually  early  in  spiing— that 
is,  from  February  to  Apiil.     Native  of  the  Himalayas. 

P.  mactjlata. — The  pseudo-bulbs  are  about  2  inches  high, 
and  of  a  uniform  dark  green,  the  leaves  in  all  the  kinds  being 
nearly  of  the  same  size.  Sepals  and  petals  oval  and  acute, 
pure  white ;  lip  white,  blotohed  with  yellow  in  the  centre, 
where  there  are  several  crested  parallel  lines,  and  streaked  with 
crimson  in  front.  The  charming  flowers  of  this  species  are 
produoed  late  in  autumn.     Native  of  Khasia. 

P.  lagenaria. — This  is  a  gem  amongst  gems.  The  pseudo- 
bulbs  are  distinot  from  any  other  species,  being  flask-shaped 


!d 


Pleione  lagenaria. 


with  a  peculiar  overlapping  neck.     The  flowers  are  large  and 
solitary  ;  Bepals  and  petals  narrow,  deep  rose  colour ;  lip  very 


large,  waved  at  the  margins,  white  variegated  with  yellow  and 
rich  purple.  It  flowers  profusely  during  the  depth  of  winter. 
Native  of  the  Himalayas. 

P.  Hookeriana. — At  present  this  is  somewhat  rare  in  cul- 
tivation and  difficult  to  obtain  true.  The  pBeudo-bulbs  are 
from  2  to  1  ioohes  long,  ovate,  smooth,  and  in  colour  bright 
green.  Its  leaves  are  dark  green,  and  remain  perfect  until 
after  the  blooming  season,  considerably  enhancing  its  beauty 
and  rendering  it  very  distinct  from  all  the  other  members  of 
the  genus.  Flowers  large ;  sepals  and  petals  oblong  and 
pointed,  rich  bright  rose;  lip  white  suffused  with  rosy  pink. 
A  most  elegant  plant,  flowering  during  the  late  autumn  and 
early  winter  months.     Native  of  Sikkim  at  great  elevations. 

P.  Reichenbachiana. — This  is  a  species  of  recent  intro- 
duction, and  which  I  have  not  yet  had  the  pleasure  of  growing ; 
judging,  however,  from  its  native  habitat,  I  expect  a  greater 
amount  of  heat  will  be  necessary  to  develope  its  beauty  than 
is  required  by  species  from  cooler  regions.  The  pseudo-bulbs 
are  between  2  and  3  inches  high,  bottle-shaped,  with  an  obtuse 
top  ;  ground  colour  deep  green  beautifully  netted  with  brown 
lines.  Flowers  upwards  of  2  inches  in  diameter ;  sepals  and 
petals  pale  rose  margined  with  white ;  lip  white  streaked  and 
spotted  with  light  purple,  and  crested  on  the  centre.  It  blooms 
late  in  autumn  and  early  in  winter,  and  was  introduced  to  this 
country  from  the  mountains  of  Arracan. — Expeeto  Cbede. 


"WORK   FOR   THE   WEEK. 

KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

Pay  every  attention  to  the  autumn  Broccoli,  also  to  autumn 
and  winter  Lettuces,  watering  them  with  liquid  manure  to  make 
them  ciisp,  and  tying  them  up  in  regular  succession.  Let 
covering-up  for  blanching  Celery  and  Endive  proceed  frequently. 
Brown  and  Bath  Cos  Lettuce,  as  well  as  the  Hardy  Hammer- 
smith Cabbage  Lettuce  for  early  spring  use,  should  now  be 
pricked  out,  especially  if  becoming  what  is  technically  termed 
"proud."  Cut  away  all  superfluous  shoots  on  Tomatoes, and  if 
the  plants  are  gross  chop  away  a  portion  of  their  roots. 

FRUIT   GARDEN. 

Look  frequently  over  fruit  remaining  out  of  doors  and  gather 
it  as  it  becomes  fit,  as  if  allowed  to  become  over-ripe  it  will  be 
liable  to  be  blown  down  and  bruised  should  high  winds  occur ; 
also  examine  frequently  that  stored  in  the  fruit  room,  as  a  few 
decaying  fruit  will  occasionally  be  found  for  a  few  weeks  after 
housing,  and  they  should  be  removed  as  Boon  as  they  can  be 
perceived.  Keep  the  fruit  room  cool  and  airy,  in  order  to  allow 
of  the  escape  of  moisture  given  off  by  the  fruit ;  the  amount  is 
considerable  for  a  few  weeks  at  first.  Occasionally  examine 
Plums  or  any  other  fruit  protected  by  covering,  to  see  that 
they  are  not  spoiling.  Where  it  is  intended  to  make  any  fresh 
plantations  of  fruit  trees  this  season  the  ground  should  be 
prepared  at  the  earliest  opportunity,  and  any  fresh  soil  to  be 
used  for  planting  should  be  thoroughly  exposed  to  the  action 
of  the  weather  so  as  to  have  it  in  a  mellow  state  when  wanted. 
If  not  already  done  clean  and  dress  Strawberry  plantations, 
clearing  away  all  useless  runners  and  giving  a  good  dressing  of 
manure  where  necessary,  but  be  careful  to  select  that  which  is 
thoroughly  decayed,  and  which  can  be  covered  without  the 
necessity  of  deep  digging  or  injuring  the  roots. 

FLOWER   GARDEN. 

The  weather  has  lately  been  most  favourable  for  the  flower 
garden  ;  the  masses  of  colour  are  most  brilliant,  and,  but  for 
the  falling  of  the  leaves,  we  might  deceive  ourselves  into  the 
impression  that  summer  is  at  its  height,  yet  in  a  few  more 
days  we  may  anticipate  a  nipping  frost  which  will  lay  prostrate 
the  glories  of  our  flower  gardens.  As  there  are  many  plants 
of  which  it  will  be  desirable  to  preserve  some  of  the  old  stock 
for  flowering  next  year,  it  will  be  necessary  that  they  should 
be  potted  in  well-drained  pots  and  placed  in  close  pits  till  some- 
what established.  There  are  these  advantages  in  preserving  old 
plants,  that  they  cover  more  space,  and  flower  earlier  and  more 
abundantly  than  young  ones.  Finish  all  propagation.  Let  all 
plants  be  secured  from  frost  and  placed  in  their  winter  quarters, 
if  not  already  doDe.  Now  is  the  time  to  plant  out  young  hardy 
Conifers  ;  they  will  establish  themselves  before  winter.  Finish 
pruning  and  regulating  your  shrubberies.  I  recommend  an 
annual  pruning  and  thinning  as  conducive  to  high  order.  The 
late  Mr.  Loudon  was  of  opinion  that  every  shrub  in  a  garden 
should  be  a  specimen  of  its  kind,  and  coined  for  this  style  the 
term  gardeneeque,  in  contradistinction  to  the  picturesque  of 


230 


JOURNAL   OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  September  22,  1870. 


nature  in  wild  scenery.  When  annuals  have  sown  their  seed 
on  borders  a  great  portion  of  the  young  plants  may  be  carefully 
retained ;  they  will  bloom  early  and  strongly  in  spring,  especially 
the  Californian  kinds,  and  may,  moreover,  be  transplanted  in 
February  to  desirable  situations.  Lawns  should  now  be  well 
attended  to  as  regards  mowing  and  rolling  ;  and  Dahlias,  Heli- 
anthemums,  tall  Phloxes,  Asters,  and  Delphiniums  should  once 
more  be  examined  and  sticked  before  October.  Take  off  all 
layers  of  Carnations  and  Picotees.  Those  which  have  but  little 
root  should  be  potted  and  placed  under  glass  like  pipings ; 
this  is  better  than  allowing  them  to  remain  on  the  parent 
plant.  Auriculas  may  be  set  in  their  winter  quarters,  only 
covering  them  during  heavy  rain.  When  the  soil  is  dry  about 
Dahlias  draw  it  up  round  the  stems  to  protect  them  from  any 
unlooked-for  frost. 

GREENHOUSE   AND   CONSERVATORY. 

Housing  tender  plants  will  at  this  period  occupy  attention. 
Where  pits  or  frames  are  at  liberty,  or  can  be  made  so  by  root- 
ing up  the  remains  of  exhausted  Cucumbers,   Melons,   and 
other  crops,  there  is  no  absolute  necessity  for  stationing  every 
plant  or  tribe  precisely  where  it  is  to  remain  throughout  the 
winter.     Protection  of  this  sort  for  a  short  time  will  contribute 
more  than  houses  to  the  production  of  sturdy  and  well-ripened 
wood,  possessing  a  greater  tendency  to  blossom,   and  more 
capable  of  enduring  a  severe  winter  than  would  otherwise  be 
the  case.    In  such  places  they  must  be  secured  from  the  earth 
worms.      This  is  easily  accomplished,   especially  when    the 
frames  are  raised  above  the  common  ground  level.     A  good 
soaking  of  lime  water  should  be  followed  by  a  coating  of  cinder 
ashes  3  inches  in  thickness.     Nearly  all  house  plants,  except, 
of  course,  stove  plants  and  Orchids,  may  be  kept  thus  until  the 
early  part  of  November,  taking  care  to  mat-up   at  night  in 
suspicious  weather,  and  to  give  abundance  of  air  in  the  day. 
The  glasses  or  lights  should  by  all  means  be  washed  thoroughly. 
Such  a  course  as  here  detailed  will  prevent  the  hurrying-off  of 
late  annuals,  Achimenes,  and  a  variety  of  other  gay  things,  in 
order  to  make  way  for  the  winter  stock.     Towards  the  middle 
of  October,  if  not  before,  the  Chrysanthemums  ought  to  be 
staged,  and  housing  them  is  frequently  the  cause  of  a  re- 
arrangement of  a  considerable  portion  of  other  stock.     Those 
who  have  a  house  or  pit  for  everything  will  not  need  any  ad- 
vice on  this  head  ;  the  majority,  however,  are  very  differently 
situated.     Continue  in  the  conservatory  to  weed  out  flowers  of 
a  temporary  character  on  the  eve  of  decay,  and  to  supply  their 
places  with  good  specimens.     The  introduction,  however,  of 
some  of  the  hardwooded  tribes  which  have  been  placed  out  of 
doors  (unless  they  can  be  placed  in  temporary  situations  for  a 
while)  will  fill  many  vacancies.    Every  attention  having  been 
paid  to  autumnal  and  winter  Roses,  as  recommended  in  former 
calendars,  they  will  now  be  found  of  great  utility,  both  in  this 
and  other  ornamental  structures.     In  cases  where  there  are 
many  stove  plants  in  this  house,  it  will  be  necessary,  in  the 
event  of  the  weather  becoming  cold  and  wet,  to  use  a  little  fire 
heat ;  but  be  as  sparing  of  this  as  circumstances  will  allow, 
particularly  if  there  are  other  plants  in  the  house  likely  to  be 
injured  by  being  kept  too  warm.     In  the  latter  case  it  will  be 
advisable  to  dispense  with  stove  plants,  even  at  the  expense  of 
rendering  the  house  somewhat  bare  of  flowers,  rather  than  to 
keep  them  there  and,  on  their  account,  run  the  risk  of  injur- 
ing other  plants.    Be  careful  not  to  overwater  plants  broueht 
from  the  stove  ;  also  use  water  at  a  temperature  of  from  70' 
to  80°,   as  watering  with   cold  water  plants   that  have  been 
brought  from  a  warm  house  injures  the  young  and  tender  roots, 
shortens   the  duration  of  the  blossoms,  and  often  ruins   the 
plant.     Use  weak  manure  water  for  Salvia  splendens  and  ges- 
nerasflora,  so  as  to  preserve  the  plants  in  a  vigorous  state,  and 
keep  them  blooming  as  long  as  possible.     Give  air  freely  on 
fine  days,  and  thin  out  the  twiners  on  the  roof  wherever  this 
can  be  done  with  propriety,  in  order  to  expose  the  plants  to  all 
the  light  possible.     In  housing  the  out-of-door  plants,  be  sure 
to  place  the  Geraniums  and  forward  Cinerarias  where  they  will 
enjoy  both  light  and  air,  and  near  the  glass  if  possible.     Hard- 
wooded  plants  may  stand  farther  back,  except  young  stock  of 
Erioas,  Epacrises,  and  similar  choice  subjects.     The  Chinese 
Primroses  will  do  in  partial  shade,  and  in  the  dampest  part  of 
the  house. 

PITS   AND   FRAMES. 

Continue  to  afford  young  stock  careful  attention,  and  en- 
deavour to  have  it  well  rooted  and  strong,  without  keeping  it  so 
close  or  warm  as  to  render  it  sappy  and  liable  to  damp  off  on 
the  first  approach  of  wintry  weather,  as  is  often  the  case  with 
stock  raised  in  heat  late  in  autumn,  and  then  stored  in  cold 


pits  for  the  winter.    Admit  air  freely  to  all 
rooted  sufficiently  to  bear  it  without  flagging.— 


plants  that  are 
W.  Kease. 


DOINGS   OF   THE   LAST    WEEK. 

The  rains  have  done  good  to  everything,  but  the  frosty  nights 
after  the  rain  have  rather  interfered  with  the  brightness  of  the 
flower  garden,  the  petals  of  many  of  the  Geraniums  looking  a 
little  bleached,  and  the  larger  leaves  of  Coleus  looking  brown. 

KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

We  said  so  much  on  the  kitchen  garden  last  week,  that  we 
shall  confine  our  remarks  to  two  or  three  matters. 

And  first  as  to  watering.  We  have  three  inquiries  if  it 
would  be  of  any  use  to  employ  sewage  water,  not  too  strong,  to 
Celery,  Cabbages,  and  Brussels  Sprouts  after  the  rains  we 
have  had.  If  the  rains  have  not  been  much  heavier  than  we 
have  had,  we  say  decidedly  Tes,  as  they  have  not  gone  deep 
enough  with  us;  and,  again,  we  would  prefer  giving  a  good 
soaking  of  such  sewage  water  in  damp,  drizzling  weather,  as 
the  plants  would  derive  much  more  advantage  from  it  than  in 
fine  sunny  weather,  when  a  portion  of  the  watering  would  again 
be  soon  exhaled  into  the  atmosphere.  A  cloudy,  drizzling  day 
is  the  best  for  giving  an  artificial  watering  a  good  chance. 
Sewage  water  though  rather  strong,  will  not  iDiure  such 
plants  when  rooting  freely,  and  greatly  helps  to  keep  many  in- 
truders away.  The  smell  at  first  deters  many  insects  from 
laying  their  eggs,  and  all  crawlers  will  keep  aloof  if  they  can 
find  sweeter  soil.  A  late  bed  of  Brussels  Sprouts  planted  in 
dry  soil,  and  merely  moistened  well  in  the  drill  when  growing 
and  rooting  freely,  grew  as  if  by  magic  after  receiving  a  good 
watering  at  the  roots  with  sewage  on  a  drizzling  day,  with  a 
smart  shower  at  times.  When  the  sewage  is  at  all  strong,  or 
smells  very  much,  it  is  well  to  keep  it  off  the  foliage,  but  when 
not  very  strong  it  will  do  no  harm  over  the  foliage  of  common 
things  if  it  be  clear  enough  to  leave  no  deposit.  .  When  clear 
we  have  found  it  good  to  syringe  with,  for  driving  away  green 
fly  and  red  spider.  We  have  found  it  as  effectual  for  killing 
aphides  on  Cabbages,  Cauliflowers,  &c,  as  clear  rather  strong 
lime  water.  But  when  so  used  it  should  be  clear,  so  as  to  leave 
no  mark  behind. 

Our  Cabbageworts  are  now  getting  tolerably  clear  of  the  fly, 
which  threatened  to  clear  everything  before  it.  We  noticed 
a  fine  field  of  Turnips  the  other  day  almost  destroyed  by  the 
fly,  whilst  others  have  suffered  greatly  from  grubs.  It  would 
have  been  true  economy  in  the  case  of  the  first  to  have  used  a 
dozen  or  score  of  barrelsful  of  clear  lime  water,  or  clear,  not 
too  strong,  sewage,  and,  in  the  second  place,  to  have  examined 
the  ground  round  the  Turnips,  as  the  grubs  keep  near  the  sur- 
face in  their  first  stages. 

Brussels  Sprouts  Early.— Onr  earliest  are  just  showing,  but 
not  so  early  as  we  would  wish.  We  have  several  inquiries  like 
that  of  "A  Friend,"  who  says,  "  I  sowed  early,  pricked  out, 
and  then  planted  strong  plants  early,  and  what  with  sewage 
and  other  waterings  they  have  grown  strong  and  tall  with  fine 
broad  heads,  but  the  side  shoots,  the  sprouts,  are  only  showing, 
and  seem  as  if  they  refused  to  swell."  To  gain  the  desired 
object,  the  fine  tops  must  be  stopped.  The  simplest  mode 
would  bo  to  cut  them  off,  but  that  would  entail  a  loss,  as  these 
heads,  after  a  little  frost,  are  even  sweeter,  when  cooked  like 
young  Cabbages,  than  the  little  sprouts.  When  a  severe  frost 
occurs  immediately  after  the  cutting,  and  the  stem  at  all  splits 
at  the  cut  part,  the  stem  is  apt  to  be  injured.  To  prevent  any 
of  these  disadvantages,  and  yet  encourage  the  firm  side  sprouts 
to  swell,  with  a  sharp  knife  take  out  from  the  crown  the  central 
axis  of  growth.  You  will  hardly  notice  that  the  little  central 
point  has  been  withdrawn,  but' it  will  soon  tell  in  throwing 
more  strength  into  the  side-shoot  sprouts  all  up  the  stem.  For 
winter  and  early  spring  use  Brussels  Sprouts  and  Scotch  Kale  will 
yield  the  greatest  and  most  profitable  gatherings,  with,  perhaps, 
the  exception  of  a  fine  old  quarter  of  Cabbage,  each  plant  now 
forming  a  large  stool.  Young  Cabbages  just  hearting  are  now 
exceedingly  sweet  and  tender  after  the  rains. 

Endive. — A  good  portion  of  ours  was  pricked  out  thickly,  so 
that  we  could  water  and  shade  it,  as  we  could  not  have  found 
water  for  it  if  planted  at  regular  distances  in  the  dry  weather. 
A  portion  of  this  we  have  turned  out  with  good  balls,  so  as  not 
to  suffer  from  the  moving,  on  raised  ridges,  one  row  along  the 
centre  and  two  rows  on  each  side.  We  find  that  on  such  ridges 
the  plants  withstand  frost  and  damp  much  better  than  when  on 
the  level,  and  when  well  established,  with  a  little  moisture  at 
first  they  grow  as  freely  and  as  strongly  as  if  they  were  placed 


September  22, 1870.  ]  JOURNAL   OP   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE    GARDENER. 


231 


on  the  level  ground.  The  most  forward  may  be  tied  to  blanch 
them  thoroughly;  but  for  this  purpose  early  in  autumn  nothing 
is  better  than  placing  a  slate  or  tile  over  the  plants,  or  even 
setting  a  pot  firmly  over  them,  and  closing  the  hole  securely 
in  the  reversed  bottom.  Endive  looks  well  in  the  salad  bow!, 
but  for  crispneaB  and  sweetness  we  never  think  it  equal  to 
Lettuce. 

Cucumbers. — The  beds  made,  as  stated  last  spring,  with 
rather  fresh  dung,  with  a  layer  of  sweet  dung  and  leaves  over 
it,  have  jielded  plentifully  all  the  reason,  and  with  little  more 
attention  than  air-giving,  watering,  and  fumigation  with  to- 
bacco paper  twice  or  thrice.  To  make  the  plants  fruit  a  little 
longer  the  front  of  the  bed  outside  the  frame  was  dug  out,  and 
fresh  hot  dung  put  in  as  a  lining,  the  back  of  the  frame  being 
merely  banked  up  to  the  top  of  the  frame.  The  back  may  be 
turned  over  in  a  similar  way  afterwards  if  deemed  necessary. 
A  rough  spout  in  front  of  tho  frame  kept  the  rains  which  run 
down  the  glass  from  passing  into  and  decomposing  the  bed. 

The  plants  turned  out  for  the  first  crop  in  a  hot-water  pit 
have  succeeded  equally  well,  and  are  doing  so  well  now  that  we 
let  them  remain,  though  properly  a  part  should  be  replenished. 
These  have  veiy  little  earth  to  grow  in,  and  that  we  curtailed 
by  planting  them  out  in  largish  pots.  No  pots,  however,  have 
been  seen  for  a  long  time,  as  the  frequent  slight  rich  top-dress- 
ings have  concealed  them  from  view.  The  pots  are  chiefly 
useful  for  seeming  early  produce,  and  even  afterwards  they  do 
something  to  secure  fertility  and  prevent  the  growth  of  large 
parasol-like  leaves — a  matter  of  no  importance,  but  rather  to 
be  desired  in  large  span-roofed  or  even  lean-to- roofed  Cucumber 
houses,  but  to  be  avoided  in  small  lean-to  pits,  where  such 
vigorous  growth  would  occupy  more  room  than  is  desirable. 
We  have  grown  some  rather  large  kinds  this  season,  but  in 
general  they  are  not  profitable  where  the  room  is  narrow.  We 
were  told,  however,  lately  that  a  very  long  kind  which  our 
neighbour  Mr.  Cadger  has  in  his  Cucumber  house,  and  from 
which  fine  crisp  fruit  upwards  of  3  feet  in  length  has  been  cut, 
does  almost  as  well  in  an  unheated  pit  in  summer.  Large 
Cucumbers,  however,  are  turned  from  by  many  people  just 
as  they  turn  away  from  a  large  Melon.  They  will  scarcely 
believe  that  tho  one  is  not  old  and  that  the  other  does  not 
partake  of  the  Gourd.  Those  who  like  Cucumbers  will  do  well 
to  eat  them  when  crisp  and  young.  We  like  them  to  be  not 
more  than  from  three-quarters  to  1  inch  in  diameter. 

We  are  glad  to  say  that  we  have  here  seen  nothing  of  tho 
Cucumber  disease  fur  a  number  of  years.  Some  Cucumber 
growers  have  it  still,  and  cannot  get  rid  of  it.  Very  often 
a  road  or  a  field  will  make  all  the  difference  between  having 
the  disease  and  being  without  it.  As  we  have  frequently 
stated,  we  now  repeat,  that  after  more  lengthened  observation, 
we  are  si  ill  quite  ignorant  of  the  causes  that  brought  the  dis- 
ease to  us  for  years,  and  we  are  quite  as  ignorant  as  to  the 
causes  of  its  leaving  us.  After  trying  all  kinds,  and  having 
seeds  from  all  quarters — after  using  all  kinds  of  compost,  from 
fresh  loam,  fresh  peat,  or  heath  soil,  and  almost  every  con- 
ceivable mixture — it  mattered  not,  the  only  relief  we  found 
was  to  be  almost  constantly  sowing  and  constantly  planting, 
for  frequently  the  plants  would  only  produce  a  few  fruit  before 
the  disease  assailed  them.  All  washings  of  the  house  and  pits 
even  with  boiling  water,  all  washings  of  the  plants,  were 
quite  ineffectual.  It  mattered  not  where  we  grew  them — in 
places  heated  by  hot  water,  in  dung  frames,  in  cold  pits  and 
frames  without  artificial  heat,  in  ridges  under  hand-lights,  in 
the  open  air  without  hand-lights,  trained  against  fences  or 
walls,  and  with  plants  from  seeds  sent  from  healthy  plants 
hundreds  of  miles  apart — the  result  was  the  same.  No  sooner 
did  the  seeming  healthy  plants  begin  to  bear  than  the  spot  in 
the  leaf,  or  gangrene  of  the  fruit  appeared;  then  all  was  over 
with  them,  nothing  would  restore  them  to  health  again. 

During  several  years  that  the  Cucumber  suffered  we  never 
had  Melons  more  healthy.  Several  who  felt  inclined  to  make 
a  joke  over  our  trouble  have  felt  it  was  no  joking  matter  when 
they  themselves  were  involved,  and  felt  their  thorough  help- 
lessness to  get  out  of  the  difficulty.  We  mention  this  more 
prominently,  as  we  understand  there  are  employers  determined 
on  having  plenty  of  healthy  Cucumbers,  however  frequently 
they  should  change  their  gardeners.  They  may  succeed  in  so 
doing.  There  may  be  something  like  fortunate  men  in  gar- 
dening. Singularly  enough  there  are  men  whose  handiwork 
hardly  ever  turns  out  successful.  We  have  little  faith,  how- 
ever, in  a  change  of  management  getting  rid  of  the  Cucumber 
disease.  All  that  we  can  do  is  to  sympathise  with  those  who 
are  the  sufferers.    Wo  feel  quite  unable  to  tell  them  how  to 


conquer  and  get  rid  of  it.  To  us  it  is  a  greater  mystery  than 
the  Potato  disease,  because  it  is  bo  partial,  and  continuous 
for  a  time  in  its  local  manifestations.  We  have  known  cases 
of  neighbours  equally  successful  in  growing  Cucumbers,  and 
whose  practical  routine  was  as  much  as  possible  alike,  and 
yet  the  one  without  altering  in  the  least  his  practice  will 
have  the  disease  for  years,  and  his  neighbour  not  have  a  trace 
of  it ;  whilst  when  the  first  has  got  rid  of  the  disease  without 
knowing  how,  his  neighbour  afterwards  will  have  to  regret  the 
presence  of  the  malady.  Perhaps  when  we  know  more  of 
atomic  vital  organisms  we  may  be  in  a  way  to  find  out  the 
cause  of  the  malady.  At  present  our  observations  and  expe- 
rience point  to  the  conclusion  that  the  best  Cucumber-growers 
in  tho  kingdom  may  get  the  disease  among  their  plants  without 
knowing  how,  and  be  as  powerless  to  free  their  plants  of  it  as 
the  young  amateur  who  grows  a  bed  of  Cucumbers  for  the  first 
time. 

FIU-IT    GARDEN. 

We  have  had  several  inquiries  as  regards  gathering  Pears, 
Just  as  in  the  case  of  Apples,  early  Pears  should  be  gathered 
before  they  are  quite  ripe,  and  later  kinds  when  the  seeds  are 
coloured,  instead  of  being  softish  and  whitish.  We  like  all  to 
be  gathered  before  tbey  are  touched  much  by  frost ;  but  late 
kinds  that  keep  well,  if  gathered  too  soon,  will  be  apt  to  shrivel 
before  becoming  sweet  and  mellow,  though  juicy. 

We  shall  here  advert  to  two  sets  of  inquiries,  How  are  we  to 
make  the  most  of  early  Pears,  and  also  secure  their  best  fla- 
vour ?  The  first  was  alluded  to  last  week,  such  as  gathering 
the  most  forward  of  the  earliest  kinds,  and  even  giving  them 
extra  heat  without  the  chance  of  losing  or  evaporating  their 
juices.  Fine  flavour  is  often  lost  by  laying  early  fruit  on  dirty 
shelves,  on  straw  or  hay  not  thoroughly  sweet,  or  even  on  brown 
paper.  As  the  fruit  ripens  it  absorbs  a  scent  or  aroma  from 
the  surroundings.  Few  plans  are  more  simplo  than  placing 
clean  packing  paper  or  foolscap  on  clean  well-seasoned  boards 
from  which  all  scent  of  the  wood  has  gone.  On  that  paper 
place  the  fruit  singly,  and  cover  it  with  paper  to  prevent  the 
evaporation  of  the  juices,  and  along  with  them  a  portion  of  the 
aroma  of  the  fruit.  Open  shelves  or  platforms  answer  very 
well,  but  £ueh  things  as  shallow  boxes  or  drawers  do  better 
treated  as  above  ;  the  latter  with  just  a  slip  of  an  opening  to 
let  any  moist  air  out.  We  have  known  the  finest  fruit  greatly 
injured  by  being  laid  on  straw  or  hay  not  thoroughly  dry,  and 
not  perfeotly  sweet,  or  liable  to  become  damp  from  the  moisture 
exhaled  from  the  fruit.  Late  fruit  may  be  treated  less  ceremo- 
niously by  being  placed  carefully  in  greater  heaps  instead  of 
being  laid  singly,  though  the  latter  mode  would  be  the  better 
where  room  could  be  given  ;  but  as  the  most  forward  of  these 
approach  maturity  they  will  be  improved  by  being  placed  singly 
some  time  before  using,  and  in  many  cases  will  be  improved 
by  being  kept  a  little  warmer,  but  not  so  much  so  as  to  sacri- 
fice juiciness  and  flavour  to  mellowness. 

The  second  inquiry  has  reference  chiefly  to  a  fertile  source 
of  disappointment  at  country  shows.  "  Junius  "  asks  our  help 
to  unravel  the  mystery.  He  Bays,  "  I  showed  splendid  large 
round  Potatoes,  but  was  beaten  by  kidneys  of  half  the  size; 
large  Cabbages,  but  was  beaten  by  smaller  ones.  I  showed 
large  Pears  of  Williams's  Bon  Chretien  rather  ripe,  Louise 
Bonne,  and  Beune  Bosc,  and  was  beaten  with  small  Bergamots 
not  bigger  than  eggs  ;  and  in  the  same  way  my  Cellini  and  fine 
Alexander  Apples  were  beaten  by  small  Kerry  Pippins,  and 
huge  fruit  of  Victoria  and  Washington  Plums  were  walked  over 
by  Green  Gages  anything  but  remarkable."  The  suitable  reply 
is  that  most  judges  without  specific  directions  award  according 
to  quality  rather  than  bulk  and  quantity.  We  saw  a  man  very 
wroth  because  huge  round  Potatoes  with  eyes  nearly  an  inch 
deep,  and  therefore  involving  great  loss  if  judged  necessary  to 
pare  them,  passed  over,  and  the  preference  given  to  fine  Mona 
Kidneys  scarcely  showing  in  their  outline  where  an  eye  was 
placed'.  The  remedy  in  such  cases  is  to  show  in  classes,  such 
as  round  and  kidney,  white,  and  red,  and  other  colours.  The 
second  remedy  as  to  fruit  is  also  to  show  in  classes,  such  as  for 
dessert,  cooking,  and  even  weight.  For  dessert  nothing  will 
beat  Green  Gage  Plums  if  good,  except  fruit  equally  well  ripened 
of  Coe's  Golden  Drop.  Fine  specimens  of  such  a  dark  rich 
Plum  as  Kirke's  would  run  hard  a  dish  of  Green  Gages  if  fault 
could  be  found  with  them.  For  table  the  Victoria  and  Wash- 
ington would  have  no  chance  with  them.  Again,  as  to  Pears, 
few  kinds  take  so  many  prizes  in  autumn  as  the  Bon  Chretien, 
but  we  have  often  seen  it.  when  over-mellow  ond  mealy,  beaten 
by  small  fruit  of  the  rich  Bergamot  just  when  in  its  prime,  and 
both  beaten  by  the  Louise  Bonne  of  Jersey  when  at  its  best. 


232 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  September  22,  1870. 


The  Cellini  and  Alexander  Apples  have  no  chance  with  the 
Kerry  Pippin  for  the  table,  just  as  the  little  rich  Apple  would 
have  no  chance  with  them  for  the  kitchen,  and  neither  of  them 
would  have  any  chance  with  other  Apples  when  size  and  weight 
were  to  be  the  criterions.  Making  classes  is  the  only  way  out 
of  the  difficulty.  "Without  it  neither  judges  nor  exhibitors  will 
be  satisfied.  For  instance,  if  amateurs  were  competing  in 
Plums,  we  would  give  the  preference  to  good  Green  Gages. 
Were  cottagers  competing  we  would  have  a  hankering  to  give  a 
preference  to  large  Victorias  or  Washingtons.  In  this  case, 
too,  we  should  look  on  a  huge  Cabbage,  firm  and  without  cracks, 
in  a  different  light  from  what  we  should  look  on  a  Cabbage 
destined  for  a  gentleman's  tablo.  Size  and  weight  should  by 
no  means  be  overlooked  in  the  productions  of  cottage  gardens, 
as  what  will  fill  the  pot  is  of  primary  importance. 

The  wind  of  the  11th  Bhook  many  fruit  from  all  high  orchard 
trees  in  this  district,  but  it  did  comparatively  little  harm  in 
the  case  of  our  bush  and  low  pyramidal  trees.  When  much 
planting  of  fruit  trees  is  contemplated,  and  time  and  space  are 
at  liberty,  it  would  be  well  to  prepare  for  planting  by  trenching, 
station-making,  &c.  We  have  in  unpropitious  circumstances 
great  faith  in  station-making,  planting  shallow,  and  yearly 
mulchiug,  as  securing  fertility  without  much  or  any  root-prun- 
ing. The  sooner  now  that  all  weakly  Becond  growth  is  re- 
moved from  fruit  trees,  the  more  will  the  sun  and  air  have  a 
chance  to  perfect  the  buds. 

ORNAMENTAL   DEPARTMENT. 

The  lawns  are  now  lovely,  perhaps  all  the  more  so  when  con- 
trasted with  the  previous  brownness  ;  and  notwithstanding  the 
rains  and  the  next  to  hurricanes  of  wind  the  flowers  are  still 
passable,  though  far  from  being  what  they  were  a  fortnight  ago. 

We  shall  conclude  our  gossipings  this  week  by  alluding  to 
two  kinds  of  flowers  which  we  can  recommend  as  most  useful 
to  all  those  who  from  choice  or  necessity  are  obliged  to  supply 
a  great  quantity  of  cut  flowers.  Our  own  opinion  is  that 
cutting  nice  flowers  to  be  put  in  vessels  of  all  sizes  and  shapes, 
in  all  parts  of  rooms,  to  be  thrown  out  in  a  couple  of  days,  is 
not  only  carried  a  great  deal  too  far,  but  that  it  is  acting,  and 
will  continue  yet  more  to  act,  most  prejudicially  on  the  health 
of  the  residents.  Even  a  good  and  cheerful  effect  from 
moderation  may  easily  be  carried  too  far.  But  on  this  we 
shall  not  dwell  at  present,  but  where  such  flowerB  must  be 
had  in  abundance,  we  would  reoommend  the  varieties  of  Phlox 
Drummondi  and  Salpiglossis.  We  think  we  had  about  a  dozen 
varieties  of  each.  We  sowed  them  under  glass  in  the  middle 
of  March,  pricked  the  plants  out  in  a  bed  under  a  little  pro- 
tection, then  lifted  them  with  little  balls  at  the  end  of  May, 
and  planted  them  out.  On  an  average  the  flowers  of  these 
will  stand  in  damp  sand  four  times  as  long  as  scarlet  Gera- 
niums.—R.  F. 

TO    CORRESPONDENTS. 

N.B. — Many   questions   must   remain    unanswered    until    next 
week. 

Books  (E.  S.  S.).— "The  Fern  Manual."  It  is  published  at  our  office, 
price  5s.,  free  by  post  5s.  Ad.  (H.  F.).— "  Fruit-Growing  for  the  Many," 
can  be  had  free  by  post  from  our  office  if  you  enclose  five  postage  stamps 
with  your  address.  It  contains  directions  for  Melon  culture.  (J.  B.), — 
There  is  a  volume  called  "  The  Language  of  Flowers."  You  could  obtain 
it  through  any  bookseller. 

Kew  Gardens  (C.  J.  P.).— No  preliminary  examination  is  required  of  a 
young  gardener  before  he  can  be  employed  in  the  gardens.  If  you  write 
to  Mr.  Smith,  the  Curator,  he  will  give  you  any  information  you  need. 

Dwarf  Ageratum  (E.  R.).~ We  do  not  know  the  variety.  Send  a  spe- 
cimen to  Mr.  Chater,  enclosing  a  stamped  directed  envelope,  and  ask  him 
if  it  be  true  to  name. 

Phlox  Drummondi  Culture  (E.  T.  S.).~ The  cause  of  your  Phlox 
Drummondi  not  flowering  well  is  its  being  under  a  south  wall,  where  it 
would  be  parched  with  heat  and  drought.  Had  you  given  it  an  open 
situation  and  rich  light  soil,  it  would  have  bloomed  well,  if  watered  in  dry 
weather.  It  is  merely  necessary  to  sow  the  seed  in  a  hotbed  in  March, 
prick  off  the  young  plants  when  large  enough  to  handle,  placing  them 
about  an  inch  apart,  and  to  plant  them  out  at  the  end  of  May  in  rich 
light  soil  man  open  situation.  Phlox  Drummondi  Heynholdi,  scarlet; 
Radowitzi,  striped;  Oculata  alba,  white  and  crimson;  are  three  good 
varieties,  but  all  are  very  good.  Mr.  Chapman's  cases  may  be  seen  at 
some  of  the  principal  London  seedsmen's  shops. 

Hardiness  of  Echeverias  and  Sempervivum  californicum  (Nemo). 
•—The  first  two  require  to  be  taken  up,  potted,  and  wintered  on  a  dry  shelf 
in  the  greenhouse.  They  will  need  but  little  water.  Sempervivum  cali- 
fornicum is  quite  hardy,  except  when  it  has  been  grown  in  very  rich  soil, 
and  then,  from  being  very  succulent,  it  is  liable  to  be  injured  by  frost. 
To  winter  it  well,  the  soil  should  be  light  and  properly  drained.  Take  up 
&  few  plants,  or  all,  and  winter  them  on  a  dry  shelf  along  with  the 
Echeverias. 

Spina  Pear.— "  Z."  wishes  to  know  the  name  of  the  Pear  met  with 
from  the  1st  of  January  to  the  end  of  March  all  along  the  south  of 
France  and  in  Italy.    He  was  told,  doubtfully,  it  is  called  "  Spina." 


Chrysanthemum  Louise  Honoraty  (Centurion).— Your  seedling  plants' 
about  5  inches  high  we  would  prick  out  now  in  a  sheltered  situation  at 
about  G  inches  apart,  and  leave  them  for  the  winter,  cutting  off  the  tops  in 
f-pring.  Early  in  summer  place  the  plants  in  Bmall  pots,  and  shift  into 
larger  as  required,  giving  the  final  shift  by  July.  It  is  a  hardy  perennial 
Pompon  variety.    We  do  not  think  your  plants  will  flower  this  autumn. 

Miss  Ingram  Rose  (Idem). — It  is  in  every  sense  a  Hybrid  Perpetual, 
as  much  so  as  any  other,  but  like  some  others  of  that  class,  is  not  a  free 
autumn-flowering  kind,  though  a  beautiful  Rose.  Of  the  two  Strawberries 
you  name,  there  is  none  better  than  Dr.  Hogg  for  a  light  sandy  soil,  but 
it  needs  good  top-dressings  and  copious  waterings. 

Pruning  Rose  Boula  de  Nanteuil  (William  Tyrer).—We  have  no 
difficulty  in  getting  this  Rose  to  flower,  and  we  cut  iu  the  strong  shoots 
to  sis,  the  moderately  strong  to  three,  the  rest  to  two  eyes,  except  the 
very  weak  shoots,  which  we  cut  clean  out.  We  do  not  know  of  any  mode 
of  keeping  Tomatoes  after  they  are  ripe. 

Mildew  on  Roses  (Q.  Q). — When  mildew  occurs  on  a  few  plants,  try 
vinegar  and  a  sponge.  1  cured  my  pot  plants  with  it.  It  entirely  re- 
moved it.  When  mildew  occurs  over  the  whole  of  a  large  rosery,  the  cure 
becomes  hopeless.  Try  in  this  case  2ozs.  of  blue  vitriol  dissolved  in  hot 
water,  and  added  to  three  gallons  of  cold  water;  pour  this  with  a  rose 
over  the  leaves.  Sulphur  blackens  the  foliage,  and  stops  up  the  pores  or 
stomata  of  the  leaves,  causing  for  a  time  the  same  mischief  as  the  mildew. 
Your  attack  is  owing  not  to  the  mill  dam,  but  to  the  situation  and  aspect, 
which,  in  such  weather  as  we  have  had,  are  favourable  to  mildew.  I  have 
a  little  here.  I  cut  off  occasionally  a  twig,  and  destroy  it,  but  when  it 
occurs  simultaneously  over  a  large  rosery,  it  is  a  hopeless  case.  You 
musi  carefully  wash  out  your  watering-pot  after  using  the  vitriol.— W.  F. 
Radclyffe. 

Roses  in  Pots  Weakly  (Thomas)  —Your  very  small  Roses  in  very 
large  pots  we  would  at  once  shake  out  and  repot  in  a  compost  of  two- 
thirds  fibrous  loam,  and  one-third  old  cow  dung  or  well-decomposed 
manure,  with  a  free  admixture  of  sharp  sand,  draining  the  pots  well,  and 
using  a  pot  large  enough  to  hold  the  roots,  but  not  a  large  pot.  Water 
the  plants  and  place  tbem  on  coal  ashes  in  the  cold  frame.  Admit  air  in 
mild  weather,  protect  from  heavy  rains,  and  cover  the  lights  with  mats 
in  very  severe  weather.  Prune  the  plants  rather  closely  when  the  buds 
begin  to  swell. 

Season  of  Endive,  Rhubarb,  Radishes,  and  Lettuce  (Idem).— 
Endive  is  in  season  from  September  to  April,  and  may  be  had  from 
August;  Rhubarb  from  November  to  July;  Radishes  from  March  to 
November;  and  Lettuce  from  March  to  November.  You  will  need  means 
for  forcing  the  Rhubarb  so  as  to  have  it  in  winter,  and  for  bl (inching  and 
keeping  the  Endive  from  frost,  but  for  particulars  consult  "  Kitchen- 
Gardening  for  the  Many,"  price  Ad.,  or  free  by  post  for  five  stamps. 

Gathering  Grapes  (An  Amateur). — As  you  do  not  require  the  Grapes 
after  Christmas,  you  may  leave  them  on  the  Vino.  If  your  house  is  dry 
they  wil1  keep  very  well ;  hut  if  it  is  filled  with  plants  they  will  cause  damp- 
ness, which  will  endanger  the  keeping  of  the  Grapes.  Iu  the  latter  case 
we  would  advise  you  to  cut  the  Grapes  when  they  are  fully  ripe,  retaining 
along  with  each  bunch  a  portion  of  branch— say  from  4  to  6  inches  long 
insert  it  in  a  narrow-necked  bottle  filled  with  water,  and  enough  powdered 
charcoal  to  cover  the  bottom  about  half  an  inch  deep.  The  bottle  should 
incline  to  one  side,  so  that  no  part  of  the  bunch  may  be  pre;sed  against 
the  bottle.  The  Grapes  may  be  kept  in  any  cool,  dry  room,  where  they 
should  be  looked  over  occasionally  in  order  to  take  out  any  decayed 
berries,  and  to  replenish  the  water  when  from  evaporation  it  falls  to  a  level 
with  the  end  of  the  branch.  By  this  means  you  can  cut  the  fruit,  and 
employ  the  house  for  plants,  pruning  the  Vines  at  the  proper  season. 
— G.  A. 

Camellia  Buds  Thinning  (Idem).— The  shoots  terminating  with  three 
or  four  buds  should  have  the  latter  thinned  to  two  each,  and  if  the  plants 
are  weak  one  bud  to  each  shoot  is  sufficient.  The  earlier  this  is  done  the 
better. 

Forcing  Lily  of  the  Valley  (Centurion).— The  plants  should  be  taken 
up  and  potted,  selecting  those  with  round  plump  crowns.  If  small  and 
long,  wiih  sharp  points,  they  will  give  little  beyond  leaves.  You  may 
take  them  up  from  now  to  March  as  required.  They  will  flower  at  Christ- 
mas if  potted  at  the  end  of  October  and  introduced  Into  a  house  with  a 
temperature  of  from  40°  to  45°  for  three  weeks,  and  then  increased  or 
moved  to  another  with  a  temperature  of  from  45°  to  50°.  Six-inch  pots 
answer  very  well,  but  we  use  pans  a  foot  across,  and  put  in  as  many  roots 
as  we  can.  If  they  are  an  inch  apart  they  are  not  too  close.  Over  the 
pots,  when  placed  in  the  house,  invert  another  pot  of  equal  size,  and  keep 
it  there  until  the  flower-stem  is  3  inches  long,  then  remove  it.  Any  kind 
of  light  rich  soil  will  answer  very  well. 

Apples  (Idem). — The  Apples  you  name  are  in  season  during  the  months 
©f  November,  December,  and  January.  Reinette  Royale  is  distinct  from 
Reinette  du  Canada.  You  would  find  complete  answers  to  such  queries 
in  the  "  Fruit  Manual." 

Growing  Zonal  Geraniums  in  Large  Pots  (M.  A.  if.).— You  will,  of 
course,  take  them  in  doors  before  frost,  and  in  winter  give  them  only 
water  enough  to  keep  the  leaves  from  flagging,  and  if  the  old  leaves  fall 
off  no  matter.  In  March,  or  when  the  plants  b  gio  to  grow,  cut  them  in, 
leaving  enough  wood  for  furnishing  fresh  shoots,  and  do  not  water  much 
until  tht-y  have  beguu  to  grow.  When  they  hav»  shoots  an  inch  or  two 
long  repot  the  plants,  removing  most  of  the  old  soil.  If  you  can  get 
them  into  a  size  of  pot  smaller  than  that  in  which  they  were  grown  do 
so.  Keep  them  moist,  but  do  not  water  very  much  until  the  roots  are 
spreading  freely  in  the  fresh  soil,  as  you  will  know  by  the  growth  of  the 
plants,  then  water  them  more  freely.  In  May  transfer  them  to  their  full- 
sized  pot.  It  will  be  necessary  to  tie  down,  stop,  and  otherwise  regulate 
the  shoots  so  as  to  form  compact  plants.  A  compost  of  equal  parts  of 
turfy  loam  and  old  hotbed  manure,  or  leaf  soil,  with  a  free  admixture  of 
sharp  sand,  will  grow  them  well.  Good  drainage  is  necessary.  If  your 
plants  are  bare  of  shoots  near  the  base,  young  plants  would  be  better, 
but  they  will  not  flower  so  finely  nor  be  so  large  as  the  older  plants.  Try 
them  again. 

Fruit  Trees,  Strawberries,  and  Roses  for  a  Garden  near  thb 
Sea  (M.  Q.). — In  a  position  not  far  from  the  sea,  and  fully  exposed,  w« 
have  succeeding  on  walla— Pears  :  Albertine,  Marie  Louise,  Beurre  Diel, 
Beurre  de  Ranee,  Passe  Colmar,  Van  Mons  Leon  le  Clero,  Knight's 
Monarch,  Flemish  Beauty,  Glou  Morceaa,  Bergamotte  d'Esperen,  BritUn 


September  22,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


Queen,  Winter  Nells.  Flume:  Green  Gage,  Kirke's,  Jefferson,  Coe'a 
Golden  Drop ;  and  for  kitchen,  Pond's  Seedling,  Victoria,  and  Prince  or 
Wales  ;  if  a  white  Plam  is  wanted,  White  Magnum  Bonum.  Cherries  : 
May  Bake,  Black  Tartarian,  Bigarreaa  Napoleon,  and  Late  Duke  Apples  : 
Adams'  Pearniain,  Bed  Ingestrie,  Golden  Pippin,  Cellini,  Cox's  Orange 
Pippin,  King  of  the  Pippins,  Scarlet  Nonpareil,  Sykehouse  Russet,  and 
Kerry  Pippin.  Strawberries :  Black  Prince,  Sir  Joseph  Paxton,  Keens' 
Seedling,  Dr.  Hogg,  Sir  Charles  Napier,  Frogmore  Late  Pine,  and  Mr. 
Radclyffe.  Standard  Eases :  Alfred  Colomb,  Anna  de  Diesbach,  Baronne 
Prevost,  Caroline  do  Sansal,  Charles  Lefebvre,  Comte  de  Nanteuil,  Due 
de  Rohan,  Eugenie  Verdier,  Jean  Bart,  John  Hopper,  Jules  Margottin, 
King's  Acre,  Lord  Clyde,  Louise  Peyronny,  Madame  Charles  Wood,  Mare- 
chal  Vaillant,  Prince  Leon,  Senateur  Vaisse,  Victor  Verdier,  Souvenir  de 
Leveson  Gower,  and  William  Griffiths,  all  H  ybrid  Perpetuals.  For  walls  : 
Gloire  de  Dijon,  Climbing  Devoniensis,  Marechal  Niel,  Tea-scented  ;  and 
of  Noisettes  :  Jaune  Desprez,  Lamarque,  Solfaterre,  and  Cloth  of  Gold. 
These  require  walls  with  aspects  between  south-east  and  south-west. 
For  other  walls  and  trellises  :  Alice  Gray,  Dundee  Rambler,  both  Ayr- 
shire Roses  ;  Myrianthes,  Rampant  (Evergreen) ;  Madame  d'Arblay,  and 
Rivers's  Queen  (Hybrid  Climbing).  In  your  light  6oil  it  will  bo  necessary 
to  manure  well. 

Wintering  Plants  is  a  Cold  Vineet  (Merlin). — To  winter  bedding 
plants  safely  you  ought  to  have  a  stove  or  other  means  of  keeping  out 
frost.  Though  you  will  need  artificial  heat,  it  need  not  be  so  gr«at  as  to 
cause  the  Vines  to  start  into  growth.  A  temperature  of  40°  from  fire  heat 
will  not  injure  the  VineB,  and  will  insure  the  safety  of  every  kind  of 
bedding  plant.  Could  you  not  have  the  house  heated  by  hot-water  pipes  ? 
A  small  Baddle  boiler  with  a  stokehole  outside  would  be  better  than  a  stove 
inside  the  house.  There  is  no  possibility  of  keeping  bedding  plants  in  a 
vinery  unless  frost  can  be  excluded.  Heat  is  requisite  in  dull  damp 
weather  for  expelling  damp,  and  would  be  useful  for  the  Vines  in  a  cold 
wet  season.  The  Vines  may  be  pruned  at  the  beginning  of  December,  or 
when  the  leaves  have  fallen.  Pruning  ought  not  to  be  deferred  beyond 
the  middlo  of  December.  The  Vine  border  woull  be  better  if  covered, 
but  many  borders  are  not  covered,  yet  good  Grapes  are  produced. 
It  would  be  well  to  find  another  place  for  the  annuals  and  to  cover  the 
border,  but,  instead  of  tarpaulin,  for  a  cool  vinery  a  top-dressing  of  rich 
compost  and  half-inch  boues  may  be  employed  ;  but  the  annuals  will 
keep  the  sun  and  air  from  the  border,  besides  depriving  the  Vines  of 
support. 

Fruit  Trees  not  Bearing  (Idem).— You  will  best  restore  your  trees 
to  fertility  by  taking  them  up  this  autumn  as  soon  as  the  leaves  fall, 
lifting  each  carefully  aud  with  a  good  ball,  nud  replanting  it  once.  The 
standards,  which  we  presume  are  orchard  treeB,  we  would  not  lift,  but 
merely  thin  out  the  shoots  if  too  numerous,  or,  if  not  sufficient  to  form  a 
good  head,  shorten  the  long  vigorous  shoots  half  their  length.  Why  give 
the  trees  liquid  manure  wben  their  growth  is  rank?  With  lifting  in 
autumn  you  ought  to  check  the  vigour  of  the  trees,  and  so  induce  fruit- 
fulness.  As  regards  the  wall  trees,  we  would  take  out  the  trench  about 
2  feet  from  the  Btem,  cut  off  all  roots  there,  and  any  roots  that  strike 
perpendicularly  downwards  between  the  trench  and  the  stem,  working 
under  the  roots.  Then  fill  up  the  trench  and  mulch  the  ground,  also  that 
ronnd  the  bushes,  with  2  or  8  inches  thick  of  short  littery  manure.  Keep 
all  shoots  well  pincbed-in  in  summer,  except  those  required  for  exteosum. 
The  Apple  trees  are  infested  with  American  blight.  Syringn  the  trees 
well  with  a  solution  of  2  ozs.  of  soft  soap  to  a  gallon  of  water,  directing  it 
against  the  parts  infested  with  the  insects.  You  may  obtain  self-register- 
ing thermometers  of  most  nurserymen,  or  of  any  optician.  The  cause 
of  plants  of  GeraniumB  and  Fuchsias  losing  their  JeaveB  when  taken  into 
rooms  is  the  want  of  sunlight ;  their  retaining  freshness  longer  when 
taken  from  the  open  ground  may  be  a  result  of  their  greater  hardiness. 

Vine  Planting  (Reader).— We  see  no  objection  whatever  to  your 
planting  your  Vines  in  the  autumn  instead  of  the  spring  or  summer,  and 
juBt  because  the  ground  would  be  warmer  we  would  prefer  planting  in 
September  rather  than  in  October.  Ab  they  are  to  be  planted  inside  pro- 
tection is  less  necessary,  but  even  then  the  longer  the  soil  is  kept  warm 
the  more  will  roots  be  made  after  planting.  If  the  roots  were  out  of  doors 
we  would  cover  with  litter  deep  enough  to  keep  out  frost,  cold  rain,  and 
snow.  We  have  planted  Vines  that  grew  freely  in  June  and  July.  In 
these  summer  months,  if  there  is  much  spreading-out  of  roots,  there  is 
apt  to  be  a  check  if  nut  guarded  against. 

Black  Muscat  Grapes  (TV.  M.). — Our  experience  of  Mrs.  Pince's 
Black  Muscat  Grape  is  very  much  in  accordance  with  your  own,  and  we 
regret  to  say  it  is  almost  universally  so.  The  bunches,  as  you  observe, 
do  not  set  regularly,  neither  do  they  colour  very  freely.  Both  th« 
bunches  and  the  berries  are  large,  and  the  latter  of  excellent  quality  ;  it 
is  of  considerable  merit  as  a  late-keeping  variety.  It  iB  one,  however, 
which,  in  our  opinion,  has  been  far  too  much  lauded,  and  altogether  un- 
worthy of  extended  cultivation.  lu  marked  distinction  to  ihis  we  have 
Madresfield  Court  Black  Muscat,  which  iB  in  all  respects  excellent,  aod 
we  have  seen  it  in  many  places  this  season.  It  is  possessed  of  all  the 
qualifications  of  a  good  late  Muscat  black  Grape,  splendid  constitution, 
free  fruiting,  large  ouncheB  and  large  berries,  tine  jet  black  colour,  and 
good  Muscat  flavour— truly  a  meet  black  companion  for  the  white  Muscat 
of  Alexandria.  We  strongly  recommend  this  Grape.  Muscat  Champion 
is  a  very  fine,  large  grizzly  Grape,  with  a  Muscat  flavour.  When  well 
grown  and  ripened  it  is  excellent,  but,  like  the  Canon  Hall  Muscat,  it  is 
Somewhat  difficult  to  secure  it  in  this  condition. — A. 

Vines  (W.  G.  G.  C.).— Mrs.  Pince's  Black  Muscat  is  not  suited  for  a  cool 
vinery.  Muscat  Hamburgh  grafted  on  the  Black  Hamburgh  succeeds 
only  moderately  well  in  a  cool  house.  All  Grapes  having  the  Muscat 
flavour  require  heat  to  bring  forth  the  musky  taBte  fully.  The  Frontignan 
class  (the  Fetites  Muscats  of  the  French),  require  the  least  Mrs.  Pince 
is  a  good-keeping  late  Grape,  but  we  much  prefer  the  Madresfield  Court 
Black  Muscat.  Your  selection  of  Peaches  is  very  good.  For  the  Necta- 
rines, however,  we  should  prefer  Elruge  and  Balgowan  as  two  of  the  bet 
and  most  constant  varieties  grown.  The  fruit  on  Black  Hamburgh  Vines 
as  they  are  commonly  met  with  varies  considerably  according  to  culti- 
vation. The  variety  called  Frao kenthal  has  large  roundish  oval  berries, 
hammered,  the  bunch  well  shouldered  and  compact.  The  true  Black 
Hamburgh  h  is  smaller  berries,  more  oval,  smooth,  with  a  more  loose  aud 
straggling  bunch.  We  should  say  you  distinguish  them  properly.  The 
third  variety  is  the  DmVh ;  berries  very  large,  rouud,  and  hammered, 
very  coarse  in  quality,  but  beautiful  in  appearance.  We  should  say  this 
is  the  one  you  have.    The  Champion  or  Millhill  has  very  large,  round, 


smooth  berries,  which  scarcely  ever  become  quite  black,  and  have  a  very 
tender  skin  and  fine  flavour.    It  la  of  delicate  constitution. 

Select  Apples  and  Pears  (A  Poor  Lady).— The  following  may  suit 
you.  Autumn  Apples.— Cox's  Orange  Pippin,  Kerry  Pippin,  ani  Summer 
Whorle.  Pears.— Williams's  Bon  Chretien,  Beurre  d'Amanlis,  and  Jersey 
Gratioli.  Apples  for  April  and  May.— Scarlet  Nonpareil,  Golden  Reinette. 
Braddick's  Nonpareil.  Pears.—- Ne  Iplus  Meuris,  Zephirin  Gregoire,  Jo- 
sephine de  Malines. 

Hardiness  of  Cinebaria  maritiha  (B.  G.).— It  is  quite  hardy  on  all 
but  very  heavy  wet  soils,  and  in  very  exposed  situations.  We  find  it  does 
best  when  the  old  tops  are  left,  as  they  to  some  extent  protect  the  crowns 
from  the  severity  of  tbe  winter,  and  to  make  all  pate  we  generally  mulch 
round  tbe  plaots  with  partially  decayed  leaf  soil.  The  tops  are  cut  off  in 
winter  by  the  frost,  so  that  tbe  plant  is  not  one  to  be  recommended  for 
spring  gardening,  or  not  until  late.  It  is  best  in  summer.  The  dead  tops 
should  be  cut  off  in  spring. 

Echeveria  secunda  glauca  (Idem). — It  is  not  hardy,  nor  will  any  of 
the  Echeverias  stand  the  winter.  Sedum,  or  Semporvivum  califomicum, 
however,  is  quite  hardy  in  dry  soils  and  favourable  situations.  It  is  a 
fine  plant  for  edgings. 

Naming  Apples  and  Pears  (Idem).— If  you  send  them  to  us  carriage 
paid,  and  each  kind  numbered,  we  will  endeavour  to  uanie  them  for  you. 
Half  a  dozen  will  be  enough  to  send. 

Hoya  carnosa  Fruiting  ( Charles  Walters).— It  iB  rather  unusual  for  this 
plant  to  have  pods,  but  thsre  have  been  several  instances  this  year  of  its 
fruiting;  indeed,  such  are  becoming  general.  The  cause  of  its  doing 
so  is,  undoubtedly,  the  bright  weather  we  have  had. 

Asparagi  s  Management  (Glaucous). — Your  three-year-old  plants  p' anted 
laBt  autumn  could  not  be  expected  to  give  you  any  beads  fit  for  catting 
last  spring,  and  we  think  they  will  not  do  much  for  you  next  year, 
though  you  may  cut  all  the  heads  that  are  of  a  size  fit  for  cutting,  and 
let  the  small  grow;  but  we  would  advise  you  to  be  satisfied  wiih  a  little 
next  season  ;  the  produce  will  be  all  tbe  better  in  succeeding  years. 
Leave  tbe  "grasB"  until  it  become  quite  yellow,  and  cut  it  off  early  in 
November.  Clear  the  bed  of  weeds,  give  a  top-dressing  of  manure  2  or 
3  inches  thick,  and  cover  about  half  as  murh  with  soil  from  the  alleys. 
If  the  manure  be  only  partially  decayed  it  will  do.  In  March  remove  the 
Ioobo  portion  of  the  manure,  or  point  the  beds  over  with  a  fork,  not  going 
so  deep  as  to  interfere  with  the  crowns,  and  rake  the  beds,  drawing  the 
rough  soil  into  the  alloys.  At  the  end  of  March  sprinkle  the  beds  with 
salt,  and  again  in  May,  in  the  same  way  as  you  would  for  destroying 
weeds  on  walks;  and  from  July  to  the  middle  of  September  you  cannot 
water  too  freely  nor  too  often  with  liquid  manure.  In  the  following 
spring  you  ought  to  have  a  plontif  ul  supply  of  heads. 

Tous-leb-mois  (Indians). — We  cannot  tell  you  where  you  can  obtain 
the  seeds  of  the  plant  from  whence  this  flour  is  obtained,  but  probably 
through  some  West  India  merchant.  Dr.  Hogg,  in  his  "  Vegetable  King- 
dom," says,  "  The  article  known  as  Tous-les-mois  is  obtained  from  the 
roothtocks  of  some  species  of  Canna,  by  some  supposed  to  be  C.  coccinea, 
and  by  others  C.  achiras.  The  substance  is  prepared  in  the  island  of  St. 
Kitts,  and  it  is  said  that  its  manufacture  is  attended  with  a  great  deal  of 
difficulty  ;  it  is  highly  nutritious,  and  is  an  excellent  food  for  infants." 

Caterpillars  on  Geranium  and  Stachys  lanata  Leavfs  (E.  M.  T.). 
—There  is  no  better  plan  than  to  boil  fresh  Elder  leaves  in  as  much  water 
as  will  just  cover  them  until  it  is  quite  black,  then  strain,  and  water  the 
plants  overhead  when  quite  dry  through  a  fi  no-rosed  watering-pot,  giving 
a  good  wetting.  Dusting  with  white  hellebore  powder  will  serve  the 
same  purpose.    Handpicking  is  an  excellent  remedy. 

Variegated  Geranium  Leaves  (Kittie). — We  do  not  undertake  to 
name  florists'  flowers,  and  it  is  extremely  difficult  to  identify  tbe  varie- 
gated varieties  by  their  leaves  ;  but  we  think  yours  are— 1,  Silver  Nose- 
gay ;  2,  Flower  of  Spring;  and  8,  Flower  of  the  Day. 

Pyrus  japonica  (S.  T.  H.).— We  do  not  know  of  any  economical  use  to 
which  the  harsh  and  gritty  fruit  of  this  Quince  can  be  put. 

Flower  Garden  Arrangement  (Rush).— We  like  the  arrangement 
very  much,  and  are  pleased  you  have  the  boldness  to  make  the  four  beds 
round  the  ceDtre  similar,  as  we  believe  attempting  more  variety  would 
not  be  so  effective.  As  you  ask  particularly  about  5  and  6,  we  should  be 
inclined  to  reverse  them,  as  the  four  2  beds  have  Golden  Chain  round 
them  ;  we  would  therefore  plant  6,  5,  with  Madame  Rudorsdorff,  and  edge 
with  Oxalis  corniculata  rubra;  then  we  would  edge  6,  tf,  with  Cerastium, 
and  fill  with  Mrs.  Pollock,  dotted  all  over  with  Lobelia. 

Seedling  Plum  (W.  Miles).— Your  seedling  Plum,  although  good,  is  so 
similar  to  others  already  in  cultivation,  that  we  can  see  little  use  in  intro- 
ducing it.  It  is  inferior  to  the  variety  called  Poupart's,  which  it  some- 
what resembles. 

Bergamotte  d'Esperen  Pears  (Lang).— Let  them  hang  on  the  treea 
as  long  as  they  will,  &ay  till  tbe  middle  of  next  month.  When  they  come 
off  freely  is  the  time  to  gather. 

Rose  Buds  {Idem).— It  is  somewhat  late  now  for  budding;  you  may» 
however,  try.    They  might  do  on  the  Manetti  stock. 

Sifted  Lime  Rubbish  for  a  Lawn  (H.  S.  IF.).— For  a  lawn  lialla  to 
get  scorched  in  summer  lime  rubbish  would  be  the  worst  possible  appli- 
cation. We  should  give  a  top-dressing  of  rotten  manure  next  March,  rake 
the  lawn  well  in  April,  and  sow  over  it  Trifolium  minus  at  the  rate  of 
12  lbs.  per  acre.  It  is  not  so  liable  to  brown  as  grass  is  in  summer,  be- 
sides it  is  always  of  a  bright  deep  green.  Its  drawback  is  its  numerous 
small  white  heads  of  bloom,  but  run  over  with  the  mowing  machine  once 
a-week  all  is  kept  neat. 

Applying  Liquid  Manure  (A  Constant  Header). — Manure  water  to  be 
of  any  benefit  should  be  given  when  the  plants  are  growing,  or  during 
summer.  It  may  be  given  from  the  commencement  of  growth  up  to  its 
completion,  but  will  not  be  needed  in  wet  weather. 

Placing  Flints  around  the  Stems  of  Shuubs  (Idem),— The  practice 
was  recommended  by  Loudon  partly  to  keep  the  ground  near  the  stem 
from  being  disturbed,  and  to  prevent  weedB  growing,  and  to  afford  warmth  ; 
but  as  the  flints  can  do  no  good  in  any  of  those  ways  in  protected  or 
enclosed  grounds,  we  think  it  a  needless  proceeding. 

East  Lothian  Stocks  after  Flowering  iQ.  Q.i.— The  plants  will  not 
be  of  use  for  next  Year's  flowering,  but  if  you  wish  for  seed  you  may  pot 
them,  and  winter  them  in  a  cold  frame.    That  is  the  only  purpose  for 


234 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE   AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  September  22,  1870. 


which  they  are  fit.    They  will  not  live  out  of  doors  except  in  a  warm  dry 
soil  and  situation. 

Asparagus  Planting  (Idem). — You  may  in  October  p'ant  in  the  per- 
manent bed,  and  after  planting  cover  with  the  top-dressing  of  manure  as 
for  established  plants.  It  would  be  better  if  you  could  defer  the  planting 
until  spring. 

Sowing  Grass  Seeds  (N.  C.  H.). — The  seeds  sown  last  week  will  not 
suffer  from  frost,  and  as  for  the  covering  with  stable  litter  as  soon  as  the 
grass  shows,  it  would  do  more  harm  than  good ;  but  were  it  put  onthioly 
before  very  severe  weather  sets  in  it  would  prevent  the  soil  lifting,  and 
so  be  a  great  protection  to  the  Grasses  and  Clover. 

Sowing  Trifolium  incarnatdm  and  Italian  Rye  Grass  (Idem).— 
We  have  known  them  succeed  well  from  sowing  in  the  first  week  in 
October,  but  the  season  was  mild.  That  we  consider  is  as  late  as  they 
should  be  sown,  and  wq  would  if  possible  sow  in  September.  The  earlier 
the  better  for  early  spring  cutting. 

Drying  Flowers  (W.  Y.).— Everlasting  flowers  should  be  gathered  as 
soon  as  fully  expanded,  and  dried  by  hanging  up  in  a  dry  warm  place.  To 
dry  other  flowers  take  some  fine  white  sand  (that  called  Eilver  sand  ia 
the  best),  wash  it  repeatedly  until  all  dirt  is  removed,  and  the  water 
remains  clear.  Next  dry  it  thoroughly,  and  half  fill  a  vase,  a  stnne  flower 
pot  or  a  glasR  with  the  sand;  in  this  stick  fresh-gathered  flowers  in 
their  natural  position,  and  afterwards  cover  them  gently  with  the  sand, 
taking  care  not  to  damage  the  petals;  Now  place  the  vessel  in  the  sun, 
or  in  a  room  where  a  constant  fire  is  kept,  and  let  it  remain  until  the 
flowers  are  perfectly  dry.  Then  remove  the  sand  carefully,  and  clean  the 
leaves  with  a  feather  brush.  You  must  gather  your  flowers  for  this  pur- 
pose when  they  are  dry — that  is.  after  tho  dew  has  evaporated.  The  pro- 
cess succeeds  best  with  single  flowers,  but  the  difficulty  attending  such 
double  ones  as  Pinlis,  Carnations,  &c.,  may  be  obviated  by  splitting  the 
cup  on  each  side,  and  when  tbe  flower  is  quite  dry  the  incision  made  to 
adhere  by  means  of  gum  water  ;  or  the  cup  may  be  pricked  around  with 
a  pin  to  let  out  the  moisture.  White  flowers  lose  their  natural  colour  by 
this  process,  but  it  may  bo  restored  by  exposing  them  to  a  moderate 
vapour  of  brimstone  ;  but  crimson  or  scarlet  flowers  should  be  placed  in 
a  vapour  of  the  solutiou  of  tin  in  spirits  of  nitre.  The  green  leaves  and 
stems  are  renovated  by  the  vapour  produced  from  a  solution  of  steel 
filings  in  oil  of  vitriol.  When  dried  the  ocent  of  each  particular  flower 
may  be  artificially  renewed  by  dropping  into  the  middle  of  it  some  of  its 
essential  oil ;  thus  oil  of  Cloves  will  scent  the  Pink,  oil  of  Roses  the  Rose, 
oil  of  Jasmine  the  Jasmine,  &o. 

Repotting  Pine  Plants  for  Next  Summer's  Fruiting  (W.  S.  8.).— 
We  should  have  potted  the  plants  in  August  into  their  fruiting  pots,  and 
placed  them  low,  so  as  to  allow  for  top-dressing;  but  that  not  having 
been  done,  defer  potting  until  February,  and  then  shift  into  the  fruiting 
pots,  not  disrooting  the  plants,  nor  removing  more  of  the  old  soil  than 
will  come  away  freely.  Encourage  growth  with  a  brisk  bottom  heat  and 
moist  atmosphere,  but  do  not  water  very  freely  until  growth  is  vigorous. 
Scarlet  Rhubarb  (H.  C). — All  properties  considered,  there  is  no 
finer  scarlet  or  rod  Rhubarb  than  Tobolsk,  or  small  Old  Red.  It  may  not 
suit  the  cook,  but  it  does  the  table.  An  improved  form  of  it  is  Baldry'a 
Scarlet  Defiance.  It  is  larger,  and  possesses  all  the  other  good  qualities. 
Salt's  Crimson  Perfection,  which  you  have,  is  also  good, 

Christmas  Rose  (Sussex).— This  (properly  Helleborus  niger)  is  quite 
hardy,  and  succeeds  in  any  soil,  but  best  in  one  which  is  well  drained, 
light,  and  enriched  with  vegetable  soil,  such  as  leaf  mould.  It  is  pro- 
pagated by  dividing  the  root*  or  plants  into  as  many  parts  as  you  can 
make  with  roots  and  crowns  to  each.  This  is  best  done  in  spring,  though 
we  have  divided  the  plants  very  successfully  at  this  time  of  year.  It  is 
desirable  to  give  the  plants  a  position  shaded  from  the  direct  midday 
sun  in  summer  :  hence  an  east  is  preferable  to  a  south  border. 

Red-fleshed  Melon  (Idem).— llalvern  Hall  is  a  fine  scarlet-fleshed 
Melon  of  delicious  flavour. 

Applying  Gas  Lime,  Salt,  and  Soot  (W.  II.).— Gas  lime  is  so  power- 
ful that  it  should  not  be  applied  to  garden  ground  except  in  small 
quantities,  and  to  that  not  required  for  oropping  for  some  time  afterwards. 
It  should  be  spread  evenly  on  vacant  ground  in  November  or  February, 
and  be  dug  in  ;  indeed,  in  gardens  as  a  manure  it  is  best  not  to  use  it, 
though  for  making  the  groubd  obnoxious  to  insects  feeding  on  the  roots 
of  plants  it  has  been  found  useful.  Twelve  bushels  per  acre  are  ample 
to  effect  that,  and  all  we  advise.  Salt  is  beneficial  as  a  manure.  It 
Bhould  be  sown  broadcast  over  the  ground  in  spring.  Twelve  bushels 
per  acre  are  sufficient.  Soot  is  a  good  manure  sown  broadcast  in  spring 
during  moist  weather.  Sixteen  bushels  per  acre  are  enough.  It  may  be 
used  along  with  salt,  and  at  the  rate  of  ten  bushels  to  six  bushels  of  salt. 
This  mixture  is  found  excellent  as  a  manure  for  Potatoes,  and  would 
probably  suit  most  vegetable  crops. 

Extirpating  Horsetail,  Bindweed,  and  Couch  Grass  (Idem).— For 
destroying  Horsetail  there  is  no  remedy  but  draining.  Drain  the  ground 
and  it  will  disappear.  The  Bindweed  is  only  to  be  destroyed  by  forking 
or  digging  the  ground  over  deeply,  and  picking  out  the  roots,  which, 
though  a  tedious,  is  a  sure  process.  In  summer  keep  the  tops  pulled  up 
as  fast  as  they  appear,  which  will  prevent  tho  roots  increasing  much. 
Couch  should  be  forked  out ;  indeed,  in  gardens  there  ought  to  be  none. 
Whenever  a  blade  appears  fork  out  the  roots. 

Charring  Refuse  (N.  A.).— No  letters  have  been  received  from  you 
before.  The  article  you  refer  to  is  in  No.  474.  If  you  enclose  four  post- 
age stamps  with  your  address  it  will  be  sent  to  you  by  post.  It  is  too  long 
and  too  recent  to  reprint.  It  is  impossible  to  name  Strawberries  from 
the  characteristics  you  give,  they  vary  so  much  with  soil  and  season. 
If  you  send  specimens  of  "the  fruits  we  can  aid  you. 

Zinc  Exposed  to  Fire  (if.).— We  do  not  think  a  tank  made  of  zinc 
would  long  resist  fire  heat  under  it.  Gas  heat  would  not  so  soon  affect 
it  if  the  flame  were  not  very  near  the  zinc,  but  the  alternate  expansion 
and  contraction  from  heating  and  cooliug  soon  destroy  a  zinc  vessel.  A 
small  gas  stove,  or  an  argand  jet  in  a  confined  place  with  a  slit  to  admit 
air,  would  bo  quite  sufficient  for  such  a  small  tank.  If  vou  wanted  the 
tank  for  propagating,  and  thus  getting  bottom  heat,  3  inches  deep  would 
be  better  than  5  inches. 

Flue-heating  (East  Leamington). — For  such  a  flue  as  you  describe 
you  want  no  damper;  regulate  draught  by  the  ash-pit  door.  To  succeed, 
see  that  the  furnace-bars  aro  from  18  to  24  inches  lower  than  the  bottom 


of  the  flue.  If  your  inside  border  is  well  made,  and  is  13  feet  in  width, 
there  is  no  reason  why  the  Vines  should  not  flourish  planted  inside  if 
they  were  timeously  watered  and  surface-manured.  It  iB  awkward  having 
the  house  so  situated  that  snow  resting  on  a  slate  roof,  when  it  slips, 
would  slide  down  on  the  glass  roof,  for  if  at  all  heavy  it  would  go  through 
the  glass.  A  harrier  about  12  or  18  inches  in  height  between  the  slates 
and  the  glass  would  prevent  or  lessen  the  evil.  In  a,  similar  case  where 
a  barrier  would  be  unsuitable,  we  have  used  wooden  shutters,  or  even 
shutters  or  covers  of  sparred  wood  to  lay  over  the  lights  where  the  snow 
was  apt  to  fall,  and  thus  saved  the  glass.  It  is  seldom  that  would  be 
wanted  except  in  heavy  snowstorms. 

Heating  by  Gas  (P.  S.) — If  you  buy  No.  341,  where  drawings  are 
given  of  gas  stoves,  you  can  select  which  you  please.  You  can  have  it 
by  post  if  you  enclose  four  postage  stamps  with  your  address.  We  do 
not  know  how  you  manage  your  stove3.  Could  you  increase  the  number 
of  burners?  and  then,  the  piping  being  increased,  you  would  get  more 
heat.  Argand  burners  give  a  great  deal  more  heat  with  less  consumption 
of  gas  than  common  jets.  We  presume  your  gas  goes  through  the  1-inch 
piping.    We  would  be  glad  to  assist  you  if  we  knew  how. 

Various  (J.  Quintin). — You  will  not  have  any  extra  heat  in  a  span 
roofed  house  14  feet  wide  that  has  only  two  flows  and  one  return-pipe- 
However,  if  it  does  for  Strawberries  from  the  1st  of  January  to  the  1st 
of  July,  it  would  do  admirably  for  Melons  from  the  1st  of  July  up  to  the 
end  of  October,  and  for  Cucumbers  until  towards  the  end  of  November. 
The  uses  to  which  such  a  house  may  be  put  during  the  six  months  are 
endless,  but  as  wo  do  not  know  what  you  chiefly  want,  it  would  be  idle  to 
particularise  thorn  ;  but  we  may  mention  growing  tender  annuals,  Capsi- 
cums, Chilies,  &c.  You  plan  of  getting  Strawberries  at  Christmas  has 
often  been  tried,  often  succeeded,  and  oftener  failed.  We  have  gathered 
good  dishes  on  Christmas-day,  and  we  have  hardly  had  any  when  we  tried 
for  them.  Success  greatly  depends  on  the  end  of  November  and  part  of 
December  being  bright  and  sunuy.  It  would  never  pay  to  force  so  early 
generally.  By  your  proposed  treatment  the  plants  would  be  matured  and 
rested  early,  but  even  in  such  cases  oar  success  Las  not  been  uniform. 

Names  of  Fruit3  (Constant  Reader).  —  Your  Pear  was  quite  rotten. 
(A  Novice). — Pears:  1,  Nouveau  Poiteau  ;  2,  Passe  Colmar;  3,  Beurrt 
Diel ;  4,  Glou  Mor<;eau  ;  5,  Beurre  de  Ranee  ;  8,  Beurre  Diel ;  12,  Susette 
de  Bavay.  (H.  M.). — Plum  :  Smashed  all  but  a  small  portion  of  one  end, 
which  had  the  appearance  of  Prince  of  Wales.  (3.  L.). — We  have  some 
difficulty  in  determining  your  sorts.  1,  Not  known  ;  2,  Englishe  Ko'nig's 
Pearmain ;  3,  Pine-Apple  Russet,  probably ;  4  and  5  are  the  same — we 
think  Wunche'a  Pippin,  certainly  not  Irish  Peach.  (P.  N.).— Plums : 
1,  Belle  de  Septombre ;  2,  Diamond;  3,  Gisborne's,  vory  fairly  grown. 
(W.  Miller). — Apples:  Your  specimens  are  so  very  small  and  scrubby, 
many  of  them  no  larger  than  small  Crabs,  possessing  no  characteristic 
features,  that  it  is  quite  impossible  to  name  them.  We  think  21,  34,  and 
35  may  be  Hawthornden ;  18  and  30,  Court  of  Wick  ;  15,  Cole  ;  32,  Golden 
Harvey,  or  Harvey  Russet;  2i),  Sam  Young;  1,  Baxter's  Pearmain; 
8  and  19,  Scarlet  Nonpareil.  (Stgham  Court).— Your  Peach— 1  A,  looks 
like  Bellegarde,  but  we  cannot  tell  without  knowing  the  character  of  the 
flowers  and  leaves.  Nectarine  4  D,  is  Elruge;  5  F,  Red  Roman,  a 
clingstone,  which  is  rather  apt  to  fall  in  a  semi-ripe  state.  Fig,  3  C,  is 
Brunswick;  2  B,  Brown  Turkey.  (W.Kerr,  Dumfries). — Your  Apple  is, 
we  believe,  Baleborodova. 

Names  of  Plants  (W.  T.).— We  cannot  name  plants  from  their  leaves 
only. 


POULTRY, '.BEE,   AND    PIGEON   CHRONICLE. 


PRIZE    CUPS    FOR    BRAHMA    POOTRAS    AND 

COCHIN-CHINAS  AT  THE  PLYMOUTH  SHOW. 

In  following  the  very  spirited  example  of  several  gentlemen 
oonnected  with  other  shows,  I  hope  I  may  be  at  least  as  suc- 
cessful in  obtaining  subscriptions  sufficient  to  provide  two 
silver  cups  for  the  best  Brahmas  and  Cochins  at  the  forth- 
coming Plymouth  and  West  of  England  Poultry  Show.  The 
admirers  and  breeders  of  the  above  varieties  are  apparently 
scarce  in  the  more  western  counties  of  Devon  and  Cornwall, 
and  it  is  hoped  that  the  inducement  thus  held  out  will  not 
only  bring  together  a  collection  of  specimens  superior  to  those 
hitherto  exhibited  at  Plymouth,  but  contribute  in  some  degree 
to  the  greater  and  more  successful  cultivation  of  the  Asiatic 
breeds,  which  are  at  once  the  finest  and  hardiest  birds  in 
the  poultry-yard.  I  may  add  that  the  two  cups  usually  added 
by  the  Committee  will  still  be  offered  for  the  best  speoimens 
in  the  Show,  irrespective  of  the  subscription  cups.  Any  gentle- 
man iutending  to  subscribe  will  greatly  oblige  by  comrnunicat- 
iog  his  intention  to  me  as  early  as  convenient. — Jaues  Long, 
23,  Princess  Square,  Plymouth. 


ANTWERP  PIGEONS. 
Without  wishing  to  disparage  the  claims  of  any  of  the  beau- 
tiful varieties  of  the  domestic  Pigeon  now  cultivated,  I  would 
say  to  those  about  to  enter  upon  the  Pigeon  fancy,  who  are  un- 
decided what  particular  kind  to  keep,  Try  the  Antwerp.  It  is 
as  hardy  as  any,  more  prolific  than  most,  and  for  beauty  of 
plumage  and  sprightliness  of  carriage  will  bear  comparison 
with  any  other  variety,  in  addition  to  which  it  is  more  sensible 
than  any  other  breed,  and  when  once  settled  to  a  particular 
locality  is  not  readily  lost. 


September  22,  1870.  ]  JOURNAL   OF   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


235 


There  is  no  necessity  for  building  an  expensive  house  with 
a  southern  aspect  for  its  reception,  any  spare  corner  in  an  out- 
house will  do— east,  west,  north,  or  south,  it  is  quite  immaterial. 
Haying  selected  a  convenient  place,  build  a  pen  about  5  feet 
high,  10  feet  long,  and  3  feet  deep  ;  at  each  end  fix  shelves  a 
foot  deep  and  about  a  foot  apart,  placing  a  division  in  the 
centre  of  each,  which  will  give  two  nesting  places  on  every 
shelf.  These  should  be  supplied  with  loose  boxes  about 
9  inches  square  and  3  inches  deep.  In  the  blank  spaces  be- 
tween the  rows  of  shelves,  and  at  the  back  of  the  pen,  fit  up 
about  a  dozen  rests  for  the  birds  to  perch  upon,  of  any  de- 
scription, according  to  fancy.  The  old-fashioned  triangular 
shape  is  as  good  as  any.  A  pen  of  this  size  will  hold  ten  pairs 
of  birds  comfortably.  The  aperture  for  egress  and  ingress  may 
be  put  in  the  most  convenient  place,  and  should  be  fitted  with 
a  bolting  wire  to  prevent  the  birds  getting  out  at  will. 

Next  select  your  birds.  If  you  want  good  ones  I  would  re- 
commend the  purchase  of  old  birds  to  breed  from.  Pay  a  visit 
to  any  genuine  fancier  who  keeps  birds  for  the  love  of  them,  and 
not  entirely  for  profit.  I  never  found  such  a  one  that  was  not 
pleased  to  "show  his  birds,  and  to  tell  the  distances  the  different 
birds  had  flown,  together  with  their  pedigree,  and  every  par- 
ticular connected  with  them.  Select  a  pair  to  your  fancy,  and 
if  for  sale  do  not  be  to  a  shade  as  to  price.  Visit  another  fancier 
in  like  manner.  Cat  the  birds  down  and  cross-pair  them,  by 
which  means  you  will  avoid  in-breeding,  and  stand  a  fair  chance 
of  getting  good  young  ones,  but  this  will  by  no  means  be  a  cer- 
tainty. There  cannot  be  a  greater  mistake  than  to  suppose  that 
because  you  mate  good  old  birds  the  young  produced  will,  as  a 
matter  of  necessity,  be  good  also.  I  have  mated  first-class  birds 
for  homing  purposes,  and  the  young  produced  have  been 
worthless.  If  your  birds  do  not  "hit,"  .you  must  change  the 
old  ones  till  they  do,  otherwise  you  will  never  have  a  pen  of 
good  Antwerps,  as  unless  the  birds  possess  the  homing  faculty 
to  an  average  degree,  they  are  not  fair  representatives  of  the 
breed,  although  they  may  have  all  the  outward  points  required 
in  a  good  bird.  You  may  breed  any  colour;  but  Dun,  Red 
Chequer,  Blue,  and  Blue  Chequer,  are  the  only  colours  re- 
cognised by  standard  breeders.  I  prefer  a  pen  of  birds  to  match 
in  colour,  and  if  well  matched  it  is  difficult  to  decide  which 
colour  is  the  most  attractive.  The  Light  Duns,  with  bright  red 
bars  on  the  wings,  and  red  necks,  are  certainly  as  handsome  as 
any  ;  Light  Blues,  with  good  black  bars  on  the  wings  and  tail, 
and  rich  metallic  lustre  on  the  neck,  are  also  very  pretty. 

When  you  wish  to  try  your  young  birds  do  not  commence 
with  them  too  early,  let  them  be  from  four  to  five  months  old  ; 
they  may  then  be  thrown  up  a  mile  or  two  from  home,  and  it 
will  soon  be  seen  which  are  likely  to  make  good  homing  birds. 
If,  when  tossed  up,  a  bird  hangs  about  the  place  where  it  is 
loosed,  flying  low,  and  without  spirit,  ultimately  dropping  upon 
gome  convenient  building,  or  with  other  birds,  condemn  it  at 
once,  and  should  it  return  home  kill  it  without  hesitation, 
however  handsome  it  may  be ;  if,  on  the  contrary,  the  bird 
when  tossed  from  the  hand  gets  well  up  in  the  air,  ranging  wide, 
and  flying  resolutely,  not  taking  notice  of  any  birds  that  may 
be  put  up  to  it,  there  is  every  probability,  if  properly  trained, 
that  it  will  make  a  good  bird. 

I  find  it  an  excellent  plan  to  clean  out  my  birds'  pens  daily  ; 
it  occupies  but  a  few  minutes,  if  a  scraper  similar  to  those 
used  by  pig-killers  be  kept  for  the  purpose.  Keep  a  barrel  of 
sand  near  the  pen,  and  after  cleaning  sprinkle  a  few  handsful 
on  the  bottom  and  at  the  front  of  the  nesting  places,  this  gives 
the  pen  a  neat  appearance,  and  conduces  much  to  the  comfort 
of  the  birds.  Exercise  your  birds  once  daily — morning  is  the 
best  time — and  they  will  soar  as  high  as  Tumblers,  flying  from 
twenty  to  fifty  minutes,  and  sometimes  much  longer ;  when 
they  alight  allow  a  little  time  for  gritting,  and  to  run  the  build- 
ing, then  whistle  them  in  and  feed,  giving  just  as  much  aB  they 
will  pick  up  freely  ;  feed  again  about  four  o'clock,  giving  clean 
water  daily.  By  these  means  your  birds  will  be  kept  in  con- 
stant health,  and  from  their  lively  disposition  and  neat  ap- 
pearance will  be  a  source  of  constant  pleasure  and  amusement. — 
B.  F.  C.  

Cure  for  Roup. — I  send  you  below  a  valuable  receipt  for  the 
cure  of  roup  in  chickens.  I  have  used  it  in  over  one  hundred 
cases  with  complete  success.  The  pill  should  be  made  as  per 
enclosed  sample.  I  consider  the  form  of  the  preparation  as  im- 
portant ;  it  should  be  put  into  a  gelatine  capsule,  otherwise  it 
is  very  difficult  to  administer.  Balsam  copaiba  1  ounce,  piperine 
1  drachm,  made  into  sixty  pills,  and  give  two  or  three  every 
day.     Wash. — A  teaspoonful  of  sugar  of  lead,  mixed  with  a 


pint  of  water,  for  bathing  the  eyes  two  or  three  times  a-day. — 
Walter  Lawrence. — {Poultry  Bulletin.) 


NORTHAMPTONSHIRE    AGRICULTURAL 
SOCIETY'S   SHOW. 

Regardless  alike  of  trouble  and  heavy  outlay,  tlie  Committee  were 
determined  to  make  the  meeting  held  on  the  15th  and  18th  inst.  a 
success,  and  their  anticipations  were  realised.  A  spacious  tent  and 
all  the  internal  arrangements  in  the  hands  of  Mossrs.  Turner,  of 
Sheffield,  brought  an  exhibition  such  as  never  before  took  place  in 
Wellingborough.  Old  and  young  birds  were  shown  in  distinct  classes. 
The  adults  were  in  deep  moult ;  the  chickens,  on  the  contrary,  being  in 
the  highest  show  trim  possible.  Borkmgs  and  Cochins  were  un- 
exceptionably  good,  and  the  cup-winners,  as  in  most  of  the  other 
classes,  had  to  obtain  their  success  in  a  severe  competition.  The 
rghs  were,  perhaps,  the  least  praiseworthy  classes  in  the  whole 
Show ;  but  the  exhibitors  of  Buenos  Ayrean  Ducks,  Laced  Bantams, 
and  the  various  breeds  of  Frendl    I  i  l  Is  Reserve  every  expression  of 

favour.     J'< were  shown  in  collections  of  three  pens  each,  and 

certainly  among  the  twelve  pens  exhibited  by  the  four  competitors  were 
birds  of  great  value  and  purity  of  breed.  This  portion  of  the  Show 
proved  a  great  attraction  to  the  ladies,  who,  as  the  day  was  fine,  con- 
gregated in  the  poultry  tent  in  extraordinary  numbers. 

Dobkixgs—  1  and  3,  R.  Wood,  Clapton.  Tlirapst-.no.  2.  H.  Linsrwoort,  Need 
l.:im  Market.  Coek.—l,  R.  Wood.  2.  11.  Tardley,  Birmingham.  S,  J.  Beasley, 
Chapel  Brampton.    Bens.— 1,  J.  Iiongland,  Grendon.    B,  H.  langwood.    he,  R. 

\\ l.    t\  T.  Burnabv.  Pipe-well.    Chicken*.— 1,  II.  Lingwood.     2,  J.  Smith, 

Miillmglee,  Petworth.  3.  H.  Yardltv.  ho,  .1.  Longliuid;  .1.  K.  Fowler,  Ayles, 
bury ;  K.  Svk.  -.  I  ,  B  i  ■<  london,  Kettering; 

R.Wood.  PuH.rs— 1  and  Cnp,  J.L  ng'.and.  2.  l:  Wood,  he.  .T.  Longland  ;  J. 
Smith.  Spanish. -1,  H.  Yardlev.  2,  J.  Stephens,  Walsall.  3.  W.  R.  Bull,  New- 
port Pagnell.  Cock.— 1,  W.  B.  Bull.  2,  J.  Stephens,  c,  J.  T.  Parker.  Nortb- 
owram.  Chickens.— 1  and  Cup.  W.  R.  Bull.  2,  J.  T.  Parker,  c.  C.  Wright, 
Northampton  (2).  Game.— 1,  B.  Cox.  Moulton.  2.  S.  Deacon,  Onndle.  3.  W. 
Cook,  jun..  Orton,  Kettering.  Cod;.— 1  and  Cnp.  h.  Cox.  2,  S.  Deacon.  Bens. 
— 1,  H.  Lotan,  Oundle.  2.  W.  Cook,  jnn.  Chickens.— 1,  M.  I.eno,  Markyate  Street. 
2,  S.  Deacon.  Cochin-Chinas.— 1  and  Cup,  W.  A.  Taylor.  2.  H.  Lingwood. 
8.  J.  H.  Dawes.  Moselev  Hall,  Birmingham,  he.  II.  Yardlev ;  W.  A.  Taylor ;  J. 
K.  Fowler.    C.J.Stephens.    Cock.— 1,  W.  A.  Taylor.    2,  J.  K.  Fowler.    Hens.— 

1,  W.  A.  Taylor.  2,  H.  Lingwood.  3.  J.  Stephens,  lie.  ■  I.  N.  Beasley.  North- 
ampton; T.  Dadferd.  Chickens— 1,  W.  A.  Taylor.  2.  J.  Stephens.  /ir.J.K. 
Fowler,    c,  T.  Dadford;  J.  N.  Beaslev.  Hamburohs  (Any  variety).— 1,  B.  Cox. 

2,  H.  Yardley.  Bantams—  1  and  2.  M.  i.eno.  c,  C.  B.  Bletsoe ;  J.  Stephens.  Any 
otheb  Yarieiy.—  1.  W.  A.  Taylor  (Dark  Brahmas).     2  and  3,  J.  K.  Fowler 

.  Geese— 1.  J.  E.  Fowler.  2,  S.  Deacon.  Ducks.— Aylesbury— 1  and 
2.  J.  K.  Fowler.  he.  S.  Deacon.  Rouen— 1  and  c,  R.  Wood.  2.  .1.  K.  Fowler. 
Any  other  Varu  t>i  —1,  M.  Leo...  2.  J.  N.  Beasley  (Buenos  Ayrean).  c,  J.  N. 
Beaslev  (Buenos  Avrean) ;  J.  Goodliffe  (South  Carolina).  Turkeys.  —  1,  J. 
Beaslev.  2.  J.  Craig.  Fotheringhav.  Onndle.  Selling  Cuss.— 1,  W.A.Taylor. 
8,0.  Wright  (Spanish).  S,  H.  Yardley.  c,  S.  Deacon  (Aylesbury);  J.  Smith 
(Grey  Dorkings). 
Pigeons.— 1  and  2,  H.  Yardloy.  he,  J.  J.  Sharp,  Broughton,  Kettering. 
The  Judges  were  Mr.  Edward  Hewitt,  of  Sparkbrook,  Birmingham  ; 
and  Mr.  Tatham,  of  Kingsthorpe,  near  Northampton. 


AYLESBURY  POULTRY  SHOW. 

This  Show  was  held  in  a  building  as  well  suited  for  the  purpose  as 
conld  be  desired,  there  being  an  abundance  of  light  and  plenty  of 
ventilation  and  space.  The  competition  throughout  was  very  good,  but 
in  the  Aylesbury  Duels  and  Geese  unprecedented,  as  may  be  gathered 
from  these  facts  : — The  two  rivals  in  these  classes  were  determined  to 
secure  success  if  possible  to  thtir  respective  yards,  and  it  is  almost 
needless  to  state  they  were  Mrs.  Mary  Seanions  and  Mr.  John  Fowler, 
both  of  Aylesbury.  Such  pens  as  they  exhibited  are  in  truth  wonders. 
Mr.  Fowler's  first-prize  Geese  weighed  49  lbs.  4  ozs.  the  pair ;  Mrs. 
Seanions'  second-prize  48  lbs.  14  ozs.,  and  the  same  lady's  third-prize 
is  lbs.  13  ozs. ;  whilst  47  lbs.  S  ozs.  nett  the  pair,  with  many  others 
closely  approaching  to  that  weight,  had  to  be  satisfied  with  being 
highly  commended.  Both  first  and  second-prize  Aylesbury  Ducks 
were  16  lbs.  12  ozs.  per  couple.  Strange  to  say,  there  was  not  the 
slightest  difference  in  weight,  and  Mrs.  Seamons'  birds,  from  being  the 
best  in  feather,  took  precedence.  Never  were  two  Buck  faultless  couples 
placed  in  opposition  ;  they  were  a  show  in  themselveB.  Many  extra 
couples  almost  as  heavy  were  also  exhibited.  Fine  weather  and  a 
very  large  attendance  added  much  to  the  success  of  this  year's  Show. 

Dorkings  (Any  variety).— 1  and  Cup,  L.  Patton.  Hillmore,  Taunton.  2  and 
e,  F.  Parlett,  Great  Bad'dow.  3,  J.  Longland,  Grendon.  he.  J.  L.  Lowndes, 
Hartwell:  T.W.  Tapping,  Hartwell.  Brahmas  (Any  variety).— 1  and  Cnp,  Lady 
Gwydyr.  Stoke  Park.  Ipswich.  2,  J.  K.  Fowler.  Aylesbury.  3.  Mrs.  Astley, 
Chequers  Court.  Spanish.— 1  and  Cup,  F  James.  Peckliam  Bye.  2,  W.  B. 
Bull.  Newport  Pagnell.  3.  Mrs.  Allsopp,  Hindlip  Hall.  Worcester,  e,  J.  W. 
Stratford.  Addington  Park.  Maidstone ;  F.  R.  C.  Nichols,  Camberwell :  H. 
Beldon.  Goitstock.  Cochins.—  Bujf.—l  and  Cnp.  Lady  Gwydyr.  2.  C.  Sidg 
wick,  Kyddlesden  HaU,  Keighley.  3  and  e.  W.  P.  Ryland,  Fr.lington,  Birming- 
ham, he,  J.  K.  FowJer.  Partridge.— 1  and  Cnp.  C.  Sidgwick.  2  and  3,  J.  K. 
Fowler,  c,  Lord  Chesham.  Latimers.  Game.— Black-breasted  and  other  Reds. 
—1  and  Cup.  J.  Laming.  Cowhnin.  Spalding.  2  and  3,  S.  Matthews.  Stow- 
market,  /ic,  J.  Laming;  T.Dyson,  Halifax,  c,  R.  Hall,  Cambridge;  Capt.  G. 
Price,  Tayuton,  Gloucester.  Any  other  Colour.— -1  and  2,  D.  Matthews.  Stow- 
market  '3,  J.  Laming.  French  (Any  variety).— 1  and  Cup.  J.  J.  Maiden, 
Biggleswade  (Creve-Cceur).  2,  Hon.  H.  W.  Fitzwilliam,  M.P.,  Wentworttt 
Woodhouse  (La  Fltche).  3.  W.  Dring,  Faversham  (Houdans).  lie.  W.  Drlng; 
Mrs  M  Seamons,  Hartwell,  Avlesburv;  J.  J.  Maiden,  c,  Mrs.  M.  Seamons. 
Hajibueghs.  —  Gold  or  Silver-pencilled— 1,  3,  and  Cup,  H.  Beldon.  2.  H. 
Pickles,  inn.,  Earby.  he,  Mrs.  Allsopp;  H.  Pickles,  jun.  Gold  or  Silver. 
mangled.— 1  and  Plate.  Mrs.  Allsopp.  2,  Miss  C.  E.  Palmer.  Lighthorn.  War- 
wick. 3.  H.  Beldon.  he  and  c,  H.  J.  Pickles.  Bantams  (Any  variety).— 1,  M. 
Leno  (Silver-laced).  2,  W.  Adams,  Ipswich  (Black  Reds).  3.  H. Beldon  (Black). 
Ducks.—  Ayleshunt.—l  and  Cup,  Mrs.  M.  Seamons.  2  find  3.  J.  K.  Fowler, 
he  E  .Leech,  Rochdale ;  Mrs.  M.  Seamons ;  Hon.  J.  E.  W.  Massey,  Bandoran, 


236 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  September  22,  1870. 


Ireland.  C,  T.  Kingsley.  (Special  Class).— 1  and  Cnp,  Mrs.  M.  Smith,  Hadden- 
ham.  2,  J.  Hedges,  Aylesbury.  3,  J.  Funge,  Long  Marston.  he,  Lord  Ches- 
taam ;  J.  Funjre.  c,  Mtb.  C.  Oakley,  Astrope,  near  Trinfr.  Rouen.— 1  and  Cup, 
Mrs.  M.  Seamons.  2,  L.  Patton.  3,  F.  Parlett,  Great  Baddow.  he,  E.  Leech  : 
Mrs.  M.  Seamons;  L.  Patton:  J.  K.  Fowler,  c,  J.  L.  Lowndes.  Any  other 
Variety.— 1,  S.  Burn,  Whitby,  Yorkshire.  2,  3.  Saunders,  Sainsbnry,  Devizes 
(Buenos  Ayrean).  3,  M.  Leuo  (Carolina).  Geese  (Any  variety). — 1  and  Cup, 
J.  K.  Fowler.  2  and  3,  Mrs.  M.  Seamons.  he,  E.  Leech  ;  J.  Denchfleld,  Burston ; 
J.  K.  Fowler,  c,  W.  Parrot,  Ford.  Turkeys  (Any  variety)  —1  and  Cup,  E. 
Leech.  2  and  3.  Lord  Chesham.  he,  J.  K.  Fowler,  c,  Capt.  Dauncey,  High 
Wycombe.  Pheasants  (Any  variety).— 1,  2,  and  3,  J.  K.  Fowler,  he.  M.  Leno. 
Selling  Class— 1,  2.  and  c.  J.  K.  Fowler  (Dark  Brahma  and  Grey  Geese), 
3  and  he,  Mrs.  M.  tieamons  (Silky  Fowls). 

Pigeons.  —  Carriers  (Any  variety).  —  1  and  2,  H.  Yardlpv.  Birmingham. 
Pouters  (Any  variety).— 1.  H.  Yardlev.  2,  J.  K.  Fowler.  Fantdils  (Any  variety). 
—1  and  2,  H.  Yardley.  Any  other  Variety.— 1,  H.  Yardley  (White  Owls).  2,  Lady 
F.  Bushby,  (B'ue  Runts),    he,  H.  Gurney,  jun.,  Aylesbury ;  J.  K  Fowler. 

Mr.  Edward  Hewitt,  Sparkbrook,  near  Birmingham,  was  the  Judge. 


(From  a  Correspondent.) 

This  was  the  twelfth  Show  in  connection  with  the  Royal  Bucking- 
hamshire Agricultural  Association.  The  entries  were  very  small, 
especially  the  Pigeons,  in  some  classes  there  being  only  two  entries  for 
a  similar  number  of  prizes.  The  few  entries  were  no  doubt  caused  by 
the  heavy  entry  fees — viz.,  5s.  per  pen,  and  another  5s.  for  membership 
to  the  Association.  This  appears  rather  high  for  a  chance  of  winning 
a  ten-shilling  prize.  On  referring  to  the  catalogue  I  find  no  less  than 
fourteen  silver  cups  or  pieces  of  plate,  each  forming  the  first  prize  for 
as  many  different  classes.  These  were  all  given  by  patrons  or  friends, 
so  that  the  Poultry  Show  must  form  a  very  profitable  source  of  income 
to  the  Association  ;  and  I  would  suggest  to  the  Committee  that  they 
should  do  away  with  the  five-shilling  membership,  throw  the  compe- 
tition open  to  all,  and  they  would  then  get  far  more  numerous  entries. 

The  Dorkings  stood  first,  and  of  these  there  were  some  very  good 
birds.  Those  in  the  cup  pen  were  in  excellent  feather  and  condition, 
but  I  fancied  the  cock  had  a  wry  tail.  The  second-prize  birds  were 
also  good,  but  I  should  not  like  to  say  the  third  were  this  year's  birds  ; 
if  so,  they  must  have  been  hatched  very  early  on  New-year's  morning. 
The  cup  for  Brahmas  was  won  by  a  splendid  pair  of  Dark,  the  second 
prize  went  to  Light.  Spanish  were  a  capital  lot,  the  best  I  have  seen 
this  year.  The  pullet  in  the  cup  pen  was  very  forward  for  one  of  this 
year's  birds.  The  second-prize  cock  was  matched  with  an  inferior 
pullet,  and  he  also  must  have  been  hatched  very  early  this  year.  I 
did  not  like  the  award  of  the  third  prize,  there  was  a  decidedly  better 
pair  amongst  those  which  were  only  commended ;  and  here,  perhaps, 
I  may  remark  tbat  judges  frequently  give  prizes  to  the  best  cock  when 
it  is  offered  for  the  best  cock  and  hen,  often  entirely  ignoring  the 
latter.  The  cup  pen  of  Buff  Cochins  were  a  wonderful  pair  of  birds, 
beautiful  in  colour  and  feather,  and  excellently  shown.  The  Partridge 
were  also  good,  especially  the  first  and  second-prize  pens.  Game  were 
hardly  so  good  as  might  have  beeu  expected.  Of  French  fowls  there 
was  a  very  fair  entry,  and  some  of  the  birds  were  very  superior.  Black 
Creve-Coeurs  were  first.  A  good  pair  of  Houdans  arrived  too  late  for 
competition,  or  they  would  certainly  have  obtained  a  prize.  Sdmburghs 
were  few  and  of  no  particular  merit.  As  might  be  expected,  the 
Bantams  were  a  very  poor  class  when  we  find,  as  we  do  here,  the  many 
different  varieties  of  this  very  popular  class  all  jumbled  together. 
The  firBt  prize  went  to  a  good  pen  of  Sebrights,  and  there  was  nothing 
else  in  the  class  worthy  of  notice. 

Ducks  were  a  splendid  lot,  the  first  and  second  prize  Aylesbury 
Ducks  being  of  exactly  the  same  weight ;  but  the  first  were  in  fair 
feather,  and  consequently  won  the  cup.  Rouen  Ducks  were  likewise 
good,  and  there  was  an  excellent  drake  in  the  cup  pen.  The  Geese  were 
very  remarkable  in  size  and  weight,  but  heavy  in  moult.  Tuikeys 
were  fair.  The  Pheasants  were  a  very  pretty  class,  and  created  much 
interest  amongst  the  numerous  visitors.  The  Selling  Class  was  a 
failure  ;  five  entries — one  pen  empty,  and  three  prizes.  The  Pigeons 
were  a  wretched  entry  as  regards  numbers.  Mr.  Yardley  took  all  the 
first  and  most  of  the  second  prizes. 


WELLINGTON   (SALOP)   POULTRY  SHOW. 

In  again  bringing  before  the  neighbourhood  this  Show  as  a  candidate 
for  public  favour,  the  Committee  wisely  determined  to  make  it  entirely 
a  show  of  poultry  hatched  in  the  present  year,  and  most  of  our  readers 
who  happened  to  be  present  were  well  pleased  at  finding  at  Wellington 
some  of  the  very  best  birds  in  the  kingdom.  There  was  not  a  single 
class  that  was  not  well  represented,  saving  one,  which,  singularly 
enough,  was  that  for  the  best  Game  cockerel.  Here  there  was  not  a 
single  entry.  The  Game  fowls  shown  in  pairs  were,  on  the  contrary, 
excellent.  The  Sdmburghs  of  every  kind  were  extraordinarily  good, 
though  a  pen  or  two  weie  disqualified  on  account  of  adult  specimens 
being  exhibited  as  chickens,  evidently  rather  from  a  misunderstanding 
of  the  prize  schedule  than  from  willing  imposition.  The  "  Extra 
Variety"  class  was  one  of  the  best  ever  exhibited,  and  the  largest  in 
the  Show ;  so  good  indeed  was  it,  that  every  pen  that  remained  after 
the  two  general  premiums  were  awarded  was  highly  commended.  t  No 
prizeB  for  Pigeons  were  offered,  yet  the  Show  was  singularly  well 
supported  and  attractive. 

Game.— Black  or  Brown  Red.—1,  J.  Piatt,  Swanlow.  2,  Duke  of  Sutherland, 
he,  G.  l.ui)  i ,.  Any  other  Variety.— I,  J.  Ptatt.  2,  W.  Dunning,  Newport,  he,  G. 
Lunt.  Dorkings.— 1,  E.  Shaw,  PlaB  Wilmot,  Oswestry.  2,  Mrs.  E.  Williams, 
Henllys,  Berriew.  he,  J.  Edwards,  Ey ton  ;  A.  Darby,  Stanley  Hall,  Bridgnorth. 
Spanish  (Black). — 1,  R.  Hnlse,  Ways  Green,  Cheshire.  2,  E.  Shaw.  Bam- 
btjbohb.— Gold  or  Bilverspangled.—'l,  Dnke  of  Sutherland.    2,  J.  C.  Smith, 


Wellington,  he,  C.  Parsons,  Wolverhampton;  T.  Hassall,  Adderley,  Market 
Drayton.  Gold  or  Stiver  pencilled— I  and  2.  Duke  of  Sutherland.  Any  otheb 
ARfRTV.— 1,  Duke  of  Suherland  (Black  Hamhurghsl.  2.  Mrs.  E.  Williams 
(Cr>ve-Coeur).  he,  H.  Yardley  12) ;  A.  Darby  (2) ;  J.  G.  Pearson,  Market  Drayton: 
A.  D.  Ptyne,  Shrewsbury.  Ducks.— 1  J.  Piatt.  2,  T.  Radcliffe,  Newport,  c,  St. 
J  C.  Charlton  (2).  Geese.— 1,  E.  Shaw.  2,  J.  Edwards,  c,  T.  W-  Jones, 
Well  ngton.    Turkeys.— 1  and  2,  T.  W.  Jones. 

The  Judge  was  Mr.  Edward  Hewitt,  of  Sparkbrook,  Birmingham. 


NATIONAL   PERISTERONIC    SOCIETY. 

This  Society,  which  numbers  amongst  its  members  some  of  the  lead- 
ing breeders  of  Great  Britain,  held  its  first  meeting  for  the  season  at 
the  Freemason's  Tavern,  Great  Queen  Street,  London,  on  the  20th 
inst.,  and  if  we  are  to  judge  by  the  quality  and  quantity  of  young 
birds  shown,  this  has  beeu  a  very  successful  season.  As  this  is  not 
a  competitive  Show,  we  were  spared  the  complaints  of  disappointed 
exhibitors  ;  but  were  glad  to  learn,  on  the  other  hand,  there  is  every 
prospect  of  the  forthcoming  Crystal  Palace  Show,  in  the  Cattle  Show 
week,  beiug  second  to  none,  as  in  one  corner  of  the  room  four  of  its 
members  promised  five  five-guinea  pieces  of  plate,  and  no  doubt  others 
will  follow  their  example.  Amongst  the  birds  shown  were  a  splendid 
lot  of  young  Carriers  from  Messrs.  Ord  and  Hedley,  with  that  stately 
carriage  and  prominent  eye  that  at  once  stamps  this  species  as  the 
king  of  Pigeons.  The  latter  gentleman  also  exbibited  a  pair  of  old 
birds,  which,  as  a  visitor  said,  would,  if  publicly  exhibited,  be  a  show  in 
themselves.  The  Honorary  Secretary,  Mr.  P.  H.  Jones,  showed  a 
good  pen  of  Pouters,  also  Borne  of  the  best  Trumpeters  since  their 
parents  were  shown  here  three  years  ago.  He  also  contributed  some 
other  beautiful  Toys,  consisting  of  Turbits,  Nuns,  Magpies,  English 
Owls,  and  Barbs,  aided  in  the  last  specieB  by  half  a  dozen  from  Mr. 
Hedley.  Messrs.  Else  and  Betty  showed  some  good  Dragoons,  a 
paper  respecting  which  will  be  read  by  Mr.  Tegetmeier  at  the  next 
meeting  on  the  4th  of  October.  This  gentleman  sent  a  very  pretty 
and  good  lot  of  Antwerps  and  Carriers.  Last,  but  not  least,  were  two 
pens  of  Almonds  and  Kites  from  Messrs.  Jayne  and  Ford,  which  we 
have  no  doubt  will  be  heard  of  again. 


WHITBY  CANARY   SHOW. 

My  wife  was  not  quite  ready,  and  I  was  waiting  at  tbe  door. 
"  No  harry,  sir,  no  hurry.  I  can  do  it  in  six  minutes,  and  it 
wants  ten  minutes  yet,  ten  minutes  good.  Plenty  of  time,  sir, 
p-1-e-nty  of  time."  That's  what  cabby  said.  "  William,  where 
is  the  key  of  the  black  portmanteau  ? "  That's  what  my  wife 
said.  No  hurry,  indeed  !  The  position  was  critical.  Given 
ten  minutes  to  reach  the  station,  and  a  willing  cabby  open  to 
back  himself  for  a  small  amount  to  do  it  in  six.  Required  to 
find  the  key  of  the  black  portmanteau  ;  to  unlock  it  (itself  a 
feat  only  to  be  attempted  when  the  lock  is  in  a  good  humour)  ; 
to  stuff  it  with  articles  too  large  to  go  in  it,  and  more  of  them 
than  it  would  hold,  even  if  they  would ;  to  go  through  the  horrors 
of  lockiug  it,  and  getting  the  key  out  of  the  kejhole  without 
u/docking  it  again  ;  to  decide  whether  somebody's  back  hair 
was  all  right ;  to  do  this  and  catch  the  train  all  in  four  minutes 
without  losing  your  temper,  that's  the  problem.  Postulates — 
Let  it  be  granted  that  the  key  of  the  black  portmauteau  can 
never  be  found  when  wanted,  and  that  two  bodies  cannot 
occupy  the  same  space.  Axiom — when  a  thing  has  happened 
frequently  before,  you  needn't  be  surprised  at  its  happening 
again.  But  we  just  did  it.  Cabby  had  orders  to  force  the  paoe, 
which  he  did,  and,  making  a  brilliant  "  finish,"  he  beat  time 
with  a  little  in  hand. 

We  went  by  the  night  train,  and  though  it  was  full  moon  (a 
remarkable  coincidence,  but  I  only  mention  it  as  a  fact),  there 
was  not  a  great  deal  to  be  seeD.  Eoeeberry  Topping  and  the 
Clevelands  were  sleeping  with  grey  nightcaps  on.  Night  was 
turned  into  day  as  we  sped  through  the  ironstone  district  about 
Glaisdale.  The  tall  blast  furnaces  were  some  of  them  belching 
out  flames,  casting  a  lurid  glare  over  the  mrroundiog  woods  ; 
others  discharging  streams  of  liquid  fire,  while  demons  and 
sprites  flitted  about  in  all  directions  feeding  huge  fires,  cram- 
ming the  capacious  maw  of  some  immense  furnace,  or  trotting 
off  to  "  tip  "  a  oauldron  of  molten  slag  over  some  mountain 
of  an  embankment  where  thousands  of  tons  had  gone  before, 
and  down  whose  sides  it  crept  with  stealthy  step,  a  river  of  fire. 

Arrived  at  Whitby,  we  were  most  kindly  received  by  the  Hon- 
orary Seoretary,  James  Wilkinson,  Esq.,  and  Mrs.  Wilkinson, 
and  one  more  Btrong  link  was  welded  to  the  chain  whioh  my  con- 
nection with  the  Canary  and  "our  Journal"  haB  forged  about 
me.  As  I  was  not  required  at  the  Show  till  about  eleven  o'clock 
we  bad  a  drive,  and  "did"  the  place.  It  was  a  very  rapid 
"  do,"  and  I  could  only  get  a  passing  glance,  but  my  recolleotion 
of  Whitby  is  going  up  a  very  steep  street  in  a  carriage  with  two 
ladies  in  front,  who  seemed  every  now  and  then  in  imminent 
danger  of  falling  forwards  into  my  lap ;  a  sweep  round  a  fine 
terrace  on  the  cliff ;  then  a  winding  descent  to  the  quay ;  am- 


September  22, 1870.  j         JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTUBE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


237 


phibions  creatures  in  oilskina  salting  barrels  of  herrings  ;  across 
a  short  drawbridge  at  the  entrance  to  the  harbour;  along  a 
narrow  Btreet  by  the  river  side  where,  fortunately,  we  met  no 
other  conveyance,  or  else  one  or  the  other  must  have  been  com- 
pelled to  back  out ;  up  a  steep  ascent  almost  on  my  back,  and 
we  were  at  the  ruins  of  the  old  abbey  on  the  brow  of  the  hill, 
forming  the  south  side  of  the  valley  of  the  Esk.  A  hurried 
walk  round  the  churchyard  which  stands  on  the  verge  of  the 
cliff,  a  peep  over  the  edge  of  the  sea,  the  piers,  and  the  town  at 
my  feet,  and  we  commenced  our  descent,  the  horse  foreshortened 
till  his  ears  seemed  growing  in  the  neighbourhood  of  his  tail. 
To  prevent  aocident  I  shored  myself  up  with  my  umbrella,  and 
got  down  with  no  further  inconvenience  than  a  strong  tendency 
to  slide  off  my  seat.  A  zigzag  crawl  up  the  other  side  landed 
me  at  the  door  of  the  Congress  Hall,  where  the  Show  was  held, 
and  as  there  were  a  few  minutes  to  spare  while  the  finishing 
touches  were  being  put  to  the  arrangement  of  the  birds,  I  oc- 
cupied the  time  in  inspecting  the  horticultural  department. 

The  show  of  plants  was  not  large,  I  mean  not  very  large,  but 
there  were  some  lovely  specimens,  the  arrangement  being 
on  the  whole  very  good.  The  centre  stage  appropriated  to  this 
branch  had  a  very  imposing  effect.  There  were  excellent  col- 
lections of  stove  and  greenhouse  plants,  ornamental-foliaged 
plants,  small  Conifers,  Liliums,  hardy  herbaceous  specimen 
plants  in  flower  or  fruit  well-fruited  Vines  in  pots,  Tncolored 
Geraniums,  Ferns,  and  a  host  of  other  things.  On  either 
side  was  a  long  table,  one  for  cut  flowers,  and  the  other 
for  fruit.  Dahlias,  Asters,  French  and  African  Marigolds  (real 
Jonques),  Verbenas,  Gladioli,  Sea,,  were  excellent.  A  table 
placed  transversely  at  the  end  of  the  Hall  was  filled  with 
choice  bouquets  for  the  hand,  ball-room  or  wedding,  while  the 
fruit  table  was  decorated  with  groups  of  flowers  and  fruit  in 
ornamental  stands  for  the  dining  table.  The  collection  of  fruit 
was  splendid,  comprising  White,  Black,  and  Frontignan  Grapes, 
in  single  bunches  and  trays  of  three ;  Pines,  Melons,  Peaches, 
Nectarines,  Apricots,  Plums,  in  variety ;  Apples  and  Pears 
without  end  ;  Currants  as  large  as  small  Grapes  ;  Gooseberries, 
and  trays  of  collections.  Looking  at  the  fruit  I  sympathised 
with  poor  Eve.  The  vegetables  were  first-class,  and  on  a 
gigantic  S3ale — Cucumbers  30  inches  long,  and  well  grown ; 
Celery  enormous ;  Onions,  Carrots,  Parsnips,  Turnips,  in  per- 
fection ;  Potatoes,  of  all  shapes  ;  Cabbages,  by  the  cubic  yard, 
I  was  going  to  say  ;  Peas,  capital ;  ditto  Beans,  and  Vegetable 
Marrows  in  all  stage*.  The  cottagers'  groups,  too,  were  very 
creditable,  and  in  some  cases  would  not  have  disgraced  a 
gentleman's  gardener. 

The  exhibition  of  Canaries  has  an  interest  which  attaches  to 
no  other  show,  inasmuch  as  it  is  the  first  of  the  season,  and 
exhibitors  and  fanciers  in  general  look  to  Whitby  to  mark  the 
advent  of  youngsters  destined  to  play  a  prominent  part  in  the 
Canary  world.  Last  year  this  was  notably  the  case,  but  on  this 
occasion,  owing  to  the  late  monit,  there  were  not  so  many  new 
stars  discovered.  Many  of  the  best  of  our  All-England  men  sent 
entries,  and  before  I  have  a  little  chat  with  them  allow  me  to 
shake  hands  with  them  all  round.  Mr.  Moore  (old  warrior), 
and  your  other  half,  Mr.  Wynn  ;  Mr.  Bexsou  (I've  never  seen 
you.  and  I  often  wonder  what  you're  like  ?) ;  Mr.  Irons  (the 
crested  hen  ha3  come  out  very  fresh  agaiD);  Mr.  Hawman 
(what  got  the  Lizard  cock  ?  it  wasn't  there) ;  Mr.  Bulmer  (she's 
a  bonny  little  hen,  rather  small) ;  Mr.  Simpson,  Mr.  J.  N. 
Harrison,  Mr.  Barwell,  Mr.  Adams,  Mr.  Burton,  Mr.  Wales, 
Mr.  Fairclough,  everybody— how  do  yon  do  ?  I  congratulate 
you  on  the  opening  of  the  seasoD,  hope  yon  have  all  had  good 
luck.  Was  it  a  good  show?  Very  good  indeed,  and  the  ar- 
rangements not  to  be  excelled.  The  Jonques  were  fair  birds, 
but  there  are  better  to  come.  Irons  won  easily.  Simpson  has 
got  into  a  good  seam  ;  his  first-prize  mealy  bird  will  give  you 
all  some  trouble  this  season,  if  he  is  only  brought  out  in  con- 
dition to  the  end.  His  six  Jonques  in  Class  19  were  six  very 
nice  level  birds.  Whitby  will  hold  its  own  this  year.  The 
marked  classes  contained  some  excellent  birds.  Moore's  even- 
marked  Yellow  is  bad  to  beat,  but  the  colour  is  not  so  pure 
a  Jonque  as  I  should  like.  Adams's  two,  32  and  33,  were  fine 
lusty  birds,  of  good  size  and  capital  quality.  I  had  some  diffi- 
culty in  coming  to  a  decision  in  the  Even-marked  Mealies. 
Bexson'a  bird,  41,  was  the  nearest  to  the  type,  but  second  and 
third  were  nice  birds  also.  In  the  Ticked  classes  the  first  birds 
were  good,  and  very  cheap  at  the  catalogue  price— plenty  of 
quality.  With  the  exception  of  Irons's  Buff  Hen  I  cannot 
praise  the  Crests— there  was  too  much  "  coppy  "  in  some  of 
them.  The  crest  is  imported  from  other  varieties,  I  admit,  but 
breed  out  the  distinctive  features  of  those  varieties  a  little  more 


before  calling  them  "  Norwioh."  You  know  as  well  as  I  do 
that  a  Norwich  bird  is  not  a  foot  long,  nor  does  it  stand  nearly 
as  upright  as  a  Belgian.  Belgians  were  very  backward  in  con- 
dition. No  70  made  one  demonstration  of  what  he  was  capable 
of  doing,  and  then  rolled  himself  into  a  ball,  the  picture  of 
misery.  Bulmer's  Hen,  No.  78,  and  Bexson's  81  were  most  for- 
ward in  the  Buff  class,  and  performed  best.  The  Yorkshire 
were  as  usual  mixed  up  with  Norwich  birds,  some  of  which 
would  not  have  disgraced  Class  2.  The  winning  birds  were 
lengthy  and  symmetrical.  Irons  had  it  all  his  own  way  in 
Cinnamons,  especially  in  the  Buffs,  Bexson  not  being  in  suck 
form  as  last  year,  and  Moore  not  making  any  decided  mark. 
The  Lizards  were  certainly  not  the  best  which  will  be  sent  out 
this  year;  but  117  (James  Taylor)  was  a  bird  above  the  average, 
and  Mr.  Harrison  had  a  useful  one  in  each  class.  Greens  were 
poor  excepting  the  first,  which  was  well  through,  and  of  good 
size  and  colour.  Atkinson  generally  hunts  up  one  or  two  good 
Greens.  129,  Mark  Burton,  will  see  a  better  day.  Judging  the 
Mules  resolved  itself  into  a  mere  question  of  condition,  none 
being  through  the  moult.  The  district  prizes  were  well  con- 
tested, Mr.  Simpson  and  Mrs.  J.  Wilkinson  exhibiting  birds  of 
superior  quality. 

Another  month  will  find  us  in  the  middle  of  the  show  season, 
at  a  time  when  birds  look  their  best.  In  this  district,  Scar- 
borough, North  Ormesby,  Middlesbrough,  Darlington,  ThirBk, 
Stockton,  Stokesley,  Newcastle,  and  other  shows  follow  in  quick 
succession.  They  are  all  under  the  management  of  enthusias- 
tic fanciers,  and  deserving  of  strong  support.  At  most  of  them 
I  shall  if  all  be  well  be  present,  possibly  at  all,  and  hope  I  shall 
see  large  entries  of  first-class  birds. — W.  A.  Bl.vkston. 


SWARMING. 


In  my  remarks  on  swarming,  in  page  54  of  "  our  Journal," 
I  stated  that  I  had  never  seen  an  old  queen,  that  was  prevented 
by  unfavourable  weather  from  going  off  with  a  swarm,  destroy 
her  own  royal  offspring  in  the  cells  in  which  they  were  matur- 
ing. Whilst  doing  so  I  had  no  intention  of  affirming  that 
such  an  occurrence  had  not  been  observed  by  others.  Mr. 
Taylor,  in  his  manual  on  bee-keeping,  when  speaking  of  the 
issue  of  a  swarm  beiDg  prevented  by  weather,  remarks,  "  The 
reigning  sovereign  will  avail  herself  of  this  compulsory  deten- 
tion in  severally  destroying  the  young  princeBses  as  they  are 
matured.  An  old  queen  is  permitted  by  the  bees  to  do  this, 
but  it  is  otherwise  with  a  young  one  till  a  later  stage."  In 
this  account  of  the  matter  other  authorities  agree,  but  I  am 
not  satisfied  with  the  grounds  on  which  their  conclusions  are 
founded.  Huber,  in  one  of  his  experiments,  placed  three  royal 
cells  in  a  hive  containing  a  fertile  queen,  which  were  imme- 
diately pounced  upon  and  pierced  by  the  jealous  sovereign. 
In  another  experiment  immediately  after  the  departure  of  a 
first  swarm  he  found  seven  royal  cells  "  close  at  the  top,  but 
open  at  the  side,  and  quite  empty." 

Now,  it  was  natural  to  conclude  that  these  royal  cells  had 
been  destroyed  by  the  old  queen,  but  perfect  evidence  of  the 
fact  is  wanting.  They  might  have  been  destroyed  by  a  young 
queen  which  had  escaped  from  her  cell.  That  young  queen 
might  have  gone  off  with  the  swarm,  or  fillen  a  sacrifice  after 
her  work  of  destruction  in  a  mortal  struggle  with  her  own 
mother.  It  does  not  appear  that  the  old  queen  was  seen  to 
destroy  the  royal  cells.  She  might  or  she  might  not  have  done 
so  ;  and  this  is  what  I  would  like  to  know,  Whether  any  apiarian 
has  had  indubitable  evidence  of  the  queen,  through  swarming 
being  delayed,  deliberately  setting  to  work  to  destroy  the  royal 
cells  of  her  maturing  offspring  ?  That  a  queen  introduced  to 
a  hive  containing  royal  cells  will  destroy  them,  or  that  royal 
cells  introduced  into  her  hive  will  be  torn  open  by  her,  is  suffi- 
ciently proved  by  the  experiment  of  Huber  first  referred  to, 
and  I  can  also  imagine  circumstances  in  which  she  would 
destroy  cells  tenanted  by  herself.  For  example,  if  she  were 
removed  a  couple  of  days  from  her  hive,  and  again  restored  to 
her  dwelling,  the  destruction  of  royal  cells  might  take  place. 
This  was  inferentially  proved  by  me  in  the  course  of  last 
summer.  On  July  23rd  a  Woodbury  box  threw  a  large  top 
swarm.  The  swarm  was  located  in  a  common  straw  hive  for 
thirty  hours,  and  placed  at  some  distance  from  the  parent  stock. 
Then  about  sunset  the  bees  were  all  shaken  out  on  to  the  ground, 
and  made  once  more  tore-enter  their  hive.  As  soon  as  settled 
the  central  hole  of  the  parent  stock  was  opened  and  the  skep 
containing  the  swarm  placed  over  it.  I  argued  that  the  queen 
would  probably  remain  in  the  skep  for  a  day  or  two  before 
descending  to  the  parent  stock,  and  that  if  she  did  she  would 


238 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  September  22, 1870. 


be  unprepared  to  find  royal  cells,  and  in  consequence  destroy 
them.  This  probably  happened,  for  no  farther  swarming 
took  place,  but  what  was  of  most  consequence  was  the  fact 
that  in  the  course  of  a  month  about  40  lbs.  of  beautiful  honey 
were  collected  in  the  skep,  there  being  only  some  two  dozen 
cells  with  brood  in  them  in  the  central  comb.  Had  the  skep 
with  swarm  not  been  converted  into  a  super,  it  would  most 
likely  have  been  found  to  contain  less  than  a  third  of  the 
amount  yielded  in  this  way. — R.  S. 


THE  NEW  METHODS  OP  CONTROLLING  THE 
FERTILISATION  OF  THE  QUEEN  BEE. 
As  several  articles  have  appeared  in  your  Journal  upon  the 
subject  of  controlling  the  fertilisation  of  the  queen  bee,  I 
will  add  my  testimony  to  that  which  has  already  been  given  in 
your  pages.  Early  in  June  I  had  three  young  Italian  queens 
(all  hatched  at  the  same  time)  at  the  head  of  three  hives.  One 
of  these  was  left  at  liberty  from  the  first,  and  was  duly  impreg- 
nated ;  the  sacond  was  imprisoned  with  a  number  of  drones  for 
two  days,  as  recommended  by  Mrs.  Tapper  ;  but  as  neither  the 
queen  nor  drones  afforded  positive  or  negative  proof  of  fertili- 
sation having  been  effected,  I  allowed  the  queen  to  descend  into 
the  hive  and  follow  her  own  natural  instinct.  She  soon  availed 
herself  of  her  liberty,  and  proved  a  very  fine  and  fertile  queen. 
The  third  queen  was  confined  for  four  or  five  days,  but  with 
like  results,  and  when  set  at  liberty  took  flight  with  difficulty, 
and  never  returned.  The  Kohler  process  has  in  like  manner 
proved  unsatisfactory.  Some  queens  so  treated  have  turned 
out  drone-breeders,  and  some  have  been  lost.  Only  one  out  of 
several  secured  a  genuine  impregnation,  and  she  was  nearly  a 
month  old  before  she  began  to  lay. — J.  E.  B. 


SINGULAR  CASE  OF  ROBBING. 
A  corbespondent  of  an  American  paper  says : — "  I  had  a 
curious  case  pf  robbing  last  season.  Two  swarms  of  about 
equal  strength  commenced  robbing  each  other ;  I  tried  my 
usual  remedy,  effectual  in  nearly  every  instance,  which  is  a 
small  rag  saturated  with  camphor  or  spirits  of  turpentine 
placed  on  each  side  of  the  entrance,  but  it  had  no  effect.  I 
then  carried  one  swarm  into  the  cellar  at  night,  and  kept  it 
there  three  days,  and  on  setting  them  out  they  went  at  it  again. 
I  then  set  one  swarm  in  the  cellar  three  days,  then  set  it  out, 
and  carried  the  other  in  for  three  days  ;  and  on  setting  them 
out  they  went  at  their  old  game.  I  then  exchanged  the  stands, 
but  it  had  no  effect.  There  was  no  quarrelling  between  the 
swarms,  so  I  let  them  work,  and  examined  them  every  evening, 
and  if  one  swarm  had  more  than  their  share  of  honey  I  ex- 
changed combs,  and  so  kept  them  all  right ;  but  both  swarms 
thought  they  were  doing  an  extra  large  business,  and  conse- 
quently went  to  breeding  very  rapidly,  more  so  than  any  other 
swarm  I  had.  But  they  consumed  a  large  quantity  of  honey, 
and  gathered  apparently  double  the  quantity  of  pollen  that  any 
other  swarm  in  my  yard  did  during  the  same  time.  They  kept 
up  their  practice  until  they  commenced  gathering  honey  abun- 
dantly, and  then  gradually  ceased  robbing  altogether.  That  is 
the  first  oase  of  the  kind  I  ever  knew. — E.  G." 


OUR  LETTER  BOX. 

Keeping  Poultry  in  a  Confined  Space  (M.  W).  —  The  space  is  a 
small  one,  but  with  the  arrangements  you  make  you  may  easily  keep  two 
birds  in  health.  In  the  way  of  green  food,  we  advise  you  to  give  it  every 
day  instead  of  every  alternate  day,  and  to  omit  the  cabbage  ;  substitute 
sods  of  growing  grass,  cut  with  plenty  of  earth.  The  fowls  will  tear  them 
to  pieces,  eat  the  grass,  and  find  all  sorts  of  food  and  medicine  in  the 
fresh  mould.  Let  them  have  their  liberty  every  Sunday — it  is  better  than 
nothing.  You  can  buy  such  sods  as  you  require  of  the  men  who  sell  turves 
for  Larks,  and  groundsel  for  singing  birds.. 

Points  of  Creve-Ccetjrs — Selecting  Eggs  to  Produce  Cock  or 
Hen  Chickens  (E.  JB.  J?.).— If  we  go  to  the  strict  requirements  of  the 
breed,  we  should  tell  you  the  comb  should  present  nearly  the  appearance 
of  a  cloven  heart  "  Coeur  Creve."  In  some  birds  it  is  early  developed  ;  in 
others  it  is  very  late  ;  but  the  older  the  bird  the  larger  the  comb  will  be. 
The  same  may  be  said  of  the  pullets.  Two  birds  of  the  same  age  will  show, 
one  a  bright  red  comb,  the  other  no  appearance  of  one  ;  it  merely  proves 
that  one  is  more  forward  than  the  other.  They  should  be  top-knotted 
and  bearded,  have  short  legs  and  square  bodies.  The  legs  should  be 
black.  The  top-knots  should  be  black,  but  as  the  pullets  become  hens 
white  feathers  appear  in  them,  and  in  old  birds  they  are  nearly  white. 
It  is  no  proof  of  degeneracy,  but,  if  possible,  it  should  be  avoided  in  show 
birds.  We  have  tried  the  egg  question  by  ourselves,  and  with  the  "  learned  " 
in  such  matters.  We  always  failed.  It  is  said  the  great  success  of 
"  Francis  Moore,  Physician,"  with  his  "  Vox  Stellarnm."  or  "  Loyal  Alma- 
nack," arose  from  the  fact  that  when  once  he  was  walking  up  and  down 
the  room  in  a  brown  study,  and  his  clerks  were  compiling  the  Almanack 


for  the  following  year,  the  subordinato  who  had  charge  of  the  month  of 
June,  asked  him  every  time  he  passed,  M  Weather,  sir,  for  the  3rd  of 
June."  Francis  Moore  bore  it  as  long  as  he  could.  He  showed  his 
temper,  it  took  no  effect,  and  as  he  passed  the  desk  he  heard  for  the  two 
hundred  and  eighty-first  time,  "  Weather,  sir,  for  the  Srd  of  June."    We 

object  to  print  the  first  part  of  the  speech,  but  the  end  was,"' you, 

sir,  frost  and  snow."  It  did  freeze,  and  there  was  snow  on  that  day.  He 
was  a  made  man.  A  chanco  made  him,  and  the  same  may  be  said  of  the 
fortunate  person  who  warranted  thirteen  eggs  to  produce  twelve  pullets 
and  a  cock.  Fortune  favours  the  bold.  Ask  him  to  try  again.  A  friend 
of  ours  by  no  means  distinguished  as  a  shot,  went  as  an  amateur  to  a 
rifle  corps  target,  and  on  being  asked  to  take  a  shot,  made  a  "careless 
bull's  eye  at  600  yards.  He  was  wise,  he  merely  remarked  it  was  an  easy 
range  and  went  away.  We  know  a  man  who  deals  in  eggs  in  the  season. 
He  told  us  he  received  postage  stamps  for  5s.,  and  a  request  that  he 
would  forward  eggs  warranted  to  produce  a  cock  and  three  hens,  common 
Pheasants.  We  forgot  to  say  it  is  very  desirable  the  Creve-Cceur  cocks 
should  be  entirely  black,  but  like  all  black  cocks,  they  will  as  they  grow 
older  throw  coloured  feathers.  Yellow  may  be  overlooked.  Red  are 
disqualifications. 

Commencing  Pigeon-keeping  {R.  3f.). — The  place  you  propose  would 
do  well  enough  for  any  but  high-cla9s  delicate  birds.  We  would  advise- 
you  to  start  with  Long-faced  Tumblers,  say  Baldheads,  or  Blue  Dragoons 
or  Antwerps;  these  are  quite  as  prolific,  bringing  many  pairs  a-year,  as 
common  or  cross-bred  birds,  just  as  healthy,  and  infinitely  prettier.  If 
you  obtained  a  few  young  ones  now  they  would  pair  and  breed  early  in 
the  spring.  We  are  afraid  .that  no  Pigeons  whatever,  however  common, 
pay  at  what  you  term  "  pot  prices"  if  you  have  to  buy  all  their  food.  But 
if  you  kept,  say  Dragoons,  they  are  strong  of  wing,  and  would,  as  you 
live  in  a  town,  soon  get  into  the  streets  and  pick  up  part  of  their  living. 
You  could  also  get  charlock  of  the  farmers,  but  it  is  an  awful  weed  in  the 
garden,  and  will  become  a  nuisance  if  it  be  taken  up  with  the  manure  to 
the  manure  heap.    Young  birds  breed  best. 

Insects  in  Bacok  (C.  P.) — They  are  the  common  bacon  beetles,  Der- 
mestes  lardarius  and  their  larva?.— W. 


METEOROLOGICAL  OBSERVATIONS 
In  the  Suburbs  of  London  for  the  week  ending  September  20th. 


THERMOMETEB 

Date. 

Earth. 

Wind. 

Rain. 

Max. 

Min. 

Max. 

Min. 

1  ft. 

3  ft. 

Wed...  14 

30.048 

29.808 

67 

80 

57 

55 

N.W. 

.00 

Thurs. .  15 

30.324 

30.197 

64 

30 

54 

54 

N.E. 

,00 

Fri 16 

30  421 

30.406 

66 

36 

55 

64 

N.W. 

.00 

Sat.  ...  17 

30.359 

30.246 

66 

34 

58 

65 

W. 

.00 

Sun.  . .  18 

30.220 

30.213 

68 

40 

58 

55 

N. 

.00 

Mon. . .  19 

30.261 

3  1.199 

65 

31 

57 

55 

E. 

■00 

Tues...  2J 

30.223 

30.196 

72 

35 

64 

65 

N. 

.00 

Mean.. 

30.265 

30.181 

66.86 

33.71 

56.14 

54.86 

•• 

0.00 

14. — Very  fine;  fine  but  cloudy;  clear,  starlight. 

15. — Deu«e  fog ;  very  fine  ;  foggy,  fine  at  night. 

16. — Foggy  ;  fine,  slight  fog;  clear  and  fine. 

17. — Densely  overcast  throughout ;  heavy  clouds. 

13. — Densely  overcast;  fine,  slightly  overcast ;  densely  overcast. 

19.— Dense  fog  ;  densely  overcast;  clear  and  fine. 

20. — Foggy ;  very  fine  ;  clear  and  fine. 


COVENT  GARDEN  MARKET.— September  21. 
A  very  Black  demand  and  a  large  supply  do  not  admit  of  any  improve- 
ment in  prices;  in  fact,  many  articles  have  been  left  at  lower  offers  than 
last  week,  the  growers  being  anxious  to  effect  sales.    1'otatoes  are  in  fair 
request,  and  command  about  last  week's  quotations. 

FRUIT. 


R, 

a. 

B. 

d 

s. 

d. 

R. 

(i 

.£  sieve 
bushel 

1 
0 
0 

0  to  2 
0       0 
0       0 

0 

0 

lb. 

0 
2 
0 

OtoO 
0       4 
0      14 

0 

.....  lb. 

0 

6 

n 

1 

4 

0 
0 

Pears,  kitchen  .. 

1 

1 

0 
0 

8 
2 

0 

do. 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 
S 

0 

n 

3 
6 

n 

lb. 

i) 

lb. 

1 

1 

0 

6 

2 
2 

0 
0 

1 
0 

6 

a 

3 
0 

0 

lb. 

0 

II 

0 

0 

(1 

lb. 

0 

a 

0 

0 

Grapes,  Hothouse....  lb. 

y 

0 

s 

0 

Strawberries    .. 

0 

0 

0 

0 

10 

1 

0     16    0 
0       4    0 

YEGBT 

11) 
1 

0 
0 

M 

9 

it 

n 

1BLBS. 

11. 

d. 

R. 

d 

a. 

a. 

s. 

d 

0 

0  00 

0 

11 

4  to  0 

II 

Beans,  Kidney  . 

$  sieve. 

0 

s 

0 
0 

0 
4 

0 
0 

1 

3 

6 
0 

3 
4 

11 

11 

bushel 

II 

II 

0 

0 

Mustard  &  Cress 

.punnet 

11 

a 

11 

0 

Beet,  Red 

« 

0 

8 

0 

4 

0 

6 

u 

bundle 

0 

0 

0 

0 

u 

4 

0 

8 

Brussels  Sprouts 

.4  sieve 

0 

0 

0 

0 

11 

0 

0 

0 

1 

II 

it 

0 

0 

9 

1 

0 

1 

II 

1 

6 

0 

0 

0 

II 

II 

4 

II 

8 

4 

0 

6 

11 

11 

II 

6 

0 

4 

0 

b 

0 

bundle 

1 

6 

2 

0 

Radishes  ..  doz. 

bunches 

0 

0 

U 

II 

lunches 
, . .  each 

9 
0 

0 
« 

6 
1 

0 

0 

0 

11 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 

Cucumbers 

0 

2 

0 

4 

0 

0 

1) 

0 

u 

2 

n 

0 
S 

0 

n 

0 
0 

II 

V 
0 

9 

6 

lb. 

0 

8 

n 

0 

1 

0 

0 

S 

0 

0 

(1 

6 

U 

0 

Horseradish  ,.„ 

bundle 

8 

0 

6 

0 

Vegetable  Marrows. .  doz. 

it 

V 

a 

0 

September  29,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


239 


WEEKLY 

CALENDAR. 

Day 
of 

Month 

Day 
of 

Week. 

SEP.  29— OCT.  5,  1870. 

Average    Tempera- 
ture near  London. 

Kain  in 

last 
43  years. 

Sun 
Rises. 

Sun 

Sets. 

Moon 
Rises. 

Moon 
Sets. 

Moon's 
Age. 

Clock 
after 
Sun. 

Day 

of 

Year. 

29 

30 

1 

2 
3 

4 
5 

Th 

F 

S 

Son 

M 

Tu 

W 

Michaelmas  Day. 

Cambridge  Michaelmas  Term  begins. 

16    SUNDAY   AFTEB  TniNITY. 

Royal  Horticultural  Society,  Frnit,  Floral, 
[and  General  Meeting. 

Day. 

65.5 
65.0 
63  4 
64.4 
63  7 
63.7 
60.5 

Night. 
44.3 
438 
44.7 
43.9 
41.5 
42.4 
40.3 

Mean. 
649 
54.2 
54.1 
541 
52.6 
53.1 
50.4 

Days. 
26 
24 
21 
19 
16 
21 
21 

m.      h. 
58af5 
59      5 
1      6 
3      6 
5      6 
7      fi 
9      6 

m.      b. 
43  af  5 
41      5 
40      5 
38      5 
35      5 
82      5 
30      5 

m.      h.1  m.     h. 
19  if  11  1  16  af  8 

after.    '  57      8 
45       1     47      9 
44       2  1  46    10 
31        3     52    11 

5       4     morn. 
34       4  12      1 

Days. 

5 
J 

7 
8 

J 

m.    s. 
9    40 
10      0 
10    19 
10    88 

10  56 

11  16 
11    33 

272 
273 
274 
275 
276 
277 
278 

From  observations  taken  near  London  during  the  last  forty-three  years,  the  average  day  temperature  of  the  week  is  63J\  and  its  night 
temperature  43  9'.      The  greatest  heat  was  80°,  on  the  5th,  1884;  and  the  lowest  cold  23°,  on  the  29th,  1842  ;  and  30th,  1836.    The  greatest 
fall  of  rain  was  1.08  inch. 

CLIMBING  FERNS.— No.  1. 

HERE  are  a  few  Ferns  to  be  met  with  in 
cultivation  which  do  not  in  the  majority  of  col- 
lections display  their  beauties  to  the  greatest 
advantage  :  I  allude  to  those  few  species  of 
scandent  habit  belonging  to  several  genera, 
many  of  which  have  the  power  of  extending 
their  fronds  to  an  indefinite  length.  That 
these  plants  do  not  lack  beauty  I  am  positive, 
because  I  have  grown  all  the  kinds  here 
enumerated  into  good  specimens,  yet  how 
seldom  do  we  see  them  properly  treated  ;  and  let  me  add, 
in  passing,  these  very  plants  can  be  made  prominent 
objects  in  a  fernery,  diversifying  its  features,  enhancing 
considerably  its  beauty,  and  thus  increasing  its  interest. 
With  the  hope,  therefore,  that  a  few  remarks  upon  these 
climbing  Ferns  may  not  be  unwelcome,  I  purpose  briefly 
describing  the  various  species,  and  the  best  method  of 
cultivating  them,  commencing  with  the  genus 

LYGODIUM. 

As  a  genus  this  is  characterised  by  its  twining  scandent 
fronds,  which  have  the  peculiarity  of  extending  themselves 
to  an  indefinite  length  ;  the  pinna?  are  usually  in  pairs  or 
«re  palmately  lobed,  but  sometimes  they  are  pinnatitid  ; 
the  veins  are  forked  and  free,  the  sporangiferous  receptacle 
is  situated  at  the  margin  ;  and  the  sori  stand  out  beyond 
the  edges  like  little  spikes,  giving  the  fruiting  fronds  a  dis- 
tinct and  very  handsome  appearance.  In  a  state  of  nature 
these  plants  are  mostly  found  growing  in  stiff  loamy  soil, 
and  nearly  always  in  the  vicinity  of  shrubs  or  low  bushes, 
over  and  through  which  their  fronds  are  laced  and  twisted, 
draping  their  supporters  with  an  exquisite  mantle  of  bright 
green.  In  cultivation  I  have  found  Lygodium  thrive  well 
potted  in  two  parts  peat,  two  parts  loam,  and  ono  part  leaf 
mould  and  sand  together.  In  potting,  great  care  must  be 
taken  to  prevent  any  accident  happening  to  the  drainage. 
Most  of  the  species  enjoy  stove  heat,  and  require  a  liberal 
supply  of  water,  although  some  kinds  will  grow  in  a  green- 
house temperature.  A  custom  prevails  with  some  Fern 
growers  of  cutting  off  the  fronds  of  Lygodium  quite  level 
with  the  pot  every  spring ;  this,  many  say,  makes  them 
grow  stronger,  but  nothing  can  be  more  directly  in  oppo- 
sition to  all  natural  laws,  and  I  firmly  believe  it  is  only  an 
excuse  for  hiding  carelessness  in  the  shape  of  scale-infested 
fronds  ;  depend  upon  it  the  best  plan  is  to  remove  pinna? 
or  fronds  only  when  they  become  unsightly,  and  if  ordinary 
care  be  taken  iu  cultivation  this  necessity  will  not  occur 
frequently. 

L.  japonicum. — The  fronds  of  this  species  grow  to  a 
considerable  length,  and  that  very  rapidly.  When  trained 
up  and  round  the  pillars  of  a  Fern  house,  or  indeed  an 
ordinary  stove,  it  produces  a  most  beautiful  effect,  and  it 
succeeds  equally  well  trained  along  a  rafter,  or  when  used 
to  form  a  screen  for  covering  a  wall ;  in  either  of  these 
positions  this  plant  is  able  to  develope  its  beauties  and 
display  its  true  character,  which  is  not  the  case  when  it 
is  grown  upon  small  trellises.  Another  use  to  which  the 
fronds  of  this  species  are  admirably  adapted  is  for  twining 

No.  496.-VOL.  XIX.,  New  Serits. 


I  round  the  stems  of  epergnes  for  the  decoration  of  dinner- 

!  tables,  &c,  and  I  think  I  may  safely  venture  to  say  that 
for  this  purpose  it  would  be  extremely  difficult  to  find  its 
equal  for  elegance  and  simplicity.  The  fronds  of  L.  japon- 
icum  are  branched,  and  the  pinna?  are  palmately  lobed, 
whilst  upon  the  apex  of  each  lobe  is  situated  a  little  spike 
of  dark  brown  sori,  which  contrast  beautifully  with  the 
bright  green  of  the  frond.  This  species  will  thrive  in  a 
comparatively  cool  temperature,  and  it  seems  to  be  ex- 

j  tremely  common  throughout  China  and  Japan. 

L.  flexuosum. — The  fronds  of  this  kind  are  much  larger 
than  those  of  the  previously-described  plant ;  indeed  it  is 
one  of  the  largest  species   in  the  genus,  the  pinna?  are 

I  opposite,  narrow,  twice-forked,  and  frequently  measure 
12  inches  in  length,  whilst  the  fronds  attain  a  great  length 
under  genial  treatment.  As  in  all  this  genus,  the  sori  of 
this  kind  are  exserted,  and  form  a  rich  brown  marginal 
border  to  the  deep  shining  green  of  the  pinna?.  It  requires 
a  stove  temperature,  and  may  be  used  with  advantage  in 
all  the  situations  recommended  for  L.  japonicum,  saving 
the  dinner- table  stands,  and  from  this  its  size  excludes 
it :  on  account  of  its  size,  also,  it  requires  a  greater  space  to 
ramble  over.  It  is  sometimes  called  L.  dichotomum,  from 
the  peculiar  branching  of  its  pinnae,  and  is  widely  dis- 
tributed throughout  the  islands  in  the  Indian  Archipelago. 
L.  palmatum. — This  species  is  not  a  large  grower,  and 
is  only  sub-scandent,  and  perhaps  should  not  have  been 
classed  with  these.  I  have  used  it,  however,  to  hang  down 
from  a  pocket  in  the  cool  fernery  with  great  success  ;  the 
somewhat  broad  prsemorse  barren  pinna?,  and  the  curious 
contracted  finger-like  fertile  ones,  presenting  a  unique 
appearance,  and  the  sight  of  this  plant  well  grown  in  such 
a  position  never  fails  to  arrest  the  attention  of  Fern  lovers. 
It  is  a  deciduous  plant,  a  native  of  North  America. 

L.  scandens.— This  kind  resembles  L.  japonicum  very 
much  in  some  of  its  stages  of  growth,  and,  indeed,  by  some 
authorities  they  are  considered  identical.  This  may  be 
the  case,  but  yet  when  the  two  extreme  forms  are  in  a 
collection  they'certainly  deserve  distinct  names.  The  form 
now  under  consideration  is  equally  beautiful  with  that 
already  described  under  the  name  of  L.  japonicum,  indeed  it 
is  even  more  finely  divided  ;  the  fronds  extend  indefinitely ; 
the  pinna?  are  palmately  lobed  and  of  a  beautiful  bright 
green  in  colour,  the  fertile  ones  clothed  at  the  margins 
with  light  brown  sori.  For  covering  a  rafter  or  pillar  in 
the  stove  it  is  admirable.     Native  of  the  East  Indies. 

L.  poltstachyum  —  A  noble  large-growing  species,  pro- 
ducing large  fronds  with  pinna?  from  6  to  12  inches  in 
length,  or  even  more,  the  stems  clothed  with  a  short 
white  tomentum  ;  pinnules  obtuse,  3  or  4  inches  long  and 
1  broad,  deeply  lobed,  each  lobe  being  much  contracted 
towards  the  apex,  and  upon  the  under  side  of  these  con- 
tracted parts  the  dark  brown  sori  are  produced,  and  not 
exserted  as  is  usual  in  this  genus.  A  highly  desirable 
plant,  not  sufficiently  known  or  grown  by  lovers  of  Ferns. 
Native  of  the  Indian  Archipelago. 

L.  microphyllum— This  is  a  superb  plant,  but  the  form 
which  I  have  grown  seems  to  be  extremely  rare  in  cultiva- 
tion.  It  produces  elegant  bright  green  barren  pinna?,  whilst 
No.  114S.-Vt  l.  XLIV.  Old  Series. 


240 


JOURNAL   OF   HOBTIOULTUBE   AND   COTTAGE    GABDENEB.        [  September  29,  1870. 


the  fruiting  pinnae  are  reduced  to  little  brown  fruiting  lobes, 
which  contrast  beautifully  with  the  bright  green.  For  a  pillar 
this  species  is  an  especial  favourite  of  mine,  and  it  would  be 
one  with  every  Fern-grower  if  it  were  better  known.  This  form 
is  a  native  of  the  Philippine  Islands. 

LYGODICTYON. 

In  their  general  habit  and  appearance  the  plants  composing 
this  genus  are  exactly  similar  to  the  Lygodiums,  and  they 
are  distinguished  from  them  only  by  having  reticulated  veinB. 
This,  however,  amoDgst  an  order  of  plants  in  which  the  ve- 
nation is  of  far  greater  importance  than  in  any  other  order,  is 
a  good  and  abiding  character.  The  soil  and  treatment  should 
be  the  same  as  for  Lygodiums. 

L.  Forsteri  is  a  very  handsome  scandent  plant,  producing 
bipinnate  fronds,  which  are  several  times  forked  in  a  dichoto- 
mous  manner;  the  pinDfe  are  oblong-obtuse,  the  sterile  ones 
longer  than  the  fertile,  but  the  latter  are  much  the  broader  j  the 
sori  are  dark  brown,  dense,  and  exserted  as  in  Lygodium,  thus 
rendering  it  a  most  attractive  plant  for  rafters  or  pillars  in  the 
fernery.  It  thrives  well  in  the  stove,  but  it  will  also  attain 
considerable  proportions  in  a  cool  house.  Native  of  the  Poly- 
nesian Islands. 

GYMN'OG       MM 

A  gennB  very  popular,  and  known  to  most  plant  lovers  by  the 
names  of  Gold  and  Silver  Ferns,  about  which  I  hope  to  say  a 
few  words  in  a  future  article.  The  species  to  which,  however, 
I  wish  to  draw  attention  in  this  place  is  a  climbing  plant,  and 
■well  merits  the  attention  of  Fern-growers.  It  requires  a  stove 
temperature,  and  should  be  potted  in  peat  and  sand  only. 

G.  flexuosa. — This  most  elegant  plant  produces  fronds  of 
an  indefinite  length.  The  racbis  is  zigzag,  and  the  pinDfe  are 
bi-tripinnate  and  refracted  ;  pinnules  narrow  and  somewhat 
wedge-shaped;  it  is  entirely  destitute  of  the  farinose  powder 
so  common  to  the  genuB,  and  dark  green  in  colour.  It  climbs 
over  bushes  and  shrubs  in  its  native  habitats,  and  its  light 
graceful  fronds  produce  a  charming  effect.  Native  of  South 
America. 

PLATYLOMA. 

This  genus  contains  several  very  handsome  species  ;  only  one, 
however,  can  be  introduced  here  as  a  climber,  and  it  should 
find  a  place  in  every  collection  of  Ferns  on  account  of  its  ex- 
treme beauty,  its  distinctness,  and  because  it  succeeds  well  in  a 
cool  house.  This  genus  is  characterised  by  its  forked  veins, 
and  by  the  sporangiferous  receptacles  being  terminal  and  ob- 
long ;  these,  being  contiguous,  form  a  broad  unbroken  mar- 
ginal sorus ;  the  indusium  is  linear,  continuous,  and  very 
narrow.  Bough  fibrous  peat  and  sand,  with  a  little  light  loam, 
suit  this  genus  admirably. 

P.  flexuosa. — This  is  sometimes  to  be  met  with  under  the 
name  of  Allosorua  flexuosus  and  Pteris  flexuosa ;  it  is  a  most 
elegant  plant,  and  produces  a  fine  effect  trained  upon  a  rafter 
or  pillar.  The  fronds  are  (i  or  7  feet  in  length,  tripinnate,  with 
a  zigzag  stem  ;  the  pinnules  are  small,  ovate,  and  light  green 
in  colour ;  the  sori  form  a  continuous  marginal  band  on  the 
under  side,  greatly  enhancing  its  beauty.  As  before  remarked, 
it  thrives  well  in  a  cool  house,  and  is  a  native  of  various  parts 
of  South  America. 

ADIANTUM. 

Under  the  name  of  Maiden-hair  Ferns  the  genus  Adiantum 
is  familiar  to  all  lovers  of  plants.  All  the  species  are  hand- 
some, and  some  of  them  rank  amongst  the  most  beautiful 
Ferns  in  cultivation.  The  fronds  vary  from  simple  to  pinnate 
and  bi-tripiDnate,  with  jointed  pinnae,  which  have  an  excentric 
costa  or  midrib  ;  the  veins  are  forked  and  free  ;  the  sori  mar- 
ginal, and  covered  by  a  conspicuous  indusium.  Only  one 
scandent  species  has  up  to  the  present  time  been  introduced  in 
a  living  state  to  our  gardens,  although  other  handsome  climb- 
ing kinds  are  known  to  exist  in  tropical  countries.  It  should 
be  potted  in  peat  and  light  loam. 

A.  Feei  is  a  distinct  form  of  Maiden-hair,  and  cannot  be  mis- 
taken for,  or  confounded  with  any  other  species.  It  is  known 
in  some  collections  by  the  name  of  A.  flexuosum.  Its  fronds 
extend  to  a  considerable  length  ;  they  are  tripinnate,  having  the 
rachis  and  petioles  covered  with  a  reddish-brown  pubescence ; 
the  pinna?  are  sub-rotund,  and  dull  green  in  colour.  It  forms 
an  elegant  plant  either  for  pillars  or  rafters  in  the  stove  fernery. 
Native  of  Mexico. — Experto  Crede. 


Ipecacuanha  Culture. — According  to  Nature,  there  is  good 
report  of  the  progress  of  Ipecacuanha  cultivation  in  India, 
where  it  is  found  so  valuable  in  that  prevalent  disease,  dysen- 


tery. Since  Dr.  John  Murray  obtained  for  it  the  notice  of  the 
Indian  Government,  it  has  been  successfully  planted  in  the 
Neilgherries  and  other  of  our  hill  settlements,  and  in  the  plains. 
It  has  done  well  even  at  Calcutta. 


NUTRITION  AND  SEX  IN  PLANTS. 

(Read  before  the  American  Association  for  tbe  Advancement  of  Science.) 
In  my  paper  on  the  laws  of  sex  in  plants,  which  I  read  to  the 
Asiociation  last  year,  I  gave  some  account  of  a  few  of  the  lead- 
ing facts  I  had  observed,  which  seemed  to  indicate  that  a  higher 
degree  of  vigour  or  vital  force  was  necessary  to  produce  the 
female  than  the  male  sex  in  plants.  I  have  not  met  with  one 
fact  which  has  suggested  any  other  conclusion;  nor  have  I  heard 
any  fact  suggested  by  others  which  could  lead  to  any  other 
opinion.  Wherever  there  has  been  any  change  in  the  sexual 
relations,  the  male  flowers  or  organs  are  invariably  associated 
with  declining  vigour,  while  only  in  those  parts  of  plants  most 
favourable  t  o  the  highest  state  of  vitality  are  the  female  flowers 
most  numerous  or  generally  found. 

This  theory  is  so  capable  of  easy  demonstration  by  anyone 
who  will  personally  examine  the  first  monoecious  tree  or  plant  he 
meets,  that  I  feel  sure  nothing  further  will  be  needed  from  me 
to  sustain  it.  I  propose  now  to  go  a  step  further,  in  the  en- 
deavour to  ascertain  the  exact  laws  of  nutrition,  by  which  we 
may  control  these  sex-producing-  forces  respectively. 

I  have  here  some  specimens  of  Castanea  aniericana,  our  com- 
mon Sweet  Chestnut,  as  my  first  contribution  to  this  class  of 
facts. 

But  first  I  would  call  attention  to  the  fact  that  there  are  two 
classes  of  male  flowers  in  this  tree.  It  is  scarcely  possible  that 
this  should  have  escaped  the  eye  of  other  observers,  but  I  find  no 
reference  to  it  in  botanical  works.  One  olass  of  male  flowers 
comes  out  from  the  axils  on  half-starved  shoots,  the  other  class 
terminates  tbe  strong  vigorous  shoots  which  bear  the  female 
blossoms.  Those  of  the  former  class  have  their  flowers  set 
densely  on  the  rachis — on  the  latter  they  are  somewhat  scattered, 
and  do  not  open  until  a  week  or  ten  days  after  the  latter.  The 
numerous  flowers  we  see  on  the  Chestnut  trees  are  of  the  former 
class,  and  generally  have  mostly  fallen  before  those  associated 
with  the  female  flowers  open.  I  think  it  likely  that  one  of  these 
classes  does  not  perform  the  usual  fertilising  functions,  but  could 
not  satisfy  myself  positively.  The  interest  for  us  here  is  to  note 
the  antagonism,  so  to  say,  between  the  male  and  female  blossoms. 
The  comparatively  weak  spikes  show  that  they  were  formed  only 
after  the  female  flowers  had  received  matter  enough  for  their 
perfect  development.  Only  the  surplus  matter  goes  to  form  the 
male  flowers  at  the  apex.  This  is  better  shown  by  the  fact  that 
often  there  is  no  prolongation  beyond  the  female  flowers — no 
male  blossoms ;  at  other  times  only  a  few — never,  as  we  have 
seen,  the  number  which  appears  on  those  spikes  which  are  wholly 
masculine  in  their  nature. 

In  regard  to  the  influence  of  nutrition  on  sex,  another  specimen 
I  exhibit  is  from  a  tree  at  least  40  feet  high  and  6  in  circum- 
ference. It  is  on  my  ground,  stands  out  by  itself,  and  has  borne 
fruit  regularly  and  in  good  crops  annually.  This  year  the  leaves 
are  all  streaked  with  yellow,  as  in  this  specimen. 

Horticulturists  well  know  that  this  appearance  on  the  leaves 
of  plants  arises  from  an  interruption  of  the  nutritive  functions. 
If  a  branch  be  partially  ringed  to  induce  fruitfulness,  or  if  the 
roots  be  injured  in  transplanting,  or  rotted  by  an  over-supply 
of  water,  a  yellow  tint  to  the  foliage  is  the  invariable  consequence. 
In  some  way,  then,  this  Chestnut  tree  has  this  season  met  with 
some  check  to  its  nutritive  system, — received  a  blow  to  its 
vitality,  which  has  resulted  in  this  yellow-tinted  leaf.  The 
effect  of  this  on  the  sex  is,  that  though  thousands  of  male  flowers 
are  produced,  there  is  not  one  female  flower,  one  young  chestnut, 
on  the  whole  tree  that  I  can  find. 

I  think  this  instance  satisfactory  as  far  as  it  goes,  that  defective 
nutrition  is  one  of  the  agents  which  operate  on  those  laws  of 
vitality  that  govern  the  sexes. — Thomas  Meeiiax. — (American 
Gardener's  Monthly.) 


GARIBALDI    STRAWBERRY. 

I  observe  in  your  issue  of  the  8th  inst.  that  a  correspondent 
says  the  Garibaldi  Strawberry  which  I  raised  has  been  proved 
to  be  Vicomtesse  Hericart  de  Thury,  and  that  the  latter  has 
been  seDt  out  under  the  name  of  Garibaldi  as  a  new  Straw- 
berry. I  beg  to  dery  any  such  assertion,  and  further  beg  to 
state  that  when  the  Vicomtesse  is  grown  along  with  the  true 
Garibaldi  it  will  be  found  that  my  Strawberry  is  much  superior 


September  29,  1870.  ]         JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


241 


in  many  respects.  Your  correspondent  farther  asserts  that 
Garibaldi  was  sent  out  last  year  ;  allow  me  to  inform  him  that 
I  sent  it  out  five  years  ago.  If  he  will  write  me  on  the  sub- 
ject I  shall  give  him  sufficient  references.  I  have  only  to  add 
that  at  present  Garibaldi  stands  unrivalled. — T.  Armstbono, 
Belah  Gardens,  Stanwix,  Carlisle. 


THE  SLOUGH  CARNATIONS  AND  PICOTEES. 

Now  that  floristB'  flowers  are  once  more  looking  up,  and  we 
are,  I  hope,  likely  to  see  more  of  them  in  the  metropolis  than 
we  have  done  during  the  past  few  years,  I  Bhall  be  justified  in 
drawing  attention  to  some  of  them  as  they  come  under  one's 
notice  ;  and  having  had  an  opportunity  of  seeiDg  Mr.  Turner's 
collection  of  Carnations  and  Picotees  in  full  bloom,  an  account 
of  what  I  saw  cannot  fail  to  be  of  interest  to  some. 

It  was  on  my  return  journey  from  Okeford  Fitzpaine  and 
Salisbury  that  I  found  myself  at  Reading  and  enjoying  the 
hospitality  of  some  kind  friends  there,  who  much  wanted  me  to 
go  with  them  the  next  day  to  the  Oxford  Show.  The  weather 
was  insufferably  hot,  and  I  heard  so  poor  an  account  of  the 
show  and  the  difficulty  of  getting  about,  that  I  would  not  go. 
Instead,  I  determined  to  visit  the  classic  grounds  of  Slough,  one 
of  the  choice  spots  of  "  merrie  England  "  to  the  florist,  for  has 
not  there  the  very  prince  of  florists  set  an  example  to  all  lovers 
of  flowers  as  to  what  can  be  done?  From  thence  he  has  brought 
forth  artillery  that  has  raked  the  finest  competitors.  In  Aza- 
leas, Pelargoniums,  Hoses,  Auriculas,  Dahlias,  Pinks,  Carna- 
tions, and  Picotees  he  has  shown  himself  a  very  giant ;  and 
for  neatness,  order,  and  well-kept  grounds  it  would  be  difficult 
anywhere  to  find  the  equal  of  Slough.  I  knew  that  the  best 
twenty- four  Picotees  and  Carnations  had  gone  off  to  Oxford, 
but  knowing  how  extensive  his  stock  was  I  felt  sure  this  would 
make  no  very  perceptible  difference  :  nor  was  I  wrong.  Inde- 
pendently of  the  large  stock  in  pots  out  of  doors,  a  lean-to  in  a 
northern  aspect  was  filled  with  a  splendid  collection  in  fine 
health  and  full  bloom.  Ball,  the  intelligent  and  able  cultivator 
of  these  and  the  Auriculas,  was  at  home,  we  had  a  good  hour's 
chat  over  our  favourites,  and  I  here  give  the  result  of  my 
observations,  seconded  by  his  greater  experience. 

In  Picotees  I  would  place  at  the  very  head  of  the  list,  as 
possessing  the  finest  qualities,  a  flower  sent  out  by  Mr.  Turner 
last  year — Admiration.  It  is  a  heavy-edged  purple  Picotee,  of 
splendid  habit  and  first-rate  properties.  Wherever  it  was  in 
the  house  it  was  at  once  recognised  by  its  fine  habit  and  ap- 
pearance. It  is  some  satisfaction  to  know  that  this,  one  of  our 
newest  flowers,  is  also  our  very  best.  Miss  Turner  is  another 
very  beautiful  flower  of  a  different  character,  a  light-edged  red, 
with  a  very  pure  white  ground  and  a  medium  edge  of  bright  red. 
These,  with  Charmer,  medium  purple  edge,  very  constant  and 
distinct ;  Colonel  Clerk,  heavy  red,  with  broad  smooth  petal, 
large,  full,  and  regular;  Mrs.  Fisher,  alight-edged  rose,  fine 
and  full,  good  ground,  and  beautifully  marked  ;  and  Nimrod, 
a  rich  dark  purple,  were  among  the  newer  flowers  that  struck 
me  as  being  fine. 

Amongst  older  flowers,  in  heavy-edged  red  kinds  Exhibitor, 
Favourite,  Mrs.  Dodwell,  Mrs.  Norman,  and  William  Summers 
may  be  set  down  as  excellent ;  while  in  light-edged  red  Agnes, 
Miss  Holbeck,  Mrs.  Kelk,  and  Penelope  are  equally  good.  In 
heavy  purple-edged,  Lord  Nelson,  Prince  Arthur,  Duke  of 
Devonshire  ;  and  in  light  purple-edged,  Amy  Robsart,  Brides- 
maid, Mary  (a  very  beautiful  flower),  and  Lady  Elcho  are 
flowers  of  first-rate  excellence.  No  class  is  a  greater  favourite 
with  me  than  the  rose  and  scarlet-edged  Picotees,  and  Mr, 
Turner's  collection  was  especially  rich  in  them.  Miss  Meeking, 
Queen  Victoria,  Princess  Royal,  Rosalind,  and  Unexpected  are 
very  fine  ;  while  amongst  light-edged  varieties  Lucy,  Miss 
Sewell,  Miss  Puxley,  and  Rosy  Circle  are  exceedingly  beautiful. 
I  have  in  these  marked  only  those  which  seemed  to  be  not  only 
beautiful  but  good  growers  ;  for  in  all  flowers,  no  matter  what 
they  may  be — Roses,  Auriculas,  Carnations,  or  Picotees — unless 
we  have  good  constitution  beauty  is  of  little  moment.  They 
only  tantalise  us  by  their  beauty  which  we  enjoy  but  for  a  little 
while  ere  it  perishes. 

Amongt  the  recently  raised  Carnations  the  following  may  be 
regarded  as  valuable  varieties  : — Annihilator,  a  good  scarlet 
flake,  good  white  ground  and  bright  marking ;  Eccentric  Jack, 
large  and  well-marked  crimson  bizarre,  good  shape  with  broad 
petals  ;  James  Merryweather,  rose  flake,  a  fine  variety,  good 
habit ;  hifleman,  crimson  bizarre,  very  large  bold  flower,  will 
be  probably  a  great  favourite  in  the  north  ;  William  Cowper, 
a  fine  flower,  scarlet  flake,  and  very  constant;  and  Graceless 


Tom,  a  fine  full-sized  crimson  bizarre,  well-marked  and  con- 
stant. Amongst  scarlet  bizarreB  of  older  date  the  following  were 
good  : — Flambeau,  Lord  Rancliffe,  William  Pitt,  and  Brutus.  Of 
orimson  bizarres,  Jenny  Lind,  Paul  Pry,  Queen  Victoria,  and 
Lord  Milton  are  fine  varieties.  Probably  the  best  of  the  purple 
flakes  were  Ascendant,  Earl  Stamford,  Mayor  of  Oldham,  and 
Mayor  of  Nottingham.  In  scarlet  flakes  Christopher  Sly,  Justice 
Shallow,  Lydia,  and  Illuminator  are  good  ;  and  in  that  charm- 
ing class  rose  flakes  Flora's  Garland  (a  difficult  flower  to  grow), 
Lady  Ely,  Princess  Royal,  Robo  of  Castile,  and  Samuel  Moreton 
are  very  fine. 

In  mentioning  these  I  have  only  selected  a  very  small  portion 
of  what  I  Baw,  as  they  seemed  to  me  to  be  amongst  the  finest ; 
but  in  so  extensive  and  varied  a  selection  there  was  such  an 
embarras  de  riehesses  that  one  waB  fairly  confounded  by  it. 
Let  thoBe  who  may  think  of  growing  them  put  themselves  into 
the  hands  of  an  experienced  grower  like  Mr.  Turner,  and  they 
will  not  fail  to  make  a  good  start. — D.,  Deal. 


PEACHES   AND   NECTARLNES. 

Dr.  Hogg's  "  Fruit  Manual"  is  a  very  useful  book.  It,  by 
giving  the  synonymes,  and  describing  the  shapes  of  the  fruits, 
the  forms  of  the  stones,  and  the  size  of  the  flowers  and  the 
glands,  has  enabled  me  to  find  out  deceptions,  and  to  deter- 
mine the  varieties  of  misnamed  Peaches  and  Nectarines.  I 
hope  we  shall  soon  have  another  editioD,  describing  the  latest 
seedlings,  and  also  distinguishing  the  colours  of  fruits  grown 
under  glass  from  those  grown  out  of  doors,  as  they  are  very 
different.  By  the  help  of  this  excellent  work  I  found  out  that 
I  had  the  Grosse  Mignonne  under  three  synonymes — namely, 
Royal  Kensington,  Padley's  Early  Purple,  and  Smooth-leaved 
Royal  George.  These  four  synonymes,  of  course,  quadruple 
the  chances  of  Bale  ;  but  the  act  is  dishonest.  I  advise  pur- 
chasers of  the  above  fruit  trees  to  try  the  sorts  sent  out  by 
means  of  the  flowers,  the  glands,  the  shape  of  the  fruit,  and 
the  serration  of  the  leaves.  A  powerful  glass  is  necessary  to 
examine  the  glands,  which  are  either  kidney-shaped  or  round. 
The  glands  are  sometimes  so  small  that  the  unassisted  eye 
cannot  always  determine  their  shape.  It  is  said  that  "landless 
leaves  are  subject  to  mildew  ;  under  glass  it  may  be  so,  but  I 
never  saw  mildew  on  the  leaves  of  my  Peaches  and  Nectarines 
out  of  doors. 

As  soon  as  the  Peach  and  Nectarine  season  is  over,  I  think 
of  referring  to  the  fruits,  especially  to  those  of  later  origin.  In 
the  meantime  I  express  my  gratitude  for  such  a  magnificent 
crop  of  fine  fruits.  I  have  cut  in  half  the  leaves  of  all  the 
trees  that  have  done  fruiting.  It  is  a  good  plan,  practised  here 
successfully  for  two  years,  as  it  enables  the  sun  and  air  to 
mature  the  wood  of  the  current  year,  upon  the  ripening  of 
which  future  success  greatly  depends.  The  skin  should  be 
blood  red,  and  not  of  a  pale  sickly  green. — W.  F.  Radcltffe. 


THE   ROYAL   HORTICULTURAL    SOCIETY'S 
HYACINTH   SHOW. 

I  should  very  much  like  to  call  the  attention  of  the  Council 
of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  to  two  points  in  connection 
with  the  show  of  Hyacinths,  &c,  annually  held  by  the  Society. 

Firstly,  the  low  value  of  prizes  offered,  and,  consequently, 
the  little  encouragement  given  to  the  flowering  of  these  bulbs. 
I  believe  the  number  of  exhibitors  at  this  Show  decreases  year 
by  year,  and  I  think  the  principal  reason  is  because  the  prizes 
offered  are  not  of  sufficient  value.  I  have  been  a  successful 
exhibitor  of  Dutch  bulbs  for  three  years,  and  I  can  confidently 
Btate  I  have  barely  covered  my  expenses.  I  do  not  mean  to 
say  I  want  to  make  a  profit  of  these  exhibitions,  but  I  do  mean 
to  say  that  if  more  adequate  prizes  were  offered  more  persons 
would  be  induced  to  enter  the  field,  and  the  Society  would 
benefit  by  the  results.  I  certainly  am  of  opinion  that  the 
growth  of  these  spring  flowers  cannot  be  too  much  encouraged, 
coming,  as  they  do,  at  a  time  when  the  firBt  days  of  warmth 
occur,  and  when  flowers  are  bo  highly  prized. 

Secondly,  I  think  if  the  Committee  were  to  issue  a  spring 
schedule  distinct  from  the  summer  one,  and  at  an  earlier  date 
than  usual,  both  the  Society  and  exhibitors  would  derive  a 
great  benefit.  Dutch  bulbs  are  not  like  plants  which  a  man 
has  in  his  possession,  it  is  necessary  to  procure  fresh  ones 
every  year,  and  the  growers  recommend  an  early  purchase ; 
but  how  is  an  intending  exhibitor  to  know  what  to  purchase  if 


242 


JOURNAL  OP  HOBTICULTUEE  AND  COTTAGE  GABDENEE. 


[  September  29,  1870. 


he  does  not  know  what  he  has  to  exhibit  ?    I  should  like  sIeo 
to  see  more  classes  open  to  amateurs. 

I  have  made  these  remarks  as  one  who  takes  an  interest  in 
the  welfare  of  the  Sosiety,  and  I  hope  the  Council  will  receive 
them  as  such. — Amateuk. 


CAPEL  MANOR,  HORSEMONDEN,  KENT. 

Capel  Manor  is  a  commodious  edifice  in  what  is  called  the 
Lombardie  style  of  architecture,  situated  midway  on  the  slope 
of  a  gentle  eminence  facing  the  east,  in  the  picturesque  parish 
of  Horsemonden,  five  or  six  miles  from  the  Paddock  Wood 
Station,  on  the  South-Eastern  Bailway.  The  surrounding 
country  presents  a  series  of  undulations,  all  available  for 
tillage,  but  sufficiently  elevated  to  afford  commanding  sites  for 
dwellings  without  bleakness,  being  well  wooded,  and  for  miles 
haviug  a  clothed  appearance.  Perhaps  nowhere  are  Hops  and 
fruit  trees  more  industriously  attended  to,  and  with  more  suc- 
cessful results.  The  gentle  hills  and  smiling  valleys  teem  with 
vegetable  life,  exposed  to  no  smoke  from  factory  chimneys  ;  for 
although  report  says  the  iron  of  the  railing  round  St.  Paul's 
Cathedral  was  smelted  in  an  adjoining  parish,  the  furnaces 
that  supplied  it  have  long  since  passed  away,  and  so  has  the  ma- 
nufactory of  woollen  cloth,  for  which  the  village  of  Horsemon- 
den was  at  one  time  famous.  The  cultivation  of  the  ground 
has  been  all  the  more  actively  engaged  in,  the  nature  of  the  soil 
and  the  undulating  character  of  the  country  being  favourable. 
The  district  contrasts  strongly  with  the  level  tract  of  laud  to 
the  north  of  it,  forming  what  iB  called  the  Weald  of  Kent ;  the 
high  ground  of  the  parishes  of  Horseuden,  Goudhurst,  Cran- 
brook,  and  Erittenden  overlooking  this  flat  on  the  one  side,  as 
the  high  ridge  of  hills  forming  the  Coxheath  range  does  on  the 
other;  and  it  is  partly  owiug  to  this  cause  that  from  the  tower 
of  Goudhurst  church,  although  the  village  is  situated  at  no 
great  elevation,  it  is  said  fifty-two  other  churches  may  be  seen, 
and  possibly  no  village  within  thiB  range  of  view  contains  five 
hundred  inhabitants. 

Only  eleven  years  ago  the  site  of  the  mansion  and  grounds 
was  a  wood  and  meadow,  but  so  well  adapted  is  the  soil  to  the 
growth  of  shrubs  and  trees,  and  so  carefully  have  they  been 
planted  and  tended,  that  the  place  presents  a  clothed  appearance 
already.  One  circumstance,  no  doubt,  contributed  to  this 
result — there  were  plenty  of  large  Oak  and  other  trees  about 
the  mansion  and  its  surroundings,  as  well  as  in  the  park,  so 
that  these  essential  features  were  already  provided,  for  al- 
though the  place  is  quite  new,  it  is  very  near  the  site  of  a  very 
old  residence  that  used  to  be  the  home  of  the  ancestors  of  the 
present  proprietor,  —  Austen,  Esq.  With  laudable  consider- 
ation the  park  and  adjacent  fields  had  never  been  denuded  of 
their  timber,  as  so  many  estates  were  about  the  beginning  of 
the  present  century,  when  oak  commanded  so  high  a  price, 
consequently  the  park  is  amply,  nay,  profusely,  furnished  with 
trees  of  all  sizes. 

The  mansion  is  built  of  a  light-coloured  sandstone  found  in 
the  neighbourhood,  with  stone  of  another  sort  for  dressings, 
and  its  cleanliness  contrasts  well  with  the  healthy  herbage  by 
which  it  is  surrounded.  The  carriage  front  faces  the  north- 
east, while  the  south-eastern  and  south-western  sides  are  garden 
fronts,  the  offices  being  on  the  other  side.  Situated  on  a  de- 
clivity facing  the  south-east  a  terrace  runs  along  that  side  with 
an  enriched  architectural  retaining  wall  and  parapet,  while 
below  is  a  large  basin  of  water,  with  some  beds  edged  with 
stone  on  a  spacious  gravelled  area,  contrasting  strongly  with 
tho  cramped  arrangements  of  some  gardens  of  a  like  kind, 
where  the  design  would  seem  to  be  to  get  as  much  as  pos- 
sible into  the  smallest  space.  Suitable  flights  of  steps  lead 
down  from  the  upper  terrace,  while  below,  the  dressed  grounds 
extend  some  distance  as  shrubbery,  intersected  by  walks  con- 
forming to  the  inclination  of  the  ground.  A  summer-house 
forms  a  termination  to  one  of  the  walks  in  this  quarter.  On 
the  south-west  side  the  ground  is  more  on  s  level  with  the  base 
of  the  mansion,  and  a  flower  garden  on  turf  is  suitably  placed 
there,  as  well  as  a  very  neat  conservatory  upwards  of  70  feet 
long  by  about  28  "feet  wide.  This  adjoins  the  mansion,  and  is 
well  clothed  with  climbers  in  robust  health  ;  amongst  them  I 
noticed  a  fine  plant  of  Lapageria  rosea  blooming  profusely. 
Passiflora  Baonapartea  was  in  excellent  health,  and  was  said  to 
have  bloomed  well,  while  a  Thibaudia  growing  figainst  one  of 
the  ends  of  the  building  presented  several  clusters  of  its  tubular 
flowers  in  great  profusion.  The  shelves  and  central  bed  were 
well  filled  with  healthy  flowering  and  fine-foliaged  plants,  and 
presented    a  gay    and    interesting  appearance,  meeting  the 


climbers  from  the  roof,  and  showing  a  high  state  of  cultivation. 
Encaustic  tiles  formed  the  pathway,  which  had  a  stone  kerb, 
and  the  workmanship  of  the  whole  building  was  of  the  best 
description.  I  believe  Mr.  Ormson  erected  it,  as  well  as  the 
other  forcing  houses  which  will  be  described  hereafter. 

The  dressed  grounds  are  very  extensive,  and  differ  from 
those  at  many  places  of  a  like  kind,  the  walks  being  in  most 
instances  straight  and  pointing  to  some  object  either  placed 
there  to  form  a  suitable  terminus,  or  directed  to  some  feature 
in  the  distance.  The  picturesque  village  of  Goudhurst,  about 
two  milts  off,  was  brought  into  view,  while  a  summer-house 
formed  a  suitable  termination  at  another  place.  Most  of  the 
walks  diverging  from  the  principal  ones  were  also  at  right 
angles,  thereby  dividing  the  ground  into  a  series  of  squares  and 
parallelograms,  one  of  which  had  been  devoted  to  that  which 
has  now  become  an  important  appendage  to  most  country 
houses,  a  orcquet  ground.  Beds  of  Tea  and  other  Eoses  in 
excellent  health,  with  abundance  of  flowerB  even  at  the  time 
of  my  visit  (the  end  of  August),  were  also  met  with  at  vari- 
ous turnings,  while  the  choicest  Pinuses  had  suitable  posi- 
tions, and  some  steep  banks  and  other  inequalities  were  well 
clothed  with  shrubs  of  various  kinds,  amongst  which  I  noticed 
Escallonia  macrantha  luxuriating  almost  as  well  as  a  Laurus- 
tinus,  while  trained  against  the  mansion  Magnolia  grandiflora 
was  flowering.  On  a  prepared  border  near  the  conservatory 
a  large  bed,  or  rather  bank,  of  the  best  varieties  of  Bhodo- 
dendrons  must  present  a  gorgeous  eight  when  in  bloom. 
These  shrubs,  it  must  be  observed,  were  here  and  there  backed 
by  good  old  Oak  or  other  trees,  and  the  rear  of  the  mansion 
was  well  sheltered  by  trees  on  still  higher  ground,  giving  the 
whole  an  appearance  of  snugness. 

The  kitchen  garden  and  forcing  houses  also  lay  in  this  di- 
rection. The  garden  proper  is  surrounded  by  good  walls  well 
covered  with  fruit  trees  bearing  luxuriant  crops.  The  Peaches, 
Nectarines,  and  Plums  could  not  weil  be  excelled,  and  the 
same  may  be  said  of  some  Morelio  Cherries  on  a  north  wall. 
Accompanying  the  latter  was  a  late  table  Cherry,  whioh  Mr. 
Seale,  the  gardener,  said  he  believed  was  a  Late  Duke  Cherry 
of  some  kind.  Outside  the  garden  was  more  than  the  ordinary 
amount  of  slip,  for  the  space  far  exoeeded  that  enclosed  by  the 
walls,  and  was  devoted  to  the  growth  of  hardy  fruits  and  com- 
mon vegetables.  Vory  heavy  crops  of  Plums,  Pears,  and  Apples 
on  standard  trees  eight  or  nine  years  old,  proved  how  well  the 
situation  and  treatment  suited  them. 

In  the  hothouses  heavy  crops  of  most  excellent  Grapes  were 
grown  ;  the  varieties  were  Black  Hamburghs,  Muscat  Ham- 
burghs,  and  White  Muscats,  remarkably  fine  for  size  of  berry. 
The  stems  of  the  Vines  showed  a  sturdiness  of  growth  rarely 
met  with  in  plants  so  young,  while  the  foliage  was  not  at  all 
large,  confirming  what  I  have  before  advanced,  that  size  of 
leaf  alone  is  not  the  criterion  of  the  Vine's  doing  well.  The 
fruit  from  the  early  house  had  been  mostly  gathered,  but  an 
abundant  crop  was  coming  on  in  a  later  house.  A  Fig-house 
had  also  yielded  well,  and  the  trees  were  showing  a  second 
crop.  The  walls  were  everywhere  closely  covered  with  healthy 
fruitful  trees,  and  the  interior  of  the  garden  showed,  by  the 
abundant  crops  of  vegetables,  that  the  soil  and  its  management 
had  been  such  as  to  successfully  combat  the  very  dry  season. 
Even  Peas  were  in  bearing,  although  much  attacked  by  birdg, 
which  threatened  to  destroy  that  crop. 

As  the  natural  character  of  the  soil  has  always  much  to  do 
with  the  well-being  of  every  crop,  the  worthy  proprietor  of 
Capel  Manor  and  his  energetic  gardener  have  been  fortunate 
in  this  respect ;  but  the  soil  is  one  not  easily  described,  unlesi 
the  equivocal  term  of  a  stiff  sand  be  applicable,  for  it  was  of 
that  character — a  light-coloured  material  free  from  stones,  but 
not  so  porous  that  water  would  not  stand  upon  it  when  it  was, 
kneaded  together.  Underneath  was  the  sandstone  of  whioh 
the  mansion  and  other  buildings  were  constructed.  This  soil,  I 
feel  convinced  from  what  I  saw,  is  more  conducive  to  the  well- 
doing of  the  Vine  than  so  much  lime  rubbish  as  is  advocated 
by  many,  and  although  pale-coloured  I  believe  it  contains 
iron,  for  at  a  short  distance  from  the  garden  the  bed  of  a  little 
streamlet  exhibited  a  bright  red  inorustation.  The  soil  of  the 
kitchen  garden,  as  well  as  of  most  parts  of  the  pleasure  grounds, 
was  also  of  good  depth.  The  latter,  however,  had  mostly 
been  disturbed,  so  that  the  original  surface  was  only  to  be 
guessed  at;  however,  I  may  state  that  Bhododendrons  seemed 
to  thrive  tolerably  well  in  it,  although  not  so  well  as  in  some 
borders  made  for  them  by  an  admixture  of  bog  peat  from  a 
swamp  in  the  park.  This  class  of  soil  pervades  much  of  the 
district  to  the  eastward  of  Tonbridge  Wells,  as  well  as  around 


September  29,  1870. 


JOURNAL  OF   HORTICULTURE   AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


243 


that  fashionable  town ;  it  is  a  soil  that  mast  not  bo  meddled 
with  when  it  is  wet,  but  when  properly  tilled,  and  the  season 
is  favourable,  it  works  like  velvet,  as  a  farmer  friend  observed, 
its  texture  being  so  fine.  Most  trees  seemed  to  thrive  well  in 
such  a  soil,  as  well  as  many  vegetables  ;  perhaps  the  Cabbage 
tribe  required  more  lime. 

I  cannot  draw  this  communication  to  a  close  without  men- 
tioning that  the  Apricot  was  succeeding  better  than  it  does 
in  most  places,  for  it  is  often  in  an  unsatisfactory  condition ; 
here  the  trees  were  healthy,  well-formed,  and  fruitful.  It 
may  be  said  they  are  young,  only  nine  or  ten  years  old  at 
most;  but  Mr.  Seale  took  me  to  look  at  a  couple  of  old  trees 
growing  against  a  house,  which  two  centuries  or  more  ago  was 
the  dwelling  of  bis  employer's  ancestors.  This  residence  stands 
on  the  edge  of  the  park,  in  lower  ground  than  the  present 
mansion,  and  is  one  of  thoso  timber-framed  buildings  with  the 
upper  storey  overhanging  tho  lower  one,  which  are  now  less 
frequently  met  with  than  formerly,  though  they  have  not 
entirely  vanished  from  our  old  towns.  Against  this  residence 
were  two  Apricot  trees  that  might  almoBt  equal  it  in  antiquity  ; 
they  were  standards,  or  what  are  sometimes  called  riders,  with 
stems  showing  but  few  Bymptoms  of  decay,  oertainly  nothing 
of  the  shell-like  character  which  such  trees  often  present  even 
when  the  top  is  healthy.  The  circumlerence  of  one  was 
45  inches,  and  that  of  the  other  38  inches  at  the  smallest  part 
of  the  5  or  6  feet  which  formed  the  bole.  Mr.  Seale  thought 
they  were  of  the  Breda  variety,  and  that  their  age  was  from 
150  to  200  years.  The  soil,  although  partaking  in  some 
respeots  of  that  of  the  rest  of  the  garden,  was  much  less  invit- 
ing at  the  spot  where  the  trees  were  growing ;  nevertheless, 
there  they  were,  showing  that  in  a  suitable  soil  the  Apricot 
is  a  much  longer-lived  tree  than  it  is  often  supposed  to  be.  The 
tops,  though  showing  signs  of  great  age,  and  no  doubt  affeoted 
by  a  drain  having  been  cut  near,  still  possessed  sufficient 
health  to  warrant  the  belief  that  they  would  outlive  another 
generation,  and  the  fruit  was  said  to  be  as  good  and  as  plentiful 
as  from  younger  trees  of  the  same  variety.  Some  other  old 
trees  and  shrubs  surrounded  this  ancient  abode.  The  Yews 
were  not  at  all  satisfactory,  but  some  old  Box  trees  had  at- 
tained unusual  dimensions,  showing  that  although  certain  soils 
and  situations  will  grow  almost  anything,  there  are,  neverthe- 
less, species  which  thrive  better  than  others  in  particular  soils. 

I  have,  in  conclusion,  to  thank  Mr.  Seale  for  his  courtesy  in 
pointing  out  the  various  features  connected  with  this  fine  place, 
and  hope  both  he  and  bis  employer  will  long  eDJoy  the  grounds 
they  may  be  said  to  have  created,  and  which  they  have  furnished 
in  so  Bhort  a  time. — J.  Robson. 


STOCK   SPREADING  TO  THE   SCION  OF  A 
PLUM   TREE. 

I  saw  recently  at  Yatton  Keynell  Rectory,  Wilts,  a  Plum 
tree  nailed  to  a  wall.  It  had  made  to  my  mind  a  remarkable 
iport.  The  tree  was  grafted  low,  as  usual,  and  immediately 
above  the  graft  it  branched  out,  covering  a  good  space  of  wall. 
From  one  limb  there  had  issued,  about  i  feet  from  the  ground, 
a  branch  of  the  pure  wild  stock,  while  below  it  was  a  branch 
on  the  opposite  side  bearing  the  proper  fruit,  and  just  above 
another  piece  also  bearing  the  same.  Is  this  kind  of  growth 
yery  uncommon,  and  what  can  be  the  cause  ? 

A  friend's  Laburnum  tree  has  made  a  sport  which  bears 
purple  flowers.  Will  the  seed  from  those  flowers,  produce 
plants  bearing  purple  flowers  ? — A.  H. 

[Most  probably  not.  The  influence  exerted  by  the  stock 
over  the  scion  is  subject  to  many  anomalies,  and  they,  as  well 
as  sports  in  the  colours  and  forms  of  flowers,  are  among  the 
■nexplained  facts  of  the  vegetable  kingdom.— Eds.] 


STOCKS  FOR  APPLE  GRAFTS. 
Can  some  of  your  arboricultural  or  pomological  genealogists 
favour  us  with  the  pedigree  of  the  Apple  stocks  called  'English 
Paradise,  French  Paradise,  Pommier  de  Paradis,  tDoucin,  Burr 
Knot,  and  Stibbert,  and  describe  any  characteristic  peculiarities 
of  growth,  and  hue  of  bark  and  foliage  ?  We  have  heard  many 
wonderful  tales  of  dwarfing  stocks  such  at  are  named  and  of 
precocious  crops  from  such  stocks,  and  it  would  be  as  interest- 
ing to  learn  how  nearly  allied  to  the  Crab  or  Apple  these  some- 

*  Query,  if  dwarfed  Crab  stock. 
+  Qnery,  if  French  Paradise  stoek. 


what  alien  stocks  are,  and  how  far  the  produce  is  that  of  hybrid 
or  pure  Apple  culture. 

I  am  but  an  amateur,  though  I  will  venture  to  say  that  the 
Crab  alone  is  the  stock  for  fruit  true  to  itself  in  colour,  flavour, 
and  size  alike.  The  genus  of  the  stock  and  the  scion,  what- 
ever variety  of  Apple  is  grafted,  is  the  same :  hence  the  truth 
of  the  produce.  And  dwarf  Crab  stocks  are,  I  think,  drawn 
from  Crab  seedlings  constitutionally  so,  the  Btouter  seedlings 
going  for  standard  trees  ;  at  least  I  have  dwarf  Crab  stocks 
robust,  round,  and  dwarfed,  and  pyramidal,  in  my  ground.  But 
though  the  Crab  is  my  choice,  the  history  of  the  Paradise,  and 
other  stocks  would  present  to  your  readers  the  choice  of  stocks 
in  use  by  our  nurserymen.  And  can  we  be  told  to  what  extent 
the  Apple  stock  from  Apple  seedlings — the  cultivated  Apple, 
not  the  Crab  or  wild  Apple  stock— is  used,  and  its  results? — 
Reader. 

HORTICULTURE   AMONG  THE   MORMONS. 

On  our  tour  to  California  we  spent  a  few  days  very  pleasantly 
at  Salt  Lake  City.  The  houses  of  the  inhabitants  are  em- 
bowered among  hundred?  of  choice  shade  trees  along  all  the 
public  streets,  while  the  gardens  are  full  of  fruit  trees  of  great 
health  and  luxuriance.  We  could  hardly  believe  that,  only  a 
month  beforehand,  a  plague  of  grasshoppers  had  descended 
from  the  mountains  and  cleared  the  gardens  and  trees  of  every 
living  leaf,  and  now  all  »a<  bright  and  cheerful  again.  The 
trees  were  loaded  with  fruit,  and  Apples,  Pears,  Plums,  Apri- 
cots, and  Cherries  were  hanging  with  ripe  specimens  from 
nearly  every  tree.  It  is  ourious  to  see  the  Apples  hug  the 
branches  and  stem,  ns  closely  as  if  fitted  for  their  place,  while 
with  us  every  fruit  hangs  from  a  twig  or  dangles  from  the  end 
of  a  limb.  The  climate  is  exceedingly  favourable,  froBts  rarely 
occurring  after  vegetation  has  really  started  in  the  early  spring. 
The  days  are  always  pleasant,  rarely  very  warm;  the  nights 
always  cool,  with  agreeable  breezes;  and  the  abundance  of 
water  for  irrigating  purposes  favours  the  growth  of  almost 
every  species  of  fruit.  Elder  Smith  showed  me  a  row  of 
Apricot  trees,  planted  eight  years  ago  from  seed  obtained  from 
the  Department  of  Agriculture  at  Washington.  They  had  been 
fruiting  four  years,  were  an  average  of  15  feet  high,  and  proved 
to  be  of  four  different  kinds.  The  specimens  we  saw,  left  from 
the  attacks  of  the  grasshoppers,  were  as  large  as  a  good-sixed 
Peach,  and  fair  quality,  but  not  as  delicate  in  flavour  as  our 
own  varieties  of  the  Atlantic  States.  The  Peach  trees  have  more 
compact  heads,  less  spreading,  leaves  are  of  a  deeper  green, 
leading  shoots  do  not  grow  quite  as  long.  We  have  more  side 
shoots  than  they,  but  the  entire  top  of  their  trees  is  a  mass  of 
dense  leaves.  No  curculios,  borers,  or  insects  of  any  descrip- 
tion are  known.  The  yellows  have  never  been  seen,  and  appa- 
rently there  is  no  natural  enemy.  The  Apple  tree  bears  in  two 
years  from  cuttings  or  grafts,  and  fruit  is  beautifully  coloured. 
Several  specimens  of  Red  Astrachan  and  Sweet  Bough  Apples 
attracted  my  special  attention  ;  the  latter  for  its  size,  being 
12  inches  in  circumference  ;  the  former  for  its  deep  bloom, 
which,  where  brushed  off,  revealed  a  brilliant  red-coloured 
surface,  equal  to  the  tints  of  the  rainbow,  or  the  finest  sun 
painting  on  the  clouds  of  a  sunset  sky.  We  have  nothing  to 
equal  it.  Undoubtedly  the  dryness  of  the  climate,  and  the  soil 
composed  of  the  washings  of  the  mountains,  helped  materially 
in  the  rich  colouring  of  the  fruit.  All  the  soil  is  full  of  mineral 
matter,  and  this  exerts  its  natural  effect  in  hiRh  colour. 

The  best  garden  of  the  place  is  that  of  Mr.  William  Jennings, 
the  richest  man  of  the  entire  territory,  and  a  successful  merchant, 
who  favoured  us  with  conveniences  for  a  visit  to  his  garden. 
His  home  grounds  occupy  about  five  acres,  devoted  almost 
entirely  to  fruit.  A  lovely  lawn  in  front  of  hiB  house,  with  its 
deep  velvety  green  carpet,  was  skirted  with  rows  of  flowers, 
Fuchsias,  Dahlias,  Roses,  Geraniums,  and  Lilies.  From  the 
balcony  windows  of  the  parlours  we  catch  an  exquisite  view  of 
the  snow-capped  mountains  of  the  distant  ranges. 

The  city  is  surrounded  in  all  directions  with  lofty  peaks, 
varying  from  ten  to  fifty  miles  distant ;  and  many  with  snow- 
topped  summits,  glittering  bright  and  brilliant  against  the  deep 
blue  sky. 

Cherries  are  a  favourite  crop  with  the  proprietor,  several 
varieties  being  planted,  of  which  the  Napoleon  Bigarreau  is 
most  favoured.  The  flavour  is  more  rich  and  exquisite  than 
with  us,  but  it  is  not  so  finely  coloured.  With  the  other  kinds 
the  family  enj.y  Cherries  for  a  season  of  six  weeks. 

PeacheB  were  thriving  admirably.  In  fruiting  time  they  h»T« 
gathered  specimens  fully  13  inches  in  circumference. 


244 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  September  29, 1870. 


Strawberries  are  abundant,  and  throughout  the  entire  bed 
will  average  4  inches  in  circumference.  The  Wilson  and  Long- 
worth  Prolific  are  the  best.  Agriculturist,  Jucunda,  and  a 
dozen  others  imported  from  the  Atlantio  States,  have  proved 
a  failure. 

Grapes  are  successful  beyond  measure.  The  Black  Ham- 
burgh, which  we  in  the  east  must  grow  under  glass,  here  is 
free  and  luxuriant  in  the  open  air ;  as  also  are  the  Chasselas, 
Sweetwater,  White  Frontignan,  &c.  Bunches  of  the  Sweet- 
water have  often  been  picked  as  big  as  a  man's  hat,  and  weigh- 
ing over  10  lbs.  Gooseberries  are  large  and  sweet,  almost  of 
the  size  of  Crab  Apples. 

The  Delaware,  Union  Village,  Catawba  and  a  few  other 
eastern  Vines,  are  grown  with  success  ;  and  yet  are  mere  pig- 
mies by  the  side  of  the  noble  Hamburgh  and  Chasselas.  Apri- 
cots, Almonds,  Mulberries  are  everywhere  successful,  while 
Currants  are  luxuriant  to  a  fault. 

Asparagus  is  fully  equal  to  some  of  the  specimens  of  our 
famous  Conover  Colossal.  Of  Plums,  the  Green  Gage  and 
Magnum  Bonum  are  much  the  finest,  still  not  very  productive. 
Potato  beds  had  suffered  greatly  from  the  "  hoppers ;"  the 
leaves  had  been  stripped  and  the  tuiers  become  watery.  Still, 
very  fine  specimens  of  the  Early  Rose  were  dug,  and  pronounced 
of  superior  flavour  by  Mr.  Jennings.  The  Ash-leaved  Kidney 
is  also  successful,  being  perhaps  the  finest  flavoured  of  all  he 
had  tried.  The  White  Ash-leaved  is  nearly  equal  to  the  Early 
Rose.  Mulberry  trees  are  very  thrifty.  The  people  are  now 
engaging  in  their  culture  for  raising  silk.  The  growth  is  very 
rapid,  usually  4  feet  a-year,  but  Mr.  Jennings  mentions  several 
instances  of  11  feet  a-year  from  cuttings.  The  Sweet  Almond 
is  at  home  by  the  side  of  the  Plum  and  Peach,  bearing  fruit. 

Mr.  Jennings  has  some  very  fine  Vines  of  the  Mission  Grape, 
so  universal  in  California.  They  bear  large  loose  clusters,  have 
short  but  very  thick-jointed  shoots,  some  of  the  joints  being 
nearly  an  inch  in  diameter.  The  fruit  is  fine  for  table,  and 
universally  made  into  wine.  The  Buckland  Sweetwater  Grape 
grows  with  perfect  vigour,  and  produces  bunches  large  enough 
to  fill  a  hat. 

The  Muscatel  is  also  adapted  to  the  climate.  Specimens 
were  shown  us  of  an  Improved  Rocky  Mountain  Currant ;  ber- 
ries as  big  as  Cherries,  and  2J  inches  in  circumference.  The 
bush  is  large,  fully  6  feet  broad,  and  above  4  feet  high ;  colour 
of  fruit  deep  black  ;  flavour  sweet  for  a  Black  Currant,  but 
best  fitted  for  preserves.  On  the  posts  near  the  entrance  to 
the  house  were  specimens  of  the  Mexican  Cacti  thriving  in  the 
open  air.  What  a  singular  sight  to  behold — on  the  one  side 
Apples  from  the  east,  Grapes  from  the  west,  tropical  plants 
from  the  south,  the  Almond  from  Europe,  flowers  from  the 
Atlantic  States,  lawn  Grass  from  England,  while  over-topped 
by  all  are  the  unchanging  mountains,  always  girt  with  snow, 
and  picturesque  in  their  contrast  with  the  verdure  beneath  ! 

Mr.  Jennings's  place  is  an  exception  to  the  general  character 
of  the  gardens  of  the  inhabitants.  Some  are  very  neat,  but 
usually  the  gardens  of  the  Mormons  are  not  well  kept ;  perhaps 
the  devastation  of  the  hoppers  has  taken  away  their  enthu- 
siasm, for  we  saw  an  abundance  of  weeds  in  many  gardens, 
and  not  a  soul  working  therein. 

Evidently  everything  is  left  to  climate  and  water,  and  only 
at  occasional  long  intervals  the  gardener  apppears  and  cleans 
out  the  weeds. 

The  soil  is  dry  and  gravelly.  It  would  naturally  be  poor  and 
worthless,  but  the  long  streams  of  water  come  rolling  down, 
and  behold  the  leaves  grow  of  a  deeper  green,  and  their  life  is 
renewed  again  and  again.— (American  Horticulturist.) 


WAYSIDE  JOTTINGS.— No.  6. 
Just  before  reaching  the  summit  of  the  "  hawse,"  an  amus- 
ing incident  occurred.  The  Doctor  had  diverged  from  the  track 
to  the  right  with  the  view  of  reaching  the  summit  of  Cockup, 
which  overhung  our  path  in  that  direction,  by  making  a  detour 
whioh  would  lessen  the  difficulty  of  the  ascent.  About  a  hun- 
dred yards  farther  on,  the  Squire  and  I  decided  upon  making  a 
similar  attempt  where  the  path  to  the  top  was  considerably 
more  abrupt  and  precipitous  tban  that  adopted  by  our  comrade. 
We  were  induced  to  take  this  step  by  a  desire  to  examine  some 
tufts  of  vegetation  which  we  saw  springing  from  the  crevices  of 
the  rock  overhead,  and  which  we  could  not  identify  at  our 
present  distance.  The  Doctor  had  by  this  time  disappeared 
from  our  view,  though  his  shrill  whistle  could  occasionally  be 
heard  reverberated  from  the  crags  around  and  above  us.    Just 


as  we  were  about  to  encounter  the  only  remaining  obstacle  to 
our  safe  ascent,  the  Squire  suddenly  declined  to  pursue  the 
attempt  further,  affirming  that  his  head  waB  becoming  affected 
with  premonitory  symptoms  of  vertigo.  Reaching  the  head  of 
my  staff  towards  him,  I  exhorted  him  to  persevere,  but  my 
eloquence  was  tried  in  vain.  "I  have  no  desire  needlessly  to 
imperil  my  limbs  ;  and  recollect,"  added  he  humorously,  point- 
ing to  the  game  bag  slung  from  his  shoulder,  "  the  claret  bottle 
is  here.  Supposing  any  mischance  should  happen  to  the  wine 
flask."  I  replied,  directing  his  attention  at  the  same  time  to  a 
limpid  stream  far  below,  which  was  leaping  from  rock  to  rock, 
and  glistening  in  the  sunshine  like  a  silver  thread,  "We  might 
be  worse  off.  Remember  the  rapturous  words  of  the  Roman 
poet — 

"  '  Dulcis  aqua?  saliente  rivo  restinguere  sitim.' " 

"  That's  all  very  fine,"  was  the  rejoinder,  "  but  let  ns  get 
down."  Just  at  this  point  we  were  startled  by  a  rumbling  noise 
among  the  rocks  above  us,  towards  which  we  quickly  turned 
our  eyes,  half  expecting  to  see  our  medical  friend  making  a 
somersault  over  the  edge  of  the  precipice  which  separated  him 
from  us.  A  moment's  suspense  revealed  to  us  the  cause  of  the 
noise,  as  the  Squire's  favourite  pointer,  Nino,  unable  to  stop 
the  momentum  of  her  downward  career,  sprang  from  the  ledge 
and  alighted  with  a  thud  upon  her  master's  bilhcock.  This 
probably  saved  the  poor  animal  from  serious  injury,  as  it 
served  to  break  the  force  with  which  she  finally  landed  among 
the  screes  below.  As  it  was,  she  limped  with  pain  for  the  rest 
of  the  day.  Being  shortly  rejoined  by  our  fiiend,  we  began  to 
descend  the  opposite  side  of  the  pass,  until  we  arrived  at  a 
small  and  rudely-formed  sheepfold,  close  to  the  brook  above 
referred  to.  Here  a  halt  was  called,  and  the  sandwich  case 
and  wine  flask  being  produced,  their  contents  were  discussed  to 
our  very  great  comfort  and  satisfaction.  A  moie  appropriate 
place  for  the  purpose  of  a  mountain  luncheon  could  hardly  be 
imagined.  The  sward  of  the  diminutive  fold  was  of  the  most 
vivid  green,  and  cropped  as  no  lawn  mower,  Archimedean  or 
SiensMessor,  could  accomplish  the  task.  Bl  ocks  of  the  schis- 
tose rock,  the  staple  of  Cockup,  formed  the  boundary  of  the  in- 
closure,  among  which,  at  every  available  opening,  the  beauti- 
fully curled  leaves  of  the  Parsley  Fern  or  Rock  Brakes  sprang 
forth  in  every  imaginable  variety  of  form.  In  the  brook  close 
to  our  feet  little  fishes  played,  one  of  which,  a  sprightly  burn 
trout,  was  momentarily  made  a  prisoner  for  our  examination, 
and  having  been  submitted  to  a  close  scrutiny,  was  returned  to 
his  native  element,  evidently  none  the  worse  for  bis  vigorous 
bounding  on  the  green  turf.  Several  hundred  feet  above  our 
present  level,  on  the  broad  shoulders  of  one  of  Cockup's  bigger 
brothers,  named  Calvo,  a  large  flock  of  rooks  were  enjoying 
themselves,  busy  scanning  the  turf  for  the  grubs  or  larvse  of 
the  Tipula,  which  often  abound  on  elevated  moors. — H. 


The  Botanical  Department  of  the  Beitish  Museum. — 
Mr.  J.  J.  Bennett,  the  Curator,  has  just  issued  his  annual 
report  for  18G9.  The  principal  business  done  in  the  depart- 
ment during  the  year  has  been  : — The  re-arrangement  of  a 
portion  of  the  presses  of  the  general  herbarium;  the  re- arrange- 
ment of  certain  orders  of  Apetals  and  Endogens,  and  of  the 
Lichens,  both  British  and  foreign,  with  numerous  additions 
to  each  ;  the  selection  of  a  very  large  number  of  specimens 
from  the  herbarium  of  the  late  Mr.  M.  B.  Ward,  and  from  the 
collection  of  Abyssinian  plants  sent  by  Dr.  Schimper  through 
the  Foreign  Office ;  the  naming,  arranging,  and  laying  into 
the  general  herbarium  of  Berlandier's  Mexican  collection,  of 
Linden's  collection  from  New  Granada,  Tate's  from  Nicaragua, 
Coulter's  from  California,  Sart well's  Carices  of  North  America, 
Wright's  collections  from  the  Neilgherry  Hills  and  from  India 
generally,  Jameson's  from  the  Andes  of  Quito,  Orcbidese  from 
different  countries,  Ferns  from  the  islands  of  the  South  Pacific, 
and  of  a  large  number  of  miscellaneous  specimens  of  various 
families  and  from  different  countries;  the  examination  and 
arrangement  of  the  recent  and  fossil  Conifera  and  Cycadeaa ; 
and  of  Mr.  Brown's  collection  of  fossil  woods ;  the  arrange- 
ment and  incorporation  in  the  general  herbarium  of  a  large 
number  of  European  plants;  the  re-arrangement  of  various 
portions  of  the  British  herbarium,  and  of  the  collection  of 
fruits  and  seeds;  and  the  re-arrangement  of  various  parts  of 
the  collection  contained  in  the  Exhibition  Rooms,  and  especially 
of  the  cases  containing  Coniferre  and  Cucteie,  with  large  ad- 
ditions. The  most  important  additions  to  the  collection  during 
the  year  have  been : — Upwards  of  1000  European  plants  from 
the  collection  of  Dr.  Rostan  and  the  late  Mr.  N.  B.  Ward ;  900 


September  29, 1870.  ] 


JOUKNAIi  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


245 


plants  of  Ingermannland  ;  300  from  Sioily;  2C0  European 
Fungi ;  200  Italian  Cryptogams ;  3000  plants  of  Abyssinia, 
collected  by  Dr.  Si'.himper  ;  more  than  3000  plants  of  South 
Afrioa,  from  Mr.  Ward's  collection  ;  upwards  of  500  from 
Madeira,  collected  by  Lemann  and  others  ;  nearly  1000  from 
the  mountains  of  Altai ;  1000  from  India,  collected  by  Dr. 
Wright;  400  from  Malacca,  collected  by  Griffith;  100  from  the 
Feejee  Islands,  collected  by  Harvey;  1000  from  North  America; 
400  Fungi  of  South  Carolina;  300  plants  from  Nicaragua,  col- 
lected by  Tate;  700  from  the  Andes  of  Quito;  a  fine  set  of 
Pine  cones  from  California ;  numerous  specimens  of  plants 
and  fruits,  chiefly  from  Africa.  The  number  of  visits  paid  to 
the  herbarium  during  the  year  for  purposes  of  scientiiic  re- 
search was  1174. — (Nature.) 


PROLIFIC    STANDARD   APRICOT   TREE. 

Mr.  Rivers,  of  Sawbridgeworth,  has  obliged  us  by  the  fol- 
lowing for  publication  :— "  Knowing  you  take  an  interest  in  all 
kinds  of  trees,  I  write  a  few  lines  to  give  you  an  account  of  a 
standard  Apricot  of  the  Breda  kind  that  I  believe  I  had 
from  you  rather  more  than  twenty  years  since,  and  which,  if 
you  think  it  out  of  the  ordinary  way,  you  can  make  known  to 
the  gardening  world.  I  give  you  my  word  that  I  state  no  more 
than  facts ;  anyone  is  welcome  to  see  the  tree  with  the  crop 
now  on  it.  Last  year  it  bore  the  worst  crop  I  have  ever  known, 
there  being  barely  one  dozen  fruit.  Three  or  four  years  siDce 
it  produced  rather  over  two  bushels ;  this  year  I  estimate  the 
crop  to  be  at  least  three  bushels.  The  quality  is  exoellent  for 
preserving  or  culinary  purposes.  It  is  growing  on  a  lawn  not 
protected  by  anything.  The  site  was,  in  my  recollection,  an 
Asparagus  bed.  The  tree  has  a  very  handsome  head,  as  large 
as  that  of  a  good-sized  Apple  tree.  It  is  still  in  a  growing 
state,  and  not  nearly  the  size  it  probably  will  attain. — Anthony 
Bode,  Whitcovibe  Court,  Gloucester." 

[The  tree  is  about  6  feet  high,  its  stem  2  feet  3  inches  in 
circumference,  and  the  branches  overshadow  a  circle  rather 
more  than  31  feet  in  diameter. — Eds.] 


NOTES    OF   A   HORTICULTURAL   VISIT   TO 

CALIFORNIA. 

(By  Marshall  P.  Wilder,  Charles  Downing,  George  Ellwanger,  and 
P.  Barry.) 

Quality  of  Californian  Fruits. — As  a  general  rule,  the  fruits 
of  California  are  superior  to  ours  in  size  and  beauty,  but  rather 
inferior  in  flavour.  To  this  there  are  some  exceptions.  We 
think  that  the  Cherries,  Apricots,  as  well  as  early  Pears  snd 
Apples,  are  as  fine  as  can  be  produced  in  any  country.  The 
want  of  flavour  is  in  many  cases  owing  to  the  unripe  con- 
dition of  the  fruit,  premature  picking,  and  improper  ripening. 
The  early  fruits,  not  being  of  overgrown  size,  are  generally  of 
b9tter  quality  than  those  of  autumn ;  yet  we  are  unable  to  say 
how  far  the  want  of  flavour  in  these  may  be  owing  to  im- 
proper treatment. 

When  we  arrived  in  San  Francisco  the  Apricot  was  very 
abundant  and  beautiful,  as  it  was  during  nearly  the  whole 
period  of  our  visit,  but  we  were  told  the  fruit  were  insipid. 
On  taking  some  to  our  rooms  and  getting  them  fully  ripe  they 
were  delicious,  equal  to  any  we  ever  tasted.  Fruits  on  the 
market  stalls  are  seldom  fit  to  be  eaten. 

In  the  case  of  Strawberries,  the  best  varieties,  it  seems, 
have  not  yet  been  adopted  by  the  market  growers.  With  the 
exception  of  the  Currant,  none  of  the  small  fruits  seem  to  be 
as  good  as  ours. 

The  Grapes  grown  are  almost  exclusively  what  we  call 
foreign  varieties.  The  Mission  Grape,  so  called,  is  a  foreign 
Grape,  though  improperly  called  California.  Wild  native  Grapes 
abound  in  all  the  wooded  parts  of  the  State,  but  they  are  very 
different  in  character  from  the  Mission.  The  piactice  is, 
among  growers,  to  speak  of  the  Mission  as  not  being  a  foreign 
Grape.  American  Grapes  have  been  tested  in  a  few  case3,  but, 
as  far  as  we  could  ascertain,  with  unfavourable  results.  We 
do  not,  however,  regard  the  few  experiments  we  heard  of  as 
conclusive,  and  think  it  quite  probable  that  our  Clinton,  or 
some  of  its  class,  might  be  employed  successfully  to  make  a 
lighter  wine  than  any  they  now  make,  and  whioh  is  so  much 
needed  to  take  the  place  of  imported  claret  now  in  general  use. 

Garden  Vegetables. — The  supply  of  culinary  vegetables,  as 
seen  in  the  markets  of  San  Francisco  and  other  cities,  is  very 
Abundant  and  of  excellent  quality.     What  surprises  visitors 


from  the  east  is  to  find  such  articles  as  Celery  in  the  market 
all  summer.  Crop  after  crop  can  be  obtained  in  varied  suc- 
cession, so  that  you  may  rind  anything  j-ou  desire  at  any 
season.  Asparagus  is  cut  from  February  to  June.  One  grower 
informed  us  he  had  six  acres.  The  product  was  about  5  tons 
to  the  acre,  and  contracted  at  9  cents  per  lb.  The  size  to 
which  vegetables  attain  is  almost  incredible.  We  were  told  of 
Pumpkins  weighing  250  lbs.  ;  Squashes,  150  lbs.  ;  Beets, 
200  lbs. ;  Carrots,  30  lbs.,  &c.  It  is  easy  to  understand  how 
these  results  are  obtained  in  a  climate  where  growth  never 
ceases.  The  mean  temperature  of  the  coldest  month,  Decem- 
ber, at  San  Francisco,  is  said  to  be  55°.  In  the  interior  it  is 
probably  lower. 

Ornamental  Trees  and  Plants. — On  arriving  in  California 
we  were  at  once  struck  with  the  character  of  the  trees  and 
plants  which  we  saw  in  the  gardens,  public  streets,  &c. 

Instead  of  the  Elms,  Maples,  &c,  which  prevail  at  the  east, 
we  saw  the  Australian  Acacias  and  Eucalyptus,  and  the  Mexi- 
can Pine,  insignis,  and  Monterey  Cypress,  Cupressus  macro- 
carpa. These  are  everywhere  planted  as  the  common  trees. 
Nurserymen  informed  us  that  the  first  trees  asked  for,  and  in 
many  cases  the  only  ones  asked  for,  by  persons  beginning  to 
improve  their  city  or  suburban  lots,  are  the  Eucalyptus, 
Acacias,  Finns  insignis,  and  Cupressus  macrocarpa.  The 
reason  for  this  is,  that  these  trees  grow  rapidly,  transplant 
easily,  and  are  adapted  to  the  climate.  We  were  told  that  the 
Pinus  insignis  is  so  easily  transplanted  that  if  the  roots  but 
touch  the  ground  it  will  grow.  The  Eucalyptus  and  Acacias 
grow  there  as  Willows  do  with  us.  In  the  grounds  of  Mr. 
William  Patterson,  a  nurseryman  of  San  Francisco,  we  saw 
Eucalyptus  globulus,  called  the  Blue  Gum,  six  years  old, 
which  was  50  feet  in  height,  and  5  feet  in  circumference  of 
stem.     A  Pinus  insignis  of  the  same  age  was  40  feet  high. 

The  Cupressus  macrocarpa  is  more  prevalent  than  any  other 
tree  that  is  planted  for  ornament  either  in  city  or  country. 
We  have  even  seen  it  employed  as  a  street  tree,  pruned-up  6  or 
8  feet,  and  the  heads  shorn  into  sugar-loaf  form.  The  Acacias 
are  frequently  used  in  the  same  way,  and  although  stiff  and 
formal  they  look  very  well.  The  Cypress  retains  all  through 
the  long  dry  summer  a  charming  verdure,  when  not  stained  by 
dust,  aB  it  often  is  in  the  streets.  The  Eucalyptus  grows  so 
rapidly  that  it  is  being  planted  for  wood.  We  saw  an  account 
of  one  plantation  of  fifty  acres  planted  8  feet  by  8  feet,  for 
timber.     There  is  ample  scope  for  plantations  of  this  kind. 

In  Mr.  Patterson's  grounds,  already  referred  to,  we  noted  a 
hedge  of  Acacia  lophantha,  25  feet  high  and  4  feet  through  ;  a 
FuchEia  hedge,  10  feet  high,  the  stems  of  the  plants  as  thick 
as  a  man's  arm ;  a  hedge  of  Veronica  Lindleyana,  10  feet 
high  ;  beautiful  specimens  of  Araucaria  imbricata  and  Cookii, 
10  feet  high  ;  fine  trees  of  the  Guava  in  blossom — the  fruit 
ripens  there  in  September ;  also  the  Camphor  tree,  and  many 
other  species  we  are  not  accustomed  to  see  in  the  open  ground. 

Here  we  saw  a  superb  show  of  Roses  ;  the  best  we  saw  in 
the  State,  we  think.  Elise  Sauvage,  Tea,  was  named  as  the 
most  valuable  for  a  constant  supply  of  cut  flowers. — (Moore's 
Sural  New-Yorker.) 


THE  AMATEUR  GARDENER. 

(CHAPTERS  NOT  IN  WALTON.) 
No.  5. 

Sylvia. — I  cannot  tell  you,  Clericus,  how  mnch  I  am  often 
interested  in  watching  the  minute  insects  which  fall  upon  the 
pages  of  my  book  as  I  sit  beneath  the  shade  of  yonder  spread- 
ing Acacia  on  a  bright  summer's  day.  First,  perhaps,  the 
merest  speck  of  a  spider  spins  its  thin  cobweb  from  an  over- 
hanging branch,  till  in  graceful  undulations  it  alights  gently 
upon  the  printed  page,  followed,  probably,  by  a  fly  of  such 
diminutive  organisation  that  it  almost  requires  a  microscope  to 
distinguish  its  gauzy  wings  which  give  it  its  motive  power ; 
anon  a  small  green  caterpillar  descends  from  its  ambitious 
position  overhead,  weaving  its  own  coil  of  silken  cord,  by  which 
it  descends  with  an  occasional  spurt,  as  though  it  summoned 
up  all  its  strength  to  effect  its  downward  progress,  and  render 
its  eventual  fall  as  gentle  as  possible. 

Clericus. — Yes,  and  each  of  those  tiny  insects  must  have 
the  physical  organisation  of  a  larger  being  to  enable  it  to 
effect  its  voluntary  motion.  Truly  God's  power  may  be  seen 
as  much  in  the  ant  as  in  the  elephant,  in  the  mite  as  in  the 
whale. 

Hortatob. — How  wonderful  is  the^'.instinct  which  guides 
such  minute  beings ! 


246 


JOURNAL  of  horticulture  and  cottage  gardener. 


[  September  29,  1870. 


Clekicus. — Instinct !  What  a  door  of  thought  is  thrown 
operj  at  the  mere  mention  of  that  mysterious  word  !  What  is 
the  line  of  demarcation  which  separates  instinct  from  reason  ? 
This  is  a  barrier  that  the  keenest  philosophy  has  never  been 
able  to  burst,  nor  the  madness  of  atheism  ever  been  able  to 
explain. 

Civis. — And  then,  too,  what  wonderful  mechanism  ! 

Clekicus — Yes.  Paley  says  that  out  of  the  millions  of 
designs  which  meet  the  inquiring  eye  of  the  natural  philo- 
sopher, every  one  has  a  benevolent  intent. 

Civis. — Pray  tell  me,  my  good  master,  what  is  the  name  of 
yonder  dark  evergreen,  which  has  suoh  a  stately  growth,  and 
which  you  seem  to  have  banished  aB  far  as  possible  from  the 
precincts  of  your  villa  ? 

Hoetator. — That  is  Wellingtonia  gigantea,  a  native  of  Cali- 
fornia, which  has  but  lately  (comparatively)  been  naturalised 
in  Europe  ;  and  it  is  planted  so  far  away  because  in  course  of 
years  it  might,  probably,  grow  so  large  as  to  compel  its  being 
out  down  if  it  grew  nearer  to  the  dwelling-house.  In  its  own 
country  specimens  have  been  found  fully  350  feet  in  height ; 
and  though  in  this  climate  it  will  probably  never  attain  such  a 
prodigious  size  as  that,  yet  the  rapidity  of  its  growth  in  Eng- 
land gives  fair  warning  that  even  here  it  will  eventually  assume 
gigantic  proportions.  But  I  am  glad  that  you  have  drawn  my 
attention  to  it,  my  good  scholar,  because  it  leads  me  to  give 
you  a  word  of  warning,  to  be  careful  not  to  plant  your  ever- 
greens, especially  specimen  plants,  too  cloeely  in  your  garden 
in  your  projected  new  villa — there  cannot  be  a  greater  mistake. 

Civis. — But  how  miserably  unclothed  and  bare  a  new  garden 
looks  when  only  small  bushes  are  planted  here  and  there. 

Hoetator. — Yes,  that  is  the  bait  which  leads  so  many, 
even  among  good  gardeners,  to  fall  into  the  trap  of  planting 
shrubs  too  closely ;  they  are  anxious  to  give  a  finished  look  at 
once  to  the  grounds,  forgetting  that  in  a  few  years  evergreens 
which  would  have  proved  splendid  specimen  plants  will  be 
dwarfed  or  spindled.  Another  very  common  error  which 
amateurs  are  apt  to  fall  into,  and  from  exactly  the  same  reason, 
is  that  of  procuring  large  handsome  plants  instead  of  small 
ones,  being  ignorant  of  the  fact  that  it  is  always  the  safer 
policy  to  plant  younger  plants,  as  they  soon  outstrip  the  elder, 
and  shame  their  giant  brethren  by  their  healthy  and  luxuriant 
growth,  while  the  Goliaths  look  wan  and  miserable,  and  often 
die  altogether  from  a  wasting  consumption,  to  the  heavy  pecu- 
niary loss  of  the  amateur,  for  large  plants  are  always  expensive, 
and  never  satisfactory. 

Civis. — Thank  yon  sincerely  for  your  hints.  Is  there  any- 
thing else  which  appears  necessary  to  the  Buccess  of  planting 
shrubs  ? 

Hortator. — Yes,  the  careful  preparation  of  the  ground  ;  be 
sure  that  it  be  deeply  dug.  I  have  frequently  turned  my  eyes 
away  in  disgust  when  I  have  seen  mere  holes  made,  and  shrubs 
thrust  in  without  any  further  preparation  of  the  soil,  which 
should  be  enriched  with  thoroughly  decomposed  manure,  when 
it  is  what  the  gardeners  call  "  double-dug." 

Civis. — You  would  not,  I  suppose,  my  dear  master,  Hortator, 
confine  the  planting  in  the  pleasaunce  entirely  to  evergreens  ? 

Hortator. — Certainly  not.  A  judicious  planting  of  the 
finest  deciduous  trees  is  absolutely  necessary  to  the  better 
development  of  the  Conifera?,  tfcc.  I  once  paid  a  visit  to  the 
celebrated  gardens  of  evergreens  at  Elvaston  Castle,  near 
Derby,  and  I  cannot  describe  the  depressing  effect  which  those 
acres  of  unbroken  green  had  upon  the  spirits  ;  for  although  the 
trees  and  shrubs  were  of  the  choicest  description,  and  for  the 
most  part  judiciously  planted,  yet  the  tout  ensemble  was  per- 
fectly funereal,  and  one  seemed  to  expect  a  tablet  "in  memo- 
nam  "  at  every  step  one  took  ;  and  if  by  accident  the  eye  fell 
upon  a  bright  flower,  it  was  like  a  gleam  of  sunshine  through 
a  thundercloud. 

Clericus. — Tell  me,  Hortator,  did  yon  ever  see  the  splendid 
Purple  Beeohes  in  the  gardens  of  the  Earl  of  Stamford  at  En- 
ville,  in  Staffordshire  ? 

Hortator. — Never  ;  but  of  their  beauty  I  have  often  heard. 

Clericus. — They  are,  indeed,  worth  travelling  many  miles 
to  see  when  in  their  early  Bummer  beauty,  when  their  regal 
robes  of  purple  sweep  the  velvet  lawns  of  those  superb  gar- 
dens, and  seem  conscious  of  the  dignity  which  their  august 
presence  adds  to  that  fairyland. 

Hortator. — Should  you,  Civis,  wish  to  learn  much  of  forest 
trees,  I  would  recommend  you  to  Btudy  good  John  Evelyn's 
"  Sylva ; "  and  should  you  become  much  interested  in  him  and 
his  admirable  diary,  I  would  advise  you  to  pay  a  visit  to 
Wotton,  in  Surrey,  the  residence  which  that  good  man  de- 


scribes with  so  much  feeling,  and  which,  by  kind  permission 
of  the  present  proprietor,  Mr.  Evelyn,  a  descendant  of  the 
celebrated  writer,  is  open  to  the  public  on  a  Saturday.  I  can 
assure  you,  you  would  thank  me  for  my  advice. — Hortatob. 


FUNGUS  EATING. 


If  we  were  to  search  the  wide  world  I  do  not  think  that  it 
would  be  possible  to  find  a  nation  more  prejudiced  than  our- 
selves. We  boast  of  our  enlightenment  and  the  liberality  of 
our  views  ;  but,  when  we  come  to  the  practical,  it  takeB  an 
immense  deal  of  leverage  to  move  us  out  of  our  beaten  track  ; 
and,  even  in  the  common  habits  of  our  lives,  we  go  on  to  the 
end  of  the  chapter  aB  though  there  was  but  one  way  of  doing 
things. 

In  the  little  matters  of  eating  and  drinking  we  are  perfect 
slaves  to  our  cooks ;  and  whether  it  arises  from  indolence, 
timidity,  or  ignorance,  the  result  is  the  same — that  few  of  us 
dare  try  experiments ;  whereby  a  great  quantity  of  palatable 
food  remains  unknown  and  unheeded.  This  is  particularly 
the  case  with  the  class  of  comestibles  which  forms  the  subjeot 
of  my  paper — viz.,  that  of  the  Fungus  ;  the  true  knowledge  and 
appreciation  of  which  would  keep  starvation  from  many  a  poor 
man's  table  (at  least  during  three  months  in  the  year),  and 
give  the  gourmand  an  additional  luxury  wherewith  to  tickle 
his  palate.  The  apathy,  ridicule,  or  disgust  with  which  a 
serious  proposal  to  cook  and  eat  Fungi  is  received,  is  the  more 
extraordinary  because  so  much  has  been  said  and  written  about 
tbem  ;  therefore  it  cannot  be  altogether  from  ignorance  of  the 
subject.  Dr.  Badham,  Messrs.  Cooke,  Worthington  Smith, 
Berkeley,  and  others  have  expatiated  well  and  fully  on  the 
whole  tribe  of  Mushrooms  and  Fungi ;  and,  even  for  those 
who  cannot  screw  up  their  courage  to  the  crucial  test  of  eating 
them,  the  works  of  these  authorities  are  full  of  interest.  More 
reoently,  too,  the  great  Fungus  question  has  been  examined  in 
the  most  practical  manner  by  the  members  of  a  Natural  History 
Society  in  the  West  of  England,  called  the  Woolhope  Club, 
which  has  its  head-quarters  at  Hereford,  and  embraoes  in  its 
scientific  investigations  all  the  district  between  Shropshire  and 
the  Bristol  Channel.  Geology  and  botany  are  the  main  studies 
of  this  Society,  but  latterly  that  of  mycology  (the  study  of 
Fungi)  has  been  added,  and  a  most  useful  and  important  one 
it  is.  One  day  in  eaoh  autumn  is  devoted  to  a  Fungus  hunt 
through  the  prolific  woods  of  Herefordshire,  and  the  numbers 
that  are  gathered  by  this  enthusiastic  band  are  something 
enormous.  The  labours  of  the  day  are  closed  by  a  dinner,  at 
which  the  main  dishes  are  composed  of  the  spoils  of  the  chase, 
dressed  in  the  most  epicurean  fashion,  and  with  the  most 
appetising  (Fungus)  sauoeB ;  and  as  I  have  myself  asBiBted  at 
these  Apician  banquets,  I  can  vouch  for  the  delicacy  of  the 
viands,  and  the  absurdity  which  we  daily  commit  of  turning  up 
our  noses  at  the  good  things  with  which  Nature  has  supplied 
us.  But  the  Woolhope  Club  does  more  than  eat  and  talk,  for 
it  publishes  (though  only  privately)  an  annual  volume  of  its 
transactions,  including  a  description  of  the  Fungi  of  the  county, 
and  the  best  modes  of  cooking  them.  These  descriptions,  and 
the  illustrations  which  accompany  them,  are  mainly  due  to  the 
energy  and  experience  of  Dr.  Bull,  of  Hereford,  who  has  been 
the  chief  instrument  in  making  the  Woolhope  Club  a  Fungns- 
eating  community,  and  who  rivals  Soyer  himself  in  his  in- 
genuity in  discovering  new  ways  of  cooking  his  favourite  food. 

Seriously  speaking,  however,  I  consider  the  endeavour  to 
make  the  public  understand  the  value  of  the  Fungus  to  the 
nation  so  very  important,  that  I  shall  draw  largely  upon  the 
Woolhope  experiences,  as  well  as  those  of  other  writers,  in  the 
hope  that  the  readers  of  the  "  Food  Journal "  will  really  try 
experiments  for  themselves.  With  the  uninitiated  in  such 
matters  there  is,  not  unnaturally,  a  nervous  reluctanee  in 
taking  the  first  plunge ;  for,  to  the  minds  of  most  people,  a 
Toadstool  is  only  another  word  for  rank  poison,  while  a  Puff- 
ball  suggests  horrible  tortures  by  inordinate  swelling,  until  the 
wretohed  victim  bursts.  This,  I  remember  was  one  of  the 
warnings  in  early  life,  not  to  meddle  with  suspicions  Mushrooms. 
But,  although  there  is  some  grounds  for  distrust  (as  there  ii 
in  most  other  things),  a  little  inquiry  will  show  how  fearfully 
the  danger  is  exaggerated.  The  Rev.  M.  Berkeley  gives  us  a 
list  of  2880  different  kinds  of  British  Fungi,  and  even  then 
does  not  inolude  thoBe  which  require  a  microscope  to  dis- 
tinguish their  peculiar  characters.  Out  of  this  large  number 
he  ranks  ten  only  as  poisonous,  and  six  as  doubtful.  He  does 
not  imply  by  this  that  of  all  the  2380  every  one  is  eatable— for 


September  29,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL   OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


247 


thin  is  very  far  from  being  tbe  case — but  simply  that  they  are 
not  poisonous ;  and  that  is  the  first  and  the  greatest  point 
whioh  we  have  to  combat.  It  is  unfortunately  the  case  that 
some  of  the  most  poisonous  are  the  most  common  ;  for,  as  Dr. 
Bull  observes,  "  There  is  scarcely  a  field,  and,  perhaps,  not  a 
single  wood,  in  the  country  that  does  not  abound  with  several 
varieties  of  the  Copriuus,  the  Agaricus  fascicnlaris,  the  beauti- 
fully coloured  Rnssula  emetioa,  and  several  others.  But,  since 
they  are  so  abundant,  it  is  peculiarly  our  province  to  encourage 
the  study  of  mycology  ;  and  thus  lessen  the  prejudice  existing 
against  them  all,  by  clearly  showing  the  means  of  distinguish- 
ing which  are  good  and  which  are  bad.  This  is  a  matter  of 
some  difficulty,  for  the  scientific  diffarences  are  too  minute 
for  ready  distinction.  We  cannot  be  guided  by  the  place  they 
grow  in  ;  nor  can  we  eat  after  slugs,  as  we  do  after  wasps  and 
birds  with  fruit,  for  slugs  seem  to  enjoy  the  most  poisonous 
kinds.  Colour  gives  no  distinction,  nor  is  the  smell  or  taste  of 
the  fungus  an  infallible  guide.  It  is  freely  acknowledged, 
therefore,  that  there  are  poisonous  Mushrooms,  and  that,  un- 
fortunately, they  are  exceedingly  common  ;  but  this  is  surely  no 
argument  for  neglecting  the  far  greater  proportion  of  what  may 
be  made  wholesome  food.  We  might,  on  this  ground,  refuse 
to  eat  Potatoes,  because  that  plant  belongs  to  a  family  con- 
taining virulent  poisons.  Parsley,  too,  which  is  the  most 
familiar  garnish  that  we  have,  is  not  regarded  with  suspicion 
because  the  Fool's  Parsley,  which  grows  in  many  gardens 
nearly  as  freely,  is  poisonous.  We  eat  Horseradish  without 
thinking  twice  about  it,  although  a  year  seldom  passes  without 
Homebody  being  poisoned  by  accompanying  their  roast  beef 
with  scraped  Aconite  root,  which  is  so  like  Horseradish  that  it 
requires  a  little  care  to  distinguish  between  the  two. 

The  question,  therefore,  resolves  itself  into  this,  that — whether 
it  be  Horseradish,  Parsley,  or  Fungi — everybody,  whether  of 
high  or  low  degree,  ought  to  have  that  instruction  in  common 
things  which  should  make  it  impossible  for  such  mistakes  to 
happen.  While  in  our  public  schools  we  pretend  to  give  in- 
struction in  chemistry  and  physics,  it  is  inconsistent  that  we 
should  ignore  the  study  of  simple  geology  and  botany,  the 
knowledge  of  which  in  strange  countries  is  of  incalculable  im- 
portance ;  and  the  value  of  such  elementary  knowledge  in 
schools  of  a  lower  class  can  scarcely  be  overrated.  "  A  little 
knowledge  is  a  dangerous  thing,"  is  a  proverb  that  is  often 
quoted  by  well-meaning  people  as  a  warning  against  this  sort 
of  instruction,  as  tending  to  make  the  recipients  thereof  smat- 
terers,  conceited,  and  presumptuous;  but  surely  to  teach  a 
village  child  what  Fungus  he  may  gather  for  the  cottage  dinner 
without  danger  of  being  poisoned,  is  as  useful  knowledge  as  the 
height  of  the  Himalayas  or  the  date  of  the  battle  of  Navanno. 
I  am  aware  that  there  are.  plenty  of  facilities  for  this  teaching 
in  the  way  of  cheap  illustrations,  such  as  those  by  Mr.  W.  G. 
Smith ;  but  I  cannot  find  that  such  teaching  is  anywhere 
made  compulsory,  or  indeed  is  adopted  at  all,  except  in  isolated 
oases. 

Foreigners  are  far  before  us  in  appreciating  the  value  of  the 
Fungus  as  a  food  supply,  and  notably  in  France  and  Italy ; 
although,  with  a  due  regard  to  the  public  safety,  Fungi  are 
allowed  to  be  sold  only  when  passed  by  the  inspectors  of  food  : 
with  this  regulation  we  certainly  should  not  quarrel.  Mr. 
Story,  in  his  interesting  work  "  Roba  di  Roma,"  tells  us  that 
one  of  the  most  common  articles  of  sale  are  baskets  of  Mush- 
rooms. "  There  are  the  grey  porcini,  the  foliated  albcretti,  and 
the  orange-hued  ovole ;  some  of  the  latter  of  enormous  size, 
big  enough  to  shelter  a  thousand  fairies  under  their  smooth 
and  painted  domes.  In  each  of  them  is  a  cleft  stick,  bearing  a 
card  from  the  inspector  of  the  market,  granting  permission  to 
sell  them  ;  for  Mushrooms  have  proved  fatal  to  so  many  Car- 
dinals, to  say  nothing  of  Popes  and  other  people,  that  they  are 
naturally  looked  upon  with  suspicion,  and  must  be  all  officially 
examined  to  prevent  accidents.  The  Italians  are  braver  than 
we  are  in  the  matter  of  eating ;  and  maDy  a  Fungus  which  we 
christen  with  the  foul  name  of  Toadstool,  and  ignominiously 
exile  from  our  tables,  is  here  baptised  with  the  Christian  appel- 
lation of  Mushroom,  and  is  eagerly  sought  after  as  one  of  the 
cheapest  and  most  delicious  of  vegetables."  In  Milan,  too,  the 
porcini,  which  in  English  botanical  phrase  is  the  Boletus  edulis ; 
the  ovole,  the  equivalent  of  the  Agaricus  cassareus  ;  with  some 
few  more,  are  openly  sold  under  inspection.  I  will  conclude 
this  article  with  a  quotation  from  "  The  Esculent  Funguses  of 
England,"  by  Dr.  Badham,  one  of  the  moBt  persevering  in- 
quirers, and  as  audacious  an  experimenter  as  this  country  has 
ever  produced.  Describing  his  rambles  in  1847  he  says,  "  I 
have  seen  this  autumn  whole  hundredweights  of  rich  wholesome 


diet  rotting  under  the  trees  ;  woods  teeming  with  food,  and  not 
one  hand  to  gather  it ;  and  this,  perhaps,  in  the  midst  of 
Potato  blight,  poverty,  and  all  manner  of  privations,  and  public 
prayers  against  famine.  I  have  indeed  grieved,  when  I  reflected 
on  the  straitened  condition  of  the  lower  orders,  to  see  unused 
pounds  innumerable  of  extempore  beefsteaks  growing  on  our 
Oaks  in  the  shape  of  Fistuliua,  hepatica,  with  Agaricus  fusipes 
to  pickle,  in  clusters  under  them." 

Making  allowances  for  a  certain  amount  of  enthusiasm,  the 
question  is  certainly  sufficiently  interesting  to  urge  us  to  do 
our  best  towards  introducing  this  new  food,  at  present  wasted  ; 
not  only  by  learning  to  distinguish  the  good  from  the  bad,  but 
by  practically  making  the  trial  at  our  own  tables.  For  it  must 
be  remembered  that  it  is  all  nonsense  preaching  to  the  poor  to 
try  this  and  that,  unless  the  rich  do  it  themselves ;  for  the 
former  are  not  only  more  ignorant,  but  ten  times  more  pre- 
judiced, and,  in  many  cases,  the  facility  of  getting  them  for 
nothing  would  be  rather  a  hindrance  than  an  inducement  to 
make  the  experiment. 

Still,  if  a  demand  should  arise  for  Fungi,  and  the  poor  were 
to  find  that  they  were  saleable  articles,  they  would  very  soon 
begin  to  try  for  themselves  what  they  were  like  ;  and  in  this 
way,  with  the  most  ordinary  teaching  and  care,  we  might 
largely  supplement  the  national  larder. — Phillips  Bevan. — 
(Food  Journal.) 

NOTES  AND  GLEANINGS. 
A  custom  prevails  at  Easingwold  in  Yorkshire  whioh  we 
never  met  with  anywhere  else.  Having  occasion  lately  to 
visit  that  now-deserted  town,  we  observed  in  the  churchyard 
plates  and  dishes,  containing  gathered  flowers  in  water,  placed 
on  the  graves.  This,  we  were  informed,  was  done  by  the 
relations  of  the  deceased.  Sheep  were  grazing  within  the 
bounds,  and  not  unfrequently  ate  up  the  flowers  and  broke  the 
plates,  but  these  were,  notwithstanding,  constantly  renewed. 
Our  companion  was  unable  to  inform  us  of  the  origin  or 
object  of  thi3  practice,  and  merely  remarked  that  it  was  an 
old  custom. 

Two  of  the  best  Melons  wo  have  met  with  this  season 

are  the  Vioioby  of  Bath,  grown  by  Mr.  Gilbert,  gardener  to 
the  Marquis  of  Exeter,  at  Burghley  ;  and  the  Golden  Gem, 
raised  by  and  cultivated  by  Mr.  Cox,  gardener  to  Earl  Beau- 
champ,  at  Madresfield  Court.  The  former  is  a  green  flesh 
and  the  latter  a  white  flesh,  and  both  are  of  very  superior  excel- 
lence. Their  Bize  is  large,  and  they  are  finely  and  beautifully 
netted. 

■  On  a  visit  we  lately  made  to  Madresfield  Court,  Mr. 

Cox,  who,  by  the  way,  is  the  fortunate  reiser  of  that  exquisite 
Grape  the  Madresfield  Court  MuEOat,  showed  us  the  supeiiority 
of  the  fruit  of  Victoria  Nectarine  grown  against  a  wall  in  the 
open  air  to  that  grown  under  glass  in  a  Peach  house.  That 
produced  in  the  open  air  is  very  dark-coloured,  and  with  a  very 
rich  and  piquant  flavour,  while  that  grown  under  glass  is  much 
paler  and  comparatively  flat,  being  far  less  rich.  In  either 
case  the  fruit  was  quite  sound,  and  showed  no  disposition  to 
crack,  as  its  parent  the  Stanwick  is  so  liable  to  do.  In  all 
situations  where  Nectarines  can  be  grown  successfully,  we 
would  recommend  planters  to  make  ue«  of  the  Victoria. 

A  correspondent  writes — "  Yesterday  I  went  to  Eastnor 

Castle  and  saw  the  Mistletoe  on  the  Oak.  This  was  the 
first  time  that  I  had  ocular  confirmation  of  what  I  had  heard 
of.  There  are  four  large  bunches  near  the  top  of  the  tree. 
This  is  the  only  example  that  is  known  in  the  Enstnor  large 
Oak  woods."  Another  correspondent,  "  Vevey,"  says,  "I 
noticed  that  you  mention  the  few  cases  in  which  the  Mistletoe 
has  been  found  growing  on  the  Oak.  I  have  seen  it  more  than 
once  growing  on  that  tree  in  the  Canton  of  Valid,  Switzerland. 
I  have  also  seen  it  on  the  common  Norwegian  Fir." 


PROPOSED  BOILER. 
As  an  amateur  gardener  on  a  small  scale,  I  have  been  much 
interested  during  the  last  year  or  two  in  the  notices  of  various 
boilerB  and  hot-water  apparatus  which  have  appeared  in  the 
Journal  and  elsewhere,  and  in  the  remarks  which  have  been 
made  on  conduction,  convection,  &c. ;  also  in  the  question  as 
to  the  economy  of  flues  or  pipes  for  small  houses,  tbe  result 
being  the  invention  of  a  boiler  which  in  simplicity,  efficiency, 
economy  of  fuel,  facility  of  setting  and  management,  may  be 
advantageously  compared  with  any  other.     Having  gone  to 


248 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  September"  29,  1870. 


some  expense  in  experiments,  and  being  recommended  to  do 
so,  I  have  registered  the  invention  with  the  intention  to 
patent  it. 

I  enclose  a  gronnd  plan,  one-sixteenth  of  an  inch  to  a  foot, 
of  my  vinery,  orchard  house,  gronnd  vinery,  and  Melon  and 
Cucumber  pits,  which  I  beoame  desirous  to  heat  with  one  fire, 
the  vinery  being  heated  with  a  small  kind  of  saddle  boiler, 


which  consumed  a  large  amount  of^fuel,  the  pits  with"a'flu& 
consuming  as  much  or  more. 

Economy  with  efficiency  being  essential,  I  sought  the  means 
to  the  end,  and  was  recommended  what  I  considered  an 
enormous  saddle  boiler,  as  being  required  for  about  600  feet 
of  4-inch  piping.  This  did  not  seem  likely  to  mend  matters, 
so  I  determined,  after  an  examination  of  numerous  boilers — 


> 


\S 


A 


GROUND  PLAN  OF  HOUSES. 

Scale  l-16th  of  an  inch  to  the  foot. 


A.  Vinery.  B.  Orchard-house. 

c.  Cucumber  and  Melon  house. 

D.  Ground  vinery,  with  the  hot-water  pipes  beneath  the  surface  of 

the  soil. 

E.  Boiler  house. 

f.  Carriage  drive,    beneath  which^the  hot-water    pipes  pass,  as 

indicated  by  the  dotted  lines. 
v,  v,  v.  Valves. 


Z? 


i     r 


saddle,  cannon,  tubular,  &c,  to  have  one  made  according  to 
my  own  fancy,  being  convinced  that  the  most  economical 
boiler  was  still  a  desideratum,  tho  Iosb  of  heat  and  waste  of 


1.  Fine. 

2.  Fire. 

3.  Ashpit. 

4,  4.  Boiler. 

5,  5.  Flow  pipes. 

6,  6.  Beturn  pipes. 


7.  7,  Fine  surrounding  the  boiler, 
over  its  top,  and  up  chim- 
ney in  direction  of  + 
8.  Feeding  pipe. 
9.  Tap 


fnel  being  in  most  cases  very  great.  My  boiler  is  a  success 
beyond  my  most  sanguine  expectations.  It  is  a  cylindrical 
inverted  one,  self-feeding  and  smoke-consuming,  and  one 
charge  of  fuel  may  be  made  to  burn  six,  twelve,  eighteen,  or 
even  twenty- four  hours.  It  never  fouls.  The  fire  being  fairly 
lighted,  the  cylinder  may  be  filled  with  refuse  coal-dust  mixed 
with  ashes  and  cinders  from  the  fires  in  the  house,  or  with 
slack  or  coke,  or  with  coke  and  slack  mixed,  or  with  any 
rubbish  with  some  heating  power.  The  fuel  will  gradually  fall 
into  the  cylinder  to  be  consumed  below  without  escape  of 
smoke,  after  being  properly  started,  the  draught  being  regu- 
lated through  a  sliding  ash-pit  door,  to  control  the  consump- 
tion of  fuel  according  to  the  heat  required.  The  boiler  being 
properly  set  is  entirely  surrounded  by  fire  ;  every  radiating  ray 
and  every  reflected  ray  impinging  upon  some  part  of  its  sur- 
face, to  be  taken  up  by  the  water  and  carried  rapidly  through 
the  pipes  for  distribution  through  the  houses,  the  loss  of  heat 
is  reduced  to  a  minimum.  The  first  exclamation  of  several 
practical  men  who  have  seen  it  has  been,  "  There  can  be  no 
loss  of  heat  here,"  which  I  believe  to  be  a  literal  fact.  The 
boiler  I  have  had  made  holds  fifteen  gallons  of  water,  heata 
efficiently  with  very  ordinary  fuel  750  feet  of  piping,  with 
good  fuel  would  do  much  more,  and  consumes  less  in  heating  all 
the  houses  than  the  flue  required  to  heat  the  Melon-pits  alone. 

I  am  unwilling  to  trespass  further  upon  your  time  or  space, 
but  if  you  or  your  readers  would  be  interested  in  the  quantity 
and  kind  of  fuel  consumed  in  twenty-four  hours,  with  the 
average  temperature  of  the  water  at  130  feet  distance,  the 
farthest  point  from  the  boiler,  or  any  other  particulars,  I  shall 
be  happy  to  supply  them. — John  Gaee,  Beu-dlcy. 

[We  have  no  doubt  that  under  your  own  management  your 
newly-invented  boiler  does  all  you  say  of  it,  and  we  say  this 
candidly,  though  we  have  little  faith  in  the  exclamation  of  the 
practical  men  who  have  seen  it,  "  There  can  be  no  Iobs  of  heat 
here,"  even  though  you  believe  that  to  be  a  literal  fact.    We 


September  29,  1870.  ]         JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


249 


have  heard  of  and  seen  some  wonderful  boilers,  but  some- 
how the  wonderful  soon  becomes  the  rather  common  and  every- 
day affair.  That  your  boiler  is  a  good  one  and  easily  managed 
we  do  not  doubt.  It  is  just  the  old  upright  cylinder  boiler 
with  these  little  differences  :  The  fireplace  on  which  it  is 
placed  is  rather  larger  than  usual  ;  the  top  of  the  boiler  is 
nearly  double  the  width  of  the  base,  spreading  regularly  out  to 
that  width.  The  upright  cylinder  inside  is  of  the  usual  regular 
shape,  but  that  is  appropriated  almost  entirely  to  the  holding 
of  fuel,  which  drops  down  as  it  is  consumed,  the  heated  air,  it 
iB  true,  passing  partly  through  the  fuel ;  but  the  chief  heat 
from  the  fire  passes  directly  from  it  through  flues  round  the 
sides  of  the  boiler,  meeting  over  the  top,  and  thence  into  the 
chimney.  We  have  no  doubt  that  by  filling  this  cylinder  with 
fuel  the  fire  will  last  a  long  time,  if  you  moderate  the  draught 
at  the  ashpit-door.  We  believe  that  when  fairly  set  going  yon 
will  have  little  smoke,  as  the  fuel  will  be  well  heated  and 
carbonised  before  dropping  into  the  fireplace,  but  with  these 
advantages  there  is  this  disadvantage,  that  there  is  but  a 
small  part  of  the  boiler  exposed  to  tee  direct  action  of  the  red- 
hot  fuel  in  the  fireplace. 

We  should  be  very  sorry  to  damp  the  aspirations  of  anyone, 
and  especially  an  amateur,  but  having  registered  your  in- 
vention we  would  let  well  alone  ;  and  if  you  asked  our  advice, 
it  would  be  not  to  waste  money  on  a  patent.  In  your  plan 
there  i?  nothing  new.  For  years  back  we  have  had  sections  of 
boilers  sent  to  us,  some  as  simple,  and  others  much  more 
complex  than  yours,  and  having  the  peculiarity  of  making  the 
inside  of  the  cylinder  chiefly  a  fuel-box,  so  that  you  might  have 
trouble  enough  with  your  patent  if  ever  you  Bhould  want  to 
protect  it.  As  a  warning  we  may  mention  two  facts — First, 
in  a  celebrated  nursery  we  lately  saw  standing  a  substantial 
double  saddle-back  boiler,  invented  by  one  of  the  firm,  and 
which  had  answered  very  well  with  them,  yet,  notwithstanding 
their  influence,  they  have  not  yet  sold  enough  of  them  to  pay 
the  first  cost  of  moulding  and  casting.  The  second  fact  is, 
that  some  of  the  greatest  gardeners  in  the  country,  after  trying 
all  kinds  of  boilers,  are  actually  falling  back  on  the  common 
saddle-backs,  and  depending  chiefly  on  the  direct  action  of  the 
fire,  and  regulating  draught  by  the  ashpit-door  and  the  damper. 
Provided  a  boiler  is  well  set,  a  first-rate  stoker  will  well  make 
almost  any  boiler  the  best  for  a  continuance.] 


WORK   FOR   THE   WEEK. 

KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

Continue  to  destroy  weeds  wherever  they  appear ;  clear 
away  all  decaying  leaves  from  Broccoli  and  Brussels  Sprouts, 
and  have  them  or  any  decaying  vegetable  matter,  at  once 
trenched  into  unoccupied  ground  ;  still,  the  extent  of  unoccu- 
pied ground  in  a  well-managed  kitchen  garden  ought  at  this 
season  to  be  very  small.  Prepare  a  quarter  of  ground  for  the 
main  crop  of  Cabbages  for  next  May,  June,  and  July.  Let  it  be 
thoroughly  manured  and  trenched,  as  they  will  have  to  remain 
perhaps  twelve  months  in  the  same  spot,  for  if  well  managed 
they  will  produce  after  cutting  an  abundant  crop  of  greens  of 
the  Colewort  character.  If  ground  and  plants  be  to  spare,  a 
great  quantity  of  the  Early  York  should  be  planted  out  in  well- 
manured  beds  or  borders  at  about  6  inches  apart;  these  will 
be  "  in  cut  "  before  the  early  Cabbage  comes  in,  perhaps  by  the 
end  of  March.  The  Cauliflowers  sown  in  August  will  be  getting 
gross  ;  they  should  be  removed  forthwith.  Some  persons  pot 
them,  and  doing  so  is  an  excellent  plan  for  the  earliest  lot. 
They  may  be  kept  thus  in  a  cold  frame  or  pit  until  the  begin- 
ning of  February,  when  they  may  be  planted  under  hand-glasses. 
Those  for  succession  crops  if  growing  too  strong  may  be  pulled 
np,  thrown  on  the  ground  for  half  an  hour  to  check  the  fibres, 
and  then  be  planted  out  in  poor  soil  where  they  are  to  remain. 
To  prevent  the  attacks  of  slugs  on  young  Cauliflower  and  Let- 
tuce plants,  mix  soot  and  lime  in  equal  quantities,  and  dust 
them  over  with  this  once  or  twice  weekly.  We  must  now  ex- 
pect frost  very  soon,  and  ought  to  prepare  accordingly.  Lettuce, 
for  instance,  just  coming  into  use  may  be  lifted  with  balls  and 
placed  in  frames.  Look  over  Onions  that  have  been  stored, 
and  remove  any  that  are  beginning  to  decay.  Make  the  last 
out-door  sowing  of  Radishes,  which,  if  the  winter  do  not  set  in 
early,  may  prove  useful.  Let  the  latest-sown  Turnips  have  a 
thorough  thinning  and  weeding.  In  late  situations  where  To- 
matoes are  just  ripening  let  them  be  gathered  or  ripened-off  in 
the  houses,  as  the  least  frost  is  fatal  to  them. 

FRUIT    GARDEN. 

If  wet  weather  set  in  let  the  Strawberry  plants  in  pots  be  i 


protected  either  by  turning  the  pots  on  their  sides  or  by  placing 
them  in  cold  frames,  but  in  either  case  so  that  worms  may  be 
excluded.  Continue  to  colleot  late  varieties  of  Pears  and  Apples. 
Walnuts  are  also  quite  fit  to  gather.  Attend  to  Apples  in  the 
fruit  room  as  before  directed. 

FLOWER   GARDEN. 

The  time  is  at  hand  for  alterations  and  the  planting  of  choice 
shrubs.  Where  extensive  alterations  are  contemplated,  more 
especially  in  planting  flowers,  observations  should  be  made 
before  the  flowers  lose  their  character  and  the  trees  and  shrubs 
are  stripped  of  their  foliage.  Cuttinge  Bhould  be  carefully 
looked  over  to  see  that  nothing  has  been  omitted,  and  that  a 
sufficient  quantity  of  everything  is  in  a  promising  state  for 
making  good  plants  before  winter.  It  should  be  borne  in  mind 
that  plants  which  are  at  all  difficult  to  winter  if  rooted  after 
this  time  may  be  considerably  thinned  before  spring,  and  also 
that  they  will  not  be  sufficiently  strong  to  furnish  cuttings  for 
spring  propagation  ;  consequently  a  larger  quantity  should  be 
provided  than  would  have  been  necessary  had  the  cuttings  been 
put  in  six  weeks  ago.  If  there  iB  a  reserve  stock  of  strong 
plants  in  pots,  to  have  which  is  a  safe  practice  where  many 
bedding  plants  are  required,  and  if  there  is  proper  convenience 
for  growing  them  and  propagating  in  spring,  they  will  furnish 
a  large  number  of  cuttings  next  March,  and  become  as  good 
plants  by  turning-out  time  as  cuttings  put  in  now.  In  the  case 
of  such  plants  as  Ageratums,  Petunias,  Heliotropes,  and  dwarf 
Lobelias  it  is  useless  wintering  young  stock,  as  they  grow  so 
freely  in  heat,  and  are  so  easily  propagated  from  soft  cuttings, 
that  a  few  good-sized  old  plants,  which  require  but  little  room 
or  attention  in  winter,  will  furnish  a  very  large  quantity  of 
plants  by  bedding-out  time.  Attend  to  the  potting  of  cuttings 
sufficiently  rooted,  and  give  every  after-attention  to  them  in 
order  to  have  them  well  established.  Persevere  with  leaf- 
sweeping  and  other  routine  work. 

GREENHOUSE   AND   CONSERVATORY. 

Chrysanthemums  intended  for  the  decoration  of  these  struc- 
tures should  be  placed  under  cover  at  once  and  receive  every 
attention.  Regular  watering  is  one  of  the  most  important 
matters,  for  if  allowed  to  become  dry,  if  only  for  a  few  hours, 
decay  or  yellowness  immediately  takes  place  in  the  under 
leaves.  They  will  from  this  time  eDJoy  liquid  manure  con- 
stantly, provided  it  is  perfectly  clear  and  weak.  All  suckers 
should  be  pulled  away  as  they  are  formed.  See  to  thorough 
staking  here,  and  the  extermination  of  all  insects.  Large 
specimens  of  the  following  make  a  fine  figure  at  this  period  :— 
Buddlea  Lindleyana,  Gesnera  lateritia,  Salvia  patens,  Begonia 
incarnata,  Phlox  Drummondi,  Ipomtca  ficifolia  (trellis),  Thun- 
bergias,  Plumbagos,  Justicias,  Clerodendrons,  &c.  Stocks  and 
Mignonette  sown  a  few  weeks  ago  may  now  be  transplanted, 
especially  the  Stocks.  If  any  early  bloom  is  desired,  half  a 
dozen  plants  may  be  put  into  a  well-drained  5-inch  pot.  The 
last  shift  should  now  be  given  to  forward  Cinerarias  intended 
to  bloom  this  autumn  and  early  in  spring ;  use  most  liberal 
drainage,  and  put  them  under  cover  close  to  the  glass,  with  a 
free  circulation  of  air.  Tagetes  lucida  is  a  good  late-flowering 
plant ;  although  of  long  standing,  it  is  not  so  generally  known 
as  it  deserves  to  be.  and  grown  in  pots  it  makes  a  good  display 
in  November,  the  flowers  being  a  rich  yellow.  Tie  Azaleas 
into  form  as  soon  as  can  be  done,  in  order  to  give  them  a  neat 
appearance.  Look  carefully  after  the  watering  of  large  hard- 
wooded  plants  in  pots,  especially  Heaths,  which  are  soon  in- 
jured by  being  either  over  or  under-watered.  Examine  the 
specimens  often  and  carefully,  and  when  they  are  found  to  be 
dry  water  thoroughly,  so  as  to  moisten  the  whole  of  the  ball ; 
also  look  sharply  after  mildew  on  softwooded  Heaths,  and  dust 
the  plants  with  sulphur  directly  the  enemy  is  perceived.  Look 
carefully  after  red  spider  on  Brassieas,  Chorozemas,  and  any- 
thing else  found  to  be  liable  to  the  pest.  Red  spider  is  easily 
got  rid  of  by  laying  the  affected  plant  on  its  side  and  well 
washing  the  undersides  of  the  leaves  with  the  engine,  applying 
the  water  with  as  much  force  as  the  foliage  will  bear.  Repot 
strong-growing  Pelargoniums  ;  plants  fairly  established  after 
repotting  can  hardly  be  kept  too  cool.  Keep  tree  Violets  clear 
of  their  great  enemy,  red  spider,  by  a  liberal  use  of  the 
syringe,  and  give  them  plenty  of  manure  water,  which  will 
assist  in  keeping  them  in  vigorous  health.  Primulas  must 
also  be  carefully  attended  to,  in  order  to  encourage  them  to 
make  rapid  growth. 

STOVE. 

The  above,  as  well  as  other  gardening  structures,  partakes 
in  general  of  some  re- arrangement  at  this  period,  when  the 


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[  September  29,  1870. 


general  cry  iB  "  House  all  tender  plants  ; "  while  such  is  pro- 
ceeding, let  all  plants  that  require  it  be  properly  staked  where 
necessary,  as  well  as  freed  from  insects.  Young  stock  of  Be- 
gonias for  winter  flowering  may  still  be  shifted.  Some  of  the 
bulbous  tribes  will  now  begin  to  waken  from  their  dormant 
state,  and  some  will  speedily  show  blossom;  these,  when  fairly 
started,  if  pot-bound,  may  receive  a  shift,  using  a  compost  of 
sandy  loam  and  vegetable  matter  ;  a  little  bottom  heat  would 
be  of  service  after  this  operation.  Keep  the  atmospheric  tem- 
perature moderate  at  this  period,  and  give  liberal  ventilation. 
— W.  Keane. 


DOINGS  OF  THE  LAST  WEEK. 
Such  a  week  of  sunshine  that  but  for  slight  frosty  mornings 
and  a  few  leaves  falling  from  Chestnuts  and  Elms,  in  the  flower 
garden  we  might  imagine  we  were  in  the  first  days  of  August 
instead  of  approaching  the  end  of  September.  Everything 
seems  to  betoken  that  the  end  of  autumn  is  approaching,  as 
from  the  dryness  and  heat  of  the  summer  all  deciduous  trees 
will  lose  their  leaves  earlier  than  usual.  Many  evergreens,  too, 
suffered  from  the  drought,  and  there  could  scarcely  have  been  a 
more  unpropitious  season  for  trees  and  shrubs  planted  in 
spring  ;  and  where,  owing  to  circnmstances,  no  water  could  be 
given  them,  many  not  convinced  before,  will  bo  satisfied  now 
of  the  importance  of  early  autumn  planting  when  it  can  be  at- 
tended to.  Last  autumn  in  this  district  such  a  thing  was  im- 
possible, as  the  plants  were  far  too  dry  to  be  raised,  and  the 
ground  when  turned  up  for  planting  was  little  better  than  so 
much  dust.  Without  heavy  rains  the  soil  will  be  little  better 
this  season,  but  where  the  rains  have  been  plentiful,  or  if  they 
come  before  the  weather  is  much  colder,  there  will  be  a  most 
favourable  time  for  early  autumn  planting,  as  the  summer's 
growth  will  be  early  matured,  and  the  ground  will  be  warmer 
than  usual  to  enoourage  fresh  rooting. 

KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

It  is  always  well  to  have  enough,  and  it  is  more  pleasant 
to  pull  up  what  may  not  be  wanted  than  to  find  the  want  of 
anything.  Even  small  plants  of  Endive  and  Lettuce  planted 
out  now  in  spare  places,  as  among  bush  fruit,  may  stand  the 
winter  well,  and  if  many  fail  it  will  only  be  the  trouble  of 
planting.  Winter  and  spring  Lettuces  are  considered  great  de- 
licacies by  some,  and  had  we  room  we  would  now  take  up  with 
balls  a  number  of  plants  3  or  4  inches  high,  and  plant  them  I  by  adding  rotten   dung 


where  they  could  have  the  protection  of  glass  in  winter.  It  is 
on  the  whole  waste  of  space  to  plant  them  too  thickly ;  they 
should  not  be  less  than  12  or  15  inches  apart  when  we  wish 
them  to  grow  and  form  fine  individual  specimens.  It  is 
enough  to  make  one  envious  to  see  whole  ranges  of  cold  pits 
thus  filled  with  young  Lettuces,  the  lights  all  off,  but  ready  to 
be  put  on  at  the  first  approach  of  frost  or  of  heavy  rains,  but 
plenty  of  air  given  in  the  latter  case.  The  treatment  of  such 
plants  ought  to  be  quite  different  from  that  of  full-grown 
Lettuces  and  Endive  taken  up  towards  the  end  of  next  month 


hood  that  they  will  bolt  in  the  spring,  instead  of  making  fine 
heads.  Caterpillars,  so  ruinous  in  many  places,  have  troubled 
us  but  little  ;  but  when  we  thought  we  had  got  rid  of  clouds  of 
fl.Y  hy  syringing,  &c,  we  find  it  is  coming  again,  though  in  but 
small  patches,  and  the  same  remedy  must  be  again  applied. 
Small  plants  of  Cabbages  pricked  out  rather  thickly  now  in 
poor  soil  will  make  much  more  serviceable  plants  for  spring 
planting  than  if  they  had  been  left  in  the  seed  bed. 

Forking  and  hoeing  all  ground  amongst  young  growing  orops 
will  greatly  promote  free  growth. 

FRUIT   GARDEN. 

As  soon  as  we  have  time  we  shall  clear  away  all  runners  and 
litter  from  Strawberry  plantations,  merely  pricking  over  with 
the  points  of  a  fork  the  surface  soil  between  the  rows,  and 
mulching  with  rotten  dung  ;  better  for  the  purpose,  when  they 
can  be  obtained,  are  fresh  horse  droppings,  laid  in  a  heap  long 
enough  to  heat  and  destroy  what  vitality  may  be  in  the  oats 
that  have  passed  into  the  droppings.  Even  old  Mushroom- 
bed  dung  is  good  for  such  a  purpose,  but  nothing  answers 
better  than  the  droppings,  though  few  can  obtain  them  for 
such  a  purpose.  When  thus  used  the  droppings  need  not  be 
put  on  so  thickly  as  rotten  manure.  Even  a  dressing  of  a 
couple  of  inches  of  manure  becomes  very  thin  before  spring. 
We  greatly  prefer  that  all  such  manure  as  surface-dressing 
should  just  remain  on  the  surface  instead  of  being  forked  in, 
however  slightly.  The  crowns  of  the  plants  should  not  be 
covered,  but  the  manure  may  rise  higher  in  the  middle  of  the 
space  between  the  rows.  Those  who  put  on  such  a  dressing 
for  the  first  time  will  be  surprised  how  little  there  is  left  of  it 
in  spring.  A  slight  clearing  away  of  dead  leaves  in  spring,  with 
a  little  of  the  roughest  of  the  mulching,  will  leave  all  neat. 

New  plantations  of  Strawberry  plants  may  now  be  made,  but 
if  the  plants  are  good,  less  importance  attaches  to  the  time  of 
planting  than  to  the  condition  of  the  ground,  which  ought  to 
be  well  trenched,  manured,  and  then  partly  solidified  on  the 
surface  before  planting.  As  in  everything  else,  there  is  an 
advantage  in  early  autumn  planting,  and  if  the  plants  are 
turned  out  of  pots  all  the  better,  as  they  soon  establish  them- 
selves in  their  fresh  quarters,  and  may  be  expected  to  bear 
well  in  the  following  summer.  Where,  however,  ground  is 
scarce  we  can  recommend  the  following  plan.  Take  off  the 
runners  as  soon  as  they  show  roots,  prick  them  out  in  a  bed 
made  light  and  rich  on  the  surface  to  the  depth  of  4  or  5  inches, 
leaf   mould,   and  some   light   sandy 


matter,  and  let  the  plants  be  from  6  to  8  inches  apart.  Shade 
a  little  at  first,  and  when  the  young  plactR  can  take  care  of 
themselves  give  all  the  sun  and  heat  possible,  and  waterings 
when  needed.  On  ground  heavily  cropped  until  Christmas  we 
trenched,  dug,  and  redug  until  it  was  in  a  finely-pulverised 
rich  condition  by  the  end  of  February,  and  then  we  have  lifted 
these  plants  with  balls,  and  transferred  them  to  the  fine 
mellow  soil,  and  had  as  good  returns  in  June  as  if  we  had 
planted  in  the  autumn.  Many  such  schemes  must  be  resorted 
to  where  the  most  has  to  be  made  of  a  little  piece  of  ground. 


and  which  may  be  plaoed  quite  close  together,  in  order  to  be  |  The  labour  is,  doubtless,  increased,  but  the  giound  is  made  to 
used  as  wanted.     Small  plants  turned  out  now  in  cool  unheated  !  yield  more. 


orchard  houses  will  come  in  very  useful  early  in  spring 

Cauliflowers. — We  have  strewn  some  charcoal  dust  and  a 
little  lime  and  soot  among  our  young  small  Cauliflower  plants, 
as  they  did  not  seem  altogether  right,  and  showed  some  signs 
of  mildewing.  These  we  shall  prick  out  thickly  in  a  bed  in 
fresh  light  soil  before  transferring  them  to  the  hand-glasses  or 
pots  for  the  winter.  Succession  crops  of  Cauliflower  for  pre- 
sent and  late  autumn  use  we  have  been  obliged  to  refresh  with 
sewage  water  ;  they  so  hung  their  leaves  in  the  blight  days  as 
to  leave  the  heads,  not  quite  full-grown,  exposed  to  the  fierce 
sun,  which  has  a  tendency  to  make  them  harder  than  they 
ought  to  be.  All  vegetables,  to  be  good,  should  be  used  soon 
after  they  are  cut.  Many  complaints  are  the  consequence  of 
allowing  vegetables  to  remain  for  some  time  before  cooking 
them.  Even  a  Cabbage  cut  and  taken  to  the  pot  is  altogether 
different  from  a  Cabbage  cut  and  allowed  to  lie  for  a  day  or 
two.  We  have  known  thorough  admirers  of  the  Cucumber 
who  would  have  known  if  their  favourite  kind  was  cut  more 
than  half  an  hour  before  it  appeared  at  the  table.  When  vege- 
tables are  cooked  a  little  more  time  after  cutting  is  of  less  con- 
sequence. No  keeping  treatment  afterwards  entirely  makes 
up  in  flavour  and  crispness  for  cutting  fresh  and  just  when 
wanted. 

Cabbages. — These  are  growing,  if  anything,  too  well,  as,  ex- 
cept Coleworts,  we  do  not  wish  the  early  crops  for  next  season 
to  be  too  forward  before  winter,  as  there  is  then  a  greater  likeli- 


Strawberry  plants  in  pots  for  forcing  need  less  watering 
now,  as  the  aim,  in  the  forwardest  especially,  should  be  to  ripen 
the  buds  or  crowns.  We  must  try  and  give  ours  a  little  more 
room,  as  the  large  foliage — quite  large  enough — is  too  close 
together. 

As  the  nights  are  becoming  colder,  it  is  as  well  to  give  any 
watering  that  may  be  required  about  9  a.m.,  as  the  soil,  if  fresh 
watered,  gets  cool  in  a  clear  night.  The  same  rule  applies  to 
all  watering,  just  as  in  the  hottest  weather  and  the  longest  day* 
it  was  advisable  to  water  in  the  afternoon  and  evening.  Suoh 
a  system  could  not  easily  be  carried  out  with  the  present  stereo- 
typed hours  for  gardening  and  agricultural  labour,  but  often  in 
Lot  weather  one  watering  after  7  p.m.  in  July  and  August 
would  do  more  good  than  two  similar  waterings  early  in  the 
afternoon.  Often  the  little  water  we  use  had  to  be  given  at 
any  time,  just  when  we  could  get  it,  but  then  we  had  to  reBort 
to  modes  to  prevent  its  quick  evaporation  which  would  not 
have  been  needed  if  we  could  have  given  the  same  water  when 
the  sun  was  low,  and  twilight  and  night  approaching,  so  that 
the  plant  should  have  little  or  no  strain  on  its  resources. 

Hardy  fruits,  as  Apples  and  Pears,  have  been  much  improved 
in  their  appearance  duriDg  the  past  week,  obtaining  that  rich 
colouring  which  nothing  but  a  bright  warm  sun  can  give. 
Some  of  our  readers  were  so  alarmed  by  what  the  late  gale 
did  in  throwing  down  many  of  their  fruit,  that  they  gathered, 
most  of  what  remained  forthwith,  they  say  now  to  the  great 


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261 


loss  in  colouring  and  such  due  ripening  as  insures  good  keep- 
ing. We  are  afraid  that  tlie  gale  in  some  eases  was  only  the 
apparent  cause  of  much  fruit  dropping  prematurely.  Many 
thus  dropped  would  be  found  not  quite  sound,  but  begiuning 
to  decay  at  the  core,  owing  to  maggots,  Sic.  In  other  cases, 
though  we  hope  not  numerous,  the  Apple,  though  seemingly 
perfectly  sound  outside,  has  the  inside  streaked  with  a  fungoid 
disease,  something  like  the  Potato  disease.  Before  cutting  up 
the  Apple  nothing  of  this  is  to  be  seen.  Suoh  Apples,  and 
those  that  have  been  a  resting  place  for  the  maggots,  will 
naturally  drop  before  the  sound  ones  are  ripe.  Those  which  are 
sonnd  we  should  think  would  keep  well,  as  if  not  quite  bo  large 
they  will  be  more  perfectly  matured ;  but  such  numbers 
having  fallen  from  large  trees,  people  are  apt  to  say  the  fruit 
will  not  keep  this  season.  Owing  to  this  and  the  heavy  crop, 
Apples  in  some  places  can  hardly  be  disposed  of  at  any  price. 
If  this  weather  continue  we  should  not  like  to  gather  all  our 
frnit  for  some  weeks,  if  the  dryness  do  not  again  force  the 
birds  to  go  to  them  for  moist  food.  Flies  and  wasps  aro  bad 
enough,  but  they  are  nothing  to  the  larger  birds,  who  soon 
demolish  the  sunny  side  of  the  best  fruit,  if  left  to  take  their 
own  way. 

ORNAMENTAL   DEPARTMENT. 

What  a  pity  frost  may  be  expected  soon  to  come  !  With  the 
exception  of  withered  tree  leaves,  the  forerunners  of  what  we 
may  expect,  the  flower  garden  is  still  in  its  glory — so  much  so, 
that  we  are  chary  in  taking  the  necessary  number  of  cu'tings, 
and  have  been  obliged  to  decline  supplying  others.  Circum- 
Btances  quite  alter  cases.  We  hear  of  gardens  almost  dis- 
mantled already,  the  Geraniums  taken  up  and  given  away,  or 
potted  and  boxed  for  future  use,  and  the  ground  beiDg  prepared 
for  bulbs,  spring-flowering  annuals,  &c.  In  private  gardens 
where  the  family  leave  in  August  aud  September,  and  never 
return  before  the  season  is  over,  such  a  plan  may  be  adopted 
to  the  benefit  of  all  concerned  ;  but  we  hardly  see  how  it  can  bo 
adopted  where  there  is  a  resident  family,  and  where  the  garden 
is  required  to  look  well  up  to  the  latest  day  possible.  We  have 
frequently  had  the  flower  garden  finer  and  richer,  but  for  the 
falling  leaves,  in  the  end  of  October  than  it  has  been  in  the 
end  of  June,  or  even  July.  In  all  cases  where  there  are  such 
remembrances,  eleariug  the  beds  and  borders  in  Seotember  is 
quite  out  of  the  question.  When  such  beds  are  to  be  supplied 
with  early  bulbs  as  well,  two  plans  may  be  adopted.  First, 
pot  the  bulbs,  to  be  planted  afterwards  in  patches  or  in  regular 
lines ;  or  set  the  bulbs  far  enough  apart  on  some  rich  compost, 
and  cover  them  several  inches  deep,  and  then  when  the  beds 
are  cleared,  dug,  and  pulverised,  move  the  bulbs,  and  plant 
with  balls,  and  they  will  do  almost  as  well  as  if  planted  out 
early  at  once.  The  getting  the  beds  in  good  order,  just  as 
in  the  oase  of  the  Strawberries  referred  to,  makes  up  for  earlier 
planting. 

Greenhouse  Plants. — The  most  tender  should  now  be  placed 
under  cover,  and  even  the  hardiest  should  be  so  placed  as  to  be 
easily  protected  from  heavy  rains  and  early  frosts.  The  roots 
in  the  case  of  frost  will  be  in  greater  danger  of  injury  than 
the  branches.  Camellias  are  apt  to  throw  their  buds,  and 
Azaleas  to  drop  their  leaves,  if  the  pots  are  much  exposed  to 
frost.  All  the  Epacris  tribe  are  more  sensitive  to  cold  than 
even  the  Cape  Heaths ;  the  former  should  be  housed,  and  the 
latter,  if  in  pits  and  frames,  should  be  protected  from  heavy 
rains  and  sudden  frosts.  In  tolerable  weather  the  lights 
should  be  on  at  night,  but  air  left  on  top  and  bottom.  The 
free  dews  now  might  be  rather  much  for  them.  We  have 
noticed  of  late  that  some  trees  have  thrown  down  quite  a 
heavy  shower  in  the  clear  mornings,  making  a  puddle  all  round 
their  base. 

Propagating. — We  lately  said  we  liked  to  propagate  all  bed- 
ding plants  without  any  artificial  heat.  In  propagating  Ver- 
benas, &c,  now,  we  like  to  give  a  little  mild  bottom  heat.  For 
instance,  if  we  use  an  old  Melon  bed  under  a  frame,  we  take 
out  the  soil  and  a  portion  of  the  top  dung,  turn  over  what  is 
below,  and  add  about  a  couple  of  barrowioads  of  fresh  hot 
dung  to  each  light,  cover  with  a  few  inches  of  the  old  duDg,  and 
then  surface  with  dry  ashes.  If  we  could  have  obtained 
•nough  of  cuttings  early  we  would  not  have  taken  them  now, 
or  given  them  heat. 

From  several  letters  we  are  sorry  to  find  that  we  have  not 
made  some  of  the  modes  of  propagating  plain  enough,  as  we 
are  asked  if  we  really  think  Bmall  cuttings  of  such  subjects  as 
Geraniums  are  as  good  as  large  ones  ?  and  again,  Do  we  think 
a  pot  of  cuttings  as  good  in  the  spring  as  the  same  number 
potted  off  in  the  autumn  ?    We  clearly  stated  that  where  there 


was  a  reserve  ground,  and  large  cuttings  could  be  obtained 
without  interfering  with  the  flower  garden,  they  would  be  the 
best,  and  if  each  were  in  a  small  pot  it  would  be  better  still. 
But,  then,  if  we  cannot  do  the  best  we  must  do  the  next  best. 
We  use  small  cuttings,  and  keep  them  generally  in  cutting-boxes 
all  the  winter,  because  if  we  used  the  smallest  pots  we  could 
not  by  any  means  house  the  number  we  required.  We  give 
Geraniums  from  1J  to  2  inches  each,  and  Verbenas,  Helio- 
tropes, ifcc.,  much  less,  and  oontrive  to  give  them  more  room 
after  the  days  lengthen  in  spring,  but  the  great  proporlion  of 
them  are  seldom  honoured  with  a  pot  of  any  sort.  Dry  season 
and  altogether,  the  plants  have  done  so  well  that  many  will 
not  believe  that  these  large  Geranium  plants  were  small  short 
slips  2  inches  apart  in  boxes  in  the  middle  of  September,  1869. 
These  little  plants,  just  nicely  rooted  before  winter,  generally 
do  well  in  the  following  season,  and  grow  vigorously  as  well  as 
bloom  profusely.  Our  Verbenas  when  they  succeed  well  are 
cut  over  in  spring,  much  as  we  would  do  Mustard  and  Cress, 
for  cuttings,  for  though  the  plants  struck  so  thickly  in  autumn 
answer  well,  the  spring-struck  cuttings  succeed  better  in  our 
estimation.  Whoever,  then,  has  room  and  convenience  cannot 
err  if  he  can  pot  and  establish  in  pots  all  his  bedding  plants 
in  the  previous  autumn.  We  wish,  however,  to  show  that 
there  need  be  no  despair  if  we  can  find  the  means  of  wintering 
a  great  many  thickly  set  in  pots  or  boxes.  We  have  fre- 
quently alluded  to  the  best  mode  of  taking  up  and  wintering 
old  plants  of  Geraniums. — R.  F. 


TO    CORRESPONDENTS. 

*.„*  We  request  that  no  one  will  write  privately  to  any  of  the 
correspondents  of  the  "  Journal  of  Horticulture,  Cottage 
Gardener,  and  Country  Gentleman."  By  doing  so  they 
are  subjected  to  unjustifiable  trouble  and  expense.  All 
communications  should  therefore  he  addressed  solely  to 
The  Editors  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture,  etc.,  171,  Flett 
Street,  London,  23.6*. 

We  also  request  that  correspondents  will  not  mix  up  on  the 
same  sheet  questions  relating  to  Gardening  and  those  on 
Poultry  and  Bee  subjects,  if  they  expect  to  get  them  an- 
swered promptly  and  conveniently,  but  write  them  on 
separate  communications.  Also  never  lo  send  more  than 
two  or  three  questions  at  once. 

N.B. — Many  questions  must  remain  unanswered  until  next 
week. 

Nahino  Fruits. — We  have  repeatedly  requested  our  correspondent! 
not  to  send  more  than  abont  sis  specimens  to  be  named,  for  to  identify 
them  accurately  requires  much  consideration,  and  consequently  time. 
Yet  we  have  now  before  us  three  baBkets  containing  respectively  twenty- 
nine,  twenty -three,  and  seventeen  specimens.  From  tbem  and  all  such 
numbers  we  can  only  take  a  fraction  for  naming,  and  it  annoys  na  not  to 
be  able  to  do  all  we  are  asked  to  do  by  our  correspondents. 

Cleaning  Linum  and  Phlox  Seeds  {T.  E.  SI.). — The  best  plan  we 
know  is  to  lay  them  on  a  floor,  beat  with  Bticks,  and  when  all  the  seeds 
are  out  to  sift  through  a  sieve  to  free  them  of  the  husks ;  finally  winnow. 
The  wind  will  answer  very  well  for  a  purpose  of  this  sort.  Having  spread 
a  cloth,  let  the  seeds  and  dust  fall  from  a  height  of  8  or  4  feet,  and  the 
chaff  will  be  taken  off  clear  of  the  sound  seeds  by  the  wind.  We  do  not 
know  any  seedsman  who  purchases  small  quantities  of  seeds  collected 
by  private  individuals.  Write  to  some  seedsman,  telling  him  what  you 
have  to  dispose  of. 

Gathering  Quinces  (Idem). — When  they  part  freely  from  the  tree,  as 
they  will  do  at  the  beginning  of  next  month,  they  should  be  gathered, 
and  not  only  on  a  fine  day,  but,  if  possible,  after  continued  fine  weather. 

Wintering  Carnations  in  the  Open  Ground  [A.  B.).  —  Yonr  best 
plan  will  be  to  plant  them  out,  if  well-ripened  layers,  in  moderately  light 
soil  in  an  open  sheltered  situation,  affording  them  the  protection  of 
hoops  and  mats  in  very  severe  weather.  Could  you  not  pot  them  and 
winter  them  in  a  cold  frame  r 

Gyhnogramma  Calomelanos  with  partly  Golden  PiNNae  (Eaffod- 
neddyn). — This  is  the  first  instance  that  we  have  known  of  a  Bilvered- 
powdered  Gymnogramma  having  both  silver  and  gold  powder  on  the 
under  side  of  the  pinnae.  What  makes  it  more  remarkable  is  that  some 
piunie  Bhould  be  wholly  golden-powdered.  It  il  likely  >on  would  obtain 
a  golden  Calomelanos  by  sowing  the  spores  of  the  pinnse  of  that  colour, 
and  no  doubt  many  silver  ones. 

Replanting  Box  Edging  (Thomas  Marsh).— You  may  now  take  up  and 
replant  the  Box  as  you  propose.  There  is  no  fear  of  its  not  growing, 
providing  you  use  rooted  divisions  or  slips,  and  water  at  planting  if  the 
ground  be  dry.  If  the  weather  be  moist  the  watering  will,  of  course,  not 
be  necessary.  You  may  remove  the  very  straggling  growths,  but  that 
should  be  done  at  the  trimming  before  planting,  and  no  after-cutting 
with  the  shears  is  needed,  or,  if  there  be,  the  edging  is  badly  planted. 
It  will  grow  quite  as  well  now  as  planted  in  February. 

Replanting  Tultps  (Idem). — You  may  now  take  up  the  Tulips  that 
have  remained  in  the  ground  all  the  year,  removing  them  with  a  ball  if 
they  have  rooted,  and  replant  at  once  ;  or  dnriog  the  time  they  are  out 
of  the  ground  they  Bhould  be  carefully  shielded  from  the  sun  and  wind. 
We  cannot  answer  questions  privately. 

Destroying  Hornets'  Nest  (Subseribtr). — The  best  plan  would  be  to 
dip  some  strips  of  paper  in  melted  stone  brimstone,  set  light  to  them, 


252 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  September  29,  1870. 


and  place  them  in  the  hollow  in  the  old  Apple  tree,  closing  the  hole  so  as 
to  confioe  the  fames.  This,  of  course,  will  need  to  be  done  after  twilight. 
You  must  close  every  hole,  or,  if  that  be  impracticable,  pour  in  some 
spirits  of  turpentine,  and  close  the  opening. 

King  of  the  Fuchsias  (J.  G.). — It  is  not  a  free-blooming  sort,  but  does 
not  require  treatment  different  from  that  of  other  kinds.  Why  grow  it 
in  the  stove  ?  A  light  airy  greenhouse,  with  a  slight  shade  from  very 
bright  sun,  is  the  beBt  place  for  it. 

Tenant  Removing  (IF.  B.  B.).—If  you  pull  up,  cut  down,  or  other- 
wise injure  any  of  the  trees  or  shrubs,  planted  either  by  your  father 
or  yourself,  you  will  act  illegally.  You  are  not  a  nurseryman.  Your 
landlord  cannot  be  made  to  pay  for  the  trees  and  shrub3.  You  have  no 
right  to  remove  the  flagstone  if  fixed  to  the  walls.  You  may  remove  the 
Cucumber  frames.  You  must  consult  your  solicitor  on  the  other  questions. 
Painting  a  Peach  House  (A.  A'.).— There  is  no  objection  to  green 
paint  in  point  of  colour  for  the  outside  woodwork  of  a  Peach  house,  but 
it  is  not  durable.  Thit  paint  is  found  to  answer  best  which  is  composed 
of  the  most  lead:  hence  white  paint  is  the  best  of  all  next  to  red  {which 
is  a  very  objectionable  colour) ;  but  we  think  a  pale  stone  colour  prefer- 
able, as  it  does  not  show  dirt  so  soon  as  white.  That  kind  of  glass  known 
as  crown,  having  a  green  hue,  is  preferable  to  the  white  sheet ;  but  we  are 
using  26-oz.  sheet  glass  for  the  roofs  of  Peach  houses,  and  glazing  the 
fronts  with  |-inck  polished  plate  glass.  For  a  fernery  we  are  using  £-inch 
rough  plate ;  whilst  for  a  Btove  we  have  4-inch  rough  plate  ground  on  one 
Bide  for  the  roof,  and  glaze  the  sides  and  ends  with  ^-inch  polished  plate. 
A  ray  of  light  is  of  three  colours. 

Early  Peach  Trees  (Amateur  S.).— Your  espaliers  are  no  doubt  in  an 
orchard  or  other  house,  for  in  the  open  air  we  think  the  espalier  a  very 
uncertain  means  of  growing  Peach  trees.  Two  of  the  earliest  early 
Peaches  are  Early  Beatrice  and  Early  Rivers,  both  good,  and  to  succeed 
them  you  may  have  Earlv  York.  They  ought  not  to  be  removed  until 
the  leaves  have  begun  to  fall. 

Indian  Shot  (Canna)  Treatment  (Idem).— The"  varieties  of  Canna  nre 
much  employed  for  subtropical  gardening.  You  do  not  aay  whether 
your  plant  is  in  a  pot  or  planted  out,  but  we  presume  it  is  a  pot  plant. 
In  that  case  you  will  need  to  continue  it  in  a  greenhouse  during  the 
winter,  watering  up  to  December,  but  not  excessively.  If  the  foliage  be 
kept  fresh,  that  is  sufficient.  Until  the  middle  of  February  keep  the 
plant  dry,  then  repot  it,  and  encourage  growth  by  an  increase  of  mois- 
ture and  warmth,  and,  if  possibly  with  hottom  heat.  If  wanted  for 
planting  out  of  doors  in  summer,  harden  the  pUnt  well  off  before  turn- 
ing it  out  at  the  end  of  May  or  beginning  of  June. 

Boxes  for  Holding  Useful  Measures.  — We  have  to  warn  our 
readers  that  the  quotation  we  made  at  page  194  from  the  "English 
Mechanic,"  does  not  give  correct  dimensions.  The  Editor  of  that  journal 
has  since  published  the  following:— "  We  obtained  the  above-mentioned 
paragraph  from  a  journal  called  the  '  American  Artisan.'  As  it  appeared 
to  contain  what  is  simply  a  matter  of  calculation,  it  did  not  undergo  the 
usual  editorial  criticism.  In  future  we  shall  hesitate  before  we  insert 
any  valuable  tables  found  in  our  transatlantic  contemporaries."  We  are 
obliged  to  a  correspondent,  "  A.  L.,"  for  bringing  the  above  to  our  notice. 
He  adds:—"  Subscribers  will  do  well,  therefore,  to  put  a  note  of  warning 
against  reliance  upon  it  in  the  margin  of  their  copies.  I  give  an  instance 
of  error.  A  pint  really  contains  31659  cubic  inches,  plus  a  very  small 
quantity,  which  may  be  disregarded.  The  table  states  that  a  box  of 
4  by  4  by  4^,  =  68  cubic  inches,  will  contain  a  pint.  So  it  will,  and  nearly 
another  pint." 

Destroying  Woodlice  (L.  E.  G.).~ The  best  plan  of  destroving  them 
is  to  place  a  little  hay  loosely  round  the  sides  of  the  structures  they  infest, 
and  in  the  morning  pour  boiling  water  down  the  walls  a  little  above  the 
hay.  This,  of  course,  kills  all  it  touches,  and  repeated  several  times  will 
entirely  destroy  them,  though  they  will  in  time  reappear.  When  this 
method  cannot  bo  adopted  on  account  of  the  boiling  water  being  likely  to 
injure  plants,  your  best  plan  will  be  to  place  a  boiled  Potato  wrapped 
lightly  in  a  little  hay  in  a  small  flower-pot,  and  put  the  pot  on  its  side 
where  the  woodlice  are  troublesome.  This  trap  should  be  examined  every 
morning,  and  the  woodlice  secreted  in  the  hay  shaken  into  boiling  water. 
A  number  of  traps  of  this  kind,  put  down  every  night  and  examined  in 
the  morniug,  will  soon  thin  their  numbers. 

Petunia  Shoots  Dying  (Idem).— We  cannot  account  for  your  Petunia 
dying  back,  but  think  it  is  owinff  to  the  flowering  shoots  being  broken  off. 
The  plant  will  probably  die  back  to  the  shoots  at  its  base,  to  which  we 
Bhould  cut  down. 

Rabbits  Attacking  Wellingtonia  gigantea  (T.  Wilson).— Although 
the  Wellingtonia  is  not  so  much  destroyed  as  many  other  trees  by  rabbits 
Btill  it  is  subject  to  their  attacks,  and  we  have  seen  every  twig,  leader 
and  all,  eaten  off  a  number  of  very  promising  young  trees,  the  bark  being 
also  nibbled  off,  but  the  Bpongy  bark  of  older  trees  they  do  not  meddle  with. 
Where  rabbits  and  hares  are  numerous,  we  would  not  advise  you  to  leave 
your  specimen  trees  unprotected.  We  think  a  piece  of  galvanised  wire- 
netting,  2  feet  or  2£  feet  high,  fixed  to  the  inner  side  of  the  iron  fence 
which  protects  the  trees  from  the  cattle,  will  be  all  that  is  wanted.  This 
would  admit  air  to  the  lower  branches,  and  be  altogether  better  than 
woodwork.  The  netting  must  be  sunk  an  inch  or  two  into  the  ground  ;  or, 
what  is  better,  if  a  board  be  first  sunk  in  the  ground,  the  edging  of  the 
netting  might  be  fixed  to  it ;  but  we  do  not  recommend  any  deep  digging 
near  the  Wellingtonia,  as  its  roots  are  so  near  the  surface.  Be  satisfied 
with  merely  inserting  the  netting  an  inch  or  two,  and  examine  it  occa- 
sionally in  order  to  stop  any  attempts  at  burrowing  under  it.  We  are 
glad  to  hear  you  have  so  fine  a  tree  so  far  north  ;  it  is  well  worth  taking 
care  of.  It  is  unaccountable,  but  nevertheless  true,  that  rabbits  have  a 
propensity  to  attack  choice  single  specimens  ;  where  there  are  a  number 
of  plants  of  one  kind  the  probability  is  they  will  all  escape,  whilst  a 
single  tree  is  sure  to  become  a  prey.  In  our  own  case  we  find  nothing 
escapes  their  attacks  excepting,  perhaps,  the  common  Elder,  Box,  and 
Rhododendron  pontioum,  and  even  the  last-named  is  not  always  safe. 

Tortoise  (Novice).— We  are  not  aware  that  tortoises  benefit  a  garden. 
They  live  upon  Lettuce  leaves,  Sow-thistle,  and  other  succulent  vege- 
table produce.  They  Bhould  be  taken  in-doors  during  the  winter,  unless 
there  are  large  heaps  of  leaves  in  which  they  can  bury,  for  they  are 
torpid  throughout  the  winter. 

Planting  an  Avenue  (Violet).— Without  knowing  more  of  the  size  of 
the  avenue,  we  could  say  little  as  to  grouping  it  prettily.    In  an  exposed 


bleak  place,  Pinus  Pinaster  and  austriaca  would  do  well;  and  Deodars 
and  Wellingtonias  might  be  tried,  but  neither  should  be  planted  thickly. 
We  have  seen  fine  effects  made  in  the  Bides  of  avenues,  whore,  as  in  your 
case,  Rhododendrons  would  not  grow,  by  planting  such  Pines  about 
35  feet  apart,  and  theu  clothing  the  ground  with  a  carpet  of  Laurels  kept 
cut  every  year. 

List  of  Roses  (M.  B.). — I  am  asked  to  name  twenty-four  Roses  "  the 
best  for  exhibition  in  all  colours,  and  that  are  hardy  and  free  bloomers." 
I  could  diversify  the  colours  more  if  I  were  allowed  to  name  some  Tea 
Roses  ;  but  as  nothing  is  said  about  them,  I  shall  only  name  one,  Soni- 
breuil,  white,  which  is  very  hardy,  a  free  and  constant  bloomer. 
Then  have  Charles  Lefebvre,  Marechal  Niel,  Senateur  Vaisae,  Souvenir 
de  la  Malmaison,  Comtesse  Cecile  de  Chabrillaut,  La  Ville  de  St.  Denis, 
Pierre  Notting,  Alfred  Colomb,  Madame  La  Baronne  de  Rothschild, 
Madame  Victor  Verdier,  Triomphe  de  Rennes,  Madame  Boll,  Prince 
Camille  de  Rohan,  Celine  Forestier,  Dr.  Andry,  Marguerite  de  St.  Amand, 
Gloire  de  Dijon.  Lady  Suffield,  Marechal  Vaillant,  Madame  Boutin,  Jules 
Margottin,  William  Griffiths,  John  Hopper,  and  Mademoiselle  Marie 
Rady.  I  add  a  surplus  of  good  Roses — Gloire  de  Vitry,  Duchesse  de 
Caylus,  Baron  Gonella,  Lord  Clyde,  Leopold  Premier,  and  Baron 
Adolphe  de  Rothschild.  I  name  some  of  the  best  Tea  Roses  in  delicate 
colours— Devoniensis,  Souvenir  d'Eliso,  Souvenir  d'un  Ami,  Madame 
Willermoz,  Madame  Margottin,  and  Adam.  The  new  Tea  Rose,  Marie 
Sisley,  has  just  bloomed  well,  and  is  extra  fine.  The  plant  is  small,  and 
I  can  say  nothing  of  its  growth.  Marechal  Niel  must  have  a  wall.  My 
best  plants  are  ou  the  front  wall  of  my  vinery.  They  are  on  the  Manetti 
stock,  and  grow  and  bloom  well.  The  best  plant  of  it  that  I  ever  saw  is 
on  a  low  Briar  on  a  vinery  wall  out  of  doors,  at  Mrs.  Oliver's,  at  Child 
Okeford.  The  blooms  grown  there  were  by  far  the  finest  that  I  ever  saw 
— like  large  bells.  It  is  a  famous  Rose  for  a  hot  town  garden.  If  it  is 
objected  to,  select  Duchesse  d'Orleans  for  light  colour,  or  Lord  Clyde  for 
deep  colour.  All  the  Roses  named  are  here  on  the  Manetti,  and  do  well.  It 
is  right  to  say,  that  although  Alfred  Colomb  is  one  of  the  fullest  and 
finest  of  the  show  Rose',  it  does  not  always  in  the  fore  part  of  the  season 
bloom  freely. — W.  F.  Radclyffe. 

Ivy-leaved  Geranicm  (W. M.).—  Your  specimen  is  not  one  of  the  Ivy- 
leaved  varieties. 

Grapes  (W.  G.).— The  small  Grape  is  the  Royal  Muscadine.  The  other 
we  do  not  recognise  ;  it  is  certainly  not  a  Muscat.  Send  another  bunch 
with  one  or  two  leaves. 
Melon  de  Namuii  Peae  (G.  B.). — We  do  not  know  it. 
Pears  Fruiting  Irregularly  (G.  W.  H.).— Being  able  to  secure  blossom 
regularly  throughout,  one  would  Buppose  there  should  be  fruit  also.  We 
believe  your  trees  fail  to  fruit,  excepting  at  the  extremities  of  the  branches, 
from  a  want  of  equalisation  of  forces.  Better  fruit  spurs  are  produced  at 
tbe  points  of  the  shoots,  perhaps  tbrough  their  being  better  exposed,  and 
thus  better  matured,  &c.  Young  trees  frequently  bear  only  partially ;  when, 
however,  they  have  filled  their  allotted  space,  and  by  carefully  summer- 
pinching  the  young  shoots  the  active  forces  of  the  tree  are  equally  dis- 
tributed throughout,  you  will  find  fruit  produced  quite  regularly  all  over. 
Bending  down  the  branches  as  you  propose,  we  do  not  think  would  be 
of  much  service.  We  attach  far  more  importance  to  the  summer  pinch- 
ing and  regulation  of  the  leaves  or  lungs  of  the  tree. 

Storing  Fruit  (R.  J.  S.).— The  conditions  most  conducive  for  the  pre- 
servation of  fruit  are  a  dry  atmosphere  and  a  cool  equable  temperature 
with  darkness.  Light  hastens  decay  ;  so  does  a  close,  warm,  damp  atmo- 
sphere. It  is  well,  then,  to  keep  your  fruit-room  tolerably  dark,  cool, 
and  airy.  We  would  not  be  at  the  trouble,  however,  to  barricade  the 
windows  to  any  inconvenient  extent.  We  do  not  know  where  you  can 
obtain  a  fountain  like  that  referred  to.    The  design  was  American. 

Garden  Losses  in  France  by  the  War  (Eton).— We  have  no  statis- 
tical information  on  this  subject,  but  we  Bee  tbat  it  is  stated  in  the 
Journal  de  V Agriculture,  that  the  French  farmers  have  lost  more  than 
j£160, 000, 1)00.  We  deplore  as  much  as  you  do  the  unnecessary  and 
terrible  contest,  but  our  columns  must  not  be  opened  to  the  subject. 
There  would  be  no  wars  if  the  only  gladiators  were  allowed  to  be 
monarchs  and  their  ministers. 

"  O,  if  I  were  King  of  France, 

Or,  what's  better,  Pope  of  Rome, 
There  would  be  no  fightjfl?  men  abroad 

Nor  weeping  maids  at  home. 
All  the  world  should  be  at  peace. 

Or,  if  kings  must  show  their  might, 
I'd  let  those  who  make  the  quarrels 
Be  the  only  ones  to  fight." 

Select  Clematises  (Q  Q).—C.  Jackmanni,  which  you  know,  is  one 
of  the  best,  and  another  of  Mr.  Jackman's  raising—  viz..  Beauty  of  Surrey, 
pale  blue,  with  smooth  and  stout  petals,  is  fine.  Lady  Londesborough, 
raised  by  Mr.  Noble,  Bagshot.  with  pale  lilac  flowers,  is  large  and  showy, 
and  bo  is  Miss  Bateman,  white.  These  are  four  fine  Clematises,  but  we  do 
not  think  they  would  do  for  trellises  in  an  exposed  situation  on  a  hill  top. 
If  planted  against  a  trellis  this  autumn  they  would  not  require  pruning 
next  spring,  nor  would  they  flower  to  any  great  extent  next  season.  A 
good  rich  light  loam  is  the  best  for  them.  Probably  the  finest  of  the 
Clematises  is  Excelsior,  double,  bluish  mauve,  with  a  flame  of  brown 
along  each  petal ;  stamens  white.  To  do  well  in  cold  situations  they 
require  an  aspect  between  south-east  i>nd  south-west.  Where  they  require 
protection  in  winter  they  will  do  little  good  in  summer,  but  for  young 
plants  a  slight  protection  is  good  early  in  spring. 

Spanish  and  English  Irises  (Idem).— Let  them  remain  in  the  ground, 
and  mulch  it  with  well-rotted  manure  or  leaf  soil.  From  one  year's 
growth  they  will  not  have  spread  so  much  as  to  need  taking  up  and 
dividing;  we  like  good  clumps  of  them,  not  stragglers.  To  be  seen  to 
advantage,  a  mass  is  best. 

Sikkim  Rhododendrons  Repotting  (An  Old  Subscriber).— The  best 
time  to  repot  them  is  in  spring,  just  before  they  begin  to  grow.  We 
would  not  cut  in  the  plant  of  Dalhousise  until  spring,  and  then  do  not 
repot  until  it  has  made  fresh  growths  S  or  4  inches  long. 

LlLIUM  AURATUM  AND   LANCIFOLIUM    TREATMENT     (Idem).  —  Pot     them 

now.  Turn  them  out  of  the  pot3,  remove  the  drainnge,  all  the  old  soil 
that  comes  away  freely,  and  all  the  offsets  not  of  a  flowering  size.  Pot 
the  bulbs  in  well-drained  pots,  using  a  compost  of  one-balf  light  turfy 
loam,  ooe-fourth  old  cow  dung  or  leaf  soil,  and  one-fourth  sandy  flbroui 
peat,  with  a  free  admixture  of  sharp  sand.    Allow  the  roots  a  moderate 


September  29,  1870.  ]  JOURNAL   OF   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


253 


amonnt  of  pot-room,  and  pot  bo  that  the  crowns  may  be  barely  covered 
with  soil.  Allow  for  about  an  inch  of  top-dressing  to  be  applied  in 
spring  when  the  shoots  are  about  6  inches  high,  doubling  the  quantity  of 
cow  dung  along  with  the  loam  and  peat  named  for  potting  in.  Winter 
the  bulbs  in  a  cold  frame,  protecting  them  from  frost.  They  will  need 
but  little  water  during  the  winter;  merely  keep  the  soil  moist.  When 
they  are  growing  freely  water  copiously,  but  avoid  saturating  and  sour- 
ing the  soil  by  frequent  heavy  waterings;  and  if  you  can  afford  a  cold  pit 
or  other  cool  place,  with  plenty  of  light  and  air, "they  will  grow  strongly 
and  flower  finely.  The  main  point  is  to  give  encouragement  when  they 
are  starting  and  up  to  full  growth,  and  do  not  disturb  the  roots  by  fre- 
quent and  needless  reputting  and  shifting.  Keep  the  plants  free  from 
insects. 

Edging  Tiles  (A.  IF.).— There  are  no  better  tiles  for  edgings  to  walks 
or  borders  than  those  made  of  fire  clay.  You  may  obtain  particulars 
from  thoBe  who  advertise  in  our  pages. 

Transplanting  Evergreens  (S.  H.  S.).~ When  removed  there  ought 
to  be  good  halls  with  all  evergreens  of  considerable  size.  We  would 
advise  planting  now,  only  the  ground  is  so  very  dry  that  it  would  be 
difficult  to  take  the  plants  up  with  a  ball,  and  they  would  need  to  be 
well  watered  after  planting.  If  you  have  rain  soon  we  advise  you  to 
move  them  at  once,  and  if  you  can  move  them  with  a  ball,  that  is  quite 
as  good  as  digging  round  each  plant  and  leaving  it  a  year.  No  good  is 
done  by  digging  round  th*  plants  in  autumn,  and  then  waiting  nntil 
spring  in  the  hope  of  a  ball,  for  at  that  time  they  will  be  in  little  or  no 
better  state  than  when  they  were  dug  round.  A  year  is  necessary  to 
secure  roots  near  the  Btera.  If  you  do  not  remove  them  this  autumn,  do 
not  remove  them  before  March.  Early  in  autumn  and  late  in  spring  are 
the  best  time*  for  transplanting  evergreens;  the  autumn  is  to  be  pre- 
ferred if  the  weather  is  moist  and  mild. 

Various  (Idem).— It  is  not  too  late  to  put  in  cuttings  in  boxes,  placing 
them  out  of  doors  in  a  warm  situation,  but  protect  them  from  frost,  and 
house  them  early  in  November.  The  proper  time  to  put  in  cuttings  of 
Calceolarias  is  from  the  present  time  until  frost  occur,  inserting  them  in 
a  cold  frame  in  a  dry,  sheltered  situation,  having  about  6  inches  of  soil, 
and  over  that  an  inch  of  sand.  The  cuttings  may  be  put  in  about 
li  inch  apart,  and  should  have  a  good  watering;  afterwards  they  need 
abundance  of  air  and  protection  from  frost.  There  are  two  ways  of 
forcing  Rhubarb,  one  by  placing  boxes  or  pots  over  the  crowns,  so  as  to 
enclose  them,  ana  then  covering  up  with  stable  litter  in  a  high  state  of  fer- 
mentation, to  cause  the  speedy  growth  of  the  Rhubarb.  The  other  plan 
is  to  take  np  the  roots  and  place  them  in  a  house  or  Bhed  having  a  tem- 
perature of  50°  to  60°,  just  covering  them  with  soil.  You  may  practise 
either  of  the  mode3  named  from  the  middle  of  November  to  March. 
Salvia  patens  is  freely  propagated  by  divisions  of  the  roots ;  bat  both 
cuttings  and  seeds  answer  very  well.  The  insect  on  your  Ferns  is  not  a 
thrips,  but  a  male  aphis  ;  both  are  destroyed  by  fumigation  with  tobacco. 
The  insect  is  probably  brown  scale.  The  best  remedy  is  to  cut  off  the 
fronds  most  infestel  and  burn  them,  and  to  pick  off  the  soft  insects  with 
the  point  of  a  knife — a  tedious  but  safe  mode  of  clearance.  Insect- 
destroying  compounds  will  also  rid  you  of  them.  The  best  way  to  utilise 
a  piece  of  ground  for  growing  vegetables  for  a  family,  is  to  trench  and 
manure  it  well,  and  plant  it  with  the  kinds  of  vegetables  required.  The 
piece  of  ground  is  so  small,  that  it  could  hardly  be  wrongly  planted  with 
a  vegetable  liked  by  the  family;  Potatoes  or  Cabhages  for  instance.  The 
fumigating  of  the  conservatory  with  tobacco  will  not  injure  the  fish  in 
the  aqnarium,  but  with  sulphur  you  would  not  only  kill  the  plants,  but 
jeopardise  the  fish. 

Snags  on  Fruit  Trees  and  List  (An  Amateur). — The  espalier  Pear 
and  Plum  trees  kept  closely  pinched  through  the  summer  should  not 
have  the  snags  cut  off  until  the  leaves  full,  and  then  you  may  cut  each 
shoot  to  witbin  an  inch  of  its  base,  or,  if  there  are  spurs,  down  to  them. 
The  pyramid  Apple,  Pear,  and  Plum  trees  planted  in  ground  deficient  of 
vegetable  matter,  would  not  be  improved  by  a  dressing  of  lime,  though  it 
would  do  no  harm.  Chalk  would  be  better,  covering  the  ground  an  inch 
deep  with  pieces  between  the  size  of  walnuts  and  hens'  eggs,  and  then 
mix  it  with  the  soil  as  well  as  you  cin.  If  your  soil  is  light  a  good  dress- 
ing of  marl  would  be  better.  The  most  profitable  Apples  and  Pears  to  be 
trained  as  oblique  cordons  on  a  wall  having  an  east  aspect  but  exposed 
to  the  north,  would  be — Apples  :  Red  Astrachan,  Summer  Golden  Pippin, 
Margil,  King  of  the  Pippins,  Sam  Young,  Golden  Pippin,  Scarlet  Non- 
pareil, Braddick*s  Nonpareil,  Cockle  Pippin,  Sykehouse  Russet,  Court  of 
Wick,  Calville  Blanche,  Keddleston  Pippin,  Mannington's  Pearmain, 
White  Nonpareil,  and  Stunner  Pippin ;  kitchen  Apples,  Lord  Suffield, 
Nonsuch,  Gravenstein,  Dumelow's  Seedling,  Bedfordshire  Foundling, 
Bess  Pool,  Striped  Beefing,  Rymer,  and  Northern  Greening.  Pears: 
Beurre  Giffard,  Bon  Chretien,  Beurre  d'Amanlis,  Louise  Bonne  of  Jersey, 
Comte  de  Lamy,  Baronne  de  Mello,  Beurre  Clairgeau,  Beurre  Diel,  Dr. 
Trousseau.  Thompson's,  Alexandre  Lambre,  Beurre  d'Aremberg.Alexandre 
Bivort,  and  Zephlrin  Gregoire. 

Foster's  Boiler  (7*.  Cox).— We  sent  your  letter  to  Mr.  Pearsan,  and 
the  following  is  his  reply : — "  I  have  two  of  the  boilers  at  work,  and  intend 
to  have  another,  as  they  are  all  that  I  stated.  Unless  Mr.  Cox's  boiler  is 
tinder  the  house  itself,  it  is  not  likely  to  work  if  uncovered  with  brickwork, 
except  at  a  great  disadvantage.  The  smoke  ought  to  be  carried  round, 
and  over  the  outside,  as  in  a  saddle  boiler.  It  will  also  act  better  with 
coal  than  with  coke.  If  well  set  I  am  sure  there  is  no  boiler  equal  to  it, 
unless  he  has  one  of  too  small  a  size.  Mr.  Foster  made  some  little  ones 
I  never  did  like.  Mine  cost  £19,  and  they  are  all  I  could  wish. — J.  R. 
Pearson." 

Melons  (Q.  Q.).— Meredith's  Hybrid  Cashmere  is  a  good  fruit,  not  large, 
as  you  say,  but  with  two  fruit  or  so  on  a  plant  it  attains  a  good  size. 
It  is  to  some  extent  a  continuous  bearer,  the  plant,  unlike  many  other 
varieties,  growiDg  when  the  fruit  is  swelling.  However,  some  persons  like 
Melons  to  be  small  and  rich  ;  others  care  not  how  large  they  are,  nor 
how  much  sugar  is  required  to  make  them  psUteable.  Hecktield  Green- 
flesh  or  Hybrid  is  an  exce  lent  sort,  little,  if  at  all,  different  from  Mere- 
dith's ;  but  whether  the  one  or  the  other  be  grown,  with  fair  cultivation 
a  good  crop  of  Melons,  good  in  appearance  and  quality,  will  result.  H 
anything,  the  Heckfleld  has  the  better  constitution. 

Small  Greenhouse  (B.  8.). — We  approve  of  all  you  have  done  and 
propose  doing,  except  adding  a  fourth  of  leaves  and  rotten  vegetables  to 
your  Vine  harder.  Instead,  we  would  use  two-thirds  of  the  marly  and 
sandy  fresh  loam,  and  one-third  of    equal  parts  of   boiled  bones,  old 


mortar  rubbish,  charcoal  free  of  dust,  and  the  pigeon  dung  well  exposed 
to  the  air.  We  would  add  no  other  animal  manure,  but  you  may  mulch 
the  border  with  horse  droppings.  Yon  had  better  have  two  or  three 
squares  of  glass  to  open  at  the  apex  of  the  roof,  in  addition  to  those  at 
the  end,  or  have  the  proposed  openings  at  the  top  of  the  wall.  We  would 
plant  Barrington  Peach,  Moorpark  Apricot,  and  two  Black  Hamburgha 
for  one  house,  and  Black  Esperione  or  Royal  Muscadine  for  the  other. 
Plant  the  Vines  as  soon  as  you  like,  the  others  by  the  end  of  October.  Pro- 
tect the  Vine  border  after  planting. 

Flue-heatino  (W.  E.  C.).—In  such  a  case  as  yours,  the  flue  would  do 
very  well,  but  for  a  couple  of  yards  after  entering  the  house  we  would 
make  it  brick-on-bed,  and  cover  with  strong  tiles.  In  a  close  chamber 
beneath  your  Cucumber-bed,  strong  Blate  would  he  the  best  covering,  and 
that  about  4  inches  from  the  top  of  the  flue.  On  the  slate  place  2  or 
3  inches  of  drainage  below  the  soil,  and  and  an  inch  above  the  slate  have 
two  or  three  upright  drain-pipes,  by  pouring  water  down  which  you  will 
obtain  a  moist  heat  from  the  slate,  either  for  bottom  beat  by  plugs,  or  top 
moist  heat  by  opening  the  plugs.  If  economy  is  your  object,  a  wall  bound- 
ing your  chamber,  we  would  fill-in  all  round  your  flue  and  for  4  inches 
over  it  with  flints,  brickbats,  &c  ,  piled  as  open  and  as  loosely  as  possible, 
and  then  finish  with  an  inch  or  two  of  concrete  for  the  soil  to  lie  on, 
having  previonsly  fixed  a  few  upright  drain-pipes  amongst  the  rubble,  for 
the  purpose  stated  above,  avoiding  pouring  water  at  any  time  directly  on 
the  flue.  In  your  proposed  quite  open  chamber,  and  in  this  rough  open 
one  of  brickbats,  &c,  it  would  be  well  to  have  openings  to  lot  out  heat 
to  the  atmosphere  when  wanted  in  a  cold  day  or  night.  By  cementing 
the  bottom  of  your  bed  ynu  can  always  clear  out  the  soil  without  any 
trouble.  You  could  place  evaporating  pans  on  the  end  and  back  flue 
where  open  and  exposed.  We  think  the  flue  would  be  ample  for  the  place, 
but  if  you  have  the  small  boiler  and  pipes  doing  nothing,  you  might  fix 
the  boiler  over  the  fireplace.  Such  a  boiler  so  placed  might  heat  another 
small  house. 

HEATrao  a  Pit  in  Sepabate  Parts  (Vicar).— You  can  carry  outthe  de- 
sired arrangement  on  your  proposed  plan  by  having  a  valve  on  your  flow- 
pipe  as  it  passes  into  No.  2  pit,  and  though  not  absolutely  requirei.it 
would  be  as  well  if  you  had  one  on  the  return-pipe  likewise.  This  is  all 
very  well  having  the  boiler  at  one  end,  and  as  you  wish  the  place  next 
the  boiler  to  be  generally  heated ;  but  you  cannot  heat  the  farther  pit 
without  heating  the  nearer.  If  you  had  placed  the  boiler  where  the  two 
pitslor  houses  meet,  and  taken  a  T  flow  and  return  from  it.  with  a  valve 
on  each,  you  could  heat  either  part  separately  just  as  you  liked.  You 
could  do  the  same  thing  without  valves,  in  the  way  you  allude  to,  by 
taking  the  flow-pipe  from  the  boiler  into  a  cistern— say  IS  inches  square 
by  12  deep,  and  placed  some  12  or  18  inches  above  the  flow-pipes  in  the 
houses.  From  that  cistern  take  a  flow-pipe  for  each  house,  and  have 
plugs  to  fit  them,  and  shut  or  open  as  you  like. 

Boiler  for  Small  Greenhouse  'A.  B.).—X  very  small  common  saddle- 
back boiler,  exposing  2  square  feet  of  Burface  to  the  fire  will  be 
best.  Any  of  the  boiler-makers  who  advertise  in  our  columns  can 
supply  you. 

Heating  from  House  Boiler  (IT.  S.).— The  height  of  the  greenhouse 
floor  above  the  kitchen  floor  is  of  kittle  consequence.  The  great  point  is 
to  have  the  pipes  in  the  greenhouse  higher  than  the  top  of  the  boiler.  A 
flow  pipe  taken  from  that  which  goes  to  the  top  of  trie  house  would  go  to 
the  greenhouse  on  the  right  level— that  is,  rising  a  little.  The  valve  at  a 
would  be  useful  in  directing  the  flow  horizontally  instead  of  vertically, 
and  might  be  opened  as  soon  as  the  flow  took  place.  On  that  flow  pipe 
to  the  greenhouse  you  must  place  your  valve  or  stop- cock.  It  would  be 
of  little  or  no  use  as  you  show  it  on  the  return  pipe  at  f.  There  would 
be  a  little  risk  of  a  careless  person  leaving  the  valve  on  the  vertical 
pipe  shut.  To  prevent  any  unpleasant  contingency,  and  as  there  seems 
to  be  a  little  distance  from  the  boiler  to  the  greenhouse,  we  would  cut 
out  an  opening  in  the  top  of  the  boiler  to  screw  in  a  1-inch  strong  gas 
pipe,  make  th»t  the  flow  to  the  greenhouse,  and  have  a  return  of  the  same 
size  screwed  into  the  present  return  pipe  to  the  boiler.  These  could  be 
packed  in  a  box  of  sawdust.  Let  them  be  joined  with  cap  ends  to  3-inch 
pipeB  in  the  greenhouse,  two  of  which  would  keep  out  frosf,  but  three  the 
length  of  the  house  would  make  all  more  safe.  Even  then  it  would  be 
well  to  have  the  pipes  in  the  greenhouse  rising  to  the  farther  end,  say  3  or 
4  inches,  and  at  that  end  fix  the  smallest  gas  pipe,  taking  it  up  as  high 
outside  the  house  as  the  height  of  your  hot-water  cistern.  We  aie  thus 
particular  because,  though  we  have  seen  different  levels  heated  horizon- 
tally from  one  vertical  pipe,  the  heated  water  has  such  a  tendency  to  rise, 
that  the  lowest  levels  have  the  most  sluggish  circulation. 

Names  of  Fruit  (J.  B.).— Brown  Turkey  Fig.  (A.  H.).—lf  the  flowers 
are  small  and  of  a  deep  red  colour,  we  Bhould  say  it  is  Red  Roman  Nec- 
tarine, a  clingstone  variety  unworthy  of  cultivation.  (Harrison  Weir).— 
We  cannot  recognise  the  variety.  (H.  M.  G.I.— Pears :  1,  Flemish 
Beauty;  3,  Navez  Peintre;  5,  Beurre  d'Amanlis;  7,  Pomme  Poire 
(Apple);  8,  Seckle.  Apple:  1,  Broad-eyed  Pippin.  Your  examples  ara 
so  small  and  scrubby,  possessing  no  characteristic  features,  that  it  is 
next  to  impossible  to  recognise  them.  (J.  F.  Lombard).— Pears :  1,  very 
beautiful  fruit,  which  we  do  not  recognise;  under  what  circumstances 
was  it  grown  ?  %  althorp  Crassane  ;  3,  Doyenne  Blanc  ;  7,  Fondante  d'Au- 
tomne  ;  others  not  known.  (J.  W.  Laurie).— Apple  not  received.  Pears  : 
1,  Easter  Beurre;  2,  Black  Achan.  (J.  P.).— Apples :  2,  King  of  the 
Pippins ;  3,  Brabant  Bellefleur ;  6,  Rymer ;  8,  Dumelow's  Seedling. 
Pears  :  4,  Beurre  de  Ranee  ;  7,  Hacon's  Incomparable  ;  9,  Easter  Beurre  ; 
10,  Beurre  Bosc.  (Scyber).— Pears:  1,  Beurre  d'Amanlis;  2,  Althorp 
Crassane  ;  3,  Marie  Louise. 

Names  of  Plants  (M.  R.).— 1,  Platyloma  falcata ;  2,  Pteris  cretica ; 
3,  Doodia  caudata  ;  4,  Polypodium  loriceuui;  5,  Davallia  bullata.  (A 
Constant  Reader).— I,  Origanum  Tournefortii ;  2,  Pentstemou  gentian- 
oides;  Crataegus,  name  next  week.  The  Pear  was  rotten  when  received 
by  ua.  (A  Lancashire  Lad).— The  Fern  was  Asplenium  Rutn-muraria : 
quite  true.  The  scrap  of  plant  sent  was  much  crushed,  but  appeared  to 
be  Datura  Stramonium.  The  leaf  was  not  that  of  the  true  Pepper  plant, 
but  of  a  shrub,  Schinus  Molle,  the  leaves  of  which  have  a  warm  peppery 
taste,  so  giving  rise  to  the  name.  (Memorandum).— 1,  Maranta  lineata ; 
2,  Hibiscus  Rosa-sinensia  fl.-pl. ;  3,  Begonia  xanthina  n  armorea  ;  4,  Liuaria 
Cymbalaria  ;  5,  Calathea  bicolor  ;  6,  Aspidistra  lurida  variegata.  (M.  H.). 
— 1,  We  do  not  recogniae  this  Composite  at  present;  2,  Bophthalmium 
salicifolium.  (Subscriber  No.  3t>.)— Muhlenbeckia  complexa.  (James 
Carter,  llford).— Both  are  Oenothera  mis  sour  ensis.  (A.  Sayer).— Sweet 
Scabious,"  Scabiosa  atropurpuxea. 


254 


JOURNAL   OP  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  September  29, 1870. 


POULTRY,  BEE,  AND  PIGEON  CHRONICLE. 


THE  BIRMINGHAM   SHOW   OF    1870. 
An  examination  of  the  Birmingham  schedule  for  this  year  I 
doea  not  reveal  any  marked  novelties  as  on  former  occasions.  ; 
The  Council  apparently  consider  that  they  have  now  arrived  | 
nearly  at  perfection,  and  that  their  long  experience  and  reflec- 
tion have  at  length  resulted  in  the  "  very  height  of  acme," 
beyond  which  poultry  schedules  can  no  further  go  :  hence  their  { 
programme  is  in  most  particulars  similar  to  that  of  last  year,  j 
I  confess  I  think  the  Council  are  mistaken.     Many  and  great  ' 
are  the  real  improvements  they  have  introduced  into  poultry 
exhibitions,  most  of  which  have  been  approved  and  copied  by  1 
all  others  of  any  standing  ;  but  it  seems  to  me  the  show  is  yet  ' 
trammelled  and  injuriously  affected  by  the  set  traditions  of  I 
other  days.     I  give  my  difference  of  judgment  in  all  humility,  j 
but  it  is  the  result  of  several  years'  observation,  and  has  been  I 
confirmed  by  most  of  those  to  whom  I  have  spoken  on  the 
subject.      The  one  great   fault   universally   remarked   of  the  I 
Birmingham  Show  is  the  immense  number  of  inferior  speci-  j 
mens,  which  make  the  exhibition  nnwieldly,  and  render  an 
inspection  of  it  physically  exhausting.     It  is  understood  that  j 
the  subject  last  year  engaged  the  attention  of  the  authorities,  | 
and  the  remedy  they  devised  was  to  raise  the  entry  feeB  by  the 
amount  of  sixpence  !    It  need  hardly  be  said  that  the  result,  j 
though  in  the  right  direction,  was  not  appreciable  ;  and  I  am 
more  and  more  convinced  that  the  radical  root  of  the  evil  is 
the  antiquated  sovereign  subscription  (a  system  exploded  every- 
where else),  which  groups  most  of  the  entries  into  clusters  of 
four  pens.     The  effect  is  that  every  exhibitor  makes  up  bis  four 
entries  if  possible,  and  in  order  to  do  so  sends  often  inferior 
birds  merely  for  sale  ;  whilst,  on  the  other  hand,  to  my  personal 
knowledge,  individuals  who  have  possessed  a  single  pen  only, 
which  would  have  been  a  real  attraction  to  the  show,  have  been 
deterred  from  sending  by  the  knowledge  that  the  venture  would 
cost  them  23s.     The  problem  is  to  get  as  many  good  pens 
as  possible,  and  to  weed  out  the  bad  ones,  without  pecuniary 
loss :  and  I  feel  convinced,  as  do  most  to  whom  I  have  men- 
tioned the  matter,  that  to  abolish  subscriptions  altogether,  to 
give  each  exhibitor  only  one  admission  ticket  (as  at  present 
the  tickets  are  given  away  wholesale),  and  to  charge,  say,  12s. 
for  a  single,  and  It.  6rf.  for  every  subsequent  entry,  would  to  a 
great  extent  accomplish  all  these  objects,  and  raise  tbe  tone  of 
the  show  materially.     Perhaps,  indeed,  it  would  then  be  too 
perfect,  and  those  who  had  been  so  long  connected  with  it  would 
have  to  follow   the  example  of  the  celebrated  mechanic  who 
spent  all  the  ingenuity  of  his  life  upon  a  garden  engine,  and 
then  died  juBt  as  he  had  finished  polishing  the  handle.    Never- 
theless I  make  the  suggestion,  and  perhaps  it  may  be  found 
worth  considering. 

Regarding  details,  as  already  said,  there  is  little  this  year  to 
remark.  In  most  of  the  leading  varieties  there  are  cups  and 
five  other  prizes  for  the  cockerel  and  pullet  classes,  with  three 
prizes  for  each  class  of  old  birds.  In  Buff  Cochins,  however, 
owing  to  the  liberality  of  amateurs,  there  are  cups  and  four 
other  prizes  for  the  old  birds,  and  I  expect  the  result  will  be 
such  an  array  of  Buffs  as  even  Birmingham  can  rarely  boast. 
I  fear  our  Light  Brahma  friends  will  be  really  savage,  this 
variety  being  cut  down  to  three  prizes  each  for  the  old  classes, 
and  four  each  for  the  chickens.  The  simple  truth  is,  it  is 
useless  for  anybody  to  talk  as  if  such  and  such  prizes  were 
"  due  "  to  any  variety  whatever.  The  only  way  to  get  good 
prizes  is  to  fill  large  classes ;  and  the  fact  is  that  where  the 
prizes  are  equal,  on  an  average  the  Dark  entries  are  about 
double  the  Light.  It  is  no  fault  of  the  breed  ;  but  an  exami- 
nation of  any  catalogue  will  Bhow  that  town  amateurs  form  a 
very  large  portion  of  poultry  fanciers  ;  and  as  no  very  light 
fowls  can  be  kept  in  a  town  to  be  shown  with  credit,  the  classes 
will  always  be  smaller.  Take  White  Coohins,  White  Dorkings, 
or  White  Bantams — the  result  is  always  the  same,  and  for  the 
name  obvious  reason. 

By  the  liberality  of  amateurs,  again,  there  are  this  year  four 
•lasses  of  Malays,  of  two  prizes  each.  This  will  rejoice  the 
heart  of  "  T.  B.  A.  Z. ;"  and  as  there  are  thus  eight  prizes  I 
hope  on  this  occasion  there  will  be  rather  over  eight  pens,  if  it 
be  only  for  the  look  of  the  thing,  and  to  keep  each  other  in 
countenance.  I  cannot  help  thinking  this  breed  is  deteriorating 
Tery  much  in  size  as  well  as  in  numbers.  It  used  to  be  a  large 
variety,  now  I  rarely  see  a  Malay  cock  without  thinking  of 
"  the  tall  thin  gentleman  with  the  shiny  boots  on." 


The  great  blot  of  the  schedule  is  the  fact  of  there  being  only 
one  class,  of  three  prizes,  for  "any  other  variety,"  cock  and 
hen  having  to  be  shown  together.  Every  show  in  the  king- 
dom, almost,  gives  more  than  this  ;  and  when  we  consider  that 
Andalusians,  Minorcas,  Leghorns  (which  are  now  beginning  to 
be  known  in  Eogland),  Sultans,  Silkies,  Japanese,  Black  and 
Cuckoo  Cochins,  Guinea  Fowls,  and  many  other  varieties  have 
no  other  place  of  refuge,  I  cannot  help  thinking  that  the  prin- 
ter's imp  must  have  feloniously  abstracted  three  or  four  lines 
of  type  from  the  sheet  before  it  was  printed. 

In  the  other  poultry  classes  it  is  worth  remark  that  Ayles- 
bury Dnoks  have  only  four  prizes,  while  Rouens  have  six. 
Time  was  when  it  was  all  the  other  way ;  but  the  Rouens  first 
challenged,  then  equalled,  then  passed  their  rivals,  not  only  in 
number  but  in  weight,  and  the  prizes  now  adopted  may  be  con- 
sidered to  settle  the  point  that  they  have  now  decisively  won 
the  first  place,  both  in  popularity  and  utility.  The  faot  is 
another  illustration  of  the  argument  above  regarding  white 
fowls. 

In  Pigeons,  six  classes  for  Carriers,  and  no  less  than  ten  for 
Pouters  ought  to  bring  a  magnificent  array  for  competition.  A 
five-guinea  cup  for  Blue  or  Silver  Runts,  given  by  Mr.  T.  D. 
Green,  is  rather  a  novelty  in  a  Pigeon  show,  and  I  shall  expect 
to  see  some  big  birds.  A  cup  and  four  classes  for  Antwerps 
show  the  rapidly  increasing  enthusiasm  in  favour  of  this 
symmetrical  and  intelligent  variety.  The  other  classes  are 
almost  precisely  the  same  as  formerly. 

In  conclusion,  let  me  express  a  hope  that  the  Council  will 
again  secure  a  copy  of  the  magnificent  poster  relating  to  the 
New  York  Show,  which  attracted  so  much  attention  last  year. 
— L.  Weight. 


CLASSES  FOR  WHITE  BANTAMS. 
A  correspondent  signing  himself  "  White  Bantam,"  asks 
for  separate  classes  for  that  variety.  The  truth  is,  White 
Bantams  are  becoming  so  scarce,  that  when  they  have  separate 
classes  there  are  never  sufficient  entries  to  pay  the  prize  money. 
This  has  been  the  result  at  the  Bristol  and  Clifton  Show,  and 
it  iB  the  intention  of  the  Committee  to  strike  out  the  class. 
At  the  last  exhibition  there  were  only  five  pens  entered  to 
compete  for  three  prizes,  respectively  £3,  £1  10s.,  and  15s.  If 
"  White  Bantam  "  will  communicate  with  me  at  once,  I  will 
endeavour  to  have  the  class  retained  in  our  next  priie  list, 
which  will  be  shortly  issued.  At  the  same  time  I  would  be 
glad  to  hear  from  any  amateur  who  will  raise  subscriptions  for 
special  cups  for  any  particular  variety  of  poultry  or  Pigeons  at 
our  next  Show.  The  Committee  will  be  glad  of  any  such 
assistance. — E.  Cambridge,  Cotham  Brow,  Bristol. 


DERIVATION  OF  CREVE-CCEUR. 
In  yonr  answers  to  correspondents  you  seem  to  imply  that 
the  name  of  this  breed  is  derived  from  the  form  of  the  crest,  as 
a  cloven  heart.  You  must  allow  me  to  differ  from  this.  There 
is  a  town  in  Normandy  of  that  name,  and  it  is  from  thenoe,  as 
in  the  case  of  the  Dorking,  that  the  name  is  taken.  I  should 
add  that  the  Caumont,  Houdan,  and  Gournay  fowls  are,  in  the 
opinion  of  M.  Jacques,  "  veritables  ramifications  du  Creve- 
Cceur."  I  can  bear  testimony  to  the  valuable  properties  of 
this  handsome  breed.  They  lay  a  large  number  of  very  fine 
eggs,  and  keep  on  laying  through  their  moulting  time.  I  have 
Borne  now  running  under  bare  poles,  ragged-looking  creatures, 
yet  laying  every  day,  or  nearly  so. — D.,  Deal. 


ORNITHOLOGICAL   SOCIETIES'  [SHOWS- 
PRIZE   LISTS. 

I  am  glad  to  find  that  such  societies  are  increasing ;  but  I 
should  like  to  draw  the  attention  of  the  secretaries  and  com- 
mittees to  the  desirability  of  having  some  person  appointed  to 
unpack  all  specimens  sent  by  exhibitors  as  soon  as  possible 
after  their  arrival,  and  to  give  food  and  water  to  all  of  them,  a* 
they  suffer  much  from  thirst,  especially  PigeonB,  when  they 
have  to  travel  a  long  distance.  I  hope  the  Sheffield  Committee 
will  set  an  example  to  other  exhibitions,  and  also  be  well  sup- 
ported, as  some  of  the  prizes  are  greatly  in  advance  of  previous 
shows  at  other  places,  those  for  the  Rabbits  and  cage  birdi 
especially. — Bird  Fancier. 


The   Southampton   Poultry    Show. — In  the   schedule  we 
notice  a  very  marked  improvement  upon  that  of  former  years. 


September  29,  1870. 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


2S5 


The  prizes  are  considerably  augmented,  and  include  a  ten- 
guinea  cnp  for  the  best  pen  of  poultry,  a  ten-guinea  cup  for 
Dorkings,  two  five-guinea  cups  for  Brahmas,  one  sis-guinea 
cap  for  French  fowls,  the  usual  cups  for  Bantams,  Pigeons,  and 
cage  birds,  altogether  making  an  exceedingly  good  prize  list, 
which  will  no  doubt  secure  a  large  share  of  entries.  Entries 
close  on  the  20th  of  October. 


MLDDLETON  POULTRY  SHOW. 

Perhaps  in  no  instance  has  a  similar  exhibition  so  steadily  pro- 
gressed as  that  held  at  Middleton.  Every  season  shows  not  only  a 
Tery  considerable  addition  to  the  nnmber  of  entries,  but,  more  satis- 
factory Btill,  the  poultry  show  is  almost  without  exception  of  the  very 
highest  quality.  Such,  then,  was  the  position  of  the  Middleton  Show 
of  the  21st  and  22nd  inst.  The  lovely  autumnal  weather  induced  an 
immense  attendance,  as  proved  by  the  receipt  of  upwards  of  i-'SOO  at 
the  entrance  on  the  first  day  alone.  That  the  Committee  well  deserve 
their  success  is  certain  ;  they  have  in  their  arrangements  carried  out 
the  old  saying,  "  a  long  pull,  a  strong  pull,  and  a  pull  all  together." 

The  Qame  fowls  were  unexceptionable,  Mr.  Chaloner's  pen  of  Black 
Reds  being  shown  in  excellent  condition,  and  we  especially  noticed 
some  of  the  hardest  and  closest-feathered  Brown  Red  pullets  that  have 
met  our  eye  for  years  past.  The  Spanish  were  unusually  good,  and 
the  competition  very  severe.  Mr.  Brierley,  of  Middleton,  took  the 
Spanish  silver  cup.  Dorkings  throughout  were  excellent,  though  many 
pens  were  not  sufficiently  matured  to  show  to  the  best  advantage.  The 
Dark  Brahmas  were  much  superior  to  the  Light-feathered  ones  ;  and 
as  to  Cochins,  the  finest  collection  brought  together  at  any  meeting 
this  season  was  on  view  at  Middleton.  The  district  being  the  home  of 
Hamburghs,  and  most  of  the  best  birds  of  this  year's  growth  being 
shown,  the  competition  was  almost  without  precedent ;  in  fact,  on 
account  of  the  high  intrinsic  value  of  the  prizes  offered,  most  of  the 
best-known  breeders  had  kept  back  their  finest  specimens  for  the  occa- 
sion. Mr.  Beldon,  with  a  pen  of  almost  faultless  Silver-spangled,  took 
the  Hamburgh  silver  cup.  The  Black  Hamburghs  and  all  varieties 
of  French  fowls  were,  without  doubt,  most  praiseworthy. 

In  Geese,  Bucks,  and  Turkeys  Mr.  Leeeh,  of  Rochdale,  left  very 
little  room  for  competition.  So  fine  a  collection  in  these  varied  classes 
is  rarely  shown  at  once  by  any  one  exhibitor  ;  it  must  also  be  remem- 
bered that  the  classes  were  at  the  same  time  nnexceptionably  good. 
Some  very  pretty  varieties  of  fancy  Water  Fowl  were  shown,  but 
scarcely  in  perfect  feather. 

The  Pigeons,  so  far  as  we  could  get  a  sight  of  them,  were  of  a  very 
high  standard  ;  but  this  division  of  the  Show  proved  so  attractive  and 
excessively  thronged  that  none  but  the  most  resolute  could  enjoy  a 
Tery  close  inspection. 

Game—  Black-breasted  and  other  Reds— Chickens— I,  C.  Chaloner,  Whitwell 
Chesterfield.  2.  J.  Carlisle,  Earby.  3,  Capt.  G.  Price,  Tavnt.  n.  Glen 
he,  W.  H.  Cooke,  Thellesey  Kings,  Worcester  ;  T.  Matter,  jun  ,  Y\  hitefaeld ;  P 
UnBworth,  Lowton.  Cockerel. — 1,  C.  Chaloner.  2,  G.  Bngnell,  Draycott.  he,  W. 
H.  Cooke;  J.  Holland,  Manchester.  Any  other  Variety  —Chickens. — J,  C 
Chaloner.  2,  J.  Barrow,  Cheadle,  Cheshire.  3,  A.  G.  Wilding,  Brierfield 
Burnley,  lie,  Barker  &  Charnock.  Illingworth,  Halifax.  Cockerel.— 1,  E.  A. 
JohnBon,  Wath-upon-Dearne.  2,  C.  Chaloner.  Pullets.— 1,  G.  Bagnell.  2  and 
4,  J.  Wood,  Wigan.  8.  W.  Boulton,  Dalton-in-FuroeBS.  lie,  W.  J.  Pope, 
Biggleswade:  J.  Holland,  Manchester. 

Spanish.— Chickens.— 1,  C.  W.  Brierley.  Middleton.  2,  E.  .Tones,  Clifton, 
Bristol.  8.  E.  Brown,  Sheffield.  Cockerel— I,  H.  Beldon,  Bingley.  2,  E. 
Jones.    Pullets.— \.  E.  Jones.    2,  H.  Brown.  Putney  Heath. 

Dorkings.— Chickens.— l.T.  E.Kell,  Wetherby.  2,  J. White,  Wallaby, North- 
allerton. 3.  Mrs.  A.  Bruce.  Westhill,  Meiule.  Cockerel—  1,  T.  Statter,  jnn., 
Wbiterleld,  Manchester,  he,  H.  Lingwood.  Needham  Market.  Pallets.— 1,  Miss 
Fairhurst,  Woodlands,  Ormskirk.  2,  Hon.  H.  W.  Fitzwiliiam,  Wentworth 
Woodhouse.  Rotberham. 

Brahma  Pootra. — Chickens. — 1,  W.  A.  Taylor.  Manchester.  2,  Dr.  Holmes, 
Whitecotes,  CheBterlield.  Cockerel  —  1.  Lady  G\vvdvr.I»9v.ich.  2.  W.  A. 
Taylor.  Manchester.  Ac,  Dr.  Holmes.  Pullets.— 1,  J.'K.  Fowler,  Aylesbury. 
1,  J.  Thompson.  Nether  Edge,  Sheffield,  lie,  J.  Sichel,  Timpcrlev,  Cheshire; 
Mrs.  A.  B   Hamilton.  Wobsrrn. 

Cochih-Chisas.— Buff  and  Cinnamon— Chickens.— \,  W.  A.  Taylor.  2,  T. 
Stretch.  Ormskirk.  Cockerel.— 1  and  2.  W.  A.  Taylor.  Pullets— 1, Lady  Gwydr. 
J.C.  Sidgwick,  Keighley.  lie,  W.  A.  Burnell,  SoVkwell;  W.  A.  Taylor.  Any 
Variety—  Chickens— l.W.  A.  Taylor.  2,  J.  K.  Fowler,  he.  A.  P.  Steedman, 
Bromsgrove.  Cockerel.— 1,  W.  A.  Taylor.  2,  C  Sidewick.  lie,  T.  H.  Readman . 
Pullets.— 1.  C.  Sidgwick.    2.  A.  D.  Cochrane.  Stourbridge. 

Hamburghs  — Gold  pencilled.— Chickens.—  1.  T.  Wriglev,  Middleton.  2,  H. 
Beldon,  Goitstock,  Bingley.  8,  Rev.  R.  A.  White.  Whitby.  Cockerel.— 1,  J. 
Wrigley,  Middleton.  2,  H.  Beldon.  Pullets— 1,  J.  Webster.  Whitby.  2,  Miss 
M.  E.  wriglay,  Middleton.  lie.  W.  Speakman,  Nantwicb  ;  W.  Pierce,  Hart- 
ford,  Northwicn.  Silver-pencillsd.— Chickens.— 1,  H.  Beldon.  2,  H.  Pickles, 
jnn.,  Earby,  SUipton.  5,  R.  Loogbottom,  Burnley,  he,  Mrs.  Allsopp.  Worcester. 
Cockerel.— 1,  H.  Beldon.  2,  8.  Newton.  Chadderton  Heights,  Manchester. 
Pullets.— 1,  H.  Pickles.  2,  A.  Woods.  Liverpool,  he,  H.  Beldon;  F.  and  C. 
Haworth,  Haslingden.  Gold-spangled. — Chieke7is.—  1,  J.  Chadderton,  Hollin- 
wood.  2,  R.  Simpson,  Hollinwood.  8,  J.  Ogden,  Hollinwood.  he,  J.  Chadder- 
ton: E.  Brierley,  Heywood.  Cockerel— 1,  T.  May,  Wolverhampton.  2.  E. 
Brierley.  he,  E.  F.  Gardom,  Newcastle.  Staffordshire.  Pullet*. — 1,  J  Chadder- 
ton. 2,  T.  Schole^,  Thompson  Lane,  he,  T.  W.  Ogden  ;  T.  Ogden  Silver-spangled- 
— Chickens.— 1,  H  Bsldon.  2,  J.  Fielding,  Newchurch,  Manchester.  3,  M.  W. 
Bnokley,  Manchester,  lie.  J.  Partington.  Middleton ;  J  Eenshaw.  Little- 
borough  ;  Mrs.  Allsopp.  CocfcereJ.— 1,  H.  Pickles  2,  J.  Fielding.  Pullets.— 
1,M.  W. Buckley.  2,  J.  Fielding,  lie,  J. Partington, Middleton,  Black— Chickens. 
—1  and  2.  C.  Sidgwick.  3,  Mason  &  Walker.  Denton,  Manchester,  he.  Rev.  W. 
Sergeantson,  Shrewsbury.  Cockerel. — 1,  J.  Garside.  Slaithwaite,  Yorkshire. 
i,  C.  Sidgwick.  Pallet*,—!,  C.  Sidgwick.  2,  Rev.  W.  Sergeantson.  lie,  J.  Holt, 
Middleton ;  J.  Garside  ;  Mason  &  Walker. 

French.— Chickens.— 1,  J.  .T.  Maiden,  Biggleswade.  2,  Hon.  C.  W.  Fitz- 
wiliiam. 8,  W.  Dring,  Faversham.  he,  C.  Morris.  Liverpool.  Cockerel— 1,  J. 
J.  Maiden.  2,  E.  Pritchard,  Tettenhall,  Wolverhampton,  c,  G.  Andrews.  Tux- 
ford,  Newark.  Pullets—  1,  Hon.  C.  W.  Fitzwiliiam.  2,  J.  J.  Maiden,  lie,  J. 
Drewry,  Burton-upon-Trent ;  W.  Dring. 

Any   other   Variett.  —  1,  H.  Pickles,  jun.,  Earby.     2,  J.    Hinton,  War- 


minster.   3,  P.  Unsworth,  Lowton,  Newton-le-Willows.    he.  H.  Beldon.    e,  A. 

D.  Payne,  Shrewsbury.  Cockerel.— 1,  H.  Pickles.  2.  P.  Unsworth.  !k>,  H. 
Beldon.  Pullet*.— 1,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  2,  P.  Unsworth.  lie,  H.  Beldon;  w. 
Gamon,  Chester.  _  „         „,,„.,       ,. 

Gimr  HiNTAns.— 1,  F.  Steel.  Halifax.  2,  J.  Eaton.  Famsfield,  Southwell 
8,  W.  F.  Entwisle,  Cleckheaton.  Cock  and  Cockerel.  —  1,  G.  Maples,  jun., 
Wavertree.  Liverpool.  2,  W.  F.  Entwisle.  3,  T.  Sharpies,  rorest  Bank, 
Rawtenstall.    lie,  F.  Steel,  Stump  CroBs,  Halifax ;  G.  Hcaflord.  Loughborough. 

Bantams  (Any  other  Variety).  —  1,  J.  Watts,  King'8  Heath,  Birmingham. 
2.  H.  Beldon.    3,  S.  *  P..  Ashton,  Mottrani,  Cheshire,    c,  T.  C.  Harrison,  Huu. 

Sellinu  Ci.ass.-1.  C.  W.  Brierley.  2,  J.  Wellens,  Middleton.  3.  W.  A. 
Taylor,  e,  J.  Lee.  Middleton ;  J.  Bamford,  Rochdale  ;  J.  Howard,  shawcleugh, 
Rochdale.  Cock  or  CocJ.-crri.-l,  W.  A.  Taylor.  2,  J.  Hartley,  Middleton.  c,  K. 
Dawson,  Shaw,  Oldham. 

DT.-CKLivGS.--ai/lcnoun/.  — 1  and  2,  E.  Leech,  Rochdale.  8,  J.  h.  Fowler, 
Avlrsbury.  he.  s.  H.  Btott,  Rochdale  (2).  Jfoueii— lands,  J.  Scoteon,  Newton- 
le'-Willows.  2,  E.  Leech,  he,  S.  H.  Stott.  Rochdale ;  T.  Statter.  jun..  White- 
field.  Manchester;  J.  Dickinson,  Leigh.  Manchester  (2).    Any  other  Variety.— 

1.  C.W.  Brierley.  2.  S.  H.  Stott.  3.  S.  Burn.  Whitby,  e.  H.  B.  Smith,  Preston. 
Goslings.— 1  and  2.  E.  Leech,  e,  J.  K.  Fowler;  Rev.  G.  Huster.  stilhngueet. 
Turkeys.— 1,  E.  1 h.    i. . I.  Sykes,  Skircoat  Moor,  Halifax. 

Winners  of  Cups—  Game—  C.  Chaloner.  Cockerel.— C.  Chaloner.  Ptifleis.— 
G.  Bagnall.  Soonisfc— C.  W.  Brierley.  Dorkings—  T.  E.  Kell,  Wetherby, 
Yorkshire.  Brahma  Poolras.— Lady Gwydyr,  Muke  lark,  Ipswich.  Coclitrtf. 
—  W  A  Taylor-  Ba  mburghs  (Silver-spangled).— H.  Beldon,  Goitstock,  Bingley. 
French.— J.  J.  Maiden,  Biggleswade.     Bantams—  G.  Maples,  jun.,  Wavertree, 

Liverpool.  

PIGEONS. 
Tr-MRLERS.-^lmo/id.-l,  P.  H.  Jones.  2.  E.  Horner,  lie,  R.  Fulton;  J.  Ford. 
iny  vtla  r  Variety-  1,  E.  Fulton  (Yellow).  2.  R  Minnitt,  jun.  (Black  Mottles). 
he  J  Fielding  c,  C.  Anton.  Balos  ok  Beards.— 1,  R.  Fulton  (Black  Balds). 
2  J  Fielding  (Blue  Beards),  cahuers.— t'oefc.— 1,  E.  Homer.  2,  R.  Fulton. 
lien  —  1  and  °    P..   Fulton,    lie.  W.  Massey;   E.Horner.     Porxr.as.— Cock  — 

1  and  S  R  Fulton,  lie,  W.  Gamon.  Hen.— 1,  R.  Fulton  (Yellow).  2,  E. 
Horner  (Red).    Barbs.— 1  and  2,  Capt.  Heaton.    lie,  R.  Fulton,    c,  A.  Ashton; 

E.  Horner;  J.  Fielding.  TcaniTS.-l  and  2,  J.  Fielding,  lie,  J.  B.  Pinder. 
Jacobins.-Cup.  E.  Horner.    2.  J    B.  Pinder.    Fantails.-I,  .1.  F.  Loversrdge. 

2,  W.  Chovce.  Owls— 1.  H.  Yardley.  2.  J.  Stanley,  he.  R.  Fulton  ;  J.  I leld- 
mg.  NoNS.-l,  F.  Graham.  2,  T.  A.  Dean.  Dbagoons.-1.  P.  Unsworth.  2,  J. 
Holland,  lie,  W.  Justice;  T.  Charaey.  Trcupeterb.-1,  R.  Fulton,  2.  E. 
Horn,r.  Any  other  VAhiETY.—l,  E.  Homer  (Red  Swallows).  2,  T.  Waddmg- 
ton  (Yellow  Magpies).  

Rabbits.-Lop  eared.— 1.  A.  H.  Easten.    2,  E.  Vaughan,  Birmingham.    Extra 

2  C  Gravil  jun.  he,  H.  Oreeke.  Angora.-l,  E.  Vaughan.  2,  B.  S.  RothweU. 
lie,  S.  G.  Hudson,  Unit,  llimalaiian.— 1,  J.  Boyle.  2.  J.  Butterworth.  Siliier- 
Grei/.— 1.  E.  E.  M.  Rovds,  Rochdale.  2,  S.  G.  Hudson,  he,  1.  Boyle.  Any 
other  r,iri.ty.-l  and  he,  J.  Boyle.  2.  S.  G.  Hudson.  Selling  CIom.-I,  J. 
Boyle.    2,  W.  Higham. 

Mr.    Edward   Hewitt  judged   all   the  Hamburghs,  Ducks,   Selling " 
classes,  and  the  Variety  Bantam  class  ;  Mr.   Douglas  the  Dorkings, 
Cochins,  Spanish,  and  Brahmas  ;  Mr.  Tegetmeier  the  French  Fowls, 
Rabbits,  and  Variety  class ;  Mr.  Fielding  the  Game  fowls  and  Game 
Bantams  ;  and  Mr.  Esquilant  the  Pigeons. 

{From  Correspondents.) 

The  Rabbits  were  a  great  success,  and  for  variety,  numbers,  and 
excellence  of  quality  could  hardly  be  surpassed.  The  entries  were 
fifty-three  in  number.  The  Babbit  from  Mr.  A.  H.  Easten,  Hull,  a 
splendid  Black  and  White  Lop,  is  deserving  of  high  piaise,  and  was 
greatly  admired.  The  second  prize  went  to  a  very  good  Yellow  and 
White,  and  an  extra  second  prize  to  a  first-class  Blue  and  White.  The 
highly  commended  pen  was  a  good  Tortoiseshell.  The  Angoras  were 
very  good.  The  first  prize  was  a  cross  between  a  Lop  and  Angora, 
which  I  consider  ought  not  to  have  been  shown,  not  being  a  pure 
Angora.  The  first  prize  for  Himalayan  went  to  a  splendid  doe,  per- 
fect in  all  her  points  ;  the  second  to  a  good  Rabbit  with  dark  points, 
but  very  small.  The  Silver-Gxey  class  throughout  was  very  good. 
All  Babbit  judges  should  fully  understand  that  it  is  not  the  largest 
Silver-Grey  that  is  the  best,  but  the  best  silvered,  however  small  he 
may  be.  'Too  often  the  largest  gets  the  prize,  and  the  small,  but 
best  silvered,  are  overlooked  altogether.  The  first  prize  went  to  a 
large  Babbit,  but  too  dark  about  the  head,  the  second  to  one  much 
better  silvered.  The  Any  variety  class  was  good,  the  first  prize  going 
to  a  Grey  und  White  Dutch.  They  are  pretty  little  things,  and  much 
admired.  Beautiful  Blue  and  White  and  Black  and  White  Dutch 
were  second.  The  "  Selling  class"  was  very  large,  numbering  eighteen 
pens.  The  first  prize  went  to  a  Black  and  White  Lop,  the  second  to 
a  Grey  and  White  Lop. 

The  Committee  of  this  Show  deserve  praise  for  the  accommodation 
of  the  Rabbits.  These  had  neat  pens,  plenty  of  sweet  hay  and  oats, 
and  the  pens  were  covered  up  for  the  night  with  coarBe  cloth  ;  in  fact, 
everything  was  done  that  could  be  desired. — J.  B. 

Thi  show  of  Rabbits  was  upon  the  whole  good,  and  if  the  Com- 
mittee could  be  induced  to  offer  a  more  valuable  prize  than  10s.,  I 
have  no  doubt  there  would  be  no  demand  on  the  funds,  as  the  increase 
of  entries  would  more  than  cover  the  value  of  the  prizes.  When  the 
prizes  are  small  few  but  local  exhibitors  care  to  send  their  stock.  The 
Rabbits  were  in  all  respects  well  attended  to,  and  all  intending  exhi- 
bitors may  rest  assured  their  stock  will  be  safe  if  sent  to  Middleton. 
Mr.  Esquilant,  of  Effra  Eoad,  Brixton,  was  the  appointed  Judge,  but 
for  soma  reason  Mr.  Tegetmeier,  who  was  appointed  for  the  poultry, 
undertook  the  duties,  and  in  some  instances,  perhaps,  had  not  quite 
studied  the  real  pointB,  or  given  time  enough  to  discover  them  before 
affixing  the  prize  card.  This,  as  may  be  expected,  leads  to  a  feeling 
of  discontent  in  the  mind  of  the  exhibitor,  who  knows  that  his  speci- 
men is  best,  and  deserveB  a  higher  position  than  awarded  by  the  inex- 
perienced judge.  I  would  impress  this  upon  all  Committees  as  of 
the  greatest  importance — to  have  the  man  with  the  right  knowledge 
amongst  the  specimens  whose  points  of  merit  he  has  to  decide. 

I  Bhonld  have  liked  to  have  seen  all  the  Rabbit  family  represented, 


256 


JOURNAL  OP   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  September  29,  1870. 


as  at  this  Show  two  years  ago,  when  both  the  Patagonian  of  14  lbs. 
weight,  and  the  Belgian  Hare  Rabbit  of  9  or  10  lbs.,  were  sent  for 
competition.  May  I  suggest  to  exhibitors  the  desirability  of  their  not 
speaking  to  or  interfering  with  the  Judge  when  in  the  discharge  of  his 
duty  ?  To  say  the  least  of  it,  it  does  not  look  well,  and  I  hope  this 
hint  will  be  sufficient. — C.  R. 


STOKESLEY  AGRICULTURAL   SOCIETY'S 
POULTRY    SHOW. 

On  the  22nd  the  Stokesley  Show  was  held.  The  poultry  were  well 
shown  in  wire  pens  under  cover,  and  the  entries  in  most  of  the  classes 
were  large.  Dorkings  were  few  in  number  and  not  good.  Spanish 
were  also  not  good,  with  the  exception  of  the  hen  in  the  second-prize 
pen.  Game  were  large  classes  and  in  fine  form.  Mr.  Blackbnrn's 
second-prize  cockerel,  although  undubbecl,  was  a  most  remarkable  bird 
and  will  be  heard  of  again.  In  Hamburghs  the  mistake  was  made  of 
showing  Pencilled  and  Spangled  birds  together.  If  committees  cannot 
afford  to  have  four  classes  they  should  put  all  the  Pencilled  together  and 
all  the  Spangled  together.  There  were  fifteen  entries,  and  not  a  good 
pen.  Adult  Brahmas  were  of  very  moderate  quality,  but  the  chickens 
were  not  far  from  the  mark.  The  Variety  class  was  very  strong — 
thirteen  entries.  The  first  prize  was  given  to  a  first-rate  pair  of  Light 
Brahmas  ;  here  a  mistake  was  made,  for  there  being  a  class  for  Brahma 
chickens  they  should  not  have  been  allowed  in  this  class.  The  second 
prize  was  given  to  the  best  pair  of  Golden  Poland  chickens  we  have 
seen  this  season.  There  were  also  Houdans,  Creve-Cceurs,  Spanish, 
and  Black  Polands  noticed  by  the  Judge.  Among  Ducks,  except  the 
first-prize  pens,  there  was  nothing  worthy  of  notice  ;  but  the  locality 
has  been  long  celebrated  for  its  Geese  and  Turkeys,  supplying  all  our 
noted  exhibitors  with  their  prize  birds,  and  on  this  occasion  it  sur- 
passed itself.  There  was  so  little  difference  in  the  Geese  that  the 
whole  were  weighed,  when  tbe  scales  showed  a  difference  of  2  lbs. 
Whites  were  first  in  both  classes ;  the  second  prize  in  the  adult  class 
also  went  to  Whites,  Greys  only  coming  in  second.  In  the  young  class 
Turkeys  could  not  bo  surpassed  at  any  show. 

Pigeons  formed  a  very  fine  collection.  The  firBt-prize  Eantails  well 
deserved  their  position,  as  did  the  Jacobins.  In  the  "  Variety  class  " 
a  very  good  pen  of  Magpies  was  first,  Black  Trumpeters  being  second. 

In  the  one  class  for  Rabbits  there  were  nine  pens,  consisting  of 
Himalayans,  Angoras,  and  Lops,  among  which  were  some  very  fine 
Rabbits. 

Spanish.— 1,  J.  Fidler,  Yarm.  2,  Miss  Flintoff,  Newby.  Dorkings.— 1,  E. 
Barker,  Stokeslev.  2,  Mrs.  Storrv,  Stokesley.  Cock. — 1,  Rev.  J.  F.  Newton. 
2,  E.  Barker.  Chickens.-— I.E.  Barker.  2,  Rev.  J.  F.  Newton.  Game.— Willow, 
legged. —  1  and  c,  T.  Blackburn,  jun..  Great  Broughton.  2,  W.  Gattenby. 
Yell&w-legged.—l,  —  Loy,  Stokesley.  2,  Withheld.  Cock  — 1,M.  Peirson,  Great 
Ayton.  2,  T.  Blackburn,  jun.  Chickens,— 1  and  c,  T.  Blackburn,  jtm.  2,  W. 
Gattenby.  Hamburghs. — Silver-pencilled  or  Spangled.— lt  W.  Dale,  Danby, 
Yarm.  2,  H.  Garbutt,  Yarm.  Gulden-pencilled  or  Spangled. — 1,  G.  Scoby, 
Dromonby.  2,  R.  Appleton,  Seamer.  Brahma  Pootras. — i,  J.  Booth,  Lythe, 
Whitby.  2,  J.  Clemmet.  Stokesley.  Chickens.— 1  and  2,  J.  Clemmet.  Any 
other  Variety.— 1,  Mrs.  S.  Bichardpon.  2,  H.  Garbutt,  Yarm  (Polands). 
c,  Lady  D.  Yeoman,  Whitby  (2);  J.  Fidler ;  G.  Scoby.  Bantams.— 1  and  c,  E. 
Barker,  Stokeslev.  2,  T.  Black'mrn,  jun.  Ducks.— Any  Breed.— 1,  Mrs.  Fidler 
(Aylesbury).  2,  -I.  Mitt-hell.  Castleton  (Rouen).  Ducklings.— 1.  Mrs.  Storry, 
Stokeslev.  2,  Mrs.  Jackson  (Avl^sbury).  Geese.— 1,  Mrs.  Storrv  (White). 
2,  Mrs.  Brnithwaite,  Stokeslev  (Wbite).  Goslinas.—l,  Mrs.  Storrv  (White). 
2,  Mrs.  Hindson  (Grey),  c,  Mrs.  Brabhwaite  (White);  Mrs.  Storry  (White). 
Turkeys.— 1,  Mrs.  Storry.  2,  Mrs.  Braithwaite.  c  W.  R.  I.  Hopkins.  Poults. 
— 1,  Mrs.  W.  Ward,  Bannial  Flat,  Whiiby.  2,  H.  Elliff,  Seamer.  he  and  c,  Mrs. 
Storry. 

PIGEONS. 

Fantails.— 1  and  2,  T.  C.  Taylor,  Middlesbrough.  Pouters.— 1  and  2,  T.  C. 
Taylor.  Carriers.— 1  and  2,  T.  C.  Taylor.  Jacoiiins. — 1,  R.  Pearson,  Danby. 
2,  W.  Dale.  c.  I  Garbutt,  Farndale.  Tumblers.— 1,  T.  Robinson,  Frvup  Head. 
Castleton.  2, 1.  Garbutt.  c,  W.  Rudsdale  ;  T.  C.  Taylor;  W.  Carter,  Stainton. 
Any  other  Variety,— 1,  \V.  Dale.  2,  W.  O.  Garbutt  (Trumpeters),  c,  W. 
Rudsdale;  W.  0.  Garbutt  (Barbs  and  Turbits). 


Rabbits. — Fancy. — 1,  W.  Cross,  Ruswarp  Hall,  Whitby  (Black  and  Dun). 
2,  J.  T.  Ranson,  Stokesley  (Himalayan),  he,  G.  Skeen,  Stokesley  (Himalayan) . 
ct  W.  Carter,  Stainton. 

Mr,  Samuel  Burn,  Whitby,  was  the  Judge. 


WETHERBY  POULTRY   SHOW. 

The  Show  was  held  on  the  23rd  inst.,  and  was  a  complete  success. 
Geese  came  first  in  the  list.  Both  the  winning  pens  were  Toulouse  of 
great  size  and  weight.  The  Aylesbury  Ducks  were  good  in  beak  and 
plumage,  likewise  the  ducklings.  There  was  but  one  pen  of  Turkeys 
of  the  Cambridge  variety,  but  they  were  very  fine.  Cochins  were 
poor,  but  the  Spanish  were  very  good,  notably  the  chickens.  The 
most  striking  pens  of  all  were  those  of  the  Dorking  chickens,  which 
were  of  extraordinary  size.  The  Game  were  good  in  both  classes,  but 
with  the  exception  of  tbe  Silver-pencilled  birds  the  Hamburghs  were 
poor.  The  first  prize  in  the  "  Variety  class  "  was  taken  by  Brahma 
chickens  of  great  merit,  and  some  of  the  Bantams  were  very  good, 
although  the  Game  were  rather  late  in  feather.  There  were  also  a 
few  Pigeons  and  Babbits  in  the  claBS  for  extra  stock. 

Geese.— 1,  O.  A.  Young,  Driffield.  2.  J.  Simpson,  Spnfforth.  he,  T.  Ripley ; 
W.  Wheelhonse,  Linton.  Ducks.— 1,  O.  A.  Young.  2.  H.  S.  Thompson.  Duck- 
lings—1  and  2,  O.  A.  Young,  he,  H.  S.  Thompson.  Turkeys.— 1,  Mrs.  Guntcr. 
Guinea  Fowls. — 1, 0.  A.  Young.  Cochin-Chinas.— 1,  Messrs.  Pickard,  Thorner. 
2.  R.  R.  Farrer,  Green  Hammerton.  Chickens.— 1,  O.  A.  Young.  Spanish 
(Black).— 1,  Messrs.  Pickard.  2,  O.  A.  Young.  Chickens.— 1,  Messrs.  Pickard. 
2,  T.  Beaumont,  he,  J.  Pool.  Dorkings.— 1,  Mrs.  Gunter.  Chickens.— 1  and  2, 
T.  E.  KelL  Wetherby,    he,  R.  U.  Farrer.    Game— 1  and  2,  J.  Watson,    he,  T. 


HawkeR,  Hunsingore.  Chickens.— 1,  J.  Watson.  2,  J.  Robshaw,  Whixley.  he, 
R.  R.  Farrer.  Polands— 1,  Messrs.  Pickard.  Hamburghs  —Goltten.—l,  C 
Atkin,  Collincham.  Chickens—  1,  O.  A.  Young.  Silver.— 1,  H.  S.  Thompson. 
Chickens,— 1,  J.  Watson.  2,  O.  A.  Young.  Chitteprat  —  1,  —  Triffitt,  Cattal. 
Chickens.— -1,  J.  Watson.  Barn-door  or  Cross  breed.— 1,  Mrs.  Gunter.  2,  O. 
A.  Young.  Chickens.— 1,  Mrs.  Gunter.  Any  Distinct  Breed.— 1,  R.  R-  Farrer. 
2,  H.  S.  Thompson.  Chickens.— 1,—  Knowles,  Wetherby.  2,  J.  Watson. 
Bantam.— Silver  or  Gold-laced— 1,  O.  A.  Young.  Black.— I,  J.  Watson.  Any 
other  Variety- 1.  O.  A.  Young.  2,  J.  Watson.  Cockerel—  1,  J.  C.  Taylor. 
2  and  3,  O.  A.  Young.  Extra  Stock.— Rabbits.— 1,  G.  Chambers  (Angora). 
he,  E.  Poyler  (Spanish).  Pigeons.— 2,  J.  Watson.  3,  R.  Vincent.  4,  W.  H. 
RobertB,  Spofforth.    he,  O.  A.  Young. 

Judge. — Mr.  E.  Hutton,  Pudsey,  Leeds. 


WELSHPOOL   POULTRY   SHOW. 

This  Poultry  Show  in  connection  with  the  Montgomeryshire  Agri- 
cultural Society  was  held  at  WeUhpool  on  the  23rd  inst.  The  Dorkings 
and  "  Any  Variety  "  classes  were  well  represented.  Subjoined  is  the 
prize  list : — 

Game.— Black  or  Brown  Bed— I  and 2,  E.  Pagh,  WelBhpool.  he,  Capt.  Beck, 
Guilsfield.  Cock—  1,  Capt.  Beck.  2  and  c,  E-  Pugh.  Dorkings— 1,  2,  and 
he.  Miss  Williams.  Henllvs,  Berriew.  Spanish— 1,  P.  I-..  Edwards,  Mont- 
gomery. Hamburghs.— J5fflf/.-.—l,  T.Morris,  HenfoeB.  Gold  or  Silver-spangled 
or  Pencilled.— \,  J.Morris,  Welshpool.  2.  W.  Rogers,  Welshpool.  Any  other 
Variety— 1  and  2,  Miss  Williams,  he.  Miss  Williams:  F.  Williams,  Kerry. 
Duoks.— Rouen.  —  1,  Capt.  Beck.  2,  W.  Yearsley,  Spring  Bank,  he,  Miss 
Williams.  Geese.— 1,  Mrs.  Lloyd,  Myfod.  2,G.  Evans, Moelygarth.  Turkeys. 
1,  Miss  Williams. 

Judge.— Rev.  A.  G.  Brooke,  Ruyton  XT-Towns,  Salop. 


BRECONSHIRE     AGRICULTURAL     SOCIETY'S 
POULTRY    SHOW. 

Thk  first  show  of  poultry  was  held  in  the  Caitle  Market,  Brecon,  on 
the  '21st  inst.  It  was  well  conducted,  and  great  interest  was  shown  by 
the  Committee  in  the  welfare  of  the  poultry  entrusted  to  their  care. 

In  the  class  for  Red  Game  the  birds  were  very  poor,  but  the  Duck- 
wings  were  nearly  as  good  as  we  have  seen  this  season.  The  Dorkings 
were  numerous,  and  some  of  the  birds  good;  and  the  winning  Cochins 
were  both  Buff,  the  first-prize  birds  being  chickens,  and  the  second 
adults.  The  local  cup  was  won  by  a  pen  of  Dark  Brahmas ;  the  second 
and  third  prize  birds  in  the  Brahma  class  were  both  Light,  and  all  three 
pens  were  very  good.  The  first-prize  Silver- spangled  were  the  only  birds 
of  merit  in  the  Hamburgh  classes.  The  Game  Bantams  were  in  good 
numbers,  the  first  being  Black  Reds  of  good  quality,  and  the  second 
Brown  Reds ;  and  in  the  "  Variety  class,"  Blacks  were  first  and 
Rumpless  second.  There  were  some  excellent  Ducks,  both  Aylesbury 
and  Rouen,  and  the  local  cup  for  aquatic  birds  was  won  by  the  Ayles- 
buries.  The  Geese  were  large  and  in  excellent  order;  white  Embden 
first,  with  Toulouse  second;  and  of  the  Turkeys,  Blacks  were  first  and 
handsome  Whites  second. 

Game.— Black  or  Brown-breasted  Rcds.—l,  Withheld.  2,  W.  Williams.  Any 
Variety— 1,  G.  S.  Cole,  Llanelly.    2,  J.  Mitchell.  Birmincham.     Spanish.— 

1.  T.  Ace.  Ystalyfara.  2,  W.  Davies,  Brecon.  Dorkings  (Any  variety).— 1,  E. 
Shaw,  Plas  Wimot,  Oswestry.  2,  R.  Rees.  Abergavenny.  3,  Rev.  H.  Price, 
Llanfrvnaeh.  Cochin-Chinas  (Anv  variety)— 1,  —  Thomas.  2,  D.  W.  J. 
Thomas.  3,  J.  P.  Gwynne  Holford,  MP.,  Heolas.  Brahma  Pootras  (Any 
variety).— 1  and  Special'  prize  for  best  pen  of  Fowls,  R<>v.  J.  Bowen,  Treffgarne. 

2,  Rev.  N.J.  Ridley,  Newbury.  3,  T.  A.  Dean,  Moreton-on-Lugg.  he,  Rev.  L.  U. 
Jones,  LhingasW.Breeon;  Rev.  J.  J.  Evans,  Cantreff.  c,  G.  J.  May,  Neath. 
Hamburghs.— Gold  and  Silver-spangled.— ~[,  J.  H.  Howe,  Denton,  Manchester. 
2,  Miss  C.  E.  Palmer,  Liffhthonie.  Warwick,  he,  W.  White,  Gloucester.  Any 
other  Variety.— 1,  Mrs.  E.  Williams,  Henllys,  Berriew,  Montgomeryshire 
(Creve-Cmur).  2,  J.  H.  Howe.  3,  Rev.  N.  J.  Ridley,  Newbury  (French). 
Game  Bantams. — 1,  Mrs.  E.  C.  Phillips,  Vennyfach,  Brecon.  2,  —  Lewis,  Aber- 
gavenny, lie,  J.  Mavo.  Gloucester ;  F.  Cooper.  Cirencester,  c,  E.  O.  Phillips. 
Any  variety.— 1,  S.  &  R.  Ashton,  Mottram,  Cheshire  (Black).  2,  F.  Cooper 
(Rumpkius).  Selling  Class.— 1,  J.  P.  G.  Holford,  M.P.  (Dorkings).  2,  H.  E. 
Thomas,  Brecon  (Cochin-Chinas).  3,  F.  W.  Barfoot,  Newport  (Andalusians). 
he.  J.  H.  Lanford,  Brislin^ton,  Bristol  (Polish),  c,  T,  T.  Evans;  E.  Webb, 
Brecon  (Coehin-Chinat.  Extra  Class.— Prize  given  by  C.  A.  Wood,  Esq.— 
J,  T.  Gabriel,  Devynoek  (Spanish).  ],  D.  W.  J.  Thomas  (Cochins).  2,  Rev. 
H.  Price,  Llanfynach  (Dorkings),  he,  H.  E.  Thomas  (Cochins),  c,  H.  E. 
Thomas  (Cochins);  E.  C.  Phillips  (Duckwing  Game);  W.  Parker,  Brecon 
(Game  Bantams).  Ducks.— Avlesburi/.—l  and  Special  prize  for  best  pen  of 
Ducks,  E.  C.  Phillips.  2,  D.  Lane,  Hardwick,  Gloucester,  he,  E.  C.  Phillips, 
c,  Mrs.  G.  Holford.  Rouen.— \,  W.  Cooper,  Abergavenny.  2.  E.  Shaw,  he,  Rev. 
J  J.  Evans;  W.Lewis,  Abergavennv;  — Richards,  Llanfaes.  Selling  Class. 
— 1,  E.Shaw  (Rouen).  2,  J.  P.  G.  Holford,  M.P.  (R,ouen).  3,  J.  J.  Evans  (Rouen). 
Sweepstakes— 1,  E.  C.  Phillips  (name  Cock).  Gekre.  —  1,  R.  Rees.  2,  T. 
Edwards.  Brecon  (Grey),  he,  K.  Rees;  E.  Shaw  (Toulouse);  T.  E.  Trew, 
Rachfynedi,  Brecon.  Tcrkeyb.— 1,  Mrs.  G.  Holford  (Black).  2,  R.  Parry, 
Penlan,  Brecon  (White). 

Judge. — Mr.  E.  Hutton,  Pudsey,  Leeds. 


WALSALL   POULTRY    SHOW. 

Thts  formed  part  of  tbe  Staffordshire  Agricultural  Society's  Exhi- 
bition, and  took  place  on  the  22nd  inst.  It  was  a  decided  success. 
Tbe  day  was  remarkably  fine,  and  the  visitors  were  so  numerous  that 
it  was  almost  impossible  to  pass  through  the  poultry  tent,  although  it 
was  unusually  spacious.  The  show  of  poultry  was  unquestionably 
good,  though,  perhaps,  somewhat  reduced  as  to  the  number  of  pens, 
from  the  fact  of  three  or  four  other  noted  shows  taking  place  the 
same  week.  With  the  exception  of  Turkeys,  all  birds  shown  were  to 
be  of  this  year,  yet,  whether  by  negligence  or  design,  several  old  birds 
were  exhibited,  and  necessarily  without  success.  Game  were  good, 
Spanish  equally  so,  but  in  this  class  the  most  barefaced  case  of  trim- 
ming took  place  that  has  been  noted  for  many  months  past,  instant 
disqualification  ensuing.  Many  good  Grey  Dorkings  were  shown,  and 
one  pen  of  capital  White.     Buff  Cochins  were,  with  the  exception  of 


September  29, 1870.  J  JOURNAL    OF   HORTICULTURE   AND    COTTAGE    GA11DENER. 


257 


the  prize  pens,  not  so  perfect  as  expected,  but  the  Partridge-coloured 
were  first-rate.  The  Hamburgh  classes  were  exceedingly  strong.  The 
Dake  of  Sutherland  took  all  the  principal  prizes  with  really  grand  pens. 
Some  very  good  Biahmas,  both  Light  and  Dark,  were  shown,  but 
mostly  too  young  to  be  in  good  show  trim.  It  will  take  at  least  a 
month,  perhaps  six  weeks  longer,  to  bring  them  to  perfection.  7ur- 
&eys,  Geese,  and  Ducks  were  strong  classes  as  to  excellence,  but  the 
more  than  questionable  ageB  of  some  of  the  so-called  Goslings  caused 
considerable  merriment  among  the  bystanders  and  loss  of  expenses  to 
the  contributors.  The  "  Variety  class "  was  unusually  good,  there 
being  far  too  many  perfect  pens  to  do  justice  to  all ;  but  as  the  awards 
were  restricted  to  two  prizes,  high  commendations  and  one  very  high 
commendation  were  all  that  could  under  the  circumstances  be  given, 
much  to  the  expressed  regret  of  tho  Judges.  The  management  of  the 
birds  devolved  on  Mr.  Thomas  Kogers,  of  Walsall,  who  well  fulfilled 
the  triple  duty  of  packing,  repacking,  and  feeding  the  birds. 

Game.— Black-breasted  and  other  Reds.—l  and  2,  W.  H.  L.  Clare.  Twycross, 
Atherstone.  c,  G.  Bairnall,  Dravcott,  Cheadle.  Any  otter  Variety.— I,  W. 
DuDning,  Newport,  Salop.  2,  J.  Mitchell,  Moaeley,  Birmingham,  he,  J.  Bras- 
sington,  London.  Spanish.— 1,  H.  F.  Cooper,  Walsall.  2,  .T.  H.  Dawes, 
Moseley  Hall,  Birmingham.  Disqualified,  J.  F.  Sillitoe,  Penn  Fields,  Wolver- 
hampton—"trimmed."  Dorkings  —  Coloured,  except  Silner-Greyt.—  1.  H. 
Pickles,  jun.,  Earby.  2,  C.  Havers,  Ingatestone.  he,  J.  Watts,  Hazelwell  Hall, 
King's  Heath,  Birmingham.  Silver-Grey  or  White.— I,  Miss  E.  Williams, 
Henllys,  Berriew.  CooniN-CniNAS.  —  Cinnamon  or  Buff.— I,  W.  P.  Ryland. 
Erdin^rtou,  Birmingham.  "J,  ('  Sidgwlct,  Ryddlesden  Hall,  Keighley.  c,  J. 
Stephens,  Walsall.  Brown,  Partridge-feathered,  or  other  Varieties.— 1  and 
2,  J.  Stephens,  he,  C.  Sidjiwiek.  P.iuhma  Pootras.— Dark.— I,  E.  Leech,  Roch- 
dale. 3,  G.  F.  Whitchousp.  King's  Heath,  Birmingham,  he,  3.  A.  Cooper, 
Walsall.  Light.— 1  and  2,  Mrs.  A.  Williamson,  Qaeniboroagb  Hall,  Leicester. 
he,  H.  Dowsett,  Pleshey,  Chelmsford,  e,  A.  (>.  Wortbington,  Newton  Park, 
Burton-on-Trent.  Hamburgh^.  —  Golden-pencillrd.— 1  and  he,  Duke  of  Suther- 
land, Trentham.  2,  W.  Collyer.  Dubb,  Bindley,  Yorkshire.  c,Xf.  K.  Tickner, 
Ipswich;  H.  Pickles,  iun.  Silerr-penci!led.—l  and  he,  Duke  of  Sutherland. 
2,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  Golden-ipan<jled.—h  Duke  of  Sutherland.  2,  T.  May, 
Wolverhampton,  c,  G.  F.  Whitehouse;  T.  Boulton,  Hanford,  Stoke-on-Trent. 
Silver-spangled. —  1,  Duke  of  Sutherland.  2,  G.  Brawn,  Sandhills,  Waleall. 
he,  H.  Pickles,  jun.;  G.  Brawn.  Turkeys.— 1,  F.  E.  Richardson,  Bramshall, 
Uttoxeter.  2,  E.  Leech,  he.  Rev.  E.  C.  Perry,  Seighforth  Vicarage,  Stafford; 
Rev.  F.  J.  Ridley,  Hollin^ton  House,  Newbury.  Geese.— 1.  Mrs.  Searaons, 
Hartwell,  AyleBbury.  2,  E.  Leech.  Docks.— Aylesbury.— \,  E.  Leech.  2  and 
he,  Mrs.  Seamons.  Rmten.— 1,  S.  H.  Stott.  Quarry  Hill.  Rochdale.  2,  E. 
Leech,  he,  Duke  of  Sutherland;  S.  H.  Stott.  c,  A.  O.  Worthincton.  Any 
other  Variety.— 1,  J.  Stephens.  2,  A.  O.  Worthington.  Any  other  Variety.— 
1,  Duke  of  Sutherland  (Black  Hamburgh^).  2,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  (silver  Polands). 
vhc.  Miss  E.  Williams  (Creve  Cffiurs).  he,  A.  D.  Payne,  Lyth  Hill,  Shrewsbury 
(Malays);  Miss  E.  Williams  (Houdans);  J.  Watts  (Black  Hamburghs).  c,  J. 
Stephens  (Bantams). 

Mr.  Edward  Hewitt,  of  Birmingham,  and  the  Rev.  G.  A.  Brooke, 
Ruyton  XI-Towns,  Salop,  were  the  Judges. 


WOODSTOCK   POULTRY    SHOW. 

Tins  was  held  in  Blenheim  Park  on  the  20th  inst.,  and  was  the 
largest  yet  seen  at  Woodstock.  The  Pirjevjis,  Aylesbury  ducklings, 
and  Kouen  Duels  were  good.  In  the  "Any  other  variety"  Duck 
class  most  of  the  honours  went  to  the  Black  East  Indians  shown  by 
Mr.  W.  R.  Pratt.     The  Geese  and  DorJciugs  were  very  fine. 

Spanish.— 1  and  2,  Mr.  King,  Oxford.  Dorkings.— 1.  Mr.  Hutt,  Thrup.  2 
Duchess  of  Marlborough.  8,  Mr.  Suiter.  Chickens.- 1,  Mr.  Salter,  Oxford. 
2  and  8,  I^uchess  of  Marlborough,  Blenheim,     c.  Mr.  Woodford.    Brahmas. — 

1,  Hon.  Mrs.  Devereus.    2,  Col.  Thomas.     C  kickens.—l,  Hon.  Mrs.  Devpreux 

2,  Col.  Thomas.  Cochins.— 1,  Mr.  Johnson.  2.  Mr.  Saltrr.Oxford,  HAMBURon.— 
Spangled.— I,  Mj.  King.  2,  Mr.  Scott.  Pencilled.— lt  Mr.  Scott.  2,  Mr.  Amies. 
Chickens.— I,  Mr.  Amies.  2,  Mr.  Hntt.  Game.— 1,  Mr.  Hutt.  2,  Mr.JWoodford. 
Chicken*.— 1.  Mr.  Hutt.  2,  Mr.  Woodford.  Bantams.— 1,  Mr.  King.  2,  Mr. 
Quarterman.  Ant  Other  V.vriety.— 1,  Mr.  Steventon.  2,  Mr.  King.  Geese. 
—1,  Mr.  Sanders.  2,  Duchess  of  Marlborough.  3,  Mr.  H.  Barnet.  4,  Mr.  G. 
Blake.  Ducks.— Aylesbury.— I,  Mr.  Quarterman.  2,  Col.  Bowyer.  8,  Duchess 
of  Marlborough.  Ducklings.— 1,  Mr.  Amie«.  2,  Mr.  Bateman.  3,  Col.  Bowyer. 
he,  Mr.  Quarterman.  c,  Mr.  Woodfield.  Roticyi.— 1  and  2,  Mr.  Salter.  Duck- 
lings—  lf  Mr.  Hutt.  2.  Mr.  Woodford,  he.  Mr.  Pratt;  Mr.  Quarterman.  Any 
other  Variety.— 1,  Mr.  Pratt.  2,  Mr.  Lester.  Young.— 1,  2,  and  he,  Mr.  Pratt. 
Torkets.— Black.— 1  and  2.  Duchess  of  Marlborough.  Grey.— 1  and  he.  Col. 
Bowyer.  2,  Duchess  of  Marlborough.  Pigeons.— 1,  2,  and  S,  Mr.  Salter,  he, 
Mr.  Salter;  Mr.  Pratt. 

Special  Prizes  given  by  the  Duchess  of  Marlborough  for  a  collection  of 
poultry.— 1,  Mr.  Woodford.  2,  Mr.  Hutt.  he,  Mr.  Pratt.  Champion  prize  given 
by  the  Earl  of  Jersey  for  best  pen  of  young  poultry. — Mr.  Amies  (Aylesbury 
Ducks).    QUI.— Duchess  of  Marlborough  (Black  Turkeys). 

Mr.  H.  Yardley,  of  Birmingham,  was  Judge. 


USES   OF   CARBOLIC   ACID. 

Ik  "our  Journal"  of  September  2nd,  1869,  reference  was 
made  to  the  employment  by  "Apicola,"  of  a  piece  of  sponge 
dipped  in  carbolic  acid,  and  inserted  in  a  fumigator,  whereby 
the  use  of  burning  material  to  produce  smoke  was  rendered 
unnecessary.  I  have  now  to  add,  that  by  the  aid  of  a  feather 
having  its  tip  wetted  with  the  acid  most  operations  in  the 
apiary  may  be  comfortably  performed.  If  it  is  desired  to 
examine  a  Woodbury  hive,  the  procedure  may  be  as  follows  : — 
Open  the  central  hole  and  touch  the  bees  that  crowd  around  it 
with  the  acid,  and  they  will  immediitely  descend  helter-skelter 
amongst  the  combs.  In  the  next  place  gently  raise  the  top 
board  just  enough  to  allow  the  feather  to  be  drawn  all  round 
between  it  aud  the  frames.  As  soon  as  this  is  done  the  board 
may  be  removed,  and  the  frames  elevated,  using  if  necessary 
the  feather  to  quiet  and  disperse  any  angry  groups  that  threaten 
to  be  troublesome. 

Daring  the  swarming  season  I  have  found  the  acid  a  useful 


auxiliary.  You  oan  chase  the  bees  with  it  upwards  or  down- 
wards at  pleasure,  from  the  stems  of  bushes  on  which  swarms 
have  settled,  and  from  which  they  cannot  be  shaken.  When 
lodged  in  the  decayed  heart  of  a  tree  to  which  there  is  access 
only  by  a  small  hole,  the  swarm  oan  be  brought  to  the  outside 
by  simply  tying  the  feather  on  a  flexible  rod,  and  thrusting  it 
beyond  them.  When  far  down  in  a  chimney  they  can  in  the  same 
way  be  driven  up  towards  the  top  until  they  are  within  reach. 

The  feather  and  acid  are  also  of  great  service  when  cutting 
out  combs  from  the  roof  of  a  house  ;  for  in  a  few  seconds  any 
comb  to  be  removed  can  be  cleared  of  every  bee,  thus  leaving 
the  operator  a  freedom  he  would  not  otherwise  eDJoy. 

The  acid,  no  doubt,  has  an  unpleasant  odour,  but  its  in- 
fluence, when  brought  in  contact  with  the  wood  or  sealed 
combs  in  the  interior  of  the  hive,  is  rather  beneficial  than  other- 
wise. It  evaporates  rapidly,  and  a  few  hours  suffice  to  remove 
all  evidence  of  its  presence.  Hives  frequently  subjected  to  its 
odour  flourish  amazingly,  and  I  can  well  believe  that  it  acts  as 
a  powerful  agent  in  checking  incipient  disease.  I  have  always 
a  phial  or  two  of  it  standing  in  my  bee  houses,  and  for  a  long 
time,  when  manipulating  bees,  I  have  had  recourse  to  it  alone, 
discarding  all  fumigators,  whether  in  the  shape  of  pipes  or 
cigars.  By  thrusting  a  feather  moistened  by  it  into  the  mouth 
of  a  common  straw  hive,  and  slowly  drawing  it  round  the  edge 
of  the  interior,  it  also  answers  to  the  preliminary  of  blowing  a 
whiff  of  smoke  in  at  the  entrance  previous  to  the  turning-op  of 
the  hive  in  order  to  drive  it. 

By  a  little  practice  skilfully  directed,  I  have  no  doubt  that 
with  the  help  of  the  agent  referred  to,  any  tyro  would  soon  be 
able  to  control  his  bees  in  any  situation,  and  direct  them  when 
they  have  swarmed  round  the  thick  stems  of  bushes  into  the 
skep  or  box  placed  near  them  which  they  are  intended  to  occupy. 

As  an  attraction  or  guide,  it  is  desirable  on  setting  down  the 
skep  or  box  to  take  from  the  cluster  a  handful  of  bees  with  a 
twig  or  spoon,  and  shake  them  into  it.  These  pioneers  raise  a 
hum  within,  and  the  swarm  enters  more  readily.  This  pre- 
requisite is  especially  needful  if  the  domicile  intended  is  new, 
aud  haB  not  been  previously  occupied.  Bees  run  much  more 
quickly  into  a  hive  to  which  remnants  of  comb  adhere,  than 
into  one  that  has  never  been  tenanted.  Sometimes  a  Bwarm 
clusters  all  over  and  around  the  skep  in  which  an  attempt  has 
been  made  to  lodge  them,  but  I  have  always  found  it  a  simple 
and  easy  process  to  drive  them  towards  and  in  at  the  entrance 
with  the  carbolised  feather. — R.  S. 


OUR  LETTER  BOX. 

Noiithallerton  Show  ( IF.  J.  8.).— We  never  had  any  notice  of  this 
Show  in  our  columns.  If  a  show  is  not  of  sufficient  public  importance  to 
D3  advertised,  it  cannot  deserve  to  be  permanently  recorded. 

Rhubarb  Bed  in  Poultrt-yard  (F.  C.  £/.).— Let  the  fowls  run  over  it 
They  are  not  pests  so  far  as  the  productiveness  of  a  garden  is  concerned, 
but  they  are  enemies  to  neatness.  We  are  not  sure  they  are  not  at  times 
beneficial. 

Breeding  Cochin-Chinas  (Enthusiast*.— We  Advise  you  to  use  a  Lemon 
cock,  at  any  rate  for  this  next  season,  as  he  will  neutralise  the  effect  of 
the  Cinnamon.  Cinnamon  is  not  a  favourite  colour,  but  in  Cochin 
classes  for  ''Boff  and  CiDnatnon  "  the  common  wording  colour  doeB  not 
count,  size  and  symmetry  are  essentials.  Also  straight  combs  and  plain 
hocks — i.e.,  not  vulture  hocks. 

Feeding  Dorkings  (C.  W).— Let  them  have  a  dry  dnsty  run  with 
plenty  of  grass  and  other  green  meat;  feed  on  ground  oats  mixed 
with  milk,  kitchen  and  table  scraps,  and  meat  chopped  fine.  Yon  may 
feed  this  way  for  a  month,  and  may  twice  a-week  throw  down  a  hand- 
ful of  peas  to  keep  plumage.  When  you  send  them  to  the  Bhow  wash 
their  legs  and  feet  quite  clean.  Let  them  have  a  basket  that  will  allow 
them  to  stand  upright  comfortably,  and  let  them  have  plenty  of  oat  straw 
in  it.  It  is  always  advisable  to  put  fowls  that  are  going  to  be  shown  to- 
gether in  a  small  pen  for  a  few  hours  every  day  for  a  week  before  the 
show.  They  learn  to  know  each  other,  and  if  they  do  not  agree  they  will 
never  be  successful. 

French  Breeds  of  Fowls  (W.  L.).— All  the  French  breeds  are  good 
layers,  and  if  any  fowl  has  a  speciality  for  laying  in  the  winter,  it  is  the 
Creve-Cceur.  It  also  lays  a  very  large  egg.  They  are  all  non-sitters. 
The  hardiest  is  the  Houdan,  next  the  Crt-ve-Cceur.  The  La  Fli-che  are  by 
no  means  hardy.  We  have  kept  Creve-Coeur*  in  confinement  for  maDy 
years,  and  they  do  well.  An  experiment,  however,  proved  they  lay  one- 
third  more  eggs  when  at  liberty  than  in  confinement.  You  may  safely 
choose  either  Houdan  or  Creve-Cceur.  We  think  on  the  whole  we  prefer 
the  latter.  If  you  live  in  a  town  black  plumage  is  preferable  to  black 
and  white. 

Characteristics  op  Black  Hamburghs  (T.  B.).— Perfectly  black 
plumage,  striking  white  deaf  ear  the  size  of  a  fourpenny-piece,  well  piked 
comb  seated  firmly  on  the  head,  and  not  too  largo,  dark  legs. 

Game  Fowls  Roupy  (G.  R.).—  Your  fowls  are  suffering  from  roup.  Ppt 
nme  of  them  in  a  room,  they  will  get  worse.  Give  them  all  a  dose  of 
castor  oil.  Discontinue  the  maize.  Wash  their  faces  and  Dostrils  with 
cold  water  and  viaegar.  Give  pills  of  camphor  only,  each  pill  the  size  of 
aganlcn  pea.  Ke^p  their  houses  and  runs  Vfry  clean.  Give  bread  steeped 
in  slroug  ale  for  food  in  damp  and  cold  weather.  Keep  U>e  diseased  cock 
separate  from  the  others.  Baily'*  pills  are  to  be  had  at  most  chemists, 
orat  113,  Mount  Street,  London,  W. 

Bills  of  Docks  (Sheffield),— No  weight  would  justify  a  judge  in  giving 


258 


JOURNAL   OP   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  September  29,  1870. 


a  prize  to  Aylesbury  or  Rouen  Ducks  with  bad  bills.  The  bills  should  be 
wetted  and  then  rubbed  with  pumice  stone  till  the  outer  skin  is  removed. 
Some  rub  them  with  Band.  It  improves  the  bills  of  Ducks  it  th«y  are 
allowed  to  run  in  meadows  when  the  cold  dew  is  on  the  grass.  Dark 
water  makes  dark  bills,  especially  peat  water.  The  colour  or  them  is  im- 
proved by  having  stone  grit  in  the  water. 

Fowls  for  Family  Use  U  Monthly  Reader).— You  may  depend  upon 
it  that  no  fowl  will  do  so  well  in  confinement  as  at  liberty,  and  no  fowl 
suffers  so  much  from  being  shut  up  as  a  Dorking.  The  fertility  of  eggs 
depends  much  on  weather,  thev  fail  more  frequently  in  severe,  especially 
snowy  weather,  than  any  other;  they  are  also  frequently  frosted  and 
chilled.  You  cannot  expect  to  have  good  sitters  when  you  mix  breeds  as 
you  do.  You  have  Silver  Hamburghs,  they  are  non-sitters.  It  is  very 
likely  among  the  seven  mixed  breeds  you  have  others.  You  are  wilfully 
causino  that  of  which  you  complain.  Situated  as  you  are,  we  see  no 
necessity  for  mixed  breeds  at  all.  There  is  no  breed  that  will  produce 
eggs  and  chickens  without  proper  feeding  and  painstaking.  Where  this 
is  carried  out  any  breed  will  do  well.  It  would  be  far  more  satisfactory 
to  ns  to  keep  onlv  one  breed.  You  have  probably  been  led  away  like 
many  others.  When  complaining  you  had  no  eggs,  you  were  told  it  was 
because  you  had  no  Hamburghs,  you  bought  somo ;  still  wanting  eggs 
you  were  told  of  another  breed,  and  you  still  want  eggs.  There  is,  how- 
ever, a  light  breakiog-in  upon  you.  You  say  you  will  have  earlier  eggs 
because  you  have  earlier  pullets.  You  are  right,  and  we  tell  you  the 
sooner  they  begin  to  lay,  the  earlier  they  will  be  broody.  Feed  your  fowls 
well,  gathe'r  the  eggs  as  fast  as  they  are  laid,  and  keep  the  earliest  pullets 
every  year  for  stock.  We  advise  you  to  keep  to  one  breed.  Dorkings  aro 
best,  Brahma  Pootras  the  least  trouble.  We  conclude  as  we  began,  never 
shut  np  a  fowl  if  vou  can  allow  it  to  be  at  liberty. 

Owl  Pigeons  (A.  Jackson).—  The  classing  of  Owls  does  not  bo  much 
depend  on  colour  as  size  and  appearance.  The  African  Owls  are  exceed- 
ingly diminutive,  they  to  English  Owls  are  what  Short-faced  Tumblers 
are  to  their  longer-faced  brethren.  Yellow  is  a  colour  sometimes  met 
with  in  English  Owls.  Most  probably  yours  are  English.  The  colour  ot 
the  eye  in  Owls  should  be  pearl  or  gravel.  .  . 

Diaebhcea  in  Pouters  (B.  le  S.).— Put  a  little  sulphate  of  iron  in  their 
drinking  water  sufficient  to  give  a  decidedly  inky  taste.  Feed  entirely  on 
old  beans  for  a  time,  cram  them  if  necessary.  Put  down  their  throats 
each  day  three  bits  of  old  mortar  the  size  of  a  pea.  Cleanse  and  limowash 
the  loft  thoroughly,  sprinkle  the  wookwork  with  chloride  of  lime,  and  \ 
separate  the  diseased  from  the  healthy.  Pouters  are  very  liable  to 
diarrhoea.  . 

Separating)  Pouters  (P.  <?.).— It  is  not  at  all  necessary  to  separate 
Pouters  during  the  winter.  The  great  Scotch  fanciers  do  not,  they  merely 
turn  the  pens  upside  down,  or  remove  all  places  of  lajing. 

Points  of  Lop-eared  Rabbits  (A.  B.).— Lop-eared  Rabbits  are  gene- 
rally judged  from  the  seven  following  points  when  for  all  properties. 
1st.  Length  of  ear  from  tip  to  tip  ;  2,  width  of  ear  ;  3,  colour,  as  blue  and 
white,  black  and  white ;  yellow  and  white,  grey  and  white,  tortoiseshell 
or  self  ;  4,  position  of  ears  ;  5,  size  of  eye,  and  the  larger  the  better  ;  6,  car- 
riage of  the  body;  7,  size.  It  iB  not  often  that  a  Rabbit  is  perfect  in  all 
these  points,  yet  the  nearer  it  approaches  perfection  the  better,  and  such 
a  specimen  is  of  great  valua. 

Cider  Making  (C.  T.).— The  quantity  of  apples  required  for  making  a 
gallon  of  cider  depends  upon  the  Boil,  season,  and  the  kind  of  apple 
employed,  but  we  know  it  has  been  calculated  that  one  peck  of  the  best 
oider  apples  ought  to  yield  a  gallon  of  juice.  In  the  grinding  the  fruit 
■hould  be  reduced  as  nearly  as  possible  to  a  uniform  consistence,  in  such 
a  manner  that  tho  rinds  and  kernels  may  be  scarcely  discernible  from 
the  general  mass,  the  operation  proceeding  slowly,  with  a  free  access  of 
air.  Preparing  the  ground  fruit. — The  pommage  should  be  carried  to  the 
press  in  from  about  oighteen  to  twenty-four  hours,  and  a  square  cake  or 
cheese  made  of  it  by  placiag  very  clean  sweet  straw  or  reeds  between  the 
alternate  layer,  of  pulp,  or  pommage,  or  by  putting  it  into  haircloths 
spread  upon  the  vats,  and  placing  them  one  upon  another ;  they  aro 
turned  np  on  tho  sides,  and  cover  over  tho  pnlp,  lo  as  nearly  to  meet  in 
the  centres.  They  Bhould  be  laid  very  even,  and  ton  or  twelve  may  bo 
laid  over  each  other  in  regular  layers,  the  square  frame  of  the  press 
being  raised  with  them,  keeping  the  pile  of  a  uniform  size.  Upon  the 
whole  a  strong  board  is  placed,  wider  than  the  pile,  on  which  the  block! 
of  the  press  rest.  It  is  of  the  utmost  importance  that  the  straw  or  reed, 
where  it  is  used,  should  be  sweet  and  perfectly  freo  from  fustiness.  Par- 
ticular care  ought  also  to  be  taken  to  keep  the  hair  cloths  sweet  by  fre- 
quently washing  and  drying.  To  this  cake  or  cheese,  after  standing 
awhile,  a  slight  pressure  is  at  firBt  to  be  given  by  lowering  tho  screw  of 
the  press,  which  must  be  gradually  increased  as  the  cakes  become  drier, 
until  all  the  must  or  juice  is  expressed,  which  is  usually  completed  by  a 
long  lever  and  windlass,  after  which  the  juice  must  be  strained  through 
a  coarse  hair  sieve,  and  put  either  into  open  vats  or  close  casks.  Fer- 
mentation.— Fermentation  should  not,  by  too  much  heat,  be  carried  on 
too  rapidly,  nor  by  extreme  cold  too  slowly.  The  degree  of  warmth  may 
be  understood  to  be  between  40°  or  50°  of  Fahrenheit's  thermometer. 
When  the  liquor  appears  tolerably  clear,  and  has  a  piquant  vinous  sharp- 
ness on  the  tongue,  then  the  least  hissing  noise  heard  in  the  fermenting 
liquor  tn  this  state  shows  that  the  place  in  which  it  stands  is  too  warm, 
and  that  air  must  be  admitted.  This  is  the  critical  moment  for  racking 
the  liquor,  which  is  done  by  drawing  off  the  pure  part  into  open  vessels, 
which  must  be  placed  in  a  more  cool  situation  for  a  day  or  two,  after 
which  it  may  be  again  barrelled  and  placed  in  some  moderately  cool 
situation  for  the  winter.  The  casks  into  which  tho  liquor  is  put,  when- 
ever racked  off,  should  always  be  previon6ly  thoroughly  scalded  and  dried 
again,  and  each  Bbould  want  several  gallons  of  being  full,  to  expose  a 
larger  surface  to  the  air.  Having  attended  to  these  rules  so  far,  the 
aider  will  require  very  little  further  attention  beyond  filling  up  the 
vessels  every  two  or  three  weeks,  to  supply  the  waste  by  the  insensible 
fermentation,  until  the  beginning  of  the  succeeding  March,  at  which 
time  it  may  be  reasonably  expected  the  cider  will  be  bright,  pure,  and  in 
a  fit  state  for  its  final  racking.  This  Bhould  be  done  in  fair  weather  ;  but 
should  the  cider  not  prove  as  bright  and  of  as  good  a  colour  aB  desired, 
put  2  lbs.  of  lump  sugar  into  a  hogshead  of  cider.  If  you  wish  the  cider 
to  be  of  a  higher  colour  than  the  fruit  gives  it,  melt  1  lb.  of  loaf  sugsr 
in  a  stewpan  over  a  clear  fire,  stirring  it  frequently  until  it  comes  to  a 
very  dark  brown  colour ;  then  take  it  off  the  fire,  and  as  it  cools  add 
some  cider  by  little  and  little,  continuing  to  stir  it  till  it  beoomes  a  thin 
uniform  fluid.  About  a  pint  of  this  colouring  to  a  hogshead  of  cider  is 
sufficient.  Soon  after  the  spring  racking  the  casks  may  bo  gradually 
Btopped  by  firtt  laying  the  cork  on  the  bunghole,  and  in  the  course  of  a 


few  days  forcing  it  very  tightly  into  it,  covering  it  over  with  melted 
resin,  or  any  other  similar  substance.  Bottling  the  Cider. — This  should  be 
done  a  month  after  the  spring  raekings,  when  the  liquor  has  acquired  in 
the  cask  itB  highest  degree  of  perfection  ;  then,  when  the  weather  is  fair, 
let  the  bottles  be  filled,  setting  them  by  uncorked  until  the  morning; 
then  let  the  corks  be  driven  very  tightly  iulo  the  necks  of  the  bottles, 
tied  down  with  small  strong  twine  or  wire,  and  well  secured  with  melted 
resin. 

Blackberry  Wine  (Jane).— Put  fully  ripe  blackberries  into  a  large  ves- 
sel with  a  tap  to  it ;  pour  on  as  much  boiling  water  as  will  cover  them, 
and,  as  Boon  as  the  heat  will  permit,  bruise  them  well  with  the  hand  till 
all  the  berries  are  broken  ;  cover  them,  and  in  about  three  or  four  days, 
when  the  berries  rise  to  the  top,  draw  off  the  clear  part  into  another  ves- 
sel ;  add  to  every  ten  quarts  of  the  liquor  lib.  of  sugar ;  stir  it  well  in, 
and  let  it  stand  a  week  or  ten  days  to  work.  Draw  it  off  through  a  jelly- 
bag.  Steep  4  ozs.  of  isinglass  in  one  pint  of  sweet  wine  for  twelve  hours ; 
then  boil  it  slowly  till  dissolved  ;  put  it  into  one  gallon  of  the  blackberry- 
juice  ;  boil  them,  and  put  all  together.  Let  it  stand  a  few  days,  and  bottle. 

Obtaining  an  Early  Swarm  (Super). — Yon  had  better  take  off  the  super 
at  once,  and  weigh  the  stock  bivo  ;  if  its  nott  contents  are  less  than  17  to 
18  lbs.  the  bees  should  be  fed  by  means  of  au  inverted  pickle-bottle  filled 
every  evening  uutil  they  attain  that  weight. 


METEOROLOGICAL  OBSERVA  TIONS 
In  the  Suburbs  of  London  for  the  week  ending  September  27th. 


BAROMETER. 

THERMOMETER 

Wind. 

Date, 

Air. 

Earth. 

Rain. 

Max. 

Min. 

Max. 

Min. 

1  ft. 

2ft 

Wed. . .  21 

30.227 

30.204 

72 

40 

56 

64 

8. 

.00 

Thurs. .  22 

30.258 

30.229 

68 

33 

56 

54 

E. 

.00 

Fri..  ..  23 

80.253 

80.216 

65 

30 

54 

54 

E. 

.00 

Sat.  ...   24 

80.230 

80194 

68 

80 

58 

54 

E. 

.00 

Sun.  , .  25 

30.254 

80.181 

69 

82 

58 

58 

E. 

.00 

Mon.  .  .  26 

30.111 

3)074 

72 

83 

53 

58 

E. 

UO 

Tues....  27 

30.152 

80.146 

72 

35 

58 
54.71 

52 

E. 

.00 

Mean.. 

30.211 

80.173 

69  43 

33  29 

53.48 

0.00 

21. — Foggy;  very  fine  ;  clear  and  fine,  starlight. 
22. — Dense  fog  ;  fine,  fine  and  clear. 
23,— Foggy  ;  very  fine  ;  clear  and  cold  at  night. 
24. — Very  fine  ;  very  fine  ;  clear  and  fine,  foggy. 
25. — Dense  fog;  clear  and  fine  ;  clear  and  fine. 
26. — Dense  fog  :  very  fine  ;  fine,  cold  wind. 
27. — Foggy  ;  exceedingly  fine  ;  clear,  starlight. 


COVENT  GARDEN  MARKET.— Septembeb  28. 
The  demand  is  steady,  but  very  low  prices  are  realised,  although  the 
general  description  of  produce  is  bettor  than  it  has  been  for  tome  time 
past.  Peaches  and  Nectarines  continue  to  be  well  supplied,  and  late 
varieties  of  Dessert  Plums  are  abundant  and  good.  Potato  trade  heavy; 
large  quantities  are  offered  both  by  rail  and  ooastwiae. 


FItUIT. 


Apples J  sieve  1  01 

ApricotB doz.  0  0 

Chestuuts bushel  0  0 

CherrieB lb.  0  G 

Currants f  sieve  8  0 

Black do.  0  0 

Figs doz.  0  6 

Filberts lb.  1  0 

Cobs lb.  1  6 

Gooseberries quart  0  o 

Grapes,  Hothouse....  lb.  2  0 

Lemons ty  100  10  0 

Melons eaoh  1  0 


J. 

d 
0 

II 

II 

0 

ii 

1 

0 

4 

0 

n 

II 

l 

(1 

2 

II 

»2 

(I 

II 

II 

5 

0 

li 

1] 

4 

li 

8.    d. 


Mulberries lb.  0 

Nectarines doz.  3 

Oranges W  100  0 

Peaches  doz.  1 

Pears,  kitchen doz.  1 

dessert doz.  1 

Pine  Apples lb.  8 

Plums k  sieve  1 

Quinces  doz.  1 

Raspberries lb.  0 

Strawberries    lb.  0 

Walnuts bushel  10 

do ^100  1 


OtoO 

0       4 

0     20 

0 

0 

0 

0 

c 

0 
0 
0 
0 
0 


VEGETABLES. 


Artichokes doz. 

Asparagus  &  100 

Beans,  Kidney  .4  sieve. 

Broad bushel 

Beet,  Red doz. 

Broccoli bundle 

Brussels  Sprouts. . 4  sieve 

Cabbage doz. 

Capsicums  ^100 

Carrots bunch 

Cauliflower doz. 

Celery bundle 

Coleworts..doz.  bunches 
Cucumbers  each 

pickling doz. 

Endive doz. 

Fennel bunch 

Garlic lb. 

Herbs bunch 

Horseradish    . ...  bundle 


b.  d.     s. 

0  OtoO 

0  0       0 

S  0 

0  0 

2  0 
0  0 

0  0 

1  0 
1  0 

0  1 
£  0 

1  6 

3  0 


2  0 

2  0 

0  8 

0  8 

0  8 

8  0 


Leeks bunch 

Lettuce   doz. 

Mushrooms pottle 

Mustard  &  Cress.,  pnnuet 
Onions  bushel 

pickling quart 

Parsley sieve 

Parsnips doz. 

Peas quart 

Potatoes bushel 

Kidney do. 

Radishes  ..  doz.  bunches 

Rhubarb bundle 

Savoys.. do». 

Sea-kale basket 

Shallots lb. 

Spinach buBhel 

Tomatoes doz. 

Turnips  bunch 

Vegetable  Marrows ,  .doz. 


s.  d.      b.    i 

0     4  to  0    0 

6       3 


POULTRY  MARKET.— Septembeb  38. 
Trade  has  seldom  been  so  bad  as  it  is  now,  there  is  little  demand  for 
anything.    Michaelmas  becomes  less  year  by  year,  but  the  old  remark 
holds  good,  "  II  all  Geese  are  good,  the  heaviest  are  worth  most." 

8.  d.        8.    d 

Pigeons     0    8  to  0    9 

Rabbits 14        IB 

Wild  ditto    0    9        0  10 

Hares    0    0        0    0 

Partridges   12        1    4 

Grouse 2    0        So 


B. 

2 

d.     a. 
0  to  2 
0        0 
6        1 
0        2 
0      11 
0        0 

d. 

6 

1 

0 

2 
....  6 

6 
0 

0 

October  6,  1870.  ) 


JOURNAL   OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


259 


WEEKLY 

CALENDAR. 

Day 

of 

Month 

Day 

of 
Week. 

OCTOBER  6—12,  1870. 

Average    Tempera- 
ture near  London. 

Kainin       Sun 

Sun 
Sets. 

Moon 
Rises. 

Moon 
Sets. 

Moon's 
Age. 

Clock 
after 
Sun. 

Day 

of 

Year. 

6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 

Th 

F 

S 

Son 

M 

Tu 

w 

17   SONDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

Day. 

61.8 
63.7 
61.7 
60.7 
61.6 
61.7 
59.2 

Night. 
43.2 
43.4 
42.0 
42.4 
43.3 
42.4 
41.4 

Mean. 
52.5 
53.6 
61.8 
51.6 
52.4 
52.1 
60.3 

Days. 
22 
21 
22 
24 
24 
22 
23 

m.      h.i  m.     h. 
10af6     27af5 
12      6  .  25      5 
14      6      22      5 

16  6  |  20      6 

17  6  ,  18      5 

19  6  1  15      5 

20  6      13      5 

m.      b.    m.     h. 
57  af  4     ISaf  2 
16       5     24      3 
84       6  |  88      4 
51        5     40      5 
9       6     47      6 
29        6     52       7 
50        6     58      8 

Days. 
11 
12 
ID 
O 
15 
16 
17 

m.    B. 

11  50 

12  8 
12    25 
12    41 

12  57 
18    13 

13  28 

279 
280 
281 
282 
283 
284 
285 

From  observations  taken  near  London  during  the  last  forty-three  years,  the  average  day  temperature  of  the  week  is  61.5%  and  its  night 
temperature  42.6°.      The  greatest  heat  was  77°,  on  the  9th,  1861;  and  the  lowest  cold  25",  on  the  11th,  1B60.    The  greatest  fall  of  rain  was 
1.00  inch. 

MSB 


as 


COPINGS  FOR  WALLS. 

HAT  walls  are  to  a  garden  copings  are  to 
walls — namely,  protection.  The  one  is  of 
little  use  without  the  other.  I  do  not  think  a 
garden  is  of  much  use  without  a  substantial 
wall,  or  its  near  relation  a  good,  thick,  well- 
kept  hedge — it  matters  but  little  which,  so 
far  as  protection  or  shelter  goes  ;  but  a 
wall  can  be  used  for  growing  fruits,  some 
of  which  cannot  without  such  aids  be  pro- 
duced in  perfection  in  our  climate,  whilst 
a  hedge  can  be  used  for  no  such  purpose,  takes  up  as 
much  space  as  the  wall,  and  requires  as  much  support 
from  the  soil  as  do  the  trees  that  are  grown  against  the 
wall :  hence  there  is  more  to  be  said  in  favour  of  a  wall 
than  a  hedge.  But  some  contend  that  walls  do  not  break 
the  force  of  the  wind  so  well  as  a  hedge.  There  is  a 
difference  in  circumstances.  A  walled  space  enclosed  on 
every  side  must  at  all  times  have  a  sheltered  part,  for 
when  the  wind  is  blowing  from,  say,  the  west,  the  east 
side  of  the  wall,  as  well  as  the  ground,  will  be  shielded 
from  the  wind's  violence  for  a  considerable  distance.  "  But 
the  wind  is  only  diverted,  the  current  is  made  to  whirl 
past  the  obstacles  (the  walls  l  to  its  straight  course,  and 
the  garden  is  in  no  respect  better,  if  so  good,  as  a  space 
unenclosed,  or  one  enclosed  by  hedges."  That  the  currents 
of  air  are  made  to  take  a  different  course  by  walls  to  what 
they  would  were  there  no  obstacles  to  the  wind's  direct 
course  no  one  can  doubt ;  but  that  does  not  mean  that  the 
subjects  within  the  enclosure  are  exposed  to  an  increased 
violence  of  wind,  for  the  wind  being  diverted  from  its 
course,  it  follows  that  its  force  is  either  broken,  directed 
upwards,  or  turned  backwards  from  the  obstacle  against 
which  it  strikes.  If  the  wind  be  driven  upwards  by  a  wall 
we  know  that  the  space  for  a  considerable  distance  on 
the  other  side  will  derive  considerable  benefit,  or  be 
protected  from  its  violence ;  for  it  is  an  error  to  suppose 
the  wind  runs  up  one  side  of  a  wall  and  down  the  other. 
If,  on  the  other  hand,  the  wind  is  thrown  back,  the  force 
is  broken,  and  the  subjects  on  that  side  must  feel  its 
effects  in  being  driven  from  the  object  against  which  the 
wind  strikes. 

Now,  if  walls  are  no  protection,  if  they  do  not  afford 
shelter  to  the  space  they  enclose,  how  is  it  that  the  subjects 
on  them  are  so  much  earlier  and  less  damaged  than  those 
growing  in  open  spaces  ?  How  does  it  happen  that  in 
unenclosed  gardens  the  fruit  is  driven  from  the  trees  if 
strong  gales  occur  when  it  is  fit,  or  nearly  so,  for  gathering  ? 
If  walls  are  the  cause  of  so  much  mischief  by  creating 
currents,  how  is  it  that  the  fruit  on  the  trees  grown  against 
them  are  seldom,  if  ever,  injured  by  winds  ?  They  receive 
its  force,  and  sustain  no  damage  from  its  violence.  I  can- 
not understand  the  ideas  some  have  of  walls,  but  I  do  know 
that  unless  walls  are  covered  with  trees — i  c,  foliage,  the 
winds  glide  from  them  in  a  way  not  beneficial  to  the  plants 
in  the  ground  adjoining.  The  wind  increases  in  force  as 
it  runs  along  the  wall,  and  it  tears  up  whatever  is  in  the 
ground  near ;  but  cover  the  wall  with  trees  in  leaf,  or  when 

No.  197.- Vol..  XIX,  New  Series. 


leaves  are  not  there,  with  innumerable  small  branches  or 
obstacles  to  the  wind's  running  along,  and  its  force  is 
broken  by  the  surface  with  which  it  comes  in  contact.  A 
bare  smooth  surface  such  as  a  wall  is  of  very  little  use  in 
breaking  the  force  of  wind,  but  anything  covered  with 
foliage,  whether  it  be  a  hedge  or  fence,  is  good,  for  the 
innumerable  obstacles  to  the  free  passage  of  the  wind 
diminish  its  force  and  reduce  to  a  minimum  the  injury 
it  does.  And  so  it  is  with  walls — covered  with  foliage 
they  are  unequalled  for  protection,  but  when  bare  their 
utility  is  questionable  ;  indeed,  they  are  then  no  better  than 
a  hedge,  for  though  the  hedge  allows  the  air  to  pass 
through,  the  wind's  force  is  broken,  and  what  is  lost  in 
the  space  required  tor  the  roots  of  the  hedge-plants  is  not 
more  than  that  wasted  by  the  exercise  of  the  wind's  force 
against  the  wall.  But  what  has  that  to  do  with  copings '? 
Simply  this,  that  if  there  is  no  need  for  walls,  there  is 
less  for  copings. 

Walls  should  always  be  coped,  otherwise  the  wet  enters 
the  upper  part  by  the  joints  of  the  masonry,  destroys  the 
mortar,  or  whatever  is  used  to  bind  the  materials  together, 
and  this  gone  the  wall  soon  crumbles  and  falls.  If  a  wall 
be  worth  building  it  is  worth  coping,  and  in  such  a  manner 
that  the  rain  falling  on  it  will  run  off  clear  of  the  wall,  for 
when  the  coping  is  no  wider  than  the  wall,  the  latter  is 
very  little  better  than  a  wall  uncoped.  The  rain  or  wet 
runs  down  one  or  both  sides  of  the  wall,  and  from  the  wet 
the  mortar  soon  perishes  and  falls  off,  the  material  of  which 
the  wall  is  constructed  being  often  seriously  damaged. 

The  coping  should  be  wide  enough  to  cover  the  wall, 
and  project  somewhat  on  both  sides.  There  is  some 
difference  of  opinion  as  to  how  much  projection  the  coping 
ought  to  have.  Some  advise  a  considerable  projection,  and 
others  but  little.  From  the  experience  of  both  wide  and 
narrow  projecting  copings  I  am  persuaded  that  the  latter 
are  preferable.  Two  inches'  projection,  I  am  convinced,  is 
sufficient,  for  a  considerably  wider  coping  than  that  de- 
prives the  trees  of  the  rains  and  dew  so  refreshing  to  their 
foliage,  and  I  am  of  opinion  that  one  good  natural  wetting 
is  worth  half  a  dozen  artificial  ones.  A  wide  coping  not 
only  keeps  the  rains  and  dew  from  the  trees  to  a  consider- 
able extent,  but  the  water  from  the  coping  is  made  to  drip 
clear  of  the  trees,  formiug  all  along  the  wall  quite  a 
channel,  throwing  the  soil  upon  the  lower  branches,  and 
spoiling  the  fruit,  besides  making  the  ground  at  the  foot 
of  the  wall  wholly  unsuitable  for  the  growth  of  Lettuces, 
&c.  I  am  aware  that  some  advocate  a  wide  coping,  on 
the  ground  that  it  checks  the  passing  upwards  of  the  heat. 
This  is,  no  doubt,  a  consideration,  and  into  it  I  shall  enter 
hereafter  ;  but  a  permanent  coping  with  2  inches'  projection 
is  all  that  I  have  found  necessary  for  the  wall — and  for  the 
trees,  too,  except  at  certain  seasons. 

The  best  coping  of  all  is  stone.  It  need  not  be  more 
than  3  inches  thick,  and  it  ought  not  to  be  flat,  but  being 
three-quarters  of  an  inch  less  in  thickness  on  one  side  than 
the  other,  the  water  will  run  to  that  side,  and  the  under- 
side of  that  having  a  small  throat  or  groove  about  half  an 
inch  from  the  edge,  it  will  keep  the  water  from  running 
down  the  wall.     The  coping  should  have  cemented  joints. 

No.  1149.- Vol.  XLTV.,  Old  Series. 


260 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  6,  1870. 


The  inoline  should  be  to  that  side  of  the  wall  of  the  least  im- 
portance ;  for  instance,  when  a  wall  runs  east  and  west  the 
coping  should  fall  to  the  north,  whilst  if  it  rnnB  north  and 
south  the  coping  should  incline  to  the  west,  it  being  presumed 
that  the  east  side  is  for  Plums,  Cherries,  &c,  and  the  west 
for  Pears. 

Some  prefer  the  coping  highest  in  the  centre,  with  an  incline 
to  each  side.  This  I  think  quite  unnecessary,  a  flat  coping 
with  the  needful  incline  being,  in  my  opinion,  preferable.  If 
anything,  I  would  have  the  coping  hollow  in  the  centre,  in- 
clining from  the  sides  to  the  middle,  along  which  there  might 
be  a  groove  falling  to  a  certain  point,  from  whioh  the  water 
could  be  conveyed  to  the  ground  by  a  spout.  This  would  do 
away  with  drip  from  the  wall  altogether,  and  the  expense  not 
being  much  more,  I  would  strongly  advise  its  adoption  as  the 
best  plan  of  all. 

Next  to  stone,  Portland  stone  cement  coping  is  desirable.  It 
closely  resembles  stone  in  appearance,  is  very  durable,  and,  I 
am  obliged  to  add,  expensive.  Slate  forms  a  first-class  coping, 
but  is  very  poor  in  appearance  compared  with  either  stone  or 
cement,  and  unless  well  secured  is  liable  to  get  displaced. 
Tiles  made  of  fireclay  answer  admirably.  They  require  to  be 
well  burned,  and  if  blue  all  the  better.  When  they  are  red  I 
have  not  found  them  stand  frost  for  any  great  length  of  time. 
The  blue  colour,  I  believe,  is  given  in  glazing  by  the  agency 
of  salt  used  in  the  burning.  They  are  usually  2}  inches 
thick.  Vary  thin  or  light  copings  of  any  kind  have  a  mean 
appearance. 

As  regards  other  copings  besides  that  formed  on  the  wall  it  is 
important  to  have  one  specially  for  the  protection  of  the  trees, 
for  heat  has  a  tendency  to  ascend,  and  if  it  be  prevented 
doing  so  it  cannot  pass  away  so  rapidly.  Another  advantage 
of  what  I  Bhall  term  a  tree  coping  is  checking  the  downward 
passage  of  cold  air,  for  as  it  is  the  tendency  of  heated  air  to  rise, 
so  is  it  of  cold  air  to  descend.  In  spring  when  frosts  prevail 
a  coping  is  very  valuable  from  keeping  the  blossom  and  young 
fruit  dry,  in  which  state  they  are  not  so  liable  to  injury  from 
frost.  A  third  advantage  of  this  kind  of  coping  is,  that  in  autumn 
we  may  secure  the  trees  having  more  heat  and  dryness  than 
where  no  provision  of  the  kind  is  made,  and  not  only  make 
certain  of  the  full  ripening  of  the  fruit,  but  also  of  the  wood 
for  another  season  fruiting.  It  may  be  said,  If  a  coping  of  this 
kind  is  necessary  (I  do  not  say  that  it  is,  but  I  consider  it  an 
advantage),  why  not  have  it  permanent?  I  consider  that  it 
deprives  the  trees  of  the  rains  and  dews  when  making  their 
growth  and  swelling  their  fruit,  and  that  in  winter  it  is  wholly 
unnecessary,  the  trees  being  all  the  better  of  its  removal,  for 
nothing  in  my  opinion  is  so  destructive  to  insect  life  as  frost 
and  rain. 

The  sort  of  coping  I  would  have  is  a  moveable  one  that 
could  be  put  up  one  day  and  taken  down  the  other.  So  far  as 
I  have  experience  no  material  is  better  than  wood.  It  is 
lighter  than  many  others,  and  when  well  painted  lasts  a  long 
time.  An  inch-deal  11  inches  wide  answers  perfectly.  This 
width  I  think  needful  for  Peaches,  Aprioots,  Pears,  and  Plnms, 
as  the  latter  two  often  have  their  spurs  some  distance  from  the 
wall ;  but  I  have  known  9-inch  boards  employed  with  good  effect. 
They  should  be  planed  smooth  and  well  painted.  There  is 
some  difficulty  in  fixing  them  so  as  to  look  well.  There  is 
no  question  that  brackets  are  best,  but  even  these  are  very  ugly 
if  left  after  the  coping-board3  are  removed,  hence  the  supports 
of  the  coping-boards  ought  not  to  be  fixtures,  but,  like  that 
they  uphold,  be  removeable. 

This  may  be  effected  in  a  vaiiety  of  ways,  but  a  good  method 
is  to  fix  to  the  face  of  the  wall  pieces  of  iron  l.J  inch  by  half 
an  inch,  and  13  inches  in  length,  with  a  Bquare  hole  at  the  top 
1J  inoh  by  three-quarters  of  an  inch,  and  another  of  half  an 
inch,  9  inches  from  the  top  hole,  with  two  holes  for  bolts  to 
drive  into  the  wall.  The  plate  will  on  the  face  have  the  ap- 
pearance of  a.  The  plate  should  be  let  into  the  under  side  of 
the  coping  up  to  the  top  of  the  upper  square  hole,  and  before 
driving  in  the  bolts  a  space  an  inch  longer,  and  the  same  size 
in  other  respects  as  the  upper  hole,  must  be  cut  out  of  the  face 
of  the  wall  1 .{  inch  deep  opposite  to  where  the  plate  is  to  be 
fixed.  The  distance  apart  ought  not  to  exceed  6  feet.  Wrought 
iron  is  most  suitable,  and  should  be  well  secured  by  the  bolts 
above  named.  These  plates  are  to  remain  permanently  fixed 
to  the  wall. 

The  brackets  are  of  cast  iron,  and  though  they  are  not  dif- 
ferent in  pattern  from  those  for  shelves,  instead  of  screw- 
holes,  they  have  at  the  top  a  lug  lj  inch  long  one  way,  and 
1}  inch  the  other,  and  a  stud  at  the  bottom  which  fits  the 


lower  square  hole  in  the  plate.    The  use  of  the  lugs  will  be 
seen  on  reference  to  b. 

To  fix  them,  all  we  have  to  do  is  to  put  the  top  lug  through 
the  top  hole  in  the  plate  and  let  it  drop ;  it  will  hang  by  the 
lug  and  cannot  by  any  possibility  fall  out,  and  the  bottom  lug 
drops  in  the  lower  Bquare  hole  in  the  plate.  The  coping- 
boards  are  then  put  on  and  will  fit  exactly  beneath  the  coping ; 


D 


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m 


having  an  inoline  outwards,  the  water  will  drop  dear  of  the 
trees.  A  screw  will  keep  the  board  from  being  dislodged,  a 
hole  being  at  the  end  of  the  bracket,  that  is  within  an  inch  of 
the  end.  The  whole  can  be  taken  down  and  put  up  at  will, 
has  a  neat  appearance  when  up,  and  there  is  no  ugly  projecting 
support  when  taken  down. 

The  time  to  use  the  coping-boards  is  in  spring  when  the 
blossom  is  approaching  expansion,  continuing  them  until 
danger  from  spring  frosts  is  past.  They  may  be  again  used  in 
autumn  when  the  fruit  is  ripening  until  the  leaves  fall,  after 
which  they  should  be  taken  down. — G.  Abeey. 


BEDDING  GERANIUMS. 

As  it  is  the  fashion  just  now  to  report  in  your  pages  about 
these  favourites  of  the  garden,  I  feel  constrained  to  say  a  few 
words  about  those  which  I  have  found  answer  best  with  me, 
and  those  which  I  think  most  promising  for  the  future.  I  will 
begin  with  stating  that  the  soil  of  my  garden  is  a  rich  clay 
loam  of  some  depth,  resting  on  a  subsoil  of  cold  blue  clay  of 
a  very  unctuous  character.  I  wish  all  persons  in  telling  their 
experience  with  Geraniums  or  other  flowers,  would  also  describe 
the  soil  in  which  they  grow  them,  otherwise  their  experience, 
however  carefully  reported,  is  of  little  practical  use  to  your 
readers. 

I  may  also  state  that  my  garden  aims  to  combine  something 
of  the  landscape  as  well  as  of  the  flower  garden.  There  is  as 
little  formality  in  it  as  possible,  but  every  available  nook  or 
projection  in  the  shrubbery  or  the  drive  which  leads  up  to  the 
house  by  a  winding  curve  is  made  use  of  to  assist  the  general 
effect  by  a  series  of  surprises,  as  it  were,  so  that  whichever 
way  you  look  there  is  something  new  and  diverse  from  any- 
thing else  in  the  garden.  I  avoid  as  much  as  possible  great 
masses  of  flowers  of  the  same  kind,  which,  to  my  taste,  ap- 
pear vulgar  and  offensive.  Also  here  and  there,  backing  up 
or  dividing  the  beds,  which  are  devoted  specially  to  the  display 
of  any  particular  kind  of  flower,  are  mixed  borders,  which 
afford  relief  and  lead  on  the  eye  to  other  beauties  en  petite 
masse.  My  friends  admire  very  much  in  my  garden  the  use  I 
make  of  stumps,  of  which  I  have  several  surrounded  with 
borders,  the  general  effect  being  that  of  huge  nosegays  of  vari- 
ous Geraniums  or  other  flowers  of  differing  foliage  and  bloom, 
so  arranged  as  to  bring  out  strong  contrasts  of  colours. 

Owing  to  the  kindness  of  a  friend,  who  is  well  known  in  the 
floricultural  world,  but  who  shall  be  nameless  here  for  obvious 
reasons  which  he  will  appreciate,  I  have  been  able  to  enjoy  and 
to  test  the  value  of  a  great  number  of  Geraniums  and  other 
flowers,  which,  but  for  his  goodness,  I  should,  perhaps,  never 
have  possessed.  Some  of  these  I  will  now  proceed  to  describe, 
only  let  your  readers  bear  in  mind  what  I  said  regarding  the 
soil  in  which  they  are  grown.  In  moist  seasons  they  would, 
doubtless,  vary  in  their  growth.  As  it  is,  they  have  not  grown 
at  all  rampantly,  neither  have  they  suffered  from  drought,  as 
my  neighbours'  plants  on  different  and  lighter  soils  have  done. 

I  begin  with  the  Tricolors,  whioh  I  admire  exceedingly,  and 
to  which  I  assign  the  palm  of  beauty  over  all  Geraniums.  I 
have  tried  the  following  :— Mrs.  Pollock,  Sophia  Cusack,  Lady 


October  6,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


Gl 


Cnllam,  Defiance,  Sultana  Valida,  Queen  Victoria,  Sir  Robert 
Napier,  Louisa  Smith,  Prince  of  Wales,  Oberon,  and  Titania. 
Of  these,  the  best  in  every  way  I  have  found  to  be  Sir  Robert 
Napier,  by  far  the  most  distinct  of  this  class.  There  is  an  in- 
describable depth  and  richness  in  the  foliage,  which  makes  it 
a  very  striking  plant ;  but  its  greatest  merits  are — first,  the 
facility  with  which  it  can  be  propagated,  every  cutting  rooting 
easily,  whether  in  the  greenhouse  or  in  the  open  ground ; 
secondly,  the  remarkably  full  and  vigorous  habit  of  the  plant. 
In  these  respects  it  is  just  the  reverse  of  Mrs.  Pollock.  There 
is  no  legginess  at  all  about  it,  and  in  the  multitude  of  side 
shoots  it  throws  out,  it  beats  almost  every  Geranium  I  know. 
Of  the  rest,  Mrs.  Pollock  comes  second,  but  a  long  way  after 
it.  Prince  of  Wales  is  gorgeous  as  a  pot  plant,  but  it  has  done 
nothing  out  of  doors,  having,  in  fact,  dwindled  away  rather 
than  increased  in  size.  The  same  may  be  said  of  Sultana 
Valida,  Titania,  and  Queen  Victoria.  The  others  have  done 
fairly,  Oberon  giving  me  a  few  nice  cuttings  well  struck  ;  but 
none  of  these  do  I  consider  promising,  except  as  single  speci- 
mens for  pot  culture.  Titania  is  lovely  as  a  pot  plant ;  so  are 
Defiance,  Lady  Cullum,  and  Sophia  Cusack. — B.  &  W. 
(To  be  continued.) 


MELONS   OUT  OF  DOORS. 

In  the  hope  of  eliciting  further  information  from  some  of 
your  correspondents  on  this  subject,  I  send  you  a  short  account 
of  the  results  attending  my  cultivation  of  out-door  Melons  this 
season.  I  should  Bay  that  the  idea  of  growing  Melons  in  the 
open  air  was  first  suggested  to  me  by  a  letter  which  appeared 
in  the  Gardeners'  Chronicle,  of  December,  18G9,  relating  the 
grower's  own  experience  in  the  matter,  from  which  it  seemed 
he  had  not  been  successful  last  season  owing  to  the  early  frosts, 
but  thought  another  year  success  might  be  accomplished. 

Determined  to  try  what  could  be  done,  I  wrote  at  the  be- 
ginning of  April  to  Messrs.  Carter  for  a  shilling's  worth  of 
the  hardy  ridge  Melon,  called  Achape6norrischer,  a  name  not 
easily  pronounced,  and  with  greater  difficulty  spelt,  and  more 
easily  sneezed  than  either.  However,  what's  in  a  name  ?  The 
proof  of  a  Melon  is  in  the  eating.  For  my  shilling  I  got 
eight  seeds,  which  I  placed  in  a  pan,  in  a  bed  made-up  fur 
other  Melons.  Of  the  eight  seeds  seven  came  up,  and  in 
course  of  time  the  seedlings  were  potted  off,  though  unfor- 
tunately three  met  with  an  untimely  death  from  scorching. 
The  remaining  four  plants  were  turned  out  at  the  end  of  May, 
on  three  little  ridges,  made  as  for  hardy  Cucumbers,  of  about 
2  feet  in  depth  of  warm  manure  and  1  foot  of  common  gar- 
den soil.  The  position  was  in  the  middle  of  the  garden  with 
no  wall  near,  and  on  a  bank  sloping  from  the  south,  no 
other  spot  being  just  then  available.  A  little  handglass  was 
pnt  over  each,  and  as  the  plants  grew  it  was  lifted  higher  and 
higher  to  allow  them  to  extend. 

By  the  third  week  in  June  they  were  well  established  and 
Betting  fruit.  No  particular  attention  was  paid  to  them  beyond 
an  occasional  watering,  and,  therefore,  they  did  not  probably 
set  so  many  fruit  as  if  the  blossom  had  been  carefully  im- 
pregnated. 

The  first  Melon  was  cut  the  first  week  in  August,  but  it  was 
not  weighed  or  measured  owing  to  my  absence  from  home.  At 
a  rough  guess  I  should  say  it  weighed  between  3  and  4  lbs.  A 
second  was  cut  the  third  week  in  August ;  it  weighed  4  lbs. 
15  ozs.,  and  was  25  inches  in  circumference.  A  third,  cut 
September  7th,  weighed  4  lb.  8  ozs.,  and  measured  24  inches 
round.  A  fourth  (the  largest  of  all),  out  September  17ib,  weighed 
7  lbs.  2  ozs.,  and  measured  27  inches.  A  fifth,  cut  September 
28th,  weighed  6  lbs.  8  ozs.,  and  measured  26  inches.  There 
are  three  yet  remaining,  though  not  nearly  equal  in  size  to  the 
above.  The  vines  have  almost  withered,  but  I  have  replaced 
what  remains  under  the  hand-glasses,  and  I  doubt  not  the 
other  Melons  will  ripen  well.  Of  course  size  is  no  criterion  of 
goodness,  but  theBe  Melons  were  as  fine  in  flavour  as  any  I 
ever  tasted.  I  had  two  lots  of  green-fleshed  Melons  under  glass 
this  year,  but  the  out-door  Melons  were  quite  equal,  if  not 
superior  to  them  in  flavour.  The  flesh  is  a  bright  orange,  firm 
hut  melting,  juicy,  sweet,  highly  flavoured,  and  eatable  down 
to  the  rind.  The  fruit  is  round,  rough-skinned,  and  slightly 
netted.  The  season  has,  no  doubt,  been  exceptionably  favour- 
able to  the  growth  of  out-door  Melons  ;  but  I  believe  in  most 
summers,  especially  in  rather  a  better  situation,  they  will  be 
found  to  do  equally  well.  I  should  add  that  the  opinion  as  to 
their  flavour  and  appearance  can  be  verified  by  many  gentle- 


folks and  gardeners  of  the  neighbourhood  who  have  seen  and 
tasted  them.  —  G.  J.  Blomfield,  Norton  Rectory,  Ilminster, 
Somerset, 


MUSHROOMS   IN   A   LONDON  CELLAR. 

[The  following  answer  to  "  E.  S."  will  be  of  interest  to 
many  of  our  readers.] 

There  can  be  no  question  as  to  your  being  able  to  grow 
Mushrooms  in  a  London  cellar,  provided  it  is  moderately  dry. 
Taken  all-in-all,  a  good  cellar  deep  enough  down  to  maintain  a 
pretty  uniform  temperature  is  about  the  best  place  for  growing 
Mushrooms  all  the  year  round,  as  it  is  cool  in  summer  so 
that  the  Mushroom  beds  may  be  open,  and  warm  enough  in 
winter  to  suit  the  Mushrooms,  especially  when  a  little  covering 
of  sweet  hay  or  straw  is  put  on  the  beds,  if  the  place  should  be 
rather  cold.  A  temperature  of  from  50°  to  55°  in  the  atmo- 
sphere, with  from  10°  to  15°  more  in  the  bed,  and  a  rather  still 
atmosphere,  are  about  the  best  conditions  for  free  Mushroom 
growing. 

Now  with  regard  to  your  first  question — Whether  to  make  the 
beds  on  the  floor  or  on  shelves  ?  I  do  not  think  there  is 
much  difference,  all  things  considered.  It  is  easiest,  and  re- 
quires no  additional  outlay,  to  make  the  bed  on  the  floor  ;  and 
there  is  this  advantage,  that  the  beds  may  be  deeper  than  those 
which  temporary  shelves  would  well  support,  aDd  if  you  are  a 
fresh  hand,  I  would  advise  you  to  try  beds  on  the  floor  before 
going  to  the  expense  of  making  platforms  or  shelves  one  above 
the  other.  However,  if  resolved  to  make  the  most  of  your 
room,  you  could  have  a  bed  on  the  floor,  and  as  many  beds  on 
shelves  above  it  as  you  could  find  space  for,  provided  each  shelf 
bed  were  about  a  foot  in  depth,  and  there  were  a  space  of  from 
21  to  30  inches  between  the  beds  to  allow  of  headway  and  ease 
in  examining  the  beds.  If  satisfied  with  a  bed  on  the  floor,  it 
should  not  be  less  than  a  foot  in  depth,  but  if  from  15  to 
20  inches  deep  it  would  bear  all  the  longer,  and  maintain  for  a 
longer  time  a  mild  uniform  heat.  The  width  of  the  beds  is  of 
little  consequence ;  if  ranging  from  4  to  5  or  6  feet  they  will  be 
easily  examined  ;  if  wider  yon  will  have  to  Btep  on  the  beds  at 
times.  Hence  if  the  width  of  the  cellar  would  permit  of  it,  I 
would  prefer  having  a  walk — say  24  to  30  inches  wide  down  the 
middle,  and  a  bed  of  4  or  5  feet  in  width  on  each  side,  in  pre- 
ference to  having  one  bed  of  8  to  10  feet  in  width.  If  the  beds 
are  made  flat  you  will  require  something,  as  a  board,  to  keep  up 
the  side  or  sides,  but  you  may  dispense  with  that  if  you  please 
by  building  your  bed  in  a  Blope  considerably  the  highest  against 
the  hack  wall,  and  coming  down  to  the  floor.  In  this  case  the 
pathway  would  not  require  to  be  so  wide.  I  have  tried  both 
modes,  and  cannot  say  which  is  the  better  for  beginners.  I 
prefer  the  flat  beds. 

Premising  merely  that  you  have  much  room,  I  would  advise 
you,  instead  of  making  your  beds  all  at  once,  to  have  from  two 
to  four  successions. 

I  will  now  allude  to  the  second  inquiry,  "What  is  the  best 
method  to  pursue  ?  "  This  involves  also  the  beet  material  to 
be  used.  Some  time  ago  I  described  the  different  means  to  be 
adopted  with  different  materials.  In  London  the  be  stand  most 
easi'y  obtained  material  would  be  horse  droppings,  with  about 
half  their  bulk  of  short  littery  matter  minglea  witn  them,  and 
if  obtainable,  about  one-quarter  of  rough  fresh  fibry  loam  ;  but 
it  is  not  always  to  be  had,  and  we  have  had  floe  beds  with- 
out any.  Its  chief  use  is  preventing  violent  healing,  and  thus 
more  strength  is  left  for  the  production  of  Mushrooms.  The 
most  economical  way  to  use  the  droppings,  <$rc,  where  the 
quantity  is  small,  is  to  add  a  few  inches  every  alternate  day  to 
the  bed,  heating  it  well,  until  the  requisite  depth  is  attained. 
This  plan  might  not  be  suitable  for  a  cellar,  if  the  material  had 
to  come  through  or  close  to  the  house,  and  it  might  be  ad- 
visable to  have  enough  to  make  a  bed  or  a  part  of  a  bed  at 
once.  In  this  case  collect  or  purchase  as  marjy  droppings,  &c, 
as  you  will  want,  let  them  be  thrown  in  a  place  where  no  rain 
can  get  at  them,  then  put  them  into  a  heap  to  sweat  and 
heat,  which  will  also  make  them  as  much  drier  as  will  be  more 
suitable  for  a  bed  at  once.  After  remaining  in  the  heap  three 
days  or  more  they  will  mostly  be  in  a  good  condition  for  form- 
ing the  bed,  and  should  be  placed  in  layers  about  3  inches 
deep,  one  layer  being  wellbeaten  before  the  other  is  added,  and 
so  going  on  until  the  bed,  if  flat,  is  say  10  inches  high  at  the 
front,  and  14  inches  high  at  the  back.  Much  depends  on  the 
beating,  as  the  air,  being  thus  to  a  certain  extent  excluded,  the 
heat  will  be  less  violent,  but  it  will  continue  much  longer. 
Most  likely  at  first,  though  the  material  is  dry  rather  than  very 


262 


JOUBNAL   OF  HOETICULTUBE  AND   COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  6,  1870. 


wet,  the  heat  will  be  too  strong,  and  must  be  carefully  examined 
from  day  to  day,  either  with  a  thermometer  or  with  trial  sticks, 
before  inserting  the  spawn.  If  the  sticks  when  tried  are  about 
the  heat  of  new  miik,  or  the  bulb  of  the  thermometer  a  few 
inches  below  the  surface  stands  at  from  S0°  to  90°,  and  espe- 
cially if  the  heat  is  gradually  declining,  you  may  spawn  with 
safety.  This  fall  in  the  temperature  is  a  matter  of  importance, 
for,  if  the  heat  is  increasing,  it  will  become  too  much  for  the 
spawn,  and  you  may  look  in  vain  for  Mushrooms ;  80°  and 
falling  may  be  considered  a  safe  heat  to  spawn  at. 

The  spawn,  if  good,  may  be  broken  in  pieces  a  little  larger 
than  walnuts,  and  placed  firmly  just  beneath  the  dung  at  about 
8  inches  apart.  If  you  place  it  deeper,  the  stirring  of  the  bed 
might  excite  fresh  heating.  It  is  better  to  leave  all  solid  and 
smooth  to  prevent  this  heating,  and  if  on  daily  examining  the 
bed  you  find  the  temperature  still  inclines  to  fall,  then  you  may 
add  from  1  to  2  inches  of  pure  droppings  all  over  the  bed,  and 
beat  it  firmly,  which  will  slightly  raise  the  temperature  and 
encourage  the  spawn  to  run  freely.  If  after  this  you  find  the 
temperature  remain  uniform,  or  if  anything  slightly  declin- 
ing, then  the  bed  may  be  earthed  over  with  from  li  to  2  inches 
of  good  soil.  This  soil  should  be  somewhat  damp,  but  not  wet, 
so  that  it  may  be  beaten  firmly  together.  When  this  is  done 
make  the  surface  smooth,  water  it  with  a  fine  rose,  and 
shortly  afterwards  draw  a  clean  spade  firmly  over  it,  so  as  to 
leave  a  clean,  smooth,  firm  surface,  which  will  enable  you 
easily  to  clean  the  beds  afterwards  with  a  hair  broom  when 
necessary. 

Several  times,  notwithstanding  every  care,  I  have  had  to  take 
out  the  pieces  of  spawn  because  the  bed  beoame  too  hot.  With 
the  care  alluded  to  above,  I  should  say  that  this  was  necessary 
in  the  case  of  one  out  of  two  hundred  beds.  In  a  cellar  there 
is  no  absolute  necessity  for  covering  the  beds,  but  I  have  found 
a  little  covering  of  hay,  straw,  or  even  a  mat  a  little  raised 
over  the  bed  a  great  equaliser  of  heat  and  moisture.  After 
earthing,  when  the  spawn  is  running,  the  heat  will  be  gradually 
increased,  but  not  to  an  injurious  extent,  and  that  is  always  a 
sure  sign  that  the  spawn  is  running ;  but  if  after  earthing-up 
the  bed  should  seem  to  be  getting  rather  cool,  a  little  covering 
will  help  to  raise  the  temperature  a  little  so  as  to  produce  the 
desired  result.  When  wateiing  is  necessary,  it  is  well  to  give 
the  water  at  back  and  front,  and  make  a  few  holes  with  a 
pointed  stick  over  the  surface  instead  of  puddling  the  surface 
all  over. 

If  I  knew  better  the  conditions  under  which  you  are 
placed,  I  might  be  more  particular,  but  attention  to  the  above 
details  will  enable  anyone  to  have  Mushrooms  in  a  cellar,  if 
ordinary  care  be  taken. 

I  will  add,  that  mere  slap-dash  work  is  of  no  use  in  Mush- 
room-growing ;  the  fresher  the  material,  if  you  can  prevent  it 
heating  too  much,  so  much  better  for  the  Mushrooms  ;  too  much 
heat  after  spawning  will  render  useless  the  best  bed  ;  too  much 
dryness  in  the  material  will  starve  the  spawn,  unless  there  are 
free  waterings,  a  rather  difficult  thing  with  beginners.  Too 
much  moisture  in  the  materials  will  also  kill  the  spawn,  from 
being  too  wet.  I  have  had  fine  beds  in  wet  material  by 
wrapping  each  piece  of  spawn  in  a  handful  of  dry  litter  ;  this, 
however,  is  better  avoided.  Where  droppings  cannot  easily 
te  obtained,  littery  dung  watered  and  worked  until  sweet,  will 
grow  first-rate  Mushrooms,  cased  or  not  cased  with  horse  drop- 
pings. Ou  the  whole,  however,  nothing  beats  horsedroppings, 
and  a  little  short  litter  to  keep  the  droppings  open  ;  and  the 
better  fed  the  horses  are,  the  more  likely  are  the  Mushroom 
beds  to  flourish.— B.  Fish. 


them,  and  that  he  would  be  glad  to  learn  if  either  Jones'  or  any 
of  the  others'  have  been  published.  On  referring  to  the  works 
of  Jones,  of  Nayland,  eight  volumes,  Bivington,  1826,  I  find 
in  vol.  iv.  sermon  1,  "  On  the  Beligious  Use  of  Botanical  Philo- 
sophy," preached  on  Mr.  Fairchild's  foundation  at  the  church 
of  St.  Leonard,  Shoreditch,  on  1st  of  June,  1784. — B.  Hurst. 


STOCKS  FOR  APPLE  GRAFTING. 

"  Beadeh,"  page  243,  inquires  about  various  stocks.  I  offer 
my  expeiience  for  what  it  may  be  found  worth. 

English  Paradise,  as  far  as  I  have  been  able  to  prove  it, 
appears  to  me  to  be  only  the  Burr  Knot,  and  the  French 
Paradise  a  melange  of  sundries,  two  of  which  are  varieties  of 
Doucin — i.  e.,  the  broad  and  narrow-leaved.  The  Stibbert,  alias 
Harvest  Longing,  Avant  tout  latif,  and  Dutch  Creeper  (?)  is 
a  very  early  Apple,  often  called  in  nurseries  Dutch  Codlin,  and 
is  here  in  great  request,  although  why,  I  am  rather  puzzled, 
as  it  is  a  very  secondary  sort — "  soon  ripe  and  soon  rotten." 
None  of  the  above  are  worth  anything  for  growing  healthy  trees 
upon,  and  I  may  say  the  same  of  two  kiuds  called  the  Broad 
and  Narrow-leaved  Nonesuch  English  Paradise  ;  these  grow  the 
first-year's  shoot  well,  but  afterwards  get  so  stunted  as  to  be 
useless.  "  Amongst  the  faithless,  faithful  only  "  is  the  true 
Pommier  de  Paradis,  or  Mains  prajcox,  from  the  Caucasian 
Mountains.  This  is  a  free-growing  hardy  stock,  on  which  the 
Apple  grows  healthily,  and  bears  abundant  fruit  of  high  flavour 
and  enlarged  size. 

As  to  the  Crab  stock,  so  called,  this  is  not  raised  from  seeds 
of  the  wild  Crab,  as  "  Reader  "  supposes,  but  is  the  produce  of 
seed  washed  out  of  the  pomace  after  cider  has  been  extracted. 
The  seed  when  sown  and  grown  produces  three  qualities  of 
stock — i.e.,  the  first  culling,  robust  free  growers,  with  strong 
roots,  and  fit  to  work  orchard  trees  upon.  The  next,  or 
second  size,  are  nice  finely-rooted  plants  fit  for  garden  trees, 
of  medium  growth.  The  third,  or  small  size,  are  generally 
surface-rooting  stocks,  fit  to  produce  nice  healthy  free-bearing 
trees  of  a  dwarf  character.  None  of  the  abope  will  produce 
fine  fruit,  and  often  not  so  fine  either  in  size  or  flavour  as  the 
true  Pommier  de  Paradis.  I  send  you  samples  from  Crabs, 
also  from  the  Pommier  de  Paradis,  to  show  the  difference. 

It  must  be  borne  in  mind  that  Apples  worked  on  the  Pom- 
mier de  Paradis  require  strong  damp  soil,  and  the  same  holds 
good  with  Pears  worked  upon  the  Quince  stock. — John  Scott, 
Merriott  Nurseries,  Somerset. 


LAPAGERIA   ROSEA. 


CYCLAMEN  PERSICUM. 
It  may  interest  the  lovers  of  Cyclamens  to  know  how  quickly 
they  may  be  made  to  flower  from  seed.  I  sowed  a  packet  of 
seed  on  the  26th  of  February  this  year,  aud  my  first  Cyclamen 
was  in  bloom  on  the  12th  of  September.  I  raised  more  than 
a  hundred  plants  from  the  packet  of  seeds,  and  the  greater 
part  of  them  are  now  showing  flower  buds.  They  have  been 
kept,  since  sowing,  in  a  Cucumber  house  until  about  a  month 
ago,  when  the  most  forward  were  moved  into  a  cool  house 
They  have  received  no  peculiar  treatment,  merely  potting 
whenever  they  required  it.  The  largest  are  now  in  48-pots. 
— An  Amateur. 

The  Flower  Sermons.— In  the  Journal  of  September  22nd 
I  find  a  communication  by  "  A  Constant  Beader,"  page  225, 
in  which  he  says  that  Jones,  of  Nayland,  delivered  some  if 


I  have  now  under  my  care,  growing  in  a  cool  conservatory, 
aud  gradually  covering  a  good  portion  of  the  roof,  a  plant  of 
this  fine  greenhouse  twiner.  It  came  into  my  hands  in  1865, 
and  was  then  a  plant  about  18  inches  in  height,  growing  in  a 
48-pot.  I  planted  it  at  the  south-west  corner  of  the  conser- 
vatory, in  a  spot  which  gets  some  shade  at  the  latter  part  of  the 
day  ;  and  to  receive  the  roots  I  made  a  small  pit  or  tank,  about 
3  feet  in  length  by  1  foot  in  width,  and  edged  it  with  stone. 
T!->e  pit  was  made  about  18  inches  in  depth,  and  one-third  of  it 
filled  with  brick  rubble  for  drainage.  The  Lapageria  was  then 
planted  in  some  bog  peat,  as  spongy  as  I  could  get  it,  with 
which  was  mingled  some  rough  sand.  It  soon  began  to  grow, 
and  flowered  for  the  first  time  in  1868;  since  then  it  has 
bloomed  yearly  ;  and  as  the  plant  increases  in  size  and  strength, 
the  flowers  not  only  become  more  numerous,  but  larger  and  of 
finer  quality. 

My  mode  of  treatment  is  as  simple  as  it  appears  to  be  effec- 
tual. During  the  summer,  at  the  growing  season,  I  water 
plentifully  ;  during  the  winter,  when  at  rest,  it  is  watered  only 
occasionally — just  enough  to  keep  the  soil  moist.  Occasionally 
I  top-dresB  the  plant  with  peat  and  sand  as  required;  the  con- 
stant watering  during  summer  tends  to  wash  away  the  soil 
from  the  roots.  It  is  well  to  thoroughly  top-dress  at  the  be- 
ginning of  winter,  just  as  the  summer  supply  of  water  is  with- 
held ;  then  the  newly-added  soil  gets  pretty  well  settled  about 
the  roots  by  the  time  growth  commences  in  the  spring. 

I  get  a  supply  of  flowers  about  nine  months  in  the  year ; 
and  it  seeds  freely,  some  of  the  pods  hanging  on  the  plant  for  a 
considerable  time.  The  plant  makes  vigorous  growth,  and 
during  the  past  summer  has  made  shoots  16  feet  in  length.  It 
has  been  in  robust  health,  and  made  wood  freely. 

I  find  it  necessary  to  shield  the  young  growing  shoots  from 
the  attacks  of  woodlice  and  snails  and  slugs.  These  young  shoots 


October  6,  1870.  ] 


JODKNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


263 


come  np  through  the  ground  of  a  character  similar  to  those  of 
the  Asparagus  ;  and  as  soon  as  there  is  a  slug  or  a  woodlouse 
in  the  house,  it  will  find  its  way  to  it,  and  eat  away  the  tip  of 
the  shoots.  If  this  happens,  the  growth  of  the  shoot  is  checked 
directly,  and  it  rarely  if  ever  Btarts  again.  As  soon  as  I  per- 
ceive a  Bhoot  coming  through  the  soil,  I  place  a  lamp  glass 
over  it,  and  keep  it  there  till  it  has  made  sufficient  growth  to 
be  out  of  reach  of  the  foes. 

I  think  a  very  pretty  effect  could  be  secured  by  blending  the 
white  with  the  rose-coloured  variety  in  the  interior  of  the  roof 
of  a  suitable  house.  At  present  the  former  is  very  scarce  and 
expensive ;  when  it  becomes  cheaper,  it  will  no  doubt  be  grown 
as  much  as  the  other  and  older  form.— George  Venner,  The 
Grove  Gardens,  Hanwell. — (The  Gardener.) 


ROYAL  ASCOT  GRAM. 

Having  seen  in  The  Journal  of  Horticulture  that  the 
Royal  Ascot  Grape  has  taken  many  prizes  this  year  at  various 
shows,  and  as  it  is  again  referred  to  at  page  221,  the  following 
remarks  may  interest  some  of  your  readers. 

Two  years  since  I  inarched  Royal  Ascot  on  Muscat  de  Sir- 
belle,  growing  in  a  ground  vinery.  This  year  I  allowed  it  to 
bear  eight  bunches,  which  are  now  ripe.  The  ground  vinery 
is  28  feet  long.  This  year  the  young  leading  shoot  is  growing 
out  beyond  the  vinery,  and  from  it,  for  most  of  the  way  up, 
laterals  have  sprung,  on  each  of  which  a  bunch  of  Grapes 
appeared ;  all  have  been  cut  off  but  one,  the  berries  of  which 
are  swelling  rapidly,  and  should  this  fine  season  oontinue, 
I  have  no  doubt  they  will  ripen  this  autumn.  The  laterals 
growing  on  last  year's  wood  were  stopped  three  leaves  above 
the  bunches ;  during  the  summer  young  shoots  sprung  from  the 
end  of  these  laterals,  on  which  bunches  of  Grapes  came.  Tbey 
were  again  cut  down  to  one  leaf,  but  had  I  left  the  Grapes  to 
ripen  I  should  have  had  two  bunches  on  the  same  lateral, 
one  ripe,  the  other  unripe,  at  the  same  time.  This  I  consider 
one  of  the  peculiarities  of  the  Royal  Ascot  and  worth  record- 
ing, because  Mr.  Standish  called  this  Vine  a  perpetual,  and  so 
it  would  be  a  perpetual  if  grown  in  Queensland  or  California, 
or  in  any  country  where  there  is  no  frost.  The  Vine  came 
into  flower  a  fortnight  earlier  than  a  Black  Hamburgh  growing 
in  the  same  border  under  another  ground  vinery  with  the  same 
aspect. 

The  Royal  Ascot  is  certainly  a  wonderful  Vine  to  sprout  and 
bear,  a  Vine  well  adapted  to  grow  in  any  tropical  country  not 
too  hot.  Last  year  I  inarched  the  Royal  Ascot  on  a  young 
Black  Hamburgh  growing  in  an  open  border.  On  the  shoot  of 
this  year's  growth  there  is  a  bunch  of  Grapes  now  (28th  of 
September),  just  colouring.   The  Vine  is  tied  to  a  Btake. — A.  T. 


MANAGEMENT   OF   CQTTINGS. 

Is  it  right  to  allow  cuttings  to  flag  after  they  are  taken  from 
the  plant  ?  My  gardener  thinks  so,  but  I  think  it  is  better  not 
to  allow  them  to  feel  the  change  more  than  can  be  avoided. 
— A.  B. 

[This  is  a  question  of  some  importance,  and  something  may 
be  said  on  both  Bides.  In  all  milky-juiced  plants  and  those  that 
are  very  succulent  it  is  often  well  to  allow  the  cuttings  to  lie 
until  the  cut  ends  are  dry.  It  is  no  bad  plan  in  order  to  hasten 
drying  and  prevent  the  waste  of  juice,  to  stick  the  ends,  as 
the  cuttings  are  'made,  into  fine  charcoal  dust.  If  allowed  to 
Weed  too  freely  the  cutting  is  proportionably  weakened,  and 
the  rooting  process  will  be  all  the  more  languid.  If  such 
cuttings  were  inserted  at  once,  the  exudation  of  juice  into  the 
soil  would  afterwards  be  apt  to  make  the  bottom  gangrene  and 
decay.  A  dry  base  is  therefore  of  importance  in  very  succulent 
plants,  but  even  then  the  drying  should  take  place  in  the  shade, 
and  not  in  the  sun,  as  the  sun  might  parch  and  dry  the  part 
too  much.  Even  in  the  case  of  succulent  plants  we  never 
could  see  any  benefit  accruing  from  allowing  the  Btems  and 
leaves  left  to  become  welted  and  flagged.  We  have  seen  whole 
bunches  of  cuttings  of  Geraniums  made,  and  allowed  to  lie 
nntil  the  leaves  left  were  all  flagging.  That  such  cuttings 
grow  afterwards  we  know,  because  the  juices  and  vital  powers 
B'ored  up  are  pretty  good  proofs  against  the  unfair  treatment 
given.  In  taking  small  side  cuttings  of  such  things  we  seldom 
considered  any  drying  of  thebase  necessary.  In  taking  stronger, 
more  succulent  cuttings,  if  we  deemed  it  advisable  to  let  the 
cut  end  at  the  base  dry  for  a  fev  hours,  we  took  care  that  the 
bulk  of  the  cutting  should  not  lose  any  of  its  juices,  by  slightly 


sprinkling  with  wa,ter  or  shading  the  upper  part  of  the  cutting 
whilst  the  base  was  exposed. 

Except  in  such  cases,  we  should  never  think  of  drying  the 
base  of  a  cutting.  Even  in  these  cases  we  would  secure  the 
bulk  of  the  cutting  feeling  as  little  as  possible  its  severance 
from  the  parent  plant.  We  know  that  many  act  differently, 
and  allow  the  cuttings  to  lie  a  long  time  after  being  made,  as 
if  there  were  some  virtue  in  this  welling  and  withering.  They 
tell  you  that  the  cuttings  strike  root,  and  so  they  will  in  the 
case  of  things  not  easily  killed,  but  it  is  in  despite  of,  rather 
than  as  a  general  consequence  of,  the  system  adopted.  In  the 
summer  and  early  autumn  months  you  may  plant  a  Geranium 
cutting,  the  stronger  the  better,  full  in  the  sun,  and  though  the 
leaves  will  flag,  the  cutting  will  ultimately  form  roots  and  fresh 
leaves  ;  bnt  such  a  cutting  will  strike  more  quickly  if  put  in  a 
pot  and  placed  under  glass,  and  so  top-sprinkled  and  shaded 
from  strong  sun  that  the  leaves  are  never  permitted  to  flag. 
It  is  true  this  coaxing  and  nursing  plan  may  easily  be  carried 
too  far  ;  too  much  closeness  and  too  much  shade  will  encourage 
the  cutting  to  lengthen  upwards,  instead  of  rooting  freely 
downwards,  and  hence  the  rough-and-ready  system  of  planting 
at  once  out  of  doors  is  often  as  successful  as  when  there  is  the 
above  care  carried  to  an  excess  of  coddling.  In  all  general 
cases  we  hold  with  you,  that  the  cuttings  cannot  be  too  soon 
inserted  when  taken  from  their  parent  plant,  and  the  less  they 
feel  the  severance  afterwards|the  sooner  will  they  strike  roots.] 


AROUT  POTATOES. 

"Many  of  them  of  good  size,  but  very  coarse,"  was  the 
critical  judgment  lately  passed  upon  a  large  collection  of  some 
fifty  kinds  of  Potatoes  that  were  staged  at  one  of  the  meetings 
of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  at  South  Kensington.  This 
critique  was  just,  but  not  sufficiently  severe;  for  if  it  had  pro- 
ceeded to  denounce  in  strong  terms  the  far  too  prevalent 
practice  of  growing,  and  especially  of  staging  for  exhibition, 
the  huge,  ungainly,  sunken-eyed,  and  altogether  "  coarse " 
samples  of  our  noble  tuber  that  some  people  seem  to  think  the 
ne  plus  ultra  of  Potato  culture,  then  would  a  service  have  been 
rendered  to  horticultural  taste,  and  possibly  our  eyes  might 
soon  be  rid  of  the  sight  of  those  ugly  monstrosities  yclept 
"exhibition"  Potatoes.  I  do  protest  against  the  Potato  being 
put  on  a  level  with  Mangold  Wurzel  as  a  show-root,  making 
size  the  criterion  by  which  to  judge  of  its  merits.  Nay,  even 
in  judging  Mangolds  some  respect  is  paid  to  shape  and  outline; 
but  a  Mangold  be  it  big.  or  little,  is  but  a  Mangold  still;  whilst 
there  are  Potatoes  and  Potatoes,  the  difference  being  just  this, 
that  whilst  some  are  fit  to  go  upon  the  table  of  an  epicure, 
others  are  only  fit  diet  for  the  pigs.  The  difference  may  be 
but  trifling,  but  it  is  enough  that  it  exists.  If  I  were  philoso- 
phically inclined,  I  might  profitably  moralise  over  the  strange 
taste  for  mere  size  that  seems  to  prevail  among  horticulturists. 
We  have  nearly  gone  mad  in  the  pursuit  of  it  in  some  things, 
and  now  find  we  have  committed  a  huge  blunder. 

Big  plants  have  had  their  day,  and  are  now  rather  pooh- 
poohed  ;  big  Cucumbers,  also,  are  now  looked  upon  as  so  much 
cattle-food  by  judges  of  taste  ;  big  Melons  or  other  fruit  must 
pass  through  the  sharp  ordeal  of  the  flavour  test;  and  so  it  is 
all  through  the  piece.  And  now  we  have  but  to  get  rid  of  the 
strange  anomaly  of  big  Potatoes  from  our  exhibition  tables,  and 
then  we  may  well  hope  for  the  display  in  the  future  of  such 
cultural  results  as  shall  both  please  the  eye  and  delight  the 
taste  ;  and  that  such  a  reformation  is  near  1  have  good  reason 
to  believe.  Business  pursuits  took  me  a  short  time  since  to 
the  classic  regions  of  Oxford ;  and  whilst  there,  how  could  I 
resist  the  temptation,  so  strong  to  me  a  "  potato-ologist  "  (?),  to 
drop  in  upon  that  celebrated  cultivator  Mr.  Robert  Fenn  of 
Woodstock,  and  get  a  look  at  what  he  was  doing  in  the  way  of 
raising  new  varieties,  as  well  as  note  the  results  of  his  mode  of 
cultivation  ? 

Mr.  Fenn  is  a  strong  advocate  for  what  is  known  as  the 
"ridge  and  trench  system"  of  culture;  which  system,  how- 
ever, simply  means  that  the  ground,  having  been  well  pre- 
pared and  manured  during  the  previous  winter,  the  line  is  laid 
down  at  intervals  of  3  feet  apart,  the  sets  are  then  placed  in  a 
row  alongside  of  the  line,  and  about  15  inches  distant  from 
each  other  in  the  rows,  and  then  the  soil  is  thrown  up  over 
the  sets  with  the  spade,  burying  them  to  the  depth  of  about 
6  inches.  Of  course  no  earthing-up  is  needed,  and  the  trenches 
in  between  are  at  any  time  available  for  the  planting-out  of 
winter  crops.     I  have  tried  this  mode  of  planting  myself,  on  a 


261 


JOURNAL   OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  October  6,  1870. 


dry  soil,  during  the  past  summer,  with  but  indifferent  results— 
that  is  to  say,  I  obtained  no  greater  produce  out  of  a  line  so 
planted  than  I  did  from  a  line  planted  on  the  old  method,  and 
therefore  I  did  not  esteem  the  mode  of  cultivation  a  desirable 
one  to  follow.  Naturally  I  felt  desirous  to  note  how  Mr.  Fenn's 
ridge-planted  Potatoes  turned  out ;  so,  when  the  inevitable 
refreshment  had  been  partaken  of,  we  turned  out  to  the  garden. 
He  grasping  his  digging-fork  with  as  much  zest  and  fervour  as  a 
soldier  would  his  beloved  rifle,  and  I,  note-book  in  hand,  to 
mark  in  permanent  characters  the  results.  But  first  I  must 
state,  to  my  great  joy,  I  found  Potatoes  were  grown  both  upon 
the  ridge  and  the  flat  system  in  the  old  rectory  garden  at  Wood- 
stock ;  and  after  a  fair  comparison  of  the  produce,  we  concluded 
that  nothing  was  gained  by  ridging,  as  the  crop  in  each  case 
was  about  equal  in  a  given  length  of  row.  The  advantages  of 
the  ridge  system  appear  to  be  two — first,  a  saving  of  seed ; 
second,  great  convenience  for  putting  out  winter  crops.  The 
disadvantages  are — first,  more  manual  labour  required  in 
planting ;  second,  a  smaller  crop  from  off  a  given  space  of 
ground.  One  thing,  however,  must  not  be  forgotten.  Mr. 
Fenn  grows  solely  for  comparison,  and  not  for  his  own  con- 
sumption, a  few  of  the  coarse,  rank-growing  varieties,  of  which 
we  have  far  too  many.  His  study  and  endeavour  has  long 
been  to  obtain  sorts  that  produce  but  a  medium  green  growth, 
and  of  such  is  the  bulk  of  his  crop;  so  that  the  necessity  does 
not  really  exist  for  wide  spaoes  between  the  rows,  as  the  ex- 
pansion of  root  fibres  is  pretty  much  regulated  by  haulm- 
growths.  Hitherto,  also,  the  grafting  process  has  found  in 
Mr.  Fenn  a  staunch  believer — not  necessarily,  however,  in  its 
capacity  to  produce  great  or  beneficial  results,  but  rather  in  its 
capacity  to  produce  changes ;  and  as  I  have  not  previously 
scrupled  to  express  my  doubts  as  to  the  results  of  any  kind 
being  obtained,  the  first  thing  to  be  done  was  to  lift  some  roots 
of  grafted  samples,  starting  with  Milky  White,  to  show  its 
natural  character.  We  next  lifted  a  root  of  the  same  variety 
grafted  into  a  Fluke,  and  found  the  produce  to  be  more  rounded 
in  form  ;  there  was  a  decided  deviation  both  in  shape  and 
colour,  the  foliage  also  distinctly  altered.  Then  followed  Milky 
White  grafted  into  Yorkshire  Hero.  Here  the  foliage  presented 
a  combination  of  both  these  kinds,  but  the  tuber  was  decidedly 
indifferent. 

Onwards,  a  handsome  second  early  roundfof  good  quality 
was  next  raised,  and  was  followed  by  the  same  variety  grafted 
into  Yorkshire  Hero  ;  that  developed  a  later  growth  of  foliage 
that  was  still  green,  and  the  tuber  rather  rougher  and  of 
coarser  appearance,  and  showing  no  improvement.  Yorkshire 
Hero  grafted  into  Onwards  exhibited  no  change  whatever. 

Here  we  held  a  conference  to  discuss  and  compare  notes ; 
and  this  was  the  result  of  our  conclusions  :  He  to  retain  his 
belief  in  grafting,  but  that  it  produced  in  the  Potato  no 
beneficial  results ;  I  to  forego  my  hitherto  utter  incredulity, 
and  to  recognise  the  principle  of  Potato-grafting,  but  with  the 
belief  that  for  the  production  of  improvement  in  sorts  thereby 
it  was  worthless. 

Thus  far  we  had  cleared  out  of  our  way  two  important 
points  of  difference,  and  now  turned  to  the  more  congenial, 
but  not  less  interesting  duty  of  lifting  and  taking  notes  of  the 
seedliugs  and  more  recent  kinds.  I  think  we  started  with  the 
Old  Lapstoue,  the  parent  of  a  numerous  progeny.  Why,  I 
was  quite  startled  this  year  to  note  in  my  large  collection  how 
many  of  the  sorts  developed  the  Lipstone  foliage,  a  growth 
that,  once  seen,  can  at  all  times  be  recognised — upright,  stiff, 
with  rounded  incurved  leaves — a  most  desirable  sort  of  haulm 
to  get  to  a  good  variety ;  but  I  fear  that  betwixt  the  sorts  that 
now  yield  this  form  of  foliage  there  is  rather  too  much  of  the 
tweedledum  and  tweedledee  difference.  Here  are  a  few  of 
them:  Lapstone,  Haigh's  ditto,  Huntingdon  Kidney,  Rixton, 
Lady  Paget,  Pebble  White,  Crystal  Palace,  Ashtop  Fluke 
(how  Ashtop  ?),  Daintree's  Kidney,  Yorkshire  Hero,  and 
Beaconefield  Kidney,  which  latter  Mr.  Fenn  thinks,  as  I  do, 
is  just  the  old  Pebble  White,  but  having  a  rougher  skin  than 
the  Lapstone.  Mr.  Turner's  other  new  variety,  Union,  is  an 
early  round  that  olosely  resembles  Walker's  Seedling  round  in 
general  features.  The  Waterloo  Kidney,  as  usual,  lifted  a  fine 
sample,  and  it  is  without  exception  one  of  the  handsomest 
and  best  bred  of  the  white  kidneys  that  we  have. 

Now  we  come  to  one  of  Mr.  Fenn's  newest  and  choicest 
productions,  the  Rector  of  Woodstock,  which  is  decidedly  a 
good  stock.  It  ranks  as  a  second  early,  haulm  of  moderate 
growth,  and  turns  out  such  handsome  white  round  tubers,  and 
(for  we  tasted  them)  of  such  excellent  quality,  that  it  must  be 
pronounced  in  Potato  circles  a  real  acquisition.     This  Potato 


has  been  the  result  of  most  careful  selection,  as  some  dozens 
of  seedlings,  all  of  the  same  family,  were  lifted,  and  all  good, 
but  the  Rector  waB  the  best ;  and  we  were  thus  enabled  to  sign 
and  seal  Mr.  Fenn's  judgment,  as  well  as  that  of  the  Fruit 
Committee  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society,  who  last  year 
awarded  this  variety  a  first-class  certificate  of  merit.  A  fine 
seedling  round,  pink  in  colour,  of  handsome  appearance  and 
good  cropper,  is  approved,  and  so  is  a  handsome  red  kidney 
that  is  very  promising.  Then  we  came  upon  a  batch  of  seed- 
lings raised  from  that  capital  round  variety  Early  Emperor, 
the  pollen  parent  being  Onwards,  and  lift  a  red  round,  much 
like  the  Emperor  parent,  but  it  does  not  run  out  like  that  variety. 
This  seedling  was  both  handsome  and  prolific.  Next  was  a 
pink  round,  much  the  colour  of  the  American  Rose.  It  was 
rough  in  skin,  early,  and  handsome,  and  is  named  English 
Rose.  This  is  a  very  promising  kind  also.  A  white  round, 
with  purple-blotched  eyes,  very  handsome  and  promising,  is 
next  approved ;  and  so  is  a  peculiarly  good-looking,  rough- 
skinned  red  kidney,  out  of  the  same  batch,  that  we  dubbed 
Fenn's  Bountiful,  for  it  is  a  good  cropper,  and  a  real  beauty. 
The  last  selected  of  this  breed  is  a  strong-growing  white  round, 
having  pink  eyes,  which  is  very  handsome,  and  will  make  a 
superb  exhibition  variety.  One  more  seedling  was  from  a  cross 
between  Shutford  Seedling  and  Hogg's  Coldstream.  This  was 
a  fine  white  round  that  will  by-and-by  take  a  prominent  place 
as  a  fine  early.  I  think  this  is  the  one  we  dubbed,  in  a  gallant 
spirit,  Eliza  Fenn,  after  Mr.  Fenn's  kind  and  hospitable  better- 
half.  Mr.  Fenn  grows  altogether  a  large  collection,  having 
nearly  all  the  best-known  sorts  that  are  in  the  market,  and 
many  of  these  also  were  looked  over,  but  notes  of  them  may 
well  be  left  until  some  other  time,  when  I  may  also  embody 
with  them  mention  of  the  results  of  my  own  trials.  I  must, 
however,  not  omit  to  bear  witness  to  the  great  care  and  patient 
attention  that  Mr.  Fenn  bestows  upon  the  culture  of  his 
favourite  esculent,  as  also  upon  the  still  more  difficult  duty  of 
selection.  A  high  appreciation  of  beauty  in  shape  and  outline 
rules  his  judgment ;  and  so  much  did  the  handsome  and  almost 
perfect  form  of  many  of  his  new  seedlings  impress  me,  that 
when  the  next  day,  on  passing  though  Reading,  I  looked  in 
upon  the  show  then  being  held,  I  became  so  shocked  with  a 
sight  of  many  of  the  big,  coarse,  ugly  Potato  monstrosities 
there  staged,  as  to  have  suffered  for  some  time  afterwards  from 
Potato  nightmare.  I  exhort  people  who  will  show  Potatoes,  in 
the  future  to  have  some  regard  for  the  outraged  sensibilities  of 
Potato  critics. 

Years  ago,  long  before  Moule's  system  of  earth  closets  had 
been  unearthed,  Mr.  Fenn  put  the  system  into  operation  at 
Woodstock.  I  saw  his  jnodux  operandi,  and  can  vouch  for  its 
simplicity,  originality,  and  effectiveness.  This  is  the  source 
from  which  is  obtained  the  manure  that  haB  for  some  years 
grown  the  Woodstock  Potato,  and  capital  stuff  it  is.  The  best 
time  for  its  application  is  early  in  the  winter,  and  then  it  be- 
comes thoroughly  incorporated  with  the  soil.  It,  moreover, 
keeps  the  soil  light  and  porous,  and  is  altogether  exempt  from 
most  of  those  objections  that  apply  to  other  strong  manures 
when  used  for  Potato  culture. 

Mr.  Fenn  has  three  specialities,  in  each  of  which  he  is  well 
posted— viz.,  Potatoes,  Bees,  and  British  Wine-making.  Of 
the  first  I  have  written  ;  of  the  second,  lean  only  say  that  his 
hives  are  of  the  best  design,  full  of  busy  bees,  and  that  his 
honey  is  delicious;  and  of  the  third— well,  readers  should  see 
and  taBte  for  themselves  who  can.  The  fine  old  rectory-house 
has  its  entire  front  enveloped  with  Grape  Vines  that  are  bearing, 
goodness  only  knows  how  many  bunches ;  but  we  saw  that  on  one 
chimney  only  there  must  have  been  at  least  half  a  hundred- 
weight of  fruit ;  and  then  there  is  a  large  portion  of  garden- 
wall  also  covered  with  Vines,  and  from  the  entire  produce  I 
suppose  will  soon  be  brewed  wine  enough  to  fill  the  large  cellars 
under  the  rectory-house. 

Some  day  or  other,  perhaps,  the  Potatoes,  Bees,  and  Wines 
will  make  a  noise,  for  Mr.  Fenn  has  a  right  to  look  forward  for 
the  fruits  of  his  labours.  May  the  kindly  geniality  of  disposition 
that  so  strongly  permeates  the  character  of  our  Woodstock 
friend  always  be  his !  and  when  once  more  he  shall  shoulder 
the  fork  and  go  forth  to  hiB  annual  Potato  harvest,  may  I  be 
there  to  see  !— Socthron  —  {The  Gardener.) 


Vine  Leaves  as  Fodder. — The  Chemical  Neios  quotes  from 
Les  Mondes,  to  the  effect  that  Vine  leaves  and  the  cuttings  of 
young  Vine  twigB  are  largely  given  in  France  to  cattle,  in  a 
fresh  state,  and  are  also  partly  salted  for  winter  forage.     Since 


October  C,  1870.  ] 


JOUBNAL   OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


265 


Franoe  possesses  2,500,000  hectares  of  vintage  ground,  this 
new  utilisation  of  material  will  furnish  food  for  a  great  number 
of  cattle. 

ROYAL   HORTICULTURAL   SOCIETY. 
October  5th. 

This  was  one  of  the  most  crowded  meetings  ever  held  at  South 
Kensington.  There  waa  a  fair  display  in  the  Moral  department,  a 
large  and  excellent  display  in  the  fruit  department,  but,  after  all,  the 
great  attraction,  there  can  be  no  doubt,  waa  the  exhibition  of  Fungi. 
Round  these  during  the  afternoon  the  visitors  flocked,  and  it  was  only 
with  great  difficulty  that  a  glance  of  them  could  be  obtained.  The 
value  of  Fungi  as  an  article  of  food  has  never  yet,  save  by  a  few,  been 
fully  recognised.  They  are  rich  in  that  most  valuable  constituent  of 
all  articles  of  food — nitrogen,  that  constituent  which  least  abounds  in 
the  food  of  the  people,  that  which  is  the  most  nourishing,  and  that 
which  is  also  in  many  of  its  combinations  the  moat  poisonous.  For 
fhis  reason  Fnugi,  with  the  exception  of  the  common  Mushroom,  the 
Truffle,  and  the  Morel,  are  ever  looked  upon  with  distrust,  and  justly 
bo  too,  for  even  some  of  those  best  acquainted  with  the  family  have 
made  mistakes  which  have  nearly  had  serious  consequences  ;  but  there 
are  many  species  with  well-marked  characters — characters  which 
cannot  readily  be  mistaken  when  once  known — that  might  be  utilised 
as  articles  of  food  by  those  who  seldom  taste  butcher's  meat — and 
their  number  is  too  many — besides  being  dainty  morsels  for  the  rich. 
But,  as  Mr.  Wilson  Saunders  well  remarked,  we  must  educate  the  eye  to 
distinguish  that  which  is  wholesome  from  that  which  is  unwholesome, 
and  there  is  no  better  means  of  doing  so  than  exhibitions  such  as  that 
we  now  record  ;  and  it  is  only  to  be  regretted  that  all  who  came  to  see, 
from  the  very  fact  of  their  number,  could  not  see  so  well  as  it  might 
another  year  he  arranged  that  they  should  see.  The  table  on  which 
the  Fungi  are  arranged  might  be  so  placed  that  it  might  be  inspected 
from  both  sides,  instead  of  from  one  only,  and  it  might  be  stipulated 
that  after  the  cloRe  of  the  meeting  the  exhibitors  should  not  at  once 
carry  off  their  collections  without  affording  the  visitors  a  chance  of 
inspection. 

Prizes  of  £2  and  £1  were  offered  for  the  best  collection  of  edible 
Fungi  shown  in  Class  1 ;  and  a  prize  of  £.">  was  offered  by  W.  Wilson 
Saunders,  Esq.,  F.R.S.,  for  the  best  collection  of  edible  and  poisonous 
Fungi  arranged  separately.  There  was  no  exhibition  in  Class  1,  but 
there  were  three  collections  shown  in  Class  2.  The  Judges  decided 
on  giving  equal  first  prizes  of  £3  to  Worthiugton  G.  Smith,  Esq.,  and 
Mr.  English,  of  Epping.  Mr.  Smith's  collection  contained  of  edible 
kinds  : — Fistulina  hepatica,  or  the  Vegetable  Beefsteak,  Agaricus 
Prunulus,  A.  pantheriuus,  A.  rubescens,  A.  grain mopodius,  A.  procerus, 
A.  nebularis,  Boletus  scaber,  B.  edulis,  and  Lactarius  deliciosns. 
Poisonous  kinds: — A  phalloides,  A.  muscarius,  A.  melleus,  A.  aquar- 
T03us,  A.  fascicularis,  A.  sinuatus,  Russula  rubra,  Lactarius  contro- 
versy, L.  vellereus,  L.  torminosns,  Boletus  luridus,  Cantharellns 
aurantiacus,  and  a  few  others.  In  addition  Mr.  Smith  exhibited  a 
number  of  Fungi  not  known  to  be  either  edible  or  positively  poisonous. 
Mr.  English's  collection  consisted  of  e dPAe : — A.  melleus,  Prunulus, 
eampestris,  nebularis,  personatus,  rachodes,  Boletus  scaber,  B.  edulis, 
Fistulina  hepatica,  A.  nebularis,  Russula  nlutacea,  Hydnnm  repau- 
tinm,  Amanita  rubescens,  Marasmius  oreades.  Poisonous: — Amanita 
muscarius,  Boletns  bovinus,  Lactarius  vellereus,  Amanita  phalloides, 
tornlosus,  Amanita  pantherinus,  Russula  rosacea,  Pholiota  squarrosa, 
"Polyporus  rufescens,  Boletus  luridus.  Tricholoma  nudus,  &c. 

The  second  prize  went  to  G.  W.  Hoyle,  Esq.,  and  Mr.  Austin, 
Reading,  for  about  sixty  species,  many  of  the  specimens  of  which  were 
very  fine.  Mr.  Orchard,  gardener  at  the  Priory,  Wimbledon,  sent  a 
beautiful  specimen  of  Hydnnm  coralloides,  found  growing  on  an  Ash  ; 
and  Messrs.  Cripps,  Tunbridge  Wells,  a  fine  specimen  of  Merulius 
lacrymans,  the  dry-rot  Fungus,  which  will  be  alluded  to  hereafter. 
Messrs.  E.  G.  Henderson  &  Son  had  a  fine  dish  of  Agaricus  comatua. 


Fruit  Committee. — G.  F.  Wilson,  Esq.,  F.R.S.,  in  the  chair. 
Mr.  William  Paul,  Waltham  Cross,  again  sent  examples  of  his  seed- 
ling Grapes,  which,  however,  the  Committee  failed  to  appreciate. 
W.  Looke,  Esq.,  Cleve  House,  Seend,  Wilts,  sent  a  curious  sport 
from  the  Muscat  Citronelle  Grape,  which  is  a  small  white  one  ;  some 
of  the  berries  on  the  bunches  were  black,  some  white,  and  some 
striped  black  and  white.  Mr.  Bogue,  gardener,  Gorhambury  Park, 
St.  Albans,  sent  a  bunch  of  a  seedling  black  Grape,  which  was  not 
considered  of  any  merit.  Mr.  C.  T.  Wells,  Southend,  Essex,  sent 
two  large  baskets  of  Muscat  Hamburgh  and  Black  Hamburgh  Grapes 
grown  in  his  ground  vineries.  The  Grapes  were  of  excellent  flavour, 
and  were  awarded  a  special  certificate.  Mr.  J.  Colborn,  gardener  to 
J.  Blyth,  Esq.,  Woolhampton,  sent  some  fine  large  examples  of  Sal- 
way  Peaches,  which  were  awarded  a  special  certificate.  Mr.  Prentice, 
gardener  to  the  Earl  of  Lichfield,  Shugborough  Park,  Stafford,  sent 
beautiful  examples  of  Barrington  Peaches,  which,  however,  had  but 
little  flavour.  Mr.  Cornford,  gardener  to  H.  Streatfield,  Esq.,  Chid- 
dington,  Kent,  sent  excellent  examples  of  Walburton  Admirable 
Peaches,  which  were  awarded  a  special  certificate.  Fair  examples  of 
Late  Admirable  Peaches  were  likewise  shown  by  W.  Dodson,  Esq., 
Wildernesse  Park,  Sevenoaks. 

Mr.  Thomson,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Dixon,  Stanstead  Park,  sent  good 
examples  of  Black  Hamburgh  Grapes  grown  in  an  orchard  house. 


Mr.  Foster,  Pillington  House,  Leigh,  Essex,  sent  large  fruits  of  the 
Salway  Peach,  but  quite  unripe.  Examples  of  Madresfield  Court 
black  Grape  were  sent  from  the  Society's  garden,  Chiswick,  and 
met  with  the  high  approbation  of  the  Committee.  A  dish  of  Fig 
Monaco  bianco,  a  green-Bkinned  sort  with  a  deep  red  flesh,  and  of 
most  excellent  flavour,  was  also  sent  from  Chiswick. 

Messrs.  Rivers  &  Son,  The  Nurseries,  Sawbridgeworth,  exhibited  an 
interesting  collection  of  small  Apple  trees  on  the  Nonesuch  Paradise 
stock,  heavily  laden  with  fruit,  and  of  very  fine  quality;  a  special 
certificate  was  awarded.  Mr.  H.  Moore,  Bradley  Green,  Congleton, 
sent  examples  of  some  seedling  Pears,  which  were  not  considered  of 
any  particular  merit.  Mr.  J.  Dennis,  gardener,  Dresden,  near  Long- 
ton,  Staffordshire,  sent  a  small  seedling  russet  Apple.  Mr.  J.  Wrade, 
gardener  to  W.  Napier,  Esq..  Ardmore  Lodge,  Isleworth,  sent  some 
fine  examples  of  Cellini  and  Gloria, Mundi  Apples.  Mrs.  R.  C.  Halse, 
Addison  Road,  Kensington,  sent  some  splendid  examples  of  Blenheim 
Orange  and  Alfriston  Apples,  for  which  a  special  certificate  was 
awarded.  Mr.  Cornford,  gardener,  Chiddington,  Kent,  sent  a  collec- 
tion of  six  sorts  of  Apples  of  high  merit,  for  which  a  special  certificate 
was  awarded.  Mr.  Garland,  gardener  to  Sir  T.  D.  Ackland,  Killer- 
ton,  Exeter,  sent  an  example  of  Doyenne  du  Cornice  Pear,  weighing 
1  lb.  4  ozs.  Mr.  Beech,  gardener  to  the  Marquis  of  Northampton, 
sent  some  curious  malformations  of  Manks  Codlin  Apple.  Mr.  Fenn, 
Woodstock,  sent  a  pie,  made  of  his  grafted  Ribston  Pippin  Apple, 
which  proved  rather  flat. 

Messrs.  Cripps  &  Sons,  nurserymen,  Tunbridge  Wells,  sent  a  dish  of 
Surpris  d'Autnmne  yellow  Raspberries.  From  Mr.  Dancer,  Chiswick, 
came  examples  of'Sundall's  Late  Plum.  Mr.  J.  Welsh,  Holley 
Combe,  Liphook,  Hants,  sent  an  example  of  Prince  of  Wales  Melon, 
which  proved  of  fair  quality.  Mr.  Heath,  Newton  Lodge,  Middlewich, 
Cheshire,  also  sent  a  seedling  Meloz. 

Mr.  Scott,  nurseryman,  Crewkerne,  Somerset,  sent  a  splendid  col- 
lection of  one  hundred  and  forty  sorts  of  Pears,  all  very  correctly 
named,  for  which  a  special  certificate  was  awarded.  Mr.  Hopper, 
cardener  to  C.  P.  Millard,  Esq.,  The  Elms,  Acton,  sent  a  dish  of 
Tomatoes  of  enormous  size,  for  which  a  special  certificate  was  awarded. 
Messrs.  Carter  &  Co.,  High  Holborn,  sent  a  very  large  and  fine 
collection  of  Gourds,  Potatoes,  Carrots,  Beet,  ifcc.,  for  which  a  special 
certificate  was  awarded. 

On  this  occasion  prizes  of  .£3  and  £2  were  offered  by  the  Rev.  G. 
Kemp,  for  six  bunches  of  Grapes  grown  in  the  open  air  without  pro- 
tection. The  first  prize  was  awarded  to  Mr.  Hepper,  gardener  to  C. 
P.  Millard,  Esq.,  The  Elms,  Acton,  for  fine  and  woll-tiavoured  ex- 
amples of  the  Royal  Mascadine.  To  Mr.  J.  N  orris,  Francis  Court, 
Broadclyst,  Devon,  was  awarded  the  second  prize  for  good  buuehes  of 
the  same  variety.  This  class  was  exceedingly  well  represented,  many 
of  the  Grapes  shown  being  well-coloured  and  possessed  of  good  flavour. 
Amongst  the  most  meritorious  may  be  mentioned  large  and  well- 
coloured  examples  of  Black  Hamburgh,  sent  by  Mr.  W.  Wood,  High 
Street,  Ewell,  Surrey ;  also  large  bunches  of  the  same  variety  from 
Mr.  Davis,  gardener  to  P.  Gaulway,  Esq,  Roehampton  Park,  Surrey. 
Examples  of  Royal  Muscadine  came  from  Mr.  Garland,  gardener  to  Sir 
T.  D.  Acland,  Bt.,  Killerton,  Broadclyst,  Devon  ;  from  Mr.  J.  Tranter, 
Upper  Assenden,  Henley-on-Thamea ;  from  Mr.  Miller,  gardener 
to  J.  T.  Friend,  Esq.,  Northdown,  Margate;  Mr.  R.  Lloyd,  Brook- 
wood  Asylum,  Woking;  Mr.  W.  Earley,  Digswell,  Welwyn;  and  Mr. 
Gayton,  Chesham.  Good  examples  of  Bidwell's  Seedling  and  West's 
St.  Peter'B  were  sent  by  Mr.  W.  White,  gardener,  Crossmead  Gardens, 
near  Exeter. 

By  the  Society  prizes  were  offered  for  a  collection  of  Black  Grapes,  a 
collection  of  White  Grapes,  a  single  bunch  of  Black  Grapes,  and  a  single 
banch  of  "White  Grapes.  For  a  collection  of  Black  Grapes  Mr.  Ban- 
nerman,  gardener  to  Lord  Bagot,  Blithefield,  Rngeley,  was  awarded 
the  first  prize  for  fine  examples  of  Black  Hamburgh,  Lady  Downe's, 
Groa  Guillaume,  Mrs.Pince,  Alicante,  Black  Prince,  Blithefield  Seedling, 
and  West's  St.  Peter's.  Messrs.  Lane  &  Sons,  Great  Berkhampstead, 
were  placed  second  with  very  fair  examples.  For  the  collection  of 
White  Grapes  Mr.  Douglas,  gardener,  Loxford  Hall,  Ilford,  Essex, 
and  Messrs.  Lane  &  Son,  were  placed  equal  second,  the  first  prize 
being  withheld. 

For  the  best  single  bunch  of  Black  Grapes  Mr.  Mattam,  gardener 
to  C.  Longman,  Esq.,  was  first  with  a  splendid  example  of  Black 
Alicante.  Mr.  Laytham,  gardener  to  Messrs.  Bertram  &  Roberts, 
Rockhills,  Sydenham,  was  placed  second  for  the  same  variety,  a  fine 
large  bunch.  For  the  best  white  bunch  Mr.  C.  Turner,  Slough,  was 
first  with  a  remarkable  example  of  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  perfectly 
ripened ;  and  Mr.  Mattam  second  with  the  same  variety. 

Floral  Committee. — Mr.  J.  Fraser  in  the  chair  Mr.  William 
Paul  sent  a  remarkably  fine  collection  of  Tea  Roses,  the  majority  of 
them  in  6  to  9-inch  pots.  These  were  in  beautiful  bloom,  and  this  for 
the  third  time  during  the  present  year.  Souvenir  d'un  Ami  and 
Madame  Willermoz  were  very  fine  ;  aud  conspicuous  among  the  others 
were  Madame  de  Vatry,  Julie  Mansais,  Madame  Maurin,  Marechal 
Niel,  Madame  Falcot,  and  Vicomtesse  de  Cazes.  To  these  reference 
will  be  made  hereafter.  A  special  certificate  was  given.  Mr.  W.  Paul 
also  sent  boxes  of  cut  blooms,  which  were  fine  for  any  season,  and  par- 
ticularly bo  for  the  present  advanced  period  of  the  year.  Marechal 
Niel,  Souvenir  d'un  Ami,  and  Bougere  were  very  beautiful,  and 
Madame  Falcot  and  Madame  Pauline  Labonte  were  also  noticeable 
as  forming  richly-coloured  masses,     A  special  certificate  was  awarded. 


266 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  October  G,  1870. 


From  Messrs.  Veitch,  of  Chelsea,  came  a  collection  in  which  were 
several  fine  specimens  of  Odontoglossum  grande,  Cattleya  Devoniensis, 
C.  hybrida,  and  C.  Dominiana  lutea  ;  Rodrignezia  seennda  with  half  a 
dozen  racemes  of  its  rich  rose-coloured  flowers  ;  Rhododendron  Lobbii 
with  splendid  scarlet  flowers ;  Licnala  spinosa  and  Corypha  Martiana, 
two  handsome  Palms  Bactris  maraja,  Calamus  ciliaris,  a  very  graceful 
species,  and  a  handsome  seedling  form  of  Adiantum  capill us- Veneris. 
This  was  named  maximum  and  received  a  first-class  certificate,  as 
likewise  did  Platycerium  alcicorne  majus,  and  Corypha  Martiana.  A 
special  certificate  was  given  for  the  collection.  Messrs.  Veitch  also 
sent  a  basket  of  Retinospora  obtusa  aurea  nana  with  beautiful  golden 
foliage.     For  this  a  special  cei-tificate  was  awarded. 

Messrs.  Backhouse,  of  York,  received  a  firBt-class  certificate  for 
Senecio  argenteus  with  handsomely-cut  frosted  foliage,  and  the  same 
firm  had  a  second-class  certificate  for  a  free-flowering  variety  of  Aster 
longifolius,  with  bright  rosy  lilac  flowers  with  a  conspicuous  yellow  eye. 

Mr.  George,  gardener  to  Miss  Nicholson,  Putney  Heath,  sent  seed- 
ling Pelargonium  Fred  George,  a  well-marked 'kind.  Mr.  Peeke, 
nurseryman,  Tunbridge  Wells,  also  sent  seedling  Nosegay  Pelar- 
goniums, and  a  seedling  crested  Pteris.  Messrs.  Cripps,  Tunbridge 
Wells,  exhibited  a  most  beautiful  crested  form  of  Pteris  serrulata, 
called  cristata  magnifica,  forming  elegant  tassels,  likewise  a  yellow 
variegated  Cupressus  Lawsoniana  named  lutea,  and  a  stand  of  cnt 
blooms  of  hybrid  Clematises,  to  show  their  value  for  late  blooming  out 
of  doors.     Among  them  were  several  very  fine  varieties 

From  Mr.  W.  Moore,  gardener  to  C.  Leach,  Esq.,  Clapham  Park, 
came  a  splendid  group  of  Nerines,  including  the  brilliant  scarlet  Nerine 
Fothergilli  major  and  N.  corusca  major,  N.  humilis,  and  several 
obtained  by  hybridising  and  by  seed.  A  special  certificate  was  given. 
Mr.  C.  Turner,  of  Slough,  sent  a  basket  of  Tricolor  Pelargonium  Mrs. 
Headly,  with  the  leaves  beautifully  coloured. 

Mr.  Green,  gardener  to  W.  Wilson  Saunders,  Esq.,  Hillfield,  Reigate, 
sent  a  most  interesting  group  of  Orchids,  among  which  were  the  Pa- 
phinia  cristata,  beautiful  but  fugitive  in  its  flowers  ;  Zygopetalum  ros- 
tratnm,  with  a  large  white  lip  veined  with  lilac  at  the  base  ;  a  very 
singular   Epidendrum,  with  pale  green  transparent  flowers  ;    Stenia 
fimbriata  ;  Epidendrum  noctumum,  with  long  tubular  yellowish  sepals  ' 
and  petals,  and  a  white  lip  ;  Restrephia  antennifera  and  Trichoceras  [ 
parviflorus,   both  with  flowers  of  a  singular  character,  those  of  the 
latter  bearing  a  close  resemblance  to  a  fly.     Spiranthes  margaritifera,  | 
another  singular  plant,  and  several  others  were  shown  in  this  eollec-  i 
tion,  for  which  a  special  certificate  was  given ;  and  a  similar  award 
was  made  for  Miltonia  Morelliana,  with  very  large  flowers  measuring 
5  inches  by  3A  across.     Mr.  Green  likewise  exhibited  Gesnera  fulgida 
tricolor,  with  brilliant  scarlet  flowers,  white  at  the  back  of  the  tube  and 
mottled  with  white  in  the  throat.     A  special  certificate  was  given  to 
Mr.  Denning,  gardener  to  Lord  Loudesborough,  Grimston  Park,  for  a 
magnificent  specimen  of  Dendrobium  chrysotis,  a  species  noticed  in  our 
report  of  the  last  meeting. 

Messrs.  E.  G.  Henderson  &  Son,  Wellington  Nurseries,  sent  a  col- 
lection of  plants  including  several  of  those  exhibited  by  the  firm  at  the 
previous  meeting,  a  brilliant  group  of  the  Guernsey  Lily  (Nerine  sarni- 
ensis) ;  a  fine  group  of  winter-flowering  Tree  Carnations,  the  pretty 
little  golden-leaved  Thyme  ;  Tricolor  Pelargonium  Miss  Goring,  which 
received afirst-classcertificate;  and Pleromamacranthafloribunda, with 
splendid  violet  flowers  3  inches  in  diameter.  For  this  a  special  certifi-  I 
cate  was  given,  likewise  one  to  the  collection.  Mr.  Perkins,  nursery- 
man, Leamington,  sent  Sednm  Fabarium  purpureum,  which  is  the 
same  as  Sedum  spectabile  purpureum,  shown  by  Messrs.  Henderson. 
Wigandia  imperialis,  a  noble  plant  for  subtropical  gardening,  was  also 
exhibited  by  Messrs.  Henderson  &  Son,  and  had  a  first-class  certificate. 

Dahlia  Monarch,  a  large  and  fine  dark  maroon  self  from  Mr.  Raw- 
lings,  of  Romford,  had  a  first-class  certificate,  and  a  like  award  was 
made  to  Mr.  Parker,  Maiden's  Grceu,  Winkfield,  for  Yellow  Standard, 
jirimrose  yellow.  Prince  Imperial,  buff,  with  a  deeper-coloured  centre, 
from  Mr.  C.  J.  Perry,  had  a  second-class  certificate.  Mr.  Harris,  of 
Orpington,  also  sent  several  seedlings.  Mr.  Rawlings  exhibited  a 
stand  of  bouquet  Dahlias. 

Mr.  Parker,  Victoria  Nursery,  Rugby,  exhibited  Ivy-leaved  Pelar- 
gonium Golden  Queen,  apparently  a  very  vigorous- growing  Jiind,  with 
large  leaves  edged  with  yellow,  and  largo  flowers,  white  tinged  with 
pink.     This  received  a  first-class  certificate. 

Messrs.  Standish  &  Co.  sent  a  collection  of  Retinosporas,  among 
which  were  several  variegated  forms,  the  pretty  R.  ericoides,  R.  lyco- 
podioides,  and  others.  For  this  collection  a  special  certificate  was  given. 

General  Meeting. — W.  Wilson  Saunders,  Esq.,  F.R.S.,  in  the 
chair.  Several  new  Fellows  having  been  elected,  and  the  awards  of 
the  Fruit  and  Floral  Committees  announced,  the  Chairman  called  on 
the  Rev.  M.  J.  Berkeley  to  comment  on  the  principal  subjects  ex- 
hibited, and  particularly  the  Fungi.  With  respect  to  these  he  (the 
Chairman),  said  that  such  exhibitions  were  of  importance,  because 
the  eye  must  be  educated  to  distinguish  the  good  species  from  the  bad  ; 
it  was  of  great  importance  to  assure  the  public  that  the  names  given 
were  correct,  and  it  was  only  by  the  eye  being  made  well  acquainted 
with  the  forms  and  characters  of  Fungi,  that  it  could  be  hoped  to  turn 
them  to  the  use  of  the  public  generally. 

Mr.  Berkeley  said  before  noticing  the  Fungi,  he  would  first  make 
some  remarks  on  the  plants  shown.  In  the  first  place  he  would  direct  at- 
tention to  Dendrobium  chrysoti3,  a  specimen  of  which  was  exhibited  at 


the  previous  meeting,  but  it  was  evident  there  was  a  great  difference 
between  it  and  D.  fimbriatum,  in  the  flowers  being  produced  on  a  leafy 
stem,  whilst  in  fimbriatum  they  were  borne  on  a  naked  stem;  there 
was  also  a  considerable  difference  in  the  substance  of  the  flowers. 
Several  of  the  plants  shown  in  Mr.  Wilson  Saunders'B  collection  were 
then  noticed,  especially  Trichoceras  parviflorus,  which,  it  was  said, 
would  be  an  admirable  model  for  an  artificial  fly,  which  would  prove 
"  very  killing."  Messrs.  Standish  &  Co.'s  Retinosporas  were  then 
referred  to  as  being  most  valuable  Conifers,  from  their  being  nearly  if 
not  quite  hardy,  and  it  was  mentioned  that  though  in  the  midland 
counties  Cupressus  macrocarpa  had  escaped  the  severe  frosts  of  past 
years,  at  Chiswick  a  fine  specimen  30  feet  high  had  succumbed.  A  new 
wood  from  Panama,  called  the  Cordoba  (?),  was  then  noticed  as  fine 
for  cabinet  work,  but  notwithstanding  its  high  colour,  it  afforded  no 
dye.  Some  specimens  of  the  Manks  Codlin  were  then  shown.  These 
came  from  Mr.  Beech,  gardener  to  the  Marquis  of  Northampton,  at 
Castle  Ashby,  and  all  of  them  were  Siamese  twins. 

Coming  next  to  the  Fungi,  Mr.  Berkeley  remarked  that  there  was 
a  beautiful  specimen  of  Hydnum  coralloides,  which  iB  extremely  rare 
in  this  country.  There  was  also  a  fine  example  of  the  dry-rot  Fungus 
from  Messrs.  Cripps,  of  Tunbridge  Wells.  This  was  by  far  too  com- 
mon, and  he  would  recommend  its  being  committed  to  the  flames  as 
soon  as  the  meeting  was  over,  as  there  were  probably  hundreds  of 
thousands  of  spores  in  the  specimen.  When  the  wainscoting  was  re- 
moved from  the  old  Palace  at  Kew,  there  was  a  specimen  of  this  many 
feet  in  diameter,  which  Sir  William  Hooker  described  as  presenting  a 
beautiful  appearance.  A  saturated  solution  of  corrosive  sublimate  was 
a  remedy  preventing  the  recurrence  of  the  Fungus  for  years  ;  but  it 
appeared  from  experience  with  railway  sleepers  that  those  so  treated  did 
not  stand  so  long  as  if  creosoted.  Among  the  Fungi  exhibited  there 
were  some  extremely  rare,  and  some  he  had  never  seen  before. 
Agaricns  melleus  was  labelled  both  as  edible  and  poisonous  ;  though 
it  was  eaten  in  Germany,  he  had  little  doubt  its  use  was  often  at- 
tended with  fatal  consequences.  Another  species  exhibited  among 
poisonous  Fungi  was  Boletus  luridus ;  now  he  had  some  time  ago 
received  a  letter  from  Sir  Walter  Trevelyan,  stating  he  was  in  the 
habit  of  eating  this  species ;  at  first  he  (Mr.  Berkeley)  doubted  this, 
but  on  specimens  arriving  in  good  condition  he  found  that  they  were 
the  genuine  B.  luridus.  Other  Fungi  noticed  were  Marasmius  oreades, 
which  was  one  of  the  very  best ;  the  gills  were  far  apart,  pale,  not 
brown  ;  A.  nebularis ;  Boletus  cdnlis,  known  by  its  mild  taste,  and 
the  strong  network  on  its  stem;  A.  Orcella,  and  A.  Prunulus  (not 
Badham's). 

It  was  absolutely  necessary  that  one  should  have  some  knowledge 
of  Fungi  before  eating  them,  but  the  same  applied  to  everything  else  ; 
for  example,  the  Water  Cress,  Horseradish,  &c,  for  each  of  which 
Brooklime,  Aconite,  &c,  had  been  mistaken.  Mr.  Worthington 
Smith  had  done  much  by  publishing  illustrations  of  edible  and  poison- 
ous Fungi  at  a  moderate  price,  and  which  were  excellent  guides  in 
distinguishing  the  one  from  the  other. 

Mr.  Berkeley  then  referred  to  Professor  Huxley's  address  to  the 
British  Association  at  Liverpool,  particularly  in  respect  to  spontaneous 
generation  and  to  the  influence  of  Fungi  in  disease.  With  regard  to 
the  supposed  origin  of  cholera  from  Fungi,  although  there  could  be  no 
doubt  choleraic  matter  formed  a  far  more  favourable  nidus  for  the 
low  forms  of  life  than  healthy  excretions,  yet  it  was  one  of  those  things 
that  had  still  to  be  proved,  and  that  with  great  precautions.  The 
prevalence  of  erysipelas  in  hospitals  might  not  improbably  be  due  to 
the  gelatinous  globules,  similar  to  those  seen  on  meat  in  an  incipient 
Btate  of  putrefaction,  being  carried  up  in  the  atmosphere,  and  alighting 
on  the  wounds  of  the  inmates. 

The  Chairman  having  proposed  a  vote  of  thanks  to  Mr.  Berkeley, 
which  was  carried  unanimously,  called  on  Mr.  William  Paul  for  some 
remarks  on  the  Roses  he  had  shown. 

Mr.  William  Paul  said — The  Roses  before  you  are  part  of  a  collec- 
tion  which  is  intended  to  bloom  from  the  present  time  to  Christmas. 
They  are  all  Tea-scented  Roses,  and  this  is  the  third  time  this  year 
that  they  have  been  covered  with  flowers — first  in  May,  again  in  July, 
and  now  in  October.  The  flowers  now  out  are  but  the  beginning  of 
the  third  series  ;  the  later  buds  on  the  plants  will  continue  to  unfold 
for  a  period  of  two  or  three  months.  The  plants  before  you  have  been 
kept  constantly  under  glass,  although  I  do  not  hold  this  to  be  an  indis- 
pensable condition  of  success.  I  havo  flowered  Tea-scented  Roses 
equally  well  out  of  doors  up  to  this  period,  but  from  October  onwards 
it  is  best  to  place  them  under  glass,  or  the  frost  and  probable  rain  may 
mar  the  beauty  of  the  flowers,  if  it  do  not  destroy  them.  Of  all 
Roses  the  Tea-scented  flower  the  most  continuously  and  abundantly  in 
tho  autumn  aud  winter.  The  plants  now  exhibited  were  kept  in  a  cold 
greenhouse  during  last  winter,  the  frost  barely  excluded.  They  were 
pruned  in  January  ;  and  after  the  first  flowering,  which  took  place  in 
May,  was  over,  the  flower-spikes  were  cut  off,  and  the  plants  were 
rested  by  withholding  water.  A  new  growth  shortly  followed,  pro- 
ducing the  second  flowering  in  July.  The  flower-spikes  were  again 
cut  off,  the  plants  again  rested  by  the  agency  of  drought.  The  third 
growth  took  place  in  August,  and  the  commencement  of  the  third  flow- 
ering is  now  before  you  These  flowers  are  not  so  large  as  those  pre- 
viously produced,  but  they  are  valuable,  and  will  become  more  so  as 
the  flowers  out  of  doors  grow  less  and  disappear.  In  their  future  a 
little  heat  will  be  employed  occasionally  to  mitigate  the  effect  of  the 
superabundant  moisture  of  autumn  and  winter. 


October  0,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


267 


The'next  meeting  was  announced  for  November  2nd,  on  which  day 
large-floworod  and  Pompon  Chrysanthemums,  berried  plants  in  pots, 
Potatoes,  and  dessert  Pears  form  the  principal  subjects  to  be  exhibited. 


THE  WILLOW  HERB  AS  A  BEDDING  PLANT. 
Within  the  present  month  we  have  seen  used  with  ex- 
cellent effect  the  common  Willow  Herb,  Epilobiurn  Lirsutum. 
As  a  broad  mass  forming  the  centre  of  a  large  bed  margined 
with  a  belt  of  something  in  contrast  with  it,  it  was  very  strik- 
ing, and  at  a  distance  we  concluded  it  was  the  Variegated  Mint ; 
on  nearing  it,  however,  and  seeing  its  delicate  pink  blossoms 
(which,  by  the  way,  should  not  have  been  allowed  to  show),  we 
recognised  the  pale  form  of  this  old  acquaintance.  For  all  the 
purposes  for  which  the  Variegated  Mint  is  used  this  is  equally 
valuable,  and,  we  think,  rather  more  effective.  We  had  not 
before  seen  it  used  as  a  bedder,  and  as  some  of  our  readers  may, 
too,  be  unfamiliar  with  its  capabilities  in  that  way,  we  think  it 
well  to  take  this  opportunity  of  making  them  known. — [Irish 
Farmers'  Gazette.) 

PORTRAITS  OF  PLANTS,  FLOWERS, and  FRUITS. 

LlSSOCHiLUS  Kr.EEsn  (Mr.  Kreb's  Lissocbilus).  Nat.  ord., 
Orchidace:n.  Linn.,  Gynandria  Monandria. — Native  of  Natal. 
Flowers  yellow. — (Bot.  Mag.,  t.  5861.) 

Calociiokxus  Leichtlinii  (Max  Leichtlin's  Calochortus). 
Nat.  ord.,  Liliacc  x.  Linn.,  Hexandria  Monogynia. — The  genus 
was  first  brought  to  the  front  by  David  Douglas,  one  of  the 
martyrs  of  botany,  but  his  discoveries  have  passed  away  from 
our  borders,  but  are  now  reappearing.  The  present  species, 
entirely  new,  is  a  native  of  the  Sierra  Nevada  of  California. 
Flowers  white,  with  a  purple  blotch  adjoining  the  nectary. — 
(Ibid.,  t.  5862.) 

Leftosipiion  parvifloruS  var.  rosaceus  (Rosy-flowered  Lep- 
tosiphon).  Nat.  ord.,  Polemoniaeeie.  Linn.,  Pentandria  Mo- 
nogynia.— "  A  most  lovely  representative  of  one  of  the  most 
variable  genera  of  hardy  annuals."  The  flowers  of  this  variety 
are  of  various  shades  of  colour,  from  pale  to  deep  rose  red. 
Native  of  California.— [Ibid.,  t,  5863.) 

Passiflora  arborea  (Tree  Passionflower).  Nat.  ord.,  Passi- 
flora;.  Linn.,  Pentandria  Trigynia. — Native  of  dense  forests  in 
the  mountain  districts  of  New  Grenada,  Ecuador,  and  Vene- 
zuela. Not  so  beautiful  as  the  commoner  species.  Flowers 
greenish  white.—  [Ibid.,  t.  58G4  ) 

Clusia  odorata  (Sweet-scented Clusia).  Nat.  ord.,  Clusiacea?. 
Linn.,  Polyandria  Monogynia. — "  An  inhabitant  of  the  volcano 
of  Cheriqui  in  New  Grenada."    Flowers  pink. — [Ibid.,  t.  58G5.) 

Earleija  Mackenii  (Mr.  McKen's  Barleria).  Nat.  ord., 
Acanthacete.  Linn.,  Diandria  Monogynia. — Native  of  Natal. 
Flowers  purple.  The  distiict  in  which  this  Barleria  is  found 
appears  to  be  botanically  little  known,  and  to  abound  in  novel- 
ties. Amongst  others  which  Mr.  McKen  has  procured  are  two 
magnificent  Heaths,  a  Phcenix  different  from  P.  reclinata,  and 
some  fine  Orcbi'e.c. — [Ibid.,  t.  5866.) 

Leptosiphon  roseus.  —  This  is  the  same  plant  as  noticed 
above.  "If  an  exception  be  made  in  favour  of  the  admirable 
Phlox  Drummondii,  none  of  the  annual  Phloxworts  are  more 
popular,  or  so  well  deserve  popularity,  as  the  plants  included  in 
the  genus  Leptosiphon.  Of  dwarf  and  compact  habit,  yielding 
profusely  their  star-like  blossoms  of  various  shades,  and  of 
the  easiest  cultivation  in  almost  any  soil,  it  can  scarcely  be  a 
matter  of  surprise  that  they  have  from  their  earliest  introduc- 
tion taken  place  in  the  first  rank.  For  twenty  years  the  genus 
was  represented  in  our  gardens  only  by  the  well-known  L.  an- 
drosaceus  and  L.  densiflorus,  with  their  white  varieties.  To 
these  were  at  length  added  the  charming  L.  luteus  and  its 
variety  aureus,  both  introduced  by  Messrs.  Veitch,  of  Chelsea  ; 
and  another,  though  it  may  be  hoped  not  a  final  addition,  may 
now  be  chronicled  in  the  Leptosiphon  roseus,  a  most  charming 
plant,  closely  related  in  habit  to  the  two  last  named,  which  it 
equals,  if  not  exceeds,  in  beauty  and  in  usefulness. 

"  This  elegant  and  attractive  little  annual  differs  from 
L.  aureus  almost  solely  in  its  colour,  which  is  a  most  pleasing 
tender  rose,  a  shade  by  no  means  easy  to  represent  adequately 
on  paper.  Like  that  of  its  congener,  its  habit  is  very  dwarf, 
rarely  exceeding  3  or  1  inches,  with  similarly  palmate  foliage, 
the  flowers  being  produced  in  clusters  terminating  the  stems 
and  branches.  The  elongated  corolla-tube,  so  characteristic  of 
the  genus,  is  fully  three  times  longer  than  the  limb,  which  is 
about  three-fourths  of  an  inch  in  diameter.  In  most  of  the 
specimens  the  rose-colour  is  uniform,  but  in  some  there  is  an 
approach  to  a  stripe,  or  flake,  which,  however,  in  no  degree 


detracts  from  the  appearance  of  the  plant.  Well-grown,  strong 
plants  will  yield  their  flowers  for  several  weeks  in  succession. 
To  obtain  specimens,  however,  that  will  give  the  maximum 
number  of  flowers,  it  is  essential  with  this,  as  with  the  other 
species,  indeed  with  all  other  annuals,  to  sow  thinly,  or  to 
transplant  the  Beedlings  while  young  to  such  a  distance  from 
each  other  as  will  afford  full  space  for  development.  When  the 
same  care  and  attention  that  are  bestowed  on  bedding  plants 
are  given  to  the  hardy  annuals,  then,  and  then  only,  will  their 
capabilities  be  discerned." — [Florist  and  Pomologist,  3  s.,iii.,  217.) 


AMATEUR  MARKET  GARDENING. 

It  has  now  become  a  fashion  for  persons  with  independent 
means  to  plant  fruit  trees  and  to  sell  their  produce  ;  a  few  words 
of  instruction  may  not  be  amiss  to  such  who  take  pleasure  in  fruit 
culture  and  yet  wish  to  derive  some  profit  from  their  gardens. 

Apples. — These  should  be  grafted  on  the  English  Paradise 
stock  (the  French  Paradise  stock  forms  pretty  trees  for  small 
gardens),  and  cultivated  either  as  bushes  or  pyramids.  They 
should  be  planted  4  feet  apart  in  rows,  and  the  central  space 
between  the  rows  may  be  cropped  with  light  crops,  such  as 
Onions,  &c,  for  six,  eight,  or  more  years,  till  the  trees  meet. 
Their  pruning  should  be  of  the  simplest ;  from  the  middle  to 
the  end  of  June  every  young  shoot  should  be  shortened  to  half 
its  length,  and  towards  the  end  of  August  all  the  young  shoots 
that  have  put  forth  since  the  June  pruning  should  be  shortened 
to  three  leaves.  In  winter  a  few  autumnal  shoots  will  still  be 
found  that  require  pruning,  these  should  all  be  shortened  to 
three  or  four  buds  ;  and  if  the  trees  are  aged  and  a  little  crowded 
with  shoots,  they  should  be  thinned  with  a  sharp  knife,  and 
this  will  constitute  the  whole  of  the  pruning  for  the  year.  If 
the  soil  be  rich  the  trees  may  be  planted  6  feet  apart,  or  if 
planted  at  4  feet  apart,  every  alternate  tree  may  be  removed 
and  replanted  in  fresh  soil  at  the  end  of  ten  or  twelve  years. 
In  all  cases  the  soil  should  be  solid — i.e.,  not  dug,  and  if  the 
trees  bear  too  profusely  so  as  to  exhaust  themselves,  some  de- 
composed manure,  about  five  bushels  to  25  square  yards,  should 
be  spread  on  the  surface  in  winter  and  left  there.  I  have  com- 
menced with  Apple9  because  they  are  the  fruit  of  the  people, 
almost  a  necessary  of  life. 

Cherries. — Those  of  the  Duke  and  Morello  tribe  may  be 
planted  as  bushes  and  pyramids,  4  feet  apart,  with  advantage  if 
grafted  on  the  Mahaleb  stock.  The  Heart  and  Bigarreau  Cherries, 
unless  double-grafted,  do  not  do  well  as  pyramids  in  gardens. 

Pears. — These  should  be  grafted  or  budded  on  the  Quince 
stock,  otherwise  their  growth  is  by  far  too  vigorous  ;  they  may 
be  planted  as  bushes,  and  nothing  in  fruit  culture  is  more 
beautiful  than  a  Pe:ir  tree  the  size  of  a  Gooseberry  bush  full  of 
large  fruit ;  4  feet  apart  for  bushes,  and  G  feet  apart  for  pyra- 
mids will  be  perfect  culture. 

Plujis. — Next  to  the  Apple  the  Plum  is  the  most  valuable 
domestic  fruit,  for  it  may  be  preserved  all  the  winter  without 
sugar  or  any  expense,  till  Plums  are  again  ready.  The  trees 
may  be  planted  6  feet  apart,  and  if,  as  is  the  case  with  some 
soils,  they  make  a  vigorous  growth  without  bearing  fruit,  the 
trees  should  be  taken  up  early  in  November  and  replanted  in 
the  same  place.  If  large  trees  are  required,  pyramidal  Plums 
may  be  thinned  out  so  as  to  stand  12  feet  apart;  their  produce 
here  by  this  course  is  something  to  wonder  at ;  my  trees  are 
twenty  years  old.  Pruning  in  all  these  cases  must  be  that  re- 
commended for  Apples. 

In  these  short  and  rough  notes,  I  have  given,  I  trust,  enough 
to  guide  those  who  wish  to  make  their  fruit  gardens  profitable. 
The  taste  for  good  fruit  is  every  year  increasing,  and  it  seems 
as  if  there  would  always  be  a  profitable  sale  for  healthy  fruit. 
I  have  only  to  note  that,  in  the  first  week  of  this  month 
(August,  1870),  from  1000  to  2000  bushels  of  my  Early  Prolific 
Plums  could  have  been  sold  in  Covent  Garden  at  a  remunerative 
price  ;  we  had  not  a  full  crop,  but  the  few  hundreds  of  baskets 
sent  up  made  me  wish  for  more.  Those  who  would  like  to 
know  a  fruit  salesman,  may  apply  to  Mr.  John  Black,  Covent 
Garden  Market. 

A  few  words  as  to  market-garden  planting  will,  I  think,  do 
good,  and  I  give  them  as  axioms:— Do  not  plant  many  varieties 
but  find  out  by  trial — i.e.,  planting  several  sorts,  one  tree  of 
each  sort,  and  closely  observe  them,  and  if  you  find  one  or  two 
or  three  sorts  more  prolific  than  others,  plant  from  fifty  to  five 
hundred  of  such  a  sort.  About  thirty  years  since  I  found  that 
one  tree  of  Louise  Bonne  Pear  bore  a  crop  when  some  hundreds 
of  sorts  failed.  Our  plantation  of  this  sort  on  Quince  stocks, 
i  for  fruit  for  market,  is  now  5000  trees.    And  again,  my  Early 


268 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  6,  1870. 


Rivers  or  Early  Prolific  Plnm  is  so  popular,  that  our  plantation 
of  bearing  pyramids  is  now  nearly  5000.  Of  new  Pears  for 
market,  Madame  Treyve  is  a  great  bearer,  and  most  exoellent 
Pear ;  Beurre  de  l'Assomption  is  large  and  good ;  BeurrG 
Eachelier,  Beurre  Clairgeau,  Beurre  d'Amanlis,  and  Doyenne 
dn  Cornice  are  good  market  Pears.  Of  Plums,  Prince  Engel- 
bert,  Belgian  Purple,  Reine  Claude  de  Bavay,  Angelina  Burdett, 
Early  Orleans,  and  Belle  de  Septembre  may  be  planted  as  pyra- 
mids G  feet  apart  with  great  advantage.  I  ought  to  mention 
here,  that  my  plantation  of  Apple  trees  3  feet  apart  is  now  ten 
years  old  and  in  full  bearing,  as  are  my  Louise  Bonne  Pears, 
five  years  old,  also  3  feet  apart. — (Extracted  from  Messrs.  Rivers 
and  Son's  Descriptive  Catalogue  of  Fruit  Trees,  1870.) 


GROUND  .VINERIES. 


The  ground-vinery  system  is  so  full  of  interest  in  itself,  and 
offers  such  important  advantages  to  those  who  garden  on  a 
small  scale — i  e.,  to  the  many,  that  I  fancy  you  will  be  glad  to 
give  publicity  to  the  following  statement. 

There  are  two  plans  of  ground  vineries  now  proposed  for 
acceptance.  One  is  the  plan  introduced  to  the  public  by  Mr. 
Rivers  in  his  "  Miniature  Fruit  Garden  "  some  years  ago,  in 
which  he  recommends  a  framework  of  wood  or  iron  in  the 
form  of  a  ridge,  and  glazed  with  glass.  This  is  placed  on 
bricks.fand  the  Vine  is  trained  under  it  on  a  floor  of  slate. 
The  other  is  Mr.  Rendle's  plan,  which  for  the  frame  of  wood 
substitutes  his  patent  blicks.  These  are  built  up  according  to 
the  method  shown  in  his  published  engravings  and  directions, 
moveable  squares  of  glass  are  employed  to  cover-in  the  enclosed 
space,  and  the  Vine  is  trained  within,  as  in  the  former  caBe. 

I  have  employed  the  plan  recommended  by  Mr.  Rivers  for 
growing  Grapes  for  two  or  three  years  with  very  fair  success; 
but  having  occasion  to  lengthen  my  vinery,  and  not  being  able 
to  procure  any  more  of  the  iron  frames  for  glazing  which  I  had 
hitherto  used,  I  sent  for  some  of  Mr.  Rendle's  bricks.  I  have 
two  Vines  growing  side  by  side,  and  leaving  one  under  glazed 
iron-ridge  frames,  I  constructed  over  the  other  Vine  Mr. 
Rendle's  ground  vinery  of  bricks  and  glass. 

Daring  the  past  summer  I  have  been  able  to  test  the  merits 
of  the  two  plans,  and  in  the  interests  of  femateur  gardening  I 
proceed  to  tell  you  the  results  of  the  trial.  I  found  Mr.  Rendle's 
plan  in  every  wav  superior  to  that  proposed  by  Mr.  Rivers. 
There  was,  first  of  all,  an  earlier  development  of  the  leaf  and 
flower  in  Rendle's  vinery,  and  a  greater  uniformity  of  tempe- 
rature. As  the  season  advanced  the  texture  of  the  leaf,  and 
its  colour  so  much  superior  to  that  of  the  other  Vine,  have  been 
a  constant  object  of  remark  by  myself  and  all  who  have  seen 
the  Vines,  and,  as  a  consequence,  the  Grapes  are  larger,  they 
have  ripened  earlier,  and  have  a  colour,  bloom,  and  finish 
which  I  fancy  it  would  be  difficult  to  surpass  by  any  other  mode 
of  cultivation.  The  VineB  are  Black  Hamburgh,  and  the  Vine 
which  has  done  so  well  in  the  P.endle  viDery  did  not,  when  the 
two  Vines  were  grown  under  the  glass  ridge,  ripen  its  fruit  so 
soon  88  the  other. 

I  think,  therefore,  we  have  here  a  very  good  test  of  the 
respective  merits  of  the  two  plans.  I  have  called  these 
methods  of  cultivation  (between  which  I  have  drawn  a  com- 
parison) by  the  names  of  Rivers  and  Kendle,  not  because  there 
is  any  controversy  between  the  two  individuals  as  to  the  utility 
of  their  respective  plans,  but  simply  for  distinction's  sake.  I 
know  that  Mr.  Rivers  thinks  highly  of  Mr.  Rendle's  plant- 
protector  system,  and  uses  it. — W.  B.  Capabn,  Draycot  Vicar- 
age, Wcston-svper-Mare. 

[Mr.  Caparn  sent  us  two  bunches  of  Black  Hamburgh 
Grapes ;  the  berries  on  that  labelled  "  Rendle  "  were  larger, 
better  coloured,  and  sweeter  than  the  berries  of  that  labelled 
"  Rivers."— Eds.] 

POMOLOGICAL   GLEANINGS. 

Eceland  Vale  Apple. — Who  can  tell  us  the  origin  or  the 
history  of  this  Apple  ?  During  a  short  tour  amongst  the  gar- 
dens of  Ireland  lately,  the  Apple  which  above  all  others  at- 
tracted onr  attention,  and  which  there  seemed  the  most  general 
favourite,  was  that  called  Eckland  Vale.  Its  great  size,  its 
clear,  handsome  appearance,  and  its  great  productiveness  on 
young  trees  and  on  old  trees  in  almost  every  garden  we  visited, 
were  very  marked.  The  name  was  new  to  us ;  the  Apple,  how- 
ever, had  a  somewhat  familiar  look,  as  if  we  had  known  it 
before  under  another  name,  yet  never  have  we  seen  it.  or  one 
like  it,  so  beautiful  and  fine  as  we  found  it  at  Mount  Merrion, 


near  Dublin.  Specimens  before  us  now,  which  we  picked  at 
random  from  a  small  tree  in  the  gardens  there,  are  very  large, 
upwards  of  4  inches  in  diameter,  rather  flattened,  or  what  we 
would  call  of  the  Pippin  shape,  slightly  angular.  The  eye  is 
large,  pretty  deeply  sunk.  Stalk  deeply  sunk  also,  about  half 
an  inch  in  length,  the  end  just  level  with  the  base  of  the  fruit. 
Colour  pale  greenish  yellow,  slightly  flushed  with  crimson  on 
the  exposed  side,  and  haviDg  a  few  small  ferruginous  specks 
over  the  surface,  with  a  slight  patch  of  russet  near  the  stalk. 
The  flesh  is  whitish,  rather  Boft  and  light,  not  evidently  in- 
tended to  keep  long,  briskly  acid  in  flavour,  and  delicate  in 
texture.  This  is  an  Apple  which,  when  cooked,  will  dissolve 
very  rapidly  and  completely,  thus  fixing  its  place  as  a  very  ex- 
cellent early  autumn  sauce  Apple. 


BrockworthPark  Fear. 

In  the  colouring  of  the  fruit  and  some  of  its  features  it  iff 
very  similar  to  the  Wormsley  Pippin  and  Stirling  Castle.  It 
differs  from  the  Wormsley  Pippin  in  having  acid  instead  of 
sweet  flash,  and  in  the  stalk,  &o. ;  and  from  the  Stirling 
Castle  it  is  likewise  distinct.  Some  of  the  paler  specimens 
resemble  Small's  Admirable,  but  it  is  not  that.  It  was  sent 
out,  we  are  informed,  from  one  nursery  in  this  country  a 
few  years  ago  as  Prizetaker,  but  that  was  merely  a  name 
Rdopted  for  trade  purposes.  In  the  gardens  around  Dublin 
it  was  Baid  to  be  a  Scotch  Apple.  At  Belfast  we  were  told  it 
was  an  Irish  seedling  raised  in  that  neighbourhood.  Will 
some  one  clear  up  the  mystery  ?  Here  is  an  Apple  quite  un- 
known in  the  London  markets,  but  which  would  fetch  the 
highest  price  in  its  season,  and  by  its  exceeding  productiveness 
would  well  repay  the  grower. 

Brockworth  Park  Pear. — In  September  we  are  already  so 


October  6,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


260 


well  supplied  with  good  and  useful  Pears,  that  new  varieties 
Beem  scarcely  to  be  required.  It  would  appear,  however,  that 
good  as  our  supply  may  be,  and  satisfied  as  we  have  been, 
there  is  yet  room  for  improvement — yet  room  for  another  good 
Pear,  Brockworth  Park. 

This  is  an  English  seedling,  and  far  in  advance  of  nineteen- 
twentieths  of  the  continental  trash  which  is  vear  by  year 
forced  upon  us.  It  is,  indeed,  a  first-class  Pear,  and  the 
standard  is  now  placed  high.  It  has  been  awarded  a  first-class 
certificate  by  the  Fruit  Committee  of  the  Royal  Horticultural 
Society.  At  the  first  glance  it  greatly  resembles  a  pale  Louise 
Bonne  of  Jersey.  The  fruit  is  large,  pyriform,  rather  bulged 
in  the  centre.  Skin  smooth,  pale  yellow,  slightly  flashed  and 
streaked  with  crimson  on  the  exposed  side.  Eye  small,  close, 
segments  of  the  calyx  pointed,  set  in  a  shallow  basin,  the  end 
of  the  fruit  being  frequently  blunt.  Stalk  about  an  inch  long, 
stoutish,  obliquely  inserted  without  any  depression.  Flesh 
white,  delicate,  buttery  and  melting,  very  juicy,  rich,  and 
■vinous,  exceedingly  pleasant  to  eat,  greatly  resembling  in  tex- 
ture the  well-known  Marie  Louise.  This  we  welcome  as  a 
valuable  addition,  and  congratulate  the  raiser  on  his  success. 
We  believe  it  will  be  sent  out  by  Messrs.  J.  C.  Wheeler  &  Son, 
of  Gloucester. 

THE  DODDERS. 
Last  week  the  Dodder  plant  was  found  growing  luxuriantly 
on  the  Hop,  in  this  parish  (Lamberhurst).  It  appeared  to  me 
to  be  the  same  variety  that  attacks  the  Clover.  I  am  not 
aware  that  the  Dodder  has  been  found  before  as  a  parasite  on 
the  Hop,  and  there  has  been  no  Clover  near  the  field  in  question 
for  some  years. — W.  C.  Morland. 

[We  have  received  another  query  relative  to  the  Dodder,  our 
correspondent  asking,  "  Is  there  more  than  one  kind  of  Dodder, 
or  is  the  Dodder  which  I  have  had  on  my  Parsnip  crop  here 
(Jersey),  the  same  Dodder  that  attacks  the  Clover  ?"  So  far 
from  there  being  only  one,  there  are  at  least  fifty  known  species 
of, Dodder,  Cuscuta  of  botanists,  and  all  of  them  have  been  well 
described  as  "  plants  like  fine,  closely-entwined,  wet  catgut." 
The  following  is  one  of  the  more  recently  discovered  : — 

Cuscuta  Californica,  raised  from  seeds  received  from  Mr. 
Hartweg,  and  said  to  be  collected  in  fields  near  Sonomii,  in 
California.  This  little  parasite  clings  by  its  delicate  thready 
Btems  to  any  branch  or  leaf  within  its  reach.  Its  minute 
flowers  are  at  first  in  close  heads,  but  as  it  grows  older  they 
separate,  and  eventually  form  short  loose  racemes  ;  their  colour 
is  white,  and  their  smell  very  agreeable.  Although  Professor 
Choisy  regards  it  as  a  true  Dodder,  it  probably  ought  to  con- 


stemmed  annual  in  pots  ;  and  when  strong  enough,  and  before 
it  destroys  the  annual  plant  which  it  first  grew  upon,  some 
softwooded  shrub,  such  as  Lotus  Jacobcea,  or  Pelargonium, 
Bhould  be  brought  within  its  reach ;  it  will  soon  adhere  and 
grow  freely  upon  it. 

It  is  a  free-blooming  little  parasite,  more  curious  than 
ornamental. 

The  Dodder  we  have  known  on  the  Jersey  Parsnips  is  the 
Cuscuta  epitbymum,  or  Lesser  Dodder,  and  most  frequents 
Furze  and  Heaths,  but  less  frequently  fixes  on  Thyme  and 
some  other  plants.  Cuscuta  europaja  is  a  much  larger  and  more 
robust  plant,  having  stout  red  stems,  attacking  especially  the 
Flax  crop,  but  it  rarely  occurs  in  England.  Both  specieB  have 
been  observed  growing  on  Hop  plants  ;  and,  in  fact,  if  the  seed 
of  a  Dodder  be  sown  near  any  softwooded  plants  it  will  attach 
to  them,  and  the  juices  of  the  Dodder  partake  in  some  degree 
of  the  qualities  of  the  plants  on  which  it  is  parasitical.  The 
common  name  is  thus  explained  in  our  "  Wild  Flowers  of 
Great  Britain  :  " — 

"Dodder,  the  most  common  name  in  England,  is  derived 
from  the  Dutch  and  German  name  for  the  plant,  Dodern  or 
Todern.  Dodd  signifying  a  bunch  ;  and  dot,  a  tangled  thread. 
Its  ancient  British  name,  Cwlm  y  cctdd,  tangle  upon  wood,  and 
the  French  name  Goute  de  Lin,  a  bit  of  flax,  all  refer  to  the 
form  of  the  plant,  which  old  Turner  well  describes  as  '  lyke  a 
red  harpe  stryng,  and  it  wyndeth  about  herbes,  folding  much 
about  them.'  It  is  so  destructive  to  the  plants  upon  the  saps 
of  which  it  lives,  that  it  has  received  the  local  names  of  Devil's- 
guts  and  Hell-weed."] 


stitnte  a  new  genus  ;  for  it  has  but  one  style,  the  peculiar 
scales  within  the  corolla  of  the  genuine  Cuscutas  are  deficient, 
and  the  upper  part  of  the  flowerstalk  is  fleshy  and  transparent. 
In  the  accompanying  cut — 1,  iepreseats  a  flower  magn;fijd  ;  2,  a 
corolla  laid  open  ;  3,  a  pistil;  and  4,  a  cross  Bection  of  the  ovary. 
The  seeds  should  be  sown  along  with  those  of  Borne  soft- 


WORK  FOR  THE  WEEK. 

KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

Let  all  Asparagus  be  cut  down  as  soon  as  decaying,  and  the 
surface  of  the  beds  dragged  off  into  the  alleys  with  a  rough 
rake  or  fork.  The  beds  may  have  a  slight  salting  at  once,  and 
decayed  manure  may  be  wheeled  on  them  and  spread  as  soon 
as  an  opportunity  occurs.  Pot  and  prick  out  sufficient  Cauli- 
flower plants  immediately.  A  considerable  quantity  of  Endive 
should  be  tied  forthwith,  in  order  to  avoid  any  check  to  the 
heart  through  early  frosts.  All  Bpare  frames  and  pits  should 
be  taken  advantage  of.  If  they  covered  Melons  or  Cucumbers 
the  haulm  may  be  removed,  and  the  strong  Endive,  half 
blanched,  may  be  planted  with  good  balls  of  earth  as  thickly 
as  they  can  stand  by  each  other.  Do  not,  however,  water  them  ; 
if  the  soil  is  dry,  so  much  the  better.  Make  provision  for  pro- 
tecting in  frosty  nights  Kidney  Beans  in  full  bearing ;  theii 
season  may  sometimes  be  prolonged  for  some  weeks  by  avert- 
ing a  single  night's  frost.  Continue  to  secure  plenty  of  the 
August-sown  Lettuces;  an  old  frame  or  pit  should  be  filled 
with  the  latest  sowing.  They  may  be  pricked  out  as  thickly 
as  they  can  stand  by  each  other,  choosing  small  and  compact 
plants.  Let  autumn  Lettuce  be  tied  up  to  blanch  as  soon  as 
ready.  Go  over  the  Sorrel,  and  cut  down  all  overgrown  plants, 
to  profile  young  leaves  for  winter  supply. 

fruit  garden. 
The  general  impression  among  practical  men  is  that  autumn 
planting  is  superior  to  spring  planting,  and  as  an  advocate  of 
the  former  I  would  advise  those  who  intend  making  new  or- 
chards, removing  large  fruit  trees,  or  replacing  decayed  young 
ones,  to  commence  preparatory  operations  immediately.  In 
the  first  place  secure  fresh,  sound  loam,  and  if  it  can  be  ob- 
tained with  some  rough  turf  in  it,  so  much  the  better ;  if  not, 
it  will  do  to  mix  rough  stable  litter,  straw,  or  any  other  coarse 
material  with  the  loam  when  filling  it  into  the  holes.  The  loam 
being  provided,  and  thrown  iuto  a  high  and  sharp  ridge  in 
order  to  throw  off  the  rains,  the  next  proceeding  is  to  thoroughly 
drain  the  site  intended  for  planting;  without  this  all  subse- 
quent operations  will  only  end  in  disappointment.  Stations 
may  then  be  formed  by  making  a  bottom  of  broken  stone 
rubble,  broken  bricks,  or  other  hard  materials,  placing  a  coating 
of  cinders  on  this  hard  surface  to  prevent  the  soil  from  enter- 
ing the  porous  materials  beneath.  As  to  depth,  great  modera- 
tion is  advisable  if  the  kinds  are  in  any  way  tender  and  designed 
for  the  dwarfing  system.  For  such,  18  inches  in  depth  of  soil 
will  be  sufficient,  and  if  the  ground  is  of  a  moist  character, 
one-third  of  the  bulk  of  soil  should  rise  above  the  ordinary 
ground  level ;  indeed,  in  all  cases  it  is  well  to  raise  it  consider- 
ably. A  trench  should  be  thrown  out  without  delay  round  very 
large  trees  intended  for  removal.  Tbis  will  at  once  check  late 
growth,  and  induoe  a  disposition  to  produce  fibres. 


270 


JOURNAL  OF   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  October  6,  1870. 


FLOWER   GARDEN. 

Trim  and  dress  frequently  duriDg  the  decline  of  tbe  season. 
Look  well  after  choice  seeds.  Dahlias  should  be  earthed-up 
round  the  stems  to  preserve  the  crown  of  the  root  should  any 
frost  suddenly  come.  In  consequence  of  the  fine  autumn  a 
good  quantity  of  seed  will  be  gathered  ;  choose  a  fine  day,  and 
cut  that  which  is  ripe  :  it  may  be  gradually  dried.  Auriculas 
will  require  more  attention  now.  Raise  the  frames  on  bricks, 
keep  the  lights  off  as  much  as  possible,  but  always  draw  them 
over  the  plants  in  heavy  or  continuous  rain.  Plant  offsets  of 
Tulips  as  quickly  as  possible,  and  make  preparations  for  plant- 
ing the  best  beds  towards  the  latter  part  of  the  month.  All 
soft  or  diseased  bulbs  had  better  be  planted  forthwith.  I  fear 
many  fine  seedlings  have  been  seriously  thrown  back,  and  in 
some  instances  wholly  lost,  by  last  season's  blight,  frost,  and 
mildew.  If  the  beds  of  Pansies  for  next  year's  blooming  are 
not  already  made,  lose  no  time  in  putting  tbe  plants  out,  that 
they  may  be  established  before  frost  comes.  Take  off  all  rooted 
layers  of  Carnations  and  Picotees,  pot  them  in  half-pint  or  pint 
pots,  and  place  them  in  a  frame  for  ten  days. 

GREENHOUSE    AND    CONSERVATORY. 

Much  has  to  be  done  in  these  and  the  other  plant  houses  for 
the  next  fortnight.  All  pots  should  be  washed  clean  and  all 
insects  extirpated.  Should  any  plants  prove  so  foul  that  some 
time  must  elapse  before  they  can  be  thoroughly  cleaned,  they 
had  better  be  removed  to  the  plant  hospital  or  some  of  the  other 
houses  where  they  will  be  out  of  sight  and  can  do  no  mischief. 
Everything  must  now  be  made  thoroughly  clean,  if  success  is 
to  be  obtained  through  the  dull  winter  months,  Above  all 
things  let  the  glass,  both  roof  and  sides,  be  washed  ;  those  who 
are  unfortunately  scant  of  labour  cannot  accomplish  this,  but 
the  difference  in  point  of  success  between  a  dirty  roof  and  a 
clean  one  will  be  found  enormous,  all  other  matters  being 
equal.  Let  everything  liable  to  suffer  from  frost  be  housed 
immediately.  A  single  night's  frost  will  render  nugatory  the 
labour  of  maDy  months.  The  tall  Cacti  should  by  this'  time 
have  completed  their  growth;  it  is  good  plan  to  remove  the 
terminal  point  from  such  as  are  still  growing,  and  to  diminish 
the  supply  of  water  ;  indeed,  V.-ey  will  need  very  little,  if  any, 
between  the  end  of  October  and  January.  Let  them  have 
abundance  of  light,  which  is  of  paramount  importance  in  secur- 
ing good  bloom.  'Whatever  watering  may  be  necessary  should 
be  done  early  in  the  day,  so  as  to  allow  of  getting  the  super- 
fluous moisture  dried-up  before  night,  for  there  is  much  more 
danger  from  damp  among  plants  in  flower  at  this  season  than 
from  frost.  Preserve  a  rather  low  temperature  ;  and  on  cold, 
dull,  cloudy  days  it  will  be  advisable  to  use  a  little  fire  heat 
with  air,  so  as  to  secure  a  moderately  dry  state  of  the  atmo- 
sphere before  night.  Use  fire  heat  very  sparingly,  however, 
and  only  when  it  may  be  necessary  to  prevent  it  jury  from  damp, 
or  to  keep  the  temperatnre  from  falling  below  40".  Where 
plants  have  been  brought  from  warmer  he  uses  it  will  hardly  be 
safe  to  allow  the  night  temperature  to  average  below  45°,  but 
in  houses  containing  a  mixed  collection  of  plants  there  is  mo:  e 
danger  to  be  apprehended  from  a  high  night  temperature  than 
from  keeping  it  somewhat  lower  than  may  be  suitable  for  some 
of  the  inmates. 

STOVE. 

The  temperature  of  this  house  must,  of  course,  decline  with 
the  decline  of  the  year;  as  light  is  restricted,  so,  too,  must  be 
the  heat.  Continue  to  remove  to  a  cooler  house  with  less 
atmospheric  moisture  all  Orchids  which  have  thoroughly 
ripened  their  growths.  The  Cattleyas,  when  rooting  freely,  will 
coatinue  to  sprout  buds  from  the  base  of  the  pseudo-bulbs  if 
kept  in  constant  excitement;  this,  although  it  increases  the 
volume  of  the  plant,  robs  the  blossom.  The  Aerides,  Dendro- 
biums,  &c,  will  continue  to  enjoy  a  tolerable  amount  of  both 
heat  and  moisture.  In  the  growing  or  warmest  house  let  80° 
by  day  and  70°  by  night  be  the  maximum  for  a  week  or  two  ; 
for  the  other  at  rest,  G5°  by  day  and  60°  by  night  will  be 
sufficient. 

FORCINQ   PIT. 

Frost  may  shortly  be  expected,  and  the  pleasure  ground  and 
flower  garden  will  then  be  stripped  of  its  gay  colours ;  how 
to  preserve  and  encourage  in  doors  a  constant  succession  of 
flowers  during  the  dull  winter  months  becomes,  therefore,  an 
important  consideration  at  this  period.  Part  of  this  business 
may  be  accomplished  by  retarding  autumn  flowers,  and  part 
by  genuine  forcing.  Success  in  the  latter,  it  is  well  known, 
depends  in  no  small  degree  on  elegibility  of  the  plants  selected, 
as  well  as  on  the  condition  of  the  stock  at  the  end  of  autumn. 
All  plants  intended  for  this  purpose  should  have  undergone  a 


preparatory  course  for  weeks,  nay  for  months,  previous.  An 
equally  important  concern  is  to  provide  a  proper  house  or  pit. 
In  such  a  place  three  or  four  principles  are  of  the  greatest  im- 
portance, and  must  be  duly  secured — viz.,  a  sufficiency  of  at- 
mospheric heat,  a  steady  and  permanent  bottom  heat  of,  as 
near  as  possible,  75°,  plenty  of  atmospheric  moisture  at  com- 
mand, and  abundance  of  light ;  in  addition,  a  night  covering 
would  be  a  great  acquisition.  Those  who  cannot  command 
such  a  perfect  structure  may  resort  to  a  pit  heated  by  ferment- 
ing materials,  the  best  and  most  enduring  of  which  are  tree 
leaves,  more  especially  those  of  the  Oak.  Two-thirds  of  these, 
fresh  from  the  trees,  mixed  with  one-third  of  last  year's  stock 
in  a  half-perished  state,  and  trodden  firmly  to  the  depth  of 
4  feet  or  more,  will  make  a  gradual  and  enduring  warmth.  A 
coating  of  tan  may  be  placed  over  it  for  plunging.  Some 
structure  of  this  kind  should  be  prepared  as  soon  as  fresh 
leaves  can  be  obtained. — W.  Keane. 


DOINGS  OF  THE  LAST    WEEK. 

Another  sunny  week,  but  trying  to  most  things  not  fully 
established.  All  tbe  water  we  saved  from  the  rains  has  been 
used-up  for  nearly  a  week,  and  but  for  the  cooler,  longer,  and 
dewy  nights  we  should  be  feeling  very  much  the  want  of  water. 
Partly  owing  to  the  heat  and  the  dryness,  we  have  been  visited 
with  clouds  of  flies.  On  the  afternoon  of  the  28th  ult.  the 
air  was  filled  with  them.  We  could  scarcely  move  without 
being  covered,  aDd  eyes,  mouth,  and  nostrils  getting  their  share. 
On  some  places  they  formed  large  clusters  like  bees.  The  flies 
were  about  half  the  size  of  the  common  house  fly,  and  brownish 
in  colour.  They  have  been  more  scanty  since,  though  there 
were  plenty  of  gnats  and  ephemeral  flies  that  enjoyed  their 
short  existence  in  the  sunbeams.  It  appeared,  too,  that  in 
the  afternoon  numbers  of  the  small  greenish  fly  that  have 
plastered  the  leaves  of  Turnips  and  Cabbages,  rose  on  the  wing 
for  short  periods.  Altogether  one  might  have  supposed  we 
were  going  to  be  visited  with  one  of  the  plagues  of  Egypt. 
Every  day  we  are  reminded  how  dependant  we  are,  and  how 
even  the  most  minute  organisms  and  the  smallest  insects  may 
render  nugatory  all  our  efforts.  How  soon  the  red  spider  and 
the  green  fly  would,  if  left  to  themselves,  leave  little  but  a  wreck 
in  our  vineries  and  Cucumber  houses  !  This  season  good  fields 
of  Turnips  have  here  been  the  exception,  not  the  rule;  and 
even  some  of  the  best  of  these  fields,  after  passing  through  the 
ordeal  of  possible  attacks  from  the  Turnip  beetle  and  growing 
rapidly,  considering  the  dry  season,  are  now  next  to  destroyed 
by  whole  clouds  of  a  small  greenish  fly  plasterii  g  the  leaves. 
Caterpillars  and  a  similar  fly  are  causing  Bad  havoc  in  the 
gardens  in  the  neighbourhood,  attacking  everything  of  the 
Cabbage  tribe  and  leaving  little  but  wrecks  behind.  A  cottager 
told  us  lately  that  they  had  much  reason  to  be  grateful  for  the 
fine  crops  of  early  Potatoes,  as  they  would  be  very  expensive  to 
purchase  soon,  owing  to  the  devastations  of  tho  fly  among  the 
Greens  of  all  sorts  that  would  have  helped  in  winter. 

KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

Cabbages. — As  already  stated,  we  have  scarcely  suffered  at 
all  from  caterpillars.  Scotch  Kale,  Savoys,  Brussels  Sprouts, 
and  Cauliflowers  scarcely  present  a  hole  as  marking  where 
they  had  been  present.  All  these,  too,  have  escaped  this  little 
fly,  though  here  and  there  patches  are  to  be  found.  It  has 
been  worst  on  the  young  Cabbages  just  planted  out  and  be- 
ginning to  grow.  The  little  point  of  growth  in  the  heart  and 
the  smaller  leaves  round  it  would  be  covered  with  the  flies,  and 
these,  if  left  to  themselves,  would  soon  suck  out  all  the  juices, 
and  if  the  plant  lived  at  all,  it  would  either  grow  without  a 
heart,  or  send  up  from  the  base  two  or  three  heads  instead  of 
one,  and  thus  retard  the  time  of  cutting  for  use.  By  dusting, 
squeezing,  and  syringing  with  clear  soot  and  lime  water,  we 
thought  we  had  got  rid  of  the  intruders,  but  we  find  that  others 
have  come  and  taken  their  place.  This  week,  too,  many  of  the 
stumps  of  the  Cabbages  that  were  planted  in  the  autumn  of 
1809,  and  which  were  looking  so  well,  are  becoming  covered 
with  these  insects,  and  if  let  alone  and  no  heavy  rains  come, 
they  will  soon  be  in  as  bad  a  plight  as  some  of  our  best  Turnip 
fields.  We  find  that  sewage  water,  if  dear  and  not  too  strong, 
not  only  kills  them  but  prevents  them  from  coming.  Even  on 
young  Cabbages  it  is  quite  as  effectual  as  clear  soot  water. 
Fine  soot  is  very  good  as  a  slight  sprinkling.  Neither  that, 
however,  nor  the  sewage  water  over  the  top  or  leaves  would 
do  where  the  vegetable  was  to  be  used  soon  afterwards. 

It  is  always  well  to  be  learning  even  in  little  things,  for,  like 


October  6,  1B70.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


271 


little  insects,  they  may  become  of  great  importance.  We  have 
had  no  occasion  to  net  from  birds,  game,  mice,  or  rats  seeds 
committed  to  the  ground,  since  we  dusted  them  with  red  lead. 
The  most  singular  fact  is,  that  hardly  ever  is  a  hole  made  to 
find  out  what  like  the  seeds  are.  The  instinct  of  the  intruders 
seems  to  say  to  them,  It  would  be  dangerous  even  to  hole  the 
soil.  So  in  the  present  case,  could  we  do  it  without  being 
uncomfortable  to  ourselves,  we  have  a  strong  growing  conviction 
that  strong  unpleasant  scents  would  greatly  deter  our  insect 
enemies  from  visiting  us  in  their  various  transformations.  It 
is  often  possible  to  secure  a  scent  that  would  be  distasteful  to 
them  and  yet  be  encouraging  to  vegetation,  such  as  placing 
strong  soot  water  or  other  ammoniacal  water  in  the  evaporating 
pans  of  hothouses.  The  fumes  of  sulphur  are  as  distasteful  to 
many  insects  as  they  are  to  man,  and  if  not  presented  too  hot 
will  do  little  injury  to  plants.  We  shall  use  the  garden  engine 
with  not  the  most  pleasant  waters  on  our  old  Cabbage  quarters, 
as  we  have  enough  to  keep  us  going  elsewhere  until  a  cleansing 
rain  shall  come. 

Potatoes  should  now  be  mostly  out  of  the  ground  ;  and,  espe- 
cially where  they  are,  owing  to  the  dryness,  taking  a  second 
growth  at  the  roots,  and  are  sending  out  fresh  tubers  from  the 
old  ones.  The  other  day  wo  saw  young  Potatoes  as  big  as 
walnuts,  some  even  as  large  as  eggs,  coming  from  tho  regular 
tubers,  and  these  even  not  over-ripe.  In  all  such  cases  the 
young  tubers  are  waxy  and  watery,  and  the  oider  ones  are 
rendered  hard  and  often  stringy.  It  is  best  to  take  them  up 
whenever  this  tendency  manifests  itself,  as  there  can  be  no 
question  the  crop  is  otherwise  greatly  deteriorated  in  quality. 
In  a  few  limited  cases  such  an  unfortunate  occurrence  may  be 
turned  to  a  beneficial  result.  For  instance,  we  had  lately  sent 
to  us  a  Potato  plant  of  a  late  white  kidney  variety  with  seven 
or  eight  nice-sized  tubers  attached  to  it,  and  from  each  tuber 
there  had  come  from  one  to  three  tubers  from  the  size  of 
marbles  to  that  of  walnuts.  There  were  some  six  rows  of 
40  feet  in  length  in  this  condition.  As  young  Potatoes  always 
brought  a  good  price,  especially  after  February,  we  advised  to 
let  them  alone,  merely  giving  them  an  earthing-up,  removing 
the  haulm  as  soon  as  it  decayed,  and  covering  the  rows  over  with 
litter  to  exclude  frost,  and  to  dig  out  in  spring  for  the  new 
Potatoes.  For  private  use  such  tubers,  as  new  waxy  Potatoes, 
could  come  in  before  Christmas,  but  old  gardeners  know  that 
it  is  of  little  use  to  tempt  with  such  things  as  early  Potatoes 
until  after  the  new  year,  or  even  till  after  parliament  has  met. 
Of  course  such  Potatoes  might  not  be  so  good  as  those  grown 
during  most  of  the  winter  in  pits  and  frames,  but  having  tried 
the  plan  several  times  they  are  very  passable,  and  we  should 
think  much  better  than  the  old  Potatoes  which,  it  is  said,  are 
sometimes  brushed  and  scrubbed  to  get  the  skin  off,  to  look  as 
if  they  were  new  and  early.  Our  Potatoes  have  long  been  up  ; 
but  if  we  had  a  few  rows  similar  to  those  alluded  to,  we  would 
have  been  tempted  to  let  them  remain  in  the  ground  until  after 
the  new  year.  In  a  similar  case  long  ago  we  lifted  the  Potatoes 
in  November,  and  put  all  the  new  growths  in  dry  sand,  and 
thus  kept  them  until  needed,  but  we  did  not  think  they  were 
so  good  and  sweet  as  those  left  as  above  on  the  plants  during 
the  winter.  We  thought  them  quite  as  good  as  the  produce  of 
Potatoes  kept  back  and  planted  in  the  month  of  July.  Of 
course  it  is  only  in  a  peculiar  season  that  the  tubers  of  the 
Potato  put  thus  out  the  second  growth  of  young  tubers.  Where 
the  quality  of  the  crop  is  considered  the  second  growth  should 
be  avoided  by  lifting  the  crop  earlier.  There  are  still  good 
breadths  of  Potatoes  in  the  ground,  and,  less  or  more,  these  are 
attended  with  this  second  growth. 

See  last  week's  notes  as  to  pricking-out  Lettuces,  Cauli- 
flower, &a.,  and  transplanting  Lettuces  half  grown  to  where 
protection  could  be  given  to  them.  Sowed  the  last  piece  of 
Radishes  in  an  earth  pit,  so  that  a  little  protection  can  be  given 
them  if  necessary  by  the  end  of  the  month.  Forked  in  a  dress- 
ing of  lime  in  the  ground  intended  for  Cauliflower  glasses,  so 
as  by  frequent  forkings  to  get  all  slimy  enemies  away.  Earthed- 
up  at  once  part  of  a  Celery  bed,  it  having  been  tied  some  time, 
and  after  watering  with  sewage,  put  a  couple  of  inches  or  so  of 
earth  on  some  other  beds  to  prevent  the  moisture  escaping, 
except  through  the  leaves,  which  it  has  done  very  rapidly  of 
late.  Before  earthiug-up,  and  as  ashes  at  present  are  scarce, 
we  strewed  powdered  lime  over  the  bed,  and  threw  it  against 
the  stems  of  the  plants  below  the  leaves,  whilst  these  stems 
were  damp  with  dew.  This,  as  well  as  a  little  dusting  of  soot, 
will  keep  worms  and  slugs  from  rising  and  disfiguring  the  foot- 
stalks of  the  leaves.  We  have  seen  no  grub  in  the  Celery  leaves 
this  season,  and  we  attribute  that  chiefly  to  the  fact  that  the 


little  water  we  could  give  was  from  the  house  sewage,  and  to  a 
slight  sprinkling  of  soot  over  the  foliage,  which  we  think  helped 
to  deter  the  fly  from  depositing  its  eggs.  Where  the  grub 
mines  between  the  two  skins  of  the  leaf,  and  makes  it  alike  a 
comfortable  home  and  a  rich  dining  place,  there  is  no  means 
of  touohing  it  there,  and  the  only  remedy  is  to  crush  and  kill, 
or  pick  off  the  infested  leaves  and  burn  them.  The  Celery  tied 
some  weeks  ago  is  now  pretty  well  blanched  at  the  centre.  The 
tying  also  induces  the  centre  to  rise.  As  lately  stated,  much 
of  our  Celery  has  not  been  long  planted,  as  we  could  not  have 
watered  it,  but  the  plants  were  large,  and  with  large  balls,  so 
that  even  for  a  day  they  scarcely  felt  the  moving,  and  will  come 
in  before  the  earliest  ones  are  used  up.  Thanks  to  shading,  &c, 
though  we  could  scarcely  give  any  water,  we  do  not  notice  a 
trace  of  a  bolted  head. 

FEUIT    DEPARTMENT. 

Strawberries  in  j>ot$  for  forcing  we  moved,  so  as  to  give  more 
room  to  the  large  foliage,  and  thus  help  the  ripening  of  the 
buds.  Owing  to  the  dryness  we  could  not  obtain  early  runners, 
but  now  the  most  of  the  plants  are  quite  large  enough  to  our 
taste.  In  moving,  every  vestige  of  a  weed  and  runner  was  re- 
moved. No  autumn  could  be  more  favourable  for  such  plants, 
the  bright  sun  beaming  on  them,  and  not  a  shower  for  more 
than  a  fortnight.  By  this  time  we  have  often  had  to  turn  the 
pots  on  their  sides  to  prevent  their  being  incessantly  deluged. 
When  such  rains  come  in  October,  or  the  end  of  September,  it 
would  be  well  for  the  plants  if  we  could  take  them  under 
glass,  so  as  to  have  an  abuudance  of  light  and  plenty  of  air. 
Few  of  us,  however,  are  able  to  give  them  Buch  good  quarters. 
We  have  no  doubt  that  many  fine  plants  are  injured  by  their 
being  constantly  wet,  or  when  the  pots  are  laid  on  their  sides 
and  are  then  struck  with  a  sudden  sharp  frost,  which  affects 
the  plants  more  than  when  the  pot  stood  upright,  as  then  the 
leaves  would  so  far  be  a  protection.  We  are  quite  convinced 
that  many  a  plant  that  goes  blind  in  the  forcing  house  would 
have  fruited  but  for  the  bad  treatment  it  had  in  the  autumn 
and  early  winter  months.  A  plant  exposed  in  a  pit  has  a  hard 
time  amid  changes  of  weather,  temperature,  &c,  as  compared 
with  a  similar  plant  growing  in  the  open  ground.  It  is  diflioult 
to  know  at  times,  with  limited  means,  what  to  do  with  them. 
In  the  beginning  of  last  winter  we  packed  a  great  many  pots 
with  dry  leaves  in  an  earth  pit  covered  with  old  sashes,  leaving 
the  topB  of  the  plants  exposed,  and  no  place  could  have  suited 
better,  but  the  grass  mice  and  rats  were  attracted  by  the  mere 
protection,  and,  in  spite  of  every  scheme  we  could  think  of, 
they  cleared  out  the  buds  of  some  hundreds  of  our  best  plants, 
whilst  we  do  not  think  they  ate  a  single  bud  of  the  plants 
growing  in  the  ground  out  of  doors. 
Partly  taught  by  the  above  circumstance,  and  partly  owing  to 
i  the  wish  not  to  have  so  many  pots  filled  with  Strawberry  plants, 
thus  saving  the  attention  and  labour  requisite,  we  generally 
about  this  time  turn  out  a  good  number  of  young  plants 
into  a  piece  of  ground  which  has  been  well  exposed  to  the  air 
and  enriched  on  the  surface,  planting  them  6  or  7  inohes  apart, 
and  raising  them  if  we  should  want  them  in  spring.  Good 
runners  planted  out  in  September  do  very  well  for  this  pur- 
pose, but  they  do  rather  better,  and  are  more  easily  managed, 
if  before  this  planting-out  they  have  made  a  little  ball  of  roots 
in  a  small  60-sized  pot.  When  planted  out  the  fresh  roots 
keep  closer  together,  and  the  plants  lift  better  for  frames,  pits, 
and  for  potting  in  spring.  These  do  very  well  for  the  last 
crops  in-doors  when  taken  up  about  the  end  of  March  or  the 
beginning  of  April.  For  all  early  work  it  is  necessary  that  the 
pots  should  be  crammed  with  fine  healthy  roots  in  September ; 
in  other  words,  that  the  plants  be  fully  established  in  the  pots 
before  resting  in  the  beginning  of  winter. 

Proceeded  with  gathering  Apples  and  Pears,  and  on  the  whole 
find  them  individually  larger  than  we  expected  they  would  be. 
They  swelled  very  much  after  the  showers  came,  and  now  the 
bright  sun  is  giving  them  a  good  colour.  It  iB  such  a  loss  when 
good  fruit  drops  ;  it  seldom  keeps  any  time,  and  always  shows 
the  blemish  when  cut  or  peeled.  It  is  well  to  keep  all  fallen 
fruit  by  itself  for  earlier  use.  Such  a  plan  would  lessen  the 
labour  in  a  fruit  room,  where  only  the  best  fruit  is  placed.  It 
is  of  little  use  storing  up  inferior  fruit,  which  will  have  again 
to  be  shortly  removed  as  useless.  A  few  Pears  on  bushes  are  a 
little  spotted  this  season,  and  housing  what  would  not  do  even 
for  stewing  is  of  little  use.  Talking  of  stewing,  a  friend  of  ours 
mentioned  the  other  day  that  the  fine  old  slewing  Pears  seemed 
to  be  quite  at  a  discount,  which  may  be  owing  to  the  fact  that 
our  very  best  Pears  when  used  when  hard,  before  they  begin  to 
be  the  least  mellow,  turn  out  also  the  best  when  stewed. 


272 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


I  October  6,  1870. 


Pineapples  grown  by  fermenting  material  should  now  have 
the  linings  well  banked  np,  so  that  plenty  of  air  may  be  given 
without  lowering  the  temperature.  Where  fire  heat  is  used 
there  will  be  less  difficulty.  Those  swelling  will  require  a  moist 
high  temperature  and  more  air  as  they  approach  ripening. 
Those  intended  for  fruiting  in  spring  should  slightly  rest,  from 
having  less  water. 

Late  Melons  must  have  a  good  temperature  to  swell  them  off, 
and  if  in  frames  will  need  the  linings  to  be  turned  and  banked  up 
to  the  top  of  the  frame.  The  same  will  apply  to  Cucumbers. 
Our  first  spring  Cucumbers  in  a  pit  still  keep  on  so  well  that 
we  decline  taking  them  out  as  yet,  and,  therefore,  have  turned 
out  strong  plants  in  a  pit  to  give  a  late  supply,  and  we  will 
grow  on  in  pots  others  to  be  turned  out  as  large  plants  a  month 
or  six  weeks  hence,  when  the  first  alluded  to  are  bearing. 
Winter  Cucumbers,  allowed  to  bear  freely  before  Christmas,  do 
not  often  bear  freely  afterwards. 

Late  Vines  with  the  roots  in  borders  out  of  doors  will  be 
the  better  of  plenty  of  sun,  but  if  heavy  rains  come  they  will  do 
better  if  protected.  Sashes  raised  above  the  ground  would  be 
beBt,  waterproof  oloth  or  shutters  would  be  the  next  best.  A 
makeshift  may  be  made  with  rough  covering,  or  roughly  thatch- 
ing with  dry  litter.  See  what  was  lately  said  about  early-autumn 
planting.  Vines,  if  the  roots  are  protected  from  frost  and  wet, 
need  be  no  exception  to  other  deciduous  plants.  Early  Peach 
houses  may  now  be  stripped  of  the  leaves  as  soon  as  they  ripen. 
If  there  is  any  spider  or  scile,  it  is  advisable  to  syringe  them  well 
with  soft-soap  water,  and  clear  soot  and  sulphur  water.  When 
clearing  it  is  well  to  scrape  off  the  surface  soil,  and  to  water 
through  a  rose  with  water  near  the  boiling  point,  if  the  nearest 
roots  are  from  2  to  4  inches  from  the  surface.  The  water  will 
be  cooled  before  reaching  the  roots,  whilst  any  insects  or  eggs 
near  the  surface  will  be  destroyed.  Before  colouring  walls  it 
is  well  to  wash  or  syringe  them  and  all  woodwork  freely  with 
the  hottest  water.  Every  chink  and  cranny  is  apt  to  be  a 
depository  for  insects  and  their  eggs,  and  a  little  care  in  the 
way  of  prevention  will  always  be  better  than  getting  rid  of 
them  when  the  crops  are  growing. 

ORNAMENTAL  DEPARTMENT. 

The  flower  garden  is  still  fine.  Verbena  beds  are  again,  after 
recovering  since  the  rains,  feeling  once  more  this  sunny  fort- 
night. Where  water  is  as  soarce  as  with  us  we  would  not 
advise  planting  many  Verbenas.  Oars  were  very  good  and 
most  useful  for  out  flowers  before  the  drought  came,  and  then 
no  mulching,  &c,  could  keep  them  vigorous.  A  good  watering 
once  or  twice  a-week  would  have  preserved  them  in  health  and 
bloom,  but  that  we  could  not  give  them.  All  the  varieties  of 
Geraniums  stood  the  weather  well.  We  have  had  better  beds 
during  the  season,  but  perhaps  the  best  we  have  now  after  the 
second  drought  are  two  oompanion  beds  of  Punch,  which  are 
one  mass  of  brilliancy,  and  could  scarcely  have  been  excelled  in 
the  middle  of  AugUBt.  Rubens,  a  favourite  pink  of  ours  for 
autumn,  is  good  still,  but  some  of  the  petals  are  bleached  a  little 
by  the  slight  frosty  mornings ;  as  yet,  however,  we  have 
suffered  little.  Even  Calceolarias,  passable  in  June,  have  rich 
masses  of  colour.  To  keep  the  beds  somewhat  in  character 
we  have  cleared  off  the  leaves  of  deciduous  trees  which  had 
Sullen,  so  far  marring  the  effects  of  the  flowers  and  rich 
green  lawns,  though  in  a  few  places  feeling  the  effects  of  this 
bright  weather.  We  shall  not  yet  think  of  moving  anything 
from  the  beds.  We  are  still  busy  propagating,  giving  the 
cuttings  a  little  heat.  The  first-put-in  are  hardening-off,  and 
the  intermediate  ones  have  had  the  shading  removed.  We 
would  give  little  shade  to  flower-garden  cuttings  if  we  had 
clean  water  to  give  more  frequent  dustings  overhead  from  the 
syringe.  From  reasons  previously  detailed,  taking  small 
cuttings  involves  a  little  more  care  than  if  they  were  larger. 
We  gave  manure  water  to  Salvias,  Chrysanthemums,  Gera- 
niums, and  large-flowering  Pelargoniums  intended  for  late 
blooming  in  pots,  and  kept  potting  and  repotting  Cinerarias 
and  Primulas.  We  shall  have  some  trouble  with  Violets,  as 
from  the  dryness  they  were  much  infested  with  red  spider  in 
summer;  Neapolitans  suffered  most.  They  are  becoming 
better  now  from  syringing.  Plenty  of  flowers  are  coming  on 
others,  single  and  double.— R.  F. 


TRADE  CATALOGUE  RECEIVED. 

W.  Clibran  &  Son,  Millbank  Nnrserv,  Warrington.— Catalogue  of 
Dutch  Flowering  Hoots,  Hoses,  Pelargoniums,  d-c. 


TO    CORRESPONDENTS. 

*.*  We  request  that  no  one  will  write  privately  to  any  of  the 
correspondents  of  the  "  Journal  of  Horticulture,  Cottage 
Gardener,  and  Country  Gentleman."  By  doing  so  they 
are  subjected  to  unjustifiable  trouble  and  expense.  All 
communications  shoidd  therefore  be  addressed  solely  to 
The  Editors  of  the  Journal  of  Horticultuie,  etc.,  171,  Fleet 
Street,  London,  E.C. 

We  also  request  that  correspondents  will  not  mix  up  on  the 
same  sheet  questions  relating  to  Gardening  and  those  on 
Poultry  and  Bee  subjects,  if  they  expect  to  get  them  an- 
swered promptly  and  conveniently,  hut  write  them  on 
separate  communications.  Also  never  to  send  more  than 
two  or  three  questions  at  once. 

N.B. — Many  questions  must  remain  unanswered  until  next 
week. 

Books  (R.  F.  I'.). — We  never  saw  a  separate  copy  of  Ahercrombie's 
"  Seed  Estimate."  It  was  appended  to  one  ot  his  larger  works,  and  they 
are  long  oat  of  print,  except  hid  "Pocket  Journal"  and  "Every  Man 
His  Own  Gardener." 

Natural  Rock3  (J.  B.  IF.).— We  do  not  know  of  a  vendor  anywhere. 

Heating  by  Gas  (P.  S.). — Procure  No.  341  of  this  Journal.  You  will 
find  in  it  engravings  of  gag  stoves.  If  the  house  is  large  it  will  be  more 
economical  to  have  hot  water  or  a  flue.  In  the  absence  of  definite  in- 
formation as  to  dimensions,  &c,  it  is  impossible  to  advise. 

White  Double  Geranium  (H.  Rising). — We  have  heard  of  but  not 
seen  one. 

Marketing  Fruit  (F.  P.  O  ).— If  the  fruit  is  of  such  good  quality  as 
you  etate,  apply  to  Messrs.  Webber  &  Co  ,  Central  Avenue,  Covent  Garden 
Market,  London.  As  you  live  bo  far  from  town,  the  cost  of  carriage  may 
render  it  more  remunerative  to  dispose  of  your  surplus  produce  in  some 
market  near  home.  The  problem  which  you  propose — to  dispose  of  pro- 
duce to  the  best  advantage — is  one  which  admits  of  a  variety  of  solutions 
according  to  circumstances. 

Lawn  Sand  (A.  C.).—  We  know  nothing  about  the  article,  and  feel 
certain  that  no  application  which  will  destroy  weeds  will  at  the  same 
time  benefit  the  grass. 

Privet  Edging  [W.  R.  B.).— Privet  would  no  doubt  grow,  but  we  think 
it  wonld  not  be  easily  restrained  even  by  the  shears.  We  have,  however, 
seen  it  kept  neat  at  a  height  of  1$  to  2  feet,  but  that  ib  much  too  high  for 
an  edging.  Have  you  tried  Ivy?  We  have  seen  it  used  with  good  effect. 
The  small  creeping  kind  of  the  woods  is  best. 

Pruning  Vines  (Young  Beginner). — We  have  no  fear  of  the  mode  of 
pruning  you  have  been  advised  to  adopt  answering  well,  but  we  do  not 
think  it  necessary  with  Vines  so  young  as  yours  are ;  and  the  bunches 
from  the  large  eyes,  though  larger,  are  often  loose,  and  for  many  other 
reasons  are  not  equal  to  those  shown  by  the  eyes  at  the  base  of  the 
shoots  ;  besides,  you  will  have  shoots  that  must  crowd  and  interfere  with 
the  bearing  shoots,  therefore  we  should  prune  to  two  eyes,  and,  rather 
than  have  another  ahoot  several  inches  above  it,  we  would  let  one  of  the 
two  shoots  that  come  from  the  eyes  be  for  wood,  and  the  other  for  fruit. 
But  even  that  is  needless.  One  good  shoot  is  enough  fro  n  each  spur, 
and  retain  as  many  spurs  as  can  have  proper  exposure  to  light  and  air. 
It  often  happens  when  the  system  of  pruning  advised  is  adopted,  that 
the  eye  left  to  form  wood  for  another  year's  bearing  does  not  break,  or 
not  strongly,  and  you  have,  as  a  consequence,  an  ugly  bare  length  of 
spur,  which  it  would  require  nearly  a  dozen  years  to  form  by  the  other 
mode  of  pruning.  Your  Vines  have  done  well  this  season.  Would  it  not 
be  prudent  to  let  well  alone  ?  We  think,  however,  that  you  crop  them 
too  heavily. 

Grapes  for  Late-hanging  IT.  H.D.). — For  hanging  well  the  Madres- 
field  Court  Muscat  is  unequalled.  We  should  have  at  leaBt  two  of  it, 
White  Lady  Downe's,  and  Trebbiano.  They  do  not  require  more  heat 
than  Lady  Downe's. 

Vines  (J.  Leonard). — If  there  is  a  succession  rod  to  take  its  place,  you 
may  cut  out  the  old  rod  which  has  borne. 

Grapes  Spotting  (Allan).— We  think  your  Grapes  are  affected  with 
the  spot,  and  in  your  case  it  appears  to  be  caused  by  syringing  after 
fumigation  ;  besides,  we  do  not  approve  of  Vines,  ot  which  the  fruit  is  not 
ripe,  being  kept  without  water  for  the  last  two  months.  That  would 
cause  them  to  go  off  as  you  describe  when  the  weather  became  moister. 
The  border  ought  to  have  had  a  good  watering  within  the  last  fortnight, 
for  in  a  dry  border  Muscats  do  not  ripen  well ;  indeed,  to  do  them  justice 
they  require  a  good  deep  border,  and  an  abundance  of  moisture  while 
swelling  the  fruit. 

Heating  a  Vine  Border  (A.  Claphcim).—Yt'e  should  think  that  three 
5-inch  pipes  would  be  ample.  The  size  of  your  chamber  is  of  less  con- 
sequence than  having  the  pipes  not  far  from  the  covering,  whether  of 
stout  slate  or  flagstone  from  1  to  2  inches  thick.  At  page  251,  second 
column,  you  would  see  how  you  might  rough-chamber  such  a  place  with 
clinkers  or  brickbats,  hut  not  covering  the  pipes  deeply,  and  then  have 
some  fine  gravel  on  the  top.  On  that  over  the  chamber  you  would  re- 
quire from  £0  to  24  inches  of  good  soil,  and  a  fourth  of  equal  parts  of 
lime  rubbish,  bruised  boiled  bones,  and  a  little  half-rotted  manure 
well  aired  and  dried,  so  as  to  be  free  from  fungus  spawn.  Of  course,  if 
you  use  four  pipes  in  the  border  you  will  have  to  heat  them  less.  We  are 
in  doubt  if  we  quite  understand  your  object. 

Various  (Amateur). — Put  in  some  buds  next  July  on  the  bare  portion  of 
the  stem  of  your  tree,  or  cut  it  back  to  the  lower  portion.  Place  the 
glass  covering  over  your  Strawberries  about  the  beginning  of  the  year. 
Get  your  Peach  tree  into  better  health,  and  treat  it  well.  Your  frnits 
may  have  dropped  through  dryness  at  the  roots,  or  too  much  vigour,  or 
various  causes  which  we  cannot  even  guess  at.  Spur-in  all  the  side 
shoots  on  your  Currant  trees  pretty  closely,  leaving  a  framework  of  five 
or  six  branches  only,  and  stop  the  points  to  one-half  their  length.  For 
Gooseberry  bushes  leave  more  young  wood,  but  thin  the  centre  con- 
siderably. 


October  6,  1870.  J 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


273 


Exhibition  Stands  foe  Roses  and  Dahlias  CE.  M.).— The  boles  may  I  light  sandy  soil  in  a  partially-shaded  border,  and  cover  with  a  depth  of 


be  made  of  inch  deal,  and  the  length  for  twenty- four  Roses  should  be 

4  feet ;  for  eighteen,  3  feet ;  for  twelve,  2  feet  2  incheB  ;  and  for  six,  1  foot 

6  inches.    Breadth  in  every  case  1  foot  6  inches  ;  height  at  back,  6  inches ; 

height  in  front,  4  inches.    We  extract  the  foregoing  dimensions  from  the 

excellent  "  Book  about  the  Rose,"  by  the  Rev.  S.  Reynolds  Hole,  who 

adds:— "The  covers,  being  7j  inches  in  depth  at  tbe  back,  and  5  inches 

in  front,  4  feet  1  inch  in  length,  1  foot  7  inches  in  breadth,  and  having  a 

narrow  beading  within  the  four  sides,  half  an  inch  from  the  bottom  of  the 

ltd,  overlap  the  boxes,  leaving  ample  room  for  the  Roses,  and  are  secured 

for  travelling  by  stout  leather  straps.    Within  the  boxes  some  exhibitors 

have  holes  pierced  at  equal  distances  on  a  uniform  surface  or  wood  ;  hut 

as  Roses  differ  in  size  it  is  more  convenient  to  have  the  facilitv  of  placing 

them  where  we  pleaBe,  and  for  this  purpose  it  is  desirable  to  have  strong 

laths  Vinch  in  depth,  and  1%  inch  in  width)  extending  the  length  of  the 

box.    These  laths  should  be  six  in  number,  and  should  be  nailed  on  two 

strong  pieces  of  wood,  crossing  the  box  one  at  each  end.  2  inches  below 

the  surface.    The  upper  and  lower  laths  should  be  fixed  one-eighth  of  an 

inch  within  the  box.  aud  the  four  remaining  so  arranged  that  there  will 

be  five  interstices  \\  inch  in  width— three  for  tbe  Roses,  ana  two  merely 

to  reduce  the  weight.    There  will  be  a  space  of  1{  inch  between  the  laths 

■1.1?  upper  edSe  °'  tne  box«  t0  be  fllle<*  a^  follows:  Cover  the  laths 

with  sheets  of  brown  paper,  two  deep,  and  cut  to  fit  the  box,  and  upon 

these  place  the  best  moss  you  can  obtain.    The  Roses  are  placed  in  tubes 

*Zi1Du  4*  1DCQes  in  length,  2  inches  wide  at  the  top,  gradually  tapering 

until  they  become  1  inch  in  width  at  the  centre,  the  tops  being  moveable. 

This  top  is  taken  off,  and  the  stalk  of  the  flower  being  brought  through 

until  the  Rose  is  held  securely,  it  is  replaced  upon  the  tubes,  previously 

filled  with  pure  rain  water."    A  stand  for  twentv-four  blooms  of  Dahlias 

?r°i!     i     **  inclie8  ^  length  bv  18  inches  in  width  from  front  to  back. 

It  should  be  raised  at  the  back  7  inches,  and  Sh  inches  in  front.    Tbe 

holes  should  form  three  lines  of  eight  each,  and  "should  be  6  inches  from 

centre  to  centre,  and  S  inches  from  the  outside.    The  metal  tube  for  the 

water  may  be  1  inch  in  diameter,  and  should  fit  into  the  holes  of  the 

hoard;  the  wooden  tube  to  receive  the  bloom,  and  fitting  into  the  metal 

tube,  should  rise  1J  inch  above  the  board.    The  colour  of  the  board  should 

be  a  lively  bright  green.    The  dimensions  of  a  stand  for  twelve  blooms 

of  Dahlias  can  be  easily  deduced  from  the  foregoing.    Such  a  box  as  that 

just  described  would  be  suitable  for  Roses  if  shown  in  single  trusses;  for 

single  blooms  of  Roses  the  dimensions  would  be  almost  too  large,  while 

for  bunches  of  three  trusses  it  would  scarcely  afford  sufficient  space. 

I* or  Roses  the  tubes  may  be  fastened  to  the  bottom  of  the  box,  not  usin" 

a  board  as  in  the  case  of  Dahlias,  and  the  spaces  tilled  up  with  fresh 

green  moss.    The  most  suitable  colour  for  a  box  for  Roses  is  dark  green. 

You  may  use  several  boxes  in  showing  a  number  of  trusses  or  blooms. 

Chapman's  cases  are  excellent,  especially  where  flowers  have  to  he  sent 

to  a  distance. 

Climbing  Roses  fob  High  Walls  (E.  X.  B.  A.).— Those  mentioned 
are  not  all  of  them  suitable.  Retain  Marechal  Niel,  Lamarque,  Climbing 
Devoniensis,  a  shy  bloomer  here,  but  a  wonderful  grower,  and  Gloire  de 
Dijon.  Add  *3oIfaterre,  yellow;  Triomphe  de  Rennes.  vellow ;  'Mdlle. 
Aristide,  pale  yellow;  •Celine  Forestier,  yellow ;  La  Biche.  flesh  white; 
Acidalie  white  ;  Ophirie,  nankeen  and  copper  ;  and  *Jaune  Desprez,  red, 
buff,  and  sulphur.  These  will  require  some  room  to  spread,  as  they  are 
vigorous  growers.  Those  marked  with  an  asterisk  will  require  much 
room  overhead  and  on  either  side.  Thev  require  but  little  cutting.  Thin 
out  useless  wood,  and  merely  top  the  shoots,  whether  extensions  or  fore- 
shoots,  to  the  first  good  eye  in  sound  wood.  I  did  not  cut  my  trees  of 
*ri  forestier  this  year,  and  I  never  Baw  a  more  magnificent  bloom. 
The  yellow  Tea-scented  Noisettes,  are,  In  my  opinion.*  tbe  most  satis- 
factory Roses  of  the  Rose  kingdom.  My  trees  of  Triomphe  de  RenneB  are 
at  this  time  a  wonderful  sight.  It  is  about  the  most  satisfactory  of  all 
the  yellow  Rosea.— W.  F.  Radclyffe. 

Pruning  Hoses  (Agnes).— A3  it  is  vory  difficult  for  a  tailor  to  make  a 
*™  °f  clotnes  to  fit  everybody,  so  from  different  circumstances  it  is 
difficult  to  lay  down  any  stiff  rule  of  pruning.  As  a  general  rule  cut  out 
all  weak  and  useless  shoots,  and  such  as  awkwardly  cross  the  other 
branches.  Cut  weak  growers  hard,  and  leave  a  liberal  quantitv  of  wood 
and  of  greater  length  on  strong  growers.  If  you  find  that  the  shoots 
wnich  you  call  water-shoots  bloom  well  from  the  sides,  you  should  not 
cut  tfaem  aw»y-  Apparently  immature  wood  on  a  Manetti-stocked  Rosa 
will  bloom  abundantly  if  you  cut  the  top  of  the  shoot  off,  and  cause  it  to 
break  from  the  sides  of  the  shoots.  Soft  shoots  from  the  Briar  will  not 
always  do  this.  If  you  find  that  cutting  your  Manetti  RoseB  to  6  inches 
answers  best,  it  is,  of  course,  wise  to  do  so.  If  the  water-shoot3  on  your 
standards  are  necessary  to  form  the  head  let  them  stay,  aud  cut  them 
next  spring,  or  Bhorten  them  after  blooming  is  over.— W.  F.  Radclyffe. 

Pansies  for  Blooming  in  Summer  (Flora).— For  spring  you  will  need 
to  have  now  good  plant3,  fit  for  turning  out  where  they  are  to  flower 
when  the  bedding  plants  are  removed.  The  beds  should  be  well  dug, 
and  a  liberal  quantity  of  leaf  soil  and  old  rotten  manure  dug  in,  mixing 
it  well  with  the  soil.  You  mu3t  not  expect  the  plants  to  continue  bloom- 
ing from  spring  until  autumn.  For  summer  flowering  the  cuttings  ought 
to  be  put  in  now  in  a  warm,  sheltered  situation,  and  be  planted  in  spring 
in  their  summer  quarters  ;  and  to  make  them  bloom  finely  until  autumn, 
it  will  be  necessary  to  give  liberal  supplies  of  water  in  dry  weather,  and 
to  mulch  the  beds  about  half  an  inch  deep  with  short  manure,  which  will 
be  hidden  by  the  foliage.  Pansies  are  at  the  best  very  precarious  bedding 
plants.    They  cannot  stand  the  drought  and  heat  of  summer. 

Wintering  Geraniums  (Idem).— You  would  best  succeed  in  wintering 
them  in  pots  in  the  rooms,  taking  up  the  plants  before  frost,  and  placing 
them  in  light  moderately  dry  soil.  You  could  then  pick  off  the  old  leaves 
as  they  become  yellow,  and  cut  away  the  shoots  that  damp  off.  They 
would  not  require  much  water,  if  any,  between  the  time  of  potting  and 
March,  though  a  little  might  be  given  in  mild  weather  to  keep  the  shoots 
from  shrivelling.    You  must  keep  frost  from  the  plants:  if  you  cannot, 


light  soil  about  equal  in  thickness  to  the  diameter  of  the  seeds.     Water 
I  in  dry  weather.    About  the  third  year  they  will  flower. 

Climbers  for  a  Low  Wall  in  Fbont  of  a  Lodgr  (W.  Armstrong). — 

i  We  think  you  could  not  do  better  than  plant  Cotoneaster  at  the  bane  of 

I  the  wall,  and  it  will  cover  it  very  closely  like  a  carpet.     C.  micropbylla 

j  would  suit  you  best.     It  will  need  training,  so  as  to  cover  every  part  of 

i  the  wall  regularly  and  quickly.     For  the  lodge  front,  if  the  sun  shine  on 

!  it.  we  advise  Pyracantha,  but  if  not,  we  should  have  (vy.    The  Irish  Ivy 

,  is  good,  and  so  is  Rcegner's,  with  fine  bold  leaves.    The  Y«ws  will  bear 

j  any  amount  of  cutting.    It  is  best  to  cut  them  in  spring  bufore  they 

begin  to  grow,  and  you  need  not  be  afraid  of  using  even  the  saw.     They 

will  make  fine   shoots  before  autumn.    We  think  the  end  of  March  or 

early  in  Apnl  the  best  time  for  heading  them  back. 

Peachks  for  Walls  and  Trusting  (J.  M.).— There  is  very  li'tle  room 
for  selection  when  three  kinds  only  are  required,  and  we  presume  you  do 
not  want  them  to  oome  in  together,  therefore  we  advise  Early  York, 
Grosse  Mignonne,  and  Barrington.  Three  others  equally  good  ar« 
Noblesse.  Royal  George,  and  Violette  Hative.  Fan  training  is  the  nio-it 
suitable  for  out-door  culture  in  England,  as  the  trees  vertic  illy  trained 
have  the  shoots  much  less  rigorous  at  the  base  th  m  at  the  top  ;  indeed 
the  lower  branches  not  unfrequently  die  off  altogether,  and  the  trees  are 
little  better  than  standards. 

Beet  fob  Spring  Gardening  (G.  H.).— For  this  purposo  it  should  be 
planted  now  where  it  is  to  remain,  and  so  that  the  root  will  be  covered, 
otherwise  it  is  sometimes  injured  by  frost.  The  old  leaves  ought  to  be 
left  until  spring,  for  they  protect  the  plant,  but  in  March  remove  them. 
It  will  be  in  good  condition  until  the  floweratalks  begin  to  rise,  and  after 
that  we  think  it  more  suitable  for  the  flower  garden  thin  at  any  other 
time. 

Distinguishing  Silenk  pendula  from  S.  prndula  alba  (Idem.— 
The  red  sort  has  a  much  darker  stalk  than  the  white,  whilst  tho  leave*  of 
the  plant  are  of  a  deeper  green.  The  latter  variety  is  altogether  lighter 
in  appearance. 

Shrubs  for  tub  Front  of  a  Cottage  (A  Cottager).— We  think  you 
will  not  find  that  you  can  have  shrubs  of  the  height  you  require  without 
considerable  cutting.  Hollies  would  be  most  suitable,  aud  we  would 
have  alternately  pyramids  and  bushes,  with  opposite  plants  to  match. 
We  should  have  the  plants  15  feet  apart,  putting  in  the  first  at  7k  feet 
from  the  cottage,  and  the  last  at  the  same  distance  from  the  road.  If 
you  should  require  six  trees  on  each  side,  and  commencing  next  the 
cottage,  we  would  have  Gold-leaved  (bush),  Hodgins's  (pyramid).  Silver- 
leaved  (bush),  masderensis  (pyramid),  Gold-leaved  (bush),  aud  Hodgins's 
(pyramid),  having  tbe  other  aide  to  correspond.  Their  distance  from  tho 
walk  should  be  half  the  distance  they  are  apart,  and  thev  should  be 
planted  on  grass.  The  earlier  they  are  planted  the  bettor.  You  can  cut 
them  to  any  form,  and  have  them  of  any  height.  They  are  best  cut-in 
in  spring,  just  before  they  begin  to  grow.  The  proper  time  to  plant  wall 
fruit  trees  is  in  November  as  soon  as  the  leave*  have  fallen.  With  re- 
gard to  your  other  question,  yon  will  find  an  article  on  the  subject  in  a 
previous  page. 

Gardenia  citriodora  Sickly  (Saccolabium). — The  cause  of  the  plants 
looking  sickly  is  probably  want  of  heat,  and  the  soil  may  have  become 
sour  from  the  plants  having  too  much  pot-room  or  defective  drainage. 
We  advise  you  to  make  the  drainage  good,  and  place  the  plants  in  a  light, 
airy  position  in  the  stove,  giving  no  more  water  than  enough  to  keep  the 
leaves  from  flagging.  In  February  give  them  an  increase  of  heat  with 
bottom  heat,  if  possible,  and  we  have  no  doubt  they  will  begin  growing 
freely.  Pot  iu  March,  removing  from  the  roota  all  the  soil  that  comes 
away  freely,  but  be  careful  of  them,  and  do  not  place  them  iu  pots  larger 
than  will  hold  the  roots  comfortably.  They  need  a  moist  atmosphere 
and  copious  supplies  of  water. 

Hydrangea  not  Flowering  (Idem).— The  plant  could  not  be  expected 
to  flower  this  summer,  as  you  cut  it  down  last  spring,  and  in  so  doing 
removed  the  flowering  portion,  for  the  wood  of  this  year  gives  flowers 
the  next. 

An-ectochilus  Dawsonianus  Sickly  (S.).— The  best  treatment  you 
can  adopt  is  to  remove  the  plants  at  once  and  place  them  in  fr^ah  soil. 
Use  a  compost  of  equal  parts  of  fibrous  brown  peat,  sphagnum  chopped 
up,  and  charcoal  for  the  bottom  of  the  pan  or  pot.  Let  the  pot  be  effi- 
ciently drained,  press  the  soil  firm,  and  then  surface  with  equal  propor- 
tions of  peat,  charcoal,  and  silver  sand.  Keep  the  compost  regularly 
moist,  avoiding  wetting  the  foliage,  and  take  off  the  bell-glass  every 
morning,  wipe  it  dry,  and  replace  it.  It  i*  desirable  that  the  bell-glass 
should  have  a  hole  in  the  top  ;  if  not,  tilt  it  a  little  on  one  side  for  a  few 
hours  early  each  day. 

Tussilago  Farfara  variegata,  Altebnanthera  Lindeni,  and  Ire- 
sine  amabilis  Propagation  (0.  W.  M.). — The  Tussilago  is  increased  by 
division  of  the  roots  in  Bpring,  dividing  them  into  as  many  portions  as 
there  are  growing  parts,  with  some  stem  and  roots  to  each.  It  is  quite 
hardy,  and  likes  strong,  deep  loam.  The  Alternauthera  is  increased  by 
cuttings,  which  strike  aa  freely  aa  Verbenas  in  sand  in  a  hotbed.  The 
best  plan  is  to  strike  cuttings  now,  wintering  them  iu  a  warm  green- 
house or  cool  stove.  They  will  produce  plenty  of  cuttings  in  February 
or  March,  and  these,  if  forwarded  in  a  hotbed,  make  good  plants.  Iresine 
is  propagated  in  the  same  way,  cuttings  rooting  very  freely  in  a  hotbed. 
Alternanthera  magnifica  has  fine  reddish  bronze  leaves,  and  is,  like  all 
the  Altemantheras,  useful  for  bedding  out.  It  is  raised  like  Verbenas, 
only  it  requires  to  be  wintered  in  a  warm  house.  You  may  increase  them 
to  a  considerable  extent  by  keeping  them  in  heat. 

Evergreens  fob  Tubs  (F.  B.  G.).— All  things  considered,  we  advise 
Portugal  Laurel.  Laurustinus,  and  Hollies,  with  Sweet  Bays  if  the  situa- 
tion be  mild.  HaDdsome  flowering  evergreens  will  not  succeed  in  tubs. 
We  would  have  match  plants,  two  of  each,  and  pyramid  Portugal  Laurels, 


then  the  cellar  would  be  the  best  place,  removing  all  but  the  verv  small  '  Gold  or  Silver-variegated   Hollies,  and  Laurustinus.     They  stand  cutting 

leaves,  and  storing  the  plants  in  dry  sand.    Only  the  roots  should  be 

covered.    Examine  the  plants  occasionally,  and  remove  any  damped 

leaves  or  shoots.    There  is  little  hope  of  your  getting  the  cuttings  taken 

from  the  plants  to  strike  in  a  room,  but  you  can,  nevertheless,  try  it. 

Put  them  in  light  sandy  soil. 


Lily  of  the  Valley  Seed  Sowing  (F.  C.  E.)  —By  sowing  the  seed 
yon  will  obtain  plants,  and  may  be  fortunate  in  hnving  something  new. 
Keep  the  seeds  in  dry  sand  in  a  cool  place,  aud  sow  theni  next  March  in 


well,  and  when  in  good  foliage  are  very  fine.  You  may  select  plants  at 
most  of  the  leading  nurseries.  We  do  not  recommend  dealers.  Good 
plants  of  Yucca  recurva  are  fine  for  tubs.  They  have  a  very  distinct 
appearance. 

Aphis  on  Broccoli  and  Winter  Greens  (J.  B.  S.).— The  Cabbage- 
plant  louse  (Aphis  brassicie)  is  making  sad  havoc  in  many  places  in  the 
north,  whole  fields  of  Turnips  being  cleared  off  by  them.  We  have  it, 
and  have  tried  lime,  but  without  effect,  the  plague  only  comes  on  by 


274 


JOURNAL  OP  HOBTIOULTUBE  AND   COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  6,  1870. 


degree?.  We  do  not  think  soot  wonld  be  of  any  use.  If  we  could  obtain 
it  we  should  use  the  ammoniacal  liquid  from  the  gas-works,  sprinkling 
the  plants  all  over,  so  as  to  wet  every  part;  and  if  it  were  possible  we 
would  supplement  with  a  drenching  of  liquid  manure  between  the  rows. 
With  us  the  parents  fly  about  in  clouds ;  settling  on  the  leaves  they 
deposit  their  eggs,  and  the  young  soon  hatch.  We  have  had  more  insects 
this  year  than  we  ever  remember. 

Plants  for  Conservatory  (J.  fl.).— We  should  advise  you  to  com- 
mence with  a  few  of  the  commonest  plants,  which  are,  nevertheless, 
good:— Acacia  armata,  A.  oleifolia  elegans,  A.  pulchella,  A.  magnifica, 
Chaniferops  excelsa,  Coorozema  cordatuui  splendens,  Citrus  Aurantium 
(Orange),  Cytisus  racemosus,  Draca?na  australis,  Habrothamnus  elegans, 
Hydrangea  japonica  and  var.  variegata,  Kalosanthes  coccinea  superba, 
Myrtus  communis  (Myrtle),  Nerium  rubrutn  plenum,  Polygala  Dalmaisi- 
ana,  Rhododendron  javanicum,  Princess  Royal,  Princess  Alexandra, 
jasminiflorum,  and  Vallota  purpurea.  Camellias  you  may  add  advan- 
tageously as  you  feel  di-posed,  also  Azaleas,  with  Primulas,  Cyclamens, 
Cinerarias,  and  Calceolarias  you  mav  have  a  nice  show.  We  cannot 
account  for  the  Balsams  and  Primulas  failing.  Much  depends  on  the 
treatment. 

Heaths  (Jay  Cee). — Do  not  apply  the  liquid  manure.  If  potted  in  fit- 
ting soil  they  will  only  require  a  regular  supply  of  water. 

Seedling  Hollyhock  (Westmoreland).—  Quite  smashed.  It  should 
have  been  sent  boxed  in  damp  moss. 

Seedling  Potato  (W.  Thomson). —The  samples  yon  sent  us  of  the 
seedling  you  have  named  "Favourite,"  were  mealy  and  well  flavoured 
when  boiled.  The  tubers  were  middle-sized,  flattish-oval,  eyes  few  and 
not  deeply  sunk,  skin  rough.    They  Beem  to  be  akin  to  the  Forty-fold. 

Raising  Subtropical  Plants  (A  Subscriber).— Cannas  will  succeed  by 
both  the  modes  you  name — first,  by  securing  the  roots  when  they  are 
taken  up,  and  storing  in  sand  in  a  cellar,  potting  in  March,  and  forward- 
ing in  a  hotbed;  second,  by  sowing  in  a  hotbed  in  February,  forwarding, 
and  hardening  well  off  before  planting  out.  Wigandia  caracasana  is  pro- 
pagated by  cuttings  of  the  roots  in  a  hotbed  in  spring,  and  best  by 
cuttings  of  the  shoots.  Ferdinanda  emiuens  is  also  propagated  from 
cuttings  either  at  the  end  of  summer  or  in  spring.  Polymnia  grandis  is 
increased  by  cuttings  of  the  old  plants  placed  in  heat  in  spring,  the 
cuttings  being  inserted  in  a  brisk  bottom  heat.  Nicotiana,  or  Tobacco,  is 
raised  from  seed  sown  in  light  soil  in  a  hotbed  in  March,  pricking  off 
when  large  enough,  growing  in  heat,  and  hardening  off  before  planting 
out.  The  Alternantheras  are  propagated  from  cuttings  put  in  now,  or 
better  in  spring,  in  light  soil,  and  placed  in  a  hotbed.'  All  succeed  in  a 
light  fibrous  loam,  with  one-third  leaf  soil  or  well-rotted  manure. 

Young  Forest  Trees  Overgrown  with  Grass  (Lieut.  Col.  B ).— If 
your  communication  had  reached  us  two  months  earlier,  we  should  have 
had  no  hesitation  in  advising  you  to  clear  the  ground  of  all  herbage ;  but 
now,  as  autumn  is  set  in,  we  are  afraid  there  is  some  truth  In  the  popular 
notion  of  which  you  speak— that  long,  rank  grass  and  other  weeds  afford 
shelter  to  the  young  trees;  this  they  unquestionably  do,  but  there  are 
very  few  cases  indeed  in  which  the  trees  would  not  do  better  without  such 
shelter,  if  it  were  removed  early  in  the  summer,  so  that  the  young  trees 
would  become  well  hardened  by  gradual  exposure  to  the  autumn  colds,  so 
as  to  withstand  the  storms  of  winter.  In  your  case  we  should  be  inclined 
to  wait  till  spring,  and  then  clear  everything  away,  but  not  carrying  any- 
thing off  the  ground.  Assuming  the  trees  to  be  2  feet  high  and  4  feet 
apart,  we  would  remove  the  long  grass  and  weeds  to  the  distance  of  a 
foot  or  more  all  round  the  collar  of  each  plant,  with  a  hoe  or  something  of 
that  kind,  but  not  penetrating  the  ground  so  deeply  as  to  injure  the  tree 
roots.  We  would  leave  the  rubbish  in  heaps  between  the  trees,  then  dig 
it  in  there,  throwing  a  little  of  the  loose  earth  round  the  collar  of  each 
tree  where  the  ground  is  not  disturbed,  giving  the  whole  a  cultivated  ap- 
pearance. In  summer  a  few  hoeings  in  suitable  weather  will  preserve 
neatness.  Not  knowing  the  character  of  the  soil  and  other  particulars 
of  your  case  we  can  givo  no  opinion  of  the  trees  suitable  for  the  place, 
hut  if  it  is  damp  and  boggy,  or  even  consists  of  dry  peaty  soil,  Beech 
trees,  which  you  speak  of  as  forming  part  of  the  plantation,  are  the  most 
lunsuitable  of  any,  as  that  tree  likes  a  chalky  or  dry  stony  soil.  Where 
arge  breadths  of  moorland  are  planted  without  undergoing  any  prepara- 
tion, merely  planting  on  the  thick  grassy  or  mossy  sward,  it  is  good 
practice  to  clear  the  rubbish  away  with  a  hook  or  something  of  that  kind, 
once  at  least  early  in  summer,  leaving  the  later  growth  to  form  that 
natural  shelter  for  winter,  which,  after  all,  is  not  without  its  advantages. 

Apples  Grafted  on  French  Paradise  Stocks  (B.<£  IT.).— The  French 
Paradise  stocks  are  employed  by  Messrs.  Rivers,  Sawbridgeworth,  but 
not  recommended,  because  they  require  a  warm,  generous  soil  and 
climate.  They  form  very  dwarf  trees,  but  not  of  greater  fertility  than 
the  best  dwarf  English  Paradise— the  Nonesuch,  of  which  trees  were 
exhibited  at  South  Kensington  on  Wednesday  last.  These  trees  wore 
18  inches  or  so  in  height,  two  and  three  years  old,  and  full  of  fruit.  Some 
Apple  trees  on  the  French  Paradise  at  Sawbridgeworth  are  from  ten  to 
twelve  years  old,  and  not  more  than  18  inches  high.  They  are  full  of 
fruit.  They  have  been  lifted  twice  or  thrice.  Some  of  the  trees  are 
affected  with  canker,  the  great  fault  of  this  stock.  On  the  Nonesuch 
Paradise,  trees  of  the  same  age,  and  under  the  same  treatment,  are  about 
2  feet  in  height.  They  are  equally  loaded  with  fruit,  and  free  from 
canker. 

Trees  for  a  Sloping  Lawn  (Leadbeater).— We  presume  you  would 
require  principally  evergreens  with  a  few  deciduous  trees.  Of  trees  proper, 
we  would  have  Purple  Beech,  both  the  common  Horse  Chestnut  and  the 
pink,  the  Weeping  Birch,  the  Elm,  the  Lime,  the  Fern-leaved  Beech,  the 
scarlet  Oak,  the  variegated  Sycamore,  and  the  scarlet  Maple.  These  we 
Should  place  as  near  the  outside  as  practicable.  Then  you  will  need  the 
Mountain  Ash,  Stag's-horn  Sumach,  double  pink,  scarlet,  and  white 
Thorns,  with  the  double  Cherry,  and  Siberian  Crab.  Of  evergreens  we 
Should  have  Picea  Nordmanniana,  P.  nobilis  grandis,  P.  Pinsapo ;  Cu- 
pressuB  Lawsoniana,  Pinus  Cembra,  P.  excelsa,  P.  auatriaca,  Thuja  Lobbi, 
Thujopsis  borealis,  the  American  and  Chinese  Abor-Vitse,  Cedrus  Deodora, 
and  C.  Libani,  with  Hollies— Gold  and  Silver-variegated,  Hodgins's,  and 
altaclerensis— Portugal  Laurels,  Irish  and  common  Yew.  These  well 
arranged  would  have  a  fine  effect. 

Garibaldi  Strawberry  (IT.  Thompson).— It  is  evident  that  you  had 
VicomtesBe  Hericart  do  Thury  sent  you.  As  for  verifying  tho  merits  of 
new  varieties,  the  editor  who  undertook  such  a  task  would  be  a  very  un- 
wise man. 


Potato  (H.  S.  Cor?icby).—'We  cannot  profess  to  name  Potatoes  from  a 
single  example.    Most  probably  it  is  a  mere  local  variety. 

Apple  Jacques  Lebel  {R.  D.).— It  is  described  in  Downing's  "  Fruits 
and  Fruit  Trees  of  America  "  as  being  of  much  beauty,  bnt  of  ordinary 
quality.  "Fruit  large,  roundish  oblate,  lemon  yellow,  shaded  with  red 
in  the  sun,  many  grey  dots.  Stalk  large.  Cavity  deep.  Calyx  half 
closed.    Flesh  white,  tender,  mild,  subacid." 

Names  of  Fruits  (Richard  Taylor).— No.  1,  which  you  bought  for  Gloa 
Mor<;eau,  is  Beurre  de  Capiaumont ;  2,  Ne  plus  Meuris,  we  believe  is 
simply  the  stock  ;  8,  Easter  Beurre,  we  believe  is  Due  de  Nemours;  5, 
Keswick  Codlin,  is  correct.  (H.  L.).— We  believe  the  Crab  is  the  Yellow 
Siberian  ;  2,  The  pale  Apple  is  most  likely  a  local  kind ;  it  resembles 
Broad-eyed  Pippin  ;  3  is  Braddick's  Nonpareil.  Munche's  Pippin  is  cot 
a  synonym  of  Margil.  (W.  W.).—Plum:  11,  Coe's  Golden  Drop.  Apples: 
1,  Court  of  Wick ;  2,  Winter  Gold  Pearmain ;  7,  Constanzer ;  10,  Haw- 
thornden.  Pears  :  5,  Beurre  de  Capiaumont ;  8,  Easter  Beurre  ;  9,  Vicar 
of  Winkfield;  12,  Louise  Bonne  of  Jersey.  (Rev.  H.  H.  Dombrain).— 
Pears  :  1,  Comte  de  Lamy ;  2,  Beurr6  de  Capiaumont ;  3,  Beurre.  Diel ; 
4,  Marie  Louise  ;  5,  Forelle  ;  6,  Napoleon.  Apples  :  2,  Wesh  Pippin  ;  3  and 
9,  London  Pippin  ;  4,  Alfriston ;  5,  Royal  Russet ;  8,  French  Codlin  ;  10, 
Probably  French  Crab;  11,  Ribston  Pippin  ;  12,  Hawthornden ;  13,  Like 
Bisingwood  Russet;  15,  King  of  the  Pippins;  16,  Albans;  17,  Yellow 
Iagestrie.  (T.  <?.,  Bedford).— Emperor  Alexander.  (T.  J".,  Herts).— 
Apples:  1  and  1,  Fearn's  Pippin  ;  2,Hollandbury ;  2,  King  of  the  Pippins  ; 
15,  Dumelow's  Seedling;  19,  Alfriston  ;  18,  Rymer  ;  20,  Blenheim  Pippin, 
Pears:  2,  4,  Winter  Nelis  ;  1,  Marie  Louise.  Peaches  cannot  be  named 
without  the  flowers  and  leaves.  These  were  much  confused,  and  several 
without  numbers.  Do  not  stick  numbers  on  with  pins.  (Without  Name). 
—Apple  :  Longville's  Kernel ;  14,  Court  of  Wick.  Pears  :  20,  Althorp 
Crassane;  62,  Hacon's  Incomparable  ;  50,  rotten.  (J.  C.  Bromley).— The 
Bean  is  called  the  Asparagus  Runner.  The  Apple  we  do  not  recognise. 
(G.  Birdhill).— Tho  Pear  is  Flemish  Beauty. 

Names  of  Plants  (A  Subscriber,  G.  A.  B.).~We  cannot  undertake  to 
name  florists'  flowers.  There  are  hundreds  of  Geraniums,  and  the  only 
mode  we  can  suggest  of  ascertaining  the  name  is  to  compare  it  with  the 
varieties  in  some  good  collection  in  your  own  neighbourhood.  (J.  H.  B). 
—Your  Fun  jus  is  the  Fairy-ring  Champignon  (Marasmius  oreades),  one 
of  the  best  of  edible  Fungi. 

POULTRY,   BSE,   AND   PIGEON    CHRONICLE. 


LIABILITY  OF  SECRETARIES  FOR  THEIR 
MISTAKES. 

I  entered  two  pens  of  birds  for  the  Keighley  Show,  but  the 
Secretary,  Mr.  B.  Fawcett,  never  sent  me  labels  for  the  ham- 
pers, consequently  I  was  prevented  showing  my  birds.  I  wrote 
for  my  entry  money  to  be  returned,  but  received  no  answer. 
I  twice  repeated  my  application,  and  threatened  taking  proceed- 
ings against  him  it  the  money  were  not  returned  in  due  course, 
but  no  notice  was  still  taken ,  consequently  I  entered  him  in  the 
County  Court,  where  he  was  compelled  to  pay  the  money,  together 
with  the  court  expenses.  I  hope  the  above  will  be  a  lesson  to 
others  placed  in  a  like  position  to  myself. — Jas.  Glessall,  Old 
Hall,  Milntliorpe. 

BIRMINGHAM  POULTRY  SHOW,   1870. 

I  fancy  that  most  exhibitors  will  agree  with  the  remarks  of 
Mr.  L.  Wright  about  the  schedule  for  the  present  year,  espe- 
cially as  regards  the  measures  necessary  to  lessen  the  number 
of  entries.  It  is  a  great  mistake,  I  believe,  to  continue  the 
present  form  of  subscription  and  entries,  with  six  admission 
tickets.  It  is  well  known  that  there  is  always  a  large  sale  at 
Birmingham  ;  it  is  known,  too,  that  with  the  enormous  number 
of  entries  pens  have  received  notice  from  the  Judges,  whilst 
their  merits  perhaps  scarcely  deserved  it.  Many  exhibitors 
doubtless  enter  pens  on  this  speculation,  as  they  have  four 
pens  to  fill  up  ;  and  so,  if  we  examine  the  entry  list,  fours,  or 
some  multiple  of  the  mystic  number,  are  the  rule. 

I  have  in  bygone  years  in  your  columns  complained  of  the 
illiberality  of  the  Birmingham  Committee  to  the  exhibitors  of 
"  Any  other  variety."  I  consider  that  at  Birmingham  there 
should  be  at  least  two  first,  second,  third,  and  fourth  prizes, 
say  £14.  This  is  not  too  much.  Considering  that  to  this  class 
we  owe  the  introduction  of  the  Brahmas,  French  fowls,  and 
other  now  thoroughly  established  favourites,  and  considering 
that  at  many  comparatively  insignificant  shows  an  equal  amount 
is  offered,  I  trust  another  year  will  mark  a  great  addition  to 
these  prizes.  Is  it  too  late  for  the  Committee  to  advertise  that 
there  will  be  two  sets  of  prizes  at  the  next  show  ? 

I  have  often  thought  that  Guinea  Fowl  deserve  a  class  to 
themselves  at  Birmingham.  Surely  Japanese  (Bantams,  I  pre- 
sume), have  a  refuge  in  Class  80  ;  I  cannot  but  think  that 
Silkies  ought  to  go  there  also. 

A  few  words  about  the  Malay  prizes.  Birmingham  does  still 
retain  classes  for  this  breed,  and  during  the  past  year  and  this 
the  Committee  have  been  assisted  by  exhibitors.  I  am  bound 
to  say  that  this  year,  in  forwarding  the  amount  collected,  I  ex- 
pressed the  hope  that  the  Committee  would  apportion  the 


October  6,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL   OF   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE    GARDENER. 


275 


amount  between  first  and  second  prizes  more  equally,  andl 
had  hoped  this  would  have  been  done.  I  am  certain  that  last 
year  entries  were  lost  on  this  account.  I  am  disposed  to  think 
it  will  lessen  my  entries  now.  It  seems  now-a-days  legitimate 
to  hit  the  poor  Malays  hard  ;  but  my  good  friend,  Mr.  L. 
Wright,  would  hardly  have  penned  his  few  remarks  about  their 
entries  last  year  if  he  had  studied  the  catalogue  of  1869.  For 
instance,  there  are  some  classes  of  Malays  that  paid  the  Com- 
mittee far  better  than  did  some  of  the  classes  of  other  breeds  ! 
This  is  a  monstrous  thing  for  me  to  state ;  perfectly  untrue 
some  may  probably  think  the  statement,  bat  let  me  come  to 
chapter  and  verse.  Class  31,  Malay  hens  over  one  year,  had 
seven  entries;  or  let  me  make  the  following  table  as  a  com- 
parison : — 

No.  of  Amount  at  Prizes 

Class  and  Breed.  Entries.        3s.  per  pen.  offered. 

Class  17.— Cochin  (White).— Cocks  £  s.  £  a. 

over  one  year 8      1    4     5    0 

Class  27.— Brahma  (Light).— Hens 

over  one  year 9      1    7     5    0 

Class  87 — La  Fleche.— Cocks 4      012    4    0 

Class  88—  Ditto.— Hens 5      0  16     4    0 

Class  47. — Hamburghs  (Silver-pen- 
cilled).—Cocks 9      1    7     5  10 

Class  70.— Game  (Dnckwing).— Hens      7      1    1     4    0 

Class  74.— Game  (White  and  Pile) 

Cocks   1    4     5    o 

Class  31. — Malay. — Hens  over  one 
year  7      i    i    3  19' 

I  may  mention  that  there  are  one  or  two  other  classes  that 
only  equal  this  Malay  class— for  instance,  Class  19,  White 
Cochin  hens.  I  have  purposely  omitted  the  Polish.  Alas  ! 
like  the  Malay,  they  are  no  longer  fashionable,  and  I  have  pre- 
ferred taking  the  fashionable  varieties. 

I  will  agree  that  the  breed  has  deteriorated.  Is  it  wonderful 
when  of  late  so  little  enoouragement  has  been  offered  to  it  ? — 
Y.  B.  A.  Z. 


MALAYS— REVISION    OF   CLASSES. 

I  was  much  pleased  with  the  remarks  made  by  Mr.  Wright 
in  your  last  week's  number  about  the  Birmingham  Show  of 
1870.  Touching  Malays,  true  it  is  that  a  few  amateurs  have 
again  this  year  subscribed  each  a  guinea  rather  than  have  the 
class  expunged  from  the  prize  list ;  but  surely  these  amateurs 
must  feel  disappointed  at  the  manner  in  which  the  prizes  have 
been  distributed  in  the  four  classes — viz.,  £3  the  first  prize 
and  10s.  the  second  prize.  Without  further  comment,  although 
there  is  no  accounting  for  taste,  as  an  exhibitor  I  infinitely 
prefer  the  first  prize.  Judging  from  what  I  have  seen  and 
heard,  I  think  that  Malays  this  year  will  be  better  represented 
than  ever,  and  that,  owing  to  recent  importations,  Mr.  Wright 
will  have  no  reason  to  think  that  the  breed  is  deteriorating. 
Several  amateurs  have  lately  started  Malays,  and  I  trust  that 
they  will  enter  them  for  competition  at  Birmingham,  and  let 
the  committees  of  other  shows  see  that  henceforth  they  will  be 
deserving  of  a  class  to  themselves,  and  not  be  obliged  to  take 
refuge  in  the  "Variety  claBs"  to  be  beaten,  as  has  often  been 
the  case,  by  Silkies. 

It  would  indeed  be  a  great  boon  if  many  committees  would 
revise  their  poultry  prize  lists,  and  not  issue  the  same,  as  is 
usually  the  case,  year  after  year.  Why  should  there  not  be 
a  class  at  every  principal  show  for  Black  Hamburghs,  one  for 
Polish  of  any  variety,  and  one  for  French  fowls  of  any  variety  ? 
At  the  laBt  three  shows  that  I  have  attended  Black  Hamburghs 
and  Silver  Polish  have  been  first  and  second  in  the  "  Variety 
class,"  and  many  really  good  pens  of  French  fowls,  Malays, 
Gold-laced  Bantams,  &o.,  have  been  obliged  to  be  content  with 
high  commendations.  I  am  satisfied  that  if  these  three  classes 
I  have  mentioned  were  to  be  found  in  the  prize  lists  for  1871 
they  would  not  only  be  well  filled,  and  the  show  rendered  far 
more  attractive,  but  greater  encouragement  would  be  given 
to  the  breeders  of  these  excellent  varieties.— A.  G.  Brooke, 
Ruyton  XL-Towns,  Salop. 


New  Poultry  Market. — It  is  satisfactory  to  learn  that  a 
Poultry  Market  is  in  contemplation,  the  proposed  site  being  a 
piece  of  vacant  ground  adjoining  the  Metropolitan  Meat  Market. 
This  would  be  a  valuable  addition  to  our  already  existing 
organisation  for  the  6upply  of  animal  food.  Next,  we  should 
like  to  see  good  and  cheap  vegetable  markets,  in  which  the 
poorer  districts  of  London  are  sadly  deficient.  Perhaps  the 
formation  of  one  for  poultry  will  cause  more  attention  to  be 

"  In  this  case  amateurs  assisted  the  Committee  to  offer  the  prizes. 


paid  to  their  fattening,  from  neglect  of  which  we  lose  an  im- 
mense amount  of  good  food ;  and,  as  a  commercial  question, 
it  would  amply  repay  any  country  gentleman  to  try  the  experi- 
ment, as  recently  detailed  in  this  Journal.  Some  years  ago  a 
Mr.  Brooke  attended  before  the  Food  Committee  of  the  Society 
of  Arts,  and  gave  some  very  valuable  information  on  the  sub- 
ject, which  he  offered  to  make  known  to  the  country  at  large, 
by  going  down  to  vaiious  towns  on  their  market  days,  and 
instructing  the  small  farmers  and  cottagers.  Bat  no  action  was 
taken  upon  it,  as  ought  to  have  been  the  case,  and  bo  a  valuable 
opportunity  was  allowed  to  slip  away. — {Food  Journal.) 

[It  is  stated  by  the  City  authorities  that  the  piece  of  ground 
referred  to  above  affords  double  the  area  of  the  spacious  Meat 
Market,  and  it  is  even  more  conveniently  situated  for  those 
who  are  likely  to  be  purchasers  of  poultry,  being  in  the  imme- 
diate neighbourhood  of  the  Farringdon  Street  Station  of  the 
Metropolitan  Railway. — Eds.] 


HULE  AGAINST  TRIMMING. 
Can  you,  or  any  of  your  correspondents,  inform  me  how  it  is 
that  the  Committee  of  the  Birmingham  Poultry  Show  have  not 
a  rule  against  trimming  ?  I  was  quite  surprised  and  disap- 
pointed, when  I  looked  over  the  rules  for  this  year,  to  find  that 
they  should  have  omitted  such  an  important  ono,  more  espe- 
cially so,  as  the  Birmingham  Show  is  considered  the  leading 
one  of  the  day,  and  one  which  should  set  an  example  to  the 
smaller  exhibitions.  Honest  exhibitors  do  not  like  to  trim 
their  birds,  neither  do  they  like  to  be  beaten  with  birds  with 
pickled  feathers.  I  sincerely  hope  that  the  Manchester  and 
other  leading  shows  will  adopt  a  rule  against  such  fraudulent 
practioes,  or  else  honest  exhibitors  will  give  up  exhibiting. — 
A  Disgusted  Exhibitor. 


SELLING  EGGS  BY  WEIGHT. 
When  eggs  were  worth  from  G  to  12  cents  per  di.zen,  it  was 
a  matter  of  no  great  importance  whether  they  were  large  or 
small,  but  now  as  they  range  from  20  to  40  cents  per  dozen, 
there  is  an  item  worth  looking  after  in  selection.  There  is 
nearly  a  difference  of  half  in  the  amount  of  meat  to  be  found 
in  different  lots  of  eggs  on  the  market,  and  justice  can  never 
be  done  to  the  purchaser  until  they  are  sold  by  weight.  Eggs 
weigh  usually  It  lb.  per  dozen,  and  at  40  cents  per  dozen 
are  expensive  meat.  Wh6n  sold  for  breeding  purposes,  the 
present  custom  of  counting  may  be  the  best.  There  would  be 
an  advantage  to  the  producer  resulting  from  a  change  as  above 
suggested  as  well  as  to  the  buyer,  for  then  every  keeper  ol 
poultry  would  seek  such  breeds  as  would  produce  the  greatest 
number  of  pounds  in  eggs,  while  now  a  hen  which  is  prolific  is 
profitable,  let  her  eggs  be  as  small  as  those  of  the  Partridge; 
the  object  beiDg  to  get  number,  not  size  or  quality. — (Ohio 
Farmer.) 

PRIZES  FOR  ANTWERP  PIGEONS. 
I  have  read  in  your  pages  various  letters  advising  persons 
about  to  purchase  birds  for  forming  a  flock  to  have  the  Antwerp 
on  account  of  its  usefulness,  quick  breeding,  and  numerous 
other  good  properties.  I  quite  agree  with  the  writers,  having 
kept  birds  of  that  breed  for  some  time  ;  still  there  is  one  great 
drawback  to  persons  who  keep  them  as  a  hobby,  and  like  to 
show  them  now  and  then  in  order  to  know  the  merits  of  their 
birds — it  is  that  at  few  shows  are  prizes  given  for  this  class 
of  Pigeons.  Now,  I  think  this  is  a  mistake,  and  I  imagine  if 
the  committees  could  only  read  the  letters  to  which  I  have 
referred,  they  would  soon  offer  prizes,  if  not  cups,  for  this 
class. — H.  P.  Rylasd. 


ECCLESFLELD   (SHEFFIELD)    POULTRY  AND 
PIGEON    SHOW. 

This  Show  was  held  on  the  '29th  nit.,  and  was  one  of  the  sections 
of  the  Agricultural  Exhibition,  and  although  there  was  but  one  prize 
offered  in  each  class,  yet  the  muster  in  point  of  both  quantity  and 
quality  was  of  a  respectable  character. 

The  adult  fowls  were  generally  good,  though  most  were  in  deep 
moult.  The  Cochins,  fyanish,  and  Polands  were  of  high  quality, 
and  shown  in  the  very  best  of  bloom  and  condition.  The  first- 
prize  Dorking  chickens  were  dark  Greys,  of  enormous  frame  and 
good  shape,  and  there  were  also  several  grand  cockerels,  with  bad 
pullets.     The  Spanish  chickens  were  also  of  nice  quality,  but  the 


276 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  6,  1870. 


Game  only  moderate  as  a  class,  thongh  several  single  birds  were  very 
fine.  The  Hamburgh  chickens  in  the  winning  pens  were  all  correct 
specimens,  and  the  winners  in  Game  Bantams  also  good  birds.  The 
single  Game  cockerel  was  a  capital  bird  in  form  and  Btyle,  but  a  little 
flecked  in  feather.  The  Geese  were  large,  but  did  not  match  in  colour. 
There  was  but  one  class  for  DitcJcs,  and  Aylesbnries  won  the  prizes. 
There  were  large  and  excellent  pens  of  birds,  and  many  more  prizes 
might  easily  have  been  distributed  in  the  class.  In  Pigeons  there 
were  some  good  birds,  notably  the  Carriers,  which  where  Black.  The 
Almond  Tumblers  were  good  and  the  Blue  Pouters  in  the  first-prize  pen 
were  of  great  length  of  limb  and  feather,  closely  pressed  by  a  pair  of 
capital  Red-pied.  In  the  "  Variety  class,"  Black  Swallows  were  first, 
and  English  Owls  and  Ice  Pigeons  highly  commended. 

Doreings.— 1,  'W.  Harvey,  Sheffield,  c,  T.  W.  Overman,  Sheffield  Lane. 
Paddocks.  Chickens.— 1,  \V.  Harvey,  he,  F.  Crawshaw,  Longley.  c,  F.  Craw, 
shaw  ;  J.  Swift,  Deerlands.  Spanish.— 1,  Burch  &  Boulter,  Sheffield,  he,  E. 
Brown,  St.  Philip's  Road.  Chickens.— 1,  E.  Brown,  he,  Burch  &  Boulter. 
Cochin-China.— 1,W.  Harvey,  c,  J.  Boler,  Hilltop.  Chickens.— 1,  Burch  and 
Boulter,  he,  J.  Tomlinson,  Sheffield.  Game.— 1,  F.  Moody,  Treeton.  c,  J. 
Denton,  Cockerel.— 1,  F.  Moodv.  Chickens,— 1,  W.  Holden.  he,  W.  Holden  ; 
M.  E.  Chambers,  Chapeltown.  Hamburghs.— Golden-spanaled.—l,  W.  Harvev. 
fee,  Burch  &  Boulter.  Chickens.— 1,  Burch  &  Boulter.  Silver-spangled.— I.  W. 
Harvey,  he,  F.  Turner,  Sheffield.  Chickens.— 1,  W.  Harvey,  he,  "F.  Turner. 
Golden-pencilled.— \.  W.  Harvey,  he,  Burch  &  Boulter.  Chickens.— 1,  W. 
Harvey.  lie,  Burch  &  Boulter.  Silver-pencilled.—\,'W.  Harvey,  he,  W.  Stead, 
Owlerton.  Chickens.— 1,  "W.  Harvey,  lie,  W.  Stead.  Bantams.— Game.— 1,  J. 
Uylett,  Pitsmoor.  he,  J.  Boler;  F.  Moody;  W.  Topham,  Sheffield.  Any 
Variety.— I,  J.  Toml  nson.  c,  W.  Topham.  Any  Variety.— 1,  W.  Harvey. 
Geese.— 1,  G.  Jackson.  Munaborougfe.  he,  W.  Shaw.  Ducks.— 1,  J.  Shillito, 
Sheffield,  he,  J.  K.  Straw,  shirepreen  (Rnuen);  E.  Temple  (Aylesbury);  F. 
Crawshaw.  Tubkfyb.— 1,  Mrs.  Booth,  Brightholmlee.  he,  Mrs.  Booth;  G. 
Jackson,    c,  G.  Jackson. 

PIGEONS. 

Carriers .— 1,  W.  Harvey,  he,  E.  Brown,  Sheffield.  Tumblers.— 1,  W. 
Harvey,  he,  K.  Brown;  H.  Brown,  Walkley.  e,  J.  B.  Mabson,  Ecclesfield; 
J.  Rider,  Middleton.  Fantails.— l,  W.  Harvev.  Antwerps.— 1,  W.  Harvey. 
lie,  R.  Cauwood,  Ecclesfield.  Jacobins.— 1,  W.  Harvey.  Croppers  or  Pouters. 
— 1,  W.  Harvey,  he,  H.  Brown.  Any  other  Variety.— 1.  W.  Harvey,  he,  G. 
Milner,  Grimesthorpe  ;  E.  Temple  (White  Trumpeters) ;  YV.  Harvey. 

The  Judge  was  Mr.  E.  Hutton,  Pudsey,  Leeds. 


LITTLEBOROUGH   POULTRY   SHOW. 

The  following  awards  were  made  at  this  Show,  held  on  Sept.  2-ith  : — 
Game.— land  2  C.  W.  Brierley,  Middleton.  Cock.— 1.  E.  Avkroyd.  Sand  he, 
C  W.  Bnerley.  Hen.— I  and  2,  C.  YV.  Brierley.  he,  T.  J.  Sunderland,  Halifax. 
Brahmas. -~I,  E.  Hmchinson.  Littleborouph.  2.  YV.  Trevor,  Rochdale,  he,  J. 
Watts,  King's  Heath,  Birmingham;  J.  T.  Travis.  Rochdale.  Cochins —1  and 
2,  J.  Greenwood,  he,  C.  Whitehead.  Bantams.—  Game.— I  and  2,  J.  W.  Morris. 
lie,  F.  Steel,  Halifax.  Any  other  variety.— 1,  J.  YV.  Morris.  2,  J.  H.  Pickles, 
Birkdale,  Southport.  hc,S.&  R.  Ashton,  Mottram ;  T.  Dvson.  Dorkings  — 
1,  W.  H.  King,  Rochdale.  2,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  he,  J.  Stott,  Healey.  Spanish.— 
1  and  2,  C.  W.  Bnerley.  KAMBxmoas.—Goldenrpeneilled.—l  and  2,  T.  Wrigley, 
jun.,  Middleton.  he,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  Golden- spangled.— I,  Chadderton  and 
Scholes,  Manchester.  2.  H.  Pickles,  jun.  Silver-pencilled.— land2,H.  Pickles, 
.iun.  8iVver*pangled.—l  and  2,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  he,  J.  Cockroft,  Keighley. 
Black—  1  and  he,  E.  Brierley,  Heywood.  2,  C.  W.  Brierley.  Any  other 
Variety.- 1,  P.  Unsworth.  2,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  he,  P.  Unsworth;  H.  Pickles, 
jun. ;  R.  Hurst,  Rochdale.  Selling  Class.— 1.  YV.  Trevor.  2,  C.  W.  Brierley. 
he,  S.  CroBsley,  Rochdale;  G.  Taylor,  Huddersfield ;  H.  Pickles,  jun.;  J.  YV. 
Brierley. 

LOCAL  CLASSES. 
Geese— 1.  J.  Shepherd,  Smallbridge.  he,  R.  Hnrst ;  F.  Lord.  Littleborouph 
Ducks.— Aylesbury.— 1,  J.  Buckley,  Littleburough.  2,  M.  A.  Cronsley,  Little 
borough.  Rouen.—  1,  R.  Hurst.  2,  R.  Hutchinson,  he,  A.  Consterdine;  J 
Walton;  E.  Lord.  Any  other  variety.— 1,  A.  Consterdine.  2,  W.  Stewart 
Rochdale.  Turkeys.-  1,  G.  Taylor,  Littleborough. 
PIGEONS. 
Pouters.— 1,  J.  Hawley,  Bingley.  2.  H.  Yardley,  Birmingham.  Carriers.— 
1,  J.  B.  Pindar.  2,  G.  Taylor,  rhc,  H.  Yardley.  he,  A.  Consterdine.  Tumblerb. 
—  Almond.— 1,  J.  Fielding,  jun.,  Rochdale.  2,  H.  Yardlev.  Any  variety.— I  and 
2.J.  Fielding,  vhc,  F.  Moure,  Burnley,  he,  H.  Yardlev.  Dragoons.— 1,  J. 
Wild.  2,  J.  Stanley.  Blackburn,  vhc,  H.  Hargreaves,  Burrilev.  he,  F.  Graham  ; 
J.  Watts,  c,  P.  Unsworth.  Fantails.— 1,  J.  F.  Loversidge,  "Newark-on-Trent. 
%  H.  Yardley.  e.  F.  Graham,  J.  Hawley.  Barbs.— 1  and  2,  J.  Fielding,  jun. 
nc,  A.  Dove,  York.  Jacobins.— 1,  J.  B.  Pinder.  2,  J.  Hawley.  Antwerps  — 
1,  E.  Lee,  Colne.  2,  J.  B.  Pinder.  vftc,  S.  T.  Heap,  Littleborough  ;  J.  Oldroyd, 
Wakefield;  he,  J.  A.  Cr>Hinson.  Halifax;  J.  Oldrovd.  Turbits.— 1,  J.  Fieldinp, 
jun.  2.  J.  B.  Pinder.  vhc.  F.  Moore  :  he.  H.  Yardley;  A.  Dove.  Trumpeters. 
—1  and  2,  J.  Hawley.  vhc,  P.  Unsworth.  Owls.— 1  and  2,  J.  Fielding,  jun. 
fee,  J.  Stanley ;  A.  Dove.    Any  other  Variety.— 1,  J.  YVatts.    2,  F.  Graham. 

Judges.— Poultry ;  Mr.  K.  Teebay,  Preston.  Pit/eons:  Mr.  Rid- 
peth,  Handforth. 

OSWESTRY  POULTRY  SHOW. 

This  Meeting  was  held  on  September  29th,  and  being  favoured  by 
most  lovely  weather,  there  was  an  extraordinary  attendance  of  visitors. 
The  Dark  Brahmas  formed  one  of  the  most  praiseworthy  features  of 
the  whole  Show;  and  in  the  face  of  a  good  competition  the  Hon.  Miss 
Douglas  Pennant  took  both  prizes  with  birds  shown  not  only  in  the 
most  admirable  condition,  but  snch  as  have  not  as  yet  been  brought 
before  the  public  this  season.  They  will  in  all  probability  add  yet 
more  triumphs  to  that  lady's  yard,  as  the  prohibitory  price  of  £20 
each  couple  prevented  their  immediate  appropriation.  Many  of  the 
Cochins  shown  were  capital  chickens  ;  Mr.  Sidgwick  took  the  chief 
prizes  for  these.  Hamburgh*  were  among  the  gems  of  the  Show,  and 
as  they  appear  to  be  so  little  known  in  this  district,  the  anxiety  evinced 
by  the  public  for  a  close  inspection  of  these  particular  classes  was 
extraordinary.  The  French  fowls  had  separate  classes,  and  both  breeds 
were  well  and  numerously  shown.  An  amateur  may  attend  many 
shows  ere  he  meets  with  so  excellent  a  class  for  Any  other  variety  as 
there  was  at  Oswestry  ;  every  pen  obtained  the  favourable  notice  of  the 
Judge.  Geese,  Turkeys,  and  Bucks,  as  is  always  the  case  at  Oswestry, 
were  remarkably  good.     Although  here  and  there  was  to  be  seen  an 


nnexceptionably  good  pen  of  Game  fowls,  there  was  not  nearly  snch 
excellence  in  these  breeds  as  at  former  shows. 

Game.— Black  or  Brown-breasted  Bed.— 1,^1.  A. Forde,  Maghull  (Brown  Reds). 
2,  J.  Mason,  St.  John's,  Worcester  (Black-breasted),  he,  Rev.  P.  G.  Bentley, 
Felton  Grange(BIack-breaBted).  Duckwing  Greys  and  Whites,  or  Piles.— 1,  W. 
Dunning,  Newport.  Salop.  2,  Barker  &  Char  nock,  Hlingworth.  he,  Ji  Mason. 
c.  Miss  Saddler,  Whitchurch.  Any  colour. —  I,  F.  Parlett,  Great  Baddow 
(Coloured).  2,  Rev.  E.  Bartrum,  Great  Berkharnpstead  (Coloured),  he,  E. 
Shaw,  Oswestry  (Coloured);  T.  Briden,  Earby,  Skipton  (Coloured),  c,  E. 
Williams,  Henllys,  Berriew  (Coloured).  Cochin-China.— Brown  or  Partridge. 
— 1,  C.  Sidgwick,  Ryddlesden  Hall.  Keighley.  2,  No  competition.  White  or 
Buff.—l,  C.  Sidgwick  (Buff).  2,  J.  Dove,  Moulton  (Buff),  he,  A.  Darby.  Stanley 
Hall,  Bridgnorth  (Buff),  c,  T.  H.Readman.  Whitby  (Buff);  D.  Thomas, Brecon 
(Buff).  Spanish.— 1.  J.  Boulton.  Bristol.  2,  Mrs.  Clews,  Walsall,  he,  F  James, 
Peckham  Rye  :  E.  Brown,  Sheffield.  Brahma  Pootras  —  Dark.— 1  and  2,  Hon. 
Miss  D.  Pennant,  Penrhyn  Castle,  Bangor,  he,  E.  Leech,  Rochdale,  c,  Kev. 
J.  Evans,  Cantreff  Rectory.  Brecon.  Light— 1,  H.  Dowsett,  PlcBhey.  Essex. 
2,  T.  A.  Dean,  Moreton-on-Lugg.  c,  W.  Whiteley,  Cloueh  Lodge,  Sheffield. 
Hamburghs.— Silver  or  Gold  pencilled.— 1,  Duke  o*  Sutherland,  Trentham. 
2,  W.  Speakman,  Doddington  Park,  Nantwich  (Gold-pencilled),  he,  H.  Pickles, 
jun.,  Earby.  c.  H.  Pickles,  jun. ;  T.  H.  Readman,  Stoke-on-Trent  (Gold- 
pencilled);  J.  Piatt,  Bolton  (Silver-pencilled).  Silver  or  Gold-spangled.—l,  T- 
Mav.  2,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  he,  Duke  of  Sutherland;  Ashton  &  Booth,  Broad, 
bottom,  Mottram  (Silver-spaneled).  Creve-Ccgurs. — 1,  J.  J.  Maiden,  Biggies, 
wade.  2,  E.  Williams,  he,  \V.  Dring.  Faversham.  c,  F.  Bennett,  Grove- 
Shifnal.  Houdans.— 1,  W.  O.  Quibell.  Newark.  2,  E.  Williams.  Ant  other 
Variety.— 1,  Duke  of  Sutherland  (Black  Hamburghs).  2,  H.  Pickles,  jun. 
(Silver  Polandsi.  he,  C.  Sidgwick  (Black  Hamburghs);  Rev.  A,  G.  Brooke, 
Ruyton  XI-Town  (Malays);  W.  Gamon,  Chester  (Polands)  (2).  <\  A.  D.Payne, 
Lyth  Hill  (Malays).  Bantams.— Game.— 1,  F.  Steel,  Halifax.  2,J.Adkins,  jun., 
Wulaall.  c,  J.  Teggin  Cross  Foxes,  Gohowen  (2).  Any  other  Variety.— 1,  T. 
C.  Harrison,  Hull  (Gold-laced  Sebrights).  2,  C.  Drake.  Stoke,  Ipswich  (Black 
Rose-combed).  Ac,  Rev.  A.  G.  Brooke  (Maltese),  c.  S.  &  R.  Ashton,  Mottram, 
Cheshire  (White);  H.  Yardley,  Birmingham  (Gold-laced  Sebrights);  T.  C. 
Harrison  (Silver-laced).  Tvrkeys.— Poults— 1,  E.  Leech.  2,  E.  Shaw.  Geese. 
—Goslings.— I.E.  Shaw  (Toulouse).  2,  E.  Leech.  Ducks.— Aylesbury.— I,  E. 
Leech.  2,  J.  Dove.  Boucn.—l,  E.  Leech.  2,  F.  Parlett.  c,  G.  Cottle,  West- 
felton.  Selling  Class  (Any  breed).— 1,  E.  Shaw  (Cochins).  2.  T.  Fonlkes, 
Oswestry  (Black-breasted  Game),  he,  H.  Yardley  ;  J.  M.  Ffoulkes.  LlandysBil 
Rectory.  Montgomery  (Light  Brahmas).  c,  E.Williams  (Dorkings);  Rev.  J.  J. 
Evans  (Brahma  Pootras).  Game. — Black-breasted.  —  Chickens.— 1,  E.  Pugh, 
Welshpool  (Black-breasted  Reds).  2,  S.  White,  Oswestry  (Black-breasted 
Reds).  Any  Colour —Pullets.— i,  S.  White.  2,  G.  Cottle,  he.  Rev.  P.  G. 
Bentley,  Felton  Grange  (2).  c,  E.  Shaw.  Cock.— 1,  ».  White.  2,  E.  Pugh. 
Dorking.— Chickens.— 1  and  2,  E.  Shaw. 

The  Judge  was  Mr.  Edward  Hewitt,  of  Sparkbrook,  Birmingham. 


DERBY   POULTRY   SHOW. 

This  Show  was  exceedingly  well  arranged,  and  the  competition  was 
exclusively  confined  to  birds  of  the  present  year  ;  notwithstanding,  the 
prizes  were,  as  a  whole,  very  well  contested.  Some  very  good  Darlings 
were  shown,  but  it  should  be  borne  in  mind  by  competitors  that  how- 
ever perfect  iu  other  respects  birds  may  be,  malformations  of  any 
kind  are  always  inadmissible.  A  few  of  the  pens  of  Game  chickens 
were  really  good,  but  the  majority  of  those  shown  were  scarcely  suffi- 
ciently matured  for  the  show  pen.  The  llamhurghs  were  the  best 
ever  yet  seen  at  this  Society's  shows,  and  were  excellent.  The  Brahmas 
were  also  worthy  of  very  high  approval,  particularly  the  Dark-feathered. 
A  large  entry  of  cross-breeds,  shown  entirely  on  their  merits  as  table 
fowls,  caused  considerable  interest.  The  Geese  were  one  of  the  most 
meritorious  classes  in  the  Show,  and  embraced  Toulouse,  White,  and 
Saddle-backed.  The  special  prizes  for  three  pens  of  poultry  of  any 
variety,  shown  by  one  exhibitor,  brought  a  competition  of  seven  entries, 
and  visitors  seemed  to  regard  this  portion  of  the  Derby  Exhibition 
with  unusual  attention.  Pigeons  proved  scarcely  so  good  as  we  had 
hoped  to  find  them.  The  promptitude,  care,  and  attention  of  the 
Committee  in  the  general  management  could  not  be  surpassed,  and 
the  snmmer-like  weather  caused  an  immense  influx  of  visitors. 

Dorkings.— Coloured.— 1,  A.  F.  Hurt,  Alderwaslev.  2,  Countess  of  Chester- 
field, he,  G.  J.  Mitchell,  Newton  Mount,  c.  Mrs.  Arkwright,  Sutton  Scarsdale. 
White.— 1,  J.  Faulkner,  Bretby.  2.W.R  Dick,Ticknall.  Game.— Dark-breasted. 
— 1,  C.  Minorn,  Sudburv.  2.  G.  J.  Mitchell,  c,  J.  Faulkner.  White  or  Pile.— 
1  and  he,  W.  Hollingworth,  Dale  Abbey.  2,  C.  Spencer,  Thulston.  Hamburghs. 
—  Gold-pencilled— 1,  H.  Hinckley.  Radboume.  2,  J.  Bakewell.  he,  G.  J. 
Mitchell.  Gold-spangled —1,  J.  Bakewell.  2,  H.  Hincklev.  Silver-pencilled.— 
1  and  2,  H.  King,  Melbourne,  c.  J.  Bakewell.  Silvn-xpannlcd.-l,  C.  Picker- 
ing. Kirk  Laneley.  2,  H.  Hincklev.  c,  J.  Bakewell;  A.  F.  Hurt.  Cochin- 
China.— 1,  J.  B.  Story.  2,  G.  A.  Crewe,  Etwall.  Bbabmas.— Light.  —  1  and 
2,  A.  O.  Worthington,  Burton-on-Trent.  Dark.— 1  and  he,  A.  F.  Hurt.  2,  Rev 
E.  Alder,  c,  Rev.  E.  Alder;  A.  O.  Worthington.  Cross-brkd.— 1  and  2,  A.  O. 
Worthington.  Ducks.— Rouen.— \  and  2,  A.  O.  Worthington.  e,  G.  J.  Mitchell. 
Aylesbwry.—l,  J.  B.  Storv.  u  and  c.  G.  A.  Crewe.  Geese— 1,  F.  Potter,  Hart- 
hill  Moor.  2,  J.  Faulkner,  c,  J.  Milnes,  WestHallam;  G.  J.  Mitchell;  G.  A. 
Crewe.  Tuhkeyb.— 1,  G.  J.  Mitchell.  2,  A.  M.  Mundv.  Special  Class  for 
Best  Three  Pens  of  Poultry.  —  1,  A.  O.  Worthington  (Light  Brahmas). 
2,  Mrs.  Arkwright  (Game).    S,  G.  A.  Crewe  (Partridge  Cochins). 

PIGEONS. 
Rock    or   Dovecote.— 1,  G.  J.  Mitchell.     2,  .T.  Faulkner.     Antwerps    or 
Belgians.— 1  and  2,  Mrs.  Arkwright.    c,  J.  Langley,  Miokleover.    Tumblers.— 

1.  Mrs.  Arkwright.    2,  F.  B.  Wright.    Fantails.— 1,  W-  R.  Dick.    3,  J.  Wood. 
Spnndon.     Ant  other  Variety. — 1,  Capt.  Pountain,  Derby  (Black  Pouters). 

2,  W.  R.  Dick  (Yellow  Jacobins),    c,  Mrs.  Arkwright  (2)  (Magpies). 

The  Judges  were  Mr.  Edward  Hewitt,  of  Birmingham,  and  Mr* 
Edward  Lowe,  of  Comberford. 


CANARY  BUG. 

Hate  any  of  your  numerous  readers  in  the  Canary  fancy 
ever  tried  the  following  simple  remedy  for  the  destruction  of 
that  dreadful  pest,  the  Canary  bug?  Obtain  pieces  of  elder 
wood.,  force  out  the  pith,  pierce  several  holes  through  the  wood, 
so  as  to  enable  the  little  animals  easily  to  find  their  way  into 
the  hollow,  shake  or  blow  through  the  perches  into  a  basin  o! 


October  6,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


277 


hot  water  at  cleansing  time,  and  the  result  will  be,  if  in  accord- 
ance with  my  experience,  very  satisfactory. — J.  M.  S. 

[That  little  gentleman,  the  Canary  bug,  is  naturally  of  a 
retiring  disposition,  and  will  retreat  into  any  crack,  however 
small.  If  there  be  any  crevice,  even  if  almost  imperceptible, 
it  will  soon  be  tenanted  when  the  pests  make  their  appearance. 
It  is  quite  unnecessary  to  make  traps  for  them.  Any  which 
might  explore  the  hollow  perch  would  form  but  a  very  small 
part  of  the  regiments  quartered  in  every  available  locality ;  and 
accommodation,  however  kindly  intended,  would  not  be  by  any 
means  an  effectual  check  upon  them.  I  would  feel  disposed  to 
out  off  every  retreat  rather  than  to  find  furnished  lodgings  for 
them.  FreBh  air,  plenty  of  ventilation,  clean  nest-boxes,  and 
constant  changes  of  nest,  will  do  more  to  prevent  their  appear- 
ance than  any  other  treatment. — W.  A.  B.] 


THE  CONTESTS   OF  QUEENS. 

This  is  a  subject  which  has  been  ably  and  fully  discussed  by 
Huber,  but  in  making  experiments  to  verify  his  statements 
the  same  results  have  not  always  followed.  In  introducing  a 
fertile  queen  to  a  hive  presided  over  by  another  fertile  queen, 
he  mentions  that  both  the  stranger  and  the  reigning  queens 
were  immediately  enclosed  by  the  bees,  and  that  the  queens 
were  virtually  forced  to  decide  by  a  single  combat  between 
themselves  to  which  of  them  the  throne  should  belong.  Now, 
when  introducing  a  queen  to  a  hive  in  the  circumstances  men- 
tioned, and  without  any  strange  bees  accompanying  them,  I 
have  never  seen  either  the  reigning  queen  encased,  or  the 
question  of  empire  decided  by  a  fight  between  the  two  sovereigns. 
The  stranger  queen  has  been  invariably  .strangled  by  the  bees 
of  the  hive  to  which  she  was  intruded. 

It  is  different  when  the  subjects  of  a  stranger  queen  are  also 
introduced  with  her.  Both  queens  are  then  encased,  and  a 
combat  may,  perhaps,  take  place  between  them,  although  I 
have  never  seen  one.  There  are  many  apiarians  who  have 
never  seen  a  deadly  struggle  between  two  queens.  The  late 
Dr.  Dunbar  was  very  anxious  to  witness  a  royal  duel,  but 
although  he  watched  for  one  for  ye  ars,  he  never  had  the  good 
fortune  to  be  a  spectator  of  the  conflict.  Yet  anyone  who 
chooses  may  with  very  little  trouble  obtain  a  sight  of  queens 
in  mortal  embrace.  Whilst  admitting  that  the  mother  bee 
may  and  does  occasionally  put  juvenile  rivals  to  death  when 
coming  or  about  to  emanate  from  thtir  cradles,  I  imagine 
that  fighting  proper  only  takes  place  between  virgins.  As  I 
have  occasionally  exhibited  their  encounters  to  friends,  a  de- 
scription of  the  process  followed  may  not  be  unacceptable  to 
some  readers  of  the  Journal. 

During  the  swarming  season  young  queens  are  always  plenti- 
ful, and  two  or  three  can  often  be  found  in  a  hive  shortly  after 
the  issue  of  the  second  cast.  Take  two  of  these  queens  and 
with  a  hundred  or  two  of  bees  accompanying  each,  put  these 
miniature  swarms  in  separate  small  boxes.  Then  towards  dnsk, 
when  there  is  no  danger  of  the  bees  taking  wing,  dislodge  the 
two  hives  upon  a  large  table  near  the  centre,  and  about  1  foot 
apart  from  each  other.  The  two  clusters  so  dislodged  break  np, 
and  their  spreading  circles  are  soon  merged  in  each  other.  If 
the  two  queens  are  watched,  it  will  be  seen  that  they  are  com- 
paratively placid  so  long  as  their  presence  is  unknown  to  each 
other,  but  the  moment  the  track  or  trail  of  one  is  perceived 
by  her  rival,  the  wings  of  the  discoverer  are  raised,  her  pace  is 
quickened  as  if  in  search  of  something,  and  it  may  be  she  will 
halt  in  her  course  and  utter  the  piping  sound  heard  previous 
to  the  migration  of  an  after-cast.  In  a  little  while  the  queens 
meet,  and  if  the  opportunity  is  favourable  a  death  thrust  is 
given,  generally  by  the  stronger  making  a  side  embrace  and 
curving  her  sting  under  the  abdomen  of  the  weaker.  The  dis- 
abled queen  is  then  treated  as  a  dying  bee,  dragged  to  the  edge 
of  the  table,  and  thrown  over. 

About  a  month  ago  I  had  two  young  queens  in  my  glass 
ncicomb,  the  one  dark  and  the  other  bright-coloured.  The  dark 
was  slender-made,  and  the  younger  of  the  two.  I  happened  to 
observe  the  first  meeting  of  these  princesses.  There  was  first 
a  Budden  halt,  then  measured  looks,  then  a  rush  by  the  dark 
one  on  to  the  top  of  the  bright-coloured,  the  head  of  the  upper 
being  towards  the  extremity  of  the  under.  But  the  embrace 
lasted  only  a  second  or  two,  for  the  dark-coloured  queen  im- 
mediately quitted  her  hold  and  rushed  in  perturbation  over  the 
comb. 

The  fear  awakened  never  left  her,  the  slightest  pressure  of 
the  crowd  made  her  move  precipitately.  The  light-coloured,  on 


the  contrary,  seemed  quite  at  ease,  and  never  once  pursued  her 
rival,  but  merely  give  a  scowl  at  her  whenever  she  approached 
too  near.  I  watched  the  proceedings  a  whole  day  and  saw  the 
queens  often  meet,  but  the  moment  their  antenna  touched,  the 
dark-coloured  fled  apparently  in  great  fear.  The  bees,  how- 
ever, contrary  to  Huber's  experience,  manifested  no  desire  to 
make  the  two  queens  fight,  they  never  once  enclosed  them  or 
drove  them  together,  neither  did  they  display  the  least  agi- 
tation. Ultimately,  when  darkness  set  in,  the  dark-coloured, 
as  I  expected,  was  slain  by  the  light-coloured.  "  Coming  events 
had  cast  their  shadows  before." — R.  S. 


MAIDSTONE  AND   MID-KENT  NATURAL 
HISTORY  SOCIETY. 

At  a  recent  meeting  of  this  Society,  the  Rev.  Walter  Mitchell 
Vice-President  of  the  Philosophical  Society  of  Great  Britain, 
gave  an  address  upon  the  "  Geometrical  Structure  of  the  Hive 
Bee's  Cell."  He  said  he  had  adopted  the  above  title,  as  there 
were  250  different  species  of  bees  in  this  country,  not  one  of 
which  possessed  the  geometrical  accomplishment  and  very 
peculiar  construction  adopted  by  the  hive  bee.  This  we  called 
the  domesticated  bee,  because  it  always  followed  in  the  steps  of 
civilisation,  or  rather  preceded  them,  for  in  North  America  the 
red  Indian  knew  immediately  the  hive  bee  was  established  in 
the  forest  that  it  would  be  shortly  followed  by  civilised  man. 
The  bee's  cell  was  the  most  marvellous  thing  in  creation,  as 
far  as  our  wisdom  was  concerned,  in  interpreting  the  works  of 
the  Creator,  for  those  marvellous  cells  were  made  of  a  substance 
which  it  was  extremely  difficult  for  the  bee  to  prooure,  and 
out  of  this  substance  it  manufactured  its  houses,  its  streets, 
and  its  city.  This  city  had  three  different  classes  of  in- 
habitants— the  queen  bee,  a  few  hundred  males  or  drones,  and 
several  thousand  neuters  or  working  bees.  He  then  pointed 
out  that  a  bee  on  a  given  excursion  fixed  on  a  particular  flower 
when  it  was  collecting  pollen  dust,  such  as  a  wild  rose  or  a  lily, 
and  visited  those  flowers  only.  The  other  bees  collected  honey 
for  mixing  with  the  pollen,  and  for  the  winter  supply,  which  is 
put  in  the  cells  and  sealed  up.  There  was  no  creature  whose 
habits  the  ancients  were  so  fond  of  investigating  as  that  of  the 
bee— Virgil  had  written  a  great  deal  about  bees— but  none  of 
them  oould  tell  from  whence  the  bees  obtained  their  wax. 
Some  supposed  that  it  was  pollen,  but  on  modern  chemists 
burning  it,  they  found  that  while  pollen  gave  off  an  ash,  wax 
gave  none.  This  problem  was,  however,  solved  by  John  Hunter, 
the  celebrated  naturalist,  who,  on  dissecting  a  bee,  found  that 
in  the  abdomen  there  were  certain  small  bags  containing  a 
white  substance,  which,  on  burning  it  in  a  candle,  proved  to  be 
wax,  and  it  was,  therefore,  an  animal  secretion.  The  bee, 
therefore,  had  a  chemical  manufactory.  He  then  described 
how  the  bees,  during  the  summer  months,  gorged  themselves 
with  honey  that  this  secretion  might  be  produced. 

In  the  construction  of  its  cells  from  this  substance  the  bee 
showed  marvellous  geometrical  skill.  Not  only  had  the  bee, 
led  by  its  divine  instinct,  to  gather  honey  and  store  it  for  the 
winter,  when  it  knew  it  could  get  no  food  oat  of  doors,  but  it 
exercised  great  economy  in  the  use  of  that  precious  substance 
out  of  which  it  constructed  its  cells.  The  cells  consisted  of  a 
great  number  of  hexagons,  or  six-sided  figures.  The  wasp, 
which  had  been  a  paper-maker  since  the  creation  of  the  world, 
made  his  paper  out  of  wood,  but  he  placed  his  comb,  not  verti- 
cally but  horizontally.  He  made  hexagonal  cells,  but  he  only 
made  his  houses  on  one  side  of  the  street — not  back  to  back, 
as  the  bee  did,  and  he  simply  covered  in  the  bottom  of  his 
cell  with  a  fiat  piece  of  paper.  He  displayed  in  this  a  certain 
amount  of  economy,  but  not  the  greatest  amount  of  economy. 
The  bees'  cell,  on  the  contrary,  was  terminated  with  lozenge- 
shaped  boles — like  the  diamond  \  ants  of  a  window — which, 
when  they  put  their  cells  together,  formed  the  bottom  of  a 
house,  on  the  other  side  of  the  street. 

The  lecturer  then  described  how  the  great  French  naturalist, 
R4aumur,  by  the  aid  of  an  eminent  mathematician,  discovered 
that  the  measurement  of  these  cells  by  the  differential  calculus 
was  exactly  109°  28',  and  that  they  gave  the  greatest  possible 
internal  space  with  the  greatest  economy  of  material.  The 
lecturer  said,  therefore,  he  concluded  that  we  had  not  yet  dis- 
covered the  marvellous  mechanism  by  which  the  bee  produced 
this  wonderful  arrangement ;  and,  with  regard  to  the  theory  of 
natural  selection,  suggested  by  Mr.  Darwin,  he  pointed  out  that 
the  bee  could  not  derive  its  instinct  from  its  parents,  for  the 
working  bees  were  neuters.    The  bees  were  wonderful  archi- 


278 


JOURNAL   OP  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  October  6, 1870. 


tects.  Among  the  wild  ones  there  was  the  mason  bee  and  the 
carpenter  bee.  Some  were  very  fastidious,  and  would  only  line 
their  cells  with  rose  or  poppy  leaves.  He  then  referred  to  the 
marvellous  power  of  the  bee  in  obtaining  propolis  to  strengthen 
the  structure  of  its  cells,  and  in  decreasing  the  size  of  the 
entrance  of  the  hive  in  those  seasons  when  the  death's-head 
moth  was  abundant,  so  that  it  could  not  get  in,  and  by  imitat- 
ing the  voice  of  the  queen  bee  be  enabled,  with  impunity,  to 
steal  the  honey.  In  conclusion,  he  said  the  more  we  studied 
the  works  of  the  Divine  Geometer  and  the  Divine  Architect  the 
more  we  should  advance  in  philosophy  and  science.  It  would 
keep  man's  pride  of  intellect  in  check,  and  we  should  learn  to 
Study  with  child-like  simplicity  the  works  of  Divine  wisdom. — 
(English  Mechanic.) 


CHEAP  AND   EASY   HONEY. 

Under  this  head  the  Chicago  Post  has  the  following: — Starch 
is  the  basis  of  sugar,  alcohol,  and  acetic  acid  (vinegar).  The 
four  substances  have  the  same  constituents,  the  difference  be- 
tween them  being  in  the  proportion  in  which  these  constituents 
are  united  in  the  different  articles.  Starch  dissolved  in  water 
and  boiled  with  three  per  cent,  of  its  own  weight  of  sulphuric 
acid  is  converted  into  dextrine — a  thick  semi-transparent  fluid, 
and  if  the  boiling  is  continued  the  dextrine  becomes  sugar. 
An  addition  of  lime  in  some  form  to  the  water  in  which  the 
sugar  is  held  in  solution  throws  down  the  acid  iu  the  shape  of 
Sulphate  of  lime;  then,  after  purification  and  further  boiling, 
a  very  light  brown  syrup — a  real  grape  sugar,  not  as  sensibly 
sweet  as  cane  sugar,  but  pleasant  to  tho  taste  and  grateful  to 
the  digestion — is  the  result.  This,  put  into  glass  jars  in  which 
are  strips  of  honeycomb,  is  very  extensively  sold  as  honey  all 
over  the  country,  and  such,  in  fact,  the  mixture  is  in  look  and 
flavour  both.  We  are  glad  to  say  that  this  "honey,"  unlike 
most  factitious  food,  is  not  injurious  to  consumers  in  any  way, 
though  it  is  a  shameful  fraud  on  the  bees. 


Comb  and  Toes  of  a  Creve-C<eur  (J.  if.  C.).~ The  points  of  the  comb 
of  a  Crtve-Coeur  cock  are  not  as  important  as  they  are  in  some  other 
breeds.  Latitude  is  necessary,  because  in  some  old  birds  of  undoubted 
purity  the  couib  becomes  largely  developed.  The  nearer  it  approaches 
to  our  last  description  the  better  it  will  be  for  it.  Five  toes  on  a  Creve- 
Cceur  and  four  only  on  a  Houdan  are  both  disqualifications. 

Removing  a  Super  (John  Leonard). — A  super  should  be  removed  with 
its  adapter  to  a  shady  spot  at  a  little  distance  from  the  hive,  and  kept 
shut-up  until  the  bees  manifest  impatience  at  their  confinement.  Upon 
being  released  a  number  will  come  out  with  a  rush  and  take  wing.  When 
all  are  gone  that  are  inclined  to  depart,  the  remainder  should  again  be 
confined  until  they  also  become  restless  and  uneasy.  In  this  way  nearly 
the  whole  may  be  got  rid  of,  until  by  the  exercise  of  a  little  patience  the 
last  few  stragglers  are  brushed  out  with  a  feather.  On  no  account  must 
the  removed  super  be  left  exposed  or  unguarded,  lest  the  whole  of  its 
contents  fall  a  prey  to  robbers.  In  some  cases  the  bees  are  most  readily 
expelled  by  driving,  but  circumstances  vary  so  much  and  so  often,  that 
the  exact  mode  of  proceeding  must  to  a  grt-at  extent  depend  upon  the 
judgment  of  the  apiarian.  The  stock-hive  should  be  weighed  after  the 
removal  of  the  super,  and  if  its  nett  contents  do  not  reach  17  or  18  lbs., 
it  must  be  fed  up  to  the  weight  by  means  of  an  inverted  pickle-bottle, 
which  should  be  refilled  every  evening  until  tho  desired  result  is  attained. 


OUR  LETTER  BOX. 

Hambttrghs'  Throats  Rattling  (Novice).— Your  Hamburghs  are  suf- 
fering from  cold.  It  would  become  roup  if  neglected,  but  taken  in  the 
early  stages  it  is  frequently  cured  by  feeding  on  bread  and  ale.  If  that 
does  not  remove  the  symptoms  use  Baily's  pills. 

Points  in  Silver-spangled  Hamburghs  (Idem).— The  hackle  of  a 
Silver-spangled  Hamburgh  cock  should  be  white,  clear  on  the  back,  but 
the  pendent  feathers  should  have  a  spangle  at  the  tip.  The  same  maybe 
said  of  the  saddle.  The  tail  should  be  white,  but  each  feather  should 
have  a  black  moon  or  spangle  at  the  end.  The  hackle  of  the  hen  should 
be  striped  with  black,  neither  clouded  nor  spangled. 

Fleas  in  Poultry  House  (E.  H.  H.).— You  must  continue  to  wash 
with  fresh  lime,  that  will  be  your  only  remedy  if  the  walls  of  your  house  ' 
are  old.  See  to  the  washing  yourself.  The  pests  save  themselves  in  the  , 
holes,  corners,  and  inequalities.  Either  have  your  walls  plastered,  or  ; 
see  that  wherever  there  is  any  covert  a  dab  of  wet  lime  is  put  in,  and  in  | 
every  corner  a  good  brush ful  from  the  bottom  of  the  pail  dashed  into  it  j 
hard  as  can  be  done.     Supply  your  fowls  with  plenty  of  road  grit. 

Vertigo  in  Turrets  (F.  I.  C.).~ You  must  give  each  of  the  giddy  birds 
a  pill  of  camphor  as  large  as  a  small  acorn.  We  told  you  before,  to  the 
best  of  our  recollection,  they  roost  too  thickly.  Divide  them  into  four 
fifties.  It  is  a  very  bad  plan  to  allow  their  excrement  to  lie  about,  although 
it  is  daily  covered  with  fresh  mould.  We  wonder  they  are  not  all  sick 
Let  it  be  removed  every  morning.  Nothing  is  more  injurious  to  healthy 
birds  than  contact  with  the  droppings  of  diseased  ones. 

Cock's  Plumage  Defective  (Troutbeck).— If  the  cock  is  with  hens  it 
is  probable  the  hens  pick  out  the  young  feathers  as  fast  as  they  appear. 
Put  the  bird  by  hiniBelf.  Feed  on  ground  oats  and  a  little  whole  corn  at 
times.  Give  him  lettuce  to  eat,  it  is  best  when  seeding;  and  rub  the 
naked  parts  with  compound  sulphur  ointment. 

Undubbed  Game  Cocks  (C.  S.  if.).— You  are  at  liberty  to  show  as  you 
please,  but  we  think  you  have  no  hope  whatever  of  success  if  you  show 
undubbed  birds.  What  binders  you  from  dubbing  them  ?  They  are  old 
enough,  and  the  operation  is  trifling ;  they  recover  it  in  ten  days.  You 
must  show  according  to  the  prize  sheet.  If  the  class  is  for  cockerel  and 
two  pullets  it  will  be  useless  to  show  only  one  of  the  latter,  however  good 
the  pair  may  be. 

Brahma  Pootra  Weak-legged  (B.  D.).— The  birds  that  are  weak  iu 
their  legs  when  young  never  grow  up  strong  adults.  Bread  and  milk, 
yolk  of  egg,  and  ground  oats  from  which  nothing  has  been  taken  in  the 
way  of  skin  or  bran,  are  the  best  food.  It  is  also  oue  of  those  cases  in 
which  raw  meat  may  be  given. 

Brewers'  Grains  for  Fowls  (Exeri).— We  are  not  friendly  to  brewers' 
grains  for  poultry.  That  which  is  best  for  fattening  is  also  good  for 
laying.  Stimulants  are  only  good  in  very  severe  weather,  or  as  medicine. 
The  best  food  there  is  for  poultry  is  ground  oats  as  they  are  to  be  had  in 
Sussex,  only  {we  believe),  mixed  with  milk  or  water,  varied  at  times  with 
whole  corn,  maize,  or  barley.  Green  meat  and  road  grit  are  indispensable 
to  their  well-doing. 

Flight  Feathers  of  Golden  Polands  (A.  B.  C.).~~ The  white  in  your 
Golden  Poland  plumage  is  a  defect  and  great  drawback.  It  is  only  ad- 
missible in  the  top-knots  of  very  old  b  rde,  and  on  the  sickle  feathers  of 
old  cocks. 


METEOROLOGICAL  OBSERVATIONS 
In  the  Suburb*  of  London  for  the  week  ending  October  4th. 


BAEOMETER. 

THERMOMETER 

Wind. 

Date 

Air. 

Earth. 

Rain. 

Max. 

Mia. 

Max. 

Min. 

1  ft. 

2  It. 

Wed.  . .  28 

80.227 

30.027 

71 

34 

53 

53 

E. 

.00 

Thurs. .  29 

80.296 

30.210 

71 

48 

55 

53 

E. 

.00 

Fri..  ..  30 

30  894 

30  849 

64 

30 

53 

63 

E. 

.00 

Sat.  ...     1 

30.437 

3  '.430 

61 

33 

58 

53 

E. 

.00 

Snn.  . .    2 

30.427 

30.351 

70 

84 

54 

52 

E. 

.00 

Mori.  . .    3 

30.306 

30  369 

61 

85 

54 

53 

E. 

00 

Tues.  . .    4 

30.404 

30.323 

61 

35 

51 

n 

53 

E. 

.00 

Moan.. 

30.369 

30.294 

65.57 

85.28 

52.86  .       .. 

0.00 

28.— Fine,  foggy  ;  very  fine  ;  clear  and  fine. 
29. —Overcast ;  very  fine  ;  overcast. 
30.  —Fine,  f  ^ggy  ;  fiue  ;  clear  and  fine. 

1.— Very  fiue;  exceedingly  fine  ;  clear  and  fite. 

2.— Foggy,  damp;  very  fine;  clear,  starlight. 

3. — Foggy,  overcast ;  very  fiue;  overcast. 

4. — Overcast;  fine,  foggy;  dense  fog. 


COVEXT  GARDEN  MARKET.— October  5. 
We  have  no  alterations  to  report.  Trade  is  dull,  and  quotations  are  the 
same  as  last  week. 

FUUIT. 


s.  d.      B.    (I 

1    0  to  2    o 

0    0       0    0 


Apples i  sieve 

Apricots doz. 

Chestnuts bushel  0  0 

Cherries lb.  0  6 

Currants j  sieve  3  0 

Black do.  0  0 

Figs doz.  0  0 

Filberts lb.  1  0 

Cobs lb.  1  G 

Gooseberries quart  0  0 

Grapes, Hothouse....  lb.  2  0 


0  0 

1  0 


Lemons. 


.  T^lOO  10    0 


Melons each    1    0 


Mulberries lb. 

Nectarines doz, 

OrangeB ^  10q 

Peaches  doz. 

Pears,  kitchen doz. 

dessert doz. 

Pine  Apples lb. 

Plums i  sieve 

Quinces  doz. 

Raspberries lb. 

strawberries    lb. 

Walnuts bushel  10 

do vioo    1 


s.  d.     s. 
0    OtuO 
0       4 

0      20 
0       8 
0 
0 

0 


VEGETABLES. 


d. 
0    0to0 


Artichokes  ...  doz. 

Asparagus »  100    0    0 

Beans,  Kidney  ..J  sieve     3    0 

Broad bushel     0    0 

Beet,Red doa.    2    Q 

Broccoli  bundle    0    0 

BrusselsSprouts..j6ieve    0    0 

Cabbage... duz.    1    0 

Capsicums  W00    1    0 

Carrots buuch    0    4 

Cauliflower doz.    2    0 

Celery bundle    1    ti 


Coleworts..doz.  bunches 

Cucumbers  each 

pickling  duz. 

Endive duz. 

Fennel bunch 

Garlic lb. 

Herbs bunch 

Horseradish    ....  bundle 


s.  d.      s. 

Leeks bunch  0    4  to  0 

Lettuce   doz.  16      8 

Mushrooms pottle  10       2 

Mustard  &  Cress . .  punnet  0    2       0 

Onions  bushel  4    0 

pickling quart  0    4 

ParBley sieve  S    0 

ParsnipB doz.  0 

Peas quart  0 

Potatoes bushel  3 

Kidney do.  4 

Radishes  ..  doz.  bunches  0 

Rhubarb bundle  0 

Savoys.     doz.  0 

Sea-kale basket  0 

Shallots lb.  0 

Spinach bushel  2 

TomatoeB doz.  1 

Turnips  bunch  0 

Vegetable  Marrows. .doz.  2 


POULTRY  3IARKET.— October  5. 

It  is  plain  that  Michaelmas  loses  iu  public  interest  every  year.    We 

always  have  to  report  a  had  trade.  The  present  was  no  exception.  Except 

for  a  few  largo  and  very  choice  Geese,  the  sale  was  heavy  and  the  price 

moderate.    They  made  from  5s.  Gd.  to  10s.  6rf  each,  according  to  weight. 


s.  d.      s.  d. 

Large  Fowls    '2  6  to  3  0 

Smaller  ditto  2  0  2  6 

Chickens   1  0  1  9 

Ducks 19  2  0 

Geese 6  0  11  0 

'Turkeys     0  u  0  0 


s.  d.  s.    d. 

Pigeons 0  8  to  0     9 

Rabbits 16  16 

Wild  ditto 0  8  0     9 

Hares 0  0  0      0 

Partridges    0  8  16 

Grouse   2  0  2      G 


October  18,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


279 


WEEKLY 

CALENDAR. 

Day 

of 

Month 

Day 
of                     OCTOBER  13-19,  1870. 

Week. 

Average    Tempera- 
ture near  London. 

Rain  in 

last 
48  years. 

Sun 
Rises. 

Sun 

Sets. 

Moon       Moon 
Rises.        Sets. 

Moon's 
Age. 

Clock 
after 
bun. 

Day 
of 

Year. 

IS 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 

TH 

F 

S 

Sdn 

M 

Tn 

Vf 

Day  breaks  4h.  29m.  a.m. 

18  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

St.  Luke. 

Twilight  ends  6h.  62m.  P.SI. 

Dav. 

60.7 
59.9 
59.0 
69.0 
68.8 
6(1.4 
69.4 

Night. 
41.8 
4J5 
40.5 
40.1 
407 
40.7 
41.7 

Mean. 
51.2 
50.2 
49.8 
49.6 
49.8 
60.6 
60.5 

Days. 
22 
20 
21 
18 
19 
21 
22 

m.      h. 
22af6 

24  6 

25  6 

27  6 

28  6 
SO      6 
81      6 

m.      h. 

llaf  6 
8  5 
6  5 
4  6 
2  5 
0      5 

58      4 

m.       h. 

15  af  7 
47       7 
25        8 
13        9 
11      10 

16  11 
morn. 

m.    h. 

4  10 

8  11 
after. 

5  1 
54      1 
85      2 

9  3 

Days. 
In 
19 
20 
21 
( 
23 
24 

m.    s. 
13    42 

13  56 

14  10 
14    22 
14    85 
14    46 
14    57 

286 
287 
288 
289 
290 
291 
293 

From  observations  taken  near  London  during  the  last  forty-three  years,  the  average  day  temperature  of  the  week  is  59.6%  and  its  night 
temperature  40.9s.      The  greatest  heat  was  803,  on  the  14th,  1861  j  and  the  lowest  cold  24;,  on  the  15th,  1860.     The  greatest  fall  of  rain  was 
1.04  inch. 

GRAPES   FOR  EXHIBITION. 

N  reading  the  proceedings  of  the  Fruit  Com- 
mittee at  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society's 
Meeting,  September  21st,  page  226,  I  came 
to  the  conclusion  that  a  few  notes  on  early 
and  late  Grapes  would  nut  be  out  of  place, 
and  I  invite  the  attention  of  the  committees 
of  horticultural  societies  holding  their  exhi- 
bitions in  autumn. 

I  would  make  a  distinct  class  for  such  fine 
exhibition  Grapes  as  Meredith's  Alicante 
and  Lady  Downe's  among  the  black  varieties,  as,  unless 
this  be  done,  the  different  varieties  of  Hamburghs  cannot 
have  justice.  I  would  also  have  a  distinct  class  for  the 
Muscats  and  Trebbiano  among  white  Grapes,  so  as  to  give 
the  Royal  Muscadine,  the  Sweetwaters,  and  the  like  a 
chance  of  winning  a  prize. 

In  support  of  this  view  I  would  ask,  Is  the  flavour  of 
the  Alicante  and  Lady  Downe's  in  August,  September,  or 
October  to  be  compared  to  the  taste  of  the  Hamburghs '.' 
Also,  Is  the  flavour  of  the  Muscats  and  Trebbiano  to  be 
compared  with  that  of  the  Royal  Muscadine  or  Sweet- 
water ?     These  questions  should  answer  themselves. 

I  do  not  for  a  moment  wish  to  disparage  the  fine  quali- 
ties of  the  Alicante  and  Lady  Downe's,  leaving  out  the 
newer  late  sorts,  for  I  am  perfectly  aware  of  their  useful- 
ness, but  I  say  they  are  not  to  be  compared  with  the 
Hamburgh  for  flavour  now  ;  and  were  the  judges  to  taste, 
undoubtedly  there  would  be  many  exhibitors  disappointed, 
for,  instead,  as  is  generally  the  case  now,  of  the  award  being 
given  to  the  fine  large  bunches,  well  coloured  though  they 
might  be,  it  would  go  to  the  Hamburghs,  they  being  ripe 
and  fit  for  table  (or  they  should  be  so  when  shown),  which 
cannot  be  the  case  with  the  Alicante  and  Lady  Downe's. 
To  me  it  seems  a  sin  that  such  fine  bunches  as  I  have 
seen  shown  in  September  should  be  cut,  for,  the  taste  being 
insipid,  they  are  worthless. 

I  am  fully  aware  that  Grapes  must  be  ripened  and 
coloured  by  the  end  of  September  or  beginning  of  October, 
or  they  stand  but  a  small  chance  of  colouring,  unless  it 
should  prove  such  a  favourable  autumn  as  the  present. 
But  Grapes  require  to  hang  a  certain  time  after  they  are 
coloured.  Thus,  the  Hamburghs  coloured  by  the  end  of 
July  are  not  ready  for  cutting  till  the  end  of  August,  and 
those  coloured  a  month  later  are  not  at  their  best  yet. 
Above  all,  the  Alicante  should  hang  till  February  to  bring 
out  its  flavour,  and  the  same  applies,  or  nearly  so,  to  the 
Lady  Downe's.  Of  course,  I  do  not  say  they  cannot  be 
eaten  till  then,  but  I  do  say  they  are  not  at  their  best  till 
the  time  I  have  mentioned. 

Next,  as  to  the  white  Grapes.  The  Muscats  are  un- 
doubtedly the  finest  winter  Grapes  for  those  who  have 
vineries  and  heat  enough  for  them,  but  their  flavour  in 
August,  September,  and  October  is  not  equal  to  that  of 
the  Royal  Muscadine,  Buckland  Sweetwater,  and  Foster's 
Seedling.  The  Muscats  require  a  high  heat  to  ripen  them, 
and  they  must  be  ripened  early,  but  they  should  not  in 
any  case  be  cut  before  Christmas. 

No.  408. — Vol.  XIX.,  New  Series. 


I  now  give  the  names  of  a  few  good  Grapes,  black 
and  white,  for  exhibiting.  Of  the  black,  there  is  none  to 
excel  the  Black  Hamburgh  as  a  show  Grape,  but  a  far 
superior  Grape  for  flavour,  though  ripening  at  the  same 
time,  is  Pope's  Hamburgh  [Frankenthal].  This  is  a 
beautiful  Grape,  and  no  one  should  bo  without  it  where 
quality  is  considered.  It  has  a  very  thin  skin,  a  delicious 
flavour,  and  will  hang  till  Christmas  without  deteriorating. 
Trentham  Black  is  also  good  for  exhibiting,  but  unless 
ripened,  say,  in  July,  it  should  not  be  cut  till  November  ; 
in  fact,  this  is  the  best  of  the  Hamburghs  for  keeping. 

Of  the  whites,  the  best  early  is  the  Royal  Muscadine. 
This  is  a  very  early  Grape,  and  a  good  keeper.  Ripened 
in  a  late  house  it  will  hang  well  till  Christmas.  Foster's 
White  Seedling  is  also  a  keeping  Grape  of  good  flavour. 
All  the  above  can  be  grown  well  with  ordinary  care  and 
with  but  little  fire  heat. 

The  Alicante  and  Lady  Downe's  are  both  too  well 
known  to  say  mire  than  that  they  are  (leaving  out  the 
recent  additions,  such  as  Mrs.  Pince),  the  best  late  Grapes, 
but  they  are  not  fit  to  be  exhibited  till  the  new  year 
conies  in,  because,  till  then,  we  have  plenty  of  far  superior- 
flavoured  Grapes,  and  no  matter  how  fine  a  bunch  of 
Grapes  may  look  if  they  are  acid  or  inferior  to  the  palate. 
The  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  Trebbiano,  and  White  Lady 
Downe's  are,  as  I  said  before,  good  for  late  work,  till  then 
there  is  nothing  to  equal  the  Muscadines  or  Sweetwaters. 

As  it  is  now  some  time  since  I  saw  this  subject  dis- 
cussed, I  hope  this  short  paper  will  be  the  means  of  elicit- 
ing a  few  remarks  from  some  of  your  correspondents. — 
Stephen  Castle,  Bent  Hill  Gardens,  Prestwioh. 


POTATOES. 


The  Potato  is.  undoubtedly,  one  of  the  most  important 
and  valuable  of  all  crops  to  those  who  are  fortunate  in 
having  a  piece  of  ground  for  the  growth  of  vegetables  ; 
and  I  am  one  of  those  who  do  not  believe  there  can  be  a 
home  in  the  country  without  a  nice  little  garden  in  front 
for  flowers,  and  a  plot  of  ground  for  the  growth  of  vege- 
tables. I  believe  if  there  were  more  gardens,  one  at  least 
to  every  dwelling,  that  the  beershops  would  have  little 
charm  for  the  hard-working  labourer,  much  less  for  the 
skilled  and  comparatively  well-to-do  artisan.     There  is 

not  a  creature  on  earth  but  has  a  liking  for — a  love  of 

plants,  who  does  not  delight  in  flowers,  fruit,  or  vegetables  : 
and  there  are  none  so  ready  to  manage  well  the  plot  of 
ground  they  may  have  as  those  who  by  some  means  must, 
if  they  are  to  appear  decent  and  respectable,  keep  from  at 
every  meal  cutting  a',  the  bread  loaf.  It  would  be  well 
if  every  house  hud  its  garden.  It  is  a  mine  of  wealth 
that  none  know  the  value  of  better  than  those  who  once 
possessed  a  garden,  but  who,  unfortunately,  have  a  house 
(it  is  no  home)  without  one.  Do  not  understand  me  as 
advocating  a  large  garden  to  a  cottage— one  that  has  a  large 
assemblage  of  fruit  trees,  of  which  the  occupier  maybe 
heard  to  boast  that  this  or  that  tree  pays  the  rent.  I 
believe  large  to  s  are  generally  neglected. 

The  occupier  finds  a  large  garden  too  large  for  what  he 
No.  1K0.— Vol.  XLIV.  Old  Series, 


-280 


JOUBNAL  OF  HOBTICTJLTUBE  AND  COTTAGE   GABDENER. 


[  October  18,  1870. 


needs  in  the  way  of  vegetables,  and  be  plants  it  with  standard 
Apple,  Pear,  and  Plnm  trees  in  the  hope  of  some  day  getting 
enough  fruit  to  pay  the  rent.  The  trees  grow,  rendering  the 
ground  totally  unlit  for  vegetables,  and  soon  become  an  orohard 
of  trees  that  need  no  looking  after,  and  with  them  the  greater 
part  of  the  interest  is  lost.  Some  part  of  the  ground  is  turned 
up,  kept  for  growing  Potatoes — they  are  indispensable — but 
they  are  often  not  worth  taking  up.  and  he  grumbles  at  the 
work  of  his  predecessor's  bands.  Fruit  for  small  gardens  is 
all  very  well,  but  it  fills  no  gap  like  Potatoes  and  vegetables 
■generally,  nor  is  it  nearly  so  needful  for  health. 

In  small  gardens,  however,  there  is  no  reason  why  fruit  as 
well  as  vegetables  should  not  be  cultivated  well  and  in  quantity 
sufficient  for  the  wants  of  a  cottager's  household  ;  but  it  must 
not  be  sought  by  planting  trees  that,  when  full-grown,  will 
render  useless  as  much  ground  as  would  be  required  for  the 
growth  of  enough  of  both  to  meet  all  the  requirements  of  the 
family.  Sbould  the  cottager,  fortunate  in  having  a  plot  of 
ground,  rest  content  with  only  vegetables  ?  By  no  means.  On 
the  contrary,  let  him  have  his  Gooseberry  and  Currant  bushes, 
and  his  bush  or  pyramid  Apple  and  Pear  trees,  with  Plums,  all 
of  which  boar  excellently  in  that  form,  and  being  always  of 
reasonable  proportions,  do  not  render  the  ground  unfit  for  any- 
thing except  grass  and  weeds,  as  may  be  seen  in  many  places 
besides  Kent.  The  value  of  such  trees  is  not  known  half  so 
well  as  it  deserves  to  be  ;  indeed,  I  am  convinced  that  a  future 
generation  will  not  retain,  much  less  plant,  a  plot  of  ground 
with  standard  Apple,  Pear,  and  Plum  trees  ;  for  anyone  who  has 
planted  both  cannot  but  be  surprised  by  the  greater  benefits 
offered  by  bushes  and  pyramids  than  by  standards.  Like 
standards,  all  bush  and  pyramid  trees  are  Dot  fruitful,  but 
some  kinds  are  extraordinarily  prolifio,  affording  more  frnit, 
and  of  a  finer  quality,  in  three  years  than  a  standard  in  seven, 
and  always  as  much  in  proportion  to  the  ground  occupied.  I 
hope  Mr.  Bivers  will  favour  us  with  an  account  of  the  moBt 
suitable  kinds  of  Apples,  Pears,  and  Plums — those  affording 
the  greatest  quantity  of  the  finest  fruit,  and  with  the  greatest 
certainty.  This  would  give  an  impetus  to  fruit  culture  in  small 
gardens,  the  owner  and  family  having  witbin  their  reach  fruit 
of  the  best  out-door  kinds,  both  as  regards  quantity  and  quality. 
I  shall  refer  to  the  subject  of  fruit  for  small  gardens  at  some 
future  time,  and  I  should  not  have  alluded  to  it  at  present,  but 
my  object  was  to  show  the  detrimental  effects  of  large  fruit 
tree3  on  ground  required  in  part  for  vegetable  orops,  and 
especially  Potatoes. 

It  is  a  common  error  to  suppose  that  good  Potatoes  cannot 
be  grown  in  gardens.  The  ground  is  considered  too  rich,  or 
it  is  said  from  some  other  cause  they  are  indifferent  in  quality  ; 
hut  I  have  been  a  grower  for  upwards  of  twenty  years,  and  am 
satisfied  that  they  can  be,  and  are,  grown  well  in  all  gardens 
where  the  requisites  are  afforded.  In  many  so-called  gardens, 
which  are  in  fact  orohards,  tbey  do  not  thrive,  nor  can  they  be 
expected  to  do  so,  for  the  fruit  trees  shade  the  ground  too 
much,  and  Potatoes,  with  vegetable  crops  of  all  kinds,  endure 
least  of  all  a  rival.  Open  spaoes  are  required  for  Potatoes  ;  in 
no  other  can  they  be  successfully  cultivated. 

An  open  situation,  as  I  have  stated,  is  necessary — one  not 
shaded  by  trees,  which  are  objectionable  in  several  ways  ;  their 
roots  are  quite  as  injurious  as  their  heads,  and  they  dry  the 
ground  in  summer.  There  is  nothing  beyond  this  to  hinder 
the  cultivation  of  good  sound  Potatoes  in  gardens. 

Next  to  the  situation,  the  ground  is  the  most  important  con- 
sideration. Almost  every  description  of  soil  will  grow  this 
<srop,  but  there  can  be  no  question  that  some  soils  are  better 
suited  to  it  than  others  ;  and  yet  this  ought  not  to  deter  those 
with  soil  not  so  favourable  from  growing  this  most  important 
tuber.  ;  Any  soil  may  be  made  to  meet  all  the  requirements  of 
the  Potato,  but  first  of  all  the  ground  must  be  drained ;  Beoondly, 
it  must  be  brought  into  "  good  heart  "  and  tilth. 
a  The  ground  should  be  well  and  deeply  dug  in  November,  and 
thrown  up  as  roughly  as  possible.  If  at  all  heavy  it  is  well  to 
throw  it  in  ridges,  the  narrower  the  better,  so  as  to  expose  it 
to  froBt  as  much  as  possible.  If  it  has  not  been  trenched  it 
would  be  well  to  do  so,  not  bringing  up  too  great  a  depth  of  the 
subsoil,  if  the  latter  is  of  a  stiff  inert  description.  Soils  which 
have  long  been  worked  beoome  when  trenched  almost  as  good 
as  fresh  land.  If  the  ground  is  rich  and  full  of  vegetable 
matter  or  animal  manures,  no  manure  need  be  given.  There 
is  ground  in  gentlemen's  gardens  quite  rich  enough  for 
Potatoes,  but  it  is  seldom  so  in  small  gardens ;  therefore,  in 
digging  give  a  good  dressing  of  manure,  preferting  that  which 
is  fresh.    It  iB  wasteful  to  throw  dung  and  litter  in  heaps  to 


ferment,  driving  off  its  most  fertilising  principles.  Littery  as 
it  may  be,  dig  it  in  during  November,  or,  if  the  ground  iB  to  be 
trenched,  place  the  manure  between  the  bottom  and  top  spit. 
It  will  rot  in  the  ground,  and  it  is  an  error  to  conclude  that  its 
manuring  properties  are  washed  out  and  carried  off  by  rains. 
The  soil  has  a  remarkable  power  of  seizing  on  ammonia  and 
other  important  substances,  which  to  a  great  extent  are  dissi- 
pated in  a  heap  of  heating  and  fermenting  manure.  I  am  con- 
vinced, from  the  great  benefits  of  spreading  fresh  manure  on 
the  ground  as  mulching,  that  the  system  of  manure  heaps  is  an 
error.  Decayed  manure  ia  very  portable,  and  in  every  way 
more  easily  applied  than  fresh  manure,  but  I  am  certain  that 
one  load  of  the  latter  is  a  greater  stimulant  to  growth  than 
two  of  that  which  has  been  thrown  in  a  heap  and  left  until  re- 
duced to  a  Boapy  mass,  and  it  will  cover  twice  as  much  ground. 
It  is  a  fact  also,  that  ground  which  has  been  turned  up  and 
exposed  to  the  atmosphere  increases  in  fertility,  whilst  ground 
left  between  crops  to  grow  nothing  but  weeds,  and  with  the  sur- 
face close  and  firm,  forms  but  a  very  indifferent  medium  for  the 
sucoeediDg  crop.  We  often  Bee  ground  left  undug  until  it  is 
wanted  for  cropping.  Cottage  gardeners  and  occupiers  of  small 
plots  rarely  dig  until  it  is  time  to  crop.  It  ought  to  be  dug  and 
manured  as  soon  as  each  orop  is  off,  so  as  to  be  ready  whenever 
required.  For  Potatoes,  as  I  said  before,  the  ground  should  be 
dug  and  manured  in  November,  and  if  possible  in  dry  weather, 
and  it  will  be  more  benefited  than  it  would  be  by  two  or  more 
diggings  in  spring.  The  frost  will  make  the  clods  fall  down, 
and  greatly  improve  the  soil's  fertility. 

In  February,  or  if  hard  frost  or  wet  weather  occur,  then  in 
March,  turn  the  ground  over  with  a  fork,  and  if  it  has  been 
ridged  up,  level  the  ridges,  giving  the  whole  an  even  surface. 
All  hard  lumps  of  soil  should  at  the  same  time  be  broken  small. 
The  soil  being  turned  up  early  in  spring  it  will  soon  be  in  a 
good  condition  for  planting,  and  in  no  case  ought  this  to  be  at- 
tempted when  the  soil  when  trodden  on  becomes  a  close,  heavy 
mass  which  adheres  to  the  feet. 

Before  planting  we  must  consider  the  seed  and  the  kinds. 
Of  the  seed,  or  sets,  I  would  say,  let  them  be  of  fair  size,  and  as 
uniform  aa  possible.  If  there  are  different  sizes,  plant  each 
size  by  itself  to  secure  tbat  uniformity  in  the  haulm  which  is 
pleasing  to  the  eye.  I  admire  nothing  so  much  in  Potato  crops 
as  regularity  of  growth.  Some  advise  small  sets,  and,  if  the 
seed  Potatoes  are  large,  cut  them  to  pieces;  but  I  like  a  good 
set,  and  whole.  I  would  not  have  sets  weighing  lesB  than 
lj  oz.,  nor  need  they  exceed  3  ozs.  in  weight.  If  the  seta  must 
be  cut  do  not  do  it  too  hard.  A  cut  set  should  be  Bomewhat 
larger  than  a  whole  one.  Select  the  seed  from  ground  at  a 
distance  from  that  which  you  intend  planting,  and  of  a  different 
kind,  doing  this  every  second,  or  at  most  every  third  year.  See 
that  the  sets  are  sound,  and  if  possible  make  sure  that  the 
first  sprouts  have  not  been  previously  rubbed  off.  Make  sure 
of  these ;  none  are  so  good,  nor  will  any  afford  such  fine 
strong  baulm,  and  fine,  even-sized  tubers.  To  prevent  sprout- 
ing it  will  be  necessary  to  keep  the  tubers  cool  in  winter,  but 
safe  from  frost.  This  is  a  very  important  matter,  and  one  very 
much  neglected. 

To  secure  regularity  in  the  orop,  let  the  sets  be  placed  thinly 
in  boxes  or  hampers,  or  on  a  floor,  at  least  a  month  before 
planting,  and  the  place  need  not  be  a  very  warm  one,  for  if  the 
early  kinds  make  sprouts  from  half  to  tbree-quarterB  of  an. 
inch  long,  and  the  second  earlies  sprout  enough  to  exhibit 
their  activity,  it  is  sufficient.  Long  Bprouts  are  so  liable  to  be 
knocked  off,  that  they  are  often  a  source  of  injury  instead  of 
being  a  benefit.  I  would  plant  none  but  those  which  show 
signs  of  growth. 

With  regard  to  varieties,  I  am  very  diffident  about  saying 
anything,  aa  I  consider  there  has  been  but  little  advance  of 
late  years,  except  in  coarseness.  Quality  has  not  been  suffi- 
ciently considered,  therefore  I  may  be  excused  if  I  still  adhere 
to  the  old  sorts.  The  new  kinds  have  too  much  top,  are  too 
large,  and  have  very  large,  deep-eunk  eyes,  causing  much  waste. 
Of  very  early  kinds,  there  is  none  to  beat  the  old  Ashleaf 
Kidney.  It  is  the  best  earliest  sort  for  frames  and  the  garden, 
but  it  is  not  a  very  heavy  cropper,  and  must  have  prominence 
only  for  its  earliness.  Of  tbis  there  are  several  so-called  varie- 
ties, but  all  that  I  have  grown  have  proved  merely  well-selected 
stocks. 

Myatt's  Prolific  is  a  very  fine  prolific  kind,  much  more  so 
than  the  Ashleaf,  and  succeeding  it  by  ten  days.  Except  for 
very  early  crops  this  ought  to  be  made  the  early  kind,  enough 
of  the  Ashleaf  being  planted  to  afford  a  ten-days  supply.  The 
Lactone  is  the  best  of  all  Potatoes,  taking  prodiO)  and  quality 


October  13,  1870.  J 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


281 


into  consideration.  It  succeeds  Myatl's  Prolific,  and  continneE 
good  loDger  than  most  varieties.  It  id  a  very  weak  grower  in 
its  early  stages,  and  is  tender  on  heavy,  wet  soils,  which  are 
not  suitable  to  it ;  light  and  medium-textured  soils  are  the  best 
for  it.  Huntingdon  is  not  unlike  the  Lapstone,  but  is  a  larger 
kind,  many  of  the  tubers  weighing  upwards  of  a  pound  under 
ordinary  circumstances.  It  is  not  so  tender  as  the  Lapstone, 
and  is  better  for  heavy  soils,  otherwise  it  is  inferior  to  the  Lap- 
stone. It  is  also  later.  Sultan  is  a  pink  Kidney ;  indeed,  a 
pink  Lapstone,  having  all  the  good  qualities  of  the  latter,  aud 
none  of  its  defects,  so  far  as  I  have  experienced  ;  it  is  not 
liable  to  disease,  and  is  a  first-rate  keeper.  The  above  are  all 
Kidney  sorts. 

Of  the  Round  kinds,  Early  Oxford  is  a  second  early,  succeed- 
ing Hyatt's  Prolific.  It  is  an  excellent  cropper,  of  good  quality 
and  size,  but  has  the  drawback  of  forming  deep  eyes ;  never- 
theless, it  is  excellent  from  July  to  November,  or  later.  Ragent 
is,  in  my  opinion,  not  superseded  as  a  late  Round  sort,  qnality 
and  productiveness  being  considerations.  Fully  two-thirds  of 
the  white  Round  sorts  are  but  the  Regent  under  different 
names. 

The  above  are  all  the  kinds  I  grow,  or  can  see  the  advantage 
of  growing.  There  are,  no  doubt,  many  ethers  which  will  pass 
muster,  yet  I  think  the  fewer  the  kinds  grown  the  better,  for 
there  is  the  trouble  and  annoyance  of  having  kinds  which  are 
often  desirable  only  for  affording  a  slight  and  not  unfrequently 
supposed  variation. 

As  respects  planting,  the  ground  being  prepared  as  already 
described,  the  rest  is  easy.  The  line  is  stretched  lengthwise  or 
across  the  plot  of  ground,  allowing  from  the  out6ide  c>f  the  plot 
half  the  diatanoe  the  rows  are  to  be  apart.  With  a  spade  take 
out  a  straight  trenoh  3  inches  deep  ;  in  this  place  the  sets,  and 
cover  with  the  soil  from  the  next  row.  They  need  not  be 
covered  deeper  than  3  inches,  so  that  a  wide  trench  is  altogether 
unnecessary.  If  large  enough  to  receive  the  sets  at  the  proper 
depth,  it  is  enough.  Fjr  tbe  ABhleaf  I  allow  2  feet  between 
the  rows,  and  place  the  sets  10  or  11  inches  apart.  To  Myatt'a 
Prolific  I  give  2  feet,  placing  the  sets  1  foot  apart  in  the  row. 
Lapstone,  Huntingdon,  Saltan,  and  Early  Oxford  are  allowed 
2  feet  6  inches  from  row  to  row,  and  are  planted  1  foot  apart 
in  the  row.  I  like  the  rows  to  be  a  good  distance  apart,  but  to 
be  so  planted  that  the  fork  can  hardly  be  got  in,  when  taking 
up,  without  feeling  the  Potatoes.  All  the  late  sorts  are  allowed 
a  yard  between  the  rows,  and  the  interval  between  the  sets  is 
15  inches.  Thus  they  form  a  mass  of  Potatoes.  Some  sorts 
I  have  grown  would  do  well  with  an  interval  between  each 
other  in  the  rows  equal  to  hall  the  distance  that  the  rows  are 
apart,  many  being  all  top. 

As  to  the  time  of  planting,  that  will  depend  on  the  wea- 
ther. Some  have  fixed  times  of  planting,  but  there  is  no  ad- 
vantage in  planting  when  the  ground  is  wet  and  cold.  The 
Ashleaf  I  like  to  have  in  by  the  third  week  in  March,  Hyatt's 
in  the  fourth  week,  along  with  the  second  earlies,  and  the  late 
sorts  by  the  Becondweek  in  April ;  but  I  would  rather  defer  the 
planting  a  week  or  ten  days  than  plant  with  the  ground  wet 
and  cold.  There  will  be  exceptions  to  these  times  of  planting 
as  regards  the  early  kinds  in  warm  situations,  but  in  open 
though  not  very  much  exposed  situations  I  find  the  times  stated 
sufficiently  early  for  Bafety  from  frosts,  whilst  ensuring  a  good 
growth  before  hot  dry  weather  sets  in,  and  as  a  consequence 
the  produce  is  good  and  well  matured  long  before  the  autumn 
rains — a  point  I  hold  to  be  of  importance. 

The  afier-management  consists  in  hoeing  between  tbe  rows 
as  soon  as  any  weeds  can  be  seen,  and  when  the  tops  are  C  inches 
high  I  earth  well  up.  I  am  aware  some  do  not  advi6e  earthing- 
up,  but  I  find  that  where  it  is  not  practised  many  green-ended 
tubers  unfit  for  human  food  are  produced  ;  besides,  they  do  not 
attain  so  large  a  size.  The  wider  the  rows  are  the  better.  A 
deep  wide  furrow  between  the  rows  is  injurious  by  drying  the 
ground,  and  preventing  the  rains  from  wetting  the  soil  for  a 
time  after  dry  weather. 

After  the  earthing-up  no  further  care  is  required.  The  haulms 
will  grow  and  keep  under  all  weeds,  but  should  any  gain  a 
hold,  pull  them  up.  As  soon  as  the  haulm  turns  yellow,  the 
crop  should  be  taken  up  and  stored.  It  would  be  well  if  the 
tubers  could  be  placed  in  a  cool  dry  shed,  but  they  should  be 
kept  dark.  Light  will  cause  them  to  become  green,  and  they 
are  then  unwholesome.  After  they  are  dried  no  plan  is  so  good 
as  pitting.  They  keep  most  plump  that  way.  lor  the  pit  a 
dry  situation  should  be  chosen. 

Before  closing,  a  word  about  cooking  Potatoes.  There  is  no 
mode  equal  to  washing  them  clean,  and  then  boiling  them 


until  soft  through  ;  then  Btrain  off  the  water,  and  place  them 
on  the  fire  a  minute  or  two  until  the  water  is  dissipated,  and 
finally  peel  either  as  you  require  them  for  eating  or  just  pre- 
viously. It  is  the  most  economical  way  of  cooking,  and  the 
only  one  in  which  the  full  flavour  is  preserved.  By  peeling 
beforehand,  and  steaming  or  boiling  afterwards,  much  of  the 
best  properties  of  the  Potato  will  be  carried  off  by  the  steam 
and  water.  The  latter  may  be  considered  a  cleaner  process, 
but  Potatoes  cooked  nnpeeled  will  go  nearly  twice  as  far,  and 
are  fully  twice  as  good. — G.  Abbey. 


BEET  FOR  ORNAMENTAL  PURPOSES- 
STORING  BEET. 

Allow  mo  space  for  a  few  notes  upon  the  Red  Beet's  treat- 
ment here  this  year.  The  seed  was  sown  on  the  6th  of  April 
in  a  box  placed  in  a  pit  heated  by  a  flue.  The  seedlings  were 
pricked  out  into  other  boxes  when  fit  to  handle  aud  returned 
to  the  pit,  where  they  were  kept  until  well  rooted.  I  then 
placed  them  in  the  open  air  in  the  shade,  fearing  that  the  snn 
would  bum  and  spot  them.  On  the  1st  of  June  they  were  nice 
plants,  and  were  planted  out  in  the  centre  of  two  large  beds  to 
match,  with  two  rows  of  Cloth  of  Gold  Geranium  all  round,  and 
bordered  with  two  rows  of  Lobelia  speciosa.  The  Beet  is  now 
a  rich  dark  bronzed  purple.  Growing  in  rich  ground  it  is  not 
more  than  from  9  to  10  inches  high,  not  one  of  the  plants 
running  to  seed. 

I  think  Dell's  Beet  should  be  a  boon  to  the  flower  garden. 
Last  year  it  stood  the  whole  winter  in  the  ground  without  any 
protection,  still  holding  its  leaves  and  looking  very  fine  in  the 
spring.  What  can  be  better  in  the  way  of  foliage  for  the  spring 
garden  ?  Of  course  we  cannot  have  Iresine,  Amaranthus, 
Coleus,  or  Perilla  in  tbe  spring  garden. 

I  have  this  year  a  quantity  of  blood  red  St.  Osyth  Beet  in 
the  kitchen  garden  as  good  in  colour  as  Dell's.  There  is  more 
scarlet  in  its  leaves  than  in  Dell's,  which  causes  it  to  glitter 
when  the  sun  shines  upon  it,  but  it  is  not  nearly  so  good  in 
form  as  Dell's. 

The  best  way  I  find  for  storing  Beet  for  table  use  is  in 
heaps  in  the  open  air  covered  with  earth,  which  prevents  it 
shrivelling  or  drying  up,  as  it  would  do  if  it  were  kept  in  a  dry 
Bhed  or  loft.  I  have  had  it  here  in  good  order  for  the  tabla 
until  the  middle  of  July. — J.  W.,  Coravalm  Gardens. 


ORCHARD-HOUSE   EXPERIENCE. 
I  suppose  there  is  hardly  any  subject  which  does  not  admit 
of  argument  both  for  and  against.     It  must  be  so  in  a  world 
1  where  nothing  (aot  even  fruit  and   flowers)  is  quite  perfect. 
j  Thus  it  is  small  matter  of  surprise  that  there  should  be  much 
I  variance  of  opinion  upon  the  Bubject  of  orchard-house  cnlture. 
[  This,  no  doubt,  in  common  with  other  questions,  has  its  pros 
;  and  its  cons,  and   the   wise  man   is   he  who,  with  impartial 
|  judgment,  setting  the  one  against  the  other,  aims  at  striking  a 
fair  balance  between  the  two  ;  whereas  tbe  man  of  narrow  mind, 
leaning  to  one  side  only,  becomes,  like  the  reader  of  a  single 
newspaper,  either  a  too  zealous  partisan  or  too  bitter  an  oppo- 
nent.    Now,   I  will  confess  at   the  outset  that,  after  several 
years'  experience,  I  am  an  advocate  for  growing  fruit  under 
glass,  but  though  an  advocate,  not  one  of  such  ultra  views 
but  that  I  see  tbe  expediency  of  aiming  at  the  hapi  y  mean 
lying  between  the  two  extremes  of  opinion  upon  this  matter. 

Now,  at  the  risk  of  provoking  a  smile  from  some  of  your 
readers,  I  will  try  to  illustrate  what  I  mean  by  sti iking  a 
balance  between  the  pros  and  the  cons  as  regards  orchard-house 
culture  by  referring  them  to  Tnpper's  lines  descriptive  of  a 
baby.  A  baby,  like  orchard-house  culture,  has  its  yes  and  its 
cons.  It  gives  you  smiles,  but  also  wry  faces;  it  crows,  but 
it  criee;  it  is  a  great  comfort,  but  an  unmitigated  nuisance 
at  times.  Upon  the  whole  it  is  a  desideratum.  But  to  my 
quotation — 

"  A  babe  in  a  house  is  a  well-spring  of  pleasnre, 
A  messenger  of  peace  and  love,  a  resting-place 
For  innocence  on  earth,  &c." 

An  enthusiastic  commencement,  truly !  So  far  the  pros,  if 
I  may  venture  to  apply  so  equivocal  a  word  to  poetry,  stem  to 
have  it  all  their  own  way ;  but  stay  !  mark  what  follows  : 

**  Yet  it  is  a  talent  of  trust :  a  loan  to  ba  rendered  back  with  interest  : 
A  delight,  but  redolent  of  care  ;  honey  aweet,  but  lacking  not  trie  bitter." 

All  this  is  a  true  description,  not  only  of  a  baby  but  of  an 
orchtrd  house.    It  is  "  a  well-spring  of  pleasure,"  especially 


282 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


I  October  IS,  1870. 


when  providefl  with  a  tank  that  would  not  run  dry  during  such 
a  season  of  drought  as  the  one  from  which  we  are  but  now 
emerging.  At  all  seasons — potting,  blossoming,  fruiting,  ston- 
ing, growing,  ripening,  gathering — the  orchard  house  is  a  well- 
spring  of  pleasure,  a  pleasant  lounge,  a  pleasant  divan,  a  plea- 
sant scene  of  labour,  not  irksome,  but  like  that  of  Eden — 

"No  more  toil 
Of  their  sweet  gardening  labour  than  sufficed 
To  recommend  cool  Zephyr,  and  made  ease  more  easy." 
A  pleasant  place  of  retreat  (except  when  the  sun  is  a  little  too 
warm)  from  the  cares  and  business  of  life.  It  is,  moreover, 
"  a  resting-place  for  innocence  on  earth."  Yes,  for  innocence  ! 
Do  n't  laugh  !  Orchard-house  pleasures  are  innocent  pleasures, 
and  only  to  be  truly  enjoyed  by  innocent  people.  Surely  if 
Izaak  Walton  had  a  right  to  assume  that  all  brothers  of  the 
rod  were  honest  men,  I  may  claim  equal  license  to  assert  that 
my  brother  fruit-growers-under-glass  are  innocent  men.  Ton 
cannot  call  anglers  innocent.  Gudgeons  know  them  to  be  full 
of  guile ;  but  all  of  our  craft,  Messrs.  Editors,  are  free  from 
guile,  and  honest  men  to  boot ;  and  so,  according  to  the  inex- 
orable logic  of  facts,  as  Count  Bismarck  would  say,  the  orchard 
house  is  "a  resting- place  for  innocence  on  earth."  But  now 
audi  alteram  partem.  "  Yet  it  is  a  talent  of  trust."  Yes,  here 
it  is  that  so  many  make  a  mistake.  Some  wealthy  proprietor 
of  greenhouses  and  vineries  must  have  an  orchard  house  also. 
As  he  likes  to  have  everything  very  nice  he  grudges  no  expense, 
thinking  that,  as  a  matter  of  course,  abundance  of  fruit  will 
result  from  a  considerable  outlay.  The  crystal  palace  is  reared 
— a  thing  of  beauty  and  a  joy  for  ever;  but  he  takes  no  pains 
about  the  selection  of  his  trees,  or  potting  them  in  a  suitable 
soil ;  he  never  troubles  himself  about  pruning,  pinching,  fumi- 
gating, lifting,  watering,  syringing,  mulching.  All  that  he 
leaves  to  his  gardener,  who  has  plenty  else  to  do  ;  and  when  he 
thinks,  good  easy  man,  full  surely  his  Peaches  are  a-ripening, 
on  inspection  he  finds  his  unhappy  pyramids  poisoned  with 
aphides,  or  over-run  with  red  spider,  or  starved  for  want  of 
nutriment,  or  withering  away  from  lack  of  moisture,  or  re- 
dundant with  leaves  from  want  of  pinching  and  thinning,  and 
no  good  joint  coming  to  perfection.  He  either  lays  the  blame 
upon  his  unlucky  gardener,  or  else  joins  in  the  hue  and  cry  that 
orchard  houses  are  failures — all  humbng — expensive  toys — all 
very  well  for  those  who  sell  the  trees,  but  of  no  profit  to  those 
that  buy  them,  and  so  forth,  forgetting  the  axiom  that  the  or- 
chard house  "is  a  talent  of  trust" — a  talent  to  be  improved 
by  himself,  not  delegated  to  another — "  a  delight,  but  redolent 
of  care."  Aye !  mark  well  that  formula,  "  a  delight,  but  re- 
do'ent  of  care."  To  be  the  former  it  must  be  the  latter  also, 
for  without  care — care  incessant,  personal,  and  loving,  no  or- 
chard house,  however  costly,  oan  possibly  succeed.  Yes,  it 
must  be  redolent  of  care — not  anxious,  troublesome,  carking 
care,  but  care  that  is  pleasant,  as  all  gardening  care  is,  because 
full  of  hope,  full  of  promise,  sure  to  be  rewarded ;  for  has  not 
the  Giver  of  all  good  things  made  man's  success  to  depend 
npon  his  endeavour,  and  as  good  as  promised  that  "  we  shall 
reap  if  we  faint  not  ?"  Want  of  personal  care,  and  supervision, 
and  interest  lies  at  the  root,  depend  on  it,  of  all  want  of  suc- 
cess in  orchard-house  culture. 

I  will  only  just  add  that,  although  the  late  season  has  been 
fruitful,  yet  in  consequence  of  the  long  drought,  out-of-door 
Peaches  here  fell  from  the  trees  before  they  were  fully  ripe, 
and  that  the  fruit  grown  inside  the  orchard  house  has  been 
far  superior.  We  have  had  a  plague  of  flies  this  autumn,  and 
I  intend  bringing  up  my  siege  guns  in  the  shape  of  Appleby's 
fumigators,  of  which  I  highly  approve.  I  find  it  a  good  plan 
where  Vines  are  trained  beneath  the  rafters  to  have  early 
Apricot  trees  in  pots,  because  they  are  well  advanced  before 
the  Vines  put  forth  their  leaves,  and  they  can  be  easily  moved 
if  necessary  to  ripen  their  fruit  in  the  open  air;  but  then  I 
have  108  feet  of  wall  13  feet  high  well  covered  with  triple 
cordons,  which  supply  me  with  abundance  of  Peaohes  and 
Nectarines. — A  Constant  Reader. 


The  Bore  Knot  Apple.— This  valuable  kitchen  Apple,  I 
think,  comes  to  us  from  the  north.  It  has  not  the  least  re- 
semblance to  the  English  or  any  other  Paradise  Btock,  has  large 
leaves,  and  large  fruit  of  excellent  quality  good  all  the  autumn. 
I  find  it  in  the  "  Catalogue"  of  the  Horticultural  Society,  1831 ; 
but  I  do  not  find  it  in  the  •'  Fruit.  Manual  "  by  Dr.  Hogg.  In 
in  .-t  soils  it  grows  from  truncheons  planted  in  the  ground, 
and  will  bear  fruit  the  second  year  after  being  planted.  It 
is,  I  believe,  used  as  a  stock  in  some  places.     Most  of  our 


fruit-growing  nurserymen  know  this  Apple  well. — Constant 
Reader. 

COMPARATIVE   PRODUCE  OF  POTATOES. 

For  the  following  report  of  results  we  are  indebted  to  Ad- 
miral Hornby,  Knowsley  Cottage,  Prescot,  Lancashire.  He 
thought  that  seed  obtained  from  other  localities  and  new  varie- 
ties would  be  more  productive  than  seed  grown  near  Presoot 
and  of  older  varieties.  He  also  tells  us  that  "of  the  sorts  I 
send  you,  there  is  not  one  bad  sort,  but  as  to  their  keeping 
powers  I  have  yet  to  see.  The  various  Borts  have  been  all 
treated  exactly  the  same,  and  grown  in  light  black  soil." 


Seed  from  near 
Prescot. 


Weicht 
of  Old 

Seed. 

lbs. 


Early  Coldstream 8J    ..    43j 

TranBell's  Seedling  ..     , 

..     630 

..    112 

..  EOi 
..      464 

..     46} 

..      71 

Daintree's  Seedling  . .     , 

..     86 

Ready  Penny , 

..     62 

Milky  White    , 

..     6U 

..      57? 

Seed  from  other 
places. 


Weight 

of  New 

Seed. 

lbs. 

Oryffe  CaBtle  Seedling    Si.    . . 

Yorkshire  Hero „     .. 

Scotch  Blue „     .. 

Worni8ley  Kidney 

Redbridge  Ashleaf. .. .      „     .. 

King  of  Flukes „     .. 

Early  Emperor „     .. 

Alexandra „     .. 

Daintree's  Kidney....  „  .. 
Gloucester  Kidney  ..  „  .. 
Dawe's  Matchless  . ...     „    .. 

Wellington , 

Early  Coldstream „ 

Webb's  Imprl.  Kidney  „  . . 
Harris's  Nonpareil    ..     „     .. 

Waterloo  Kidney 7     .. 

Early  Rose  „ 

Bresee's  Prolific 3     .. 

Bresee's  King  of    the 

Earlies „ 

The  Queen's   ,    .. 


GIFTS  OF  BEDDING  PLANTS. 

At  this  season  of  the  year  in  all  large  gardens  many  hundreds 
of  fine  bedding  plants  must  be  cleared  off  and  committed  to 
the  limbo  of  the  rubbish  heap — a  sad  end  to  come  to  after 
affording  so  much  delight.  Would  it  not  be  better  if  they  were 
given  away  to  our  poorer  neighbours  ?  This  is  done  by  public 
announcement  in  the  case  of  the  parks  in  the  metropolis  ;  can 
it  not  be  imitated  by  private  individuals  in  the  suburbs  of  large 
towns  ? 

What  visitor  to  those  lanes  and  courts  will  not  bear  willing 
testimony  to  the  good  effect,  the  quiet  influence,  of  some  well- 
kept  window  garden  on  the  sunny  side  ?  Those  painted  boxes, 
those  clean  red  pots,  the  plants  without  a  dead  leaf  or  withered 
branch,  prove  that  there  is  no  Blatternly  wife,  no  drunken 
husband  within.  The  same  care  that  attends  to  these  objeots 
will  also  see  that  there  are  no  dirty  windows,  no  filthy  doorstep, 
no  unwashed  floor,  and  no  uncombed  children.  From  railway 
arches,  too,  are  to  be  seen  little  oases  in  back  yards,  and  won- 
drous parterres  on  housetops.  Fevers  are  infectious  ;  but  the 
love  of  plants,  the  rivalry  of  bloom,  and  the  accompanying 
habits  of  neatness  and  decency  are  infectious  too,  and  we  can 
powerfully  second  the  efforts  of  those  of  our  sisters  and  wives 
who  visit  the  poor,  by  a  distribution  of  plants  in  autumn  and 
of  a  few  pinches  of  seed  in  the  spring. 

Of  course  there  will  be  a  little  trouble  and  some  loss  of  time 
for  the  gardener,  but  a  notice  hung  outside  the  gate  to  the 
effect  that  on  a  certain  day  plants  will  be  given  away  on  appli- 
cation will  render  the  matter  easy  enough.  I  thus  distributed 
last  year  from  my  small  garden  upwards  of  two  hundred  plants 
— Calceolarias,  Geraniums,  Verbenas,  Heliotropes,  Gazanias, 
Sea.,  each  of  which  would  make  several  fine  outtings.  Many 
large  establishments  must  have  cartloads  of  these,  besides  a 
surplus  Btock  of  Crocuses,  Snowdrops,  Gladioli,  and  other  bulbs. 
If  you  think  this  communication  likely  to  be  of  service  in  in- 
ducing anyone  to  try  to  do  good  at  little  expense,  perhaps  yon 
will  find  a  corner  for  it. — Penumbra. 


ERADICATING  WEEDS  WITH  CREEPING 

ROOTS. 

In  a  recent  number  I  saw  a  query  from  a  correspondent 
respecting  the  possibility  of  banishing  Couch  and  Bindweed. 
I  have  had,  I  regret  to  say,  some  experience  of  both,  and  con- 
sider it  quite  possible  to  banish  them,  the  first  step  being  to 
forbid  the  use  of  a  spade,  nothing  but  a  fork  to  be  used.  One 
year  my  Asparagus  bed  was  so  full  of  Bindweed  that  it  seemed 
as  if  the  Asparagus  had  been  grown  merely  as  stakes  for  the 


October  13,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF   HORTICULTURE   AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


283 


Bindweed,  the  crop  being,  as  you  may  imagine,  nil.  I  took  it 
in  hand  myself,  carefully  followed  every  plant  with  a  fork,  and 
took  np  every  root  I  could  find  ;  when  this  was  done  I  gave  the 
bed  a  good  Baiting.  I  had  a  fine  crop  of  Asparagus  ;  of  course 
a  good  many  plants  of  the  Bindweed  came  up  during  the  sum- 
mer, but  these  were  forked  up  when  they  appeared,  and  now 
there  are  but  few  remaining.  I  think  the  salt  killed  much  of 
the  weed,  as  I  found  many  blackened  roots.  I  am  now  hard  at 
work  at  the  Strawberry  bed,  where  the  Bindweed  is  in  quantity. 
Another  hint — when  forking  out  the  roots  let  them  be  at 
once  put  into  a  basket  and  no  other  weed  put  with  them,  and  if 
the  weather  be  dry  let  them  be  burned  without  delay.  As  every 
little  piece  grows  and  is  thrown  into  a  heap  with  other  weeds, 
the  supply  will  be  increased. — An  Old  Dublin  Subscriber. 


PROTECTING  THE  BLOSSOMS  OF  WALL-FRUIT 
TREES. 
I  have  long  entertained  the  opinion  that  a  constant  current 
of  warm  air  passing  over  wall-fruit  trees  would  be  an  effective 
preservative  of  their  blossoms  from  frosts  and  cold  winds. 
The  only  experiment  I  have  been  able  to  make  testing  my 
opinion  was  by  placing  a  closed  tin  vessel  at  the  foot  of  a  wall, 
and  filling  it  with  boiling  water.  A  thermometer  hung  against 
the  wall,  and  4  feet  above  the  vessel,  registered  30°  of  Fahren- 
heit's thermometer — or  2°  of  frost — before  the  boiling  water  was 
poured  into  the  vessel.  On  this  being  done  the  thermometer 
began  immediately  to  rise,  reached  to  40°,  and  never  varied  from 
that  during  the  hour  I  continued  the  experiment.  An  easterly 
wind  was  blowing  briskly,  and  I  poured  into  the  vessel  fresh 
boiling  water  at  intervals',  so  that  its  average  heat  was  about 
200°.  Now  this  experiment  and  the  geothermal  experiments 
I  saw  in  operation  at  Major  Trevor  Clarke's  and  elsewhere, 
justify  the  opinion  I  entertain.  Unfortunately,  at  present,  I 
have  no  means  of  practically  testing  its  soundness,  but  I  will 
Btate  the  mode  in  which  I  would  test  it,  and,  perhaps,  some  of 
your  readers  will  give  it  a  trial. 


Plums,  Pears,  and  Nectarines  in  abundance,  without  overcrop- 
ping, yet  we  have  no  fire  heat  of  any  kind. — A  Lady  Subscriber. 
Kirkcudbright,  N.B. 


This  represents  a  3-inch  flow  and  return  pipe  in  a  bricked 
gutter  at  the  foot  of  the  wall.  The  flow-pipe  should  have  a 
valve  to  shut  off  its  communication  with  the  boiler,  for  the 
hot  water  would  only  be  needed  during  the  blossoming  season. 
The  return-pipe  also  should  have  a  similar  valve,  but  with  a 
tap  outside,  so  that  the  pipes  might  be  empty  during  winter  to 
avoid  injury  by  freezing. — G. 


Orchard  House  Produce. — In  an  orchard  house  on  a  south 
wall  we  have  a  small  Pear  tree,  Beurre  Diel,  on  which  grew  three 
Pears.  I  weighed  them  when  taken  off,  and  I  give  the  weights 
respectively  : — One  exactly  1  lb.,  one  14J  ozs.,  one  13  ozs.  All 
were  handsome.  The  house  was  put  up  last  spring,  and  the 
tree  was  planted  during  March.    We  have  had  fine  Peaches, 


RIVERS'S    SEEDLING    PEACHES    AND 
NECTARINES. 

I  have  grown  and  fruited  in  pots  this  summer  some  of  Mr. 
Bivers's  new  seedling  Peaches  and  Nectarines,  and  I  have 
found  the  following  varieties  to  be  great  acquisitions  as  regards 
earliness  and  flavour.  They  were  grown  principally  on  a  glass- 
covered  wall,  but  a  few  of  the  varieties  were  fruited  on  a  south 
wall  without  protection  of  any  kind. 

Amongst  Peaches  the  Early  Beatrice  was  the  earliest  in 
ripening,  being  quite  iipe  by  the  middle  of  July  ;  it  was  juicy 
in  texture,  and  the  flavour  was  good.  Early  Louise  ripened 
about  the  end  of  July,  but  was  not  so  juicy  nor  so  good  in 
flavour  as  Early  Beatrice.  Early  Rivers  ripened  with  me  about 
the  same  time  as  the  Early  Louise,  and  wus  very  juicy,  with  a 
rich,  racy  flavour.  Dagmar  proved  to  be  a  large  and  finely- 
coloured  Peach,  and  ripened  in  the  f  econd  week  in  August.  Dr. 
Hogg,  another  large  and  also  a  finely-flavoured  Peach,  ripened 
about  the  same  time  as  the  Dagmar.  Early  Silver,  a  very 
large  and  highly-flavoured  Peach,  ripened  in  the  third  week  in 
August.  Alexandra  Noblesse  has  quite  the  pale  colour  of  tl.c 
old  Noblesse,  as  well  as  its  juicy  and  rich  flavour;  it  ripens  in 
the  end  of  August.  Lord  Palmerston  is  a  very  large,  pale 
Peach,  and  is  at  this  date  (September  loth),  ripe,  but  the 
flavour  is  not  first-rate.  Princess  of  Wales  is  another  very 
large  Peach,  pale  in  colour,  with  rosy  cheeks  next  the  sun,  but 
it  will  be  the  end  of  September  before  it  is  ripe. 

The  order  of  ripening  of  Mr.  Rivers's  seedling  Nectarines 
was  as  follows  : — Lord  Napier,  a  pale-coloured  Neetanne  of 
good  flavour,  and  ripeniDg  in  the  beginning  of  August.  Rivers's 
New  White  is  better  flavoured  than  the  Old  White,  ami  ripens 
in  the  middle  of  August.  Rivers's  Orange,  a  seedling  from  the 
Pitmaston  Orange,  is  an  excellent  high-flavoured  variety,  and 
ripens  in  the  end  of  August.  Stanwick  Elruge  has  a  smack  of 
the  Stanwick  flavour  in  it,  and  ripens  in  the  end  of  August. 
Victoria,  the  latest  of  Mr.  Rivers's  seedling  Nectarines,  is  very 
rich  and  juicy  when  grown  in  pots,  and  ripens  from  the  end 
of  August  till  the  middle  of  September. 

Dr.  Hogg  Peach  has  ripened  with  me  on  a  south  wall,  and 
was  in  season  in  the  end  of  August ;  it  is  a  variety  of  excellent 
flavour.  The  Pine-Apple  Nectarine  has  likewise  ripened  on  the 
same  wall,  and  is  an  excellent  new  variety,  the  flesh  yellow, 
like  Hunt's  Tawny,  very  rich  in  flavour,  and  the  colour  of  the 
fruit  nearly  black  next  the  sun. — William  Tilleey,  Wclbeck. 
— (Florist  and  Pomologist) 


ABKLETON. 


The  railway  traveller  on  reaching  the  city  of  "fair  and 
merry  "  Carlisle  has  every  opportunity  and  inducement  held 
out  to  him  by  the  convenient  and  numerous  despatches  of  rail- 
way trains  in  all  directions,  by  the  excellent  hotel  accommoda- 
tion, and  by  the  kind  and  hospitable  disposition  of  the  people, 
to  "break  his  journey"  at  the  "border  city."  He  will  find 
here  spots  hallowed  by  associations  with  the  past,  which  must 
ever  remain  dear  to  all  lovers  of  history,  archaeology,  and  ro- 
mance. He  will  find  a  clean,  well-built  town,  situated  in  one 
of  the  most  pleasant  and  fertile-looking  districts  in  the  north. 
He  can  see  the  ruined  castle  whose  rent  and  mouldering 
battlements  still  stand  as  silent  sentinels,  holding  watch  over 
the  broad  vale  of  the  winding  Eden,  the  silvery  Solwuv,  and 
the  dear,  old,  brave  Scottish  border  land.  He  may  recall  to 
memory  the  dark  days  and  scenes  of  early  Norman  rale,  when 
this  time-battered  foitress  was  founded  by  William  Rufus,  and 
how  in  succeeding  ages  it  became  the  dwelling-place  of  David  I. 
of  Scotland,  and  the  refuge  and  prison-house  of  the  misguided, 
ill-fated  Mary  Stuart.  He  can  wander  in  the  choir  and  aisles 
of  the  grand,  old,  massive  cathedral,  and  survey  the  decorated 
eastern  window,  pronounced  by  many  to  be  superior  even  to 
the  magnificent  western  window  of  York  Minster.  He  can  get 
a  railway  ticket,  as  I  did,  and  leaving  keep  and  ca6tle,  kirk  and 
cathedral  behind  him,  travel  for  upwards  of  an  hour  through 
one  of  the  finest-wooded,  prettiest  routes  in  Scotland.  My 
hour's  ride  by  rail  landed  me  in  the  small,  beautifully-situated, 
thriving,  manufacturing  town  of  Langholm. 

But  as  I  was  in  search  of  gardeners  and  their  gardens  rather 
than  in   quest  of  "  wabsters  and  their  clouts,"  I  hastened 


284 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTUBB  AND  COTTAGE  GABDENEB. 


t  Ootober  IS,  1870. 


through  the  dirty,  ill-paved  street,  arid  soon  found  myself  in 
the  policy  grounds  surrounding  Langholm  Lodge,  one  of  the 
Duke  of  Baccleuoh's  Bhooting-bozea  in  EBkdale.  The  grounds, 
and  especially  the  woods,  reflect  the  highest  credit  on  the  good 
taste  and  judgment  of  the  officer  who  manages  them  ;  bat  the 
gardens,  both  in  arrangements  and  productions,  are  quite  un- 
worthy of  their  natural  situation  and  their  noble  proprietor. 
In  wide  contrast  to  them  were  the  well-planned,  neatly- arranged 
gardens  and  vineries  at  Arkleton,  the  residence  of  John  Jardine, 
Esq.,  situated  in  one  of  the  most  picturesque  parts  of  Ewes- 
dale,  about  five  miles  from  Langholm,  and  450  feet  above  the 
level  of  the  Solway.  These  gardens  show  at  a  glance  the  in- 
telligence of  the  gardener  and  the  liberality  of  the  proprietor. 

Arkleton  grounds  and  gardens  were  planned  by  my  old 
friend,  the  late  Mr.  Little,  of  the  firm  of  Messrs.  Little  and 
Ballantyue,  of  Carlisle,  and  were  executed  by  the  present  gar- 
dener in  the  years  1863  and  1864.  Having  heard  that  the 
gardener  had  acquired  considerable  fame  as  a  grower  of  Grapes, 
Peaches,  and  Nectarines,  I  at  once  made  my  way  to  the  vine- 
ries. I  found  these  to  consist  of  two  houses  (Shaw's  patent), 
each  30  feet  long.  I  found  the  Vines  were  Blaok  Hamburgh, 
Millhill  Hamburgh,  Golden  Hamburgh,  Black  and  White 
Frontignan,  Buckland  Sweetwater,  Muscat  of  Alexandria, 
Tynninghame  Muscat,  Archerfield  Muscat,  Mrs.  Pince's  Black 
Muscat,  Blaok  Alicante,  Lady  Downe's,  and  Syrian.  I  give  the 
list  in  full,  as  possibly  it  may  be  of  use  to  some  amateur  Grape- 
grower.  I  was  oredibly  informed  that  all  these  Vines  had  been 
heavily  cropped  from  the  second  year  of  planting,  some  five 
years  ago,  and  that  the  average  weight  of  the  Black  Hambnrghs 
had  been  2}  lbs.,  Lady  Downe's  3i  lbs.,  and  Muscat  of  Alex- 
andria 3.J  lbs.  I  was  chiefly  anxious  to  see  the  Syrian  Vine, 
on  which  had  been  grown  the  marvellous  bunch,  19  lbs.  5  ozs. 
in  weight,  whioh  oreated  such  a  sensation  at  the  Show  of  the 
Boyal  Caledonian  Horticultural  Society,  held  in  Edinburgh 
on  the  7th  of  September  last.  This  Vine  has  carried  since  it 
was  planted  in  1863  fourteen  bunches,  the  heaviest  weighing 
respectively  6J,  7,  8j,  16£,  and  19  lbs.  5  ozs.  The  Vine  is  well 
trained,  and  is  growing  vigorously.  1  measured  the  wood  of 
this  year's  growth,  and  found  it  was  3  inches  in  ciroumference. 
The  old  wood  was  5  inches  in  circumference,  and  the  leaves 
■19  inches  by  15.  It  is  highly  to  the  credit  of  Mr.  Dickson  to 
be  able  to  show  such  a  plant,  and  to  point  to  it  as  the  bearer 
of  the  heaviest  single  bunch  of  Grapes  ever  produced  in  Great 
Britain,  surpassing  by  5  ozs.  the  famous  bunch  recorded  by 
Speechley. 

I  made  a  short  visit  to  the  Peach  and  Nectarine  hoUBe,  and 
found  it  180  feet  long,  with  a  drum  trellis  running  along  the 
front,  and  occupied  with  well-grown,  healthy-looking,  fruit-laden 
trees,  among  which  were  all  the  leading  Borts  in  cultivation. 

Altogether,  my  visit  to  Arkleton  was  a  very  pleaBant  one  ; 
nor  lees  pleasant  was  my  drive  to  Longtown  through  the 
wooded  glen  leading  through  the  beautiful  parish  of  Canonbie, 
and  past  its  peaceful  hamlets,  its  trim,  wall-furnished  wayside 
cottage  gardens,  its  elegant  school-room,  and  its  unobtrusive- 
looking  church.  I  thoroughly  endorse  the  opinion  of  Kohl, 
who  declared  that  amid  all  his  wanderings  he  never  journeyed 
over  a  more  lovely  road  than  that  which  lies  along  the  windings 
of  the  "  wooded  Esk"  from  Langholm  to  Longtown. — Beta. 


CUTTING  PEACH  TREE  LEAVES. 

Will  your  correspondent,  the  Rev.  W.  F.  Radclyffe,  say  upon 
what  principle  in  physiology  he  bases  his  plan  of  cutting  off 
the  leaves  of  Peach  trees  to  cause  them  to  ripen  their  wood 
more  perfectly  ?  I  have  always  been  a  great  advocate  for  getting 
as  much  healthy  foliage  as  I  could  on  all  kinds  of  plants,  so  as 
to  produce  the  best  type  of  healthy  wood,  and  have  hitherto 
considered  the  pulling-off  the  leaves  before  they  had  oompleted 
their  functions  to  militate  against  the  ripening  of  the  wood, 
and  consequently  against  the  production  of  fine  fruit.  As  with 
animals  so  with  plants  ;  if  you  wish  to  preserve  them  in  health 
and  to  bear  healthy  produce  you  must  endeavour  to  keep  all 
their  organs  healthy,  and  not  deprive  them  of  what  is  necessary 
for  the  perfect  development  of  their  natures.  If  we  wish  to 
limit  the  size  or  surface  of  a  tree  we  must  withhold  the  food, 
this  is  the  only  check  Nature  will  admit. — J.  Scott,  Merriott. 

[In  answer  to  Mr.  John  Soott,  until  fruit  is  off,  and  until 
September  and  Ootober  arrive,  I  should  think  it  very  far  from 
in  accordance  with  physiological  principles  to  cut  the  leaves  in 
half;  but  when,  as  here  now,  the  triple  buds  are  all  formed 
and  the  fruit  removed,  I  see  no  harm  in  cutting  in  half  the 


leaves.  My  trees,  from  disbudding  so  little,  are  now  better- 
foliaged  than  those  of  most  people  in  the  height  of  summer. 
I  have  a  great  many  Peaehes  and  Nectarines  on  west  and  east 
aspects  ;  the  former  only  receive  a  back  and  afternoon  sun,  and 
the  latter  only  a  morning  sun  and  a  little  midday  sun.  It  is, 
therefore,  of  importance  to  let  in  the  sun  and  air  to  the  wood 
after  cropping  is  over,  to  harden  and  ripen  it.  I  quite  agree 
with  Mr.  Scott  that  good  leaves  are  essential  to  fine  flavour  and 
the  general  welfare  of  the  trees.  I  see  many  insects  on  my 
leaves,  and  by  cutting  them  in  half  I  am  enabled  to  wash  the 
insects  off.  If  the  fruit  is  gathered,  people  should  follow  np 
red  spider,  thrips,  scale,  and  aphides  till  all  are  destroyed.  I 
never  saw  a  finer  Bight  than  the  Peaches  and  Nectarines  here 
this  year. — W.  F.  Radclyffe.] 


POMOLOGICAL  GLEANINGS. 
Pear  Bblle  Rouennaise. —  Amongst  the  never-ending 
streams  of  new  Pears,  here  ia  one  which  stands  well  forward. 
It  ripens,  it  is  true,  at  a  season  (October),  when  we  have 
quite  a  glut  of  good  fruits.  In  appearance  it  is  very  handsome, 
being  of  a  rather  long  pyriform  shape,  tapering  very  much  to 
the  stalk,  whioh  is  long  and  slender.  Whilst  hanging  on  the 
tree  it  is  particularly  graceful.  The  eye  is  closed,  set  in  a  very 
shallow  depression  ;  the  segments  of  the  calyx  long,  erect,  and 
pointed.  The  skin  is  pale  green,  changing  to  pale  yellow  as  it 
ripens,  tinged  a  little  on  the  exposed  side  with  numerous 
minute  crimson  specks.  The  flesh  is  white,  very  buttery,  and 
melting,  very  rich  and  sugary.     Altogether  first-olass. 

Pear   Avocat  Allard. — This  is  one  of  M.  Gregoire'8 

very  numerous  seedlings,  and  promises  well.  In  quality  it  is 
quite  first-rate.  The  fruit  with  us  this  season  is  rather  small, 
but  it  looks  as  if  it  would  grow  to  a  goodly  size.  The  flesh 
is  pretty  solid,  a  little  soft;  flavour  very  rich,  with  a  strong 
muscat  aroma.  Season,  Ootober.  We  mark  this  as  a  promis- 
ing variety. 

Pear   Henri   Nioaisb,  Heliote   Dundas. —  We  grow 

the  same  Pear  under  both  names,  and  must  speak  in  high 
terms  of  its  praise.  In  appearance  it  is  fully  more  beantiful 
than  the  Forelle,  or  Trout  Pear,  whioh  is  so  well  known  ;  it  is 
of  far  higher  quality,  and  the  tree  is  more  hardy,  as  it  bears 
well  as  an  open  pyramid,  whioh  the  Forelle  does  not.  The 
fruits  of  Heliote  Dundas  are  rather  over  medium  size,  obovate, 
beautifully  flushed  and  streaked  on  three-fourths  of  the  surface 
with  brilliant  crimson.  The  flesh  is  tolerably  firm, yet  melting 
and  juicy,  sweet,  and  rich.  The  tree  bears  profusely  as  an 
open  pyramid  on  the  Quince  stock,  and  the  fruit  commands  a 
high  price  in  market  on  account  of  its  handsome  appearance. 

Apple  Summer  Thorle,  or  Whorle  Pippin. — We  were 

lately  extremelv  pleased  to  meet  in  Leland  with  this  old 
and  particular  favourite  of  ours,  and  to  find  it  was  so  much 
oultivated  and  so  generally  esteemed.  It  is  one  of  the  first 
Apples  we  knew  in  our  schoolboy  days,  and  right  well  was  it 
relished  then  ;  never,  we  believe,  have  we  tasted  Apples  half 
so  sweet,  and  even  now  there  is  a  certain  charm,  a  certain 
smack  about  this  particular  Apple  whioh  no  other  has.  It  is 
decidedly  the  best  summer  Apple  of  the  north,  both  in  Scot- 
land and  in  Ireland,  yet,  singularly  enough,  it  is  seldom  to  be 
met  with  in  the  south,  or  in  the  neighbourhood  of  London.  It 
is  a  very  hardy  variety,  and  a  most  oertain  and  heavy  cropper 
even  as  an  open  standard  in  the  north  of  Scotland.  The  fruits 
are  rather  below  the  medium  size,  quite  flat,  like  the  Oslin. 
Skin  very  clear,  beautifully  streaked  with  bright  scarlet  on  the 
exposed  side,  and  altogether  very  pretty.  The  flesh  is  white, 
quite  crisp,  juicy,  and  refreshingly  sweet.  The  fruits  are 
generally  very  uniform  in  character  and  quality.  It  is  in  use 
during  August  and  September,  and  is  best  when  gathered  off 
the  tree,  or  very  shortly  afterwards.  It  is  an  Apple  much  to 
be  recommended,  but  greatly  neglected. 


ECKLAND  VALE  APPLE. 
In  page  268  information  is  wanted  regarding  the  origin  of 
this  Apple.  Eckliuville  Seedling  is  the  proper  name  of  the 
Apple.  It  was  raised  from  seed  by  the  then  gardener,  probably 
more  thm  half  a  century  ago,  at  Ecklinville,  a  gentleman's 
seat  about  eighteen  miles  from  Belfast  and  four  miles  from 
Portaferry.  I  saw  the  original  tree  growing  there  as  a  standard 
a  good  many  years  ago.  At  the  back  of  the  stables,  on  an 
eastern  aspect,  there  was  a  fan-trained  tree  whioh  bore  noble 


October  13,  1S70.  ] 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENEB. 


fruit.  It  wn  a  eight.  The  steward  And  gardener  who  lived  at 
Eck'inville  when  I  visited  it  was  Mr.  UcLinachan,  a  very 
worthy  man,  who  could  exhibit  other  subjects  worth  seeing 
besides  the  above  Apple.  He  UBed  to  show  the  Ecklinville 
Seedling  at  the  horticultural  exhibitions  at  Belfast  as  a  kitchen 
Apple.  It  carried  all  before  it  there.  As  a  sauce  Apple  them 
ia  none  to  equal  it.  What  an  Apple  for  a  market  gardener  ! 
The  only  wonder  is  that  i  t  has  not  been  planted  in  this  country 
by  tens  of  thousands.  Plants  can  be  had  in  the  Irish  nurse- 
ries, at  least  in  those  around  Belfast. — W.  Hutchinson,  Gar- 
dener, Llwyndu  Court,  Abergavenny. 


Sopt. 


PLANTS   FLOWERING  IN   SEPTEMBER. 


*      12, 


!.  Aodryala  lanata 
Coinmelina  eceleatis 
Anemone  japonica 

vitifolia 
Chloris  barbata 

cilia  t  a 
Polygonum  Sieboldi 

Brunoni 
Burnet 

Viburnum  Tinus 
Easter  Beurrt-  Hoar 
Aeonitum  chinense 

Napellua 
Cedronclla  cana 
>  elsia  oretica 
Daisies,  double 

Aueuba-leaved 
Xerantheinums 
Potentilla  f ruticosa 
Epilobium  in  uit.ii .(ini 
Lonicera  Periclymenum 
berratula  tiuctoria 

aiigu»tifolia 
Mentha  viridis 

piperita 
Eudbeekia  lacinata 

Newman  ni 
Eragrostia  elegans 
.  Oxalia  Bow  i.  ,i,..t 
floribuitda 
versicolor 
speciosa 
foreopsU  lanceolata 
Rue 

Santoliua  incaua 
Tansy 

Penmsetum  italicum 
Schizoatylis  coccinea 
othonna  pectinat* 
Calendula  officinalis 
1  iaillardia  picta 
Linaria  alplna 
Cymbalaria 
purpurea 
Caealia  coccinea 

a  urea 
Nepcta  violacea 
Ahroui*  umbtlJata 
OUia  tricoltr 

cap]  tutu 
Acanthus  f-J-'.DO  -■  J3 
mollis 
Inaitaoicoa 
Eutoca  visoida 

multiflora 
Achillea  aurea 
astryptiaca 
Clavenna? 
MiUef-  lium 

rosenm 
serrata  plena 
toinentosa 
Solidago  virgata 

cambrica 
Bartonia  aurea 
Potentilla  alba 

in  si  puis 
Aster  tenelius 
Phyteuma  orbicnlare 
Gladiolus  Kandavenaia 

brenchleyensis 
Delphinium  Ajacis 
Myosetis  palustris 

montana 
Plumbago  capenaia 

Larpentae 
Malope  trifida 
grandiflora 
Pentstemon  glabrum 
ova turn 
Scouleri 
venustum 
Ammobinm  alatum 
ffinethera  acaulia 
nana 
fraticosa 
macrocarpa 
taraxacifolia 
GypBOphila  elegans 
Gynennm  argenteum 
Helenium  Douglasii 
Pyrethrum  roseum 

Parthenium 
Calandrinia  speciosa 

discolor 
Cineraria  maritima 
Nieella  hispanica 
Colchicum  autumnale 
Armeria  maritima 
vulgaris 


Sept.  13.  Artemisia  vulgaris 
Nolana  paradoxa 

viol  ace  a 
Agapanthus  umbeEatus 
Auathwa  coelestis 
Callicbroa  platygloasa 
Calliopsia  nana 
Drumuiondi 
Ajaga  reptana 
genevensis 
variegata 
Tigridia  Pavonia 

conchiflora 
Leptosiphon  aureus 
denaiflozuB 
lntenfl 
Salicornia  herbaoea 
Tritonia  aurea 
Fuchsia  ejccinea 

globosa 
Hibiscus  africaoua 
Linaria  bipartite 

striata 
Loasa  »uranfiaca 
Solidago  Virganrea 
Athanasia  annua 
Atnplex  hortenais  rubra 
Aristolochia  Clematiti* 
Origanum  Tulgare 
Arctotis  br^viscapa 
Arg«moDi'  sranchflori 
Tradescintia  ccerul«a 

vir-i  jica 
Calceolaria  pinnata 
Uallirhue  pedata 

diuitata 
Senecio  .Tacobsa 

el  e  trans 
Cuphea  pUtycentra 
I*ibelia  Krinus 

amosus 
Malva  Murenii 
Stenactis  speciosa 
Stipa  pennita 
Symphytum  caacasicum 

coccineum 
Lophospermnra  scandens 
Dracocephalum  speciosom 
moldavicum 
eanariense 
Symphiandra  pendula 
Echeveria  slanca 
Echinops  Ritro 
Erica  stricta 
ramentacea 
vagans 
Vine  a  major 
min.  r 
lfl.  Saponaria  ocymoides 
Helichrysums 
Senecio  adonidifoliua 
Silene  cchafti 

pendula 
Lathynii  grandiflorus 
latifoliua 
venosas 
Claxkbu 

Hydrocharis  morsna-raniB 
Tritoma  Uvaria 

grandiflora 
Verbascum  Thapsna 
3crophularia     nodosa     va- 

riegata 
An&gallis  grandiflora 

Breweri 
Amsonia  salicifolia 
Orobus  aureus 
Nierembertria  gracilis 

rivularia 
Lupines 
20.  Narthecium  ossifragnra 
Claytonia  perfoliata 
Mirabilia  Jalapa 
Clintonia  pulchella 
Aaclepias  Douglasii 

tubero^a 
Sedum  cieruleum 
Centaurea  candidissima 

gymnoearpa 
Chamsepuce  Jaeabons 
Aater  Amellua 
Ik  vis 

Novae- \nglite 
Novi-Bclgii 
cyaneus 
punicens 
sericeus 
Tagetes  pumila 
Tropseolum  niajus 
misoa 


Sept.  20.  Polygonum  orientale 

Lathyrna  magelLanicoa 
Mitraria  noceinea 
Monarda  didyma 

purpurea 
Agrestis  nebulosa 
Morina  persica 
Primula  aeaulis 
Reseda  lutea 
Zinnia  elegans 
too  him  album 

purpureum 

roonstrosnm 

Te.lephium 

Sieboldi 

variegata 

apeetabile 
„     24.  Lilium  specioaum  albuoi 
rnbrum 

HarriBOBii 
Stach\-s  germanioa 

lanata 
Campanula  grandia 

gargunica 

m  oralis 

persicifolia 

puli  a 

pyramidalis 
Amaranthus  speciosna 
Calystegia  pubescens 
Anbrietia  deltoidea 

purpurea 

varieeata 
Campanula  Speculum 
Linum  alpinom 

perenne 

Lewiaii 
Statice  beliidifolia 

incana 

Gme'inl 

latifolia 
Candytuft 
AlnvKia  citriodora 
Wbitlav  a  grandiflora 
Viula  cornuta 

In  tea 

tricolor 
Balsams 
Kochia  i  oparia 
Calceolaria  plautasrinea 
Tropaeolum  peresrinum 
Sanvitalia  procumbens 
Eccremocarpna  scaber 
Portulaca  splcndena 

coccinea 
Phl'H  Dnimmondi 
Oralis  t  r-.  .;-..-..■ : 
Verbena  venosa 

pulchella 
Chelone  barbata 

coccinea 

obliqua 
A/yssuui  saxatilecompactum 
centrantlius  macrosiphon 
Cladantbus  arabicus 
Lavandula  ^p.ca 
I>iatria  pyenostachya 
3Ximulus  maculosus 

cardinal^ 

atro6ansrninen3 
moschatua 

lutens 
Scabiosa  lutea 
Alonsoa  compacta 

grandiflora 


Sept.  24.  Phlomia  Rnsselliana 
Melissa  offieinalis 
Corydalis  Intea 

semperrinens 
.,      26.  Euphorbia  epithymoidos 
Veronica  Candida 

dentata 

incana 

epic  at  a 

Andersoni 

speciosa 
CEnothera  Drummondi 

Sell  ovi  ana 

biennis 
Potamoireton  natans 
Datura  Stramnninna 
Viltadenia  tridobau* 
Adonis  autumnalis 

reetivaliB 
Thymus  lannginosoa 
Anchusa  italica 

sempervirena 
Convolvuiue  cantabricua 

mauritanicua 
Arabia  lncida 
Apocynum  venetam 
Acroclinium  rosenm 
Ageratum  mexicanum 
tiilene  maritima  plena 

noctiflora 
Diantbus  barbatus 

deltoidea 

superbus 
..      30.  Salvia  bicolor 

folgens 

pafeezui 

aplendena 
Geum  coccineum 

rivale 
Eeliaothus  annaua 

diffusus 

multifl'irna 

striatitlonis 
Lotna  coi-rjiculatus 
Cyclamen  emop»um 

h&derrefolium 
GaiUardia  Richardi 

grandiflora 
Hydrangeas 
Iberis  Tenoroana 
Crocus  nudiflorua 

speciosas 

Epilobium  a  ngnsti  folium 
Delphioinm  Belladonna 
Dahlia  imperialis 
Lupinus  poljphyllna 
Dactyba   gb  merata    varic- 

gaia 
Eryngium  alpinum 
Lychnis  fnliiens 

cbalcedonica 

Haageaua 

Viscaria 
Antholyza  coccinea 
Lythrnm  rosenm 

Salicaria 
Scutellaria  atp:na 
Lamium  maculatum 
Eupaturium  cannabinum 
Hiuracinm  anrantiacum 
Clethra  a'nifolia 
Rudbeckta  amplexicanlis 
Salpigloss^s  atropurpurea 
Polemoniuni  csruleum 


-M.  H.,  Acklam  Hall,  Middle$brough-on-Teest 


A  YOUNG   GARDENER'S  GROWL. 

Would  you  be  so  kind  as  to  solve  the  following  problem — 
How  are  young  gardeners  to  learn  to  know  fruits,  their  qualities, 
&c,  when  never  allowed  to  taste  ? 

My  own  experience  ia,  that  you  may  look  but  not  touch,  and 
tv  -n  if  seen  to  be  looking  very  minutely  you  are  suspected  of 
eating.  Now,  when  fruit  trees  are  not  labelled,  as  in  far  too 
many  cases  tbey  are  not,  it  ia  a  matter  of  Bome  difficulty  to 
learn  to  recogDiae  apart  a  dozon  of  each  of  the  best  hardy  fruits. 
Yet  that  ia  a  email  number  towarda  the  many  varieties  that 
are  in  cultivation.  I  am  ashamed  to  own  it,  but  X  could  not 
pick  out  a  dozen  varieties  of  all  the  hardy  fruits  by  taste  and 
appearance  to  be  in  any  way  certain  about  them,  and  yet  I  have 
been  eight  years  at  the  trade.  Certainly  I  have  been  chiefly 
out  of  the  great  fruit-growing  districts.  I  have  been  under 
different  gardeners,  but  only  one  ever  offered  to  give  me  the 
slightest  chance  of  learning  the  qualities  of  fruits,  though  often 
asked  in  a  quiet  way.  It  is  not  pleaaant  to  be  obliged  to  go 
about  like  a  thief,  as  indeed  one  ia,  to  gat  a  taate  of  fruit  which 
you  are  expected  to  know  full  particulars  about.  It  is  my 
belief  that  a  third  of  the  gardeners  do  not  knew  one-quarter  of 
the  different  fruits  in  cultivation,  and  apart  from  a  list  would 
be  puzzled  to  name  a  collection  to  stock  a  garden,  so  as  to  give 
a  proper  and  succeesional  supply  of  fruit. 

What  I  say  of  hardy  fruits  is*  still  more  applicable  to  in-door 
fruits — Grapes,  Arc,  as  it  is  not  in  many  places  that  there  is 
anything  like  a  complete  collection.  Your  eyes  will  tell  you  the 
difference  between  a  Black  Hamburgh  and  a  Muscat  of  Ales- 


286 


JOUBNAL  OF  HORTICULTUKE  AND  COTTAGE   GAEDENEB. 


[  October  13,  1870. 


andria,  but  as  for  more  you  must  wait  till  yon  have  Vines  under 
your  own  care,  and  then  you  may  have  a  little  opportunity  of 
comparison.  You  may  get  over  being  caught  taking  a  Plum  or 
an  Apple,  but  to  take  aud  nip  a  berry  out  of  a  bunch  of  Grapes, 
oh,  dear  !  that  would  be  enough  to  send  your  box  to  the  nearest 
station,  or  at  least  to  insure  a  lecture  a  yard  long,  and  to  have 
the  vinery  door  locked. 

Of  course,  where  fruit  is  very  scarce,  it  must  be  husbanded, 
and  cannot  be  allowed  to  go  for  young  gardeners  to  taste  and 
compare,  whether  they  are  ignorant  or  not ;  but  then  so  very 
little  is  needed  with  the  help  of  Dr.  Hogg's  "  Fruit  Manual," 
that  I  cannot  but  think  the  lamentable  ignorance  of  which  I 
complain  might  be  in  a  great  measure  remedied. 

Then,  again,  in  regard  to  new  vegetables,  it  is  the  same. 
Young  men  in  the  bothy  must  not  expect  to  taste  new  Peas  and 
Potatoes.  The  difference  between  good  and  bad  is  of  no  moment 
to  them  now ;  when  they  are  in  a  place  of  their  own  is  time 
enough  for  them  to  begin  to  know.  For  the  first  year  or  two 
let  tbem  accept  seedsmen's  and  nurserymen's  opinions,  and 
then  after  making  some  mistake  or  mistakes  which  nearly  cost 
them  their  places,  they  will  learn. — A  Young  Gardenek. 

P.S. — I  hope  you  will  excuse  my  growl,  but  it  -eases  one's 
mind. 

[There  is,  no  doubt,  pome  truth  in  what  you  say,  but  we 
have  found  that  it  is  the  easiest  matter  in  the  world  to  find  or 
make  a  grievance.  Some  young  gardeners,  like  young  men  in 
other  trades  and  professions,  find  that  there  is  no  royal  road  to 
knowledge  of  any  kind.  Where  young  men  enter  on  gardening 
as  regular  apprentices  or  improvers,  and  directly  or  indirectly 
pay  so  much  for  instruction,  it  is  only  fair  that  that  instruction 
should  be  given  according  to  the  capabilities  of  the  place. 
Where  a  labourer  picks  up  knowledge  as  he  can,  and  where  all 
the  gardener  can  receive  from  him  is  merely  a  regular  and  ap- 
pointed amount  of  labour,  he  can  hardly  be  expected  to  get 
regular  instruction  on  all  points  from  the  gardener.  Partly 
from  getting  labour  better  done,  and  partly  from  a  large-hearted 
generosity,  gardeners  have  been  the  most  liberal  of  men  in  im- 
parting whatever  knowledge  they  may  have  possessed.  In  fact, 
there  is  no  trade  or  profession  where  the  peculiar  knowledge  of 
the  trade  is  so  much  and  bo  frequently  made  a  matter  of  public 
property  as  in  gardening. 

Young  men  in  gardens,  in  general,  form  no  exception.  It  is 
seldom  that  a  man  anxious  to  get  on,  active,  attentive,  per- 
severing, and  obliging,  would  be  debarred  from  any  knowledge 
he  solicited  in  a  proper  way.  It  is  by  such  means  that  some  of 
our  best  gardeners  have  risen  to  the  top  of  the  tree.  Their 
good,  upright,  obliging  conduct  has  made  many  friends  for 
them  wherever  they  went.  But  those  who  have  had  most  to 
do  with  young  gardeners  will  be  the  first  to  own  that  all  of 
them  do  not  possess  these  attractive  qualities.  Many  pro- 
fessedly going  to  a  garden  for  improvement,  seem  to  care  about 
little  except  to  get  over  as  easily  as  possible  the  day's  labour  ; 
and  if  they  feel  so  little  interest  themselves,  it  is  not  likely 
that  the  head  gardener  will  repeatedly  trouble  himself  to  give 
the  explanations  and  information  that  are  received  so  carelessly. 
In  general,  then,  where  there  is  a  great  amount  of  ignorance, 
after  a  long  period  of  probation,  we  would  be  more  inclined 
to  refer  that  ignorance  to  the  carelessness  of  the  man  than 
to  the  proud  indifference  of  the  master.  Of  course,  to  every 
lule  there  are  exceptions.  Gardeners,  and  the  best  of  them, 
are  but  men.  On  the  whole,  we  think  that  many  young  gar- 
deners hold  unsound  notions  ol  what  head  gardeners  are  bound 
to  do  for  them  ;  and  dwelling  on  this  they  remain  ignorant  of 
what  they  might  know  but  for  their  proud  indifference  and 
carelessness. 

Again,  it  would  be  well  if  young  gardeners,  and  many  of  the 
publio,  too,  would  recollect  that  a  head  gardener  is  merely  a 
servant,  having  charge  of  a  certain  amount  of  property,  for 
which  he  is  resooneible  to  his  employer.  In  most  plaoes  there 
is  a  little  latitude  as  to  giving  and  receiving,  but  it  is  dan- 
gerous to  act  upon  it  without  a  clear  understanding.  Mere  use 
is  not  sufficient  if  a  man  wishes  to  be  above  suspicion  and  all 
nnderhand  gossipings.  Many  a  gardener,  to  our  knowledge, 
has  gained  the  character  of  being  bard,  near,  and  close-fisted, 
when  he  was  merely  and  simply  honest  and  faithful  to  his 
trust.  Gardeners  are  not  unfrequeutly  annoyed  by  employers 
being  suspicious  now  as  to  what  becomes  of  the  effects  of  the 
garden.  They  thought  they  should  have  had  a  greater  abund- 
ance of  this,  and  a  better  supply  of  that.  We  hardly  know  how 
it  would  be  if  assistants  were  allowed  to  pick  and  taste  at 
their  will.  Such  suspicious  proprietors  might  then  think  it 
best  to  get  rid    of  their  suspicions,   and  their  garden  too. 


Under  such  circumstances  gardeners  have  often  a  sad  time. 
They  know  that  things  lessen  and  lessen,  and  cannot  find  out 
how.  We  fear  it  is  not  always  the  assistants  that  are  to  blame. 
Many  think  it  no  harm  to  piok  when  they  have  a  chance, 
though  having  no  right  whatever.  Visitors  should  use  no  more 
freedom  in  a  garden  than  they  would  dare  to  do  in  a  grocer's 
or  haberdasher's  shop.  In  many  places  a  bad  practice  prevails 
of  allowing  visitors  at  the  mansion  to  make  themselves  free  of 
the  garden.  Under  such  circumstances  the  gardener  is  often 
at  a  loss  how  to  get  a  good  dessert,  and  if  there  are  many 
assistants,  a  great  temptation  is  presented  to  them  to  do  as 
their  betters  do.  We  have  seen  a  gentleman  finger-and-thumb 
a  score  of  Noblesse  Peaches  before  he  found  one  to  his  mind, 
and  every  one  of  those  Peaches  would  retain  the  mark.  In  a 
few  instances  the  employers  may  be  anything  but  straight- 
forward. We  knew  a  gardener  who  was  thus  treated.  The 
lady  found  fault  day  after  day,  that  the  fine  wall  fruit  were  dis- 
appearing. He  was  obliged  to  own  it,  but  could  not  tell  how. 
He  had  the  borders  fresh  raked  every  morning,  so  that  a  single 
footstep  should  be  seen ;  but  still  every  day,  without  a  single 
mark,  few  or  more  fruit  were  taken,  and  all  his  watching  seemed 
useless.  Having  got  half  through  his  dinner  one  day  he  thought 
he  would  go  out  and  look  at  the  wall,  and  there  was  the  pro- 
prietor using  a  long  hooked  stick  to  take  the  fruit  off  the  wall, 
and  trundling  them  across  the  border  without  leaving  a  mark. 
We  have  often  fancied  the  looks  exchanged.  We  have  some- 
times felt  what  a  wrong  it  was  that  the  character  and  the 
position  of  a  gardener  should  be  so  much  in  the  power  of  such 
an  employer.  What  would  some  employers  with  just  a  spark 
of  suspicion  about  them  think,  when  they  found  out  that  the 
garden  assistants  were  not  merely  workmen  but  tasters  and 
consumers  of  their  best  fruit  fruit  and  vegetables  ? 

The  abuse  in  such  matters  has  often  led  to  the  disuBe  of  good 
customs,  and  thus  the  innocent  have  suffered  for  the  guilty.  Not 
so  long  ago  a  gardener  was  keeping  carefully  a  fine  lot  of  Cauli- 
flower for  a  ten-days  company,  and  had  the  half  of  them  taken 
in  one  night.  Another  time  the  first  gathering  of  a  new  Pea 
that  the  employer  had  heard  about  disappeared  in  the  same 
way,  and  later  still  some  kinds  of  new  Potatoes,  planted  care- 
fully for  trial,  had  been  all  grubbed  over  with  the  fingers  and  a 
pointed  stick,  so  that  the  objeots  in  planting,  in  comparing 
samples  and  qualities,  were  completely  frustrated.  It  would 
have  been  easy  to  have  known  where  they  went  to.  Even  our 
correspondent  would  be  inclined  to  own  that  this  was  bothy- 
tasting  with  a  vengeance.  Can  anything  of  this  kind  be  the 
reason  why  in  many  places  now  the  young  gardener  assistants 
must  live  out  in  lodgings  ? 

The  picking  and  tasting  and  pocketing  of  fruit,  is  often  more 
trying  than  even  the  loss  of  a  few  of  the  best  vegetables.  Often 
the  best  fruit  intended  to  crown  a  dish  are  missing,  and  Mr. 
Nobody  does  all  the  mischief.  A  most  liberal-hearted  pro- 
prietor, on  seeing  a  number  of  men  gathering  a  nice  quantity  of 
small  Strawberries  from  a  quarter  after  all  the  best  had  been 
obtained  for  table  and  preserving,  said  he  liked  the  principle, 
but  if  after  such  indulgence  a  man  should  be  found  helping 
himself  except  where  allowed,  he  must  be  discharged  there  and 
at  once.  We  know,  too,  many  cases  where  kind  indulgences 
have  been  altogether  withdrawn  because  they  were  made  the 
cloak  to  carry  matters  to  an  excess.  Young  gardeners  and 
garden  labourers  may  retort  that  old  head  gardeners  might  be 
equally  guilty  when  young.  That  may  be  true,  and  yet  not 
mend  the  matter.  We  should  say,  however,  that  gardens  since 
then  are  doubled,  or  rather  trebled  in  number,  and  proprietors 
now  look  more  carefully  for  returns  for  the  money  expended. 

We  have  been  thus  diffuse  in  going  beyond  our  corre- 
spondent's complaints,  because  we  wish  to  note  the  importance 
of  these  matters  to  all  concerned. 

1st,  That  the  proprietors  of  gardens  should  not  to  any  great 
extent  exercise  their  undoubted  right  in  picking  and  gathering 
fruit  and  other  produce  without  the  knowledge  of  the  gardener. 

2nd,  That  the  same  rule  should  apply  to  their  visitors,  and 
on  similar  conditions.  This  is  especially  necessary  where  a 
number  of  assistants  are  employed,  as  the  frequent  infraction 
of  it  would  present  to  them  great  temptations,  and  we  consider 
it  wrong  unnecessarily  to  put  temptations  in  the  way  of  any 
one.  What  would  be  thought  of  ladies  and  gentlemen  going  to 
a  dairy,  helping  themselves  to  cream  and  butter,  and  pocketing 
eggs,  and  taking  notice  of  nobody?  Would  it  work  well  if 
pantry  and  larder  were  invaded  and  the  contents  freely  ab- 
stracted, and  yet  a  housekeeper,  and  cook,  and  butler  be  con- 
sidered responsible  ?  The  same  principle  applies  in  a  garden, 
when  visitors  take  just  what  they  like  aid  disfigure  what  they 


Ootober  13,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICDLTDEE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


287 


leave.  You  oannot  make  a  gardener  (eel  hie  responsiblity 
whilst  his  employer  and  hia  visitors  are  constantly  undermin- 
ing that  responsibility.  The  praotioe  opens  a  wide  doorway  for 
all  other  petty  peculation,  and  seeing  such  a  lady  or  gentleman 
at  such  things  must  be  to  him  a  sufficient  reply  if  the  gar- 
dener suspects  a  workman.  Remember,  we  question  not  the 
right  of  proprietors  to  do  as  they  like.  Some  time  ago  one 
of  our  amusing  lady  friends  described  the  pleasure  she  had  in 
culling  and  gathering  garden  produce,  and  how  cross  the  old 
gardener  looked.  We  would  not  deprive  such  of  the  pleasure, 
but  they  might  have  that  and  wreathe  the  old  man's  face  with 
smiles  by  just  tel  ing  him  what  they  have  done.  If  not,  and 
if  there  are  many  assistants,  they  will  suffer. 

3rdly,  So  far  as  assistants  are  concerned,  there  is  only  one 
safe  rule,  that  they  pick  and  pull  nothing  from  an  Apple  to  a 
Grape  without  the  cognisance  and  permission  of  the  head  gar- 
dener. We  recollect  when  young  thinking  it  very  hard  that  a 
man  who  had  lived  a  number  of  years  in  a  place  was  told  he 
could  never  more  be  trusted,  because  he  was  seen  to  gather 
and  eat  a  few  very  early  forced  Strawberries.  It  was  the 
principle  that  was  involved  ;  as  the  place  was  large,  if  everyone 
having  access  to  the  house  had  done  the  same  there  would  have 
been  small  returns  to  the  Je-sert-table. 

How,  then,  are  young  gardeners  to  know  anything  of  the 
taste  and  qualities  of  fruit,  and  vegetables,  and  roots  ?  Not 
as  in  the  cases  just  referred  to,  by  bringing  their  tastes  in 
antagonism  with  the  tastes  and  the  rights  of  the  proprietor ; 
not  by  acting  as  if  they  thought  that  their  main  duty  was  to 
get  as  much  as  they  could,  instead  of  remembering  that  pro- 
prietors chiefly  look  on  them  and  regard  them  from  the  utility 
point  of  view ;  not  by  acting  as  if  their  labour  was  a  mere 
routine,  and  looking  more  at  the  clock  than  considering  the 
causes  and  effects  coming  constantly  before  them ;  but  by 
exhibiting  industry,  attention,  and  integrity,  combined  with 
an  obliging  deportment ;  and  then,  just  as  love  begets  love, 
nearly  every  gardener  would  be  as  anxious  that  his  assistants 
should  taste  anything  nice  and  new  as  he  would  be  to  taste  it 
himself ;  and  thus  directed,  a  very  small  quantity  will  go  a 
great  way. 

We  may  add  here,  that  even  where  vegetables  can  be  spared 
it  is  well  that  these  should  not  be  taken,  but  in  small  places 
be  given  by  the  gardener,  and  in  larger  places  be  collected 
for  that  purpose  by  the  man  who  serves  the  kitchen,  and  who 
will  then  be  responsible  that  no  scarcity  shall  be  felt  there. 
From  want  of  such  simple  rules,  what  was  once  a  privilege  to 
be  cared  for  has  been  lost  altogether. 

On  other  parts  of  our  correspondent's  letter  we  do  not  enter, 
farther  than  to  agree  with  him  that  the  most  of  gardeners 
do  not  know  the  names,  and  far  less  the  qualities  of  the  fourth 
part  of  the  fruit  cultivated.  Just  as  in  the  case  of  the  Rose, 
it  will  often  be  better  to  cultivate  a  few  of  the  best  sorts  than 
to  have  a  number  of  them.  It  is  hardly  reasonable  to  expect, 
amid  the  many  things  required  to  be  thought  about  every 
day  by  general  gardeners,  that  they  can  know  fruit  like  the 
late  Robert  Thompson  or  our  present  Dr.  Hogg.  It  would 
perhaps  be  well  if  more  made  fruit  one  of  their  especial  studies ; 
and  hence  it  is  desirable  that  young  men  whose  bent  is  chiefly 
in  this  direction  should  not  waste  their  time  in  ordinary  gen- 
tlemen's gardens,  but  should  rather  seek  employment  in  nurse- 
ries and  gardens  where  fruit  is  the  principal  thing.  We  have 
no  fault  with  any  man  for  making  fruit  the  first  object,  but 
taking  gentlemen's  gardens  as  a  whole,  gardeners  must  think 
of  vegetables  first,  fruit  second,  and  flowers  third.  Everyone 
should  gratify  his  taste,  and  there  is  no  want  of  the  means  of 
doing  so.  That  will  be  better  than  grumbling  that  he  cannot 
get  what  he  wants  in  a  certain  position. — F.] 


LARGE  .'CROP  OF  LAPSTONE  POTATOES. 
As  we  hear  from  time  to  time  much  about  Potatoes,  I  have 
forwarded  for  your  inspection  a  sample  of  Haigh's  or  Lapstone 
Kidney  grown  in  old  garden  soil,  enriched  with  hotbed  manure, 
one-half  being  leaves.  The  ground  was  dug  in  winter,  and 
a  sprinkling  of  salt  applied  on  the  surface  at  planting  time. 
On  the  5th  of  April  we  trenched  in  the  sets,  allowing  28  inches 
between  the  rows  and  12  inches  from  plant  to  plant,  placing 
them  about  4  inches  deep.  When  the  shoots  appear  above 
the  surface  the  plants  are  kept  free  from  weeds  by  the  hoe 
being  freely  used  among  them,  and  as  soon  as  they  are  well 
above  the  ground  quicklime  is  applied  pretty  freely  among 
them,  and  carefully  forked-in.     When  the  tops  are  about  6  or 


8  inches  high  the  plants  are  earthed-up  and  left  to  take  care 
of  themselves.  On  the  20th  of  September  we  lifted  the  crop 
iu  prime  oondition,  and  tbe  yield  was  at  the  rate  of  15  tons  per 
acre.  A  sample  is  forwarded.  The  whole  was  free  from  dis- 
ease, and  of  first-rate  quality.— M.  H.,  Acklam  Hall,  Middles- 
broughon-Tees. 

[The  sample  sent  to  us  was  very  fine  and  clean-skinned. 
Three  weighed  2  lbs.  all  but  a  quarter  of  an  ounce,  and  all  the 
others  were  similarly  sized.  When  boiled  they  were  very 
floury,  and  of  exoellent  flavour.— Eds.] 


ALTON   TOWERS, 

The    Seat  of  the    Earl  op  Shrewsbury  and   Talbot, 
Alton,   Staffordshire. 

Very  beautiful,  very  interesting,  and  certainly  very  singular 
are  the  flower  gardens  and  pleasure  grounds  of  Alton  Towers. 
Different  in  character  from  almost  all  other  English  gardens, 
they  may  be  said  to  consist  of  a  number  of  curious  designs, 
the  rich  and  elaborate  details  of  which  prosent  so  much  of 
novelty,  that  as  one  passes  from  scene  to  scene  the  feeling  of 
freshness  and  interest  is  fully  sustained  throughout.  The  rich 
masses  of  foliage,  in  all  the  various  shades  of  colour,  on  the 
deciduous  timber  trees,  mingle  with  that  of  the  more  sombre- 
hued  Pinuses,  clothing  the  steep  hillsides  of  this  "  happy 
valley ;"  the  various  curious  structures  dispersed  about,  soma 
quaint  and  fanciful  in  design,  and  others  even  more  attractive 
by  their  elegant  proportions  and  the  commanding  positions 
which  they  occupy  ;  the  numerous  groups  of  statuary,  the  vases, 
sheets  of  water,  cascades,  terraces,  glass  domes  glittering  in  the 
Bun,  and  the  flashing  waters  of  the  fountains — all  appeal  to  us, 
exciting  our  interest  and  commanding  our  admiration.  Nor 
does  this  feeling  pass  away  when,  leaving  this  "  land  of  bright- 
ness," one  passes  onwards,  either  along  walks  where  constantly- 
occurring  bold,  stern,  rugged  masses  of  rock  protrude  from 
overhanging  banks  in  all  that  grandeur  and  dignity  which  is 
their  peculiar  property,  or  under  living  arcades  formed  by  the 
arched  boughs  of  trees,  or  along  sloping  banks,  on  which  grow 
vast  numbers  of  Rhododendrons,  interspersed  with  wild  Ferns 
— all  tending  to  impart  a  romantic  air  of  semi-wildness,  totally 
'  different  from  the  trim  neatness  of  ordinary  shrubberies,  but 
still  so  well  managed  as  to  be  quite  free  from  any  appearance  of 
slovenliness,  and,  in  fact,  just  sufficiently  dressed  to  render  the 
whole  agreeable,  while  the  graceful  freedom  of  the  wild  wood- 
land is  retained  in  its  fullest  integrity. 

What  appears  to  me  to  be  most  wanted  here  is  a  greater 
expanse  of  turf  among  the  shrubs,  the  groups  of  which  are  now 
so  near  to  each  other  that  they  appear  crowded  and  confused 
in  many  parts  ;  more  turf  would  impart  breadth  and  dignity, 
and  would  relieve  the  monotony  of  these  "  wooded  banks;"  for 
even  the  most  elegant  exotio  shrubs,  when  seen  crowded  to- 
gether in  such  profusion,  have  a  tame  and  unsatisfactory  ap- 
pearance. 

Mr.  Rabone,  the  gardener,  whose  kindness  and  courtesy  I 
beg  to  acknowledge,  is  gradually  effecting  many  improvements, 
such  as  opening  up  vistas  through  the  woods,  and  cutting  away 
many  overgrown  shrubs  which  obscure  or  confine  the  views ; 
and  from  the  admirable  manner  in  which  this  is  being  done 
much  valuable  and  important  scenery  has  already  been  gained, 
and  it  is  a  matter  for  congratulation  that  this  charming  place 
is  under  the  care  of  such  an  able  manager. 

The  delightful  walk  from  the  Alton  station,  by  which  I  went 
to  the  gardens,  prepares  one  for  the  peculiar  treat  which  is  in 
store.  Passing  through  the  ornamental  lodge-gate  near  the 
station  we  proceed  up  an  ascent,  so  steep  that  numerous  flights 
of  steps  are  introduced  at  short  distances  from  each  other. 
This  picturesque  walk  winding  upwards  among  fine  old  Fir 
trees,  the  sides  of  the  banks  being  richly  clothed  with  Ferns, 
passes  over  the  crest  of  the  hill  near  a  colossal  mass  of  rock, 
which  projects  boldly  from  the  summit  of  an  eminence,  and 
onwards  past  the  grand  entrance  of  the  noble  mansion,  with 
its  stern-looking  embattled  walls,  calling  to  mind  those  by- 
gone days  when  the  "  stout  Lord  Talbot  "  rode  to  the  wars 
with  all  his  mighty  following  of  knights,  esquires,  and  men- 
at-arms. 

The  principal  entrance  to  the  gardens  has  fine,  lofty  iron 
gates,  which  open  out  of  the  park  a  short  distance  from  the 
mansion.  On  the  lawn,  at  the  right  of  the  entrance,  are  many 
fine  Pinuses,  among  which  I  noticed  a  fine  AbieB  Douglasii,  a 
Pinus  Gembra,  and  some  good  Araucarias.    Near  these  stands 


288 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  18,  1B7G. 


the  cenotaph,  _/t#.  1,  designed  from  the  choragic  monument  of 
LyBicratee,  of  Athens.  The  bust  is  that  of  Charles,  sixteenth 
Earl  of  Shrewsbury,  dur- 
ing whose  life  these  gar- 
dens were  principally 
formed.  The  circular 
stone  at  the  base  of  the 
columns  bears  the  pithy 
and  appropriate  legend, 
"  He  made  the  desert 
smile."  The  position  of 
this  appropriate  memorial 
is  well  chosen ;  standing 
out  in  bold  relief  from 
the  dark  background  of 
Pinnses,  it  greets  the  visi- 
tor on  entering  the  gar- 
dens, and  thus  the  me- 
mory of  one  who  did  so 
much  for  the  advance- 
ment of  horticulture  re- 
mains evergreen. 

The  walk  from  the  en- 
trance gates  takes  a  bold 
sweep  past  the  cenotaph, 
and  on  the  semicircular 
Bpaoe  of  turf  opposite 
ib  a  small  but  very  pic- 
turesque flower  garden. 
Its  design  is  simple ;  it 
consists  of  a  large  circu- 
lar bed,  belted  in  front  by 
a  row  of  smaller  circles, 
outside  which  is  a  broad 
ribbon  border ;  next  to 
this  is  a  very  broad  band 
of  Cerastium  tomentosum , 
out  of  which  springs  a 
continuous  line  or  chain  of 
semicircles  of  that  excel- 
lent dwarf  Lobelia  Trent- 
ham  Blue.  Next  this  comes  an  equally  broad  band  of  the 
dwarf  orange  scarlet  Pelargonium  Harry  Hieover,  a  perfect 
sheet    of     bloom,   better  ^ _ 


than  I  ever  saw  it  before  ; 
then  two  rows  of  Dactylis 
glomerata  variegata,  next 
Coleus  Verschaffelti,  then 
Mrs.  Pollock  Pelargonium, 
with  Amy  Hogg  inside. 
This  arrangement  had  a 
fine  effect,  and  the  appear- 
ance of  the  entire  border 
was  very  satisfactory.  The 
small  circular  beds  con- 
tained dwarf  bush  Roses, 
and  standard  Roses  spring- 
ing out  of  a  fine  mass  of 
Asters  were  the  occupants 
of  the  large  circle. 

Behind  this  group  is 
the  enclosing  wall  which 
passes  along  from  the  en- 
trance gates  ;  the  form  of 
this  wall  is  so  singular  as 
to  be  worthy  of  descrip- 
tion. Instead  of  the  usual 
flat  surface,  the  top  ia 
bnilt  in  the  form  of  a  num- 
ber of  raised  curves,  the 
graceful  outline  of  which 
is  in  fine  keeping  with  the 
irregular  undulations  of 
the  pleasure  grounds.  Be- 
tween each  pair  of  these 
curves  was  a  vase  of  suit- 
able size  containing  a  fine 
mass  of  scarlet  Pelargo- 
niums, and  growing  from  the  ground  upwards  to  the  base  of 
the  vase  was  a  Cotoneaster  micrcphylla,  kept  pruned  to  the 
width  of  the  fqnare  base,  thus  serving  to  convey  the  idea  of  a 
column  on  which  the  vase  appeared  to  rest,  altogether  present- 


Fig. 


ing  a  very  novel  and  quaint  appearance.  Along  one  side  of 
the  pathway,  running  parallel  to  the  wall,  was  a  broad  ribbon 
i=—  border  of  about  100  yards 

long,  and  on  the  other 
side  a  number  of  detached 
beds,  Borne  of  which  con- 
tained a  pretty  mixture  of 
Parple  King  Verbena  and 
Eoniga  variegata.  The 
ribbon  border  was  very 
brilliant  with  a  somewhat 
complicated  mixture  of 
various  Pelargoniums,  Co- 
lens,  Golden  Pyrethmm, 
blue  Lobelia,  and  Ceras- 
tium. From  here  a  walk 
leads  directly  to  the  upper 
terrace,  past  the  grand 
conservatories,  and  then 
to  a  small  circular  Grecian 
temple  standing  invit- 
ingly at  the  extremity,  and 
which  forms  an  appropri- 
ate finish  to  this  pleasant 
promenade. 

Some  fine  views  of  the 
varied  and  picturesque 
scenery  with  which  the 
gardens  abound  present 
themselves  very  agreeably 
from  this  point ;  one  of 
the  most  striking  is  that  of 
the  Gothic  temple,  fig.  2, 
a  lofty  and  elegant  struc- 
ture finely  situated  on  the 
left  side  of  the  valley. 
Wildly  beautiful,  yet  with 
an  air  of  grace  and  refine- 
ment, is  the  aspect  of  the 
scene  before  ns.  Shrubs 
growing  in  all  the  wild* 
luxuriance  of  nature,  contrasting  with  others  kept  pruned  to  a 
more  formal  outline  ;  vases,  tazz  :s,  statuary,  and  architectu- 
ral embellishments,  in- 
JS?  3gsr.^_  termingled    with     bright 

masses  of  flowers,  or  with 
stately  -foliaged  tropical 
plants,  and  with  fountains 
as  varied  in  force  and  form- 
as  are  their  situations 
— some  near  lofty  treee 
throwing  their  waters  higb 
in  the  air,  the  spray  glis- 
tening in  the  sunshine, 
and  blown  perchance  by 
the  breeze  among  the 
surrounding  branches,  a 
cloud  of  sparkling  mist  j 
whilst  others  placed  in- 
some  secluded  nook  only 
have  a  play  of  a  few  feeS 
high,  but  which  is  quite 
as  charming  in  its  way  as 
that  of  their  more  im- 
portant neighbours — all 
these  are  spread  around  in 
such  profusion  as  almost 
to  bewilder  one. 

Let  us  now  turn  to  the 
conservatory  range,  a  sin- 
gular structure,  or  rather 
series  of  structureB,  300 
feet  in  length,  consisting 
of  a  grand  central  house 
with  a  smaller  house  on 
each  Bide,  and  connected 
with  it  in  one  straight  line 
by  open  corridors,  fig.  3. 


-The  Conservatories. 


The  central  part  of  this  striking  and  novel  range  has  a  lofty 
glass  dome,  with  a  smaller  one  on  each  side,  supported  by 
massive  stoDe  columns,  the  chief  recommendation  of  which 
muBt  have  been  their  great  strength.     The  sight  of  these  huga 


October  IS,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


289 


rapports  reminded  one  strongly  of  the  great  improvements 
effected  in  buildings  of  this  description  since  they  were 
erected,  for  now  by  the  nee 
of  iron  columns,  strength, 
lightness,  and  eleganoe  are 
combined  in  snoh  a  man- 
ner as  wonld  astonish  the 
bnilders  of  those  bygone 
times.  When  Mr.  Rabone 
took  charge  of  this  place 
the  columns  had  no  em- 
bellishment but  that  given 
by  the  hand  of  the  archi- 
tect. All  this  is  now  al- 
tered, and  instead  of  ap- 
pearing bare  naked  masses 
of  stone,  offending  the  eye, 
and  from  which  it  was  im- 
possible to  escape  in  any 
part  of  the  building,  they 
have  become  pillars  of 
floral  beauty,  and  rank 
among  its  most  attractive 
features.  This  pleasing 
change  has  been  effected 
by  covering  the  entire  sur- 
face of  the  sides  with  moss 
mixed  with  a  little  rough 
rich  soil,  the  whole  being 
fastened  on  with  wire.  In 
this  covering  was  growing 
with  great  luxuriance  a 
charming  mixture  of  Cala- 
diums,  Begonias,  Ferns, 
Lycopods,  and  Trades- 
cantia,  thus  clothing  the 
pillars  from  floor  to  roof 
in  a  simple  but  most  ef- 
fective manner.  Two  fine 
old  Palms — one  a  variety 
of  Date  Palm,  and  the 
other  a  huge  specimen  of 
Fan  Palm,  the  bole  of 
whioh  measured  5  feet  in 
circumference — are  grow- 
ing under  the  large  dome 


Fig.  2.— The  Gothic  Temple. 


in  a  raised  bed,  the  surface  of  which  is  covered  with  Selagi- 
nella  denticnla- 
ta,  interspersed 
with  a  variety 
of  Caladiums 
and  Begonias,  a 
plant  of  Cala- 
dium  magnifi- 
cum  being  par- 
ticularly hand- 
some. 

Along  the 
front  of  the  cor- 
ridors there  is  a 
uniform  row  of 
vases  raised  on 
pedestals  and 
well  filled  with 
scarlet  Pelargo- 
niums, alternat- 
ing with  the  co- 
lumns support- 
ing the  roofs. 
Climbing  plants 
cover  the  back 
wall  of  one  cor- 
ridor, and  the 
other  is  entirely 
filled  with  a 
splendid  plant 
of  Wistaria  si- 
nensis trained 
on  the  wall  and 
under  the  roof ; 
the  effect  of  this 


buildings  contained  a   healthy   collection  of   Camellias    and 

other  hardwooded  greenhouse  plants. 

Not  far  from  the  conser- 
vatories we  come  upon  one 
of  those  pretty  scenes  of 
which  there  are  so  many 
here,  complete  in  itself, 
and  yet  not  unlike  many 
other  parts  of  the  grounds 
in  its  most  prominent 
features ;  it  is  just  one 
of  those  bright  spots  on 
whioh  the  eye  "  loves  to 
linger,"  and  presenting 
itself  suddenly,  as  it  does, 
in  all  its  brightness  and 
beauty,  one  is  constrained 
to  turn  aside  to  examine 
and  admire.  In  the  back- 
ground, high  up  on  the 
bank,  stands  a  long  square- 
shaped  house  filled  with 
Azaleas  ;  in  front  of  this 
opposite  the  centre  is  a 
fountain  having  a  curved 
line  of  tall  handsome  spe- 
cimens of  Cypresses  on 
each  side,  close  in  front  of 
which  the  bank  has  a  per- 
pendicular descent  of  a 
few  feet  faced  by  a  wall. 
Immediately  in  front  of 
the  fountain,  and  resting 
on  the  top  of  the  wall,  is 
the  recumbent  figure  of  a 
lion,  with  the  water  from 
the  fountain  passing  be- 
neath it  down  a  pretty 
cascade,  with  masses  of 
bright  flowers  on  each 
side,  and  with  the  whole 
abnndantly  interspersed 
with  vases  and  statuary. 

From  this  terrace  a  walk 
leads  upwards  to  the  screw 
fountain,  a  singular  taper- 


Fig.  4.— Alton  Towers  from  the  Gothic  Tower, 
must  be  very  fine  when   the  plant  is  in  bloom.      The   end  |  of  a  ribbon  border  running  parallel  with  the  walk  agreeably  con- 


ing column  of  stonework,  deriving  its  name  from  the  spiral 

hollows  winding 
upwards  on  its 
surface;  four  flat 
stones  encircle 
this  at  regular 
distances,  and 
the  water  from 
its  summit  falls 
over  the  edges 
and  passes  away 
under  the  re- 
cumbent figure 
of  an  animal 
down  a  minia- 
ture cascade, 
which  is  over- 
shadowed by  the 
boughs  of  a  fine 
scarl  et-leaved 
Oak  (Quercus 
coccinea).  From 
this  point  the 
golden  gate  walk 
is  visible ;  it  is 
a  short  terrace 
walk,  having  a 
row  of  IriBh 
Tews  alternat- 
ing with  vases 
on  each  side, 
and  there  is  a 
stone  recess  at 
the  end.  The 
bright     colours 


290 


JOUENAIj  of  hobtioultubb  and  cottage  gabdeneb. 


[  Ootober  18,  1870. 


trasted  with  the  dark  foliage  of  the  Yews.  Still  asoending  the 
left  side  of  the  valley,  we  eome  to  the  rock  walk  nearly  two 
miles  in  length,  deriving  its  name  from  the  numerous  jutting 
crags  which  project  over  and  by  the  side  of  the  walk  at  intervals 
throughout  its  length.  Ferns  grow  among  the  masses  of  rock 
in  great  profusion.  The  abrupt  rising  of  the  hillside  from  this 
walk,  the  huge  masses  of  rock  and  the  overhanging  boughs  of 
trees,  all  tend  to  impart  a  wild,  romantio  air  of  grandeur. 

Close  to  the  entrance  of  this  walk,  on  the  top  of  an  archway 
of  rock,  are  some  common  Laurels  and  Yews,  apparently  grow- 
ing out  of  the  bare  rock,  but  a  closer  inspection  shows  that 
before  the  soil  in  which  they  were  first  planted  was  all  washed 
away  by  the  rains,  their  roots  had  struck  into  the  adjoining 
soil,  and  so  the  shrubs  continued  to  flourish.  Proceeding  up  a 
rude  flight  of  steps,  under  this  archway,  along  a  walk  with  huge 
fragments  of  rock  at  its  sides,  up  more  steps,  and  we  are  at  the 
door  of  the  Gothic  Temple,  then  up  the  spiral  staircase  leading 
to  the  top  of  this  elegant  building,  whence  we  have  extensive 
views  across  the  valley  to  Cannock  Chase  and  the  Bagot  Woods 
in  the  far  distance.  On  the  right  bank  of  the  valley  the  Swiss 
Cottage,  an  ornamental  structure,  neBtles  among  the  trees  ;  and 
crowning  the  eminence  near  the  entrance  to  the  valley  is  the 
stately  mansion  of  Alton  Towers  (fig.  4),  with  its  embattled 
walls,  its  towers  and  turrets,  its  massive  dignity  impressing 
one  all  the  more  strongly  from  the  commanding  position  which 
it  occupies,  and  from  the  contrast  whioh  its  huge  proportions 
present  to  the  numerous  architectural  features  of  the  gardens 
visible  from  this  point.  —  Edward  Luckhurst,  Old  Lands, 
Buxtcd,  Sussex. 

(To  be  continued.) 


In  the  same  province,  in  1867,  about  7390  acres  were  under 
cultivation  as  market  gardens.  Potatoes  are  one  of  the  prin- 
cipal vegetables  produced;  the  cultivation  of  these  costa 
about  £7  per  acre,  which  area  yields  in  dry  soils  from  4000 
to  6000  lbs. ;  and  in  irrigable  land  from  16,000  to  24,000  lbs., 
in  three  successive  crops.  The  production,  however,  is  very 
uncertain,  owing  to  disease  and  sirocco,  and  the  seed  has  to 
be  renewed  from  Europe  every  year.  Potatoes  sown  in  March, 
and  gathered  in  June  or  July,  sell  at  from  6s.  8d.  to  8s.  id, 
per  cwt.  Those  planted  in  August  and  .Suptember  usually 
fetch  nearly  double  these  sums.  Sweet  Potatoes  produoe 
from  6000  lbs.  to  8000  lbs.  in  dry  soil,  and  from  24,000  lbs.  to 
32,000  lbs.  per  acre,  in  irrigable  land.  Artichokes  yield  from 
30,000  to  40,000  heads  per  acre,  and  sell  for  exportation  to  the 
Paris  market  at  about  2s.  per  100. — (Food  Journal.) 


GARDENING  IN  ALGERIA. 

Fruits  are  not  cultivated  as  muoh  as  might  be  the  case  were 
there  improved  facilities  for  exporting  them  to  remunerative 
markets,  though  they  form,  as  it  is,  a  very  large  portion  of  the 
food  of  the  people,  both  in  a  fresh  and  in  a  dried  state.  The 
Fig  is  as  important  an  element  in  the  food  of  the  Kabyle  a3  the 
Date  in  the  dietary  of  the  Arab.  Olives  are  grown  principally 
in  the  mountainous  region  extending  between  Morocco  and 
Tunis,  at  from  1200  feet  to  2500  feet  above  the  sea ;  at  a  less 
elevation  the  fruit  is  not  only  inferior  in  quality,  but  in 
quantity.  That  portion  of  the  Atlas  range  which  runs  through 
the  province  of  Algiers  produced  last  year  50,000  tons  of  the 
fruit ;  while  during  the  first  quarter  of  the  year  upwards  of  a 
million  pounds  of  oil  were  shipped  at  the  port  of  Algiers  alone. 
The  Locust,  or  Kharoub  tree,  is  destined  to  become  one  of  the 
most  important  products  of  Algeria — perhaps  for  sugar,  cer- 
tainly for  feeding  cattle.  What  is  very  much  wanted  in  this 
country  is  some  remunerative  arborescent  culture  ;  and  nothing 
appears  better  adapted  to  the  climate,  or  the  requirements  of 
the  colony,  than  this  valuable  tree. 

The  time  is  not  far  distant  when  Algeria  will  become  an  im- 
portant wine-producing  country.  It  will  furnish  not  only 
sufficient  for  its  own  consumption,  but  its  wine  will  compete 
with  the  finer  vintages  of  France  and  Spain.  The  chief  faults 
requiring  correction  are : — 1,  The  mixture  of  plants  in  vine- 
yards ;  2,  The  want  of  attention  to  the  proper  kinds  of  Vine 
for  each  climate;  3,  Careless  fabrication;  4,  Want  of  proper 
cellarage  ;  and  5,  Precipitation  in  bottling.  Before  the  Frenoh 
conquest,  the  natives  only  cultivated  the  Vine  for  the  purpose 
of  eating  its  fruit,  and  up  to  the  present  day  they  have  not 
improved  their  defective  system  of  cultivation.  Even  in 
European  farms  much  yet  remains  to  be  done.  The  colonists 
of  Algeria,  coming  as  they  do  from  nearly  all  the  countries  of 
Europe,  are  naturally  inclined  to  introduce  the  mode  of  Vine- 
culture,  and  fabrication  of  the  wine,  with  which  they  were 
familiar  in  their  own  country,  without  the  slightest  regard  to 
its  suitability  to  their  altered  circumstances;  this  defect  is  now 
understood,  and  will,  consequently,  be  remedied.  In  the  pro- 
vince of  Algiers  about  17,000  acres  are  under  cultivation  with 
Vines,  though  a  great  proportion  of  the  surface  is  not  in  full  bear- 
ing This  area  produced  during  the  past  year  about  1,350,800 
imperial  gallons  of  wine,  generally  strong  and  well  flavoured. 
The  cost  of  planting  Vines  varies  from  £4  to  £9  10s.  per  acre 
and  an  annual  charge  of  £2  5s.  is  required  for  its  cultivation. 
This  ought  to  produce  in  the  plains  about  350  gallons,  and  in 
the  hills  200  gallons  of  wine,  when  the  Vines  have  attained  the 
full  bearing  age  of  five  years.  Baisins  have  not  hitherto  been 
made  to  any  great  extent ;  but  attention  is  being  turned  in 
this  direction,  and  one  Spaniard  has  lately  planted  100  acres 
of  Vine,  entirely  for  the  sake  of  the  dry  fruit. 


WORK   FOR   THE   WEEK. 

KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

At  this  period  let  every  inch  of  spare  ground,  if  time  permit, 
be  trenched  into  sharp  lidgeB.  Spare  ground  to  any  consider- 
able extent  at  this  season  is  a  sign  of  bad  gardening.  Let  a  good 
breadth  of  Cabbage  plants  be  pricked  out  in  rather  poor  soil; 
they  will  all  be  wanted  in  spring.  Plant  a  good  breadth  of 
half-blanched  stout  Endive  plants  in  every  spare  frame,  also 
stout  half-blanched  Cos  and  Cabbage  Lettuces.  Pot  for  forcing 
in  winter  a  stock  of  herbs,  such  as  Sveet  Marjoram,  Mint, 
Sorrel,  and  Tarragon.  Early-ripened  Sea  kale  tot  forcing  in 
dung  beds  or  the  Mushroom  house  may  be  trenched  up  with 
every  root  entire,  and  heeled  in  the  compost-ground,  in  order 
to  be  drawn  out  successively  as  wanted.  Gather  Tomatoes  as 
soon  as  they  begin  to  colour,  and  complete  their  ripening 
in-doors  in  a  good  dry  heat.     Examine  Onions  in  store. 

FRUIT   GARDEN. 

Give  occasional  ventilation  to  the  fruit  room,  shutting  up  as 
dry  as  possible.  Gather  all  remaining  Pears  and  Apples  forth- 
with ;  if  unripe  they  will  receive  no  benefit  out  of  doors  after 
this  period.  Attend  to  the  remarks  on  the  removal  of  fruit 
trees  in  last  week's  calendar. 

FLOWER    GARDEN. 

Choice  flowers  in  the  flower  garden  can  no  longer  be  depended 
on  for  affording  a  display  ;  it  is,  therefore,  desirable  at  this 
period  to  look  over  the  masses  and  beds,  and  Bee  if  there  be 
any  plants  of  a  tender  character  which  it  is  desirable  to  secure 
for  next  year.  Such  may  be  potted  with  balls  and  wintered  in 
the  cold  pits.  Alterations  may  be  proceeded  with,  also  planting, 
turf-laying,  edging,  &c.  The  time  is  now  arrived  when  all 
Tulip  beds  ought  to  be  properly  arranged  for  planting,  so  that 
the  bulbs  may  be  placed  in  the  ground  not  later  than  the  last 
week  in  October.  Some  means  also  should  be  adopted  to  shelter 
the  bed  or  beds  from  heavy  rain,  as  it  is  extremely  prejudicial 
to  the  bulbs  before  they  have  begun  to  appear  aboveground, 
and,  in  fact,  excess  of  moisture  ought  at  all  times  to  be  avoided. 
Attention  ought  likewise  to  be  given  to  those  bulbs  of  which 
the  spikes  have  elongated.  Aphis  or  green  fly  is  apt  to  attack 
them,  and  Bhould  be  carefully  brushed  tiff.  In  obtaining  new 
varieties  of  Carnations  and  Picotees  the  best  plan  is  to  purchase 
them  immediately  ;  better  plants  will  generally  be  obtained 
now  than  in  the  spring,  and  they  will  have  time  to  establish 
themselves  before  winter.  This  is  very  necessary  if  they  are 
to  be  kept  in  a  state  of  health  till  next  spring.  Take  care  that 
the  frames  in  which  Auriculas  are  to  be  wintered  have  a  proper 
pitch,  and  that  all  the  glasB  is  Bound,  bo  that  the  plants  may 
not  be  subject  to  drip,  which  will  be  sure  to  ruin  them.  A  free 
circulation  of  air  should  at  all  times  be  promoted,  and  when 
properly  managed  few  flowers  are  more  hardy  than  the  Auricula. 
Pink  and  Pansy  beds,  I  presume,  are  already  planted.  Some 
of  the  plants  of  both  are  occasionally  "long  on  the  leg  ;"  such 
should  be  supported  with  small  sticks,  or  they  are  apt  to  be 
broken  ov6r  by  the  wind.  After  all  that  has  been  said  about 
the  spring  or  even  midwinter  planting  of  evergreens,  I  am  per- 
suaded that  no  period  of  the  year  can  equal  the  autumn,  say 
from  the  middle  of  October  until  the  end  of  November.  Much, 
however,  depends  upon  the  character  of  the  soil  as  well  as  on 
the  mode  in  which  the  operation  is  conducted.  Some  persons 
advocate  puddle-planting,  but  on  what  principles  I  never  could 
discover.  Why  not  puddle-potting  ?  Certainly  it  is  better  to 
puddle  a  large  specimen  than  to  totally  neglect  it  in  regard  to 
moisture.  The  best  practice  is  to  open  a  hole  much  larger 
than  the  ball  of  earth  or  volume  of  roots  about  to  be  introduced, 
taking  care  not  to  make  the  hole  any  deeper  in  general  than 


October  13,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


291 


the  surface  soil  extends  ;  then  saturate  the  subsoil  with  water, 
and  next  thoroughly  pulverise  the  soil  intended  for  filling  in 
round  the  root.  After  this  is  completed  rake  together  a  body 
of  tree  leaves,  weeds,  sticks,  &c,  and  throw  3  or  4  inches 
(sometimes  a  foot),  to  the  bottom  of  the  hole  to  set  the  ball  or 
roots  on,  putting  little  or  no  soil  beneath  the  tree.  The  tree 
being  carefully  removed — not  a  fibre  suffered  to  dry  if  possible 
during  the  operation — is  placed  on  the  leaves,  and  the  process 
of  filling  up  commences.  Decayed  vegetable  matter  is  mixed 
with  the  soil ;  this  is  sometimes  obtained  on  the  spot  by  raking 
or  paring  the  surface  of  the  ground  contiguous.  The  soil,  being 
in  a  mellow  state,  is  slightly  trodden  as  the  filling  proceeds, 
and  when  filled  level  with  the  ball,  or  rather  above  it,  the  whole 
receives  a  thorough  watering,  using  several  cans  of  water  at 
Blight  intervals.  The  next  business,  and  a  most  important 
affair,  is  to  thoroughly  stake  the  tree  to  prevent  wind-waving. 
When  this  is  completed  a  thick  mulching  of  half-rotten  manure 
or  leaves  will  finish  the  process.  Such  trees  should  have  one 
thorough  soaking  of  water  in  the  early  part  of  April,  afterwards 
they  may  be  safely  left  to  themselves. 

CONSERVATOR?   AND    GREENHOUSE. 

The  climbers  in  the  conservatory,  at  least  some  of  the  most 
rambling,  will  now  want  a  good  dressing  where  they  obstrnot 
the  light  in  any  material  degTee.  Such  as  flower  on  the  young 
wood,  and  which  are  now  in  a  ripening  state,  or  approaching 
a  state  of  rest,  may  be  pruned-in  exceedingly  closely.  Such  as 
the  late-blooming  PaSBifloras,  the  Combretums,  Echites,  Ipo- 
mccas,  Stephanotis,  Thunbergias,  Porgularias,  and  Mandevilla, 
which  are  still  thriving,  must  be  regulated  with  a  more  gentle 
hand,  merely  cutting  off  barren  shoots,  and  drawing  the  re- 
mainder into  somewhat  closer  festoons,  in  order  to  admit  sun- 
light to  the  interior  of  the  house.  Some  skill  will  be  neces- 
sary in  the  mixed  greenhouse,  especially  at  this  period  ;  there 
will  be  so  many  candidates  for  admission  that  confusion  and 
consequently  failures  will  be  inevitable,  unless  some  things  be 
discarded  or  removed  to  a  cold  pit  or  plant  hospital.  Better 
grow  a  few  plants  well  than  many  badly.  Now  that  the  gems  of 
summer  are  gone,  or  are  on  the  eve  of  departure,  let  a  strict  eye 
be  kept  on  those  plants  which,  although  of  no  botanical  interest, 
are  yet  of  great  importance  as  cheering  the  mind  amid  tho 
gloom  of  winter,  when  out  of  doors  all  appears  a  wreck.  Let 
all  flowering  plants  be  kept  near  the  glass  in  the  lightest  situa- 
tion to  be  found,  and,  if  possible,  let  those  from  warm  climates 
enjoy  bottom  heat  until  they  commence  flowering,  when  they 
will  do  tolerably  well  without  it.  Let  the  stock  of  Pelargoniums 
have  abundance  of  air,  and  sink  gradually  down  into  a  sort  of 
quiescent  state,  limiting  the  supply  of  water  in  proportion  to 
the  decrease  of  light.  Preparations  for  hard  weather  should 
now  be  completed.  All  tender  stock  intended  for  protection 
under  glass  should  be  at  once  placed  in  winter  quartets,  dung- 
ing the  pots,  as  before  observed,  in  ashes  or  sawdust.  A  good 
supply  of  garden  mats  should  be  immediately  provided,  for 
although  expensive  they  must  be  procured  before  frost.  A 
good  stock  of  new  sawdust  should  be  laid  by  ia  a  dry  Bhed 
to  put  round  the  stems  of  tender  Roses  or  half-hardy  plants. 
It  should  always  be  obtained  as  new  and  fresh  as  possible, 
but  ought  not  to  be  applied  to  the  plants  for  some  time. 
A  dry  time  should,  if  possible,  be  chosen,  as  a  casing  of  such 
material  immediately  after  heavy  rains  would  probably  be 
very  prejudicial,  for  confined  damp  is  in  many  cases  a  greater 
enemy  than  frost.  Wooden  shutters  are  very  useful,  whether 
to  lay  on  as  a  temporary  framework  to  exclude  wet  and  the 
keeneBt  of  the  frost,  or  to  be  employed  instead  of  mats  to  cover 
pits  and  frames.— W.  Keane. 


DOINGS  OF  THE  LAST  WEEK. 
The  barometer  having  stood  high  without  moving  for  the 
greater  part  of  a  fortnight,  it  fell  considerably  on  the  7th  and 
the  8th,  and  that  with  little  apparent  cause,  as  but  a  small 
quantity  of  rain  has  fallen,  and  there  is  no  great  appearance  of 
much  more  coming,  while  there  is  but  little  wind  to  account 
for  the  change.  It  has  induced  us  to  look  about,  however,  and 
put  things  in  order, 

KITCHEN   GARDEN. 

Before  the  rains  came  we  took  the  opportunity  to  earth-up  at 
once  a  lot  more  Celery,  so  as  to  come  in  about  three  weeks  hence, 
using  some  burned  refuse  to  go  immediately  round  the  stems 
of  the  plants.  This,  with  the  previous  lime-dustiDg,  would  help 
to  keep  soft-skinned  intruders  away.  Of  course  this  dry  rather 
acrid  material  was  quite  cold  before  using  it.  .  A  very  small 


quantity  does  for  going  round  the  Celery,  if  short  lengths  of  old 
semicircular  tin  or  zinc  spouting  are  set  round  the  plants.  The 
earth  is  filled  in  in  the  usual  way,  using  it  well  broken  from 
the  sides,  and  when  sufficiently  high  the  dry  fine  soil  or  ashes 
are  put  down  inside  the  pipes,  and  when  well  pressed  the  pipes 
are  drawn  up,  and  the  soil  formed  round  the  ashes.  This  takes 
more  time  than  using  the  finely-pulverised  earth  alone,  but  it 
secures  closer,  and,  therefore,  better-lookiDg  Celery.  Though 
not  disapproving  of  large  kinds,  we  still  consider  the  Dwarf 
White  Incomparable  the  best  for  small  gardens,  it  takes  up  so 
little  room,  and  requires  so  little  earthing-up.  A  good  plant 
15  inches  high  will  produoe  from  10  to  12  inches  of  blanched 
material  for  the  table. 

Apprehending  rain,  some  time  was  devoted  to  the  removal  of 
Pea  stakes  where  the  crops  were  over,  and  of  decayed  leaves  of 
vegetables  which  could  not  well  be  pointed-in.  We  forked  the 
ground  slightly  among  Cabbages,  Coleworts,  &c,  so  that  the 
rain  should  have  free  entrance  when  it  came,  instead  of  caking 
the  surface  and  running  off.  Planted  also  Lettuces  and  Cab- 
bages to  stand  the  winter,  as  the  dry  weather  had  deterred  us 
from  doing  so  before,  and  we  scattered  a  little  soot  and  char- 
coal dust  among  youDg  Cauliflower  plants,  that  the  fly,  so  pre- 
valent, should  not  molest  them.  It  is  rather  singular  how 
capricious  the  Cabbage  fly  is  in  its  tastes.  We  have  a  nice 
piece  of  the  Little  Pixie  Cabbage  in  one  of  our  earth  pits,  where 
it  succeeded  bedding  plants,  and  though  the  little  heads  are 
firm,  not  a  fly  appears  on  the  foliage.  Near  to  them,  and  in  a 
similar  position,  is  a  bed  of  the  earliest  Coleworts  hearting 
nicely,  but  these  have  been  attacked  several  times  with  clouds 
of  fly.  From  our  old  Cabbage  quarter,  bristling  with  young 
Cabbages,  we  could  not  gather  a  dish  without  having  to  wash 
them  well.  If  the  rains  do  not  help  us,  we  shall  give  a  clean- 
ing to  the  quarter,  and  then  syringe  with  soot  or  clear  sewage 
water.  The  youngest  Cabbage  plants  are  the  most  infested  ;  we 
have  had  to  syringe  and  dust  them  repeatedly  with  fine  soot,  to 
save  the  little  heart-point  from  the  fly's  ravages.  On  the  5th 
and  6th  the  air  was  quite  darkened  here  about  4  r.3i.  with  small 
flies.     We  have  seen  none  on  Savoys. 

Mushrooms. — As  we  cannot  use  our  Mushroom  house,  we 
have  turned  out  the  first  piece  we  made  in  the  open  shed,  and 
filled  again  with  material  for  another  bed.  That  piece  gave 
us  a  fine  lot  of  Mushrooms,  but  it  is  hard  satisfying  us,  for 
we  expected  it  to  bear  a  few  weeks  longer.  On  examining  it, 
however,  the  spawn  seemed  so  run  that  we  had  little  hopes  of 
what  it  would  do,  and  more  especially  as  the  litter  that  formed 
the  chief  part  of  the  bed  had  heated  itself  rather  dry.  The 
second  piece  has  been  producing  several  weeks,  and  the  third 
piece  has  been  spawned  and  earthed-up.  The  first  piece  will 
now  form  the  fourth  succession  in  the  shed.  As  it  will  have 
to  produce  after  the  cold  weather  sets  in,  we  have  made  the 
bed  deeper — about  18  inches  deep  at  the  back,  and  14  inches 
deep  in  front.  It  is  chiefly  formed  of  litter,  wetted  sufficiently 
with  sewage  to  make  it  heat  and  sweeten,  but  not  to  decay  too 
mucb,  and  then  surfaced  with  2  inches  of  droppiogs.  This, 
watched  before  spawning  will,  we  have  no  doubt,  do  well.  The 
roof  of  the  shed,  by  keeping  off  wet  and  snow,  renders  the 
management  of  the  bed  much  easier  than  if  the  bed  had  been 
a  ridge  out  of  doors.  Such  ridges  muBt  be  well  covered  in 
winter,  and  in  all  our  district  straw  will  be  very  scarce  this 
season. 

This  is  a  good  time  to  make  Mushroovi  spawn,  where  the 
cakes  can  be  dried  sufficiently  before  spawning  them,  but  the 
process  all  through  has  several  times  been  des oribed  fully.  All 
who  are  contented  with  a  small  bed  or  two  v.  ill  find  it  by  far 
the  most  economical  way  to  obtain  their  spawn  from  a  nursery- 
man who  takes  a  pride  in  sending  out  a  good  article. 

There  is  jast  as  much  care  required  to  make  a  few  bushels 
as  in  making  hundreds  or  thousands  of  bushels,  and  it  i3  here 
that  the  large  spawn-maker  can  sell  cheaper  than  the  small 
maker.  It  is  quite  right  to  encourage  work  being  done  at 
home  for  the  benefit  of  the  neighbourhood ;  but  provided  home 
work  is  plentiful,  there  are  many  things  connected  with  a  gar- 
den which  can  be  made  more  economically  by  machinery  than 
by  hand  labour.  For  instance,  we  like  to  see  garden  sashes 
made  in  a  carpenter's  yard,  with  the  use  of  the  common  tools  ; 
but  no  carpenter  could  compete  in  the  matter  of  price  with 
sashes  where  the  most  of  the  work  was  done  by  steam  machinery. 
More  will  yet  be  done  by  acting  on  the  division  of  labour 
principle.  The  great  drawback  is  that  machinery,  as  in  our 
oorn-thrashing  machines,  does  at  first  lessen  the  amount  of 
labour  required  without  lessening  the  number  of  labourers  to 
be  employed. 


2^2 


JOURNAL  OP  HOBTICULTTJBB  AND  COTTAGE   QABDENEB. 


[  October  IS,  1870. 


FRUIT    DBPABTMBNT. 

Proceeded  with  gathering  fruit  as  it  was  fit,  and  now  the 
chief  proportion  ia  h»nsed  in  good  order,  though  a  number  of 
the  late  Pears  and  Apples  are  out  still.  Where  trees  kept 
dwarf  are  rather  luxuriant,  and  the  fruit  is  gathered,  a  little 
root  pruning  should  be  given  without  delay.  The  sooner  it  is 
done  the  more  it  will  be  likely  to  aot,  not  only  on  the  next 
season's  growth,  but  also  on  the  fertility  of  the  tree.  If  the 
roots  are  cut  late  in  autumn,  or  during  the  winter,  the  luxuriant 
growth  will  be  arrested  next  summer,  and  greater  fertility  may 
be  expeoted  in  the  succeeding  summer — that  is,  in  1872.  But 
if  the  root-pruning  is  done  in  the  end  of  September  or  the 
beginning  of  Ootober,  and  the  autumn  should  prove  sunny,  the 
pruning  will  tell  somewhat  on  the  productiveness  of  the  tree 
the  following  season.  Where  there  is  little  or 'no  fruit,  the  root- 
pruning  may  be  done  earlier.  We  are  not  advocates  for  severe 
root-pruning  at  onee,  but  would  rather  repeat  the  operation  at 
different  times.  If  the  tree  is  not  over-luxuriant,  we  would 
out  a  little  on  two  sides  opposite  each  other,  and  leave  two 
fides  untouched.  If  the  trees  are  first  planted  on  mounds, 
and  are  yearly  mulched  on  the  surfaoe,  when  once  in  full  bear- 
ing they  will  not  need  much  root-pruning,  and  beyond  summer- 
piachin^  not  much  pruning  of  any  sort,  as  the  fruit  will  almost 
exhaust  the  additional  strength  given  by  the  mulching,  and  the 
roots  will  be  encouraged  to  keep  near  the  surface— a  very  dif- 
ferent affair  as  regards  the  results  from  roots  going  deep.  We 
should  not  forget  that  different  principles  ought  to  be  brought 
into  operation  when  we  plant  an  Oak  tree  for  timber  and  a  fruit 
tree  for  fruit.  When  a  fruit  tree  is  treated  like  an  Oak  tree,  a 
certain  age  and  a  certain  degree  of  maturity  must  be  arrived  at 
before  the  tree  produces  fruit  profusely. 

Where  ■planting  is  contemplated,  any  trouble  in  preparing  the 
ground  early  and  in  fine  dry  weather  will  not  be  wasted.  The 
more  the  ground  ia  turned  up  and  sweetened  by  exposure  to 
the  air  before  planting,  the  better  will  the  trees  thrive  when 
transferred  to  their  new  quarters.  Orchards  in  the  old  style, 
with  even  grass  pastures  beneath  them,  are  very  useful  where 
large  quantities  of  fruit  are  desirable.  In  such  cases,  and  in 
all  cases  in  general,  it  is  less  necessary  to  trench  and  prepare 
the  whole  ground  than  to  prepare  fair-sized  Btations  for  the 
trees  to  stand  upon.  Besides  sweetening  and  exposing  to  the 
air  the  soil  of  these  stations,  it  would  be  well  to  elevate  them 
0  to  12  inches  above  the  general  level,  so  that  the  tree  should 
eventually  have  its  bole  rising  out  of  a  swelling  mound.  This 
elevation  will  not  cause  the  tree  to  grow  more  freely  at  first, 
but  it  will  insure  better  health  and  more  fertility. 

ORNAMENTAL    DEPARTMENT. 

The  flower  garden  is  still  so  good  that  we  have  been  forced 
to  mow,  machine,  and  sweep  up  leaves,  and  to  pick  over  the 
beds  once  more  to  remove  faded  blooms  and  some  faded  leaves 
brought  on  again  by  the  continued  dryness.  The  walks  also 
were  rolled  after  a  shower  to  make  them  firm,  smooth,  and 
bright.  The  corridors,  conservatory,  and  other  places  were 
gone  over,  and  the  tenderest  plants  removed.  Por  glass  oases 
in  summer  without  heat,  few  things  look  better  up  to  October 
from  July  than  good  plants  of  the  better-coloured  kinds  of  Colons. 
Those  removed  now,  if  quite  olean,  will  go  at  once  to  the  rub- 
bish heap,  those  infested  with  any  inseots  to  the  burning  heap, 
or  where  the  coming  cold  will  kill  the  whole.  We  have  not 
room  for  wintering  large  plants,  and  therefore  must  keep  some 
small  ones  and  grow  from  cuttings  in  spring. 

All  such  changing,  and  cleaning,  and  fresh  furnishing  should 
take  place  often.  The  gardener  should  try  to  go  through  his 
piaces  with  the  eye  of  a  stranger.  It  is  amazing  how  apt  we 
are  to  look  upon  a  honse  as  fresh  arranged  and  fresh  done  up 
day  after  day,  when  it  has  been  the  same  for  weeks.  The  eye 
should,  in  fact,  be  more  used  at  home  to  find  out  blemishes 
and  imperfections  than  to  be  taken  up  with  what  is  beautiful 
and  interesting.  In  such  cases  it  is  often  less  a  question  of 
more  or  less  work  than  simply  seeing  and  acting  on  the  sight. 
Hence  a  man  with  little  or  no  more  labour,  and  scarcely  more 
time,  will  keep  a  house  always  presentable,  and  another  man 
will  have  it  always  untidy,  except  immediately  after  one  of 
these  great  out-clearings  and  fresh-furnishings.  The  first  man, 
even  when  doing  the  necessary  watering,  will  not  pass  an  un- 
sightly plant  thoroughly  exhausted,  nor  a  plant  with  a  few 
faded  leaves,  without  removing  it,  nor  will  he  pour  water 
on  every  pot  alike,  just  in  the  way  of  routine.  The  other 
never  sees  that  a  plant  is  faded,  never  sees  the  miserable 
welted  leaves,  waters  the  decaying  and  the  flourishing  alike, 
and  if  let  alone  would  never  move  a  plant  after  he  had  once 
placed  it  on  a  shelf  or  platform.    As  a  gardener  must  gain 


his  living  by  practising  something  of  taste  and  order,  looking 
out  for  untidiness  ought  to  be  an  every-day  and  an  every-hour 
operation.  Some  time  ago  we  walked  through  a  pretty  little 
conservatory,  communicating  by  wide  folding  doors  with  a 
riohly-furnisbed  drawing-room.  The  gardener  was  an  able, 
intelligent  man,  but  these  qualities  seemingly  did  not  give  him 
a  sense  of  order  or  the  faculty  of  observation.  The  fine  stone 
curbs  were  slimy  green,  the  stage  had  plenty  of  green,  the  pots 
were  dirty,  and  though  there  were  many  blossoms,  they  were 
mingled  with  fading  leaves,  and  the  gardener  seemed  to  Bee 
nothing  of  the  discord  between  all  this  and  the  neatly-furnished 
drawing-room.  We  could  not  well  venture  farther  than  to 
move  some  of  the  slime  from  the  stone  ourbs  with  a  walking- 
stick  in  rather  a  contemplative  earnest  way,  but  our  friend  was 
not  observant  enough  to  take  the  hint.  As  advice  worth  having 
and  valuing,  we  would  say  to  our  young  readers,  Beware  of  the 
habit  of  looking  on  plants,  houses,  and  borders  as  just  fresh 
arranged,  fresh  potted,  fresh  cared  for,  when  days  or  even 
weeks  have  passed  since  the  work  was  done.  Look  at  such 
things  as  tbey  are  to-day  without  any  reference  to  the  past. 

Struck  Cuttings. — ictioipating  rains  we  have  overhanled  lots 
of  cuttings  for  the  flower  garden,  that  were  thickly  inserted  in 
shallow  wooden  boxes  and  pots,  setting  them  a  little  further 
apart,  and  removing  every  decayed  and  faded  leaf.  As  stated 
formerly,  we  are  obliged  to  take  small  cuttings  and  put  them 
in  thickly  together,  in  order  to  be  able  to  house  enough  of 
them  under  glass  in  winter.  We  find  no  fault,  quite  the 
reverse,  with  those  who  take  large  cuttings  and  give  each  a  pot 
in  winter.  We  must  suit  ourselves  to  circumstanoes.  As  these 
cuttings,  rooting  now,  are  so  close  together,  there  is  the  more 
reason  that  not  a  decayed  leaf  should  rest  upon  them,  as  in 
dull  heavy  weather  a  few  such  leaves  festering  about  the  stems 
would  be  apt  to  gangrene  and  rot  them,  and,  if  free  air  could 
not  be  given,  the  very  air  about  the  plants  would  tend  to  pro- 
duce decay.  The  cuttings  thus  treated  had  the  surface  soil 
sprinkled  over  with  a  mixture  of  fine  sandy  loam  and  charcoal 
dust,  a  good  security  alike  for  neatness  and  against  damping 
and  unhealthy  vapours. 

We  shall  make  preparations  for  tak'ng  oS  our  shrubby  Cal- 
ceolaria cuttings  by  the  end  of  the  mo  nth,  and  we  find  it  is  of 
importance  giving  the  cuttings  fresh  soil,  Herbaceous  Cal- 
ceolarias for  pots  we  are  potting  and  pricking-off  now.  They 
are  most  useful  for  corridors  and  cut  flowers  early  in  summer. 

We  intended  to  have  alluded  to  different  modes  of  treating 
old  Geraniums  in  beds,  but  the  matter  has  been  alluded  to,  and 
further  particulars  can  wait  for  another  time. — B.  F. 


Banishing  Flies. — The  Food  Journal  states  that  in  Belgium 
the  butchers  use,  with  great  success,  laurel  oil  on  the  door-posts 
and  window-frames  for  the  purpose  of  keeping  away  flies.  The 
emanation  from  minced  laurel  leaves  is  rapidly  fatal  to  all  small 
■  insects.  These  facts  might  point  to  gardeners  and  housekeepers 
how  to  exclude  flies  from  structures  where  their  presence  is 
especially  disagreeable. 


TRADE  CATALOGUE  RECEIVED. 

Lewis  S.  Woodthorpe,  Mnnro  Nurseries,  Sible  Hedingham,  Essex. 
—  Catalogue  of  Greenhouse  and  Herbaceous  Plants,  Fruit  Trees,  Orna- 
mental Trees  and  Shrubs,  &c. 


TO    CORRESPONDENTS. 

*  „  *  We  request  that  no  one  will  write  privately  to  any  of  the 
correspondents  of  the  "  Journal  of  Horticulture,  Cottage 
Gardener,  and  Country  Gentleman."  By  doing  so  they 
are  subjected  to  unjustifiable  trouble  and  expense.  All 
communications  should  therefore  be  addressed  solely  to 
The  Editors  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture,  dc,  171,  Fleet 
Street,  London,  E.C. 

We  also  request  that  correspondents  will  not  mix  up  on  the 
same  sheet  questions  relating  to  Gardening  and  those  on 
Poultry  and  Bee  subjects,  if  thoy  expect  to  get  them  an- 
swered promptly  and  conveniently,  but  write  them  on 
separate  communications.  Also  never  lo  send  more  than 
two  or  three  questions  at  once. 

N.B. — Many  questions  must  remain    unanswered    until    next 
week. 
Patent    (A    Young   Gardener).— You   will   ever  repent  of  taking  out  a 

patent.     Register  your  invention,  and  the  probability  ia  that  you  will 

never  be  repaid  tor  that  small  expense. 


October  13,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL   OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   OOTTA.GB   GARDENER. 


293 


Pears  fob  North  Ireland  (A.  If.  P.).— Doyenne  d*Ete,  Jargonelle- 
Williams's  Bon  Chretien,  Red  Doyenne,  Thomp-on's,  and  Knight's  Mon, 
arch.    The  Noblesse  Peach  onght  to  succeed  with  yon* 

Peaches  not  Ripening  (C,  Essex.).— What  the  name  of  the  variety  is 
we  cannot  tell  from  the  unripe  specimens,  and  no  leaves — the  glnnds  on 
their  stalks  are  guides  in  the  nomenclature  of  Peaches  and  Nectarines. 
We  think  the  cause  of  the  fruit  falling,  though  well-coloured,  snd  boing 
tough  in  flesh,  is  want  of  moisture  to  the  roots  of  the  tree  ;  water  abun- 
dantly, and  mulch  the  surface  over  the  roots.  Do  the  same  every  summer. 
The  roots  of  the  trees  which  have  ripened  their  fruit  may  be  nearer  the 
surface,  and  are,  probably,  earlier-ripening  varieties. 

Apples  on  the  Pommier  db  Paradis  Stock  (J.  Scott,  Meriott 
Nurseries).—  The  specimens  of  Apples  from  trees  grafted  on  the  above 
stock,  arc  among  the  finest  we  have  ever  seen.  The  Brockworth  Park 
Pear  is  a  seedling.  We  are  obliged  by  your  note  that  the  Apple  called,  on 
page  286,  "  Eckland  Vale,"  should  be  "  Ecklinville  Seedling." 

Seedling  Geranium  (C.  Marsden).— The  petals  were  totally  shed  ;  but 
if  the  truss  had  been  perfect,  we  could  have  given  no  opinion  of  the  value 
of  the  variety  as  a  bedding  plant,  fur  that  depends  quite  as  much  on  the 
foliage  and  dwarf  habit  of  the  plants  as  on  their  flowers.  Thero  are 
hundreds  having  the  same-coloured  petals  as  those  you  enclosed. 

Brussels  Sproots  {Amateur). — Do  not  cut  out  the  head  or  leading 
shoot.    In  cntting  the  side  shoots  use  the  largest  first. 

Vines  Mildewed  (St.  Bridget).— The  leaves  and  Grapes  are  destroyed 
by  long-neglected  mildew.  As  soon  as  you  saw  the  "  white  powder"  on 
the  leaves  you  should  have  dusted  them  with  flowers  of  sulphur.  Pick  off 
all  the  Grapes,  dust  the  leaves  thoroughly  with  flowers  of  sulphur,  paint 
the  Btems  and  branches  with  a  creamy  mixture  of  clay,  flowers  of  sulphur, 
and  water,  and  sprinkle  over  the  surface  of  the  borders,  Ac.,  with  flowers 
of  tulphiir.  As  the  leaves  fall  burn  them.  Next  year  use  flowers  of 
sulphur  as  soon  as  the  white  powder  appears,  and  until  it  ceases  to  appear 
continue  applying  the  sulphur.  The  white  powder  is  a  parasitical  fungus, 
Oidium  Tuckeri. 

Charge  fob  Painting  (Novice).— These  are  matters  we  prefer  to  leave 
to  tradesmen  and  contractors.  It  is  impossible  to  tell  you  what  should 
be  allowed  for  the  stopping  and  scraping  old  work  before  painting.  If  it 
is  in  a  very  bad  state  the  work  would  have  to  be  allowed  for  ;  if  not,  it 
would  come  in  with  the  first  csat  of  paint.  As  you  speak  of  stone  colour 
and  oil,  we  presume  you  mean  white  lead  merely  toned  down  a  little. 
For  three  coats  of  such  paint  on  a  fair  smooth  surface,  about  bd-  per 
square  yard  would  be  a  just  price.  In  some  cases  the  cost  would  be  more, 
and  in  others  less.  The  coats  we  would  value  as  three,  two,  one,  the  first 
coat  always  taking  up  more  material.  Windows  would  be  less  or  more 
according  to  the  number  of  the  bars  and  the  size  of  the  glass.  The  more 
cross-bars  the  more  expense.  For  common-sized  Bquares,  the  windows 
should  cost  quite  as  much  as  the  plain  work.  In  large  squares,  and 
where,  as  in  hothouse  roofs,  there  are  no  cross-bars,  the  price  should  be 
less.  We  merely  from  calculation  say  what  the  work  may  be  done  for ; 
we  cannot  tell  you  where  it  may  be  done,  but  tbis  will  be  a  guide.  All 
painting  is  measured  by  the  square  foot  or  yard.  All  semicircles  and 
angles  measure  as  squares— that  is,  the  greatest  length  and  the  greatest 
breadth.  Your  windows  would  be  measured  just  like  a  wall— by  the  i 
greatest  height  and  the  greatest  breadth  ;  thus,  a  circular  window  would 
be  measured  by  squaring  the  diameter.  We  know  that  new  garden  sashes 
painted  four  times  cost  about  Id.  per  foot— that  is,  9d.  yer  vara,  and  that 
would  be  4£d.  per  yard  for  the  outbide.  If  you  paint  your  windows  inBide 
as  well  as  outside  the  measurement  will  be  doubled. 

Mushrooms  tn  Houses  Magcoty  in  Summer  {A  Soldier).— This  is  a 
very  common  occurrence  in  hot  summers  where  coolness  cannot  be  suffi- 
ciently secured.  Airiness  without  draught,  and  coolness,  are  next  to  indis- 
pensable to  good  Mushrooms  in  summer.  Hence  the  advantage  of  cellars 
for  eummer  growth.  We  have  been  frequently  troubled  with  maggots, 
though  some  summers  wo  have  escaped  altogether.  Much  may  be  done 
with  double  or  thick  walls  and  a  double  roof ;  or,  if  not,  thatch,  whitening 
it  after  May  to  keep  the  heat  out.  Much  also  may  be  done  by  syringing 
walls  and  floors,  but  it  is  difficult  to  grow  good  Mushrooms  in  houses  easily 
heated  by  the  sun.  We  prefer  an  open  shed,  or  the  open  air  nnder  the 
shade  of  trees,  bat  a  place  underground  is  best.  See  what  was  said 
at  page  261. 

Wintering  Scarlet  Geraniums  (Subscriber).— Such  fine  large  plants 
taken  up  out  or  the  beds  would  do  best  if  potted  individually,  but  they 
will  do  very  well  if  packed  thickly  in  large  pots,  or  shallow  boxes  quite  as 
thickly  as  they  will  go  together,  so  as  to  resemble  a  faggot.  If  you  do 
not  wish  your  plants  to  be  large  yoc  may  cut  away  the  shoots  6  inches  or 
bo  above  the  collar  of  the  plant ;  but  if  you  wish  to  have  rather  large 
plants  at  planting  time  next  year,  the  best  plan  is  to  take  them  up  care- 
folly,  cut  off  all  the  soft  ends  of  the  shoots  close  to  a  joint,  remove  every 
leaf,  dip  the  cut  tops  in  a  dry  powder  of  lime  and  charcoal  to  stop  bleed- 
ing, trim  the  roots  a  little,  and  then  pack  them  as  thickly  as  they  will  go 
in  rather  sandy  loam  in  boxes,  &c.  We  have  crammed  more  than  a  dozen 
fine  plants  in  a  10-inch  pot.  When  nicely  packed,  and  as  firm  as  may  be, 
water,  so  as  to  moisten  the  roots  and  soil,  and  allow  them  to  stand  until 
the  surface  soil  is  dry ;  then  cover  with  an  inch  or  so  of  dry  soil,  and  as 
you  cannot  give  them  a  place  on  the  greenhouse  stage,  any  dry  place  will 
suit  them  where  they  can  be  secure  from  damp,  drip,  and  frost.  They 
will  do  anywhere — under  the  Btage  of  the  greenhouse,  in  spare  rooms 
where  there  is  a  little  light,  in  dry  cellars,  in  garrets,  or  in  haylofts,  where 
the  frost  cannot  reach  them.  In  open  haylofts  we  have  known  them  do 
well  where  loose  hay  was  thrown  over  them  in  frosty  weather.  The  more 
succulent  the  stems  the  more  easily  are  they  injured  by  frost.  The  roots 
axe  more  apt  to  suffer  from  damp  than  dryness.  Hence  little  boxes  of 
a  convenient  size,  say  from  4  to  6  inches  deep,  are  better  for  packing  in 
than  laige  pots.  When  so  kept  it  is  best  not  to  excite  them  in  winter, 
but  rather  let  them  remain  dormant  as  respects  their  stems,  being  con- 
tent to  see  them  putting  forth  little  leaves  after  March.  When  these 
leaves  become  larger  than  a  shilling  the  plant3  will  want  thinning  out. 
To  make  fine  plants  from  such  Geraniums,  take  them  up  as  above,  remove 
all  the  large  leaves,  but  leave  the  points  untouched.  These  mast  have 
light  and  better  treatment. 

House  for  Various  Plants  (J.  C.).— We  think  the  Tropreolum  is  doing 
as  well  as  you  can  expect  at  the  back  of  a  house  with  Vines  on  the  roof ; 
And  even  if  there  were  none,  Tropasolums  are  apt  to  lose  their  lower 
leaves.    The  Lonicera  requires  plenty  of  light  and  air.    The  back  wall  of  ' 
a  vinery,  such  a3  yours  seems  to  be,  is  very  unsuitable  for  it  and  similar  ' 


plants.  Tt  is  better  suitsd  for  Camellias  and  Orange  trees.  All  the  two 
plants  you  name  require,  seems  to  be  light  and  air.  Ferns,  you  say, 
thrive  well  in  the  house,  that  is  proof  there  is  moisture  and  shade  ;  but 
as  some  are  stove  kinds,  yoar  only  chance  of  keeping  them  is  to  preserve 
the  soil  as  dry  as  you  can  without  causing  the  fronds  to  fttg.  Unless  the 
house  is  very  high  and  wide  a  flow  and  return  hot-water  pipe  will  be 
sufficient  to  keep  out  frost.  We  do  not  understand  you  as  to  the  trellis- 
work  preventing  air  passing  through.  If  air  cannot  pass  through,  it  is 
not  trelliswork  at  all,  but  some  close  material.  If  the  front  openings  are 
too  large  why  open  them  so  much?  Top  air  is  preferable  to  so  much 
side  or  front  ventilation.  Canna  indica  dies  down  every  winter.  It 
ought  now  to  be  kept  short  of  water,  and  when  the  leaves  turn  yellow  cut 
them  off,  and  keep  the  roots  drv  in  winter  and  secure  from  frost.  In 
February  repot  tbem,  and  place  them  in  a  hotbed,  and  when  the  shoot3 
are  a  few  inches  long  remove  the  plants  to  a  light  airy  part  of  the  house. 
Pruning  Laubhls  (Terew).— The  moet  suitable  time  to  prune  Laurels, 
especially  when  they  require  much  cutting-back,  is  at  the  end  of  March 
or  beginning  of  April,  or  when  they  are  beginning  to  grow ;  but  any  irre- 
gularities of  growth  may  be  removed  from  August  to  October.  For  trans- 
planting Laurels  no  time  is  so  suitable  as  the  present,  for  the  soil,  owing 
to  the  late  raius,  will  be  moist :  if  as  dry  as  it  was  a  short  time  ago  plant- 
ing must  be  deferred  until  it  is  thoroughly  moistened.  October  and 
November,  February  and  the  beginning  of  March,  are  good  times  to  plaot 
Laurels. 

Rbmoving  Sulphur  from Ripb  Gripes  (T.  V.).— Blow offthe  sulphur  by 
means  of  a  pair  of  bellows.  If  it  fail,  which  we  have  not  found,  syringe 
the  Grapes  a  few  hours  before  wanted,  to  allow  of  their  becoming  dry 
before  dishim*  up.  Only  those  required  for  present  nae  ought  to  be 
syringed,  for  if  those  on  the  Vines  are  syringed  the  berries  will  crack, 
spot,  or  decay. 

Primulas  and  Cinerarias  not  Thriving  fDucanfawCs). — We  th'nk  the 
Primulas  are  unhealthy  because  you  syringe  them  ;  discontinue  it.  Do  not 
water  until  the  soil  becomes  dry,  but  before  the  Uaves  flag;  then  give  a 
good  supply,  and  do  not  water  again  until  another  watering  is  required. 
We  cannot  account  for  the  Cinerarias  drooping.  They  should  be  watered 
as  required,  and  avringed  occasionally.  PerhapB  the  plants  are  infested, 
with  thrips  or  aphides,  for  which  fumigation  with  tobacco  is  the  remedy* 
In  the  position  yoa-name  they  ought  to  do  well. 

Sowing  Seeds  f  Mary).— It  iB  rather  late  for  sowing  Echeveria  metallica 
and  Pyrethrum  seeds  in  a  hotbed,  but  you  may  yet  do  eo  if  very  careful 
in  watering,  in  giving  the  plants  air,  and  in  keeping  them  near  the  glass. 
Stocks,  Delphiniums,  Schizanthm,  Centaurea,  Silene,  and  Saponaria  you 
may  sow  now  in  pots,  and  keep  the  seedlings  near  the  glass  in  a  green- 
house. If  you  keep  them  from  becoming  drawn  all  will  be  well,  but  we 
should  have  had  more  confidence  of  success  if  you  had  sown  three  weeks 
or  a  month  earlier. 

Ranunculus  Planting  (Tdem).— The  sloping  border  which  has  been 
ocoupied  with  Garaniums  will  answer  for  Ranunculuses.  Give  a  good 
dressing  of  rotten  manure,  dig  the  ground  deeply,  and  make  it  fine. 
Plant  in  November  as  soon  as  the  ground  can  be  prepared,  and  in  Decem- 
ber muloh  with  about  half  an  inch  of  partially-decayed  loaves.  If  the 
weather  be  cLry  in  April  and  May  water  copiously. 

Pea  Hurdles  (M.  S.).— We  have  used  them  for  years,  and  find  them 
answer  well. 

Manure  and  Potatoes  Required  to  Plant  an  Acre  of  Ground 
(Idem).— Twelve  good  loads  of  farmyard  manure  are  a  good  manuring  for 
an  acre  of  ground,  and  to  plant  au  acre,  ten  bushels  of  ordinary-sized 
sets  are  needed.  The  rows  should  be  2  feet  6  inches  apart,  and  half  that 
for  the  sets  in  the  lines. 

Replanting  Pansies  in  the  same  Bed  (Idem).— It  is  not  good  to 
replant  them  in  a  bed  in  which  they  have  grown  previously.  Fresh  soil 
is  best.    If  you  manure  well^and  dig  deeply,  they  may  do  well. 

Gros  Colman  Grape  (Bertram).—  This  is  a  very  late  variety.  Bunches 
large ;  berries  very  large,  round,  jet  black,  and  very  beautiful ;  skin  very 
thick  ;  flesh  very  coarse,  and  coarsely  flavoured  ;  constitution  very  robust. 
It  is  a  Grape  which  will  hang  well,  and  has  a  splendid  appearance,  but  if 
without  any  other  recommendation. 

Melon  db  Namur  Pear  (3.  H.).— Thanks  for  the  example.  We  must 
say  it  Beems  to  us  very  closely  allied  to  Doyenne  Blanc.  It  is  of  the 
same  form  and  colour,  the  same  in  flesh,  and  almost  in  flavour.  The  eye, 
however,  is  different,  being  open,  and  the  stalk  Is  longer  and  more 
slender.  It  is  a  good  Pear,  but  inferior  to  some  others  of  the  same 
season. 

Select  Stove  Plants  (Stove).— For  foliage  or  variegation  :  Alocasia 
metallica,  Areca  VerschafTelti,  Calamus  asperrimus,  Cocos  Weddeliana, 
Croton  interruptum,  variegatum,  longifolium,  Dieffenbachia  Pearcei, 
D.  Weirii,  Maranta  illustris,  M.  roseo-picta,  M.  Veitchii,  Pandanus  java- 
nicus  variegatus,  Sanchezia  nobilis  variegata,  Thrinax  elegans,  and  Ver- 
schaffeltia  aplendida.  Flowering  :  Allamanda  nobilis,  A.  grandiflora, 
Anthurium  Scherzerianum,  Bougainvillea  glabra,  Clerodendron  Thom- 
sons, Dipladenia  amabilis,  D.  crassinoda  magniflca,  D.  splendens,  Gar- 
denia florida  intermedia,  Hoya  bella,  H.  imperialis,  Ixora  acuminata, 
I.  floribunda,  I.  coccinea  superba,  Medinilla  magnifica,  Rondeletia  spe- 
ciosa  major,  Stephanotis  floribunda,  and  Thyrsacanthus  rutilans.  Cyano- 
phyllum  magniticum  requires  in  winter  a  temperature  of  60'  at  night, 
and  from  65°  to  70°  by  day.  The  soil  should  be  kept  as  dry  as  it  can  bo 
without  causing  the  leaves  to  flag. 

Wintering  Geraniums  {N.  C.  H.).— Having  no  greenhouse,  the  best 
place  you  can  give  the  old  plants  in  the  boxes  will  be  the  cellar,  all  or 
the  greater  part  of  the  leaves  being  stripped  off.  They  will  not  require 
any  water  from  now  until  March,  when  they  should  be  placed  in  the 
light,  and,  if  possible,  in  a  frame  on  a  slight  botbod,  watering  carefully 
at  first,  and  increasing  the  supply  with  the  growth.  When  in  the  cellar 
look  them  over  occasionally,  removing  all  decayed  leaves.  Tbe  cuttings 
would  be  best  in  a  place  where  they  could  have  light.  A  room  will 
answer  very  well ;  keep  them  dry,  but  if  the  leaves  flag  a  little  water 
should  be  given.    The  old  plants  will  do  in  the  dark  cellar. 

Apricot  Trees  Unfruitful  (A  Subscriber).— Your  trees  must  be  in  a 
poor  state,  and  we  think,  from  the  great  number  of  suckers  that  are 
formed,  that  the  soil  is  wholly  unsuitable.  Clay  and  bog  are  not  desirable 
for  Apricots.  We  Bhould  take  the  trees  up,  cutting  all  the  rootB  mora 
distant  from  the  stem  than  3  feet,  and  removing  the  Boil,  but  preserving 


294 


JOUBNAL  OF   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  October  13,  1870. 


all  the  fibres;  you  will  thus  be  enabled  to  cut  off  the  suckers  close  to 
their  point  of  origin.  Use  a  compost  of  fibrous  loam,  adding  one-sixth 
of  old  lime  rubbish,  or,  what  is  better,  chalk  in  pieces  from  the  size  of  a 
walnut  to  that  of  a  hen's  egg,  not  removing  the  fiaer  portions.  Do  this 
assoon  as  the  leaves  fall,  and  do  not  cover  the  fibres  with  more  than 
8  inches  of  soil.  Mulch  over  the  roots  with  about  3  inches  of  littery 
manure.    The  aspect  is  suitable. 

Deciduous  Tbees  for  a  Lawn  and  Shrubbery  (TF.  G.  W.).— Of  trees 
proper,  or  those  which  attain  20  feet  iu  height  or  more,  we  advise  Acer 
platanoides  colohicum  rubrum,  A.  platanoides  laciniatum,  A.  rubrum, 
A.  Pseudo-Platanns  (Sycamore)  and  its  variegated  forms— viz.,  albo- 
marginatum  and  foliis  purpureis ;  iEsculus  Hippoca«tauum,  and  the 
pink  and  scarlet-flowering  varieties— if  you  have  a  wet  spot,  Alnus  glu- 
tinosa  laciniata  will  suit ;  Betnla  alba  and  pendula,  Castanea  vesca,  and 
var.  aureo-variegata,  Cerasus  Padus,  Fagus  sylvatica  and  vars.  asplenii- 
folia, purpurea,  and  pendula ;  Fraxinus  excelsior  pendula,  Juglans  regia 
laciniata,  Liriodendrou  tulipifera,  Magnolia  acuminata,  M.  conspicua, 
M.  purpurea,  Morus  alba,  M.  nigra,  Ornus  europieus,  Populus  argentea 
for  a  wet  place,  Pyrus  communis  and  vars.  peadula,  pnecox,  and  Bollwyl- 
leriana,P.  Maine  prunifolia,  Quercus  Robur  aspleniifolia,  Robinia  Pseud- 
Acacia,  Salisburia  adiantifolia,  Salix  americana  pendula,  S.  babylonica 
Kilmarnock  Weeping,  Tilia  europiea,  T.  laciniata,  T.  sanguinis,  Ulmus 
campestris  aspleniifolia,  U.  fastigiata,  U.  montana  crispa,  and  the  Caru- 
perdown  Elm. 

Geranium  Confederate  (One  in  Suspense).— Confederate  was  sent  out 
by  Mr.  Morse,  of  Dursley,  and  raised,  we  believe,  by  Mr.  Glenny;  it  is 
intermediate  between  Tom  Thumb  and  Little  David,  and  no  doubt  a 
seedling  of  the  former,  a  good  bloomer,  but  not  sufficiently  distinct  to 
make  it  worth  while  to  keep  it  as  a  separate  sort,  but  it  may  be  used  with 
Tom  Thumb. 

Rose's  Leaves  almost  Black  (J.  Sudford).— The  Rose  leaf  enclosed 
seemed  to  us  to  be  suffering  from  the  effects  of  Borne  deleterious  chemical ; 
and  we  should  fancy  from  its  appearance,  that  during  the  hot  and  dry 
weather  at  the  end  of  September  the  leaves  of  your  trees  have  suffered 
from  the  smoke  of  some  chemical  works.  The  wind  having  been  very 
constant  for  some  time,  and  the  atmosphere  very  still,  any  Rose  trees 
situated  in  the  line  of  the  smoke  of  gas  works,  agricultural  manure  or 
dye  works,  would  be  more  liable  to  injury  than  usual.  Although  the  leaf 
sent  was  eaten  in  places  by  insects,  yet  the  general  injury  to  the  leaf 
does  not  seem  to  arise  from  insects.  We  should  be  glad  to  learn  more, 
of  the  position  of  the  trees.  Constaut  syringing  with  clean  soft  water, 
and  an  occasional  application  of  a  little  soft  soap,  will  be  the  most  likely 
remedy. 

Heating  a  Small  Greenhouse  (Grimsby).— A  small  moveable  iron 
stove,  with  a  flat  top  to  receivo  an  evaporating  basin,  would  be  the  best 
for  your  small  house.  You  should  have  the  stove  lined  with  fire  brick,  or 
large  enough  to  have  the  fire-place  in  the  centre,  and  a  couple  of  inches 
or  so  from  the  outside  iron.  You  will  thus  have  plenty  of  heat  without 
the  outsides  of  the  stove  becoming  dangerously  hot.  You  may,  as  you 
propose,  burn  charcoal  in  such  a  stove,  or,  more  cheaply,  use  coke  or  fine 
cinders;  but  in  neither  case  will  you  succeed  unless  you  have  a  pipe 
from  the  Btove  going  right  out  of  the  house.  The  simplest  plan  is  to 
have  a  plate-iron  pipe  going  through  the  glass  roof,  a  square  of  the  iron 
with  a  suitable  hole  for  the  pipe  taking  the  place  of  a  squaro  of  glass 
taken  out.    Regulate  draught  and  consumption  of  fuel  by  the  ashpit  door. 

Melon  and  Cucumber  House  (A  Lover  of  Our  Journal).— The  plan 
sketched  out  will  do  for  Cucumbers  and  Melons  late  in  spring,  in  summer, 
and  in  autumn  ;  but  for  winter  and  early  Bpring  use  the  piping  would  uot 
he  sufficient.  In  the  latter  case  we  would  advise  having  4-inch  pipes  in 
the  tank  instead  of  3-inch  pipes,  and  making  the  tanks  5  inches  deep 
The  position  of  the  top  pipes  will  do  very  well,  but  we  would  have  two 
instead  of  one  on  each  side  of  the  house,  having  one  on  the  side  next  the 
pathway.  There,  too,  we  would  have  4-inch  pipes  instead  of  3,  as  such  a 
span  house  will  radiate  a  great  deal  of  heat  if  no  covering  is  used  for  the 
glass.  We  would,  in  the  case  of  the  tanks  as  well  aB  the  top  heat,  have 
the  flow  pipes  next  the  outside  walls.  It  would  bo  well  to  have  upright 
open-ended  pipes  from  the  tank  to  admit  vapour  into  the  house.  With- 
out that  you  would  require  evaporating  pans  ou  the  top  flow  pipes. 
The  pitch  of  the  roof  would  answer  very  well.  Were  we  erecting  such  a 
house  we  would  have  a  double  ridge-board,  with  8  inches  between  for  a 
ventilator,  and  aliood  of  two  boards— A  placed  over,  to  let  air  in  and  keep 
out  wet. 

Names  of  Fruits  (B.  M.).— Nonesuch.  (/.  A.,  Woodlands).— Pears : 
la,  Fondante  d'AutOmne  ;  2b,  Doyenni-  du  Cornice  ;  3c,  Winter  Nelis  ;  4, 
Urbaniste.  Apples:  5e,  Lord  Suffield;  Gf,  King  of  the  Pippins;  7g, 
Fearn's  Pippin.  (F.  A.  F.).— Apple:  Emperor  Alexander.  (W.  B.,  North 
Wales). — Apples  :  1,  Manks  Codlin  ;  2,  Fearn's  Pippin  ;  3,  4,  King  of  the 
Pippins  ;  11,  Beauty  of  Kent.  Pears:  13,  Due  d'Orleans  ;  14, 16,  Beurre 
Diel;  17,  Fondante  d'Automne  ;  20,  Bon  Chretien  d'Hiver.  We  must 
decline  to  name  so  many  at  one  time.  (William  Mills).— The  Pear  is  at 
preBent  unknown  to  us.  It  may  probably  be  Gansel's  Bergamot.  {A 
Subscriber).— Pear  :  21,  Marie  Louise.  Apples  :  8.  Margil;  11,  Downton 
Pippin  ;  15,  Kerry  Pippin ;  26,  Waltham  Abbey  Seedling  ;  78,  Court  of 
Wick.  (Parcel  received  from  Crediton  ivithout  Name). — Apples:  1,  Cox's 
Orange  Pippin  ;  2,  Early  Nonpareil.  Pear3  :  1,  Beurre  de  Ranee  ;  2,  Ur- 
baniste ;  3,  Marie  Louise  ;  5,  Glou  Mori;eau  ;  G,  Nutmeg ;  7,  Van  Mons  Leon 
le  Clerc;  9,  Winter  Nelis ;  11,  Fondante  d'Autoinne.  (Wyke  Cross).— 
Pears  :  1,  Beurre  de  Ranee  ;  2,  Passe  Colmar  ;  3,  Vicar  of  Wiukfield  ;  4, 
Doyenne  du  Cornice  ;  6,  Beurre  Diel ;  6.7,  Knight's  Monarch.  Apples  : 
S.Prague;  6,  Blenheim  Orange.  We  decline  to  name  more  of  them. 
(J.  B.t  West  Lodge).— Your  fruits,  we  regret  to  state,  got  mixed  up  with 
others,  so  that  we  entirely  lost  trace  of  them.  (S.  L.).— 1,  Trumpington  ; 
2,  Manks  Codlin.  We  cannot  tell.  {Bruno).— Your  Apples  are  unknown. 
The  present  is  a  good  time  for  the  removal.  (C.  W.  C.)—2,  Bergamotte 
Cadette  ;  S,  Beurre  de  Ranee  ;  4,  Ord's  Apple ;  5,  Cobham.  {E.  B.  K  L.). 
—1,  Beurre  Diel ;  2,  8,  Glou  Mor^eau  ;  4,  Napoleon ;  6,  Deux  Scaurs.  The 
prickly  plant  is  Datura  Stramonium.  (A'.  Jenner). — 1,  Messire  Jean  ;  *2, 
TJvedale's  St.  Germain;  8,  Not  known;  4,  Grosse  Calebasse.  (M.  H.t  Ack- 
lam  Hall).— The  Pear  is  Suffolk  Thors.  No.  2  Apple,  Scarlet  Nonpareil ; 
the  other  two  Apples  we  do  not  recogniBe.  (M.).— Red  Autumn  Calville. 
{J.  H.t  Elmhurst).—lt  Grosse  Calebasse  ;  2,  Conseiller  de  la  Cour ;  5,  Red 
Doyenne ;  6,  Beurre  de  Capiaumont ;  7,  Kentish  Fillbasket  ;  8,  Mere  de 
Menage  ;  9,  Stamford  Pippin ;  11,  Golden  Russet ;  12,  Lewis's  Incompar- 
able.   (J.  L.  C.}.— 2,  Court-pendu-plat  j  8,  Claygate  Pearmain;  5,  King  of 


the  Pippins ;  6,  Golden  Russet ;  7.  Robinson's  Pippin  ;  8,  Yellow  Ingestrie  ; 
10,  Adam's  Poarmaiu;  13,  White  Nonpareil;  14,  Pitmaston  Nonpareil; 
15,  White  Melrose.  (Rev.  Mr.  McCahno?it).—The  Pear  is  Hampden's  Ber- 
gamot, and  the  Apple  we  cannot  identify,  as  the  specimens  are  evidently 
small  and  uncharacteristic.  (E.  U.,  Lysways).—!,  Golden  Noble  ;  2,  Drap 
d'Or ;  3,  Early  Nonpareil ;  5,  Yorkshire  Greening  ;  G,  Augustus  Pearaiain ; 
7,  Stunner  Pippin  ;  8,  Maiden's  Blush  ;  It,  Vicar  of  Winkfield  ;  12,  Lewis  ; 
13,  Napoleon.  (W.  G.). — Your  Grapes  are  correctly  named,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  which  is  White  Frontignan ;  and  we 
have  great  misgivings  about  Royal  Muscadine,  which  we  think  no  amount 
of  shade  would  have  altered  to  the  appearance  of  the  Grape  you  sent  us. 
(W.  J.  H.).— We  are  sorry  we  cannot  identify  the  Pear. 

Names  of  Plants  (A  Halstead  Subscriber).— You  must  send  fresh  speci- 
mens, each  numbered,  or  we  cannot  apply  the  names.  (G.  M.). — Ruscub 
hypoglossum,  Double-leaved  Butcher's  Broom.  (A  Very  Old  Subscriber). 
— 1,  Bomaria  edulin,  often  called  Alstrcemeria  edulis  ;  2.  Acacia  decipiens 
var.  prremorsa.  (H.  A  ).— Your  plant  sent  in  bloom  is  Clerodendron  fcetl- 
dum,  a  native  of  North  China.  We  certainly  should  not  recommend  you 
to  allow  your  Ivy,  however  ornamental  it  may  be,  to  entwine  itself  round 
the  Laburnum.  Try  to  find  a  less  objectionable  situation  for  it.  (A 
Constant  Reader). — The  Cratasgus  sent  proved  to  be  C.  coccinea. 


POULTRY,   BEE,   AND  PIGEON    CHRONICLE. 


POULTRY  SHOW   REFORMS. 

There  wa3  an  article  in  "  our  Journal"  a  short  time  sinoe 
on  the  management  of  Canary  shows.  May  I  be  allowed  to 
offer  a  suggestion  or  two  as  to  Poultry  shows  ?  First,  as  to 
catalogues.  Now,  I  take  it  for  granted  that  every  exhibitor  at 
a  show,  at  all  events  every  exhibitor  whose  entries  amount  to, 
say,  10s.,  ia  entitled  to  a  ticket  of  admission ;  but  at  every 
show  it  happen  <  that  there  are  many  exhibitors  who  cannot  be 
present  themselves,  but  are  naturally  anxious  to  learn  as  soon 
as  possible  what  success  has  attended  their  efforts  ;  and  I  think 
in  such  cases  they  should  be  entitled,  on  returning  the  ad- 
mission-ticket to  the  Secretary  before  a  certain  date,  to  have  a 
catalogue  and  a  list  of  the  prize-winners  forwarded  to  them 
free  by  the  first  post  after  the  award  of  the.  prizes.  It  need 
not  give  the  Secretary  much  trouble.  Let  him  procure  a  num- 
ber of  the  halfpenny  stamped  wrappers  beforehand,  let  him 
write  the  addresses  on  them  as  the  returned  tickets  come  in, 
let  him  file  them,  and  when  the  great  day  arrives  it  will  not 
take  him  long  to  wrap  up  the  catalogues  in  them  and  consign 
them  to  the  post.  It  is  very  annoying  to  have  to  wait  day 
after  day  'in  dread  suspense,"  and  after  all,  as  has  several 
times  happened  to  me,  receive  no  prize  list  until  it  has  already 
been  announced  in  a  public  journal. 

And  now  as  to  these  same  reports,  dear  Mr.  Editor,  could 
you  not  make  them  rather  fuller  and  more  detailed  ?  In  the 
summer  I  have  often  noticed  that  the  poultry  portion  of  the 
Journal  is  compressed  into  a  very  small  compass.  Now,  I  have 
no  objection  to  that.  I  am  very  fond  of  my  flowerB,  and  I  look 
with  interest  for  the  reports  (and  very  well  written  they  are)  of 
the  great  flower  shows,  new  roBes,  and  so  on.  But  in  the 
autumn  and  winter  they  are  gone  by,  the  poultry  shows  come 
on  thick,  and  I  turn  with  equal,  or,  perhaps,  greater  interest  to 
the  doings  in  the  poultry  world.  Now,  could  you  not  at  this 
time  of  year  take  a  leaf  out  of  the  gardening  book  and  push  it 
back  for  a  page  or  two  ?  I  am  sure  the  value  of  "  our  Journal," 
in  a  poultry-fancier's  eyes,  would  be  greatly  increased  if  we 
could  have  more  detailed  accounts  of  the  poultry  exhibited.  I 
do  not  mean  such  an  account  as  that  of  "  Wiltshire  Rector's" 
journey  to  Stroud,  in  which  the  journey  occupies  about  ninety 
lines,  the  fowls  thirty,  and  the  Pigeons  eight.  (No  offence  to 
our  good  friend,  whose  letters  are  always  amusing,  and  whose 
acquaintance  I  hope  some  day  to  make.)  What  we  want  is  a 
more  detailed  account  of  the  birds  and  their  points.  We  are 
not  much  wiser  after  reading  that  "  Cochins  were  good,  Game 
moderate,  and  Hamburghs  poor."  We  want  to  know  what 
were  the  good  points  of  the  winners,  what  the  failings  of  the 
losers. 

I  am  told  that  the  reports  are  mostly  written  by  the  judges 
themselves,  and  if  that  is  so,  who  is  so  fit  to  critioise  the  dif- 
ferent specimens  ?  What  disputes  would  be  saved  !  Breeders 
would  know  what  points  to  try  for ;  for  there  is  a  fashion  in 
the  pointB  of  poultry  as  in  most  other  things.  Vulture-hook 
controversies  would  not  have  occupied  so  much  space.  Dragoon- 
breeders  would  know  what  to  do.  Fantail-fanciers  would  not 
be  in  doubt  whether  head  or  tail  was  to  be  the  first  thing  to 
see  to.  Turbit-breeders  would  know  whether  the  turn-orown 
or  the  point-head  was  to  be  considered  "  the  thing,"  and  so  on. 
If  the  critiques  gave  rise  to  some  discussion,  so  much  the 
better.  The  reporters,  after  giving  their  ipse  dixit,  need  take 
no  further  part  in  it,  unless  they  wished. 


October  IS,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE!  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENBR. 


295 


One  word  as  to  pens.  I  was  very  pleased  at  the  late  Middle- 
ton  Show  to  see  the  large,  roomy,  well-lighted  pens  ;  all  quite 
patterns  except  those  in  whioh  the  Fantails  were  boxed-up. 
They  were  sadly  too  small.  The  poor  inmates  could  scarcely 
tnm  round,  and  as  to  spreading  their  tails,  that  was  out  of  the 
question. 

I  think  it  is  one  of  the  first  duties  of  a  committee  to  see  that 
the  birds  entrusted  to  their  care  are  made  as  comfortable  in 
their  confinement  as  possible.  I  have  a  vivid  recollection  of 
the  Variety  Duck  class  at  the  Hanley  Show  last  winter.  The 
poor  unfortunates  were  not  penned  at  all.  They  were  just  set 
out  in  a  row  on  the  floor  of  a  desolate  building,  in  the  hampers 
in  which  they  had  travelled,  the  lids  being  set  open,  and  a  bit 
of  wire  netting  fastened  on  instead.  I  remember  particularly 
a  wretched  little  Mandarin  drake,  shut  up  in  a  tiny  hamper  in 
which  he  could  barely  move.  There  he  would  be,  say,  one  day 
on  his  journey,  two  days  at  the  Show,  and  another  on  his 
return.  Fancy  the  condition  of  his  beautiful  fan  feathers  after 
such  an  imprisonment !  Secretaries  know  beforehand  exactly 
the  number  of  entries,  surely  they  ought  to  provide  sufficient 
and  proper  pens  for  all. — Shropshire  Rector. 


BREEDING  FOR  POINTS. 

I  find  nearly  all  fanoiers  admit  it  is  a  great  deal  easier  to 
breed  fine  fowls  or  other  poultry  lacking  in  one  or  two  impor- 
tant points,  than  to  breed  perfect  birds.  Hence,  one  would  be 
very  glad  to  regard  his  Brahma  cock  which  has  fine  white  neck- 
hackle  as  right,  because  he  is  so  very  large  and  fine  ;  another 
does  not  object  to  ignoring  the  muff  inHoudans;  another  asks: 
Are  not  Aylesburys  just  as  good  if  their  bills  are  not  quite  so 
"pink  as  a  lady's  nail?"  This  will  not  do.  We  must  not 
neglect  a  point  because  it  is  hard  to  breed.  If  we  throw  out  a 
point  it  must  be  because  the  best  birds,  as  suoh,  with  great 
uniformity  do  not  possess  it,  or  exhibit  it  in  an  unmarked 
manner. 

Within  certain  bounds,  n>  man  can  tell  what  limit  to  assign 
to  man's  power  to  breed  striking  peculiarities  in  birds  or 
animals.  Any  careful  breeder  may,  if  he  pleases,  establish  a 
breed  of  fowls  entirely  distinct  from  any  other  known  variety. 
We  have  half  a  dozen  breeds  of  some  local  fame  now,  but  of 
what  use  are  they?  There  is  no  need  of  multiplying  varieties. 
We  should  rather  strive  to  reduce  the  number.  For  example: 
The  Leghorns  are  a  useful  breed,  they  fill  a  peculiar  place,  they 
are  not  properly  a  fancier's  breed  like  the  Hamburghs,  they  lay 
large  eggs,  are  very  tough  and  hardy,  belong  to  the  class  of 
non-sitters,  though  they  not  unfrequently  sit  and  make  good 
mothers,  yet  why  should  we  suffer  Leghorns  to  carry  such  a 
variety  of  points  in  which  variation  is  allowable?  We  can  find 
in  the  same  flook  single  and  rose-combed  birds ;  white,  pink, 
and  yellow  legs  ;  white,  bluish-white,  cream-coloured,  and  red 
earlobes.  Why  then  should  we  not  taboo  pink  and  white  legs 
altogether?  If  rose-oombs  oughtto  be  retained,  let  the  varieties 
be  kept  distinct.  Cream-coloured  earlobes  usually  go  with 
yellow  legs. — (Poultry  Bulletin.) 


ANTWERP  PIGEONS. 


I  have  read  with  much  interest  a  paragraph  in  your  last 
number  headed  "  Prizes  for  Antwerp  Pigeons."  For  many 
years  I  have  been  a  Pigeon  and  fowl  fancier,  and  in  my  time 
have  had  Dragoons  come  from  all  distances,  but  always  pre- 
ferred Antwerps,  considering  that  they  were  better  breeders,  and 
quite  as  much,  if  not  more,  attached  to  their  homes. 

I  recolleot,  thirty  years  back,  the  late  Sir  John  Sebright, 
Bart.,  who  had  one  of  the  best  assortments  of  Pigeons,  told  me 
he  had  had  given  to  him  two  pairs  of  Antwerps,  and  after 
keeping  them  confined  for  twelve  months,  when  he  had  bred 
sufficient  yonng  ones,  he  allowed  them  to  fly.  The  old  birds, 
however,  even  after  that  lapse  of  time,  returned  to  their  first 
home,  but  were  sent  back  to  Beechwood  Park  a  few  days  after- 
wards, where,  I  presume,  they  were  incarcerated  for  a  further 
period,  but,  I  hope,  not  with  hard  labour.— G.  W.  Burrow, 
33,  Richmond  Road,  Dalston,  N. 


The  Ipswich  Poultry  Show. — We  have  just  been  favoured 
by  a  letter  from  the  Honorary  Secretary  of  the  Ipswich  Show, 
showing  the  intention  on  the  part  of  the  local  committee  to 
hold  the  annual  meeting  on  the  17th  and  18th  of  November 


next;  and  also  it  is  stated,  that  by  means  of  many  additional 
silver  cups  and  considerably  inoreased  money  prizes,  it  is  in- 
tended to  give  great  inducements  to  exhibitors.  Full  particulars 
will  be  issued  in  the  course  of  a  few  days  in  the  printed  prize 
sohedults  of  the  Sooiety,  and  also  by  advertisements  in  the 
public  newspapers.  Knowing  the  excellent  arrangements  of 
the  former  Ipswich  shows,  and  the  special  care  taken  of  the 
poultry  sent  for  competition,  we  are  glad  to  find  the  announce- 
ment of  a  contemporary  that  this  show  was  defunct  is  without 
foundation,  and  hope  all  success  may  be  ensured  to  the  ooming 
show. 


LONG  SUTTON  POULTRY  SHOW. 

For  this  annually-increasing  Poultry  Show  a  shed  entirely  of  wood, 
100  yards  in  length  by  20  yards  in  breadth,  was  erected.  This  arrange- 
ment, combined  with  the  Messrs.  Turners'  show  pens,  placed  the  Exhi- 
bition held  on  tho  5th  and  6th  inst.  in  a  very  favourable  position  for 
public  view.  It  is  a  matter  of  congratulation  that  60  important  an 
increase  has  taken  place  in  the  competition  at  this  local  Show  during 
the  few  years  it  has  been  instituted.  As  Long  Sutton  is  not  one  of 
the  easiest  of  places  to  transmit  specimens  to,  this  result  may  be 
ascribed  to  the  public  confidence  inspired  by  the  careful  attention 
given  by  the  managing  Committee.  The  weather  was  very  favourable, 
and  the  attendance  of  visitors  resulted  in  an  unusual  amount  being 
taken  for  admissions. 

The  Cochins  were  extraordinarily  good,  more  particularly  the  hens 
and  pullets ;  Lady  Gwyder,  Mr.  Lingwood,  and  Mr.  Dntton  showing 
pens  in  first-class  condition.  The  Grey  Dorkings  were  not  so  good  aa 
on  previous  occasions.  Dark  Brahma*  were  veiy  strong  and  capital 
classes.  Never  need  a  better  display  of  Hamburghs  be  brought  to- 
gether, and  certainly  an  improved  prize  schedule  for  these  breeds  is 
deserved.  Though  so  limited  in  numbers,  Tery  excellent  Game  fowls 
were  shown,  the  Brown  Reds  of  Mr.  Laming  being  the  cup-winners. 
The  Black  Red  Game  Bantams  were  not  so  perfect  as  at  most  previous 
meetings,  but  the  Brown  Red  and  the  Red  Pile  Bantams  were  decidedly 
improved.  Good  Sebright  and  Pekin  Bantarns  were  shown  in  one 
general  class. 

Pigeons  have  rarely  formed  better  classes  at  any  exhibition  in  the 
locality,  the  Barbs  and  Carriers  especially.  Almonds,  Pouters,  and 
Toy  Pigeons  were  well  represented.     Babbits  were  numerous  and  good. 

Mr.  Hewitt  judged  the  poultry,  Mr.  Tegetmeier  the  Pigeons,  and 
Mr.  Hntton  the  Rabbits. 


The  Pigeons  wore  the  best  collection  we  have  ever  seen  since  the 
Crystal  Palace  Show.  In  old  Carriers  Mr.  Fulton  won  the  cup  and 
all  the  prizes,  save  one  by  Mr.  Massey,  who  also  showed  an  unnoticed 
couple  of  Black  hens,  which  we  think  deserved  a  better  fate.  In 
young  Carriers  between  twenty  and  thirty  kinds  competed — a  sufficient 
proof,  if  any  were  wanting,  that  prizes  for  young  Pigeons  as  well  as 
old  will  before  long  be  the  rule  and  not  the  exception.  The  first  prize 
went  to  a  Dun  from  Mr.  Massey,  the  second  to  Mr.  Holt  for  a  good 
Black.  They  were  a  very  good  lot,  and  gave  the  Judge  some  trouble. 
In  Pouters  Mr.  Fulton  again  won  all  the  prizes,  save  one  by  Mr. 
Harvey.  For  Almonds  the  cup  went  to  Mr.  P.  H.  Jones,  who  had  a 
pair  in  good  feather,  but  a  wry-beaked  hen  ought  to  have  kept  them 
out  of  the  prize  list,  as  there  were  other  good  birds,  notably  a  pair 
belonging  to  Mr.  Stanley,  not  noticed,  on  account  of  being  in  the 
moult,  we  presume.  In  the  class  for  Tumblers  of  any  other  variety 
the  prize  went  to  Yellows.  Jacobins  were  fair.  Fantails  were  good 
and  plentiful,  but  in  Owls  the  cup  was  won  by  the  best  pair  we  have 
seen.  Turbits  were  not  out  of  the  common.  Of  Barbs  there  were 
some  good  birds,  Captain  Heaton  winning  both  prizes,  but  closely 
pressed  by  a  very  good  pair  of  Blacks  from  a  new  exhibitor  of  this 
breed,  Mr.  Ord.  Of  young  Barbs  there  were  also  some  very  good 
birds  ;  but  several  exhibitors  sent  two  cocks  instead  of  a  pair,  which, 
we  hear,  as  well  as  showing  old  for  young,  will  be  treated  with  a  strong 
arm  at  the  Palace  Show.  The  first  prize  went  to  Captain  Heaton  for 
a  very  ancient-looking  cock,  the  second  to  Mr.  Walker,  and  the  extra 
second  to  Mr.  Frank  Smith  for  a  couple  that  had  evidently  had  their 
lower  beaks  cut.  For  Dragoons  the  prizes  went  to  Blues  and  Yellows  ; 
and  in  the  class  for  Any  other  distinct  variety  there  were  good  birds 
of  all  sorts. 

In  Rabbits,  for  the  best  Lop-eared,  Mr.  Easten  won  the  cnp  with  a 
very  good  specimen.  Mr.  Hudson  won  in  Silver-Greys,  though  we 
preferred  those  shown  by  Mr.  Royds. 

Dorkings—  Cock—  I,  F.  Parlett,  Great  Baddow.  2,  B.  Dawson,  he,  H. 
Woods,  Mansfield:  Mrs.  Sennions,  Aylesbury;  S.  H.  Stott.  Rochdale,  c,  J. 
White,  Warlahy.  Hens  or  Pullets— 1,  Hon.  H.  W.  Fitzwilliara,  Wentworth 
Woodhouse.  2,  O.  E.  Cresswell,  Hanworth.  he,  H.  Woods ;  B.  Dawson,  Ley- 
bourne:  G.  Clarke.  Long  Sntton ;  H.  Savile,  Rufford  Abbey ;  F.  Parlett;  Henry 
Lingwood,  Barking.  Needham  Market.  - 

Cochin-China.  —  Cock.  -  1  and  Cnp,  Lady  Gwydyr,  Stoke  Tark,  Ipswich. 
2,  Horace  Lingwood.  he,  H.  H.  Bletsoe,  Barnwell,  Oundle  :  Henry  Lingwood. 
c,  W.  Sanday.  Radcliffc-on-Trent :  C.  Sidgwick,  Rydiilesden  Hall,  Keighley ;  H. 
H.  Bletsoe.  Hens  or  Pullets— Cnp,  Henry  Lingwood.  2,  J.  Dutton,  Ipswich. 
vhe,  Lady  Gwydvr.  he,  W.  Sandav ;  C.  Sidgwick ;  H.  H.  Blet  soe :  J.  K.  Fowler, 
Aylesbury,  Mrs.  J.  Clarke,  Long  Sutton;  J.  Cattcll;  J.  Sichcl ;  Horace  Ling- 
wood, Creating,  Needham  Market ;  J.  Watts,  King's  Heath,  Birmingham, 
c,  Mrs.  A.  Woodcock.  Rearsby,  Leicester. 

Brahma*.— folk.  —  1,  Horace  Lingwood.  2,  G.  F.  Whitehouse.  he:  Dr. 
Holmes,  Whitecotes,  Chesterfield.  Hens  or  Pullets.— 1.  ,T.  Sichel,  Lark  Hill, 
Tiniperlev.    2,  Lady  Gwydyr.    he,  J.  Watts  ;  G.  F.  Whitehouse,  King's  Heath, 


296 


JOUBNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  13,  1870. 


Birmingham;  J.  K.  Fowler;  J.  Thompson,  Netheredge,  Birmingham,    e,  Dr. 
Holmes. 

Spanish.— Cock—1,  J.  Mansell.  2.  E.  Brown,  he,  H. Beldon,  Binpley.  Hens 
or  Pullets— I,  F.  James.    2,  H.  Beldon.    he,  B.  Brown. 

Hamburohs.— Gold  or  Silver-spangled.—  Cock— 1,  H.  Pickles,  jnn.,  Earby. 
2,  T.  May.  he,  MiBS  C.  E.  Palmer ;  A.  Woods ;  L.  Wren ;  S.  S.  Mossop ;  T. 
Walker,  jnn.  c,  T.  Walker,  inn.  Hens  or  Pullets.-l,  G.  C.  Holt  2.  T.  Walker, 
jnn.  he,  Miss  C.  E.  Palmer:  A.  Woods,  Sefton.  Liverpool:  G.  C.  Holt;  W. 
Adams,  St.  Clements,  Ipswich ;  S.  S.  Mossop  :  T.  Walker,  jnn. ;  H.  Beldon  ; 
A9hton  &  Booth,  Mottram;  H.  Pickles,  jnn.;  H.  Yardley,  Birmingham.  Gold 
or  Silver  pencilled  .—Cock .—Cup  and  2,  H.  Beldon.  he,  J.  Preston.  Allerton; 
H.  Pickles,  jnn.;  W.  K.  Tickner,  Ipswich,  c,  A.  WoodB.  Bens  or  Pullets.— 
Cop.  H.  Beldon.  2.  H.  Pickles,  jnn.  he,  A.  Cole.  Long  Sntton  (2) ;  H.  Beldon ; 
E.  R.  Parker ;  H.  Pickles,  jon.    c,  J.  PreBton ;  A.  WoodB. 

Game.-  Black-breasted  or  other  Beds.— Cup  and  2,  J.  Laming.  Spalding. 
he,  E.  Bell,  Bnrton-ou-Trent ;  J.  PreBton ;  S.  Matthew,  Stowmarket.  Any 
other  Variety.— \,  S.  Matthew  (Duck-wing).    2,  J.  Laming. 

Bantams.  —  Black  or  White.— I,  G.  Clarke.  2,  S.  &  R.  Aahton.  he,  S.  S. 
Mossop;  T.  C.  Harrison,  Hull,  c,  S.  &  R.  Ashton;  T.  Dvson,  Halifax.  Any 
other  Variety— \,  B.  S.  Lowndes  (Pekin).  2.  T.  C.  Harrison  (Silver-laced). 
he,  T.  C.  Harrison  (Gold-laced) :  H.  Beldon  (Pekin  and  DreBdenl ;  H.  Draycott, 
Buniberstone  (Japanese) ;  H.  Yardlev.  e,  Rev.  A.  G.  Brooke,  Rnyton  XI-Towns 
(Maltese);  J.  WattB.  Game— Black-breasted  Reds.— \,  F.  Steel,  Slump  Cross. 
Halifax.  2,  G.  Maples,  jun.,  Wavertree.  he,  W.  Adams;  F.  Steel;  W.  F. 
Entwisle,  Cleckheaton;  T.  Barker;  H.  Shumach;  G.  Maples,  jun. ;  J.Eaton, 
FarnBeld.  Brown-breasted  Beds— Cup  and  c,  W.  F.  Entwisle.  2,  H.  Shumach. 
lie,  W.  Greaves,  Brad  ford.  Any  other  Variety— 1,  W.  F.  Entwisle  (Duekwings). 
2,  H.  Shumach.    he,  W.  F.  Entwisle;  J.  Eaton  (Pile). 

Ant  other  Variety.— Cup,  T.  Walker,  jun.  (Black  Hamburghs).  2,  Mrs.  E. 
CroBS  (Creve-Coeurs)  S,  H.  Pickles,  jnn.  i.  Hon.  H.  W.  Fitzwilliam  (Creve- 
Cceurs).  lie,  G.  T.  Phillips  (Houdans);  G.  Si.lgwick  (Bla.-k  Hamburghs);  Hon. 
C.  W.  Fitzwillism  (La  Fleehe) ;  H.  S.  Fraser  (Houdans) ;  W.  K.  Patrick,  WeBt 
Winch,  Lynn  (S)  (Polands);  Rev.  A.  G.  Brooke  (Malavl;  J.  O.  Hobson  (Creve- 
Cceurs);  s.  S.  Mossop;  J.  K.  Fowler  (French);  H.  Beldon  (Polands);  J.  J. 
Maiden  (Creve-Cienrs) ;  W.  H.  Tomlinson  (BufT  Polands);  T.  Dean  (White- 
crested  Black  Polands).  c,  H.  Savile  (Japanese  Silkies);  Mrs.  Seamons  (Silkies) 
Ornamental  Birds— 1,  J.  Mayes  (Gold  PheaBants).  2  and  c,  H.  Savile 
(Young  Silver  Pheasants  and  Silver  Pheasants),  he,  B.  S.  Lowndes,  Stony 
Stratford  (Gold  Pheasants);  MisB  M.  Dodson  (Australian  Shell  Parrots);  J. 
Watts  (Silver  PheaBants);  H.  Savile  (Gold  Cock  Pheasants);  S.  S.  Mossop 
(Foreign  Birds);  J.  K.  Fowler;  J.  Nutt,  Long  Sutton  (Bengal  Parrot);  G.  Clarke 
(Gold  and  Silver  PheaBants). 

Tdreevb  (Any  variety).— 1,  G.  R,  PearBon,  Witham  Common.  2,  M.  Kew, 
Market  Overton,    he,  E.  Leech ;  G.  R.  Pearson,    c.  T.  M.  Derry. 

Ducks—  .Rouen— 1,  S.  S.  Mossop.  2,  J.  White,  he,  A.  Wood's  ;  J.  K.  Fowler; 
W.  H.  RobBou,  Nor;h  Reston,  Louth  (2).  c,  Mrs.  Clarke  (i).  Aylesbury.— 1,  E. 
Leech.  2,  Mrs.  Seamons.  he.  J.  K.  Fowler;  Mrs.  Seamons.  Any  other 
Variety.— I,  A.  &  J.  Triekett  ICarolinas).  2,  S.  Burn.  Whit'iy  (Black  East 
Indian),  c,  S.  &  R.  Ashton  (Shell);  T.  C.  Harrison;  F.  E.  Schoneld  (Black 
East  Indian). 

Geese  (Any  variety).— 1.  Rev.  G.  HuBtler,  Stillingfleet,  York.  2,  Mrs.  Sea- 
mons.    ire,  E.  Leech.  Korhdalo.     c.  J.  H.  Barker  ((irev. 

Selling  Class  (26).— 1,  H.  Beldon.  he,  F.  Parlett  (Coloured  Dorking);  E. 
Brown  (Spanish);  G.  Clarke  (Dorking),  c,  A.&  J.  Triekett  (East  Indian);  C. 
Lnyland  (Brahma);  G.  Clarke  (Dorking);  J.  Stephens  (CocbinB).  (27).— 1.  H. 
PickleB,  jun.  (Polands).  2.  MrB.  E.  CroBB  (Creve-Cceurs).  he,  J.  Preston  ;  W.  J 
Woodhouse:  H.  Beldon;  W.  F.  Entwisle;  W.K. Tickner  (Gold-pencilled Ham- 
burghs);  S.  Beighton  (Black  Red  Bantams). 

Couple  of  Fowls  or  Ducks.— 1,  S-  S.  Mossop.  2,  G.  Clarke  (Cross  between 
Dorking  Cock  and  Partridge  Cochin  Hen),  he.  T.  E.  Cole;  G.  Skelton  (White 
Cochin  and  Coloured  Dorking) ;  T.  M.  Derry  (Partridge  Cochin  and  Dorking) ; 
G.  Clarke,    c,  T.  M.  Derry. 

PIGEONS. 
Carriers  (Black).— Coek.—I  and  2,  R.  Fulton,  he,  W.  Massey,  Spalding; 
J.C.  Ord.Pimlico;  H.  Yardley;  F.  Smith,  e,  S.  Campain.  jnn.  Hen— Cup, 
1,  and  2,  R.  Fulton,  Deptford.  he.  T.  W.  Metcalfe,  Cambridge;  R.  Fulton. 
c,  F.  Smith.  Any  Variety—  Cock—  1,  R.  Fnlton.  2,  W.  Massey.  fteand  e.  J.  C. 
Ord.    Ben.— 1  and  2,  R.  Fulton.    Young  Birds.— 1,  W.  Massey.    2,  G.C.Holt. 

Pouters  (Red  or  Blue).— Cock—  1.  2,  and  he,  R.  Fulton.  Hen—  I,  2,  and  he, 
R-  Fnlton.  Any  other  Colour.— Cock.— 1  and  he,  R.  Fulton.  2,  W.  Harvey. 
Hen.— 1,  2,  and  he,  R.  Fulton,    e,  W.  Harvey. 

Tumblers  (Almond).— Cup  and  1,  P.  H.  Jones,  Fulham.  2.  J.  H.  Ivimy,  Sing- 
field,  he,  F.  Key,  Beverley;  R.  Fulton.  Any  other  Colour— -1,  R.  Fulton 
(Yellows).  2,  W.  J.  WoodhouBe.  he,  F.  Graham  (Beards);  W.  J.  Woodhouse 
(Baldheadsl;  J.  H.  Ivimy  (Yellow  Agates). 

Jaoorins.— 1,  T.  C.  &  E.  Nowbitt.  2,  R.  Fulton,  he,  R.  G.  Saunders,  Leven, 
Beverley. 

Fantails.— 1  and  2,  J.  T.  Loversidge.  he,  F.  Graham,  Birkenhead;  H. 
Yardley ;  F.  Smith,    c,  W.  Harvey ;  H.  Beldon. 

Owls.— L  R.  Fulton  (White).  2,  W.  Harvey,  Sheffield,  he,  P.  H.  Jones  ;  J. 
Fielding,  Rochdale,    e,  S.  A.  Wvllie. 

Turbits— 1,  T.  C.  A.  E.  Newbitt.  Epworth.  2,  E.  T.  Drew  (Silver),  c,  G.  H. 
Gregory,  Taunton  (Blue);  R.  D.  Borne.  Boston. 

Earbs.— 1  and  2,  H.  Heaton  (Dun  and  Blackl.  he,  J.  C.  Ord :  J.  Fielding,  jun. 
Young  Birds.-l,  H.  Heaton,  Worsley.  2,  E.  Walker.  Extra  2,  F.  Smith,  he,  W. 
MaBsey. 

Dragoons. — 1  and  2,  F.tGraham. 

Any  other  Variety  — 1,  G.  Sturgess  (Egyptian  Swifts).  2.  H.  Beldon.  he,  F, 
Graham  ;  R.  Fulton  ;  Lady  F.  Bushby  (Blue  Runts) ;  W.  Harvey ;  S.  A.  Wvllie 
(Runts);  T.  C.&E.  Newbitt;  H.  Snushall.    c,  —  Arkwright  (Amwerpe). 

Selling  Class  —I,  G.  Roper,  Crovdon  (Jacobins).  2,  H.  Beldon.  he,  G.  H. 
Gregory  ;  H.  N.  Harvey  (Barbs) ;  J.  Watts  (2) ;  W.  Harvey ;  H.  Yardley. 

RABBITS. 

Lop— 1  and  Cup,  A.  H.  Easten  (Black  and  White  Buck).  2.  J.  Irving,  he,  A. 
H.  Easten  (Tortoiseshell  Doe):  J.  Priestly  (Fawn  Buck);  C.  Gravill,  jun., 
Thome ;  H.  J.  Tomlinson ;  K.  Vanghan,  Birmingham  (Yellow  and  White 
Spanish  Buck);  T.  Mumby  (Yellow  and  White  Buck);  J.  Boyle,  jun. 

Any  other  PnRE  Breed.— 1,  S.  G.  Hudson.  2,  J.  Preston  (Himalavan). 
he,  E.  E.  M.  Royds,  Rochdale  (Silver-Grey) ;  A.  H.  Easten  (Silver-Grey);  R.  S. 
Rothell,  Rochdale  (Himalayan):  S.  G.  Hudson,  Hull  (Silver-Grev) ;  j. Boyle, 
jun.  (Himalayan  and  Grey  and  White  Dutch). 

Heaviest.-1,  Mrs.  Arkwnght  (Yellow  and  White  Doe).  2.  T.  Mumby,  Long 
Sutton  (Grey  and  White  Doe),  he.  A.  H.  Easten  (Doe) ;  S.  Butterworth.  c,  J. 
Taylor ;  E.  Vaughan  (Grey  and  White  Spanish  Doe). 


Great  Queen  Street,  Lincoln's  Inn,  from  8  to  10  p.m.  on 
November  1st  and  15th,  December  6th  and  20th,  January  3rd 
and  17th,  Febrnary  7th  and  22nd,  and  March  1st.  Visitors  are 
admitted  by  a  member's  card,  or  by  writing  to  the  Honorary 
Secretary,  Mr.  P.  H.  Jones,  37,  High  Street,  Fulham,  S.W. 


Subscriptions  to  the  French  Variety  Cup  at  South- 
ampton.— Mrs.  Leopold  Paget,  5s. ;  Mrs.  Pattison,  10s. ;  Miss 
T.  K.  Barnes,  5s.  ;  the  Rev.  N.  Ridley,  10s. ;  the  Rev.  J.  Ward, 
5s. ;  Mr.  R.  B.  Wood,  10s. :  Mr.  W.  O.  Quibell,  5s.  Total— 
£2  10s.  Any  further  subscriptions  will  be  thankfully  reoeived 
by  H.  S.  Fraser,  Etq.,  Headley,  Liphook,  Hampshire. 


The   National  Peristeronio   Society.— The  meetings  for 
the  season  1870-71  will  be  held  at  the  Freemasons'  Tavern, 


TONBRIDGE  "WELLS  POULTRY  SHOW. 

This  Show  was  held  on  the  7th  inst.,  and  surpassed  any  previous, 
shows  that  have  been  held  here.  About  130  pens  were  exhibited,  and 
next  year  the  Show  is  to  be  larger  and  pens  are  to  be  provided,  as  this 
year  each  exhibitor  had  to  find  his  own  pen,  which  rather  diminished 
the  number  of  entries  ;  nevertheless,  the  birds  were  mostly  very  good 
specimens,  and  in  some  classes  the  competition  was  severe. 

Spanish  headed  the  list,  and  a  very  pood  class  they  were.  Dorhingsy 
also,  were  well  represented.  In  Brahmas,  Barks  were  first,  Light 
second,  in  a  generally  good  class.  Hamburghs,  for  the  south,  were  well 
represented ;  the  prize  pens  were  all  good,  and  the  competition  was 
large.  Qame  were  fairly  shown,  and  the  first-prize  pen  excellent; 
hardly  any  of  the  specimens  were  dubbed.  The  French  diss  was  fine. 
The  first-prize  pen  came  from  North  Wales.  Mr.  Dring's  Creve-Cceurs 
seemed  well  worthy  of  a  commendation,  but  they  had  not  this  honour ; 
his  second-prize  Houdans  promise  to  be  future  prizetakers.  In  the 
"  Variety  class  "  Silkies  were  first,  White  Cochins  second.  This  was 
a  large  class.  The  Ducks  were  all  good.  The  Aylesbnrys  were  first- 
class.  Miss  Hawker's  Peruvian  drake  must  have  been  very  early 
hatched  indeed,  quite  on  the  daybreak  of  the  1st  of  January,  as  for  an 
1870  bird  he  seemed  to  be  in  very  forward  plumage. 

There  was  a  fair  show  of  Pigeons.  Mr.  Yardley  showed  a  pretty 
collection  of  six  pairs  of  different  kinds.     Below  is  the  prize  list : — 

Spanish— 1,  F.  James,  Peokham.  2,  E.  G.  W.  Stratford,  Addington  Park* 
Maidstone,  c,  F.  C.  Hore,  Tonbridge.  Dorkingp.— 1,  G.  Field,  Ashurst,  Ton- 
bridge  Wells.  2,  A.  Arnold,  Lamherhurst.  8,  E.  G.  W.  Stratford,  c,  J.  Field, 
Tonbridge  Wells.  Brahmas— 1,  R.  G.  W.  Stratford.  2,  H.  Mitchell,  Catford 
Bridge,  Sussex,  c.  Miss  Kelsey  ;  W.  Dring.  Faversham.  Hamburohs. — Golden- 
spangled— 1.  W.  Taylor.  Maidstone.  Golden-pencilled—  1,  R.  S.  S.  Woodgate. 
Pembury,  Tonbridge  Wells,  c,  W.  Taylor :  R.  S.  S.  Woodgate.  Silver-pen^ 
cilled.—\,  Mrs.  Miller,  Tonbridge  Wells.  Silver-spangled.— I,  W.  Taylor,  c.  J. 
Lopwirth.  Game.— 1.  Mrs.  Lee,  PenshurBt.  2,  J.  Jeskin,  Eltham.  3.  E.  G.  W. 
Stratford,  c,  Earl  of  Abergavenny.  French.— 1,  Miss  E.  Williams,  Welshpool, 
2,  W.  Dring.  Any  other  Variety.— Chickens.— 1,  Mi6s  Hawker,  Tonbridge 
Wells.  2.  R.  S.  S.  Woodgate  (White  Cochlne).  Adults.— 1.  J.  Field.  2,  Mrs. 
Miller,  e,  R.  S.  S.  Woodgate  (White  Cochins).  Bantams— 1,  E.  G.  W.  Strat- 
ford (Game),    2,  A.  C.  Kamsden.  Ashurst  (Japanese),    c,  F.  Hore.    Turkeys.— 

1,  Sir  D.  Salomons,  Bart.,  M.P.,  Tonbridge  Wells.  2.  J.  Patchett,  Mayfield, 
Sussex.  Geese.— 1,  A.  J.  Beresford  Hope,  M.P.,  Bedgbury  Park,  Kent.  2,  G. 
Reid,  Broadwater,  Sussex.     Dtjcks.— Aylesbury. — 1,  G.  Wax,   Frant,  Sussex. 

2,  Mrs.  C.  Roberts,  Frant  c.  F.  Edgehill.  Rouen— 1,  A.  Pattcbell,  Mayfield. 
2,  Rev.  R.  Hill,  Fraut.  Aivi  other  Variety.— 1,  Mrs.  Lee.  2,  MiS3  Hawker,  c,  A. 
Patchett. 

Pigeons.— 1,  H.  Yardley,  Birmingham.  2,  A.  A.'  Meersch,  Catford  Bridge. 
Extra  2,  G.  Ware,    e,  Mrs.  C.  Roberts. 

Mr.  M.  Headley.  of  Redbill,  was  the  Judge. 


Scarborough  Canary  Show. — Do  not  forget  the  entries  close 
on  the  loth.  The  schedule  is  comprehensive  though  somewhat 
condensed,  but  by  liberal  support  the  Committee  will  be  encou- 
raged to  extend  their  prize  list  next  season.  It  is  the  second 
annual  exhibition,  and  I  hope  will  become  one  of  the  perma- 
nent fixtures  in  the  "  northern  circuit." — W.  A.  B. 


HISTORY   OF    THE   BRAHMAS. 

I  oive  below  all  the  facts  relating  to  the  early  history  of  the 
Brahma  Pootra  fowls  I  can  call  to  mind  at  this  late  day.  At 
an  earlier  day  I  could  have  given  a  history  of  these  fowls  more 
satisfactory  to  myself — i  c,  more  fully  than  I  can  now  ;  never- 
theless, so  far  as  it  goes,  the  truth  of  it  cannot  be  questioned. 

1st,  Mr.  Chambenaine's  Christian  name  is  Nelson  H. 

2nd,  The  Eailor's  name  I  never  made  a  note  of,  and  cannot 
give  it. 

3rd,  The  ship  arrived  in  New  York  in  September,  lslfi.  The 
first  brood  came  out  in  May,  1847.  I  purchased  the  most  of 
that  brood  in  August,  and  the  old  pair  the  April  following. 

4'h,  The  name  of  the  port  from  which  the  ship  sailed  with 
the  fowls  on  board  is  Lnckipoor.  This  port  is  op  from  the 
mouth  of  the  Brahma  Pootra  river,  in  India.  The  name  of 
the  ship  I  cannot  give,  neither  can  I  give  the  name  of  the 
captain.  Did  not  at  the  time  think  it  of  importance,  and  made 
no  record  of  it. 

5th,  The  Brahmas  were  first  exhibited  in  Boston  by  Mr. 
Hatch,  of  Haoipton,  Conn.,  under  the  name  of  Grey  Chitta- 
gongs,  in  IS.jO.  I  declined  exhibiting  mine  at  that  time  :  I 
believed  them  to  be  a  breed  different  from  the  Chittagong,  and 
preferred  to  accumulate  stock  and  test  them  further  before 
bringing  them  out  publicly. 

6th,  I  attended  the  exhibition  at  Boston,  and  oontended  that 


October  13, 1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OP   HORTICULTURE   AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


297 


tbey  differed  from  the  Chittagongs,  and  should  pass  under  a 
different  name.  A  committee  was  appointed,  and  the  name 
Brabma  Pootra  given ;  it  being  the  name  of  the  great  river 
from  the  banka  of  which  they  oame.  The  name  was  then 
established. 

7tb,  Weight  of  cocks,  lull-sized,  12  to  14  lbs. ;  cocks,  six  to 
seven  months,  9  to  10  lbe.  Hens  when  first  introduced  9  to 
10  lbs. 

8tb,  I  did  notice  the  "pea-comb"  on  the  first  birds.  It  was 
small.  It  was  not  so  with  all,  and  vet  it  appeared  different 
from  the  comb  of  the  Chittagong. 

9th,  There  was  no  degeneracy  in  the  birds  of  my  breeding. 
I  had  some  specimens  larger  than  the  imported  birds.  I  sold 
no  birds  until  December,  1850.  I  sold  at  first  at  12  dolls,  per 
pair,  and  soon  after  from  15  dolls,  to  50  dolls,  per  pair.  The 
price  went  up  as  the  fowls  became  better  known,  and  recognised 
as  a  distinct  breed. 

lOtb,  I  bred  them  eight  years,  when  my  health  failed,  and  I 
was  obliged  to  leave  all  care  for  a  time. 

11th,  There  was  a  tendency  to  throw  dark  chickens,  but  a 
greater  tendenoy  to  become  lighter,  and  yet  not  white  like  the 
White  Dorking.  AH  breeds  cf  fowls  having  dark  and  light 
feathers  can  be  varied  either  way  to  darker  or  lighter  by  choos- 
ing always  the  darkest  or  the  lightest  for  breeders.  If  our  stock 
of  Brahmas  is  pure  and  they  are  allowed  to  breed  together 
promiscuously,  the  variation  in  colour  will  be  slight.  I  never 
bred  to  either  extreme. — Virgil  Cornish — (Poultry  Bulletin.) 


THE  NEW  METHODS  OF  CONTROLLING  THE 
FERTILISATION  OF  THE  QUEEN  BEE. 

Referring  to  Mr.  Dax'a  method  of  controlling  the  fertilisa- 
tion of  queens,  Mr.  Kohl,  a  beekeeper  of  Arnstadt,  Thuringia, 
makes  the  following  statement. 

"  On  the  17th  June,  1868,  Mr.  H.,  a  tailor  of  B ,  whom 

I  know  to  be  a  thinking  and  able  bee-master,  related  to  me  as 
follows  : — 

"  Last  July  one  of  my  oolonies  (which  are  all  domiciled  in 
Dzierzon  hives),  which  I  had  purposely  deprived  of  its  queen, 
hatched  out  a  young  one.  I  instructed  my  son,  a  young  man 
nineteen  years  of  age,  and  by  no  means  inexperienced  in  bee- 
keeping, to  watch  the  bees  carefully  during  my  absence  in 
church,  and  to  pay  especial  attention  to  this  particular  hive, 
the  young  queen  of  which  I  had  not  yet  seen,  but  whose  exist- 
ence was  according  to  my  calculations  perfectly  certain,  and 
who  might  possibly  take  a  wedding  flight  during  my  absence. 
On  my  return  my  son  informed  me  that  the  young  queen  had 
made  her  appearance  on  the  alighting-board,  and  had  attempted 
to  take  wing,  but  had  fallen  down  and  was  still  crawling  about 
in  the  sand.  I  immediately  sought  for  and  found  her,  when  I 
discovered  to  my  extreme  chagrin  that  although  her  wings  were 
fully  developed,  she  was  perfectly  unable  to  fly.  From  sheer 
pity  I  allowed  her  to  crawl  from  my  hand  into  the  hive.  The 
next  day  she  reappeared,  repeated  her  vain  efforts  to  fly,  aod 
again  fell  to  the  ground.  I  took  her  up  as  gently  as  before  and 
examined  her  minutely,  but  failed  to  discover  the  cause  of  her 
incapacity.  I  observed  symptoms  which  determined  me  to 
make  an  experiment  with  her. 

"  For  this  purpose  I  confined  her  under  a  large  tumbler,  to- 
gether with  ten  drones  from  another  hive.  About  ten  minutes 
afterwards  I  looked  at  her  again,  and  saw  evidence  that  fertilisa- 
tion had  taken  place,  and  could  only  regret  that  I  had  not  kept 
a  constant  watch  upon  her.  I  replaced  her  in  her  hive,  and 
three  days  afterwards  I  satisfied  myself  that  she  was  still  there, 
and  that  to  my  extreme  delight  the  had  commenced  egg-laying. 
From  that  time  the  colony  increased  rapidly,  and  is  now  one 
of  my  strongest  stocks,  although  still  retaining  the  same 
queen . 

"  After  this  aooidental  discovery  I  made  a  further  experiment 
in  April,  1868,  being  induced  to  do  so  by  the  possession  of  a 
stock  which  had  beoome  queenless  during  the  winter.  This  I 
supplied  with  a  brood  comb  so  as  to  enable  it  to  raise  a  queen, 
the  fecundation  of  which  appeared  possible  even  so  early  in  the 
season,  since  I  had  already  found  several  drones  in  another 
hive.  When  the  young  queen  had  hatched  out,  I  placed  her 
with  a  few  drones  under  a  tumbler,  where  I  left  her  for  a 
quarter  of  an  hour,  and  saw  that  in  this  case  also  fertilisation 
had  taken  place.  Both  stocks,  with  queens  which  have  been 
fertilised  under  tumblers,  are  at  this  moment  in  the  most 


flourishing  condition,  as  may  be  witnessed  by  anyone  who  likes 
to  pay  a  visit  to  my  apiary,  and  to  whom  I  shall  have  pleasure 
in  opening  my  hives  and  submitting  them  to  inspection." 


HOW  LONG  ARE  YOUNG  QUEENS  IN 
EMBRYO  ? 

I  have  read  with  very  great  pleasure  the  various  letters 
which  appeared  in  your  oolumns  from  the  pens  of  the  "  Devon- 
shire Bee-kbepbr  "  and  Mr.  Pettigrew  on  the  question  "  How 
long  are  young  queens  in  embryo?"  The  "Devonshire: 
Bee-keeper  "  maintains  that  sixteen  days  are  required  for 
hatching,  while  Mr.  Pettigrew  holds  with  equal  tenacity  that 
fourteen  days  only  are  necessary  for  this  purpose.  I  have  to 
congratulate  both  writers  on  the  fine  spirit  they  show,  the 
evident  love  of  fairplay  which  characterises  their  letters,  and 
their  earnest  desire  to  arrive  at  the  truth  ;  and  while  each 
holds  to  his  own  opinion  with  great  firmness,  yet  I  believe 
great  good  will  be  the  result  by  leading  others  to  examine  for 
themselves. 

I  was  anxious  to  know  the  opinions  of  other  authors  on 
this  rather  important  matter,  and  referred  to  Langstroth  "  On 
the  Honey  Bee,"  where,  at  page  40,  he  says,  "  The  respective 
stages  of  the  royal  bee  are  as  follows  :  she  passes  three  days  in 
the  egg,  and  is  fire  a  worm.  The  workers  then  close  her  cell, 
and  she  immediately  begins  spinning  her  cocoon,  which  occu- 
pies her  twenty-four  hours.  On  tbe  tenth  and  eleventh  days, 
and  a  part  of  the  twelfth,  as  if  exhausted  by  labour,  she  re- 
mains in  complete  repose.  Then  she  passes  four  days  and  a 
part  of  the  fifth  as  a  nymph."  It  is  on  the  sixteenth  day, 
therefore,  that  the  perfect  state  of  queen  is  attained.  But  at 
page  GC,  where  he  speaks  of  artificial  queen-rearing,  he  says, 
"  In  from  eleven  to  fourteen  days  they  are  in  possession  of  a 
new  queen,  in  all  respeots  resembling  one  reared  in  the  natural 
way."  So  that  Langstroth  and  the  "  Devonshire  Bee-keeper  " 
are  agreed  as  regards  rearing  by  the  natural  way. 

I  then  opened  a  somewhat  portly  volume,  Huish  on  "Bees: 
their  Natural  History  and  General  Management,"  but  his 
chief  object  is  evidently  to  treat  with  scorn  and  contempt  the 
various  opinions  advanced  by  Huber,  who,  perhaps,  has  done 
more  than  any  other  individual  for  the  advancement  of  apia- 
rian science,  and  who  has  been  very  properly  named  "  Prince 
of  Apiarians."  According  to  Huish  the  egg  of  the  queen 
takes  about  twenty-two  days  from  the  time  of  its  emission 
from  the  ovarium  of  the  mother  queen  until  the  insect  arrives 
at  its  maturity.     See  page  80  of  his  work. 

Having  now  had  considerable  practical  experience,  and  de- 
voted much  time  to  the  study  of  this  branch  of  rural  economy, 
as  well  as  from  frequent  observations  made  in  the  rearing  of 
queens,  both  naturally  and  artificially,  I  am  convinced  that,  as 
a  general  rule,  the  time  occupied  in  hatching  is  under  sixteen 
days. 

I  will  now  place  before  your  readers  my  IateBt  experiment  on 
this  matter.  Being  desirous  to  introduce  fresh  blood  into  my 
apiary,  which  all  bee-masters  should  occasionally  do,  I  applied 
to  a  friend,  some  thirty  miles  distant,  to  see  if  he  could  accom- 
modate me  with  a  frame  containing  eggs,  in  order  that  I  might 
raise  for  myself  young  queens.  This  he  willingly  acoeded  to, 
and  on  the  evening  of  the  17th  of  August  my  longed-for 
treasure  arrived,  and  on  tbe  following  day,  the  18th,  was  trans- 
ferred to  a  hive  which  contained  neither  queen  nor  eggs.  On 
the  23rd  I  found  six  cells  completely  sealed  over.  Again  on 
the  26th  I  had  another  inspection,  and  found  two  cells  addi- 
tional, or  eight  in  all.  Next  day,  the  27th,  I  was  under  the 
necessity  of  going  to  Arran  to  take  some  honey  from  my  hives 
there,  and  during  my  absence  I  left  them  under  the  charge  of 
a  friend,  in  whom  I  had  confidence,  and  whom  I  will  now  allow 
to  speak  for  himself.  "  Early  on  the  morning  of  the  29th  (or 
the  eleventh  daj)  I  opened  your  hive  containing  queen  cells, 
and  to  my  great  surprise  found  two  cells  empty ;  one  of  the 
queens  I  found  running  stealthily  along  the  combs,  the  other, 
as  was  to  be  expected,  I  found  dead  on  the  bottom  of  the  hive. 
On  the  following  morning,  the  30th  (or  the  twelfth  day),  I 
found  two  more  hatched,  one  on  each  side  of  the  comb,  both 
alive,  but  one  of  them,  being  weakly,  soon  died  ;  the  other  was 
engaged  in  a  violent  and  murderous  attack  upon  the  cell 
nearest  maturity,  and  the  inmate  of  which  was  dragged  out 
dead  about  midday.  An  hour  afterwards  the  sixth  left  its  cell 
strong  and  healthy.  On  September  1st  (or  the  fourteenth  daj) 
the  seventh  and  eighth  made  their  appearance,  and,  taking  all 


298 


JOURNAL  OF  HOBTICULTUKE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  IS,  1870. 


things  into  consideration,  I  have  to  congratulate  you  on  your 

8UCC6B8." 

So  far,  then,  this  is  tbe  result  of  my  latest  experiment,  and 
it  only  tends  to  confirm  the  opinions  1  had  previously  formed, 
and  which  have  been  already  expressed,  and  now  unhesitat- 
ingly state  my  opinion  that  the  maximum  time  occupied  in 
hatching  a  queen  is  fourteen  days. — A  Stewarton  Apiarian. 


OUR  LETTER  BOX. 

Exchange  (A.  Johnston). — We  insert  in  a  special  column  exchanges 
desired.  If  yon  send  twelve  postage  stamps,  and  Btate  what  you  wish,  the 
statement  will  be  inserted  in  that  column. 

Dorking  Coch's  Comb  Discoloured  (Dorking). — It  is  sometimes  in- 
dicative of  failing  condition.  Sometimes  at  this  season  of  the  year  it  is 
caused  by  the  sharp  morning  frosts,  which  begin  about  this  time.  At 
other  times  it  springs  from  eating  improper  food,  or  not  digesting  that 
which  is  eaten.  In  either  case  your  first  remedy  is  to  give  a  tablespoonful 
of  castor  oil,  follow  it  wi*h  Baily's  pills,  feed  principally  on  ground  oats, 
and  give  no  whole  corn  for  a  time.  Dorkings  in  confinement  require 
more  watching  than  any  other  breed,  and  it  is  beneficial,  when  this  ap- 
pearance of  comb  is  seen,  to  give  a  couple  of  pills  ef  camphor,  each  the 
size  of  a  garden  pea. 

Leghorn  and  Jersey  Fowls  (M.  H.).— We  do  not  know  them.  People 
take  strange  liberties  in  naming  fowls. 

Cochin -China's  Feathers  Projecting  (Baff).— In  your  young  cocks 
yon  are  plagued  with  twisted  wings.  They  will  not  come  right  in  moult- 
ing. We  have  tried  various  experiments,  but  have  never  succeeded,  and 
it  is,  unfortunately,  hereditary.  As  it  is  an  eyesore,  you  can  improve  the 
appearance  of  the  birds  (when  the  new  flight  feather*  are  hard)  by 
catting  them  off  halfway  up,  and  tying  them  under  the  rest  of  the  wing. 
We  have  two  otherwise  fine  birds  that  are  so  disfigured,  and  are  half  dis- 
posed to  piDion  them  as  we  do  wild  fowls.  They  cannot  fly  if  they 
would,  and  they  never  try  to  ;  we  think  they  would  not  miss  that  which 
in  their  case  is  miscalled  the  flight.  We  have  some  confined  in  a  large 
space,  separated  from  a  kitchen  garden  by  a  rubble  wall  between  3  and 
4  feet  high.  The  goodly  Cochins  sometimes  look  up  at  the  luxuriant 
green  food  so  nearlv  within  reach,  and  at  last  make  an  effort  to  get  over ; 
it  ends  in  a  mightv  fly  that  raises  them  18  inches  from  the  ground,  a 
vigorous  scramble  that  ends  in  their  reaching  the  ground  breathless  and 
panting  for  a  quarter  of  an  hour.  Your  birds  should  be  clean  moulted 
by  the  first  week  in  November.  Soft  food  is  always  best,  and  it  is  cheaper 
to  give  ground  than  whole  corn. 

Caoss-BRFEDrNG  with  Light  Brahmas  (Jay  Cee). — Of  the  two  varieties 
you  name  we  should  adviBe  you  to  cross  with  White  Dorkings  if  size  is 
among  your  desiderata.  If  you  cross  with  the  Game  we  advise  the 
White  in  preference  to  Piles,  only  on  account  of  colour. 

Brahma  Pootra's  Foot  Swollen  (Amelia  S.).—  There  may  have  been 
a  little  inflammation  in  the  foot,  and  the  bleeding  will  do  it  good.  In 
some  cases  Brahma  cocks  affect  the  duinty  ttyle  of  walking,  and  it  is  a 
bad  symptom,  often  ending  in  being  crippled  for  life.  We  advise  you  to 
poultice  it  twice,  and  thou  bind  it  up.  Shut  him  up  somewhere  where  he 
can  have  nothing  hard  to  tiead  upon  until  the  foot  is  quite  healed,  and 
where  there  is  no  perch.  If  he  is  only  eighteen  months  old  you  should 
be  able  to  depend  upon  him  for  this  year.  If  he  is  older  he  will  hardly 
recover  to  be  of  much  use.  If  the  strange  gait  arose  from  the  inflam- 
mation or  injury,  he  will  recover.  If  it  is  a  sort  of  "  string-halt,"  we 
should  fear  its  gaining  the  other  leg.  As  soon  as  his  foot  is  well  let  him 
return  to  his  ordinary  life  and  to  his  perch. 

Dark  Brahma  Pootras  (S.  8.).— L.  Wright,  Esq.,  Kingsdown,  Bristol, 
can  give  you  the  information. 

Mlddleton  Show.— Mr.  F.  Steel  informs  us,  that  at  this  Exhibition  he 
won  the  cup  for  the  best  pen  of  Game  Bantams. 

Breeding  Trumpeter  Pigeons,  &c.  (A.  Z.).— Put  a  young  Black  hen, 
bred  from  a  pair  of  Blacks,  to  a  dark  Mottled  cock,  and  the  produce  will 
most  probably  be  a  good  number  of  very  dark  Mottled  birds.  If  you 
have  no  Mottled  bird,  put  a  White  bird  to  it,  but  your  chance  of  breeding 
dark  birds  will  be  of  course  less.  Let  the  Black  bird  be  the  youngest. 
Of  all  things  make  out  the  antecedents  of  your  stock,  and  know  how  they 
were  bred,  and  whether  there  is  good  Mottled  blood  in  them.  In  breed- 
ing Jacobins  it  is  best  to  keep  the  colours  clear  of  each  other. 

Parrot  Dull  and  Sleep v  (0.  T.).— Continue  to  give  your  Parrot  the 
usual  food  to  which  it  has  been  accustomed,  except  the  rice,  which  with- 
draw. Give  it  boiled  Indian  corn,  and  add  a  little  canary  seed  with  the 
hempseed,  alsr>  mix  a  good  sprinkling  of  cayenne  pepper  with  the  soaked 
bread.  Parrots  are  fond  of  fruit  and  nuts,  but  too  much  fruit  must  not 
be  given,  as  it  is  likely  to  cause  too  great  a  looseness.  Keep  the  bird 
warm  and  free  from  draughts,  the  moulting,  no  doubt,  is  the  cause  of  its 
being  poorly. 

Hive  Deserted  (T.  V.).— We  should  fancy  that  the  colony  had  suc- 
cumbed to  a  buccaneering  attack  from  robber  bees,  probably  after  hav- 
ing lost  its  queen.  It  is,  however,  possible  that  it  may  have  perished 
from  starvation,  and  we  should  therefore  counsel  an  immediate  examina- 
tion of  all  your  other  stocks,  with  the  view  of  ascertaining  and  supplying 
any  deficiency  that  may  exist  in  their  stores  before  the  approach  of 
winter. 

Milk  for  Raebits  (Antony).— Rabbits  are  fond  of  milk,  milk  and 
water,  or  water  aloue,  and  ought  to  have  some  two  or  three  times  a-week, 
not  much,  but  about  three  or  four  tablespoonfuls  for  a  full-grown  Rabbit. 
In  summer,  when  all  green  food  is  dried  up,  or  at  best  contains  not 
much  moisture,  they  require  more  liquid,  and  a  few  peas  soaked  in  water 
about  twelve  hours  form  no  bad  substitute  for  green  food  for  a  breakfast 
once  a-week ;  and  if  a  little  clean  water  be  added  to  the  peas  it  will  be 
better  for  them  than  drinking  the  water  the  peas  have  been  soaked  in  all 
night. 

Cover  for  Hutch  (Idem). — Tarpaulin  (cheap)  may  he  had  at  any 
marine  store-keeper's  ;  but  for  a  covering  for  roofs,  Ac., the  felt  at  Sd.  per 
yard  is  as  cheap  and  better,  especially  when  covered  with  gas  tar  and 


fine  sand  sprinkled  upon  it  before  the  tar  is  dry.  It  will  then  last  for 
years. 

Food  for  Rabbits  (Idem).— Half  a  pint  of  dry  food,  as  oats,  bran,  &c, 
with  sweet  hay  and  oat  straw  for  a  bed,  and  to  eat  if  they  choose  ;  also  a 
little  green  food,  or  Swodes  and  carrots,  will  be  sufficient  for  a  day's  food 
for  any  ordinary  Rabbit.  You  will  soon  find  what  they  require  and 
willeat.  All  Rabbits  are  not  the  same  as  regards  the  amount  of  food 
eaten. 

Age  for  Breeding  (Idem).— If  you  wish  for  largo,  strong  Rabbits, 
nine  months  will  be  soon  enough  for  them  to  pair,  and  do  not  let  them 
produce  more  than  four  litters  in  twelve  months. 

Fur  of  Angoras  Matted  (Idem).~FoT  the  hair  to  be  matted  in  the 
Angora  is  a  proof  they  are  of  the  true  kind,  as  length  and  fineness  of 
hair  are  always  to  be  desired  in  this  variety.  When  the  hair  is  matted  it 
can  be  removed  with  an  iron  comb  and  scissors,  being  careful  when  doing 
so  to  cause  as  little  pain  as  possible.  The  new  hair  will  soon  grow  again, 
even  if  the  fur  has  been  cut  bare  to  the  skin. 


METEOROLOGICAL  OBSERVATIONS 
In  the  Suburbs  of  London  for  the  week  ending  October  lltb. 


THERMOMETER. 

Wind. 

Date. 

BAROMETER. 

Air 

Earth. 

Rail: 

Max. 

Mm. 

Max. 

Mm. 

1  ft. 

aft. 

Wed. . .    6 

80.143 

80.134 

54 

46 

54 

58 

N.E. 

.00 

Thurs. .    6 

80.  78 

29901 

68 

85 

54 

53 

N. 

.00 

Pri. ...     7 

29  673 

29  394 

68 

53 

54 

53 

N.W. 

.02 

Sat.  ...     8 

29.154 

29.1  20 

69 

43 

58 

58 

S. 

.08 

San.  . .    9 

29.126 

28.860 

64 

29 

56 

53 

N.W. 

.04 

Mon.  . .  10 

29  667 

29  859 

56 

20 

65 

53 

N. 

■00 

Tues....  11 

29.823 

23.806 

60 

88 

47 

61 

W. 

.00 

Mean.. 

29.666 

99.496 

61.14 

35.57 

64.00 

52.71 

0.14 

5.— Foggy,  cold  wind;  densely  overcast ;  densely  clouded. 

6. — Densely  overcast ;  overcast,  fine  ;  clear. 

7. — Cloudy  but  fine;  fine,  overcist ;  densely  overcast. 

8. — Rain;  cloudy,  very  damp;  clear  and  fine. 

9. — Very  fine;  cloudy;  showery  at  night. 
10. — Very  fine  ;  fine  but  cloudy  ;  clear  and  frosty. 
11. — Sharp  frost ;  very  fine  ;  clear  and  frosty. 


COVENT  GARDEN  MARKET.— October  12. 
There  is  no  improvement  in  the  trade,  but  owing  to  the  falling-off  in 
the  supply,  the  price  of  Peaches  and  Nectarines  is  much  higher.  Pears 
principally  consist  of  Marie  Louise,  Gansel's  Bergamot,  Duchesse  d'An- 
gouleme,  and  Louise  Bonne,  but  the  supply  far  exceeds  the  demand. 
Good  samples  of  RibBton,  Cox's  Orange,  and  Blenheim  Orange  Pippins 
are  now  being  sent  into  the  market. 


FRUIT. 


Apples J  sieve 

Apricots doz.  u 

Chestnuts buBhel  0 

Cherries lb.  0 

Currants 4  sieve  3 

Black do.  0 

Figs doz.  0 

FilbertH lb.  1 

Cobs lb.  1 

Gooseberries quart  0 

Grapes, Hothouse....  lb, 


i,  d.      s. 

1    0  to  2 


Lemons.. 


,  TjHOi)  10    0 


Melons each    1    0 


Mulberries lb.  0 

Nectarines doz.  3 

Oranges y  100  0 

Peaches  doz.  4 

,  kitchen doz.  1 

dessert doz.  1 

Pine  Apples lb.  S 

Plums 4  sieve  1 

Quinces  doz.  1 

Raspberries lb.  o 

Strawberries    lb.  0 

Walnuts bushel  10 

do I'  No  1 


d.  s. 
OtoO 
0  4 
0  20 
0 


12  0 

2  0 

3  0 
5  9 

3  e 

1  6 
0  0 
0  0 

16  e 

2  0 


Artichokes doz. 

Asparagus '-1*100 

Beans,  Kidney  ..4  sieve. 

Broad bushel 

Beet,  Red doz. 

Broccoli  bundle 

Brussels  Sprouts . .  4  sieve 

Cabbage doz. 

Capsicums  T;^  100 

Carrots bunch 

Cauliflower doz. 

Celery bundle 

Coleworts..doz.  buncheB 
Cucumbers  each 

pickung  doz. 

Endive doz. 

Fennel hunch 

Garlic lb. 

Herbs bunch 

Horseradish    ....  bundle 


VEGETABLES. 

d.     s. 
OtoO 


Leeks bunch    0 

Lettuce    doz.    1 

Mushrooms pottle    1 

Mustard  &  Cress.. punnet    0 
Onions  bushel    4 

pickling quart    0 

ParBley sieve 

Parsnips doz. 

Peas quart 

Potatoes bushel 

Kidney do. 

Radishes  ..  doz.  bunches 

Rhubarb buudla 

Savoys doz. 

Sea-kale basket 

Shallots lb. 

Spinach bushel 

Tomatoes doz. 

Turnips  bunch 

Vegetable  Marrows.. doz. 


d. 

4  to 

G 

0 

2 

0 

4 

0 

9 

0 

e 
o 

o 

0 
0 
0 


POULTRY  MARKET.— October  12. 
We  have  little  to  note.    Thero  is  a  fair  supply  and  small  demand. 


Largo  Fowls    2 

Smaller  ditto  2 

Chicitens  1 

DuckB 2 

Geese 6 

Phoasants 2 


d.      s. 

A 

e  to  8 

II 

0       2 

« 

tl     1 

« 

0       2 

:; 

0       7 

II 

0       8 

0 

Pigeons 0 

Rabbits 1 

Wildditto 0 

Hares 2 

Partridges     1 

Grouse  2 


d.      e. 

8  to  0 
4       1 


6 
0    10 


October  20,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  of  horticulture  and  cottage  gardener. 


298 


WEEKLY 

CALENDAR. 

Day 
of 

Month 

Day 
of 

Week. 

OCTOBER  20—26,  1870. 

Average    Tempera- 
ture near  Loudon. 

Rain  in 

last 
43  years. 

Sun 
Rises. 

Sun 
Sets. 

Moon       Moon 
RiBeB.   |    Sets. 

Moon's 
Age. 

Clock 
after 
Sun. 

Do!y 

Year. 

20 
21 

22 
23 
24 
25 
26 

Th 

F 

3 

Sdn 
M 
To 
W 

Length  of  night  ISh.  36m. 

19   SONDAT  AFTER  TRINITT. 

Twilight  ends  6h.  40m.  p.m. 

Day. 

59.0 
58.4 
;  s  ;i 
68.2 
563 
55.9 
55.6 

Night. 
89.2 
39  5 
■12  4 
39.8 
89  0 
38.5 
S8.5 

Mean. 
49.1 
49.0 
5u.6 
490 
47.9 
47.2 
46.1 

Days.     m.      h. 

20  32  af  6 
18         34      6 
23         36      6 

21  88      6 

20  40      6 

21  42      6 
18         44      6 

m.      b.  1  m.      hi  m.     h. 
56  af  4     29  af  0'  Sf  af  3 
54      4     46        1  j    4      4 
52      4  1    9        8    27      4 
50      4  1  31        4  1  48      4 
47      4  |  58        4  i  13      5 
45      4  ,  25        7     39      5 
43      4     63       8  l  10      6 

Days. 
25 
26 
27 
28 
• 
1 

m.    8. 
15      8 
15    17 
15    26 
15    35 
15    42 
15    49 
15     55 

293 
294 
295 
296 
297 
298 
299 

From  observations  taken  near  London  daring  the  last  forty-three  years,  the  average  day  temperature  of  the  week  is  57. 5',  and  its  night 
temperature  39.6".      The  greatest  heat  was  69J,  on  the  22nd,  1868;  and  the  lowest  cold  17",  on  the  23rd,  1859.     The  greatest  fall  of  rain  was 
0.96  inch. 

FERN  CASES. 

VERYONE  desires  to  gratify  his  or  her  taste 
for  plants,  and  in  their  cultivation  finds 
employment,  instruction,  and  health.  In- 
calculable as  are  the  benefits  of  the  soil  and 
vegetation  to  man,  all  cannot  engage  in  the 
extensive  culture  of  plants,  but  all  may  de- 
rive enjoyment  from  an  individual  plant. 
In  the  green  of  Nature  the  eye  finds  repose. 
To  have  a  green  thing  with  life  is  a  joy  to 
eye  and  mind.  White,  blue,  and  red  dazzle, 
but  fail  to  relieve.  All  colours  we  may  imitate,  but  we 
fail  to  produce  the  live  green  hues  of  Nature.  No  colour 
is  so  pleasing.  These  ideas  may  not  find  an  echo  in  the 
country  or  garden,  but  what  is  that  we  hear  from  the 
town?  In  the  sumptuous  palace  in  the  square,  and  through 
all  the  villas,  terraces,  roads,  streets,  and  lanes,  down  to 
the  dark  and  gloomy  court  and  alley  from  which  the  sun's 
life-giving  rays  have  long  been  shut  out — is  there  no 
cry  there?  I  trow  there  is,  and  it  is  one  that  calls  for 
the  matchless  living  green  of  plants.  All  the  paintings  in 
the  world  cannot  satisfy  the  eye  like  the  living  flowers 
with  their  many  colours  and  green  ground  in  beautiful 
relief.  Man  may  keep  the  plant  in  health  by  affording 
it  soil  suited  for  its  roots  to  spread  in,  and  to  give  support 
to  the  leaves  and  stems ;  he  can  water  it,  keep  it  from 
Buffering  the  injurious  effects  of  an  atmosphere  which  is 
too  hot,  too  cold,  too  dry,  or  too  moist,  and  yet  he  may 
not  go  beyond.  It  is  of  this  that  I  wish  to  say  something, 
knowing,  as  I  do,  from  an  apprenticeship  served  to  grow- 
ing plants  in  the  midst  of  smoke,  dust,  and  din,  the  esti- 
mation in  which  they  are  held  by  dwellers  in  towns.  In 
every  house  and  in  every  place  there  are  those  with  a 
love  for  plants,  be  they  master,  mistress,  son,  daughter, 
man  or  maidservant.  I  might  go  further,  and  say  what 
there  is  where  no  plant  nor  flower  ever  comes,  but  I  shall 
draw  a  veil  over  it. 

We  know  that  dwellings  are  at  the  best  not  good  places  to 
grow  plants  in  ;  the  atmosphere  is  too  dry,  there  are  dust, 
obnoxious  vapours,  currents  of  air,  and  the  temperature 
is  not  always  what  it  should  be.  Then  some  dwellings 
have  no  windows  with  south,  east,  or  west  aspects,  all  look 
to  the  cold  bleak  north.  Sometimes,  owing  to  surround- 
ing buildings,  little  or  no  sun  shines  on  the  houses  of  those 
fond  of  plants.  Besides  this,  there  are  positions  where  it 
is  impracticable  to  grow  any  but  a  certain  class  of  plants ; 
I  allude  to  cold  rooms,  staircases,  and  landings.  Happily 
we  have  plants  suited  to  every  position.  Flowering  plants 
require  light,  indeed  sun,  but  there  are  also  plants  which 
in  the  elegance  of  their  forms  and  the  beauty  of  their 
foliage  amply  compensate  for  the  loss  of  flowers.  Of  all 
plants  for  rooms  Ferns  are  the  most  suitable.  Not  that 
they  endure  better  than  flowering  plants  a  dry,  dusty  at- 
mosphere uneven  in  temperature — quite  the  reverse  ;  but 
they  may  be  cultivated  in  a  way  that  would  be  destructive 
to  plants  that  require  sun  and  a  genial  atmosphere  for 
their  proper  development  and  flowering  Ferns,  as  we  all 
know,  delight  in  a  moist  soil  and  atmosphere,  with  partial 

No  49S.-V0L.  XIX.  New  Series. 


shade.  Of  the  latter  they  have  enough  in  rooms,  often 
too  much,  and  the  former  we  have  to  provide.  The  only 
method  in  which  we  can  give  them  moisture  is  by  covering 
them  with  glass.  This  is  done  in  a  variety  of  ways,  or  rather 
with  a  great  variety  of  forms  in  the  material  used  ;  the  form 
is  a  matter  of  little  consequence,  though  appearance  is  of 
consequence  in  rooms  where  there  is  any  pretence  to  ele- 
gance in  the  furniture.  Individual  taste  differs  considerably. 
and  so  do  Fern  cases,  so  that  all  can  be  gratified. 

The  requisites  of  a  Fern  case  are — 1st,  The  case  should 
be  deep  enough  to  allow  of  a  proper  thickness  of  soil, 
which  in  the  smallest  ought  not  to  be  less  than  3  inches, 
nor  in  any  need  it  exceed  6  inches.  2nd,  In  addition  to 
depth  for  soil  there  ought  to  be  room  for  drainage,  or  an 
open  space  beneath  the  soil.  The  tray,  then,  should  have 
a  bottom  of  zinc  pierced  with  holes  to  allow  of  water 
running  through,  and  a  space  of  not  less  than  an  inch 
between  that  and  the  bottom  proper,  which,  of  course, 
should  be  water-tight.  It  is  desirable  that  this  receptacle 
of  drainage  water  should  have  an  outlet,  but  secured  with 
a  screw-plug,  so  that  it  can  have  the  water  run  off  at,  will. 
:ird,  The  case  should  have  a  shade  of  glass  closely  fitting 
into  the  tray  or  outside  it,  and  sufficiently  high  for  the 
development  of  the  plant's  leaves  or  fronds.  A  height  of 
f-i  inches  is  sufficient,  and  it  ought  not  to  be  less  than 
13  inches.  It  should  be  made  so  as  to  lift  off  entire,  wliich 
is  best  for  small  cases,  and  there  ought  to  be  holes  in  the 
top.  One  will  suffice  for.  say,  a  small  case  of  a  foot  in 
diameter  ;  for  one  18  inches  in  diameter  three  are  not  too- 
many.  The  holes  need  not  be  more  than  half  an  inch 
wide.  If  the  glass  top  be  fixed,  then  one  or,  better,  both 
ends  should  be  contrived  for  opening,  being  hinged,  and 
made  tight-fitting.  At  the  top  there  should  be  a  sort  of 
brass  network  its  entire  length,  and  about  an  inch  wide. 
The  above  is  all  that  I  consider  is  required  for  the  cultiva- 
tion of  the  plants.  The  design  may  vary  according  to  taste, 
and  yet  it  must  not  be  carried  out  at  the  expense  of 
diminishing  the  glass — light  is  required  on  all  sides. 

In  preparing  the  tray  for  the  reception  of  the  plants 
we  put  in  the  loose  perforated  bottom  which  is  to  form 
the  upper  part  of  the  cavity  for  superfluous  water,  and,  to 
keep  the  perforations  free,  put  on  it  about  an  inch  of  loose 
material.  Gravel  or  stones,  between  the  sizes  of  peas  and 
hazel  nuts,  or  larger,  will  do  well,  but  are  too  heavy. 
Cinders  answer  well  after  being  washed,  cocoa-nut  fibre 
is  also  suitable  ;  but  nothing  is  equal  to  pieces  of  charcoal, 
the  smallest  size  being  as  large  as  peas,  and  the  largest 
of  the  size  of  a  cob  nut.  This  material  having  been  put 
on  to  the  depth  of  three-quarters  of  an  inch  or  an  inch, 
we  are  ready  for  the  soil.  The  soil  most  suitable  is  sandy 
brown  fibrous  peat  two  parts,  one  part  fibrous  yellow  loam, 
one  part  silver  sand,  and  one  part  sandstone  of  the  same 
size  as  the  charcoal,  but  with  the  finer  particles  not  sifted 
out,  but  mixed  with  the  soil.  These  ingredients  having 
been  well  mixed,  chopped,  and  made  small,  but  not  sifted, 
put  them  in  the  tray,  raising  it  slightly  in  the  centre,  but 
not  very  much  ;  1  inch  rise  in  6  is  ample.  In  case  the 
above  compost  cannot  be  procured,  one  almost  as  suitable 
is  made  of  old  cocoa-nut  refuse,  with  the  addition  of  a 

No.  1111.— Voi.XLIY.,  Old  Series, 


300 


JOURNAL  OF   HORTICULTURE   AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  October  20,  1870. 


fourth  of  loam,  and  a  like  proportion  of  silver  sand.  Cocoa- 
nut  fibre  refuse  is  sometimes  employed  alone.  It  answers 
very  well,  only  some  Ferns  prow  weakly  where  there  is  a  defi- 
ciency of  siliceous  matter.  The  soil  should  be  pressed  rather 
firm,  and  when  put  in  ought  to  be  in  such  a  state  as  regards 
moisture  that  it  does  not  clog,  and  to  keep  it  from  doing  so  it 
will  need  to  be  only  moderately  moiBt. 

The  planting  mast  be  left  to  the  operator ;  he  or  she  will 
place  the  tallest-growing  in  the  centre,  and  the  dwarf  at  the 
sides.  Avoid  overcrowding,  leaving  room  for  all  to  grow,  and 
avoid  deep  planting,  merely  covering  the  roots.  Water  well  at 
planting,  so  as  to  Bottle  the  soil  about  the  roots  and  to  make 
all  firm. 

With  respect  to  the  after-treatment,  the  shade,  of  course, 
must  be  put  on,  or  the  doors  closed;  then  place  the  case 
near  a  window,  but  not  too  close — it  ought  not  to  be  nearer 
than  from  18  inches  to  2  feet — and  every  morning  between 
eight  and  nine  o'clock  look  at  the  case,  anil  if  the  glass  is  wet 
amd  drops  are  likely  to  run  down  to  the  tray,  leave  the  doors 
open  about  half  an  inch  for  an  hour  or  so.  then  wipe  the  glass 
dry  wilh  a  towel,  taking  care  not  to  injure  the  fronds,  and 
shut  the  openings.  If,  however,  the  fronds  are  wet  with  the 
condensed  moisture  of  the  previous  night,  leave  a  little  opening 
until  the  moisture  is  dissipated,  and  then  close  the  case.  This, 
however,  will  Beldom  be  required,  as  the  glass  may  be  wiped 
dry,  and  a  little  air  in  the  early  part  of  the  day  will  be  all  that 
is  necessary.  If  there  are  no  doors,  then  admit  a  little  air,  if 
necessary,  by  lilting  the  glass  a  little.  This  may  seem  a  tedious 
process,  yet  it  may  be  dispensed  with,  and  the  plants  will  still 
grow  tolerably  well ;  but  the  growths  will  perish  of  that  brown- 
ness  that  invariably  manifests  itself  in  a  badly- ventilated  struc- 
ture, and  where  constant  moisture  from  condensation  settles  and 
remains  on  the  fronds.  I  have  known  instances  of  cases  not 
being  opened,  nor  even  watered,  for  three  months.  I  mention 
this  not  for  imitation,  but  as  exhibiting  the  great  endurance 
of  this  tribe  of  plants.  So  long  as  the  glass  is  only  covered 
with  a  sort  of  dew,  which  does  not  run  down  the  sides  or  fall 
in  drops  on  the  plants,  there  is  no  need  of  air.  However,  I 
strongly  adsiae  wiping  the  glass  dry  at  least  once  a-day.  It 
gives  a  change  of  air  if  it  does  nothing  else,  and  keeps  the 
atmosphere  from  becoming  stagnant.  The  same  object  as 
wiping  the  glass  dry  will  be  effected  if  the  opening  be  left 
open  sufficiently  long,  but  this  would  dry  the  fronds  too  much. 
The  case  should  be  closed  at  night. 

Water  should  be  given  as  required,  so  as  to  keep  the  soil 
moist,  which  it  ought  always  to  bo,  without,  however,  being 
very  wet.  Less  water  will  be  required  in  winter,  when  the 
plants  are  at  comparative  rest,  and  the  evaporation  less  than 
it  is  in  summer,  when  the  plants  are  growing  freely.  Every 
spring  the  surface  soil  should  be  removed  as  far  as  can  be  done 
without  injury  to  the  roots,  and  a  top-dressing  given  of  the 
compost  I  have  recommended.  The  water  should  be  run  off 
after  each  watering. 

All  dead  fronds  should  be  picked  off  as  they  appear,  and  a 
strict  look-out  kept  for  insects.  The  most  troublesome  are 
thrips  and  scale.  The  former  may  be  removed  with  a  wet 
sponge,  but  for  the  latter  the  best  remedy  is  to  pick  them  off 
with  a  knife  before  they  become  brown  and  hard.  If  thrips  is 
very  troublesome,  it  would  be  well  to  remove  the  Fern  case  to 
an  outbuilding  and  fill  it  with  tobacco  smoke,  repeating  it  two 
or  three  times  until  the  insect  is  extirpated.  Green  aphis  some- 
times appears.    It  is  best  destroyed  by  fumigation  with  tobacco. 

Another  point  will  need  attention — that  is,  the  shading  of 
the  glass  from  sun,  if  it  Btrike  upon  the  case,  for  a  few  hours 
during  the  hottest  part  of  the  day.  This  object  is  best  effected 
by  a  piece  of  muslin  placed  on  the  window  side  of  the  glass. 
From  September  to  April  shade  will  not  be  necessary.  If  the 
Ferns  grow  all  to  the  side  next  the  window,  turn  the  other  side 
to  the  light,  and  this  ought  to  be  done  at  least  once  every  week. 
Of  course,  if  the  light  be  equal  from  all  points,  this  will  not  be 
necessary. 

I  purpose  to  conclude  with  three  lists — one  of  hardy  Ferns, 
suitable  for  rooms  without  fires,  landings,  or  other  cold  situa- 
tions ;  one  of  greenhouse  Ferns,  or  those  which  may  be  grown 
in  rooms  from  which  frost  is  always  excluded  ;  and  one  of 
stove  Ferns,  or  those  suitable  for  a  room  never  lower  in  tem- 
perature than  50°. 

For  a  Cold  Room  — AspleniumTrichomanes,  A.  Trichomanes 
multifidum,  A.  Adiantum-nigrum,  Elechnum  Spicant  and  its 
varieties  ramosum  and  cristatum,  Lastrea  Filix-mas  crispa, 
L.  Filix-mas  Schofieldii,  Polypodium  vulgare,  and  vars.  criBta- 
tum,  bifidutn,  omnilacerum,  and  cambricum ;  Scolopendrium 


vulgare,  and  vars.  polysohides,  ramosum,  subcornutum,  multi- 
forme, proliferum,  and  fcocundum,  and  Lomaria  alpina.  The 
above  are  all  evergreen,  and  lack  the  grace  and  elegant  fronds 
of  some  of  the  deciduous  kinds,  which  I  must  not  omit : — 
Athyrium  Filix-foemina  depauperatum,  Cystopteris  fragilis  and 
var.  interrupta,  with  C.  Dickieana,  are  very  pretty. 

For  a  Room  with  Fire  — *Adiantum  capillus- Veneris,  *Acro- 
phorus  hispidus,  Anemidictyon  Phyllilidis,  Adiantnm  ajthiopi- 
cum,  A.  setnlosum,  *Asplenium  flabellifolium,  A.  monanthe- 
mum,  Blechnum  cognatum  (australe),  Davallia  canariensis, 
D.  decora,  Goniophlebium  loriceum,  Lastrea  acuminata,  L.  gla- 
bella, Lomaria  Patersoui,  *Niphobolus  lingua,  *N.  pertusus, 
Nephrolepis  tuberosa,  N.  pectinata,  Onychium  japonicum,  Pla- 
tyloma  rotundifolia,  *Pleopeltis  stigmatica,  P.  pustulata,  Poly- 
stichum  triangulum,  Pteris  serrulata  cristata,  Woodwardia 
caudata,  and  W.  aspera.  Of  Lycopods  or  Selaginellas,  denti- 
culata,  uncinata,  dense,  obtusa,  and  Willdenovi. 

For  a  Warm  Room. — Anemia  adiantifolia,  Adiantum  cunea- 
tum,  A.  formoBum,  Asplenium  dimorphum,  A.  mexicanum, 
Campyloneuron  angnstifolium,  «C.  cajspitosum,  Diplaziam 
radicans,  Davallia  elegans,  *Goniophlebium  vacciniifolium, 
»G.  piloselloides,  G.  lietum,  Goniopteris  gracilis,  Hemionitis 
cordifoha,  *Pleopeltis  lycopodioideB,  P.  terminalis,  and  Pteris 
crenata.  Of  Selaginellas,  africana,  jamaicensis,  umbrosa,  fia- 
bellata,  and  dichrous. 

Those  marked  with  an  asterisk  are  very  suitable  for  sus- 
pended baskets  in  the  Fern  case,  and  for  covering  rockwork. 

The  neatest  baskets  are,  perhaps,  the  half  of  a  cocoa-nut 
shell  suspended  by  neat  brass  chains.  Rockwork  may  be  in- 
dulged in  in  a  Fern  case,  and  I  have  seen  some  very  pretty 
devices  of  that  Bort ;  waterfalls,  dropping  wellB,  and  even  a 
fountain  haviDg  a  pretty  effect  when  done  in  moderation.  It 
is  possible  to  overdo  them  even  in  a  Fern  case. — G.  Abbey. 


GROUND  LEVELLING  AND  PRACTICAL 
GARDEN  PLOTTING.— No.  1. 

There  are  a  number  of  works  on  the  designing  of  flower 
gardens  in  circulation  at  the  present  time,  expounding  both 
the  theory  and  practice  of  the  art,  many  of  them  admirable  in 
themselves,  but  it  has  never  been  the  good  fortune  of  the  writer 
of  these  notes  to  meet  with  one  which  literally  "  begins  at  the 
beginning."  They  either  assume  that  the  reader  ib  already  ac- 
quainted with  the  theory  and  practice  of  geometrical  problems, 
or  they  are  expressed  in  euch  elaborate  language  that  the  un- 
lettered thousand  can  scarcely  comprehend  them.  My  object  is 
to  supply  this  deficiency.  The  subject  is  not  here  treated  as  a 
mathematical  one,  but  as  one  of  a  purely  practical  character.  I 
have  avoided  technical  teims  as  much  as  possible,  endeavour- 
ing by  simple  language  to  make  myself  clearly  understood  by 
those  for  whom  this  is  written.  I  know  from  personal  ex- 
perience as  well  as  observation,  it  is  the  opinion  of  many  young 
men  that  it  is  necessary  to  have  mastered  the  whole  of  the 
problems  of  geometry  previously  to  attempting  to  draw  a  plan 
to  suit  a  certain  piece  of  ground,  and  that  to  transfer  to  the 
ground  an  intrioate  design  already  executed  on  paper  is  a  task 
almost  as  difficult.  To  be  a  practical  gardener  it  is  not  neces- 
sary to  be  a  garden  artist.  Nevertheless,  in  this  progressive 
age,  when  education  is  daily  becoming  more  general,  it  is 
essential  that  every  man,  be  his  profession  what  it  may,  should 
understand  the  rudiments  of  the  theory  of  that  profession.  It 
is  at  least  necessary  that  every  gardener  who  wishes  to  attain  a 
good  position  in  his  profession  should  be  able  to  design  a  plan 
upon  paper  to  suit  Buch  ground  as  he  may  have  under  his  care, 
and  also  to  transfer  that  design  to  the  ground. 

It  is  not  my  intention  to  discuss  the  merits  or  demerits  of 
the  different  styles  of  flower  gardening,  but  it  iB  obvious  that 
before  commencing  the  laying  out  of  a  piece  of  ground,  the  gar- 
dener must  have  Borne  definite  design,  geometrical  or  otherwise. 

My  notes  being  elementary  in  character,  and  chiefly  designed 
as  an  exercise  for  young  men  whose  only  time  for  improve- 
ment is  after  their  day's  work  is  accomplished,  it  will  be  found 
that  only  a  few  geometrical  problems  are  introduced,  being  such 
as  are  absolutely  necessary  for  the  formation  of  more  intricate 
designs.  These,  however,  will  be  soon  overcome  after  a  few 
hours'  careful  study  ;  but  two  things  are  necessary — care  and 
perseverance.  The  pupil  must  be  careful  in  referring  to  or 
copying  the  designs,  to  observe  accurately  the  numbeiing  and 
lettering  of  the  figures,  and  he  is  advised  not  to  be  satisfied  with 
mere  copying,  but  from  the  first  to  practise  the  drawing  of 
designs  other  than  those  here  given,  however  impeifect  his  first 


October  20,  1870.  ) 


JOURNAL  OF   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


301 


attempt  may  be.  He  will  find  that  by  these  means  be  will  be 
able  in  a  very  short  time  to  emnloy  his  leiBnre  hours  in  either 
copying  or  designing  a  plan.  He  may  then  take  the  garden 
line,  pegs,  &a.,  to  any  spare  piece  of  ground  he  may  have  in 
the  garden,  and  execute  the  design  described. 

The  greater  number  of  the  designs  introduced  are  original, 
others  have  been  suggested  by  designs  laid  out,  and  a  few  taken 
from  works  already  in  circulation,  but  so  altered  and  simplified 
as  to  be  altogether  unlike  the  original,  except  in  character.  In 
introducing  the  illustrations,  the  object  will  be  to  arrange  them 
that  they  may  follow  evenly  from  one  to  another,  from  the 
simple  square  or  triangle  to  the  more  intricate  designs,  the 
manner  of  transferring  them  to  the  ground  being  explained  in 
the  most  simple  language  possible.  The  pupil  is  urged  to  pay 
strict  attention  to  the  geometrical  problems  introduced — how 
to  bisect  a  given  line,  erect  a  sqnare,  form  an  equilateral  tri- 
angle, (fee,  as  they  will  be  of  infinite  use  to  him  in  converting 
a  design  already  executed  to  a  piece  of  ground  of  a  different 
shape,  and  also  for  their  adaptation  in  the  more  advanced 
illustrations.  By  the  time  the  pupil  can  draw  on  paper  and 
execute  the  designs  here  given,  he  will  have  accomplished  much 
towards  the  attainment  of  a  more  general  knowledge. 

Having  determined  upon  the  site  for  a  flower  garden,  and  the 
style  in  which  it  is  to  be  laid  out,  the  first  tbiog  to  be  attended 
to  is  to  see  that  the  land  i3  well  drained. 

LEVELLING. 

If  the  ground  presents  an  uneven  surface,  or  is  formed  of  a 
sloping  back,  either  inconveniently  Bteep  or  presenting  an  irre- 
gular surface,  it  will  be  necessary  to  level  it,  which  may  be 
done  in  the  following  manner  : — Take  a  stout  peg  and  drive  it 
into  the  ground,  as  a,  fuj.  1 ;  take  a  level — either  such  as  is 
used  by  bricklayers,  as  in  fig.  1,  or  a  parallel  stiaight-edge  con- 
taining a  spirit  tube, 
commonly  known  as 
a  spirit  level — drive 
in  as  many  pegs  as 
are  required,  as  b,  to 
the  same  level  as  the 
first  peg  a.  The 
level  line,  c,  c,  is 
the  line  required  ; 
the  ground  line,  d.  is 
the  uneven  surfs  oe 
of  the  ground,  which 
requires  filling  up  to 
the  level  at  peg  b. 
As  soon  as  the  pegs 
are  in,  level  the  ground  with  a  spade,  keeping  the  earth  full  np 
to  the  top  of  the  pegs,  tread  it  firmly  all  over,  rake  it  carefully, 
and  roll  it  well. 

If  the  ground  chosen  should  be  sloping,  as  6,  fig.  2,  two 
depths  must  be  determined  upon,  one  at  the  highest,  and  one 
at  the  lowest  point.  Place  a  borning-rod  at  each  of  these  points, 
as  at  points  1  and 

3,   place    another  |""*""~1 

in  any  point  be- 
tween the  two,  as 
the  intermediate 
borning-rod  2.  By 
looking  over  the 
top  of  rod  1  the 
person  holding  . 
the  intermediate 
rod  can  be  dire  oted 
to  lower  or  raise 


4  inches  wide,  half  an  inch  thick,  and  about  4  feet  in  length.  The 
head  is  a  similar  piece  of  board  placed  crossways,  but  only  about 
18  inches  in  length.  The  upper  ami  under  edges  of  the  board 
must  be  perfectly  straight,  and  at  right  angles  with  the  body. 

The  surface  of  the  ground  should  be  perfectly  smooth  before 
commencing  to  trace  the  design  on  it.  If  it  is  to  be  turfed 
and  the  beds  formed,  lay  all  the  lines.  Insert  pegs  along  the 
lines  and  in  the  angles  of  the  beds,  so  as  to  form  guides  by 
which  to  lay  the  turf.  After  the  pegs  are  put  in  take  up  the 
lines  and  lay  the  turf,  allowing  the  edge  to  go  2  inches  beyond 
the  line  required,  so  as  to  have  sufficient  firm  ground  to  dress 
and  form  the  edges  of  the  beds.  As  soon  as  the  turf  is  all  laid 
roll  it  well,  stretch  the  lines  in  the  proper  places  as  directed, 
and  edge  the  beds. 

If  the  site  is  intended  for  embroidery  or  any  complicated 
design,  it  is  necessary  when  digging  the  ground  to  pick  outfall 
the  stones,  as  in  cutting  the  edge  against  which  to  lay  the  iSox 
a  Bmall  stone  might  cause  trouble,  by  preventing  the  spade 
from  going  into  the  ground  or  by  breaking  the  edge. 

When  the  ground  is  properly  level  and  smooth  on  the  surface, 
prooeed  to  trace  the  plan  upon  it ;  as  each  bed  is  traced  insert 
pegs  7  or  8  inches  apart.  Yi'hen  the  design  is  all  traced  and 
pegged  out,  lay  lines  along  the  pegs,  and  proceed  to  cut  the 
edge  against  which  to  lay  the  Box.  The  edge  must  be  cut  per- 
pendicularly, as  at  s,  Jig.  3. 


Fig. l. 


Fig.  3. 

Lines  of  Box  embroidery  vary  in  thickness.     With  regard  to 

the  thick  portion,  the 
outside  linos  should 
first  be  planted,  and 
then  the  interme- 
diate space  filled  in 
afterwards.  As  soon 
as  all  tho  Box  is 
planted  the  whole 
should  be  clipped  to 
an  equal  height,  and 
flat  at  the  top,  irre- 
spective of  thick- 
ness. The  soil  must 
be  carefully  taken 
away  from  the  walks 


Fig.  2. 

it  as  occasion  may  reqnire,  nntil  it  is  brought  to  the  proper 
level,  as  rod  2.  Rod  1  is  supposed  to  be  a  little  raised  by 
placing  6ome  earth  under  it,  for  the  purpose  of  getting  it 
to  the  proper  level,  n,  a — that  is,  the  level  determined 
upon.  Rod  2  is  elevated  until  the  top  edge  forms  a  direct 
line  with  rods  1  and  3.  Rod  3  is  placed  on  the  natural 
ground.  The  crcs3  piece  of  rod  3  should  be  1  inch  broader 
and  higher  than  the  others — that  is  to  say,  if  rods  1  and  2  are 
4  feet  high,  rod  3  must  be  4  feet  1  inch,  but  a  liue  must  be 
drawn  exactly  at  4  feet,  and  the  top  inch  nainted  black.  On 
looking  over  rod  1  the  black  line  on  rod  3  can  be  seen  more 
distinctly  than  the  top  edge  of  the  rod  would  be,  and  inter- 
mediate rod  2  can  be  placed  more  correetly  in  a  line  with  the 
top  of  rod  3 — that  is,  the  under  edge  of  the  black,  than  by 
looking  over  the  tops  of  the  three  rods. 
The  borning-rod  is  composed  of  a  thin  piece  of  board  about 


to  the  depth  of  8  or  9  inches ;  place  about  2  inches  of  ciuder 
ashes  over  the  bottom  to  prevent  the  worms  from  coniiDg 
through  the  gravel,  place  5  inches  of  brickbats  or  any  rough 
rubbish  over  the  cinder  ashes,  and  then  2  inches  of  good 
gravel,  keeping  the  finest  on  the  top.  When  the  gravel  is  all 
on,  roll   it   well.     If  the  design  is  too  complicated   to  admit 

the  roller,  a  turf- 
beater  will  answer. 
Should  coloured 
materials    be    re- 
quired to  give  ef- 
fect in  the  winter 
months,   the    soil 
must     be     taken 
away  the  same  as 
from  the  waik.but 
not   to  the  same 
depth  ;  4  or  5  ins. 
will  be   sufficient — 2  inches  of  cinder  ashes,  and  2  inches  of 
gravel — then   lay  the  coloured  material  on   the  top,  such  as 
Derbyshire    spar,   coal,    led  brick  ends,  &c. — M.   O'Doxkell, 


Gardener  to  E.  Leaning,  Esq.,  Spring  Grove,  Richmond. 


HORTICULTURAL  FALLACIES. 
Wk  bear  of  a  deal  of  red  tape  and  routine  when  the  doings 
of  our  lulers  are  discussed  ;  bow  few  can  shake  iff  tLeiufiuence 
of  habit  and  custom  in  their  own  affairs.  People  come  here 
and  admire  my  houses,  say  how  light  yet  strong  they  are,  seem 
surpiised  at  the  cost  not  having  been  more,  discuss  everything 
peculiar  in  their  construction,  and  finish  by  inquiring  the  name 
of  the  builder.  Ihe  next  thing  1  hear  is  that  an  application 
has  been  made  for  a  plan  and  estimate  for  a  house  or  row  of 
houses  on  the  oldest  and  most  expensive  plan  on  which  a  glass 


302 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  20,  1870. 


shed  was  ever  erected — heavy  rafters,  moveable  lights,  high 
back  walls,  arches  of  brickwork  for  Vine  roots  to  pass  into, 
sunk  borders,  &c.  What  possible  advantage  rafters  and  move- 
able lights  confer  I  am  quite  at  a  loss  to  conceive.  The  disad- 
vantages are  very  obvious,  one  would  think.  The  roof  is  heavier 
and  darker,  and  much  more  expensive.  Moveable  lights  mean 
friction,  numerous  spaces  for  moisture  to  act  on  wood  and 
paint,  and  the  impossibility  of  ventilating  in  rainy  weather 
without  letting  in  the  wet,  and  very  olten  they  mean  a  good 
amount  of  drip.  How  anyone  who  has  seen  ridge  ventilation, 
and  light  grooved  eashbars  all  of  a  size,  forming  a  fixed  and  im- 
penetrable roof  free  from  drip  in  all  weathers,  taking  about  half 
the  paint  that  a  roof  with  heavy  rafters  requires,  costing  less, 
and  lasting  longer,  can  go  back  to  the  old  and  stupid  plan  of 
building  I  can  never  imagine.  Want  of  thought  and  routine 
must  be  the  only  explanation. 

Then,  again,  how  often  do  we  see  2  or  3  feet  of  soil  removed 
to  make  a  Vine  border.  Can  anyone  doubt  that  a  Vine  border 
would  not  in  all  cases  be  better,  warmer,  drier,  if  raised  above 
the  surface?  Again,  if  the  situation  be  naturally  dry  or  well 
drained,  what  possible  advantage  can  there  be  in  laying  a  bed 
of  concrete  under  a  Vine  border,  or  masses  of  broken  stone  or 
fcrioks  ?  In  low  situations,  where  the  land  is  cold,  heavy,  and 
wet,  one  can  understand  the  necessity,  though  we  must  feel 
surprised  at  such  a  situation  having  been  chosen  for  a  garden 
in  the  first  instance  ;  but  in  dry  and  favourable  situations  what 
end  is  sought  by  such  preparation  ?  Has  it  been  found  that  in 
farming,  for  instance,  a  hard  and  impenetrable  pan  under  a 
cultivated  soil  is  an  advantage  ?  Or  is  it  thought  an  advantage 
to  cut  off  the  natural  effects  of  capillary  attraction  in  dry 
weather  ?  I  think  there  can  be  no  doubt  that  the  Vine  is  the 
most  easy  fruit  tree  in  the  world  to  grow,  that  it  will  endure 
worse  and  more  unnatural  treatment  than  any  other  tree,  or, 
I  am  sure,  a  bunch  of  decent  Grapes  would  be  a  much  rarer 
sight,  for  no  plant  appears  to  me  so  badly  used.  Instead  of 
copying  Nature  in  its  cultivation,  every  unnatural  and  expen- 
sive plan  appears  to  have  been  hit  upon  to  increase  the  risk  of 
failure  ?  When  will  people  throw  red  tape  and  routine  aside, 
and  think  for  themselves  ? — J.  R.  Pearson,  Chilwell. 


BEDDING  GERANIUMS. 

(Continued  from  page  261.) 

Next  to  the  Golden  Tricolors,  and  not  far  behind  them  in 
beauty,  come  the  Silver  Tricolors.  Of  these  I  have  but  three 
varieties — Mabel  Morris,  Princess  Beatrice,  and  Empress  Eu- 
genie. They  are  all  three  lovely  as  pot  plants,  but  have  done 
next  to  nothing  in  the  borders  owing  to  the  excessive  drought. 
As  this  has  been  my  first  year's  trial  of  them  in  the  open  air, 
I  can  say  no  more  than  that  I  hope  to  be  better  acquainted 
with  them  in  the  future. 

More  striking,  perhaps,  and  very  beautiful  are  the  Bronze 
Zonals  or  Bicolors.  Of  these  I  have  the  following — Goldfinch, 
Eclipse,  Mrs.  Bass,  Madeleine  Schiller,  Egyptian  Queen,  Perilla, 
Compactum,  Beauty  of  Oulton,  Black  Prince,  Southern  Belle, 
Ebor,  Prima  Donna,  Sybil,  and  several  seedlings  not  differing 
much  from  the  latter.  Of  these,  Egyptian  Queen  has  carried 
off  the  palm  for  richness  of  foliage  ;  its  growth,  also,  has  been 
such  as  to  indicate  an  improved  vigour  of  constitution.  Older 
plants  have  grown  better  than  cuttings  of  last  year,  and  when 
pegged  down  have  covered  the  ground  very  nicely.  Next  comes 
Black  Prince,  which  has  beaten  every  other  of  my  Bronzes  in 
vigour  and  habif,  although  it  has  yielded  the  palm  for  warmth 
of  foliage  to  Egyptian  Queen.  I  consider  this  Geranium  a 
great  acquisition,  having  tried  it  under  very  different  circum- 
Btanoes,  as  well  under  partial  shade  as  in  the  full  blaze  of  the 
sun.  I  can  imagine  it  might  grow  somewhat  rampantly  in 
moister  seasons,  but  by  taking  off  cuttings  from  time  to  time 
during  the  summer,  it  can  be  kept  easily  within  bounds,  and 
it  yields  them  very  freely.  Another  advantage  of  this  plant  is 
the  character  of  its  bloom — fine  trusses  of  a  rich  crimson  scarlet 
on  sturdy  stems  thrown  up  just  above  the  foliage  ;  nor  do  the 
leaves  burn  and  become  unsightly  as  with  maDy  others  of  this 
class.  This  is  a  great  fault  of  Egyptian  Queen.  Black  Prince 
will  also  bear  pegging  down  very  well. 

Of  the  rest,  Sybil  is  an  exquisite  Geranium,  but  I  planted  it 
too  near  some  Eoheveria  metallica,  which,  being  a  gross  feeder, 
no  doubt  robbed  Sybil  of  some  of  its  fair  share  of  nutriment. 
Hence  it  made  but  little  growth,  and  remains  still  on  its  trial. 
Beauty  of  Oulton  has  been  much  admired,  and  has  stood  the 
season  well.     It  is  a  healthy  vigorous  plant,  and  will  maintain 


its  ground  here  for  some  time,  I  think,  but  it  oomes  far  below 
Black  Prince  in  many  points  of  excellence.  All  the  others 
have  disappointed  me  in  various  ways,  notably  Southern  Bells 
and  Prima  Donna,  from  which  I  expected  great  things,  but  they 
were  placed  in  the  driest  of  the  dry,  and  therefore  had  no  fair 
chance  against  the  others  ;  in  fact,  one  plant  of  Southern  Belle 
fairly  died  from  want  of  moisture. 

Amongst  the  older  varieties  of  this  class  Eclipse  and  Mrs.  Bass 
have  a  charm  of  their  own  which  makes  me  retain  them. 
Their  paler  foliage  contrasts  more  strikiogly  and  looks  more 
brilliant  at  a  distance  than  some  of  the  finer  Bronzes,  but  they 
have  great  faults  which  detract  from  their  beauty,  particularly 
in  the  way  the  leaves  fade  away  and  shrivel  to  a  dirty  whity- 
brown  shade :  hence  their  dismissal  from  the  garden  is  only  a 
question  of  time. 

I  defer  some  remarks  I  have  to  make  upon  the  Zonal  and 
Nosegay  section  to  a  future  occasion. — B.  &  W. 
(To  be  continued.) 


PEACHES  AND  NECTARINES. 

The  season  is  now  (October  11  tb)  over.  My  last  dish  of 
NectarineB  was  hivers's  Victoria,  a  large  and  invaluable  sort, 
and  my  last  dishes  of  Peaches  were  the  Princess  of  Wales, 
Walburton  Admirable,  and  Lord  Palmerston,  all  fine  late  sorts. 
There  could  not  have  been  a  better  season  than  the  past.  The 
fruits  were  abundant  and  of  great  size.  All  the  trees,  except 
Walburton  Admirahle,  bore  great  crops.  I  have  no  Peaches 
and  Nectarines  under  glass.  All  were  grown  on  6  or  7-feet-high 
brick  walls  on  east,  west,  and  south  aspects.  The  gardens  are 
nearly  as  open  to  violent  winds  as  the  Eddystone  Lighthouse, 
Stonehenge,  or  the  Bill  of  Portland.  "D.,"  of  Deal,  saw  the 
fruits  in  a  young  state  on  July  26  th  ;  I  wish  he  had  seen  them 
at  maturity. 

The  following  are  the  Peaches  grown  here: — Early  York, 
Early  Victoria,  Dr.  Hogg,  Early  Ascot,  Early  Alfred,  Marquis 
of  Downsbire,  Grosse  Mignonne,  Royal  George,  Noblesse, 
Violette  Ha'ive,  Bellegarde,  Barrington,  Nectarine  Peach, 
Prince  of  Wales,  Princess  of  Wal9S,  Walburton  Admirable, 
and  Lord  Palmerston.  Lady  Palmerston,  Mr.  Radclyffe,  Mag- 
dala,  Golden  Frogmore,  and  JSarly  Rivers  were  not  in  crop  this 
year.  The  old  sorts  are  well  known,  and,  as  midseason 
Peaches,  will  not  be  easily  beaten. 

Dr.  Hogg  is  a  splendid  early  Peach.  Early  Alfred  is  a  great 
cropper,  early,  and  good.  Nectarine  Peach  is  a  jewel ;  it  is  as 
smooth  as  a  Nectarine,  of  fine  form,  colour,  and  flavour;  of 
the  late  Berie3  it  is  the  best  of  all.  Prince  of  Wales,  Princess 
of  Wales,  and  Lord  Palmerston  are  grand  late  Peaches.  Prin- 
cess of  Wales  aud  Lord  Palmerston  are  here  the  largest  of  all 
the  Peaches ;  both  have  creamy  cheeks  with  bluBh  suffusion ; 
they  are  very  late,  and  very  valuable.  The  above  new  Peaches 
were  raised  by  Mr.  Rivers.  The  blossoms  of  Princess  of  Wales 
and  Lord  Palmerston  are  the  finest  of  all  the  sorts  here.  Early 
Ascot  is  a  Peach  of  great  beauty,  and  of  first-rate  formation 
and  flavour.  It  is  as  smooth  as  a  Nectarine.  Marquis  of 
Downsbire  bore  (second  year)  a  fine  crop.  It  is  later  than 
the  former.  They  are  both  plants  of  excellent  habit,  and  do 
Mr.  Sandish  great  credit.  Of  these  noveltieB,  for  a  small 
selection,  I  name  Dr.  Hogg,  Nectarine  Peach,  Prince  of  Wales, 
Lord  Palmerston,  and  Early  Ascot. 

If  the  reader  will  recollect  that  Walburton  Admirable  is  a 
shy  bearer,  it  is  impossible  for  one  to  burn  his  fingers  with  any 
of  the  others,  old  or  new;  they  are  hardy,  good  growers,  great 
bearers,  and  altogether  excellent.  There  is  no  Peach  here 
superior  to  the  Royal  George  for  habit.  The  leaves  and  triple 
buds  are  so  near  together,  that  if  a  man  cannot  get  a  crop  off 
it,  the  sooner  he  gives  up  Peach-growing  altogether  the  better. 
The  Prince  of  Wales,  Early  Ascot,  and  Marquis  of  Downshire 
have  the  same  good  attributes.  The  Noblesse  and  Nectarine 
Peach  have  been  the  best  in  flavour  and  quality  of  flesh.  No- 
blesse has  but  one  fault — it  is  shy  of  producing  leaves. 

The  Nectarines  here  are  Newirgton  (Rough  Roman),  Elruge, 
Violette  Ha'ive,  WhiteNectarine,  Murray,  and  Balgowan.  These 
are  all  well  known,  and  are  excellent.  Newington  is  a  cling- 
stone, and  one  of  the  richest  when  ripened  to  shrivelling.  The 
following  are  new : — Rivers's  White,  a  week  or  more  earlier 
than  White  Nectarine  ;  Rivers's  Orange,  Rivers's  Pine  Apple, 
and  Rivers's  Victoria,  the  latest  of  all.  The  two  last-named  I 
specially  recommend  ;  they  are  the  finest  of  all,  and  very  valu- 
able. Now,  if  the  reader  cannot  please  himself  out  of  the 
above,  I  fear  nobody  else  can  pleaBe  bim.     They  are  all  hardy, 


October  20,  1670.  ] 


JOURNAL   OP  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GAKDENER. 


30S 


great  bearers  (I  see  no  difference  between  Elruge  and  Violetto 
Hative,  they  appear  to  be  the  same,  or  nearly  bo),  and  of  ex- 
cellent flavour.  Have  which  yoar  readers  will,  they  cannot  burn 
their  fingers.  I  thank  Mr.  Rivers  and  Mr.  Standish  for  raising 
such  noble  fruits. 

A  good  suecessional  selection  of  Nectarines  would  be  Elruge, 
Rivers's  White,  Rivera's  Orange,  Rivers's  Pine  Apple,  and 
Rivera's  Victoria.     The  last  brings  the  season  to  October  11th. 

I  conclude  with  a  few  observations.  I  prune  the  trees  on 
the  alternate  system,  as  recommended  by  Mr.  BrChaut  in  his 
valuable  "  Peach  Pruner."  Unless  I  wish  to  fill  in  a  vacant 
space,  few  of  the  shoots  are  more  than  6  or  8  inches  long.  Some 
are  pinched  to  two  and  four  full-sized  leaves.  I  disbud  but 
little,  and  pinch  to  two  leaves  for  spurs.  The  same  shoot  will 
never  bear  again.  It  is,  therefore,  best  to  prune  short,  and 
leave  three  shoots  4  inches  long  at  shorter  distances  than  leave 
a  shoot  12  or  more  inches  long.  If  you  cannot  ripen  a  shoot 
4  inches  long,  how  can  you  expect  to  ripen  a  shoot  12  inches 
long?  If  the  winter  kills,  as  is  often  the  case,  an  unripened 
shoot,  you  get  a  bare  space  without  a  chance  of  succession.  I 
rarely  have  a  dead  shoot  in  winter.  Long  twigs  in  "  misery  " 
are  often  sent  to  me  by  other  people.  If  nurserymen  would 
shorten  the  twigs  of  their  one-vear-trained  trees  one-third,  these 
would  probably  produce  fruit  the  first  year  after  removal. 
They  look,  of  course,  more  worth  the  money  untouched.  I 
keep  my  trees  root-pruned,  and  hence  I  am  able  to  grow  more 
sorts.  If  the  roots  are  allowed  to  ramble,  you  must  permit  the 
trees  to  ramble,  or  they  will  gum.  The  result  is  in  time  a 
large  bare  space  at  the  base  and  centre  of  the  trees.  I  have 
"  expletives,"  or  small  trees,  some  on  short  stocks  and  others 
headed-off  into  standards,  to  fill  op  all  interstitial  spaces  and 
gaps.  These  are  kept  short-pruned,  and  are  removed  annually 
to  be  root-pruned,  in  order  to  keep  head  and  roots  good  friends. 
I  stop  the  extensions  in  August,  und  the  other  shoots  in  June. 
All  my  trees  are  now  nearly  bare  of  leaves,  are  pruned,  and  are 
tied  with  bast  to  cast-iron  nails.  The  bast  should  be  crossed, 
so  as  that  the  nail  may  not  touch  the  twig. — W.  P.  Radclyffe. 


THE   CULTURE    OF  LILIUSI  AURATUM. 

This  is  without  doubt  the  most  popular  of  the  Lily  tribe,  and 
bids  fair  to  become  the  most  popular  of  plants,  now  that  it? 
price  has  placed  it  within  the  reach  of  the  humblest  owner  of  a 
greenhouse.  Numerous  distinct  and  beautiful  varieties  are  in 
cultivation,  and  a  fair  field  is  open  to  the  hybridist,  as  a  most 
distinct  and  lovely  variety,  said  to  be  a  cross  between  L.  auratum 
and  lancifolium,  was  exhibited  at  South  Kensington  lately. 
As  to  the  varieties  of  auratum,  their  distinctiveness  consists 
not  only  in  the  size,  colour,  and  shape  of  the  flowers,  but  also 
in  the  number  of  flowers  borne  ou  a  spike.  Some  of  the  varieties 
have  from  three  to  six  flowers  on  a  spike,  others  from  thirty  to 
forty.  I  obtained  a  number  of  bulbs  of  auratum  of  nearly 
equal  size,  as  imported  from  Japan,  in  February,  18G7.  No 
notes  were  made  of  their  growth  or  flowering  in  that  year,  but 
in  the  following  three  seasons  the  subjoined  notes  were  made. 
The  produce  of  each  bulb  was  each  year  repotted  in  a  pot  by 
itself. 


3  had  1  spike  16  flowers 


1869  had  4 

,       82 

1870  had.  6 

„     184 

No.  2.— 1868  had  1 

„       25 

1869  had  1 

„       24 

1870  had  2 

„       89 

No.  S.-18t-8had3 

..         9 

1869  had  8 

„       10 

No.  8.— 1870  had  14  spikes  33  flowers 

No.  4.-  " 


■1868  had  2 

13 

1869  had  4        , 

25 

1870  hud  9 

75 

-1868  had  2 

7 

1869  had2       , 

9 

1870  had  2 

,         7 

The  remaining  roots  did  not  succeed  well ;  bulbs  were  not  in- 
creased to  a  large  extent,  and  not  more  than  one  or  two  flowers 
were  borne  on  a  spike.  No.  1  had  flower-spikes  10  feet  in 
height,  and  the  largest  number  of  flowers  on  a  spike  was  thirty- 
five.  Some  of  the  varieties  do  not  grow  more  than  from  2  to 
3  feet  in  height,  and  have  the  finest  individual  flowers. 

Nearly  all  the  Lily  tribe  are  of  easy  culture,  and  Lilium 
auratum  is  not  an  exception.  October  is  a  good  month  to 
repot  the  bulbs  ;  it  is  not  advisable  to  dry  them  off,  as  is  done 
with  Hyacinths,  Tulips,  and  other  bulbs.  Water  ought  to  be 
administered  sparingly  previous  to  potting,  and  as  soon  as 
the  leaves  assume  a  yellow  tinge  the  stalks  may  be  cut  over 
and  the  bulbs  potted.  In  potting,  some  cultivators  disturb  the 
bulbs  as  little  as  possible,  merely  scratching  away  the  loose  soil 
with  a  pointed  stick,  and  repotting  in  a  pot  a  size  larger;  I  con- 
sider it  best  to  shake  the  soil  entirely  from  the  roots,  separating 
each  bulb,  and  saving  the  fresh  roots  as  much  as  possible. 
As  many  as  a  dozen  bulbs  are  planted  in  a  13-iuch  pot,  three  of 


the  larger  bulbs  are  placed  in  the  centre,  and  the  remainder 
round  the  inside  of  the  rim.  I  find  they  succeed  well  in  a  com- 
post of  three  parts  of  turfy  loam  and  one  part  of  leaf  mould  and 
rotted  manure,  with  a  portion  of  silver  sand  to  keep  the  material 
open. 

If  the  compost  in  which  the  bulbs  are  potted  is  somewhat 
moist,  no  watering  will  be  required.  The  pots  ought  to  be 
plunged  in  a  cold  frame,  and  I  do  not  know  of  anything  better 
for  this  purpose  than  cocoa-nut  fibre  refuse  ;  and  if  the  potB  are 
completely  buried  in  it,  so  that  there  may  be  at  least  4  inches 
of  the  fibre  over  the  surface  of  the  soil,  thero  will  be  no  danger 
of  the  bulbs  being  injured  by  frost.  The  lights  ought  to  be  kept 
off  the  frame,  except  during  severe  frost  and  drenching  rains. 
The  bulbs  will  continue  to  make  roots  all  the  winter.  The 
cocoa-nut  fibre  refuse  ought  to  be  removed  from  the  surface  of 
the  pots  in  March,  and  if  the  bulbs  are  doing  well  roots  will  be 
found  pushing  upwards  into  it.  The  plants  ought  to  remain  in 
the  cold  frame  until  May,  when  they  can  be  placed  on  a  hard 
bottom  in  a  sheltered  position  out  of  doors  until  the  flowers 
begin  to  open,  when  they  must  be  removed  to  the  greenhouse  or 
sitting-room.  Manure  water  may  l<e  occasionally  administered 
to  them,  but  they  will  do  well  without  it ;  of  course  if  they  are 
wanted  for  exhibition  or  any  other  special  purpose,  extra  care 
must  be  bestowed  upon  them.  If  they  have  to  be  removed  a  dis- 
tance when  in  flower,  the  anthers  ought  to  be  wrapped  round 
with  tissue  paper,  in  order  that  the  dark  brown  dust  may  be  pre- 
vented from  shaking  on  to  the  petals,  as  it  sadly  disfigures  the 
flowers.  I  have  seen  them  brought  to  an  exhibition  when  this 
precaution  has  been  neglected,  and  the  flowers  were  entirely 
spoiled. — J.  Douglas. 


STOCKS  FOR  APPLE  GRAFTS. 

In  reference  to  the  inquiry  at  page  243,  and  the  information 
kindly  given  at  page  262  by  Mr.  Scott,  we  may  pursue  the  sub- 
ject with  profit,  I  think  to  its  more  complete  explanation. 

We  understand  the  English  Paradise  to  be  the  Burr  Knot 
and  the  Nonesuch,  both  Apple  stocks  chosen  for  this  purpose. 
The  Crab  stocks,  Mr.  Scott  says,  are  raised  from  cider  pomace 
— i.e.,  the  seeds  washed  out  of  the  cider  residuum,  and  are  not 
the  true  Crab  or  wild  Apple  stocks.  Doubtless  a  host  of  stocks 
are  produced  from  cider  refuse  seeds,  but  are  they  not  called 
Free  stocks  as  distinguished  from  Crab  stocks  in  the  nomen- 
clature of  their  class  ?  and  is  not  the  Crab  or  wild  Apple  culti- 
vated for  stocks  ?  If  not,  we  are  growing  varieties  of  Apples 
on  other  varieties  of  Apples,  just  as  we  do  on  the  Burr  Knot  and 
Nonesuch  (called  English  Paradise),  and  are  in  the  dark  how 
far,  if  at  all,  any  or  each  variety  of  Apple  stock  affects  any 
other  variety  of  Apple,  scion  and  fruit,  grafted  upon  and  pro- 
duced from  its  Apple  stock  of  indiscriminate  use.  Such  would 
not  be  the  case  if  Crab  or  wild  Apple  stocks  were  used  as  Crab 
stocks,  as  they  alone  ought  to  be,  and  not  confounded  with 
Apple  stocks  :  insomuch  we  are  all  duped,  as  the  Apple  stocks, 
the  medley  of  cider  refuse  seedlings,  go  by  tho  name  of  Crab 
stocks  amongst  our  nurserymen.  We  can  predicate  the  resnlt, 
in  growth  and  produce,  from  the  Crab  or  wild  Apple  stock  (the 
only  veritable  stock),  and  perhaps  from  the  Burr  Knot  and 
Nonesuch  Apple  stocks  ;  but  from  such  a  chaotic  mass  as  cider 
Apple  refuse  seedlings  render,  all  mu3t  be  chance  and  uncer' 
tainty  throughout — that  is,  if  the  stock  do — and  it  does — influ- 
ence the  graft  or  scion  and  its  fruit  for  better  or  for  worse. 
The  mischief  lies  in  the  sport  or  variation,  apt  to  show  itself 
in  the  same  fruit  on  different  and  haphazard  stocks.  Do  not 
cider  Apple  growers  cultivate  stocks  of  each  reputed  cider  fruit, 
on  which  stocks  alone  they  graft  eaoh  peculiar  cider  scion, 
stock  and  scion  identical,  for  verity  of  produce?  So  I  have 
been  told. 

The  Stibbert  stock,  too,  by  Mr.  Scott's  kindness,  we  now 
understand  is  the  Dutch  Codlin  Apple — Apple  on  Apple  again, 
subject  very  likely  to  uncertainty  in  truth  of  produce,  inasmuch 
as  Apple  stock  may  affect  Apple  scion  and  fruit,  as  is  already 
suggested. 

And  I  may  appropriately  ask,  If  and  in  what  respect  the 
Burr  Knot,  the  Nonesuch,  and  the  Dutch  Codlin  stocks  affect 
the  scions  and  fruits  grown  upon  them  respectively  ?  The 
answer  would  indicate  what  we  may  anticipate  from  cider  refuse 
seedling  stocks — Apple  stocks  at  a  venture. 

Here  I  will  digress,  and  designate  the  practice  of  sending  out 
cider  Apple  seedling  stocks  for  Crab  stocks  as,  if  not  a  cheat, 
most  reprehensible,  and  demanding  attention  from  the  Royal 
Horticultural  Society  as  likely  to  spread  a  mongrel  prsduce 
over  the  face  of  our  gardens  and  orchards. 


304 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  October  20,  1870. 


What  the  Douein  and  French  Paradise  stocks  are  is  a  myth 
to  us.  That  the  Douein  aud  the  French  Paradise  are  distinct 
stocks  is  all  we  can  gather,  but  the  species  of  each  stock  and  in 
what,  they  differ  are  still  to  be  described  to  us.  Even  Mr.  Scott 
characterises  these  Btocks  as  a  "  melange  of  sundries  " — not  a 
very  complimentary  reflection  upon  our  neighbours  over  the 
Channel,  but  perhaps  not  inappropriate  to  the  deserts  of  the 
subject  before  us,  and,  like  too  many  alien  snbjeots,  inaptly 
adopted  for  fashion  or  gain  only.  Will  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Rivers, 
or  M.  Du  Breuil,  tell  us  something  about  these  Douein  and 
Frenoh  Paradise  stocks? 

With  Mr.  Scott's  aid  we  come  to  the  Pommier  de  Paradis,  a 
stock  in  itself,  with  the  merit,  at  all  events,  of  a  candid  cha- 
racter, and  no  duplicity  about  its  identity.  Its  other  merits  as 
a  stock  are  best  left  to  Mr.  Scott's  own  advocacy  and  experience, 
able,  ample,  and  reliable  alike.  The  name  alone  appears  to  con- 
found the  Pommier  de  Paradis  with  its  ally,  or  enemy — which, 
I  know  not — French  Paradise,  and  would  be  better  changed 
for  its  own  credit  and  reputation.  In  short,  call  things  by 
their  proper  names,  and  let  us  know  what  we  are  doing  in  our 
dealings.  Honestly  and  openly  say  the  Burr  Knot  stock  ;  the 
Nonesuch  stock;  the  Dutch  Codlin  stock;  the  Crab  (and  not 
Apple),  or  the  English  Crab  stock;  the  Caucasian  Crab  stock, 
in  lieu  of  Pommier  de  Paradis  ;  the  oider  pomace  Apple  stock  ; 
the  Douein  6tock  ;  the  French  Paradise  stock.  Thus  we  shall 
have  our  choice,  and  the  best  stocks  in  time  will  find  their  way 
to  the  front.  As  we  stand,  we  are  provoked  by  a  maze  of 
fantastical  stocks,  deceptive  to  every  lover  of  genuine  British 
pomological  produce. — Readek. 


of  rain  on  wet  days  was  greatest  in  the  second  quarter.  The 
author  summarises  these  facts  as  follows: — 1,  The  least  average 
rainfall  was  in  the  quarter  immediately  preceding  the  new  moon, 
instead  of,  as  Sir  J.  Herschel  supposes,  about  the  fall  moon. 
2,  The  maximum  number  of  wet  days  was  in  the  third  quarter, 
and  the  minimum  in  the  first — thus  differing  from  the  results 
stated  by  M.  Arago  to  have  been  obtained  in  Germany  and 
Paris  on  the  one  hand,  and  the  south  of  France  on  the  other. — 
(English  Mechanic.) 


INFLUENCE   OF  THE   MOON   ON  RAINFALL. 

It  is  a  matter  of  almost  universal  belief  in  the  brccolic  mind 
that  the  moon  exercises  a  very  great  influence  on  changes  in 
the  weather,  and  if  a  particular  lunar  phase  occurs  on  the 
Saturday  before  the  harvest,  it  is  accepted  as  prognosticating  a 
wet  season.  Men  are  found  saying  they  have  verified  the 
phenomenon  for  fifty  years,  and  even  intelligent  farmers  accept 
it  as  a  fundamental  fact  of  meteorology.  From  an  article  by 
Mr.  Pengelly,  in  the  Quarterly  Journal  of  Science,  we  extract 
the  following  remarks  bearing  on  the  subject: — 

That  the  moon  is  very  influential  in,  or  at  least  closely  con- 
nected with,  all  changes  of  the  weather,  is  a  belief  at  once 
widely  spread  and  deeply  rooted.  Our  satellite  can  neither  be 
full,  nor  new,  nor  "fill  her  horns,"  without,  as  is  popularly 
believed,  causing  or  indicating  some  alteration  in  the  state  of 
the  weather.  If  she  is  caught  "lying  on  her  back,"  or,  in 
other  words,  if,  when  she  is  less  than  a  semicircle,  her  cusps 
are  pointed  upwards  so  that  the  straight  line  joining  them  is 
more  or  less  approximately  parallel  to  the  horizontal  plane,  the 
fact  is  supposed  to  be  an  indication  if  not  the  cause  of  rain. 
If  she  submits  to  be  "  tewed  by  one  star  and  chased  by  another," 
—  that  is,  if  Bhe  is  between  and  near  two  conspicuous  stars,  so 
that  the  three  bodies  are  at  least  nearly  in  a  straight  line,  the 
fishermen  expect  a  storm. 

Though  meteorologists  show  no  favour  to  these  and  many 
similar  beliefs,  some  of  them  admit  that  it  is  neither  unpbilo- 
sophical  nor  contrary  to  fact  to  regard  the  moon  as  a  meteoro- 
logical agent.  Thus,  Sir  John  Herschel,  from  his  own  observa- 
tions, regards  it  as  a  meteorological  fact  that  the  clouds  have  a 
tendency  to  disappear  under  the  full  moon,  and  adds  that  a 
slight  preponderance  in  respect  of  quantity  of  rain  near  the  new 
moon  over  that  which  falls  near  the  full,  would  be  a  natural  and 
necessary  consequence  of  a  preponderance  of  a  cloudless  sky 
about  the  full.  M.  Arago,  who  concurs  in  this  opinion,  states 
that  the  expression  "  the  moon  eats  the  clouds,"  is  common 
jn  France  among  country  people,  and  especially  among  sailors. 
The  latter  philosopher  adds  that  the  results  obtained  from 
meteorological  observations  in  Germany  and  in  Paris,  were  that 
the  maximum  number  of  rainy  days  occurred  between  the  first 
quarter  and  full  moon,  and  the  minimum  between  the  last 
quarter  and  new  moon;  the  ratios  being  100:  121.4 in  Germany, 
and  100  :  126  in  Paris  ;  but  that  in  the  south  of  France  the 
minimum  number  of  rainy  days  occurred  between  the  full  moon 
and  the  last  quarter.  He  concludes  with  the  remark  that  "the 
question  requires  to  be  examined  afresh." 

Mr.  Pengelly  then  gives  bis  own  carefully  made  series  of  rain- 
fall observations,  extending  over  a  period  of  six  years,  or  rather 
seventy-four  complete  lunations.  From  these  we  find  that  the 
greatest  amount  of  rainfall  occurred  in  the  second  quarter;  the 
greatest  number  of  wet  days  in  the  third  ;  while  the  mean  rate 


COMPARATIVE   TRIAL   OI'  PEAS. 

With  the  assistance  of  a  friend,  who  lived  some  distance  off, 
to  join  in  the  trial,  I  have  grown  sixteen  varieties.  Although 
in  every  case  but  one  my  crop  was  larger  than  his,  the  relative 
proportions  were  remarkably  equal.  We  found,  out  of  the 
sixteen  sorts  tested,  the  Hundredfold  stood  first  without  a 
doubt,  and  the  Imperial  Wonder  second  best ;  Waterloo  Mar- 
rows were  third  in  productiveness. 

It  is  but  just  to  add  that  the  general  crop  of  wrinkled  Peas 
suffered  very  much  from  blight,  which  made  Fairbeard's 
Champion  of  England  and  Veiteh's  Perfection  show  as  tenth 
and  fourteenth  on  our  list — much  lower  than  would  otherwise 
have  been  the  case.  I  have  enclosed  a  list.  The  first  two 
columns  show  the  number  of  peas  and  pods,  and  the  third 
column  the  average  produce  of  one  plant.  The  other  columns 
tell  the  number  of  days  from  the  date  of  sowing  to  the  date  of 
first  showing  above  ground,  number  to  the  date  of  ten  flowers, 
and  to  the  date  of  ten  pods  of  peas  fit  to  gather.  Of  course 
there  was  some  irregularity  in  the  time  of  coming  np  on  ac- 
count of  the  peas  being  sown  in  different  depths  of  soil.  I 
have  arranged  them  in  their  order  of  earliness,  and  lettered 
them  A  to  Q  for  productiveness. 


S3 

No.  ot 

No.  of 

!i? 

Number  of 

lays 

Pods. 

Peas. 

*!N 

aiter  sowing. 

A3 

<°  a. 

up. 

inflr. 

bear's 

I 

Carter's  First  Crop 

8.6 

43  0 

50 

16 

57 

76 

D 

95 

49  7 

5.25 

18 

61 

80 

M 

9.25 
6.9 

37.7 
87.1 

40 
6.5 

17 
17 

61 
62 

81 

N 

Maclean's  Advancer  . . 

82 

P 

50 
8.75 

30.2 
53.7 

6.05 
6.25 

18 
19 

65 
66 

90 

A 

90 

K 

Champion  of  England 

9.7 

39.6 

4.25 

18 

67 

91 

L 

Woodford  Marrow  .... 

83 

387 

4.7 

19 

70 

91 

H 

7  45 

44.8 

6.0 

17 

63 

92 

Q 

6  45 

287 

4.5 

17 

66 

92 

c 

Waterloo  Marrow    .... 

14.45 

50.7 

3.5 

18 

70 

92 

E 

Ne  Plus  Ultra   

9.2 

46.3 

5.0 

18 

71 

92 

O 

Veiteh's  Perfection. . . . 

78 

34.3 

4.55 

18 

66 

94 

F 

96 

45.8 

4.75 

18 

69 

96 

B 

9.5 

50  7 

5.25 

21 

69 

96 

G 

965 

45.0 

4.7 

22 

73 

99 

I  should  be  glad  if  others  in  different  parts  of  the  country 
would  joia  me  in  a  similar  experiment  next  year. 

I  also  wish  to  ask  advice  as  to  dressing  Apple  trees  affected 
with  American  blight.  This  spring  all  my  trees  were  detached 
from  the  walls  and  thoroughly  anointed  with  a  solution  of 
Gishurst  compound,  and  the  walls  carefully  washed  with  a 
mixture  prepared  according  to  your  directions,  but  in  Bpite  of 
all  this,  I  never  saw  any  trees  so  entirely  covered  as  mine  were 
this  autumn. — E.  G.,  Lcighton  Buzzard. 


FLOWER-BED  ARRANGEMENTS. 

We  are  so  pleased  with  your  reply  to  our  letter  in  the  Journal 
of  September  8th,  and  the  friendly  criticisms  of  Mr.  Peach  in 
that  of  the  22nd  of  the  same  month,  that  we  trouble  you  again. 
We  must  thank  you  and  Mr.  Peach,  through  the  medium  of 
"  our  Journal,"  for  your  criticism  ;  and  with  the  suggestions 
you  each  offer,  and  the  re-arrangement  we  had  made  on  our 
coloured  plan,  we  hope  next  year  to  have  the  tout  ensemble 
perfect.  We  omitted  to  say  in  our  last  that  beds  8,  9,  10,  and 
11  (see  page  186),  have  a  plant  of  Humea  elegans  in  the  centre, 
and  8  and  9  are  carpeted  with  Viola  cornuta,  though  the  Gera- 
niums have  grown  so  vigorously  that  only  a  few  flowers  of 
the  Viola  are  seen  peeping  above  the  white  foliage.  The  al- 
terations yon  suggest  relative  to  clumps  6  and  7  we  think 
would  be  an  improvement,  and  father  says  when  the  summer 
bedding  plants  are  taken  off,  before  we  plant  our  spring  flowers 
and  bulbs,  the  beds  shall  be  formed  according  to  the  suggestions 
of  the  EditorB. 

The  design  respecting  which  we  now  seek  your  advice,  and  of 


October  20,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


305 


which  we  enclose  a  copy,  ia  situated  directly  opposite  onr 
cottage,  and  only  separated  from  the  highway  by  a  low  row  of 
palisading.  The  enclosure  containing  this  flower  garden  is 
but  small,  and  the  beds  but  few  in  number,  yet  in  this  spot 
we  concentrate  our  choicest  plants,  and  at  all  seasons  of  the 
year  we  try  our  best  to  make  it  a  spoi  of  surpassing  beauty. 
There  is  not  a  day  throughout  the  year  that  the  beds  are  un- 
ocoupied,  for  if  in  the  morning  we  clear  them  of  the  summer 
plants,  before  evening  we  furnish  them  with  others  that  have 
to  remain  through  the  winter,  to  cheer  us  with  their  pretty 
blooms  in  the  spring,  and  vice  versa.  The  walls  of  the  cottage 
are  mantled  with  Roses  Clematises,  Cotoneasters,  ifcc. 

I  will  now  tell  you  how  the  beds  are  planted,  and  afterwards 
make  a  few  remarks  respecting  the  properties  of  the  different 
plants  employed  for  decoration.  The  beds  are  planted  as 
follows:— Bed  1,  Ageratum,  blue,  a  small  variety  between  the 
old  A.  mexicanum  and  the  new  Imperial  D,varf,  edged  with 
Golden  Feather  Pyrethtum.  Bed  2,  Geranium  Flower  of  the 
Day.  Bed  3,  Geranium  Flower  of  Spring.  Bed  4,  Geranium 
Douglas  Pearson  (scarlet).  Bed  5,  Geranium  William  Thom- 
son (scarlet).  Bad  6,  Geranium  Sobieski  (scarlet).  Bed  7, 
William  Underwood.  8,  a  narrow  border  in  front  of  the  cottage, 
ia  planted  with  a  row  of  Sedum  Fabaria,  edged  with  Echeveria 
secunda  and  Sempervivutn  oalifornicum.  This  bed  is  oar  first 
attempt  at  subtropical  gardening,  and  as  we  do  not  like  it  we 
shall  give  it  up.    9  is  the  gate. 

For  our  spring  display  we  had  the  following  :— Bed  1,  Centre 
of  the  bed  Alyssum  saxatile  compactum,  edged  with  two  rows 
of  Aubrietia  deltoidea,  and  the  whole  of  the  spaces  between  the 
Alyssnm  and  Aubrietia  filled  with  choice  Tulips.  Beds  2  and 
3,  Arabia  lucida  variegata,  edged  with  red  Daisies,  and  filled  with 
Hyacinths.  Beds 
5  and  6,  Cliveden 
Blue  Fansies,  filled 
with  Tulips.  Beds 
4  and  7,  Double  red 
Hepaticas,  also  fill- 
ed with  Tulips.  As 
the  Hepaticas  had 
ceased  blooming 
early,  when  they 
were  over  we  took 
them  away  and  in- 
troduced Primroses 
in  their  places.  The 
narrow  border,  8, 
had  Wallflowers 
edged  with  Pansies 
raised  from  seed 
the  previous  sea- 
son, with  Narcissus 
introduced  among 
the  Wallflowers.  Nothing  could  surpass  the  beauty  and  use- 
fulness of  the  seedling  Pansies.  The  spring  flowers  were  ex- 
ceedingly beautiful,  and  we  think  even  more  charming  than  the 
summer  flowers  j  indeed,  when  one  of  the  most  able  contri- 
butors of  "our  Journal"  came  to  see  us  during  the  last  week 
in  April,  he  declared  it  to  be  one  of  the  best  examples  of  spring 
gardening  he  had  seen.  Now,  the  frosty  mornings  have  already 
begun  to  tell  upon  our  present  display,  and  as  we  have  our 
reserve  garden  filled  to  overflowing  with  spring  flowers,  we 
want  yon  to  assist  us  in  our  arrangements.  What  we  want  ia 
perfection,  and  any  suggestions  you  can  offer,  either  for  Bpring 
or  summer  embellishment,  will  be  considered  a  great  favour. 

Just  a  word  or  two  on  the  merits  of  a  few  of  our  favourites. 
To  enter  into  full  particulars  respecting  the  various  plants  we 
employ  would  too  much  increase  the  extent  of  thia  paper.  We 
will  ja8t  briefly  refer  to  one  or  two  of  the  most  prominent,  and 
devote  a  paper  to  the  rest  hereafter.  Too  much  cannot  be 
said  in  favour  of  Douglas  Pearson  and  William  Thomson. 
These  were  large  plants  when  we  turned  them  out  in  the 
spring,  and  they  have  kept  the  lead  of  all  others  ever  since. 
They  produce  large  trusses  of  crimson  scarlet  flowers  ;  we  have 
counted  nearly  one  hundred  flowers  to  a  truss.  They  surpass 
Bayard  in  size  and  uprightness  of  habit ;  and,  therefore,  we  set 
them  down,  notwithstanding  our  friend  Mr.  Peach's  opinion, 
as  the  best  two  Geraniums  in  cultivation.  Bayard  has  been  as 
good  as  ever  this  season,  and  William  Underwood  better  than 
usual.  We  admit  Waltham  Seedling  to  be  good,  yet  the  in- 
dividual trusses  are  small,  and  we  consider  one  fine  truss  of 
William  Underwood  to  afford  as  muoh  pleasure  as  twenty  trusses 
of  Waltham  Seedling.    For  Mr.  Peach's  information,  among 


those  we  consider  not  worthy  of  a  place  in  our  flower  gar- 
den, we  may  mention  Lord  Palmerston,  L 3  Grand,  Herald  of 
Spring,  Cybiater,  Dr.  Lindley,  Clipper,  Christine  Nosegay,  and 
Indian  Yellow.  Our  other  remarks  we  will  reserve  for  another 
paper. — Sarah  Ann,  Clara,  and  Amy  Alice,  Geranium  Cottage, 
Beulah. 

[We  like  the  spring  gardening  so  much  that  we  would  rather 
not  meddle  with  the  arrangement,  further  than  to  say  that 
dotting  with  Hyacinths,  Tulips,  and  Narcissi  beds  pretty  well 
carpeted  already,  will  have  a  fine  effect.  Even  in  summer 
grouping  the  carpeting  of  the  ground  with  a  low-growiug  telling 
plant,  and  then  having  tho  main  plants  that  show  at  a  distance 
rather  thin,  has  such  a  good  effect  that  it  onght  to  be  more 
practised.  We  adopted  it  once  to  a  considerable  extent,  but 
have  not  much  done  so  lately.  It  is  a  good  plan  for  prevent- 
ing such  a  thiag  as  blanks  in  a  flower  bed.  and  preventing  even 
the  earth  being  seen.  All  low-growing  plants  are  suitable  for 
this  purpose,  as  the  different  Cerastiums,  such  Verbenas  as 
Maonetti  and  pulchella,  Variegated  Alyssum  pegged  down,  &c. 

The  much-prized  front  flower  garden — which  we  like  all  the 
more  because  separated  merely  by  a  low  palisading  from  the 
highway,  as  thus  every  passer-by  may  enj  jy  its  beauties  and  be 
tempted  to  make  similar  efforts — is  set  on  a  parallelogram  of 
lawn,  and  couBists  of  seven  clumps,  a  large  circle  in  the  centre, 
rather  more  than  a  quarter-moon  on  each  side  of  it,  and  two 
smaller  circles  at  each  end.  Now,  the  first  idea  that  strikes  us  is, 
that  your  central  circle  is  too  large  for  the  other  beds,  and  if 
the  oolours  used  in  it  were  very  bright  the  central  bed  would 
at  once  arreat  the  eye.  You  aeem  to  have  had  this  idea  present 
to  your  mind,  as  yoa  fill  the  most  of  this  large  bed  with  a 
dwarf  Ageratum,  very  nice  though  dull  in  colour,  and  edge  it 

with  the  Yellow  Fe- 
verfew, and  thus 
you  prevent  the 
large  bed  from  what 
we  call  drowning 
the  ether  beds.  Be- 
sides the  dullness 
of  such  a  mass  of 
Ageratum,  we  have 
this  objection  to  the 
dwarf  variety.whioh 
we  presume  you 
have,  that  it  is  apt 
to  die  off  or  become 
thabby  rather  early 
iu  the  autumn,  if 
you  oannot  give  it 
water.  Of  course, 
we  speak  relatively 
as  to  size,  as  we  do 
not  know  the  exact 
dimensions  of  the  beds,  only  we  see  that  the  central  clump 
is  more  than  double  the  size  of  any  of  the  rest.  This  may 
have  led  you  to  border  that  clump  and  leave  the  others 
unbordered,  or  without  edging ;  but  that  is  scarcely  enough 
to  restore  the  balance  of  size,  and,  therefore,  that  central 
!  figure  would  be  better  broken  up  so  as  not  to  show  a  mass 
of  any  one  colour.  Thus  you  might  have  four  bands — a 
centre  of  Coleus,  a  band  of  yellow  Calceolarias,  a  band  of 
your  dwarf  Ageratum,  and  an  outside  band  of  the  Golden  Fever- 
few. Then,  again,  the  central  bed  might  be  twice  crossed 
with  Coleus  or  Iresine  Lindeni,  filling  up  the  four  angles 
with  the  Feverfew,  and  having  an  edging  round  of  Variegated 
Alyssum  and  Lobeua  mixed.  If  the  plants  in  your  other  beds 
were  not  too  high,  this  central  oircle  would  look  very  well 
if  the  centre  were  made  into  a  star,  the  bulk  and  the  rays  of 
the  star  filled  with  the  Golden  Feverfew,  the  six  angles  neatly 
planted  with  Iresine  Lindeni,  a  rich  purple  that  stands  nipping 
to  any  height,  and  then  a  mixed  edging  of  Alyssnm  and  Lobelia 
all  round.  By  drawing  and  painting  such  a  figure  you  will 
judge  better  how  it  will  look.  Then,  again,  as  you  propose 
to  edge  this  bed,  we  would  make  it  a  kind  of  key  note  for 
edging  all  the  rest.  The  edging  makes  every  bed  complete  in 
itself,  and  gives  it  a  finish  which  nothing  else  will,  it  matters 
not  how  small  the  edging  be. 

We  are  a  little  iu  doubt  whether,  after  making  the  large 
central  bed  somewhat  neutral  in  its  tints,  it  wonld  not  be  as 
well  to  make  the  half-moons,  2  and  3,  of  the  bright  scarlets 
with  appropiate  edgings,  and  have  the  lighter-coloured  foliage, 
as  Flower  of  the  Day,  at  the  ends.  In  this  case  one  oircle  at 
each  end  might  be  silver-variegated  and  the  other  yellow-varie- 


306 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GABDENBE. 


[  October  20,  1870. 


gated.  Even  on  the  plan  you  have  adopted,  with  light  varie- 
gated foliage  in  2  and  3,  we  would  band  them  with  a  purple,  as 
Purple  King  Verbena,  or  with  strong  plants  of  the  Alternan- 
thera,  and  if  the  end  circular  beds  were  scarlet  we  would  band 
them  with  the  larger  Cerastiam,  or,  better  still,  with  the  Cine- 
raria maritima  or  the  white-leaved  Centaurea  kept  dwarf  and 
close,  and  for  this  purpose  the  Cineraria  bears  nipping  well, 
and,  on  the  whole,  we  prefer  it  for  its  handsome  cut  leaves  to 
the  Centaurea,  whilst  it  is  next  to  hardy  in  most  dry  places. 

We  will  not  outer  iuto  your  comparison  of  scarlet  Geraniums  ; 
we  may  merely  say,  that  in  small  gardens  it  is  well  to  en- 
courage the  best  sorts,  and  those  having  the  best  trusses.  But 
when  dense  masses  of  bloom  are  to  be  desired  rather  than  fine 
individual  trusses,  and  if  the  place  is  exposed  to  wind,  then 
we  would  be  sorry  to  throw  away  some  of  the  kinds  you  reject, 
as  Cybister,  Indian  Yellow,  Lord  Palmerston,  and  the  old  pink 
Christine.  We  often  find  that  these  smaller-trussed  kinds 
produce  the  richest  mass  of  colouring,  and  they  are  less  in- 
fluenced by  wind  and  rain.  Though  growing  much  better  kinds, 
we  have  had  nothing  that  has  equalled  Christine  for  masses  of 
pink.  Even  now,  on  the  8th  of  October,  and  notwithstanding 
all  the  dryness,  some  beds  are  beautiful.] 


EARLY   FROSTS. 


In  this  locality,  on  the  nights  of  the  10th  and  11th  of  this 
month,  we  had  two  rather  sharp  hoar  frosts  for  the  early 
days  of  October,  and  on  the  morning  of  the  12th  the  thermo- 
meter stood  at  27°,  or  5°  below  freezing. 

This  frost  has  proved  destructive  to  many  things,  such  as 
Vegetable  Marrows,  Scarlet  Runner  and  Dwarf  Kidney  Beans, 
late  Peas,  &a. ;  while  in  the  flower  garden  such  tender  plants 
as  Heliotropes,  Tropteolums,  Iresines,  and  Perillas  have  been 
killed  to  the  ground  ;  therefore  when  these  tender  subjects 
have  contributed  largely  to  the  beauty  of  a  design  the  pleasure 
of  viewing  them  may  be  said  to  be  over  for  one  more  summer, 
but  not  so  when  the  less  tender  plants  of  the  Pelargonium 
class,  Calceolarias,  and  the  like  have  been  employed.  These, 
if  the  weather  should  prove  favourable,  and  if  the  plants  be 
cleared  of  their  dead  leaves  and  flowers,  will  considerably 
revive  and  be  tolerably  gay  for  two  or  three  weeks ;  so  that  in 
looking  at  things  one  way  it  does  seem  to  me  to  be  a  pity  that 
the  present  style  of  bedding  should  necessitate  the  use  of  so 
many  tender  sorts  of  plants  which  very  early  frosts  destroy, 
rendering  a  design  that  perhaps  may  be  at  its  greatest  beauty 
suddenly  unsightly ;  yet  the  hardier  kinds  of  plants  retain 
their  beauty  for  some  time  longer;  but  I  suppose  there  is  no 
help  for  it. — Thomas  Record,  Hatfield  Park. 


PORTRAIT  OF  MR.   RIVERS. 

_  Some  friends  of  Mr.  Rivers,  of  Sawbridgeworth,  being  de- 
sirous of  expressing  their  appreciation  of  the  valuable  services 
he  has  rendered  during  a  long  life  to  the  cause  of  horticulture 
by  his  numerous  writings  and  discoveries,  have  united  in  a 
subscription  to  procure  a  portrait  as  a  suitable  memorial  of 
one  who  has  contributed  so  much  to  the  pleasure  and  enjoy- 
ment of  his  fellows.  The  portrait  has  already  been  com- 
missioned, and  it  is  intended  when  completed  to  offer  it  to 
the  Trustees  of  the  Lindley  Library,  to  be  hung  at  South 
Kensington. 

As  Mr.  Rivers's  consent  to  the  memorial  has  been  obtained 
on  the  express  understanding  that  no  special-application  will  be 
made  to  the  general  public,  but  that  it  Bhall  be  a  spontaneous 
movement  on  the  part  of  those  contributing,  no  application  of 
any  kind  will  be  issued  asking  anyone  to  assist ;  but  all  who 
have  that  feeling  of  regard  and  admiration  for  Mr.  Rivers,  by 
which  the  promoters  of  the  movement  are  actuated,  are  invited 
to  forward  their  subscriptions  to  Dr.  Hogg,  99,  St.  George's 
Road,  London,  S.W. 

As  an  illustration  of  the  feeling  of  many  amateur  horticul- 
turists who  have  derived  so  much  healthful  recreation  and  un- 
alloyed pleasure  from  the  pursuit  of  horticulture,  as  it  has  been 
popularised  by  Mr.  Rivers,  we  give  the  following  extract  from 
a  letter  received  by  Dr.  Hogg,  from  one  of  the  early  promoters 
of  thi3  memorial : — 

"  I  am  decidedly  opposed  to  testimonials  after  a  man  is 
dead.  The  dead  must  depend  on  their  own  works  for  their 
fame,  but  the  living  are  capable  of  receiving  pleasure  from 
finding  that  their  exertions  for  the  public  good  have  been 
gratefully  received.     If  ever  there  was  a  man  who  has  diffused 


pleasure  to  mankind,  or,  to  use  Virgil's  expression,  '  qui  sui 
memores  alios  fecere  merendo,'  it  is  Mr.  Rivers.  We  now 
associate  Mr.  Rivers  so  entirely  with  orchard  houses,  that  we 
are  apt  to  forget  his  earlier  but  not  less  useful  services  in  the 
introduction  and  cultivation  of  Roses  and  Pears,  and  above  all 
root-pruning.  He  has  managed  to  blend  in  a  most  unusual 
manner  commercial  advantages  to  himself  with  liberality  and 
instruction  to  the  public." 

The  following  have  already  intimated  their  desire  to  unite  in 
the  movement,  aDd  have  forwarded  their  subscriptions  : — 

£  s.  d. 

Journal  of  Horticulture,  Proprietors  of 5  0  0 

Hole,  Rev.  S.  Reynolds,  Caunton  Manor 5  0  0 

Kingsley,  Rev.  W.,  South  Kilvington   2  2  0 

Paul,  Mr.  William,  Waltham  Cross 1  1  0 

Pearson,  Mr.  John,  Chilwell 1  1  0 

Radclyffe,  Rev.  W.  F.,  Okeford  Fitzpaine    

Roden,  Dr.,  Kidderminster 2  2  0 

Sparkes,  George,  Esq.,  Bromley    1  1  0 

Speed,  Mr.  Thos.,  Chatsworth  Gardens    1  1  0 

Wilson,  G.  F.,  Esq.,  F.R.S.,  Heatherbank 

Whatever  amount  of  money  may  be  received  in  exoess  of 
the  price  of  the  portrait  will  be  appropriated  to  some  horti- 
cultural object  of  which  Mr.  Rivers  may  approve ;  but  Mr. 
Rivers  will  regret  any  proposition  that  may  assume  the  form 
of  a  testimonial  being  presented  to  him. 


WINTER-BLOOMING  ORCHIDS.— No.  9. 

ADA. 

A.  aurantiaca. — A  solitary  species  represents  this  genus,  and 
until  quite  recently  it  has  been  extremely  rare.  During  the 
past  twelve  or  eighteen  months,  however,  a  considerable  number 
of  plants  have  been  introduced  to  this  country  in  a  living  state, 
and  it  Bhould  be  eagerly  sought  after  by  those  Orcbid-growerg 
who  appreciate  the  winter-blooming  kinds ;  for  not  only  is  it 
very  distinct  and  beautiful,  but  the  colour  is  one  rarely  to  be 
met  with  amongst  plants  of  this  order.  To  thote  unacquainted 
with  Ada  aurantiaca,  the  fact  of  its  being  so  rare  may,  perhaps, 
be  attributed  to  some  difficulty  or  peculiarity  in  its  cultivation ; 
such,  however,  is  not  the  case,  for  it  succeeds  admirably  under 
similar  conditions  to  Odontoglossum  Alexandras,  and  the  fact 
of  its  remaining  so  long  amongst  our  rarest  plants  is  solely  to 
be  attributed  to  the  difficulty  attending  its  introduction,  and  to 
its  being  extremely  local  in  its  distribution. 

This  elegant  plant  produces  slender,  somewhat  cylindrical 
pseudo-bulbs,  which  are  about  3  or  4  inches  long,  and  support 
two  or  three  dark  green  linear  leaves  varying  from  3  to  C  inches  in 
length.  The  pseudo-bulbs  are  sheathed  at  the  base  with  ferru- 
ginous scales.  The  longest  scape  I  have  seen  measured  about 
10  inches,  and  was  produced  from  the  top  of  the  pseudo-bulb, 
and  nodding.  The  flowers  are  arranged  in  a  somewhat  dis- 
tichous manner,  and  placed  distantly  on  the  spike  ;  sepals  and 
petals  lanceolate,  tapering  to  a  narrow  point,  the  petals  much 
the  smallest;  all  of  them,  together  with  the  lip,  are  of  a  rich 
golden  orange,  a  colour  which  is  extremely  rare,  and  very 
welcome  at  the  dullest  time  of  the  year.  It  blooms  during  the 
months  of  January,  February,  and  March,  lasting  in  perfection 
a  considerable  time.  Native  of  New  Granada,  at  considerable 
elevations. 

ANGR.ECUM. 

All  the  species  of  Angraecum,  as  far  as  I  am  aware,  are  pe- 
culiar to  Africa  or  the  African  islands.  Of  late  years  these 
plants  have  been  undeservedly  neglected  by  growers  of  orchid- 
aceous plants,  from  no  other  cause  that  I  can  imagine  than 
lack  of  brilliant  colours.  This  is  much  to  be  regretted,  for 
many  of  the  species  are  noble-growing  plants,  and  are  very 
ornamental  even  when  destitute  of  bloom.  Angrfecums  should 
be  grown  in  the  East  Indian  house,  should  be  provided  with 
good  drainage,  and  be  potted  wholly  in  sphagnum  moss,  which 
is  best  for  their  roots  when  in  a  growing  state,  independent 
of  the  pleasing  effect  it  produces. 

A.  sesquipedale. — I  place  this  species  at  the  head  of  the  list, 
for  it  unquestionably  produces  the  fineBt  flowers  of  any  of  the 
genus  as  yet  introduced  to  cultivation,  and  they  were  first  seen 
in  this  country  about  thirteen  years  ago.  The  plant  is  very 
ornamental ;  leaves  about  a  foot  long,  arching,  bluntly  bilobed 
at  the  apex,  and  very  deep  green  in  colour,  over  which  a  mealy 
whiteness  is  suffused,  as  if  dusted  or  powdered.  The  scape  is 
produced  from  the  axils  of  the  leaves,  and  bears  from  three  to 


October  20,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


307 


five  thiok,  waxy-looking,  sweet-scented  flowers,  each  measuring 
upwards  of  7  inches  in  diameter ;  sepals  and  petals  broad  at  the 
base,  tapering  to  a  long  narrow  point ;  lip  ovate,  acuminate, 
and,  as  well  as  the  sepals  and  petals,  ivory  white,  tinged  with 
green.  The  long  spur  of  the  lip,  so  characteristic  of  this  genus, 
is  developed  to  an  extraordinary  degree  in  this  plant,  reaching 
14  and  even  18  inches  in  length,  and  this  has  given  rise  to  the 
specific  name.  It  blooms  during  midwinter  and'  lasts  a  very 
long  time  in  perfection.  It  bloomed  for  the  first  time  in  Europe 
in  the  year  1857.     Native  of  Madagascar. 

A.  eburneum — This  is  also  a  native  of  Madagascar,  and 
being  a  plant  of  noble  growth  is  a  grand  ornament  in  a  col- 
lection, even  when  not  in  flower.  It  is  erect  in  habit,  and  an 
abundant  bloomer  during  winter.  The  leaves  are  thick  and 
fleshy,  from  12  to  18  inches  in  length,  and  about  2  or  more 
inches  broad,  light  green,  slightly  dusted  with  a  white  powder. 
The  long  spike  is  erect,  bearing  large  ivory  white  flowers,  the 
lip  of  which  is  furnished  with  a  long  spur.  Tue  blooms  are  of 
great  substanoe,  and  remain  a  very  long  time  in  perfection. 

A.  vtrens. — Ey  some  authorities  this  is  considered  a  variety 
of  the  preceding;  however,  be  it  a  variety  or  species,  it  is  very 
ornamental  and  distinct.  The  habit  of  growth  is  similar  to 
A.  eburneum,  but  the  leaves  are  scarcely  so  long,  and  very  deep 
green.  The  flowers,  though  large,  are  smaller  than  those  of  the 
previously  named  plant,  and  are  produced  during  the  winter 
months.     Native  of  Madagascar. 

A.  bilobum. — A  somewhat  small-growing  plant,  but  very  ele- 
gant and  distinct,  and  well  deserving  more  general  cultivation 
than  has  hitherto  been  accorded  it.  The  leaves  are  arranged  in 
3  distichous  manner,  and  are  thick,  dark  green,  obtuse  at  the 
apex.  The  spikes  are  pendulous,  bearing  white  flowers,  and  the 
lip,  as  in  all  this  genus,  has  a  long  spur  or  tail ;  they  are  pro- 
duced during  the  autumn  months,  and  with  a  few  small  fronds  of 
Adiantnm  intermixed,  they  form  chaste  and  elegant  wreaths  for 
adorning  ladies'  hair,  and  the  individual  flowers  are  charming 
adjuncts  to  a  bouquet.  A.  bilobum  is  a  rather  delicate-rooting 
plant,  or  what  is  often  called  "  miffy,"  and  I  have  found  it 
succeed  best  when  planted  in  pieces  of  charcoal  and  of  broken 
pots  only,  with  just  a  slight  covering  of  sphagnum  moss.  It  is 
a  native  of  the  west  coast  of  Africa. 

A.  pellucidum. — This  is  the  last  species  of  the  genus  which 
I  shall  introduce  here  as  a  winter  bloomer.  There  are,  however, 
one  or  two  others  which  bloom  during  this  season,  and  are  ex- 
tremely beautiful,  but  being  of  recent  introduction  and  still  very 
rare  in  cultivation,  I  have  had  no  experience  with  them,  and 
cannot,  therefore,  speak  of  them  practioally.  The  present 
plant  resembles  Phalienopsis  grandiflora  very  much  in  growth, 
but  the  leaves  are  thinner  in  texture,  from  12  to  18  inches  long, 
and  broadest  at  the  apex.  The  spikes  are  slender  and  pen- 
dulous, bearing  small  white  pellucid  flowers,  produced  in  great 
abundance,  but  even  without  these  it  is  very  ornamental. 
Native  of  Sierra  Leone. 

BARKERIA. 

A  genus  of  small-growing  plants  with  elegant,  and  in  some 
instances  bright-coloured  flowers.  This,  combined  with  the 
fact  of  their  thriving  under  very  cool  treatment,  should  render 
them  general  f  ivourites  with  all  growers  of  orchidaceous  plants. 
Barkerias  succeed  admirably  upon  blocks  of  wood,  and  require 
only  a  very  small  quantity  of  moss  to  fix  them,  but  they  enjoy 
an  abundant  supply  of  moisture,  both  in  the  atmosphere  and 
about  their  roots.  In  winter  the  temperature  may  fall  as  low 
as  40°,  or  even  lower,  without  producing  injury,  and  in  summer 
as  cool  and  shady  a  place  as  possible  should  be  assigned  them. 
During  the  period  of  rest  they  lose  most  of  th.  i:  leaves,  and  at 
this  time  less  water  is  necessary  ;  but  I  am  not  an  advocate  for 
drying  them  much  at  any  season. 

E.  Skinnehi. — This  and  its  variety  snperba  are,  perhaps,  the 
brightest  and  most  lovely  of  their  race.  The  stem-like  pseudo- 
bulbs  are  about  12  inches  in  length,  bearing  narrow  dark  green 
leaves.  The  racemes  of  bloom  are  produced  from  the  apex,  and 
are  erect,  and  from  1  foot  to  li  foot  in  length.  The  flowers  are 
numerous  ;  sepals  and  petals  bright  rose  ;  lip  a  richer  shade  of 
the  same  colour,  faintly  streaked  at  the  base  with  yellow.  It 
blooms  during  midwinter,  continuing  in  full  beauty  for  two 
months  with  ordinary  care.  Native  of  Guatemala,  at  consider- 
able elevations. 

B.  Lindleyana  is  not,  strictly  speaking,  a  winter-flowering 
plant,  but  as  blooms  are  produced  during  the  months  of  October 
and  November,  at  which  season  flowers  are  very  acceptable,  it 
deserves  more  attention  than  is  usually  accorded  it.  In  growth 
this  plant  somewhat  resembles  B.  Skioneri,  but  is  scarcely  so 
robust,  and  it  should  be  treated  to  a  temperature  a  few  degrees 


higher  than  is  necessary  for  that  species.  The  flowers  are  pro- 
duced in  long  terminal  racemes,  which  remain  a  long  time  in 
perfection ;  sepals  and  petals  rich  purple ;  lip  white  in  the 
centre,  bordered  with  purple.  Native  of  Central  America. — 
Expebto  Cbede. 

NEW   BOOK. 

Choice  Stove  and  Greenhouse  Ornamental-leaved  Plants.     By 
B.  S.  Williams,  F.R.H.S.,  &o.,  Victoria  Nurseries,  Holloway, 
Vol.  II. 
The  first  volume  is  confined  to  the  flowering  plants  of  the 

stove  and  greenhouse,  and  this  is  a  worthy  continuation  of  the 

work.     The  best  service  we  can  do  it  is  to  publish  an  extract 

that  our  readers  may  appreciate  its  contents. 

ALOE. 

A  genus  of  succulent  plants,  admirably  adapted  for  the  greenhouse 
or  for  window  gardening,  containing  many  species  of  great  beauty, 
and  belonging  to  the  order  Liliaeete.  The  larger-growing  species  with 
scarlet  tubular  flowers  are  the  most  showy,  and  there  is  a  qnaintness 
about  the  general  habit  of  some  of  them  which  strongly  recommends 
them  to  the  cultivator.  The  smaller  groups  separated  from  Aloe,  such 
as  Apicra  and  Haworthia,  contain  many  little  vegetable  gems,  while 
another  group,  Gasteria,  contains  larger,  more  grotesque,  and  in  some 
cases  handsome-flowered  species.  They  all  require  to  be  potted  in 
well-drained  soil,  which  should  be  mainly  of  a  loamy  texture. 

.4.  abyssinka. — A  majestic-looking  plant,  the  leaves  of  which  are 
very  thick  and  fleshy,  some  2  feet  in  length,  and  6  inches  in  width  at 
the  base,  tapering  to  an  obtuse  point,  and  there  slightly  insurvcd,  doll 
green,  and  clothed  at  the  edges  with  somewhat  distant  blunt  spines. 
Native  of  Abyssinia,  about  Magdala  and  other  places. 

A.  arborescens. — This  is  a  very  distinct  and  handsome  species. 
Stem  tall ;  the  leaves  are  slightlv  spreading,  lanceolate,  recurved  at 
the  apex,  and  glaucous,  margined  with  green.  A  very  desirable  plant. 
Native  of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope. 

A.  plicatilis. — A  very  distinct  and  ornamental  plant.  Its  leaves  are 
thick  and  fleshy,  tongue-shaped,  and  obtuse  at  the  apex,  glaucous 
green  in  colonr,  and  arranged  in  a  distichous  manner,  which  has  given 
rise  to  the  popular  name  of  "  Fan  Aloe."  It  is  called  by  some  Rhipi- 
dodendron  plicatilis.     Native  of  South  Africa. 

A.  soccotrina. — This  is  an  elegant  branching  species.  The  leaves 
are  somewhat  erect,  narrow,  lanceolate,  and  glaucous  green  in  colour, 
sparingly  clothed  with  white  spines.  It  is  a  native  of  Arabia  and  Cape 
of  Good  Hope. 

A.  rane<7rtfa.— Leaves  imbricate,  somewhat  spreading,  and  arranged 
in  three  rows,  ovate  in  shape,  and  keeled  at  the  back,  in  colour  bright 
green,  with  transverse  bands  and  streaks  of  grey  and  glaucous  green. 
It  is  often  called  the  Partridge-breasted  Aloe.  Native  of  the  Cape  of 
Good  Hope. 


POMOLOGICAL   GLEANINGS. 

Stan-dish's  Marquis  of  Downshire  Peach  is  decidedly  one 
of  the  finest  Peaches  I  have  ever  fruited  as  regards  size,  colour, 
flavour,  and  habit.  The  fruit  has  been  tasted  by  several  per- 
sons in  my  neighbourhood,  all  of  whom  will  bear  testimony 
to  its  excellence. — Observer. 


ALTON   TOWERS.— No.  2. 

The    Seat  op  the    Earl  op  Shrewsbury  and   Talbot, 
Alton,  Staffordshire. 

At  the  head  of  the  lake,  a  short  distance  from  the  Gothic 
temple,  stands  a  long,  square-shaped,  glass  structure  with  a 
span  roof.  This  was  formerly  an  orangery,  but  is  now  divided 
iuto  three  compartments,  those  at  each  end  containing  Peach 
and  Nectarine  trees  trained-up  under  the  roof  on  curved 
trellises,  and  the  central  compartment  is  a  Fig  house.  The 
Fig  trees  were  a  fine  healthy  collection  of  bush-shaped  trees, 
beaiing  a  heavy  second  crop  of  fruit,  and  I  was  told  that  the 
first  crop  had  been  equally  fine.  The  Peach  and  Nectarine 
trees  were  in  excellent  condition ;  the  whole  of  them  had  a  full 
crop  of  very  fine  fruit,  and  the  wood,  growth,  and  foliage  were 
all  that  could  be  desired.  Elegant  columns  of  stone  between 
the  front  sashes  of  this  building  impart  to  it  an  air  of  dignity 
and  importance  well  suited  to  the  commanding  position  which, 
it  occupies.  The  sides  of  these  columns  within  the  house 
were  covered  each  with  a  flourishing  plant  of  some  choice  Tea 
Rose,  growing  in  a  square  wooden  box  neatly  faced  with  Fir 
bark,  and  placed  on  the  floor  close  to  the  base  of  each  column. 

Returning  now,  we  descend  the  left  side  of  the  valley,  and 
pass  the  grand  terrace,  the  golden  gates,  and  the  bath  garden 
— a  small  flower  garden  with  a  pretty  fountain,  whence  a  pic- 
turesque view  offers  itself  of  the  alcove  with  its  graceful  statu- 


308 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE   AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  20,  1870. 


ary,  and  part  of  the  grand  conservatories  ( fig.  5) 
tration  will  serve,  perhaps 
better  than  any  other,  to 
convey  to  yonr  readers 
some  idea  of  the  rich  va- 
riety of  the  works  of  art 
with  which  these  gardens  ^-^ 

abound,  and  the   various  ;|f     ^ 

aspects  under  which  the 

same  features  of  the  place  ^SzTxh^'"   -111 

may  be  viewed  from  dif-  '-'-"-*- 

ferent  points.    As  another 
fine  example  of  this,  fig.  6,      • -v; 
presenting   a  glimpse   of 
Alton    Towers    from    the 
lower  terrace,  may  be  al-  — —  _ 

luded  to  here. 

Some  beds  of  tropical 
plants  near  the  bath  gar- 
den were  very  good  ; 
amongst  them  were  some 
fine  masses  of  various 
kinds  of  Ricinus,  Sola- 
num  robnstum,  with  hand- 
some foliage,  which,  to- 
gether with  the  yellow 
stems,  was  thickly  studded 
with  sharp  spines  ;  Sola- 
num  Warscewiczii  was 
also  very  fine.  None  of 
the  pretty  Alternantheras 
had  succeeded  very  well 
here,  but  I  am  glad  to  say 
Mr.  Rabone  purposes  giv- 
ing them  another  trial. 

Along  the  side  of  the 
walk  leading  to  the  lower 
terrace,  a  novel  and  pretty 
effect  was  produced  by 
training  Roses  on  a  trellis 
of  low  iron  arches,  be- 
tween every  two  of  which 
were  pretty  little  vases 
containing  interesting 
masses  of  compact  dwarf 
plants.  The  Roses  were 
not  kept  trim  and  close, 
but  were  to  a  certain  ex- 
tent suffered  to  present  a 
wild  rambling  appearance 
by  no  means  unpleasiDg. 
The  numerous  fine  speci- 
mens of  the  beautiful 
Hemlock  Spruoe  (Abies  oa- 
nadenf-ic),  scattered  along 
these  lower  slopes  are  very 
attractive  and  graceful 
objects. 

Glimpses  of  the  pagoda 
(fig.  7),  may  be  had  from 
many  different  points,  and 
it  is,  consequently,  seen 
under  a  variety  of  aspects. 
From  the  Gothic  temple 
its  top  is  just  visible 
through  the  trees ;  from 
the  conservatory  terraoe  it 
presents  itself  in  a  very 
favourable  guise ;  but  it  is 
when  we  reach  the  sheet 
of  water  in  whioh  it  stands 
down  in  the  valley,  that 
the  singnlarrly  of  this 
oriental  structure  may 
be  best  appreciated.  The 
position  is  admirably 
chosen,  for  the  bright  co- 
lours and  gilding  with 
which  the  pagoda  is  decked 
out,  tell  well  against  the 
masses  of  dark-leaved  Firs 
behind 


Fig.  5. — The  Ccnseivatt  rice  and  Alcove. 


«t 


This  illus-  |  thrown  upwards  from  its  top  adds  to  the  effect  cf  this  nn- 
_  common  scene. 

Ascending  the  right  side 

.j-Sj/tg>\  of  the  valley  by  winding- 

"  VJ"  walks  and  flights  of  steps, 

u.  =  about  halfway  up  a  seat  is 

7— ^lMi3m  .  plaoed,  close  by  some  mag- 

ni6cent  pyramidal  speci- 
mens of  English  Yews,  the 
fine  proportions  of  which 
do  great  credit  to  the  care 
and  skilful  pruning  which 
must  have  been  constantly 
bestowed  on  them. 

Coming  up  from  among 
the  trees  to  this  spot,  on 
turning  to  the  opening  left 
between  two  of  tnese  taper- 
ing Yews,  which,  with  their 
companions,  are  so  dark, 
solemrj,  and  massive,  and 
beholding  the  splendour 
of  the  scene,  of  which,  per- 
haps, more  can  be  realised 
at  a  glance  here  than  from 
almost  any  other  posiiion, 
we  fancy  ourselves  gazing 
through  the  portals  of 
gloomy  night  out  on  the 
brightness  of  the  dawn. 

"  For  sight  po  obstacle  finds 
here,  nor  shade, 
But  all  sunshine." 

The  eye,  soothed  and 
rested  by  the  greenery  of 
the  banks,  the  overhanging 
boughs,  and  the  densely 
packed  foliage  shutting 
in  the  path  by  w-hicla  we- 
ascend, 

4"  Looks  down  with  wonder 
at  the  sudden  view, 

«  *  «  As  when  a 
scout, 

Through  dark  and  desert 
ways  with  peril  gone 

All  night,  at  last  by  break 
of  cheerful  dawn 

Obtains  the  brow  of  some- 
high  climbing  hill, 

Which  to  his  eye  discovers 
unaware 

The  goodly  prospect." 

The  Gothic  temple  peep- 
ing out  of  the  trees,  the 
pagoda,  the  conservatories* 
and  the  alcove,  all  are 
visible  from  here,  and  I 
was  forcibly  reminded  of 
the  large  engraving  in 
Loudon's  "  Encyclopae- 
dia." The  scene  there 
pourtrajed  was  before  me 
in  its  most  important  de- 
tails, recalling  many  a 
boyish  dream,  for  often 
when  studying  the  pages 
of  that  masterly  work  have 
I  lingered  over  that  picture 
of  wonderland  so  marvel- 
lously fair. 

Higher  up,  tho  hillside 
is  clothed  with  vast  num- 
bers of  Ehododendrons  in 
fine  health  and  vigour, 
seedlings  from  them  grow- 
ing with  the  freedom  of 
weeds.  The  walks  wind 
upwards  in  the  most  pic- 
turesque manner  imagin- 
able, diverging  in  various 
directions,  sometimes  by 
Fern  banks  alternating  or 


j 


Fig.  6.— Alton  Towers  from  the  Lower  Terrace, 
the  descending   spray  from  the  single  jet  of  water  |  mingling  with  the  Rhododendrons  and  shrubby  undergrowtb  of 


October  20, 1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


300 


the  wild  woodlands,  or  between  steep  moss-clad  banks  verdant 
and  oool,  or  else  to  some  opening  through  the  trees  affording 
glimpses      of     scenes  of 
beauty. 

The  whole  of  these  de- 
lightful groundB  are 
thrown  open  to  the  public, 
and  it  is  very  gratifying 
to  know  how  thoroughly 
the  generosity  of  the  Earl 
of  Shrewsbury  is  appre- 
ciated, for  Mr.  Rabone  told 
me  that  very  little  damage 
had  been  done  to  aDy  of 
the  works  of  art  or  plants 
since  he  had  charge  of  the 
gardens. 

A  door  in  the  courtyard 
wall  near  the  grand  en- 
trance opens  on  to  a  walk 
leading  to  a  long  wire 
arcade  covered  with  Roses 
and  Honeysuckles.  At  one 
extremity  is  an  elegant 
alcove  of  stonework,  with 
windows  of  stained  glass, 
forming  a  charming  se- 
cluded resting  place,  while 
at  the  other  end  is  a  flight 
of  steps  leading  upwards 
from  this  retired  spot  to 
a  broad  promenade  along 
the  top  of  an  embattled 
wall,  over  which  the  de- 
lighted glance  sweeps 
down  the  valley,  which  is 
seen  offering  a  charming 
general  view  of  its  rich 
and  fanciful  combination 
of  works  of  art  and  nature. 
Nor  is  the  scene  so  oon- 
iined  here  as  at  other 
parts,  for  from  this  ele- 
vated position  a  broad 
expanse  of  turf  and  water 
comes  into  view,  the  hills 
forming  an  ap- 
propriate back- 
ground in  the 
distance. 

From  the  end 
of  this  fine  pro- 
menade a  walk 
leads  inside  the 
walls  to  Lady 
Shrewsbury's 
private  flower 
gardens,  of 
which  there  are 
two,  one  on  each 
side  of  a  splen- 
did conserva- 
tory. The  con- 
servatory is 
about  60  feet 
long  by  15  feet 
wide,  and  has 
a  central  tran- 
sept. It  con- 
nects the  north 
part  of  the 
Towers  with  the 
south.  At  the 
south  end  a 
flight  of  steps 
leads  up  to  the 
vestibule,  from 
which  the  doors 
open  into  the 
flower  gardens  on  either  sice 
tibule  is  painted  the  motto— 


Wfe 


.    Fig.  8. — Ruins 
Around  the  cornice  of  the  ves- 


"  The  speech  of  flowers  exceeds  all  flowers  of  speech  ;" 


while  on  that  of  the  conservatory  is  another  equally  appro- 
priate— "  Consider  the  Lilies  of  the  field  how  they  grow  ;  they 

toil  not,  neither  do  they 
spin,  yet  I  say  unto  you 
that  even  Solomon  in  all 
his  glory  was  not  arrayed 
like  one  of  these." 

The  fine    collection   of 
plants,      arranged      with 
much  taste  and  skill,  wero 
worthy    of    the    building 
they  adorned.  Some  plants 
of  the  pretty  Rivina  hu- 
milis  with  their  long  clus- 
ters of  bright  red  berries 
were  very    attractive,    as 
were     some    magnificent 
pyramidal   plants   of   Pe- 
largoniums,   growing     in 
wooden  boxes  neatly  faced 
with  bark.    AfineCyathea 
medullaris,  and  an  tqually 
fine  Dicksonia  antarctica, 
on  opposite   sides  of   the 
central  pathway,  were  sin- 
gularly well  placed  to  give 
relief    to     the    flowering 
plants.  A  variety  ol  Palms 
were  equally   effective   in 
the  same  way.    A  striking 
and  beautiful  effect    was 
produced  by  covering  long 
circular    blocks    of    wood 
with  mosB,  in  which  were 
revelling    in    the    rudest 
health   a  charming  mix- 
ture of  Iresine  Herbstii, 
Panioum  variegatum,  and 
Selaginella       denticulata. 
Out  of  the  tops  of  thess 
little  pillars  sprang  single 
plants  of  AVoodwaidia  ra- 
dicansand  Lomariagibba, 
thus   imparting    a    grace 
and   finish.      1  have  en- 
deavoured tc  describe  fully 
these  very  suit- 
able objects  for 
conservatory  de- 
coration,   as    I 
think      them 
worthy  of  imi- 
tation. Another 
singular  feature 
was   two  pretty 
arbours,  one  on 
each   side,  very 
ingeniously 
formed  by  plac- 
ing a  deal   box 
filled  with  soil  at 
each  end   of   a 
seat,  over  which 
a  broad  arch  of 
wirework     is 
fixed ;  both  the 
arches    were 
tastefully  cover- 
ed with   Cobsca 
scandens      and 
Trop;eolum  Tri- 
omphe  deGand. 
The  sides  of  the 
boxes,    forming 
the  sides  of  the 
arbours,  as  well 
as      those      of 
many        others 
Alton  Castle.  placed     in    dif- 

ferent parts  of  the  conservatoiy,  were  faced  with  coik  hark,  its 
rugged  surface  canting  it  to  form  a  very  suitable  material  for 
such  a  purpose.     This  is  another  idea  of  Mr.  Rabone's  which 


7.— The  Pagoda. 


310 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  October  30,  1870. 


is  quite  worthy  of  imitation.  Many  of  the  hanging  baskets 
contained  fine  masses  of  Panicum  and  Iresine  ;  this  appeared 
to  be  a  favourite  mixture,  and  certainly  no  two  plants  more 
suitable  for  such  a  purpose  could  be  chosen. 

Looking  along  the  building  from  either  end  the  view  is  one 
of  surpassing  loveliness  ;  and  although  I  did  not  see  it  lighted 
up  at  night,  yet  I  could  quite  appreciate  the  truth  of  the  remark 
made  to  me,  that  when  so  seen  it  was  a  real  fairy  land. 

I  had  not  time  for  more  than  a  passing  glance  into  the  other 
glass  houses  near  the  principal  kitchen  garden.  In  the  first,  a 
span-roofed  house,  were  a  large  number  of  medium-sized  plants 
of  Eucbaris  amazonica,  admirably  adapted  for  decorative  pur- 
poses, numerous  fine  Caladiums,  a  good  Vanda  odorata,  a  Sac- 
colabium  Blumei  majus  with  a  fine  spike  of  bloom,  a  fine  plant 
of  Aerides  suavissimum  in  flower,  a  fine  stock  of  Calanthe 
Veitchii  and  lutea,  and  many  other  choice  Orchids.  Some 
Alocasias  and  a  fine  plant  of  Caladium  magnificum  were  also 
noteworthy. 

In  another  house  were  fine  plants  of  Pandanus  elegantissimus 
with  graceful,  pendent  leaves,  Cibotinm  princeps  and  Schiedei, 
a  beautiful  Dasylirion,  and  a  Musa  bearing  a  splendid  cluster 
of  fruit. 

The  Cattleya  house  contained  a  large  collection  of  Orchids, 
very  healthy  and  flourishing. 

I  must  not  conclude  these  notes  without  noticing  the  flag 
tower,  a  massive  square  building  of  six  storeys,  finely  situated 
a  short  distance  from  the  principal  block  of  buildings.  From 
the  top  of  this  lofty  tower  a  magnificent  view  of  the  surrounding 
country  for  many  miles  well  repays  one  for  the  somewhat 
arduous  task  of  climbing  so  high.  Far  and  wide  can  the  eye 
range  from  here  over  the  brnad  domains  of  Alton  Towers,  along 
the  beautiful  valley  of  the  Churnet,  away  into  the  vast  undu- 
lating expanse  of  country  beyond.  But  in  all  this  pleasant 
landscape  no  object  possesses  so  much  interest  as  the  ruins  of 
Alton  Castle  {Jig.  8),  taking  us  back  to  those  old  feudal  dayB 
when  the  baron  exercised  a  despotic  sway  over  the  country 
commanded  by  his  castle — those  quaint  rude  times  when  might 
made  right.  What  stirring  warlike  scenes  must  have  occurred 
where  now  those  few  old  grey  stones  bear  silent  witness  of  the 
lapse  of  time  and  the  decay  to  which  all  things  are  hastening  ! 
And  as  one  turns  from  contemplating  them  to  look  once  more 
at  Alton  Towers  standing  in  all  the  pride  and  dignity  of  their 
massive  strength  and  grandeur,  it  seems  scarcely  possible  to 
realise  the  fact  that  these  old  ruins  represent  what  was  probably 
at  one  time  a  structure  equally  stately  and  of  far  greater  strength. 
In  bidding  farewell  to  Alton  Towers  I  may  very  safely  pro- 
mise any  of  your  readerB  whom  these  notes  may  induce  to  visit 
them,  that  they  will  find  a  "  land  of  delights,"  a  scene  of  love- 
liness surpassing  what  they  may  be  led  to  expect,  for  it  is 
hardly  possible  in  a  report  of  such  extensive  grounds  to  notice 
more  than  the  most  important  points  of  interest. — Edwabd 
Luckbukst,  Old  Lands,  Buxted,  Sussex. 


GARDENING  AT  THE  ANTIPODES. 

Strange  are  the  queries  that  come  to  us,  but  none  that  we 
are  not  pleased  to  receive.  It  is  a  luxury  to  aid  anyone.  It 
gratifies  one's  vanity  to  be  consulted,  as  if  we  were  "  wise  ones," 
therefore  we  are  really  doubly  gratified  in  being  able  to  reply 
authentically  to  the  following  : — 

"  Gentlemen,  Editors — I  have  been  engaged  to  be  married 

five  years  to  W R ,  gardener  to  our  clergyman,  and  he 

now  insists  on  our  marriage  because  he  has  an  offer  of  a  situa- 
tion in  Australia,  and  intends  going  there.  I  have  not  declined 
out-and-out,  but  yet  do  not  know  what  to  do.  I  see  your  gar- 
dening paper  on  master's  table  every  Fr:'day,  and  as  I  see  you 
answer  inquiries  about  almost  everything,  even  Blackberry 
wine,  perhaps  you  would  be  so  very  kind  as  to  say  whether 
Victoria,  in  Australia,  is  a  safe  place  to  live  in.  Ave  there  any 
cannibals  there  ?  Are  things  there  anything  like  what  they  are 
here  in  Wiltshire?" 

We  are  tempted  to  state  our  confiding  correspondent's  name 
in  full,  to  tell  who  is  her  swain,  and  who  is  her  master.  We 
are  so  tempted  because  we  should  like  all  connected  with  her 
to  appreciate  her  as  we  do,  and  we  know  wo  are  right.  We 
have  seen  her  handwriting,  and,  like  Shenstone,  "  judge  thence 
of  her  disposition ;"  but  we  forbear,  and  assure  her  that  Vic- 
toria is  a  plaoe  safe  to  live  in,  that  there  are  no  cannibals  to 
fear  there,  and  as  best  evidence  that  it  is  "  anything  like  Wilt- 
shire," we  print  this  extract  from  the  "Report  of  the  Horticul- 
tural Society  of  Victoria  for  the  year  ending  June  30th,  1870." 


In  return  for  so  doing,  when  she,  as  Mrs.  R ,  has  reached 

Victoria  we  shall  confide  in  her  reminding  her  husband  to  send 
us  a  few  notes  on  the  Victoria  gardening. 

"  The  following  catalogue  is  a  list  of  varieties  of  fruit  tree 
scions  available  this  year  (1870)  for  distribution  among  sub- 
scribers. 

"Those  in  small  capitals  are  supposed  to  be  merely  colonia 
terms,  and  are  given  as  the  received  names  of  varieties  in 
extensive  cultivation  throughout  the  Australian  colonies. 

"Apples. — Mela  Carla  (Charles  Apple),  Kerry  Pippin,  Gloria  Mundi, 
Api  (Lady  Apple),  Whatmough's  Red  Streak,  Dncbess  of  Oldenbnrgh, 
Rushock  Pearmain,  Scarlet  Golden  Pippin,  Maiden's  Blush  (Ame- 
rican), Boston  Rnsset,  Reinette  Rouge  Hative,  Dumelow's  Seedling, 
Pitmaston  Golden  Pippin,  Lodgemore  Nonpareil,  UellDer's  Golden 
Reinette,  Red  or  Devonshire  Qnarrenden,  Pine  Golden  Pippin,  Irish 
Peach  (Early  Crofton),  Brownlees'  Russet,  Taliesin  (No:folk  Beefing), 
White  Nonpareil,  Reinette  Jaune  Hative,  Spring  Ribston  Pippin, 
Stamford  Pippin,  Omar  Pasha,  Summer  Queen,  Summer  Rose,  Haw- 
ley,  Screveton  Golden  Pippin,  Pitmaston  Nonpareil,  Betty  Geeson, 
Forge  Apple,  Cornish  Aromatic,  Summer  Golden  Pippin,  Oslin, 
American  Mother,  Guernsey  Pippin,  Isle  of  "White  Pippin,  White 
Winter  Calville,  Wyker  Pippin,  Tyler's  Cromwell  Pippin.  Box 
Apple,  Golden  Reinette,  King  of  Pippins,  Court-Pendu-Plat,  Winter 
Peach,  Keswick  Codlin,  Golden  Nonpareil.  Hawthornden,  Downton 
Pippin,  Warner's  King,  Pine  Apple  Russet,  Tower  of  Glammis,  Cox's 
Orange  Pippin,  Tarn  Montgomerie,  Early  Nonpareil,  Early  Almond, 
Charlton  Pippin,  Wyken  Pippin,  Early  Joe,  Ribston  Pippin,  Red 
Cluster,  Scarlet  Nonpareil,  Alfriston,  Port  Dalrymple,  Kirke's 
Golden  Pippin,  Byson  Wood  Russet,  Hoary  Morning,  Winter  Peach, 
Wormsley  Pippin,  Beauty  of  Kent,  American  Cherry  Crab,  New  Rock 
Pippin,  Bedfordshire  Foundliug,  Governor  Glade's  Red  Streak, 
Yellow  Siberian  Crab,  Stone  or  Gogar  Pippin,  Rhode  Island  Greening, 
Kingston  Nonpareil,  Pigeonette,  Pearl  Reinette,  Phillip's  Seedling, 
H.S.V.,  Claygate  Pearmain,  Dinon's  Emperor,  Watson's  Dumpling, 
Cleopatra,  Gloucester  Pippin,  Caermarthen  Pippin,  White  Astrachan, 
Kingston  Black,  Pomme  de  Neige,  London  or  Five  Crown  Pippin, 
Murray's  Hawthornden,  Yellow  Bellefleur,  Franklin's  Golden  Pippin, 
English  Golden  Pippin,  Blenheim  Pippin,  King  of  Pippins,  Cornish 
Gillirlower,  La  Sonnette,  Herefordshire  Pearmain,  Spring  Grove  Codlin. 
"Pears. — Passe  Colmar,  Summer  Bon  Chretien.  Late  Crawford,  Old 
Colniar,  Duchesse  d'Angoulcme,  Brown  Beurre,  Citron  des  Carmes, 
Chinese  Pear,  Paradise  d'Automne,  Marie  Louise,  Nouvean  Poitean, 
Bishop's  Thumb,  Old  Bergamot,  Comte  de  Flandres,  Beurre  Thuer- 
linckx,  Fondante  d'Antomne,  Chaumontel,  Thompson's,  Leon  le 
Clerc  (Van  Mons),  Prevost  (Van  Mons),  Comte  de  Lamy,  Baron  de 
Mello,  Van  de  Weyer  Bates,  Gansel's  Bergamot,  Summer  Beurre 
d'Aremberg,  Colmar  d'Ete,  Fondante  des  Cbarneux,  Doyenne  Defais, 
Doyenne  d'Ete,  Benrre  Clairgeau,  Huysbe's  Victoria,  Early  Crawford, 
Surpasse  Crassane,  Black  Achan,  La  Quintinie,  Napoleon  Savinien, 
Marie  Louise  d'Uccle,  Duchesse  d'Orleans,  Madame  Trevye,  Peach 
Pear." 

Of  Grapes  there  are  the  Black  Hamburgh,  Muscat  of  Alex- 
andria, and  most  of  the  varieties  grown  in  England,  besides 
many  vineyard  kinds.  Of  Cherries  twenty-five  sorts  are  enume- 
rated, of  Plums  about  the  same  number,  of  Strawberries  two 
score,  besides  several  kinds  of  Medlars,  Peaches,  Nectarines, 
and  Apricots. 

WOOLHOPE   NATURALISTS'  FIELD   CLUB. 

October  6th. 

the  foray  among  the  funguses. 

The  autumnal  meeting  of  the  Woodhope  Club  is  generally  spirited 
and  successful.  It  is  the  last  of  the  year,  and  perhaps  greater  effort 
is  made  to  attend  it,  and  certainly  the  well-wooded  scenery  of  Here- 
fordshire never  looks  more  beautiful  than  on  a  fine  autumnal  day,  but 
the  chief  cause  of  attraction  undoubtedly  exists  iu  the  opportunity  it 
affords  for  the  study  of  FunguseB.  This  is  made  the  chief  object  of 
the  day,  and  no  effort  is  spared  to  render  it  as  instructive  as  possible 
to  all  who  attend.  The  specimens  found  are  at  once  named,  or  if  per- 
chance they  are  new,  or  present  anv  features  of  particular  interest, 
they  are  discussed  with  a  scientific  zeal  that  cannot  fail  to  impart 
itself  more  or  less  to  all  who  are  present.  Thus  more  real  practical 
progress  iu  tho  knowledge  of  this  difficult  branch  of  botany  is  made  in 
a  single  field-day  with  the  Woolhope  Club  than  could  possibly  be 
gained  by  any  amount  of  mere  closet  study. 

The  long  and  lovely  summer  followed,  as  it  has  been  thus  far,  by  a 
dry  and  bright  autumn,  has  so  completely  dried  the  surface  of  the 
ground  that  vegetation  of  all  kinds  languishes  for  moisture.  Not- 
withstanding the  great  want  of  rain,  the  mists  and  the  dew  have  occa- 
sionally been  very  heavy,  and,  where  the  ground  is  rich  and  not  too 
hard,  bave  favoured  very  much  the  production  of  Funguses.  It  is  true 
that  they  who  would  gather  them  in  perfection  this  year  must  not  heed 
the  poet's  caution : 

"  The  dews  of  the  morning  bo  careful  to  shun, 
They're  the  tears  of  the  night  for  the  loss  of  the  sun." 

The  members  of  the  Club  had  certainly  not  shown  much  fear  in  this 


October  20,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OP   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


311 


direction,  for  the  baskets  of  Funguses  they  brought  with  them  proved 
that  many  a  successful  foray  had  previously  been  made.  la  addition 
to  these  a  large  hamper  had  been  kindly  sent  from  Whitfield.  Holme 
Lacy  and  Haywood  Forest  supplied  the  Vegetable  Beefsteaks,  and  Mr. 
Worthington  G.  Smith  most  thoughtfully  brought  down  a  selection  of 
the  Funguses  with  which  he  had  won  the  prize  the  day  before  at  the 
Royal  Horticultural  Show  at  South  Kensington. 

The  great  success  of  the  exhibition  of  Funguses  wa3  thus  assured, 
and  while  several  gentlemen  most  diligently  occupied  themselves  in 
writing  their  names  and  arranging  them  on  the  tables  provided,  the 
rest,  with  Elmes  Y.  Steele,  Esq.,  in  the  chair,  proceeded  to  transact 
the  ordinary  routine  business  of  the  meeting. 

The  members  of  the  Caradoc  Field  Club  had  been  invited  to  join 
in  the  day's  proceedings,  and  were  represented  in  the  field  by  the  Rev. 
E.  Donald  Carr,  the  Honorary  Secretary,  the  Rev.  J.  D.  La  Touche, 
and  several  other  gentlemen.  In  their  honour  the  special  district 
from  which  the  club  takes  its  name  was  to  be  visited,  and  the  road  was 
first  taken  for  Hagley  Park,  about  four  miles  east  of  the  city.  Here 
they  were  kindly  welcomed  by  Arthur  Hutchinson,  Esq.,  and  proceeded 
at  once  to  examine  the  quarry  which  has  so  special  an  interest  for  the 
members  of  the  Woolhope  Club. 

Minute  and  careful  as  were  the  researches  of  the  officers  of  the  Ord- 
nance Survey  in  this  district,  the  existence  of  an  upheaval  of  silurian 
rocks  at  Hagley  Park  entirely  escaped  their  notice.  The  discovery  of 
this  quarry  in  which  they  are  so  manifestly  shown  was  the  first  feather 
in  the  cap  of  the  Woolhope  Club.  It  was  made  by  the  late  M.  J. 
Scobie,  Esq.,  who  worked  at  it  with  all  tho  intelligent  zeal  for  which 
he  was  so  distinguished.  He  took  the  exact  dip  of  the  strata,  noted 
their  characters,  measured  their  thickness,  and  collected  their  fossils, 
until  he  had  quite  satisfied  himself  with  the  reality  and  importance 
of  his  discovery.  He  then  invited  the  late  Hugh  E.  Strickland,  Esq., 
F.R.S.,  F.G.S.,  reader  in  geology  at  Oxford,  to  come  and  see  it.  Mr. 
Strickland  fully  confirmed  Mr.  Scobie's  observations,  and  wrote  a 
paper  on  the  subject,  which  appeared  in  the  Quarterly  Journal  of  the 
Geological  Society, 

The  general  facts  and  conclusions  of  this  paper  were  given  to  tho 
gentlemen  present,  with  an  account  of  the  crustacean  fossil  found  here 
by  Mr.  Scobie.  It  proved  to  be  the  Pterygotus  probleinaticus  of 
Agassiz,  and  it  was  afterwards  figured  and  described  in  the  Quarterly 
Geological  Journal  of  J.  W.  Salter,  Esq.,  F.G.S. 

It  was  decided  that  these  papers  of  Messrs.  Strickland  and  Salter 
Bhould  appear  in  our  own  Transactions — meanwhile  an  active  examina- 
tion of  the  rocks  was  being  made  and  many  fossils  were  found.  This 
celebrated  "  Ludlow  Bone  bed,"  described  by  Sir  Roderick  Murchison 
in  the  "Silurian  System,"  is  unquestionably  represented  in  this 
quarry.  It  occurs  between  the  Downton  Sandstone  and  the  Upper 
Ludlow  Shale,  and  varies  here  in  thickness  from  that  of  a  wafer  to 
Ik  inch  hi  some  places  The  quarry  was  not  being  worked  near  the 
junction  at  this  time,  but  a  search  was  made  specially  for  it,  and  with 
the  aid  of  a  man  and  a  pickaxe  some  few  spines  were  found  on  Octo- 
ber 6th. 

The  Rev.  J.  D.  La  Touche  said  this  bone  bed  varied  very  much  in 
thickness  in  different  localities,  as  might  be  expected.  At  Corston, 
Salop,  it  was  as  much  as  G  inches  in  thickness,  and  consisted  almost 
entirely  of  a  mass  of  scales  and  teeth  and  bones  of  fishes  broken  up 
and  waterworn — what  these  fishes  were  is  not  known  with  any  certainty. 
Leaving  the  quarry  the  hunt  for  Funguses  beneath  the  Oak  trees  in 
the  park  began  most  unsuccessfully — not  one  was  to  be  seen  ;  but  here, 
as  everywhere  else,  the  abundance  of  acorns  could  not  fail  to  be  ob- 
served, and  the  wonder  was  expressed  why  they  were  not  systematically 
collected.  When  crushed  and  given  in  small  quantities  to  sheep  and 
pigs,  acorns  form  a  most  nourishing  and  useful  food.  At  a  time  when 
fodder  is  so  scarce  as  it  is  this  year,  it  does  indeed  seem  strange  that 
this  prolific  source  of  food  should  be  so  much  overlooked.  The  Horse 
Chestnuts,  too,  are  still  more  neglected,  and  yet  it  is  stated  positively, 
that  when  crushed,  cows  will  eat  them  readily  and  give  an  increased 
supply  of  excellent  milk.  This  year  they,  too,  are  very  abundant  and 
fine,  and  it  is  said  that  their  only  use  should  be  as  playthings  for 
children  to  string  and  hang  round  their  necks.  Will  no  one  give 
village  children  the  delight  of  collecting  them  for  some  small  recom- 
pense, make  experiments  with  them  in  feeding  cattle  and  horses,  and 
publish  the  results  ?  As  a  scientific  society,  the  Woolhope  Club  can 
say  they  are  certainly  not  poisonous,  and  equally  sure  is  it  that  they 
are  nutritious,  but  whether  the  animals  could  really  be  got  to  relish 
them,  and  if  so  the  best  way  of  inducing  them  to  do  so,  are  points  that 
have  yet  to  be  discovered. 

Two  fine  Lombardy  Poplars  grow  in  Hagley  Park.  They  are  believed 
to  be  the  largest  and  tallest  in  the  county.  At  5  feet  from  the  ground 
they  measure  respectively  12  feet  10  inches  and  14  feet  1  inch  in  cir- 
cumference. They  stand  out  boldly  all  alone,  and  spread  out  their 
boughs  in  a  way  that  conceals  their  height,  and  yet  the  tallest  by 
shadow  measurement  was  made  132  feet  high.  Each  tree  sends  out 
from  its  bole  strong  buttresses  towards  the  north,  the  better  to  resiBt 
the  winds  they  are  exposed  to. 

At  the  foot  of  one  of  these  trees  some  fine  Funguses  were  found. 
They  were  thought  to  be  Agaricus  (Pholiota)  pudicu3,  and  from  their 
fragrant  smell  and  pleasant  taste,  which  many  tried,  were  also  judged 
to  be  edible.  On  reference  to  the  best  authorities  both  surmises  proved 
to  be  correct. 

Some  50  yards  from  one  of  the  Poplars  stands  the  Hagley  Park  ' 


Elm,  and  this  grand  tree  was  next  visited.  It  has  still  a  fine  upright 
bole,  almost  free  from  the  excrescences  to  which  Elms  are  so  liable.  It 
gives  in  fair  measurement,  22  feet  10  inches  in  circumference  at  5  feet 
from  the  ground.  It  is  long  past  its  prime,  has  lost  its  top  and  many 
boughs,  and  is  partially  hollow,  but  it  is  still  a  noble  well-balanced 
tree.  It  was  greatly  admired,  and  tho  wish  several  times  expressed 
that  it  might  be  photographed  for  the  Transactions.  In  the  same  field 
another  luxuriant  Elm  gives  a  circumference  of  1-1  feet,  and  thns  adds 
its  testimony  to  the  richness  and  strength  of  the  soil  below. 

Near  the  east  entrance  at  the  cross  road  stands  an  Elm  which  figures 
as  a  boundary  tree  on  a  map  of  the  estate  with  the  date  1734  upon  it. 
Its  girth  is  only  11  feet  9  inches,  and  it  is  given  simply  as  a  notable  tree. 
The  celebrated  trap  dyke  at  Bartestree  was  the  next  object  on  the 
programme.  The  fine  high  pasture  field  leading  to  it  was  searched  in 
vain  for  the  Funguses,  which  must  commonly  grow  there,  nor  did  it  to- 
day give  the  pleasure  it  usually  does  to  its  visitors,  for  a  mist  hung 
over  the  scene,  and  rendered  but  dimly  visible  the  well-known  clump 
of  Fir  trees  on  the  summit  of  Blackbury  Hill,  which  had  yet  to  be  sur- 
mounted. 

The  geologists  wore  interested,  as  they  ever  must  be,  with  the  well- 
known  dyke  of  greenstone  at  Bartestree.  It  has  been  thrown  up  in 
a  fissure  a  few  yards  wide,  through  horizontal  strata  of  old  red  sand- 
stone, and  by  its  intense  heat  at  the  time  has  baked  the  sandstone  into 
a  dark  friable  mass.  It  has  now  nearly  all  of  it  been  quarried  away 
for  road- mending  purposes.  The  remainder  should  certainly  be  left 
as  an  object  of  the  deepest  scientific  interest. 

On  leaving  this  remarkable  basaltic  dyke,  a  lofty  and  most  luxuriant 
bramble  bush,  hung  with  sable  fruit  more  than  usually  fine,  attracted 
attention.  It  was  a  striking  and  uncommon  variety,  but  happily  the 
highest  authority  for  this  puzzling  genus  was  present,  and  on  being  ap- 
pealed to,  Mr.  Lees  pronounced  it  to  be  Rubus  rudis. 

The  way  was  then  taken  for  the  high  road,  but  a  very  interesting 
halt  was  called  in  the  corner  of  a  Barley  stubble  field,  ju3t  below  the 
convent.  Beneath  the  drop  of  a  hedgegrow  Oak  some  Funguses  were 
found  of  a  very  peculiar  character.  They  were  judged  at  first  to  be  the 
Scleroderma  vnlgare,  with  its  usual  centre  of  dark  bluesporules,  open- 
ing in  a  peculiar  stellate  way  in  consequence  of  the  dry  weather.  Mr. 
Broome,  however,  at  once  remarked  that  the  stellate  markings  were 
visible  on  the  immature  Funguses,  and  he  pronounced  it  to  be  Sclero- 
derma geaster  of  Fries,  which  we  may  call  the  Star-like  Scleroderma. 
This  variety,  though  often  looked  for,  has  never  before  been  found  in 
Britain,  and  thus  a  marked  addition  to  British  Ftmgology  has  once 
again  been  made  by  the  Woolhope  Club. 

The  carriages  were  again  taken  at  the  Longworth  entrance  lodge  for 
the  foot  of  Blackbury  Hill.  At  the  Priors  Court  Farm  they  were  left, 
and  the  ascent  of  the  hill  commenced  through  the  dsnse  covert  which 
clothes  its  sides,  all  beautifully  variegated  as  it  was  by  the  touch  of 
autumn.     Amongst 

"The  tints  of  rich  and  roseate  hues,'' 
the  leaves  of  the  wild  Guelder  Rose,  Viburnum  Lantana,  here  at  homo 
upon  limestone,  and  the  almost  bloody  hue  of  the  Spindle  tree,  Euony- 
mus  europjeus,  were  eminently  conspicuous,  contrasted  as  they  were 
with  the  pale  orange  of  the  Maple,  and  the  varying  hues  of  the  fading 
leaves  around  them. 

Blackbury  Hill  has  several  botanical  productions  of  interest,  among 
which  the  Green  Hellebore,  Helleborus  viridis,  may  be  noted,  while 
the  masses  of  Virgin's-bower,  Clematis  Vitalba,  flourish  with  such 
graceful  exuberance  as  to  arrest  attention  at  every  step. 

The  hill  is  formed  by  the  Aymestrey  limestone,  which  at  the  summit 
is  broken  up  into  great  masses  of  exposed  rock,  with  such  deep  cavities 
and  passages  interposed  between  them  as  to  Busgest  some  violent  cata- 
I  clasni  having  taken  place  on  the  spot,  rather  than  that  slow  wearing 
away  by  the  tooth  of  time,  as  was  contended  for  by  the  Rev.  J.  D.  La 
Touche.  Traces  of  violence  here  seemed  evident,  though  whether  by 
the  gunpowder  of  man  in  blasting  the  limestone  of  the  quarry  or  the 
earthquake's  titanic  effort  in  ages  past,  there  is  no  record  to  show. 
There  is  a  very  interesting  camp  on  the  summit,  with  a  double  en- 
trenchment towards  the  east,  and  a  covered  way,  which  may  not  now 
be  dwelt  upon.  The  exposed  precipitous  masses  of  fractured  rock  are 
commonly  called  "  Adam's  Rocks,"  or  sometimes  "  Hatton's  Rocks," 
but  from  what  circumstance  the  name  is  derived,  whether  legendary  or 
historical,  is  not  known.  Whether  some  glorious  old  chieftain  of  that 
ilk  held  the  camp  successfully  against  all  comers,  or  whether  some  in- 
glorious rustic  Adam,  or  Hacton,  may  have  broken  his  neck  here  on  a 
misty  November  eve,  there  is  no  certain  information  forthcoming. 
Be  this  as  it  may,  the  visitor  to  this  spot,  whether  of  a  geological  or 
poetical  turn  of  mind  {though  he  must  be  careful  how  he  turns  his 
body),  will  be  charmed  with  the  prospect  before  him  ;  the  coloured 
woods,  the  verdant  dales,  the  boldly  rising  hills,  the  distant  views 
stretching  on  beyond  the  curvatures  of  the  sparkling  Wye  to  the  Black 
Mountains,  bounding  the  horizon,  may  not  readily  be  forgotten  when 
once  they  have  been  seen.  On  the  present  occasion,  however,  the  break 
of  sunshine  had  unfortunately  disappeared,  and  a  tantalising  brooding 
mist, 

Like  sorrow's  veil  on  beauty's  brow, 

as  Anacreon  Moore  writes  of  a  like,  "  Mist  o'er  blooming  bowers," 
about  famed  Killarney,  now  hid  the  distant  prospect,  and  even  dimmed 
the  celebrated  Hangh  Wood,  the  dome  from  which  the  other  rocks  of 
the  Woolhope  Valley  are  thrown  off  subordinately. 

The  company  were  here  assembled  by  the  sound  of  the  whistle,  and 


312 


JOURNAL  OF   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  October  20,  1870. 


having  accommodated  themselves  to  the  inequalities  of  the  ground,  at 
the  request  of  Dr.  Ball  the  Rev.  P.  B.  Brodie,  M.A.,  F.G.S.,  gave  a 
very  interesting  extempore  lecture  on  the  geological  features  of  the 
Woolhope  Valley  before  them,  comparing  the  remarkable  features  of 
this  district  with  the  more  extended  one  of  the  Wealden  in  Sussex. 

In  the  course  of  this  address  Mr.  Brodie  mentioned  that  when  work- 
ing in  the  Woolhope  district  this  spring,  with  his  own  Field  Club,  he 
had  been  so  fortunate  as  to  discover  a  small  and  very  perfect  specimen 
of  Earypterus,  which  he  had  sent  for  examination  to  Mr.  Henry  Wood- 
ward, of  the  British  Museum.  He  had  just  had  a  letter  from  Mr. 
Woodward,  in  which  he  stated  that  it  was  a  new  species,  and  that  he 
had  named  it  the  Eftrypterus  Brodieii,  in  honour  of  the  finder.  It 
was  found  at  the  Purton  quarry,  near  Stoke  Edith,  and  as  it  came  so 
strictly  within  the  province  of  the  Woolhope  Club,  Mr.  Brodie  kindly 
offered  it  for  illustration  in  the  volume  of  Transactions,  an  offer  which 
was  very  gladly  accepted. 

The  order  was  now  given  to  search  for  Funguses,  but  although  the 
district  was  most  favourable  for  them,  beyond  the  large  tnfts  of  the 
ubiquitous  A.  rnelleus  and  A.  fascicularis  "but  little  was  found.  Many 
small  specimens  of  the  orange  Chantarelle,  Cantharellns  anrantiaens, 
were  gathered  ;  Mr.  Houghton  found  the  Fir-cone  Hydnum,  Hydnum 
auriscalpium,  always  so  curious  and  interesting;  Mr.  Elmes  Y.  Steele 
got  the  graceful  green  Agaric  with  its  silky  veil  and  stem,  A.  rerugi- 
nosus ;  several  of  the  Myccna  tribe  were  also  gathered,  as  A.  poly- 
grammus,  A.  alcalinus,  with  one  or  two  near  allies,  A.  epipterygiuB 
amongst  them.  These  are  sufficient  to  show  how  many  more  there  would 
have  been  under  more  favourable  circumstances.  The  drought  was 
too  prevalent,  and  Agarics  could  only  be  numbered  by  units  instead  of 
by  scores,  as  fondly  hoped  for,  but  as  a  popular  poet  has  said — 

"  We  may  roam  through  this  world  like  a  child  at  a  feast, 
Who  but  sips  at  a  sweet  and  then  flies  to  the  rest; 
And  when  pleasure  begins  to  grow  dull  in  the  east, 
We  may  order  our  wings  and  be  off  to  the  west." 
And  so  on  the  present  occasion  the  disappointed  fungologists  drew  off 
from  the  wood  to  the  open  ground  on  the  shoulder  of  the  hill,   and 
visited  the  two  stunted   Hawthorns,  so  oddly  called  "the  Cow  and 
Calf."     The  view  from  this  s;«ot  is  usually  most  extensive  and  beauti- 
ful, but  at  this  time  it  was  enshrouded  in  mist,  and  Bincethe  Funguses 
were  again  absent  the  descent  was  made  to  Old   Sufton,  where  the 
carriages  were  waiting  to  convey  the  visitors  to  Hereford. 

The  ride  home  would  have  been  very  pleasant  but  for  the  myriads 
of  aphides  which  swaimed  in  the  air.     It  would  almost  seem  true  that 
"  The  thin-winced  flies  their  transient  time  employ, 
Reeling  through  sunbeams  in  a  dance  of  joy." 
The  Turnip  aphis,  however,  has  been  terribly  destructive  this  autumn, 
and  a  field  on  the  hill  was  passed  smelling  horridly  from  the  decaying 
bulbs  of  the  Turnip  plants  they  had  destroyed. 

An  examination  of  the  Funguses,  at  the  Green  Dragon,  brought  for 
exhibition  passed  the  time  remaining  before  dinner  very  pleasantly. 
It  was  an  extiemely  interesting  collection,  and  the  only  wonder  was 
that  in  so  dry  a  season  so  many  could  have  been  produced. 

The  most  striking  specimens  were  the  arborescent  Funguses,  as 
might  have  been  anticipated.  A  huge  specimen  of  Polyporus  fron- 
dosns  was  placed  in  the  centre  of  the  table,  and  undoubtedly  carried 
off  the  palm  both  for  interest  and  novelty.  It  weighed  no  less  than 
lik  lbs.,  and  from  its  great  size,  the  beauty  of  its  lines,  and  its  grace 
fully  overlapping  pilei,  it  proved  the  chief  attraction  in  the  room. 
This  species  may  be  said  to  be  virtually  new  to  Britain,  for  although 
its  presence  has  been  more  than  Bnspected  by  several  botanists,  it  is 
not  given  as  British  in  any  of  our  floras,  not  excepting  Mr.  Cooke's 
recent  handbook.  It  is  true  that  Mr.  Berkeley  published  a  species 
under  this  name  in  the  English  flora,  but  he  afterwards  corrected 
himself  and  referred  his  former  plant  to  P.  intybaceus,  leaving  out 
P.  frondosns  altogether.  A  specimen  of  P.  frondosus,  gathered  at 
Whitfield,  was  sent  by  Dr.  Bull  to  the  exhibition  at  South  Kensington  ; 
and,  besides  the  grand  one  brought  to  this  meeting  by  J.  E.  Smith, 
Esq.,  from  near  Hay,  there  was  another  from  Whitfield,  aid  also  a 
very  fine  one  brought  by  the  Rev.  W.  Houghton  from  the  Wrekin. 
We  have  now,  undoubtedly,  in  England  all  the  three  species  of  Fries  : 
— Polyporus  frondosus,  known  in  addition  to  other  characters  by  its 
pore-surface  and  its  flesh  turning  grey  when  bruised  ;  P.  intybaceus, 
with  its  hundreds  of  pilei  tufted  together,  very  much  branched,  and 
smelling  like  mice  ;  and  the  P.  giganteus,  with  its  large  imbricated 
pilei,  turning  red  when  bruised,  and  smelling  horribly  like  rotten 
cheese. 

There  were  also  very  fine  specimens  of  Polyporus  applanatus  and 
P.  hispidus.  with  P.  rufescens,  P.  fumosns,  P.  varius,  P.  annosus,  and 
the  ever-present  P.  squamosus. 

The  next  Fungus  which  created  much  interest  was  a  fine  specimen 
of  the  edible  Sparassis  crispa,  brought  by  the  Rev.  W.  Houghton  from 
the  Wrekin.  it  was  the  size  of  a  Cauliflower,  of  a  bright  orange 
colour,  and  very  pleasant  fragrant  odour.  It  is  very  rare,  but  has 
been  found  this  year  in  several  localities,  as  attested  by  the  Rev.  M.  J. 
Berkeley  and  C.  E.  Broome,  Esq. 

Two  fine  sturdy  specimens  of  A.  corticatus  were  exhibited.  They 
were  found  growing  on  a  Beech  tree,  and  possessed  considerable  in- 
terest, as  well  for  their  great  beauty  as  for  the  great  rarity  of  their 
occurrence  in  this  country.  Agaricus  porrigens,  a  beautiful  snowy 
white  Pleurotus  of  great  rarity  and  beauty,  peculiar  to  fallen  Pines, 
was  sent  from  the  Duke  of  Argyll's  plantations  at  Inverary.  The 
rare  Cortinarius  fulgens  was  there  also ;  Lactarins  deliciosns,  rufns, 


torminosus,  vellereus,  and  controversus ;  Russnla  rubra,  fragilis, 
lepida,  and  alutacea  ;  Boletus  luridus,  edulis,  and  veraipellus  ;  the 
Agaricus  Cecilia,  procerus,  ruhescens,  maculatus,  mtilaus,  squar- 
rosus,  rimosus,  nudus,  tuberosns,  gallinaceui,  butyraceus,  lacryma- 
bnndus,  infundibuliformis,  &c.  ;  Fistnliua  hepatica,  Paxillus  involntus, 
Hydnum  udnm,  II.  repandum,  Helotium  vergultorinm,  &c. 

A  very  puzzling  lot  of  sulphur-coloured  Agarics  was  brought  by  Mr. 
Houghton,  which  seemed  to  agree  with  no  known  group.  They  were, 
however,  provisionally  referred  to  the  rare  A.  (Flammula)  inopus  of 
Bolton,  or  perhaps  A.  hybridus  of  Fries. 

A  great  variety  of  common  Agarics,  which  it  is  unnecessary  to 
mention,  were  conspicuous  by  their  absence 

There  was  some  little  difficulty  in  procuring  sufficient  edible  Fun- 
guses for  the  dinner,  but  the  following  dishes  were  sent  round  with 
more  or  less  satisfaction : — Fistuliua  hepatica  fried,  and  finding  its 
own  gravy ;  A.  deliciosns  stewed ;  A.  procerus  and  A.  rubescens 
broiled.  The  novelty  of  such  dishes  is  now  over  with  the  Woolhope 
Club,  and  it  becomes  difficult  to  take  the  opinion  upon  them.  Pro- 
cerus was  most  asked  for  again,  and  may  be  supposed,  therefore,  to 
take  the  place  of  honour. 

After  dinner  the  President  called  upon  Edwin  Lees,  Esq.,  F.L.S., 
&c,  to  read  his  paper  "  On  some  curious  Algie,  only  apparent  in 
times  of  drought,  with  notices  of  those  that  occur  and  colour  water  at 
seasons  of  high  temperature,"  and  Dr.  Triineu,  of  the  British  Mu- 
seum, made  some  remarks  upon  it. 

The  following  papers  were  also  read : — "  The  Fungi  which  affect 
our  Forest  Trees,"  by  Worthington  G.  Smith,  Esq.,  F.L.S. ;  "  Notes 
on  Fairy  Rings,"  by  Jas.  Buckman,  Esq.,  F.L.S. ,  &o. ;  and  "  Illus- 
trations on  the  Edible  Funguses  of  Herefordshire,"  by  Dr.  Bull. 
These  papers,  with  such  discussion  as  they  elicited,  will  be  published 
in  full,  and  it  only  remains  now  for  us  to  Bay  that  they  were  of  high 
interest,  and  gave  much  entertainment  to  the  members  present. 


NOTES  AND  GLEANINGS 
Royal  Horticultural  Society's  Committees. — The  next 
meetings  of  the  Fruit  Rnd  Floral  Committees  are  to  be  held  on 
November  2od,  and  December  7th  ;  and  not  November  lGth, 
and  December  21st,  as  previously  announced  in  some  of  the 
early  issues  of  the  schedule  and  almanac. 

American  Winter  Garden. — Nature  announces  that  the 

United  States  Congress  has  granted  30  000  dols.  for  the  erection 
of  a  Government  Winter  Garden,  either  at  New  York  or 
Washington,  somewhat  similar  to  that  at  Kew,  but  on  a  smaller 
scale.  This  will  partake  partly  of  the  nature  of  an  economic 
garden,  in  which  useful  plants  can  be  raised  and  then  dis- 
seminated far  and  wide  throughout  the  States. 

Cinchona  Cultivation  has  so  well  succeeded    in  the 

English  hill  settlement  at  Darjeeling,  in  the  Himalayas,  that 
last  year  5000  lbs.  of  bark  were  sent  to  London  from  Cinchona 
trees  planted  in  18G2,  on  one  plantation.  Tea  produced,  in 
1S69,  1,319,743  lbs.  from  10,769  acres  of  hill  laud  formerly 
said  and  reputed  to  be  worthless,  and  unsuited  to  give  a  return 
to  Englishmen.  We  shall  now  hear  of  Indian  b*rk  as  well  as 
Peruvian,  as  we  know  Indian  Tea  to  hold  its  own  against 
Chinese.  The  Cinchona  trees  are  also  taking  well  in  Jamaica. 
Experiments  on  the  culture  of  American  Tobaoco  in  India  are 
being  made  by  the  Maharajah  of  Barchwan,  in  Midnapore  and 
Cuttaok.  The  last  year's  experiments  with  seeds  from  James 
River,  Virginia,  were  very  successful. — (Nature.) 


WORK  FOR  THE  WEEK. 

KITCHEN    CURDEN. 

This  is  an  excellent  period  for  laying  down  the  spring  Broc- 
coli. It  is  best  performed  by  two  persons,  one  at  each  side  of 
the  row.  Keep  a  good  trench,  and  sink  all  the  heads  to  the 
north,  burying  the  stems  in  soil  up  to,  and  even  amongst,  some 
of  the  lower  leaves.  This  proceeding  will  protect  the  heads 
very  considerably  against  a  severe  winter — first,  by  reason  of 
the  position  ;  secondly,  by  avoiding  sudden  changes  or  excite- 
ment; and  thirdly,  by  the  reduction  of  succulence.  Pull  Cauli- 
flowers before  they  grow  too  large,  and  prepare  a  shed  or  pit  in 
which  to  plant  a  quantity  on  the  first  approach  of  frost.  Dwarf 
Kidney  Beans,  remove  thoBe  growing  in  pots  to  where  they  can 
have  the  protection  of  glass.  It  is  no  uncommon  or  new  prac- 
tice for  good  kitchen  gardeners  to  throw  their  overgrown  Let- 
tnce  or  Cauliflower  plants  on  the  ground  to  shrivel  before  plant- 
ing them.  Plants  in  this  state  will  endure  hard  weather  better 
than  those  in  luxuriant  growth.  Remove  the  leaves  from  Rhu- 
barb and  Sea-kale  that  you  intend  forcing  very  early,  and  keep 
a  look-out  for  slugs  and  weeds. 

FRUIT  oarden. 

Pay  every  attention  to  getting  the  wood  of  Peaches  and 


October  21,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


313 


Apricots  well  ripened  by  exposure,  shortening,  &c.  Put  the 
ground  in  order  for  planting  all  kinds  of  fruit  trees.  On  cold 
stiff  soils  it  is  advisable  to  plant  on  hillocks  1  foot  or  18  inches 
higher  than  the  surrounding  surface.  The  trees  will  not  grow 
so  fast  in  consequence,  and  will  require  more  attention  in  sum- 
mer in  the  way  of  mulching,  but  they  will  form  short-jointed, 
well-ripened,  fruitful  wood,  which  is  the  best  preventive  of 
canker,  gum,  &c,  and  will  save  the  labour  of  resorting  much 
to  root-pruning. 

FLOWER    GARDEN. 

I  would  nrge  the  necessity  of  taking  advantage  of  the  first 
favourable  opportunity  to  plant  the  mniu  bed  of  Tulips  ;  every 
week  that  they  reuiaia  implanted  will  be  prejudicial  to  them, 
though  I  make  no  doubt  many  will  put  off  planting  till  the 
middle  of  November.  All  bulbs  which  have  been  reduced  in 
Bize  should  be  removed  from  the  position  they  hold  in  the  best 
bed,  and  he  planted  in  a  side  bed  to  reoover  their  strength  pre- 
vious to  being  reintroduced,  and  their  place  should  be  occupied, 
if  possible,  by  some  other  variety  which  will  nearly  correspond 
with  that  taken  away.  The  amateur  must  ever  keep  in  mind 
tbe  necessity  of  preserving  the  uniformity  of  his  collection. 
After  another  week  or  ten  days  I  would  advise  no  one  to  re- 
move Carnations  :  it  will  then  be  late  for  them,  and  it  is  so 
important  they  should  be  well  established  previous  to  the 
ooming  winter,  that  no  time  should  be  lost.  Auriculas  must 
be  carefully  preserved  from  heavy  rain,  and  a  watchful  eye  kept 
on  the  surface  of  the  pots,  which  will  speedily  iudi;ate  where 
the  drainage  is  bad.  As  the  winter  approach* 8  protection  of 
some  kind  should  be  provided  for  plants  and  shrubs  of  tender 
character  ;  almost  any  material  is  eligible,  provided  it  will  in  a 
considerable  degree  throw  off  wet.  Canopies  for  this  purpose 
should  be  so  contrived  as  to  admit  of  one  or  two  sides  being 
opened  at  pleasure  ;  if  only  one,  it  is  advisable  to  place  it  on 
the  north  or  west  side,  oertainly  not  on  the  south  side,  as  the 
excitement  caused  by  bursts  of  sunshine  is  apt  to  prove  very 
prejudicial.  The  covering  or  canopy  should  by  no  means  be 
allowed  to  touch  the  plant,  and  tbe  greater  the  space  allowed 
between  it  and  the  plant  the  better  will  it  afford  protection. 
It  is  a  bad  practice  to  bundle  the  shoots  together  like  a  besom, 
in  order  to  make  them  occupy  a  more  limited  space  ;  doing  so 
may  save  trouble  and  material,  but  is  a  most  injurious  proceed- 
ing. More  injury  is  occasioned  by  confined  damp  in  a  majority 
of  cases  than  by  lowness  of  temperature.  Hoodings  of  straw, 
so  formed  as  to  overlap  the  protecting  material  beneath,  are 
very  good  and  simple  protectors,  and,  if  rightly  contrived,  may 
be  removed  with  as  much  facility  for  ventilation  as  the  top  of 
an  ordinary  band-glass.  Oiloloth  will  also  form  a  good  pro- 
tection if  made  into  a  kind  of  cone,  on  the  side3  of  which  a 
small  flap  or  two  may  be  made  to  open  without  admitting  the 
rain.  Before  the  application  of  any  top  covering,  it  is  advis- 
able that  an  inch  or  two  of  the  surface  soil  around  the  collar 
be  removed,  and  replaced  with  dry  sawdust,  the  newer  the 
better.  This  should  be  piled  as  high  as  the  stem  of  the  plant 
will  admit,  taking  care  not  to  choke  too  many  of  tbe  lower 
leaves;  and  if  the  canopy  is  so  contrived  as  to  overlap  the 
mound,  the  covering  will  be  complete.  The  only  thing  that 
remains  is  to  give  air  at  favourable  opportunities,  avoiding 
cutting  winds,  which  in  all  probability  do  more  harm  than  the 
frost. 

GREENHOUSE    AND   CONSERVATORY. 

Prooeed  according  to  former  directions ;  see  that  all  plants 
belonging  to  the  conservatory  are  housed  forthwith.  Do  not  be 
flattered  by  fine  weather,  such  as  at  this  period  usually  flatters 
to  betray ;  cleanliness,  free  ventilation,  and  clever  arrangement, 
are  the  main  points.  If  severe  weather  should  occur  do 
not  hesitate  to  nse  a  little  fire  heat  at  times,  especially  where 
many  plants  are  blooming,  as  by  these  means  a  free  ventilation 
may  be  indulged  in  to  expel  damp  and  stagnant  air.  A  mere 
hibernatory  is  another  thing ;  in  this,  whether  the  roof  be  of 
glass  or  opaque,  free  ventilation  will  be  all  that  is  requisite  for 
some  time  to  come.  By  means  of  Roses,  Chrysanthemums,  and 
other  late-flowering  plants,  this  structure  may  yet  be  kept  gay 
for  many  weeks.  Supply  them  occasionally  with  manure  water 
in  a  clear  state.  It  should  be  administered  about  5°  or  10° 
warmer  than  the  atmosphere  of  the  house.  If  the  water  is  just 
coloured  it  will  be  sufficient.  An  ounce  of  guano  with  a  hand- 
ful or  two  of  soot  will  make  a  large  bucketful  or  canful  strong 
enough  for  anything,  and  it  ought  to  be  provided  as  clear  as  fine 
ale.  Damp  and  mildew  are  the  great  enemies  to  be  guarded 
against  at  present  in  conservatories  and  greenhouses,  and  these 
must  be  sharply  looked  after,  especially  in  the  case  of  plants 
that  have  not  ripened  their  growth,  and  are  in  a  rather  soft  state. 


If  damp  i?  troublesome  it  must  be  dispelled  by  means  of  free 
ventilation  in  mild  days,  using  a  little  fire  heat  at  the  same 
time,  and  for  mildew  a  dry  airy  atmosphere  is  the  best  pre- 
ventive ;  but  the  plants  should  be  frequently  examined,  apply- 
ing sulphur  on  the  first  appearance  of  the  evil.  Very  little 
water  will  be  required  at  present,  but  the  plants  should  be  care- 
fully looked  over  about  twice  a-week  to  make  sure  that  nothing 
is  allowed  to  feel  the  want  of  it.  If  not  already  done  get  plants 
tied  into  proper  form  with  the  least  possible  delay,  for  it  is 
difficult  to  tie  a  plant  so  that  it  will  not  look  somewhat  stiff 
and  unnatural,  and  the  sooner  all  this  kind  of  work  is  done  the 
better  tbe  specimens  will  look  when  in  bloom. 

STOVE. 

Much  less  moisture  will  suffice  at  this  period,  even  f.>r  the 
growing  Orchids  ;  keep  the  temperature  progressively  on  the 
decline,  more  especially  in  dark  weather.  Ventilate  freely  when- 
ever the  weather  will  permit. 

COLD    PITS   AND    FRAMES. 

Cold  pits  will  now  be  in  request.  Sawdust  form?  a  good 
plnnging  material,  if  new  and  dry  ;  coal  ashes  are  also  very  good. 
Whatever  material  is  employed,  keep  the  plants  within  a  foot 
or  so  of  the  glass,  and  endeavour  to  keep  the  soil  in  a  some- 
what dry  state.  A  portion  of  the  stock  of  R:>se?,  Lilaos,  Honey- 
suckles, &c,  in  pots,  may  soon  be  placed  in  a  pit  to  have  a 
slight  advance  of  temperature.  The  present  is  a  good  time 
to  procure  from  the  nurseries  or  the  reserve  garden  a  supply  of 
Rhododendrons,  Azaleas,  and  Kalmias,  for  forcing.  Seleot 
plants  well  set  with  bloom,  and  of  the  desired  size.  Some  of 
the  hybrid  soarlet  Rhododendrons,  as  Nobleanum,  and  others, 
require  but  little  forcing,  and  are  the  best  to  start  first.  Plaee 
them  in  as  small  pots  as  their  roots  oan  be  got  into  without 
injury,  and  set  them  out  of  the  reach  of  frost  till  wanted. 
Abundance  of  air  and  light  must  be  admitted  to  these  struc- 
tures. If  any  of  the  lights  afford  a  partial  shade  to  the  plants 
from  the  accumulation  of  dirt,  take  them  off  and  wash  them 
thoroughly  without  delay.  Be  careful  to  supply  water  only  to 
plants  that  require  it.  Remove  all  mouldy  and  decaying  leaves, 
and  keep  the  interior  as  dry  as  possible  during  dull  foggy 
weather.  If  you  discover  tbe  unwelcome  preBenoe  of  the 
green  fly  upon  your  plants  fumigate  them  with  tobacco,  which 
will  put  an  end  to  them  for  this  season.  All  half-hardy  plants 
which  it  is  desirable  to  secure  for  next  season,  may  be  potted 
with  balls  and  wintered  in  these  structures. — W.  Keane. 


DOINGS  OF  THE  LAST  WEEK. 
The  rain?  came  as  we  expected,  and  though  not  in  the 
deluges  spoken  of  in  other  places,  yet  in  sufficient  quantity  to 
give  us  water  for  Borne  time  to  come.  More  trying,  perhaps, 
than  the  rains  were  the  frosty  morning?  and  the  hurricane  of 
the  12th,  which  tried  many  trees  and  shrubs,  and  did  a  little 
injury  among  our  glass,  though  we  thought  all  was  securely 
fastened.  The  heavy  showers,  the  wind,  and  even  the  frost 
have  left  the  flower  gardens  still  passable  on  this  the  15th  inst., 
except  some  fine  beds  of  Coleus,  from  which  the  leaves  are 
dropping.  The  Iresine  is  still  quite  fresh,  and  the  Heliotrope 
is  only  slightly  marked  in  plaoes.  But  for  the  lashing  of  the 
wind  and  rain  Calceolarias  would  still  be  fine,  and  scarlet 
Geraniums  are  very  passable,  showing  a  good  deal  of  bloom, 
though  even  Cabbage  leaves  on  some  mornings  were  quite  hard 
with  the  frost.  The  frost  and  the  rains  together  have  done 
more  than  all  our  care  to  eradicate  the  legions  of  Cabbage  fly, 
that  but  for  being  warred  with  would  have  carried  all  before 
them.  It  is  sad  to  hear  of  the  wrecks  they  have  left  in  many 
places.  We  may  also  add  that  Vegetable  Marrows  have  had 
their  leaves  considerably  blackened  by  the  frost. 

KITCHEN   GARDEN. 

The  work  was  much  the  same  as  last  week,  and  chiefly  con- 
sisted in  earthing-up  Celery  when  fine,  pricking-out  Lettuces, 
blanching  Lettuces  and  Endive,  taking  up  Carrots,  Pirsnips, 
&c,  and  preparing  for  the  first  Cauliflowers  of  spring  by  giving 
a  little  fresh  lime  to  the  ground  to  drive  away  the  slimy  tribe 
and  make  the  ground  more  mellow,  and  the  old  organic 
material  in  the  soil  more  sweet  and  soluble.  There  is  hardly 
an  old  kitchen  garden  that  a  moderate  lime-dressing  would  not 
improve.  If  the  soil  were  light  it  would  make  it  more  retentive 
of  moisture.  If  stiff  and  heavy,  it  would  make  it  more  mellow 
and  open  ;  and  though,  looked  at  as  manure,  it  will  do  little 
good  on   poor  land,  it  will  inorease  the  fertility  of  all  soils 


314 


JOURNAL  OF  HOBTICULTUBE  AND  COTTAGE  GAEDENEB. 


[  October  20,  1870. 


that,  like  kitchen  gardens  in  general,  have  been  well  supplied 
with  mannre. 

FRUIT   GARDEN. 

Most  of  the  hardy  fruit  is  now  gathered,  though  a  few  of  the 
latest  will  be  housed  the  first  bright  dry  day,  as  they  will  not  do 
much  more  good  now,  though  late  Apples  and  Pears  Bwelled 
freely  recently.  Looked  over  the  fruit  room  to  keep  all  sound, 
and  gave  a  little  air  to  allow  the  sweating  to  escape.  Peaches 
on  the  walls  have  been  over  for  some  time,  and  the  last  in  the 
orchard  house  are  now  nearly  over.  There  are  a  good  many 
Plums  still,  and,  with  proper  arrangement,  in  a  late  Plum  house 
we  believe  they  could  be  had  in  fine  order  a  month  or  six  weeks 
later  than  it  would  be  possible  to  have  them  out  of  doors  on 
walls.  Grapes  in  another  orchard  house  have  ripened  well, 
but  that  is  not  much  in  such  a  season  as  this,  when  in  many 
places  not  only  in  the  south,  but  considerably  north  of  London, 
they  have  ripened  well  out  of  doors.  We  took  the  lights  off  the 
Peach  house,  not  so  much  for  exposing  the  trees  thoroughly,  as 
to  get  the  lights  themselves  thoroughly  cleaned  and  renovated. 
The  trees  and  house  will  be  effectually  cleaned  before  they  are 
replaced,  as  red  spider  made  its  appearance  after  the  fruit  was 
gathered. 

The  Strawberry  plants  for  forcing  which  we  could  get  rather 
late,  are  making  rather  large  leaves  for  our  taste,  and  by  turn- 
ing the  pots  on  their  sides  in  wet  days  we  must  try  to  have  the 
fine  buds  well  ripened.  A  number  of  the  most  forward  we  have 
put  on  the  north  side  of  walls,  &c,  to  give  them  a  rest  before 
starting  them  afresh.  Melons  are  now  nearly  over,  and  the 
places  occupied  by  them  will  come  in  most  useful.  In  fact, 
room  is  now  so  valuable  that  every  house  as  it  gets  empty  of 
fruit  must  be  cleared  and  filled  temporarily  with  plants.  An 
earth  pit  sown  with  Kidney  Beans  in  July,  is  now  giving  fine 
returns  with  the  help  of  protection  at  night. 

ORNAMENTAL   DEPARTMENT. 

Similar  notices  to  those  lately  made  respecting  fruit  trees 
would  hold  good  as  to  planting  ornamental  trees  and  shrubs, 
and  trees  and  undergrowth  for  plantations  and  covers.  After 
the  rains  these  will  soon  lift  and  plant  well  even  in  this  dry 
neighbourhood;  and  planted  at  the  end  of  the  month  they 
will,  whilst  the  ground  is  warm,  have  two  chances  to  one  of 
doing  well  as  contrasted  with  planting  in  spring.  In  places 
where  game  is  all  in  all,  it  is  but  labour  and  money  thrown 
away,  if  no  protection  with  wire  netting  be  afforded ;  and  for 
small  rabbits  the  meshes  of  the  netting  must  be  very  small — 
not  more  thsn  lj  inch.  Wherever  a  young  rabbit  can  squeeze 
his  head  in  flat  he  will  manage  to  pass  his  body  in  afterwards, 
and  then  he  will  soon  grow  too  big  to  get  out  at  a  similar 
opening,  and  the  trees  and  bushes  will  form  an  irresistible 
attraction.  We  noticed  lately  a  communication  recommend- 
ing sinking  such  netting  in  a  little  trench  1  or  2  inches  below 
the  ground  level,  so  that  the  rabbits  might  feel  the  net  when 
burrowing.  We  thought  it  a  good  plan  at  first,  but  soon 
found  the  rabbits  cared  nothing  for  this  wire,  going  down 
easily,  and  as  a  matter  of  course  beneath  it.  A  far  better,  be- 
cause a  more  perplexing  plan  to  the  rabbits,  is  the  following  : — 
Prepare  yourself  with  stout  pegs  and  stakes,  the  latter,  after 
going  firmly  into  the  ground,  to  be  as  high  as  the  width  of  the 
netting  ;  unroll  the  netting  and  stretch  it  out,  flatten  down  the 
side  next  you,  which  will  be  the  outBide  of  the  fence,  and  pin 
down  to  the  ground  the  netting,  leaving  from  1  to  2  inches  on 
the  level  outside  the  hooked  pins.  Then  begin  at  one  end, 
and  raise  the  netting  straight  and  level,  and  fasten  to  near  the 
top  of  the  stake  intide  with  a  small  wrought  iron  nail  diiven 
in  obliquely  against  the  wire.  This  is,  perhaps,  the  most 
simple,  secure,  and  effectual  mode  of  fastening  such  netting, 
beoause  based  on  the  habit  of  the  rabbit  of  beginning  to  bur- 
row close  to  the  upright  fence.  He  thus  comes  in  contact 
with  the  horizontal  pinned-down  part  of  the  netting,  and 
seldom  has  the  philosophy  to  go  further  baok  and  make  a 
fresh  trial. 

Followed  up  what  was  lately  recommended  in  taking  under 
cover  the  mo6t  tender  plants  which  were  exposed.  A  few  more 
Cinerarias  had  their  largest  leaves  a  little  blackened  by  the 
frost.  Prooeeded  with  potting  and  moving,  and  as  soon  as 
some  fruit  houses  are  empty  we  shall  thoroughly  clean  them, 
and  then  fill  with  Geraniums  and  bedding  plants,  where  they 
will  be  seoure  for  the  worst,  coldest,  and  darkest  months  of  the 
year. 

We  have  yet  taken  nothing  up  from  the  flower  garden,  but 
the  small  cuttings  put  in  are  doing  well.  For  a  particular 
reason  we  do  not  wiBh  to  break  the  outline  of  the  beds  and 


borders  until  the  end  of  the  month,  as  the  grass  looks  lovely, 
and  the  gale  of  the  12th  has  cleared  away  all  the  most  forward 
deciduous  leaves  from  trees,  as  well  as  all  those  that  had  fallen, 
taking  them  miles  away  into  the  fields,  and  leaving  the  lawns 
cleaner  than  if  carefully  swept.  We  only  had  to  pick  up  some 
barrowloads  where  they  had  rested  against  flower  beds  and 
borders. 

When  a  beautiful  lawn  has  been  disfigured  in  the  autumn 
months  by  the  fallen  leaves  of  deciduous  trees,  we  have  often 
wished  to  have  a  flower  garden  where  no  leaves  of  deciduous 
trees  could  mar  its  beauty,  but  where  the  greenness  of  the 
Laurel,  the  Holly,  and  the  Pine  tribe,  should  contrast  with  and 
show  off  the  beauty  of  the  bright  colours  in  the  beds  and 
borders.  It  so  happens,  however,  that  no  one  definite  mode 
combines  in  itself  every  advantage,  for  if  evergreens  are  thus 
beautiful  at  all  times,  and  give  little  trouble  in  spring  and 
autumn,  they  do  give  trouble  by  the  dropping  of  their  older 
leaves  in  summer,  requiring  much  moving  and  sweeping  up 
in  the  brightest  days  of  the  year. 

_  Though  we  have  taken  up  no  Geraniums  as  yet,  if  we  saw 
signs  of  a  sharp  frost  we  would  lift  some  of  the  most  tender, 
as  the  variegated  kinds,  and  others  of  which  we  might  be 
scarce,  and  place  them  under  cover  until  we  could  arrange 
them  properly.  In  the  meantime  it  will  be  useful  to  mix  tree 
leaves  and  short  grass  with  long  litter,  so  as  to  be  able  to  give 
a  little  bottom  heat  to  subjects  we  wish  to  root  quickly. 

As  respects  Geraniums  in  beds,  we  submit  the  following  as 
hints  to  beginners  who  do  not  like  the  idea  of  the  frost  making 
wrecks  of  all  their  fine  plants  : — 

As  respects  all  Tricolored  and  merely  Variegated  Geraniums, 
they  will  do  best,  when  taken  up,  if  the  larger  leaves  are  all 
removed,  leaving  the  smaller  ones,  shortening  any  very  long 
roots,  and  cramming  the  rest  of  each  plant  into  a  small  pot, 
plunging  the  pot  in  a  mild  bottom  heat  after  watering  it,  and 
giving  air  at  top  except  in  severe  frost.  Such  plants  will  soon 
make  fresh  roots,  and  they  will  do  better  if  the  plants,  or  rather 
the  pots,  stand  on  a  dry  board. 

Where  there  are  some  fine-grown  large  plants  of  Geraniums, 
and  it  is  desirable  to  keep  them  large,  take  away  every  leaf 
larger  than  a  shilling  or  two-shilling  piece,  shorten  the  very 
longest  roots,  place  the  rest  in  the  smallest  pots  that  will  con- 
tain the  roots,  plunge  as  Bt.ated  above,  and  when  rooted  place  the 
plants  on  a  dry  shelf.  Success  here,  as  regards  large  specimens 
next  year,  will  depend  on  the  shoots  not  being  shortened,  the 
axis  of  growth  being  kept  sound,  and  having  plenty  of  air,  light, 
and  heat  to  keep  them  slowly  growing  all  the  winter. 

A  third  mode,  move  applicable  for  rough  treatment,  is  to  take 
up  the  plants,  Bhorten  all  the  shoots  a  little,  remove  every  leaf, 
pack  the  roots  closely  and  firmly  into  pots  or  boxes,  so  that  the 
box  or  pot  above  the  soil  will  look  like  a  bundle  of  wood 
faggots  ;  water,  and  when  dryish  on  the  surface,  cover  with  dry- 
ish soil.  These  will  thrive  in  any  place  from  which  frost  is  ex- 
cluded, if  cool  enough  not  to  encourage  growth,  but  when  the 
stems  break  about  March,  they  must  then  have  light  in  fine 
days,  and  in  another  month  be  thinned.  These  will  make  fine 
plants  for  the  centres  of  beds  in  the  following  year. 

A  fourth  plan  to  secure  dwarf  plants  for  next  season,  is 
to  cut  such  plants  down  some  4  or  6  inches  from  the  ground, 
remove  every  leaf,  dip  the  points  of  the  Bhoots  in  lime  and 
charcoal  dust,  and  treat  roughly  as  above ;  in  any  place  tolerably 
dry  and  free  from  frost,  they  will  need  little  light  even  until 
the  plants  break  afresh.  We  have  known,  however,  many 
cases  where  some  hundreds  of  such  plants  have  been  kept  in 
little  space  all  secure  during  the  winter,  in  a  spare  room  or  a 
hayloft,  and  then  all  killed  by  exposure  to  a  few  hours'  severe 
frost  in  March.  Keeping  in  this  rough  way,  and  flowering  well 
in  future,  depend  on  just  keeping  the  plants  alive,  and  not 
encouraging  fresh  growth  at  all.  Wherever  we  have  growth 
and  fresh  leaves,  there  must  be  light  and  air,  as  well  as  enough 
of  heat  to  keep  out  frost. — E.  F. 


TRADE  CATALOGUES  RECEIVED. 

Andre  Leroy,  Angers. — Supplement  cm  Catalogue  de  1868.  Prices 
of  Fruit  Trees  and  Ornamental  Trees  and  Shrubs,  1870-71. 

J.  Standish  &  Co.,  Royal  Nursery,  Ascot,  Berks. —  Catalogue  of  New 
and  Rare  Plants,  Hardy  Trees,  Shrubs,  Conifene,  &c. 

Charles  Turner,  Royal  Nurseries,  Slough. — Catalogue  of  Poses, 
Fruit  Trees,  Coniferce,  &c. 

F.  &  A.  Dickson  &  Sons,  106,  Eastgate  Street,  and  Upton  Nur; 
series,  Chester. — Descriptive  Catalogue  of  Poses  and  Hollyhocks. 


October  SO,  1870.  ] 


JOURNMi  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


315 


TO    CORRESPONDENTS. 

%*  We  request  that  no  one  will  write  privately  to  any  of  the 
correspondents  of  the  "  Journal  of  Horticulture,  Cottage 
Gardener,  and  Country  Gentleman."  By  doing  so  they 
are  subjected  to  unjustifiable  trouble  and  expense.  All 
communications  should  therefore  be  addressed  solely  to 
The  Editors  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture,  &-c.t  171,  Fleet 
Street,  London,  E.C. 

We  also  request  that  correspondents  will  not  mix  up  on  the 
same  sheet  questions  relating  to  Gardening  and  those  on 
Poultry  and  Bee  subjects,  if  they  expect  to  get  them  an- 
swered promptly  and  conveniently,  but  write  them  on 
separate  communications.  Also  never  to  send  more  than 
two  or  three  questions  at  once. 

Books  {An  Amateur,  Newcastle^ — "The  Greenhouse,"  by  C.  Mcintosh, 
and  "  In-door  Gardening,"  hy  Keane.  The  latter  you  can  have  post-free 
from  our  office  if  you  enclose  twenty  postage  stamps  with  your  address, 
(Bayard). — You  probably  mean  "  Paxton's  Botanical  Dictionary,"  a  single 
volume,  price  25s. 

Chrysanthemum  Shows  (J.  P.).— There  will  be  some  near  London, 
and  will  be  advertised. 

Seedling  Pansies  (G.  McD.).— The  blooms  were  all  withered.  We 
cannot  prophesy  what  would  be  the  result  of  advertising  your  Melon 
seed. 

Pampas  Grass  (G.  S.). — A  panicle  of  a  female  plant  was  enclosed  by 
you.    It  is  the  usual  colour.    It  is  the  male  plant  that  hears  the  plumes. 

Rainfall  (J.  B.).— The  differences  are  not  at  all  extraordinary.  We 
have  seen  lain  falling  on  one  side  of  a  road  whilst  there  was  none  falling 
on  the  other  side. 

Moving  Roses  {J.  J.  H.).— You  may  remove  the  Roses  budded  this  year, 
but  it  is  a  good  plan  to  let  them  have  a  year's  growth  before  removal  to 
their  final  quarters.  If  removed  now  they  will  not  start  Btrongly  in  the 
spring,  but  care  being  taken  in  moving,  there  is  not  after  all  any  great 
difference. 

Sowing  the  Seeds  of  Evergreens  (Idem),  —  The  Laurel  berries 
should  be  kept  in  sand,  and  in  February  be  sown  in  sandy  soil  in  a  warm 
yet  open  situation.  The  Rhododendron  seed  should  be  sown  in  pans  or 
boxes,  or  in  a  cold  frame  in  Mnrch,  in  a  compost  of  sandy  peat,  with  a 
free  admixture  of  silver  sand.  Ktep  the  soil  moist,  and  admit  air  freely, 
and  when  the  plants  appear  draw  down  the  lights.  The  present  is  a  good 
time  to  plant  Virginian  Creeper  and  Clematis. 

Annuals  to  Flower  in  a  Greenhouse  in  Spring  (B.  B.). — Besides 
Nemophila  and  Mignonette,  you  may  sow  now  Alyssum  maritimum,  As- 
perula  azurea  setosa.  Calandrinia  umbellata,  Campanula  Lorei,  Clarkia 
pulchella  and  C.  pulchella  alba,  Collinsia  verna,  C.  bicolor,  C.  candidis- 
sima,  Eucharidium  grand iflorum,  Gtlia  tricolor  varieties,  Gypsophila  mu- 
ralis,  G.  elegans,  Kaulfussia  amelloides,  Leptosiphon  aureus,  L.  andro- 
saceus,  and  var.  albus,  Lupinus  nanus,  Nolana  atriplicifolia,  Platystemon 
californicus,  Silene  r uberrima,  Viscaria  oculata,  Whitlavia  grandiflora, 
and  its  white  variety. 

Wintering  Cannas  {Idem).— Keep  them  in  anyplace  free  from  frost 
from  November  to  March,  and  dry ;  then  repot  them,  place  them  in  a 
hotbed  so  as  to  start  them  into  growth,  and  harden  them  well  off  before 
planting  out. 

Cheap  House  for  Tea  Roses  (Idem).— It  would  be  best  with  the 
front  glass,  but  you  need  not  have  the  front  more  than  from  2  feet 
6  inches  to  3  feet  high,  and  then  boards  would  answer,  but  there  is  so 
little  difference  in  the  price  that  we  should  prefer  glass.  We  would 
have  two  boards'  height  of  wood,  or  two  boards  11  inches  wide,  and  one 
of  them  hinged  for  ventilation  ;  then  2  feet  6  inches  of  glass,  with  the 
ends  of  glass  down  to  the  wood  part.  You  may  provide  for  top  ventila- 
tion by  a  board  hinged  at  top,  so  as  to  open  the  full  length  of  the  houBe. 
Have  you  no  wall  against  which  to  place  it,  so  as  to  save  the  expense  of 
the  back  ?    Wood  would  no  doubt  answer. 

Roses  Pruning,  &c.  (lie  dc  Bourbon).— Advice  on  the  matter  of  prun- 
ing is  no  doubt  often  conflicting,  as  much  depends  whether  Roses  are 
wanted  for  exhibition  purposes,  or  for  ordinary  garden  decoration,  or, 
again,  for  cutting  for  the  house.  If  Roses  are  wanted  for  exhibition,  the 
first  blooms  from  budded  Briars,  or  the  second  year's  from  vigorous 
growth  on  the  Manetti  stock,  are  the  best;  but  for  general  garden  pur- 
poses we  recommend  all  old  weakly  wood  to  be  cut  clean  off,  and  strong 
shoots  to  be  well  shortened— the  laterals  on  strong  shoots  to  four  or  five 
eyes,  and  on  weaker  shoots  to  two  or  three  eyes.  When  Roses  are  grown 
on  Manetti  stocks  it  is  a  good  thing  to  cut  right  away  to  the  base  all 
wood  that  is  more  than  two  years  old,  so  as  to  encourage  the  plant  to 
push  fresh  shoots  from  the  base.  The  strongest  shoots  from  the  base  of 
the  currrent  year's  growth  generally  do  not  push  any  laterals  the  first 
year,  but  flower  at  the  ends  in  the  autumn.  These  onght  not  to  be 
shortened  too  much  at  first,  but  may  be  cut  about  the  height  that  the 
rest  of  the  bush  is  left  after  pruning.  They  will  give  very  fine  blooms 
next  summer  from  the  upper  eyes  that  are  left,  and  push  lower  down  in 
autumn  to  furnish  strong  wood  for  another  year.  We  should  advise  you 
in  the  case  of  your  Roses  on  the  Manetti  stock,  planted  out  of  pots  in 
August  last,  to  prune  the  leading  shoots  to  about  15  or  18  inches,  accord- 
ing to  their  strength,  and  to  shorten  the  laterals  to  three  eyes.  It  is 
difficult  to  give  advice  without  seeing  the  plants,  and  it  is  necessary  lo 
study  the  habits  of  the  different  varieties  of  Roses,  as  some  require  close 
pruning,  while  others  will  not  stand  it.  Such  sorts,  for  instance,  as 
Blairii,  Cloth  of  Gold,  Solfaterre,  and  Marshal  Niel  only  require  to 
have  their  shoots  thinned,  and  the  verv  strong  shoots  only  slightly 
shortened.  These  remarks  do  not  apply  to  standards,  which  must  be 
pruned  to  keep  a  symmetrical  head,  and  only  wood  of  medium  growth  is 
to  be  encouraged  ;  but,  as  a  general  rule,  when  quality  of  bloom  rather 
than  quantity  is  required,  use  the  knife  freely,  and  do  not  let  RoBe  trees 
be  overcrowded  with  old  shoots.  A  little  careful  observation  will  show 
amateurs  that  Roses  produced  on  the  side  shoots  of  stems  only  one  or 
two  years  old  from  the  base  are  finer  than  those  on  older  wood;  and  in 
our  opinion,  when  cutting  Roses  for  table  decoration,  a  dozen  good 


Rosea  are  worth  two  dozen  inferior,  and  no  poor  specimen  ought  ever  to 
be  allowed  in  a  vase  of  flowers  for  table  decoration. 

Maranta  Leaves  Bhowned  (Ft (is).— We  think  the  browning  of  the 
leaves  is  due  to  a  deficiency  of  heat,  accompanied  by  t  o  much  moisture. 
Give  a  temperature  of  60°  at  night  from  now  to  March,  from  65-  to  703  by 
day,  and  do  not  overwater,  yet  see  that  the  soil  is  moist  and  the  drainage 
good.  The  compost  is  good,  but  we  would  use  one  part  loam,  two  parts 
sandy  fibrous  peat,  and  one  part  leaf  soil,  with  one  part  of  silver  sand  and 
charcoal  in  equal  proportions.  We  think  the  leaves  are  those  of  Maranta 
lineata  rosea,  but  we  cannot  tell  from  such  miserable  specimens.  The 
leaves  are  not  diseased. 

Storing  Pears  (A  Constant  Subscriber).— The  fruit  keeps  best  in  a 
moderately  dry  room,  and  one  cool,  yet  safe  from  frost.  We  should  con- 
sider a  cellar  not  wet  a  better  place  than  an  attic.  Remove  the  Pears  to 
a  light  room  with  a  temperature  of  about  45c  a  few  days  before  they  are 
required  for  table.  They  ought  not  to  be  removed  from  the  cellar  until 
they  begin  to  ripen. 

Screen  to  Hide  a  Wall  (A  Working  Man).— Why  not  cover  the  wall? 
Pyracantha  is  very  pretty,  and  Cotoneaster  microphylla  will  hide  every 
part.  If  you  cannot  train  against  the  wall,  then  we  would  advise  Ber- 
bcris  Darwinii,  which  will  bear  trimming  well,  and  is  very  ornamental 
early  in  spring  when  in  flower;  Laurustinns  is  also  good;  but  if  they 
are  not  close  enough  you  may  plant  Yew.  You  may  cut  it  as  hard  as  you 
like,  and  make,  in  fact,  a  close  green  wall  of  it.  Now  is  the  time  to  plant. 
Allow  3  feet  between  the  plants  of  Cotoneaster,  Laurustinus,  and  Yew, 
but  the  Berberis  should  be  2  feet  apart.  Manure  the  ground  well;  it  is 
the  way  to  get  the  screen  up  quickly. 

Seeds  Sowing  (N.  C.  iT.).— Yon  may  succeed  with  all,  except,  perhaps 
the  Erythrina  and  Cocculus,  which  should  be  sown  in  March  and  placed 
in  a  hotbed.  The  others  should  be  sown  at  the  same  time  and  placed  in 
a  cold  frame.  Pans  will  be  most  suitable;  they  should  be  well  drained, 
and  filled  with  a  compost  of  two  parts  fibrous  loam,  and  one  part  each  of 
sandy  peat,  leaf  soil,  and  silver  sand.  Cover  every  kind  of  seed  with  a 
depth  of  soil  equal  to  its  diameter.  Keep  close  until  the  seedlings  ap- 
pear, then  give  air,  but  not  in  excessive  quantity,  and  water  so  as  to 
keep  the  soil  moist.  The  plants  from  the  seeds  sown  in  the  cold  frame 
will  need  potting-off  in  October,  and  should  be  continued  in  a  frame  a 
year  longer,  and  two  years  after  sowing  may  be  planted  out.  Those 
sown  in  heat  should  be  potted-off  when  large  enough  to  handle  and 
grown  on.    They  will  require  protection  from  frost  in  winter. 

Agapanthus  Treatment  (E.  R.,  Yorks.).—We  think  your  bulb  is  the 
African  Lily,  Agapanthus  umbellatus ;  but  we  are  at  a  loss  to  advise  you 
as  to  its  treatment,  as  you  do  not  state  whether  yon  grow  it  in  or  out  of 
doors.  If  you  have  it  out  of  doors  it  will  only  make  a  few  leaves  and  not 
flower.  To  Bucceed  well  it  requires  a  greenhouse,  and  a  compost  of  two 
parts  light  fibrous  loam  and  on*>  part  sandy  peat,  with  a  free  admixture 
of  sharp  sand.  In  winter  it  should  only  have  enough  water  to  keep  the 
leaves  fresh,  but  when  it  begins  to  grow  give  more,  and  when  it  is  growing 
freely  copious  supplies  are  required.  From  May  to  frost  it  maybe  placed 
out  of  doors.  A  rather  small  pot  for  the  size  of  the  plant  is  necessary. 
We  may  be  mistaken  in  the  plant.  We  know  of  none  by  the  name  yoa 
give. 

Echites  splendens  not  Flowering  (A.  M.  *?.).— The  plant  is  probably 
kept  in  too  dark  a  house.  Encourage  It  in  spring  with  a  brisk  heat  and 
moist  atmosphere,  potting  it  when  it  begins  to  make  fresh  growth.  Be 
carelul  not  to  overwater,  and  in  winter  keep  it  dry.  Eucharis  amazonica 
and  E.  grandiflora  are  identical.  The  writer  of  the  article  about  which 
you  inquire  is  not  the  gentleman  yon  name. 

Cahrage  Planting  (Am  Old  Subscriber).-The  plants  sown  July  30th, 
and  pricked  out  September  13th,  may  now  be  planted  out— that  is,  the 
strongest  of  them,  in  a  sheltered  situation,  deferring  the  principal  plant- 
ing out  until  early  in  March. 

Framing  Cauliflower  Plants  (Idem). — It  would  be  well  to  remove 
some  from  the  outside  border  to  a  frame,  and  we  advise  it  to  be  done 
forthwith,  so  that  tbey  may  have  time  to  root  before  severe  weather  set 
in.  There  is  no  advantage  in  twice  pricking  off,  first  in  a  border  and  in  a 
fortnight  to  a  frame. 

Planting  Arums  in  a  Pond  (Idem) — None  of  the  Arums  as  far  as  we 
know  are  aquatic  ;  they  should  have  a  sandy  soil,  witu  freedom  from  stag- 
nant water ;  hence  they  should  not  be  planted  in  a  pond.  If  by  Arum  yoa 
mean  Calla  or  Richardia  rethiopica  it  should  be  planted  in  a  foot  deep  of 
water. 

Camfllia  Buds  Thinning  (Bismark). — Three  or  four  buds  on  each 
stalk  are  too  many.  Reduce  them  to  two  buds  each.  What  is  it  you 
wish  for  hints  on  ?  We  might  give  you  many  hints,  and  still  not  meet 
your  case.  A  few  good  sorts  are  Alba  plena,  Chandleri  elegans,  Bonomi- 
ana,  Fimbriata,  La  Pace,Leeana  superba,  Monarch,  Leopold  I  ,  Mrs.  Cope, 
Napoleon  III.,  Rafia,  Rubeus,  Storyi,  Valtevaredo,  and  Wilderi. 

Fairy  Rings  (S  Ambler). — Your  fairy  rings  will  continue  to  get  wider 
and  wider  every  year,  as  yon  say.  We  know  of  no  better  means  for  de- 
stroying the  fungus  without  hurting  the  grass,  than  oowing  the  rings 
thickly  with  quicklime  and  a  little  sulphur.  We  fear,  however,  you  would 
have  to  repeat  the  operation  several  times,  unle«s  you  broke  the  surface 
and  mixed  the  lime  at  once  with  the  fungus  spawn.  Lime  will  destroy 
them  if  persevered  with,  and  so  would  sulphur,  though  more  expensive. 

Keeping  Walnuts  (A  Reader), — Perhaps  there  is  no  better  mode  for 
keeping  Walnuts  in  winter  than  packing  them  in  dry  sand,  and  changing 
the  sand  frequently.  The  chief  objection  to  this  mode  is  that  the  nuts 
want  much  brushing  to  get  all  the  sand  away,  as  otherwise  the  shells 
would  feel  gritty.  If  the  sand  is  dry,  air  may  be  excluded  by  a  thin  layer 
of  turf.  Any  neat  little  shrubs,  as  Aucubas,  Hollies,  and  Cypresses,  will 
do  for  a  flower  garden  when  the  flowering  plants  are  removed,  and  so 
would  all  kinds  of  Wallflowers,  Daisies,  Pansies,  and  early- flowering  bulbs. 

Storing  Dahlia  Tubers  (A  New  Beginner).— There  is  no  better  plan 
of  keeping  the  tubers  in  winter  than  to  take  them  up  after  the  first  frost, 
lay  them  in  a  shed  to  dry,  and  then  to  store  th«-m  in  dry  sand,  where  they 
will  be  safe  from  frost.  We  do  not  see  in  what  way  you  cnn  improve  the 
size  of  the  flowers,  except  by  thinning  the  buds,  so  that  the  support  may 
be  given  to  a  few  instead  of  the  many  which  you  probably  leave.  It  is 
also  a  good  plan  to  thin  out  the  weak  shoots. 

Tulip  Tree  Seeds  (F.).—  They  do  not  generally  ripen  in  this  country, 
bat  in  an  unusually  hot  and  dry  season  like  the  past  they  may  have  done 


316 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE  GARDENKR. 


[  October  20,  1870. 


so,  and  perhapB  may  germinate.  We  would  keep  tbem  in  dry  sand,  and  . 
early  in  March  sow  tbem  in  pans  of  light  rich  loam  placed  in  a  hotbed,  to 
be  removed,  when  the  seedlings  appear,  to  a  cold  frame.  Then  harden  off. 
Czar  Violkt  Culture  (Mrs.  Y.  B.  A.  Z,). — The  bent  plan  is  to  gTow  it 
in  cold  frames.  In  May  take  off  the  rooted  runners,  and  plant  them  in  a 
border  of  good,  rich,  light  loam,  and,  if  the  situation  is  protected  from 
the  son  at  midday  for  a  few  hours,  all  the  better.  They  should  be  planted 
a  foot  from  row  to  row,  and  9  inches  apart  in  the  rows.  Water  well  in  dry 
weather,  and  at  the  close  of  September  take  them  up  with  balls,  and  plant 
them  in  a  frame  in  a  warm  sunny  situation.  A  hotbed  frame  used  for 
Cucumbers  or  Melons  will  answer  very  well.  Do  not  put  on  the  lights, 
and  give  air  in  fine  weather,  using  the  lights  only  in  cold  frosty  weather. 
When  very  wet  keep  on  the  lights,  but  admit  air  by  tilting  them.  In  very 
severe  weather  protect  with  a  covering  of  mats,  straw,  or  other  material. 

Deodar  Showing  Cones  (A  Subscriber). — It  is  unusual  for  the  Deodar 
at  any  age  or  size  to  produce  cones  in  this  country.  There  have  been, 
however,  a  few  instances,  but  in  very  few  instances  do  the  seeds  attain 
perfection.  It  is  probable  that  the  plant  producing  cones,  though  only 
ten  years  planted,  may  be  a  scion  of  a  tree  quite  as  aged  as  your  other 
trees  thirty  or  more  years  old.  The  Deodar  is  for  the  most  part  raised 
by  grafting,  and  also  by  cuttings,  both  cuttings  and  grafts  being  taken 
from  parts  of  trees  from  seed  that  may  have  attained  maturity ;  and 
we  think  your  younger  tree  is  not  a  seedling,  but  a  grafted  tree,  or  has 
been  a  cutting,  both  of  which  modes  of  propagation  tend  to  earlier  cone- 
bearing.  It  is  known  that  propagating  by  grafting,  budding,  cuttings,  and 
layers  has  a  ^tendency  to  promote  early  flowering,  and  consequently  fruit- 
production/  • 

Thinning  Strawberry  Crowns  (Agnes).— This  should  be  done  in 
spring  when  the  buds  are  60  forward  that  it  can  be  seen  which  are  likely 
to  produce  fruit.  Those  in  the  centre  are  most  likely  to  need  thinning, 
in  order  to  admit  light  and  air.  Three-year-old  plants  will  hardlv  need 
thinning  as  yet,  unless  the  runners  have  been  allowed  to  have  their  own 
way,  in  which  caBo  the  plants  will  require  thinning  to  admit  light  and 
air  to  those  left  for  fruiting.    Thinning  may  be  done  now  or  in  March. 

Trees  for  Arbour  (City  Garden).  —  You  do  not  Bay  whether  your 
arbour  is  formed  of  trellis  or  latticework,  and  you  wish  to  cover  it.  Irish 
Ivy  is  good,  and  so  is  Clematis  Vitalba,  also  C  frankfurtensis.  If  you 
wish  for  an  arbour  Bolely  of  trees,  then  Hornbeam  answers  well  for  the 
sides,  with  a  WeepiDg  Ash  to  form  a  canopy  overhead.  The  Hornbeam 
should  be  planted  as  a  hedge,  and  kept  as  such  with  the  required  openings. 
Chrysanthemums  Mildewed  (E.  S.  C). — To  keep  them  from  mildew, 
give  them  abundance  of  air  and  as  much  light  as  practicable,  not  stand- 
ing the  plants  so  closely  together  as  to  be  crowded.  If  mildew  appear, 
paint  the  hot-water  pipes  with  flowers  of  sulphur,  or  dust  the  parts 
affected,  using  a  coarse  muslin  bag. 

Wintering  Lilium  auratum  (Idem).— Pot  them  as  soon  after  this  as 
you  can.  removing  all  the  old  soil  tbat  comes  away  freely  from  the  roots. 
The  stalk,  when  it  is  quite  yellow,  should  he  cut  off  close  to  the  surface. 
You  may  give  them  9-inch  pots.  Pet  so  that  a  rich  top-dreBsing  can  be 
given  in  spring.  Water  gently  after  potting,  but  do  not  keep  more  than 
moiBt  over  the  winter.  If  safe  from  frost,  the  cooler  they  are  kept  the 
better. 

Transplanting  Shrubb  (L.J.  P.).— Now  is  the  best  time  to  move  Lan- 
rustinus  and  Portugal  Laurels  ;  hut  as  your  trees  are  old  we  should  have 
preferred  moving  them  at  the  end  of  September  had  the  ground  been 
moist  then.  Indeed,  even  now,  the  ground,  though  we  have  had  some 
heavy  rains,  is  much  too  dry  for  general  planting  purposes.  In  moving 
old  trees  it  is  well  to  take  out  a  trench  round  each  this  autumn,  cutting 
off  all  roots  encountered  in  digging  the  trench,  and  going  quite  as  deep 
as  the  roots.  The  trench  phonld  then  be  filled  in,  and  the  shrubs  left 
until  that  time  twelvemonth,  when  the  trench  may  be  reopened  and  the 
plants  removed,  preserving  with  the  roots  as  much  soil  as  possible,  but 
taking  away  all  the  old  soil  you  can  withoutinjuring  them.  The  distance 
from  the  stem  will  be  dependant  on  the  size  of  the  shrubs,  but  in  no  case 
need  it  exceed  3  feet.  If  the  shrubs  are  much  overgrown  and  straggling, 
the  growths  sbonld  he  well  cut  in  the  spring  after  planting  at  the  begin- 
ning of  April.  Success  in  planting  chiefly  depends  on  preserving  as  many 
of  the  fibres  as  possible  with  some  Boil  adhering  to  them.  A  good  water- 
ing ought  to  follow  the  removal,  so  as  to  settle  the  soil  about  the  roots. 

Shrubs  for  Planting  under  the  Shade  of  Elm  and  Beech  Trees 
(A  Constant  Header  and  Admirer).—  Of  all  the  shrubs  we  have  tried  under 
large  trees  none  will  succeed  bo  well  as  the  Aucuba.  BerberiB  Darwinii, 
Berberis  dulcis,  and  tree  Box  are  also  good.  Butcher's  Broom  (Ruscub 
aculeatuB),  Alexandrian  Liurel  (Ruscus  racemosus),  Skimmia  japonica, 
Spurge  Laurel,  Privet,  and  Snowberry  all  do  well,  and  nothing  succeeds 
better  than  the  Ivies  and  Periwinkles.  Thecom<non  Laurel,  Holly,  and 
Yew  Bucceed  tolerably  well,  but  not  so  well  as  the  first-named.  Dogwood 
and  the  Guelder  Rose  in  moist  soil  ara  fine;  and  Berberis  Aquifolium, 
Cotoneaster  microphylla,  and  the  common  Berberry  we  have  seen  in 
good  condition  nnder  treeB. 

Madresfield  Court  Grape  [Amateur). — We  are  not  aware  if  it  has 
ever  been  tried  in  a  vinery  without  fire  heat,  and  we  rather  think  it  would 
not  succeed  well  under  such  conditions  ;  but  from  what  we  have  seen  of 
it  we  have  little  doubt  it  would  do  very  well  in  such  a  place  if  it  had  a 
fortnight  or  three  weeks  of  heat  at  the  blooming  and  setting  season.  The 
mulching  fruit  trees  wi'li  tan  during  winter  is,  no  doubt,  beneficial.  We 
are  sorry  we  cannot  say  where  Amateur  Strawberry  is  to  be  obtained. 

Vines  on  a  Wall  {E.  M.  B.  A.).— There  can  be  no  question  that  the 
Grapes  would  be  more  secure  if  covered  with  glass,  but  we  can  scarcely 
advise  you  as  to  details,  as  we  do  not  know  how  far  the  pathway  is  from 
the  wall.  If  that  is  only  3  or  4  feet  from  the  wall,  tbe  upright  glass  would 
be  best,  with  a  hipped  roof  at  top.  If  you  could  come  out  5  or  6  feet,  then 
you  might  have  a  sloping  fixed  roof.  The  cheapest  way  to  do  this  would 
be  to  have  stout  posts,  a  sill  or  wall  pirate  within  10  inches  of  the  ground,  so 
that  a  board  of  tbat  width  would  be  the  ventilator,  and  to  UBe  rafter  sash- 
bars  for  glass  10  inches  wide,  or  wider  if  deemed  advisable.  The  top  end 
of  the  rafters  might  be  fixed  to  the  wall,  or  to  a  ridge  board  9  inches  from 
it,  and  that  would  give  the  means  for  top  ventilation.  If  you  gave  ud 
more  particulars  we  might  afford  you  more  hints,  but  you  will  see  good 
examples  in  the  neighbouring  nursery. 

Pot  Vines  (A/.).— On  receiving  the  VineB  you  will  find  in  what  sor  of 
pots  they  have  been  growing,  and  if  they  are  in  13-inch  pots,  all  you  have 
to  do  is  to  see  that  the  drainage  is  good ;  if  it  is  not  efficient,  make  it 


so.  Then  remove  the  Burface  soil  as  far  as  possible,  replacing  it  with 
freBh  loam  from  deoayed  turf  two  parts,  and  one  part  e  ich  of  fresh 
horBe  droppings  and  of  half-inch  bones,  with  half  apart  each  of  calcined 
oyster  shells  and  of  charcoal  broken  small.  This  makes  a  first-rate  top- 
dressing  for  pot  Vines,  or,  indeed,  for  those  in  borders.  If  the  Vines  are 
in  9  or  11-inch  pots,  pot  at  once  in  13-inch  pots,  and  do  not  disturb  the 
ball:  merely  loosen  its  sides.  The  next  thing  you  will  have  to  do  is  to 
prune  them,  then  place  them  in  a  position  where  protection  can  be  given 
from  frost,  or  they  may  be  &et  in  the  greenhouse  if  its  temperature  from 
fire  heat  does  not  exceed  40°.  The  selection  of  Vines — viz.,  Black  Ham- 
burgh, White  Frontignan,  and  Victoria  or  Pope's  Hamburgh  (Frankenthal), 
is  good.  The  pots  should  stand  on  a  stage,  or  on  the  soil  if  they  can  have 
sufficient  light.  They  need  not  be  further  apart  than  3  feet.  To  start 
the  Vines  in  a  greenhouse  we  think  absurd,  for  if  you  give  more  heat 
than  is  required  for  the  plants  these  will  suffer.  However,  you  may  start 
the  Vines  when  you  like,  beginning  with  40°  for  a  fortnight,  then  increas- 
ing the  heat  to  45°,  adding  5,J  fortnightly  until  you  attain  a  temperature 
of  6u°  at  night.  By  day  the  night  temperature  Bhould  be  exceeded  by 
5°  on  dull  days,  10  on  those  cloudy  but  with  clear  intervals,  and  15°  or 
20°  on  fine  days. 

Salt  for  Asparagus  Beds  (A.  B„  Hamburgh).— The  salt  is  that  used 
for  cookery.  You  need  not  be  surprised  at  this,  for  Asparagus  is  a  native 
of  the  seashore  ;  and,  besides,  common  salt,  if  used  judiciously,  is  a  good 
manure  for  many  crops. 

Heating  a  Conservatory  (Erin-go-Bragh).— We  can  hardly  see  how 
we  can  advise  you,  as  any  pipe  or  chimney  is  so  objectionable  for  yonr 
small  house,  and  the  want  of  the  power  to  heat  it  would  render  it  next  to 
impossible  to  grow  anything  except  hardy  evergreens  in  winter,  to  be 
followed  by  Wallflowers,  Violets,  and  bulbs  in  spring.  Other  plants 
more  tender  you  could  ody  keep  by  leaving  the  doors  of  the  drawing- 
room  and  dining-room  open  at  night.  We  do  not  perceive  bow  the  iron 
stove  in  the  entrance  hall  could  do  you  any  good,  as  it  would  be  impos- 
sible to  do  as  you  propose—heat  a  boiler  beneath  it,  and  take  pipes 
under  the  dining-room  floor.  If  you  had  any  place  where  you  could  fix  a 
boiler  lower  than  tbe  floor,  bo  as  to  tako  pipes  underneath  the  latter,  there 
would  be  no  difficulty,  if  you  had  a  chimney  near.  In  your  case,  aa  you 
speak  of  gas  stoves  and  boilers,  we  would  dispense  with  the  latter,  bat 
have  one  or  two  small  gas  stoves  with  flat  tops,  to  receive  a  basin  of 
water,  and  use  the  largest  size  of  argand  burners.  These  consume  tbe 
gas  most  thoroughly  ;  but  even  then,  to  be  perfectly  Pafe,  it  would  be  well 
to  have  a  very  small  pipe  from  one-eighth  to  one-fouith  of  an  inch  in 
diameter  inside,  to  go  from  the  side  of  the  stove  near  the  top  into  the 
open  air,  the  end  being  turned  down  a  little.  This  would  carry  off  what 
little  gas  was  not  thoroughly  consumed,  and  even  one  good  burner  throws 
out  a  great  heat. 

Boiler  (Seraphina), — All  things  considered,  a  conical  boiler  fed  from 
the  top  might  suit  you  best,  but,  as  stated  lately,  we  must  decline  to  say 
which  is  the  very  beBt.  We  are  confident  we  could  make  any  of  the  boilers 
advertised  in  these  pages  the  best,  according  as  we  resolved  on  doing  so. 
For  all  quick  work,  such  as  getting  up  sudden  heat  to  meet  sudden  frost, 
the  smaller  the  quantity  of  water  in  the  boiler  in  proportion  to  the  sur- 
face exposed  to  the  fire,  the  sooner  will  the  pipes  be  heated. 

Incrustation  in  Hot-water  Pipes  (G.  B.  G.). — The  best  preventive 
is  to  put  2  or  3  ozs.  of  muriate  of  ammonia  (sal  ammoniac)  in  the  boiler. 

Destroying  Scale  (A.  Y.). — You  do  not  say  what  kind  oE  scale  it  is 
you  wish  to  free  your  plants  of,  but  we  presume  it  is  white  scale  from 
your  alluding  to  Acacias.  The  vapour  of  turpentine  will  destroy  not  only 
all  infect  life,  but  cause  the  destruction  of  every  fresh  leaf.  We  remem- 
ber a  house  planted  with  Vines  being  painted  whilst  the  Vines  were  in 
active  growth.  Turpentine  was  used  in  the  paint,  and,  the  house  being 
closed  at  night,  the  leaves  of  the  Vines  an  hour  afterwards  were  drooping 
aa  if  they  were  suffering  for  want  of  water,  but,  the  ventilators  being 
opened,  the  leaves  recovered  their  freshness.  Some  of  the  younger  leaves 
had  the  edgea  browned  in  the  morning.  It  is  not  safe  to  uso  it  for  the 
destruction  of  insect  life  where  there  are  plants  in  growth.  The  best 
means  of  applying  it  is  along  with  2  ozs.  of  soft  soap  dissolved  in  a  gallon 
of  water  used  at  a  temperature  of  140°.  Allow  about  six  drops  of  tur- 
pentine to  the  gallon.  Syringe  forcibly  the  plants  laid  on  their  sides,  so 
that  the  solution  may  not  wet  the  soil,  and  the  plants  being  turned  round 
bo  that  every  part  may  be  wetted.  This  will  in  most  cases  free  the  plants 
of  tbe  white  scale. 

Planting  Vines  (B.  C.  Sidcot).—  No  season  for  planting  could  be  better 
than  the  present.  We  think  either  the  Royal  Muscadine  or  the  Buckland 
Sweetwater  much  more  worthy  white  Grapes  for  culture  in  a  vinery  than 
the  common  Sweetwater. 

Names  of  Fruit  (H.  M.  P,). — Your  Pear  is  an  American  sort  called 
Orange  Mandarine.  (B.  B.). — We  paid  10ti.  as  carriage  for  your  box.  On 
receiving  ten  postage  stamps  we  will  examine  the  fruit.  (H.  G.  M.). — 2, 
Birmingha  "  Stone  Pippin  ;  3,  Welbeck  Bergamot ;  4,  Bergamotte  Buffo. 
(John  Garland).— 3,  Hughes's  Golden  Pippin;  14,  Ross  Nonpareil.  All 
the  other  Apples  are  evidently  local  varieties,  with  whiob.  the  Devonshire 
orchards  and  gardens  abound.  Pears  :  1,  UrbauiBte  ;  2  is  not  Knight's 
Monarch.  (A.  O.  R.).— 2,  Doyenne du  Cornice.  [A.  A.).— Apples  :  1  and  5, 
Beauty  of  Kent ;  3,  Alfriston ;  4,  Golden  Noble;  6,  Maiden's  Blusb. 
Pears:  1,  Bergamotte  Cadette  ;  2,  Red  Doyenne.  (Hy.  F.  Hart)  —The 
large  Apples  are  Gloria  Mundi.  We  shall  refer  abnut  Ecklinville  and  let 
you  know.     (Miss  Johnson).— 2,  Beurre  d'Aremberg  ;  3,  Soldat  Enperen  ; 

4,  Comte  de  Lamy ;  f>,  Pasee  Colmar;  6,  Rousselet  Thaon  ;  7,  Knight's 
Monarch.  ( J-,  Birmingham).— 1,  Beurre  Diel ;  2,  White  Doyenne  ;  3,  Glou 
Morgeau.  The  Apples  are  unknown.  (H.  F.  C.).—l,  Kentish  Codlin  ;  2, 
Cambridge  Pippin  ;  4,  Devonshire  Buckland;  5,  Lewis's  Incomparable. 
(James  Brown).— 2,  Passe  Colmar  ;  3,  Napoleon  ;  4,  Josephine  de  Malines  ; 

5,  Louise  de  Prusse  ;  6,  Ne  plus  Meuris ;  7.  Beurre  d'Aremberg ;  8,  Brown 
Beurre.  (Amateur). — Apples :  1.  Reinette  Blanche  d'Espawne  ;  2,  Cobham  ; 
4,  Bedford  shire  Foundling.  Pears:  l,Cr*8anne;  2,Beurre  Derouineau  ; 
4,  Forelle  ;  5,  Auguste  Royer.  (Mr.  Lombard).— Your  Pear  is  certainly 
not  Marie  Louise  d'Ucele,  but  appears  to  be  a  remarkably  fiue  specimen 
of  Doyenne  du  Cornice.  (A  Subscriber).— 7,  Bergamotte  Cadette  ;  17,  Old 
Colmar  ;  18,  Ne  plus  Meuris  ;  13,  Pomme  Poire ;  16,  Napoleon  ;  2,  SLurmer 
Pippin. 

Names  of  Plants  (Adams). —We  cannot  name  plants  from  their  leaves 
only,  we  must  have  flowers  also.  (A.  MlCullum).—  Arctotia  reptans.  Mr. 
Beaton  called  it  "  Frosted  Silver  Plant,"  and  used  it  as  an  edging. 


October  20,  1670.  ] 


JOUKNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


317 


POULTRY,    BEE.    AND   PIGEON    CHRONICLE. 


PRIZES,  AWARDS,  AND  REFORMS   IN 
POULTRY  SHOWS. 

The  most  promising  symptom  I  can  see  of  genuine  progress 
and  improvement  in  the  poultry  fanoy  is  the  greater  amount 
of  active  interest  in  shows  and  other  matters  connected  there- 
with. Fanciers  are  not  content  now  to  acquiesce  quietly  in 
whatever  a  committee  or  a  judge  may  choose  to  lay  dowu  for 
them;  awards  get  discussed  and  abuses  get  examined.  There 
never  fails  to  be  something  well  worth  the  talking  about ;  and 
some  remarks  in  the  last  number  or  two  of  "our  Journal  " 
suggest  to  me  several  points  in  which  I  think  a  little  change 
would  be  very  desirable,  while  it  could  offend  the  prejudices  of 
none. 

For  instance,  in  speaking  of  the  Birmingham  Malay  classes, 
Mr.  Brooke  justly  remarks  on  the  great  difference  between  the 
value  of  the  first  and  seoond  prizes ;  but  the  criticism  has,  I 
think,  a  much  wider  application.  Time  was  when  one  really 
Srst-rate  pen  in  a  class  was  perhaps  the  ordinary  rule,  but  it 
is  not  so  now  by  any  means.  In  all  the  great  shows  of  the 
year,  and  in  most  even  of  the  second  rank,  the  greater  number 
and  the  far  sounder  knowledge  of  the  exhibitors  have  made  the 
competition  very  olose  and  severe.  Again  and  again  have 
judges  no  small  difficulty  in  deciding  which  shall  be  first, 
second,  and  third  ;  and  as  often  have  I  noticed  cases  in  which 
any  breeder  would  give  as  much  for  the  one  pen  as  the  other  ; 
or  as  the  Irishman  said,  one  pen  "  was  as  good  as  another, 
and  a  great  deal  better."  The  question  arises,  Should  not  the 
value  of  the  prizes  show  less  money  difference  ?  It  is  not  a 
question  of  justice,  for  no  injustioe  is  really  done;  it  is  a 
matter  6imply  of  expediency  and  popularity.  The  honour  of 
being  first  would  remain  the  same,  but  I  have  reason  to  believe 
that  an  increase  in  second  and  third  prizes,  even  at  the  ex- 
pense of  the  first,  would  tempt  more  exhibitors  to  many  a 
show. 

As  I  have  mentioned  the  Malay  class,  let  me  state  the  pleasure 
with  which  I  hear  from  Mr.  Brooke  that  I  am  again  to  see 
some  real  big  birds  again,  and  that  some  fresh  breeders  have 
started  them.  I  think,  however,  that  "  Y.  B.  A.  Z."  is  wrong 
in  attributing  the  deterioration  in  the  breed  which  he  admits 
to  having  "  so  little  encouragement."  Is  it  not  rather  the 
other  way,  as  I  endeavoured  to  make  clear  ?  My  impression  is 
that  no  breed  ever  lost  ground  from  want  of  prizes,  but  rather, 
as  breeds  have  lost  popularity,  committees  have  been  forced  to 
decrease  prizes  in  sheer  self-defence.  To  take  solitary  examples 
is  not  safe.  I  have  often  noticed  an  almost  empty  class  one 
year  fully  filled  the  next,  and  vice  versa  ;  but  the  committee  of 
no  show  can  or  will  go  on  giving  prizes  to  any  variety  which  it 
is  found  repeatedly  does  not  pay  by  its  entries  ;  whilst,  on  the 
other  hand,  every  leading  variety  but  Dorkings,  Spanish,  and 
Hamburghs  has  had  no  difficulty  in  fighting  its  way  up  in 
spite  of  "  no  encouragement."  I  would  not  have  named  this 
point  asain,  but  that  I  think  its  candid  remembrance  would 
save  much  sore  feeling;  not  to  "  Y.  B.  A.  Z."  certainly,  who 
has  never  shown  any,  but  to  some  other  occasional  complainants, 
who  seem  to  think  that  their  favourite  breeds  have  a  kind  of 
abstract  right  to  as  much  and  as  many  prizes  as  any  other. 
Let  them  make  their  pet  breed  popular,  and  committees  will 
give  them  all  the  "  encouragement "  they  desire  ;  and  mean- 
while they  are  only  fighting  the  same  obstacles  which  Brahmas, 
Houdans,  Cieve-Cceurs,  and  others  have  successfully  vanquished 
before  them. 

Another  point,  however,  seems  to  me  to  be  now  of  im- 
portance, and  that  is,  that  the  published  awards  at  shows  should 
have  some  regular,  recognised,  and  standard  value.  I  am  not 
speaking  of  the  value  given  to  them  by  the  known  ability  of 
the  judge,  but  something  by  which  a  simple  reader  of  the  award 
list  should  be  able  to  form  a  tolerably  correct  notion  of  thej 
real  value  of  the  pens  and  the  character  of  the  competition. 
Nothing  could  be  more  easy,  while  at  the  same  time  nothing, 
it  seems  to  me,  can  at  present  be  more  important.  Many  still 
speak  of  the  poultry  fancy  as  a  mere  hobby,  while  in  point  of 
■fact  it  has  become  a  very  serious  business,  carried  on  by  many 
of  the  highest,  fairest,  and  most  honourable  in  the  land  ;  and 
the  mere  amount  of  money  invested  in  it,  if  calculated,  would 
make  every  reader  of  this  Journal  stare.  Such  interests  as  are 
concerned  ought  by  no  means  to  be  laughed  at  or  left  to  chance, 
as  they  often  are  now ;  whilst  a  systematic  theory  of  awards 


would  in  itself  and  by  itself  go  very  far  to  supply  the  place  of 
the  more  extended  reports  only  too  justly  longed  for  by  "  Shrop- 
shire Rector."  At  many  shows  a  commendation  is  really 
worth  more  than  a  prize  at  others,  yet  there  is  at  present  no 
means  of  distinguishing  between  one  and  the  other  ;  whilst 
only  the  other  day,  in  a  judge's  report,  it  waB  stated  rightly  that 
a  particular  class  was  all  through  "  of  extraordinary  merit," 
whilst,  besides  the  two  prizes,  the  judge  only  awarded  a  simple 
commendation  to  one  solitary  pen  ! 

If  I  be  asked  how  this  could  be  amended,  what  I  would  pro- 
pose would  be  that  the  award  of  "  very  highly  commended  " 
should  be  given  to  all  pens,  and  to  those  only,  which  in  any 
ordinary  show  would  be  thought  worthy  of  a  place  in  the  prize 
list.  I  say  to  all,  because  the  number  of  such  awards  would 
always  be  then  a  guide  to  the  quality  of  the  class.  If,  besides 
this,  the  pens  "  highly  commended  "  were  arranged  in  their 
order  of  merit,  I  think  all  that  is  necessary  would  be  done,  and 
the  list  of  awards  alone  would  then  present  a  real  index  for  the 
use  of  absent  breeders,  which  it  certainly  does  not  now.  In 
the  case  of  those  catalogues  which,  like  the  Bristol,  give  the 
awards  in  the  margin  instead  of  in  a  separate  list,  the  order  of 
the  pens  highly  commended  could  be  shown  by  numbers,  and 
in  the  mere  commendations  I  think  order  of  merit  would  be 
hardly  necessary.  Nothing  could  be  more  easy,  and  I  venture 
to  think  hardly  anything  would  be  of  more  use  to  the  body 
of  poultry  fanciers.  I  would  much  like  to  know  the  views  of 
Mr.  Hewitt,  than  whom  no  one  is  better  acquainted  with  the 
important  interests  involved,  upon  this  subject,  and  I  had  meant 
to  ask  them  privately  before  mentioning  it  in  these  columns,  but 
the  remark  of  "  Shropshire  Rector  "  respecting  the  want  of 
information  leads  me  to  broach  the  question  now. 

Regarding  trimming,  which  two  correspondents  have  recently 
mentioned,  I  think  "  Aliquis  "  has  either  not  seen  or  has 
forgotten  Mr.  Hewitt's  suggestion  as  to  a  punishment.  I  have 
not  yet  lost  my  interest  in  the  matter,  but  I  always  have  and 
always  shall  object  to  any  rule  precluding  an  offender  from 
showing  again,  as  not  being  analogous  to  any  law  either  Divine 
or  human.  I  think  Mr.  Hewitt's  suggested  penalty  severe 
enough.  But  in  one  thing  "Aliquis"  is  quite  right;  the 
whole  matter  now  rests  with  committees.  No  one  can  saynow 
that  judges  will  not  act.  Mr.  Hewitt  has  formally  asked  for 
more  power,  and  expressed  his  willingness  to  accept  all  the 
responsibility;  he  will  pass  the  judgment  if  the  "  civil  power," 
in  the  shape  of  committees,  will  enforce  the  penalty.  I  regret 
to  have  to  add  that  I  have  been  forced  to  the  conclusion  that 
a  great  many  committees  have  no  desire  the  abuse  should  be 
discouraged,  for  the  simple  reason  that  many  of  themselves  or 
their  friends  are  too  deeply  compromised.  I  quite  understand, 
and  was  much  amused  at,  the  delicate  allusion  of  "  A  Disgusted 
Exhibitor"  to  the  "  pickled  "  feathers ;  and  in  answer  to  his 
inquiry  as  to  Birmingham,  I  beg  to  say  that  the  inaction  of 
the  Council  is  not  for  want  of  reminder.  Many  readers  will 
remember  that  a  while  ago  I  spent  much,  both  of  time  and 
money,  upon  this  matter ;  and  a  year  since  I  sent  them  a  copy 
of  the  protest  against  the  practice,  signed  by  over  fifty  of  the 
very  best  names  in  the  fancy,  with  an  earnest  appeal,  if  they 
could  not  see  their  way  to  anything  further,  that  they  would 
simply  state  that  their  judges  would  be  "specially  requested" 
to  disqualify  all  fraudulently  trimmed  birds.  I  do  not  know 
on  what  ground  any  committee  could  refuse  at  least  as  much 
as  that ;  but  the  Birmingham  folks  did,  and  the  annual  spectacle 
which  followed  as  usual  disgusted  not  only  your  complaining 
correspondent,  but — L.  Wright. 


POULTRY  SHOWS, 


their  management  and  reports. 
The  new  county  rector  of  "  our  Journal,"  and  may  their 
name  be  legion,  I  mean  "  Shropshire  Rector,"  has,  I  fancy, 
had  but  little  acquaintance  with  poultry  Bhows,  or  he  would 
have  found  that  the  great  number  of  committees  do  not  at  all 
consider  that  "  every  exhibitor  whose  entries  amount  to,  say, 
10s.,  ii  entitled  to  a  ticket  of  admission."  I  cannot  answer  for 
the  northern  shows  bo  much;  but  in  the  south,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  Bristol  and  Clifton,  and  Lord  Tredegar's  Show  at 
Newport,  there  is  no  free  entry  to  exhibitors.  In  the  north,  I 
fancy,  they  are  more  liberal ;  certainly  both  at  Middleton  and 
Ruchdale  exhibitors  were  sent  tickets,  at  least  I  was,  and  thig 
is  as  it  should  be.  I  feel  confident  the  omission  is  an  injury  to 
a  show.  The  fact  of  receiving  such  a  ticket  enlists  additional 
sympathy  in  the  success  of  the  show,  and  often  decides  a  doubt- 
ing exhibitor  on  visiting  it.     I  have   often   advocated  the 


318 


JOUBNAL  OF  HOBTIOULTUBE  AND  COTTAGE  GABDENEB. 


[  October  20,  1870. 


adoption  in  your  page?,  bat  committee?,  as  a  friend  of  mine  is 
fond  of  remarking,  "  don't  seem  to  see  it." 

The  matter  of  the  catalogue  also,  is  a  serious  annoyance  to 
exhibitors.  Certainly  exhibitors  are  the  back  bone  of  an  ex- 
hibition: this,  I  suppose,  is  granted.  True,  many  obtain  their 
quid  pro  quo,  but  many  do  not.  I  apprehend  that  in  a  good 
show  the  latter  class  form  the  majority,  and  surely  it  would  be 
wisdom  on  the  part  of  committees  to  show  this  little  courtesy, 
by  sending  one  to  those  to  whom,  after  all,  they  are  indebted 
for  any  exhibition  at  all.  Then,  again,  it  Bhould  be  the  first 
duty  of  the  Secretary,  after  the  publication  of  the  catalogue,  to 
dispatch  them  by  first  post  to  distant  exhibitors.  Before  now  I 
have  ordered  my  catalogue,  have  left  home  on  the  second  day 
after  its  non-arrival  by  post,  have  arrived  at  the  exhibition,  and 
found  that  all  the  catalogues  were  sold  on  the  first  day  ;  mine, 
although  previously  ordered,  sharing  the  same  fate  !  Some 
committees — and  here  our  grandmother,  Birmingham,  sets  the 
example — wipe  their  hands  of  all  catalogue  business.  In  this 
case,  it  appears  to  me  the  duty  to  sell  this  part  of  the  trans- 
action with  the  understanding  that  each  exhibitor  shall  be 
furnished  with  a  copy  as  early  as  possible. — Y.  B.  A.  Z. 


WEIGHT  OF  FOWLS  INFLUENCING  JUDGES 
AT  POULTRY  SHOWS. 

I  have  often  been  asked  why  I  did  not  exhibit  at  Birming- 
ham ?  My  answer  has  invariably  been,  if  I  did  with  any  chance 
of  success,  I  should  for  ever  spoil  my  birds  for  breeding.  I 
exhibit  nothing  but  Dorkings,  still  the  same  objection  applies 
to  all  the  large  breeds.  Why  are  the  exhibitors  of  the  large 
breeds  compelled  to  fatten  their  birds  to  such  an  extent  as  to 
utterly  ruin  the  birds  for  breeding  ?  Surely  the  frame  ought 
to  be  the  criterion,  not  the  weight.  If  yon  get  the  large  frame, 
weight  is  merely  a  question  of  feeding.  True,  you  cannot  get 
a  large  frame  without  good  feeding,  but  after  you  have  the 
frame  why  should  you  be  compelled  to  ruin  your  birds  so  as  to 
put  on  extraordinary  weight  ?  This,  to  me,  is  one  very  great 
objection  to  the  Birmingham  Show.  Let  frame,  not  weight, 
carry  the  honours,  and  then  both  the  Show  itself  and  the  public 
generally,  as  well  as  those  who  delight  in  poultry,  will  benefit 
by  the  change. 

Although  no  novice,  let  me  from  sad  experience  warn  in- 
tending purchasers  of  the  large  breeds  against  buying  prize 
birds  at  Birmingham,  unless  they  can  satisfy  themf  elves,  which 
I  have  never  been  able  to  do,  that  the  birds  are  not  so  fat  as 
to  be  utterly  useless  for  breeding.  Mr.  Wright's  excellent 
letter  has  led  me  to  make  these  few  remarks,  in  the  hope  that 
some  one  of  influence  in  the  poultry  world  will  take  up  the 
cudgels  in  favour  of  frame  versus  weight. — Thos.  E.  Kell, 
Wetherby. 

[We  are  in  a  position  to  say,  the  Dorking  prizes  at  Birming- 
ham have  never  been  awarded  by  weight.  The  judges  would 
have  wilfully  deviated  from  their  instructions  had  they  done 
so,  and,  we  believe  we  may  add,  from  their  own  convictions. 
Those  who  believe  such  a  report  believe  it  on  hearsay,  and 
hearsay  is  a  bad  authority. — Eds.] 


SELECTING  FOWLS  FOR  EXHIBITION. 

[Our  Canadian  brethren  are  going  ahead ;  we  extract  this  from 
the  Canadian  Poultry  Chronicle.] 

The  first  care  of  an  exhibitor  should  be  the  proper  match- 
ing in  colour  of  his  birds  for  the  show  pen.  The  want  of 
attention  to  this  point  causes  the  frequent  loss  of  a  first  prize 
to  many  otherwise  well-deserving  pairs  of  fowls.  They  may 
be  all  that  the  most  fastidious  amateur  can  desire,  if  taken 
singly  and  examined  by  the  scale  of  points,  but  yet  matched 
as  they  frequently  are,  judges  are  compelled  to  pass  them  by 
without  recognition,  much  to  the  chagrin  and  disappointment 
of  the  exhibitor,  who,  in  ignorance  of  the  real  cause,  not 
unfrequently  attributes  to  them  incapacity,  or  perhaps  some- 
thing worse.  Exhibitors  should  never  forget  that  birds  not 
matching  in  the  show  pen  are  invariably  disqualified  by  all 
judges  who  know  anything  of  the  principles  laid  down  for  their 
guidance  in  such  matters,  no  matter  how  perfect  they  may  be 
in  all  the  other  points.  Size,  too,  beauty  of  plumage,  markings, 
symmetry,  condition,  &c,  ought  also,  all  in  their  turn,  to  be 
carefully  considered,  and  each  point  of  the  bird  carefully 
scrutinised  before  being  selected  for  the  show  pen. 

Poultry-breeders    are  indebted   to   the   London    (England) 


Poultry  Club  for  the  "  Standard  of  Excellence  "  for  the  guidance 
of  judges  in  making  their  awards,  a  knowledge  of  which  is 
equally  essential  to  the  exhibitor  as  the  judge.  Without  it  he 
is  unable  to  make  his  selections  with  any  degree  of  certainty  of 
obtaining  a  prize ;  with  it,  he  is  sure  of  his  birds  not  being 
disqualified,  even  supposing  he  may  not  be  so  successful  in  the 
much-sought-for  honour  of  prizetaking. 

The  "  Standard"  places  a  separate  value  in  numbers  on  each 
point  of  excellence,  which,  when  summed  up,  make  a  total  of 
fifteen  for  each  bird.  The  valueB  attached  to  these  points  are 
not  alike  in  all  breedB  of  fowls.  In  some  they  are  calculated 
on  a  different  scale  to  that  of  others,  a  thorough  knowledge  of 
which  makes  the  successful  exhibitor  and  good  judge. 

In  the  Cochin  breed,  the  varieties  known  as  Buff,  Lemon, 
Silver  Buff,  Silver  Cinnamon,  and  Cinnamon,  size  and  colour 
are  highly  estimated;  to  these  two  points  the  value  of  seven 
is  assigned  out  of  a  total  of  fifteen,  the  former  having  three, 
and  the  latter  four  given  to  it ;  while  to  the  six  remaining  points 
—viz.,  head  and  comb,  carriage  of  wing',  legs,  fluff,  general 
symmetry,  and  condition,  a  value  of  eight  is  attached.  In  the 
Grouse  and  Partridge  varieties  of  this  breed,  instead  of  a  general 
value  of  four  being  given  to  colour,  it  is  divided  into  sub-values 
of  two  each,  on  account  of  the  more  specific  markings  of  the 
feathers  of  theBe  birds,  and  which  exhibitors  would  do  well  to 
note.  The  value  of  points  in  White  and  Black  Cochins  are  the 
same  as  in  the  Buff  and  Cinnamon,  the  diffeieuce  in  oolour  only 
considered,  and  the  same  remark  holds  good  as  to  Dark  or  Pen- 
cilled Brahmas,  and  Light  Brahmas,  as  to  the  values  of  points. 

To  breed  to  Eize  as  well  as  feather  has  long  been  the  chief 
feature  of  the  Dorking  breeders.  That  this  should  be  so  is  not 
to  be  wondered  at,  seeing  the  prominent  place  assigned  to  it  in 
England  as  a  table  fowl.  Special  value  is  therefore  given  to 
size  in  the  Dorking  class  beyond  that  of  any  other  class  or 
breed  of  fowls,  except  to  LaPleohe,  Turkeys,  and  one  variety  of 
Ducks.  In  the  Coloured  Dorking  size  counts  five,  symmetry 
four  ;  while  head  and  comb ;  legs,  feet,  and  toes ;  and  condition, 
count  but  two  each, 

To  the  White  variety  a  point  of  excellence  is  given  not  re- 
cognised in  the  Coloured — purity  of  plumage,  on  which  a 
numerical  value  of  two  is  fixed.  To  make  up  this  a  deduction 
of  one  is  made  from  each  of  the  two  points  size  and  symmetry, 
reducing  their  value  to  four  and  threo  respectively,  instead  of 
five  and  four  as  in  the  Coloured. 

A  still  further  deduction  from  size  is  made  in  the  Silver-Grey 
variety,  and  added  to  colour  ;  thus  we  have  in  the  Silver-Greys 
the  points  size,  colour,  and  symmetry,  all  ranked  of  the  same 
numerical  value — three,  while  the  other  three  points  rank  as 
in  the  Coloured,  two  each. 

The  Spanish  breed  of  fowls  has  only  one  recognised  variety, 
although  there  are  several  sub-varieties,  known  as  the  Minorca, 
White,  Andalusian,  and  Anconas.  Pace,  ear-lobe,  and  symmetry 
are  of  equal  rarjk,  each  point  counting  three  ;  comb,  condition 
of  plumage,  and  purity  of  white  face  and  ear-lobe,  count  two 
each.  Of  the  six  points  to  which  the  numerical  value  of  fifteen 
is  assigned,  the  face  and  ear-lobe  count  eight — over  one-half. 
It  will  be  seen,  therefore,  of  how  much  importance  it  is  to  select 
fowls  of  this  breed  with  face  and  ear-lobe  free  from  those  red 
blotches  which  are  so  frequently  met  with  in  birds  of  this  variety. 

The  points  of  the  numerous  varieties  of  Game  Fowls,  usually 
known  as  the  Black-breasted,  Brown,  and  Ginger  Beds,  Yellow, 
and  Silver  Duckwing.  Birchen  Yellow,  Pile,  White,  and  Black, 
are  seven  in  number.  Colour  of  plumage  ranks  the  highest, 
and  has  a  value  of  three  given  to  it ;  while  shape  of  head  and 
neck;  body  and  wings;  tail;  thighs,  legs,  and  toes;  symmetry, 
handling,  condition,  and  hardness  of  plumage,  have  each  a 
numerical  value  of  two. 

Of  the  many  breeds  of  fowls  which  are  to  be  met  with  at  an 
exhibition,  there  is  perhaps  none  which  attracts  the  attention 
of  the  visitor  more  than  those  of  the  Hamburgh  class.  The 
beautiful  markings  of  the  feathers  of  the  different  varieties 
known  as  the  Gold  and  Silver- pencilled,  Gold  and  Silver- 
spangled,  and  Black  Hamburghs,  call  forth  his  admiration,  and 
ought  to  be  an  increased  incentive  to  exhibitors  in  the  exercise 
of  great  care  in  the  selection  and  breeding  of  these  fowls.  In 
the  Gold  and  Silver-pencilled  Hamburghs  there  are  in  cook 
birds  six  points  of  excellence,  three  of  which — comb;  colour  of 
plumage,  except  tail,  sickle  feathers,  and  tail  coverts;  and  colour 
of  tail,  sickle  feathers,  and  tail  coverts — count  each  three  ;  the 
deaf  ear,  symmetry,  and  condition  numbering  two  each.  The 
hens  have  a  similar  number  of  points,  but  vary  in  name  and 
numerical  value — comb,  deaf  ear,  symmetry,  and  condition 
numbering  two  each  ;  while  purity  in  colour  of  head  and  neck; 


Octobor  20,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


319 


purity  of  ground  colour,  and  accurate  and  distinct  pencilling, 
in  every  part,  except  head  and  neck — count  three  and  four  re- 
spectively. The  difference  in  markings  between  the  Spangled 
and  Pencilled  varieties  call  for  a  separate  classification  of  points. 
In  the  Gold  and  Silver-spangled  Hamburghs,  then,  the  comb, 
deaf  ear,  breast,  under  purts  of  body  and  thighs,  wings  and  bars, 
symmetry,  and  condition,  of  the  cocks  should  each  number  two, 
and  colours  and  marking  of  head,  hackle,  back,  saddle  and  tail 
three ;  whilst  in  the  hen,  combs,  deaf  ear,  bars,  symmetry,  and 
condition  count  two.  Neck  most  distinctly  and  evenly  striped, 
one.  Remainder  of  plumage  (except  tail  in  Golden)  clearness 
of  ground  colour,  evenness  and  distinctness  of  spangling,  with 
rich,  large,  round  spangles,  four.  In  the  Black  Hamburghs, 
plumage  and  shape  each  count  four ;  comb,  head,  and  face, 
three  ;  deaf  ear  and  condition,  each  two. 

The  Polish  variety  are  not  of  recent  days  nearly  so  nume- 
rous as  they  at  one  time  were.  A  really  excellent  specimen 
we  have  not  for  some  time  seen.  The  exhibitors  of  this  breed 
will  not,  therefore,  have  so  many  competitors  to  contend 
against ;  they  ought  not,  however,  on  that  account  to  be  the 
less  careful  in  the  selection  of  their  exhibition  birds.  There 
are  three  acknowledged  varieties,  White-crested  Black,  and 
Gold  and  Silver-spangled.  In  each  of  the  three  varieties,  size  of 
crest  and  shape  of  crest  each  count  three  ;  symmetry  and  con- 
dition, each  two.  The  other  points,  however,  differ.  In  the 
White-crested  Black  richest  black  plumage  counts  two;  deaf  ear, 
one ;  and  crest  of  the  purest  white,  and  most  free  from  black,  two. 
The  remaining  points  in  the  other  two  varieties  are — colour 
of  crest,  one ;  plumage  accurately  marked  according  to  the 
"Standard "  rules,  two ;  purity  of  ground  colour,  one ;  bars,  one. 
We  are  glad  to  see  the  French  breeds  of  fowls  increasing  in 
popular  esteem,  and  that  an  additional  class  has  been  assigned 
them  this  year  at  our  provicical  fair.  There  are  of  this  class 
of  fowls  three  recognised  breeds — Houdans,  Crfive-Cceurs,  and 
La  Fleche.  To  the  Houdans  are  allotted  six  points,  which 
count  as  follows  : — Size  four  ;  crest  four  ;  symmetry,  plumage, 
and  condition,  each  two ;  five  claws,  one.  The  Crcve-Cceur 
have  alBo  six  points  of  excellence — viz.,  size  four;  crest  and 
colour  three  each  ;  shape,  symmetry  and  condition  two  each; 
comb  one. 

The  La  Fiuche  have  five  points  given  them — size,  five  ;  comb, 
shape,  and  condition,  each  three  ;  deaf  ear,  one. 

Game  Bantams  are  seldom  exhibited  at  our  shows.  Their 
points  are  seven — smallness  of  size,  shape  of  head  and  neck, 
of  body  and  wings,  of  tail,  of  thighs,  legs  and  toeB,  and  con- 
dition, each  two  ;  colour,  three.  Sebright  Bmtams,  Gold  and 
Silver-laced,  plumage  most  evenly  and  distinctly  laced  through- 
out counts  four.  Purity  of  ground  colour  in  Silver,  and  rioh- 
ness  and  clearness  of  ground  colour  in  Golden,  comb,  small- 
ness, symmetry,  condition  and  general  appearance,  each  two ; 
tail,  one.  Black  and  White  Bantam3  are  judged  by  one  stan- 
dard— purity  of  white,  or  richness  of  black;  smallness  and 
symmetry  each  count  three  ;  while  comb,  deaf  ear,  condition, 
and  general  appearance  count  two  each. 

In  Turkeys,  size,  symmetry,  and  colour  are  the  leading 
characteristics  of  birds  for  a  show  pen ;  while  the  same  may 
be  said  of  Ducks  and  Geese,  with  the  exception  of  Black  East 
Indian  and  Call  Ducks,  in  which  smallness  of  size  is  the  chief 
feature. 

Exhibitors  should  also  bear  in  mind  that  to  each  distinctive 
breed  are  attached  certain  disqualifications,  which  birds  selected 
for  exhibition  ought  to  be  free  from. 


CRYSTAL    PALACE    POULTRY    AND    PIGEON 

EXHIBITION. 
This,  to  be  held  on  the  7th.  S.h,  9th,  and  10th  of  December, 
ought  to  be  largest  and  most  successful  of  ths  year.  For 
poultry  there  are  eighteen  silver  cups,  or  pieces  of  plate,  vary- 
ing in  value  from  five  to  six  guinea?,  in  addition  to  the  three 
money  prizes  in  each  class,  of  £3,  30s.,  and  10s.  For  the 
Pigeons  there  are  seventeen  silver  cups,  or  pieces  of  plate, 
varying  in  value  from  five  to  three  guineas,  in  addition  to  the 
three  prizes  in  each  class  of  30s.,  20s.,  and  10s. 


Mr.  Dowsett,  £1  Is. ;  Mr.  Pares,  £1  Is. ;  Mr.  Rodbard,  10s. ; 
Mrs.  Turner  Turner,  £1  Is. ; Mr. Crowley,  £1  Is.;  Mr.Worthing- 
ton,  10s. ;  Mr.  Seccombe,  5s.  ;  Mr.  Chisman,  5s. ;  Miss  Harvey, 
13s.  Total,  £10 10s.  Mr.  Dowsett  has  collected  six  guineas  for 
a  piece  of  plate,  which  will  be  awarded  to  the  best  pen  of  Light 
Brahmas  at  the  next  Birmingham  Show. — H.  M.  Maynabd. 


I  beg  to  call  your  readers'  attention  to  the  fact,  that  there  is 
a  Game  cup,  value  five  guineas,  to  be  awarded  to  the  best  pen 
of  any  variety  of  Game.  I  should  remind  them  that  the  entries 
close  on  the  20th  inst. — S.  Samways,  Bevois  Town  Hotel,  South- 
ampton. 

INQUIRY. 

In  your  impression  of  the  6th  of  October  there  is  an  adver- 
tisement from  one  who  signs  himself  J.  Punshon,  Downe  Street, 
Driffield,  and  who  represents  himself  as  having  150  head  of  prize 
poultry  for  sale.  Being  in  want  of  some  Cochins  I  was  induced 
to  go  over  to  find  the  man,  but  failed  to  do  so,  as  I  am  assured 
there  is  no  such  person  in  Driffield.  Report  pointed  to  a  person 
who,  under  this  name,  is  endeavouring  to  sell  some  very  infe- 
rior stuff,  and  whose  hen-roosts  are  full  of  several  kinds  of 
disease.  I  merely  write  this  as  a  caution  to  others  whose 
time,  like  my  own,  is  too  precious  to  spend  a  whole  day  in 
searching  for  a  man  unknown  in  the  neighbourhood  he  is  said 
to  live  in.  If  people  wish  to  dispose  of  their  poultry,  surely 
they  should  give  a  proper  address. — East  Yobkshire. 


RABBITS  AT  THE  COMING  YORK  SHOW. 
I  congratulate  the  Committee  on  the  attractive  prize  list 
they  have  issued,  and  trust  it  will  find  favour  in  the  eyes  of  all 
R.ibbit-fanciers,  and  induce  them  to  send  numerous  entries,  so 
that  the  York  Exhibition  of  this  year  may  be  as  far  superior 
in  nnmber  of  entries  and  excellence  of  specimens  as  it  exceeds 
all  previous  years  in  the  liberality  of  the  prizes  offered.  It  is 
not  often  we  find  two  five-guinea  cups  and  a  silver  medal  given 
for  Rabbits,  yet  such  is  the  case  at  York.  The  medal  is  from 
the  neighbouring  county  (Lancashire),  and  I  am  glad  to  see 
this  kindly  feeling  and  interest  manifested  in  such  a  manner 
by  the  fanciers,  and  I  do  hope  to  see  more  evidence  of  such 
feeling.  I  am  not  yet  able  to  state  the  name  of  the  Judge,  but 
can  assure  all  exhibitors  that  a  good  judge  of  Rabbits  will 
award  the  prizes ;  and  a  full  report  in  this  Journal  of  his 
awards,  and  the  particulars  of  excellence  of  each  prizewinner,  will 
be  given  by  a  gentleman  well  known  for  his  ability  to  assume 
that  office.  Thus  the  Committee  are  doing  all  they  can  to  add 
to  the  attractiveness  of  the  Rabbit  seotion  of  the  Exhibition, 
and  I  am  aware  that  a  large  number  of  entries  will  crown  their 
efforts.  There  are  eight  classes  for  Rabbits,  and  the  small 
two-shilling  entry  fee,  and  the  good  £1  and  15s.  as  first  prizes, 
I  think  will  induce  a  liberal  response. — Ccniculus. 


SOUTHAMPTON  POULTRY  SHOW. 

You  announced  my  intention  of  collecting  subscriptions  for 

Light  Brahma  cups  to  be  given  at  this  Show.     The  following 

is  the  result  of  that  collection  : — Mr.  Hickman,  £1  is. ;   Mrs. 

Williamson,  £1  Is.;   Mr.  Crook,  10s.;  Mr.  Maynard,  £1  Is.; 


HOW   TO   REMEDY   THE   DEFECTS   IN 
BELL-SHAPED  BEE-GLASSES. 

Happening  to  be  at  a  dinner  party  lately,  the  conversation 
turned  upon  bees,  and  two  or  three  of  the  company  made  re- 
marks to  the  effect  that  very  few  swarms  had  been  seen  on  the 
wing  this  season  ;  whereupon  a  rich  merchant,  just  returned 
from  Burmah,  stated  that  the  country  was  quite  overstocked 
with  these  honey-gatherers,  and  that  no  complaints  as  to 
swarms  or  their  produce  had  ever  been  made  in  former  days, 
when  only  a  hive  or  two  could  be  found  here  and  there  in  a 
district. 

Being  anxious  to  hear  the  sage  remarks  of  the  returned  fo- 
reigner, I  inquired  on  what  grounds  he  concluded  the  country 
was  overstocked  ?  To  this  he  replied  that  it  required  an  acre  of 
pasture  ground  to  maintain  a  cow,  and  that  it  would  require  the 
same  extent  of  territory  to  maintain  a  bee.  There  was  nothing, 
he  added,  to  prevent  a  single  bee  from  visiting  and  extracting  all 
the  honey  from  every  flower  within  the  Bpace  referred  to  during 
the  season.  It  never  once  occurred  to  him  that  nectaries 
emptied  one  day  might  be  replenished  the  next,  or  that  periods 
might  happen  when  supplies  would  be  so  abundant  as  to  be  all 
but  inexhaustible.  These  facts  I  endeavoured  to  make  appa- 
rent, but  I  fear  without  success.  The  mention  of  the  dis- 
coveries made  by  Dzierzon  was  received  with  something  more 
than  a  smile  of  incredulity,  and  I  could  not  help  thinking  that 
my  situation  bore  a  striking  resemblance  to  that  of  an  old 
clergyman  near  Silloth,  and  a  genuine  son  of  Erin.    A  friend 


320 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  October  20. 1870. 


called  upon  him  one  day  to  inquire  how  he  was  getting  on. 
"  Very  badly,"  was  the  reply ;  "  I  have  been  here  eleven  years, 
and  I  don't  tbiDk  I  have  done  any  good."  Then  pointing  to 
a  gathering  of  MethodistB  in  one  of  the  fields,  he  exclaimed,  "Yon 
have  no  conception  of  the  paple  I  have  to  dale  with  ;  they  are 
all  tachers,  but  none  of  them  are  taught.  When  I  tell  them 
of  the  '  Principia  '  of  Newton,  they  say  it  is  all  nonsense  ;  or 
if  I  speak  to  them  of  manners,  they  say  Lord  Chesterfield  was 
a  fool."  My  auditory  were  evidently  of  the  same  opinion  with 
the  old  clergyman's  parishioners.  They  said  plainly,  though 
not  in  words,  that  parthenogenesis  was  nonsense,  and  that 
Dzierzon  was  a  fool.  But  what  can  an  apiarian  expect  when 
he  throws  his  "  pearls  before  pigs  ?"  The  readers  of  "  our 
Journal  "  belong  to  a  different  class,  and  I  have  no  doubt  that 
most  of  them  are  ready  to  hear  patiently  any  statements  that 
may  be  honestly  made,  and  to  bring  them  to  the  test  of  ex- 
periments. 

With  their  permission,  then,  I  venture  to  say  that  the  best 
bee  glass  that  has  yet  been  devised  is  that  so  well  described 
by  the  "Renfrewshire  Bee-keeper"  in  "our  Journal"  of 
June  4th,  1868,  and  that  the  worst  is  the  bell-Bhaped,  which  I 
have  generally  UEed  and  still  continue  to  use  in  my  apiary. 
Possessing  several  of  the  latter  form,  I  was  unwilling  to  throw 
them  away ;  and  this  led  me  to  adopt  an  expedient  whereby 
their  defects  might  be  in  a  great  measure  obviated.  The  chief 
defect,  as  those  who  use  them  must  know,  is  the  difficulty 
which  bees  experience  in  ascending  them.  The  bees'  efforts  to  do 
so  are  repeatedly  frustrated,  and,  when  they  succeed,  the  next 
difficulty  is  the  fixing  a  foundation  for  their  combs.  Now 
the  former  of  these  inconveniences  is  not  found  in  the  form  of 
glass  devised  by  Mr.  Mitchell,  of  Abingdon,  and  both  may  be 
overcome  in  the  common  bell-shaped  by  the  following  process  : 
— Warm  the  glass  before  a  good  fire,  exposing  the  interior  to 
it,  until  it  is  sufficiently  hot  to  melt  wax.  Then  take  a  piece 
of  clean  comb,  and  draw  parallel  lines  from  top  to  bottom 
where  you  wish  your  combs  to  be  fixed.  Portions  of  comb 
will  adhere  throughout  the  lines  to  the  heated  glass,  and  these, 
if  the  temperature  has  been  raised  to  the  proper  mark,  will  not 
only  prove  excellent  bases  for  future  operations,  but  will  also 
serve  as  ladders,  affording  all  needed  facility  of  ascent  to  the 
bees.  Having  tried  the  prooess  and  found  it  successful,  there 
is  reason  to  hope  it  will  succeed  with  others  also. — R.  S. 


OUR  LETTER  BOX. 

Cochin  Pullets  Dying  (F.).— Yon  do  not  give  us  sufficient  informa- 
tion about  your  fowls.  From  description  we  should  say  they  become 
diseased  after  they  come  into  your  possession.  If  you  will  give  us  a 
description  of  the  place  they  have,  and  the  food  afforded  them,  we  shall 
be  able  to  form  an  idea  as  to  the  disease  and  its  remedy.  At  present  all 
we  know  is  that  at  certain  intervals  you  lose  one  of  your  fowls. 

Feather-legged  White  Bantams  (G.  M.).~ There  is  a  very  handsome 
breed  of  White  Bantams,  called  the  "Booted  Bantams.''  They  have  now 
become  scarce  because  all  Bantam-fanciers  turn  to  the  Game.  They 
have  not,  and  never  had,  a  fixed  weight,  but,  in  common  with  all  others, 
the  less  they  weigh  the  better  and  more  valuable  they  are  considered. 

Birmingham  Poultry  Sale  ( W.  Carr). — You  had  better  write  to  Mr. 
Lythall;  he  can  give  you  authentic  information. 

Andalusianb  (Verg  Old  Subscriber). — The  Blue  Spanish  or  Andalusians 
rank  as  a  distinct  breed-  Without  giving  an  opinion  on  the  Darwinian 
theory,  we  believe  they  are  offshoots  from  the  Spanish,  just  as  we  believe 
the  modern  Spanish  is  an  offshoot  from  the  old  Minorca.  They  have  been 
shown  as  a  separate  breed  everywhere,  but  never  in  sufficient  numbers  to 
entitle  them  to  a  class.  They  always  belong  to  the  "  varieties,"  and  com- 
petetherein.  Mr.  James,  of  Fareham,  used  to  keep  them  very  successfully. 
Apply  for  a  sitting  of  eggs  to  the  person  who  shows  the  best  of  the  breed 
at  Birmingham. 

Hen's  Head  Swollen  {J.  IF.).— If  the  swelling  be  a  bard  one,  yon  can 
either  treat  it  with  iodine  ointment,  or  you  may  carefully  open  the  skin, 
and  squeeze  the  swelling  out  by  pressing  the  lower  part.  If  it  be  soft  it 
is  merely  the  result  of  cold,  and  as  Brahmas  are  not  subject  to  roup  it  will 
have  no  consequences.  The  treatment  will  be  to  give  only  ground  food 
for  a  day  or  two,  to  administer  Btimulants  in  the  shape  of  bread  and 
strong  beer,  and  to  give  either  Baily's  Pill?,  or  pills  of  camphor  the  size 
of  a  garden  pea — two  at  a  time  and  once  per  day. 

Brahma  Cockerel  (Brahma),—  We  should  not  hesitate  to  breed  from 
him. 

Aylesbury  Ducks'  Bills  become  Yellow  (E.  H.).— It  is  a  very  vex 
atious  thing  that  the  bills  of  Aylesbury  Ducks  turn  yellow,  but  it  is  not 
less  true  that  they  do  bo  in  certain  localities.  Water  that  runs  off  peat  or 
heatb,  stagnant  ponds  that  receive  stable  or  yard  manure,  and  dirty  water 
of  every  kind,  are  injurious  to  the  colour  of  the  bills.  A  clear  running 
stream,  access  to  meadows  at  daybreak  when  the  grass  is  covered  with 
cold  dew  or  white  frost,  and  the  mixture  of  small  pebbles  or  stones  with 
the  only  water  they  have  (where  it  is  supplied  artificially),  are  all  bene- 
ficial to  the  colour.  It  is  hardly  necessary  to  say  gravel  stones  are  very 
bad  to  mix  with  water. 

Antwerp  Pigeons  (Several). — It  is  only  neeeSBary  to  refer  several 
correspondents  to  our  number  for  February  17th,  for  the  Birmingham 
Columbarian  Society's  standard  of  merit,  to  which  may  be  added,  in 
answer  to  one  inquirer,  *'  True  Blue,"  that  the  white-eyed  specimens  of 


J  the  Antwerp  are  very  numerous,  and  amongst  them  are  some  of  the  most 
perfect  birds,  more  especially  amongst  the  Red  Chequers  and  Blues, 
although  all  the  varieties  are  pretty  sure  to  breed  some  white-eyed  birds, 
which  is  not  a  positive  defect,  yet  the  fact  of  its  similarity  to  the  eye  of 
the  Barb,  leads  us  to  prefer  the  deep  blood-red-coloured  eye  ;  yellow  and 
dingy-coloured  eyes  are  objectionable,  and  lack  that  fierce,  fiery  ap- 
pearance so  essential  in  that  great  point,  the  eye  of  an  Antwerp. 

Various  Dibeabeb  in  One  Loft  of  Pigeons  {David  Laurie). — The 
various  diseases  you  mention  as  being  rampant  in  your  Pigeon  loft — 
falling  of  the  feathers,  or  feather-rot,  blindness  in  young  birds,  formation 
of  matter  in  the  joints,  and  loss  of  power  in  the  legs,  all  point  to  one  cause 
—viz.,  bad  constitution,  and  that  in  no  common  degree.  Most  probably 
your  Btock  have  in  other  hands  been  bred  in-and-in  for  generations  ;  and 
bad  food,  bad  water,  bad  air,  and  crowded  and  unclean  lofts,  causing  the 
birds  to  sleep  in  air  charged  with  exhalations  from  dung,  have  helped  to 
bring  about  your  troubles,  and  your  own  care  may  have  been  fruitless  to 
prevent  what  former  years  have  caused.  Fresh  blood  and  frequent 
croSBincs  will  help  you  to  get  rid  of  the  scrofulous  taint ;  or,  better  still, 
get  a  new  set  of  birds,  for  scrofula  lingers  for  generations. 

Removing  Stocks  (Brixtoniensis). — We  do  not  think  you  need  fear  the 
effect  of  the  removal  on  your  ponderous  stocks  in  Woodbury  hives.  More 
harm  than  good  would  be  likely  to  arise  from  disturbing  the  hives  in 
order  to  insert  a  transverse  notched  bar  at  the  bottom  of  the  lrames. 


In  the 

METEOROLOGICAL   OBSERVATIONS 
Suburbs  of  London  for  the  week  ending  October  18th 

BAROMETER, 

THERMOMETER. 

Wind. 

Date. 

Air. 

Earth. 

Rain 

Max. 

Win. 

Max. 

Min. 

1  ft. 

2  It. 

Wed...  12 
Thurs. .  IS 
Fri..  ..   14 
Sat.  ...  15 
Sun.  . .  16 
Mon.  . .  17 
Tues....  18 

29  212 
29  688 
29.935 
29.910 
29.401 
29.753 
29  850 

29.177 
29.250 
29.826 
29  717 
29.127 
29.349 
28.606 

65 
57 
63 
61 
59 
58 
59 

48 
43 
25 
30 
46 
27 
47 

53 
53 
52 
48 
51 
53 
50 

50 
50 
51 
50 
50 
51 
50 

S. 
W. 
N.E. 

S. 

S. 
W. 

S. 

.03 
.00 
.00 

08 
.84 

04 
.06 

Mean.. 

29.678 

29.436 

60.31 

38.00 

51.43 

50.29 

0.58 

12. — Showery;  drizzling  rain;  exceedingly  boisterouB. 
13. — Exceedingly  boisterous  ;  boisterous  ;  rain. 
14.— Cloudy  but  fine;  very  fine;  clear,  starlight. 
15. — Dense  fog;  exceedingly  fine  ;  clear  and  fine. 
16. — Rain  ;  heavy  rain  ;  cloudy  ;  very  damp. 
17. — Very  fine  ;  showery  ;  clear  and  fine. 
18.— Very  fine;  overcast;  densely  overcaBt. 


COVENT  GARDEN  MARKET.— October  19. 
We  have  still  to  report  an  excessive  supply  in  most  of  the  ordinary 
kinds  of  produce,  orchard  fruit  being  especially  abundant,  and  large  con- 
signments of  PearB  from  the  south-west  of  France  reach  us  every  week. 
The  Potato  trade  is  somewhat  dull,  with  large  stocks  on  hand,  chiefly 
Regents  and  Flukes,  ranging  from  80s.  to  120b.  per  ton. 

FRUIT. 


Rt 

d. 

fl. 

d 

s. 

a. 

8. 

d 

1 

0 
6 

0  tot 
0      0 
0     14 

0 
0 

0 

lb. 

0 
0 

20 

OtoO 
0       0 
0       0 

1) 

A 

0 

lb. 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

Pears,  kitchen  . 

4 
1 

0 
0 

12 
2 

11 

n 

do. 

0 

0 

0 

1 
3 

n 

3 
5 

0 

0 

lb. 

1 

1 

0 
6 

2 
2 

0 
0 

1 
1 

6 
0 

3 
0 

0 

lb. 

0 

0 

0 

II 

0 

II 

II 

0 

II 

GrapeB, Hothouse....  lb. 

2 

n 

5 

0 

Strawberriea    . 

0 

0 

0 

0 

10 

0 

li; 

0 

0 

16 

It 

1 

0        4     0 
TEGET 

do 

1 

0 

2 

0 

AELES. 

R. 

a. 

H. 

d 

R. 

d. 

8. 

d 

0 

0 

OtoO 
0       0 

0 
0 

0 

1 

4  to  0 
6       S 

» 

..  wioo 

0 

BeanB,  Kidney  . 

.4  sieve. 

s 

0 

4 

0 

1 

0 

2 

0 

buBhel 

0 

0 

n 

0 

Mustard  &  Cress 

.punnet 

0 

2 

0 

0 

2 

0 

8 

0 

.  bushel 

4 

0 

8 

0 

bundle 

n 

9 

1 

1! 

0 

4 

0 

0 

Brussels  Sprouts 

..j-Bieve 

a 

0 

4 

0 

B 

0 

0 

0 

1 

0 

2 

0 

II 

» 

1 

0 

1 

0 

1 

6 

11 

0 

0 

c 

0 

4 

II 

H 

2 

0 

4 

0 

2 

0 

A 

n 

8 

0 

4 

0 

1 

A 

2 

i) 

Radishes  ..  doz. 

bunches 

II 

0 

0 

0 

Coleworts..doz. 

bunches 

s 

0 

6 

n 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

6 

1 

n 

11 

0 

0 

II 

y 

n 

4 

11 

11 

0 

0 

8 

SI 

n 

0 

n 

0 

6 

0 

0 

0 
0 
0 

s 

8 
8 

0 
0 

n 

0 

0 
0 

2 
1 
0 

0 
0 
8 

2 
1 
0 

8 

a 

0 

Horseradish    . . . 

a  bundle 

3 

0 

6 

0 

Vegetable  Marrowe ..  d  oz. 

it 

0 

a 

a 

POULTRY  MARKET.— October  12. 

Still  moderate  supplies,  but  no  demand  at  all.    Pheasants  come  In 
moderately,  as  the  leaf  being  on,  but  few  are  killed. 


s. 

.  ,,,     5! 

2 

....    1 

d.      s. 
6  to  S 
0       2 
9       2 
0       2 
0       7 
0       3 

d 

0 
6 

S 

6 

Pigeons 0 

Babbits 1 

Wildditto 0 

Hares 2 

Partridges    1 

GrouBe   2 


d.      s. 
8  to  0 

4  1 

8  0 

6  3 

4  1 

0  2 


October  27,  1870.  J 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


321 


WEEKLY 

CALENDAR 

Day 

of 
Montb 

Week. 

OCT.  27— NOV.  2,  1871. 

Average  Tempera-  !  R?'"tm        Sun 
ture  near  London.  I4g  * ^.g  1   Rises. 

Sun 
Sets. 

Moon 
Rises. 

Moon 
Sets. 

Moon's 
Age. 

Clock 
after 
Sun. 

Day 

of 

Year. 

27 
28 
29 
80 
81 
1 
2 

Th 

F 

S 

Sun 

M 

To 

W 

St.  Simon  and  St.  Jcde. 

20  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

All  Saints. 

Royal  Horticultural  Society,  Fruit,  Floral, 
[and  General  Meeting. 

Day. 

55.1 
54  5 
54.0 
54.9 
54.0 
54  3 
54.4 

Niaht. 
88.4 
85  9 
85.7 
88.8 
880 
87.9 
87.3 

Mean. 
46.7 
45.2 
448 
4i.6 
46.0 
46.1 
45.8 

Davs. 
27 
27 
20 
22 
22 
25 
19 

m.      h. 
46affi 
48      6 
60      6 
51      6 
63      6 

56  6 

57  6 

m.      h. 
41  af  4 
89      4 
87      4 
86      4 
34      4 
32      4 
81      4 

m.     h. 
16     10 
84    11 
after. 
31      1 

8      2 
40      2 

5      3 

m.     h. 
49  af  6 
87      7 
87      8 
42      9 
52    10 
mom. 
8      0 

Days. 
8 
4 
6 
6 

8 
9 

m.      s. 
16      1 
16      6 
16    10 
16    18 
16    15 
16    17 
16    18 

800 
811 
802 
303 

::n.| 
3  5 
306 

From  observations  taken  near  London  during  the  last  forty-three  years,  the  average  day  temperature  of  the  week  is  54  4°,  and  its  night 
temperature  87.8°.    The  greatest  heat  was  67 :,  on  the  81st,  1854 ;  and  the  lowest  cold  22=,  on  the  28th,  1886.     The  greatest  fall  of  rain  was 
1.03  inch. 

SLOW  COMBUSTION— ENDURING  FIRE- 
ECONOMY  IN   FUEL. 

HAVE  read  with  interest  the  various  notices 
which  have  from  time  to  time  appeared  in 
the  Journal,  giving  particulars  of  different 
hoilers  and  modes  of  heating  glass  houses. 

The  plan  I  have  adopted,  and  which  has 
been  attended  with  marked  success,  although 
not  new,  yet  is  not  sufficiently  known,  and 
therefore  may  be  of  interest  to  those  amateurs 
who,  like  myself,  are  obliged  personally  to 
attend  to  the  work  required 
I  must  preface  my  statement  by  mentioning  that  my 
house  is  35  feet  long,  14  feet  from  back  to  front,  and  18  feet 
high.  It  is  heated  with  hot  water  by  one  of  the  smallest- 
sized  tubular  boilers,  having  4-inch  flow  and  return  pipes 
running  round  the  two  ends  and  back  of  the  house. 

Whether  or  not  it  was  from  the  position  of  the  furnace 
house  I  cannot  say,  but  whatever  the  fuel  I  used  I  found 
a  difficulty  in  keeping  the  fire  burning  for  any  length  of 
time  so  regularly  as  I  desired,  in  consequence  of  the  draught 
through  the  ashpit  door  setting  on  one  side  of  the  lire. 
As  a  result  it  frequently  went  out,  and  the  heat  was  irre- 
gular. After  trying  several  plans  to  prevent  this.  I  at  last 
had  two  holes,  each  about  the  size  of  a  crown-piece,  drilled 
in  the  ashpit  door.  Over  these  I  had  soldered  a  good-sized 
brass  sliding  valve,  similar  to  those  frequently  used  in  doors 
to  ventilate  rooms.  The  result  was  all  I  desired.  By 
this  simple  plan  I  obtained  a  properly  distributed  draught 
under  the  whole  of  the  lire,  and  by  a  little  attention  to  the 
damper  and  quantity  of  air  admitted  through  the  valve,  I 
was  soon  able  to  ascertain  the  amount  of  draught  requisite 
to  keep  the  fire  at  its  proper  heat. 

I  also  found  that  by  only  feeding  the  fire  twice  a-day — 
the  first  thing  in  the  morning,  and  the  last  thing  at 
night— and  just  clearing  the  bars,  if  needed,  the  fire  was 
kept  constantly  going,  and  during  the  three  winters  once 
only  has  the  fire  gone  out,  and  on  several  occasions  it 
has  burned  for  twenty-four  hours  without  additional  fuel. 

I  have  often  been  surprised  at  the  small  amount  of  air 
needed  to  keep  up  a  bright  clear  fire.  With  the  valve 
open  in  each  span  not  more  than  the  thickness  of  a  new 
sixpence,  I  have  kept  the  house  at  from  40°  to  45°,  with 
an  external  atmosphere  showing  16°  of  frost.  With  a 
temperature  of  6°  to  8°  below  freezing  I  have  kept  the 
house  at  40°,  at  the  same  time  having  the  two  end  venti- 
lators open. 

The  great  advantages  of  the  plan  are — the  length  of 
time  the  fire  can  be  kept  burning  at  a  proper  heat  with- 
out attention  (a  great  object  to  an  amateur  engaged, 
like  myself,  in  business  away  from  home),  and  the  per- 
fect control  over  the  heat,  be  it  little  or  much.  One 
essential  to  success  is  keeping  the  ashpit  clear  of  dust  and 
ashes  ;  I  have  it  cleared  out  two  or  three  times  a-week 
if  needed. 

During  the  last  two  years  the  fire  never  went  out  from 
the  time  I  commenced  until  I  ceased  heating  the  house 
(about  five  months  each  season),  excepting  when  I  drew 

No.  600.— Vol.  XIX  ,  New  Sirtes. 


|  the  fire  to  clear  the  bars,  and  this  I  did  about  once 
a-month. 

Not  wishing  to  annoy  my  neighbours  with  smoke,  I 
tried  various  kinds  of  fuel — breese  from  the  dust  yard, 
coke  breese,  furnace  coke,  gas  coke,  and  Welsh  anthracite 
smokeless  coal.  I  carefully  noted  the  cost  and  result  of 
each  kind,  and  finally  adopted  the  Welsh  anthracite  coal 
as  being  the  cleanest,  as  cheap  as  any.  if  not  the  cheapest, 
and  by  far  the  easiest  managed.  Residing  in  a  northern 
suburb  of  London,  I  have  no  difficulty  in  procuring  this  ; 
and,  at  25s.  per  ton,  I  find  its  cost  does  not  exceed  8s  (id. 
per  week.     I  have  been  surprised  how  little  this  cost  was 

I  exceeded,  when  on  several  occasions,  by  way  of  experiment, 

I  I  gave  an  increased  draught  to  test  the  power  of  the  fire 
under  the  plan  adopted.  For  the  reason  stated.  I  have 
always  a  smokeless  fuel,  and  therefore  cannot  say  how 
ordinary  coal  would  answer. 

The  size  of  the  brass  valve  is  6  inches  long,  and  the 

i  whole  affair  cost  about  8s. 

I  may  attach  a  fancied  value  to  the  results  of  my 
experience,  but  I  give  the  particulars  for  the  banefit  of 

j  your  amateur  readers,  if  you  think  them  worth  inserting 

i  in  the  Journal. 

I  found  by  repeated  experiments  that  by  using  the  valve 
only  I  could  drive  the  heat  far  in  excess  of  anything  I 
might  require,  and  I  also  had  the  satisfaction  of  knowing 

!  that,  however  sharp  the  frost  might  threaten  to  be  before 
morning,  I  could  always  retire  to  rest  without  any  fear 
about  the  greenhouse  fire. — R.  S. 


JASMIN  UM   GRANDIFLORUM   FOR  AUTUMN 
AND   WINTER  FLOWERING. 

There  are  some  flowers  which  from  their  purity  of 
colour,  beauty  of  form,  and  perfume  are  general  favourites, 
and  of  these  the  Sweet  Jasmine  is  undoubtedly  one.  It 
may  not  be  in  such  high  repute  as  the  Rose,  but  it  is  one 
of  many  old  plants  without  which  no  garden  is  complete. 

Jasminum  grandiflorum,  though  not  such  a  favourite  as 
the  old  Sweet  Jasmine  (Jasminum  officinale),  is  neverthe- 
less an  old  plant,  having  been  introduced  in  1629  It  has. 
no  doubt,  found  a  home  in  some  gardens  since  that  time, 
yet  it  was  only  of  late  years  that  this  plant  came  to  be 
cultivated,  and  even  now  it  is  not  so  common  as  it  deserves 
to  be ;  indeed,  it  ought  to  be  grown  in  every  greenhouse. 
Those  who  do  not  possess  it  would  by  now  securing  plants 
obtain  a  fine,  white,  sweet-scented  flower  that  may  be  had 
in  blossom  early  in  spring  by  slight  forcing,  and  the  same 
plant  will  flower  again  in  autumn,  and  continue  expanding 
its  blossoms  successively  during  the  dull  autumn  and  early 
winter  months. 

In  appearance  it  is  a  fac  simile  of  the  Sweet  Jasmine, 
with  this  difference,  that  its  leaves  are  larger,  the  flowers 
more  than  twice  the  size,  some  double,  but  not  twice  as 
sweet,  though  it  is  very  sweet-scented,  and  all  the  flowers 
do  not  open  at  once,  but  succeed  each  other  as  in  the 
Sweet  Jasmine.  We  cannot  cut  the  whole  produce  of 
a  stem  at  once,  but  each  flower  has  a  good  stalk,  and  is 
quite  large  enough  by  itself.  It  would  be  useless  attempt- 
No.  1152.— Vol.  XLIV.,  Olb  Semes. 


322 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  October  27,  1870. 


ing  to  grow  this  as  a  pot  plant  on  its  own  roots — at  least  I 
have  not  seen  it  in  a  satisfactory  state  when  grown  in  that 
way.  It  requires  to  be  grafted,  and  on  a  stern  from  6  inches 
to  a  foot  high  it  is  very  pleasing.  It  ia  best  grafted  on  the 
old  sort,  or  Sweet  Jasmine,  and  the  operation  may  be  performed 
in  spring  when  the  stocks  are  beginning  to  grow,  the  scions 
being  kept  back  by  catting  them  a  month  previously,  and 
beeping  them  fresh  by  inserting  their  lower  ends  in  wet  clay  ; 
or  a  Potato  pat  in  the  soil  will  do  as  well.  Whip-grafting  will 
answer,  bat  the  continental  growers  practise  cleft-grafting  with 
great  success.  After  tying  with  bast  matting,  and  covering  with 
grafting  wax,  place  the  grafts  in  a  gentle  hotbed  or  a  house 
with  a  temperature  of  from  50°  to  55°,  and  cover  with  a  hand- 
glass, so  as  to  keep  them  close.  The  glasses  ought  only  to  be 
taken  off  to  see  whether  water  is  required,  or  to  admit  a  small 
quantity  of  air  if  likely  to  be  damp.  When  the  grafts  begin  to 
grow  admit  air  in  moderate  quantity  at  first,  increasing  the 
amount  as  they  advance,  and  hardening  off  by  degrees.  When 
the  shoots  are  about  6  inches  long  the  plants  may  be  moved 
to  the  greenhouse,  assigning  them  a  light  airy  position.  They 
will  flower  in  the  coarse  of  the  summer  it  sufficiently  strong. 
By  autumn  they  will  have  firm  shoots ;  to  insure  their  ripen- 
ing, give  them  the  lightest  and  most  airy  position  the  green- 
house affords,  keeping  them  dry  at  the  root,  but  not  so  mach 
so  as  to  cause  the  leaves  to  flag  and  fall  prematurely. 

When  the  leaves  fall  place  the  plants  in  the  coolest  part  of 
the  house,  or  in  a  cold  pit  or  cool  house,  and  in  December  cut 
them  back,  so  as  to  leave  about  an  inch  of  last  year's  wood, 
two  or  three  joints  being  enough.  If  the  plants  are  in  small 
pots  transfer  them  to  a  larger  size,  using  a  compost  of  light 
fibrous  loam  two  parts,  one  part  sandy  peat,  and  one  part  of  leaf 
soil,  with  a  free  admixture  of  sharp  sand.  Good  drainage  is 
necessary,  also  a  moderate-sized  pot.  Six  inch  pots  are  quite 
large  enough  for  the  next  two  or  three  years.  After  watering,  the 
plants  may  be  placed  in  a  house  with  a  temperature  of  45°,  pro- 
gressively increasing  to  50°  or  55°,  and  they  will  flower  well  early 
in  spring.  They  will,  of  course,  be  placed  in  the  greenhouse 
when  in  flower,  and  should  have  due  care  as  to  water,  and  in 
a  light  airy  position  the  wood  will  be  ripened  by  May.  Then, 
or  early  in  June,  cut  the  shoots  back  to  within  a  few  eyes  of 
their  base — two  or  three  are  enough — and  keep  them  rather 
dry  at  the  roots  for  a  fortnight,  then  place  them  in  a  light  siry 
position,  watering  as  required,  and  occasionally  syringing  over- 
head. The  plants  will  form  fresh  shoots,  and  flower  again  ia 
autumn  nn  to  Christmas  in  a  greenhouse  with  a  temperature 
of  from  40°  to  45°. 

Nice  plants  may  be  obtained  at,  most  nurseries,  many  of 
them  in  a  flowering  state  ;  indeed  it  is  not  practicable  to  grow 
grafted  plants  without  flowering. 

I  may  say  that  the  Sweet  Jasmine  succeeds  admirably  in  the 
same  way.  Grafted  plants  are  best  for  pots,  though  others 
answer  well,  only  they  are  more  liable  to  put  out  long  shoots, 
which  should  be  stopped  at  the  third  or  fourth  joint,  being 
careful  to  retain  the  short-jointed  flowering  parts. — G.  Abbey. 


A  FEW  APPLES,  PEARS,  AND  PLUMS  FOR, 
SMALL  GARDENS. 

Peaks. — 1,  Benrre  Bachelier,  December;  2,  Bergamotte 
d'Esperen,  llirch  ;  3,  Beurred'Amanlis,  September  ;  4.  Beune 
Hardy,  November;  5,  Beurre  Supeifin,  October;  0,  Williams' 
Bon  Chretien,  September;  7,  Doyenne  da  Cornice,  November 
and  December ;  8,  Josephine  de  Milioes,  February  and  March  ; 
9,  Louise  Bonne  of  Jersey,  September  and  October;  10,  Ma- 
dame Treyve,  August  and  September  ;  11,  Winter  Nelis,  Janu- 
ary ;  12,  Olivier  de  Serres,  March  and  April. 

The  above  are  all  of  first-rate  quality,  and  bear  in  the  west, 
south,  and  south-east  of  England  freely  as  bushes  and  pyramids 
when  grafted  on  the  Quince  stook. 

Apples. — Kitchen — 1,  Blenheim  Orange,  November ;  2,  Cox's 
Pomona,  December;  3,  Dumelow's  Seedling,  March;  4,  Goose- 
berry Apple.    May;    5,    Hiwthornden,   August  to   November; 

6,  New  or  Winter  Hawthornden,  January;  7,  Rymer,  Decem- 
ber to  April;  8,  Small's  Admirable,  December;  9,  Lord  Suf- 
field,  October  ;   10,  Warner's  King,  very  large,  November. 

AprLES. — Dessert— 1,  Cox's  Orange  Pippin,  November;  2, 
Duke  of  Devonshire,  February;  3,  Early  Harvest,  August; 
4,  Keddlestone  Pippin.  March  ;  5.  Lodgemore  Nonpareil, 
April   and    May;    C,  Melon  Apple,   December    and  January; 

7,  American  Mother,  October;  8,  Pitmaston  Pineapple,  De- 
cember ;   9,  Reinette  Van  Mons,   January ;    10,  Reinette  du 


1  Canada,  April;    11,   Stunner  Pippin;    12,  White  Nonpareil, 
March. 

All  the  above  bear  well  as  dwarfs  and  pyramids  on  the  English 
Paradise  stock,  no  matter  what  kind,  for  all  the  Paradise  stooba 
root  freely  on  the  surface,  and  form  prolifio  trees.  The  French 
Paradise  forms  very  dwarf  trees  ;  for  pots  or  very  small  gardens 
they  are  really  curious  and  pretty,  as  trees  here  in  4-inch  pots 
are  like  Japanese  trees,  bo  full  are  they  of  blossom-bads.  In 
France  this  stock  requires  a  heavy  tenacious  soil,  as  the  heat 
is  apt  to  scorch  their  roots,  always  near  the  surface. 

Plums. — Kitchen — i,  Victoria  ;  2,  Autumn  Compote,  which 
succeeds  it,  and  is  much  like  it,  but  better  ;  3,  Prinoe  Engle- 
bert,  large  and  lich  ;  4,  Belle  de  Septembre,  very  late  and  large ; 
5,  Early  Rivers  or  Early  Prolific,  July  and  August.  This  is 
the  most  abundant  bearer  of  all  Plums,  and,  indeed,  the  best 
culinary  Plum  known,  for  preserved  without  sugar  it  retains  its 
exquisite  flavour  for  a  year  or  more  (I  enclose  my  wife's  receipt, 
see  page  342 — itisvery  old — for  preserving  Plums  without  sugar  ; 
it  seldom  or  never  fails  if  the  bottles  or  jars  are  placed  in  a  dry 
room).  6,  Oullins'  Golden  Gage,  very  large,  early  in  August, 
excellent  for  preeerviug,  a  great  bearer.  The  tree  is  almost  too 
vigorous  for  a  small  garden  ;  as  a  standard  it  is  a  giant — a 
standard  tree  here  ten  years  old  bore  six  bushels  of  large  fruit. 
7,  Mirabelle,  as  a  bush  only  ;  this  charming  little  yellow  Plum 
is  largely  ased  in  the  east  of  France  for  jam  and  preserving  ;  its 
perfume  is  sni  generis  and  exquisite.  8,  Early  Orleans,  early, 
and  a  great  bearer. 

Plums. — Dessert — 1,  Angelina  Burdett,  hardy  and  excellent ; 
2,  Belgian  Purple,  earlier  than  the  preceding,  good  for  both 
purposes  ;  3,  Jefferson,  large  and  good  ;  4,  Bonnet  d'Eveque, 
one  of  the  latest,  hardiest,  and  richest  of  Plums  ;  its  fruit,  of  a 
bright  purple,  are  still  (October  18th)  on  the  trees  quite  hard, 
yet  juicy  and  rich  ;  5,  Transparent  Gage,  the  most  noble  Plum 
known;  6,  Boddaert's  Green  Gage;  7,  Early  Green  Gage;  8, 
Reine  Claude  de  Bavay,  one  of  the  finest  of  Gage  Plums,  very 
hardy  and  late. 

All  the  Plums  I  have  mentioned  are  perfectly  hardy,  and  will 
bear  well  as  bushes  and  pyramids  in  districts  south  of  the  Trent, 
and  even  farther  north  in  sheltered  places.  I  have  thus  far 
complied  with  Mr.  Abbey's  request.  Tnere  are,  doubtless, 
many  kinds  as  good  as  those  I  have  mentioned,  but  I  have 
given,  according  to  my  experience,  the  names  of  varieties  that 
everyone  may  plant  with  safety. — Thos.  Riveks. 


ROOT-PRUNING   FRUIT  TREES. 

Over-luxuriant  trees  being  benefited  by  this  operation,  and 
this  being  the  season  for  so  treating  them,  I  would  ask  for  more 
attention  to  it.  I  am  well  aware  that  it  takes  time  to  root- 
prune  in  a  proper  manner,  but  it  is  not  an  annual  operation 
needed  by  each  tree.  As  many  of  the  trees  as  can  be  root- 
pruned  in  a  year  should  be  so  treated,  and  then  by  working 
systematically  the  whole  may  be  compelled  to  grow  in  the 
manner  the  cultivator  requires. 

In  root-pruning,  by  cutting  hard  back  the  coarse  roots  which 
Bupply  the  tree  with  an  excess  of  sap,  a  number  of  fibrous  roots 
will  be  formed,  these  being  the  kind  required  to  produce  fruit- 
ful wood.  In  doing  this,  care  is  necessary  lest  the  fibrous 
roots  already  in  existence  get  damaged,  as  injury  to  them  would 
most  assuredly  debilitate  the  tree  operated  upon.  The  points 
of  all  damaged  roots  must  be  pruned  back  to  where  they  are 
sound,  in  order  to  encourage  young  roots  ;  but  there  are  often 
cnses  in  which  the  whole  of  the  tree  is  growing  too  rank,  through 
over-rich  Borders,  or  neglecting  to  cut  back  the  runaway  roots 
at  their  origin,  and  these  will  require  careful  lifting,  digging  a 
deep  trench  around  them,  and  working  the  soil  away  from  the 
roots  with  a  steel  fork.  The  soil  should  be  moist,  so  as  to 
separate  readily  from  the  roots,  or  these  will  be  lacerated.  Let 
the  soil  be  thrown  out  of  the  trench  as  the  roots  are  freed  from 
it,  keeping  the  ball  undermined  so  as  to  get  easily  at  the  pert 
pendicular  roots,  which  must  be  shortened  back  and  spread  ou- 
horizontally  when  the  tree  is  replanted. 

With  respect  to  young  trees,  it  is  by  far  the  best  plan  to  lift 
and  replant  them  every  second  or  third  year.  By  this  means, 
with  the  judicious  use  of  the  pruning  knife  among  the  roots, 
fruitful  trees,  with  an  abundance  of  healthy  fibrous  roots  will 
be  produced ;  and  if  a  few  of  the  trees  are  found  weak,  some 
fresh  loam  can  be  added  at  the  time  of  replanting.  Any  coarse 
shoots,  which  will  usually  be  found  unripe,  will  be  best  wholly 
removed.  As  the  trees  become  older,  lilting  them  entirely 
will  not  be  necessary  very  often,  but  on  the  appearance  of  any 
gross  shojts  in  the  growing  season  these  can  be  frequently 


October  27, 1870.  ] 


JOURNAL    OF   HORTICULTURE   AND    COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


323 


pinohed  back ;  and  in  the  following  autumn,  before  the  leaveB 
have  fallen,  it  will  be  well  to  open  a  trench  ronnd  them  at  a  good 
distance  from  the  bane  of  the  tree,  and  sever  all  runaway  ooaree 
roots  with  a  clean  cut,  refilling  the  trench  with  frech  soil  when 
obtainable.    As  the  tress  become  thoiou'bly  established,  their 


roots  having  ramified  in  all  directions — as  far,  in  fact,  asftheir 
powers  of  extension  permit,  very  little  manipulation  will  (keep 
them  in  order.  Being  healthy  their  fruitfulness  will  increase 
with  age,  and  nerve  the  cultivator  to  the  continued  study  of 
Nature's  ways. — T.  C.  Sage. 


GROUND   LEVELLING  AND   PRACTICAL    GARDEN   PLOTTING, 

DRAWING   PLANS. 


-No.    2. 


The  first  thing  required  is  a  case  of  mathematical  instru- 
ments, which  generally  contains  a  pair  of  lur^e  compasses, 
provided  with  shifting  legs — viz.,  the  steel,  the  pencil,  and  the 
inking  legs  (the  latter  two  are  used  for  describing  large 
ciroles  in  pencil  or  ink,  and  the  steel  leg  for  dividing  lines 
and  measuring  distances  accurately) ;  a  drawing  pen  for  draw- 
ing straight  lines  in  ink  ;  a  bow  penoil ;  and  a  bow  pen.  The 
use  of  the  bow  pencil  is  to  draw  small  circles,  and  the  bow 
pen  repeats  the  pencil  work  in  ink.  The  ink  used  should  be 
Indian  ink,  and  should  be  put  between  the  nibs  with  a  camel'i- 
hair  brush.  Before  drawing  a  line  in  ink  try  the  pen  on 
another  piece  of  paper,  in  order  to  aBcertaiu  if  the  line  is  thick 
enough  or  too  thick;  if  not  right,  adjust  the  pen  by  means  of 
the  screw.  Before  patting  the  pens  away  pass  a  piece  of 
blotting  paper  between  the  nibs,  so  as  to  clear  away  the  ink. 
The  oase  also  contains  a  rule  with  a  bevelled  edge  to  UBe  when 
inking  lines.  The  bevel  must  be  turned  downwards  ;  this  will 
prevent  the  work  being  smeared. 

To  Construct  a  Scale  of  Equal  Parts  (Jig.  4).— Let  it  be  re- 
quired to  con- 
struct a  scale 
of  8  feet  to  the 
inch,  which  ia 
the  first  scale 
I  have  need  in 
these  notes.  A 
scale  of  8  feet 
to  the  inoh 
means  that  1 
inch  on  paper 
represents  8 
feet  on  the 
ground.  Draw 
a  line  of  any 
length,  and  di- 
vide it  into 
inches ;  divide 
the   first   inch 

on  the  left-hand  side  into  eight  equal   parts, 
presenting  1  foot.    If 


?        I        T 

8 

(6 

24 

I  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1 

12 

24 

36 

1!  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1 

ie           a            o 

16 

32 

4« 

IIIIIIHllllillll 

24                12                 0 

24 

48 

'? 

iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii                 i                i                i 

Fig.  4. 


each  part   re- 


By  dividing  one  of  the  eight  divisions  shown  into  twelve  equal 
parts,  each  part  will  repreesent  1  inch. 

In  drawing  a  plan  that  is  required  to  be  transferred  to  the 
ground,  it  is  safer  to  take  the  scale  from  a  rule  which  has 
different  scales  marked  on  it  and  is  generally  supplied  with 
the  case  of  instruments,  as  by  constantly  applying  the  dividers 
to  the  paper  the  holes  pricked  by  the  points  will  get  larger  and 
lead  to  eonfusion. 

Tbe  next  three  scales  used  in  these  notes  are  12,  16,  and 
24  feet  to  the  inch.  All  three  are  applied  as  the  above  ;  but  it 
will  be  manifest  tbe  more  feet  there  are  to  the  inch,  the  more 
space  the  design  will  occupy  on  the  ground. 

A  Drawing  Board  is  necessary,  also  a  T  square,  as  shown. 
Tbe  drawing  board  should  be  about  2  feet  long,  and  18  inches 
wide  ;  it  must  be  smooth,  flat,  and  perfectly  square.  On  this 
board  the  paper  on  which  the  drawing  is  to  be  made  should  be 
properly  fastened,  which  is  done  by  pasting  the  edges  of  the 
paper  to  the  board.  This  is  only  necessary  when  the  work  is 
likely  to  take  some  considerable  time  ;  for  such  exercises  as 

are  contained 
in  these  notes 
it  will  be  suffi- 
cient to  fasten 
the  paper  down 
by  means  of 
drawing  pins. 

1'iteT  Square 
(a,  Jig.  5),  is 
usea  to  square 
that  portion  of 
the  paper  on 
which  the  plan 
is  to  be  drawn, 
also  to  draw 
parallel  lines 
and  erect  per- 
pen  d  i cular 
lines  ;   but    in 

case  the  board  is  not  perfectly  square,  t  ie  j  square  should 

De     worked    against 


8  feet  are  required, 
pnt  one  end  of  tbe 
compasses  or  dividers 
down  on  point  8,  ex- 
tend the  other  end  to 
point  0,  which  is 
1  inch,  and  repre- 
sents 8  feet.  If  9  feet 
are  required,  extend 
the  dividers  to  tbe 
first  division  of  the 
divided  inch  on  tbe 
left-hand  side  of  0. 
If  10  feet  are  re- 
quired, extend  the 
dividers  to  the  second 
division,  and  so  on. 
If  16  feet  are  re- 
quired, put  one  end 
of  the  dividers  down 

on  point  16,  and  extend  the  other  end  to  point  0,  which  dis- 
tance is  2  ioohes,  and  represents  16  feet.  If  17  feet  are 
required,  extend  the  dividers  to  the  first  division  as  before. 


the  left-hand  edge  of 
the  board  only — that 
is,  to  draw  horizon- 
tal lines.  All  per- 
pendicular lines  are 
best  drawn  by  plac- 
ing the  set  square 
or  triangle  ifi.fg.  5) 
against  the  T  square, 
as  Bhown ;  by  so 
doing  the  lines  will 
be  at  right  angles  to 
to  each  other.  All 
drawings  should  be 
first  made  in  pencil, 
and  afterwards  traced 
in  ink.  The  draw- 
ings may  be  cleaned, 
Fig.  5.  or  taulty  lineserased, 

with  a  piece   of  in- 

dianrubber  or    stale  bread. — M.  O'Donnell,  Gardener  to  [E. 

Leaning,  Esq.,  Spring  Grove  Richmond. 


LINARIA   CYMBAL-ARIA. 

This  pretty  little  native  plant,  called  by  some  the  Ivy-leaved  |  for  when  a  plant  possesses,  as  this  Linaria  does,  Buch  valuable 
Snapdragon  and  by  others  the  Ivy-leaved  Toad  Flax,  which  I  qualities  as  hardiness,  handsome  foliage,  dwarf  habit,  and  free 
think  is  the  correct  name,  presents  such  a  faDciful  and  pleasirjg  tioweriDg,  combined  with  very  little  or  no  difficulty  in  its  cul- 
appearance  in  its  natural  state,  as  to  be  worthy  of  special  notice ;  1  tivation,  it  is  a  matter  of  regret  that  it  should  not  be  more 


324 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  October  27,  1870. 


frequently  used  for  the  purposes  for  which  it  is  best  adapted. 
These  are  the  covering  of  such  old  walls  as  are  beeoming  un- 
sightly through  decay,  or  where  it  is  difficult  to  get  any  other 
plant  to  establish  itself,  and  for  planting  in  the  alpine  or  rock- 
work  garden.  In  either  of  these  positions  it  may  be  most 
advantageously  and  easily  used,  and  its  trailing  branches  of 
Ivy-like  foliage  thickly  set  with  bluish  purple  flowers,  make  it  a 
subject  to  be  admired  by  most  people  during  the  autumn  and 
winter  months,  when  it  is  most  attractive  and  serviceable. 

I  have  sometimes  seen  this  plant  growing  in  little  tufts  on 
walls  that  have  deciduous  plants  trained  against  them,  so  that 
in  winter,  when  the  plants  have  shed  their  foliage,  it  very 
effectually  hides  their  naked  stems,  and  at  the  same  time 
olothes  the  bare  wall  to  a  great  extent.  Again,  where  it  is  ne- 
cessary to  have  elevated  rough  stone  edgings  to  garden  walks, 
this  little  British  plant  will  be  found  one  of  the  best  to  grow 
there,  and  its  delicate  branches,  when  trailing  over  the  stones, 
are  sure  to  please. 

Linaria  Cymbalaria  reproduces  itself  very  freely  from  seeds, 
and  where  any  of  them  can  effect  a  lodgement  it  will  be  sure  to 
germinate  when  a  favourable  time  arrives.  It  is  difficult  to 
induce  it  to  establish  itself  very  near  walls  or  smooth  surfaces, 
but  where  a  thimbleful  of  earth  can  be  deposited,  and  moisture 
retained  in  it,  that  difficulty  passes.  In  very  heavy  retentive 
soils  the  plant  does  not  thiive  so  well ;  therefore,  if  it  be  desired 
to  plant  it  where  snch  a  soil  prevails,  fully  50  per  cent,  of  old 
mortar  rubbi»h  must  be  added,  and  the  plants  will  be  found  to 
succeed  well,  especially  if  the  position  is  elevated. — Thos. 
Record,  Hatfield  Park. 


PEAS   IN    1870. 

With  me  this  has  been  the  most  extraordinary  year  on 
record  for  heavy  crops  of  Peas,  and  I  believe  one  of  the  chief 
reasons  has  been  the  treatment  given.  Peas,  like  many  other 
things,  require  good  cultivation,  otherwise  they  tell  tales. 

My  treatment  is  as  follows  : — In  January  or  February  I 
trench  the  ground  to  the  depth  of  3  feet,  giving  a  liberal  dress- 
ing of  manure  and  quicklime,  for  I  consider  it  is  the  deep 
cultivation  which  is  the  great  secret  of  successful  Pea-growing. 
With  me  the  hotter  and  drier  the  summer  the  more  luxuriant 
are  the  Peas  and  the  heavier  the  produce,  the  heat  causing 
the  roots  to  strike  further  into  the  ground  ;  and  there  being 
plenty  of  room  for  them  to  run,  and  plenty  of  manure  to  feed 
on,  the  crop  cannot  but  do  well,  and  thus  success  is  insured. 
Up  to  October  there  was  not  the  least  indication  of  mildew. 
Mildew  is  a  sure  sign,  either  of  the  ground  being  poor,  or  there 
not  being  depth  for  the  roots;  then,  owing  to  there  not  being 
many  roots,  or  from  these  being  unable  to  penetrate  into  the 
soil  to  a  sufficient  depth,  the  plants  suffer  from  the  sun.  De- 
fective drainage  is  another  cause.  I  have  seen  Peas  in  perfec- 
tion, and  after  a  week  of  sudden  heat  they  have  been  a  failure 
owing  to  the  above  reasons. 

I  do  not  sow  the  first  Peas  till  March,  as  I  find  they  come 
in  as  early  as  those  sown  in  November,  besides  bearing  a  much 
better  crop.  The  birds  and  mice  always  make  great  havoc 
among  Peas  that  remain  in  the  ground  so  long.  I  give  plenty 
of  room — 9  feet  from  row  to  row,  planting  Cauliflowers,  Brussels 
Sprouts,  and  Winter  Greens  between  ;  and  I  find  this  tends  to 
prolong  the  gathering  season,  the  intermediate  crops  helping 
to  keep  the  roots  cool,  and  yet  not  keeping  the  sun  from  doing 
its  duty  to  the  tops.  I  should  add  my  kitchen  garden  is  in 
first-rate  condition,  being  very  rich  and  well  drained. 

I  grew  this  season  twelve  varieties.  The  first,  Ringleader, 
was  gathered  June  18th  ;  the  last,  Veitch's  Perfection,  on  Sep- 
tember 30th  for  dishes',  and  for  soups  a  week  later,  thus  giving 
a  period  of  fifteen  weeks  for  the  use  of  this  delicious  vegetable. 
During  the  fifteen  weeks  the  gatherings  averaged  three  per 
week  at  least.  Peas,  where  practicable,  should  be  grown  on 
different  ground  every  year. 

I  will  now  take  the  Hiffarf  nt  varieties  in  the  order  in  which 
they  were  gathered  :— First,  Sutton's  Ringleader,  gathered  June 
18th ;  this  is  the  earliest  and  best-flavoured  kind  with  me,  is 
very  prolific,  and  loh  pods  and  peas  are  the  largest  of  the  first 
early  sorts.  This  attains  the  height  of  3  feet  G  inches.  Next 
eomes  Carter's  First  Crop,  gathered  June  24th.  This  is  a  very 
useful  Pea,  but  smaller  than  Ringleader,  and  not  so  tall  by  a 
foot.  These  are  the  only  two  of  the  first  early  I  intend  growing 
next  season.  I  had  both  Dillistone's  Early  Prolific  and  Sang- 
ster's  No.  1,  but  they  are  inferior  to  the  two  named.  Advancer 
is  a  good  Pea,  coming  in  a  few  days  later  than  Carter's  First 
Crop.     I  also  sowed  this  in  the  middle  of  June,  and  it  came  in 


very  useful  in  September.  Laxton's  Prolifio  Longpod  came  in 
during  the  first  week  of  July.  This  is,  as  it  is  named,  prolific, 
but  when  it  came  to  be  cooked  it  was  the  worst-flavoured  Pea 
of  the  season.     I  was  never  more  disappointed. 

I  now  come  to  one  of  the  best  of  Peas,  Beck's  Prizetaker, 
which  I  began  gathering  in  the  second  week  of  July.  This  is 
undoubtedly  one  of  the  best  varieties  grown  ;  its  flavour  is 
delicious,  it  is  an  extraordinary  bearer,  and  it  continues  long 
in  yield.  Champion  of  England  followed  the  week  after  ;  this 
well  retains  its  reputation  as  being  the  best  flavoured  of  the 
summer  Peas.  It  is  also  an  excellent  oropper,  and  is  a  good 
companion  to  Beck's  Prizetaker.  the  height  of  both  being  about 
the  same,  6  feet.  Maclean's  Wonderful  is  excellent,  and  its 
height  being  only  3  feet,  it  ought  to  be  more  grown,  for  it  is  a 
first-class  Pea  and  very  prolific.  This  brings  me  to  the  end  of 
July  or  beginning  of  August. 

Harrison's  Glory  came  next  in  rotation,  but  as  it  has  now 
only  done  moderately  well  for  two  years,  I  must  discard  it. 
To  Ne  Plus  Ultra  I  recommend  every  one  to  give  a  trial,  for, 
taking  into  account  its  flavour,  its  productiveness,  and  the 
length  of  time  it  remains  in  good  bearing,  it  is  unrivalled. 
This  came  in  at  the  middle  of  August.  Prince  of  Wales  is  well 
worth  growing  as  a  late  Pea,  though  it  gives  way  to  the  next 
and  last  on  my  list,  Veitch's  Perfection.  I  made  two  sowings 
of  this  ;  the  first  came  in  during  the  third  week  in  August,  the 
second  in  the  first  week  in  September,  and  I  gathered  till 
September  30th.  As  a  fine-flavoured  late  Pea,  there  is  nothing 
to  equal  this. 

In  conclusion  I  will  give  a  list  of  the  varieties  which  proved 
best  this  year.  I  scarcely  know  whether  for  midsummer  use 
Champion  of  England,  Ne  Plus  Ultra,  or  Beck's  Prizetaker 
takes  the  lead,  but  I  rather  incline  to  Ne  Plus  Ultra.  Of  the 
early  varieties  Ringleader  stands  by  itself ;  Maclean's  Wonder- 
ful follows  ;  then  Ne  PIub  Ultra,  Prince  of  Wales,  Advancer, 
and  last  of  all,  and  best  of  the  latest,  is  Veitch's  Perfection. 
This  list  I  am  quite  aware  contains  none  of  the  new  kinds  of 
which  so  much  is  said,  and  which  I  hope  this  next  season  to 
grow,  but  is  composed  of  what  may  be  considered  old  standards. 
— Stephen  Castle,  Bent  Hill  Gardens,  Prestwich. 


THE  ECKLINVILLE  SEEDLING   APPLE. 

We  have  been  informed  by  Messrs.  Dickson  &  Son,  nursery- 
men, Newtonards.  near  Belfast,  that  the  Apple  we  referred  to 
lately  as  Eckland  Vale  Bhould  be  called  Ecklinville.  It  was 
raised  at  Ecklinville,  near  Belfast,  by  a  Scotch  gardener  named 
Logan,  along  with  another  dessert  Apple  named  Logan's  Seed- 
ling. Both  of  these  Apples  are  of  good  quality,  and  to  be  found 
in  the  nurseries  in  Ireland. 

We  have  another  communication  relative  to  the  same  Apple, 
from  Messrs.  Imrie  &  Son,  nurserymen  and  seedsmen,  Ayr.  They 
say — "  The  Ecklinville  Apple  is  well  known  in  this  district,  and 
has  been  extensively  propagated  by  us  for  upwards  of  twenty 
years.  We  obtained  it  of  a  neighbour,  who  had  it  from  Mr. 
McLanachan,  gardener  at  Ecklinville,  and  its  many  good  qua- 
lities, especially  as  a  baking  Apple,  have  made  it  a  general 
favourite  here." 

We  have  third  letter  on  the  same  Apple.  It  is  the  following — 
"  It  is  some  ten  or  more  years  since  I  reoeived  this  kind  of 
Apple  from  Ireland,  under  the  above  name.  I  have  it  now 
before  me,  with  Small's  Admirable  and  Stirling  Castle  Pippin, 
and  have  just  tasted  them.  The  Ecklinville  has  tender  flesh,  is 
juicy,  and  the  most  acid  of  the  three.  Next  to  this  in  pleasant 
acidity  is  the  Stirling  Castle.  Small's  Admirable  is  not  sweet, 
hut  more  so  than  the  others.  As  to  their  appearance,  they  are 
so  much  alike  as  not  to  be  distinguished  even  by  a  good  judge. 
The  Ecklinville  has  numerous  Bmall  brown  specks  on  its  skin ; 
the  other  two  are  quite  clear,  and  are  handsomer  fruit  than  it. 
This  may,  however,  be  accidental.  They  are  all  three  of  dwarf 
habit,  and  most  abundantly  fruitful.  The  Stirling  Castle  is 
more  upright  in  growth  than  the  Admirable,  and  this  is  a  dis- 
tinguishing point,  the  only  one,  in  its  character. "— T.  R. 


POTATOES. 

I  was  never  more  forcibly  struck  by  the  utter  impossibility 
of  laying  down  any  positive  statements  on  the  subject  of  Pota- 
toes, than  by  reading  the  short  account  of  your  correspondent 
"  M.  H.,"  October  13lh,  page  '28T,  concerning  the  Lapstone.  I 
have  ever  maintained  that  in  point  of  flavour  and  general  ex- 
cellence it  is  the  best  of  all  Potatoes,  but  I  have  at  the  same 


October  27,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL   OP   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


325 


time  always  deplored  its  great  fault — viz.,  its  delicacy  of  con- 
stitution, and  I  have  never  considered  it  a  large  cropper.  Tbis 
year  has  so  completely  confirmed  my  opinion,  that  I  felt  almost 
inclined  to  say  I  must  only  grow  a  very  few  Lapstones  for  the 
future.  I  grew  thirty-six  sorts — of  these  more  anon — and  of 
all  the  thirty-six  the  Lapstone  was  the  most  diseased  ;  all  the 
finest  tubers  were  bad,  and  I  should  think  that  at  least  three- 
eighths  of  the  crop  went.  1  may  say  that  I  grew  it  in  two 
situations — in  my  garden,  and  in  a  pasture  which  had  not  been 
turned  up  for  a  great  many  years,  and  which  had  not  a  particle 
of  manure  ;  thit  I  took  up  one  half  of  the  crop  in  August  and 
the  other  half  in  September,  and  that  both  were  equally  at- 
tacked by  disease.  H  >w,  then,  can  we  account  for  the  different 
experience  of  "M  H"  and  myself?  and  is  it  not  hopeless  to 
lay  down  any  positive  statement  ?  Or  can  it  be  that  "  M.  H." 
grew  the  Lapstone  at  all  ?  He  says,  "  Haigh's  or  Lapstone 
Kidney."  There  is  a  Haigh's  Kidney  as  well  as  the  Lapstone, 
and  I  believe  it  is  less  liable  to  disease.  Tbis  may  be  the 
solution. 

I  see  in  the  interesting  account  of  Admiral  Hornby's  Potato 
produce  that  Dawe's  Mitchless  and  Webb's  Imperial  are  set 
down  as  giving  different  amounts  of  produce,  but  I  have  always 
believed  them  to  be  the  same.  If  I  am  correct  it  will  rather 
detract  from  the  value  of  the  return. — D.,  Deal. 


The  remarks  of  Mr.  G.  Abbey  on  Potatoes,  in  your  number 
of  October  13th,  are  very  interesting  and  instructive.  As  a 
grower  on  a  moderate  scale,  I  can  supplement  his  paper  by 
one  or  two  words  on  the  mode  I  adopt,  and  which  has  been 
this  year  partiofilarly  successful.  I  always  lnve  the  rows  of 
Potatoes  planted,  as  far  as  possible,  due  north  and  south.  This 
lets  in  the  full  sun  between  the  rows.  The  tubers  were  planted 
rather  deeply  to  avoid  the  necessity  of  earthing-np.  Ai  soon 
as  the  stems  appeared  the  rows  were  flat-hoed,  and  all  the 
weeds  carefully  raked  off  the  ground.  The  only  attention  they 
had  afterwards  was  as  follows: — A  light  boy  of  about  eleven 
years  of  age  passed  along  the  rows,  treading  as  little  as  possible, 
and  pulled  up  every  weed  by  the  roots,  putting  them  as  he 
went  along  into  a  little  basket  which  he  carried  on  his  arm. 
This  was  repeated  several  times.  The  consequence  was  that 
the  ground  was  kept  thoroughly  clean,  and  the  remaining  fibres 
of  the  tubers  undisturbed.  I  had  a  magnificent  crop,  and  also 
got  rid  of  many  basketsful  of  weeds. 

The  kinds  I  grew  were  Alma,  Paterson's  Victoria,  and  the 
Pink-eyed  Fluke  from  Scotland.  Of  the  second  kind  the 
haulms  were  from  6  to  7  feet  high,  but  the  produce  was  mar- 
vellous. 

I  think  the  manure  ought  not  to  be  put  in  too  green.  It 
should  have  passed  through  the  first  stage  of  decay,  and  be 
forked-in  during  November.  The  soil  will  take  up  all  the 
matter  suitable  for  the  food  of  the  tubors,  aud  the  benefit  will 
be  secured  for  after-crops. 

A  boy  or  girl  kept  at  Potato-weeding  will  do  great  service, 
and  may  be  had  for  about  Is.  dd.  per-week.— F.  H.  Polter, 
Cheltenham. 

GLAZING  AND  PAINTING  GARDEN 
STRUCTURES. 

I  would  as  a  matter  of  choice  paint  the  outside  of  glass 
houses  once  every  year  ;  I  should  thus  have  them  always  neat 
and  clean,  and  avoid  the  trouble  of  scraping  and  scratching. 
When  sashes  have  been  long  neglected  there  must  be  a  cleaning 
and  reputtying  before  there  can  be  any  painting.  On  the  one- 
ooat-every-year  system  I  hardly  know  how  long  good  putty 
would  last,  as  it  would  not  have  a  chance  to  crack  and  let  the 
moisture  in.  Only  let  it  crack  from  the  wood,  and  it  soon 
becomes  useless.  Late  in  autumn,  if  the  weather  is  fine,  I 
oonsider  is  the  beBt  time  for  all  such  work,  as  putty  and  paint 
dry  more  slowly,  but  more  firmly,  and  without  cracks. 

As  a  rule,  I  wish  every  trade  to  keep  to  itself  and  to  do  its 
Own  work,  and  then  generally  the  work  will  be  better  done. 
But  in  many  places  there  is  often  much  rough  work  of  this 
kind,  which,  if  done  at  all,  must  be  done  by  the  garden  men  at 
the  most  suitable  time,  and  when  the  glass,  however  bad,  cannot 
be  spared  in  quantity  sufficient  to  keep  painters  regularly  at 
work.  I  lately  saw,  if  something  were  not  done,  the  winds  and 
moving  the  sashes  would  throw  out  the  glass  from  want  of 
fastening.  I  have  a  lot  of  old  sashes  that  have  been  useful  for 
many  years  for  laying  over  earth  pits,  aud  which  I  was  allowed 
to  keep  on  the  clear  understanding  that  they  were  never  to 
involve  a  glazier's  or  a  painter's  bill.     In  doing  si  nilar  work 


I  had  this  great  advantage  over  tradesmen,  that  my  men  could 
work  out  of  doors  only  when  the  weather  was  suitable,  though 
I  had  taken  the  precaution  to  have  many  of  the  worst  BaShes 
washed  and  brought  under  cover  before  the  rains  came  on. 

Many  people  think  that  anybody  can  handle  a  putty-knife  or 
a  paint-brush,  just  as  they  imagine  that  anyone  can  without 
trouble  master  all  the  details  of  gardening.  There  are  others 
who  wish  to  help  themselves  and  yet  feel  no  Buch  confidence, 
and  to  them  the  following  simple  piactical  details  may  be 
useful. 

Before  painting  it  is  important  that  glass  and  woodwork 
should  be  clean,  even  if  a  good  washing  should  be  necessary. 
In  replacing  even  a  square  or  two  of  broken  glass,  the  old  putty 
should  be  cleanly  cut  out,  and  a  little  thin  paint  run  along  the 
rest  of  the  sashbar  before  the  putty  is  bedded,  allowing  the 
paint  to  dry  a  little.  With  regard  to  moveable  sashes  in  bad 
order,  where  the  putty  has  mostly  perished,  it  is  often  not 
possible  to  wash  both  sides  of  the  glass  without  the  squares 
falling  out  and  being  broken.  It  is  then  beBt  to  clear  away  all 
the  loose  putty,  take  out  all  the  glass  thus  loose,  wash  it  in  a 
pail,  and  set  it  to  dry.  Wash  the  sash  then,  cut  out  aH  the 
putty  at  all  gone,  leaving  only  what  is  hard  and  firm,  and  when 
the  wood  is  dry  run  a  paint-brush  along  the  sides  of  the  bars, 
and  in  less  than  a  day  it  will  generally  be  fit  for  glazing.  In 
all  reglazing  this  thin  coat  of  paint  on  the  sides  and  rest  of  the 
sashbar  is  of  great  importance,  as  the  putty  is  thus  more  firmly 
joined  to  the  wood.  This  is  often  neglected.  Even  in  glazing 
new  sashes  I  would  rather  have  the  paint  under  instead  of 
over-dried. 

Then  as  to  putty.  Tbe  best  is  made  of  the  best  linseed  oil 
and  the  best  ground  whiting,  and  the  longer  it  is  made,  and 
turned,  and  sweated  in  a  heap,  the  better  it  will  be.  For  common 
purposes  it  is  best  to  purchase  it  by  the  hundredweight.  I 
prefer  it  stiff  instead  of  soft.  When  it  becomes  rather  stiff  for 
working,  it  is  better  to  beat  it  and  work  it  well  instead  of  adding 
more  oil  to  it.  When  warmed  by  beating  and  kneading  it 
works  well  and  smoothly  with  the  knife,  and  there  is  little  or 
no  sticking  to  the  fingers,  and,  what  is  better,  the  putty  sets 
well  and  dries  more  quickly  and  regularly  than  if  softened  with 
more  oil.  For  certain  purposes  I  have  had  a  little  white  lead 
mixed  with  the  putty  ;  but  though  tbis  makes  it  harder,  there 
are  two  inconveniences  attending  it — firBt,  it  is  more  apt  to 
crack  than  good  wrought  putty  alone  ;  and  then,  again,  if  you 
have  to  move  it  afterwards,  there  is  much  more  trouble  in 
hacking  it  out.  A  good  labourer  soon  learns  to  place  the  putty 
well  a'id  leave  it  smooth  with  the  putty-knife,  whilst  the  base 
must  never  go  beyond  the  rest  for  the  glass  on  the  sashbar. 

The  lasting  of  the  putty  greatly  depends  on  giving  it  and  the 
wood  one  or  more  coats  of  painting  as  soon  aB  the  putty  is 
sufficiently  dry.  If  there  are  many  sashes  to  do,  by  the  time 
the  last  is  glazed  the  first  will  be  ready  to  paint.  This  time 
two  years  ago  I  had  a  large  job,  and,  if  not  done,  I  should  have 
expected  the  glass  to  have  been  everywhere  after  a  windy  night. 
I  could  do  no  more  than  give  one  coat  of  paint  over  the  putty, 
but  for  the  two  years  it  has  seemed  as  sound  as  a  piece  of  wood. 
Observing,  however,  a  few  small  cracks  the  other  day.  I  have 
just  run  a  paint-brush  over  it  after  washing  the  sashbars  down, 
and  that  will  keep  all  sound  and  secure. 

After  several  years  the  atmosphere  robs  the  paint  of  its  pre- 
servative virtues,  and  this  is  one  reason  why  I  advocate  one  coat 
a-year  instead  of  several  coats  after  the  mischief  iB  done.  Then 
as  to  paint.  Nothing  is  better  than  white  lead  and  oil,  though 
it  is  next  to  impossible  to  get  white  lead  genuine.  The  whiter 
the  paint  the  more  lasting  it  will  be,  if  the  lead  is  near  the 
mark ;  but  the  whiter  it  is  the  more  easily  is  it  sullied,  and 
therefore  it  is  often  desirable  to  tone  it  down  a  little  to  a  light 
stone  colour.  For  outside  work  I  think  it  is  a  good  plan  t 
nse  a  portion  of  anticorrosion  with  the  paint.  1  imagine  it 
stands  better  than  paint  alone  or  anticorrosion  alone.  I  should 
not  advocate  anticorrosion  for  inside  work,  or  where  the  paint 
was  to  be  subjected  to  much  washing,  as  then  lead  paint  is 
smoother,  and  stands  the  cloth  or  the  brush  better.  For 
orchard-house  work  it  would  do  either  inside  or  outside.  The 
very  roughness  outside  makes  it  more  enduring.  It  is  thus 
less  influenced  by  heat  and  cold  than  a  smooth  surface,  just 
like  a  piece  of  rough-surfaced  ground  contrasted  with  one  that 
is  smooth  and  firm.  A  number  of  years  ago  I  painted  two 
posts  with  stone-coloured  lead-oil  paint  in  the  usual  way,  but 
whilst  one  was  wet  I  threw  over  it  as  much  fine  light-coloured 
sand  as  it  would  take  on.  In  three  years  tho  painted  post  had 
the  paint  cracking  and  peeling ;  the  sanded  paint  did  not  exhibit 
a  flaw  after  four  years,  but  looked  more  like  stone  than  wood 


326 


JOUBNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  27, 1870. 


Had  I  much  to  do  with  antioorroBioii  paint,  from  all  I  have 
seen  and  learned  I  would  apply  for  Carson's  antioorrosion, 
which  is  to  be  had  of  all  shades  of  colour. 

The  very  best  paint  I  have  seen  for  standing  was  made  of 
zinc  and  oil.  I  have  heard  little  of  it  of  late.  One  thing 
against  it  was,  it  strained  the  wrists  and  arms  of  the  painters  in 
wielding  the  brush,  as  it  worked  so  stiffly.  The  antioorrosion 
paint,  even  if  good,  is  easily  put  on  ;  but  there  is  a  precau- 
tion to  be  taken  when  it  is  used  by  itself  or  in  conjunction 
with  lead  paint,  and  that  is  not  to  have  too  much  in  the  paint- 
pot  at  a  time,  and  to  stir  it  frequently  with  a  stick.  For 
reasons  assigned  above,  for  clean  dry  walls  and  woodwork  out 
of  doors  I  would  prefer  antioorrosion  to  lead  paint.  I  will 
add  one  more  caution  to  the  inexperienced  as  respects  garden 
sashes,  and  that  is  to  use  a  small  brush  for  the  putty  part  of 
the  sashbars,  and,  if  new,  to  tie  it  firmly  across  about  1  inch 
or  less  from  the  point,  to  prevent  the  paint  going  on  the  glass. 
Even  with  that  care  it  will  be  well  to  have  a  soft  rag  to  wipe  eff 
any  little  drop  that  may  get  there.  Be  very  careful,  especially 
with  all  lead  paints,  that  none  is  allowed  to  get  in  and  remain 
about  the  finger-nails. 

Some  of  your  readers  may  say,  Why  all  this  to-do  about  putty- 
ing and  painting,  when,  by  using  metal  that  cannot  rust,  and 
grooves  or  packing  for  glass,  there  will  be  no  need  for  paint  or 
putty  ?  Why,  indeed,  If  all  who  take  a  pride  in  their  gardens, 
and  would  rather  see  their  garden  frames  and  sashes  neat  and 
serviceable,  instead  of  little  better  than  sieves,  for  keeping  out 
water — if  all  such  could  at  once  adopt  such  new  improvements. 
With  every  wish  for  improvements,  a  good  many  of  us  must 
make  the  best  of  very  common,  rather  unsuitable  materials  ; 
and  if  the  best  is  made  of  them,  the  results  are  often  anything 
but  despicable.  Sometime  ago  a  great  lover  of  Auriculas  was 
sadly  vexed  that  some  of  his  best  plants  damped  so  in  winter, 
though  he  had  them  near  the  glass  in  a  nice  two-light  box, 
in  which  not  a  single  square  was  broken,  and  air  waB  given 
freely  back  and  front.  The  fquares,  like  a  good  many  old- 
fashioned  lights,  were  rather  small,  but  that  was  not  the  cause 
of  the  mischief.  Though  the  glass  stood  better  than  could  be 
expected,  the  putty  was  nearly  gone,  and  the  rest  loose  at  the 
eashbar,  and  at  every  drizzling  rain  or  even  very  heavy  dew 
there  was  drip  all  along  the  saBhbars  over  the  favourite  plants 
beneath,  one  of  those  things  of  which  the  Auricula  is  particu- 
larly impatient.  I  could  call  to  mind  many  instances  where 
Pines  have  been  spoiled  and  late  Grapes  damped  from  the  drip 
from  wasted  putty  ;  and  whilst  such  glazing  exists  means  mutt 
be  taken  to  stop  such  dripping  and  secure  the  glass.  I  have 
omitted  to  say  that  moveable  Bashes  can  be  best  painted  when 
off,  two  men  to  a  sash,  and  the  sash  set  up  on  its  Bide,  so  that 
one  side  of  the  saBhbars  can  all  be  painted,  and  then  the  under 
side  of  the  sash  placed  at  the  top  side,  so  as  to  paint  the  other 
side  of  the  bars.  The  work  oan  thus  be  done  much  more 
quickly. 

Washing  glass,  woodwork,  and  walls  is  a  great  job  with  us  in 
the  end  of  October  and  the  beginning  of  November.  A  little 
dullness  of  the  glass  is  often  desirable  in  summer  where  regular 
shading  is  not  forthcoming.  I  use  little  shading  but  whiting 
put  on  for  temporary  purposes,  as  mere  whitened  water,  or 
mixed  with  milk  and  size  when  I  wish  it  to  be  more  perma- 
nent. This  whiting  does  no  harm  to  paint  or  putty ;  but 
some  use  lime  instead,  and  if  that  is  at  all  quick  it  will  injure 
both.  All  these,  and  all  dullness  and  green  spots  in  glaBs,  it  is 
desirable  to  get  rid  of  before  the  dark  days  of  winter  are  on  us  ; 
then  the  glass  cannot  be  too  olean. 

For  outside  washing  I  find  nothing  better  that  clear  soft 
water,  heated  a  little  if  the  weather  is  cold.  The  same  does 
very  well,  or  weak  soap  water,  for  the  inside  of  sashes  in  places 
where  no  artificial  heat  has  been  used,  and  where  no  insects 
have  appeared.  In  the  case  of  sashes  over  pits,  frames,  &c, 
or  over  houses,  where  we  cannot  move  them,  and  where  the 
leaBt  trace  of  green  fly,  thrips,  or  red  spider  has  appeared 
during  the  summer,  I  like  to  syringe  the  whole  well  with  water 
at  about  180",  and  if  soap  is  dissolved  in  it  at  the  rate  of  not 
more  than  1  oz.  to  three  or  four  gallons  all  the  better.  There 
is  not  a  cranny  in  sashbars,  rafters,  stages,  back  walls,  Sea., 
but  forms  a  good  nest  for  the  eggs  of  insects.  Much  of  security 
from  insects  in  a  following  year  will  depend  on  all  these  little 
crannies  and  openings  receiving  a  good  forcible  washing  of  hot 
water.  Water  at  that  heat  can  be  applied  with  the  syringe,  with 
the  help  of  a  thick  cloth  over  the  syriDge,  so  that  the  left  hand 
can  hold  it  freely.  Of  course,  however  near  it  is,  the  water 
will  be  cooler  before  reaching  the  crannies  and  walls.  At 
such  a  temperature  deciduous  fruit  trees  that  have  lost  their 


leaves  may  be  washed  or  syringed,  and  thus  eggs  of  insects,  as 
well  as  the  insects  themselves,  may  be  destroyed.  In  lean-to 
houses,  brick  back  walls  and  plastered  walls  are  great  refuges 
for  insects  and  their  eggs,  and  such  remain  dormant  until 
the  advancing  heat  brings  them  into  active  vitality.  It  is 
better  than  nothing  to  limewash  these  walls  every  season  ;  but 
it  is  much  better  to  wash  them  well  with  hot  water  and  to 
wash  off  the  old  whitewashing  before  putting  on  the  new. 
The  fresher  the  lime  for  this  purpose  the  better  it  will  answer. 
The  whiteness  of  a  back  wall  will  in  most  cases  be  no  draw- 
back in  winter,  as  the  white  surface  will  reflect  the  light. 
Where  lime  alone  would  be  too  glaring,  it  could  be  toned  down 
a  good  deal  with  a  mixture  of  sulphur.  When  the  sashes  are 
rather  steep,  so  as  to  catch  the  rays  of  the  winter  and  spring 
sun  rather  direct,  and  tender  plants  are  grown  near  the  apex 
of  the  roof,  it  may  be  desirable  to  tone  down  the  colour  there 
considerably  more,  by  adding  a  portion  of  lamp  black,  or  even 
fine  soot,  to  the  limewash.  In  either  case  you  will  fail  to  make 
a  good  uniform  wash  unless  you  make  the  sulphur  and  the  dark 
colour  fine,  and  then  with  a  small  quantity  of  water  beat  each 
up  into  a  paste  before  mixing  with  the  limewash  ;  then  there 
will  be  no  difficulty.  Without  such  a  simple  process  of  wetting 
and  making  into  a  paste,  you  will  be  able  to  mix  neither  well  so 
as  to  get  a  uniform  homogeneous  colouring. 

Merely  as  a  matter  of  precaution  and  prevention,  I  adopt  the 
above  systems  of  washing  in  almost  every  change  of  crop,  in 
wooden  frames  or  brick  pits.  Lately  I  planted  out  strong 
Cucumber  plants  in  a  brick  pit,  but  before  doing  so,  glass, 
woodwork,  and  walls,  were  well  syringed  with  hot  water  before 
fresh  limewashing  the  walls.  In  this  pit  a  few  green  fly  had 
appeared  twice  during  the  season,  and  early  in  spring  some 
Strawberry  plants  near  the  apex  had  a  few  red  spider.  A  little 
care  now  will  often  save  much  smoking  and  washing  after- 
wards. 

There  is  another  preventive  method  I  sometimes  resort 
to,  and  that  is  burning  sulphur  in  such  pits  and  frames  when 
empty  ;  then  it  can  do  no  harm,  but  care  must  be  taken  that 
the  fumes  find  their  way  to  no  other  place  where  plants  of  any 
kind  are  growing.  Sulphur  may  also  be  burnt  in  houses  of 
deciduous  fruit  trees,  such  as  Vines  and  Peaches,  when  the 
wood  is  ripe  and  the  leaves  falling  or  removed,  but  with  great 
caution,  as  if  the  wood  is  at  all  green — not  thoroughly  ripened 
— the  sulphur  will  do  great  injury.  Even  these  fumes,  strong 
as  they  are,  will  not  kill  everything.  I  know  of  a  email  house 
thus  smoked  twice  in  order  to  destroy  the  mealy  bug,  but  on 
taking  up  some  shelves  there  the  insects  were  quite  jolly  be- 
tween the  shelf  and  the  bearerB,  though  the  interstices  were 
large  enough  to  let  the  sulphur  vapour  in.  Exposing  houses 
to  frost  would  kill  many  insects,  but  I  am  not  sure  that  the 
eggs  would  be  destroyed,  and  I  have  known  of  some  instances 
where  mealy  bug,  notwithstanding  its  love  for  a  high  tem- 
perature, has,  defended  by  its  woolly  coat,  stood  10°  below  the 
freezing-point  seemingly  uninjured.  I  ne\erknew  it  withstand 
water  near  the  boiling  point  when  forcibly  applied. 

At  this  dull  season  of  the  year  much  may  be  done  by  ensur- 
ing cleanliness,  to  act  as  a  preventive  against  insects  during 
the  coming  season,  and  thus  labour  and  expense  will  alike  be 
saved.  In  houses  with  earth  floors  an  additional  security  is 
obtained  by  scraping  away  the  surface,  and  sprinkling  with  hot 
water  before  surfacing  with  freBh  soil.— B.  Fish. 


BUER  KNOT  APPLES. 

Your  "  Constant  Eeadee,"  page  282,  is  right  when  he  says 
that  the  Burr  Knot  Apple  of  the  north  ia  a  good  kitchen  Apple, 
but  wrong  wben  he  says  that  it  does  not  resemble  the  English 
or  any  other  Paradise  stock,  and  he  forgets,  or  does  not  know, 
that  there  is  another  Burr  Knot,  a  still  nearer  relation  of  the 
Paradise,  and  which  roots  as  freely  from  truncheons  as  its 
northern  congener,  which,  I  suppose,  Dr  Hogg  did  not  think 
worthy  of  a  place  in  a  work  upon  select  sorts,  but  he  has  in 
his  "  Biitish  Pomology  "  described  bi  th  the  Burr  Knots. 

I  have  obtained  both  kinds  from  suckers  taken  from  stocks 
on  which  other  sorts  of  Apple  were  grafted,  and  alBO  several 
other  varieties  of  so-called  Paradise  stucks  ;  in  fact,  there  are 
several  sorts  ol  Apple  that  resemble  the  Burr  Knot  and 
Oslin  in  their  character,  and  that  form  roots  from  truncheons. 
Yet  I  may  say  that  the  rooting  of  Apples  from  cuttings  is  not 
a  profitable  way  of  procuring  them.  I  have  put  in  thousands 
by  way  of  experiment,  but  have  always  had  poor  success  with 
them  in  this  way,  and  as  far  as  I  know,  nurserymen  generally 
prefer  layering  to  trying  cuttiBgs.     My  own  favouiite  Paradise 


October  27,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


327 


is,  perhaps,  the  freest-rooting  Apple  known,  and  yet  it  does  not 
pay  to  strike  it  from  cuttings  in  the  usual  way,  especially  by 
truncheons.  This  last  may  be  a  good  way  for  an  amateur,  but 
will  not  pay  a  nurseryman.— John  Soott,  Mtrriott  Nurseries. 


OCTOBER  CATERPILLARS. 

Not  all  of  the  caterpillars  which  hybernate  in  onr  country 
continue  to  feed  as  long  as  leaves  remain  on  the  plants  or  trees 
to  which  they  are  attached.  Some  withdraw  from  their  food 
quite  early — that  is  to  say,  during  September,  be  the  weather 
what  it  may,  and  place  themselves  in  the  position  which  they 
intend  to  occupy  until  the  face  of  Nature  is  again  brightened 
with  new  foliage.  Amongst  these  is  the  caterpillar  of  the  ele- 
gant Geometer  called  the  Grass  Wave  (Aspilates  strigillaria), 
a  species  occurring  on  heaths  in  the  south  of  England,  and  also 
in  Ireland.  The  eggs  are  deposited  by  the  parent  moth,  which 
ia  rather  a  rapid  flyer,  on  or  near  the  common  Ling  during  July. 
The  young  caterpillars  grow  slowly  and  hybernate  before  winter 
arrives  at  the  roots  of  their  food-plaut,  feeding  again  in  April. 
When  touched  or  alarmed,  this  caterpillar  falls  from  its  posi- 
tion, and  remains  rigid  as  if  dead.  It  is  of  a  greyish-brown 
colour,  varying  in  shade,  with  paler  longitudinal  stripes  faintly 
marked.  The  whole  body  is  covered  with  minute  warts,  which 
emit  bristles;  there  are  two  humps  on  the  ninth  segment,  and 
two  of  less  size  on  the  tenth ;  on  the  last  segment  there  are 
two  points,  just  above  the  anal  claspers.  The  very  handsome 
caterpillar  of  the  Grey  Mountain  Carpet  (Larentia  ctesiata) 
might  be  found  young  in  October  by  those  who  are  still  making 
holiday  in  the  north  of  England  and  in  Scotland  ;  and  a*  the 
species  is  abundant  where  it  occurs,  the  caterpillar  should  be 
more  frequently  found  by  observers ;  and  the  plant  on  which 
it  feeds  is  not  of  difficult  growth.  At  this  time  they  are  small ; 
nor  do  they  move  until  the  spring,  resting  close  to  the  roots  of 
the  Whortleberry  or  Bilberry;  in  April  they  reascend  the  twigs, 
but  rest  in  the  day  with  the  head  downwards.  At  night  they  turn 
round  and  feed,  becoming  soon  mature.  The  body  has  a  few 
small  warts  on  each  segment ;  the  bead  is  of  an  umber-brown, 
the  general  colour  being  reddish-brown  or  olive-green,  the  skiu 
velvety;  along  the  back  there  is  a  beautiful  series  of  markings, 
arranged  on  seven  of  the  segments,  these  are  in  the  shape  of 
the  letter  V,  the  point  being  towards  the  head  ;  on  the  sides 
of  this  mark  are  four  parallel  lines  on  each  segment ;  a  fawn- 
coloured  line  runs  through  them  all,  the  remainder  of  the  V 
mark  being  filled  up  with  rose  colour  ;  the  lines  are  pale ; 
there  is  a  fold  of  the  skin  above  the  spiracles  which  is  also 
pale.  The  legs  are  semi-transparent  and  pinkish.  The  cocoon 
is  spun  up  amongst  the  twigs,  and  the  moth  comes  forth  at 
midsummer. 

In  October  we  find  on  the  common  Clematis  (Traveller's  Joy) 
the  adult  caterpillar  of  the  Small  Waved  Umber  (Phibalapteryx 
vitalbata).  This  rests,  when  not  feeding,  in  a  stick-like  position, 
and  might  easily  be  passed  by  as  an  inanimate  object ;  bnt  if 
the  plant  be  beaten  into  a  net  or  umbrella,  the  caterpillar  falls 
with  the  head  bent  downwards.  The  whole  body  is  freckled 
over  with  warts,  not  apparently  arranged  in  any  method;  the 
head  is  grey,  with  two  small  black  spots  on  the  mouth,  and 
lines  of  the  same  oolour  on  the  cheeks;  a  narrow  black  Btripe 
extends  from  the  head  to  the  tail,  which  is  interrupted  at  each 
segment;  the  body  generally  is  brown,  getting  paler  towards 
the  tail;  along  each  side  there  is  a  wrinkled  fold  of  the  skin, 
lighter  than  the  ground  colour,  and  partially  chequered  with 
dark  brown  spots.  This  caterpillar  becomes  a  chrvsalis  ere 
the  winter  sets  in;  and  the  moth,  whioh  appears  in  June,  may 
be  roused  from  the  hedges  by  day  if  these  be  beaten  near  the 
food-plant,  flying  out  usually  with  great  rapidity.  At  night  it 
visits  the  blossoms  in  Bearch  of  honey.  Abundant  in  some 
places,  and  scarce  in  others,  is  the  moth  known  as  the  Clouded 
Magpie  (Abraxas  ulmata),  and  the  caterpillar  is  to  be  found 
feeding  until  the  end  of  autumn  in  woods  on  the  yet  remaining 
leaves  of  the  Wych  Elm.  It  is  exceedingly  torpid  in  its  move- 
ments. Mr.  Greene  observes  about  its  habits  that  "  it  doeB  not' 
appear  to  thrive  in  confinement.  It  seems  to  have  the  power 
of  prodrcing  an  almost  unlimited  quantity  of  silk.  When 
disturbed  it  drops  immediately.  Give  a  tree  where  it  occurs  a 
tap  with  your  stick,  and  down  comes  a  whole  shower  of  larva?." 
The  head  and  legs  of  this  creature  are  deep  black  ;  down  the 
centre  of  the  back  runs  a  black  line,  edged  on  each  side  by  yellow. 
Beyond  this  is  another  broader  stripe  of  black,  then  a  white 
line,  then  another  black  line,  and  this  again  repeated.  All 
these  are  distinctly  defined.    J  ast  above  the  sp iracles  is  a  yellow 


stripe,  enclosing  two  black  spots  on  each  segment.  The  claspers 
and  under  surface  of  the  body  are  dull  yellow.  The  chrysalis 
ia  to  be  found  sometimes  by  digging.  Some  of  the  small 
"  looper"  caterpillars,  which  produce  the  different  species  of 
moths  commonly  called  the  "  Pugs,"  are  yet  feeding,  and  may 
even  be  found  to  the  end  of  the  month.  All  these  oaterpillars 
have  a  general  resemblance  to  each  other  in  their  style  of 
marking,  though  every  species  has  its  peculiarities,  and  the 
genus  is  also  remarkable  for  the  bright  hues  displayed  on  the 
chrysalis,  especially  as  viewed  by  a  moderate  magnifying  glass. 
What  is  known  as  the  Edinburgh  Pag  (Eupitheoia  helvetioata), 
a  species  confined  to  Scotland,  and  unknown  in  England  or  Ire- 
land, is  produced  from  caterpillars  which  may  be  found  full-fed 
about  this  time  on  the  common  Juniper.  These  individuals 
are  rather  short  and  "  stumpy,"  of  a  grass-green  colour,  the 
dark  line  running  down  the  centre  of  the  back,  which  is  tipped 
with  purple;  below  this,  on  each  file,  are  other  lines  of  a  deep 
green,  sometimes  edgtd  with  purple;  just  above  the  spiracles 
there  is  a  wavy  line  of  pale  yellow;  the  head,  which  is  slightly 
notched  on  the  crown,  is  of  a  very  deep  purple.  The  moth  i3 
on  the  wing  in  May,  and  is  very  elegantly  marked,  BurpasBing 
many  of  its  brethren  in  its  display  of  colours.  The  caterpillar 
of  the  Pimpernel  Pug  (Eupithecia  pimpinellats),  dwells  on  the 
Burnet  Saxifrage,  making  havoc  of  the  flowers  and  seeds  of 
this  plant.  There  are  two  distinct  varieties  of  this  caterpillar, 
whioh,  unlike  the  last,  is  long  and  slender.  One  form  is  green, 
with  three  purple  lines,  two  of  which  are  very  faint ;  along  the 
spiracles  a  yellowish  line,  ihe  head  and  claspers  being  purple. 
Upon  the  back  there  are  a  few  scattered  tubercles.  The  other 
variety  is  of  a  general  purple,  with  two  lines  almost  black  pass- 
ing along  each  side  of  the  body  from  head  to  tail.  Mr.  Crewe 
observes  that  these  caterpillars  seek  those  plants  in  preference 
which  grow  by  the  sides  of  hedges.  He  notes  also  that  they 
are  so  infested  with  parasitic  enemies  that  hardly  one  in  ten 
attains  its  proper  growth  and  becomes  a  chrysalis.  This  is 
placed  beneath  the  surface  of  the  earth.  There  appear  to  be 
two  broods  produced  yearly. 

The  extraordinary  caterpillar  of  the  Lobster  Moth  (Stauropns 
Fagi),  though  not  of  very  large  proportions,  may  fairly  take 
rank  as  the  most  singular  in  conformation  of  all  British  cater- 
pillars kuown  to  collectors.  The  species  derives  its  Latin  name 
from  the  Beeoh,  yet  it  seems  more  particularly  connected  with 
the  Oak  and  Birch.  It  is  rare,  occurring  only  occasionally  in  the 
south  of  England,  where  sometimes  an  entomologist,  taking  a 
survey   of   the   partially   bare   trees,    chances   to    discover    a 

I  "Lobster,"  grotesquely  perched  on  some  twig,  and  is  in  rapture 
with  his  pr-ze,  which  dies,  perhaps,  on  his  hands  thereafter, 

!  since  caterpillar-breeding  knows  many  mishaps.     When  repos- 

i  ing,  this  caterpillar  throws  back  the  bead,  and  raises  the  front 
segments  ;  the  hinder  part  of  the  body  is  also  raised,  and  bent 

'  towards  the  head.  This  is  as  large  as  the  three  segments 
behind  it ;  each  division  of  the  segments  shows  very  clearly, 
and  from  the  fifth  to  the  tenth  there  are  two  humps  on  each 
segment,  decreasing  in  size  towards  the  anal  extremity ;  on  the 
la«t  segment  there  are  two  erect  rigid  horns.  The  first  pair  of 
legs  are  of  average  size,  the  second  and  third  pair  are  of  extra- 
ordinary length.  The  colour  of  the  body  is  a  dull  brown;  there 
is  a  very  narrow  pale  stripe  down  the  centre  of  the  back,  with  a 
stripe  on  each  side  of  it  of  a  black  hue ;  there  are  numerous 
points  scattered  over  the  surface,  giving  the  caterpillar  a 
Bhagreened  appearance.  Allied  to  this  species,  as  also  belong- 
ing to  the  family  of  the  Cuspidates,  is  the  Coxcomb  Promi- 
nent (Notodonta  camelina)  which  feeds  upon  Oak,  Birch,  Nut, 
and  other  trees.  It  usually  rests  with  the  anal  extremity 
raised  from  the  surface  of  the  twig  or  leaf,  and  if  alarmed,  will 
then  throw  hack  the  head,  and  ofen  its  jaws,  remaining  in 
this  position  for  some  time.  At  tne  ta>l  of  this  caterpillar 
are  two  warts  or  protuberances,  with  pink  tips,  and  a  little 
cluster  of  bristles  proceeding  from  them,  and  there  are  scattered 
black  bristles  on  other  parts  of  the  body  The  ground  colour  is 
a  pale  green,  almost  white  on  each  side  of  a  stripe  which 
passes  down  the  back  from  the  third  segment  to  the  extremity 
of  the  body,  of  a  bluish  tint,  and  slender.  Near  the  spiracles 
there  is  a  series  of  white  spots ;  these  are  connected  by  a 
number  of  very  faint  lines.  The  legs  and  claspers  are  pinkish. 
The  cocoon  is  spun  upon  the  surface  of  the  earth,  composed  of 
a  little  silk,  mixed  with  particles  of  earth  or  dried  leaves.  A 
second  brood  of  the  Chinese  Character  (Cilex  spinula),  feeds 
upon  the  Hawthorn  in  most  of  our  hedges  in  September  and 
October.  The  caterpillar  of  the  Pale  Prominent  (Pilodontis 
palpina),  which  occurs  full  fed  now  on  Willow,  Sallow,  and 
Poplar,  unlike  many  of  its  brethren,  has  no  humps  or  hairs. 


328 


JOUBNAL  OF  HORTICULTUBE  AND  COTTAGE  GAEDENEK. 


[  October  27,  1870. 


The  head  is  email,  of  a  pale  green ;  the  body  of  the  same  colour, 
slightly  rough  with  wrinkles ;  six  slender  stripes  of  white  run 
from  head  to  tail ;  on  each  side,  above  the  spiracles,  is  a  very 
distinct  yellow  stripe  edged  with  black  ;  on  the  second  and 
third  segments  there  is  a  little  patch  of  lilac  close  to  this  stripe. 
The  cocoon,  from  the  locality  where  the  caterpillar  usually 
feeds,  is  often  placed  near  the  edge  of  some  rivulet  or  pond, 
and  the  insect  is  careful  t®  select  a  spot  as  dry  as  possible,  and 
above  the  water-level,  so  as  to  be  in  less  danger  of  being  washed 
away  in  any  overflow.  Bath  the  chrysalis  and  the  caterpillar  of 
the  Pebble  Hook-tip  (P.  falcula),  may  be  detected  on  the  Birch 
in  October  in  various  parts  of  England.  These  are  individuals 
of  the  second  brood,  producing  moths  in  May.  The  most  re- 
markable circumstance  connected  with  the  appearance  of  this 
caterpillar  is  the  variety  of  warts  which  are  arranged  along  the 
back,  some  being  small,  others  large  and  nipple-shaped  ;  from 
each  of  these  latter  there  arises  a  circle  of  short  brown  hairs, 
with  a  long  bristle  in  the  centre.  The  head  is  a  greyish-green, 
with  two  bars  on  the  crown.  The  body  generally  is  pale  green, 
with  some  purplish  markings,  part  of  these  clustering  so  as  to 
form  a  tolerably  well-defined  stripe  down  the  back. 

The  caterpillars  of  certain  of  our  Egger  moths,  which  have 
to  pass  the  winter  in  that  preliminary  Btage,  will  occasionally 
feed  through  part  of  October,  and  may  be  seen,  during  high 
winds,  crawling  with  great  rapidity  across  a  field  or  road, 
having  been  dislodged  from  their  food-plant.  The  Oak  Egger 
(Lasiocampa  Quercus),  is  produced  from  a  large  caterpillar, 
which  is  about  three-parts  grown  ere  the  close  of  autumn,  and 
then  ceases  to  feed  until  spring.  The  young  caterpillar  is 
brown,  afterwards  it  becomes  of  a  velvety  black,  though  clothed 
thickly  with  brown  hairs,  which  are  of  two  lengths.  There  is 
a  white  mark,  in  the  form  of  a  crescent,  on  the  side  of  the  third 
and  fourth  segments  ;  along  the  centre  of  the  back  there  is  an 
interrupted  white  line,  and  a  similar  one  on  each  side.  Unless 
much  annoyed,  the  caterpillar  of  the  Oak  Egger  does  not  roll 
itself  into  a  ball.  On  heaths  near  London,  and  many  other 
places,  the  caterpillar  of  the  Fox  Moth  (L.  Bubi)  is  found  in 
autumn  and  spring  ;  it  is  difficult  to  keep  through  the  winter, 
unless  it  be  placed  on  a  sod  dug  from  its  habitat.  This  much 
resembles  the  preceding,  but  the  hairs  are  more  velvety,  and 
of  a  rich  brown  ;  the  sides  appear  entirely  black.  When 
forming  its  cocoon  the  hairs  are  freely  stripped  off,  and  mingled 
with  silk ;  this  is  very  loose,  being  3  inches  or  4  inches  in 
length. — (English  Mechanic  and  World  of  Science.') 

PORTRAIT  OF  MR.   RIVERS. 

The  following  subscriptions  to  Mr.  Bivers's  portrait  have 
been  received.  We  again  repeat  that  the  whole  of  these  sub- 
scriptions are  forwarded  voluntarily  ;  and  we  trust  that  all  who 
appreciate  Mr.  Bivers  for  the  useful  work  he  has  done  will  not 
postpone  sending  their  subscriptions  in  expectation  of  a  direct 
application  being  made  to  them,  as  no  such  mode  of  solicitation 
will  be  resorted  to. 

£     s.   a. 

Journal  or  Horticulture,  Proprietors  of 5    0    0 

Fitzgerald,  Mrs.,  Shalstone,  Buckingham    1     1     0 

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Hooker,  Dr.  J.  Dalton,  C.B.,  Kew 2    2     0 

Kingsley,  Bev.  W.,  South  Kilvington  2     2    0 

Morris,  Mr.  John,  Wethersfield 1     1     0 

Newington,  Dr.,  Ticehurst 3     3     0 

Paul,  Mr.  William,  Waltham  Oross 1     1     0 

Pearson,  Mr.  John,  Chilwell 1     1     0 

Eadclyffe,  Bev.  W.  F.,  Okeford  Fitzpaine    5     0    0 

Boden,  Dr.,  Kidderminster 2    2    0 

Sparkes,  George,  Esq.,  Bromley    1     1     0 

Speed,  Mr.  Thos.,  Chatsworth  Gardens    1     1     0 

Taylor,  Mr.  T.  (Webber*  Co.),  Covent  Garden..   1     1     0 

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Wilson,  G.  F.,  Esq.,  F.B.S.,  Heatherbank 2    2    0 

Subscriptions  addressed  to  Dr.  Hogg,  99,  St.  George's  Boad, 
London,  S.W.,  will  be  promptly  acknowledged. 


ROYAL  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY'S 
GARDENERS'   EXAMINATIONS. 
The  following  are  the  results  of  the  gardeners.'  examinations 
on  July  12th:  — 

1.  G.  Haskins,  Boyal  Horticultural  Society,  Chiswiok. — 
Third-class  certificate  with  700  marks  in  Fruit  and  Vegetable 
culture,  and  second-claas  with  830  marks  in  Florioulture. 


2.  C.  Burley,  Boyal  Horticultural  Society,  Chiswick.— Third- 
class  certificate  with  570  marks  in  Fruit  and  Vegetable  culture,, 
and  second-class  with  770  marks  in  Floriculture. 

3.  W.  Mitchell,  Boyal  Horticultural  Society,  Chiswick.— Not 
passed  in  Fruit  and  Vegetable  culture,  and  second-class  with 
840  marks  in  Floriculture. 

The  examiner  in  Fruit  and  Vegetable  culture  remarks  that 
"  these  were  very  unsatisfactory  papers."  The  examiner  in 
Floriculture  remarks  that  'the  best  answers  were  those  of 
No.  2,  but  fewer  of  the  questions  were  replied  to." 


PEARS. 

Permit  me  to  make  a  few  observations  upon  the  three  Pears 
described  at  page  284— viz.,  the  Belle  Eouennaise,  Avooat 
Allard,  and  Heliote  Dundas.  Of  the  first,  it  is  said  that  it 
ripens  in  October.  I  have  grown  it  for  the  last  ten  years,  and 
have  always  found  it  ripen  in  August. 

_  Of  the  second  I  enclose  a  tracing  taken  from  a  fruit  which 
ripened  here  October  4'h.  The  fruit  this  season  is  very  small ; 
last  year  it  was  twice  the  size,  but  I  did  not  keep  a  tracing  of 
it.  Skin  lemon  yellow,  much  spotted  and  marbled  with  russet. 
Stalk  about  1  inch  long,  set  upright  in  continuation  of  the 


Avocat  Allard. 

fruit.  Eye  deeply  sunk  in  an  even  basin.  Flesh  yellowish- 
white  and  melting.  Juice  very  abundant,  rich,  spicy,  and  very 
delicious.  I  send  you  this  description,  as  I  have  never  seen 
one  of  it,  excepting  some  slight  remarks  of  M.  Liron  d'Airoles, 
in  his  "  Liste  Synonymique." 

The  third  is  Heliote  Dundas.  My  note  of  this  handsome 
fruit,  made  in  18G9,  says — delicious,  rich,  and  buttery,  but  not 
over-juicy,  ripe  October  l6t.  This  is  a  Belgian  variety,  said 
to  have  been  raised  by  Van  Mons,  and  it  seems  to  have  im- 
proved in  this  country,  as  in  Belgium  it  is  said  to  have  break- 
ing flesh,  dry,  and  gritty,  slightly  sugary,  and  without  flavour, 
with  insufficient  juice.  1869  and  1870  have  been  both  warm 
seasons,  and  here  it  has  been  good,  but  in  a  cold  or  wet  season 
it  would  be  as  it  is  in  Belgium.  It  might  be  improved  by  plant- 
ing against  a  wali. 

I  have  just  been  tasting  Doyenne  da  Cornice  from  a  Quince, 
and  General  Todtleben  from  a  Pear  stock,  both  are  extra  first- 
rate.  The  DoyennC  from  a  Pear  stock  is  as  highly  flavoured, 
but  not  half  the  size  as  from  a  Quince.— J.  Scott,  Merriott 
Nurseries.  

AGARICUS  PROCERUS. 
I  was  lately  at  an  hotel  at  Malvern,  and  finding  in  the  garden 
a  remarkably  fine  specimen  of  Agaricus  procerus,  I  directed 
the  waiter  to  have  it  cooked.  In  a  short  time  he  returned  to 
inform  me  that  it  was  poison  ;  next,  a  message  came  from  the 
French  cook  repeating  the  same  tale ;  and  before  I  could  get 
it  broiled,  I  had  a  third  remonstrance.  The  number  of  my 
room  was  asked,  so  that  if  a  body  had  been  found  there  in  the 
morning  it  would  have  been  identified.  I  need  not  add  that 
the  fungus  was  delicious,  and  that,  much  to  the  astonishment 


October  !7,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


329 


of  the  waiters,  I  survived  the  dish.     I  will  not  say,  as  Swift 
would  have  done — 

•'  They'd  rather  have  that  I  should  die, 
Than  their  predictions  prove  a  lie." 

But  though  I  recommend  my  readers  to  eat  Agaricus  pro- 
cerus when  they  are  lucky  enough  to  get  hold  of  it,  yet  I  do 
not  recommend  them  to  do  so  at  an  inn,  for,  on  second  thoughts, 
I  did  wroDg  in  having  the  fungus  cooked  there.  It  might  have 
happened  that  I  was  taken  ill  from  some  cause  quite  uncon- 
nected with  the  banquet,  but  the  landlord  would  certainly  have 
been  accused  by  the  public  of  having  served  up  poisonous 
Mushrooms  to  a  guest.     Scandalous  rumours  find  ready  belief. 

This  autumn  I  have  eaten  with  much  pleasure  Agaricus 
comatus  in  its  young  state,  while  the  gills  were  still  white 
— G.  S.  

FRUIT  TREE  NAMING. 

In  the  first  notice  to  correspondents,  page  251,  the  Editors 
prefer  a  well-grounded  complaint.  They  had  received,  for  the 
purpose  of  giving  names,  no  less  than  three  baskets  of  Apples, 
respectively  containing  twenty-nine,  twenty-three,  and  seven- 
teen sorts.  Imagine  a  person  sending  twenty-nine  Apples  at 
one  time  !  Who  is  to  blame  for  such  a  proceeding  ?  I  moBt 
unhesitatingly  affirm  provincial  nurserymen  and  gardeners. 
And  why  ?  many  of  them  will  be  apt  to  exclaim.  The  follow- 
ing, I  hope,  will  serve  to  show. 

First,  as  to  gardeners.  When  fruit  trees  are  received  from  a 
nursery  the  tallies  attached  to  them  are  of  the  slimmest  descrip- 
tion, being  made  of  a  narrow  strip  of  wood  tied  to  a  stem  or  a 
branch  by  a  small  piece  of  string.  The  wood  decays,  the  string 
rots,  the  tally  disappears ;  it  has  dropped  to  the  ground,  and 
been  either  dug  into  the  soil  or  raked  off  with  the  leaves  and 
weeds  to  the  rubbish  heap  :  or,  if  by  good  fortune  it  may  have 
been  refastened,  it  has  only  been  to  escape  its  ultimate  fate  by 
a  season,  or  to  hang  on  the  tree  till  it  becomes  undecipherable. 
Nurserymen's  tallies  ought  to  be  regarded  as  merely  temporary, 
to  be  replaced  by  a  durable  article  at  the  earliest  convenience. 
An  excellent  material  is  zinc,  possessing  lightness,  cheapness, 
and  durability.  Let  the  name  be  written  with  indelible  ink  (say 
Yeats's),  by  a  quill,  and  the  label  suspended  from  the  tree  by 
copper  or  lead  wire,  and  it  will  last  for  generations.  At  the 
pruning  or  fruit-gathering  seasons,  a  glance  will  show  whether 
the  wire  is  cutting  the  bark  or  not ;  then  a  minute  or  two, 
owing  to  the  pliability  of  the  wire,  will  suffice  to  rectify  the 
matter  ;  or,  as  recommended  by  Mr.  Rivers,  the  names,  in  the 
case  of  wall  trees,  could  be  nailed  to  the  walls,  either  above  or 
beside  the  trees.  I  know  one  garden  where  this  is  practised  ; 
the  names  being  on  a  level  with  the  eye,  and  painted  in  letterB 
sufficiently  large  that  one  passing  along  the  walk  can  read  at  a 
glance. 

Another  method  is  occasionally  adopted  by  some  gardeners, 
but  to  it  there  are  grave  objections.  The  names  of  the  trees 
are  written  in  a  book  in  the  same  order  as  they  are  planted, 
but  the  book  is  looked  upon  as  private  property,  and  the  gar- 
dener when  leaving  the  place  takes  the  book  with  him.  How, 
then,  is  his  successor  to  learn  the  names  of  his  Apples  or 
Pears  ?  for  remember,  pomological  knowledge  is  not  so  very  ex- 
tensively disseminated  that  the  general  run  of  gardeners  know 
a  great  variety  of  fruits.  Either  he  must  be  obliged  to  his 
neighbours  and  thus  betray  his  ignorance,  or  not  wishing  to 
remain  in  ignorance,  and  yet  willing  that  his  neighbours  should 
consider  him  well  posted  in  fruit  lore,  he  sends  a  basket  of 
sorts  to  the  Editors  of  the  "  Journal." 

One  advantage  of  suspending  the  tallies  is,  that  both  head 
and  under  gardeners  soon  almost  unconsciously  acquire  a 
knowledge  of  the  sorts  grown  about  the  place.  When  nailing 
and  pruning  in  winter  and  spring,  they  cannot  but  notice  the 
differences  among  the  sorts  in  habit  of  growth,  stnrdiness, 
weakness,  short-jointedness,  or  otherwise  of  branch,  &c. ;  also 
in  summer,  when  weeding  and  raking  the  ground  beside  the 
trees,  and  pinching  the  shoots,  they  will  have  excellent  oppor- 
tunities for  comparing  the  leaves  and  young  Bhoots,  and  above 
all,  the  fruit  will  be  an  absorbing  source  of  interest  as  it  gradu- 
ally approaches  maturity.  Now  for  a  case  in  point.  I  called  on 
a  gardener  of  my  acquaintance  about  three  weeks  ago  to  see  a 
number  of  pyramidal  Apple  trees  on  the  Paradise  stock — a 
method  of  growing  trees  in  which  so  many  people  are  now  be- 
coming interested.  Before  seeing  the  trees  he  took  me  into  his 
fruit  room  to  show  me  thoir  produce,  which  had  been  gathered 
a  few  days  previously.  Two  sorts  in  particular  struck  my 
fancy,  and,  on  asking  the  names,  judge  of  my  surprise  when  ha 


confessed  he  did  not  know  them.  This  was  the  more  repre- 
hensible, as  the  trees  were  planted  about  three  years  ago,  if  not 
by  his  own  hands,  at  least  under  his  immediate  superintend- 
ence. Had  the  names  been  suspended  permanently  from  the 
trees,  would  I  have  gone  without  the  desired  information  ?  I 
believe  not.  I  am  unable  consequently  to  add  trees  of  the 
same  kind  to  my  collection. 

Now  I  come  to  the  second  part  of  the  indictment,  involving  a 
certain  class  of  nurserymen.  The  practice  some  of  them  adopt 
to  obtain  grafts  of  fruit  trees  is  far  from  conducive  to  correct 
naming.  The  foreman,  or  even  one  of  the  under  hands,  as  he 
can  often  be  better  spared,  is  dispatched  to  Borne  gardening 
friend  for  a  quantity  of  grafts.  Whatever  name  is  given  is  of 
course  affixed  to  the  young  trees  without  much  inquiry  as  to  its 
correctness,  nor  is  it  difficult  to  understand  that,  in  many  in- 
stances, the  name  is  only  supposed  to  be  correot,  though  in 
reality  not  so.  Such  trees  when  sold  contribute  to  extend  the 
evil  complained  of.  Very  few  such  nurserymen  plant  out  a  tree 
of  each  sort  specially  fur  fruiting,  with  an  eye  to  prove  the 
correctness  of  the  nomenclature  ;  and  such  sorts  as  do  set  fruit 
in  the  nursery  quarters  have  the  fruit  taken  off  at  an  early 
stage,  because,  as  say  the  nurserymen,  "  we  require  to  grow 
wood,  not  fruit." 

I  was  supplied  early  last  spring  with  about  twenty  young 
Apple  trees  on  the  Paradise  stock  by  a  local  nurseryman.  Four 
of  them  fruited,  of  these  one  has  proved  to  be  wrong.  If  the 
sumo  proportion  of  the  others  turn  out  incorrectly  named,  I 
will  probably  be  under  the  necessity  of  troubling  the  Editors  of 
the  "  Journal  "  to  name  some  day  a  batch  of  five  Apples.  The 
above  does  not  apply  to  the  greater  nurserymen,  who,  as  a  class, 
I  urn  proud  to  say,  would  rather  burn  their  trees  than  dispose 
of  a  single  one  which  they  are  not  certain  to  be  correct  to 
name. — A.  R. 


DALKEITH  PALACE  GARDENS. 

Edixpurgh,  like  London,  has  its  suburban  residences,  not 
modern  ones  only,  but  also  those  of  more  ancient  date,  origin- 
ally built  for  and  occupied  by  the  nobles,  whose  duty  or  interest 
called  them  to  the  metropolis  ;  and  the  situations  of  many  such 
residences  are  so  judiciously  chosen  as  to  prove  that  good  taste 
was  by  no  means  disregarded,  but  other  considerations  often 
determined  the  site.  The  turbulence  of  the  times  rendered  it 
necessary  to  make  every  home  of  any  pretensions  a  sort  of 
fortress ;  and  then  inaccessible  rocks,  or  sites  by  the  coast 
or  by  the  side  of  some  stream  that  could  be  turned  to  good 
account  to  keep  out  an  enemy,  too  often  tempted  the  builder 
to  disregard  the  position  we  now  call  beautiful,  or  what  those 
of  the  last  century  would  call  useful ;  nevertheless,  in  some 
instances  good  sense  did  exercise  its  rights,  and  spots  lovely  in 
themselves,  and  commanding  views  of  others  equally  so,  were 
chosen  as  the  sites  of  mansions  or  castles.  In  these  cases  the 
occupier  at  the  present  peaceful  time  has  the  advantage  of 
inhabiting  an  historical  place  without  the  inconveniences  such 
a  residence  often  entails. 

Dalkeith  Palace,  the  noble  seat  of  the  Duke  of  Buccleuch, 
occupies  a  position  near  enough  the  northern  metropolis  to  be 
of  easy  access  before  the  days  of  McAdam,  not  to  speak  of  his 
still  more  rapid-travelling  successor  George  Stephenson,  and  is 
one  of  those  massive  piles  of  masonry  which  strike  the  beholder 
with  respect  more  by  their  magnitude  than  by  any  especial 
merit  in  the  style  of  architecture,  although  in  this  instance  the 
latter  is  not  without  its  claims  to  notice.  Perhaps,  however, 
the  most  remarkable  feature  is  the  fine  site  which  the  mansion 
occupies — sufficiently  high  to  command  a  good  view  of  the 
country  without  being  so  high  as  to  be  bleak.  Higher  ground 
is  to  be  found  in  the  rear,  and  the  luxuriant  trees  around 
it  give  sufficient  shelter ;  whilst  perhaps  the  finest  of  the 
adjuncts  is  the  river  Esk,  which  flows  past  it,  and  is  almost 
within  a  stone's  throw  of  one  of  its  fronts.  The  river,  which  I 
believe  higher  up  is  applied  to  some  of  the  purposes  of  industry 
for  which  the  town  of  Dalkeith  is  noted,  flows  through  a  park 
of  great  beauty  and  variety  ;  and  near  the  mansion  its  banks, 
especially  those  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  Palace,  are  suffi- 
ciently steep  and  nictureFque,'  but  they  are  richly  clothed  with 
foliage ;  and  the  general  character  of  the  district  is  smiling, 
and  exhibits  none  of  those  rugged  outlines  which,  however 
beautiful  in  a  bright  summer's  day,  convey  but  dreary  notions 
of  comfort  in  midwinter.  The  Esk  at  this  particular  place 
paeBes  through  a  fine  undulating  country,  and  in  its  course 
through  the  park  adds  materially  to  the  general  effect.  A 
bridge  over  the  river  at  a  short  distance  from  the  Palace  looks 


330 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  Ootober  27, 1871). 


remarkably  well,  and  gives  access  to  the  grounds  on  the  oppo- 
site side,  on  whioh  the  gardens,  the  subject  of  the  present 
paper,  are  placed.  A  carriage  road  from  the  highway  and 
town  of  Dalkeith  leads  in  another  direction,  while  suirounding 
the  noble  pile  grounds  are  judiciously  laid  out  in  that  style  of 
natural  ease  becoming  a  place  where  so  much  of  rural  comfort 
is  united.  No  cutting  up  the  lawn  into  petty  insignifioant 
flower  beds,  where  the  occupants  could  be  easily  guessed  at 
as  so  many  dozen,  but  large  open  spaces,  intersected  by  corre- 
sponding masseB  of  shrubs  and  trees,  the  whole  being  remark- 
ably well  kept.  One  side  of  the  grounds  slopes  down  to  the 
river  by  a  natural  and  agreeable  incline  of  50  or  80  feet ;  while 
on  the  opposite  side  is  the  carriage  entrance  and  a  fine  lawn, 
sufficiently  extensive  to  exercise  a  battalion  of  infantry,  yet  it 
is  machine-mowed.  Some  fine  trees  form  the  boundary  of  this 
open  lawn,  and  join  with  others  flanking  the  river.  Turning 
one's  eyes  in  another  direction  one  sees  still  •nobler  trees  oloth- 
ing  the  opposite  bank  of  the  river  ;  and  as  the  garden  is  in 
that  direction,  I  crossed  by  the  bridge  and  passed  along  the  walk 
which  intersects  the  woody  ravine,  noticing  here  and  there  Oaks 
and  Silver  Firs  towering  above  Bbrubs  of  various  kinds,  which 
have  been  planted  to  assist  the  undergrowth,  while  on  the  rocky 
eminences  grow  Ferns  and  other  graceful  plants.  On  ascend- 
ing the  hill,  after  a  walk  of  some  distance,  one  finds  himself 
in  the  vicinity  of  the  gardens,  whence  Mr.  William  Thomson 
has  at  various  times  sent  forth  such  examples  of  skill ;  and 
from  what  I  saw,  there  seems  to  be  no  reason  to  expect  that 
such  will  cease. 


Large,  noble,  and  exceedingly  well  managed  as  the  garden 
is,  there  is  one  thing  wanting  to  give  it  that  imposing  appear- 
ance whioh  it  ought  to  have,  and  that  is  a  suitable  approach — 
an  approach  which  would  convey  to  the  beholder  an  adequate 
idea  of  its  vastness.  I  know  it  is  impossible  to  have  such  an 
approaoh  from  the  nature  of  the  ground,  and  it  is  also  a  fault 
to  be  found  in  most  gardens,  There  are  few  places  where  the 
kitchen  garden  and  forcing  department  have  a  sufficient  air  of 
dignity  and  compactness,  the  cause  of  this  too  often  being  that 
the  place  has  been  added  to  from  time  to  time,  and  an  incon- 
gruous whole  is  the  result.  Perhaps  one  of  the  best  examples 
of  a  contrary  desciiption  is  the  garden  at  Belvoir  Castle,  Lei- 
cestershire. But  it  must  not  for  one  moment  be  supposed  that 
I  say  the  garden  at  Dalkeith  presents  a  want  of  uniformity  or 
design  :  on  the  contrary,  it  is  in  this  respect  one  of  the  best  I 
know,  but  being  placed  somewhat  higb,  and  there  being  no 
higher  ground  commanding  it,  the  various  ranges  of  houses 
and  pits,  and  the  brilliant  flower  borders  and  other  fine  adjuncts, 
could  not  at  one  view  give  an  idea  of  the  grandeur  which  it 
actually  possesses.  I  will,  therefore,  take  it  in  detail,  and, 
whilst  surprised  at  its  treasures,  perhaps  one  cannot  regret 
being  unable  to  see  the  outline  of  the  whole  at  once. 

I  have  said  the  character  of  the  country  about  Dalkeith  is 
somewhat  hilly,  and  the  kitchen  garden  and  its  appurtenances, 
including,  by-the-by,  a  large  space  of  dressed  ground,  occupy  a 
plot  of  tableland  or  terrace,  the  garden  part  being  level,  or 
nearly  so.  The  principal  kitchen  garden,  a  parallelogram,  is 
situated  about  the  centre  of  this  plateau,  while  to  the  north  there 


Fig.  1. 

1   Lobelia  speciosa,  with  a  single  plant  of  Centnnrea  candidisBima  in  the  I  8,  Gnzania  splendens,  with  an  edging  of  CeraBtium  on  the  straight  side 
'     centre.  2,  hcarlet  Geranium.  |     .    next  the  main  walk. 


is  a  similar  space  nearly  as  large,  almost  entirely  covered  with 
glass  structures.  Another  garden,  with  plass  against  the  south 
wail,  waB  southwards  of  the  main  kitchen  garden,  and  to  the 
south,  again ,  a  Rose  arbour  divided  this  plot  from  a  lawn  occupied 
by  some  thriving  Conifers.  Still  farther  to  the  Boutb,  and  on 
what  may  be  called  the  edge  of  the  terrace  sloping  to  the  Bouth, 
was  an  orchard  of  mixed  fruits,  while  a  large  plot  of  kitchen 
garden  extended  along  the  west  side  of  the  whole,  enriched 
with  tastefully-arranged  flower  borders ;  and  on  the  eaBt, 
which  may  be  called  the  approach  side,  a  large  extent  of  lawn 
extended  over  the  edge  of  the  hill  facing  the  river,  and  com- 
municated with  circuitous  walks  leading  to  the  Palace.  The 
whole  may  be  summed  up  as  comprising  three  or  four  parallel- 
ograms of  equal  length  adjoining  each  other,  with  their  long 
sides  to  the  south,  their  surroundings  on  the  west  and  south 
sides  being  kitchen  garden,  reserve  ground,  and  orchard  ;  while 
on  the  east  side  is  a  large  plot  of  dressed  ground,  with  flower 
borders,  &e.,  the  lawn  extending  a  considerable  distance  down 
the  hill  until  it  meets  the  wood  fringing  the  liver  Esk.  Taking, 
therefore,  these  compartments  in  rotation,  I  will  begin  with  the 
northern  one,  which,  as  stated  above,  is  moBtly  covered  with 
glass.  ...  , 

In  a  garden  so  renowned  for  its  forcing  it  may  be  supposed 


that  an  extensive  area  of  glass  is  devoted  to  each  particular 
purpose,  and  that  nothing  in  the  way  of  crowding  would  occur  ; 
but  I  have  no  doubt  that  those  who  have  the  privilege  of  seeing 
these  houses  in  winter  or  early  in  spring  will  see  every  inch 
of  them  as  full  as  smaller  houses  usually  are.  Of  course,  in  the 
fine  hot  weather  of  the  early  part  of  September  only  the  per- 
manent occupants  of  these  houses  were  in  their  places,  with  the 
exception  of  things  that  were  being  prepared  for  other  pur- 
poses, and  these  were  numerous  enough.  But  it  is  better  to 
describe  the  outline  of  the  houses  first,  and  then  their  contents. 
Unfortunately  I  did  not  take  such  careful  notes  as  I  ought  to 
have  done,  but  I  may  remark  that  in  general  the  houses  were 
large,  or  rather  long,  and  being  arranged  not  unlike  the  streets 
of  a  town  newly  laid-out,  their  appearance  from  the  high  ground 
to  the  south-west  was  imposing,  some  lean-to  vineries  occupy- 
ing the  north  wall,  with  a  central  house  of  another  description 
undergoing  alteration  at  the  time  I  was  there;  while  on  the 
south  side  of  theBe  was  a  row  of  Pine  pits,  or  rather  houses, 
for  there  was  a  path  inside  of  them.  These  pits  had  a  short 
north  light  over  the  pathway,  as  will  be  desoribed  hereafter. 
Another  row  of  pits  of  the  ordinary  description  ran  in  front  of 
them  ;  then  again  another  tier  of  lean-to  houses,  lower  than 
the  back  ones,  and  another  row  of  pits,  the  whole  presenting  a 


October  27,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


33X 


mass  of  Rises  rarely  to  be  met  with.  I  may  add  that  there 
was  ample  space  lor  the  Vice  borders,  paths,  and  other  re- 
quirements, and  that  all  was  in  good  order,  and  well  arranged. 

As  it  is  unnecessary  to  describe  the  contents  of  each  house 
individually,  an  outline  of  some  of  the  most  important  may 
be  given.  I  will  first  take  a  late  vinery,  110  feet  long  by 
11  feet  wide,  with  a  high  back  wall,  giving,  consequently,  a 
steep  roof,  which  Mr.  Thomson  regards  as  the  best  for  a  late 
houBe,  as  insuring  greater  dryness  than  roofs  of  lower  pitch. 
A  large  portion  of  it  was  planted  with  Lady  Downe's  Grape  in 
most  excellent  condition,  the  berries  large  and  well  swelled  out, 
and  the  bunches  compact.  West's  St.  Peter's  was  also  good, 
though  not  so  promising  as  Lady  Downe's.  A  large  white 
Grape,  not  much  grown  in  England,  also  looked  well.  Its 
name  is  Calabrian  Raisin,  and  it  partakes  somewhat  of  the 
character  of  the  Syrian.  There  were  several  examples  of  it 
at  the  Edinburgh  International  Show,  and  its  merits  as  a  late- 
keeping  Grape  were  much  spoken  of.  I  did  not  recollect  seeing 
the  Alicante,  but  undoubtedly  it  was  there.  Mr.  Thomson  had 
also  some  novelties  in  this  house,  of  which  I  trust  to  hear 
something  hereafter.  Among  them  were  some  seedlings  of 
great  promise,  one  especially  of  that  peculiar  rich  flavour  so 
much  sought  after,  and  another  promised  to  attain  an  unusual 
size.  Other  Grapes  of  well-known  kinds  were  also  grown,  and 
all  were  good. 

In  another  house  of  still  larger  dimensions  than  the  last- 
named  were  very  good  Muscats,  well  ripened  and  finished  off, 


although  the  Vines  had  only  been  planted  about  twenty  months, 
both  the  house  and  borders  having  been  renewed.  In  this 
house  most  of  the  varieties  of  Muscats  were  to  be  seen,  with 
other  novelties,  but  the  sort  respecting  which  most  likely 
inquiries  will  be  made  is  Duchoss  of  Bncclencb,  which,  as  your 
readers  are  aware,  is  a  white  Grape.  There  has  been  some 
difference  of  opinion  regarding  it,  but  having  seen  it  at  Archer- 
field  and  Floors  Castle,  as  well  as  at  Dalkeith,  I  may  safely 
say  much  that  has  been  said  against  it  is  wrong.  True  it  is 
not  a  showy  Grape,  and  I  hardly  expect  it  will  be  a  favourite  on 
the  exhibition-table,  but  for  the  dessert,  I  am  told,  it  stands 
pre-eminent,  being  regarded  superior  to  the  Muscat,  and  in  the 
opinion  of  some  gardeners  of  high  standing,  who,  like  myself, 
tasted  them  both  at  the  same  time,  the  palm  of  merit  on  the 
score  of  flavour  was  due  to  the  Dachess,  which  seemed  to 
have  more  of  that  rich  musky  flavour  which  Chasselas  Mueqnfi 
when  at  its  best  possesses ;  at  the  same  time  it  has  all  the 
firmness  of  flesh  of  the  Muscat.  The  Vine,  too,  seemed  to 
bear  well.  The  bunches  were  medium-aized,  and  what  I  saw 
were  compact,  showing  that  few  or  no  berries  had  been  cut  out 
after  the  usual  thinning  time.  I  cannot  agree  with  those  who 
find  fault  with  it  for  cracking,  for  I  did  not  see  aDy  berries  die- 
posed  to  do  so.  Some  writers,  I  believe,  have  found  fault  with 
it  on  that  account,  and  attributed  the  cracking  to  damp,  but 
at  Dalkeith  a  Vine  of  it  in  full  bearing  was  pointed  out  to  me 
growing  over  an  open  tank  of  water,  and  in  as  good  con- 
dition as  any  other.     It  will,  however,  I  trust  be  accurately 


Fig.  2. 


1,  Calceolaria  canadensis. 

2,  Lobelia  speciosa. 


tested  another  year  in  many  places,  and  I  have  no  doubt  that 
it  will  have  a  host  of  admirers  at  a  private  table. 

The  central  house  of  this  line  was  undergoing  some  altera- 
tions at  the  time  of  my  visit,  and  I  believe  it  was  intended  for 
plants,  and  to  present  an  ornamental  front  as  becomes  the 
central  structure  of  a  mass  of  crystal.  There  were,  I  believe, 
some  other  vineries  against  the  back  wall,  as  well  as  the  two 
above  described,  but  my  notes  are  imperfect  on  this  point; 
suffice  it  to  say  that  the  central  house  was  intended  to  be  a 
noble  one,  and  the  pits  and  other  houses  in  front  of  it  were  cut 
through,  so  as  to  allow  a  wide  pathway  to  approach  this  house, 
dividing  the  four  rows  of  pits  and  houses  in  front  of  it  into  eight 
shorter  ones.  The  next  line  to  the  back  one  was  a  span-roofed 
Pine  pit  or  house  on  one  side,  and  on  the  other  a  similar  pit 
that  might  be  used  as  a  Pine  pit  at  any  time,  but  was  employed 
as  a  plant  house,  and  a  great  quantity  of  Geraniums  were  being 
prepared  for  winter  flowering.  This  span-roofed  house  was 
180  feet  long  by  13  feet  wide. 

Corresponding  with  the  last-named  range  were  the  Pine  pits 
or  houses,  200  feet  long  by  13  feet  wide,  divided  into  three  com- 
partments. There  was  a  short  north  light  covering  the  path- 
way, with  two  pipes  at  the  back,  two  in  the  front  of  the  pit, 
and  two  underneath  it.  Tan  was  also  nBed  as  a  heating 
material.  Some  most  excellent  Pines  were  grown  here.  Several 
Smooth-leaved  Cayennes  were  pointed  out  to  me  that  were 


3,  Cerastinm. 

4,  Single  row  of  Geranium  Brilliant  next  the  grass  edge. 

expected  to  weigh  8  lbs.  each,  and  some  of  9  lbs.  and  upwards 
bad  been  cut.  This  variety  seems  to  be  remarkably  well  grown 
at  Dalkeith,  as  well  as  at  Arcberfield,  and  appears  to  be  the 
favourite  in  Scotland,  just  as  the  Jamaica  is  at  Manchester, 
and  the  Queen  around  London.  Certainly  I  never  saw  such 
fine  fruit  of  this  variety  in  the  south,  and  my  impression  was, 
that  the  Scotch  Smooth  Cayenne  is  a  superior  variety  or  is 
better  managed.  There  were  Queens  also;  a  very  good  one 
upwards  of  5  lbs.  in  weight  had  been  cnt  just  prior  to  my  visit, 
and  there  were  others  in  all  stages  of  growth.  Mr.  Thomson 
likes  them  best  in  pots,  but  has  tried  the  plantingout  principle 
as  well.  These  houses  were  all  filled  with  fruiting  Pines  ;  suc- 
cession ones  were  grown  in  some  lean-to  pits  in  front  of  those 
just  desoribed,  and  were  all  that  could  be  desired. 

In  front  of  the  fruiting  Pine  house,  but  separated  from  it 
by  a  broad  path,  there  is  a  low  lean-to  pit,  which  although 
used  as  a  cold  pit  at  the  time  of  my  visit  (September),  is, 
nevertheless,  furnished  with  hot-water  piping  for  use  in  winter  ; 
and  one  compartment  of  about  100  feet  long  by  6  feet  wide 
was  filled  with  bedding  GeraDium  cuttings,  not  in  pots  or 
boxes,  but  planted  in  the  ground,  and  I  understood  they 
wintered  very  well  there,  heat  being  used  when  required,  and 
in  March  they  were  taken  up  with  balls  and  potted-off  singly. 
The  number  of  cuttings  Bnch  a  pit  will  hold  gives  some  idea  of 
the  requirements  of  the  place.    At  the  time  of  my  visit  they 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  27,  1870. 


were  fully  exposed  night  and  day,  and  I  expect  would  be  so 
until  oold  nights  set  in.  The  pit  was  a  low  one,  and  I  believe 
a  portion  of  it  was  used  for  wintering  Strawberry  plants  for 
forcing,  but  a  portion  of  it,  SO  feet  or  more  long  by  6  feet  wide, 
was  filled  with  a  fine  collection  of  Alpine  plants  io  pots,  winch 
I  daresay  were  intended  for  some  other  place,  but  even  where 
they  were  they  were  very  interesting,  all  being  carefully  named, 
and  many  novelties  amongst  them.  I  was  glad  to  see  Mr. 
Thomson  patronising  this  class  of  plants,  which  to  my  idea  are 
quite  as  interesting  as  many  fashionable  stove  plants  ;  but,  no 
doubt,  they  will  have  their  day  when  the  rage  for  colouring 
fades  away. 

In  front  of  the  pit  last  described  is  a  set  of  Peach  houses. 
One  of  these,  200  feet  long  by  8  feet  wide,  was  more  lofty  than 
usual,  there  being  a  low  front  light  as  well  as  a  short  tap  one 
slightly  leaning  to  the  south  as  well  as  the  main  rafter,  which 
was  more  upright  than  in  the  generality  of  houses.  There  were 
trees  both  against  the  back  wall  and  also  under  the  glass  in 
front.  I  was  told  excellent  crops  had  been  gathered,  and  the 
appearance  of  the  trees  promised  well  for  another  year.  There 
was  an  Apricot  bouse  adjoining,  wilh  treeB  trained  against  the 
back  wall  and  others  in  front  in  pots,  so  as  to  give  as  much 
light  as  possible  to  the  back,  where  the  bulk  of  the  crop  was 
expected.  The  pits  in  front  were  devoted  to  Melons,  Cucum- 
bers, and  the  like,  the  whole  being  heated  by  hot  water ;  and 
such  crops  as  Capsicums  were  luxuriating  in  some  of  the  com- 
partments, but  I  had  not  the  opportunity  to  notice  all. 

My  limits  forbid  anything  but  a  hasty  glance  at  the  kitchen 
garden  proper,  which  is  at  Dalkeith  made  more  ornamental 
than  at  most  places  of  a  like  kind,  but  the  crops  of  vegetables 
seemed  to  be  good  and  abundant,  and  the  Peach  trees  on  the 
walls  well  covered  with  fruit.  Broad  walks  divided  the  kitchen 
garden  into  compartments,  and  wide  borders  of  the  most  popu- 
lar bedding  plants  margined  these  walks.  These  borders,  and 
others  outside  of  the  garden  proper  facing  the  east  wall  that 
bounds  all  the  compartments  named,  form  the  principal  flower 
garden  at  Dalkeith ;  and  when  we  are  told  that  00,000  bed- 
ding plants  are  turned  out  every  season,  it  will  easily  be  con- 
ceived that  these  are  very  large.  A  border  in  front  of  one  of 
the  hothouses — not  a  vinery  or  Peach  house,  for  sr.ch  bordeiB 
are  held  sacred,  but  an  ordinary  forcing  house — had  a  suitable 
path  in  front  of  it,  and  then  a  neatly  trimmed  Box  hedge,  in 
front  of  which  was  a  row  of  a  scarlet  Geranium  of  tall  growth  ; 
next  a  row  of  Geranium  Alma,  silver-edged  ;  then  a  broad  band 
about  4  feet  wide  of  Lobtlia,  with  Bingle  plantB  of  Centaurea 
candidiseima  at  about  10  feet  apart  in  the  centre ;  and  in  front 
of  this  band  of  Lobelia  was  a  Cerastium  edging  adjoining  the 
permanent  Box  edging  of  a  principal  walk.  This  border, 
400  feet  long,  looked  remarkably  well.  Another  border  of  the 
stme  length  on  the  other  side  was  somewhat  differently  planted, 
a  band  of  Gazania  being  substituted  for  the  Lobelia,  with  dots 
of  Centaurea  10  feet  apart.  This  border  was  12  feet  wide,  and 
one  of  its  lines  consisted  of  Calceolaria  Aurantia,  which  was 
said  to  be  the  best  used  at  Dalkeith. 

Some  of  these  borders  were  divided  by  Box  edgings  and 
narrow  gravelled  walks  into  pleasing  running  patterns,  of  two 
of  which  I  give  designs.  One  of  these  is  in  front  of  a  Peach 
house,  but  an  ample  space  from  it  is  allowed  for  the  roots  of 
the  trees  to  have  full  scope.  The  portion  required  for  the  orna- 
mental border  was  14  feet  wide  and  upwards  of  400  feet  long, 
and  it  was  edged  with  Box,  and  planted  as  in  fig.  1. 

On'  the  opposite  side  to  this  running  pattern  was  a  ribbon 
pattern,  planted  somewhat  in  the  same  style  as  others  pre- 
viously given — viz.,  the  edging  next  the  main  walk  (inside  the 
Box)  Cerastium,  a. en  a  band  4  feet  wide  of  Purple  King  with 
patches  of  yellow  Calceolaria  at  every  10  feet,  then  a  white- 
variegated  Geranium  in  double  row,  and  finally  a  tall  scarlet 
Geranium  at  the  back.     This  looked  very  well. 

Another  border  of  a  running  pattern  in  Box  (fig.  2),  formed 
an  edging  to  the  broad  walk  that  ran  along  the  side  of  the 
high  wall  separating  the  kitchen  garden  and  forcing  depart- 
ment from  the  lawn  or  dressed  ground  that  descended  to  the 
river,  or  rather  to  the  wood  that  fringed  the  river.  This 
border — 450  feet  long — was  in  what  I  have  been  accustomed  to 
call  the  Florentine  chain,  but  I  am  not  sure  if  that  be  the  proper 
term ;  fig.  2  will,  however,  explain  it. 

The  above  adjoin  a  large  piece  of  closely-shaven  turf  but 
little  broken  by  shrubs,  and  sloping  to  the  eastward.  On  the 
other  side  cf  the  walk  is  the  wall  alluded  to,  covered  with 
climbing  Roses  and  other  ornamental  plants,  with  a  ribbon 
border  in  front  of  it  planted  thus,  beginning  at  the  walk : — ■ 
1,  Verbena  Miss  Hamilton,  scarlet;  2,  Band  of  Alyssum  varie- 


gatum  3  feet  wide,  dotted  with  a  scarlet  Geranium  at  every 
10  feet;  3,  Verbena  Purple  King;  4,  Calceolaria,  yellow; 
5,  Geranium,  scarlet,  tall  variety. 

Amongst  other  features  of  this  fine  place  was  an  arched  Rosa 
arcade,  horde) ing  the  space  set  apart  for  a  pinetum.  This 
arcade,  like  most  of  the  borders  described,  was  450  feet  long. 
An  arched  wire  frame  of  suitable  height  and  width  was  well 
covered  with  climbing  Roses,  and  at  the  proper  season  no 
doubt  looked  well.  Beyond  that,  Wellingtonias,  Retinosporas, 
Thujas,  and  other  Pinuses  were  well  represented.  Other 
borders  were  worthy  of  notice,  but  sufficient  is  given  to  show  the 
extensive  scale  on  which  this  work  is  carried  on  at  Dalkeith, 
the  whole  being  so  well  done  that  the  most  fastidious  would 
have  a  difficulty  in  suggesting  an  improvement;  while  the 
urbanity  and  kindness  on  the  part  of  Mr.  Thomson  in  showing 
the  writer  and  his  friend  everything  connected  with  this  fine 
place,  at  a  time,  too,  when  bo  many  other  pressing  matters 
might  have  called  him  away,  ought  not  to  be  passed  over  with- 
out a  due  acknowledgement.  Dalkeith  and  its  gardens  will 
always  be  thought  of  a3  one  of  the  sights  which  come  far  and 
few  between,  but  the  fame  of  the  place  is  already  sufficiently 
known  to  require  no  further  comment,  as  its  reputation  may  be 
said  to  be  European,  if  not  more  than  that. — A  l!orrespondent. 

[This  communication  ought  to  have  appeared  long  ago,  and 
possibly  some  alterations  may  have  taken  place  in  this  im- 
portant garden,  but  we  believe  the  main  features  are  the  same. 
— Eds.1 

THE   VEITCH   MEMORIAL. 

A  general  meeting  of  the  subscribers  to  Mr.  Veitch's  memo- 
rial was  held  at  South  Kensington  on  the  21st  inst.,  James 
Bateman,  Esq.,  P.R  S.,  in  the  chair. 

From  the  report,  which  was  read  by  Mr.  Moore,  it  appeared 
that  the  total  Bum  raised  is  £1012  12s.  9<t,  from  which,  after 
deducting  the  necesssiry  expenses,  there  remains  the  respectable 
amount  of  £890  18s.  id-,  which  will  be  invested  in  the  names 
of  trustees,  and  the  annual  interest  arising  therefrom  will  be 
devoted  to  the  awarding  of  prizes  for  the  advancement  of  hor- 
ticulture in  the  three  kingdoms. 

An  admirable  full-length  portrait  of  Mr.  Veitch  was  presented 
to  the  trustees  by  Robert  Crawshay,  Esq.,  of  Cyfarthfa  Castle, 
and  is  at  present  suspend  ad  in  the  Council-room  of  the  Royal 
Horticultural  Society. 

It  was  moved  by  Mr.  John  Fraser,  seconded  by  Mr.  D. 
Wooster,  and  agreed  to  nemine  dissentiente — "  That  the  report 
of  the  Central  Committee  be  adopted,  and  that  the  said  Com- 
mittee be  hereby  empowered  to  carry  out  the  recommendations 
of  the  said  report." 

It  was  further  proposed  by  Dr.  Hogg,  and  seconded  by  Mr. 
J.  Gibson,  and  also  adopted  unanimously — "  That  the  thanks 
of  this  meeting  be  conveyed  to  Robert  CrawBhay,  E?q.,  for  his 
gift  of  a  portrait  of  the  late  Mr.  James  Veitcb,  in  furtherance 
of  the  Veitch  memorial." 

On  the  motion  of  G.  F.  Wilson,  Esq.,  seconded  by  Mr.  Lamb, 
it  was  agreed  that  a  cordial  vote  of  thanks  be  given  to  the 
Chairman  for  his  kindness  in  presiding  on  the  occasion. 

The  trustees  appointed  are  Mr.  G.  F.  Wilson  and  Mr.  Thomas 
Moore,  the  Treasurer  and  Secretary  to  the  fund,  Mr.  Harry  J. 
Veitch,  Dr.  Robert  Hngg,  and  Mr.  Zadok  Stevens,  representing 
England;  Mr.  William  Thomson,  representing  Scotland ;  and 
Dr.  David  Moore,  representing  Ireland. 


WORK   FOR  THE   WEEK. 

KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

It  is  time  to  think  of  forcing  a  little  Asparagus  for  early  use. 
The  principles  applied  to  the  forcing  of  Sea-kale  are  in  the 
main  applicable  to  this  delicious  vegetable,  except  that  As- 
paragus requires  an  abundance  of  air  when  growing  through 
the  soil.  Prepare  a  plot  of  ground,  bv  thorough  digging  and 
manuring,  for  a  few  Mazagan  Beans.  Let  the  Beet&nd  Carrots 
be  taken  up  and  stored  away  directly.  It  is  a  good  plan  to 
completely  cut  off  the  heads  of  the  Carrots  below  the  neck,  thus 
checking  their  tendency  to  grow.  A  few  Parsnips  for  present 
use  may  be  taken  up  ;  they  will,  however,  keep  well  in  the 
ground,  and  thus  circumstanced  they  may  have  a  coat  of 
manure  spread  over  them  for  the  next  crop,  and  be  trenched 
out  as  wanted.  For  the  earliest  Peas  prepare  a  piece  of  ground 
as  reoommended  for  Beans. 

FRUIT    GARDEN. 

Planting,  pruning,  training,  trenching,  &c,  aie  matters  that 


October  27,  1870.  ] 


JOUBNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


333 


belong  peculiarly  to  this  dormant  period,  and  having  before 
disposed  of  planting  and  trenching  by  directing  attention  to 
their  importance,  I  will  now  offer  a  few  remarks  on  pruning. 
The  habits  of  fruit  trees  vary,  more  especially  as  to  the  manner 
of  forming  and  exhibiting  their  buds.  There  is  no  difficulty 
in  distinguishing  the  fruit-bearing  portions  of  the  Apple,  or  of 
bush  fruits  in  general,  whilst  the  Apricot  and  the  Filbert  are  at 
this  period  somewhat  obscure  in  regard  to  this  point.  Even 
in  the  Pear,  more  especially  some  of  the  kinds,  such  as  the 
Passe  Colmar,  the  Seckle,  the  Marie  Louise,  and  some  others, 
it  is  difficult  to  prune  with  safety  in  the  early  part  of  winter. 
For  these  reasons  prune  bush  fruit  the  moment  you  cun  find 
time.  Follow  closely  with  Cherries,  Plums,  and  Apples,  and 
towards  Christmas  lay  aside  the  knife  until  early  in  February, 
when  the  Filberts  will  be  blooming  ;  then  after  a  slight  thin- 
ning of  the  crowded  and  inside  spray,  male  catkins  may  be 
brought,  if  requisite,  and  suspended  amongst  the  bushes.  The 
Apricots  will,  by  this  time,  give  unequivocal  signs  by  which 
to  kuow  the  true  blossom-buds,  and  may  immediately  receive 
their  pruning.  The  Peach  and  Nectarine  will  succeed  the 
Apricot,  and  may  be  followed  by  the  Pear,  and  lastly  by  the 
Fig.  In  pruning  bush  fruit,  thin  liberally.  Let  no  two  branches 
of  the  Black  Currant  and  the  Gooseberry  touch  when  finally 
thinned ;  these  seldom  require  shortening ;  an  equal  and 
judicious  thinning  is,  therefore,  everything  here.  In  pruning 
Apples,  the  thirjning  of  the  branches  or  old  wood  should  be 
the  first  step  ;  thn,  however,  requires  caution.  Mr.  Knight, 
of  Downton,  was  much  opposed  to  cutting  out  large  limbs, 
unless  an  urgent  necessity  existed.  His  authority  is  too  weighty 
to  be  passed  over  easily,  more  especially  as  he  lived  most  of  his 
time  in  a  cider  district.  In  thinning  the  young  wood  of  espalier 
trees,  remember  that  the  first  point  is  to  secure  a  continuanoe 
of  leading  shoots  to  form  a  compact  tree,  and  the  second,  to 
secure  a  free  admission  of  light  to  all  parts  of  the  tree.  The 
same  remarks  will  apply  to  the  pruning  of  all  the  rough 
espaliers  or  dwarf  standards  of  any  kind  in  the  kitchen  garden. 
Raspberries  may  now  be  planted  and  pruned. 

FLOWER    GARDEN. 

Plant  all  autumn  bulbs  without  delay.  Let  all  biennials  be 
planted  out  soon.  Such  plants  as  the  Sweet  William,  Wall- 
flower, Canterbury  Bell,  Sse.,  are  of  great  use  in  flower  borders, 
and  may  be  planted  three  or  four  in  a  mass.  Dihlias  should 
be  marked  forthwith.  Pinks  may  be  planted  out,  and  Car- 
nation layers  or  pipings  may  still  be  potted  to  place  in  frames. 
Ornamental  climbers  on  trellises,  &c,  in  blossom  should  have 
a  protection  on  nights  of  a  frosty  charaoter.  Much  valuable 
late  blossom  may  sometimes  be  insured  by  such  simple  means, 
as  it  not  unfrequently  happens  that  after  one  or  two  Bevere 
nights  the  weather  becomes  mild  for  weeks. 

GREENHOUSE    AND    CONSERVATORY. 

The  period  has  now  arrived  in  which  the  increasing  scarcity 
of  flowers  in  the  deoaying  parterre  should  be  compensated  for 
by  those  conservatory  flowers  peculiar  to  winter,  and  by  re- 
tarded summer  flowers.  These  together,  under  good  manage- 
ment, will  lead  us  imperceptibly  up  to  the  products  of  the 
forcing  pit,  which  form  a  distinct  section,  and,  of  course,  re- 
quire a  separate  course  of  treatment.  Tbe  Camellias  will 
form  most  prominent  objects  in  the  conservatory  for  the  next 
six  months,  and  those  which  have  been  managed  for  forcing,  as 
it  is  commonly  called,  according  to  previous  directions,  will  be  in 
full  gaiety  from  this  period  till  Christmas.  Such  plants  should 
now  have  weak  and  clear  liquid  manure,  and  a  temperature  of 
from  50°  to  55°.  descending  at  night  to  45°  in  dark  weather.  A 
very  considerable  amount  of  atmospheric  moisture  should  be 
afforded  them;  drip,  however,  must  by  all  means  be  avoided, 
and  the  syringe  is  not  to  be  used.  The  Chrysanthemums  may 
be  treated  with  manure  water  constantly,  and  all  suckers  and 
waste  shoots  trimmed  away.  Early  Cinerarias  should  now  be 
coming  into  blossom,  and,  above  all,  the  tribes  for  winter  flower- 
ing; these  require  all  the  light  which  the  season  affords.  They 
should  be  kept  close  to  the  front  glass  until  in  blossom,  be  fre- 
quently syringed  in  a  light  way,  and  if  the  shelf  is  warmed  by 
means  of  a  flue  or  pipe  beneath,  so  much  the  better.  The 
Chinese  Primrose  will  do  in  a  more  shady  situation  ;  strong 
plants  sown  last  March  will  bloom  freely  now  under  ordinary 
circumstances;  they  do  not  endure  dry  heat.  The  Hybrid  Boses, 
as  before  observed,  will  enj  <j  a,  similar  treatment  to  the  Chry- 
santhemums, whilst  the  Tea  Boses  will  class  better  with  plants 
of  intermediate  character,  requiring  a  little  more  warmth  with  a 
permanency  of  atmospheric  moisture.  Such  are  the  Euphorbia 
jacquinireflora,  Gesnera  zabrina,  Aohimenes  picta,  Gesnera  ob- 


longata, Linum  trigynum,  Plumbago  rosea,  Begonias,  &c,  all 
of  which  should  have  a  temperature  of  60°  by  day,  rising  to  80° 
by  sunshine,  and  sinking  to  50°  at  night.  The  above  are  all 
most  useful  and  interesting  flowers  for  the  dead  of  winter  ;  so 
are  some  of  Mr.  Fortune's  Chinese  plants,  such  as  Abelia 
rupestris,  Azalea  squamata,  Jaeminum  nudiflorum,  and 
Weigela  rosea ;  the  last,  a  most  admirable  forcing  shrub,  can 
be  brought  into  flower  when  very  small  for  drawing-room  pur- 
poses. Where  everything  is  grown  in  one  house  it  is  of  the 
utmost  importance  that  there  should  be  a  proper  relation  be- 
tween the  amount  of  heat  and  light.  In  such  a  house  the  pro- 
prietor naturally  desires  to  have  flowers  late  as  well  as  early, 
as  far  as  such  can  be  carried  out.  To  effect  this  fires  must 
be  in  use  occasionally,  even  at  this  period,  and  those  who  are 
thus  circumstanced,  I  would  advise  to  beware  of  night  heat; 
55°  will  be  sufficient  in  such  a  structure  for  the  present.  Let 
the  thermometer  rise  to  70°  or  more  during  sumhiue,  observing 
if  such  is  fitful  to  drop  it  to  60°  in  the  day,  if  dull  weather  takes 
place. 

PITS   AND    FRAMES. 

See  that  the  Mignonette  has  a  very  light  situation,  and  is 
plunged  close  to  the  glass  at  the  back  of  the  frame  free  from 
drip.  Store  Verbenas  growing  rapidly  should  have  their  tops 
pinched,  also  Petunias,  and  other  ordinary  mass  flowers.  Give 
all  the  air  possible. — W.  Keane. 


DOINGS   OF  THE  LAST    WEEK. 

The  heavy  rains  have  made  us  independent  of  the  water-oart 
for  a  time,  and  we  are  reaping  the  benefits  of  increased  spouting. 
The  rain  has  interfered  with  cleaning  and  repairing  sashes  for 
the  winter,  but  many  of  the  sashes  being  dry  in  sheds,  work 
could  be  done  there  when  it  could  not  be  carried  on  out  of 
doors.  For  brick  pits  sound  wall-plates  are  of  great  import- 
ance, as  we  have  often  found  to  our  coet  that  rats  which  could 
enter  in  no  other  way  soon  made  a  hole  through  the  wall-plate 
when  it  was  decaying.  Many  a  score  of  young  plants  have  we 
had  eaten-over  in  winter  from  this  cause  alone.  Last  year, 
from  this  cause,  our  young  Calceolarias  suffered  from  rats  and 
mice,  and  singularly  enough,  though  Aurea  floribunda  was 
pricked  out  as  cuttings  iu  several  places  a  good  way  apart,  they 
were  singled  out  to  be  nipped  close  to  the  ground.  We  have 
strong  wall-plates  put  on,  ready  for  shortly  commencing  with 
Calceolaria  cuttings,  as  the  later  they  are  put  in  the  better, 
generally,  do  they  thrive  with  us,  if  we  can  get  them  in  before 
frost  to'  any  extent  attacks  them.  With  us  little  as  yet  has 
suffered  except  the  Coleus,  though  everything  looks  washed  in 
the  flower  beds  now,  and  even  the  Calceolarias,  which  have 
stood  well  all  the  season,  have  now  few  fresh  flowers  left. 

Our  routine  has  been  so  much  the  same  as  in  previous  weeks, 
that  we  will  Bay  a  few  words  on  some  matters  that  have  taken 
up  a  considerable  portion  of  our  time. 

Insect  Enemies.— Much  may  be  done  now  in  the  way  of  pre- 
vention, as  has  been  elsewhere  alluded  to,  and  what  is  done 
now  will  save  labour  and  expense  in  the  following  spring  and 
summer.  We  have  much  need  to  depend  on  cleanliness  and 
modes  of  prevention,  as  there  are  many  subjects  that  we  could 
not  syringe  overhead  with  our  water  in  summer,  or  at  any 
time  when  fruit  was  approaching  maturity.  We  have  rarely 
been  able  to  syringe  Vines  after  they  were  in  full  leaf.  Cucum- 
l  bers  and  the  like  we  syringe,  because  the  older  leaves  are 
gradually  removed  bb  younger  growth  takes  their  place.  Even 
our  soft  water  in  tanks  is  apt  to  leave  a  sediment  on  leaves 
syringed.  With  preventive  measures  we  have  generally  escaped 
without  being  much  troubled  with  insects,  so  that  we  have  not 
been  able  to  try  to  a  great  extent  the  many  remedies  that  were 
to  kill  all  such  vermin  as  if  by  a  miracle,  and  not  hurt  the 
most  tender  plant.  We  believe  that  Gishurst,  the  various 
powders,  insecticides,  Messrs.  Veitch's  mixture  for  bugs,  &c, 
and  the  different  combinations  of  tobacoo  paper  and  tissue,  are 
all  good,  and  so  far  effeotual,  if  the  vendors  would  not  speak  so 
enthusiastically  about  them,  and  if  people  were  not  thus  led  to 
believe  that  each  and  all  were  to  effect  such  wonders  as  to 
stand  in  the  place  of  timely  application  and  unremitting  at- 
tention. As  often  stxted,  when  plants  are  covered  with  insects, 
remedies  are  of  little  use,  as  what  would  kill  the  insects  full- 
grown,  will  not  kill  the  young  ones,  and  what  would  kill  all  that 
are  alive  will  not  touch  thoBe  not  hatched  but  ready  to  be  so. 
Failures  often  arise,  too,  from  not  attending  to  the  directions 
given.  Too  strong  a  dose  will  be  too  much  for  plants  as  well 
as  insects.  It  is  better  to  repeat  the  dose  than  to  have  it  over- 
strong. 


334 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  *7,  1870. 


For  red  spider  we  have  found  nothing  more  disliked  than  a 
moist  atmosphere  with  the  smell  of  sulphur  fumes  in  it.  For 
green  fly,  where  washing  overhead  oannot  be  given,  we  have 
found  notbing  better  than  tobacco-smoking,  and  the  best  to- 
bacco is  the  best  material,  if  motives  of  economy  do  not  render 
it  advisable  to  use  tobacco  paper  instead.  We  find  Griffiths'a 
tobacco  paper  very  safe,  and  we  considered  it  best  until  we 
used  that  sent  out  by  Mr.  Appleby  along  with  his  fumigator, 
which  may  be  desoribed  as  a  three-footed  kettle  with  holes  in 
the  bottom  and  holes  in  its  lid.  We  have  never  found  such 
effects  on  green  fly  produced  by  suoh  a  small  quantity  of  ma- 
terial. The  direction  must  be  attended  to — not  to  stop  in  the 
place  after  the  tobaoco  is  fairly  lighted,  and  it  burns  so  slowly 
and  surely  that  there  is  no  necesiity  for  doing  so.  For  general 
purposes,  for  keeping  inseots  away  and  disposing  of  them  when 
they  come,  and  when  we  can  use  liquid,  our  mainstay  is  weak 
soft-soap  water. 

Of  all  intruders  we  think  the  mealy  buy  about  the  worHt  to 
get  rid  of,  for  it  lodges  in  so  many  nooks  and  crannies.  Until 
lately  we  have  had  no  trouble  with  this  pest  for  a  great  many 
years.  We  believe  it  oame  to  us  about  the  time  the  new  varie- 
ties of  Coleus  were  first  brought  out,  and  we  fear  we  shall  have 
some  trouble  with  it  before  we  free  ourselves  of  it.  Wo  have 
some  Figs  that  were  first  turned  out  of  pots  into  a  low  pit  as 
bush  plants,  and  that  have  borne  very  well  for  many  years. 
Partly  from  carelessness,  these  plants  had  little  done  to  them 
in  the  way  of  cleaning  for  two  or  three  years,  as  they  did  not 
seem  to  require  it.  This  summer  the  stems  are  infested  with 
scale,  and  what  is  inconceivably  worse,  through  some  fine 
Coleuses  standing  at  one  end,  they  are  also  attacked  with  the 
bug.  The  withering  leaves  were  taken  oft  and  burned  ;  the 
plants  have  been  syringed  several  times  with  soft-soap  water  at 
about  170°,  as  we  were  afraid  to  use  it  warmer  in  case  we  should 
hurt  the  young  Figs  showing  like  Bmall  pinheads.  The  stems 
and  shoots  were  washed  with  cloths  and  a  brush.  Every  move- 
able board  was  remo\el  and  washed,  and  all  the  walls,  wood- 
work, &c,  thoroughly  syringed  with  the  hot  soap  water,  and 
then  well  scrubbed  down  before  being  fresh  limewashed.  The 
surface  soil  of  the  bed  after  all  this  washing  was  carefully 
scraped  off  to  the  depth  at  leaBt  of  2  inches.  If  we  could  spare 
the  house  a3  long  we  would  wait  for  frost  to  nip  the  trees  a 
little  before  we  painted  them  over  with  some  suitable  mixture. 
The  main  shoots  and  stems  had  been  painted  with  lime  and 
Gishurst  three  years  ago,  and  wherever  that  remained  there  was 
no  scale.  After  the  washing,  when  we  syringed  again  with  the 
hot  water,  we  could  see  it  brought  out  some  small  bugs  from 
their  holes  and  crannies.  We  hope  we  shall  thus  get  rid  of 
the  enemy,  using  a  sharp  look-out,  as  of  all  inseots  it  is  the 
most  obnoxious  to  us,  though  we  have  had  little  to  do  with  it 
since  our  young  days. 

Of  this  we  are  sure,  that  however  and  with  whatever  mixture, 
dangerous  or  otherwise,  plants  may  be  cleaned,  if  the  cleaning  is 
confined  to  them  this  inBect  will  never  be  eradicated  from  a 
house  where  it  has  once  gained  an  entrance.  It  will  find  a 
home  in  every  hole  and  oranny  of  sashes,  stages,  shelves,  and 
walls,  and  unless  dislodged  or  shut  up,  there  it  will  remain 
until  it  makes  a  feeding  ground  of  the  plants.  The  thorough 
cleansing  of  houses  as  well  as  plants  is  all  the  more  important, 
aa  this  insect  is  so  easily  carried  from  house  to  house.  We  be- 
lieve that  very  often,  quite  inadvertently,  workmen  take  the 
insect  on  their  clothes  from  house  to  house.  Notwithstanding 
all  this  care,  for  which  the  wet  days  gave  a  good  opportunity, 
we  shall  keep  an  extra  look-out  on  these  Fig  trees  next  season. 
For  the  soale,  we  feel  confident  that  will  be  destroyed.  We  do 
not  feel  quite  so  certain  about  the  mealy  bug,  as  a  few  might 
escape  the  washing  and  the  smearing  of  the  shoots.  But  for 
the  scale  appearing,  we  had  made  up  our  mind  to  dispense  with 
the  unnatural  system  of  smearing  the  stems,  and  be  satisfied  in 
the  case  of  deciduous  plants  with  giving  a  good  washing.  The 
smearing  can  only  be  useful  as  a  means  of  shutting  up  all 
small  inseots,  and  keeping  smaller  eggs  from  the  air,  so  that  if 
hatohed  the  young  have  no  chance  to  breathe.  For  this  pur- 
pose, as  the  simplest  means,  perhaps  nothing  is  more  effectual 
than  clay  paint  with  or  without  a  little  soft  soap  in  it. 

Numerous  remedies  have  been  proposed  for  American  blight 
on  Apple  trees,  an  insect  which  in  its  woolly  clothing  much 
resembles  the  mealy  bug.  Among  them  are  washes,  turpentine, 
oil,  tar,  lea.,  more  or  less  prejudicial  to  the  trees,  as  well  as  to 
the  insects,  but  we  have  never  seen  anything  more  effectual 
than  a  good  washing  with  warm  water  when  the  leaves  fall, 
followed  by  covering  all  over  with  clay  paint,  or  a  mixture  of 
clay  and  lime,  and  even  limewashing  itself.     Towards  spring, 


if  there  was  a  crack  or  two,  or  the  insects  appeared  at  any  crack 
or  hole,  there  was  needed  bnt  a  fresh  daubing.  Once  we  had 
some  standards  20  feet  in  height  very  much  infested  with  the 
insect.  These,  after  the  fall  of  the  leaf,  were  syringed  with  the 
nozzle  end  of  the  syringe,  using  rather  thick  limewash,  and 
had  the  dose  repeated  at  midwinter,  and  once  again  as  the 
buds  were  swelling  in  spring,  and  no  more  Amerioan  blight 
appeared.  With  low  pyramids  or  bush  standards  the  brush 
might  have  been  used,  but  even  in  their  oase  the  wash  ap- 
plied with  the  syringe,  so  as  trickle  into  every  cranny,  is  gene- 
rally effective.  Some  tirne  ago  we  had  the  American  blight  on 
Borne  bush  Apple  trees,  but  after  using  limewash  with  some 
soot  and  clay  in  ife  in  spring,  to  deter  the  birds  from  picking 
the  fruit  buds,  the  insect  disappeared.  At  other  times,  when 
the  insect  appeared  j  ist  here  and  there,  we  have  known  it  de- 
stroyed by  daubing  up  the  places  with  thickish  clay  paint,  and 
if  this  cracked,  so  as  to  let  some  air  in,  the  operation  was  re- 
peated. On  the  whole,  then,  for  encasing  eggs  and  small 
insects,  we  question  if  there  is  anything  much  better  and 
Bimpler  than  clay  ;  anything  nasty,  but  harmless  to  vegetation, 
might  make  it  a  little  more  effeotual. 

In  the  case  of  scale  on  growing  plants,  we  consider  all  mix- 
tures in  which  turpentine  or  stroDg  acids  form  a  part  to  be 
dangerous  to  plants  as  well  as  insects.  Strongish  soap  water, 
glue  water,  &o.,  are  useful,  to  be  followed  with  hard  syringinga 
with  heated  water,  say  120°,  in  twenty-four  hours  or  so  ;  but 
when  the  foliage  was  very  fine,  as  in  the  case  of  some  Acacias 
that  are  rather  subject  to  the  scale,  we  have  found  dipping  the 
plants  overhead  in  a  thin  clay  paint  as  good  as  anything  we  ever 
tried,  syringing  when  the  plants  were  too  large  to  be  dipped. 
The  efficacy  depended  on  every  part  of  the  plant  being  covered, 
and  then  laying  it  carefully  down  in  a  dry  shady  place.  In 
from  twenty-four  to  thirty  hours  the  smearing  would  be  dry 
enough  to  shake  off  or  rub  off  between  the  hands,  and  in  general 
the  scale  would  go  with  it,  and  some  good  syringings  would 
make  the  leaves  all  clean.  By  such  means  the  bug  and  scale 
may  be  got  rid  of  if  confined  to  the  tops  of  plants,  but  it  will 
be  more  difficult  to  clean  them  when  the  insects  go  down  to  the 
roots.  In  such  a  case,  as  they  will  be  Bure  to  lise  at  their 
leisure,  the  whole  of  the  earth  would  require  to  be  washed 
away,  and  the  roots  well  washed  before  the  plants  were  repotted. 
As  a  sort  of  test  or  trap,  if  you  wish  to  know  if  a  thripa  is  in  a 
house,  put  a  few  Kidney  Bean  plants  in  it — the  thrips  will  be 
Bure  to  find  out  the  plants  ;  and  again,  a  healthy  Coleus  plant 
in  a  stove  or  warm  greenhouse  will  soon  tell  you  if  you  have 
a  mealy  bug  at  hand,  for  of  that  plant  they  are  very  fond. 

Plantiny  and  Transplanting. — These  matters  will  most  likely 
occupy  a  considerable  portion  oi  our  lime.  The  last  two  seasons 
have  been  unfavourable  for  all  planting  on  a  large  scale, 
whether  for  ornament,  for  profit,  for  cover,  or  for  all  combined. 
The  ground  was  bo  dry  twelve  months  ago  that  planting  in  the 
autumn  was  in  many  places  quite  impossible,  and  spring  plant- 
ing was  followed  by  the  driest  summer,  on  the  whole,  we  ever 
experienced.  Now,  the  rains,  though  they  have  not  gone  down 
much,  will  render  planting  more  practicable.  Taking  circum- 
stances as  they  are,  a  few  hints  may  be  useful,  and  the  old 
rule  still  holds  good  for  all  exposed  place.3,  "  plant  thickly  and 
thin  quickly."  The  first  part  of  the  rule  is  based  on  the  fact 
that  purchased  plants  generally  stand  thickly  in  the  nursery, 
and  setting  them  out  thinly  exposes  tbem  to  a  greater  danger 
of  having  their  vital  juices  sucked  out  of  them  by  the  keen 
frosty  winds  of  spring.  Whilst  they  stood  close  together  in  the 
nursery  rows,  the  one  protected  the  other.  On  this  account 
where  much  planting  is  to  be  done  in  exposed  places,  the  time 
and  labour  would  be  anything  but  lost,  if  the  young  trees  were 
set  out  thinly  in  nursery  rows  for  a  year  or  two  on  the  estate 
before  being  moved  to  the  plantation.  The  thinning  quickly 
is  just  aa  important  where  a  healthy  plantation  is  desirable, 
and  the  thinning  should  commence  as  soon  as  the  branches  of 
the  young  trees  approach  each  other.  If  the  thinnings  at  first 
are  not  large  enough  to  be  useful,  the  trees  might  bepruned-up 
considerably  for  a  year  or  two  before  cutting  out,  so  that  Ihe 
others  might  have  room.  For  anything  in  the  way  of  cover 
the  permanent  trees  should  feather  to  the  ground.  When 
trees  are  left  thickly,  all  the  lower  branches  must  die  from 
want  of  air.  Frequently  a  whole  plantation  becomes  unhealthy 
and  oovered  with  insects  from  mere  exhaustion  from  want  of 
thinning.  The  soil  that  would  have  supported  one  hundred  trees 
in  luxurianoe,  will  hardly  keep  three  or  four  hundred  alive. 
The  same  rule  holds  true  as  to  ornamental  plants.  To  make 
them  grow  quickly  they  must  be  nursed,  but  the  nurses 
must  be  removed  aa  the  principal  plants  need  the  rocm.     To 


October  27,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAIi  OJF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


have  tbe  plants  on  the  estate  is  in  all  cases  a  great  advantage — 
the  roots  may  be  madded  as  taken  up,  and  not  too  many  taken 
tip  at  a  time.  Many  forest  trees  and  ornamental  shrubs  are 
greatly  injured  when  brought  from  great  distances,  for  they  are 
so  dried  and  heated  in  the  journey.  For  raising  trees  and 
shrubs,  on  the  mere  principle  of  the  division  of  labour,  the 
nurseryman  will  ever  beat  the  gentleman  and  his  gardener,  or 
even  forester ;  but  a  great  gain  would  often  be  obtained  by 
having  the  plants  on  the  place  a  year  or  two  before  final 
transplanting.  Tbe  extra  time,  room,  and  labour  will  be  any- 
thing but  lost — quite  the  reverse. 

One  more  hint  for  the  present.  Much  would  be  gained  if  it 
were  well  understood  that  cheap  plants  and  cheap  planting  are 
anything  but  synonymous  with  profitable  planting.  Owing  to 
the  rage  for  mere  cheapness  and  the  severe  competition,  nurse- 
rymen strive  to  meet  it,  and  advertise  plants  of  certain  heights 
at  very  low  prices.  Tbey  can  only  sell  at  these  prices  by  having 
the  plants  Btanding  thickly,  almost  touching  each  other's  stems 
in  the  row,  and  thus  occupying  but  little  ground.  Such  pro- 
tected plants  turned  out  on  an  exposed  hillside,  say  4  or  5  feet 
apart,  can  hardly  stand  tbe  severe  exposure  ;  the  bark,  &c, 
being  so  tender  and  fine.  Hence  the  reason,  as  above  stated, 
for  wider  planting  and  home  nursing  for  a  year  or  two.  The 
nurseryman  cannot  give  yon  the  advantage  of  transplanting 
and  re- transplanting  without  a  corresponding  charge,  but  that 
extra  charge  would  in  most  cases  be  anything  but  an  extra 
expense.  We  are  sure  that  the  present  system  of  drawing 
plants  up  thickly  and  selling  cheaply  will  be,  as  a  rule,  to  tbe 
advantage  ultimately  of  neither  seller  nor  buyer.  In  advertise- 
ments we  should  like  to  see  a  fresh  feature — not  merely  tbe 
height  and  price  of  the  plants,  but  tbe  times  transplanted  and 
the  distance  they  stand  from  each  other.  The  distance  must 
be  paid  for,  but  those  who  buy  and  plant  at  once  would  find 
out  that  in  the  end  it  was  cheapest  to  buy  proper  plants.  A  few 
years  ago  we  planted  some  beautiful  Larch  30  inches  in  height, 
with  robust  stems  feathered  to  the  ground,  nice  little  pyramids, 
and  we  believe  not  one  failed.  They  stood  in  rows  3  feet  apart 
and  2  feet  from  each  other  in  the  rows.  We  paid  a  little  more 
for  them  than  for  trees  of  a  similar  height  that  stood  tbickly 
in  the  nursery  rows  ;  but  for  security  against  failures,  thinner 
planting  at  first,  and  rapid  growth  afterwards,  they  were  well 
worth  three  times  the  money  given  for  the  others.  There 
would  be  fewer  yearly  makings-up  of  plantations  and  shrub- 
beries if,  either  at  home  or  at  the  nursery,  there  were  more 
preparation  and  room  given  to  the  plants  before  final  trans- 
planting. Let  those  interested  look  to  it;  they  will  then  see 
it  is  no  loss  to  pay  the  grower  for  transplantiug  and  additional 
room.— R.  F. 

TRADE   CATALOGUE  RECEIVED. 

Ellwanger  &  Barry,  Mount  Hope  Nurseries,  Rochester,  New  York. 
Descriptive  Catalogue  of  Fruits,  Descriptive  Catalogue  of  Ornamental 

Trees,  SJtrubs,  Hoses,  <£c. 


TO    CORRESPONDENTS. 

*#*  Werequest  that  no  one  will  write  privately  to  any  of  the 
correspondents  of  the  "  Journal  of  Horticulture,  Cottage 
Gardener,  and  Country  Gentleman."  By  doing  so  they 
are  subjected  to  unjustifiable  trouble  and  expense.  All 
communications  should  therefore  be  addressed  solely  to 
The  Editors  of  tlie  Journal  of  Horticulture,  etc.,  171,  Fleet 
Street,  London,  E.C. 

We  also  request  that  correspondents  will  not  mix  up  on  the 
same  sheet  questions  relating  to  Gardening  and  those  on 
Poultry  and  Bee  subjects,  if  they  expect  to  get  them  an- 
swered promptly  and  conveniently,  but  write  them  on 
separate  communications.  Also  never  to  send  more  than 
two  or  three  questions  at  once. 

N.B. — Many  questions  must  remain    unanswered    until    nex 
week. 

Too  Many  Queries  (An  Old  Subscriber).— There  is  no  book  containing 
pictures  of  every  known  plant.  Heat  your  email  greenhouse  by  a  gas 
stove.  We  name  Ferns  from  specimens.  You  could  safely  sow  the  seeds 
as  you  mention.    Other  queries  in  "  Our  Letter  Box." 

Pebbles  on  Shelves  at  Kew  (A  Constant  Reader).— The  pots  rest  on 
fragments  of  Derbyshire  spar  Bpread  on  the  shelves. 

Peach  Trees  (/.  A.,  Dublin). — Peach  trees  without  glands  are  more 
subject  to  mildew  than  those  with  them.  Have  .Rivera's  Early  York  and 
Dr.  Hogg  in  your  greenhouse. 

Late  Pears  for  South-east  Wall  (G.  G.).— Bergamntte  Esperen, 
Beurre  de  Rauee,  Colmar,  Glou  Morceau,  and  Ne  Plus  MeuriB. 

Pears  for  West  Wall  (B.  S.).— To  ripen  from  October  to  Janunry 
inclusive,  we  advise  .for    quality  and    productiveness,  Marie    Louise. 


Benne  Die],  Hacon's  Incomparable,  and  Glou  Morgean.  Gansel's  Berga- 
mot  and  Brown  Beurre  are  also  excellent.  You  do  not  say  where  you 
live,  therefore  we  can  form  no  idee  aa  to  whether  Shipley's  Apticot 
would  succeed  or  not  on  a  weat  wall,  but  unless  you  are  Bouth  of  London 
It  would  not.  A  Green  Gage  Plum  would  do  very  well,  and  bo  would 
Kirke's,  Victoria,  Jefferson,  and  Coe's  Golden  Drop  Hums. 

Fruit  Trees  tor  East  and  Wkst  Walls  (A  Cottage  Gardener). —On 
your  37  yards  of  wall  with  an  east  and  west  aspect,  you  will  have  room  for 
six  trees  on  each  aide.  The  west  devote  to  Pears— viz..  Flemish  Beauty, 
Marie  Louise,  Beurre  Diel,  Passe  Colmar,  Van  Mona  Leon  le  Clerc,  Glou 
Morceau ;  and  between  these  we  should  have  vertical  double  cordons,  and 
also  at  the  ends,  or  seven  trees— viz.,  Beurr£  d'Amanlis,  Louise  Bonne  of 
Jersey,  Beurre  Giffard,  Beurrs  Superfin,  Josephine  de  Malines.  Ne  Plus 
Heuris,  and  Bergamotte  Esperen.  The  east  wall  will  suit  Plum*  and 
Cherries.  We  f-hould  have  at  least  one  Cherry;  Empress  Eugenie,  an 
early  form  of  Mty  Duke,  being  excellent.  Plums:  Green  Gage,  Jeffer- 
son, Kirke's,  Victoria,  and  Coe's  Golden  Drop.  Between  these  you  can 
have  double  vertical  cordon  Apples — viz.,  Kerry  Pippin,  Cellini,  Adams' 
Pearmain,  Cockle  Pippin,  Golden  Pippin,  Sykehouie  Kusaet,  and  Cox's 
Orange  Pippin.  For  the  north  wall  nothing  does  so  well  as  the  Morelo 
Cherry.  One  would  be  enough.  There  is  no  chance  of  a  Black  Ham- 
burgh or  Royal  Muscadine  Vine  succeeding  on  either  an  east  or  west  wall. 
Keeping  Walnuts  (OK— You  will  see  what  we  said  last  week.  If 
stored  in  the  green  shell  this  decayB  and  imparts  a  bad  flavour  to  tha 
kernel. 

Whitb  Grape  (Southamptonien*is).—'We  cannot  name  a  Grape  from 
one  or  two  hurries.  It  may  be  Syrian,  White  Tokay,  White  Lisbon,  or 
even  White  MuBcat.  From  a  portion  of  a  bunch  with  leaves  we  might  be 
certain  of  the  name. 

Vinery  and  Conservatory  (R.  J.).— We  think  you  are  distressing 
yourself  unnecessarily  about  the  heating  of  your  homes.     We  have  no 
doubt  the  boiler  you  have  will  heat  the  three  houses.    Of  course  there  is 
a  greater  riBk  in  heating  three  houses  than  in  heating  one  by  a  boiler,  aa 
in  tbe  one  house,  if  the  boiler  gave  way,  one  house  only  would  be   in 
danger.    To  make  yourself  thoroughly  secure  It  would  be  best  to  have 
two  boilers,  both  connected  with  th*  main  flow  and  return,  and  both  shut 
off  by  valve*  if  desirable.      If  anything  happened  with  one  boiler  you 
could  disconnect  it  and  work  the  other.    The  boiler  you  have,  however, 
j  may  do  its  work  well  fur  maoT  years  without  a  flaw.     As  far  as  we  know, 
the  mode  of  heating  is  good.  The  boiler  is  placed,  say,  near  the  west  end  of 
J  the  vinery,  and  pipes  go  across  the  back  or  north  end  of  tho  conservatory 
I  until  they  reach  the  next  vinery.    The  pipes  from  the  boiler  across  the 
j  end  of  tbe  conservatory  act  as  flow  and  return,  and  from  thence,  we  pre- 
j  eume,  by  valves  or  otherwise,  the  other  houses  can  be  heated  separately 
j  or  all  together.     The  four  pipes  round  the  vineries  will  be  ample  ;  but  as 
j  wo  presume  the  conservatory  is  a  span  '20  feet  wide,  two  pipes  at  each 
'■  side,  and  at  the  south  end.'minua  the  doorway,  would  do  to  keep  out 
j  frost ;  but  to  maintain  a  stove  or  tropical  heat  in  winter,  you  would  need 
nearly  double  the  piping  if  the  houBe  is  at  all  lofty.    The  arrangement  of 
1  the  conservatory  must  be  a  matter  uf  taste.     If  rather  low.  huva  a  border 
for  plants  and  climbers  all  round,  a  walk  all  round,  and  a  bed  in  the 
middle  ;  if  lofty  enough,  then  borders,  but  a  narrow  stage  all  round,  and 
a  st»ge  of  flat  sparred  table,  or  a  stone  or  slate  platform,  in  the  centre. 
The  32-oz.  glass  wilt  be  warmer  in  winter  than  thiu  glass.     Roses  in  pots 
for  house  culture  should  be  managed  according  as  you  force  them  much 
or  not.     The  less  they  are  forced— that  is,  hrought  on  very  gradually,  the 
better  will  the  blooms  be.    The  pots  should  be  well  filled  with  roots  before 
being  set  in  the  house.    If  out  of  doors  now,  protect  the  puts  from  frost. 
Desbebt  and  Preserving  Gooseberries  (J.  C.).— For  dessert— Early 
Green  Hairv,  Pitmaston   Green   Gage,  Red   Champagne.   Yellow  Cham- 
pagne. Warrington,  and  Whitesmith.     These  have  all   small  highly-fla- 
voured berries.     If  you  wish  for  larger,  then  of  the  large  or  Lancashire 
prize  Borts— Red  :  London,  Dan's  Mistake,  and  Conquering  Hero.  Yellow  : 
Catherina,  Leveller,  and  Drill.     Green  :  Thumper,   Stockwell.  and  Tele- 
graph.    White  :  Antagonist,  Freedom,  and  Hero  of  the  Nile.    For  general 
purposes  Crown   Bob,  Ironmonger,  Keens'   Seedling,  Roaring  Lion,  and 
Warrington,  with  Rumbullion  for  bottling. 

Amorphophallcs  bulbifertts  Treatment  (Idem).— It  is  hardy,  suc- 
ceeding in  a  sheltered  border  well  drained,  and  does  well  in  sandy  soil 
with  a  portion  of  Bandy  peat.  The  ground  about  the  plant  should  be 
mulched  with  parliallv  decayed  leaves  that  may  remain  on  until  spring, 
and  then  be  pointed-in.  It  is  also  known  as  Arum  bulbiferum.  The 
hroad-Ieaved  plant  is  Escallonia  rubra,  and  the  narrow-leaved  Daphne 
Cneorum. 

Saltinq  Asparagus  Beds  (Idem).—  We  do  not  recommend  the  salt  to 
be  applied  at  the  time  that  the  haulm  is  cut  off  and  the  beds  manured  for 
the  winter ;  hut  in  spring,  when  you  dress  the  bede,  give  a  dressing  of  salt, 
and  another  in  May. 

Late  Peas  (Colonel  G.).— The  best  la'e  Peas  we  have  partaken  of 
this  autumn  were  from  the  garden  of  B.  Drew,  Esq.,  Streatham.  Th«  y 
were  British  Queen,  wud  the  gardener,  Mr.  Baldwin,  said  lhat  they  were 
sown  very  deep  on  the  29th  of  May,  were  watered  about  a  week  after 
twice,  but  no  mulching  was  put  over  the  roots.  They  will  continue 
bearing  until  the  end  of  this  month. 

Pruning  Peach  Trees  (TV.).— You  may  cnt  out  the  old  wood  now,  and 
durirg  the  next  month  you  may  perform  whatever  pruning  is  required  ; 
but  as  you  practise  summer-pruning,  but  little  will  be  needed  by  the 
present  year's  wood  and  that  for  next  year's  fruiting. 

Gathering  Medlars  (C.  N.  B.\— Kow  is  a  good  time  to  gather  them. 
The  proper  time  is  when  they  come  away  freely  from  the  tree,  which  is 
usually  when  the  leaves  have  begun  to  fall.  They  should  be  gathered  on 
a  tine  day. 

Rhubarb  Grown  for  Market  (ff.  K.).— We  believe  the  market  gar- 
deners near  London  make  fresh  plantations  annually— taking  up  the 
old  roots  for  forcing.  This  is  what  Mr.  Cuthill  s*ys  iu  his  little  book  on 
"  Market  Gardening."  ■■  Rhubarb-growing  out  of  doors  is  so  simple  that 
little  can  be  said  respecting  it.  Tlie  ground  being  heavily  manured,  a 
plant  is  taken  up  and  divided  into  as  many  eyes  or  buds  as  it  possesses. 
These  are  planted  4  feet  apart,  and  bv  the  autumn  tbey  will  have  produced 
routs  from  6  lbs.  to  10  lbs.  in  weight.  The  oldest  roots  are  generally 
taken  up  for  forcing;  und  by  always  having  a  good  rotation,  the  grower 
has  the  power  of  continually  changing  the  ground,  «nd  thus  obtaining  a 
heavier  crop.    The  forced  plants  will  furnish  eyes  for  a  continual  succes- 


336 


JOURNAL  OF  HOKTICULTUKE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  October  27,  1870. 


Sion,  without  growingplants  for  the  purpose,  and  the  eyes  may  be  divided 
and  planted  again  for  a  main  crop." 

Cauliflowers  Maggoted  (N.  C.  H.).-We  cannot  account  for  Cauli- 
flowers sown  in  April  not  having  headed  before,  but  we  think  you  have 
mistaken  Cauliflower  for  Broccoli,  which  will  not  head  before  next  spring. 
Both  are  subject  to  the  ambury  or  club,  which  has  been  nnusually  pre- 
valent this  season.  We  know  of  no  remedy;  but  it  is  said  that  chnrcoal 
dust  spread  on  the  ground  about  half  an  inch  thick  acta  as  a  preventive, 
and  a  dressing  of  gas  lime,  twelve  bushels  to  the  acru,  has  been  found  to 
ward  it  off.  It  is  also  said  that  fresh  soot,  one  gallon  to  a  pound  of  salt- 
petre, brought  to  the  cousistence  of  thick  paint,  will  keep  the  maggots 
from  plants,  of  which  the  roots  and  stems  are  dipped  before  planting. 
All  you  could  do  now  would  be  to  water  the  plants  with  ammoniacal 
liquor  from  the  gasworks,  diluted  with  six  times  its  bulk  of  water. 

Potatoes  (H".  S.).— Apply  through  some  friend  to  the  dealers  in  the 
Borough  Market,  or  else  advertise  them,  saying  the  price  you  require,  &c. 

Shrubs  for  Low  South  Wall  {E.  B.).— Chimonanthus  frngrans 
Cydonia  japouica,  Indigofera  floribunda,  and  Cotonoaster  Simmondsii, 
it  being  only  partly  evergreen,  the  others  being  deciduous.  Of  ever- 
greens, Ceanothus  azureus,  C.  dentatus,  Garrya  elliptic*,  and  Ligustrum 
japonicum.  For  the  north  wall,  Calycanthus  macrophyllus,  Crataegus 
Pyracantha,  Cotoneaster  microphylla,  and  Ivy. 

Treatment  of  a  Hollow  Ash  (S.  Adams).—  There  are  many  associ- 
ations about  old  hollow  trees  that  make  people  anxious  to  preserve  them, 
though  afraid  the  first  tempest  will  bring  them  down.  We  have  seen  old 
hollow  trees  preserved  and  thriving  afterwards  by  filling  the  hollow  wi'h 
flints,  brickbats,  &c  ,  and  running  the  mass  firm  with  thickish  concrete. 
We  have  known  some  cases  in  which  the  trees  seemed  to  tnke  a  new 
leaBe  of  existence,  making  fresh  wood  and  adding  layers  of  fresh  bark 
every  year.  We  are  a  little  doubtful  if  it  would  be  worth  while  doing  this 
in  your  case,  as  you  speak  of  encasing  the  outside  with  bark.  If  there  is 
no  bark  there  can  be  little  or  no  life.  We  have  known  cases,  however, 
in  which  hollow  trees,  treated  as  above,  and  with  spaces  all  round  where 
the  bark  seemed  gone,  have  become  covered  with  fresh  hark  on  all  Buch 
places  being  coated  with  cow  dung  and  clay  kept  on  with  cloth  to  exclude 
air.    This  could  only  be  done  when  the  head  of  the  tree  was  fresh. 

Select  Fuchsias  (H.  F.  T.).— Agnes,  Avalanche,  Emnress.  Heather 
Bell,  Enchantress,  aod  Innocence  ;  the  preceding  are  light.  Dark  sorts — 
Haven,  Blue  Boy,  Diadem,  Lord  Elcho,  Enoch  Arden,  and  General  Grant. 

Select  Roses  lldem). — Hybrid  Perpetuate :  Alfred  de  Rougemont, 
Caroline  de  Sausal,  Charles  Lefebvre,  Gloire  de  Santenay,  Jules  Mar- 
gottin,  Leopold  I.,  Madame  Victor  Verdier,  Marecbal  Viiillant,  Pierre 
Notting,  Princo  Leon,  Senateur  Vaisse,  and  William  Griffiths. 

TrSpjeolum  tuberosum  (Rush). — If  it  is  planted  out  against  a  south 
wall  the  plant  will  need  no  protection  in  winter,  except  mulching  over  the 
roots  and  covering  with  partially-decayed  leaves  or  dry  short  litter  to  the 
depth  of  3  inches,  removing  the  mulching  in  March.  It  would  be  ad- 
vantageous to  shelter  the  shoots  with  mats  or  canvas  in  spring,  in  case  of 
severe  frost  after  growth  has  commenced.  The  plant  is  only  half  hardy, 
and  does  not  usually  flower  well  out  of  doors  except  in  warm  soils  and 
situations.  T.  azureum  and  T,  tricnlorum  will,  no  doubt,  start  again. 
They  will  need  to  be  kept  in  the  greenhouse  in  a  light  position. 

Wintering  Golden  Feather  Pyrethrum  (Berkhnmpstead  Subscriber). 
—It  is  not  necessary  to  place  the  plants  in  a  greenhouse,  though  it  is 
Often  done.  They  winter  quite  safely  in  the  open  ground,  being  perfectly 
hardy  in  all  well-drained  soils.  This  Pyrethrum  stands  the  winter  best 
in  light  dry  soil  in  a  warm  situation.  It  is  not  necessary  to  raise  seed- 
lings every  year,  for  it  iB  readily  increased  by  slips  or  cuttings  put  in  either 
in  spring  or  autumn  in  a  gentle  hotbed,  though  they  do  well  in  a  cold 
frame  in  August.  Seedlings,  however,  are  the  most  free-growing.  The 
Beed  should  be  sown  in  July,  and  the  plants  pricked  out  when  large 
enough  in  light  soil  in  a  sheltered  position.  They  should  be  put  out 
about  3  incheB  apart.  In  spring  they  may  be  planted  where  they  are  to 
remain. 

Sowing  Gorse  or  Furze  Seed  ( Idem).— It  is  best  propagated  from 
seed,  which  should  be  sown  in  March.  It  prefers  light  dry  soils.  We 
admire  the  common  Gorse  as  much  as  anyone,  but  think  it  out  of  place 
in  a  garden,  being  inferior  to  the  double-flowering,  which  we  have  in 
large  clumps,  and  no  yellow-flowering  shrub  can  surpass  it  when  in  full 
bloom.  PlantB  in  pots  may  be  had  at  most  nurseries  at  a  cheap  rate.  We 
have  it  in  groups  by  the  hundred. 

Protecting  Passion-Flower  (An  Old  Subscriber).— It  is  necessary 
for  us  to  have  some  data  in  order  to  form  an  opinion.  You  do  not  say 
what  the  kinds  are,  nor  in  what  position  they  are  grown,  but  we  presume 
they  are  the  hardiest  sorts,  which  in  the  midland  counties  require  a 
south  wall,  and  a  protection  of  mats  or  straw  in  severe  weather,  to  be 
removed  when  it  is  mild. 

Thrips  on  Lapageria  rosea  (X.  of  Sidmouth). — The  leaf  sent  us  is 
infested  with  thrips.  Your  remedy  is  to  shut  up  the  house  on  a  calm  even- 
ing, and  fill  it  with  tobacco  smoke  so  densely  that  a  plant  cannot  be  seen 
from  the  outside.  You  should  repeat  the  fumigation  next  night  but  one, 
and  two  days  afterwards  give  a  thorough  syringing.  Your  plant  must 
have  been  seriously  neglected  as  regards  water,  otherwise  it  would  not 
have  been  in  such  a  bad  state,  and  the  atmosphere  has  been  much  too 
dry. 

Gesnera  zebrina  Flowers  Falling  (W.N).— We  think  the  flowers 
do  not  expand  from  the  circumstance  that  they  have  hitherto  been  ^rown 
in  a  higher  temperature,  and  you  have  given  them  a  lower  f>»r  flowering; 
consequently,  the  plants  have  received  a  check.  Water  moderately  and 
afford  abundance  of  light.  We  think  they  will  do  better  when  they  be- 
come used  to  the  temperature.  Perhaps  you  have  given  them  an  over- 
dose of  liquid  manure. 

Retarding  Chrysanthemums  Flowkring  f Idem).— The  only  way  that 
we  know  is  to  place  them  in  a  north  aspect,  but  with  plenty  of  light,  and 
though  that  will  retard  them,  you  risk  losing  the  flowers  from  frost, 
therefore  you  will  need  to  have  protection  in  readiness  to  save  them 
from  severe  frost.  We  would  house  them  and  keep  them  cool  by  giving 
an  abundance  of  air. 

Coal  Ashes  as  a  Top-dressing  (D.  G.). — They  would  not  be  of  any 
banefit  as  a  top-dressing  to  light  soils,  nor  would  they  increase  fertility. 

Removing  Hot-water  Pipes  (Idem).— There  is  no  mode  of  removing 
the  "borings"  that  are  used  i a  making  the  joints,  except  by  chipping 


out  with  a  chisel,  a  tedious  and  difficult  operation,  and  not  unfrequently 
the  joints  or  sockets  are  broken.  It  is  best,  we  think,  to  cut  the  pipes 
with  a  file,  and  in  such  a  p'aeethat  they  can  be  joined  with  a  pipe  having 
sockets  at  each  end.  Perhaps  you  will  need  to  operate  where  the  elbows 
are,  then  it  would  be  best  to  break  them,  and  yuu  can  free  the  sockets  of 
the  broken  portion  and  add  the  additional  length  you  require. 

Lasiandra  macranthra,  Eougatnvillea  lateritia,  and  Sobralia 
macrantha  (T.  C,).— Lasiandra  mucrantha  is  the  same  as  Pleroma  ma- 
crantha.  The  Bougainvillea  should  have  a  temperature  of  from  55°  to 
60°  at  night,  and  from  60°  to  65°  by  day  from  the  present  time  to  March, 
and  in  March  you  should  start  it  if  you  wish  for  flowers  in  May      Give  it 


plenty  of  moisture  as  well  as  heat;  keep  it  drv  during  the  winter,  and 
prune  it  before  starting,  or  in  February.  You  will  need  to  afford  it  a  light 
position.    It  would  be  more  likely  to  flower  if  pruned  but  little,  and  not 


overpotted.  The  old  stems  of  the  Sobralia  ought  not  to  be  cut  away,  but 
should  be  allowed  to  die  off  naturally  They  will  not  flower  again,  but 
from  them  you  will  have  the  parts  for  futuru  flowering. 

Perennials  for  a  Border  (R,  L.  D.)  —  Agrostemma  coronaria,  Ajuga 
alpina,  Alyssum  saxatite,  Anemone  apennina,  A.  coronaria  vara.,  Anoma- 
theca  cruenta,  Antirrhinums,  Aquilegia  Skinneri,  Arabisalbida,  Aubrietia 
deltoidea  grandiflora,  Aster  alp:nus,  Campanula  agjregata,  C  pulla,  Chei- 
ranthus  Marshalli,  C.  alpinus.  Cyclamen  coum,  C.  hodenefolium,  and 
C.  hederrefolium  album,  Delphinium  alopecuroides.  D.  Belladonna,  Dian- 
thus  floribundus,  Diolytra  spectabilis,  Draba.  aizoides,  Erigeron  grandi- 
florus,  E.  speciosus,  Gentiana  acaulis,  Geranium  sanguinrum  and  lan- 
castriense,  Geum  coccineum  grandiflorum,  Helleborus  niger,  Hepatica 
triloba,  H.  augulusa,  Hyaciuthus  ainetbystinus,  Hypericum  calycinum, 
Iberis  saxatilis,  Iris  reticulata,  I.  attica,  I.  pallida,  Lilium  tenuifolium, 
Linum  alpinnm,  Lychnis  alpina,  L.  Haageana,  L.  Yiscaria  splendens, 
Lythrum  roseura  superbum,  Meconopsis  cambricn,  Myosotis  azorica, 
M.  sylvatica,  Oenothera  macrocarpi,  Orobus  vernus,  Oxal'is  tropseoloides, 
Pseonias,  Papaver  alpinum,  P.  nudicaule,  Phlox  Nelsoni,  P.  verna,  Pole- 
monium  creruleum  variegatum,  Primula  acaulis,  Auriculas,  Pyrethrums, 
Salvia  nemorosa,  Saxifraga  aizoides,  S.  Andrewsii,  S.  juniperina,  S.  oppo- 
sitifolia,  S.  cuneata,  Sempervivum  californicum,  Silene  Schafti,  Sisy- 
rinchium  grandiflorum,  Spirasa  Filipendula  flore-pleno,  Statice  Gmelini, 
S.  latifolia,  S.  minuta,  S.  tatarica,  Symphytum  caucasicum,  Thalictrum 
aquilegifolium,  Trollius  europaeus,  Tussilago  Farfara  variegata,  Veronica 
Candida,  V.  Teucrium,  V.  alpestris,  and  V.  hybrida. 

Oleander  Scale— Geranium  Leaf  Blackened  (M.  E).— The  Ole- 
ander leaf  is  attacked  by  scale,  the  Geranium  leaf  by  the  insect's  secre- 
tion turned  to  a  black  fungus.  Fumigation  with  tobacco  will  not  kill  the 
scale,  nor  will  it  be  of  any  benefit  to  either.  Pick  off  the  scale  from  the 
Oleander  with  the  point  of  a  kuife,  and  Byringe  the  plant  with  a  solution 
of  soft  soap,  3  ozs.  to  the  gallon  of  water,  and  add  ten  drops  of  spirits  of 
turpentine.  The  solution  Bhould  be  applied  at  a  temperature  of  140°, 
laying  the  plant  on  its  side  aud  turning  it  round,  so  as  to  thoroughly  wet 
every  part.  Keep  the  solution  from  the  soil.  The  Geranium  will  not 
need  any  application. 

Chrysanthemum  Sensation  for  Spring  Decoration  (D.  D).— It  is 
of  no  great  value  for  the  flower  garden  in  spring.  Your  best  plan  would 
be  to  let  the  tops  remain  and  mulch  with  partially-decayed  leaves,  cutting 
off  the  tops  in  March,  and  if  the  spring  bo  warm  the  shoots  may  come 
up  strong  and  have  a  good  effect,  but  it  is  far  more  likely  that  they  will 
be  damaged  by  frost.  For  summer  decoration  take  off  the  suckers  in 
November,  pot  them  singly  and  place  them  in  a  frame,  protecting  them 
from  frost  in  cold  weather.  It  will  answer  just  as  well  to  save  a  few  of 
the  old  plants,  take  cuttings  from  them  in  March,  and  place  them  in  a 
gentle  hotbed.  When  rooted  pot  them  off  and  place  them  in  a  cold  frame. 
They  will  form  plants  by  May.    Stop  them  to  make  them  bushy. 

Plant  for  Wall  of  Orchid  House  (F.  C.  Tr.)— There  are  few  plants 
that  combine  handsome  flowers  with  variegated  or  fine  foliage.  Passiflora 
trifa=ciata  may  suit,  as  it  has  varit  gated  foliage  and  ornamental  flowers  ; 
but  we  should  prefer  Cissus  discolor.  The  finest  flowering  covering  of  a 
wall  that  we  have  seen  consisted  of  Euphorbia  j  acq  ainite  flora  and  Passi- 
flora quadraugularis. 

Aphis  on  Tyd.eas  and  Gesneras  (Croydonian).— The  leaves  sent  have 
every  appearance  of  having  been  attacked  with  the  white  aphis,  which  is 
most  difficult  to  extirpate.  Fumigation  with  tobacco  is  the  only  remedy 
we  know,  previously  sprinkling  with  water  the  floor  and  every  available 
surface,  but  not  wetting  the  foliage. 

Centaurea  Propagation  (Idem).— The  best  way  is  to  take  off  the  side 
shoots  close  to  the  stem,  pare  the  base  smooth,  and  insert  them  in  sand, 
placing  them  in  a  house  with  a  temperature  of  from  60~  to  65°.  They 
may  be  inserted  in  summer  in  a  frame,  or  in  spring  in  a  gentle  hotbed. 
Perhaps  spring  is  the  beet  time.  Be  careful  not  to  overwater,  nor  to 
keep  too  moist  an  atmosphere,  otherwise  the  cuttings  will  damp.  Keane's 
"  In-door  Gardening  "  will  suit  you.  It  may  be  had,  post  free,  from  our 
office  for  twenty  postage  stamps. 

Draining  a  Garden  (W.  E).— The  cheapest  and  best  method  of  drain- 
ing is  with  tiles.  The  drains  should  be  4  feet  deep  if  you  can  command 
sufficient  outfall,  and  they  ought  not  be  farther  apart  than  21  feet,  but 
much  depends  on  the  soil.  If  strong  and  clayey  they  may  be  closer  than 
where  the  subsoil  is  gravelly  or  sandy.  The  prices  of  tiles  and  digging 
drains  vary  so  much  in  different  parts,  that  we  can  give  you  no  fair  idea 
of  the  coat.  Consult  some  farmer  or  person  accustomed  to  draining  in 
your  locality. 

Fumigators  (A.  D.).— Both  those  which  you  mention  answer  fully  the 
desired  purpose.  Any  dealer  in  such  articles  could  supply  you.  No 
subsequent  supplement  has  been  published. 

Heating  a  Greenhouse  (F.  M.).— We  think  you  will  have  heat  enough 
in  the  house  bv  the  plan  proposed.  We  presume  that  having  the  pipes 
near  the  back  wall  and  so  far  from  the  ground  level,  is  to  suit  the  inde- 
pendent conical  boiler  that  is  to  stand  shut  off  by  a  glass  partition  in  one 
end  of  the  house  ;  but  for  that  the  pipes  would  have  had  power  if  placed 
near  the  ground  beneath  the  first  flower  stand.  Most  likely  you  could 
not  manage  that  without  somewhat  sinking  your  boiler,  as  you  cannot 
well  take  hot  water  below  the  boiler.  Your  shelf  at  the  back  seems  also 
very  high— 6  feet  from  the  ground.  Why  not  have  it  a  little  above  the 
stage  in  front  ?  The  pipes,  if  desirable,  might  come  farther  from  the  wall 
than  9  inches,  but  even  at  that  the  Vine  stems  would  not  be  apt  to  suffer 
much.  Vines  would  do  well  at  the  buck  if  the  soil  were  suitable  and 
drainel.    Without  Vines,  Camel  ias  and  Oranges,  with  an  Acacia  or  two, 


October  27,  lb70.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


337 


would  do  adrnirtbly  against  the  back  wall.  The  pipes  would  throw  off 
more  heat  if  placed  on  the  same  level  instead  of  above  each  other. 

American  Blight  E.  G.,  Leighton  Buzzard).— Slake  some  l!me  and 
add  some  salt,  and  apply  with  a  brush.  Some  people  add  a  little  cow 
dang.— W.  F.  Radclyffe. 

Names  of  Plants  {Rev.  S.  L.  WiUon,  Prestbury  Vicarage).— Lycium 
barbarum,  very  commonly  known  as  the  "Tea  shrub"  in  cottage  gardens. 
(S.).— 1  and  4  ar«  the  Lady  Fern,  Athyrimn  Filix-fcemina ;  5,  La»trea 
Filix-mas;  8  and  6  lire  L.  dilatata  ;  2,  L  spiuuloaa,  a  variety  of  dilatata. 
(M.R).-l.  Ptaris  felosma ;  2,  a  small  var.  of  Scolopendriuui  vulgare  ; 
3,  a  Laetrea  not  recognised  by  ns ;  4,  Campyloneuron  lapathifnlium;  5, 
possib  y  Cyatopteris  alpina.  [G.  P.).— We  do  not  identify  your  Fern,  as 
it  is  not  in  fruit.  Cannot  you  forward  us  part  of  a  frond  bearing  sori? 
(E.  T.).— Campanula  Portenschlagiana.  (if.  H.).— 1,  Aster  lievis ;  2,  A. 
Novi-Belgii.  <  H  /.,  Foto  Island)  —1,  Clematis  graveolens  ;  2,  Aster  Novsa- 
Anglife  :  3,  A-t-r  grandifloraa  j  4,  Artemisia,  apparently  Abmtanum. 
(2\  B.  TV.).— 1,  Pt  ris  loagifolia;  2,  Platyloma  (Peltteal  aditmtifulia ;  3, 
Adiantum  hispidu  am;  4,  Ptt-ris  serrulata;  5,  Polypodium  vulgare  cam- 
bric am  ;  6,  N*»nurolepi8  cordifolium  <N.  tuberosa) ;  7.  Athyrium  umbro- 
sam  ;  8,  D<tvall  a  Nov.x-Zrelandise ;  9,  Polypodiam  auream.  (M.  D.).— 
Eacomis  pane*  'a.  a  Cape  bulb.  (Harlow  Cottage).— The  popular  name, 
"Bottle  Brush,"  is  applied  to  the  whole  genus  of  the  Horsetails, Equi- 
setuin  of  botanists. 


POULTRY,   BSE,    AND   PIGEON    CHRONICLE. 


POULTRY   SHOW   REPORTS. 

I  see  that  your  correspondent,  "  Shropshire  Rector,"  in 
the  number  f  >r  October  13tb,  gives  me  a  gentle  "dig,"  not  a 
blow,  still  less  an  ill-tempered  scratch,  rather  let  me  call  it  a 
sort  of  a  pat,  and  then,  fearing  he  has  knocked  off  the  skin,  he 
puts  on  a  plai-ter.  Thus  he  says,  "I  am  sure  the  value  of  'our 
Journal'  in  a  poultry-fancier's  eyes  would  be  greatly  increased 
if  weoould  have  more  detailed  accounts  of  the  poultry  exhibited." 
Then  comes  the  gentle  dig  or  pat,  "  I  do  not  mean  such  an  ac- 
count as  that  of  'Wiltshire  Rector's'  journey  to  Stroud,  in 
which  the  journey  occupies  about  ninety  lines,  the  fowls  thirty, 
and  the  Pigeons  eight."  Then  follows  the  plaister — "No 
offence  to  our  good  friend,  whose  letters  are  always  amusing, 
and  whose  acquaintance  I  hope  some  day  to  make."  These 
remarks  aff  >rd  me  an  opportunity  of  saying  what  I  have  been 
wishing  for  some  time  to  say.  As  to  my  brother  of  Shropshire, 
I  the  more  easily  recover  his  pat,  inasmuch  as  my  opinion  some 
years  ago  was  not  wholly  ul  like  his.  But  now,  after  eight  years' 
experience  as  a  writer  in  this  Journal,  my  opiuion  is,  that  re- 
ports to  be  readable,  and  especially  to  vary  one  from  another, 
must  deal  more  with  the  surroundings  than  with  the  birds 
themselves  ;  and  for  this  reason,  that  the  birds  exhibited  are 
not  only  very  much  alike,  but  in  many  cases  they  are  the  very 
same  birds.  Thus,  as  one  comes  to  a  pen  one  says,  "  Ah  ! 
here  are  So-and-so's  old  R  ise-combed  Dorkings;  "  or,  "Well, 
the  Bristol  Spanish  are  looking  wonderfully  well  after  so  many 
journeys  ;"  and  so  in  a  great  measure  it  is  throughout,  ex- 
cept with  the  awkward  squad — the  birds  sent  by  persons  living 
near,  and  who  do  not  understand  poultry,  and  which  birds  are 
utterly  unworihy  of  a  remark.  But  if  this  be  true  of  the  fowls, 
it  is  even  more  true  of  the  winning  first-class  Pigeons.  A  few 
fanciers  have  t  he  best  birds  in  the  country,  and  win  all  or  nearly 
all  the  prizes,  and  these  birds  are  almost  as  well  known  at  a 
show  as  their  owners'  names  are  known  in  the  prize  list. 

But,  again,  "  Shropshire  Rector  "  remarks  upon  the  reports 
of  the  judges  (and  by  way,  who  so  fit  to  report  as  those  who 
have  studied  every  pen  in  order  to  decide  the  prizes  ?),  yet  I  can 
tell  him  that  the  best  judge  in  the  world  gives  usually  in  his 
reports  but  very  few  details,  and  he  as  well  as  1  know  the 
reason  why. 

Further,  poultry  in  itself  is  not  a  very  wide  subject,  and  if 
one  wrote  diffusely  every  time  of  the  Dorking's  fifth  claw  and 
its  position,  or  of  twisted  combs,  or  of  removal  of  hairs  from  the 
face,  or  of  a  duck  foot,  we  should  make  each  volume  of  this 
Journal  as  alike  as  the  covers,  the  dates  only  differing.  Or  as 
it  was  said  by  the  poet  of  a  Dutch  garden,  where — 

"  Each  alley  has  its  brother. 

And  half  the  garden  just  reflects  the  other." 

But  there  is  a  further  reason  still.  There  is  an  authoritative 
"  Standard  of  Excellence,"  at  least  one  now  received  with  great 
respect  by  all  poultry  fanciers.  Let  "  Shropshire  Rector" 
master  that,  and  he  will  gain  great  knowledge  of  detail.  But  I 
do  not  see  that  we  should  print  it  part  by  part;  to  do  so  would 
be  as  great  an  error,  to  my  mind,  as  to  make  the  gardening  de- 
partment of  the  periodical  an  enlarged  repetition  of  old  Aber- 
orombie  brought  down  to  the  present  time.  I  venture  to  think 
that  the  complaint  of  "  Shropshire  Rector  "  is  that  of  a  be- 
ginner. 


I  can  further  illustrate  my  meaning  in  this  way.  Where, 
until  Mr.  Blakston  wrote,  were  Canaries  ?  We  had  indeed  oc- 
casionally an  answer  to  an  inquirer  about  long  olaws.or  wheez- 
ing, or  moulting  ;  bnt  how  different  now,  when,  during  the  last 
few  years,  we  have  had  lengthy  and  excellent  articles  on  Cana- 
ries. The  reason  is,  I  believe,  beoause  "  W.  A.  B.'s  "  witty 
and  readable  papers  have  pushed  forward  the  fancy.  1  consider 
that  Mr.  Blakston's  account  of  the  Crystal  Palace  Show  of  last 
February  was  one  of  the  very  best  reports,  if  not  the  best,  I 
aver  read,  and  yet  he  always  deals  as  much  at  least,  or  even 
more,  with  the  surroundings  than  with  the  birds  themselves. 
If  a  report  were  extended  to  many  papers  (one  I  think  was  even 
to  six),  and  were  it  full  of  minutiie,  I  should  break  down  in  the 
reading,  and  read  scarcely  half. 

"  Shropshire  Rector  "  mentions  the  Stroud  report  parti- 
cularly. Now,  I  know  the  burden  of  care  on  the  Bboulders  of, 
committeemen,  and  never  make  comp'aints,  especially  if  it  be 
a  first  show.  Bnt  as  Stroud  is  specially  mentioned,  I  must 
remark  that  after  having  paid  5s.  entrance  I  never  got  a  prize 
list  at  all.  It  was  not  printed  by  the  time  I  left— viz.,  five 
o'olook,  and  one  was  sent  to  me  by  post  afterwards.  Such  a 
state  of  things  must  cripple  a  reporter  sadly.  It  is  even  a  fact 
that  all  the  prize  cards  were  not  on  the  pens  when  I  left,  and 
I  should  not  have  known  which  birds  got  the  prizes  in  the 
Game  classes  but  for  the  oourtesy  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hodson  the 
Judge.     Sad  state  of  things  indeed,  but  true  nevertheless  ! 

"  Shropshire  Rector"  implies,  unless  I  mistake  him,  that 
I  write  only  to  amuse ;  he  will  permit  me  to  remark  that  I 
have  a  far  higher  aim,  which  is,  by  writing  readable  articles 
(readable  by  those  who  are  not  fanciers)  to  raise  and  enlarge 
the  fancy,  to  extend  it  to  those  who  have  not  as  yet  learned  to 
love  those  beautiful  birds  which  we  love.  But  we  must  gain 
ears  before  we  gain  hearts,  and  I  am  sure  an  Eaton  or  a  Brent, 
excellent  in  details  though  both  were,  never  increased  the 
Pigeon  fancy,  while  I  have  6een  on  many  a  bookcase  "  The 
Drvecote,"  because  its  author  knew  how  to  write  interestingly. 
Of  poultry  simply  and  solely,  and  its  details,  it  would  be  im- 
possible to  write  year  after  year,  and  many  years  in  succession 
— the  subject  is  not  wide  enough.  Thus  it  is  not  unfrequently 
the  case  that  ardent  young  poultry  fanciers  say  to  me,  "  What 
a  pity  there  is  no  periodical  for  poultry  only."  I  tell  them  it 
was  tried  years  ago,  and  failed,  and  would  fail  again  ;  the  subject 
is  too  narrow.  "Our  Journal,"  taking  in  so  many  pursuits, 
fancies,  and  hobbies,  succeeds,  and  for  that  reason.  I  have, 
during  the  many  years  I  have  written,  come  to  know  from  the 
many  private  letters  what  class  of  papers  readers  are  good 
enough  to  be  pleased  with,  and  without  the  least  wish  to  be 
egotistical  I  must  beg  leave  to  add  in  conclusion  this  anecdote. 
A  Pigeon  paper  of  mine,  "  A  Day  at  Devizes,  and  What  I  Saw 
There,"  written  in  the  spring  of  1865,  happened  to  be  copied 
into  the  county  paper.  I  met  for  the  first  time  soon  afterwards 
a  Wiltshire  gentleman,  who  asked  me  "  if  it  were  true  that  I 
was  the  writer  of  it."  I  did  not  deny  the  Boft  impeachment. 
He  replied,  "  Why  you  write  so  as  to  make  people  run  off  and 
buy  fowls  and  Pigeons."  I  6aid,  "  That  is  just  what  I  wish." 
I  repeat,  that  I  state  this  from  no  egotistical  feeling,  but  to 
show  that,  although  I  am  not  "a  dry  detail  dealer,"  yet  I  have, 
I  trust,  done  some  little  good  to  the  poultry  world.— Wiltshire 
Rector.  

As  "Shropshire  Rector  "  remarks,  a  report  should  contain 
something  definite— something  by  which  an  abseEt  exhibitor 
or  breeder  may  properly  estimate  the  relative  value  of  his  own 
and  other  birds.  I  have  known  cases  where  winning  bird3 
have  been  claimed  by  post  or  purchased  afterwards  from  great 
distances,  simply  because  they  were  winning  birds,  and  upon 
arrival  they  were  found  to  be  indifferent  specimens  after  all, 
thus  annoying  and  disappointing  the  purchaser,  and  creating  a 
feeling  of  distrust  against  the  seller.  I  sincerely  hope,  there- 
fore, that  next  week  we  shall  not  read  of  the  winning  pens  of 
Light  Brahmas  at  Southampton  as  being  "  a  better  lot  than 
those  of  previous  years,"  or  "  as  a  whole  not  so_  good  as  last 
year."  Let  us  have  some  idea  of  the  size,  perfection  in  mark- 
ing, and  other  excellencies,  relatively,  of  the  leading  birds. 

Mr.  Wright's  suggestion  respecting  commendations  is  well 
worthy  of  adoption.  I  fully  endorse  his  remarks  upon  the 
entry  'fees  at  Birmingham.  Let  us  hope  that  another  year  the 
Committee  will  consider  the  advisability  of  a  change,  abolish- 
ing the  present  subscription  for  a  high  entry  fee.  I  can  answer 
for  many  first-class  pens  in  the  west  which,  but  for  the  high 
fees,  would  be  sent  singly,  as  both  credit  and  the  expense  of 
carriage  would  prevent  middling  pens  being  entered. 


338 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  27,  1870. 


Southampton  Show  will,  donbtless,  be  a  great  success  ;  bat  | 
it  really  is  too  bad  of  Hampshire  fanciers  and  the  Committee 
to  allow  such  breeds  as  Cochin-Chinas  and  Hamburghs  to  re- 
main so  far  in  the  background.  The  proper  number  of  classes, 
say  three  for  Cochins  and  four  for  Hamburghs,  would  bring 
great  improvement,  and,  I  feel  sure,  cause  no  extra  expense. 
How  oan  the  Committee  expect  to  Bee  any  display  of  my 
favourites,  the  White  Cochins,  or,  indeed,  of  either  variety? 

Speaking  of  White  Cochins,  it  reminds  me  of  another  cruel 
schedule — the  Crystal  Palace.  I  had  hoped  that  in  this  list  we 
should  at  least  see  the  prizes  for  all  Cochins  as  tempting  as  at 
Bristol ;  yet,  although  Buffi  and  Partridge  are  very  fairly 
handled,  the  poor  Whites  are  left  with  a  solitary  class.  Tue 
reason  may  be  adduced  that  the  variety  never  shew  in  force  ; 
but,  if  such  is  the  caBe,  the  cause  is  obvious — they  are  never 
offered  the  temptations  so  continually  dangled  before  the  eyes 
of  other  varieties.  If  a  enp  is  offered  by  way  of  variety,  it  is 
always  by  subscription.  White  Cochins  are  becoming  more 
generally  cultivated,  and  breeders  will  not  long  rest  contented 
with  their  miserable  classification. 

Some  few  weeks  ago  I  appealed  in  your  columuB  for  cups  f  >r 
Cochins  and  Brahmas  at  the  West  of  England  Show  to  be  held 
at  Plymouth,  but  in  consequence  of  the  opposition  by  local 
exhibitors  to  their  being  "open,"  it  is  now  determined  to  re- 
strict them  to  Devon  and  Cornwall,  especially  as  the  particular 
breeds  (Hamburghs  having  been  added)  require  encouragement 
in  the  two  oounties.  I  may,  therefore,  openly  thank  thoBe 
ladies  and  gentlemen  who  so  kindly  offered  their  assistance, 
although  I  intend  to  do  the  same  by  letter.  The  fact  that  Mr. 
Hewitt  will  judge  gives  great  satisfaction,  especially  as  last  year 
two  or  three  flagrant  cases  of  "  undiscovered "  dyeing  were 
observed. — James  Long. 

[We  have  now  inserted  all  the  worthy  communications  which 
we  have  received  on  this  subject,  and,  bowing  to  the  wishes  of 
our  correspondents,  we  have  requested,  and  do  request,  all  thoBe 
who  favour  us  with  comments  on  poultry  exhibitions  to  include 
in  those  comments  notes  on  the  especial  superior  points  of  the 
birds  in  the  prize  pens.  Yielding  thus  far  to  our  correspon- 
dents, we  must  also  ask  them  not  to  expect  all  the  information 
that  they  desire  ;  we  must  ask  them  to  consider  who  made  the 
awards.  If  he  is  a  man  of  known  ability  and  integrity  they 
may  accopt  as  certain  that  the  birds  to  which  he  awarded  prizes 
are  good.  We  must  also  ask  our  correspondents  to  consider 
that  adverse  criticisms  upon  awards  are  painful  to  the  judge, 
galling  to  the  prizetakers,  and  irritating  to  those  next  below 
them.  Bearing  all  this  iu  mind,  we  will  do  our  utmost  to 
satisfy  the  wishes  of  our  readers. — Eds.] 


classes — for  a  single  cock,  two  1  e  is,  a  cock  and  hen — with  four 
prizes  for  each  claBS.  Black  Dncki,  Ornamental  Waterfowl,  and 
Pheasants  have  each  a  separate  class. 

The  Pigeons  are  divided  into  no  less  than  fifty-one  clasBes, 
with  seventeen  cups,  and  we  expect  to  find  the  most  inter- 
esting, the  greatest,  and  the  best  show  of  Pigeons  ever  seeD, 
as  we  believe  we  are  correct  in  saying  never  before  was  such 
a  complete  schedule  issued.  Pouters  are  divided  into  four- 
teen classes— Carriers  eight,  Tumblers  five  ;  each  of  these 
varieties,  also  B*rbs,  have  a  cup  for  birds  bred  in  1870.  Jaco- 
bins and  Fantails  compete  together  for  a  cup.  Foreign  Owls 
and  Dragoons  have  one  for  the  best  pair.  There  are  several 
novelties,  amongst  which  is  a  cup  for  the  best  collection  of 
four  pairs  of  Pigeons,  exclusive  of  Carriers,  Pouters,  and  Tum- 
blers ;  the  latter  have  one  for  the  best  four  pairs,  and  another 
is  offered  for  the  best  pen  of  six  working  Antwerps.  Each  of 
these  classes  will  prove  very  ioteresting. 

The  total  amount  offered  for  competition  is  between  £600 
and  £700.  with  nearly  forty  cups.  The  entries  close  on  No- 
vember 12tu. 

FORM  versus  "WEIGHT. 
I  quite  agrfe  with  your  correspondent,  Mr.  T.  E.  Kell,  espe- 
cially as  to  Turkeys,  Geese,  and  Ducks.  They  won  by  size  at 
the  past,  and  it  appears  will  do  so  at  future  Birmingham  shows. 
I  have  proved  by  experience  that  such  birds  are  of  no  use,  at 
least  in  the  following  season,  for  breeding  purposes.  Facts  are 
stubborn  things.  I  had  a  Goose  a  few  years  ago  fed  up  to  the 
so-called  Birmingham  standard.  She  laid  fifty  eggs  one  season 
— a  fair  lot  for  a  pudding,  bnt  not  one  was  fertile.  I  can  assure 
the  Birmingham  Committee  I  have  not  the  inclination  to  de- 
stroy valuable  breeding  fowls  to  try  to  win  laurels  even  at  a 
Birmingham  show.  I  have  known  in  this  county  judges  de- 
pending on  the  scales  rather  than,  as  it  ought  to  be,  form  versus 
weight.  Oace  in  particular  I  was  exhibiting  my  one-eyed 
Goliath  at  one  of  those  local  shows,  and  was  annoyed  at  finding 
that  the  scales  were  to  decide  ;  and,  as  I  afterwards  told  the 
judges,  I  was  disgusted  with  any  man  pretending  to  be  a  judge 
not  deciding  according  to  his  own  judgment.  They  replied, 
"  Just  what  we  thought  before  weighing."  But  that  is  not  it. 
I  object  upon  principle,  and  interest  as  well,  for  such  decisions 
give  a  premium  to  overfed  fowls,  besides  making  them  value- 
less as  breeding  fowls. — O.  A.  Young,  Middle  Street,  York. 


THE  LONDON  POULTRY  AND  PIGEON  SHOW 
Last  week  we  briefly  noticed  the  schedule  of  the  above 
exhibition,  but  reserved  a  fuller  review  for  our  present  issue. 
We  are  very  glad  to  find  the  Committee  offering  such  a  valu- 
able and  at  the  same  time  so  comprehensive  a  prize  list.  They 
are  evidently  endeavouring  to  make  this  show  at  the  Crystal 
Palace  one  of  the  first,  if  not  the  first,  of  its  kind  in  the  king- 
dom, and  with  the  vaBt  resources  and  conveniences  to  be  found 
at  the  Palace,  we  see  no  reason  why  they  should  not  succeed 
if  only  exhibitors  and  the  public  give  them  the  support  they 
deserve. 

The  Committee  have  acted  wisely  in  holding  the  Show  simul- 
taneously with  the  Cattle  Show,  for  those  interested  in  the  one 
■will  mostly  be  interested  in  the  other.  All  the  prize  birds  are  to 
be  sold  by  auction  on  the  Wednesday  (Dec.  7tb),  and  should  any 
bird  realise  more  than  the  catalogue  price  the  excess  is  to  be 
equally  divided.  This  is  a  move  in  the  right  direction,  aB  all 
will  then  have  a  fair  chance  of  purchasing  any  prize  bird  they 
may  chooae.  Most  of  the  poultry  have  separate  classes  for  old 
and  young,  the  old  birds  to  be  shown  cock  and  hen,  and  the 
young  as  single  cockerels  and  pairs  of  pullets.  For  each  class 
ihere  are  three  prizes  of  £3,  £1  10s.,  and  10s.,  and  a  Bilver 
cup  or  piece  of  plate,  value  five  guineas,  for  the  best  pen  in 
most  classes.  Light  BrahmaB  have  three  cups.  Spanish  are 
treated  more  liberally  than  any  other  variety,  as  they  have 
two  five-guinea  cups  for  old  birds,  and  two  of  six  guineas  and 
four  prizes  for  young.  Hamburghs  are  shown  cock  and  hen 
together,  and  all  compete  for  a  cup.  Game  are  any  age,  cocks 
and  hens,  but  only  one  hen  this  year.  Polish  are  divided  into 
three  classes.  Malays  have  as  many  prizes,  and  no  doubt 
"  the  real  big  birds"  will  appear.  Brown  Red  Bantams  have  a 
cup  for  the  best  cock  or  pair  of  hens.     There  are  three  selling 


INQUIRY. 
In  reply  to  the  inquiry  of  "  East  Yorkshire,"  which  appeared 
in  yonr  last  impression,  that  gentleman  has  been  made  the 
victim  of  an  act  of  unprincipled  trickery.  His  informant  turns 
out  to  be  an  unscrupulous  person  of  the  name  of  Holmes,  who, 
seeing  his  opportunity,  determined  to  effect  a  Bale  of  his  own 
"  inferior  stuff,"  even  at  the  cost  of  honour  and  truth.  In  refer- 
ence to  my  place  being  infected  with  "  several  kinds  of  disease  " 
that  is  simply  untrue,  as  the  only  complaint  with  which  my 
fowlB  have  been  troubled  has  been  a  slight  attack  of  the  roup, 
which  I  attribute  to  the  late  wet  weather,  but  of  it  they 
are  now  quite  clear.  And  concerning  the  quality  of  my  stock, 
I  would  just  say  that  during  the  very  week  in  which  "  East 
Yorkshire  "  visited  Driffield  I  sent  out  forty  birds  on  approval, 
all  of  which  were  kept,  and  that  I  have  sent  birds  to  our  best 
breeders  and  fanciers  for  as  much  as  £3,  £4,  and  £5  per  pen 
repeatedly  ;  that  I  Btill  have  on  hand  for  sale  over  a  hundred 
pure-bred  poultry  and  Pigeons  of  various  kinds,  many  of  them 
prize  fowls  of  high  quality ;  and  that  I  am  the  only  person  in 
the  town  who  owls  a  pen  of  first-prize  Cochins.  "East 
Yorkshire's"  informant  played  out  his  little  trick  very  well 
for  himself,  since  he  succeeded  in  selling  that  gentleman  a  pen 
of  second-rate  birds  for  a  first-rate  price.  I  seriously  caution 
"  East  Yorkshire  "  against  publishing  false  reports  respecting 
the  state  of  my  place  and  the  character  of  my  birds  on  the 
mere  word  of  such  a  person. — J.  Punshon,  Driffield. 


Ipswich  Poultry  Show.— We  have  just  received  a  schedule 
of. prizes  to  be  awarded  at  this  Show.  It  is  most  liberal  in  its 
construction,  offering  five-guinea  cups  or  pieces  of  plate,  &c, 
for  Game,  Dorkings,  Spanish,  Brahmas  (Light  and  Dark),  and 
Cochins;  a  three-guinea  cup,  See.,  for  Hamburghs,  and  the 
same  for  French  and  other  varieties.  A  notable  feature  is  a 
special  prize,  value  £3  10s.,  for  the  best  pen  in  the  "  Selling 
Classes,"  either  a  cock  and  hen  or  single  cock.     Bantams  are 


October  27,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTUBE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


339 


also  well  considered,  having  a  five-guinea  eup  confined  to  their 
classes.  For  Pigeons  there  are  nine  classes,  inoluding  Carriers 
and  Barbs  bred  in  1870.  Canaries  not  only  have  ten  olasses, 
bat  a  special  plate  prize  of  £3  3«.  for  the  winner  of  the  greatest 
number  of  points.     Mr.  Hewitt  and  Mr.  Willmore  are  secured 


as  censors.  The  Great  Eastern  Railway  Company  have  liberally 
consented  to  return  birds  not  sold  free  to  any  Btation  from 
whence  they  received  ihem.  With  these  inducements,  the 
Ipswich  Sbow  ought  to  have  more  entries  than  it  has  hitherto 
had. 


THE   BARB. 


The  accompanying  engraving  is  a  portrait  of  a  Black  Barb 
cock,  four  years  old,  and  of  great  merit,  having  won  many 
prizes  at  important  public  shows.  It  was  specially  portraited 
for  this  Journal.  In  giving  our  opinion  upon  this  beautiful 
variety  of  Toy  Pigeon,  we  wish  to  be  as  explicit  as  possible,  so 
that  our  opinions  may  be  of  service  to  the  uninitiated. 

We  are  not  assuming  too  much  in  saying  the  Barb  requires 
as  much  care  and  judicious  selection  as  does   the  Almond, 


Carrier,  and  Pouter,  and  we  call  the  attention  of  young  fanciers 
to  the  following,  as  being  the  results  of  careful  study. 

The  Barb  attains  perfection  when  about  four  years  old.  It 
should  have  a  broad  flat  skull,  gradually  receding  from  the 
front  of  the  head  to  the  back  ;  a  short,  thick,  and  strong  bill, 
resembling  that  of  the  Bullfinch.  The  bill  should  not  measure 
more  than  lj  inch  from  the  point  to  the  centre  of  the  eye ;  the 
upper  and  lower  mandibles  to  be  of  equal  thickness  or  strength, 


with  a  well-spread  wattle  on  the  upper,  while  that  of  the  lower 
is  notched  from  its  point  right  into  the  feathers  encircling 
the  eyelash.  The  colour  of  the  eye  is  white  or  pearl,  which 
terms  with  fanciers  are  synonymous.  If  of  any  other  colour 
it  ought  to  be  a  disqualification.  The  cere,  or  wattle,  of  the 
eye  is  large,  very  thiek,  and  of  a  deep  red  colour,  circular  in 
form,  having  an  equal  quantity  at  the  back  as  at  the  front,  or 
similar  to  what  is  termed  a  rose  eye  in  a  Carrier. 

The  form  of  the  Barb  is  short  and  strong,  causing  a  rather 
heavy  appearance.  The  neck  slender,  gradually  thickening  to 
a  well-developed  breast.  The  butts  of  the  wings  are  prominent ; 
their  flight  feathers  are  rather  longer  than  those  of  most  oth°r 


varieties  of  Toys.  A  noticeable  point  in  the  wings  of  this  bird  is, 
that  tbeir  umier  or  seound  flight  feathers  protrude  considerably 
above  their  back  from  tbe  upper  or  flight  coverts. 

There  are  five  recognised  colours  in  this  variety — v  z.,  Black, 
Yellow,  Red,  White,  and  Dun.  The  last-named  is  always  dirty 
and  disagreeable  to  look  at,  and  is  the  result  of  ii  judicious 
crosses  of  the  various  colours,  therefore  has  not  thai  metallic 
lustre  which  so  adorns  a  Barb  in  good  feather,  and  without 
which  they  ought  not  to  be  admitted  into  a  bhow  pen. 

Purity  of  colour  should  be  regarded  as  indispensable.  We 
therefore  point  to  the  desirability  of  breaking  from  birds  match- 
ing in  colou: — viz.,  Black  to  Black,  Yellow  to  Yellow,  &c, 


340 


JOUKNAIi  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  27,  1870. 


always  having  duo  regard  to  their  parentage  and  properties. 
Colour  has  been  so  sacrificed  by  breeders  for  head,  eye,  and  bill, 
that  one  never  knows  what  colour  to  expeot  their  progeny  will  be 
nntil  they  are  feathered.  Often  Yellow  and  Red  are  bred  from 
Black.  When  Buch  is  the  case  you  will  invariably  find  either 
colour  is  tinged  on  every  body  feather  with  black.  Their  flight 
feathers  are  either  a  dirty  dun,  or  tinged  with  grey  along  the 
quills  ;  their  tails  having  several  white  feathers  in  the  middle 
of  them,  or  else  on  the  top  of  the  rump.  Should  one  be  of  a 
passable  colour  you  will  generally  find  a  black  band  at  the  end  of 
the  tail.  By  pairing  Black  and  Yellow,  or  Black  and  Red,  you 
will  most  certainly  produce  the  same  results.  Red  and  Yellow 
is  the  only  cross  that  any  good  is  likely  to  arise  from.  By  this 
cross  the  red  is  impoverished,  but  the  yellow  is  obtained  of  a 
sounder  colour. 

If  a  breeder  wonld  consider  for  a  moment  he  would  know  that 
Black  has  been  the  only  colour  that  has  gained  by  the  mix- 
ture. By  crossing  any  self-coloured  bird  to  a  Black,  the  latter 
is  often  improved,  and  the  purity  of  the  former  destroyed. 
What  is  more  disagreeable  than  to  see  your  pet  of  two  shades, 
whereas  the  Barb  is  a  self-coloured  bird  ?  We  might  as  well  try 
to  breed  Mottled  Barbs  as  to  have  the  tail  and  rump  of  a  different 
shade  to  their  body.  However  well  bred  such  may  be,  they  will 
never  be  fit  to  enter  successfully  into  competition  with  birds  of 
sound  colour  possessing  equal  merits  in  general. 

Good  Whites  are  very  scarce,  and  have  a  dark  eye — that  is, 
the  pupil  almost  indistinct  from  the  iris.  Several  breeders  have 
tried  to  introduce  the  pearl  eye  into  them,  but  to  the  present 
time  we  have  not  seen  any  having  so  good  a  quality.  In  other 
respects  they  should  be  equal  to  those  of  other  colours. 

Barbs  are  hardy,  docile,  birds,  flying  but  little  when  at  liberty. 
As  a  rule,  they  are  prolific  breeders,  but  require  assistance  in 
bringing  their  young  to  maturity,  as  they  generally  seek  fresh 
nests  when  their  young  are  nine  or  ten  days  old,  up  to  which 
time  they  feed  well.  We  strongly  recommend  this  variety  to 
any  who  think  of  increasing  their  stock,  as  the  Barb  is  not  re- 
ceiving so  much  attention  as  the  bird  deserves  from  the  fancy  at 
large. — Birmingham  Columbarian  Society. 


CLEAN-LEGGED   WHITE   BANTAMS. 

In  your  Journal  ®f  September  1st,  I  wrote  respecting  White 
Bantams  as  being  beautiful  birds  fast  declining  ;  we  seldom 
see  them  in  a  class  by  themselves,  still  there  are  a  few  com- 
mittees who  hold  out  some  encouragement  for  them.  As  Mr. 
Cambridge  kindly  remarked,  they  did  not  pay  as  a  class.  In 
my  opinion  we  ought  not  to  strike  out  a  class  from  the  prize 
sheet  because  it  happens  to  be  a  failure  in  a  pecuniary  point  of 
view ;  our  prizes  are  offered,  or  should  be,  for  the  encourage- 
ment of  the  various  breeds  of  poultry,  and  to  aid  in  bringing 
them  to  the  highest  point  of  excellence.  I  say  White  Bantams 
pay  as  a  class  at  some  shows  which  I  could  name.  They  have 
a  very  respectable  class  at  Newark  and  various  other  places, 
but  in  Scotland,  I  think,  there  are  more  classes  for  them  than 
here.  Mr.  Cambridge  wished  "White  Bantam"  to  communi- 
cate with  him,  and  he  would  endeavour  to  retain  the  class  for 
White  Bantams  at  Bristol  next  Show.  I  am  glad  that  com- 
munication has  led  to  the  result  wished  for,  and  that  they  will 
be  tried  there  again. 

My  chief  object  in  writing  is  to  make  known  to  all  White 
Bantam  friends  and  fanciers  that  we  are  to  have  a  White  Ban- 
tam class  at  Manchester  Show,  to  be  held,  as  usual,  at  Belle  Vue. 
The  prizes  of  £2  and  £1  are  offered  in  the  prize  list,  which  is 
being  subscribed ;  but  it  is  our  intention  to  offer  a  silver  cup 
for  the  first  prize,  the  £2  offered  as  the  second  prize,  and  the 
£1  for  the  third  prize.  I  have  the  pleasure  to  state  that  the 
following  have  already  subscribed  towards  the  above  object — 
viz.,  "  A  Friend  of  White  Bantams,"  30s. ;  myself  ("  White 
Bantam"),  21s.  ;  Rev.  F.  Tearle,  5s. ;  Mr.  J.  Watts,  10s. ;  and 
Mr.  Edwin  Prilchard,  5s.  I  cordially  invite  all  fanciers  to  come 
forward  with  their  subscriptions  as  soon  as  possible,  so  that  we 
may  have  the  prizes  stated  before  the  entries  close.  We  know 
that  Messrs.  Jennison  have  one  of  the  finest  plaoea  in  England 
for  the  purpose  of  a  show,  with  an  excellent  staff  of  assistants. 
All,  therefore,  may  rely  upon  their  birds  being  well  cared  for 
in  every  respect,  and  returned,  perhaps  better  than  if  they 
had  stayed  at  home.  S  inscriptions  for  the  above  cup  and 
class  will  be  received  by  —  Samuel  J.  Ashton,  Boe  Cross, 
Mottram,  Manchester. 


last  year,  together  with  the  improvement  in  the  prizes  and  the 
low  scale  of  entry  fees,  it  should  obtain  the  patronage  of  all  my 
fellow  fanciers.  From  a  note  received,  I  see  all  birds  required, 
will  be  sent  to  Stockton  by  night  mail  for  the  show  there  the 
following  day. — Thomas  Fletcher. 


Hatfield  Bird  Show. — I  see  that  Hatfield  again  opens  to 
the  fancy,  and  I  am  sure,  from  the  care  taken  of  all  our  birds 


SCARBOROUGH    ORNITHOLOGICAL    SOCIETY'S 
SHOW. 

The  second  annual  exhibition  of  the  Scarborough  Society  was 
held  on  Wednesday  and  Thursday,  the  19th  and  20th  inst.,  and 
was  a  signal  success  with  respect  to  both  the  number  and 
quality  of  the  birds  staged.  The  Temperance  Hall,  the  room  in 
which  the  Show  was  held,  is  admirably  adapted  for  the  purpose, 
being  well  lighted,  and,  what  is  of  the  utmost  importance,  well 
warmed.  So  far  as  I  could  see,  everything  that  prudence  and 
forethought  could  devise  had  been  done  to  secure  a  watchful  at- 
tention to  the  stock,  and  it  is  at  any  time  pleasing  to  he  able  to 
bear  testimony  to  a  fact  which  must  secure  the  confidence  of 
exhibitors  generally,  who,  in  sending  valuable  birds  to  any 
exhibition,  place  grave  responsibilities  in  the  hands  of  com- 
mittees. 

I  shall  confine  my  remarks  to  merely  a  slight  review  of  the 
different  classes,  as  time  will  not  admit  of  my  doing  more,  though 
I  should  have  felt  disposed,  under  more  favourable  circumstances, 
to  have  made  my  trip  to  Scarborough  the  text  for  a  history  of 
my  "  outing" — I  think  that's  the  word.  A  correspondent  some 
short  time  back  said  he  liked  a  visit  to  a  show  at  a  distance  to 
assume  the  character  of  an  "outing,"  and  net  merely  to  resolve 
itself  into  a  statement  of  how  A  was  first,  and  B  was  second. 
Another  correspondent  hit  out  straight  from  the  shoulder,  it  was 
a  shot,  and  said  he  did  not  care  to  read  a  column  of  extraneous 
matter,  and  then  a  half-dozen-lines  notice  of  the  show.  It  was 
something  to  that  effect ;  I  am  only  writing  from  memory. 
Many  men  have  many  minds,  and  among  the  thousands  of  readers 
into  whose  hands  the  "Journal"  falls  every  Thursday,  there  will 
be  as  many  who  will  take  an  interest  in  the  "  outing,"  as  in 
the  show.  It  takes  many  a  reader  home,  too ;  and  the  greatest 
pleasure  one  has  in  writing  is,  that  apart  from  a  dry  statement 
of  facts  which  can  interest  comparatively  few,  there  is  the  know- 
ledge that  some  remark,  some  line  or  two,  may  make  an  other- 
wise dull  page  shine  with  a  cheerful  light.  Every  hobby  is 
interesting  to  its  own  individual  admirer,  and  if  you  love  your 
hobby,  make  it  as  attractive  as  you  can,  and  induce  others  to  love 
it  also. 

Scarborough  saw  many  new  birds  shown  for  the  first  time  this 
season.  To  these  more  interest  attaches  than  to  birds  of  known 
character.  Moore  &  Wynne  brought  out  a  splendid  Clear  Jonque 
Norwich,  which  had  no  difficulty  in  disposing  of  its  opponents, 
Irons  being  a  good  second,  with  Simpson  well  up.  Those  who 
do  not  understand  about  Canaries  will  not  know  what  all  this 
means,  and  who  Moore  &  Wynne,  or  Irons,  or  Simpson  are. 
Well,  I  cannot  help  its  being  dry  to  you,  it  is  not  so  to  every- 
body. Some  old  fanciers  (do  you  know  what  I  mean  by  a 
" fancier  ?")  will  read  it  with  immense  interest.  In  Clear  Buff 
Norwich,  Moore  &  Wynne  were  first  again,  with  a  fine  specimen, 
quite  a  star,  and  Simpson  second  with,  a  good  bird,  which  must 
visit  the  laundry  before  being  sent  out  again.  Good  birds,  if 
dirty,  can  never  win  against  possibly  inferior  ones  which  are 
clean.  When  I  say  clean,  I  mean  clean.  In  Evenly-marked 
Yellow  Norwich,  Mills's  little  wonder  suffered  defeat  at  the 
hands  of  one  of  the  best  Variegated  Jonque  Norwich  1  ever  saw. 
It  is  a  bird  of  good  size  and  rich  in  colour,  rather  heavily  hut 
well  marked.  There  is  a  very  trifling  difference  in  the  absolute 
number  of  dark  feathers  in  each  wing,  but  it  is  quite  unappre- 
ciahle  to  the  eye.  The  eye  marks  are  rather  heavy,  but  remark- 
ably even  in  size  and  shape.  What  defects  it  may  have,  if  it 
have  any,  it  can  afford  to  giveaway  and  still  win.  Mills's  bird, 
however,  is  not  yet  quite  fit,  and  what  mav  be  the  result  when 
they  meet  again  I  do  not  know.  I  hope  it  may  be  at  Middles- 
brough, where  Mr.  Barnesby  is  going  to  judge,  to  whose  decision 
I  shall  look  forward  with  much  interest,  and  hope  we  shall  have 
the  pleasure  of  shaking  hands.  Moore  &  ^Yynne's  bird,  which 
was  third,  is  beautifully  marked,  but  though  in  faultless  con- 
dition was  deficient  in  colour.  In  Evenly-marked  Buff  Norwich, 
Moore  &  Wynne  were  first  and  second  with  two  fine  specimens, 
the  first-prize  bud  being  the  same  which  won  the  silver  cup  at 
the  Crystal  Palace  last  Show  The  Ticked  classes  contained,  as 
they  always  do,  some  richly-coloured  birds.  The  crests  were 
extra  good,  including  all  varieties,  Moore  &  Wynne  being  fi  rst 
with  a  fine  marked  and  crested  Buff  cock.     Mr.  Calvert,  of  York, 


October  27,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL   OP  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


341 


showed  a  sweet  hen,  clear  Buff  with  dark  crest,  which  when 
more  advanced  will  require  some  beating. 

The  less  said  about  the  Belgians  the  better,  only  one  being  in 
show  condition,  and  it  was  by  no  means  a  bird  of  high  character, 
A  Buff  bird  (1  think  Xo.  106)  shown  in  a  Norwich  show  cage 
would  have  taken  the  first  prize  if  it  had  had  room  to  stand  up. 
The  Yorkshire  classes  were  good.  There  was  the  usual  sprinkling 
of  Norwich  among  them,  but  the  number  is  decreasing.  The 
winners  were  good,  Mr.  Luke  Belk,  of  Dewsbury,  being  first 
both  in  clear  and  marked  birds.  Lizards  were  both  numerous 
and  good,  Mr.  James  Taylor,  of  Middlesbrough,  and  Mr.  Mills, 
dividing  the  honours  between  them.  Cinnamons  were  first-class, 
Mr.  Irons  taking  both  prizes  with  two  Jonques,  with  excellent 
birds  behind  him.  In  "  Any  other  variety,"  Sir  \v*\  H.  Fielden 
was  first  with  an  immense  bird,  coppy  bred,  but  with  a  plain 
head — for  immense  read  huge. 

Evenly-marked  Goldfinch  Mules  were  a  poor  sample,  Mr. 
Hawman  and  Mr.  Stansfield  showing  the  only  two  strictly  in 
accordance  with  the  schedule.  Dark  Mules  were  backward. 
Among  twenty-six  "cages  of  four,"  some  nice  birds  were  shown, 
forming  a  very  attractive  feature  of  the  Show,  Scarborough  win- 
ning first  honours  in  the  person  of  Mr.  Houghton.  Linnet?, 
Goldfinches,  Skylarks,  Bullfinches,  &c,  made  up  an  interesting 
collection  of  British  Birds,  which  I  should  like  to  see  more 
extensively  exhibited.  And  I  saw  other  pretty  birds  at  Scar- 
borough!— W.  A.  Blakston. 

Norwich.— Clear  Yellow.— I,  Mooro  &  Wynne,  Northampton.  2,  T.  bone, 
Northampton,  e,  R.  Simpson,  Whitby.  Clear  Buff.—l,  Moore  &  Wynne.  2,  ti. 
Simpson,  c,  R.  Hawman,  Middlrsbrough.  /■><  nhj-marked  Pi  llow.-  I,  K.  Haw- 
man, 2,  E.  Mills.  Sunderland,  e,  Mooro  &  Wynne.  Evenly-marked  Buff.— 
1  and  2,  Moore  &  Wynne,  c,  S.  Tomes,  Northampton.  Tickt  a  and  Urn  oenly- 
marked  Yellow.— 1,  G  Medd, Scarborough.  8,  Moore  &  Wynne,  c,  R.  Hawman. 
Ticked  and  Unevenly-marked  Buff.  —  l,  T.  Wales,  Stoekton-on-TeeB.  2.  <;. 
Medd.  c,  W.  Harwell,  Northampton.  Created.— \,  Moore  &  Wynne.  2  and  c,  T. 
Irons. 

Belgian.— 1,  J.  N.  Harrison,  Belpcr.    2,  J.  Shephard.  Bradford,    e,  T.  Wales. 

Yorkshire. — Clear  Yellow  or  Buff.— I,  L.  Belli,  DeWBburr.  2,  Mrs.  J.  Pear- 
son, Beverley,  c,  J.  Downes,  Beverley.  Evenly  marked  Yellow  or  Buff. — 1,  L. 
Belk.    2,  J.  Shpphard.    C  S.  Burton. 

l,iZiSLD.—Gold':tt-^"iiui!"l.—i.  E.  Mills.  2  and  r,  J.  Taylor,  Middlesbrough. 
Silver-spangled  — 1,  J.  Taylor.    2,  F.  Mills,    r.  .1.  Baines,  York.** 

Cinnamon  lYellow  or  Huff). — 1  and  2,  T.  Irons,    c,  Moore  &  Wynne. 

Any  other  Variety.— 1,  Sir  \V.  H.  Fielden,  Scarborough.  2,  Moore  and 
Wynne. 

Goldfinch  Mule.  —  Evrnhtwirlo d.  —  1.  R.  Hawman.  2,  E.  Stansfield. 
c,  Lady  Fielden.  Dark.— I,  Stevens  &  Burton,  Middlesbrough.  2,  E.  Stans- 
field.   c,  M.  King. 

Cage  of  Four.— 1,  C.  Houghton,  Scarborough.  2,  R.  Simpson,  c,  J.  Dawes, 
Scarborough. 

Any  Variety  of  British  Eird.— 1.  W.  Harland,  York  (Bullfinch).  2,  E. 
Stansfield,  Bradford  (Brambling  or  Mountain  Finch),  c,  O.  Lawson,  Scar- 
borough (Goldfinch.) 

Judge— Mr.  W.  A.  Blakston. 


BIRMINGHAM   PHILOPERISTERON   SOCIETY. 

On  the  25th  and  26th  inst.  the  fifth  annual  meeting  of  the  above 
Society  was  held  in  the  Atheua?nm  Hall,  Temple  Street,  Birmingham, 
and  certainly  public  interest  has  never  before  been  so  completely 
enlisted  nor  better  gratified  ;  for  although  numbers  of  the  visitors  had 
travelled  hundreds  of  miles  solely  to  attend  the  Show,  in  every  instance 
entire  satisfaction  was  expressed  at  eeeing  not  only  one  of  the  best  col- 
lections of  adult  Pigeons,  but  likewise  a  competition  of  birds  hatched  in 
the  present  year  that  for  their  age  have  never  been  equalled.  Almost 
every  noted  breeder  of  fancy  Pigeons  either  sent  birds  for  competition, 
or  attended  with  the  intention  of  purchasing  fresh  blood  to  improve 
hia  own  stock.  Perhaps  one  of  the  most  noteworthy  features  of  the 
whole  Show  was  the  Barb  classes,  the  remarkably  well-developed  adults 
of  Captain  Heaton  calling  forth  repeated  expressions  of  admiration 
from  all  connoisseurs  ;  nor  were  the  young  of  this  variety  less  remark- 
able for  their  perfection  of  condition  and  faultless  characteristics  The 
Carriers  were  also  admirably  shown,  and  mostly  in  first-rate  health 
and  feather.  Fantails  were  remarkably  good,  bnt  several  pens  were 
sadly  injured  by  packing  in  too  small  baskets.  The  Almond  Tu 
shown  by  Mr.  Adams,  of  Beverley,  were  excellent  in  skull  and  in  good 
feather,  but  the  mode  of  selection  of  this  gentleman's  stock  for  slow 
alone  was  open  to  improvement.  Trumpeters  were  very  fine,  and  the 
foreign  Owls  were  perfect  gems.  Some  first-rate  English  Owls  were 
also  on  view.  The  Tin-hits  were  the  best  collection  of  high-class  birds 
ever  shown  in  Birmingham,  and  a  remarkable  feature  was  that  every 
colour  was  well  represented.  Fox  Dragoons  the  meetings  of  this  Society 
always  ranked  high,  and  ou  this  occasion  so  perfect  were  they,  that 
one  of  the  oldest  exhibitors  admitted  it  was  almost  impossible  to  hope 
for  success  in  such  competition,  that  he  was  glad  he  had  seen  them, 
for  he  should  have  been  hopelessly  beaten  had  he  entered  his  birds, 
which  he  had  hitherto  considered  invincible.  The  Antwerp  s  certainly 
did  not  tlevelope  so  much  character  as  at  some  previous  meetings, 
many  being  sadly  too  long  in  head  and  spare  in  bill. 

In  the  classes  for  fiymg  Tumblers  the  improvement  was  very  marked 
indeed,  more  particularly  in  the  matching  to  feather  of  the  birds,  and 
the  perfect  condition  in  which  they  were  penned.  In  Yellow  Dragoons 
the  cup  fell  to  the  pen  *26'2,  shown  by  Mr.  Frank  Graham ;  they  were, 
perhaps,  one  of  the  most  faultless  pens  ever  exhibited,  and  for  colour 


quite  unexceptionable.  In  Class  60,  for  a  single  Pigeon  of  any  variety, 
Captain  Heaton  pretty  well  swept  the  board  in  a  heavy  class,  taking 
the  first,  second,  third  and  sixth  prizes  with  excellent  Barbs,  and  also 
the  fifth  with  an  English  Blue  Owl  of  great  merit ;  Mr.  Harry  Adams, 
tho  only  other  successful  exhibitor  in  this  class,  having  a  really  sound- 
feathered  Almond.  Mr.  Yardley  exhibited  two  cages  of  excellent 
Carriers  and  Almonds,  of  about  twelve  birds  each,  not  for  competition, 
which  added  much  to  the  attractions  of  the  Show. 

The  Fancy  leys  were  public  favourites ;  and  when  we  state  Satinettes, 
"  Bluettes,''  quite  a  new  and  exceedingly  chaste  variety,  Lahores, 
Scandaroons,  Maned  Pigeons,  Egyptian  Swifts,  Isabels,  Archangels, 
Starlings,  Priests,  and  Shields,  were  all  well  shown,  it  is  scarcely  to 
be  wondered  that  six  prizes  were  awarded,  and  certainly  as  many  mora 
might  have  been  with  justice  given. 

BIRDS  OF  1970. 

Carriers.— Black.— 1  nnd  3,  F.  Smith,  Sellv  Oak.  2  and  4,  R.  W.  Nightingale, 
Aeton.  he,  J.  Liuuett,  jun.,  Coventry;  R.  W.  Nightingale.  Dim.— I,  G.  F. 
Whitehouse,  King's  Heath.  2,  J.  WattB,  King's  Heath.  3  and  he,  3.  Coleman, 
West  Bromwieh.  Any  other  Colour.— I  and  2,  G.  Hodgkinson,  Erdington. 
3,  .T.  Watts. 

Poitebs.— 1,  2.  and  3,  G.  Sturgess.  Leicester. 

Fantails.— 1,  G.  Sturgess.  2.  J.  F.  While,  Birmingham.  3,  H.  Adams,  Bever- 
ley. 4,  3.  W.  Edge,  Birmingham.  5,  Mrs.  A,  F.  Barnett,  Erdington.  he,  H. 
Adams ;  G.  Sturgess. 

Ai  bonds.— 1  and  2,  H.  Adams.    S.  G.  F.  Whitehouse. 

Balds  and  Beards.— 1  and  3,  F.  Graham,  Birkenhead.    2,  J.  W.  Edge. 

Shi  hit-faced  (Any  other  variety).— 1,  H.  Adams. 

Jacobins.— 1  and  2,  J.  W.  Edge. 

Trumpeters .— I,  T.  Rohson,  Penkridge.    2,  T.  Watts.    3.  J.  F.  While. 

Owls.— Foreign- 1  and  2,  H.  Adams.  English.-  1,  G.  Linnett,  jun.  2,  J.  W. 
Edge.    8,  G.  F.  Whitehouse. 

TrjHBrrs.— 1,  G.  F-  Whitehouse.  2,  W.Bankes,  Runcorn.  3,  T.  Robson.  4,  F. 
H.  Paget,  Leiceater. 

H  L&B8. — 1  and  2,  Capt.  H.  Heaton,  Worsley,  Manchester.    3,  G.  Sturgess. 

Nunb.-I  and  2.  W.  Bankes.    3,  F.  Graham. 

Dragoons—  Blue.—l  and  2,  J.  Coleman.  8,  4.  5,  and  he,  F.  Graham.  6,  J. 
WattB.  fellow.— 1,  2.  and  3,  F.  Graham.  White.— 1  and  2,  H.  Adams.  3,  F. 
Grahiim.    he.  G.  F.  Whitehouse.    Ann  other  Colour.— 1,  2,  and  3,  F.  Graham. 

Magpies.— 1,  T.  Robson.    2,  G.  F.  Whitehouse.    3,  F.  Graham. 

A\  nvEhPs- 1,  2,  and  4,  C.  Mugg,  Bromsgrove.  3,  H.  Clulee,  Birmingham. 
he.W,  BankeB;  F.Smith. 

Swallows.— 1  and  2,  F.  H.  Paget.    3,  G.  F.  Whitehonse. 

iiiKit  Variety.— 1,  W.  Bankes  (Satinette).  2,  4,  and  he,  F.  H.  Paget 
(Bhiette,  Satinette,  and  Scandaroon).    3,  J.  Watts. 

Tumblers.— Black  Badaes.—l  and  2,  G.  Hodgkinson.  Blue  Badges.— 1,  J.  W. 
Edge.  Black  Saddles.— lr  J.  W.  Edge.  Blue  saddks.—Ko  prize  awarded.  Ami 
other  Colour  Saddles.—!,  -T.  W.  E>ige.  Bosewings  and  Redbreasts.— 1,  2.  and 
S.J.  Massey,  Aston.  Mottles.— Prize  withheld.  Any  other  Variety.— 1,  J.  W. 
Ld-.'  ■. 

BIRDS  OF  ANY  AGE. 

Carriers— Black.— Cocks— 1,  3,  and  Cup,  G.  F.  Whitehouse.  2,  J.  F.  While. 
he.  It.  W.  Nightingale.  Hens.—l  and  2.  F.  Smith.  3,  R.  W.  Nightingale.  Dun. 
— Cocks.— 1,  E.  Smith.  Hens.-l,  F.Smith.  2,  G.  F.  Whitehouse.  he,  J.  Watts. 
Any  other  Colour.— Cocks.— 1,  Q.  Hodgkinsoxu  8.  J.  Watts.  Hens.—l,  R.  W. 
Nightingale.    2,  J.  Watts. 

i  M  bb.— Cocks.— 1,  3,  and  Cup,  G.  Sturgess.  2,  H.  Adams.  Hens.-l  and 
2,  Q,  StuTgeBB.    8,  H.  Adams. 

Fantails.— 1,  G.  Sturgess.  2,  Mrs.  A.  F.  Barnett.  3,  F.  Smith,  he,  G.  F. 
Whitehouse. 

Almonds.— 1  and  2,  H.  Adams. 

Balds  and  Beards.— 1,  J.  Fielding,  jun.,  Rochdale.    2,  F.  Graham. 

Short-faced  (Any  other  Variety i  —1,  T.  Robson. 

Jacoris  s.— 1,  G,  Sturgess.    2,  J.' Linnett,  jun. 

Tig  -mpktfrs.— 1,  T.  Robson.    2,  J.  Massey.    he,  3.  Watts. 

Owls.— Foreign.— 1,  J.  Fielding,  jun.  2,  H.  Adams.  English,— 1,  3.  W.  Edge. 
2,  Capt.  Heaton.    3,  J.  Watts,    he,  \\.  Bankes  ;  G.  F.  Whitehouse. 

Turbits.— 1,  T.  Robson.  2,  W.  Bankes.  3,  F.  Graham,  he,  T.  Robson :  G. 
P.  Whitehouse;  J.  Watts. 

Barbs.— l,  2, 3,  and  Cup,  Capt.  Heaton.    he,  G.  F.  Whitehouse ;  J. Fielding,  jun. 
1.  F.  Graham.    2,  W.  Banks. 

Dragoons.— Blue.— 1,  2.  and  3,  F.  Graham.  Yellow.- 1,  Cup,  and  he,  F. 
Graham.  2,  J.  Watts.  White.— 1  and  2,  F.  Graham.  3,  H.  Adams,  he,  J. 
Watts.    Any  other  Colour.— I,  F.  Graham.    2,  J.  Watts.    3,  G.  Hodgkinson. 

Magpies.— 1,  T.  Robson.    2,  F.  Graham. 

Antwerps.— 1,  J.  E.  Cleveland.    2.  F.  Smith.    3,  H.  Clulee. 

Swallows  — 1.  J.  Watts.    2,  G.  F.  Whitehouse. 

Any  other  Varietv.— 1  and  Cup.  W.  Bankes  (Satinettes).  2  and  6,  G. 
Sturgess.    3,  F.  H.  Paget.    4,  J.  Watts  (Maned).    5,  J.  Linnett,  jnn.  (Isabels). 

Antwf.rp  Cocks.— 1, 2,  and  3,  C.  Mugg. 

Any  other  Fancy  Variety.— 1,  2,  3,  5,  and  6,  Capt.  Heaton  (Barbs  and 
English  Owl).    4,  H.  Adams,    he,  W.  Bankes  (Bluette) ;  F.  H.  Paget. 

lbbb.— Black  Badges.— 1,  J.  Massey.  2  and  8,  G.  Hodgkinaon.  Blue 
Badg  9.— 1,  J.  W.  Edge.  Blue  Saddles.— 1  and  2,  G.  Hodgkinson.  Any  other 
Coloured  Saddles.— 1,  G.  Hodgkinson.  2,  J.  W.  Edge.  Rosen ings  and  Red- 
breasts.- I.  J.  Massev.  Any  other  Fh/ing  Variety.— 1,  J.  Massey.  Any  other 
Variety.— 1,  J.  W.  Edge.    2,  J.  Massey. 

Mr.  Edward  Hewitt,  Mr.  Henry  Yardley,  and  Mr.  Wm.  Walthew, 
of  Birmingham,  were  the  Judges. 


SHEFFIELD  ORNITHOLOGICAL   SOCIETY'S 
SHOW. 

The  first  annual  Exhibition  of  this  Society  was  held  from  the  21st 
to  the  24th  inst.  The  attendance  was  not  so  large  as  desirable,  but 
considering  the  bad  weather,  there  was  not  much  fault  to  find.  The 
Show  was  very  attractive,  and  the  room  was  well  ventilated  and  heated, 
making  the  specimens  warm  and  comfortable. 

Pigeons,— Carriers.— 1,  W.  H.  Mitchell.  2,  W.  Harvey,  he,  E.  C.  Streeh. 
Pouters.— 1  and  he,  W.  Harvey.  2,  E.  Brown.  Barbs.-—. 1,  W.  Harvey.  2,  H- 
Yardley.  Tumblers.— 1  and  2,  W.  Harvey,  he,  E.  Brown  ;  H.  Yardley.  Jaco- 
bins.—1  and  2,  W.  Harvey,  he,  3.  Smithers ;  H.  P.  Ryland.  c,  E.  Brown.  Fan* 
tails.— 1,  J.  F.  Loversidge.  2.  W.  Harvey.  Owls. — 1  and  2,  W.  Harvey.  Runts. 
— 1,  H.  rardley.  Nv/ns  —1,  H.  Yardley.  2,  W.  Harvey.  Dragoons.— 1,  A.  W. 
Wren.  2,  W.  Harvey.  Magpies.— 1,  "v7.  Harvey.  2,  H.  Yardley.  Trumpeters, 
1  and  2,  W.  Harvey.    Any  other  Variety.— I,  W.  Harvey.    2,  G.  Cutler. 

CANARIES. 

Belgian.— Yellow.— 1.  P.  Rawnsley.  2,  F.  Mills,  he,  S.  Radford.  Buff.— 1,  W. 
Clark.  2,  J.  H.  Clark,  he.  P.  Rawnsley.  Variegated  Yellou\-l,  L.  Belk.  %  J. 
N.  Harrison.     Variegated  Buff. — 1  and  2,  J.  N.  Harrison. 

Norwich.— Yellow.— I,  Moore  &  Wynne.   2,  S.  Bunting.    Buff.—l,  Moore  and 


342 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  27,  1870. 


Wynne.  2.  S.  Bunting.  Variegated  Yellow.—  I,  S.  Bunting.  2,  Mooro&  Wynne, 
Variegated  Buff.— 1,  W.  Clark.    3,  Moore  &  Wynne. 

Li2*ed.— Gold-wangled.— 1,  J.  Taylor.  2,  S.  Bunting.  JSilrer-spftn^fed.— 
1  and  2,  S.  Bunting. 

Cinnamon  (Variegated).— 1,  StephenB  &  Burton.    2,  Moore  &,  Wynne* 

MOLES.— 1,  S.  Bunting.    2,  T.  KeyB. 

Most  Perfect  Markbd.— 1,  S.  Bunting.    2,  Stevens  &  Burton. 

Rabbits—  Length  of  Ear.— I,  C.  King.  2,  C.  Gravel.  Thorno.  9,  J.  Priestly. 
Slack  and  White.— I,  C.King.  2  and  he,  J.  Lee.  Blue  and  White.— 1  and  2, 
T.  Gelder.  he,  C.  Gravel.  Yellow  and  White.— 1,  G.  King.  2, —  Vaughan. 
he,  C.  Gravel,  c,  W.  Nixon.  Grey  and  White.— 1,  T.  Gelder.  2.  J.  Lee.  he, 
C.  Kine ;  J.  Parker,  c,  E.  Rawlinson  -  —  Vaughan.  Tortoiteshell.—l,  G.  King. 
2,  J.  Lee.  he,  A.  J.  Rawstron.  c,  G.  BettB.  Self  Colour.— 1,  G.  C.  Sykes.  2. 
C.  Gravel.  Heaviest. — 1,  T.  Mumby.  2,  S.  Butter  worth,  he,  —  Vaughan.  c, 
C.  Gravel.  Foreign  Variety.— \,  E.  E.  M.  Royds,  2,  A.  G.  Rawstron.  he, 
H.  Carwood ;  C.  Gravel. 

Judges. — Pigeons:  Mr.  James  Smith  and  Mr.  Henry  Brown,  of 
"Walkley.  Canaries:  Mr.  George  Tnckwood,  Nottingham.  Babbits: 
Mr.  Grindley,  Sheffield.    

EXPERIMENTS  WITH  FOUL  BROOD. 

I  have  this  autumn  been  amusing  myself  with  experiments 
in  the  way  of  foul  brood,  and  I  regret  that  some  one  more  able 
than  I  am  has  not  taken  up  the  subject,  as  I  find  myself  in- 
competent clearly  to  explain  the  results  of  the  experiments 
which  I  have  made.  These  experiments  were  undertaken  in 
order  to  prove  the  fungoid  theory,  and  to  my  own  satisfaction 
I  have  proved  it ;  but,  as  I  have  already  said,  I  am  not  able  to 
describe  them  in  technical  terms,  nor  to  make  common  terms 
supply  the  place  of  technical  oneB.  I  will,  therefore,  merely  de- 
scribe one  experiment,  which  may,  I  hope,  stimulate  others.  It 
was  my  last  essay,  and  was  made  by  taking  two  half-oapfals  of 
sweet  milk,  and  impregnating  one-half  with  a  modicum  of  foul- 
broody  matter  about  the  size  of  a  No.  1  lead  shot.  In  twelve 
hours  the  one  impregnated  became  sour,  and  in  forty-eight 
hours  the  curd  was  separated  from  the  whey,  and  in  a  few 
hours  a  fungus  like  a  vinegar  plant  became  visible  on  the  sur- 
face of  the  whey.  At  the  end  of  two  weeks  it  became  a  very 
thick  gelatinous  substance,  the  curd  all  this  time  remaining 
sweet.  At  the  end  of  three  weeks  acetous  fermentation  and 
putrefaction  set  in,  and  there  was  visible  round  the  edges  a 
yellow  substance,  the  smell,  though  stronger,  being  not  unlike 
that  of  foul  brood,  and  when  viewed  through  a  microscope 
millions  of  spores  were  seen,  similar  to  those  of  foul  brood. 
The  other  half-cupful  of  milk  underwent  no  change  further 
than  that  which  happens  in  ordinary  sour  milk. 

These  experiments,  although  they  may  not  instruct  your 
readers,  will,  I  hope,  be  the  means  of  stimulating  others  to 
solve  the  problem  of  what  at  this  moment  not  only  threatens 
to  destroy  insect  but  human  life. — A  Lanarkshire  Bee-keeper 


Post  Entries  at  Canary  Shows. — Newcastle  has,  as  may  be 
seen  from  our  advertising  columns,  extended  the  time  of  making 
entries.  We  think  it  well,  as  the  time  between  the  close  of 
entries  and  the  Show  is  unusually  long.  But  would  it  not  have 
been  better  to  have  named  a  reasonable  time,  and  so  have  ob- 
viated this  necessity  ? 


OUR  LETTER   BOX. 

BArxy'a  Pills  (Isa).— Write  to  Messrfl.  Baily,  113,  Monnt  Street, 
Grosvenor  Square,  London,  W. 

Monmouth  Show  (T.  A.  D.).— As  the  Committee  did  not  think  it  of 
sufficient  importance  to  advertise,  we  conclude  it  was  not  worthy  of 
special  notice.  Committees  may  do  well  to  con8ider  thiB  extract  from 
your  letter  :— "  I  frequently  see  in  your  paper  notices  of  Bhowfl  that  have 
not  been  advertised  previously,  which  prevented  me  from  exhibiting 
many  times  this  season.  This  I  should  have  done  had  I  known  there 
was  a  show  at  such  and  such  places." 

Tukbridge  Wells  Poultry  Show.— We  are  informed  that  the  com- 
mended pen  of  Spanish  chickens  belonged  to  Mr.  J.  Francis,  and  not  to 
Mr.  Hose. 

Silkies  Five-clawei>  (M.  A.  F.).— It  is  not  a  blemish.  So  far  from  it, 
the  five  claws  are  often  found  on  the  best  specimens.  It  must  be  clearly 
understood,  that  in  showing  a  pen  the  birda  of  which  it  is  made  up  muBt 
all  have  the  same  number  of  toes,  whether  four  or  five. 

Swelling  under  a  Hamburgh's  Eye  (Northern  Subscriber).— Your 
bird  is  suffering  from  cold,  and  if  neglected  this  will  turn  to  roup.  WaRh 
Jhe  face  well  with  cold  water  and  vioegar.  Give  him  Baily's  pills,  and 
camphor  pills  once  or  twice  per  day,  according  to  the  Bymptoms.  He 
wants  watching  closely  this  damp  weather,  when  the  symptoms  become 
aggravated  quickly.  Both  hackle  and  saddle  of  a  Silver-spangled  cock 
Should  be  perfectly  clear,  but  the  principal  feathers  should  be  tipped  with 
black. 

Rouen  Ducks'  Plumage  (F.  G.  S.  I?.).— We  cannot  quite  understand 
your  question.  All  Rouen  Ducks  should  be  the  colour  of  wild  Ducks 
and  they  are  always  dark.  We  consider  light  plumage  a  defect,  and  any 
white  is  inadmissible,  save  the  ring  round  the  drake's  neck  ;  this  Bhould 
be  small. 

Almond  Tumblers  (A  Subscriber). — We  cannot  recommend  anyone. 
Write  to  Mr.  J.  W.  Ludlow,  Secretary,  Columbarian  Society,  Vauxhall 
Road,  Birmingham,  and  ask  him.  Enclose  a  stamped  and  directed 
envelope. 


Fantailb  Laying  and  Sitting  but  not  Hatching  (J.  P.  Davies). — 
Your  place  for  your  Pigeons  is  suitable.  I(  the  eggs  are  clear  at  a  week's 
end,  shine  them  up  by  a  candle  and  you  will  see  ;  then  it  is  the  male  bird's 
fault — he  is  too  old.  This  is  the  most  probable  oanse  If  the  eggs  are 
fertile,  they  may  have  rolled  from  under  the  hen,  or  been  in  some  other 
way  chilled.  You,  of  course,  make  a  nice  c  mcave  nest  of  straws  cnt  2  or 
8  inches  long.  Bread  and  potatoes  are  not  fit  for  staple  food  for  PigeonB, 
but  they  peck  a  little  now  and  then  with  relish.   Oats  are  not  good  either- 

Pole-house  tor  Pigeons  (An  Old  Subscriber). — A  pole-house  in  the 
middle  of  a  yard,  unsheltered  from  the  wind,  is  an  unsuitable  abode  for 
Pigeons  in  the  winter,  and  it  would  be  much  better  to  find  out  some 
corner  of  a  loft  over  a  stable,  Ac.  All  pole-houses,  however  situated,  are 
cruel  places  to  force  Pigeons  to  live  in.  The  birds  are  scorched  to  death 
in  the  summer,  frozen  in  the  winter,  and  are  usually  of  little  profit  to  the 
owner,  aa  there  is  no  fit  nest  secure  against  wind  and  rain  in  which  to  rear 
their  young  ;  while,  on  the  contrary,  if  but  2  feet  deep  within  a  building 
can  be  given  them,  with  holes  outside  to  match  each  division  of  the 
Jnner  woodwork,  fair  success  may  be  looked  for,  and  the  birds  have  a 
comfortable  home.  There  must  be  a  landing-board  outside  such  build- 
ing level  with  every  row  of  holes. 

Turtle  Doves  (Bullfinch).— They  should  be  entered  as  British  birds. 

Preserving  Plums  Without  Sugar. — Take  any  kind  of  plum  (if  not 
quite  ripe  all  the  better),  gather  them  when  dry,  wipe  each  fruit,  place 
them  in  wide-necked  bottles,  then  tie  over  the  mouth  of  each  bottle  two 
pieces  of  bladder  separately—  i.e.,  at  two  tyings.  Place  the  bottles  in  a 
boiler  in  cold  water  up  to  their  necks  with  bay  to  keep  them  from  jarring. 
Boil  till  the  plums  begin  to  swell,  say  fifteen  or  twenty  minuteB,  take  off 
the  boiler,  and  let  the  bottles  remain  in  it  till  cold,  then  remove  the 
bottles  to  a  dry  closet,  where  they  may  remain  for  one  or  two  yearB  always 
fresh  and  good. 

METEOROLOGICAL  OBSERVATIONS 

In  the  Suburbs  of  London  for  the  week  ending  October  25th. 


THBRMOMETBB. 

Wind. 

Date. 

BAROMETER. 

Air. 

Earth. 

Rain 

Max. 

Min. 

Mai. 

Min. 

1  ft. 

a  ft. 

Wed. ..  19 

29  349 

29.283 

62 

40 

51 

50 

S. 

.46 

Thura. .  20 

29  448 

29  854 

64 

86 

51 

50 

s.w. 

.16 

Fri..  ..  21 

29.893 

29.776 

61 

36 

51 

50 

N.W. 

.00 

Sat.  ...  22 

29.808 

29.500 

61 

47 

52 

50 

8. 

.34 

Sun.  .  .  28 

29.9  52 

29  844 

58 

42 

53 

60 

W. 

.20 

Mon.  . .  24 

29.424 

29.255 

60 

36 

52 

50 

w. 

•00 

Tues....  25 

29.450 

29.362 

64 

40 

51 

60 

s.w. 

.00 

Mean.. 

29.618 

29.482 

58.57 

39.57 

51.57 

50.00 

•• 

1.16. 

19. — Heavy  rain  ;  densely  overcast,  stormy :  boisterous. 

20.— Cloudy;  showery;  stormy  with  rain. 

21. — Fine.;  very  fine  ;  densely  overcast. 

22.— Cloudy  but  fine  ;  densely  overcast ;  showery. 

23. — Rain  ;  showery  ;  elear  and  fine  at  night. 

24. — Densely  overcast ;  showery  ;  brilliant  aurora  borealia  8  p.m.  ;  clear 
and  fine. 

25.—  Fine  but  cloudy  ;  fine;  aurora  boroalis  6.30  to  8.30  p.m.;  fine  and 
clear. 


COVENT  GARDEN  MARKET.— October  26. 
We  have  a  fair  attendance  of  buyers,  but  business  generally  is  far  from 
encouraging,  there  being  a  great  excess  in  the  supply,  and  prices  remain- 
ing nearly  stationary.  The  Potato  trade  has  improved,  and  there  has 
been  a  slight  advance  in  the  first  qualities.  Pears  comprise  Marie 
Louise,  Glou  Morceau,  Duchesse  d'Angouleme,  and  Beurre  Clairgeau,. 
with  inferior  varieties ;  Apples,  Ribston  Pippin,  Cox's  Orange  Pippin, 
Blenheim  Pippin,  Kerry  Pippin,  and  Fearn's  Pippin. 


FRUIT. 


B.  d.  B. 

Apples J  Bieve  1    0  to  2 

Apricots doz.  0    0  0 

Chestnuts bushel  6    0  14 

Cherries lb.  0    0  0 

Currants J  sieve  0    0  0 

Black do.  0    0  0 

Figs doz.  2    0  S 

Filberts lb.  1    0  2 

Cobs lb.  1    fi  2 

Gooseberries quart  0    0  0 

Grapes,  Hothouse....  lb.  2    0  5 

Lemons %H00  10    0  1C 

Melons each  10  4 


Mulberries lb.  0 

Nectarines doz.  0 

Oranges ^100  20 

Peaches  doz.  4 

Peare,  kitchen doz.  1 

dessert doz.  1 

Pine  Apples lb.  9 

Plums i  sieve  1 

Quinces  doz.  1 

Raspberries lb.  0 

Strawberries    lb.  0 

Walnuts bushel  10 

do ^100  1 


"VEGETABLES. 


Artichokes doz. 

Asparagus v- 100 

Beans,  Kidney  ..^  eieve. 

Broad bushel 

Beet,  Red doz. 

Broccoli  bundle 

Brussels  Sprouts. .  $  sieve 

Cabbage doz. 

CapBicums  ^  100 

Carrots bunch 

Cauliflower doz. 

Celery bundle 

Coleworts..doz.  bunches 
Cucumbers each 

pickling doz. 

Endive doz. 

Kennel bunch 

Garlic lb. 

Herbs bunch 

HorseradiBh   ....  bundle 


s.  d.     B. 
0    OtoO 


0    0 
0 


1  6 
4  0 

2  0 

1  6 
0  8 
6  0 

2  0 
ft  0 


S.  d. 

Leeks bunch  0   4  to 

Lettuce   doz.  1    6 

Mushrooms pottle  1    0 

Mustard&Cress.. punnet  0    2 

Onions  bushel  4    0 

pickling quart  0    4 

Parsley sieve  S    0 

Parsnips doz.  0    9 

Peas quart  0    0 

Potatoes bushel  2 

Kidney do.  S 

Radishes  ..  doz. bunches  0 

Rhubarb bundle  0 

Savoys doz.  0 

Sea-kale basket  0 

Shallots lb.  0 

Spinach bushel  3 

Tomatoes doz.  1 

TurnipB bunch  0 

I  VegetableMarrowe..doz.  2 


November  3,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL   OP  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


343 


WEEKLY    CALENDAR. 


Day 


Day 

of 

Week. 


Tn 

P 

S 

Sun 

M 

Tn 

W 


NOVEMBER  3-9,  187J. 


Meeting  of  Linnean  Society,  8  p.m. 


21  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

Twilight  ends,  6.11  p.«r 

Length  of  Day,  9b.  15m. 

Meet,  of  Royal  Microscopical  Society,  8  P.M. 


Average  Tempera- 

Rain in 

last 
43  years. 

Snn 

Snn 

Moon 

Moon 

Moon's 

Clock 

after 
San. 

Day 
of 

Year. 

ture  near  London. 

Rises. 

Sets. 

RiBes. 

oels. 

Age. 

Day. 

Night. 

Menn. 

Days. 

m.     h. 

m.     h. 

m.      h. 

m.      h. 

Days. 

m.      s. 

63.5 

85.9 

44.7 

19 

69  at  6 

29  at  4 

24af  3 

14  all 

10 

16    18 

807 

52  1 

86  6 

443 

22 

0      7 

27      4 

41      3 

23      2 

11 

16    18 

308 

62.9 

87.2 

45  0 

20 

2      7 

25      4 

59      3 

80      3 

12 

16    16 

809 

5!A 

86  9 

447 

19 

4      7 

24      4 

17      4 

37      4 

13 

1H    14 

810 

62.1 

86  7 

44.4 

20 

5      7 

23      4 

34      4 

43      5 

14 

16    11 

811 

52.0 

34.3 

13.1 

19 

7      7 

22      4 

54      4 

49      6 

O 

16      7 

312 

60.5 

3U.8 

4i.2 

16 

9      7 

20      4 

18      5 

55       7 

16 

16      2 

SIS 

From  ob-ervntious  taken  near  London  during  the  laBt  forty-three  years,  the  average  day  temperature  of  the  week  is  52.2°,  and  its  night 
temperature  35.9°.  The  greatest  heat  was  63°,  on  the  5th  and  6th,  1834;  and  the  lowest  cold  17°,  on  the  9th,  1364.  The  greatest  fall  of 
rain  was  1.02  iuoh. 


NOTES  MADE  DURING  A  TOUR  IN  IRELAND. 

No.  1. 

^|9P5  RELAND,  our  fair  sister— the  green,  the 
Emerald  Isle! — we  gardeners  of  England 
know  little  of  your  land,  and  yet  Ireland  is 
very  near  to  us,  and  very  dear  to  us.  Dublin 
is  but  eleven  hours  from  London,  and  yet 
Ireland  is  too  little  known  to  us,  and  less 
understood.  Why  is  this?  It  would  indeed 
be  difficult  to  tell.  There  is  but  a  narrow 
strip  of  water  that  divides  us,  and  yet  we 
hesitate  to  pass  across.  Many  of  us,  although 
we  boast  of  our  supremacy  of  the  seas,  have  still  a  secret 
dread  of  sea  sickness — of  the  horrors  of  crossing  the  pro- 
verbially shaky  Irish  Channel,  and  so  many  of  us  remain 
at  home,  and  remain  ignorant  of  the  beauties  of  lovely  Ire- 
land, and  of  the  warm  hearted  natures  of  the  Irish  people. 
We  are  all  pretty  well  informed  that  Dame  Nature  has 
been  woudrously  bountiful  to  the  Irish  Isle,  endowing  her 
with  a  genial  climate  and  with  rich  and  fertile  soils.  We 
have,  however,  but  a  poor  knowledge  of  what  that  really 
means,  or  of  the  vast  magnitude  of  the  capabilities  of  the 
country.     It  requires  seeing  her  to  understand. 

We,  in  England,  have  strange  and  crude  notions  that 
Ireland  is  a  land  half  desolate  and  neglected — centuries 
behind  our  own- — with  a  people  poor,  oppressed,  and  dis- 
contented— with  landlords  harsh  and  tyrannical,  screwing 
the  life-blood  out  of  the  land  !  Can  there  be  greater  de- 
lusions? We  read  at  times,  it  is  true,~some  sad  accounts 
of  the  bad  feelings  existing  between  landlord  and  tenant, 
but  these  are  very  exceptional,  and  in  no  way  compromise 
the  great  body  of  the  people,  landlords  or  tenants.  As 
for  the  Irish  landlords,  take  them  as  a  class,  I  believe  them 
to  be  extremely  indulgent.  It  having  been  my  fortune 
lately  to  visit  many  of  their  establishments  I  say  this 
much  candidly,  that  they  contrast  very  favourably  with 
our  own  in  many  ways.  There  are  numerous  exceptions, 
of  course,  and  the  worst  of  all  are  the  absentees,  a  class 
which  are  far  too  common. 

Are  the  people  oppressed?  No,  decidedly  not.  Are  they 
poor?  No.  Although  they  seem  so  in  their  miserable 
hovels  of  dwellings,  and  their  dirty  tattered  garments,  yet 
they  are  by  no  means  poor.  Speak  of  poverty  in  Ireland 
and  you  give  deep  offence  ;  besides,  it  is  not  true.  Work 
is  plentiful  in  Ireland,  and  workmen  scarce.  Wages  ara 
generally  as  high  as  in  this  country — from  2s.  to  3s.  per 
da.y.  and  during  harvest  far  higher,  with  many  accom- 
paniments which  the  labouring  class  of  this  country  do 
not  have. 

Is  Ireland  poor?  This  cannot  be  when  the  farmers  of 
Irelnnd  have  been  able  to  lay  by  within  the  last  few  years, 
as  stated  from  official  returns,  several  millions  of  money. 
An- the  people  discontented?  This  cannot  be  denied,  3'et 
I  hope  the  causes  are  fast  being  removed,  for  a  more  joyous, 
hearty,  kind-hearted  people  does  not  exist ;  but  into  this 
it  is  not  my  business  to  inquire— my  object  in  visiting 
Ireland  was  to  observe  its  gardens  and  gardening. 

In  passing  through  the  country  I  could  not  help  noting 
No.  50!.— Vol  XIX,  New  Series. 


everywhere  the  extremely  well-made  and  well-kept  roads, 
under  the  care  of  Government,  I  believe,  and  how  ex- 
tremely appropriate  is  the  title  of  the  green  and  Emerald 
Isle  !  for  green  it  is  in  truth.  Such  depth  of  verdure, 
such  extent  of  landscape,  all  of  the  most  lovely  green, 
nowhere  have  I  seen  except  in  Ireland.  How  vivid,  how 
marked  was  the  contrast  of  the  beautiful  green  and  rich 
grassy  meadows,  and  the  lovely  green  trees,  to  those  of  our 
own  country  this  season  !  Whilst  we  in  England  have  been 
parched  up — -almost  without  a  blade  of  green — in  Ireland 
vegetation  was  triumphant — grass  abundant,  root  crops, 
Turnips,  Potatoes,  chief  of  Ireland's  food,  everywhere  most 
excellent.  The  great  extent  of  rich  pasture  land  in  some 
of  the  counties,  as  in  Meath  and  Kildare,  is  something 
marvellous,  entire  and  immense  tracts  of  land  being  like 
one  vast  grazing  held,  broken  only  by  the  hedgerow  trees. 
We  envy  Ireland  also  her  charming  hikes  and  their  rich 
and  lovely  scenery,  the  magnificence  of  her  trees  and 
tree  landscape,  and  the  grand  and  extensive  parks  which 
surround  the  seats  of  her  landed  nobility.  Widely  apart 
as  these  seats  may  be  the  one  from  the  other,  they  never- 
less  present  considerable  uniformity  of*  character.  The 
various  sites  are  remarkably  well  chosen,  giving  most 
extensive  views  of  the  surrounding  district. 

The  style  of  the  mansions  is  in  general  plain  Elizabethan 
and  baronial,  with  most  extensive  and  well-designed  parks 
and  gardens.  The  parks  and  the  trees  around  the  Irish 
nobleman's  abode  are  quite  features  of  the  country.  The 
gardens,  too,  seem  to  have  been  laid  out  originally  with 
considerable  skill  and  taste,  and  generally  on  an  exten- 
sive scale.  I  do  not  speak  here  of  hothouses,  which 
belong  more  to  the  present  age,  but  of  the  art  of  land- 
scape gardening  and  designing,  and  I  feel  bound  to  ob- 
serve that  there  are  evidences  in  these  old  places  of  a 
fully  higher  calibre  of  gardening  than  is  common  at  the 
present  day.  I  met  with  many  exceptions,  of  course,  which 
I  shall  duly  notice,  yet  I  could  by  no  means  blink  the  fact 
that  gardening  in  Ireland,  as  in  our  own  country,  is  run- 
ning too  much  in  one  groove,  and,  to  my  mind,  that  groove 
is  a  very  narrow  one.  There  is  a  growing  tendency  for 
having  all  things  under  glass,  for  expensive  stove  and  hot- 
house plants,  for  staring  ribbon  borders,  and  great  blazes 
of  gaudy  colour,  instead  of  quiet  beauty  of  form  and  simple 
elegance.  In  our  rage  after  all  this  we  are  forgetting 
much  that  is  pleasing  and  lasting  in  the  beauty  of  our 
hardy  plants  and  trees,  which  give  such  universal  and 
continuous  pleasure. 

Of  the  principal  features  of  Irish  gardening  I  would  just 
notice  the  unusually  fine  collections  of  stove  and  tine- 
foliaged  plants,  and  the  general  excellence  of  the  speci- 
mens, with  the  apparent  great  interest  taken  in  their 
cultivation.  I  met  with  these  in  very  unexpected  places. 
In  many  establishments  I  fancied  the  same  means  would 
have  been  far  better  expended  elsewhere — whether  these 
were  pet  subjects  of  the  employers  or  of  the  gardeners  I 
cannot  sa}'.  It  struck  me,  however,  as  ill-regulated  in 
several  instances  where  the  employers  reside  but  little, 
and  where  labour  seemed  to  be  sadly  scant — with  fruits 
and  other  more  permanent  subjects  greatly  neglected — to 
No.  1153.— Vol.  XLIY.,  Old  Seluts. 


344 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


I  November  3,  1870. 


discover  so  many  of  these  expensive  plants.  In  our  stove 
and  ornamental- foliaged  plants  we  have,  no  doubt,  the  most 
beautiful  forms  of  vegetation,  and  beiDg  so,  I  think  they  should 
be  but  sparingly  introduced,  or  not  at  all,  unless  the  other 
portions  of  the  garden  are  in  harmonious  keeping.  In  such 
places  as  Powerscourt  and  Mr.  Bewley's,  at  Blackrock,  the  hot- 
house plants  formed  a  flue  feature  in  perfect  harmony  with  the 
whole;  but  I  see  no  beauty  in  stove  plants  whioh  have  to  be 
reached  through  other  portions  of  the  gardens  much  negleoted. 

The  modern  style  of  flower  gardening  in  Ireland  is  following 
much  in  the  same  direotion  as  in  England — endless  bands  and 
stripes  of  gaudy  colours.  We  cannot  but  admire  such  blazes 
as  we  sometimes  see,  when  well  done,  but  too  often  they  are 
extremely  repulsive.  At  Mount  Merrion,  near  Dublin,  the 
display  of  tricolor  and  bronze  Pelargoniums  was  magnificent 
in  the  extreme,  far  exoeeding  in  their  brilliant  colourings  and 
general  effectiveness  anything  I  could  have  anticipated  in  the 
flower  garden.  With  us  bronze  Pelargoniums  planted  out  of 
doors  are  in  general  dingy  and  dull,  but  at  Mount  Merrion  they 
were  more  brilliant  than  we  have  them  under  glass.  Possibly 
u  good  deal  of  this  superior  excellence  may  be  attributed  to 
the  more  soft  and  gentle  humid  atmosphere  of  Ireland,  which 
is  more  favourable  to  leaf-development  and  coloration  than  our 
own  climate. 

I  must  here  enter  a  word  of  protest  against  the  employment 
of  coloured-leaved  Beet  amongst  flowers  to  such  an  inordinate 
extent  as  was  the  case  in  Ireland.  Nothing,  possibly,  could  have 
shown  worse  taste  than  in  many  of  the  instances  where  it  was 
used.  The  plant  has  a  very  striking  and  unique  appearance, 
and  should  be  used  sparingly.  I  do  not  object  to  its  use  now 
and  then.  It  is  well  adapted  for  mixing  with  other  fine-foliaged 
plants  in  large  beds,  as  against  the  white-leaved  Centaurea,  or 
even  the  yellow  Pyretbrum  ;  but,  as  I  observed  it  in  several 
instances  in  small  beds  along  with  Verbenas,  Mrs.  Pollock 
Pelargonium,  &c.,it  had  a  most  detestable  appearance.  The  dry 
season  had  in  several  instances  prevented  the  other  occupants 
from  growing  to  any  considerable  size,  so  that  the  dark-coloured 
leaves  of  the  Beet,  which  seemed  to  thrive  everywhere,  gave 
some  of  the  gardens  around  Dublin  the  appearance  of  fields 
of  Mingold.  Afar  finer  plant  having  much  the  same  colour 
of  leaf,  and  which  seems  particularly  well  suited  for  Ireland,  is 
the  Iresine  Lindeni.  The  older  variety,  I.  Herbstii,  seemed 
in  Ireland  to  take  the  place  of  Coleus  Verscbaffelti  with  us, 
which  I  was  rather  surprised  to  find  does  not  succeed  in  Ire- 
land ;  at  all  events  I  only  saw  it  on  one  or  two  occasions. 

The  Zonal  Pelargoniums  seemed  to  find  a  happy  home  in 
Ireland,  and  one  of  the  most  telling  and  favourite  varieties 
was  no  other  than  Amy  Hogg,  her  pleasant  lively  face  lighting 
up  many  an  Irish  garden. 

The  great  number  of  Irish  Yews,  studded  over  the  Irish  gar- 
dens like  military  sentinels  in  their  unbending  stiffness,  was 
also  another  feature  that  attracted  my  attention.  At  Carton, 
Maynooth,  they  were  grand  and  imposing. 

Fruits  are  on  the  whole  not  quite  so  well  represented  as  I 
had  expected  to  find  them.  Grapes  were  in  many  places  exten- 
sively grown  and  well,  although  I  saw  nothing  sensational. 
Pine  Apples  seemed  to  be  but  little  grown  ;  at  all  events  I  saw 
few  in  my  travels.  Peaches  were,  as  a  rule,  excellent  and 
well  cultivated.  Orchard  houses  seemed  to  be  at  ii  I  n  dis- 
count !-iuce  Mr.  Bewley's  famous  ones  have  succumbed.  Out- 
door fruits  were  extremely  abundant,  and  in  many  gardens 
I  found  very  fine  collections.  Pears  on  pyramids  in  the  gar- 
dens round  Dublin  were  very  fine.  If  a  little  more  attention 
were  paid,  Ireland  would  be  a  great  fruit-producing  country. 
In  many  districts  the  climate  is  very  similar  to  that  of  Jersey, 
where  the  very  finest  fruits  are  grown. 

My  too-short  tour  in  Ireland  was  an  extremely  pleasant  one, 
for  I  met  with  many — very  many — kind  friends,  although  I 
met  them  as  a  comparative  strauger.  Talk  of  freemasonry! 
why,  the  feeling  of  brutherhood  amongst  gardeners  is  far 
exceeding  that  of  any  other  class.  We  fiod  ourselves  at  home 
everywhere,  yet  nowherw  have  I  found  a  welcome  so  warm 
as  in  the  Sister  Isle.  Much — indeed  I  suspect  a  very  great 
deal — of  this  oveiflowing  kindness  I  owe  to  the  high  respect 
in  which  my  introducer,  Mr.  James  Robertson,  of  DubliD, 
is  held.  I  owe  to  this  gentleman  many  thauks  for  hiB  valuable 
assistance  in  enabling  me  to  see  so  much  of  his  adopted 
country. 

My  tour  was  confined  to  the  gardens  around  Dublin,  in  the 
counties  Wicklow,  Kildare,  &c,  and  from  that  northwards  to 
Enniskillen  and  Belfast.  I  will  furnish  your  readers  with  more 
detailed  notes  on  the  more  remaikable  of  the  places  I  visited  ; 


and  I  add  as  my  opinion,  that  if  in  Ireland  there  are  not  so 
many  fine  gardens  as  in  England,  yet  they  will  bear  comparison 
with  advantage  in  many  respects. — B. 


GROUND  LEVELLING  AND   PRACTICAL 
GARDEN   PLOTTING.— No.  3. 

DRAWING  PLANS. 

Having  given  a  Bhort  description  of  such  materials  as  will 
be  necessary  for  a  beginner,  I  will  proceed  to  apply  them  to 
their  uses,  commencing  with  fig.  6. 

1.  To  Bisect  a  Given  Line. — Draw  the  line  a  b  (fig.  6).  Use 
the  compasses  having  a  pencil  leg.  Put  the  steel  point  of  the 
compasses  in  point  a.  Open  the  compasses  until  the  distance  is 
greater  than  the  half  of  the  line  a  b,  and  with  the  pencil 
desoribe  the  arc  d  d.  Shift  the  steel  point  of  the  oompasses 
to  point  b,  and  with  the  same  radius  draw  the  arc  e  c.    The 


AC 


r^ 

-OB 
o       B< 

/\ 

d 

d* 

Fig.  6. 


Fig.  7. 


points  where  the  two  lines  cut  each  other,  as  in  d  c,  d  c,  are 
perpendicular  to  or  square  with  the  line  A  b.  Draw  a  line 
from  the  points  of  intersection — that  is,  from  point  d  c,  to 
point  d  c,  and  it  will  bisect  or  cut  the  line  a  b,  into  two  equal 
parts,  as  at  m. 

2.  To  Describe  a  Square  on  the  Line  A  b — The  line  A  B 
(fig.  7)  is  1  inch  in  length,  and  represents  8  feet,  being  drawn 
to  the  scale  of  8  feet  to  the  inch.  Erect  n  perpendicular  line 
from  point  b,  which  is  done  in  the  following  manner : — Take 
any  two  equal  distances  from  point  B,  say  the  points  d  d;  place 
the  Bteel  point  of  the  compasses  in  point  d ;  open  the  com- 
passes until  the  radius  is  greater  than  d  d ;  then  with  the 
pencil  describe  an  arc,  as  in  c.  Shift  the  steel  point  of  the 
compasses  to  the  other  point  d ;  describe  another  arc,  cutting 
the  former  one,  as  in  c  ;  draw  the  line  B  c,  taking  care  it  is  as 
long  as  the  line  A  b.  Two  sides  of  the  square  are  now  drawn, 
and  A  and  c  are  centres.  Place  the  steel  end  of  the  compasses 
in  point  A;  open  them  until  the  pencil  will  just  meet  point  b; 
and  turn  the  compasses  round  and  describe  an  arc,  as  in  D. 
Then  shift  the  steel  point  of  the  compasses  to  point  c,  and 
with  the  same  radius  describe  another  arc  in  D,  cutting  the 
former  one  ;  next  draw  the  lines  c  d,  and  r>  a,  and  the  square 
is  formed.  To  prove  the  square,  if  the  diagonal  lines  A  c,  and 
b  d,  are  exactly  equal  in  length,  the  square  is  perfect. 


A<£- 


Fig.  8. 


Fig.  9. 


3.  To  Describe  a  Circle. — The  diameter  a  b,  being  given — 
say  8  feet — find  the  half  (4  feet)  ;  with  the  half  as  radius  (da) 
descrihe  the  circle  (tig.  8)  with  the  compasses. 

4.  To  Form  an  Equilateral  Triangle.  —  The  base  line  ab 
(fig.  9)  is  8  feet.  Find  8  feet  on  the  scale.  With  the  com- 
passes from  A  and  b  describe  two  arcs,  cutting  each  other  in 
c.  Draw  a  line  from  a  to  c,  and  from  c  to  b,  and  the  triangle 
is  complete. 

5.  To  Construct  an  Oval  on  a  Given  Line.  —  The  line  A  b 
(fig.  10)  is  8  feet  in  leDgth.  With  half  the  line,  o,  as  radius 
describe  a  circle.  From  A  and  b  as  centres  draw  aros,  with  the 
radius  a  b,  cutting  each  other  in  e.     From  e  draw  the  line 


November  8,  1870.  ] 


JODRNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


345 


B,  o,  c,  whioh  will  bisect  the  line  A  e,  in  o,  and  also  cut  the 
eirel  a  in  d.  With  d  as  a  oentre  describe  the  arc  e  e,  meeting 
the  arcs  drawn  from  A  and  b. 


Fig.  10.  Fig.  11 

6.  To  Describe  an  Elliptical  Figure  on  any  Given  Line. — The 
diameter  line  a  b  (fig.  11)  is  10  feet  in  length  ;  divide  it  into 
four  equal  parts.  From  c  and  d,  with  the  radius  d  a,  or  o  B, 
describe  circles  touching  each  other  in  the  centre.  From  c  and 
D,  with  radius  c  D,  describe  arcs  cutting  each  other  in  E  f. 
Draw  the  lines  eo,  ed,  fc,  and  f  d,  and  produce  them  until 
they  cut  the  circles  in  a,  n,  I,  and  J.  From  E  and  F,  with  the 
radius  e  o,  or  f  j,  draw  arcs  uniting  o  n,  and  i  j.  which  will 
complete  the  figure. — M.  O'Donnell,  Gardener  to  E.  Leeming, 
Esq.,  Spring  Grove,  Richmond. 


PEAS   IN    1870. 


The  writer  of  the  article  on  "  Peas  in  1870,"  which  appeared 
in  last  week's  issue  of  The  Journal  of  Horticulture,  is  evi- 
dently incorrect  in  describing  Carter's  First  Crop  and  Sutton's 
Ringleader  as  being  two  distinct  sorts  of  Peas. 

At  the  time  of  sending  out  this  Pea,  in  1864,  it  was  dis- 
covered by  the  two  firms  who  afterwards  introduced  it  to  the 
public,  that  they  both  were  possessed  of  an  early  Pea  of  un- 
doubted merit,  but  from  the  source  whence  it  came,  and  also 
from  its  general  appearance  and  characteristics,  there  was 
no  doubt  that  the  Pea,  whether  called  Sutton's  Ringleader  or 
Carter's  First  Crop,  was  one  and  the  same  Pea.  However, 
this  is  an  old  story  now,  because  the  Pea  was  at  the  time  of 
sending  out,  and  has  been  ever  since,  advertised  by  both  firms 
as  being  identical ;  therefore  Mr.  Castle  must  either  have  been 
deceived  by  his  seedsman,  or  have  muddled  his  trials  himself, 
as  it  is  utterly  incorrect  that  Sutton's  Ringleader  is  3J  feet 
high,  or  that  it  is  either  earlier  or  later  than  Carter's  First 
Crop.  It  may  be  as  well  to  remark  that  all  early  Peas  are 
liable  to  degenerate  in  the  quality  of  earliness,  unless  they  are 
each  year  carefully  selected  ;  but  even  this  fact  will  not  assist 
Mr.  Castle's  statement,  because  we  will  challenge  anyone  to 
name  an  early  Pea  of  3j  feet  high,  which  is  earlier  or  so  early 
as  Carter's  First  Crop  or  Sutton's  Ringleader.  If  you  will 
permit  us  we  will  give  you  the  results  of  our  last  year's  trial  of 
early  Peas  at  our  trial  ground,  the  correctness  of  which  we  will 
vouch  for : — 


No. 

Variety. 

Sown. 

In  Bloom. 

Fit  to  Pick. 

Height. 

1 

2 
8 
4 

5 
6 
7 

Carter's  First  Crop  or  ; 

Sal  ton's  Ringleader) 

Dickson's  First  snd  Best 

McLean's  Little  Gem  . . 
American  Tom  Thumb.. 

March  5th 

May  12th 

„     15th 

„  19th 
„  22nd 
„  IKtb 
„  22nd 
„     22nd 

June  1st 
„     6th 

May  19th 
„    29th 

Jane  1st 

June  6th 

„     8th 
„    13th 
„    16th 
„     8th 
„    13th 
„    16th 
„    19th 
„   24th 
„   19th 
„    21st 
„    19th 

2  ft.  6  in. 

3  ft. 

3  ft. 

4  ft. 
1  ft. 

1  tt.  6  in. 
1  ft.  6  in. 

8 
9 

Bishop's  Long-podded. . 

2  ft. 

1  ft.  6  in. 

10 
11 

in 

Dwarf  Waterloo  Marrow 

1  ft.  6  in. 
4  ft. 
3  ft. 

If  it  is  of  sufficient  interest  to  your  readers  we  could  publish 
a  complete  list  of  onr  Pea  trials.  [Do  ;  we  will  find  space  for 
them. — Eds.] 

We  may  also  remark  that  Laxton's  Prolific  Longpod  Pea  is 
not  deserving  of  being  described  as  "  the  worst-flavoured  Pea 
of  the  season."  It  is  one  of  the  most  productive  of  our  Green 
Marrows,  and  in  flavour  is  quite  equal  to  any  Green  Marrow 
in  cultivation. 


While  on  the  subject  of  Peas,  we  must  confess  our  surprise 
that  none  of  your  numerous  readers  have  had  a  word  to  say  in 
favour  of  Laxton's  Alpha.  In  onr  opinion  it  is  a  Pea  without 
an  equal  amongst  early  wrinkled  Marrows,  both  lor  its  earli- 
ness and  fine  flavour. 

We  can  recommend  "E.  G.'s  "  trial  of  Peas,  which  appeared 
in  the  Journal  of  the  19th  ult.,  to  Mr.  Castle's  notice,  as  a 
model  of  systematic  correctness. — James  Carter  &  Co.,  High 
Holborn.  

Mr.  Castle  tells  us,  to  grow  PeaB  well  the  ground  should  be 
trenched  3  feet  deep  ;  permit  me  to  inform  him  that  all  gar- 
deners are  aware  of  the  fact,  if  they  could  only  persuade  their 
employers  to  give  them  the  necessary  labour.  Secondly,  Mr. 
Castle  never  sows  Peas  until  March  ;  he  finds  they  come  in  as 
early  as  those  sown  in  November.  That  does  not  agree  with 
my  experience.  My  Peas,  sown  on  the  10th  of  November, 
were  gathered  last  season  on  the  Gth  of  June,  Mr.  Castle's  on 
the  18th  of  the  same  month.  Mr.  Castle  never  sows  Peas  in 
November ;  he  finds  the  birds  and  mice  make  great  havoc 
among  them.  Let  him  procure  six  penny  worth  of  phosphorus 
paste,  spread  it  on  bread,  use  it  three  times  during  the  winter, 
and  the  mice  will  not  trouble  him  ;  and  for  the  sparrows,  a  few 
strings  of  red  worsted  strung  along  the  rows  is  all  that  is 
required. 

Mr.  Castle  tells  us  that  the  last  dishes  were  gathered  on  tho 
30th  of  September,  but  I  sent  to  table  a  very  nice  dish  this 
day  (October  27tb),  but  it  will  not  be  the  last.  I  hope  to  go  on 
gathering  well  into  November ;  and  this  is  nothing  new,  I 
have  gathered  Peas  repeatedly  on  Lord  Mayor's  day. — R. 
Gilbert,  Burghley,  Stamford. 


CLIMBING   FERNS.— No.  2. 

ODONTOSORIA. 

The  plants  in  this  genus  are  usually  associated  with  Davallia. 
I,  however,  entirely  conform  to  the  opinions  of  those  authorities 
who  assert  their  distinctiveness.  The  species  introduced  here 
is  a  most  elegant  plant  for  training  along  a  rafter  or  pillar, 
where  its  light  green  airy  fronds  produce  an  effect  equalled  by 
no  other  Fern.  It  should  be  potted  in  a  soil  consisting  almost 
wholly  of  peat  and  sand,  with  perhaps  a  small  portion  of  loam 
added  to  it,  and  should  be  kept  in  the  temperature  of  the  stove. 

0.  aculeata. — This  lovely  Fern  may  be  found  in  many  gar- 
dens, sometimes  under  the  name  of  Davallia  aculeata,  at  others 
under  that  of  Adiantum  aculeatum,  and  yet  how  seldom  are  its 
beauties  displayed  to  advantage  !  It  is  a  scandent  plant,  and 
therefore  requires  more  room  than  is  usually  accorded  it.  The 
fronds  are  bi-tri-pinnate,  bearing  cuneate  somewhat  lobed 
pinna;,  which  are  bright  light  green.  The  sori  are  situated  at 
the  edges,  with  a  somewhat  pitcher-shaped  indusium.  The 
rachis  is  furnished  with  Bhort  slightly  recurved  spines.  I  con- 
sider this  one  of  the  most  beautiful  Ferns  in  cultivation.  It  is 
a  native  of  Jamaica,  and  perhaps  other  places  in  the  West 
Indies. 

SALPICHUENA. 

I  am  only  acquainted  with  one  species  in  this  genus,  and  it 
stands  in  the  opposite  extreme  to  the  plant  just  noticed.  It  is 
a  bold-growing  Fern  ;  its  fronds  are  bi-pinnate,  extending  in- 
definitely, and  produce  pinnte  often  2  feet  in  length.  Salpi- 
chla?na  is  nearly  allied  to  Lomaria  ;  it  has  forked  veins,  which 
are  all  joined  by  a  vein  at  the  margin,  and  the  sori  are  borne 
on  a  transverse  vein  running  parallel  with  and  close  to  the 
costa  ;  the  indusium  is  rolled  over  the  sori  like  a  tube.  This 
plant  erjjoys  a  high  temperature,  and  should  be  potted  in  peat 
and  loam  in  equal  proportions,  with  plenty  of  sand. 

S.  volcbile. — In  a  situation  where  a  large  bold-growing  Fern 
is  desirable  this  will  form  a  striking  object.  The  fronds  attain 
an  immense  length,  and  its  long,  dark  green,  arching  pinnae 
are  very  effective,  but  it  can  scarcely  be  recommended  for  ferne- 
ries of  limited  extent.  S.  volubile  is  frequently  to  be  found  in 
Fern  collections  in  a  starved  state  under  the  name  of  Blechnum 
scandens.  It  is  a  native  of  South  America. 
GLEICHENIA. 

This  genus  I  always  look  upon  as  the  aristocracy  of  the  Fern 
tribe.  The  species  are  extremely  elegant,  and  have  a  character 
peculiarly  their  own.  There  are  two  sets  of  this  genus,  one 
having  email  orbicular  segments  to  the  pinnas,  and  the  other 
larger  and  broader  fronds  with  linear  pinna;,  and  the  habit  is 
less  scandent.  The  latter  section  is  by  some  authors  considered 
sufficiently  distinct  to  be  elevated  to  generic  rank  under  the 


U6 


JOUBNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  November  3,  1870. 


name  of  Martensia.  The  true  Gleichenias,  as  before  remarked, 
have  a  character  peculiarly  their  own.  Their  fronds  are  several 
times  dieuotomously  divided,  extend  almost  inde6nitely,  and 
bear  long  narrow  pinna;  with  oval  or  orbicular  segments,  which 
have  somewhat  the  appearance  of  rows  of  beads.  These  plants 
are  considered  difficult  to  cultivate,  and  there  is  much  truth  in 
this  opioion.  They  are  somewhat  hard  to  manage — that  is  to 
Bay,  for  any  length  of  time.  They  are  admirably  adapted  for 
cool  ferneries  ;  and  I  am  convinced  one  of  the  chief  causes  of 
failure  in  the  cultivation  of  Gleichenias  is  an  excessive  amount 
of  heat.  Another  fault  lies,  I  think,  in  confining  them  in 
too  narrow  a  compass,  for  these  plants  are  essentially  surface- 
rooters  ;  they  do  not  want  much  depth,  but  they  require  an 
extensive  surface  for  their  rhizomes  and  roots  to  spread  over, 
and  if  this  accommodation  is  not  afforded  them  the  fronds 
become  very  weak  through  overcrowding,  and  dwindle  away  to 
miserable,  sickly,  sticky-looking  objects.  To  cultivate  these 
plants  successfully  I  adopt  shallow  pots,  and  drain  them  well. 
The  soil  in  which  the  Gleichenias  thrive  well  with  me  is  brown 
fibrous  peat  used  somewhat  rough.  I  add  a  good  portion  of 
silver  sand,  some  lumps  of  sandstone,  and  a  little  light  loam. 
They  require  a  liberal  supply  of  water  all  the  year  round,  but 
especially  during  summer,  at  which  season  the  sun's  rays  must 
be  kept  from  them  :  in  fact,  I  have  found  them  succeed  best 
in  a  house  with  a  northern  aspect. 

(J.  MioaorHTLLA  is  a  fine,  free-growing,  scandent  plant,  fit 
either  for  public  exhibition  or  home  decoration  ;  in  the  latter 
case  it  may  be  either  trained  out  upon  sticks  or  upon  a  rafter 
or  pillar.  The  fronds  are  several  limes  dichotomously  forked  ; 
the  stems  are  all  clothed  with  short  reddish  brown  hairs  ;  the 
ovate  segments  are  dark  green  on  the  upper  side,  the  under 
Bide  paler  aDd  quite  plain.  It  is  a  superb  plant,  and  may  some- 
times be  found  in  cultivation  under  the  name  of  G.  circina'a, 
by  which  some  authorities  say  it  should  be  known.  Native  of 
Tasmania  and  various  parts  of  New  South  Wales. 

G.  dicarpa. — In  general  habit  this  resembles  the  preceding  ; 
it  has  the  same  scandent  fronds  and  bead-like  pinna;.  This, 
however,  differs  in  the  orbicular  segments  having  the  edges 
turned  over,  forming  a  little  pouch  or  pocket  on  the  under  side. 
Another  point  of  distinction  is  its  perfectly  smooth  stems  and 
branches,  and  it  is  somewhat  more  compact  than  G.  micro- 
phvlia.     It  is  fonnd  in  the  same  habitats  as  the  preceding. 

G.  hecistophylla. — In  this  species  we  have  a  very  elegant 
plant,  and  perhaps  the  moBt  slender-growing  of  all  Ihe  scandent 
Gleichenias  in  cultivation.  The  cichotomous  forking  of  the 
fronds  is  the  same.  The  stems  are  all  thickly  clothed  with 
reddish  hairs;  and  the  somewhat  large  orbicular  segments  have 
their  edges  rolled  over  and  form  a  very  small  pouoh  on  the 
under  side.     It  is  a  native  of  New  Zealand. 

G.  semivestita. — Ao  exception  must  be  made  in  the  cultiva- 
tion of  ihis  speoies,  for  it  really  thiives  best  in  the  temperature 
of  the  stove.  Its  general  appearance  is  the  same  as  that  of  all 
the  species  in  this  section.  The  stems  are  somewhat  densely 
clothed  wilh  reddish  brown  hairs  ;  the  segments  inclined  to  be 
ovate  and  quite  plain  on  the  under  side.  Native  of  New  Cale- 
donia. 

G.  spelunoe. — This  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  kinds  in 
cultivation.  The  fronds  are  forked,  and  the  segments  of  the 
pinna;  are  somewhat  larger  than  those  of  the  species  previously 
desoiibed,  and  not  saccate,  bright  light  green  on  the  upper  side, 
very  glaucous  uuderneath.  It  should  be  grown  in  the  cool 
house,  and  is  a  native  of  Tasmania  and  New  South  Wales. — 
Expeeto  Ceede. 


APPLE-GRAFT   STOCKS. 

The  Burr  Knot  Apple  is  desciibed  in  "  The  Orehardist"  by 
Mr.  Si!ott.  of  the  Meniott  Nurseries,  in  Somerset,  as  striking 
freely  from  cuttings.  The  use  of  the  Burr  Knot  as  an  Apple 
stock  is  very  likely,  whether  under  the  guise  of  English  Para- 
dise I  cannot  conjecture,  further  than  Mr.  Scott,  in  his  preface 
to  "  The  Orehardist,"  says,  or  suggests  it  to  be  so. 

I  remember  a  et  >ry  of  an  orchard  farmer  who,  happening  to 
push  a  random  outtiug  of  Burr  Knot  into  the  ground,  and  find- 
ing it  strike  wonderfully  and  fruit  precociously,  ever  afterwards 
adopted  it  for  Apple  stocks,  and  which  stocks  he  raised  by 
thrusting  cuttings  of  the  Burr  Knot  into  whole  Potatoes,  and 
planting  the  Potato  and  cutting,  like  a  drumstick  reversed,  to- 
gether, the  Potato  to  rot,  the  cutting  to  grow.  Perhaps  the 
succulence  of  the  Potato  promoted  ihe  growth  of  the  outting. 

The  Stibbert  Apple,  too,  is  described  by  Mr.  Scott,  though 
not  identified  with  the  Dutch  Codlin,  if  the  same  Apple.    I 


know  not  if  the  Stibbert  stock  is  made  use  of  under  the  guise 
also  of  English  Paradise,  further  than  Mr.  Soott  says  as  much 
in  the  preface  of  "The  Orehardist." 

The  Nonesuch  Apple  is  not  mentioned  as  one  of  the  English 
Paradise  stocks  in  the  preface  already  referred  to,  unless  in- 
cluded as  a  surface-rooting  Crab  (Apple)  stock,  though  Mr. 
Scott  does  not  speak  of  the  Nonesuch  slock  in  very  flattering 
words  in  his  late  reply  in  your  Journal  to  my  own  inquiries. 

Perhaps  Mr.  Scott  will  tell  us  if  the  various  stocka  used — 
Burr  Kuot,  Stibbert,  Nunesuch,  Doucin  or  Crab,  and  Pommier 
de  Paradis,  give  any  peculiar  character  to  the  foliage  and  hue 
of  the  bark  of  the  Apple  grafts  or  scions  grnwu  upou  such 
stocks  respectively,  and  how  far  the  fruit  of  the  graft  or  scion 
is  affected  by  its  foster-parent  stock. — Reader. 


MUSHROOM- GROWING  IN   PARIS 

The  readers  of  this  Journal  may  have  seen,  in  s<me  of  the 
daily  papers,  a  description  of  a  mode  by  which  Mushrooms  are 
said  to  be  obtained  with  greater  ease  tttan  by  that  usually 
adopted.  This  mode  has  its  origin  amongst  our  neighbours 
the  French,  and  consists  of  sowing  the  sporeB  or  seeds  of  the 
Mushrooms  instead  of  u>ing  spawn.  Tins  is  all  the  essential 
difference  there  is  ;  but  some  scientific  means  are  nectssary  to 
obtain  this  seed,  and  the  ordinary  reader  who  may  have  perused 
the  description  of  the  manner  in  which  the  operation  is  per- 
formed, will  be  puzzled  by  the  technical  terms  used,  and  in 
adopting  the  method  in  question  it  is  probable  he  will  be  dis- 
appointed in  the  result.  I  certainly  do  not  deny  that  Mush- 
rooms may  be  so  grown,  but  as  many  eondi  ions  are  necessary 
for  their  successful  cultivation,  the  mere  fact  of  one  particular 
method  having  once  succeeded  is  no  proof  that  it  will  always  do 
so.  Some  condition  necessary  to  success  may  be  wanting,  and 
a  failure  result,  but  those  anxious  to  try  expeiiments  might 
do  so  in  this  case  with  perfect  propriety,  and,  if  successful,  by 
reporting  the  result  they  would  advance  the  science  of  horti- 
culture. 

The  mode  seems  pretty  well  explained.  A  substance  favour- 
able to  the  growth  of  the  Mushroom  is  prepared,  and  on  this 
the  seed  (as  I  may  be  allowed  to  call  it)  is  sown,  and  in  process 
of  time  a  crop  is  produced.  This  is  the  plain  homely  feature 
of  the  case,  and  if  some  one  produce  a  specimen  of  Mushrooms 
so  grown  at  one  of  the  wiuter  meetings  of  the  Royal  Hoiticul- 
tnral  Society,  more  light  will  be  thrown  on  the  matter.  The 
Mushroom,  in  common  with  other  Fungi,  produces  myriads  of 
the  most  miuute  objscts,  which,  whether  we  designate  them  as 
seeds  or  by  any  other  name,  evidently  serve  the  purpose  of  re- 
production, and  they  are  in  such  abundance  that  they  exist 
almost  everywhere,  but  only  grow  in  favourable  situations.  In 
the  growth  of  Mushrooms  by  the  mode  desciibed,  I  should  say 
the  conditions  necessary  to  insure  success  must  be  correct  to 
the  greatest  nicety,  otherwise  tuilure  must  occur.  This  often 
happens  in  the  old-fashioned  method  of  growing  Mushrooms 
from  spawn  ;  and  how  uncertain,  then,  must  be  the  result  in 
the  new  one  with  such  miuute  things  as  the  seeds,  to  discern 
which  a  microscope  is  required. 

In  making  the  above  remarks  on  the  French  mode  of  growing 
Mushrooms,  I  by  no  means  intend  throwing  any  discredit  on 
the  plan,  or  to  damp  the  ardour  of  those  intending  to  tiy  it;  on 
the  contrary,  I  shall  be  glad  to  bear  of  its  being  extensively 
tried  and  the  results  reported.  The  fructification  of  most  of 
our  Fungi  is  but  imperfectly  known  except  to  the  learned  few, 
and  this  class  are  not  always  expert  cultivators,  but  we  must 
listen  to  what  they  may  reveal,  and  act  accordingly.  With  such 
very  minute  objects  as  the  seeds  referred  to,  it  is,  I  fear, 
hopeless  to  attempt  much  beyond  carrying  out.  an  experiment 
or  two.  We  must,  therefore,  wait  and  learn  what  nature  can 
do  for  us,  and  in  general  she  pel  forms  what  would  baffle  the 
skill  of  our  most  expert  nursery  propagators.  We  see  Ferns  and 
Lycopods  springing  up  in  hothouses  and  other  places  favourable 
to  their  growth  with  such  rapidity  that  eveiy  place  is  speedily 
covered  with  them,  and  when  we  become  better  arqnainted 
with  the  requirements  of  the  Mushroom,  it  is  likely  it  may  be 
obtained  in  as  great  an  abundance. 

Taking,  therefore,  for  granted  that  what  may  he  called  the 
seeds  of  the  Mushroom  (not  the  spawn)  are  produced  in  suoh 
infinite  numbers  as  to  be  everywhere  at  the  season  most  suit- 
able to  the  growth  of  Mushrooms,  we  may  fairly  expect  these 
to  he  produced  when  all  the  necessary  conditions  are  complied 
with.  I'  is,  therefore,  not  unlikely  that  in  the  caves  at  Paris, 
where  Mushrooms  are  grown  in  greater  abundance  than  per- 


November  8,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL   OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


847 


haps  anywhere  else,  the  conditions  necessary  to  success  are 
much  more  perfeot  than  in  most  other  places;  and  Mushrooms 
having  been  grown  there  so  long,  it  is  not  unlikely  the  very 
atmosphere  may  be  so  charged  with  the  minute  bodies  whioh 
serve  to  propagate  this  fungus,  that  Mushrooms  may  spring 
from  them  in  course  of  time  in  the  same  way  as  Ferns  and 
Lycopods  are  produced,  when  in  a  suitable  position,  without  other 
aid  from  us  than  supplyiag  the  shr.de  and  moisture  which  are 
necessary  to  their  growth.  I  am,  therefore,  not  altogether  a 
disbeliever  in  the  possibility  of  Mushrooms  being  produced  by 
seed  as  described  in  the  daily  papers,  but  I  more  than  doubt 
the  cultivator's  having  the  means  of  sowing  such  seeds  over  his 
beds  when  prepared,  and  I  would  advise  inexperienced  readers 
to  consult  their  seed  catalogues  oarefully  before  they  send  for  a 
packet  of  Mushroom  seed,  unless  to  confer  a  favour  on  some 
acquaintance  the  day  after  the  31st  of  Mirch.  It  is  not  at. 
all  uulikely  that  the  humorous  Frenchman  may  have  sown  his 
beds  with  something  that  might  resemble  seeds  in  the  presence 
of  some  special  correspondent,  and  that  Mushrooms  followed  ; 
but  I  strougly  suspect  sand,  dust,  or  something  of  the  kind, 
formed  the  seeds  seen  by  the  gentleman  of  letters,  ordinary 
spawn  having  been  used  before.  It  is  not  at  all  unlikely  that, 
the  spawn  in  one  bed  may  have  run  along  the  floor  and  reached 
the  other,  and  thus  produced  a  orop,  or  the  very  air  may  be  so 
loaded  with  all  the  requirements  necessary  to  this  eud  that 
only  subjects  to  work  upon  may  be  wanted,  and  fresh  dung 
furnishing  this,  suocess  is  the  result.  At  the  same  time  it  is 
most  likely  that  when  tourists,  visitors,  and  specials  were  not 
in  the  caves,  pieces  of  spawn  were  inserted  in  the  beds  and 
that  these  did  the  work  and  not  the  mysterious  Mushroom 
seeds.  More  need  hardly  be  said  on  the  matter,  than  that  the 
oaves  spoken  of  must  ba  well  adapted  to  the  purpose,  and  great 
credit  is  due  to  those  who  there  cultivate  the  Mushroom  so 
successfully. — J.  Robson. 

Since  the  above  was  written  what  a  sad  change  has  come 
over  the  fair  and  beautiful  city  of  Paris  !  Its  gardens,  parks, 
squares,  aud  even  cemeteries,  are  converted  into  so  many  en- 
closures for  cattle,  or  torn  up  for  still  ruder  onrposes,  while 
the  Mushroom  caves  may  be  turned  to  purposes  wi  lely  different 
from  that  to  which  they  were  put  when  the  above  was  penned. 
All  must  mourn  that  such  a  change  should  take  place.  At 
some  future  time  I  may  return  to  the  subject  of  growiDg  Mush- 
rooms in  caves,  for  it  is  not  without  its  parallel  iu  this  country, 
as  very  many  years  ago  excellent  specimens  of  Mushrooms 
were  produced  in  a  coal  mine  where  horses  were  kept,  and 
Mushroom  beds  in  chalk  caves  are  not  uncommon. — J.  R. 


AUTUMN  PLANTING  OF  POTATOES. 
The  experiment  was  tried  upon  the  farm  of  Mr.  William 
Lawsoo,  at  Blennerhassett,  Cumberland.  The  sets  were  Re- 
gents, chiefly  whole,  and  varying  from  3J  to  1}  nz.  in  weight, 
1J  being  the  average,  and  were  planted  about  9  inches  apart. 
They  were  sorted  from  one  field's  produce,  and  of  a  uniform 
size,  to  ensure  equality  of  conditious.  The  plots,  of  three  drills 
each,  were  just  before  planting  sown  with  a  mixture  consist- 
ing of  superphosphate  (mineral),  5  cwts. ;  muriate  of  potash, 
2J  cwts. ;  and  sulphate  of  ammonia,  lj  cvt.  per  acre.  The 
March  plot  was  first  to  turn  yellow,  then  February,  April,  and 
all  except  May  came  next,  May  being  the  last.  All  were  raised, 
sorted,  and  weighed  October  6ib,  with  the  following  results  : — 

AUTUMN  versus  SPRING   PLANTING. 


Date  when 
plantel. 


"Weuther  at  time  of 
planting. 


1869. 
October  6  ... 
November  5  . 

December  15 

1870. 
January  12  . 
February  7  . 

March  7 

April  8    

May  9 


Mild  and  dry 

Cold  winds  and  heavy 

showers 

Cold  and  slight  rains. . 


Col  land  damp  - 

Frost  and  slight  enow. . 

Dry  frost 

Warm  

Warm  


Weieht  per 
Acre. 


tons.  Cwts 
3  11 


6j 
5 

li 


Value  per 
cwt.  as 
raised. 


Shillings. 
2  31 

2  80 
2.56 

2.54 
2.46 
2  40 
2.40 
2.42 


Value  per 
Acre. 


£   s.    d. 
8    4    1 


11  13    5 
13  17    9 


16  0 
22  15 
22  lti 

20  3 

21  18 


In  January  plot,  the  misses  were  very  numerous  ;  April  sets 
were  inuoh  sprouted  when  planted;  iu  May  the  seed  left  was 
insufficient,  aud  this  plot  was  plauted  with  a  mixed  lot,  con- 
taining R  inks  ;  it  (wiin  if,  therefore,  be  fairly  compared  with  the 
others.  Tae  column  "Value  per  cwt.  as  raised  "  is  ca  culated 
from  the  weights  of  large,  medium,   and  small,   when  hand- 


picked  ;  the  large  being  valued  at  4jrf.  per  stone,  ihe  medium 
at  3r2.,  and  small  or  pig  Potatoes  at  2d.  They  are  snch  as 
would  be  sorted  by  lj  and  1 J -inch  riddles.  Excluding  October 
and  November,  and  also  May,  because  of  its  mixed  seed,  it  will 
be  seen  that  the  best  quality—  {  e.,  the  highest  valueper  hundred- 
weight, was  produoed  by  the  seed  longest  in  the  land.  Thus 
February,  though  5  cwt.  less  per  acre  in  weight  than  March,  is 
of  almost  f  qual  money  value  per  acre,  because  of  its  greater  pro- 
portion of  large  Potatoes,  and,  consequently,  higher  value  per 
hundredweight.  As  far  as  this  one  experiment  goes,  it  shows  : 
— 1st,  That  for  weight,  early  in  March  is  the  best  time  to  plant. 
2nd,  That  for  profit  February  is  equally  as  good  as  March. — 
(.Vmi:  Lane  Express.) 


LILIUM  AURATUM    AND  OTHER  BULBOUS 
PLANTS. 

I  have  read  with  mnch  interest  Mr.  Douglas's  note  on  the 
cultivation  of  Lilium  auratum.  Will  he  tell  us,  iu  addition, 
why  he  considers  it  best  to  shake  the  soil  entirely  from  the 
roots  in  preference  to  scratching  away  the  loose  soil  ?  I  should 
he  very  sorry  to  treat  mine  in  the  way  be  reoommends.  In 
1869  mine  threw  up  one  stem  and  produced  fourteen  blooms; 
this  year  it  threw  up  two  stems,  which  produced  seventy-six 
blooms. 

If  Mr.  Douglas  dries-off  his  Hyacinths,  Tulips,  and  other 
bulbs,  I  would  advise  him  another  summer  to  water  them  if 
necessary  as  long  as  there  remains  a  leaf,  and  report  the  results. 

— EXPERTO    CREDE. 

[In  the  article  on  Lilium  auratum  referred  to,  allusion  was 
made  more  particularly  to  pots  containing  a  number  of  bulbs. 
I  said,  "As  many  as  a  dozen  hulbs  are  planted  in  a  13  inch 
pot."  As  the  result  of  my  cultivation  is  given.  "Expbrto 
Ceede  "  will  observe  that  three  bulbs  in  1869  produced 
fourteen  spikes.  In  1870  all,  or  at  least  all  except  two  pots  of 
bulbs,  were  repotted  about  the  middle  of  October,  and  on 
shaking  out  the  bulbs  from  the  pot  alluded  to  above  there 
were  fourteen  fine  bulbs,  the  produce  of  last  year's  three  bulbs. 
These  were  separated  carefully  and  repotted  in  a  15-inch  pot. 
As  there  is  no  room  for  them  in  the  frames  this  year,  I 
have  plunged  about  two  dozen  pots  of  them  in  cocoa-nut  fibre 
refuse  out  of  doors.  They  bad  a  good  drenching  of  rain  before 
they  were  plunged,  and  more  since,  which  will  do  them  be 
harm.  By-and-by,  if  severe  frosts  set  in.  something  will  on 
placed  over  them  to  throw  off  the  water.  Tbey  will  be  plunged 
in  the  frame  io  January.  If  fourteen  good  bulbs  were  obtained 
from  three  in  one  season,  surely  the  system  of  cultivation  must 
be  good,  especially  as  they  throw  up  good  strong  spikes  which 
flower  well.     Several  of  the  spikes  were  10  feet,  in  height. 

I  have  frequently  done  as  "  Experto  Crede  "  seems  to  have 
done  with  his  one  bulb  in  a  pot — that' is,  only  scratched  away 
a  little  of  the  earth  and  repotted  iu  a  larger-sized  pot.  Thus 
treated  the  bulbs  have  done  well,  but  when  three  or  fonr  spikes 
are  thrown  up  from  one  bulb,  I  separate  the  bulbs  and  they 
also  do  well ;  you  can  then  have  three  or  four  pots,  or  you  can 
plant  all  in  one  pot. 

One  thing  must  be  borne  in  mind — do  not  disturh  Liliums 
after  tbty  have  started  into  growlh  ;  they  do  so  very  soon  after 
the  Bpikes  die  down.  I  had  some  Lilium  lancifulium  album 
bulbs  which,  although  standing  out  of  doors  all  Ihe  season  except 
the  few  weeks  when  they  were  in  flower,  bad  started  into  growth 
by  the  middle  of  October,  when  the  others  were  potted  ;  and, 
further,  if  you  wantyour  w.  rk  well  done,  do  it  carefully,  do  it  at 
the  right  time,  and  do  it  yourself,  'i  he  right  time  to  put  Li  i  urns 
is  when  the  leaves  turn  yellow  on  the  stems. — J.  Doucla*.] 


BOX   EDGING. 

Your  correspondent,  Mr.  0  Donnell,  says  (page  301),  "As 
soon  as  all  the  Box  is  planted,  the  whole  should  be  clipped  to 
an  equal  height,  and  flat  at  the  top."  I  presume  he  must 
mean  ibe  time  of  planting  to  be  the  month  of  April,  which 
would  be  carrying  on  improvements  to  a  very  late  peiiod,  if 
the  young  gardener  wish  to  keep  himself  equal  to  all  the 
demands  of  an  establishment.  Surely  he  could  plant  at  the 
end  of  September  or  October,  but  betv  eeu  this  time  tnd  April 
I  thiuk  cutting  Box  very  dangerous.  Should  there  be  a  severe 
winter  the  major  part  of  it  would  be  killed,  and  to  replace  it 
after  the  work  is  finished  in  small  designs  is  a  job  better  dreamt 
of  than  performed. 

As  to  cutting  Box  flat,  that  is  entirely  a  matter  of  taste,  but 


348 


JOURNAL   OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  November  3,  1870. 


to  me  it  is  very  unsightly,  cramped,  and  too  formal,  with  the 
.great  disadvantage  of  harbouring  myriads  of  insects.  In  some 
small  chain  patterns  I  have  seen  clumps  of  Box  cut  fiat,  and 
n  different  shapes,  but  when  these  are  compared  with  the  free 
lightness  of  the  plants  in  the  beds  they  are  anything  but  in 
harmony  with  the  latter,  however  well  they  may  look  when  the 
beds  are  empty :  therefore  I  think  they  are  at  all  times  to  be 
avoided.  I  think  that  all  edgings  should  be  as  light  as  possible, 
and  Bos  is  certainly  one  of  the  ligbtett  if  cut  in  the  shape  of 
an  invented  V  at  2  inches  in  height,  but  if  it  is  cut  square, 
4  inches  by  4,  as  it  often  is,  it  looks  very  heavy  indeed. — J.  T. 


ROYAL   HORTICULTURAL    SOCIETY. 

November  2nd. 

For  this  dull  time  of  year  the  Council-room  looked  unusually  gay  ; 
Orchids  were  represented  by  some  splendid  specimens  from  Lord 
Londesborough's  and  Messrs.  Veitch's  ;  Chrysanthemums,  though  the 
meeting  was  early  for  them,  formed  a  most  effective  mass,  while  of 
fruits  there  was  an  excellent  display.  The  attendance  of  visitors  was 
large,  aud  it  i^  to  be  regretted  that  many  of  them  availed  themselves 
of  the  time  when  others  were  seated  at  the  General  Meeting  to  move 
about  the  room,  to  the  great  inconvenience  of  those  who  were  bent  on 
hearing. 

Fruit  Committee. — G.  F.  Wilson,  Esq.,  F.R.S.,  in  the  chair.  A 
prize  of  .£5  was  offered  by  Messrs.  J.  &  C.  Lee,  of  Hammersmith,  for 
the  best  three  bunches  of  Madresfield  Court  Grape.  Three  very  fine 
bunches  were  exhibited  by  Mr.  Zadok  Stevens,  of  Trentham,  and 
three  by  Mr.  Adams,  of  Bank  Hall,  Burnley.  Those  of  Mr.  Stevens, 
being  infinitely  the  best,  received  the  prize.  The  berries  were  very 
large  and  deliciously  flavoured.  Mr.  J.  Tomkin,  gardener  to  S.  T. 
Kekewich,  Esq.,  Peaniore,  sent  a  large  bunch  of  a  Grape  to  be  named, 
which  proved  to  be  Alicante.  Mr.  W.  Ellis,  gardeDer  to  R.  Lewis, 
Esq.,  Greenford  Hall,  Middlesex,  sent  three  bunches  of  Black  Prince 
Grapes,  from  Vines  that  had  been  severely  infested  with  mildew. 
They  were  cut  back  and  lifted,  and  these  were  part  of  the  produce  of 
sixty  bunches  from  two  rods.  Mr.  Wells,  of  Southend,  sent  eight 
bunches  of  Black  Hamburgh,  grown  in  the  ground  vineries,  which 
were  of  such  superior  quality  as  to  obtain  a  special  certificate.  He 
also  exhibited  bunches  of  the  Sultana  Grape  without  seeds.  A  shoot 
of  a  Hungarian  Grape,  introduced  by  Rev.  M.  J.  Berkeley,  and  grown 
at  Chiswick,  was  exhibited  to  show  the  very  brilliant  hues  of  dying 
foliage.  It  is  the  richest- coloured  of  all  the  varieties.  Mr.  Challis, 
The  Gardens,  Wilton  House,  sent  a  Pine  introduced  from  India, 
which  had  somewhat  of  the  character  of  the  Blood  and  Otaheite,  but 
the  flavour  was  not  remarkable.  Messrs.  J.  &  C.  Lee  sent  fruit  of 
the  Autumn  Surprise  White  Raspberry.  Mr.  Lamb,  gardener  to  G.  T. 
Davy,  Esq.,  Colston  Bassett,  Bingham,  sent  a  Melon,  weighing  about 
3  ozs.,  called  Colston  Bassett.  It  is  a  handsome-looking  fruit,  lemon- 
coloured,  and  finely  and  evenly  netted,  but  the  season  was  too  late  to 
form  a  correct  judgment  of  its  merits. 

Mr.  Charles  Turner,  of  Slough,  sent  dishes  of  handsome  fruit  of 
Cox's  Orange  Pippin.  Mr.  Small,  of  Colnbrook,  sent  a  seedling 
Apple,  called  Queen  Victoria,  too  much  like  Golden  Noble.  Mr. 
Jennings,  of  Sbipston-on-Stour,  sent  fruit  of  his  new  Apple,  The 
Fairy,  figured  in  "  The  Florist,"  of  March  last ;  the  season  beiog 
early  the  flavour  was  as  yet  acid.  Mr.  Alexander  Dean,  Old  Shirley, 
Southampton,  sent  an  Apple,  presumed  to  be  a  seedling  from  Blen- 
heim Pjppin,  called  Beauty  of  Hants.  It  was  the  same  as  Blenheim 
in  texture  and  flavour,  but  the  colour  was  higher  than  that  of  the 
Blenheim  usually  is,  some  specimens  being  quite  red  on  one  side.  The 
Committee  considered  it  the  same  as  Blenheim.  P.  Northall  Laurie, 
Esq.,  of  Paxhall  Park,  Hay  ward's  Heath,  sent  six  dishes  of  Apples 
grown  on  cordon  trees,  consisting  of  Reinette  de  France,  Reinette  du 
Canada,  Calville  Blanche,  Golden  Winter  Pearmain  (called  Reine 
des  Reinettes),  and  Reinette  d'Angleterre  (King  of  the  Pippins). 
The  Calville  Blanche  and  Reinette  du  Canada  were  unusually  fine, 
.  and  received  a  special  certificate.  Mr.  McKenzie,  Alexandra  Park, 
also  sent  eight  dishes  of  Apples  which  had  been  grown  on  cordons, 
which  received  a  special  certificate.  Mr.  Gardiner,  gardener,  of  Eat- 
ington  Park,  Stratford-on-Avon,  sent  thirty-nine  varieties  of  Apples, 
which  received  a  special  certificate.  Mr.  Davie,  Broad  Bridge  Street, 
Peterborough,  sent  two  seedling  Apples,  one  of  which  waB  recognised 
as  Eymer.  G.  F.  Wilson,  Esq.,  Weybridge  Heath,  sent  a  dish  of  very 
handsome  Beurre  d'Anjou  Pears. 

Messrs.  Veitch  &  Sous  sent  specimens  of  their  Giant  Autumn  Cauli- 
flower, a  fine,  large,  late  Cauliflower.  The  seed  was  sown  on  the 
16th  April,  the  same  day  as  Walcheren,  Asiatic,  and  Early  Erfurt. 
This  is  now  coming  into  use,  while  all  the  other  sorts  are  quite  past. 
Mr.  Lamb,  gardenerto  G.  T.  Davy,  Esq.,  Colston  Bassett,  sent  tubers  of 
a  Potato  from  Guatemala.  Mr.  C.  Hales,  Manor  House,  Bassiug- 
bourne,  sent  a  large  kidney  Potato,  which  when  cooked  was  mealy 
and  of  good  flavour.  Mr.  Gunn,  The  Furze,  Lee,  Kent,  sent  some 
very  large  Tomatoes,  which  were  coarse  and  considered  objectionable. 
Mr.  Gilbert,  The  Gardens,  Bnrghley,  sent  a  seedling  Cucumber  called 
Knight  of  St.  Patrick,  raised  between  Telegraph  and  Wonderful. 

Mr.  B.  Sauuders,  of  St.  Helier's,  Jersey,  sent  a  collection  of  twelve 
dishes  of  Apples  and  twelve  of  Pears,  all  of  which  were  remarkably 


well  grown,  and  received  a  special  certificate.  Messrs.  Carter  &  Co.» 
of  Holborn,  sent  a  collection  of  twelve  varieties  of  Celery,  and  ex- 
amples of  Red  Flourball  Potato,  a  very  large  red-skinned  variety.  Mr. 
Lidgard,  of  Hammersmith,  sent  specimens  of  Williams's  New  White 
Matchless  Celery. 

Prizes  were  offered  for  the  best  six  dishes  of  dessert  Pears,  and 
brought  from  fifteen  competitors  many  dishes  of  fine  fruit.  The  first 
prize  was  awarded  to  Mr.  Stephenson,  gardener  to  F.  C.  Barker,  Esq., 
Leigh  Hall,  Essex,  who  had  Duchesse  d'Angouleme,  very  large  and 
fine  ;  Beurre  Diel,  Marie  Louise,  Knight's  Monarch,  Glou  Morceau, 
and  Passe  Colmar.  Mr.  Miles,  gardener  to  Lord  Carrington,  Wycombe 
Abbey,  was  second,  with  very  fine  fruit  of  Beurre  Diel,  Huyshe's  Vic- 
toria, Beurre  Bosc,  Van  Mons  Leon  le  Clerc,  Marie  Louise,  and 
Beurre  Clairgeau.  The  third  prize  went  to  Mr.  S.  Ford,  gardener  to 
W.  G.  Hubbard,  Esq.,  Horsham,  forForelle  or  Trout  Pear,  very  fine  ; 
Duchesse  d'Angouleme,  Triomphe  de  Jodoigne,  Nouveau  Poitean, 
Beurre  Diel,  and  Thompson's. 

Prizes  were  likewise  offered  for  the  best  collection  of  Potatoes,  and 
there  were  only  two  competitors.  The  first  prize  was  adjudged  to  Mr. 
Frisby,  gardener  to  H.  Chaplin,  Esq.,  Blankley  Hall,  Sleaford,  who 
had  tubers  of  very  large  size,  several  of  them,  however,  being  very 
coarse  kinds.  Among  the  varieties  were  American  Peach  Blow,  Pink- 
eyed  Regent,  Ashleaf,  Myatt's  Prolific  Ashleaf,  Rivers's  Royal  ABhleaf, 
and  Lapstone.  The  second  prize  went  to  Mr.  S.  Ford,  who  had 
generally  clean,  and  for  the  most  part  rather  small  tubers. 

Floral  Committee. — W.  Beattie  Booth,  Esq.,  in  the  chair.  Mr. 
Denning,  gardener  to  Lord  Londesborough,  Grimston  Park,  Tad- 
caster,  sent  a  splendid  collection  of  Orchids,  most  conspicuous  among 
which  was  a  magnificent  specimen  of  Vauda  ca?rulea,  with  four  spikes, 
each  with  from  thirteen  to  fifteen  flowers ;  Cattleya  Harrisoni  and 
Oncidium  aurosum  were  also  remarkably  fine.  Among  the  others 
were  the  beautiful  Pleione  Wallichii  and  lagenaria,  Phalsenopsis 
Lowii,  Vanda  lutescens,  Cattleya  maxima,  very  fine,  the  brilliant 
scarlet  Sophronitis  grandiflora,  Odontoglossums,  Oucidiums,  Miltonia 
Moielliana,  the  large-flowered  white  and  orange  Dendrobium  for- 
mosum,  &c.  Mr.  E.  Culley,  gardener  to  E.  Salt,  Esq.,  sent  a  pale 
variety  of  Odontoglossnm  Alexandra?,  with  a  very  fine  spike. 

MessrB.  Veitch  contributed  a  collection,  in  which  were  a  fine  specimen 
of  Cattleya  labiata,  Miltonia  Warscewiczii,  an  excellent  example  of 
Zygopetalum  maxillare,  Aphelandra  aurantiaca  Roezlii,  of  which  the 
orange  scarlet  flowers  are  very  showy,  Urceolina  aurea  with  pendulous 
yellow  bells,  Adiantum  Veitchii,  Dracrena  porphyrophylla,  a  noble 
looking  plant,  and  several  Cattleyas,  the  most  remarkable  of  which 
was  C.  Dominiana  lutea. 

Mr.  Bull,  gardener  to  J.  Montgomery,  Esq.,  Pole  Hill  Lodge,  Hil- 
lingdon,  sent  a  nice  collection  of  Cyclamens;  and  Mr.  C.  Edmonds, 
Hayes  Nursery,  sent  a  similar  but  larger  collection  in  excellent  bloom, 
likewise  Beveral  seedling  Tricolor  Pelargoniums.  Mr.  R.  Clarke, 
market  gardener,  Twickenham,  also  had  a  large  collection  of  Cy- 
clamens. 

From  Mr.  Bull,  of  Chelsea,  came  a  group  of  Palms,  Cycads, 
Orchids,  and  other  plants.  Of  the  first  named  Licuala  horrida,  a 
pleasing  light  green  sort,  received  a  first-class  certificate  ;  and  among 
the  others  were  Welfia  regia,  Zalacca  Wagneri,  Astrocaryum  mexi- 
canum,  Areca  Verschaffelti,  Diemonorops  melanochffites,  and  Cocos 
Romanzofliana.  A  very  handsome  species  of  Eucephalartos,  which 
Mr.  Bull  has  before  exhibited,  also  formed  part  of  the  collection. 
Curculigo  recurvata  striata,  with  handsome  white-striped  leaves, 
received  a  first-class  certificate.  The  Orchids  consisted  chiefly  of 
Odontoglossum  grande,  Vanda  cserulea,  Pleione  lagenaria,  Burlingtonia 
veuusta,  and  Oncidium  Papilio  and  crispnm. 

Mr.  Parker.  Exotic  Nursery,  Tooting,  sent  Ixora  amabilis,  which 
has  before  received  a  certificate.  Begonia  Craigii,  with  dark  bronzed 
foliage  and  of  strong  growth,  a  handsome  plant  for  mixing  with  others 
with  lighter. coloured  foliage,  came  from  Major  Trevor  Clarke;  and 
Begonia  geranioides,  with  pure  white  flowers,  and  leaves  not  unlike 
those  of  a  Geranium,  of  dwarf  growth  and  very  free-flowering,  was 
exhibited  by  Messrs.  Backhouse,  of  York.  Messrs.  Perkins  &  Sons, 
Park  Nursery,  Coventry,  sent  Gazania  splendens  anreo-variegata,  the 
leaves  irregularly  edged  with  yellow,  but  rough  in  appearance. 

Mr.  Morris,  Kent  Waterworks,  Deptford,  showed  a  basketful  of  seed- 
ling Tricolor  Pelargoniums,  and  specimen  plants  of  Lucy  Grieve  and 
Mabel  Morris.  King  of  Trumps,  with  large  trusses  of  bright  orange 
scarlet  flowers,  was  sent  by  Mr.  Eckford.  From  Messrs.  A.  Hender- 
son &  Co.  came  Ficus  vesca  variegata,  the  leaves  variously  marked 
with  greenish  white,  the  variegation  sometimes  covering  nearly  one-half 
of  the  leaf.  Messrs.  E.  G.  Henderson  &  Son  stnt  a  large  group  of 
Tricolor  Pelargoniums  ;  Bouvardia  elegans,  stated  to  be  an  improve- 
ment on  Bouvardia  Hogarth  ;  Mohria  tburifraga  a  chiller  folia,  a  very 
elegant  crisped  Fern,  which  had  a  first-class  certificate  ;  and  a  fine 
collection  of  winter-flowering  tree  Carnations,  of  which  Vulcan,  red, 
received  a  first-class  certificate.  From  the  same  firm  came  also  several 
seedling  Japanese  Chrysanthemums.  First-class  certificates  were 
awarded  for  Bismark,  very  showy,  orange,  and  Erectum  superbum, 
fine  violet  rose.  Mr.  Bull  likewise  sent  several  varieties,  of  which 
Jane  Salter  received  a  first-class  certificate;  it  is  a  white  tinged  with 
purplish  lilac,  7  inches  in  diameter,  and  is  a  highly  decorative  variety. 
Garuet,  rich  blood  red,  was  very  fine  in  colour,  though  comparatively 
small.  Renown,  large-flowered,  with  broad  incurved  florets,  yellow 
tinged  with  brown  on  the  back,  received  a  similar  award.     Mr.  William 


November  3,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


349 


Paul  exhibited  cut  blooms  of  seedling  bedding  Geraniums,  many  of 
them  new  in  colour  and  very  beautiful. 

A  first-class  certificate  was  given  to  Messrs.  Cutbnsh,  of  Highgate, 
for  Aucuba  japonica  fo?m.  aureo-maculata  with  the  leaves  much  more 
extensively  variegated  with  yellow  than  the  common  kind.  From  the 
Society's  garden  at  Chiswick  was  Bent  a  plant  of  Dahlia  imperialis 
about  9  feet  high, 'and  bearing  a  few  flowers  and  a  profusion  of  buds. 
Mrs.  MclntoBh,  25,  Norfolk  Terrace,  Bayswater,  sent  a  case  of  beauti- 
fully skeletonised  leaves  by  a  process  which  is  stated  to  be  very  simple, 
and  to  occupy  only  an  hour.     For  this  a  commendation  was  given. 

FirBt-class  certificates  were  given  to  Mr.  Bull  for  Zalacca  Wagneri, 
Corculigo  recurvata  striata,  Licuala  horrida,  and  Japanese  Chrysanthe- 
mums Jane  Salter  and  Renown  ;  to  Messrs.  E.  G.  Henderson  for 
Mohria  thnrifraga  achilleae folia,  winter-flowering  tree  Carnation  Vul- 
can, and  for  Japanese  Chrysanthemums  Bismark  and  Erectum  super- 
bum  ;  to  Messrs.  Veitch  for  Dracaena  porphyrophylla  and  Cattleya 
Dominiana  lutea,  and  to  Messrs.  Cutbnsh  for  Aucnba  japonica  fcem. 
aureo-maculata. 

A  second-class  certificate  was  awarded  to  Mr.  Eckford  for  Zonal 
Pelargonium  King  of  Trumps. 

Special  certificates  were  given  to  Messrs.  Veitch  for  the  group  of 
plants,  and  for  Zygopetalum  maxillare  ;  to  Mr.  Denning  for  his  collec- 
tion, also  for  Cattleya  maxima,  Cattleya  Harrisoni,  Phalfflnopsis 
Lowii,  and  Vanda  cierulea  ;  to  Mr.  Bull  for  his  collection  ;  to  Mr.  H. 
Clarke,  Mr.  Edmonds,  and  Mr.  Bull,  of  Hillingdon,  for  collections 
of  Cyclamens  ;  to  Messrs.  E.  G.  Henderson  for  a  group  of  tree  Car- 
nations, and  to  Mr.  Morris  for  Tricolor  Pelargoniums. 

Prizes  were  offered  on  this  occasion  for  specimen  plants  and  cut 
blooms  of  Carnations,  also  for  berried  plants. 

Class  1  was  for  the  best  six  large-flowered  Chrysanthemums.  The 
first  prize  was  taken  by  Mr.  Rowe,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Lewis,  Roe- 
hampton,  with  remarkably  fine  specimens,  in  full  bloom,  of  Lady  Hard- 
ing, Prince  of  Wales,  Marechal  Daroc,  Dr  Sharpe,  splendid,  Mrs. 
George,  and  Lady  Talfourd.  The  second  pri^e  went  to  Mr.  James, 
gardener  to  W.  F.  Watson,  Esq.,  Isleworth,  who  had  Mrs.  George 
Rundle  in  good  bloom,  Prince  Alfred,  with  Queen  of  England,  Golden 
Queen,  and  others  not  fully  out.  Mr.  Forsyth,  of  Stoke  Newington, 
was  third  with  specimens  of  excellent  growth,  and  which  will  be  very 
fine  a  week  or  two  hence. 

Class  2  was  for  six  Pompons.  Mr.  Rowe  was  again  first  with,  among 
others,  very  fine  plants  of  White  and  Golden  Cedo  Nulli,  and  several 
Anemone- flowered  kinds.  The  second  prize  went  to  Mr.  James, 
gardener  to  W.  F.  Watson,  Esq.,  whose  plants,  though  well  grown, 
were  not  in  full  bloom. 

Class  3  was  for  twenty-four  cut  blooms.  In  this  Mr.  Rowe  took  the 
first  prize  with  an  excellent  collection,  in  which  were  very  fine  examples 
of  Empress  of  India,  Rev.  J.  Dix,  Princess  of  Wales,  White  Globe, 
Prince  Alfred,  Novelty,  Queen  of  England,  Venus,  Jardin  des  Plantes, 
Lady  Slade,  and  Lady  Talfourd.  Mr.  Forsyth  came  second  with  a 
Stand  in  which  were  fine  blooms  of  several  of  the  above. 

Class  4  was  for  the  best  twelve.  In  this  Mr.  Rowe  was  again  first, 
and  Mr.  Berry  was  second,  Mr.  James  being  third. 

Mr.  ForByth  exhibited  excellent  stands  of  Anemone  Pompons  and 
Japanese  varieties. 

Only  one  collection  of  berried  plants  in  pots  was  exhibited,  and  it 
was  far  from  equal  to  what  might  have  been  expected.  It  consisted  of 
Ardisia  crenulata,  Solanums,  Capsicums,  and  a  Berberis.  This  came 
from  Mr.  George,  gardener  to  Miss  Nicholson,  Putney  Heath,  and 
received  a  first  prize. 


General  Meeting. — S.  Rucker,  Esq.,  F.L.S.,  in  the  chair.  After 
the  usual  preliminary  business  had  been  gone  through,  in  the  absence 
of  the  Rev.  M.  J.  Berkeley,  who  had  been  called  away  through  the 
sudden  illness  of  a  relative,  Major  R.  Trevor  Clarke  made  a  few 
remarks  on  the  plants  shown.  There  was,  however,  he  said,  a  dearth 
of  objects  of  scientific  interest  such  as  usually  formed  the  subjects  of 
comment  at  these  meetings.  He  then  pointed  out  one  of  the  autumn 
Crocuses,  Crocus  longiflorus,  as  being  not  only  very  uncommon,  but 
very  pretty.  In  the  pomological  department  he  would  direct  especial 
attention  to  the  Fairy  Apple,  which  had  sprung  from  the  seed  of  the 
scarlet  Siberian  Crab,  mentioned  in  our  Fruit  Committee  report,  and 
remarked  that  an  enormous  improvement  is  at  once  effected  when  wild 
species  are  fertilised  with  pollen  of  cultivated  garden  kinds. 

Mr.  Marshall  directed  attention  to  the  Tree  Carnations  as  most  uBef  nl 
plants  for  conservatory  decoration  in  winter,  on  account  of  their  con- 
tinuous blooming;  also,  to  Mr.  Bull's  patent  cases  for  the  transmission 
of  plants  across  the  tropics.  These  have  spars  of  wood  across  the 
glass  like  Venetian  blinds,  which  prevent  the  sun  parboiling  the  con- 
tents of  the  case,  and  are  also  provided  with  ventilation  at  the  top. 
To  illustrate  the  effects  of  the  ordinary  plant  cases  on  Orchids,  Mr. 
Bull  sent  a  large  basketful  utterly  destroyed  in  transit.  Messrs.  E.  G. 
Henderson  likewise  sent  a  case,  the  principal  feature  of  which  is,  that 
the  drip  from  the  front  of  the  glass  runs  into  a  zinc  spout,  and  is  con- 
veyed into  a  perforated  tube  surrounded  with  charcoal  at  the  bottom  of 
the  case,  whence  the  moisture  passes  through  the  soil  or  packing  be- 
fore again  entering  the  atmosphere  of  the  case.  The  front  is  puttied 
on,  then  fastened  with  screws.  This  case,  which  we  believe  has  been 
found  to  answer  well,  is  a  lean-to  form,  Mr.  Bull's,  as  shown,  being  a 
jspan-roof. 

The  Chairman,  in  announcing  that  the  next  meeting  would  be  held 


on  December  7th,  said  t  bat  Mr.  Bateman  had  offered  a  £5  prize 
for  Cattleyas,  further  par  ticulara  respecting  which  would  shortly  bo 
published. 

HOW  TO  OBTAIN  ROSES  ON  THEIR    OWN 
ROOTS. 

I  have  read  in  a  contemporary  an  article  under  the  heading 
of  "  Ruses  for  Hedges."  This  is  a  good  idea — one  I,  as  an 
old  Rose  cultivator,  have  long  believed  in  and  practised.  The 
month  of  November,  into  which  we  are  jast  entering,  is  a  busy 
time  for  me  as  a  grower  of  Roses,  as  during  that  month  I  put 
in  my  cuttings,  and  plant  Briar  and  Manetti  Blocks  for  budding. 
With  regard  to  cuttirjgs,  it  is  of  the  greatest  importance  to  get 
them  all  planted  before  severe  frosts  set  in,  and  the  ground  gets 
too  cold.  Although  both  the  Dog  Rose  and  Manetti  are  hardy, 
they  are  apt  to  suffer  from  the  effect  of  frost  if  exposed  to  it 
after  they  are  taken  up,  and  weak  shoots,  instead  of  strong 
healthy  growth,  result. 

In  any  place  where  there  is  a  great  demand  for  cut  Roses, 
every  exertion  should  be  made  to  keep  up  a  sufficient  supply. 
I  always  make  it  a  rule  here  to  supply  the  table  with  cut  Hoses 
duriDg  eight  months  out  of  the  twelve:  in  March  and  April  I 
get  blooms  from  plants  forced  in  pots;  in  May  fiom  walls; 
and  from  that  time  till  the  autumn  has  begun  to  strip  the  trees 
of  their  emerald  tresses,  the  blooms  come  from  various  sources 
— some  from  plants  budded  on  the  Briar,  some  on  the  Manetti 
etock,  and  others  fiom  plants  on  their  own  roots.  To  obtain  a 
good  supply  of  Roses,  three  classes  are  principally  grown — 
namely,  Noisettes,  which  are  mostly  grown  on  walls,  and  pro- 
tected with  branches  of  evergreens  during  winter  ;  Tea  Roses, 
which  are  grown  and  protected  the  same  way  as  the  Noisettes — 
both  of  which  I  find  to  bloom  earlier  and  finer  from  the  pro- 
tection they  get,  as  the  blooming  wood  is  preserved  intact,  in- 
stead of  being  killed  back,  as  is  frequently  the  oase ;  and  the 
Perpetuals,  which  form  the  largest  clasB  grown  here.  A  great 
many  of  these  are  on  their  own  roots,  and  these  I  obtain  in  a 
very  simple  manner.  1  first  trench  a  piece  of  ground  in  the 
kitchen  garden,  two  spits  deep,  and  mix  plenty  of  rotten  dung 
with  the  soil  as  the  work  proceeds.  The  cuttings  I  prepare  in 
the  following  manner  :  I  select  the  strongest  growers  of  the 
Perpetual  class,  and  cut  up  the  wood  into  lengths  of  about 
6  inches,  and  take  out  all  the  eyes  but  the  three  top  ones.  The 
ground  should  be  trodden  firm  at  planting  time,  and  I  always 
select  for  this  a  day  dry  enough  to  prevent  the  soil  sticking  to 
one's  feet.  A  line  is  put  across  the  ground,  and  the  soil 
ehopped  away  from  the  line  by  the  spade  jast  deep  enough  to 
take  the  cuttings,  leaving  the  eyes  out  of  the  ground  ;  they  are 
placed  from  4  to  6  inches  apart,  and  the  soil  trodden  firmly 
about  them.  And  so  I  plant  a  piece  of  ground,  leaving  a  spaoe 
between  the  rows  of  fully  2  feet.  I  find  the  cuttings  strike 
more  readily  in  a  sandy  soil,  and  generally  place  some  road- 
grit  about  them  previously  to  treading  the  earth  firmly  against 
them.  Here  the  cuttings  remain  for  two  years.  At  the  end 
of  the  first  year  the  growth  of  that  season  is  cut  back  to  about 
four  or  six  buds  from  the  ground,  and  by  the  end  of  the  second 
year  they  form  fine  healthy  plants. 

Thes9  I  use  for  the  formation  of  Rose  hedges,  the  front  row 
of  a  Rose  border,  for  potting,  for  forcing  purposes,  or  to  form 
a  bed  of  Roses  on  their  own  roots.  The  ten  varieties  of  Per- 
petuals.now  to  be  named  are  very  fine  plants  from  cuttings 
struck  this  way  three  years  ago,  and  they  are  all  strong  growers 
and  constant  bloomers — viz.,  G6rj£ral  Jacqueminot,  John 
Hopper,  Jules  Margottin,  Anna  Alexieff,  Duchesne  d'Orleans, 
Auguste  Mie,  Anna  des  Diesbach,  Charles  Lefebvre,  Made- 
moiselle Louise  Cariqae,  and  Madame  Alfred  de  Rougemont. 

There  are  two  hardy  Tea-scented  Roses  growing  with  the 
above  that  stood  the  severe  frost  of  last  winter  without  any 
protection — namely,  Gloire  de  Dijon  and  L'Enfant  Trouve,  a 
beautiful  yellow-fluwering  kind. 

If  I  were  to  form  a  Rjse  hedge  of  one  particular  flower,  it 
would  be  Jules  Margottin,  an  old  but  very  free-blooming  Rose, 
that  is  a  great  favourite  with  me,  and,  I  doubt  not,  many  more. 
— WiiiLiAM  PiiESTEB,  Elsenham  Hall  Gardens. — {The  Gardener.) 


LARGE  PRODUCE   FROM   ONE   POTATO. 

Having  obtained  a  fine  Bovinia  Potato  (weight  lib),  lout 

about  two-thirds  of  it  into  fourteen  sets,  and  planted  them  on 

the  23rd  of  March.     As  the  rest  of  the  Potato  showed  no  eyes, 

I  exposed  it  to  a  good  bottom  heat ;  by  the  2nd  of  April  it  had 


350 


JODENAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  November  3,  1870. 


sent  out  five  vigorous  shoots.  I  then  cut  it  into  as  many  sets, 
and  planted  them,  having  previously  manured  the  ground  well, 
and  covered  it  with  an  inch  of  sand.  I  took  up  the  crop 
October  20  h,  when  I  had  a  yield  of  133  lbs;  thirteen  roots 
weighed  together  111  J  lbs.,  one  of  these  weighed  13  lbs. ;  eleven 
Potatoes  weighed  27  lbs.,  including  one  4  lbs.  weight.  These 
Potat  >es  are  most  excellent  for  table  use. — R.  L.  Bbadshaw, 
Appleton  Academy,  near  Warrington. 


PORTRAIT   OF   MR.   RIVERS. 

The  following  extracts  from  letters  enclosing  subscriptions, 
will  convey  some  idea  of  the  motives  which  influence  the  con- 
tributors to  the  memorial: — 

"  I  do  not  lmow  Mr.  Rivers  personally,  but  I  look  on  him  as 
a  great  public  benefactor." 

"Rivers  has  given  the  world  his  brains,  and  well  deserves 
recognition." 

"I  am  glad  to  have  this  opportunity  of  showing  my  respect 
for  one  who  has  contributed  more  to  my  enjoyment  of  life, 
during  the  past  ten  years  that  I  have  been  an  invalid,  than  any 
other  man  living." 

The  following  is  the  list  of  the  subscriptions  already  received, 
towards  carrying  out  the  above  object: — 

£     s.    d. 

Journal  or  Horticulture,  Proprietors  of 5     0     0 

Allsopp,  H.,  Esq.,  Hindlip  Hall,  Worcester    5     5     0 

Barnard,  Wm.,  Esq.,  Sawbridgeworth 110 

Blackmore,  R  D.,  E?q.,  Teddington     1     1     0 

Bottomer,  Fredk.,  Mirkree  Castle,  Coll. iooey 0  10     0 

Darwin,  O,  E-q  ,  FR  S  ,  Down,  Bnekenham   ....   2     2     0 
Dombrain,  Rev.  H.  H,  Westwell  Vicarage,  Kent .  0  10     6 

Fitzgerald,  Mrs.,  Shalstone,  Buckingham    1     1     0 

Harrison,  John,  Rose  Nursery,  Darlington 0  10     6 

Hole,  Rev.  S   Reynolds,  Ciunton  Manor 5     0     0 

Hooker,  Dr.  J.  Dulton,  <'.B.,  Kew 2     2     0 

Hopkyns,  D.  D.,  Esq.,  Weyeliffe,  Guildford    5     0     0 

Kingsley,  Rev.  W.,  South  Kilvington   2     2     0 

Masters,  Dr.,  F.R.S.,  Ealing 1      1     0 

Moore,  Thomas,  Esq.,  F.L.S..  Chelsea     1     1     0 

Moffat,  Mr.  A.,  The  Gardens,  Hindlip  Hall 0  10     6 

Morris,  Mr.  John.  Wethersfield 1     1     0 

Newington,  Dr.,  Ticfhurst 3     3     0 

Paul,  Mr.  William,  Waltham  Cross 110 

Peach,  Rev.  C.  P.,  Appleton-le-Street 2     2     0 

Pearson,  Mr.  John,  Chilwell 110 

Rndclyfle,  Rev.  W.  F.,  Okeford  Fitzpaine    5     0     0 

Rendle,  Mr.  W.  E.,  Weibeck  Street 1     1     0 

Roden,  Dr.,  Kidderminster 2     2     0 

Sparlie=,  George,  Esq.,  Bromley    3     3     0 

Speed,  Mr.  Tbos  ,  Cbatsworth  Gardens    1     1     0 

Taylor,  Mr.  T.  (Webber  &  Co.),  Covent  Garden..   110 

Turner,  Mr.  C  ,  Slough   0  10     6 

Warner,  Mr.  J.  H  ,  The  Abbey,  Leicester   1     1     0 

Wilson,  Edward,  Esq.,  Haves,  Bromley 2     2     0 

Wilson,  G.  F.,  Esq.,  F.K.S.,  Heatherbank 2     2     0 

Subscriptions  addressed  to  Dr.  Hogg,  99,  St.  George's  Road, 
London,  S.W.,  will  be  promptly  acknowledged. 


SUBSOIL   TEMPERATUBES. 

The  following  is  an  extraot  from  the  report  of  the  Under- 
ground Temperature  Committee  of  the  British  Association. 

At  depths  of  2  or  3  feet  it  is  necessary  to  observe,  onoe  a- week, 
or  so,  throughout  a  year,  in  order  to  get  the  mean  temperature 
at  that  depth  for  that  year;  and  this  may  differ  by  a  consider- 
able amount  from  the  mean  of  a  series  of  years. 

In  the  report  of  the  Scottish  Meteorological  Society  for  the 
quarter  ending  December,  1862,  there  is  a  comparison  of  the 
mean  temperature  of  the  air  with  that  of  the  soil  at  the  depths 
of  3,  12,  and  22  inches,  at  four  stations,  from  observations  ex- 
tending over  five  years ;  and  in  the  "  Journal "  of  the  same  Sooiety 
for  the  quarter  ending  December,  18G5,  there  is  a  comparison 
of  the  temperature  of  drained  and  undrained  land  from  one 
year's  observations,  undertaken  for  this  purpose  at  two  stations, 
and  including  also  a  comparison  with  the  temperature  of  the 
year.  The  mean  temperature  of  the  air  for  each  day  is,  in 
these  comparisons,  assumed  to  be  the  simple  arithmetical  mean 
of  the  maximum  and  minimum,  as  indicated  by  self-registering 
thermometers  4  feet  from  the  ground.     From  these  observa- 


tions, it  appears  that  the  mean  annual  temperature  of  the  soil 
was  in  every  case  rather  above  that  of  the  air,  and  that  the 
excess  was  greater  for  sand  than  for  undrained  clay,  and  was 
greater  for  drained  land  than  for  the  same  land  undrained. 

The  greatest  excess  occurred  in  the  case  of  the  22  inch  ther- 
mometer at  Nookten  (Vale  of  Leven),  where  both  surface  and 
subsoil  are  sandy  and  dry.  The  five  yearly  means  at  this  sta- 
tion were  : — 

Air  4C.1;  soil  at  3  inches  46°,3,  at  12  inches  47°.3,  at 
22  inohes  48°.0 ;  giving  an  excess  of  1°9  for  the  temperature 
at  the  depth  of  22  inches  as  compared  with  air. 

The  smallest  excess,  in  the  caseof  the  22-inch  thermometers, 
observed  for  five  years,  was  at  Linton  (East  Lothian)  where  it 
amounted  to  0°.  7  ;  but  the  observations  on  the  effect  of  drainage 
gave  for  the  year  of  observation  an  excess  of  only  0°  2  at  the 
depth  of  30  inches  in  light  sandy  but  undrained  soil  under  aRye- 
grass  crop,  at  Otter  House  near  Loch  Fyne,  the  corresponding 
excesss  for  drained  land  of  the  same  kind  and  in  the  immediate 
vicinity  being  0°.9. 

The  mean  temperature  at  the  depth  of  3  feet  at  Professor 
Forbes'  three  stations  at,  Edinburgh,  from  five  years'  observa- 
tions, gave  an  excess  of  0°.55  above  the  mean  temperature  of 
the  air  at  Edinburgh  as  determined  by  Mr.  Adie's  observations. 

Observations  on  soil  temperature  in  England  are  much 
needed,  but  the  Greenwich  observations  give  an  excess  of  soil 
above  air  temperature  falling  within  the  limits  above  quoted, 
theexoess  at  3  French  feet  being  1°.7,  while  at  24  French  feet  it 
iB  reduced  to  1°.  The  soil  of  which  the  Observatory  Hill  is 
composed,  and  in  which  the  thermometers  are  sunk,  is  dry 
gravel,  and  the  unusual  ciroumstance  of  decrease  of  temperature 
downward  observed  in  the  comparison  of  the  3-feet  and  24-feet 
thermometers,  seems  to  indicate  that  the  surface  of  the  hill  is 
warmer  than  the  surrounding  land. 


LABELS  FOR  FRUIT  TREES. 

"  A.  R."  in  last  week's  issue  recommends  zinc,  and  states  that 
"  if  the  label  be  suspended  by  copper  or  lead  wire  it  will  last 
for  generations  ;"  "  that  a  glance  will  show  whether  the  wire 
is  cutting  into  the  tree  or  not,  and  that  a  minute  or  two  will 
rectify  the  matter."  I  once  indulged  the  same  delusive  fancy, 
and  suffer  from  it  now.  First  I  used  lead  wire — chemical 
action,  I  believe,  takes  place,  besides  the  harder  edge  of  the 
zinc  cutting  the  softer  lead  wire — and  about  twelvemonths  saw 
all  my  labels  on  the  ground  ;  next  I  used  annealed  copper  wire 
on  about  a  thousand  trees.  I  am  now  busy  cutting  these  labels 
off,  lor  wire  seems  to  have  a  prescriptive  right  to  cut  into 
the  bark  and  fasien  itself  in  every  possible  way  without  the 
leaBt  provocation,  causing  no  end  of  gum  and  canker,  and  if 
by  any  remote  chance,  these  do  not  occur,  the  label  is  the 
sport  of  winds  and  the  ruin  of  the  bark.  I  now  use  a  strip  of 
flat  lead,  stamped  with  the  number  which  corresponds  to  the 
particular  tree  in  my  orchard  book.  ThiB  may  be  liable,  be- 
sides the  trouble,  to  as  many  evils  as  the  methods  I  have 
already  abandoned,  but  as  yet  I  am  innocent. 

"  A.  R."  well  depicts  the  promiscuous  misnaming  of  fruit 
trees.  Nothing  is  mure  common  than  to  find  trees,  and  some 
of  the  commonest,  wrongly  named  ;  and  the  lack  of  knowledge 
of  vatieties,  and,  in  fact,  of  fruit-culture  generally,  is  remark- 
able in  many  gardeners  who  excel  in  floriculture.  As  to  cor- 
rectly naming  trees,  the  "greater  nurserymen"  are  by  no 
means  immaculate.  I  have  received  many  trees,  from  one  of 
the  best  in  every  way,  wrong  to  name ;  but  when  one  has 
experienced  the  difficulty  of  keeping  a  few  hundreds  right  in 
one's  own  garden,  and  then  considers  the  thousands  of  eaoh 
sort  a  nurseryman  is  expected  to  produce,  the  marvel  is  that 
they  are  so  often  correct. — C.  C.  E. 


ABE  GUELDRES  ROSE  BERRIES   POISONOUS? 

We  ask  this  question  because  of  the  evidence  given  at  an 
inquest  held  at  Sudbury,  Suffolk,  on  the  27th  ult.,  on  the  body 
of  the  child  of  the  Superintendent  of  the  Cemetery,  whose  death 
was  supposed  to  have  been  occasioned  by  eating  the  berries  of 
the  Gueldres  R  >Be  (Viburnum  Opulus). 

Mr.  W.  B.  Smith,  surgeon,  deposed  that  he  had  made  a  post- 
mortem examination  of  the  body,  assisted  by  Dr.  Williams. 
They  oould  disoover  no  natural  cause  of  death  ;  he  inferred 
that  death  must  have  been  caused  by  the  absorption  of  the 
active  principle  of  some  narcotic  poison.  Dr.  Taylor,  in  his 
work  on  toxology,  had  stated  that  narcotic  or  vegetable,  even 


November  8,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


351 


irritant  or  mineral  poisons,  could  occasionally  be  taken  and 
death  be  caused,  yet  no  trace  was  left  behind,  nor  any  irritation. 
Generally,  in  the  case  of  irritant  poisons  especially,  there  were 
traoes  ;  had  there  been  any  they  must  have  seen  them  ;  they 
might  be  carried  off  by  vomiliog  and  purging.  They  found  no 
traoes  of  any  poison  whatever,  nor  anything  to  cause  a  natural 
death.  The  evidence  was  negative  rather  than  positive.  He 
inferred  from  this  and  the  symptoms  he  observed  during  the 
child's  illness,  and  from  all  the  surrounding  circumstances  of 
the  case,  that  death  resulted  from  some  narcotic  poison. 

Dr.  Williams  fully  agreed  with  Mr.  Smith's  evidence,  and 
said  there  was  not  very  much  known  of  the  berries  of  the 
Gueldres  Rose,  and  in  toxological  works  they  were  not  said  to 
be  poison.  But  he  had  made  experiments  within  the  last  few 
days,  and  was  now  able  to  Btate  that  these  berries  were  poison- 
ous if  taken  internally,  but  at  present  he  could  not  say  how 
long  it  would  take  for  them  to  operate  fatally  after  taken  into 
the  system. 

Other  evidence  threw  no  light  upon  the  subjeot,  after  which 
the  Coroner  summed  up,  and  the  jury  returned  a  verdict  "  That 
deceased  died  of  narcotic  poison,  but  there  is  no  evidence  to 
show  what  that  poison  was  or  how  it  came  into  the  system." 
Dr.  Williams  said  he  was  conducting  further  experiments  with 
relation  to  these  berries,  their  properties,  and  their  effects,  &c. 


BOUQUETS. 

I  advise  that  no  bouquets  of  real  flowers  should  be  employed 
— one  gets  tired  of  the  unvarying  scents  of  Roses,  Violets,  and 
Heliotropes.  I  have  a  bouquet  of  artificial  flowers  so  exqui- 
sitely made  that  they  cannot  be  known  from  real  flowers,  and 
I  pat  on  theua  any  perfume  I  like,  and  change  the  perfume 
whenever  1  please. — F.  C.  S. 

["  Tired  of  the  soents  of  Roses,  Violets,  and  Heliotropes  !" 
If  you  ever  become  wearied  with  the  sun's  light,  perhaps  you 
will  apply  to  the  American  tallow  chandler  who  apologises  to 
that  luminary  for  having  oandles  that  are  more  brilliant.  We 
will  add  a  narrative,  also  from  an  American  source. 

TO    BE    PITIED. 

I  happened  lately  to  be  in  the  room  with  a  semi-invalid, 
when  a  handful  of  cboice  flowers,  the  gift  of  a  thoughtful  neigh- 
bour, was  brought  in  by  her  Diece. 

"  See,  aunt,"  said  the  young  girl,  "  what  a  lovely  bouquet 
Mrs.  M has  sent  you." 

"  D  j  you  call  that  a  bouquet  ?  To  my  notion  it  is  about  big 
enough  for  a  nosegay,"  was  the  querulous  reply. 

"  Ob,  yes,  a  noBegay  ;  that  is  a  better  name,  and  it  fully 
deserves  it,  for  it  is  as  fragrant  as  it  is  beautiful.  Smell  that 
Heliotrope,  now." 

"  I  don't  think  there  is  anything  particularly  beautiful  in  a 
Heliotrope  ;  I  call  it  a  very  plain  flower,  and  then  it  wilts  very 
quickly  in  water." 

"  Well,  there's  a  Lady  Washington — that  will  grow  and  blos- 
som in  water  for  days." 

"  Yes  ;  but  that  ain't  fragrant.  I  don't  care  much  for  flowers 
without  fragnnce." 

"You  love  the  Rose,  then,  the  queen  of  the  flowers,"  pur- 
sued the  niece,  who  seemed  determined  to  make  her  aunt  say 
something  pleasant.     "  That  has  beauty  and  fragranoe,  too." 

"A  V)ry  original  remark,  my  dear !"  was  the  severe  reply. 
"  For  my  part,  I  got  tired  of  hearing  the  Rose  called  the  queen 
of  the  flowers  when  I  was  a  little  girl,  just  as  if  queens  have 
any  more  beauty  or  fragranoe  than  other  people.  I  have  never 
seen  a  Rise  since,  but  what  I  have  thought  of  the  invidious 
comparison.     And  there's  the  Carnation.     Such  a  name!" 

Just  here  I  stammered  out  some  apology,  and  made  my  es- 
cape. I  wanted  to  keep  some  of  my  darlings  unsullied.  It 
does  seem,  when  you  are  in  company  with  some  people,  as 
though  they  would  not  leave  you  one  beautiful  thing  to  enjoy.] 


Wilson  brought  np  the  report  of  the  Public  Petitions  Committee  on  the 
petition  of  thirteen  inhabitants  of  the  province  of  Canterbury,  praying 
for  the  repeal  of  the  Canterbury  Thistle  Ordinance,  1866. 

Mr.  Rolleston  moved  that  the  report  be  printed.  In  the  debate 
which  ensned  on  this  motion,  -wi 

Mr.  Stafford  said  that  he  believed  it  was  absolutely  impossible  to 
prevent  the  spread  of  Thistles,  and  that  a  great  deal  of  money  was 
spent  in  doing  only  what  would  be  like  a  drop  in  the  ocean.  Ho  had, 
perhaps,  peculiar  opinions  on  the  subject,  but  he  believed  that  Thistles 
were  really  no  injury  to  a  country,  but  were  a  great  improvement  to 
second  and  third-rate  land  ;  so  much  so,  that  a  friend  of  his  had, 
in  reclaiming  third-rate  land,  actually  sowed  Thistles  on  it  as  ferti- 
lisers, and  valuable  Grasses  were  induced  to  grow  when  the  Thistles 
died  out,  which  they  did  in  a  short  time  where  the  ground  was  not 
ploughed. 

Mr.  Kerr,  in  referring  to  this  statement,  said  that  he  knew  that  at 
Panmure,  in  the  province  of  Auckland,  the  thistles  had  taken  com- 
plete possession  of  some  very  rich  laud,  so  much  so  that  nothing  else 
could  grow  where  they  were. 

Mr.  Fitzherbert,  after  stating  that  the  extirpation  of  Thistles  was, 
in  his  opinion,  absolutely  impracticable  in  a  country  like  New  Zealand, 
aboanding  in  waste  land,  and  whose  cultivated  farms  adjoined  millions 
of  acres  owned  by  the  natives,  said  that  he  thought  the  cutting  down  of 
Thistles  on  the  waste  lauds  was  a  great  mistake  in  reference  to  pastoral 
lands.  He  conld  state  from  experience  that  during  certain  portions  of 
the  year  the  Thistle  was  an  excellent  article  of  food — that  period  when 
there  was  a  lack  of  rain.  At  that  time  sheep  fed  with  great  advantage 
upon  the  dower  of  the  Thistle,  and  it  would,  in  his  opinion,  be  a 
disadvantage  if  the  Thistles  were  destroyed  upon  the  waste  lands.  In 
addition  to  that,  the  Thistle,  by  boring  down  into  the  soil  with  its  tap 
root,  loosened  it,  and  rendered  it  thereby  much  more  capable  of  im- 
provement. Where  these  immense  beds  of  thistles  grew,  they  gradu- 
ally gave  way,  and  in  time  the  place  became  covered  with  a  thick 
growth  of  grass.  He  had  paid  considerable  attention  to  this  question, 
and  in  the  eradication  of  Thistles  he  had  seen  great  errors  committed. 
Where,  then,  was  the  remedy  for  the  complaints  made  ?  In  England, 
there  were  cases  where  farmers  brought  actions  against  their  neighbours 
who  allowed  Thistles  to  grow  to  the  detriment  of  the  farm  laud  in  the 
vicinity,  and  damages  were  recoverable  at  common  law  where  neglect 
had  been  proved;  bat  to  have  an  inspector,  and  penalties  laid  down, 
would  be,  to  his  mind,  a  mistake,  and  would  prove  to  some  extent  an 
act  of  oppression. 

Mr.  Roileston's  motion  was  eventually  adopted. 


THISTLES   NOT  A  NUISANCE   EVERYWHERE! 

We  know  that  at  the  Antipodes — that  is,  abont  Australia, 
New  Zealand,  and  islands  thereabouts — the  people  are  stand- 
ing on  our  globe  with  the  soles  of  their  feet  towards  ours ;  we 
also  know  that  when  it  is  midsummer  with  us  it  is  midwinter 
with  them,  and  now  it  seems  that  Thistles  with  them  are  the 
onltivator's  blessing.  We  extract  the  following  from  the  Otago 
Witness : — 

In  the  House  of  Representatives,  on  the  23th  of  July,  Mr.  Cracroi't 


THE   GREAT   PEAR   ORCHARD   OP   SANTA 

CLARA   COLLEGE,  CALIFORNIA. 

The  grounds  of  the  Santa  Clara  College  contain  many  vigorous 
specimens  of  fruit  and  ornamental  trees.  In  these  gardens  we 
see  growing  the  Palm  tree  and  the  Olive,  the  last  over  forty 
years  of  age,  while  not  far  oflf  is  the  Fig  tree,  one  of  the  most 
beautiful  of  all  ornamental  shrubs  while  young.  Yet  we  find 
here,  amidst  these  evidences  of  tropical  vegetation,  a  fine  hedge 
of  Arbor-Vitoc,  15  feet  high — north  and  south  in  juxtaposition; 
how  striking  the  contrast !  In  the  same  garden  are  gathered 
over  one  huudred  varieties  of  Grapes,  mostly  foreign,  thriving 
in  the  open  air  with  the  slightest  attention,  and  all  in  fruit. 
As  I  looked  upon  the  uniform  success  that  attended  the  culture 
of  the  Grape  here,  where  every  Vine  is  sure  to  produce  its 
fruit  every  year,  where  there  is  scarcely  the  possibility  of  a 
failure  of  a  crop,  and  everything  is  almost  as  sure  as  the  fixed 
laws  of  the  Medes  end  Persians,  I  turn  my  thoughts  backward 
to  our  Atlantic  slope,  where  our  vineyardists  struggle  on,  year 
after  year,  hardly  depending  on  more  than  one  good  crop  out  of 
every  three,  and  where  prices  are  constantly  fluctuating  ;  where 
early  frost  nips  their  fruit  before  it  is  all  marketed  ;  where  mil- 
dew cuts  short  the  health  and  productiveness  of  their  Vines,  and 
a  score  of  discouragements,  which  form  a  remarkable  contrast 
with  the  ease  of  the  Californian  grower;  and  yet  we  would 
hardly  exchange  places  with  him.  Where  Grapes  thrive  with 
such  abundance,  they  are  too  cheap  to  be  profitab  e.  I  suppose 
the  average  profits  per  acre  of  Grapes  on  the  entire  Pacific  coast 
is  60  dols.  per  annum,  and  yet  how  common  it  is  for  our  Eastern 
vineyards  to  yield  from  200  to  600  dols.  per  acre.  We  suppose 
an  acre  of  Concords,  in  full  bearing,  will  not  fall  below  100  dols. 
nett,  while  at  the  low  price  of  10  cents  per  lb. ;  they  will  more 
often  yield  200  to  300  dols. 

At  a  little  distance  from  the  College  itself  is  the  enclosure 
contiining  the  Pear  orchard  we  have  referred  to.  Here  are 
now  six  hundred  trees  of  about  sixty  years  of  age,  laden  down 
with  the  most  astonishing  crop  of  Pears  we  ever  beheld.  The 
trees,  although  old,  would  average  about  30  feet  in  height, 
and  have  a  diameter  of  10  to  15  feet  across  tue  branches.  Ail 
of  the&e  trees  would  average  about  a  foot  in  diameter  of  tb.9 
trunk,  and  we  estimated  a  safe  capacity  of  5  to  10  bushels  to 


352 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


(  November  3, 1870. 


each  tree,  while  on  many  the  production  would  be  fully  5  barrels, 
Tears  ago,  when  fruit  culture  waa  not  so  widely  extended  as 
now,  the  produce  of  this  orchard  brought  an  annual  income  to 
the  College  of  over  24,000  dols. ;  but  now,  so  plentiful  and  cheap 
are  fruits  of  all  descriptions,  that  the  best  terms  of  sale  last  year 
could  hardly  reach  above  100  dols.,  and  thousands  of  bushels  were 
left  to  rot  on  the  ground,  or  fed  the  hogs.  "We  estimated  at 
least  5000  bushels  of  prime  fruit  upon  the  trees  at  the  time  of 
our  visit,  and  if  it  could  have  enjoyed  a  market  like  New  York 
the  lowest  value  we  could  have  placed  upon  it  would  have  been 
10,000  dols.  It  is  now  a  worthless  property  as  a  productive 
investment,  and  already  two  hundred  trees  have  been  cut  down, 
preparatory  to  the  devotion  of  the  land  to  other  purposes.  The 
varieties  we  noticed  most  freely  grown  are  the  Easter  Beurre, 
Bergamot,  Madeleine,  President,  Bartlett,  Beurre  Clairgeau,  with 
a  few  of  our  most  popular  eastern  sorts.  The  President  Pear  is 
perhaps  the  most  productive  of  all,  the  branches  hanging  down 
completely  covered  with  specimen  Pears  of  fine  size  and  colour, 
The  Pear,  as  a  fruit,  is  quite  as  successful  here  as  the  Grape. 
All  varieties  do  well.  The  Californian  horticulturist  has  none 
of  the  anxieties  we  Eastern  fruit-growers  feel  whenever  we 
make  our  selection  of  varieties.  With  us  we  are  fearful  of  the 
blight,  or  anxious  as  to  climate,  soil,  and  popular  preferences  in 
the  market;  but  in  California  the  grower  sticks  his  graft  upon 
his  tree,  or  his  young  shoot  int9  the  ground,  and  in  less  than 
eighteen  months  he  has  his  crop  of  fruit  as  perfect  and  luxuriant 


as  heart  can  wish.  Every  variety  succeeds,  and  only  [needs 
careful  planting  and  culture. 

We  notice  that  after  the  Pear  trees  have  grown  for  ten  or  twelve 
years,  their  full  stature  seems  to  have  been  attained ;  they  make 
little  or  no  new  wood  growth,  and  seem  to  stand  still,  bearing 
themselves  almost  to  death.  Tear  after  year  they  bear  heavy 
crops  without  cessation,  and  it  seems  hardly  possible  they  can 
stand  such  constant  and  tremendous  strains  without  sooner  or 
later  exhibiting  signs  of  exhaustion.  However,  most  of  the 
orchards  are  young.  We  see  as  yet  no  signs  of  decay  or  wearing 
out.   The  old  orchard  of  the  College  is  still  a  marvel  of  luxuriance. 

Among  these  Pear  trees  are  planted  some  beds  of  Straw- 
berries. Time  was  when  a  little  bed  of  half  an  acre  yielded  an 
income  of  500  dols.  per  annum,  but  that  time  has  passed,  and 
now  the  most  they  can  obtain  is  but  60  dols.  Their  berries  are 
large  and  splendidly  coloured.  The  Wilson,  particularly,  ws 
would  hardly  recognise.  It  has  the  same  shape,  but  changes  its 
dark  red  colour  into  one  of  brilliant  crimson ;  loses  some  of  its 
firmness,  and  almost  all  of  its  acidity.  We  found  it  here  quite 
agreeable  eating,  pleasant  and  spicy,  with  but  little  sourness  or 
tartness.  Still  it  is  not  their  most  successful  variety.  The 
Longworth's  Prolific  is  far  more  popular  and  profitable. 

They  begin  picking  the  fruit  about  the  1st  of  May,  and  it 
continues  ripening  down  to  the  1st  of  November.  As  high  as 
10,000  lbs.  have  been  gathered  from  three-quarters  of  an  acre. — 
(Horticulturist.) 


CASTLE  HOWARD, 

The  Seat  of  the  Eail  op  Carlisle,  near  Tore. 

No.  1. 


Castle  Howard  is  finely  situated  in  an  extensive  park.  Dig- 
nified and  majestic  in  a  very  high  degree,  this  magnificent 
building  is  worthy  of  its  position  and  its  sarroundings  with 
which  it  is  in  complete  harmony.  To  those  at  all  acquainted 
with  architectural  history,  Castle  Howard  recalls  a  time  when 
many  noble  mansions  were  built,  in  the  designing  of  whioh  a 
prominent  part  was  taken  by  its  architect,  Sir  John  Vanbrugh, 


poet  and  dramatist  as  well  as  architect.  This  noble  pile  forms 
a  fitting  shrine  for  the  rare  and  costly  collection  of  art  treasures 
with  which  its  stately  apartments  are  so  richly  decorated.  The 
walls  are  crowded  with  paintings  by  many  a  famous  hand, 'and 
I  believe  I  am  correot  in  stating  that  the  interior  of  the 
cupola  was  painted  by  Antonio  Pelligrini,  a  contemporary  of 
the  famous  Sir  James  Thornhill.     The  south  front  (fig.  1),  is 


Fig.  1. — Castle  Howard,  south  front. 


richly  embellished  with  Corinthian  columns,  statuary,  and 
balustrading,  and  a  fine  flight  of  steps  leads  np  to  the  grand 
entrance,  paBt  which  sweeps  a  noble  carriage  drive  in  a  straight 
line  of  half  a  mile. 

Viewed  from  this  position,  overlooking  the  lake  and  pleasant 
undulations  of  the  park,  the  scenery  is  very  fine.  Tbe  lake 
is  a  magnificent  sheet  of  water,  nearly  one  hundred  acres  in 


extent,  and  from  all  sides  of  it  the  park  rises  gently,  swelling 
into  banks,  agreeably  diversified  with  finely-dispoBed  groups  of 
noble  timber  trees.  An  important  feature  in  the  view  beyond 
the  lake  is  the  Mausoleum,  (Jig.  2),  designed  by  Nicholas  Hawks- 
moor,  a  pupil  of  Wren,  and  an  assistant  of  Vanbrugh's  in  build- 
ing Castle  Howard.  The  position  is  well  chosen,  and  the  dense 
masses  of  umbrageous  foliage  on  each  side,  while  not  approaching 


November  3,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


353 


sufficiently  near  to  obstrnot  the  view  or  mar  the  dignity  of  its 
appearanoe,  yet  serve  to  impart  an  air  of  retirement  and  solem- 
nity to  this  abode  of  death. 


There  are  no  abrupt  eminences  nor  steep  declivities  here,  but 
that  broad  expansiveness,  both  in  the  green  turf  and  the  water, 
that  aspect  of  grandeur  and  importance,  so  well  in  keeping  with 


Fig.  2. — The  Maasolenm. 


those  noble  old  trees  which,  like  a  gallery  of  quaint  old  portraits, 
tell  of  generations  and  times  long  since  past. 

To  the  right  of  the  lake,  and  immediately  opposite  the  south 
front,  is  the  flower  garden  (fig.  3).  This  view  will  serve  to  convey 
some  idea  of  its  large  size  and  architectural  embellishments, 


consisting  of  balustrading,  statuary,  tazzas,  and  Grecian  vases. 
The  elegant  building  on  the  rising  ground  to  the  left  is  a 
Temple  of  Diana,  which,  with  the  bridge  and  a  glimpsejof  the 
top  of  the  Mausoleum  towering  over  the  trees,  adds  very  much 
to  the  effect  of  the  scene.     The  design  of  the^flower  garden 


Fig.  3.— The  Flower  Garden. 


consists  of  some  elegant  and  very  elaborate  scrollwork  in  Box 
embroidery,  the  narrowest  and  most  intricate  parts  of  which 
contain  Derbyshire  spar,  producing  a  chaste  and  pleasing  effect, 
The  scrollwork  was  connected  with  many  large  beds  well  filled 
with  plants  arranged  in  very  good  taste,  the  principal  masses 
consisting  of  well-known  varieties  of  Pelargonium.    A  mixed 


bed  of  Pelargonium  Le  Gracd  and  Countess  of  Warwick,  with 
Verbena  venosa,  had  a  verv  good  effect.  Pelargonium  Flower 
of  SpriDg  surrounded  by  Verbena  Purple  King,  was  equally 
fine.  Golden  Feather  Pyrethrum  was  very  bright  and  effective. 
During  the  rast  summer  I  have  seen  this  useful  plant  largely 
grown  in  several  gardenB  which  I  have  visited  in  different  parts 


354 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  November  3,  1870. 


of  England,  and  it  invariably  presented  a  mo9t  satisfactory  ap- 
pearance. This  is  noteworthy,  because  from  the  ease  with 
which  a  large  stock  of  it  may  be  raised  in  spring  from  seed,  it 
muBt  be  a  very  valuable  bedding  plant,  especially  to  those  who 
have  hut  little  glass  accommodation. — Edward  Luckhukst, 
Old  Lands,  Buxted,  Sussex. 


WORK  FOR   THE   WEEK. 

KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

The  Globe  Artichokes  should  now  have  some  of  the  super- 
fluous leaves  cut  away,  and  the  stems  eartbed-up  6  or  8  inches. 
Surround  the  plants  with  recently  fallen  leaves,  and  cover  these 
with  soil,  forming  a  sort  of  mound  ;  then  thrust  a  wisp  of  straw 
or  bay  in  the  centre  of  the  crown.  Take  up  the  Jerusalem 
Artichokes  and  house  them  dry  in  a  dry  shed.  Caulifloioers  in 
head  should  be  taken  up  and  heeled-in  close  together,  covering 
them  with  long  litter  in  severe  weather. 

FLOWER   GARDEN. 

Let  the  planting  of  autumn  bulbs  be  completed  as  soon  as 
possible.  Take  up  all  Dahlias  when  the  tops  are  frosted  ;  do 
not  clear  too  much  soil  from  them,  it  will  prove  a  protection  if 
dried  upon  them.  Strong  tubers  should  be  in  a  warm  and  airy 
place  in  order  to  get  them  thoroughly  dry ;  weak  ones  must 
be  potted  or  covered  with  dry  soil.  Neapolitan  Violets  should 
be  thoroughly  cleansed  from  weeds,  runners,  and  dead  leaves, 
and  have  a  considerable  quantity  of  dry  sand  strewed  amongst 
them.  This  will  prevent  the  ravages  of  the  slugs.  Out  of 
doors  they  muBt  have  hoops  and  mats.  Plant  out  Hollyhocks 
and  other  biennials.  This  is  an  excellent  planting  season. 
Where  the  ground  is  duly  prepared  not  a  moment  should  be 
lost;  pruning,  thinning,  &c,  can  be  done  in  frosty  weather,  not 
so  planting.  Tulips,  as  a  matter  of  course,  are  all  planted, 
and  few  seasons  have  occurred  in  which,  to  use  floristB' 
phraseology,  "  they  have  gone  in  so  well."  I  would  advise 
precautions  btiog  taken,  as  many  of  the  bulbs  are  in  a  certain 
degree  affected  by  the  serious  mildew  which  attacked  the  foliage 
last  season.  It  will,  therefore,  be  advisable  to  keep  the  beds 
as  dry  as  possible  for  a  few  weeks,  or,  at  least,  to  give  the  bulbs 
time  to  form  plenty  of  roits  previous  to  exposing  the  beds  to 
the  weather.  This  may  be  aone  by  covering  with  mats,  &c, 
during  wet  weather.  Carnations  and  Picotees  had  better  remain 
where  tbey  are  till  spring.  I  am  no  advocate  for  their  removal  in 
November.  Those  which  are  potted  off  should  have  the  air  at 
all  times,  and  if  they  have  had  plenty  of  exposure  hitherto, 
slight  frosts  will  not  affect  them.  Auriculas,  also,  should  be 
nursed  as  little  as  possible  ;  give  only  a  small  quantity  of  water, 
and  keep  them  out  of  the  way  of  drip.  Attend  to  compost 
heaps,  and  collect  leaves,  &c,  for  next  year. 

GREENHOUSE    AND   CONSERVATORY. 

At  this  time  of  the  year  it  is  of  the  utmo.-t  importance  to 
arrange  stock  in  houses  so  as  to  give  a  due  proportion  of  light  to 
each  kind  of  plants,  remembering  especially  those  from  brighter 
skies.  All  retarded  autumn  flowers  should  have  a  situation  as 
much  exposed  to  light  as  possible — near  the  glass,  and  not  far 
from  a  quiet  ventilation.  Suoh  plants  as  the  following  will 
deserve  attention  in  this  respect :  —  Euphorbia  jacquinire- 
flora,  Eranthemum  pulchellum,  Geissomeria  longiflora.  the 
Heliotrope,  Aphelaudra  cristata,  Gesnera  zebrioa  and  bulbosa, 
Geraniums,  Centradenia  rosea,  Linnm  trigynum,  Mig  lonette, 
Salvias,  Calceolarias,  Cyclamens,  Cinerarias,  and  Verbenas. 
These,  if  attended  to  as  previously  directed,  will  be  gay  for 
weeks,  and  with  Chrysanthemums,  Roses,  and  Camf-llias,  will 
prevent  any  blank  occurring  between  the  autumn  flowers  and 
those  of  the  spring  foroing.  Above  all,  let  every  glaBS  sash 
receive  a  thorough  washing  immediately.  Those  who  under- 
rate the  importance  of  clean  glass  in  gardening  have  yet  much 
to  learn.  In  order  to  keep  the  glass  clean  as  long  as  possible, 
let  mats  and  coverings  of  all  kinds  be  constantly  suspended  on 
rails  or  posts.  This  is  absolutely  necessary,  both  for  the  sake 
of  the  glass  and  the  sake  of  economy,  as  Russian  mats  are 
rather  expensive.  A  well-minaged  conservatory  should  dow 
boast  of  a  finer  display  than  at  any  other  period  of  the  year. 
The  charmiDg  contrast  between  the  dark  and  glossy  leaves  of 
healthy  Camellias  and  their  lively-coloured  flowerp,  the  delight- 
ful perfume  and  gay  tints  of  the  Bourbon,  Hybrid  China,  and 
Hybrid  Perpetual  Roses,  with  the  exuberant  and  daBbing  style 
of  the  Chinese  Chrysanthemums,  will  even  unassisted  pro- 
duce a  gorgeous  effect.  Keep  a  mild  and  genial  atmosphere 
of  50°  to  60°  by  day,  sinking  to  45°  at  night.  Let  the  floors  or 
some  portion  of  the  house  receive  a  sprinkling  in  the  evening, 


provided  a  little  back  air  can  be  given  to  prevent  drip.  Syring- 
ing is,  of  course,  out  of  the  question.  In  the  mixed  greenhouse 
the  Chinese  Primroses  may  he  removed  to  a  shelf  as  near  the 
glass  as  possible,  with  plenty  of  air  at  all  favourable  oppor- 
tunities. Herbaceous  Calceolarias  should  be  treated  in  a 
similar  manner,  and  duly  attended  to  with  water.  Cinerarias 
must  be  protected  from  the  ravages  of  green  fly  by  fumigations 
of  tobacco,  or  by  syringing  with  tobacco  water.  Some  late- 
flowering  varieties  of  Heaths  and  Epacrises  will  now  be  grow- 
ing rather  freely,  especially  those  which  have  receivod  late 
Bhifts,  great  caution  in  watering  them  will  therefore  be  neces- 
sary. A  few  Epacrises,  such  as  autumnalis,  will  soon  become 
gay  with  flowers,  and  are  worthy  of  every  encouragement. 
Should  mildew  attack  any  of  them  slightly  dust  them  im- 
mediately with  flowers  of  sulphur.  If  any  of  the  beautiful 
tribe  of  Tropasolums,  particularly  trioolorum  and  bracbyceras, 
which  flowered  early  in  the  season,  begin  to  grow,  they  Bhould 
not  be  checked,  but  allowed  to  growBlowly  through  the  winter; 
but  if  there  is  no  appearance  of  growth,  which  is  best  for  their 
future  success,  the  roots  should  be  kept  inactive  in  a  cool  place, 
with  the  soil  about  them  quite  dry,  and  protected  from  mice. 
STOVE. 
Stove  plants  in  general  as  before.  Let  those  Orchids  whioh 
have  completed  a  good  summer's  growth,  and  which  are  some- 
what inclined  to  be  deciduous,  Bink  gradually  into  repose. 
Those  evergreen  kinds,  as  some  of  the  Dendrobiums,  the 
Aerides,  Saccolabiums,  Vandas,  &c,  on  blocks  or  in  baskets, 
should  be  lowered  a  little  from  the  roof,  if  too  near,  in  order 
to  escape  the  vicissitudes  of  temperature  to  which  that  situa- 
tion would  expose  them  in  winter. 

COLD    PITS    AND    FRAMES. 

In  the  case  of  cold  pits,  the  time  has  now  arrived  for  putting 
in  readiness  straw  shutters,  or  whatever  else  it  may  be  intended 
to  UBe  for  coverings  for  them.  Straw  shutters,  if  well  made, 
are  expensive  in  the  first  instance,  but  are  considered  by  many 
to  be  the  most  efficient  of  any  kind  of  covering  in  use,  and 
taking  into  account  the  time  they  last,  they  are,  perhaps,  as 
cheap  as  any.  Expose  the  stock  in  such  pits  to  air  on  every 
favourable  opportunity,  so  as  to  check  growth  and  consolidate 
the  wood.  The  time  is  at  hand  when  ungenial  weather  will 
frequently  drive  the  labourer  in-doors,  and  a  stock  of  work 
should  now  be  provided  for  such  occasions.  The  tying  of  new 
mats,  cutting  and  picking  shreds  for  the  walls,  cleaning  old 
nails,  drawing  bast  for  the  next  summer,  the  arrangement  of 
herbs,  examining  stores,  making  flower  Btieks  and  labels, 
washing  and  putting  away  all  spare  striking  and  other  glasses, 
making  straw  or  reed  mat-protectors  for  tender  plants,  as  well 
as  making  a  stock  of  besoms  and  baskets  for  the  ensuing  year 
— are  matters  of  as  great  consideration  as  out-door  business, 
and  should  be  proceeded  with  as  soon  as  possible.  Gardeners 
and  amateurs  should  purchase  a  liberal  stock  of  Russian  mats 
at  this  period;  in  fact,  a  twelvemonth's  supply.  These  will  at 
once  furnish  a  little  in-door  labour.  Willows  should  be  in- 
stantly procured  for  basketing,  and  a  good  stock  of  cloth  for 
shred-cutting.  All  superfluous  or  dead  plants  in  pots  should 
be  emptied  out,  and  the  dirty  pots  from  every  part  placed  in  a 
corner  of  the  shed,  ready  for  washing  in  bad  weather.  Plenty 
of  broken  pots  should  also  be  housed  in  a  shed  corner,  to  be 
crushed  and  sorted  in  bad  weather  ;  they  may  be  fairly  reckoned 
amongst  the  most  important  matters  connected  with  the  potting- 
ehed.  Anyone  having  old  half-worn  sashes  without  glass,  may 
readily  make  a  most  useful  straw  oover  of  them,  well  adapted 
for  protecting  Endive  and  other  sal.  d  ,  Parsley,  &c,  as  also 
for  covering  early  crops  of  Potatoes,  Radishes,  and  Carrots. 
Tbey  can  be  ma'le  on  a  couple  of  tressles.  The  straw  (that  of 
Rye,  if  possible)  is  drawn  through  the  hands  in  bunches,  and 
laid  acrosB  the  longitudinal  bars  of  the  sash  regularly.  When 
covered  equally,  three  or  four  long  sticks  or  laths  are  placed  on 
it  in  a  line  with  the  sashbars,  and  bound  down  to  the  latter 
with  pitched  cord.  If  housed  when  out  of  use  they  will  last  a 
couple  of  years. — W.  Keane. 


DOINGS   OF   THE   LAST    WEEK. 

KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

Laying  Down  Strong  Broccoli,  die  — But  for  a  press  of  other 
work,  and  the  unsettled  state  of  the  weather,  we  should  have 
nearly  finished  this.  It  is  best  done  on  a  regular  system. 
The  intention  is  not  so  much  to  stunt  or  cripple  the  plants  in 
their  growth  as  to  protect  the  stems  and  heads  from  frost.  By 
earthing-up,  and  protecting  the  heads  with  a  little  litter  in 


November  3,  1870. 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


355 


severe  weather,  we  have  had  as  fine,  or  rather  finer,  heads  than 
when  we  laid  them  down,  but  with  a  little  more  trouble.  As  a 
rule,  if  possible  the  k>)ad  of  the  plant  Bhould  be  depressed  to 
the  north,  aud  if  that  does  not  suit,  then  let  it  be  laid  to  the 
west— the  directions  in  which  it  is  less  likely  to  be  acted  upon 
by  the  morning  sun,  and  therefore  so  far  a  security  against 
sudden  changes.  In  laying,  begin  at  one  end  of  a  row,  take  out 
some  earth  a  foot  or  so  from  the  base  of  the  plant,  and  a  little, 
but  to  a  less  depth,  close  to  the  stem,  so  as  not  to  iDJure  the 
roots  niuoh  ;  press  the  head  of  the  plant  down  without  break- 
ing it,  and  then  from  the  front  of  the  next  plant  place  earth 
over  the  stem  of  the  first  plant,  and  so  on  until  all  are  done. 
Some  dwarf  sorts  need  no  laying,  and,  as  stated  above,  the 
system  is  moro  required  in  the  north  than  in  the  south.  The 
leaves  laid  aslant  greatly  protect  the  young  head  or  heart. 

Cauliflowers. — The  late  Cauliflowers,  owing  to  the  rain  after 
the  sewage  watering,  have  proved  very  fine  this  autumn,  yield- 
ing fine,  large,  symmetrical  heads.  Before  much  frost  comes  we 
shall  place  a  lot  of  young  stuff  in  earth  pits  to  receiv«  pro- 
tection. Where  there  is  a  dry  shed,  Cauliflower,  though  it  will 
not  look  so  fresh  as  that  cut  from  a  pit  with  its  green  leaves, 
will  keep  well  and  be  serviceable  for  many  purposes,  if,  whilst 
the  heads  are  still  close  and  compact,  the  leaves  are  all  stripped 
off,  and  the  stems  cut  off,  say,  !l  inches  or  more  in  length,  and 
stuck  in  earth  and  sand  that  is  dump  rather  than  dry.  The 
position  should  be  airy,  when  desirable,  be  kept  free  from  frost, 
and  but  little  light  should  be  admitted. 

We  planted  out  young  plan's  under  hand-lights.  It  is  well 
that  the  ground  should  not  be  too  rich  at  first,  as  plenty  of 
enriching  matter  can  be  added  in  spring.  We  shall  try  to  make 
use  of  an  old  frame  or  an  earth  pit  for  pricking  out  a  lot  to 
stand  the  winter.  For  all  such  purposes  we  find  after  planting, 
an  open  rough  surface,  such  as  sand,  is  of  importance  alike  for 
preventing  dumping  aud  keeping  off  slugs,  &a.  Rough  charcoal 
duet,  or  rough  small  ooal  ashes,  are  also  good.  Fine  ashes  are 
of  little  or  no  use  in  this  respect.  A  lot  of  plants  may  now  be 
potted  and  placed  where  they  may  have  a  little  protection. 
Many  are  often  saved  in  good  condition  if  prioked  out  rather 
thickly  at  the  foot  of  a  wall  or  fence,  the  one  helping  to  protect 
the  other,  and  then  when  transplanted  in  spring  they  come  in 
for  the  second  or  third  succession. 

Potatoes  and  Hoot  Crops. — Great  quantities  of  Potatoes  have 
been  much  injured  this  season  by  leaving  them  in  the  ground 
so  long  as  to  let  them  have  a  second  growth  ;  otherwise  the 
crops  in  general  hive  been  fiue — of  good  quality  and  great  in 
quantity.  A  little  lime  is  very  beneficial  in  all  old  gardens, 
also  in  all  stiff  clay  soils.  Carrots,  Beet,  Scorzonera,  &c, 
will  now  he  better  out  of  the  ground  than  in  it.  When  scarce 
of  dry  stuff  and  storage  room,  we  have  found  no  plan  better  in 
a  elose  shed  than  building  them  in  layers,  with  dry  small 
faggot  wood  between  them.  It  is  of  great  importance  to  take 
up  all  these  things  in  dry  weither,  and  to  sort  them  for  use 
aecordiug  to  quality  and  size.  Spruce  and  larch  twigs  dried  are 
good  for  this  purpose.  By  no  means  use  sawdust,  as  some 
people  recommend.  Whatever  kind  of  wood  it  comes  from,  and 
however  dry  it  may  be,  it  is  sure  to  taint  the  roots  ;  and  then 
by  absorbing  moisture  from  them  the  whole  mass  will  heat,  and 
there  may  easily  be,  if  not  constantly  examined,  a  mass  of 
rottenness  insteud  of  wholesome  food. 

Celery. — The  youngest  is  still  growing  in  the=e  t-howery  days, 
and  the  farthest  advanced  was  made  safe  in  dry  weather.  As  | 
we  had  no  ashes  to  fall  back  upon,  we  have  used  a  heap  of 
burnt  rubbish,  burnt  clay,  &c,  to  put  immediately  round  the 
plants  iu  beds,  filling  up  to  the  necessary  height  with  the  sur- 
rounding earth,  made  fine  by  breaking  and  pulverising.  This 
thin  casing,  given  as  lately  detailed,  keeps  the  stems  drier,  and, 
to  a  certain  extent,  keeps  worms,  snails,  and  slugs  from  mark- 
ing them.  In  stiff  ground,  but  for  harbouring  snails  and  slugs, 
it  would  be  advisable  to  finish  the  blanching  process  with  moss, 
clean  litter,  dry  tree  leaves,  &a.  Sometimes  we  have  used 
some  of  theso,  and  just  dusted  them  over  with  rough  ashes. 
Dry  tree  leaves  put  on  not  so  thickly  as  to  heat  at  all  answer 
admirably,  they  keep  out  frost  so  well,  and  even  in  a  wide 
bed  they  soon  cake  on  the  surface,  so  thit  when  laid  on  with  a 
proper  slope  rain  passes  off  them  as  if  from  the  wing  of  a  duck. 

Lettuces. — We  took  up  a  number  of  good  plants  and  put 
them  iu  uu  earth  pit,  where  they  could  be  protected  ;  the  earth 
pit  just  being  cleared  of  bedding  plants,  as  they  are  removed  to 
the  dormant  fruiting  bouses,  where  they  will  he  more  safe  for 
a  few  months  of  the  worst  part  of  the  year.  Piicked-out  Let- 
tuces  to  give  them  a  chance  of  standing,  and  sometimes  they 
do  better  in  the  open  ground  than  at  the  foot  of  fences  or  on 


the  tides  of  raised  banks.  The  young  plants  on  sloping  banks 
-ire  growing  rather  too  freely  sinoe  the  showery  weather  came. 

Endioe  we  covered  with  dry  leaves,  elates,  &c,  to  bring  it  in 
for  use  along  with  the  Lettuces.  Though  most  people  like 
Lettuces  better,  yet  the  Endive  looks  very  nice  in  the  salad 
bowl. 

Rhubarb  and  Sea-kale. — Thero  has  hfeu  little  time  taken  or 
needed  in  preparing  these  for  forcing  this  season,  as  the  dry 
weather  of  the  summer  caused  thtir  leaveB  to  wither  rather 
prematurely,  but  the  buds  seem  very  fair,  aud  will  no  doubt  do 
good  service  when  called  upon.  Asparagus  is  now  fully  iipe, 
and  will  be  cleared  off  as  soon  as  we  can  lind  time.  Some 
correspondents  have  been  inquiring  as  to  giving  salt  to  these 
seaside  vegetables  now,  aud  we  would  say  that  a  little  sprink- 
ling would  do  no  harm,  aud  if  kept  from  the  buds  of  Sea-kale, 
it  would  prevent  slugs  and  even  birds  from  touching  them 
much.  There  is  no  better  deterrent  to  soft-skinned  intruders 
than  salt  where  it  can  be  applied  with  safety;  and  we  have 
noticed  that  mice  and  birds  have  turned  away  from  such  things 
as  Sea-kalo  buds  because  they  found  the  soil  near  them  saline. 
The  chief  time  to  apply  salt  is,  however,  after  growth  has 
freely  commenced;  in  fact,  could  we  do  it,  we  would  liquid- 
manure  these  plants  in  summer,  and  a  little  salt  and  mulching 
then  would  answer  well.  The  summer,  especially  such  as  the 
last,  forces  us  to  let  the  above  plants  take  thsir  chanoe,  except 
giving  a  sprinkling  of  salt,  and  we  often  notice  how  comfortably 
moist  the  ground  of  the  Asparagus  and  Sea-kale  is,  contrasted 
with  other  crops,  merely  from  the  sprinkling  of  salt  given  in 
the  middle  of  June.  When  a  piece  of  Asparagus  is  to  be  raised 
for  forcing,  it  will  pay  well  to  gather  little  or  nothing  from 
that  piece  in  the  preceding  spring  and  summer.  It  will  thus 
ripen  and  rest  earlier.  Suoh  may  well  be  expected  to  do 
better  than  an  old  exhausted  bed  ;  done  away  with  as  the  worst, 
but  "  good  enough  "  to  be  forced.  Vegetables  to  be  foroed  can- 
not be  too  good  of  their  kind  if  the  gathered  produce  is  to  be 
good  in  quality  and  quantity. 

We  do  not  intend  commencing  forcing  Asparagus  and  Sea- 
kale  just  yet,  having  a  regard  to  our  stock,  but  frequently  we 
have  had  both  in  fair  condition  by  the  middle  of  November. 
Rhubarb  we  have  never  had  so  early.  Treat  it  as  we  may,  that 
is  not  good  in  proportion  to  the  others.  Contrary  to  either 
Sea-kale  or  Rhubarb,  Asparagus  likes  air  and  light  to  attain 
colour,  but  we  have  frequently  forced  it  in  the  dark,  cut  it 
when  ft  or  7  inches  long,  and  set  the  bottoms  in  damp  sand  or 
moss  close  to  the  glass  in  a  warm  greenhouse  for  two  or  three 
days  to  give  it  a  little  colour.  A  great  check  in  temperature 
in  forced  Asparagus  is  apt  to  make  it  hard  instead  of  sweet  and 
juicy. 

FRUIT   DEPARTMENT. 

There  are  but  few  traces  now  of  the  dry  season,  but  some 
of  its  results,  as  the  absence  of  our  late  Peas,  are  felt.  Straw- 
berry plants  planted  out  and  turned  out  of  pots  still  present 
a  stunted  appearance.  We  lost  whole  rows  of  some  large 
turned-out  plants,  even  after  they  received  one  or  two  water- 
ings, and  were  shaded  with  evergreen  boughs  when  water  could 
not  be  given.  Plants  in  pots  were  supplied  with  liquid  of  some 
sort,  as  they  oould  not  do  without  it,  though  even  these  Straw- 
berry pots  we  had  frequently  to  shade  to  save  the  watering  we 
could  not  give.  These,  however,  partly  owing  to  the  Bewage 
given,  are  rather  stronger  than  we  like  to  see  them. 

We  have  said  bo  much  of  cleaning,  &c,  lately,  that  we  will 
just  add  one  word  on  the  keeping  of  late  Grapes.  In  mild 
weather  it  will  be  advisable  to  give  a  little  fire  heat  eveiy  day, 
and  chiefly  in  the  day,  with  air  early  given,  or  rather  kept  on 
night  and  day  when  there  is  no  frost.  Drip  must  also  be 
avoided.  Drip  is  easily  got  rid  of  in  large-squared  fixed-roof 
houses.  In  old  houses  with  the  old  form  of  n.f  ers,  even  though 
the  glass  and  putty  are  sound,  much  drip  often  comes  from  the 
rafter,  first  from  the  want  of  a  deep  plough-line  in  the  centre 
of  the  rest  of  the  rafter  for  securing  the  sash ;  and  secondly, 
from  that  line  becoming  choked-up  in  time  from  dirt  and 
dust. 

ORNAMENTAL    DEPARTMENT. 

Referring  to  previous  notices,  we  shall  just  allude  to  two 
matters.  First,  to  direct  the  attention  of  young  gardeners  to 
diagram  no.  3,  page  301,  as  to  the  mode  of  making  a  perpen- 
dicular cut  for  Box  edgings.  It  is  more  easily  made  bevelled, 
and  is  too  often  done  so,  and  the  consequence  is  the  gravel 
has  more  earth  at  the  sides,  and  is  more  troubled  with  earth 
heaps. 

The  second  matter  is,  we  are  now  inserting  in  a  cold  pit  our 
Calceolaria  cuttings  for  next  season.    The  mode  has  frequently 


356 


JOUBNAL  OF  HOKTICULTUBE  AND  COTTAGE  GAEDENEB. 


[  November  8,  1870. 


been  described.  We  never  let  them  have  a  pot.  We  prick 
them  out  in  fresh  sandy  loam  in  rows  2  inches  apart,  and  1  inch 
from  each  other  in  the  row.  We  like  them  best  to  root  little 
until  alter  ChriBtmas,  and  by  the  middle  of  March  we  trans- 
plant into  earth  pits  from  4  to  9  inches  apart,  where  they  can 
receive  a  little  protection  when  necessary,  and  then  we  lift  them 
with  balls  as  fine  strong  plants  in  May.  The  plants  growing  in 
the  beds,  we  do  not  require  to  plant  them  so  early  merely  to  get 
room  or  avoid  watering.  Amplexicaulis  will  not  stand  so  much 
cold  and  damp  as  the  others ;  in  fact,  unlike  most  other  things, 
Caloeolarias  for  beds  seldom  feel  the  effeots  of  damp.  A  cool 
moist  soil  and  a  bright  sun  are  their  delight.  Notwithstanding 
the  dry  summer,  Calceolarias  succeeded  almost  as  well  with  us 
as  Geraniums.  That  was  greatly  owing  to  mulching,  which 
kept  the  roots  cool.  Even  now  (October  29tb),  many  plants  are 
pretty  full  of  bloom.  For  cuttings  we  prefer  small  side  shoots 
about  2  inches  in  length. — B.  F. 


TO    CORRESPONDENTS. 
N.B. — Many  questions  must  remain    unanswered    until    next 
week. 

The  Rev.  W.  P.  Radclyffe  requests  us  to  sav  that  his  direction  is  Oke- 
ford  Fitzpaine,  near  Shillingstone,  and  not  near  Blandford. 

Medicinal  Qualities  of  Beitish  Plants  (D.  H.).— Dr.  Thornton's 
"  Family  Herbal  "  contains  the  information  you  seek. 

Park  and  Garden  (Latent).— It  is  impossible  to  suggest  the  propor- 
tions the  park,  lawn,  flower  garden,  kitchen  garden,  and  shrubberies 
should  occupy  in  forty  acres,  without  knowing  the  taBtes,  requirements, 
and  pecuniary  means  of  the  family. 

Advice  Asked  (A  Youthful  Aspirant),— The  little  Manuals  published  at 
our  office  are  nseful.  In  addition  to  them  we  would  advise  you  to  obtain 
the  "  Science  and  Practice  of  Gardening."  price  3s.  When  you  have 
mastered  these  obtain  "The  Cottage  Gardener's  Dictionary,"  and  when 
you  can  spare  the  money,  •'  The  Gardener'B  Assistant,"  by  Robert  Thomp- 
son, which  is  81s.  id.  By  the  time  you  have  studied  the  smaller  of  these 
works  you  would  be  able  to  ascertain  better  the  bent  of  your  own  mind. 
As  yon  are  only  nineteen,  you  would  not  find  much  difficulty  in  getting 
in  as  under  gardener  to  a  large  garden,  more  especially  if  your  employer 
would  recommend  you  to  one  of  our  large  nurserymen.  As,  however, 
you  have  done  well  in  a  small  place,  we  should  hardly  like  to  advise  you 
how  to  act,  as  with  prudence  yon  may  work  vonr  way  from  your  present 
place  to  a  larger  one,  and  then  to  one  larger  still.  Though  by  thus  acting 
your  wages  ultimately  may  be  much  less  than  those  holding  the  best 
places,  you  must  recollect  that  all  along  you  would  be  getting  much 
better  pay  than  a  mere  improving  young  gardener  could  hope  to  expect. 
In  most  small  good  places  the  gardener  is  paid  for  his  work.  Improving 
young  gardeners  (we  say  nothing  in  defence  of  the  system,  hnt  merely 
look  at  it  as  it  is)  must  ever  consider  the  means  of  improvement  as  a 
part  of  their  pay. 

Transplanting  Large  Pampas  Grass  (W.  T.).— The  best  time  in  our 
opinion  to  move  the  large  Pampas  Grass  would  be  at  the  enl  of  March 
next  year.  It  might  be  moved  now  if  you  could  make  sure  of  a  good  ball, 
on  which  depends  the  success  of  the  operation  now  or  in  spring.  The 
grass  should  not  be  cut  away  if  the  plant  is  moved  at  this  season.  It 
ought  to  remain  until  the  beginning  of  April. 

Repotting  Roses  (litem).— Pot  them  now,  and  place  them  in  a  cold 
pit,  giving  plenty  of  air.  As  they  have  not  been  potted  off  two  years  you 
could  not  do  worse  than  give  them  a  large  shift.  We  advise  a  moderate 
shift,  removing  as  much  of  the  old  soil  as  can  well  be  done,  care  being 
taken  of  the  roots.    The  plants  will  flower  in  March  in  the  greenhouse. 

French  Pelargoniums  to  Flower  at  Easter  (Idem).— The  plants 
should  at  once  be  shifted  into  4i-inch  pots,  and  have  a  light  airy  position 
in  a  house  with  a  temperature  of  from  40°  to  45°  from  fire  heat,  and  at 
the  end  of  December  they  should  have  their  blooming  pots  (6-inch).  They 
should  not  be  stopped  after  this,  and  after  February  they  should  have  a 
temperature  of  from  50°  to  55°  from  fire  heat,  affording  them  abundance 
of  air  and  light,  and  keeping  the  shoots  regulated. 

Cutting  out  the  Wood  of  Roses  (E.  F.  IT.).— We  approve  of  your 
now  cutting  out  the  old,  weak,  nseless  wood,  and  also  thinning  the  Bhoota, 
deferring  the  principal  pruning  until  February  or  as  soon  after  as  the 
weather  is  mild.    Yon  may,  however,  do  all  in  spring. 

Arbutub  procera  Transplanting  (J.  R).— This  is  a  good  time  to 
remove  evergreen  Bhrubs;  but  as  vou  are  thinning  out,  perhaps  you  will 
remove  it  to  a  more  open  situation,  in  which  case  the  plants,  from 
losing  the  shelter  they  had  when  close  together,  are  liable  to  be  Bomewhat 
injured  by  the  wind  and  severe  frosts  after  planting.  We  consider  the 
beginning  of  March  a  good  time  to  mnve  the  Arbutus,  and  better  than 
late  in  antumn.  The  best  time  of  all  is  the  end  of  Bnmmer  or  early  in 
autumn,  as  soon  as  the  ground  becomes  moist  and  the  growth  of  the 
plants  is  completed  and  the  wood  firm. 

Plants  for  a  North  Border  (Mrs.  B  ).— There  is  little  hope  of  getting 
anything  to  grow  where  Ivy  does  not ;  but  we  have  found  Cotoneaster 
microphylla  do  well  on  a  north  bord.r,  and  the  Spurge  Laurel,  Alexan- 
drian Lanrel,  Butoher'B  Broom,  Berheris  dulcis,  Vincas  major  and  minor, 
and  the  gold  and  silver  varieties  of  the  last;  V  elegantissima  being  very 
fine,  and  doing  well  almoBt  everywhere.  Skimmia  japonioa  will  grow  in  a 
shaded  border,  and  is  finer  there  than  in  a  sunny  one  Aucuba  japonica 
is  also  good.  We  have  no  doubt  if  you  give  the  above  a  fair  amount 
of  soil,  and  tolerably  rich,  that  they  would  do  well. 

Potato-growing  for  the  London  Market  (A  Novice).— You  do  not 
say  whether  you  intend  growing  early  or  second  early  sorts,  but  we  pre- 
sume both.  Ashleaf  and  Myatt's  Prolific  we  advise  for  early  crops,  and 
Lapstone  and  Early  Oxford  as  second  early  sorts.  The  first  three  are 
kidneys,  and  the  last  a  round  kind.  They  are  good  croppers,  and  of 
excellent  quality.    The  Potatoes  would  be  best  sent  to  market  in  hampers 


— indeed  that  is  the  only  suitable  way  of  sending  the  early  and  second 
early  sorts  before  they  are  ripe  or  have  the  Bkins  fixed.  Apply  to  a  dealer 
in  the  Borough  Market. 

Early  Peas  and  Potatoes  for  Market  (A  Subscriber).—  gangster's 
No.  1  or  Daniel  O'Ronrke  is  the  best  early  Pea  ;  but  Emperor  or  Morning 
Star  is  preferred  by  many  on  account  of  its  free  bearing,  though  it  is  not 
more  so  than  the  lormer.  A  pint  will  sow  a  row  SO  yards  long,  and  if  the 
rows  are  3  feet  apart  you  will  require  about  8*  bnshe's  per  acre.  The 
best  early  Potato  for  the  open  ground  is  Mvatt's"  Prolific  Ashleaf ;  but  the 
old  Ashleaf  comes  in  about  a  week  or  ten  days  earlier. 

Wintering  Fancy  Pelargoniums  (An  Amateur,  Halifax).— Without  a 
greenhouse  it  is  difficult  to  winter  these  plants.  Your  only  plan  will  be 
to  keep  them  dry.  not  giving  them  any  water  beyond  that  needed  to  keep 
the  leaves  from  flagging,  and  you  cannot  keep  tbem  too  near  the  glaBS  as 
loog  as  they  are  safe  from  frost.  We  think  the  plants  have  gone  off 
through  damp.  For  mixing  with  blood  to  apply  to  Apple  and  Cherry 
trees,  we  know  of  nothing  better  than  dry  soil. 

Brick  Dust  for  Upland  Pasture  (East  Norfolk).— II  made  very  fine 
it  may  be  of  some  benefit,  but  we  quostion  very  much  its  utility  unless 
the  soil  is  heavy  Upland  pastures  are  generally  too  dry  already,  without 
adding  anything  of  a  nature  calculated  to  burn  in  dry  hot  periods. 

Grapes  not  Keeping  (H.  P.).— Many  would  be  quite  satisfied  with 
such  fine  Grapes  up  to  this  time,  from  starting  in  March,  though  they 
would  not  keep  until  January.  The  good  keeping  depends  on  the 
Grapes  getting  ripe,  but  not  over-ripe,  in  autumn,  giving  them  plenty  of 
air  of  a  temperate  character,  and  keeping  them  dry,  but  not  parched. 
When  fire  heat  is  applied,  air  should  also  be  given  to  prevent  any  resting 
of  moisture  on  the  berries  Your  taking  out  all  the  plants,  and  keeping 
the  house  dry,  would  almost  lead  us  to  conclude  that  the  damping  and 
going-off  are  partly  owing  to  over-ripeness  after  such  a  bright  summer, 
but  chiefly  owing  to  the  damp  that  you  say  enters  the  house,  we  pre- 
sume from  broken  or  cracked  Bquares,  or  exhausted  puttying.  See  page 
826  on  these  matters.  If  dews  or  rains  get  in  over  the  bunches,  it  is  next 
to  impossible  to  keep  them  fresh. 

Vines  in  a  Greenhouse  (Benri,  Lisburn,  Ireland).— Vol  your  green- 
house vinery  we  would  not  have  more  than  four  Vines— viz  ,two  of  Black 
Hamburgh,  one  Buckland  Sweetwater,  and  one  Muscat  Hamburgh  or 
Royal  Muscadine.  The  border  forthe  Vines  we  would  make  either  chiefly 
or  altogether  on  the  surface  of  the  present  soil,  and  nothing  is  better 
than  fresh  loam  from  the  top  of  a  pasture  which  has  been  well  exposed 
to  the  air,  enriched  with  broken  bones,  and  kept  open  with  a  little 
charcoal  and  rough  lime  rubbish.  If  we  knew  the  circumstances  and  the 
position  of  the  border  we  might  say  more.  See  the  *'  Vine  Manual," 
which  yon  may  have  by  post  from  our  office  for  2s.  Hd. 

Pot  Vines  (A.  It.  Q.).— The  Vines  you  intend  for  fruiting  next  year 
ought  to  be  potted  now  if  they  are  in  less  pots  than  those  11  inches  in 
diameter ;  and  in  potting,  the  roots  should  not  be  disturbed,  merely  loosen- 
ing the  sides  of  the  ball,  and  removing  any  loose  soil ;  13  or  15-inch  pots 
are  not  too  large.  We  think  potting  after  they  Bhowed  fruit  would  pre- 
vent its  swelling,  and  planting  in  an  outside  border  and  fruiting  the 
Vines  the  same  season,  we  think  would  not  prove  successful.  If  you 
plant  them  out,  their  roots  should  be  disentangled  and  spread  out,  and 
thev  should  not  be  allowed  to  bear  fruit  the  first  season. 

Keeping  Berberiues  on  the  Stems  ( Berberry).— Is  it  the  common 
Berberry  you  mean  ?  The  fruit  is  apt  to  fall,  but  we  have  known  it  kept 
for  a  long  time  by  cntting  the  twigs  before  the  fruit  was  quite  ripe,  and 
setting  theni  in  sand  in  a  dry,  cool  place,  and  when  the  leaves  decayed 
taking  them  off.  and  running  weak  gum  arabic  along  the  base  of  the 
fruit.  The  splendid  winter  plant,  Crataegus  Pyracantha,  can  generally 
be  obtained  without  any  trouble,  as  birds  seldom  meddle  with  it.  The 
dark  purple  berries  of  the  evergreen  Berberry,  Berberis  Aquifolium,  often 
stand  well  through  the  winter. 

Beds  on  Turf  (Rector.  Dorset)  — We  approve  generally  of  the  proposed 
mode  of  arrangement.  Your  blank  wall  of  the  school-house  would  look 
well  if  covered  with  Cotoneaster  microphylla,  or  Crataegus  Pyracantha. 
We  fear  that  Picea  Pinsapo  would  be  too  large  for  the  position  No  6,  but 
if  you  have  an  Irish  Yew  at  No.  2,  you  might  have  the  same  or  a  Juniper 
at  No.  6.  Then  we  would  make  4  and  8  Cupressus  Lawsoniana.  No.  5, 
we  would  bring  nearer  to  the  walk  to  harmonise  with  10.  and  if  you  had 
Cotoneaster  against  the  wall,  then  5  and  10  might  be  alike.  We  like  the 
idea  of  the  open  space  of  lawn  in  the  centre,  and  before  the  shrubs  grew 
you  might  have  little  beds  for  flowers  close  to  the  walks. 

Roots  of  Fig  Trees  (B.  B.).— It  is  not  absolutely  necessary  to  brick 
in  the  roots  of  Fig  trees,  but  if  the  roots  have  free  scope,  they  will  be 
apt  to  grow  too  much,  and  the  shoots  will  become  too  luxuriant  for  free 
bearing.  We  have  seen  Fig  trees  ringed  with  great  propriety  to  check 
luxuriance.  We  have  seen  one  half  of  a  tree  as  distinguished  for  fertility 
as  the  other  half  was  for  barren  luxuriance,  because  the  one  half  had 
been  nibbled  with  mice.  Eighteen  inches  in  depth,  and  from  3  to  4  feet 
in  width,  we  consider  space  enough  for  a  good-sized  Fig  tree.  We  have 
seen  fine  crops  with  no  more  width  of  soil  than  30  inches.  This,  how- 
ever, must  be  kept  in  mind — the  less  the  space  enclosed  the  greater  the 
care  required  in  watering.  If  the  soil  becomes  dry  at  critical  times  the 
fruit  will  drop  to  a  certainty. 

Veronica  (Jonas). — Several  of  the  Veronicas  are  now  used  for  bedding 
purposes,  and  as  we  do  not  know  whe'her  you  allude  to  the  flowers  or  the 
hi  age,  we  are  at  a  loss  as  to  what  the  variety  is  respecting  which  yon 
wish  for  instructions.  It  may  be  one  of  the  small  shrubby  kinds,  mostly 
with  blue  flowers,  and  increased  by  cuttings  of  the  growing  parts  inserted 
in  Bund  in  a  gentle  hotbed,  except  in  July  and  August,  when  a  close  cold 
frame  will  do.  There  is  a  variety  with  "  grey  "  or  silver  foliage — viz., 
V.  Candida,  which  is  incresed  by  division,  and  by  cuttings  or  slips 
early  in  summer.    Send  us  a  specimen. 

Craig's  Prolific  Early  Cucumber  (J.  C).— We  received  a  brace  grow- 
ing from  one  branchlet.  They  were  nearly  of  similar  length,  14  inches — 
the  most  serviceable  of  sizes.  They  were  short-necked,  blossom  adhering, 
white-spined,  quite  straight  and  regular  in  form,  flavour  good. 

Forming  a  Pond  (C.  H.  M.). — The  bottom  and  sides  of  the  excavation 
should  be  taken  out  or  down  to  a  good  hard  b  >ttom,  and.  before  putting 
in  any  clay,  ram  firmly.  We  would  then  put  in  a  thin  la\er  of  dry  clay 
and  ram  it  firm,  anil  this  first  layer  should  not  exceed  3  inches  thick. 
We  would  on  it  place  about  2  inches  deep  of  gravel  and  ram  well  down, 
then  put  on  a  layer  of  clay,  adding  water  so  as  to  make  it  ram  well  among 


November  8,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF   HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


357 


the  gravel.  It  is  bad  practice  to  add  too  much  water:  all  that  is  wanted 
is  to  get  the  clay  to  such  a  state  as  to  mm  well  and  firmly.  Add  layers  o! 
clay  until  you  have  a  foot  thick  of  hard-rammed  clay,  and  then  you  may 
finish  off  with  about  an  inch  of  gravel.    That  is  how  we  make  ours. 

Irish  Yew  Transplanting  (Subscriber).—  Now  is  a  good  time  for  its 
removal,  which  may  be  safely  done,  taking  care  to  preserve  as  much  soil 
as  possible  about  the  roots.  After  planting,  give  a  good  watering  to  settle 
the  soil  about  them.  The  Irish  Yew  is  increased  by  seeds  gathered  now, 
laid  in  a  heap  until  spriug,  and  then  sown  in  light  soil,  and  many  of  them 
will  grow  next  year,  but  some  will  not  vegetate  until  the  following  season. 
It  may  also  be  increased  by  cuttings  b'  or  8  inches  in  length  taken  off 
with  a  heel,  which  should  be  pared  smooth  ;  and  after  removing  the  leaves 
from  the  lower  half  iusert  the  cuttings  in  sand  in  a  shady  border,  and 
cover  them  with  a  hand-light.  April  and  August  are  the  most  suitable 
times  to  put  in  cuttings.    Seedling  plants  are  be&t. 

Adiantum  Capillus-Venehis  Fbonds  Browning  (Idem).— We  think 
the  browning  of  tbe  fronds  is  owing  to  the  plants  being  covered  with  the 
bell-glass,  which  we  suppose  is  not  taken  off  daily  and  the  inside  wiped 
dry.  Before  you  repot  the  plant  try  the  effect  of  doing  this.  Remove  the 
fronds  which  are  most  affected.  You  may  repot  now,  but  we  should 
prefer  the  beginning  of  March.  You  may  sow  the  spores  now  with  every 
chance  of  success,  taking  care  to  cover  them  with  a  bell-glass,  and  keep 
the  surface  constantly  muist. 

Honeysuckle  Propagation  (C.  W.  D.).— Now  is  a  good  time  to  put  in 
cuttings.  They  should  be  of  the  ripened  shoots  of  the  current  year  cut 
into  lengths  of  three  joints  each  ;  two  should  be  inserted  in  the  soil, 
leaving  but  one  above  the  surface.  A  sandy  toil  in  a  shady  border  is  the 
most  suitable  position.  If  the  joints  are  far  apart  the  cuttings  need  only 
have  two  joints.  The  less  of  the  cuttings  out  of  tho  Boil  the  better. 
Layers,  however,  are  a  more  certain  mode  of  propagation,  and  may  be 
made  now. 

Climbers  for  a  North  Wall  (M.  L.  D ).— The  best  plant  for  the 
mortar  wall  would  be  Ivy,  which  t-b^uld  be  trained  and  nailed  so  as  to 
keep  it  from  falling  if  there  is  any  likelihood  of  its  doing  so.  C-jtoneaster 
microphylla  would  answer  for  the  cement  wall,  bnt  it  would  be  necessary 
to  nail  it ;  and,  indeed,  there  are  no  plants  that  would  cling  to  a  cement 
wall  without  being  secured  against  it.  Both  the  Pampas  Grass  and 
Tritonia  aurea  would  not  succeed  on  a  lawn  at  a  high  elevation  and  in 
an  exposed  position  north  of  Lancaster.  The  Tritonia  is  with  us  a  poor 
lawn  plant,  and  we  think  you  meant  Tritoma  Uvaria,  which  succeeds 
admirably  much  further  north,  also  the  Pampas  Grass  except  in  bleak 
positions.    Now  is  a  good  time  to  plant  the  creepers. 

Planting  Pear  Trees  (H.  M.,  Dublin).— Let  the  upper  roots  be  not 
more  than  a  foot  below  the  surface,  and  mulch  over  them  in  summer. 
No  planting  is  much  worse  than  deep  planting. 

Labels  (Qeorgiana  N.).— Use  zinc  labels,  and  with  a  quill  pen  write  on 
them  with  the  following  ink  :— Sal  ammoniac  powder  aud  verdigris,  each 
1  drachm,  lampblnck  half  a  drachm,  mixing  with  10  drachms  of  water. 
The  labels  should  previously  be  scoured  with  sand  paper. 

Cinerarias  Failing  (A.  Z.). — We  think  that  the  soil  you  have  grown 
them  in  is  too  poor  and  too  light.  Try  the  following  compost: — Turfy 
loam  from  an  upland  pasture,  two  parts  ;  fibrous  peat,  one  part;  decayed 
leaves,  one  part ;  very  rotten  cow  dung,  half  a  part ;  and  a  small  addition 
of  river  sand.    Water  your  present  plants  with  weak  liquid  manure. 

Lkaves  for  Bouquets.— The  leaveB  of  the  Stag's-horn  Sumach  may  be 
preserved  with  all  their  beautiful  autumnal  tints  by  pressing  them  in  a 
book.  Such  leaves  make  a  splendid  background  for  winter  bouquets, 
and  are  very  ornamental  alone  in  vases  for  the  mantelpiece.— G.  Bunyard, 
Maidstone. 

Select  Indian  Azaleas  (Colonel  B.).— Admiration,  Brilliant,  Ohelsoni, 
Criterion.  Due  do  Nassau,  Etoile  de  Gand,  Extranei,  Fiower  of  the  Day, 
Gledstanesi  formosi,  Grand  Due  Michel,  Her  Majesty,  Iveryana,  Kirjg- 
horni,  Madame  Miellez,  Mars,  Stella,  Vesuvius,  and  Stanleyana.  The 
Pelargoniums  you  name  are  good. 

ALLAiiANDA  violacea  and  Culture  (J.  Bayly).— Lik«  the  rest  o*  the 
genus  it  is  a  climber,  but  maybe  grown  bushy.  Its  flowers  are  lilac- 
coloured,  aud  open  at  the  end  of  September  and  during  October.  It  is  a 
native  of  Brazil,  and  requires  the  same  culture  as  the  yellow-flowered 
species,  thus  well  detailed  by  Mr.  Williams  in  his  "  Choice  stove  and 
Greenhouse  Plants."  "  If  allowed  to  make  long  growths  they  will  require 
a  trellis,  the  most  desirable  being  that  of  a  balloon  shape;  but  the  best 
system  of  growing  these  plants  is  to  prune  hard  back  in  the  spring,  just 
before  the  buds  start,  after  which  the  young  shoots  should  be  pinched 
back  once  or  twice,  to  induce  them  to  throw  out  latera's,  and  thus  to 
make  a  bushy  plant.  When  treated  in  this  manner  a  few  stakes  only  will 
be  necessurv  to  give  them  uniformity  and  symmetry  in  sh>ipe  and  ap- 
pearance. The  !-oil  should  be  composed  of  equal  pari  s  fibrous  loam,  peat, 
leaf  mould,  and  silver  sand,  with  the  addition  of  a  little  well-decayed 
manure.  Whim  potted,  the  plsnis  should  be  placed  in  a  temperature 
ranging  from  65°  to  75°.  and  as  near  tbe  glass  as  possible,  and  they  must 
be  treated  liberally  with  water  from  the  syringe  until  October,  when  it 
must  be  gradually  withheld.  In  spriug  they  will  want  repotting,  and  to 
be  again  treated  in  the  same  way,  when  they  will  soon  throw  out  bloom- 
ing laterals.  If  required  to  bloom  early  they  must  be  started  early  in  the 
month  of  January.''  A.  violacea  seems  to  require  a  little  more  nourish- 
ment than  lhe  other  species.  Give  it  weak  liquid  manure  once  a-week 
after  the  bloom  bads  are  apparent. 

Heating  a  Conservatory  (Wild  Wind).— You  can  heat  the  conserva- 
tory with  the  noith  aspect,  provided,  if  tbe  top  of  the  boiler  is  a  close 
one,  the  pipes  in  the  house  are  higher,  not  lower  than  the  boiler.  If  the 
boiler  has  an  open  top  your  flow  pipe  might  be  level  all  round,  and 
6  inches  below  the  top  of  the  boiler,  the  return  entering  near  the  bottom 
of  the  boiler  With  a  close  boiler  you  can  take  tbe  pipes  prett>  well  as 
high  as  you  like,  if  not  higher  than  the  feeding  pipe  or  cistern,  but  you 
cannot  take  the  hot  water  beneath  the  level  of  the  boiler.  The  easiest 
mode  for  connecting  the  pipes  with  the  boiler  is  to  use  1-inch  strong  gas 
pipes  to  screw  itito  the  boiler  ;  on  these  you  could  have  taps.  In  such  a 
house,  besides  Fern-  and  Mosses,  you  could  grow  Camellias  and  the  fine- 
foliaged  Begouiis,  &c.  Ferns,  MosBes,  and  Begonias,  with  a  few  Dra- 
cesnas,  &o.,  wonld  make  an  interesting  house. 

Names  of  Fruits  (A  Twelve-years  Subscriber).— I!  your  Grape  is  a 
Muscat,  as  you  say  it  is,  you  must  not  expect  it  to  ripen  out  of  doors.  It 
most  not  only  be  under  glass  but  the  house  must  be  artificially  heated. 


(B.   B.).  — Apples:   2,  Court-Pendu-Plat;   3,  Franklin's  Golden  Pippin; 

4,  Reinette  du  Canada;  5.  Court  of  Wick;  7,  Golden  Winter  Pearmain. 
Pears:  1,  Fondante  d'Automne;  3,  ABton  Town;   4,  Doyenne  Musque; 

5.  Doyenne  Blanc.  Others  not  recognised.  The  Pears  were  decayed. 
(Delta).— Beurre  Nantais.  (C.  S.).— 1,  Brookes'  Pippin  ;  2,  Christie's  Pip- 
pin. ( W.  Thomson)  —  Not  known,  very  astringent.  (J.  M-). — Api  noir. 
Send  a  freBh  specimen  of  the  flower.  (An  Old  Subscriber). — It  is  a  very 
fine  specimen  of  Warner's  King.  (J.  A.  ff.,  Suffolk).— Pears :  17,  Gloa 
Morceau  ;  8,  White  Doyenne;  15,  Swan's  Egg;  16,  Dunmore;  13,  Maria 
Louise;  9,  Beurre  de  Ranee.  Apples:  6,  Downton  Pippin;  18,  Scarlet 
Pearmain;  19,  Coe's  Golden  Drop;  4,  Cambridge  Pippin  ;  7,  Gros  Faros; 
5,  Striped  Holland  pippin  ;  1,  Golden  Noble;  3,  Court-Pendu-Plat ;  2,  Non- 
pareil, (ff.  S.). — The  Grape  is  one  of  the  many  vineyard  varieties  cul- 
tivated for  the  vintage  only,  and  is  neither  cultivated  nor  worthy  of  cul- 
tivation in  this  country. 

Names  of  Plants  Iff.  Armytage). — We  cannot  name  plants  from  leaves 
only.  No.  4  is  Berberis  Darwinii.  (W.  iff.).— The  same  answer  applies  to 
your  specimens,  (ff.  Mason). — 1,  Garrya  elliptica;  2,  Veronica  spicata; 
3,  cannot  be  identified  from  such  specimens;  4,  Lamium  maculatum ; 
5,  Omithogalum  alliaceum,  the  '*  Onion  plant  "  (B.  B.). — 1,  Escallonia 
rubra  ;  2,  Cupressus  orientalis  ;  3,  Phlo    is  Leonurus.    (An  Old  Subscriber). 

1,  Garrya  elliptica  You  ask  if  this  shrub  flowers.  Certainly  it  does,  and 
now  and  for  some  little  time  past  is  its  season  ;  indeed,  the  post  has  just 
brought  us  a  flowering  specimen  to  be  named,  which  you  can  have  by 
sending  your  address  to  the  Editors  ;  2,  Bupleurum  fruticosum  ;  3,  Per- 
nettya   mucronata.      (HaUtead    Correspondent).— \y   Gilia   coronopifolia; 

2,  Pentstemon  gentianoides ;  3,  Tricyrlis  hirta  (E.  M.  B.,  Enfield). — 
Your  plant  is  without  doubt  a  species  of  Bauhinia,  we  should  say  it  is 
B.  purpurea,  a  native  of  India;  if  your  Beeds  are  from  Demerara  they 
cannot   be   from  wild  plants.      (A.  if.).— 1,  Adiantum  Capillus-Veneris; 

2,  Pteris  longifolia  ;  3,  Scolopendrium  vulgare.var  convolvere;  4,  Phlomia 
Leonurus.     (Colonel  Bingfordt. — 1,  Lastrea  dilatata  ;  2,  Doodia  caudata; 

3,  Pteris  serrulata  ;  4,  Asplenium  marinam  ;  6,  Athyrium  Filix-fosmina, 
in  a  very  young  state. 


POULTRY,    BEE.    AND   PIGEON    CHRONICLE. 


PRIZES-JUDGING— REPORTING— BUYING. 

My  attention  having  been  directed  to  a  letter  of  Mr.  L. 
Wright'a,  in  the  Journal  of  October  20th,  in  which  he  requests 
me  by  name  to  give  an  opinion  on  various  subjects  he  mentions 
in  reference  to  poultry  shows,  I  comply  with  his  request  as 
plainly  and  briefly  as  possible. 

In  the  first  place,  then,  I  am  by  long  experience  well  as- 
sured, as  Mr.  L.  Wright  very  correctly  states,  that  too  great  a 
difference  in  the  value  of  the  prizes  in  each  claSB  materially 
lessens  competition.  To  secure,  therefore,  the  most  entries, 
combined  with  the  best  pecuniary  results  to  the  show,  if  I  had 
the  regulation  of  £10  to  each  class  I  would  divide  it  as  follows 
— £4,  £3,  £2,  £1,  being  four  prizes,  thus  giving  one  extra 
chance  of  winning  to  each  entry  over  our  preseDt  general  rules, 
and  also  bringing  the  prizes  more  in  accordance  with  the 
relative  perfection  of  the  pens  exhibited. 

Mr.  L.  Wright  proceeds  to  suggest  the  expediency  of  giving 
in  "  order  of  merit  "  all  the  highly  commended  pens,  adding, 
"  nothing  could   be  more  easy."     I,  on  the  contrary,  contend 
nothing  could   be  more  difficult;  nor  do  I  conceive  thet  any 
individual  at  all  experienced  in  tbe  arbitrations  of  a  large  show 
would  by  any  possibility  have  urged  such  a  sugget-tion.     And 
why?     Not  unfrfquently  the  time  at  first  appointed  renders  it 
necessary  that  the  arbitrations  should  be  completed  at  the  rate 
of  something  like  one  hundred  pens  an  hour.     Unlooked-for 
delays  very  often  bring  with  them  much  abbreviation  of  the 
time  first  allotted  ;  and  yet,  to   add  to  this  already  too  great 
restriction,  Mr.  Wr ight  asks  that  the  several  highly  commended 
pens  in  the  majority  of  the  classes  as  they  happen  to  arise, 
shall  be  placed  in  their  "  relative  order  of  merit,"  and  repeats, 
"  nothing  could  be  more  easy."     It  will,  on  the  contrary,  be 
only  too  vividly  photographed  on  the  memory  of  all  practised 
judges,  that  the  award  of  even  a  third  prize  often  takes  twice 
the  time  and  trouble  that  was  required  to  decide  on  the  first 
and  second  prizes,  and  proportionably  as  you  descend  into  the 
ranks  of  mediocrity  so  do  the  difficulties  become  greater  and 
greater,  until  at  length,  as  you  get  to  the  lowest  grade,  the 
Irishman's  assertion  quoted  in   Mr.  Wright's  letter    becomes 
pretty  near  the  fant — viz.,  "That  one  was  as  good  another 
and  a  great  deal  better."      Certainly,  then,  any  judge  would 
require  fivefold  the  time  at  present,  given  to  overcome  this  in- 
creased difficulty,  than  which,  Mr.  Wright  says,  "  nothing  could 
be  more  eaBy."     I  am  assured  that  a  little  personal  practioal 
experience,  were   he   individually  to   try   his   proposed   plan, 
would  be  all  that  is  wanted  to  convince  Mr.  Wright  of  its  utter 
impracticability;   and  I  cannot  but  think  he  is  now  fruitlessly 
expending  as  much  time  and  money  upon  this  matter  as  he 
now  admits  he  did  in  his  efforts  a  year  back  respecting  "trim- 
ming," which  all  of  us  disapprove;  but  some  of  the  very  first 
on  the  list  of  protestors  proved  among  the  very  earliest  to  be 


358 


JOUBNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  November  8,  1870. 


"  canght,"  and  "disqualified,"  for  actually  sewing  cocks' 
combs  through  and  through  to  keep  them  upright. 

But  maDy  of  our  amateurs  may  ask — How  can  these  things 
be  remedied?  I  rejoin,  By  employing  additional  judges,  and 
thus  giving  them  sufficient  time.  Not,  be  it  supposed,  by 
sending  three  or  four  gentlemen  together,  for  that  only  retards 
progress,  but  let  each  have  his  appointed  section,  allotting 
from  sixty  to  seventy  pens  an  hour  in  the  general  classes,  and 
considerably  more  time  to  all  varieties  of  Game  fowls,  as  the 
majority  of  the  best  of  these  birds  should  be  "  handled."  But 
at  once  this  brings  the  almost  general  veto  of  committees. 
"  Our  receipts,"  say  they,  "  do  not  allow  of  our  employing  more 
than  one  judge,"  even  should  he  request  simply  his  travelling 
expenses  (which  I  know  in  the  case  of  one  official  only  is  not  at 
all  unfrequently  never  refunded);  therefore,  these  suggestions 
of  extra  arbitrators  are  at  the  first  committee  meeting  usually 
thrown  to  the  wind  in  toto,  as  "  extra  pull-backs." 

To  take  notes  on  the  Bpot  as  to  the  relative  exoellenoe  of 
rival  pens  in  large  classes,  coupled  with  time  restricted,  is  im- 
possible, and  still  more  so  to  record  simply  from  meniorv  the 
varied  characteristics  of  pen  after  pen  of  individual  fowls  in 
keen  competition.  My  honest  conviotion  is  this,  that  many 
buyers  of  prize  pens  of  poultry  have  to  date  tbeirdisappointment 
from  one  or  other  of  two  causes,  either  "claiming"  without 
seeing  the  actual  prize  pens  at  certain  shows,  where,  to  the 
disgust  of  the  arbitrator,  he  was  compelled  to  give  the  prizes 
to  the  best  birds  there  to  keep  faith  with  the  exhibitors,  as  the 
committees  express  it,  though  very,  very  imperfect  specimens 
indeed  ;  or  through  the  etill  more  reprehensible  praotice  of 
sending  the  money  for  them,  as  priced  in  the  catalogue,  after 
the  birds  were  returned  to  the  exhibitor  and  the  show  con- 
cluded. In  the  last-named  case,  oh  !  how  often,  in  spite  of  my 
expostulations,  a9  being  no  part  of  the  legitimate  duty  to  be  ex- 
pected from  a  poultry  judge,  have  I  been  an  involuntary  witness 
to  the  most  lively  "change-ringing." 

My  concluding  advice  to  buyers  is  Ibis — If  you  want  certain 
pens,  examine  them  on  the  spot;  if  approved,  claim  them  at 
once,  and  let  them  go  directly  through  the  committee,  at  the 
close  of  the  Bhow,  to  your  own  address. — Edward  Hewitt. 


WHITE   DORKINGS. 

It  may  be  useful  for  poultry-fanciers  who  have  given  their 
attention  to  any  one  particular  breed,  to  publish  from  time  to 
time  the  results  of  their  experience  aB  a  guide  to  others. 

White  Dorkings,  an  exceptionally  beautiful  variety,  provided 
only  they  have  a  clean  grass  field  to  run  in,  have  of  late  been 
much  neglected.  Few  entries  have  been  made  at  the  principal 
shows,  and  consequently  the  prizes  have  been  reduced  in 
number  and  value  ;  or  the  separate  clasB  has  been  abolished, 
and  Whites  have  been  forced  to  compete  at.  great  disadvantages 
with  Coloured  and  Silver-Grey  birds,  so  different  in  essential 
points.  I  think  the  breed  has  fallen  into  this  disrepute  from 
ignorance  of  its  merits  ;  and  as  my  experience  in  it  has  drawn 
me  to  make  a  veiy  different  estimate  of  them  to  that  usually 
given  in  poultry  books,  it  may  not  be  amiss  to  relate  it. 

1.  As  to  their  hardihood.  It  is  stated  in  nearly  all  poultry 
books  that  White  Dorkings  are  a  delicate  variety.  I  believe 
this  idea  arose  from  the  old  notion  (an  erroneous  one,  me 
iudice),  that  all  white  birds  are  delicate.  The  earlier  authors 
gave  this  as  their  opiuion,  and  others  have  simply  copied  their 
remarks  upon  breeds  in  which  they  are  not  themselves  learned. 
This  I  have  found  to  be  the  greatest  miitahe.  I  seldom  lose 
a  chicken  or  have  a  sick  bird.  Early  in  the  spring  of  thiB  year, 
when,  from  Borne  mysterious  epidemic,  I  lost  the  whole  of  my 
young  stock  of  Coloured  and  Silver-Grey  Dorkings  and  Game 
Bantams,  and  even  many  Brahmas  and  Scotch  Greys,  of  White 
Dorkings  under  the  same  hens  I  did  not  lose  1  in  8,  and  the 
earlier  pullets  have  long  been  fine  mature-looking  hens.  The 
breeding  stock  keep  healthy  through  the  jear  in  a  very  small 
run,  with  two  or  three  hours'  exercise  daily  in  a  grass  field, 
and  rather  more  liberty  at  monltir  g  time. 

2.  As  to  tbeir  laying  properties.  They  are  generally  classed 
with  other  D  irbings  as  bad  layers.  This,  too,  in  my  yard  has 
been  proved  an  entire  error.  The  pullets  begin  to  lay  at  six 
or  seven  months  old,  produce  more  than  twice  as  many  eggs — 
large  round  ones  of  a  pinkish  colour — as  Coloured  or  Silver- 
Grey  birds,  and  often  continue  to  lay  through  nine  months  in 
the  year.  They  are  almost  non-sitters.  Some  steal  tbeir  nests, 
hatoh  in  a  wood,  and  prove  good  mothers;  but  they  hardly 
ever  take  to  the  nest  in  a  house.  I  have  hens  of  two  years  and 
a  half  old,  which  have  never  Bhown  the  slightest  desire  to  sit. 


3.  As  to  size.  Here  they  confessedly  fall  short  of  Coloured 
birds  ;  yet  last  year  I  had  cockerels  weighing  over  8  lbs.  and 
pullets  5J  lbs.  at  seven  months  old.  I  do  not  think,  however, 
that  mature  birds  muoh  exceed  these  weights,  at  least  mine  do 
not ;  but  I  believe  there  are  other  strains  finer  in  mere  size. 

4.  Their  excellence  fur  the  table  all  allow. 

Such  is  my  experience.  My  stock  originally  came  from  a 
farm  in  Sussex,  but  it  has  been  necessary  to  introduce  fresh 
blood  through  a  Birmingham  prize  cock,  and  the  pullets  from 
this  oross  lay  smaller  and  whiter  eggs.  I  may  be  peculiarly 
fortunate  in  this  strain,  but  at  least  it  is  worth  while  letting 
others  know  that  a  breed  ornamental  beyond  almost  all  others 
with  their  snowy  plumage  and  coral-like  onmbs,  may  also  be 
made  one  of  the  most  generally  useful. — 0.  E.  Cresswell. 


POUTER   PROSPECTS. 

A  most  unfortunate  fatality  has  brought  into  the  space  of 
seventeen  days  the  three  great  Pouter  Shows  of  the  season — 
namely,  the  Scottish,  the  Birmingham,  and  the  Loudon  ;  but 
none  the  less  there  are  prospects  of  a  competition  keener  and 
more  advanced  than  ever. 

Glasgow  this  year,  in  courtesy  to  a  newly-formed  Society, 
gives  place  to  Edinburgh,  at  which  latter  city  the  great  Scottish 
Exhibition  will  be  held.  The  new  Society  maintains  that 
amplitude  of  schedule  in  favour  of  standard  birds  so  long  in 
vogue  at  Glasgow,  but  with  much  judgment  has  provided  two 
classes  only  for  outside  varieties  —  Mealies,  Splashes,  See., 
hitherto,  by  a  too  profuse  classification,  placed  almost  on  a  par 
with  birds  of  Btandard  pretensions.  This  arrangement  is  a 
clear  step  in  advance,  and  if  persevered  in  will  unfailingly 
promote  the  best  interests  of  the  Pouter  and  its  admirers. 
The  special  prize  instituted  Borne  years  ago  by  Mr.  Volckman 
for  excellence  of  proportion  and  carriage,  open  to  all  the  Pied 
classes,  is  transferred  to  Edinburgh,  Mr.  Ure  keeping  that 
gentleman  company  by  offering  a  similar  prize,  so  that  both 
cocka  and  hens  may  have  the  benefit  of  an  extra  searching 
adjudication. 

Birmingham  also  maintains  its  lately- enlarged  classification, 
a  proof  that  a  correct  principle  will  Btirely  win  its  way.  Yellow 
Pied  Pouters,  however,  ocoupy  a  most  equivocal  position,  being 
exiled  to  the  "  Any  other  colour  "  class,  to  keep  oompany  with 
Grizzles  and  Sandies.  Whether  this  is  intended  as  a  degrada- 
tion of  Yellow  Pieds  (sometime  the  favourite  colour),  or  the 
elevation  of  Pouter  weeds  to  the  level  of  standard  birds,  it  is 
impossible  to  divine.  The  judges,  however,  should  have  some- 
thing very  trenchant  to  say  in  the  matter,  and  by  unflinchingly 
giving  all  the  awards  in  this  class  to  the  standard  Yellows, 
should  relegate  the  weeds  to  their  true  position. 

London  creates  astonishment  by  the  energy  it  is  displaying 
on  behalf  of  a  variety  it  has  so  long  neglected.  Hitherto  Car- 
riers and  Almonds  have  all  but  monopolised  its  attention  ;  but 
now,  as  though  with  a  twinge  of  conscience,  it  is  clearly  setting 
about  making  up  for  lost  time,  and  is  endeavouring  to  win  its 
way  into  favour  by  au  almost  lavish  consideration  of  Pouter 
claims.  Of  the  seventeen  cups  for  Pigeons,  four  are  devoted  to 
Pouters  aloDe.  The  classification  is  admirable,  compact  yet 
ample  ;  and  the  prizes  are  so  distributed  as  to  secure  the  utmost 
respect  for  standard  excellence.  Fourteen  claBses  now  t»ke  the 
place  of  the  Bix  of  last  year,  a  result  mainly  brought  about  by 
a  twenty-guinea  fund  inaugurated  by  Mr.  Volckman,  who,  in 
addition  to  English  donations,  has  received  the  heartiest  sup- 
port from  Scotoh  friends  and  fanciers — a  courtesy,  we  trust, 
foreshadowing  more  and  more  of  mutual  co-operation.  The 
fund  in  question  is  supplemented  by  £30  from  the  Show  Com- 
mittee, and  a  five-guinea  piece  of  plate  from  Mr.  Ord.  With  a 
schedule  so  well  constructed  and  furnished,  it  will  be  the  fault 
and  the  loss  of  the  fanciers  themselves,  both  Scotch  and  English, 
should  this  opportunity  be  wasted  of  reviving  the  Pouter  in- 
terest and  widely  extending  the  circle  of  his  patrons.  We  hope, 
therefore,  that  the  nave  of  the  Crystal  Palace,  where  the  Pigeons 
will  have  the  great  advantage  of  being  shown,  will  present  a 
grand  gathering  of  the  best  speoimens  from  all  points  of  the 
compass. 

Pouters  are  clearly  "looking  up,"  not  merely  in  the  better 
provision  which  is  being  made  for  them,  but  in  that  more  in- 
telligent regard  far  a  standard  undivided  and  complete,  so 
lately  advooated  in  these  columns. 


Crystal   Palace    Poultry    Show.  —  H.    S.   Fraser,   Esq., 
Headley,  near  Liphook,  Hants,  has  sent  us  the  following  list 


November  3, 1870.  ] 


JO0BNAL  OF   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE     GARDENEB. 


359 


of  subscriptions  to  the  cup  for  Houdans  at  the  great  London 

Poultry  Show  :  — 

£   s.  d. 

The  Committee  of  the  London  Poultry  Show 2    0  0 

Mrs.  McAdim 0  10  0 

The  Rev.  U.  Rowland   0    2  6 

The  Rev   S.  Milner     0    2  6 

Mr.  W.  Massey    0  10  0 

Mr.  R  B.Wood   0  1"  0 

Mr.  W.  Drins  0    7  6 

Mr.  \V.  O.Quibell    0    5  0 

Mr.  H.  S.  Fraser 0  12  6 

Total £5    0  0 


We  are  requested  to  state  that  the  Committee,  through  the 
donations  of  a  few  amateurs  per  Mr.  G.  Saunders  Sainsburv.  are 
able  to  offer  four  prizia  of  £3,  £1  10s.,  £1,  and  10s  for  Black 
Ducks.  Also,  that  exhibitors  wishing  to  send  their  birds  to 
other  shows  will  be  allowed  to  remove  them  after  6  p  M.  on 
Saturday,  December  10th  ;  or  they  will  be  dispatched,  if  the 
proper  labels  are  sent,  on  that  evening;  but  in  all  cases  a 
written  request  should  be  made  to  the  Honorary  Secretaries  not 
later  than  Wednesday,  December  7th. 


INQUIRY. 


I  beg  to  rffer  the  following  in  explanation  and  defence : — In 
the  first  place  I  would  remark,  that  there  is  something  very 
strange  and  highly  suspicious  in  any  man  advertising  wares 
under  a  false  name,  and  that  George  W.  Purdon,  shoemaker, 
Driffield,  writing  under  the  incognito  of  "J.  Punshon,"  fur- 
nishes prima  facie  evidence  that  there  must  be  something 
radically  wrong.  The  objeot  of  the  writer  of  this  is  not  to 
recriminate  or  attempt  to  depreciate  the  mneh-vaunted  150 
head  of  piize  fowls  of  "J.  Punshon,"  but  "  I  will  a  plain  un- 
varnished tale  deliver,"  by  giving  the  real  facts  of  the  case. 

Attracted  bv  an  advertisement  of  150  head  of  prize  fowls  for 
sale  by  a  "J.  Punshon,  of  Downe  Street,  Driffield,"  a  gentleman 
took  train  to  Driffield  in  quest  of  the  sa'd  J.  Punshon,  of  Downe 
Street,  but  after  a  long  searoh  no  "  J.  Punshon  "  could  be  dis- 
covered ;  the  object  of  searoh  was  voted  a  myth,  the  gentle- 
man feeling  very  foolish  *nd  chagrined.  "East  Yorkshire," 
it  appears,  was  about  to  leave  by  train,  and  casually  entering 
into  conversation  with  one  of  the  railway  porters,  was  recom- 
mended to  apply  to  me  as  an  extensive  exhibitor.  Tbe  gentle- 
man came,  or  rather  was  brought  to  me,  and  I  had  the  pleasure 
of  selling  him  a  pen  of  first-rate  birds,  and  not  "  second-rate," 
as  stated  by  J.  Punshon.  After  the  sale  of  the  birds  the  gentle- 
man naturally  conversed  on  tbe  subject,  and  most  assuredly 
I  mentioned  the  fact  of  J.  Punshon's  fowls  being  diseased,  but 
not  with  the  remotest  intent  of  affecting  J.  Punshon's  in- 
terest ;  indeed,  the  facts  of  the  birds  having  bem  purchased  and 
tbe  gentleman  being  about  to  leave,  showed  there  was  no  such 
animus. 

In  conclusion  I  would  remark,  that  I  can  well  afford  to  allow 
J.  Punshon  his  braggart  remarks  relative  to  the  number  and 
quality  of  his  fowls,  and,  perhaps,  he  will  pardon  something 
like  the  same  prinoiple  in  myself,  when  I  remind  him  that 
during  the  last  three  seasons  I  have  taken  450  prizes,  snd  have 
sold  single  birds  for  as  high  as  £3  10s.  each. — George  Holmes, 
Laura  Cottages,  Great  Driffield. 

[Here  this  correspondence  must  cease  from  our  columns. — 
Ens.] 

RABBITS   AT   THE   COMING  YORK  SHOW. 

The  Committee  are  congratulated  on  the  attractive  prize 
list. — viz.,  two  five-guinea  cups  for  five  classes  of  Lops;  one 
silver  medal,  value  one  guinea,  for  the  "  Variety  classes  " — viz  , 
Angora,  Himalayan,  and  Any  other  variety.  The  first  five 
classes  are  for  siugle  Babbits,  the  last  three  are  for  pairs. 
Entranoe  fee,  2s.  in  all  classes.  Prizes — 20s.  and  10s.  classes 
1  to  5  ;  15s   and  7s.  6d.  classes  6  to  8. 

I  cannot  think,  with  the  above  facts  before  me,  that  "  Cu- 
niculus  "  can  congratulate  the  Committee  on  offering  such  un- 
fair terms  to  the  latter  three  classes,  well  knowing  the  variety 
classes  will  be  about  two  to  one  at  the  Show.  I  was  can- 
vassed to  contribute  towards  the  cups  ;  I  promised  10s.  6d  ,  and 
pledged  to  enter  eight  pens  (16s)  in  the  "Variety  class,"  not 
being  a  Loo-fancier,  on  condition  that  a  cup  should  be  given  to 
"Variety  classes,"  and  single  Rabbits  to  be  a  pen,  not  pairs. 
My  offer  was  declined,  and  I  was  well  snubbed,  and  told  to  oolleot 


for  a  cup  in  my  own  classes,  as  the  cups  were  for  Lops.  Can 
the  York  Committee,  by  (  ffering  Buch  terms,  be  dealing  fairly 
with  tbe  Rabbit-fanciers?  Eleven  guineas  are  colleoted  for 
cups  and  medal.  I  think  the  Committee  ought  to  have  made  a 
common  fund,  and  given  three  four-guinea  cups,  which  would 
have  been  more  satii- factory.  I  shall  decline  entering  anything 
under  the  circumstances. — S.  G.  Hudson. 


The  glowing  aocount  given  by  "  Cunicolus  "  of  the  above 
Show,  would  lead  most  people  to  believe  that  something  extra- 
ordinary and  above  the  average  mark  was  offered  ;  but  now 
that  tbe  subject  is  fully  broached,  I  have  no  he>-itatiun  in  mak- 
ing a  few  remarks  on  the  partial  way  in  which  the  prizes, 
especially  the  cups,  are  offered.  In  the  first  place,  there  are 
five  classes  for  Lop. eared — first  prize,  £1;  second,  10s.;  and 
two  silver  oups,  valued  at  five-guineas  each  ;  entrance,  2s.  per 
pen.  Now  we  come  to  the  ill-used  fancy  varieties,  of  which 
about  six  have  to  be  content  with  only  three  classes,  and  the 
prizes  as  follows : — First,  15s.;  second,  10s  ;  and  silver  medal 
for  the  best  in  the  three  classes  ;  entrance,  2s.  per  pen— just  the 
same  as  the  L>ps,  to  which  three  times  the  amount  of  prizes 
are  given,  and  but  for  tbe  generous  donor  of  the  medal  I  sup- 
pose we  should  have  to  be  content  with  the  money  prizes  alone. 
Above  all  other  faults  is  having  to  show  in  pairs,  which  is  a 
great  drawback  to  all  exhibitors,  besides  being  very  disgusting, 
and  double  the  weight  in  carriage.  Very  often  after  a  show 
of  this  kind,  you  find  your  finest  Babbit  breeding,  which 
spoils  her  for  some  time  ;  it  is  of  this  that  I  am  loudest  in 
my  complaints,  and  I  am  sure  it  is  not  too  late  for  the  Com- 
mittee, if  they  think  proper,  to  publish  in  "  our  Journal  "  that 
they  have  resolved  to  have  only  single  Babbits  (-hewn,  instead  of 
the  pairs.  I  for  one  would  make  double  the  number  of  entries 
to  what  I  should  if  the  list  remain  as  it  is,  as  I  do  not  wi«h  to 
spoil  my  prize  does  for  the  rest  of  the  coming  shows.  It  is  the 
greatest  bar  to  the  success  of  the  York  Show,  and  will  keep 
back  some  choice  specimens.  I  think  if  the  Judge's  name 
could  be  stated,  we  should  know  better  what  to  send. — J.  B. 


SOUTHAMPTON  POULTRY  SHOW. 

This  Show,  which  opened  on  the  1st  inst,  consists  of  848  pens  of 
poultry,  Pigeons,  Canaries,  British  and  foreign  birds.  It  is  a  very 
good  collection,  and  altbongh  the  first  was  the  half-crown  day,  it  was 
thronged  with  high-class  visitors.  As  a  whole  the  condi'ion  of  the 
birds  is  excellent.  The  prize  Canaries  are  superb  in  colour.  We 
shall  publish  a  full  report  next  week. 

Spavjsh— 1  and  Cup.  best  pen  in  Show,  H.  Yardley, Birmingham.  %  Nicholls 
and  Howard,    he.  J.  R.  Rodbar^  ;  H.    Brown. 

Dofkinos  — 1  and  Cup,  J.  Martin.  2,  T.  Briden.  he.  Viscount  Tu*-nour ; 
H.  Lingwood;  O.  K.  Cresswell :  L.  PaHon  :  J.  Lewry.  Chickens.— 1,  L  Patton. 
2.  J.  Marrin.  he,  F  Parlett.  Great  Baddow  ;  Viscount  Turn-mr  ;  J.  Smith  ;  J. 
White;  H.  Lingwood:  J.  Martin;  O.  K.  Cresswell;  Mrs.  Bun;  L.  PaUon ;  L. 
Lewry;  Conntess  of  Aylesford.  c.  F  Parlett:  J.  WattB,  Birmingham;  H. 
Lingwood  ;  J  L.L'iwndes  ;  Conntesn  of  Avlesford. 

Cochins  f  Any  varie'v).— 1  H'-race  Lingwood.  2andS,  .T  Cattell  he,  J.  K. 
Fowler,  Aylesbury;  R.  S.  S  Woodeate;  J.  Stephens,  c,  W.  Masland;  Mrs. 
Allsopp  :  Chuckl*>v  &  Dove  ;  A.  Gibson 

Brmimas  —  Dark  —1  and  2.  H.  LiDgwood.  he  and  c,  Hon.  *"ips  D.  Pennant. 
Light.— 1  and  Cop  and  2,  H.  M.  Mavn-H.  3.  H.  Dows^t.  he.  Mrs.  T.  Turner; 
H.  M.  Mavnard  :  J.  Pares  ;  F.  Crook.  Chicken*.— 1  and  Cupa"d  -2.  Mrs.  William- 
son. 3,  H.  M.  Mavnard.  he.  Mrs.  T.  Turner;  A.  O  Workington;  Rev.  N.  J. 
Ridley,    c.  H.M.  Mavnard  :  T.  A.  Dean  :  J.  Pares;  F.  (rook. 

Game.— Black  and'other  Reds.— I  and  Cup.  H.  Gibson.  2,  J.  T  aming.  he,  1. 
Laming:  H.  C.  D*ar.  Chickens.  1.  J.  famine.  2,  E.  Bell,  he,  J.  Laming; 
S.  Matthews,  c.  W.  H.  S'rase.  Any  Variety  — 1.  H.  M  Julian  (Dnckwing). 
2.  J.  Mason  (Durkwin<rl.  he.  C.  F.  Montressor  (Pile) ;  G.  S.  fcainebury  (Duck- 
wine);    W.  Borfnot  tDuekwing). 

HAMBURGHs.-*'i7i*;r  and  Gnhl-pencWrrt.—l  and  c.  F.  Pittis,  jan.  2.  W.  K. 
Tickner  he,  Dnke  of  Smherlnnd,  Trentham ;  Mrs.  Pattison  :  N.  Barter:  H. 
Moore.  Silver  and  Gvld-#pangled.—\,  Mrs.  Pattison.  2.  N.  Barter,  he,  Mrs. 
Pettat;  Mrs.Allsopp;  T.  Walker,  jun.    e.  Miss  C.  F.  Palmer. 

PoTANns  (Any  variety).— 1,  A.  Cruttenden.  2,  J.  Hinton.  he,  H.  Laver. 
e,  G.  W.  Boothbv. 

French  Fowi  a.— 1,  Hon.  C  Fitzwilliam  2,  H.  S.  Fraser.  he,  Mrs  Pattison; 
W.  O.  Quibell;  .T.  K.  Fowler;  Rev  N.  J.  Bidlev.  Chickens—  Cup  anrt  I.Hon. 
C.  Fitz  william.  2,  J.  J.  Maiden.  hc.W.  O.Quibell;  W  Pring;  Miss  E.  Williams 
R.  B  Wood:  Mrs.  Seamons.  c,  W.  O.  Quibell;  Rev.  J.  H  Ward;  W.  Dring ; 
Miss  E.  Williams. 

Ant  other  Variety.— 1,  — Walker,  jan.  (Black  Hambnrcrhs).  2,  J.  Himon 
(Malavst.  he,  W.  Collyer  (Black  Hamburghs) ;  W.  B.  Tegetmeier  (White 
Leehorns) ;  Rev.  N.  J.  Ridley  (Malays) 

B*nt«m9- Game.— Cup  and  1.  H.  C.  Rogers.  2,  J.  C.  &  F.  Kesbitt-  Ac, 
F.  S.  C.  G>bson;  T.  W.  .Anne;  W.  B  Jeffries  ;  C.  F  Hore ;  C.  J.  Spary ;  ». 
Smith;  W.  Bontcher:  J  C.  &  E  Nesbitt.  c,  S.  Samwa*s;  K.  S  C  Gibson  ; 
T.W.Anns.  Any  Variety  —  1,  M.  T  eno.  2,  E  Oambridpe.  he.  Mrs  Pettat; 
H.  M.  Mavnarrt  ;  H.  Vardlev:  M  Leno.  e,  ^  ady  S.  Tumour;  J.  Watts;  W. 
Masland  ;  Mrs.  F.  Bull ;  Coun'ess  of  Avlesford. 

Dress  ( A  vlesburv).— 1  and  2.  Mrs.  M.  Seamons.  A-%  J.  J  Sivell :  Miss  Cress- 
well ;  J  K.Vowler,  Avlesburv.  Any  rth'r  Variety  —  1,  C.  N  BaberfMondsrin). 
2.  G  Scutt  (Rouen),  vhc,  F.  G.  haleettv  (Paradise.  Ved  in  New  Zealand). 
h",  S.  &  R.  Ashton  (Shell):  S.  Rum  (F,a«t  Indian!;  M  Leno  (Mandarin) ;  Mrs. 
M.  Seamons  fouen);  -I.  Watts  (Carolina)  c,  S.  TT.  Ptott  (Rouen):  M.  T  ene 
(Carolina):  C  N.Baker  (Carolina);  F.  Pittis,  jun.  (East  Indian);  T.  C.  Harri- 
son ;  Mrs.  H.  Morant :  L.  Patton. 

Geppe. — 1,  -T.  K.  Fowler.  2,  Mrs.  M.  Seamons.  he,  Mrs  M.  Ford  :  J  Pares. 
c,  Mrs.  M.  Ford.  .  .,  _ 

Turrets.— 1,  L.  Patton.    2,  Rev.  N.  J.  Ridley,    he,  Vrs  G.  Withers  ;  M.  Kew. 

Selling  Clasb.— Cock  or  Cockerel,— 1,  Viscount  Tumour  (Dorking).    2,  Lady 


360 


JOUENAL  OF  HOBTIOULTUEE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  November  3,  1870. 


Heathcote  (Creve-Ctoeur).  fie.  R.  J.  Wright  (Brahma);  Viscount  Turnour  (Dork- 
ing): W.  Birch  (Cochin-China);  H.  DowBett  (Dorkings),  e,  L.  D'Elboux 
(Brahma);  G.  S.  SainBbury  (Game);  H.  Yardley;  J.  Giessall  (Brahma);  T. 
Briden  (Dorking);  Mrs.  M.  Scamons  (Silkies).  Hens  or  Pullets.— 1,  D.  C. 
Campbell  (Dorkings).  2,  A.  GibBon  (Cochin),  he,  S.  Samways  [Game):  Viscount 
Turnour  (Dorkings);  Mrs.  N.  Grenville  (Houdansl;  Mrs.  Ford  (Brahmas)  ;  H. 
Dowsett (Dorkings);  Miss  Malcolm  (Dorkings):  Mrs.  Seamons;  Lady  Heath- 
cote ;  J.  Lewry.  c,  C.  B.  Dixon  (Game) ;  Lady  Heathcote. 
_  Pheasants.— 1,  Lady  Heathcote.    2,  J.  K.  Fowler,    he,  E.  S.  C.  Gibson  (Gold). 

PIGEONS. 

PotJTEKS.— 1  and  2,  R.  Fulton,  Deptford.    he,  C.  Bulpin,  Bridgewater. 

Tumblers.— 1,  E.  T.  Dew.    2,  J.  Ford,    he,  J.  H.  Ivimey ;  R.  Fulton. 

Barbs.— 1.  R.  Fulton.    2,  H.  M.  Maynard.    he,  H.  Yardley. 

Jacobins.— 1,  C.  Bulpin.    2,  G.  Roper. 

Fantails  —1,  H.  M.  Maynard.    2,  A.  M.  Yetts. 

Owls.— 1,  P.  H.  Jones.     2,  H.  Yardley.     he,  S.  A.  Wyllie.     c,  Rev.  C.  Lock  : 
S.  A.  Wyllie. 

Turbits—  1,  P.  H.  Jones.    2,  H.  Yardley.    he,  G.  H.  Gregory ;  E.  J.  Dew. 

Cakriers.-I,  H.  Yardley.    2,  R.  Fulton,    he,  R.  Fulton  ;  C.  Bulpin. 

Tbumpeters.— 1,  P.  H.  Jones.    2,  H.  L.  Tivey. 

Nuns .— 1,  P.  H.  Jones.    2,  H.  Yardley.    lie,  H.  Yardley ;  F.  Graham  (2).    c,  E. 
T.  Dew. 

Dragoons.— 1,  C.  Bulpin.    2,  F.  Graham,    he,  H.  Yardlev.    c,  J.  Watts. 

Ant  other  Variety.— 1,  H.  Yardley.   2,  J.  Fletcher,    he,  S.  A.  Wyllie.    c,  W- 
B.  Tegetmeier  (Ice). 

Selling   Clasb.— 1,  T.  B.  C.  Williams.    2,  J.  Watts,     he,  P.  H.  Jones ;  H. 
Gibson. 

The  Silver  Cup  for  most  points,  H.  Yardley. 

Judges. — Poultry:  Mr.  E.  Hewitt, Birmingham.     Pigeons:  Mr.  F. 
EBqnilant,  London. 

[We  have  not  received  the  prize  list  of  the  Canaries  ;  we  will  publish 
it  next  week. — Eds.] 


and  Burton.  8  and  e,  W.  &  C.  Bnrniston,  Middlesbrough.  Dark.— I,  StevenB 
and  Burton.    2,  W.  Nichol,  Middlesbrough.    8,  Moore  &  Wynne. 

Brown  Linnet  Mule.-  1  and  3,  C.  Robinson.    2,  J.  Spence,  Sunderland. 

Goldfinch  Moultfd.— 1,  W.  Clarkson,  York.  2  and  c,  Tenniawood  and 
Brown.    S,  Stevens  &  Burton. 

Brown  Linnet  Moulted.— 1,  J.  N.  Harrison.  2,  FairclouRh  &.  Howe.  Sand 
c,  R.  Robson. 

Any  other  Variety  of  British  Bird.— 1,  Fryer  &  M'Cune.  2,  A.  WebBter. 
3,  Fairclough  &  Howe,    c,  W  &  C.  Burniston. 


Mr.  G.  J.  Barnesby,  of  Derby,  was  the  Judge. 


MIDDLESBROUGH   BIRD   SHOW. 

The  Middlesbrough  and  North  Riding  of  Yorkshire  Ornithological 
Association's  attractive  schedule  brought  together,  on  October  28th 
and  29th,  262  birds  for  competition — birds,  too,  of  the  highest  qnality 
— from  very  distant  parts  of  England  ;  Derbyshire,  Northampton,  and 
Bristol  sending  representatives.  Although  the  birds  from  the  latter 
place  arrived,  still  they  were  not  in  time  to  be  judged,  the  return 
having  been  given  in  before  they  could  be  unpacked  and  staged.  This 
is  much  to  be  regretted.  A  telegram  statiDg  they  were  sent  off  was 
received,  and  judging  delayed  to  the  very  latest  hour  in  consequence. 
First,  second,  and  third  prizes,  accompanied  with  a  commendation, 
were  awarded  in  each  class,  but  a  great  many  fine  specimens  had  to 
pnt  up  with  a  blank. 

The  Belgians  were  excellent,  those  Bhown  by  Mr.  Needier,  of  Hull, 
having  many  points;  the  Norwich,  especially  from  Northampton, 
first-class  ;  and  the  Lizards,  Silvers  in  particular,  CinnamonB, 
Crested,  Yorkshire,  Coppy,  and  Goldfinch,  Linnet,  and  Canary 
Mules,  all  being  in  good  condition  for  the  fanciers'  just  appreciation. 
In  many  classes  the  competition  was  very  severe,  but  every  attention 
■was  paid  in  discriminating  and  summing-up  those  birdB  which  took 
the  highest  honours.  Mr.  Hawman,  of  Middlesbrough,  has  reason 
to  be  proud  of  his  Even-marked  Yellow  Norwich,  the  quality  of  which 
is  good,  and  will  tell  well  throughout  the  season.  A  better  class  of 
"  Coppy  Crests,"  or  "  Manchester  Coppys,"  than  that  shown  is  not 
often  seen.  Every  bird  deserved  a  prize.  The  Crested  Norwich 
birds  were  indeed  real  crested  specimens,  being  heavy  and  even,  and 
well  backed-up  in  quality  and  plumage.  One  exception  may  be  here 
noticed,  not  with  respect  to  its  crest,  which  ia  all  that  could  be  wished 
for,  but  because  it  departs  from  Norwich  form,  partaking  of  too  much 
the  appearance  of  half-bred  Coppy.  The  Clear  Green  Canary  class 
contained  specimens,  excepting  in  two  or  three  instances,  the  reverse 
of  green.  The  first-prize  bird  ran  away  from  all  others.  In  the 
British  bird  classes  there  were  several  beautiful  specimens,  conspicuous 
above  others  being  Mr.  J.  N.  Harrison's  fine  Brown  Linnet,  and 
Messrs.  Fryer  &  McCune's  Blackbird,  besides  many  GolifincheB. 
The  Linnet  and  Canary  Mules  were  extraordinarily  good  and  very 
Taluable.     The  following  is  the  list  of  the  prizetakers  : — 

Belgians.— Clear  Yellow.— 1,  W.  Needier,  Hull.  2,  J.  N.  Harrison,  Belper. 
S.J.Barnett.  Thirsk.  c,  K.  Robson,  Middlesbrough.  Clear  Buff— 1,  G.  Tom- 
linson.  Stockton.  2,  J.  Barnett.  3,  J.  N.  Harrison,  c,  L.  Beik,  Dewsbury. 
Ticked.— 1,  T  Crags,  stoc';ti>n.    2  and  c,  W.  Needier.    3,  J.  N.  Harrison. 

Norwich.— Clear  Yellow.— \  »nd  2,  Moore  &  Wynne,  Northampton.  8.T. 
Irons,  Norlhunpton.  c,  K.  Simpson,  Whitby.  Clear  Buff.— 1,  .'.and  3,  Moore 
and  Wynne,  c,  R.  Hawman,  Middlesbrough.  Erenlij-marked  Yellow.— 1,  B. 
Hawman.  2  and  3,  Moore  &  Wynne,  c,  E.  Mills,  Sunderland.  Erenly-markrd 
Buff.— I,  S  Tonics.  Northampton.  2  and  3.  Moore  &  Wynne,  c,  E.  Mills.  Un- 
evenly-marked Yellow.— 1  and  S,  Moore  tt  Wynne.  2,  K.  Hawman.  c,  R.  Rob- 
son. Unevenly-marked  Buff.—!  and  3,  Moore  &  Wynne.  2,  R.  Hawman.  c,  J. 
Fawcett.    Crested—  1,  R.  Hawman.    2  T.  Irons.    3,  Moore  &  Wynne. 

Coppy  Crebt— 1,  Fairclough  &  Howe,  Middlesbrough.  2,  W.  Hutton,  Bail- 
don.    S  and  c,  W.  Oott'in,  Middlesbrough. 

Lizards.  -  Goldeii-xpai<ided,—  1  and  3,  J.  Tavlor,  Middlesbrough.  2,  E.  Mills. 
c,  Stevens  &  Burton,  Middlesbrough  Silver-spangled.— 1,  J.  Baines,  York. 
2,  R  Ritchie.  Darlington.  3.  Stevens  &  Barton.  c,L.Belk.  Broken  Cap—  1,  R. 
Ritchie.    2,  J.  Taylor.    3,  StevenB  &  Burton,    c,  T.  Armstrong. 

Cinnamon.— Jonque.— 1,  S.  TomeB  2  and  S,  T.  Irons,  c,  E.  Mill3.  Buff.— 
I,  T.  Irons.  2,  Moore  &  Wynne.  S  S.  Tomes,  c,  G.  Tomlinson,  Stockton. 
Variegated— \,  S.  Tomes.  2, P.  Rawnsley, Bradford.  8, R.  Hawman.  c, Stevens 
and  Burton. 

Yorkshire—  Clear  Yellow— \,  L.  Belk.  2,  J.  Vail,  Middlesbrough.  3  and 
C,  S.  Rowlands.  Clear  Buff.— I,  J.  Fawcett.  2,  W.  Hutton.  3,  R.  Cooper, 
Middlesbrough,  c,  Fa'rclough  &  Howe.  Evenly-marked  Yellow—],  J.  Leek, 
Middlenbrongh.  2,  A.  Webster,  Kirkstall.  3  and  c,  Stevens  &  Burton.  Evenly- 
marked  Buff  —I  and  3.  Stevens  &  Burton.  2,  J.  Taylor,  c,  Tenniswood  and 
Brown,  Middlesbrough.  Unevenly-marked.— l,L.Belk.  2,J. Fawcett.  8, Stevens 
and  Burton,     c,  T.  Armstrong,  Broughton. 

Clear  G  ben.-1,  Stevens  &  Burton,  2,  Tenniswood  &  Brown.  8,  R.  Robin- 
Bon.    c,  J.  Baines. 

Goldfinch  Mole.— Evenly-marked.— 1  and  2,  J.  Robson,  Morpeth.  S,  W. 
Needier,    c,  R.  Robson.    Unevenly-marked.— 1,  Fairclough  &  Howe.    2,  Stevens 


SHOW  OF  THE   DERBY   CANARY   AND 
ORNITHOLOGICAL    SOCIETY. 

The  thirteenth  annual  exhibition  in  connection  with  this  Society 
took  place  in  the  Athenaeum  Room,  on  Saturday.  October  2'2ud.  The 
Show  was  the  best  that  has  been  held,  one  of  its  features  being  the 
presence  of  a  greater  number  of  foreign  birds  than  usual.  Parrots, 
Love  Birds,  Australian  Magpies,  Black-throat  Finches,  Red  Finch, 
Diamond  Sparrows,  Chestnut  Finch,  Zebra  Finches,  a  live  Opossnm, 
a  case  of  Iguana  Lizards,  cases  of  stuffed  birds,  an  Australian  Par- 
roquet,  Linnet  Mule,  Goldfinch  Mule,  a  Thrash,  &c,  were  exhibited, 
but  not  for  prizes. 

A  subscription  sterling  silver  cup  was  awarded  to  the  winner  of  most 
prizes  in  six  classes  of  Norwich  birds — Mr.  Barnesby  had  fourteen 
points,  Mr.  Henson  and  Mr.  Woodward,  Spondon,  each  gaining 
eleven  points.  Six  extra  special  prizes  were  awarded  to  the  first  three 
winners  in  each  class  of  the  "  Spotted  or  Cross-bred  "  birds,  besides 
the  money  prizes  of  the  Society.  The  winners  were  Messrs.  Haynes, 
Henson,  Barker,  Woodward,  and  Coke.  Two  other  special  prizes  were 
awarded,  one  being  for  the  most  prizes  in  several  classes,  and  the  other 
to  the  amateur  exhibitor  who  took  the  greatest  number  of  prizes  ;  Messrs. 
Barnesby  and  Clarke  being  the  winners.  There  were  about  150  cages 
of  Canaries  and  mules  shown  for  prizes. 

Mr.  T.  Irons,  of  Northampton,  and  Mr.  W.  Matthews,  of  Notting- 
ham, awarded  the  prizes  as  follows  : — 

CANARIES  HATCHED  IK  1870. 

Belgians.— Clear  Yellow.— 1,  R.  Whiteacre.  2,  J.  Clarke.  Clear  Bitff.—l,  R. 
Whiteacre.  Ticked  Yellow— \,  G.  J.  Barnesby.  1.  R.  Whiteacre.  3,  J.  Clarke. 
Ticked  Buff— 1,  R.  Whiteacre.  Variegated  Yellow— 1, a.  J.  Barnesby.  Varie- 
gated Buff.—l.  J.  Clarke.    2,  It.  Whiteacre. 

Norwich.  —  Clear  Yellow.— 1.  R.  Whiteacre.  2,  F.  Woodward.  3,  G.J. 
Bamesby.  4,  J.  Smith,  vhc,  B.  Reader,  he,  J.  Clarke.  Clear  Buff.— I,  F. 
Woodward.  2,  G.  J.  Bamesby.  S,  J.  Tempest.  4,  R.  Whiteacre.  vlu;,  J. 
Smith,  he,  J.  Evans.  Marked  YeUow.—l,R.  Henson.  2,  G.J  Barnesby.  3,  S. 
Smith.  4,  F.  Woodward,  vhc,  S.  Wall,  he,  J.  Clarke.  Marked  Buff.— I,  P. 
Holland.  2,  R.  Henson.  3,  G.  J.  Bamesby.  4,F.Woodward  vhc. H. Hutchin- 
son, he,  J.  Tempest.  Variegated  Yellow.— I,  R.  Henson.  2.  J.  Clarke.  3,  J. 
Tempest.  4,  J.  Winfield.  vhc,  B.  Reader,  he,  G.  J.  Bamesby.  Variegated 
Buff—  1,  G.  J.  BarneBby.  2,  J.  Clarke.  3,  F.  Woodward.  4.  B.  Reader,  vhc,  H. 
Hutchinson,  he,  Mrs.  Gadsbv.  Crested  Yellow— I,  J.  Barker.  2,  J.  Winfield. 
S,  G.  J.  Barnesby.  Crested  Buff.— \,  J.  Smith.  2,  R.  Whiteacre.  3.  J.  Winfield. 
Green— Yellow— \,  G.  J.  Bamesby.    Buff.— 1,  H.  Hutchinson.    2.  R.  Henson. 

Lizard.— Golden-spangled.— 1,  G.  J.  Barnesby.  tiilver-spangled.  —  1,  G.  J. 
Barnesby.    2,  J.  Clarke.    8  J.  Barker. 

Cinnamon.—  Jonque— \,  J.  Smith.  2,  E.  Coke.  Mealy.— -1.  J.  Smith.  2,  W. 
Hadley.  Marked  Jonque— I,  E.  Coke.  2,  T.  Haynes.  Marked  Mealy.— 1,  J. 
TempeBt.    2,  W.  Hadley. 

Spot  or  Cross  bred.— Yellow.— 1,  E.  Coke.  2,  J.  Barker.  S,  F.  Woodward. 
Buff—  1,  R.  Henson.    2.  E.  Coke.    3.  T.  HavneB. 

Moles.— Goldfinch— Jonque.— I,  G.  Flinders.  2,  G.  J.  Bamesby.  Mealy.— 
1.  H.  Hutchinson.  2,  G.  J.  Bamesby.  3.  B.  Reader.  Dark  Mealy.— 1,  G. 
Flinders.  2,  G.  J.  Barnesby.  3,  H.  Hutchinson.  Brown  Linnet.— 1.  G.  Flin- 
ders. 2,  H.  Hutchinson.  3,  G.J.  Bamesby.  Any  other  Variety.— G.J.  BarneBby. 

ALL  AGES. 
Belgian.— 1,  R.  Whiteacre.  Norwich.— Clear  Yellow.— 1.  R.  Henson.  2,  R. 
Whiteacre.  Clear  Buff.-l,  R.  Whiteacre.  2,  J.  Tempest.  Ticked  or  Variegated 
Yellow— I,  R.  Henson,  2,  P.  Holland.  Ticked  or  Variegated  Buff.—l,  J. 
Tempest.  2,  R.  Henson.  Lizard.— 1,  G.  J.  Barnesby.  Any  other  Variety.— 
1,  Mrs.  GadBby.    2,  T.  Barnes.    Throsh.— J.  Sunn. 


Pigeons  on  the  Nile. — Mr.  McGregor  observes  in  noting 
the  progress  of  bis  eanoe  on  tbe  Nile,  "  There  is  one  of  the 
Pigeon  villages — it  exists  for  Pigeons.  A  hundred  mud  towers, 
about  30  feet  high,  are  clustered  together,  and  myriads  of  blue 
and  white  Pigeons  wheel  in  the  air ;  sometimes  passing  these 
in  my  little  vessel,  one  oould  see  what  I  had  remarked  before 
on  the  Nile,  that,  when  the  banks  are  steep,  and  the  Pigeons 
oannot  well  stand  on  them  to  drink,  they  settle  on  the  water 
itself,  and  doting  their  wings  and  floating  for  a  few  seconds, 
they  manage  thus  to  slake  their  thirst." — {The.  Rob-Roy  on  the 
Jordan.) 

ARE    ABNORMALLY    EARLY    SWARMS 

DESIRABLE  ? 

The  great  desideratum  with  many  bee-keepers  is  to  have 

swarms  at  the  earliest  period  possible.     To  accomplish  this 

object  they  have  reoourse  to  various  devices.     Some  encaBe 

their  hives  with  haybands,  and  others  have  stoves  fitted  up  in 

their  bee  houses,  but  perhaps  the  plan  most  generally  adopted 

is  that  of  liberal  feeding  early  in  spring.     These  artifices,  no 

I  doubt,  sometimes  Bucceed  in  bringing  about  the  end  desired, 

'  bnt  cases  are  not  wanting  to  show  that  on  several  oocasioni! 


November  3,  lo7U.  J 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


361 


they  have  signally  failed,  and  no  wonder ;  for  if  the  season 
happens  to  be  oold  or  wet,  or  both,  the  bees  that  have  been 
prematurely  aroused  into  a  state  of  activity  mast  necessarily 
go  out  of  their  habitation  for  an  airing,  and  in  consequence, 
great  numbers,  being  unable  to  return,  will  perish.  A  bee 
coming  from  a  greatly  heated  atmosphere  into  the  open  air, 
where  the  temperature  is  many  degrees  lower,  is  yery  easily 
ohilled,  and,  if  it  should  be  able  to  find  its  way  back  to  its 
dwelling,  injuiious  results  to  it  may  follow  from  the  sudden 
transitions  through  which  it  has  passed. 

Granting,  however,  that  all  goes  on  well,  is  it  desirable  to 
possess  a  swarm  before  what  is  considered  the  honey-gathering 
season  has  Eet  in  ?  If  the  flowers  are  few  in  number  it  cannot 
store  up  much  food,  or  if  they  are  washed  much  by  cold  rains 
it  may  not  even  prove  self-supporting.  Some  people,  as  much 
distinguished  for  their  ignorance  of  apiarian  science  as  for 
anything  else,  boast  of  their  superior  husbandry  when  they 
happen  to  get  a  cast  a  few  days  or  weeks  earlier  than  their 
neighbours.  They  think  it  a  great  thiog  to  have  a  swarm 
before  the  1st  of  June,  and  that  the  old  adage,  irrespective  of 
place  and  weather,  holds  good,  "  a  swarm  in  May  is  worth  a 
stack  of  hay  ;"  but  excepting  on  rare  occasions,  when  seasons 
were  unusually  forward,  I  have  never  found  very  early  swarms 
prove  of  much  value.  When  summer  is  somewhat  advanced 
they  are  apt  to  throw  virgin  swarms  which  do  little  good,  and 
then  in  autumn,  when  the  bee-master  wishes  to  take  their 
honey,  he  finds  that  a  large  proportion  has  been  consumed  by 
brood,  and  that  the  combs  are  anything  but  beautiful.  These 
remarks  apply  chiefly  to  those  who  follow  the  system  of  their 
forefathers,  and  use  only  straw  hives.  Rut  whatever  be  the 
material  or  form  of  hire  employed,  I  do  not  think  much  benefit 
oan  accrue  from  the  possession  of  too  early  casts.  The  date 
at  which  we  should  endeavour  to  have  them  cannot  be  fixed  ; 
this  depends  upon  both  the  locality  and  the  season,  and  it  may 
happen  to  be  either  in  May,  June,  or  July. 

For  my  part  I  never  wish  to  see  a  swarm  on  the  wing  until 
the  clover  is  coming  into  full  flower,  and  the  temperature  rises 
to  62°  or  above  it.  In  the  district  where  I  reside  this  happens 
to  be  generally  about  the  end  of  June  or  beginning  of  July. 
The  greatest  produce  durirjg  the  last  twenty  years  has  been 
yielded  by  swarms  that  came  off  in  July.  Several  of  my  neigh- 
bours this  year  had  casts  about  the  beginning  of  June,  but  the 
best  of  them  had  scarcely  an  ounce  of  honey  stored  np  on  the 
15th  of  July.  The  weather  was  most  unfavourable,  and  vast 
numbers  of  these  tenants  of  empty  houses  perished  from  sheer 
starvation.  With  their  numbers  half  diminished  they  began 
the  labour  of  true  honey-gathering  on  the  17th,  but  none  of 
them  prospered  so  well  as  swarms  that  did  not  emanate  till 
about  the  20th. 

To  prevent  several  of  my  stocks  from  swarming  in  June  I 
gave  them  additional  room,  and  supplied  them  with  just  as 
much  food  as  was  needed  to  save  them  from  dying  of  hunger. 
When  any  young  drones  were  ejected  I  knew  it  to  be  a  signal 
of  their  supplies  becoming  exhausted,  and  forthwith  they  were 
furnished  with  from  half  a  pound  to  a  pound  of  either  honey 
or  syrup.  When,  therefore,  summer  proper  and  the  honey 
season  commenced,  about  the  17th  of  July,  these  stocks  were 
all  vigorous,  and  a  few  days  afterwards  were  able  to  throw 
large  swarms.  These  casts  erjjnying  fine  weather,  and  finding 
the  fields  covered  with  clover,  filled  their  habitations  completely 
in  less  than  a  month,  and  I  need  not  add  that  their  combs, 
only  a  small  portion  of  them  having  been  used  for  brood,  pre- 
sented a  very  attractive  appearance.  I  do  not,  then,  think 
that  it  is  wise  to  have  stocks  more  forward  than  the  season,  or 
to  hasten  swarming  before  the  clover  has  come  into  flower  and 
the  weather  promises  to  be  favourable.  It  may  be  different  in 
other  localities.  I  speak  only  with  reference  to  my  own,  where, 
on  an  average  of  years,  it  is  sufficiently  early  to  have  swarms 
by  the  20th  of  June.— R.  S. 


OUR  LETTER  BOX. 

Plymouth  Poultry  Show.  —  We  were  wrongly  informed  that  Mr. 
Hewitt  is  to  be  the  Judge  at  this  Exhibition.  He  was  applied  to,  but  had 
a  previous  engagement. 

Weight  of  Light  Brahma  ant>  White  Cochin  Pullets  for  Exhibi- 
tion {Cheltenham)  —  You  must  have  patience.  Your  pullets  have  not  done 
pro  wing  because  they  have  begun  to  lay.  When  this  infliction,  which 
many  would  pardon,  is  over,  and  its  successor  a  little  broodiness  comes, 
your  pullets  will  furnish  and  put  on  weight.  Up  to  six  months,  if  they 
are  to  be  expected  to  take  a  prize,  your  chickens  should  weigh  a  pound 
for  each  month,  Erahmas  rather  heavier  than  White  Cochin;'.  You  will 
obtain  weight  by  persevering.  In  all  probability  you  already  have  the 
necessary  scaffjldiog.    Filling  is  easy  work.    Good  ground  oats  mixed 


I  with  milk,  table  scraps,  a  little  maize  twice  per  week,  an  occasional 
lettuce,  and  any  other  gastronomic  attention  you  can  pay,  will  produce 
weight. 

Silver- spangled  Himburghs'  Eablobeb  (Idem).— We  fear  the  red 
earlobe  of  the  Silver-spangled  Hamburghs  is  hereditary.  Good  birds 
sometimes  have  the  earlobe  red  during  the  moulting  season,  and  some 
never  have  it  white  till  they  are  twelve  months  old. 

Breeding  Pencilled  Hamburghs  (W.  S.D.  C.).— We  believe  yon  may 
safely  breed  from  the  cocks  you  name.  Pencilled  tails  are  always  accom- 
panied by  pencilled  hackles.  Cock  chickens  are  always  pencilled  when 
young,  and  as  they  lose  the  chicken  feathers  the  pencilling  disappears. 
To  obtain  the  rich  deep  colour  you  want  you  must  choose  hens  that  are 
very  much  the  colour  of  the  ehiniDg  top  of  gingei  bread.  These  are 
always  very  heavily  pencilled,  and  they  will  give  you  the  colours  you 
want  in  Jboth  sexes.  It  is  almost  impossible  to  breed  exhibition  cocks 
and  pullets  from  the  same  parents.  A  good  cock  should  not  be  light- 
coloured.  His  tail  should  be  black,  edged  with  rich  bronze,  but  only 
edged.  Never  breed  from  a  cock  with  a  faint,  washed-out  hackle  (we 
have  seen  them  almost  yellow),  nor  from  mossy  nor  poorly-spangled 
hens.  No  amount  of  pedigree  would  induce  ns  to  breed  from  a  defective 
bird. 

Dorking  Chickens  Weak-legoed  (Constant  Bender) .—Your  fowls 
have  outgrown  tbeir  strength,  and  their  bodies  are  too  heavy  for  their 
legs.  That  is  why  they  rest  on  tbeir  knees.  They  are  at  the  gawky  age. 
They  will  never  be  belter  to  eat  than  they  are  now.  if  they  are  in  good 
flesh,  but  often  when  they  make  so  much  growth  they  do  not  put  on 
flesh.  If  tbey  have  flesh,  you  may  either  kill  and  eat  them  at  once,  or 
you  may  shut  them  np  in  a  place  where  exercise  is  impossible,  and  feed 
themtbiee  times  per  day  on  ground  oats  and  milk  until  they  have  fattened. 
There  is  notbing  in  the  weakness  to  make  them  unfit  for  food,  but  we 
should  not  advise  such  for  stock. 

Game  Bantams  not  Hatching  True  to  Colour— Colour  of  Duck- 
wing  and  Brown  Red  Game  Bantams  (H.  J.  H).— There  can  be  no 
doubt  the  eggs  have  been  mixed,  or  another  cock  has  had  access  to  the 
hen,  or  more  likely  still,  the  egg  has  thrown  back  to  some  other  strain 
which  has  teen  used  in  making  the  birds.  The  description  yon  give  of 
the  chicken  is  exactly  that  of  a  Pile.  It  is,  therefore,  likely  some  of 
that  breed  exists  in  your  birds ;  you  need  not  be  surprised,  as  a  strain 
will  lie  ignored  for  many  years,  and  then  suddenly  show  itself  in  force. 
The  ordinary  Duckwing's  breast  shculd  be  salmon-coloured,  the  hackle 
striped,  and  the  back  and  body  grey.  The  hen  of  a  Brown  Red  should  be 
nearly  black  with  a  golden-striped  hackle.  We  should  not  pronounce 
hastily  on  the  birds. 

Black  Robe-combed  Bantams  with  Pale  Combs  (Dela).— The  combs 
will  become  redder  as  the  season  goes  on  and  as  the  birds  get  older,  pro- 
vided tbey  be  kept  in  condition.  It  will  be  the  same  with  the  earlobes. 
Give  them  some  cooked  meat  and  some  hard-boiled  eggs  chopped  fine. 

Brahmas'  Legs  Diseased  (T.  F.  J.).— The  disorder  of  which  you  com- 
plain, aod  which  has  been  cal'ed  "  poultry  elephantiasis,"  is  of  recent 
introduction,  and  is,  we  believe,  incurable.  It  does  not  of  necessity 
helons  to  the  Cochins,  although  they  are  moBt  subject  to  it  If  we  owe 
it  to  them,  it  was  many  years  in  showing  itself,  and  must  be  the  result 
of  interbreeding  and  consequent  disease.  We  do  not  believe  it  to  be 
hereditary.  We  have  only  succeeded  in  some  inBtanceB  in  treating  it 
successfully.  It  was  in  tbe  early  stage,  and  we  ke\  t  the  legs  constantly 
moist  with  compound  sulphur  ointment.  Lettuces  that  have  gone  to 
seed  are  good  food  for  fowls  in  this  state.  We  have  this  disorder  in 
Brahmas,  Cochins,  Creve-Cceurs,  and  Pheasants.  It  is  very  common  for 
the  centre  toe  of  a  Brahma  cock  to  be  crooked,  and  it  ia  not  very  im- 
portant that  it  should  be  scantily  feathered.  The  feathering  is  on  the 
leg,  that  is  essential.  Neither  of  the  defects  or  shortcomings  you  men- 
tion should  discourage  you  from  exhibiting. 

Dorktog  Cock's  Foot  Swelled  (Michael  Dorking). — If  the  swelling 
on  tbe  cock's  foot  is  hard  enough  to  bear  cutting,  cut  it  by  all  means,  but 
you  should  not  make  it  bleed.  Nothing  is  so  difficult  of  cure  as  a  sore 
on  the  foot  of  a  Dorking  cock,  on  account  of  the  weight  of  the  bird.  We 
have  known  iodine  beneficially  used,  but  while  it  is  applied  the  foot 
must  be  kept  wrapped  up.    We  should  think  the  hen  is  kept  too  fat. 

Chickens  Crop-bound  (F,  T.). — There  is  no  doubt  of  the  healthiness 
of  your  chickens  ;  they  have  grown  up  in  spite  of  your  feeding,  and  not 
because  of  it.  We  cannot  imagine  anything  worse.  Your  fowls  are 
suffering  from  being  crop-bound.  That  genernlly  arises  from  food. 
Flour  (not  meal)  mixed  close  will  clog  a  crop.  Dry  grass  eaten  from  the 
lack  of  green  meat  will  form  a  ball  in  the  crop  (like  the  "  casting  "  of  a 
deer),  and  in  either  case  the  bird  will  be  crop-bound.  The  treatment  of 
the  disorder  is  twofold:  First  pour  hot  (not  boiling)  water  down  the 
throat  and  moBt  gently  manipulate  the  crop  till  the  hard  mass  becomes 
soft  and  impressionable.  Then  continue  tbe  hot  water  till  the  crop  is 
relieved,  either  by  vomiting  or  otherwise  emptying  the  crop.  After  the 
softening  of  the  crop,  give  two  table-spoonfuls  of  castor  oil.  When  this 
has  been  taken,  feed  for  some  days  on  oatmeal  mixed  almoBt  liqnid,  and 
ascertain  by  feeling  that  the  crop  is  emptied  after  every  meal.  If  this 
fails  the  only  resource  is  to  open  the  crop  and  take  out  tbe  contents.  It 
is  an  easy  process.  Pick  off  the  feathers  in  a  straight  line  down  the 
breast,  measuring  from  the  head.  With  the  thumb  and  finger  squeeze 
the  obnoxious  body  to  the  front  till  the  bared  skin  protrudes,  cut  it 
straight  with  a  lancet  or  sharp  knife  till  the  contents  of  the  crop  come 
out.  Then  have  a  very  soft  sponge  and  a  glass  syringe  at  hand,  send 
some  warm  water  down  from  the  crop  to  the  gizzard,  and  then  with 
plenty  of  water  thoroughly  wash  out  the  crop.  To  u-e  your  own  words, 
it  will  "stink  fearfully."  When  this  part  of  the  operation  is  over,  take  a 
stout  needle  threaded  with  coarse  thread  well  covered  with  grease. 
Recollect  you  have  to  Bew  up  the  crop  first,  and  afterwards  the  skin.  If 
you  get  nervous  or  tired  of  the  job  you  will  probably  sew-up  skin  and 
crop  together,  and  the  bird  will  die.  To  open  the  crop  sufficiently  will 
not  require  an  opening  of  more  than  2  inches  in  length,  rive  sutures 
will  be  sufficient ;  these  should  be  thoroughly  saturated  with  grease,  and 
the  lips  of  the  wound  should  be  brought  close  together.  Then  the  skin 
should  be  sewed  the  same.  The  bird,  fed  during  a  week  on  gruel,  and 
another  week  on  slack  meal,  will  at  the  end  of  a  fortnight  know  nothing 
of  the  operation.    Where  such  cases  occur  often  the  feeding  is  at  fault. 

Game  Modltinj  with  Difficulty  (A.  H,  H.).— There  is  something 


362 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  November  3,  1870. 


■wrong  in  your  feeding,  or  in  the  looality  in  which  your  fowls  are  kept. 
No  fowl  can  moult  with  a  heated  body,  as  the  feathers  lack  moisture ; 
they  itch,  and  the  birds  pick  them  out.  We  do  not  think  Unseed  good,  aB 
it  has  a  tenden  cy  to  make  soft  feathers.  We  advise  you  to  feed  on  ground 
oatB  mixed  with  milk,  a  little  ohopped  oooked  meat,  and  now  and  then  a 
little  Indian  corn,  all  preceded  by  purging  with  castor  oil— dose,  one 
table-spoonful. 

Hamburgh's  Oomb  and  Legs  Swollen  (M.  M.). — Purge  your  birds 
freely,  and  use  Biily's  pills. 

Brahmas'  Combs  (A.  B.  C). — The  single  comb  of  a  Brahma  cock  does 
not  disqualify.  The  loss  of  an  eye  to  a  Spanish  cock  is  a  great  disad- 
vantage, but  it  does  not  disqualify. 

Fowls  for.  Autumn  and  Winter  Laying  (Hampshire  Highlander). — 
Brahma  Pootras,  Cochins,  or  Creve-Cceurs  will  suit  you;  the  latter  do 
not  sit.  Winter  laying  depends  more  on  the  age  than  the  breed  of  the 
bird.    Only  pullets  can  be  relied  upon  to  lay  during  the  winter. 

Exhibiting  Hens  (Q.  M.  J.)— The  feather  is  neither  red  nor  inclining 
to  red,  and  is  quite  unimportant.  You  may  safely  put  your  two  hens 
together  Exhibiting  hens  of  different  ages  in  the  same  pen  is  commonly 
done,  and  is  often  necessary.  Jt  is  not  fair  to  show  a  h*  n  and  a  pullet 
lor  two  hens.  There  are  but  two  classes,  and  tbey  oonsist  of  henB  and 
pullets.    No  one  inquires,  and  very  few  can  tell  the  age  of  the  former. 

Artificial  Foods  (C.  E.  M.). — We  have  so  strong  a  conviction  about 
these  that  we  cannot  insert  any  communications  about  them. 

Manure  Heap  in  Fowl  and  Pigeon  Abode  (Alpha).-—  We  are  not  in 
the  least  surprised  that  your  birds  ha^e  died  when  they  roost  over  a 
manure  heap;  nothing  could  be  worse  than  aD  atmosphere  charged  with 
exhalations  from  decomposing  matter.  Carriers  are,  says  Mr.  Brent, 
*'  excellent  breeders  and  nurses  if  not  allowed  to  be  too  fat."  They  are, 
for  high-class  birds,  strong  and  robust. 

Food  for  Doves  (Vincent  King). — Collared  Turtle  Doves,  commonly 
called  Ring  Doves,  are  best  fed  on  wheat,  canary  seed,  and  rarely  hemp 
seed.  In  cooing,  the  cook's  note  is  deep  and  mellow,  and  he  swells  his 
throat,  then,  rising  and  taking  a  step  forward  or  after  his  mate,  he  repeats 
the  same  gesture  and  voice.  The  •'  Pigeon  Book,"  by  Brent,  to  be  had 
from  our  office  for  twenty  stamps,  contains  a  good  article  on  these  birds, 
and  the  full  particulars  you  require. 

Sick  Pouter  (David  Laurie). — We  do  not  see  that  you  can  do  anything 
more  for  your  bird  than  what  you  are  doing  and  intend  to  do. 

Wing  Disease  in  Carrier  (C.H.  C.).— Dress  the  part  with  tincture 
of  iodine  ;  a  druggist  will  tell  you  tha  strength  of  what  ydu  buy  of  him, 
and  how  often  to  use  it,  as  the  strength  varies.  The  cause  is  scrofula. 
If  the  wing  beoomes  stiff  he  will  be  useless  to  breed  from,  but  in  a  hen  it 
does  not  matter.  Scrofulous  birds  are  very  apt  to  produce  young  like 
themselves,  but  it  is  not  a  contagious  disease. 

Carriers'  Eyes  (Henry  Cockton\— Try  first  a  weak  solution  of  alum 
and  water  applied  twice  a-day ;  then,  if  that  fails,  a  lotion  of  lunar  caustic 
used  carefully.  If  the  trouble  comes  from  the  formation  of  Bpouts — that 
is,  by  the  turning  out  of  the  lower  lid,  cut  them  off  from  below  with  a 
pair  of  very  sharp  scissors. 

Pigeons  leaving  their  Cot  (W.  L.  D.).— In  or  near  their  cot  put 
some  "salt-cat;"  it  is  composed  of  about  equal  quantities  of  clay,  such 
as  brickmakers  use;  a  coarse,  grittv  sand,  or  fine  gravel,  in  which  the 
grains  are  about  the  size  of  pins'  heads  ;  and  old  mortar  :  to  this  is  added 
a  small  quantity  of  bayBalt.  Some  persons,  to  make  it  more  attractive, 
add  aromatic  seeds— such  as  cummin,  anise,  coriander,  and  caraway. 
The  whole  should  be  mixed  up,  with  chamber-ley,  into  the  consistency  of 
mortar,  and  placed  in  a  crook,  the  sides  of  which  are  perforated  with 
many  holes,  large  enough  to  admit  the  Pigeons'  heads,  and  covertd  with 
a  lid  to  keep  off  the  weather. 

Pigeons  (T.  C.  FX — *'  The  Pigeon  Book,"  by  Brent.  It  can  be  had  free 
by  post  from  our  offico  if  you  enclose  twenty  postage  stamps  with  your 
addiess. 

Parrot,  Feather-eating  (A.  B.  C}.— Feed  on  fruits  and  bread  and 
milk,  no  meat,  and  give  a  shower  bath  of  tepid  water  daily  through  the 
roae  of  a  watering-pot. 

Feeding  Bees  (A  Novice).— The  best  mode  of  feeding  is  by  means  of 
an  inverted  bottle,  the  mouth  of  which  must  be  tied  over  with  a  bit  of 


cnprse  leno  or  cnp-net.  With  common  hives  the  bottle-neck  may  be  in- 
serted in  the  central  aperture,  which  usually  exiRts  (if  Dot,  one  should  be 
ii  . .  e  with  a  slmrp  pen-knife)  in  the  top,  and  refilled  as  often  as  may  be 
necesa  iry.  Wiih  flat-topped  hives  the  bottle  should  he  supported  by  its 
neek  heing  fitted  into  a  perforated  block  of  wood  about  5  inches  in  dia- 
meter, aud  it  will  be  found  convenient  to  interpose  a  piece  of  perforated 
zinc,  to  prevei  t  the  tee*  escaping  when  the  bottle  is  refilled. 


Bullfinch's  Foot  Swollen  (Lady  <?.).— Many  cage  birds  are  subject 
to  diseases  of  the  feet,  arising,  for  the  most  part,  from  their  perches,  &c.t 
not  being  kept  scrupulously  clean.  In  this  case,  however,  cleanliness 
seems  to  have  formed  a  prominent  part  of  the  regime,  and  the  cause  of 
the  disease  must  be  luoked  for  elsewhere — possib  y  in  the  disordered  stat« 
of  the  system  consequent  upon,  or  incident  to,  the  struggle  the  bird  has 
had  in  moulting.  I  can  advise  no  better  treatment  than  bathing  the  foot 
in  warm  water;  and  if  the  second  swelling  or  gathering  should  assume 
the  character  of  the  first,  prick  it  also,  though  I  am  ad  ver^e  to  performing 
surgical  operations.     Give  a  little  bempseed.—  W.  A.  Blaeston. 

Mulberries,  what  to  do  with  them  {Alice  C.) — You  can  do  as 
follows:— To  Preserve.  —  Put  the  fruit  ioto  a  preserving-pan,  and  draw 
frora  it,  over  the  fire,  a  pint  of  ju<ce.  Take  3  lbs.  of  pounded  sugar,  wet  it 
with  the  juice,  then  boil  it  up,  skim  it,  and  put  in  2  lbs.  of  ripe  mulberries  ; 
let  them  stand  in  the  syrup  till  warm  through.  and  tHen  set  tbem  on  the 
fire  to  boil  gently.  When  half  done  put  them  by  in  the  syrup  till  next 
day,  then  boil  them  as  before,  aud  when  th-  syrup  is  thick,  and  will  stand 
in  round  drops  on  becoming  cold,  they  may  be  put  into  pots  for  use.  Mul- 
berry Pudding. — Make  a  paste  of  1  lb.  of  flour,  4  ozs  of  beef  suet  chopped 
very  fine,  and  hot  watpr,  with  a  little  oalt.  Roll  it  out  upon.a  board,  then 
line  with  it  a  basin,  which  fill  with  very  ripe  mulberries;  cover  with 
paste,  tie  the  whole  tightly  in  a  pudding  cloth,  plunge  it  in  boiling  water, 
and  let  it  boil  an  hour  or  two  according  to  Hb  ;-ize.  Mulberry  Wine. — 
Take  mulberries  when  they  are  just  changed  from  their  redness  to  bhiuy 
black;  gather  them  on  a  dry  d*y  when  the  sua  has  taken  off  ihe  dew, 
spread  them  thinly  on  a  fine  cloth  on  a  floor  or  tahle  for  twenty-four  hours, 
and  boil  up  a  gallon  of  water  to  each  gallon  of  juice.  Skim  the  water  well, 
and  add  a  little  cinnamon  slightly  bruised.  Put  to  every  gallon  6  ozs.  of 
white  sugar  candy  finely  beaten.  Skim  and  strain  the  water  when  it  is 
taken  off  and  settled,  put  to  it  the  juice  of  the  mulberries,  and  to  every 
gallon  of  the  mixture  put  a  pint  of  white  or  Rhenish  wine.  Let  the  whole 
stand  five  or  Bix  days  in  a  cask  to  settle,  then  draw  off  the  wine,  and  keep 
it  cool.    This  is  a  very  rich  cordial. 

Damp  Walls  {A  Cottage  Gardener).— Paper  them  with  waterproof  paper 
before  putting  on  the  usual  paper. 


METEOROLOGICAL   OBSERVATIONS 
In  the  Suburbs  of  London  for  the  week  ending  November  1st. 


BAROMETER. 

THERMOMETEB 

Wind. 

Date. 

Air. 

Earth. 

Rain 

Max. 

Min. 

Max. 

Min. 

1  ft. 

2  ft. 

Wed. . .  23 

29  518 

29  880 

59 

36 

50 

49 

S.W. 

.00 

Thurs. .  27 

29  510 

29.463 

61 

47 

61 

49 

W. 

.12 

Pri..  ..  28 

29  892 

29.«49 

56 

40 

53 

50 

N.W. 

.01 

Sat.  ...  29 

29.883 

29.652 

65 

87 

62 

49 

S. 

.84 

San.  .  .  80 

29  824 

29.804 

60 

47 

51 

49 

W. 

28 

Man.  . .  81 

29.959 

2(1.466 

68 

36 

52 

60 

N. 

06 

TueH....    1 

3t>.369 

80.235 

56 

24 

52 
6143 

50 

N. 

.00 

Mean.. 

29.860 

29.664 

67.86 

3814 

49.43 

0  80 

26. — Overcast ;  densely  overcast  ;  fine. 
27. — Very  fine  ;  tine  ;  clear  and  fine. 
28. — Rain  ;  cloudy  but  fine  ;  densely  overcast. 
29.— Densely  overcast ;  heavy  rain  ;  densely  overcast. 
30. — Clear  and  fine  ;  very  fine  ;  densely  overcast. 
81. — Rain  ;  heavy  showers  ;  clear  and  fine. 
1. — Fine  and  clear ;  very  ffue  ;  clear  and  frosty. 


COVENT  GARDEN  MARKET.— November  2. 

The  variation  here  is  so  trifling  that  our  last  report  is  but  a  reflex  of 
the  state  of  the  marketB  this  week. 


Apples js'eve  1  0  1 

Apricots doz.  0  0 

Cherries lb.  0  0 

Chestnuts bushel  6  0 

Currants Jsieve  0  0 

Black do.  0  0 

Figs doz.  2  0 

Filberts lb.  1  0 

Cobs lb.  1  6 

Gooseberries quart  0  0 

Grapes, Hothouse....  lb.  2  0 

Lemons ^-100  10  0 

Melons each  1  0 


0 

0 

14 
0 
0 

s 

2 
2 

0 

6  0 
16  0 
4    0 


0  0 

0  0 

32  0 

2  i) 


B.    d.  8.  d 

Mulberries lb.    0    0  t<.  <i  o 

Nectarines doz.    0    0 

Oranges V  100  20    0 

Peaobea  doz.    4    0 

Pears, kitchen do?..    1    0 

dessert doz.    10  3  u 

PineApples lb.    SO  6  0 

Plums J  sieve    16  3  0 

Quinces  doz.    10  0  0 

Rasnberriea lb.     0    0  0  0 

Strawberries    lb.     0    0  0  0 

WalnutB bushel  10    0  16  n 

do %*100    10  2  0 


VEGETABLES. 


Artichokes doz.  0 

Asparagus »  100  0 

Beans,  Kidney  ..J  sieve.  3 

Broad bushel  0 

Beet,Red dnz.  2 

Broccoli  bundle  0 

BruBselB  Sprouts. .  4  Bieve  3 

Cabbage doz.  1 

Capsicums  ^100  1 

CarrotB bunch  0 

Pauliflower dt.z.  2 

Celery bundle  1 

Coleworts..doz.  buncheB  8 

Cucumbers each  0 

picking  doz.  2 

Endive d«»z.  2 

Kennel bunch  0 

Uarlic lb.  0 

Herbs bnnoh  0 

Horseradieh    ....  bundle  S 


Leeka bunnh 

Lettuce   doz. 

Muslim, mis pottle 

Mustard  ii Cress.. punnet 
OnionB  bushel 

pickling quart 

ParBley sieve 

Parsm'pB doz. 

Peas quart 

Potatoes hushrtl 

Kidney do. 

Radishes  ..  doz.  bunches 

Rhubarb bundle 

Suvoys doz. 

Sea-kale basket 

Shallots lb. 

spinach bushel 

Tnma'oes ^"Z- 

Turnips  bunch 

VegetableMarrowa.,'  oz. 


s.  d.      s. 

0  4  to  0 

1  6       a 
1 


November  10,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL   OF   HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


363 


WEEKLY 

CALENDAR. 

Day 

of 

Month 

Day 

uf 
Week. 

NOVEMBER  10—16,  1870. 

Average  Tempera-  |  R^",ln 
lure  near  London.   !„  ^ 

Sun          Sun 
Rises.  1     Sets. 

1 

Moon 
Rises. 

Moon 
seis. 

Moon's 
Age. 

i  loci 
;'ti   i 
Sun. 

Day 

of 

v/e&r. 

10 
11 
12 
IS 
14 
15 
16 

Til 

F 

S 

Son 

M 

To 

W 

Martinmas. 

22  sonday  after  trinity. 

Stoke  Newington  Chrysanthemum    Show 
Royal  Jersey  Horticultural  Show,     [opens. 

Day. 
50.4 
50.2 
50.2 
49.9 
48.5 
49.0 
48.9 

Night. 
340 
84  2 
88.8 
35.2 
83.8 
84.8 
33.2 

Mean. 

42.2 
42.2 
42  0 
42  6 
41.2 
41.9 
41.0 

Days. 
24 
15 
17 
22 
21 
19 
14 

in.      b.     m.      h. 
10af7      19af4 
12      7      17      4 
14      7  ,  16      4 
16      7  1   14      4 

18  7  |  12      4 

19  7      11       4 
21      7      lii       ! 

m.      h. 

47  at  5 

22      H 

7       7 

0      8 

3      9 

12     10 

25     11 

m.     h. 
laf  9 
3    10 
I     11 
62    11 
35      0 
10      1 
41       1 

Davs. 

17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
< 

m.     s. 

15    56 
15    5U 

15  43 

16  34 
15    25 
1.,     1.. 
15      5 

314 
318 

3IK 
317 

a  is 
319 
320 

From  observations  taken  near  London  duriuK  the  last  forty-three  years,  the  average  day  temperature  of  the  week  is  49.0  ,  and  its 
temperature  84.1".     The  greatest  heat  was  63°,  on  the  12th,  1841;   and  the  loweBt  cold  18°,  on  the  15th,  1868.     The  greatest  fall  of  ram  was 
1.24  inch. 

IN   THE   ROYAL   FRUIT   ROOMS. 

IGHT  royally  for  many  years  have  fruits  been 
grown  in  Frogmore  Gardens,  and  it  is  meet 
that  it  should  be  so.  We  look  to  Royalty  her- 
self as  our  ruler,  our  guide,  and  our  example. 
We  look  to  the  Royal  gardens  and  gardeners 
of  Frogmore  in  like  manner  to  show  us  much 
that  is  great  and  good,  and  all  that  is  possible 
to  be  done  in  gardening.  The  sphere  of  gar- 
deners at  Frogmore  is  amongst  fruits  and 
vegetables — to  supply  the  Royal  household, 
and  it  is  done  well.  To  vegetables  I  will  not  here  refer, 
further  than  to  observe  that  in  no  other  garden  in  England 
have  I  seen  a  more  regal  supply,  and  in  such  enormous 
quantities  There  is  vegetable-growing  in  earnest.  But 
to  the  fruits. 

I  will  here  again  pass  by  the  long  and  noble  ranges  of 
vineries  and  pineries,  with  such  Pines  as  Frogmore  alone 
produces,  which  I  will  notice  afterwards.  I  pass  by  the 
Peaches  under  glass  and  on  walls,  the  Plums,  Cherries.  &c., 
and  on  to  the  Royal  fruit  rooms — to  the  Apples  and  Pears. 
Here,  being  joined  by  Mr.  Powell,  who  has  for  many 
years  so  worthily  had  the  charge  of  this  department,  first 
under  Mr.  Ingram,  the  founder  of  the  gardens,  now  under 
Mr.  Rose,  bis  worthy  successor,  I  was  soon  absorbed  in 
a  world  of  fruit  My  visit  was  paid  on  the  20th  of  the  past 
month,  rather  late  in  the  season  for  many  of  the  fine 
Pears;  the  glut,  of  ripening  Pears  had  just  passed  over, 
and  a  more  steady  succession  was  coming  in.  All  were 
gathered,  and  here  was  the  Royal  supply  for  the  months 
of  the  coming  winter. 

The  fruit  rooms  at  Frogmore  are  two  in  number.  One 
is  a  large,  lofty,  square  room  at  the  back  of  the  long  range 
of  vineries  near  to  Mr.  Rose's  house,  well  fitted-up  with 
shelves  round  the  sides,  and  having  a  long  centre  table 
with  drawers.  The  shelves  are  plain  deal,  on  this  paper 
is  placed,  and  then  the  fruit.  This  is  a  very  commodious, 
light,  and  airy  room,  better  fitted  for  showing  off  the  fruit 
than  for  keeping  it :  that  being  indeed  the  purpose  for 
which  it  is  principally  used.  Specimens  of  the  different 
fruits  are  selected  and  placed  here  nicely  ticketed  and 
named  for  their  Koval  mistress  to  behold.  I  was  told  the 
Queen  frequently  has  a  peep  at  them,  and  it  was  pleasing 
to  hear  of  the  great  aud  general  interest  she  takes  in  all 
these  little  matters 

Fruit  room  No  2  is  a  long,  narrow,  lean-to  shed,  I  should 
say  nearly  200  feet  by  0  feet,  with  shelves  on  each  side, 
and  a  pathway  down  the  centre.  There  is  nothing  orna- 
mental about  this  room,  yet  it  is  wonderfully  well  adapted, 
as  has  been  proved,  for  keeping  fruit.  There  is  a  door  at 
one  end  and  a  small  window  at  the  other,  whence  all  the 
light  is  derived  It  is  thus  almost  pitch  dark  in  the  centre 
at  midday  ;  to  examine  the  fruits  lamps  are  always  wanted. 
Darkness  is  a  very  material  point  in  regard  to  the  preser- 
vation of  fruit.  The  roof  is  thickly  thatched  with,  straw, 
the  walls  are  thick,  and  the  floor  is  thickly  concreted,  so 
that  the  room  is  at  once  dry  and  equable  in  temperature. 
Enormous  quantities  of  Apples  and  Pears  are  stored  in  this 

No.  512.— Vol.  XIX.,  New  Semes. 


room,  being  placed  on  the  shelves — the  larger  and  liner  in 
single  layers,  the  others  in  heaps  from  0  to  12  inches  deep. 
I  was  struck  by  the  general  fine  appearance  of  most  of  the 
sorts,  which  were  pretty  numerous,  especially  the  Apples, 
but  I  was  told  they  weir  smaller  than  usual,  but  highly 
coloured.  Many  of  the  Pears,  the  old  standard 
very  fine.  I  missed,  however,  from  amongst  them  many 
sterling  sorts  of  more  recent  introduction,  which  I  would 
Buggest  Mr.  Ro^c  should  add  to  the  Royal  collection.  I 
allude  to  such  as  Doyenne  du  Cornice,  Josephine  de 
Malines,  &c      These  should  be  there  in  quantity. 

Of  the  Pears  which  seemed  to  find  most  favour  here, 
and  wliich  were  to  be  seen  in  fine  order,  I  may  note  Marie 
Louise,  the  last  of  which  I  was  just  in  time  to  see,  they 
having  ripened  much  earlier  than  usual  this  season.  We  all 
know  the  good  qualities  of  this  Pear.  Chaumontels  were 
here,  and  are  always  wonderfully  line,  much  more  round  in 
shape,  more  handsome,  aud  better-looking  than  when  grown 
near  London.  There  was  here  an  immense  quantity  of 
Vicar  of  Winkfield  with  its  peculiar  twisted  squinting  look. 
It  is  very  handsome  withal.  This  is  of  poor  quality  as  an 
eating  fruit,  but  is  here  found  to  be  the  best  for  stewing, 
so  it  is  well  worthy  of  cultivation  for  that  purpose  Easter 
Beurre  was  here  in  grand  style,  and  is  usually  to' 
good  for  late  work.  It  is,  however,  considered  inferior  to 
Doyenne  d'Alencon,  a  variety  which  in  almost  every  fruit, 
list  is  given  as  a  synonym  of  Easter  Beurre.  As  it  is  to 
be  seen  at  Frogmore  it  is  quite  distinct.  Single  spec 
of  either  could  not  be  distinguished  the  one  from  the  other, 
perhaps,  but  in  the  mass  the  characteristics  are  very 
striking.  The  flesh  of  Doyenne  d'Alencon  is  yellow, 
whereas  that  of  the  Easter  Beurre  is  white.  Mr  Powell 
much  prefers  the  former.  Beurre  Diel  was  also  very  fine. 
What  a  variable  Pear  this  is!  Here  also  were  real 
shelves  of  Beurre  de  Ranee,  a  first-class  late  Pei 
season  getting  ripe  now.  Knight's  Monarch  did  not  look 
so  well  here  as  usual.  This  is  one  which  has  proved  to 
be  of  the  highest  quality  at  Frogmore,  yet  is  very  seldom 
so  elsewhere.  It  has  an  ugly  habit  of  falling  off  the  trees- 
before  being  ripe,  and  shrivelling  up  afterwards  Mr. 
Powell,  however,  seems  to  understand  its  vagaries.  Glou 
Morceau'  looked  particularly  well — -great,  clear  yellow 
fellows — the  type  of  a  Beurre  I  should  say.  There  were 
quantities  of  the  large  Duchesse  d'Angouleme,  the  favourite 
Pear  of  the  Paris  markets,  yet  no  particular  favourite  of 
mine.  Winter  Nelis  was  in  great  store,  of  the  usual  smallish 
character,  invariably  of  fine  quality.  Of  the  old  Swan's 
Egg,  and  its  offspring  the  Frogmore  Swan's  Egg,  there 
were  fine  specimens,  the  latter  being  of  a  more  rounded 
form,  and  fully  sweeter  than  the  former.  Here  also  I 
ran  across  the  old  Moccas,  a  very  good  sort,  and  the 
Sabine,  one  of  Mr.  Knight's  seedlings,  but  of  no  particular 
merit.  Jean  de  Witte  is  likewise  much  approved  of.  It  is 
like  a  small  rich  Glou  Morceau.  Here  is  another  Pear 
very  much  condemned  of  late — viz  ,  Prince  Albert.  At 
Frogmore  this  is  by  no  means  a  bad  variety.  In  appear- 
ance and  quality  it  resembles  the  old  Colmar.  The  most 
showy  of  all  Pears,  the  Forelle,  or  Trout,  was  here  in 
abundance.     It  is  a  pity  it  is  not  of  a  little  better  quality, 

No.  1151.— Vol.  XLIV.,  Old  Series. 


331 


JOURNAL  OF   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  Novjm'jer  U,  U70. 


being  only  second-rate.  Napoleon  seems  to  be  extensively 
grown,  from  the  great  stock  of  the  fruit.  What  a  wonderfully 
juicy  Pear  ia  this!  and  sorneiimas  of  very  good  quality.  I 
noliced,  besides,  great  quantities  of  that  very  ugly  Pear  Ne 
Plus  Meuria,  hut  a  most  excellent  late  spring  variety. 

To  this  already  numerous  list  there  are  many  other  varieties 
to  add,  such  as  Fondante  de  Malines,  a  truly  good,  useful, 
little-known  sort,  very  similar  to  Serruriettr  d'Au'Ornne  ;  R^ine 
d'Hiver,  a  highly-flavoured  variety;  Marechal  de  la  Cour,  a 
splendid  sort;  the  old  Crasanne,  a  much  overrated  Pear;  the 
Catillac  and  the  huge  Uvedale's  St.  Germain  for  stewing,  of  all 
of  which  there  are  remarkably  fine  examples  to  be  seen.  Many 
of  these  were  grown  on  walls  on  fine  old  trees,  models  of  careful 
training,  chiefly  on  the  fan  system,  which,  in  my  opinion,  is 
not  so  well  adapted  for  the  Pear  as  the  horizontal.  Others 
were  grown  on  low  arohed  trellises,  others  on  pyramids  and 
open  standards.  Nearly  the  whole  of  these  trees  in  the  gardenB 
have  been  severely  root-pruned  by  Mr.  Rose  Bince  hii  advent 
amongst  them,  and  with  the  most  beneficial  results.  Trees 
which  for  years  previously  had  produced  but  little  fruit  were 
last  season,  as  I  was  informed,  fully  laden  ;  the  specimens,  how- 
ever, were  not  so  large  as  from  trees  not  root-pruned.  The 
appearance  of  the  whole  of  the  trees,  however,  augurs  well  for 
an  abundant  crop  next  year. 

Amongst  Apples,  although  I  was  told  they  were  unusually 
small,  there  were  some  remarkably  fine  examples.  In  general 
they  were  highly  coloured  and  consequently  very  handsome. 
Blenheim  Pippin  was  in  great  store.  How  this  Apple  varies 
from  a  great  angular  green  fruit  to  a  flat,  regular,  highly- 
coloured  beauty  almost  resembling  a  Fearn's  Pippiu  !  It  is 
perfectly  possible  to  select  two  Apples  from  the  produce  of  a 
single  tree  so  dissimilar  in  appearance  as  to  defy  Dr.  Hogg 
himself  to  name  them.  Of  K  ng  of  the  Pippins  tltere  were 
many  bushels,  and  it  is  a  very  great  favourite.  This  is  another 
very  variable  Apple.  Rosemary  Russet  was  in  fine  order  and 
in  great  quantity.  This  is  one  of  Mr.  Powell's  favourites. 
"  Give  me,"  said  Mr.  Powell,  "  if  1  were  a  market  gardener, 
of  Apples  Rosemary  Russet,  Scarlet  Russet,  and  Cox's  Pomoni, 
and  I  would  grow  no  other;  they  are  all  splendid  varieties, 
and  sure  croppers."  Cox's  Pomona  is  one  of  the  best  large 
soft-fleshed  Apples  for  dessert,  and  at  Frogmore  it  is  grown  in 
quantity.  Scarlet  Russet  is  also  beautiful  and  fine.  Lord 
Raglan  is  rather  a  new  sort,  streaked,  with  a  dash  uf  Ribston 
Pippiu  flavour.  Hampshire  Golden  Pippin  is  a  good  useful 
sort,  and  Gipsy  King,  a  seedling,  flat  dessert  Apple,  somewhat 
like  S^m  Yuuag.  Court-Pendii-Plat  was  very  splendid,  and  no 
better  Apple  exists  in  its  season — January.  Dumelow'd  Seed- 
ling was  unusually  small.  Of  all  the  cooking  Apples,  perhaps 
this  is  the  richest  and  best.  Scarlet  Nonpareils  weie  very  flue, 
and  in  great  number,  also  the  old  Nonpareil;  some  specimens 
of  this  of  such  an  enormous  size  and  so  totally  different  in 
character  were  shown  me,  that  I  positively  refused  to  believe 
them  to  be  true;  others  gathered  from  the  same  tree,  however, 
had  all  the  usual  appearance.  Never  have  I  seen  old  Nonpa- 
reils so  fine  nor  half  the  size.  Frogmore  Prolific  was  here  also 
pointed  out  to  me  as  one  of  the  best  autumn  cooking  Apples. 
This  is  a  large  sort,  with  fine  white  and  tender  flesh,  raised  at 
Frogmore.  There  are,  besides,  many  other  seedling  Apples 
well  worthy  of  cultivation.  I  observed  a  large  quantity  of 
Cockls  Pippin,  the  favourite  Apple  of  Sussex,  and  Dutch  Mig- 
nonne,  so  justly  esteemed  for  its  good  keeping  qualities  ;  also 
Golden  Harvey,  the  richest  and  the  best  of  all  the  small  dessert 
sorts,  aDd  here  the  examples  were  good  ;  Adams's  Pearmain, 
than  which  there  are  few  better;  Cox's  Orange  Pipxun,  the 
most  useful  and  prolific  of  all,  and  of  the  finest,  quality  ;  Gre- 
nadier, a  rather  new,  flat,  scarlet-coated  sort;  Small's  Admir- 
able, a  large  and  fine  kitchen  variety  ;  and  Small's  Imperial,  a 
large,  streaked,  pretty,  highly-coloured  sort,  not  so  well  known. 
Besides  all  these,  there  are  many  other  fine  varieties  which  I 
had  not  time  to  notice. 

Iu  conclusion,  I  would  only  add  my  mite  of  approbation 
of  the  general  style  of  cultivation  adopted  here,  and  of  the 
very  efficient  manner  in  which  the  Royal  Gardens  are  con- 
ducted under  Mr.  Rose.  I  advise  all  who  can  to  get  a  peep  and 
judge  for  themselves.  All  such  will  there  receive  a  Highland 
welcome. — Abchahbaod. 


PATERSON'S   BOVINIA  POTATO. 
In  the  spring  I  purchased  -1  lbs.  of  this  remarkable  Potato 
at  Is.  Gd.  per  pound.     These  I  cut  into  seventy-four  sets,  seven 
of  which  I  paited  with,  and  four  failed  to  grow.    I  planted 


them  deeply,  on  the  30th  of  March,  in  loamy  soil,  heavily 
manuring  it  at  the  time  with  stable  dung,  giving  a  distance  of 
a  yard  each  way  between  the  sets.  When  well  up  I  drew  a  little 
earth  round  the  roots  ;  beyond  this,  and  keeping  the  weeds 
down,  they  had  no  attention  whatever.  On  November  2nd,  on 
digging  the  crop,  it  was  found  to  produce  7.J  bushel*,  weighing 
4  cwt.  nett  of  very  large  Potatoes.  These  f nets  may  interest  some 
of  your  readers. — Alfred  Pegler,  Old  Shirley,  Southampton. 

P.S. — It  is  right  to  observe  that  not  a  drop  of  rain  fell  here 
during  April,  and  in  May  wa  only  had  rain  for  two  days,  whilst 
in  June  we  had  but  a  oonple  of  thunder  showers.  With  a 
moderate  degree  of  moisture  I  believe  the  crop  would  have 
been  heavier. 


GROUND  LEVELLING  AND  PRACTICAL 
GARDEN  PLOTTING.— No.  4. 

DRAWING  PLANS. 
To  Inscribe  a  Regular  Polygon,  in  this  case  a  pentagon,  in  a 
Given  Circle. — Fig.  12  is  thus  described  by  Mr.  Ellis  A.  David- 
Bon  in  his  work  on  lioear  drawing  : — "  Draw  the  diameter  A  B, 
and  divide  it  into  as  many  equal  parts  as  the  polygon  is  to 
have  sides  (in  this  case  five).  From  A  and  b,  with  the  radius 
A  u,  deaoribe  arcs  outting  each  other  in  c.  From  c  draw  a  line, 
passing  through  the  second  division  and  cutting  the  circle  in  D. 
Draw  en,  which  will  be  one  side  of  the  polygon,  Bet  off  the 
length  db  around  the  circle — viz.,  efg,  join  these  points,  and 
thus  complete  the  figure.  Auy  polygon  may  be  thua  formed 
by  dividing  the  diameter  into  the  number  of  parts  correspond- 
ing with  the  sides  of  the  required  polygon,  but  the  line  cd 
must  iu  every  case  be  drawn  tlirough  the  second  division." 


Fig.  12.  lig.  13. 

I  have  adopted  this  method  in  preference  to  any  other,  be- 
cause I  think  it  is  easiest  understood,  and  can  be  applied  in 
the  formation  of  any  polygon. 

Polygon,  a  figure  of  more  than  four  sides. 

Pentagon,  a  figure  of  five  sides. 

Hexagon,  a  figurw  of  six  sides  {firj.  13). 

Heptagon,  a  figure  of  seven  aides. 

Octagon,  p.  figure  of  eight  sides. 

Nonagon,  n  fi?ure  of  nine  fides. 

Decagon,  a  figure  of  ten  Bides. 
For  a  bed  it  is  not  advisable  to  have  a  figure  of  more  than 
eight  sides,  as  such  would  approach   the  cirole  so  nearly  that 
it  is  better  to  have  a  circle  instead. 


Fig.  11.  Fig.  IE. 

Fig.  14. — To  Construct  an  Equilateral  Trianglr,  A  no.-  From 
abc,  with  radius  kg,  equal  to  half  the  side  if  the  iriangle, 
describe  arcs  de  f. 

Fig.  15.— To  Construct  a  Square,  a  b  c  d.— With  the  raiua 
A  i,  which  is  half  the  side  of  the  square,  draw  aros  c,  f,  g,  h. 


November  10,  1870.  1 


JOURNAL  OF   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


365 


Fir/.  1(5. — To  Construct  the  Pentagon,  abode,  ns  described 
infill.  12. — With  the  radius  A  d,  which  is  half  the  fide  of  the 
pentagon,  draw  arcs  /,  n,  h,  f,  k. 


Fig.  16. 


Fit'.  17. 


Fig  17  is  an  application  of  fig.  13,  in  the  tame  way  as  fig.  1G 
is  an  application  of  fig.  12. 

A  Hexagon  may  be  formed  bv  describing  a  circle,  and  apply- 
ing the  radios  of  the  circle  tig  tiroes  to  the  circumference, 
which  will  give  the  sides  of  the  hexagon  as  nearly  as  need  be. 
— M.  O'Donnell,  Gardener  to  E.  Leeming,  Esq.,  Spring  Grove, 
Richmcnd. 


WINTER-BLOOMING   ORCHIDS.— No.  10. 

CALANTHE. 

The  seolion  of  this  genua  which  I  here  introduce  consists 
of  deciduous  plants,  produoing  their  charming  flowers  during 
the  winter  months.  They  have  been  established  as  a  distinct 
genus  (Preptanthe),  by  Piofcseor  Reicbenbach,  a  course  which 
I  consider  correct,  and  which  I  adopt  myself,  but  in  conse- 
quence of  very  few  Orchid  growers  in  this  country  having 
adopted  it,  I  have  in  this  place  retained  the  original  name. 
These  plants  are  very  ornamental,  and  as  tbey  easily  form 
good  specimens  and  are  very  reasonable  iu  price,  they  should 
be  largely  grown  for  winter  decoration  by  everyone  having  a 
stove.  The  ohjeotion  made  to  them  by  some  is  their  decidnons 
character,  and  it  is  sail  the  fa"t  of  the  flowers  being  produced 
when  the  plants  tf>  hafless  robs  them  of  half  tbeir  beauty, 
which  is  undeniably  an  objection,  but  still  one  that  may  be 
easily  remedied  by  groining  'hem  with  such  plants  as  Dra- 
caenas, Crotons,  and  Ferns.  Besides  the  cheerful  appearance 
the  flowers  of  these  plants  produce  dining  the  dull  months  in 
the  plant  house,  they  are  also  extremely  valuable  for  cutting 
either  the  entire  spike  for  placiDg  iu  vases  in  tbe  drawing-room, 
or  the  single  flowers  for  bouquet-making.  To  produoe  good 
flowering  plants  they  should  be  pot'ed  in  sound  fibrous  peat. 
leaf  mould,  well-decomposed  cow  manure,  and  sand  in  about 
equal  proportions.  The  pots,  be  it  remembered,  shonld  have 
been  previously  well  drained.  This  operation  should  take 
place  about  the  beginning  of  March,  or  earlier  if  the  least  sign 
of  growth  appears,  for  as  these  plants  lose  roots  as  well  as 
leaves  every  season,  the  old  soil  will  require  taking  away  every 
spriDg  ;  hence  the  necessity  of  putting  them  into  new  soil 
before  the  fresh  roots  start  into  the  worn-out  oompost  of  tbe 
previous  season.  Daring  tbe  growing  season  water  liberally, 
and  I  have  always  been  most  successful  with  them  when  I 
continued  giving  moderate  supplies  after  the  leaves  bad  fallen 
until  the  flowering  season  was  over,  after  which  they  should  be 
kept,  quite  dry  for  some  time.  Some  growers  of  these  plants 
fall  into  the  error  of  drying  them  as  soon  as  the  leaves  begin 
to  decay,  a  system,  however,  whioh  I  have  found  very  detri- 
mental to  the  flowers.  These  Calanthes  should  not  be  grown 
in  the  East  Indian  house,  but  amongst  the  Cattleyas  or  Odon- 
toglossums  ;  when  grown  in  strong  heat  they  are  very  liable  to 
disease  both  in  the  leaves  and  pseudo-bulbs. 

C.  vestita.— Pseudo-bnlbs  broadly  ovate  and  obtuse,  and 
silvery  grey  in  colour.  The  leaves  are  borne  on  the  apex,  and 
are  from  1  to  2  feet  in  length,  membranous,  plaited,  and 
broadly  lanceolate,  tapering  to  a  point.  The  scape  rises  from 
the  base  of  the  pseudo-bulb,  growing  erect  for  half  its  length, 
and  then  becoming  pendulous  and  producing  a  profusion  of 
flowers,  which  continue  in  full  beauty  for  several  months.  The 
sepals  and  petals  are  about  the  same  size,  spreading,  broadly- 
lanceolate,  and  sharp-pointed.     The  lip  is  spreading,  deeply 


three  cleft,  with  a  spur  at  the  base,  middle  lobe  cuneated  ;  the 
lateral  ones  oblong  ob'use.  The  whole  flower  is  of  a  pure 
white,  in  some  forms  the  sepals  and  petals  are  creamy  instead 
of  pure  white.     Native  of  Burmab. 

C.  vestita  rubro-ocnlata. — This  resembles  the  preceding  in 
habit  of  growth,  but  is,  perhaps,  somewhat  more  robust.  The 
flowers  are  more  showy  in  consequence  of  tbeir  having  a  large, 
rich,  crimson  blotoh  at  the  base  of  the  lip.     Native  of  Burmah. 

C.  vestita  fiavo-oc.lata. — An  exact  counterpart  of  the  pre- 
vious variety  in  general  appearance,  except  in  regard  to  the 
flowers,  which  are  stained  at  the  base  of  the  lip  with  orange 
yellow  instead  of  crimson,  which  produces  a  beautiful  oontrast. 
Native  of  Burmah. 

C.  vestita  Turnerii. — Thia  is  a  distinct  variety,  bnt  I  am 
quite  ignorant  of  its  origin.  It  blooms  later  than  the  other 
forms,  and  the  base  of  tbe  lip  or  eye  is  deep  rose  colour. 

C  Veitchii. — A  most  lovely  winter-blooming  plant,  for  which 
we  have  to  thank  Mr.  Dominy,  it.  being  one  of  his  hybrids.  It 
is  tbe  result  of  a  cross  between  Limatodes  rosea  and  Calanthe 
vestita  rnbri-oculata.  Tbe  pseudo-bulbs  taper  more  to  a  neok 
than  any  of  tbe  Calanthes,  and  in  this  respect  it  resembles 
Limatodes.  It  is  deciduous,  and  produces  long,  half-pendulous 
spikes  of  rich  rose-coloured  flowers,  wiih  a  white  eye.  The 
shape  of  these  blooms  is  longer  than  in  any  of  the  other  kinds. 
It  is  a  superb  plant,  and  one  which  should  be  absent  from  no 
collection  however  small. 

LIMATODES. 

This  genns  is  nearly  allied  to  Calanthe,  the  principal  points 
of  distinction  being  a  lip  quite  detached  from  the  column,  not 
united  with  it,  and  in  the  much  longer  column.  The  same 
treatment  as  recommended  for  Calanthe  also  suita  this  ad- 
mirably. 

L.  rosea. — Tbe  pseudo-bulbs  of  this  plant  are  fusiform,  con- 
tracted about  the  midiile,  with  a  narrow  neck.  The  leaves  are 
produced  from  the  apex,  and  are  oblong-lanceolate,  smooth, 
and  plaited.  S'ape  erect  and  proceeding  from  the  base  of  the 
pseudo-bulb.  Flowers  pink  or  rose  saving  at  the  base  of  the 
lip,  and  there  tbey  are  wbite  ;  lip  larger  than  the  sepals  and 
petals,  oblong,  flat,  and  retuse  ;  spur  straight  and  bluDt.  This 
very  handsome  species  blooms  during  midwinter,  and  continues 
long  in  full  beautv.     Native  of  Monlmein. 

L.  rosea  vettalU. — A  variety  of  the  above,  producing  pure 
while  flowers.  It  is  very  elegant,  and  a  charming  contrast  to 
tbe  various  shades  of  roBe  and  pink  of  the  species.  Native  of 
Moulmein. 

EPIDENDRUM. 

A*  regards  this  extensive  genus  I  purpose  confining  my 
remarks  to  two  species  only,  and  tbey  both  well  deserve  general 
attention  for  tbe  ease  with  which  tbey  may  be  grown,  the  cool 
treatment  under  which  tbey  thrive,  and  the  rich  and  rare  colour 
of  their  flowers,  which  are  produced  during  midwinter,  and  laBt 
fl'ieh  a  longtime  in  foil  beauty  if  ordinary  care  be  taken  to  keep 
tbem  from  being  wetted.  There  are  many  other  species  of 
Epidendrum  which  bloom  at  this  particular  season,  but  the 
majority  of  them  are  small  and  unattractive,  and,  therefore,  it 
is  only  reasonable  that  amateurs  and  gardeners,  especially 
those  with  limited  space,  should  prefer  the  most  attractive 
kinds,  or  those  yielding  the  greatest  number  of  charms. 

E.  vitellinum. — The  pseudo-bulbs  of  this  elegant  species 
are  ovate  acuminate,  and  bear  two  leaves,  which  are  oblong 
and  acute.  The  many -flowered  raceme  is  produced  from  the 
apex  of  the  bulb  and  from  between  tbe  leaves  ;  sepals  and 
petals  ovate-lanceolate,  acute,  and  rich  orange  scarlet  in  colour. 
The  lip  is  linear,  narrowed  below,  becoming  suddenly  acute  and 
bright  yellow.  This  plant  is  a  native  of  Oalaca,  where  it  grows 
at  elevations  of  some  9000  feet  above  the  sea  level.  This  fact 
being  known,  it  is  natural  to  infer  that  the  plant  succeeds  only 
in  cool  placts.  I  have  had  the  greatest  success  with  it  treated 
as  a  block-plant,  using  a  little  moss  for  the  roots  to  penetrate, 
by  keeping  it  in  tbe  coolest  place  I  could  find  in  the  OJonto- 
giossnm  house,  and  by  never  at  any  season  depriving  it  entirely 
of  wafer.  I  have  seen  a  plant  in  various  collections  called 
E.  vitellinum,  but  which  has  caused  much  disappointment  to 
the  possessors  wben  in  flower.  It  is  E.  virgatum,  which  very 
much  resembles  the  former  plant,  but  the  leaves  are  more 
glaucous,  and  it  produces  a  long  spike  of  small,  dirty  greenish- 
brown  flowers. 

E.  ibaguense. —  The  thin  Btem-like  pseudo-bulbs  of  this 
plant  are  furnished  with  oblong,  obtuse,  fleshy  dark  green 
leaves.  The  flowers  are  produced  in  a  terminal  cluster,  and  are 
orange-soarlet  in  colour.  It  is  easily  grown,  dwarf  in  habit, 
and  an  abundant  bloomer,  qualities  whioh  should  recommend 


366 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  November  18,  1870. 


it  to  all.  E.  ibaguense  is  a  plant  of  somewhat  reoent  intro- 
duction, and  may  be  grown  either  upon  a  block  or  in  a  pot.  If 
the  latter  method  be  adopted  drain  well,  and  use  sphagnum 
moss  and  peat  in  equal  parts,  with  some  pieces  of  oharcoal  in- 
termixed. It  requires  cool  treatment;  indeed,  it  thrives  ad- 
mirably in  a  temperature  of  from  35°  to  40°  in  winter.  It  is 
found  about  Loxa,  also  at  Ibague,  growing  at  elevations  of 
4000  feet  and  upwards. — Experto  Ckede. 


TRIAL  OF  PEAS  AT  SEAHAM  HALL  GARDENS, 
SUNDERLAND. 

All  (he  varieties  were  sown  on  February  23rd,  1870. 


"When  in 
flower. 


H 


NePlus  Wtrafll 

Harrison's  Glory 

Improved  Green  Mammoth. . . 

Dwarf  fcugarloaf 

Fortyfold    

Veitch's  Perfection  (2)  

■Blue  Seimetar  \3)    

Prizetaker 

Champion  of  England   

Dickson's  First  and  Best  (4)    . 

Laxton's  Supreme  (5) 

Tom  Thumb 

McLean's  Prolific 

Nonpa  reil    

Laxton's  Pro]  tic  

Advancer    

Brn  sh  Queen  

Waterloo     

D«  .ri  Mammoth  (6)  

Little  Gem  17)  

Premier  [8) 

Princess  Royal  (9)    

Auvergne    

Wondei  fill 

Elej  's  Essex  Rival 

Tuber'8  Perfection  (10) 

Sutton's  Ringleader  (11)  

Dickson's  Favourite  

Bishop's  Longpod    

Paradise  Mat  row 

MU  ton's  Early  Champion  (12) 

Surprise 

Neloon's  Vanguard 

Hundredfold  (18) 

Saupster's  No.  1  

Eugenie  

Multum-iu-Parvo  (14) 

Epicurean 

Prince 

Hnight's  Tall  Marrow    


7 

3 
4-5 

2 

5 
3-5 
3-4 

0 

U 

8" 

5 
1-2 

2 

4 

5 

2 
4-7 

7 
2-3 
1— 1J 

3 
3—4 

5 
1-6 

4 

3 

8 

4 

2 


2J 

i 

■■'. 
5 

1-H 

1—2 
5 

e 


June  16 
May  2' 
June  12 

]     1 
,     15 
,     15 


Ready. 


fuly  8 
4 
6 
28 
9 


June 
July 


10  June 
May    28;     „ 
June  !2iJuly 

2      " 

12  June 

15  July 
12'     „ 
10  June 
12'  July 

16  „ 

ie|   „ 

„     21  June 
June  16  July 

13  „ 

15  ,, 

15 1     „ 

4      •• 
81  June 
.     21      „ 
June  11  July 
May   301     „ 
June  14     „ 
May    25  June 
June  12  July 
May    27  June 
June    9|     „ 
May    26]     „ 

.,      30  July 
June  10  June 

ml     ., 
10  July 

16  „ 


Crop. 


good 


good 

very  good 

good 


very  good 
good 

good 


May 


May 


very  good 

good 
very  good 

good 


very  good 
good 


6 
4-5 
4-6 
5-6 
5-6 
6-8 
4-6 
5-6 
8-9 

5 
5-6 

6 
6-9 

8 
6-9 
6-7 

4 

5 
6-8 
6-8 

6 
6-8 
4-6 
5-6 
5-6 

7 

6 

6 
5-6 
4-7 
4-6 
6-8 
5—6 

5 

6 

6 
6-7 
6-7 


Remarks. 

1.— Good  for  general  crops. 

2. — Gi  od  for  general  uce  :  fine  flavour. 

3. — This  I'ea  is  the  best  of  all  the  varieties  to  gro,v  in  dry  weather,  for 
after  all  the  other  kinds  were  ripe  this  kei.t  green. 

4.—  On,  of  the  earliest  varieties,  and  1>    t. 

5.—  Qi  He  a  distinct  variety ;  foliage  light  areou  j  the  pods  are  large,  but 
well  filled.    I  ihiuk  in  a  favourable  season  it  will  be  the  best  Pea  out. 

6.— Straw  strong,  and  a  good  cropper. 

7. — P-es'  for  early  use,  requires  no  stakes,  and  good  flavour. 

8.  —One  of  the  best  for  general  use. 

9. — A  first  class  variety  ;  distinct  and  broad  pods. 
10.— A  very  good  useful*  Pea. 

11.— Much  the  same  as  Dickson's  First  and  Best.  A  very  useful  variety. 
12.— Much  the  same  as  Dickson's  and  Ringleader. 
18. — A  first-class  Pea,  worth  a  place.    The  pods  are  of  a  dark  green. 
14. — A  very  nice  useful  kind. 

The  seed  was  principally  supplied  by  Messrs.  Veitch  &  Sons, 
and  I  found  it  very  good  and  true  to  name.  I  had  the  assist- 
ance of  several  gardeners  to  judge,  and  those  remarked  upon 
were  thought  superior  to  the  others. — R.  Drapeb. 


WEEDS. 
(Continued  from  page  206.) 
Second  only  in  importance  to  draining  is  trenching,  for  the 
ground's  freedom  from  weeds  and  its  fertility  are  in  a  great 
measure  dependent  on  the  latter  operation.  It  is  quite  as  neces- 
sary for  new  ground  as  for  that  which  has  been  some  time  under 
crop.  For  vegi  tables,  fruits,  and  flowers,  for  shrubs  and  trees, 
the  ground  should  be  trenched — let,  Because  it  at  least  doubles 


the  depth  of  soil  which  ean  be  easily  penetrated  by  their  roots, 
and  consequently  renders  available  for  the  plants'  support  a 
much  larger  amount  of  nourishment  than  would  otherwise  be 
the  case  ;  2nd,  It  gives  a  free  passage  to  rain,  the  decomposing 
matters  in  the  soil  are  more  equably  distributed,  and  it  admits 
air;  3rd,  As  the  roots  penetrate  to  a  great  depth  before  hot 
dry  weather  sets  in,  the  plants  in  trenched  ground  withstand 
the  drought  and  heat  of  summer  much  better  than  those  in 
ground  only  surface-dug ;  4th,  It  destroys  weeds,  especially 
those  of  annual  or  biennial  duration,  and,  indeed,  there  are 
but  few  weeds  that  it  will  not  kill.  Exception  must,  however, 
be  made  of  Thistles,  Couch  Grass,  Bindweed,  Docks,  and  a  few 
others.  The  weeds  being  trenched  down,  instead  of  impover- 
ishing the  soil,  contiibute  to  its  fertility. 

Not  only  new  ground  is  the  better  of  trenching,  but  also  that 
which  has  been  several  years  under  crop.  The  vegetable  matter 
in  the  surface  soil,  owing  to  frequent  manuring  and  the  decay 
of  the  roots  of  weeds,  aud  of  the  plants  forming  the  crops,  ia 
considerably  augmented  every  year,  and  this  actB  as  a  great 
stimulant  to  growth  whilst  the  plants  are  young  and  their  roots 
near  the  surface,  but  when  the  roots  have  passed  down  some 
depth  the  growth  is  weak,  and  unless  watering  be  resorted  to 
the  produce  is  not  equal  to  that  of  the  plants  in  a  young  state. 
Another  reason  for  trenching  is,  that  in  many  cases  the  surface 
soil  is  little  else  than  a  mass  of  decayed  and  decaying  vegetable 
matter.  Little  but  leaves  is  produced,  and  though  these  are  all 
we  desire  in  the  case  of  Spinach  and  some  other  crops,  we  re- 
quire very  different  results  when  the  produce  we  seek  is  the  pod, 
the  root,  or  the  head.  This  excessive  vigour  of  top  causes  the 
plants  to  be  tender,  and  the  growths  are  incapable  of  resisting 
extremes  of  heat  and  cold.  What,  then?  Is  poor  soil  best  ?  By 
no  means;  but  it  ia  possible  to  present  the  food  in  Buch  a 
manner  that,  whilst  it  gives  early  vigour,  it  will  in  the  end 
prove  injurious  to  the  health  and  productiveness  of  the  plants. 
The  advantage  of  all  digging  consists  in  rendeiing  the  soil 
more  open,  and  intermixing  its  parts.  But  how  can  this  be 
effected  when  the  soil  is  merely  turned  over  ?  The  surface 
is,  no  doubt,  made  all  that  could  be  wished  for,  but  what  of 
the  soil  lower  down  than  9  inches  from  the  surface  ?  There  we 
have  a  solid  mass  not  easily  penetrated  by  the  roots,  and  it 
receives  none  of  the  enriching  matter  given  at  the  top,  except 
that  reaching  it  in  a  soluble  state,  and  its  constituents  are  prin- 
cipally inorganic  matter. 

Surface-digging,  whilst  it  tends  to  make  the  soil  for  a  few 
inches  deep  a  mass  of  vegetable  matter,  is  apt  to  cause  disease 
in  plants  by  producing  that  gross  unhealthy  development 
which  is  often  attacked  by  the  worst  forms  of  disease,  such  as 
rust,  mildew,  &c.  The  richness  of  the  surface  often  serves  to 
encourage  imect  pests,  which  for  their  existence  require  soil 
long  worked,  or,  in  other  words,  full  of  decajing  and  decayed 
vegetable  substances.  It  is  well  known  to  all  cultivators  that 
plants  in  old  soil  are  more  subject  to  the  attacks  of  some  kinds 
of  gtubs,  or  the  larva?  of  insects,  beetles,  <fcc,  than  those  in 
fresh  soil. 

The  action,  then,  of  trenching,  is  threefold  :  it  brings  to  the 
surface  inorganic  matter,  it  buries  the  seeds  of  weeds  to  such  a 
depth  that  they  will  not  germinate,  and  it  destroys  the  larvae 
of  many  insects  injurious  to  plant  life,  or  prevents  their  in- 
crease. 

Some  persons  consider  that  whatever  manure  is  applied 
should  be  given  at  the  surface,  and  think  that  to  bury  it  at  a 
greater  depth  than  a  foot  is  to  place  it  beyond  the  reach  of  the 
plants.  This  ia  a  great  absurdity,  for  plants,  as  a  rule,  root 
deeply;  but  in  cultivation  they  do  not  so  root,  because  their 
food  is  given  on  the  surface,  and  the  roots  cannot  descend  if 
they  would.  We  know  that  when  plants  have  an  opportunity 
they  do  root  deeply,  and  are  often  difficult  to  restrain.  Fruit 
trees  exhibit  this  tendency,  yet  no  one  thinks  of  planting  them 
without  giving  them  a  good  depth  of  soil  by  trenching,  or 
making  borders  of  considerable  depth,  being  at  great  labour 
to  remove  the  bad  soil,  &c.  Strange  that  persons  doing  this 
should  advocate  manuring  on  the  surface  1  They  tell  us  it 
keeps  the  roots  there,  which  is  also  an  error,  for  the  roots  go 
down,  up,  and  sideways,  wlerever  their  food  is  and  the  way 
open.  But  if  we  do  not  keep  the  roots  of  Pears  on  the  Quinoe 
stock,  Apples  on  the  Paradise  stock,  and  of  all  bush  fruit  near 
the  surface,  they  will  be  unfruitful  from  the  roots  going  down. 
If  there  are  no  roots  near  the  surface,  there  are  none  of  any 
consequence  anywhere,  for  the  stocks  are  Burface-rooting,  and 
supplying  them  with  food  on  the  sur.ace  is  simply  feeding  them 
in  the  only  available  place ;  but  even  that  is  of  no  avail,  unless 
the  roots  in  part  have  a  depth  of  soil  to  draw  their  supplies 


November  10,  1870. 


JOURNAL   OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


367 


from  in  dry,  hot  weather.  Either  they  must  have  a  good  depth 
of  soil,  or  the  application  of  water  must  be  copious  and  fre- 
quent iu  a  dry  season. 

Others,  again,  advocate  deep  digging,  and  putting  the  manure 
down.  This  method,  too,  is  an  error,  for  the  ground  being 
naturally  of  a  deep,  moist  nature,  the  roots  are  attracted  down- 
wards by  the  looseness  of  the  soil,  and  the  results  are  sappy 
unfruitful  growths.  A  good  depth  of  soil  would  never  do  any 
harm  if  it  were  free  from  stagnant  water.  What,  then,  is  the 
good  of  manure  if  it  be  erroneous  to  put  it  on  the  surface, 
and  also  to  put  it  at  the  bottom  of  the  trench?  Placed  on  the 
surface  and  buried  at  the  bottom  of  a  trench  it  is  all  in  a  mass. 
The  roots  must  turn  upwards  to  get  at  the  manure  on  the  sur- 
face, or  be  satisfied  with  what  is  washed  down  to  them  by  the 
rains,  deriving  no  benefit  whatever  from  the  volatile  substances 
ever  vanishing  in  the  air.  Surface-manuring  is  well  for  fruit 
trees  ;  in  no  other  way  can  manure  be  applied  without  injury 
to  the  roots.  On  the  other  hand,  placing  manure  at  the  bottom 
of  a  trench  only  feeds  the  roots  that  invariably  find  their  way 
down  to  it,  and  this  mide  of  applying  manure  is  consequently 
adopted  for  subjects  that  remain  long  on  the  ground,  as  Straw- 
berries and  fruit  trees  generally,  for  unless  the  manure  be 
given  in  the  first  instance,  or  prior  to  planting,  it  is  impractic- 
able to  do  so  afterwards.  Sometimes  the  manure  is  put  at  the 
bottom  of  the  trench  when  the  ground  is  intended  for  Carrots, 
Parsnips,  and  other  roots,  for  it  has  been  found  that  a  rich 
surface  soil  causes  the  roots  to  branch  or  fork  ;  and  for  Lettuce, 
Cauliflower,  and  other  plants  likely  to  suffer  from  drought,  the 
Same  mode  of  application  is  advised,  in  order  to  give  them  in- 
creased moisture  and  support  when  they  are  beginning  to  head, 
and  to  keep  them  from  running.  Ex-ept  for  certain  crops,  I 
hold  that  all  manure  should  be  dug  in  and  mixed  throughout 
the  whole  depth  of  soil. 

The  operation  of  trenching  is  so  well  understood  that  I  need 
not  describe  it,  but  a  few  remarks  may  not  be  without 
interest.  If  the  ground  is  fre-h  land  that  has  been  in  pasture, 
or  been  used  for  agricultural  crops,  we  have  to  take  out  a  trench. 
The  top  spit  of  a  space  about  2  feet  6  inches  wile  we  take  out 
and  lay  where  we  intend  to  finish.  The  top  spit  will  be  good 
soil  in  almost  all  cases,  and  we  need  not  trouble  further  about 
that,  but  the  next  spit  may  be  partly  gravel,  clay,  or  other 
material  of  no  value  on  the  surface.  In  this  case  we  remove 
no  more  of  the  second  spit  than  is  of  a  nature  likely  to  yield 
to  the  influence  of  the  atmosphere — not  gravel  nor  hard  close 
clay.  Instead  of  bringing  Btich  up  it  is  better  to  loosen  it  with 
a  pick,  and  give  a  dressing  of  fresh  manure  ;  indeed,  I  cannot 
perceive  any  advantage  in  placing  very  rotten  manure  at  the 
bottom  of  trenches.  If  grass,  we  pare  off  the  top  about 
2  inches  thick,  and  place  it  at  the  bottom  of  the  trench,  aud 
then  take  out  the  soil  below  that  and  place  it  ou  the  top.  The 
bottom  is  then  picked  up,  and  it  is  ready  for  the  manure  and 
the  soil  of  the  next  trench.  This  is  for  a  very  poor  soil,  and 
one  that  will  need  manure  at  top,  bottom,  and  in  every  way 
that  is  possible  to  apply  it  to  keep  it  at  all  fertile.  Very  few 
soils  are  of  this  description  ;  generally  two,  and  in  many  cases 
three  good  spades'  depths  can  be  had.  Iu  any  case  the  soil  of 
the  first  trench  or  opening  should  be  taken  out  until  we  come 
to  sand,  clay,  or  gravel ;  the  former  and  latter  it  is  useless  to 
bring  to  the  surface,  and  not  more  than  2  or  3  inches  of  the 
clay  should  be  brought  up  at  one  time,  and  the  same  remark 
applies  to  any  soil  inclining  to  be  more  sandy,  clayey,  or 
gravelly  than  is  suitable  for  plant-growth  and  forming  a  good 
tilth  for  sowing  or  planting.  The  bottom,  whatever  it  may  be, 
should  be  loosened  fully  a  spade  deep,  and  if  there  are  two  good 
spits  of  soil,  there  will  be  no  necessity  to  manure  the  bottom 
if  turf  or  the  top  spit  of  ground  that  has  been  under  crop  be 
turned  over  it.  Between  the  second  spit  and  the  first  it  would 
be  well  to  give  a  moderate  quantity  of  manure,  and  in  all  cases 
I  should  give  whatever  manure  is  wanted  at  a  spit's  depth  from 
the  surface.  This  is  all  that  need  be  done;  only,  if  the  soil  be 
heavy  it  is  well  to  throw  it  up  in  ridges,  so  that  the  frost  may 
act  upon  it,  and  in  February  or  March  it  may  be  levelled,  or  in 
any  case  it  should  be  forked  over  before  it  is  planted  or  sown. 
If  the  soil  is  poor  it  is  desirable  to  give  a  liberal  dressing  of 
manure  prior  to  the  forking  over  early  in  spring.  Indeed,  some 
loams  are  so  poor  when  the  soil  from  a  good  depth  is  brought 
up,  that  without  some  stimulant  to  growth  the  plants  put  in 
take  very  indifferently,  and  do  not  advance  much  in  growth. 
The  manure  in  this  case  should  be  short. 

In  trenching,  whatever  weeds  may  be  on  the  surface,  take  no 
notice  of  them,  but  place  them  at  the  bottom  of  each  trench. 
November  is  the  best  month  to  trench,  for  then  the  bottom  soil 


is  ameliorated  by  frost  and  exposure  to  the  air,  and  becomes 
workable  by  the  time  of  putting  in  the  crops.  All  garden 
ground  should  be  trenched  every  third  year,  and  whenever  it  is 
very  weedy  turn  the  surface  fully  two  spits  under. — G.  Adbey. 


PEAS   AND   POTATOES  IN    1870. 

Reading  in  your  last  number  notices  on  Peas  and  Potatoes 
grown  in  1870,  I  thought  the  following  particulars  m.gbt  not  be 
uninteresting  to  your  readers.  '—; 

Peas. — I  sowed  Daniel  O'Ronrke  on  November  29th,  1869, 
and  gathered  the  firsr  dish  o  i  Maj  28  h,  1870.  From  Cutter's 
Surprise,  sown  on  Februaiy  23rd,  1  gathered  on  June  20;h; 
from  Premier  Marrow,  sown  on  March  10th,  I  gathered  on  the 
24th  of  June. 

Potatoes. — I  planted  Ehriugton  Kidnev  on  December  21'h, 
1869,  and  gathered  the  first  di-h  May  28tb,  1870.  Button's 
Racehorse  I  planted  Februarv  23rd,  and  gathered  on  May  28  h. 
Mona's  Pride  was  planted  March  12h,  and  the  whole  crop  was 
gathered  July  30th. 

I  had  a  continuous  supply  from  the  days  on  which  the  first 
Peas  and  Potatoes  were  gathered.  The  orops  were  all  grown  in 
the  open  ground  without  any  extra  attention  or  protection. 
— M.,  Ross,  Herefordshire. 


TOMATOES. 

Having  had  good  snee  ss  in  the  culture  of  Tomatoi  out  of 
doors,  I  send  a  few  notes,  with  the  distinguishing  features  of 
several  varieties  Buitable  for  out-door  culture. 

So  much  has  been  written  on  the  subject  by  different  able 
practical  men,  that  it   i->   almost  impossible  I  pthing 

new;  still,  knowing  the  usefulness  of  the  Tomat  i  in  b  ':  Inge 
and  small  families,  how  eagerly  it  is  inquired  for  in  the  kitchen, 
and  how  much  superior  in  quality  home-grown  Tomatoes  are 
to  those  purcbaei  in  the  market,  I  wish  to  point  out  that 
anyone  with  a  warm  border,  or  a  south  or  south-west  wall,  need 
never  despair  of  success. 

In  the  first  week  of  Mirch  the  seed  should  be  sown  thinly  in 
a  0-inch  pot  well  drained,  using  about  one-half  fine  leaf  mould, 
and  the  remaining  half  loam,  with  a  sprinkling  of  rand,  and  place 
it  in  a  vinery  or  greenhouse.     As  soon  as  the  bi    dl  torn  be 

handled,  prick  them  out  3  inches  apart  in  a  pan  filled  with  a 
light  rich  compost,  consisting  of  fibrous  loum  Is,  fine 

leaf  mould  one  part,  and  tbe  remainder  old  rui  mixed 

with  sand.  I  like  them  to  have  plenty  of  fine  leaf  mould  in 
the  earlier  sta  »  of  their  growth,  which  encourages  their 
young  delicate  roots. 

In  a  fortnight  after  pricking  out  they  Bhould  be  ready  for 
potting  in  3-inch  pots,  usiu^  more  loam  and  gii  lenty 

of  drainage  in  this  as  in  all  their  shifts.     As  ii  y  get 

established  give  them  plenty  of  air  to  keep  them   I  ru- 

ing drawn,  stake  thorn  with  small  sticks,  and  lie  tb  m  1  to  ly. 
Particular  attention  must  be  paid  to  tying  thent,  as  they  are  of 
very  quick  growth,  and  the  ties  soon  cut  the  sleoi',  which  are 
then  liable  to  snap  off  just  when  the  plants  sh  their 

best.  Immediately  the  roots  reach  the  sides  of  the  po's  repot 
in  6-inch  pots,  using  the  same  composition  as  before  ;  the  leaf 
mould  may  now  be  a  little  coarser — say  half-iDch.  Repotting 
directly  the  roots  reach  the  sides  of  the  pots,  till  the  plants  are 
placed  in  their  fruiting-pots,  is  one  of  the  points  to  be  a'lended 
to,  as  helping  to  keep  them  clean,  healthy,  and  sturdy  in 
growth.  I  repot,  when  the  plants  are  ready,  in  9-inch  pots,  aud 
lastly,  in  12-inch  pots,  using  a  coarser  soil  this  time,  and 
placing  a  few  inch  bones  above  the  crocks. 

I  have  the  plants  hardened-off  for  turning  out  in  their  sum- 
mer's quarters  by  the  third  week  of  May.  I  should  also  add 
that  I  have  had  good  fruit  off  plants  putted  from  the  seed-pan 
in  6-inch  or  9-inch  pots,  though  I  prefer  those-  treated  iu  the 
way  I  have  described.  Abundance  of  water  shoo1  '  be  given 
both  to  the  root  and  top,  never,  if  possible,  allowing  them  to 
flag  from  want  of  it.  Should  they,  before  tbey  are  planted  in 
their  final  quarters,  show  any  trace  of  green  fly,  give  them  a 
syringing  of  water  in  which  soft  soap  has  been  dissolved  at  the 
rate  of  2  ozs.  to  the  gallon,  turning  the  plants  on  their  sides. 
In  fact,  to  make  doubly  sure  I  syringe  them  cleau  or  unclean, 
as  I  believe  the  soft  soap  is  very  distasteful  to  insect  life. 

The  plants  being  now  ready  for  planting,  they  should  be 
plunged  at  once  in  the  border,  giving  them  additi  >nal  stakes 
for  support,  using  one  or  more  according  to  the  style  of 
training  and  the  room  there  may  be.     I  have  used  only  one 


368 


JOURNAL   OF   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  November  10,  1870. 


stako  a  yard  Ligh,  tying  the  plant  to  it  as  required,  aDd  pinch- 
ing the  shoots  one  joint  above  the  flowers.  I  have  also  U9ed 
one  stake  in  the  centre  of  the  pot,  and  one  on  each  side  in  the 
border,  at  9  inches  apart  or  more  as  convenient.  This  is  a 
good  way  of  training  them,  but  the  best  plan  of  all  when  it  can 
be  done  is  to  nail  them  to  the  wall,  plunging  the  pots  when 
convenient ;  but  sometimes  when  I  have  had  open  spaces  be- 
tween the  fruit  trees  on  the  walls,  I  have  trained  the  plants 
over  these,  but  I  could  not  plunge  the  pots  more  than  a  few 
inches  owiDg  to  the  roots  of  the  trees.  When  grown  on  a  wall 
particular  attention  should  be  paid  to  the  thinning  of  the 
shoots  and  nailing-in,  and  where  there  is  room  they  can  be 
made  to  cover  a  great  space  and  will  look  very  tfi'eciive. 

I  seldom  find  manure  water  required  till  the  fruit  is  swelling- 
off,  but  should  rich  compost  not  he  at  hand,  watering  with 
liquid  manure  is  ve>y  beneficial.  Where  fine  fr  uit  aie  required 
rather  than  quantity,  they  should  be  thinned  as  soon  as  set, 
leaving  one,  two,  or  more  fruit  on  a  cluster  as  required. 

I  will  enumerate  the  kinds  suitable  for  out-door  culture  here. 
The  first  on  the  list  and  the  best  is  General  Grant.  This  is  the 
finest  Tomato  I  have  cultivated  or  seen,  tingle  fruit  weighing 
from  i  to  8  ozs.,  and  to  these  weights  I  have  grown  from  twelve 
to  twenty  fruit  on  a  plant.  It  is  not  the  earliest  kind,  though 
I  gathered  in  the  first  week  in  August,  and  the  fruit  ripened 
in  October  are  as  fiim  and  plump  as  those  first  produced  ;  in 
fact,  its  keeping  qualities  are  good,  aDd  the  colour  beautiful. 
This  variety  is  a  sure  cropper,  but  requires  more  head  room 
than  some.  The  Old  Red  comes  next  in  size  and  quality.  This 
is  a  well-known  variety  and  is  very  dwarf  ;  it  is  also  the  latest 
in  ripening,  but  giveB  way  to  General  tyrant  in  its  keeping  pro- 
perties. The  Orangefield  is  the  earliest  with  me  and  very 
prolific  ;  this  should  have  a  place  in  every  garo'en,  for  though 
the  fruit  is  small  it  comes  in  remarkably  early,  is  very  dwarf, 
and,  as  I  said  before,  very  prolific.  Keve's  Early  Prolific  is 
very  good,  but  is  inferior  to  the  Orangtfield.  This  variety  is 
known  by  the  peculiar  foliage,  which  has  the  appearance  of 
suffering  from  want  of  water.  Tomato  de  Laye  is  the  last  of 
those  grown  by  me.  This  is  very  dwarf,  scarcely  exceeding 
18  inches  in  height,  still  I  have  no  doubt  it  might  glow  higher 
with  coBrser  feeding.     It  is  a  very  useful  variety. 

In  giving  the  preceding  list  I  do  not  for  a  moment  wish  to 
say  that  they  are  the  only  vaiieties  suitable  for  out-door  cul- 
ture ;  no  doubt  there  are  plenty,  but  the  above  are  what  I  find 
good.  Where  the  space  is  limited  the  Orangefield  for  the  early 
crop,  and  General  Grant  for  the  late  one,  are  all  that  are  re- 
quired.—Stephen  Castle,  Bent  Hill  Gardens,  Prestwich. 


THE   REV.   C.  P.   PEACH'S   GARDEN, 

Appleton-le-Stbeet,  Yorkshire. 
It  is  not  the  description  of  a  grand  garden  or  "  show  place," 
in  the  usual  acceptation  of  the  term,  that  forms  the  subject  of 
my  theme;  its  title  recalls  no  thought  of  extensive  grounds, 
no  vi?>t  ranges  of  glass  houses,  hardly  any  of  the  charac  eristic 
features  of  gardens  of  note,  and  yet  I  doubt  not  that  it  will  be 
read  with  interest  by  all  caring  for  a  flower  garden,  and  who 
have,  like  myself,  profited  by  reading  Mr.  Peach's  excellent 
communications  in  these  pages.  It  was  through  one  of  those 
exhaustive  papers  on  bedding  Pelargoniums  that  I  first  became 
aware  of  the  merits  of  Violet  Hill  Pelargonium.  1  had  never 
seen  it;  but  so  convincing  were  Mr.  Peach's  notes  on  it  and 
certain  others,  that  I  felt  no  hesitation  in  ordering  those  kiDds 
which  were  perfect  strangers  to  me,  and  certainly  I  have  found 
most  of  them  to  be  all  that  he  has  said  of  them.  I  qualify 
this  last  sentence,  because  some  kinds  of  sterling  merit  do  not 
succeed  so  well  with  Mr.  Peach,  or,  rather,  I  should  say,  iu  the 
climate  of  Yorkshire,  as  they  do  in  the  south  of  England.  As 
»n  instance  of  this  I  will  take  Crystal  Palace  Gem,  which  in 
Kent  and  in  the  neighbourhood  of  London  far  surpasses  sll 
others  of  its  class  that  I  have  seen,  beiDg  vtry  compact  in  its 
habit  of  growth,  with  its  finely  shaped  foliage  so  stout  in  tex- 
ture that  it  never  burns,  but  retaining  its  deep  rich  yellow  colour 
in  all  its  purity  and  freshness  throughout  the  hottest  summer, 
no  matler  how  exposed  it  may  be,  thus  proving  a  great  acqui- 
sition ;  for  who  that  has  had  much  experience  of  bedding  plants 
has  not  had  to  endure  the  vexatious  loss  of  foliage  in  Golden 
Cbiin,  the  whitened  surface  or  scalded  margin  of  that  of  Cloth 
of  Gold,  or  the  vulgar  gloss  of  Golden  Fleece?  But,  unfortu- 
nately for  Mr.  Peach,  Crystal  Palace  Gem  is  anything  but  a 
gem  with  him,  as  it  becomes  so  green  as  to  be  almost  worthless. 
Need  I  point  the  moral  ?     Well,  I  may  just  observe  that  severe 


criticism  would  frequently  assume  a  much  milder  tone  if  the 
effect  of  different  climates,  aspects,  and  soils  on  other  things 
as  well  as  on  bedding  plants  were  borne  in  mind. 

To  bdow  how  careful  Mr.  Peach  is  not  to  mislead  the  public, 
I  may  mention  seeing  a  plant  of  Pelargonium  Ciimson  Nosegay 
growing  along  with  other  novel ti<  s  in  a  little  trial  garden,  and 
upon  my  inquiring  why  favourable  mention  had  not  been  made 
of  it,  Mr.  Peach  replied  that  he  thought  it  a  good  variety,  but 
as  he  had  not  seen  much  of  it  he  refrained  from  assigning  it  a 
place  in  his  list,  which  I  can  confidently  say  it  fully  deserves, 
for  it  is  one  of  the  most  distinct  and  splendid  sorts  we  have. 
Its  very  compact  yet  spreading  habit  of  growth  is  all  that  one 
could  deBire,  while  the  light  blotch  on  its  foliage  causes  its 
profusion  of  flowers,  of  a  deep  rich  liquid  crimson,  to  appear  all 
the  more  striking. 

The  chief  feature  of  interest  in  this  garden  is  a  loDg  sloping 
curved  border,  partly  enclosing  a  pretty  flower  garden  in  front 
of  the  vicarage ;  it  is  on  this  border  that  a  number  of  the 
leading  kinds  of  bedding  Pelargoniums  are  grown  and  their 
merits  compared.  It  is  divided  into  many  compartments  in  a 
very  tasteful  manner,  with  broad  lines  of  Arabis  alpina  varie- 
gata  bo  arranged  as  to  form  a  band  of  diamond  shaped  spaces 
along  the  entire  length  of  the  border.  Each  diamond  contained 
a  distinct  Bort  of  Pelargonium,  and  thus  each  variety  fully  dis- 
played its  good  or  bad  qualities,  and,  by  comparison  with  its 
neighbours,  afforded  the  fairest  test  of  its  relative  metit.  A 
border  of  this  description  must  be  such  a  constant  source  of 
interest  throughout  the  entire  summer  as  to  be  far  preferable 
to  the  most  brilliant  ribbon  border,  however  perfect;  and  by 
introducing  suitable  plants  in  the  Vandykes  or  half-diamond 
spaces  along  its  sides,  it  is  rendered  as  attractive  an  object  in 
its  way  as  it  is  possible  to  conceive.  Moreover,  hy  such  an 
arrangement  a  much  fairer  idea  of  the  real  merit  of  new  varie- 
ties is  to  be  had  than  could  ever  be  gained  from  a  sight  of  the 
single  plants  of  our  exhibitions,  and  which  are  generally  all  the 
material  that  a  Floral  Committee  has  on  which  to  found  its 
decisions. 

It  is  Dot  my  purpose  to  give  a  detailed  statement  of  the 
varieties  of  Pelargoniums  grown  by  Mr.  Peach,  aB  he  has  al- 
ready done  so,  but  I  may  observe  tbat  among  many  new  kinds 
of  the  Gold  and  Bronze  section  Crown  Prince  and  Imperatrice 
Eugenie  appeared  to  be  the  best ;  and  from  a  fine  batch  of 
specimen  pot  plants  of  the  Nosegay  class  in  one  of  the  green- 
houses I  selected  Mrs.  Lsing,  a  remarkably  free-flowering  orange 
scarlet ;  Godfrey,  of  a  similar  shade  of  oolour,  but  brighter 
and  with  very  large  trusses  ;  Gloire  de  Corbeny,  of  a  floe  salmon 
shade  ;  and  Me  Plus  Ultra,  with  immense  trusses  of  bright 
piDk  flowers. 

A  mass  of  deep-coloured  Beet  surrounding  some  Centaurea 
in  the  flower  garden  had  a  tolerably  good  effect,  but  its  vulgar 
glossy  foliige  will,  I  think,  prevent  its  ever  becoming  a  general 
favourite  for  such  a  purpose.  A  very  compact-growing  dwarf 
blue  Lobelia  named  Little  Gem  was  very  good  indeed  ;  it  is  a 
lovely  free-flowering  variety,  worthy  of  a  place  in  every  garden. 
Nor  must  I  omit  to  mention  a  fine  bed  of  mixed  kinds  of  Ver- 
benas enjoying  a  prominent  position  ;  and  very  worthy  of  it 
they  were  too,  for  to  my  mind  there  was  not  a  more  attractive 
bed  in  the  entire  garden.  I  never  can  understand  what  is  meant 
when  we  are  told  that  many  of  the  best  show  varieties  of  Perry 
and  Eck ford  are  not  good  bedding  plants.  Planted  thickly  in 
deep,  rich,  cool  soil,  and  with  a  little  care  in  training  and 
pegging,  they  form  a  lovely  and  interesting  mass  of  bloom,  which 
is  quite  certain  to  attract  and  please  the  most  fastidious  eye. 

The  glass  houses  are  moderate-sized  span-roofed  structures, 
very  oompact,  and  with  every  iDch  of  space  turned  to  account. 
Tbe  plants  which  they  contained  were  in  a  very  healthy  and 
creditable  condition. 

Some  low  portable  frames,  very  useful  and  wonderfully  cheap, 
were  shown  to  me,  and  as  they  must  be  very  serviceable  for  9 
variety  of  purposes  I  will  give  a  slight  sketch  of  them.  They 
are  made  in  two  shapes;  one  is  a  regular  span-roof,  and  the 
other  a  half-span.  The  span-roofed  frames  are  undoubtedly 
the  more  useful  of  the  two;  they  were  9  feet  long  by  3  feet 
wide,  11  inches  high  in  the  centre,  and  3  inches  high  at  the 
sides  ;  there  i*  a  wooden  division  across  the  centre  to  which  the 
sides  are  nailed,  and  so  they  are  kept  from  warping.  The 
panes  of  glass  are  moveable  ;  they  fit  into  a  groove  in  the  side 
of  the  ridgebar,  and  are  kept  stcurely  in  their  places  by  a 
crooked  pin  at  the  bottom  of  each  pane.  Tbe  paries  measure 
1G  inches  by  "20,  and  it  takes  seven  of  thtru  along  each  side  of 
the  span.  The  cost  of  these  fourteen  panes  is  8s  Gd.  The 
boarding  costs  3s  ,  the  paintiDg  Is.,  and  the  making  3s.,  and  so 


November  10,  IS70.  ] 


JOURNAL   OF   HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


369 


we  buve  a  capital  little  glass  roof,  which  you  msy  set  np  a*  high 
as  you  like  on  bucks,  and  covering  a  space  nf  27  t-quare  feet, 
at  a  oost  of  15s.  fid.  I  haveeeen  no  groond  vineries  uor  pUnt- 
protectors  to  tcjaal  these  frames  either  for  cheapness  or  utility, 
and  for  that  reason  I  have  endeavoured  to  desoribe  them  acou- 
ra»el.v.  If  I  have  omitted  any  important  rmrticvilar  I  am  Bur* 
M'.  Peach  will  willingly  correct  me. — Edward  Luckhurst, 
•Old  Lands,  Buxted,  Sussex. 


PLANTS   FLOWERING   IN   OCTOBER. 


Oct.    3.  Fuchsia  fiVgena 

coccinea 

gracilis 

inicrophylla 

serratifolm 

corymblflora 

ztobosa 
Auchusa  italica 
Betonica  stricta 
Armenia  maritime  rosea 
CeiitrA&thua  ruber 
Kocnia  scoparia 
Silene  Atocion 

rubella 
Zinnia  elegant 
Penllananki  ensis 
Verbenn  venosa 

pulcfaelia 
officinalis 

Alonsja  compac'a 

Warscewiczii 
Matthiola  annu* 
Seduin  c;eruleum 
Rose  Gloire  de  Dijon 
Lupinaa  Mil. Mil 
Abrouia  ambellata 
Acuiiitnm  albuai 

nuinmiiMle 

japonieam 
Viola  odorata 

tricolor 

cornata 

Intel 
Anoria  Uilleniana 
Convolvulus  minor 

monstrosna 
<Enotht-ra  acanlia 

Drnmmondi 

Lamarckiana 

biennis 

macrocarpa 

Selloviana 

rabicnnda 
Tricyrtis  hirta 
Trifolium  r-'pena 
Calendula  Pong^i  plena 
Hibiscus  africanud 
Collinsia  bicolor 
Oxalia  tropaeoloidea 
Bnza  maxima 
Pent>>temon  eentianoides 

eocoinenm 

azureum 

prooerum 

pulchelluTi 

venua'um 

ovatum 
Adonis  autuuinalia 
PhloTi's  lius-ediana 
Viburnum  Tinas 
Ajuga  reptans 

variegata 

g<;n  evens  is 

purpurea 
Campanula  mnralia 

carpatica 

garganica 

grandis 

gigantea 

pyramidalis 

pa  I  la 
Asclepias  tuberosa 
Dahlias 
Bellia  perennis 
Antirrhinums 
11.  Veronica  carnea 

gentianoides 

ineana  glauca 

sulcata 

Bpeciosa 
Sedum  album 

Telephmm 

pnrpureum 

Bieboldi 
variegatum 

spectabile 
Yerbascum  nigrum 
Vinca  major 

minor 
Xinaria  alpina 

._  vmbaldria 

purpurea 
Phlox  verna 

proeumbens 

setacea 
EudbcL-kia  laeinatu 

amplexifolia 
Rhododendron  hirsutum 
Datura  stramonium 
Obeliscaria  pulcherrima 
Salpiirlot^is  atrcpurpurea 
Veronica  syriacu 
Visearia  oculata 
J%nca  stric'a 
ramcntacea 


Oct.  11.  Polygonnm  iT-ientalo 
Centaorua  depiea&a 

rami-ina 
Certst'um  tomentosum 
Hup haumim  snlicifuliam 
D<".hi«  DaieieH 
Arabia  Iuoid* 
Cineraria  mmtima 
OalvHtftiiii  p'lb'flcens 
Arenaria  marine 
Anem'Tit1  japonic* 
Dianthus  Caryophyllna 

siinerbui 

dettoides 

ca?sias 
CbeloDe  barbata 

gl  Ohm 

obli.)ua 
Saponarui  officinalis 

ocvmoidna 
„    15.  Artemisi  t  Dra'tinculoa 

annua 
Tencrium  variejutam 
^'^naciii  spt-oioaa 
Ma'vii  Horenl  I 
ilvdrantrea  japonica 

horteiisbi 
Tntoma  ITraris 
Gvnerium  argenteum 
K-  hn-t- ' ;■  -.  R'trn 

"ph-eror^phalns 
Helianthus  ditfntma 

maltiflnrng 
Lychnis  fnleena 

cb-Ocedoniea 

Haa^reana 

dioicD 
Dracoceuhalum  canariense 

moldavicum 
Loaaa  aurantiaca 
KcceuMcarpua  scabcr 
Cyclamen  ■  nropastun 

heder^fol'um 
„    30.  Crufi-uiella  sty  on 
Ant  ho)  12a  coccinea 
Convolvulus  r-antabricua 

m-iuritani'*ua 

sold  an  ell  i  Auras 
Andryala  lannta 
Clematis  -lackmaoni 
Beta  maritime 
Crocns  Bpectosua 

BoryT 

g'ft^CUl 

autumnaHo 
Coronil'aiberica 

varia 
Achillea  tomentoaa 
■■ '  ■!  ihi  ■■;in  autamnale 
f'alandrinia  ambellata 
Tngetes  pumila 
Aloyaia  citri')dora 
Aster  chiuensis 

Tripolinm 
?enecio  elegans 
Geum  r'vale 

coccineum 

montanum 
Hesi>eri3  matronaHa 
"VittaHenia  trilobota 
Zauachneria  califomica 
Agemtum  odoratum 
Tropaeolam  majas 
„    24.  Inula  L'landulosa 
Salvia  fulgena 

patens 

verbascifolia 

coccinea 
Thymus  vulgaris 

lanuginosua 

officinalis 
Nepeta  violnce'i 
JNierembergia  gracilis 

rival  aria 
Mecon^psia  cambrica 
Monarda  didyma 
Lavandula  Spica 
Konit^a  vanegata 
Hibiscus  roseua 
Fankia  cserulea 

grandiflora 

ovata 
Scabiosi  lutea 

eermanica 
Scropbniaria  variegata 
^antolina  ineana 

alpina 
Galium  verum 
Trade«cantia  csmlea 
Eryngium  alpinum 
Lathyiua  odoratus 
tiladiolua  ramosus 
Tjuphospprmum  scanden 
Lupinus  polyphyllua 
Glauc.um  tlavnm 


Oct.  24.  Linnm  alpinum 

narbonenae 

L<-wisii 

flavum 
Eupatonum  purpureum 
Alyssum  aaxatil-1 
AniBoma  sahcifolia 
HolHago  ncxuoaa 

eamhrica 
„    29.  Delp'iinium  Helladonna 

H*nder-"ni 

Consolida 
Arctotis  eiandiflora 

br^viscapa 
Corenpii.-*  grandiflora 

lanenolai  • 
Aster  LTiindiflorua 

lavis 

laxoa 

8peet^bilia 

Aine  lua 


0:t.  23.  Aster  Novi-Belgii 

NovLe-AncIiai 

bessarabicas 

dumosus 
Ceanoihus  azureua 
Kcheveria  glauca 
Hedy^Hrum  cironarium 
Ouiu'hatodea  verna 
Myosotia  alpeatris 

paluatris 
Oxalia  floribundi 

versicolor 

f-peeiosa 
Gaillardia  pinta 

graulinora 
Chryao'ioina  Lynosyrid 
>ki'i'..  latifolia 

Liaio  nium 

belidifolia 
Stachya  germ»nica 
Plumbago  Larpenta; 


-M.  H.,  Acklam  Hall,  Middlesbrough -on-Tees, 


PEAS    IN    1870. 

Referring  to  the  comments  on  my  article  on  Peas  by  Messr  , 
0'tit**r  A-  Cj.,  on  turning  to  my  noie-book  I  tind  that  oo  Jalv 
9(b,  1870,  what  I  ohuiuad  for  HiDgleader  (Sat'.onV)  measured 
3  feet  6  luoli^s  iu  b^i^ht.  The  peed  I  procurnd  in  I860  from  a 
well-kuown  firm  in  Miocbester,  at  tbe  same  fine  I  hada  packet 
of  (Jnrter'H  Firet  Crop  from  anotber  firm  bere  ;  botb  were 
sown  at  the  same  time  and  receivad  tbe  same  treatment,  but  I 
saw  almost  immediately  tbat  they  were  two  distinct  varieties. 
Criinif  fully  aware  of  tbe  old  story  respecting  tbe  two  Pdas,  I 
dctermitind  to  save  my  own  seed  of  Snt'ou's  Ringleader,  aud  in 
ordflr  to  have  it  tine  I  saved  ike  poda  that  were  well-formed,  aud 
witk  not  lees  than  five  fine  Peas  in  a  pod,  and  the  result  this 
year  has  been  the  beet  row  of  Peas  I  ever  saw,  and  certainly 
there  are  tho:»e  in  this  neighbourhood  who  can  bear  testimony 
to  what  I  say.  I  should  udd,  the  height  la*t  year  was  3  feet. 
This  year,  though  I  grew  Sautter  No.  1,  Dil'Utone's  Prolific, 
and  what  was  sent  to  me  as  Carter's  First  Crop,  none  proved 
equal  to  my  o*n  saved  seed.  I  have  saved  this  year  sufficient 
for  a  siuglH  row,  and  at  the  proper  time  I  shall,  in  order  to  Ret 
the  First  Crop  true,  send  mv  order  to  Messrs.  Carter  &  Co.  for 
this  and  LaxtonV  Prolific.  I  have  now  before  me  two  catalogues 
for  1870,  of  well-known  old-established  firms.  In  one,  the 
height  of  Ringleader  (S-UtonV),  or  First  Crop  (Cartm),  is  given 
at  3  feet,  which  is  th*  height  it  grew  with  me  in  lHG'J.  In  the 
second,  Ringl«ader  and  Cirter's  First  Crop  are  made  to  read  as 
distinct  varieties.  In  conclusion  I  would  ask,  Is  it  not  possible 
(or  a  system  of  high  cultivation  to  raise  tke  beigkt  of  Peas  ?  In 
iny  case  I  have  proved  that  it  does. 

Coming  to  Mr.  Gilbert's  remarks,  permit  me  to  inform  him 
that  alt  gardeners  are  not  aware  of  the  fact  of  Peas  requiring 
the  ground  being  prepared  as  I  have  described,  because,  if  they 
knew,  I  should  both  see  aud  hear  lesB  of  failures  than  I  have 
heen  accustomed  to  do,  as  noonecau  make  me  believe  that  for 
the  sake  of  a  little  extra  labour  he  would  endanger  the  crop 
of  what  I  consider  the  best  of  vegetables. 

In  tke  next  place,  I  hope  Mr.  Gilbert  does  not  compare  Man- 
chester to  Stamford,  Prestwich  being  the  same  distance  from 
M-inchftster  as  Burghley  is  from  Stamford  ;  if  he  does  be  is 
certainly  wrong,  both  as  regards  rain  and  smoke  ;  and,  as  I  said, 
my  Peas  sown  in  Marck  were  as  early  as  those  sown  in  tke 
previous  November,  leaving  out  of  the  question  birds  and  mice. 
I  speak  this  from  experience,  and  certainly  I  consider  my  Peas 
gathered  on  the  18ih  of  June  as  early  as  his  gathered  on  tbe 
6th  of  the  same  montb. 

Lastly,  I  can  inform  Mr.  Gilbert,  that  to  kave  Peas  in  Oc- 
tober on  this  side  of  Manchester  must  be  very  rare,  I  myself 
having  seen  none;  in  fact,  the  subject  of  my  earliness  and 
lateness  in  Peas  is  spoken  of  by  many,  though  I  still  hope  to 
have  later  gatherings  th«  coming  year,  though  I  despair  of 
gathering  here  on  Lord  Mayor's  day. — Stephen  Castle,  Bent 
Hill  Gardens,  Presticicli.      

Messrs.  Carter  &  Co.  in  your  paper  of  tbe  3rd  in9t.,  page 
345,  Fay  that  "  it  is  utterly  incorrect  that  Sutton's  Ringleader 
is  3J  feet  kigk."  and  that  they  "ckallenge  anyone  to  name  an 
early  Pea  of  3J  feet  high,"  whii',h  is  earlier  or  so  early  as 
Cirter's  First  Crop.  As  an  amateur  I  have  grown  Sutton's 
Ringleader  for  two  years  ;  ench  year  it  has  grown  3i  feet  high, 
aud  would,  I  thiDk,  have  reached  -i  feet  if  it  bad  not  had  the 
tops  fnq'iently  pinched  off  Daniel  O'Rourke  grew  4£  feet 
high,  thuugh  it  is  neither  earlier  nor  so  early  as  Ringleader. 
There  could  be  no  mistake  about  tke  seeds,  as  I  had  them 


370 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE   AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  Navember  10, 1870. 


direct  from  Messrs.  Sutton.  I  think  Messrs.  Carter  should  make 
allowance  for  different  qualities  of  soil  and  situation  before  they 
make  such  sweeping  assertions  as  those  expressed  in  the  letter 
from  whioh  I  have  quoted. 

I  should  be  happy  to  give  you  some  information  as  to  the 
results  I  have  experienced  after  cultivating  in  this  northern 
climate  a  variety  of  dwarf  Pear  and  Apple  trees  purchased 
from  Mr.  Rivers  in  1864,  if  it  would  be  of  any  interest.— 
E.  H.  D.,  Lattendales,  Penrith,  Cumberland. 

[We  shall  be  obliged  by  your  notes.— Eds.] 


PORTRAIT   OF   MR.   RIVERS. 
The  following  additional  subscriptions  have  been  received  :- 

£    s.    a. 

Fisher,  Holmes,  &  Co.,  Sheffield   2     2     0 

Pish,   D.  T.,  Hardwicke  Gardens,  Bury  St.  Ed- 
munds      0  10     6 

Newton,  W.,  E?q..  Hillside,  Newark 110 

Press,  W.,  Esq.,  6,  Crescent,  Cambridge 110 

Smith,  C   Kocbe,  Esq.,  F.S. A.,  Strood,  Kent 1     1     0 

Warner,  Mr.  Thumas,  Leicester  Abbey 110 

Chapman,  Mr.  John,  Kingston  Lacy 0     3     0 


Messrs.  Carter  &  Co.,  High  Holborn,  have  issued  a  list 
of  very  liberal  prizes  which  they  offer  for  Mangel,  Swede  and 
other  Turnips,  Carrots,  Beet,  Parsnips,  and  Cabbages.  Those 
who  intend  to  compete  should  send  at  onoe  for  a  schedule,  as 
specimens  must  be  sent  by  the  20th  inst. 


USE  OF  A  DAMPER— CIRCULATION  OF  HOT 
WATER. 

What  is  a  damper  fixed  into  a  furnace  chimney  for  ?  I  say 
it  is  to  regulate  the  draught  of  the  fire  from  the  boiler,  and 
ought  to  be  kept  closed,  or  nearly  bo,  when  the  heat  in  the 
houses  is  up  to  the  degree  wanted,  as  the  damper  confines 
the  heat  round  the  boiler,  and  also  keeps  the  fires  in  during 
sharp  frosty  nights. 

One  more  question.  I  can  never  get  our  fernery  heated  to 
more  than  55°  this  dull  weather,  and  often  find  the  temperature 
down  to  40°  or  38°  these  cold  mornings.  Last  winter  I  could 
hardly  keep  frost  out  at  all.  There  is  plenty  of  4-inch  piping 
all  round,  but  it  is  the  setting,  for  where  the  pipes  which  go  all 
round  the  house  enter  from  the  boiler,  they  are  higher  than 
the  other  end  by  nearly  a  foot;  consequently  the  water  does 
not  circulate.  At  one  end  of  the  house  the  pipes  are  hot,  and 
at  the  other  nearly  cold.  My  employer  says  he  had  this  done 
to  keep  one  end  warmer,  but  I  think  it  a  very  unscientific 
idea  altogether.  Did  ever  hot  water  go  down  hill?  I  will  not 
believe  it  will,  and  as  a  proof,  last  winter  was  so  severe,  and  I 
had  to  keep  up  such  a  large  fire,  that  in  trying  to  get  the  house 
up  to  a  certain  heat  the  pipes  burst  close  to  a  joint  through 
the  pressure.  There  are  no  air-pipes  in  the  elbows.  What  can 
a  gardener  do  ?  Just  for  the  sake  of  a  few  shillings  to  have  the 
pipes  readjusted  in  a  proper  position,  and  not  to  hear  reason,  an 
employer  sees  his  plants  half  dead  all  the  winter  ;  besides  the 
double  amount  of  fuel  consumed,  and  argument  and  strife  be- 
tween employer  and  employed. — Poor  Gardener. 

[On  the  general  question  I  agree  with  you,  if  the  matter  is 
stated  correctly,  and  consider  that  your  employer's  ideas  on 
heating  are  altogether  wrong,  and  if  continued  to  be  carried 
out  will  not  only  be  a  source  of  unpleasantness  to  the  gardener, 
but  of  great  loss  and  waste  of  fuel  to  himself.  There  is  one 
matter  to  which  I  would  allude,  and  that  is  the  question 
"  Why  should  an  employer  interfere  with  a  head  gardener's 
management  of  his  fires,  &a."  Why,  iudeed  !  But  then  you 
must  own  he  has  a  perfect  right  to  do  so — nay,  more,  it  would 
often  be  to  the  general  advantage  if  this  were  more  done  than 
it  is.  Many  a  ton  of  coals  would  be  saved,  and  the  labour  of 
the  stoker  made  lighter,  if  employers  more  thoroughly  entered 
into  this  and  other  matters.  I  say  thoroughly,  because  no  in- 
telligent gardener  could  long  put  up  with  mere  ignorant  med- 
dling for  the  sake  of  meddling.  But  this  I  will  say,  that  the 
employer  who  knows  most  about  firing  and  stoking  will  be  the 
most  considerate  in  estimating  the  labours  and  attention  of  the 
firemaD.  The  more  generally  intelligent  even  on  gardening  an 
employer  is,  the  worse  it  will  be  for  a  mere  pretender  but  the 
better  it  will  be  for  an  intelligent  attentive  man,  who  does  not 
only  know  but  practise  what  he  knows.     In  many  cases  here- 


tofore I  have  shown  that  I  can  stand  up  for  the  gardener,  but 
with  all  that  I  must  still  oome  to  the  conclusion  that  the  man 
who  spends  the  money  in  a  garden  has  a  right  to  spend  it  in 
his  own  way,  and  if  one  of  these  ways  Ehould  be  that  heated 
water  is  to  be  forced  to  run  downwards  as  a  general  principle, 
then  the  gardener,  having  courteously  stated  his  opinion,  and 
finding  that  the  places  cannot  be  heated  on  that  principle, 
must  be  content  with  these  disadvantages  or  take  his  services 
to  a  more  appreciative  market. 

Now  to  the  general  matters.  I  never  like  a  damper  to  be 
quite  closed,  a3  that  is  dangerous,  and,  perhaps,  a  hole  from 
half  an  inch  to  an  inch  in  diameter  in  the  centre  is  as  good  a 
safeguard  as  any.  If  the  damper  is  not  for  the  purpose  you 
state,  what  is  its  use  at  all  ?  If  your  employer  is  right  in  having 
it  always  out,  what  is  the  use  of  having  it  ?  Would  it  not  be 
better  to  have  none  ?  Or,  by  the  way,  does  he  think  that  by  the 
damper  being  always  out  there  would  be  a  stream  of  cold  air 
always  beating  back  the  hot  air  round  the  boiler  ?  I  would 
rather  use  even  in  this  respect  the  dimper  in  the  usual  way, 
and  have  a  small  opening  for  fresh  sir  beneath  it.  I  can  think 
of  no  other  reason  why  a  scientific  engineer  should  wish  the 
damper  always  to  be  out  in  connection  with  a  furnace  that 
heats  a  boiler. 

I  do  not  see  how  you  can  heat  the  fernery  properly — though 
there  are  plenty  of  pipes — with  the  pipes  where  they  enter  the 
house  a  foot  higher  than  at  the  farther  end,  aud  no  openings 
or  air-pipeB.  No  wonder  your  pipes  burst,  and  you  get  no  heat 
to  speak  of  at  the  farther  end.  Still  it  would  be  wrong  to  say, 
"Did  ever  hot  water  go  d«wn  hill?"  for  with  atmospheric 
pressure  it  will  do  so,  though  not  in  such  close  pipes  as  yours. 
With  an  elevated  cistern  open,  and  an  open  air-pipe  at  the 
farther  end,  there  would  be  circulation.  Even  with  an  open 
air-pipe  a  couple  of  feet  above  the  pipe  where  it  enters,  and  one 
3  or  4  feet  nigh  at  the  farther  low  end,  I  would  not  despair  of 
circulation — in  fact,  I  see  it  in  operation  daily,  but  then  the 
plan  is  not  so  good  as  when  the  pipes  are  on  a  level  through- 
out, or  with  a  slight  rise  to  the  extremity,  and  a  small  air- 
pipe  inserted  at  the  highest  point.  The  air-pipes  might  be 
tried  before  lifting  the  pipes ;  but  if  even  that  be  done,  the 
heating  will  never  be  properly  effected,  and  the  firing  must  be 
alike  expensive  and  dangerous.  As  to  advice,  I  do  not  see  how 
I  could  further  help  you.  There  are  matters  with  which  a 
stranger  cannot  well  intermeddle.  I  know  this,  that  no  gentle- 
man will  find  it  to  his  advantage  to  lower  a  head  servant  whom 
he  wishes  to  keep  before  that  head  servant's  assistants. 
Another  thing  I  have  often  thought  of.  I  once  heard  some 
man  complaining  of  a  grievance  to  the  late  Dr.  Lindley. 
"  Well,"  said  he,  "  I  cannot  sympathise  much  with  you,  I  have 
got  now  such  a  rhinoceros  hide  that  such  bitings  as  these  would 
never  be  felt  by  me."  Well,  I  suppose  some  of  us  get  thicker- 
hided  as  we  grow  older  ;  but  there  are  some  things  which  one 
cannot  Btand,  and  should  make  one  change  rather  than  endure. 
— R.  Fish.]  

AMONG   THE  CHRYSANTHEMUMS. 

Go  into  what  quarter  of  London  you  will,  there  at  the  pre- 
sent season  you  are  sure  to  meet  with  this  autumn  flower.  In 
some  cases  you  will  find  it,  to  use  a  gardener's  expression, 
"  well  done,"  in  others  "  ill  done ;"  but  still  you  will  find  it. 
Up  north  and  to  the  west  you  will  find  it  in  perfection  ;  on  the 
south  side  very  good  ;  "  down  east "  we  have  not  travelled  much 
of  late,  yet  we  are  assured,  despite  all  drawbacks — smoke,  and 
foul  air,  and  poverty  —  there,  too,  the  Chrysanthemum  is 
cherished.  Well  it  deserves  to  be  so ;  it  enlivens  what  is 
generally  in  London  the  gloomiest  month  of  the  whole  year ; 
in  the  poor  man's  fore-court,  in  the  rich  man's  conservatory,  it 
is  equally  welcome ;  it  flourishes  in  an  old  teapot  in  an  attic 
window,  and  adorns  a  costly  vase.  Its  powers  of  withstanding 
smoke,  and  the  brightness  and  variety  of  its  colours,  render  it 
one  of  the  best  of  London  plants,  and  by  Londoners  it  is  duly 
appreciated.  It  is,  however,  more  especially  up  north  that  the 
Chrysanthemum  has  found  a  home.  Stoke  Newington  was  the 
place  where  the  mother  Chrysanthemum  society  took  its  origin, 
there  the  flower  is  still  fostered  with  every  care,  and  thither 
we  shall  first  bend  our  steps  and  visit 

Mr.  Forsyth's,  Brunswick  Nursery. — Here  the  show  house, 
arranged  much  the  same  as  in  former  years,  is  certainly  quite 
as  attractive.  It  would  be  tedious  to  name  all  the  fine  varie- 
ties which  are  here  to  be  seen,  especially  as  we  have  given  them 
from  year  to  year,  but  a  few  of  the  best  we  will  particularise. 
White    Globe  is  this  year  generally    fine,    and  the  blooms 


November  10,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF   HORTICULTURE   AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


371 


are  of  remarkable  size  and  beauty ;  Mrs.  George  Rundle, 
another  white,  though  not  nearly  so  large,  is  one  of  the  finest 
kinds  known  for  specimens  ;  two  plants  of  it  which  Mr.  For- 
syth had  for  exhibition  were  models  in  respect  to  growth,  and 
oovered  with  bloom.  Of  Queen  of  England,  blueh,  there  were 
blooms  quite  6  inches  across  ;  Beverley,  white,  was  very  fine, 
as  it.'usuiilly  is  ;  and  Golden  Beverley,  a  sport  from  the  former, 
equally  fine  in  its  shade  of  colour.  The  following  were  very 
conspicuous — viz.,  Prince  of  Wales,  purplish  violet,  very  large, 
and  finely  inourved  ;  Prince  Alfred,  rosy  crimson;  Princess 
Beatrice,  rosy  lilac,  with  a  silvery  tinge,  and  peculiarly  beau- 
tiful ;  Faust,  bronzed  crimson  purple ;  Bronze  Jardin  des 
Plantes  ;  Le  Grand  ;  Lady  Harding  ;  Little  Harry,  not  large, 
but  excellent  for  specimens,  and  a  charming  flower ;  Princess 
of  Teck,  white;  Lord  Derby,  finely  incurved,  dark  purple,  and 
of  very  stout  substance;  Lady  Blade,  beautifully  incurved; 
Hereward,  very  line;  and  Jardin  des  Plantes  very  rich  in 
colour.  Virgin  Queen  is  of  the  purest  white,  and  very  fine ; 
Pink',  Pearl,  though  small,  is  very  pretty;  and  Empress  of 
India,  white,  is  very  large  and  beautiful.  Venus,  likewise,  is 
very 'pretty. 

Duohess  of  Roxburghe,  large  and  with  broad  florets,  oraDge, 
tinted  with  rose,  is  a  fine  inourved  flower,  Bent  out  in  the 
present  year.  Another  new  one,  Mr.  W.  H.  Morgan,  a  seedling 
of  Jardin  des  Plantes,  but  lighter  in  colour,  is  said  to  exceed  its 
parent  in  size,  but  at  the  time  of  our  visit  it  was  not  far 
enough  advanced  to  judge  of  this.  Robert  Bruce,  rich  crimson, 
had  not  attained  its  full  size,  but  is  said  to  be  even  better  than 
Dr.  Sharpe  for  specimens,  and  how  good  the  latter  is  the  fine 
plants  which  Mr.  Forsyth  has  are  a  sufficient  proof.  Mr.  Cole, 
blush,  promises  to  be  a  good  addition  to  the  Anemone-flowered 
olass. 

The  Japanese  kinds,  so  excellent  for  conservatory  decoration, 
being  for  the  most  part  later  than  the  incurved  kinds,  were  not 
at  the  time  of  our  visit  all  fully  out,  but  James  Salter,  lilac,  a 
highly-decorative  variety,  and  Dr.  Masters,  yellow,  with  an 
orange  centre,  were  in  full  beauty,  and  very  large  and  showy 
they  are.  The  Daimio  is  another  splendid  kind ;  Red  Dragon 
is  rich  in  colour;  while  of  ambers  and  yellows  there  is  a  super- 
abundance in  Comet,  Meteor,  Jupiter,  Prince  Satsuma,  and 
The  Mikado.  Chinese  Orange  Incurved  was  noticeable  for  its 
size  and  being  beautifully  incurved ;  the  florets  are  streaked 
with  red  on  the  inside. 

In  running  through  the  houses,  which  are  filled  with  bedding 
plants  and  a  large  stock  of  others  which  Mr.  Forsyth  employs 
for  an  extensive  furnishing  business  in  the  west  end,  one 
meets  with  many  excellent  specimens  of  Pompon  Chrysan- 
themums, especially  of  the  different  kinds  of  Cedo  Nulli,  Golden 
Aurore,  Salamon,  Bob,  &c,  and  euoh  of  the  large-flowering 
class  as  Annie  Salter,  Defiance,  and  Dr.  Sharpe. 

The  Temple  Gardens. — The  late  Mr.  Broome — our  worthy 
kind-hearted  friend  Broome — who  did  so  much  to  popularise 
the  cultivation  of  the  Chrysanthemum,  not  only  in  London  but 
all  over  the  country — who  with  heart  and  hand  entered  into 
every  movement  which  was  likely  to  advance  the  interests  of  his 
favourite  flower — he  has  passed  away,  but  he  has  left  his  mark. 
It  was  one  of  his  ideas  to  have  the  long  border  facing  the  river, 
where  his  best  specimens  were,  covered  with  glass,  and  that 
has  been  done  this  year,  and  a  very  great  improvement  it  is. 
His  successor,  Mr.  Newton,  deserves  great  credit  for  the  manner 
in  which  he  has  kept  up  the  reputation  of  the  Inner  Temple 
Gardens  by  the  excellent  display  he  has  made,  and  which  from 
the  improvement  just  noticed,  is  seen  to  much  better  advan- 
tage than  the  shows  of  former  years.  As  usual,  both  to  it  and 
Mr.  Dale's,  in  the  Middle  Temple,  there  have  been  thousands 
of  visitors. 

The  best  border,  as  it  is  termed,  is  about  35  yards  long,  and 
from  its  extent  is  filled  with  a  great  number  of  fine  varieties. 
The  following  may  be  noted  as  the  most  conspicuous  for  the 
size  and  beauty  of  their  blooms — viz.,  White  Globe,  Beverley, 
Virgin  Queen,  Jardin  des  Plantes,  Golden  Beverley,  Guernsey 
Nugget,  Lady  Talfourd,  Faust,  Prince  Alfred,  Christine, 
Attraction,  Prince  of  Anemones,  Mrs.  Huffington,  Mrs.  Sharpe, 
Progne  (tine  in  colour),  and  Mr.  Brunlees  ;  and  among  the 
Japanese,  James  Salter,  The  Tycoon,  and  The  Daimio. 

Great  improvements  have  been  effected  in  these  gardens 
since  the  Thames  embankment  works  approached  completion, 
by  widening  the  terrace  and  laying  out  the  beds  afresh,  and  yet 
more  are  in  contemplation.  The  principal  beds,  much  enlarged 
are  now  planted  with  bulbs,  so  we  may  anticipate  a  good  spring 
display.  Mr.  Broome's  mantle  seemB  to  have  fallen  on  a  worthy 
successor. 


In  the  Middle  Temple  Gardens,  Mr.  Dale  has  a  less  ex- 
tensive display  under  cover,  but  the  blooms  both  in  size  and 
perfection  are  everything  that  can  be  desired.  Guernsey 
Nugget,  primrose,  is  very  fine,  so  are  White  Globe,  Jardin  des 
Plantes,  Little  Harry,  very  pretty,  Gtueral  SI  ide.  Nil  Despe- 
randum,  Antonelli,  Prince  of  Wales,  Astrolabe,  Cherub,  Rev. 
JoBhua  Dix,  Lady  Harding,  St.  Patrick,  Sparkler,  and  Mrs. 
Halliburton,  the  last  a  charming  little  flower. 

In  the  beds  and  borders  Mr.  Dale  is  always  strong  in 
Pompons,  and  this  year  they  present  a  fine  mass  of  bloom.  The 
different  sports  of  Cedo  Ntrlli,  Canrobert,  Salamon,  Mrs.  Camp- 
bell, Madame  Rousselon,  Drin  Drin,  an  old  sort,  but  still  one 
ef  the  best ;  Duruflet,  St.  Justine,  and  Madame  Pepin,  form 
fine  masses.  Mr.  Murrey,  a  violet  rose  hybrid  kind,  is  also 
very  attractive,  so  is  Julie  Lagravore,  one  of  the  small-flowered 
kinds  of  the  large-flowering  olaeB.  Mr.  Dale  may  well  be  con- 
gratulated on  his  success  this  year,  although  he  has  long  been 
known  as  one  of  our  best  Chrysanthemum  growers. 


GARDENERS'  DIFFICULTIES. 

The  difficulties  of  the  season  prompt  ns  to  take  the  oppor- 
tunity of  saying  it  would  be  well  if  the  employers  of  gardeners 
took  such  matters  more  into  consideraiion  when  expecting 
the  regular  supply  independently  of  what  the  weather  and  the 
season  may  be.  And,  again,  it  would  be  well  if  we  gardeners 
in  general,  though  appreciating  the  consistency  and  the  kind- 
ness of  such  consideration,  would  yet  trust  as  little  as  possible 
to  it,  but  do  everything  to  make  up  fur  drawbacks  and  defi- 
ciencies, so  that  these  should  be  felt  as  little  as  possible.  This 
is  the  best  course,  at  least  for  us,  to  pursue,  and  the  man  who 
adopts  it,  if  there  should  still  be  some  talk  of  deficiencies,  will 
have  the  self-satisfaction  of  feeling  that  he  did  what  he  could, 
a  matter  of  great  importance  so  far  as  true  happiness  is  con- 
cerned. We  know  of  cases  where  the  knowledge  of  drawbacks 
conneoted  with  the  dryness  was  well  known  and  sympathised 
with  ;  but  the  drawbacks  were  forgotten,  and  the  usual  returns 
at  once  expected  at  the  first  favourable  change  in  the  weather. 
We  fear  that  there  might  be  cases  in  which  the  gardener  de- 
pended rather  too  much  on  sympathy,  and  not.  enough  on  his 
own  additional  efforts  to  prevent  the  drawback  being  much  felt. 
Employers  cannot  be  expected  to  be  so  taken  up  with  all  draw- 
backs as  we  are.  An  early  frost  will  make  havoc  with  fruit 
blossom,  but  that  is  forgotten  in  the  fruit  season.  Early-bedded- 
out  plants  may  be  almost  cut  down  to  the  ground,  but  though 
planted  in  obedience  to  orders,  the  casualty  is  apt  to  be  forgotten 
when  there  is  a  deficient  massing  of  early  bloom.  A  thunder 
or  a  hail  storm  may  do  much  mischief,  but  we  suppose  it  is 
natural  to  forget,  or  at  least  not  desire  to  have  these  matters 
broadly  obtruded  in  fine  weather  and  bright  sunshine.  Very 
often  after  such  a  casualty  the  mild  zephyrs  will  blow,  and  the 
Bun  will  shine  brightly  as  if  to  tantalise  us.  It  is  often  im- 
possible entirely  to  neutralise  such  evils,  but  much  may  be 
done  by  way  of  prevention,  and  much  in  the  way  of  mitigation, 
so  as  to  keep  the  effects  from  beiDg  so  much  seen  and  felt  as 
they  otherwise  would  be.  We  may  reer,  assured  that  all  draw- 
backs and  difficulties  are  apt  to  be  forgotten  as  Boon  as  they 
have  passed  away,  though  without  extra  effort  and  thought  the 
results  would  be  long  seen  and  continued.  It  is  best  for  all 
parties  that  defects,  even  from  unavoidable  causes,  should  be  as 
little  seen  as  may  be.  The  subject  embraces  many  sides.  We 
do  not  now  enter  upon  such  a  case  as  where  there  is  a  recog- 
nised agency  continually  at  work  undermining  the  efforts  of 
the  gardener,  who  can  only  do  his  duty  by  these  matters 
being  thoroughly  recognised.  It  is  more  ordinary  drawbacks 
from  seasons  and  circumstances  to  which  we  would  refer,  and 
our  meaning  may  be  rendered  more  clear  by  two  or  three 
illustrations. 

During  the  past  season  some  gardens  would  have  been  little 
better  than  a  desert  without  mulching  and  shading.  We  heard 
of  one  place  where  the  bedding  plants  had  been  turned  out 
rather  early,  and  were  much  injured  by  frost,  and  were  then 
philosophically  left  to  their  fate,  a  fate  involving  great  dis- 
appointment. We  heard  of  another  similar  case,  but  the  extra 
care  and  bringing  in  Btnall  reserve  plants  pievenied  the  evil 
being  at  all  seen  by  the  middle  of  July.  A  lot  of  bullocks  got 
into  a  flower  garden,  trampled  the  beds  in  the  end  of  June, 
and  tossed  and  broke  the  flowers,  BDd  it  was  to  a  great  extent 
left  to  its  fate.  Another  had  been  invaded  by  sheep  breaking 
through  and  scarcely  leaving  a  green  thing,  but  by  increased 
energy,  with  other  plants,  annuals,  &c,  the  garden  was  soon 
I  very  attractive.    A  gardener  was  told  that  the  men  must  be 


372 


JOURNAL   OP  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  November  10,  1870. 


reduced  for  a  time,  and  be  then  left  some  favourite  flower  beds 
unfilled,  though  nothing  would  have  been  said  if  he  had  left 
uncropped  or  sown  down  the  half  of  ihe  kitchen  girden.  We 
will  not  now  agitate  the  question  as  to  who  would  be  the  most 
trusted  servant  of  these  men,  we  shall  be  satisfied  if  our  yourig 
readers  merely  decide  who  was  the  most  likely  to  feel  the 


greatest  amount  of  self-respect  and  satisfaction.  Be  assured 
all  drawbacks,  even  those  over  which  we  have  no  control,  will 
soon  be  forgotten,  and  it  is  true  wisdom  to  prevent  them  as  far 
as  possiole  from  obtruding  in  their  resultB  upon  the  attention. 
It  is  better  to  remove  a  tree  than  leave  it  standing  after  it  has 
been  scathed  and  blighted.— K.  F. 


CASTLE  HOWARD, 

The  Seat  op  the  Eabl  of  Carlisle,  jieab  Tobe. 

No.  2. 


In  the  centre  of  the  garden  is  an  elegant  fountain  (fig.  4),  to 
the  right  and  left  of  which  were  two  fine  bold  groups  of  beds 
precisely  similar  in  appearance.  Each,  group  was  composed  of 
a  central  pedestal  supporting  a  tazza  well  filled  with  Pelar- 
goniums, surrounded  by  four  circular  beds  alternating  with  a 
like  number  of  curved-out  parallelograms  ;  the  circles  contained 
Pelargoniums,  and  the  parallelograms  Hollyhocks.  Along  the 
extremity  of  the  flower  garden  is  a  fine  raised  walk,  forming  a 
most  agreeable  and  commanding  promenade.  At  one  end  of  this 
walk  is  a  striking  group  of  statuary  representing  Hercules  wrest- 
ling with  Antaeus,  and  at  the  other  end  there  is  an  equally  bold 
representation  of  the  Rape  of  Proserpine. 

From  whatever  point  of  view  one  looks  at  this  fine  flower 
garden  its  appearance  is  entirely  satisfactory.     It  is  the  work  of 


Mr.  Sutherland,  the  gardener,  and  reflects  much  credit  on' his 
taste  and  skill ;  it  is  not  only  very  elegant  in  its  design,  but  by 
itfi  fine  proportions  and  the  chaste  character  of  its  accessories  it 
is  peculiarly  suited  for  its  important  position. 

From  the  raised  walk  another  walk  leads  in  a  straight  line 
under  the  overhanging  branches  of  trees,  to  a  commanding  figure 
of  Apollo,  standing  on  a  rough-hewn  pedestal  of  rock,  on  a  cir- 
cular plot  of  turf,  encircled  by  the  walk  margined  by  Lime  trees. 
At  right  angles  with  the  walk  leading  to  this  spot  from  the 
flower  garden  is  another  fine  walk  up  a  Lime  avenue,  so  that  it 
will  be  understood  how  very  suitable  this  figure  is  for  the  situa- 
tion it  occupies.  A  noble  walk  leading  in  a  Btraight  line  from 
some  important  part  of  a  garden  or  pleasure  ground,  or  from  the 
mansion  itself,  should  always  have  some  object  of  interest  at 


Fig.  4.— The  Fountain. 


its  extremity,  as  an  important  work  of  art,  or  a  noble  specimen 
of  some  choice  kind  of  tree,  or  else  lead  to  a  commanding  position 
overlooking  fine  scenery. 

Opposite  the  garden  front  (/i.7.  5),  I  was  shown  an  Irish  Tew 
planted  twenty  years  ago  by  Her  Majesty  the  Queen,  and  a 
Cedrus  atlantica  planted  by  the  late  Prince  Consort;  both  trees 
were  in  a  thriving  condition.  Many  handsome  specimens  of 
Wellingtonias,  Deodars,  and  some  fine  Cedars  of  Lebanon  were 
dispersed  about  the  grounds. 

The  kitchen  gardens  are  very  extensive,  there  being  nearly 
eleven  acres  enclosed  by  fine  walls,  with  interior  cross  walla. 
The  principal  entrance,  with  its  ornamental  stone  pillars  and 
elegant  gates  of  ironwork,  presents  a  fine  appearance.  Many  of 
the  walks  had  ribbon  borders  along  each  side,  all  very  bright 
and  beautiful.  Some  persons  possessing  peculiar  views  concern- 
ing the  fitness  of  things  object  to  such  bright  floral  displays  in 
the  kitchen  garden,  but  where  space  can  be  spared  to  fringe  the 
walks  with  lovely  flowers  by  all  means  let  us  do  so.     A  well- 


cropped  kitchen  garden,  with  its  beds  of  flourishing  vegetables 
arranged  with  geometrical  precision,  its  symmetrical  fruit  trees, 
and  the  freshness  and  peculiarly  neat  appearance  which  every- 
where prevails,  is  a  very  attractive  sight,  fraught  with  interest 
and  instruction ;  and  if  to  this  we  can  impart  an  additional' 
attraction  by  the  aid  of  a  bright  flower  border  or  two  it  is  surely 
wise  to  do  so.  1  am  myself  at  pretent  engaged  in  making  a  new 
kitchen  garden,  and  by  the  wish  of  my  employer  there  will  be 
flower  borders  along  each  side  of  the  central  walk,  which,  as  it 
is  in  a  fine  sunny  position,  will  form  an  agreeable  promenade ; 
and  I  was  amused  at  the  exclamation  of  a  visitor  lately,  "  What ! 
Flowers  in  the  kitchen  garden ! "  which  he  evidently  considered 
rank  heresy. 

The  ranges  of  glass  houses  are  not  all  together,  but  are  so 
scattered  about — il  I  may  use  such  a  term — as  to  present  a  some- 
what disjointed  appearance.  In  a  fine  lean-to  Peach  house,  the 
trees,  trained  to  a  curved  trellis  along  the  front  part  of  the 
house  as  well  as  on  the  back  wall,  were  in  a  very  healthy  and 


November  10,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


373 


vigorous  condition.  Mr.  Sutherland  spoke  highly  of  Prince  of 
Wales  Nectarine,  which  had  fruited  'well  in  this  house.  In 
another  Peach  house  the  condition  of  the  trees  -was  equally  satis- 
factory. In  a  long  low  vinery  the  Vines  had  an  even  crop  of 
fruit,  not  very  large  in  the  bunch,  hut  with  good-sized,  well- 
coloured  berries.  Madresfield  Court  is  a  splendid  new  Grape  ; 
it  had  a  good  crop  of  long  taper  bunches,  and  its  fruit,  which  I 
was  allowed  to  taste,  has  a  delicious  Muscat  flavour.     This  fine 


variety  is  worthy  of  a  leading  position  among  our  late  Grapes. 
The  Peach  trees  on  the  open  walls  were  bearing  well.  The 
culture  of  hardy  fruits  evidently  receives  much  attention  here. 
A  collection  of  pyramidal  Pears  were  really  magnificent  trees. 
The  collection  of  Apples  was  even  moro  extensive.  The  bush 
fruits,  too,  occupied  a  very  considerable  space,  and  I  particularly 
noticed  some  fine  standard  plants  of  Red  Currant.  The  crop  of 
Strawberries  had  been  good,  and  Mr.  Sutherland  agreed  with  me 


Fig.  5.— The  Garden  Front. 


that  Dr.  Hogg  is  one  of  our  most  valuable  kinds ;  it  had  been 
particularly  fine  here. 

The  soil  of  this  garden  is  a  fine  deep  rich  loam,  and  the  vege- 
table crops  growing  in  it  were  abundant  and  good.  Myatt's 
Prolific  Ashleaf  Potato  is  a  favourite  kind  here.  A  heavy 
crop  of  it  was  being  lifted  at  the  time  of  my  visit.  I  was  also 
shown  some  fine  crops  of  various  new  sorts  of  Potatoes,  such  as 
Early  Rose  and  Climax,  but  refrain  from  any  farther  mention  of 


them,  as  Mr.  Sutherland  purposes  contributing  a  paper  on  this 
subject. 

And  so  I  left  Castle  Howard,  after  experiencing  much  kind- 
ness, to  which  Mr.  Sutherland  added  by  assisting  me  on  my  way 
to  see  Mr.  Peach,  whose  practical  and  instructive  papers  we  all 
read  with  equal  pleasure  \  and  interest,  and  concerning  whose 
garden  I  will  tell  a  little  in  another  paper. — Edward  Lvck- 
hurst,  Old  Lands,  Busted,  Sussex. 


WORK  FOR  THE  WEEK. 


KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

The  great  amount  of  rain  which  has  fallen  recently  has 
generally  interfered  with  the  progress  of  outdoor  operations. 
All  fine  days  should  now  be  turned  to  aoeount  and  held  of 
value,  owing  to  the  uncertainty  of  their  recurrence  Ab  full- 
grown  Coleworts  turned  into  heads,  like  young  Cabbages,  are 
rather  impatient  of  frost,  it  is  advisable  at  this  period  to  take 
them  up  and  heel  them  in  near  the  frame  ground  as  thickly  as 
they  can  lie  together,  eovering  them  up,  as  soon  as  they  are 
slightly  frozen,  with  new  straw,  and  laying  a  few  stakes  on  them 
to  prevent  the  wind  removing  the  straw.  By  these  means  the 
ground  is  set  at  liberty  for  trenching,  and  one  can  preserve 
with  oertainty  fine  young  Cabbages  all  the  winter.  Whatever 
may  remain  of  Celery  earthing  Bhould  in  favourable  weather 
be  attended  to.  The  weather  has  favoured  the  slugs,  if  nothing 
else  lately ;  they  must  be  closely  looked  after,  or  the  destruc- 
tion of  the  young  and  tender  Cabbages  and  Lettuces  will  in- 
fallibly be  the  consequence.  Haricot  and  Kidney  Beans  not 
sufficiently  matured  for  preservation  for  seed,  may,  never- 
theless, be  supplied  to  the  table.     They  will  form  an  excellent 


and  wholesome  dish.  Place  some  straw  covers  or  old  lights  on 
the  best  Parsley  bed,  for  fear  of  snow,  also  on  the  Normandy 
Cress.  Look  well  to  winter  salads.  Plant  Shallots  on  raised 
beds  ;  dig  plenty  of  manure  in,  burying  it  deeply,  and  surround 
the  bulbs  with  sand  in  raised  drills,  covering  the  bulb  jnst 
overhead.  Proteot  from  frost  Rhubarb  intended  for  forcing, 
and  remove  all  dead  and  deoaying  matter  from  both  the 
Rhubarb  and  Sea-kale  beds.  Any  kitchen  gardener  without  a 
tank  to  receive  the  drainage  of  the  dung-heap,  or  for  the  mix- 
ture of  manure  water,  should  speedily  remedy  the  omission. 

FRDIT    GARDEN. 

In  planting  and  selecting  frnit  trees  for  the  kitchen  garden  it 
is  of  great  importance  so  te  prepare  the  soil  that  the  trees 
shall  be  as  far  as  possible  independent  of  extreme  seasons, 
whether  of  moisture  or  of  drought,  also  to  take  care  that  they 
do  not  make  superfluous  wood,  giving  much  extra  trouble  to 
the  pruner,  and  choking  the  surrounding  vegetables  or  flowers. 
To  accomplish  this,  it  is  found  by  experience  that  limitation 
of  the  roots  is  absolutely  necessary,  more  especially  as  to  depth. 
High  planting  also  tends  to  the  same  result,  but  this  in  itself 


374 


JOURNAL  OF  HOBTICULTUEE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  November  10,  1870. 


is  not.  complete,  inasmuch  as  it  eaDnot  provide  against  the 
vicissitudes  of  climate,  which  provision,  as  before  observed, 
should  be  the  keystone  of  the  arch.  Thorough  drainage  is  the 
first  step,  provided  the  Boil  harbours  moisture.  This  being 
properly  accomplished,  some  good  strong  loam  should  be  pro- 
vided if  possible,  be  the  soil  what  it  may  (unless  a  new  garden 
and  of  a  heavy  nature),  in  order  to  mix  with  and  refresh  the 
old  soil,  which  in  the  majority  of  old  gardens  is  what  is  termed 
effete  or  worn  out,  however  imposing  its  colour  and  consistence 
may  be.  Eighteen  inches  of  sound  soil  for  the  average  of  fruit 
trees  is  considered  better  than  a  greater  depth,  provided  top- 
dressings  are  made  UBe  of  in  very  dry  and  hot  periods.  This 
should  be  placed  on  a  mound  (6  feet  fquare)  of  brickbats  or 
broken  stones  covered  with  a  coating  of  cinders  to  keep  the 
drainage  porous.  The  limits  of  a  oalendar  will  not  allow  of 
more  being  said  on  this  head  ;  it  may,  however,  be  acceptable 
to  enumerate  a  few  fruit  trees  which  ought  to  find  a  place  in 
small  as  well  as  large  gardens,  merely  premising  that  the  list  is 
not  to  be  considered  complete  in  itself,  but  merely  as  furnishing 
a  few  hints.  Of  Pears,  procure  the  Jargonelle,  Dunmore,  Marie 
Louise,  Aston  Town,  Althorp  Crasanne,  Fondante  d'Automne, 
Passe  Colmar,  Winter  Nelis,  Glou  Morceau,  Ne  Plus  Meuris, 
and  Beurre'  de  Ranee.  Peaches— Pourpiee  Hative,  Royal  George, 
Noblesse,  Bellegarde,  and  Late  Admirable.  Nectarines— Elruge, 
Violette  Hative,  and  Old  Newington.  Apricots— Breda,  Royal, 
Shipley's,  and  Moorpark.  Plums— PrScoce  de  Tours,  Orleans, 
Reine  Claude  Violette  .Washington,  and  Ickworth  Imperat.rice. 
Cherries— May  Duke,  Downton,  Elton,  Bigarreau,  Late  Duke, 
and  Morello.  These  stand  nearly  or  quite  in  the  order  of  their 
ripening.  In  addition  to  these,  of  Apples  procure  the  Early 
Harvest,  Kerry  Pippin,  Early  Nonpareil,  Bibston  Pippin, 
Pearson's  Plate,  Pitmaston  Nonpareil,  Old  Nonpareil,  Sturmer 
Pippin,  and  Lamb  Abbey  Pearmain,  all  table  fruit.  As  kitchen 
Apples,  Manks  and  Keswick  Codlin,  Bedfordshire  Foundling, 
Blenheim  Pippin,  Dumelow's  Seedling,  Wheeler's  Busset,  and 
Northern  Greening.  To  these  may  be  added  others  of  very 
excellent  character.  Anyone,  however,  deBirous  of  planting  a 
moderate-sized  garden  would  do  well  to  obtain  these  kinds. 

FLOWER  GARDEN. 

During  the  present  month  more  than  common  attention  is 
required  to  preserve  the  garden  from  the  desolating  effects  of 
the  weather ;  all  traces  of  the  sedulous  care  and  cleansing  of 
one  day  may  be  effaced  by  the  storms  of  the  next.  Flat  or 
ill-drained  and  constructed  gravel  walks  will  suffer  from  de- 
positions of  mud  from  pools  to  which  such  walks  are  liable, 
which,  if  not  removed  immediately,  will  destroy  the  appearance 
and  value  of  the  gravel.  Examine  all  gratings,  drains,  and 
watercourses,  and  prevent  as  far  as  possible  the  evil  above 
alluded  to.  The  value  of  a  well-drained  exposed  walk,  free  from 
the  shade  and  moisture  of  trees,  will  be  appreciated  by  those 
who  recognise  the  importance  of  exercise  and  fresh  air  in  all 
weathers  and  seasons.  Walks  subject  to  moss  had  better  be 
raked  and  left  in  a  rough  and  loose  state  during  the  winter. 
Proceed  with  planting;  the  present  is  the  best  time  for  re- 
moving large  evergreens.  Roll  and  cleanse  lawns  from  worm- 
casts  ;  lime  water  may  be  employed  to  destroy  worms  if  too 
numerous.  Transplant  Sweet  Williams  and  single  Wallflowers 
into  borders  to  replace  the  gay  but  tender  beauties  which  fade 
on  the  approach  of  winter.  Plant  bulbs,  and  examine  those 
previously  set.  All  things  liable  to  injury  from  severe  weather, 
and  which  are  requisite  for  another  year,  should  be  placed 
under  protection  without  delay.  Such  as  Fuchsias,  Lobelias, 
Pelargoniums,  shrubby  Calceolarias,  Salvias,  Tigridias,  &c, 
will  require  this  treatment.  Modes  of  storing  them  away  differ 
in  different  situations.  Some  can  afford  pits,  some  can  spare 
even  house  room,  and  some  are  driven  to  the  cellar.  Whatever 
mode  be  adopted,  let  it  be  borne  in  mind  that  confined  damp 
is  nearly  as  prejudicial  as  frost.  A  lean-to  shed  is  a  very  good 
place,  and  plants  with  a  ball  of  earth  dried  on  them  after  the 
manner  of  Dahlias,  will  keep  very  well  there,  plunged  in  coal 
ashes,  with  the  addition  of  an  old  mat  and  a  little  straw  over 
the  shed  during  very  severe  weather. 

GREENHOUSE    AND   CONSERVATORY. 

Some  of  the  very  earliest  Chrysanthemums  may  probably  be 
getting  past  their  best,  and  should  be  replaced  at  once  by  some- 
thing of  a  more  showy  character.  Whilst  the  principal  collection 
is  in  bloom,  a  selection  Bhould  be  made  of  the  best  and  most 
nseful  sorts,  for  there  are  many  worthies'*  varieties  in  cul- 
tivation, and  it  is  better  to  grow  duplicates  of  the  really  good 
.  kinds  than  to  retain  such  as  are  but  indifferent,  merely  for  the 
sake  of  having  a  long  list  cf  names.     Be  careful  not  to  let 


things  in  bloom  suffer  from  the  want  of  water.  Give  weak 
clear  manure  water  to  Chrysanthemums,  Salvias,,  Camellias, 
&c,  and  use  every  means  to  keep  specimens  in  bloom  as  long 
as  possible.  Damp  and  mildew  are  the  great  enemies  to  be 
guarded  against  in  the  greenhouse,  and  these  must  be  sharply 
looked  after,  especially  in  the  case  of  plants  that  have  not  well 
ripened  their  growth,  and  are  in  a  rather  soft  state.  If  the  former 
is  troublesome  it  must  be  dispelled  by  means  of  free  ventilation 
on  mild  days,  using  a  little  fire  heat  at  the  same  time,  and  for 
the  latter  a  dry  airy  atmosphere  is  the  best  preventive ;  but  the 
plants  should  be  frequently  examined,  applying  sulphur  on  the 
first  appeatance  of  the  enemy.  Very  little  water  will  be  required 
here  at  present,  but  the  plants  should  be  carefully  looked  over 
about  twice  a-week,  so  as  to  make  sure  that  nothing  is  allowed 
to  feel  the  want  of  it.  If  not  already  done  have  the  plants  tied 
with  the  least  possible  delay,  for  it  is  very  difficult  to  tie  a  plant 
so  that  it  will  not  look  somewhat  stiff  and  unnatural,  and  the 
sooner  this  kind  of  work  is  done  the  better  the  specimens  will 
look  when  in  bloom. — W.  Keane. 


DOINGS   OF   THE   LAST    WEEK. 

KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

Mushrooms. — Lately  ihe  reasons  were  given  why  a  bed  should 
be  made  late  in  an  open  shed,  and  should  be  deeper  than  usual. 
We  did  not  wish  to  wait  long  before  the  bed  was  fit  for  spawn- 
ing, and  made,  as  it  was,  chiefly  of  litter  partly  worked  and 
sweetened,  and  covered  with  a  slight  layer  of  horse  droppings, 
we  had  the  material  so  arranged  that  we  could  have  a  regular 
mild  heat  to  permit  of  spawning  early.  The  bed  would  not 
average  more  than  from  15  to  18  inches  in  depth,  and  the  heat 
obtained  was  not  very  strong,  and  quite  regular  throughout, 
but  we  had  to  wait  fully  three  weeks  before  the  bpat  was  mild 
enough  for  the  bed  to  be  spawned.  To  gradually  lower  the 
temperature  sooner  we  had  the  surface  of  the  bed  made  as  firm 
as  possible,  and  a  little  earth  thrown  over  it,  but  still  the  heat 
kept  quite  regular,  but  fully  10°  higher  than  we  would  wish  to 
trust  the  spawn  in.  We  spawned  at  about  85°,  and  the  heat 
continues  very  genial  and  uniform  after  the  earthing-up — ■ 
merely  a  few  degrees  less  than  the  above,  so  that  we  have  no 
doubt  that  the  spawn  will  run  well,  and  with  covering,  to  keep 
cold  from  the  bed,  we  think  it  will  bear  well.  .What  we  want 
to  impress  on  the  beginners  in  Mushroom-growing  is  simply 
this — that  often  they  must  exercise  patience. 

Not  being  able  to  use  our  Mushroom  house,  we  should  have 
liked  to  have  spawned  this  bed  a  week  or  a  fortnight  earlier, 
but  bad  we  done  so  most  probably  the  spawn  would  have 
perished.  No  doubt  the  close  muggy  weather  rather  put  us 
out  in  the  calculation  as  to  time.  In  our  younger  days,  under 
similar  circumstances,  and  according  to  old  customs,  we  should 
have  bored  the  bed  with  holes  to  let  the  heat  out.  We  have 
long  regarded  this  plan  as  chiefly  acting  by  wasting  the  strength 
of  the  material  by  letting  air  into  the  bed  and  causing  it  at 
first  to  heat  more  violently  than  if  air  were  excluded.  Much 
of  the  intricacy  in  such  matters,  as  well  as  the  whole  theory  of 
making  up  a  hotbed  to  give  a  lasting  heat,  would  be  better 
understood  if  we  would  only  recollect  that  a  lasting  heat  is  best 
sustained  by  admitting  merely  a  small  quantity  of  uir  to  support 
slow  decomposition  :  hence,  frequently,  when  a  bed  becomes 
cold,  turning  it  over  when  too  close  will  cause  it  to  yield  a  nice 
mild  heat  for  a  month  or  two  longer.  A  little  moisture  will 
often  do  the  same  when  the  bed  has  heated  itself  dry  :  hence, 
too,  the  importance  of  not  having  the  material  too  much  de- 
composed before  making  it  into  a  bed.  It  then  becomes  too 
close  for  air  to  get  in,  and  cools.  We  have  made  beds  in  a 
very  rough  way  in  March  and  April,  and  they  had  not  lost 
their  heat  in  the  following  November.  Trie  most  experienced, 
however,  will  often  be  deceived,  and  thus  we  had  to  wait  for 
the  spawning  of  that  Mushroom  bed  a  fortnight  longer  than  we 
expected. 

Cucumbers. — The  plants  we  put  in  frames  and  in  hot-water 
pits  early  in  spiiog  are  still  bearing,  though  now  coming  more 
weakly.  Those  in  frames  have  merely  had  the  frames  banked- 
up  with  litter,  and  the  plants  are  much  stronger  than  those  in 
the  hot-water  pits.  The  beds  were  made  large  at  first,  and 
with  the  exception  of  the  banking-np  they  have  had  no  lining. 
If  we  did  not  want  the  frames  we  fee!  sure  that  edding  a  good 
lining  to  the  depth  of  the  bed  would  cause  them  to  continue 
for  some  time,  as  that  would  throw  in  mere  bottom  heat,  as 
well  as  secure  an  atmospheric  temperature  of  from  GO"  to  70°. 
These  plants  had  their  roots  confined  at  first  to  about  the  third 


November  10,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


375 


of  the  width  of  a  6-feet  frame.  In  the  course  of  the  season  they 
received  some  rioh  top-dressings,  and  the  surface  roots  were 
allowed  to  run  all  over  the  soil  in  the  frame.  In  the  pit  the 
place  for  soil  is  about  3  feet  in  width,  the  width  of  ihe  pit  0  feet. 
There  is  a  sunk  pathway  rTebind,  the  Boil  is  put  in  front,  and 
the  plants  are  trained  about  15  inches  from  the  glass.  As  we 
wanted  fruit  early — that  is,  as  soon  as  possible  after  plant- 
ing, we  did  not  turn  out  the  plants  into  this  narrow  pit, 
but  placed  them  singly  in  large  pots,  and  then  packed  round 
the  pots  some  sweet  hot  tree  leaves.  As  the  plants  grew  they 
were  earthed-np,  and  the  leaves  were  covered  several  times 
with  rich  compost,  until  early  in  summer  the  pots  were  hidden 
and  the  roots  running  into  the  surface  of  the  narrow  bed.  We 
know  no  better  plan  for  qui:k  fruiting,  and  then  continuous 
fruiting  from  the  same  plants.  Even  these  plants  are  now 
to  us  the  subjects  of  a  little  anxiety.  We  have  fruited  them 
heavily  of  late,  expecting  to  want  more  Cucumbers  than  we 
did,  aud  now  we  would  remove  and  plant  afresh,  but  for  the 
likelihood  that  many  fruit  might  be  desirable  a  fortnight  or 
three  weeks  hence,  and  we  should  not  like  our  Btrong  young 
plants  to  fruit  under  six  weeks.  We  have  five  of  these  lights 
in  this  position,  and  we  can  hardly  give  justice  to  the  young 
plants  where  they  stand.  We  have  three  lights  planted  in 
pots  a9  described  above  and  growing  nicely,  but  from  these 
we  take  off  every  young  fruit  as  it  shows  itself,  for  we  well 
know  that  if  young  plants  bear  freely  in  the  dark  short  days  of 
November,  it  is  of  little  use  to  expect  much  from  them  at 
Christmas  and  the  new  year,  and  in  the  following  months. 
Even  young  plants  in  spring  are  injured  by  much  early  fruit- 
ing, but  not  in  comparison  to  what  they  are  in  November 
and  December.  We  have  known  cases  of  unpleasantness, 
because  v.i'h  every  advantage  plenty  of  fruit  would  be  ob- 
tained up  to  Christmas,  but  few  or  none  for  parties  after  the 
new  year.  There  is  a  great  advantage  in  span  or  sleep-roofed 
houses  over  flat  pits,  keep  the  glass  as  clean  as  one  may ;  bnt 
even  under  the  most  favourable  conditions,  plants  that  bear 
heavily  before  Chrisrnas  will  not  in  general  be  so  fruitful  and 
healthy  afterwards. 

FRUIT    GARDEN. 

We  are  sorry  to  say  that  though  Apples  promise  to  keep 
pretty  well,  Pears  with  us  are  Dot  only  earlier  than  usual,  but 
are  keeping  bnt  badly.  Many  Marie  Louise,  Louise  Bonne  of 
Jersey,  BeurrC  Bosc,  and  Beurre  de  Capiaumont,  when  chang- 
ing nicely  became  at  once  like  a  mass  of  jelly.  Could  this  be 
owing  to  the  excessive  dryness,  followed  by  the  warm  rains  and 
muggy  days  of  the  autumn,  and  to  the  very  rapid  growth  so 
late  in  the  season  ?  Of  the  sorts  alluded  to,  and  others,  we 
have  had  fine  well-flavoured  dishes,  but  we  have  lost,  and  quite 
suddenly,  too,  more  than  we  ever  recollect  doiug  before.  A  very 
short  time  elapsed  between  the  time  that  they  were  scarcely 
ripe  enough  for  the  table,  and  the  time  when  they  were  too  far 
gone  to  be  of  any  use.  The  fruit  room  requires  more  attention 
in  sorting  out  all  spotted  and  decaying  fruit  than  usual. 

Planting,  as  previously  stated,  cannot  be  proceeded  with  too 
early  now,  as  the  leaves  and  wood  are  ripe  enough  to  permit  of 
the  roots  being  moved.  In  all  cases  where  the  growth  is  too 
luxuriant,  a  little  root-pruning,  so  as  to  cut  the  perpendicular 
roots  will  be  useful.  Shallow  planting  and  surface  mulching 
will,  however,  in  general,  induce  enough  of  fertility  without 
the  necessity  of  root-pruning;  and  with  even  a  moderate  re- 
course to  summer-[iinching,  we  are  persuaded  that  low  hori- 
zontal cordon  training,  when  once  it  becomes  more  general, 
will  pretty  well  rpnder  tree-lifting  and  root-pruning,  to  insure 
fertility,  unnecessary.  In  planting  favourite  fruit  trees,  a  few 
barrowloads,  of  fresh  loam  will  ever  be  an  advantage. 

Strawberries  in  pots  we  have  protected  from  the  drenchiDg 
wet.  We  hardly  know  aB  yet  how  we  shall  secure  them  for  the 
winter.  We  lost  many  of  the  beat  plants  last  season  from  rats 
and  mice.  The  most  tempting  baits  seemed  to  be  of  no  use  as 
long  as  there  were  the  crowns  of  the  Strawberry  plants  to  go 
to.  Singularly  enough  plants  in  the  open  ground  were  not 
touched,  or  but  little. 

Vineries. — We  looked  over  late  Tines  to  pick  out  any  diseased 
or,  rather,  spotted  or  moulded  berries.  We  keep  a  little  fire, 
with  air  on,  every  day,  and  leave  a  little  ventilation  at  night 
when  not  frosty.  As,  unfortunately,  most  of  the  roots  are  in  the 
open  grouud,  we  covered  the  border  of  the  late  vinery  with 
litter  to  keep  the  cold  out,  so  that  the  leaves  may  be  en- 
couraged a  little  longer,  and  likewise  covered  the  earlier  borders 
with  litter  to  prevent  the  heat  of  the  ground  escaping,  as  it  is 
much  more  easy  to  keep  heat  in  the  ground  than  to  heat  the 
soil  at  an  early  period  after  it  has  been  thoroughly  cooled  by 


1  frost.  A  foot  of  litter  or  fern  will  be  more  safe  and  effectual 
1  now  than  more  than  double  the  quantity  of  fermenting  material 
j  in  spring. 

Pruning  may  be  proceeded  with  as  far  as  all  the  hardier 
'  fruits  are  concerned.  Those  who  have  the  heart  may  destroy 
tomtits  now  by  placing  poison  in  the  places  in  deformed  Pears, 
!  &c,  left  for  them  to  peck.  They  have  done  but  little  damage 
1  this  season,  and  have  only  come  in  to  nibble  fruit  not  worth 
i  housing.  Daring  the  summer  they  well-hunted  over  the  trees 
I  in  search  of  even  a  stray  green  fly.  We  have  seen  them  huBy 
!  at  4  A  m.  peeping  anxiously  beneath  each  Peach  tree  leaf. 

ORNAMENTAL    DEPARTMENT. 

In  order  that  the  pleasure  grounds  should  look  well  even  at 
:  the  beginning  of  November,  the  beds  were  all  picked  over — 
there  being  still  a  good  deal  of  bloom — and  the  lawns  mowed, 
'  machined,  swept  over,  and  rolled,  along  with  the  walks,  so  that 
|  all  now  for  a  time  should  appear  fresh  and  flourishing.  To  effect 
this  and  save  some  of  the  more  tender  kinds  of  Geraniums, 
these  were  covered  in  the  frosty  nights  at  the  end  of  the  month 
with  mats,  removed  in  the  morniDg  before  breakfast.  Some  of 
those  which  we  wish  to  save  we  shall  take  up  before  this  is 
printed.  The  general  cleaning  gave  us  a  great  advantage,  as 
the  tree  leaves,  short  grass,  sweepings,  &c,  thrown  into  a 
compact  heap  soon  heated,  and  these,  with  a  covering  of  more 
mellow  Bweet  material,  will  give  a  nice  bottom  heat  to  many  of 
the  Geraniums  we  shall  take  up  and  pot.  This  bottom  heat, 
with  air  at  top  and  bottom  of  the  sashes  in  moderate  weather, 
will  cause  fresh  roots  at  once  to  form,  and  when  they  are 
formed,  and  the  bottom  cooled  by  degrees,  the  plants  will  stand 
wherever  they  can  be  airy  and  the  frost  be  kept  out.  Most  of 
the  finer  tricolors  and  the  variegated  Geraniums  do  best  when 
thuB  treated,  and  potted  singly  in  small  pots.  The  green  and 
zonal-leaved  sections  do  well  in  the  same  way,  but  may  be  kept 
treated  in  the  faggot  style  lately  alluded  to,  on  the  principle 
that  vitality  is  merely  preserved,  but  with  little  growth  in  roots 
or  stems  before  March. 

As  the  days  are  shorter  and  the  sky  more  clouded  we  re- 
moved and  thinned  the  festooned  creepers  in  the  conservatory, 
fto..  so  as  to  admit  more  light.  We  took  most  of  such  plants  as 
Chrysanthemums  in  pots,  if  not  into  the  conservatory  and 
corridors,  at  least  into  places  where  protection  could  be  given  ; 
also  Cytisus,  so  that  they  might  be  well  syringed,  tied,  &o., 
before  going  into  their  winter  quarters. 

In  our  cold  pits  we  have  put  in  our  Calceolaria  cuttings,  as 
alluded  to  last  week.  If  we  have  not  much  frost  they  would 
do  exceedingly  well  any  time  this  month — better,  in  fact,  than 
if  inserted  in' September  or  the  beginning  of  October,  for  then 
they  would,  owing  to  rooting  earlier,  require  more  care  in 
winter.  This  muggy  weather  Auriculas  in  pots  under  a  frame 
should  have  air  back  and  front,  but  be  carefully  protected  from 
rain  and  drip,  which,  especially  the  latter,  ruin  so  many  fine 
plants.  The  surface  Boil  should  be  frequently  stirred  to  keep 
all  sweet,  and  this  will  be  helped  with  a  dressing  of  rough  dnst 
charcoal,  not  fine.  If  the  pots  are  plunged  the  plants  will 
need  little  or  no  water  until  spring.  Carnations  and  Pinks 
which  are  potted  cannot  have  too  much  air  in  mild  weather,  but 
they,  too,  need  little  moisture,  and  should  be  protected  from 
heavy  rains.  If  the  pots  stood  on  a  moist  bottom,  that  would  be 
enough. 

yiolets. — We  took  up  a  lot  of  Neapolitan  Violets,  Czar,  and 
other  kinds,  and  placed  them  in  rich,  fresh  soil  in  a  cold  pit 
under  glass.  We  would  have  done  this  sooner,  but  during  the 
hot  weather,  and  our  great  shortness  of  water,  they  were  much 
infested  with  the  red  spider,  even  thongh  to  keep  them  alive 
we  shaded  them  with  evergreen  boughs.  We  found  out  that 
the  spider  did  less  harm  where  green  spruce  branches  were 
used  for  shading.  What  with  our  pickings,  syringings,  and  the 
rain  and  the  cool  nights,  the  plants  that  had  scarcely  a  healthy 
leaf  are  now  clothed  with  green  foliage,  and  are  well  studded 
with  bloom  buds.  In  taking  up  the  Neapolitans  with  good  balls 
every  bit  of  runner  was  removed,  as  runners  never  produce 
blooms  in  the  current  season,  and  exhaust  too  much  the  main 
stool.  This  is  advisable  when  room  is  scarce  under  glass  for 
other  kinds,  but  is  less  essential  with  them,  as  the  runners 
often  produce  good  flowers.  Thongh  it  is  hardy  enough,  we 
always  like  to  have  some  of  the  Czar  under  glass,  for  though 
the  blsoms  are  single,  they  are  large,  very  sweet,  and  carried 
on  long  footstalks,  so  that  the  flowers  can  be  used  for  many 
combinations  without  the  necessity  of  twigging  or  wiring  them. 
The  length  of  the  footstalk  alone  is  a  great  advantage.  In 
lifting  such  plants  they  should  be  well  cleaned  previously,  and 
not  a  single  discoloured  leaf  left.     They  soon  made  a  return 


37G 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  November  10.  18"U. 


for  the  care  and  the  glass  protection.  A  month  ago  the  hardier 
Violets  were  plentiful  oat  of  doors.  The  colder  weather  has 
m«de  them  more  scarce. 

Epacrises  and  Ericas  still  in  oold  pits  must  have  plenty  of 
air,  that  the  latter,  especially,  may  be  safe  from  mildew.  They 
and  the  more  tender  greenhouse  plants  will  be  better  grouped 
on  the  stage  of  the  greenhouse,  for  they  can  have  plenty  of 
air  without  nnduly  lowering  the  temperature,  and  much  more 
direct  light  than  tbey  cau  have  in  a  pit  with  the  light  chiefly 
above  them.  Tbe  more  tender  greenhouse  plants,  though  having 
plenty  of  air,  shnnld  not  stand  iu  a  keen  draught.  Cinerarias 
and  herbaceous  Calceolarias,  provided  they  have  plenty  of  air 
and  are  sate  frum  frost,  cannot  well  be  kept  too  cool  and  moist. 
Were  this  matter  better  attended  to  insect-covered  plants  would 
be  more  rarely  seeu,  and  scoreB  of  pounds  saved  in  the  matter 
of  tobacco-smoking.  Even  in  our  plant  stoves  we  should  pro- 
portion our  heat  somewhat  to  light.  Ha,Dy  plants  will  enjoy 
now  comparative  rest.  Begonias,  Eranthemums,  and  Jux- 
ticias  in  full  bloom  or  coming  to  it,  will  relish  weak  manure 
water.  Ferns  should  never  h«  quite  dry,  and  when  growing 
freely  should  be  kept  rnoUt.  Such  showv  plants  as  Poiusettia 
pulcherrima,  and  such  useful  plants  as  Euphorbia  jacquinire- 
flora  will  set,  their  bloom-bads  better,  and  bloom  better  after- 
wards if  from  tbe  end  of  October  or  the  beginning  of  Novpruber 
they  are  kept  dryish  and  a  little  cooler  for  a  few  weeks.  When 
more  moisture  and  heat  are  given  the  flowering  will  be  better. 
— R.  F. 


TRADE    CATALOGUE   RECEIVED. 

William   Chater,  Sa3:ron  Walden.—  Catalogue  of  Hollyhocks  and 
Hoses. 


TO    CORRESPONDENTS. 

***  We  request  that  nn  one  will  write  privately  to  any  of  the 
correspondents  of  the  ll  Journal  of  Horticulture,  Cottage 
Gardener,  and  Country  Gentleman."  By  doing  so  they 
are  subjected  to  unjustifiable  trouble  and  expense.  All 
communications  should  therefore  be  addressed  solely  to 
Tlie  Editors  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture,  d'e.t  171,  Fleet 
Street,  London,  E.C. 

We  also  request  that  correspondents  will  not  mis  up  on  the 
same  sheet  questions  relating  to  Gardening  and  those  on 
Poultry  and  Bee  subjects,  if  they  expect  to  get  them  an- 
swered promptly  and  conveniently,  but  write  them  on 
separate  communications.  Also  never  to  send  more  than 
two  or  three  questions  at  once. 

N.B. — Many  questions  must  remain  unanswered  until  next 
week. 

Books  {An  Amateur).— •'  The  Vint*  Manual ;"  you  can  have  it  free  by 
post  if  you  enclose  thirty-two  postaee  stamps  wiih  your  address  to  onr 
office.  iA.  McKihrie) — No  new  edition  of  the  "  Cottage  Gardeners' 
Dictionary  "  is  probahle.  You  can  have  it  from  onr  office,  including  the 
Supplement,  if  you  enclose  Is.  2d   with  your  address. 

Advice  (A  Gardener).— What  npxt  and  next?  "  M y  maBter  orders  me 
in  a  bullying  wa>  to  clean  his  boots  and  buckle  on  his  t-traps  and  spur-f, 
especially  when  the  groom  is  out.  The  place  is  Rood,  I  do  not  want  to 
leave.  I  should  not  so  much  m>nd  about  the  boots,  &c  ,  if  asked  civilly, 
&c.  What  should  I  do?"  How  can  anyone  advise  you  better  than  your- 
self? We  know  some  g.md  gardeners  now  who  cleaned  boots  and  fire- 
irons  too,  and  took  out  ashes  in  their  first  place.  They  found,  however, 
as  they  progressed,  that  if  thev  were  to  do  much  credit  to  themselves  in 
gardening  they  muni  get  out  of  the  way  of  being  general  helper  to  Marv 
tbe  housemaid,  Mollv  the  cook,  and  John  the  stable  man,  and  they  did 
so  by  moving  to  a  place  where  the  garden  became  their  special  charge. 
A  man  who  would  rise  must  be  obliging  ;  but,  as  a  general  rule,  where  a 
gardener  and  a  groom  are  kept,  it  will  not  ultimately  be  to  the  advantage 
of  employer  and  employed  that  the  gardener  should  be  called  upon  to 
perform  the  duties  of  a  valet  or  a  groom.  If  we  were  to  judgo  from  com- 
position and  penmanship,  we  should  say  you  are  more  likeh*  to  dis- 
tinguish yourself  by  making  one  line  or  employment  the  subject  of  your 
Btudy  and  consideration.  Still  there  are  many  comfortable  well-paid 
Situations  where  one  of  the  chief  requisites  is  the  bein^  "  generally 
useful."  If  that  is  distasteful,  then,  as  a  gardener,  vou  should  engage 
that  your  duties  are  to  be  confined  to  the  garden.  We  do  not  see  how 
you  can  make  much  alteration  in  your  present  place,  unless  you  brought 
extra  prudence  and  courteous  determination  to  your  aid.  How  is  it  that 
you  are  always  so  handy  for  the  strapping  and  buckling  business?  If 
the  house  and  stables  are  not  quite  close  to  the  garden,  almost  in  it,  you 
need  not  be  quite  so  near  at  hand.  This  we  say,  because  we  have  known 
some  men  grumble  at  being  asked  to  do  to  this  and  that,  and  yet  would 
place  themselves  in  tbe  way  so  as  to  be  seen  and  a^ked  to  do  what  they 
pretended  tbey  did  not  like.  Be  assured  there  is  no  such  thing  as  having 
all  the  sweets  and  none  of  the  bitters  in  anv  position.  The  hanging 
about  halls  and  atab'eyards  in  gentlemen's  places  has  ruined  many  a 
young  man  that  otherwise  would  hive  been  a  good  gardener.  The  em- 
ployer who  has  many  servants  will  be  best  served  if  each  servant  has 
his  distinctive  duties,  because  then  the  servant  must  pay  more  attention 
to  his  separate  duties.— F. 
Febns  {Filices).— To  help  you  to  identify  species,  Hooker's  "  Synopsis 


Filicum  *  will  be  best.    This  "  Species  Filicum  "  contains  only  a  select 
few. 

Silver  Sand  (C.  G.  8.). — This  consists  of  very  fine  crystals  of  nearly 
pure  silica.  It  may  be  usually  purchased  of  florists.  It  in  dog  out 
chieflv  from  pits  near  Reigate,  in  Surrey.  The  grey  drift  sand  obtainable 
ftom  the  shallows  of  rivers  is  equally  good  for  potting  purposes. 

Temperature  on  the  Christmas  Eve  op  1850  (R.  E.  Axhford). — At 
Chiswick  the  th^rmomet^  fell  to  4?  on  December  *^4th,  18*50,  and  on 
December  28th  to  1°  bulow  zero  ;  but  iu  manv  nlaces  the  temperaturo 
was  much  lower— for  examnle,  at  Chats^ortb— 12:,  at  Highfiold  House — 
18'  8,  at  Saffron  Walden — 12°.  It  was  not  only  the  intensity,  bnt  also  the 
duration  of  tbe  frost  that  was  remarkable. 

Abnormal  Growth  op  Stella  Geranium.— Two  plants  of  the  above 
Geranium  have  put  forth  a  crown  and  leaves  from  the  centre  of  the 
withered  flower  truss  Both  plants  are  this  year's  cuttings.  I  should  be 
glad  to  know  if  anv  of  your  correspondents  have  ooserved  a  similar  oc- 
currence, and  if  it  is  usual. — G.  Pim. 

Geraniums  in  Pots  (Agnes). — The  plants  being  from  cuttings  put  in 
this  spring  or  last  autamu,  and  gtown  in  pots  for  l'te  bloom,  will  not 
require  priming  now,  as  tbey  will  for  some  time  aff  >rd  fine  trusses  of 
flowers  ;  at  least,  we  have  some  such  as  vou  name,  and  we  expect  them 
to  continue  flowering  the  greater  part  of  the  winter  In  February  we 
shall  cut  them  well  in,  and  grow  them  on  for  summer  flowering.  There  is 
no  cause  why  they  should  not  flower  finely  next  season. 

Everoreen  Trailer  in  Intermediate  Stove  {Thou.  W.).— For  cover- 
ing a  low  wall  in  an  intermediate  stove,  we  know  of  but  one  suitable 
plant— viz.,  Ficus  repens.  and  it  clings  to  any  substance  with  the  tenacity 
of  Ivy.     It  is  of  free  growth  and  very  neat. 

t^oiL  for  Sweet-scented  Verbena  [Young  Gardener,  DjibZm).— Two 
parts  of  common  garden  soU  mixed  with  one  part  l^af  mould,  or  the 
bottom  of  your  woodntack.  The  soil  beneith  the  stack  is  not  peat,  but 
nearer  in  composition  to  leaf  niouli— that  is,  leaves  thoroughly  decayed 
and  friable. 

Vines  Fruiting  in  Pots  (Inquirer). — As  you  intend  fruiting  thPm  in 
pots  two  or  three  years  consecutively,  we  should  at  one*  place  the  Black 
Hamburgh  in  a  pot  18  inches  in  diameter,  and  prune  it  to  a  length  of 
6  feet :  but  we  think  it  would  be  of  little  value  for  future  years' bearing 
unless  you  ar«  content  to  take  no  more  than  half  a  dozen  bunches  from 
it.  and  grow  it  in  a  house,  nut  starting  the  Vine  into  growth  before  March. 
Place  the  Royal  Muscadine  in  a  15-ioch  pot,  and  cut  it  back  half  its 
length.  Two  bunches  would  be  quite  euouph  to  take  from  it  next  season. 
In  pottiiw  be  careful  not  to  injure  the  roots,  but  loosen  the  sides  of  the 
ball.  Provide  good  drainage,  and  cover  it  with  about  an  inch  ihick  of 
half-inch  bones.  You  will  need  to  give  top-dressinys  of  rich  compost, 
and  afford  liquid  manure  when  the  Vines  are  in  free  growth.  Let  the 
Vines  make  more  shiots  than  are  wanted  for  bearing,  and  allow  each  au 
extension  of  rod  of  about  R  feet.  The  shoots  not  hearing  next  season 
will  give  vigour  to  the  plants  and  aid  in  perfecting  the  crop,  whilst  thev 
will  be  better  suited  for  bearing  another  year  than  those  fruiting  next 
season. 

Pruning  Vines  (C.  N.  B.).—  When  tho  leaves  have  fallen,  or  hy  the 
middle  of  December,  prune  them,  the  side  shoots  to  two  eyes,  and  that 
will  dispose  of  all  thn  latera  s.  If  the  Viues  have  rods  in  addition  to  side 
shootB,  out  thmn  to  3  feet  if  stronsr,  or  if  only  moderately  strong  to  half 
that  length.  We  imagine  what  you  term  laterals  are  the  side  shoots  ur 
spurs. 
Vine  Planting  {J .  R.  <?.).— Plant  the  Vines  now. 

Vine  on  IOpen  Wall  IR.  T.  S ).— You  would  treat  your  Vine  more 
safe'y  if,  instead  of  removing  it,  you  placed  glass  over  it  where  it  stands  ; 
then  you  would  bo  sure  of  a  well-ripened  crop.  Of  course,  you  could 
remove  it  by  carefully  lifting  it  now,  and  planting  it  where  it  would  be 
under  glass,  but  as  it  has  been  planted  ten  years,  you  would  require  to 
lift  it  with  great  care,  and  then,  perhaps,  you  would  have  no  great  return 
from  it  for  a  year  or  two.  A  cheap  fixed  lean-to  roof  over  it  where  it  is, 
would  be  the  surest  as  respects  returns. 

Vine-roots  Dying  [J.  W.). — We  can  assign  no  reason  for  the  root3  of 
some  of  the  young  Vines  dying,  whilst  others  are  so  healthy. 

Repotting  a  Dtcksonia  {Idem). — A  Dicksonia,  if  fresh  top-dressed, 
raay  remain  some  years  in  the  same  pot;  but  it  will  he  all  the  better  if 
the  drainage  be  Been  to,  and  the  most  exhausted  soil  removed. 

Potatoes  and  Mangold  Wurtzel  {H.  R.).— As  yon  have  but  one  field, 
and  wish  to  grow  no  other  crops  than  the  abovenamed,  your  best  plan 
will  be  to  divide  the  field  into  two  parts,  and  on  the  part  which  has  borne 
Potatoes  let  Mangold  Wurtzel  be  grown  the  next  year,  and  vice  versa. 
As  you  have  a  good  eupply  of  manure,  you  need  not  fear  having  deterio- 
rated crops  if  you  thus  crop  alternately. 

Kidney  Bean  Culture  \A  Subscriber). — We  do  not  see  in  what  way 
we  can  improve  on  your  system  of  cultivating  the  Scarlet  Runner  Bean  ; 
but  we  should  *ow  by  the  first  week  iu  May  in  rows  6  feet  apart,  with 
the  beans  about  6  inches  apart  in  the  rows.  The  ground  intended  for 
them  should  be  well  and  deeply  dug  or  trenched  now,  giving  a  liberal 
dressing  of  manure.  In  summer  they  should  be  well  supplied  with 
water  and  liquid  manure  in  dry  hot  weather.  We  like  them  staked, 
but  you  may  have  them  dwarf  by  repeatedly  stopping  them  at  a  foot  high. 
Make  another  sowing  at  the  end  of  May.  In  our  "Kitchen  Garden 
Manual,"  which  you  can  Ji*»ve  by  post  if  you  enclose  five  postage  stamps 
with  your  address,  you  w  11  find  full  details. 

Fruit  Trees  iA  Cottage  Gardener). — You  mav  grow  the  Black  Ham- 
burgh or  Hnyal  Muscadine  Grapes  iu  a  ground  vinery,  either  on  an  east 
or  west  wall,  hut  thev  would  do  much  better  in  an  open  but  sheltered 
situation— indeed,  it  would  be  a  waste  of  wall  to  no  practical  purpose; 
besides,  whichever  wall  you  were  to  have,  the  ground  vinery  against  it 
must  lose  the  sun's  rays  one-half  the  day,  whilst  iu  an  open  situation  it 
would  have  the  full  benefit,  of  the  suu.  As  regards  the  fruit  border,  you 
may  plant  the  Roses  G  feet  from  the  walk,  or  11  feet  from  the  wall,  but  aft 
you  wish  for  fruit  we  would  not  dn  so,  but  at  that  distance  from  the  wall 
we  would  have  a  wire  put  down  a  foot  high,  and  8  feet  from  that  a  row  of 
bush  or  pyramid  Pear  and  Plum  trees,  and  S  feet  from  that  again  another 
wire  at  the  same  height  as  the  other.  Both  the  wires  we  would  use  for 
Apple  trees  trained  a«  double  cordons.  They  may  bo  planted  12  feet 
apart,  and  the  pyramids  or  bushes  6  feet  apart.    You  will  have  5  feet  left 


November  10,  1870.  ]  JOURNAL  OF    HORTICULTURE   AND    COTTAGE    GARDENER. 


377 


between  the  second  line  of  cordons  and  the  wall,  and  that  you  must  not 
cuver  with  fruit  trees,  though  there  would  be  no  objection  to  a  row  of 
Strawberries  at  3  feer,  from  the  wall.  Three  good  sorts  are  Sir  Joseph 
Paxton,  Keens'  spedliog,  and  if  you  want  a  very  early  one.  Black  Prince. 
Unless  you  procure  plants  in  pots,  by  planting  ordinary  runners  now,  yon 
would  not  have  much  orospect  of  fruit  next  year— indeed,  we  would  not 
plant  before  the  middle  of  February.  "  Frnit  Gardening  for  the  Many  " 
will  suit  you.  It  may  be  had  post  free  from  our  office  for  five  postage 
gtamps. 

Heading-back  Newly-planted  Plum  Trees  (Inquirer).— In  all  cases 
we  advise  that  newly  planted  trees  should  be  headed-back,  but  as  a  rule 
we  would  confine  the  operation  to  the  central  parte,  or  where  more  shoots 
are  required  for  covering  the  space.  The  heading-back  may  be  carried 
too  far.  and  when  a  tree  has  good  roots  ii  is  not  necessary;  but  if  the 
shoots  are  thin  it  is  necessary  to  cut  back,  so  as  to  secure  the  requisite 
number  nf  t-hnots  at  the  required  part.  We  have  seen  shorteniug  the 
centtal  shoots  only  practised  with  good  success. 

Preparing  Ground  for  Potato  Planting  (N.  C.  ff.).— Dig  the  ground 
to  lie  now,  Hnd  throw  it  up  as  roughly  as  possible  for  the  wider,  giving 
whatever  manure  is  required.  In  digging  Bee  that  all  graBS,  weeds,  &c, 
are  put  at  the  bottom  of  the  trenches  fu  February  tu  n  the  ground 
with  a  fork,  picking  o.>t  any  root-weeds,  as  Couch-grass,  Docks,  and  Dan- 
delions, and  clear  ihem  off  If  no  manure  is  given  at  the  first  digging  it 
should  be  hpp'ied  at  the  second  digg  ng;  but  whilst  at  ih«  first  digging 
themanuro  may  ha  need  in  a  fresh  state,  at  the  second  it  ought  to  be 
partiilly  decayed,  or  what  may  he  termed  Bhort,  so  as  to  dig  in  well  when 
spend  on  the  surface.  For  a  light  Boil  Lapstoue  and  Early  Oxiord  Pota- 
toes ar^  excellent. 

Preparing  Manure  (Idem).— We  would  free  the  stable  litter  of  the 
Bhort  dang,  and  place  it  iu  the  piggery  until  it  became  thoroughly  wet, 
then  we  would  remove  it  to  a  heap  and  let  it  remain  until  quite  rotU  n — 
that  is,  until  it  could  be  dug  in  with  a  spade.  It  would  ha  better,  however, 
to  take  it  direct  from  the  piggery  to  the  ground  and  at  onoo  dig  it  in,  hut 
in  son.e  cases  this  is  impracticable.  Dung  usually  takes  six  or  eitht 
weeks  to  become  fit  to  be  dug  in  with  the  spa^e,  and  then  it  requires  to 
be  turned  over  and  wetted  twice  or  thrice.  Night  soil  is  a  capital  manure. 
It  may  he  mixed  with  an  equal  quantity  of  dry  soil,  and  may  be  u<=ed 
fresh.  A  dressing  an  iuch  tuick  is  nut  too  much  at  this  season,  or  half 
that  in  spring.  Johuson's  "  S>cienco  and  Practi'*o  of  Gardening  ''  con- 
tains what  yea  require.  It  may  be  had  at  our  office  for  Ss.,  or  free  by 
post  for  3s.  4d 

Canker  (C\  RX — It  is  not  caused  by  frost,  and  to  remove  the  bark 
would  kill  the  trees.  If  the  Apple  and  Pear  trees  are  young,  the  cauker 
may  be  ctu«ed  by  tho  roots  descending  into  an  ungenial  subsoil.  Remov- 
ing those  roots,  and  keeping  the  surface  mulched,  may  check  the 
disease. 

Peach-house  Ventilation  (New  Forest). — We  should  he  quite  satisfied 
with  your  ventilation,  but  a  small  triangular  opening  at  each  end  would 
be  an  improvement— say  a  triaDgle  of  from  24  to  Si)  inches  on  two  sides, 
with  a  base  1  foot  or  so  in  length.  Three  or  four  openings  in  the  back 
wall,  near  the  bottom  communicating  with  the  open  shed  behind,  would 
also  be  desirable— say  2  feet  long  by  12  inches  wide  These  would  be 
odvantngHs,  hut  with  early  air-giving  we  would  be  content  with  the  pre- 
sent ventilation. 

Pyramid  Apple  and  Pear  Trees  for  North-west  of  England 
(IF.  JV.).—  Dessert  Apples;  Early  Red  Margaret,  Kerry  Pippin,  Cellini, 
Cockle  Pippin,  Margil,  Nonesuch,  Sykebouse  Russet,  Braddick's  Non- 
pareil, Cox's  OraDge  Pippin.  Scarlet  Nonpareil,  Adams's  Pearmain,  and 
Wyken  Pippin.  Kitchen  Apples:  Keswick  Codlin,  Lord  Suffield,  Cox's 
Pomona.  Alfristnn,  Bedfordshire  Foundling,  Northern  Greening,  Dume- 
low's  Seedl.ug,  Blenheim  Pippin,  Hawthornden,  Winter  Majetin.  Norfolk 
Bearer, and  Rymer.  Dessert  Pears  :  Bergamotte  Esperen,  Blurred' A man- 
lia,  Beurre  Giffard,  Beurre  Hardy,  Comte  de  Lamy,  Alexandre  Lambre, 
Louise  Bonne  of  Jers-y,  Williams's  Bon  Chretien,  Zephirin  Gregoire,  Ne 
Plus  Weuris,  Beurre  Dial,  and  Jean  de  Witte  or  Glou  Moreeau.  Baling 
or  Stewing  :  Catllac  and  Verulnm. 

Datura  suavkolens  (Idem).— That  is  the  name  of  the  plant  you  de- 
scribe We  cannot  account  for  its  flagging,  except  from  its  not  being 
sufficiently  supplied  with  water,  or  you  may  have  destroyed  its  roots  by 
an  overdose  of  iqnid  manure.  Your  treatment  must  be  good  for  the 
plant  to  bloom  so  well,  and  we  do  not  perceive  in  what  you  need  advice. 

Glou  MoRgEAuPfARflT.  H.  H".). — It  is  a  hybrid  name,  Glou  is  Flemish, 
and  syuoovmous  with  our  word  dain'y  ;  Moreeau,  a  morsel,  is  French  ;  so 
that  in  entire.  English  the  name  is  the  "  Dainty-morsel  Pear." 

Bovinia  Potato  (C.  P.).— You  will  see  the  information  you  ask  for  in 
the  notes  from  those  who  have  grown  it  published  by  us. 

Overhanging  Trees  (A.  C).— You  should  first  request  the  owner  of 
the  trees  to  remove  the  branches  which  extend  from  his  ground  and  over- 
hang your  garden-  If  he  neglects  bo  doing,  then  give  him  a  legal  written 
notice  that  i  ou  will  cut  them  off  &o  far  as  they  do  overhang  your  garden. 
If  you  do  so  cut  them  off,  then  place  the  portions  removed  in  your  neigh- 
bour's grouud. 

Group  of  Tree3  in  Park  Planting  (J.  B.).—  We  would  plant  the  group 
in  masses — tlmt  is  to  say,  at  the  two  ends  we  would  have  about  a  dozen  of 
the  pink  and  the  common  Horse  Chestnut,  and  in  the  middle  two  groups 
of  Purple  Beech,  consisting  of  about  an  equal  number  of  trees;  the 
centre  we  would  have  Lime  and  English  Elm,  and  the  divisions  between 
the  masses  Piuus  austriaca,  P.  Laricio,  and  Scotch  Fir,  all  at  12  feet  npart. 
We  would  theu  fill  up  the  part  where  the  evergreens  are  with  deciduous 
shruhs  for  undergrowth,  so  as  to  make  them  4  feet  apart— Black  Thorn, 
Deutzia  tcabra,  Scarlet  Dogwood,  Ribes  sanguinea,  Snowberry,  Gueldres 
Rose,  and  Sweet  Briar;  and  the  part  planted  with  deciduous  trees  we 
would  fill  up  with  evergreen  shrubs,  as  Berberis  Aquifoliuni,  B.  dulcis, 
B.  Darwinii,  Tree  Box,  Holly,  Yew,  Laurustinus,  Evtrgreeu  Privtt,  com- 
mon Laurel,  nud  Rhododendrons.  The  spring  is  the  best  time  for  thin- 
ning out  Larch, 

Royal  Horticultural  Society — We  have  received  a  very  handsome 
bunch  of  Alicante  Grapes  from  Mr.  Wells,  of  Southend,  similar  to  those 
shown  by  him  from  a  ground  vinery  before  the  Fruit  Committee  on  the 
2nd  inst ,  and  which  received  a  special  certificate.  By  a  slip  of  the  pen 
they  were  referred  to  as  Black  Hamburgh  in  our  report  at  page  848. 

Select  Chrysanthemums  (C.  Montgomery).— See  reports  in  another 


page.    If  burnt  in  sufficient  quantity  to  heat  the  house  the  plants  would 
be  injured.     We  cannot  name  florists'  flowers. 

Border  Re-arranging  (A  Subscriber).— In  so  narrow  a  border  as 
4  feet,  we  do  not  see  what  shrubs  vou  can  have  except  against  the  wall, 
and  in  addition  to  Pymcantha  and  Pyrus  japonica  which  you  name,  we 
would  advise  Berberis  Darwinii,  Cotoneaster  SimmondBii,  C.  micropbyllf, 
Foraythla  Buspenaa,  and  Ligustrum  japonicum.  Two  feet  from  the  wa  1 
we  would  have  a  row  of  Roses,  and  then  perennials  in  front,  re-nrrangirg 
and  plauting  those  you  have,  or  you  might  keep  tho  space  for  sumnur 
bedding  plants,  but  theae  you  conld  arrange  in  beds  on  the  lawn.  We 
would  f-tub  up  all  the  Bhrubs  in  the  border,  and  treDch  the  ground  w.  11 
before  planting,  giving  a  good  dreesing  of  manure.  The  shrubs  Bhould 
be  planted  4  feet  apart,  and  nailed  to  the  wall. 

Roses— L'Enfant  Trouve  (C.  W.  D.).— L'Enfant  Trouve  is  very  like 
Elise  Sauvage,  but  has  no  aynonymes.  It  will  be  found  in  the  cataloguts 
of  Mr.  Cranston,  King's  Acre,  Hereford,  and  Messrs.  Paul  &  Son,  Cheshunt. 
It  is  not  so  hardv  or  bo  free-flowering  as  Gloire  de  Dijon,  still  In  many 
situation*  it  is  a  desirable  Rose,  hut  in  general  requires  the  protection  <  t 
a  wall.  It  ia  a  useful  Rose  for  pot  culture,  for  spring  forcing,  though 
among  the  yellow  Tea  Roses  for  forcing,  ihere  is  none  much  better  thun 
the  old  Vicomtesse  de  Cazes  and  La  Boule  d'Or.  Louise  de  Savoie  acd 
Souvenir  d'un  Ami  are  also  especially  good  TeaB  for  pot  culture. 

Pyramid  Apple  and  Tear  Trees  (A.  W).— The  soil  is  whollv  unsuit- 
able for  Ap»l»8  nnd  Pears.  Take  it  out  and  renlaco  it  with  good  strong 
loam.  Dessert  Apples  :  Red  Astrachau,  Kerry  Pippiu,  Cellini,  Sykehouse 
Ruseet,  Cox'b  Orange  Pippin.  Cockle  Pippin,  liravenstein,  and  Scailet 
Nonpareil.  Pears:  Beurre  Gifftrd,  Williams's  Bon  Chretien.  Comte  de 
Lamy,  Alexandre  Lambre,  Louise  Bonne  of  Jersey,  Zephirin  Gregoire, 
and  Bergamotte  E.-peren.  A  good  winter  Pear  for  a  west  wall  is  GIlu 
Moreeau. 

Potatoes  Sprouting  {Negro  Noro).— The  Early  Rose  and  Mona's  Pride 
now  sprouting  wo  would  keep  in  the  light  if  we  could,  and  ps  cool  and 
dry  as  possible,  and  if  they  are  more  aprouted  than  n  quarter  of  an  inch, 
it  would  be  well  to  run  the  spruuU  off.  The  beginning  of  February  is 
quite  early  enough  for  them  to  bfgin  sprouting;  bnt  this  year  our 
Potatoes,  especially  the  early  sorts,  are  sprouting,  no  donbt  owing  to  the 
drought  of  the  past  -summer  stopping  their  growth  and  inducing  prema- 
ture ripening.  The  cooler  they  are  kept,  if  Bwfe  from  frost,  the  better. 
If  ynu  give  them  to  th*  pigs  it  iB  likely  you  will  not  receive  for  planting 
any  that  have  not  had  the  first  sprouts  removed.  Ihose  which  have  not 
pprouted  are  to  be  preferred. 

Air  in  Hot-water  Piprs  IB.  A  ).— You  had  better  have  an  nir-pipein 
the  return-pipe  as  well.  With  an  air-pipe  on  the  top  flow-pipe,  and  the 
supply-pipe  2  feet  above  the  flow-pipes,  we  cannot  conceive  how  the  water 
does  not  heat  and  circulate  in  these  upper  flow-pipes,  except  that  the  air- 
pipe  is  not  at  the  highest  point,  or  that  the  air-pip-*  is  clouged  or  c'osed- 
up.  Two  yearB  ago  we  had  a  pit  with  pipes  rising  about  8  inches  to  the 
farther  end,  with  an  air-pipe  there  going  outside,  and  then  tamed  down- 
wards to  keep  dufct  cut,  but  some  earth-bees  bad  taken  up  their  abode  in 
it,  and  no  heating  nor  circulation  could  be  ohtained  until  the  small  «ir- 
pipe  had  hfien  cleaned  out-  We  think  this  is  most  likely  the  reason.  We 
conld  hardly  assign  any  other  cause,  without  knowing  all  about  the  levels 
of  the  pipes. 

Heating  a  Conservatory  (L.  G.  M.).—  If  the  house,  17  feet  high,  has 
much  glass  at  the  sides,  you  had  better  have  threa  pipes  all  round 
beneath  the  pathways  instead  of  two.  As  these  pathways  are  to  be  of 
ornamental  tile*,  there  should  be  ornamental  eratings  to  let  the  heated 
air  freely  up.  A  tubular  boiler  fed  from  the  top  is,  perhaps,  the  most 
easilv  managed.  A  No.  2  of  Messrs.  Weeks's,  costing  from  £8  to  £7, 
would  suit  you.  For  ourselves  we  would  not  l<>ok  nskance  on  a  good  saddle- 
back a*  that  of  Jones,  20  inches  in  height,  18  wide,  and  24  long.  coatiDg 
about  £6.  For  such  a  position  we  would  prefer  the  pipes  being  jointed 
with  iron  filings  aud  sal  ammoniac. 

Glazing  a  Conservatory  ( Reader).— Wo  would  in  your  c*ae,  if  the 
glazing  at  the  sides  is  done  in  the  usual  way.  and  the  gl*ss  hf-ld  firmly 
with  potty,  have  the  roof  glazed  with  Hmall  Inps— say  of  one-iighth  of  an 
inch  The  plan  you  propose  of  having  the  glass  put  edge  to  edge  without 
laps  would  answer  very  well,  if  by  grooves  deeper  than  the  glass,  and 
using  yielding  raateri*!  for  packing,  you  gave  room  for  the  glass  to 
expand  Rnd  contract  laterally.  If  the  giaBS  is  put  rather  firmly  between 
rebate  apd  rebate,  or  if  the  putty  becomes  so  hard  as  to  prevent  its  ex- 
panding at  the  sides,  the  closer  and  nearer  the  edges  of  the  squares  fit 
each  other,  the  greater  the  danger  of  cracking  from  expansion.  Yoa 
will  be  safer  by  not  having  the  glass  quite  close  to  the  rebate  on  each 
side;  still,  even  that  help  will  not  prevent  the  glass  chipping  at  the 
edges.  This  expansion  provided  for  at  the  fidea,  there  is  then  little 
danger  of  chipping,  and  if  the  roof  is  not  flat  there  will  be  no  danger  of 
drip. 

Names  of  Fruit  (A.  Walker).— 1,  Betty  Geeson  ;  3,  Bull's  Go'den 
Reinette;  5,  Figue  de  Naples;  6,  Prbaiiiste.  {A  Constant  Reader).— 
Apples  :   Springrove  Codlin  ;  2,  Piles'  Russet ;   3,  Lamb  Abbey  P*-armain  ; 

4,  Christie'*  Pippin;  5,  Huuthouse ;  6,  Russet  Pearmain  ;  7,  Kingston 
Black;  8,  Golaen  Reinette;  9,  Casseler  Reinette.  Pears:  1,  Brough- 
am; 2,  Van  Moos  Leon  Leclerc  ;  4,  Passe  Colmar.  (H.  C,  Tonbridge). 
— 1,  Beurre  Derouineau  ;  2,  Delannoy  ;  3,  Comte  de  Lamy  ;  4,  Old  Colmar ; 

5,  Winter  Nelis  ;  6,  Glou  Moreeau;  7,  Princess  Charlotte.  (W.  R).— 
1,  Braddick's  Nonpareil;  2,  Stunner  Pippin;  3.  Winter  Hawthornden; 
4,  Cox'b  Orapge  Pippin;  5,  Stead's  Kerne! ;  6,  Normanton  Won^r.  (A 
Constant  Reader,  J.  W  M.)  —  1,  Pearson's  Plate;  3.  Couri-Pendu-Plat; 
4,  Marmalade  PipDin ;  7,  Braddick's  Nonpareil;  9  Like  Cox's  Oranse 
Pippin;  10.  Api  petit;  11.  Card's  Seedling;  12-  Broad-eyed  Pippin  ;  13, 
Selwood's  Reinette.  (Centurion).— 1,  Kentish  Codlin  j  2,  Reinette  Blanche 
d'Espagne;  4,  English  Codliu;  5,  Duchesse  d'Angouleme;  t,  Lemon 
Pippiu;  8,  Bedfordshire  Foundling.  [CavendUh Richardson).—  1,  Barce- 
lona Pearmain  ;  5,  White  Nonpareil;  1G,  Court  of  Wick  ;  31,  Sykebouse 
Russet.  (A.  O.  It.).— When  we  omit  naming  some  of  the  specimens  sent, 
it  i<*  because  we  do  not  identify  them.  We  knew  your  No.  2  to  be  Doyenne 
du  Cornice,  hut  did  not  recognise  No.  1.  If  you  will  send  another  speci- 
men we  will  endeavour  to  name  it. 

Names  of  Plants  (Old  Subscriber).— We  cannot  identify  plants  from 
their  leaves  only.  (J.  L.,  Richmond) —I,  Adiautum  Capillus-Vt-neris  ;  2, 
Lastrea  dilatata  ;  S,  Pteris  serrulata ;  6,  Ruscus  Hypoglossum.  (A.  ¥.).— 
We  cannot  undertake  to  name  florh-U'  flowers,  nor  plants  from  mere 
leaves,  aud  you  have  sent  both  ;  3,  is  Euonymus  europseus. 


378 


JOUKNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  November  10,  1870. 


POULTRY,  BEE,  AND  PIGEON  CHRONICLE. 


AWARDS— TRIMMING. 
I  think  Mr.  Hewitt  replies  to  my  observations  rather  in  a 
hurry,  or  at  least,  without  my  remarks  before  him  ;  he  has,  at 
all  events,  altogether  mistaken  the  drift  of  what  I  have  written  ; 
and  as  no  one  knows  better  than  he  does  that  friendly  dis- 
cussion is  the  way  to  elicit  truth  and  weed  the  errors  out,  I 
will  return,  wilh  your  permission,  to  his  comments  of  last 
week  on  my  remarks  in  a  previous  number. 

He  speaks  only,  for  instance,  of  the  difficulty  of  placing  in 
order  of  merit  all  the  "  highly  commended"  pens;  but  if  he 
read  my  remarks  again  he  will  see  that  my  chief  suggestion 
was  for  a  distinct  award  to  be  given  to  all  pens,  and  to  those 
only  which  in  an  ordinary  competition,  or  by  intrinsic  merit, 
deserved  a  prize.  That  was  the  point  on  which  I  laid  stress, 
and  on  which  I  wished  to  ask  his  opinion,  and  on  this  he  says 
nothing.  The  award  1  suggested  was  "  very  highly  com- 
mended," but  a  perusal  of  the  New  York  schedule  has  suggested 
to  me  that  "  diploma  "  would  be  shorter  and  better.  Iaimit 
the  force  of  what  Mr.  Hewitt  urges  in  the  one  case,  but  he  will 
not  deoy  that  while  strict  order  of  merit  may  present  difficulties, 
as  I  admitted,  by  giving  up  that  order  in  the  simple  commen- 
dations, bis  experienced  eye  would  readily  pick  out  the  deserving 
pens  at  least ;  and  my  object  was  not  so  much  to  have  in  strict 
order  the  commended  pens  as  by  some  systematised  award,  oost- 
ingnothing,  between  prizes  and  commendations,  to  show  by  the 
prize  list  alone  the  character  of  a  competition.  In  this  way  a 
number  of  diplomas  in  a  class  would  show  that  the  prizes  were 
hardly  won  against  formidable  competitors.  To  attain  this 
object  they  should  not  be  given  to  merely  good  pens,  but  solely 
to  such  as  are  really  worthy  of  a  prize. 

I  again  commend  this  matter  to  consideration,  but  this  time 
more  especially  to  committees.  The  cards  might  read  thus  : 
"  Honorary  Diploma,  to  certify  that  in  an  ordinary  competition 
this  pen  would  be  worthy  of  a  prize."  They  ought  not  to  be 
too  freely  given  ;  but  rightly  used,  would  not  only  give  valu- 
able information,  but  would  make  a  show  popular,  please  exhi- 
bitors, and  place  shows  which  cannot  afford  four  prizes  more 
on  a  level  with  the  larger  ones. 

While  I  think  this  matter  might  be  of  great  nse,  I  am  not 
spending  "  money  "  upon  it,  nor  did  I  "  admit,"  as  Mr.  Hewitt 
too  hastily  says,  that  I  spent  "  time  and  money  fruitlessly  "  a 
year  ago  upon  trimming.  I  simply  said  my  application  to 
"Birmingham"  had  been  made  in  vain.  That  show  is  never 
won  over  to  anything  all  at  once,  and  I  do  not  despair  even  of 
Birmingham  by-and-by  ;  but  with  the  general  results  of  my 
labour  I  am  abundantly  satisfied,  and  the  best  proof  of  it  is 
that  I  am  yet,  as  opportunity  offers,  spending  more.  Briefly, 
I  may  say  that  bad  cases  of  plucking  are  now  at  least  passed 
by  in  about  half  the  number  of  instances,  whilst  formerly  they 
nearly  always  won.  I  may  also  add  that  about  two-thirds  of 
the  schedules  now  contain  a  trimming  clause,  whilst  previous 
to  the  discussion  not  one  in  ten  contained  such  a  thing. 
Bristol  was  one  of  the  first  shows  to  adopt  one,  and  was  copied 
by  London,  whilst  some  few  (as  Ipswich)  have  adopted  Mr. 
Hewitt's  own  proposal  to  disqualify  all  the  pens  of  an  offender. 
Such  are  the  more  tangible  results,  but  other  fruits  are  no  less 
real  because  less  visible.  There  has  been  a  growth  in  the 
fancy  to  some  small  extent  of  a  "  conscience  "  on  the  subject. 
I  could  name  a  "  reverend  "  sinner  whom  the  discussion  led  to 
abandon  the  practice,  and  a  well-known  Game  Bantam  breeder, 
formerly  a  notorious  offender  in  the  very  worst  form,  who 
showed  his  birds,  I  believe,  for  the  first  time  after  the  dis- 
cussion, "  without  trimming  a  feather,  sir ;"  though  I  am  glad 
to  add  it  was  not  his  last  appearance  in  that  character.  Better 
still,  the  real  "fanciers"  have  begun  more  and  more  to  find 
each  other  out,  and  to  trust  each  other,  while  they  have  learnt 
to  regard  the  cheats  with  a  deep  and  pitiful  scorn  which  was 
hardly  known  formerly,  and  which,  I  trust,  if  it  go  on,  will 
yet  make  it  apparent  that  treachery,  though  it  may  win,  does 
not  pay.  The  fancy  "  tailor  "  may  still  take  his  "  borrowed 
rags,"  and  by  shameless  plucking  make  them  into  a  first-prize 
Brahma ;  but  after  long  months  of  work  that  has  been  little 
apparent,  and  I  am  free  to  confess  has  given  me  many  dis- 
appointments, I  really  do  believe  the  time  is  at  hand  when  be 
shall  find  that  prizes  so  won  are  no  real  gain,  but  simply  bring 
him  the  contempt  he  deserves.  I  never  worked  at  .this  matter, 
despite  of  appearances,  with  more  hope  than  I  do  now  ;  and  even 


Mr.  Hewitt  will,  I  think,  admit  that  there  is  some  difference, 
however  small,  between  the  present  time  and  two  years  ago. 

It  is  a  good  opportunity  to  say  that  all  who  hate  trimming 
may  do  their  part  entirely  independently  of  committees  or  judg- 
ing. Make  the  sinners  feel  you  despise  them  ;  and  as  a  man  who 
can  cheat  in  one  way  will  do  so  in  another,  never  deal  with  a 
known  trimmer.  The  worst,  or  one  of  the  worst  of  them,  I 
know,  is  also  a  man  who  sells  eggs  which  hardly  ever  hatch. 
If  all  who  really  do  hate  the  fraud  would  show  it,  we  should 
soon  have  the  fancy  cleared  of  those  who  do  not  really  belong 
to  it,  and  have  no  real  love  for  it,  but  are  in  good  truth  only  its 
scum. 

Finally,  I  think  Mr.  Hewitt  has,  I  am  sure  not  knowingly, 
done  injustice  in  saying  that  some  of  the  very  first  on  the 
list  of  protestors  against  trimming  proved  among  the  very 
earliest  to  be  "  caught  for  actually  sewing  through  cocks'  combs 
to  keep  them  upright."  Every  protestor,  as  I  was  quite  pre- 
pared to  find,  has  not  proved  immaculate  ;  and  it  must  also  be 
remembered  that  many  exhibitors  are  in  the  hands  of  their 
men,  and  know  little  of  their  fowls  themselves.  Still,  as  a 
matter  of  fact,  I  do  not  remember  any  protestor  having  been 
guilty  of  the  enormity  referred  to,  and  I  should  be  glad  if  Mr. 
Hewitt  could  gire  the  instances.  The  only  name  I  remember 
is  that  of  one  wl  o  s  aiued  the  wing  of  his  Cochin  cock,  and  in 
this  case  it  was  I  niystlf  who  publicly  stated  him  to  be  a  "  pro- 
testant."  "  One  "  is  not  "  some,"  and  as  I  know  at  least  the 
main  body  of  the  signitaries  to  have  been  honest  in  the  matter, 
I  feel  I  am  only  defending  them  in  asking  Mr.  Hewitt  to  mention 
the  "  some  "  cases  he  refers  to.  My  belief  is  he  has  mixed  up 
in  his  mind  my  identification  of  the  sinner  in  question  with 
some  other  case  ;  if  it  is  thus,  I  feel  sure  no  one  will  feel  greater 
pleasure  than  he  that  it  Bhould  be  so.  The  object  of  neither 
of  us  is  to  injure  private  character,  and  as  what  took  place 
between  us  some  time  since  I  am  quite  willing  to  confess  en- 
lightened me  somewhat  as  to  the  difficulties  of  a  judge,  so  I  am 
sure  he  understands  me  too  well  now  to  put  a  false  construction 
on  my  defence  of  honourable  men. 

He  has  a  passing  remark  on  judging,  by  the  way,  which  is 
worth  its  weight  in  gold,  but  which  I  must  leave  for  a  future 
occasion. — L.  Wright. 


INCREASE   OF  NUMBERS  OF   PRIZES  - 
JUDGING. 

Among  the  many  obligations  due  from  all  fanciers  of  poultry 
to  Mr.  Hewitt,  must  be  reckoned  the  fact  that  he  is  not  un- 
willing at  the  proper  time  to  speak  out,  or  to  let  us  know  what 
he  thinks  upon  the  various  questions  that  arise  iu  the  poultry 
world.  We  are,  iudeed,  fortunate  to  have  a  ju'lge  among  us 
whose  unswerving  integrity  is  only  equalled  by  his  capacity  for 
his  peculiar  work,  while  at  the  same  time  he  can  put  his 
thoughts  on  paper  in  a  manner  calculated  to  adorn  the  pages  of 
any  journal  to  which  he  is  disposed  to  contribute. 

When  I  read  the  suggestion  that  all  highly  commended  pens 
should  be  placed  in  order  of  merit,  I  thought  that  no  judge 
would  ever  consent  to  add  such  a  burden  to  labours  which  at 
present  are  by  no  means  light,  and  it  is  evident  that  Mr. 
Hewitt,  for  one,  will  not  accept  the  proposal.  The  gain  to  the 
public,  in  fact,  would  not  in  any  way  compensate  for  the  ad- 
ditional trouble  imposed  upon  the  judges.  And  yet  I  am  glad 
the  matter  has  been  mooted,  because  Mr.  Hewitt  has  now  told 
us  what  he  thinks  the  best  rule  with  regard  to  the  distribution 
of  prizes — that  it  would  be  well  if  possible  to  have  four  prizes 
in  every  class  instead  of  two  only,  or  at  most  three.  This  sug- 
gestion I  regard  as  of  great  importance.  Let  me  give  an  in- 
stance from  my  own  experience.  I  had  intended  to  have  ex- 
hibited both  at  Southampton  and  at  Ipswich.  Looking  oyer 
the  schedules  of  prizes  offered,  I  find  that  there  are  two  only 
in  the  classes  in  which  I  should  exhibit,  and  although  cups  are 
held  out  to  those  who  reach  the  very  top  of  the  tree,  yet  the 
prospect  of  a  cup  seems  too  remote  to  induce  me  to  send  my 
birds.  Had  there,  however,  been  third  or  fourth  prizes  offered, 
I  should  at  once  decide  to  exhibit,  for  even  a  fourth  prize  is  a 
higher  honour  than  a  highly  commended,  and,  moreover,  it 
helps  to  pay  the  expenses. 

And  now  let  me  congratulate  the  Committee  of  the  Crystal 
Palace  Show  on  the  improvement  they  have  made  in  their 
prize  list  this  time  compared  with  the  one  of  January  last.  It 
will  be  long  before  I  shall  forget  the  havoc  that  was  made  on 
the  last  occasion  in  the  Dorkiog  class  among  birds  whioh  had 
done  great  things  when  Bhown  before,  but  which  were  then 


November  10,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


379 


compelled  to  be  content  with  a  high  commendation,  or  a  com- 
mendation only.  There  was  then  but  one  class  for  Coloured 
hens  and  pullets,  and  one  for  cocks  of  all  ages.  Now  there  are 
three  classes  for  Coloured  birds,  three  for  Silver-Grey,  and  one 
for  White.  If  the  Committee  next  year  will  take  Mr.  Hewitt's 
hint,  and  give  four  prizes  in  each  class,  they  will  probably  in- 
crease the  entries,  and  so  improve  the  show.  I  trust,  too,  that 
they  will  find  something  better  than  those  excruciating  wire 
pens — with  wire  I  mean  on  three  or  four  sides — in  which  every 
other  minute  the  bird's  tail  is  passing  through  or  rubbing 
against  the  wire,  so  that  a  show  of  three  or  four  days'  duration 
is  sufficient  seriously  to  mar,  if  not  altogether  to  destroy  for  a 
time,  the  exhibition  prospectsof  many  a  hue  bird. — E.  M.  B.  A. 


TO    SOUTHAMPTON    SHOW. 

"  Unto  Southampton  do  we  shift  our  scone.''—  (Shakespeare's 
H.nni  V.,  Act  2.) 

No.  1. 

I  rcRposE  to  write  two  papers,  the  one  to  Southampton  Show, 
tbe  other  at  Southampton  Show  ;  the  first  dealing  with  gene- 
ralities, the  second  with  the  specialities  of  the  Exhibition. 

Hampshire,  Hants,  or  Southampton  used  to  puzzle  and  annoy 
me  when,  not  exactly  yesterday,  I  was  learning  my  English 
counties.  Shropshire  or  Salop  was  bad  enough  to  remember, 
but  at  least  they  both  began  with  an  S  ;  but  Hampshire,  Hants, 
or  Southampton  was  intolerable.  What  had  Southampton  to 
do  with  Hampshire  ?  Then,  soon  after,  I  learned  to  connect 
Southampton  with  travelling  to  the  far  east,  and  this  did  not 
increase  my  love  much,  as  friends,  boyhood's  friends,  with 
whom  I  walked  in  our  playground,  the  precinct  of  an  old  cathe- 
dral, "  twining  arms  round  each  other's  necks  as  only  school- 
boys can,"  to  quote  Dr.  John  Brown,  had  gone  from  South- 
ampton, and  fought  and  died  in  the  Sikh  war  in  the  far  India. 
So  I  had  little  love  for  the  place,  but  I  knew  it  not,  and,  as  it 
proved,  because  I  knew  it  not ;  and  now,  thanks  to  poultry,  I 
have  made  the  acquaintance  of  Southampton. 

Leaving  Wiltshire  on  Monday  week  with  a  mist  around  me 
was  not  encouraging,  but  unexpectedly  meeting  at  my  station 
a  brother  parson  and  brother  poultry  fanoier  put  a  brighter 
aspect  upon  affairs,  and  much  mended  matters.  The  day  was 
indeed  dull  and  dreary,  but  then  oould  we  not  talk  pleasant 
poultry  talk,  and  then  talk  parson  talk  proper,  and  then  hark 
back  to  poultry  agaiu  ?  We  did  this  on  Monday,  and  though 
the  mist  hung  over  us  we  minded  it  not.  Westbury  White 
Horse  stood  out  shaggy  with  mist,  looking  like  a  rough  Shetland 
pony.  Curious  that  we  should  have  in  Wiltshire  three  white 
horses  cnt  on  the  downs — that  on  Cherrel  Down,  near  Calne, 
this  at  Westbury,  and  the  one  the  boys  cut  out  at  Marlborough, 
all  better  shaprd  than  the  original  and  far-famed  one  in  the 
Vale  of  White  Horse  in  Berks.  Talk,  talk,  and  no  view  until 
we  come  in  sight  of  Salisbury  Cathedral,  and  a  long  and  good 
view  of  it  we  bad  as  the  train  wound  slowly  out  of  the  station. 
Does  any  reader  know  that  most  genial  and  kindly  book  of  the 
American  blacksmith,  "  A  Walk  from  London  to  Land's  End 
and  Back  »"  If  he  does,  he  will  perhaps  remember  Elihu 
Burritt's  beautiful  words  about  Salisbury  Cathedral  spire  ;  but 
all  will  not  have  read  the  book,  so  I  will  quote  them.  Catching 
a  distant  view  of  i',  he  says,  "Beyond,  like  a  long  delicately 
tapering  finger,  ringed  at  the  middle  joint,  the  spire  of  Salis- 
bury Cathedral  points  upward,  pushing  its  silver  nail  into  the 
lower  clouds.  For  six  times  the  life-length  of  the  American 
Republic  that  finger  has  been  uplifted  in  sky,  cloud,  and  storm. 
In  the  most  tempestuous  years  of  English  history,  in  John's 
day,  and  Stephen's,  and  Cromwell's,  it  towered  with  steady 
poise  into  the  still  blue  bosom  of  the  sky,  like  a  petrified  human 
prayer,  lifting  the  cross  nearer  heaven  than  it  was  ever  raised 
by  other  shaft  on  this  proud  island."  As  I  passed,  and  gazed 
and  admired,  I  thought  of  these  eloquent  and  graphic  words. 
No  one  more  noticeable  thing  until  Romsey  br.vugbt  to  mind 
Lord  Palmerston's  manly  English  character  and  career.  Then 
on  further,  and  amid  red  brick  and  blue  slate,  and  a  gleam  of 
masts  in  the  docks,  I  am  at  Southampton  Station. 

And  now,  to  nse  Shakespeare's  words  (and  he  almost  always 
will  supply  a  suitable  motto), 

"  Unto  Southampton  do  we  shift  our  scene." 

Nowhere  do  old  and  new  stand  out  in  more  direct  and  abrupt 
contrast  than  in  Southampton.  The  town  is  very  old  and  very 
new,  but  there  exists  a  divider  in  the  Bar  Gate,  an  old  gateway 
not  unlike,  but  much  superior  to,  Temple  Bar.  In  speaking 
in  Southampton  it  is  "Above  Bar"  and  "Below  Bar" — below 
Bar  all  old,  above  Bar  all  new ;  below  Bar  trade,  above  Bar 


private  residences  ;  below  Bar  much  crowding  of  houses,  above 
Bar  all  width  of  streets  and  spaciouR  parks  or  park-like  squares. 
In  the  old  part  crop  out  portions  of  the  old  stone  walls  mixed, 
and  mingled,  and  built  in  to  red  brick  houses,  like  warts  on  a 
hand,  with  this  difference,  that  the  warts  are  far  prettier  than 
the  hand.  In  some  parts  of  the  Below  Bar  there  are  remains 
of  ancient  towers  and  military  architecture.  Above  Bar  is  my 
temporary  home.  By  the  way,  I  always  feel  that  a  friend's 
house  in  a  strange  place  is  my  home  there,  so  different  the 
feeling  when  in  lodgings  or  at  an  inn  ;  and  never  did  I  find 
kinder  friends  or  feel  more  thoroughly  at  home  than  at  South- 
ampton. 

The  poultry  show  will  not  be  opened  until  Tuesday  afternoon, 
so  I  stroll  about ;  and  further  Above  Bar  come  upon  one  park, 
or,  more  properly  speaking,  large  park-like  square,  called 
"  Watts's  Park,"  because  a  marble  statue  of  the  good  little  non- 
conformist Isaac  Watts,  D.D.,  a  native  of  Southampton,  stands 
in  its  centre.  There,  in  gown  and  bands,  and  with  hymn-book 
in  his  hand,  stands  he  who  was  the  best  writer  of  children's 
hymns  this  country  ever  produced.  It  is  said  that  on  this 
spot,  overlooking  Southampton  Water,  and  viewing  the  beautiful 
country  beyond,  Watts  wrote  the  lines — 

"  Could  I  but  stand  where  Moses  stood, 
And  view  the  prospect  o'er  ;" 

and  it  is  for  this  reason  that  the  statue  is  there  placed.  On 
the  pedestal  beneath  the  statue  are  four  bas-reliefs,  the  best  a 
group  of  little  children  in  the  dress  of  the  day,  and  in  their 
midst  the  good  little  doctor  and  his  hymn-book.  Over  this 
group  are  the  suitable  and  true  words,  "  He  gave  to  lisping 
infancy  its  earliest,  and  purest  lessons."  In  another  such  park 
is  a  statue  of  Lord  Palmerston,  and  in  another  one  of  some 
worthy  Mayor  of  former  days.  Wide  are  the  streets  and  well- 
built  tbe  houses  in  the  part  above  Bar.  I  stroll  by  the  Water, 
a  beautiful  long  narrow  estuary,  with  the  New  Forest  beyond 
it,  and  I  stand  at  the  door  of  the  Carlton  Hall,  which,  I  am 
told,  is  the  largest  room  in  Southampton,  but  no  admittanoe 
yet;  but  of  it  and  of  its  contents  No.  2  shall,  all  being  well, 
tell  next  week. — Wiltshire  Rector. 


POULTRY  SHOW  REPORTS. 

First  let  me  altogether  disclaim  any  intention  of  inflicting 

■  a  wound  on  "  Wiltshire  Rector"  deep  enough  to  require  a 

plaister.     The  utmost  I  wished  was  to  give  him  just  the  gentlest 

and  friendliest  dig  in  the  ribs,  and  that,  too,  with  no  more 

dangerous  weapon  than  the  stump  of  my  old  quill  pen. 

"Wiltshire  Rector"  sets  me  down  as  a  beginner.  Cer- 
tainly my  experience  is  not  so  extensive  as  that  of  many,  but 
at  all  events  I  can  claim  as  long  experience  as  an  exhibitor  as 
he  can  as  your  correspondent ;  and  in  those  breeds  in  which  I 
am  most  interested  I  think  I  know  the  points  of  a  good  bird 
without  having  to  turn  to  the  pages  of  the  "Standard  of  Ex- 
cellence "  for  information.  Let  me  remind  bim  that  I  did  not 
ask  for  information  as  to  what  birds  ought  to  be,  but  what  they 
are  at  the  particular  show  which  is  being  reported — how  nearly 
they  approach  to  the  perfection  demanded  by  the  "  Standard." 
But  at  the  snme  time  it  could  not  but  happen  that  in  such 
reports  as  I  asked  for  much  valuable  information  would  often 
be  obtained  incidentally,  which  would  do  much  towards  setting 
at  rest  many  at-present-debated  questions. 

"Wiltshire  Rector"  instances  Mr.  Blakston's  articles.  I 
regret  to  confess  that  I  am  absolutely  ignorant  of  Canaries. 
If  I  dared,  I  would  say  that  the  prizes  seem  to  be  awarded 
always  to  the  ugliest  birds.  Nevertheless,  I  never  pass  over 
one  of  "  W.  A.  B.'s  "  articles  ;  they  are  indeed  so  witty,  so 
much  more  than  readable — so  highly  amusing.  I  have  looked 
back  to  the  report  upon  the  Crystal  Palace  Show  referred  to  by 
"  Wiltshire  Rector,"  and  I  perfectly  agree  with  him  that  it 
is  admirably  done,  but  I  entirely  disagree  with  him  as  to  its 
not  going  into  details.  Let  "  Wiltshire  Rector  "  read  it 
again.  It  takes  each  class  separately,  it  picks  out  the  best 
birds  in  each  ;  it  points  out  the  characteristics  of  many  of 
them  ;  it  mentions  in  a  way  which  could  not  offend  the  suscep- 
tibilities of  the  most  sensitive  judge  when  he  does  not  altogether 
agree  with  the  decisions  ;  in  short,  it  is  just  what  I  have  asked 
for  in  the  reports  of  our  poultry  shows,  and  I  hope  "  Wiltshire 
Rector  "  will  take  it  for  his  model  when  he  gives  us  his  ac- 
count of  the  next  Bristol  Show,  which  I  trust  he  will  be  able 
to  see  and  to  write  about,  that  we  may  have  the  pleasure  of 
reading  it. 

I  take  it  that  reports  of  poultry  shows  are  written  for  tha 
benefit  of  poultry  fanciers,  to  whom  the  much-abused  details  are 


380 


JOURNAL   OP  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


t  November  10,  1870. 


not  dry  ;  and  therefore  they  should  be  different  in  style  from 
those  articles  which  are  intended  for  beginners  and  to  stimu- 
late the  love  of  onr  feathered  pets.  Let  these  be  as  elementary 
as  you  please,  and  as  attractive  as  all  "  Wiltshire  Rector's" 
letters  are  ;  with  which  plaister  I  will  leave  the  subject,  after 
metaphorically  shaking  hands  with  "  Wiltshire  Rector,"  and 
hoping  that  we  may  live  to  meet  at  some  time,  perhaps  at  Bir- 
mingham or  the  Crystal  Palace. 

I  intended  to  say  a  word  or  two  upon  our  "  Persian  friend's  " 
letter,  but  I  feel  that  I  have  already  tried  your  patience,  Messrs. 
Editors,  too  severely. 

Let  me,  however,  ask  jnst  one  question.  I  have  hid  a  eopy 
of  the  American  Poultry  Bulletin  sent  me,  with  a  schedule  of 
the  New  York  Poultry  Show.  In  the  schedule  I  see  prizes 
offered  for  "White-headed  Brazilian  Divers,"  "  White  Chested 
Biarritz  Ducks,"  and  "Nicaragua  Singing  Ducks."  These 
names  sound  very  tempting — can  yon  tell  me  anything  about 
their  owners  ?  Are  they  domesticated  or  wild  birds?  And  are 
they  known  at  all  in  this  kingdom  ?  and  if  so,  where  are  they 
to  be  seen  or  obtained  ? — Shropshire  Rector. 

[We  published  a  woodcut  and  description  of  the  Cayngn, 
which  we  believe  is  the  same  as  the  Nicaragua  Duck,  in  the 
fifth  volume  of  this  Journal.  Of  the  other  aquatics  we  know 
nothing.— Eds  ] 

THE   NEW  YORK   POULTRY   SHOW- 
LEGHORNS. 

This  Show  is  to  commence  on  December  14'b,  and  remain 
open  till  the  22nd.  I  fear  such  a  long  period  of  confinement 
will  deter  many  British  breeders  from  competing;  but  to  meet 
the  case  as  far  as  possible  the  Committee  have  arranged  for  a 
grand  auction  of  the  foreign  birds,  which,  if  of  good  quality, 
will  be  tolerably  sure  to  realise  fair  prices,  especiallv  as  they 
will  be  well  advertised  by  the  Society.  The  danger  of  a  return 
voyage  will  by  this  means  be  avoided. 

Compared  with  onr  English  shows  the  arrangement  of  prizes 
seems  very  curious.  Our  exhibitors  are  alwnys  complaining 
they  do  not  get  enough  in  hard  cash.  Whatever  would  they 
say  to  the  American  system,  which  gives  as  four  prize*  in  ail 
the  general  classes  a  bronze  medal,  diploma,  honourable  men- 
tioD,  and  high  commendation  respectively  ?  so  that  the  nnlucky 
second  may  if  he  please  exclaim,  "  All  is  lost  save  honour  " 
Some  silver  medals,  however,  are  also  given,  and  in  many  other 
classes  various  poultry  and  Pigeon  books  form  the  prizes.  For 
several  breeds  there  are  also  silver  cups  varying  in  value  from 
10  to  25  dollars  ;  and  in  particular,  there  is  a  cup  each,  value 
25  dollars,  for  Dark  Brahm  as.  Buffs.  G'ey  Do  kings,  and  Houdans, 
to  be  awarded  to  the  best  trio  of  old  fowlB  with  six  of  their  own 
chickens.  A  great  gold  medal,  a  second  gold,  and  a  silver 
medal  are  specially  provided  for  the  best  collections  of  poultry 
from  over  the  sea.  The  most  valuable  prizes  of  all,  and  which 
are  open  to  English  aspirants,  are  for  the  best  essavs  on  the 
breeding  and  management  of  poultry  (prizes  100,  50,  and  25 
dollars),  and  for  the  best  plans  of  poultry  buildings  (prizes  50, 
30.  and  20  dollars). 

There  is  a  class  for  Any  other  variety,  but  I  do  not  know 
what  is  to  go  in  it,  for  there  are  separate  classes  already  for 
about  every  breed  known,  including  even  Creepers,  Frizzles, 
Rumpkins,  and  Russians  ! 

As  a  subscriber  wanted  to  know  the  other  day  what  Leghorns 
were,  I  may  as  well  say  it  is  a  very  favourite  American  breed 
just  now  ooming  over  to  this  oonntry.  The  most  esteemed 
colour  is  white  with,  I  believe,  yellow  legs  and  single  combs  ; 
bnt  many  prefer  a  rose  comb,  which  has  generally  pink  or  white 
legs.  To  judge  by  the  engraving  in  my  possession,  no  fowl 
could  show  stronger  appearance  of  a  Spanish  origin,  bnt  the 
yellow  leg  makes  it  hard  to  say  what  cross  has  been  employed. 
The  rose  combed  and  white-legged  breed  is  in  my  opinion 
crossed  with  the  White  Dorking  ;  and  that  some  cross  has  been 
employed  is  nearly  proved  by  the  fact  that  the  other  recognised 
colours  are  brown  (with  Grey  Dorking?)  and  D'miniqne,  which 
answers  to  what  we  call  Cuckoo,  the  American  Dominique  fowl 
resembling  our  Cuckoo  Dorking,  or  rather  Sootch  Grey.  Be 
this  as  it  may,  the  breed  is  fast  beooming  a  favourite  in  the 
States,  is  hardy  and  a  good  layer,  and  is  said  by  many  to  be 
more  profitable  than  anv  other  variety  known  in  America.  A 
very  good  pen  of  White  Leghorns,  I  may  as  well  say,  was  shown 
by  Mr.  Tegetmeier  last  week  at  Southampton,  and  I  quite 
expect  the  breed  will  Boon  be  well  known  in  the  Variety  class 
at  our  shows. 
A  lot  of  odds  and  ends  follow  the  poultry  in  the  New  York 


schedule.  Everything  that  ever  was,  is,  or  can  be  petted  seemB 
to  be  put  down  for  a  class.  I  really  do  not  exaggerate,  for  they 
range  from  deer  and  ponies  down  to  white  mice.  There  is  no  end 
of  classes  for  Squirrels  ;  and  such  things  as  Ferrets,  Minks.  Mar- 
mots, Coons,  Opossums.  Chipmucks  (what  is  tin  little  beast?) 
and  Spotted  Gophers,  all  find  a  place.  Being  of  an  inquiring 
mind,  I  really  envy  tbo6e  who  can  afford  to  vioit  the  New  York 
Show. 

I  will  only  add  that  I  shall  be  happy  to  forward  schedules  to 
all  who  apply  for  them. — L.  Wright. 

[The  Leghorns  shown  at  Southampton  are  noticed  in  onr  re- 
port to-day.  In  addition  we  add  the  following  f rem  Moore's  Rural 
New  Yorker.  "  The  White  Leghorns  are  said  to  be  a  hardy 
breed,  and  of  medium  size,  cf  quiet  disposition,  persistent 
layers,  of  a  pure  white  colour.  Their  legs  and  skin  are  yellow. 
The  cocks  have  large  single  combs,  which  should  be  perfectly 
erect;  full  wattles,  and  large  cream  or  white  ear-lobes,  extend- 
ing sometimes  upon  their  face,  and  not  dissimilar  to  those  of 
the  White-faced  Black  Spanish.  The  hens  have  usually  large 
combs,  frequently  seen  to  lop  over  like  those  of  the  Spanish 
hen.  The  young  are  easy  to  rear,  feathering  up  soon.  They 
are  reputed  to  be  excellent  winter  layers." — Eds.] 


PURCHASED  EGGS. 
I  am  an  amateur  breeder  of  Dorking  fowls,  and  therefore 
desirouB  of  improving  my  stock,  and  wiite  to  detail  my  ex- 
perience in  the  pnrobase  of  eggs  for  breeding  purposes  ;  further, 
to  inquire  of  my  brother  amateurs  and  your  readers  whether 
they  have  experienced  similar  disappointments.  Four  years 
since  I  prooured  a  sitting  of  eggs  from  an  eminent  breeder,  for 
which  I  paid,  with  carriage,  22s.  6d.  ;  these  brought  no  prodnoe. 
T.VO  years  6ince  I  obtained,  through  a  friend,  a  sitting  from  a 
great  prizetaker  in  another  county  ;  these  eggs  all  proved  bad. 
This  last  season  I  obtained  my  eggs  elsewhere — the  result  is  two 
chickens  only,  which  are  neither  Dorkings  nor  any  other  breed. 
Thus,  I  have  expended  nearly  £4  in  eggs,  including  carriage, 
and  have  two  chickens,  worth  about  3s. — Unfortunate. 


SOUTHAMPTON  POULTRY  SHOW. 

The  arrangements  of  this  year's  Show  were  promptly  to  time, 
careful,  and  well  regulated.  Those  of  onr  readerB  who  may  never 
have  attended  a  Southampton  Bhow  will  be  pleased  to  hear  that  the 
Carlton  Hall,  in  which  the  Show  is  held,  is  one  of  the  very  best  rooms 
that  could  be  desired  for  the  purposes  of  a  poultry  show,  and  the  really 
excellent  exhibition  pens  supplied  by  Mr.  Billett,  of  High  Street, 
Southampton,  which  are  so  targe  and  lofty,  left  nothing  to  he  desired 
on  that  score,  even  by  the  most  anxious  and  fastidious  aniatenr  of 
poultry.  The  improvement  as  to  the  nnmber  of  exhibitors,  as  well  as 
to  the  nnmber  of  pens  entered,  is  a  matter  for  general  congratulation, 
as  considerably  over  a  hundred  more  were  exhibited  this  year  as  com- 
pared with  last  Again,  as  indicative  of  fnture  successes  at  this 
meeting's  public  luncheon  no  loss  than  seven  silver  cups  and  a  silver 
watcn  were  spontaneously  offered  by  private  individuals,  altogether 
irrespective  of  the  customary  prizes  given  by  the  Southampton  Com- 
mittee, so  that  the  continuance  of  popularity  and  success  is  well 
guaranteed.  We  must  add  to  this,  that  the  public  attendance  tbiB 
year,  the  weather  proving  very  favourable,  exceeded  that  iu  any  of  the 
preceding  eleven  yearB  this  Show  has  been  established. 

The  Spanish  fowls,  though  generally  somewhat  out  of  high  condi- 
tion, were,  as  a  whole,  a  very  good  class  indeed  ;  and  the  Grey  Dorking 
classes,  both  chickens  and  adults,  were  far  superior  to  any  yet  seen  at 
a  Southampton  show.  Mr.  Martin's  well-known  Rose-combed  Dork- 
ings were  among  the  prominent  winners.  Cochins  were  of  first-rate 
quality,  though  many  pens  were  wholly,  or  in  part,  mnch  out  of  con- 
dition. Mr.  Cattell's  hen  in  the  third-prize  pen  was  one  of  the  best 
exhibited  for  many  years  past,  but  was,  unfortunately,  mated  to  a  cock 
in  such  indifferent  health,  aB  to  throw  her  out  of  high  position  alto- 
gether. The  Light  Brahmas,  as  they  always  are  at  Southampton, 
were  the  glory  of  the  Show,  and  the  Rev.  H.  Maynard  and  Mrs. 
"Williamson  were  entitled  to  their  success  in  a  very  severe  competi- 
tion. The  whole  cf  these  birds,  in  very  extensive  classes,  proved  at  a 
glance  how  great  the  care  and  attention  must  have  been  to  breed  them 
bo  truly  to  feather  as  they  were  shown.  Though  a  few  pens  of  very 
excellent  Bamburghs  were  shown,  the  majority  of  those  competing  in 
these  classes  were  not  so  good  aB  in  former  years.  A  number  of  pens 
of  very  first-class  Game  fowls  were  exhibited,  in  which  the  condition 
could  not  be  improved,  but,  on  the  contrary,  not  a  few  others  lacked 
both  robust  constitution,  and,  at  the  Bame  time,  parity  of  feather.  A 
grand  pen  of  adult  Black  Red  Game  fowls,  Bhown  by  Mr.  Gibson,  ran 
in  very  closely  for  the  President's  cup,  of  the  value  of  ten  guineas. 
Except  in  the  case  of  two  or  three  pens  of  Polish  fowls,  we  confess 
ourselves  to  be  disappointed,  the  majority  showing  rather  a  falling  off 
in  quality  than  an  improvement.     A  very  great  feature  of  the  Show, 


November  10,  LS7o    ] 


JOURNAL   OF    HOBTICULTUIiE    AND    COTTAGE    GARDENEK. 


:-l 


U  might  be  fully  expected  in  this  locality,  were  the  French  fowls ;  for 
Houdans,  La  Fh'che,  and  Creve-Cceurs  were  shown  of  tbe  highest 
merit,  and  in  numbers  quite  unprecedented.  In  the  chicken  classes 
for  French  fowls  we  cannot  recollect  so  many  pens  being  highly  com- 
mended, or  more  deservedly  so. 

In  the  "  Any  other  variety  "  class  there  was  much  merit,  Black 
Haniburghs  being  first,  and  excellent  Malays  the  second-prize  birds. 
In  this  class  we  cannot  refrain  from  mentioning  a  pen  of  "  Leghorns,'' 
a  variety  hitherto  not  seen  iu  any  public  exhibition  in  England. 
They  resemble  very  closely  White  Spanish  fowls,  but.  which  adds 
much  to  their  singularity,  they  are  as  yellow  in  the  legs  and  feet  as  a 
Malay  fowl,  and  we  are  told  they  are  as  hardy  as  a  Brahma,  being  also 
excellent  layers.  They  are  a  breed  introduced  racently  from  America, 
and  appear  somewhat  likely  to  be  a  very  useful  variety  for  general 
purposes  in  th«  farmyard,  their  powers  of  egg-production  being  ex- 
treme, and  the  quality  of  the  desh  for  table  purposes,  more  especially 
when  roasted,  very  closely  approximating  to  that  of  Game  fowls.  The 
Game  Bantam  clasB  was,  though  large,  not  so  perfect,  except  the  prize 
birds,  as  we  might  reasonably  have  expected,  but  the  "  Any  variety  of 
Bantam  "  class  made  the  most  ample  amends.  Sebrighta  were  nume- 
rous and  good,  and  Black  Bantams  and  Light-feathered  Japanese 
Bantams  of  the  highest  merit  were  shown. 

To  speak  of  the  Aylesbury  Ducks  in  detail  would  be  nncalled  for, 
Mrs.  Mary  Seamons,  of  Aylesbury,  heading  the  list  with  two  pens, 
which  would  be  very  covetable  in  the  eyes  of  any  Duck-breeder.  In 
tbe  "  Any  other  variety"  class  for  Docks  twenty-four  pens  competed, 
of  such  quality  as  is  but  rarely  seen.  The  Buenos  Ayrean  Ducks 
were  exceedingly  good.  The  Mandarins  and  Carolina^  were  shown  in 
exqoL-ite  feather,  and  besides  these  there  were  entered  some  first-class 
Roaeus.  "We  now  come  to  one  of  the  most  remarkable  features  of  the 
whole  Show,  pen  362,  entered  by  the  owner.  Mr.  F.  G.  Dalgetty,  of 
Roke  Manor,  ltomsey,  as  "  Paradise  Ducks."  They  were  certainly 
rery  remarkable,  perfectly  tame,  being,  as  stated  in  the  catalogue, 
"bred  in  New  Zealand."  They  consisted  of  six  birds,  apparently 
three  of  one  kind,  a  pair  of  another  variety  and  the  odd  one  still 
different  from  either  of  the  others.  They  were  all  shown  (we  had 
almost  said  crammed)  in  one  pen,  so  that  much  difficulty  ensued  to 
those  visitors  whose  desires  prompted  a  close  inspection.  No  one 
seemed  to  know  anything  about  them  among  the  numerous  visitors 
p'resent :  in  fact,  the  Judge  himself  candidly  admitted  "  they  were 
quite  new  to  him,"  the  reason,  we  suppose,  they  were  "  very  highly 
commended,"  though  the  rule  of  the  Show  was  distinct,  that  each  pen 
should  be  a  pair  only.  They  naturally  were  one  of  the  lions  of  the 
Show,  bat  were  entered  at  the  jeserved  price  of  £15l'. 

The  (nes>  and  Turkeys  were  perfect  giants  of  their  kind,  and  here 
Mr.  Fowler  and  Mrs.  Seamons  were  the  recipients  of  the  prizes  in  the 
tirst-named  cluss,  and  Mr.  Patton  and  the  Rev.  J.  L.  Ridley  in  that  for 
Turkeys. 

The  entries  in  the  Selling  classes — one  class  for  "  single  cock 
of  any  variety  or  age,"  and  the  other  for  "  a  pair  of  hens  or  pullets  of 
any  breed  " — must  have  proved  a  most  excellent  "  hit"  for  the  coffers 
of  the  Society,  as  seventy-eight  pens  competed.  In  the  cock  class  a 
Grey  Dorking  and  a  Creve-Coenr  were  the  respective  winners,  and  in 
tbe  class  for  hens  Silver- Grey  Dorkings  and  Partridge -coloured  Cochins 
were  successful,  among  a  host  of  rivals  that  would  certainly  have 
pretty  well  held  their  own  at  the  majority  of  shows. 

The  Pheasants  were  shown  in  most  excellent  plumage,  and  added 
much  to  the  beauty  of  the  Exhibition.  Strange  to  say.  there  was  not 
a  single  entry  in  the  class  for  'l  Ornamental  poultry.  '  We  would  sug- 
gest that  another  year  the  heading  should  be  for  "  Ornamental  birds 
of  any  kind,''  and  we  then  think  the  entries  would,  as  at  Newcastle- 
on-Tyne  some  fifteen  or  sixteen  years  back,  insure  a  most  compre- 
hensive and  attractive  entry,  forming,  too,  a  very  pleasant  break  in 
the  monotony  of  a  poultry  exhibition. 

The  table  of  dressed  poultry,  "trussed  but  not  drawn,"  proved 
quite  an  interesting  feature.  Mr.  Dowsett  appearing  iu  the  van  with 
fjwls  of  excellent  quality  and  very  nicely  dressed;  some  others,  much 
heavier  but  coarser  specimen?,  being  entered  against  them.  These 
table  fowls  were  a  cross  between  the  male  Light  Brahma  and  Grey 
Dorking  hen. 

In  the  portion  of  the  Show  devoted  exclusively  to  foreign  and  British 
birds,  a  pair  of  Numidian  Cranes,  a  really  Baft- coloured  Blackbird, 
and  a  most  singular  Mule,  bred  between  a  Bullfinch  and  common 
Linnet,  were  well  worthy  of  attention.  A  pair  of  Paliated  Jays  from 
Mexico  were  also  among  the  first  ranks  of  novelties  displayed. 

Pigeons  throughout  were  excellent,  but  several  attempts  at  imposi- 
tion by  showing  two  cocks  or  two  heus  instead  of  a  pair,  very  properly 
resulted  in  instant  disqualification.  The  whole  of  this  division  of  the 
Show  (the  Pigeons)  occupying  the  orchestra,  was  seen  to  great  ad- 
vantage. 

With  sneh  a  varied  amount  of  attractions,  the  satisfaction  of  the 
visitors  was  openly  and  very  generallv  expressed.  Although  this 
eleventh  Show  of  the  Southampton  Society  was  brought  to  so  very 
successful  an  issue,  thanks  to  the  management  of  a  thoughtful  Com- 
mittee and  the  never-relaxing  efforts  of  Mr.  Philip  Warren,  the  Honor- 
ary Secretary,  there  is  a  little  matter  connected  with  the  next  year's 
prize  schedule  that  admits  of  improvement.  This  year  the  President's 
silver  cup.  value  ten  guineas,  is  given  to  the  best  pen  of  poultry  of  any 
■variety.  Where  so  ninny  of  tbe  first-prize  pens  are  so  nearly  perfect, 
it  id  a  thankless,  invidious,  and  capricious  task  to  adjudge  this  final 


premium  ;  and  certainly  were  this  valuable  prize  given  to  the  exhibitor 
of  the  best  collection  of  poultry,  it  would  as  surely  increase  the 
number  of  entries  as  it  would  improve  also  the  quality  of  tbe  birds 
throughout  the  whole  Show.  Mr.  H.  Yardley,  of  Birmingham,  tjok 
both  the  extra  cups  for  poultry  and  Pigeons. 

Mr.  Edward  Hewitt,  of  Birmingham,  judged  the  poultry ;  Mr. 
Esquilaut,  of  London,  the  Pigeons;  and  Mr.  Wilmore,  of  London,  the 
Canaries  and  Foreign  Coy  Birds. 

Further  remarks  on  ihe  Pigeons  and  a  notice  of  the  Canaries  and 
other  cage  birds,  of  which  a  prize  list  is  given  beneath,  will  appear 
next  week. 

Norwich  —Clear  FeUow.— 1  aDd  2,  Moore  &  Wvnne,  Northampton,  vhc,  W. 
WaLer,  Winchester  (J);  T.  Mann,  Camberwell  New  Road.  he.  Toon  x  Cleaver, 
KeU.-ri.nu  (2).  e,  E.  Lidstone.  West  Co  ■  es  ;  H.  Apted,  *  orthinz  :  B.  Willaher. 
Chichester.  Clear  Buff.— I,  Moorp  &  Wynne.  2,  Toon  &  Cleaver,  vhc,  W, 
Walter  <2t;  G.  Knock,  Coventry,  he,  Moore  A  Wynne:  H.  Anted,  c,  G.  E.  N. 
KawJinson.  Gloucester;  H.  Apted.  Marked  or  Variegated  Yellow.— \,  T.Mann. 
2.  W.  Walter,  vhc,  H.  Apted  (21.  he,  F.  Hodding;  H.  Apted  (2).  c,  T.  Mann  : 
Moore  &  Wynne  (2i.  Marked  or  Variegated  Buff.— I,  W.  Walter.  2.  Moore  and 
Wynne,  vhc,  W.  Waller;  Moore  &  Wynne,  he.  T.  Minn  :  H.  Apted.  c,  Q.  E. 
N.  KawL'nson;  H.  Apted;  T.  WiUsher.  Any  other  Variety— I  and  2,  Moore 
and  W>une.  vhc,  W.Walter;  Moore  &  Wynne,  he,  W.  Walter  ;  Toon  A  Cleaver  ; 
H.  Apted.    <\H.  Apted  (21. 

Cup  for  the  greatest  number  of  points  in  the  Norwich  classes. — Moore  and 
Wynne,  Northampton 

Helgun-  Clear  Yettow.—l,  T.  Moore.  Fareham.  2,  T.  N.  Harrison,  vhc,  T. 
Moore;  C.  Carver,  Landport.  Clear  Buff.—  1  and  vhc,  O.  Nicholson,  Landoort. 
2.  J.  N.  Harrison  Variega-ted  or  Marked  Yellow.— I  end  2,  O.Niftholaon.  he,  C. 
Carver,  c,  Mr*.  J.  Chinery.  Variegated  or  Marked  Buff.— I  aud  2,  O.  Nichol- 
son,    c,  J.  N.  Harrison. 

Lizard.—  Golden-xpatigfed.—l.T.  Fairbrass,  Canterbury.  2,  J.  Taylor,  vhc,  H. 
Afthton,  Poleneld  Hail.  Preatwioh :  J.N.  Harrison,  he.  i>.  Nicholson;  T.  Fair- 
brass.  Silver-spangled.— 1,  J.  Taylor,  Middleshrough-on-Tees.  2  and  vhc,  0. 
Nicholson,    he,  J.  Taylor ;  H.  Aptrd.    c.  J.  N.  Harrison. 

Goldfinch  Mulf.— Jonque.— l  and  2,  H.  Aahtoa.  fie,  J.  Baxter,  Newcastle- 
on-Tyne.  Mealy.— 1  and  2,  H.  Ashton.  vhc.  J.  Baxter  (2).  he,  J.  Goode, 
Leicester. 

Canary  or  Mitle  (Any  other  Variety).— t,  T.  Mann  (London  Fancy).  2.  H. 
A  ah  tun  (Bullfinch  and  Goldfinch),  vhc, ,  E.  Lidst  one.  West  i  owes  (C  nnnmon); 
H.  Apted  (Cinnamon):  H.  Ashton  (Linnet  Mule)  (2).  he,  Miss  E.  Verner. 
Brighton  .Linnet  Mulel;  J.  Baxter  (Siskin  Male). 

BRITISH  Birds.— Bullfinch.— I,  J.  W.  Harrison,  vhc,  J.  Jeans.  Marcbwood, 
Southampton,  he.  W.  B.  Bailey.  Purflet-t ;  Mrs.  Rowe-  fioldjinch.—l,  O. 
Nicholson,  vhc.  W.  Walter,  c,  J.  W.  Harrison.  Great  Portland  Street,  London. 
Linnet.— 1.  J.  Barker,  vhc,  W  Walter,  skylark.— 1,  J.  W.  Harrison,  vhc.  W. 
Walter.  Woodlark.—l.J.  W.  Harr  son.  he,  W.  Walter.  Blackbird,— I.  J.  W. 
Harrison.  Song  Thrush.— \,  Mrs.  W.  Stowe.  vhc,  J.  W.  Harrison  ;  W.  Walter. 
Any  other  Variety—  1,  J.  W  Harrison  i  Sitrhtiniralet.  2.  A.  J.  Huhbanie  iMfs- 
pie).  vhe,  J.  W  harrisnu  (Starling);  W.  Walter  (Dove-coloured  Blackbird) ;  H. 
Chamberlain.  Bassett,  Southampton  (Magpie),  c,  J.  Sitnmouds;  YV.  B.  Bailey 
(Starling). 

Fobbiok  Birds.— Cockat oo  (Any  variety).— l.C.  Pimeon,  Hurslev,  Winchester 
(Lemon),  vhc.  W.  H.  Kailev.  Purtleet  (Leadbeater).  Parrot  (Any  variety).— 
I.J.  W.  Hirrison  l  King).  /i<\  W.  B.  Hailyy  (Bulla  Bnllai.  Lov  Birds— I.E. 
Taylor,  ohc,  W.  Walter,  he,  W.  B.  Bailey,  c.  J.  W.  Harrison.  A<r. 
Variety.— 1  and  3.  J.  W  Harrison  ((trass  Parakeets  and  ('a^dinali.  2.  Mrs. 
(Bailey  (Widah).  vhe,  W.  Walter  (Madagascar  and  Waxbillsj ;  W.  B.  Bailey 
Cardinal);  Mrs.  Bailey  (Widaha). 


DERBY    CANARY   SHOW. 
(From  a  Correspondent.) 

TnE  thirteenth  annual  Exhibition  of  Canaries  and  other  cage  birds 
took  place  at  the  Athenaeum,  Derby,  on  the  5th  and  7th  iu»t.  The 
first  twenty-three  classes  were  confined  to  members  of  the  Society. 
There  are  fifty-five  members,  and  amongst  them  are  some  of  our  best 
All-England  exhibitors.  I  will  just  mention  here  that  Mr.  Bexson, 
the  Honorary  Secretary  (and  a  more  enthusiastic  fancier  I  have  never 
met  with),  baa  had  the  misfortune  to  lose  nearly  the  whole  of  bi3 
valuable  stock — a  circumstance  much  to  be  regretted,  and  I  am  sure 
he  will  have  the  sympathy  of  every  true  fancier.  For  a  valuable 
silver  cup,  offered  bv  Mr.  E.  Besirose,  for  Crested  Baft",  equal  points 
were  pained  by  three  members. 

The  following  are  the  birds  which  are  deserving  of  special  notice  : — 
33,  Clear  Buff  Norwich,  exhibited  by  Mr.  J.  Orme,  rather  above  the 
average  :  35,  Marked  Yellow,  exhibited  by  Mr.  Keys,  is  good  in  colour  ; 
61,  Marked  Bnff  Norwich,  shown  by  Mr.  J.  Orme,  is  a  grand  bird,  and 
will  be  heard  of  again  7*2.  A.  Ufton,  a  good  bird  ;  81,  J.  Marshall, 
a  very  fine  bird,  and  it  would  have  been  first  in  the  Open  class.  101, 
Green  Norwich  (Y'ello*),  G.  Fisher,  and  106,  G.  Fisher,  Green  Nor- 
wich Bnff,  were  also  fine  ;  114,  Silver-spangled  Lizard,  S.  Bunting,  a 
bird  that  will  stand  well  whenever  exhibited.  123,  S.  Bunting,  Mealy 
Goldfinch  Mule,  was  a  very  handsome  bird,  light,  and  evenly  marked. 

1  will  next  notice  tho^e  classes  open  to  all  England.  I  was  sur- 
prised to  find  so  few  entries,  as  the  prizes  offered  were  exceedingly 
good,  being  £1  fcr  the  first,  and  10s.  for  the  second  prize  in  the 
Norwich  classes.  Iu  one  class  there  was  no  competition.  Clear 
Yellow  Norwich,  1 11,  W.  Jenam,  and  1S6.  S.  Bunting,  were  fair  birds ; 
Clear  Bnff,  151,  J.  Bennett,  was  a  grand  bird  ;  144,  J.  Prosser,  was 
also  a  fair  specimen  ;  154,  Marked  Yellow,  was  a  fine  bird,  extra  good 
in  colour,  and  of  good  size  ;  162,  W.  Jerram,  is  the  best  I  have  seen 
this  season,  well  marked  and  good  in  colonr ;  it  is  snre  to  stand  well 
when  sent  ont,  if  in  condition.  The  attendance  of  visitors  was  very 
good  ;  in  fact,  the  room  was  crowded  The  following  is  the  prize  list : — 

MEMBERS'  CLASSES. 

Belgian'.— Clear  Yellow. — 1,  J.  Bexson,  Derby.  2,  T.  Keys,  Derby.  Clear 
Buff.— I,  T.  KeyB     2.  J.  Bexson. 

Norwich.— Yellow.-  1,  J.  Audley,  Derby.  2,  S.  Harris.  3,  T.  G-.  Edtre.  4,  J. 
Orme.  5,  J.  Judge,  he.  W.  Sherwin.  c,  S.  Bunting.  Clear  Buff.— 1,  J.  Orme. 
2,  J.  Marshall.  3,  S.  Bunting.  4.  D.  Audley.  5,  G.  Fisher,  he,  3.  Nichols, 
c.  T.  Kevs.  Marked  Yellow.— I,  T.  Keys.  2,  S.  Harris.  3,  K.  Orme.  4.  G. 
Fisher.  5,  W.  Sberwin.  he,  C.  Marson.  c,  A.  Ufton.  Marked  Buff.—I,  J. 
Orme.    8,  S.  Harris.    3,  J.  Marshall,    4,  J.  Nichols.    5,  J.  Bennett,    he,  J.  G. 


382 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  November  10,  1870, 


Edge,  c,  C.  Marson.  Variegated  Yellow. —I,  A.  Ufton.  2,  S.  Bunting,  8,  T. 
Keys,  i,  J.  Judge.  5,  S.  Harris,  he,  J.  Marshall,  c,  G.  Fisher.  Variegated 
Buff— I,  J.  Marshall.  2,  A.  Knight.  8,  J.  G.  Edge.  4,  H.  Croxall.  6,  J. 
Bennett,  he,  J.  StokeB.  c,  S.  Harris.  Crested  Yellow.— I,  T.  Keys.  2,  W. 
Sherwin.  3,  J.  Bexson.  Crested  Buff— I,  S.  Over.  2,  N.  Banks.  8,  W.  Sher- 
win.  4,  J.  Durance.  Qreen  (YrllowJ.—l,  G.  Fisher.  2,  J.  G.  Edge.  3,  J.  Judge. 
(Buff).— 1  and  Special,  G  Fisher.    2,  J.  Ju'lge.    3,  A.  Knight. 

Lizard.— Golden-spangled— I,  K.  Bunting.  2,  T.  Keys.  Silver-spangled.— 
1  and  Special,  8.  Bunting.    2,  A.  Ufton.    3,  T.  Keys. 

Cinnamon.—  Jonque.— 1,  J.  Bexson.  Buff.—l,  J.  Judge.  Marked  (Yellow).— 
1,  J.  Judge.  2,  J.  Bexson.  8,  A.  Knight.  (Buff).— 1,  G.  Taylor.  2  and  Special, 
J.  Bexson.    8,  W.  Sherwin. 

Goldfinch  Mule.—  Jonque.— 1,  S.  Bunting.  2,  J.  Judge.  Mealy. — 1  S. 
Bunting.  2,  J.  Bryan.  S,  J.  Jmlge.  Dark  Jonque.— 1,  A.  Knight.  2,  J.  Judge. 
Dark  Mealy.— 1  and  Special,  S.  Bunting.  2,  J.  Judge.  Any  other  Variety  of 
Mule.— 1,  J.  Bryan. 

OPEN  CLASSES. 

Norwich.— Clear  Yellow.— I,  W.  Jerram,  Nottingham.  2  and  c,  S.  Bunting. 
he,  T.  Keys.  Clear  Buff—\  and  he,  J.  Bennett,  Derby.  2,  J.  Prosser,  Derby. 
c,  S.  Bunting.  Marked  Yellow.— 1.  J.  Bennett.  2,  J.  Prosser.  he.  W  Jerram. 
Variegated  Yellow.— 1  and  c.  W.  Jerram.  2.  T.  Keys,  he,  J.  Poole,  Sutton-in- 
Ashfield.    Variegated  Buff.—l,  T.  Keys.    2,  W.   Jerram.    he,  J.  Clarke,  Derby. 

Belgian.— Clear  Yellow— \,  J.  Close,  Derby.  2,  J.  Turner,  Derby,  he,  T. 
Keys.  Clear  Buff  —1,  J.  Turner  2,  J.  Close.  Marked  or  Variegated  Yellow  — 
1,  S.  Bunting.  2,  J.  Turner.  Marked  or  Variegated  Buff.— 1,  J.  Turner.  2,  S. 
Bunting,    he.  J.  Close. 

Lizard.— Golden-siutngled.—l,  J.  Poole.  2,  W.  Bacon,  Nottingham.  Stiver- 
spangled. — 1,  J.  Poule.    2.  T  Keys. 

Goldfinch.— 1,  S.  Bunting.    2,  T.  Keys. 

Linnet. — 1,  T.  Keys.    2,  T.  Balderstein,  Derby. 

Bantams  (Irrespective  of  breed). — 1,  H.  Shumaeh.  2,  J.  Row.  he,  D.  Otte- 
well ;  A.  D.  Forrest,  Derby ;  J.  Slater,  Meynell,  Langley.  c,  D.  Ottewell ;  J.  S. 
Watson,  Belper, 

Judges. — Canaries:  Mr.  G.  Moore,  Northampton  ;  Mr.  E.  Bern- 
rose;  Mr.  G.  H.  Goodwin.     Bantams:  Mr.  G.  A.  Crewe,  Etwall. 


DARLINGTON  CANARY   SHOW. 

Messrs.  Denham  and  Stewart's  anxieties  were  qnieted  on  Friday 
last  with  a  goodly  entry  of  more  than  250  birds.  Southampton  with 
its  tempting  schedule  stood  in  the  way,  while  the  Derby  Show  possibly 
attracted  some  who  would  otherwise  have  sent  north  ;  but  the  energy 
of  the  officers  of  the  Darlington  Society  overcame  all  difficulties,  and 
local  and  other  exhibitors,  responding  to  the  appeal  of  the  Secretary, 
sent  liberal  entries  for  the  support  of  a  show  which  deserves  well  of 
the  fancy. 

"Wiltshire  Rector"  is  right — the  field  is  not  large,  and  it  does 
become  tedious  to  travel  over  the  same  ground  frequently.  It  is  only 
now  and  then,  when  some  new  name  appears  in  the  catalogue,  or  some 
new  star  shines  out  in  the  firmament,  that  detailed  descriptions  of 
individual  specimens  will  interest.  One  meets  with  the  same  birds 
show  after  show,  and  some  evergreen  specimens  even  year  after  year, 
which  chirp  out  a  cheery  "  how  d'ye  do  "  with  all  the  vigour  of  youth, 
having  apparently  taken  a  fresh  lease  of  life  with  their  new  suit  of 
clothes.  The  chief  points  of  iuterest  in  a  show  are  the  new  birds,  and 
most  of  these  I  think  I  reviewed  in  my  noteB  on  Scarborough.  Ap- 
pended will  be  found  a  list  of  tho  prizetakers,  and  if  I  select  anything 
as  being  worthy  of  special  note  it  must  be  the  Brown  Linnet  Mules 
shown  by  Mr.  Spence  and  Mr.  Robinson,  and  Mr.  Rutter's  Belgians. 
The  Mules  are  remarkable  birds,  Mr.  Spence's  being  a  cock  of  good  size 
and  colour,  pencilled  on  the  eyes — the  marks  being  somewhat  enlarged 
in  the  direction  of  the  neck — small  cap,  wings  evenly,  lightly,  and  de- 
cidedly marked,  slight  discoloration  of  the  silky  fluff  at  the  rump,  with 
the  rest  of  the  body  and  tail  quite  clean.  Mr.  Robinson's  is  a  hen,  and 
is,  of  coarse,  smaller,  and  carries  hut  little  if  any  colonr,  is  nicely 
pencilled  on  the  eye,  though  one  mark  extends  into  something  which 
assumes  the  character  of  a  blotch  on  the  neck,  top  of  the  head  clean, 
wings  nicely  marked  but  much  piled  at  the  base  of  the  saddle,  and  a 
black  feather  on  one  side  of  the  tail.  Mr.  Rutter's  Belgians  are  well 
known  ;  suffice  it  to  say  that  the  oldest  fanciers  admitted  they  had 
never  seen  such  birds  before,  and  not  a  few  said  they  did  not  know 
such  things  existed  except  in  pictures.  Mr.  Rutter  held  a  grand  levee 
on  Saturday  afternoon,  "  lifting  "  his  beauties  and  putting  them  "  np  " 
regardless  of  the  wear  and  tear  of  his  finger  nails,  illustrating  their 
"  points  "  with  a  terseness  of  style  and  aptness  of  simile  which  only 
those  who  have  heard  him  can  appreciate.  A  group  of  fanciers 
ronnd  a  Belgian  is  a  study  for  an  artist. — W.  A.  Blakston. 

Belgian.— Clear  Yellow. — 1  and  2,  J.  Rutter,  Bishopwearmouth.  3,  F.  Rawns* 
ley,  Bradford.  Clear  Buff.—l  and  2,  J.  Rutter.  8,  G.  Tomlinson,  Stockton. 
Variegated,  Ticked,  or  Uneven-marked.— 1  and  2,  J.  Rutter.  S,  T.  Craggs, 
Stockton. 

Norwich.— Clear  Jonque.— I  and  3,  T.  Irons,  Northampton.  2,  W.  Gamble, 
Northampton.  Clear  Buff.—l  and  2,  W.  Gamble.  3,  R.  Laytield,  Darlintrton. 
Evenly-marked  Jonque. -1,  E.  Mills,  Sunderland.  2,  R.  Hawman,  Middles- 
brough. 3,  J.  Robson,  Morpeth.  Evenly-marked  Buff.—l,  "W.  &  C.  Burniston, 
Middlesbrough.  2,  W.  L.  Beloe,  Berwick-on-Tweed.  S.  G.  Gayton,  North- 
ampton. Dark  or  Grey-crested.— I,  R.  Hawman.  2,  T.  Irons.  3,  J.  Calvert, 
York. 

Canary  (Any  Crested  variety).— 1,  Fairclough  &  Howe,  Middlesbrough.  2,  W. 
Cotton,  Middlesbrough.    3,  G.  Gayton. 

Lizard.— GoUienspavgled.—l,  R.  Ritchie,  Darlington.  2,  E.  Mills.  8,  P. 
Rawnsley.    Silver-spangled  —  1  and  3,  R.  Ritchie.    2,  J.  Baines  York. 

Cinnamon.— Jonque.— 1  and  8,  T.  Irons.  2,  S.  Tomes.  Buff.— 1,  T.  Irons. 
2  and  3,  W.  Gamble. 

Yorkshire.— Clear  Yellow—  1,  H.  Winter,  Guiabrough.  2,  E.  Mills.  3,  L. 
Belk.  Clear  Buff.— 1,  W.  Hutton,  Leeds.  2,  E.  Mills.  8,  J.  Cooper,  Middles- 
brough. Evenly-marked  Yellow. — 1,  P.  Rawnsley.  2,  Stevens  &  Burton,  Middles- 
brough.    3.  A.  Webster,  jun.,  Leeds.     Evenly-marked  Buff.—l,  R.  Hawman. 

2,  P.  Rawnsley.    2,  Tenniswood  &  Brown,  North  Acklam. 

Ant  other"  Vabirty  —1.  R.  Hawman.    2,  T.  Wales,  Stockton.    3,W.  Bulmer. 
Selling  Class  — 1,  W.  Furnish,  Darlington.    2,  W.  J.  Stewart,  Darlington. 

3,  W.  Russell,  Darlington. 

Mule.— Evenly-marked  Buff  Goldfinch.— 1,  W.  &  C  Burniston.  2,  J.  Robson. 
3,  R.  Hawman.  Dark  Goldfinch.— 1,  Stevens  &  Bnrton.  2,  E.  Stanefield.  3,  H. 
Winter.    Any  other  Variety.— 1,  J.  Spence.    2  and  3,  C  Robinson. 


Canary  (Clear  Green).— 1,  G.  Atkinson,  Gateshead.    2,  Stevens  &  Burton. 

Goldfinch.— 1,  Stevens  &  Burton.    2,  Tenniswood  &  Brown. 

Linnet  (Brown).— 1,  Tenniswood  &  Brown.    2,  A.  Webster,  jun. 

British  Birds  (Any  other  Variety).— 1,  A.  Fletcher  (Starling).  2,  W.  Hodg- 
son, Darlington  (Thrush). 

Parrot  (Any  variety).—!,  —  Moses,  Darlington.  2,  J.  Scott,  York.  3,  T.  Bow- 
man, Darlington 

Foreign  Birds  (Any  variety).— 1,  J.  Calvert.  2,  W.J,  Stewart  (CockateeU). 
3,  W.  Hodgson  (Love  Birds). 

Judge. — Mr.  W.  A.  Blakston,  Sunderland. 


CROYDON   COLUMBARIAN   SOCIETY. 

The  amateur  Pigeon  fanciers  of  Croydon  and  its  neighbour- 
hood being  very  numerous,  have  formed  themselves  into  a 
Society  under  the  above  title,  and  have  arranged  to  hold  their 
meetings  monthly,  at  the  Greyhound  Hotel,  Croydon.  Amongst 
the  members  are  some  of  the  principal  breeders  and  fanciers  in 
the  country,  anil  in  a  short  time  the  Society  will  doubtless 
become  one  of  the  most  prominent.  One  of  the  rules  is  the 
total  exclusion,  either  as  members  or  visitor?,  of  all  persons 
who  come  under  the  denomination  of  dealers,  and  it  is  the  in- 
tention of  the  new  Society  to  limit  its  members  to  amateur 
fanciers  only.  The  officers  are  to  be  elected  annually,  those  for 
the  present  year  being  F.  S.  Wiltshire,  E;-q.,  President ;  T.  T. 
Keen,  E*q  ,  Vice-President;  and  Mr.  J.  B.  Jayne,  Honorary 
Secretary  and  Treasurer. 


THE   YORK   RABBIT    SHOW. 

The  schedule  of  prizes  for  Babbits,  issued  by  th3  Poultry 
Committee  of  the  Yorkshire  Society  for  the  exhibition  of  fat 
stock,  is  the  very  best  ever  issued  by  any  committee  in  England. 
Take  the  schedule  of  the  last  show  of  the  Hall  Sjciety,  now 
extinct,  of  which  your  correspondent,  Mr.  S.  G.  Hudson,  was 
one  of  the  committee,  and  we  find  three  classes  for  Lop-ears, 
and  a  silver  cup;  only  two  classes  for  fancy  varieties,  and  no 
cup  nor  anything.  Also,  take  the  Rochdale,  Keighley,  Long 
Sutton,  Middleton,  and  Airedale  Shows,  and  we  see  that  there 
is  not  nearly  so  much  money  offered,  nor  so  many  classes,  as 
at  the  York  Show. 

As  to  those  two  £5  os.  cups  for  Lop-ears,  they  have  been  col- 
lected by  those  who  are  fanciers  of  Lop-ears  only.  If  your 
correspondents  had  wished  to  have  had  a  cup  for  the  fancy 
varieties,  they  should  have  expressed  their  desire,  the  same  as 
the  Lop-ear  fanciers  did,  written  to  the  Committee  guarantee- 
ing the  cup,  and  have  collected  the  money  for  it.  The  Com- 
mittee would  have  been  only  too  glad  for  them  to  have  done  so. 
The  medal  for  the  fancy  varieties  has  been  given  in  this  way  ; 
a  gentleman  thought  we  ought  to  have  something,  and  gave 
practical  expression  by  collecting  for  a  medal. 

As  to  the  fancy  varieties  being  shown  in  pairs,  I  differ  from 
your  correspondent ;  I  think  they  ought  to  be  shown  in  pairs, 
and  from  what  he  states  it  seems  he  his  never  aUeuded  the 
York  Show,  or  he  would  have  seen,  instead  of  disgusting  scenes, 
and  Rabbits  going  home  in  a  breeding  state,  that  the  pens  are 
divided,  the  Rabbits  having  no  chance  of  being  together. 

Since  giving  up  the  fancy  it  has  been  my  desire,  as  far  as 
possible,  each  year  to  improve  the  schedule,  and  in  this  I  have 
succeeded  ;  a  year  or  two  since  there  were  only  some  £4  or  £5 
given  in  prizes,  now  there  are  £12  10s.,  besides  the  cups  and 
medal,  aud  since  last  year  we  have  added  some  £-1  to  the  sche- 
dule, the  major  part  of  which  goes  to  the  fancy  varieties,  and  if 
we  are  encouraged  this  year  with  large  entries  in  those  classes, 
we  intend  to  ask  the  General  Committee  for  more  money, 
and  make  all  classes  equal;  but  we  cannot  do  this  unless  we 
have  the  support  of  the  exhibitors ;  and  let  those  gentlemen 
remember  that  there  is  only  a  difference  of  5s.  in  the  first  prize, 
the  second  being  equal  with  the  Lop-ears.  Ir,  is  impossible  for 
a  society  to  give  valuable  prizes  unless  they  have  large  entries, 
and  we  do  think  we  ought  to  be  largely  patronised  for  the  prize 
list  issued.  I  hope  all  Rabbit  exhibitors  in  England  will  enter 
largely.  Our  Show  is  perfect  in  its  arrangements  ;  we  have  a 
man  to  each  department  night  and  day,  the  Rabbits  are  fed  with 
suitable  food  three  times  a-day,  and  are  returned  with  the 
utmost  despatch  ;  and  I  can  promise  all  exhibitors  that  they 
may  send  their  stock  with  safety,  for  their  specimens  will  be 
as  comfortable  as  at  home. — M.  Millington,  York, 


Great  London  Poultry  Show. — We  would  draw  the  atten- 
tion of  intending  exhibitors  to  the  schedule  of  the  above  Show, 
the  prizes  being  very  valuable  and  the  classes  excellently  ar- 


November  10,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


383 


ranged.  Exhibitors  of  nearly  every  variety  of  poultry  and  Pigeons 
will  here  find  a  class.  It  will  be  noticed  that  the  entries  close 
on  Saturday  next,  November  12th. 


CHAUCER'S   CHANTICLEER. 
In  the  "  Canterbury  Tales"  Chaucer  describes  a  "Cokhighte 
Chaunticlere  "  as  follows  :  — 

"  His  combe  was  redder  tban  tbe  fia  corral], 

Embattled,  as  it  were  a  castel  wall, 
His  bill  was  black,  and  as  tbe  jet  it  shone; 

Like  asure  were  bis  leggaB  and  bis  tone; 
His  nailes  whiter  than  tbe  lily  flour, 

And  like  the  burned  gold  was  his  colour." 

The  only  word  in  the  foregoing  passage  requiring  the  aid  of 
a  glossary  is  "  tone,"  which  means  toes. 

We  have  described,  then,  as  the  cock  of  the  fourteenth  cen- 
tury a  single-combed  bird  (for  I  judge  the  phrase  "embattled, 
as  it  were  a  castel  wall  "  refers  to  the  serrations  of  the  comb 
which  justify  the  comDarison),  probably  of  a  reddish  colour, 
with  a  black  bill,  with  blue  legs  and  toes,  and  with  white  nails. 
Chaunticlere  probably  had  neither  crest,  mufi,  nor  beard  ;  his 
deaf-ears  were  not  conspicuous,  and  bis  wattles  were  not  large, 
otherwise  we  may  be  sure  the  poet  would  have  mentioned 
them.  What  was  his  breed?  Must  we  yield  to  the  dung-hill 
the  honour  of  a  place  in  "  Canterbury  Tales  "  or  can  we  claim 
it  for  some  of  our  favourites  of  to-day  ? 

The  description  suggests  the  Golden  Hamburgh,  but  the 
description  of  the  comb  will  hardly  do  ;  so  observant  a  man, 
who  is  so  minute  and  careful,  would  not  have  omitted  the  con- 
spicuous white  deaf-ear.  Nor  can  we  claim  it  for  our  Golden 
Polands  for  similar  reasons. 

The  only  other  point  of  interest  connected  with  chaunticlere 
worth  mentioning  is,  that  "  this  cok  had  in  his  governance 
seven  hennes." — (Poultry  Bulletin  ) 


HOW  LONG  ARE  YOUNG  QUEENS  IN 
EMBRYO  •> 

I  wish  it  to  be  understood  that  in  all  my  experiments  I  have 
left  nothing  to  chance,  My  hives  are  not  dark  straw  hives, 
where  the  natural  history  of  the  bee  is  at  the  best  but  a  surmise, 
but  are  frame  hives  (condemned  in  "  The  Handy  Book "), 
capable  of  being  transformed  into  observatory  hives  in  a  few 
minutes,  and  from  these  my  observations  have  all  been  taken. 

Now,  lie  f  rst  question  I  have  before  me  is,  Do  bees  carry 
eggs  from  one  hive,  or  from  one  part  of  a  hive  to  another,  and 
place  them  iu  royal  cells?  I  say  unhesitalingly,  No;  for  I 
have  witnessed  hundreds  of  queens  raised  and  hatched,  and 
have  placed  these  eggs  in  the  most  unfavourable  positions,  so 
that  if  bees  ever  did  shift  them,  they  would  certainly  have 
done  so;  and,  as  a  proof  of  this,  I  have  at  present  a  piece  of 
comb  with  seven  queen  cells,  which  was  commenced  inside  a 
hive,  but  which  was  removed  outside,  and  although  eggs  were 
present,  the  bees  failed  to  carry  in  a  single  one,  but  have  con- 
tinued to  stick  to  the  comb  with  royal  cells  outside  the  hive,  the 
eggs  in  which  are  at  this  moment  within  a  few  hours  of  hatching. 

The  next  question  is  the  one  now  in  course  of  discussion 
regarding  the  time  queens  are  in  being  hatched.  To  this  I 
would  reply  that  it  depends  on  circumstances,  and  the  circum- 
stances are  these.  Suppose  we  take  a  piece  of  comb  with  eggs 
and  brood  in  all  stages,  and  give  it  to  a  hive  without  a  queen, 
in  all  probability  the  bees  will  commence  to  raise  queens  from 
both  eggs  and  grubs,  and  in  thirty  hours  we  may  find  one  or 
more  queens  sealed  over,  and  which  will  be  hatched  on  the 
ninth  day,  or  exactly  eight  days  from  the  time  of  fceing  sealed. 
Others  in  a  less  forward  state  will  be  later,  and  some  may  ex- 
tend to  the  seventeenth  day,  exactly  sixteen  days  from  the 
depositing  of  the  egg,  which  is  what  we  want  to  know — viz., 
the  exact  time  from  the  old  queen  leaving  the  cell,  where  she 
has  deposited  the  egg,  unlil  the  time  the  young  queen  makes 
her  exit  from  the  same  cell.  In  all  cases  where  I  have  either 
seen  the  eggs  deposited  or  knew  when  they  were  laid,  I  have 
never  known  a  queen  hatched  in  less  time  than  sixteen  days, 
or  on  the  seventeenth  day  after  the  egg  being  laid  ;  and  instead 
of  their  being  less  than  sixteen  days,  I  have  known  them  kept 
prisoners  for  twenty,  and  even  twenty-one  days  after  being  laid. 
This  imprisonment  occurs  only  in  hives  intending  to  swarm 
therefore  ocular  demonstration  proves  that  it  requires  sixteen 
days  to  bring  a  queen  to  maturity.  I  can  with  safety  say  that 
I  have  been  present  at  the  bir.h  of  the  majority  of  my  queens 
hatched  during  the  past  six  years,  and  I  may  add,  so  near  was 


I  in  my  reckoning,  allowing  sixteen  days,  that  I  have  often 
caught  them  in  tbe  act  of  leaving  their  cells,  and  have  seldom 
had  to  wait  many  hours  until  they  did  so. 

There  is  another  question — viz.,  Can  queens  be  raised  from 
drone  eggs,  or  rather  eggs  that  would  produce  dones?  My 
anBwer  to  this  is,  No ;  and  any  person  who  says  that  they 
can  has  but  a  very  imperfect  idea  of  the  natural  history  and 
anatomy  of  the  honey  bee.  Without  entering  into  details  on 
this  subject,  I  will  merely  quote  one  instance  as  a  proof 
against  this  theory,  and  ask  why  bees  fail  to  produce  queens 
from  the  eggs  of  a  virgin  or  drone-breeding  queen  ? — A  Lan- 
arkshire Bee-keeper. 


A  difference  of  opinion  appears  to  prevail  in  regard  to  the 
length  of  time  required  for  the  evolution  of  a  queen  from  an 
egg.  Mr.  Woodbury  has  fixed  the  period  at  sixteen  days,  or 
thereabouts,  and  to  my  mind  no  evidence  has  yet  been  adduced 
to  show  that  he  is  mistaken.  The  fact  can  only  be  determined 
by  correct  observation  and  experiment. 

With  a  view  to  solve  the  problem,  or  rather  to  obtain  addi- 
tional proof  on  the  point,  I  introduced  on  the  28th  of  August 
last  a  fertile  queen  to  a  populous  hive  containing  plenty  of 
honey,  but  neither  eggs  nor  brood.  On  the  29th  and  30th 
eggs  were  deposited  in  one  of  the  combs  over  a  space  of  4  square 
inches,  and  then  I  removed  the  queen  that  others  might  be 
raised  from  the  eggs.  Royal  cells  were  duly  formed,  but  on  the 
afternoon  of  September  13th  none  of  them  were  found  opened, 
although  fully  fourteen  days  had  elapsed  from  the  hour  of  the 
old  queen's  removal.  It  was  not  till  the  morning  of  September 
14th  that  the  eldest  young  queen  obtained  her  liberty.  Moreover, 
this  queen  emanated  from  one  of  the  earlier-laid  eggs  ;  all  the 
more  recently-deposited  ones  having  been  removed,  and  perhaps 
eaten,  by  what  are  called  nurse  beeF.  On  several  occasions  when 
making  artificial  swarms  I  have  observed  that  all  newly-laid 
eggs  were  destroyed.  I  am  not  prepared  to  say  that  this 
curious  circumstance  may  be  witnessed  in  every  instance  where 
bees  are  made  to  evolve  young  queens  from  a  comb  containing 
eggs,  but  it  certainly  does  very  frequently  happeD.  Sometimes 
when  a  comb  has  contained  eggs  only,  all  but  those  destined 
for  queens  have  been  destroyed,  not  a  single  bee  having  been 
allowed  to  be  hatched  from  one  of  the  eggs.  In  cases  where 
there  are  larvae  as  well  as  eggs,  it  will  be  found  that  the  recently- 
deposited  eggs  are  also  made  away  with,  although  all  the  larvts 
are  carefully  nursed. 

The  facts  now  stated  have  not,  so  far  as  I  am  aware,  been 
mentioned  by  any  writer,  and  I  would  not  at  the  present  mo- 
ment have  alluded  to  them  but  for  their  bearing  on  points 
now  debated  ;  for  if  a  comb  contained  eggs  only,  and  the  age  cf 
the  eggs  in  each  portion  of  the  comb  has  not  been  well  ascer- 
tained and  marked,  it  is  quite  impossible  to  fix  what  length  of 
time  has  been  occupied  in  the  evolution  of  a  queen  from  any 
of  them. 

The  experiment  I  have  detailed  shows  that  it  required,  under 
very  favourable  circumstances,  and  during  remarkably  fine 
wenther,  more  than  fourteen  days  for  the  production  of  royalty 
from  an  egg,  and  I  suppose  most  apiarians  entertain  the  belief 
that  an  artificially-reared  queen  is  not  detained  in  her  cell  a 
single  moment  bejond  her  wishes.  If  it  is  the  case  that  young 
queens  occasionally  make  their  appearance  before  the  sixteenth 
day,  dating  from  the  moment  when  the  egg  was  placed  in  the 
cell,  they  will,  I  imagine,  present  an  immature  appearance.  I 
must,  therefore,  in  the  meantime  hold  to  the  conviction  that 
either  observations  not  made  with  sufficient  accuracy,  or  that 
exceptional  cases  of  premature  birth,  have  led  to  the  erroneous 
belief  that  fourteen,  and  not  sixteen,  days  are  required  in  the 
production  of  queens. — R.  S. 


OUR  LETTER  BOX. 

Partrit>ge  Cochin-China  and  Black  Red  Game  Cocks  {Torquay).— 
Neither  red  fluff  in  the  first,  nor  blue  legs  in  the  second  are  disqualifica- 
tions, nor  are  they  even  faults  of  any  importance.  We  repeat  that  which, 
we  had  said  many  times — there  is  no  colour  for  the  legs  of  a  Game  fowl 
which  is  a  test  of  purity  or  otherwise.  The  only  rule  with  regard  to  them 
is,  that  there  must  be  positive  uniformity  of  colour  in  the  legs  of  all  the 
birds  that  go  to  form  a  pen. 

Brahma's  Eye  Swollen  (W.  S.).— In  any  other  breed  than  the  Brahma 
or  Cochin  the  inflation  of  the  skin  of  the  face  or  lower  beak  would  be  a 
very  serious  symptom.  If  neglected  it  would  end  in  roup.  It  is,  how- 
ever, of  little  import  with  BrahmaB.  The  bird  has  probably  canght  cold, 
and  will  soon  be  well.  Wash  the  face  morning  and  evening  with  cold 
water  and  vinegar;  give  a  little  stimulant  twice  per  day,  such  aB  bread 
aDd  strong  beer,  and  until  convalescence  give  two  pills  daily  of  camphor, 
each  the  size  of  a  garden  pea. 

Laying  Soft  Eggs  [Idem).— This  arises  from  one  of  two  things — either 


384 


JOUBNAL   OP   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER 


[  November  10,  1870- 


the  necessary  material  is  not  to  be  found  in  the  hannts  of  the  hen*  and 
in  that  case  it  mast  be  Bupplied  in  the  shape  of  hr>e klaye rh'  rubbish,  old 
ceilings,  chalk,  lime,  Ac,  or  the  secretions  are  at  fault.  Try  the  first.  If 
it  does  not  succeed,  attribute  the  result  to  the  second  cause,  and  ubo 
Baily's  pills,  which  will,  we  doubt  not,  effect  a  cure. 

Cochin  Pullets  Dying  (F.). — Tbere  is  nothing  in  yonr  keeping  that 
should  cause  your  fowls  to  die.  Y->ur  dietary  is  not  of  a  high  cla«s,  and 
if  the  birds  came  from  much  better  keeping  they  would  lose  condition. 
A  large  gravelled  stnbleyard  otherwise  unoccupied  is  not  Buggestive  of 
healthy  feeding;  and  Indian  corn  twice  per  day,  varied  sometimes  with 
barleymeal  and  tailing  wheat,  is  not  good  feeding.  With  a  little  alteration 
it  may  be  good  enough.  A  Bickly  person  may  be  ordered  to  t*»ke  turtle, 
but  if  entirely  confined  to  it  would  starve.  Just  bo  the  Indiau  corn 
thrown  down  in  the  clean  gravelled  yard  is  suggestive  of  the  children's 
cry,  "  Sick  of  the  sight  of  it,"  when  their  parents  expatiate  on  the  merits 
of  some  dish  on  which  they  pin  their  faith.  We  fancy  your  fowls  are 
like  Dr.  Blimber's  boys  as  they  appeared  when  enjoying  themselves, 
whereas  tbey  Bhould  be  like  those  unhuppy  children  who  had  no  one  to 
take  care  of  them,  and  who  were  in  consequence  "  doing  dags,"  '•  turning 
wheels,"  and  "  standing  on  their  heads."  Have  two  or  three  or  more 
cartloads  of  road  grit  full  of  grass  »nd  small  pebbles.  Form  them  in  a 
heap  in  the  yard.  Make  another  with  as  much  mould  as  you  can  spare, 
cover  the  top  of  it  with  large  sods  of  growing  grass.  Feed  on  barleymeal 
or  ground  oatB  as  the  principal  food,  and  let  Indian  corn  be  the  ncc»6ional 
change.  Ab  gome  of  the  youngest  chicken"  may  want  it,  Hive  th?m  bread 
and  milk  and  a  liltle  chopped  egg  till  they  have  rec  >vered  strength. 
Cleanliness  cannot  be  too  much  iusisted  upon  in  the  roosting  place  or 
house  ;  but  where  the  runs  are  so  intolerably  clean  and  tidy,  we  are  com- 
pelled to  believe  either  that  the  fowls  have  not  the  various  appliances 
necessary  to  health,  or  they  are  not  in  health  to  make  use  of  them. 

Diseased  Cross-bred  Hen  (E.  5.).— The  complaint  yon  meDtion  be- 
longs more  to  the  Spanish  than  the  Cochin  breed.  It  is  seldoia  cured, 
but  the  fowls  live  on,  and  are  as  useful  as  if  they  had  not  the  excrescence. 
In  the  early  stages,  when  the  swelling  is  soft,  it  can  sometimes  be  got 
rid  of  by  making  an  opening  and  squeezing  out  the  contents,  which  will 
generally  be  found  to  be  a  cheesy  substance.  Baily's  pills,  we  believe, 
are  to  be  had  of  all  the  p.incipal  chemists,  or  at  113,  Mount  Street,  W., 
London.  They  are  very  useful  in  keepiog  fowls  in  health  at  this  time 
of  year. 

Cock's  Toe  Partly  Lost— Hamburgh  Cock's  Comb  {Constant  Header), 
— The  accident  to  the  Cochin  cock  is  of  no  importance.  The  double  pike 
to  the  Hamburgh's  comb  will  be  fatal  if  it  iB  discovered. 

Brahma  Pullets  and  Cock  (Owl).— They  should  be  set  apart  at  once 
They  will  probablv  lay  the  end  of  next  month.  Give  them  the  largest 
space  you  can.  If  it  possesses  green  food  in  the  way  of  grass,  &c,  you 
need  not  provide  it.  If  it  does  not,  you  must  supply  the  n  witi  road  grit, 
garden  mould,  growing  grass,  and  other  green  food.  If  they  have  a  good 
run  and  the  consequent  advantages,  give  two  meals  per  day  of  whole 
corn,  the  midday  one  of  barleymeal  or  ground  oats.  As  the/  are  grow- 
ing birds  you  may  also  give  them  kitchen  scraps  and  bread  and  milk. 
In  very  bad  weather  you  may  give  them  bread  and  ale  morning  and 
eveniDg,  we  mean  during  snow  or  long-continued  wet-  Be  sure  their 
roosting  place  1ms  none  other  than  an  earthen  floor,  and  that  the  perches 
are  very  wide  and  not  more  than  18  inches  from  the  floor. 

S'lyer-pencilled  Hamburghb  <M.  I.  .ft/.).— Assuming  that  all  your  ! 
cockerels  are  of  the  s*me  age,  we  should  certainly  give  the  preference  to 
the  perfect  earlobe  If  tbey  are  all  of  the  same  strain,  and  he  of  the 
white  ear  be  older  than  the  others,  we  should  not  hurry  to  make  onr 
selection,  beonuse  age  will  often  transform  the  faulty  iBto  a  perfect  ear- 
lobe,  just  as  it  does  the  fuce  of  a  Spanish  pullet. 

Poultry  for  Sale  [Novice). — "Fit  for  exhibition  is  a  wide  term,  and 
binds  the  seller  to  nothing.  You  need  not  wait  long.  Go  to  Birmingham 
Monday  fortnight,  and  you  can  buy  birds  that  have  actually  appeared  in 
the  first  prize  sheet  in  the  world.  We  do  not  think  you  would  huhkely  to 
buy  prize  birds  from  anyone  who  never  ttkes  prizes,  aB,  even  in  his  own 
case,  his  estimate  oi  the  merits  of  hiB  birds  is  a  mistaken  one.  If  there 
were  onlv  open  classes  for  "  birds  of  all  ages,"  the  age  *>f  the  birds  form- 
ing competing  pens  would  be  taken  into  consideration,  but  oue  six  months 
old  would  haidly  ever  compete  successfully  with  one  twice  the  age.  Still 
at  almost  every  show  there  are  distinct  classes  for  chickens  and  adults. 
The  probable  success  of  Bix-monlhs  chickens  would  depenu  on  the  time 
of  year  at  which  the  show  was  held.  Thus,  at  a  Bhow  held  in  July  it 
would  be  very  difficult  to  get  chickens  more  than  six  months  eld,  and 
they  would,  if  good,  be  succeBBful.  The  same  chickens,  or  their  fellows, 
might  be  shown  in  November  or  December,  being  then  nearly  a  year  old 
and  as  much  adults  as  they  ever  would  be,  chickens  six  months  old  would 
have  no  hope  in  competing  with  tbem,  although  they  might  have  done  | 
so  in  July.  Early  maturity  iB  one  of  the  objects  aimed  at  by  those  who 
encourage  the  brred  of  poultry.  To  produce  chickens  late  in  the  year  is 
of  little  use,  as  they  are  then  of  small  value. 

Malays  (Minorca)  —They  are  not  Game  fowls,  and.  if  there  is  not  a 
separate  class  for  them,  they  must  be  exhibited  in  the  "  Any  other  va- 
riety "  class. 

Chickens  Crop-bound  (C.  R.).— Your  feeding  mmtbe  wrong,  and  your 
fowls  consequently  become  crop-bound  and  die.  Those  which  have  their 
crops  full  must  have  them  emptied.  Feed  on  green  meat  and  ground 
food.  See  our  instructions  to  "  F.  T."  last  week;  we  entered  fully  into 
the  subject. 

Brahma  with  Twisted  Flight  (T.  F.  J.).— Your  bird  has  a  twisted 
flight,  and  nothing  will  cure  it.  It  is  always  a  mistake  to  save  such 
cnickens,  aB  they  are  worthless  for  stock,  and  to  our  ideas  blots  in  a  yard. 
We  always  devore  them  to  the  kit  ,-hen.  "  Wise  men  flattering  "  may  tell 
you  of  cures.    We  have  uever  found  one. 

Colour  of  Dark  Brahma  Hen  (Idem). — The  brown  or  Balrno*  colour 
is  a  deftct  in  a  Brahma  hen.  If  we  had  others  as  good.  lackiDg  the 
colour,  we  should  not  breed  from  her.  If  she  has  qualities  that  make  it 
desirable,  we  should  mate  her  with  a  Dirk  cock— that  it=,  black  Hnd  white, 
and,  above  all,  one  without  the  chestnut  patch  on  his  wing  or  a  brown 
feather  in  any  part  of  his  plumage. 

Exhibiting  Dark  Brahmas  (Brahma).—  We  advise  you  to  show  No.  2 
for  two  reasons.  You  say  she  is  netrly  as  lartre,  is  better  peocilled,  and 
has  no  hrowu  in  her  plumage.  No.  1  is  evidently  out  of  health.  Toere 
is  no  greater  proof  than  inordinate  thirst.    Remove  the  water  at  once; 


let  her  have  a  little  morning,  midday,  and  evening,  but  none  to  stand  by 
her.  Feed  her  moderately  on  soft  food.  Give  her  lettuce.  If  the  thirst 
continne,  give  castor  oil. 

Barbs'  Eyks  (Belton). — As  the  pearl  eye  in  these  Pigeons  is  the  proper 
colour — vide  the  article  on  the  Pigeon  in  our  number  for  Ocinber  27th- — 
on  no  account  cross  with  a  bird  having  a  crocus  eye,  aB  you  will  damage 
your  Btock,  and  get  the  yellow  eye  into  it. 

Measuring  the  Faces  of  Carriers  and  Barbs  (Jas.  Urgon),—Vie 
think  the  safest  and  best  way  to  measure  the  faces  of  watt'ed  Pigeons  ia 
from  their  point  to  the  centre  of  the  eye  itself,  certainly  not  to  the  outside 
of  the  eyeball. 

Curing  Babbit  Skins  (Owl). — We  know  nothing  about  the  process. 

Cooking  Scorzonkra  (N.  H.  P.). — You  guessed  erroneously  ;  our  cook's 
ntme  is  not "  Betty,"  but  Apicia,  indicative  of  being  quite  up  to  palatable 
preparations  ;  yet,  when  we  imparted  to  her  your  question,  she  inquired, 
"Is  it  a  fich  ?"  so  we  retired  from  taking  further  counsel,  and  impart  th« 
following  from  the  store  of  our  own  encyclopaedic  knowledge  : — Scrape  off 
the  dark  outside  skin  of  the  roots  ;  then  soak  them  in  water  for  an  hour 
or  more  to  extract  a  portion  of  the  bitterneBB ;  then  boil  them  till  soft, 
like  the  parsnip,  and  send  to  table  to  be  eaten  with  either  white  sauce  or 
melted  butter. 

METEOROLOGICAL   OBSERVATIONS 
In  the  Suburb1*  of  London  for  the  week  ending  November  Sth. 


BAitOMETER. 

THERMOMETER. 

Wind. 

Date. 

A 

r. 

Earth. 

Rain 

Max. 

Min. 

Max. 

Min. 

1  ft. 

2  ft. 

Wed.  .. 

2 

80.42) 

30.896 

44 

25 

45 

47 

N. 

.('0 

Thurs. . 

8 

3  1.418 

33.871 

H 

27 

45 

46 

S.E. 

.00 

Fri 

4 

80  379 

SO  868 

51 

38 

47 

46 

S.W. 

.01) 

Sit.  ... 

5 

30.38i 

SJ.S4S 

54 

39 

48 

46 

N.E. 

.00 

Rnn.  . . 

6 

30.203 

8 '.041 

48 

25 

48 

46 

N.W. 

.00 

lion.  . . 

7 

29.990 

29  9ol 

53 

26 

46 

46 

N.W. 

'04 

Toes.... 

8 

29.989 

29.942 

41 

26 

45 

45 

N. 

.00 

Mean 

80.251 

30.217 

48.86 

29  43 

46.28 

46.00  j 

0.04 

2.— Foggy  ;  fine,  foggy ;  froBty  fog  at  night. 

S. — Frosty  fog  ;  foggy,  dense  fog ;  frost,  dense  fog, 

4. — Dense  fog;  densely  overcast;  overcast. 

5. — Densely  overcast ;  very  fine  ;  densely  overcast. 

6. — Densely  overcast;  fine  ;  densely  overcast. 

7. — Frosty  ;  rain  ;  fine  ;  heavy  cloudB. 

8.— Frosty  air ;  dense  fog  ;  foggy  and  frosty. 


COVENT  GARDEN  MARKET.— November  9. 
The  attendance  of  buyers  has  been  but  limited  during  the  past  week 
and  as  the  stocks  have  much  accumulated  forced  sales  have  been  resorted 
to,  but  without  much  influencing  the  current  rates.  Some  heavy  con- 
signments of  Pears  from  France,  Bhipped  at  Dieppe  and  St.  Malo,  have 
passed  under  the  hammer  this  week.  We  have  rIbo  received  a  good 
parcel  of  Newtown  Pippins  from  New  York.  The  Potato  trade  is  rather 
active. 

FRUIT. 


b.  d.     e. 
Apples J  Bieve    1    0  to  2 


Apricots doz. 

Cherries —  lb. 


0    0 
0    0 


Currants $  sieve  0 

Black do.  0 

Figs doz.  0 

Filberts lb.  0 

Cobs lb.  1 

GooBeberries quart  0 

Grapes, Hothouse....  lb.  2 

Lemons t+ 1  i.w  8 

Melons each  1 


Mulberries lb. 

Nectarines doz. 

Orangee %*  100 

Peaches  doz. 

Pears.kitchen doz. 

deesert doz. 

Pine  Apples lb. 

['huns $  sieve 

Qnincea  doz. 

RaBpberrieB lb. 

Strawberries    lb. 

Walnuts bushel  10 

do **ioo 


s.  d. 


VEGETABLES. 


Artichokes doz. 

Asparagus »  100 

Beans,  Kidney  ../J  sieve. 

Broad bushel 

Beet,  Red doz. 

Broccoli  bundle 

Brussels  SproutB..i  sieve 

Cabbage doz. 

Capsicums  $*  100 

Carrots bunch 

Cauliflower doz. 

Celery bundle 

Coleworts..doz.  bunches 
Cucumbers  each 

pickung doz. 

Endive doz. 

Kennel bunch 

Garlic lb. 

Herbs bunch 

Horseradish    . ...  bundle 


d.    b. 

OtoO 

0       0 

0 

0 

0 

9 

0 

0 

0 

4 

0 

6 

0 

6 

0 

0 

S 


LeeVs bnnch 

Lettnce  doz. 

Mushrooms pottle 

MuBtard  &  Cress,  .punnet 

Onions  bushel 

pickling quart 

ParBley sieve 

Parsnips doz. 

PeaB quart 

Potatoes bnshRl 

Kidney do. 

Radishes  ..  doz. bunches 

Rhubarb bundle 

Savoys doz. 

Sea-kale basket 

Shallots lb. 

Spinach bushel 

TomatoeB doz. 

;  Turnips  bunch 

I  Vegetable  Marrows,  .doz. 


0 

Oton 

0 

0 

0 

1) 

l> 

fi 

0 

in 

(1 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

0 

s 

II 

1 

0 

8 

Ii 

4 

0 

6 

V 

1 

6 

8 

11 

1 

(1 

0 

0 

(1 

n 

0 

0 

0 

0 

(1 

0 

III 

ii 

IB 

ft 

1 

0 

2 

0 

p. 

d. 

B. 

A 

0 

4  to  0 

0 

(1 

fl 

I 

It 

1 

0 

2 

(1 

II 

9 

II 

II 

4 

n 

6 

1) 

0 

4 

0 

B 

« 

0 

0 

(1 

0 

9 

1 

0 

II 

0 

(I 

0 

i 

0 

4 

A 

s 

0 

4 

fl 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

II 

0 

fl 

0 

0 

0 

1) 

8 

0 

6 

A 

0 

0 

II 

11 

2 

0 

2 

e 

1 

0 

1 

0 

II 

II 

2 

0 

8 

POULTRY  MARKET.— November  9. 
The  supply  is  moderate,  and  the  demand  very  small.    The  lamentable 
war  on  the  Continent  has  closed  our  best  marketB  for  the  sale  of  Game, 
and  will  influence  the  price  of  it  greatly.    We  expect  it  will  be  difficult  to 
sell  many  Pheasant3,  except  at  very  low  rates. 


s. 
'2 

a.     a. 

6  to  3 
0        2 
6        1 
9        2 
0        (i 
0        2 

d 
0 
6 
SI 
0 
6 
0 

1 

el.      a. 

9  to  0 
4       1 
9       0 
6       3 
9        2 
0        2 

(1 
10 

0 

10 

1 

2 

0 

1 

1) 

2 

6 

November  17,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


385 


WEEKLY 

CALENDAR. 

Day 

Day   1 

°f                    NOVEMBER  17-23,  1870. 
Week  J 

Average  Tempera-     Rain  in 

Sun 

Sun 

Moon 

Moon 

Moon's 

Clock 
after 
Sun. 

Day 

of 

Year. 

Month 

ture  near  London.   l(0  a 

43  year9. 

Rises. 

Sets. 

Rises. 

Sets. 

Age. 

Day. 

Nieht. 

Mean. 

Days. 

m.      h. 

m.      h. 

m.      h. 

m.      li. 

Days. 

m.      8. 

17 

Th 

Meeting  of  Linnean  Society,  8  P.M. 

48.1 

88.9 

41.0 

19 

23af7 

9af  4 

morn. 

6  at  2 

•24 

14    53 

321 

18 

F 

47.9 

829 

40.4 

20 

25      7 

8      4 

41      0 

29      2 

25 

14    40 

19 

S 

Length  of  night  15h.  20m. 

4S.D 

83.5 

412 

17 

27      7 

7      4 

2      2 

51      2 

26 

14    27 

323 

2U 

Son 

23  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

48.7 

34.6 

41.7 

14 

28      7 

6      4 

25      3 

12      8 

27 

14    13 

324 

21 

M 

Princess  Royal  Born,  1840. 

49.6 

86.2 

42.9 

26 

80      7 

4      4 

49      4 

37      8 

28 

13    58 

825 

22 

To 

49.2 

84.7 

41.9 

22 

81      7 

8      4 

17      6 

4      4 

29 

13    42 

826 

23 

W 

St.  Clement. 

47.6 

34.2 

40.9 

18 

83      7 

2      4 

45      7 

39      4 

• 

13    25 

827 

From  observations  taken  near  London  during 

the  last  fortv-three  years,  the  average  day  temperature  of  the  week 

is  48  6°. 

and  its  night 

temperature  34.8°.     The  greatest  heat  was  61°,  on  the  20th,  1866;  and  the  lowest  cold  IS  ,  on  the  19th,  1868.     The  greatest  fall  of  rain  was 

0.95  inch. 

FRUIT  TREES   FOR   SMALL   GARDENS.— No.  1. 

Ba^bM^"  ROBABLY  no  gardens  are  so  much  neglected 
and  on  the  whole  so  badly  arranged  as  farm 
and  cottage  gardens.  Horticultural  societies 
established  in  almost  every  town  encourage 
improvements  of  various  kinds  :  and  there  is 
the  horticultural  press  placing  within  the 
reach  of  all  information  on  gardening  that 
will  not  fail,  if  acted  on,  to  improve  both 
flowers  and  fruit.  Nothing,  however,  seems 
as  yet  to  have  made  any  salutary  impression 
on  the  minds  of  the  great  mass  of  British  farmers  and 
cottagers,  many  of  the  latter  being  employed  by  the  farmers, 
who  ought  to  give  them  encouragement,  and  set  an  example 
of  good  management  in  their  own  gardens.  Horticultural 
societies  and  the  gardening  journals  to  a  laudable  extent 
encourage  cottagers  to  attend  to  the  culture  of  their 
gardens,  but  how  can  they  hope  to  succeed  when  employers 
oiler  such  examples  of  slovenly  garden  management '.'  It 
is  remarkable  that  gentlemen,  especially  landed  proprietors, 
who  for  the  most  part  have  tasteful,  productive,  well-kept 
gardens,  do  not  take  notice  of  the  neglected  and  slovenly 
condition  of  the  gardens  attached  to  their  farmhouses,  and 
do  not  use  their  influence  with  their  tenants  to  induce  them 
to  pay  more  attention  to  garden- culture  and  keeping. 

Although  agriculture  and  horticulture  are  kindred  pur- 
suits, strange  to  say  there  is  no  class  of  the  community 
so  ignorant  and  destitute  of  taste  in  respect  to  gardening 
as  the  great  majority  of  our  farmers.  To  such  a  pitch  is 
this  disregard  for  the  garden  carried  that  many  of  them 
own  their  ignorance  with  a  clownish  boast,  as  if  the  culture 
of  their  gardens  were  a  concern  utterly  contemptible,  or 
far  below  their  notice.  Some  members  of  their  family 
may  have  a  taste  for  the  culture  of  flowers,  fruit,  or  vege- 
tables :  but  the  ill-assorted,  discouraged,  and  often  abortive 
attempts  at  anything  like  taste  or  ornament  are  more 
calculated  to  excite  commiseration  than  any  other  feeling. 
There  are,  no  doubt,  some  well-arranged,  well-managed 
farmhouse  and  cottage  gardens,  but  such  are  not  the 
general  rule. 

Can  nothing  be  done  to  remedy  this  contempt  of  farmers 
and  cottagers  for  their  gardens  ?  Horticultural  societies 
have  offered  premiums  time  after  time ;  the  press  has 
chronicled  the  event,  and  instructions  have  been  given 
so  often  that  one  might  if  so  disposed  have  bad  them  off 
by  heart ;  but  after  all  the  gardens  remain  as  they  were 
before.  It  is  not  want  of  taste  for  flowers  and  fruit  that 
withholds  farmers  and  cottagers  from  attending  to  the 
culture  of  their  gardens,  for  they  are  ardent  admirers  of 
both.  They  take  pleasure  when  spring  returns  in  wander- 
ing in  gardens,  and  seeing  the  Lilies  shooting  from  the 
ground,  and  the  buds  of  the  fruit  trees  full  even  to  burst- 
ing. They  wonder  how  a  Crab  grew  into  an  Apple,  the 
Sloe  into  a  Plum,  and  the  single  became  a  double  Daisy. 
It  is  a  marvel  to  them  how  the  Vine  bears  its  Grape?,  and 
the  Pine  Apple  has  its  summer  flavour  whilst  the  snow  is 
as  yet  unmelted  on  the  bills.  None  admire  more  than 
thev  do  the  beauties  of  choice  flowers  and  fruits,  but  after 
No.  506—  Vol.  XIX.,  New  Series. 


they  have  highly  extolled  all  they  see  in  our  best  gardens 
they  find  something  that  affords  them  a  sort  of  consola- 
tion— they  have  seen  many  fine  fruits,  but  none  equal  to 
what  they  have,  perhaps  by  the  bushel,  from  a  standard 
tree. 

Another  obstacle  to  farmers  and  cottagers  moving  from 
the  old  track  is  they  see  no  place  for  fruit  trees  but  an 
orchard,  and  no  description  of  trees  but  standards.  As 
to  kinds,  they  do  not  look  for  better  than  those  which  they 
or  some  neighbour  may  have — sorts  that  are  very  often 
but  slight  removes  from  our  Crabs.  If  prevailed  on  to 
procure  new  kinds,  they  think  these  must  be  grown  as 
standards,  and  the  expectation  of  getting  as  fine  fruit 
from  them  as  they  see  elsewhere  on  bushes,  pyramids,  or 
espaliers  turns  out  a  miserable  disappointment,  for  the 
kinds  are  wholly  unsuitable  for  standards,  like  almost  all 
our  best  varieties  of  Apples,  Plums,  and  Pears. 

Another  cause  of  the  adherence  of  farmers  in  garden 
matters  to  old  notions  consists  in  the  persons  applied  to 
for  information  when  anything  new  is  contemplated.  In 
almost  every  village  there  is  the  presiding  genius  in  the 
man  who  has  a  neat  garden  of  his  own,  and  grows  plants 
for  sale,  besides  going  out  to  "  do-up  "  gardens.  Brought 
up  in  orchards,  and  believing  in  no  garden  unless  it  is 
shaded  by  standard  trees  that  will  neither  allow  of  flowers 
succeeding  nor  of  vegetables  attaining  perfection,  his  ideas 
do  not  soar  higher  than  his  knowledge.  He  advises,  and 
his  advice  is  generally  adopted,  for  it  is  in  accordance  with 
their  own  opinions — adverse  to  what  are  called  new-fangled 
notions.  This  person  advises  and  plants  for  the  British 
farmer,  and  his  cottager  procures  through  him  fruit  trees 
of  inferior  kinds,  and  of  a  description  more  likely  to  fruit 
with  the  next  tenant  than  with  the  present  one.  'What  a 
wondrous  creature  of  hope— hope  that  a  tree  with  a  stem 
like  a  walking  stick  and  a  head  like  a  mop  will  grow  and 
become  strong  and  spreading  like  an  Oak,  as  it  must  before 
it  will  produce  the  bushels  of  fruit  expected  of  it !  Until 
garden  knowledge  be  more  generally  diffused — until  there 
be  in  every  village  competent  persons  able  to  act  and  advise 
on  gardening  in  its  best  and  most  approved  principles, 
there  will  be  that  paradise  of  prejudice  in  which  men 
dream  away  their  time. 

It  has  been  said,  and  I  think  wisely,  that  those  prepared 
to  point  out  a  grievance  should  be  prepared  with  a  remedy. 
The  first  suggestion  that  I  have  to  offer  is  that  the  clergy 
of  every  parish  should  undertake  the  instruction  of  cottage 
gardeners.  Being  in  general  well  posted  up  ill  the  best 
and  most  improved  kinds  of  fruits,  the  most  profitable  form 
of  trees  or  systems  of  growing  them,  and,  from  their  avoca- 
tion looked  up  to.  their  advice  and  instruction  would  go  a 
long  way  in  producing  a  change.  Indeed,  with  a  well- 
kept  garden,  at  timps  free  to  the  inspection  of  the  villagers, 
especiallv  if  it  could  be  backed  up  hy  a  show,  there  would 
be  awakened  such  a  spirit  of  innocent  rivalry  and  adesire  to 
excel  in  garden  produce  that  any  extra  trouble  would  not 
be  felt,  whilst  the  improvement  would  be  manifest  every- 
where, giving  to  many  a  family  a  health  more  precious 
than  rubies  Some.  I  am  aware,  are  already  engaged  in 
this  noble  work — aiding  in  fulfilling  the  intentions  of 
No.  1155 Vol.  XLIV.,  Old  Series. 


386 


JOUBNAL  OF  HORTICULTUEE   AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  November  17,  1870. 


Providence,  striving  to  give  to  every  home  health,  comfort,  and 
happiness.  Could  not  they  be  prevailed  on  to  give  in  the 
"  Cottage  Gardener  "  columns  the  benefit  of  their  experience 
for  the  good  of  others,  who  are  only  kept  from  the  work  from 
want  of  a  plan  ? 

With  the  farmers  it  would  perhaps  be  more  difficult  to  deal. 
Persuasion  and  example  would  avail  but  little,  but  could  they 
not  be  reached  through  the  landlord  ?  What  if  the  landlord 
were  to  provide  a  properly  qualified  gardener,  competent  to 
renovate  the  gardens  attached  to  ftrmloises?  This  person 
might  be  found  by  the  landlord,  the  farmer  paying  him  for  his 
labour  at  a  rate  fixed  by  the  landlord,  or  the  expense  might 
be  wholly  paid  by  the  landlord  in  the  first  instance,  the  tenant 
being  charged  with  the  interest  of  the  outlay  in  respect  of  stock 
and  improvements,  the  "  keeping  in  order  "  being  paid  by  the 
tenant.  I  am  sure  that  farmers,  as  a  rule,  would  not  object  to 
this  sort  of  thing,  but  would  do  all  in  their  power  to  further  it. 
The  only  difficulty  would  be  in  making  sure  of  the  person  ap- 
pointed having  the  requisite  knowledge.  I  am  not  unmindful 
of  "  A  Young  Gardener's  Growl,"  but  I  do  not  think  so  few 
gardeners  as  he  states  are  able  to  adviBe  as  to  a  list  of  fruits, 
and  that  without  tasting,  as  he  will  learn  by-and-by  when  he 
has  to  supply  fruit  for  the  kitchen  and  dessert.  But  any  ob- 
jection of  that  kind  might  be  got  over  by  the  landlord's  gardener 
having  the  supervision  of  the  gardens  and  the  control  of  the 
persons  who  attend  to  them.  In  that  case  nothing  could  be 
done  to  the  detriment  of  either  the  landlord  or  tenant,  as  might 
otherwise  be  the  case  were  an  inexperienced  hand  to  cut  down 
what  could  not  be  replaced  without  entailing  a  serious  loss  on 
the  tenant,  and  he  could  be  kept  from  planting  what  would 
not  be  of  any  value  to  him,  or  not  for  a  very  long  time.  The 
landlord  might  stipulate  for  a  certain  amount  of  flower,  vege- 
table, and  fruit  garden,  and  an  orchard  if  thought  necessary,  to 
each  holding,  and  the  occupiers  could  exercise  their  discretion 
in  what  they  would  have  it  cropped  with,  always  keeping  from 
them  the  power  of  interfering  with  the  permanent  subjects 
without  first  consulting  with  the  landlord  or  his  agent. 

The  gardener  should  be  able  to  lay-out  gardens,  and  practi- 
cally understand  every  department  of  out-door  gardening.  On 
some  estates  it  would  be  necessary  to  have  a  superintendent, 
with  properly-qualified  assistants.  It  has  always  appeared  to 
me  remarkable  that  the  gardening  market  should  be  over- 
stocked, and  yet  there  is  no  wonder  when  half  the  gardening 
of  the  country  is  performed  by  persons  styling  themselves 
gardeners,  but  knowing  practically  but  little  of  it  outside  their 
own  minds. — G.  Abbey. 


CLIMBING  FERNS.— No.  3. 
In  my  two  previous  articles  I  have  confined  myself  to  Ferns 
whose  fronds  have  the  power  of  extending  themselves,  if  not 
indefinitely,  at  least  to  a  very  unusual  length,  by  the  continu- 
ous growth  of  their  points.  We  now,  however,  come  to  a 
distinct  set  of  plants,  which,  although  tbey  must  undoubtedly 
be  accepted  as  climbiDg  Ferns,  yet  owe  their  claim  to  this  title 
only  from  the  extension  of  the  rhizome  which  roots  into  or 
around  whatever  it  can  affix  itself  to.  Very  fine  objects  can  be 
made  with  some  of  these  by  planting  the  dead  stems  of  tree 
Ferns  in  various  parts  of  the  fernery,  and  fastening  upon  them 
the  kinds  with  scandent  rhizomes ;  or  if  no  tree  Fern  stems  ate 
to  be  had,  small  cylinders  of  galvanised  wire  may  be  placed  so  as 
to  represent  pillars  or  archways,  and  these,  having  been  pre- 
viously filled  with  peat  and  sphagnum  moss,  will  be  fitting  re- 
ceptacles for  the  kinds  with  creeping  rhizomes  presently  to  be 
aamed.  Fern-growers  who  have  not  a  fernery  in  which  their 
pets  can  be  planted  in  the  open  border  need  not  despair,  and, 
■certainly,  must  not  neglect  such  plants  as  those  treated  of  in 
this  article,  because  they  will  be  even  more  appreciated  in  a  col- 
lection that  is  confined  to  pot  culture ;  to  such  I  say,  Pot 
your  dead  Fern  stem  or  your  cylinder  of  wire,  then  fix  the 
creeping  rhizomes  to  it,  when,  if  duly  supplied  with  mois- 
ture, they  will  soon  establish  themselves,  and  the  effect  will  be 
as  good  as  if  they  had  been  planted  in  the  fernery  borders. 

OLEANDRA. 

This  is  a  very  elegant  and  thoroughly  distinct  genus  of  stove 
Ferns,  characterised  by  their  hairy  rhizomes  and  simple 
fronds,  which  are  of  firm  texture  with  jointed  stipes.  The  veins 
are  simple,  sometimes  forked,  having  a  Bhort  venule  termi- 
nating near  the  midrib,  on  which  the  sori  are  situated,  and 
which  are  furnished  with  a  reniform  indusium.  These  plants 
adhere  very  closely  to  any  congenial  surface,  and,  as  a  natural 


consequence,  the  more  nutriment  they  obtaiD,  the  larger  fronds 
they  develope.  Several  more  species  than  those  here  enu- 
merated are  known  to  exist,  and  when  introduced  in  a  living 
state  to  this  country  will  be  valuable  additions  to  our  collections. 
O.  abticdlata. — This  is  a  beautiful  Fern  with  entire  linear- 
lanceolate  fronds  from  10  to  15  inches  long,  tapering  at  either 
end,  and  light  shining  green  in  colour.  When  treated  in  the 
manner  previously  desoribed,  it  produces  a  fine  effect.  It  is  a 
native  of  the  East  Indies  and  the  Mauritius. 

0.  nodosa. — Like  the  preceding,  this  species  produces  simple 
fronds,  which  are  about  the  same  shape  and  size  as  in  that 

plant ;  it  is  distinguished 
from  it,  however,  by  its 
black  shining  stipes,  and 
the  darker  green  of  its 
fronds,  part  of  one  of  which 
is  represented  in  the  ac- 
companying engraving.  0. 
nodosa  should  be  grown  in 
the  same  manner  as  before 
mentioned,  and  if  planted 
upon  the  stem  of  a  tree 
Fern  the  effect  is  charming. 
It  is  a  native  of  the  West 
Indies. 

0.  Walmchii. — This  is  a 
somewhat  rare  kind,  but 
fully  as  beautiful  as  those 
previously  named.  The 
fronds  are  simple,  varying 
from  12  to  18  inches  in 
length,  and  from  1  inch  to 
H  inch  in  width,  with 
slightly  undulating  margins.  The  sori  are  large,  light  brown, 
and  situated  very  close  to  the  costa  or  midrib.  The  colour  is 
bright  light  green.     Native  of  the  East  Indies. 

0.  nekiifoemis  can  only  be  called  a  sub-scandent  species, 
but  it  is  such  a  beautiful  plant  that  I  cannot  refrain  from  in- 
cluding it  with  the  others.  It  has  simple  fronds  about  12  inches 
in  length,  arranged  in  a  verticillate  manner,  which  gives  them 
the  appearance  of  large  fans,  and  the  effect  it  produces  is  so 
strikingly  distinct  that  it  should  be  one  of  the  first  plants  pro- 
cured for  a  collection  of  Ferns.  Native  of  both  India  and  South 
America. 

polybotrya. 

This  genus  belongs  to  the  tribe  Acrostichrc,  although  differ- 
ing considerably  in  appearance  from  the  plants  we  are  apt  to 
associate  in  our  minds  with  Acrostichum.  They  may  be  known 
by  their  stout  squamose  rhizomes,  bi-tripinnate  fronds,  free 
pinnate  veins,  and  contracted  fertile  fronds,  which  are  entirely 
covered  on  the  under  side  with  sporangia.  Polybotryas  are 
large-growing  plants,  and  climb  trees  to  considerable  heights. 
In  a  large  fernery  where  space  for  their  development  can  be 
afforded,  they  form  truly  noble  ornaments,  and  should  be 
treated  in  the  same  manner  as  recommended  for  Oleandra. 

P.  osmundacea. — In  this  plant  we  have  boldness  of  character 
well  developed.  It  produces  a  stout  creeping  rhizome  clothed 
with  long  brown  chaffy  scales,  and  which  climbs  to  consider- 
able heights.  Its  fertile  and  sterile  fronds  are  very  dissimilar, 
the  latter  are  bi-tripinnate,  from  2  to  3  feet  long,  with  oblong 
pinnas  tapering  towards  the  apex,  obtusely  lobed,  and  of  a  rich 
green.  The  fertile  fronds  are  equal  in  Bize  to  those  which  are 
sterile,  but  have  all  the  pinnules  contracted  into  linear  seg- 
ments, which  are  wholly  covered  with  dark  brown  sori.  It 
requires  stove  heat,  and  forms  a  fine  specimen.  It  seems  to  be 
abundant  in  Brazil,  various  parts  of  South  America,  and  in  the 
Wf  st  Indies. 

P.  caudata. — Another  superb  strong-growing  Fern  with  a 
stout  climbing  scaly  rhizome.  The  fronds  are  tripinnate, 
lengthened  out  into  a  long  tail-like  point,  as  are  also  the  pinnas ; 
the  pinnules  are  broad-oblong,  rounded  at  the  base,  tapering 
to  a  point,  dentate  at  the  edges,  and  bright  shining  green  in 
colour,  like  P.  osmundacea ;  the  fertile  fronds  are  contracted, 
the  pinnules  being  linear,  about  2  inohes  in  lenpih,  slightly 
eared  at  the  base  on  the  superior  margin,  and  wholly  sporangi- 
ferous.  It  is  a  noble  ornament  in  a  large  fernery.  Native  of 
South  America  and  the  West  Indies. 

ARTHROPTERIS. 
This  genus  would  appear  to  have  no  striking  character  or 
characters  to  distinguish  it,  and  it  teems  to  me  to  be  very  near 
to  Nephrolepis,  but  is  wanting  in  respect  to  the  thin  wiry 


November  17,  1870.  J 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


387 


rhizome  so  peculiar  to  that  family.  Arthropteris  has  a  thin 
scandent  rhizome,  and  the  stipes  are  jointed,  and  the  pinna; 
are  likewise  jointed  to  the  rachis  ;  the  latter  have  free  forked 
veins,  the  round  sori  being  situated  on  the  apex  of  the  lower 
venule.    Indusium  small,  and  soon  obliterated. 

A.  obliterata  is  a  peculiar  plant,  and  one  which  has  led  to 
much  discussion ;  it  has  been  shifted  from  one  genus  to  another 
until  one  scarcely  knows  what  to  call  it.  This  plant  may,  perhaps, 
be  more  familiar  to  my  readers  by  the  name  of  Lindstoa  Lowii, 
for  by  this  name  it  has  been  distributed,  but  it  certainly  bears 
no  relationship  to  that  family.  It  is  also  to  be  found  in  some 
collections  as  Polybotrya  Lowii,  but  I  am  equally  doubtful  of 
its  proving  an  acrostichoid  Fern  at  all ;  it  certainly  bears  more 
resemblance  to  Arthropteris  than  anything  else  I  have  seen.  In 
a  cultivated  state  the  fronds  of  this  plant  have  assumed  three 
diatinct  forms,  but  as  far  as  I  am  aware  it  has  not  yet  fruited, 
which  is  mnch  to  be  regretted.  In  the  first  form  the  pinna;  are 
developed  only  on  one  side  of  the  rachis,  they  are  obtusely 
lobed  and  deourrent ;  they  are  ultimately  produced  on  both 
sides  of  the  rachis,  still  lobed,  and  decurrent;  after  producing 
a  quantity  of  fronds  of  this  form  suddenly  the  fronds  appear 
with  distant,  broad,  and  entire  pinna;,  somewhat  rounded  at  the 
base,  and  acuminate  at  the  apex.  In  this  state  the  plant  looks 
very  like  a  Nephrolepis,  and  I  do  not  anticipate  any  further 
alteration  in  its  form,  saving  the  production  of  sori.  Its  fronds 
are  bright  dark  green,  and  it  should  make  a  fine  object  upon 
the  stem  of  a  tree  Fern,  or  upon  an  artificial  pillar.  I  say  it 
should,  because  I  have  never  been  able  to  make  much  progress 
in  its  cultivation  ;  the  reason  I  am  at  a  loss  to  discover,  but  I 
shall  still  endeavour  to  conquer  the  difficulty.  It  has  been  in- 
troduced to  our  gardens  from  Borneo,  but  probably  may  be 
found  throughout  the  whole  of  the  Indian  Archipelago. 

A.  tenei.la. — This  plant  makes  a  nice  covering  for  the  stem 
of  a  tree  Fern,  its  creeping  rhizome  soon  mounting  to  a  con- 
siderable height,  and  fixing  itself  very  firmly.  The  fronds  are 
pinnate,  pinna;  entire,  oblong  acuminate,  and  dark  green.  It 
also  rejoices  iu  the  name  of  Polypodium  tenellum,  P.  filipes, 
and  Arthropteris  filipes.  It  succeeds  admirably  in  a  cool 
fernery.    Native  of  New  Zealand. — ExrEKTo  Creije. 


GROUND  LEVELLING  AND  PRACTICAL 
GARDEN  PLOTTING.— No.  6. 

DRAWING  PLANS. 
Fig.  18  is  described  from  an  equilateral  triangle  a  b  c.     From 
angle  c  draw  arcs  d  c  ;  divide  the  space  between  the  two  arcs 
at  points  /  and  g  with  the  radius  /  h  and  g  i,  and  draw  the  end 
arcs,  uniting  with  arcs  d  and  e. 


Fig.  18. 


Fig.  19. 


Fig.  19.— Draw  Hue  c  d  any  length.  Bisect  it  in  a,  and  erect 
the  perpendicular  line  a  b  from  a  with  radius  a  d,  which  is 
half  c  d.     Draw  the  arc  as  shown  in  c.    From  any  part  of  the 


3  2  I 

Fig.  20.  Fig.  21. 

perpendicular  line  A  b  take  a  centre,  as  point  /';  with  radius 
/  d  draw  the  arc  as  shown  in  g. 


Fig.  20  is  drawn  from  the  line  a  b;  Draw  line  a  e  any  length  ; 
divide  it  into  four  equal  parts,  as  1,  2,  3,  and  4.  With  the 
radius  2,  4,  whioh  is  half  the 
length  of  the  line,  draw  arc  c ; 
from  point  1  draw  arc  c,  as 
shown  by  the  radiuB  ;  also  from 
point  3  draw  arc  d. 

Fig.  21  is  drawn  from  lins 
a  b  in  the  same  way  as  the 
above  figure.  Divide  the  line 
into  four  equal  parts,  as  in  the 
preceding  case.  With  the  radius 
1,  3,  draw  arc  c.  From  point  2, 
draw  arc  /.  From  point  4  draw 
arc  d. 

Fig. 22  is  drawn  from  an  equi- 
lateral triangle.  Draw  triangle 
abc.  Divide  each  line  ints 
four  equal  \  nits,  as  line  a  b,  as  shown  by  1,  2,  3,  4.  With 
radius  1,  2,  which  is  one-fourth  of  the  line,  draw  arc  d;  with 

radius  3,  2,  draw  arc  c  -r 
and  so  on  with  the  other 
sides,  and  the  figure  will 
be  oomplete. 

Fig.  23  is  drawn  by 
dividing  the  sides  of  the 
equilateral  triangle  abc 
into  two  equal  parts,  as 
shown  by  1  and  2.  On 
line  A  B,  from  point  1, 
which  is  half  the  line, 
draw  arc  d  ;  from  point  A 
draw  arc  e ;  from  point  r 
draw  arc  /;  and  so  on 
with  the  other  two  sides. 
When  the  arcs  are  all 
drawn,  draw  the  straight  lines  between  the  arcs. — M.  O'Donnell, 
Gardener  to  E.  Leeming,  Ef<j  ,  Spring  Grove,  Richmond. 


Fig.  23 


NOTES  MADE  DURING  A  TOUR  IN  IRELAND. 

No.  2. 
In  the  immediate  neighbourhood  of  Dublin  there  are  many 
fine  gardens  at  the  seats  of  the  nobility,  government  officials, 
and  the  wealthy  tradesmen.  Such  gardens  are  very  secluded, 
so  that  the  passer-by  can  see  little  of  them  ;  still,  though  I 
believe  the  Irish  people  may  be  very  fond  of  flowers,  yet  about 
Dublin  the  visitor  is  struck  very  forcibly  with  the  lack  of  these 
in  the  prettily-kept  gardens  of  the  smaller  villas  and  the  dwell- 
ings of  the  poorer  classes  about  Dublin,  in  comparison  with 
those  round  London  and  other  English  towns.  I  wish  to  see 
displayed  a  little  more  of  this  popular  love  and  regard  for 
flowers;  it  would  not  only  enhance  the  beauties  of  an  already 
beautiful  city,  but  would  give  much  pleasure  to  the  people 
generally.  The  people  of  Dublin  have,  however,  next  to  our 
own  royal  gardens  of  Kew,  the  best  botanical  garden — viz., 

GLASNEVIN. 

My  first  object  after  my  arrival  in  Dublin  was  to  visit  this 
famed  garden,  where  I  was  very  courteously  received  by  its 
talented  director  Dr.  Moore.  The  botanic  garden  of  Glaanevin 
is  naturally  very  beautiful ;  it  lies  a  little  to  the  north  of  Dublin 
on  the  main  road  leading  from  Sackville  Street  through  rather 
a  poor  low  neighbourhood,  giving  one  a  rather  unfavourable 
impression  of  what  is  to  be  seen.  Once  at  the  gates,  however, 
all  this  vanishes,  and  we  enter,  I  should  say,  one  of  the  prettiest 
and  most  interesting  public  gardens  in  the  world,  especially  if 
the  visitor  has  the  good  fortune  to  meet  Dr.  Moore,  who  is  all 
kindness,  and  full  of  much  interesting  information  respecting 
every  plant  in  the  gardens.  Here  attention  is  called  to  a  big 
tree,  there  to  a  little  Moss,  yet  the  same  interest  is  attached  to 
both.  We  are  told  how,  when,  and  by  whom  each  was  intro- 
duced, and  all  the  ups  and  downs  of  their  chequered  lives.  To 
true  lovers  of  plants  there  is  nothing  more  delightful  than  this 
kind  of  talk,  so  with  Dr.  Moore  I  was  at  once  at  home.  The 
garden,  which  is  tolerably  extensive,  is  very  diversified  in  cha- 
racter, the  surface  undulating,  having  many  distinct  features, 
and  appearing,  perhaps,  of  greater  extent  than  it  actually  is. 
No  better  style  of  ground  could  be  selected  than  this  for  a  publis 
garden,  yet  apart  from  its  natural  beauties  it  is  extremely  well 
designed  and  tastefully  laid  out,  presenting  plenty  of  greea 
trees  and  green  grass,  and  pretty  winding  walks.     The  beauty 


388 


JOUENAL  OP  HOKTICULTDEE  AND   COTTAGE  GAEDENEE. 


[  November  17,  1870. 


and  faBhion  of  Dublin  flock  here  on  the  Sunday  afternoon  in 
great  numbers ;  it  is  their  great  meeting  place,  and  a  very 
delightful  one.  From  here  also  we  have  a  good  view  of  the 
monument  to  O'Connell,  which  is  chiefly  remarkable  for  its 
extreme  ugliness,  yet  it  is  much  thought  of.  A  little  is  done 
here  in  the  modern  style  of  flower  gardening,  there  being  groups 
and  beds  of  scarlet  Pelirgoniums,  &c,  arranged  with  good 
taste  and  effect,  yet  in  no  way  destroying  the  piiociples  of  the 
place  as  a  botanic  garden.  Botanic  gardenB,  pure  and  simple, 
are  very  dry  and  uninviting  places  to  the  unscientific  portion 
of  the  people,  and  there  is  nothing,  I  thick,  more  ugly  and 
disappointing  than  the  arrangement  of  plants  in  strict  botanical 
fashion.  At  Glasnevin  all  are  harmoniously  and  pleasantly 
blended ;  it  is  a  true  botanic  garden,  yet  every  part  of  it  is 
pleasing  and  interesting. 

The  collection  of  plants  both  under  glass  and  in  the  open  air 
is  very  extensive  and  varied.  There  is  a  considerable  number 
of  glass  houses,  which  are  vory  good  substantial  buildings,  well 
adapted  for  the  purposes  for  which  they  are  designed,  not  ex- 
cepting the  large  Palm  stove  itself,  although  it  is,  perhaps,  one 
of  the  ugliest  glass  structures  erected  in  aDy  country,  it  having, 
■when  viewed  externally,  more  the  appearance  of  a  huge  over- 
grown barn  than  anything  else.  It  is,  nevertheless,  internally 
well  adapted  for  its  occupants.  The  height  of  this  hideous 
pile  is  upwards  of  60  feet ;  it  has  a  very  steep  span  roof,  and 
one  end  is  of  brick,  with  a  chimney  as  in  the  gable  end  of  a 
great  farm  house.  Say  what  one  may  about  its  fine  contents 
and  its  suitability  for  them,  it  is  a  sad,  a  great  disfigurement 
to  an  otherwise  almost  perfect  garden.  I  believe  it  cost  for 
erection  about  £2000,  for  which  sum,  although  miserably  in- 
adequate, it  would  surely  have  been  easy  to  have  produced  a 
better  design. 

Coming  now  to  the  contents,  I  am  all  admiration.  There 
are  some  splendid  examples  of  Palms  of  great  size  and  in  full 
health  and  vigour.  One,  a  species  of  Cocos,  was  more  than 
50  feet  high,  and  truly  noble  ;  Latania  borbonica  with  its  great 
shield-like  leaves  was  also  very  large.  So  were  several  species 
of  Cycas.  We  find  here  some  noble  tree  FernB,  as  Cyathea 
elegans  and  serra,  15  feet,  with  large  and  beautiful  fronds, 
Alsophila  Cooperi,  &c. ;  but  I  must  not  particularise  amongst 
so  many.  In  addition  to  this  there  are  other  large  houses  for 
Palms,  forming  a  portion  of  a  long  mixed  range  of  rather  lofty 
half-curvilinear-roofed  houses.  In  one  of  these  is  a  specimen 
of  Phcenix  dactylifera,  with  a  huge  spreading  head,  and  a  stem 
upwards  of  2  feet  in  diameter  ;  Chamserops  Martiana,  20  feet ; 
and  a  fine  specimen  of  Chamasrops  chinensis,  or  Hemp  Palm,  a 
very  distinct  and  unique  Palm.  There  were  also  very  fine 
plants  of  Corypha  australis  and  Jubiea  spectabilis,  the  latter  Dr. 
Moore  stated  to  be  quite  hardy.  I  noticed  here  a  fine  plant  of 
the  Baonapartea  in  flower,  which  was  very  handsome.  In  an- 
other bouse  were  some  fine  Cactuses  and  a  large  plant  of  Cereus 
Eussellianus  ;  also  a  Mango  tree  laden  with  fine  fruit,  which, 
I  was  told,  ripens  off  admirably.  There  were  also  some  fine 
plants  of  Brownea  grandiceps  with  their  curious  tufts  of  newly 
developed  leaves,  which  give  it  such  a  singular  aspect. 

Although  not,  perhaps,  in  the  order  in  which  they  stand,  I 
next  come  to  the  Victoria  house,  having  a  ridge-and-furrow 
roof.  The  Lily  looked  well,  the  leaves  were  large,  and  it  had 
several  flowers.  There  were  here  several  large  plants  of  Ne- 
penthes. 

In  other  houses  we  find  a  fair  collection  of  Orchids  in  good 
condition,  and  a  great  number  of  seedling  Nepenthes  and  Sar- 
racenias,  than  which  there  are  no  more  beautiful  and  interest- 
ing plants,  especially  when  in  the  young  state.  Next  we  enter 
a  large  New  Holland  house,  where  there  is  a  fair  collection  of 
these  plants,  also  of  Agaves,  Sempervivums,  &c. 

I  have  yet  to  notice  one  of  Glasnevin'a  greatest  features  in 
the  plant  way — namely,  its  collection  of  tree  Ferns.  They  are 
here  in  great  quantity  and  variety,  and  for  the  most  part  looked 
well,  but  I  fancied  they  would  have  liked  a  little  more  heat. 
In  a  small  circular  house  there  is  a  truly  handsome  specimen 
of  Cyathea  medullaiis  over  20  feet  in  height;  there  are  also 
imported  plants  of  Alsophila  australis  and  excelsa  with  stems 
over  8  feet  high.  What  mu8t  be  the  age  of  Ferns  like  these  ? 
If  they  do  not  produce  stems  more  rapidly  in  their  native 
country  than  with  us,  tbey  must  be  very  aged.  A  plant  of 
Cyathea  dealbata  over  twenty  years  of  age,  with  Dr.  Moore  is 
only  now  beginning  to  form  a  stem  :  when  will  it  be  20  feet 
high  ?  This  is  in  tree  Fern  house  No.  2,  where  we  find  a  large 
lot  of  fine  fellows,  as  Dicksonia  antarctica  with  a  5-feet  Btem 
grown  at  Glasnevin  ;  another  of  the  same  branching  into  three 
stems ;  Cyathea  medullaris,  slender-foliaged ;  Alsophila  Cooperi ; 


Dicksonia  squarrosa,  C.  Cunninghami,  C.  Smithii,  and  Leich- 
ardtii,  all  very  distinct  and  graceful.  How  very  noble  these 
tree  Ferns  look,  and  how  striking  an  effect  have  they  in  our 
plant  houses  when  judiciously  placed  wiih  other  things  !  Out- 
side, against  the  walls  of  one  of  these  houses,  I  observed  a  very 
beautiful  and,  to  me,  strange  plant  for  the  situation.  It  was 
no  less  than  Clerodendron  fcetidum,  with  its  great  panicles  of 
reddish  purple  flowers.  It  is  there  a  hardy  plant.  In  a  little 
pond  by  the  door  I  observed  some  fine  examples  of  the  Limo- 
charis  Humboldtii  and  the  curious  Trapa  satans. 

At  the  back  of  one  of  these  ranges  Dr.  Moore  is  now  erecting 
a  lean-to  having  a  northern  exposure  for  the  growth  of  Hyme- 
nophyllums,  Selaginellas,  Todeas,  &c.  There  is  to  be  a  walk 
down  the  front  of  the  house,  then  the  bed  about  8  feet  wide  up 
to  the  back  wail,  on  which  the  plants  will  be  placed  in  a  slightly 
rustic  style,  and  this  then  is  enclosed  by  a  glass  partition 
formed  of  sliding  moveable  sashes,  so  that  the  plants  are  in  a 
close  glass  case.  This  will  be  far  better  than  the  tiresome 
bell  and  hand-glasses,  through  which  no  one  can  ever  see  the 
plants.  Dr.  Moore  has  a  choice  collection  of  the  above  plants, 
which,  when  once  properly  displayed,  will  prove  very  attractive. 
In  some  low  propagating  pits  I  noticed  many  choice  little  things, 
and  in  particular  a  new  Anthurium  named  pedatumrepandum, 
and  the  pretty  Drosophyllums  and  Droseras,  or  Sundews,  won- 
derful in  the  extreme. 

In  the  open  ground  I  was  pleased  to  find  our  old  mixed 
border  of  herbaceous  plants,  whioh  is  always  so  full  of  interest. 
Here  I  noticed  many  choice  gems  which  I  should  have  liked  to 
have  culled.  The  pretty  little  Daisy-like  Vittadenia  trilobata 
I  had  not  before  met  with,  although  it  is  no  new  thing.  In  the 
front  of  the  chief  range  of  houses,  and  along  each  side  of  one 
of  the  main  walks,  this  mixed  border  of  herbaceous  plants 
was  continued,  along  with  a  very  large  and  fine  collection  of 
Saxifrages. 

Coniferse  occupy  a  prominent  place,  and  there  are  many  in- 
teresting and  fine  specimens.  Abies  Smithiana  was  25  feet 
high.  There  was  a  very  large  and  fine  plant  of  the  Golden 
Yew,  as  well  as  a  curious  naked-growing  form  of  Cupressua 
californica  which  I  had  not  before  met  with.  A  Cedar  of  Goa 
had  been  raised  from  seeds  which  had  been  kept  eighteen  years 
■ — rather  a  remarkable  instance  of  vitality  in  resinous  seeds. 

More  and  yet  more  I  could  tell  of  the  treasures  of  this  place, 
but  I  would  just  notice  the  fine  collection  of  trees,  Oaks  especi- 
ally, and  one  variety  in  particular,  Quercus  Louettii,  truly  a 
charming  tree.  In  the  nursery  grounds  attached,  where  Dr. 
Moore  first  proves  the  value  of  the  trees  and  shrubs  before 
putting  them  out  in  the  grounds  permanently,  I  observed 
many  fine  trees  ;  one  a  Chestnut — Castanea  vesca  pumila  hete- 
rophylla,  was  particularly  striking.'  My  attention  was  called 
here  to  an  example  of  the  Orobanche  growing  on  the  Ivy — not 
naturally,  however,  but,  as  Dr.  Moore  informed  me,  grafted  on 
it  purposely  by  Dr.  Moore  himself.  It  was  growing  with  its 
usual  character.  I  have  never  heard  of  this  being  done  before. 
I  look  upon  it  as  rather  a  horticultural  triumph. 

I  hold  Glasnevin  in  great  estimation.  It  stands  high  in  the 
list  of  botanical  gardens,  and  it  is  pre-eminently  a  beautiful 
and  enjoyable  spot.  Dublin  may  well  be,  as  she  is,  proud  of 
her  Glasnevin,  and  of  the  high,  honourable,  and  just  estimation 
in  which  is  held  its  talented  director,  Dr.  Moore. — B. 


THE   NEW   GLADIOLUSES   OF   1870. 

As  several  communications  have  reached  me  relative  to  our 
prospects  of  new  Gladioli,  I  am  sure  that  those  few  who  know 
my  excellent  friend  M.  Souchet  will  be  glad  to  have  some  intel- 
ligence of  him  and  his  bulbs.  I  therefore  subjoin  a  translation 
of  some  extracts  from  a  letter  I  have  just  received  from  him. 

"  Up  to  this  time  our  city  has  not  suffered  from  the  presence 
of  the  enemy  in  our  country.  Many  columns  of  Prussian  artil- 
lery, cavalry,  and  infantry  have  passed  through  our  town  with- 
out stopping  there.  Tbey  have  not  done  us  any  injury,  but  all 
the  country  comprised  within  a  radius  of  twenty  leagues  around 
Paris  has  been  devastated.  Our  communications  are  often 
interrupted  ;  but  doubtless  you  are  better  informed  concerning 
the  events  of  the  war  than  we  are.  We  have  no  news  of  our 
friends  living  in  the  suburbs  of  Palis,  especially  of  those  who 
have  left  their  homes.  Where  they  are  or  what  has  happened 
to  them  we  are  utterly  ignorant  of.  This  anxiety,  added  to 
that  of  the  final  result  of  the  bloody  strife  which  we  are  now 
engaged  in,  and  the  cessation  of  the  ravages  wrought  by  the 
Prussians,  sadly  distress  us.    At  the  same  time  we  have  not 


November  17,  1870. 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


389 


lost  all  spirit.  Oar  courage,  though  shaken,  will  be  restored, 
and,  if  time  be  given  to  us  to  complete  and  utilise  our  arma- 
ment, men  of  earnestness  will  not  be  wanting  to  take  the  offen- 
sive. Unhappily  our  beautiful  country  is  so  disorganised  and 
divided  by  party  that  our  efforts  are  often  paralysed. 

"  As  for  myself,  I  cannot  regain  my  strength,  and  I  had  gTeat 
difficulty  in  marking  my  Gladioli.  I  esteem  myself  very  for- 
tunate in  having  been  able  to  take  them  up  and  store  them  in 
good  time  and  in  capital  condition.  Unfortunately,  the  war 
hinders  our  orders.  We  have  been  so  harrassed  that  I  do  not 
know  whether  I  have  sent  you  a  list  of  my  novelties,  and  there- 
fore send  one  in  this  letter. 

"  If  after  the  war  we  are  enabled  to  execute  any  orders  I 
shall  be  able  to  send  out  these  novelties  ;  but  if  not,  I  Bhall  be 
obliged  to  call  the  novelties  prepared  for  1870-71  those  for 
1871-72. 

"We  hear  that  an  armistice  has  been  proposed  by  England. 
May  God  grant  that  it  may  be  accepted,  and  that  peace  may  be 
soon  concluded." 

He  sends  me  a  list  with  descriptions  of  the  novelties  coming 
out  this  autumn.  There  are  in  all  twenty,  bearing  the  follow- 
ing names  : — 

1.  Aramis. — Rose,  slightly  shaded  with  orange  ami  margined  with 
cerise. 

2.  Athalie. — Violet,  slightly  shaded  with  rose  ;  flamed  purple. 

3.  Colbert. — Red  cerise,  slightly  shaded  orange. 

4.  Conde. — Reddish  orange. 

5.  CoraKe. — White,  shaded  rose  and  yellow. 

6.  Edith  Dombriin. — White,  very  largely  flamed  with  deep  carmine, 
stained  carmine  pnrplo. 

7.  Horace  Vernet. — Brilliant  red  pnrple  ;  pure  large  white  stain, 
striped  red. 

8.  Ida. — White  ground,  very  slightly  tinted  with  rose  ;  flamed  rose 
carmine. 

9.  Lamarck. — Cerise,  slightly  shaded  orange. 

10.  — Nestor. — Clear  yellow  ;  lower  petals  deeper  yellow  striped 
with  red. 

11.  Phidias. — Very  brilliant  pnrple,  slightly  tinted  violet ;  large 
pure  white  stains,  finely  striped  with  carmine  cerise. 

12.  Phelre. — Gronnd  pure  white,  largely  bordered  and  flamed  rose. 

13.  Primatnre. — Very  long  spike  of  rose-colonred  flowers,  slightly 
tinted  with  lilac  ;  flamed  bright  carmine. 

14.  Redonbte. — Beautiful  rose,  slightly  tinted  with  violet. 
15. — Sappho. — Very  beautiful  cerise  colour,  shaded  orange. 

16.  Sir  J.  Franklin. — Very  beautiful  satiny  rose  ;  all  the  petals 
lined  white. 

17.  Talisman. — Beautiful  violet,  largely  bordered  with  bright  cerise. 

15.  Van  Spandowk. — Very  striking  red. 

19.  Zelinda. — Very  beautiful  bright  rose  ;  largely  flamed  deep 
carmine. 

20.  Zenobia. — Rose,  very  slightly  tinted  with  violet ;  flamed  deep 
carmine. 

Of  these  6,  7,  11,  12,  13,  15,  16,  and  17,  seem  from  their 
price  to  be  the  best ;  but  we  must  wait,  for  not  seldom  we  are 
obliged  to  reverse  the  decision  come  to  on  the  other  side  of  the 
Channel.— D.,  Deal. 


PLANTING  WHOLE   POTATOES. 

A  neighbour  of  mine,  whom  I  will  call  B,  and  I,  each 
invested  last  spring  in  a  hundredweight  of  Paterson's  Victoria 
Potatoes.  They  were  very  large,  so  B  decided  to  cut  his  in  two, 
but  I  preferred  planting  mine  whole.  I  wrote  to  you  on  the 
subject  last  June,  and  you  replied  to  me  in  your  number  of  the 
2nd  July,  page  16,  requesting  me  to  let  you  know  the  result. 
I  now  do  so. 

The  cut  and  uncut  sets  were  planted  in  the  same  field  side 
by  side,  and  equally  manured.  It  was  a  very  long  field,  and  as 
my  uncut  sets  were  sufficient  to  plant  one  row,  of  course  B's 
planted  two  rows,  My  row  yielded  8  ewt.,  and  E's  two  rows 
yielded  only  7  ewt.  between  them.  I  conclude,  therefore,  that 
by  cutting  his  sets  instead  of  buying  another  ewt.  to  plant  in 
the  second  row,  that  B  lost  9  ewt.  of  Potatoes,  or  the  sum  of 
40s.,  calculating  them  at  5s.  per  ewt.,  the  price  we  gave,  and 
allowing  for  the  extra  ewt.  for  sets. 

Many  of  the  cut  sets  missed  owing  to  the  dry  season,  and 
although  B  does  not  think  the  trial  a  fair  one,  he  says  he  means 
to  plant  whole  ones  in  future. 

Mr.  Fenn  and  most  of  the  authorities  on  Potato  culture 
advise  planting  whole  Potatoes,  but  the  accounts  you  have 
lately  been  publishing  of  the  yields  of  the  Early  Rose  and  Bo- 
vinia  Potato  from  sets  cut  into  the  smallest  pieces  are  sufficient 
to  shake  anyone's  faith  in  the  practice.  One  gentleman  cut  a 
Potato  of  1  lb.  weight  into  nineteen  sets,  the  produce  being 


133  lbs.  Query,  If  this  Potato  had  been  set  whole  in  a  bill 
with  plenty  of  room,  would  the  produce  have  been  greater  ? 
This  question  wants  ventilating.  Will  some  of  your  corre- 
spondents give  ns  the  benefit  of  their  experience  ? — Calcakia. 


MAIDSTONE  GARDENERS'    IMPROVEMENT 
ASSOCIATION. 

Seven  or  eight  years  ago  a  few  gardeners  in  the  neighbour- 
hood of  Maidstone  met,  with  the  view  of  making  arrangements 
to  secure  a  room  in  which  they  might  assemble  at  stated  in- 
tervals and  discuss  subjects  connected  with  their  calling.  A 
number  of  members  enrolled  themselves  in  what  was  called 
the  Maidstone  Gardeners'  Mutual  Improvement  Society,  and  a 
set  ef  simple  rules  was  framed,  one  of  which  stated"  that  a 
general  meeting  was  to  be  held  once  a-month,  and  an  ordinary 
meeting  in  the  intervals  between  the  general  meetings.  At 
both  plants,  fruits,  vegetables,  or  anything  connected  with  gar- 
dening might  be  shown  by  members  and  commented  upon  ;  or 
any  gardening  subject  might  be  brought  forward  by  a  member 
on  giving  proper  notice,  and  every  facility  was  given  for  any 
member  disposed  to  speak,  some  officer  of  the  Society  occupying 
the  chair. 

The  success  which  attended  these  meetings  was  very  great, 
and  the  interest  taken  in  the  matter  by  others  not  connected 
with  gardening  led  many  to  become  honorary  members,  so 
the  Society  resolved  in  the  winter  of  the  second  year  of  its  ex- 
istence to  hold  a  show,  or  rather  arrange  a  display  of  plants, 
fruits,  and  vegetables  in  the  Corn  Exchange,  the  largest  build- 
ing in  the  town.  To  render  it  more  attractive,  the  room  was 
decorated  with  wreaths  of  evergreen,  and  other  horticultural 
devices,  and  a  small  charge  being  made  for  admission  to  non- 
members,  a  handsome  sum  was  added  to  the  funds  of  the 
Society.  Its  importance  seemed  now  to  have  outgrown  the 
few  simple  rules  at  first  framed  for  its  guidance,  and  a  new  set 
was  prepared,  which,  amongst  other  clauses,  empowered  the 
Society  to  afford  its  members  pecuniary  assistance  to  a  limited 
extent  when  overtaken  with  sickness,  and  to  grant  a  sum  not 
exceeding  £10  to  the  representative  of  a  member  at  his  death. 
In  addition,  when  the  funds  would  allow,  the  sum  of  £20  was 
to  be  apportioned  for  the  Society  having  a  holiday  somewhere 
once  a-year.  Now  the  latter  two  items  seemed  large  sums  from 
a  Society  that  only  required  a  subscription  of  4s.  a-year  from 
its  members,  yet  such  has  been  its  success  that  it  has  always 
met  its  engagements,  and  I  believe  at  the  present  moment  it 
has  between  £200  and  £300  in  hand,  although  death  has  called 
off  three  or  four  of  its  members,  each  of  whom  have  had  the 
sum  I  have  stated,  and  the  yearly  holidays  have  always  been 
carried  out  in  the  summer.  Thrice  the  excursion  was  to  the 
Crystal  Palace,  once  to  Hampton  Court,  and  once  to  Kew, 
terms  being  made  with  the  railway  company  to  take  the  Society 
at  a  stipulated  price,  the  members  paying  about  Is.,  and  the 
others  4s.  for  their  tickets,  and  heavily  loaded  trains  have 
always  been  the  result. 

If  this  could  be  done  in  a  town  like  Maidstone  with  scarcely 
25,000  inhabitants,  the  question  naturally  arises,  Can  it  not  be 
done  elsewhere?  The  Society  has  every  spring  held  a  show  in 
the  Corn  Exchange  without  giving  prizes,  it  being  simply  an 
exhibition  in  which  everything  is  arranged  for  effect.  Vases, 
extempore  fountains,  and  other  things  are  fitted  up  by  willing 
hands  under  the  superintendence  of  an  arrangement  committee, 
and  every  season  a  change  is  made  in  the  arrangement.  Music 
is  also  provided ;  and  as  the  exhibition  is  kept  open  in  the 
evening,  the  working  classes  of  Maidstone  and  its  suburbs  have 
an  opportunity  of  seeing  it,  and  are  no  doubt  stimulated  by  the 
example,  for  more  than  one  of  the  neighbouring  villages  has  its 
Gardeners'  Mutual  Improvement  Association,  where  meetings  in 
some  degree  similar  to  those  of  the  parent  society  take  place. 

The  exhibitions  generally  attract  many  visitors,  and  the  sum 
of  £100  has  been  taken  at  the  door  on  one  occasion,  but  of 
course  there  is  considerable  expense;  still,  there  is  always  a 
surplus,  which  goes  to  the  funds  of  the  Society. 

It  is,  however,  the  monthly  meetings,  when  matters  relating 
to  horticulture  are  discussed,  that  appear  more  than  anything 
to  have  given  the  Society  so  firm  a  hold  of  public  support.  At 
these  meetings  it  is  usual  for  the  President  of  the  Society  to 
take  the  chair,  and  as  notice  has  been  given  at  the  preceding 
meeting  of  what  is  to  be  brought  forward — generally  two  or  three 
subjects — one  of  them  is  opened  up  by  the  person  who  gave  notice 
of  it,  and  discussion  generally  follows.  It  is  also  not  unusual 
for  members  to  bring  fruits  and  other  productions  to  obtain 


390 


JOURNAL   OF   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  November  17,  1870. 


the  names  and  other  information  from  more  experienced  mem- 
bers. These  meetings  are  usually  well  attended,  from  forty  to 
double  that  number  being  often  present,  and  on  special  occa- 
sions more  than  that.  The  Society,  I  believe,  consists  of  up- 
wards of  four  hundred  members,  nearly  one-half  being  imme- 
diately connected  with  gardening,  and  classed  as  gardeners ;  the 
others  are  honorary  members.  Mr.  Frost,  formerly  gardener 
at  Preston  Hall,  but  now  a  nurseryman  in  Maidstone,  is  Presi- 
dent. The  other  officers  are  chosen  from  gardeners  of  good 
standing  in  the  district,  and  I  believe  that  all  has  hitherto 
•worked  well,  which  is  much  to  say  of  any  society.  Tbe  good 
feeling  shown  towards  the  Society,  coupled  with  the  prudent 
counsels  of  some  of  its  chief  officers,  have  so  far  prevented 
anything  like  discord,  and  financially,  as  well  as  in  other  re- 
spects, the  Society  stands  in  a  better  position  than  it  ever  did. 
These  observations,  explanatory  of  the  working  of  the  Society, 
are  intended  to  introduce  to  the  readers  of  The  Journal  of 
Horticulture  another  move  the  Society  has  made.  The  pre- 
vious exhibitions  have  always  been  held  in  the  spring,  when 
plants  were  the  principal  attraction,  and  the  show  of  last  April 
certainly  exhibited  no  falling-off  from  those  of  former  years; 
but  it  was  thought  an  autumn  fruit  show  would  be  an  acquisi- 
tion, and  accordingly  one  was  arranged  for  October  12th,  and 
was  in  every  respect  a  success,  upwards  of  1200  dishes  of  fruit 
being  set  up,  representing  everything  of  the  kind  to  be  met 
with  at  a  metropolitan  show,  and  many  of  them  in  as  high  a 
degree  of  perfection  as  they  well  could  be.  The  Apples  and 
Pears  were  especially  fine,  as  might  be  expected  in  a  county 
where  so  many  are  grown.  One  grower  sent  fifty-two  dishes  of 
Pears,  all  different,  and  about  half  that  number  of  Apples ; 
another  had  upwards  of  eighty  dishes  of  fruit  all  carefully 
named;  while  smaller  contributions  were  no  less  commendable 
by  their  quality,  size,  and  perfection.  Not  the  least  remark- 
able objects  in  the  Show  were  the  excellent  samples  of  out-door 
Grapes,  and  still  finer  bunches  were  exhibited  from  under 
glass.  The  Show  also  comprised  Pines,  Peaches,  Plums, 
and  Damsons,  Melons,  Figs,  Cherries,  Strawberries  (from  the 
open  fields),  Raspberries,  Gooseberries,  Currants,  Quinces,  and 
Medlars,  as  well  as  Apples,  Pears,  and  Grapes,  and  some 
rarities,  as  Bananas,  fruit  of  the  Passion-flower,  &c,  and  two 
or  three  exhibitors  had  dishes  of  Apples  of  1869  in  good  pre- 
servation. Vegetables  were  equally  well  represented.  Mr. 
William  Luckhurst,  at  Lord  Romney'e,  The  Mote,  sent  an  ex- 
cellent collection,  as  also  did  Mr.  Lee,  gardener  to  J.  Whatman, 
Esq.,  M.P.,  while  the  contributions  from  others  were  not  less 
remarkable.  Plants  were  but  sparingly  introduced,  only  a  few 
being  placed  along  the  centre  of  the  tables  in  the  middle  of  the 
room  to  divide  the  collections.  The  vegetables  occupied  the 
aide  tables.  Taken  altogether,  the  Show  might  be  regarded  as 
one  of  hardy  fruits,  such  as  few  districts  could  furnish,  and 
one  of  which  the  members  of  the  Maidstone  Gardeners'  Mutual 
Improvement  Society  felt  a  little  proud,  for  1200  dishes  of  fruit 
are  not  collected  together  every  day. — J.  Robson. 


PITCHER-PLANTS. 


Difference  of  opinion  has  been  expressed  as  to  the  nature 
and  use  of  the  liquid  found  in  the  so-called  pitchers  of  various 
plants,  such  as  Nepenthes,  Rafflesia,  and  certain  Orchidacese. 
The  popular  idea  that  these  curious  receptacles  collect  pure 
water  for  the  refreshment  of  the  thirsty  in  arid  places,  would 
seem  to  be  set  at  rest  by  the  consideration  of  the  fact  that 
these  plants  grow  in  moist  and  marBhy  places.  There  would 
seem,  moreover,  to  be  some  improbability  that  plants  should 
secrete  pure  water. 

In  this  country,  where  these  plants  are  grown  under  excep- 
tional conditions,  there  is  some  difficulty  in  settling  these 
questions  experimentally.  In  such  cases  extraneous  water 
often  finds  its  way  into  the  pitchers,  so  that  several  ounces 
may  frequently  be  gathered  from  a  single  receptacle  of  Ne- 
penthes, the  greater  part  of  which  is  accidental. 

In  August  last  I  had  an  opportunity  of  collecting  the  liquid 
from  two  flowers  of  Coryanthes,  one  of  the  Orchidacerc,  which 
had  just  opened,  in  one  of  the  well-known  stove  houses  of 
Mr.  Wilson  Saunders. 

Though  the  quantity  collected  was  small,  amounting  only  to 
about  3  cubic  centimetres,  or  1.18  cubic  inches,  an  examination 
showed  the  following  properties : — 

Clear  and  somewhat  glutinous  in  consistence.  Possessed  of 
a  "high  refractive  power,  and  a  specific  gravity  of  1  062. 

Odour  pleasant  but  faint,  becoming  more  marked  by  a  gentle 
heat.    Neutral  to  test  papers.     Becoming  milky,  by  concentra- 


tion on  the  water-bath,  it  finally  yielded  a  transparent  gum 
insoluble  in  alcohol. 

Oxalates  produced  no  precipitate  of  lime,  but  basic  lead  ace- 
tate gave  a  curdy  reaction.  Concentrated  hot  sulphuric  acid 
blackened  the  liquid. 

Although  the  taste  was  not  acrid,  the  mawkish  flavour  would 
render  it  quite  unpotable. 

This  examination  therefore  proved  the  liquid  to  be  something 
else  than  pure  water. 

100  parts  of  liquid  contained  : — 

Water  and  volatile  oils   98  51 

Noll- volatile  residue 1.49 


— G.  B.  Buckton. — (Nature.) 


100.00 


CONSTRUCTING  AN  ICE-HOUSE. 
About  three  years  ago  my  employer  wanted  to  do  away  with 
the  ice-house.  It  was  too  near  the  residence.  He  thought  he 
should  like  a  square  one.  I  showed  him  the  sketch  of  that  in 
one  of  your  numbers  of  July,  1864,  and  he  thought  it  was  just 
the  house  he  should  like.  We  set  to  work  and  had  it  built,  and 
we  have  filled  it  twice,  but  when  we  came  to  open  the  house, 
which  we  do  not  want  to  do  until  about  the  second  week  in 
November,  there  was  not  a  bit  of  ice  left  either  time.  Of  courBe, 
it  is  a  great  disappointment.  I  see  that  the  sketch  in  your 
Journal  is  by  Mr.  Fish ;  if  he  would  give  me  his  advice  I  should 
be  obliged.  You  will  see  by  the  accompanying  outline  of  the 
house  (whioh  is  10  feet  wide,  14  feet  long,  and  9  feet  deep),  that 
I  have  had  a  drain  pipe  put  in  at  each  corner,  so  that  the  air 
may  pass  all  round  between  the  walls.  Tbe  roof  does  not  come 
to  the  ground,  for  I  have  the  air  passing  in  and  out  by  the 
sides.— G.  Y.  M. 


a,  a.  Outside  9  inch  wall.  e,  e.  Drain-pipe. 

b,  6.  Inside  4^-inch  wall.  /.  Roof. 

c.  Well  all  below  ground.  g.  Drain. 

d.  Arch. 

[We  are  sometimes  asked  the  cause  of  failures,  when  we  tan 
give  no  better  reason  than  that  known  to  the  inquirers,  and 
thus  we  are  often  reminded  how  little  we  know.  In  the  present 
case  we  feel  rather  pleased,  not  that  there  has  been  a  dis- 
appointment, but  that  we  think  we  see  how  it  may  be  pre- 
vented in  future. 

We  may  firBt  remark,  that  it  is  next  to  folly  to  suppose  that 
in  wells  whether  circular  or  square,  or  even  in  stacks  above 
ground,  ice  can  be  long  kept  in  small  quantities.  This  is 
trying  to  an  ice-house  not  opened  until  November.  The  house 
described  is  rather  small  for  suoh  late  work.    We  should  have 


November  17, 1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


391 


liked  it  better  if  it  had  been  14  feet  square,  instead  of  11  by  10, 
and  as  much  in  depth,  instead  of  9  feet.  However,  the  size  is 
not  the  chief  canse  of  failure.  That  we  believe  is  owiDg  to  the 
free  access  of  the  air  in  summer  all  round  between  the  outer 
and  the  inner  wall.  The  heat  of  the  surrounding  ground,  and 
the  heat  of  the  warmest  air  in  July  and  August,  have  thus  had 
free  play  on  the  '.1-inch  wall  surrounding  the  ice.  For  practical 
purposes,  the  ice-house  might  almost  as  well  have  been  a  build- 
ing with  a  0-incb  wall  above  ground.  The  great  advantage  of 
the  double  wall  is  to  enclose  a  body  of  still  air,  and  then  that 
air  is  a  non-conductor  of  heat.  It  loses  that  quality  when  it  is 
not  confined.  We  would  first,  then,  shut  up  all  the  air-openings 
between  the  two  walls  ;  in  fact,  be  quite  as  anxious  to  keep  a 
breath  of  fresh  air  from  getting  there,  unless,  indeed,  it  were  a 
severe  frost,  as  you  would  be  to  admit  air  into  your  own  bed- 
room. It  is  on  the  complete  isolation  of  that  air  that  its  non- 
conducting-power  depfnds. 

Secondly,  If  the  roof  does  not  extend  to  the  ground,  bring  it 
over  the  outside  wall  so  that  the  drip  shall  fall  considerably 
beyond  it.  Thirdly,  in  such  a  house  we  would  use  no  straw 
for  packing,  but  pack  the  ice  at  once  against  the  inside  wall. 
When  finished  we  would  place  a  layer  of  clean  dry  straw  on  the 
surface.  As  the  days  lengthened  in  spring  we  would  open  the 
house,  and  if  the  straw  were  at  all  damp  we  would  remove  it 
and  replace  it  with  fresher,  and  do  so  again  if  necessary. 

If,  as  the  days  became  very  warm,  on  opening  the  ice-house 
there  should  be  any  appearance  of  misty  vapour,  which  acts 
rapidly  on  ice,  we  would  have  one  or  two  small  openings  in 
the  top  of  the  doorway,  say  an  inch  in  diameter,  furnished 
with  a  cork  so  as  to  let  this  vapour  out  when  present,  and  keep 
the  holes  shut  when  there  was  no  vapour.  A  pipe  coming  out 
at  the  roof  would  even  be  better  to  be  stopped  at  pleasure.  In  a 
house  of  the  size  referred  to,  keeping  ice  will  greatly  depend 
on  having  the  air  over  the  ice  dry,  whilst  the  ioe  itself  is  not 
directly  exposed  to  it.  We  believe  the  chief  cause  of  failure  is 
the  air  moving  in  the  open  space  between  the  two  walls.  We 
presume  the  drain  from  the  bottom  is  trapped. — R.  F.] 


STOKE    NEWINGTON    CHRYSANTHEMUM 
SOCIETY. 

This  Society's  twenty-fourth  annual  Show  was  held  on  the 
loth  and  16th  inst,  in  the  New  Assembly  Rooms,  Defoe  Road, 
Stoke  Xewington.  The  specimen  plants  were  arranged  in  the 
orchestra,  and  there  proved  very  effective  as  a  whole,  while  in- 
dividually they  were  without  exception  of  high  excellence,  as 
may  he  imagined  from  the  fact  of  several  of  them  having  from 
seventy  to  eighty  blooms.  The  best  six  came  from  Mr.  Drain, 
Southgate  Nursery,  De  Beauvoir  Town,  and  consisted  of  Prince 
Albert,  Annie  Salter,  Christine,  Little  Harry,  Alma,  and  Mrs. 
G.  Rundle.  Mr.  Forsyth,  of  the  Brunswick  Nursery,  was  second, 
with  fine  plants  of  Golden  Christine,  Mrs.  G.  Rundle,  Dr.  Sharpe, 
Prince  of  Wales,  Lady  Harding,  and  Annie  Salter.  The  third 
prize  went  to  Mr.  Little,  Cambridge  Park,  Twickenham,  who 
had  tall-stemmed  plants,  which  are  less  effective  as  specimens, 
but  with  very  fine  blooms.  For  three  plants  Mr.  Drain  was 
a^ain  first  with  Mrs.  G.  Rundle,  Dr.  Sharpe,  and  Prince  of 
Wales,  Mr.  Forsyth  being  second. 

The  specimen  Pompons  shown  in  Classes  3  and  4,  respectively 
for  six  and  three  plants,  were  also  excellent.  Mr.  North,  Manor 
Lane,  Lee,  and  Mr.  Forsyth,  had  the  best  sixes,  consisting  of 
the  different  kinds  of  Cedo  Nulli,  Bob,  Salamon,  and  Golden 
Circle.  Several  of  these  plants  were  a  yard  across,  and  a  mass 
of  bloom.  Mr.  Monk  was  third.  The  prizes  for  three  plants 
went  to  Messrs.  Monk,  Butcher,  and  Forsyth.  Standard  Pom- 
pons, as  shown  by  Mr.  Howe,  of  Shacklewell,  were  admirably 
grown  and  bloomed.  They  were  about  4  feet  high,  and  with 
heads  nearly  a  yard  across.  The  varieties  were  Hob,  White 
and  Lilac  Cedo  Nulli,  Mustapha,  Golden  Aurore,  and  Antonius. 
Messrs.   Monk  and  James  were  respectively  second  and  third 

Cut  blooms  were  very  well  shown,  perhaps  on  the  whole  not 
so  large  as  in  some  years,  with  the  exception  of  White  Globe, 
Queen  of  England,  Empress  of  India,  and  a  few  others ;  but  the 
blooms  shown  by  Messrs.  Rowe,  Slade,  and  Monk  were  not  only 
of  remarkable  size,  but  very  perfect.  The  first  prize  for  twenty- 
four  was  taken  by  Mr.  Rowe,  of  Roehampton,  with  Empress  of 
India,  Prince  Alfred,  Princess  of  Wales,  Bronze  Jardin  des 
Plantes,  White  Globe,  John  baiter,  Queen  of  England,  Prince  of 
Wales,  Mr.  Gladstone,  Plutus,  Nonpareil,  Lady  Slade,  and  others 
also  fine,  though  those  named  were  the  most  conspicuous.  The 
other  prizetakers  were  Mr.  Slade,  Mr.  Sanderson,  and  Mr.  Drain. 

For  twelve  blooms  Mr.  Rowe  was  also  first  with  magnificent 


examples  of  Empress  of  India,  White  Globe,  Queen  of  England 
Prince  Alfred.  Miss  Mary  Morgan,  Lady  Slade,  Nonpareil,  Rev. 
Joshua  Dix,  Empress  Eugenie,  Prince  of  Wales,  Princess  of  Teck, 
and  Jardin  des  Plantes.  Mr.  Monk,  who  was  second,  had  also 
a  very  fine  stand. 


SUBSTITUTE   FOR  GRAFTING  WAX. 

Not  long  ago,  the  Mastic  l'homme  Lefort,  or  cold  grafting 
wax,  was  first  brought  under  our  notice,  and  this  we  have 
found  exceedingly  handy  when  grafting  small  things,  on  account 
of  its  being  ready  for  use  at  all  times.  Latterly  we  have  been 
using  another  material,  which  for  certain  purposes  is  infinitely 
more  handy,  superseding,  indeed,  not  only  the  grafting  wax, 
but  the  very  matting  or  string  by  which  we  tie  graft  and  stock 
together.  This  material  is  nothing  more  nor  less  than  sheet 
indiarubber.  It  was  Major  Clarke,  than  whom  there  is  no 
greater  nor  more  original  horticultural  experimentalist,  who 
first  called  our  attention  to  it,  and  it  is  really  very  wonderful 
how  handy  it  is.  Indiarubber  may  be  purchased,  in  sheets  of 
about  the  thickness  of  brown  paper  at  some  of  the  London 
shops  which  deal  in  articles  of  that  class  for  a  mere  trifle — Gd. 
or  Is,  the  square  foot.  The  undressed  sheets  are  the  best. 
Before  using  it  wash  it  in  clean  water,  and  dry  it  by  dabbing  it 
with  a  handkerchief  or  clofh. 

The  sheets  are  cut  as  required  into  pieces  of  about  an  inch 
in  length,  and  about  an  eighth  of  an  inch  in  width,  according 
to  the  Bpace  to  be  covered,  and  the  little  band  so  formed  is 
tnisted  round  in  the  same  way  as  a  piece  of  matting  would  be, 
and,  of  course,  elongates  considerably,  encompassing  the  stem 
two  or  three  times.  The  end  is  simply  yet  securely  fastened, 
by  just  pressing  it  firmly  into  the  other  with  the  thumb  nail. 
This  forms  it  into  a  simple  elastic  band,  which  keeps  its  hold 
as  long  as  required.  For  grafting  choice  little  subjects,  and  for 
delicate  operations,  the  small  strips  of  sheet  indiarubber  are 
extremely  handy  and  useful,  and  far  more  easily  fitted  than  a 
piece  of  matting. — A.  F.  Barron. — (Florist  and  Pomologist.) 


Paullinia  soreilis. — In  a  recent  number  of  the  Pharma- 
ceuticalJournal  a  paper  appears,  by  Mr.  Cook,  on  the  Guarana, 
the  Beeds  of  a  tree  termed  the  Paullinia  sorbin's,  belonging  to 
the  order  Sapindacese,  and  abundant  in  the  province  of  the 
Amazonas.  The  fruit  is  scarcely  as  large  as  a  walnut,  and 
contains  five  or  six  seeds,  which  are  roasted,  then  mixed  with 
water  and  moulded  into  a  cylindrical  form  resembling  a  large 
sausage,  and  finally  dried  in  an  oven.  Before  being  used  it  is 
grated  into  a  powder,  very  like  powdered  cacao  in  appearance. 
Two  spoonfuls  of  the  powder  are  mixed  in  a  tumbler  of  water, 
?nd  this  drink  is  regarded  as  a  stimulant  to  the  nerves,  and  like 
strong  tea  or  coffee,  is  said  to  take  away  the  disposition  to 
sleep.  The  active  chemical  principle  is  an  alkaloid,  which  Dr. 
Stenhouse  has  shown  to  be  identical  with  theine.  Guarana 
contains  more  than  double  as  much  of  this  alkaloid  aB  good 
black  tea,  and  five  times  as  much  as  coffee,  the  proportion 
being  507  per  cent,  in  Guarana.  It  is  rather  a  singular  coinci- 
dence that  the  same  alkaloid  Bhould  prevail  in  all  the  principal 
substances  employed  in  a  similar  manner  as  beverages  in 
different  parts  of  the  world,  in  the  tea  of  China  and  India,  the 
coffee  of  Arabia,  the  cacao  of  Central  America,  the  mate  of  South 
America,  and  the  Guarana  of  Brazil.  GnaraDa  is  a  nervous 
stimulative  and  restorative. — (Nature  ) 


NOVEMBER  CATERPILLARS. 

TnE  entomologist  has  many  opportunities  for  verifying  the 
popular  proverb,  that  "in  looking  for  one  thing  you  find  an- 
other," so  often  does  he  go  out  intent  upon  discovering  some 
insect,  the  locality  of  which  he  thinks  he  knows,  and  while  he 
fails  to  get  this,  lights  upon  other  species  he  did  not  dream  of 
finding.  Also,  while  searching  for  insects  in  one  particular 
stage,  specimens  turn  up  in  other  stages  ;  when  hunting  for 
imagos  especially  we  come  across  caterpillars,  and  if  seeking 
caterpillars  we  very  frequently  discover  chrysalides.  Amongst 
other  choice  chrysalides  taken  this  month,  by  what  we  call  a 
fortunate  accident,  the  insect-hunter,  between  united  leaves  of 
Birch,  Beech,  or  Oak,  finds  the  cocoon  of  the  Lobster  Moth, 
the  caterpillar  of  which  we  described  last  month.  The  chrysa- 
lis is  without  any  notable  singularity. 

The  cabinet  of  the  entomologist  is  not  likely  to  derive  much 
advantage  from  his  researches  among  the  caterpillars  in  No- 
vember, for  though  there  are  a  few  which  may  be  taken  now 


392 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  November  17,  1870. 


nearly  full-fed,  and  do  not  require  much  care  or  attention  to 
bring  them  through,  the  bulk  of  the  hybernating  individuals, 
if  brought  in-doors,  or  otherwise  placed  in  confinement,  are 
difficult  to  rear.  But  still,  those  who  desire  to  gain  a  thorough 
insight  into  caterpillar  history  will  devote  themselves,  as  op- 
portunity offers,  to  the  work  of  seeking  for  colonies,  or  isolated 
individuals,  even  at  a  season  when  such  a  pursuit  is  less  attrac- 
tive than  in  the  summer  season.  And  there  are  certain  species, 
it  must  be  remembered,  which  may  be  detected  in  winter,  when 
the  trees  are  bare  and  herbage  is  soant,  with  more  facility  than 
when  vegetable  life  is  at  its  height.  Ingenious,  too,  as  are  the 
modes  of  concealment  adopted  by  some  hybernating  cater- 
pillars, they  ought  not  to  baffle  the  determined  collector  en- 
tirely, though  he  may  require  several  successive  seasons  to  pass 
by  ere  he  can  say  that  he  has  succeeded  in  fully  elucidating 
the  life-history  of  some  one  or  other  of  these. 

Amongst  these  hybernators  is  one  to  whose  peculiarities  I 
have  paid  much  attention,  having  at  various  times  reared  a 
large  number  of  the  caterpillars.  This  produces  the  Moth 
known  as  the  Scarce  Vapourer  (Orgyia  gonostigma),  and  the 
species  is  highly  interesting  because  it  is  so  closely  allied  to 
the  very  common  Vapourer  Moth,  which  we  see  dashing  wildly 
about  in  London  suburbs,  and  in  the  vicinity  of  other  towns 
during  the  summer.  The  other  species  is  confined  to  a  very 
few  localities,  one  of  which  is  in  Surrey,  near  the  metropolis  ; 
and  as  the  female  moth  is  destitute  of  wings,  and  cannot 
journey  from  place  to  place,  it  is  not  likely  to  become  more 
common.  The  caterpillar,  by  the  movements  of  which  alone 
could  it  be  distributed,  is  not  very  migratory  ;  and  the  circum- 
stance that  it  lives  through  the  winter,  exposes  it  to  various 
dangers  which  the  common  species  escapes,  Bince  through  the 
cold  months  it  is  in  the  egg  state.  The  caterpillars  of  tho 
Scarce  Vapourer  are  hatched  about  the  end  of  July,  from  eggs 
deposited  in  a  cluster  (sometimes  as  many  as  four  hundred) ; 
and  at  first  emergence  they  keep  pretty  closely  together, 
separating  from  each  other  by  degrees  as  they  increase  in  size, 
but  they  grow  very  slowly,  and  soon  prepare  to  hybernate.  As 
is  the  case  with  other  species,  they  do  not  always  locate  them- 
selves for  the  winter  on  or  near  their  food  plant,  which  renders 
a  search  for  them  more  difficult.  According  to  my  observa- 
tions, they  do  not  form  any  protection  for  themselves,  usually 
resting  near  the  ground  on  a  twig  near  the  centre  of  a  bush. 
In  some  cases,  they  have  been  found  actually  on  the  earth,  and 
observers  have  reported  also  instances  where  these  caterpillars 
had  sheltered  themselves  by  weaving  a  web  around  a  leaf  or 
branch,  but  this  is  probably  exceptional.  Remaining  without 
food  until  the  spring,  the  caterpillars  of  the  Scarce  Vapourer 
are  quite  ready  in  April  to  commence  an  attack  upon  the  Sal- 
low or  Hawthorn  buds,  taking  afterwards  to  the  Oak  or  Hazel, 
which  they  prefer.  The  ground  colour  is  a  beautiful  orange 
with  four  rows  of  black  spots  coalescing  so  as  to  form  stripes ; 
from  the  fifth  to  the  eighth  segment  we  find  a  brown  upright 
tuft  of  hair  arising  from  each  ;  the  second  segment  has  two 
long  pencils  of  hairs  which  point  forwards ;  on  the  last  seg- 
ment there  are  three  tufts  of  black  hairs,  directed  backwards. 
A  considerable  portion  of  the  hairs  are  used  by  the  caterpillar 
in  forming  its  cocoon,  and  the  chrysalis  is  also  hairy. 

A  very  local  moth  is  that  called  by  collectors  the  Reed  Leopard 
(Microgaster  arundinis),  and  it  is  one  of  those  species  which 
beguile  the  insect-hunter  into  the  uninviting  fenny  districts  of 
Huntingdonshire  and  Cambridgeshire.  Like  the  Swallow-tail 
Butterfly,  each  year  tends  to  diminish  the  numbers  occurring, 
through  the  reclaiming  of  the  fens.  The  caterpillar  lives  from 
summer  until  the  following  spring,  and  probably  feeds  through 
the  winter  unless  in  severe  weather.  It  is  of  a  dirty  white 
colour,  with  a  horny  head,  and  a  plate  of  similar  texture  on  the 
next  segment,  very  much  resembling  a  maggot  in  appearance. 
The  egg  is  deposited  by  the  mother  moth  on  the  stem  of  the 
common  Reed,  only  one  being  laid  on  each  plant.  The  young 
caterpillar  at  once  eats  its  way  to  the  interior  of  the  stem,  and 
generally  works  its  way  upward  towards  the  top  of  the  plant, 
though  it  has  the  power  of  moving  up  and  down.  The  chrysalis 
is  long,  and  has  rows  of  minute  hooks,  by  means  of  which  it  is 
able  to  change  its  position  if  needful,  giving  birth  to  the  moth 
in  June. 

The  history  of  the  Black-veined  White  Butterfly  (Aporia 
crataigi)  is  very  interesting.  Classed,  as  it  is,  with  the  com- 
mon Whites,  and  bearing  a  resemblance  to  them  in  some  par- 
ticulars, it  is  much  scarcer,  and  differs  greatly  in  its  habits. 
The  caterpillars,  directly  they  are  hatched,  construct  a  sort  of 
tent,  under  which  they  feed,  but  do  not  attain  any  considerable 
size  during  the  autumn.    A  similar,  though  thicker,  tent  serves 


them  for  an  abode  through  the  winter  season,  when  the  prying 
eye  of  the  entomologist,  scanning  the  boughs  of  the  Hawthorn 
or  the  Pear,  may  perhaps  discover  it,  and  carry  off  the  colony 
as  a  prize.  Certain  districts  in  Wales  and  contiguous  English 
counties  yield  this  species  most  abundantly  in  some  seasons, 
and  it  occurs  in  Kent  near  Faversham,  and  also,  it  is  said,  in 
Devonshire.  The  caterpillar  of  the  Black-veined  White,  when 
full  grown,  has  the  head  of  a  smoky  black,  covered  with  hairs 
of  two  different  lengths,  the  shorter  being  black,  the  longer 
white.  Tho  body  is  a  rather  deeper  black,  and  it  has  two  rust- 
coloured  Btripes,  which  a  moderate  magnifying  power  resolves 
at  once  into  a  number  of  minute  spots  ;  in  the  centre  of  each  of 
these  there  is  a  black  dot,  from  which  springs  a  rust-coloured 
hair.  Underneath,  the  surface  of  the  body  is  grey,  sprinkled 
with  black  dots,  and  dotted  with  whitish  hairs.  When  full-fed, 
this  caterpillar  spreads  a  silken  web  over  the  twig  on  which  it 
has  been  feeding,  and,  fixing  itself  thereto,  turnB  to  a  chrysalis. 
Sometimes,  however,  like  its  relatives  the  Whites,  it  will  crawl 
from  the  tree  or  shrub  to  some  wall  or  paling.  The  butterfly, 
which  appears  in  July,  flies  swiftly  by  day,  but  at  night  is 
easily  taken  in  those  places  where  it  occurs  as  it  rests  on  the 
flowers  in  full  view. 

A  particularly  local  butterfly  is  that  pretty  species  the  Marbled 
White  (Arge  Galathea),  and  as  it  very  seldom  flies  far  beyond 
the  meadow  where  it  was  bred,  there  is  some  encouragement 
for  the  collector  to  took  for  the  caterpillar,  which  feeds  upon 
various  grasses.  It  is  but  small  when  it  hybernates,  remaining 
apparently  without  eating  all  through  the  winter,  though  some 
species,  also  grass-feeders,  nibble  the  blades  occasionally  if  the 
weather  is  mild.  When  feeding,  at  the  least  annoyance  or 
alarm  the  caterpillar  of  the  Marbled  White  falls  from  the  plant 
in  a  curved  posture,  lying  without  motion  for  some  time.  The 
head  is  rough,  sometimes  green,  sometimes  brown  ;  the  hue  of 
the  body  also  varies  similarly,  but  always  a  little  darker  than 
the  head  ;  down  the  middle  of  the  back  is  a  dark  stripe,  on 
each  side  of  this  is  a  narrow  stripe,  pale  red,  and  just  below  the 
spiracles  (which  are  deep  black)  there  is  a  whitish  stripe.  The 
body  is  stout,  rather  fusiform,  and  at  the  anal  extremity  ex- 
hibits two  points,  in  which  all  the  stripes  meet ;  every  part  is 
studded  with  minute  warts  and  short  hairs.  No  preparation 
for  becoming  a  chrysalis  appears  to  be  made  by  this  cater- 
pillar; descending  from  its  food-plant,  it  settles  low  down 
amongst  the  herbage,  and  turns  to  a  short  brown  ohrysalis, 
partly  transparent,  from  which  the  perfect  insect  soon  emerges. 

In  places  where  the  common  Broom  grows  plentifully,  we  are 
almost  sure  to  find  in  November,  and  through  the  winter,  the 
young  caterpillars  of  the  Grass  Emerald  (Pseudoterpna  cytis- 
aria).  Hatched  during  July,  they  grow  but  little  in  the  au- 
tumn, and  then  fix  themselves  upon  the  stems  of  the  plant,  and 
with  the  head  raised  from  the  surface  they  remain  unmoved  in 
the  coldest  weather,  re-awakening  to  life  about  the  end  of  April. 
When  getting  near  their  full  Bize  they  rest  on  the  twigs  in  a 
singular  position,  with  the  head  bent  under  and  the  legs 
crowded  together  and  brought  close  to  the  mouth.  The  whole 
body  is  covered  with  small  points,  as  if  shagreened,  the  head 
being  deeply  notched  on  the  crown,  while  from  the  segment 
behind  it  rise  two  blunt  protuberances,  which  point  over  the 
head  ;  on  the  last  segment  are  two  points  of  a  pinkish  hue. 
The  general  colour  of  both  head  and  body  is  dull  green,  with 
pink  on  the  crown  of  the  head  and  the  protuberances  behind 
it ;  a  very  narrow  brownish  stripe  runs  down  the  back,  and 
along  each  side  is  a  white  stripe,  edged  with  red,  which  is  in- 
terruped  on  the  fourth  segment ;  the  spiracles  show  distinctly, 
being  paler  than  the  ground  colour.  When  these  caterpillars 
have  ceased  to  feed  they  draw  two  or  three  leaves  loosely  to- 
gether, and  under  this  shelter  become  chrysalides  about  the 
end  of  June. 

Another  hybernating  geometer  caterpillar,  which  bears  some 
resemblance  to  the  preceding,  is  that  of  the  Common  Marbled 
Carpet  (Cidaria  russata) ;  unlike  it,  however,  it  feeds  occasion- 
ally during  the  winter  in  mild  weather,  being  then  found  upon 
or  near  the  wild  Strawberry,  in  the  summer  it  has  also  been 
detected  on  Birch  and  Sallow.  This  caterpillar  rests  usually 
with  the  body  extended,  but,  if  touched,  at  once  raises  its  head 
and  bends  it  under,  in  the  "  volute  form."  The  head  is  of  a 
rather  duller  colour  than  the  body,  the  eyes,  which  are  black, 
showing  conspicuously  ;  the  body  pale  yellow-green,  with  a 
stripe  of  dark  green  down  the  back.  In  some  specimens  there 
is  a  beautiful  purplish  stripe  along  the  sides.  All  over  the 
body  are  minute  white  warts,  each  giving  off  a  hair ;  at  the  anal 
extremity  are  two  protuberances,  usually  rose  colour ;  the  legs 
and  claspers  are  of  a  dull  red  colour.    The  individuals  of  this 


November  17,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


393 


speoies  which  have  lived  through  the  winter  torn  to  chrysalides 
in  May,  and  there  is  a  second  brood  of  the  caterpillars  in  June 
and  July. 

The  curious  caterpillar  of  the  Scolloped  Bar  (Scodiora  Bel- 
giaria)  occurs  on  heaths,  and  is  rather  uncommon.  It  may  be 
looked  for  at  this  time  on  patches  of  the  common  Ling,  near 
the  roots  of  which  it  remains  in  a  state  of  hybernation,  rousing 
itself  to  eat  in  April.  When  alarmed  it  rolls  into  a  ring,  and 
will  remain  thus  coiled  up  for  an  hour.  In  colour  it  is  brown, 
with  indistinct  greyish  markings,  and  a  short  white  stripe  near 
the  first  pair  of  claspers.  On  each  segment  there  are  two  warts 
on  the  back,  and  there  is  a  conical  short  horn  above  the  anus, 
behind  which  are  two  longer  and  slender  horns,  which  are 
usually  pressed  closely  together.  The  female  caterpillars  are 
perceptibly  less  in  size  than  the  males,  a  rather  unusual  cir- 
cumstance. The  cocoon  is  spun  upon  the  ground ;  it  is  of 
slight  texture. 

On  various  heaths  and  commons,  though  less  abundant  now 
than  formerly,  we  find  the  caterpillar  of  the  Clouded  Buff 
(Euthemonia  russula),  which,  though  hatched  from  the  egg  in 
July,  does  not  become  adult  till  the  following  May.  Its  favour- 
ite food-plants  are  the  Mouse-ear  Hawkweed  and  the  common 
Dandelion.  At  this  time  it  is  about  one-third  grown,  and  is 
dull  brown  in  colour,  with  hairs  of  a  reddish  brown,  and  a 
faintly  indicated  stripe  down  the  back.  When  the  weather  is 
favourable  it  appears  to  feed  on  various  low  plants,  as  does 
also  the  caterpillar  of  its  handsome  relative,  the  Wood  Tiger 
(Chelonia  plantagenis),  so  named  from  its  partiality  to  plantain. 
Clearings  in  woods  yield  this  species,  especially  in  the  south, 
and  the  caterpillar  may  be  detected  in  the  winter  season  by  the 
persevering  insect-hunter.  It  is  of  a  greyish  black  tint,  dotted 
over  with  numerous  warts,  and  covered  with  long  hairs,  which 
increase  in  length  towards  the  anal  extremity,  being  black  in 
colour  at  the  head  and  tail,  and  reddish  brown  on  the  middle 
segments.  In  its  habits  it  appears  very  sluggish,  and  is  also 
the  moth,  which  is  rarely  seen  on  the  wing. — J.  R.  S.  Clifford. 
— (English  Mechanic  and  World  of  Science.) 


PORTRAITS  OF  PLANTS,  FLOWERS,  and  FRUITS. 

Oenothera  Whitneti  (Whitney's  Evening  Primrose).  Nat. 
ord.,  GCnotheracese.  Linn.,  Octandria  MoDogynia.  —  "The 
most  splendid  of  all  the  species.''  Flowers  pale  pink,  blotched 
towards  the  claws  of  the  petals  with  purplish  crimson.  Native 
of  Shelter  Cove,  Humboldt  County,  California. — (Bot.  Mag., 
t.  5867.) 

Serapias  cordigera  (Heart-lipped  Serapias).  Serapias 
lingua  (Tongue-lipped  Serapias).  Nat.  ord.,  Orchidaceie. 
Linn.,  Gynandria  Monandria. — Natives  of  all  the  countries 
bordering  the  Mediterranean  except  Egypt.  Flowers  deep 
French  white  ;  lip  of  S.  cordigera  dark  purple  ;  and  of  S.  lingua 
crimson.— (Ibid.,  t.  5868.) 

Aristolochia  barbata  (Bearded  Birthwort).  Nat.  ord., 
Aristolochieaa.  Linn.,  Gynandria  Hexandria. — Native  of  Vene- 
zuela. A  very  graceful  twiner.  Flowers  pale  green  and  reddish 
brown,  lip  clothed  inside  with  purple  bristles  like  a  beard. — 
(Ibid.,  t.  5869.) 

Grevillea  Banksii  (Sir  Joseph  Banks'  Grevillea).  Nat.  ord., 
Proteacere.  Linn.,  Tetrandria  Monogynia. — Native  of  barren 
hills  in  Queensland,  Australia.  Flowers  crimson  and  yellow. — 
(Ibid.,  t.  5870.) 

Dodecatheon  Meadia  var.  frigiduu  (Arctio  American  Cow- 
slip, or  Shooting  Star).  Nat.  Ord.,  Primulacea:.  Linn.,  Pent- 
andria  Monogynia. — Native  of  mountain  slopes  from  latitude 
35°  N.,  in  California  to  the  Arctic  seacoast.  ItB  flowers  are 
usually  lilac  and  white,  but  sometimes  crimson  and  white,  and 
even  entirely  white. — (Ibid.,  t.  5871.) 

Alpine  Auriculas. — John  Leech,  Selina,  and  Monarch. — 
"  SeedliDg  Alpine  Auriculas  have  been  one  of  the  specialities 
which,  during  the  last  three  or  four  years,  Mr.  Turner,  of 
Slough,  has  been  in  the  habit  of  exhibiting  at  the  spring  shows 
at  South  Kensington  ;  and  rich  and  varied  in  colouring  as  they 
are,  it  is  no  matter  of  wonder  that  they  should  generally  have 
acted  on  the  admiring  crowd  as  one  of  the  principal  centres  of 
attraction.  Certainly,  few  groups  of  flowers  could  have  been 
more  truly  beautiful,  while  in  their  beauty  few  could  have 
more  thoroughly  combined  the  elements  of  simplicity  and 
gaiety ;  and  when  to  this  is  added  the  fact  that  improvement  is 
manifestly  going  on  amongst  them,  form  and  colour  proportions 
being  moulded  to  the  florist's  standard,  who  can  wonder  that 
the  Alpine  Auriculas  (with  the  self,  perhaps)  should,  on  ac- 


count of  their  more  deeided  and  richer  hues,  prove  more 
popular,  at  least  in  general  public  assemblies,  than  their  gro- 
tesque brethren,  the  greens,  the  whites,  and  the  greys? — though 
even  these  we  are  glad  to  see  meet  with  more  attention  and  more 
admiration  than  they  did  a  few  years  ago,  and  might  probably 
again  become  popular,  if  growers  could  be  induced  to  cultivate 
them,  and  exhibit  them  more  freely. 

"John  Leech  is  a  rich  shaded  crimson,  smooth,  and  well 
proportioned,  and  one  cf  the  richest  flowers  in  its  class.  Selina 
is  a  velvety  shaded  purple,  with  white  paste,  and  in  this  feature 
approaching  the  ordinary  self-coloured  varieties.  Monarch  is 
another  purple,  with  rich  shading,  and  of  remarkably  tine 
shape  and  proportions,  doubtless  one  of  the  best  in  its  class. 

"  Not  only  on  acoount  of  their  highly-coloured  and  richly- 
shaded  flowers,  and  the  lively  contrast  afforded  by  the  usually 
yellow  colour  of  the  paste,  but  also  on  account  of  their  more 
vigorous  constitution  and  freer  habit  of  growth,  these  Alpine 
Auriculas  are  likely  to  rise  in  popular  favour." — (Florist  and 
Penologist,  3  s.,  iii.,  241.) 


NIGHT   SOIL  AS  A  MANURE. 

I  noticed  in  last  week's  Journal  that,  in  answer  to  an  in- 
quiry of  one  of  your  correspondents,  you  spoke  very  highly  of 
night  soil  as  a  manure.  This  induces  me  to  ask  your  kind 
assistance  to  enable  me  to  overcome  a  difficulty  I  experienced 
last  summer  through  using  night  soil.  I  purchased  one  of  the 
recently-patented  "  earth  closets,"  the  soil  from  which  I  ap- 
plied to  my  Cabbages,  a  portion  of  one  of  my  Onion  beds,  and 
a  row  of  Scarlet  Runners,  and  nothing  could  exceed  the  very 
favourable  appearance  of  these  crops  at  first,  as  they  were  very 
considerably  in  advance  of  crops  planted  at  the  same  time,  to 
which  I  had  put  stable  dung  only ;  but  on  approaching  ma- 
turity I  first  noticed  several  of  my  Cabbages  begin  to  droop, 
and  on  pulling  them  up  to  ascertain  th9  cause,  found  that  the 
whole  of  the  root  had  been  eaten  away  by  a  small  white  mag- 
got, and  nearly  the  whole  crop  of  Cabbages,  Onions,  and  Beans, 
to  which  this  manure  had  been  applied,  was  destroyed  by  them. 
I  should,  therefore  much  esteem  any  assistance  you  may  be 
able  to  afford  me  with  a  view  to  preventing  this. — Howard. 

[We  do  not  think  that  the  night  soil  caused  the  occurrence 
of  the  white  maggots,  but  the  protracted  dry  season.  Water- 
ing and  mulching  over  the  roots  on  each  side  of  the  Scarle- 
Runners,  and  copious  waterings  of  the  Cabbages  and  of  the 
Onions  after  the  bulbs  began  to  swell,  would  have  kept  away 
the  maggots.  We  grow  Onions  in  rows,  with  a  gutter  between 
each  two  rows,  and  in  those  gutters  we  pour  about  once  a-week 
house  sewage  mixed  with  water. — Eds.] 


THE  PLANTING   AND    LAYLNG-OUT   OF  THE 

THAMES  EMBANKMENT  NORTH. 
Some  of  our  readers  may  remember  that  portion  of  the  north 
bank  of  the  Thames  which  extended  from  Whitehall  Stairs  to 
Waterloo  Bridge  ;  and  those  of  them  who  are  ignorant  of  the 
former  condition  of  that  now-tranBformed  region  will,  perhaps, 
care  to  be  told  that  it  was  a  wide  extent  of  malarious  mud, 
varied  here  and  there  by  the  hulks  of  dilapidated  barges,  the 
carcases  of  dead  dogs,  and  sundry  other  articles  which  go  to 
make  up  the  flotsam  and  jetsam  of  our  great  tidal  river. 
Why  that  great  mudbank  should  have  been  suffered  to  exist  so 
long  after  civilisation  was  supposed  to  have  been  introduced 
among  us  some  member  of  the  Thames  Conservancy  Board 
may,  perhaps,  be  able  to  enlighten  us  ;  but  the  only  apparent 
object  of  the  mud  conservancy  was  that  it  might  afford  a  source 
of  fun  and  recreation  to  the  herd  of  mudlarks  who  burrowed 
in  the  AdelphiiArches,  and  sought  Bhelter  in  the  stairs  and 
passages  of  old  Hungerford  Market,  much  as  parks  and  pleasure 
grounds  are  reserved  in  the  present  day  for  the  health  and  re- 
creation of  the  population.  What  high  holiday  these  little 
mudlarks  enjoyed  !  It  was  perpetual  holiday  with  them.  It 
mattered  not  what  heavy  thoughts  weighed  down  the  careful 
city  man  as  he  passed  along  the  old  Bhaky  barge-borne  gang- 
way to  the  "  penny  boats,"  the  little  mudlark,  gambolling  in 
what  seemed  his  native  element,  hailed  him  with  his  cheery 
though  inexpressibly  dirty  face,  grinning  from  ear  to  ear,  and  with 
the  winning  request,  "  Chuck  us  a  penny,  sir,"  he  melted  the 
moody  man  into  acquiescence.  Oh,  the  eilectof  that  "chuck  ! " 
Away  went  half  a  dozen  ragged  little  rascals  up  to  the  thighs  in 
black  ooze,  straight  as  arrows  to  their  mark.  Then  came  the 
struggle,  the  pushing,  and  the  wrangling,  and  at  last  the  coveted 


394 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  November  17,  1811}. 


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piize  was  gained  frequent- 
ly not  without  a  disputed 
ownership  which  ended 
in  a  general  scrimmage. 

But  those  days,  like  all 
"  good  old  days,"  are  gone, 
and  themudbankand  mud- 
larks with  them.  The  Me- 
tropolitan Board  of  Works 
has  covered  over  the  mud 
in  making  the  Thames  Em- 
bankment, and  the  mud- 
larks, let  us  hope,  have 
either  become  industrious 
shoeblacks  or  enterprising 
colonists.  And  where  the 
mud  wns,  the  genius  of 
gardening  has  taken  pos- 
session. Within  these  few 
months,  under  the  direc- 
tion of  Mr.  McKenzie,  and 
in  execution  of  his  design, 
a  garden  has  been  formed, 
of  which  we  this  day  fur- 
nish a  plan,  and  which  al- 
ready adds  to  the  beauty 
and  ornamentation  of  the 
Victoria  Embankment. 
The  design,  which  is  Mr. 
McKenzie's,  has  been  exe- 
cuted by  Mr.  Meston,  and 
we  congratulate  both  on 
the  manner  in  which  they 
have  severally  carried  out 
the  work. 

That  work  has  been  exe- 
cuted in  accordance  with 
the  propositions  contained 
in  the  following  report 
made  by  Mr.  McKenzie  on 
January  27th  of  the  pre- 
sent year  : — 

"  I  may  state,  at  the  out- 
set, that  I  have  avoided 
everything  in  the  way  of 
expensive  gardening,  and 
where  a  doubt  exists  as  to 
the  ultimate  use  of  the  re- 
claimed ground,  I  have  en- 
deavoured to  snbmitaplan, 
which,  if  carried  out  will 
be  effective  at  the  present 
time,  and  capable  of  being 
cut  up  ultimately  without 
a  total  disfigurement  of  the 
works  proposed  to  be  exe- 
cuted at  this  time.  Of 
course,  a  much  more  ex- 
pensive system  of  garden- 
ing might  be  introduced, 
without  much  alteration  to 
the  design,  by  the  intro- 
duction of  statues,  foun- 
tains, and  vases. 

"The  walks  are  so  ar- 
ranged as  to  give  facility 
to  the  public  from  each  of 
the  recognised  entrances, 
with  a  pleasant  and  diver- 
sified plantation  on  either 
side,  at  the  same  time  pre- 
serving enough  space  for 
grass,  which,  in  all  cases 
ought  to  be  well  kept. 

"The  plantations,  al- 
though nearly  continuous, 
are  sufficiently  broken  to 
give  glimpses  from  the  em- 
bankment roadway  at  such 
points  as  the  breadth  of 
the  views  will  justify  this 
being  done. 


November  17,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


393 


*'  The  nature  of  the  plantations  will  be  more  expensive  than 
that  at  either  of  the  parks  [Southwark  and  FinBbury]  for  two 
reasons.  First,  the  nature  of  the  surroundings,  bo  far  aB  the 
Metropolitan  Board  of  Works  is  oonoerned,  is  bo  much  rioher 
than  anything  surrounding  either  of  the  parks,  that  a  different 
class  of  trees  and  shrubs  will  be  required  to  dress  the  ground. 
Secondly,  the  variety  of  trees  and  shrubs  suitable  is  much  re- 
duoed,  owing  to  the  growth  of  many  varieties  being  destroyed 
by  the  influence  of  smoke  and  other  causes  inseparable  from 
the  position. 

"  The  planting  should  be  to  a  considerable  extent  of  de- 
ciduous trees  and  shrubs ;  their  beauty  and  brilliancy  of  foliage 
in  spriog  will  compensate  to  a  great  extent  for  the  absence  of 
foliage  in  winter,  which  is  seldom  bright,  except  after  heavy 
rains.  Thus,  I  should  recommend  the  plantations  to  consist 
of  groupings  of  Laburnums,  Acacias,  flowering  Almonds,  double- 
flowering  Peaches,  and  other  rosaoeoua  trees ;  of  double  and 
single  Thorns  in  groups  of  colours  :  also  groups  of  trees  con- 
spicuous for  their  colour  or  variety  of  foliage,  such  as  Copper 
Beech,  Acer  Negundo  variegatum,  &c,  and  filling  up  between 
with  evergreens  to  give  variety  in  winter,  so  as  to  afford  interest 
to  the  plantations  at  all  seasons  of  the  year, 

"  Generally  speakiDg,  the  plantations  should  consist  of  per- 
manent plants,  but  I  think  it  will  be  impossible  to  give  general 
satisfaction  without  a  few  patches  of  flowers  judiciously  and 
sparingly  dotted  about. 

"  In  dealing  with  the  ground,  I  have  endeavoured  as  far  as 
possible  to  adapt  the  design  to  future  requirements. 

"In  dealing  with  the  Buckingham  Gate,  it  will  be  necessary 
to  lower  the  walk  leading  to  it  by  throwing  up  banks  on  either 
side,  owing  to  the  gate  itself  being  bo  much  below  the  level.  It 
would,  however,  very  greatly  improve  the  appearanoe  if  the 
gate  were  brought  up  to  the  level  of  the  Buckingham  Street 
roadway. 

"  In  the  formation  of  the  ornamental  grounds,  I  think  it  is 
of  great  importance  that  a  water-pipe  with  hydrants  be  laid 
throughout  the  whole  length,  so  as  to  be  able  to  water  when 
necessary,  and  wash  and  refresh  the  foliage,  as  so  much  de- 
pends on  the  beauty  and  health  of  the  trees  and  shrubs  in  town 
on  this  being  attended  to,  and  so  much  depends  on  the  future 
cost  of  the  keeping,  in  having  arrangements  made  suitable  for 
the  proper  performance  of  these  duties  in  the  first  instance. 

"  I  should  also  recommend  that  all  the  walks  be  made  of 
asphalte,  so  that  they  may  be  always  clean  and  dry  for  use  in 
all  weathers.  Although  this  will  entail  a  large  expenditure 
at  first,  I  believe  in  the  end  it  will  be  better,  and  nearly  aB 
cheap. 

"  From  the  magnificent  way  in  which  all  the  other  works  in 
connection  with  your  board  (Metropolitan  Board  of  Works), 
have  been  carried  out,  it  will  be  indispensable  that  the  finish- 
ing of  this  portion  of  the  work  should  be  in  keeping  with  what 
has  already  been  done ;  for,  in  the  wordB  of  the  Builder  of 
January  1st,  '  we  must  go  as  far  soath  as  Naples  to  admire, 
in  the  magnificent  coast  roads  that  fringe  that  unrivalled  bay, 
a  waterside  drive  and  promenade  superior  to  that  which 
London  will  possess  when  the  Thames  Embankment  is  com- 
pleted.' " 

PORTRAIT   OF   MR.   RIVERS. 
We  have  to  add  the  following  to  the  lists  of  subscribers 
already  given : — 

£     s.     d. 

Anderson-Henry,  I.,  Esq.,  Edinburgh 110 

Anderson,  T.,  Esq.,  6,  Marine  Parade,  Brighton.  3     0     0 

Binns,  Richard,  Esq.,  Ulverston   1     0     0 

Lane,  Messrs.  H.  &  Sons,  Berkhampstead 2     2    0 

Spivey,   Mr.  E.,   Hallingbury  Gardens,  Bishop 

Stortford    1     i     0 

Young,  Mr.  G.,  Audley  End  Gardens    0     5     0 


WORK  FOR  THE  WEEK. 

KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

Now  that  winter  is  at  hand,  it  is  of  importance  to  have  a 
stock  of  keeping-roots  in  the  vegetable-shed.  Carrots,  Parsnips, 
Turnips,  Jerusalem  Artichokes,  Horseradish,  Beet,  Scorzonera, 
and  Salsafy  should  be  secured  in  the  vegetable-shed,  which 
ought  to  be  several  feet  below  the  ground  level,  and  have  a 
close-fitting  door.  The  above  may  be  merely  laid  in  heaps.  If 
they  are  apt  to  shrivel,  vegetables  of  this  kind  will  be  better  in 
layers  along  with  clean  sand.    Let  all  the  Cabbage  plants  still 


remaining  in  the  seed  beds  be  pricked-out  forthwith.  If  there 
is  any  spare  time  get  Horseradish,  Iilmbarb,  and  Sea-kale 
planted  now  instead  of  in  the  spring.  In  all  cases  be  sure  to 
trench  deeply  and  loosen  the  bottom  of  the  ground. 

FRUIT    GARDEN. 

Let  the  Figs  be  protected  immediately.  Nothing  is  better 
and  more  simple  than  tying  wisps  cf  new  straw  successively 
along  the  stems,  each  overlapping  the  last.  Let  all  superfluous 
nails  be  drawn  from  wall  trees,  and  proceed  at  every  oppor- 
tunity with  general  pruning,  the  nailing,  however,  following  the 
knife  exoept  on  south  walls.  The  trees  on  these  had  better 
remain  until  the  end  of  January,  as  the  buds  are  apt  to  become 
unseasonably  excited. 

FLOWER  GARDEN. 

Little  can  now  be  added  here  at  present.  Where  lawns  have 
not  been  well  attended  to  through  pressure  of  business,  another 
mowing  and  rolling  may  take  place.  The  bulk  of  the  dead 
leaves  should  be  removed  immediately  preparatory  to  a  general 
cleaning.  If  the  shrubs  require  a  compost,  it  is  a  much  more 
cleanly  plan  to  bring  back  some  decayed  vegetable  matter  when 
a  digging  occurs.  After  so  fine  an  autumn,  during  which  period 
all  bulbs  have  been  got  well  into  the  ground,  and  the  Tulip 
grower  especially  has  commenced  his  labours  under  favourable 
auspices,  it  is  advisable  that  every  bed,  however  small,  be  pro- 
perly and  substantially  hooped  over,  so  that  by  covering  with 
a  number  of  Russian  mats  sewn  together  the  whole  length  and 
breadth  of  the  bed  or  beds,  the  collection  may  be  safely  defended 
from  an  excesB  of  either  rain  or  frost.  Most  amateurs  were 
taught  a  severe  lesson  last  season,  the  serious  effects  of  whioh 
on  their  most  choice  bulbs  will  be  for  some  time  severely  felt. 
Beds  of  choice  Pansies  ought  also  to  be  protected,  and  in  mild 
weather  traps  should  be  set  for  snails,  which  even  at  this 
season  of  the  year  will  cause  great  detriment  to  plants.  Perhaps 
the  best  bloomB  of  those  beautiful  spring  flowers,  the  Poly- 
anthuses, can  be  grown  in  a  pit,  which  may  be  built  of  turves 
from  a  pasture  field,  the  roots  planted  in  a  compost  of  decayed 
leaves,  loam,  and  sheep  manure.  I  would  advise  your  readers 
to  try  a  turf-pit  against  one  made  with  brick,  at  least  those 
who  are  about  commencing  the  cultivation  of  the  Polyanthus ; 
it  will  be  found  more  secure  from  frost,  and  decidedly  more 
congenial  to  the  habitB  of  the  plants  than  growing  them  in  po  8 
in  frames.  Carnations,  Picotees,  and  Auriculas  must  be  kett 
clean  and  the  pots  not  allowed  to  be  soddened  with  wet ;  in 
fact,  the  less  water  the  better  compatible  with  health.  The 
compost  heap  is  a  most  important  adjunct  of  good  gardening, 
and  in  too  many  cases  the  management  of  it  is  still  behind  the 
improved  praotices  of  the  present  day.  Such  is  not  always 
the  fault  of  the  gardener,  but  frequently  arises  from  an  in- 
adequate supply  of  labour  at  certain  periods.  I  am  not  an 
advocate  for  complicated  mixtures,  still  I  must  plead  for  a 
little  loam  and  some  other  matters  in  the  compost-yard.  At 
this  period  one  of  the  important  points  in  this  department  is 
to  see  that  the  drenching  autumn  rains  have  every  facility  for 
eBcape.  The  best  of  soils,  be  they  never  bo  well  harvested,  will 
become  Boured  in  a  very  Bhort  period  by  the  lodgment  of  stag- 
nant water.  A  good  compost-yard  should  on  this  account  be 
a  steadily  inclined  plane,  and  the  soils  or  composts  Bhould  in- 
variably run  the  way  of  the  descent  in  parallel  ridges.  Now, 
although  the  special  mixing  of  soils  a  long  time  beforehand 
is  by  no  means  to  be  reoommended,  though  dignified  by  the 
title  of  "  compost,"  yet  it  so  happens  that  in  general  gar- 
dening much  surplus  soil  or  vegetable  matter  comes  to  hand 
in  the  course  of  the  year ;  such  in  all  eases  cannot  and  need 
not  remain  separate,  for  in  the  mixed  state  there  will  soon 
arise  a  demand  for  it,  if  only  in  renewing  the  beds  of  the  flower 
garden.  Those  who  have  not  harvested  their  loam  should  lose 
no  time,  for  assuredly  a  little  should  be  obtained  annually  if 
possible. 

GREENHOUSE    AND   CONSERVATORY. 

The  winter-blooming  Correas,  Epacrises,  Polygalas,  Acacias, 
Pimeleas,  &c,  will  now  begin  to  make  a  charming  addition  to 
the  other  inmates  of  the  conservatory.  Take  care  to  give  atten- 
tion to  judicious  watering,  more  especially  to  Buch  plantB  as  the 
Epacrises  ;  it  will  not  do  to  trust  this  process  to  inexperienced 
or  neglectful  workmen.  Let  all  bulbB  arousing  from  their  dor- 
mant state,  such  as  the  Amaryllis  tribe,  the  Lachenalias, 
Oxalises,  and  others  have  very  moderate  supplies  of  water  until 
the  leaves  are  somewhat  expanded.  Keep  down  all  decay- 
ing leaves,  and  observe  the  utmost  cleanliness.  If  any  of  the 
Btock  appear  too  much  crowded  endeavour  to  weed  out  inferior 
or  half-hardy  things,  transferring  them  to  the  pits  or  frames, 
or  in  case  of  severe  need  to  a  shed  or  outhouse,  provided  they 


396 


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[  November  17,  1870. 


are  of  the  hardy-leaved  class,  or  decidedly  deciduous.  There 
is  often  occasion  to  employ  fires  at  this  period  of  the  year,  as 
much  to  promote  an  active  ventilation  and  remove  all  super- 
abundant moisture,  as  to  make  up  for  the  deficiency  of  heat 
from  external  sources.  However,  assistance  of  this  kind  must 
be  used  with  the  utmost  circumspection,  and  no  actual  inter- 
ruption given  to  the  system  previously  commenced  of  gradually 
reducing  the  temperature  to  correspond  with  the  natural  de- 
cline of  the  season,  and  consequent  limitation  of  solar  light 
and  heat ;  considerable  mischief  cannot  fail  to  ensue  from  an 
injudicious  application  of  fire  heat,  particularly  if  used  at  night, 
and  this  should  be  held  in  view  throughout  the  season. 

STOVE. 

Continue  former  directions  in  hardening  growths,  and  en- 
deavouring to  promote  a  quiet  somewhat  dry  atmosphere. 
Keep  down  all  unnatural  night  heat.  Hybrid  Perpetual,  Tea, 
and  other  Roses,  as  well  as  Chrysanthemums,  if  attended  to, 
will  render  this  structure,  as  well  as  the  conservatory,  most 
interesling  for  the  next  two  months.  Let  these  have  weak 
manure  water  perfectly  clear  ;  it  should  be  administered  about 
5°  or  10°  warmer  than  the  atmosphere  of  the  house.  If  given 
at  every  watering  it  is  almost  impossible  to  give  it  too  weak  or 
too  clear ;  if  the  water  is  barely  coloured  it  will  be  sufficient. 
An  ounce  of  guano  with  a  handful  or  two  of  soot  will  make  a 
large  bucketful  or  canful  strong  enough  for  anything. 

FORCING   PIT. 

Now  the  leaves  are  falling  fast  it  will  be  easy  for  those  who 
have  a  pit  at  liberty  to  make  it  up  for  flower  forcing.  The 
leaves  should  have  a  portion  of  woll-wrought  dung  mixed  with 
them,  if  to  spare;  this  will  bring  the  leaves  into  perfect  action 
immediately.  About  9  inches  of  tan  may  be  placed  over  the 
leaves  in  order  to  facilitate  the  plunging.  Let  the  glass  have 
a  thorough  cleaning.  As  soon  as  this  is  completed,  flowerB  for 
forcing,  if  in  proper  condition,  may  be  introduced  immediately, 
such  as  the  various  Rhododendrons,  Azaleas,  Moss  or  Provence 
Roses,  Persian  Lilacs,  Sweet  Briars,  Camellias,  &c,  taking 
care  at  this  period  especially  to  introduce  nothing  unless  it  has 
gone  through  a  proper  course  of  culture  during  the  summer, 
with  the  view  of  securing  early-made  and  thoroughly  ripened 
Wood,  for  unless  its  condition  is  such  it  will  be  in  vain  to 
attempt  early  forcing.  The  Hyacinths  and  Narcissi  potted  in 
September  may  now  be  examined,  and  may  be  introduced  suc- 
cessively in  small  quantities  to  the  pit  when  their  buds  are 
2  inches  long.  They  should  be  plunged  overhead  at  the  front 
or  darkest  part  of  the  pit,  covering  them  4  inches  with  old  tan. 

COLD    PITS   AND    FRAMES. 

These  will  now  be  extremely  useful.  Sawdust  forms  a  good 
plunging  material  if  new  and  dry,  and  coal  ashes  are  also  very 
good.  Whatever  material  is  employed,  keep  the  plants  within 
a  foot  of  the  glass  unless  perfectly  dormant.  Endeavour  to 
keep  the  soil  in  the  pot  in  a  somewhat  dry  state. — W.  Keane. 


DOINGS   OF   THE   LAST    WEEK. 

KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

We  took  up  the  remainder  of  the  Carrots,  Eeetroot,  and 
Parsnips,  and  notwithstanding  the  dryness  of  the  summer,  we 
have  never  had  better  nor  cleaner  roots.  We  put  a  little  more 
earth  to  some  Celery,  and  would  have  used  litter  instead  if 
we  could  have  obtained  it,  but  all  protecting  litter  will  be  scarce 
this  season. 

Cauliflowers  have  a  little  disappointed  us  ;  the  mild  autumn, 
with  the  moist  weather,  brought  it  on  very  fine,  but  more  quickly 
than  we  expected,  so  that  we  have  hardly  any  worth  raising  in 
balls  to  plant  in  earth  pits  to  be  protected  as  we  generally  do. 
For  this  purpose  the  heads  must  be  small,  so  as  to  grow.  We 
have,  therefore,  put  a  good  quantity  in  a  shed,  where  it  can  be 
protected  and  will  last  a  considerable  time,  though  not  so  long 
as  it  would  have  done  if  we  could  have  had  Bmaller  heads  with 
good  balls  under  glass,  although  the  sashes  were  old  and  some- 
what ricketty.  Fine  heads  of  Cauliflower  are  easily  injured. 
A  few  of  ours  were  blackened  by  the  froBt  on  the  mornings  of 
the  10th  and  12th,  even  though  well  protected  by  their  own 
leaves,  yet  Geraniums  in  a  raised  border  were  but  little  injured. 
The  very  cold  days  at  the  end  of  the  week  have  forced  us  to 
think  of  protecting  and  housing,  or  collecting  in  masses,  to 
make  protection  easy.  Were  there  only  certain  times  in  which 
certain  things  should  be  considered  in  season,  much  labour  in 
protecting  would  be  saved.  Young  Cauliflowers  were  saved 
from  severe  frost,  and  ere  long  we  shall  fill  a  frame  with  young 


plants.    We  often  find  they  do  all  the  better  when  they  grow 
but  little  all  the  winter,  if  they  merely  keep  alive. 

Kidney  Beans. — We  gathered  about  the  last  from  an  earth 
pit  out  of  doors  protected  since  the  middle  of  October.  These 
have  done  well,  and  clearing  them  out  will  enable  us  to  fill  the 
place  with  good  plants  of  Lettuces  and  Endive,  and  very  likely 
Strawberry  plants  in  pots.  Many  Lettuces  received  a  little 
protection  where  they  stood,  as  when  large  the  heart  iB  easily 
injured.  The  Beans,  Lettuces,  &c,  are  a  proof  of  what  may 
be  done  late  in  autumn,  with  the  help  of  a  little  protection,  by 
keeping  the  Heat  in  the  ground  from  freely  radiating.  In  this 
respect  there  is  a  great  advantage  to  plants  growing  in  the 
soil  over  other  plants  in  similar  circumstances  growing  in  pots. 
To  give  the  latter  an  equal  chaDce,  the  pots  should  be  plunged, 
Rnd  the  surface  mulched  with  dry  litter.  Even  when  rather 
tender  plants  are  in  pots  and  exposed,  it  is  surprising  what  an 
amount  of  cold  they  will  stand  uninjured  if  the  potB  are  laid 
down  on  the  ground,  and  the  pots  and  tops  covered  with  mats  or 
litter.  This  plan  is  the  most  effectual  at  the  end  of  autumn 
and  early  in  winter,  as  then  the  heat  gained  from  the  summer's 
sun  has  not  quite  radiated  from  the  earth.  Several  times  we 
have  saved  what  otherwise  would  have  been  lost,  by  laying 
such  plants  down  and  piling  snow  over  them  when  litter 
could  not  be  bad.  The  sides  of  exposed  pots  are  good  con- 
ductors, and  soon  cool  the  soil  inside  when  freely  exposed  to 
the  air.  When  sure  there  was  not  heat  enough  inside  to  cause 
elongation  of  growth,  we  have  frequently  allowed  snow  to  lie  on 
a  cold  pit  for  two  or  three  weeks,  as  we  knew  it  would  require 
a  very  severe  frost  to  get  through  it.  We  were  laughed  at  once 
for  getting  a  thin  fall  of  snow  swept  up  in  a  cold  nigbt,  and 
lifted  by  ladder  and  thrown  on  the  steep  roof  of  a  conservatory, 
when  the  boiler  had  given  way  just  when  its  services  were  re- 
quired. We  do  not  recommend  snow  as  a  pleasant  thing  to 
work  amongst,  but  it  often  proves  one  of  the  greatest  boons  to 
the  gardener  and  the  farmer.  Many  a  time  have  we  seen  snow 
swept  from  pits,  beds,  vegetables,  and  plants,  when  it  would 
have  been  true  wisdom  to  have  let  well  alone.  We  have  scarcely 
a  better  non-conductor  whilst  it  remains  open  and  flossy. 

A  fine  Radish  bed  in  an  earth  pit  we  covered  with  some  old 
sashes,  &c,  that  the  Radishes  might  be  kept  crisp,  as  those  fully 
exposed  and  older,  though  looking  well,  are  inclined  to  be  hard 
from  the  cold. 

Of  Sea-kale  and  Rhubarb  we  took  up  some  roots,  and  pro- 
tected them  with  litter  in  case  we  should  have  a  severe  frost. 
We  shall  treat  Asparagus  in  the  same  way.  All  these  may  be 
forced  with  propriety  now  when  deemed  desirable.  Allot  them 
have  this  year  ripened  their  buds  earlier  than  usual.  Globe 
Artichokes,  that  ripened  so  much  earlier  than  usual,  have  now 
grown  so  green  as  to  require  more  protection  than  if  they  had 
faded  later  and  had  grown  less.  Rhubarb  and  Sea-kale,  more 
especially,  will  be  the  better  of  small  mounds  of  ashes,  burnt 
refuse,  &c,  placed  over  the  buds  as  deterrents  to  snails,  birds, 
and  mice.  The  latter  and  rats  have  scooped  out  the  buds  for 
us  where  unprotected.  After  clearing  away  all  littery  leaves  a 
slight  sprinkling  of  salt  between  the  rows  will  benefit  the  plants 
little,  still  it  will  keep  many  enemies  at  a  distance  so  long 
as  the  earth  remains  the  least  saline.  A  few  wide  ridges  may 
still  be  thrown  up,  on  which  to  plant  out  young  Lettuces  in  a 
fine  day.  If  they  keep  alive  they  will  feel  the  frost  less  than 
those  succulent  from  growing  freely. 

FRUIT  garden. 

Put  the  above  plan  in  operation  with  our  Strawberry  pots, 
covering  them  slightly  with  litter  on  the  afternoon  of  the  12th, 
as,  even  with  a  west  wind,  there  were  not  wanting  signs  that 
we  might  have  a  severe  frost.  Very  little  protection  will  keep 
them  all  safe.  Ere  long  we  hope  to  place  them  under  shelter. 
What  a  fine  place  a  wide  shed  open  to  the  south  would  be  for 
all  such  purposes  !  There  is  hardly  a  place  we  know  where  the 
shed  room  is  half  enough,  if  the  most  is  to  be  made  of  every- 
thing and  labour  economised.  With  Strawberry  pots  in  beds, 
even  out  of  doors,  a  little  protection  will  often  keep  them  all 
right,  though  if  mice  and  vermin  be  excluded  a  cool  place  under 
glass  is  the  best.  We  shall  place  a  lot  in  frames  where  there 
is  a  little  mild  heat  left,  so  as  to  bring  them  on  gradually. 
They  generally  do  best  after  the  growth  of  the  top  has  received 
a  slight  cheek,  but  with  little  or  no  check  to  the  root  action. 

All  fruit  trees  in  pots  not  plunged  or  partly  plunged,  should 
be  protected.  Even  in  orchard  houses  the  exposed  parts  of  the 
pots  should  be  protected  with  a  little  litter.  When  the  trees 
are  not  large  this  is  best  done  by  setting  them  as  closely  as 
possible  together,  and  then  drawing  the  litter  over  and  among 
them.    By  these  means  a  large  space  can  be  cleared  for  winter 


November  17,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


397 


vegetables,  salad?,  etc.,  that  will  require  but  little  protection 
even  in  severe  weather,  when  the  house  is  dry,  and  the  air  in- 
side still.  When,  however,  the  trees  in  pots  are  ot  considerable 
size,  it  is  often  prejudicial  to  lift  them  and  pack  them  closely 
together,  as  thus  the  branches  and  bearing  twigs  are  often 
braised  and  broken.  In  their  case,  if  the  weather  should  be 
severe,  a  little  litter  should  be  put  on  and  hang  over  the  sur- 
face of  each  pot.  A  little  artificial  heat  in  severe  weather 
would  render  all  this  unnecessary,  but  then  it  would  not  be  an 
nnheated  glass  case,  and  the  inexperienced  are  very  apt  to  use 
too  much  of  this  artificial  heat  in  winter.  In  cold  orchard 
houses  such  things  as  Parsley,  Wallflowers  for  early  blooming, 
early-flowering  hardy  annuals.  &c,  may  be  kept  in  a  similur 
manner,  and  with  but  little  trouble. 

Chiefly  to  get  the  glass  in  better  order,  but  partly  to  give 
the  Figs  a  nipping,  we  have  unroofed  a  low  pit  or  Fig  house, 
as  after  all  our  careful  washing  we  still  found  traces  of  the 
dread  mealy  bug.  This  has  enabled  us  to  give  rafters,  &c,  a 
coat  of  anticorros-ion  paint,  which  will  shut  up  insects'  eggs  if 
there  are  any.  A  few  degrees  of  frost  will  do  the  Figs  no  harm, 
and  may  settle  all  the  bugs  that  are  alive.  We  feel  more  in- 
terested, as  until  lately  we  had  never  been  annoyed  with  this 
troublesome  insect.  In  the  hope  of  having  a  little  frost  first, 
we  have  forborne  smearing  the  shoots  as  alluded  to  lately.  We 
shall  now  have  to  look  after  the  mealy  bug  everywhere,  and 
see  that  he  do  not  gain  a  hold.  All  purchasers  of  stove  plants 
would  act  wisely  by  putting  every  new  plant  into  a  sort  of 
hospital  at  first  to  prove  it,  especially  as  respects  this  insect — 
that  is  to  say,  if  the  general  stock  is  clean.  It  is  very  un- 
pleasant to  be  ever  cleaning,  as  gardeners  are  obliged  to  be  in 
many  places,  and  then  never  be  quite  sure.  But  for  the  work 
in  the  Fig  house,  that,  too,  would  have  been  filled  with  plants 
before  now. 

ORNAMENTAL   DEPARTMENT. 

For  keeping  a  clean,  smooth  lawn  nothing  is  better  than  a 
wooden  roller,  say  1  foot  in  diameter  and  4  feet  in  length.  If 
a  little  rough,  it  will,  so  far  as  worm  heaps  are  concerned,  dis- 
pense with  all  sweeping.  The  roller  will  merely  be  required  to 
be  scraped  now  and  then  to  get  rid  of  all  the  earthy  matter. 
For  small  spaces,  to  keep  down  earth  heaps  there  is  nothing 
better  than  rolling,  and  then  next  day  following  with  a  good 
watering  of  clear  lime  water,  which  will  thus  go  freely  into  the 
fresh-made  holes,  and  kill  the  worms.  For  large  Jawns  we 
mnst  chiefly  depend  on  the  roller  alone,  as  the  watering  is 
laborious  when  the  lawn  is  large,  and,  besides,  the  worms  are 
often  good  helpers  to  us  as  cultivators,  even  though  their 
earth  heaps  give  a  little  annoyance.  By  the  sides  of  wa'ks  the 
heaps  are  often  troublesome,  and  there  lime  water  may  be 
applied,  as  salt,  though  rather  more  effectual  as  respects  deter- 
ring or  killing  the  worms,  would  leave  the  part  salted  soft  and 
retentive  of  moisture  for  the  winter. 

Considerable  time  has  been  taken  up  in  getting  the  bedding 
plants  saved  in  sheds,  potted,  and  packed  for  the  winter  as 
previously  stated.  We  were  obliged  to  smoke  some  Cinerarias, 
which  we  rarely  require  to  do,  and  we  mention  this  all  the 
more  because  the  insects  (green  fly)  came,  we  have  no  doubt, 
from  breaking  the  rule  so  often  recommended,  of  (after  ex- 
cluding frost), keeping  the  plants  airy,  cool,  and  moist.  These 
plants  had  been  placed  rather  close  to  a  hot-water  pipe  in 
a  pit,  and  as  we  were  a  little  apprehensive,  the  pots  stood 
on  moss  in  a  saucer.  At  one  end  of  this  pit  there  were  Cu- 
cumbers, and  so  the  pipe  that  went  through  was  rather  warm. 
The  temperature  where  the  Cinerarias  were  was  modified  by  a 
little  air  left  on,  so  as  to  neutralise  the  heat,  but  still  the  dry- 
ness was  too  much,  and  the  smoking  became  necessary.  Other 
plants  standing  cooler  in  another  place,  whence  these  insect- 
troubled  ones  were  taken,  that  they  might  bloom  sooner,  were 
as  healthy  as  need  be.  Many  such  circumstances  open  up  the 
wide  question — Whether  we  might  not,  by  knowing  better  what 
plants  rejoice  in,  keep  away  insects  altogether,  or  whether  we 
do  not  invite  these  to  come  by  our  treatment  ?  It  would  appear 
that  the  juices  of  a  healthy,  luxuriant  plant  are  less  tempting  to 
insects  than  the  same  juices  when  the  plant  is  less  healthy  and 
vigorous.  We  have  no  doubt  that  extra  heat  will  ever  be  at- 
tended with  a  number  of  insects. — B.  F. 


James  Dickson  &  Sons.  Newton  Nurseries,  and  102,  Eastgate  Street , 
Chester. — Catalogue  of  Forest  Trees,  Fruit  Trees,  and  Ornamental 
Trees  ami  Shrubs. 


TRADE   CATALOGUES  RECEIVED. 

P.  Lawson  &  Son,  Edinburgh,  and  20,  Badge  Bow,  Cannon  Street, 
London. — Catalogue  of  Forest  Irees  and  Shrubs. 

Stnart  &  Mein,  Kelso. — General  Catalogue  of  Forest  and  Orna- 
mental Trees  and  Shrubs,  Fruit  Trees,  Soses,  &c. 


TO    CORRESPONDENTS. 

*»*  We  request  that  no  one  will  write  privately  to  any  of  the 
correspondents  of  the  "  Journal  of  Horticulture,  Cottage 
Gardener,  and  Country  Gentleman."  By  doing  so  they 
are  subjected  to  unjustifiable  trouble  and  expense.  All 
communications  should  therefore  he  addressed  solely  to 
The  Editors  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture ,  oOc,  171,  Fleet 
Street,  London,  E.C. 

N.B. — Many  questions  must  remain  unanswered  until  next 
week. 

Bookb. — A  correspondent  wishes  for  the  names  of  books  treating  on 
Raisin,  Currant,  and  Fig  drying,  and  on  South  Australian  gardening. 
(A.  Y.).— "  The  Cottage  Gardener:,'  Dictionary  "  will  give  you  the  informa- 
tion on  all  the  subjects  you  name.  It  can  be  had  at  our  office  for  Gs.  6<i., 
or  post  free  for  7«.  2d. 

Creosoting  Wood. — A  Constant  Reader  would  be  obliged  if  "  Upwards 
and  Onwards"  would  state  how  and  at  what  cost  this  process  is  effected. 

Late  Peas.— A  correspondent  writes  that  "Mr.  Stephen  Castle,  of 
Prestwicb,  says  in  his  letter  in  your  last  publication  that  to  have  Peas  in 
October  on  this  side  Manchester  must  be  very  rare.  Pens  were  gathered 
and  eaten  several  times  (the  last  time  at  the  very  end  of  the  month),  in 
October,  at  Polefield  Hall,  Prestwich,  the  residence  of  Mr.  Howarth 
Ashton." 

Poplars  (TP.  C.).— The  rows  of  Poplars  in  the  Regent's  Park,  and  noar  ' 
Buckingham  Palace,  are  the  common  l,ombardy  Poplar.    They  will  bo 
higher  in  time. 

Mastic  l'homjie  Lefort  (IF.  C.).— Most  of  tho  London  seedsmen  who 
advertise  in  our  columns  could  supply  you. 

Select  Chrysanthemums  (H.  B).— White :  Beverley  and  Mrs.  George 
Rundle.  Rose-diadeit :  Prince  Alfred,  ChristiDe,  and  Lady  Harding. 
Crimson  and  Purple  :  Dr.  Sharpe,  Alma,  and  Prince  Albert.  Yellow, 
Orange,  and  Brown  :  Annie  Salter,  Golden  Beverley,  Little  Harry,  and 
General  Slade.  The  above  are  for  specimens.  Pompons. — White,  Golden, 
and  Lilac  Cedo  Nulli.lWhite  Trevenna,  Golden  Aurore,  Bob  (late),  Salamon, 
Duruflet,  Andromeda,  Florence,  Prince  Victor,  and  Sainte  Thais. 
Japanese. — The  Daimio,  James  Salter,  Red  Drngon.  The  Tycoon,  Na- 
gasaki Violet,  Wizard,  and  Negro;  Comet,  Dr.  Masters,  Meteor, Jupiter, 
and  Chromatella.    The  last  five  are  all  Bhades  of  yellow  and  orange. 

Floor  of  Greenhouse  {H.  Y.). — We  have  no  objection  to  the  earth 
being  the  floor  in  your  small  greenhouse  vinery.  There  will  be  no 
danger  of  damp  if  you  water  carefully  in  winter.  Concrete,  or  even 
gravel,  and  still  more,  tiles,  would  be  neater;  but  earth  is  very  well  pro- 
vided you  have  a  pathway,  and  nothing  is  better  than  a  narrow  trellis  of 
wood  crossing  in  short  pieces.  Then  when  you  clean  the  narrow  trellis 
and  rake  the  ground  the  bottom  will  always  look  neat  with  little  trouble. 

Laurels  Dying  tR.  0.  F.  S.).— We  think  the  dryness  may  have  some- 
thing to  do  with  your  Laurels  dying  off  one  branch  at  a  time.  There 
are  places,  however,  where  the  Laurel  will  not  flourish  many  years,  un- 
less it  iB  frequently  cut  down  or  shortened  back.  It  is  not  quite  so  safe 
to  cut  in  midwinter  as  early  in  autumn  or  the  middle  or  end  of  March ; 
but  if  work  i3  pressing  in  spring  we  would  not  hesitate  to  cut  back  now, 
say,  if  the  plants  are  large,  cutting  them  all  down  from  2.^  to  4  feet  from 
the  ground.  The  whole  plant  must  be  so  treated.  If  a  few  branches  or 
Limbs  are  cut  and  the  others  left,  the  plants  will  most  likely  die  at  the 
points,  and  then  farther  back.  We  have  frequently  renewed  Laurels  by 
thus  cutting-back.  The  cut  places  should  be  smeared  over ;  lightish 
paint  is  best. 

Cucumbers  Scabbed  {Jas.  Asburtj). — The  rind  of  the  fruit  is  affected 
by  a  dry  gangrene,  a  result  of  the  imperfect  elaboration  of  the  sap ;  but 
we  are  unable  to  tell  whether  it  is  caused  by  the  roots  absorbing  some 
mineral  in  a  soluble  state  that  the  leaves  and  fruit  cannot  appropriate, 
or  is  due  to  some  influence  of  the  atmosphere.  All  we  know  about  it  is 
that  it  is  most  common  in  limestone  soil,  or  where  the  plants  are  supplied 
with  water  from  limestone;  but  we  have  had  it  from  using  water  from 
ironstone.  It  is  a  subject  well  worthy  of  investigation,  and  we  should  be 
obliged  by  our  correspondents  giving  their  experience. 

Lichen  on  Araucaria  imbricata  (Forcnter).— From  your  description 
we  think  the  green  moss  is  a  Lichen,  which  may  be  destroyed  by  scrub- 
bing with  a  brush  dipped  in  strong  brine,  so  as  to  moiaten  every  part  of 
the  bark  affected.  Equal  portions  of  salt  and  water  will  not  be  too  strong, 
but  the  solution  mnst  be  applied  to  the  parts  where  there  are  no  green 
leaves,  aDd  there  only.  You  may  also  dust  the  tree  whilst  wet  with  quick- 
lime, which  will  destroy  both  the  moss  and  the  Lichen,  but  is  more 
unsightly  than  brine,  which  leaves  no  trace  of  its  application. 

Covering  Vines  with  Glass  (H.  Vernon). — We  Bhould  prefer  erecting 
against  the  wall  the  glass  slanting,  or  having  a  lean-to  about  6  feet  wide, 
and  this  will  allow  of  space  for  a  walk  inside  ;  and  you  could  have  Straw- 
berries and  Tomatoes  on  the  front  without  injury  to  the  Vines  on  the 
wall,  only  keep  the  Tomatoes  low  so  as  not  to  shade  the  Vines.  At  the 
top  and  bottom  have  a  board  11  inches  wide  hung  with  hinges,  which  you 
can  open  or  shut  as  needed  The  moisture  from  the  border  will  not  be 
too  much,  and  when  the  Grapes  are  ripening  you  can  secure  dryness  by 
withholding  water  and  giving  an  abundance  of  air.  Upright  sasbea  we 
do  not  approve  of  in  your  case,  for  they  would  be  more  costly  and  afford 
no  greater  advantages  than  a  lean-to.  Besides  the  Strawberries  and  To- 
matoes you  could  have  Vines  on  the  roof  at  every  6  or  8  feet ;  or  if  you 
wished  for  Peaches  and  Nectarines,  you  might  have  two  rows  of  double 
cordons  respectively  1  and  2  feet  6  inches  from  the  front,  which  in  a 
6-feet  width  of  house  would  leave  you  half  the  width  for  the  walk  and  the 
Vines.  The  glass  frame  ought  not  to  be  removed  in  the  winter.  It  would 
be  very  useful  in  winter  for  growing  salads. 

Various  (Centurion). — Beurre  d'Arembergwouldbe  improved  by  plant- 
ing against  a  south  wall,  but  a  west  aspect  is  best,  though  we  have  had 
it  fine  on  a  Bouth  wall.    Cleveland  Bigarreau  and  Werder's  Early  Black 


393 


JOURNAL   OF    HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  November  17,  1870. 


Cherries  succeed  well  on  a  south  wall.  Rose  Celine  Forestier  would  thrive 
well  against  the  east  side  of  your  house  if  planted  in  good  soil  and  watered 
well  both  at  the  root  and  overhead  in  dry  weather.  The  varieties  of 
Gladiolus  gandavensis  in  heavy  soils  should  be  taken  up  now  and  be 
planted  again  from  March  to  May,  but  so  soon  after  the  middle  of  March 
as  the  soil  is  in  good  condition.  We  know  of  no  Apples  that  do  well  on  a 
north  wall.  The  Morello  Cherry  does  exceedingly  well  on  that  aspect, 
and  so  do  Currants.  We  think  10  feet  quite  high  enough  for  pyramid 
Pear  trees,  for  when  higher  they  are  not  only  difficult  to  prune,  but  the 
fruit  on  the  upper  part  is  liable  to  be  injured  by  wind.  In  exposed  situ- 
ations we  consider  bushes  preferable  to  pyramids. 

Fumes  of  Coke  and  Charcoal  (H.  V.).— They  will  injure  all  your  plants, 
and  probably  destroy  some. 

Wintering  Plants  in  a  Room  (Saiiit  George).— -We  do  not  know  of 
anything  for  keeping  out  frost  that  would  serve  you  so  well  as  the  fire 
grate.  You  might  safely  have  a  fire  all  night  by  using  a  fire-guard. 
There  is  no  apparatus  that  would  suit  the  room  and  be  available  for  a 
greenhouse.  When  you  have  the  greenhouse  we  would  have  a  small 
boiler,  and  two  4-inch  hot-water  pipes  along  the  front  and  one  end,  with 
a  stokehole  outside. 

Guernsey  Lilies  nor  Flowering  (A.  F.).~—  It  is  unusual  for  these  to 
flower  the  second  year,  for  the  roots  suffer  considerably  on  being  taken 
up.  You  did  right  to  keep  them  growing  last  winter  after  flowering,  but 
it  was  a  mistake  to  keep  them  Quite  dry  in  the  pots.  You  should  have 
set  them  on  pans  filled  with  sand  kept  wet,  even  after  the  foliage  was  all' 
gone,  not,  however,  giving  any  water  by  the  surface,  but  from  the  wet 
sand  the  pots  would  have  derived  some  moisture.  In  August  you  shook 
out  the  bulbs  and  potted  in  fresh  soil— that  was  a  mistake;  they  ought 
uot  to  have  been  repotted,  but  kept  in  the  same  pots  until  the  bulbs  had  be- 
come so  large  as  to  burst  them,  and  should  have  been  kept  on  a  shelf  in 
the  greenhouse  constantly.  We  advise  you  to  try  them  that  way  after  this. 

Gesnera  splendens  Shedding  its  Flower  Bods  (G.  J.  B.).~ It  is  apt 
to  do  so  when  the  plants  have  been  grown  in  a  dry  heat,  and  in  a  moister 
one  the  plants  are  excited  into  growth,  and  the  buds  drop,  for  the  buds 
being  formed  in  a  drier  atmosphere,  they  are  incapable  of  the  expansion 
consequent  on  the  moist  one.  It  is  a  common  error  to  start  these  plants 
in  spring  and  grow  them  all  through  the  summer,  and  very  often  in 
vineries,  where  they  are  brought  into  a  semi-ripened  state  just  when 
they  are  forming  their  flowers,  so  that  when  they  are  placed  in  the  stove 
for  flowering,  from  the  moist  genial  atmosphere,  they  start  again  for 
growth;  the  cause  is,  therefore,  a  check.  We  have  known  it  caused  by 
allowing  the  plants  to  become  too  dry,  also  from  too  much  water,  and 
from  sudden  changes  of  temperature.  The  only  way  to  obviate  it  is  to 
not  start  the  plants  too  early.  May  is  soon  enough  for  winter  flowering, 
and  they  should  have  a  moist  genial  temperature,  with  abundance  of 
light  in  all  their  stages. 

Poinsettia  Losing  its  Lower  Leaves  (Idem).— It  is  due  to  the  wood 
ripening.  The  only  way  to  keep  on  the  lower  leaves  is  to  grow  the  plant 
in  a  good  temperature,  and  not  have  any  shoots  but  those  made  after 
June.  Dwarf  plants,  and  kept  so  by  growing  them  near  the  glass,  are 
less  liable  to  lose  their  leaves  than  tall  plants.  The  plant  being  decidu- 
ous, it  iB  not  possible  to  flower  it  without  its  losing  a  portion  of  its  leaves, 
at  least  we  have  not  seen  it  so  flowered,  except  in  the  case  of  small  plants. 

Creeping  Plant  for  Covering  a  Bank  (A  Hampshire  Highlander).— 
We  do  not  think  you  cou-ld  have  anything  better  than  Cotoneaster  micro- 
phylla ;  it  is  a  neat,  close-growing  evergreen,  producing  pretty  white 
flowers  in  summer,  and  bright  red  berries  in  autumn  and  winter. 
Rcegner's  Ivy  would  also  answer  well,  having  fine  large  leaves.  Vinca 
elegantissima  is  also  excellent.    It  has  variegated  foliage. 

Select  Herbaceous  Phloxes  (B.  B.).~ Comtesse  de  Chambord,  Ange 
Gardien,  L'Avenir,  Madame  Domage,  Madame  Barillet,  Liervali,  Madame 
Froment,  Madame  Lemort,  Madame  La  Marquise  de  Meronet,  Madame 
La  Comtesse  deMalart,  Monsieur  Dolamere,  Monsieur  Domage,  Monsieur 
Linden,  Monsieur  Mario  Saison,  Munsieur  Veitch,  Monsieur  W.  Bull, 
Queen  Victoria,  Roi  des  Roses,  Souvenir  de  Berryer,  Vierge  Marie,  Ama- 
bilis,  Aurantiaca  superba,  Due  de  Montebello,  and  Admiration. 

Anemone-flowered  Chrysanthemums  (Idem).—  Empress,  Fleur  de 
Marie,  Handel,  King  of  Anemones,  Lady  Margaret,  Louis  Bonamy,  Mar- 
guerite d'Anjou.  Marguerite  de  York,  Miss  Eyre,  St.  Margaret,  Nancy  de 
Sermet,  and  Mrs.  Pethers.  The  training  a  standard  Chrysanthemum 
requires  is  to  remove  all  the  shoots  except  one,  or  cut  them  away,  and 
keep  the  plant  to  one  stem  until  you  have  the  height  required,  and  then 
take  out  the  point  of  the  shoot.  When  it  makes  new  shoots  remove  all 
but  the  three  uppermost,  and  stop  them  when  6  inches  long,  tying  down 
the  shoots,  but  be  careful  not  to  break  them.  They  should  again  be 
stopped,  but  not  after  the  middle  of  July. 

Names  of  Fruits  (Centurion),— 1,  Much  like  Passe  Colmar  ;  2,  Duchesse 
d'Angoultme;  3,  Glou  Mor^eau;  4,  Conseiller  de  la  Cour  ;  5,  Easter 
Benrre  ;  6,  Belle  de  Noel.  (E.  Jones).—  We  have  no  fruit  from  you,  if  with 
your  own  signature,  or  merely  *'  J."  attached. 


POULTRY,   BEE.   AND   PIGEON    CHRONICLE. 


AWARDS— TRIMMING. 

Whatever  shortcomings  may  fairly  be  urged  against  Mr.  L. 
Wright,  everyone  will  give  him  credit  for  his  unvarying  persist- 
ency ;  and  though  I  have  the  well-known  axiom  Wore  me  as  to 
"  a  man  convinced  against  his  will,"  I  once  more  Uke  up  mv  pen 
in  reply  to  his  last  letter.  It  is  not  difficult  to  reconcile  his 
first  and  his  second  correspondence.  On  the  20th  of  October 
he  wishes  "  an  award  of  very  highly  commended  should  be 
given  to  all  pens,  and  to  those  only,  which  in  any  ordinary 
show  would  be  thought  worthy  of  a  place  in  the  prize  list," 
adding,  "if,  besides  this,  the  pens  highly  commended  were 
arranged  in  their  order  of  merit,  I  think  all  that  is  necessary 
would  be  done,"  &c,  &c. ;  and  on  November  10th  he  proceeds 


to  say,  "that  if  I  will  read  his  remarks  again  1  shall  see  that 
his  chief  suggestion  was  for  a  distinct  award  to  be  given  to  all 
pens,  and  to  those  only  which  in  an  ordinary  competition,  or 
by  intrinsic  merit,  deserved  a  prize,  and  that  this  was  the  point 
on  which  he  laid  stress,  and  on  which  he  wished  to  ask  my 
opinion,  and  on  this  Mr.  Hewitt  says  nothing."  Evidently 
finding  his  ground  as  to  the  highly-commended  pens  untenable, 
he  now  leaves  them  out  of  the  case  altogether. 

I  should  myself  have  been  really  much  pleased  if  Mr.  Wright 
had  carried  out  his  original  intention,  as  stated  on  October  10th, 
of  asking  my  opinion  privately  before  mentioning  it  in  these 
columns,  as  it  would  have  avoided  a  vast  amount  of  recapitu- 
lation and  a  rushing  into  print,  contrary  to  my  customary 
habits  and  desires.  I,  however,  give  every  credit  that  Mr. 
Wright  cannot  possibly  know  the  full  amount  of  my  poultry 
correspondence,  for  it  is  legion,  and  ofttimes  when  I  have  even 
written  for  twelve  consecutive  hours  without  scarcely  a  moment's 
intermission,  and  without  desire  of  fee  or  reward — how  fre- 
quently, I  say,  has  the  very  next  post  delivery  placed  me  in 
exactly  the  same  fix  in  respect  of  poultry  querists  as  that  from 
which  I  had  thus  laboriously  extricated  myself ;  in  fact,  it  is 
not  long  since  our  postman,  when  delivering  my  letters,  said 
half  playfully  and  half  earnestly,  "If  the  master's  letters  go 
on  in  this  way  I  shall  soon  have  to  bring  them  to  him  in  a 
wheelbarrow."  Still ,  as  Mr.  Wright  seems  to  have  started  a 
new  transatlantic  suggestion,  I  purpose  to  give  the  requested 
honest  opinion  as  succinctly  and  plainly  as  I  can  do,  so  as  to  ad- 
mit of  no  misconstruction.  I  cannot  see  much  difference  as  to 
whether  pens  are  very  highly  commended  or  simply  highly 
commended,  so  long  as  he  wishes  them  "  arranged  in  their 
order  of  merit,"  for,  if  these  words  have  a  meaning  at  all,  any 
practical  judge  will  at  once  reply  that  this  is  not  only  awarding 
the  customary  three  prizes,  but  also  the  additional  very  highly 
commended  and  the  highly  commended  pens  in  "  their  order 
of  merit"  —  a  task  infinitely  more  difficult  and  time-taking 
than  the  prizes  themselves.  If  the  intention  of  these  avowed 
introductions  is  simply  to  give  a  sufficiently  close  idea  of  the 
state  of  the  competition  in  the  respective  classes  to  would-be 
purchasers,  surely  this  is  as  fully  met  by  a  glance  at  the  number 
of  pens  highly  commended.  If  they  appear  in  numbers  the 
competition  is  of  necessity  good,  and  if  the  prizes  only  are 
awarded,  it  is  equally  significant  that  the  competition  was  at 
best  scanty,  or  possibly  that  the  prizes  themselves  were  only 
reluctantly  awarded  by  the  judge  to  the  best  birds  present.  I 
repeat,  from  conviction,  to  carry  out  this  new  arrangement  in 
the  time  is  utterly  impossible. 

The  American  diploma  Mr.  Wright  now  substitutes  for  his 
former  designation  is  Bimply  placing  the  same  facts  under  fresh 
colours.  The  honorary  diploma  card,  which  Mr.  'Wright  sug- 
gests should  in  print  state  "  that  in  an  ordinary  competition 
this  pen  would  be  worthy  of  a  prize,"  will,  I  fear,  meet  with 
as  little  favour  at  the  hands  of  committees  as  at  my  own, 
simply  from  the  indisputable  fact  that  poultry  judges  are 
already  far  too  overtaxed,  and  cannot  bear  the  additional 
feather  that  to  a  proverb  destroys  the  powers  of  endurance  of 
even  the  camel  itself. 

Not  to  recapitulate,  I  must  give  one  other  very  cogent  reason 
why  increased  labours  in  the  same  time  are  most  unadvisable. 
If  so  many  extra  adjudications  are  to  be  made  in  the  same 
time,  the  far  more  important  awards  for  the  customary  prizes 
must  of  sheer  necessity  be  proportion  ably  hurried  over  and 
slighted,  which,  in  my  humble  opinion,  should  never  for  an 
instant  be  entertained. 

Mr.  Wright  then  reverts  to  his  old  theory,  "  trimming,"  and 
states  with  "  the  results  of  his  labours  he  is  abundantly  satis- 
fied." If  he  is  "  abundantly  satisfies,"  far  be  it  from  me  to 
interfere  with  his  self-complacency ;  but  still  on  "trimming" 
he  goes  on  to  say,  "  Mr.  Hewitt  will,  I  think,  admit  there  is 
some  difference,  however  small,  between  the  present  time  and 
two  years  ago."  My  admission  is  complete  ;  some  years  back 
I  disqualified,  and  by  name  published  the  full  particulars  of  a 
very  cobbling  job  by  sticking  in  the  tail  feathers  of  a  Bantam 
cock  with  cobbler's  wax.  In  the  present  day  we  have,  on  the 
contrary,  quite  a  scientific  refinement  on  this  very  primitive 
mode  of  procedure  :  it  is  now  the  manipulation  of  an  artist, 
the  desired  tail  feathers  are  fixed  to  a  nicety  in  the  barrel  of 
the  natural  quill  with  quick-drying  varnish.  The  progress  we 
have  made  seems  to  be  this,  as  the  eyes  of  amateurs  generally 
are  specially  directed  to  the  subject,  the  really  exquisite  work- 
manship of  the  trimmers  of  the  present  time  is  far  more 
difficult  to  discover,  and  afterwards  prove  to  conviction,  than 
that  of  former  days,  but  the  intentions  of  those  who  prac- 


November  17,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


399 


tise  these  deceptions  remain  as  unchanged  as  ever — viz.,  to 
obtain  by  fraud  that  which  they  cannot  hope  to  accomplish  by 
honest  means. 

Mr.  Wright  remarks,  "  that  the  worst,  or  one  of  the  worst 
trimmers  he  ever  knew  is  also  a  man  who  sells  eggs  that  hardly 
eyer  hatch."  I  fancy  I  know  several  amateurs  who  were  the 
victims  of  this  individual,  now  happily  removed  from  this  and 
all  other  fancies.  He  used  to  sell  as  "  eggs  from  his  best  hens  " 
(which  undoubtedly  was  true  to  the  letter)  eggs  that,  having 
been  incubated  some  week  or  bo,  on  inspection  proved  unfer- 
tilised. He  sold  them,  gloried  in  his  dead  robbery,  and  gained 
money.  In  short,  there  are  knaves  in  all  classes  of  society, 
and,  consequently,  in  the  poultry  world  as  among  all  around 
us  ;  such  are  not  poultry-fanciers,  but  money-getters  only,  and 
it  behoves  all  persons  to  be  on  their  own  guard  for  their  indi- 
vidual protection.  Somewhat  lately  a  gentleman,  a  stranger 
to  myBelf,  but  who,  I  am  informed,  is  a  young  man  of  very 
considerable  means,  wrote  me  a  letter,  requesting  me  to  say 
whether  a  pen  of  poultry  he  had  bought  at  a  very  long  price 

was  the  first-prize  pen  I  had  before  me  at  the show, 

particularly  requesting  me  to  give  him  "  my  own  candid 
opinion  of  the  affair,"  for  if,  as  some  of  his  friends  told  bim, 
"  they  were  not  the  birds,  this  would  be  the  third  time  he  had 
been  taken  in  in  the  same  way,  to  his  great  vexation."  The 
hamper  being  already  dispatched,  I  was,  as  it  were,  compelled 
to  see  them,  and  to  the  best  of  my  knowledge  and  belief  I  then 
saw  them  for  the  first  time  in  my  life.  As  to  the  requested 
"  candid  opinion  of  the  affair,"  I  suggested  in  my  reply  that  I 
thought  "  his  want  of  caution  proved  bim  to  be  plnc'ky,  but 
not  wise."  It  may  be  urged,  Why  did  I  not  conjointly  pro- 
secute? The  birds  were  taken  back  and  the  money  refunded, 
the  seller  saying  "they  were  not  the  birds  he  now  believed, 
but  must  have  been  exchanged  in  transit  on  the  railway,  and 
he  was  a  great  loser."  Surely  arbitrators  have  quite  enough 
to  contend  with  within  the  respective  shows  themselves,  with- 
out beiDg  pulled  into  constant  hot  water,  brought  on  from  the 
want  of  care  in  confiding  purchasers  ;  and  if  buyers  will,  in 
direct  opposition  to  the  suggestions  in  my  last  letter,  pursue 
the  almost  certain  course  to  such  difficulties,  however  much  to 
be  deplored,  tbey  must  help  themselves. 

Mr.  L.  Wright  is  undoubtedly  correct  in  his  advice,  "  never 
to  deal  with  a  known  trimmer;"  but  I  must  differ  in  opinion 
with  that  gentleman  in  his  mode  of  making  such  an  one  "  feel 
you  despise  him  ;"  this  cannot  be  attained  simply  by  the  ap- 
pellations of  a  "  reverend  sinner,"  the  "  scum,"  &c.  On 
mindB  so  seared  as  those  to  whom  I  have  just  alluded,  public 
or  individual  opinion  goes  for  little  ;  their  ill-gotten  gains  are 
clutched  as  .the  result  of  their  duplicity,  and  this  one  object 
attained,  the  expression  of  disgust  of  the  victim  and  his  friends 
is  lost  altogether,  and  is  as  ineffective  where  there  is  no  moral 
shame  to  "  make  them  feel,"  as  would  be  a  discharge  of  dust- 
shot  levelled  at  the  back  of  an  alligator  or  a  rhinoceros.  Their 
only  really  vulnerable  part  is,  in  my  opinion,  a  pecuniary  one, 
ana  should  I  see  the  pen  of  birds  alluded  to  again,  that  did 
win,  a  thorough  exposure  at  my  hands  will  certainly  ensue,  lead- 
ing, I  trust,  to  prosecution.  I  will  not  infer  for  a  moment,  as 
Mr.  Wright  appears  to  do,  that  every  individual  who  trims 
is  to  be  avoided  as  a  man  capable  of  even  far  more  atrocious 
acts  than  simply  trimming,  and  no  one  could  regret  more  than 
I  should  any  instance  of  disgrace  to  an  exhibitor,  "  who  is 
in  the  hands  of  his  servant,  and  who  knows  little  of  his  fowls 
himself ;"  but  judges,  of  course,  cannot  adjudicate  on  the 
spot  as  to  the  actual  aggressor,  but  simply  on  the  act  committed, 
whilst  I  myself  really  fear  (and  I  hope  not  uncharitably)  that 
in  most  cases  of  trimming,  the  proprietor  and  his  man  are  both 
rowing  in  the  same  boat,  pulling  together,  and  have  the  self- 
same goal  in  view. 

Mr.  Wright  asks  for  the  publication  of  the  name  of  the  pro- 
testor to  whom,  in  my  former  letter,  I  alluded  as  caught  with 
the  cocks'  combs  (for  there  were  two  fowls),  "  sewn  through 
and  through  to  keep  them  upright ;"  adding  he  krjew  of  one  of 
the  protestors  who  stained  the  Cochin  cock's  wings,  but  he 
thought  it  (unwittingly  on  my  part),  an  injustice  to  refer  to 
Buch  an  "enormity,"  adding  "one  is  not  some."  I  confess 
that  Mr.  Lewis  Wright  and  mystlf  differ  very  widely  in  our 
opinions  as  to  the  justice  or  even  good  taste  of  publishing  an 
offender's  name  anew  after  he  has  already  suffered  disqualifi- 
cation for  his  crime,  and  consequent  punishment.  The  birds 
were  not  disqualified  by  myself,  but  by  one  of  the  most  shrewd, 
expert,  and  conscientious  of  our  judges  with  whom  I  am  ac- 
quainted. This  gentleman  called  my  attention  to  them  parti- 
cularly ;  at  a  show  at  which  I  was  his  colleague,  held  shortly 


afterwards,  he  pointed  out  to  me  (in  hand)  the  still  unhealed 
punctures — for  the  judge  himself  took  out  the  stitches  at  the 
former  show — where  the  combs  had  been  "  sewn  through  and 
through  to  keep  them  upright."  A  catalogue  was,  after  judging, 
produced,  and,  as  I  had  been  previously  apprised,  they  belonged 
still  to  the  party  stated,  and  he  was  a  protestor  against  trim- 
ming. Not  for  publication,  as  I  think  it  uncalled-for  to  the 
offender  to  personally  renew  the  charge  so  long  time  past,  but 
to  satisfy  the  Editors  of  the  Journal,  I  enclose  to  them  the 
name  of  the  delinquent,  and  also  that  of  the  very  reliable  judge 
who  at  the  time  ditqualified. 

It  being  evident  that  Mr.  Liwis  Wright  speaks  rather  from 
theory  than  from  practical  experifnee  on  the  matter  of  judging 
poultry  shows,  and  is,  perhaps,  scarcely  aware  of  its  present 
difficulties,  irrespective  of  any  further  additional  labours,  I 
wish,  therefore,  to  offer  that  gentleman  a  proposition  that  if 
accepted  will,  I  think  there  is  not  any  doubt,  finally  settle  the 
question  ;  and  let  me  assure  Mr.  Wright  that  I  am  quite  open 
to  conviction,  for  if  I  find  myself  in  error  I  hereby  pledge 
myself  to  adopt  his  plans  if  tbey  work  well.  We  are  now  get- 
ting into  the  short  days,  and  I  have  many  shows  at  which  I  am 
engaged  very  shortly  to  officiate.  Pray  let  me  induce  Mr. 
Wright  to  accept  the  adjudications  in  a  single  instance.  I  will 
use  my  best  endeavour  to  cause  some  committee  to  acqui- 
esce in  the  change.  The  entries  shall  not  exceed  five  hundred 
pens,  for  if  there  are  more  I  will  cheerfully  take  all  the  excess 
on  myself.  We  can  arrange  to  begin,  aB  promised  us,  by  nine, 
and  the  rest  of  the  daylight  is  before  us  ;  but  I  cannot,  contrary 
to  all  precedent,  promise  him  a  bed  of  Roses  with  bis  portion. 
Interruptions  and  distractions  from  the  committee  asking  for 
advice,  and  from  time  to  time  the  already  completed  awards 
for  the  printed  catalogue,  may  possibly  occur.  But  Mr.  Wright 
shall  have  unrestricted  liberty  for  the  exercise  to  the  full  of  all 
his  shrewdness  and  practical  sagacity,  not  only  to  evoke  in  the 
first  instance  the  customary  triple  prizes  from  the  original 
chaos  of  the  various  classes,  but  also  unmolested  he  may  intro- 
duce any  of  the  American  diplomas,  very  highly  commendeds, 
highly  commendeds  ('in  the  order  of  merit"),  commendeds, 
and  anything  further  he  pleases  to  do.  When  he  has  completed 
his  duties,  if  he  can  still  say,  "  I  look  back  on  the  general 
results  of  my  labours  and  am  abundantly  satisfied,"  I  ques- 
tion whether  it  may  not  prove  much  after  the  fashion  of  the 
schoolboy  when  he  sings — 

"  Multiplication  is  a  vexation, 

DiviBion  is  as  bad  ; 

The  rule  of  three  does  bother  me, 

And  practice  drives  me  mad." 
— Edward  Hewitt. 


AT   SOUTHAMPTON    SHOW. 
No.  2. 

"  Unto  Southampton  do  we  shift  our  scene.'— (Shakespeare's 
Henry  Y.,Act2.) 

Tuesday  one  o'clock  the  Show  is  opened,  and  soon  after  I 
stand  within  Carlton  Hall,  a  long  building  with  semi-circnlar- 
headed  windows  on  either  side,  and  with  an  orchestra  at  the 
end  opposite  to  the  one  at  which  I  enter.  The  bareness  of  the 
walls  is  somewhat  relieved  by  a  portrait,  bust-shaped,  of  some 
one  or  other  of  the  English  poets,  being  painted  above  each 
window,  and  an  oil  painting  beneath,  while  the  orchestra  op- 
posite me  has  an  organ  flanked  by  shrubs  and  flowers  taste- 
fully arranged.  All  this  the  eye  takes  in  at  once.  On  a  closer 
look  one  sees  a  table  facing  one  covered  with  the  silver  prizes, 
among  which  conspicuous  by  their  beauty  and  value  are  the 
cups  given  by  Mr.  Merrick  Hoare,  M.P.,  and  his  wife.  Happily 
for  those  who  always  win  silver,  there  are  not  only  cups  but 
egg  stands  (how  suitable  !),  candlesticks,  a  tea  urn,  a  jewel  box, 
spirit  stands,  the  last  intimating  that  the  health  of  the  South- 
ampton Committee  and  the  Judge  were  to  be  drunk  from  their 
contents ;  and  I  saw  among  the  prizes  that  very  useful  thing,  a 
biscuit  tin  ;  indeed,  cups  were  happily  not  in  a  majority.  Let 
other  committees  think  of  this. 

The  poultry  pens  were  arranged  along  the  walls,  and  on  each 
end  ;  and  there  were  two  rows  down  the  body  of  the  Hall,  where 
also  were  the  dear  little  Canaries  and  their  kindred  Finches, 
while  Macaws,  Parrots,  Pheasants,  and  the  larger  cage  birds,  were 
across  the  further  end ;  while  the  Pigeons  by  an  excellent  and 
very  effective  arrangement,  had  the  orchestra  all  to  themselves. 

I  am  half  inclined  to  fancy  that  the  worthy  Committee,  by 
the  way  in  which  they  numbered  the  pens,  had  an  eye  to  the 
health  of  all  visitors,  and  especially  of  reporters,  for  the  num- 
bers dodged  about  sublimely,  and  I  had  to  walk  hither  and 


400 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTUBE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER.  [  November  17, 1870. 


thither,  doubtless  to  the  great  benefit  of  my  liver,  but  also  to 
my  great  bewilderment ;  so  if  you  please,  let  the  numbers 
another  lime  run  in  the  order  of  the  pens  as  they  stand  in  the 
Hall,  and  let  me  alBO  say  that  pens  with  open  wire  backs  must 
be  given  up.  The  birds  naturally  retire  back,  and  doing  so 
push  their  tails  through  the  wires,  as  I  saw,  to  the  great  injury 
of  their  plumage.  Then,  also,  if  they  bad  whole  backs,  the 
central  rows  eould  be  arranged  back  to  back.  With  these  two 
exceptions,  the  first  troubling  the  visitors,  the  last  injuring  ex- 
hibitors, the  Show  was  conveniently  and  very  tastefully  ar- 
ranged, and  Mr.  Warren,  the  Secretary,  was,  like  all  his  brother 
secretaries  that  I  have  ever  come  across,  kind  and  courteous. 
I  dislike  and  wish  to  discourage  unkind  criticism,  that  criticism 
with  a  selfish  motive  which  is  too  often  appearing,  but  a  hint 
to  improve  it  is  well  to  drop.  "  Who  are  the  critics?  "  says 
Mr.  Disraeli,  in  "Lothair."  "Those  who  have  failed  io  science 
and  art,"  is  the  answer.  Who  are  the  severe,  fault-finding, 
judge-censuring  critics  in  the  poultry  world  ?  Those  who  have 
failed  to  obtain  prizes. 

The  Spanish  class  was  thin,  but  good.  The  firBt-prize  pen 
contained  a  cock  with  a  wrinkled  face  and  a  suspicion  of  blind- 
ness, the  hen  was  almost  tailless  (this  last  remark  I  make  for 
the  special  benefit  of  "  Shropshire  Rector,"  who  likes  matters 
relating  to  ie-tail),  but  this  pen  beat,  of  course,  the  next  prize 
pen,  which  contained  nice  birds  but  deficient  ia  face.  The 
Dorkings  (age  over  one  year),  were  most  numerous,  but  Mr. 
Martin's  rose-combed  pen  won  easily,  the  moult  was  on  many 
others.  Dorking  chickens  were  abundant  and  excellent,  and 
"  commendations  "  were  rightly  sown  very  thick.  I  handled 
the  second-prize  cock,  and  found  him  grand  in  shoulder  and 
back,  and  very  promising.  Cochins  were  not  numerous.  Oat 
of  the  seventeen  pens  about  a  third  were  Partridge,  and  one 
only  White.  The  Dark  Brahmas  were  so  few  that  a  binocular 
■was  needed  to  find  them,  while  the  Light  were  blazing  in  front 
in  long  rows.  The  Game  classes  were  good,  and  many  were 
grandly-built  birds,  the  "  little  bits  of  things  "  not,  happily, 
making  their  appearance.  The  Hamburghs  were  poor  save  the 
winning  birds.  The  Polish  pleased  me  much  better,  and  the 
Judges  too,  as  every  pen  but  one  was  noticed.  Great  credit  is 
due  to  the  few  tenacious  and  spirited  admirers  of  these  birds. 
Messrs.  Boothby  and  Hinton  have  written  well  on  them,  and 
have  also  won  with  their  pets,  though  missing  the  first  prize, 
which  was,  indeed,  most  excellent.  Then  came  the  French 
classes,  which  must,  indeed,  be  making  way,  as  they  were 
very  numerous.  It  is  easy  to  see  that  the  silver  prizes  draw. 
"  Bother  the  money,  I  don't  want  it  "  (lucky  man  that !),  said 
an  exhibitor,  "  I  want  a  cup." 

The  "Any  variety"  class  was  not  numerous — seven  pens 
only,  yet  the  birds  were  very  nice,  witness  the  Black  Ham- 
burghs and  the  prize  Malays.  By  the  way,  "Y.  B.  A.  Z.'s" 
two  pens  of  Malays  out  of  the  whole  seven,  to  say  nothing  of 
the  Malay  blood  that  stared  at  me  in  the  great  frames  in  the 
Game  class.  The  Game  Bantams  were  very  numerous,  but 
mostly  too  Bantam-like.  Where  were  the  long  legs,  the  thin 
forms,  the  6nake  heads  we  want?  But  I  went  back  again  and 
again  to  admire  the  cock  in  the  cup  pen ;  he  was,  indeed,  a 
Game  bird.  It  was  gratifying  to  see  a  revival  in  Sebrighte,  they 
numl  ered  ten  pens,  far  more  than  Birmingham  could  show  a  few 
years  ago.  Of  Ducks,  I  must  say  some  were  "  little  ducks  ;"  in- 
deed, those  called  Paradise  mighthave  been  petted  by  Eve  herself. 
Geese  and  Turkeys  apparently  stayed  at  home  all  but  a  few. 

The  "  Selling  class,"  that  class  useful  in  enlarging  the  poultry 
fancy,  was  numerous,  and  the  prices  sensible;  the  Pheasants 
very  beautiful,  but  very  few.  I  must  notice  a  pair  of  African 
Cranes,  who  craned  their  necks,  apparently  thinking,  "  Where 
in  the  world  have  we  got  to  ?"  The  dead  poultry  and  eggs  were 
not  ornamental,  but  certainly  in  the  interest  of  utility,  and 
should,  therefore,  always  appear  at  a  poultry  show. 

Mounting  the  platform-like  orchestra  I  find  the  Pigeons,  and 
here  the  numbers  were  so  puzzlingly  placed  that  I  had  to  play 
a  game  of  hide-and-seek  to  find  them.  Strange  that  so  few 
Pouters  were  shown,  when  Fantails  numbered  so  strongly.  Is 
the  grand  old  fancy  bird  not  loved  as  formerly  ?  As  at  Glas- 
gow, Blues  won,  and,  except  one  pen,  all  were  good.  Good, 
too,  very  good,  were  the  Tumblers.  Among  the  Barbs  all  the 
winners  were  Blacks.  The  Jacobins,  first  prize,  were  very  rich 
in  colour,  and  excellent.  The  Fantails  were  marked  "  a  very 
excellent  class."  Among  the  Owls  nothing  could  exceed  the 
first-prize  birds,  they  were  fairy-like;  the  highly  commended 
birds,  white  with  blue  tails,  much  pleased  me.  Turbits  very 
good.  Carriers  few,  and  the  few  pens  not  full,  but  good  in 
quality.    Among  the  Trumpeters  there  were  a  grand  pair  of 


Blacks  for  first  prize.  The  Dragoons  produced  a  novelty,  for 
a  pair  of  Yellows  were  first,  beating  Blues.  The  "Any  distinct 
vaiiety  "  class  pleased  me  greatly,  and  the  Black  Florentines, 
together  with  the  Leghorn  fowls  and  Paradise  Ducks,  were 
the  new  things  of  the  Show.  Among  the  "  Selling  class  "  were 
some  good  birds,  and  not  dear.  In  short,  a  better  number  of 
fancy  Pigeons,  more  advantageously  exhibited,  it  has  seldom 
been  my  lot  to  6ee. 

And  now  descending  the  orchestra,  I  go  to  inspect  the  Can- 
aries, which,  to  say  truth,  drew  my  heart  to  Southampton.  It 
seems  to  me  that  fowls  endure  a  show,  and  in  the  evening  get 
excited  ;  that  Pigeons  dislike  a  show;  but  that  those  dear  little 
bits  of  caged  vanity  Canaries  delight  in  a  show,  quite  revel  and 
glory  in  it,  and  think  it  such  an  excellent  opportunity  forgetting 
admiration.  How  they  like  the  company  ;  how,  if  healthy,  they 
strut  and  hop  and  twitter ;  how  they  pop  their  heads  through 
the  hole  in  front,  not  by  any  means  always  to  get  water,  but  to 
get  nearer  to  you,  and  to  show  off  their  little  heads  ;  how  each 
tiny  bit  of  feathered  conceit  seems  to  say,  "  Come  now,  am  I 
not  the  very  prettiest  of  all?  Say  so,  there's  a  good  chap."  The 
Clear  Norwich  stood,  as  they  always  ought,  btingpar  excellence 
the  Canaries,  first  and  foremost,  and  more  thorough  Jonques 
(I  prefer  that  term  to  Yellows),  it  was  impossible  to  imngine, 
as  may  be  inferred  from  eleven  being  noticed  out  of  twenty. 
Oh  !  Wby  would  the  breeders  make  a  poor  country  parson 
break  the  tenth  commandment?  Clear  Buff  (no, Iwo'n't  have 
it);  Clear  Mealy  followed,  and  such  "intensifying  the  colour 
under  the  meal,"  as  says  our  "W.  A.  B.,"  I  never  saw  ex- 
ceeded. Mealy  !  why,  sir,  they  were,  some  of  them  Jonques 
frosted  on  the  back.  Cleaver  cleft  his  competitor  in  twain,  and 
secured  second  prize.  Marked  and  Variegated  Jonque  and 
Mealy  were  also  good.  The  Any  variety  Norwich  were  chiefly 
Crested  birds,  some  of  great  beauty,  the  dark  full  crest  in  many 
being  as  good  as  possible.  Then  the  Belgians,  those  to  my 
poor  untutored  mind  elongated  bits  of  distortion  ;  but,  please, 
no  challenge  from  your  admirers,  for  I  should  claim  "liberty 
of  clergy."  Kindred  to  Belgians  clearly  are  Scotch  Dons,  a  few 
of  which  appeared  ;  they  are  Belgians  sent  to  a  posture-master, 
and  taught  to  put  down  their  shoulders.  Then  came  the 
Lizards,  and  I  felt  What  a  pity  it  is  that  your  great  and  singular 
beauty  does  not  last  more  than  one  season.  The  first-prize 
bird  was  fairly  gold,  and  the  Silver-spangled  were  also  very 
excellent,  all  noticed  but  one.  But,  perhaps,  the  gems  of  gems 
were  the  Goldfinch  Mules.  I  could  not  leave  them.  Think  of 
all  being  so  good  as  to  be  noticed.  No  wonder,  when  such  a 
perfection  of  colour,  markings,  and  shape,  are  possible  of 
attainment  that  Mule  breeders,  in  spite  of  a  hundred  dis- 
appointments, should  still  persevere.  Here  was  a  Jonque, 
pure  in  colour,  with  a  Goldfinch  glow  on  the  head,  and  even 
wings.  Then  the  Mealy  first-prize  was  cream  of  the  cream, 
a  suitable  description  for  so  light  a  bird.  Perhaps  this  bird 
was  the  hest  of  all,  and  the  fine  Goldfinoh  beak  in  place  of  the 
shorter  Canary  beak  gives  a  delicate  point  to  the  slender  shape 
of  Goldfinch  Mules,  and  sets  off  their  symmetry.  "  Any  other 
variety  "  class  produced  some  Eiugular  Mules  as  to  breeding, 
and  a  first-prize  London  Fancy.  I  own  I  was  perfectly  fasci- 
nated by  the  Southampton  Canary  Show,  which  exceeded  all 
even  that  I  had  heard  of  it. 

The  British  Birds  gave  variety  to  the  scene,  though  one 
pitied  the  Larks,  and  said  to  the  Nightingale,  "  You  bird  of  the 
night  are  indeed  out  of  place  here."  Then  the  Foreign  Birds 
gave  colour  to  the  scene.  First-prize  Cockatoo  got  off  his 
prize  ticket  and  trampled  it  under  his  foot — his  estimate  of 
honour  !  The  Macaws  and  Cardinals  gave  a  tropical  glow  to 
the  Show ;  while  Whidah  Finches,  old  favourites  of  mine, 
whisked  their  long  tails  or  moved  slowly  like  Court  ladies. 

Such  was  Southampton  Show,  something  worth  writing 
about ;  and  why,  I  ask,  should  there  not  bo  cage  birds  at  all 
covered  shows?  An  ornithological  exhibition  must  bring 
more  visitors,  and  be  in  itself  more  beautiful  than  merely  a 
poultry  and  Pigeon  show.  Embrace  all  varieties  of  birds,  and 
you  cater  for  all  varieties  of  tastes.  The  man  who  loves  a 
Game  cock  despises  a  Canary,  but  the  lady  who  loves  the  latter 
thinks  the  former  a  horrible  bird.  Please  them  both  ;  do 
another  year  at  Bristol  as  is  done  at  Southampton,  and  then 
Clifton  ladies  will  send  their  pets,  and  many  more  come  into 
the  Drill  Hall. — Wiltshire  Rectob. 


NON-PAYMENT  OF  PRIZES. 
At  the  Great  Horton  Show  held  September  10th,  a  prize  list 
of  which  appeared  in  your  columns,  we  obtained  second  prize 


November  17,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


401 


in  Class  13,  and  having  repeatedly  applied  to  the  Secretary  for 
the  same  without  meeting  with  any  response,  we  beg  to  ask 
you  what  steps  we  should  take  to  obtain  payment  ? — W.  &  C. 
Bubniston. 

[Let  your  solicitor  give  notice  that  if  the  prize  is  not  paid 
proceedings  will  be  taken  in  the  County  Court. — Eds.] 


SOUTHAMPTON   SHOW. 

I  ruBCHASED  a  pen  of  prize  poultry  at  the  late  Southampton 
Show,  gave  my  name  and  address  at  the  Secretary's  office,  and 
paid  for  it  by  cheque.  I  was  assured  that  the  birds  would  be 
sent  to  me  by  rail  as  soon  as  the  exhibition  dosed.  Five  days 
elapsed,  and  after  in  vain  sending  every  day,  at  considerable 
inconvenience,  to  the  railway  station,  I  wrote  to  Mr.  Philip 
Warren,  the  Secretary,  demanding  the  reason  for  the  delay  in 
sending  them,  but  received  no  reply.  I  also  wrote  to  my 
banker,  requesting  him  not  to  honour  my  oheque,  but  found  it 
had  been  presented  and  cashed  three  days  previously.  I  then 
thought  of  writing  to  the  exhibitor,  and  by  return  of  post  bad 
a  very  kind  answer,  stating  that  he  was  not  aware  the  birds 
had  been  claimed,  as  they  were  sent  back  to  bim,  and  it  was 
fortunate  I  had  written  in  time,  for  he  was  on  the  point  of 
selling  them  to  another  person. 

I  would  on  no  account  charge  the  Secretary  with  dishonour- 
able conduct,  but  I  do  most  unhesitatingly  accuse  him  of  gross 
carelessness  and  neglect  of  duty.  I  am  perfectly  aware  that 
the  secretary  of  such  exhibitions  has  a  most  arduous  task  to 
perform,  and  allowances  must  be  made  for  accidents ;  but 
when  a  man  undertakes  a  duty  of  the  kind,  he  should  feel  his 
responsibilities  to  the  public,  and,  instead  of  sending  a  clerk  to 
the  office,  endeavour  to  be  there  himself. — J.  D.  Hoysted,  The 
Parsonage,  Brademtoke,  Chippenham,  Wills. 

P.S. — I  have  just  received  (November  12lh)  the  enclosed  note 
from  Mr.  Philip  Warren.  Nine  days  after  the  Show  he  has 
thought  proper  to  reply  to  my  letter. 


AYR   ORNITHOLOGICAL    SOCIETY'S   SHOW. 
(From  a  Correspondent.) 

The  ninth,  annual  exhibition  of  this  Society  was  held  in  the 
Assembly  Rooms,  Ayr,  on  the  12 th  inst.  The  Johnstone  Show  being 
nnfortuuately  fixed  for  the  samo  day,  there  were  considerably  fewer 
fancy  Pigeons  than  in  former  years,  but  the  young  Pouter  and  Fantail 
classes  were  the  only  two  which  were  deficient  in  quality.  The  iormer 
of  these  was  a  complete  failure,  there  having  been  only  three  pens  on 
view,  none  of  which  in  former  years  would  have  been  considered 
worthy  of  mention,  the  first  prize  being  awarded  to  a  pair  of  Mealies 
of  more  than  average  length,  but  unmatched  for  colour  and  markings, 
and  deficient  in  carriage,  although  the  absence  of  blocks  in  the  pens 
somewhat  accounted  for  the  lack  of  motion.  The  other  two  pens,  Black 
and  Red,  were  better  in  colour  and  markings,  but  much  inferior  in 
length  of  feather  and  form.  The  Pouters  in  the  class  for  any  age  be- 
longed to  a  much'superior  grade  of  birds,  and  although  few  in  numbers 
(seven  pairs),  there  were  several  first-class  pens.  The  first-prize  Red 
cock,  originally  from  the  loft  of  Mr.  John  R.  Adam,  of  Canning  Park, 
is  an  old  winner  at  this  Show,  and  well  deserved  his  place,  although 
the  hen,  never  his  equal,  was  in  bad  feather.  The  second-prize  pen 
(Black)  consisted  of  well-matched  fair  birds,  but  I  think  they  would 
have  been  better  placed  after  the  pen  of  Whites,  which  were  placed 
third  ;  but  all  the  others  mentioned  were  so  good  and  level  in  quality, 
that  I  was  not  surprised  to  hear  many  fanciers  of  different  opinions 
as  to  the  places  awarded. 

The  first-prize  Carriers  were  a  magnificent  pair  of  Duns,  which 
judges  and  the  public  alike  at  first  sight  challenged  as  hoth  cocks,  but 
they  proved  their  sex,  and  were  universally  admitted  to  be  deserving 
of  their  place.  The  second-prize  birds  in  my  estimation  were  much 
inferior  to  the  very  highly  commended  pen,  and  the  third  to  several 
not  placed  at  all. 

The  Short-faced  Tumblers  embraced  sis  pens,  all  of  superior  quality  ; 
amongst  them  were  several  English  celebrities,  and  I  should  have 
liked  to  have  seen  pen  19,  a  pen  of  magnificent  Blue  Beards  (hitherto 
known  as  Mr.  Frank  Graham's,  if  I  mistake  not),  placed  higher  than 
very  highly  commended,  but  the  three  prize  pens  were  all  splendid 
Almonds ;  the  first  two  matched  to  a  feather,  and  the  third,  containing 
an  old  cock  of  extraordinary  merit  in  head,  beak,  and  carriage,  but  too 
dark,  and  matched  to  a  hen  of  comparatively  little  value.  Altogether, 
however,  this  class  was  an  honour  to  the  exhibition. 

The  Barbs  filled  only  four  pens,  and  I  rather  think  that  the  judges 
made  a  mistake  in  not  placing  the  third  first,  and  vice  versa,  as  in 
everything  except  hright  cere  I  thought  them  inferior  to  all  the  others 
exhibited,  and,  before  the  Show  closed,  the  cere  was  considerably 
faded.  I  noticed  that  the  very  highly  commended  pen  consisted  of 
birds  of  1870,  and  I  should  have  liked  to  have  seen  them  awarded  a 
prize,  as  they  were  of  rare  quality. 

The  Fantails,  as  1  have  stated,  were  a  sorry  lot,  for  although  a  few 


good  birds  were  shown,  there  was  not  a  pair  of  even  average  merit. 
The  first-prize  cock  was  a  grand-tailed  bird,  hut  devoid  of  nerve,  and 
the  hen  was  in  my  estimation  simply  a  weed.  Had  the  hen  in  the 
verv  next  pen  belonging  to  the  same  exhibitor  been  shown  with  the 
first-prize  cock,  the  pair  might  have  been  worthy  of  a  first  place,  hut 
amongst  so  many  inferior  birds  the  judges  could  not,  perhaps,  do 
better  than  they  did. 

The  Jacobins,  however,  were  the  feature  of  the  Exhibition,  the 
whole  class  being  magnificent  in  chaiu  and  hood,  and  I  believe  the 
judges  must  have  decided  the  merits  of  the  birds  from  the  single  point 
of  size,  if  I  except  the  second-prize  Whites,  which  for  Whites  were 
really  good.  I  think,  however,  that  the  first-prize  Blacks  should  have 
given  place  to  the  third-prize  Yellows,  and  the  very  highly  commended 
Reds,  both  of  the  same  owner,  a  very  young  lady,  who  is  to  be  envied 
for  her  magnificent  stud  of  little  short-faced,  heavy-hooded,  and  long- 
chained  Jacks.  The  Trumpeters  were  no  fewer  than  1  expected  in  a 
place  celebrated  for  this  breed,  and  it  is  not  too  much  to  say  that  the 
first-prize  Blacks  cannot  be  equalled  out  of  Ireland.  The  Tnrbits,  as  a 
whole,  were  good,  the  first-prize  Reds  and  the  second-prize  Blues 
being  first-rate.  In  Owls  I  never  saw  such  close  competition — so  close, 
indeed,  that  fanciers  wondered  how  the  judges  managed  to  draw  a  line, 
there  being  only  one  pen  below  exhibition  merit.  Nuns  and  Magpiea 
were  shown  together.  The  former  (all  coarse  except  the  first-prize 
pen),  monopolised  the  prize  cards  ;  but  the  Magpies,  I  think,  were  far 
more  deserving.  The  common  Tumblers  and  Selling  Class  call  for  no 
remark,  but  the  three  pens  placed  iu  "the  varieties,"  were  all  splendid 
specimens,  and  there  were  many  others  of  great  beauty  and  merit. 

The  Canaries  (all  of  the  Scotch  Fancy)  were  admitted  to  be  su- 
perior to  any  ever  seen  in  Ayr,  although  the  local  exhibitors  did  not 
succeed  in  keeping  many  prizes  at  home.  There  was  a  good  show  of 
fancy  Doves,  and  conspicuous  upon  the  tables  was  a  beautiful  pure 
white  Robin,  the  property  of  Sir  Peter  Coates,  one  of  the  Patrons  of 
the  Society,  or  rather  of  Miss  Coates,  which  attracted  much  notice. 

Annexed  is  the  prize  list. 

Pouters—  Young.— 1,  A.  C.  Glass,  Ayr.  2,  D.  Munn,  Kilmarnock.  3,  A 
Crawford,  Beith.  Any  ane.—l,  J.  Mair,  Kilmarnock.  2,  D.  Munn.  3,  G.  B. 
Phillips,  Ayr.  he.  Miss  E.  M.  Beveridge,  Ayr.  c,  A.  H.  Lmrie,  Bourtree  Park, 
Ayr. 

Carriers  — 1,  A.  Brown.  Kilmarnock  (Dun).  2,  D.  Munn  (Black).  3,  Miss  E. 
M.  Beveridge  (Black),  vhc,  R.  Gibson,  Kilmarnock,  he,  J.  Mair.  c,  A.  C. 
Glass. 

Tumblers  (Short-faced).— 1.  T.  "Wilson,  Gas  Works,  Stewarton  (Almonds). 
3,  J.  Mair  (Almonds).  3,  Miss  E.  M.  Beveridge  (AlmondB).  vhc  and  he,  Miss 
B  ■- (Blue Beards  and  Agates).  .       _    „ 

Barbs.— 1,  J.  G.  Orr,  Beith  (Red).  2,  D.  Young,  Ayr  (Black).  3,  Miss  E.  M. 
Beveridge  (Red),    vhc.  G.  B.  Phillips  (Black!.  _  .    t 

Fantails.—  1.  K.  McM.  Banks,  Broomberrv  (White).  2,  T.  Wileon  (White). 
8,  R.  Gibson  [White},  vhc,  F.  Graham,  Birkenhead,  he,  J.  D.  Bin-ell,  St. 
Quivox.    c,  J.  Gnlt,  Kilbirnie. 

Jacobins.— 1  and  3,  Miss  E.  M.  Beveridge  (Black  and  Yellow).  2,  J.  Gait 
(White),    vhc,  Miss  Beveridge  (Red),    c,  D.  Young  (Red). 

Trumpeters.— 1,  Miss  E.  M.  Beveridge  ( Klack).  2.  D.  Munn  (White).  3,  Miss 
Beveridge  (Mottles),  vhc,  J.  G.  Grr  (Mottles),  he,  G.  B.Phillips  (White),  c,  J. 
D.  Bin-ell  (White). 

Tcrpits.-I,  Miss  E.  M.  Beveridge  (Red).  2,  D.  Munn  (Blue).  8,  Mrs.  J. 
Muir,  Dairy  (Silver),  vhe,  D.  Young  (Red),  he,  R.  McM.  Banks  (Silver), 
c,  W.  McKinlay,  Kilmarnock  (Blue). 

Owls— 1,  A.  H.  Iuirie  (Blue).  2.  W.  McKinlay  (Blue).  3,  J.  Man-  (Blue). 
rhr,  Mies  E.  M.  Beveridge  (Blue) ;  he  and  c,  G.  B.  Phillips  (Silver). 

Nuns  or  Magpies.-1,  F.  Graham  (Black  Nuns).  2  and  e,  W.  McKinlay 
Black  Nuns  and  Magpies).  3,  T.  Imrie,  Bourtree  Park  (Black  Nuns),  vhc,  G. 
1>.  Phillips  (Yellow  Magpiea).  ..  . 

Tumblers  (Common).— 1,  G.  B.  Phillips  (Black  Balds).  2.  W.  McKinlay 
(Blue  Barred).  3.  A.  C.  Glass  (Yellow),  rhr.  R.  Kirkland  (Black),  he,  Miss  E. 
M.Bevt  ridge  (Mottles),    c,  A.  Crawford  (Black). 

Any  other  Variety.- 1,  T.  Imrie  (Archangels).  2.  Miss  E.  M.  Beveridge 
(Starlings).  3.  F.  Graham  (Lahore*).  rhe,  J.  McCreath.  Forehill  (Dragoons). 
he,  A.  H.  Imrie  (Antwerps).     e,  G.  B.  Phillips  (Austrian  Pouters). 

Selling  Class.— 1  and  8,  G.  B.  Phillips  (Pouters  and  Carriers).  2.  T.  Imne 
(Blue  Pouters),  vhc  and  c,  A.  Crawford  (Fantails  and  White  Barbs),  he,  R. 
McM.  Banks  (Priests). 

CANARIES. 

Yellow.— Cock.— 1,  R.  Hanston.  Kilbirnie.  2.  D.  Dick.  Kilmarnock.  8,  J. 
Pattison.Elderslie.  Hen.— 1,  J.  WilBon,  Beith.  2.  R.  Crawford.  3,  R.  Crone, 
DalmelUngton.  .   .     .       „   m 

Buff.— Cock.— 1,  J.  Conn,  Armick  Lodge.  2,'R.  Crawford,  Kilbirnie.  3,  T. 
McVie,  Kilwinning.  Hen.— 1,  H.  Davidson,  Armick  Lodge.  2,  R.  Houston, 
Kilbirnie.    3.  R.  Crawford. 

Ptebald.— Yellow.—  Cock.— 1,  H.  Johnstone.  JohnBtone.  2,  J.  Glasgow, 
Beith.  3,  H.  Calder,  Ayr.  Hen.— 1,  A.  Crawford.  2,  J.  Seaular,  Kilmarnock. 
3.  H.  Johnstone.  Luff'— Cock.— 1  and  3,  A.  Boreland,  Galston.  2,  J.  Norris 
Ardrossan.    Hen.— 1,  A.  Crawford.    2.  R.  Baxter,  Beith.    3,  J.  Norris. 

Goldfinch  Mule—  Yellow.— 1  and  2,  G.  Bryden,  Ayr.  8,  J.  M.Nieol,  Pottery, 
Old  Cumnock,    Lujff.—l  and  2,  H.  Gondie.    3.  J.  M.  Nicol. 

Parrots.— 1,  R.  J.  Newton.    2,  A.  Glass.    Shell.— 1,  R.  Smith,  Ayr. 


STOCKTON-ON-TEES   ORNITHOLOGICAL 
SOCIETY'S   SHOW. 

The  second  annual  exhibition  of  Canaries,  Mules,  and  British  birds, 
was  held  in  the  Temperance  Hall,  Stockton,  on  the  12th  inst.,  when 
birds  of  first-rate  quality  were  brought  together,  but  the  number  was 
somewhat  smaller  than  last  year. 

The  closest  competition  was  in  the  Lizard  classes,  which  were  re- 
markably good,  the  same  birds  being  exhibited  as  those  sent  to  other 
shows  in  the  district,  although  some  of  them  have  since  changed 
owners.  The  Norwich  classes  were  also  very  well  represented.  The 
Variegated  Mule  prize  bird  waB  a  splendid  yellow.  The  British  birds 
made  np  the  most  extensive  class  in  the  Show,  and  embraced  a  great 
variety  of  specimens,  some  of  which,  although  they  did  not  boast  a 
card  oa  the  cage,  were  very  much  admired  by  visitors. 

Subjoined  are  the  awards. 
Belgian.— Clear  Yelloie.—l,  J.  N.  Harrison,  Belper.  2,  B.  Eobinson,  Middles- 


402 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


(  November  17,  1670. 


trough,  he,  R.  Corney.  Stockton.  Clear  Buff— I,  J.  Jackson,  Stanhope.  2,  R. 
Robinson,    he.  J.  N.  Harrison. 

Norwich  —Clear  Jonque.— 1  and  2,  Moore  &  Wvnne,  Northampton,  lie,  T. 
Irons,  Darlington.  Clear  Buff.— I  and  2,  Moore  &  Wynne,  lie,  R.  Simpson, 
Whitby.  Evenly-marked  Joiujue.—l,  R.  Hawman.  Middlesbrough.  2,  Moore 
and  Wynne,  he,  C.  Greenwood,  Scarborough.  Evenly-marked  Huff— I  and 
2,  Moore  and  Wynne,  he,  W.  &  C.  Burniston.  Middlesbrough.  Tieked  or  Un- 
evenly-marked Jonque.— 1  and  2,  Moore  &  Wvnne.  he,  R.  Hawman.  Ticked  or 
Unevenly-marked  Buff.— I  and  2,  Moore  &  Wvnne.  he,  R.  Hawman.  Crest  — 
1,  T.  Irons.    2,  R.  Hawman.    he.  Moore  &  Wynne. 

Coppy  Crest.— 1,  Fairclough  &  Howe,  Middlesbrough.  2,  W.  Cotton,  Middles- 
brough. 

Lizard. — Gol<len-.spangled. — 1,  R.  Hawman.  2,  Stevens  &  Burton,  Middles- 
brough, he,  R.  Ritchie,  Darlington.  Silver-spangled.— 1  and  he,  Stephens  and 
Bnrton.    2.  R.  Ritchie. 

Cinnamon.— Jonque.— 1,  Fryer  &  McClune,  Stockton.  2  and  lie,  T.  Irons. 
Buff.—1,T.  Irons.    2,  Moore  &  Wynne. 

Yorkshire.— Clear  Yellow. -1,  'j.  Rowland,  Skelton.  2,  H.  Ward,  Skelton, 
Clear  Buff—  1,  W.  W.  Johnson,  Northallerton.  2,  J.  Jackson.  Stanhope,  he,  H. 
Ward.  Variegated  Yellow.— 1  and  2,  Stephens  &  Burton,  he,  A.  Webster,  jim., 
Kirkstall,  Leeds.  Variegated  Buff— I.  R.  Hawman.  2  and  he,  Stephens  4  Burton. 

Canary.-  Clear  Green.— 1,  Stephens  &  Burton.  2,  H.  Jordison,  Stockton. 
he,  Tenniswood  A  Brown,  North  Acklam,  Middlesbrough.  Any  other  Variety. 
—1,  T.  Craggs,  Stockton.    2.  Moore  tt  Wvnne.    Collection  of  Six,  in  variety.— 

1,  Stephens  &  Burton.    2,  R.  Lavlield,  Darlington,    he,  T.  Calvert. 
Goldfinch  Mule—  Variegated.— I,  H.  Ashton,  Prestwich.    2.  W.  J.  Stewart, 

Darlington,    he,  W.  &  H.  Winter,  Guisborough.    Dark—  1,  Stephens  &Burton. 

2,  W.  &  H.  Winter,    he.  M.  JackBon. 

Goldfinch— 1,  J.  N.  Harrison.  2,  Stephens  &  Burton,  he,  Tenniswood  and 
Brown. 

Linnet  (Brown,  moulted).  —  I,  W.  &  C.  Burniston.  2,  J.  N.  Harrison. 
he,  Fairclough  &  Howe. 

British  Bird  (Any  other  variety).— 1,  Fryer  &.  MoCune.  2,  R.  Corney. 
Stockton.    7ic,  G.  Deighton,  Darlington. 

special  Class  (Brown  Linnet  Mode).— 1,  C.  Robinson,  Gainford.  2,  W.  &  C. 
Burniston.    he,  R.  Hall,  Stockton. 

Judge. — Mr.  John  Blenkinsop,  Darlington. 


HATFIELD   ORNITHOLOGICAL   SOCIETY'S 
SHOW. 

"  We  had  only  seven  classes  last  year.  Arthur  and  I  got  it 
up.  But  you  see  we  have  done  better  this  year."  Verily,  Hat- 
field is  a  fit  illustration  of  the  oft-repeated  truism,  "  Unity  is 
strength."  At  some  places  one  sometimes  finds  a  want  of  unani- 
mity, and  we  hear  of  splits  in  the  camp.  All  don't  pull  the 
same  end  of  the  rope.  Such  might  take  a  lesson  from  the  Hat- 
field "Happy  Family."  Only  seven  classes  last  year,  but  this 
year  twenty-two,  with  an  entry  of  more  than  two  hundred 
birds !  I  think  that  is  doing  better ;  and  better  will  be  made 
better  still  another  year,  for  a  more  enthusiastic,  energetic  set  of 
workers  it  would  be  hard  to  find.  "Arthur"  is  not  Secretary, 
nor  was  my  informant ;  indeed,  it  would  be  difficult  to  define  the 
relative  positions  of  the  various  members  of  the  executive,  all 
were  so  earnest  and  hearty.  Mr.  George  Stones,  the  Honorary 
Secretary,  it  was  evident,  was  the  mainspring  of  the  clock,  but 
the  timepiece  seemed  made  of  such  a  happy  combination  of 
material,  that  undue  expansion  or  contraction  of  parts  is  next  to 
an  impossibility. 

"  Arthur  "  met  me  at  the  railway  station  with  a  dog-cart  and 
fast-stepping  horse — that  is,  when  it  began  to  step  after  the 
manner  of  horses  generally,  for  its  first  performance  was  on  its 
hind  legs.  I  was  afraid  it  might  feel  inclined  to  stand  on  its 
other  legs,  and  a  thick  kicking-strap  appeared  to  me  very  much 
like  evidence  that  it  would  rather  like  the  fun.  However,  after 
a  few  capers,  backing,  and  filling,  and  trying  to  go  astern,  the 
three-year-old  condescended  to  go  on,  and  soon  whisked  us  int  > 
the  historical  village  of  Hatfield ;  not  so  quickly  but  that 
"Arthur"  had  time  to  tell  me  with  evident  pride  that  as 
recently  as  May  last  the  horse  was  unbroken,  and  no  one  but 
himself  dared  open  the  stable-door.     And  my  life  is  not  insured  ! 

I  was  so  much  engaged  all  day  that  I  had  no  time  to  explore 
the  beauties  of  the  place,  and  contenting  myself  with  the  in- 
formation that  a  battle  was  fought  in  6S8  (I  won't  answer  for  the 
date),  r.t  Hatfield  Lings,  that  some  of  the  armour  dug  up  on 
the  field  of  battle  is  in  the  grand  old  church  of  St.  Lawrence ; 
and  that  in  the  vestry  of  the  same  church  there  is  a  Peter's  pence- 
box,  of  which  there  are  only  three  in  England.  Contenting 
myself  with  this,  I  resolved  to  fall  back  on  the  county  directory, 
which,  unfortunately,  tells  me  nothing.  Ex  nihil,  nihil  fit  will 
apply.  I  did  make  a  few  pencD  memoranda  on  the  back  of  my 
catalogue,  but  they're  all  rubbed  out,  and  I  can't  help  it.  I  can 
just  make  out  something  about  the  end  of  Westfield  House  being 
covered  with  beautiful  variegated  ivy,  and  that's  all. 

The  Show  was  held  in  the  Boys'  School,  an  old  brick  building 
bearing  date  16-some'hing,  erected  and  endowed  with  a  small 
annual  income  by  some  benevolent  old  gentleman  of  the  period. 
The  loom  was  very  tastefully  decorated  with  festoons  and 
wreaths  of  evergreens,  interspersed  with  delicious  autumn 
flowers,  while  several  very  cleverly  executed  scrolls  with  appro- 
priate mottoes  were  traced  on  the  broad  whitewashed  beams  of 
the  ceiling,  from  which,  too,  were  suspended  some  vegetable 
marrows  and  pumpkins.    It  was  evident  that  Hatfield  meant  to 


do  the  thing  properly.  The  whole  village — village !  it's  more  like 
a  town,  has  a  market,  and  is  lighted  with  gas — was  laid  under 
contribution  for  wherewith  to  cover  the  walls ;  and  the  cases  of 
stuffed  animals  and  birds  so  obtaiaed  were  in  themselves  a  most 
interesting  exhibition,  and  sufficient  to  stock  a  decent  museum. 
From  the  collection  I  should  infer  that  Hatfield  is  very  prolific 
in  weasels,  stoats,  polecats,  and  other  scented  Digitigrada ;  that 
they  are  found  singly,  in  pairs,  and  in  groups  of  six,  and  that 
they  feed  on  every  conceivable  form  of  animal  whose  blood  con- 
sists of  red  sealing-wax;  that  many  varieties  of  Owls,  Hawks, 
and  other  Accipitres  are  indigenous  to  the  neighbourhood ;  while 
the  Passerina:,  Scansores,  Gallinaceaj,  and  Grallatoriae  have  nu- 
merous representatives.  Frosty  weather,  too,  sometimes  brings 
visitors  from  the  Palmipedes,  and  a  fat  little  specimen  in  a  neat 
glass  case  was  pointed  out  as  having  been  won  as  a  prize  at  a 
bird  show  at  D.mcaster  One  bird  puzzled  me  sorely.  In  shape 
it  resembled  nothing  which  ever  issued  from  an  egg.  Such  a 
Mule  would  make  any  man's  fortune.  A  friend  with  whom  1 
had  much  pleasant  chat  during  the  day,  said  it  was  a  hen 
harrier,  but  I  think  it  should  go  in  the  "  Any  variety  "  class. 

I  must  not  forget  the  pigs — pigs  at  a  Canary  Show  ?  Yes. 
Why  not  ?  Outside  of  course.  Proud  the  owners  were  of  them, 
and  well  they  might  be,  as  they  lay  snugly  ensconsed  in  moun- 
tains of  clean  straw,  themselves  hillocks  of  fat.  I  thought  them 
a  very  useful  kind  of  bird  to  a  cottager  on  14s.  a-week. 

The  Show  proper  was  a  great  success.  All  the  staging  was 
draped  <"i  la  Crystal  Palace  and  Sunderland,  and  very  pleasing 
was  the  general  effect.  From  the  prize  list  underneath  the 
character  of  the  birds  will  be  easily  gleaned.  Mr.  Young  ap- 
peared for  the  first  time  this  season,  his  hitherto  matchless  Buff 
Variegated  Goldfinch  being  much  admired.  No.  121  in  the 
same  class,  bred  and  shown  by  Mr.W.  Chesney,  was  a  remarkably 
nice  Jonque  bird.  It  is  of  the  heavily  but  evenly-marked  class, 
grand  in  colour  and  in  splendid  condition,  but  not  very  large ;  a 
bird  very  bad  to  beat  in  anything  but  first-class  company.  There 
was  quite  a  show  of  Goldfinches  and  Linnets,  about  fifty  in  all. 
The  district  abounds  in  them. 

The  Show  was  well  attended  throughout  the  day,  in  fact  the 
room  was  crowded  with  ladies  and  gentlemen  in  the  evening, 
and  moving  about  was  a  difficulty.  It  closed  at  nine,  and  then 
began  the  packing  for  Stockton,  and  well  it  was  done.  "  Arthur  " 
had  conveyances  in  attendance  to  run  the  Stockton  lots  to  Don- 
caster,  and  he  and  I  did  the  journey  behind  the  three-year-old, 
who  repeated  his  morning  waltz  with  a  few  new  steps.  What  a 
glorious  drive !  a  good  road,  a  good  nag,  a  moonlight  night,  and 
a  beautiful  country.  Left  Doncaster  1.20  a.m.,  and  reached  home 
6  a.m.,  half  frozen. — W.  A.  Blakston. 

Belgian.— Clear  Yellow.— I,  J.  N.  Harrison,  Belper.  2,  Ross  &  White,  Atter- 
cliffe.  c,  W.  Needier.  Hull.  Clear  Buff.-l,  W.  Needier.  2,  J.  N.  Harrison. 
lie,  Ross  &  White,    c,  L.  Belk. 

Norwich.— Clear  Yellow,— 1  and  2,  Moore  A  Wynne,  Northampton,  vhc,  T. 
Irons,  Northampton.  Clear  Buff.—\  and  2.  Moore  &  Wynne,  he,  J.  ThomaB 
Evenly-nmrked  Yellow  or  Buff.—l,  E.  Mills,  Sunderland  (Yellow).  2,  H.  N.  Foa- 
brooke.  vhc,  Moore  &  Wynne.  Unevenly-marked  Yellow  or  Buff.—l  and  2, 
Moore  &  Wynne,    vhc,  J.  Thomas  (Buff),    he,  J.  H.  Clarke. 

Yorkshire—  Clear  Yellow.— 1,  E.  Mills.  2.  T.  Fletcher,  Sheffield,  lie,  W. 
Chesney.  c,  G.  Lister.  Clear  Buff.—l,  W.  Hutton,  Baildon,  Leeds.  2,  E. 
Mills,   vhc,  O.  Macdonald.   he,  F.  Higgins.  Pontefract.   c,  T.  Green.   Marked.— 

1,  W.  J.  Stewart,  Darlington.  2  and  vhc,  L.  Belk.  lie,  T.  Fletcher,  c,  F.  HigginB. 
Cinnamon. — Clear  Jonque. — 1  and  2.  T.  Irons,    vhc,  J.  Spence,  Sunderland. 

e,  A.  [J.  Wells.  Clear  Buff.—l,  T.  Irons.  2  and  vhe,  Moore  &  Wynne,  lie,  J. 
Young,  Monkwearmouth. 

Lizard.— Golden-spangled.— 1.  J.  Taylor,  Middlesbrough.  2,  J.  N.  Harrison. 
vhc,  E.  Mills,  he,  L.  Belk.  Silver-sjiangled. — 1,  J.  N.  Harrison.  2,  L.  Belk. 
vhc,  J.  Taylor. 

Crested   or   Turncrown   (Any  variety).- 1,  J.  Young   (Crested  Norwich). 

2,  W.  Hutton  (Coppy  Created),  vhe,  J.  J.  S.  Clarke,  he,  J.  Thomas  (Clear 
Crested) ;  T.  Johnson. 

Canary  (Green  or  Grey).— 1,  —  Atkinson,  GateBhead  (Clear  Green).    2,  E.  M. 
Shaw.  The  Parks. 
Goldfinch.— 1.  J.  N.  Harrison.    2.  G.  Addv.  S,  Miss  Birdsall.    Light  Male. — 

1.  J.  Young.  2,  W.  Chesney.  vhc,  W.  Needier ;  J.  Stewart ;  W.  &  C.  Burniston 
Middlesbrough  Dark  Mule.  —  1,  Moore  &  Wynne..  2,  J.  Young,  vhc,  W. 
Chesney;  W.  Hutton.    he,  W.  Needier. 

Linnet.— 1,  J.  N.  Harrison.    2,  MisB  A.  Poskitt,  Hatfield. 

British  Bird  (Any  variety). — 1,  C.  Gunnec,  Hatfield  (Chaffinch  Rockingham). 

2,  T.  E.  Fosbrooke  (Bullfinch). 

Foreign  Bird  (Any  variety).— 1,  T.  E.  Fosbrooke  (Diamond  Sparrow).  2,  A. 
J.Wells  (Loobird). 

Local  Class.— Canary  (Any  variety).— 1,  C.  Gunnee,  Hatfield.  2,  A.  Fos- 
brooke (Marked  Norwich). 

Judge. — Mr.  W.  A.  Blakston,  Sunderland. 


NORTHAMPTON  CANARY  SHOW. 
If  ever  a  Canary  Show  merited  the  support  of  the  fancy, 
surely  that  under  the  management  of  Mr.  G.  Moore  at  North- 
ampton is,  of  all  others,  that  show.  I  notioe  that  the  entries 
close  on  the  19th,  that  is  on  Saturday  next,  and  Mr.  Moore 
ought  to  receive  such  a  bumper  as  is  not  often  aocorded  to  any 
Secretary.  Moore  and  Wynne,  the  Siamese  twins,  a  kind  of 
double-yolk  arrangement,  are,  I  think,  the  greatest  supporters 
of  our  Canary  shows  in  England,  while  the  town  of  North- 


November  17,  I8TO.  J 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


403 


ampton  generally  contains  more  all-England  exhibitors  than 
any  other  place.  No  catalogue  is  complete  without  them,  and 
seldom,  indeed,  does  one  appear  without  their  names  figuring 
prominently  in  the  front,  and  dull  would  our  stages  appear 
unless  lighted  up  by  the  wonderful  birds  they  send  out.  I  do 
hope  that  this  short  reminder  may  attract  the  attention  of 
many  an  exhibiting  committeeman,  who  has  often  been  cheered 
by  Moore  and  Wynne's  bulky  envelope  on  the  eventful  day  of 
closing  of  entries;  and  that  in  east,  west,  north,  and  south,  in 
every  place  which  Northampton  has  for  years  generously  pa- 
tronised, it  will  be  considered  a  fitting  opportunity  to  pay  a 
graceful  oompliment  to  the  town  by  sending  entries  to  its  Show. 
— W.  A.  Blakston. 


"WAR  ON  THE  BRAHMAS." 

At  a  meeting  of  the  North-western  Poultry  Association,  held 
at  Chicago  some  time  since,  there  was  a  very  lively  discussion 
on  the  standard  of  excellence  of  Light  Brahma  fowls,  whether 
they  should  possess  a  single  or  double  comb.  Many  of  the 
members  of  the  Association  expressed  themselves  dissatisfied 
with  the  standard  of  excellence  of  the  Brahma  fowl,  now  re- 
cognised by  many  breeders. 

Daniel  Worthington,  President  of  the  Association,  presented 
various  authorities,  showing  the  original  Brahmas  to  have  been 
quite  different,  in  style  and  shape,  from  the  present  standard  ; 
stating  they  were  generally  single-combed,  the  pea  comb  being 
the  exception  ;  that  the  form  was  more  round  and  plump  ; 
shorter  legs  and  bodies ;  not  so  gawky,  and  better  layers ;  colour, 
slightly  buff  on  the  baok,  with  a  general  mixture  of  grey. 

After  discnseion  pro  and  con,  it  was  finally  decided  that  as 
the  present  Light  Brahma  fowl  was  certainly  a  very  superior 
bird,  and  the  standard  now  in  use  was  endorsed  by  all  the 
prominent  American  and  English  breeders,  the  Association 
would  not  change  the  present  standard,  but  rather  adopt  another 
for  the  Light  Brahma,  with  single  comb  and  markings  in  con- 
formity to  the  authorities  quoted  by  Mr.  Worthington,  thus 
enabling  exhibitors  to  show  both  single  and  pea-combed  fowls. 

A  late  number  of  the  Prairie  Farmer  remarks  upon  this  sub- 
ject (the  war  on  the  Brahmas),  as  follows  : — "  It  is  at  last  over, 
and  there  is  peace  in  the  hearts  of  the  combatants.  The 
question  of  double  combs  and  single  combs  for  Brahmas,  is 
settled  in  a  manner  that  ought  to  please  both  sides,  whether  it 
does  or  not.  The  decision  virtually  amounts  to  this: — That  a 
Brahma  fowl  may  possess  either  a  single  comb  or  a  pea  comb, 
according  to  the  taste  of  the  individual  breeder;  at  least  such 
is  the  decision  of  the  North-western  Poultry  Association.  The 
protraoted  discussion  among  its  members  has  resulted  in 
making  two  classes  of  Light  Brahmas,  and  in  establishing  a 
standard  of  excellence  for  each." 

This  Sooiety,  in  its  proceedings,  ignored  the  standard  of 
excellence  and  description  of  this  breed  of  fowls,  as  laid  down 
by  Tegetmeier,  as  being  "  incorrect  and  not  adapted  as  a  sate 
guide  for  the  judging  of  "  Light  Brahma  fowls.  Whether  the 
action  of  this  Society  in  this  particular  will  be  adopted  by 
others  yet  remains  to  be  seen. — (Moore's  Rural  New  Yorker.) 


THE  YORK  RABBIT  SHOW. 
Mr.  Millington  takes  me  to  task  for  commenting  on  the 
glowing  account  given  by  "  Ccniculus  "  of  the  attractive  prize 
list  for  Rabbits  at  the  approaching  York  Show,  and  declares 
the  schedule  to  be  "  the  very  best  ever  issued  by  any  com- 
mittee in  England."  I  have  not  the  courage  to  deny  such  a 
positive  statement ;  but  as  few  things  under  heaven  are  ab- 
solutely perfect,  I  would  aBk,  Where  is  the  justice  of  charging 
the  same  entrance  fee  for  the  Variety  classes  as  for  the  Lop- 
ears,  aDd  then  awarding  less  prize  money  ?  This  outrage  on 
common  fairness  is  the  more  apparent  when  it  is  remembered 
that  P»abbits  for  the  Variety  classes  must  (I  know  not  why)  be  in 
pairs,  entailing  more  expense  in  carriage.  If  the  York  Com- 
mittee think  this  just,  I  believe  the  fancy  generally  will  wonder 
where  they  learnt  logic.  Surely  the  same  proportion  of  en- 
trance fee  to  prizes  ought  to  be  maintained  in  all  classes  of 
Rabbits,  unless  the  Committee  wish  systematically  to  discourage 
the  exhibitors  in  the  Variety  classes,  who,  however,  cannot 
easily  be  dispensed  with.  The  latter  cannot  see  why  they 
must  send  their  specimens  in  pairs  more  than  the  Lop-ear 
fanciers  ;  but  Mr.  Millington  emphatically  says,  "  I  differ  from 
your  correspondent ;  I  think  they  ought  to  be  shown  in  pairs." 
but  he  does  not  vouchsafe  one  reason  to  show  the  reasonable- 


ness of  his  dictum.  Mr.  Millington  quotes  the  last  Hull  Show 
as  proving  my  inconsistency  in  thinking  a  cup  might  have 
been  given  at  York  for  the  Varieties,  when  two  cups  are  to  be 
offered  for  Lop-ears.  I  would  remind  him  that  ours  at  Hull 
was  a  newly-started  Show,  and  that  the  Committee  bad  to  tread 
their  way  very  cautiously,  which  is  not  the  case  at  York,  where 
there  is  annually  a  large  surplus.  At  all  events,  we  did  act 
justly  and  consistently  in  our  money  premiums,  giving  to  Lop- 
ears  £1  and  10s.  prizes,  entrance  fee  2s.  6if. ;  and  for  varieties 
15s.  and  7s.  (id.,  entrance  fee  Is.  Gd.  This  proporlioning  of 
the  fee  to  the  premium  is,  I  think,  an  arrangement  that  must 
commend  itself  to  all  lovers  of  fair  play.  It  was  not  I,  but 
another  correspondent,  animadverting  on  the  injustice  of  the 
York  schedule,  who  spoke  of  pairs  beiDg  put  into  one  pen,  and 
often  presenting  disgusting  scenes.  I,  who  know  how  the 
arrangements  are  at  York,  cheerfully  admit  that  in  this  respect 
the  Show  is  a  model  for  others  ;  but  nobody  knows  better  ihan 
Mr.  Millington  that  in  nineteen  cases  out  of  twenty  the  Varie- 
ties are  put  in  pairs  into  pens,  and  that  no  exhibitor  can  be 
certain  what  state  his  doe  may  be  in  wben  she  comes  home. — 
L.  G.  Hudson. 

EXPERIMENTS     WITH     PERMANGANATE     OF 
TOTASH   AS  A   CURE    FOR   FOUL   BROOD. 

Notwithstanding  the  many  investigations  which  have  been 
made,  and  the  different  opinions  which  have  been  expressed, 
by  men  eminent  in  the  apiarian  world  of  science,  the  origin  and 
cause  of  this  fatal  disease  have  hiiherto  baffled  all  attempts 
which  have  been  made  to  discover  them,  while  its  cure  remains 
equally  shrouded  in  mystery.  Like  many  other  bee-masters, 
I  have  suffered  very  coni-iderably  from  this  plague,  hence  I  am 
naturally  anxious  to  find  out  a  cure,  and  ever  ready  to  make 
any  experiments  in  which  there  is  the  smallest  possible  pro- 
spect of  success. 

A  friend  of  mine  received  from  an  Eoglish  apiarian  a  small 
quantity  of  the  permanganate  of  potash,  with  instructions  for 
using  it  as  a  cure  for  foul  brood,  but  he  having  no  diseased 
hives  sent  it  to  me,  and  I  happening  at  the  time  to  have  a 
colony  affected  with  this  dreadful  malady,  readily  agreed  to 
give  it  a  trial.  The  following  is  the  mode  of  proceeding: — 
The  quantity  sent  (as  much  as  would  lie  on  tbe  point  of  a 
table- krjift),  should  be  dissolved  in  a  gill  of  water,  of  which 
solution  a  table-spoonful  will  be  sufficient  for  each  pint  of 
syrup,  to  be  given  to  the  bees  whilst  in  quarantine.  As  soon 
as  they  have  all  partaken  of  it,  which  they  will  readily  do, 
mix  a  little  essence  of  peppermint  with  some  of  it,  and  pour 
it  on  them  in  the  skep  in  which  they  have  clustered,  so  as  to 
insure  their  being  wetted  with  it,  rolling  them  actually  in  it, 
and  then  they  may  be  turned  into  a  healthy  stock  or  amongst 
healthy  combs.  He  adds,  "  It  is  a  simple  remedy,  but  has 
effectually  cured  foul  brood  in  two  stocks  of  mine.  As  far  as 
I  can  judge,  it  is  only  necessary  to  wet  the  bees  inside  and  out 
and  the  cure  is  complete."  He  likewise  says,  "  If  the  foul  bees 
are  driven  from  a  straw  skep,  they  will,  of  course,  require  more 
time  than  if  simply  brushed  off  the  combs,  as  they  will  have 
filled  their  honey  sacs  with  diseased  honey ;  but  I  do  not 
think  they  will  require  more  than  twenty-four  hours,  unless 
the  Bwarm  is  large." 

HaviDg  diluted  this  disinfectant  as  described,  I  took  the 
required  quantity,  mixed  it  with  a  pint  of  syrup,  and  placed  it 
upon  the  top  of  the  hive  (the  bees  having  been  previously 
transferred  to  an  empty  hive),  but  they  did  not  partake  of  it 
very  willingly,  for  although  I  allowed  it  to  remain  for  two  days, 
they  had  not  wholly  consumed  it.  I  now  turned  my  attention 
to  the  second  part  of  the  prescription,  took  a  quantity  more  of 
the  solution,  adding  to  it  a  small  quantity  of  the  essence  of 
peppermint,  turned  the  hive  upside  down,  and  poured  it  gently 
upon  them.  But,  oh,  what  a  calamity !  the  cure  was  worse 
than  the  disease,  as  in  less  time  than  it  takes  to  write  it,  the 
little  creatures  had  wholly  forsaken  the  hive,  with  the  exception 
of  a  few  who  were  so  wet  as  to  be  unable  to  fly.  Never  did  a 
despotic  monarch  abdicate  a  throne,  nor  the  inhabitants  of  a 
plague-stricken  city  flee,  with  greater  haste  than  did  this  ro.\al 
lady  accompanied  by  her  loyal  and  industrious  subjects.  I  was 
so  paralysed  by  this  unexpected  event  that  it  took  me  some 
little  time  to  comprehend  it ;  but  on  recovering  from  my 
bewilderment  I  found  my  bees  clustering  on  the  landing-board 
of  another  hive,  the  inmates  of  which  had  set  a  strong  guard 
lest  these  paDic-stricken  emigrants  should  attempt  to  find  a 
lodgement  in  their  midst.  But  where  was  my  queen  ?  After 
a  considerable  time  spent  in  fruitless  search,  I  found  her  lady- 


404 


JOUENAL  OF  HORTICULTUKE  AND  COTTAGE  GABDENEE. 


[  November  17,  1870. 


ship  with  a  few  attendants  on  the  branch  of  a  cnrrant  bush 
close  by.  Having  secured  her,  I  placed  her  at  the  entrance  of 
her  home,  expecting  her  to  enter,  but  this  she  positively 
declined  to  do,  and  again  fled  ;  a  second  and  a  third  time  I  tried 
her,  but  she  as  often  refused,  and  it  was  only  after  I  placed  a 
clean  hive  on  the  stand  that  she  consented  to  enter,  taking 
along  with  her  her  loyal  subjects. 

This,  then,  is  a  brief  account  of  my  latest  experiment  with 
a  foul-broody  stock,  and,  like  many  more  would-be  cures,  has 
entirely  failed,  as  the  colony  still  remains  diseased ;  and  as  I 
know  of  nothing  better,  nor  so  effectual,  I  give  my  adhesion  to 
the  plan  known  as  the  purgatorial  process. 

Immediately  on  discovering  that  a  colony  is  affected  with 
foul  brood,  remove  the  bees  from  the  infected  hive  to  an  empty 
one,  allow  them  to  remain  there  for  a  few  days  in  order  that 
they  may  thoroughly  clean  themselves,  when  they  may  be 
transferred  to  their  permanent  abode.  This  method  I  have 
tried  with  considerable  suocess. — A  Stewabton  Apiarian. 


The  London  Poultry  Show. — We  are  very  glad  to  learn 
that  the  entries  for  this  Show  have  proved  so  numerous  ;  they 
amount  to  nearly  1250  pens  of  poultry,  and  about  800  pens  of 
Pigeons,  Never  before  were  so  many  Pigeons  entered  at  one 
show.     The  Pouters  alone  muster  220  pens. 


OUR  LETTER   BOX. 

Inactive  Crop  (Subscriber  to  the  C,  Q.).— Your  fowls  are  suffering  from 
stoppage  between  the  crop  and  gizzard.  You  must  discontinue  feeding 
till  you  have  opened  the  passage,  then  give  small  quantities  of  water  as 
hot  as  can  be  drunk  by  the  birds  without  injury.  Follow  up  with  doses 
of  castor  oil  till  the  functions  of  the  body  are  freely  discharged.  You 
must  then  feed  on  soft  food,  as  Bopped  bread,  for  three  days.  {C.  J.  S.). — 
Your  case  is  not  an  uncommon  one.  At  this  time  of  year  the  fowls  pick 
up  hard  and  dry  gross  that  will  not  digest.  It  causes  discomfort,  which 
they  try  to  relieve  by  drinking.  There  ia  a  stoppage  between  the  crop 
and  the  gizzatd.  There  will  be  no  cure  till  it  is  removed.  We  have  given 
full  instructions  in  a  previous  answer. 

Volture-hoched  Brahmas  and  Cochins  (Mrs.  C.).~ Vulture  hocks 
should  be  eschewed  in  all  breeding  stock,  as  they  amount  to  disqualifi- 
cation. The  fault  will  sometimes  appear  in  the  progeny,  but  in  fowls,  as 
in  everything  else,  the  perfect  birds  form  the  exception,  and  to  have  many 
of  them  it  is  necessary  to  breed  well,  and  kill  well.  By  this  process  you 
will  get  rid  of  the  vulture  hock. 

Froth  in  Hen's  Throat  (Inquirer).— Take  the  tail  feather  of  a  hen, 
strip  it  halfway  down,  pass  it  down  the  windpipe,  tnrn  it  round  quickly 
three  or  four  times,  and  then  withdraw  it  sharply.  After  this  you  may 
insert  feathers  dipped  in  turpentine  four  or  five  times  per  day.  This  will, 
we  believe,  remove  the  froth  ;  and  two  pills  of  camphor,  the  size  of  a 
garden  pea  each,  given  for  a  few  days  at  intervals  of  twelve  hours,  will 
cure.  The  two  pills  form  one  dose.  If  improvement  justify  it,  diminish 
the  dose  half,  and  if  the  bird  appear  well,  let  well  alone,  and  discontinue 
all  treatment.  We  are  not  sure  your  fowls  are  not  overfed  and  overfat. 
When  such  is  the  case,  cease  feeding  and  cause  free  action  of  the  bowels. 
When  the  intestines  become  embedded  in  fat  all  the  functions  of  the 
body  cease  to  be  performed  in  a  healthy  manner.  On  account  of  stoppage, 
that  which  should  pass  away  returos,  and  aqueous  matter  would  assume 
the  nature  of  froth. 

Spur  Outside  Leg  (Houdan).— It  is  a  great  disadvantage. 

Creve-Cqsurs  (Jack.) — It  is  neither  a  disqualification  nor  a  serious 
disadvantage  for  a  Creve-Cceur  pullet  to  lose  a  toe.  If  that  is  her  only 
defect,  we  should  exhibit  her  confidently.  The  combs  and  gills  of  the 
pullets  depend  much  on  age  and  condition.  When  they  are  about  to 
begin  laying,  the  comb  and  giilB  become  enlarged  and  ruddy.  Some  are 
more  precocious  than  others,  and  develope  these  ornaments  at  an  earlier 
age.  It  is  not  a  disqualified  pen  if  it  consists  of  one  pullet  fully  furnished 
and  another  guiltless  of  comb  and  gills,  but  it  is  a  disadvantage,  and  we 
should  prefer  to  send  two  without  any,  to  sending  two  of  apparently  dif- 
ferent ages.  Large  combs  and  gills  are  not  essential  to  bens  of  this 
breed.  The  rough  appearance  about  the  legs  is  the  "poultry  elephanti- 
asis." It  is  very  troublesome,  and  is  incurable  in  old  birds.  We  have 
cured  it  in  yonog  ones  by  keeping  the  legs  constantly  lubricated  with 
compound  sulphur  ointment.  The  disease  came  from  abroad,  and  is  very 
eccentric  in  its  attacks.  We  have,  as  in  duty  bound,  followed  it  and 
given  it  our  best  attention.    We  have  never  seen  an  adult  curod. 

Floor  of  Poultry  House  (S.  Wells).— 'We  do  not  like  oyster  shells 
for  the  bottom  of  a  fowl  house.  We  advise  you  to  cover  it  thickly  with 
road  grit.  That  filters  and  ib  always  dry.  It  is  also  an  excellent  dust 
bath,  which  is  essential  to  fowls  in  confinement.  Some  mortar  is  very 
desirable,  so  is  a  plot  of  graBS.  Cinders  are  not  good,  nor  is  coai  Be  gravel, 
in  a  limited  space.  If  your  fowls  are  forward  show  them,  but  not  unless 
they  are. 

Last  Year's  Hens  (Hants  Hcnuife).—lt  would  be  a  great  pity  to  kill 
your  adult  poultry,  as  some  of  thorn  will  certainly  lay  as  soon  as  they 
have  moulted.  You  should  now  be  getting  eggs  from  your  pullets.  You 
need  not  be  disappointed  if  you  gut  but  few,  ao  this  is  the  worst  time  of 
year,  but  jou  Bhould  have  some.  With  pullets  it  is  a  question  of  age,  not 
of  season. 

Fowl's  Legs  Scaly  (B.  B.  A.).— The  only  advice  we  can  give  you  is  to 
keep  the  fowl's  i*--gs  always  moist  with  compound  sulphur  ointment  It 
is  a  disease  that  first  appeared  a  few  years  since,  but  has  much  increased 
of  late. 

Roup  in  Pigeons  (Richard  Hilton).— The  diseases  of  all  birds  are  hard 
to  cure,  and  no  infallible  Pigeon  doctor  has  yet  arisen.  Prevent  disease 
you  may,  curediseaBe  you  seldom  can.    Roup  arises  from  cold  currents  of 


damp  air.  A  very  able  Pigeon  fancier,  who  wrote  in  thi3  Journal  under 
the  name  of  "  Foreigner,"  says—"  I  have  tried  many  remedies  for  roup, 
and  I  find  that  some  Pigeons  are  recovered  by  one  remedy,  and  some  by 
another,  and  the  majority  never.  Some  give  a  pinch  or  two  of  charcoal 
powder ;  some  a  dose  of  carbonate  of  soda,  or  a  pinch  of  alum  ;  or  some 
a  dose  of  flowers  of  sulphur."  Warmth  and  hempseed  we  have  known  as 
remedies.  Mr.  Brent  records  he  never  had  roup  in  his  loft,  neither  have 
we,  but  ourB  is  very  warm. 

Pouter  Management  (Pouter). — The  house  you  have  would  do  very 
well  for  these  birds.  Let  them  always  have  their  entire  liberty  in  it, 
except  in  very  cold  or  wet  weather,  when  we  should  advise  their  not 
being  let  out  into  the  open  wire  aviary.  Pigeons  delight  in  Bunshine,  and 
Pouters  like  broad  spaces  of  wood,  like  children's  forms,  to  promenade 
on.  Cold  and  wet  bring  trouble,  but  cleanliness  and  care  will  keep 
disease  out  as  a  rule. 

Tortoise  (Marian).— It  there  is  a  heap  of  leaves  in  the  garden  it  will 
bury  itself  in  that  heap;  if  not,  bring  it  in-doors  and  place  it  in  a  cool 
cellar  or  cupboard,  covered,  but  not  wrapped  up,  by  a  piece  of  carpet. 
It  will  remain  torpid  until  spring. 


METEOROLOGICAL   OBSERVATIONS 
In  the  Suburbs  of  London  for  the  week  ending  November  15th. 


BAROMETER. 

THERMOMETER. 

Wind. 

Date. 

Air. 

Earth. 

Rain 

Max. 

Min. 

Max. 

Min. 

1  ft. 

aft. 

Wed...     9 

29.766 

29  619 

42 

32 

44 

44 

N. 

.00 

Thurs. .  10 

29.458 

29.424 

40 

32 

44 

44 

N. 

.00 

Fri 11 

29.482 

29  470 

40 

21 

44 

44 

N. 

.00 

Sat.  ...  H 

29.338 

29  235 

45 

2( 

4! 

43 

W. 

.06 

San.  . .  13 

29.363 

29.259 

48 

26 

43 

43 

W. 

.00 

Mori.  . .  14 

29  2!7 

29  09H 

49 

18 

43 

43 

S.w. 

•00 

Tues....  15 

29.122 

29.070 

39 

20 

42 

43 

N.W. 

.00 

Mean.. 

29.394 

29.810 

43.28 

24.71 

4314 

43.43 

[0.06 

9. — Dense  fog;  dense  fog;  densely  overcast.' 
10. — Densely  overcast  ;  overcast  and  cold  ;  cloudy. 
11. — Cloudy  and  cold  ;  overcast ;  densely  overcast. 
12.— Sharp  frost;  very  fine  ;  clear  and  froBty. 
18. — Snow  ;  overcast ;  very  fine  at  night. 
14. — Densely  overcast;  densely  overcast ;  fine  and  frosty. 
15. — Snow  ;  densely  overcast ;  e'ear  and  frosty. 


COVENT  GARDEN  MARKET.— November  16. 
Good  samples  of  fruit:  are  now  in  better  request,  the  great  bnlk  of  it 
being  inferior,  and  meeting  with  a  slow  demand  at  low  prices.  Common 
Apples  and  Pears  change  hands  at  from  2s.  Gd.  to  5s.  per  bushel.  Rough 
vegetables  comprise  Brussels  Sprouts,  Savoys,  Spinach,  Coleworts,  Broc- 
coli, and  Cauliflowers,  and  are  better  now  than  they  have  been  for  some 
time. 

FRUIT. 


AppleB i  sieve    1 

Apricots doz. 

Cherries lb. 

Chestnuts bnahel 

Currants i  sieve 

Black do. 

Figs doz. 

Filberts lb. 

Cobs lb. 

Gooseberries quart    0 

Grapes, Hothouse.. ..  lb.    2 

Lemons ^100    8 

Melons each    1 


s.  a. 


0 

0    0 

6 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 


0  to  2 
0 


Artichokes doz.  0 

Asparagus 3*  100  0 

Beans,  Kidney  ..J  sieve.  0 

Broad bushel  0 

Beet,  Red doz.  2 

Broccoli   bundle  0 

Brussels  Sprouts. .  4  sieve  3 

Cabbage doz.  l 

CapBicumB  3*100  1 

Carrots bunch  0    4 

Cauliflower doz.  2    0 

Celery bundle  1    6 

Coleworts. .doz.  bunches  3    0 

Cucumbers each  0    6 

pickung doz.  0    0 

Endive doz.  2    0 

Kennel bunch  0    8 

Uarli'o lb.  0    8 

Herbs bunch  0    8 

Horseradish    ....  bundle  S    0 


VEGETABLES. 

a.  b.  d 
0  to  0  0 
0        0    0 


s.   d.  s.  d 

Mulberries lb.  0    0  to  0  0> 

Nectarines doz.  0    0  0  0 

OrangeB $*  100  6    0  10  0 

Peaches  doz.  0    0  0  0 

Pears, kitchen doz.  10  2  0 

deBBe.rt doz.  10  3  0 

Pine  Apples lb.  4    0  6  0 

Plums i  Bieve  16  3  0 

Quinces  doz.  10  0  0 

Raspberries lb.  0    0  0  0 

Strawberries    lb.  0    0  0  0 

Walnuts bushel  10    0  16  0 

do ^100  10  a  0 


LeeVs bunch 

Lettuce   doz. 

Mushrooms pottle 

Mustard  &  Cress.. punnet 
Onions  bush«l 

pickling quart 

Parsley sieve 

Parsnips doz. 

Peas quart 

Potatops busbsl 

Kidney do. 

Radishes  ..  doz.  bunches 

Ehubarb bundle 

Savoys doz. 

Sea-kale basket 

Shallots lb. 

Spinach bushel 

Tomatoes doz. 

Turnips  bunch 

Vegetable  Marrows .  .doa. 


d.  b. 
4  to  0 

9  1 

U  2 

9  0 

0  6 

4  0 

0  0 


1    0 
0    0 

4 


POULTRY  MARKET.— November  16. 
On  making  inquirv  at  market  how  trade  was,  we  were  told  wretched. 
Game  is  having  iis  effect  on  poultry,  and  it  is  difficult  to  sell  either  with- 
out submitting  to  a  low  price. 


s. 
2 

A.      a. 
6  to  S 
0       2 
9        8 
9        2 
0       7 
9       2 

d 

0 
6 
0 
0 
0 
0 

8. 

0 

d.      K. 
9  to  0 
4       1 
9       0 
6       3 
9       2 
0       2 

d. 

in 

1 

B 

in 

,    .     1 
...    G 

2 

n 

1 

0 

8 

November  24,  1870.  J 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


405 


WEEKLY 

CALENDAR. 

Day 

Day 

Average  Tempera-  1  R?in ,in 
tore  near  London.    13 '^ 

Sun 

Sun 

Moon 

Moon 

Moon's 

Clock 
after 
Sun. 

Day 

of 

Month 

Week. 

NOVEMBER  24-30,  1870. 

Rises. 

Sets. 

Rises. 

sets. 

Age. 

Year. 

Dav. 

Night. 

Mean.     Davs. 

m.      h. 

n>.     h. 

m.      h. 

m.      h. 

Davs. 

m.      s. 

24 

Th 

47.4 

8'.7 

895          14 

S4af7 

Oaf  4 

8  af  9 

23  af  5 

1 

IS      8 

828 

25 

p 

4S.4 

83.7 

40.0 

22 

8-i      7 

58      8 

22    10 

17      6 

2 

12    50 

329 

26 

S 

47.2 

82.9 

41.0 

23 

87      7 

57      8 

21     11 

23      7 

8 

12    81 

880 

27 

Son 

Advent  Sondat.    Princess  of  Teck  Born, 

47.0 

33.6 

40.3 

20 

39      7 

r,i;     :'. 

after. 

85      8 

4 

12    11 

881 

28 

M 

[1833. 

48.1 

33  9 

41.0 

22 

40      7 

55      8 

44      0 

48      9 

5 

11     51 

332 

29 

TV 

513 

83.8 

42.S 

21 

42      7 

55      3 

10      1 

1     11 

}> 

11     80 

838 

80 

W 

St.  Andrew. 

48.0 

34.5 

41.3 

22 

44      7 

54      3 

81      1 

morn. 

7 

11       8 

831 

From  observations  taken  near  London  daring  the  last  fortv-throe  years,  the  average  day  temperature  of  the  week 

is  47  9°. 

and  its  night 

temperature  83.4".     The  greatest  heat  was  62°,  on  the  25th,  1863;  and  the  lowest  cold  9',  on  the  25th,  1858.     The  greatest  fall  of  rain  was 

1.21  inch. 

THE  POTATO  AND  ITS  CULTURE.- 

THE    SEED. 


-No.    1. 


HE  berry  of  the  Potato  is  commonly  called 
"  the  Potato  apple  or  plum."  When  it  begins 
to  change  from  a  green  to  quite  a  light  colour 
it  must  be  carefully  watched,  if  seed  from  it 
is  wished,  and  when  it  has  the  slightest 
tendency  to  burst  it  must  be  picked  oft',  and 
laid  on  a  dry  shelf  in  a  greenhouse ;  or, 
if  there  is  not  one,  place  it  in  any  dry  warm 
situation  where  the  pulp  will  dry  rapidly. 
This  operation  requires  great  care,  fir  if  the 
apple  is  picked  off  the  haulm  before  it  has  arrived  at 
maturity  it  will  rot,  and  render  the  seeds  useless.  On  the 
other  hand,  if  allowed  to  remain  on  the  haulm  too  long  the 
seeds  will  be  shed,  fall  on  the  ground,  and  so  in  all  proba- 
bility the  best  will  be  lost  When  the  pulp  has  dried 
sufficiently,  remove  the  seeds  from  the  dry  skin  of  the 
berry,  and  lay  them  on  a  board  or  slate,  place  a  square 
of  glass  on  them,  and  expose  them  to  the  sun  to  thoroughly 
dry  them  previously  to  putting  them  into  the  seed  bag 
or  bed. 

On  the  treatment  of  the  seed  a  great  deal  depends.  If 
the  seed  has  been  gathered  off  a  first-early  Potato  it  may 
be  sown  to  advantage  the  same  season,  but  it  will  require 
the  following  treatment.  A  piece  of  ground  should  be 
selected  on  a  warm  south  border,  and  after  some  good 
turf  has  been  procured  the  operator  may  begin  to  build 
the  walls  according  to  the  size  required  (of  course  this 
must  be  guided  by  the  amount  of  seed  in  stock),  but  always 
keeping  the  front  wall  at  least  1  foot  lower  than  the  back 
wall,  so  that  when  the  coverings  are  put  on  the  rain  will 
run  off.  This  done,  the  enclosure  may  be  carefully  cleaned 
and  dug,  and  if  the  ground  is  in  "  good  heart  "  it  will  not 
require  manuring,  but  if  not,  I  recommend  the  following 
compost : — Lime  one-fourth,  wood  ashes  one-fourth,  well- 
decayed  leaf  mould  one-half,  all  mixed  together.  Lime 
will  prevent  the  approach  of  worms,  which  are  great  pests 
in  the  seed  bed  ;  wood  ashes  will  improve  the  growth  and 
the  skin  of  the  Potato :  and  leaf  mould  will  serve  as  a 
nutritious  manure.  This  manure  should  be  scattered  on 
the  surface  of  the  bed  about  2  inches  thick,  and  then  dug 
in,  but  the  quantity,  as  I  have  before  stated,  entirely 
depends  upon  the  condition  of  the  ground.  The  surface 
should  be  well  pointed,  and  rendered  fine  with  the  spade. 
Drills,  about  1  inch  deep,  may  then  be  drawn,  and  in  these 
the  seed  should  be  sown.  If  it  is  in  good  condition  it  may 
be  sown  very  thinly.  It  is  a  good  plan  to  sow  only  about 
three-fourths  of  the  bed ;  for  if  the  seed  comes  up  well  the 
plants  may  be  thinned  out  to  a  reasonable  distance,  and 
transplanted  on  the  remainder  of  the  bed  which  is  unsown. 
The  drills  should  be  about  10  inches  apart,  and  as  the 
young  seedlings  advance  in  growth  they  must  be  earthed 
up,  although  very  slightly.  The  bed  should  be  watered 
occasionally  as  the  weather  may  render  necessary. 

If  the  autumn  is  cold  and  wet,  the  lights  should  be  put 
on,  or  if  lights  cannot  be  had,  make  oblong  frames  the 
same  length  as  the  bed  is  wide  from  outside  to  outside  of 
No.  m.— Vol.  XIX.,  Niw  Series, 


the  turf  wall,  and  about  3  feet  in  breadth;  these  frames 
may  be  covered  with  canvas,  prepared  in  the  following 
manner  : — Mix  in  a  saucepan  three  pints  of  linseed  oil  and 
1  oz.  of  sugar  of  lead  with  4  ozs.  of  white  rosin,  place  over 
a  gentle  fire  till  the  whole  is  melted,  keep  it  well  stirred 
while  it  is  on  the  fire,  and  when  cold  it  will  be  of  the  same 
consistency  as  paint.  It  may  then  be  laid  on  the  canvas 
with  a  brush,  the  canvas  being  stretched  on  the  frames 
and  fastened  with  zinc  tacks  (which  do  not  rust)  previous 
to  being  dressed.  The  canvas  will  require  one  coat  on 
the  inside  and  two  coats  on  the  outside,  and  when  dry  it 
will  be  of  a  light  yellow  colour  This  ranks  next  to  glass 
for  admitting  light  and  heat.  Where  there  is  a  cold  frame, 
of  course  it  does  away  with  the  foregoing  method,  but  in 
either  case  air  must  be  admitted  at  every  opportunity  in 
order  to  strengthen  the  young  plants. 

Seeds  which  are  gathered  from  late  varieties  must  re- 
main in  the  seed  bag  till  the  following  spring,  as  the 
seedlings  never  do  well  when  raised  entirely  by  artificial 
heat. 

When  the  young  seedlings  have  come  to  maturity,  which 
may  be  seen  by  the  haulm  becoming  yellow,  they  may 
be  dug  up,  and  their  little  tubers  laid  on  a  dry  piece 
of  ground  exposed  to  the  sun  to  become  green  and 
harden.  When  they  have  been  sufficiently  hardened  and 
greened,  they  may  be  put  in  a  bag  and  stored  in  a  dry 
place  safe  from  frost  till  the  following  spring.  Each  of 
these  small  tubers  is  "  a  set,"  and  some  growers  say  the 
qualities  of  the  seedlings  may  be  fully  tested  the  same 
season  as  grown,  but  this  I  deny,  knowing  from  experience 
that  it  requires  another  season  to  test  them  fully  and 
accurately. 

THE    SET. 

Next  spring,  on  a  warm  south  border  under  a  wall  or 
fence,  dig  out  trenches  about  14  inches  wide,  a  good  spade's 
depth,  and  about  18  inches  from  row  to  row,  and  lay  the 
soil  on  the  outside  or  right-hand  side  of  the  trench.  By 
so  doing  the  trenches  may  be  placed  closer  together  than 
if  the  soil  were  cast  on  both  sides.  This  done,  prepare  an 
equal  quantity  of  slacked  lime,  wood  ashes,  and  well- 
decayed  cow  dung,  the  quantity  to  be  applied  to  the  ground 
entirely  depending  upon  the  richness  and  kind  of  soil ; 
if  very  light,  with  a  gravelly  subsoil,  little  or  no  lime 
must  be  used.  As  this  compost  is  put  into  the  trenches  let 
the  soil  be  mixed  with  it,  and  plant  the  sets  from  3  to 
4  inches  below  the  level  of  the  surface,  and  about  9  inches 
from  set  to  set ;  then  cover  the  sets  up  to  the  level  with  the 
soil  taken  out  of  the  trench.  Before  planting,  every  set, 
small  or  great,  must  have  a  piece  cut  off  the  end  where 
there  is  a  cluster  of  eyes  ;  the  reason  for  this  will  be  found 
under  the  heading  "  General  Remarks  "  If  the  weather 
be  very  dry  a  little  water  may  be  applied.  If  it  should 
be  frosty  the  soil  must  be  drawn  up  to  the  seedlings, 
leaving  just  the  head  or  crown  exposed,  and  the  following 
is  a  very  good  method  of  protecting  them  : — Procure  some 
fir  boughs  about  3  feet  long — the  ends  of  boughs  would  be 
best,  for  they  would  be  well  feathered  at  the  bottom — then 
arch  the  rows  over  with  the  branches,  taking  care  to 
serve  the  ends  of  the  rows  the  same  as  the  sides  to  prevent 
No.  1156.- Vol.  XLIY.,  Old  Seriij, 


406 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  November  24,  1870. 


the  wind  from  drawing  up  the  rows.  Advantage  must  be  taken 
of  every  warm  nanny  day,  and  the  covering  should  be  taken 
away,  which  will  enable  the  operator  to  flat-hoe  and  earth-np 
the  rows  if  necessary,  as  well  as  harden  and  encourage  the 
growth  of  the  young  plants.  In  all  cases  the  covering  should 
be  put  on  while  the  sun  is  shining  on  the  rows. 

The  time  for  planting  entirely  depends  upon  the  locality. 
In  the  south  and  south-midland  parts  of  England  planting  may 
be  commenced  in  March,  but  in  the  north  and  north-midland 
counties  planting  must  be  deferred  a  fortnight  or  three  weeks, 
but  in  either  case  the  time  must  be  left  to  the  judgment  of  the 
operator. 

As  the  tubers  ripen,  which  will  be  seen  by  the  haulm  or  tops 
becoming  yellow,  they  may  be  forked  up.  Those  which  are 
ripe  about  the  beginning  of  Jane  may  be  termed  "  first  earlies  ;" 
then  those  which  ripen  about  July,  "  second  earlies  ;"  and  those 
ripening  subsequently  are  "late"  varieties. 

In  examining  the  Potatoes,  the  large  ones  must  not  always 
be  considered  the  best,  nor  the  small  ones  the  worst,  but  in  both 
cases  let  a  fair-sized,  clear-skinned,  shallow-ej'ed  Potato  be 
chosen,  and  let  each  root  which  is  deemed  worthy  of  being 
saved  for  culinary  proof  be  kept  separate  from  the  reBt,  and  let 
a  private  mark  by  which  it  may  be  identified  be  put  on  it. 
When  the  cooking  is  over,  those  which  have  a  favourable 
report  and  prove  first-rate  in  all  points  may  be  brought  out  as 
new  varieties  after  a  stock  has  been  raised.  It  is  a  good  plan 
to  detail  the  characters  and  different  qualities  of  every  such 
variety,  and  whether  it  is  a  first  early,  second  early,  or  late 
kind,  for  this  prevents  disappointment  to  the  purchaser. — 
J.  C.  Lewis,  Gardener  and  Bailiff,  Sudbury  Rectory,  Derby. 


CUTTING  LAUREL  BANKS  AND  HEDGES. 

An  inquiry  was  lately  made  about  cutting  Laurels,  and  the 
best  time  to  plant  them;  and  as  in  these  matters  many  errors 
have  at  times  been  committed,  some  further  details  than  thoBe 
given  in  the  reply  may  be  entered  into.  Few  plants  bear 
the  knife  and  saw  better  than  the  common  Laurel,  but  it  is 
advisable  to  point  out  when  the  pruning  may  be  performed 
with  the  least  amount  of  injury  to  the  plant,  as  well  as  to  the 
appearance  of  the  shrubbery  or  group.  There  are  but  few 
shrubs  so  accommodating  as  the  common  Laurel  in  regard  to 
the  sites  in  which  they  are  found  to  thrive  ;  in  a  dry  sand  or  a 
bed  of  the  stillest  clay  the  plant  equally  continues  in  a  healthy 
growing  state,  so  it  does  in  the  blaok  peat  of  a  moorland  waste, 
and  in  the  decomposed  chalk  which  overlies  an  immense  depth 
of  that  material.  In  all  these  soils  it  remains,  unlike  many 
other  plants,  in  a  healthy  Btate,  and  it  will  endure  an  amount 
of  rude  treatment  under  which  others  would  succumb.  At  the 
same  time  it  is  certainly  not  the  hardiest  evergreen  we  have  ; 
on  the  contrary,  some  winters  tell  a  tale  on  it  in  some  places. 
From  injury  in  these  winters  it  sometimes  takes  years  to 
recover,  and  sometimes  it  perishes  entirely. 

Planting  Common  Laurels. — So  much  depends  on  the  charac- 
ter of  the  weather  and  other  conditions,  that  it  is  difficult  to 
say  with  certainty  which  is  the  best  time  to  plant ;  for  although 
I  have  planted  Laurels — rather  extensively  too — in,  I  believe, 
every  month  of  the  year,  the  success  and  failure  have  been  so 
conflicting  owing  to  circumstances,  that  it  is  no  easy  matter  to 
say  what  time  is  best ;  but  I  may  say  that  the  time  too  often 
chosen  for  the  work  is  about  the  worst,  and  that  is  the  dry 
withering  weather  which  often  occurs  in  March.  Better  wait 
till  May ;  the  losses  will  then  not  be  so  great,  as  we  then  do  not, 
as  a  rnle,  experience  the  parching  east  and  north-east  winds  so 
prevalent  in  March.  If  showery  weather  occur  in  May,  I  would 
as  readily  plant  in  that  month  as  in  any.  September  is  also  a 
good  time  for  the  operation,  and  is  better  than  later  in  the 
season,  provided  the  ground  is  moist  enough,  or  made  so  arti- 
ficially. The  long  heavy  dews,  so  common  towards  the  end  of 
that  month,  serve  to  moisten  the  foliage  so  well  that  the  change 
is  then  less  felt  than,  perhaps,  at  any  other  season,  if  in  trans- 
planting an  abundance  of  good  roots  has  been  secured.  But 
so  accommodating  is  the  Laurel  that  it  is  often  planted  in  mid- 
winter, and,  in  fact,  at  all  seasons,  and  in  some  districts  it  is 
a  common  saying  that  if  planted  upside  down  it  will  still 
grow.  I  recollect  making  many  years  ago  a  sort  of  fernery 
with  the  roots  of  trees  and  shrubs  of  various  kinds,  including 
those  of  Laurels,  that  had  been  grubbed-up.  Many  of  them 
after  having  lain  about  a  long  time,  grew  where  they  were 
partly  covered  with  earth;  but  it  is  not  uncommon  to  witness 
large  bushes  taken  up  from  a  shrubbery  where  they  hsd  luxu- 
riated for  years,  and  used  to  stop  a  gap  or  hide  &n  unsightly 


object,  turn  rusty  and  die  off  soon  after  planting.  Yet  the  plant 
does  not  always  die  when  it  puts  on  its  red  garb ;  a  certain 
amount  of  life  still  lingers  in  it,  and  if  treated  patiently  and 
left  alone  it  would  often  recover  in  time,  but  the  knife  is  too 
frequently  called  into  play,  and  the  plant  dies  further  back 
than  it  would  have  done  if  left  alone.  Whenever  the  planting 
can  be  accomplished  in  September  let  it  be  done  then,  and  the 
same  may  be  said  of  April  and  May  ;  but,  if  possible,  avoid  the 
dry  north-east  winds  of  early  spring,  as  they  do  muoh  harm  to 
all  newly-planted  shrubs.  It  is,  however,  frequently  necessary 
to  plant  at  this  time,  and  we  must  then  be  careful  to  secure  to 
each  plant  as  imny  roots  as  we  can,  and  let  them  be  well 
secured  in  the  ground  if  that  be  at  all  dry  and  lumpy. 

Cutting  and  Pruning. — Cutting,  I  consider,  signifies  a  more 
extensive  mutilation  than  pruning,  as  it  now  and  then  means 
the  total  cutting  down  of  the  plant.  This  I  generally  try  to  do 
in  March,  and  sometimes  as  late  as  April ;  not  that  I  advise 
doing  the  work  so  late,  but  as  the  shrubs  operated  upon  are 
often  in  conspicuous  places  and  seen  every  day,  whatever 
may  be  the  ultimate  benefit,  a  severe  cutting  of  evergreens 
disfigures  them  for  a  time,  and  the  later  it  is  performed  the 
shorter  time  they  are  unsightly.  With  this  object  I  Beldom 
cut  them  till  the  middle  of  April,  and  then  rarely  cut  them 
down  entirely  all  at  once,  although  the  requirements  of  the  plant 
may  render  this  desirable;  still  whenever  possible,  a  branch  or 
two  left  on  each  plant  will  be  of  great  service  in  securing  an  early 
and  healthy  growth,  even  if  the  branch  left  must  be  cut  at  a 
later  period.  As  they  act  as  nurses,  their  presence  even  if  un- 
sightly must  be  endured.  I  have  on  several  occasions  cut 
down  large  buBhes  (almost  trees),  of  Arbutus  which  had  become 
naked  at  the  bottom,  and  by  leaving  a  side  branoh  or  two  a 
good  bushy  head  was  soon  formed  again  by  the  growth  which 
took  place  at  the  cut-down  part,  and  Laurels  are  more  prolific 
in  buds  than  the  Arbutus ;  but  when  the  cutting  down  does 
not  involve  such  severe  amputations,  the  work  can  be  done  at 
another  season  if  necessary.  Much,  however,  must  be  left  to 
the  judgment  of  the  operator,  and  I  must  content  myself  by 
saying  it  is  rarely  the  plant  is  improved  in  appearance  the 
moment  it  is  cut ;  it  is  the  better  shape  it  is  likely  to  assume 
when  it  has  grown  again  that  prompts  the  cutting,  as  the  grace- 
ful character  of  the  plant  in  its  natural  state  cannot  well  be 
improved  upon  excepting  when  it  is  made  to  conform  to  a 
certain  artificial  arrangement.  This  brings  me  to  another 
feature  of  the  plant's  utility,  but  before  entering  into  it  I  will 
remark  that  those  who  have  naked-bottomed  overgrown  Laurels 
that  no  longer  fulfil  the  purpose  they  were  intended  for,  which 
was  to  screen  some  unsightly  object  behind  them,  should  cut 
them  down  at  the  proper  time,  and  the  young  healthy  after- 
growth will  soon  effect  the  object  the  older  ones  have,  in  fact, 
grown  too  old  to  do. 

Pruning  Laurel  Hedges,  Banks,  <£c. — Although  I  am  not  an 
advocate  for  much  of  tbis  kind  of  work,  it  is,  nevertheless,  one 
of  the  features  in  many  places  whioh  it  would  not  be  easy  to 
improve ;  and  as  we  have  here,  perhaps,  as  muoh  cut  Laurel  to 
deal  with  as  can  be  met  with  in  most  places,  the  experience  of 
a  number  of  years  has  enabled  me  to  perform  the  operation  in 
a  more  expeditious  manner  than  was  thought  of  at  first,  and 
the  result  is  satisfactory.  We  have  sloping  banks  and  upright 
surfaces  of  Laurel  to  trim,  as  well  as  large  breadths  nearly  flat. 
We  have  found  out  that  to  get  the  operation  done  in  the 
quickest  manner  is  better  than  taking  more  pains  and  letting 
the  job  linger  for  some  time.  Instead,  therefore,  of  cutting 
over  all  the  surface  with  the  knife,  we  apply  the  shears,  and 
so  get  over  a  large  breadth  in  a  short  time ;  but  it  would  not 
do  to  resort  to  clipping  at  all  times,  and  I  do  not  affirm  it  is 
better  than  the  knife,  but  it  is  infinitely  quicker,  and  it  is  im- 
portant to  get  it  all  done  in  a  short  time.  In  our  oase  we  begin 
about  the  second  week  in  July,  and  generally  finish  the  same 
month,  the  whole  being  sometimes  completed  by  the  25th. 
My  object  is  as  follows — Having  an  aversion  to  a  closely-shaven 
surface,  I  have  the  Laurels  out  over  in  time  to  insure  a  short 
growth  afterwards  of  3  or  4  inches  or  more,  whioh  growth  hides 
all  rawness  caused  by  the  cutting,  and  at  the  same  time  conceals 
the  leaves  that  were  cut  in  two  by  the  shears.  ThiB  cannot 
always  be  depended  upon  in  many  plaoes,  but  with  us  it 
answers  admirably,  the  second  growth  seldom  exoeeding  the 
above  length;  and  late  in  the  autumn,  when  the  growth  is 
finished  for  the  year,  it  is  easy  to  go  over  with  the  knife  and 
cut  off  very  long  pieces  that  stand  above  the  general  run  of 
short  leafy  shoots  which  clothe  the  whole  for  the  winter ;  and 
as  theBe  almost  all  ripen  with  us,  the  appearance  is  all  that 
can  be  desired,  as  fully  formed  leaves  terminate  every  shoot. 


November  24,  1870.  ) 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


407 


The  whole  thus  presents  the  shape  of  the  object  it  is  meant  to 
represent.  The  looking  over  in  the  antnmn  to  cat  away  aDy 
irregular  growth  is  really  so  very  little,  that  the  July  clipping 
may  be  said  to  be  all  the  Laurels  get,  and  more  is  not  required. 
A  later  period  of  cutting  may  suit  certain  places,  but  this  one 
can  find  out  after  the  first  season,  for  if  out  too  early  the  after- 
growth is  more  than  is  required,  and  if  too  late  there  is  not 
sufficient  growth  before  winter,  or  what  there  is  may  not  be 
ripened. 

To  those  who  have  the  time  and  inclination  to  cut  Laurels 
with  the  knife,  I  may  say  that  to  do  so  nearly  all  the  shoots 
below  the  eye  ought  to  be  severed  in  6uch  a  manner  that  their 
cut  surface  may  be  concealed,  and  not  staring  one  in  the  face. 
A  little  practice  will  enable  anyone  to  cut  them  so  as  to  conceal 
all  the  cuts  made,  the  cuts  looking  downwards  instead  of  up- 
wards. In  this  oase  no  leaves  Deed  be  cut  through,  but  we 
have  never  had  time  to  use  the  knife.  Those  who  have  but 
little  Laurel-cutting  to  do,  and  have  let  the  time  pass  for  using 
the  shears  as  described,  and  still  wish  to  have  a  suitable  second 
growth,  had  better  adopt  the  knifeand-tbumb  practice.  They 
will  then  with  a  little  care  make  very  good  work. 

I  always  treat  Box  edgings  in  the  same  way  as  the  Laurel 
banks — viz.,  cutting  them  so  as  to  get  a  suitable  seoond  growth 
sgain  to  stand  the  winter  ;  only  in  the  case  of  tfce  Box  edging  I 
try  to  get  the  work  done  in  showery  weather  if  possible,  as  it 
becomes  very  brown  if  clipped  in  dry  hot  weather.  The 
Laurels,  however,  from  their  more  robust  growth  withstand  the 
drought  better.— J.  Robson. 


Fig.  24. 


GROUND  LEVELLING  AND  PRACTICAL 
GARDEN  PLOTTING.— No.  6. 

DRAWING   PLANS. 

Fig.  24. — Form  a  sqnare  on  the  diagonal  line  a  b,  which  is 
done  by  bisecting  the  lines  as  described  in  fig.  6.  Make  line 
c  d  equal  to  line  a  b,  which  can  be  done  by  taking  the  length 
of  one  side  of  the  line  a  b 
from  the  centre,  and  dot- 
ting out  the  same  length  on 
each  side  of  the  centre  of 
line  c  d.  Then  draw  the 
square  adbc.  From  the 
sides  of  the  square  form 
isosceles  triangles  e,  /,  g,  h, 
which  is  done  by  drawing 
an  arc  in  e  with  the  radiuB 
A  e ;  also  with  the  Fame 
radius  from  c  draw  an  arc 
cutting  the  former  one  in 
e;  and  draw  lines  A«  and 
c  e,  as  shown  by  the  dotted 
line.  Find  angles/,  .9,  and 
h  in  the  same  way.  Divide 
lines  a  e  and  c  e  into  two  equal  parts  ;  with  radii  c  s,  q  r, 
and  n  m  draw  the  arcs  as  sbown  iD  the  figure  ;  also  with  radius 
A  I  draw  the  arc  as  shown  in  t.  Then  draw  the  small  portion 
of  a  straight  line  between  area  r  and  t.  Draw  the  other  parts  of 
the  figure  in  the  6ame  manner. 

Fig.  25   is  another  application  of  the  square  and   isosceles 
triangle.      Draw  the  square  and  isosceles  triangle  as  before  de- 
scribed and  shown  in  aDgle 
A  c  and  r.     Draw  the  dia-      ^7\^  S 

meter  lines  r.  v  a  11  .  from 
point  A,  with  radius  a  0, 
draw  arc  0  until  it  meets 
the  sideline  of  the  triangle, 
as  shown  where  the  line  is 
cnt.  From  point  m,  with 
radius  m  n,  draw  arc  n, 
uniting  with  arc  a  0  where 
the  line  is  cut,  and  touch- 
ing diameter  line  e  g  in 
u.  The  other  parts  of  the 
figure  are  drawn  in  the 
same  way  when  centre  m  is 
found,  so  that  arc  n  unites 
with   arc   0.    and   touches 


Fig.  25 


the  diameter  line  in  a.  All  that  is  necessary  is  to  draw  a  circle 
from  the  centre  of  the  square,  as  shown  by  the  dotted  circular 
line,  and  cutting  point  m  ;  find  the  distance  from  u  to  m,  poiut 
ont  the  same  distance  on  the  other  side,  as  shown  in  point  g; 


with  radius  g  b  draw  arc  6,  which  will  unite  with  the  arc  drawn 
from  c;  and  so  on,  until  the  figure  is  complete. 

Fig.  26  is  drawn  from  line  A  b.  Draw  line  A  b  any  length  ; 
find  the  centre  of  the  line,  as  point  c  ;  and  on  each  side  of  c 
point  off  two  equal  parts,  as  a  a.  With  radius  a  b  draw  arc  b; 
with  the  same  radius  from  point  c,  which  is  where  arc  a  b  cutB 


Fig.  26. 

the  base  line  a  b,  draw  arc  d ;  with  the  same  radius  from  e 
draw  arc  / ;  with  radius  g  h  draw  arc  It.  Where  the  arcs  drawn 
from  a  a  cut  each  other,  as  shown  by  the  dotted  lines,  are  the 
centres  from  which  arcs  n  and  o  are  drawn,  as  shown  by  the 
radii  k  0  and  m  n. 

Fig.  27  is  drawn  from  rectangle  A  b  c  d.  The  rectangle  is 
found  in  the  following  manner : — Draw  line  D  a  and  erect  per- 
pendicular a  b.  With  i>  as  a  centre  and  the  radius  a  b,  describe 
an  arc.  With  b  as  a  centre,  and  the  radius  d  a,  describe  another 
arc,  cutting  the  former  one  in  c.  Draw  the  lines  bc  and  en, 
and  the  rectangle  will  be  complete.  Divide  line  A  b  into  two 
equal  parts,  also  lines  r.  c,  c  D,  and  r>  a.  From  point  <•,  with 
radius  e  f.  draw  arc/;  from  n,  with  radius  ie,  draw  aro  c  ; 
from  g,  with  radius  g  «,  draw  arc  It ;  and  so  on  with  the  other 
sides.    Draw  the  straight  lines  as  shown  between  arcs  c  and  /. 


Fig.  27.  Fig.  28. 

Fig.  28  is  another  application  of  the  rectangle.  The  sides 
are  divided  into  four  equal  parts,  as  1  2  3  4,  and  the  arcs  drawn 
as  shown  by  radii  1  a  and  b  2. — 3d.  O'Donnell,  Gardener  to  E. 
Leaning,  Esq  ,  Spring  Grove,  Richmond. 


PEAS. 

Recent  numbers  of  the  Journal  have  given  us  some  interest- 
ing matter  on  Peas.  The  subject  of  Peas  seems  ever  welcome, 
and  there  is  an  old  saw  amongst  gardeners,  that  to  have  plenty 
of  Peas  is  never  to  be  scarce  of  vegetables.  If  this  is  not  all 
truth  there  is  much  of  that  virtue  in  it.  Transpose  the  axiom 
and  we  see  what  cannot  be  denied,  that  to  be  scarce  of  Peas  is 
to  be  terribly  scarce  of  vegetables.  ADy  information,  then, 
which  can  ward  off  this  ugly  scarcity  and  insure  a  better  supply 
and  a  better  selection  of  this,  the  most  esteemed  of  summer 
vegetables,  is  sure  to  command  attention. 

It  may  not  he  profitable,  perhaps,  to  discuss  the  identity  of 
Ringleader  ind  First  Crop  Peas.  The  fact  of  both  the  eminent 
firms  of  Sutton  and  Carter  having  decided  the  question,  one 
might  think  sufficient  authority.  The  fact  that  other  cul- 
tivators find  a  difference  may  reasonably  be  accounted  for  in 
their  failing  to  secure  pnre  stock3  of  setd.  My  experience  is 
clearly  in  favour  of  the  identity.  I  have  grown  them  side  by 
side,  and,  indeed,  both  kinds  in  the  same  row,  the  seed  having 
been  procured  direct  from  the  respective  firms,  and  it  was  im- 
possible to  detect  the  slightest  difference  in  any  one  point. 

As  to  the  heights  of  Peas,  it  would  be  as  well  if  dealers  would 
banish  orthodox  heights.     First  Crop  and  Laxton's  Supreme 


108 


JOUENAL  OF   HOBTICULTUEE   AND   COTTAGE   GAEDENEB. 


[  November  2i,  1870. 


have  both  proved  themselves  ignorant  of  the  statute  of  limi- 
tations. Three  years  ago  I  had  the  First  Crop  and  Eingleader 
above  noticed  fully  3i  feet  high.  I  know  this  is  above  the 
ordinary  height.  Peas,  like  other  things,  are  affected  by  cir- 
cumstances, hence  it  is  as  well  to  speak  approximately. 

It  is  generally  admitted  that  this  variety  of  Pea,  whichever 
name  it  bears,  is  the  earliest  Pea  known.  It  is  also  one  of  the 
most  productive,  aDd  in  some  localities  is  all  that  can  be 
desired  as  an  early  Pea.  Another  early  Pea  of  the  first  order 
is  Dickson's  First  and  Best.  In  the  particular  soil  I  have  to 
deal  with,  I  find  it  the  most  satisfactory  of  all  early  Peas  I 
have  tried.  It  is  not  so  early  as  Eingleader  by  three  or  four 
days,  but  for  good  pods  and  plenty  of  them,  and  for  robust 
growth  and  constitution,  it  is  unsurpassed  by  any  Pea  of  its 
season. 

I  do  not  propose  to  take  in  review  a  long  list  of  varieties.  It 
is  easy  to  err  in  growing  a  multiplicity  of  kinds.  A  useful 
and  reliable  variety  for  general  cropping  I  find  in  Princess 
Boyal.  It  is  a  good  hardy  sort  and  never  fails  to  do  its  duty. 
Sown  at  the  same  time,  or  a  day  or  two  before  the  early  ones, 
it  comes  in  well  in  succession,  and  so  does  Champion  of  Eng- 
land, which  is  a  few  days  earlier  than  Princess  Royal  and 
Veitch's  Perfection,  two  Peas  which  have  few  supeiiors. 

I  grew  Maclean's  Premier  last  year  for  the  first  time.  I  am 
satisfied  it  is  a  Pea  of  sterling  merit.  It  is  very  robust  and 
stood  the  hot  weather  of  last  summer  better,  far  better,  than 
any  Pea  in  the  garden.  It  was  sown  at  the  same  time  as  the 
others  above  mentioned,  and  proved  the  most  really  service- 
able of  any.    It  is  a  few  days  later  than  Veitch's  Perfection. 

Premier  and  Ne  Plus  Ultra  are  capable  of  doing  all  that  is 
required  of  late  Peas.  For  very  late  pickings,  early  ones  sown 
in  July  are  the  best  to  be  depended  on.  This  year  I  let  a  few 
of  the  First  and  Best  ripen  on  the  haulm.  I  gathered  and 
sowed  them  on  the  13th  of  July.  They  have  proved  very 
useful.     I  gathered  the  last  dish  on  November  7th. 

The  nature  of  my  soil  is  very  light,  and  the  district  is  visited 
with  a  low  rainfall ;  indeed,  on  an  average,  if  it  has  not  the 
lowest  rainfall  in  England,  there  is  only  one  exception.  I 
have  under  these  circumstances  found  it  no  child's  piny  to  keep 
up  a  regular  supply  of  Peas  during  the  past  two  seasons.  Deep 
trenching  alone  would  not  have  done  it.  Supplementary  to 
deep  trenching  of  the  ground,  I  resorted  to  sowing  in  trenches, 
and  leaving  the  Peas  to  grow  as  it  were  in  miniature  ditches, 
which  once  a-week  were  filled  with  water.  By  these  trenches  I 
could  effectually  irrigate  the  crop.  I  mixed  a  little  salt  in  the 
water,  sufficient  to  give  it  a  distinct  saline  taste,  and  was  re- 
warded with  a  fair  supply  of  Peas,  and  not  a  vestige  of  mildew. 
After  watering  I  gave  the  trenches  a  dusting  over  with  dry  soil 
to  arrest  evaporation.  I  had  a  few  rows  sown  on  the  level  and 
earthed-up,  but  found  it  absolutely  impossible  to  get  sufficient 
water  to  the  roots,  and  they  did  little  or  no  good. 

I  have  reason  to  speak  well  of  the  furrow-system  of  growing 
Peas,  and  not  Peas  only — Beans,  Cauliflowers,  and  almost 
all  other  crops  were  similarly  treated,  and  the  plan  passed  me 
through  two  very  trying  seasons  in  a  far  more  comfortable 
manner  than  if  I  had  not  adopted  it.  My  advice  to  those 
similarly  circumstanced  to  myself  is,  Trench  deeply,  and  sow 
and  leave  the  rows  in  hollows,  instead  of  sowing  on  the  level 
and  earthing  up.  I  sow  none  on  the  level  but  the  earliest  crop. 
— J.  Weight,  Gardener  to  Hon.  -J.  L.  Melville. 


pairing  their  nests  at  this  unusual  period  of  the  year.  The 
Violets  in  the  hedgerows  in  this  neighbourhood  seem  also  to 
have  been  misled  and  induced  to  believe  that  spring  had  ar- 
rived, as  they  are  now  in  full  bud,  and  if  the  weather  should 
continue  open,  will  be  in  flower  in  a  fortnight,  as  they  ara 
already  showing  colour. — E.  C,  Oakham. 


GRAPES  IN  DALKEITH  GARDENS. 
On  reading  the  report  of  Dalkeith  Gardens  by  a  correspon- 
dent in  your  number  of  October  27tb,  I  observe  that  there  is  no 
mention  made  of  the  White  Lady  Downe's  Grape.  Having 
paid  a  visit  to  these  gardens  on  October  28th,  I  saw  Ibis  Grape 
in  great  perfection,  growing  side  by  side  with  its  patent,  the 
black  Lady  Downe's.  I  feel  satisfied  that  when  this  fine 
Grape  shall  have  become  more  generally  kDown,  it  will  be  the 
favourite  late  white  Grape.  I  can  confirm  all  that  your  corre- 
spondent has  said  relative  to  Pines,  seedling  Grapes,  &c.  I 
noticed  some  of  the  latter  showing  immense  sized  bunches  and 
berries.  The  Golden  Champion  is  there  growing  stroDgly  ;  it  is 
a  grand-looking  Grape,  and  is  of  excellent  flavour.  I  also  st,w 
some  excellent  bunches  of  the  Alicante.  I  grow  the  Calabrian 
Eaitin  Grape  noticed  by  your  correspondent ;  it  is  a  good  late 
Grape. — Eobebt  Fleming,  Gardener  to  Richard  Houghton,  Esq., 
Sandheijs,  Liverpool. 

Deceived  Books  and  Violets. — Letters  have  been  published 
lately  speaking  of  rooks  in  various  parts  of  the  country  re- 


NOTES  MADE  DURING  A  TOUR  IN  IRELAND. 

No.  3. 
THE  PHCENIX  PARK,  DUBLIN. 

Magnificent,  in  truth  !  Wonderfully  grand  and  expansive 
is  Pbceoix  Park,  Dublin!  All  Ireland  is  justly  proud  of  it. 
In  comparison  with  it  our  great  London  parks  sink  into  insigni- 
ficance in  all  the  elements  of  natural  beauty  and  grandenr ; 
and,  as  regards  extent,  the  Phoenix  might  eDgulf  any  two  of 
them,  and  there  would  still  be  room  to  spare.  The  Phcenix 
Park  forms  the  west-end  of  Dublin,  on  the  north  side  of  the 
muddy  Liffey.  It  is  here  all  the  great  officers  of  the  state  re- 
side. Witbiu  the  park  various  portions  are  enclosed — splendid 
domains  indeed,  for  the  residences  of  the  Lord-Lieutenant,  the 
Chief  Secretary,  the  Under  Secretary,  and  the  Banger,  my 
friend  Mr.  Charles  McDonald  (all  of  which  will  be  separately 
noticed),  betides  many  other  government  establishments  ;  also 
the  police  barracks,  where  some  eight  hundred  young  Irish 
police  are  trained,  and  the  Hibernian  Schools,  where  many 
hundreds  of  young  Irish  boys,  the  orphan  sons  of  soldiers, 
&c,  are  educated  and  trained  for  soldiers  again.  This  is  a 
noble  institution.  There  are  churches,  and  schools,  and  teachers 
for  the  Catholic  boys,  as  well  as  for  the  Protestants.  On  the 
Sunday,  in  company  with  Mr.  McDonald,  I  attended  the  church 
of  the  latter,  and  was  much  pleased  with  the  demeanour  of  the 
boys.  What  a  boon  it  is  for  these  poor  boys  to  be  educated 
and  cared  for  thus,  instead  of  being  allowed  to  grow  up  in  idle- 
ness, misery,  and  crime  !  Alter  deducting  all  these  enclosed 
policies,  the  extent  of  Phcenix  Park  is  somewhat  more  than 
1700  acres. 

From  the  Dublin  end  to  the  other  is  a  grand  avenue,  nearly 
three  miles  in  leDgth,  and  almost  straight.  About  the  centre, 
where  several  avenues  intersect  each  other,  is  an  imposing 
pillar  with  a  figure  representing  the  phcenix — that  mythical 
bird.  This  was  erected  by  the  celebrated  Lord  Chesterfield, 
who  laid  out  the  principal  parts  of  the  park,  and  did  so  much 
generally  for  Ireland.  The  avenue  is  one  of  Decimus  Burton's, 
and  much  more  modern  ;  it  is  nobly  and  well  proportioned, 
marred  greatly,  however,  in  my  opinion  by  the  stiff  and  formal 
style  of  the  planting  of  the  trees  in  round  groups,  placed 
opposite  each  other.  Many  of  the  trees,  too,  are  evidently  ill- 
suited  for  their  position,  being  chiefly  American  Limes,  which, 
although  they  have  been  planted  many  years,  are  yet  low  and 
stunted.  Limes  are  very  much  over-rated  avenue  trees  ;  ex- 
cepting in  good  moist  soils  and  sheltered  situations,  they  should 
never  be  planted.  How  immeasurably  infeiior  to  the  Planes 
and  Elms  !  Just  alongside  there  are  large,  old,  and  mag- 
nificent specimens  of  the  Dutch  English  Elm,  forming  part  of 
the  old  avenue.  How  grandly  they  look,  and  how  beautifully 
they  have  been  planted  in  blocks  of  eight,  forming  an  irregular 
yet  continuous  line,  giving  one  an  idea  of  immense  extent. 
The  planter  of  these  trees  was  a  true  artist.  The  style  of  the 
planting  of  these  trees  completely  puts  into  the  shade  the  more 
modern  attempt.  With  the  exception  of  these  splendid  Elms, 
the  trees  of  the  park  are  in  no  way  remarkable.  Numerous 
attempts  at  planting  groups  and  masses  of  trees  here  and  there 
have  been  made,  but  in  general  with  little  suocess.  The  situ- 
ations where  trees  are  wanted  are  somewhat  exposed,  and  the 
soil  is  dry  and  gravelly,  so  that  it  is  a  work  of  some  difficulty 
to  get  the  trees  established.  Several  lamentable  errors  of 
judgment  in  the  selection  of  the  suitable  varieties  of  trees  in 
recent  plantations  were  apparent;  Ash,  Larch,  &c,  being  fre- 
quently planted  on  the  dry  gravelly  banks,  where  such  trees 
are  as  likely  to  grow  as  if  they  were  planted  roots  uppermost. 
It  would  also  be  far  better  to  plant  smaller  trees  in  such  ex- 
posed places.  Long  spindly  subjects  planted  in  such  situations 
never  succeed.  The  natural  tree  of  the  park  is  the  Hawthorn. 
There  are  thousands  upon  thousands  of  them,  splendid  trees 
too.  In  September  they  were  covered  with  their  red  berries. 
How  exquisitely  sweet  and  charming  they  must  be  in  their 
white  dress  of  May  and  June  ;  the  whole  air  must  be  loaded 
with  their  perfume.  Here,  then,  is  the  tree  to  plant  in  the  ex- 
posed places ;  at  all  events,  as  nurses,  until  they  become  es- 
tablished, to  others  greater  and  finer.    Much,  honever,  may  be 


November  21,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


409 


done  with  the  many  beautiful  varieties  of  Thorns.  There  is 
ample  room  for  Mr.  McDonald  to  display  his  skill  in  planting, 
and  earn  himself  a  name  in  Ireland.  I  should  advice  him  t  • 
take  in  hand  our  great  London  tree,  the  Occidental  Plane,  by 
far  the  fiaest,  and  noblest,  and  most  suitable  of  all  our  park 
trees.  I  was  told  that  the  Planes  had  been  tried  and  found 
wanting.  I  did  not  observe  a  single  specimen  anywhere  in  the 
park  proper,  yet  in  the  Chief  Secretary's  grounds  there  is  a 
large  and  fiuo  example,  proving  that  it  will  succeed  if  planted 
properly  and  cared  for  in  its  young  state.  Conifers  might  also 
be  introduced  in  some  of  the  dells  and  hollows  to  give  variety. 
That  they  will  suoceed  ia  proved  by  the  numerous  fine  speci- 
mens round  Mr.  McDonald's  own  residence  at  Whitetield 
Lodge,  which  were  the  pet  trees  of  the  late  Mr.  Wilkie,  for  so 
many  years  chief  ranger. 

Of  the  general  features  of  the  park  it  i*  difficult  to  give  any 
very  correct  idea.  The  extent,  as  already  stated,  is  very  great, 
affording  excellent  pasturaRe  for  numbers  of  deer  and  cittle. 
In  the  park,  also,  grand  military  reviews  are  held,  and  it  is  a 
noble  place  for  them,  there  being  open  spaces  of  many  acres 
where  troops  can  manoeuvre  to  much  advantage.  O.i  the 
southern  side  the  ground  undulates  considerably,  and  here 
there  are  many  naturally  pretty  spots  with  splendid  views  of 
the  surrounding  country,  and  the  Wicklow  hills  iu  the  distance. 
This  is  the  place  to  roam  and  wander  on  sunny  knolls  and  in 
shady  della — 

11  Renenth  the  milk-white  Thorns 
That  scent  the  evuning  gale  ;" 

yet,  singularly  enough,  it  is  the  least  frequented.  But  then 
the  Irish  people  do  not  walk  or  wander  about ;  they  all  ride  in 
their  everlasting  cars.  This  is  a  singular  featurt)  of  the  Irish 
character  ;  they  take  all  their  exercise  riding  and  driving,  not 
walking.  Near  the  principal  entrance  on  tho  left-hand  side 
stands  a  massive  monument  iu  granite  to  Ireland's  greatest 
hero — Wellington  ;  it  is  not  by  any  means  handsome,  yet  is  at- 
tractive by  its  very  ponderosity  and  hugenose,  resembling,  as 
the  Irish  critics  say,  "an  overgrown  milestone,"  aud  by  no 
means  a  had  comparison. 

Opposite  to  this  monument  ou  the  right-hand  side  of  the 
entrance  lies  the  Pjople's  Girdeo,  "  a  rale  pretty  place,"  as  the 
carman  told  me,  "  with  lots  of  flowers."  "  That  was  made  in 
Lord  Abercorn's  time.  He  was  a  good  man  ;  he  was  the  man 
for  Ireland,"  he  continued  to  observe,  finding  I  was  a  stranger. 
This  People's  Garden  is  a  small  enclosed  portion  of  some  few 
aores,  where  a  first  attempt  has  been  made  to  introduce  the 
ornamentation  of  flowers,  &c,  as  in  our  London  parks.  It  is 
but  an  attempt,  and  as  such  it  is  scarcely  fair  to  criticise  it  too 
severely.  It  would  be  scarcely  possible,  however,  to  conceive 
anything  in  worse  taste.  Tho  situation  is  the  top  of  a  high 
ridge,  and  the  principal  features  consist  of  several  patches  or 
mounds  of  loose  stones  with  soil  representing  rocky  mounds ; 
on  these  many  expensive  plants  have  been  placed,  which  of 
course  soon  die.  These  mounds  have  a  very  paltry  appear- 
ance, and  Mr.  McDonald  should  lose  no  time  in  sweeping  them 
away.  In  the  hollow  by  the  water  cloiie  at  hand  something  very 
pleasing  might  be  effected  with  the  stoneB  referred  to.  A  few 
flower  beds  are  cut  out  here  and  there  on  the  grass,  but  without 
any  style  or  order,  and  these  were  planted  with  Pelargoniums, 
Caloeolarias,  &c,  in  an  equally  higgledy-piggledy  fashion.  I 
must  except  several  magnificent  beds  of  the  dwarf  Chrysanthe- 
mum-flowered Aster,  which  ware  the  most  effective  beds  of  Asters 
I  have  ever  seen  ;  but  the  Aster  is  a  plant  not  at  all  Buited  for 
such  a  prominent  position,  as  it  is  bo  late  in  flowering,  and 
lasts  but  a  short  time.  There  were  one  good  group  of  the  dwarf 
Dahlias,  some  good  Gladioli,  and  a  bed  or  two  of  Mrs.  Pollock 
Pelargonium  with  Centaurea  ragusina  ;  but  of  the  general  ar- 
rangement of  the  design  as  a  whole  the  less  said  the  better.  I 
thought,  If  this  is  "  raley  pretty"  I  am  a  poor  judge,  or  the 
Irish  people  are  easy  to  please.  There  is  a  grand  opportunity 
for  Mr.  McDonald  to  remodel  this,  the  People's  Garden.  What 
splendid  scope  there  is,  too,  in  the  lower  groind  between  it  and 
the  zoological  gardens.  A  fine  broad  walk  should  here  be 
formed  straight  through,  and  groups  of  R'lododendrons  and 
other  Bumbs  introduced.  This  part  conld  be  formed  with 
great  ease  into  one  of  the  loveliest  of  spots,  and  at  no  great  ex- 
pense. A  few  of  the  trees,  which  are  here  pretty  numerous,  tall, 
and  fine,  would  perhaps  have  to  be  removed,  but  that  would  be 
no  loss,  but  the  contrary. 

Phcenix  Park  as  a  public  park  stands  almost  unrivalled,  but 
it  wants  embellishments.  More  trees  are  required  to  afford 
shelter  and  enhance  its  beauty  ;  and  of  the  People's  Garden, 
if  it  is  to  be  worthy  of  the  name  of  the  park  in  which  it  is 


placed,  and  of  the  good  people  of  Dublin  for  whose  pleasure  it 
is  maintained  and  was  created,  it  must  be  greatly  altered  and 
extended.  It  rests  with  Mr.  McDonald  to  suggest  and  plan  for 
all  this,  and  for  a  liberal  government  to  enable  him  to  do  his 
duty  to  the  good  people  of  Doblin. — B. 


BLANCHING   CELERY. 

There  are  many  people  who  take  vast  pains  to  grow  Celery, 
but  beyond  throwing  a  little  earth  up  to  it  towards  autumn  the 
blanching  for  the  most  part  has  to  take  its  chance.  Preparing 
fir  table,  or  what  I  call  putting  on  the  finishing  tonch,  is  re- 
garded too  lightly,  for  there  is  no  comparison  between  a  well- 
blanched  head  of  Celery  and  one  that  is  not  so.  The  former 
has  a  transparency  which  recommeuds  it,  for  it.  looks  well  on 
the  table  ;  one  maybe  tolerably  sure  it  is  tender  and  sweet; 
and  its  erispness  shows  plainly  that  the  cultivator  knows  what 
he  is  growing  it  for.  The  latter  is  almost  certain  to  prove  more 
or  le83  rank-tasted  and  tough,  with  only -a  small  portion  of  the 
heart  at  all  palatable,  the  remainder  being  only  fit,  for  soups  or 
to  be  thrown  away.  I  need  hardly  point  out  the  waste  of  time 
and  labour  when  the  crop  is  in  the  condition  I  have  just  noticed, 
but  I  may  remind  those  careless  in  such  matters  that  there  is 
probably  no  kitchen-garden  crop  more  creditable  than  a  tho- 
roughly well-blanched  lot  of  Celery. 

In  a  deeply-trenched  and  well-worked  soil  earthing  Celery  is 
not  much  trouble,  because  there  is  no  lack  of  fine  earth  to 
place  round  the  plants  ;  this  should  be  pressed  to  them  with 
one  baud,  while  the  other  band  should  be  used  to  hold  the  plant 
upright  and  keep  the  leafstalks  straight  and  close,  so  that  no 
earth  may  penetrate  to  the  heart  of  the  plant.  Afterwards  the 
bulk  of  the  earth  may  be  added  with  a  spade.  In  heavy  stub- 
born soils  the  work  of  preparing  the  Boil  for  earthing-up  must 
be  carried  on  regularly  during  the  summer,  and,  if  at  earthing- 
up  time  it  is  not  sufficiently  broken  up  to  apply  next  the  plants, 
some  soil  must  be  prepared.  I  have  used  burnt  earth  and  old 
potting  soil  with  advantage,  but  it  must  only  be  very  mode- 
rately moiBt,  or  fiuely  sifted  coal  ashes  are  remarkably  good 
substitutes  ;  these  will  also  keep  the  stems  free  being  marked 
by  worms,  Blugs,  &c. 

It  is  very  rare  to  find  Celery  taken  out  of  the  earth  so  clean 
and  free  from  the  markings  of  wireworm,  and  the  like  as  it  is 
this  autumn.  I  attribute  this  to  the  dry  weather  having  either 
killed  such  pests,  or  sent  them  down  into  the  earth,  where  there 
is  more  moisture,  and  from  whence  they  have  not  yet  returned. 
— Tnos.  Rec  >m>,  Hatfield  Park. 


THE  B  OVINIA  POTATO. 
MncH  has  been  written  about  that  monstrous  Potato,  Pater- 
son's  Bovinia.  I  procured  1  lb.  last  spring,  which  consisted  of 
one  large  aud  one  very  small  Potato.  I  carved  these  into  bits 
with  one  eye  to  each,  which  were  planted  April  4'h  under  by 
no  means  favourable  circumstances,  being,  for  lack  of  a  better 
available  site  at  the  time,  planted  between  two  rows  of  Rasp- 
berries, the  spreading  roots  of  which  must  have  drained  the 
soil  of  much  that  might  have  gone  to  the  support  of  the  Pota- 
toes. Nevertheless,  on  taking  up  and  weighing  the  crop  a  few 
days  ago  I  found  the  weight  of  Potatoes  to  be  84  lbs.,  some  of 
the  tubers  weighing  over  3  lbs.  each.  The  largest  Potatoes 
were  the  oddest  and  most  wonderful-looking  objects  imaginable, 
the  oddness  of  their  appearance  being  greatly  enhanced  by  their 
having  supertuberated  to  a  considerable  extent,  the  clusters  of 
young  PotatoeB  ('ome  of  which  were  of  a  large  Bize)  sticking 
about  these  monster  tubers  in  all  imaginable  forms  and  shapes. 
I  think  it  will  prove  essentially  a  cattle  Potato,  being  so  deep 
and  many-eyed,  and  by  no  means  handsome,  though  on  trial 
the  flavour  was  found  to  be  very  tolerable. — W.  Hudson,  Chase 
Cliffe,  Derby. 

WORMS  IN  POTS. 
Floeists  are  very  anxious  to  exclude  worms  from  pots,  but 
orchard-house  cultivators  seem  to  consider  them  as  of  no  mo- 
ment ;  yet  one  must  suppose  that  they  are  as  injurious  to  the 
roots  of  Strawberries  and  Paaches  as  to  other  plants.  Where 
pots  stand  on  the  bare  earth  it  is  impossible  to  keep  out  the 
worms,  which  foul  the  drainage,  in  addition  to  disturbing  the 
roots;  for  this  reason  I  always  now  set  my  pots  on  tiles.  But 
Wn-nis  or  their  eggs  still  get  inside  the  pots  in  the  compost, 
aid  I  should  be  glad  to  banish  them  altogether  ;  also  the  large 
y  dlow  slug,  which  I  often  find  among  the  crocks.     Now,  lime 


410 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE    AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER, 


[  November  24,  1870. 


water  is  the  remedy  onmmonly  reoommended,  but  I  observe 
that  the  Rev.  J.  Wood  ("  Garden  Friends  and  Foes  ")  says  that 
lime  is  by  no  means  bo  effeotual  as  the  carbonate  of  ammonia. 
He  farther  urges  the  advantage  of  the  ammonia  as  a  manure. 
Of  the  effioienoy  of  this  remedy,  if  the  solution  be  strong,  I 
cannot  doubt  j  but  I  should  be  glad  to  know  from  any  of  your 
readers  who  have  actually  made  the  experiment  what  is  the 
extreme  strength  whioh  the  roots  of  ordinary  plants,  say  the 
Strawberry,  will  bear.  Would  2  ozs.  to  the  gallon  be  excessive  ? 
I  have  tried  carbonate  of  soda  at  this  strength,  but  only  to  see 
its  effects  on  worms.  It  did  not  seem  better  than  lime  water 
— G.  S.  

FRUIT  TREES  FOR  SMALL  GARDENS.— No.  2. 

As  to  the  form  of  fruit  trees  for  small  gardens  there  can  be 
no  two  opinions.  Standards  may  be  all  very  well  for  orchards, 
and  where  the  oultivator  does  not  set  muoh  value  on  his  land, 
or  has  no  eye  to  an  early  profitable  return.  If  he  care  not  for 
quality,  and  for  planting  for  another  generation,  he  will  have 
an  orchard.  He  may  have  fruit  in  seven  years  that  will, 
perhaps,  pay  the  rent  of  the  ground,  fruit  that  must  be  sold  by 
measure,  for  it  iB  not  of  a  quality  to  have  a  value  individually, 
and  which  if  it  is  to  be  disposed  of  must  be  parted  with  at  a 
cheap  rate.  It  is  not  of  orchards,  however,  that  I  wish  to 
write  at  present ;  they  are  good  in  their  place— for  those  who 
have  ground  to  spare  and  can  afford  to  wait— but  I  may  state 
my  conviction  (undoubtedly  a  strange  one  for  a  gardener  who 
has  planted  and  is  planting  orchards),  that  orohards  are  not 
the  most  profitable  and  best  means  of  growing  fruit,  quality  as 
well  as  quantity  being  taken  into  consideration.  It  is  all  very 
well  to  look  at  an  orohard  in  autumn  when  the  trees  are  laden 
with  fruit,  but  no  one  takes  into  aooount  the  time  the  trees 
were  planted  before  any  return  was  made,  and  it  seldom  ooours 
to _  many  that  the  orop  is  always  at  the  mercy  of  a  gale  of  wind. 
There  is  much  uncertainty  from  frosts  destroying  the  blossoms, 
from  the  wind  blowing  off  the  fruit  just  when  it  is  fit  to  gather; 
or  if  not,  the  danger  of  one  branch  laden  with  fruit  rubbing 
against  another  oausing  muoh  damaged  fruit ;  besides,  the  trees 
are  beyond  eaay  control. 

For  gardens  of  whatever  size,  great  or  small,  the  peer's  or 
the  peasant's,  there  can  be  no  question  as  to  the  form  of  trees. 
Standards,  we  know,  usurp  the  whole  of  the  ground  in  which 
they  are  planted,  and  render  not  only  the  ground  over  which 
their  branches  extend,  but  that  for  a  distance  beyond,  wholly 
unfit  for  the  successful  cultivition  of  anything  else.  In  a  garden 
we  expeot  something  more  than  fruit  trees,  everything  to  stand 
on  its  own  footing,  everything  to  be  good  of  its  kind,  everything 
to  yield  a  good  return  for  the  ground  devoted  to  it.  I  can 
recollect  passing  my  first  year  as  master  gardener  in  a  place 
where  standard  Apple,  Pear,  and  Plum  trees  were  at  no  very 
great  distance  apart,  and  my  having  to  grow  bush  fruit  (often 
under  the  sUndard  tree*)  and  vegetables  in  the  spaces  getting 
a  gleam  of  sun.  There  could  be  no  excuse  for  retaining  them, 
as  there  was  a  capital  orohard,  and  the  walls  were  covered  with 
good  and  useful  tree'.  To  ask  the  proprietor  to  clear  out  the 
standard  trees  would  hive  been  equivalent  to  asking  him  to  cut 
down  the  fine  old  Oaks  in  the  park.  He  had  his  old  notions. 
It  was  folly  to  advise  dwarfs  or  espaliers;  the  former  would 
grow  quite  as  big,  it  was  only  a  question  of  time,  and  the 
espaliers  would  need  to  be  so  cu'-in  that  they  would  not  bear. 
He  neither  believed  in  root-priming,  nor  in  summer-pruning. 
Is  not  this  applicable  to  our  farm  and  cottage  gardens  ?  Are 
they  not  as  a  rule  orchards,  not  gardens?  Fruit  there  may 
be  from  the  forest-like  trees,  but  what  of  the  quality  and  of 
the  value  of  the  ground  for  garden  purposes?  Large  quantities 
of  some  kinds  of  fruit  are  in  some  establishments  only  useful  in 
gratifying  a  class  who  care  not  whence  a  thing  they  like  is 
obtained  if  they  get  it,  or  such  fruit  is  left  to  decay  in  the  fruit- 
room.  In  farm  and  cottage  gardens  this  may  not  be  the  case. 
The  fruit  may  be  disposed  of  as  the  owners  think  profitably. 

The  objections  I  have  to  urge  against  standard  trees  in  gar- 
dens, and  especially  small  gardens  are— 1st,  They  take  up  too 
much  room.  2nd,  Their  shade,  the  drip  from  tbem,  and  the 
roots,  render  the  ground  unfit  for  anything  else.  3rd,  Often  a 
larger  quantity  of  one  kind  of  fruit  is  produced  than  is  sufficient 
to  meet  all  the  demands  required.  4tb,  There  must  be  a  want 
of  variety  which  is  always  pleasing  when  good,  as  well  as  an 
inferior  quality  of  produce  in  everything,  for  standard  trees 
do  not  yield  nearly  so  good  fruit  as  espaliers,  bushes,  and 
pyramids.  In  these  days  quantity  is  of  no  use  unless  com- 
bined with  quality.    I  might  go  further  and  say  standards  are 


not  profitable,  or  if  they  are,  less  bo  than  pyramid  and  bush 
trees. 

For  gardens  I  am  convinced  of  the  inutility  of  standard  trees, 
and  in  no  case  would  I  grow  anything  larger  than  a  pyramid. 
I  may  be  thought  peculiar  in  my  views,  but  I  Bay  that  in  this 
oountry  pyramids  of  over  7  feet  6  inches,  or,  at  the  extreme, 
8  feet,  have  their  days  numbered.  Above  that  height  they  are 
too  large  for  gardens  and  shade  the  ground,  and  they  have  a 
tendency  to  lean  to  one  side,  especially  those  on  the  Quince 
stock,  and  the  fruit  on  the  upper  part  is  liable  to  get  damaged 
by  wind  and  the  blossoms  by  frost  if  the  >ituation  is  at  all 
exposed.  In  an  exposed  situation  I  consider  buBhes  preferable 
to  pyramids,  though  there  is  no  oljeotion  to  pyramids  of  7  to 
8  feet  high. 

Pyramids  and  bushes  of  Pears,  Plums,  Apples,  and  Cherries 
are  what  I  think  most  suitable  for  small  gardens.  Walks  there 
must  be  in  every  garden  ;  and  on  both  sides  of  them  I  would 
have  in  all  oases  a  row  of  pyramid  or  bush  fruit  trees  in  kitchen 
gardens,  and  even  in  the  ornamental  part  of  farmhouse  gardens 
I  would  introduce  them  as  specimens,  whether  on  grass  or  in 
borders.  Ou  grass  they  would  do  well  with  a  epaoe  of  4  feet 
round  eaoh  kept  clear  of  grass,  and  for  applying  top-dressings 
of  rich  compost  so  necessary  for  pyramid  and  buBh  fruit  trees. 
A  row  of  Pears,  Apples,  PInms,  and  Cherries  on  both  sides  of 
a  main  walk,  planted  at  9  feet  apart,  and  standing  in  Meet 
circles  at  6  feet  from  the  walk,  would  have  a  fine  effect — all 
blossom  in  spring,  and  laden  with  delicious  fruit  in  summer 
and  autumn.  In  a  kitchen  garden  the  trees  need  not  be  so  far 
apart :  G  feet  would  be  ample,  but  not  too  far.  Nor  would  I 
stop  there.  In  the  place  where  the  Box  or  other  edging 
waB  I  would  have  a  galvanised  wire  (No.  6)  strained  exactly 
1  foot  from  the  ground  ;  and  if  I  bad  an  edging  at  all  it  would 
be  of  tiles ;  equally  distant  from  the  trees  on  the  other  side 
I  would  have  another  wire  strained.  For  training  on  those 
wires  I  would  plant  double  cordon  Apple  or  Pear  trees  12  feet 
apart,  bo  that  eaoh  cordon  would  have  6  feet  length  of  wire  to 
oeoupy.  The  cordons  might  be  either  Apples  or  Pears  accord- 
ing to  the  wishes  of  the  ocoupier,  but  aa  Apples  are  the  more 
useful  fruit  I  would  prefer  them.  By  thus  disposing  the  borders 
along  the  sides  of  the  walks  and  planting  with  pyramid  and 
bush  fruit  trees,  there  would  be  a  sufficient  supply  for  a  family. 
It  is  presumed  the  garden  beyond  this  is  sufficiently  large  to 
afford  space  for  a  proper  supply  of  vegetables.  As  a  rule,  the 
space  devoted  to  fruit  will  be  about  one-third  that  of  a  vegetable 
and  fruit  garden  oombined. 

Of  course  in  gentlemen's  gardens  the  walls  must  be  taken 
into  consideration,  but  taken  altogether,  the  trees  against  walls, 
and  those  in  borders  and  in  the  quarters  occupy  about  one- 
third  of  the  kitchen-garden  ground.  For  farm  and  cottage 
gardens,  however,  I  consider  borders  on  both  sides  of  the  walks, 
or,  it  may  be,  one  walk  would  afford  a  sufficient  supply  of  fruit ; 
but  if  not,  aud  there  were  more  ground  than  was  wanted  for 
vegetables,  the  part  not  required  could  bs  planted  with  bush 
and  pyramid  Apple.  Pear,  Plum,  or  Cherry  treeB  at  6  feet  apart 
every  way  to  bear  fniit  either  for  family  use  or  for  sale,  for  it 
is  only  right  that  those  ocoupying  garden  ground  should  make 
it  profitable  to  themselves,  what  is  not  required  being  sold. 

But  who  would  advise  planting  bush  and  pyramid  Apple, 
Pear,  Plum,  and  Cherry  trees  as  a  paying  speculation  ?  Every 
one  who  has  the  scales  of  prejudice  removed  from  his  eyes,  as 
he  will  have  if  he  plant  an  tqual  extent  of  ground  with  standard 
trees,  and  with  bushes  and  pyramids  for  comparison.  It  is 
usual  to  compare  the  produce  of  a  few  bush  aDd  pyramid  trees 
but  a  few  years  old  with  those  of  standard  orchard  trees  that 
occupy  the  whole  of  the  ground  devoted  to  the  bushes  and 
pyramids,  and  vegetables  as  well.  Some  have  an  idea  that  a 
small  tree  should  bear  as  much  aa  a  giant,  but  take  no  account 
of  the  ground  occupied  in  each  case,  nor  do  they  consider  the 
difference  in  the  ages  of  the  subjects.  They  expeot  a  pyramid 
or  bush  tree,  requiring  at  the  most  4  square  yards,  to  give  as 
much  fruit  as  a  standard  on  from  3G  to  64  square  yards. 
Nothing  is  expected  from  a  standard  for  the  first  two  or  three 
years  ;  but  a  bush  or  pyramid  is  expected  to  do  wonders  the 
first  year,  anil,  if  it  do  not,  those  whose  advice  prompted  its 
planting  suffer. 

The  only  satisfactory  way  to  come  to  a  conclusion  is  to  plant 
a  piece  of  ground  with  standard  trees,  and  an  equal  extent  with 
hushes  or  pyramids,  aud  note  the  annual  produce  of  each. 
That  is  what  I  have  done,  and  I  advise  others  to  To  the  same 
if  they  wish  to  become  acquainted  with  the  most  profitable 
mode  of  growing  fruit  of  superior  quality.  Let  them  prepare 
an  acre  of  ground  for  bush  and  pyramid  fruit  trees.     It  ought 


November  24,  1870.  ) 


JOURNAL,  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


411 


to  be  trenched;  that  will  cost — coy  JJ  per  yard,  or  £10  Is.  8d  , 
and  the  cost  of  the  tre»s  (1210)  al  6  t-»t  apart  will  be,  for 
Apples,  £90  15s-  ,  at  Is.  Urf.  each  ;  also  for  Pears  and  Plums ;  but 
for  a  quantity  like  that  they  may  be  had  for  considerably  less 
money.  For  properly  planting,  £3  will  be  required,  for  there 
ds  a  great  difference  between  planting  and  cramming  a  tree  in 
the  ground.  The  total  expense  will  be  £10:3  IBs.  8d. — an  outlay 
at  tirst  final  to  the  value  of  the  ground,  and  for  the  first  year 
we  shall  require  manure  for  mulching,  and  for  tnriobing  the 
soil — say  £.">.  The  return  the  first  year  I  will  pass  over,  though 
'he  trees  will  do  something.  The  ground  being  occupied  with 
Potatoes  wilt  pay  for  the  manure,  and  the  cost  of  trenching  will 
be  returned  as  well  as  the  labour  of  attending  to  the  trees  ; 
but  I  will  he  moderate,  and  say  the  cost  of  the  planting  instead 
of  the  trenching  will  be  repaid.  This  will  bring  the  tirst  eost 
down  to  £100,  |.ay  5  per  cent,  on  that  for  tha  outlay  and  rent, 
for  both  of  which  we  require  £10,  £5  for  manure,  £S  for 
labonr,  or  £20  from  an  acre  of  Potatoes.  In  trenehed  ground 
the  Potato  crop  will  do  that  and  much  more.  The  fruit,  as  said 
before  is  given  in,  though  I  have  known  the  trees  average  half 
a  dozen,  which  would  give  7200  for  an  acre,  or  100  pecks  that 
would  sell  anywhere  for  £7  10s. 

The  second  year  we  crop  with  Potatoes,  they  are  excellent 
for  keeping  down  weeds,  and  require  "  muck."  the  very  thing 
wanted.  They  would  pay  the  wear  and  tear,  rent,  interest  of 
outlay,  and  leave  the  fruit  for  repaying  the  expenditure  on  the 
capital  account,  though  we  have  paid  the  interest  on  it.  Wall, 
the  second  year  they  will  average  a  dozen  fruit  each.  I  will 
put  them  down  at  300  pecks  at  Is.  6d  ,  £22  10*.,  and  our  capital 
stands  at  £77  10», 

The  third  year  we  have  the  Potatoes  for  the  last  time,  pay 
interest,  rent,  and  labour,  Set.,  as  before,  and  will  have  a  pro- 
duce of  fruit  equal  to  a  peck  per  tree.  Where  can  we  see  trees 
at  three  years  after  planting  giving  a  peek  of  fruit  :'  I  had  such 
this  year,  and  have  the  frnit  now  of  Cox's  Orange  Pippin,  for 
example,  in  Apples,  and  Marie  Louise  and  Bmirre  Hardy 
among  Tears,  and  I  had  Plums,  also  Cherries,  at  three  years 
old,  which,  if  not  yielding  a  peck  of  fruit,  have  given  as  many 
pounds  at  there  are  quarts  in  a  peck.  This  may  be  an  ex 
ceptional  year,  but  I  have  for  the  second  time  found  what  I 
have  stated  correct  of  trees  at  three  years  after  planting.  1 
will  say  1210  pecks,  at  Is.  6c/.,  £90  15s  ,  which  will  clear  off  the 
outstanding  capital  of  £77  10s. 

From  three  to  seven  years  after  planting  the  produce  will 
rise  from  1  to  2  pecks,  many  trees  at  seven  years  producing  a 
bushel  of  fruit;  but  from  three  to  seven  years  I  will  average 
the  produce  per  tree  at  1J  peok,  or  181B  pecks  per  annum, 
which  at  Is.  ijd.  will  amount  to  £136  2a.  Gd.  ;  after  paying  all 
expenses  this  is  cent,  per  cent,  profit.  At  seven  years  they 
will  bear  2  pecks  each— 2420  pecks  at  Is.  6d  ,  £18i  10s. ;  tha 
seven  years'  produce  will  he : — first  year,  100  pecks,  £7  10s.; 
second,  300  pecks,  £22  10«. ;  third,  1210  pecks,  £90  15s.; 
fourth,  fifth,  and  sixth,  1815  pecks,  £136  2s.  (id.  each  year,  or 
•collectively  £108  7s.  dd. ;  and  seventh,  £181  10s.  The  whole 
value  of  the  seven  years  stands  at  £710  12s.  6d.  !  Cent,  per 
cent,  on  the  outlay,  and  hut  a  fraction  short  of  10  per  cent,  on 
the  land,  which  is  never  calculated  at  more  than  3  per  cent. 
[We  think  our  correspondent  has  made  too  little  allowance  for 
failures  owing  to  season  and  other  causes,  and  has  placed  too 
high  a  value  on  the  produce. — Eds.] 

The  produce  will  increase  from  the  2  pecks  at  seven  years 
to  a  bushel  at  ten  years  and  often  twice  that,  and,  as  far  as  I 
know,  will  endure  a  generation,  for  the  short  duration  of  Apples 
on  the  Paradiso,  and  Pears  on  the  Quince  I  believe  to  he  purely 
imaginary. 

Let  us  plant  an  acre  of  orchard,  which  at  21  feet  apart  will 
take  about  a  hundred  trees  ;  these  at  Is.  6d.  eaoh  will  be  £7  10s., 
planting  about  £1,  or  £8  10s.  in  all.  The  first,  second,  and 
third  years  there  will  be  grass,  paying  the  rent  perhaps  ;  bnt  as 
for  fruit  they  will  be  few  and  far  between.  Nor  is  the  produce 
in  the  fourth,  fifth,  or  even  Bixth  year  much  better;  seven  years 
must  elapse  befoi  e  we  can  calculate  on  a  peck,  and  that  is  quite 
as  much  as  can  safely  be  done,  and  then  we  have  just  the 
first  cost  of  the  trees.  Another  seven  years  will  be  needed 
to  bring  them  level  in  produce  with  pyramids  and  bushes 
at  three  years,  and  another  seven  years  will  be  required  to 
get  them  into  a  condition  to  give  as  many  ppcks  of  fruit  as  are 
produced  by  tho  others  at  seven  years.  The  produce  of  an 
acre  of  orchard  trees  is  thought  something  extraordinary  wlen 
it  reaches  2000  pecks,  representing  a  value  of  £150,  whioh  must 
not  be  looked  for  under  twenty-ona  years,  and  that  is  less  by  450 
pecks  than,  the  pyramids  and  bushes  will  give  at  seven  years.   I 


There  is  one  more  point — the  fruit  from  standard  trees  is 
not  so  fine  an  that  of  pyramids  and  hushes,  and  not  produced 
with  such  oertainty.  It  would  be  difficult  to  explain  why  this 
should  be,  but  I  find  the  nearer  the  ground  any  fruit  is,  there 
being  no  hiuher  branches  usurping  all  the  vigour,  tha  finer  is 
the  fruit.  CordonB  at  1  foot  give  finer  fruit  than  espaliers  at 
4,  3,  or  6  feet,  and  the  fruit  of  pyramids  is  more  ULiforuiJy 
large  and  good  than  that  of  standards. — G.  Abbky. 


SALVIA  VIOLACEA. 

Tnis  annual  is  commonly  known  in  our  gardens  nnder  the 
name  of  Purple-topped  Clary.  Most  lovers  of  a  garden  know 
the  plant,  yet  how  seldom  do  we  see  it  grown,  exoept  in  some 
out-of-the-way  corner  ! 

Treat  it  well,  and  bring  it  to  the  front  of  the  borders  and 
shrnbberies,  and  it  will  be  justly  admired. 

The  culture  of  this  Salvia  is  most  simple.  Sow  the  seed 
aarly  in  spring  in  any  light  garden  soil,  and  transplant  the 
seedlings,  when  they  have  made  a  few  rough  leaves,  into  the 
flower  borders  or  fronts  of  the  shrubberies.  Everyone  must 
admire  the  beautiful  purple  leaves  on  the  tops  of  the  flower 
shoots.  It  has  also  the  great  merit  of  lasting  a  very  long  time 
in  perfection.  The  enclosed  shoots  are  from  the  open  borders, 
so  yon  will  see  the  plaut,  although  a  native  of  Mexico,  is  not 
at  all  a  tender  subject. — J.  Smith,  Exton  Park,  Rutland. 


THE   PILLAR   ROSE. 

Prkhws  there  is  no  form  of  the  Rose  more  effective  than  the 
pillar  Rose,  and  if  this  method  of  fashioning  the  Queen  of 
Flower»  was  more  thoroughly  understood,  Pillar  Roses  would 
prtibably  he  more  plentiful  in  our  gardens. 

A  pillar  Rose  when  fully  grown  should  bo  8  feet  high,  broader 
at  the  bas9  than  at  the  summit,  and  in  the  blooming  season  it 
should  bo  clothed  with  flowers  over  its  entiro  height.  The 
Hybrid  Chinese  and  Hybrid  Bourbon  are  the  best  kinds  for  the 
purpose,  on  account  of  the  masses  of  large  brilliant  flowers 
which  they  produce.  The  Ayrshires,  Sempervirens,  and  Bour- 
snults  stand  next  in  ore'er  of  merit,  and  these  will  attain  the 
height  of  10  foet  or  12  feet  if  required  ;  while  the  strong-grow- 
ing Hybrid  Perpetnals,  Noisettes,  and  Bourbons,  are  available 
in  positions  where  a  maximum  height  of  6  feet  suffices.  The 
three  latter  groups,  however,  offer  fine  varieties  that  will  form 
well-furnished  pillars  more  than  6  feet  high,  and  they  bloom  only 
by  driblets  after  the  first  flowering;  still,  where  it  is  desired  to 
have  flowers  in  the  autumn,  rather  than  in  the  summer,  they 
mav  bo  preferable,  and  they  form  by  no  means  inelegant  objects. 

Pillar  Roses  may  be  planted  singly  on  lawns,  in  groups,  or  in 
arenues.  and  in  the  latter  case,  if  the  walk  is  of  grass  the  effect 
is  materially  heightened. 

It  is  by  no  means  difficult  to  form  a  pillar  Rose  ;  time  and 
patience  are  the  chief  requisites.  Choose  from  the  nurseries  the 
tallest  and  strongest  plants,  whether  on  their  own  roots  or  other- 
wise, and  here,  as  elsewhere,  be  sure  to  obtain  suitable  sorts. 
This  is  a  point  of  primary  importance,  and  no  amount  of  skill 
and  patience  will  avail  if  it  be  neglected. 

After  the  plants  are  fairly  set  in  the  ground,  sonic  recommend 
cutting  back  the  shoots  to  one  or  two  eyes,  to  induce  the  forma- 
tion of  a  few  strong  shoots  the  first  year.  I  have  no  grave  objec- 
tions to  urge  against  this  practice,  and  if  the  roots  have  been  in- 
jured or  curtailed  in  removal  I  recommend  it ;  but  under  other 
circumstances  my  experience  is  in  favour  of  leaving  the  plant 
unpruned  the  first  year,  or  at  the  most  restricting  tho  operation  of 
pruning  to  the  removal  of  the  weak,  misplaced,  and  ill-ripened 
wood.  Tie  up  the  shoots  to  a  neat  stake  immediately  after  trans- 
planting, and  the  first  growth  springing  from  the  top  will  further 
extend  the  height  of  the  plant.  This  completed,  the  second  or 
summer  growth  will  probably  arise  from  eyes  nearer  the  base 
hitherto  dormant ;  and  while  the  former  were  weak  and  short,  ter- 
minated with  flowers,  the  latter  will  be  vigorous  wood-shoots, 
available  for  forming  the  plant,  and  giving  flowers  the  next  year. 
Pruning  and  training  are  the  principal  means  by  which  we  expect 
to  carry  forward  our  operations  with  success ;  but  manuring 
mnst  not  be  neglected.  Bo  it  remembered  that  a  pillar  Rose  has 
more  to  support  and  develope  than  a  dwarf  or  standard,  and  a 
liberal  diet  should  be  accorded  to  it.  Manure  twice  annually 
in  February  and  July ;  and  if  convenient,  water  frequently  with 
weak  liquid  manure  in  tho  growing  season,  especially  in  dry 
weather. 
But  w§  have  something  to  say  on  pruning  and  training.   When 


412 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTUBE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENEB. 


[  November  24,  1870. 


the  plant  has  been  a  year  or  more  in  the  ground  (in  the  spring  of 
the  second  year)  pruning  is  absolutely  necessary.  Cut  all  weak, 
ill-placed,  and  crowded  shoots,  and  shorten  back  such  as  are  indif- 
ferently ripened  to  the  first  solid  eye,  taking  care  not  to  lower  the 
height  of  the  plant  more  than  is  necessary  in  carrying  out  these 
principles.  The  well-placed  and  well-ripened  shoots  should  be 
pruned  sparingly  or  moderately,  in  no  case  severely.  After 
pruning,  tie  the  branches  round  the  stake  with  willow-twigs  or 
tar-twine. 

The  operations  of  manuring,  pruning,  and  tying,  are  to  be 
repeated  from  year  to  year.  About  the  third  year  the  stake  may 
be  replaced  by  a  small  birch  pole,  with  the  snags  left  protruding 
some  6  inches  from  the  sides,  which  have  a  pretty  rustic  appear- 
ance, and  serve  to  protect  the  branches  from  the  action  of  the 
wind.  Thus  is  the  pillar  Kose  formed,  and  few  objects  iu  the 
garden  present  a  more  gorgeous  appearance. 

When  the  pillar  is  five  or  six  years  old,  now  and  then  an 
original  and  main  stem  will  show  signs  of  debility.  Such  should 
be  cut  away  close  to  the  ground,  and  replaced  by  the  young 
shoots  which  occasionally  spring  up  at  or  near  to  the  ground  line. 
By  this  practice  the  plant  is  rejuvenised  and  retained  in  perfect 
keeping  over  an  indefinite  period. — William  Paul,  Paul's  Nur- 
series, Waltham  Cross,  N. 


USING  FRUIT  HOUSES  AS  PLANT  HOUSES 
IN  WINTER. 

Notwithstanding  the  importance  of  the  rule,  "  Have  a  place 
for  everything,  and  keep  everything  in  its  place,"  there  are 
few  gardens,  even  the  most  extensive,  where  such  a  rule  ie 
not  continually,  and  aB  a  matter  of  course,  broken.  All  sorts 
of  summer  and  autumn  fruiting  houses  are  too  much  crammed 
with  bedding  and  greenhouse  plants  in  the  winter  months.  Our 
earliest  Peach  house  has  now  all  its  shelves  filled,  also  every 
available  space  from  wall  to  wall,  except  about  1  foot  in  width 
left  as  a  pathway.  We  consider  it  better  that  before  this 
thorough  cramming  with  small  plants,  the  Peach  treeB  should 
have  had  a  touch  of  frost,  as  they  had  this  season,  but  fre- 
quently the  trees  have  never  felt  frost,  which  is  chiefly  useful 
as  helping  to  destroy  insects,  though  we  have  little  faith  in 
even  a  severe  frost  doiDg  much  injury  to  the  eggs  of  the  insects 
which  generally  annoy  ua.  We  have  some  hope  that  the  eggs 
of  tropical  insects  may  suffer,  though,  as  lately  stated,  we  have 
known  instauees  where  exposure  to  a  keen  frost  did  not  destroy 
the  mealy  bug  of  our  stoveB.  We  may  say  the  same  of  vineries  ; 
as  soon  as  the  fruit  is  cut  and  the  houses  eleaned,  they  are 
generally  filled  up  with  plants  to  be  brought  on  for  other 
places.  These  places  being  heated,  very  little  heat  applied 
keeps  the  plants  safe,  and  saves  a  vast  amount  of  labour  if  the 
plants  must  otherwise  be  kept  in  cold  pits  and  frames  during 
the  winter,  and  a  considerable  amount  of  fuel  if  such  plants 
must  be  kept  in  small  houses  or  pits  heated  artificially.  It  is 
true,  very  large  and  lofty  houses  are  rather  difficult  and  costly 
to  heat,  but  our  eommon-sized  vineries  and  Peach  houses  are 
much  more  easily  managed  as  regards  uniformity  of  artificial 
heat  than  smaller  structures,  and  that  from  the  greater  amount 
of  light,  and  the  greater  body  of  enclosed  air  being  not  so  quickly 
heated  nor  so  quickly  cooled,  and  the  plants  thrive  better.  In 
a  house  with  a  lean-to  roof — say  at  an  angle  of  not  more  than 
45°,  even  small  plants  will  do  far  better  in  winter  than  in  a 
rather  flat-roofed  pit.  They  will  do  well  in  a  lean-to  with 
rather  a  flat  roof  but  with  upright  sashes  in  front;  and  they 
will  do  best  of  all  in  a  span-roofed  house  with  upright  glass  at 
the  sides,  provided  just  enough  of  heat  can  be  given  without 
making  any  part  of  the  heating  medium  too  warm. 

There  can  be  no  doubt  that  many  of  us  cram  our  glass 
houses  far  too  much,  and  never  allow  a  house  to  be  empty 
summer  nor  winter.  On  the  other  hand,  many  who  possess  a 
nice  little  vinery  or  Peach  house  are  so  frightened  to  use  it 
in  anything  else,  that  they  keep  it  almost  empty  in  winter, 
and  give  themselves  endless  trouble  in  keeping  bedding  and 
window  plants,  and  even  greenhouse  plants,  in  cold  pits,  frames, 
empty  rooms,  &c,  when  all  would  have  done  so  much  better  in 
the  empty  fruit  houses  during  the  most  trying  months  of  the 
year.  They  tell  us  they  have  too  good  reasons  for  their  extra 
carefulness  ;  for  instance,  one  time  their  vinery  waB  overspread 
with  insects  bruiight  from  the  plants ;  at  another  time  the 
plants  themselves  became  too  forward  and  weak  before  they 
could  be  moved  ;  and  at  another  time  the  beat  given  in  winter 
caused  the  Vines  and  Peaches  to  break  too  soon  and  very  irre- 
gularly, and  thus  they  suffered  during  the  season  for  the  sake 


of  the  plants  even  badly  kept  in  winter.  We  can  believe  all 
this,  and  even  much  more.  We  know  that  a  little  over-firing 
and  a  little  neglect  in  ventilating  will  bring  on  all  these  and 
kindred  evils,  even  though  such  houses  should  be  quite  empty 
all  the  winter  months.  It  is  very  easy  to  overdo  or  underdo 
anything,  and  thus  the  blame  is  often  laid  upon  a  system 
when  the  fault  ought  to  be  laid  on  the  mode  of  working  that 
system.  For  instance,  a  small  fire  will  keep  bedding  plants 
safe  in  a  large  house;  a  large  fire,  as  for  Vines  in  February, 
will  injure  them.  For  those  who  want  to  make  the  most  of 
their  single  vinery  or  Peach  house  in  winter  we  would  give  the 
following  rules  : — 

First,  Use  no  plants  that  will  not  keep  healthy  and  grow 
slowly  in  an  artificial  temperatnre  of  from  38°  to  45°,  with  a 
rise  of  from  5°  to  15°  from  sunshine. 

Secondly,  As  a  general  principle  do  not  thus  fill  a  house 
until  the  crop  is  gathered,  the  wood  ripened,  the  leaves  fallen, 
and  the  house  oleaned. 

Thirdly,  Do  not  keep  such  plants  in  a  fruiting  house  long 
after  you  have  raised  the  temperature  for  the  benefit  of  the 
frnit  trees — say  a  Peach  house  much  above  45°,  and  a  vinery 
above  50°.  By,  or  before  that  time,  the  hardiest  may  be  re- 
moved. Snch  plants  as  Geraniums  may  remain  longer,  if  you 
can  place  them  afterwards  where  they  will  experience  no  check. 

Thus  in  a  single  vinery  to  which  you  give  little  heat  until 
the  buds  swell  and  break  of  their  own  accord,  you  might  keep 
your  bedding  plants  from  October  to  the  end  of  March  or  the 
middle  of  April,  and  then  place  them  under  calico  and  mats 
out  of  doors.  Camellias  and  Epacrisee  wonld  bloom  all  the 
winter,  Chinese  Primulas,  &o.,  and  the  Camellias  would  like 
the  heat  given  to  the  Vines  early  in  summer. 

The  last  rule  will  apply  to  the  welfare  of  the  frnit  trees,  and 
they  will  not  be  unduly  or  irregularly  exoited  into  growth  if 
the  artificial  heat  in  a  Peach  house  be  not  raised  above  40°,  and 
in  a  vinery  to  more  than  45°.  Many  plants  may  be  kept  safe 
and  bloom  at  and  under  these  temperatures,  for  with  air  early 
given,  mere  sun  heat  of  from  10°  to  15°  more  in  a  bright  day  will 
not  nnduly  excite  the  trees.  Whoever  trieB  the  matter  care- 
fully will  find  that  such  houses  are  more  easily  kept  at  a 
regular  low  healthy  temperature  than  small  pits  even  when 
heated.  The  very  smallness  renders  more  attention  necessary, 
otherwise  it  is  easy  to  have  them  freezing  at  one  time  and 
burning  hot  at  another. 

One  great  advantage  of  using  fruiting  houses  for  protecting 
purposes  in  the  most  severe  months  of  winter  is,  that  one  can 
examine,  pick  over,  surface-stir  the  plants,  &c,  in  the  worst  or 
weather,  when  you  conld  do  nothing  to  plants  wintered  in  pits. 
This  advantage  is  so  obvious  that  we  advise  all  amateurs,  when 
they  resolve  on  having  a  pit  all  above  or  partly  under  the 
ground  level,  to  have  it  wide  enough  to  allow  of  a  small  path- 
way, so  that  all  this  necessary  work  can  be  done  in  rain,  sun, 
or  frost. 

Some  time  ago  we  saw  a  small  unheated  orchard  house 
standing  empty,  with  good  trees  against  the  back  wall,  and  six 
lights  of  frames  outside,  covered  with  lots  of  mats  and  litter  in 
frosty  weather.  These  frames,  if  made  to  take  to  pieces  at  the 
corners,  would  have  stood  in  the  little  house — and  what  a 
saving  there  wonld  have  been  in  covering !  whilst  all  the  at- 
tendance and  examination  might  have  been  given  in  the  dry  and 
comfortable  house.  A  mat  in  sovere  weather  would  probably 
keep  all  secure,  and  more  genial  air  could  be  given  under  such 
circumstances.  A  small  iron  stove  in  such  a  house  would  have 
kept  all  comfortable.  For  mild  heat  in  small  single  houses 
nothing  approaches  the  stove  as  respects  economy  of  fuel. — B.  F. 


NIGHT  SOIL  AS  MANURE. 
I  employed,  two  years  ago,  as  manure  in  my  garden,  night 
soil  from  an  earth  closet,  and  experienced  exactly  the  same 
result  from  it  as  that  complained  of  by  Mr.  Howard.  The  Cab- 
bages, Cauliflowers,  Carrots,  Onions,  Peas,  and  Beans  treated 
with  this  manure  were  almost  all  destroyed  by  small  white 
maggots  at  their  roots.  The  earth  as  employed  in  the  earth 
closets  does  not  actually  arrest  or  absorb  the  nitrogenous  matter 
in  the  night  soil,  bat  only  divides  it  very  minutely ;  conse- 
quently when  exposed  to  the  effect  of  the  sun  and  a  moderate 
amount  of  moisture  insect  life  is  fostered,  and  the  insects  for 
their  sustenance  attack  the  roots  of  plants.  To  obviate  this 
effect  nothing  is  required  but  a  more  effectual  means  than  dry 
earth  to  arrest  the  nitrogenous  matter  in  the  night  soil.  This 
I  thought  charcoal  would  affor  1.  Having  ready  access  to  peat 
charcoal,  I  availed  myself  of  it  to  treat  the  nigh1;  soil  with  it 


November  24,  1870.  1 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


413 


instead  of  with  dry  earth,  and  the  result  was  all  that  I  had 
anticipated.  The  crops  were  finer  than  I  ever  had  them  before, 
and  no  maggots,  wireworms,  nor  slugs  attacked  them.  I  have 
employed  night  soil  treated  with  charcoal  the  summer  of  this 
and  of  last  year  with  perfect  success,  but  with  this  difference, 
that  the  crops  of  the  last  summer,  in  spite  of  the  dry  season, 
were  far  more  abundant  than  those  of  the  preceding  year. — 
Crompton. 

THE    STRAWBERRY  ACTINIA. 

The  "  Natural  History  of  Redcar  "  is  an  interesting  little 
book,  and  certainly  shows  that  that  place  abounds  in  every  sort 
of  marine  life.  It  is  a  droll  thing  that  our  commonest  Anemone 
(the  Strawberry)  is  not  to  be  fouud  there.  Mr.  Ferguson  men- 
tions an  attempt  to  acclimatise  it,  made  by  placing  a  couple  of 
hundred  Fragarias  about  among  the  rocks,  but  it  did  not  seem 
to  answer,  for  they  all  disappeared  in  a  short  time.  I  have 
noticed  that  this  variety  thrives  best  in  rather  fresher  water 
than  other  kinds  like,  but  that  theory  is  at  once  knocked  on 
the  head  when  we  look  at  a  map  and  find  Redcar  olose  to  the 
mouth  of  a  river.— Kenneth  M'Kean. 

[The  mouth  of  the  river  is  two  miles  away  from  the  Scars  on 
which  the  Actinia;  are  found. — Eds.] 


PORTRAIT  OF  MR.  RIVERS. 
We  have  received  the  following  testimony  from  a  foreign 
admirer  of  Mr.  Rivers  : — "  My  gardening  pursuits  in  fruit  and 
orchard-house  culture  have  always  been  guided  by  Mr.  Rivers's 
instructions  in  his  handbooks  aud  periodical  writings  ;  so  I 
have  to  thank  him  alone  for  success  and  the  manifold  pleasures 
derived  from  such  gardening  for  many  years.  Perhaps  these 
few  lines  from  abroad  will  show  that  Mr.  Rivers's  great  merits 
about  popular  fruit  culture  principally  are  appreciated  not  in 
his  own  country  only." 

The  following  additional  subscriptions  have  been  received  : — 

£    s.     d. 
Bass,  A.,  Esq.,  Moat  Bank,  Barton-on-Trent    ..110 

Bromfield.  Rev.  R.  0.,  Sprouston,  Kelso 1     1     0 

Burnell,  Mr.  E.,  Chappel,  near  Halstead   0  10     0 

Moody,  Mr.  H.,  Bury,  Lancashire  0  10     6 

Saltmarsh  &  Son,  Messrs.,  Chelmsford 1     1     0   - 

Tweedale,  Mr.  W.,  Bury,  Lancashire 0  10     6 

Wesselhaeft,  Mr.  John,  Hamburg   2    0    0 


ENTOMOLOGICAL   SOCIETY'S  MEETING. 

The  first  meeting  of  this  Society  for  the  present  season  was  held  at 
Burlington  House  on  the  7th  inst.,  the  chair  being  occupied  by  Mr. 
H.  W.  Bates  in  the  absence  of  the  President.  A  very  extensive  series 
of  donations  to  the  Society's  library  from  many  American,  continental, 
and  English  Societies  of  Natural  History,  and  private  donors,  was 
announced,  and  thanks  ordered  to  be  given  for  them.  Amongst  these 
works  were  especially  to  be  noticed  a  new  general  work  upon  the  dif- 
ferent orders  of  insects,  beautifully  illustrated  by  Mr.  Packard,  a  rising 
American  naturalist ;  a  life  of  the  late  Thaddeus  W.  Harris,  an  Ame- 
rican entomologist  of  great  merit ;  and  a  memoir  by  Mr.  Home  on  the 
habits  of  a  number  of  Indian  Hymruopterous  insects,  illustrated  with 
figures  of  their  nests  and  transformations,  with  notes  by  Mr.  F.  Smith. 
A  new  part  of  the  Society's  Transactions  was  announced  as  ready  for 
distribution. 

Mr.  MacLachlau  exhibited  a  series  of  coloured  drawings,  repre- 
senting the  caterpillars  of  Sphinx  Galli  and  livornica  in  all  their 
states,  executed  by  Mr.  Buckler.  Mr.  F.  Bond  exhibited  specimens 
of  Nonagria  brevilinea  ;  also  a  male  Caradrina  cnbicularis,  taken  in 
company  with  a  female  Senta  Ulvte ;  also  the  small  tiy  Chlorop6  lineata, 
found  in  the  autumn  in  vast  swarms  on  the  ceilings  of  chambers  at 
Cambridge,  in  which  situation  it  is  often  elsewhere  noticed,  although 
no  observation  has  hitherto  been  made  as  to  the  canse  of  its  appear- 
ance there.  Mr.  Edward  Saunders  exhibited  a  gigantic  Longicorn 
Beetle,  Xixuthrus  Heros,  from  the  Feejee  islands.  Mr.  F.  Smith  ex- 
hibited specimens  of  the  rare  Meloe  rngosus,  found  by  him  hi  some 
numbers  at  Prettlewell,  near  Southend,  in  the  autumn,  at  the  roots  of 
grass.  The  males  fight  furiously  even  when  at  large,  and  two  females 
which  he  had  confined  buried  themselves  in  the  earth  of  a  flower  pot, 
probably  in  order  to  deposit  their  eggs. 

Mr.  E.  H.  Vaughan  exhibited  various  new  or  rare  British  Moths, 
including  three  new  Phycidee — Trachonitis  Pryerella,  Homceosoma 
Senecionis,  and  H.  saxicola.  Mr.  A.  Muller  exhibited  some  reniform 
gall  spangles  on  the  under  side  of  Oak  leaves,  caused  by  Cynips  renum, 
and  some  Pea-like  galls  in  the  Bame  situation  on  Oak  leaves,  formed 
by  Cynips  agama. 

The  Secretary  exhibited  drawings  and  read  notes  on  various  insects 
— namely,  Anobium  paniceum,  both  larva?  and  beetles,  found  feeding 


on  cayenne  pepper — this  insect  had  been  confounded  with  Lasioderma 
teataceum,  which  had  been  found  eating  Capsicum — notes  by  Mr. 
Shoolbred  on  the  silk  cocoons  of  Bombyx  Pernyi ;  notes  and  drawings 
by  Mr.  Holdsworth,  of  Shanghai,  on  various  Lepidoptera  and  their 
transformations  observed  in  China  ;  and  a  note  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Warne 
on  the  black  slimy  larvae  of  Bleunocampa  Cerasi.  The  following 
memoirs  were  also  read  : — On  Butterflies  from  Basuto  Land,  by  Mr. 
R.  Trimen  ;  conclusion  of  a  memoir  on  the  Longicorn  Coleoptera  of 
the  Amazon  Valley  by  Mr.  Bates  ;  on  new  Australian  Curculionidre,  by 
Mr.  Pascoe ;  and  Notes  on  the  Eurytorninre,  by  Mr.  F.  Walker. 


INSECTS  INJURIOUS  TO  THE  PEAR  TREE. 

No.  G. 

AXTHONOMUS     POMORUM. 

Tins  little  weevil  has  also  been  named  by  entomologists 
Curculio  pomorum  and  Balaninus  pomorum.  At  this  season  of 
the  year,  and  especially  during  frosty  weather,  the  rough  bark  of 
Apple  and  Pear  tree  stems  should  be  scraped  off,  for  the  purpose 
of  destroying  this  insect.  It  shelters  itself  beneath  the  scurfy 
bark  during  the  winter,  awaiting  the  return  of  spring  to  renew 
its  attacks  upon  the  blossom-buds.  "  This  insect "  says  Mr.  Curtis, 
"  commits  great  devastation  in  Apple  and  Pear  orchards,  by  de- 
stroying the  stamens,  pistil,  and  receptacle  of  the  flower.  As 
soon  as  the  blossom-buds  swell  the  female  beetle  begins  to  de- 
posit her  eggs.  In  calm  weather  she  selects  a  good  bud,  and 
makes  a  hole  in  it  with  her  rostrum  (long  beak) ;  she  fixes  her- 
self at  the  hole,  lays  one  egg,  and  goes  on  till  she  has  deposited 
a  considerable  number  of  eggs  in  separate  buds.  The  bud  con- 
tinues to  swell,  and  the  petals  (flower  leaves)  nearly  expand, 
when  suddenly  the  growth  ceases,  and  the  petals  wither  and 
assume  a  shrivelled  appearance.  If  one  of  these  flower  buds 
be  examined  when  nearly  expanded,  a  small  white  grub,  with  a 
black  head,  will  be  found  in  the  centre,  which  begins  to  assume 
a  yellowish  colour;  a  few  days  later,  the  grub  will  be  found 
either  wholly  or  partially  changed  to  a  beetle — and  should  there 
be  a  small  hole  on  the  side  of  the  receptacle,  the  beetle  will  have 
escaped ;  the  transformation  from  the  egg  to  the  perfect  state  not 
having  occupied  more  than  a  month.  When  this  beetle  or 
weevil  leaves  the  receptacle,  it  feeds  during  the  summer  on 
the  leaves  of  the  trees,  and  is  seldom  to  be  seen.  In  the  autumn 
the  weevils  leave  the  trees,  and  search  for  convenient  hiding- 
places  under  stones  about  the  trees  or  under  the  rough  bark,  in 
which  they  pass  the  winter.  Consequently,  as  they  commence 
their  operations  early  in  the  spring,  care  should  be  taken  to 
remove  all  stones,  dead  leaves,  and  other  litter,  from  imder  the 
trees,  as  well  as  to  scrape  off  the  rough  dead  bark  from  them  in 
the  winter  season."  This  beetle,  or  weevil,  is  scarcely  one  line 
and  a  half  long ;  its  wing-cases  are  dark  brown,  with  whitish- 
grey  stripes,  its  antenna?  (horns  or  feeders)  spring  from  the 
middle  of  its  beak,  and  all  these  parts,  as  well  as  its  eyes  and  the 
under  part  of  the  body,  are  black. 


WORK  FOR  THE  WEEK. 

KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

Wheeling  out  manures,  composts,  earth,  mud,  &c,  and 
trenching,  draining,  making  new  walks  and  repairing  old  ones, 
are  amongst  the  principal  operations  at  the  present  season  in 
this  department.  Always  make  choice  of  suitable  weather  for 
them,  with  a  view  to  cleanliness  and  good  order.  Take  care  to 
pot  or  lay  in  a  sheltered  situation  Cape  Broccoli  and  Grange's 
White  Broccoli.  Celery  must  be  carefully  earthed-up  in  suit- 
able weather,  and  a  supply  of  Endive  must  be  blanched.  Jeru- 
salem Artichokes  keep  well  and  in  good  condition  for  use  in  the 
soil,  and  can  be  taken  up  as  required  ;  to  keep  the  frost  from 
injuring  them,  the  stalks  may  be  cut  off  within  5  or  6  inches  of 
the  sun  ace  of  the  soil  and  laid  between  the  rows,  or  a  quantity 
of  leaves,  mulching,  or  vegetable  refuse  may  be  wheeled  amongst 
thera  to  cover  the  surface  of  the  ground.  The  best  plan  with 
Parsnips  is  to  let  them  remain  in  the  ground  and  trench  them 
out  fresh  as  required  for  use.  At  this  season  of  the  year,  it  is 
advisable  to  have  wheeled  on  and  spread  over  them  a  good 
coating  of  maDure  or  mulching  material,  so  that  if  frost  set  in 
it  may  always  be  easy  to  get  at  them.  Clear  away  dead  leaves 
from  all  growing  crops,  and  fill  up  blanks  as  they  occur. 
FRUIT  GARDEN. 

Continue  to  prepare  for  fruit-tree  planting  by  draining, 
trenching,  and  pulverising  the  soil ;  and  after  planting,  stake, 
tie,  and  mulch  them  securely  in  good  time.  Clear  away  all 
dead  leaves  f  on  the  wall  trees,  and  remove  the  green  fruit 
from  the  Figs.     The  established  strong-growing  fruit  trees  that 


414 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTUBE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  November  24,  1870. 


are  tardy  in  producing  fruit  should  be  root  pruned.  This  ope- 
ration must  be  performed  according  to  circumstances ;  if  the 
trees  are  planted  too  deeply,  or  the  soil  has  been  raised  above  or 
about  them  Bince  planting,  by  all  means  fork  the  rootB  out  care- 
fully, and  plant  them  again  with  care  on  the  Burfaoe,  spreading 
them  out  judiciously,  and  then  mulching  them.  If  trees  to  be 
operated  upon  are  planted  high  and  dry,  fork  about  them  at  a 
reasonable  distance,  and  prune  back  the  main  or  strongest 
roots  as  you  discover  them.  Very  beneficial  results  follow 
from  such  an  operation  when  performed  judiciously.  Rasp- 
berry plantations  may  be  cleared  of  the  dead  canes  and  super- 
fluous wood ;  the  suckers  should  be  taken  oil,  and  where  re- 
quired the  strongest  should  at  once  be  planted  for  succession. 

FLOWER  GARDEN. 

Dahlias  temporarily  placed  heels  upwards  under  cover  to  dry, 
should  now  be  carefully  stored  away  for  the  winter.  See  that 
coarse-growing  plants  which  may  be  encroaching  upon  their 
weaker  neighbours  are  reduced,  so  as  to  occupy  their  proper 
places.  Gladioli  may  still  be  planted,  but  most  kinds  of  bulbs 
are  now  better  in  the  ground  than  out  of  it.  For  Gladioli 
choose  a  warm,  thoroughly-drained  situation,  work  the  soil 
well  by  deep  digging,  and  add  plenty  of  rotten  manure.  Elevate 
the  bed  or  patch  a  few  inches  above  the  general  level,  plant  the 
bulbs  5  or  6  inches  deep  and  G  inches  apart,  surrounding  them 
with  1  inch  of  sand  before  covering  with  mould,  and  proteot 
them  during  the  winter  against  excessive  wet  and  frost  by 
means  of  a  thick  layer  of  sawdust,  old  tan,  dry  litter,  and  old 
carpet,  thatched  frames,  or  tarpaulin.  The  last  three  coverings 
must  be  removed  during  favourable  weather,  and  the  former 
covering  entirely  cleared  oft  when  the  plants  appear.  Ranun- 
culuses may  also  still  be  planted.  The  situation  of  the  beds 
should  be  cool  and  somewhat  moist ;  at  the  same  time  there 
should  be  good  drainage.  The  most  suitable  soil  is  a  hazelly 
loam.  If,  therefore,  the  natural  soil  is  unsuitable,  remove  it  to 
about  the  depth  of  2  feet,  and  4  feet  in  width,  replacing  it  with 
rich  loam  from  an  old  pasture  ;  this  ought  to  be  rather  firmly 
trodden  in,  and  should  form  the  foundation  and  principal  por- 
tion of  the  bed.  On  this  should  be  laid  a  liberal  dressing  of  well- 
decayed  manure,  mixing  it  a  little  with  the  under  soil,  and  over 
all,  for  the  top  of  the  bee  .  should  be  laid  a  layer  of  soil  6  inches 
deep  for  planting  the  tubers  in;  this  soil  should  be  stiffish 
loam,  fibry,  and  mixed  with  well-decayed  cow  dung  and  leaf  soil. 
Draw  drills  6  inches  apart  and  2  inches  deep  with  a  small  hoe, 
and  plant  the  tubers  4  inches  apart,  with  the  claws  downwards, 
gently  pressing  them  into  the  soil.  The  crowns  of  the  tubers 
should  be  at  least  1J  inch  under  the  surface  of  the  bed.  The 
beds  and  borders  intended  for  Roses  should  be  thoroughly 
trenched  and  turned,  at  the  same  time  adding  plenty  of  rotten 
dung,  which  Bhould  be  well  incorporated  with  the  soil  as  the 
work  goes  on.  This  is  considered  to  be  the  grand  secret  in 
Rose-growing,  as  without  attention  to  this  it  would  be  vain  to 
expect  umbrageous  trees  or,  indeed,  an  abundance  of  bloom. 
Of  all  months  in  the  year  the  present  is  decidedly  the  best 
suited  for  the  removal  and  planting  of  hardy  summer  Roses. 
In  lifting  tho  plants  great  care  should  be  exercised  to  preserve 
as  many  roots  as  possible;  avoid  wrenching  or  straining  the 
roots  in  lifting.  Prune  the  ends  of  broken  roots,  and  cut  away 
all  suckers.  Deep  planting  is  to  he  deprecated.  Standards 
should  be  secured  to  stakes  as  soon  as  planted.  When  all  this 
is  finished  fork  np  the  surface  as  roughly  as  possible,  get  pro- 
tecting materials  in  readiness,  such  as  Spruce  boughs  or  Furze, 
also  dry  Fern  or  Moss,  to  be  applied  to  the  most  tender  sorts 
when  severe  weather  setB  in.  If  possible,  keep  the  mateiialdry 
till  required.  To  save  time  at  another  season  old-established 
shrubs  should  now  be  gone  over  and  pruned  by  shortening  or 
removing  all  uncouth  or  straggling  branches,  taking  care  to  cut 
in  such  a  manner  that  the  foliage  will  conceal  the  incision  made 
in  the  branch.  Proceed  with  the  planting  of  evergreen  and 
deoiduous  trees  and  shrubs  Devote  any  spare  time  or  bad 
weather  to  preparing  protecting  material,  which  will  be  required 
for  delicate  trees  and  shrubs  that  cannot  fully  withstand  the 
severity  of  our  winters. 

GREENHOUSE    AND    CONSERVATORY. 

If  the  different  varieties  of  half-hardy  Liliums  are  subjected 
to  a  successful  mode  of  pot  culture,  they  will  prove  most  de- 
sirable objects  during  the  summer  and  autumn  months  for  the 
decoration  of  either  the  conservatory  or  greenhouse.  The  sorts 
most  in  repute  at  present  for  this  purpose  ar*>  the  splendid  va- 
rieties of  recent  introduction  from  Japan.  The  present  is  the 
beBt  period  of  the  season  for  the  general  potting  or  transplant- 
ing of  LiliumB  ;  their  flower-stems  are  now  sufficiently  withered 


to  allow  of  their  safe  removal  without  injury  to  the  bulbs,  and. 
potting  thus  early  will  enable  them  to  thoroughly  establish 
themselves  previous  to  the  flower-stems  making  a  start.  That 
they  should  be  so  established  is  very  necessary,  and  of  much 
more  importance  in  the  cultivation  of  this  class  of  bulbous 
plants  than  ia  generally  supposed.  Of  scarce  sorts  any  small 
bulbs  that  may  have  formed  on  the  flower-stems  shonld  be 
saved,  and  be  potted  separately  in  small  pots,  or  planted  out  in 
a  pit  or  frame  in  suitable  soil,  where  in  a  year  or  two  they  will 
make  strong  fUwering  bulbs.  If  the  object  of  the  cultivator  be 
to  grow  the  old  plants  into  fine  large  specimens,  the  bulbs 
must  not  be  divided  too  much,  but  remove  carefully  as  much  of 
the  old  soil  as  can  be  conveniently  done  without  disturbing  the 
roots,  and  then  let  them  be  placed  at  once  in  the  puts  in  which 
it  is  intended  to  flower  them,  whioh  ought  to  be  thoroughly 
drained,  and  of  a  deeper  form  than  those  in  general  use.  The 
soil  must  suitable  for  the  cultivation  of  Liliums  is  a  rich 
fibrous  heath  soil  used  in  a  rough  state,  and  without  any  ad- 
mixture of  other  soils,  with  the  exoeption,  should  the  nature  of 
the  heath  soil  require  it,  of  a  portion  of  silver  sand.  After 
potting  let  them  be  placed  in  a  cool  part  of  the  greenhouse  or 
in  a  cold  pit,  protecting  them  from  severe  frost  only,  and 
giving  them  a  very  limited  supply  of  water  until  next  season's 
flower-stems  appear  above  ground,  when  a  gradual  increase  will 
be  requisite. 

COLD    PITS. 

Cold  pits  afford  the  best  possible  accommodation  for  the 
culture  of  all  greenhouse  plants  in  summer,  but  unless  they 
are  furnished  with  pipes  so  that  a  little  heat  can  be  had  to  dry 
the  atmosphere  occasionally,  and  also  to  exclude  frost,  they  are 
not  fit  quarters  for  many  plants  in  winter ;  and  although  in 
mild  winters  most  greenhouse  plants  can  with  care  be  wintered- 
in  cold  pits,  such  as  Boronias,  Leschenaultias,  Gompholobinms, 
&c,  if  not  already  done,  Bhonld  be  removed  to  safer  quarters  at 
once. — W.  Keane. 


DOINGS  OF  THE  LAST   WEEK. 

The  prognostics  as  to  the  weather  have  been  fully  realised. 
On  Sunday,  the  13th,  we  had  from  3  to  4  inches  of  snow,  which 
rapidly  thawed  and  disappeared,  but  almost  every  night  we  have 
had  a  sharp  frost,  getting  more  keen  towards  morning.  These 
frosts  from  the  12th  to  the  19th  destroyed  our  flower  garden 
display.  The  Coleuses  succumbed  three  weeks  ago.  The 
Iresine  was  splendid  unlil  the  12th,  or  rather  the  15th,  for  it 
stood  the  snow  well.  Calceolarias  are  as  yet  but  little  affected, 
though  of  course  the  flowering  is  nearly  over.  Some  scarlet 
Geraniums  elevated  and  rather  dry  in  vases  Beem,  with  all  the 
frost,  to  be  yet  sound  to  their  points.  No  doubt  the  dry  sum- 
mer helped  to  make  them  more  firm,  and  therefore  less  liable 
afterwards  to  suffer  from  the  extremes  of  heat  and  cold. 

Some  years  ago,  as  hints  to  young  gardeners  in  managing" 
fireB,  &c,  we  remarked  that  the  state  of  the  moon  ought  to 
form  a  part  of  their  considerations.  As  a  general  rule  the 
greatest  cold  in  winter  is  felt  just  before  daybreak.  A  brisk 
sharp  fire  in  the  morning  will,  therefore,  often  supersede  the 
necessity  for  having  large  fires  at  night.  Another  secondary 
rule  may  be  deduced  from  the  state  of  the  moon.  When  the 
moon  is  growing  to  the  full  the  coldest  temperature  in  generally 
experienced  in  the  evening  and  onwards  until  the  moon  sets. 
At  new  or  full  moon  we  can  scarcely  calculate  on  much  dif- 
ference from  Bunset  to  sunrise,  but  when  the  moon  is  waning 
and  giving  its  light  in  the  early  morning,  it  is  well  to  provide 
for  a  fall  of  temperature  then,  especially  if  the  sky  is  unclouded. 
During  the  last  week,  with  a  west  and  even  a  south-west  wind 
prevailing  up  to  this  day,  the  18th,  we  have  had  with  rather  mild 
evenings  sharp  frosts  every  morning.  Most  likely  this  will 
change  as  the  moon  changes.  We  by  no  means  assert  that  such 
a  rule  is  at  all  general :  no  doubt  every  reader  could  give  us 
plenty  of  exceptions,  but  still  the  bulk  of  facts  would  seem  to 
say  that  in  a  waning  moon  we  have  the  lowest  temperature  in 
the  morning,  and  that  therefore  a  sharp  fire,  or  a  little  pro- 
tection before  it  is  quite  daylight,  is  of  more  importance  than 
piling  on  fire  or  extra  protection  in  an  evening  comparatively 
mild. 

In  many  places  it  is  getting  customary  for  garden  assistants 
to  get  up  and  take  their  breakfast  before  going  out  to  work  in 
the  winter  months.  This  not  only  makes  a  long  period  be- 
tween breakfast  and  dinner,  and  puts  men  who  live  at  a  distance 
to  an  additional  expense  for  fuel  in  the  morning,  but  keeps 
them  away  from  the  garden  early  in  the  morning,  when  a  little 
firing   and  protection  would   be  not  only  most  serviceable, 


November  24, 1870.  ] 


JOUBNAL  OF  HOBTICULTUBE   AND   COTTAGE   GABDENEB. 


415 


bat  moot  economical.  A  considerable  amount  of  observation 
leads  us  to  the  conclusion,  that  men  who  can  get  a  comfortable 
warm  breakfast  at  8  or  8.80  a.m.,  and  whose  comfort  is  other- 
wise cared  for,  will  work  better  and  wear  better  than  otber 
men  who  scarcely  have  a  comfortable  meal  in  summer,  except 
the  one  they  get  in  the  evening ;  and  if  they  have  an  early 
breakfast  at  home  in  winter,  it  is  attended  with  extra  early 
riBing,  and  eitra  expense  for  fuel  if  they  have  everything  com- 
fortable and  warm  as  they  ought  to  have. 

In  these  times  it  may  be  too  true  that  working  men  may 
have  been  too  selfish  in  studying  what  they  thought  were  their 
own  interests ;  but  on  the  other  hand,  it  is  also  too  true  that 
many  employers  do  not  pay  so  much  attention  to  the  comfort 
and  health  of  their  workmen  as  they  do  to  the  cleanliness  and 
dryness  of  necessary  machinery.  We  know  of  cases  where, 
even  as  a  matter  of  making  the  most  of  the  hours  of  labour, 
garden  men  are  expected  to  be  at  their  work  at  seven  in  the 
winter  and  early  spring  months,  and  to  have  breakfasted  pre- 
viously. Now,  work  can  be  very  well  managed  on  this  plan, 
but  where  eoonomy  in  labour  and  in  fuel  are  to  be  consider- 
ations, not  to  speak  of  the  comfort  of  the  men,  we  have  a  strong 
belief  that  from  half  an  hour  to  an  hoar  earlier  at  times  in  the 
morning,  even  though  stopping  for  breakfast  afterwards,  would 
be  the  most  economical  mode  in  the  end. 

KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

The  work  has  been  to  a  great  extent  a  repetition  of  that  re- 
corded in  the  previous  week's  notice.  We  pricked  out  more 
Cauliflowers,  Lettuces,  &c,  and  proteoted  Lettuces  and  Endive, 
not  covered  up,  for  present  use. 

Wheeling  Manure,  dtc. — In  the  frosty  mornings  the  contents 
of  the  rubbish-heap  that  had  been  well  mixed  and  heated,  were 
wheeled  on  to  empty  ground ;  we  also  wheeled  the  remains  of 
hotbeds  into  heaps,  whence  the  material  could  be  moved  where 
wanted  afterwards,  without  breaking-up  walks.  All  wheeling 
on  walks  should  be  done  either  in  frosty  or  dry  weather.  We 
have  felt  as  if  a  blow  had  been  given  us,  on  noticing  men 
pushing  and  Btriving  with  all  their  might  to  get  a  barrow  along 
with  the  wheel  np  to  the  axil  in  mud  and  slush.  Much  depends 
on  choosing  the  right  time  for  work,  if  the  work  ia  to  be  done 
comfortably  and  economically.  In  particular  cases  such  con- 
tinuous work  cannot  be  avoided,  but,  as  a  general  rule,  no  work 
should  be  attempted  which  cannot  be  done  at  the  time  without 
making  other  work.  When  for  short  distances  we  are  obliged 
to  wheel  in  unsuitable  circumstances,  a  great  preservative  from 
injury  will  be  found  in  thinly  sprinkling  the  place  to  be  wheeled 
over  with  longish  litter.  Even  under  the  most  favourable  cir- 
cumstances, a  similar  sprinkling  for  some  yards  from  the 
rubbish  or  dung  heap  keeps  the  wheel  of  the  barrow  and  the 
feet  of  the  wheeler  clean,  and  thua  the  walks  and  ground 
wheeled  over  are  kept  comparatively  unbroken.  It  ia  true  they 
might  be  scraped  and  swept,  but  the  lees  the  better.  Much 
of  it  is  just  doing  work  bo  as  to  make  other  work,  a  matter  to 
be  avoided  when  economy  in  resources  is  to  be  considered.  A 
dry  frosty  morning  is,  therefore,  very  suitable  for  general  wheel- 
ing ;  but  if  the  frost  is  very  sharp,  and  the  ground  hard,  it  is 
not  desirable  to  wheel  over  lawns,  as  under  euch  circumstances 
the  grass  under  the  wheel  of  the  barrow  will  long  retain  a  dark 
injured  appearance,  when  the  rest  of  the  lawn  looks  like  a  fine 
green  carpet.  We  have  known  several  cases  in  which  beautiful 
small  lawns  have  thus  been  greatly  injured  in  tbeir  appearance 
far  into  the  summer.  Nothing  would  take  out  the  wheel  marks. 
Where  wheeling  must  be  done  in  such  cases,  it  would  be  well 
to  use  boards  and  planks  to  wheel  on,  and  thus  save  the  grass. 

Ice. — As  we  stated  some  time  ago,  it  is  very  easy  to  use  too 
much  ice  in  hot  weather  in  summer.  What  is  very  pleasing  is 
not  always  conducive  to  health.  Still,  without  ice  many  would 
have  found  the  last  season  very  trying  to  the  temper  if  nothing 
else.  In  our  common  sunk  well,  with  only  a  single  wall,  we 
have  had  and  still  have  abundance ;  this  is  all  the  more 
gratifying,  as,  from  our  ponds  having  still  little  water,  we 
should  have  far  to  go  for  ice,  even  if  the  frost  were  coming 
Bharp  enough  to  give  us  plenty  on  clean  water.  We  are  re- 
minded by  the  short  statement  at  pages  390  and  391,  that  we 
promised  some  dozen  of  our  correspondents  to  say  a  few 
words  before  another  season  as  to  the  causes  of  their  failures. 
Well,  in  eight  cases  made  known  to  as,  where  ice  heaps  had 
been  made  above  ground,  chiefly  for  milk,  cream,  and  butter 
purposes,  the  ice  had  thawed  when  most  wanted — in  July, 
and  later.  In  these  cases  the  ice  had  been  well  broken,  but  it 
was  left  too  wide  and  flat,  and  there  was  too  little  of  it  to  give 
hopes  of  keeping.  In  the  largest  heap  there  were  not  above 
fifteen  good  cartloads.    Now,  though  we  do  not  wish  to  dis- 


courage anyone,  still  we  could  not  recommend  the  forming 
a  heap  expected  to  last  over  the  summer,  unless  there  were 
from  thirty  to  forty  good  cartloads.  It  requires  very  great  care 
to  keep  a  few  loads  over  the  late  spring  and  early  summer 
months.  In  eix  oases  made  known  to  us,  the  failure,  we  think, 
was  owing  to  using  dryish  litter,  but  not  dry,  to  cover  the  heap 
out  of  doors  ;  and  the  litter  banked  together,  heated  enough  to 
melt  the  ice.  When  the  ice  is  packed  firmly  where  no  water 
or  ice-meltings  can  stay,  and  where,  if  possible,  the  ice  hae 
been  watered  outside  and  frozen  into  a  lump,  nothing  is  better 
for  covering  than,  say,  6  inches  of  dry  straw,  more  being  added 
by  degrees,  so  as  to  keep  out  heat,  and  yet  not  heat  by  fer- 
mentation. For  the  outBide  covering  we  have  found  nothing 
better  than  dry  tree  leaves,  for  if  put  on  with  a  few  branches 
over  them  the  wind  has  little  effect  on  them,  and  the  heat  of 
the  sun  scarcely  any.  Without  these  wheat  Btraw  neatly  secured 
is  the  next  best,  put  on  so  as  to  throw  all  wet  from  the  inside 
covering.  Such  dry  covering  put  on  by  degrees  should  not  be 
less  than  18  inches  thick  to  keep  out  effectually  the  heat  of 
summer. 

In  several  cases  where  ice  wella  have  been  made  under 
ground  the  failure  was  owing  either  to  not  having  a  drain  at 
all,  or  having  a  drain,  but  untrapped  with  standing  water,  and 
therefore  admitting  the  air  of  the  general  atmosphere  in  sum- 
mer to  the  bottom  of  the  well.  A  moist  foggy  atmosphere 
would  thus  be  formed  in  the  place,  and  nothing  tends  to  melt 
ice  more  quickly.  The  more  cool  and  dry  the  air  over  and 
about  the  ice  the  better  it  will  keep.  The  moiater  and  warmer 
the  air  is  the  sooner  it  will  melt. 

Beverting  to  the  notice  at  page  390,  we  observe  that  a  mis- 
take was  made,  inasmuoh  as  the  inside  wall  was  9  inches 
thick  instead  of  4J  inches,  the  thickness  of  the  outer  wall. 
Be  that  as  it  may,  we  revert  to  the  subject  again  because,  from 
several  notes,  we  find  that  though  most  people  have  an  idea 
that  double  walls  would  alike  keep  out  heat  and  cold,  they  can- 
not see,  except  through  a  sort  of  mi8t,  that  the  most  thorough 
acting  of  such  double  walla  dependa  on  the  air  enclosed  being 
still — thoroughly  shut  in,  and  having  no  connection  with  the 
external  atmosphere.  We  have  been  asked  how  it  is,  and  as 
we  never  could  satisfy  ourselves  as  to  the  how,  it  is  not  likely 
that  any  answer  we  could  give  could  Batisfy  others ;  never- 
theless, the  fact  remains  that  whilst  moving  air  is  a  good  con- 
ductor of  heat  and  cold,  confined  air  i8  one  of  the  beat  of  non- 
conductors. 

We  will  adduce  a  few  facts  in  corroboration.  First,  A  few 
years  ago  a  doubter  as  to  this  property  of  confined  air  called 
upon  us  during  a  keen  frost  in  January,  after  2  or  3  inches  of 
Bnow  bad  fallen  the  previous  night.  He  looked  at  a  low  house 
about  11  am.  One  half  of  it  had  a  cloth  run  along  the  front 
lights,  the  inside  temperature  ranging  from  45°  to  50° ;  the 
other  half  had  neat  straw  covers  placed  on  the  lower  sashes 
instead  of  the  cloth.  There  was  not  a  ray  of  direct  son  that  day, 
but  a  cold  clouded  atmosphere.  Well,  as  there  was  not  much 
reason  for  uncovering  early,  at  that  hour  the  snow  on  the 
cloth  lying  against  the  glass  was  all  melted  and  gone,  and  the 
cloth  could  be  easily  rolled  up.  But  above  the  warmer  house 
the  snow  lay  on  the  straw  covers  just  as  it  had  fallen,  not  a  bit 
of  it  showed  any  signs  of  melting.  We  attributed  this  to  the 
air  enclosed  imperfectly  between  the  glass  and  the  cover,  and 
the  air  so  far  shut  up  in  every  tube  of  straw.  For  such  a 
purpose,  the  less  mutilated  the  straw  by  flail  or  machine  the 
more  suitable  it  would  be  for  such  a  purpose.  We  regret 
we  are  getting  out  of  straw  covers.  Made  aa  recommended  in 
former  volumes,  there  is  no  protection  cheaper  and  more 
effective. 

Secondly,  We  have  a  pit  which  we  had  built  with  hollow 
walls — that  is,  a  14-inch  wall  used-up  little  more  bricka  than  a 
9-inch  wall.  In  the  most  severe  frost  we  have  never  known 
the  inside  wall  at  all  frosted.  In  the  hottest  summer  weather 
the  inside  wall,  unless  where  the  sun  beats  upon  it,  is  com- 
paratively cool. 

Thirdly,  A  gentleman  was  obliged  to  build  a  dairy  in  a  ratbez 
exposed  place.  As  far  as  we  recollect  there  were  double  walls, 
but  we  forget  whether  they  were  14  inch  or  18-inch,  doable 
ceilings,  and  a  double  roof ;  but  like  our  correspondent, 
"  G.  Y.  M.,"  he  would  insist  on  there  being  a  thorough  cir- 
culation between  the  walls,  ceilings,  &c.  The  circulation  of 
the  air  was  to  keep  all  right,  and  in  the  hot  summer  the  milk 
soured,  the  cream  moulded,  and  the  butter  run  to  oil.  When 
the  air  became  thoroughly  confined,  visitors  on  going  into  the 
pretty  place  in  August  and  September  exolaimed,  "  Oh,  how 
nice  and  cool !  so  like  an  ice  house  ! " 


416 


JOURNAZi   OF   HORTICULTURE   AND    COTTAGE    GARDENER.  [  November  24,  1870. 


Lastly,  for  the  present.  Few  who  travel  by  rail  between 
thirty  to  fifty  and  more  miles  of  the  metropolis  could  fail  to 
notice,  chiefly  in  the  morning  and  evening,  trucks  and  vans 
filled  with  long  upright  tin  cans,  which  help  to  supply  our  great 
metropolis  with  milk,  cream,  fee,  from  the  country.  The  chief 
difficulty  is  to  get  it  sweet  and  fresh  by  rail  from  rather  long 
distances.  A  friend  of  ours  who  does  a  large  trade  has,  we 
believe,  not  had  a  single  complaint  for  several  of  the  last  dry 
and  hot  summers.  He  first  tried  double-sided  vessels,  and 
filled  the  space  between  with  ice  and  iced  water;  theD,  as  ice 
failed,  he  tried  cold  spring  water  ;  then,  like  "  G.  Y.  M.,"  page 
390,  he  thought  if  there  were  openings  at  top  and  bottom  for 
the  air  to  circulate  between  the  outer  and  the  inner  case,  all 
would  be  well ;  but  it  was  not  well.  The  simple  mode  has 
been  returned  to  of  leaving  well  alone.  The  holes  are  securely 
corked  up.  The  air  in  the  space  between  the  cases,  say  from 
1  to  l£  inch  in  width,  is  kept  still  and  confined,  and  with  the 
good  results  above  specified.  That  body  of  confined  air 
would  prevent  the  hottest  sun  acting  on  the  milk  inside  far 
more  effectually  than  if  the  space  had  been  filled  with  the  cold- 
est iced  water.  Confined  air  might  be  nsed  with  good  effect 
for  many  purposes  in  gardening,  as  well  as  for  keeping  ice 
houses  cool. 

We  can  only  now  find  room  for  three  hints.  First,  in  such 
weather  as  that  which  we  now  have  let  air-giving  be  moderate, 
and  chiefly  at  the  top  of  the  house,  and  that  after  the  heat  is 
rising.  Air  given  at  the  top  gets  mollified  before  it  reaches 
and  refreshes  the  plants.  Letting  cold  blasts  of  cold  air  into 
plant  or  tropical  houses  is  all  a  delusion.  Secondly,  be  cautious 
of  firing,  so  as  not  to  give  too  much  heat  in  dull,  cold,  cloudy 
weather.  Less  cold  air  will  be  necessary  if  there  is  less  use  of 
the  furnace.  Study  the  weather,  and  give  a  little  brisk  fire 
early  in  the  morning  in  preference  to  a  high  temperature  at 
night.  Thirdly,  for  most  plants  under  glass  use  water  from 
which  the  chill  has  been  taken,  say  not  colder  than  50° ;  for 
tropical  plants  not  under  60°  or  70° ;  and  in  cool  greenhouses, 
Ac,  especially  avoid  spilling  any. — R.  F. 


TRADE   CATALOGUES  RECEIVED. 

W.  Cutbush  &  Son,  Highgato,  London,  N. — Descriptive  Catalogue 
of  Stove  and  GreenJiouse  Plants,  Fruit  Trees,  &c. 

F.  &  A.  Dickson  and  Sons,  106,  Eastgate  Street,  and  Upton  Nur- 
series, Chester. —  Gatalogue  of  Forest  Trees,  and  Hardy  and  Orna- 
mental Trees  and  Shrubs,  &c. 


TO    CORRESPONDENTS. 

*#*  "We  request  that  no  one  will  write  privately  to  any  of  the 
correspondents  of  the  "  Journal  of  Horticulture,  Cottage 
Gardener,  and  Country  Gentleman."  By  doing  so  they 
are  subjected  to  unjustifiable  trouble  and  expense.  All 
communications  should  therefore  be  addressed  solely  to 
The  Editors  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture,  cOc,  171,  Fleet 
Street,  London,  E.C. 

We  also  request  that  correspondents  will  not  mix  up  on  the 
same  sheet  questions  relating  to  Gardening  and  those  on 
Poultry  and  Bee  subjects,  if  they  expect  to  get  them  an- 
swered promptly  and  conveniently,  but  write  them  on 
separate  communications.  Also  never  lo  send  more  than 
two  or  three  questions  at  once. 

N.B. — Many  questions  must  remain  unanswered  until  next 
week. 

Books  (A  Young  Gardt?7irr). — Chambers's  "Arithmetic,  First  Course." 
(Anxiotut). — Hogg's  "  Fruit  Manual  "  is  out  of  print.  Another  and  enlarged 
edition  is  preparing.  (A.  H").— Upon  the  receipt  of  thirty-two  post-office 
stamps  with  your  direction,  the  "  Pine-Apple  Manual"  will  be  sent  to 
you  post  freo.    The  "  Florist  and  Pomologist"  is  published  monthly. 

Italtan  Spring  Garden  (Hazlehurst).— We  have  no  doubt  that  the 
proposed  planting  of  the  Italian  spring  garden  will  look  very  well.  We  are 
rather  surprised  that  you  have  no  Crocuses,  which  would  have  told  well. 
We  would  use  all  your  4's  alike— yellow  Tulips  with  blue  Pansy  edgings. 
The  four  7's,  white  Hyacinths,  we  would  surround  with  blue  and  purple 
Crocuses,  or  the  Swiss  Forget-me-not.  The  four  5's,  scarlet  Tulips,  we 
would  surround  with  white  Crocuses,  and  striped  blue  f'rocuses.  The 
four  8's,  Nemophila  beds,  we  would  border  with  yellow  Crocuses ;  9,  beds 
of  Rhododendrons,  we  would  border  with  Snowdrops,  and  carpet  with 
Silene  pendula.  The  four  10  beds,  border  with  Daisies;  the  four  11  beds, 
border  with  yellow  Crocus. 

Pears  for  an  Orchard  (Wyeside).— In  addition  to  the  Seckle  and 
Chaumontel,  which  you  have,  plant  Jargonelle,  Lonise  Bonne  of  Jersey, 
and  Winter  Nelis. 

Fruit  Trees  for  East  and  North  Aspects  (Warburton).— A  wall  with 
an  east  aspect  will  suit  a  Chaumontel  and  Beurre  de  Ranee  Pear,  but  for 
the  former  a  warm  soil  and  Bitaation  are  necessary.  Pears  for  the  ea.-t 
wall— Bergamotte  Esperen,  Beurre  Bosc,  Marie  Lonise,  Glon  Morceao, 


Josephine  de  Malines,  Passe  Colmar,  Crassane,  Van  Moss  Leon  Leclerc, 
ana  Ne  plus  Meuris.  Of  Plums  you  may  have  Green  G«ge,  Jefferson, 
Coe's  Golden  Drop,  Kirke's,  Transparent  Gage,  Prince  Englebert,  Victoria, 
and  Oullin's  Golden.    The  north  wall  will  only  suit  the  Morello  Cherry. 

Black  Alicante  Grape  Small  and  Stoneless  (Wyeside).— The 
Alicante  requires  rather  more  heat  than  the  Black  Hamburgh.  To  make 
the  berries  stone  and  swell,  before  doing  anything  else  to  the  Vine,  we 
would  pull  the  dry  hand  gently  over  the  bunches  when  iu  bloom.  If  the 
hand  were  well  powdered  with  the  farina  from  other  kinds,  all  the  better. 
If  afraid  to  use  the  hand,  which  answers  admirably,  use  a  soft  camel's- 
hair  pencil,  and  have  a  little  of  the  dust  of  other  kinds  on  clean  paper 
held  below,  and  you  can  scatter  it  over  the  bunch  in  bloom. 

Vine  (X.,  hi  dmouth).— It  is  a  species,  Vitis  laciniata,  the  Parsley-leaved 
or  Ciotat  Grape  Vine. 

Planting  a  Small  Cool  Vinery  (A  Poor  Working  Man).— We  think 
the  proposed  construction  of  the  vinery  good.  You  can  grow  Grapes  very 
well  in  an  unhoated  house,  but  it  should  have  a  south  aspect.  We  would 
so  contrive  that  the  border  should  be  partly  above  the  surrounding 
pround  level,  and  entirely  so  if  the  situation  is  wet.  Plant  inside  at 
about  1  foot  from  the  front.  You  will  have  room  for  sis  Vines  ;  plant  the 
two  end  ones  15  inches  from  the  ends,  and  divide  the  space  equally  into 
five  parts,  which  will  show  you  where  the  four  Vines  should  be  planted. 
Plant  in  spring  just  when  the  Vines  are  beginning  to  grow,  or  in  March. 
Of  kinds,  we  would  have  one  Black  Champion,  two  Black  Hamburghs, 
one  Foster's  White  Seedling,  one  Buckland  Sweetwater,  and  one  Trent- 
ham  Black. 

Arranging  a  Fruit  Garden  (A  Cottage  Gardener).— We  think  your 
former  plan  much  the  best — i.e„  a  12-feet  border  and  a  walk  3.1  feet  wide 
all  round,  with  a  centre  bed  or  border  of  12  feet.  This  we  would  dispose 
as  follows  :  Take  off  at  one  eud  what  you  require  for  the  ground  vineries, 
having  them  with  their  ends  north  and  south  ;  but  irrespective  of  them, 
we  would  have  a  row  of  cordon  Apples  all  around,  and  then  two  rows  of 
pyramid  Pear,  Apple,  Plum,  and  Cherry  trees,  and  devote  the  space 
between  to  Strawberries.  You  can  devote  the  ground  to  bedding  plants 
and  Roses.  To  grow  both  well  the  centre  bed  would  not  be  too  large  ;  but 
to  mis  flowers  and  fruit  trees  together  is  to  have  neither  good,  and  we 
thought  your  original  intention  was  to  make  your  garden  profitable. 
Flowers  take  from,  instead  of  putting  in  the  pocket. 

Greenhouse  on  East  Aspect— Hyacinths  in  Pot3  (H.  H.  M.).— A 
greenhouse  will  answer  on  a  site  that  gets  all  the  morniug  sun  up  to  one 
o'clock  To  forward  Hyacinths  which  have  been  potted  some  time  they 
may  be  placed  in  a  mild  hotbed ;  but  if  they  are  only  newly  potted  they 
would  do  best  plunged  in  sawdust  in  a  cold  frame. 

Soil  for  a  Magnolia  (J.). — We  have  seen  the  Exmouth  variety  doine 
well  in  a  compost  of  loam  from  rotted  turves,  the  turf  being  pared  off 
about  3  inches  thick  and  laid  up  for  six  months.  The  turf  was  taken 
f  i  om  a  pasture  where  the  soil  was  a  strong  or  heavy  loam.  This  we  con- 
sider the  best  of  soil  for  the  plant,  though  it  may  sometimes  be  seen  doing 
well  in  a  peaty  soil.  For  top-dressing  nothing  is  so  good  as  cow  dung,  but 
Bheep  droppings  answer  well. 

Hiding  Buildings  (Leadbeater).— We  think  the  proposed  poles  and 
covering  them  with  climbers  would  not  be  effectual.  1'he  finest  screen  we 
know  would  be  of  Cupressus  Lawsoniana.  A  double  row  of  this— the 
plants  being  6  feet  and  the  rows  3  feet  apart,  planting  them  in  quincunx 
order — would  give  you  a  complete  and  beautiful  Bcreeu  in  a  few  years. 
To  form  one  more  rapidly  you  might  have  a  double  row  of  Thuja  Lobbii, 
as  advised  for  the  Cupressus;  or  you  could  obtain  Btrong  plants  of  the 
American  Arbor- Vita;  that  would  be  a  block  at  once,  and  they  may  be 
planted  so  as  to  form  a  hedge.  Plants  0  and  8  feet  high  can  bo  safely 
moved. 

Pteris  serrulata  Varieties— Filmy  Ferns  (Fanny  Fern).— Pteris 
scrru'ata  cristata,  P.  serrulata  polydactylon,  and  Pteris  umbrosa  are  all 
as  hardy  as  Pteris  serrulata.  Trichomanes  radicans  will  succeed  in  a 
moist  atmosphere  without  watering  over  the  fronds,  and  it  will  also  suc- 
ceed when  the  water  is  given  over  the  foliage.  Constant  moisture  is 
the  t  reat  object  to  bo  aimed  at,  and  we  think  it  well  not  to  water  over  the 
foliage.  We  have  found  it  do  best  in  a  position  where  it  is  kept  moist  by 
a  little  water  constantly  dropping  on  the  stone  or  near  where  it  is  grow- 
ing, Hymenophyllum  tunbridgense  does  not  require  so  much  moisture 
as  Trichomanes  radicans.  It  is  best  covered  with  a  bell-glass  and  water 
given  below.  It  also  does  not  require  to  be  so  dark,  but  should  be  kept 
from  bright  sun. 

Early  Tulips  in  Pots  (D.  M.\— If  you  wish  the  Van  Thol  Tulips  in 
pots  to  flower  early,  you  may  place  them  in  the  house,  now  that  they  are 
pushing  above  ground ;  give  them  a  temperature  of  from  55°  to  60°,  and  a 
position  near  the  glass ;  when  the  flowers  show  colour,  remove  the  pots 
to  the  house  with  a  temperature  of  40°  to  45°,  and  the  flowers  will  ba 
finer  and  last  longer  than  in  the  higher  temperature.  If  the  Tulips  are 
not  wanted  for  blooming  early,  they  would  do  better  in  the  last  named 
temperature,  iu  which  they  would  flower  from  the  middle  of  February. 

Top-dressing  Lawn  (IT.  Fox).— Cocoa-nut  fibre,  turf-parings  and  phos- 
phate of  lime  would  be  an  excellent  top-dressing  for  a  lawn  The  phos- 
phate wo  should  prefer  to  salt.  We  would  now  havo  equal  parts  of  the 
cocoa-nut  fibre  and  turf-parings  well  mixed  and  turned  over  in  a  heap, 
and  we  would  at  the  end  of  February  turn  the  lieap  again,  adding  to  it 
one  part  in  ten  of  phosphate  of  lime.  You  may  give  the  dressing  at  the 
rate  of  twenty  cartloads  per  acre.  Put  it  on  in  March,  let  it  lie  until  the 
beginning  of  April,  then  rake  the  lawn  well,  and  sow  the  lawn  grasB  seeds 
as  you  propose,  not  being  sparing  of  the  Suckling  Clover  (Trifolium 
minus).    Roll  well  after  sowing. 

Centaurea  candidissima  Culture  (Idem). — That  is  the  name  of  the 
plant  of  which  you  enclosed  a  leaf,  one  of  the  best  white  or  silver-leaved 
plants  for  bedding.  It  requireB  to  be  taken  up  before  frost,  to  be  potted 
in  light  sandy  soil,  and  to  have  a  light  airy  position  in  a  greenhouse,  not 
giving  much  water— only  enough  to  keep  the  foliage  fresh.  If  safe  from 
frost  it  is  sufficient. 

Planting  Lilium  auratum  Out  of  Doors  (C.  E.).— Yon  may  now 
plant  bulbs  in  the  open  ground,  in  good,  rich,  light  soil  well  drained. 
A  peaty  soil  is  most  suitable.  Surround  the  bulbs  with  sand,  and  cover 
them  with  2  or  3  inches  of  light  soil. 

Plant  for  a  Shaded  Wall  (A.  P.).— Having  tried  Cotoneaster,  we 
fear  your  only  hoge  is  Ivy.    The  variegated  kinds  are,  as  a  rule,  of  weaker 


November  24,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


417 


growth  than  the  green-leaved.  We  would  try  Hedera  rhombcei  variegata, 
and  argeutea  major,  two  of  the  most  free-growing  variegated  sorts.  The 
New  Silver-striped  if,  however,  one  of  the  finest.  We  should  plant  the 
Irish  Ivy  and  Riegner's  Ivy  (H.  Rajgneriana),  the  finest  of  all  the  green- 
leaved  sorts. 

Roses  in  Pots  (G.  B.).— The  Roses  having  been  pntted  in  spring  we 
would  not  now  elrike  them  out  and  repot  them,  but  we  would  see  that 
the  drainage  was  good,  making  it  so  if  it  did  not  prove  satisfactory. 
Then  remove  the  surface  Boil  down  to  the  roots,  and  replace  it  with  fresh 
rich  compost.  The  Vines  in  pots,  not  of  a  size  fit  for  fruiting,  wo  would 
at  once  out  down,  shake  out,  and  p'ace  in  pots  sufti *iently  large  to  hold 
the  roots  without  cramping.  Of  course,  you  will  shift  the  Vines  into 
larger  pots  when  they  have  started  iuto  free  growth,  giving  the  fruiting 
Size  by  May. 

Briars  for  Rose  Stocks  {Mariekal  Kiel).— The  Briar  for  budding 
Ib  not  the  Sweet  Briar,  but  the  Dog-Rose  Briar.  Select  out  of  the  hedges 
Stems  with  clean,  healthy  hark  and  firm  spines.  Take  them  up  carefully 
with  a  mattock,  and  rut  the  jagged  ends  of  the  roots  to  a  uniform  radius. 
Cut  off  all  the  branches,  and  head  the  Briar  back  to  the  required  height. 
They  should  not  be,  except  for  pendulous  or  drooping  trees,  more  than 
3  feet  high,  as  if  the  sort  bnddert  should  crow  well  ynu  cannot  see  the 
blooms  without  pulling  the  twig  down.  Eighteen  inches  or  2  feet  I  think 
the  best  height.  If  the  sort  budded  do  not  grow  well,  one  of  two  things 
will  happen— either  the  Rose  will  deteriorate  the  Briar,  or  the  Briar  will 
deteriorate  the  Rose.  Briars  with  bad  growers  on  them  are  soon  covered 
with  Lichens  or  Moss.  A  wash  of  fresh-slaked  limo  and  a  little  salt  dis- 
solved in  water  is  the  best  care  for  this.  After  planting  the  stocks  mulch 
them,  and  keep  them  mulched  next  summer,  and  well  water  the  roots 
two  or  three  days  before  budding,  also  occasionally  afterwards.  After 
budding  the  Briar,  tie  a  leaf  over  the  bnd  for  a  day  or  so.  Nurserymen 
do  not  usually  sell  Manetti  cuttings.— W.  F.  Radclyffe. 

Rose  Cuttings  (Capt.  Q.).—  Some  of  the  hardiest  Hybrid  Perpetual* 
will  strike  from  cuttings  taken  off  the  tree  and  put  into  the  open  ground 
in  November,  but  it  requires  a  favourable  soil  and  situation.  The  wood 
should  be  well  ripencii,  and  with  a  heel  to  it— i.e.,  a  side  shoot  of  the 
current  year's  growth  taken  with  a  piece  of  the  branch  from  which  it 
sprang.  The  soil  must  not  bo  too  heavy,  and  the  rows  where  the  cut- 
tings are  planted  shonld  not  be  exposed  to  the  full  sun.  The  per-centage, 
however,  of  failure  is  in  most  places  very  great,  and  far  more  satisfactory 
results  can  be  obtained  by  taking  off  cuttings  in  August  and  September, 
and  striking  them  in  an  old  spent  hotbed  or  Cucumber  frime,  putting  a 
layer  of  fresh  soil  with  a  little  sharp  sand  at  the  top,  and  keeping  the 
frame  shaded  and  close  at  firsc.  Protect  in  winter,  and  allow  the 
cuttings  to  remain  till  spring,  when  they  can  either  be  potted  off  or 
planted  out  in  nursery  rows.  Cuttings  will  also  strike  iu  pots  in  a  cold 
frame  with  proper  attention  to  shading  and  watering  Roses  can  like- 
wise be  obtained  on  their  own  roots  by  layering,  where  they  are  grown 
as  dwarfs  on  the  Manetti. 

Select  Roses— Transplanting  Them  (Seotiis). — I  do  not  know  why 
Coupe  d'Hebe  was  called  the  "  Queen's  Rose."  The  thirteen  Roses  which 
you  gave  your  friend  nro  a  good  collection.  As  you  wish  to  give  another 
dozen  or  so  I  name  Midline  Victor  Verdier,  brilliant  red  ;  Pierre  Notting, 
purple  rod  ;  William  Griffiths,  salmon  rose  ;  Madame  ClemonceJoigneaux, 
deep  rose  ;  Marie  Rady,  carmine  crimson  ;  Felix  Oenero,  redaish  rose  in 
the  centro,  with  silvery  lilaceous  reverse  to  tho  petals  ;  Dr  Andry,  bril- 
liant red;  Maurice  Bernardin,  deep  vermilion  red;  Abel  Grand,  silverv 
rose;  Due  de  Cazes,  crimson  purple;  Victor  Verdier,  warm  rose;  Tri- 
omphe  de  Rennes,  canary  or  golden  yellow;  Jules  Mnrgottin,  cerise.  I 
add  two  rather  new  Roses,  both  good  growers  on  the  Manetti  (as,  indeed, 
all  the  above  are),  which  gave  mo  great  satisfaction  last  season:  they 
are  Edouard  Morron,  deep  rose,  and  Souvenir  de  M.  Poiteau,  soft  rose 
As  long  sb  Roses  do  well  I  do  not  move  them.  If  they  do  not  flower, 
or  if  they  produce  long  blind  wood,  root-prune  or  remove  them.  If  you 
remove  them  to  your  semicircular  mound,  put  the  tallest  in  the  centre, 
and  graduate  the  others.  In  some  soils  Manetti-stocked  Rosea  require  to 
be  moved  biennially,  or  they  do  not  bloom  well  in  the  autumn.  At  once 
remove  what  you  mean  to  move,  mulch  them  over  the  roots,  and  draw 
the  earth  over  the  mulching  like  a  molehill.  M>no  are  served  so  every 
winter.  I  lost  only  one  Rose  last  winter  and  one  this  trying  samroer,  out 
of  2000-  I  kept  on  two  watercrs  for  tsn  weeks,  or  I  should  have  lost,  as 
others  have  done,  hundreds  of  m7  Roses.  You  can  train  your  vigorous 
Charles  Lefebvre  as  a  pole  Rose.  Do  not  cut  away  altogether  the  lower 
portion  ;  shorten  the  main  stem  one-third.  Charles  Lefebvre  breaks 
chiefly  from  the  top  of  the  shoot;  you  must  therefore  encourage  the 
wood  that  is  now  at  the  base  of  the  plant.  If  you  have  no  low  furniture 
you  had  better  cut  the  Rose  down  to  within  12  inches  of  the  base.  The 
best  two  dark  Hybrid  Perpetual 9  for  pole  Roses  are  Empereur  do  Maroc 
and  Pierre  Notting.— W.  F.  Radclyffe. 

Willow  wtth  Curled  Leaves. — "Several  years  since  I  had  in  my 
garden  a  species  of  drooping  Willow,  in  growth  and  size  like  the  com- 
mon Weeping  Willow.  It  had,  however,  a  peculiarity  in  regard  to  the 
leaf,  the  upper  surface  of  which  was  of  a  beautiful  shining  dark  green, 
the  under  surface  being  covered  with  a  short,  white,  fine  cottony  down. 
These  leaves  were  dependent,  and  each  made  two  or  three  spiral  turns, 
thus  showing  alternately  a  varnished  green  surface  and  a  downy  light 
one.  This  tree  I  possessed  many  years,  but  an  early  frost  entangled  in 
it  the  spray  of  a  fountain  beneath  while  my  tree  was  in  full  foliage,  thus 
loading  the  Willow  with  thousands  of  icicles,  the  weight  of  which  split 
the  tree  in  quarters,  and  utterly  destroyed  it.  I  should  like  to  know 
something  more  of  this  species  of  Willow;  perhaps  some  of  your  many 
readers  could  give  me  a  few  words  of  information.  I  should  also  be  very 
glad  to  become  a  purchaser  of  a  young  plant,  and  so  repair  my  loss.— 
C.  Bailey,  The  Cli/t,  Chippenham."  [We  think  that  the  Willow  was 
Salix  babylonica,  var.  crispa.  It  is  described,  and  the  leaves  figured,  in 
Loudon's  "  Encyclopaedia  of  Trees  and  Shrubs,"  and  in  Forbes's  "  Salix 
Woburneusis.'  ] 

House  Sewage  (E.  £.).— Mix  the  sewage  with  the  soapsuds.  Pipes 
would  convey  the  mixture  to  any  part  of  the  garden,  ns  there  is  a  con- 
siderable fall.  A  tank  to  which  a  vulcanised  Indianrubber  hose  could  be 
attached  would  probably  be  available. 

Hot  Water  not  Circulating  in  Pipes  (J.  S.  Milton).— For  anything 
we  can  perceive  to  the  contrary,  the  feeding  cistern  to  your  boiler  is  all 
right,  and  so  is  the  flow-pipe  attached  to  the  top  of  your  boiler;  but  that 
is  of  but  little  importance  compared  with  having  an  air  pipe  at  that 


corner  where  you  have  marked  the  rise  of  the  pipe  as  being  3  inches  from 
the  boiler,  and  the  rest  of  the  pipe  on  a  level,  until  coming  near  the 
boiler  it  drops  2  feet.  The  first  thing,  therefore,  to  do,  is  to  drill  a  hole 
at  the  highest  point  of  your  pipe,  and  fix  there  a.  gas  pipe  from  one 
quarter  to  three-eighths  of  an  inch  in  diameter,  leaving  the  upper  end 
open,  and  2  or  8  feet  higher  than  the  supply  cistern,  end  with  the  end 
beat  over  and  downwards.  Tuis  will  be  your  great  safety  valve.  But, 
secondly,  in  such  a  small  house,  it  is  easy  to  make  the  water  very  hot, 
and  there  must  be  room  for  expansion.  Careful  firing  is,  therefore,  ne- 
cessary, so  as  not  to  give  the  water  too  much  heat.  We  would  rather 
have  more  piping  in  a  house  than  have  limited  piping  over  hot.  You  will 
do  no  good  without  the  air-pipe.  If  the  top  end  go  outside  the  house  all 
the  better. 

Fixing  Hot-water  Pipes  (A  Constant  Header).— On  the  whole,  per- 
haps, there  is  no  plan  better  than  filling  the  joints  with  iron  filings  and 
salt:!  of  ammonia.  If  filled  too  tight  and  full  the  joints  are  apt  to  crack. 
If  a  base  of  tow  or  lint  is  nsed  we  question  if  anything  is  much  better 
than  red  or  white  load  With  a  similar  base  at  the  socket  of  the  joint, 
we  are  sure  that  Portland  cement  will  answer  well  if  properly  put  on, 
where  there  is  no  extra  heat  nor  pressure.  We  think  you  will  find  they 
will  answer  in  your  greenhouse.  The  pipes  in  most,  if  not  all,  the  forc- 
ing houses  at  Woodhall,  were  jointed  bv  Mr.  Beales  with  such  cement, 
and  no  pipes  could  be  sounder  nor  stand  better. 

Hot-water  Pipes  for  Vinery  (Vitit).  —  Wo  see  nothing  to  prevent 
the  proposed  plan  ausweriug,  only  ti  have  Grapes  ripe  in  May  we  would 
not  be  satisfied  with  less  than  four  8-inch  pipes— two  as  flows  along  the 
front,  round  the  furthor  end.  and  then  as  returns  along  the  back.  We 
would  prefer  the  flows  to  go  along  the  front  as  you  propose,  and  the 
returns  at  the  top  of  the  raised  border  at  back,  inste*d  of  the  bottom  of 
the  passage.  Sae  answers  to  a  correspondent  about  having  the  pipes 
near  the  eoil.  an  advantage  in  your  case,  also  as  to  air  pipes  at  the  highest 
point  of  the  pipes. 

Hot-water  Pipes  on*  Vine  Border  (T.  U.  D  ).  —  We  see  no  incon- 
venience in  having  your  heatine  pipes  merely  the  thickness  of  a  brick 
above  the  inside  Vine  border.  They  would  not  heat  the  soil  too  much. 
They  will  tend  to  dry  it,  it  is  true,  but  all  the  better  for  the  border  filled 
with  root*,  as  then  you  can  water  the  oftener  with  weak  clear  manure 
water.  If  you  would  rather  lessen  heat  in  your  border,  and  as  a  conse- 
quence lessen  evaporation  from  it,  place  a  thin  board  below  the  pipes, 
or  common  slates,  painted  white  on  the  exposed  Buvface.  Were  we  in 
your  case,  however,  we  would  let  well  alone,  and  just  use  a  little  more 
water  than  would  otherwise  be  necessary. 

Destroying  Worms  on  Lawn  (67.  S.  I.).— As  you  have  triedli-ne  water 
it  is  useless  for  us  to  advise  that,  though  we  think  you  have  applied  it 
much  too  weak.  12  lbs.  of  slacked  lime  to  30  gallons  of  water  stirred  well 
up  and  allowed  to  stand  two  days,  and  the  clear  liquid  applied  to  the 
lawn  in  moi.st  weather,  the  lawn  being  well  rolled  the  previous  evening, 
will  mostly  prove  effectual.  Ammoniacal  liquor  from  the  gasworks  diluted 
with  six  times  its  volume  of  water  will  also  destroy  them,  but  has  the  dis- 
advantage of  making  the  lawn  look  rather  bare  for  a  time  afterwards. 

Names  of  Fruits  (Cambria). — Cox's  Orange  Pippin.  (H.  Harpur). — 
Emperor  Alexander,  (J.  H.). — 1,  Passe  Colmar;  2,  Red  Doyenne.  (A 
Subscriber).— 1,  Josephine  de  Malines ;  2,  Vicar  of  Winkfield ;  3,  Triomphe 
deJodoigne;  4,  Vicar  of  Winkfield;  6,  Doyenne  Boussoch ;  7,  Van  Mone 
Leon  Leclerc  ;  8,  Chaumontel. 

Names  of  Plants  (Gambetta). — 1.  Selaginel'a  apus ;  S.  Braunii  (tho 
S  pubescens  or  S.  Willd-novii  of  gardens) ;  3,  S.  Kraussiana  (S.  hortensis). 
(E.  Emery).—  Tecome  radicans.  (E.  S.  67.), — 1,  Polystichnm  angulare  ; 
2,  Cystopteris  fragilis;  3,  C.  fragilis,  var.  dentata;  4,  Athyrium  Filix- 
fcemina.  (M.  R.). — 1,  Lastrea  spinulosa  ;  2.  L.  dilitata  ;  3,  Adiantum  his- 
pidulum;  4.  Nephrodium  molle;  5,  Pteris  longifolia.  (St.  KenoxK — Euo- 
nymus  enropaeus,  the  coram  >n  Spindle  tree  or  Prick-wood,  so  called 
because  skewers  are  made  of  it. 


POULTRY,  bee,  and  pigeon  chronicle. 


THIS   SEASON'S   MOULT— PREVENTING 
PULLETS   FROM   LAYING. 

My  experience  with  regard  to  the  moultiDg  of  my  birds  has 
this  year  been  rather  peculiar,  several  of  them,  both  old  and 
young,  having  moulted  twice  over.  One  or  two  Brahma  hens, 
which  moulted  very  well  and  quickly  rather  early  in  the  autumn, 
are  now  in  the  midst  of  a  second  and  much  more  lingering 
renovation,  while  nearly  all  show  more  or  less  signs  of  it.  One 
or  two  have  suffered  severely,  not  from  any  complaint,  but 
having  lost  many  pounds  in  weight  through  the  drain  upon  the 
system,  they  became  almost  like  skeletons,  a  rather  fine  hen 
being  at  one  time  reduced  to  little  more  than  4  lbs.  weight. 
Others,  again,  appear  to  have  only  gone  through  the  usual  pro- 
cess in  an  average  manner ;  but  these  are  chiefly  hens  which 
commenced  late  in  the  year. 

Chickens,  as  is  well  known,  do  not  experience  a  regular 
"  moult  "  the  first  year,  but  the  chicken  feathers  are  gradually 
and  imperceptibly  exchanged  for  the  adult  plumage.  This 
autumn,  however,  several,  both  of  my  pullets  and  cockerels, 
after  nearly  completing  tbis.  normal  process,  are  now  in  the 
midst  of  a  regular  moult,  which  entirely  spoils  them  for  show- 
ing. I  have  often  found  such  a  thing  occur  with  early  pullets 
which  have  become  broody  ;  but  none  of  my  birds  were  hatched 
before  April  9th,  and  except  one,  which  I  sold  sometime  since, 
not  one  has  yet  laid  an  egg.  The  best  marked  pullet  I  have, 
hatched  in  the  middle  of  April,  was  in  full  plumage  a  month 


418 


JOURNAL  OP   HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  November  24,  1870. 


since,  bat  has  now  about  half  replaced  her  hackle  and  breast- 
feathering,  her  leg-featheriDg  also  having  almost  disappeared. 
Two  more  are  nearly  in  the  same  condition ;  and  a  very  large 
cockerel,  the  largeet  I  think  I  ever  reared,  is  moulting  all  over 
the  breast,  flnff,  bocks,  and  saddle,  thoogb  the  neck  hackle  is 
not  yet  grown.  The  flights  also  have  nearly  all  dropped,  and 
are  being  replaced  by  new  ones.  Another  cockerel  partakes  of 
the  same  prooess,  thongh  not  to  suoh  an  extent,  whilst  the 
other  three  show  no  cign  of  it  whatever. 

It  may  be  that  the  very  hot  and  dry  summer  we  had  has 
caused  the  phenomenon  I  speak  of;  bat  as  it  is  new  to  me,  I 
should  like  to  koow  whether  any  other  readers  have  had  a 
similar  experience,  and,  if  so,  whether  any  of  them  have  found 
any  successful  means  of  prevention. 

I  have  already  remarked  that,  with  one  exception,  none  out 
of  a  dozen  pnllets  has  laid  an  egg.  I  mention  it  because  it  is 
often  said  that  there  is  no  means  of  postponing  the  period  of 
laying,  while  my  experience  leads  me  to  think  differently.  Last 
year  I  fully  satisfied  myself  that  ohange  of  sceDe,  combined 
with  non-stimulating  food,  would  postpone  the  period,  if  desired, 
for  nearly  two  months,  and  this  season  I  tried  the  experiment 
for  the  first  time  on  all  my  birds.  In  suoh  summers  as  that  of 
1870,  a  Brahma  hatched  in  April  will  generally  lay  pome  time 
in  September,  or  oven  before.  About  the  middle  of  August  I 
changed  them  all  from  one  pen  to  another,  moving  eaoh  lot  to 
a  ran  entirely  oat  of  sight  of  the  former  one,  repeating  the 
process  about  every  four  weeks,  and  giving  no  meat  nor  other 
stimulating  food.  Ooly  one  has  laid,  though  several  are  almost 
seven  months  and  a  half  old  ;  whilst  last  year  I  had  pullets 
laying  by  this  time  which  were  hatched  in  May.  I  know  an- 
other fancier  who  uses  the  same  means  with  the  same  results, 
and,  indeed,  I  believe  it  is  no  secret  among  experienced  ex- 
hibitors ;  bnt  some  who  may,  like  myself,  have  to  gain  their 
own  experience  at  their  own  expense,  may  perhapB  be  glad  of 
the  hint. — L.  Wbight. 


TRIMMING-PRIZES,  Sec. 

Tbe  number  of  November  10th  was  so  full  of  subjects  of 
interest  to  ns  poultry  lovers  that  it  must  be  my  excuse  for 
inflicting  rather  a  long  epistle.  So  at  onoe  to  Mr.  L.  Wright's 
capital  communication  about  trimming  and  other  deceitful 
practices.  I  must  quite  agree  with  him  that  his  efforts  have 
borne  mnch  fruit.  Several  shows  have  made  a  marked  regu- 
lation about  trimming  and  similar  praotices.  It  may  be  said 
they  did  this  before,  and  this  is  true,  only  that  before  it  was 
worded  in  such  a  way  that  the  judges  took  little  notice  of  it. 
Now  I  know  one  or  two  instances  this  year  where  Mr.  E.  Hewitt 
disqualified  birds  painted,  &c,  and  there  is  certainly  in  the 
prize  schedules  a  general  tone  of  improvement  in  this  respect 
which  augurs  well ;  but  as  long  as  we  allow  that  in  G*me  and 
Spanish  art  can  improve  nature,  we  are  leaving  a  loophole  for 
these  praotices  in  other  breeds. 

I  may  hazard  the  opinion  that  these  gross  cases  grow  upon 
us,  and  that  the  beginnings  of  the  evil  are  small.  1  have  at 
the  present  time  a  bird  that  I  could  wish  would  learn  to  paint 
itself  on  one  or  two  feathers,  but  I  am  afraid  there  is  no  hope 
for  this  !  I  showed  this  bird  as  he  was,  and  Mr.  Hewitt  awarded 
him  a  prize,  looking,  I  presume,  at  his  general  goodness,  and 
ignoring  the  blemish  as  possibly  accidental,  and  I  feel  certain 
that  with  such  a  judge  the  honestly-shown  bird  with  the  blemish 
unaltered  stands  a  better  chance  than  with  attempts  at  de- 
ception. It  would  be  well  if  all  exhibitors  would  feel  this  and 
act  npon  it,  exhibiting  their  specimens  without  attempts  at 
removing  the  foul  spot.  It  is,  however,  certain  that  the  usual 
washing  and  cleaning  of  some  birds  before  exhibition  makes  it 
very  difficult  to  draw  a  distinction  between  the  removal  of  a 
soiled,  half-broken,  or  injured  feather  which,  I  imagine,  all  of 
us  wonld  consider  admissible,  and  the  removal  of  a  blemish  or 
the  painting  over  such  a  spot.  I  should  much  like  to  learn 
whether  any  exhibitor  does  consider  this  illegitimate ;  if  so,  it 
strikes  me  all  washing  must  be  given  up,  and  then  many  of 
our  specimens  which  are  out-of-door  livers  would  show  up 
very  indifferently,  and  white  birds  which  are  town-dwellers 
could  never  hope  for  distinction. 

I  quite  agree  with  Mr.  E.  Hewitt,  that  it  must  be  impossible 
to  distinguish  in  order  more  than  three  or  four  pens  in  a 
closely-contested  class  with  the  present  number  of  judges;  it 
is  amongst  the  highly  commended  pens  that  the  great  difficulty 
exists,  where,  in  fact,  one  pen  is  as  good  as  another,  and  not 
as  oar  friend  Pat  remarks,  "  Yes,  and  a  great  deal  better"— 
where  "  Ca»3ar  and  Pompey  are  so  very  much  alike."     I  do  not 


know  that  a  "diploma"  would  be  any  easier  matter.  More 
prizes— there's  the  rub,  and  I  for  one  would  willingly  say  the 
first  prize  less  in  amount.  The  difference  between  first  and 
second  pens  is  really  often  nominal,  the  difference  in  prizes  a 
reality  to  the  tune  of  50*.,  a*  at  Birmingham  this  year.  I  am 
certain  that  an  equalisation  of  prize  money  would  meet  with 
favour  from  exhibitors — I  mean  from  "the  million,"  if  there 
be  such  a  quantity  amongst  ns.  My  old  friend  "E.  M.  B.  A." 
is  perfectly  right  in  this.  Silver  onps  are  a  very  useful  thing 
to  dangle  before  exhibitors'  eyes,  but  ooly  a  limited  number 
get  hold  of  them,  aud  a  fourth  prize  of  tbe  value  of  10».  would 
do  more  to  pay  railway  oarriage  than  a  dozen  distant  reflections 
of  silver  cups.  During  the  past  twelvemonth  I  have  exhibited 
thirty-three  pens  of  poultry,  with,  perhaps,  a  larger  share  of 
success  than  was  my  due,  but  anyway  »ith  decided  success. 
Only  four  pens  escaped  honourable  mention,  and  one  of  these 
was  in  a  selling  olas«.  The  railway  carriige  of  thase  pens  has 
amounted  to  £8.  7*.  6<Z.,  tbe  entries  to  abontthe  same  amount. 
Taking  this  in  round  numbers,  every  pen  I  have  exhibited  has 
been  at  the  cost  of  about  10s.  Now,  to  those  who  hav«  poekets, 
as  a  good  friend  of  mine  says,  into  whioh  there  is  always  a 
little  stream  of  golden  or  silver  hue  flowing,  this  drain  may 
be  of  slight  importance,  and  may  have  many  advantages  and 
pleasures  (irrespective  of  prizes),  that  make  amends  for  the  loss  ; 
but  there  are  very  many  amongst  us — I  can  answer  for  myself — 
who  wish,  with  all  our  love  for  oar  hobby,  that  it  should  at 
least  pay  its  way,  and  to  this  large  class  the  smaller  prizes  are 
a  great  help.  Diplomas,  and  embossed  cards,  and  high  com- 
mendations I  personally  valne  very  much,  and  am  often  content 
with  them,  provided  there  is  also  a  f»ir  sprinkling  of  prize 
money.  When,  however,  the  dose  is  too  frequently  repeated 
I  confess  to  feeling  something  like  my  poor  old  man  Friday, 
who  missed  his  slice  of  prize  money,  and  honestly  confessed 
"  He  could  Bee  no  good  in  recommending  them."  This  was 
always  the  word  be  employed.  I  am  quite  certain  as  regards 
myself,  that  30s.,  20s.,  and  10?.,  would  induce  me  to  enter  a 
pen  more  than  two  prizes  of  £3  and  £1.  Of  course,  there  is 
the  honour  and  all  that  sort  of  thing,  but  I  do  not  find  that 
the  railway  people  oonsider  it  any  honour  to  convey  my  baskets. 
They  spell  honourable,  if  I  may  coin  a  word,  "  onerable,"  and 
charge  for  the  burden  accordingly. 

Whilst  on  the  suhjeot  of  prizes,  let  me  notice  yonr  remarks 
about  the  President's  cup  at  Southampton.  There  it  was 
offered  to  the  best  pen,  and  this  gives  a  chance  to  tbe  smallest 
exhibitor;  but  if,  as  you  suggest,  it  is  offered  to  the  best  col- 
lection, all  the  small  exhibitors  must  be  hopelessly  out  out 
of  the  competition.  If  such  a  cup  is  necessary  I  think  it  most 
fair  that  the  best  pen  should  have  it;  at  the  same  time  I  con- 
fess that  personally  I  should  prefer  seeing  the  £10  given  to 
increase  the  prizes  generally,  or  to  make  new  classes  for  other 
breeds  not  in  the  schedule.  To  make  it  open  to  the  best  col- 
lection would  probably  throw  it  into  tbe  haDds  of  some  local 
exhibitor  who,  without  a  fear  of  railway  expenses,  could  flood 
the  show.  However,  possibly  in  this  view  of  the  matter  I  may 
be  singular. 

Lastly,  as  regards  the  Crystal  Palace  Show,  we  southrons 
have  now  some  reason  to  be  proud — the  prize  schedule  is  greatly 
improved ;  in  some  of  the  classes  it  eclipses  Birmingham,  but 
"  E.  M.  B.  A.,"  in  the  concluding  portion  of  his  letter,  notes  a 
serious  defect  about  the  wire  sides  of  the  pens.  I  hope  no 
such  horrible  affairs  are  to  enclose  the  specimens.  They 
entail  great  injury  on  the  tails,  and  often  actually  loss  of  sickle 
feathers,  and  as  in  our  protest  on  trimming  we  oertainly  meant 
also  to  object  to  re-tailing  specimens  which  had  lost  this 
ornament,  I  trust  the  sommittee  will  carefully  consider  this 
detail  of  the  show.— Y.  B.  A.  Z. 


IMPORTS. 

1868.  18F9. 

Eggs  883,969,040  442,175,040 

Apples  (bushels)    1,075,415  4U1.680 

Potatoes  (cwts.) 2,041,474  ....  1,660,189 

Much  to  the  discredit  of  our  countrymen  is  it  that  these 
imports  are  so  large,  and  yet  at  the  date  of  this  publication  new- 
laid  eggs  are  3d.  each  in  London,  and  in  Winchester  and  other 
oountry  townB  2d.  each. 


Scottish  Columparian  Society. — We  commend  the  adver- 
tisement of  the  coming  Show  of  this  Society  to  our  readers' 
attention.  We  have  the  prize  list  and  the  rules  before  us, 
aud  are  well  pleased  with  both — they  are  liberal  and  jndiciouB. 


November  24,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


419 


There  are  twelve  medals  for  Pouters,  and  eight  medals  for 
Carriers,  as  well  as  money  prizes.  Money  prizes  of  20s.,  10«., 
and  5s.  are  offered  for  all  the  other  well-known  varieties,  and 
an  "  Any  other  "  class  besides. 


THE   BIRMINGHAM  CATTLE  AND  POULTRY 

SHOW. 

Thb  prepa-ations  for  the  approaching  great  Exhibition  in 
Bingley  Hull  are  steadily  progressing,  with  every  prospect  of  a 
satisfactory  result.  The  entries  in  all  departments  are  3130 
against  2823  in  1869;  an  increase  of  more  than  300.  For  the 
information  of  poultry  fanciers,  we  have  to  announce  that  nu- 
merous entries  of  American  varieties,  including  Dominique  fowls 
and  crested  Turkeys,  have  been  made,  and  that  the  birds  are 
on  their  way  to  Birmingham  from  the  United  States.  Tho  root 
department  is  expected  to  be  unusually  interesting.  Besides  the 
midland  districts  it  will  include  specimens  grown  in  localities  so 
wide  apart  as  Wales,  the  New  Forest,  and  north  of  Aberdeen. 
The  collection  of  potatoes  will  he  very  extensive,  and  in  all 
probability  exceedingly  fine.  The  new  American  sorts  will  be 
well  represented ;  as  will  also  the  Bovinia,  the  merits  of  which 
for  feeding  stock  have  for  some  time  been  attracting  increased 
attention  from  agriculturists. 


CARE   OF  BIRDS  AT   POULTRY   SHOWS. 

"  Shropshire  Rector"  revives  a  painfnl  recollection  of  the 
Hanley  Show  of  this  year's  January.  I  sent,  with  other  stook, 
a  Mandarin  drake,  and  had  the  misfortune  to  receive  it  home 
dead  ;  nor  can  this  be  wondered  at  if,  as  "  Shropshire  Rec- 
tor" says,  "  they  were  just  set  out  in  a  row,  on  the  floor  of  a 
desolate  building,  in  the  hampers  in  which  they  had  travelled, \ 
&a.  And  although  the  bird  might  be  in  a  tiny  hamper  in 
which  it  could  barely  move,  the  hamper  was  large  enough  for 
one  Mandarin  drake  to  travel  in,  it  being  qnite  19  inches  long 
and  10  inches  wide,  yet  by  no  means  large  enough  for  the  bird 
to  be  exhibited  in. 

On  referring  to  my  file  of  correspondence  I  find  the  secretary, 
Mr.  J.  B.  Piercy,  says,  "  I  regret  to  have  to  inform  you  that  your 
Mandarin  drake  was  found  dead  in  its  pen  this  morning.  I 
am  at  a  loss  to  account  for  it,  as  the  bird  had  been  well  fed  and 
cared  for."  I  think  Mr.  Piercy  might  have  saved  himself  the 
trouble  of  writing  the  latter  part  of  this  paragraph.  How  could 
a  bird  be  well  cared  for  when  confined  for  three  or  four  days  in  a 
small  travelling  hamper?  I  wish  I  had  known  the  fact  earlier, 
for  I  think  I  should  have  tried  the  case  in  the  County  Court  for 
compensation.  Exhibitors  ought  to  know,  before  sending  valu- 
able specimens,  whether  or  not  pens  will  be  provided ;  nor  can 
there  be  any  excuse  lor  secretaries  and  committeemen  not  pro- 
viding them,  as  the  number  required  is  known  long  before  the 
birds  arrive.  Surely  exhibitors  have  some  claim  upon  secre- 
taries and  committees  for  considerate  and  humane  treatment  o 
their  stock.  It  is  enough  to  deter  Buy  one  from  exhibiting 
when  such  faots  as  these  occur. — Chas.  Baker,  Long  Street, 
Athcrstone. 

DEALERS,  AMATEURS,  AND  PROFESSIONAL 
FANCIERS,  AND  PRIZE-HOLDERS. 
In  your  number  of  the  10th  inst.  I  see  you  have  a  brief  noti- 
fication of  the  formation  of  a  new  society,  to  be  called  the 
Croydon  Columbarian  Society.  If  it  can  be  successfully  and 
properly  carried  out,  no  doubt  it  will  afford  much  amusement 
and  instruction,  and  tend  to  elevate  the  theory  and  practice  of 
breeding  Pigeons.  The  officers  appointed  for  the  present,  and 
it  may  be  the  last  year  if  a  certain  rule  be  carried  out  to  the 
meaning  implied,  are  gentlemen  eminently  adapted  for  the 
purpose,  but  who  do  not  seem  to  know  how  far  the  words, 
"  denomination  of  dealers,"  extend.  The  offending  rule  in 
my  opinion  is,  that  all  persons  who  come  under  the  designa- 
tion of  "  the  denomination  of  dealers,"  are  to  be  excluded  as 
members  and  even  visitors  to  the  Society's  Freemason-sort  of 
meetings.  I  maintain  that  if  this  rule  be  adhered  to,  it  is, 
Strictly  speaking,  excluding  two-thirds  of  the  fanciers  in  this 
country,  bat  I  daresay  the  SDciety  is  not  so  ambitions  as  to  re- 
quire so  large  a  number,  still  the  proportion  in  the  district  sup- 
posed to  be  worked  by  the  Society  remains  the  same.  Amateur 
fanciers  only  are  allowed  to  become  members  ;  therefore  pro- 
fessional finciers  are  left  out  in  tbe  cold,  in  company  with  the 
despised  dealers.    I  would  ask,  Where  is  the  line  to  be  drawn 


between  amateur  fanciers,  and  dealers  and  professional  fanciers  ? 
Take  for  instance  any  fancier  who  has  a  number  or  even  a  few 
Pigeons  ;  does  he  not,  as  a  rule,  sell  his  surplus  stock  or 
exchange,  or  by  selling  realise  a  profit  on  a  former  pnrchase  ? 
A  f»noier  who  wishes  to  be  successful  must  buy,  sell,  or  ex- 
change to  the  best  of  his  advantage,  and  naturally  enough  he 
does  not  forget  the  peoaniary  sense  of  the  affnir,  and  those 
coming  under  "  the  denomination  of  dealerB  "  do  no  more  than 
this.  Most  of  your  readers  will  know  that  several  dealers  are 
often  selected  as  judges  at  the  shows;  therefore,  the  carry- 
ing out  this  rule  is  excluding  men  of  knowledge  that  would 
benefit  the  fancy  that  the  Society  aims  at  improving.  I  do 
not  suppose  I  should  be  wrong  in  using  the  words  professional 
fanciers  so  long  as  others  are  styled  amateurs  ;  in  any  pursuit 
whenever  one  term  is  used  the  other  is  always  applicable,  as  a 
distinction  between  the  two  classes.  Therefore,  a  judge  or  a 
writer  on  Pigeons  must  be  a  professional  fancier,  and  surely 
the  former  of  the  two,  if  not  the  latter,  would  be  allowed  to 
join  ;  and  if  I  am  not  mistaken,  one,  if  not  more,  of  the  officers 
of  the  Croydon  Colnmbarian  Society  have  officiated  as  judges — 
certainly  their  authority  on  Pigeons  is  often  quoted.  Not 
wishing  to  oooupy  too  much  of  your  valuable  space  on  this 
subject,  I  must  say  that  this  rule  is  wrongly  worded,  and  if 
read  and  adhered  to  in  its  true  sense  of  meaning,  it  will 
materially  affect  the  prospects  of  a  Society  which  might  give 
valuable  aid  in  popularising  the  breeding  and  management  of 
Pigeon*. 

Now  that  I  am  writing,  I  hope  a  few  remarks  on  another 
subject  will  not  be  transgressing  too  mueh  on  your  columns. 
In  looking  over  lists  of  awards  and  entries,  I  rarely  see  more 
than  one  of  the  names  of,  say,  half  a  dozen  of  our  greatest 
owners  of  prize-winning  Pigeons  exhibiting  in  one  class,  or  in 
any  way  competing  against   others.      As  a  strategic  method 
;  of  winning  prizes  it  aots  successfully  to  themselves,  but  does 
incalculable  injury  to  the  exchequer  of  a  Pigeon  exhibition. 
Having  a  somewhat  large  correspondence  amongBt  fanciers,  I 
1  have  frequently  found  that  a  kind  of  timidity  seizes  upon  a 
;  would-be  exhibitor  if  he  imagines  or  discovers  that  one  of  a 
j  certaia  few  has  entered  in  the  olasa  in  which  he  intended  to 
show.     If  these  positive  prize-winners  could  be  persuaded  to 
praotise  a  little   self-denial    and  refrain  from  showing  their 
birds  for,  say,  at  least  one  season,  then  in  my  opinion  new 
exhibitors  would  spring  up,  and  hitherto-partly-successful  ex- 
hibitors would  combine  together,  andconsiderably  augment  the 
!  number  of  entries  at  different  Bhows.    The  temporary  retire- 
'  ment  of  these  great  owners  might  be  turned  to  advantage,  and 
when  again  they  entered  the  field  they  would  find  more  com- 
;  petitors  to  contend  against,  and  any  honours  then  won  would 
'  be  of  more  value.     I  would  go  further  and  say,  that  having 
won  as  they  a  sert  some  thousands  of  prizes,  it  wonld  be  a 
I  feature  of  self-sacrifice  that  would  cauBe  the  gratitude  of  other 
'  fanciers  to  name  them  saints  and  martyrs  of  the  Pigeon  world. 
David  P.  Gooding,  Colchester. 


THE  NORTHERN  COUNTIES  COLUMBARIAN 
SOCIETY. 

(From  a  Correspondent.) 
The  first  Exhibition  of  this  promising  Society  was  held  at  Belle 
Vue,  Manchester,  on  the  19th  inst.  The  classes  were  numerous  and 
well  represented,  making  allowance  for  the  fact  that  members  only 
were  eligible  to  compete.  The  names  of  the  prize-winners  are  suffi- 
cient demonstration  of  the  quality  of  the  Bto^k  exhibited,  bnt  the 
Trumpeters  of  Mr.  Firth,  which  he  exhibited  not  for  competition,  are 
wonhy  of  a  word  of  praise,  though  it  be  aimply  to  say  they  were 
wonderfally  good. 

The  Society  is  much  indebted  to  Messrs.  Peter  Eden  and  William 
Smith,  who  awarded  the  prizes,  and  to  the  Messrs.  Jennison  for  their 
general  courtesy  and  good  arrangements.     Subjoined  is  the  prize  list. 

Carriers.— Cocka.— I,  J.  B.  Punter,  Harpurhey,  Manchester.  2,  H.  Smith. 
Skipton.    Htnt.—l,  J.  B.  Finder,    i'oiino.— 1.  H.  Smith. 

Pouters—  Cocks.-l,  T.  H.  Ridpeth,  Outwood  Hall,  Chesdle  (Yellow).  2,  H. 
Smith  (Yellow).    Hrns.-l.T.  H.  Ridpeui(Blue).    2  H.  Smith  lft"»"l. 

TcMi:LBRS.-i'Jw. t-faced  Mottles.  Kites,  and  Belf-coloun.— 1,  T.  H.  Ridoe  h 
(Yellow).  Lona-faced  Mottles.  Kites,  and  Self-colours—  1.  2.  and  he,  K.  Marshall. 
Lower  Broughion.  Beard*  and  Baldn.-l  and  2,  T.  H.  Ridpeth  long-faced 
Beards  and  Balds.-l  and  2,  W.  Haycraft,  Lower  Broughton  (Black  fcalds). 
he,  T.  H.  Ridpeth  (Blue  Balds),    c,  R.  Marshall  (Bine  Beards). 

Barbs.-I.  2,  and  he.  Cast.  Heaton,  Worsley,  Manchester  (Dan),  c,  V> . 
Justice.  Salford  (Yellow),  loung.-l,  TV.  Justice,  2,  A.  Mangnall,  Lower 
Broughton.    c,  A.  Mangnall  (Dun).  T  c. 

Jacobins.— Biack.-l,  2,  and  he,  E.  E.  M.  Royds,  Greenhill.  Rochdale,  e,  J.  B 
Pinder.  Any  other  colour.— 1,  T.  H.  Ridpeth  (Red).  2.  E.  E.  M.  Royds  (Red), 
fcc.  T.  H.  Ridpeth  (Yellow),  o.  E.  E.  M.  Royds  IRedl.  loano.— 1  and2,  E.E.M. 
Rovds  (Black  and  Red),    he  and  c.  T.  H.  Kidpelh  (Yellow  and  Red).  

TtjRBiTB.-l  and  2.  F.  Mansnall,  Handforth,  Cheshire  (Blue  and  Yellow). 
he,  T.  H.  Ridpeth  (Redl.  c,  J.  B.  Pinder  (Blue),  louno  — 1.  T.  H.  Ridpeth  (Red  . 

Ovihs— Foreign.— 1,  Capt.  Heaton.    2,  he,  and  e,  Major  Cryer  (Southport). 


420 


JOUBNAL   OP   HORTICULTURE   AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  November  24,  1870. 


Engltik.—l,  Capt.  Heaton  (Silver).  2,  W.  Justice.  Itc  and  e,  A.  Mangnall  (Bine). 
Young  (English).— 1,  W.  Juutice  (Blue),  a,  B.  Slack,  Manchester  (Blue),  he, 
T.  H.  Ridpeth. 

Dragoons.— 1  and  2,  J.  Holland,  Manchester,  he,  W.  Justice,  c,  T.  H.  Ridpeth 
(Yellow).    Young— I  and 2.  J.  Holland  (Yellow),    c,  R.  Marshall. 

Fantails— 1  and  2,  T.  H.  Ridpeth. 

Antwekps.— 1,  T. H.  Ridpeth.  2,  R.  Marshall.  Young—  1  and  2,  R.  Autheraon, 
Manchester. 

Ant  other  Vamety.— 1  and  2,  E.  E.  M.  Rojds  (Black  Swallows  and  Black 
Magpies. 

Extra  Stock.— 1  and  2,  Capt.  Heaton  (Black  Barb.  Owls,  and  Yellow  Barbs). 
2,  F.  Manimall  (6  Fantails,  1  White,  1  Blue,  1  Red,  1  Black,  1  Yellow,  and  . 
1  Silver),    he,  E.  E.  M.  Royds  (Blue  Jacobins):   A.  Manonall  (Dun  Buru);  R.  I 
Marshall  (Antwerps).    c,  E.  E.  M.  Royds  (Blue  Magpies) ;  K.  Marshall. 


IPSWICH  POULTRY   SHOW. 

This,  as  a  whole,  was  no  doubt  the  best  Show  ever  held  in  Ipswich, 
the  nnmber  of  pens  showing  an  advance,  and  the  quality  of  the  bulk  of 
the  birds  was  unexceptionable. 

Dorkings  aud  Spanish  formed  very  fine  classes,  and  a  pen  of  White 
Dorkings  that  were  in  open  competition  with  Dorkings  generally  were 
such  as  would  add  credit  to  almost  any  show  where  White  Dorkings 
have  separate  classes.  The  Gome  most  certainly  have  never  been 
shown  so  numerously  and  so  well  at  Ipswich  as  on  this  occasion,  the 
condition  of  the  majority  of  the  pens  being  extraordinarily  good.  A 
very  considerable  time  was  occupied  by  the  judge  in  determining  the 
cup-winners  between  the  first-prize  birds  in  the  Game  classes,  which 
was  valuable  time  wasted  when  so  short  a  period  of  daylight  remained, 
for  it  was  afterwards  proved  that  both  pens  were  the  property  of  Mr. 
Matthew,  of  Stowmarket.  Brahmas  were  good,  but  the  hen  in  the 
first-prize  pen  was  much  too  light  in  the  throat-feathers  for  a  really 
first-rate  bird,  the  cock  beiug  very  good.  Mr.  Dowsett  had  it  all  his 
own  way  in  the  Light  Brahmas,  with  superior  birds  to  those  commonly 
met  with.  The  only  really  well-conditioned  pens  in  the  Buff  Cochins 
were  the  two  pens  belongiug  to  Lady  Gwydyr.  Mr.  Cattell,  of  Bir- 
mingham, however,  exhibited  a  Buff  hen  that  was  by  far  the  best 
Cochin  of  any  kind  in  the  Show,  but  her  male  companion  was  literally 
"  nowhere."  though  the  extraordinary  merit  of  the  hen  ensured  a 
highly  commended.  The  Partridge-coloured  and  the  White  Cochins 
were  (excellent,  but  scarcely  moulted  out.  Sjamburglls  were  of  the 
general  quality  throughout,  the  hen  in  the  cup  pen  being  the  best 
fearred  on  the  tail  we  have  seen  for  a  long  time  past.  The  French 
fowls  were  well  shown.  A  large  entry  of  Game  Bantam*  competed  in 
a  general  class,  Mr.  Jeffries  taking  the  cup  for  this  variety.  A  very 
capital  entry  of  Duels  added  much  to  the  interest  of  the  Show. 

Among  the  unusual  exhibitions  at  such  meetings  were  a  pair  of 
Crested  Carasows  in  magnificent  plumage,  and  so  tame  as  to  be  perfect 
pets ;  a  pair  of  Rock  Miuots,  a  very  remarkable  talking  variety  of  bird  ; 
but  unquestionably  one  of  the  most  humorous  of  these  oddities  was  a 
Green  Parakeet,  shown  by  J.  Itansome,  Esq.  It  amused  bystanders 
by  its  words,  "  Ellen  bring  the  baby,"  "  Polly  will  kiss  you,"  "Gentle- 
men fill  your  glasses,"  "three  cheers  for  the  Queen,"  ''hip,  hip, 
hurrah  !  hurrah  !  "  "  one  more,  hip  hurrah,"  in  first-rate  style. 

In  the  Canaries  the  competition  for  the  silver  cup  was  very  close. 

That  exhibitors  should  not  trust  to  the  last  available  train  in  their 
dispatch  of  birds  to  a  Show,  is  advice  often  given  and  continually  for- 
gotten ;  perhaps  to  simply  detail  facts  and  leave  people  to  their  own 
deductions  might  be  more  to  the  purpose.  Upwards  of  four  dozen 
pens  were  empty  at  the  time  of  the  adjudications;  when  any  fresh 
baskets  came  during  the  afternoon  by  mil  they  were  received  and 
penned,  if  in  classes  not  yet  judged,  to  take  their  chances  of  success, 
but  if  in  the  classes  where  judging  was  already  completed  they  were 
treated  as  empty  pens.  Many  pens  came  in  during  the  afternoon,  some 
late  in  the  evening,  after  the  Show  was  closed  for  the  night,  and  Mr. 
Cropland's  Game  Bantams  came  at  nearly  nine  the  next  morning. 

Game.— Black-breasted  and  other  Reds.— I  and  hc,S  Matthew,  Stowmarket 
(Black  Red).  2,  W.  Rayner,  Ipswich  (Brown  Red),  vhc,  H.  C.  Martin,  Scul- 
thorpe  {Brown  Red).  Any  other  Variety.—  1,  Cup,  and  he,  S.  Matthew  (Duck- 
wings  and  Piles).  2,  W.  Boyes,  Beverley  (Duck wing $).  c,  W.  Fenn,  Ipswich 
DuekwingB);  G.  Knights,  Ipswich  (Duckwing). 

Dorking.— 1,  J.  Martin,  Claiues.  Worcester.  2,  O.  E.  Cresswell,  Hanworth. 
vhc.  Rev.  F.  Tearle.  Gazeley  Vicarage,  Newmarket :  F.  Parlett,  Great  Baddow  ; 
H.  Lingwood,  Barking,  Nee'dham  Market,  he,  F.  Parlett.  c,  J.  O.  Fison,  Stoke 
Hill.  Ipswich  ;  H.  Lingwood. 

Spanish.— 1  and  Cup,  Howard  &  Nichols,  Peckham.  2,  F.  James,  Peckham. 
he,  W.  R.  Bull.  Newport  Vagnell ;  H.  Grisa,  Ipswich. 

Brahmas.— Dark.—],  Horace  Lingwood,  Creeting,  Needham  Market.  2,  Lady 
Gwydyr,  Stoke  Park,  Ipswich,  he,  Horace  Lingwood ;  Ladv  Gwydyr.  c,  Mrs. 
Kirkman,  Woodhridge:  C.  Tindall,  Ipswich.  Light.— I  and  2,  H.  Dowsett, 
Pleshey,  Chelmsford,    he,  S.  Felgate.  Ipswich. 

Cochins  —  Cinnamon  or  Buff.—l,  Cup,  and  2,  Lady  Gwydyr.  he,  J.  Button, 
Ipswich;  J.  Cattell,  Birmingham,  c,  J.  Dove,  Northampton.  Any  other 
variety.—l  and  2,  Horace  Lingwood  (Partridge).  r/R\H.H.Bletsoe,Barnswcll, 
Oundle  (White);  H.  Dowsettf  (White). 

Hamburghs.— Pencilled.— 1  and  Cup,  W.  K.  Tickner,  Ipswich  (Gold).  2,  E. 
Clayton  (Gold),  he,  W.  K.  Tickner  (Gold);  R.  R.  Parker,  Tpswich  (Gold);  A. 
Coles,  Long  Sutton  (Gold),  e,  H.  Marriott, Boston  (Gold).  Spanoled.—l.  W.K. 
Tickner  (Gold).  2,  J.  Wright,  Melton  Mowbray  (Silver),  c,  J.  F.  Loversidge, 
Newark  (Gold) 

Bantams.— Game— I,  Cup.  and  2,  W.  B.  Jeffries,  vhc,  Hon.  Mrs., Paget, 
Hoxne,  Scole  ;  Rev.  E.  S.  Tic!  derm  an ;  W.  B.  Jeffries;  J.  Wright,  he,  P.  H. 
Jones,  Fnlhaui.  c,  W.  H.  Wahis.  Framlmgham  ;  P.  H.  Jones  ;  H.  P.  Leech  :  J. 
Dove.  Any  other  Variety.— 1,  C.  Drake  (Black).  2,  Rev.  F.  Tearle  (Black). 
he  H.  Button  (Gold  Sebrighta);  S.  &  R.  Ashton  (Black). 

French  Fowls.  —  1,  C.  H.  Smith,  Radchffe-on-Tifmt  (Civvc-Cceur).  2,  A. 
Taylor,  Starstone,  Norfolk  {La  Fleche).  he.  W.  Bouteher,  Notting  Hill  (Creve- 
Cceurs);  W.  Tippler,  Roxwell,  Chelmsford  (Houdans);  Lady  L.  Charteris, 
Attleborough  (Houdans). 

Any.  other  Variety. — 1  and  Cup.  H.  Pickles,  jim.,  Earby  (Polnnds).  2,  Mason 
and  Walker,  Denton,  Manchester  {Black  Hamburgha).  he,  W.  J.  Woodhouse, 
West  Winch,  Lynn  (Silver  Polands). 

Selling  Class.— Pairs.— 1,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  (Polands).     2  Howard  &  Nichols 


(Spanish),  lie,  Rev.  F.  Tearle  (Black  Bantams};  F  Parlett  (Dorkings);  W. 
Dring,  Fave.rshara  (Creve-^urs) ;  Miss  E.  J.N.  Hawker,  Wveliffe,  Tunbridge 
Wells  (Silkies);  J.Frost,  Parham  (Dorkings);  Rev.  E.  S.  Tidderman,  Childer- 
diteh  Vicarage  (Game  Bantams);  Ladv  L.  Churtt-ris  (Houd;ms).  e,  Rev.  F. 
Tearle  {White  Bantams) ;  Rev.  E.  S.  Tidderman  (Brahmas).  Cocks.— 1,  T.  J. 
StUmiarsh,  Chelmsford  (Partridge  Cochin).  2.  W.  P.  Jeffries.  Ipswich  (Black 
Red  Game  Pantam).  vhc,  Howard  &  Nichols  (Spanish);  W.  B.  Jeffries  (Black 
Red  Game  Bantam);  T.  W.  Wutling,  Ipswich  (White  Cochin).  he,  J.  Frost 
(Dorkings):  W.  Rayner  (Duckwing  Game);  Lady  Gwydyr;  S.  H.  Stott  (Dork- 
lflgs):  W.  K,  Tickner  (Golden-pencilled  Hamburgh) 

Ducks  — Rouen.— 1,  F.  Parlett.  2.  Rev.  G.  Gilbert,  he.  H.  Dowsett;  S.  H. 
Stott.  Aylesbury  —  1  and  2,  Lady  Gwvdyr.  Any  other  Variety.— 1,  T.  Roper, 
tear  ham  (Carolina).  2,  C.  N.  Baker,  Chelsea  (Carolina),  he,  S.  &  R.  Ashton, 
Mottram. 

PIGEONS. 

Carriers,— 1  and  vhc,  W.  Masse  v.  2.  C.  H  Clarke,  Nottingham,  he,  C.  H. 
Clarke;  W.  Maswev  ('I),     c,  H.  Yardlev,  Birmingham. 

Barbs.— 1.  H,  Yardley.    2,  P.  H  Jones,     he,  W.  Massev,  Spalding. 

Pouters.— 1,  P.  H  Jones.    2  H.  Yardley.     he,  J.  A.  Ranaome,  Ipswich. 

Tuublers.— 1,  J.  M.  Braid,  Cambridge  2.P.  H.Jones.  vhc,  W.  J.  Woodhouse. 

Fantails.— 1,  J.  F.  Loversidge,    2,  P.  H.  Jones,     he,  W.  Masse?  ;  H.  Yardley. 

Trumpeters.— 1,  P.  H.Jones.  2,  E.  Sheerman,  Chelmsford,  vhc,  E.  M.  L. 
Cocksedge. 

Turbits.—  1,  0.  E.  Cress  well.    2,  H.  Yardley. 

Any  other  Varikty.— 1,  J.  A.  Ranaome  (Ice).  2,  H.  T.  Frere,  Burston 
Rectory,  D'hs  (Yellow  Dragoons),  vhc,  H.  Lyon,  Ipswich  (Carriers);  W.  Bird,. 
Ipswich  (Blue  Owls):  J.  A.  Raosome  (Silwr  Antwerps).  he,  C.  T.  Higgins, 
Northampton  (Blue  Owls);  H.  Green,  Ipswich  (Blue  Owls  and.  Black  Magpies) ; 
J.  A   Ran  some  (Silver  and  Sicilian  Runts),    c,  H.  Yardlev. 

Skllino  Class.— 1.  —  sheerman  (Trumpeters).  2.  W.  Bird  (Blue  Owls). 
vhc.H.  Yaiuley;  T.  Roper  (Barbs),  lie,  H.  Lvon  (Silver  Dun  Carrier)  (2);  H. 
Green  (Jacobins);  A.  Coles  (Carriers);  H.  T.  Frere  (Yellow  Beards),  c,  H.  F. 
Nalder;  W.  Massey  {Barbs). 

CANARIES. 

Yellow.— Clear.— 1  and  2,  Moore  A  Wynne,  Northampton,  he,  T.  Mann, 
Cambcrwell  New  Road;  R.  Loose;  T.  Fenn.  c.  T.  Fenn,  Ipswich  (2);  G.  J. 
Barnesby,  Derby  {21.  Mottled.—!  and  2,  Moore  &  Wvnne.  he,  R.  Mackley; 
G.  J.Barnesby;  T.Mann;  T.  Fenn;  F.  Gayton.  c,  G.  J  Barnesby;  T.  Mann  ; 
Cockle  &  Watson.  Mottled  Crested.— I,  2,  and  he,  T.  Fenn.  c,  G.  Gayton  : 
Moore  &  Wynne. 

Mealy.— Ole ar  —  1  and  2,  Moore  &  Wynne,  he,  R.  Mackley,  Norwich  (2);  G. 
J.  Earnesbv.  c,  T.  Fenn  ;  G.  J.  Barnesby  (2) ;  Cockle  &  Watson,  Tennington 
St.  John.  Mottled.— 1  and  2.  Moore  &  Wynne,  he,  G.  J,  Barnesby ;  T.  Fenn  ; 
G.  Gayton.  c.  R.  Mackley.  Mottled  Crested.— 1.  R.  Mackley.  2,  T.  Fenn. 
he,  E.  Mackley  :  G  J.  Barnesby  :  T.  Fenn.    e,  H.  Green. 

Lizaru.— l,  R.  Mackley.  2,  G.  J.  Barnesby.  he,  T.  Fenn;  R.  Mackley; 
Cockle  &  Watson,    c,  G.  J.  Barnesby ;  T.  Fenn. 

Goldfinch  Mole.— 1  and  c,  R.  Macklev.    2  and  he,  G.  J.'Barneaby. 

Any  other  Variety.— 1,  T.  Mann  (London  Fancy  Canary).  2,  G.  J,  Barnes- 
by. he,  R.  Mackley  (Linnet  Mule) ;  G.  J.  Barnesby';  Cockle  and  Watson  (Cin- 
namon),   c,  G.  J.  Bamesbv;  T.  Fenn  ;  G.  Gavton  (Cinnamon  Crested). 

Selling  Class.—  1  and  2,  T.  Fenn,  he,  T.  Fenn  ;  R.  Loose,  c,  R.  Loose, 
Stoke,  Ipswich. 

Mr.  Edward  Hewitt,  of  Birmingham,  judged  the  Fowls  and  Pigeons  ; 
and  Mr.  J.  "Willmore,  of  London,  the  Cunaries  and  Singing  Birds. 


A  great  mistake  was  made  by  requiring  all  specimens  to  be 
in  the  Show  on  November  16th;,  before  twelve  o'clock.  Now 
the  Show  is  to  take  place  on  Thursday  and  Friday,  the  17th 
and  lS^h,  so  that  we  at  a  distance  of  about  five  hundred  miles 
have  to  send  our  birds  off  on  the  15th  to  be  there  in  time. 
This  could  easily  have  been  avoided  if  10  r  m.  instead  of  12  a.m. 
bad  been  the  hour  named,  so  that  the  birds  could  have  gone  in 
one  day's  j  >nrney.  I  have  entered  for  the  above  Show,  but 
had  I  seen  it  sooner  I  most  certainly  should  not  have  wasted 
my  entry  money.  The  birds  shall  remain  at  home,  as  I  con- 
sider it  a  cruelty  to  send  birds  to  stay  all  night  in  hampers, 
besides  being  without  food  and  water.  I  write  this  merely  as  a 
caution  to  others  situated  like  myself  to  carefully  examine  the 
rules  before  they  send  their  entrance  money. — Game  Bantam. 


NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE   ORNITHOLOGICAL 

SOCIETY'S   SHOW. 

If  thirty-sis  classes  of  Pigeons,  with  prizes  of  20s.  and  10s., 
four  cups,  and  odo  gold  medal  will  yield  443  entries,  how  many 
entries  will  twenty-three  classes  of  Canaries  yield,  with  a  prize 
list  of  10s.  aud  5s  ,  four  silver  medals,  and  one  copper  kettle? 
Answer,  209.  A  comprehensive  schedule  with  a  liberal  prize 
scale,  is  another  name  for  a  large  show.  Each  class  has  its 
own  particular  admirers,  and  if  a  prize  list  be  framed  to  suit  all 
classes  of  exhibitors,  support  will  come  from  where  least  an- 
ticipated, provided  always  there  be  sufficient  inducement  to 
compete.  Bronze  medals,  laurel  wreaths,  and  purely  honorary 
prizes  are  most  excellent  in  their  way  ;  but  there  is  a  medal 
bearing  Her  Majesty's  profile  which  has  stronger  attractions. 
It  helps  to  pay  entry  fees  and  railway  expenses.  There  is 
something  of  which  it  is  predicated  in  roundhand  in  our  child- 
hood's copybook,  that  it  is  its  own  reward  ;  but  poultry,  Pigeon, 
and  cage  bird  exhibitionising,  has  become  so  much  a  business, 
that  only  a  favoured  few  can  afford  to  compete  con  amorc. 

I  have  been  among  the  upper  walks  of  life — among  the 
Pigeons.  They  must  hold  a  higher  place  than  Canaries  in  the 
show  world,  for  they  seem  to  me  to  represent  a  larger  amount 
I  of  real  capital,  and  does  not  the  title  page  of  the  Journal  say, 
'  "  Pigeons,  Aviary  Birds,  &o.  ?"  Don't  you  think  it  is  almost 
■  time  that  stereotyped  little  oentrepiece  were  altered,  and  that 
I  "  Canaries  "  became  the  first  word  of  a  line?    Would  it  not 


November  24,  1870.  1 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


421 


read  better,  "  Pigeons.  '  Wiltshire  Rector,'  "  and  then  give 
Canaries  and  Aviary  Rirds  a  line  to  themselves  ?  A  little 
spacing-oat,  and  a  piece  of  "  furniture"  here  and  there  would 
do  it  without  destroying  the  symmetry  of  the  page.  Don't  you 
think  so  ? 

Yes,  I  was  among  the  Pigeons  at  Newcastle,  and  Mr.  Fulton 
kindly  went  round  and  did  all  he  could  to  lead  me  astray,  and 
tempt  me  into  his  fancy.  He  explained  the  distinctive  points 
of  the  different  varieties  in  a  most  interesting  manner  ;  and 
with  Buch  apparently  faultless  standards  of  perfection  before 
us  to  illustrate  hia  lecture,  he  had  no  difficulty  in  pointing  out 
what  constituted  a  first-class  and  what  a  second-class  bird. 
But  I  am  afraid  I  was  not  a  very  apt  pupil,  though  I  can 
recognise  a  Pouter,  a  balloon-looking  gentleman  on  a  half 
brick,  a  Barb,  a  Dragoon  (and  you  must  not  try  to  deceive  me 
with  a  half-bred  Carrier  after  Mr.  Fulton's  lesson),  a  Fantail, 
a  Carrier,  and  a  Trumpeter.  The  general  appearance  of  the 
Show  was  very  imposing,  the  arrangement  perfection  ;  and  I 
am  sure  there  was  but  one  opinion  that  Mr.  BlenkiDBop,  the 
Honorary  Secretary,  and  his  coadjutors  are  men  well  up  in 
their  business,  and  fit  custodians  of  the  reputation  of  New- 
castle as  regards  the  exhibition  of  Pigeons  and  cage  birds.  The 
Corn  Exohange  in  which  the  Show  was  held  covers  an  im- 
mense area,  but  the  lighted  gas  kept  it  at  a  camfortable  tem- 
perature, and  not  even  the  most  delicate  specimens  experienced 
any  inconvenience. 

In  the  Canaries  Mr.  Butter  took  all  the  Belgian  prizes,  the 
only  specimen  approximating  to  the  quality  of  his  being 
No.  452  (J.  N.  Harrison),  a  remarkably  fine  bird,  showing  true 
Belgian  contour  and  "  position."  The  silver  medal  for  the 
best  bird  in  the  Belgian  classes  was  wnn  by  No.  453,  a  yellow 
hen.  Norwich  were  strong,  Moore  &  Wynne  taking  the  lion's 
share  of  prizes,  and  Mr.  Mills  the  silver  medal  with  No.  495, 
Evenly-marked  Jonque,  exhibited  in  faultless  tiim.  The 
Glasgow  Dons,  the  bird  of  Scotland,  formed  a  prominent  feature 
of  the  Show,  Mr.  Clark,  of  Newcastle,  winning  the  medal  with 
a  remarkably  neat  bird.  In  Goldfinch  Mules,  Mr.  Young's 
well-known  luff  bird  won  the  silver  medal  easily,  disposing  of 
all  comers,  Jonque  and  Mealy,  including  divers  birds  "clipped 
and  trimmed."  The  Judge's  opinion  was  duly  handed  in,  but 
is  I  observed  no  intimation  of  the  same  affixed  to  the  cages, 
I  do  not  feel  in  a  position,  as  reporter  of  a  show,  to  mention 
rjamef.  I  have  elsewhere  expressed  my  opinion  as  to  what 
should  be  rone  in  such  cases,  and  what  are  the  relative  duties 
of  judge  and  committee. 

It  was  a  cruel  thing  to  ask  any  judges  to  decide  between 
Mr.  Spence's  Brown  Linnet  Mule  and  Mr.  Stansfield's  Ball- 
finch  and  Goldfinch  Mule.  Perhaps  the  equal  of  each  never 
was  seen.  Mr.  Irons  took  the  medal  for  the  best  birds  among 
the  Cinnamons,  Greens,  and  Any  variety  with  one  of  his  fine 
Jonques,  and  Mr.  Baxter,  of  Newcastle,  was  able  to  add  a 
copper  kettle  to  his  stock  of  kitchen  utensils  through  the  aid 
of  a  good  Goldfinch  ;  and  a  fine  Linnet  won  the  silver  medal 
for  Mr.  Briggs,  also  of  "  canny  Newcastle."  Among  the  Foreign 
Birds,  a  Mocking  Bird,  shown  by  Captain  J.  F.  B.  Dodds  in 
splendid  plumage,  occupied  much  attention,  and  took  first 
honours. 

Judging  over,  I  with  Mr.  Corker,  of  Croydon,  one  of  the 
Judges  of  Pigeons  ;  Mr.  Horner,  of  Leeds  ;  and  Mr.  Firth,  of 
Dewsbury,  both  well-known  successful  exhibitors  of  Pigeons, 
were  the  guests  of  W.  B.  Van  Haansbergen,  Esq.,  who  taxed 
the  dining  resources  of  the  Union  Club  on  our  behalf  in  a 
way  which  they  and  I  will  not  soon  forget.  We  had  already 
lunched  with  the  Secretary,  but  bospitalily  appears  to  be  one 
of  the  "rules  bnd  regulations"  of  the  Newcastle-on-Tyne 
Ornithological  Association. — W.  A.  Blaeston, 


There  were  nearly  five  hundred*  pens  of  Pigeons,  and  of  a  quality 
never  before  seen  at  Newcastle  ;  the  liberal  prize  list  and  indefatigable 
exertions  of  the  Honorary  Secretary,  Mr.  H.  O.  Blenkinsop,  having 
brought  about  this  desirable  result.  The  Coru  Exchange  in  which 
the  Exhibition  was  held  is,  perhaps,  unequalled  for  the  purpose,  being 
convenient,  capable  of  accommodating  several  hundreds  of  visitors, 
with  ample  room  for  the  pens,  which  were  all  on  one  level,  and  on 
this  occasion  the  temperature  was  well  regulated  by  the  use  of  nu- 
merous gas  jets.  Not  a  single  mishap  occurred  either  to  the  Pigeons 
or  Canaries,  and  too  much  praise  canuot  be  given  to  the  attendants, 
who  looked  well  after  the  feeding,  &&,  of  the  birds. 

In  Carriers,  Messrs.  Fulton,  Massey,  and  Horner  monopolised  the 
prizes.  Mr.  Massey's  birds  took  our  fancy  very  much  ;  their  fresh, 
healthy,  genuine  appearance,  combined  with  properties  of  head,  beak, 
eye,  and  figure,  render  it  more  than  probable  that  they  may  turn  the 


tables  on  their  more  aged  and  better-furnished  competitors  at  some 
future  shows. 

Iu  Pouters,  the  most  noticeable  birds  were  Mr.  Fulton's  Yellow, 
Blue,  and  Black  cocks,  and  Yellow  and  Blue  i  ens,  all  of  which  were 
excellent.  We  must  not  omit  to  mention  the  second-prize  Blue  cock 
and  hen  shown  by  local  exhibitors,  Messrs.  Thomson  &  Simpson,  who 
well  merited  the  position  they  attained.  The  White  Pouters  were  a 
fine  lot,  several  pens  being  worthy  of  a  prize. 

Almond  Tumblers  were  a  show  of  themselves — nineteen  pens,  and 
at  least  fourteen  very  good.  Mr.  Blenkinsop's  pair  were  deservedly 
first.  The  cock  in  this  pen  and  that  in  Mr.  Vanx's  pen  were  the  two 
best  head-and-beak  birds  in  the  Show.  Messrs.  Ford,  Horner,  and 
Adams,  also  showed  very  good  birds.  Mr.  Ford  won  with  beautiful 
Black  Mottles  in  the  "  other  "  Tumbler  class.  Yellow,  whole  feathers, 
were  second.     No  other  pen  was  good. 

Iu  the  Barbs  Mr.  J.  Firth  was  first  with  a  magniBcent  pair  of  Black3 
in  the  class  of  that  colour.  The  cup  iu  this  section  was  awarded  to 
this  pen,  the  cock  being  unquestionably  one  of  the  very  best  birds  of 
the  day.  Mr.  Firth  was  also  first  with  a  good  pair  of  young  Yellow 
Barbs.  Mr.  Fielding  showed  a  pood  pair  of  Yellows,  but  they  were 
much  out  of  condition,  and  Mr.  Fulton  had  a  pretty  pair  of  Whites, 
the  best  we  have  seen  for  some  time. 

Foreign  Owls  were  a  good  class.  EngUsh  Owls  had  a  large  entry, 
but  mauy  pens  were  obviously  passed  over. 

Of  Jacobins  there  were  twenty-three  entries,  some  of  the  best  birds 
were  iu  deep  moult.  The  winners  were  good  Beds  In  this  clas3 
several  pens  contained  an  excellent  and  an  indifferent  bird ;  mostly 
the  Y'ellows  were  too  coarse,  excepting  those  of  Mr.  Van  Haansbergen 
and  Mr.  Fulton,  and  both  their  pens  were  ont  of  condition.  For  Jaco- 
bins of  any  other  colour  Mr.  Van  Haansbergen  took  both  prizes,  hia 
Whites  being  the  best  we  ever  saw,  his  fine  pair  of  Blacks  also  taking 
the  sectional  cup. 

Fantails  were  a  splendid  class  ;  five  or  six  pens  seemed  almost  equally 
good,  and  each  worthy  of  a  first  prize.  It  would  be  very  desirable  to 
give  this  variety  a  little  more  pen  room. 

Trumpeters  were  a  good  class  ;  Mr.  Horner's  birds  the  best  in  rose 
and  crest,  but  deficient  in  feet  and  marking.  Mr.  J.  Firth's  pair  took 
first,  the  cock  a  grand  bird  ;  Mr.  Van  Haansbergen  was  Becond  with 
a  splendidly  booted  aud  rosed  pair,  but  too  light  iu  mottle.  Whites 
were  first  in  the  "  Any  other  "  Trumpeter  class  ;  Blacks  second,  both 
good.  A  novelty  was  shown  in  a  pair  of  Beds,  good  in  properties,  but 
sooty  in  colour. 

The  Turbit  classes  contained  good  birds  of  every  colour.  The  same 
may  be  said  of  the  Magpies. 

Nuns  were  a  good  class.     Yellows,  Duns,  aud  Blacks  were  shown. 

Chequered  Dragoons  were  first  iu  their  class,  Yellows  second  ;  good 
Blues,  Yellows,  and  Whites  also  competed. 

Antwerpa  were  an  average  collection. 

Common  Tumblers  were  not  particularly  noticeable,  excepting  that 
many  pens  were  evidently  left  out  on  account  of  not  answering  the 
requirements  of  the  schedule. 

The  prizes  for  Any  other  variety  were  won  by  good  Letz.  Good 
Swiss  were  shown,  and  pigmy  Austrian  Pouters  ;  also  a  pair  of  white 
birds,  which  looked  something  like  a  cross  between  a  Runt  and  a  Fan- 
tail,  ranti^hly-made  birds  with  short  bob  tails. 

In  the  Selling  class  many  pens  were  claimed. 

The  following  is  the  prize  list : — 

Carriers.— Block.— Cock.— 1.  E.  Horner,  Harewood.  Leeds.  2,  W.  Massey 
Spalding,  vhc,  K.  Fulton,  Deptford.  he.  R.  Fulton;  T.  Colley,  Walkley, 
Sheffield;  G.  J.  Taylor,  Fartown.  Huddersfleld.  c,  F.  Smilh,  Selley  Oak.  Bir- 
mingham. Hen.— 1  and  Cup,  R.  Fulton.  2.  G.  J.  Taylor,  vhc,  F.  Snnlh.  he.  R. 
Fulton;  E.Horner,  e,  E.  Horner.  Vun.  or  any  other  colour  except  Black.— 
Cock— I  and  c,  R.  Fulton.  2.  W.  Massey.  he,  G.  J. Taylor.  Hen.— 1,  J .  Thomp- 
son. Binglev.    2  and  vhc,  R.  Fulton,    he,  T.  Colley. 

Pouters.— Blue  or  Black—  Cock.— 1,  Cup,  and  vhc.  R.  Fulton  (Black  and 
Bluel  2,  Thompson  &  Simpson.  Wideopen,  Newcastle,  he,  R.Fulton  (Blue); 
A.  Wtntonr,  Edinburgh  (Blue)  (2):  E.  Horner.  Hen—  1  and  vhc,  R.  Fulton 
(Blue*.  2.  Thompson  &  Simpson  (Blue),  he.  R.  Fulton  (Black);  E.  Horner. 
e,  E.  Homer.  Bed  or  Yellow.— Cock— I  and  he,  E.  Fulton  (Red  and  Yellow). 
2.  .1.  Walker,  Newark  (Red),  e.  A.  Wright,  Eden  Side.  Edinbureh  IRedl:  W. 
Harvev.  Sheffield  I  Yellow);  H.  Brown,  Vvalklev.  Sheffield  (Redl;  J.  Bell.  New. 
castle  (Redl.  Hen.— 1  and  2,  R.  Pulton  (Yellow),  vhc,  H.  Brown,  he,  A. 
Wright  (Red);  C.  Vaux,  East  Boldon,  Sunderland.  White.— Cock.— 1,  W.  Har. 
vr  v.  9,  E.  Horner,  he,  R.  Fulton  (2) ;  J.  Morrison.  Morning  Side,  Edinburgh: 
(S).  Hen  —1.  R.  Fulton.  2,  W.  Harvev.  he.  H.  Coekton,  Middlesbrough;  R. 
Fulton;  J.  BTawley,  Biuglev.  Any  other  Colour— Cock.— I.  W.  Moon,  Edin- 
burgh (Checker).  2.  H.  Brown,  rhc.  w.  B.  Van  Haansbergen,  Newcastle 
(Ash),  he.  R.  Fulton  (Mealy).  Hen.— 1,  J.  Morrison  (Chequer).  2,  W.  Moon, 
Edinburgh  (-plash). 

Toiblers  —  ■'hnrtfaced— Almond.— 1  and  Medal.  W.  R.  A  H.  O.  Blenkinsop, 
Newcastle.  2.  J.  Ford.  London,  rite,  E.  Horner,  he.  E.T.  Dew.  Weston-super- 
Mare;  C.  Vaux;  H.  Adams.  Beverley.  Any  other  Colour.— 1,  J.  Ford  (Black 
Mottles.    2  G.  J.  Taylor,    vhc,  W.  R.  &  H.  O.  Blenkinsop. 

Barbs.— Black— I  and  Cup.  J.  Firth.  Dewshurv.  2  and  e.  R.  Fulton,  he,  R. 
Fulton  ;  K.  Horner.  Any  othrr  colour  except  Black.— 1.  J.  Filth.  2,  R.  Fulton. 
he,J.  Fielding,  jun.,  Rochdale;  W.Massey  (Red);  C.Vaux;  J.  King,  Newcastle) 
(Red). 

Owls  (Foreign).— 1.  R.  Fulton,  Fulham.  2,  W.  R.  &  H.  O.  Blenkinsop.  he,  J. 
Fielding,  jun.;  P.  H.Jones.  _    „ 

Jacobins.— Bed  or  Yellow— I,  E.  Horner.  2.  N.  F.  Nalder.  Croydon  (Red). 
he,  T.  C.  &  E.  Newbitt,  Epworth  ;  R.  Fulton;  W.B.  Van  Haansbergen  (Red  and 
YeUow) :  W.  Harvev.  Any  other  Colour.— 1,  Cup,  2,  and  he,  W.  B.  Van  Haans- 
bergen (Black  and  White). 

Faktails.—  White.— 1.  R.  Fulton.  2,  J.  F.  Loversidge.  Newark-on-Trent, 
he,  J.  F.  LoverBidge ;  J.  Walker :  T.  Rule.  Durham :  W.  R.  Park,  Melrose  ;  W. 
Hendrv,  Aberdeen.    Any  other  Colour.— 1,  P.  H.  Jones.    2.  H.  Yardley. 

TRriir-ETERS.— Mottled—  1,  J.  Firth.  2,  W.  B.  Van  Haansbergen.  he,  W. 
Harvev.  Any  other  Colour— I.  W.  H.  C.  Oates.  Besthorpe,  Newark  (White). 
2,  T.  Rule,    he,  .1.  Firth  ;  W.  R.  &  H.  O.  Blenkinsop. 

Turbits.— Bed  or  Yellme.—l,  P.  H.  Jones.  2,  J.  Fielding,  jun.  (Red).  Blve, 
or  any  other  colour— 1,  W.  R.  &  H.  O.  Blenkinsop.  2,  T.  Rule,  he,  E.  T.  Dew 
(Silver1. 


422 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  November  24,  1870. 


Magpifs.— 1,  E.  Horner.  2,  P.  H.  JoneB.  he,  E.  Horner;  Miss  E.  Beldon, 
Goitstock,  Bingley. 

Nuns.— 1,  P.  H.  JoneB.  2,  F.  Graham,  Birkenhead,  he,  F.  Graham  ■  E  T. 
Dew.  ' 

Owls  (English).— T,  J.  King.  2,  A.  Jackson,  Heaton,  Bolton-le-Moors.  he,  J. 
J.  Wilson,  Darlington  ;  E.  Horner ;  W.  Goddard,  Earlston. 

Dragoons.- I.S.  N.  Challoner,  Newcastle.  2,  A.  Ashton,  Parkfield,  Middleton. 
lie,  J.  Ford ;  J.  Watts,  King's  Heath,  Birmingham  ;  F.  Graham  (2) :  J.  Stanley, 
Sal  ford. 

Antwehps.— 1,  J.  A.  Collinson.  2,  E.  Horner,  he,  3.  Hawley:  J.  Cundale, 
Copt  Hewick,  Ripon  ;  E.  Horner-  F.  Smith. 

Tumblers  (Common).— Almonds.— \,  J.  Dye,  Newcastle.  2,  P.  Stephenson. 
Bald  Pates.— 1,  R.  Grey,  Gateshead.  2,  R.  &.  J.  F.  Baldwin,  Newcastle.  Beards. 
— 1,  J.  Dye.  2,  Miss  E.  Beldon.  Any  other  Colour.— 1,  W.  Harvey  (Mottles). 
2,  J.  Hawley  (Red  Mottles),    /icL J.  A.  Collinson  (Red). 

Any  other  Variety.— 1,  W.  R.  Park  (Letz).  2,  H.  Yardley.  he,  J.  Watts  ;  E. 
Horner;  W.  Harvey  (Porcelain);  W.  Goddard  (Black  Austrian  Pouters). 

Selling  Class.— 1,  J.  Fairley,  Edinburgh.    2,  Miss  E   Beldon.    8,  S.  N.  Chal- 
loner.    he.  N.  F.  Nalder  (Jacobins);  J.  Hawley:  W.  B.  Van  Httansbergen:  E. 
Horner;  W.  R.  &  H.  0.  BlenkinBop;  C.  Auton,  jun.,  York. 
CANARIES. 

Belgians.— Clear  Yellow.  — 1,  2,  and  Medal.  J.  Futter,  Bishopweannouth. 
vhc,  J.  N.  Harrison,  Belper.  e,  J.  Baxter.  Newcastle.  Clear  Buff.—l  and  2.  J. 
Rutter.  Ticked  or  Variegated.— 1  and  2,  J.  Rntter.  c,  T.  Bennett,  Seaton  Burn 
Colliery,  Northumberland. 

Nobwich.— Clear  Yellow.— 1  and  2,  Moore  &  Wynne.  Northampton,  he,  R. 
Hawman.  c,  3.  Brigt-'s,  Newcastle.  Clear  Buff.- I  und  2,  Moure  &  Wynne. 
Marked  or  Variegated.— 1  and  Medal,  E.  Mills,  Sunderland.  2  and  he.  Moore 
and  Wynne,  vhc,  R.  Hawman.  Crested  Yellow  or  Yellow  Marked.— 1,  R.  Haw- 
man. 2,  Moore  &  Wynne,  vhe,  T.  Irons,  Northampton,  he,  G.  C.  Brown, 
Newcastle,  c,  J.  Rutter.  Crested  Buff  or  Buff  Marked ,— 1,  J.  Young.  2  and 
vhc,  Moore  &  Wynne,    c,  J.  Rutter. 

Glasgow  Dons.— Clear  Yellow.— I  and  Medal,  W.  Clark,  Newcastle.  2,  R. 
Ruddick.  c,  J.  Gaskins.  Clear  BufT.—l  and  vhc.  (2)  W.  Clark.  2,  J.  Langhland, 
Kilmarnock.    Marked  or  Variegated— 1,  J.  Baxter.    2,  C.  Smith,    he,  W.  Clark. 

Goldfinch  Mules.— Yellow.— 1,  Stephens  &  Burton.  2  and  e,  E.  Stansfield. 
Buff.— 1  and  Medal,  J.  Young,  Monkwearmouth.  2  and  vhe,  J.  Baxter  e,  B. 
Pearson,  Newcastle.  Dark.  —  1,  Stephens  &  Burton.  2,  Moore  &  Wjnne. 
vhc,  J.  Carter,  Newcastle,    c,  J.  &  T.  Dobson  ;  J.  Young. 

Mule  (Any  other  varietyj.-l,  E.  Stansfield.  2,  J.  Spence,  New  Hendon. 
Sunderland,  vhc,  3.  Baxter,  he, 3.  Young,  c, 3.  Baxter;  G.  Atkinson,  Gatesheal. 

Cinnamon.— Jo nque.—l  and  Medal.  T.  Irons.  2,  J.  Spence  he,  T.  Irons  ;  S. 
Tomes,  Northampton  (2).  c,  3.  Wilson,  Newcastle;  E.  Mills.  Buff.— 1  and 
vhc,  W.  Gamble.  Northampton.  2.  T.  Irons,  lie,  3.  Young;  S.  Tomes.  c,3. 
Spence;  E.  Mills.  Marked  or  Variegated.—  1,  S.  Tomes.  2,  R.  Hawman, 
Middlesbrough,  vhc,  Stephens  &,  Burton,  he,  Moore  &  Wynne,  e,  J.  Young ; 
S.  Tomes. 

Green.— 1,  Stephens  &  Burton.  2,  G.  Atkinson,  vhe,  J.  &  T.  Dobson,  New- 
castle :  L.  BillcliftV,  Newcastle,  he,  J.  Eland,  Newcastle  ;  J.  King,  c,  J.Carter ; 
W.  T.  Mein,  Newcastle. 

Any  other  Variety  of  Cage  Bird— 1,  E.  Mills  (Golden-spangled  Lizard). 
2,  J.  N.  Harrison,    c,  P.  Stephenson ;  J.  Baxter  ;  E.  Stansfield,  Bradford. 

Goldfinch.— 1,  J.  Baxter.  2,  Stephens  &  Burton,  vhe,  J.  Harrison,  e,  W. 
Richardson,  South  Shields. 

Linnet  (Brown).— 1,  J.  Brigge,  Newcastle.    2,  J.  Baxter,    vhe,  J.  N.  Harrison. 

Foreign  Birds.— 1,  Capt.J.  F.  B.  Dodds,  Newcastle.  2.  G.  A.  Tate.Norfh 
Shields,  he,  3.  Atkinson,  c,  T.  J.  Pickett,  Newcastle  (Bishop);  M.  Brown, 
Gateshead  (Australian  Parrots);  P.  Guthrie;  W.  B.  Van  Haai  sbergen;  W.  R. 
Blenkinsop. 

Judges. — For  Pigeons:  Mr.  Corker,  Croydon,  and  Mr.  T.J.  Charlton, 
Trafalgar  Street,  Bradford.  Canaries:  Mr.  VV*.  A.  Blakston,  Sunder- 
land, and  Mr.  T.  Lowrey,  Gateshead. 


JOHNSTONE   POULTRY  AND   PIGEON  SOCIETY. 

The  third  annoal  Exhibition  and  competition  of  poultry  and 
Pigeons  nnder  the  auspices  of  this  Society,  took  place  on  Saturday 
the  12 th  inst.,  in  the  New  Town  Hall,  Johnstone,  Renfrewshire.  The 
first  glance  round  the  well-filled  Hall  assured  ns  that  our  trip  to 
this  busy  town  was  to  be  amply  repaid.  Some  urand  specimens  of 
birds  in  both  departments  at  once  attracted  onr  attention,  and  there 
was  presented  to  onr  view  a  full  field  for  a  day's  enjoyment.  There 
were  only  nine  empty  pens,  owing  to  birds  not  being  forwarded. 

In  the  poultry  department,  Black  Spanish  were  a  small  but  good 
class  ;  the  protracted  dryness  of  the  season  having  retarded  the  moult- 
ing, few  birds  in  the  west  of  Scotland  of  this  class  were  ready  for  ex- 
hibition. The  first  and  second-prize  penB  were  particularly  fine. 
Game  were  well  represented,  many  fine  and  powerful  birds  being 
present.  Among  the  Dorkings  stood  some  noble  massive-looking  birds. 
But  the  great  feature  of  this  department  was  the  Hamhurghs — Silver, 
Golden-pencilled,  and  Spangled.  There  was  a  fair  turn-out  of  the  old 
Scotch  Greys,  homely,  solid,  usefol-looking  birds;  also  very  pretty  class 
of  Game  Bantams,  quite  a  show  of  themselves.  Bantams,  "  Any  other 
variety,"  included  most  of  the  colours  bred  in  this  class,  the  first 
prize  being  awarded  to  Mr.  Yardley,  Birmingham,  for  a  pair  of  very 
handsome  Golden  Sebrights.  Ducks,  both  Aylesbury  and  Rouen, 
■were  very  fine.  This  department  was  so  well  judged  that  the  awards, 
which  we  give  below,  speak  for  themselves. 

The  poultry  were  placed  in  large  roomy  pens ;  Bides  sheet  iron,  front, 
top,  and  back  wire,  giving  at  once  plenty  of  light  and  air. 

The  Pigeon  department  surpassed  last  year's  entries  at  this  Show, 
partly  in  numbers,  but  particularly  in  quality.  We  had  not  crossed 
the  doorway  of  the  main  entrance  to  the  Hall  before  we  were  satisfied 
of  this.  A  finer  line  of  Pouters  are  seldom  seen  out  of  a  city  show 
than  stood  in  this  Hall.  The  Blues  in  particular  were  fine,  many  of 
them  very  valuable  birds,  showing  not  only  great  size  and  length  of  limb 
and  feather,  but  also  perfect  marking.  We  thought  the  first  and 
second  prizes  belonging  to  the  same  exhibitor  might  have  been  safely 
reversed,  though,  without  doubt,  they  were  very  close.  The  best  Blue 
Rock  in  the  Show  6tood  in  pen  250,  entered  by  Mr.  James  Butler, 
Glasgow,  but,  unfortunately,  he  was  wretchedly  matched  and  could 
have  no  chance.  The  Blacks  were  hardly  up  to  the  Blues  in  some 
points,  particularly  as  to  colour  and  length  of  limb.  Among  the 
"  Any  other  colour"  weremanyvery  handsomely  formed  and  large  birds. 
Carriers  formed  a  splendid  class ;  the  first  and  second-prize  birds 


■were  very  fine,  but  rather  broad  in  the  head.  We  admired  the  third- 
prize  pen  (young),  they  possessed  that  style  and  form  bo  ably  repre- 
sented in  Mr.  Wolstenholme's  celebrated  portrait  of  this  bird.  Of 
Sbort-faced  Tumblers  there  was  the  best  class  ever  shown  by  this 
Society,  comprising  Almonds,  Mottles,  and  Kites.  Barbs  were  a  very 
fine  class ;  the  first-prize  pen  were  wonderful  birds,  carrying  also  the 
extra  prize.  Fantails  formed  a  large  class,  containing  many  birds  in 
most  respects  perfect ;  the  true  Indian  type  was  displayed — the  perfect 
tail,  but  above  all,  the  motion.  Mr.  Reid,  Lochwinnoch,  pen  No.  254, 
Bhowed  a  cock,  extra  fine,  but  badly  matched ;  Mr.  Murdoch,  John- 
stone, a  very  fine  hen,  badly  matched;  and  Mr.  Sharp  a  pair  of  Black 
Saddles — cock  perfection,  but  rather  large.  Jacobins  were  an  extra  good 
clasa  ;  as  Jacobins  are  generally  to  be  seen,  there  Beems  to  be  too  much 
regard  paid  to  the  colour  of  eye  in  this  bird ;  the  small,  thin,  swallow- 
shaped  bird  is  now  seldom  met  with.  Jacobins  do  not  seem  to  improve 
much.  Common  Tumblers  were  a  pretty  class,  comprising  Red  and 
Black  Mottles,  Red  and  Black  Baldheads,  Black  and  Blue  Beards,  &c. 
In  the  *'  Other  distinct  variety  "  class,  the  first  and  extra  prizes  were 
carried  off  by  a  pair  of  those  sweet  little  Pigeons,  African  Owls. 

The  Pigeon  department  was  judged  with  great  care  and  skill;  it 
would  have  been  a  difficult  matter  for  anyone  to  have  detected  a  flaw. 

The  whole  arrangements  of  this  Show  were  managed  with  great  taste 
and  judgment,  and  reflect  no  small  credit  on  the  Committee.  The 
weather  was  very  fine,  and  the  visitors  numerous,  rather  too  numerous 
as  the  day  advanced. 

Spanish.—  I,  J.  Gray.Airdrie.  2,  W.Barr,  Avon  Braes,  Hamilton.  3.  J.  Claw- 
ford,  sen.,  Beilh.    he  and  c,  A.  Robertson,  Kilmarnock. 

Dorkings.— 1  and  Timepiece,  J.  Gray.  2,  H.  Pickles,  jun.,  Earby.  Yorkshire 
8,  J.  Malcolm,  Langton,  Falkirk,  he,  D.  Gcllatlv,  Meigle.  c,  A.'ftrant,  ju^., 
Kilbarchan 

Game.— Black  or  Brown  Beds  — 1,  J.  Waddell,  Airdrie  Hill,  Airdrie.  2,  R. 
Arbnckle,  Parkhead,  Glasgow.  3,  J.  Gray,  he,  J.  Gow,  Kilbarchan.  c,  J. 
Sneddon,  Linwood.  Any  other  Colour.— 1,  J.  Gray.  2,  he,  and  c,  R,  Andrew, 
Grahamstowu,  Barrhead.    3,  D.  Hurlev. 

Hamburgh?.— Golden-spangled—  1,  H.  L.  Home,  Wintering.  2,  R.  Tyson, 
Longtown,  Carlisle.  3,  J.  Mair,  Kilmarnock,  he,  3.  Sloan,  Glasgow,  e,  3. 
Jardine,  Kilmarnock.  Silver-spangled.— 1,  3.  Bruce,  Barrhead.  2,  D.  Gilmour, 
Kilmarnock.  S,  A.  Glen,  Paisley,  he.  3.  Wilson,  c,  A.  Grant,  Glentyam  Mill. 
Golden-pr neilled.— 1  and  Timepiece,  S.  &  R.  Ashton.  Mottram.  2,  A.  Wallace, 
Paisley.  3,  G.  Caithness,  Carnoustie,  he,  W.  Nelson,  Johnstone,  c,  W. 
Bachop,  Paisley.  Silver-pencilled— 1,  W.  Bachop.  2,  J.  Sharp.  3  and  e,  H. 
Arndle.     he,  H.  Colligan,  M.D.,  Puisley. 

Brahma  Pootra  or  Cocuin-China.— 1,  J.  Pollock.  Bnsbv.  2,  A.  Robertson, 
Kilmarnock.  3,  A.Carawell,  Tarbert.  he,  J.  Carswell,  Neilston.  c,  D.  Gellatly, 
Meigle. 

Scotch  Greys.— 1  and  3,  A.  Grant.  2,  R.  Smith,  Holmes,  he,  3.  Meiklem. 
C,  3.  Sneddon,  Paisley. 

Bantams.— Game.—l,  3.  Gray.  2  and  Timepiece,  J.  Gow.  S.D.Johnstone, 
jun.,  Dairy.  }ic,  T.  C.  &  E.  Newbitt.  Epworth.  c,  J.  Sharp.  Anu  other  Variety, 
—1,  H.  Yardley,  Birmingham.  2,  A.  Mitchell  (Black).  8  and  c,  H.  L.  Home, 
Whiterigg  (White  and  Black),     he,  J.  G.  Orr,  Beith  (Silver-faced). 

Ani  other  Distinct  Breed.— 1,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  (,-ilvcr  Polands).  2,  B.  M. 
Knox  (Creve-Cceur).  8,  H.  Colligan,  M.D.  (Polands).  he,  J.  J.  Long,  Glasgow 
(Polands).    c,  A.  .lamieBon,  Ladeside,  Kilbimie. 

Decks.— Aylesbury.— I  and  2,  J.  Todd,  jun.,  Grangemouth.  3  and  he,  A. 
BobertBon,  Kilmarnock,  c,  J.  Sharp,  Johnstone.  Any  other  Variety. — 1,  Time- 
piece, and  2,  A.  Robertson.  3,  S.  &  R.  Ashton.  he,  J.  Meiklem.  c,  S.  H.  Stott, 
Quarry  Hill,  Rochdale. 

Selling  Class.— 1,  J.  Waddell.  2,  T.  Jackson.  Elderslie.  8.  B.  M.  Knox. 
he,  3.  Aitken,  Johnstone  (Silver-spanpled  Huinlmrghb).  C,  J.  Gow.  Hens  (Any 
Breed).— 1,  J.  Campbell,  JohnBtone  (Black  Red  Game).  2,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  3,  J. 
Waddell  (brown  Red  Game),    he,  W.  Bachop.    c,  D.  Gellatly  (Dorkings). 

PIGEONS. 

Pouters.— Bluc.—l,  2,  and  Timepiece,  J.  Miller,  Glasgow.  3,  J.  Mitchell, 
Glasgow,  he,  3.  Sharp,  c,  W.  Nelson.  Black.— 1,  J.  Miller.  Glasgow.  2,  W. 
Nelson.  3,  J.  Mitchell,  he.  J.  Sharp,  c,  3.  Mitchell.  Any  other  C-dour.—l,  3. 
Miller.    2,  J.  Sharp.    3,  J.  Mitchell,    he,  3.  Muir,  Kilmarnock,    c,  W.  Nelson. 

Carriers.-I  and  2,  J.  Miller.  8,  G.  White,  he,  H.  Yardley.  c,  J.  &  W. 
Towerson,  Egremon 

Tcmblerh.—  Short-faced.— 1  and  8,  J.  Miller.  2,  J.  Paton,  Rigg,  Stewarton. 
he,  3.  fielding,  jun.,  Rochdale,  c,  J.  Sharp.  Common.— 1,  W.  Reid,  Locbwin. 
noch.  2,  J.  Mackay,  Glasgow.  3,  J.  Aitken.  he,  3.  A.  Collinson,  Halilax- 
c,  W.  Webster,  Kilbarchan. 

Bares.— 1  and  Timepiece,  M.  Miller,  Glasgow.  2,  J.  Miller,  Glasgow.  3,  H. 
Yardley.    he,  3.  Fielding,  Jnn.    c,  G.  White,  Paisley. 

Fantails.— 1,  J.  Gait.  2  and  3,  J.  Sharp,  he,  C.  Murdoch.  Johnstone,  c,  H. 
Yardley. 

Jacobinb.-I,  G.  White.    2  and  he,  3.  Sharp.    3  and  c,  3.  &.  W.  Towerson. 

Common.— 1,  W.  G.  Kerr,  Glencart,  Dairy.  2,  3,  and  he,  3.  Sneddon,  Birsie 
Knowe,  Beith.    c,  J.  Gait,  Kirbiruie. 

Any  other  Variety.— 1,  2,  and  Timepiece,  J.  Sharp.  8,  J.  Fielding,  jun. 
he.  H.  Yardlev.     r,  G.  Whit*1,  Paisley  (Trumpeters). 

Selling  Class.— 1,  J.  Sharp.  2,  T.  C.  &  E.  Newbitt.  8,  G.  White,  he,  R. 
Blair,  Johnstone,    c,  W.  Gemmell,  Johnstone. 

Judges.  —  Poultry  :  Mr.  T.  Williamson,  Grangemouth  ;  Mr.  A. 
Paterson,  Airdrie  ;  Mr.  W".  Creelman,  Kilmarnock;  and  Mr.  J.  Green, 
Glasgow.  P/'geons:  Mr.  J.  Wallace,  Glasgow ;  and  Mr.  M.  Stewart, 
Glasgow. 

DRONES  IN  NOVEMBER. 
Much  as  they  may  differ  in  some  of  their  theories  and 
conclusions  respecting  the  economy  of  their  favourite  insect, 
most,  if  not  all,  bee  authorities,  I  believe,  agree  in  asserting 
(hat  all  drones  are  destroyed  or  driven  forth  early  in  the 
autumn  of  each  year,  frequently  as  soon  as  the  middle  of  June. 
The  only  exception  I  see  noticed  is  when  a  hive  becomes  de- 
prived of  its  queen  in  the  drone  season,  when  the  instinct  of 
the  bees  demands  that  the  drones  shall,  in  most  cases,  not  be 
expelled,  but  tolerated  and  fed  as  long  as  they  will  naturally 
exist.  Having  read  many  of  the  works  of  these  bee  authorities 
with  perhaps  less  profit  than  might  be  expected,  and  fully 
accepted  this  massacre  of  the  drones  at  all  events  as  an  un- 


November  21,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


423 


doubted  fact,  I  was  somewhat  surprised  to  learn  that  drones 
were  heard  flying  one  day  last  week  (the  3rd  inst.),  in  the  front 
of  two  of  our  stocks  of  black  bees.  These  were  two  very  strong 
colonies,  which  were  eagerly  taking  advantage  of  every  instant 
of  the  beautiful  week  which  here  ushered  in  the  opening  of 
November.  Early  and  late  they  poured  forth  in  one  continu- 
ous stream,  the  return  of  which  was  bees  laden  heavily  with 
bright  yellow  farina  or  with  honey.  I  concluded  there  must 
be  some  mistake,  and  gave  the  matter  no  further  consideration, 
until,  on  coming  to  open  the  two  hives  a  day  or  so  later,  drones 
were  undoubtedly  in  both  of  them. 

This  being  to  me  an  uncommon  phenomenon,  I  should  be 
glad  to  know  if  drones  have  been  observed  by  others  so  late  in 
the  year  and  under  similar  circumstances ;  for  I  should  say 
that  the  hives,  when  opened,  showed  themselves  to  be  chokeful 
of  bees,  with  sheet  after  sheet  of  brood  in  all  stages,  a  fine  store 
of  honey,  apparently  daily  increasing,  and  active  and  laying 
queens.  None  of  the  conditions  are  here  apparent  that  would 
induce  a  colony  to  keep  its  drones  alive,  and  the  circumstance 
presents  to  my  mind  one  of  those  cases  where  the  instinct  of 
bees  goes  beyond  human  comprehension. — I-Dkone. 


PERMANGANATE  OF  POTASH  AS  A  CUKE 
FOR  FOUL  BROOD. 

The  disease  called  foul  brood  has  long  ago  been  banished 
from  every  stock  in  what  I  call  my  apiary  ;  but  that  I  might  be 
able  to  resuscitate  the  plague  whenever  occasion  demanded,  I 
carefully  laid  aside  a  few  tainted  combs  in  a  place  to  which 
bees  could  not  possibly  gain  access.  With  these  combs  I 
inoculated  a  small  Woodbury  box  in  the  autumn  of  18G9,  for 
the  purpose  of  observing  what  influence  muriatic  acid  would 
exert  upon  collapsed  larva?.  The  acid  when  poured  into  foul 
cells  senBibly  checked  the  progress  of  disease,  but  it  failed  to 
restore  health. 

Whilst  meditating  upon  other  agents  that  might  be  employed, 
a  request  was  made  to  me  to  try  a  remedy  which  a  gentleman 
in  London  had  found  successful  in  curing  two  of  his  foul 
stocks.  To  this  request  I  at  once  responded,  and  towards  the 
middle  of  December  I  was  favoured  with  a  small  packet  con- 
taining crystals,  which,  when  used  in  solution,  were  said  to  be  a 
very  powerful  "  disinfectant  and  deodoriser."  The  instructions 
given  were  to  the  effect  that  on  the  infected  bees  beiog  driven 
into  an  empty  skep  they  were  to  be  allowed  a  tablespoonful  of 
the  solution  in  a  pint  of  syrup,  and  not  only  to  be  fed  with  it, 
but  to  be  rolled  in  it,  so  that  they  might  be  literally  wetted 
with  it,  both  within  and  without.  Then,  after  a  quarantine  of 
about  twenty-four  hours,  the  bees  so  treated  were  to  be  united 
to  a  healthy  stock,  or  turned  amongst  healthy  bees.  The  valne 
of  the  discovery,  it  thus  appeared,  was  limited  to  the  pnrifying 
of  infected  bees,  and  as  I  believed  that  quarantine  per  se  could 
effect  this,  I  inquired  of  the  author  whether  his  prescription 
would  not  also  deodorise  and  disinfect  tainted  combs  and  boxes. 
To  this  he  replied,  "  I  cannot  be  sure  that  the  disinfectant  I 
sent  you  will  cure  the  tainted  combs,  not  having  tried  it  with 
them ;  but  I  am  quite  sanguine  about  it  if  oare  be  taken,  for 
the  solution  will  positively  disinfect  any  and  every  thing  in  a 
sanitary  sense." 

The  solution,  being  permanganate  of  potash,  was  not  to  be 
despised,  and  I  proceeded  with  pleasure  to  the  preparation  of 
hives  for  testicg  its  virtue.  In  due  course  three  small  Wcol- 
bury  boxes  were  contaminated  with  disease,  and  about  the 
beginning  of  August  last  one  was  virulently  foul,  all  of  its 
combs  being  well  filled  with  brood.  To  allow  the  healthy 
progeny  to  mature,  and  prevent  any  more  eggs  being  laid,  as 
well  as  to  facilitate  future  manipulation,  I  removed  the  queen, 
and  left  the  hive  unopened  for  the  next  two  weeks  or  longer. 
On  the  29th  of  the  month  I  made  an  inspection,  and  finding 
that  the  healthy  brood  had  nearly  all  hatched  out,  I  swept  the 
bees  and  a  young  queen  they  had  managed  to  rear  from  the 
combs  into  an  empty  hive.  Carrying  off  the  combs  to  an  empty 
room,  I,  after  much  labour  with  the  spoon  end  of  tweezers, 
cleaned  out  every  foul  cell.  The  next  step  was  to  wash  all  the 
combs  with  the  disinfectant,  special  care  being  taken  that  every 
diseased  cell  should  be  filled  with  it. 

The  saturated  combs  having  been  replaced  in  the  box,  which 
was  also  washed  with  the  solution,  attention  was  directed  to 
the  bees.  These  I  gave  to  a  clean  hive  containing  comb  and 
eggs  bat  no  brood,  and  though  not  purified  in  any  way,  they 
have  not  given  any  evidence  as  yet  of  having  carried  disease 
along  with  them.     Into  the  box  which  received  the  combs 


washed  with  the  disinfectant,  a  strong  colony  with  a  fertile 
queen  at  the  head  was  introduced,  but  care  was  taken  first 
to  feed  and  roll  these  new  tenants  in  the  solution  minus  the 
essence  of  peppermint,  which  I  fanoied  might  well  enough  be 
dispensed  with.  My  disinfected  hive  now  became  an  object  of 
interest,  and  I  was  very  hopeful  that  the  permanganate  of  pot- 
ash, from  its  well  known  and  powerful  qualities,  would  effect 
what  apiarians  so  much  desire  to  find  out. 

In  a  few  days  the  queen  had  deposited  several  eggs,  and  on 
the  23rd  of  September  the  two  centre  combB  were  well  filled 
with  sealed  brood.  To  see  whether  they  would  all  hatch  out  I 
took  the  queen  away,  but  on  making  an  examination  on  Oc- 
tober 13th  one-half  still  remained  sealed,  the  covers  of  several 
being  flattened  and  perforated.  On  probing  them  the  treacly 
contents  showed  their  repulsive  form,  and  proved  that  the  com- 
plaint, instead  of  having  abated,  had  been  considerably  aggra- 
vated. TUb  was  a  disappointment.  Like  the  author  of  the 
cure,  I  was  sanguine  of  Buccess  before  I  had  tried  it,  but  failure 
only  has  followed,  and  I  am  sorry  for  it.  No  one,  however, 
need  be  afraid  of  being  mastered  by  foul  brood  so  long  as 
chloride  of  lime  in  conjunction  with  quarantine  retains  its 
undoubted  and  well-attested  virtue. — R.  S. 


APIARIAN   NOTES-CAUTION   AS   TO   BUYING 
SECOND   SWARMS  OF  LIGURIANS. 

The  year  1869  was  Bingularly  unfortunate  as  regards  the 
success  of  my  apiary,  so  much  so  that,  although  I  commenced 
the  year  with  five  stocks,  at  its  close  I  had  only  two.  The 
whole  of  my  Ligurians  perished  ;  all  my  attempts  to  multiply 
them  by  artificial  means  proved  futile ;  and  I  only  saved  one 
natural  swarm  in  a  Woodbury  straw,  and  a  driven  swarm  in 
a  Woodbury  cork  hive.  I  bought  another  stock  in  a  straw 
hive,  and  bo  commenced  this  year  with  three  stocks.  We  had 
a  very  long,  cold  winter,  no  warm  weather  until  April,  and 
the  first  two  weeks  in  May  were  ■very  cold,  with  frosty  nights, 
the  temperature  falling  as  low  as  20°.  Very  few  showers  fell 
during  April,  and  the  bees  in  my  two  Woodbury  hives  seemed 
very  weak ;  the  natural  swarm  of  18G9,  owing,  perhaps,  to  the 
age  of  the  queen,  was  the  weakest. 

On  the  20th  of  May,  about  2.20  p.m.,  my  first  swarm  went 
off  from  the  straw  stock.  There  was  a  strong  wind  blowing  at 
the  time,  and  I  feared  the  bees  would  be  lost,  as  they  were 
driven  about  in  all  directions,  but  they  fortunately  settled  upon 
a  thorn  bush  over  the  hedge,  where  they  were  protected  from 
the  wind,  and  although  it  was  in  a  very  awkward  position,  and 
not  a  nice  one  for  handling,  owing  to  the  thorns,  I  managed  to 
hive  them  safely,  and  in  a  few  minutes  placed  them  in  a  Wood- 
bury hive  upon  their  old  stand,  removing  the  stock  to  a  new 
position.  The  swarm  worked  away  right  merrily,  and  in  about 
three  weeks  filled  the  hive  ;  and  as  I  did  not  wish  for  a  virgin 
swarm,  I  placed  a  super  upon  it,  but  they  never  worked  in  it, 
altbough  many  of  them  were  obliged  from  want  of  room  in 
the  hive  to  occupy  it  during  the  night.  The  stock  in  the  cork 
hive  soon  recovered  itself,  and,  as  I  did  not  wish  it  to  swarm, 
I  placed  a  super  upon  it  also,  but  with  exactly  the  same  result ; 
no  honey  was  ever  stored  in  it.  The  natural  swarm  never 
seemed  to  recover  from  the  effects  of  the  trying  winter,  and 
had  enough  to  do  to  live. 

Wishing  to  give  the  Ligurians  another  trial,  I  purchased  a 
swarm  in  June,  thinking  I  should  manage  better  with  it  than 
with  buying  queens  ;  but  I  found  after  I  had  agreed  to  take  a 
swarm,  that  the  party  advertising  them  in  your  columns  only 
sent  out  second  swarms,  keeping  all  the  prime  swarms  him- 
self. I  thought  this  a  very  doubtful  matter  when  I  received 
such  a  message  ;  thinkiDg  first  that  they  would  not  be  so  strong, 
and  secondly  that  it  would  be  a  doubtful  case  whether  the  quejn 
would  be  properly  impregnated,  as  she  would  have  no  oppor- 
tunity except  during  the  issue  of  the  swarm,  and  the  odds  were 
at  least  ten  to  one  that  she  would  not  be  impregnated  then.  I 
wrote  to  the  party,  and  he  assured  me  that  he  had  had  seven 
swarms  from  one  Ligurian  stock  in  18G9,  and  they  were  all 
strong,  so  much  so,  that  he  expected  the  seventh  would  swarm 
the  first  this  season.  That  seemed  to  settle  the  first  difficulty; 
and  as  to  the  second,  I  thought  I  could  at  any  rate  try  Mrs. 
Tupper's  scheme  for  securing  the  impregnation  of  queens,  and 
bo  decided  to  have  them.  They  arrived  all  right,  and  were  a 
very  fair  swarm,  and  had  a  fine  queen  ;  but  I  was  doubtful  she 
waB  not  impregnated,  and  as  I  could  not  see  any  drones  I  con- 
cluded she  could  not  be.  However,  after  searching  the  combs 
over  more  narrowly,  I  managed  to  find  about  a  dozen  drones, 


424 


JOURNAL  OF  HOKTICULTDEE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  November  21,  1870. 


so  made  a  large  queen  cage  as  directed,  and  placed  them  in  it 
along  with  the  qneen,  and  then  put  them  upon  the  bars  of  the 
hive,  where  they  remained  the  allotted  time,  after  which  they 
were  liberated. 

A  day  or  two  afterwards  I  waa  unfortunately  taken  ill,  and 
could  not  leave  my  room  for  some  weeks,  and  no  other  eye  but 
mine  could  detect  anything  that  might  be  wrong.  The  first 
time  I  could  get  into  the  garden,  of  course  I  went  to  look  at 
the  Ligurians,  and  standing  a  minute  before  the  hive  remarked 
at  once,  "There's  something  wrong  here."  I  was  too  weak  to 
examine  them  that  day,  but  a  day  or  two  afterwards  I  went, 
and  taking  off  the  crown  board,  saw  at  once  that  my  fears  were 
but  too  well  founded ;  the  swarm  had  evidently  decreased,  and  I 
could  only  account  for  that  on  the  assumption  that  the  queen 
was  lost.  I  carefully  examined  every  comb,  but  could  find  no 
queen,  nor  a  single  eg?  or  grub  ;  so  concluded  she  must  have 
gone  on  her  wedding  flight,  and  either  been  lost  or  killed.  1 
immediately  placed  a  brood  comb  from  a  black  stock  in  the 
hive,  and  they  raised  a  fine  queen,  and  she  proved  prolific 
enough,  but  the  swarm  never  recovered  itself  sufficiently  to 
stand  the  winter,  and  so  has  lately  been  united  to  the  next. 
I  think  this  should  be  a  caution  to  others  not  to  buy  second 
swarms  of  Ligurians  in  the  expectation  of  thereby  securing  a 
pure  strain.  Many — I  may  say  all — who  have  not  frame  hives 
would  be  quite  unable  to  manipulate  the  swarm  in  any  way 
on  its  arrival ;  and  as  I  feel  sure  that  in  nine  cases  out  of  ten 
(if  I  am  wrong  I  trnpe  Mr.  Woodbury  will  correct  me*),  the 
queen  would  not  be  impregnated  before  starting,  and  the  buyer 
would  at  best  only  get  a  stock  of  hybrids,  and  the  whole  affair 
end  in  vexation  and  disappointment. 

I  have  united  the  weak  stock  before  mentioned  to  the  swarm 
of  this  year,  and  so  have  made  up  two  strong  stocks  iu  Wood- 
bury hives;  and  as  I  never  like  to  be  beaten,  I  have  two  fine 
imported  Ligurian  queens,  and  placed  them  at  their  head,  and 
eo  hope,  if  spared  another  season,  to  be  successful  yet  in  estab- 
lishing Ligurians  in  my  apiary.  I  have  also  the  black  stock 
in  the  old  straw  hive,  which  I  trust  will  prove  useful  in  spring, 
as  I  intend  to  let  the  Ligurians  swarm  and  then  remove  the 
stock  to  the  stand  of  the  black  stock,  removing  it  to  a  new  one, 
and  thus  multiply  the  Italians  while  I  try  to  keep  down  the 
black  race.  My  honey  harvest  only  consisted  of  four  combs 
(the  outside  ones  in  the  Woodbury  hives),  but  they  were  mode- 
rately well  filled,  weighing  nearly  14  lbs. — J.  R.  J. 


*  Presuming  the  Bwarm  to  be  shut  up  on  the  evening  of  the  day  of  issue 
and  despatched  to  its  place  of  destination,  I  should  say  you  would  be  right 
in  the  tenth  case  also.— A  Devonshire  Bee-keeper. 


OUR  LETTER  BOX. 

Great  Horton  Show. — The  Secretary  informs  us  that  Messrs.  W.  atid 
C.  Burniston's  prize  was  the  only  one  overlooked,  and  has  now  been  paid. 

Awards — Trimming  (Fair  Play).— Your  remarks  are  far  too  personal — 
both  parties  are  writing  to  establish  truth,  not  merely  to  have  the  last 
word.    We  are  informed  that  Mr.  Wright  purposes  a  rejoinder. 

Turkeys'  Heads  Swollen  (Constant  Reader).— When  the  weather  is 
fine,  especially  if  it,  is  sunny,  let  the  Turkeys  be  out  a  longer  time.  If 
their  run  be  one  where  they  can  get  under  ricks  or  into  out-houses,  let 
them  be  out  all  day.  Grind  some  oats  with  the  barley,  mix  green  onion 
tops  chopped  fine  with  them,  and  if  you  can  do  it,  mix  with  milk  instead 
of  water.  Wash  the  swelled  face  with  cold  water  and  vinegar,  and  give 
to  the  affected  birds  two  pills  of  camphor  night  and  morning,  each  pill 
the  size  of  a  horse  bean.  If  you  can  separate  the  sick  from  the  healthy 
birds  you  will  be  wise  to  do  so. 

Bantams  Dying  (F.  M.).— What  sort  of  roosting  house  have  your 
Bantams?  What  is  the  nature  of  the  flooring?  If  it  is  brick,  stone, 
wood,  or  asphaltum,  it  is  probably  the  cause  of  your  birds  being  out  of 
condition.  If  not,  then  the  birds  are  suffering  from  severe  cold  or  roup. 
Wash  their  faces  and  nostrils  with  cold  water  and  vinegar.  Supply  them 
scantily  with  water,  give  them  lettuce  and  growing  grass,  with  plenty  of 
fresh  mould,  feed  only  on  soft  food,  discontinue  the  meat  and  Indian 
corn.  Give  Baily's  pills.  If  yon  have  them  not,  or  till  you  get  them, 
give  pills  of  camphor  night  and  morning,  two  for  a  dose,  each  tbe  size  of 
a  garden  pea.  If  they  seem  pinking,  give  them  some  bread  steeped  in 
Strong  ale.    The  floors  of  poultry  houses  must  be  of  earth. 

Black  Red  and  Guey  Duckwing  Game  Crossing  (C.  IF.).— The  cross 
you  mention  is  often  used,  and  serves  to  throw  much  brilliancy  of  colour 
into  the  progeny.  In  silver  Duckwings  it  adds  the  copper  saddle.  The 
best  way  to  breed  either  Black  K'eds  or  Duckwings  pure,  is  to  breed  from 
pure  parents  on  both  sides.  There  is  always  more  certainty  in  Black 
Beds  than  Duckwings,  because  experiments  such  as  you  speak  of  are 
often  tried  with  the  latter.  You  are  quite  right  in  setting  eggs  in  Febru- 
ary, and  will  have  no  trouble  in  rearing  the  chickens. 

Brahma  Moulting  [T.  F.  A.). — If  it  is  only  the  hackle  that  is  at  fault, 
and  all  the  rest  of  his  plnmape  is  perfect,  you  may  safely  show  the  cock. 
Give  him  a  few  peas,  and  every  evening  give  him  a  little  bread  steeped 
in  strong  beer. 

Killing  Ducks  Annually  (A.  D.). — We  do  not  think  it  necessary  to 
change  the  Ducks  every  year,  but  we  are  strong  advocates  for  fresh  blood 
every  alternate  year.  Your  question  bears  on  age  only.  It  is  always  well 
to  put  adultB  of  one  sex  with  juniors  of  the  other.  The  advantage  of 
breeding  from  young  Ducks  and  an  older  drake  is  that  they  are  earlier 


layers  than  older  birds;  but  the  first  eggs  of  any  bird  are  not,  as  a  rule, 
preferred.  We  believe  you  may  safely  breed  fmm  the  same  Ducks  two, 
if  not  three  years.  Change  the  drake  every  alternate  year;  that  is  all 
the  change  you  require. 

Poultry-house  Floor— Number  of  Stock  (P.  H.  8.).— We  do  not 
think  yoK  gain  anything  by  covering  the  floor  of  yoar  poultry  house  with 
ashes ;  leave  it  as  it  is,  as  it  is  of  earth.  You  may  keep  a  cock  and 
six  or  seven  hens  in  such  a  place  as  you  describe.  You  must,  however, 
provide  them  on  a  small  scale  with  that  which  they  would  meet  with  on 
a  larger  run.  You  must  give  them  large  sods  of  growing  grass,  cut  with 
plenty  of  mould  adhering.  They  must  have  some  bricklayers' rubbish 
and  some  road  grit.  Both  these  should  be  put  under  the  roofed  part  of 
the  run.  You  may  keep  Brahmas,  Oreve-Cceurs,  Houdans,  or  Cochins. 
The  first  and  last  are  good  sitters,  the  others  are  not.  You  cannot  rear 
chickens  without  a  run  for  them.  As  to  feeding,  why  do  you  mix  bran 
with  barleymeal  ?  it  adds  only  to  bulk,  anl  is  about  as  useful  as  the  addi- 
tion of  sawdust  to  the  quartern  loaf.  Fowls  do  not  like  buckwheat  nor 
oats,  nor  are  they  good  food  for  fowls.  You  will  do  well  to  confine  your 
feeding  in  the  morning  to  barley  or  oatmeal,  mixed  with  milk  or  water  ; 
soaked  bread  and  scraps  of  meat  at  mid-day,  enough  for  a  meal,  and  in 
the  evening  soft  food  as  in  the  morning.  You  must  recollect  potatoes  do 
not  count  for  much  in  feeding  poultry. 

Pigeons,  Rabbits,  &c.  (Rustic). — Keep  both  very  clean,  and  there  will 
be  no  harm.  We  have  seen  both  kept  in  a  coach-house,  the  Pigeons 
breeding  in  boxes  above,  and  the  Rabbits  in  hutches  on  the  floor.  In  the 
doors  of  the  coach-house  were  large  windows  of  wire  netting.  The  owner 
told  that  both  did  well.  In  our  number  for  October  27th  we  figured  and 
described  in  full  the  Barb,  to  which  we  refer  you.  We  never  recommend 
dealers.  Buy  your  birds  of  successful  exhibitors  who  advertise  their 
spare  stock  in  our  columns.  Buy  both  your  birds  of  the  same  person,  or 
yon  may  get  one  bad  and  one  good,  or  one  of  an  inferior  strain. 

Diseased  Cajirier  (R,  E.  Eeable). — It  is  difficult  to  judge  of  your  bird 
by  description  only.  If  the  lump  is  a  hard  corny  wart,  it  might  be  cut 
out  and  the  place  dressed  with  caustic.  If  it  be  a  hot  and  inflamed  place, 
we  should  think  soothing  remedies  would  be  best,  such  as  bathing  fre- 
quently with  warm  water. 


METEOROLOGICAL   OBSERVATIONS 
In  the  Suburbs  of  London  for  the  week  ending  November  22nd. 


BAROMETER. 

THERMOMETER. 

Wind. 

Date. 

Ail*. 

Earth. 

Rain 

Max. 

Mill. 

Mas. 

Min. 

1  ft. 

2  ft. 

Wed...  16 

29  326 

29  286 

48 

20 

41 

41 

S.W. 

.00 

Thurs. .  17 

29  59) 

29.415 

47 

18 

41 

41 

W. 

.00 

Fri 18 

29  640 

29  390 

49 

19 

41 

40 

w. 

.00 

Sat.  ...  19 

29.324 

29  212 

49 

24 

40 

40 

s. 

.10 

San.  . .  20 

29.453 

29.264 

53 

33 

42 

40 

S.W. 

.08 

Mon. . .  21 

29.808 

29.266 

51 

34 

45 

42 

s. 

12 

Tues....  22 

29.362 

29.026 

55 

38 

43 

42 

s. 

.60 

Mean.. 

29.415 

29.265 

50.29 

26  57 

41.86 

40.86  j       . . 

090 

16. — Fine  ;  very  fine  ;  frosty  fog  at  night. 

17.— Frosty  fog  ;  very  fine ;  frosty  fog. 

18. — Densely  overcast ;  very  fine  ;  frosty  fog. 

19. — Sharp  frost ;  cloudy  but  fine  ;  rain  at  night. 

20. — Clear  and  fine  ;  very  fine  ;  heavy  rain. 

21. — Overcast;  showery;  heavy  showers. 

22.— Fine,  very  damp  ;  showery  ;  boisterous  with  thunder  and  lighting. 


COVENT  GARDEN  MARKET.— November  28. 

We  have  very  little  alteration  to  notice;  there  is  Btill  a  large  supply  of 
inferior  goods  in  the  market,  and  prices  are  stationary.  The  importation 
of  produce  from  the  Channel  Islands,  however,  has  much  fallen  off,  that 
of  Pears  particularly,  and  they  are  not  of  the  usual  good  quality. 

FRUIT. 


p. 

d. 

R. 

d 

H. 

a. 

B. 

d 

1 
0 
0 

0  to  2 
0       0 
0       0 

0 
0 

0 

lb. 

0 

0 
6 

OtoO 
0       0 
0     10 

II 

0 

0 

« 

n 

L4 

0 

u 

0 

0 

0 

II 

ii 

0 

0 

Pears, kitchen  . 

1 

0 

2 

0 

0 
0 
0 

1 
n 

0 
0 
0 
6 
(1 

0 
0 
2 
2 
0 

0 
0 
0 
0 

n 

1 
8 
1 
1 
0 

0 
0 

6 
0 
0 

8 
6 
8 
0 
0 

II 

lb. 

0 

lb. 

n 

lb. 

0 

0 

Grapes,  Hothouse lb. 

0 

(1 

0 

StrawberrieB    . 

0 

0 

0 

0 

K 

0 

14 

0 

tl 

16 

II 

1 

0       4    0 
VEOET 

1 

0 

2 

(1 

ABLE 3. 

F. 

a. 

Ft. 

d 

fl. 

d. 

R. 

.1 

n 

OtoO 

ii 

0 

4  to  0 

II 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

9 
0 

1 

Ii 

BeanB,  Kidney  . 

•  J  sieve. 

(J 

.  bushel 

n 

n 

0 

0 

Mustard  &  Cress 

.punnet 

0 

2 

0 

a 

Beet,  Red 

« 

0 

8 

II 

4 

0 

Ii 

0 

.  bundle 

0 

9 

1 

6 

0 

4 

0 

6 

Brussels  Sprout 

..  i  sieve 

8 

0 

4 

Ii 

8 

0 

0 

0 

l 

0 

2 

0 

(i 

9 

1 

0 

i 

V 

1 

6 

0 

0 

0 

a 

(i 

4 

II 

H 

2 

0 

4 

0 

2 

0 

8 

0 

8 

II 

4 

0 

1 

ft 

« 

0 

RadisbeB  ..  doz. 

bunches 

II 

(1 

0 

0 

Coleworts..doz. 

bunches 

1! 

It 

6 

0 

0 

II 

0 

(1 

Cucumbers  .... 

.. .  each 

ii 

6 

1 

11 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 
9 
0 

0 
0 

II 

0 
0 
0 

0 

II 
n 

lb. 

8 

e 

2 

0 
6 
0 

6 
0 

0 

0 

0 

lb. 

(1 
0 

s 

B 

0 

II 

0 

n 

1 

0 

0 
6 

1 
0 

« 

(1 

Horseradish  .. 

.  bundle 

8 

0 

5 

0 

Vegetable  MarrowB.. doe. 

a 

0 

8 

0 

December  1,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


425 


WEEKLY 

CALENDAR. 

1   Day 
l      of 
Mouth 

Week. 

DECEMBER  1—7,  1870. 

Average  Tempera- 
ture near  London. 

Rain  in 

last 
43  years. 

Sun 
Rises. 

Sun 

Sets. 

Moon 
Rises. 

Moon 
sets. 

Moon's 
Age. 

Clock 
after 
Sun. 

Day 
of 

Year. 

1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 

Th 
F 

S 

Son 

M 

Tu 

W 

Princess  of  Wales  Born,  1844.    T.innean 
[Society's  Meeting. 

2  Sunday  in  Advent. 

Royal  Horticultural  Society,  Frait.  Floral, 
[and  General  Meeting. 

Day. 

48.5 
47.4 
47.0 
48.1 
49.0 
46.3 
48.4 

Night. 
34.9 
83.7 
35.8 
36.4 
352 
86.7 
38.5 

Mean. 
41.7 
40.5 
41.4 
43.2 
42.1 
12.4 
4S.5 

Dave. 
22 
19 
24 
20 
25 
22 
21 

m.      h. 
4«af7 

47  7 

48  7 

49  7 

51  7 

52  7 

53  7 

m.      h. 
53  a  I  3 
52      3 
52      3 
51      3 
51      3 
51      3 
50      3 

in.      h. 
49  af  1 

7      2 
23      2 
42      2 

0      8 
22      3 
49      8 

m.     h. 

morn. 
20  all 
28      2 
33      3 
40      4 
46      6 
52      6 

Days. 

8 

9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 

m.      s. 
10    46 
10    23 
10      0 
9    85 
9    11 
8    46 
8    20 

835 
836 
337 
338 
889 
340 
341 

From  observations  taken  near  London  during  the  last  forty-three  years,  the  average  day  temperature  of  the  week  is  48.1",  and  its  night 
temperature  85.9°.     The  greatest  heat  was  6»°,  on  the  1st,   1857 ;  and  the  lowest  cold  11°,  on  the  5th  and  6th,  1844.      The  greatest  loll  of 
rain  was  1.02  inch. 

THE   NEW   PELARGONIUMS   OF   1869. 

OWEVER  much  we  may  deplore  the  fact 
that  the  Pelargonium  does  not  occupy  the 
position  in  puhlic  estimation  that  it  once 
did,  it  is,  nevertheless,  true  that  for  some 
time  the  magnificent  collections  with  which 
Turner,  Bailey,  Fraser,  and  others  used  to 
astonish  the  horticultural  world  have  dis- 
appeared from  our  exhibitions.  Mr.  Hoyle, 
one  of  our  most  successful  raisers,  has  given 
them  up  in  toto  ;  and  the  vendors  of  Pelar- 
goniums tell  us  that  they  are  not  sought  after  as  they  used 
to  be.  I,  whose  earliest  floral  associations  are  connected 
with  this  lovely  (lower,  cannot  but  deplore  this,  and  must 
only  hope  that  better  times  may  come,  and  the  Zonal 
tribe  be  obliged  to  give  place  to  its  more  aristocratic 
relative ;  at  present  democracy  carries  the  day.  It  is 
something,  however,  to  be  able  to  see  that  improvements 
are  still  being  made  in  the  flower,  and  although  the  usual 
complaint  of  sameness  will  doubtless  be  made  concerning 
them  as  concerning  others  of  our  favourites,  yet  the  im- 
provement is  gradual.  Having  had  the  opportunity  of 
again  growing  the  new  varieties  under  my  own  eye,  I  sub- 
join the  following  notes  made  concerning  them  as  they 
have  flowered,  taking  first  the  Large-flowering  or  Show 
section  : — 

Attraction  — A  very  pretty  rosy  lilac  flower,  quite  a  new 
colour  ;  small  maroon  spot,  and  a  clear  white  throat. 

Bonnie  Clou  lie — Rosy  crimson,  the  upper  petals  intense 
black  or  with  a  narrow  edge  of  bright  crimson  ;  clear 
white  throat. 

Claribel. — Very  pure  white,  with  a  small  spot  of  very 
bright  crimson.  Most  chaste  flower,  and  quite  distinct 
from  other  varieties  in  the  same  class. 

Corsair. — Bright  purple,  pure  white  centre ;  top  petals 
black,  shaded.  Good  habit.  This  is  also  novel,  and  a 
very  attractive  flower. 

Cycle. — Rosy  purple,  maroon  top  petals.      Smooth. 

Gratulation  — Rose  petals,  top  dark  crimson,  with  black 
spot,  shaded  ;  a  pale  rose  edge. 

Harold. — Crimson,  pencilled  lower  petals ;  top  petals 
black,  with  crimson  edge.     Free  flowering. 

Her  Majesty. — A  very  bright  pale  pink  flower,  small 
black  spot  on  the  top  petals,  clear  white  eye. 

Heroine. — A  very  beautiful  flower,  in  the  style  of  Mary 
Hoyle.  small  maroon  spot  on  the  top  petals,  orange  rose 
edge,  white  centre.     Good,  dwarf  habit. 

Jerome. — Dark  flower,  in  the  style  of  John  Hoyle  ;  thin 
wiry  foliage. 

Llewellyn. — Rich  deep  crimson.  Splendid  colour,  and  a 
very  striking  flower. 

Marion  WiUsie. — Pale  rosy  pink,  the  same  style  as  Her 
Majesty,  but  not  so  good  a  flower. 

Maid  of  Honour. — Light  rosy  pink,  small  dark  maroon 
blotch  on  top  petals.  A  very  fine  flower,  and  by  far  the 
best  of  the  pink  varieties  that  we  have. 

Plantagcnet. — Light  rosy  pink.  A  good  flower,  in  the 
same  style  as  the  preceding,  but  not  so  fine. 

No.  605.— Vol.  XIX,  New  Series 


Regent. — Crimson,  with  dark  maroon  top  petals.  A  wiry 
habit  of  growth. 

Vclutina. — Purple,  small  spot  on  the  lower  petals,  top 
Mack,  shading  to  a  purple  edge.     Bad  habit. 

Of  these,  then,  I  consider  Attraction,  Bonnie  Charlie, 
Claribel,  Corsair,  Her  Majesty,  Heroine,  Maid  of  Honour, 
and  Llewellyn  as  the  best. 

The  Fancies  sent  out  at  the  same  time  were  very 
superior,  and  especially  remarkable  for  the  greater  vigour 
of  habit  and  the  freedom  of  their  blooming;  in  fact,  the 
Fancies  may  now  be  considered  almost  as  robust  as  the 
Show  varieties. 

Agrippa — White,  large  pale  lilac  spot.  A  distinct  and 
good  show  flower. 

East  Lynn.— White  ground,  crimson  top  petals,  lower 
petals  heavily  marked  with  crimson  purple,  shaded  ;  white 
eye. 

Hxcehior.—  A  very  bright  flower.  Deep  rose  :  white 
eye  and  centre.     A  beautifully-shaped  flower. 

Lady  Carrington. — Soft  pale  peach,  top  petals  shaded 
with  pink  ;  white  centre. 

Leotard. — A  very  strong  grower,  similar  in  colour  to 
Lord  of  the  Isles.     Very  good. 

Marmion—  Rich  crimson  top  petals,  shaded  with  purple. 
Large  and  good. 

Of  these  I  should  prefer  Excelsior,  Leotard,  and  Mar 
mion,  particularly  on  the  point  of  habit. — D.,  Deal. 


NOTES  ON  OUR  NATIVE  TREES. 

Whatever  merit  the  fashionable  plantsman  of  the  pre- 
sent day  may  take  to  himself  or  be  accorded,  there  can 
be  but  one  opinion,  that  Nature  presents  us  with  much 
grander  objects  in  the  magnificent  trees  of  various  kinds 
occasionally  to  be  met  with — trees  which  strike  the  be- 
holder with  admiration  either  at  their  size  or  antiquity, 
or  perhaps  both  combined.  It  is  mostly  in  the  parks  of 
our  great  landed  nobility  and  gentry  that  such  are  to  be 
found,  with  now  and  then  a  tree  on  some  piece  of  common 
land  which  owed  its  preservation  to  the  fact  of  no  one 
having  had  authority  to  cut  it. 

In  some  of  our  natural  forests,  which,  however,  are  now 
few,  large  trees  are  to  be  met  with,  and  I  believe  the  large 
trees  in  Welbeck  Park  are  to  be  traced  as  originally 
forming  a  part  of  Sherwood  Forest ;  whether  those  now 
remaining  were  coeval  with  the  celebrated  outlaw  Robin 
Hood  it  would  be  difficult  to  say,  but  I  believe  there  are 
authentic  records  of  other  Oaks  having  lived  a  period 
nearly  as  long.  The  Oak  trees  in  Cadzow  Park,  adjoining 
Hamilton  Palace,  in  Scotland,  were,  I  believe,  planted  by 
ro3'al  charter  some  four  hundred  years  ago,  and  certainly 
had  not  a  more  ancient  look  in  1865,  when  I  saw  them, 
than  many  others  to  be  met  with  ;  neither  were  they  such 
noble-looking  trees  as  those  which  many  parks  in  England 
contain.  Some  years  ago  a  fine  healthy  Oak  tree  of  large 
size  was  pointed  out  to  me  in  the  grounds  of  Earl  Cowper, 
in  Hertfordshire  ;  it  promised  to  be  a  noble  specimen  for 
centuries — it  was  so  healthy,  and  it  covered  an  immense 
space  of  ground.  A  still  larger  tree  was  cut  down  in. the 
No.  1157.— Vol.  XLIV.,  Old  Serie  . 


426 


JOURNAL  OP  HOBTICULTUBE  AND  COTTAGE   GARDENEE. 


[  December  1,  1970. 


park  of  the  Marquis  of  Anglesey,  at  Beaudesert,  in  Staffordshire, 
in  1869.  It  contained  upwards  of  900  cubic  feet  of  timber, 
mostly,  if  not  all,  eonnd.  This  tree  was  growing  in  the  open 
park  on  ground  far  from  what  the  farmer  would  call  good, 
yet  it  had  attained  the  size  above-stated.  Very  fine  Oak 
trees  were  also  in  great  numbers  a  few  years  ago,  and  I  believe 
are  still,  in  the  park  of  the  Earl  of  Stamford  and  Warrington 
in  North  Cheshire.  These,  though  not  perhaps  so  old  as  some 
of  the  others  I  have  mentioned,  were  excellent  specimens  of 
timber  trees,  and  instead  of  being  sparingly  scattered  about 
were  almost  too  thick,  portions  of  the  park  having  the  character 
of  a  forest.  Knole  Park,  in  Kent,  is  more  remarkable  for  its 
Beeches  than  its  Oaks,  although  both  are  well  represented, 
and  moat  other  parks  contain  flue  specimens  of  this  noble 
tree.  I  remember  some  years  ago  measuring  one  in  a  hedge- 
row in  Buckinghamshire  upwards  of  25  feet  in  girth,  and  having 
a  fine,  healthy,  spreading  top. 

One  of  the  most  remarkable  Oak  trees  in  England,  if  it  be 
still  alive,  and  it  was  so  twenty  years  ago,  is  the  Glendale  Oak 
in  Welbeck  Park,  Notts.  This  noble  tree  was  described  by 
Evelyn  in  1662  and  measured  by  him,  and  its  circumference 
at  that  time  was  as  under  : — 

At  1  foot  from  the  jrround 33  feet  1  inch  in  diameter. 

At  2  feet  from  the  ground  28    ,,    r»  „ 

At  G  feet  from  the  ground  25    „    7  „ 

In  1724  this  *,ree  was  hollowed  out  into  an  arch  to  allow  a 
carriage  to  pass  through  it,  and  it  became  the  common  object 
of  a  drive  for  tourists  and  others  to  go  through  it.  I  expect, 
however,  if  it  be  still  alive,  that  it  will  be  taken  proper  care  of. 
An  engraving  of  it  made  some  twenty-five  years  ago  repre- 
sented its  top  as  very  small  compared  with  its  trunk,  and  in 
all  probability  it  may  have  ceased  to  put  forth  leaves,  but  I 
have  not  heard  of  its  death.  Other  large  trees  are  also  said  to 
adorn  this  park.  The  Great  Porter  is  said  to  contain  about 
1300  feet  of  e»lid  timber  in  its  trunk  and  branches,  the  trunk 
alone  containing  1100  feet.  The  girth  of  this  tree  at  4  feet 
from  the  ground  is  27  feet  8  inches.  The  Little  Porter,  1 
apprehend,  is  smaller  than  its  neighbour ;  but  we  are  told 
there  are  other  remarkably  large  trees  in  that  noble  paik. 

Beech  trees  of  similar  age  to  the  Oaks  are  not  uncommon, 
but  seldom  so  large.  I  am  told  the  Bnrnham  Beeches,  in 
Buckinghamshire,  present  a  venerable  appearance,  but  I  have 
never  had  the  opportunity  of  seeing  them.  Fine  old  trees  are  to 
be  seen  in  the  park  of  Sir  Percival  Dyke,  Bart.,  of  Lullingstone, 
in  Kent,  trees  considerablv  more  than  20  feet  in  circumference, 
I  believe  one  as  much  as  25  feet.  Large  old  trees  are  also  met 
with  in  several  parks  in  Herts,  where  Oaks  are  not  so  plentiful, 
the  Beeoh  being  better  adapted  for  the  dry  chalky  soils  common 
in  those  parts.  Knole  and  Eastwell  Parks,  in  Kent,  are  also 
remarkable  for  their  Beeches,  some  avenues  in  the  first-named 
park  being  very  fine,  but  they  have  not  yet  assumed  that 
antiquated  appearance  which  the  artist  delights  in,  yet  their 
Urge  size  promises  that  when  that  day  shall  arrive,  there 
will  be  something  magnificent  to  look  upon. 

Elms  seem  less  enduring  trees,  arriving  at  quite  as  large  a 
size  as  either  of  the  others  above  named,  but  decay  seems  to 
set  in  at  the  root  as  soon  as  in  the  stem,  and  they  blow  down. 
Elms  seem  to  take  possession  of  the  best  of  soil,  and  drive 
other  trees  from  it,  usurping,  or  nearly  so,  the  whole  to  them- 
selves, as  shrubs  or  nndergrowth  seem  to  have  a  greater  diffi- 
culty to  maintain  an  existence  under  an  Elm  tree  than  any- 
where else.  Their  roots  also  extend  a  long  distance,  and  send 
puckers  up  every  season  in  great  numbers,  to  be  cut  down  with 
the  scythe  if  the  field  is  a  meadow,  but  the  tree  attains  a  great 
size.  A  timber  dealer  in  this  county  once  told  me  he  cut  down 
in  East  Mailing  Park,  Kent,  a  tree  that  measured  upwards  of 
1000  cnbio  feet,  and  was  tolerably  sound.  It  was,  I  believe, 
applied  to  some  purpose  in  the  Royal  Navy.  There  are  also 
some  very  large  Elms  in  the  park  at  Barham  Court,  not  far 
distant  from  the  park  just  alluded  to,  that  aie  said  to  contain 
several  hundred  cubic  feet  of  timber  ;  and  one  in  the  grounds 
here,  Linton  Park,  must  contain  upwards  of  400  cubic  feet, 
and  many  others  are  nearly  as  large.  Nevertheless,  the  Elm  is 
not  a  long-lived  tree  ;  rapid  in  its  growth,  and  handsome  in 
outline,  especially  in  autumn,  when  its  bright  yellow  foliage 
contrasts  so  well  with  the  dark-coloured  bark  of  its  rugged  limbs 
tnd  branches,  it  is,  however,  a  treacherous  tree,  large  limbs  drop- 
ping off  on  calm  fine  days  without  any  warning.  Still  it  must 
be  regarded  as  one  of  the  most  important  of  our  native  trees. 

Asn  trees  are,  in  general,  more  disposed  to  run  upwards 
thau  spread,  and  trees  with  very  stont  trunks  are  not  numerous  ; 
but  we  find  now  and  then  one  of  the  latter  class.    In  the 


fine  park  of  Sir  Edmund  Kilmer,  Bart.,  East  Sutton,  Kent,  ara 
several  fine  broad-topped  trees,  the  oircumference  of  the  bole 
of  one  that  I  measured  being  upwards  of  22  feet,  but  it  speedily 
broke  into  branches,  and  the  number  of  cubio  feet  it  contained 
would  not  equal  that  of  some  Elms.  Ash  trees  are  prone  to 
decay,  but  as  an  ornamental  object  the  merits  of  the  Ash  have 
been  unjustly  decried,  for  when  allowed  fair  play  the  outline  of 
old  speoimens  is  very  graceful,  while  the  compound  foliage  and 
singular  but  handsome  fruit  would  have  more  admirers,  could 
the  fact  of  its  extreme  commonness  be  forgotten. 

Thobns,  although  not  competing  with  the  trees  above  named 
for  size,  nor  utility  as  timber,  are  invariably  favourites,  and 
impart  a  feature  of  no  mean  importance  to  many  parks  con- 
taining good  examples  of  other  trees.  A  large  broad-headed 
White  Thorn  in  full  bloom  is  not  easily  matched  by  anything 
we  have,  and  I  could  point  to  several  places  where  such  trees 
form  a  moBt  important  item  in  the  landscape.  They  are 
usually  met  with  in  the  greatest  luxuriance  in  dry  stony 
places,  where  the  subsoil  is  accessible  to  their  roots  for  a  con- 
siderable depth. — J.  Robson. 

(To  be  continued.) 


IS   ARALIA   SIEBOLDI   HARDY 

When  this  plant  was  first  introduced  into  the  country  it 
was  said  to  be  quite  hardy,  but  I  am  doubtful  if  it  is  so,  for 
I  have  6een  it  injured  by  frost  after  having  been  grown  for  a 
few  weeks  as  a  cool  greenhouse  plant.  This  I  know  is  not  a  fair 
way  of  proving  its  hardiness,  but  since  I  have  been  in  this  county 
I  have  heard  more  than  one  gardener  say  that  it  is  not  safe  to 
trust  it  out  of  doors  all  winter  without  ample  protection. 
I,  and  many  others  no  doubt,  would  be  glad  to  have  more 
definite  information  upon  this  point,  and  if  from  correspondents 
living  northwards  so  much  the  better.  It  will  not  only  make 
a  material  difference  in  the  value  of  the  plant,  but  it  would 
considerably  increase  its  sphere  of  usefulness,  Bhould  it  prove 
hardy,  for  who  would  then  be  without  the  plant  for  the  winter 
decoration  of  their  gardens?  Already  its  noble  appearance, 
arising  principally  from  its  luxuriant  growth  and  its  large 
shining  dark  green  foliage,  which  clothes  the  plant  to  the  ground, 
have  rendered  it  popular  with  most  of  those  who  have  grown  it 
for  out-door  summer  decoration.  It  is  a  noble  and  most 
suitable  object  for  planting  in  large  vases,  and  possesses  an 
advantage  over  maDy  plants  used  for  that  puipose,  as  it  stands 
the  wind  remarkably  well.  For  subtropical  gardens  it  is  a 
very  effective  plant,  and  only  requires  to  be  more  known  to  be 
appreciated. 

So  far  I  have  only  spoken  of  this  beautiful  plant  when  grown 
for  its  foliage  alone,  but  its  bloom  is  worth  consideration.  I 
do  not  think  it  is  the  least  attraction  the  plant  possesses,  for 
even  a  plant  from  2  to  3  feet  high  will  throw  up  a  pyramidal 
spike  of  flowers  from  1  to  2  feet  long,  and  as  much  in  diameter 
at  its  base.  The  whole  of  the  stem  and  bloom  is  almost  a  pure 
white,  forming  a  very  effective  contrast  to  the  dark  green  foliage. 
The  plant  produces  fruit  very  freely,  but  I  do  not  know  what  their 
colour  is  when  they  are  ripe,  nor  how  long  they  remain  on  the 
plant,  as  I  am  describing  a  couple  of  plants  that  are  in  flower 
at  this  place,  and  whioh  are  only  now  setting  their  fruit.  These 
plants  are  planted  out  in  the  conservatory,  so  it  is  evident  that 
my  predecessor  did  not  think  them  hardy  enough  to  grow  and 
flower  out-deors  as  permanent  speoimens.  I  should  not  advise 
such  a  course  to  be  taken  unless  the  plant  should  flower  early 
enough  to  got  clear  of  winter  weather,  for  assuredly  the  bloom 
would  be  destroyed,  and  the  grower  would  lose  a  treat  well 
worth  the  trouble  of  taking  extra  pains  to  secure.  When  I 
came  here,  three  months  ago,  the  plants  were  forming  their 
flower  buds  ;  they  soon  afterwards  threw  up  a  spike  and  opened 
flowers,  and  have  now  been  in  bloom  for  some  weeks.  I  have 
before  this  grown  the  plant  in  pots,  and  have  found  them  do 
well  in  a  rich  loam,  rather  heavy  but  turfy,  and  with  sand  added. 
At  this  place  the  plants  are  growing  in  a  mixture  of  light  giitty 
loam,  leaf  mould,  and  rotten  manure,  and  I  think  the  foliage 
is  darker  in  consequence. — Thos.  Recokd,  Hatfield  Park. 


GROUND  LEVELLING  AND  PRACTICAL 
GARDEN   PLOTTING.— No.  7. 

DRAWING   PLANS. 
Fig.  29  is  formed  in  a  different  manner  from  any  of  the 
former  illustrations,  so  far  as  it  is  not  based  on  sd.y  geometri- 
cal figure,  Buoh  as  a  square,  trianele,  &o.    It  is  the  first  in- 


December  1,  1870.  ) 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


427 


traduction  to  the  way  of  transferring  a  plan  from  paper  to  the 
ground.  Here  it  is  transferred  from  one  Bide  of  line  a  b,  to 
the  other  Bide.  With  radios  1  a,  draw  are  a  a ;  with  radios 
2  b,  draw  arc  o ;  with  radius  3  c,  draw  arc  c  ;  with  radius  4  d, 
draw  arc  d,  meeting  arc  c  where  the  line  is  eat ;  with  radius 
5  e,  draw  arc  e  ;  and  with  radius  6  /,  draw  arc  /,  andyi^.  A  b  c 
is  complete. 


Fig.  20. 
To  draw  a  corresponding  figure,  it  will  be  necessary  to  have 
recourse  to  other  means  than  those  employed  in  the  formation 
of  the  foregoing  examples.  From  the  points  of  the  bed  A  b  c, 
as  shown  in  s  s,  draw  line  a  b,  bisect  line  a  b,  and  draw  line 
e  d,  passing  through  point  1.  Centre  o  is  the  principal  point. 
With  the  dividers  find  the  distance  from  centre  o  to  point  1 
on  line  c  i>,  turn  the  dividers  round  and  find  the  same  distance 
on  the  other  side,  as  point  7 ;  from  point  7,  with  the  same 
radius  as  1  a,  draw  g  g,  which  is  equal  to  arc  a  a.  Here  a 
pair  of  compasses  with  a  pencil-leg  will  be  necessary.  Place 
the  steel  point  of  the  compasses  on  centre  o  ;  extend  the 
pencil-leg  to  point  2  ;  place  the  pencil  on  the  exact  point,  then 
turn  the  compasses  round,  and  draw  an  arc  as  in  point  8. 
Next  shift  the  steel  end  of  the  compasses  to  point  c;  extend 
the  pencil  to  point  2  as  before,  placing  the  pencil  exactly  on 


end  of  the  compasses  to  point  c,  and  place  the  pencil  on 
point  3.  Bemove  the  compasses  to  point  n ;  with  the  same 
radius  as  c  3,  draw  an  aro  in  point  9,  cutting  the  former  arc 
drawn  from  centre  o.  i>  9  is  equal  to  c  3.  From  point  9,  with 
radius  9  m,  draw  arc  m.  Arc  m  and  c  are  equal.  Find  the 
corresponding  centres  to  4,  5,  G  in  the  same  manner,  and  draw 
the  corresponding  arcs.  When  finished,  a  i\  i>  will  be  equal 
to  A  b  c. 

Fig.  30  is  another  exercise  in  the  application  of  the  above 
method  of  forming  a  complicated  figure.  The  left-hand  side 
of  the  figure,  as  a  c  d,  is  drawn  without  any  reference  to  points 
0  and  d.  But  to  draw  the  corresponding  part,  b  c  d,  it  is 
neoessary  to  draw  line  a  b,  and  ereot  the  perpendicular  line  n  c. 
Points  d  and  c  are  the  principal  points  from  which  the  centres 
are  taken  from  the  left  and  transferred  to  the  right-hand  side, 
uric  Put  the  steel  end  of  the  compasses  down  on  point  d  ; 
open  the  compasses  and  place  the  pencil  on  centre  1,  from 
which  arc  c  is  drawn,  turn  the  compasses  towards  a,  and 
draw  an  arc  as  in  point  a.  Shift  the  steel  end  of  the  com- 
passes to  point  c,  open  the  compasses,  and  put  the  pencil  down 
on  centre  1  as  before  ;  turn  the  compasses  towards  a,  and  draw 
an  arc,  cutting  the  former  one  drawn  from  point  i>,  as  shown 
in  a.  Centre  a  is  equal  to  centre  1.  From  centre  a,  draw 
arc  6,  which  corresponds  with  arc  c.  Find  centres  2  3,  4,  5,  6,  7, 
and  8  in  the  same  manner,  and  transfer  them  to  the  right- 
hand  side.  Draw  the  corresponding  arcs  d,  e,  f,  g,  h,  k,  and  n. 
From  point  c,  draw  arc  s,  uniting  aros  e  e,  where  the  lines  are 
cut,  as  in  t  t. — M.  O'Donnell,  Gardener  to  E.  Leeming,  Esq., 
Spring  Grove,  Richmond. 


Fig.  80. 

the  point.  Shift  the  steel  end  of  the  compasses  to  point  d. 
Seeing  that  points  n  and  c  are  exactly  the  same  distance  from 
centre  o,  draw  an  arc  in  point  8,  cutting  the  former  arc  drawn 
from  oentre  o.  Points  d  and  8,  are  equal  to  points  c  and  2. 
From  point  8,  with  the  same  radius  as  2  b,  draw  arc  k.  Arcs 
k  and  b  are  equal.  Again  place  the  steel  end  of  the  compasses 
on  the  centre  o,  and  place  the  pencil  in  point  3  ;  turn  the  com- 
passes round,  and  draw  an  arc  as  in  point  9.    Shift  the  steel 


THE   POTATO  AND   ITS   CULTURE— No.  2. 

PLANTING   THE   GENERAL   CROP. 

The  time  for  planting  cannot  be  exaotly  predetermined,  and 
I  leave  it  as  a  period  to  be  influenced  by  locality,  position, 
and  season.  There  are  great  diversities  of  opinion  as  to  dif- 
ferent methods  of  planting,  and  I  will  briefly  Btate  two  of  them, 
and  then  detail  the  way  which  I  consider  and  have  proved  to 
be  the  best. 

Some  dig  the  ground  and  plant  it  as  they  go  on  ;  when  a 
space  about  a  foot  wide  has  been  dug,  a  line  is  cut  across,  and 
a  small  trench  is  cast  out,  manure  is  put  into  the  trench,  and 
the  set  is  placed  on  the  manure  (in  some  instances  the  mc  nure 
is  plaoed  on  the  sets)  ;  enough  ground  is  then  dug  for  another 
row,  and  so  on. 

Toe  second  mode  is  to  manure  and  dig  the  ground  rf  quired 
for  Potatoes,  and  insert  the  set  by  means  of  an  iron-shod 
dibber  ;  the  holes  are  then  covered  in  with  a  rake. 

I  will  now  narrate  my  own  plan.  In  the  first  place,  the  plot 
of  ground  which  is  selected  for  the  crop,  if  very  light,  will  need 
nothing  exoept  Borne  well-decayed  manure  to  make  it  more  re- 
tentive of  moisture  ;  but  should  the  ground  be  stiff,  mix  well- 
chopped  meadow  turf,  not  riddled  or  sifted,  with  a  little  lime 
and  leaf  mould ,  and  dig  it  in  a  full  spade's  depth. 
The  sets  should  be  whole  Potatoes,  about  the 
same  size  as  a  small  ben's  egg;  the  end  having 
a  cluster  of  small  eyes  should  then  be  cut  ofi  each 
Potato,  and  those  which  are  larger  may  be  cut 
into  pieces,  leaving  on  every  Bet  not  less  than  two 
eyes.  In  planting  cast  a  line  from  one  end  of  the 
ground  to  the  other.  A  man  should  then  open  a 
hole  with  a  small  Bpade,  or,  which  is  better,  a 
grafting  tool,  such  as  drainers  use  ;  a  lad  should 
then  be  placed  in  front  of  the  man,  and  drop  the 
sets  into  the  holes  as  they  are  made,  and  before 
the  spade  is  withdrawn,  so  tbat  the  withdrawal 
of  the  tool  may  cover  the  set. 

When  the  young  shoots  make  their  appear- 
ance above  ground  care  must  be  taken  to  keep  it 
hoed,  to  subdue  the  weeds,  and  to  keep  the  sur- 
face from  caking.  If  the  weather  be  very  cold 
and  wet,  finely-sifted  ashes  may  be  put  over  the 
rows  (just  as  the  young  shoots  make  their  appear- 
ance above  ground)  in  the  shape  of  a  ridge,  this  will  facilitate 
the  growth  and  protect  the  young  plants. 

All  early  kinds  of  Potatoes  may  be  earthed-up,  but  late  va- 
rieties do  best  not  earthed-up,  but  observe  they  must,  be 
planted  more  deeply  than  the  earlies.  This  is  not  applicable 
to  the  Potato  in  the  field,  for  in  many  cases  the  soil  does  not 
run  deep  enough. 

TAKING  UP  AND  STORING  THE  PRODUCE. 
The  keeping  of  the  Potato  greatly  depends  upon  the  condition 


128 


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t  Decembor  1,  1J70. 


of  the  crop  when  it  is  dug  up.  The  tubers  for  keeping  must  be 
ripe.  If  ripe  their  skin  will  not  rub  off  if  exposed  to  friction, 
but  ripeness  is  first  shown  by  the  haulm  turning  yellow,  with 
an  inclination  to  dry  up. 

The  Potatoes  which  are  intended  for  culinary  purposes 
should  not,  after  being  forked  up,  remain  on  the  ground  any 
longer  than  to  dry  thoroughly,  which,  if  the  weather  be  fine, 
■would  not  take  any  longer  than  one  day.  On  the  other  hand, 
the  Potatoes  for  planting  should  remain  on  the  ground,  placed 
on  boards,  or  something  of  the  kind,  to  become  green  and 
hardened — the  boards  prevent  the  tubers  getting  damp,  which 
they  would  do  if  laid  on  the  bare  ground.  It  is  indispensable 
to  let  the  Potatoes  be  well  greened,  for  they  are  then  far  less 
likely  to  produce  a  crop  liable  to  disease. 

A  dry  warm  day  should  be  choBen  for  the  operation  of  fork- 
ing up  the  produce.  There  are  several  ways  of  storing  Po- 
tatoes ;  some  have  houses,  others  use  cellars,  and  others  pit  or 
damp  them  in  the  open  ground  ;  and  this  last  is  the  most 
common  mode,  and  not  the  worst — indeed,  I  like  it  the  best, 
and  I  will  endeavour  to  substantiate  my  preference.  The 
Potato  requires  to  be  kept  moist  and  cool — moist,  because  if 
allowed  to  get  very  dry  it  loses  its  flavour  and  fiimness  ;  cool, 
because  if  heated  by  fermenting  in  a  heap  it  will  usually  become 
soft,  and  eventually  decay,  or  will  sprout  unseasonably.  Care 
must  be  taken,  by  covering  the  pit  or  clamp  at  least  with  a 
foot's  depth  of  earth,  to  exclude  cold  and  rain. 

To  secure  good  sound  Potatoes,  if  the  crop  is  large  the  pit 
3hould  be  made  long,  but  if  limited  a  round  pit  is  best.  Let 
the  soil  be  dug  out  a  good  spit  deep,  laying  the  earth  and  the 
crumbs  around  the  hole.  Place  at  the  bottom  some  dry  straw, 
fern,  or  leaves,  but  fern  is  the  best,  and  on  this  litter  place  the 
Potatoes  in  a  pyramidal  heap.  When  a  suffioient  quantity  has 
been  put  in  cover  them  thickly  with  dry  litter,  and  on  this  place 
a  coating  of  soil  fully  a  foot  in  thickness,  and  well  beat  it  with  the 
spade,  to  keep  it  in  its  place  and  to  shoot  off  the  rain.  If  the 
pit  is  long  and  large,  wisps  of  straw  tightly  bound  round  should 
be. built  in  as  the  pit  advances,  at  about  10  or  12  feet  apart, 
and  project  through  the  earth  covering — this  prevents  heating; 
if  the  pit  is  round  one  wisp  will  be  sufficient. 

In  storing  Potatoes  for  seed,  I  have  always  found  it  best  to 
pack  the  Potatoes  in  straw,  both  at  the  bottom  and  on  the 
top,  placing  them  on  a  stone  or  plaster  floor,  in  any  position 
where  there  is  a  current  of  air  passing  underneath.  The  Po- 
tatoes must  be  watched,  and  if  inclined  to  shoot  or  sprout  they 
must  be  laid  out  thinner,  and  in  no  case  should  the  sproutings 
be  rubbed  off,  for  if  they  are  watched,  and  the  tubers  laid  thinly, 
they  will  not  advance  sufficiently  to  require  removing,  and  in- 
stead of  throwing  out  long,  weak  shoots,  stiff,  healthy,  shoots 
will  be  produced. — J.  C.  Lewis,  Gardener  and  Bailiff,  Sudbury 
Rectory,  Derby. 

FRUIT  TREES  FOR  SMALL  GARDENS.— No.  3. 

After  planting,  bush  and  pyramidal  fruit  trees  certainly 
require  more  attention  than  standards,  for  they  will  need 
summer  pruning,  and  top-dressings  of  manure  ;  but  whilst  the 
annual  attention  and  labour  will  be  greater,  there  is  an  ample 
compensation  in  the  greater  and  earlier  produce  of  bush  and 
pyramid,  as  compared  with  standard  trees.  I  need  not  further 
dilate  on  the  advantages  of  growing  fruit  on  pyramids  and 
bushes,  but  will  close  these  papers  with  a  few  liints  on  the 
varieties  to  cultivate. 

I  must  thank  Mr.  Rivers  for  his  short  aiticlo  in  reply  to  my 
request  for  a  list  of  fruit  trees  suitable  by  their  productiveness 
and  good  quality  for  small  gardens.  The  selection  given  at 
page  322,  by  Mr.  Rivers,  I  consider  excellent  in  every  respect, 
good  bearers,  and  good  in  quality.  I  have  grown  in  the  west 
most  of  the  kinds  named  by  Mr.  Rivers,  and  many  of  thorn 
have  I  seen  doing  well  at  a  considerable  elevation  in  Wales 
on  the  hillsides  o'er  which  Voel  Yamma  frowns.  I  was  par- 
ticularly anxious  to  have  his  advice  on  this  subject,  because  he 
could  bring  to  bear  an  amount  of  experience  which  few  or 
none  of  the  fruit  growers  of  this  or  any  country  possess  ;  and 
secondly,  he,  as  a  nurseryman,  has  opportunities  of  testing  a 
far  greater  number  of  varieties  than  most  fruit  cultivators 
in  private  establishments  ;  also  he  has  experience  in  a  more 
southerly  situation  than  I  have  been.  My  experience  has  been 
north  of  the  Humber  and  a  line  drawn  straight  across  to  the 
Irish  Sea.  Now,  I  am  in  tho  north-east  corner  of  North  York-  I 
shire,  about  300  feet  above  the  sea,  and  perhaps  three  miles  , 
from  it  as  the  crow  flies,  exposed  to  its  full  effects  when  the  | 
wind  blows  from  the  east.     South,  and  to  a  great  extent  west- 


ward, there  are  miles  of  moor.  What  succeeds  here  will  do  so 
almost  anywhere.  I  must,  however,  state,  we  are  well  sheltered 
to  the  north  by  plantations. 

Peaks. — 1,  Williams's  Eon  Chretien  does  well,  being  very 
prolific,  large,  and  good  ;  end  of  September.  2,  Baune  Giffard, 
forms  a  free-growing  pyramid,  fruit  medium  6ize  ;  beginning 
of  September.  3,  Bergamotte  Esperen,  extraordinarily  pro- 
lific, medium  size ;  February  onwards.  4,  Beurre  Hardy, 
vigorous  pyramid,  fruit  large ;  beginning  of  November.  5,  Alex- 
andre Lambre,  good  bearer,  medium  size  ;  November  this  year, 
but  generally  December  snd  later.  6,  Fondante  d'Automne, 
medium  size  ;  October.  7,  Beurre  d'Arember^,  prolific,  medium 
sized:  beginning  of  November  this  year,  generally  December. 
8,  Seckle,  small,  great  bearer  ;  October.  9,  Beurre  Diel,  large, 
prolific ;  November.  10,  Marie  Louise,  large ;  October  and 
November.  11,  Zepbirin  Gregoire,  medium  size,  great  bearer ; 
December  and  January.  12,  Comte  de  Lamy,  medium  size, 
good  bearer ;  October. 

These  are  all  very  hardy,  fine,  and  healthy  both  in  tree  and 
fruit.  Passe  Colmar  bears  abundantly,  but  ihe  fruit  is  small ; 
November.  Bat  finer  than  any  for  growth  and  fruiting  is  Beurrfi 
de  Capiaumont,  yet  it  is  not  of  first-rate  quality  ;  October. 
Louise  Bonne  of  Jersey  is  very  prolific,  but  the  fruit  is  small 
and  much  pitted.  Against  a  wooden  fence  (open  trellis),  it 
was  excellent ;  October.  Baronne  de  Mello,  good  bearer,  fruit 
small ;  November.  Beurre  d'Aujou,  Winter  Nelis,  and  Beurre 
Superfin  generally  bear  well,  and  are  pitted.  Beurre  Baehelier, 
large,  good  bearer;  December.  Beurre  d'Amanlis,  large; 
September.  Josephine  de  Malines  is  a  great  bearer  and  good; 
February.  The  last  three  I  would  add  to  the  first  twelve,  but 
I  have  no  pyramid  trees  of  them.  I  have  found  they  generally 
succeed  in  the  north.  I  might  extend  the  list  by  noting  some 
that  occasionally  do  well,  but  from  the  uncertainty  I  think  it 
well  to  leave  tbem  unnoticed. 

Apples. — Kitchen:  1,  Lord  Suffield,  very  large  ;  October  and 
November.  2,  Cox's  Pomona,  large ;  December.  3,  Dume- 
low's  Seedling,  large  ;  December  to  March.  4,  Northern  Green- 
ing, large ;  December  to  April ;  5,  Gooseberry  Apple,  large  ; 
December  to  beyond  May.  G,  Rymer,  large;  December  to 
April.  Those  six  I  can  confidently  recommend  as  the  best  for 
a  cold  or,  indeed,  any  climate,  as  kitchen  Apples,  either  for 
private  use  or  growing  for  sale.  7,  Norlolk  Bearer,  large  ;  De- 
cember to  February.  8,  Now  Hawthornden,  large  ;  December 
and  January.  9,  Keswick  Codlin,  good  for  jelly,  and  the  best 
early  kitchen  Apple.  10,  Tower  of  Glamis,  large  ;  November  to 
February ;  11,  Blenheim  Pippin,  or  Orange,  large  ;  November 
to  February.  12,  Winter  Mujoting,  large ;  November  to  March. 
The  above  are  all  good  kitchen  Apples,  great  and  certain 
bearers.  Apples,  in  my  opinion,  are  best  as  bushes,  especially 
tho?o  with  large  fruits,  as  all  the  kitchen  Apples  should  be, 
and  as  the  preceding  are. 

Dessert.— 1,  Cox's  Orange  Pippin,  medium-sized,  very  hand- 
some ;  November  to  January.  2,  Early  Harvest,  medium-sized ; 
August.  3,  Eerry  Pipidn,  medium-sized  ;  October.  4,  Keddle- 
ston  Pippin,  small;  December  to  March.  5,  Red  Astrachan, 
medium-sized;  September.  6,  Scarlet  Nonpareil,  medium- 
sized;  January  to  April.  7,  Sturmer  Pippin,  medium-sized; 
January  to  May.  8,  Melon  Apple,  medium-sized  ;  December  of 
to  February.  9,  Manniogton'sPearmain,  medium-sized ;  Novem- 
ber to  March.  10,  Reinette  du  Canada,  large  ;  March  to  May. 
11,  Nonpareil,  Old,  medium  ;  April.  12,  Pitmaston  Nonpareil, 
medium-sized  ;  December  to  February. 

Dessert  Apples  having,  as  a  rule,  smaller  fruit  than  kitchen 
Apples,  are  better  adapted  for  pyramids.  I  ought  to  name 
Margil,  medinm-size,  as  a  good  bearer ;  November.  It  has  a 
smack  of  the  Ribston  flavour.  Court-Pendii-Plat,  medium- 
sized,  January  to  April,  is  excellent. 

Plums. — Kitchen. — 1,  Early  Orleans,  red;  end  of  August. 
2,  Oullin's  Golden,  yellow;  early  in  September;  very  vigorous, 
a  marvel  of  productiveness.  3.  Prince  Englebert,  purple,  large; 
September.  4,  Early  Prolific  (Rivers's),  purple;  beginning  of 
August.  5,  Aulumu  Comiote,  red,  large  ;  not  unlike  Victoria, 
but  later.  6,  Yellow  Magnum  Bonum,  large;  end  of  Septem- 
ber. 7,  Damson,  Cluster  or  Prolific,  bears  profusely  as  a  pyra- 
mid.    8,  Victoria,  red,  large  ;  end  of  September. 

All  the  preceding  are  good  kitchen  Plums. 

Dessert  — 1,  July  Green  Gage,  medium-sized,  greenish  yellow; 
August.  2,  Belgian  Purple,  rather  large,  purple  ;  end  of  August 
and  beginning  of  September.  3,  Jefferson,  large,  yellow;  Sep- 
tember. 4,  Green  Gage  ;  September.  5.  Kirke's,  large,  pur- 
ple ;  end  of  September.  6,  Angelina  Burdett,  medium-sized, 
purple ;  September. 


December  1,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL   OF  HORTICULTURE   AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


429 


These  are  all  good  bearers,  but  the  frnit  does  not  attain  a 
high  degree  of  excellence,  yet  is  good.  Transparent1  Gage 
does  not  ripen,  nor  does  Coe's  Golden  Drop  ;  and  Reine  Claude 
de  Bavay  cracks  and  splits  rip  into  all  kinds  of  forms,  betides 
not  ripening.  In  some  sheltered  situations  in  the  north  they 
may  do.  Where  they  will,  they  ehonld  have  a  place,  for  they 
are  most  excellent. 

Cherries. — Kentish,  medium-sized  ;  Morello,  large.  These 
two  are  for  kitchen  purposes.  The  trees  are  very  prolific  as 
pyramids.  Archduke,  later  by  ten  days  than  May  Duke,  bush; 
Empress  Eufeuie,  large,  ten  days  earlier  than  Mny  Duke; 
May  Duke;  Transparent.  These  are  all  of  the  Duke  race. 
Bigarreaa,  and  Bigarreau  Napoleon,  of  the  Bigarrean  race ; 
Werder's  Early  Black,  and  Governor  Wood,  one  of  the  Hearts. 
The  last  eight  are  good  bearers,  and  dessert  fruit. 

For  those  that  have  only  room  for  a  very  few  trees,  I  give  a 
selection  of  three  of  each — viz.,  Pears:  Williams's  Bon  Chre- 
lien,  Beorrc  Hardy,  and  Zephirin  Giegoire,  or  if  a  late  one, 
Bergamotte  Esperen.  Kitchen  Apples :  L  ird  Suffield.  Cox's 
Pomona.  Damelow's  Seedling.  Dessert  Apples  :  E  irly  Harvest, 
Cox's  Orange  Pippin,  Pitmaston  Nonpareil.  Kitchen  Plums : 
Early  Prolific  (Rivers's),  Prince  Englebert,  Oullin's  Golden. 
Dessert  Plums:  July  Green  Gage,  Belgian  Purple,  Jefferson. 
Clwrries:  Empress  Eugenie,  May  Duke,  Archduke  ;  and  Kentish 
for  tarts. 

The  Pears  should  be  on  the  Quince  stock,  the  Apples  on  the 
English  Paradise  stock,  and  the  Cherries  on  the  Mahaleb  or 
Cerasus  Mahaleb. — G.  Abbey. 


A  HORTICULTURAL   SOCIETY   FOR   ULSTER. 

It  is  in  the  great  manufacturing  centres  of  England  and 
Scotland  that  horticultural  exhibitions  are  most  appreciate.!  and 
successful,  and  horticultural  science  finds  its  most  devoted  and 
enthusiastic  votaries.  It  was,  therefore,  anomalous  and  not  at  all 
flattering  to  such  a  city  as  Bslfast  to  bo  without  an  established 
institution  of  that  kind,  and  that  its  efforts  hitherto  in  this  direc- 
tion should  be  merely  spasmodic  and  intermittent.  It  is  pleasant 
to  record  the  fact  of  energetic  measures  being  now  taken  to  re- 
move the  reproach.  During  the  present  year  a  movement  was 
instituted,  and  a  two-days  exhibition,  on  a  large  scale,  held  in 
the  Belfast  Botanic  Garden,  in  the  first  week  in  September. 
Though  on  that  occasion  the  second  day  was  far  from  favourable, 
the  affair  was  a  success,  and  encouraged  the  promoters  to  go  a 
step  further,  and  establish  a  North  of  Ireland  Horticultural 
Society,  with  the  view — as  the  prospectus  now  before  us  states — 
of  promoting  "the  pursuit  of  horticulture  in  all  its  branches,  in 
every  part  of  the  province,  and  in  some  degree  (since  its  ex- 
hibitions will  be  open  to  exhibitors  from  every  quarter)  in  every 
part  of  the  island,- and  even  of  the  United  Kingdom,  and  among 
every  class  of  people  "  With  this  object,  it  is  proposed  to  hold 
exhibitions  every  year  in  Belfast,  "  not  fewer  than  two,  nor  more 
than  three,"  at  which  prizes  shall  be  given  for  every  description 
of  garden  produce,  and  at  each  of  which  special  prizes  will  be 
offered  for  specimens  grown  by  cottagers  and  artisans. 

This  last  is  an  important  point  as  regards  a  town  like  Belfast, 
where,  among  its  operative  classes,  one  should  look  for  the  same 
horticultural  enthusiasm  as  exists  among  the  "  stockingers  "  of 
Nottingham.  We  trust  the  new  society  will  make  its  influence 
widely  felt  in  this  direction.  It  is  evidently  the  intention  of  the 
Committee  that  this  should  be  the  case,  for  they  tell  us  there  is 
nothing  which  they  u  look  up  >n  as  more  desirable  or  more  really 
beneficial  to  the  community  at  large  than  to  encourage  a  taste  for 
gardening  among  the  classes  who  depend  on  daily  wage-,  and 
who  in  this  way,  it  is  hoped,  may  be  led  to  find  a  healthy  employ- 
ment for  their  hours  of  recreation,  and  to  take  an  houest  pride 
in  the  embellishment  and  comfort  of  their  homes."  The  young 
Society  hopes  one  day  to  be  able  to  expend  its  operations  beyond 
Belfast,  and  in  course  of  time,  if  the  funds  permit,  to  be  able 
either  to  hold  exhibitions  in  other  towns  which  may  wish  it  to  do 
so,  or  to  aid  those  exhibitions  which  are  already  established,  by 
subscribing  to  their  funds  or  by  giving  additional  prizes  at  them. 

His  Excellency  the  Lord  Lieutenant  has  kindly  consented  to  be 
the  patron  of  the  Society,  and,  with  characteristic  liberality,  he 
further  gives  a  cup,  value  ten  guineas,  which  will  be  competed 
for  at  the  first  show,  to  be  held  in  the  Royal  Botanic  Gardens, 
Belfast,  on  Thursday,  May  ISth,  1871.  It  will  be  remembered 
that  his  Excellency  also  gave  a  cup  of  the  same  value  to  be  com- 
peted for  at  the  show  held  last  September.  The  schedule  of 
prizes  for  the  first  or  May  show,  next  year,  is  already  issued ;  and 
from  a  copy  now  before  us  we  are  glad  to  perceive  the  prizes  are 


sufficiently  liberal  to  tempt  some  of  our  metropolitan  exhibitors 
to  a  trial  of  skill  with  our  norttern  friends.  Grapes,  Peaches, 
and  Pine  Apples  are,  at  all  events,  portable  enough  ;  and  for  two 
bunches  of  the  first-named  the  first  prize  is  £3,  the  second 
£1  10s. ;  for  Peaches,  £2  and  £1 ;  and  the  same  for  Pine  Apples. 
Four  new  plants  sent  out  since  January  1st,  1870,  are  not  likely 
to  be  over-large — nay,  perhaps  they  would  go  in  a  very  small 
space ;  and  yet  for  such  a  class  the  spirited  proprietor  of  the  Bel- 
fast News- Letter,  J.  H.  Henderson,  Esq  ,  J. P.,  offers  a  cup  value 
five  guineas,  with  a  second  prize  of  two  sovereigns. 

Copies  of  the  schedule,  as  well  as  of  the  regulations  for  the 
exhibitions,  may  be  had  on  application  to  Mr.  J.  F.  Johnson, 
Botanic  Gardens,  Belfast ;  or  C.  D.  Yonge,  Esq.,  Honorary  Se- 
cretary, Notting  Hill,  Belfast.  It  is,  we  believe,  to  the  latter 
gentleman,  who  is  no  less  enthusiastic  as  a  horticulturist  than  he 
is  distinguished  as  a  scholar,  that  horticulture  in  Belfast  owes  in 
a  great  measure  the  inception  and,  thus  far,  the  carrying  to  a 
successful  issue  of  the  movement  for  establishing  on  a  firm  basis 
the  North  of  Ireland  Horticultural  Society,  and  thus  wiping 
away  what  has  been  so  long  something  very  like  a  reproach  to 
the  good  taste  and  spirit  of  the  metropolis  of  Ulster. — (Irish 
Farmer's  Gazette.) 


LABELS  FOR  FRUIT  TREES. 

A  correspondent,  "  C.  C.  E."  (page  350),  takes  exception  to 
the  method  of  labelling  fruit  trees  advocated  in  page  329.  He 
believes  "chemical  action  takes  place  between  the  label  and 
the  wire,  besides  the  harder  edge  of  the  zinc  cutting  the  softer 
lead  wire,  sr>  that  in  twelve  months  all  his  labels  were  on  the 
gronnd."  Now,  I  believe,  and  I  have  studied  chemistry  a  little, 
that  all  the  chemical  action  incited  between  a  zinc  label  and  a 
lead  wire  never  could  have  cnt  through  the  latter  in  the  short 
space  of  a  year,  if  at  all,  especially  as  the  inciting  fluid  could 
seldom  have  been  more  potent  than  rain,  and  even  that  only 
occasionally.  Had  the  chemical  action  been  referred  to  the 
zine  label  and  the  copper  wire,  I  should  more  readily  have 
trusted  in  his  belief,  as  these  are  the  very  metals  most  gene- 
rally used  to  induce  chemical  action,  or,  I  may  say  more 
appropriately,  galvanic  action. 

But  gum  and  canker  are  referred  to  the  use  of  these  labels. 
Now.  pomologista  allege  that  the  latter  is  caused  by  tap-roots 
striking  deeply  into  cold  crude  soil,  and  producing  soft  un- 
ripened  wood,  which  has  its  tissues  ruptured  by  interveoing 
frosts,  and  consequently  canker  is  the  result.  At  the  same 
time  I  will  not  deny  that  cutting  the  bark  of  stone  frnit  ireeB 
will  produce  gumming,  if  the  labels  be  hnng  on  loosely,  but 
that  branch  only  on  which  the  label  is  hung  will  be  so  affected. 
Bat  why  allow  the  bark  to  be  cut  at  all?  A  little  attention 
acts  as  a  preventive.  Punch  a  sufficiently  large  hole  in  your 
label,  and  use  thick  lead  wire  for  very  obvious  reasons.  Pass 
the  wire  through  the  hole,  give  it  a  twist  or  two  to  make  it 
tight,  then  encircle  a  branch  near  the  stem,  or  a  smaller  one 
near  a  main  branch,  with  the  two  ends,  which  twist  round 
each  other  till  they  clasp  the  branch  pretty  firmly  ;  then  bend 
the  label  close  to  the  stem  or  main  branch,  where  the  wire, 
soft  and  easily  manipulated  though  it  be,  is  yet  quite  strong 
enough  to  keep  it,  and  prevent  its  being  "  a  sport  of  winds  and 
the  ruin  of  the  bark."  As  the  wood  and  bark  are  seen  to  swell 
slacken  the  wire  a  little,  so  as  to  prevent  the  bark  from  cntting, 
and  the  remedy  for  a  time  is  complete. 

The  above  method  is  not  new.  It  has  been  recommended 
to  me  by  an  une'e,  a  gardener  by  profession,  a  most  successful 
and  intelligent  pomologist  as  well  as  floricultniist,  who  applied 
it  for  years  without  evil  results. 

"  C.  C.  E."  is  now  using  a  strip  of  lead  stamped  with  the 
number  which  corresponds  to  the  particular  tree  in  Lis  orchard 
book  :  allow  me  to  suggest  to  him  the  stamping  of  the  name 
instead  of  the  number.  A  set  of  letters  will,  no  doubt,  cost 
more  than  a  set  of  numbers,  but  consider  the  gain  to  pomo- 
logical  learning  that  may  thus  ensno.  Who  has  not  felt  the 
disappointment  of  examining  a  tally  to  learn  the  name  of  a 
plant,  and  finding  only  a  number?  Let  fruit-growers  adopt 
any  plan  they  please,  but  with  all  earnestness  let  me  say  to 
them,  Attach  names  to  your  fruit  trees. —A.  R. 


Napoleon's  Flower. — The  Violet  i3  the  emblematic  flower 
of  the  Buonapartes,  as  the  Lily  is  of  the  Bourbons.  When 
Eugenie  agreed  to  accept  Napoleon's  offer  of  marriage,  she  ex- 
pressed it  only  by  appearing  one  evening  dressed  in  an  exquisite 
Violet  toilet — Violet?  in  her  hair,  in  her  dress,  even  to  a  branch 


430 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  December  1,  1870. 


in  her  hand.  Louis  Napoleon  understood,  and  it  was  hia  only 
answer.  Napoleon  while  consul  Beleoted  this  as  hia  flower. 
It  was  through  Josephine  askiDg  him  to  bring  her  a  bouquet 
of  them  on  her  birthday — a  desire  he  was  only  able  to  serve 
after  very  great  difficulty.  He  cultivated  them  assiduously 
while  a  prisoner  at  St.  Helena  ;  and  they  were  profusely  planted 
over  the  grave  of  Josephine.  After  his  death  his  coffiu  was 
covered  with  the  humble  flowers  he  loved.  It  is  even  said  that 
in  the  earlier  days  of  Louis  Napoleon,  he  was  silently  made 
acquainted  with  who  his  secret  friends  were,  by  a  cautious  dis- 
play of  Violets. 

THE  ROYAL  BERKSHIRE  ROOT  SHOW. 

The  twenty-first  Exhibition  of  roots,  annually  held  in  Reading,  and 
which  is  now  generally  known  as  the  Royal  Berkshire  Root  Show,  took 
place  on  the  26th  ult.  in  Messrs.  Sutton's  large  stores  in  the  Market- 
place. This  Exhibition  is  conducted  at  the  expense,  and  under  the 
management  of  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons.  The  competition  is  not  con- 
fined to  the  immediate  district  of  Reading,  but  is  open  to  all  comers ; 
and  from  England,  Scotland,  Walos,  and  Ireland,  we  here  find  brought 
together  such  a  collection  of  roots,  that  the  Show  may  fairly  be  termed 
extraordinary  when  the  unusually  dry  summer  is  taken  into  consider- 
ation. The  number  of  entries  this  year  exceed  those  of  any  other, 
being  nearly  400  against  270  in  1869,  and  250  in  186S.  There  are 
also  very  fine  collections  of  Turnips,  Kohl  Rabi,  Carrots,  Cabbage,  and 
Potatoes ;  among  the  latter  we  noticed  the  Bovinia  or  Cattle-Feeder, 
and  Suttons'  Red-skin  Flour  Ball,  of  extraordinary  size  and  fine  quality. 
The  following  is  a  list  of  awards  for  roots  cultivated  in  gardens  : — 

12  Parsnips,  R.  W.  Hall  Dare,  Esq.,  Newtownbarry,  Ireland ;  2nd,  Mr- 
B.  Lane. 

12  Red  Carrots,  Messrs.  Virgo  &  Son  ;  2nd,  J.  Bates,  Esq. 

12  Reading  Onions,  Mr.  Thomas  Naseby,  Banbury  ;  2nd,  Mr.  J.  Cave, 
Rickmanaworth. 

24  Kidney  Potatoes,  P.  McKinlay,  Esq.  (Early  Rose) ;  2nd,  John  Bates, 
Esq.  (King's). 

24  Round  Potatoes,  P.  G.  Jones, Esq.,  Bala  (Suttons1  Red-skinned  Flour 
Ball) ;  2nd,  the  Reading  Union. 

Extra  Prize,  for  collection  of  seedling  Potatoes,  Mrs.  Betsy  M.  Paterson, 
Dundee. 

The  Judges  were  Messrs.  Wilkins  (Mortimer),  J.  B.  Spearing,  and 
Jenkin  Davies,  whose  decisions  appeared  to  give  general  satisfaction. 

We  understand  that  some  of  the  finest  specimens  will  be  exhibited 
ou  Messrs.  Sutton's  stand  at  the  Smithfield  Club  Cattle  Show. 


THE  LAW  OF  FASCIATION  AND  ITS  RELATION 
TO   SEX  IN   PLANTS. 

[Read  before  the  American  Association  for  the  Advancement  of  Science.] 
At  the  last  meeting  of  the  Association  Dr.  Sterry  Hunt 
handed  me  a  fasciated  branch  of  Ficea  balsamea,  in  which  the 
branchlets  of  the  fascicle  presented  a  very  distinct  appearance 
from  the  normal  form.  In  the  language  of  the  person  who 
directed  Dr.  Hunt's  attention  to  it,  it  seemed  as  if  a  Norway 
Spruce  was  being  developed  from  the  Balsam  Fir.  From  facts 
I  had  previously  observed,  and  embodied  in  my  paper  on 
Adnation  in  Conifers,  read  at  Chicago,  it  was  clear  that  these 
branchlets  did  not  possess  the  adnating  power  which  I  showed 
in  that  piper  to  be  characteristic  of  the  highest  vigour.  The 
leaves  were  not  distichous,  but  scattered  around  the  weak 
stems,  terete,  and  in  every  respect  like  those  on  plants  in  the 
young  seedling  state ;  and  corresponding  in  this  character  with 
the  free  leaves  in  Arbor  Vitae,  Juniper,  and  similar  plants, 
when  the  branches  are  forced  to  grow  in  shady  places,  or  under 
other  conditions  unfavourable  to  perfect  nutrition.  I  was 
astonished  at  the  suggestion  that  fasciation  could  possibly  be  a 
weakness  of  development ;  because,  though  very  little  has  been 
written  about  this  phenomenon,  all  that  I  have  read  refers  to 
over-nutrition  as  the  probable  cause.  I  believe  I  can  now 
offer  some  facts  which  will  show  that  there  may  be  two  distinct 
causes  of  fasciation — one  an  abundant  supply  of  nutrition, 
which  consolidates  together  parts  normally  free,  as  we  often 
see  in  Asparagus,  Plantains,  Dandelions,  and  other  common 
things ;  the  other  a  weakened  flow  of  vitality,  which  is  not  able 
to  combine  parts  together,  which  usually  go  to  make  up  the 
integrate  structure,  and  which  then  take  the  form  known  among  t 
the  people  generally  as  "  Crow's-nest  branches." 

That  the  last  cause  was  probable  in  the  case  before  me,  I 
saw,  as  I  have  already  stated.  I  found  several  specimens  on 
living  trees  of  Balsam  Firs  near  me  similar  to  the  one  given 
to  me  by  Dr.  Hunt,  and  watched  them  frequently.  That  they 
were  weak  developments  was  clear  from  the  fact  that  they 
made  little  more  than  an  inoh  of  growth  every  year — that  the 
leaves,  usually  of  a  dark  green,  were  of  a  paler  hue — they  were 
destroyed  by  the  first  frosts  of  autumn,  beooming  as  deoiduous 


as  the  Larch,  while  the  regular  leaves  continued  evergreen — 
and  many  of  the  fasciated  shoots  died  dnring  the  course  of  the 
winter.  The  pale  tint  was  evidence  of  defeotive  nutrition,  as  it 
is  well  known  to  every  practical  gardener  that  when,  from  any 
cause,  the  fibres  of  a  plant  become  injured,  and  the  free  supply 
of  sap  is  from  any  cause,  as  by  ringing  the  bark,  cut  off  from 
the  leaves,  they  become  of  a  pale  sickly  hue.  It  was  also 
evident  from  the  inability  of  the  fascicle  to  keep  its  leaf  green, 
and  some  of  its  branchlets  alive  during  winter,  that  vitality  was 
at  a  low  stage. 

I  examined  the  fasciated  branches  on  other  kinds  of  trees, 
and  found  these  general  results  in  all ;  but  in  none  so  well 
illustrated  as  in  a  Sassafras  tree,  which  had  nearly  all  of  its 
branches  in  this  condition,  oue  of  which  I  exhibit.  Another 
tree  was  alongside  of  it  quite  free  from  this  character.  The  one 
with  the  fasciated  branches  was  not  nearly  as  large  as  the  other, 
although  there  appeared  no  reason  in  soil  or  other  circum- 
stances why  it  should  not  be.  A  great  number  of  the  branchlets 
in  the  fascicles  also  died  out  every  winter. 

I  was  very  anxious  to  find  how  these  fasciated  branches 
would  behave  in  a  state  of  inflorescence,  but  could  not  find  any 
case  of  one  bearing  flowers.  At  length  I  discovered  them  in 
the  common  Blackberry,  Bubus  villosus,  and  was  pleased  to 
find  that  they  not  only  confirmed  the  view  I  had  taken  of  the 
cause  of  this  kind  of  fasciation,  but  also  furnished  in  the  most 
unexpected  manner  new  facts  in  favour  of  my  theory  of  last 
year  respecting  sex — namely,  that  the  male  is  the  offspring  of  a 
declining  vitality.  These  fasciated  branches  in  Bubus  I  am 
inclined  to  think  common,  and  it  will  be  very  easy  to  verify 
the  following  facts  : — In  these  fasciated  branches  the  number 
of  branchlets  varies  from  five  to  fifteen. 

The  pale  tint  characteristic  of  failing  nutrition  is  particularly 
marked,  while  the  lower  leaves  die  away  earlier  than  in  those 
branches  on  the  same  cane  produced  in  the  regular  way.  That 
the  whole  of  these  leaves  will  fall  first  I  anticipate,  but  cannot 
speak  from  actual  knowledge.  Here  are  perfeot  evidences  of 
failure  of  nutrition,  decreased  vitality,  and  fasciation  all  going 
along  together. 

Now  in  its  relation  to  sex.  I  pointed  out  in  my  paper  on 
this  subject  last  year,  that  the  flower-bearing  parts  of  plants 
were  weak  in  porportion  as  they  diverged  from  the  feminine 
condition.  In  a  polygamous  plant  the  pistillate  flower  is  on 
the  stoutest  axis — the  hermaphrodite  the  next — the  male  the 
weakest.  So  also  in  the  grades  of  masculine  weakness.  When 
the  male  flowers  had  their  stamens  reduced  to  petals,  the  plant 
or  axis  of  the  plant  was  weaker  than  before ;  and  when  the 
sepals  took  on  the  character  of  leaves,  or  the  leaves  lost  their 
chlorophyllous  character  and  simulated  petals,  vitality  was 
well  known  to  horticulturists  to  be  in  a  weaker  state  than  in 
other  caBes. 

Here  are  the  same  illustrations.  As  you  see  in  this  speci- 
men, the  lower  branches,  pushing  in  the  usual  way,  have  the 
regular  calyx  segments  ;  but  in,  the  upper  set  of  fasoiated  ones 
the  segments  have  taken  on  a  leaf-like  form,  the  stamens 
have  increased  in  size,  and  the  pistils,  as  shown  by  the  great 
number  in  some  flowers  which  have  failed  to  swell  out  their 
ovaries,  are  proportionately  defective.  A  tendency  to  masculinity 
is  clearly  in  connection  with  defective  nutrition,  decreased 
vitality,  and  fasciation. 

I  saw  this,  however,  still  more  clearly  demonstrated  in  a  field 
of  a  cultivated  variety  of  Blackberry — the  Wilson's  Early,  on 
the  farm  of  Mr.  W.  Parry,  of  Cinnaminson,  New  Jersey.  His 
son  Levi,  an  intelligent  and  observing  young  man,  called  my 
attention  to  the  fact  that  wherever  these  fascicles  occurred  the 
flowers  were  nearly  double,  and  no  fruit  followed.  I  found  this 
to  be  the  case  so  far  as  the  flowers  were  concerned.  In  some 
there  were  as  many  as  twenty  petals,  and  the  calycine  seg- 
ments were  largely  foliaceous.  There  could  not  be  clearer 
illustrations  of  masculinity  and  fasciation  going  along  together 

Beturning  to  fasciations  of  the  "  Crow's-nest"  kind,  we  may 
then  safely  say  that  they  are  bundles  of  branches  formed  from 
germs,  which,  if  nutrition  had  been  sufficient  to  provide  the 
required  vitality,  would  have  adnated  together  and  formed  one 
vigorous  united  axis,  instead  of  as  now,  each  struggling  on  in 
its  own  weak  way.  I  am  aware  that  this  conclnsion  may  con- 
flict with  received  theories  as  to  the  formation  of  axis  or  stem. 
It  would  seem  to  imply  that  one  perfect  branch  is  bnt  a  collec- 
tion of  smaller  homogenous  ones.  I  sometimes  see  cases  which 
indicate  that  this  may  be  so.  I  have  here  a  portion  of  a  cane 
of  Bubus  oocidentalis.  At  the  base  it  is  no  thicker  than  the 
average  of  other  canes  ;  but  near  the  middle  of  its  length  it 
has  separated  into  four  smaller  canes.    It  has  been  usual  to 


December  1,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE  AMD  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


431 


regard  these  oases  as  the  result  of  an  easy  and  accidental 
union  of  several  points  ;  but  in  this  case  there  is  no  increase 
in  bulk — nothing  but  clear  assumption  to  warrant  any  such  a 
theory.  On  the  contrary,  every  appearance  suggests,  not  that 
the  union  of  branches  is  the  accident,  but  that  that  is  the 
normal  condiiion  ;  and  that  it  is  the  division  into  the  fasciated 
brauchlets  whioh  is  the  departure  from  the  rule. 

I  do  not,  however,  wish  to  ask  for  this  suggestion  anything 
more  than  it  miy  be  worth.  Others  more  able  than  I  can 
interpret  the  circumstances.  The  main  object  I  have  had  in 
this  paper,  is  to  show  that  all  the  circumstances  which  accom- 
pany fasciation  are  those  connected  with  a  low  stage  of  vitality. 
On  this  I  think  there  can  be  no  mistake. — Thomas  Meehan. 

[At  the  conclusion  of  the  reading,  Mr.  Meehan  said  that  as 
he  had  already  observed  in  the  paper,  he  had  not  been  able  to 
find  fasciated  bunches  with  flowers,  except  in  Rubus,  so  as  to 
draw  many  faota  from  sex  as  to  the  causes  of  fasoiation.  But 
while  with  the  excursion  of  the  Society  to  Albany  the  day 
before,  he  had  found  a  plant  of  Atriplex  rosea  with  a  fasoiated 
branch.  He  exhibited  this  specimen,  and  showed  that  it  had 
eight  branchlets  from  the  fascicle  and  all  had  male  flowers  only, 
while  each  of  the  other  branches  of  the  plant  bore  male  and 
female  flowers,  separate,  and  according  to  the  law  he  had 
already  pointed  out  in  his  paper  on  sex — namely,  with  the 
male  flowers  on  the  weakest  axes,  and  the  female  on  the 
stronger  ones.] — (American  Gardener's  Monthly.) 

[We  lately  were  shown  a  very  remarkable  example  of  a 
fasciated  stem  of  the  Tropaeolnm  majus.  It  was  about  a  yard 
long,  fasoiated  throughout,  and  sprinkled  over  with  diminutive 
leaves.  It  grew  in  the  garden  of  Capt.  Hall,  Notting  Hill, 
Kensington  Park. — Eds.] 


KEEPING   ICE. 


I  thine  there  are  many  disappointed  in  the  keeping  of  ice 
as  well  as  "  G.  Y.  M.,"  for  I  have  the  supplying  of  a  large 
establishment  throngh  the  summer,  autumn,  and  winter.  I 
think  the  way  I  manage  my  ice  houses  may  be  of  interest  to 
some  of  the  readers  of  this  Journal,  for  I  met  with  many  dis- 
appointments till  I  hit  en  the  present  way  of  managing  it. 

I  have  two  houses  in  the  shrubbery  close  to  the  lake,  where 
the  sunshine  never  intrudes.  It  is  completely  enclosed  with 
large  trees.  My  largest  house  is  20  feet  deep  by  15  wide  at  the 
top,  gradually  narrowing  to  the  bottom.  My  other  house  is 
not  quite  so  large  ;  it  is  15  feet  by  9.  This  smaller  house  does 
not  keep  the  ica  nearly  so  long  as  the  larger  one — the  larger 
the  stack  the  longer  it  keeps.  In  filling  the  houses  I  make  a 
large  s'aek  in  the  shade  close  by,  which  lasts  till  July.  Gene- 
rally when  the  ice  is  an  inch  thick  I  set  to  work,  have  it  well 
broken  on  the  bank,  then  put  it  in  the  houses,  and  have  it  very 
heavily  malleted  inside,  using  large  mallets  of  about  a  stone 
weight  each,  thus  forcing  it  very  firmly  together.  Then  I  pour 
some  boiling  water  on  it,  which  makes  it  unite  very  well  into 
a  mass.  I  pour  on  the  boiling  water  about  ten  times  during 
the  filling  of  one  house.  I  find  straw  a  very  bad  cover  for  ice. 
I  have  also  tried  sawdust,  but  I  prefer  clean  dry  leaves.  Of 
course  too  much  of  leaves  must  not  be  put  on,  so  as  to  cause 
heating.  I  put  on  about  3  inches  thick  all  over  the  stack,  then 
I  add  a  little  mote  in  the  summer  to  keep  it  cool.  If  it  be 
freezing  after  filling  the  houses,  I  leave  the  doors  open,  and  put 
nothing  over  the  ice  till  the  frost  is  gone. 

By  thus  managing  I  have  still  plenty  of  ice  in  the  larger 
house.  I  never  cover  up  the  doorway,  but  by  shutting  it  cloBely 
there  is  just  rcom  left  for  the  foul  air  to  pass  away.  I  used  to 
have  it  latched,  and  then  when  I  opened  it  there  was  a  steam 
or  vapour  in  the  house,  which  caused  the  ice  to  melt  very  fast. 
By  this  management  I  am  able  to  supply  two  barrowloads  daily, 
and  have  enough  to  last  till  next  February.  The  ioe  always 
melts  from  the  sides  a  little,  but  it  is  in  such  a  hard  block  that 
it  requires  a  crowbar  to  loosen  it.  By  making  a  large  stack 
outside  it  prevents  the  need  of  opening  the  houses,  except  to 
see  how  they  are  going  on,  till  July. — E.  E. 

[We  consider  these  results  of  practice  very  seasonable,  as 
frost  and  ice  may  be  expected  ere  long.  Beginners  may  oom- 
pare  them  with  the  note  at  page  415.  Too  much  stress  cannot 
be  laid  on  having  ice  houses  and  ice  heaps  of  a  good  size.  One 
thing  we  do  not  understand — using  boiling  water  to  consolidate 
the  ioe.  When  the  ice  is  very  hard  and  thick  in  severe  frost, 
And  therefore  difficult  to  pound,  watering  with  ordinary  water 
would  be  an  advantage.  Lately  our  ice  was  too  slushy  to  need 
watering.    It  ma;  be  the  most  scientific  mode  to  nse  boiling 


water,  though  we  do  not  see  why  and  how.  We  gave  up 
using  salt  for  consolidating  ice,  because  we  saw  it  proved  of 
little  or  no  benefit,  though  to  this  day  the  general  reasons 
assigned  are  rather  more  puzzling  to  us  than  the  use  of  boiling 
water.]  

MUSHROOM-HOUSE   MANAGEMENT. 

We  have  had  recently  to  depend  on  our  open  shed,  and 
have  gone  on  very  fairly.  We  have  thrown  Bome  stable  dung 
into  a  heap,  watering  when  necessary,  and  will  turn  it  several 
times  to  have  it  rather  sweet,  to  form  the  first  piece  of  a  bed 
in  our  Mushroom  house.  As  the  house  is  getting  out  of  order, 
we  are  putting  iu  fresh-sparred  wooden  platforms.  Where 
platforms  are  used,  biick,  stone,  and  slate  are  better  than 
board,  but  oak  and  even  l.Jinch  deal  laBt  a  long  lime.  With 
all  the  attendant  steam  we  think  our  last  beds  lasted  about 
fifteen  years,  and  a  good  many  of  the  uprights  and  bearers 
were  sound  even  then.  In  a  low  house,  wide  enough  to  have  a 
bed  4  or  5  feet  in  breadth  on  each  side,  it  is  the  most  economical 
mode  to  have  no  platforms.  In  the  winter  months,  however,  if 
anything,  our  platform-beds  gonerally  suoceed  best.  Of  course, 
if  there  is  a  bed  coming  on  below,  the  bed  above  it  has  the 
benefit  of  the  heat,  and  nothing  suits  the  Mushroom  better 
than  the  moist  heat  from  decomposing  rather  sweet  dung,  and 
without  the  dung  in  some  share  we  can  do  little  with  the 
Mushroom. 

There  are  two  drawbacks  to  the  free  use  of  this  moist  heat 
in  a  Mushroom  house.  If  the  roof  is  not  very  smooth  and  air- 
tight, the  moisture  will  act  upon  it,  and  cause  it  to  decay  pre 
maturely.  Then,  again,  the  moisture  condensed  on  the  roof — 
and  that  moisture,  if  from  dung,  not  always  clear  and  sweet — is 
apt  to  drop  on  the  Mushrooms  and  rather  injure  their  colour. 
This  could  to  a  great  extent  be  remedied  by  having  ventilators 
placed  at  the  highest  point  in  lantern  fashion ;  but  then  what- 
ever the  Mushroom  may  delight-in  in  the  open  pasture,  it 
does  not  like  keen  draughts  under  cultivation.  The  ohief 
antidote  for  both  these  evils  is  to  have  a  smooth-plastered 
ceiling,  and  then  to  paint  that  ceiling  when  dry  with  boiled  oil, 
or  oil  with  some  anti-corrosion  paint,  not  enough  to  make  the 
ceiling  at  all  rough.  The  moisture  that  condenses  against  the 
ceiling  will  have  no  chance  to  penetrate  the  plaster,  and  the 
drops,  instead  of  falling  on  the  beds,  will  run  down  the  smooth 
ceiling  to  the  side  wall. 

In  our  practice  and  observation  we  have  met  with  a  good 
many  instances  in  which  roofs  of  Mushrooms  nicely  plastered 
have  fallen  piece  by  piece  over  the  beds,  because  damp  had 
acted  on  the  plaster,  and  thence  extended  to  and  rotted  the 
laths  and  rafters.  It  is  sixteen  or  eighteen  years  since  the 
ceiling  of  the  roof  of  our  lean-to  house  was  brushed  over  with 
oil,  and  though  it  has  looked  rather  dingy  ever  since,  we  believe 
that  the  roof  is  perfectly  sound. 

As  stated  above,  our  house  is  just  a  close  lean-to  shed  be- 
hind a  vinery,  with  a  common  'j-inch  wall,  a  small  brick  venti- 
lator at  each  end  at  the  apex,  and  ventilation  also  in  the  out- 
side wall.  We  have  often  had  good  Mushrooms  in  that  house 
all  the  year  round,  but  frequently  in  very  hot  weather  in  sum- 
mer they  would  be  thin,  and  would  be  soon  attacked  by  maggots 
in  spite  of  everything  we  could  do,  and  very  likely  just  when 
we  wanted  them  to  be  particularly  good.  This  led  us  years  ago 
chiefly  to  depend  for  a  summer  supply  on  small  beds  in  a  shady 
shed,  open  on  one  side  to  the  west.  Here  they  gave  good  re- 
turns, and  with  little  trouble.  All  sorts  of  places  are  used 
successfully  for  growing  Mushrooms.  For  doing  so  all  the  year 
round,  no  place  is  better  than  a  deep  cool  cellar,  a  cavern,  or 
any  place  under  ground,  where  a  rather  equable  mild  tempera- 
ture is  maintained  all  throngh  the  season.  Tbere  is  hardly 
any  great  advantage,  however,  which  has  not  its  counter- 
vailing disadvantage,  as  in  the  cellar,  the  cavern,  &c,  there  is 
some  trouble  in  taking  the  dung  down  and  back  again — more 
trouble  than  when  a  barrow  can  do  all  that  is  wanted.  A  corre- 
spondent wants  a  neat  Mushroom  house,  that  must  be  built  in 
rather  an  exposed  place,  but  so  that  company  may  go  into  it 
summer  and  winter.  We  would  rather  like  some  shade,  and 
have  a  prejudice  for  a  lean-to  roof  facing  the  north ;  yet  we 
would  not  greatly  object  to  an  open  position  and  a  span-roof 
facing  east  and  west,  or  even  south  and  north,  if  deemed  more 
suitable,  provided  we  were  allowed  to  have  double  walls,  a 
double  roof,  and  a  confined  body  of  air  between  such  walls  and 
roofs,  so  that  even  the  ventilation  should  have  no  access  to 
that  confined  air.  Then,  by  painting  or  otherwise  rendering 
the  outside  walls  and  roof  as  white  as  possible,  we  should  have 


432 


JOURNAL   OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  December  1,  1870. 


a  house  that  would  never  be  very  warm  in  summer  or  very 
cold  in  winter.  In  snob,  a  house  artificial  heat  would  be  little 
needed,  still  it  is  a  help  when  quick  returns  are  wanted  at 
times,  and  if  the  house  were  from  12  to  14  feet  wide  there 
would  be  room  for  a  bed  on  each  side,  and  a  path  of  3  feet 
wide  in  the  centre,  and  that  pathway  of  stone,  slate,  or  gravel, 
could  have  a  hot- water  pipe  on  each  side  of  it.  If  in  the  house 
one  or  two  platforms  should  be  deemed  necessary,  then  to  be  in 
character  the  uprights  and  bearers  should  be  of  iron,  and  the 
bottoms  and  sides  of  slate.  The  house  would  always  look  neat, 
except  when  a  bed  was  being  made,  and  when  shallow  beds  are 
used  this  might  be  too  often  to  prevent,  except  to  the  inter- 
ested, a  Mushroom  house  being  a  Bhow  house. 

Some  small  windows  would  be  necessary,  if  merely  for  light, 
so  that  visitors  should  see  the  crops ;  the  windows,  too,  had 
better  be  double,  otherwise  they  might  admit  too  much  heat  in 
summer.  The  question  of  light  is  rather  too  large  as  respeots 
the  Mushroom  to  be  entered  on  here,  farther  than  to  state  our 
conviction  that  Mushrooms  grow  as  well  in  the  dark  as  in  the 
light,  and  that  so  grown  they  are  as  firm,  sweet,  and  healthy, 
as  those  exposed  to  free  light  and  air.  We  have  no  objeotion 
whatever  to  the  light  if  it  do  not  interfere  with  the  desirable 
equal  temperature;  but  no  one  need  be  afraid  to  use  Mush- 
rooms that  never  were  exposed  to  a  direct  beam  of  light.  With 
the  requisite  temperature  of  from  about  70°  in  the  bed,  and  from 
55°  to  60°  in  the  atmosphere  over  it,  even  ventilation  is  of  very 
little  consequence,  except  to  get  rid  of  superfluous  vapour 
when  a  new  bed  is  being  formed.  It  is  in  a  close,  muggy, 
warm  night  that  the  Mushroom  grows  most  rapidly  out  of 
doors,  and  we  can  hardly  err  to  take  a  lesson  from  Nature  to 
guide  us  in  our  practice.  It  will  only  be  by  doing  so  that  we 
shall  succeed  in  cultivating  other  valuable  fungi. — R.  F. 


PORTRAIT   OF  MR.    RIVERS. 
The  following  subscripticns  have  been  received,  in  addition 
to  those  already  announced  : — 

£  s.  d. 

Ellison,  Rev.  C.C.,  Bracebridge  Vicarage,  Lincoln  1  0  0 

Pennell,  Mr.  Charles,  Lincoln  1  1  0 

Walton,  Mr.,  Camfield  Gardens,  Hatfield 0  5  0 


Essays  on  Floral  Criticism. — The  ptize  offered  by  Lieut.- 
Col.  Scott,  R.E.,  Secretary  to  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society, 
for  the  best  Essay  on  Floral  Criticism,  has  been  awarded  to 
Mr.  Alfred  Bradley,  8,  Salisbury  Road,  Highgate  Hill. 


THE  AMERICAN  PEACH  TRADE. 
The  New  York  Times  says,  that  in  the  season  "every  man, 
woman,  and  child  luxuriates  at  a  small  expense  in  the  most  de- 
licious fruit  known  to  humanity."  Bat  the  Peach  of  the  southern 
counties  of  England  is  superior  to  the  American,  and  Covent 
Garden  Peaohes  are  from  four  to  eight  and  ten  times  as  large  as 
Washington  market  Peaches.  New  York  draws  its  supply  chiefly 
from  Delaware,  Maryland,  and  part  of  Pennsylvania.  Most  of 
the  fruit  is  sent  by  railroad  in  through  cars ;  in  favourable 
weather  it  arrives  in  much  better  condition  by  water,  but  weather 
cannot  be  relied  on.  The  supply  which  reached  New  York  and 
Philadelphia  last  year  exceeded  four  million  baskets,  a  basket 
averaging  200  Peaches;  but  this  year  there  is  hardly  half  a 
erop,  owing  to  an  "  eastern  blight."  The  method  of  the  Peach 
trade  in  New  York  in  the  season  is  this  : — A  trip  to  Jersey  City 
about  1  a.m.  will  show  a  shabby-looking  unwashed  crowd 
awaiting  the  cars.  As  soon  as  they  arrive,  no  time  is  lost  in 
Belling,  and  100  000  baskets  are  gobbled  up  very  quickly,  in 
quantities  varying  from  50  to  500  baskets  at  a  time,  by  middle 
men.  Now  comes  the  turn  of  the  first-class  retailers,  who 
often  spend  3  dols.  to  5  dols.  a  basket  for  choice  lots  ;  then  the 
grocers,  a  hard  lot  to  suit,  but  good  buyers,  make  a  large  hole 
in  a  consignment ;  after  them  come  the  apple  women,  pretty 
hard  at  driving  a  bargain,  but  profitable  customers  in  tbe  main. 
The  shippers  and  preservers  come  in  later,  and  generally  get 
fruit  cheap.  The  last  customer  is  the  worst — the  huckster. 
Be  Peaohes  ever  so  good  or  ever  so  rotten,  he  bides  his  time, 
and  never  misses  a  chance  of  pouncing  on  some  unfortunate 
dealer  mad  with  anger  at  being  "  stuok,"  and  anxious  to  get 
back  some  of  his  money.  Rarely,  however,  does  this  class  of 
retailers  get  anything  but  the  very  worst  article,  or  pay  more 
than  75  cents,  a  basket  for  it.    When  it  is  considered,  that  on 


a  moderate  computation  there  are  over  10  000,000  dols. 
embarked  in  the  Eastern  Peach  trade,  the  profit  on  which 
exceeds  35,000  dols.  per  annum  to  the  growers,  labourers,  and 
mechanics  of  the  region,  nearly  250  000  dols.  per  annum  to 
the  New  York  commission  houses,  1,400,000  dols.  to  the  railroad 
and  freight  oompanies,  and  perhaps  another  3  000,000  to  the 
vendors  in  New  York,  an  idea  of  tbe  importance  of  the  trade 
may  be  had. — (American  Gardener's  Monthly.) 


FRUIT  TREES  FOR  SMALL  GARDENS. 

Though  much  obliged  to  Mr.  Abbey  for  his  articles  on  the 
above  subject,  I  was  glad  to  see  the  editorial  comment  on  his 
calculations  of  prices  and  productiveness,  for  an  acre  of  such 
trees  as  he  refers  to  have  never  given  me  anything  at  all  ap- 
proaohing  to  the  return  he  would  lead  one  to  expect.  What 
with  froBt  and  drought,  winds  and  weevils,  the  £  s.  d.  of  fact 
is  a  very  different  thing  from  the  £  s.  d.  of  theory  ;  and  Mr. 
Abbey  will  add  much  to  his  favours  if  he  will  say  whether  his 
conclusions  hare  been  arrived  at  by  actual  experiment  with  a 
strict  cash  account,  or  whether  they  are  merely  an  inferenoe 
from  his  great  general  knowledge  of  fruit  culture. 

Mr.  Abbey  certainly  has  a  large  margin  in  his  estimated  cost 
of  trees — viz.,  Apples  at  Is.  (id.  each  ;  for  many  large  firms — for 
instanoe,  Fisher  &  Holmes,  of  Sheffield,  supply  splendid  trees 
at  5s,  per  dozen  ;  and  I  am  told  by  market  gardeners  that  some 
firms  offer  their  maiden  plants  at  2d.  each  ;  and  even  that  price, 
a  grower  informs  me,  affords  a  good  profit,  the  land  being 
£G  per  acre. 

I  have  no  desire  to  throw  cold  water  on  bush  fruit-tree  cul- 
ture, quite  the  reverse ;  it  is  a  source  of  increasing  interest 
and  pleasure  ;  but  cent,  per  oent.  at  the  end  of  seven  years  is 
a  result  I  have  never  seen  nor  expect  to  see  ;  and  if  an  income 
of  £1P0  per  annum  could  be  educed  so  pleasantly  from  an 
acre  of  land  in  seven  years,  men  would  not  so  freely  risk  their 
necks  in  grubbing  for  diamonds  at  the  Cape. — C.  C.  E. 


CHATSWORTH— No.  1. 


Glorious  Cbatsworth !  the  crown  and  pride  of  Derbyshire, 
the  best  and  most  enduring  memorial  of  the  genius  of  Sir 
Toseph  Paxton,  is  one  of  those  rare  places  where  harmony  of 
aspect  everywhere  prevails.  The  wide  expanse  of  the  park, 
which  in  its  circumference  of  eleven  miles  embraces  more  of 
natural  beauty  than  can  be  found  in  almost  any  other  county, 
the  lofty  mountain  from  whose  summit  the  hillside  comes 
down  with  a  majestic  sweep  into  the  valley,  through  whioh  the 
bright  Derwent  has  its  course — now  gliding  smoothly  along, 
and  now  brawling  over  beautiful  cascades,  its  waters  agitated 
by  the  masses  of  rock  over  which  it  descends  seething  and 
foaming  with  a  pleasing  cadence — the  gentle  eminences,  and 
the  magnificent  trees — all  these  features  are  in  fine  keeping 
with  the  princely  mansion,  which  occupies  an  important  posi- 
tion overlooking  much  of  the  fine  scenery  surrounding  it. 

Bat  it  is  to  the  gardens  I  must  turn  my  attention,  as  belong- 
ing more  to  my  peculiar  province,  and  which  are  so  worthy  of 
the  great  master  whose  hand  designed  their  principal  features. 
From  the  grand  conservatory  down  to  the  kitchen  garden  all  is 
on  a  scale  of  magnificence,  and  every  part  is  enriched  with  the 
choicest  treasures  of  the  vegetable  kingdom.  Many  are  the 
striking  features  which  the  gardens  generally,  and  the  pleasure 
grounds  particularly  present ;  each  of  these  features  is  on  so 
vast  a  scale  that  it  is  developed  in  the  highest  degree  of  ex- 
cellence. Here  noble  deciduous  trees  display  the  full  beauty 
of  their  magnificent  proportions,  and  vast  spreading  branches 
sweep  the  closely-mown  turf,  and  in  grounds  so  extensive 
and  so  beautifully  kept  they  have  an  air  of  dignity  and  re- 
finement very  different  from  that  which  they  present  when 
crowded  together  in  groups  or  shut  in  among  thiokets  of  wild 
underwood. 

The  masses  of  rooks  forming  the  rockery  are  so  disposed  as 
to  cause  one  to  fancy  they  are  the  result  of  some  terrible  con- 
vulsion of  Nature;  so  boldly  and  wildly  are  they  arranged,  that 
it  seems  hardly  possible  that  the  hand  of  man  could  have 
scattered  these  mighty  fragments  with  as  much  ease  as  though 
they  were  bo  many  pebbles.  These  rocks  occupy  a  considerable 
space,  at  some  plaoes  standing  ont  boldly  in  all  the  might  of 
their  rugged  majesty,  and  at  others  partly  concealed  among  the 
shrubs  with  which  they  are  interspersed,  and  as  walks  wind 
among  them  one  is  enabled  to  thoroughly  enjoy  this  cnrionf 


December  1,  1870. 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


433 


and  interesting  scene.  Close  by  the  rocks,  near  an  immense 
block,  so  carefully  balanced  that  a  slight  push  canses  it  to  re- 
volve on  its  centre,  is  the  model  of  a  tree  called  the  Weeping 
Willow,  standing  in  a  circular  enclosure  with  a  narrow  entrance. 
This  tree  iB  undoubtedly  more  worthy  of  its  name  than  any 
natural  specimen,  for  by  turning  a  valve  it  is  made  to  shed  a 
copious  shower  of  water,  as  many  an  unwary  tourist  has  dis- 
covered. 

The  grand  conservatory  is  a  magnificent  structure,  covering 
an  acre  of  ground ;  it  is  277  feet  long  by  123  wide,  and  the 
central  transept  is  67  feet  high  with  a  span  of  70  feet.  It  is 
heated  by  hot  water,  which  traverses  sis  miles  of  pipes,  and 
to  these  statistics  may  be  added  the  interesting  fact  that  up- 
wards of  70,000  feet  of  glass  were  UBed  in  glazing  the  roofs. 
Entering  from  the  north  end  under  an  elegant  Grecian  portico, 
a  sight  of  rare  magnificence  presents  itself.  Along  each  side  of 
the  central  walk  there  are  Palms  growing  in  all  the  wild  freedom 
of  Nature,  with  wide-spreading  frondage,  light,  elegant,  and 
9xquisitely  graceful ;  some,  as  in  Corypha  australis,  springing 
from  the  ground,  while  others,  a3  in  Corypha  umbraculifera, 
borne  aloft  on  stems  so  smooth  and  hard  as  to  appear  more 
like  columns  of  stone  than  living  trunks.  At  one  part  of  the 
building  we  come  upon  an  avenue  of  Bananas  so  luxuriant  as 
to  quite  shut  ia  the  path  along  each  side  of  which  they  are 
growing ;  their  great  leaves  bend  gracefully,  high  overhead,  so 
that  one  can  enjoy  the  full  beauty  of  their  delicate  texture,  and 
fancy  oneself  really  strolling  in  a  tropical  jangle,  the  huge  ve- 
getation of  which  probably  attains  as  high  a  development  here, 
and  a  more  exquisite  finish  than  it  does  in  its  native  habitat ; 
for  here  no  winds  obtain  the  mastery  and  lacerate  this  splendid 
mass  of  foliage,  which,  from  its  large  size,  must  be  peculiarly 
susceptible  of  injury,  especially  when  so  violently  agitated  as  it 
must  be  by  the  terrific  storms  which  at  times  rage  near  the 
equator.  At  another  part  is  a  thicket  of  Bamboo  (Bambnsa 
arundinacea),  then  one  of  Sugar  Cane,  Cinnamon  trees,  and 
Papyrus  antiquorum,  the  Paper  Plant  of  the  ancients. 

At  one  corner  of  the  building  a  singular  effect  is  produced 
by  a  group  of  Aloes  with  their  spinous  leaves  of  the  deepest 
shade  of  green,  and  on  the  opposite  side  to  these  quaint-looking 
plants  is  a  splendid  fernery  formed  of  rocks,  among  which 
grow  in  the  wildest  luxuriance  a  host  of  the  most  beautiful 
varieties  of  exotic  Ferns.  Sseps  winding  among  the  rocks 
give  aooesg  to  the  gallery  which  runs  round  the  building,  so 
that  the  Ferns  may  be  closely  inspected,  and  their  full  beauty 
thoroughly  appreciated.  Very  different  is  the  aspect  of  such  a 
fernery  from  that  of  the  ordinary  Fern  house  with  its  formal 
flat  stages  and  with  the  Ferns  growing  in  pots.  I  do  not,  of 
course,  suppose  it  to  be  possible  for  many  gardens  to  have  such 
a  huge  and  costly  mass  of  material  for  such  a  purpose,  but 
surely  it  might  be  modified  in  such  a  way  as  to  suit  the  capa- 
city of  the  smallest  house.  I  lay  some  stress  upon  this,  because 
there  can  be  no  doubt  that  when  Ferns  are  cultivated  in  so 
natural  a  manner  they  are  not  only  more  luxuriant  in  growth, 
but  muoh  more  beautiful  in  appearance  than  they  can  ever  be 
in  pots,  however  well  they  may  be  arranged. 

From  the  gallery  we  have  a  fine  view  of  this  splendid  col- 
lection of  tropical  plants  displaying  themselves  in  all  their 
varied  beauty  of  form  and  colour — the  elegant  forms  of  the 
foliage  gracefully  springing  up  and  mingling  together  so  charm- 
ingly that  each  leaf  serves  to  draw  attention  to  its  neighbour. 
The  vast  extent  of  the  building,  and  the  immense  number  of 
choice  plants  spread  about  it  so  lavishly,  produce  an  effect  of 
incomparable  grace  and  magnificence. 

Such  a  sight  might  very  well  content  one,  even  if  there  were 
no  other  objects  of  interest  to  be  seen,  but  this  is  merely  one 
among  many  others,  of  which  the  fine  span-roofed  Orchid 
houses  worthily  rank  high.  The  whole  of  the  Orchids  were  in 
the  finest  order  and  condition.  In  the  cool  house,  besides  the 
Orchids,  was  a  fine  collection  of  Sarracenias,  S.  purpurea  and 
psittacina  being  especially  good.  The  Dendrobiums  were  also 
very  fine,  as  were  some  remarkable  pans  of  Miltonia  spectabilis, 
Clowesii,  and  virginalis  in  fine  flower.  Of  other  plants  in 
this  house  worthy  of  notice  I  may  select  a  fine  LycaBte  Skin- 
neri,  Ccelogyne  cristata  very  fine,  Calanthe  vestita,  Calanthe 
Wallichi,  and  beautiful  plants  of  those  fine  Ferns  Gymno- 
gramma  peruviana  and  Gleichenia  semivestita.  In  the  Mexican 
house  were  splendid  pans  of  Cattleya  crispa  superba,  a  very 
fine  Vanda  teres,  Dandrobium  densiflorum,  and  a  very  good 
Lomaria  gibba.  This  is  one  of  the  most  popular  of  Ferns, 
and  it  certainly  deserves  its  high  position,  for  it  is  extremely 
useful. 

In  the  East  Indian  house  my  attention  was  at  once  attracted 


by  the  magnificent  collection  of  Vandas  ;  many  of  them  must 
be  fully  6  feet  high,  and  all  of  them  were  in  fine  health. 
Another  striking  object  in  this  house  was  a  noble  plant  of 
Nepenthes  Rufflesiana.  The  Aerides  were  also  very  fine,  espe- 
cially a  beautiful  plant  of  snavissimum  in  flower ;  nor  must 
I  omit  a  Phalo)nopsis  Scbilleriana,  a  Calanthe  Veitchii,  and  a 
grand  Anthurium  cordifolium.  I  have  named  only  very  few 
specimens  out  of  this  splendid  collection,  bnt  the  whole  of  them 
were  in  a  high  state  of  health,  and  their  cleanliness  and  beau- 
tiful arrangement  betokened  the  exercise  of  great  care  and 
skill  in  their  culture. 

Of  another  range  of  four  span-roofed  houses,  two  contained 
Azaleas,  another  some  flourishing  Heaths  and  Epaorises,  and 
the  fourth  a  fine  collection  of  stove  plants.  Here  was  an  enor- 
mous Eucbaris  amazonica  5  feet  in  diameter,  a  striking  plant 
of  the  dark-leaved  Dracaena  ferrea,  and  a  fine  Alsophila  excels*. 

The  plants  in  three  other  stoves  were  all  in  a  creditable 
condition,  but  none  of  them  call  for  special  mention,  except- 
ing a  magnificent  plant  of  Maranta  Veitohii,  by  far  the  finest 
specimen  of  it  that  I  have  seen. 

A  long  corridor  or  glass  case  leading  np  to  these  houses 
was  very  interesting  from  the  fine  climbing  plants  olothing 
the  back  wall  throughout  its  length.  Many  large  plants  of 
Fuohsias  were  trained  up  the  wall,  with  Tea  Roses,  Azaleas, 
Acacias,  Veronicas,  Brugmansias,  Solanum  Capsicastrum,  Cli- 
anthus  puniceus,  Camellias,  and  euch  plants  as  Eutaxia  myrti- 
folia,  Chorozema  cordatum,  Mimosa  prostrata,  and  a  very  fine 
Citrus  decumana  (the  Shaddock),  laden  with  large  fruit.  A 
novel  and  striking  effect  is  produced  halfway  along  the  corridor, 
where  there  is  an  alcove  in  the  back  wall,  on  each  side  of  which 
is  a  large  plant  of  Camellia  reticulata,  and  the  alcove  itself 
contains  a  magnificent  Camellia  alba  plena,  which,  though 
it  grows  against  the  wall,  does  not  present  a  flit  surface 
like  the  others,  but  is  so  trained  that  the  centre  of  the  plant 
stands  out  some  distance  from  the  wall,  and  from  this  raised 
centre  the  branches  are  beautifully  graduated  backwards  to  the 
sides,  which  are  close  to  the  wall.  High  overhead  a  beautiful 
fringe  of  the  flowers  of  Fuohsia  corymbiflora  hung  pendant 
along  the  top  of  the  alcove. 

Tbe  orangery  is  108  feet  long  and  27  wide — it  is  an  apart- 
ment of  Chatsworth  House ;  it  contains  some  fine  Orange 
trees,  many  of  which  originally  belonged  to  the  collection  of  the 
Empress  Josephine,  at  Malmaison.  A  pair  of  huge  white 
Camellias  nearly  20  feet  high,  had  beautiful  healthy  foliage  and 
an  abundance  of  flower-buds.  Some  very  large  Rhododendrons, 
a  fine  Lomaria  gibba,  a  lofty  Asplenium  fontanum,  a  Phyllo- 
cladus  tricbomanoides,  with  its  singular  pendulous  branches 
and  many  fine  pyramidal  Camellias,  are  the  principal  plants. 
Among  the  plants  I  noticed  a  beautiful  marble  copy  of  the 
Medicean  vase,  and  a  charming  group  of  statuary  of  Venus  and 
Cupid  at  play  ;  but  these  sink  into  insignificance  as  one  obtains 
a  glimpse  of  the  magnificent  art  treasures  in  the  sculpture 
gallery,  which  opens  into  the  orangery.  Here  are  marble 
figures  possessing  all  the  graceful  symmetry  which  the  hands 
of  such  masters  as  Canova,  Gibson,  Campbell,  Schadow,  and 
many  other  famous  artists  could  impart,  and  in  the  centre  of 
the  gallery  is  an  immense  vase  of  polished  granite,  known  as 
the  Mecklenburgh  vase,  which  was  cut  out  of  a  single  block, 
and  is  20  feet  in  circumference. 

A  broad  flight  of  steps  leads  down  from  the  orangery  to  a 
gravel  walk,  whence  other  steps  ascend  to  the  Camellia  house. 
On  each  side  of  this  walk  was  a  broad  ribbon  border  of  nine 
rows  arranged  in  the  following  order — 1,  Cerastium  tomen- 
tosum  ;  2.  blue  Lobelia ;  3.  Golden  Pyrethrum  ;  4,  Iresine 
Herbstii ;  5,  Flower  of  the  Day  Pelargonium  ;  6,  Pelargonium 
Christine;  7,  Stella;  8,  Cineraria  maritima;  and  9,  a  purple 
Pentstemon.  These  were  two  very  handsome  borders.  The 
plants  were  in  full  beauty,  and  the  arrangement  most  satisfac- 
tory, with  the  exception  of  Flower  of  the  Day,  for  which  I  would 
substitute  Flower  of  Spring.  Oae  was  puzzled  at  a  little  distance 
off  to  know  what  the  Pentstemon  could  be,  for  its  ti  ;h  deep 
colour  waB  very  peculiar  and  attractive ;  it  was  just  hign  enough 
to  form  a  capital  back  row. 

The  principal  masses  of  flowers  are  displayed  in  a  series  of 
raised  beds  with  stone  faciDgs,  which  have  a  fine  effect  viewed 
from  the  terrace  walk  along  the  west  front.  The  style  of 
colouring  was  massive  and  very  effective.  The  appearance  of 
the  whole  of  the  beds  was  altogether  good,  for  these  raised 
beds  seemed  to  me  to  possess  an  air  of  dignity  very  suitable  for 
the  important  position  they  occupy  ;  and  what,  perhaps,  helps 
as  much  as  anything  to  impart  this  is  that  they  are  so  far 
apart  that  eaeh  is  a  complete  and  finished  feature  in  itself. 


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[  December  1,  1870. 


Their  large  size,  too,  and   the  ample  breadth  ot  turf  on  which 
they  stand,  all  add  to  their  importance. 

I  mast  not  conclude  this  part  of  my  report  without  alluding 
to  the  renowned  Emperor  Fountain.    From  the  south  front  a 


fine  vista  opens  out  between  masses  of  lofty  trees  to  some'of 
the  hills  in  the  distance ;  in  the  centre  of  the  space  between 
the  trees  up  springs  this  noble  fountain,  a  single  jet  of  260  feet 
high  forming  a  glistening  cone  of  falling  spray,  depending  on 


Conservatory  at  Chatsworth. 


no  statuary  nor  architectural  acjessories  to  add  to  its  effect, 
but  by  its  grand  simplicity  and  mighty  force  alone  it  dazzles 


and  astonishes  all  who  see  it. 
Buxted,  Sussex. 


-Eewakd  Luckhurst,  Old  Lands, 


NEW  BOOK. 


Sea-side  Walks  of  a  Naturalist  with  his  Children.    By  the  Rev.  W.  Houghton,  &e.    Groombridge  &  Sons. 


This  is  one  of  that  very  uBeful  class  of  books — popularly 
written  yet  acourate — composed  by  men  of  science  who  could 
write  authoritatively  on  its  deep  things,  yet  who  can  descend  to 
write  alluringly  for  the  young,  like  Faraday,  who  in  the  morn- 
ing was  tearing  oompounds  into  their  elements  by  the  galvanic 
power,  and  in  the  evening  rivetting  the  attention  of  children 
by  lecturing  on  a  candle.  One  extract  illustrative  of  Mr. 
Houghton's  style  must  suffice  : — 

" '  Papa,'  said  May,  '  there  are  some  large  stones  near  the 
water ;  do  you  not  think  we  might  find  some  Sea  Anemones 
attached  to  these  stones  ? '  Off  we  all  scamper,  and  Jack  very 
soon  tells  us  he  has  discovered  what  he  thinks  must  be  a  Sea- 
Anemone.  At  once  I  recognise  the  animal  as  a  specimen  of 
the  common  Smooth  Anemone  (Actinia  mesembryanthemum) ; 
we  will  wait  by  this  large  stone  and  examine  the  creature.  It 
is  fixed  by  its  broad  fleshy  base  to  this  bit  of  rock,  its  numerous 
tentacles  spread  ont  in  the  little  pool. the  tide  has  left;  the 


mouth  is  situated  in  the  centre  of  the  disc.  I  dare  say  we  can 
tempt  the  creature  to  use  it  for  our  instruction.  I  will  catch  a 
small  fish  and  offer  it  to  the  Anemone.  See  the  tentacles 
have  caught  hold  of  it,  and  are  bringing  it  to  its  mouth ;  in 
about  two  minutes  the  fish  is  swallowed." 

"  Here  is  another  Sea  Anemone,  a  much  finer  specimen  than 
the  one  Jaok  found.  '  Oh,'  said  May,  '  it  is  a  beautiful  speci- 
men ;  is  it  the  same  species?'  It  is  generally  considered 
to  be  a  variety  of  the  other  one;  it  is  called  the  Strawberry 
Anemone,  from  its  resemblance  to  the  fruit  of  that  name.  If 
I  touch  its  tentacles,  it  immediately  closes  itself  up.  These 
creatures  have  no  eyes,  yet  are  so  susceptible  of  light,  that  they 
will  often  show  they  are  aware  of  a  passing  cloud  by  shrinking. 
Should  an  unlucky  crab,  though  stronger  far  apparently  and 
much  more  active  than  the  zoophyte,  touch  the  expanded 
arms,  activity  and  strength  avail  it  little  ;  with  slow,  but  per- 
tinacious and  unflinching;  grasp,  the  Actinia  seizes  hold  of  it, 


December  1, 1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


435 


and  soon  involving  all  its  limbs  with  the  tentacnla  aronnd  the 
month,  the  victim  is  gradually  dragged  into  the  polyp's  sto- 
mach, there  to  perish.  All  its  softer  parts,  all  that  can  be 
nutritious,  is  digested  and  dissolved,  until  at  length  the  Actinia, 
being  satisfied  with  its  abundant  meal,  opens  again  its  mouth, 
and  then  regurgitates  the  shell  and  what  is  indigestible.  Nor 
does  a  little  food  suffice  to  satisfy  its  appetite.  The  Actinia  is 
voracious,  harmless  and  flower-like  though  it  seems  ;  some- 
times, for  instance,  it  will  swallow  whole  three  or  four  mussels 
for  a  breakfast,  and  dissolve  them  all  except  the  shells.  Mr. 
Gosse  calls  this  species  the  'beadlet,'  from  its  possessing  a 
number  of  blue  bead-like  tubercles  around  its  mouth.  The 
scientific  name  of  Actinia  is  from  a  Greek  word,  meaning  'a 
ray,'  in  allusion  to  the  tentacles.  This  is  a  very  variable 
species  as  to  oolour,  and  the  commonest  of  all  tho  Sea  Ane- 
mone family.  The  Aotinias  resemble  their  relatives  the  Hydrre, 
in  their  power  of  reproducing  lost  portions  of  their  bodies.     If 


one  be  out  in  two  with  a  sharp  knife  or  razor,  each  half  will 
grow  to  a  whole  animal." 

We  wish  to  arouse  more  attention  to  the  marine  aquarium, 
and,  therefore,  will  republish  the  following  which  appeared  in 
our  columns  about  twelve  years  since  : — 

"In  the  subjoined  cut  are  represented  four  of  the  best  Sea 
Anemones,  whether  for  a  beginner  or  an  adept.  In  the  richest 
collection  the  common  '  Mes,'  or  Actinia  meBembry an themum, 
is  as  valuable  as  the  rarest,  on  account  of  its  intrinsic  beauty  ; 
and  as  to  hardiness  and  longevity,  no  creature  of  the  deep  ever 
yet  brought  within  domesticating  influences,  can  equal  it. 
When  all  goes  wrong,  and  the  pretty  creatures  drop  from  their 
stony  pinnacles  and  perish  ; — when  the  water  gets  putrid,  and, 
perhaps,  half  a  dozen  degrees  of  specific  gravity  too  dense — 
'  Mes  '  will  Btill  be  found  alive  and  unhurt,  and  will  display  its 
coral  fingers  and  bright  blue  beads  the  moment  he  is  lifted  into 
a  purer  element.     This  is  known  by  many  popular  names,  of 


which  the  most  common  is  '  Strawberry  Anemone,'  for  the 
most  plentiful  form  of  it  is  that  which  strongly  resembles,  when 
closed,  a  well-grown  Sir  Harry.  Bat  it  has  so  many  varieties, 
that  for  mere  effect  this  species  is,  in  itself,  sufficient  for  a 
small  tank.  In  its  most  common  form  it  is  spotted  on  a 
crimson  ground,  Strawberry  fashion  ;  in  another  it  is  of  a  deep 
maroon,  without  spots.  There  is  another  variety  of  a  deep 
quiet  chestnut ;  another  of  a  dark  olive  green,  and  a  rarer 
and  exquisitely  beautiful  one  of  a  very  bright,  almost  grass 
green. 

"  The  numbers  on  the  out  refer  to  the  specimens  as  follows : 


!  — 1,  2,  3,  Sagartia  anguicoma,  or  snaky-locked  Anemone,  in 
three  different  states,  the  last  being  shrunk  up;  4,  Bunodes 
clavata  in  its  ordinary  force  of  expansion ;  5,  the  common 
'Mes'  expanded,  and  closed;  the  row  of  heads  resembling 
torquoises  which  surrounds  the  tentacles,  is  peculiar  to  this 
speoies,  and  adds  vastly  to  its  beauty,  especially  in  the  rose 
and  coral-coloured  specimens  ;  7,  Actinia  bellis,  the  sea  Daisy  ; 
8,  the  lovely  red  Alga,  Delesseria  sanguinea,  drawn  from  a  very 
fine  specimen  ;  the  plant  on  the  other  Bide  is  Fureellaria  fas- 
tigiata  ;  6,  one  of  the  few  purple  AlgiE  that  may  be  preserved 
in  small  collections." 


WORK  FOR  THE  WEEK. 


KITCHEN   GABDEN. 

Various  are  the  schemes  of  rotation  practised  by  different 
gardenerB,  many  of  them  being  based  on  no  better  foundation 
than  the  convenience  of  the  hour  ;  where,  however,  the  kitchen 
garden  is  sufficiently  extensive,  and  where  much  produce  is 
required,  the  rotation  of  crops  should  be  carefully  studied. 
Calendarial  limits  will  not  permit  me  to  offer  more  than  a  few 
words  of  advice,  which,  however,  will,  as  far  as  they  go,  be  a 
tolerably  safe  guide.  The  great  difficulty  is  to  procure  fresh 
ground  for  the  Cabbage  tribe,  so  numerous  are  the  kinds  as 
well  as  successions  in  cultivation.  Broken-up  plantations  of 
Strawberries,  Raspberries,  and  bush  fruit,  with  Celery  ground, 
should  at  all  times,  as  a  leading  principle,  be  set  apart  for  some 
of  the  Cabbage  family.  The  ground  from  which  Celery  has 
been  grown,  especially  in  the  Scotch  or  bed  fashion,  is  also 


ready-made  ground  for  new  Asparagus  beds.  Potatoes  prepare 
well  for  almost  every  crop.  Deep  or  tap-rooted  crops  should 
be  succeeded  by  shallow  or  fibrous-rooted  ones.  When  the 
course  of  cropping  has  been  decided  on  for  the  ensuing  year, 
and  duly  entered  with  numbers  in  the  garden  book,  the  practice 
is  to  set  up  laths  opposite  to  the  space  appropriated  to  each 
crop,  with  the  number  corresponding  with  the  book,  and  the 
name  of  the  crop  on  one  side,  and  on  the  other  the  manure, 
where  from,  and  the  quantity,  with  the  mode  of  cultivation — 
digging  or  trenching.  This  done,  a  labourer  who  can  read  the 
label  can  set  out  or  proceed  with  the  work  at  any  spare  time. 
Winter  has  at  last  commenced,  and  it  behoveB  every  one 
possessing  a  garden  to  cast  his  eyes  once  more  round  in  order 
to  see  whether  its  rigours  can  be  further  softened  with  regard 
to  anything  tender.    An  opportunity  will  now  occur  of  covering 


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JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  December  1, 187U. 


the  roots  of  Asparagus  with  a  good  coat  of  the  best  rotten 
manure.  Hard  frosts  frequently  do  serious  injury  to  this  root 
from  want  of  such  covering.  Tlie  Celery  ground,  as  before 
observed,  will  answer  well  for  a  new  plantation  ;  it  should  be 
ridged  to  mellow  as  the  crop  is  taken  up.  Cover  Endive 
plants  with  a  slate  or  tile  laid  on  each  side,  and  cover  the  whole 
with  dry  leaves,  finishing  with  some  stable  litter ;  in  this  way 
they  will  blanch  well  and  be  fit  for  use  throughout  the  winter. 
The  best  policy  with  Lettuces  intended  for  supply  next  spring 
is  to  allow  them  to  freeze  tolerably  firmly  before  covering  them 
np.  A  very  light  screen  of  straw  should  be  shaken  over  them 
at  first,  and  when  this  is  frozen  add  a  little  more,  the  object 
beiDg  to  keep  them  frozen  as  long  as  possible  ;  above  all,  do  not 
uncover  them  when  a  thaw  arrives  ;  let  them  remain  until 
completely  thawed.  These  remarks  will  bear  equally  on  all 
other  vegetables  of  a  tender  character.  Ou  dry,  well-drained 
ground  on  a  south  aspect,  a  sowing  of  Peas  may  now  be  made. 
The  Double-Blossomed  Early  Frame  is  the  most  profitable  for 
this  purpose ;  PriDce  Albert  is  earlier,  but  is  apt  to  suffer  much 
from  cold  winds  and  wet,  and  succeeds  better  when  started  in 
heat  and  transplanted  in  February.  Where  there  are  not  pit3 
adapted  for  forcing  Sea-kale  and  Rhubarb,  let  a  quantity  of  each 
be  covered  over  with  pots  or  wooden  boxes,  or  hooped  over 
with  rods,  and  have  fermenting  material  placed  round  them — 
leaves  are  preferable  to  any  other,  and  by  covering  them  with 
some  long  stable  dung,  they  are  prevented  from  being  blown 
about  the  gardeu.  It  is  beneficial  to  water  the  soil  in  which 
the  plants  to  be  forced  are  growing  with  water  heated  to  130°, 
covering  the  ground  immediately  with  leaves. 

FRUIT  GARDEN. 

Fig  trees  must  now  have  some  dry  Fern  or  Spruoe  boughs 
nailed  over  them  to  prevent  injury  from  severe  frost,  though 
damage  is  less  likely  to  occur  this  season,  as,  from  the  fine 
warm  summer  we  have  had,  the  wood  of  every  description  of 
tree  is  well  ripened,  and  consequently  will  resist  the  effects  of 
severe  weather  with  impunity,  whereas,  ri  ill-matured  it  would 
suffer  severely.  If  I  dared  to  prophesy  I  should  say  that  next 
season  would  be  more  than  usually  abundant  in  fruit  of  all 
sorts. 

FLOWER   GARDEN. 

The  late  slight  froats  will  have  brought  vegetation  generally 
to  a  state  of  inactivity,  and  finally  destroyed  the  lingering  floral 
beauty  of  the  declining  year.  Let,  therefore,  the  clearing-off 
of  the  decaying  stems  be  at  once  proceeded  with,  as  also  the 
general  removal  of  the  fallen  leaves.  In  this  uncertain  climate 
it  is  all-important  to  have  a  reserve  of  protecting  material  at 
hand  in  ca.-e  of  need,  but  it  is  best  not  to  spply  it  till  there 
be  some  indications  of  severe  weather.  If  we  protect  carefully 
and  the  season  prove  mild  anil  growing  we  may  do  harm.  Com- 
plete all  planting,  and  forward  all  alterations,  particularly  the 
removal  of  objectionable  trees,  which,  if  out  down  now,  may  be 
taken  away  in  frosty  mornings  without  much  damage  to  the 
turf  and  walks.  Now  that  the  flowers  have  departed  it  will  be 
necessary  to  endeavour  to  compensate  for  their  absence  by  the 
perfect  order  and  neatness  of  the  surface  of  the  garden,  the 
gravel,  the  turf,  and  the  soil.  It  is  advisable  to  keep  all  Car- 
nations and  Pinks  which  may  have  been  potted  during  the  past 
month  from  the  action  of  frost,  as  they  are  unable  to  withstand 
it  so  well  as  those  which  have  established  themselves  from 
being  potted  earlier  in  the  season.  They  should  not,  however, 
be  shut  down  when  damp,  for  though  extremely  hardy,  no 
flower  suffers  so  much  from  want  of  a  free  circulation  of  air  as 
the  Carnation.  Tulip  beds,  as  a  matter  of  course,  have  been 
covered  as  previously  directed.  The  lesson  taught  to  florists 
generally  last  season  will  not  soon  be  forgotten,  and  from  the 
loss  then  sustained  I  anticipate  greater  attention  will  be  paid 
to  protection  for  the  future.  It  is  a  good  plan  to  place  young 
shoota  of  Gorse  between  the  rows  of  Pinks  where  rabbits  are 
apt  to  come,  and  it  will  prevent  oats  from  taking  liberties  with 
the  beds,  independently  of  protecting  the  plants  from  the  cut- 
ting winds  of  the  winter  months.  Look  well  to  the  turning  of 
compost  heaps,  Sen. 

GREENHOUSE    AND   CONSERVATORY. 

The  Camellias  will  now  be  making  a  fine  display  in  the  con- 
servatory ;  they  should  receive  careful  attention  as  to  watering 
with  very  weak  tepid  liquid  manure.  Let  them  not,  however, 
receive  a  drop  until  they  are  really  dry,  and  then  supply  them 
liberally.  If  in  such  cases  any  air  bubbles  arise,  continue  to  fill 
np  with  water  until  they  cease.  Let  not  a  drop  of  water  be  spilled 
on  the  conservatory  floor  at  this  period,  and  keep  on  a  very  little 
air  at  back  all  night  in  order  to  let  atmospheric  humidity  pass  off. 


Be  very  cautious  in  the  use  of  fire  heat,  the  less  the  better  if 
45°  to  50° can  be  secured.  In  the  greenhouse,  see  that  the  early- 
flowering  Cincrarius  have  the  lightest  place  in  the  house,  close 
to  the  glass ;  crowding  ia  very  prejudicial  to  this  plant.  Let 
plants  of  Eranthemum  pulohellnm  coming  in  bloom  have 
abundance  of  water  and  a  warm  situation.  The  Veltheimias, 
TritonisiS,  Stenorhynchus  speciosus,  Laohenalias,  See.,  are  de- 
lightful winter  plants  ;  see  that  they  receive  due  attention. 
Follow  up  the  directions  for  the  conservatory  as  to  heat  and 
general  management. 

FORCING   PIT. 

This  structure  will  now  daily  become  of  increasing  interest. 
Early-prepared  forcing  kinds  of  Geraniums  should  be  at  once 
introduced  into  the  most  airy  situation,  or  on  Bhelves  near  the 
glass.  Plants  of  the  beautiful  kinds  of  Azalea  indica  in  variety, 
which  hive  also  been  well  prepared,  and  have  made  early  sturdy 
growth,  and  formed  abundance  of  strong,  plump,  well-set  flower 
buds,  with  Rbododendronsin  variety.  Ledums,  Kilmias,  Roses, 
a  few  Pinks,  Wallflowers,  and  bulbs  in  variety  may  be  placed 
in  succession  in  a  gentle  kindly  bottom  heat,  afforded  either  by 
means  of  a  tank  or  prepared  fermented  material,  and  moderate 
syringings  with  tepid  water  applied  on  suitable  occasions.  Fire 
heat  ehonld  bo  principally  applied  by  day,  with  a  good  portion 
of  air.  The  pit  should  be  shut  up  early,  and  night  heat  applied 
very  oautiouBly  indeed  at  this  season,  and  still  reduce  its  amount 
as  the  solar  light  decreases.  Apply  frequent  but  very  moderate 
fumigations  of  tobacco  smoke  to  destroy  the  aphis  ;  and  slight 
applications  of  sulphur  vivum  liquid  to  the  heating  apparatus 
when  nearly  cold  prevent  the  attacks  of  the  red  spider.  Syringe 
occasionally  with  well-prepared  clarified  liquid  from  chimney 
soot,  to  be  applied  ou  the  principle  of  "little  and  often." — W. 
Keane. 

DOINGS  OF  THE  LAST    WEEK. 

KITCHEN   GARDEN. 

In  wet  daya  looked  over  roots,  as  Potatoes,  Carrots,  &c,  and 
found  all  in  good  order.  Shed  room  is  of  great  importance, 
especially  for  seedling  Potatoes,  that  they  may  be  spread  out 
thinly.  Other  roots  may  be  built  in  banks,  with  dry  Boil  or 
small  dry  twigs  between  the  layers. 

A  few  fine  deep-coloured  Beet  leaves  are  useful  for  decorating 
flower-vtises.  We  are  less  likely  to  think  of  the  fiue  purple 
leaves  being  connected  with  the  salad  at  this  season  than  in 
the  summer  time.  We  have  seen  rows  of  deep  crimson  dwarf 
Beet  far  more  beautiful  than  Perilla  or  Amaranthus,  or  even 
Iresine ;  and  where  ground  i3  scarce  the  double  purpose  of 
decoration  and  utility  may  thus  be  served,  though  we  confess 
to  a  prejudice  againBt  using  Beet,  or  the  finest  variegated  Scotch 
Kale  or  Borecole  in  the  flower  garden.  One  advantage  of  the 
latter  is  that  they  lift  well  with  good  balls,  and  as  they  do  not 
show  their  colour  thoroughly  until  late  in  the  autumn,  they  are 
thus  better  fitted  for  moving  to  make  a  show  in  prominent 
places  in  the  winter  months. 

The  mention  of  these  variegated  Kales  leads  us  to  notice  a 
prejudice  against  their  use  for  culinary  pnrposes,  as  several 
friends  have  told  us  that  they  are  more  difficult  to  boil,  are 
harder  when  boiled  than  the  green  varieties,  and  that  generally 
when  boiled  they  lose  their  distinctive  colour  and  beoome  of  a 
dirty  sickly  yeilow.  We  cannot  tell  how  this  can  be.  In  boil- 
ing them  ourselves  we  have  never  used  anything  but  a  little 
carbonate  of  soda  in  the  water,  and  in  almost  every  case  the 
white,  purple,  and  crimson  variegated  Kales  keep  their  colour, 
and  are  quite  as  sweet  and  tender  as  the  best  sprouts  of  the 
dwarf  Cabbaging  Kale.  We  think  all  Kales  and  CabbageB  boil 
softest  when  put  into  boiling  water.  We  have  known  fine 
vegetables  made  neither  pleasant  to  look  at  nor  pleasant  to  eat 
from  being  left  to  soak  in  merely  warm  water.  Boiling  in 
cookery  is  but  little  understood  among  the  humblest,  who 
ought  to  be  best  acquainted  with  it.  We  knew  of  a  case  some 
time  ago  where  some  very  strong  mutton  broth  was  desirable, 
but  considering  the  meat  used  the  broth  was  very  poor.  The 
meat  was  put  in  when  the  liquid  was  boiling  furiously.  If  to 
boil  the  meat  and  keep  as  much  as  possible  of  its  good  proper- 
ties from  going  into  the  water,  then  the  plan  adopted  was 
correct,  but  quite  the  reverse  when  soup  or  broth  was  the  ohief 
object.  The  very  best  vegetables  are  anything  but  attraotiye 
when  spoiled  in  the  cooking.  The  variegated  Kales,  when  they 
keep  their  colour,  make  a  nioe  variety  on  the  table,  and  the 
white-variegated  we  have  often  found  as  delicate  and  good  as 
Sea-kale. 

On  a  dry  day  we  gathered  Asparagus  seed  before  olearing  the 


December  1,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


437 


haulm  away.  We  took  tip  Sea-kale  and  Rhubarb  for  forcing, 
and  as  Globe  Artichokes  have  grown  more  than  usual,  owing  to 
the  heat  of  the  summer  and  the  mildness  of  the  first  part  of 
the  winter,  we  put  some  litter  round  the  stools  to  save  them 
from  frost,  and  if  frost  ehould  be  severe,  we  have  some  laurel 
branches  close  at  hand  to  stick  in  round  the  stools,  as  the  tender 
growth  will  make  them  all  the  more  sensitive  to  severe  cold,  and 
where  suoh  things  are  muoh  ran  upon  a  scarcity  cannot  be 
easily  got  over.  Prioked-out  lots  of  Lettuoes  and  even  Endive, 
in  beds,  and  at  the  front  of  fences,  as  the  trouble  is  little,  and 
if  they  stand  they  will  be  useful  when  tha  warm  days  of  spring 
and  early  summer  eome.  Those  sown  late  are  looking  well, 
just  a  little  too  well,  from  growing  rather  much.  It  is  well  to 
have  some  of  these  growing  thickly  under  a  little  protection  in 
ease  the  weather  should  be  severe.  We  have  often  found 
little  plants  tnrned  ont  now  in  soil  just  surface-pricked  over, 
and  a  little  dry  ashes,  or  burnt  earth,  or  charcoal-dust  sprinkled 
among  them,  do  better  than  plants  pricked  out  a  month  or  six 
weeks  ago. 

FRUIT    GARDEN. 

We  mnst  refer  the  reader  to  what  was  said  in  previous  weeks 
as  to  root-pruning,  pruning,  planting,  top-mulching,  &e.  We 
should  have  been  pruning  and  planting  but  for  a  press  of  other 
work.  Leaves  now  fallen  from  fruit  trees  in  borders  should  be 
cleared  up  or  pointed  in,  to  prevent  their  blowing  about.  It  is 
impossible  to  prevent  for  some  time  these  signs  of  decay  meet- 
ing the  eye  at  every  turn.  You  may  Bweep  and  roll  walks  and 
lawns,  but  ere  long  the  winds  will  bring  lots  of  tren  leaves,  so 
that  until  they  are  all  down  frequent  sweeping  is  like  washing 
a  negro  to  make  him  white.  Still,  in  all  principal  plaoes  leaves 
should  bo  frequently  picked  up,  as  to  some  minds  that  revel 
in  the  beauty  of  the  autumnal  tints  of  the  foliage  the  drifting 
and  fallen  leaves  always  cauBe  melancholy. 

We  would  like  to  impress  on  those  who  resort  to  root- 
pruning  fruit  trees  now,  in  order  to  make  those  that  are  grow- 
ing too  luxuriantly  more  fruitful  for  the  future,  that  root- 
pruning  now,  whether  it  is  slight  or  rather  extensive,  though  it 
will  tell  on  the  more  stunted  growth,  will  not  increase  the 
fertility  in  the  following  season.  Na  pruning  at  the  root  now 
will  make  a  fruit  bud  more  mature,  or  turn  a  wood  bud  into  a 
fruit  bud.  This  must  be  waited  for  until  the  summer  of  1872. 
When  root-pruning  is  performed  to  affect  the  fertility  of  the 
next  season  it  ehould  be  so  done  that  the  sun  of  September 
and  October  will  act  on  the  wood  and  buds,  curtailed  of  the 
previous  supply  of  crude  sap.  With  sba'low  planting  and 
surface-dressing,  root- pruning  and  root-lifting  may  be  reduced 
to  a  minimum  ;  though  faots  tend  to  prove  that  many  of  the 
finer  sorts  of  Apples  and  Pears,  for  instance,  that  will  not  grow 
healthily,  nor  produce  good  fruit  in  unfavourable  circumstances, 
will  do  both  when  the  trees  are  kept  small  and  a  mass  of  buds, 
by  frequently  lifting  and  replanting.  The  summer  sun  has 
then  more  power  to  thoroughly  mature  the  buds  and  consoli- 
date the  wood.  Where  the  Ribston  Pippin  conlrl  hardly  live  for 
canker,  even  when  planted  carefully,  it,  has  become  healthy 
when  the  growth  was  limited  by  frequent  repl  ailing  or  root- 
pruning.  We  may  mention  hero  that  the  Margil  Apple,  a 
miniature  Ribston,  will  often  thrive  and  bear  heavily  where 
the  Ribston  Pippin  would  hardly  live  without  root  pruning. 

ORNAMENTAL  DEPARTMENT. 

Mowed  for  the  last  time,  we  trust,  this  season  some  outlying 
parts  of  the  pleasure  grounds,  that  grass  and  leaves  may  be 
swept  up  together.  Such  material,  and  especially  tree  leaves, 
will  be  valuable  at  all  times,  and  more  particularly  now,  for 
giving  a  help  to  many  things  in  the  way  of  bottom  heat.  One 
great  advantage  of  tree  leaves  when  thus  collected  a  little 
damp  is  that  they  heat  quickly,  but  the  vapour  from  them  is 
so  sweet  that  it  will  never  injure  the  most  tender  plant;  so 
different  in  this  respect  from  the  fumes  of  fermenting  dung 
before  it  becomes  sweet.  When  we  use  durjg  in  rather  a  rank 
state  we  like  to  have  from  6  inches  of  these  sweet  leaves  over 
it,  as  thus  they  will  arrest  all  the  noxious  vapours  and  prevent 
them  tainting  the  atmosphere.  Let  us  say,  however,  to  be- 
ginners that  in  using  tree  leaves,  so  as  to  obtain  a  genial  heat 
from  them  in  a  bed  or  house,  it  is  advisable  to  let  them 
heat  well  in  a  heap  first,  as  such  a  heat  either  kills  or  drives 
away  myriads  of  small  slugs  and  snails,  which  otherwise  might 
make  great  havoc.  Decayed  leaves,  as  sweet  leaf  mould,  are 
so  useful  that  no  one  with  a  garden  oan  save  leaves  with  too 
muoh  care.  When  intended  to  be  kept  for  future  use  for 
heating  purposes  they  oan  hardly  be  collected  too  dry.  For 
present  use  it  is  of  no  importance  though  they  be  damp,  and 


any  grass  that  may  be  raked  up  with  them  will  not  at  this 
season  make  the  heat  too  rank  for  immediate  use. 

As  just  stated,  a  few  leaves  will  disfigure  the  finest  green- 
carpet  lawn.  It  is  often  a  good  plan  to  pick  these  up  by  hand 
and  place  them  in  a  bag  or  apron.  Wo  have  seen  lawns  swept 
oyer  to  get  a  handful  of  leaves,  when  each  leaf  could  have  been 
picked  up  in  a  tithe  of  the  time.  Of  course,  when  numerous, 
the  broom  ehould  be  used,  but  unless  very  thick  no  heap  should 
ever  be  made,  nor  much  ever  kept  before  the  broom.  After 
this  season  the  roller  is  the  beet  friend  to  the  lawn,  making  all 
smooth,  and  keeping  wormcasts  out  of  sight. 

With  planting,  ground  work,  turfing,  &c,  we  shall  be  busy. 
The  last  if  done  now  will  give  no  trouble  afterwards.  For 
houses,  pot  plants,  &c,  we  must  refer  to  recent  notices. — R.  F. 


TRADE   CATALOGUES  RECEIVED. 

P.  J.  Perry,  The  Nurseries,  Banbury. — Catalogue  of  Ornamental 
Trees,  Eardy  Shrubs,  Conifers,  Fruit  Trees,  <&c. 

George  Edwards,  1,  King  Street,  Castlegate,  York. — Catalogue  of 
Poses,  Fruit  Trees,  Pelargoniums,  Carnations  and  Pico  tees. 

TO    CORRESPONDENTS. 

*  t  *  We  request  that  no  one  will  write  privately  to  any  of  the 
correspondents  of  the  "  Journal  of  Horticulture,  Cottage 
Gardener,  and  Country  Gentleman."  By  doing  so  they 
are  subjected  to  unjustifiable  trouble  and  expense.  All 
communications  should  therefore  be  addressed  solely  to 
The  Editors  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture,  etc.,  171,  Fleet 
Street,  London,  E.C. 

N.B. — Many  questions  must  remain  unanswered  until  next 
week. 

Books  (A  Subscriber).—"  The  Cottage  Gardeners'  Dictionary,"  gives 
the  name?,  nature,  and  culture  of  plants  of  all  kinds.  (J.  B.  Boyd).— 
"  The  Orchid  Manual ;"  you  can  have  it  post  free  from  our  office,  if  you 
enclose  thirty-two  stamps,  with  your  address.  (R.  Lamb). — We  do  not 
know  the  book  you  mention.  Mr.'O'Donnell's  notes  we  are  now  publish- 
ing in  this  Journal,  will  contain  what  you  seem  to  need. 

Journal  of  Horticulture  (A.  L.). — It  is  published  in  monthly  parts 
as  well  as  in  weekly  numbers. 

Discordant  Titehmometers  ( Tyro). — You  ought  to  have  no  such  dis- 
cordance (four thermometers  all  registering  differently,  one  as  much  as  S 
from  another),  as  vou  paid  goo'l  prices  for  them.  Your  best  resource  iB 
to  send  them  to  Kew  Observatory,  enclosing  Is.  for  each.  They  will  be 
returned  rectified. 

Garden  Plotting  (If.  E.).— Apply  to  Mr.  Gibson,  inn.,  29,  Bridge  Road 
West,  Battersea,  S.W. 

Garden  Matting  Wholesale  (Agent). — Apply  to  Messrs.  Murray  and 
Paterson,  46,  Church  Street,  Minories,  E.C. 

Bricks  {Self-help).— A  brick  is  9  inches  long,  44  inches  wide,  and  24 
inches  ihick,  and  as  there  are  five  hundred  bricks  in  a  load,  you  can 
easily  calculate  how  many  loads  you  will  require  to  build  the  wall.  You 
must  allow  some  over  for  breakage  and  waste.  "  The  GardenerB'  Year 
Book"  for  I&71,  gives  full  information  on  the  subject. 

Flueless  Stove  (A.  <?.).— No  stove  that  could  be  devised,  no  fuel, 
whether  coke,  charcoal,  gas,  oil,  or  par  iffin,  unless  the  fumes  produced 
by  their  combustion  are  conveyed  away  by  a  flue,  can  be  employed  among 
plants  without  injuring  them. 

Paradise  Pippin  (A.  Q.).— The  Paradise  Pippin  is  not  a  bad  bearer,  and 
is  not  generally  long  before  it  comes  into  bearing.  Your  tree  on  the 
Crab  stock  is  probably  in  good  soil,  and  too  closely  pruned.  This  will 
induce  the  formation  of  wood,  notwithstanding  the  root-pruDing  yon 
have  subjected  the  tree  to.  The  variety  is  not  of  such  excellence  that 
you  need  inconvenience  yourself  with  it.  Let  the  tree  have  more  play, 
i  n<l  perhaps  it  will  do  better. 

Apple  Pips  Sowing  (Andrew  Robertson). — To  keep  the  Apple  pips  fresh 
till  the  spring,  leave  them  in  the  fruit ;  or,  if  this  should  decay,  mix  some 
sand  with  them,  and  in  March  sow  the  pips  either  in  pots  or  pans  if  the 
quantify  is  small,  or  in  the  open  ground  in  ordinary  garden  soil  if  there 
is  a  large  quantity  of  them.  We  think  Golden  Leadington  a  good  name 
for  the  large  Apple.    It  is  well  worth  propagating. 

BODDING  CAMELLIAS  ON  ORANGE  AND  LEMON-TREE   STOCKS   (C.  J.   S.) 

— Budding  or  grafting  Camellias  on  Orange  or  Lemon  stocks  is  not  likely 
to  prove  successful.  Why  not  graft  the  stocks  with  Orange  and  Lemon 
scions  ?    They  would  then  give  you  both  flowers  and  fruit. 

Sowing  Tom  Thumb  Trop;eolum  Seeds  (Idem).— Now  is  not  a  good 
time  to  sow  the  seed,  and,  indeed,  it  would  be  useleFs  doirjg  so,  as  the 
plants  are  more  tender  than  Geraniums-  March  is  quite  soon  enough  to 
sow  the  seed  out  of  doors.  The  Viola  cornuta  we  would  not  sow  until 
February,  and  then  in  pots  or  pans  in  the  greenhouse. 

Rivers's  Victoria  Nectarine  and  Princess  of  Wales  Peach  (C.  B.). 
— Though  a  house  with  fire  heat  is  considered  to  improve  the  flavour,  we 
have  known  them  grown  fine  in  a  cool  house,  and  that  we  consider  is  all 
they  require. 

Grapes  Ripening  in  a  Vinerv  without  Flee  Heat  (Idem).— Of  the 
kinds  you  name,  Gros  Column,  L-dy  Downe's,  and  Black  Muscat  of 
Alexandria  require  fire  heat ;  the  others  will  do  in  an  ordinary  vinery. 

Evergreen  for  Screen  ( W.  B.).— The  AuBti  ion  Pine  is  the  hardiest  and 
quickest-growing  evergreen  tree  we  know  ;  but  to  have  an  effectual  screen 
of  it  you  will  need  two  rows  instead  of  one.  American  Arbor- Vitse  is  a 
quick,  close-growing  evergreen,  that  would  serve  your  purpose,  only  you 
will  need  to  get  large  plants  to  begin  with,  or  wait  a  considerable  time, 
and  if  the  place  be  much  exposed  there  iB  a  danger  of  the  tops  being 


438 


JOURNAL  OF   HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  December  1,  1870. 


destroyed  after  the  shoots  overtop  the  wall.  It  ia,  however,  very  hardy. 
You  may  safely  plant  It  when  6  or  8  feet  high,  and  it  should  not  be  more 
than  3  feet  apart.  They  need  no  attention  beyond  planting  now  or  early 
in  Ularch,  watering  during  dry  weather  in  summer. 

Select  Tea-scented  R^ses  for  Out-door  Culture. — Gloire  de  Dijon, 
Abricote,  Yieomtesae  de  Cazea,  Devoniensis,  Adam,  La  Boule  d'Or, 
Madame  Levet,  Jauue  d'Or,  Belle  Lvonnaise,  Adrienne  Christophle, 
Monplaiser,  and  Madame  Damaizin.  Keane'a  "  In-door  Gardening  "  will 
suit  you  for  the  management  of  the  greenhouse  ;  and  for  florists'  flowers, 
"  Florists'  Flowers  for  the  Many."  The  former  can  be  had  poat  free  from 
our  office  for  twenty  postage  stamps,  and  the  latter  for  i^d. 

Plant  for  Covering  a  Sloping  South-west  Border  (A.  Z.).— Plant 
Cotoneaster  miorophylla.  Ivy  is  very  fine  for  such  purposes,  but  in  our 
opinion  does  not  equal  the  Cotoneaster,  which  has  pretty  white  flowers  in 
May,  followed  by  bright  red  berries  in  autumn,  and  it  is  of  close  dwarf 
growth.    The  irregular  growths  should  be  removed  in  August. 

Disa  grandiflora  not  Thriving  (J.  Q.). — We  think  your  pla^t  is  he- 
coming  unhealthy.  We  should  advise  your  at  once  examining  the  soil, 
and  if  that  is  at  all  saturated  or  sour  replace  it  with  fresh,  and  let  the 
drainage  be  thoroughly  effective.  Water  carefully,  but  keep  the  soil 
regularly  moist.  It  is  well  to  set  the  pot  in  a  saucer  of  water,  raising  the 
pot  on  three  pieceB  of  sandstone.  At  this  season  the  water  should  not 
reach  the  pot.  A  ct;oI  airy  greenhouse  is  the  most  suitable  position;  the 
temperature  ought  not  to  fall  much  below  45°.  Spring  is  the  best  time 
to  shift  the  plant  into  a  larger  pot.  We  think  your  plant  is  suffering 
from  want  of  heat.    Avoid  a  close  atmosphere. 

Oak-leaved  Pelargonium  Leaves  Yellow  {Yellow  Oak  Leaves). — 
The  present  condition  of  the  plants  is  probably  due  to  the  great  heat  to 
which  you  are  subjecting  them  ;  50°  to  60°  is  quite  hot  enough  for  a  stove. 
The  old  leaves  that  are  bronzed  now  will  soon  fall,  the  heat  having  caused 
their  ripening ;  and  the  golden  colour,  which  we  presume  is  in  ihe  young 
leaves,  is  caused  hy  their  growing  so  quickly  at  this  unnatural  season. 
Probably  they  will  come  to  their  natural  colour  when  placed  in  alight 
airy  position  in  a  house  with  a  temperature  of  40"  to  45°.  The  old  leaves, 
however,  will  all  fall. 

Transplanting  Vines  'J.). — It  is  not  too  late  for  removing  your  Vines- 
We  have  not  found  the  fruits  sent.  Are  you  sure  they  were  left  at  our 
office? 

Training  Vines  (SI.  H.). — Your  proposed  plan  will  answer  very  well. 
You  might  take  a  part  crop  from  the  top  part  of  the  two  Frontignans  the 
rirst  year  or  two,  uutil  the  new  rods  from  the  Black  Prince  became  strong 
enough.  You  might  also  utilise  the  Btems  of  the  Frontignans,  if  you 
thought  proper,  by  grafting  the  other  young  shoots  on  thuiu.  We  have 
no  doubt  the  rods  will  soon  be  strong  enough  without  that  trouble.  It  is 
seldom  that  the  White  Frontignan  shrivels  up.  It  is,  though  small,  one 
of  the  best-flavoured  Grapes,  and  a  free  bearer. 

Moving  Vines  (HI.  H.).— The  Vines  planted  twelve  year3  ago  may  be 
removed,  but  we  do  not  advise  your  doing  so.  It  is  better  to  plant  young 
Vines,  which  will  he  better  and  come  into  bearing  nearly  as  soon  as 
those  which  are  lifted.  The  best  time  to  lift  them  is  early  in  March, 
taking  them  up  carefully  and  covering  the  roots  with  mats  to  protect 
them  from  sun  and  wind.  In  planting  spread  out  the  roots  carefully. 
No  shortening  of  the  Vines  is  necessary  beyond  the  usual  pruning,  which 
ought  to  be  done  in  December.  The  bebt  compost  for  Vines  is  the  top 
2  or  3  inches  of  an  old  pasture  where  the  soil  is  a  good  light  loam;  of 
that  chopped  up  rather  roughly  nine  cartloads,  old  lime  rubbish  one  cart- 
load, eight  bushels  of  half-inch  bones,  a  like  quantity  of  charcoal  as 
lumpy  as  possible,  and  two  bushels  of  calcined  oyBter  shells,  the  whole 
well  mixed.  The  sods  are  best  used  fresh.  The  Vines  will  not  fruit  next 
season. 

Vines  (J.  Mackenzie,  M.D.)  —  All  the  VineB  you  mention,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  Chasselas  Vibert,  Furtado,  and  Koyal  Ascot,  require  a  high 
temperature.  These  will  do  in  a  house  with  the  heat  ordinarily  given  to 
the  Black  Hamburgh.  The  foliage  of  Mrs.  Piuce  is  deeply  and  finely  cut. 
Vines  with  Ends  Growing  (G.  F.  B.).— In  your  case,  as  you  must 
cut  the  rods  of  your  Vines  back,  we  would  either  remove  the  part  of  the 
ends  with  green  loaves  now,  or  take  away  the  leaves.  The  wood,  we  have 
no  doubt,  is  ripe  enough,  and  a  period  of  comparative  rest  will  suit  the 
Vines  now.  Ab  to  keeping  plants  in  the  house,  see  note  in  page  412. 
Clear  lime  water  is  the  beat  thing  you  can  use,  and  the  safest  means  you 
can  try  for  dislodging  worms  from  pots  plants.  If  you  cork-up  the  drain- 
hole  for  a  few  hour3  and  saturate  the  soil,  the  application  will  be  more 
effectual.    Do  not,  however,  allow  the  cork  to  remain. 

Manuring  Vines  (SI.  £.).— Vines  with  their  roots  entirely  inside  the 
house  need  manuring,*  and  it  is  best  given  as  surface-dressing.  We 
would  use  an  inch  of  your  poultry-yard  manure  all  over  now,  and  when 
that  is  pretty  well  wa-hed  in,  by  the  early  part  of  the  summer,  you  could 
add  a  little  more.  If  the  roots  are  all  inside,  they  will  have  no  watering 
except  what  you  give  them.  If  the  soil  is  rather  dry  now  and  you  mean 
to  start  in  December,  we  would  use  water  at  from  60°  to  70°  in  tem- 
perature. 

Destroying  Fairy  Rings  on  Lawns  (C.H.).— See  No.  499,  October  20th, 
page  315. 

Select  Potatoes  and  their  Culture  (One  wishing  to  improve  him- 
self  and  others).— Four  varieties  of  Kidney  Potatoes— Ashleaf,  Rivera's 
Royal,  Veitch's  Improved,  and  Myatt's  Prolific  are  good  varieties  ;  Lap- 
stone,  Milky  White,  and  Berkshire  Kidney;  and  of  Round— Early  Oxford, 
Dalmahoy,  Flour  BUI,  and  Bovinia  for  size,  though  it  is  inferior  to 
Victoria.  Your  soil  being  very  stiff  we  advise  your  manuring  it  at  once, 
and  having  it  deeply  turned  up,  and  as  roughly  as  possible,  for  the  winter. 
The  mixing  with  road  scrapings  would  be  advantageous.  We  would  not 
give  the  dressing  of  bone  dust  until  planting  time,  and  then  you  may 
sow  it  broadcast.  It  is  good,  but  for  Potatoes  we  consider  Peruvian 
guano  preferable,  2  to  3  cwt.  per  acre  being  a  good  dressing. 

Liquid  Manure  for  Geraniumsand  Camellias  (Idem).— Guano >  water 
ia  beneficial  to  any  kind  of  plants  needing  vigour  ;  it  should  be  given  of 
the  strength  of  2  ozs.  to  the  yallou  once  or  twice  a  week.  At  this  season, 
however,  it  is  not  required.  For  Camellias  swelling  their  buds,  liquid 
manure  formed  of  sheep's  dropping  is  beBt— one  peck  to  30  gallons  of 
water ;  cowdung,  one  peck  to  20  gallons  of  water  answers  well. 

Compost  fob.  Mrs.  Pollock  Geranium  (Agnes).— When  it  can  be  had 
fresh  loam  from  turf  is  undoubtedly  the  best  compost  when  enriched 


with  a  fourth  of  well-rotted  manure,  adding  a  sixth  of  silver  sand.  To 
your  strong  loam  add  one-fourth  of  leaf  soil,  and  a  like  quantity  of  sharp 
sand.  This  compost,  with gooddrainaBeoughttogrowthem  well.  Themost 
likely  cause  of  the  greenhouse  Pelargoniums  having  but  few  flowers  in  a 
truss  is  weakness,  which  may  be  a  result  of  poor  soil,  and  quite  as  likely 
of  a  weak  growth  occasioned  by  growing  them  too  far  from  the  glass, 
and  not  giving  a  sufficient  amount  of  air.  They  can  hardly  have  too 
much  air  and  light. 

Eucharis  amazonica  ( B.  P.).— By  plunging  the  pot3  in  a  brisk  bottom 
heat  it  is  likely  they  would  start  for  fl  >wer  or  throw  out  flower  scapes, 
but  the  flowering  will  be  entirely  dependant  on  the  previous  treatment. 
The  essentials  are  to  give  the  plants  plenty  of  heat,  and  an  abundant  supply 
of  water  and  moisture  when  making  new  growths,  and  then  place  them 
in  a  light  airy  position,  but  in  a  eood  heat,  giving  no  more  water  than  is 
Deedful  to  keip  the  leaves  from  flagging.  This  treatment  continued  for 
three  or  four  months,  and  the  plants  then  returned  to  bottom  heat  and 
moisture,  will  generally  ensure  a  good  bloom  ;  but  keeping  them  con- 
stantly growing  seldom  results  in  anything  but  the  production  of  leaves. 
To  have  Strawberries  ripe  at  the  end  of  March,  forcing  should  be  com- 
menced early  in  January,  and  the  plants  should  now  bo  under  cover  in  a 
cold  frame  or  cool  house. 

Valve  of  Hot-water  Pipes  (H.).— We  do  not  think  it  matters  whether 
the  valve  iu  your  pipes  is  on  the  level  or  between  two  pipes,  the  on*  per- 
pendicular to  the  other,  or  in  a  slanting  direction,  provided  no  impedi- 
ment is  given  to  the  free  circulation.  Valves  are  chiefly  necessary  for 
flow-pipe3  to  different  places,  leaving  the  returns  to  look  after  themselves. 

Names  of  Fruits  (C,  R,).— 1,  Winter  Greening;  2,  Vicar  of  Winkfield  ; 

5,  Devonshire  Buckland  ;  fi,  Glou  Morceau  ;  7,  Chester  Pearmain  ;  8,  Old 
Colmar;  !»,  Robinson's  Pippin;  10,  Downton  Pippin.  (A.  8.  D.  H.), — 
Pears— 1,  Beurre  Derouineau;  2,  Princess  Charlotte;  8,  Lewis;  5,  No 
Plus  Meuris;  6,  Beurre  Defai*;  7.  Old  Colmar;  8,  Worm-ley  Grange. 
Apples— 1,  Toker's  Incomparable;  2,  Waltham  Abbey  Seedling  ;  3,  Here- 
fordshire Pearmain  ;   4,  Golden   Winter  Pearmain  ;    5,  Golden  Reinette  ; 

6,  Court-pendit  plat;  7,  Reinette  Franche  ;  8,  Grange's  Pearmain.  (F.  J.). 
1,  Margil;  2.  Golden  Nonpareil;  4,  Braddick's  Nonpareil ;  5,  Golden 
Russet ;  6,  Passe  Colmar.    (John  J.  Harper).— Golden  Russet. 


POULTEY,   BEE.   AND   PIGEON    CHRONICLE. 


BIRMINGHAM   POULTRY   AND   PIGEON  SHOW. 

Tins,  the  twenty-second  Exhibition,  was  superior  in  numbers 
of  poultry,  but  inferior  in  numbers  of  Pigeons,  to  its  predeces- 
sor. It  commenced  on  the  26th  of  November,  and  concludes 
to-day.  In  quality,  though  there  were  some  grand  exceptions, 
the  birds  were  much  inferior  to  those  of  last  year.  There  were 
1971  entries  of  poultry  last  year,  and  2125  this  year  ;  482  entries 
of  Pigeons  last  year,  and  453  this  year. 

The  following  ia  a  comparative  statement  of  the  entries  in 
this  and  last  year  :  — 


1869.      1S70- 

Dorkinu  331  ..  294 

Spanish  79  . .     72 

Cnchiu-China    260  ..  323 

Brahma  Pootra 233  ..  261 

Malay  18   . .     27 

Creve-Caeur,     Houdan, 

and  La  Fliche  97  . .  107 

Hamburgh 181  ..  195 

Polish  Fowl  56  ..    63 


1869.     1870 

other  distinct  breeds..  23..     12 

Game   SIS  ..  374 

Bantams 142  ..  174 

Ducks  116  ..  120 

Geese  Si  . .    36 

Turkeys  50  . .     67 

Pigeons    482  ..  458 

2453      2578 


The  first- prize  Rouen  Ducks  were  again  heavier  than  the 
Aylesbury,  the  drake  and  Duck  weighing  19J  lbs.,  being  G  czs. 
more  than  last  year.  Mrs.  Seamons's  prize  Goose  and  gander 
weighed  62j  lbs.,  just  5  lbs.  heavier  than  the  heaviest  last 
year.  But  America  whipped  us  in  Turkeys,  Mr.  Simpson's 
bird,  of  New  York,  weighing  36J  lbs.,  which  was  just  1  lb.  2  ozs. 
heavier  than  the  second-prize  cock  belonging  to  Mr.  P.  Lythall. 
The  heaviest  last  year  weighed  3iJ  lbs. 

DOKIUNGS. 

1.  The  old  Grey  cocks  numbered  twenty-two,  exactly  the  same  as 
last  year.  Mrs.  Avkwright  came  first  with  a  grand  old  cock,  weighing 
13  lbs.  ;  be  bad  one  foot  deformed,  but  in  spite  of  this  fault  no  other  bird 
came  near  bim.  The  second  prize  was  a  very  fine  dark  bird,  with  good 
le"S.  Third  prize  a  very  dark  cock,  with  a  good  body,  but  very  bad  feet 
and  toes.  Fourth  prize  a  fair  average  bird,  but  ont  of  condition.  The 
last  entry  in  the  class  (22)  was  a  bird  of  fine  frame,  but  very  tender 
on  the  feet;  indeed,  nearly  all  the  class  seemed  much  afflicted  in  this 
way,  and,  except  the  prize  birds,  very  moderate  in  quality. 

2.  The  cup  cockerel  was  a  very  neat  bird  with  remarkably  perfect 
feet,  but  wonld  not  have  been  large  even  for  a  Silver-Grey ;  he  was 
oulv  entered  at  three  guineas,  and  the  award  was  generally  thought  an 
error.  Second  prize  a  fair,  good  bird,  but  toes  rather  fanlty.  Third 
also  a  good  bird  with  imperfect  feet.  Fourth  prize  deserved  the  position 
well,  and  ought  perhaps  to  have  been  higher.  Fifth  prize  a  fiue-f  ramed 
bird,  but  one  foot  very  bad  indeed.  We  liked  the  Bixth  prize  much 
better,  and  thought  it  more  deserving  than  the  cup  bird.  The  greatest 
error  in  this  class,  however,  was  in  passing  over  (94)  a  beautiful  bird 
every  way,  and  which  ought  to  have  had  at  least  the  second  prize,  if 
not  the  cup.     ThiB  was  a  good  class. 

3.  The  first  prize  hens  were  a  grand  pen,  good  in  frame,  legs,  and 
feet.    The  second  prize  scarcely  deserved  the  honour,  one  hen  having 


December  1,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


439 


feet  very  much  deformed.  Third  prize  a  good  pair  every  way,  and 
well  placed.  Fourth  very  middling,  not  nearly  so  good  as  pen  122.  The 
fifth  prize  we  liked  far  better  than  the  second.  This  class  was  mode- 
rately good,  and  we  thought  darkness  of  colour  seemed  to  have  governed 
the  awards  a  good  deal. 

4.  The  cup  pullets,  a  noble  pen,  and  in  their  place ;  one  pullet 
perhaps  a  little  down  in  the  fifth  toe,  bat  hardly  any  other  fault  could 
be  found.  Second  prize  a  good  pen,  but  not  so  good  as  several  others, 
particularly  pen  157.  The  third  prize  contained  one  remarkably  fine 
bird,  but  the  other  far  too  weedy  for  a  prize  pen.  The  same  may  be 
said  of  the  fourth,  which  we  thought  better  of  than  the  third,  one  bird 
being  unusually  fine.  Fifth  prize  were  also  very  unequal  iu  both  size 
and  quality,  or  must  have  been  higher,  and  the  same  may  he  said  of 
the  sixth  prize.  Indeed  there  were  grand  single  pullets  all  through 
the  class,  but  except  the  cup  pen  there  was  hiirdly  a  really  good  pair  to 
be  seen. 

5.  The  first  and  second  Silver-Grey  cocks  were  good  birds  and  well 
judged,  regular  Dorking  frames,  and  much  style.  The  third  good  in 
size  and  colour,  but  both  feet  in  a  frightful  state.  The  fourth  hud  a 
deal  of  white  in  thn  throat,  and  several  specks  on  the  breast;  the  next 
pen  (228)  we  thought  better  of.  The  fifth  a  pretty  bird,  with  good  feet 
bub  yellow.  Pen  216  contained  a  beautiful  and  large  bird,  and  must 
have  been  second  but  for  some  white  mossing  ou  the  br.ast ;  as  it  was 
we  fancied  him  better  than  the  fourth.  On  the  whole  this  was  a  fair 
class,  but  several  of  the  birds  had  no  business  in  it. 

6.  The  pullets  we  thought  not  nearly  so  good  as  last  year.  First 
prize  a  very  nice  pen,  and  deserving  the  honour.  Third  prize,  a  pen 
of  good  average  excellence  ;  also  fifth ;  but  we  should  have  made 
the  second  and  fourth  prize  exchange  positions,  the  fourth  prize 
being  much  finer. 

7.  The  first  prize  White  cock  was  a  really  grand  one.  Second 
also  good,  and  but  for  a  rather  faulty  comb  would  have  run  the  other 
hard  for  place.  Third  prize  very  handsome  and  stylish,  but  rather 
wanting  in  substance.  Pen  264  contained  a  massive  bird,  but  with 
imperfect  feet,  which  probably  kept  him  from  displacing  the  third 
prize.     This  class  showed  much  progress. 

8.  The  prize  White  hens  were  good  birds,  and  correctly  placed, 
bat  the  rest  of  the  class  was  far  from  equal  to  the  cocks. 

COCHINS. 

9.  The  Buff  cocks  did  not  answer  our  expectation.  The  cup  was 
a  tine  massive  dark  bird,  rather  clumsy,  but  a  little  mealy  in  the 
quills  of  his  wings.  Second  prize  and  third  prize  much  better  in  shape 
and  colour,  but  smaller,  and  the  third  prize  scaly  on  the  feet.  Both 
these  birds  had  lost  their  tails,  either  naturally  or  by  artificial  means. 
As  they  belonged  to  the  same  exhibitor,  we  fear  the  latter.  The  fourth 
we  did  not  like,  being  small,  and  mealy  on  the  saddle.  Fifth  very 
large,  bnt  not  well  set  up,  and  fluff  several  shades  darker  than  the 
breast.  Mr.  Barnell's,  No.  313,  was  a  fine  bird,  and  we  thought 
worth  more  than  he  got.  The  rest  were  inferior  for  a  Birmingham 
class. 

10.  The  cup  cockerel  was  magnificent,  and  only  wanted  a  little 
more  leg  feather  to  make  him  perfect.  He  showed  that  fine  even  deep 
gold  colour  which  is  now  getting  rare.  The  second  prize  was  almost  a 
cinnamon,  splendidly  feathered,  and  fine  shape.  He  would  have  been 
better  had  his  wings  been  carried  better  ;  but  as  he  was,  no  other  bird 
could  have  been  given  his  place.  Third,  a  fine  Cinnamon,  honestly 
shown,  and  also  deserving  of  his  position.  Fourth,  rather  light  for 
breeding,  but  very  even  in  colour,  as  was  also  the  fifth  prize.  The 
sixth  had  a  mealy  wing,  but  good  in  other  points.  Pen  365  was  a 
remarkably  good  cockerel,  but  rather  light  in  colour.  The  four  pens 
last  mentioned  had  an  uncommonly  short  allowance  of  tail. 

11.  The  cup  Buff  hens  were  fair,  but  one  was  fnr  inferior  to  the 
others,  and  we  thought  them  far  inferior  to  Mr.  Cattail's  third-prize 
pen,  which  were  a  long  way  the  best  in  the  class.  One  hen  in  the 
second-prize  pen  had  a  badly  slipped  wing.  The  fourth  and  fifth  were 
good  average  pens,  and  we  rather  thought  the  highly  commended  pen, 
404,  ought  to  have  displaced  the  latter  pair.  We  did  not  think  this 
class  nearly  so  well  judged  as  the  preceding. 

12.  The  cup  pullets  were  badly  matched — the  darker  a  grand 
bird,  but  the  other  mealy  in  colour,  and  weedy  in  shape.  We  thonght 
the  second  prize  better.  Third  prize  a  decided  error,  the  birds  having 
no  fluff  or  cushion,  and  very  little  of  the  Cochin  about  them.  Mr. 
Alfred  Stretch's  pen,  416,  should,  we  think,  have  had  this  position. 
The  fourth,  fifth,  and  sixth  promised  well,  bat  needed  a  deal  of  filling 
oat  yet,  and  we  greatly  missed  the  fine-shaped  birds  Mr.  Mapplebeck 
used  to  show  in  this  class. 

13.  Except  the  prize  birds,  Partridge  cocks  were  a  poor  class. 
First  prize  a  very  fine  bird,  but  we  liked  the  third  prize  better  than 
Mr.  Tadman's  second,  the  latter  showing  the  least  possible  suspicion 
of  being  round  in  the  back. 

14.  In  the  cockerel  class  we  did  not  much  like  any  but  the  first 
prize  bird. 

15.  The  first  prize  hens  were  fine,  but  not  so  good  as  Mr.  Tudman 
has  shown  before.  The  second  prize  contained  one  beautifal  hen,  but 
we  preferred  the  same  exhibitor's  highly  commended  pen,  529. 

16.  The  first  prize  pullets  were  a  very  nicely-marked  pair,  with 
specially  neat  heads.  It  would  be  rather  a  hard  choice  between  them 
and  second,  which  were  very  like  them.  The  third  prize  were  small, 
and  did  not  look  their  age.  Fourth  very  middling,  and  hardly  any 
of  the  birds  equal  to  the  winners  of  last  year. 


17.  Of  the  White  cocks  we  liked  the  second  prize  best,  the  first 
being  very  yellow  ;  the  third  very  large,  but  almost  bare-legged. 

18.  The  first  prize  cockerel  well  shaped  and  clear,  but  small. 
The  rest  nowhere.  In  both  these  classes  the  birds  seem  to  us  to  ho 
losing  fluff  and  shape. 

19.  The  first  and  second  prize  hens  were  good  pens,  and  nicely 
shown.  Third  prize  very  large,  but  exceedingly  dirty.  The  highly 
commended  pen,  595,  almost  deserved  an  extra  prize. 

20.  Of  the  pullets,  the  second  prize  was  certainly  better  than  the 
first ;  both  oens  being  very  neat,  but  all  the  White  Cochins  decidedly 
need  more  attention  to  be  given  to  shape. 

BRAHMAS. 

21.  The  old  Dark  Brahma  cocks  were  exceedingly  well  judged,  the 
first  prize,  especially,  being  magnificent.  The  second  prize  was  the 
same  as  won  second  at  Bristol  in  January  while  the  cup-winner  at 
Bristol  and  Birmingham  was  unnoticed  on  the  present  occasion, 
having  moulted  very  light. 

22.  The  cockerels  were  very  inferior  to  last  year's  lot  taken  as  a 
whole.  The  cup  was  taken  by  a  very  fine  bird,  but  much  too  dark. 
Second  and  third  good  shape  and  colour,  but  small.  Fourth  a  beauti- 
ful bird,  and  we  think  he  ought  to  have  had  the  cap.  The  fifth  was 
inferior  to  several  highly  commended  birds,  and  the  sixth  prize  was 
much  too  narrow  for  a  Brahma. 

23.  We  think  that  the  hens  also  were  mistakingly  judged,  Mr. 
Lacy'a  third  prize  hens  being  the  best  in  the  class.  The  second 
prize  waB  correctly  placed,  but  Miss  Pennant's  highly  commended  pen 
(731)  ought  to  have  been  third,  in  spite  of  rather  a  brown  tinge. 

21  The  greatest  mistake  of  all,  however,  we  consider,  was  in 
the  cup  for  dark  pullets,  which  was  given  to  a  pen  absolutely  worthless, 
either  for  shape,  size,  or  marking,  and  badly  streaked  with  white. 
They  were  infinitely  inferior  to  Lady  Gwydyr's  pen  763.  The  second 
and  third  pen3  were  fine  large  dark  birds.  The  second  prize  should 
have  been  first.  The  sixth  prize  were  remarkable  for  fluff,  but  in 
other  respects  only  middling.  The  best  pair  by  far  were  dreadfully 
out  of  condition,  and  deservedly  obtained  only  a  highly  commended, 
notwithstanding  which  they  were  bought  by  a  well-known  breeder  at  a 
good  price.  There  were  several  other  very  good  pens  up  and  down, 
but  the  total  value  of  the  class  would  not  be  half  that  of  lust  year. 

25.  The  Light  cocks  showed  progress,  the  first  prize  only  needing 
rather  more  feather,  while  the  second  would  have  run  him  hard  had 
the  hackle  been  better  striped.  The  third  had  a  Cochin  style  of  tail 
we  did  not  like. 

26.  The  first  prize  for  cockerels  went  to  a  "pretty"  bird  of  fine 
shape,  bnt  with  wattles  much  longer  than  earlobes,  which  we  did  not 
like,  and  tail  too  much  sickled.  The  second  prize  belonged  to  the  same 
exhibitor,  and  was  very  similar,  but  better  in  tail.  The  third  was  a 
splendid  bird  for  size,  and  in  wonderful  condition,  considering  he  had 
crossed  the  Atlantic,  but  short  of  feather.  Fourth,  a  nice  clear  bird,  but 
rather  too  hea*y  hocks  fo<-  the  amount  of  feather  his  legs  carried.  We 
thought  Mr.  Pares'  highly  commended  pen,  829,  ought  to  have  dis- 
placed one  of  the  first  two  prizes,  while  a  highly  commended  pen,  819, 
was  the  best-shaped  of  the  lot,  but  small  and  dart  in  surface  colour. 
This  last  bird  will  show  far  better  as  a  cock  next  year. 

27.  The  first  prize  Light  hens  were  fine  birds,  very  fairly  feathered, 
and  with  good  fluff.  The  second  wanted  cushion.  The  third  prizo 
were  grand  birds,  and  but  for  their  Atlantic  voyage  must  have  been 
second.  The  best  single  hen  was  in  pen  S47,  but  her  companion  waa 
nowhere. 

28.  The  first  prize  pullets  were  very  fine  and  rightly  placed, 
though  one  would  be  better  with  more  cushion.  The  second  heavily 
feathered,  but  dirty,  and  with  a  strong  suspicion  of  being  hocked. 
Third  prize  uncommonly  weak,  but  small.  Fonrth  prize  very  fair, 
with  dark  but  cloudy  hackles.  There  was  an  American  pair  of 
pullets  also,  very  large,  but  poorly  feathered,  and  oat  of  condition. 
There  were  several  pens  deservedly  highly  commended,  and  on  the 
whole  all  the  Light  Brahma  classes  showed  marked  improvement  in 
contrast  to  the  deterioration  of  their  dark  relatives. 

MALAYS. 
29—32.  There  were  twenty-seven  entries  of  Malays,  and  the  classes 
contained  several  birds  much  better  than  usual.  Being  small  classes 
they  were,  as  a  whole,  well  judged,  but  the  first  prize  cockerel  was 
quite  destitute  of  the  characteristic  prominent  Malay  shoulders,  and 
we  thought  the  pullet,  No.  903,  better  than  that  in  the  second  prize  pen. 

CREVE-C(EURS. 

33.  The  Creve-Cceur  cocks  were  of  pretty  fair  quality,  and  the  first 
prize  a  grand  bird  ;  second  also  a  fiue  bird,  but  very  much  out  of 
condition.  Mr.  Blinkhorn's  pen,  919,  was  very  fine,  and  also  pen  907. 
The  latter  we  thought  might  have  had  second  prize. 

34.  We  did  not  like  the  first  prize  hens,  and  thought  the  third  prize 
pair  the  best  in  the  class  in  all  but  the  crest,  in  which  the  second  prize 
surpassed  them. 

HOUDANS. 

35.  The  Houdan  cocks  were  a  good  class  and  well  judged.  Pen  956 
mast  have  been  in  the  prize  list  but  for  his  feet,  which  were  very  bad. 
Several  birds,  indeed,  showed  signs  of  bumble  foot. 

36.  Both  first  and  second  prize  hens  were  beautiful  birds  ;  third 
prize  rather  small  but  nicely  Bhaped,  and  very  dark.  In  both  classes 
the  colour  was  much  improved,  coloured  feathers  being  rare. 


440 


JOURNAL   OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  December  1,  1870. 


LA  FLECHE. 

37.  Of  La  Flcche  cocks  there  were  only  fonr  entries,  and  one  of  these 
was  not  sent.  The  third  bird  was  shockingly  out  of  condition,  which 
made  winning  very  easy. 

38.  The  hens  were  in  better  order,  bnt  the  second  prize  was  a  mani- 
fest error,  being  half-bred  with  Minorcas.  This  was  evident  all  over, 
the  birds  having  Spanish  bodies,  red  faces,  and  one  an  actually  flapping 
comb. 

SPANISH. 

39.  The  first  and  second  pri^e  coclis  very  good,  but  very  fall  over 
the  eye.  Third  free  from  this  fault,  and  would  probably  have  been 
second,  but  he  was  out  of  condition. 

40.  First  prize  cockerel  a  very  good  bird  with  nice  comb,  but  not 
nearly  so  good  as  the  third,  which  ought  to  have  been  first.  Second 
prize  very  rough,  and  will  soon  be  nearly  blind.  Fourth  and  fifth 
pretty  good.     Sixth  prize  a  regular  pullet's  face,  very  cleanly  shaved. 

41.  None  of  the  htns  in  really  good  condition,  but  the  second  de- 
serves mention  as  being  shown  and  winning  in  the  natural  condition. 

42.  Much  interest  was  exhibited  in  the  Spanish  pullet  class  from 
eight  breeders  having  entered  into  a  sweepstakes  of  £5  each,  in  addi- 
tion to  the  prize  list,  which  was  divided  into  three  prizes  of  £20,  £12, 
and  £8  respectively.  The  first  prize  were  a  splendid  pair,  but  tbe 
second  were,  we  think,  not  nearly  so  good  as  the  third  ;  and  Mr. 
Barry's  pen,  1079,  tbird,  putting  the  second  prize  as  fourth.  All  the 
Spanish  classes  were  as  a  whole  inferior,  though  with  some  beautiful 
birds. 

HAMBURGHS. 

43.  Black. — The  first  Black  Hamburgh  cock  was  magnificent,  the 
second  very  good,  but  the  third  had  a  Hubby  comb  which  spoilt  him. 

44.  The  prize  hens  all  good  pens,  but  one  in  the  third  prize  pen 
had  a  very  bad  comb,  and  we  liked  pen  1113  better. 

45.  Gold- pencilled. — The  second  Gold-pencilled  cock  was  better 
in  tail  than  the  first,  but  worse  in  comb  ;  the  third  better  than  either 
but  for  many  foul  feathers  in  the  under  partp. 

46.  Hens  were  very  middling.  Third  prize  in  bad  health,  and  on 
Monday  had  decided  ronp.     This  class  seemed  losing  colour. 

47.  Silver-pencilled. — The  first  prize  cock  had  a  large  comb,  bnt 
his  tail  was  beautifully  edged.  The  second  prize  bird  was  a  beauty. 
The  third  and  fourth  were  fairly  good. 

48.  In  hens  the  first  and  second  were  well  marked,  hut  the  third 
rather  poor. 

49.  Gold -spangled. — The  first  prize  cock  was  a  magnificent  bird  ; 
the  rest  very  good,  and  on  the  whole  well  placed.  This  was  a  good 
class. 

50.  Hens  also  good,  and  first  two  prizes  very  accurately  marked  on 
the  cushion. 

51.  Silver-spangled. — The  first  prize  bird  had  a  bad  breast,  but 
by  far  the  most  perfect  tail  we  ever  remember  seeing.  The  second 
had  a  beautiful  breast,  but  otherwise  much  inferior.  Rest  fair  average 
prize  birds. 

52.  In  the  hens  many  were  too  dark,  and  of  those  which  were  not, 
several  had  moulted  considerably.  All  the  prize  pens  were  good,  but 
we  thought  the  third  as  good  as  any. 

POLANDS. 

53 — 58.  The  Polish  classes  were  very  much  better  than  usual.  The 
prize  Golden  pens  were  particularly  fine  in  marking,  and  made  it  very 
easy  to  see  where  the  Sebright  Bantams  came  from. 

ANY   OTHER  VARIETY. 

59.  In  Any  other  Variety  the  third  prize  was  a  great  error,  the 
Creeper  hen  having  feathered  legs  and  also  a  Cochin  head — in  fact,  a 
erosB-bred  bird.  Much  interest  was  awakened  by  Mr.  Simpson's  pen 
of  Dominiques,  which  happened  to  be  next  to  a  pen  of  Cuckoo  Dork- 
ings. The  marking  and  general  appearance  are  precisely  similar,  but 
they  had  yellow  legs,  single  toes,  and  rose  combs.  But  for  there  being 
two  hens  this  pen  ought  to  have  been  third. 

GAME. 

60.  The  Black  Red  cocks  did  not  seem  a  remarkable  class,  and 
many  birds  showed  defect  in  the  hock  toe.  The  first  prize  was  a  beau- 
tiful bird  in  good  condition,  but  we  thought  Mr.  Challoner's,  1359, 
ought  not  to  have  been  far  off.  Second  prize  rather  darker  in  colour, 
and  both  second  and  third  Beemed  a  little  long  in  the  thigh,  but  we 
heard  little  fault  found  with  the  judgment.  Many  of  the  prize  and 
other  birds  in  the  Game  classes  showed  this  tendency,  which  seems  to 
us  increasing. 

61.  The  cup  cockerel  was  really  a  beauty,  and  no  one  could  quarrel 
with  his  position.  The  second  prize  of  the  same  owner  was  nearly 
as  good.  Third  prize  a  very  tight,  compact  bird.  The  fourth  prize 
looked  to  us  rather  more  of  a  "cocker's"  bird  than  some  of  the 
others.  Fifth  prize  too  long  in  thigh  for  our  fancy,  but  hard  in 
feather  and  body.  Sixth  prize  a  particularly  good  head,  Bharp  and 
thin.  The  highly  commended  bird,  1401,  had  thighs  at  least  4  inches 
long.  Several  cockerels  in  this  class  looked  to  us  too  large  for  Game 
fowls,  and  at  least  one  showed  a  very  strong  cross  with  the  Malay.  The 
judgment  in  these  two  classes  we  thought  very  fair  on  the  whole,  but 
to  go,  perhaps,  a  little  too  much  by  the  t&i's. 

62.  The  first  Black  Red  hen  was  a  fine  gamey  bird,  bnt  we 
thought  her  a  little  too  plump.  Second  prize  very  neat  and  trim,  and 
third  ditto,  but  apparently  with  rather  less  than  her  share  of  hackle. 
The  rest  of  the  class  hardly  up  to  the  mark. 


63.  The  pullets  were  far  better.  First  prize  a  beauty,  just  the 
size,  and  head,  neck,  legs,  and  body,  alike  good.  The  second  prize  a 
good  medium-sized  bird,  with  fine  spreading  toes.  Third  prize  very 
good  in  all  but  one  point,  a  very  sharp  angle  between  the  head  and  the 
beak,  which  a  Game  bird  ought  not  to  have.  The  fourth  we  did  not 
like  much,  and  the  fifth,  which  was  a  beautiful  gamey  bird,  ought  to 
have  taken  her  place,  if  not  put  third,  which  might  have  been  better 
still.  Sixth,  rather  too  much  flesh  to  our  lilnng,  hut  for  which  we 
think  she  would  have  cut  the  work  out  for  at  least  two  or  three  of  the 
others  to  beat  her. 

64.  The  first  prize  Brown  Red  cock  was  rather  large,  but  both 
this  and  the  second  prize  were  fine  thorough  Game  fowls,  and  how- 
ever they  settled  it,  ought  to  have  had  the  first  two  prizes.  Third  prize 
nearly,  if  not  quite  as  good  as  the  first.  Fourth,  a  little  too  big,  and 
we  are  not  sure  we  should  not  have  changed  fourth  with  fifth,  which 
we  liked  much.  Pen  1527,  was  also  a  fine  bird,  but  this  class  was 
admitted  to  be  well  judged. 

65.  The  cup  Brown  Red  cockerel  seemed  to  us  only  a  fair  bird, 
but  was  shown  in  capital  feather.  The  second  and  third  must  have 
been  hard  to  choose  with  him.  Fourth  prize  rather  too  dark  in  colour 
for  a  Brown  Red.  Fifth  and  sixth  deserved  their  places.  Not  a  very 
good  general  class. 

G6.  Mr.  Brierley's  Brown  Red  first  prize  hen  was  perfection,  bnt  we 
thought  the  second  prize  weedy  and  had.  Tbird  a  very  nice  bird, 
particularly  good  in  the  neck.     Fourth  prize  also  a  very  good  hen. 

67.  In  the  pullet  class,  Mr.  Brierley  repeated  his  success  with 
a  super-excellent  bird,  hardly  a  fault  about  her.  Second  prize  good, 
but  a  little  red  iu  the  face.  The  rest  of  the  first  prize  birds  we  thought 
well  placed,  in  a  really  fine  class. 

08  and  69.  The  Duckwing  cocks  were  a  rather  small  class. 
We  think  pen  1620  should  have  displaced  at  least  the  third  prize, 
but  otherwise  they  were  admitted  to  be  well  judged,  as  were  the 
cockerels,  except  the  fifth  prize  bird,  who  carried  his  wings  very  high, 
almost  over  his  back.  There  were  several  birds,  especially  pen  1646, 
which  might  have  had  his  place  with  advantage. 

70.  Two  prize  Duckwing  hens  were  good,  but  except  one  of  Mr. 
Frith's,  the  rest  were  poor,  and  the  entries  were  only  seven  in  number. 

71.  The  pullets  were  better,  and  the  first  was  a  beauty.  We 
thought  the  third  about  as  good,  but  did  not  like  the  second  much,  and 
cannot  call  it  a  remarkably  good  class  for  Birmingham. 

72.  The  Black  Game  cocks  and  cockerels  appeared  rather  heavy, 
which  has  been  a  fault  of  late  years.  The  first  prize  was  a  long 
way  ahead,  bnt  had  to  be  removed  elsewhere  for  the  welfare  of  his 
next-door  neighbour. 

73.  In  hens  or  pullets,  the  first-prize  bird  was  a  beauty  in  every 
way.     Second  was  of  good  shape,  but  as  red  in  tbe  face  as  a  Minorca. 

74.  In  the  White  and  Pile  cocks,  the  first  two  birds  were  un- 
usually good,  and  rightly  placed,  but  we  thought  either  1705  or  1710 
better  than  the  third  prize. 

75.  The  first-prize  bird  in  the  female  department  struck  us  as 
one  of  the  very  best-shaped  birds  in  all  the  Game  classes.  Second 
and  third  good  fair  birds,  but  the  rest  of  class  we  thought  poor. 

BANTAMS. 

76 — 82.  The  Sehrights  were  numerous  and  gnod,  the  Silvers  paiti- 

eularly  tine.    They  are  again  getting  white.    The  White  Bantams  were 

mostly  too  large,  but  it  was  a  large  and  good  class,  the  first  prize 

being  gems.      Black  also  very  good,  the  fourth  prize  rather  wanting  in 

style.     In  the  "  Any  variety,"  the  first  prize  went  to  a  good  pair  of 

Pekins,  the  second  to  a  pen  of  Japanese,  with   the  most  perfectly 

marked  tail  ever,  perhaps,  seen.     Black  Red  Game  Bantams  were  a 

'  grand  claBs.     In  the  first  prize  pen,  the  cock  and  one  hen  were  per- 

!  fection,  the  other  not  so  good.     We  were  sorry  to  see  that  some  dis- 

1  appointed  miscreant  had  pulled  out  one  of  the  cock's  sickle  feathers. 

I  Many  of  the  birds  in  this  class  carried  their  wings  low.    In  the  Brown 

I  Reds,  the  second-prize  pen  contained  a  poor  cock,  but  the  hens  were 

|  much  the  best  in  the  class.     These  two  classes  were,  however,  very 

hard  to  judge,  there  being  so  many  good  pens. 

83.  In  the  "  Any  variety"  Game  Bantam  class,  th^  first  and  second 
were  both  good  pens,  but  the  thiid  prize  pen  of  Piles  was  a  great 
error,  there  being  another  pen  of  Piles  worth  fifty  of  them.  In  fact, 
this  pen  (1S35)  of  Mr.  Easton's  was  said  by  many  to  be  the  best  in 
the  class ;  and  though  the  hens  did  not  quite  match,  the  birds  were  so 
unusually  "  gamey,"  rs  well  to  deserve  that  position. 

84,  In  the  Black-breasted  cock  class,  the  first  prize  was  a  fair  bird, 
but  too  much  hackle  ;  second  a  middling  bird,  but  in  magnificent 
condition.  Third,  fourth,  and  fifth  a  good  average,  but  we  thought 
several  pens  rather  better.  In  the  "  Any  other  variety  "  (85),  the  first 
waB  a  Pile  of  very  good  quality  ;  the  third  also  a  Pile,  but  not  so 
good ;  the  second  a  Duckwing  rather  too  dark  in  colour. 

DUCKS,  GEESE,  AND  TURKEYS. 
Aylesbury  Ducks  were  large  and  fine,  the  weight  of  the  fonr  prizes 
respectively  being  18  lbs.  9  ozs.,  18  lbs.  10  ozs.,  17  lbs.  lOozs.,  and 
18  lbs.  4  ozs.  Rouens  were  again  heavier,  weighing  19  lbs.  4  ozs., 
18  lbs.  6  ozs.,  18  lbs.  2  ozs.,  17  lbs.  11  ozs.,  17  lbs.  4  ozs.,  and 
17  lbs.  5  ozs.  respectively.  The  first  prize  pen  of  the  the  latter  breed 
was  magnificent,  and  it  is  worth  remark  that  twenty  pens  were  noticed 
by  the  Judges.  The  Blacks  were  a  very  nice  class  and  in  good  con- 
dition. In  the  "  Any  variety "  Duck  class  the  Mandarins  and 
Carolinas  showed  in  great  force,  and  the  prize  birds  were  more  perfect 


December  1,  1370   ] 


JOUKNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GAKDENEK. 


441 


in  marking  than  ever.  The  ladies  lingered  round  this  class.  2015 
was  a  beautiful  pen. 

The  White  Geese  weighed  58  lbs.  12  ozs.,  and  5G  lbs.  5  ozs. ;  the 
young  oues  49  lbs.  i  OZ3.,  and  49  lbs.  Grey.  i'>-  lbs.  6  ozs.,  and 
54  lbs.  6  ozs.  ;  young  ones  53  lbs.  6  ozs.,  and  49  lbs.  1  oz.  The  first 
prize  old  Greys  were  really  enormous,  as  the  weight  will  show,  > 

The  first  prize  for  old  Turkey  cocks  was  won  by  a  splendid  bird 
sent  over  by  Mr.  Simpson.  Notwithstanding  the  voyage  he  was  in  the 
best  order  of  any  in  the  class,  and  weighed  36  lb3.  4  ozs.,  being  said  to 
have  gained  several  pounds  on  the  passage.  The  same  gentleman  was 
very  highly  commended  for  a  crested  bird.  The  second  prize  weighed 
35  lbs.  2  ozs.  The  young  cooks  wore  24  lbs.  G  ozs.,  and  23  lbs.  12  ozs. 
respectively,  and  seventeen  pens  were  distinguished  by  the  Judges.  Old 
hens  weighed  35  lbs.  and  34  lbs. ;  young  ones  31  lbs.  4  ozs.,  and 
29  lbs.  1  oz.  These  weights  liave  been  somewhat  exceeded,  but  are 
very  good.  ■ 

Looking  over  the  whole  Show,  in  spite  of  many  individual  exceptions, 
we  were  struck  with  its  great  inferiority  iu  quality  to  the  usual 
Birmingham  average,  which  may  probably  be  accounted  for  by  the 
Crystal  Palace  Show  next  week.  Greater  dissatisfaction  than  usual 
of  late  was  also  expressed  with  the  awards.  This  may  partly  be  ac- 
counted for  by  the  great  waste  of  judging  power  caused  by  dividing  the 
Judges  into  parties  of  three  each  ;  but  much  more,  it  seems  to  us,  by 
the  extremely  bad  light  this  year,  which  told  severely  on  the  lower 
tier  of  birds.  If  by  any  other  order  of  the  classes  the  lower  rank 
could  be  filled  by  those  breeds  which  bear  a  bad  light  best,  we  are  con- 
vinced many  otherwise  unaccountable  errors  would  be  avoided. 

In  point  of  attendance,  and  also  of  sales,  the  1870  meeting  was 
very  successful. 

[We  hope  to  give  notes  on  the  Pigeons  next  week.] 

Dorkings  (Coloured,  except  Silvcr-Orevl.— Cocks.— I,  Mrs.  Arkwright.  Sutton 
Searsdale,  Chesterfield.  2.  Gunson  &  Jefferson,  Whitehaven.  ?..  3.  Faulkner. 
Burton-on-Trent.  4.  Admiral  W.  Hornby,  Prescot.  r.  Admiral  W.  ffornby;  H. 
Yardley.  Birmingham  :  Rev.  E.  Cndogan,  Walton  Parsonage,  Warwick. 

Dorkings  (Coloured,  except  Silver-Grey). — Cockerel*.—*  :iml  Cup.  SleasaTJ 
and  Wallt-r.  Mihuhnrpe.  *2  and  4.  Mrs.  E.  Whontlev,  BJaekmoze  Priory,  Ingate- 
stone.  S.  R.  D.  Holt.  Wind.rinere.  f>.  J.  White.  Warlaby,  Northallerton. 
6  Henry  Lingwood,  Barking,  Needham  Market,  he.  Rev.  J.  G.  A.  Baker,  Old 
Warden.  Higgleswade;  G-  Andrews,  Tuxforl.  Newark:  F.  Purlett,  Great 
Baddow,  Chelmsford  ;  Gunson  ti  Jefferson.  White-haven,  c.  Countess  nf  Dart- 
mouth, Patshull,  Albrightou,  Wolverhampton;  Gunson  &  Jtfferson  (2):  Mrs. 
SeainonB,  Hartweli.  Aylesbury;  J.  White,  Warlaby,  Northampton  ;  W.  W. 
Ruttlidge.  Miortend,  Kendal;  E.  Shaw,  Plas  Wilniot,  Oswestry:  K.  Wood, 
Clapton,  Thri'pstone. 

Dorkings  (Coloured,  except  Silver-Grey).— Hens.— 1,  J.  White.  2,  Rev.  E. 
Cadogan.  S  and  5,  L.  Patton,  Hillmore,  Taunton.  4,  Gunson  &  Jefferson. 
hCj  T.  Stattcr,  Whitefield,  c.  Mrs.  Arkwright;  J.  Watts.  King's  Heath.  Bir- 
mingham ;  Earl  of  Chesterfield,  Bretby  Hall.  Burton-on-Trent. 

Dorkings  (Coloured,  except  Silver-Grev. — i Pullets. — 1  and  Cup.  L.  Patton. 
J,  Mrs.  E.  Wheotley.  3,  R  W.  Beachey,  Finder  House,  Kingskerswell.  1.  J. 
Fox,  St.  Bees.  5,  Mrs.  Arkwriaht.  G,  L.  Patton.  he.  Mrs.  Hurt,  Alderwasley  ; 
H.  Lingwood.  r,  Gunson  &  Jefferson  13);  J.White;  Mrs.  Hurt;  Mrs.  SeamonB, 
Hartweli,  Aylesbury. 

Dorking  (Silver-Grey).— Cock*.—  1.  Hon.  Lady  Bagot,  Blithfield  Hall,  Rugeley. 
2,  Gunson  &  Jefferson.  3.  O  E.  "'re«sw«U,  Hahworth  Rectory,  Feltham.  4,  T. 
Statter.    5,  R.  Smalley,  Lune  Villa.  Lancaster.     lie,  Gunson  &.  Jefferson. 

Dorkings  (Silver-Grevh  Hens  or  Pullets.— 1,  R.  D.  HoD,  Orrest  Head,  Win- 
dermere. 2,  J.  Horton,  Shirley.  8,  W.  W.  Ruttlidire,  Shortend,  Kendnl.  4.  R. 
Smalley.    he.  W.  A.  Beach.  Shirley:  J.  Watts,    c,  H.  Yardley;  J.  Horton. 

Dorking  (White). — Cocks. — 1,  Miss  Fair  hurst,  Woodlands,  Onnskirk.  2,  J. 
Choycc,  Pinwall  Grange,  Atherstone.  S  and  he,  Rev.  F.  Tcarlc,  Gazeley 
Vicarage,  Newmarket. 

Dorking  (White).— HV»w  or  Pullets.—!,  J.  Robinson.  Garstane.  2,  Hon.  Lord 
Sudeley.  Toddington.  Wimbeomb.  3.  J.  Choyce.  he.  Bev.  F.  Tearle;  O.  E. 
Creswell.    c.  Miss  Fairhurst ;  J.  Lhoy.^e. 

Cochin-China  (Cinnamon  and  Buff). — Cocfa.— 1,  Cup,  and  Extra,  Mrs.  R. 
White.  2  and  3.  W.  A.  Taylor.  Manchester.  4,  G.  Felton,  Birmingham  Nur- 
sery.   5,  H.  Toailinson,  Most-ley.    he,  H.  Yardley;  H.  Ttmil  nson. 

Cochin-Chi^a  (Cinnamon  ami  Buff). — Cockerels. — 1.  Cup,  and  Extra.  and5 
and  6,  W.  A.  Taylor.  2.  G.  H.  Proctor,  Durham.  S,  Mrs.  R.  White.  4,  Hon. 
Lady  Gwydyr,  Ipswich,  he,  Mrs.  Wilkin,  Bootle,  Carnforth ;  Checkley  and 
Dove,  Moulton,  Northampton,  c,  Mrs.  Allsopp.  Hindlip  Hall,  Worcester;  W. 
Sanday.  Radolirfe-on- Trent,  Nottingham;    Lady  Gwydyr:  C.  Felton. 

Cochin-China  (Cinnamon  and  Buff).— Hens. — 1,  Cup,  and  Extra,  W.  A. 
Tavlor.  2  and  he.  C.  Felton.  S  and  4,  J.  Cattell,  Bristol  Road,  Birmingham. 
5,  W.  Sanday. 

Cochin-Chin*  (Cinnamon  and  Buff).— Pullets.— 1,  Cup,  and  Extra.  Hon.  Lady 
Gwvdvr.  2  and  5,  Henrv  Lingwood.  3,  R.  Hall,  Great  Barford,  Deddington. 
t,  W.  Sanday.    C,  W.  A.  Taylor,    he.  C.  Felton.    c,  Checkley  &  Dove. 

Cschin-Crina  (Brown  and  Partridge- feathered).— Cocks  —  1  and  2,  E.  Tud- 
man,  Whitchurch.  Salop.    S,  Horace  Lingwood,  Cree'ing,  Needham  Market. 

Cochin-China  (Brown  and  Partridge-feathered).  -I  'oekersls  — l,  H.  Cross'ey, 
Broomfield,  Halifax.  2,  R.  B.  Wood,  Uttoxefier.  C,  C,  Sid^wick,  Keighley. 
4,  F.  T.  Halyard.  Sontham.     he.  W.  A.  Taylor. 

Cochin-China  (Er-.wn  and  Partridge-feathered?.— Sens.— l.E.Tudman.  2  and 
he.  w.  A.  Taylor,    he.  J.  Stephens,  Walsall. 

Cochin-Gbina  (Brown  and  Partridge-feathered). — Pullets.— L  W.  A.  Taylor. 
2  and  3.  H.  Crossley,  Broomfield,  Halifax.  4,  Mrs.  R.  White,  he,  J.  Goolden, 
jun.,  Altrincham ;  W.  Stretch.  O  mi  s  kirk. 

Cochin  China  (White).— Co cks.—l,  E.  Fearon,  Whitehaven.  2,  G.  Shrimpton, 
Leighton  Buzzard.    3.  Bliss  Hales.  Canterbury. 

Cochin-Cuina  (White).— Cockerels.  1,  R.  Chase.  Wylde  Green.  Birmingham. 
2,  E.  Fearon.  Whitehaven.  3,  A.  D  Cochrane.  Stourbridge,  he,  R,  Smalley. 
c,  A.  J.  E.  Swindell,  Heathland,  Kinver,  Stourbridge ;  H.  Dowsett,  Pleshey, 
Chelmsford. 

Cochin-Chiva  (White)—  Hens.  — 1,  R.  Smalley.  2.  J.  Sichel,  Timperley, 
Cheshire.    3,  F.  &  C.  Haworth,  Newfield,  Haslingden.    he,  E.  Fearon. 

Cochin-China  (White).— Pullets.— 1  and  2,  R.  Chase,  Wylde  Green.  Birmins- 
hani.  3  and  c,  Mrs.  Williamson,  Queniborough  Hall,  Leicester,  he,  A.  D. 
Cochrane. 

Brahma  Pootea  (Dark).— COCKS.— 1,  Mrs.  Hurt.  2,  Horace  Lingwood.  3.  H. 
Lacy,  Hebden  Bridge,  he,  J.  H.  Dawes,  Birmingham  ;  Hon.  Miss  D.  Pennant, 
Penrhvn  Castle,  Bangor  (/):  Mrs.  Hurt,  c,  Mrs.  Hurt ;  G.  F.  Whitehouse;  W. 
B.  Etches,  Whitchurch,  Salop. 

Brahma  Pootra  (Dark).— Cockerels. — I,  Cup,  and  4,  Hon.  Ladv  Gwydyr.  2,  W. 
Adams,  Ipswich.  3.  J.  H.  Dawes,  Birmingham.  5,  W.  A.  Taylor.  6,  Mrs. 
Woodcock,  Leicester,  hr,  Bev.  J.  J.  Evans,  Camreff  Rectory,  Brecon;  E. 
Ensor,  Bristol ;  J.  A.  Dempster,  Stirling ;  Hon.  Mrs.  A.  B.  Hamilton,  Ridgmont, 
Woburn.     c.  Hon.  Mrs.  A.  B    Hamilton. 

Brahma.  Pootra  (Darki. — Hens. — 1,  J.  SicheL  Timperlev,  Cheshire.  2,  Mrs. 
Hart.    S,  H.  Lacy,    he,  Hon.  Mi3S  D.  Pennant ;  J.  Watts. 


Brahma  Pootra  (Dark).— Pullets.— 1  and  Cup,  Hon.  Mrs.  A.  B.  Hamilton. 
2  and  4.  Mrs.  Hurt.  3.  Lady  Gwydvr.  5  and  C,  H.  B.  Morrell,  Cae  Mawr, 
Clyro.  he.  Mrs.  Hurt:  L.  Wright.  Kingsdown,  Bristol;  Rev.  E.  Alder,  Etwall 
Vicarage,  Derby ;  W.  Sims,  Stroud ;  Hon.  Lady  Gwydyr;  SL  B.  Morrell;  Rev. 
J.  Bowen,  Henry's  Moat  Hecory,  Haverfordwest,  c,  Rev.  J.  J.  Evans;  H. 
Lacy;  Mrs.  Hurt;  G.  F.  Whitehouse;  Rev.  E.  Alder. 

Brahma  Pootea  f  r ,i<>ht).— Cocks.— 1,  J.  Pares,  Guildford.  2,  F.  Crook.Forest 
Hdl,  Loudon.  8,  H.  M.  Maynard,  Holinewood,  Ryde,  Isle  of  Wight,  he,  Mrs. 
Williamson  ;  H.  Dowsett ;  J.  PareB.    c,  Miss  Hales ;  Mrs.  Williamson. 

Braiiu.1  Pootea  (Li-iht).— Cockerels.— 1  and  2,  W.  T.  Storer,  Shutt  Green, 
Brewood.  Stafford.  3,  W.  Simpson,  jun  ,  New  York.  4,  H.  M.  Maynard.  he,  F. 
Crook  ;  J.  Pares,    c,  Rev.  N.  J.  Ridley,  Ncwburv. 

Brahma  Pootra  (Light).— Hens  —1,  J.  R.  Rodbard,  Aldwick  Court,  Wrington, 
Bristol.  2,  J.  Pares.  3,  W.  Simpson,  jun.,  West  Farms,  New  York.  tic.  H. 
Dowsett.     c    F.  Crook. 

Brahma  Pootra  (Light).— Pullets.— I  and  Cup.  F.  Crook.  2,  C.  Morris, 
Holmleigh,  Grassendale,  Liverpool.    3,  M.  Leno,  Markyate  Street,  Dunstable. 

4.  J.  Pares,  he.  Mrs.  Williamson;  Miss  Hales.  Canterbury:  C.  Morris:  J.  F. 
While,  Birmingham  ;  W.  T.  Storer;  H.  Dowsett.  c.  J.  R.  Rodbard  ;  M.  Leno  ; 
A.  O.  Worthingtou,  Burton-on-Trent. 

Malay  — Cocks.— 1,  T.  Hollis,  Twyford,  Berks.  2,  A.  D.  Payne,  Lyth  Hill, 
Shrewsbury. 

Malay—  Coek.:nU.~l,  J.  S.  Rooth,  Chesterfield.  2,  Rev.  A.  G.  Brooke,  The 
Rectory,  Shrawardine,  Salop,    e,  Hon.  J.  Massy,  Limerick. 

M*LAY.-He»».— J.  Rev.  A.  G.  Brooke.  2,  T.  Hollis.  cf  J.  J.  Wilton,  Byhope, 
Sunderland. 

Malay.— PuUets.-l,  Rev.  A.  G.  Brooke.  2,  J.  S.  Rooth.  he,  Rev.  A.  G.  Brooke  ; 
A.  D.  Payne. 

Creve-Cosur.— Coek<  — 1,  W.  E.  Park,  Abbotsmeadow,  Melrose,  N.B.  2,  H. 
Beldon,  Goitstock,  Bingley.  8,  Hon.  H  W.  Fitzwilliam,  Went  worth  Wood- 
house.  Rotherham.  he,  Hon  J.  Massy :  C.  Morris  ;  J.  Watts,  c,  A.  D.,  care  of 
Mr.  Swan,  Birches  Green,  Birmingham. 

■ -i'CEUR.— Bens  or PuMetS.— 1.  J.  K.  Fowler,  Aylesbury.  2.  W.  R.  Park. 
3,  W.  BUnkhom,  Waterdale.  St.  Helens,  he,  Mrs.  Wilkin,  Bootle.  Carnforth, 
Cumberland;  R.  B.  Wood;  C.  H.  Smith,  RadclihV-ou-Tren-. 

Hoodans.— Cocks.— 1  and  3,  R.  B  Wood.  2,  D.  Lane,  Hardwick,  GUuoester. 
he,  R.  B.  W.  od.    c,  E.  W.  Stratford.  Maidstone,  Kent ;  Mrs.  Wilkin. 

Hoodans.— Hctw  or  Pullets.— I,  VS.  O.  Quibel!.  2,  R.  B.Wood.  3,  D.  Lane. 
he,  W.  Tippler,  Roxwdl.  Chelmsfoxd,  Essex  ;  C  Morris  ;  Rev.  C.  B.  Rowland, 
Ligbthorne,  Warwick  ;  W.  Dring,  Faversham,  Kent;  J.  D  re  wry,  Drakeflowe, 
Burton-ou-Trent ;  E.  W.  Stratford. 

1j>.  Fleche.— Cocks.— U  G.  A.  Stephens,  Dublin.  2,  Rev.  N.  J.  Ridley,  New 
bury. 

La  Fleche.— Hem  or  Pullets— I  and  2.  Hon.  C  W,  Fitzwilliam. 

Spanish-. — Cochs.—l  and  2.  Hon.  Miss  D.  Pen u ant.  8,  R.  Teehay,  Fulwood. 
he,  Hon.  Miss  D.  Pennant;  Mrs.  Allsopp. 

SPMSiBB.—Coekerel8.—l  and  Cup,  C.  W.  Brierlcy,  M'ddleton,  Manchester. 

2,  T.  Bamfield,  Brandon  Hill,  Clifton.     3.  E.  Jones,  Chiton,  Bristol.     4.  Mr«. 

I  Allsopp.     5,  E.Jackson,  Finchfi  Id,  Wolverhampton.      6.  J.  Walker.  Wolver- 

1  hampton.      he,  Hon.  Miss  D.  Pennant;  J.Walker;    E.  Jones ;    E.  Jackson  ; 

W.  R.  Bull,  Newport  Pa.-nell,  Bucks. 
!      Spanish,  -Hens— I,  Hon.  Miss  D.  Pennant.    '2.  J.  Watts.    ?..  H.  Beldon. 

Spanish.—  Pullets.— I,  E.  Jones.  2.  T.  Bamfield.  3.  Mrs.  Hyde.  Bedtninster, 
I  Bristol.  4.  H.  Lane,  Anhley  Road,  Bristol,  he,  T.  C.  &  E.  Newbitt,  Epworth  ; 
I  J.  Barry,  Totterdown,  Bristol :  W.  R.  Bull,    c,  T.  Bamfield. 

Hamburgh  (Black).— Cocas.— 1,  Rev.  W.  Serjeantson,  Acton  Barnell  Rectory, 

1  Shrewsbury.   2,  D.  Lord,  Stackstsads,  Manchester.    3,  F.  Brierley,  Heywood, 

Manchester,      he.  Duke  of  Sutherland,  Stoke-on-Trent:   Rev.  W.  Serjeantaon; 

C.  Sidgwiek  ;    J.  Smith,  Gilstead,  Bingley  ;    J.  Knott  &  Co.,  SUvithwaite.      C,  A. 

Woods,  Sefton,  Liverpw  l ;  Rev,  W.  Serjeantfien. 

Hamburgh  (Black).— Hens  or  Pullets.— 1,   Rev.  W.  Serjeantson.      2,  J.  M. 
Klivert,  Wtm,Sul«>p.    8,  S.Shaw,  Stainland,  Hal-tax.    he,  Rev.W. Serjeantson  ; 
(rick;  A.  Woods.    e.E.Brierley;  W. Birch,  Barnacle,  Coventry;  Mason 
;  and  Walker,  Denton,  Manchest  r. 

Hamburgh  (Golden-pencilled).— Codes.— 1,  J.  Preston.   Allerton,  Bradford. 

2,  H.  Beldon.     3,  Duke  of  Sutherland,     he,  Duke  of  Sutherland:   J.  W.  WiH, 
|  Errol,  Scotland. 

Hamburgh  (Gcdden-pencilled)  —  Hens  or  Pullets.— 1  and  c,  F.  Pen-in,  Ashley 
VaIe%BristoL    -J,  H.  Beldon.    3.  W.  R.  Park. 

Hamburgh  (Silvor-pencilled).— Cocks.—  1,  H.  B-  ldon.     2.  H.  Pickles,  jun.    3, 
F.  &  C.  Haworth,  Newfield.    4.  Duke  of  Sutherland,     he,  Duku  oi  Sutherland ; 
p.  &  U.  Haworth.     c,  B.  Bee,  Goosnargh,  Preston. 
|      Hamburgh  (Silver-pencilled)— Heii*  or  PuUets.—\,  Duke  of  Sutherland.    2, 
'  F.  &  C.  Haworth.    S,  H.  Beldon.    c,  W.  Bairstow.  Fearncliff,  Bingley. 
1      Hamburgh  ( Gold  en  -spangled).— Co  cks.—l,  H.  Beldon,     2  and  4,  J.Buckley, 
I  Taunton.  Ashton-under-Lyne.     S,  N.  Marlor.  Denton,  Manchester.     5  and  6, 
!  W.  A.  Hyde,  Hurst,  Ashton-und>r-Lyne.     he,  J.  Ogden,  Hollinwood,  Man- 
i  Chester;  E.  Brierley.    c,  Miss  C.  B.  Palmer,  Lighthorne,  Warwick  ;  A.Woods. 
!      Hamburgh  (Golden-spangled).— Hews  or  Pullets.— 1,  J.  Chadderton.  Hollin- 
wood, Manchester.    2,  J.  Ogden.   S.A.Woods.    4,  Mason  &  Walker,    he,  W.  A. 
Hyde  ;  N.  Marlor ;  E.  Brierley  ;  J.  Buckley ;  J.  Ogden.    c.  J.  Buckley. 
HAMBU»GH(Silver-spangied).— Cocks.— 1,  H. Pickles,  jun.  2  and  4.  J.  Fielding. 

3,  W.  McMellon,  Glossop.  5,  Ashton  &  Booth,  Broadbottom,  Mottram,  Cheshire. 
6,  H.  Beldon.    he,  W.  Bairstow. 

Hambubgh  (Silver-sp.mgltd).—  Hens  or  Pullets.— 1,  Ashton  &  Booth.  2,  J. 
Fielding.  3,  H.  Beldon.  4,  W.  McMellon.  S,  Miss  E.  Brown,  Chardleigh 
Green,  Chard,  he,  J.  W.  Will,  Errol,  Perthshire  ;  Ashton  &  Booth,  c,  J.  Fielding. 

Polish  (Black  with  White  Crests).— Cocfc*.— 1,  W.  Gamon,  Chester.  2,  S. 
Shaw,  Stainland.  Halifax,     he,  T.  Dean,  Keighley  ;  T.  P.  Edwards,  Lyndhurst. 

Polish  (Black  with  White  Crests).— Hens  or  Pulkts—l  and  2,  S.  Shaw. 
he.T.  P.  Edward 

Polish  (Golden)  — Cocks— 1,  M.  Nicholls.  Peel.  Isle  of  Man.  2,  W.  R.  Patrick, 
We.wt  Winch.  Lynn,  he,  G.  W.  Boothby,  Louih;  M.  Nicholls;  P.  Unsworth, 
Lowton,  NewtOD-le-Willows. 

Polish  (Golden).— Hens  or  Pullets.— 1,  H.  Beldon.  2,  W.  R,  Patrick,  he,  W. 
Silvester  (21 ;  S.  Shaw  ;  G.  W.  Boothby  ;  J.  Waits. 

Polish  (Silver).— Cocfcs.—l,W.  Gamon.  2f  H.  Beldon.  3,  H.  Pickles,  he,  W. 
Gamon  :  P.  Unsworth  ;  G.  C.  Adkinb,The  Liglttwoods,  Birmingham. 

PoLisn  (Silver).— Hens  or  Pullets— 1,  G.  C.  Adkins.  2,  H.  Pickles,  jun. 
hc.G.  C.  Adkins  (2);  J.  Scotson,  Little  Byrom,  Lowton,  Newton-le-WillowB ; 
H.  P.cldon. 

Any  other  Variety.— 1,  Hon.  C.  W.  Finch.  Coventry.  2  Mrs.  Wilkin.  3.  Miss 
C.  E.  Palmer,  he,  G.  EurneU,  Rugeley ;  C.  F.  Montresor,  Herschell,  Slough. 
c.  H.  Saville,  Ollerton.  „     „ 

Game  (Black-hreasted  Reds).— Cocks.— 1  and  Cup,  J.  H.  Macnab,  South 
Arthnrlie,  Barrhead.  2,  J.  Douglas,  Clumber  Aviaries.  Worksop.  3,  C.  B. 
Smith,  Scarborough.  4,  S.  Matthew,  he,  F.  Sales,  Crowle,  Doncaster.  C,  J. 
Forsyth,  Wolverhampton  ;  E.  C.  Gilbert,  Penkridjje  (2). 

Game  (Black-breasted  Reds).— 1, 2,  and  Cup.  J.  Mason,  St.Mohn'8,  Worcester. 

5.  S.  Bcighton,  Farnsfield,  Nottingham.  4,  G.  Bagnall.  Dray  cot  t,  Cheadle. 
5,  W.  H.Sta^g,  Netheravon,  Ptjwsev.  6,  E.  Aykrnyd.  EccleBhill,  Leeds.  hc,W. 
Spencer,  Haworth;  E.  Mann,  Wallfield,  Stand,  Pilkington:  Capt.  G.  Price, 
Taynton,  Gloucester;  S.  Deacon,  jun.,  Oundle.  c,  J.  Halsall,  Eccleston,  St. 
Helens ;  S.  Matthew.  ,    ,  „  _„      _— -.      „ 

Game  (Black-breasted  Reds).— Hens.  —  1,  C.  Chaloner.  Steetly,  Whit  well, 
Chesterfield.    2,  W.  J.  Pope,  Bit? gles wade.    3,  T.  Mason.  Green  Ayre,  Lancaster. 

Game  (Blsck-breasted  Reds).—  Pullets.— 1,  3,  and  Cup,  W.  J.  Pope.  2,  C. 
Chaloner.  4,  G.  Cottle,  West  Felton,  Salop.  5.  J.  Sunderland,  Hinperhelme, 
Halifax.  6,  C.  W.  Brierley.  he,  C.  Chaloner ;  J.  Frith ;  G.  E.  Peach,  Wellington , 
Salop ;  W.  Spencer,  Haworth ;  W.  Johnson,  Stanley,  Liverpool,  c,  G.  Clements, 
Birmingham;  S.  Beighton,  Farnsfield;  J.  Laming,  Spalding;  G.Cottle;  J. 
Sunderland. 


442 


JOURNAL  OF   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GA.RDENER. 


[  December  1,  lii/u. 


Game  (Brown  and  other  Reds,  except  Blaok-breasted).— Cocfei.-l,  a,  and 
Salop  WlB»B-    2,  C.  W.  Brierley.    6,  T.  Burgess,  Burleydam,  Whitrfmrcb, 

Oixs  (Brown  and  other  Reds,  except  Black-breasted).— Cockerels.— 1,  F,. 
Mann.  2,  J.  Wood.  8,  C.  Chaloner.  4,  R.  Swift.  Southwell,  Notts.  6,  W. 
boulton,  Ualton-in-Furness.    6,  W.  Dunning.  Newport,  Salop,    (if,  T.  BnrgeBS. 

U1ME  (Brown  and  other  Reds,  except  Black-breasted).— Bens.  —1.  C.  W. 
Bncrley.  2,  T.  Burgess.  8,  J.  Wood.  4,  J.  Frith,  he,  3.  Wood ;  J.  H.  Wilson, 
St.  Bees.  ' 

Game  (Brown  and  other  Reds,  except  Black-breasted).—  Pullets— 1,  C.  W. 
Bnerley.    2,  S.  Matthew.    3  and  I U.  Wood.    5,  W.  Boulton,  Dalton-in-Furnese. 

A        "e,,,i  w-  Boulton.    e.  J.  Wood, 
n  ?."SL  (,D,lckwings,  and  other  GreyB  and  Blues).— Cocks.- J,  S.  Matthew. 
2,  C.  Chaloner.    8,  J.  H.  Wilson,     4,  3.  H.  Bradwell,  Southwell,  Notts,     he,  3. 
Mason,    c.  W.  Bradley,  Severn  Navigation,  Worcester. 

Game  (Dockwmsts,  and  other  Greys  and  Bluesl.-Cocfcorefa—  1,  3.  Frith. 

'Sri'  i  Ma'ti"?w-  8,  G.  Dinglev.  Shustoke.  ColeBhill.  5,  W.  Dunning,  New- 
port, Salop  he.  W.  C.  Phillips,  Worcester;  C.  Chaloner.  c,  W.  H.  L.  Clare, 
Iwycrosp,  Atherstone. 

Game  (Duckwings,  and  other  Greys  and  Blues).— Hens  —1,  J.  W.  Thompson, 
St_  Ann  s;  Southowram,  Halifax.    2,  3.  Mason,    he,  C.  Chaloner. 

Oame  (Duckwings,  and  other  Greys  and  Bines). -Pul(«b.-1,  W.  Johnson, 
Stanley,  Liverpool.    2,  W.  Bradley.    3,  J.  Frith. 

Game  (Blacks  and  Brassy-winged,  except  Greys).— Coeks.-l  and  3,  Capt. 
W.  G.  Webb,  Tamworth.    2,  R.  Robbins,  Kenilworth. 

r-  <t °?£J Blsc"=  and  BrasBy-winged,  except  Grevs).-Hcn.i  or  PuUe.ts.-l,  Rev. 
GV?-  CTUrSZB:   2'  *J  Et|bbins     3.  Capt.  W.  G.  Webb.    c.  3.  H.  Dawes. 

Game :  (White land  Pllesl.-Coefai.-l,  C.  W.  Brierlev.  2  and  8,  J.  Sunderland, 
. $?£ rl?olm,5.  Halifax,  he,  3.  H.  Salter,  Tolleshunt  Darcy,  Kelvedon,  Essex. 
c,  F.  Sales,  Orowle,  Doncaeter. 

Game  (White  and  PileB).-Hei«  or  Pullcts.-l.  C.  W.  Brierley.  2.  J.  Frith. 
,'„•  a  £,  • TwycrOBS,  Atherstone.  he, 3.  W.  Thompson,  St.  Ann's,  South- 
owram, Halifax ;  J.  W.  Jones,  Malpan,  Newport. 

Bantams  (Gold-laced)— 1  and  2,  M.  Leno.  he,  Rev.  G.  S.  Crnwys ;  S.  A. 
Wyllie,  East  Moulsey,  Surrey. 

,  mK^A,<8  (Silver-Uced).-1,  M.  Leno.  2.  Rev.  G.  S.  Crnwys.  he,  M.  Leno ; 
J.  Watts,    c,  H.  Oraycott.  HumberBtone,  Leicester. 

Bantams  (White,  Clean-legged).— I,  Rev.  F.  Tearle.  Gazeley  Vicarage.  New- 
2  Ja  i  3  *  R-Ashton.  he,  Rev.  F.  Tearle;  H.  Beldon.  c,  Bell  &  Thorpe, 
Paddock  Nursery,  Stralford-on-Avon. 

Bantams  (Black,  Clean-legged). -1  and  8.  E.  Cambridge.  2,  H.  Beldon.  4,  3. 
Wajker,  Pellon  Lane,  Haliiax.    lie,  S.  &  R.  Ashton  ;  T.  Dean,  Keighley;  J. 

Bantams  (Any  other  variety,  except  Game).— 1,  W.  J.  Cope,  Bamslev.  2,  Mrs. 
woodcock,  Leicester,  he.  Countess  of  Ayles.'ord,  Coventry;  W.  W.  Lord, 
Birmingham;  H.  Draycott (2). 

0  §?*i?  ? ANTAS>s  (Black-breasted  Reds).-1  and  Cup,  H.  Shumaoh,  Southwell. 
-.W.Hodgson,  Darlington.  8,  Williams  4  Straw,  FamsBeld,  Southwell,  4,  G. 
maples,  jun..  Wavertree,  Liverpool.  6,  J.  W.  Morris,  Rochdale,  he.  R.  Swift, 
Southwell;  J.  Crosland,  jun.,  Wakefield;  H.  J.  Edge.  Basford.  Nottingham. 
<,,  Miss  E.   ,rawford,  Farnsfield.  Sonthw.-ll ;  J.  Palmer,  Longford,  Coventry. 

Game    Bantams  (Brown  and    other    Reds,   except   Black-breasted)  —  1,   J. 

1  aimer.    2  and  e,  H.  Shumach,  Southwell. 

Game  Bantams  ,Any  other  variety).-!.  Miss  E.  Crawford.  2,  Williams  and 
Straw.    3.G.  Smith,  staveley,  Chesterfield. 

Game  Bantams  (Black-breasted  and  other  RedB).— Cocks.— I,  Williams  and 
?  n  "i  '  •  Hinchlieff,  Farnsneld.  3,  G.  Smith.  4,  E.  Hudson,  Ulverston. 
J,  a.  bhnmaoh.  he,  H.  P.  Leech,  Burv  St.  Edmunds :  J.  Frith,  (  hatsworth, 
Bakcwell ;  G.  Maples,  ion.,  Wavertree,  Liverpool ;  E.  Hudson,  c,  P.  H.  Jones, 
FnJham,  London ;  J.  Rhodes,  Accrington. 

Game  Bantams  (Any  ether  varietvl.-Cocts—  l.T.C.  &  E.  Newbitt.  2,  Minn 
L.Crawford.  8,  G.  Smith,  c,  J.  RhodeB  ;  H.  Shumach;  Mason  &  Charles- 
worth,  Chesterfield. 

Docks  (White  Aylesbury).— 1,  E.  Leech,  Rochdale.  2,  H.  Jones,  Dinton, 
Ayl.sbory.  3.  Mrs.  SeamoTis.  4.  Ladv  Gwydyr.  he,  Mrs.  Seamons  (3);  J.  K. 
Fowler,  Aylesbury  (2).    c,  3.  K.  Fowler. 

Docks  (Rouen). -land  Cup,  and  3,  T.  Statter.  2,  L.  Patton.  4,  A.  Dickinson, 
Westcroft,  Whitehaven.  5,  W.  Gamon.  6,  J.  Scotson.  Little  Bvrom.  Lowton, 
Newton-le- Willows,  he,  Gunson  &.  Jefferson  ;  T.  Burns,  Abrami  Wigan  ;  S-  H. 
htott.  Quarry  Hill,  Rochdale  :  L  Patton  (2):  R.  Gladstone,  jun.,  Courtney, 
Broad  Green,  Liverpool;  The  Countess  of  Dartmouth.  Patshnll,  Wolver- 
hampton; A.Woods;  J  K.  Fowler,  c,  L.  H.  Ricketts,  Banwell ;  A.  WoodB 
(2) :  Gunson  &  Jefferson  (2). 

Docks  (Black  East  Indian).— 1  and  Plate.  Rev.  W.  Serjeantson.  2,  W.  E. 
George,  Downside.  Bristol.  8,  S.  Burn,  Whithv.  lie,  Mrs.  H.  A.  Hayne,  Ford- 
ington,  Dorchester  (2);  -t.  Burn. 

Docks  (Any  other  varietvl.  -1.  M.  Leno.  2.  C.  Biker.  Long  Street,  Atherstone. 
he,  H.  Mapplebeck  (2) ;  J.  Watts;  C.Baker;  J.  K.  Fowler;  S.H.Stott;  Rev. 
W.  Serjeantson;  T.  C.  Harrison,  Beverley  Road,  HulL  c,  M.  Leno;  R.  L. 
Chance,  Chad  Hill,  Edsbaston. 

Geese  (White).— 1,  Rev.  G.  Hustler,  Stillingfleet  Vicarage,  York.  2,  E. 
Leech,    he,  Mrs.  Seamons.    c,  J.  Lvcett. 

Geese  (White).— Ooslinns  —1,  Mrs.  Seamons.  2,  J.  Lvcett.  he,  Mrs.  Sea- 
mons ;  Rev.  G.  Hustler  (2) :  J.  K.  Fowler ;  W.  E.  George,    c.  A.  Roxburgh. 

Geese  (Grey  and  Mottled).— 1,  Mrs.  Seamons.     2,  J.  K.  Fowler,     he,  Bev.  G. 
Hustler;  J.  Lycett.    c,  W.  Lort,  King's  Norton,  Birmingham. 
t  «?S8E  (Grey  and  Mottled  I.— Goslings.-\,  3.  K.  Fowler.    2,  J.  Lycett.    fcc.Hon. 
Ladies  W.   Fitzwilliam,  Wellingborough;  J.  K.  Fowler;  W.  Lort;    Rev.  G. 
Hustler;  MrB.  Seamons;  S.  H.  Stott. 

t  -ESKFF,T8-~ Mult  Cocks— \  and  vhc,  W.  Simpson,  jun.,  New  York.  2,  F. 
Lythall,  Banbury,  lie,  Hon.  Mrs.  A.  B.  Hamilton;  Mrs.  Parsons,  Bridgnorth; 
Miss  M.  Brown,  Doncaster :  Rev.  H.  G.  Baily,  Swindon ;  L.  Patton  ;  J.  Burgess  ; 
J-  rox,  St.  Bees,  Cumberland;  F.  Lvthall ;  W.  Wykes,  Wolvey,  Hinckley. 
e.  Miss  C.  F..  Palmer ;  J.  N.  Beasley,  Northampton ;  Rev.  N.  J.  Ridley,  Newbury ; 
N.  J.  Jenaway.  Cryfield,  Kenilworth  ;  R.  Hall. 

Turkeys—  Young  Cocks.— 1  and  2,  F.  Lythall.  he,  Miss  J.  Milward,  Newton 
St.  Loe,  Bristol ;  W.  Tippler.  Roxwell,  Chelmsford ;  J.  BurgesB :  F.  Lvthall  (2) ; 
£■.  Kendrick, jun.,  Weeford,  Litchfield,  e,  Hon.  MrB.  Colvile,  Lullington,  Burton- 
on-Trent;  E.  Kendrick,  jun. ;  W.  Wykes. 

TOHKEva- Adult  Bens.—l.  F.  S.  Rawson,  Thorpe,  Halifax.  2,  F.  Lythall. 
he, Rev.  N.  J.  Ridley:  .1.  Burgess. 

Turkeys.— Young  Hens— I  and  2,  E.  Leech,    he.  Mrs.  Winterton,  Hinckley ; 

F.  Lythall;  Rev.  G.  Gilbert,  Claxton,  Norwioh;  W.  Wykes;  E.  Kendrick,  jun. 

PIGEONS. 

Tumblers   (Almond).— 1  and  2,  R.  Fulton,  Deptford,  London.    8,  J.  Ford, 

London,    c,  3  Ford  ;  R,  Fulton. 

Carrierb  (Black)  —Cocks.— I,  J.  F.  While,  Birmingham.  2,  E.  Horner,  Hare- 
wood,  Leeds,  he,  R,  Fulton ;  W.  Siddons,  Aston,  Birmingham,  c,  R.  Fulton  ; 
T.  Colley,  Sheffield.  Bcns.—l,  E.  Horner.  2,  R.  Fulton,  he,  3.  Watts,  c,  3.  C. 
Ord,  London. 

Carriers  (Dim).— Cocks—  1,  J.  C.  Ord.  2,  W.  Harvev,  Sheffield,  he,  F. 
Fulton,  c.  T.  Colley.  Bcns.—l  and  2,  R.  Fulton,  he,  W.  Siddons.  c,  J.  Isaac, 
Kenilworth ;  T.  Colley. 

Carriers  (Any  other  colour).— Cocks.— 1  and  e,  3.  C.  Ord.  he,  R.  Fnlton. 
Bens.—l  and  lie,  R.  Fnlton.    c,  3.  Watts. 

Pouters  (Red).— Cocks.— 1  and  he,  R,  Fulton.  2,  J.  Hawley.  Bens.—l,  E. 
Horner.    2,  W.  Harvey,    he,  R.  Fulton. 

Pouters  (Blue).— Cocks—  1  and  lie,  R  Fulton.  2,  W.  Gamon.  Bens.— 1  and 
lie.  R.  Fnlton.    2,  A.  H.  Stewart. 

P- oters  (Black).— Cocks— 1,  A.  H.  Stewart.    2  and  vhc,  R.  Fnlton.    Bens.— 
1,  A.  H.  Stewart.    2,  and  e,  R.  Fulton. 
Poutbrs (White).— Cocks.-l,  A. H.  Stewart.   2, W.Harvey,   tide, W. Choice. 


he,  Mrs.  Land,  Calne.  c,  A.  Heath,  Calne.  Bcns.—l  and  2,  R.  Fuitou.  he.  Mrs. 
Ladd  ;  A.  Heath. 

Pouters  (  ny  other  colour).— Cocks.— 1,  R.  Fulton.  2,  A.  H.  Stewart.  Bens. 
—1  and  2,  R  Fulton,    c,  A.  H.  Stewart. 

Baldb  or  Bbards  —  I  and  3,  W.  H.  C.  Oates,  Besthorpe,  Newark,  Notts.  2, 
J.  Fielding,  jun      he,  R.  Fulton. 

Tumblers  (Shortrfaced).-l,  J.  Ford.  2,  R.  Fulton,  lie,  R.  Minnitt,  jun., 
Healey  Vicarage,  Rochdale;  R.  Fulton. 

Tumblers  (Long-muffedl.— 1  and  2,  E.  D.  Careless,  Birmingham. 

Tumblers  (Any  other  variety).— 1,  J.  Hawiey.    2,  J.  Watts. 

Runts — 1  and  Cup,  H.  Yardley.  2,  P.  H.  Jones,  he.  Lady  F.  Bushby,  Kings- 
ton Hill,  Surrey. 

Jacobins  (Red  or  Yellow).  —  1  and  2,  R.  Fulton.  vhc,  S.  Shaw,  he,  3. 
WilliamB.  Manchester,    c,  A.  H.  Stewart. 

Jacobins  (Any  other  colour).— 1.  E.  E.  M.  Royds,  G  reenhill,  Rochdale.  2, 
W.  B.  Van  Haansbergen,  Newcastle-on-Tyne. 

Fantaii.s  (White).— 1,  3.  F.  LoverBidge,  Newark-on-Trent.  2.  W.  Choyce.  3, 
C.  '.ii]  ,im.  Riverside,  Bridgewater.  he,  Rev.  W.  Serjeantson;  J.  F.  While; 
C.  Bulpin  (2).    c,  J.  F.  Loversidge. 

Fantails  (Any  other  colour).— 1,  J.  W.  Edge.    2,  H.  Yardley.    he,  W.  Choyce. 

Trumpeters  (Mottled).— 1  and  2,  E.  Homer,  lie,  J.  Firth,  c,  W.  B.  Van 
Haansbergen. 

Trumpeters  (Any  other  colour).— 1,  P.  H.  Jones.  2,  W.  H.  C.  Oates.  he,  3. 
Hawley ;  J.  Firth. 

Owls  (Foreign).— 1,  J.  Fielding,  jun.    2,  R.  Fulton,    he,  W.  Harvey. 

Owls  (English).— 1,  J.  W.  Edge,  Birmingham.  2,  E.  D.  Careless,  he,  C. 
Bulpin  ;  G  F.  Whitebouse.    c,  S.  A.  Wyllie;  J.  Crosland.  jun. 

Nuns.— 1,W.  Baukes,  Runcorn,  CheBhire.  2,  F.  Graham.  Birkenhead.  3,  H. 
Yardley.    he,  W.  Robinson.  Northwich. 

Turbitb  (Red  or  Yellow).-l,  O.  E.  Cresswell.  2,  J.  Fielding,  jnn.  he,  S. 
Shaw,  Halifax,    e.  J.  W.  Edge ;  H.  Yardley. 

Turbitb  (Any  other  colourl.— 1,E.  T.  Dew.  Weston-super-Mare.  2,  W.Eankes. 
he,  T.  C.  &  E.  Newbitt ;  W.  Baukes     c.  E.  Horner. 

Barbs  (Black).— 1,  J.  Firth.    2  and  he.  R.  Fulton,    e,  S.  Shaw. 

Barbs  (Any  other  oolour).— 1,  J.  Firth.  2,  R.  Fnlton.  he,  3.  Fielding;  W. 
King.  Nuffield,  Surrey. 

Dragoons  (Blue).— 1,  T.  Waddington,  Feniscowles.  Blackburn.  2.  F.  Graham. 

Dragoons  (Red  or  Yellow).— 1,  W.  Gamon.    2,  F.  Graham,     he,  3.  Watts. 

Dragoons  (Any  other  colour).— 1,  F.  Graham.  2  and  he,  H.  Allsop,  Birming- 
ham. 

Magpifs.— 1  and  2,  E.  Horner,  Leeds. 

Antwerpb  (Silver  Dun).— 1,  H.  P.  Rylnnd.  The  Redlands.  Erdington.  Birming- 
ham. 2,  H.  Yardley,  Birmingham,  he,  H.  R.  Wright,  Birmingham  ;  E.  Horner : 
H.  Yardley. 

Antwerps  (Blue).— 1  and  Cup,  W.  H.  Mitchell,  Moseley,  Birmingham. 
2,  H.  R.  Wright, 

Antwerps  (Red  Chequered).— 1,  J.  W.  Ludlow.  Birmingham.  2,H.  R,  Wright. 

Antwerps  (Blue  Chequered).— 1  and  2.  J.  W.  Ludlow,  he,  3.  W.  Ludlow : 
J.  Crosland, jun. ;  H.  Yardley:  J.  Williams,  Manchester. 

Archangels.— 1.  W.  Harvev.    !,  C.  Bulpin. 

Swa  Lows.— 1,  W.  Choyce.  2,  F.  H.  Paget,  Birstall,  Leicester,  he,  E.  Horner : 
J.  Watts. 

Any  other  New  or  Distinct  Variety.— 1,  Rev.  A  G.  Brooke,  Shrawardme. 
Salop ;  W.  Bankes.  2,  F.  H.  Paget ;  H.  Allsop.  3,  F.  H.  Paget  (2).  he,  F.  H. 
Paget ;  S.  A.  Wyllie. 

The  Judges  of  Poultry  were  the  Rev.  G.  F.  Hodson,  Capt.  Heaton, 
Mr.  John  Baily,  Mr.  James  Dixon,  Mr.  E.  Hewitt,  Mr.  R.  Teebay, 
Mr.  J.  H.  Smith,  Mr.  R.  Woods,  and  Mr.  Edward  Lowe  ;  of  Pigeons, 
Mr.  Harrison  Weir,  Mr.  T.  J.  Cottle,  Mr.  F.  Esquilant,  and  Mr. 
H.  Child. 

CHIPPENHAM  POULTRY   SHOW. 

This  Show  is  always  held  in  connection  with  a  show  for  breeding 
and  fat  stock,  coupled  with  one  of  the  best  competitions  for  cheese  in 
thn  country.  With  the  most  excellent  accommodation  for  a  show  of 
limited  numbers  it  has  for  many  years  been  remarkable  for  the  per- 
fection of  the  poultry  entered.  A  few  years  ago  its  strength  seemed 
to  be  centred  rather  in  the  useful  breeds  of  poultry  than  the  strictly 
fancy  varieties  now  so  much  sought  after  by  amateurs.  Even  to  this 
honr  for  Geese,  Turkeys,  and  Ducks,  few  of  even  the  most  popular 
shows  can  outvie  that  at  Chippenham,  and  the  crossbreeds  for  table 
purposes  were  as  well  shown  as  heretofore. 

This  year,  however,  the  Game  fowls  were  of  superior  character,  the 
Buenos  Ayrean  Ducks  were  extraordinarily  good,  and  the  Dorkings  and 
Cochins  were  scarcely  less  commendable.  Baniburghs  were  good,  and 
the  Polands  shown  by  Mr.  Hinton,  of  Warminster,  were  among  the 
most  perfect  we  have  seen  for  a  long  time  past.  A  beautiful  hybrid, 
bred  between  the  wild  English  Pheasant  and  a  Game  hen,  was  one  of 
the  most  attractive  features  to  general  visitors.  From  the  weather 
proving  most  favourable,  in  the  admissions  at  the  gates  this  sur- 
passed any  former  show. 

Dorkings.— 1,  Rev.  J.  C.  Hoysted,  Bradenstoke.  2,  Miss  J.  MLrward,  Newton 
St  Loe.    c,  G.  Hanks,  Malmeabary ;  J.  Butler.  Tetbury. 

Spanish.— 1,  G.  Tonkin,  Bristol.     2,  G.  Hanks,    he,  R.  C.  Forater,  Freshford. 

Gkt&v.- Black-breasted  ajid  other  Reds—  1,  W.  H.  Stagg.  Netheravon.  2,0. 
Viveaeh,  Berwick  Bassett.  he,  W.  H.  StapET.  <*,  E.  Baily,  Chippenham.  Any 
other  variety.— 1  and  2,  G.  S.  Sainebury,  Devizes,  c,  G.  S.  Sainsbury ;  E.  C. 
Phillips,  Brecon. 

Cochins— 1,  Miss  Milward.  2,  D.  W.  Thomas,  Brecon,  c,  J.  S.  Maggs,  Tet- 
burv.  _ 

Brahmas— 1,  W.  Hanks,  Somerford.  2,  H.P.  Moor.Langley  Burrell.  c,  Rev. 
J.T>.  Hoysted  (2);  J.  Kingdon,  Calne. 

Hambubgbs.— Gold  or  SiUvr-pencilkd.-\,  H.  H.Thompson,  ColeshiU.  2, T. 
Sealev,  Somerford.  c,  J.  W.  W.  Hnlbert,  Chippenham,  Gold  or  Silver- 
spangled— \,  C.  MaggB,  Melksham.  2,  J.  Powney,  Calne.  he,  J.  Orledge, 
Chippenham. 

Polands.— 1  and  2,  J.  Hinton,  Warminster. 

Bantams  —Game.—l  ar,d  2,  Rev.  F.  Cooper,  Anmey  Crucis.  c,  J.  May,  Sound- 
well,  Bristol ;  E.  C.  Phillips.    Any  other  variety.— \,  2,  and  hct  Rev.  F.  Cooper. 

Any  other  Distinct  Breed.— 1,  J.  Hinton.  2  and  he,  R.  C.  Forster,  Fresh- 
ford,    c,  J.S.  Maggs- 

Crobs  Breeds— 1,  J.  S.  Mages.  2,  D.Collen,  Chippenham,  c,  J.  C.  Fi-y, 
Marshfield;  Mrs.  "W.  A.  Lnrge,  Cliffimstey. 

Turkeys.  -1,  Miss  J.  Milward.  2,  H.  Brinkworth,  Corsham.  he,  I.  Smith, 
Avon. 

Geese.— 1,  G.  Hanks.  2,  J.  Baker,  Allington.  fcc.H.  Say.Lact-ck  (2).  c,  E,  P. 
Rich,  Chippenham. 

Ducks.—  Bone n.  -1,  J.  S.  Maggs.  2.  J.  C.  Fry.  he,  G.  Hanks ;  G.  M.  Hulhert 
e,  G.  HankB  ;  G.  M.  Hulbert ;  J.  R.  Rodbard,  Aldwick  Court,  Wrington.  AyU-s- 
bury.—l  and  2.  G.  Hanks,  he.  J.  S.  Magus.  Any  other  variety.— 1,  G.  S.  Sains- 
bury.    2,  G.  Hanks,    c,  R.  J.  Butler,  Bremhill. 


December  1,  1H70.  | 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


443 


SWEBi-STAttEd  (Game  Cock).— 1  and  hc,  W.  H.  Stagg.      2  and  3,  G.  S.  Saing- 
bury. 

Mr.  Kdward  Hewitt,  of  Birmingham,  was  the  Judge. 


OAKHAM  POULTRY   SHOW. 

Tub  weather  daring  this  Show  was  unfavourable  to  the  attendance 
of  visitors,  as  well  as  to  the  poultry  exhibited,  for  although  it  was 
stated  in  the  printed  catalogue  that  the  exhibition  was  to  be  held  in 
the  Hiding  School,  all  except  the  Pigeons  and  Bantams,  which  had 
the  shelter  of  a  large  barn,  were  placed  nnder  a  large  tent,  through 
which  the  rain  penetrated  so  much  as  to  make  it  a  question  whether  it 
was  any  protection  or  not.  The  only  difference  at  first  sight  was 
that  a  portion  of  the  birds  were  perfectly  dry,  whilst  others  were  sub- 
jected to  even  a  greater  downpour  than  had  they  been  shown  without 
any  covering  whatever.  Tents  are  never  to  be  depended  upon  at  this 
season,  and  we  trust  that  on  future  occasions  an  improved  plan  may  be 
resorted  to.  as,  certainly,  the  high  value  of  most  of  the  birds  shown 
demanded  more  favourable  quarters.  Considerably  more  than  five 
handled  pens  of  poultry  and  Pigeons  were  in  themselves  a  very  good  col- 
lection ;  many  of  our  first  rate  exhibitors  were  competing,  and  the  show 
pens  of  Messrs.  Turner,  of  Sheffield,  left  nothing  that  could  be  bettered 
on  that  head. 

It  iB  beyond  question  that  the  Rutland  Show  just  held  contained  by 
tar  the  best  collection  of  Cochins  that  has  ever  been  seen  in  the  dis- 
trict; Partridge,  Buff,  and  White  proving  excellent.  The  Game  classes 
were  remarkably  good,  the  Brown  Red  cocks  and  Duckwing  Game 
hens  being  of  far  higher  merit  than  usual.  Some  very  well  matched 
Pekin  Bantams  were  shown,  and  we  noticed  some  first-rate  Malays 
and  bilky  fowls.  Turkeys  were  far  beyond  the  average,  and  in  the 
Ihick  classes  were  to  be  found  contributions  from  the  best  breeders  in 
the  kingdom.  The  Selling  class  was  one  of  more  merit  by  far  than 
usual,  a  silver  cup  for  the  best  pen  causing  first-rate  specimens  to  be 
entered.  It  was  taken  by  a  well-shown  young  White  Cochin,  which  will 
probably  again  secure  similar  trophies.  French  fowls  were  entered  in 
far  larger  numbers  than  have  been  hitherto  known  in  Rutland,  and  most 
of  them  were  excellent.  It  is  impossible  to  give  more  than  a  very 
rough  estimate  of  the  Hamburahs,  as  they  were  so  perfectly  saturated 
in  some  instances  that  the  markings  were  indistinguishable.  The 
Pigeons  -were  a  fine  collection,  and  had,  as  before  said,  luck  on  their 
aide,  being  secure  from  cold  draughts  and  driving  rain.  We  are 
assured  that  the  Riding  School,  or  some  similar  building,  will  be 
secured  for  future  Oakham  shows. 

Doekinos.— Coloured.— Coek.—l  and  Cup,  C.  Speed.  2,  B.  Wood,  Clapton. 
fhrapston.  he.  J.  Hornsby,  Grantham  ;  J.  Stott,  Bea'ev,  Rochdale ;  Marchioness 
of  Exeter,  Burghley  Park,  Stamlord;  J.  Longland,  Grendon  (2);  H.  Lingwood. 
Harking.  Needham  Market  (Jl:  J.  M.  Wellington,  Oakham,  c,  G.  A.  Crewe 
Etwall,  Derby.  Hens  or  PulleU-l,  H.  Lingwood.  2,  L.  Patton,  Hillmore' 
Taunton,  he.  Lady  A  veland,  Oakham ;  J.  Hornsbv;  K.Wood:  J.  Stott.  Stiver. 
nrey.-Hensor  Pullets.— 1,  O  E.  Cresswell,  Hanwortb  Rectory,  Feltham.  2,  J. 
Long  and.  he,  D.  E.  Campbell.  Brentwood,  c,  Marchioness  ofExeter;  Mrs. 
Lowther  Barleythorpe  Hall,  Oakham.  White.— Cock.— 1.  Hiss  E.  Williams, 
Hcnlbs  Berriew,  Montgomeryshire.  2,  C.  Boyes,  Kettering,  he.  Marchioness 
?'  ^Jetot-  Hfn*  °r„Pu,le,,Z1'  Miss  E-  Williams.  2.  Marchioness  ot  Exeter. 
he,  Marchioness  of  Exeter:  O.  E.  Cresswell. 

Spanish  -Black.-l, J.  F -Dixon,  Cotgrave.  Nottingham.    2.  J.  F.  Sillietoe, 
Wolverhampton,    he,  H.  Y\  ilkinson,  Earbv.    chicken*.— 1  and  Cup,  J.  Bonlton, 
Br!,at? '■■„■-•  J'  F;,t>,'.'!?.n'.  Co'Srsve,  Nottingham     he,  H.  Yardley,  Birmingham 
I.  V.  Sillietoe ;  H.  Wilkinson  ;  J.  Walker.  Wolverhampton, 

CocniN-CmSA.— Cinnamon,  Buff,  or  Partridge— Cock.— 1  and  Cup,  H  B 
Wood,  Uttoxeter.  2.  T.  Rogera.  Walsall,  lie,  H.  Lingwood;  W.  A.  Taylor 
Manchester;  c.  Sldgwick,  Ryddiesden  Hall.Keighley  :  J.M.Wellington;  G.A 
Crewe,  c,  Horace  Lingwood,  Creeting,  Needham  Market ;  H.  V.  Storey,  Lock- 
ington,  Derby.  Hens  or  Pullets.— 1,  J.  Cattell.  Birmingham.  2,  W.  A.  Taylor 
'.«■¥■  i,mgw,?°3:  Mrs-  Woodcock,  Rearsby  HouBe,  Leicester;  H.  Lingwood: 
W  A.  Bumall.  Southwell:  T.  M.  Derry,  Gednev  ;  J.  K.  Fowler,  Aylesbury :  H. 
V  Storey,  e.  T.  Rogers,  Walsall.  Wh-te  orBlack.-Cock.-l,  Mrs'.  A.  William. 
;<on,  Queniborough  Hall.  2,  H.  H  Bletsoe,  Barnwell.  Oundle.  e,  T.  Rogers. 
Hens  or  Pullets.— I.  H.  H.  Bletsoe.    2  and  he,  Mrs.  A.  Williamson. 

Brahma  Pootra—  Cock—  1,  W.  Adams,  St.  Clements,  Ipswich.  2,  W  T 
SJorer.  Shnll  Green,  Brewood.  he,  W.  A.  Taylor,  c,  ,1.  Thomson,  Sheffield ; 
Mrs.  A.  "v.  llliamson.  Hem  or  Pullets.— I,  W.  Adams.  2,  Rev.  D.  Peake.  Lale- 
ham,  Staines,    he,  Mrs.  A.  Williamson. 

French  Fowls— 1  and  Cup,  0.  H.  Smith,  Radcliffe-OD-Treni  (Creve-Cceurs). 
■2.J.  K.  Fowler  I  Houdans).  S,  W.  Dring,  Faversham  (HoudanB).  he,  J.Malden, 
Biggleswade  (Crere-Co  nrs) :  Mrs.  J.  Cross,  Applebv  Vicarage.  Brigg  (Creve 
CO'urs);  R.  B.  Wood  (HoudanH);  M.  Kew  (Houdan's).     c,  J.  Maiden  (Creve- 

HAMBtrftGHS.  - Silver-spangled.  —  1,  C.  Parsons,  Wolverhampton.  2,  G. 
Walters,  V.  orcester.  he.  J.  Wright.  Melton  Mowbray.  Silver-pencilled.— 1  T 
Bauson,  keighley.  2.  W.  Collyejr  A  Co..  Dubb,  Bingley.  Goi.i-spangled.-l  and 
Cu,P'  ,1-'  Wakeman.  Tettenhall.  Wolverhampton.  2.  T.  Mav.  Wolverhampton. 
c.  W.  K.  Tickner,  Ipswich  ;  L.  Wren,  Lowestoft.  Goldpencill'ed  -1,  R.  R.  Parker. 
Ipswich.  «,  W.  k.  Tickner.  Ite,  A.  Coles,  Long  Sutton,  Wisbeach.  c,  H. 
Harriott,  Skirbeck,  Boston. 

GAME.-Reif  and  other  Dark  Colour.— Cock. -i;  W.  Adams.  2,  A.  J.Tluyder 
mi.*.'  i  ..d7.";£-  BeU-  Bnrton^n-Trent ;  S.  Matthew.  Siowmark'et.  c.T 
Wintrier,  Melton  Mowbray ;  G.  Heafford.  Loughborough  (S).  Ecus  or  Pullets. 
T  i  ?'  ri l2&i  r  M";  Lowther,  Barleythorpe  Hall,  he,  MeBsrs.  Collyer 
Kit00'  :  I-  J!  h',aker  :  W.  .1.  Pope,  Biggleswade ;  H.  H.  Blrfsoe.  c,  J.  Jekin, 
tlthaui;  T.  Garton,  Oakham.  IVhJte,  Piles,  and  Light  Cblours.-Cock—I  S 
Matthew  2  E.  Wmwood.  Worcester,  he. T.  Whitaker ;  <i.  Heafford  ;  J.  Jekin! 
Hens  or  Pullets— \  and  Cup,  S.  Matthaw.    2,  E.  Winwood. 

IiAvTAMS.-7inii(^ .clean  legs.—l,  B.  Painter,  Burley-on-the-Hill.  c,  S.  4  R. 
Ashton,  Mottram ;  H.  L.  Bradshaw,  Wakerley,  Stamford.  Black,  clean  legs.- 
1  and  Cup,  S  S.  Mossop.  Long  Sutton,  he.  S.  4  R.  Ashton.  Gold  or  Silver, 
'i^'a-l,  H.  Drayeott,  Humbcratone.  2  and  he.  Miss  II.  Finoh.  Any  other 
Variety  -1,  B.  s.  Lowndes,  Stony  Stratford  IPekin  Bantams),  ho,  Mrs.'Wood- 
co^k,  Leice-t.r;  E.WmwouJ.  Worcester  (>Thite-boot«d  Uantams);  H.  Dray- 
cott,  Humberstone.  Leicester  iRumpless  Bantaml.     Gave.  —  Cock  -1    S 


MPKe1rn>S'_1'a'W*Bo<"hby,Lonth-    ^  a.  Almond,  Oakham,    c,  A.  Almond: 

wJ^l!(r0T^EEt  ^iBX??,Y;rI-,M-    Kew   fM«l»Ts)-     2.  Miss  E.  J.  N.  Hawker 

Wycliffe,  Tunbn«ge  Wells  (Japanese  Silkies).  ' 

r,ranth«'m""i0id  rS^*--^--1  an5  Cnp'  G-  K'  p'»"on,  Witham  Common. 
F  F  r;S;,  2a  L-  **£"%  Hillmore,  Tannton.  he,  O.  R.  Pearson  :  -  Hughes 
Mr»  a  ?•  atso.n:  %•  K??;  MlBSPS  G-  *  L-  Crsi«h,  Fotheringhay,  Oundle ' 
?'J"  ^uy;  Eat'J?•  3rantham  ;  E.  Leech,  Rochdale,  c.  F.  Palmer;  Marcnion- 
Kew  c  FC  Pri  Ben{ri-  ¥T^  Al  G"y-  *■  a  K  Pearson,  he,  L.  Patton  M. 
CoTk  i'm™  ?«'•  F- E- ^ha'dsop.  Bramshall.  Uttoxeter.  Young  Birds - 
Mr.  '7  V"™-  A-  M,aySe?;-  °reat  Baddow.  2,  G.  R.  Pearson,  he,  W.  Hughes - 
ML;k  •  GllJ,-  & .?'  »•  Pearson  ;  E.  Leech.  Hens.-\,  O.  R.  Pearson.  2  F 
Leech,    he,  L.  Patton ;  W.  Hughes.  '    *  "• 

h£*0Kh'r™J'Ul.Ayl">""'y-i  »n2.Cup.  E.  Leech.  2. Mrs.  M.  Seamons,  Ayles- 
Ve\I\J  a.i  k  "•  ^^"li  ?•  Dei"»n.  J"h"  Polebrook  Hall,  Oundle;  3.  K. 
W.  White,  Netherton.  2,  Mrs.  M.  Seamons.  he,  L.  Patton ;  J.  W.  White-  J 
Dickinson  Leigh.  Manchester,  c.  R.  Wood.  Any  other  Far  "(y.-T  Mrs 
5£T.  a  {S*Sl  Ind'Ian»-,  ,*  H-  H.  Bletsne.  Barnwell.  Oundle  (Wild)  he,  S.B 
Stott ,  a.  V.  Story.  Lockingt/m,  Derby  (While  Pernvisns).    c.  M.  Kew  (Buenos 

iTc'i  Kr^T°'"f^ES"Jmn,,nl  Cross-bred  or  Comma*.- r™V-l  and 
lie,  C.  J.  Bradshaw.    2,  G.  R.  Pearson. 

GKSSE.-Pure  White-lma  Cnp.  Mrs.  M.  Seamons.  hc.E.  Leech.  Oosliiws 
-1,  J.  K.  Fowler,    he,  G.  H.  F  nch,  M.P.  (SI.    Ore*  -1  Rev  C  H  1  neaa  F,iith' 

7%cl?'  *)a?fFrdF  'T'  M-  Hw-  t  S-  H-  Stott"E.LeechC-Hdo;S  .-1  E." 
Leech,    he,  J.  K.  Fowler,    e.  Rev.  C.  H.  Lucas:  S.  Deacon,  iun 

h.™.1*^0^  "B-V£.an;?,Cn,?'  ?■  ?°ee"'  Walsall.  2,  J.  F.  Sillietoe,  Wolver. 
P^ffl"  wPa5'9Tlw°C,[)-„.'K'.J-  ^?"S},^  Grendon.  Northampton  Dorking 
Pullets) ;  W.  B.  Jeffries  (Bantams);  C.  Boyes.  Kettering  (Dorkinm):  Mrs 
Be,r"^gS,„B'?'le>'-on-,b<'-Hil1  IPea  Fowls);  j.  K.  Fowler  (Avleshurv  DucksY 
fif-XS0"^  <!";■"»''  Cock);  W.  Dring  (Creve-ra.ursl  J  M.  Wellington 
?, \.;  t,awd  a^o"01  k  $*£"■  Lowestoft  (Golden-spangled  Hamburgh 
cSchms  Bumell   (Buff   Cochin   Pullets);   G.  A.  Crewe   (Partrid|° 

LOCAL  CLASSES. 
DoBUijoa.-CMc»«M.— he,  C.  Speed,  Exton ;  G.  H.  Finch,  M.P,  Burley-on- 

Game.— Chickens.— Cup,  A.  J.  Fluyder,  Arston  Hall  Uppingham. 

FiUMTAEn.-Cliicfcf  nt—  1  and  2,  M.  Kew.    S,  B.  Painter.  Burley-on-the-Hill. 
PIGEONS. 

Tt7srBLERS.-l,  H.  Yardley,  Birmingham.  2.  P.  H.  Jones,  Fnlham.  )ic  G 
Brentnall,  Burton-on-Trent.    c,  H.  Headley. 

Carriers.— 1  and  2,  E.  Walker,  LeiceBter.    c.  H.  Yardley 
t>oroiiThS8'_1'  W'  *"  R°9e'  Ketlerm^-    2'  E-  Walker,    he,  R.  F.  Payling,  Peter. 

Jacobins.— I  and  2,  H.  Headlev,  Thurmaston.  Leicester. 

Fantaus.— l,.l.  F.  Loversidge.  Newark-on-Trent.  2.  F.  H.  Paget,  Birkstsll 
Leicester,  he,  H.  VaughaD.  Wolverhampton ;  P.  H.  Jones,  Fulham.  e  U 
Yardley.  Birmingham. 

Trumpeters  -1.  Withheld.    2.  W.  Gamble.  Thorpe  Satchville,  Melton 
n^f™8^1,  ?'JH-J,;?e,s-    2>  H-  Va"Bban.    he.  W.  E.  Easten,  Hull,     c,  A.  B. 
Bailey,  Shooter's  Hill,  Longton.  ■—•■»■ 

Torbits.-L  P.  H.  Jones.  2,  W.  E.  Easten.  he,  O.  E.  CreSBwell-  F  H 
Paget,    e,  A.  B.  Bailey. 

Ktots.-i,  H.  Yardley.  2.  T.  D.  Green,  Saffron  Walden.  c,  H.  Yardley  ■  P  H 
Jones.  * 

IL?  h^l°lTRM  ViBIZTr~1,  H-  Yardley.    2  and  e,  F.  H.  Paget,    he.  H.  Headley 
The  Judges  were  Mr.  Hewitt  and  Mr.  Tegetmeier, 


NORTHAMPTON  ORNITHOLOGICAL  SOCIETY 

This  Society's  Show  of  Canaries,  British  birds,  and  Pigeons,  was 
held  November  26th  and  28th.     The  following  are  the  awards  :— 

Pigeons—  Three  of  Distinct  Varieties.— I  and  Cup,  Mrs.  Hall,  Northampton 
2,  W.  Nottage.  Northampton,  c,  T.  Chambers.  Pouters  or  Carriers  — 1  and 
o,  T.  Chambers,  Jan.,  Northampton.  2,  T.  Adams,  Northampton.  Barbs  or 
Antwcrps.—l,  W.  Morbey.  2.  W.  Nottage.  He,  0.  Tassell,  Northampton.  Oirlit 
Turbtti.oTjacooiM—  l.W.Morbey, Northampton.  2.  W.  Lepper, Northampton 
ho,  I.  Barber,  Northampton  ;  W.  Lepper.  Any  other  Variety.— I,  W.  Lepner 
2,  W.  Morbey,  He,  —  Green,  Northampton. 
CANARIES. 

Noewjch—  Clear  Jonaue.—l,  T.  Irons.  Northampton.  2,  Moore  &  Wynne 
Northampton,  vnc, T.Mann. CamberwellNew Road:  Bemrose&Orme,  Derby' 
HO,  T.  Irons ;  G.  Gayton,  Northampton ;  W.  Gamble,  Northampton,  c,  S  Bunt- 
ing. Derby ;  Moore  &  Wynne  (2).  Clear  Mealy.— 1.  Moore  4  Wynne.  2,  Bern 
rose  &  Orme.  vnc,  S.  Bunting;  —  Chapman.  He,  Moore  &  Wynne  -  Bemrose 
and  Orme.    c,  G.  Clipston,  Northampton  ;  W.  Gamble. 

Norwich.— Evenly-marked  Jonque.—I,  Moore  &  Wynne.  Equal  2,  R  Haw- 
man.  Middlesbrough.  Equal  2,  W.  Gamble,  vnc,  Moore  &  Wynne ;  Bemrose 
and  Orme.  He,  H.  Apted,  Worthing;  J.  Bexson.  Derby,  c,  S.  Bunting-  T 
Irons.  Evenly-marked  Mealy.— 1,  Moore  A  Wynne.  2,  G.  Gayton.  vhc,  Moore 
and  Wynne ;  Bemrose  &  Orme.    hc.  W.  Gamble,    c,  H.  Apted ;  J.  Bexson. 

Norwich.—  Ticked  or  Uneven-marked  Jonque.—l,  Bemiose  &  Orme.  2  and 
HC.  Moore  4  Wynne,  vhc.  T.  Mann;  R.  Hawman.  c,  H.  Apted;  T.  Irons 
Ticked  or  Uneven-marked  Mealy.— I,  Moore  &  Wynne.  2,  Bemrose  &  Orme 
vhc,  Moore  &  Wynne  ;  Bemrose  4  Orme.    sc,  H.  Apted ;  W.  Gamble. 

Nobwich—  Any  variety  of  Crested  Jonque.—l,  R.  Hawman.     2,  T.  IronB 
vhc,  Moore  &  Wynne;  T.  Irons,    hc,  Moore  4  Wvnne;  W.  liar  well,  North- 
ampton,   c.  J.  Turner,  Birmingham;  G.  Smith,  Northampton.    Any  variety  of 
Crested  Buff.— 1,  T.  Irons.  2,  J.  Inrner.   vhc,  S.  Bunting ;  T. Irons,  hc  — Cox- 
T.  Irons,    c,  W.  Holmes,  Nottingham  ;  —  Hyllier. 

BELOIAN.-Ctear  Yellow— I,  J.  Turner.  2,  J.  N.  Harrison,  Belper.  vhc,  S. 
Spinke,  Chippenham  ;  J.  N.  Harrison,  c,  W.  Needier,  Hull;  J.  Close,  Derby. 
Clear  Buff— 1,  J.  Turner.  2,  W.  Bexson.  vnc,  S.  Spinke  (2).  hc,  J.  N.  Harrison. 
Marked  or  Variegated.— I,  J.  Turner,  2,  S.  r'pinke.  HC,  S.  Bunting,  c,  J.  N. 
Harrison. 

Lizabos.— Golden-spangled—  1,  T.  W.  Fairbrass,  Canterbury.  2.  G.  Tuck- 
wood,  Northampton,  vhc,  J.  N.  Harrison ;  Stevens  4  Burton,  Middlesbrough. 
HC,  T.  W.  Fairbrass;  H.  Ashton.  Polefleld  Hall,  Prestwich.  c,  Stevens  and 
Burton:  R.  Hawman.  Silver-spangled—  1,  H.  ABhton.  2.  Stevens  4  Burton. 
vhc,  R.  Hawman ;  Stevens  4  Burton.  He,  3.  Bunting,  c,  G.  Tuckwood ;  J.  N. 
Harrison. 

Cinnamon.— Jonque.—l,  2,  and  vhc,  T.  Irons,  hc.  —  Tomes:  S.  Bunting;  G. 
Glipston.  c,  Moore  4  Wynne ;  H.  Apted.  Buff— I  and  hc,  T.  Irons.  2,  W. 
Camble.  vhc.  H.  Apted:  —Tear,  Northampton,  c.  W.  Gamble;  H.  spUtl. 
Marked  or  Variegated.— 1,  Stevens  &  Burton;  2  and  c,  Moore  4  Wynne. 
vhc,  —  Tomes. 

Ant  other  Varietv.— 1.  H.  Ashton.  2.  A.  Webster,  Kirkstall,  Leeds,  vhc,  G. 
Gayton ;  W.  Hutton,  Baildon,  Leeds.  He,  W.  Holmes ;  -  Ri.jt,  .-oi -thuui,  ton  ; 
W.  Hutton.    o.  StevenB  4  Burton  ;  H.  Ashton. 

Golofinch  Mule.— Jonque.— 1  and  2,  fl.  Ashton.  vhc.  Stevens  4  Burton ; 
W.  L.  Chapman ;  W.  Needier.  Mealy—  1,  Fairclough  4  Howe.  2,  S.  Runtirir. 
vho,  W.  4  C.  Burniston,  Middlesbrough;  S.Bnnting.  hc,  H.  Aslnon  (2).  r.\\. 
Needier;  W.  L.  Chapman.  Dark.— I.  Moore  4  Wvnne,  2,  — Cox.  vho, Stevens 
and  Burton:  Moore4Wynne.  He,  W.  Cattell,  Nonhampton;  A.Webster;  W. 
L.  C.iapman.    o,  —  Cox ;  —  Hvltier. 


444 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


I  December  I,  1870. 


Goldfinch.— 1,  Fairclongb  &  Howe.    vhc,J.  N.  Harrison;  Stevens  &  Burton.' 
hc,  "W.  King,  "Wellingboruugh.    c,  Moore  &  Wynne ;  —  Knibb. 
IbBcllfincu.— l,  w.  fit  C.  BurniBton.    vhc,  T.  Haddon,  Northampton;  Fryer* 
and  McCnrne,  Stockton,    hc,  Moore  &  "Wynne,    c,  A.  Webster. 

Jtoge. — Mr.  W.  Wilmore,  London. 


EGG-EATING   BEES. 


The  fact  of  bees  eating  or  removing  eggs  from  their  combs 
when  queenB  are  being  reared  artificially,  as  described  by  your 
correspondent  "R.  S."  in  page  383,  has  been  noticed  by  me 
for  a  number  of  years,  and  I  once  sent  an  article  on  the  sub- 
ject to  the  Journal,  but  for  some  reason  it  never  appeared. 
I  have,  however,  experimented  much  both  before  and  since  on 
this  point,  and  may  here  describe  under  what  circumstances 
I  have  found  the  egg-eating  propensity  become  manifest,  and 
show  also  how  I  have  cured  it.  Like  "  R.  S  ,"  I  am  prepared 
to  say  that  it  often  happens,  but  I  do  not  believe  that  it  occurs 
in  every  instance. 

Many  bee-keepers,  I  doubt  not,  have  noticed  during  spring 
the  case  of  a  formerly-proven  fertile  queen  where  the  hive  in 
which  she  is  regnant  makes  no  progress,  no  young  bees  ap- 
pearing, and  yet  if  this  queen  were  transferred  to  another  hive 
it  would  at  once  become  prosperous.  When  I  made  this  dis- 
covery I  noticed  that  in  such  dwindling  hives  where  they  had 
taken  to  egg-eating  the  bees  were  invariably  old.  Knowing, 
therefore,  the  fact  that  if  the  queen  were  transferred  to  another 
hive  her  progeny  would  be  matured,  I  tried  the  experiment  of 
inserting  a  frame  of  brood  in  the  heart  of  the  hive;  this  had 
the  desired  result  and  acted  like  a  charm,  and  I  have  often 
since  repeated  the  experiment  with  success.  Subsequently, 
when  I  discovered  that  eggs  and  larva;  were  eaten  by  the  bees 
when  raising  queens,  I  conjeetured  and  was  about  to  affirm 
that  bees  required  eggs  or  larvae  for  the  production  of  royal 
jelly,  but  I  exploded  this  idea,  having  found  from  further 
experiments  that  many  destroyed  not  a  single  egg. 

Although  I  am  satisfied  that  eggs  are  notinvariably  destroyed, 
still  the  mystery  is  far  from  being  solved.  I  may,  however,  be 
allowed  to  ask  the  question,  What  is  the  reason  that  old  bees  de- 
vour eggs  and  that  young  ones  do  not  ?  Can  it  be  owing  to  their 
stomachs?  We  know  there  is  a  difference  in  the  stomachs  of 
the  old  and  young  of  some  animals  ;  can  there  then  be  an 
inability  in  the  stomach  of  the  old  bee  to  produce  royal  jelly  ? 
and  is  that  organ  in  the  young  bee,  whose  duty  it  appears  is  to 
become  a  nurse  when  but  a  few  hours  old,  capable  of  producing 
a  different  compound  from  that  of  old  ones  ? — A  Lanarkshire 
Bee-keepeb. 

BEES   BREEDING    LATE. 

Yesterday,  November  20th,  being  a  very  warm  and  fine  day, 
my  bees  all  turned  out  in  numbers,  and  upon  inspecting  one  of 
the  hives  I  was  astonished  to  see  a  number  of  young  bees  before 
the  entrance,  evidently  just  come  out  of  their  cells.  Now  you 
will  allow  this  is  rather  an  unusual  time  of  year  for  young  bees — 
either  exceedingly  early  or  very  late,  and  a?  there  is  no  chance 
of  there  being  any  pollen  for  two  monthB  at  least,  I  wish  to 
know  what  will  become  of  any  grubs  there  may  be  in  the  cells, 
and  whether  there  is  any  means  of  providing  artificial  pollen, 
such  as  meal,  what  is  the  best  way  to  give  it  to  them,  and  the 
best  to  use  ? — Carolus. 

[Tour  bees  have  been  breeding  late  in  the  season,  but  this 
circumstance  is  not  so  remarkable  as  you  appear  to  imagine. 
Young  bees  (Liguriane)  were  taking  wing  for  the  first  time  in 
considerable  numbers  from  one  of  our  own  hives  five  days 
later  than  in  your  case,  whilst  pollen  was  being  carried  into 
others  at  the  same  time.  You  need  not  apprehend  any  failure 
in  the  supply  of  the  last-mentioned  substance,  which  we  have 
always  found  bees  able  to  accumulate  in  excess  of  their  actual 
requirements.] 

OUR  LETTER  BOX. 

Notice. — Most  of  our  authorities  are  at  Birmiugham,  so  that 
we  must  defer  answering  many  poultry  querieB  until  our 
next  number. 

Hamburgh  (8.  D.  C). — It  is  pronounced  as  if  spelt  "  Hamborough."  A 
dark  pullet,  though  lighter-plumaged  this  season,  is  not  unlikely  to  pro- 
duce dark  chickens  next  year.  We  do  not  know  anything  about  the 
preferences  yon  name. 

Black-breasted  Red  Game  Moulting  Untrue  to  Colour  Puzzled 
One). — It  is  not  very  uncommon  for  a  bird  to  moult  as  you  describe  yours 
to  have  done.  If  you  exhibit,  he  is  still  fit  to  show  in  the  classes  for 
*' Black-breasted  and  other  Reds."  He  will  not  do  for  Black-breasted 
Reds.  He  is  now  a  Brown  Red,  but  not  less  valuable.  There  is  a  stain 
in  him  to  which  he  has  thrown  back. 

Feeding  Brahmas  for  Exhibition  (A  Duffer).— "We  like  your  feeding 


better  than  the  advice  of  your  friends.  If  your  fowls  have  good  con- 
stitutions do  not  destroy  them  with  physic.  Give  them  ground  oats 
slaked  with  milk  in  the  morning,  a  little  barley  or  maize  at  midday,  and 
ground  oats  again  in  the  evening  ;  add  thereto  some  table  scraps  daily, 
and  some  heavy  sods  of  growing  grass  cut  with  plenty  of  fresh  mould. 
Give  as  much  lettuce  as  you  please.    Yon  need  do  nothing  more. 

Feeding  Poultry  (Poultry  Food).— Ground  oats  are  excellent  food, 
but  not  essential  to  the  well-doing  of  fowls.  Feed  as  we  have  advised  in 
our  preceding  answer,  substituting  barleymeal  for  ground  oats.  [A  Ten- 
years  Subscriber). — It  is  almost  impossible  to  name  any  quantity  of  food 
for  a  given  number  of  poultry.  Your  food  isnot  good  ;  instead  of  Indian 
corn  meal,  give  ground  oats,  which  in  Ireland  you  should  get  cheaper. 
The  Ducks  should  be  fed  on  oats,  the  Turkeys  on  meal  mixed  with 
milk.  It  will  always  be  difficult  to  fatten  chickens,  Ducks,  or  Turkeys 
bought  from  cottagers,  as  they  are  so  poorly  fed.  As  a  rule,  that  which 
is  neceBBiiry  for  the  formation  of  the  fat,  is  for  a  long  time  absorbed  in 
the  productiou  of  flesh.  We  advise  you  to  let  all  the  chickens  run  at 
liberty,  to  shut  up  the  Turkeys  in  a  small  shed  where  they  can  be  fed 
from  a  trough  with  fo  id  made  of  oatmeal  slaked  with  milk ;  but  they 
must  be  put  up  as  they  are  likely  to  be  wanted,  two  or  three  at  a  time. 
The  Ducks  should  be  shut  up  in  au  old  pig^tyeor  similar  place,  and  fed  on 
oats  put  in  a  trough  with  water.  You  must  recollect  birds  cannot  be  kept 
artificially  fattened  in  a  state  of  confinement.  They  will  lose  flesh  and 
die.  We  advise  you  to  shut  up  only  Ducks  and  Turkeys.  Feed  the 
chickens  as  well  as  you  can  at  liberty.  You  will  never  get  epgs  in  the 
winter  by  keeping  hens,  you  must  have  pullets  for  that  purpose.  Bird3 
will  starve  to  death  on  one  food,  however  good  it  may  be.  They  must  have 
change.  Most  poultry  women  waste  half  the  food  by  throwing  down  the 
same  quantity  in  the  same  place  every  day  without  reference  to  circum- 
stances. To  throw  down  food,  is  not  to  feed.  When  the  first  is  only 
partly  eaten,  the  second  should  not  be  given.  Fowls  do  not  like  Indian 
meal,  nor  is  it  profitable  food.  It  would  he  a  much  letter  arrangement 
for  the  poultry  woman  to  buy  her  own  food.  In  a  large  f  inuly  the  scraps, 
properly  managed,  should  play  an  important  part  in  feeding  the  birds' 
and  lessening  the  expense. 

Exhibiting  Spanish  Fowls— Cochin  Unthriving  (Seotus).  —  The 
small  delect  in  the  face  of  your  Spanish  cock  being  an  accident,  and 
bearing  the  proof  of  it,  will  not  be  a  disqualification.  It  is  only  a  dis- 
advantage, and  not  a  serious  one.  The  White  Cochin  is  unwell.  He  must 
be  thoroughly  purged  with  castor  oil,  a  table-spoonful  every  day  till  his 
evacuations,  which  are,  doubtless,  now  green  and  watery,  become  figured 
and  brown  and  white.  If  after  some  days'  purging  this  does  not  take 
place,  try  Baily's  pills,  and  add  to  them  two  pills  of  camphor,  each 
the  size  of  a  garden  pea.  These  may  be  given  wibta  castor  oil,  allowing 
two  hours  between  the  oil  and  camphor.  If  benefit  show  itself,  the  dose 
of  camphor  may  be  increased. 

Fattening  Fowls  for  Table  (N.  C.).— Cramming  is  unnecessary, 
unless  it  is  desired  to  make  fowls  fit  for  the  London  market.  Fowls  can 
be  kept  fat  enough  for  table  when  running  about,  and  always  are  so  in  a 
good  farmyard;  but  where  all  the  food  has  to  be  bought  it  is  very  ex- 
pensive to  feed  all  alike.  The  birds  iutended  for  the  table  should  be  shut 
up  in  a  fattening  coop,  and  fed  three  times  per  day  with  ground  oats  or 
barleymeal  mixed  with  milk.  The  process  is  too  long  to  be  described 
here,  you  will  find  it  at  length  in  "Fowls,"  by  Baily.  In  that  work  there 
is  a  chapter  devoted  to  it. 

Pigeonb  and  Chaffinch  (E.  8.  Polkinghomc). —  Your  Pigeons  have 
roup ;  we  gave  the  most  likely  means  of  cure  in  our  number  for  Novem- 
ber 17th.  A  great  number  of  articles  appeared  in  this  Journal  in  the 
early  part  of  tbis  year  abo-it  Flying  TumblerB  and  Birmingham  Rollers, 
and  more,  alas  1  was  said  of  them  than|was  true,  both  as  to  length  of  flight 
and  supposed  delicacy.  In  the  words  of  Sir.  Brent,  "Flying  Tumblers 
give  lesB  trouble  in  breeding  than  any  other  variety  oj  Pigeon,  where  any 
pretension  to  fancy  is  desired."  In  the  long  articles  we  printed  the 
subject  was  exhausted.  The  tameness  of  your  Chaffinch  is  as  pleasing  as 
it  is  unusual. 

Fish  in  Glass  Globe  (H  H.). — Give  them  a  little  raw  meat  shredded 
very  fine  every  day.  Vallisneria  spiralis,  Ranunculus  aquatilis,  and 
Aponogeton  distachyon  are  plants  you  might  grow  in  the  giobe. 

Pickled  Mushrooms. — "  C.  Y."  has  pickled  mushrooms;  all  turned 
black.    She  wishes  to  know  how  this  is  caused  and  to  be  avoided. 


METEOROLOGICAL  OBSERVATIONS 
'  In  the  Suburbs  of  London  for  the  week  ending  November  29th. 

BAROMETER. 

THERMOMETER. 

Wind. 

Date. 

Air. 

Earth. 

Rain 

Max. 

Mill. 

Max. 

Min. 

1  ft.  |   2  ft. 

Wed...  23 
Thurs..  24 
Fri..  ..  25 
Sat.  ...   2^ 
Sun.  ..  27 
Mon. . .  28 
Tnea....  29 

29.414 

29.330 

29  640 
29.919 
30.2'5 

30  '227 
50217 

29.188 
29  202 
29.827 
29  766 
31.137 
30.177 
30.175 

58 
59 
60 
57 
48 
51 
48 

34 
48 
31 
31 
39 
27 
39 

48 
50 
47 
47 
48 
46 
45 

44 

45 
45 
45 
46 
44 
45 

S.W. 

S. 

S. 

S. 
S.E. 
S.E. 
S.E. 

.12 
.24 
.02 
.00 
.00 
00 
.00 

Mean.. 

29.853 

29.710  ]  54.86 

35.57 

47.43 

44  85 

0.38 

23. — Foggy  ;  very  fine  ;  fine,  starlight. 

24.— Boisterous;  very  fine  ;  drizzling  rain. 

25. — Clear  and  fine;  cloudy;  fine  starlight. 

26.— Dense  fog;  very  fioe  ;  dense  fog. 

27.— Cloudy  but  fine  ;  very  fine  ;  dense  fog. 

28. — Foggy;  dense  fog;  densely  overcast. 

29.— Densely  overcast;  overcast;  densely  overcist. 


COYBNT  GARDEN  MARKET.— November  30. 

There  has  been  a  limited  attendance  of  buyers  during  tbe  week,  and  n 
general  dullness  prevails.  Hothouse  Grapes  are  good  and  plentiful, 
comprisiug  Black  Hatnburghs,  Alicante,  Lady  Downe's,  and  Muscats, 
Pines  are  as  plentiful  as  they  were  scarce  at  the  beginning  of  the  month, 
and  prices  are  receding.  Large  supplies  of  Potatoes  have  come  to  hand 
both  coastwise  and  by  rail. 


December  8,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL   OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


445 


WEEKLY 

CALENDAR. 

Day 

of 

Month 

Dey 

of 

Week. 

DECEMBER  8-14,      70. 

Average  Tempera- 
ture near  London. 

Rain  in 

last 
43  years. 

Sun 
Rieoa. 

Sun 
Sets. 

Moon 
Rises. 

Moon 
sets. 

Moon's 
Age. 

Clock 
after 
Sun. 

Day 

of 

Year. 

8 
9 
10 
11 
19 
IS 
14 

Th 

F 

S 

Son 

M 

Td 

w 

3   SUHDAT  IN  ADVEKT. 

[of  Gardeners. 
Royal  ll'iticnltural  Society's  examination 
Mooting  of  Royal  Microscopical  Society, 

[8   P.M. 

Day. 
46.9 
46.7 
47.0 
46.5 
48.0 
47.5 
40.9 

Night. 
83.6 
84.9 
32.8 
32  6 
37.0 
86.5 
81.3 

Mean. 
40.3 
40.8 
39.9 
89.6 
42.5 
42.0 
40.6 

Dave. 
19 
17 
26 
17 
18 
23 
21 

in.      h. 
64af7 

56  7 

57  7 

58  7 

59  7 
0      8 
0      8 

m.      h. 
50  af  8 
50      8 
49      3 
49      3 
49      3 
49      8 
49      8 

m.     h. 

24  af  4 

4       5 

54  5 

55  6 
1       8 

12      9 
27    10 

m.     h. 

55  af  7 

56  8 
60      9 
3=S    10 
15    11 

after. 
12      0 

Davs. 
O 

10 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 

m.     s. 
7     54 
7    27 
7      0 
6    32 
6      4 
5     36 
5      8 

842 
Si:; 
341 
345 
346 
347 
S48 

From  ob?ervatious  taken  near  Lonilon  during  the  last  forty-three  years,  tho  average  day  temperature  of  tlio  week  is  47. 1',  and  its  night 
temperature  84.5°.     The  greatest  heat  was  63Q,  on  the  11th,    1311 ;  and  the  lowest  cold  13°,  on  the  8th  and  9th,  1867.      Tho  greatost  fall  of 
rain  was  1.02  inch. 

PRUNING  ORNAMENTAL  TREES  AND  SHRUBS. 

No.  6. 

RUNING  being  subsequent  to  planting.  I 
purpose  at  this  stage  to  offer  to  the  notice  of 
intending  planters  some  suggestions  on  the 
distribution  of  trees  and  shrubs  in  parks  and 
pleasure  grounds. 

The  best  and  the  true  mode  of  arranging 
trees,  shrubs,  and  other  plants  so  as  to  pro- 
duce effect  is,  without  dispute,  massing  them 
Art  may  dispose  them  in  lines  and  a  variety 
of  ways  that  will  result  in  a  good  effect,  but 
though  art  is  essential  it  will  ever  prove  abortive  if  not 
founded  on  those  broad,  well-defined  principles  that  give 
art  its  life.  The  ideal  of  the  painter  is  Nature  If  his 
picture  has  not  Nature  it  will  never  immortalise  him,  and 
the  planter  disposing  plants  in  a  confused  manner  will 
have  a  very  coufused,  undefined  landscape.  Some  have 
an  idea  that  the  best  effect  is  attained  by  a  promiscuous 
assemblage  of  the  different  species  and  varieties  of  trees, 
shrubs,  and  other  plants.  Probably  acting  on  what  they 
consider  Nature's  disposition,  at  irregular  distances  and  in 
an  irregular  style,  a  great  diversity  of  plants  are  placed  in 
a  manner  which  is  in  no  way  superior  to  a  confused  dis- 
tribution that  in  the  end  must  produce  a  bad  effect.  This 
is  termed  imitating  Nature.  As  a  mixture  the  planting 
may  be  all  very  well ;  it  may  serve  every  purpose  of 
shelter,  and  afford  the  gratification  trees  and  shrubs  with 
their  allies  always  give,  but  it  has  nothing  of  Nature,  for  in 
this  the  trees.  &c  ,  form  objects  in  the  landscape  ;  there 
aye  masses  of  evergreens  in  one  spot,  and  masses  of  de- 
ciduous subjects  in  another,  the  whole  having  varied 
gradations  of  height,  depth,  and  size ;  uniformity  is  no- 
where apparent,  and  yet  the  whole  is  blended  into  one 
scene  or  picture,  though  composed  of  several  parts  or 
objects  individually  well  marked  and  distinct,  yet  bearing 
a  correlation  to  each  other,  producing  in  effect  that  har- 
mony and  contrast  most  pleasing  to  the  eye. 

Nature's  principle  of  planting  is  in  masses  In  no  exse 
is  Oak  intermixed  with  Ash,  much  less  do  we  find  a 
clump  of  Pines  mingled  with  Elms.  The  soil,  situation, 
and  climate  give  a  degree  of  fitness  for  a  certain  class 
of  plants  in  one  place,  and  for  a  very  different  kind  in 
another  :  hence  we  have  that  distinctness  of  view  with 
diversity  of  features  always  pleasing  to  the  eye,  and  a 
completeness  that  characterises  Nature's  works,  showing 
them  different  from  art  or  the  work  of  man*.  Though  in 
the  best  examples  of  natural  scenery  there  is  seldom  the 
solitary  tree,  yet  there  is  a  very  great  difference  in  the 
subjects  forming  the  landscape.  A  mass  of  Oak  prevails 
in  one  place,  there  is  Ash  or  Elm  in  another.  Pines  sur- 
mouut  the  eminences,  Gorse  will  show  itself  here  and 
there,  the  Willow  will  be  where  there  is  water,  the  Dog- 
wood and  Guelder  Rose  in  moist  situations,  and  in  all 
there  are  masses  of  some  particular  tree ;  not  that  there 
are  no  detached  specimens  and  small  groups,  but  they 
seem  rather  as  having  escaped  from  the  main  groups, 
forming  connecting  links  between  the  latter  and  what  they 

Ho.  500.— Vol.  XIX.,  Xew  Series. 


adjoin,  than  as  being  characteristic  of  Nature's  disposition 
of  plants. 

I  will  not  further  note  Nature's  distribution  of  plants. 
It  has  been  pooh-poohed  in  our  gardens,  hut  what  would 
be  said  if  we  were  to  mix  our  flowering  plants  in  beds  and 
borders  in  a  style  like  that  wo  adopt  in  ninety-nine  out  of 
every  hundred  plantations  of  trees  that  are  formed  in  this 
country  ?  Supposing  we  arrange  our  plants  in  a  bed  or 
border  one  or  more  of  each  kind,  having  due  regard  to 
height  and  colour  both  of  bloom  and  foliage,  striving  to 
make  a  bed  as  much  mixed  or  diversified  as  possible,  what 
will  be  the  result'?  A  fine  bed  it  may  be  as  regards 
foliage  and  (lowers,  but  the  effect  is  poor.  What  a  dif- 
ferent effect  would  havo  been  produced  bad  all  the  plants 
of  one  hue  of  flower  or  foliage  been  disposed  in  a  mass  ! 
The  parts  then  become  distinct— a  feature  in  itself,  though 
it  comprises  but  a  part  of  the  bed  or  border,  yet  combining 
with  the  other  parts  to  form  a  whole.  It  is  the  same  with 
trees,  though  on  a  larger  scale  ;  the  mixed  system  must 
give  place  to  the  massing  or  natural  system. 

In  planting  trees  and  shrubs  on  the  massing  principle 
groups  may  be  formed  of  one  species  or  variety  of  tree,  or 
very  effective  groups  may  be  formed  of  a  species  and  its 
varieties,  and  finer  still  when  the  most  distinct  species  of 
a  genus  are  collected  into  a  group ;  in  no  case  mixing 
them  promiscuously,  but  disposing  each  in  a  mass,  so  as 
to  show  its  character,  and  by  dotting  a  few  on  the  margin 
of  the  group,  yet  near  enough  to  form  or  appear  a  part  of 
the  group  at  a  distance,  though  on  close  inspection  they 
have  the  characteristics  of  the  isolated  tree.  In  this 
way  we  secure  the  beauty  of  the  specimen  as  well  as  that 
of  the  mass.  The  dotting  will  also  serve  to  break  the 
not  unfrequently  monotonous  smoothness  of  artificial  out- 
lines. 

The  groups  may  emprise  any  number  of  parts— in  en- 
tensive  arrangements  be  large  enough  to  contain  examples 
of  every  species  and  variety  of  a  genus  ;  but  very  effective 
groups  'may  be  formed  of  a  few  of  the  most  distinct  kinds. 

Let  us  suppose  a  to  be  a  group  intended  for  three  species 
or  kinds.  Oaks  are  desired.  In  this  case — '(,  Turkey  Oak 
(Quercus  Cerris)  ;  b,  English  Oak  (Quercus  pedunculata)  ; 
e,  Scarlet  Oak  (Quercus  coccinea)  ;  whilst  for  dotting  on 
the  margin  the  same  kinds  may  be  employed  as  those  in 
the  mass  adjoining  ;  or  c  may  be  the  variegated  Lucombe 
Oak  (Quercus  Cerris  Lucombeana  variegata  argentea) ; 
d,  Lucombe  Oak  (Quercus  Cerris  Lucombeana)  ;  /,  Fern- 
leaved  variety  of  the  English  Oak  (Quercus  pedunculata 
aspleniifolia) ;  g.  Variegated  English  Oak  (Quercus  pedun- 
culata variegata) ;  h,  Cork  Oak  (Quercus  Suber) ;  t,  Ever- 
green Oak  (Quercus  Ilex). 

In  a  similar  way  with  Chestnuts,  a,  may  be  the  emmon 
Horse  Chestnut  (.Escuius  Hippocastanumi :  b.  Pink  Horse 
Chestnut  (iEsculus  H.  carneum) ;  c.  Scarlet  Horse  Chest- 
nut (,Esculus  H.  coccineum) ;  whilst  <1  could  be  the  Varie- 
gated (>Esculus  H.  variegatum  argenteum) ;  e,  Double 
White  Horse  Chestnut  (JEsculus  H.  flore-pleno  albo)  ; 
/,  Double  Red  (iEscnlus  H.  flore-pleno  rubro) ;  g,  JEsculus 
H.  precox;  7;,iEsculusH  crispum  :  i,  .Eseulus  rubicunda. 

In  a  similar  way  it  might  be  planted  with  Elms,  Limes, 

No.  1158— Vol.  XLIV.,  Old  Series. 


446 


JOURNAL   OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  December  8,  lo70. 


Maples,  &a.,  and  eo  on  to  evergreens :  for  instance  Pines. 
a,  Austrian  (Pinus  austriaea) ;  b,  Pinus  excelsa  or  Weymouth 
(Pinus  Srrobus);  c,  Corsican  (Pinus  Laricio),  or  Scotch  (Pinus 
sylvestris);  and  d,  Pinus  Cembia;  e,  Pinus  Benthaniiana  ;/,  Pi- 
nus maerocarpa ;  g,  Pinus  Larnbertinana ;  h,  Pinus  Jtil'reyi;  and 
i,  Pinus  pyrenaica. 

Spruce  Firs  form  an  imposing  group  ;  as  a,  Norway  Spruce 
(Abies  excelsa),  b,  Douglas  (Abies  Douglasii),  c,  White  Spruce 
(Abies  alba);  then  d,  Abies  excelsa  elegans  ;  c,  Hemlock  Spruce 
(Abies  canadensis) ;  /,  Abies  Menziesii ;  g,  Abies  orientalis  ; 
li,  Abies  Douglasii  taxifolia  ;  i,  Abies  Hookeriana. 


Silver  Fir  would  be  even  finer,  a,  Picc-a  Frozeri;  b,  Picea 
pectinata;  c,  Picea  balsamea;  and  d,  Picea  Nordmanniana; 
e,  Picea  cephaloniea ;  /,  Picea  nobilis;  g,  Picea  Pinsapo ; 
h,  Picea  grandis  ;  and  i,  Picea  rnagnifica. 

If  not  convenient  to  have  groups  of  one  genus,  very  effective 
masses  would  be  formed  by  planting  different  species  or  varie- 
ties of  several  genera.  For  instance,  1  may  be  composed  of 
Beech  ;  2,  Scotch  Fir  ;  3,  White  American  Spruce  ;  4,  Scarlet 
Oak  ;  5,  W.ych  Elm  ;  G,  Scarlet  Maple  ;  7,  Lime  ;  8,  Austrian 
Pine ;  9,  Sycamore ;  10,  Horse  Chestnut ;  and  for  dotting, 
d,  Purple  Beech  ;  e,  Turkey  Oak ;  /,  Scarlet  Horse  Chest- 
nut ;  g,  Variegated  Sycamore  ;  It,  Variegated  Maple  ;  i,  Exeter 
Elm. 

In  case  it  were  near  the  pleasure  grounds  it  might  be  de- 
sirable to  employ  shrubs,  then  1  may  be  Cupressus  Lawsoniana ; 
2,  common  Holly,  with  Mountain  Ash  interspersed  among  the 
Hollies  at  about  15  feet  apart ;  3,  Portugal  Laurel ;  4,  English 
Yew;  5,  Laurnstinus,  with,  a  few  Laburnums  at  the  back  and 
interspersed;  6,  Thujopsis  borealis  ;  7,  Colchic  Laurel,  with 
Bird  Cherry  interspersed  ;  8,  Rhus  Cotiuus,  with  Berberis  Aqui- 
folium  and  B.  Darwinii  in  masses  in  front,  or  just  within  the 
margin  ;  9,  Lilacs,  with  a  mass  of  tree  Bjx  at  the  right-hand 
corner;  10,  Thuja  Lobbi;  and  e,  Scarlet  Thorns;  d,  Double 
Gorse ;  /,  Salisburia  adiantifolia;  g,  Double  White  Thorns; 
h,  Tulip  tree;  i,  Scarlet  Thorns. 

The  above  may  not  be  the  best  modes  of  arrangement,  nor 
are  they  given  as  such,  but  any  mode  of  planting  is  better  than 
a  confused  one  ;  they  may  lead  to  better  modes  of  planting 
in  future,  for  I  cannot  perceive  anything  more  at  variance 
with  our  ideas  of  the  beautiful  than  what  we  meet  with  in 
nearly  all  parks  adjoining  pleasure  grounds  ia  the  three  king- 
doms.— G.  Abbey. 


THE   PINE   APPLE. 


The  summer  of  1870  has  been  one  of  the  very  best,  in  my 
experience,  for  the  cultivation  and  fruiting  of  the  Pine  Apple  ; 
so,  too,  was  that  of  1868.  We  can  and  have  done  much  by 
artificial  means,  but  we  cannot  compete  with  Nature.  The 
fruits  have  not  only  swelled  better  but  the  flavour  is  richer  ;  in 
some  instances  the  juice  was  dropping  from  the  fruit  before 
cutting.  This  took  place  in  June  and  July.  I  have  cut  several 
Queens  of  4  lbs.  in  weight  and  one  Queen  of  0  lbs.,  and  with 
crowns  2  to  3  inches  long.  I  have  not  had  such  a  glut  as  in 
some  seasons.  I  cut  the  firEt  fruit  in  March,  and  the  others 
have  come  in  two  and  three  a-month  ever  since.    I  had  two 


or  three  Smooth  Cayennes,  one  of  4  lbs.,  the  other  of  5  lbs., 
hut  the  last-named  had  a  crown  8  inches  long.  Thirty  plants 
were  put  into  our  fruiting  Pine  stove  in  August,  18C9,  being 
then  twelve  months  old,  and,  as  stated  above,  the  firs',  fruit 
ripened  in  March,  1870.  I  have  cut  twenty-four  Queens  and 
two  Smooth  C  lyennes.  Four  Queens  are  now,  while  I  write, 
November  28th,  swelling  off.  It  will,  therefore,  be  observed 
that  the  first  fruit  I  cut  was  in  nineteen  months,  and  it  weighed 
4  lbs.  The  fruit,  which  weighed  6  lbs.,  was  cut  November  5th 
from  a  plant  two  years  and  three  months  old,  and  by  far  the 
finest  plant  in  the  house;  it  fruited  in  a  13-inch  pot.  I  had 
ten  plants  ia  13-iuch  pots,  and  twenty  plants  in  11-inch  pots. 
Those  in  11-inch  pots,  with  the  exception  of  that  which  bore 
the  6-lbs.  fruit,  gave,  if  anything,  larger  fruits  ;  though  at  the 
time  of  potting,  of  course  the  largest  plants  were  potted  in  the 
13-inch  pots.  Nothing  has  been  gained  in  tho  above  instance  by 
large  pots. 

Will  some  others  give  their  experience?  I  shall  be  very 
glad  to  hear  what  has  been  the  heaviest  Old  Queen  ever  ripened. 
I  am  aware  there  are  several  varieties  of  Queens ;  some  pro- 
duce larger  fruits  than  the  Old  Queen,  but  none  equal  it  in 
flavour.  I  shall  also  be  glad  to  know  the  size  of  crown,  as  I 
have  seen  fruits  shown  with  crowns  more  than  a  foot  long. 
This,  I  consider,  ought  at  all  times  to  be  stated  when  weight  is 
given  ;  then  we  can  form  an  idea  of  what  the  produce  is  like. 
To  those  who  have  fruit  v>ith  large  crowns  lot  me  say — Mode- 
rate your  top  and  bottom  temperatures,  place  your  plants 
nearer  the  glass,  give  abundance  of  light  and  air ;  then  less 
crowns  will  be  the  result.— C.  M.  McC. 


FITZROYA  PATAGONICA. 

Since  the  introduction  of  the  above  species  of  Conifer  into 
this  country  a  few  years  ago  I  have  not  heard  anything  about 
it.  If  I  remember  rightly  it  was  reported  as  growing  in  its 
native  country  to  the  height  of  70  or  80  feet,  and  if  it  is  ever- 
likely  to  attain  that  height  in  England,  th'.se  who  planted 
it  on  its  introduction  will  by  this  time  be  able  to  furm  an 
opinion. 

I  have  planted  it  in  both  light  and  heavy  soils,  in  sheltered 
and  in  exposed  situations,  and  the  conclusions  I  have  drawn 
from  its  appearance  have  not  been  favourable  to  its  ever  lc- 
corning  a  popular  tree  in  this  country;  and  after  four  years,' 
trial  I  could  not  see  any  sign  of  its  ever  reaching  even  10  feet 
high.  The  plants  remained  in  perfect  health,  but  they  i  id 
not  increase  in  height  more  than  1  inch  per  year.  'Jhe  tide 
branches,  however,  made  better  use  of  their  time,  as  they 
grew  twice  as  fast  as  the  leader;  but  they  were  so  slender 
as  not  to  be  able  to  support  themselves,  and  the  whole  plant 
presented  such  a  shabby  appearance  and  its  habit  wt.s  su 
straggling  as  to  lead  me  to  conclude  it  was  not  worth  growing. 
I  may,  however,  be  mistaken,  and  if  any  correspondent  has 
succeeded  in  growing  it  into  anything  like  a  specimen,  a  few 
details  respecting  its  treatment  will,  I  feel  sure,  be  acceptable 
to  many  others  as  well  as  to — Thomas  Recoed,  Hatfield  Tail;. 


A   VERMIFUGE   NOT   OFTEN    OBTAINABLE. 

The  place  in  which  I  lived  before  the  present  I  had  to  lo^k 
after  the  farm.  A  distillery  being  connected  with  the  place, 
and  there  being  more  wash  than  the  cattle  could  use,  we  hod 
it  brought  to  tho  grazing  fields,   and  emptied  over  them  as 

liquid  manure.     Next  morning  Mr.  P and  I  were  passing 

that  way,  when  there  were  so  many  worms  dead  that  Mr.  P 

exclaimed,  "Is  it  not  wonderful  how  it  kills  the  worms  ?  "  Had 
he  been  that,  way  a  fortnight  after  he  might  havo  said,  "  Is  is 
not  wonderful  how  it  makes  the  grass  grow?" — W.  W.,  Gar- 
dener, Adamstuuit  Glebe. 


GROUND  LEVELLING  AND  PRACTICAL 
GARDEN  PLOTTING.— No.  8. 

DRAWING  PLANS. 
It  is  unnecessary  to  give  any  more  examples  of  single 
figures  ;  the  foregoing,  well  understood,  will  bo  found  si  fiicieut 
to  lead  on  those  whose  education  has  not  enabled  ihem  to 
understand  the  theory  and  practice  of  geometrical  drawing, 
and  will  enable  them  to  design  and  execute  other  figures,  also 
to  transfer  them  from  paper  to  the  ground.  Perseverance 
alone  is  required. 


P.  comber  8,  1870  ] 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


447 


n- 


tl 


h 


a 


The  beginner  must  not  bo  satisfied  with  bis  work  if  it  is 
only  "  nearly  "  right ;  be  should  try  again  and  again  withs 
increased  care,  and  success  will  soon  attend  bis  efforts.  It  is 
evident  that  the  foregoing  figures  would  be  of  comparatively 
little  use  without  some  definite  method  for  their  arrangement 
in  groups,  &c. 

The  modo  described  of  transfer)  ing  a  single  bod  to  the  ground 
will  not  bo  found  sufficient  for  the  transference  of  a  well- 
ed plan.  To  transfer  intricate  designs  to  the  ground  it 
is  necessary  to  find  the  principal  points  to  work  from,  and  other 
points  of  reference,  which  will  bo  explained  practically  by  aid 
of  the  following  directions  more  clearly  than  by  any  number 
of  mere  descriptive  words. 

Figs.  29  and  30  are  more  difficult  either  to  draw  on  paper 
or  to  trace  upon  the  ground  than  any  other  of  the  foregoing 
ex.i:oifle?,  but  when  once  the  method  and  practice  are  clearly 
understood,  difficulties  that  before  appeared  as  mountains  to 
th    uninitiated  will  soon  pass  away. 

I'll.  31  ia  tbo  first  example  composed  of  a  number  of  beds, 
and  constituting  a 
complete     design. 
From  the   figures 
and     instructions 
already    fiven    it 
will  be  obvious  to 
iiti y  person  how  to 
draw    the    design 
on  paper,  but  how 
to   transfer    it    to 
the  ground  i<  net 
so     easily    under- 
stood without 
some  practice.  Be- 
fore beginning   to 
trace  a  design  on 
the  ground,  it    is 
necessary     to 
provided    with 
line,   and    two 
three      pitces 
string  (whip  cord 
is  the  best)  to  use 
for  finding  certain 
points  ;  also  some 
stakes  about  10  or 
12     inches    long, 
and  about  1  inch 
thick,   some   pegs 
5  or  6  inches  long 
of  about  the  same 
thickness,    and    a 
measuring  tape. 

To  draw  and 
transfer  the  design 
to  the  ground, 
draw  line  A  e, 
which  is  42  feet 
G  inches  long  ;  de- 


be 


or 

of 


scribe  the  square  aj  in  /?;/.  7  (page  341) ;  draw  the  diameter 
lines  e  f  and  o  u,  also  the  diagonal  lines  A  c  and  B  d  ;  draw 
the  inside  square,  allowing  4  feet  for  the  width  of  the  beds  ; 
divide  the  square  as  in  g  g,  leaving  3  feet  for  an  entrance. 
From  centre  o  draw  circle  r,  also  circles  s  and  f,  as  shown  by 
the  eutire  and  dotted  lines,  then  draw  the  four  angular  beds 
as  shown. 

To  transfer  the  design  to  the  ground  it  is  necessary  to  have 
the  scale  at  the  foot  of  the  plan,  or,  better  still,  to  have  a  rule 
with  the  scale  marked  upon  it.  It  is  also  necessary  to  have1 
the  ground  prepared  as  before  described.  Insert  a  stake  firmly 
at  point  a  ;  get  a  line  with  a  loop  at  one  end,  and  drop  the  loop 
over  the  stake  in  point  A.  Stretch  the  line  straight,  along,  say 
to  the  length'of  50  feet ;  fix  the  line  there  by  means  of  a  peg  ; 
with  the  measuring  tape  from  steko  A  measure  42  feet  0  inches 
on  the  line  to  b.  Insert  a  stako  at  point  b.  Lay  line  B  c  at  right 
angles  with  line  a  b,  which  is  done  in  the  following  manner  :— 
From  the  stake  at  point  b  on  each  side  measure  any  two  equal 
distances,  as//;  insert  a  peg  at  each  point ;  get  a  string  with 
a  loop  at  one  end,  drop  the  loop  round  one  of  the  pegs,  take 
the  other  end  of  the  string  toward  c,  double  the  string  round 
a  peg,  and  trace  an  arc  as  in  n.  Shift  the  loop  to  the  other 
peg,  and  with  the  same  length  of  string  trace  an  arc  cutting 
the  former  one ;  where  the  two  arcs  cut  each  other  is  exactly 


perpendicular  to  stake  n.  Lay  the  line  from  stake  b  to  point  it, 
measure  42  feet  G  inches  along  the  line  from  stake  b,  and 
insert  a  stake  as  at  point  c;  get  the  string  and  drop  the  loop 
round  the  stake  in  point  A,  measure  42  feet  6  inches  on  the 
string,  which  is  the  length  of  the  Bide.  With  the  radius  of 
42  feet  G  inches  trace  an  arc  as  in  point  d  ;  shift  the  loop  to 
stake  c,  and  with  the  same  radius  trace  another  arc,  cutting  the 
former  one.  Where  the  two  arcs  cut  each  other  insert  a  Btake 
as  at  point  d,  lay  the  line  from  stake  c  to  stake  d,  and  from 
stako  d  to  stake  a,  which  is  the  starting  point.  Then  lay  a  line 
from  stake  a  to  Etake  c,  and  from  stake  b  to  Btake  t>.  These 
are  called  diagonal  lines  ;  if  these  two  lines  are  of  equal  leDgth 
the  square  is  perfect  ;  if  not,  it  must  be  made  so  before  pro- 
ceeding further. 

If  the  lines  on  the  ground  do  not  correspond  with  the  lines 

on  the  paper,  the  plan  is  of  little  use ;  it  will  only  be  a  guide, 

and  not  a  working  plan,  and  when  traced  on  the  ground  it  will 

be  found  the  design  is  crippled  and  entirely  unsatisfactory. 

If  the  diagonal  lines  are  equal,  lay  the  middle  or  diameter 

,„      lines  e  f  and  g  h  ; 

where  these  lines 
cross  each  other 
is  the  centre  o. 
The  outside  beds 
are  4  feet  wide,  ac- 
cording to  scale  ; 
these  aro  the  four 
corner  bods  and 
the  four  oblong 
beds.  From  the 
stake  at  print  A 
on  each  side  mea- 
sure 4  feet,  and 
in  each  point  in- 
sert a  peg  as  at 
c,  c ;  from  each 
peg  measure  4  feet 
inwards,  meeting 
on  the  diagonal 
line  ;  there  insert 
a  stake,  which  is 
the  inner  angle  of 
the  bed.  Find 
the  corresponding 
points  in  the  same 
manner.  The  in- 
side lines  can  be 
found  by  measur- 
ing 4  feet  on  each 
side  of  stakes  b  c  c 
in  the  same  man- 
ner as  from  stake 
a.  Lay  lines,  as 
from  c  to  d,  and 
from  e  to  g  ;  where 
p°  the  lines  cross 
each  other  are  the 
Fig.  31.  inner     angles    of 

the  four  corner  beds  ;  insert  a  stake  at  each  point,  and  lay 
a  line  from  Btake  to  stake.  From  stake  a  on  the  line  towards  r. 
measure  11  feet  6  inches.  Insert  a  peg  as  at  point  a  ;  from 
the  last  peg  measure  3  feet  on  the  same  line,  and  insert  a  peg 
as  at  li  ;  from  peg  h  measure  13  feet  6  inches,  and  insert  a  peg 
as  at  point  m ;  from  the  peg  at  point  m  measure  3  feet,  and 
insert  a  peg  as  at  point  n ;  find  the  corresponding  points  on 
line  a  and  r>,  also  on  line  d  and  c,  and  on  line  c  and  b,  then 
lay  lines  between  pegs  a  a,  h  h,  m  m,  n  n,  b  b,  r  r,  s  s,  and  I  I. 
Thus  the  eight  outside  beds  are  lined,  and  can  be  cut  out.  In- 
sert a  stake  in  centre  o ;  from  the  stake  in  centre  o,  with  a 
string  9  feet  G  inches  long,  trace  a  circle  as  shown  by  the 
dotted  circle  t,  insert  pegs  in  the  diameter  lines  e  f  and  a  n 
where  the  circle  crosses  them ;  on  each  side  of  these  pegs 
measure  18  inches,  insert  a  peg  at  each  point  as  at  u  n.  Prom 
the  stake  in  centre  o,  with  a  string  G  feet  long,  trace  circle  s  as 
shown  ;  reduce  the  string  3  feet,  and  trace  the  inside  circle  r, 
and  insert  pegs  6  or  7  inches  apart.  Then  lay  lines  between 
the  pegs  in  the  outside  circle,  as  from  it  to  t  and  from  u  to  w, 
and  insert  pegs  about  6  or  7  inches  apart  in  circle  s,  bearing 
in  mind  to  have  a  peg  at  each  angle  of  the  bed.  Then  lay  a 
line  round  the  pegs,  also  round  the  pegs  in  circle  r.  On  each 
side  of  the  stake  in  centre  o  measure  18  feet  4  inches  on  the 
diagonal  lines  a  c  and  b  v,  insert  a  peg  at  each  point,  as  in 


448 


JOUENAL  OF  HOETICULTUEE  AND  COTTAGE  GAEDENEB. 


[  December  8,  1870. 


v  v  v  v,  then  lay  lines  as  from  the  peg  at  point  u  to  the  peg  at 
point  v,  and  from  peg  v  to  peg  1,  and  so  on,  until  the  four 
angular  beds  are  lined  ;  then  cut  out  the  beds,  and  the  design 
fig.  31  is  accurately  transferred  from  paper  to  the  ground  to 
a  scale  of  12  feet  to  the  inch. — M.  O'Donnell,  Gardener  to 
E.  Leeming,  Esq.,  Spring  Grove,  Richmond. 


CHRYSANTHEMUMS. 

On  the  principle  that  too  much  cannot  be  said  of  a  good 
thing,  and  the  Chrysanthemum  affording  the  chief  supply  of 
flowers,  boih  for  decoration  and  for  cut  blooms,  when  other 
flowers  are  scarce  in  November  and  December— even  later  than 
that  with  a  few  of  the  Japanese  varieties — I  now  give  a  list  of 
those  which  proved  here  to  be  good  this  year,  leaving  for  a 
future  paper  a  few  varieties  I  saw  good  at  Liverpool. 

The  proper  time  for  putting  in  cuttings  is  November  and 
December,  though  they  may  frequently  be  struck  till  March  ; 
still,  I  have  proved  that  spring  striking  does  not  do  for  thiB 
part  of  England.  Spring-struck  cuttingB  find  favour  with  many, 
on  the  ground  that  they  are  not  so  liable  to  be  neglected  as 
those  struck  in  November,  but  there  seems  that  then  there  is 
no  time  to  make  them  flowering  plants. 

I  say,  Strike  as  early  in  November  as  possible,  putting  in  the 
cuttings  round  the  edges  of  3-inch  pots,  potting  them  off  singly 
into  the  same  sized  pots  when  rooted,  and  never  allowing  them 
to  beoome  pot-bound  nor  short  of  water  from  the  time  of  the 
first  potting  till  they  flower.  Water  being  very  beneficial  to 
the  tops,  either  syringe  or  water  overhead  in  the  summer 
evenings. 

_  I  will  take  the  large-flowering  varieties  alphabetically,  be- 
ginning with  A'" nie3  Ferriere,  which  has  generally  proved  good, 
but  is  rather  loose  and  open-centred  this  time  with  me  ;  Auto- 
nelli  is  very  good  and  fine  ;  Ariadne  is  second  to  none,  being 
very  free-blooming,  of  a  pleasing  colour,  very  effective,  and 
late;  Aurenm  mnltiflorum,  a  very  bright  good  yellow,  is  very 
fine  and  good  ;  Beverley,  very  early  and  good,  pure  white. 
Bronze  Jardin  des  Plsntes  is  one  of  the  best  late  tall  varie- 
ties ;  Cassandra,  a  geod  early  white,  but  the  worst  for  mildew  ; 
Florence  Nightingale,  an  excellent  free-blooming  though  small- 
flowered  variety  ;  General  Baiubrigge,  a  beautiful  large  flower 
and  very  effective ;  Gloria  Mundi,  an  early,  dwarf,  free-flowering, 
good  yellow  ;  Golden  Beverley,  the  best  of  the  tall  early  yellow 
varieties  ;  Golden  Dr.  Brock,  a  light  yellow,  very  good  and 
bright ;  Golden  Eagle,  first-rate,  red  and  orange ;  Guernsey 
Nugget,  very  prolific  and  fine,  rather  late  ;  Jardin  des  Plantes, 
a  well-known  tall,  late,  rich  yellow  variety ;  Lady  Harding,  a 
very  compact  dwarf  variety,  very  good  and  fine  ;  Lady  Talfourd, 
one  of  the  most  telling  varieties  of  its  colour ;  this  is  really 
good.  Lidy  Slade  is  a  very  useful  variety.  Little  Harry  is,  I 
may  say,  tho  fiuest  early  golden  dwarf  flower  grown ;  Lord 
Palnierston,  ve;y  fine  and  free,  but  late ;  Mr.  Culliugford,  a 
very  fine  dark  purple  variety;  Mr.  Gladstone,  a  very  fine  red 
chestnut,  now  beautiful ;  Mrs.  Haliburton,  an  extra  good 
flower,  almost  like  a  Dahlia ;  Orange  Annie  Salter,  a  decided 
acquisition  in  its  colour ;  Prince  Alfred,  a  late,  tall-growing, 
good  variety ;  Pelagia,  a  fine  flower  of  dwarf  habit,  and  to  be 
depended  on ;  Pink  Perfection  I  have  seen  good  this  season, 
but  it  is  rather  shy  with  me,  which  I  attribute  to  its  being 
Struck  late  in  the  spring  ;  Eev.  J.  Dix,  a  very  good  late  orange 
red  flower ;  Eobert  James,  very  striking,  superior  to  General 
Bainbrigge;  White  Eve,  the  finest  white  grown.  This  should 
be  in  every  collection. 

In  concluding  the  list  of  the  large-flowering  varieties,  I  wish 
it  to  be  distinctly  understood  that  I  do  not  say  that  those  I 
have  named  are  the  only  good  sorts,  or  that  they  are  always 
good,  but  1  believe  they  may  be  depended  on. 

Of  the  Japanese,  which  are  very  grotesque  in  their  appear- 
ance, James  Salter  stands  first ;  this  is  an  extraordinarily  free 
variety,  and  looks  more  like  an  artificial  than  a  natural  flower. 
It  is  an  early  variety,  flowering  in  November.  Eed  Dragon  is  a 
good  variety  ;  and  The  Daimio,  a  very  effective  sort,  concludes 
my  list  of  the  Japanese  Chrysanthemums. 

Of  the  Anemone  large-flowered  kinds,  I  only  number  two — 
Fleur  de  Marie,  a  good,  large  white ;  and  Gl'uck,  a  very  fine 
olden  oiange. 

Next  come  the  Pompon  Anemone-flowered.  Cedo  Nulli  is 
the  first,  it  being  a  very  early  useful  variety ;  in  fact,  I  may 
say  the  same  of  the  other  varieties  of  Cedo  Nulli,  Golden  and 
Lilac,  which  are  very  desirable  for  cutting.  There  are,  doubt- 
less, many  desirable  varieties  of  both  the  large  and  small-  I 


flowered  Anemone  Chrysanthemums  worth  growing,  but  I 
content  myself  with  the  few  named  above. 

Of  the  Pompons,  Bijuu  de  l'Horticulture  is  very  good  and 
useful ;  Bob,  well  known,  as  it  comes  out  better  than  ever ; 
the  same  of  Drin  Driu.  General  Caurcbert  is  early  and  good  ; 
Lizzie  Holmes,  a  very  beautiful  variety  ;  Lucinda,  veiy  fine  ; 
Eose  Travenna  is  very  early,  and  so  is  White  Travenna. 

The  above  list,  I  am  aware,  contains  tho  names  of  many  old 
varieties,  but  they  are  none  the  less  desirable  on  that  account. 
When  speaking  of  tho  new  sorts,  I  think  the  first  year  should 
not  be  finally  decisive  on  their  merits-or  demerits,  as  I  have 
seen  flowers  condemned  one  year,  and  the  following  season 
they  could  not  be  too  highly  spoken  of.  My  abject  in  wii'.ing 
these  notes  is  to  place  in  ihe  hands  of  the  amateur  or  working 
gardener  a  short  list  of  really  good  varieties  suitable  for  con- 
servatory and  greenhouse  decoration. 

The  culture  of  the  CbiysamUiernuni  being  so  generally  known, 
it  is  not  necessary  to  say  more  than  that,  to  have  good  healthy 
plants,  strike  the  cuttings  in  November  or  December  in  a  cool 
house ;  one  the  same  as  that  in  which  the  plants  are  will  go. 
Pot  the  cuttings  as  soon  as  rooted,  and  repot  them  when  the 
roots  touch  the  sides ;  give  them  their  final  shift  in  August. 
Supply  abundance  of  water  both  at  the  roots  and  top,  but  keep 
all  manure  water  from  them  till  they  have  set  their  flower 
buds.  I  do  not  plunge  the  pots,  considering  the  plants  healthier 
if  not  plunged,  though  requiring  when  unplunged  more  at- 
tention in  the  watering  and  repotting. — Stephen  Castle,  Bent 
Hill  Gardens,  Prestwich,  Manchester. 


THE   POTATO  AND   ITS   CULTURE.— No.  3. 

FIELD    CTJLTUKE. 

Aftep.  the  crop  has  been  cleared  eft"  the  ground  allotted  for 
Potato  planting  in  the  spring,  it  should  be  well  cleaned  pre- 
vious to  manuring,  advantage  being  taken  of  a  fine  day  or  two, 
and  the  manure  drawn  on  and  spread  over  the  surface ;  it 
should  be  nr-xs  ploughed  up  as  deeply  as  possible,  and  then 
left  till  planting  lime,  vihen  it  will  have  to  be  cross-ploughed, 
that  the  rows  may  range  north  and  south,  so  that  the  sun 
can  most  effectually  shiue  upon  them. 

As  soon  as  the  preceding  crop  is  off  the -ground,  if  this  is 
poor  and  weedy,  suriace-stir  is  with  a  heavy  scuffle,  and  heavy 
harrows  to  follow  it,  and  let  the  weeds  be  picked  off  and  burnt ; 
and  if  one  good  scuffling  do  not  clean  the  ground  thoroughly, 
go  over  it  again  previously  to  manuring  it.  A  fine,  dry  day  or 
two  should  be  chosen,  and  the  dung  drawn  on  and  spread  over 
the  surface  ;  and  let  the  ground  be  ploughed  up  as  deeply  and 
as  roughly  as  possible,  reversing  the  furrows  each  time.  The 
more  roughly  it  is  ploughed  the  better,  for  the  frost  can  get  into 
and  through  it  better  than  if  ploughed  more  evenly,  and  thereby 
kill  vermin  and  pulverise  the  soil,  and  it  will  be  far  easier  to 
turn  over  in  the  spring  at  planting  time. 

The  reason  I  recommend  manuring  early  in  winter  is  that 
the  manure  should  be  better  decomposed,  and  to  further  this 
object  good  mellow  dung  should  be  used. 

The  best  way  to  plant  the  Potato  in  the  field  is  to  plough  in 
the  sets.  Send  the  plough  up  the  field,  making  a  furrow  about 
4  inches  deep.  In  this  furrow  the  sets  Ehould  be  placed  about 
9  inches  apart.  A  sufficient  number  of  hands  should  be  em- 
ployed in  planting,  so  that  the  plough  may  not  be  hindered. 
To  obtain  the  proper  distance  from  row  to  row  the  second 
furrow  should  not  be  planted,  but  it  requires  ploughing,  or  else 
the  planted  one  will  not  be  covered  in.  The  rows  will  be  a 
good  distance  asunder,  so  that  the  operations  of  earthing  and 
digging  or  raising  the  crop  will  not  interfere  with  the  rows 
in  the  least.  The  Potato-earther  in  field  cultuie  is  an  instru- 
ment very  much  resembling  a  plough,  the  chief  difference 
being  that  it  is  double-breasted,  and  the  breasts  are  niude  of 
wood.  I  havo  seen  wooden  breasts  made  to  fit  to  the  plough. 
It  will  be  Been  that  by  the  earther  going  one^  bout  (as  the 
ploughmen  term  it),  or  once  up  the  field  and  down  again,  the 
plough  earths  or  lauds  up  four  rows. 

The  raising  implement  has  a  beam  Eimilar  to  a  plough  ;  in 
fact,  the  breast  can  be  taken  off  the  plough  to  admit  the  raiser, 
so  that  it  saves  the  expense  of  a  beam,  &e.  This  raiser  is  sent 
up  the  centre  of  the  rows,  the  horses  walking  in  the  furrow  on 
each  Bide  of  the  row  which  is  being  raised ;  and  it  not  only 
raises — that  is,  digs  them  up  veiy  much  quicker,  but  very  much 
better,  for  I  have  Eoen  Potatoes  come  up  amongst  the  succeed- 
ing crops,  although  they  had  been  dug  with  the  fork  with  the 
utmost  care  ;  but  it  is  plainly  seen  that  when  the  root  is  bein 


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JOURNAL    OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


449 


lifted  with  the  fork  the  soil  trickles  back  into  the  hole,  and  the 
fork  has  to  be  thrust  in  twice,  and  sometimes  thrice,  and  then 
tubers  are  left  behind  ;  but  the  raiser  goes  to  the  bottom  of  the 
row  and  lifts  every  one  to  the  surface.  The  ground  must  be 
flat-hoed  once  or  twice,  accordingly  as  its  weediness  requires, 
previously  to  earthing.  When  the  haulm  is  of  sufficient 
height  and  strength  the  earther  should  be  introduced,  and 
when  this  task  is  accomplished  nothing  more  is  necessary  to 
be  done  to  the  plants,  except  in  cases  whore  they  have  to  be 
earthed-up  a  second  time,  but  this  is  very  rare. — J.  C.  Lewis, 
Gardener  and  Bailiff,  Sudbury  Rectory,  Derby. 


MY  AURICULAS   IN    1870. 

Although  it  was  an  unfavourablo  season  for  exhibiting  in 
the  neighbouihood  of  the  metropolis,  but  few  flowers  being  in 
bloom  in  the  middle  of  April  when  the  spring  exhibitions  of  tho 
Royal  Horticultural  and  Botanic  Societies  were  held,  and  on 
the  20:h  of  May  at  the  Crystal  Palace  nearly  all  were  over,  yet 
some  of  us  about  tho  beginning  of  May  had  an  excellent  bloom  ; 
and  as  all  lovers  of  the  flowor  are  ever  glad  to  get  news  con- 
cerning it,  a  few  notes  on  my  own  blooms  may  not  be  unaccept- 
able. It  is  one  of  the  comforts — although,  perhaps,  also  a  dis- 
advantage—connected with  this  flower,  that  we  cannot  give 
lists  of  the  "  new  flowers  of  the  last  season,"  not  one-fifth  of 
which  will  survive  a  couple  of  years.  The  flowers  of  days  long 
ago  are  the  favourites  now,  and  we  may  only  seem  to  be  repeat- 
ing an  oft-told  tale. 

<:  KEEN-EDGED   VARIETIES. 

Asldon's  Prince  of  Wales. — Not  by  any  means  a  large  flower. 
The  green  of  the  edge  pure  ;  truss  somewhat  Bhort. 

Campbell's  Admiral  Napier. — A  neat  flower  of  good  propor- 
tions. 

Dickson's  Duke  of  Wellington. — A  flower  much  appreciated  in 
the  neighbourhood  of  London,  but  with  too  much  colour  in  it 
to  Buit  the  particular  taste  of  a  connoisseur.  In  Ireland,  where 
the  taste  is,  I  think,  purer,  it  is  not  much  thought  of,  neither 
i  i  it  in  Lancashire. 

■  Dickson's  Karl  of  Errol. — A  small  grower.     The  edge  very 
green,  aud  the  colour  brilliant. 

Leigh's  Colonel  Taylor. — I  had  one  excellent  bloom  of  this, 
perhaps  the  most  noted  o."  all  Auriculas,  from  the  high  price  it 
used  to  hold.  The  edge  is  a  beautiful  grass  green,  the  paste  is 
thin,  and  tho  plant  is  not  a  strong  grower. 

Hudson's  Apollo  — A  very  refined  flower.  The  ground  colour 
is  almost  a  chestnut,  and  the  edge  a  light  and  pure  green. 

Litton's  Imperator. — Flower-stems  too  tall.  The  plant  is 
small,  and  the  flower  somewhat  pointed ;  still  it  is  good  and 
useful. 

Oliver's  Lovely  Anne. — Another  very  favourite  flower  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  London,  but  it  is  very  uncertain  ;  sometimes, 
indeed  more  frequently,  it  is  a  grey  edge— mine  were  so  this 
year. 

Dickson's  Matilda. — Another  of  Dickson's  beautifully  coloured 
fl  nvcrs.  It  has  a  good  constitution,  but  is  rather  short  in  the 
stalk  at  times.  It  makes  a  good  exhibition  plant,  and  very 
ofton  can  be  Bhown  as  a  grey  edge. 

Traill's  General  Neill. — A  very  pretty  and  neat  flower,  at 
times  giving  a  capital  truss,  and  a  good  exhibition  plant. 

Traill's  Mayflower. — Another  neat  and  good  flower,  and  of 
fair  constitution. 

GREY   EDGES. 

Barlow's  Morning  Star. — A  clean  and  good  flower,  and  at 
times,  as  it  did  with  me  this  year,  forming  a  good  truss. 

Chapman's  Maria. — I  had  a  truss  of  this  the  present  year, 
which  in  somo  poiuts  was  unapproachable.  The  ground  colour 
is  one  which  is  met  with  in  no  other  Auricula,  nor,  a3  far  as  I 
remember,  in  any  flower — a  beautiful  violet  black  ;  but  the  eye 
is  too  pale,  the  edge  too  dubious,  and  the  petals  too  pointed,  to 
rani:  it  as  a  first-class  flower,  although  for  its  colour  it  must 
be  grown. 

Chapman's  Sophia. — A  flower  of  the  same  style,  but  not  So 
g)cd  ;  still,  brilliant  in  colour  and  very  pretty. 

Clark'::  Mary. — A  good  flower,  neat,  and  even  in  shape,  and 
it  ought  to  be  in  every  collection. 

Cheetham's  Lancashire  Hero. — A  very  beautifully  shaped 
flower,  apparently  a  seedling  from  General  Bolivar.  At  one 
time  it  might  have  held  the  premier  place  in  grey  edges,  but  it 
is  now  surpassed,  I  think,  by 

Headly's  George  Lightbody. — A  splendid  flowor,  associated 
with  the  names  of  two  of  our  very  best  florists.    It  is  beauti- 


fully shaped ;  a  clear  and  distinct  grey  ;  ground  colour  dark  ; 
eye  orange,  and  apparently  a  good-constitntioned  plant.  Alto- 
gether perhaps  the  best  Auricula  iu  growth. 

Fletcher's  Mary  Ann.— A  good  flower,  with,  however,  the 
defect  of  having  too  small  an  eye.  A  small-habited  plant,  but 
not  an  unhealthy  one. 

Fletcher's  Ne  Plus  Ultra. — A  very  large  flower,  probably  the 
largest  of  any  Auricula  grown,  but  the  constitution  of  the  plant 
does  not  seem  equally  vigorous ;  still,  it  is  not  a  bad  grower, 
and  it  is  always  a  desirable  flower  owing  to  its  great  size. 

Lightbody's  Richard  Headly. — A  very  pleasing  flower,  of  good 
habit  and  refined  in  character.  It  generally  blooms  late — too 
lato  for  the  early  shows  held  in  April. 

McLean's  Unique. — A  very  fine  flower  when  caught  at  its 
best,  but  the  colour  is  apt  to  becomo  foxy  after  it  has  been  a 
little  time  in  bloom. 

Sykcs's  Complete. — A  very  beautiful  flower  and  very  constant. 

It  shows  a  very  large  truss,  aud  hence  if,  is  necessary  to  thin 

■  in  time,  otherwise  they  are  toj  small. 

rhouse's  Conqueror  of  Europe. — One  of  the  most  useful 

flowers  we  have.     Very  constant,  pips  large,  edge  very  decided 

grey,  and  habit  of  plant  excellent. 

WHITE   EDGES. 

This  is  the  most  defective  of  the  four  classes  of  Auriculas, 
there  being  few  really  good  flowers  in  it,  and,  unfortunately, 
the  very  beat  of  all  is  gradually  becoming  more  and  more  diffi 
cult  to  obtain. 

Heap's  Smiling  Beauty. — A  very  fine  flower,  but  uncertain; 
in  Borne  seasons  very  fine,  and  in  others  indifferent.  Its  chief 
fault  is  that  at  times  the  white  of  the  edge  has  a  greyish  colonri 

Hepworth's  True  Briton. — A  very  fine  flower.  The  pip  ;'B 
perfect  in  shape,  but  it  is  difficult  to  get  it  flat.  The  plum 
ground  colour  contrasts  well  with  tho  edge.  The  foliage  is 
green  and  heavy. 

Lightbody's  Countess  of  Dunmore. — A  fairish  flower,  but  not 
possessed  of  first-rate  qualities. 

Taylor's  Glory. — The  best  of  all  white-edged  flowers.  What 
trusses  I  remember  of  it  with  my  friend  Dr.  Plant  1  but  now, 
alas  !  it  seemB  to  be  dying  out — so  much  eo,  that  I  find  Mr. 
Lightbody  has  eliminated  it  from  his  list,  aud  Mr.  Meiklejohn 
has  but  small  plants  of  it.  It  is  a  pure  white  edge,  and  has  a 
well-shaped  and  smooth  pip. 

Traill's  While  Filial. — A  good  flower,  but  not  equal  to  some 
of  those  already  named. 

Smith's  Xe  Plus  Ultra. — Another  very  good  flower,  and  of 
good  constitution. 

]'•>,  plea-ell's  Conqueror. — Not  strictly  speaking  a  first-class 
flower,  but  always  Mire,  throwing  a  good  truss,  and  having  very 
handsome  deeply  serrated  foliage. 

SELr?. 

A  very  favourite  class  with  outsiders,  who  will  always  pick 
out  the  rioh-coloured  flowers  with  which  it  abounds  iu  pre- 
ference to  tho  edged  varieties ;  although  in  the  eyes  of  a  fancier 
they  do  not  hold  so  conspicuous  a  place,  still  they  are  very 
beautiful,  and  help  greatly  to  relieve  a  stage. 

Spalding's  Blackbird. — Nearly  black.  Good  round  petal,  and 
a  good  trusser. 

Netherwood's  Othello. — A  first-class  flower.  Long  stem,  deep 
colour,  and  always  good. 

Campbell's  Pizarro. — A  deep,  rich  maroon,  fine  flower.  The 
colour  very  rich,  and  the  foliage  quite  white. 

Smith's  Formosa. — Small  flower,  of  a  most  peculiar  shade  of 
light  blue.  Very  effective  for  contrast  with  the  deeper-coloured 
flowers. 

Smith's  Mrs.  Smith. — A  very  constant  deep-coloured  flower, 
rarely  disappointing,  and  of  good  habit.  Indeed,  the  selfs  are 
much  more  vigorous,  as  a  rule,  than  the  edged  flowers. — 
D.,  Deal. 

FLOEAL  CRITICISM. 

[The  following  is  the  paper  to  which  was  awarded  Lient.-Col.  Scott's 
prize  of  £5  5s.,  for  the  best  essay  on  the  Principles  of  Floral  Criticism, 
May  -4th,  1870.     Two  other  papers  were  sent  iD.  J 

This  is  a  subject  at  once  broad  and  comprehensive,  affording  scope 
for  much  more  copions  discussion  than  can  be  given  in  an  essay  as 
concise  as  this  must  of  necessity  be ;  for  to  enter  into  every  detail  of 
the  subject — especially  with  regard  to  the  standards  of  perfection  set 
np  for  tho  different  members  of  the  floral  world — would  necessitate  the 
writing  of  a  good-sized  volume.  It  is  incumbent  upon1  a  writer  of  an 
essay  of  this  description  to  be  brief  and  to  tie  point,  and  this  I  have 
studied  to  be ;  and  in  so  doing  I  have  emir avonred  to  discuss  the 
matter  from  a  uatural  and  not  artificial  point  of  view,  commencing 


450 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  December  3,  1870. 


with  the  newly-introduced  individual,  and  passing  thence  to  the  train- 
ing thereof. 

Newly-introduced,  plants  should  possess  in  some  degree  the  following 
properties,  which  form  the  points  upon  which  they  should  be  judged  : — 
1,  Novelty  in  bloom  or  foliage;  2,  Hardiness;  3,  Vigour  ;  1,  Bloom- 
ing Capabilities. 

1.  Novelty. — Diversity  in  shape  or  colour  of  foliage  is  as  essential 
to  the  production  of  effect  as  diversity  in  colour  or  form  of  bloom,  or 
in  habit  or  mode  of  growth.  Novelty  ia  either  respect  should,  there- 
fore, be  considered  as  forming  a  very  essential  point. 

'2.  Hardiness,  or  adaptability  to  the  climate  of  this  country  with  as 
little  protection  as  possible,  is  undoubtedly  of  the  greatest  importance 
to  horticulturists  generally,  in  consequence  of  the  great  expense 
attached  to  the  cultivation  of  plants  which  do  not  bear  up  agaiust  our 
changeable  climate  and  low  temperature.  The  chief  aim  of  collectors 
and  introducers  of  plants  should  be  to  introduce  such  things  as  will 
involve  tbe  smallest  possible  amount  of  expense  in  their  cultivation. 

3.  Vigour. — Hardiness  and  vigour  of  constitution  are  essential  pro- 
perties, for  while  we  want  hardiness  we  also  require  quick  or  vigorous 
growth  and  maturation,  in  consequence  of  the  short  and  uncertain 
season  wherein  plants  have  to  perform  these  operations. 

4.  Blooming  Capabilities. — In  addition  to  profusion  we  want  dura- 
tion and  persistency,  and  more  especially  do  we  require  persistency  in 
conjunction  with  profusion.  For  if  the  plant  be  ever  so  profuse  a 
bloomer,  and  the  bloom  drop  as  soon  as  it  expands,  it  is  comparatively 
worthless  for  decorative  purposes. 

Having  considered  the  essential  point3  from  which  a  plant  should 
be  judged,  I  now  pass  to  the  consideration  of  the  principles  npon 
which  the  Jlower  should  be  criticised.  It  is  of  the  first  importance 
that  regard  should  be  bad  to  the  chief  characteristics  of  the  order, 
class,  or  genus  to  which  the  individual  may  belong,  and  especially  is 
this  of  importance  with  respect  to  double  flowers;  for  to  expect  duplica- 
tion to  be  as  complete  in  a  representative  of  the  Geraniaceas  as  in 
Rosacea?  or  Composite,  is  unreasonable,  in  consequence  of  the  differ- 
ence existing  between  the  number  of  stamens  in  the  two  first- named, 
and  the  composite  nature  of  the  latter.  Neither  can  we  expect  it  to 
be  as  complete  or  full  in  a  flower  whose  aestivation  is  valvate,  as  iu  one 
in  which  the  aestivation  is  imbricate.  The  forms  assumed  by  flowers 
should  also  be  considered  in  accordance  with  these  general  character- 
istics, whether  they  be  regular  or  irregular. 

The  colour  of  the  flower  should  in  all  cases  bi  distinct  from  any 
previously  known  variety,  except  where  it  has  other  qualities  of  superior 
merit  to  commend  it  to  notice,  the  resemblance  of  colour  in  many 
varieties  of  the  same  species  being  so  considerable  as  to  cause  th~- 
greatest  confusion.  "With  colour,  the  stability  of  the  same  is  essenti- 
ally necessary,  as  is  also  good  substance  in  the  component  parts;  and 
more  especially  is  this  of  importance  in  florists*  flowers,  for  what  pre- 
sents a  worse  appearance  with  regard  to  flowers  than  a  washy  and 
flimsy  flower  ?  As  in  plants,  so  with  their  bloom;  we  want  such  flowers 
as  will  stand,  without  losing  their  colour,  a  good  drenching  rain  or 
syringing — to  one  of  which  they  will  undoubtedly  he  in  most  cases 
made  subject,  especially  the  former,  if  the  plants  be  hardy  enough  to 
be  placed  out  of  doors. 

Odour  is  a  property  or  qualification  to  be  possessed  in  order  to  come 
near  to  perfection.  Such  odour  to  commend  itself  should  be  delicate 
and  fragrant,  for  where  the  odour  is  strong,  if  placed  in  a  confined 
atmosphere  it  becomes  overpowering,  and  consequently  obnoxious ; 
strong-scented  flowers  are  consequently  comparatively  worthless  for 
use  in  the  decoration  of  the  sitting-room,  where  the  air  is  undoubtedly 
confined. 

To  set  up  a  standard  by  which  flowers  should  be  judged  universally 
would  be  impossible,  each  species  having  a  standard  peculiar  to  itself. 
The  point  should  be  to  ascertain  what  would  make  a  plant  or  flower 
perfect,  although  there  may  be  no  chance  of  ever  reaching  such  per- 
fection ;  and  then  the  comparative  merits  of  all  plants  might  be  judged 
by  the  degree  in  which  they  approached  the  imaginary  standard  of  per- 
fection. 

Having  thus  considered  the  principles  to  be  observed  in  the  criticism 
of  newly  introduced  plants,  I  pass  to  the  most  important  of  all,  with 
respect  to  a  plant  to  bo  grown  as  a  specimen  of  good  cultivation — viz., 
its  training. 

The  effect  produced  by  plants,  either  individually  or  collectively,  is 
regulated  by  the  form  they  assume,  or  are  made  to  assume.  It  is 
evident,  therefore,  that  such  forms  only  should  be  adopted  as  will 
produce  good  effects  without  in  any  way  impairing  the  health,  and 
consequently  the  beauty,  of  the  individual.  The  modes  of  training 
of  the  present  day  are  undoubtedly  too  conventional.  Not  only,  in 
very  many  instances,  is  natural  beauty  sacrificed,  but  shapes  and 
forms  arc  adopted  in  which  the  greatest  possible  amount  of  distortion 
is  necessary  to  obtain  a  given  result,  and  detrimental  alike  to  health 
and  beauty,  and  very  often  diametrically  opposed  to  natural  disposi- 
tion. Such  modes  of  training  should  be  discountenanced  by  censors, 
and  only  those  admitted  or  encouraged  that  are  most  in  harmony  with 
natural  disposition.  Only  just  as  much  of  the  conventional  should  be 
admitted  or  allowed  as  may  assist  Nature  in  producing  symmetry  of 
form.  The  forms  thus  produced  would  not  only  be  in  harmony  with 
Nature,  but  would  produce  an  effect  altogether  ornamental,  which 
would  be  much  in  advance  of  the  tight-lacing  system,  of  which  we  see  so 
much. 

There  is  no  doubt  that  the  loss  of  foliage  from  which  so  many 


trained  specimens  suffer  before  their  blooming  season  arrives,  is  at- 
tributable, in  a  great  measure,  to  tight  lacing,  as  is  so  often  the  case 
with  Azaleas.  The  pyramid,  or  some  modification  of  that  form,  is  no 
doubt  the  form  best  suited  to  those  plants,  as  well  as  to  the  majority 
of  flowering  plants,  being  more  in  accordance  with  natural  disposition  ; 
but  to  tie-in  every  twig  so  as  to  present  the  appearance  of  its  having 
been  cast  in  a  mould,  or  glued  to  a  shape  made  for  the  purpose,  is  not 
only  unnatural,  but  injurious.  Plants  thus  grown  or  exhibited  arc  far 
from  the  standard  of  perfection  set  up  by  Nature.  A  plant  denuded  of 
the  greater  portion  of  its  foliage,  if  ever  so  well  bloomed,  cannot  justly 
bo  adjudged  an  example  of  perfection ;  and  a  plant  tied  so  as  to  hido 
the  foliage  in  endeavouring  to  expose  the  greatest  possible  amount  of 
bloom  to  the  eye  at  a  glance,  is  an  example  of  bad  taste,  and  a  direct 
violation  of  the  principles  daily  exemplified  in  nature.  To  give  pro- 
minence to  bloom  is  unquestionably  correct,  but  not  to  the  exclusion 
of  foliage.  Foliage  13  as  essential  as  bloom  to  the  production  of  effect. 
There  are  exceptions,  where  plants  naturally  produce  bloom  in  ad- 
vance of  foliage.  In  such  cases  bad  training  or  cultivation  is  not  the 
cause,  but  natural  disposition.  Plants,  to  show  their  beauty  either  in- 
dividually or  collectively,  should  not  be  made  to  assume  anything  like 
stiffness  or  formality.  To  produce  in  plants  for  exhibition  the  greatest 
possible  amount  of  bloom  and  foliage  in  the  smallest  possible  space 
as  regards  pot  room,  should  be  held  as  most  essential,  thereby  shutting 
out  from  our  exhibitions  large  and  cumbrous  pots. 

The  whole  matter  seems  to  resolve  itself  into  the  principle  of  setting 
up  an  ideal  standard  of  perfection,  consonant  with  the  habits  and 
general  characteristics  of  different  species,  aud  deciding  the  merits  of 
the  plants  by  the  degree  in  which  they  approach  it. —  A.  Bradley,* 
8,  Salisbury  Road,  Highgate  Hill,  late  of  Stowlangtoft  Hall,  Bury 
St.  Edmund's. 


ROYAL   HORTICULTURAL    SOCIETY. 

December  7. 

Fruit  Committee. — G.  F.  Wilson,  Esq.,  F.R.S.,  in  the  chair.  Mr. 
Thomas  Simpson,  of  Broomfield,  Chelmsford,  sent  a  Cauliflower, 
called  ll  Now  Autumn  Cauliflower,"  which,  in  the  opinion  of  the  Com- 
mittee, was  the  same  as  Walcheren.  Mr.  T.  Bray,  gardener  to  E.  A. 
Sanford,  Esq.,  Nynehead,  Wellington,  sent  a  bundle  of  forced  Aspara- 
gus of  great  merit,  which  received  a  special  certificate.  Mr.  Cadger, 
Luton  Hoo,  Beds,  sent  a  seedling  Cucumber,  raised  between  Berkshire 
Challenge  and  Lord  Kenyon's  Favourite,  but  it  was  not  regarded  as  a 
desirable  acquisition.  Messrs.  Rutley  &  Silverlock  sent  specimens  of 
Banbury  Improved  White  Spanish  Onion,  grown  by  Mr.  P.  J.  Perry, 
Banbury,  which  received  a  special  certificate  as  superior  specimens  of 
the  true  White  Spanish  Onion.  Mr.  M.  Hibblethwaite,  gardener 
Acldiuu  Hall,  sent  fine  specimens  of  the  true  Lapstone  Kidney 
Potato. 

Rev.  T.  C.  Brchaut,  of  Guernsey,  sent  cobs  of  thirty-four  distinct 
varieties  of  Indian  Corn,  grown  in  Guernsey.  Some  of  these  were  of 
the  ordinary  yellow  colour,  others  red,  white,  brown,  and  mottled,  and 
all  were  as  perfectly  ripened  as  imported  Indian  Corn. 

Mr.  R.  T.  Pince,  of  Exeter,  sent  a  bunch  of  a  seedling  Grape, 
raised  from  a  seed  taken  from  the  same  berry  as  that  from  which  Mrs, 
Pince's  Black  Muscat  was  obtained.  The  bunch  was  of  large  size  and 
tapering,  exactly  similar  in  shape  to  that  of  the  Black  Muscat.  The 
Committee  did  not  think  the  quality  sufficiently  good  to  merit  a  first- 
class  certificate. 

Mr.  William  Paul,  of  Waltham  Cross,  sent  three  seedling  Grapes. 
One,  called  Waltham  Cross,  was  very  large,  the  berry  bbing  one  of  the 
largest  of  the  whites  hi  cultivation.  The  bunch  is  large  and  long,  the 
berries  long-oval,  and  of  an  amber  colour,  fully  1*  inch  long,  and 
1  inch  wide,  like  a  good-sized  Plum,  and  the  flesh  firm  and  solid,  with 
an  excellent  flavour.  It  received  a  first-class  certificate,  and  was  con- 
sidered a  valuable  late-hanging  and  good  show  variety.  Mr.  T. 
Clements,  gardener  to  G.  G.  Hall,  Esq.,  Blackwell  Hall,  Chesham, 
sent  three  good  bunches  of  Black  Alicante  Grapes,  which  were  rather 
deficient  in  colour.  Mr.  Wells,  of  Southend,  sent  five  fine  and  re- 
markably well-coloured  bunches  of  Black  Alicante,  grown  in  his 
ground  vineries.  They  were  well  grown,  but  deficient  in  flavour.  Mr. 
Sage,  of  Ashridge,  sent  a  bunch  each  of  Black  Alicante,  Lady 
Downe's,  and  Mrs.  Pince,  all  of  which  were  very  well  grown,  and  ex- 
cellent in  flavour.  They  were  awarded  a  special  certificate.  Mr. 
Ellis,  gardener  to  R.  Lowes,  Esq.,  Greonford  Hall,  Southall,  sent  Bar- 
barossa,  very  deficient  in  colour. 

Mr.  McLean,  gardener  to  W.  P.  Herrick,  Esq.,  Beau  Manor  Park, 
Loughborough,  seut  a  fine  and  handsome  specimen  of  Smooth-leaved 
Cayenne  Pine  Apple,  which  received  a  first-class  certificate.  Messrs. 
Staudish,  of  Ascot,  sent  a  seedling  Apple,  called  Painted  Lady,  a 
beautifully  coloured  variety,  being  rich  bright  crimsou  streaked  with 
yellow.  It  is  highly  ornamental,  and,  the  flavour  being  acid,  it  was 
commended  for  its  beauty. 

Mr.  Gilbert,  of  Burghley  Gardens,  sent  a  seedling  Apple,  called 
Mea's  Seedling,  which  was  past  its  best.  Mr.  Turner,  of  Slough,  sent 
a  basket  of  Cornish  Aromatic  Apple,  fine  in  colour,  aud  excellent  in 
flavour.     It  was  awarded  a  special  certificate.     Mr.  Cox,  of  Redleaf, 

*Mr.  Bradley  obtained  a  first  class  certificate  in  Floricu'tnre,  and  a 
second-class  certificate  in  Fruit  and  Vegetable  Culture,  at  the  Royal 
Horticultural  Society's  examination  in  December,  18  9. 


December  8,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


451 


sent  a  dish  of  highly-coloured  Blenheim  Pippins,  which  were  much 
admired. 

Mr.  Chaff,  gardener  to  Alfred  Smee,  Esq.,  F.R.S.,  Bent  a  collection 
of  twelve  varieties  of  kitchen  Apples  and  twelve  of  dessert,  to  each  of 
which  a  special  certificate  was  awarded.  Mr.  Hibblethwaite,  of  Act- 
lam  Hall  Gardens,  sent  a'collectiou  of  Apples  and  Pears,  to  which  a 
special  certificate  was  awarded.  Mr.  J.  Hepper,  gardener  to  C.  P. 
Millard,  Esq..  The  Elms,  Acton,  sent  a  quantity  of  fine  specimens  of 
Chaumontel  Pears,  which  received  a  special  certificate.  Mr.  Turner, 
of  Slough,  sent  a  seedling  Pear,  called  International.  G.  F.  Wilson, 
Esq.,  sent  a  basket  of  Josephine  de  Malines  Pears  of  extraordinary 
size  and  beauty,  to  which  a  special  certificate  was  awarded.  Mr. 
Gilbert,  of  Burghley  Gardens,  sent  a  stand  on  which  to  exhibit  Pine 
Apples,  which  was  approved  by  the  Committee. 

Messrs.  Carter  &:  Co.,  of  Holborn,  exhibited  specimens  of  the  New 
Red-skinned  Flour  Ball,  and  the  Red  American  Potatoes,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  deciding  whether  they  are  synonymous  ;  but  tho  Committee 
declined  to  decide  till  they  were  seen  growing.  Mr.  William  Thom- 
son, Blantyre,  6ent  two  seedling  Potatoes,  Hero  and  Favourite.  Both 
were  boiled,  and  Hero  was  found  to  be  very  mealy  and  of  good  flavour. 

Messrs.  Carter  &  Co.  sent  yery  large  specimens  of  White  Belgian, 
AHiinsham,  and  Long  Red  Carrot,  which  received  a  special  certificate. 

Prizes  were  offered  on  this  occasion  for  the  best  r  41''-  [;.m  uf  Salad- 
ing,  and  were  taken  by  Mr.  Hepper,  gardener  to  C.  P.  Millard,  Esq., 
The  Elms,  Acton,  and  Mr.  Gilbert,  gardener  to  the  Marquis  of  Exeter, 
Burghley  Park.  Mr.  Hepper  had  Mustard,  Curled  Cress,  Australian 
Cress,  Corn  Salad,  Red  Turnip  Radish,  Water  Cress,  two  kinds  of  Cu- 
cumbers, Cos  and  Cabbage  Lettuces,  White  and  Green  Curled  andBata- 
viau  Endive,  Red  and  White  Celery,  Beet,  and  Onions.  Mr.  Gilbert, 
who  was  second,  had  Mustard  and  Cress,  Cucumbers,  Celery,  Lettuce, 
Batavian  and  Curled  Endive,  Beet,  &c.  Both  collections  were  neatly 
set  np — that  of  Mr.  Gilbert  in  a  box  made  for  the  purpose  of  exhi- 
biting Salads. 

Mr.  Lee,  of  Windlesham,  sent  a  fine  super  of  honey,  weighing 
35  lbs.,  and  one  of  his  new  octagon  straw  hives. 

This  was  the  last  meeting  of  the  year,  and  the  Committee  was  there- 
fore dissolved,  in  accordance  with  the  resolution  of  last  year,  and  a 
rote  of  thanks  to  the  Chairman  was  passed  unanimously. 

Floral  Committee. — W.  Beattie  Booth,  Esq.,  in  the  chair.  From 
Mr,  Williams,  Holloway,  came  a  collection  of  Orchids,  in  which  were 
good  specimens  of  Lrelia  anceps  with  six  spikes,  Calanthe  Veitchii, 
Odontogossum  cariniferum  and  Rossii,  Cattleya  Skiuueri,  and  Maxil- 
laria  uigrescens.  Mr.  Williams  likewise  sent  a  collection  of  his  fine 
arnamental-fruitod  Solanums.  A  special  certificate  was  given  for  the 
two  collections. 

Mr.  Robins,  gardener  to  Sir  E.  Kerrison,  Bart.,  Oakley  Park, 
Basingstoke,  exhibited  a  }*lant  of  Capsicum  Yellow  Gem  trained  as  a 
dwarf  standard,  with  a  rather  fiat  head,  and  bearing  numerous  yellow 
pods,  giviug  the  plant  a  very  ornamental  appearance  for  decorative 
purposes.     For  this  a  special  certificate  was  awarded. 

Messrs.  Veitch  sent  Amaryllis  Spotted  Gem,  a  hybrid  between  par- 
dinum  and  another  sort,  with  the  white  ground  beautifully  dotted 
■with  red. 

From  Dr.  Aiusworth,  Lower  Broughton,  Manchester,  came  a  very 
fine  spike  of  what  was  called  Oncidium  Barkeri,  and  which  was  the 
O.  tigrinum  of  La  Llave.  For  this  a  Bpecial  certificate  was  given; 
and  a  similar  aw.ird  was  made  to  Messrs.  J.  Brooke  &■  Co.,  Fairfield 
Nursery,  Manchester,  for  Dendrobium  bigibbum  with  a  spike  of  eleven 
flowers,  six  of  which  were  in  great  beauty,  the  rest  not  being  as  yet 
expanded,  and  for  a  veiy  large-flowered  Odontoglossum  Rossii  with 
two  fine  blooms. 

Mr.  Trusler,  Farnham,  Surrey,  sent  seedling  Caruation  Sensation 
with  variegated  leaves,  and  Mr.  Drover,  Fareham,  a  seedling  Zonal 
Pelargonium,  and  Selaginella  lepidophylla,  the  Resurrection  Plaut. 

Mr.  Green,  gardener  to  W.  Wilson  Saunders,  Esq.,  Hillfield,  Rei- 
gate,  had  a  first-class  certificate  for  a  Mormodes  with  three  spikes 
resembling  those  of  a  Hyacinth  ;  the  flowers  red  with  deeper-coloured 
spots,  the  column  white,  but  in  a  younger  state  they  are  of  a  rich 
orange.  There  is  some  doubt  as  to  the  species — it  bears  considerable 
resemblance  to  Mormodes  Cartoni,  figured  in  the  "Botanical  Maga- 
zine," t.  4214,  but  differs  from  it  in  colour. 

Mr.  W.  Lee,  Arundel,  Sussex,  had  a  first-class  certificate  for  seedling 
Carnation  White  Nun,  and  a  second-class  certificate  for  Maiden's  Blush, 
both  free-blooming  varieties.  Mr.  G.  Goddard,  gardener  to  H.  Little, 
Esq.,  Cambridge  Park,  Twickenham,  sent  a  collection  of  Fern-leaved 
Primulas;  and  from  Mr.  Wiggins,  gardener  to  W.  Beck,  Esq.,  Isle- 
worth,  came  a  fine  collection  of  the  same,  including  fine  white  and 
crimson  varieties,  for  which  a  Bpecial  certificate  was  given.  Mr. 
Wiggins  also  sent  some  varieties  in  which  the  flowers  were  streaked 
and  dotted,  and  in  one  instance  half  white,  half  purple.  Mr.  Brown, 
florist,  Heudon,  had  a  special  certificate  for  collections  of  seedling 
Cinerarias  and  Chinese  Primulas,  both  very  bright  in  colour. 

Messrs.  Perkins  tfc  Sons,  Coventry,  had  a  first-class  certificate  for 
a  seedling  Selaginella  called  albo-lineata,  tipped  and  lined  with  yellow, 
2,  very  ornamental  variety. 

From  Messrs.  E.  G.  Henderson,  St.  John's  Wood,  came  a  collection 
of  30  Sedums,  113  species  and  varieties  of  Saxifrages,  70  Senipervi- 
vums,  aud  several  Echeverias,  Aloes,  and  similar  plants.  A  spe- 
cial certificate  was  awarded,  and  a  like  award  was  made  to  the  same 
iirni  for  a  very  attractive  group  of  winter-flowering  tree  Carnations. 


Mr.  Stevens,  Ealing,  exhibited  a  basket  of  Ealing  Rival  Tricolor 
Pelargonium,  which  has  been  frequently  noticed,  with  finely-coloured 
leaves.  Mr.  Goddard,  gardener  to  H.  Little,  Esq.,  Cambridge  Park, 
Twickenham,  had  a  first-class  ceitificate  for  Cyclamen  persicum  pur- 
pureuui,  a  beautiful  purple-coloured  variety.  A  special  certificate 
was  given  to  Mr.  Clarke,  Twickenham,  for  a  tine  collection  of  Cycla- 
mens raised  from  seed  sown  on  January  22nd  of  the  present  year. 

Prizes  were  offered  for  twenty-four  cut  blooms  of  Japanese  aud  late 
Chrysanthemums.  The  first  prize  was  takou  by  Mr.  Douglas,  gardener 
to  F.  Whitbourn,  Esq.,  Loxford  Hall,  Ilford,  with  a  stand  in  which 
were  fine  examples  of  Miss  Marechaux,  Princess  of  Teck,  Yolande, 
Plutus,  Blonde  Beauty,  Virgin  Queen,  Lady  Talfourd  ;  and  of  Japanese 
varieties,  Comet,  Dr.  Masters,  and  The  Mikado.  Thero  were  also  very 
good  blooms  of  several  others  of  the  large-flowering  varieties.  Mr. 
Goddard  had  the  second  prize  for  a  stand  of  twenty-four — viz.,  twelve 
Japanese  kinds,  of  which  The  Sultan,  The  Daimio,  Madame  Godillot, 
Dr.  Masters,  and  Aurantiuni  were  the  most  conspicuous,  and  twelve 
large-flowering  kinds. 

Class  '2,  was  for  the  best  collection  of  hardy  evergreens  bearing 
berries;  in  this  class  there  was  no  entry,  but  Messrs.  Standish  &  Co., 
of  Ascot,  sent  a  beautiful  collection  of  green-leaved  and  variegated 
Hollies,  consisting  of  Ilex  balearica  hybrida,  aud  I.  Handsworthii 
peudula,  the  yellow-berried  Holly,  a  number  of  Ancubas  in  berry, 
Skimmia  oblata,  and  the  black-purple-berried  Raphiolepis  ovata.  This 
collection,  containing  so  many  plants  bearing  a  profusion  of  scarlet 
berries,  had  a  fine  effect.     A  special  certificate  was  awarded. 

Class  3  was  for  the  best  collection  of  herbaceous  plants  suitable  for 
out-door  winter  decoration.  The  first  prize  went  to  Messrs.  E.  G. 
Henderson,  who  were  the  only  exhibitors,  for  a  collection  in  which  were 
Statice  Armeria,  Centaurea  ragusina,  Festuca  glauca,  Achyrocline 
Saundersoni,  Statice  pseudo-Armeria,  var.  diauthoides,  Thymus  stric- 
tus,  Cineraria  acauthifolia,  Veronica  Andersoni  variegata,  Centaurea 
aspleniifolia,  variegated  Thymes,  Stachys  lanata,  Areuaria  balearica, 
Ajuga  genevensis  rubra,  Arabis  alpina  variegata,  Veronica  Candida, 
Acaena  microphylla,  Lilium  candidum  aureo-variegatum,  Heuchera 
rubra,  and  some  others. 

A  prize  of  £5  was  offered  by  J.  Bateman,  Esq.,  for  the  best  col- 
lection ol  cut  blooms  of  Cattleyas,  the  flowers  to  become  the  property 
of  the  Society,  but  no  exhibitor  came  forward. 

General  Meeting. — W.  Marshall,  Esq.,  in  the  chair.  After  the 
preliminary  business  and  the  election  of  eleven  new  Fellows,  the  Rev. 
M.  J.  Berkeley  remarked  with  regard  to  the  Mormodes  exhibited  by 
Mr.  Green,  gardener  to  W.  Wilson  Saunders,  Esq.,  that  he  believed  Mr. 
Green  very  properly  considered  it  to  bo  a  variety  of  Mormodes  Car- 
toni. At  one  time  he  (Mr.  Berkeley)  had  a  notion  that  it  belonged 
to  M.  igneum,  figured  in  the  third  volume  of  "  Paxton's  Flower  Gar- 
den ;"  but  in  the  same  plate  as  igneum  were  two  sorts,  marked  B  and 
C,  which  Dr.  Lindley  considered  to  be  mere  varieties  of  M.  Cartoni, 
and  Mr.  Berkeley  had  no  doubt  that  Mr.  Green's  Mormodes  was 
identical  with  that  distinguished  as  B.  A  Grape,  of  which  the 
I  bunches  were  parti-coloured,  next  came  under  notice,  and  it  was  re- 
marked that  the  same  peculiarity  extended  to  the  leaves. 

Mr.  Meehan's  remarks  on  fasciation  were  then  referred  to,  and  Mr. 
Berkeley  said  there  had  been  some  confusion  between  fasciation  and 
polyclady,  in  which,  from  the  attacks  of  Fungi  and  other  causes,  an 
extraordinary  number  of  branches  are  produced.  Mr.  Berkeley,  after 
reading  a  paper  from  the  Rev.  T.  C.  Brehant  on  the  varieties  of 
Maize  exhibited,  remarked  that  the  experience  at  Chiswick  had  not 
been  favourable  to  the  cultivation  of  Maize  as  a  vegetable. 

The  Chairman  announced  that  as  there  had  been  no  exhibition  for 
Mr.  Bateman's  Cattleya  prize,  that  gentleman  had  decided  to  again 
offer  the  same  amount,  but  divided  into  a  prize  of  £3,  and  one  of  £2, 
at  the  next  meeting,  January  18th.  It  was  also  stated  that  the  Rev. 
G.  Kemp  had  again  offered  his  prize  for  out-door  Grapes  for  next  year, 
but  to  be  competed  for  in  November  instead  of  October,  as  it  was 
this  year. 

NOTES  AND  GLEANINGS. 

It  ia  gratifying  to  know  that  there  is  now  an  establish- 
ment for  the  export  of  Japanese  plants,  seeds,  and  bulbs. 
The  head  of  the  establishment  is  Mr.  C.  Kramer,  Yokohama, 
Japan. 

— —  As  an  instance  of  the  rapidity  with  which  intro- 
duced plants  spread,  when  soil  and  climate  are  congenial  to 
their  habits,  we  may  point  to  the  Euphorbia  prostrata,  Ait.,  a 
little  annual  weed  in  Jamaica  and  Trinidad,  which  became 
introduced  by  chance  about  ten  years  since  into  a  garden  in 
Madeira,  situated  some  -400  feet  above  the  sea ;  from  this  spot 
it  has  rapidly  spread  down  the  steep  road  to  the  town  ;  while 
up  the  other  hills,  separated  by  deep  ravines  from  that  down 
which  it  came,  it  has  scarcely  crawled  at  all,  a  downward 
course  apparently  beiDg  far  easier  for  it  than  an  upward  one. 
It  has,  however,  slowly  crept  up  another  hill  at  the  rate  of 
about  10  feet  a-year.  The  seeds,  which  are  described  as  eoarun- 
culate,  with  sharply  tetragonal  palete,  transversely  keeled,  are 
.  well  adapted  for  sticking  to  the  clothes  of  travellers,  and  to  be 


452 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  December  8,  1S70. 


carried  about ,  so  that  we  might  well  expect  the  plant  to  crop 
up  in  all  directions.  Mr.  Lowe  says  that  it  is  now  to  he  found 
everywhere  in  Funchal  below  500  feet. — [Nature.) 


CHATSWORTH— No.  2. 
The  kitchen  garden  is  across  the  park,  and  at  a  consider- 
able distance  from  Chafsworth  House;  it  is  very  extensive.  In 
addition  to  the  fine  crops  of  vegetables  on  all  sides,  the  ranges 
of  glass  houses  and  their  contents  are  a  most  interesting  and 
instructive  sight.  Many  of  them  rest  against  the  cross  walls 
which  intersect  the  garden  at  regular  distances ;  but  there  are 
other  ranges  and  separate  houses  near  the  entrance  to  the 
gardens  first  claiming  notice.  The  first  in  order  of  these  is 
the  Amheretia  house,  containing  the  large  plant  of  Amherstia 
nobilis.  The  plant,  I  was  told,  had  produced  this  season 
nearly  a  hundred  of  its  gorgeous  racemes  ;  it  certainly  ought  to 
present  an  appearance  of  uncommon  magnificence  when  in 
flower  to  compensate  for  its  very  dull  aspect  at  other  times.  A 
variety  of  Pitcher  Plants  growing  in  this  house  were  very  fine, 
especially  Nepenthes  Hookeriana  and  Refflesiana.  Here  was 
also  a  striking  group  of  the  large-leaved  Theophrasta  imperialis. 

In  pleasing  contrast  to  the  dullness  of  this  house,  the  Victoria 
house  strikes  one  as  a  peculiarly  light  and  attractive  structure ; 
its  contents  were  all  objects  of  interest,  and  every  plant  was  in 
fine  health.  Of  course,  the  regal  Lily  in  the  central  tank  is 
the  first  object  for  which  ona  looks  ;  the  foliage  was  good,  but 
there  were  no  very  extraordinary  flowers  visible  at  the  time  of 
my  visit,  September  1st.  Some  fine  specimen  Achimenes,  in- 
termixed with  Ferns  and  dwarf  Palms,  formed  a  graceful  and 
attractive  margin  to  the  Lily  tank.  The  rippling  cadence  of 
the  water  falling  on  the  little  revolving  wheels,  which  are 
ingeniously  made  to  constantly  agitate  the  water  in  the  tanks, 
has  a  novel  and  pleasing  effect.  Growing  in  the  corner  tanks  and 
around  the  sides  were  fine  plmts  of  the  huge-leaved  Caladium 
esculentnm,  Nympham  dentata ;  Nyrnphasa,  slellata,  with  blue 
and  yellow  flowers;  Nyraphasa  Devoniana,  with  deep  pink 
flowers ;  the  singular  pendent  Bush-like  Bonapartea  juncea ; 
the  beautiful  Pandanu3  utilis  ;  Cierodendron  coccinenm,  a 
perfect  mass  of  bright  scarlet  flowers ;  and  Nelumbium  spe- 
ciosum,  with  deep  green  peltate  foliage  borne  on  long  slender 
stalks.  The  building  is  68  feet  long  by  48  feet  wide  ;  it  has  a 
ridge-and-furrow  roof,  supported  by  light  iron  pillars,  which 
are  painted  blue  and  white. 

Tho  New  Holland  house  is  about  100  feet  long  by  30  wide. 
Some  Fuchsias  trained  to  the  roof,  and  laden  with  flowers,  had 
a  pretty  effect.  The  body  of  this  house  was  filled  with  mag- 
nificent specimen  hardwooded  plants;  some  Heaths,  pictures 
of  health,  must  have  been  quite  5  feet  in  diameter;  the  Azal9as 
and  Camellias  were  also  very  fine. 

A  drive  leads  past  this  house  to  Lady  Paxton's  villa;  it  was 
covered  with  the  white  spar  for  which  Derbyshire  is  so  famous. 
From  its  chaste  appearance  this  material  is  admirably  adapted 
for  walks  in  many  parts  cf  ornamental  grounds  ;  in  the  flower 
garden  some  caution  must  be  exercised  in  its  use,  but  among 
the  greenery  of  shrubs  it  is  very  effective.  A  winding  flower 
border  on  ono  side  of  the  drive  struck  me  as  contrasting  very 
favourably  with  the  formality  of  the  ordinary  straight  ribbon 
border.  All  the  borders  were  planted  with  much  taste ;  one  of 
eight  rows  was  particularly  fine  ;  the  front  row  was  Cerastium 
tomentosum,  the  second  Lobelia  speciosa,  the  third  Golden 
Pyrethrum,  the  fourth  Iresine  Herbstii,  the  fifth  a  variegated 
Veronica,  the  sixth  a  brown  Calceolaria,  the  seventh  Stella 
Pelargonium,  and  the  eight  Cineraria  maritima. 

A  span-roofed  stove  contained  a  fine  collection  of  plants, 
such  as  Crerode ndrous,  Draeccnas,  Caladiums,  a  fine  Allamanda 
nobilis,  the  pretty  Meyerjia  erecta,  Bougainvillea  glabra  laden 
■with  its  pretty  pink  bracts,  and  the  beautiful  Echites  rubro- 
venosa  climbing  under  the  roof.  Next  this  were  two  very  light 
houses  of  a  similar  form,  used  principally  for  forcing  Vines  in 
pots.  Some  Cucumber  plants  were  being  started  in  one  house 
for  a  winter  supply,  and  in  the  other  were  Kidney  Beans  in 
pots,  the  young  plants  being  just  visible  above  the  soil.  These 
useful  houses  are  also  employed  for  forcing  Strawberries  and  a 
variety  of  other  purposes. 

Of  the  other  miscellaneous  houses,  an  old  stove  contained 
some  fine  plants  of  Pandanus  elegantissimus  and  javanicu3 
variegatus,  and  in  a  greenhouse  were  some  immense  pyramidal 
Azaleas  8  feet  high,  and  a  very  fine  stock  of  healthy  young 
plants  of  large-flowered  Pelargoniums  trained  to  the  usual  flat 
surface,  also  a  fine  batch  of  Primulas. 

Turning  now  to  the  vineries,  the  Vines  in  the  early  house 


were  already  pruned  and  in  readiness  for  work.  In  the  next 
house  were  the  Vines  from  which  were  cut  the  Grapes  that 
were  exhibited  at  Oxford.  The  young  wood  of  these  Vines  was 
not  particularly  large,  but  it  was  thoroughly  firm  and  well- 
ripened,  with  plenty  of  fine  plump  buds  ;  the  foliage  was  large 
and  very  healthy.  There  were  plenty  of  bunches  still  hanging 
to  show  how  fine  the  crop  must  have  been.  The  varieties  were 
Black  Hamburgh,  Black  Prince,  and  Mill  Hill  Hamburgh  ;  the 
last-named  kind  had  magnificent  well-shouldered  bunches  of 
very  large  deep  black  berries,  which  had  that  hammered  appear- 
ance usually  developed  in  well-grown  Grapes  of  this  class. 

In  the  first  of  the  lean-to  ranges,  which  I  was  told  were 
about  200  feet  long,  tho  first  and  second  houses  were  both 
wholly  occupied  with  Black  Hamburgh  Vines,  all  carrying  a 
splendid  crop  of  high-coloured  fruit.  The  third  division  was  a 
mixed  house  of  Black  Prince,  Charlesworth  Tokay  [Muscat  of 
Alexandria],  small  in  bunch  but  fine  in  berry,  and  Frankenthal 
with  magnificent  bunches  splendidly  coloured.  In  the  fourth 
house  were  more  fine  bunches  of  Frankenthal,  Royal  Vineyard 
with  tolerably  large  bunches  and  with  very  vigorous  wood, 
some  very  fine  Black  Tripoli,  and  some  excellent  examples  of 
the  delicious  Black  Frontignan.  Frankenthal  appears  to  be 
a  favourite  here,  for  in  the  fifth  house  it  was  in  full  force  with 
immense  bunches  .splendidly  finished.  Black  Alicante  also 
had  a  grand  crop  of  fruit,  and  Lady  Downe's  was  equally  fine  ; 
its  wood  of  the  current  year  was  very  stout  and  vigorous.  The 
sight  of  these  fine  houses  of  Grapes  was  a  treat,  the  condition 
of  the  Vines,  and  the  very  fine  crops  which  they  bore  intact 
when  I  saw  them,  were  most  satisfactory.  The  sixth  and 
seventh  divisions  were  early  and  succession  Peach  houses,  with 
a  healthy  lot  of  trees ;  and  the  last  house  was  a  mixed  vinery, 
the  sorts  being  principally  Muscats. 

In  the  next  range,  which  is  a  new  one,  the  first  and  second 
divisions  contained  flourishing  young  Peach  trees  planted  in  the- 
borders,  and  a  number  of  Fig  trees  in  pots.  The  third  division 
is  an  orchard  house  ;  the  trees,  which  are  Peaohes  and  Necta- 
rines, were  planted  in  the  border  at  regular  distances,  thus 
forming  a  plantation  all  through  the  body  of  the  house.  The 
form  of  the  trees  was  that  of  a  tall  bush ;  all  of  them  were 
very  healthy,  and  bearing  full  crops  of  very  fine  fruit.  The  other 
division  of  this  range  is  a  Plum  house,  with  trees  of  a  similar 
form,  and  disposed  in  the  same  way  as  the  Peaches  ;  the  crop 
of  fruit  was  so  abundant  that  many  of  the  branches  were  bend- 
ing beneath  their  luscious  load.  Some  Apricots  trained  to  the 
back  wall  had  also  been  cropping  well. 

The  third  range  presented  as  interesting  a  sight  in  fruit-culture 
as  any  in  the  garden,  in  the  two  enormous  old  Peach  trees  which 
occupy  a  large  compartment  of  upwards  of  100  feet  in  length. 
The  trees  are  trained  to  the  roof,  one  of  them  has  a  spread  of 
fully  50  feet,  and  the  other  is  larger  still ;  I  did  not  measure 
them,  but  I  am  confident  I  am  within  bounds.  Both  were  in 
robust  health,  and  well  furnished  with  young  wood  from  the 
bottom  upwards;  they  also  had  an  even  crop  of  fruit,  not  so 
large,  perhaps,  as  that  on  some  of  the  younger  trees,  but  quite 
large  enough  to  be  useful  for  furnishing  hundreds  of  dishes 
for  table. 

In  another  range  in  the  first  division  there  were  splendid 
young  Vines  with  some  fine  fruit ;  the  sorts  were  Muscat  of 
Alexandria,  Gros  Colman  with  fruit  of  an  extraordinary  size, 
and  Black  Alicante  fine.  Tbe  second  house  also  contained  young 
Vines  equally  vigorous.  With  the  exception  of  an  even  crop 
of  Muscat  of'  Alexandria,  the  Vines  in  the  other  divisions  call 
for  no  special  mention. 

Several  ranges  of  fruiting  and  succession  Pine  pits  contained 
a  magnificent  lot  of  Pines  ;  in  one,  especially,  there  was  a  batch 
of  Cayenne  all  with  very  fine  fruit.  The  whole  of  the  plants 
appeared  to  be  as  clean  and  vigorous  as  could  be  wished.  All 
the  pits  had  simple  eliding  sashes  about  9  or  10  feet  long,  and 
they  are  overlooked  from  raised  platforms  at  the  back  of  each 
range,  so  that  it  will  be  understood  there  is  no  door  nor  passage 
to  any  of  them.  In  fact,  their  appearance  is  just  that  of  ordi- 
nary blick  pits,  very  different  from  the  costly  glass  structures 
for  this  purpose  so  frequently  to  be  met  with,  yet  I  very  much 
question  if  the  grandest  modern  Pine  house  ever  contained  a 
better  average  crop  of  fruit  than  was  to  be  seen  in  these  very 
humble-looking  but  most  efficient  pits. 

Taken  as  a  whole  the  fruit-culture  under  glass  at  Chatsworth 
merits  the  highest  praise,  for  not  only  were  the  crops  of  all 
kinds  of  fruit  most  abundant,  but  from  the  way  in  whioh  all 
points  of'exccllence  were  developed  it  was  evident  that  skill  of 
a  very  high  order  had  been  brought  to  bear  upon  their  manage- 
ment.   This  remark  applies  with  equal  force  to  every  depart- 


December  8,  1370.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


153 


uient  of  the  gardens  ;  wherever  one  turned,  order  and  an  ap- 
pearance of  exquisite  finish  and  neatness  prevailed.  Very  rarely 
indeed  is  it  that  one  sees  a  garden  in  which  there  is  eo  little 
to  which  exception  could  be  taken  ;  no  object  appeared  to  be 
cared  for  at  the  exponae  of  others,  but  all  were  alike  most 
satisfactory. 

T*  anyone  travelling  from  Derby  as  I  did,  a  visit  to  Chats- 
worth  implies  a  most  interesting  and  enjoyable  trip,  for  the 
railway  from  Derby  to  Rowsley  winds  through  some  of  the 
most  beautiful  scenery  of  Derbyshire,  the  bold  character  of 
which  is  very  striking.  Hills  in  endless  variety  present  them- 
selves to  the  eye;  some  destitute  of  vegetation,  excepting  the 
closely- cropped  turf,  stand  out  boldly  and  clearly,  rearing  their 
lofty  crests  iu  most  picturesque  contrast  to  others  clothed  from 
base  to  summit  with  a  compact  mass  of  trees.  Now  a  mag- 
nificent vista  opens  out  along  some  pleasant  dale,  affording 
glimpses  of  other  hills,  with  their  bold  outlines  softened  into 
grace  by  the  distance  ;  and  then,  as  at  Matlock  Bath,  the  hills 
rise  in  lofty  majesty,  towering  high  overhead,  clothed  in  some 
parts  with  dense  foliage,  among  which  glimpses  are  caught  of 
picturesque  cottages  snugly  perched  on  the  steep  hillside,  and 
of  places  where  the  face  of  the  cliff  exposes  the  overlying  strata 
as  they  dip  downwards  to  the  valley.  Passing  through  such 
scenery  as  this  the  mind  is  prepared  to  thoroughly  enjoy  and 
appreciate  the  refinement  and  magnificence  of  Chatsworth, 
which  impresses  one  as  being  altogether  worthy  of  its  exalted 
positiou  in  a  county  so  rich  in  the  beauties  of  Nature. — 
Edward  Luckhukst,  Old  Lands,  Buxted,  Sussex. 


HEATING  BUILDINGS  BY  HOT  WATER. 
The  proverbially  fickle  climate  cf  the  British  Islands  (says 
the  Mechanic's  Magazine),  and  the  frequent  recurrence  of  a 
damp  and  cold  atmosphere,  make  the  application  of  artificial 
heat  to  our  dwellings  and  public  buildings  a  positive  nee 
Contrivances  for  producing  an  equable  temperature  within 
doors  are  consequently  numerous,  and  in  many  instance 
are  of  an  ingenious  character.  Perhaps  the  best  mode  of 
accomplishing  ths  desired  end,  as  well  as  the  simplest,  is  that 
of  causing  the  circulation  of  hot  water  through  iron  pipe3  con- 
veniently disposed  for  the  purpose.  Up  to  a  very  recent  period, 
however,  a  considerable  amount  of  hostile  prejudioe  existed  in 
regard  to  the  use  of  hot- water  apparatus,  and  even  now  the  plan 
of  heating  buildings  by  such  agencies  is  not  fully  apprec  ated. 
Imagining  that  antipathy  to  the  system  arises  iu  many  cases 
from  a  lack  of  acquaintance  with  its  peculiar  merits,  we  shall 
endeavour  to  explain  the  principles  which  govern  the  action  of 
hot-water  apparatus  generally,  and  furnish  some  information 
as  to  their  best  form  and  proportions.  In  order  to  do  this 
effectually,  we  must  first  glance  at  one  or  two  of  the  natural 
laws  which  affect  the  circulation  of  fluids  and  gases.  Tliat  all 
falling  bodies  gravitate  with  the  same  velocity  and  therefore 
descend  through  a  certain  definite  space  ia  a  given  time,  is  an 
effect  of  which  gravity  is  the  cau;e.  It  is  from  this  cause  that 
we  obtain  the  unerring  action  of  the  pendulum.  To  the  same 
source  may  be  distinctly  traced  the  phenomena  attending  the 
circulation  of  hot  water  through  pipes,  and  this  circulation, 
once  created,  iorces  all  the  water  in  the  apparatus  to  pass  suc- 
cessfully through  the  boiler  by  which  it  is  primarily  heated.  It 
is  upon  the  continuous  and  uniform  movement  of  the  water 
along  the  pipes  that  the  efficacy  of  the  hot-water  apparatus  im- 
mediately depends.  Let  ns,  then,  inquire  as  to  the  power 
which  insures  this  vitality,  for  without  a  clear  perception  of  its 
nature  there  will  ever  be  uncertainty  as  to  the  working  of  any 
apparatus  of  the  kind  in  question.  The  force  which  produces 
circulation  arises  from  the  fact  that  the  water  in  the  descending 
pipe  is  heavier  than  that  which  is  in  the  boiler,  or,  to  put  it 
differently,  when  heat  is  applied  to  the  boiler  a  dilatation  of  the 
water  within  it  ensues.  The  heated  particles  ascend  through 
the  colder  ones,  whilst  the  latter  descend  by  reason  of  their 
greater  specific  gravity,  and  in  turn  become  also  heated.  Ex- 
pansion follows,  and  this  species  of  action  and  reaction  pro- 
ceeds until  all  the  partieles  are  equally  heated.  It  follows  that 
the  colder  the  water  is  in  the  descending  pipe,  relatively  with 
that  in  the  boiler,  the  more  rapid  will  bo  its  motion  through 
the  circulating  pipes,  and  hence  the  diffusion  of  heat  through 
their  pores  and  into  the  atmosphere  surrounding  them. 

Thus  much  of  the  general'prineiples  which  control  the  action 
of  hot-water  apparatus  as  applied  to  the  heating  of  buildings, 
and  now  as  to  their  particular  dimensions  and  details.  These 
will  naturally  have  to  be  varied  with  the  character  and  sizo  of 
the  buildings  to  be  heated.    For  churches  and  large  structures 


of  a  similar  kind,  and  which  have  an  ordinary  number  of  doors 
and  windows,  it  will  be  necessary  in  devising  hot-water  ap- 
paratus to  ascertain,  first,  the  cubic  contents  of  the  auditorium. 
Having  obtained  this  knowledge,  let  the  number  gained  be 
divided  by  200.  The  quotient  will  yield  the  length  in  f9et  of 
4-inch  pipe  required  to  maintain  something  like  a  steady  tem- 
perature of  55°.  For  smaller  apartments,  as,  for  example, 
dwelling  houses,  &c,  the  cubic  measurement  divided  by  150  will 
furnish  the  proper  length  of  4-inch  pipe.  These  simple  rules, 
which  are  the  result  of  extensive  practice  and  careful  observa- 
tion, may  be  safely  relied  upon,  unless  under  very  exceptional 
circumstances,  and  which,  of  course,  would  have  to  be  duly 
considered  by  the  constructor  of  an  apparatus  intended  to  meet 
them. 

In  reference  to  greenhouses,  conservatories,  and  buildings 
of  a  like  character,  where  the  temperature  should  reach  a 
mean  of  60°,  the  sum  of  the  cubic  contents  divided  by  30  will 
give  the  length  iu  feet  of  4-inch  pipe  required  to  produce  the 
desired  effect.  Foroing  houses,  agiin,  must  have  special  cal- 
culations made  for  properly  heating  them.  Nothing  short  of  a 
uniform  temperature  of  70°  to  75°  will  suffice  for  such  places. 
In  order  to  insure  this  the  measurement,  as  before  suggested, 
mu3t  be  divided  by  '20,  the  quotient  being  the  length  of  circu- 
lating pipe  required.  For  gaining  yet  higher  temperatures, 
lower  divisors  will  have  to  be  employed,  and  if  smaller  pipes 
be  determined  upon,  the  length  must  be  proportionately  in- 
creased. These  are  points  of  detail,  however,  which  may  be 
safely  left  to  the  skilled  manufacturer  who  may  be  intrusted 
with  the  making  of  hot-water  apparatus  for  special  purposes. 
Our  own  data  may  be  taken  as  the  base  of  calculations  for  econo- 
mically and  effectually  heating  buildings  by  means  of  hot  water. 
We  are  aware  that  some  horticulturists  have  adopted  the 
plan  of  heating  their  forcing  houses  to  a  much  higher  tempe- 
rature than  that  indicated  above,  and  of  allowing  a  greater 
amount  of  ventilation  than  is  usual.  By  aid  of  such  arrange- 
ments, it  is  said,  a  finer  fruitage  is  obtained,  but  there  is  no 
doubt  that  this  course  involves  increased  expense  in  the  first 
cost  of  the  heating  apparatus,  together  with  a  larpe  augmenta- 
tion in  the  subsequent  daily  consumption  of  fuel  for  working  it. 
An  important  consideration  to  the  horticulturist  and  flori- 
culturist is  the  waste  of  heat  through  glass  roofs  and  walls.  It 
has  been  found,  from  a  course  of  carefully-made  experiments, 
that  1  square  foot  of  glass  will  cool  1.279  cubic  feet  of  air  as 
many  degrees  per  minute  as  the  internal  temperature  of  the 
house  exceeds  the  external  temperature.  Thus,  if  the  differ- 
ence between  the  internal  and  the  external  temperature  be 
30°,  1.279  cubic  feet  of  air  will  be  coolod  30°  by  each  square 
foot  of  glass  in  the  building  which  is  exposed  also  to  the  outer 
atmosphere.  .  It  will  be  admitted  that  this  fact  should  be 
allowed  its  due  weight  in  contriving  hot-water  apparatus  for 
houses  wholly  or  partly  constructed  of  glass.  Of  course,  in 
estimating  the  area  of  glass,  due  deductions  must  be  made  for 
the  sash  frames  and  woodwork  by  which  the  panes  are  sur- 
rounded. If  the  frames  and  sashes  be  made  of  metal,  the 
radiation  and  consequent  loss  of  heat  through  them  will  be 
equal  in  extent  to  that  which  results  from  the  glass  itself. 

The  quantity  of  air  to  be  heated  per  minute,  so  far  as  con- 
servatories and  forcing  houses  are  concerned,  should  not  be 
le3s  than  1}  cubic  feet  for  each  square  foot  of  glass  which  the 
building  contains.  When  the  quantity  of  hoated  air  required 
has  been  thus  ascertained,  the  length  of  pipe  may  be  determined 
by  the  following  formula  : — viz.,  Multiply  125  by  the  difference 
between  the  temperature  at  which  the  house  is  proposed  to  be 
kept  (when  at  its  maximum)  and  tho  temperature  of  the  ex- 
ternal air,  and  divide  the  product  by  the  difference  between  the 
temperature  of  the  pipes  (200°)  and  the  proposed  temperature 
of  the  room.  Then  the  quotient  multiplied  by  the  number  of 
cubic  feet  of  air  to  be  heated  per  minute,  and  its  product 
divided  by  222,  will  give  the  number  of  feet  of  4-inch  pipe-  to 
yield  the  desired  effect. 


CLIMBING  FERNS.— No.  4. 

STENOCHL.ENA. 
A  family  of  Ferns  comprising  hut  few  species,  and  nearly 
allied  to  Lomaria.     They  have  long,  smooth,  creeping  rhizomes, 
which  fasten  themselves  to  the  steins  of  trees  or  other  objects, 
and  by  which,  in  a  state  of  nature,  they  climb  to  considerable 
heights.     They  produce  fronds  of  two  forms  having  free-forke 
veins,  which  spring  from  an  obscure  vein  runuing  parallel  wi 
tho  midrib,  and  on  which  in  the  fertile  fronds  the  sori  are  situ- 
!  ated,  but,  through  their  being  so  much  contracted,  these  appea 


in 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


Decamber  8,  1870. 


to'cover  the  whole  under  side.     "When  placed  in  genial  situations 
these  plants  are  a  great  acquisition  to  a  Fern  house. 

S.  scandens. — A  noble  plant,  with  large  pinnate  fronds  from 
2  to  3  feet  in  length.  The  pinna;  are  6  or  S  inches  in  length, 
somewhat  pendent,  broad,  oblong-acuminate,  and  dark  shining 
green,  the  edges  furnished  with  spiny  teeth.     The  fertile  fronds 


Stenochlieni  scandens:— Pinna  of  barren  frond  and  part  of  a  pinna  of 
fertile  frond,  medium  size. 

are  also  pinnate  with  linear  pinnae.  The  latter,  however,  are 
rarely  produced.  Tt  requires  stove  heat,  and  is  a  native  of  the 
East  Indies. 

S.  Meyertana,  sometimes  called  S.  tenuifolia,  is  another  very 
handsome  scandent  species,  producing  pinnate  barren  fronds ; 
the  pinna;  being  somewhat  distant,  thin  in  texture,  serrate  at 
the  edges,  and  bright  light  green.  The  fertile  fronds  are  con- 
tracted and  bipinnate.  It  thrives  in  a  lower  temperature  than 
the  preceding,  and  is  a  native  of  South  Africa. 

S.  HETEitoMOKr-HA. — A  plant  of  somewhat  recent  introduction, 
and  too  much  neglected  try  Fern-growers,  It  is  a  very  neat- 
growing  species,  producing  from  its  thin  wiry  rhizomes  pinnate 
fronds  some  6  or  8  inches  in  length,  the  rhizome  and  rachis 
being  cloihed  with  reddish  brown  chaffy  scales.  The  pinna;  are 
sub-rotund,  becoming  oblong  in  old  plants,  petiolate,  and  have 
the  margins  deeply  dentate.  The  fact  of  its  being  a  small-grow- 
ing plant  and  succeeding  well  in  a  cool  house,  should  recommend 
it  to  the  favourable  netice  of  all  Fern-cultivators.  Its  fertile 
fronds  I  have  never  seen.  Native  of  New  Zealand. 
NEPHROLEPIS. 

This  genus  contains  some  very  handsome  species  which  should 
recommend  themselves  to  the  notice  of  lovers  of  Ferns,  from  the 
rapidity  with  which  their  long  wiry  rhizomes  climb  over  and 
about  the  walls  or  any  rough  surface  in  the  fernery,  and  soon 
give  the  house  a  furnished  and  established  appearance  by  drap- 
ing them  with  beautiful,  pendent,  dark  green  fronds.  The  genus 
Nephrolepis  is  distinguished  by  its  long,  creeping,  wiry  rhizomes 
and  pinnate  fronds,  the  pinna?  of  which  are  articulated  and  sessile ; 
they  have  free-forked  veins  and  round  sori,  which  are  furnished 
with  a  reniform  or  orbicular  indusium. 


The  species  of  Nephrolepis  are  stove  Ferns  of  remarkably  rapid 
growth;  they  produce  long  stolons  which  form  young  plants  at 
short  intervals,  and  these  again  produce  others,  so  that  in  ferne- 
ries of  limited  extent,  in  which  the  plants  are  not  grown  in  pots, 
some  care  will  be  necessary  to  prevent  their  overrunning  and 
destroying  other  and  more  slow-growing  kinds.  I  am  not  an 
advocate  for  withholding  water  from  Ferns,  and  neither  will  this 
genus  suffer  such  treatment  with  impunity,  for  on  account  of  the 
pinna;  being  articulated  with  the  rachis  they  readily  fall  out  of 
their'  joints  it"  neglected,  and  the  consequence  is  the  cultivator  is 
rewarded  by  bare  stems  instead  of  bright  green  cheerful  fronds. 
When  grown  as  pot  plants  a  mixture  of  loam,  peat,  and  sand 
suits  them  well ;  but  when  planted  out  in  the  rockwork  of  a 
natural  fernery  they  are  by  no  means  particular,  but  attach  them- 
selves in  any  moist  crevices,  and  send  down  roots  until  they 
reach  a  genial  soil. 

N.  hiestjtula. — This  is  an  exceedingly  interesting  and  elegant 
species,  yet  somewhat  rare.  The  fronds  measure  from  la  to 
36  inches  in  length,  lanceolate  in  shape,  pinnate,  and  sparingly 
clothed  with  reddish  brown  hairy  scales ;  the  pinna;  are  about 
3  inches  in  length  and  full  green.  It  is  a  native  of  the  East 
Indies. 

N.  pectinata. — An  elegant  slender-growing  kind,  which 
quickly  drapes  a  wall  or  pillar  with  its  light  green  pendent 
fronds.  These  are  from  18  to  30  inches  in  length  and  pinnate, 
with  the  pinna:  much  crowded,  oblong,  and  dentate  at  the  edges. 
Although  this  plant  is  somewhat  common,  on  account  of  its  being 
so  readily  increased,  it  is,  nevertheless,  very  handsome  either 
planted  in  the  open  fernery  or  grown  in  a  pot.  It  is  a  native  of 
various  parts  of  tropical  America. 

N.  davallioides. — This  is  the  largest  and  strongest-growing 
species  in  the  whole  genus ;  the  fronds  are  from  1  to  4  feet  in 
length,  pinnate,  with  beautifully  curved  pinnas  from  3  to  6  inches- 
in  length.  The  barren  pinna;  are  slightly  dentate  at  the  edges,, 
much  broader  than  the  fertile  ones,  and  dark  green  ;  the  fertile 
pinna;  are  narrow,  deeply  lobed  at  the  edges.  Upon  the  apex 
of  each  lobe  the  sori  are  situated,  producing  an  effect  somewhat 
similar  to  that  of  Lygodium.  In  a  young  state  the  plant  pro- 
duces only  sterile  fronds,  but  as  it  attains  maturity  the  upper 
portions  become  fertile,  and  ultimately  a  few  barren  pinna;  are 
only  developed  at  the  base.  It  is  a  very  fine  plant,  and  a  native 
of  the  Malayan  Archipelago. 

N.  undulata  is  a  tuberous-rooted  plant,  producing  fronds  from 
12  to  18  inches  in  length.  The  pinna;  are  narrow,  oblong-acu- 
minate, and  at  the  base  slightly  eared  on  the  upper  margin,  and 
crenate  ;  colour  light  green.  This  is  a  very  elegant  dwarf-  grow- 
ing species.     It  sheds  its  fronds  in   winter,   aud  care  must  be 

taken  that  the  tubers  are 
not  dried  too  much,  or 
they  will  be  found  in  spring 
quite  dead.  Native  of  West 
Africa. 

N.  ensifolia.— A  robust 
handsome  plant.  Fronds 
pinnate,  from  12  to  30  ins. 
in  length,  and  somewhat 
pendulous.  Pinna;  about 
4  inches  long,  sword- 
shaped,  and  bright  green. 
It  forms  a  beautiful  speci- 
men in  a  pot,  but  displays 
its  full  beauty  when  climb- 
ing over  rockwork  or  upon 
an  artificial  pillar  in  the 
stove  fernery.  Native  of 
the  East  Indies  and  South 
America. 

N.      EXALTATA. — This    18 

perhaps  the  commonest 
species  of  the  whole  genus, 
but  at  the  same  time  one 
of  the  handsomest.  It 
succeeds  admirably  in  al- 
most any  situation,  but  if 
planted  out  it  must  bo 
checked  from  extending  it- 
self to  the  detriment  of  the 
other  plants.  Its  fronds 
are  from  1  to  3  feet  in 
length,  or  even  more,  and 
some  3  inches  broad,  linear 
lanceolate,  serrate  at  the  margins,  cared  at  the  base  on  the  upper 


Nephrolepis  exaltata.— Part  of  frond 
full  size. 


December  8,  1S70.  ] 


JOURNAL   OF  HORTI  tULTURE   AND    COTTAGE   GiKDENER, 


455 


Bide,  and  bright  green.  It  seems  to  be  widely  distributed  through- 
out tropical  America  and  the  West  Indies,  and  is  also  found  in 
the  Sandwich  Islands. 

N.  i'.m.i  ii-oiiMis. — A  rare  species,  and  its  rarity  is  much  to  he 
regretted,  for  it  is  robust  and  handsome.  The  fronds  axe  from 
2  to  3  feet  long,  erect,  and  arching.  The  pinna!  are  broad  and 
falcate,  slightly  eared  at  the  base,  and  dark  green;  the  sari  are 
nearly  round,  and  situated  in  a  single  row  close  to  the  margin. 
It  cannot  be  too  highly  recommended  for  climbing  over  rock- 
work,  and  it  also  makes  a  fine  specimi  n  as  a  pot  plant.  Native 
of  Borneo. — Expekto  Crede. 


"WORK  FOR  THE  WEEK. 

KITCIIEN    GARDEN. 

During  frosty  weather  wheel  manure  on  to  the  different 
quarters  that  require  it;  throw  it  into  convenient  heaps,  and 
cover  it  with  earth  like  a  Potato  pit,  so  as  to  prevent  waste 
from  evaporation.  It  greatly  facilitates  spring  cropping  to 
have  the  manure  at  hind,  instead  of  having  to  wheel  it  when 
wanted.  Soil  that  has  been  ridged-up  would  be  benefited  by 
the  ridges  being  turned  over  with  a  fork,  the  more  fully  to 
expose  it  to  the  action  of  frost.  Turn  compost  heaps  ot  all 
descriptions ;  one  turning  in  frosty  weather  is  wotth  three  iu 
the  absence  of  frost.  The  occupation  of  the  ground  by  crops 
suitable  as  food  for  a  variety  of  insects,  in  the  course  of  a  series 
of  years  brings  a  vast  number  of  su3u  depredators  into  a  gaiden. 
The  invention  of  methods  for  their  extirpation  often  taxes  the 
ingenuity  of  a  gardener  to  a  considerable  extent,  and  caution 
must  be  exersieed  in  the  choice  of  materials.  There  is.  how- 
ever, one  substance  not  open  to  any  objection,  and  which  may 
now  be  used  with  advantage  to  land  whence  the  crop  has  been 
removed — viz.,  lime.  Ground  cropped  in  the  preceding  season 
with  Carrots,  Parsnips,  or  Potatoes,  and  found,  as  is  frequently 
the  case  at  this  time,  infested  with  insects,  should  have  a  good 
dressing  of  lime  dug  in  ;  or  if  that  cannot  be  afforded,  the  soil 
should  be  turned  up  in  ridges  for  the  winter.  Birds  are  the 
natural  enemies  of  grubs.  The  services  of  a  few  rooks  or  sea 
gulls,  where  they  can  be  secured,  would  be  found  of  no  incon- 
siderable value.  Take  advantage  of  dry  days  to  tie  advanc- 
ing Endive  to  blanch.  Globe  Artichokes  should  be  thought  of. 
Examine  young  Lettuces  frequently,  and  du?t  with  lime  or 
soot  to  check  the  attacks  of  slugs.  A  stock  of  leaves  should 
be  variously  distributed  amongst  those  crops  requiring  pro- 
tection. A  reserve  of  leives  should  be  kept  on  band  for  Sea-kale 
covering,  linings,  &c.  ;  in  fact,  a  good  heap  of  leaves  is  one  of 
the  requisites  of  a  kitchen  garden.  As  this  is  the  season  al- 
terations in  estates  are  generally  in  progress,  the  opportunity 
of  collecting  soil  or  material  suitable  for  storing  for  the  garden 
should  be  taken  advantage  of.  Turf,  road  sand,  and  brick 
rubbish,  are  all  valuable,  and  the  chance  of  making  a  reserve 
of  such  should  be  eagerly  taken. 

FRUIT    GARDEN. 

Proceed  with  the  planting  of  fruit  trees  in  open  weather,  and 
if  the  soil  is  old  let  each  tree  have  a  good  portion  of  new  soil 
about  its  roots.  Pruning  and  nailing  all  kinds  of  wall  trees, 
except  Peaches  and  Apricots,  must  now  be  vigorously  pro- 
secuted. Leave  nothing  for  the  spring  which  can  be  done 
now ;  every  day  gained  at  this  season  will  give  greater  liberty 
for  extended  operations  in  the  spring. 

FLOWER   GARDEN. 

A  little  labour  will  secure  a  valuable  supply  of  material  for 
enriching  the  flower  beds  and  borders.  Leaves  are  everywhere 
at  hand  ;  they  should  bo  Eedulonsly  collected  and  stacked  in 
some  ont-of-the-way  place  with  a  mixture  of  road  sand  or  light 
soil,  rotten  sticks,  and  decaying  vegetable  matter,  and  left  to 
ferment.  In  a  season  or  two  a  most  valuable  compost  will  be 
the  result,  especially  suitable  for  many  of  the  Bhrnbs  and 
plants  which  decorate  our  gardens,  whose  original  position  was 
probably  near  some  primeval  forest,  the  ever-accumulating 
leaves  of  which  would  naturally  give  a  character  to  the  sur- 
rounding soil,  and  encourage  the  propagation  of  Bhododen- 
drons,  Azaleas,  Magnolias,  &e.  A  thorough  cleaning  should 
once  more  take  place  in  all  pleasure  grounds,  as  by  this  time 
all  the  decayed  leaves  are  down.  Bose  stocks  may  now  be 
procured  and  planted ;  they  will  transplant  safely  at  this  period, 
provided  the  roots  are  kept  damp.  Fuchsias  in  beds  or  borders 
may  be  cut  down  and  mulched  over  ;  if  it  is  desired  to  preserve 
any  large  specimens  with  their  tops,  a  row  of  stakes  may  be 
driven  round  in  a  circle  and  surrounded  by  a  mat,  the  interior 
eing  stuffed  loosely  with  clean  new  straw.     The  top  of  this 


may  be  thatched  to  exclude  wet.  Before  enclosing,  howove  ' 
it  will  be  well  to  pluck  off  the  leaves,  as  these  enoourag6 
mouldiness. 

GREENHOUSE    AND    CONSERVATORY. 

In  frosty  weather  the  conservatory  will  require  very  careful 
management,  for  some  rather  difficult  problems  have  to  be 
worked  out.  Atmospheric  humidity  cannot  ly  any  means  be 
entirely  dispensed  with,  yet  if  not  well  managed  it  will  produce 
drip,  which  is  very  prejudicial  to  the  delicate  texture  of 
Cnuellia3  and  other  gay  flowers.  Of  course,  if  the  exterior  of 
the  roof  has  no  covering  ice  will  gather  on  the  glass,  and  in 
melting  will  drop  from  the  laps.  The  best  plan  is  to  keep  as 
low  a  temperature  as  can  be  allowed — say,  40°  to  45°  at  night, 
and  to  give  a  little  back  air  at  night,  also  a  little  at  front,  but. 
it  must  be  very  moderate,  as  tho  atmospheric  moisture,  instead 
of  passing  quietly  away  by  the  back  apertures,  will  be  con- 
densed as  it  rises.  With  a  good  roof-covering,  40°  would  be 
quite  sufficient,  and  then  there  would  be  enough  atmospheric 
moisture  at  all  times  without  the  special  application  of  water. 
See  that  the  young  stock  of  Heliotropes,  Scarlet  Pelargoniums, 
Persian  Cyclamen?,  with  other  flowers  grown  especially  for 
winter,  have  light  situations,  and  regular,  close  attention  as  to 
watering.  Let  Ericas  also  have  attention  in  watering  ;  if  they 
stand  near  flues  or  pipes  they  may  become  suddenly  very  dry. 
Keep  up  a  quiet  ventilation  in  the  greenhouse  day  and  night  if 
possible  ;  let  the  air  steal  iu  moderately,  and  dispense  with 
strong  fires,  or,  indeed,  fires  of  any  kind  when  the  temperature 
can  be  kept  wilhin  the  limits  without  them.  Do  not  water  the 
Pelargoniums  until  they  are  thoroughly  dry,  and  take  care  to 
fumigate  frequently  and  slightly. 

FORCING   PIT. 

This  is  a  good  time  to  introduce  the  following  plants,  pro- 
vided, as  before  observed,  they  have  received  the  necessary 
treatment  through  the  summer : — Rhododendrons,  Azaleas, 
both  American  and  Chinese,  Persian  Lilacs,  Sweet  Briars, 
Moss  and  Provence  Rises,  crimson  and  Perpetual  Roses, 
Ledums,  Kaltuias,  Anne  Boleyn  Pinks,  Wallflowers,  Sweet 
Williams,  and  Dutch  bulbs.  Unless,  however,  they  are  in 
proper  trim,  it  will  be  labour  iu  vain,  and  no  mode  of  forcing 
nor  form  of  pit  can  compensate  for  this.  If  the  heat  is  wholly 
produced  by  fermenting  materials,  keep  down  accumulating 
damp  and  mouldiness  by  an  almost  constant  ventilation,  in- 
creasing the  linings  iu  order  to  raise  the  neoessary  tempera- 
ture. Those  who  possess  tank-heated  pits  will  pursue  a  some- 
what different  process ;  such  will  scarcely  need  my  advice. 
If  there  is  any  prospect  of  a  scarcity  of  bloom  next  May,  a 
portion  of  the  Achiaienes  and  Gloxinias  should  be  repotted  at 
once  and  placed  iu  the  forcing  pit,  choosing  such  as  have  been 
the  longest  at  rest.  A  few  Clerodendrons,  Allamandas,  and 
Echites  splendens  may  also  be  started,  but  unless  plants  of 
these  with  well-ripened  wood  are  at  command,  and  that  have 
been  some  time  at  re3t,  there  will  be  nothing  gained  by  at- 
tempting to  start  them  into  growth  at  present,  for  in  most 
cases  it  is  difficult  at  this  season  to  maintain  a  sufficiently  warm 
temperature  to  secure  anything  like  free  growth  from  these 
unless  the  plants  have  been  well  prepared  for  an  early  start. 
A  gentle  bottom  bent  of  about  80°  or  85°  will  be  of  great  service 
to  such  plants,  in  inducing  a  healthy  root-action. 

PITS   AND    FRAMES. 

If  former  directions  have  been  carried  out  the  plants  in  these 
structures  will  present  a  dwarf  and  robust  appearance,  thus 
being  well  fitted  to  bear  deprivation  of  light  for  some  time,  if 
severe  weather  should  ensue.  Damp  has  accumulated  veiy 
much  of  late,  owing  to  the  heavy  rains  and  the  dense  fogs  witu 
•which  we  have  been  visited.  This  may  be  removed  by  giving 
air  at  the  front  and  back  on  sunDy  days,  but  where  the  pits 
are  heated  with  flues  or  pipes,  a  dry  atmosphere  may  be 
obtained  by  putting  on  slight  fires,  at  the  same  time  allowing 
a  free  circulation  of  air  amongst  the  plants. — W.  Keaxe. 


DOINGS  OF  THE  LAST    WEEK. 

KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

Our  work  was  very  much  the  same  as  in  previous  weeks' 
notices,  in  the  way  of  protection,  forcing  Sea-kale,  &c— wheel- 
ing during  frosty  mornings,  preparing  heaps  of  fermented 
material,  digging,  trenching,  and  covering  Asparagus  with  a 
light  layer  of  dung  and  litter,  as  the  roots  are  rather  near  the 
surface. 

As  yet  the  frost  has  not  been  so  severe  as  to  render  protect- 
ing Celery  necessary,  but  after  such  mildness  of  weather  it  will 


456 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  December  8,  1870. 


Vie  more  easily  injured.  What  wo  planted  late  lias  gone  on 
better  than  we  expected,  owing  to  the  mild  weather.  We  could 
not  plant  earlier,  having  no  water  to  give.  Our  earliest  beds, 
protected  from  the  drought  by  shading,  have'done  very  well, 
not  showing  a  single  bad  or  bolted  head. 

Large  Lettuces  are  so  placed  that  protection  can  be  given  ; 
younger  ones  and  smaller  Endive  are  doing  well,  especially  on 
ridges.  Young  Lettuces  sown  late  often  6tand  the  winter  well, 
when  Bown  rather  thickly  on  ground  merely'seratehed  over,  not 
dug  or  forked- tip ;  the  firmness  of  the  ground  is  a  great  means 
cf  giving  firmness  and  hardiness  to  the  young  plants. 

TECH    GARDEN. 

More  care  than  usual  is  required  in  the  fruit-room  this  year. 
Apples,  on  the  whole,  keep  remarkably  well.  Pears  keep  worse 
than  usual,  and  ripen  earlier.  Oue  fruit  allowed  to  rot  will 
Sron  injure  a  lot  mure  in  its  vicinity,  especially  when  the  room 
al  command  will  not  permit  of  the  fruit  being  laid  down 
separately.  Why  should  there  be  such  a  difference  in  the  keep- 
of  Apples  and  Pears  this  season  ?  We  might  suppose  in  the 
oise  of  the  Pears,  that  after  swelling  but  little  in  the  dry  hot 
weather,  they  swelled  too  rapidly  after  the  damper  weather  came, 
and  were  thus  overcharged  with  watery  juice,  and  early  ripen- 
iog  and  decay  were  the  consequence.  But,  then,  why  would  not 
,H  similar  cause  act  on  the  Apples,  which,  on  the  whole,  are 
keeping  as  well  if  not  better  than  usual  ? 

Late  Grapes  we  find  wact  frequent  looking  over,  as  one 
t  inted  berry  is  likely  to  taint  those  next  to  it.  As  soon  as  the 
leaves  turn  yellow  they  should  lo  removed,  at  first  the  most 
yellow  ones,  as  whilst  any  green  remains  they  keep  up  a  slow 
Sip-niovement,  and  in  orchard  houses  where  there  are  late 
Gripes,  the  leaves  above  the  bunches,  though  the  leaves  are 
tuning  yellow,  act  as  a  protection  to  tb.9  bunches  in  sudden 
changes  of  weather.  Unless,  however,  where  there  is  some 
simple  mode  of  heating  so  as  to  keen  out  frost,  it  would  be 
well  to  clear  orchard  bouses  of  fruit  by  "the  beginning  or  middle 
of  November,  as  a  little  frost  soon  injures  a  bunch  of  GrspeB. 
There  is,  no  difficulty  in  this  respect  in  a  heated  house,  as  a 
little  fire  will  easily  keep  the  temperature  at  about  40°  at  night. 
At  this  season  a  little  fire  with  a  fair  »monnt  of  air  will  be 
desirable  every  day,  except  in  bright  sunshine.  Unless  frosty, 
very  little  firing  should  be  given  at  night,  and  unless  the  frost 
is  severe,  a  little  air  should  be  left  on  the  house  all  night. 
Very  little  air  will  prevent  the  enclosed  atmosphere  beeoming 
staguant.  If  a  fire  has  been  put  on  in  the  morning  and  burns 
brightly,  and  the  sun  is  also  bright,  the  air  of  the  bouse  may 
become  too  dry,  so  as  to  scorch  and  shrivel  the  berries.  In 
such  a  case,  instead  of  admitting  too  much  cold  air,  if  frosty  it 
may  be  advisable  gently  to  dew  the  paths,  stages,  &c,  from  a 
fine  syringe,  so  as  to  counteract  the  extra  dryness.  This  will 
seldom  be  needed  except  in  such  a  case  as  the  above,  where 
bright  sun  heat  and  strong  fire  beat  are  allowed  to  meet  and 
work  together,  which  should  in  every  case  be  avoided.  As  a 
general  rule  damp  is  the  thing  to  be  avoided,  and  hence  Grapes 
will  always  keep  best  where  no  plants  are  put  in  the  bouse, 
with  their  necessary  and  attendant  waterings.  Where  plants 
had  to  be  put,  as  in  a  greenhouse,  with  Vines  on  the  roof,  and 
where  it  was  desirable  to  keep  some  bunches  as  late  as  possible, 
we  have  seen  this  well  managed  by  enclosing  the  bunches  in 
bags,  large  for  the  size  of  the  bunch,  made  of  silk  paper,  or 
book-muslin,  so  glazed  with  starch,  &c,  as  to  keep  out  the 
damp.  A  small  opening  in  tho  bag  was  left  at  the  stalk  of  the 
bunch,  so  that  the  air  round  the  bunch  should  be  in  movement, 
whilst  the  damp  of  the  house  could  not  act  freely  upon  it. 

Many  will  now  be  thinking  of  commencing  to  force  Vines, 
Peaches,  &c,  but  the  majority  of  those  for  whom  we  write  will 
do  little  in  this  way  until  the  turn  of  the  day,  or  until  January 
and  February  are  pretty  well  gone.  In  all  such  eases  there 
will  not  be  such  a  difference  in  the  ripening  time  as  would  in 
an  economical  poiat  of  view  compensate  for  the  greater  trouble 
and  outlay.  There  will  be  some,  however,  who  will  grudge  no 
expense  to  obtain  early  results,  and  they  cannot  commence  too 
soon  after  the  houses  are  thoroughly  cleaned,  as  lately  advised 
and  commented  on.  It  must  be  kept  in  mind,  especially  at 
this  dark  season,  that  the  temperature  of  suoh  houses  should 
be  raised  very  gradually,  and  rather  more  moisture  should  be 
given  in  the  house  by  syringing  than  would  bo  actually  re- 
quired by  the  increased  temperature  until  the  buds  have  not 
only  swelled  but  burst.  Some  persons  boast  of  doing  their 
forcing  in  a  slap-dash  manner,  raising  the  temperature  quickly, 
and  acting  somewhat  in  derision  of  the  slowcoaches,  who  are 
frightened  at  a  good  heat.  Slow  and  sure,  we  would  advise  all 
beginners  to  take  as  their  motto.    If  they  begin  with  a  vinery 


at  45°,  let  them  take  a  week  to  raise  it  to  50°,  another  week  to 
55°,  and  keep  the  house  ranging  from  that  to  60°,  until  the 
buds  have  swelled  and  broken. 

Pruning  the  hardier  fruit  trees,  nailing,  &c,  maybe  pro- 
ceeded with  now  in  all  favourable  weather  ;  we  dare  not  prune 
so  much  as  we  wish,  owing  to  the  ravages  made  on  our  fruit 
buds  by  birds  and  other  interlopers.  We  suppose  that  there 
are  always  some  disadvantages  to  be  met  with  everywhere. 
Trying  to  preserve  the  bads  of  fruit  trees  has  been  a  serious 
matter  with  us  for  years.  Even  now  some  fine  pyramid  Plum 
trees,  bristling  a  fortnight  ago  with  fruit  buds,  are  already 
greatly  injured.  Wherever  feeding  game  largely  close  to  a  gar- 
den is  followed  there  will  be  multitudes  of  four-footed  and 
winged  depredators  when  the  most  telling  means  of  defence 
are  prohibited.  During  tho  summer  we  visited  a  garden  nearly 
as  much  surrounded  with  wood  as  this  is,  but  where  we  know 
as  a  fact  that  scarcely  a  fruit  bud  or  a  fruit  is  ever  touched. 
On  our  visit  ventilators,  close  to  the  ground,  of  vineries  were 
left  open  night  and  day.  Had  we  done  so  for  a  single  night 
we  should  have  expected  a  scone  of  desolation  in  the  morning 
from  mice,  rat?,  and  birds,  as,  not  to  speak  of  less  birds, 
even  thrushes  and  blackbirds  delight  to  get  at  a  bunch  of 
Grapes.  Whence  the  difference  ?  Partly  because  there  was 
no  attempt  to  feed  or  bring  up  game  in  the  neighbourhood 
of  the  garden,  but  chiefly  owing  to  a  number  of  cats,  that 
were  eating  their  allowance  of  ecrap3  from  the  kitchen  behind 
one  of  the  sheds.  There  Cits  were  so  fed  that  they  had  little 
temptation  to  go  beyond  the  garden,  and  at  the  same  time  were 
not  so  overfed  but  their  presence  and  walking  about  kept  even 
birds  at  a  distanoe,  whilst  mice  '.vere  kept  out  of  tight.  The 
claws  of  a  cat  or  two  are  the  best  of  all  vermin  traps  in  a  gar- 
den ;  but  in  many  a  garden  cats,  however  tamed,  domesticated, 
or  even  ringed  or  chained,  must  be  denied  a  home.  There  is 
no  doubt  that  when  giver,  to  wander,  the  cat  is  a  sad  rover  in 
a  game  preserve,  but  well  treated,  as  in  the  garden  just  referred 
to,  we  have  known  theai  kept  for  years  without  straying  much 
beyond  their  allotted  boundaries.  Besides,  when  kept,  as  a 
matter  of  course,  it  would  be  easy  when  used  to  it  to  shut  them 
up  at  night.  Although  no  doubt  thtro  are  many  exceptions, 
yet  it  may  be  laid  down  as  a  general  rule,  that  when  a  cat  is 
disposed  to  wander,  it  ehoose3  those  hours  forits  purpose  when 
its  master  or  mistress  has  gone  to  bed.  A  cat  i3  not  all  gain  ; 
even  in  a  garden  it  will  scratch  a  litila  at  times  ;  but  for  catch- 
ing and  deterring  in  a  kitchen  and  fruit  garden,  a  good  cat  is 
worth  its  weight  in  silver.  How  many  of  our  readers  are  now 
distressed  about  their  bulbs  in  their  little  gardens  being  de- 
stroyed? They  may  trap  and  poison  as  they  will,  'out  there  is 
no  such  security  to  bo  found  as  in  a  watchful  cat. 

On  tho  same  day  that  wa  saw  the  cats  in  one  garden,  we  saw 
a  sight  in  another  garden  which  we  shall  never  forget.  Mr. 
Sage,  at  Aehridge,  had  taken  off  the  lights  from  a  large  lofty 
lean-to  Peach  house.  The  Peaches  were  a  fine  crop,  all  nicely 
arranged,  and  fully  exposed  on  tho  upper  side  of  the  trellis, 
swelling,  colouring,  and  ripening  well.  With  such  a  com- 
plete exposure  we  could  fancy  how  rich  the  flavour  would  be. 
Had  we  had  a  similar  house,  we  durst  not  have  ventured  on 
similar  treatment.  In  a  single  day  we  should  have  expected 
every  fruit  to  have  had  a  hole  in  it.  Even  on  leaving  a  door 
open  for  more  air,  not  to  speak  of  less  intruders,  we  have 
had  pheasants  visiting,  thinking,  no  doubt,  they  might  have 
a  taste  as  well  as  their  betters,  and  smashing  the  glass  to 
escape  when  discovered.  In  that  large  kitchen  garden  we  did  " 
not  observe  a  single  bird.  We  could  reoollect  of  a  garden  whero 
you  could  scarcely  traverse  a  walk  without  a  dozed  blackbirds 
screaming  out  defiance,  and  vaulting  over  a  wall  only  to  come 
again  when  your  back  was  turned. 

ORNAMENTAL   EEPAETMENT. 

We  must  here  content  ourselves  with  a  few  hints.  First,  to 
window  gardeners.  Keep  leaves  and  stems  thoroughly  clean  by 
freeing  them  from  dust,  and  softly  washing  with  clear  water  at 
from  C0°  to  65"  in  temperature.  If  you  try  Chinese  Piimroses, 
do  not  over-water  them,  and  keep  the  water  from  tho  collar  of 
tho  plant.  If  the  water  gets  into  the  saucer  empty  it  out.  As 
respects  Scarlet  Geraniums,  unless  in  bloom,  they  will  need 
little  water.  If  you  try  Cinerarias,  if  you  do  not  put  a  little 
moss  in  the  saucer,  you  may  allow  about  the  eighth  of  an  inch, 
if  not  more,  of  water  to  remain  in  the  bottom,  and  you  cannot 
sprinkle  the  foliage  too  often  if  there  is  fire  in  the  room.  If 
you  use  bulbs,  keep  them  in  the  daik  until  loots  are  freely 
formed,  and  the  flower-stems  showing,  then  the  more  light  they 
have  the  better.  True,  they  will  come  all  the  sooner  if  kept 
on  the  chimneypiece,  or  near  the  fireplace,  and  they  will  even 


December  8,  1S7C  1 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


-157 


bloom  there,  or  on  a  table,  or  any  corner  where  yon  choose  to 
set  them  ;  but  till  this  will  be  done  chiefly  fit  the  expense  of 
the  stores  laid  tip  iu  the  bnJb,  Would  you  enjoy  the  beauty  of 
the  bulbs  in  connection  with  the  feeling  that  you  are  doinR 
what  you  cau  to  nnke  them  comfortable,  then  let  them  expand 
their  blooms  in  all  the  direct  light  you  can  ^ive  tbem. 

Plants  in  frames  and  cold  pits  will  scarcely  need  a  drop  of 
water.  In  particular  cases  take  the  plant  out,  water,  and 
when  drained  replace  it. 

In  plant  houses,  avoid  over-watering  end  over-heatin;r.  and 
spill  as  little  water  as  possible.  In  dull  cold  days  a  little  fire 
heat  with  air  will  be  more  useful  than  much  five  heat  at  night, 
when  it  can  be  avoided.  Unless  where  plants  are  to  be  forced, 
proportion  heat  to  light  as  a  Rreat  rule  not  to  be  departed  from. 

Laurels  and  Evergreens. — Wo  pruned  and  cut  these  down,  as 
the  loppiugs  wore  wanted  for  a  particular  purpose.  As  in  the 
case  of  a  correspondent  the  other  week,  the  Laurels  here,  io  be 
kept  healthy  and  vigorous,  require  frequent  lopping  and  cuttinp. 
In  ordinary  winters  all  such  work  may  be  done  safely  now.  If 
we  were  sum  of  a  very  severe  winter  we  would  prefer  doing 
such  work  rather  late  in  spring,  just  before  the  sap  began  to 
rise  freely.  In  cutting  large  limbs  now  it  is  advisable  to  daub  up 
the  cat  part  t  >  prevent  free  exposure  and  cracking.  Clay  and 
a  little  liuio  as  n  {hick  paint  do  very  well,  a  little  oil  paint  does 
better.  When  the  fresh  shoots  break  from  beneath  the  cut 
part  all  danger  is  over,  but  wo  have  seen  stems  of  Laurels  from 
4  to  6  inches  across  killed  to  the  ground  from  wet  and  severe 
frost  acting  on  the  exposed  cut  end. — R.  F. 


TEABE   CATALOGUE  RECEIVED. 

Dick  Radelyffe&  Co.,  129,  High  Ilolborn,  London,  W.C.— IU\  f- 
trated  Sheet  of"  fforttcultu  i<ms. 


TO    CORRESPONDENTS. 

*#*  Werequest  that  no  one  will  write  privately  to  any  of  the 
correspondents  of  the  "Journal  of  Horticulture,  Cottage 
Gardoner,  and  Country  Gentleman."  By  doing1  so 
are  subjected  to  unjustifiable  trouble  and  expense.  AM 
comniunicrttions  should  therefore  he  addressed  solehj  ( > 
The  Editors  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture,  &c.t  171,  Fleet 
Street^  London,  F..C. 

Books  (n.  Walters).— Lowe's  "Ornamental-foliaged  riants,"  contains 
coloured  plates  ;  any  bookseller  can  obtain  the  volume  for  you. 

Removing  Pfah  Tpee  {Amateur).— Remove  it  immediately,  injuring 
the  roots  as  little  as  may  be  ;  mulch  over  the  roots.  Graft  a  portion  of 
the  brunches  n<  xt  spring,  and  the  remaining  branches  the  year  foil 

Pyramidal  Tiveks  (J.  Lauso7t).—lt  yon  write  to  Messrs.  Rivers  &  Sou, 
Nurseries,  Sawbridgewortb,  they  will  tell  you. 

Leaving  Geranium  Cuttings  in  the  Open  Ground  (C.  J.  $,).— We 
do  not  think  the  cuttings  will  survive  the  winter,  tboueh  they  fire  in  a 
sheltered  spot,  and  are  to  be  covered  with  fern  or  hay  in  severe  weather. 
It  is,  however,  worth  a  trial— that  is,  if  you  can  spare  the  plants. 

Azalea  Leaves  Turning  Yellow  (Julio).—  Do  not  dospair.  Tho 
plants  at  this  season  usually  lose  a  portion  of  their  leaves,  and  there  is 
no  great  harm  in  it,  only  keep  them  cool  so  that  they  may  not  be  need- 
lessly started  into  freshgrowth  before  tho  flowers  expand.  The  ' 
Saundcrsii,  for  which  you  have  no  stove,  keep  in  the  warmest  part  of  the 
greenhouse,  and  give  but  little  water—only  a  little  occasionally  to  keep 
it  fresh.    We  have  it  now  in  fine  bloom  in  a  stove. 

Transplanting  Large  Magnolia  (TT.  W.  31.).— Wo  think  you  have  done 
all  that  could  bo  done,  all  tbat  we  consider  needful  to  ensure  success, 
which  we  think  you  have  good  reason  to  hope.  Much  larger  Magnolias 
have  been  moved  successfully.  See  that  the  wires  you  employ  for  : 
the  plant  steady  do  not  chafe  the  6tem.  Protect  the  stem  with  haybandy, 
and  wrap  it  in  one  from  the  base  upwards,  fully  two-thirds  of  its  length. 
It  will  help  to  assist  the  flow  of  the  sop  in  spring. 

Asparagus  Kale  (L.  JJ/.). — The  part  that  gives  the  name  of  Asparagus 
to  this  desirable    vegetable  are  the  side  Bhoots,  that  will  by-and-by 
make  their  appearai      ,    nd  when  3  to  G  inches  long  they  are  bro] 
like  Brussels  Sprouts;  and  when  cooked  whole  ami  kept  straight  on  tho 
dish  have  a  nice  appearance,  and  are  very  delicate  with  a  slight    ' 
gus  flavour.    Tho  hfa-ig  you  now  think  of  cutting  are  very  good  c 
like  other  kinds  of  Borecole.     There  is  no  substitute  for  Aspi 
nothing  that  has  an  appearance  liko  it,  or  can  be  mistaken  for  it  in 
flavour. 

Preparing  Ground  for  Onions  (Idem). — The  soil  hoing  poor,  give  a 
good  dressing  of  manure  and  dig  it  in  deeply  and  well  now,  throv. 
ground  up  roughly  for  the  winter.  In  February  throw  the  ground  level, 
forking  it  over  on  dry  frosty  mornings;  early  in  March  mark  out 
spaces  4  feet  wide  with  1-foot  alleys  between,  and  give  the  bods  a  coating 
of  very  rotten  manure  about  an  inch  or  two  thick,  and  point  it  in  with  a 
fork.  If  you  think  fit  you  may  give  each  bed  of  12  yaivls  in  length  a 
bushel  of  pounded  charcoal;  then  tbrorv*  out  the  alleys  over  the  beJs, 
rake  level,  and  sow  in  drills  about  G  inches  apart  in  the  second  week  in 
March. 

Leaving  Salsaty  in  the  Ground  (Idem).— It  will  not  injure  Salsafy 
to  leave  it  in  th  >  ground,  but  it  is  much  better  taken  up  and  stored  in 
sand  in  a  dry  shed.    It  is  then  always  at  hand  for  use  as  required.    The 


soil  cut  and  stacked  last  March  will  be  better  than  tbat  fresh  cut  for 
iirmy  purposes,  but  for  border-making  and  plants  not  requiring  frequent 
shifting  wo  like  turf  fresh. 

Planting  Hollies  (Conncmara). — The  height  of  stem  to  be  c 
with  Boil  is  simply  no  moro  than  is  required  in  covering  tbe  roots  with 
soil— not  more  than  3  inches.    That  depth  of  soil  over  the  roots  is  quite 
sufficient,  more  is  injurious. 

Plants  for  a  Stove  [Idem).— Thero  is  scarcely  any  plant  that  wil* 
u<>t  Mteceed  in  a  stove  with  a  temperaturo  in  winter  as  low  as  5". 
«ive  a  few  names  of  the  most  select,  both  for  foliage  and  also  for  their 
flowering.  For  foliage  :  Aiocasia  metallica,  Ananassa  sativa  variegata, 
Areca  aurea,  A.  Yerschaffelti;  Calamus  asperriaiua,  Chmuodorca  Ernosti- 
Augusti,  (Jocos  coruuata,  Cissus  discolor,  Croton  luegifoliuni  variegatum, 
C.  irregulare,  C.  intovruptum ;  Cyanophyllum  uiaguificum,  Cycas  circi- 
ualis.  Dieffenbachin  Pearcei,  D.  Weirii  superba  ;  Dracama  ferrca,  D.  stricta, 
i).  Chelsoni,  D.  regina;  Fie  us  doalbata,  Marauta  illustris,  M.  loseo-picta, 
M.  Veitchii ;  Musa  Cavendishii,  M.  Ensete  ;  Pandanus  javanicus  variega- 
tus,  P.  elegants  simus  ;  Sanchczia  nobilis  variegata.  Terminalia  elegans, 
Thrinax  elegans,  and  VerscharTeltia  splendida.  Of  flowering  plants : 
Allamanda  grandifloro,  A.  Scbot'i ;  Anthurium  Scherzeiianum,  Ardisia 
crispa  elegans,  Bou^'vaviMi  a  glabra,  Burchellia  cape  I,  Clerod 
Balfourianum,  <  lyrtanthera  magoifica,  Cyitoceras  reflexum,  1 

iiia  rosea,  Em  mica,  Euphorbia  jacquinissflora,  Fran- 

ces •  onfertitlora,  Gardenia  citriodora,  O.  florid.;,  ;.-..  radicans  major  ; 
Gesnera  exonieneis,  EEoyabella,  H.  carnosa;  Iponueu  UorsitUliav,  ixora 
acuminata,  I.  coccinea  superba,  I.  fioribunda,  I.  javanica;  Jasminuni 
gracilis,  Meyenia  erecta,  Medinilli  magnifies,  Rogiera  gratissima,  Bon- 
Speciosa  major,  Stephanotis  floribundi,  Torenia  nsiatica,  Vinca 
alba,  aad  Vinca  rosea. 

Pelabgonitjm  Leaves  Spotted  (Dorset).—  The  on'y  remedy  for  the 
spit  in  Pelargonium  leaves  is  to  remove  the  cause — viz.,  moisture  on  tho 
The  moisture  may  be  owing  to  a  close  fttmc   p!.i  re  or  condensa- 
tion.   Your  only  remody  is  to  give  tbem  a  position  near  the  glaf 

bundance  of  air,  keeping  tbe  atmospbere  as  dry  as  possible;  in- 
itio air  at  night,  so  astok  ep  the  moisture  from  condensing  on 
the  lenvi  s,  is  good.    Water  carefully,    A  temperature  of  4  j   to  45-  is  sum-' 
this  season. 

c  and  Pitcher-plants  I-  We  would  keep 

':>n  dry  at  tho  root  from  now  until   February— not,  however,  so 
dry  as  to  cause  all  the  leaves  to  full,  and  then  we  would  <  tit  it 

[  is  a  much  better  time  to  head  baoli  present.    The 

Pitcher-pUnt  we  would  not  stop,  though  you  may  do  so,  and  secure  more 
We  would  lot  the  shod,  gvoiv  until  long  enough  to  be  detached, 
in  order  to  make  new  plants. 

>  BBS  for  Late  Use  (J.  T.).— Your  Peach  tree,  fr^m  tho  descrip- 
tion, is  probably  Late  Admirable.  Tho  Stirling  Castle  is  as  late,  if  not  a 
later  kind.  Barrington  is  also  good,  but  not  bo  late,  Walburton  Ad- 
mirable is  life,  but  is  v.  shy  bearer.  Lord  Palmerston  and  Lady  Pal- 
are  first-rate  late  sorts,  new  kinds  raised  by  Mr.  Rivers. 
Blinds  for  a  Greenhouse  (0.  H.  71/".).— The  samples  sent  are  moro 
fitted  for  protecting  wall  trees  than  fur  blinds  for  a  greenhouse.  II  you 
want  to  keep  out  culd,  wo  should  prefer  No.  1.    For  placi) 

old  like  neither  j  they  look     ■  U   c  ly  to  break  tho 

*  the  sun  notbing  is  better  for  tho  inside  of  a  bouse  than  book- 

,    ieinmi  d,  and  th-tached  in  pieces  by  rings.    Such  blind,-*  would 

needed  truin  October  to  April.    Perhaps  we  do  not  quite  under- 

stand  yuur  aim. 

.--  Vinthy  ("'.  r.  B.).— There  can  be  no  doubt  of  ground  yineries 

ans^eri  to  9  foet  is  a  good  length  for  one  Vino  ;  by  adding 

fon  can  make  what  leugtl     on  1J         B  [ti   i  ftftmeorpil 

from  the  ground,  you  can  m  tkc  the  ground  enclosed  do  partly  at  least  for 

Goveri  round  with  slate  i;  useful  for  rctaiuing  heat, 

the  slate  be  painted  with  sulphur  it  will  keep  tho  Vine  free  ol 

-..     Wo  care  little  :s   to   the  d  !,',-reut  merits  of  wood  and  brick, 

only  in  euuuy  weather  the  brick  retains  and  gives  out  the  heat  longer. 

Oiio  Vino  would  do  for  a  length  of  from  7  to  (j  feet.    If  we  were  to  plant 

in  tbe  usual  manner,  wo  would  cut  back  the  Vine  to,  Bay,  a  foot  or  so 

after  pl»]  I  '.row  a  riuo  rod  the  first  summer.    You  can  easily 

purchae  isi  ines  that  would  fruit  tho  first  summer,  but  to  succeed 

you  had  bolter  plunge  the  pot,  then  break  it  all  round,  and  surround  with 

the  good  compost ;  or  if  you  plant  on'-  do  not  disentangle  tho  roots  - 

The  hardiest  sorts  are  tbe  best— as  tho  Black  Hamburgh  and  tho  white 

Royal  Muscadine.    All  tbe  hardy  kirn's  will  succeed.    The  simplest  modi  . 

ns  in  the  curate's  vinery,  is  to  leave  the  ventilation  on  all  the  Bummtr. 

1  be       i  niogs  between  the  bricks  might  be  partially  shut-up  in  winter,  if 

you  protected  other  things  inside  of  the"m.    Youwillget  information  on 

the.se  little  places,  and    on  growing  Vines    generally,   in   the   "Vino 

Manual,"  published  at   our  offico  for  2s.  Gd.     We  would  by  no  means 

throw  cold  wat  r  on  your  entering  largely  on  ground  vineucs,  but  if  wo 

fa  .rail  or  fenoe  facing  the  south,  and  that  fence  was  7  feet  or  moro  in 

we  would  sooner  front   it  with  gloss,  and  then  you  could  walk 

inside  and  attend  to  the  Vines  in  all  weathers. 

Planting  Vines  is  a  House  (A  Poor   Working  Man).— By  planting 

inside  you  wilLjivoid  many  evils  which  we  are  forced  to  contend  with.  You 

'o  all  the  border  inside  if  you  like.     You  may  let  the  roots  outside 

too,  if  it  is  suitable  to  have  a  border  there,  by  having  the  front  sill  on 

irehes.    The  method  of  forming  tbe  border  is  con  cot,  only  you 

should  have  a  drain  beneath  the  rubble.    You  need  not  sink  down  much, 

the  border  above  the  ground  level.    If  it  were 

vent  to  have  a  border  outside,  and  you  wore  under  the  necessity 

of  having  tho  roots  all  inside — a  good  plan  when  watering  and  rich  sur- 

-  are  attended  to— then,  even  if  wo  used  the  whole  of  the 

floor  for  it  border  alternately,  we  should  be  &a  tittle  J    with  the  present 

l  arrangements,  and  in  three  or  four  years  we  would  add  a  bit 

moro  to  the  border  inside,  and  that  would  bo  liko  giving  cattle  a  fresh 

ige.    If  you  have  r^rni  enough  above,  there  will  be  no  benefit  iu 

iut  a  deep  holo  for  the  border.    You  must  do  60  to  a  certain 

extent,  wo  presume,  to  secure  hcidrooni. 

Fu'el  for  Flueless  Stove  (ill.  L.).— Neither  that  you  mention  nor 
any  other  can  be  burnt  in  a  conservatory,  greenhouse,  or  any  structure 
conta-ning  plants  without  injuring  those  plpnts.  All  fuel  when  burnt 
produces  carbonic  acid  gas,  and  this  in  excess  causes  the  leaves  to  turn 
yellow,  L,ud  to  some  plants  brings  death. 


458 


JOURNAL   OF   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  December  8,  1870. 


Irish  Peat  Charcoal. — Several  correspondents  ask  where  they  can 
purchase  Irish  peat  charcoal,  so  strongly  recommended  in  Mr.  CuthilFs 
manual  of  market  gardening-  Anyone  who  can  supplyit  would  be  repaid 
for  advertising  it,  stating  price,  &c. 

Taking  tjp  Gladioli  (Bertram).— Tour  soil  being  "  black  loam,  subsoil 
s*nd,  on  the  Manstield  stone,"  there  will  not  be  any  danger  of  leaving 
them  in  the  ground,  but  we  would  top-dress  with  partially  decayed 
leaves. 

Various  [Amateur). — 1,  The  cause  of  the  Calceolarias,  Tom  Thumb 
Geraniums,  and  Lobelias  doing  so  badly  in  your  soil,  is  no  doubt  want  of 
liumus.  Give  it  as  much  loaf  soil  or  well-rotted  manure  as  yon  can 
now,  and  work  it  well  into  the  ground,  digging  to  a  good  depth.  2,  The 
glass  placed  before  the  Calville  Blanche  cordon  Apple  trees  should  be 
removed  from  now  until  spring.  3,  Havingno  greenhouse,  your  only  plan 
of  forwarding  Tomatoes  and  Celery  is  to  sow  the  seeds  in  February,  aud 
g  owing  tho  plants  in  a  hotbed,  pricking  off  the  Celery  into  pans  wh  n 
lirge  enough  to  handle,  and pottiug-off  the  Tomatue*  iu  small  pots,  grow- 
ing them  in  a  hotbed,  and  hardening  them  off  by  May.  4,  Budded  trnd 
grafted  P  urn,  Pear,  and  Apple  trcos  maybe  moved  in  the  autumu  suc- 
ceeding their  working,  and  in  the  case  of  grafted  trees,  will  be  maiden 
trees,  but  the  budded  ouos  will  not  be  maidens  uutil  the  autumn  follow- 
ing, and  it  is  well  not  to  move  them  uutil  they  have  made  a  j  ear's  growth. 
5,  Quince  stocks  are  propagated  from  cuttings  and  layers,  and  also 
suckers,  choosing  young  wood  for  both  tho  cuttings  and  layers,  and 
planting  or  layprisg  at  once.  The  Paradise  Apple  stocks  are  raised  from 
cuttings,  putting  iu  in  February  cuttings  of  about  10  inches  in  length, 
with  a  short  heel  of  the  previous  year's  wood. 

Pounded  Oyster  Shells  for  Cinerarias  {One  Anxious  to  Learn).— 
It  is  well  to  mix  them  with  the  compost  in  the  pioportion  of  about  onc- 
sixtb,  but  they  should  be  calcined.  They  are  not  equal  to  watering  with 
liquid  manure;  hut  watering  often  with  that  is  not  good  for  anything, 
unless  the  liquid  is  very  weak.  Giving  it  twice  or  thrice  a-week  is  quite 
often  enough,  and  we  find  one  good  watoring  better  than  conaUnt  appli- 
cations. Tbe  plants  require  time  to  elaborate  the  food  given  them.  It 
is  necessary  to  give  both  Lhe  oyster  shells  and  liquid  manure,  the  latter, 
when  the  pots  are  filled  with  roots,  at  every  alternate  wateriug,  or  once 
or  twice  a-week.  Oyster  shells  aro  good  for  mixing  with  tho  soil  for 
Chrysanthemums,  also  Pelargoniums,  and  almost,  if  not  all,  pot  plants, 
except  those,  perhaps,  that  require  peat  soil. 

Chrysanthemum  Seed  Sowino  (Berkhampstead  Subscriber)  —Sow  in 
March  in  pans  of  light  sandy  rich  soil,  and  place  in  a  hotbed.  When  the 
plants  appear  give  abundance  of  air,  and  keep  them  near  the  glass. 
When  large  enough  to  handle  prick  them  off  about  an  inch  apart  in  pans, 
and  return  them  to  the  hotbed  or  a  cold  frame.  Sbtide  them  for  a  few 
days,  then  harden  them  off,  plant  out  in  Juue  in  an  open  situation,  and 
water  them  in  dry  weather.  In  autumn  the  plants  may  be  taken  up  and 
potted,  and  be  wintered  in  a  cool  house  or  frame.  Tbey  will  need  to  he 
potted  and  then  growth  encouraged  the  second  year,  and  in  tbe  autumn 
they  will  flower.  Tbe  "  Er- cyclopaedia  of  Gardening"  is  published  by 
Messrs.  Longman,  price  31s.  6d. 

Cleaning  Neglected  Garden— Fruit  Tubes  Unpruned  (E.  M.  J.). 
— As  the  soil  is  good  we  would  not  burn  the  top  spit,  but  at  once  trench 
fully  two  spils  deep  if  tho  soil  is  good  to  that  depth,  or  as  deeply  as  you 
can  without  bringing  too  much  of  tbe  bad  soil  to  tbe  top.  If  this  were 
done  between  now  and  February,  the  ground  would  be  in  first-rate  order 
for  planting  with  Potatoes.  The  leaf  soil  will  answer  very  well  as  manure, 
placing  it  over  the  Potatoes  in  the  drills,  and  we  would  supplement  it 
with  guano,  at  the  rate  of  about  3  cwt.  per  acre.  It  would  give  them  a 
start.  Sow  it  broadcast.  The  wall  trees  thirty-five  years  old  wo  would 
grub  up,  and  replnee  with  younger  trees.  There  is  poor  chance  of  your 
cutting  them  into  form  after  being  so  long  neglected.  We  would  not 
plant  fruit  trees'  after  February,  if  wc  could  help  it,  but  have  planted  very 
■successfully  in  March.  We  would  trench  the  borders,  and  clear  out  all 
the  old  roots  we  could  find.  It  would  be  w&ll  to  dig  a  hole  for  each  tree, 
and  pave  the  bottom  ;  it  would  cause  the  roots  to  spread,  but  would  not 
prevent  their  going  down;  to  prevent  their  doing  so  the  interstices  be- 
tween the  stones  should  be  filled  up  with  concrete.  The  planting  with 
chopped  sods  and  fresh  soil  is  good,  top-dressing  with  rich  manure.  For 
a  south  and  east  aspect  in  the  north  midlands  of  Ireland,  we  adviso  for 
-the  south  wall :— Apricots — Hemskerk,  Kaiska,  and  Moorpark.  Peaches — 
Noblesse,  Grosse  Mignonne,  Yioletto  Hative,  Malta,  Barringtou,  and  Early 
York.  Plums—  Early  Favourite  (Rivera's),  July  Green  Gage,  Green  Gage, 
Jefferson.  Transparent  Gage,  and  Angelina  Burdett.  Of  Pears,  for  the 
east  wall,  Beurre  d'Amanlis,  Calebasee  d'Ete,  Marie  Louise,  Glou 
Morceau,  Dr.  Trousseau,  Beurre  Diel,  Beurre  Bachelier.  Beuire  d'Arem- 
berg,  Beurre  de  Ranee,  Winter  ^felis,  Josephine  de  Malines,  V(m  Mous 
Leon-le-Clerc,  and  Ne  Plus  Meuris.  If  you  wish  for  more  Plains,  Belgian 
Purple,  Prince  Englebert,  Oullin's  Golden,  Victoria,  Kirke's,  and  Cue's 
Golden  Drop,  will  suit ;  and  if  for  Nectarines,  Elruge,  and  Violette  Hative, 
will  succeed  on  the  south  wall. 

Pruning  Dwarf  Fruit  Trees  (An  Amateur).— We  should  not  prune 
more  than  is  necessary  to  give  them  the  required  shape.  Tho  less 
pruning  bush  and  pyramid  fruit  trees  have  in  winter  the  better.  Of 
your  two  plans,  we  consider  the  pruning  but  little  the  better,  and  we 
think  the  notching  over  tho  buds  will  not  interfere  with  their  breaking. 
The  inverted  [  a]  *s  the  proper  way  to  cut  the  notches  ;  the  straight  cut, 
or  directly  transverse,  is  more  likely  to  result  in  the  shoot  being  broken 
above  the  bud  at  the  cut.  We  question  very  much  the  soundness  of  the 
notching  system.  In  the  end  we  fear  it  will  lead  to  gumming  and  canker, 
and  if  not,  the  shoots  will  ever  be  liable  to  breakage. 

Heliotrope  Losing  its  Leaves  (Aritus). — It  is  usual  for  tho  Helio- 
trope to  lose  its  leaves  at  this  season,  and  it  is  well  to  give  no  more 
water  than  a  little  occasionally  to  keep  the  wood  firm.  The  plant  ought 
to  have  a  temperature  of  not  less  than  85°,  and  if  you  require  flowers  at 
this  season,  45°  to  50°  are  necessary,  the  soil  being  kept  moist,  and  in 
favourable  weather  abundance  of  air  given.  The  plant,  however,  ought 
to  have  rest  by  being  kept  cool,  yet  safe  from  frost,  aud  comparatively 
dry  at  the  roots,  pruning  before  it  is  again  excited  into  growth.  Thus 
treated,  it  will  grow  and  flower  more  freely  and  strongly  than  when  other- 
wise managed.  We  aro  unable  to  account  for  the  Roses  in  pots  throwing 
out  shoots  about  half  an  inch  long  and  then  withering.  Are  they  not 
potted  with  tbe  junction  of  the  stock  and  scion  above  the  soil?  It  ought 
rn  all  cases  to  be  covered  with  soil. 

Correa  Leaves  Falling  {Delta).— It  is  a  result  of  imperfect  root- 


action,  and  may  be  caused  by  bad  drainnge,  giving  too  much  water,  and 
so  saturating  the  soil,  and  sometimes  by  want  of  water  in  summer.  The 
chief  cause,  however,  is  scale,  which,  by  its  secretion,  causes  honeydew 
on  the  leaves,  and  their  pores  being  closed  they  fall.  The  temperature 
in  which  the  plants  are  is  too  high ;  40-  to  45-  will  be  sufficient  at  this 
season,  and  with  that,  a  light,  airy  situation,  and  water  enough  to  keep 
tbe  soil  moist,  the  plant  does  well.  The  hot  dry  season  has  been  very 
trying  to  all  plants  of  this  class.  In  summer  it  is  desirable  to  grow 
them  in  a  cold  pit.  Keep  your  plant  dry,  giving  no  water  except  when 
the  soil  becomes  dry,  then  supply  enough  to  show  itself  at  the  drainage, 
and  we  think  it  will  recover.  Repot  in  March,  and  keep  the  plant  cool 
with  plenty  of  air. 

Forcing  Spir.^a  japonica  (G.  0.).— The  plants  will  flower  early  in 
February  if  placed,  at  the  beginning  of  December,  in  a  hous*  with  a  tem- 
perature of  45°,  increased  to  5u;i  in  a  fortnight,  and  then  to  55°  in  another 
fortnight,  if  nfforded  a  moist  atmosphere  and  the  needful  supplies  of 
water.    The  temperatures  named  are  from  fire  heat. 

Snowberry  and  Corchorus  japonicus  Pruning  (E.  M.  M.).— It  is 
scarcely  possible  to  prune  these  so  as  to  look  well.  The  only  plan  that 
wo  know  is  to  well  cut  out  the  old  wood,  and  then  prune  theparts  remain- 
ing, so  as  to  form  compact  bushes.  The  long  shoots  of  the  current  year 
may  be  cut  in  one-half  or  two-thirds  their  length,  aud  the  side  shoots 
shortened  much  in  the  same  way  as  Roses.  The  Snowberry,  however, 
need  not  have  the  side  shoots  shortened;  thinning  them  and  shortening 
tho  long  and  straggling  shoots  will  be  sufficient.  If  they  have  spread 
considerably  from  the  main  plant  by  suckers  grub  these  up,  leaving  the 
most  compact  bushes.  Spring  is  the  best  time  to  prune  the  Corchorus. 
Juat  before  it  begins  to  grow,  and  any  time  during  the  winter,  will  suit 
tho  Snowberry. 

Peach  Trees  Infested  with  Brown  Scale  (A.  R.  D.).— The  tree3 
being  at  rnst,  paint  them  with  a  solution  of  8  ozs.  of  soft  soap  to  the 
gallon  of  water,  applying  it  with  a  brush  at  a  temperature  a>I  120°,  and 
being  careful  not  to  dislodge  tha  fruit  buds.  A  few  syringings  with  water 
at  a  temperature  of  160°  will  answer  quite  as  well,  hut  tbe  soft  soap  is  a 
great  antidote  to  the  attacks  of  red  spider.  Allowing  the  houso  to  be 
open  when  frosts  prevail  is  a  capital  means  of  keeping  down  insects. 
Clarke's  and  Gishurst  Compound  will  also  destroy  the  scale. 

Starting  Pines  (Idem).— The  plants  you  wish  to  start  for  fruit  iu 
spring  ought  now  to  be  kept  dry,  if  for  no  other  reason  than  the  low  tem- 
perature you  are  giving  them;  but  that,  with  the  dryness,  will  hasten 
their  starting  for  fruit  in  spring.  We  would  not  place  them  in  the 
Cucumber  houso  before  the  beginning  of  February,  keeping  them  dry 
until  then.    It  is  likely  they  will  fruit  as  you  wish. 


POULTRY,   BEE.   AND   PIGEON    CHRONICLE. 


THIS    SEASON'S  MOULT. 

Many  of  my  Dorking  chickens  have  gone  entirely  through 
the  moult,  having  changed,  I  believe,  every  feather.  This  has 
especially  been  the  case  with  a  very  fine  cockerel  that  I  in- 
tended exhibiting,  so  that  as  it  prevented  my  doing  so  when  I 
wanted,  I  took  especial  notice  of  him,  aud  I  do  not  think  he 
has  a  chioken's  feather  left.  I  never  saw  chickens  in  such  a 
naked  state  before,  and  have  often  wondered  at  the  cause. 
They  have  had  no  stimulating  food  for  months. 

I  am  afraid  Mr.  Wright's  plan  to  stop  pullets  laying  will  be 
in  many  cases  very  difficult  to  carry  out ;  at  least,  it  will  be  so 
in  mine,  as  I  have  only  one  large  grass  run  over  which  all  my 
fowls  stray  ;  therefore,  I  do  not  see  how  I  can  vary  the  soene  ; 
but,  nevertheless,  the  idea  seems  very  good,  and  is  borne  out 
to  some  extent  by  the  very  common  fact  of  a  laying  hen  being 
removed  to  a  fresh  place ;  in  many  cases  this  will  at  once 
stop  her  laying,  and  if  the  change  will  stop  a  hen  laying,  it  is 
very  likely  to  put  off  the  laying  of  pullets.  My  plan  hitherto 
for  tliis  purpose  has  baen  to  leave  off  stimulating  food  as  soon 
as  possible  after  the  chickens  leave  the  hen.  Of  course,  this 
must  be  done  gradually. — T.  E.  Kell. 


crystal  palace  poultry  show. 

This  Show  was  opened  yesterday,  and  whether  for  numbers,  or,  in 
some  of  tho  classes,  for  quality  of  the  birds,  must  be  ranked  this  year 
as  one  of  the  first,  whilst  iu  Pigeons  it  lias  eclipsed  every  other.  The 
darkness  of  the  day,  and  tho  late  hour  at  which  the  awards  were  con- 
cluded, prevent  our  criticising  tho  later  classes  as  we  could  wish,  but 
of  the  main  classes  we  are  able  to  give  something  like  a  correct  de- 
scription. In  going  through  the  Show  we  recognised  mauy  of  the 
Birmingham  competitors,  and  the  condition  in  which  these  birds  were 
shown  reflects  the  highest  credit  both  on  tho  Birmingham  and  London 
Committees.  We  were  also  much  struck  with  the  suitability  of  the 
Palace  for  a  poultry  show,  the  diffused  character  of  the  light  snowing 
nearly  all  the  classes  to  good  advantage.  Iu  ouly  a  few  was  tbe  light 
bad;  and  the  very  worst-placed  tiers  could  be  far  better  Been  and 
judged  than  many  ranks  at  Birmingham.  Partly  owing  to  this,  and 
partly  to  tbe  smaller  classes,  there  was  on  the  whole  much  more  satis- 
faction with  the  judging. 

DORKINGS. 

1. — The  cup  for  old  Grey  Dorkings  was  taken  by  Mr.  Martin's  well- 
known  Rose-combed  pen,  combining  grand  size  with  remarkably  good 
legs  and  feet.  Though  not  yet  quite  at  their  best,  these  birds  seem 
hard  to  beat.     Second  and  third,  good-framed  single-combed  birds 


December  S,  1470.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


4i9 


and  deserving  their  honours.  One  of  the  highly  commended  pens 
hardly  deserved  notice,  and  pen  7  contained  a  Rood  pair  of  birds,  hut 
not  yet  through  the  moult. 

2. — First  aud  second  prizes  for  cockerels  were  taken  hy  same  exhi- 
hitor,  with  fiue--birds  in  good  condition,  fully  bearing  out  our  remarks 
at  Birmingham.  Both  in  better  order  than  at  tho  latter  show,  but 
promise  better  still.  Third,  a  tolerably- framed  and  very  dark  bird. 
The  highly  commeudeds  mostly  well  given,  but  28  must  have  been 
meant  fur  29.  Dorkings  are  decidedly  not  equal  to  former  years,  but 
this  was  a  very  fair  class. 

3. — First-prize  pullets  had  large  frames,  but  not  at  all  matched  in 
-colour.  Second  contained  one  very  fine  bird,  but  the  other  inneh 
inferior.  Third  only  middling.  This  class  not  nearly  equal  to  the 
cockerels.  Pen  64  contained  one  wry  line  pullet,  and  pen  07  np- 
j  Bared  likely  to  make  a  good  pair  of  hens.  Several  birds  in  this  class 
appeared  uncommonly  ancient  for  pullets,  hut  we  could  not  thoroughly 
satisfy  ourselves  of  any  deception. 

4. — First-prize  Silver- Greys  were  a  medium  size,  but  very  handsome 
cock,  with  a  hen  of  massive  frame,  but  hardly  clear  enough  iu  colour, 
la  the  second  and  third  prizes  the  host  cock  was  with  the  worst  hen 
and  vice  versd 

">. — The  cockerel  class  confirmed  the  opinion  wo  formed  at  Birming- 
ham, that  this  breed  is  advancing.  The  prizes  were  very  well  judged, 
but  pens  85  and  87  deserved  mention  before  either  of  the  highly  c  im- 
mended  pens. 

6. — The  pullets  were  again  not  equal  to  tho  cockerels,  the  colour 
appearing  more  ditiieult  to  breed. 

7. — The  first-prize  White  Dorkings  were  iu  truth  a  fine  pair,  both 
large  and  white.  The  second  cock  very  yellow,  and  hen  very  dirty, 
and  on  the  whole  we  preferred  the  third  prize.  Tho  highly  com- 
mended pens,  except  117,  struck  us  as  very  poor. 

COG  II  IN  3. 

8. — The  old  Buff  Cochin  cocks  were  only  five  entries,  and  the  thirl 
prize  was  deservedly  withheld,  only  two  pens  being  g*.ol.  Cup  pen  a 
grand  shaped  cock,  but  with  rather  doubtful  hocl;s,  and  all  the  tail 
pulled  out ;  hen  too  long  in  the  leg      Second  wanting  in  shape. 

9. — First-prize  a  fine  bird,  but  again  all  the  tail  gone,  and  rather 
mealy  in  wing.  Second  would  also  look  better  with  more  caudal 
appendage,  but  iu  bis  case  the  deficiency  appeared  natural,  the  feather 
being  only  half  grown  ;  we  liked  this  bird  much,  and  were  his  wings 
quite  sound,  and  himself  a  mouth  older,  we  questiou  if  bo  would  not 
have  had  tho  honours.  Third  a  dark  bird,  very  promising  for  his  age, 
and  honestly  shown.     No  other  bird  very  first-rate. 

10. — In  Buff  pullets  tho  Birmingham  decisious  wero  reversed, 
Lady  Gwydyr's  cup  pen  there  being  now  put  second,  and  first  given  to 
the  Birmingham  fifth-prize.  YV  did  not  like  the  alteration,  for 
though  Lady  Gwydyr's  pen  wa3  as  we  said,  anything  but  a  match,  and 
one  bird  not  so  even  iu  colour  as  might  he,  they  were  both  far  better  in 
shape  than  the  others.  Third-prize  and  all  the  rest  very  poor,  and  we 
.  •  peat  our  remark,  that  the  Cochins  as  a  whole  are  deteriorating  eadly. 

11. — First-prize  old  Partridges  very  good,  but  nearly  all  the  birds  in 
this  class  very  poorly  feathered,  except  one  bird  with  a  suspicion  of 
hocks. 

12. — First-prize  cockerel  a  grand-shaped  bird,  but  not  quite  pure  in 
colour  in  under  parts,  and  rather  heavy  hocks.  Second  not  nearly 
equal  to  him,  and  the  other  birds  poor. 

13. — Buth  first  and  second-prize  pullets  good  pairs,  the  first  best  in 
;  ize,  shape,  and  marking,  but  rather  yellow.  Had  third  been  larger,  we 
would  as  soon  have  had  them  as  any. 

14.  First-prize  'White  Cochins  a  little  hocked,  but  honestly  shown, 
and  we  were  glad  to  see  them  both  so  shown  and  so  winning.  Second 
well-shaped  and  large,  but  the  cock  yellow.  Two  or  three  other  fair 
pens  highly  commended  with  judgment,  but  tho  rest  poor. 

BR  AH  MAS. 

15. — In  the  old  Dark  Brahmas,  the  cup  pen  contained  the  first-prize 
Birmingham  bird,  whose  only  fault  was  some  white  in  the  tail,  with  a 
very  middling  heu.  Second  also  had  the  second  Birmingham  cock, 
with  a  much  better  coloured  but  smaller  hen  in  bad  health.  Had  she 
been  in  condition  it  would  havfebeen  hard  judging.  Third,  a  middling 
pen,  the  hen  much  wanting  depth  of  colour.    Pen  "217,  also  a  good  pen. 

16. — First-prize  Dark  cockerel  a  medium-sized  bird,  perfect  in  colour, 
but  uot  standing  woll  on  his  legs,  and  saddle  rather  too  low.  His 
head  also  struck  us  as  coarse  and  heavy.  Second-prize  a  decidedly 
hocked  bird  honestly  shown,  and  quite  as  good  as  the  first.  Third,  a 
very  white-tailed  bird,  aud  full  of  white  streaks  in  the  fluff.  There 
were  several  very  good  highly-commended  birds,  but  in  one  case  (247), 
the  commendation  was  a  farce,  the  bird's  hock  having  given  way  out- 
wards, so  that  he  could  not  bear  his  weight  on  one  leg  at  all. 

17. — First-prize  pullets  a  very  fine  pair,  third  at  Birmingham,  and 
not  yet  at  their  best.  Second-prize  middling  in  colour,  but  very  high 
on  leg.  Third,  a  very  passable  pen,  one  bird  being  really  line,  and  in 
our  opinion  should  have  been  second. 

IS. — The  cup  pen  of  old  Light  Brahmas  was  a  doubtful  award.  The 
hen  was  vci'y  good,  but  the  cock  had  a  great  deal  of  black  in  his  Huff, 
and  in  a  mouth  will  be  hocked,  the  quills  being  half  grown.  His 
hackle  was,  however,  beautifully  striped.  Second,  »  good  pen,  but 
looked  overdone.  Third,  a  good  pen,  perhaps  a  little  hocked,  with  uot 
the  shank  feathering  a  hock  should  carry. 

19. — The  cup  Light  cockerel  was  a  small  hut  pretty  bird,  with  loug 


wattles,  very  much  the  same  style  as  the  Birmingham  winners.  Second » 
a  rather  weedy  bird,  cleaner,  but  not  so  good  aspen  316  next  door. 
Third-prize  best  striped  of  any  in  the  class,  but  short  of  leg  feathers- 
Pen  300  well  deserved  being  added  to  the  list  of  commendations. 

20. — The  cup  pullets  were  very  nearlv  perfect,  whether  in  shape, 
feather,  colour,  or  other  points.  Secoud  very  bare  of  leg-feathers  ; 
aud  third  had  faulty  hackles.  Pen3  335,  315,  and  3-17  were  all  good 
pairs.  Again  the  Lights  showed  much  better  than  the  Darks,  and 
Light  pullets  were,  perhaps,  the  best  of  all  the  Brahma  classes. 
SPANISH. 

21. — The  Spanish  classes  all  looked  much  better  than  at  Birming- 
ham, the  temperature  and  light  appearing  to  suit  them.  Old  cocks 
very  fair  and  well  placed.  Pen  374  had  a  capital  face-,  but  comb  gone 
hall  over.  Hons  also  in  very  good  order,  the  winner  iu  the  preeed- 
repeating  his  snecess  with  a  very  good  pair.  There  were 
oue  or  two  pens  in  this  class  we  could  not  understand  being  passed 
over. 

23. — The  cup  Spanish  cockerel  had  an  immense  face,  but  rather  too 
coarse.  Second-prize  also  a  very  wide  face  of  better  quality,  aud,  on 
the  whole,  we  preferred  him  to  the  other.  The  rest  of  the  class  we 
would  not  like  to  have  the  placing' of.  This  aud  tho  pullets  seemed  to 
us  the  best  classes  in  the  Show. 

24. — The  cup  pullets  were  thought  by  many  not  deserving  their 
honours.  They  were  a  good  pair  unquestionably,  but  either  of  Mr. 
Jones's  second  and  third  prize  pairs  were  better  in  our  opinion.  All 
tho  birds  were,  however,  so  good  that  judging  was  hard.  Miss  Pen- 
nant's pens  came  too  late  for  competition. 

FRENCH   FOWLS. 

25 — 2S. — The  classes  for  French  fowls  were  very  fair,  many  of  the 
Birmingham  birds  competing.  It  appears  certain  now  that  the  only 
varieties  which  can  stand  their  ground  in  England  are  the  Houdan 
aud  the  Creve-Cceur. 

HAMBURGFS. 

29,  30. — Golden-spangled  Hamburghs  were,  as  a  class,  hardly  up  to 
the  mark,  but  the  prize  pens  wero  very  good.  Silvers  were  decidedly 
a  better  'Us-;,  tho  cup  cock  having  a  beautiful  tail,  which  was  a  treat 
fur  any  Hamburgh  fancier  to  see.     The  same  may  he  said  of  pen  522. 

31 — 33. — The  Golden -pencilled  were  richer  in  marking  than  Silver. 
The  light  was  too  bad  when  we  examined  these  classes  to  say  much  as 
to  the  judging,  but  wo  thought  Mr.  Beldon's  pen  550  ought  to  have 
been  iu  the  prize  list.  The  first-prize  Blacks  were  a  really  magnificent 
pair,  and  second  and  third  were  very  good,  but  we  liked  third  best. 
This  breed  is  advancing  still  year  by  year. 
GAME. 

34. — The  cup  Black  Red  Game  cock  had  the  best  head  and  upper 

works  generally  of  any  in  the  class,  and  was  a  good  specimen   Game 

;  fowl.     Second,  a  tight- looking  bird  enough  ;  third  not  quite  so  large, 

i  but,  if  anything,  better  style.     606  was  a  good  bird  spoilt  by  being 

I  too  fat. 

35. — First-prize  hen  was  an  only  middling  bird  with  bad  carriage, 
!  the  commended  pen  618  being  far  better.  Third-prize  a  neat  gamy 
j  heu,  but  on  the  whole  the  seconJ-prizo  was  about  the  best  in  the  class. 
I  Pes  (137  contained  also  a  very  good  hen. 

36. — The  first-prize  Brown  Red  cock,  a  very  hard  bird,  and  well- 
shaped  all  but  head,  which  was  long  and  weak.  Third  much  the  same 
style  of  body,  but  better  head.  Second  a  middling  bird.  The  best 
bird  iu  this  class  (645),  very  unfortunately  arrived  too  late  for  com- 
petition ;  he  was  almost  a  copy  of  tho  first-prize,  but  with  tho  advan- 
tage of  a  perfect  head,  and  must  have  headed  the  class  but  for  the 
delay,  which  was  owing  to  the  railway  company. 

37. — The  first-prize  Brown  lied  hen  was  very  good.  Second-prize  a 
good  body,  hut  far  too  red  in  the  face.  Third-prize  too  heavy  ;  a  little 
starving  would  improve  her. 

38. — Duckwings  were  a  fair  class,  and  all  the  prize  birds  were  good. 
It  was  little  more  than  a  toss  up  between  first  and  second. 

39. — First-prize  Duckwing  hen  a  neat  and  sharp-looking  bird,  but 
on  the  whole  we  would  rather  have  seen  the  second-prize  in  her  place. 
Third-prize  a  rather  large  but  otherwise  good  bird,  not  in  her  best 
condition.     Many  of  the  Game  birds  wero  severely  trimmed. 
POLISH. 

40 — -12- — The  Polish  classes  were  fully  equal  to  Birmingham,   aud 
again  the  Golden-spangled  were  both  the  most  numerous  and  best  of 
the  lot.     We  were  very  glad  to  see  this  splendid  variety  again  so  strong 
in  numbers  and  quality.     The  Blacks  were  rather  poor. 
MALAYS. 

43  — Malays  were  a  bare  average  for  a  separate  class.     Most  of  tho 
birds  had  been  at  Birmingham,  and  appeared  iu  rather  low  spirits. 
ANY   OTHER   VARIETY. 

44. — In  the  "  Any  other  variety  "  class  the  first  prize  went  to  a  fine 
pair  of  Black  Cochins,  the  second  to  Negro  Frizzles  (what  ever  will 
people  breed  mere  abortions  for  ?),  and  third  to  a  very  large  pair  of 
Cuckoo  Cochins.  The  fourth  prize  was  au  error,  not  creditable  to  the 
discernment  of  the  Judges,  as  it  did  not  need  any  description  in  the 
catalogue  to  stamp  them  at  once  a3  a  cross  between  Dorking  and  Dark 
Brahma.  We  much  regretted  not  to  see  Mr.  Tegetmeier's  pen  (729) 
of  White  Leghorns  in  place  of  this  latter  pen. 
GAME   BANTAMS. 

45. — The  cup  Black  Rod  Bantam  cock  was  a  beauty — the  same 


4G0 


JOUKNAL  OF  HORTICULTUBE  AND   COTTAGE  GAEDEKER. 


[  December    ,  1870. 


•which  won  first  in  the  pen  at  Birmingham,  and  with  sincere  satisfac- 
1:  n  we  chronicle  tlie  fact  that  he  was  shown  without  the  new  tail  some 
would  have  put  in,  and  that  Mr.  Smith  gave  him  first  prize  as  he  was. 
Second  a  very  neat  keen-looting  bird ;  but  third  carried  his  winL,3  very 
low,  and  struck  us  as  more  a  Bantam  than  a  Game  bird.  This  class 
was  middling,  and  far  inferior  to  Birmingham. 

46. — First-prize  Black  Red  hens  a  really  fine  pair,  but  the  second  we 
did  not  like  at  all ;  the  light  was  bad  by  this  time,  but  they  seemed  to 
us  very  "stumpy"  Bantams.  Third-rmzo  carried  their  wings  far 
better. 

47.— The  ccp  Brown  Red  cock  a  Game  bird,  and  second  ditto.  The 
third  rather  too  heavy,  perhaps,  but  otherwise  good. 

48. — First-prize  hens  in  their  place.  The  second  wo  could  hardly 
see,  being  in  the  darkest  corner  of  tho  Palace,  but  they  also  seemed  a 
pretty  pen.  Thhd  fair,  but  we  have  known  Mr.  Cropland  show  far 
better. 

49. — The  first  and  second  Duckwing  cocks  very  good,  but  third 
niueh  too  fat. 

5U. — First  prize  in  this  class  went  to  a  good  pair  of  Duckwings. 
The  second  far  inferior.  Third  was  a  middling  pair  of  Piles,  to  our 
liking  not  so  good  as  another  pair,  but  again  the  light  was  so  bad  we 
would  hardly  venture  to  quarrel  with  the  award. 

51. — In  the  Blacks,  first  was  a  first-class  pen.  Tho  first-prize  Bir- 
mingham  winners  were  left  out  in  the  cold,  and  might  certainly  have 
displaced  either  of  the  others  with  advantage,  if  not  the  first. 

52. — In  this  class  the  Judges  acted  on  tho  principle,  after  awarding 
one  prize,  of  giving  the  nest  to  "Any  other  variety,"  tho  first  going  to 
a  nice  pen  of  Sebrights,  the  second  to  Pekius,  third  to  a  very  middling 
pen  of  Japanese,  and  fourth  to  Whites 

SELLING  CLASSES. 
53 — 55. — The  Selling  classes  were  one  of  the  most  remarkable 
features  of  this  Show,  the  three  classes  between  them  numbering  only 
three  less  than  two  hundred  pens!  Many  of  the  pens  were  of  a 
quality  that  fetched  very  good  prices.  In  cocks,  first  prize  went  to  a 
Spanish.  In  hens,  the  game  breed  carried  off  the  honours,  the  second 
going  to  Partridge  Cochins  of  very  good  value,  r.nd  the  third  to  a  really 
good  pair  of  Buffs.  This  last  pen  we  thought  should  have  been  first, 
and  had  it  been  entered  in  the  Buff  class  would  have  run  the  winners 
hard.  In  the  "  Husband  and  wife  "  class,  variety  was  again  studied, 
the  first  being  Dorking,  second  White  Cochin,  third  Sultans,  and 
fourth  Black  Red  Game. 

DUCES,  GEESE,  TURKEYS,  &c. 

56 — 57. — "Wo  cannot  give  the  weight  of  the  Docks  or  anything 
else,  for  the- simple  recson  that  no  pens  were  weighed.  The  first 
Aylesbury b  were  a  good  pair*,  but  decidedly  not  so  good  as  several 
others  ;  neither  did  we  much  like  the  second.  Third  was  very  fair. 
In  Ronens,  the  first  was  better  placed,  bnt  Ducks  are  poultry  that  we 
think  ought  to  be  weighed. 

58 — 59, — In  Black  Ducks  the  awards  gave  nothing  to  complain  of, 
and  all  the  prize  pens  were  remarkably  good.  In  the  "  Other  variety  " 
class,  Mandarins  and  Carolinas  were  again  conspicuous  and  good,  and 
made  us  long  for  a  large  garden  that  we  might  keep  them  ourselves. 

60. — In  the  Goose  class,  both  first  and  second  were  taken  by  Whites. 
We  think  had  they  been  weighed,  there  was  a  pair  of  Greys  would  have 
taken  at  least  one  of  these  two  places,  but  we  cannot  say. 

61. — The  first  prize  for  Turkeys  went  to  a  pair  friced  at  50s.  Mr. 
Patton's  grand  pen  going  third.  Second  waB  a  good  pair  ;  but  in  this 
class  again  the  scales  were  missed,  probably  as  much  by  the  Judges  as 
by  ourselves. 

62. — The  Pheasants  were  shown  in  exquisite  order,  and  may  be 
ted  to  other  shows  as  a  most  attractive  feature,  as  far  as  the 
visitors  are  concerned. 

63. — In  the  dead  poultry  class,  Mr.  Dowsett's  celebrated  cross-breed 
were  beaten  by  the  Coloured  Dorkings  of  Mr.  Ellis.  In  Ducks,  the 
first-named  exhibitor  carried  off  both  prizes  in  a  style  which  would 
make  some  hints  on  feeding  from  him  most  acceptable  to  all  readers 
of  this  Journal.  

As  a  whole  the  Show  was  a  treat  to  inspect ;  but  with  the  exception 
of  Light  Brahinae,  Spanish,  and  Polish,  it  seems  to  us  that  the  birds 
of  this  season  generally  are  not  equal  to  those  of  former  years.  We 
noticed  this  at  Birmingham,  and  we  must  confirm  it  now.  In  Cochins 
the  falliug-off  is  deplorable ;  except  in  a  very  few  cases  both  shape, 
size,  and  colour  seem  gone  "  all  to  pieces."  Dorkings  also  are,  as  a 
class,  losing  both  frame  and  weight.  Game  are  not  so  bad,  a  few 
breeders  still  keeping  up  the  old  standard  ;  but  the  "  ruck  "  are  losing 
ground,  getting  both  heavy  in  body  and  stilly  in  leg. 

We  have  only  to  add,  as  will  have  been  gathered  from  some  of  our 
remarks,  that  several  excellent  peno  arrived  too  late  to  be  noticed  by 
tho  Judges.  Some  of  tho  birds  to  our  own  knowledge  arrived  in 
London  in  time,  so  that  tho  fault  would  appear  to  rest  with  the  local 
line. 

THE  PIGEONS. 
Fancy  Pigeons  were  never  before  exhibited  iu  snch  numbers,  such 
excellence,  and  under  such  favourable  circumstances  as  I  beheld  them 
iu  the  Crystal  Palace  this  day  (Tuesday).  As  to  numbers,  there  were 
above  800  pens  ;  as  to  excellence,  tho  first  fanciers  in  England,  Scot- 
land, and  Ireland  had  sent  their  birds;  and  as  to  tho  position  and 
surroundings  of  the  Pigeons,  I  must  ash  those  of  my  readers  who  know 


\>he  Crystal  Palace — and  I  Buppose  those  are  almost  all  my  readers  — 
tut  who,  unfortunately  for  themselves,  were  not  present,  to  imagine 
he  centre  of  the  nave  of  the  Palace  devoted  to  the  Pigeons,  and  to  the 
Pigeons  only  (for  far  removed  from  the  gentle  Doves  were  the  fowls, 
Geese,  Ducks,  Turkeys,  &c),  120  yards  of  the  leDgth  of  which  were 
occupied  by  the  pens,  which  were  four  wide.  Thus,  had  there  been 
but  a  single  row,  there  would  have  been  480  yards  of  Pigeon  pens.  The 
majority  of  the  cages  were  the  Glasgow  bell-shaped  open-wired  kind — 
excellent,  savo  that  each  wants  a  sliding  door  for  the  safe  handling  of 
the  birds,  one  of  which,  owing  to  this  want,  I  saw  escape.  The  rest  of 
tho  cages,  the  square  ones,  had  this  accommodation  of  a  door.  And 
then,  forming  a  very  marked  feature  of  tho  Show,  were  the  largo  and 
elegant  Peristeronic  pens,  containing  the  collections  of  four  pairs  of 
birds.  I  must  add  that  great  care  was  taken  of  the  Pigeons,  and  I  saw 
members  of  the  Committee  themselves  attending  actively  to  the  birds' 
wants.  Taken  altogether,  tho  oldest  fancier  living  had  never  seen 
such  a  show  as  was  gathered  beneath  the  central  arch  of  the  palace  of 
glass,  almost,  indeed,  making  true  the  remark  of  an  ardent  fancier 
from  the  Emerald  Isle,  "  There  never  was  a  show  before."  However, 
let  us  not  forget  former  exhibitions,  notably  that  of  Glasgow  in  1SG8. 

But  now  for  the  classes.  Of  Pouters  there  were  above  200  pens. 
This  great  cluster  of  these  birds  struck  one  forcibly  at  once,  for  in 
England  Pouters  had  always  before  been  few;  but  Scotland  had  in- 
vaded us,  and  an  Irish  brigade  (not  a  Fenian  one),  had  come  over; 
also  we  must  remember  the  many  aiticles  which  of  late  years  have 
appeared  on  this  noble  bird.  First  came  Blue-pied  cocks.  Mr.  Fulton's 
bird,  the  first  prize,  was  7J  inches  in  limb,  and  19J  in  length.  Mr. 
Gresham  took  second  with  a  very  fine  showy  bird.  There  were  nine- 
teen entries  in  this  class.  Among  the  eight  Black-pied  cocks  Mr. 
Gresham's  first  was  7i  inches  in  limb  and  20  inches  in  length,  and 
(hat  and  the  other  two  winners  were  perfectly  clean  in  thigh.  The 
Red-pied  were  a  mixed  lot.  Mr.  Hose's  (second-prize)  I  greatly  ad- 
mired. Yellow-pied  were  beautiful,  and  Mr.  Montgomery  secured  two 
of  the  prizes.  The  White  cocks,  twenty-seven  in  number,  were  many 
of  them  very  dirty,  now  a  White  Pouter  loses  half  its  beauty 
unless  it  is  perfectly  clean.  The  second-prize  was  a  splendid  bird. 
The  "Any  colour  and  marking"'  were  true  to  those  designations. 
"Motley  was  their  wear" — washed-out  Yellows,  Sandies,  Mealies, 
Whites  with  a  snatch  of  colour,  Chequers,  itc,  but  size  and  shape  re- 
deemed colour.  Among  the  standard  colours  bred  in  1870  three  Blues 
won.  Tho  Blue-pied  hen  Pouters  were  not  inferior  to  the  cocks;  tho 
Black-pied  scarcely  equal.  Tho  Bed-pied  showed  a  first-prize  very 
sound  in  colour;  the  second  a  fino  bird,  but  with  a  white  forehead. 
Yellow-pied,  Whites,  Any  colour,  and  standards  of  1870  followed. 

The  Black  Carrier  cocks  were  remarked  on  for  their  great  excellence. 
The  first-prize  was  a  grand  bird,  showing  strength  and  beauty  com- 
bined. The  firBt-prize  hen  was  pretty,  the  second  very  strongly  built. 
The  Dun  Carriers  were  fewer  and  not  so  good  ;  the  first-prize  hen  pleased 
me  best.  In  Carriers,  any  colour,  the  prizes  went  to  the  Blues,  tho 
colour  of  which,  to  get  the  head  good,  showed  much  mixture  with  the 
Black  birds.  The  Carriers  bred  in  1870  showed  many  birds  of  great 
promise. 

The  Almond  Tumblers  wero,  I  believe,  easily  judged.  The  colour 
of  the  prize  birds  was  extremely  rich,  and  the  first-prize  among  those 
bred  in  1870  were  excellent  in  head  and  beak. 

The  Baldheads,  those  birds  so  difficult  to  breed  good,  were  but  few, 
and,  save  the  prize  birds,  not  good  and  a  little  large,  yet  there  were 
some  respectable  in  cut  and  feather. 

Beards  were  more  numerous,  blue  their  prevailing  colour,  but  tho 
third  prize  went  to  fair  Blacks. 

Barbs — that  is,  old  ones,  were  not  numerous,  hut  there  were  eighteen 
pens  of  those  bred  in  1870. 

The  Jacobins  were  very  numerous,  but  they  ran  somewhat  large ; 
among  them  a  singular  and  very  striking-looking  pair  entirely  black — 
that  is,  head,  flights,  and  tail  black  as  the  body.  Unfortunately  one 
was  a  very  inferior  Black,  or  I  suppose  the  birds  would  have  had  a 
prize.  Close  to  them  was  a  nice  pen  of  pure  White,  hut  not  for  com- 
petition. 

The  White  Fantails  were  very  good,  but  English  judges  still  cling 
to  tail  rather  than  motion,  for  two  pairs  of  Glasgow  birds,  small  in 
size  and  superb  in  motion,  were  unnoticed.  Blue  Fantails  of  much 
excellence  took  a  first  prize. 

Nuns  were  fewer  than  should  have  been,  but  tho  first-prize  birds 
were  super-excellent.     It  was  gratifying  to  see  two  pens  of  Yellow  Kuus. 

The  Black  Trumpeters  were  admirable,  and  three  pairs  of  the 
Irish  brigade  vanquished  all  opponents.  It  is  well  to  remember  that 
Trumpeters,  any  other  colour,  were  not  won  by  Mottles,  as  they, 
though  grand  in  head  and  points,  were  too  light  for  Mottles. 

The  English  Owls  were  stronger  in  numbers  than  they  have  been 
recently,  and  it  is  well,  for  the  Foreign  Owls  should  not  push  the 
older  favourites  to  the  wall.     Each  variety  has  special  attractions. 

Turbits,  Blue  and  Silver,  were  few.  The  Magpies  were  a  little 
coarse  in  some  specimens,  lied,  Yellow,  and  Black  won  in  the  order 
of  the  colours. 

The  Dragoons  were  very  numerous,  and  the  other  colours  appear 
determined  to  overturn  the  Blue  supremacy. 

Bunts  were  large  enough,  and  I  had  almost  said  ugly  enough,  to 
please  their  admirers,  but  the  awards  to  this  class  and  the  Dragoons 
had  not  been  given  when  I  left. 

The  Any  other  variety  class,  beautiful  in  feather  and  fanciful  in 


December  8,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


461 


name,  anil  specially  attractive  to  visitors  who  are  non-fanciers,  was 
numerous. 

The  Selling  class,  a  very  numerous  one,  bad  an  excellent  proviso 
attached  to  it — viz.,  "price  not  to  exceed  £2."  This  would  not  daunt 
beginners,  and,  indeed,  is  calculated  to  increase  the  fancy. 

I  now  reach  the  four-pair  collections  at  the  end,  and  in  the  large 
Peristeronic  cages.  They  formed  a  very  marked  feature  of  the  show  ; 
thus  in  one  pen  we  saw  Fans,  Jacks,  Owls,  and  Trumpeters.  Prizes 
of  this  kind  please  those  fanciers  who  go  in  for  many  var 

In  tho  best  collection  of  four  pairs  of  Short-faced  Tumblers,  Mr. 
J.  lord  was  entirely  successful.  Prettier  collections  are  seldom  seen  ; 
thus  in  one  pen  were  a  pair  of  Black  Tumblers,  a  pair  of  Blue  Tum- 
blers, a  pair  of  Red  Tumblers,  and  a  pair  of  Yellow  Tumblers. 

Last  of  all,  tho  "  pens  of  six  working  Autwerps."  These  birds  sug- 
gested thoughts  of  war  red  Paris.  Happy  birds  though 
penned,  as  they  were  safe  from  shot  and  hawks.  The  first  prize  went 
to  a  tine  pen  of  Blue  Chequers,  the  second  and  third  to  Red  Chequers. 
These  birds,  the  birds  of  utility  as  well  as  fancy,  have  greatly  im- 
proved of  late  years,  and  are  now  beautiful  in  the  Bhow  pen,  as  well  as 
useful  on  the  wiog. 

Such  was  tho  "  Great  Loudon  Pigeon  Exhibition,"  which  I  ardently 
hope  will  be  an  annual  one,  and  have  better  weather  than  that  on 
Tuesday  for  its  visitors'  convenience  and  pleasure.  I  beg  to  thank 
the  Committee  for  their  kind  courtesy,  and  lastly,  to  record  mj  plea- 
sure that  Mr.  Volckmau,  who  bus  written  and  worked  hard  for  the 
Pouter  fancy,  has  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  so  many  of  his  favourites 
brought  together  in  England,  and  has  had  also  some  personal  success. 
— Wiltshire  Rectos. 

Dorkings  ICul.'iirnli.  m.  J.  Mariin.    2.  J.  Longland.    S,  F.  I'.ulcU. 

Sri  i    Buddow.    he,  T.  Briden;  J.  O.  Hewson,  51  11. 

Dorkings  (Colourei       <  ■     Wheatley.    s.  J 

Tumour,  he,  H.  Lingwood  (2);  Uev.  G.  S.  Barrow  :  J.  Clift  (2);  II.  Lingwood; 
1         tin.    e,  W.  Bearpark ;  J. D. Hewsos, M.D. 

Durkinos  (Coloured).— Pullets  —1  and  Cap,  Mrs.  E.  Wheatley.  2,E.  Wilson. 
3.  Lieut.-Col.  Lane,  he,  Miss  Fairhurst;  L.  l';itton,  HUluiore,  Taunton;  H. 
LingAvood  (2).    c,  3.  Clift  (2) ;  F.  Parlett. 

Dorrtnos  (Silver-Grey).— 1,  O.  E.  Cresswcll.  2,  Hon.  J.  Massey.  3,  Miss 
Hah  9.    lie,  W.  H.  Denison. 

IIHOS  (Silver-Grey).— Cockerel:— 1,  R.  Smalley.  2,  J.  B.  Pluinplrc. 
8,W.  I  ae,  J.  B.  Plumptre ;  F.  I     i 

Dorkings  (Silver-Grey).— JPuItew.— I,  W.  H.  Den. son.    2.  G.  V>*.  GrecnhiU. 
. Turner,    he,  Countess  of  Dartmouth,    c,  D  C.  Campbell;  J.  B.  Plumptre. 
sraos  (White).— 2,  J.  Choyce.    S.  Miss  Fairhurst.     he,3.  Attli 
Hartwell;  J.  Robinson;  J.  Choyce.    c,  J. 
Cochins  (Cinnamon  and  Butt).— 1  and  Cup,  W.A.Taylor.     2,  J.  H.Dawes. 
bneld. 

linnamon  and  Bi  'el«.—l,  W.A.Taylor.  2,  Lady  Gwydyr. 

8,  J.  Walls     he,  W.  Masland  :  .T.  Dove  :  11.  Linswc  od.    c.  3.  K.  Fowler. 

ons  (Cinnamon  and  Buff).— Pullets.— 1,  II.  Lingwood.  2,  Lady  Gwydyr. 
S,  G.  Tatham.    e,  Mrs.  Allsopp. 

Brown  and  Partridge).— landS,E.  Tinlman.  3,  3.  Stephens,  c,  Rev. 
R.  "Warren. 

Cochins  (Brewn  and  Partridge).— I  !.  T.  Stretch.    2,  J. ' 

8,  ■)   '  Hei  lei.    he,  1).  S  Li  i 

Cochins  (Brown    and  Pal  :    Equull.  W,  A. 

2,  H.  Crossley.    ::,  W.  H.  Crossley.    he,  Miss  H.  lluttou :   rl 
P.  H.  Jones:  H.  Liir  . 

uns  I  White).— 1  and  3,  B.  Smalley.    2,J.  Weeks.     nc,G.  Shr:mpton  (2) ; 
\.  William-on.    e,  5Iiss  Hales. 
Brahmas  (Dark).— 1  and  Cup,  lion.  5Irs.  A.  B.  Hamilton.     2,  H.  Lingwood. 
3,  ■).  Walker,  lie,  G. F.  Whitehousc  ;  H.Ling  Gwydyr  :  Rev.  E.  Alder. 

BRAHMAS  (Park).— Cocker,  h—  1.  H.   P.  Moor,      a,   Lady  Gwyi 
Taylor.    Ite, Hon. Mrs.  A. B.  Hamilton  ;   A.  O.  Worthington;  E.Ensor;  J.  K. 
Fowler:  R,Brownlie;  H.  Dow-sett. 
Brahmas  (Dark).— Pullet:— 1,  Lady  Gwydyr.   2,  3.  Douglas.    3.  J.  K.  Fowler. 
'.  Beet;  G.  F.  Wbitshouse;  J.  Ash  worth;  J.  Watts;  Lieut.-Col.  Lane;  T. 

Brahmas  (Light).— 1  and  Cup,  A.  O.  Worthington.  2,  F.Crook.   3,  P.  Cr 

a  Hales:  Mrs.  A.  Williamson  ;  F.Crook;  Rev.  F.  T.  Scott.  c,  J. Tales; 
H.  M.  Maynard. 

BRAHttAB  (1  i"!  i  -Cockerels.— 1  and  Cup,  M.  Leno.  2,  H.  M.  5Iayn.v.d.  3,  F. 
Crook,  he,  P.  Crowley;  Mrs.  A.  Williamson;  A.  O.  Worlkingtcu ;  H.  M. 
Mavnard. 

ehus  (Light).— Pullets.— 1  and  Cup,  F.Crook.  a.P.Crowlev.  3.  J  Tares. 
he,  P.  Crowley;  Mis-  Hales;  Rev.  J.  D.  Hoystead  (2);  C.  F.  Wilson;  Mrs.  A. 
Williamson ;  O.  W.  Hoare  :  51.  Leno  ;  11.  Dowsett. 

Siis-isH.— Cock.— 1  and  Cup,  H.Lane.  2,  Bureh  &  Boulter.  3,  J.  H.Dawes. 
he,  W.  H.  Denison ;  Nichols  &  Howard,    e.  E. .' 

Spanish.— Hens.— 1  and  Cup.  H.  Lane.  2,  F.  &  C.  Haworlh.  3,  H.  Beldon. 
lie.  Hon.  5Iiss  D.  Pennant ;  Nichols  A  Howaid.    c,  J.  Pixon. 

Spanish.—  Cockerels.— 1,  Cup,  and  1.  Nichols  A  Howard.  2, F. .Tames.  S.  5Irs. 
Allsopp.  he,  3.  Dixon ;  W.  R.  Bull ;  E.  Jones ;  Bureh  &  Boulter;  Nichols  and 
Howard,    c,  W.  R.  Bull ;  H.  Lane. 

Spanish.— .Pullets.— 1  and  Cap,  J.  Gliddon.  2  and  8.  E.  Jones.  J.  W.  R.  Bull. 
he,  T.  C.  &  E.  Newbitt;  Mrs.  Allsopp;  Nichols  &  Howard;  E.  B.  Edwards. 
c,  H.  Brown. 

Hocdans  —  Cock—  1,  E.  B.  Wood.  2.  W.  Tippler.  8,  J.  Bloodworth.  he,  W. 
Massey;  Rev.  C.  B.  Rowland;  Mrs.  J. Pattison. 

Houdahb.— Hens—  1  and  Cup,  Hills  &  Co.  2,  W.  O.  Quibell.  3.  R.B.Wood. 
he,  W.  Dring ;  J.  Elgar ;  W.  Tippler :  J.  K.  Fowler,    c.  fi.  C.  Tisdall. 

French  (Any  other  variety). — Cock. — 1,  W.  Boutoher  (Creve-Ccenr).  2.  G.Mills 
(La  Fleclie).  3,  W.  O.  Quibell  (Creve-Camr).  he,  J  M assey  (Crevi  -Ccsur);  Hon. 
H.  W.  Fitzwilliam  (Creve-l.'ceurJ ;  Hon.  C  W.  Fitzwilliam;  .).  K.  Fowler. 
c.  Mrs.  J.  Cross  (Creve-Cceur) ;  T.  A.  Letts  (Creve-Cceur) ;  Rev.  H.  Dombrain. 
(Creve-Cceur). 

French  (Any  other  varietv).-Uen.— 1  and  Cup.  J.  K.  Fowler.  2,  Hon.  C.  W. 
Fitzwilliam  (La  FU'-che).  3.  W.  0.  Quibell  (Creve-C  ur).  he,  Hon.  J.  Massey 
(Creve-Ccenr) ;  J.  J.  Jlaldm  (Creve-Ccenr).    c,  Rev.  N.  J.  Ridlev  (Creve-Camr). 

Hameurghs  (Golden-spangltdl.— 1,  J.  Newton.  2,  Sliss  C.  E.  Palmer.  ::,T. 
Walker,  jun.  he,  3.  Buckley;  W.  A.  Hyde;  Puke  of  Sutherland;  H.  Pickles, 
Jan. ;  5Irs.  J.  Pattison  ;  J.  Roe.    c,  J.  RoDinsen. 

H.mbcrohs  (Silver-spangled).— 1  and  Cup.  J.  H.  Howe.  2.  Puke  of  Suther- 
land. 3.  Miss  E.  Browne,  lie,  Mrs.  Allsopp;  H.  Pickles,  Jan. ;  H.  Beldon.  c,  C. 
Parsons ;  J.  Fielding. 

Hambueohs  (Golden-pencilled).— 1,  J.  Preston.  2,  F.  Pittis,  jun.  8,  Puke  of 
Sutherland,  he,  H.  Pickles,  jun. ;  Duke  of  Sutherland,  c,  H.  Marriott:  T. 
Wrigley. 

IIamecrghs  (Silver-pencilled).— 1,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  -2,  Puke  of  Sutherland. 
8, F.  &C.  Hawortk.  he,  F. Pittis,  jun. ;  Puke  of  Sutherland;  H.  Pickles,  jun. 
e,  H.  Beldon. 

Haatburghs  (Black).— 1,  T.  Walker,  jun.  2,  Rev.  W.  Serjeantson.  8,  E. 
Brierloy.    he,  3.  Garside.    c,  Countes6  ot  Dartmouth ;  W.  Collyer  &  Co. 


Blaok-breasted  Rede).— Cock.— 1  and  Cup,  J.  Douglas.    2  and  s.  S 
Matthew.    ne,  15.  Bel!;  Rev.  •■■  B  lynor. 
Game   (Black-1  IB  1,  H.  I     bbons.     2,  J.  Douglas.     8,    J. 

r,j 

Game  (Brown  Reds).— Cot*.— 1,  J.  Wood.  2.  Dnko  of  Sutherland.  8,  J. 
Laming,    he, J.Laming;  S.  Matthew. 

Gams  (Brown  Reds).— Hen.— 1  aud  Bjok,  J.  Wood.  2  and  3,  J.  Laming 
he,  Mre.  E.  A.  Crawio 

Gamu  (Uuokwings  and  any  other  variety).— Ci  el:.— 1,  s.  Matthew  (Bud  | 

2.J.  Dou„l.is  (Dackwing).    3,  R.  Hall,    he,  3.  Laming;  G.  Heanbrd  (Duck 

AViUgl. 

Game    (Dackwing  r.nd  any  other  B   a.— 1,  E.  Bell   (Duckwing) 

2,  J.  Jeken  (Dm  kwing).    3.  S,  Matthew  (Dackwing). 

2.  51.  Nicholls.    3,  W.  H.  Patrick. 

Pi  '.        Lvester. 

ii   (Silver-spangled).— 1,  G.  C,  Adkin  .    :.  1'..  Beldon.    5,  J.  Hinton. 

he,  <..  i '.  A. .kins  ;  i'.  1),  Ji 

i  White  Crest,  or  any  other  variety).—!,  Book,  and  8. 
in.     ■.  Mrs.  J.  M.  Proi 

.— Chickens.— 1,  J.  s.  Booth.   2,  J.  Hinton.    S,  Rev.  A.  J.  Brooke. 
F.  Harding 

Ant  m  (       jr.—  1.  H.  J.  • trey  (Black  Coohin). 

I  Cuckoo  ,W.  O.  Hi 

.  S.  It.  Harris  (Minorcasl ;  F.  Pittis,  jun.  (Audulu- 

siuui;  VT.WHdi  ly  Gwydyr  (Silkies). 

Gahi  ted  1  1  and  Cap,  H.    ihumacb. 

i.    ;.  ■,  E.  Hudson.    ,.  t.  w.  Anns;  T. Sharpies; 

J.  R.  Rot  „    „T 

Game  Bastahs  (Block-breasted  Reds).— Ben>.-1,  Q.  W.  Morns.    2,  E.  W. 

Moullin;   J.  Croslaud,  jun.;  W .  h. 
.       :    \.  . 

Game  Bantaub  (Bro    i  [3  .— 1  and  Cup,  T.  C v.- 

laoh.  „  „ 

.  Rods).— Hens.— 1,  n.  ;humaeh.    2,  H.  P. 
alsh. 
:    us  (Dackwing!    i  her  variety).— C 

and  G.  N<  »bi  ■.    8,  J.  C  a  land  (Dud  '  -'e);  I- 

Dyson  (D  H.  lacb  ;  Mrs.  E. 

Jon.  (Dackwing  ;  T.W.Anus  (Dackwing).   B,J. Walsh, 
Bahtams  (Bla  ,H.  ilaynard.    ;:,  M.  Picklcs,jun. 

B.IN'TA  '.    '     i-    I    •  .'.''■ 

;'..  II.  Draycott  (Jap»   i 

,  j.Broi        (Mfalti       ;  M.  Leno  (Laci  I  (2);  Rev.  G.  S.  Crawys 

S  :  .1.  Walls,     c,  S.  A-  ■  !bt). 

Srlmng  Class.— 1,  G.  Cl»rk  2,  G.  Shriini 

8,  K.  Loft  (Suit  sub).    1.  J.  lackRed 

,);  Nichols  iHoWi 

oClas  i.— Cocks.— l.H.Brov  a(:  ■  ■ 

;    ■     ■  i  ..'',,., 

':    „■  , 
Wilson   ,  i  I ;,  T.  J- 

i);   .1.  Ashwortu  'i  ar 
B  i  ark  Brahma);  B  Dark)  ;  F.  eronk 

Ci  ar):  Mrs.  Patl 

;     R,    1  r,lt    f-ill  •  ■■     '  - 

Dixon  (Spanish);  Miss    Ii.    Brewne   (Spanish);    J.   S(  •')  »*■ 

i  ,  Nichols  &  Howard  (Spanish).   2,  G.  Griggs  (Part- 

w.  F.  Check]       I        i       i  a).     :.  i  .    m  i(C n  a  u 

Bral  E.  i 

(Spanish);   R.  Wilson  (Spanish) ;    Nichols  4  Howard  (Spanish); 

Creve-l  I  uior  (Hamburgh);    H.  DoAVsctt.     c.  F.  \, 

i  l.T.Hollis.    2,JBrs.M.Seamons.   S.H.Jones.    tic.Mrs. 

,i 

l,L.Pal      ..       ,3.  nTHod.     S.J.W.  M.  Dagnall.    >■ 

a. :  J.L.LowndeB;  J. K.  Fowler  .  sirs.  E. 

Droas   (Black).— I.  S.  Bum  .     '.    '    v.  n.    3,  W.  E.  George. 

Docks  (Any  other  variety  and  Om  a    Fowl).— 1,  M.  Leno  (Man- 

3.  Trickett  (Pi  •  C.  «• 

;  M.  Leno  (Carolina);  J. K. Fowler  (Carolina); 

J.  Watts  (Carolina);  S.  A.  Wylhe  (Call).  .^   TT 

Geese  (Any  variety).— 1,  G.  Hustler  (White).    2,  3.  K.  Fowler.   3,  W.  H. 

Butcher  (White).    hc.ViB.  :J.  Seamons;  W.  E.  George  (White  Chinese);  J.K. 

Fowler.  „    T 

Torkbts  — 1,  Airs.  3.  Mayhew.     2,  Rev.  N.  J.  Ridley   (Cambridge),    o,  L. 

Patton  (i  lie,  W.  Tippler;  Rev.  3.  Gilbert  (Cambridge).     . 

Pheasants.— 1  and  s.  J.  K.  Fowler  (Gelden).    2,  51.  Lino  (Chinese  Ringneek). 

ftc,  J.  Buckl.-v,  jun.  (Silver);  51.  Leno  (Chinese  Ringneck  and  Golden);  C.  A. 

K.  Hoare  (Silver);  J.  Elgar  (Golden). 

PIGEONS. 
Footers  (Blue-pied).— Cocks.-l  and  3,  R.  Fulton.   2,  F.  Gresham.    Hen:— 
I  and 3,  R.  Fulton.    2.  J.  5iontgomery.  ,. 

Pocteiis  (Black-pied).—  Cocts.— 1  and  Cup,  F.  Gresham.  2  and  3,  R.  luiion. 
Hens.— I,  3.  Montgomery.    2  and  8,  51.  Stuart.  „ 

piedi.— CocA-8.— 1,  R.  Fulton.    2  and  8,  W.  R.  Rose.    Hens.— 1,  L. 
Homer.    2  end  8,  F.  Gresham  M 

Pouters  (Y.  Uow-pied).— Coeto.— 1  and  3,  J.  Montgomery.  2,  R.  Fulton. 
Hens.— 1,  R.  Fulton.    2.  N.  Hill.    3.  W.  R.  Rose.  ,     , 

Pocteks  (Wh  toi.-t  i..  t-.-l.  Mrs.  J.  Wallace.  2  and  S,  J.  Montgomery. 
Hem.— 1,  R.  Fulton.    2,  M.  smart.    3,  J.  Llontgomery. 

tor  Marking).— Cocto.— 1,  II.  Brown.    2,W.  Volckman. 

3,  F.  Gresham.  '  Hens.— 1  and  2,  W.  Volckman.    3.  51.  Stuart. 

Pouters  (Standard  colours).— Cocks.— 1,  W.  Volckman.    2,  W.  R.  Rose.    d,r. 

Gresham.   Hens.— 1  and  2,  F.  Gresham.   8,  R.  L.  Marlin.  „    _ 

Carriers  (Black).— CoeJa.— 1,  Cun,  and  2,  F.  T.  Wiltshire.  8,  E.  Horner. 
(Whole  class  very  highly  commended).  Hem— 1,  F.  T.  Wiltshire.  2  andS.K. 
Fulton.  (Whole  class  very  highly  commended).— Young  Birds.— 1,  cup,  ana 
3,  H.  W.  Nightingale.    2,  F.  T.  Wiltshire.  ,    -M 

Carrierb  (Dun).— CocJts.— 1  and  2.  It.  Fulton.  3,  W.  B.  Foil,  he,  J.  ^.  Uru. 
Hens.— 1  and  2.  R.  Fulton.  3,  J.  H.  Esden.  loans  Birds— I,  W.  Massey.  A  H 
T.Wiltshire.    3,  E.  Horner.  , 

Carriers  (Any  other  colour).— Cocks.— 1.  T.  J.  Deune.  2  and  o,  3.  C.  uio. 
)ic,  R.  Fulton  ;  T.  J.  Donne.  Hens— 1  and  )ic,  T.  J.  Dcuno.  2,  J.  Watts.  8,  K. 
Fulton,    c,  J.  C.  Old.  „..  ,      „ 

Tcmelers  (Almond).— 1,  Cup,  and  3,  F.  T.  Wiltshire.  2,  R.  Fulton,  rlic.  l<-. 
Fulton,  lie.  J.  Stanley ;  F.  T.  Wiltshiie.  Young  Birds—  1,  Cup,  and  2,  J.  rora. 
3,  H.  W.  Hale.  „  _  „ 

Tcmbceeb  lB;ildheads).-l,  J.Fieluing.jun.  2,  W.  J.  Woodhouse.  S.R.Fulton. 

Timblers  (Beards).— 1  and  2,  W.  H.  C.  Oates.  8,  J.  H.  Esden.  lie,  \,.  J. 
Woedhoase ;  R.  Falton.  „  n  ,. 

T0MBI.ERS  (Any  other  variety  Short-faced).— 1,  J.  H.  Esden.  2,  R.  Fulton. 
3,  J.  Ford. 

Bares  (Black  or  Dun).— land  2,  R.  Fulton.    3,  J.  Dowling 

Barbs  (Any  other  colour).— 1,  J.  Montgomery.    2,  R.  Fulton.    3,  J.  Firm. 

Baebs.— Young.— 1,  R.  Fulton.    2,  F.  Waller.    3,  J.  Montgomery. 

Jacodixs  (Red  or  Yellow).—!,  E.  Horner.    2  and  8,  R.  Fulton,    he.  F.  Waitt ; 


402 


JOURNAL   OF   HORTICULTURE   AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  December  8,  1870. 


E.  Horner  :  H.  F.  Nalder ;  E.  H.  M.  Royd:  J.  Thompson,    c,  E.  Fulton  :  T.  C 
;mn!  E.  Newlntt. 

Jacobins  (A-iy  other  colour).— 1,  W.  E.  Van  LTannsbersen.  2,  ~E.  E.  M.  Koyd. 
u,  J.  P.  Punier.  c  J 

b'ANTAiLs  (White).— 1,  A.  A.  V.  Meersh.  2  and  3.  J.  F.  Loversidge.  he,  W. 
»    loyce. 

Fan-tails  (Any  other  colour).  -1  and  Cup,  P.  H.  Jones.  2,  H.  Yardlcy.  3,  W 
(  hoyce.    he,  H.  Parker. 

Nuns.— 1  and  2.  W.  Banter  ?..  J.  Bowling   Ju\  W.  E   Eastcn.  c,  F.  Williams 

1  KriiPETEKs  lEJacl;).— ].  -l,  :iinl  ;i,  .1.  Montgomery. 

Trumpftei.s  (Any  other  colour).— 1,  K.    Homer!    2  and  3,  J.  Montgomery. 
vhc,  W.  H.  c.  Onies.    he,  J.  Montgomery  ;  "W.  IX.  C.  Oates  :  J   Firth 
,..<™8  (EnfUish).-I,I'.H.  Jones.   2,  J.  G-ooldeii,  jun.    S.  J.  Cropland.    hc,S.  A. 
Vylue;  Cipt.  H.  Heaton. 

Owr,s  (Foreign).— 1  and  Cup,  P.  IT.  Jones.    2,  R  Fulton. 

Turbits  (EJue  and  Silver).  -  1,  G.  H.  Gregory.    2,  P.  H,  Jones.    8,  J.  Dowlm?. 

Iurbits  (Any  other  colour).— 1,  Fielding,  jnn.  2,  A.  A.  Vandcr  Mecrsch. 
3,  E.  Bemrose.    he,  H.  Yardlev. 

Magpies.—].  E.Horner  (Red).  2,  H.  YnrdleWYcPow).  3,  P.  H.  Jones  (Blackl. 
he,  E.  Horner. 

Dragoons  (Blue  or  Silver) —Cup,  1,  and  2,  J.  Holland.  S,  W.  B.  Tegetmeier. 
vhc,  J.  Holland. 

,„^ACi,OOKS  {Any  other  colour).— Cup,  1,  2,  and  he,  S.  C.  Betty.    8,  J.  Watts 
(White). 

Antwehps  (Phort-faced).-l,  J .  W.  Bradley.  2  and  3,  H.  R.  Wright,  he,  E. 
Horner;  H    R  Wright;  J.  A.  Culliofon. 

Buntst-1  Lsdy  F.  Bushby.  2,  P.  H.  Jones.  3,  S.  A.  Wyllie.  he,  T.  D. 
Gre<  ii :  H.  Yardley. 

.any  other  Variety.— 1,  J.  Wallace.  3.  W.  B.  Tegetmeier  (Ics  Pigeons). 
4;  fc.  Horner,  7<c,  Rev.  A.  G.  Brooke  (Maltese);  W.  B.  Tegetmeicr  (Floren- 
tines); J.  Wallace  ;  P.  H.  Jones. 

Selling  Clakb.— 1  and  2,  J.  Ford  (Almond  Tumblers).  3,H.  J.  Dwelly  (Swiss 
roys).  4,  J.  Guthrie  (Almond  Tumb'crs).  he,  II  Brown:  T.  Charnlev  (Blue 
Dragoons)  j  ,t.  Ford  (Dragoons);  J.  A.  Greenfield:  IT.  Grtlett ;  G.  H.  Gregory 
(White  Fnllbactfsl;  Hon.  Mrs.  Paget;  G.  Roper:  W.  B.  Tegetmeier;  y.  A. 
Wyllie  ;  —Thompson,    c,  W. Price,  jan. 

'Best    Collection    of    Four   Paths    (Exclusive  of  Carriers.  Pouters,  and 
Tumblers'.- Cup  andl.W.  Bankea.    2,  P.  H  Jones.    S,  R.  Fulton. 

Best  Collection  op  Fol-k  Pairs  of  SnohT-FACED  Tumblers  (Distinct 
Varieties). -1,  2,  and  3,  J.  Ford  (pair  Black  Tumblers,  pair  Blue  Tumblers,  pair 
Rod  Tumblers,  and  pair  Yellow  Tumblers). 

Best  Pen  of  Six  Working  antwarps.— 1,  J.  J.  Sparrow  (Blue  Chequer); 
2.  W.Lund  (Red  Chequer).  8.  J.  Grosland  (Ked  Chequer),  he,  G.  Grimsell . 
Ct.  Mattbewson  ;  C.  L.  Sutherland  :  T.  Cock. 

Judges.— Poultry:  Mr.  E.  Hewitt,  Mr.  It.  Tecbay,  and  Mr.  J.  H« 
Smith.  Fir/com:  Mr.  F.  Esquilant,  Mr.  Jones  Percival,  and  Mr.  E- 
Corker. 

THE   PIGEONS  AT   THE   BIRMINGHAM   SHOW. 

{Ext)  acted  from  Notes  by  Mt  mhos  of  the  Birmingham 
Colttmbarian  Socu  ty.) 
We  regret  to  see  so  great  a  falling-off  in  the  entries,  and  it  would 
Lave  been  more  conspicuous  but  for  the  spirited  entries  in  the  Antwerp 
classes — a  result  due  to  the  liberality  of  the  Committee  and  the  Bir- 
mingham Coin iLb-u-ian  Society.  The  management  was  good,  as 
evidenced  by  not  a  bird  dying,  and  we  know  the  majority  of  the  birds 
went  home  in  as  good  condition  as  they  left  it.  We  should  like  to  see 
all  the  pens  supplied  with  the  tin  water  vessels,  and  think  a  little  dry 
red  sand  mixed  with  that  now  used  would  keep  the  pens  drier,  and 
pleasanter  to  look  at. 

Tumblers. — The  post  of  honour  was,  as  usual,  held  by  the  Almonds, 
who  were  represented  by  eight  entries  of  far  more  than  average  merit. 
The  first-prize  pair  in  colour  were  superb,  the  hen  as  rich  as  the  cock. 
"We  have  seen  a  finer  beak  and  wattle  than  the  cock  carried,  and  cleaner, 
better  than  the  hen's  eye  or  lash.  The  second-prize  pair  were  not  fo 
good  a  match  as  the  first,  the  eock  again  rather  coarse  in  beak  and 
wattle.  Of  the  third-prize  birds  the  cock,  like  the  first-prizo  hen,  was 
blotchy  in  the  eye. 

In  the  class  for  Balds  and  Beards  the  first-prize  pen  were  a  pair  of 
Blue  Beards  ;  good  match  and  colour.  The  second-prize  birds  were  a 
pair  of  Yellow  Balds,  a  nice  pair.  The  third  prizetakers  were  Beards. 
Mr.  Fulton  was  highly  commended  with  a  pair  of  Black  Balds,  that 
would  have  looked  much  better  of  a  little  oil.  In  the  Shirt-face  class 
the  first  were  a  pair  of  Black  Mottles,  that  wanted  a  little  less  or 
more  oil. 

We  were  pleased  to  see  a  class  for  Muffed  Tumblers,  but  greatly 
disappointed  that  it  was  so  meanly  supported,  as  we  know  the  town 
has  a  number  of  fanciers  of  the  Muffed  birds,  and  we  expected  them  to 
support  the  first  class  made  for  them,  for  if  well  supported  it  would 
be  an  attractive  class.  The  first-prize  birds  were  a  pair  of  Red  Rose- 
wings,  and  the  second  a  pair  of  Black  Mottles. 

We  were  still  more  surprised  that  the  class  for  Olear-legged  Tumblers 
was  no  better  supported,  a  bird  that  nearly  all  understand  and  wonld 
take  an  interest  in.  We  can  only  account  for  it  by  their  having  been  so 
long  neglected  by  show  committees,  and  their  owners  now  not  being 
generally  aware  of  the  honour  conferred  upon  them. 

Antwerps. — Since  it  was  admitted  into  the  competitive  lists  of  public 
shows,  this  class  of  Pigeons  has  'attained  such  popularity  as  to  be 
regarded  as  an  important  auxiliary  to  Pigeon  exhibitions.  More  espe- 
cially is  this  the  case  at  Birmingham,  where  they  are  bred  in  great 
numbers,  and  the  Council  of  Bingley  Hall  Show  agreed  to  the  sub- 
division of  the  Antwerps  into  four  classes — Silver  Duns,  Blue  Duns, 
Bed  Chequers,  and  Blue  Chequers. 

The  success  of  the  experiment  will  he  best  shown  by  the  number  of 
entiies,  which  amounted  to  sixty-one — viz.,  Silver  Duns  twenty-three, 
Blue  thirteen,  Red  Chequers  fourteen,  Blue  Chequers  eleven.  Tho 
classes  were  well  represented  by  good  birds,  though  there  is  room  yet 
for  great  improvement,  which  we  hope,  by  careful  breeding,  will  soon 
be  achieved.  In  several  cases  the  awards  were  not  in  accordance  with 
general  opinion  ;  we  believe  that  in  one  or  two  instances  higher 
qualities  were  thrown  aside,  simply  on  account  of  colours  not  matching 


exactly;  this  was  especially  the  case  in  Silver  Duns,  in  which  class 
every    other  point  of   excellence  was    sacrificed — as  an  instance,  the 
best  pair  in  the  whole  of   the  classes  shown   by  Mr.   Wright,  which 
possessed  all  tho  required  properties  of  standard  birds.      Mr.  Yartllcj  's 
best  pair  shared  the  same  fate.     It  is  strange,  after  the  judgment 
the  Silver  Dun  class,  to  find  that  colour  was  disregarded  altogether  in 
the  case  of  the  Blues.     The  hen  bird  of  the  pair  which  gained  the  : 
prize  was  darker  than  its  mate,  and  its  head  was  fiat — a  thing  un- 
pardonable in  a  show  bird.     Why  the  cup  was  given  to  this  pair  wo 
cannot  conjecture,  when  we  see  a  pair  of  birds  in  the  Red  Cliequer 
class,  though  only  gaining  a  second  prize,  vastly  superior.     Tim  ./' 
Chequers  were  skilfully  judged,  as  the  most  meritorious  birds  received 
the  awards,  and  the  whole  deserved  praise. 

Carriers. — The  highly  commended  Black  cock  bird  of  Mr.  Sidd  ns 
wo  think  was  far  superior  to  either  of  the  prizetakers.  This  class  v,  ; 
not  well  judged.  The  prize  Black  hens  had  been  artistically  trimmed  ; 
they  ought  to  have  been  disqualified.  The  best  Black  hen  (No.  215  I  I 
was  passed  over,  though  good  in  all  points  and  honestly  shown.  All 
the  specimens  were  sadly  deficient  in  colour,  the  Carriers,  as  a  rule, 
being  inferior  to  what  have  been  seen  in  Bingley  Hall  for  some  years. 

Pouters. — The  Bed  cocks  were  a  very  inferior  class,  with  only  fix 
entries.  The  hens  were  also  a  poor  class  of  five  entries  only.  The 
Pouters  had  ten  classes  apportioned  to  them,  and  £30  prize  money 
for  .seventy-two  entries.  Unless  fanciers  help  the  committee  they 
must  expect  these  classes  cut  down.  When  the  Whites  were  taken  out 
and  the  first-prize  birds  in  the  other  classes,  a  more  meagre  lot  never 
appeared  at  any  show. 

Runts. — Only  five  entries  to  compete  for  £3  prize  money  and  a 
silver  cup,  value  £5,  generously  given  by  Mr.  Green,  which  was  won 
by  Mr.  Yardley  with  birds  weighing  i  lbs.  Goz*.,  Mr. Jones  being  second. 
Feather  in  this  variety  ought  to  be  taken  into  consideration,  so  as  to 
make  it  attractive,  as  well  as  mere  weight.  The  winning  birds  weru 
ill  matched  ;  such  will  always  be  the  case  as  long  as  the  scales  have 
to  decide. 

Jacobins. — In  Bed  or  Yellow  Mr.  Fulton  was  first  with  a  pair  of 
Yellows  bad  in  colour;  the  cock  very  coarse  in  every  point.  The 
hen'B  hood  was  completely  broken — scarcely  a  feather  left  in  the  hood*. 
The  same  gentleman  was  second  with  a  pair  of  Reds — coarse  ;  the  cock 
foul-flighted  and  very  long  in  feather,  anything  but  good  birds.  Both 
these  pairs  of  birds  had  been  well  greased  either  by  accident  or  design. 
In  the  class  for  Any  other  colour,  of  Mr.  Van  Haansbergen's  pair  of 
Blacks  the  hen  was  good ;  the  cock  was  very  coarse,  open-frilled,  no 
hood,  and  cut  very  low  tho  same  as  a  Bald  Mr.  Royds  should  have 
been  second  with  pen  2298,  a  good  pair  of  Blacks  well  matched.  Mr. 
Pereiyall  also  showed  a  good  pair  of  Whites,  with  pearl  eyes,  in  splen- 
did condition,  and  fnlly  deserving  a  high  commendation. 

Fast  ails. — In  Whites  Mr.  Ckoyce  was  second  with  a  pair  of  birds 
of  good  carriage,  the  tails  having  the  centre  feathers  broken,  which 
permitted  their  head  to  project  through  them.  This  was  a  good  class> 
numbering  twenty  pens. 

Trumpeters. — In  Mottled  Mr.  Horner  obtained  both  prizes.  The 
fust  -prize  pair  had  good  caps,  rose,  and  muffs,  with  no  mottle  on  the 
wing ;  had  it  not  been  for  a  few  spangles  on  the  head  they  would  have 
had  to  compete  in  the  "  Any  other  colour  "  class.  So  long  as  this 
class  is  for  "  Mottles,"  birds  ought  to  be  mottled,  or  be  disqualified. 
The  second-prize  pair  were  good,  with  the  exception  of  white  feathers 
in  their  flights.  Mr.  Firth's  highly  commended  pair  was  decidedly 
the  best  in  the  class,  though  deficient  in  colour. 

Owls,  English. — Mr.  Page  was  first  with  a  very  good  pair  of 
Whites,  the  same  birds  that  obtained  this  position  last  year.  Mr. 
Careless  was  second  with  a  pair  of  Silvers,  the  best  birds  in  this  class. 
Had  the  owner  done  a  little  "  weeding  "  he  would  have  obtained  the 
first  prize,  there  being  a  small  white  feather  on  the  face  not  larger 
than  a  pin's  head.  The  Judges  themselves  acknowledged  had  this 
been  drawn  the  position  of  the  birds  would  have  beon  reversed — en- 
couraging, this,  for  an  honest  exhibitor. 

Barbs. — At  a  future  show  it  will  be  admissible  to  class  Black  and 
Dun  together,  so  as  to  give  the  Yellows  and  Reds  a  chance,  as  the 
Duns  are  nearer  perfection  than  either  Yellow  or  Red. 

Blue  Dragoons. — The  whole  class  was  highly  commended  by  the 
Judges.  With  this  we  cannot  agree,  as  many  of  the  birds  were  coarse, 
far  too  coarse  to  be  admitted  as  Dragoons. 

Any  other  New  ok  Distinct  Variety. — Mr.  Banks  was  first 
with  a  pair  of  birds  recently  imported  into  England  by  the  Secretary 
of  tho  Birmingham  Columhariau  Society.  They  are  dark-headed, 
tufted,  and  well  frilled,  very  short  in  bill  and  head  ;  every  feather  is 
spaujded  on  their  body  ;  each  flight  feather  has  a  spot  of  white  on  the 
end  about  the  size  of  a  sixpence  ;  dark  tails,  with  spots  on  each  feather 
the  size  of  a  shilling,  and  grouse-moffed.  These  well  deserved  the 
award.  The  Rev.  A.  G.  Brooke  was  equal  first  with  a  pair  of  Nor- 
wegians ;  Mr.  Allsop  second  with  a  pair  of  Damascenes,  imported  at 
the  same  time  as  Mr.  Banks's.  These  were  a  good  and  well-matched 
pair  of  birds,  of  a  light  powdered  blue  colour,  with  distinct  black  bars, 
short  in  bill,  and  round-headed,  the  lash  round  the  eye  of  a  deep  bint 
colour.  Mr.  Paget  was  equal  second  with  a  pair  of  Seandaroous,  a 
variety  of  bird  that  possesses  no  particular  merit,  being  large  and 
coarse.  Mr.  Paget  also  obtained  both  third  prizes  with  a  good  pair  of 
Satinettes  and  a  pair  of  Bluettcs.  These  are  good,  and  deserve  a 
higher  place.  They  are  a  blue-sided  bird  with  a  pink  bar,  every 
feather  of  which  is  edged  with  black,  a  blue  tail  with  spots  the  sanio 


Decembers,  1370.  J 


JOURNAL   OF    HORTICULTURE    AND    COTTAGE    GARDENER. 


-1G3 


as  iu  the  Satinette,  tlie  remainder  of  the  body  white  ;  a  good  frillj 
ami  grouse-muffed.  If  this  bird  could  be  bred  as  short  iu  bill  and  as 
round  in  head  as  tho  Satinette,  nothing  conld  surpass  it.  Swifts  were 
c  tm  mended.  Mr.  Watts  and  Mr.  Banks  al^o  showed  birds  that 
vi  re  worthy  of  a  prize,  and  were  imported  with  tho  aforename  I 
ies;   they  were  good  iu  feather  aud  pencilling,  aud  will  be  heard 


■of  at  a  future  day.     Thia  was 
numbering  twenty-three  pens, 


a  remarkably  good  and  strong  class, 


BRECON    SHOW. 

Will  yon  allow  me  to  ask  through  jour  columns  if  any  of 
Hi-  prizes  awarded  at  Ike  Brecon  Show,  on  September  21st  aud 
S3  iii,  hive  been  paid?  I  have  not  received  the  sum  to  which  I 
am  entitled,  and  on  writing  to  the  Secretary  got  no  reply. — 
A  Constant  Reader. 

[Give  the  Secretary  notice  that  if  payment  be  not  mide  by  a 
day  you  name,  you  will  sue  him  in  the  County  Court. — Eds.] 

BALE-HEADS  AMD  BEARDS. 
I  THINK  it  is  biyh  time  my  cooing  should  be  heard,  for  I 
lex  1  am  a  neglected  bird,  and  have  quite  as  much  light 
to  be  seen  and  admired  at  shows  as  other  Short-faced  Tumblers. 
Nine  out  of  ten  prize  lists  do  not  contain  a  clat  3  for  me.  I  think 
tho  number  of  entries  at  the  Palace  Show  affords  a  clear  proof 
that  a  separata  class  for  Brldheads  and  B.ards  will  pay. — An 
Old  Beard. 

FOUL  BROOD. 
Auout  this  lime  last  year  I  sent  you  nn  account  of  the 
successful  introduction  of  six  Liguriau  queens  into  lis  many 
stocks  of  black  bees  (in  Ireland),  and  looked  forward  to  being 
:,Ue  to  rep  irt  a  favourable  return  for  the  trouble  this  season. 
Sj  far  from  this,  however,  if  I  would  "  a  tale  unfold,"  it  mu-t 
be  one  of  unmitigated  disaster;  and  as  the  misfortanea  of  our 
ibours  will  generally  convey  a  lesson,  if  lightly  viewed,  I 
am  induced  to  send  you  the  following  account  of  my  apiarian 
troubles. 

It  may  be,  and  1  think  probably  is,  the  case,  that  some  of 
v  liue-koeping  readers  are  in  tho  same  unconscious  state  of 
blissful  ignorance  in  which  I  have  been  in  ;  aud  whilst  reading 
plenty  about  the  horribly  infectious  foul  brood,  aud  even  seeing 
their  stocks  dying  unaccountably  before  their  eyes,  never  for  an 
instant  suspect  that  they  have  the  contagion  in  full  force 
in  their  own  apiary.  As  my  experience  may  put  such  as  these 
on  their  guard,  and  lead  them  to  a  careful  examination  of  their 
Btooks,  or  may  somewhat  interest  your  more  fortunate  bee- 
keeping readers,  you  may,  perhaps,  think  it  worth  a  place  in 
your  columns. 

At  the  fall  of  the  season  of  1869  my  apiary  boasted  of  ten 
Btocks — viz.,  the  6ix  black  ones  with  Italian  queens  (mentioned 
mI,  ,vt),  two  pure  Ligurian  stocks,  and  two  hives  of  black  bees, 
queens  of  the  same  colour.  All  were  strong  with  good 
ttoies  of  honey,  and  although,  when  examining  the  six  stocks 
to  find  the  black  queens,  I  saw  through  all  patches  of  dead 
brood,  th^so  did  not  attract  any  special  attention.  I  made  all 
up  snug  for  the  winter,  well  satisfied  ai  the  state  of  my  colonies, 
and  with  blight  anticipations  of  a  fine  return  from  the  next 
honey  season. 

Maich  of  the  present  year  was  fine  and  mild,  and  the  bees 
began  to  eIiow  outside  early  ;  the  black  stocks  iu  the  smallest 
numbers,  the  pure  Italians  much  stronger,  and  the  liguiianised 
ores  sending  out  a  goodly  number,  among  which  a  large  pro- 
portion were  well  marked  Italians.  By  the  middle  of  April  a 
complete  examination  was  thought  advisable,  resulting,  much 
to  my  disgust,  in  the  discovery  that  the  two  black  stocks  were 
dead,  not  a  bee  being  found  alive  in  them,  but  there  were 
large  stores  of  honey;  most  of  the  other  hives  were  very  weak, 
while  a  few  were  tolerably  strong,  but  none  in  the  condition 
that  their  strength  in  the  fall  and  the  so  far  favourable  season 
would  have  led  one  to  anticipate.  At  last  the  dark  suspicion 
{oiced  itself  on  my  mind,  that  for  two  seasons  I  had  been 
nursing  the  dreaded  foul  brood,  and  by  every  possible  means 
spreading  it  through  my  apiary.  A  piece  of  brood  comb  sent 
to  Mr.  Woodbury  elicited  an  opinion  that  but  too  surely  con- 
firmed my  worst  fears,  which  all  the  valuable  information  in 
your  Journal  had  before  failed  to  arouse.  Mmy  ttings  before 
so  mysterious  were  made  at  once  clear,  and  the  cause  of  the 
devastating  iiiflacmces  which  had  in  1SG8  reduced  the  number  of 
etocks  from  eighteen  to  ten,  and  again  in  1869  still  further 
reduced  the  roll,  was  apparent. 
However,  I  resolved  on  trying  Dr.  Preuss's  system  of  cure, 


and  having  laid  in  a  stock  of  new  hives,  frames,  aud  bottom- 
boards,  with  a  supply  of  carbolic  acid  aud  lime,  I  set  to 
work  to  try  to  get  rid  of  the  plague  off-hand.  Eveiy  colony 
was  diseased,  so  going  through  them  all  I  changed  the  hives 
(loaking  them,  as  taken  away,  wiih  carbolic  acid),  cutting  out 
all  the  diseased  brood  I  could  find,  washing  each  frame  wilh 
carbolic  acid,  and  la\ing  down  lime  iu  front  of  the  stands.  In 
ten  days  I  had  to  repeat  these  operations,  the  stocks  being  as 
bad  as  if  I  had  done  nothing,  and  at  this  time  I  also  found  tao 
of  the  hives  queenless,  and  so  weak  that  I  had  to  join  them  to 
two  others  in  order  to  save  the  remaining  bees.  Ten  days 
later  being  in  no  better  condition,  and  finding  the  season 
slipping  over  without  any  result  being  obtained,  I  decided  to 
resort  to  the  more  vigorous  measures  recommended  by  Mr. 
Woodbury ;  and  fresh  hives,  &i.,  being  again  procured,  I 
brushed  all  the  bees  into  them,  and  left  them  to  begin  the 
world  again.* 

An  inspection  in  another  fortnight  showed  me  that  once 
more  the  plague  was  doing  its  work,  and  two  more  of  the  stocks 
were  queenless.  This  left  me  but  four  stocks,  as  the  last  two 
I  also  added  to  others. 

Finding  now  tho  powerful  enemy  I  bad  to  contend  against, 
I  gave  up  almost  all  hope  of  saving  any  of  my  stocks,  and 
turned  my  thoughts  to  the  preservation  of  the  Ligu  iin  queens. 
Two  black  stocks  were  therefore  purchased  in  old-fashioned 
straw  hives,  and  placed  in  positiou  about  two  miies  from  my 
original  apiary,  and  having  driven  them  I  fixed  tho  combs  iu 
frame  hives,  and  transferred  the  btes  into  them.  A  few  days 
afterwards  I  took  the  black  queens  out  of  these  hives,  and  in- 
troduced the  Ligurian  queens  from  two  of  my  original,  and 
now  diseased  stocks,  leaving  them  to  raise  new  queens,  which 
they  soon  did.  By  constant  examination,  and  cutting  out  every 
foul  cell  as  it  appeared,  I  was  able  to  strengthen  the  four  in- 
fected colonies,  hut  not  to  get  tid  of  the  disease.  At  the  end 
of  September  I  obtaiued  two  more  stocks  in  straw  hives,  and 
doing  tho  same  as  before  with  the  combs  and  bees,  I  exchanged 
their  queens  for  the  two  raided  in  the  L'gurian  hives. 

I  was  now  in  possession  of  four  Ligurian  stocks  in  good 
health,  and  four  diseased  ones ;  of  these  I  have  since  moved 
two  to  another  part  of  the  country,  and  having  purchased  a 
quantity  of  honey  in  the  comb,  have  fitted  up  new  frame 
hives  with  it,  and  transferred  the  bees  into  the  hives  so  fur- 
nished. The  one  longest  (Tone  is  now  working  well  as  far  as 
the  weather  permits,  and  when  last  examined  seemed  free  from 
disease. 

The  other  i3  only  recently  done,  so  I  cannot  say  how  it  will  turn 
out,  but  if  it  succeed  we  purpose  doing  tho  Bame  with  the  re- 
maining two  infected  hives,  and  so  leaving  the  original  apiarian 
1  site  without  a  stock,  so  to  continue  for  some  time.  Tbis  is,  I 
believe,  the  next  best  thing  to  burning  the  diseased  stocks  and 
all  belonging  to  them  in  the  first  instance,  which  is,  after  al\ 
I  am  convinced,  the  cheapest  thing  to  do  wherever  this  disease 
gains  any  way  in  an  apiary.  Had  we  done  bo  when  we  became 
aware  of  its  existence  in  our  stocks,  we  should  have  been  saved 
an  immensity  of  care  and  anxiety,  and  would  be  now  fully  as 
well  elf  as  we  are. 

I  think  you  will  admit  that  few  apiarians  would  take  any- 
like  the  same  trouble  that  I  have  done  (nor  indeed  would 
I  advise  them  to  do  so,  when  tho  disease  ha3  obtained  full 
possession  of  most  of  the  stocks,  as  in  my  case),  jet  you  see 
that  all  the  results  I  have  to  show  are  two  stocks  saved  (if 
saved  at  ali)  at  the  very  end  of  the  season,  and  at  the  expense 
of  an  entire  new  outfit  and  fresh  combs  of  honey. — Hibernian 
Bee. 


*  You  appear  to  bave  omitted  the  three  or  four  days  "  pcioil  discipline 
and  inanition,"  in  an  inttrniediiite  hive  whieh  i<  a  most  essential  loaturo 
in  the  only  mode  of  treatment  which  I  found  at  all  errioacious  in  curing 
foul  brood.— A  Devonshike  Bee-keeper. 


OUR  LETTER  BOX. 

Fowls  Dying— Feeding  (E.  P.)-— The  purple  comb,  loss  of  appetite, 
moping.  Hint  then  dying,  indicate  poison,  and  where  th'ity  die  off  we 
should  be  disposed  to  attribute  tho  destruction  to  that  cause.  Your  feed- 
ing is  very  bad;  it  is  goo-i  enough  to  keep  your  fowls  alive,  but  not  in 
good  condition.  The  only  good  food  you  give  is  the  crushed  barley,  and 
you  qualify  that  with  bran.  Give  at  daybreak  a  fetd  of  barleyrneal  or  of 
ground  oats  slaked,  Give  table  and  house  scraps  and  whole  corn  at  mid- 
day, meal  again  in  the  evening.  Eschew  Potatoes,  Indian  corn,  aud  bran. 
If  you  have  another  fowl  attacked  give  immediately  three  pills  of  cam- 
phor each  the  size  of  a  pea,  and  about  a  table-spoonful  of  brandy  and 
waier,  half  and  half.  YVe  have  known  this  very  successful  iu  restoriLg 
circulation,  aud  shall  be  glad  to  hear  the  result  in  your  case. 

H£S3  Going  to  the  Nest,  but  no  Eggs   (Ei/gh:.<s).— There  is  mis- 


46i 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  December  8,  1870. 


management  somewhere.  We  believe  your  fowls  laid  and  ate  their  eggs. 
The  Brahraas  are  Dot  only  good  layers,  but  they  are  useful  fowls  in  every 
way.  Fourths  flour  and  bran,  and' Indian  meal,  are  all  bad  food.  Feed 
as  we  have  advised  *'E.  P."  above.  Wat;h  your  fowls,  or  let  them  bo 
watched  when  they  go  to  nest,  and  do  not  give  them  the  opportunity  of 
eating  the  eggs  they  have  laid.  If  they  continue  to  lay  soft  eggs  it  is 
because  their  secretions  are  at  fault,  and  we  attribute  it  principally  to 
their  food.  We  bavo  no  doubt  more  attention  to  that  point  will  remove 
all  cause  for  complaint, 

Cochin-Chinas  (J.  II.).—  Your  first  case  is  not  a  disqualification,  but  it 
is  a  disadvantage.    In  the  second  case  we  should  send  the  finer  bird. 

Dark-coloured  Dorkings  (iff,  B.  D  ).— There  is  so  much  difficulty  in 
breeding  the  Silver-Grey  Dorkings,  that  we  advise  you  to  adopt  (he  "  Dark 
Dorking."  You  ■will  occasionally  breed  Silver-Greys  from  Dark,  and  Dark 
from  Silver-Greys  From  the  mixture  of  colour  you  mention  you  will 
breed  handsome  birds  rartakiDg  of  the  feather  of  both  parents,  but  tbe 
probability  is  yon  will  not  breed  either  pure.  You  will  not  injure  your 
dark  biro's  by  mixing  them  with  light,  but  you  would  spoil  your  light  by 
mixing  with  dark.  As  you  say  your  fowls  are  for  family  uses,  wo  advise 
you  to  breed  perfectly  pure  Dorkings  without  troubling  yourself  about 
colour.  The  only  work  entirely  devoted  to  Dorkings  was  one  published 
some  years  ago  by  Baily,  and  called  "  The  Dorking  Fowl."  It  is  now 
only  to  be  had  bound  up  with  the  rest  of  his  work  on  poultry. 

Chickens  not  Tkue  in  Colour  (E.  D.I.— You  mu«t  choose  your 
Brahma  breeders  next  year  without  a  suspicion  of  brown.  The  chestnut 
patch  on  tho  wing  of  tho  cock  is  often  seen,  but  it  is  not  desirable.  We 
donot  think  the  Light  Brahtnas  breed  more  truly  thau  tho  Dark.  Both 
are  subject  to  tho  difficulties  and  disappointments  that  belong  to  all 
breeding  to  feather.  The  best  of  every  breed  are  the  scarcest  and  the 
most  difficult  to  breed.  Your  buff  shade  is  a  disappointment  to  you,  and 
a  disadvantage  at  a  show.     It  is  not  a  disqualification. 

Rue  as  a  Medicine  {Berkhampstcad). — Rue  is  a  very  old-fishioned 
poultry  medicine.  It  is  given  chopped  line  and  mixed  with  butter. 
Embryo  eggs  can  always  be  found  in  a  hen  from  the  time  she  begins  to 
lay  till  she  is  past  it.  When  in  full  laying  they  ara  more  developed,  and 
Ehow  tbe  order  in  which  they  will  be  laid. 

Exhibiting  Bbahhas  [Novice). — It  is  not  usual  to  wash  tho  feathers  on 
the  leg  of  a  Brahma  cock,  but  there  is  no  difficulty  in  doing  it.  Take 
some  warm  water,  and  for  whito  feathers  some  soap,  rub  the  dirty  feathers 
with  a  piece  of  11  .unci  and  dry  before  a  fire  or  in  a  basket  of  clean  soft 
straw.  As  only  the  outer  and  exposed  part  of  the  feather  is  dirty,  you 
must  be  careful  to  wet  only  that  part,  and  tho  cleansing  must,  bo  done  by 
wiping  the  feather  down.  If  the  plumage  be  rumpled  and  wetted  you 
will  have  done  harm  rather  than  good.  If  the  Birmingham  prize  was 
unnoticed  at  a  small  show,  either  the  bird  had  lost  condition  or  the 
judges  were  at  fault. 

Brahmas  (IT.  C), — Your  Dark  B'-abma  weighs  weU  (9}  lbs.  at  seven 
months  old),  and  may  be  exhibited  with  good  hope  of  success.  Your 
Light  Brahma  with  a  single  comb  is  worthless  to  breed  from,  as  he  would 
be  sure  to  disappoint  you.  So  far  from  breeding  froui  a  party-feathered 
cock  to  improve  any  black  breed,  tho  difficulty  is  to  breed  cocks  without 
foul  feathers.  Buy  a  cock  and  two  or  three  hens  of  the  best  you  can  get, 
and  cross  them  with  your  owu.  A  Spanish  bird  often  helps,  but  it  re- 
quires a  good  deal  of  troublesome  breeding-out. 

Black  Red  Game  Fowls  (Subscriber,  Ireland). — Wherever  all  tho 
points  of  a  breed  are  required  we,  with  all  good  feeling,  advise  our  readers 
to  bxy  one  of  the  many  books  published  on  the  subject.  Our  limits  will 
not  permit  us  to  reprint.  Ono  essential  in  a  Black  Reel  Game  cock  is  a 
thoroughly  block  tail  and  breast— any  white  is  a  defect.  The  hens  should 
be  brown  all  over;  they  may  have  wheaten  breasts,  and  must  have 
yellow  striped  hackles.  All  breeding  in-and-in  is  in  our  opinion  injurious. 
We  prefer  breeding  from  bens  with  young  cocks  to  young  hens  or  pullets 
with  an  older  mate.  The  Cambridge  Turkey  should  be  spangled  all  over. 
The  cocks  may  be  kept  three  seasons,  and  one  bird  will  be  enough  for 
twenty,  thirty,  or  more  hens.  It  is  usual  to  run  three  Geese  with  a 
Sander.  Embden  Geese  are  average  breeders,  but  not  so  prolific  as  the 
Toulouse. 

Feeding  to  Increase  Weight  (G.  M.).~ Your  food  is  not  good  enough 
for  hens  to  attain  top  weights  at  this  season  of  the  year.  In  your  morning 
feed  potato  parings  and  hoi!  id  rice  are  bad.  In  your  afternoon  feed  you 
will  get  none  tbnt  will  do  well  on  bran  and  barleymeal  mixed.  Bran  is 
abhorred  by  fowls.  They  do  not  masticate,  they  are  obliged  to  pwallow 
it  whole  ;  it  tickles  and  induces  thirst,  and  they  drink  too  much.  Givo 
your  birds  the  kitchen  scraps  less  the  Potato  parings  and  the  rice.  Let 
them  have  them  mix-d  with  barleymeal.  At  midday  give  them  whole 
barley,  andmnzeon  altercate  days.  lu  the  evening  feed  as  in  the  morn- 
ing. If  there  bo  not  enough  of  the  kitchen  scraps  to  make  two  entire 
meals,  divide  the  quantity  finally.  Jt  is  of  no  use  to  give  oats  to  fowls. 
Ground  oats  are  tho  best  food,  and  barleymeal  the  next  best. 

Biuhma  Cockered  Losing  nis  Feathers  [T.  A.  D.).— Your  bird  is 
heated,  but  if  all  your  birds  are  fed  alike,  and  this  only  loses  its  feathers, 
it  cannot  be  the  result  of  their  food.  Tho  skin  is  so  heated  that  the 
feathers  are  not  fed,  and  the  root  itches  ;  this  causes  tho  bird  to  pull  them 
out.  Tbe  cure  is  to  purge  freely  with  castor  oil— a  table-spoonful  every 
day,  to  give  lettuce  freely,  and  to  follow  up  with  BaUy'fl  pills.  You  must 
catch  the  bird,  and  keep  him  separate  till  he  bo  cured,  and  it  will  not  be 
long. 

Poultry  Feeder  (A  Fancier).— The  feeder  you  mention  is  called  a 
"hopper."  Th.9  bird  jumps  on  a  treadle,  which,  falling  with  the  weight 
of  tbe  bird,  opens  the  box  that  contains  tbe  food.  It  is  made  by  Baily 
and  Son,  Mount  Street,  and  is  very  durable  and  inexpensive.  We  do  n."t 
think  such  feeders  goad  for  poultry,  as  the  correct  theory  is  that  fowls 
should  not  eat  corn  a  mouthful  at  a  time,  but  pick  it  up  grain  by  grain, 
with  blades  of  gr  -  -  ,  clover  leaves,  small  stones,  and  many  other  things 
good  for  health,  and  necessary  for  digestion.  The  plan  we  adopt  is  to 
givo  Indian  corn,  which  is  too  large  for  small  birds.  We  have  many,  but 
not  enough  for  a  nuisance,  till  the  bard  weather  sets  in. 

Pullets  and  Cockerel  (,l  Subscriber).— If  you  only  need  eggs,  the 
.cockerel  need  not  be  kept. 

Carrieh's  Head  (T.  Q.)  —The head  of  a  prize  Carrier  Pigeon  must  be 
long,  narrow,  and  flat  at  tho  top,  having  a  slight  depression  in  thy  centre 
Length,  narrowness,  and  flatness,  are  the  great  points  in  the  head ;  if  it 
bo  round,  it  is  called  barrel-headed,  which  is  a  great  fault.    Length  of 


skull  and  beak  should  be,  in  a  cock,  2|  inches,  in  a  hen  2£  inches.  The 
width  of  the  skull  should  not  exceed  half  an  inch,  measured  at  tbe  back 
of  the  head  behind  the  eye-wattte. 

Dressing  Rabbit  SKiiss.—WcUwishcr  has  sent  us  tho  following  in 
answer  to  a  query  from  another  correspondent—"  Rabbits'  skins  may  bo 
cured  so  as  to  remain  soft  and  pliable,  by  the  following  method  : — Soak 
them  for  a  short  time  in  water,  and  then,  if  they  require  it,  thin  them  on 
the  inside  by  scraping.  Then  place  them  for  three  or  four  days  in  a  bath 
made  by  mixing  2  lbs.  of  bran  in  ono  gallon  of  water.  Next  a  paste  made 
with  1  lb.  of  alum,  and  3  ozs.  «f  eornmou  salt,  moistened  wilh  water  and 
worked  together,  is  spread  ou  tho  insido  of  the  skin  and  left  for  about 
eighteen  hours.  Then  hang  up  the  skins  to  dry,  with  tho  fleece  or  hair 
outermost,  and,  if  possible,  in  the  sun.  After  this  smooth  tho  insida  with 
pumice-stone,  then  switch  or  brush  the  outside." 

Centrifugal  Honet-extractikg  Machine.— "Ha vo  auy  of  your 
readers  tried  the  above-named  machine  ?  If  so,  with  what  result  ?  Is  it 
easy  to  mike  from  the  directions  given  in  'our  Journal?'  and  is  it 
efficient?"— J.  R.  J. 

Perry.— "A.  B."  wishes  to  know  how  to  manage  perry  s.)  that  it  wil 
be  sparkling  in  the  bottles. 


METflOROLOGICAL  OBSERVATIONS 
In  tbe  Suburbs  of  London  for  the  woek  ending  December  6th. 


BAROMETER. 

THEIWIOMETEF 

Wind. 

Date. 

A 

r. 

Earth. 

Rain 

Max. 

Mia. 

Max. 

Min. 

1  ft. 

J  ft. 

Wed.  ..  SO 

30.402 

30.028 

45 

21 

43 

43 

E. 

.0) 

Thnrs. .     1 

30.495 

30  432 

43 

24 

43 

42 

E. 

.00 

Prl....     2 

30507 

30.372 

38 

21 

43 

42 

N. 

.00 

Sat.  ...     S 

30.232 

30.0158 

43 

29 

41 

41 

N. 

.M 

Sun.  .  .     4 

80.348 

3  '.192 

38 

15 

42 

41 

E. 

.00 

Mon.  .  .    5 

30.200 

29  98S 

83 

80 

40 

40 

N. 

•44 

Tues....    6 

20  800 

29.744 

39 

S3 

42 

4J 

N.W. 

.16 

M-vul.. 

30.283 

83.119 

40.29 

24  57 

42.00 

41.01  j        .. 

0.60 

3).— Clear  and  fine;  dousely  overcast ;  cloudy  and  cold. 
1. — Fiae  and  frosty ;  overcast;  cold  wind,  overcast. 
'2. —  Densely  overcast ;  overcast;  fine,  frosty  air. 
8  — Sharp  frost ;  ovorcast,  slight  rain  ;  densely  overcast. 
4. — Clear  and  frosty;  cloudy  and  cold  ;  fiue,  frosty, 
fi. — Sharp  frost ;  densely  overcast ;  overcast. 
6. — Drizzling  rain  ;  rain;  heavy  rain. 


COVENT  GARDEN  MARKET.— DECEjrBEtt  7. 
The  mirkets  generally  are  supplied  in  excess  of  the  demand,  and  many 
stands  remain  uncleared  at  lower  prices,  any  improvement  upon  which 
must  not  be  expected  for  a  week  or  two.  The  pist  season  afforded  an 
abundant  crop,  and  the  imports  of  fruit  continue  heavy,  and  good  prices 
can  onlv  he  obtained  for  choice  parcels.  The  Potato  trade  is  somewhat 
better,  choice  Regents  bringing  70s.  to  81*.  per  ton. 

FRUIT. 


s.  d.  s.  d 

Apples jsieve  1  0  to  2  0 

Apricots doz.  0  0  0  0 

Cherries ...  lb.  0  0  0  0 

Chestnuts bushel  10  0  IS  0 

Currants Jsieve  0  0  0  0 

Black do.  *  0      0  0 

Fics doz.  0  0  0  0 

Filberts lb.  0  0  2  0 

Cobs lb.  2  0  2  6 

Gooseberries quart  0  0  0  0 

G-rapes.Hothoase....  lb.  2  0  6  0 

Lemons ^100  G  0  10  0 

Maluus — each  10  I  0 


s.  d.  s. 

Mulberries lb.  0   0  to  o 

Nectarines doz.  0    0  0 

Oranges \*  100  <>    0  I1 

Peaches  doz.  0    0  0 

Pears, kitchen doz.  10  2 

dossert doz.  1 


Pine  Apples  . 


Plains j  sieve 

Quinces  doz. 


.  lb.    3    0 


Ri3Dberriog  . 
Strawberries 


,  lb.    0 
.lb.    0 


Walnuts bushel  10    t) 

do vlOO    1    0 


0  0 

0  0 

0  0 

lii  a 

2  0 


VSOETACLEg. 


Artichokes    doz. 

Asparagus "**  100 

Beans,  Kidney  ....  V  100 

Broad bushel 

Beet,  Red doz. 

Broccoli    bundle 

Brussels  Sprouts. . i  sieve 

Cabbage doz. 

Capsicums  1*100 

Carrots bnneh 

Cauliflower doz. 

Celery bundle 

Coleworts..doz.  bunches 
Cucumbers  each 

pickling  ioz. 

Endive doz. 

Fennel buuch 

Garlic lb. 

Hftrbs bunch 

Horseradish    ....  bundle 


Leeks bunch 

Lettuce  doz. 

Mushrooms  - pottle 

Mustard  &  Cress .  .punnet 
Onions  bushel 

pickling quart 

Parsley sieve 

Parsnips doz. 

Peas quart 

Potatoes bushel 

Kidney do.    S 

Radishes  ..  doz. bunches    0 

Rhubarb bundle    0 

Savovs.  doz.    1 

Sea-kale basket    3 

Shallots lb.    0 

Spinach bushel    2 

Tomatoes doz.    3 

Turnips  bunch    0 

I  V0KetableMarrows..dO3.    0 


d.      f 
0    4  to 
9 


POULTRY  MARKET.— December  7. 

Tfig  cold  weather  and  the  approach  of  Christmas  have  somewhat  im- 
proved the  tone  of  the  niirket  in  all  but  Game. 

p.  d.     s.  d. 

Pigeons  ....: o  ii  to  o  m 

Rabbits I  A        I  C> 

Wild  ditto 0  9       0  10 

Hares 2  li        S  0 

Partridges     i  4        1  9 

Grouse    2  0        2  G 


8. 

....     3 

o 

1 

d.      a. 

o  to  a 

0       2 
9       2 
9       2 
0        7 
9       2 

a 

3 
6 

,     1 

0 

0 

December  15,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL   OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


4G3 


WEEKLY 

CALENDAR. 

Day 

Day 

of 
Week. 

Average  Tempera-     R?ia ,in 

Moon 

Moon 

Moon's 

Clock 
after 
Sun. 

Day 

of 

Year. 

of 
Month 

DECEMBER  15—21,  1870. 

tore  near  London.    48  j'^ 

Rises. 

Seta. 

Rises. 

Sets. 

Age. 

Day. 

Nixht. 

Mean. 

Days. 

m.      h.  '  m.      h.     m.      h. 

m.     h. 

Days. 

m.     s. 

15 

Tn 

Meeting  of  Linnean  Society,  8  P.M. 

47.0 

S8.6 

40.3 

19 

1  af8  ,  49  af  8 

43,if  11 

88  af  0 

< 

4    89 

S49 

16 

F 

ridge  Michaelmas  Term  ends. 

40.5 

32.0 

89.7 

15 

2      8      49      8 

morn. 

54      0 

23 

4      9 

350 

17 

B 

Oxford  Michaelmas  Term  ends. 

45.9 

34.0 

89.9 

29 

8      8     49      8 

0      1 

14      1 

21 

3    40 

351 

18 

Sun      4  Sunday  in  Advrnt. 

45.8 

S3.7 

39.7 

20 

4      8      5J      8 

22       2 

S7       1 

25 

3    10 

352 

19 

45.4 

32.5 

39.5 

16 

5      8     50      3 

4S      3 

1      2 

26 

2    41 

353 

20 

Tu 

441 

83.6 

88.9 

IS 

5      8  i  50      8 

10       5 

31      2 

27 

2    11 

354 

21 

W 

Shortest  Day. 

44.1 

S4.0 

39.0 

17 

6      8  1  51      8      35      6 

10      8 

28 

1    41 

355 

From  observations  taken  near  London  during  tho  last  forty-three  years,  the  average  day  temperature  of  the  week 

is  55.4*, 

and  its  night 

temperature  3y..V.     The  greatest  heat  was  5U3,  on  the  15th,   1868;  and  the  lowest 

oold  7  ,  oa  tho  16th,  1853.     Tho  greatest  fall  ol  rain  was 

0.87  inch. 

THE  EVERGREEN   OAK. 

*  INCE  the  rage  for  Pimises  has  set  in  with  so 
much  ardour,  it  is  to  be  feared  that  inany  of 
our  choice  evergreens  have  been  neglected, 
and  orders  sent  to  nurserymen  for  Phillyreas, 
Alaternua,  Arbutus,  and  the  like  are  so  limited  j 
that  it  is  not  unlikely  some  of  these  trees  and 
shrubs  will  by-and-bj'  be  regarded  as  rare. 
There  is  also  another  tree  deserving  to  be 
more  frequently  planted  than  it  is,  and  that 
is  the  Evergreen  Oak  ;  for  although  old  gar- 
dens and  grounds  present  us  with  many  line  examples  of 
this  tree,  it  is  seldom  met  with  iu  a  young  state.  It  seems 
to  have  somehow  lost  favour  with  tho  working  gardener, 
for  it  sheds  its  leaves  at  a  time  when  the  garden  is  ex- 
pected to  put  on  its  best  garb,  and  a  tree  of  this  kind  on 
the  lawn  causes  a  continual  sweeping-up  of  leaves  for 
about  two  months  of  the  busiest  part  of  summer.  Another 
cause  of  disfavour  is  tho  small  number  of  subjects  that 
promise  to  become  well-shaped  trees,  most  of  them  taking 
the  shrub  or  bush  form.  The  latter  evil  is  a  difficult  one 
to  prevent,  for  it  occurs  in  plants  raised  from  seed  as  well 
as  in  those  from  cuttings  and  layers.  To  these  drawbacks 
another  important  one  may  be  added— the  Evergreen  Oak 
transplants  badly,  being  in  this  respect,  perhaps,  the  very 
worst  tree  we  have  to  deal  with.  These  united  evils  no 
doubt  exercise  their  influence  on  planters,  and  lessen  the 
number  of  trees  planted.  On  the  other  hand,  the  fine 
examples  occasionally  met  with  excite  a  feeling  of  another 
kind,  and  the  wish  is  expressed  to  have  as  fine  a  specimen 
as  that  which  has  been  seen. 

In  reference,  therefore,  to  the  planting  of  this  tree,  I 
believe  the  most  successful  results  have  been  accomplished 
by  planting  in  May,  and  even  at  the  end  of  that  month, 
but  I  only  give  this  advice  on  the  authority  of  a  friend,  as 
I  have  not  personally  transplanted  at  that  time.  Young 
trees  are  also  recommended.  If  the  weather  is  dry  and 
bright,  some  shading  is  desirable  for  a  few  days,  and  a 
shower  of  rain  will  work  wonders  ;  by  the  end  of  summer 
the  tree  will  have  assumed  its  proper  costume,  and  all 
will  go  on  well.  If  I  had  a  plantation  of  this  tree  to  make 
in  the  autumn,  I  would  be  disposed  to  adopt  the  most 
primitive  mode  of  all,  and  that  would  be  to  put  in  the 
acorn  where  the  tree  was  to  grow,  and  if  the  soil  and 
subsoil  were  all  right,  I  would  leave  the  rest  in  a  great 
measure  to  Nature. 

I  must  here  state  what  I  have  already  said  in  other 
places — that  I  am  no  enemy  to  tap  roots  of  any  kind, 
excepting  as  regards  some  fruit  trees,  and  I  am  not  sure 
they  are  injurious  to  the  latter  ;  but  with  respect  to  all 
deciduous  forest  trees,  Tinuses,  shrubs,  and  the  like,  I 
have  first  to  learn  the  harm  such  roots  do  ere  I  condemn 
them.  On  the  other  hand,  there  can  be  no  question  of 
their  utility,  or  Nature  would  not  furnish  them  ;  they  give 
the  tree  a  sort  of  anchorage  in  the  ground,  so  necessary 
for  resisting  the  winds,  and  we  may  rest  pretty  well  assured 
that  tap  roots  are  only  formed  on  such  trees  as  want  them. 
We  must  consequently  act  directly  at  variance  with 
Ko.  507.— Vol  XIX..  New  Semes. 


Nature's  laws  if  we  remove  roots  so  necessary  to  the  tree 
or  shrub :  theraiore,  by  sowing  the  seed  where  the  plant 
has  to  grow,  every  facility  is  given  to  its  roots  extending 
in  any  direction  which  may  be  most  beneficial.  I  have  a 
shrewd  guess  that  iu  half  a  dozen  years  a  plant  so  reared 
will  be  larger  than  one  transplanted  at  the  same  tune  as- 
the  seed  was  sown,  providing  fair  treatment  be  accorded 
in  both  cases,  and  the  healthy  vigorous  appearance  of  the 
young  seedling  would  be  much  in  its  favour ;  and  possibly 
some  interest  might  attach  to  it  by  some  juvenile  member 
of  the  family  putting  the  seed  in  the  ground,  and  in  after 
life  being  able  to  point  out  a  large  fine  tree  that  he  remem- 
bered sowing.  The  Evergreen  Oak  aifords  as  good  a 
memento  as  anything,  and  from  the  appearance  of  old 
specimens,  seems  likely  to  retain  its  vitality  for  a  much 
longer  period  than  many  Pinuses. 

Having  in  some  degree  described  the  mode  by  whirl: 
ill  success  in  planting  may  be  easily  prevented,  for  seed 
is  plentiful  enough,  I  will  next  take  in  hand  the  more 
difficult  problem  of  inducing  shrnb-looking  plants  to  be- 
come trees.  Here,  it  must  be  confessed,  a  great  departure 
from  Nature  must  be  made,  and  the  knife  and  stake  put 
in  requisition,  but  they  may  be  used  with  better  hopes  of 
success  on  this  tree  than  on  many  others,  for  I  do  not 
know  of  any  thing  deciduous  or  evergreen  that  bears  a 
severe  pruning  with  less  injury  than  the  Evergreen  Oak  : 
even  trees  of  large  size  may  be  half-cut  away  without 
injury  when  it  is  necessary  to  improve  then-  shape,  and 
they  speedily  feather  out  and  recover  a  furnished  appear- 
ance on  the  side  which  has  been  cut.  Trees  of  30  feet 
high,  or  more,  and  provided  with  three  or  four  leaders,  may 
have  them  reduced  to  one  with  a  good  prospect  of  that 
doing  well ;  and  whatever  beauty  there  may  be  in  a  fine 
spreading  head,  there  is  more  when  that  head  emanates 
from  a  bole  of  some  length.  In  all  cases,  therefore,  I 
would  advise  a  certain  amount  of  clear  stem  if  it  can  be 
had,  and  in  most  instances  this  can  be  secured  by  timely 
and  judicious  pruning  ;  or  should  this  happen  to  have 
been  neglected  till  late,  even  then,  as  stated  above,  the 
tree,  if  healthy,  will  endure  it  with  less  injury  than  most 
others  of  a  like  kind. 

Fine  specimens  of  Evergreen  Oaks  are  often  met  with. 
Witness  the  fine  trees  about  Fulham.  One  in  the  nursery 
of  the  Messrs.  Osborn,  where  there  are  also  several 
remarkable  trees,  is  very  fine,  as  are  also  some  others  in 
the  same  neighbourhood ;  while  one  of  the  finest  I  ever 
saw  was  in  the  grounds  of  Yotes  Court,  the  seat  of  Lord 
Torrington,  in  Kent.  This  tree,  however,  scarcely  showed 
any  stem,  but  had  a  fine  spreading  head  of  upwards  of 
80  feet  in  diameter,  exhibiting  foliage  of  the  deepest  green. 
Differing  from  this  in  everything  excepting  vigorous  health 
was  one  I  met  with  not  many  days  ago  iu  the  grounds  at 
Barham  Court,  a  fine  old  place,  where  there  are  other 
remarkable  trees,  including  many  of  recent  introduction, 
the  present  proprietor,  R.  Leigh,  Esq.,  having  directed 
much  attention  to  them.  The"  Oak  referred  to  is  more 
upright  than  usual,  there  being  a  clear  bole  of  10  or  12  feet 
without  a  branch,  and  the  girth  of  this  bole  at  about 
5  feet  from  the  ground,  where  the  stem  is  as  smooth 

No.  1159.-YOL.  SLIV.,  Old  Series 


ue 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  December  15,  1370. 


almost  as  a  sbip-mast,  is  10  feet.  The  height  I  could  not 
ascertain,  but  it  equalled  that  of  some  neighbouring  Limes  and 
other  trees,  and,  standing  in  front  of  them,  the  fine  green 
foliage  offered  a  strong  contrast  to  the  autumn  tints  these 
trees  had  assumed. 

While  on  this  subject  I  may  mention  that  at  the  same  place, 
.Mr.  Ewing,  the  able  gardener,  pointed  out  to  me  a  Willow- 
leaved  Oak  of  the  deciduous  kind  that  seemed  to  be  growing 
as  quickly  as  the  common  one  generally  does.  I  did  not  as- 
certain how  long  it  had  been  planted,  but  its  fine  straight  stem 
surmounted  by  a  vigorous  head,  having  a  sort  of  elliptical 
outline,  indicated  that  at  a  period  not  long  distant  it  would  be 
a  fine  tree.  As  it  was,  the  girth  of  the  bole  at  about  5  feet  from 
the  ground  was  5  feet  8  inches— a  good  size  for  a  tree  that,  I 
believe,  has  not  been  so  very  long  known  to  cultivators.  The 
soil,  I  may  add,  was  good,  overlying  the  Kentish  rag  and  its 
accompaniments— a  soil  in  general  favourable  to  the  growth  of 
trees  of  most  kinds,  and  shrubs  also,  the  Rhododendron  and  its 
congeners  alone  excepted. — J.  Robson. 


GOOD  AND  BAD   STOKING. 

It  is  curious,  but  none  the  less  true,  that  the  influence  of 
lire  stoker  on  the  economy  of  fuel  is  systematically  neglected 
by  engineers.  In  estimating  the  relative  merits  of  different 
engines,  it  is  always  assumed  that  the  fuel  is  burned  under 
conditions  with  which  the  men  who  supply  coal  to  ihe  furnaces 
have  nothing  whatever  to  do — in  short,  that  any  man  who  can 
throw  coals  on  a  fire  and  keep  his  bars  clean  must  be  as  good 
as  any  other  man  who  can  do,  apparently,  the  same  thiDg, 
and,  apparently,  nothing  more.  But  it  is  certain  that  this 
conclusion  is  totally  erroneous.  The  steam  engino  has  been 
so  far  improved  that  it  is  only  by  the  utmost  refinement  of 
skill  that  small  economies  can  be  effected  in  the  consumption 
of  fuel ;  and  the  brains  of  the  best  men  of  the  day  are  taxed  to 
the  utmost  to  design  these  refinements,  and  apply  them  pro- 
perly to  their  intended  purpose.  But  all  the  while  the  in- 
fluence of  the  skill  of  the  stoker  is  overlooked,  and,  at  the 
same  time  that  we  are  moving  heaven  and  earth  to  save  an 
ounce  of  coal  per  horse  per  hour,  we  employ  men  without 
question  who  may  waste  through  ignorance  ten  times  as  much 
fuel  as  we  try  to  save,  or  neglect  men  who  might  save  ten  times 
as  much  by  their  skill  as  the  engineer  can  hope  to  save  by  his. 
This  matter  was  never  brought  into  a  clear  light  until  the 
recent  engine  trials  at  Oxford,  when  for  the  first  time  the 
judges  measured  the  water  evaporated.  The  results  were  start- 
ling in  the  extreme.  Frederick  Moody,  one  of  the  best  fire- 
men in  England,  succeeded  in  obtaining  an  evaporation  of 
'.1.37  lbs.  of  water  per  pound  of  coal  from  the  society's  boiler, 
the  Reading  Ironworks  Company's  engine  running  for  three 
hours  nineteen  minutes.  Messrs.  Marshall's  man  got  from 
the  same  boiler,  and  with  the  same  coal,  an  evaporation  of 
only  8  lbs.  of  water  per  pound  of  coal.  Messrs.  Marshall's 
engine  ran  but  two  hours  forty-four  minutes,  and  consumed 
5.18  lbs.  of  coal  per  horse  per  hour.  If  Moody  had  fired  for 
Messrs.  Marshall  with  as  much  skill  as  he  fired  for  the  Reading 
Iron  Company,  the  consumption  of  fuel  would  have  been  but 
1.22  lbs.  We  thus  find  that  a  difference  in  the  skill  of  two 
stokers,  both  very  good — Messrs.  Marshall's  man  was  far  above 
the  average  of  stokers — may  cause  a  difference  of  nearly  a 
pound  of  coal  per  horse  per  hour  in  the  relative  consumption 
of  two  very  good  engines.  Surely  it  is  time  to  think  of  the 
stoker  when  we  find  that  he  can  save  or  waste  20  per  cent,  of 
the  whole  weight  of  fuel  required  to  do  a  given  amount  of  work. 
We  have  gone  on  improving  boilers  and  engines  for  years — 
suppose  that,  just  for  a  change,  we  try  to  improve  the  stoker. 

In  conclusion,  we  may  point  out  that  the  anomalous  results 
obtained  from  boilers  of  the  same  type  under  different  circum- 
stances are  probably  due  to  varying  skill  on  the  part  of  the 
stokers.  No  trial  can  in  future  be  considered  satisfactory  which 
does  not  take  this  consideration  into  account. — (Engineer.) 

[We  fear  that  if  the  word  gardener  were  substituted  for 
engineer  it  would  be  easy  to  find  more  fault  with  the  mode  in 
which  gardening  stoking  of  furnaces  is  too  generally  conducted. 
Even  the  most  simple  considerations  are  frequently  negleoted, 
and  what  ought  to  be  a  matter  of  thought  becomes  too  often  a 
mere  matter  of  course. 

The  following  precautions  will  never  be  neglected  by  a  good 

Juruace  man.     Before  a  fire  is  put  on  or  mended  for  a  hot- 

iiouse  the  sky  will  be  scanned,  so  as  to  form  an  idea  whether 

the  air  i3  likely  to  remain  as  it  is,  or  to  become  warmer  or 

The  oucsk'o  tuartnorneter  is  then  to  be  consulted,  and 


note  taken  as  to  whether  the  mercury  is  rising  or  falling.  The 
inside  thermometer  should  next  be  examined,  and  its  rise  or 
fall  noted  ;  and  then  where  a  fire  has  been  burning  the  heating 
medium,  be  it  stove,  flue,  or  hot-water  pipe,  should  be  felt  by 
the  bare  hand,  so  as  to  be  sure  of  the  heat  there,  and  thence, 
from  practice,  the  stoker  forms  an  idea  of  how  that  heat  is 
likely  to  influence  the  confined  air  in  the  house.  All  these 
little  matters  will  be  attended  to,  as  a  mere  necessity,  by 
every  good  fireman  before  he  goes  to  the  furnace.  Are  they 
attended  to  as  they  ought  to  be  ?  Is  it  not  too  common  for  u 
man  to  jump  down  into  the  stokehole  and  pile  on  the  fuel  ? 
And  if  these  little  matters  are  attended  to  at  all,  it  is  after  the 
fire  is  all  right  and  blazing  away  with  a  vengeance,  and  send- 
ing the  greater  part  of  the  heat,  in  the  case  of  a  boiler,  up  the 
chimney.  Need  we  wonder  that  houses  become  too  cold  at 
night,  or  too  warm  in  a  morning,  or  the  contrary  ?  that  when 
there  is  too  much  heat  the  furnace  doors  are  left  open,  with  the 
attendant  waste  ?  that  dampers  might  as  well  be  a  thing  un- 
known for  the  use  that  is  made  of  them  ?  or  that  in  a  cold 
morning  fuel  is  piled  on  quite  regardless  of  the  fact  that  the 
keen  air  is  accompanied  with  a  clear  sky,  and  in  a  few  hours 
there  will  be  such  a  meeting  of  sun  heat  and  fire  heat  as  to  tiy 
severely  everything  at  all  tender,  and  where  the  very  free  ad- 
mission of  cold  air  will  act  almost  as  prejudicially  as  the  extra 
dry  heat  ?  A  very  small  fire  in  a  cold  morning,  or  no  fire  at 
all  when  the  sun  may  be  expected  to  act  in  a  couple  of  hours, 
would  often  be  much  better  than  putting  on  much  fuel ;  at 
least  all  the  above  little  matters  should  be  noted  before  doing  so. 
Much  economy  may  also  be  effected  by  so  managing  the  fire 
that  the  brightest  part  is  always  farthest  from  the  furnace 
door,  so  that  the  smoke  and  steam  may  be  burned  by  passing 
over  the  live  coal.  The  more  these  matters  are  insisted  on 
the  greater  will  be  the  economy  in  heating. 

In  this  respect  there  is  no  comparison,  as  to  the  tact  and 
observation  required  from  the  best  stoker  to  a  steam  engine, 
and  the  best  stoker  to  the  furnace  of  a  tropical  or  forcing 
house,  or  a  house  where  frost  is  merely  excluded.  The  first 
has  chiefly  so  to  husband  the  heat  from  the  fuel  as  to  get  the 
greatest  amount  of  steam  from  the  water.  The  gardening 
stoker,  if  he  would  excel,  has  not  only  to  study  and  practise 
how  to  get  the  most  heat,  but  he  has  to  study  all  the  attendant 
circumstances  of  atmospheric  changes,  as  too  much  heat  in 
his  case  is  often  more  dangerous  than  too  little  heat.  Except 
where  the  frost  is  allowed  to  enter,  we  have  no  hesitation  in 
saying  that  more  harm  is  done  by  overheating  at  times  than 
by  frequent  underheating. 

Where  much  furnace  work  has  to  be  attended  to,  a  good 
thoughtful  stoker  will  be  one  of  the  most  valuable  men  about 
a  place.  The  fuel  he  saves  by  consideration  will  tell  largely  in 
an  economical  point  of  view.  So  much  have  we  felt  this,  that 
without  calling  in  question  the  wonders  that  the  boilers  ad- 
vertised in  our  columns  are  to  accomplish  with  such  an 
economy  of  fuel — and  no  doubt  the  inventors  and  patentees 
honestly  believe  all  that  is  said  of  any  particular  boiler — we 
have  little  doubt  that  such  a  stoker  would  make  one,  or  other, 
or  each  of  them,  the  most  wonderful  for  doing  so  much  with  so 
little  fuel.  How  is  it,  then,  that  stoking  the  furnaces  in  a  gar- 
den has  frequently  received  so  little  attention?  first,  because 
the  matter  has  not  been  deemed  sufficiently  important;  second, 
because  good  stoking  has  not  been  sufficiently  appreciated; 
and  thirdly,  because  many  proprietors  of  gardens,  from  some 
short-sighted  considerations,  make  economical  firing  impossible. 
We  do  not  so  much  allude  to  such  a  case  as  that  referred  to 
the  other  week,  where  a  gentleman  would  prefer  the  joints  of 
his  pipes  to  be  injured  rither  than  insert  an  air-pipe,  and  care 
nothing  about  the  heat  round  a  boiler  getting  freely  up  the 
chimney,  provided  the  damper  was  always  drawn  out;  we 
allude  more  particularly  to  thoBe  gardens  where,  though  there 
are  several  glass  houses,  no  one  liveB  near  them  to  attend  to 
them  ;  and  to  keep  them  safe  large  fires  must  be  put  on  before 
the  men  leave,  and  these  must  aot  whatever  the  ohange  of 
the  weather.  In  such  a  case  economy  in  fuel  is  out  of  the 
question. — F.]  

PASSIFLORA   QUADRANGULAEIS   AS   A 

CONSERVATORY   CLIMBER. 

There  is  a  growing  inclination  among  gardeners  to  plant 
some  of  the  hardier  kinds  of  stove  climbers  as  permanent 
decorative  plants  in  the  conservatory,  and  one  of  their  first 
favourites  is  the  above-named  Passion-flower.  I  do  not  object 
to  their  cheice,  for,  as  far  as  the  building  goes,  I  consider  a 


December  15,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


iGZ 


ofty  anil  otherwise  roomy  conservatory  one  of  the  best  places 
in  which  to  show  off  and  to  erjjoy  the  beauty  of  this  noble  and 
grand  flower ;  but.  then  I  find  from  experience  that  even  if 
ample  space  be  allotted  to  it,  it  is  not  in  every  conservatory 
that  it  will  thrive  ;  and  when  it  does  not  succeed  I  think  it  is 
the  most  unsightly  of  plants  for  such  places.  Besides,  it  is 
almost  certain  to  be  doing  badly  when  all  other  plants  are 
thriving.  On  the  other  hand,  with  favourable  conditions  and 
treatment,  it  will  succeed  admirably  as  a  conservatory  plant. 

I  would  say  to  those  who  are  about  to  plant  Passiflora  quad- 
rangularis,  Well  consider  your  plans  before  doing  so,  for  the 
term  conservatory  gives  a  wide  range  of  temperature — from  that 
of  a  cool  greenhouse  up  to  that  of  the  stove.  Some  employers 
like  these  structures  kept  at  one  heat  and  some  at  another, 
and  I  would  not  advise  anyone  to  plant  this  Passion-flower 
where  the  temperature  is  likely  to  be  for  any  length  of  time 
below  55°;  for  although  it  will  flower  in  a  comparatively  low 
temperature,  it  is  a  stove  plant,  and  requires  a  certain  degree 
of  warmth  quite  eqnal  to  the  above,  even  when  at  rest,  and 
when  growing  it  will  be  better  of  a  considerably  higher  tempe- 
rature. I  have  grown  the  plant  for  conservatory  ornamentation, 
and  with  50°  of  heat  it  may  thrive  f«r  a  season  or  two,  according 
to  the  severity  of  the  winter,  &c,  but  it  has  afterwards  failed 
to  maintain  a  healthy  appearance,  and  to  get  the  wood  well 
ripened  off  in  winter  was  impossible  ;  the  foliage,  likewise,  was 
sickly-looking  ;  consequently  in  the  following  spring  the  plant 
wjs  too  weak  to  afford  much  bloom,  and  gradually  became 
weakened  in  constitution,  total  failure  being  the  result. 

Nevertheless,  if  the  temperature  is  not  lower  than  that  above 
stated,  and  a  higher  one  can  be  given  at  favourable  times  iu  the 
3  ear,  I  should  not  hesitate  to  give  this  Passiflora  a  prominent 
position  in  the  conservatory.  I  have  found  the  plant  succeed 
well  in  a  rich  and  moderately-heavy  turfy  loam  two-thirds,  and 
one-third  sandy  fibrous  peat.  I  am  not  sure  that  this  is  the 
best  compost  to  grow  it  in,  but  I  know  of  more  than  one 
or  two  places  where  this  Passion-flower  is  growing  well  in  a 
similar  soil.  A  very  successful  cultivator  of  thii-t  plant  for 
conservatory  decoration  is  Mr.  Stalker,  the  able  gardener  at 
Hemsted  Park,  Staplehurst,  Kent.  I  have  several  times  visited 
that  place  within  the  last  two  years,  and  I  have  always  found 
this  beautiful  plant  in  flower  more  or  less,  and  I  belkve  Mr. 
Stalker  hus  told  me  that  he  grows  it  in  a  similar  soil  to  the 
above  ;  and  he  gives  an  abundance  of  tepid  manure  water  when 
the  plant  is  growing  freely,  and  it  flowers  with  him  as  late 
in  the  year  as  the  present  time.— Thomas  Record,  Hatfield 
Park.    ' 

A   FEW  JOTTINGS   AT   THE   DECEMBER 
EXHIBITION 

OF    THE    ROYAL   HORTICULTURAL    SOCIETY. 

We  have  had,  many  of  us,  our  causes  of  complaint  and 
grumbling  at  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society's  savings  and 
doings,  but  I  thiuk  no  one  will  deny  that  the  Wednesday  exhi- 
bitions are  a  great  boon,  especially  in  the  dreary  winter  months. 
It  i3  not  merely  that  they  bring  together  whatever  is  worth 
seeing  at  those  times,  but  that  you  are  sure  to  meet  some  one 
with  whom  you  can  have  a  chat  on  subjects  dear  to  you,  and 
talk  of  plans  and  projects,  of  future  meetings  and  past  suc- 
cesses or  failures  ;  so  I  for  one  felt  grateful  on  Wednesday  last 
(December  7th),  when,  after  that  dreary  miserable  Tuesday, 
I  found  the  Couuei!  room  gay  with  Cyclamens,  Primulas, 
Orchids,  cut  blooms  of  Chrysanthemums,  &e.  I  am  not,  how- 
ever, going  to  venture  upon  ground  which  has  already  been  so 
well  trodden  by  your  reporter,  let  me  note  a  few  things  more  in 
detail  than  he  has  done,  and  first 

Mr.  Douglas's  Stand  of  Chrysanthemums. — Two  things  were 
to  be  noticed  in  this  :  First,  that  there  were  some  of  the  most 
perfect  blooms  of  Chrysanthemums  that  could  be  staged.  I 
very  much  question  whether  his  bloom  of  Miss  M*rechaux  has 
ever  been  equalled.  Fine,  too,  were  Lady  Tulfourd,  Guernsey 
Nugget,  and  other  good  sorts.  And  then  it  was  notable  that  he 
had  ventured  upon  the  innovation  of  introducing  some  of  the 
Japanese  varieties  amongst  them,  and  very  well  did  Comet  and 
the  Mikado,  with  their  curious  sea-anemone-like  forms,  contrast 
with  the  more  perfectly  formed  show  varieties.  Whatever  Mr. 
Douglas  does  he  does  well. 

Mr.  Clarke's  Cyclamens. — Who  that  remembers  what  the  cul- 
ture of  this  very  beautiful  flower  used  to  be  does  not  feel  aston- 
ished at  the  improvement  that  has  taken  place  in  it  ?  It 
used  to  take  three  or  four  years  to  make  a  good-sized  corm, 
while  here  were  some  of  really  good  size  grown  from  seed  sown 


on  January  22nd  of  this  year,  so  that  ten  months  are  sufficient 
to  make  good  flowering  corms.  We  have  succeeded  in  making 
our  beeves  and  sheep  in  half  the  time  they  used  t)  take,  and 
now  we  are  able  to  do  the  same  with  our  Cyclamens.  What 
next  ?  Can  anyone  contrive  to  make  Auriculas  throw  offsets 
and  increase  more  rapidly  ?  Who  knows  ?  I  pass  on  from 
flowers  to  two  inventions  which  I  think  deserve  notice. 

Mr.  Chapman's  Exhibition  Stand  for  Salads. — Intimations  cf 
Mr.  Chapman's  intention  to  essay  something  of  this  kind  had 
been  already  given,  and  his  ingenuity  in  the  construction  cl 
the  flower  and  fruit  cases  and  other  inventions  led  one  to  be- 
lieve that  his  promise  would  be  fulfilled,  and  so  it  was.  Avery 
neat  tray  for  exhibiting  them  is  the  result.  Round  the  edge  is 
a  narrow  trough  in  which  Mustard  and  Cress  were  growing, 
while  the  salad  was  temptingly  displayed  in  the  middle  space. 
This  will  doubtless  be  a  boon  to  those  who  are  fortunate  enough 
to  be  able  to  exhibit  such  things. 

Mr.  B.  Looker's  Acme  Garden  Frame  and  Ground  Vinery. — 
I  have  already  expressed  my  opinion,  formed  from  personal  ex- 
perience, of  the  value  of  Mr.  Rendle's  plant-protectors,  although 
several  have  thought  they  are  not  so  valuable  as  I  believe  them 
to  be  ;  but  when  I  think  of  my  Lettuces  covered  up  with  a  good 
bed  of  leaves,  I  feel  that  by-and-by  I  shall  have  opinion3 
strengthened.  Mr.  Looker's  invention  is  a  combination  of 
wood,  earthenware,  and  glass.  The  earthenware  is  very  light, 
something  in  the  form  cf  chains,  while  the  light  wooden 
frame  is  so  contrived  that,  though  light,  it  gives  great  stability 
to  the  whole  structure;  and  ventilation  is  provided  for  along 
the  top,  the  little  earthenware  cans  of  which  the  ridge  is  com- 
posed taking  off  easily,  while  the  glass  can  bo  readily  taken 
out  for  the  purposes  of  watering.  I  am  inclined  to  think  that 
this  little  spau-roofed  frame  will  be  found  a  great  benefit  to  the 
owners  of  small  gardens,  as  its  neatness  is  quite  equal  to  its 
usefulness. — D  ,  Deal. 


THE   POTATO  AND   ITS   CULTURE— No.  i. 

MISCELLANEOUS   NOTES. 

In  sorting  seed  Potatoes,  care  should  be  taken  to  nip  out  tha 
weakest  eyes,  leaving  two  or  three  strong  ones.  Oae  good  stifS 
shoot  is  sufficient,  but  one  eye  is  not  to  bo  depended  upon,  for 
it  may  be  destroyed.  This  applies  to  those  varieties  which 
have  numerous  eyes,  and  to  those  tubers  not  large  enough  to 
make  two  or  more  sets. 

A  new  and  most  excellent  variety  has  lately  been  introduced 
into  this  country  under  the  name  of  the  Early  Rose.  About 
February  in  the  present  year  I  purchased  1  lb.  of  this  Potato, 
comprising  three  fair-sized  tubers.  Of  these  I  made  thirteen 
sets,  each  set  having  one  eye,  and  I  planned  them  in  a  warm 
border  under  a  south  wall  about  14  feet  wide.  I  threw  out  a 
trench  18  inches  wide,  and  the  same  in  depth,  laying  the  soil 
on  each  side  of  the  trench.  I  then  applied  a  coinpo3t  of  wood 
ashe3,  leaf  mould,  very  o.'d'  cow  dung,  and  some  well-chopped 
turf,  and  as  my  man  threw  it  into  the  trench  I  mixed  with  it 
some  of  the  soil  which  had  come  out  of  the  trench,  and  which 
was  very  light.  I  planted  the  Eets  rather  less  than  a  foot  apart, 
and  then  covered  them  with  i  inches  in  depth  of  soil.  As  it  was 
very  dry  I  watered  the  row.  The  weather  continued  very  dry, 
and  having  little  or  no  water,  no  more  notice  was  taken  cf 
the  plants  till  they  began  to  come  up.  I  then  watered  them 
with  liquid  manure  (formed  from  sheep  and  fowls'  dung),  an;! 
a  week  later  again  with  clear  water.  When  they  were  dry  I 
earthed  them  up  a  little,  and  as  they  advanced  I  coniinaed  to 
do  so  till  they  attained  their  full  growth.  On  the  crop  being 
taken  up  the  produce  weighed  30  lbs.  of  very  large  and  middle- 
sized  Potatoes.  I  firmly  believe  if  it  had  been  a  favourabl3 
season  the  1  lb.  would  have  produced  SO  lbs.  It  is  an  excellent 
Potato  for  culinary  purposes,  and  when  it  becomes  more  known 
no  doubt  it  will  be  very  largely  cultivated. 

Myatt's  Prolific  Ashleaf  Kidney  stands  next  in  my  estimation , 
both  for  cropping  and  for  flavour,  and  is  more  suitable  for  dry 
summers  than  any  variety  I  know.  I  grew  it  extensively  this 
season  in  a  very  dry  situation,  where  the  soil  is  of  such  ?. 
texture  that  it  may  be  termed  as  light  as  ashes  ;  I  had  a  ver? 
good  crop,  and  the  tubers  were  of  fair  size. 

It  is  a  very  bad  plan  to  grow  year  after  year  the  same  kinds 
of  Potato,  and  in  the  same  situation,  for  they  will  assuredly 
degenerate,  and  if  this  course  be  persisted  in  will  dwindle  away. 
I  should  recommend  after  the  Potato  of  one  sort  hes  been  grewn 
in  the  same  garden  or  field  for  two  years,  it  should  be  removed 
for  a  time,  and  grown  in  just  the  opposite  kind  of  soil.  In  some 
1  instances  the   soil  varies   even  in  the  same  garden.    I  hav<» 


468 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  December  15,  1870. 


known  peat  to  exist  in  one  part  of  the  garden,  and  quite  a 
sandy  soil  in  another ;  anil,  again,  on  our  farm,  there  is  one  field 
of  eight  acres,  a  part  of  which  is  very  stiff  marl  or  loam,  while 
the  top  end  is  very  light ;  the  Potato  can  be  grown  to  every 
possible  advantage  where  the  soil  is  so  divided.  I  quite  agree 
with  the  late  Mr.  Paterson,  in  saying  that  maiden  soil  is  the 
best  for  Potatoes,  especially  that  which  was  meadow  laud  pre- 
vious to  breaking  up. 

'.  I  will  giv9  an  instance  of  what  I  did  with  a  small  plot  of 
ground  which  had  been  used  as  a  cottage  garden  for,  I  may  say, 
centuries,  and  which  had  been  condemned  for  Potato-growing. 
I  trenched  the  ground  as  deeply  as  possible,  sometimes  turning 
Tip  quite  a  yellow  soil,  I  then  planted  the  sets  just  as  I  have 
recommended  under  the  head  of  planting,  allowing  about 
14  inches  from  row  to  row,  and  8  inches  from  set  to  set.  I  flat- 
hoed  once,  and  never  touched  the  ground  again  till  I  took  up 
the  crop,  when  I  obtained  twelve  bushels  of  good-sized  tubers, 
and  two  bushels  of  seed  Potatoes.  The  ground  was  12  yards 
long,  and  10|  wide. 

I  I  recommend  getting  the  crop  in  early,  and  then  there  is 
more  likelihood  of  obtaining  the  produce  before  the  wet  and 
bad  weather  sets  in,  whereby  decay  of  the  tubers  is  promoted. 
The  exact  time  for  planting  must  be  left  to  the  discretion  cf 
the  grower,  who  will  be  guided  by  the  weather. — J.  C.  Lewis, 
Gardener  and  Bailijf,  Sudbury  Rectory,  Derby. 


NOTES  ON  THE   CHRYSANTHEMUMS  AT 
LIVERPOOL, 

There  was"  at  the  show  nothing  to  speak  of  among  the 
Japanese  varieties,  which  was  a  matter  of  surprise  to  me; 
though  their  being  later  in  blooming  than  the  other  varieties 
may  have  been  the  reason  of  so  few  having  been  exhibited, 
and  the  same  reason  in  all  probability  will  lead  to  their  being 
grown  for  decoration  and  cut  blooms. 

Of  the  cut  blooms,  Eve,  white,  was  undoubtedly  the  first  on 
the  list,  being  followed  by  Mrs.  Heale,  Golden  John  Baiter, 
and  John  Salter,  very  good.  Bronze  Jardin  des  Plantes  was  of 
astonishing  size  and  beauty.  Mr.  Gladstone  was  beautiful  in 
colour,  but  smaller  than  it  might  have  been.  Of  Prince  of 
Wales  I  am  sorry  to  see  there  are  distinct  varieties  sent  out 
by  two  different  firms,  causing  confusion  among  growers.  I 
give  the  preference  to  the  bright  red  variety,  though  the  other 
is  very  flue.  Rev.  J.  Dix  showed  well  up  to  the  front,  as  did 
also  General  Slade  and  Baron  Beust.  Yellow  Perfection  waB  a 
very  pleasing  good  variety.  Guernsey  Nugget  and  Princess  Bea- 
trice were  very  fine  ;  also  03sian.  Of  others  I  noticed  Empress 
of  India,  a  fine  bloom,  but  open  in  the  centre  ;  Isabella  Bott, 
a  charming  variety;  Alma,  also  a  good  show  flower;  Cherub, 
a  very  fine  bloom  ;  Sir  Stafford  Carey,  which,  though  placed 
last  on  my  list,  is  by  no  means  the  worst,  but,  on  the  contrary, 
one  of  the  most  striking  blooms.  '  The  above  were  the  cream 
of  the  show  in  cut  flowers. 

The  plants  in  the  large-flowered  section  I  will  take  in  alpha- 
betical order,  Annie  Salter  being  first.  This  is  a  well-known 
variety,  and  should  be  in  every  collection.  Ariadne  I  was 
sorry  to  see  come  out  so  badly,  as  it  is  very  fine  with  me. 
Bronze  Jardin  des  Plantes,  very  fine,  is  an  extremely  useful 
variety,  and  Cherub  pleasing.  Cleopatra  also  came  out  well. 
The  Christines,  White  and  Golden,  were  good,  but  have,  to  my 
taste,  too  rough  an  appearance.  Faust  was  very  telling.  Fingal 
was  also  fins,  hut  rather  loose  and  open-centered.  Florence 
Nightingale,  a  very  useful,  good  variety,  was  shown  in  good  con- 
dition. General  Bainbrigge  is  a  very  fine  late  variety.  Gloria 
Mundi,  fine  free  variety,  was  rather  too  far  gone.  Hereward, 
a  very  fine  flower,  is  very  effective.  Jardin  des  Plantes  was 
one  of  the  finest.  John  Salter  is  likely  to  be  generally  grown. 
Julie  Lagravere  was  about  the  only  one  of  its  colour  shown 
very  good.  Lady  Harding  and  Lady  Slade  were  both  very 
fine,  and  are  two  very  useful  varieties;  but  Lady  Talfourd  is 
grand ;  it  struck  me  at  once,  and  was  shown  well  in  several 
collections.  Lord  Derby  is  a  very  good  dark  purple ;  Mr. 
Brunlees  a  very  large  flower  and  good ;  Mr.  Cullingford,  though 
one  of  the  best,  I  do  not  remember  seeing.  Mrs.  G.  Bundle 
was  very  fine  in  one  collection  only.  I  found  it  was  faulty  in 
several  collections,  as  it  is  with  me.  Mrs.  Halibnrton  was 
more  like  a  Dahlia  than  a  Chrysanthemum ;  this  is  a  good 
variety,  and  is  to  be  depended  on.  Pink  Pearl  was  very  good, 
but  I  have  not  Pink  Perfection  down  in  my  notes.  Prince 
Alfred  was  very  fine,  but  inclined  to  be  open  in  the  centre. 
Sir  Stafford  Carey  seemed  to  be  a  favourite  with  several  ex- 


hibitors.   Fleur  de  Marie,  a  large,  white  Anemone  flower,  was 
very  effective. 

Coming  to  the  Pompons,  Adele  Risette  was  very  beautiful; 
the  same  is  true  of  Andromeda.  Aurore  Boreale  was  charming, 
the  colour  being  so  changing.  Bijsu  de  PHorticulture  (a  long 
name,  truly),  an  old  variety,  was  very  good,  and  Bob  was  better 
than  usual.  Drin  Dim  was  smaller  than  I  am  accustomed  to 
see  it.  Holene,  a  fine  rose-coloured  flower,  showed  out  well ; 
but  Lizzie  Holmes  was  better.  Mdlle.  Marthe  was  also  fine  and 
effective.  Of  the  Anemone-flowered  Pompons  Cedo  Nulli  was 
very  fine — in  fact,  the  most  .perfect  specimen  in  the  Ha'd;  and 
Mrs.  Wyness,  a  very  fine  free-flowering  variety,  came  out  in 
the  front  rank. — Stephen  Casw,e,  Bent  Hill  Gardens,  Frcst- 
wich,  Manchester. 


PLANTING. 

No  time  could  be  belter  than  this  for  planting  and  replant- 
ing all  kinds  of  evergreens,  and  planting  for  shelter,  for  profit, 
and  for  cover.  The  ground  is  new  almost  moist  enough  for 
common  purposes,  and  still,  notwithstanding  the  late  frosts, 
retains  much  of  its  summer  warmth.  We  are  rather  pleased 
that  some  remarks  lately  on  planting  have  drawn  considerable 
attention  to  the  subject,  and  more  especially  to  the  importance 
of  planters  in  exposed  places  paying  more  attention  to  the 
number  of  times  the  plants  have  been  moved,  and  the  distance 
they  stand  apart,  than  to  their  mere  eiza  or  hught.  In  nothing 
more  than  in  planting  will  it  often  occur  that  the  cheapest 
goods  are  by  far  the  dearest,  if  not  worthless  and  useless  in  the 
end.  It  is  not  the  fault  of  our  tradesman  who  deal  in  trees 
and  shrubs.  People  will  have  things  cheap,  and  the  nursery- 
men to  live  must  occupy  as  little  ground  with  them  as  possible. 
They  would  only  be  too  glad  to  send  out  sturdier  hardier  plants 
if  purchasers  would  consider  that  it  was  to  their  interest  to  give 
abetter  price  for  a  better  artiole.  As  a  case  iu  point,  we  may 
mention  that  two  or  three  years  ago  a  lot  of  Larch  was  taken 
to  an  exposed  place.  The  sight  of  the  nice  tress,  with  their 
smooth  bark  and  slender  twigs,  would  have  shown  us,  even  if 
we  had  not  otherwise  known,  that  these  trees  were  taken  from 
nursery  rows  where  each  stem  pretty  well  rubbed  its  neighbour 
stem,  so  thickly  did  they  stand,  one  thus  protecting  the  ether. 
To  turn  out  such  close-packed  trees  in  r.n  exposed  place  at 
4  feet  apart  we.s  like  turning  one  out  of  a  cosy  room  into  the 
clear  sky  of  a  cold  night.  Very  few  of  these  plants  survive — 
none  thoroughly  healthy — and  the  bite  of  a  rabbit  or  a  hare 
was  sufficient  to  kill  them.  At  the  same  time  and  place  other 
Larch  trees  were. planted,  not  taller,  but  much  more  bushy, 
and  with  rough  hardy  stems,  ihe  plants  having  stood  13  inches 
or  more  apart  in  the  rows.  Not  one  of  these  plants  gave  way, 
even  in  the  hot  snmmeis  which  destroyed  the  others  ;  and  the 
other  day  wo  noticed  that  many  made  long  leading  shoots 
last  summer,  and  no  Larches  could  look  more  healthy  and 
flourishing.  They  cost  about  double  the  price  of  the  trees  first 
alluded  to.  For  a  definite,  sure,  pleasant  result,  they  were 
well  worth  from  three  to  four  times  the  money  of  the  others  ; 
and  as  we  think  they  had  been  atleast  twice  replanted,  of  course 
the  work  and  the  extra  ground  would  have  to  be  paid  for.  One 
thing  in  t'seir  favour  was,  they  were  carefully  taken  up  and 
quickly  and  carefully  planted. 

This  leads  us  to  restate — and  the  planting  time  is  our  ex- 
cuse— that  if  we  were  to  plant  largely  in  the  way  of  woods 
and  coverts  we  would  not  trouble  ourselves  with  seeds  or 
raising  young  plants,  as  the  seedsmen  and  nurserymen  would 
thoroughly  beat  us  in  that,  but  we  would  have  a  little  nursery 
of  our  own  in  which  we  would  keep  the  trees  a  year  or  two 
after  receiving  them  from  the  nurseryman,  and  by  giving  them 
more  room  than  the  dealer  could  be  expected  to  sfford,  we 
would  thus  prepare  them  for  more  exposed  positions.  Another 
great  benefit  we  should  derive  would  be  our  being  able  to  lift 
our  plants  just  as  wo  wanted  them,  and  not  too  many  at  a 
time.  When  trees  that  come  from  a  distance  do  not  succeed 
over-well,  we  are  apt  to  forget  how  the  roots  may  suffer  in 
trucks  and  waggons  during  the  uncertainty  of  the  winter 
months  ;  and  when,  from  the  Vast  numbers  obtained  at  a  time, 
a  considerable  period  must  elapse  before  they  are  all  planted, 
those  who  have  no  such  home-atore  to  go  to,  and  resolve  to 
plant  this  season,  will  act  wisely,  in  our  opinion,  when  order- 
ing from  their  nurseryman  to  make  inquiries,  not  merely  as  to 
the  height  of  the  plants,  but  as  to  the  times  they  have  been 
moved,  and  the  distance  they  stand  from  each  other.  Great 
disappointments  often  take  place  because  mere  height  and 
prioe  are  the  only  considerations ;  many  a  man  would  give  a 


December  15,  1870.  ] 


JODENAL   OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GAlvDENEK. 


4G9 


double  price  to  have  a  triple  assurance  of  success.  The  thinner 
plants  stand,  so  as  to  so  far  iinnursery  them,  the  more  they 
must  bo  paid  for,  and  the  more  fitted  will  they  be  for  exposed 
cold  situations. — B.  F. 


PLANTS   IN  FLOWER   DURING  NOVEMBER. 


.  Hale™  Helix  arhorescens 

Helix  digitatfl 
Josminum  nuaiflorum 

lorata 
Potentilla  alba 
Coll  in  sia  hicolor 
Diaiithus  Caryophyllus 

barbatua 

deltoides 

Marie  Pari 
lerbns 

petrseus 
Crucianella  stylosa 
ftfonaxda  purpurea 
Primula 

Arcto'is  brevisoapa 
daytooia  perfoiiata 
Efige)  on  aipinua 

Villa 
Aubrietia  <kUoidca 

purpurea 

Mooreana 
Delphinium  Belladonna 

fornio&um 
Cyclamen  europremn 
Jasminuin  pnbigenus 
Phlox  Drnmmondi 

■    ■ 
Lonicera  Douglasta' 
Acouitum  autumnale 

\  i  raicolor 
Pyretbxam  roaemn 

Partneniom  plenum 

Golden  Feather 
Baoallooia  rubra 

teria  uu-rnosa 
Cnllirhoe  platyglossa 
B         :kiu  mlgana 
Saponaria  calal 
Eoneveria  me  tallica 

glauca 

sccumUi 
Ecbinops  Inmnaticus 
grandinoroa 

i 
Myos  otia  paluatrls 
Antirrhinum  majas 
Co     tee  patala 
-  ttivng 

Hazuamelia  virginica 
Garrya  elliptic  a 
Abronia  ambellata 
Silene  compacts 
Ceutaurca  candidisaima 

gymnooarpa 
.  Nepeta  l  i  ■ 
Goat  tia 

Colchicum  autumnnle  plenum 
Pentetemon  coccinetun 

■ 
Kose  Gloire  de  Dijon 

Monthly  China 

Crimson  China 
Chrysanthemums 
Fuchsia  coccinea 

plohosa 

nthus  specioeifisiims 
Phlox  pro  cum  bens 

vario 
Koniga  maritima 

igea  hortensio 
. 
Thymus  l;imi?inosus 
Gilia  tricolor 
Omphalodee  verna 
Cedronella  ■■■  as 
Hesperis  matronalia 

■  i.li.i  gracilie 
Plumbago  Larpentfo 

cap<  osie 
Ammobium  alatum 
Clematis  Jackmanni 
(Enothera  fruticosa 

macrocarpa 
Salvia  co 

fulgens 
tills  gjrandiflora 
Trioyrtis  hirta 
Verbena  venosa 
Helichrysum  monstrosum 

napulcaellft 
Malope  grandiflora 


Not.  5.   Campanula  pentagonia 

muralis 

carpatica 

pyramidalia 
Daisies,  doable 
Gynerium  arpenteum 
Biaehycome  iberidifolia 
Erinua  alpinua 
Tropreolum  mnjua 
Cerastium  toinentosum 
Aster  chinensis 
Tropaiolum  pcrcgrlniun 
Coronilla  varia 
Mirabilia  Jalapa 
Bidens  atro  sanguine  a 
Antirrhinum 
Anemone  japotiiea 
Dracoeephaluin  moldavicum 
Chrysanthemum  nanum 
Salvia  Horminuui  rubrutn 

purpureum 
Centaurea  Cyanu 
Nigella  hispanica 
Veronica  dentata 

inc.ica 

apeciosa 

spicata 
Kose  Mrs.  B03flUquct 
Auricula  alpina 
Geum  rivale 
„    0.  Sedum  puriinreum 
Nolana  paradoxa 
Oxalia  rosea 
Petunia  grandiflora 
Tiadeseaniia  Cffirulea 
Hibiscus  afrii 
Leptosiphon  Intcus 
Nemophila  insignia 
Lnpinus  n: 

mutabUifi 
Celsni 

Lin  a  ria  bipartita 
Centaurea  nigra 
ObeHscaria  pulcherriinji 
Polygonum  Brunoni 
Lobelia  Erinua 
„  14.  Arbutus  Unedo 

Ueoonopaia  oai  tbrioa 
Hypericum  eulyeinura 
Seranthemnm  purpureum 
Matthioln  annua 
ConTolvulua  inauritanictts 
„  is.  Adonis  autumnalia 

Liuum  ^randiUorum 

alpinum 
Lysimaehia  ciliata 

vulgaris 
Centranthua  macrosiphon 
Althaea  chineDsis 
Coreopsis  srandiflora 
Agrostemraa  eoronaria 
Oiarkia  pulchella 
Delphinium  Ajacia 

Con- 
Armeria  maritima  rosea 

TUlgaris 
Calendula  officinalis 
Gnaphalium  lanatum 
Zauschnexia  eahforniea 
(  :ii}  cantbus  Qoridua 
Erica  striata 

ramentacea 
Calandrinia  apeciosa 
Alyssum  compactnm 
Clematis  florida 

Vitalba 
,.  25.  Athanasia  annua 
Agathjea  ccali 
Lnpinus  polyphyllas 
Aonillea  Ptarmica  rt.-pl. 
Viburnnm  Tina-: 

lucidam 
„  2S.  Vinca  major 

minor 
Viola  odorata 

tricolor 
Statice  Limonium 
Cheloue  barl 
Linaria  alpina 

Cymbalaria 

purpurea 
Daphne  Cneorum 

Laureola 


-M.  H  ,  Acklam  Hall,  M iddlesbrough-on-Tees. 


WONDERS  OF  AN  AMATEUR. 
I  wonder  why,  among  all  tho  remedies  suggested  for  worms 
in  pots,  the  simple  one  of  mustard  and  water  is  never  men- 
tioned. I  have  used  these  ingredients — a  tea-spoonful  of 
mustard  to  a  gallon  or  so  of  water — applied  when  the  soil  in 
the  pot  is  somewhat  dry,  and  have  found  the  result  most  suc- 
cessful. Not  only  is  the  enemy  dislodged,  hut  tho  looker-on 
has  the  gratification  of  peeing  him  come  to  the  surface  as  soon 
as  the  liquid  is  applied.   I  may  add,  th?.t  I  have  never  observed 


any  injury  result  to  the  plants  from  this  treatment,  though  I 
have  tried  it  both  in  the  case  of  bulbs  and  of  hard  and  soft- 
wooded  greenhouse  plants. 

I  wonder  why  we  amateur  gardeners  are  so  often  advised  to 
turn  out  our  Camellias  into  hot  pits  while  they  are  making 
wood,  and  then  to  keep  them  out  of  doors  till  late  in  the  sum- 
mer. For  two  years  I  have  treated  half  of  my  Camtllias  in 
this  way,  and  have  kept  the  remaining  half  in  a  shady  part  of 
the  conservatory  with  little  other  attention  than  watering  and 
syringing,  and  hare  found  those  treated  in  the  latter  method 
greener  and  healthier  in  appearance,  earlier  in  their  blossom, 
and  equally  full  of  Mourn  buds — huds,  too,  which  are  not  so 
liable  to  fall  off  as  they  are  from  plants  which  have  been 
exposed  to  change  of  temperature.— Rush, 


HOT-WATER   CIRCULATING   DOWNWARDS. 

I  have  read  tho  letter  written  by  "Poor  Gardener"  (page 
370),  in  which  he  laments  the  water  not  circulating  in  his 
fernery  owing  to  the  pipes  being  a  trifle  lower  at  the  end 
farthest  from  the  boiler.  He  will  not  believe  that  water  will 
go  down  hill  in  pipes  ;  therefore,  it  may  interest  some  of  your 
readers,  as  well  as  "  Poor  Gardener,"  to  know  that  water  will 
easily  flow  down  pipes.  We  have  a  greenhouse  where  the 
flow-pipe  enters  at  one  end,  and  in  the  entire  length  of  the 
pipes  the  fall  is  22  feet,  the  rate  of  the  fall  being  10  inches 
in  every  4  feet.  There  is  an  air-pipe  fixed  in  the  top  of  the 
fall  of  pipes,  and  another  at  the  elbow  at  the  other  end  of  the 
house.  Tho  return-pipe  goes  back  to  the  boiler  on  a  level,  and 
I  have  not  found  any  difficulty  in  keeping  out  the  sharpest 
frost  we  have  had  duiing  the  last  two  winters.— R.  Giddings, 
Gardener  to  W*  H.  Michael,  Esq.,  Cholmcley  Park,  Highgate, 

[There  can  be  no  question  as  to  heated  water  going  down  if 
the  proper  conditions  are  attended  to.  We  never  like  a  hot- 
water  pipe  to  go  lower  than  the  boiler,  but  we  understand  the 
present  Mr.  Weeks  and  his  veteran  father,  who  paved  the  way 
for  all  improved  heating  by  hot  water,  get  over  that  difficulty 
likewise.  Meanwhile  we  would  rather  have  every  hot-water 
pipe  above  the  level  of  the  boiler,  except  where  the  pipe  returns 
to  the  bottom  of  the  boiler.  At  the  same  time  we  do  not  con- 
sider the  arrangement  of  heating  you  have  in  your  greenhouse, 
and  that  which  a  "  Poor  Gardener"  has  to  contend  with,  as 
at  all  desirable,  because  additional  air-pipes  are  necessary. 
With  your  air-pipes  you  need  have  no  difficulty,  but  the  "  Poor 
Gardener"  is  not  allowed  to  have  an  air-pipe,  and  in  such  a 
case,  in  general,  free  circulation  wonld  be  impossible.  The 
more,  from  different  causes,  that  the  water  varies  and  sinks  in 
level  in  the  pipes,  the  greater  will  be  the  tendency  of  air  to 
accumulate  at  the  highest  point,  where  the  piping  enters  the 
house ;  and  if  the  air  there  should  fill  the  pipe  from  top  to 
bottom,  even  though  the  length  of  the  tube  of  air  should  only 
be  a  few  inches,  a  strong  fire  would  be  more  apt  to  burst  the 
pipe  than  make  the  heated  water  pass  through  the  air.  A  small 
body  of  air  thus  shut  in  between  two  bodies  of  water  becomes 
pretty  well  as  impassable  as  a  firm  wedge  of  marble.  Have  an 
air-pipe  there  and  always  open,  and  there  will  be  no  confined 
air,  no  stoppage  to  the  water's  circulation.  The  late  Mr. 
Weeks  had  taps  and  pegs  in  such  places.  We  are  not  sure 
who  first  used  the  small  open  pipe.  Your  kind  statement 
would  have  been  in  unison  with  the  answer  given  at  page  370, 
but  for  the  mistake  of  leaving  out  tho  word  "not."  A  period 
should  read  thus — "  The  air-pipes  might  be  tried  before  lifting 
the  water-pipes,  but  if  even  that  be  '  not '  done,  the  heating 
will  never  be  properly  effected,"  &e.  Where  there  is  much 
pressure,  it  is  as  well  to  have  the  end  of  the  air-pipe  outside 
the  house,  and  the  end  bent  a  little  downwards,  as  then  it 
is  less  likely  to  get  clogged  with  dust,  or  from  insect3  lodging 
in  it.    A  small  gas-pipe  answers  admirably.] 


NEW  BOOKS. 


The  Miniature  Fruit  Garden,  or  the  Culture  of  Pyramidal  and 

Bush  Fndt  TreESy  <Cc.    By  Thomas  Uivers.    Longman  &  Co. 

Sixteenth  Edition. 

We  do  not  usually  notice  new  editions,  but  of  such  a  popular 
work  as  is  this,  and  its  being  the  sixteenth  edition,  we  make  an 
exception,  though  only  to  quote  the  following  from  its  preface : — 

"  As  a  prominent  but  not  new  feature  in  this  enlarged  edition,  I 
may  refer  to  the  management,  and  above  all  tho  protection  of  low 
lateran  cordon  fruit  trees.  I  have  also  pointed  out  more  forcibly  tban 
in  former  editions  the  capability  of  growing  choice  Pears  and  Apples 


■470 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  December  15,  1370. 


jm  sny  low  cheap  walls,  and  also  against  walls  in  kitchen  gardens  not 
lolly  furnished  with  trees, — in  short,  in  all  bare  spaces  so  often  fonnd 
between  wall  trees  in  old  gardens.  These  methods  of  cultivating 
Wioice  Pears  and  the  finer  hinds  of  American  Apples  are  worthy  of 
much  more  attention  than  they  have  hitherto  received. 

J'The  method  of  cultivating  the  Prince  Engelbert,  and  one  or  two 
other  hinds  of  Plums  as  vertical  single  cordons,  has  been  practised 
-'*Mre  for  some  few  years  ;  it  is  original,  highly  worthy  of  attention,  and 
■^ay  be  made  a  profitable  venture,  not  only  for  the  amateur  but  for 
ihe  market-gardener. 

"  The  management  of  those  charming  structures — ground  vineries, 
ss  in  this  edition  more  fully  gone  into  thau  before  ;  in  short,  all  the 
-modes  of  culture  hitherto  recommended  have  been  revised  and  made 
.as  perfect  as  practice  can  make  them,  for  it  must  be  recollected  that 
all  the  modes  of  culture  here  recommended  have  been  well  tested,  and 
no  foreign  practice  recommended  till  found  adapted  to  our  wot  English 
climate,  the  mean  temperature  of  which  is  just  about  two  degrees  too 
iovr  lor  the  choice  kinds  of  fruits  to  ripen  without  assistance." 


The  Beetroot  Sngar  Question.  By  E.  F.  De  Man.  London : 
Ridgway. 
We  warn  our  readers  againBt  throwing  away  3s.  Gd.  on  this 
ill-written,  unpractical  pamphlet.  There  is  not  a  suggestion 
in  it  that  is  useful,  and  long  French  quotations  are  given  for  no 
■better  reason  than  that  they  "  will  read  more  gracefully,  espe- 
cially for  the  fair  sex." 


DECEMBER   CATERPILLARS. 

It  is  a  little  remarkable  that  the  caterpillar  of  the  Butteifly, 
which  claims  the  highest  rank  amongst  our  "  Britishers," 
passes  the  winter  in  a  torpid  state.  For  this  reason  it  may  be 
Considered  remarkable,  that  to  an  extent  it  may  be  assumed 
that  there  is  a  certain  check  to  the  increase  of  a  species,  for  in 
aome  winters  many  of  these  hybernating  caterpillars  must 
perish  from  various  causes.  Few  have  been  so  fortunate  as  to 
find  the  caterpillar  of  the  Purple  Emperor  (Apatura  Iris)  at 
any  stage  of  its  growth ;  and  for  an  account  of  its  early  history 
in  particular  we  are  indebted  to  the  researches  of  Dr.  Maclean. 
The  egg  is  very  much  like  a  fossil  Echinus  inminiatuie  denuded 
of  its  spines,  and  the  little  Emperor  (to  be)  quits  his  shell  about 
the  end  of  July.  Changing  its  skin  in  a  week's  time,  it  then 
exhibits  two  curious  horns  attached  to  the  head,  each  of  which 
is  seen  to  bo  slightly  cleft.  Dark  brown,  too,  when  first  hatched, 
it  has  now  assumed  just  the  tint  of  the  Sallow  on  which  it  pre- 
fers to  feed,  though  occasionally  it  is  found  on  the  Oak,  accord- 
ing to  the  oldest  observers.  The  mode  of  aiding  digestion 
adopted  by  the  young  caterpillar  is  curious  :  having  eaten  its 
£11  off  some  leaf,  it  then  marches  to  the  tip,  and  fixing  itself 
there,  remains  motionless,  raising  its  head  in  the  air  in  the 
manner  of  the  Puss  Moth  caterpillar.  Some  time  in  November 
it  seeks  out  a  twig  to  its  taste,  and  forms  a  slight  silken  web  on 
the  bark,  and  on  this  it  rests  extended  at  full  length,  with  the 
horns  pressed  together,  and  awaits  the  favourable  influences  of 
spring.  When  larger,  this  caterpillar  rests  in  an  almost  straight 
position,  (hough  Mr.  Newman  observes  that  "when  feeding, 
it  beads  its  somewhat  obese  body  with  the  facility,  and  I  would 
almost  say  elegance,  of  a  slug;  but  I  fear  many  of  my  readers 
\vill  scarcely  appreciate  the  comparison.  If  annoyed,  it  con- 
tracts its  body,  assuming  a  very  lumpy  appearance."  The 
peculiar  horns  on  the  crown  are  now  established  in  their 
matured  state,  and  are  seen  to  be  roughened  over  with  small 
joints.  They  have  no  separate  power  of  motion,  waving  to 
and  fro  with  the  head.  In  colour  they  are  greenish  blue,  with 
black  tips.  The  whole  body  is  slug-shaped,  tapering  at  both 
extremities,  and  crossed  by  several  transverse  rows  of  warts. 
At  the  anal  extremity  are  two  points  nearly  parallel.  The 
general  colour  is  green,  while  on  each  side,  in  the  line  of  the 
■piracies,  there  runs  a  slender  yellow  stripe  ;  starting  from  this 
are  seven  oblique  yellowish-white  stripes,  which  slope  upwards, 
bat  do  not  reach  the  middle  of  the  back.  The  under  surface  is 
also  green.  The  head  of  the  chrysalis,  which  is  seldom  found, 
terminates  in  two  short  joints,  and  the  body  of  it  shows  faintly 
the  oblique  stripes  which  adorn  the  caterpillar.  The  nearly 
adult  caterpillar  of  the  Marbled  White  Butterfly  referred  to  last 
month,  lives  solitarily  near  or  on  the  surface  of  the  ground 
through  the  winter  There  is  a  species  much  inferior  in  size 
to  the  preceding,  but  an  entomologist  records  that  be  has 
several  times  observed. in  the  wolds  of  Northamptonshire  the 
attacks  made  by  the  Marbled  White  on  his  imperial  relative, 
when  he  descends  to  the  lower  regions  of  the  air,  or  settles  in 
aome  damp  spot. 

A  pleasant  sight  is  it  in  a  woodland  walk  to  see  the  graceful 


movements  of  the  Speckled  Wood  Butterfly  (Pyrarga  -Bgeria) 
as  it  passes  along  the  "  ridings  "  or  skims  over  them.  The 
caterpillar  producing  it  may  be  found  in  December,  as  also  in 
other  winter  months.  The  eggs  from  which  the  winter  brood 
emerges  are  laid  in  July  or  August.  The  young  caterpillar 
feeds  on  various  grasses,  and  does  not  grow  much  before  it 
hybernates.  Sepp,  a  continental  naturalist,  reports  that  speci- 
mens he  had,  changed  their  skins  five  times  before  winter.  The 
head  is  black  when  the  caterpillar  is  first  hatched,  but  with  the 
first  moult  it  becomes  green.  With  the  growth  of  the  early 
grasses  iu  spring  this  little  creature  begins  again  to  feed,  and 
rapidly  increasing  in  size,  is  generally  full  grown  by  the  end  of 
March.  The  body  of  it  is  shuttle-shaped,  the  divisions  oi  the 
segmeuts  being  clearly  marked,  and  each  being  slightly  wrinkled, 
which  gives  the  appearance  of  their  being  again  divided  ;  at  the 
anal  extremity  are  two  parallel  points.  The  whole  surface  is 
covered  with  small  raised  points,  from  each  of  which  there 
rises  a  stiff  bristle.  The  general  colour  is  sometimes  olive- 
green,  sometimes  an  umber-brown  :  in  both  kinds  we  have 
three  stripes,  each  of  which  is  triple,  being  composed  of  a  dark 
smoke-coloured  central  stripe  and  two  yellowish  or  whitish 
stripes.  The  chrysalis  is  fastened  to  a  silken  web  on  a  grass 
stem,  or  some  plant  near  the  food  of  the  caterpillar.  There  is 
also  supposed  to  be  a  summer  brood  of  the  caterpillars  of  the 
Speckled  Wood.  The  caterpillar  of  the  Wall  Butterfly  is  closely 
allied  to  the  preceding,  and  the  two  Butterflies  resemble  each 
other  in  one  singular  particular — they  have  the  eyes  hairy. 
Hybernating  individuals  of  the  autumn  brood  of  the  caterpillars 
of  the  Wall  (Pyrarga  Megfera)  rest  upon  low  herbage,  close  to 
the  ground  from  September  till  March  usually,  nor  do  they 
appear  to  eat  during  that  time,  as  is  the  case  with  some  grass- 
feeding  caterpillars  amongst  the  moth  tribes.  The  caterpillar 
of  the  Wall  feeds  chiefly  by  night,  remaining  through  the  day 
with  its  body  extended  along  a  blade  of  Grass.  In  many 
respects  it  resembles  the  one  just  described,  having  a  similarly 
shaped  body,  with  anal  points,  and  being  also  studded  with 
minute  warts.  The  colour,  however,  is  apple-green,  the  head 
being  of  a  deeper  and  duller  tint,  and  also  a  narrow  stripe  down 
the  back  ;  there  is  a  pale  greenish-white  stripe  along  the  sides  ; 
the  legs  are  almost  colourless,  and  half  transparent,  the  claspers 
being  of  the  same  colour  as  the  body ;  the  points  at  the  extremity 
are  tipped  with  pink.  When  of  full  size,  this  oaterpillar  sus- 
pends itself  by  the  tail,  and  becomes  a  chrysalis,  the  Butterfly 
emerging  in  May. 

A  good  many  of  the  caterpillars  belonging  to  the  extensive 
family  of  the  Nootua;  live  from  autumn  on  to  the  spring  or 
summer.  Amongst  these  are  several  belonging  to  the  genus 
Nootua,  individuals  of  which  turn  up  occasionally  when  the 
entomologist  is  digging  round  the  roots  of  trees  in  fields,  or 
when  he  is  examining  the  sparse  herbage  along  the  hedge-banks. 
The  caterpillar  of  the  Double  Dart  (Noctua  Augur),  though  a 
feeder  upon  Whitethorn  and  Sallow,  usually  passes  Ihe  winter 
near  the  roots  of  low  plants.  The  head  iu  this  species  is  small 
and  slightly  notched,  and  Mr.  Newman  observes  that  when 
crawling  it  "  stretches  the  head  forward,  and  moves  it  about  in 
a  leech  like  manner."  This  caterpillar  has  a  very  smooth  body, 
of  a  dull  purple  hue,  varied  with  darker  markings,  and  along 
the  line  of  the  spiracles  there  runs  a  stripe  of  rich  brown ;  upon 
the  back  there  are  some  white  spots  arranged  in  pairs,  part  of 
these  being  indistinct ;  the  legs  and  claspers  are  pale  and  look 
nearly  transparent.  It  attains  maturity  iu  the  month  of  May. 
A  rare  and  pretty  species  is  that  known  as  the  Lesser  Ingrailed 
(Noctua  conflua),  in  England  apparently  occurring  only  near 
Darlington,  and  being  restricted  in  Scotland  to  two  or  three 
localities.  The  eggs  are  laid  in  the  summer  upon  low  plants 
indiscriminately,  though  the  caterpillar  seems  most  partial  to 
the  leaves  of  the  Moss  Campion.  Unlike  some  of  its  brethren, 
it  attains  a  good  size  before  hybernation.  The  head  is  smaller 
than  the  second  segment,  almost  round,  having  upon  the  face 
two  crescentic  marks,  placed  back  to  back.  The  body  is  greenish- 
yellow,  with  fine  lines  of  brown  distributed  over  it.  The  straight 
stripe,  nearly  white,  runs  down  the  middle  of  the  back,  while 
on  each  side  of  this,  from  the  fourth  to  the  tenth  segment,  is 
another  stripe,  and  between  this  and  the  upper  one  there  is  a 
black  spot  on  each  segment.  The  spiiacles  are  black,  sur- 
rounded with  white  ;  the  feet  are  blaok  at  the  tips,  the  claspers 
much  paler  than  the  body.  The  cocoon  is  ingeniously  con- 
structed by  the  adult  caterpillar  of  particles  of  leaves,  mixed 
with  earth,  and  interwoven  with  silk.  A  very  rare  British  moth 
is  that  called  the  Feathered  Ear  (Pachetra  leuoopbaja),  ap- 
parently confined  entirely  to  one  locality  in  Surrey  (near  Mickle- 
harn),  where  it  might  be  worth  the  while  of  collectors  to  hunt 


December  15,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


471 


for  the  caterpillar,  which  has  been  described  by  GuentSe,  the 
acute  German  entomologist.  He  has  found  it  feeding  on  "  tufts 
of  grass  on  commons,  and  in  dry  woods."  The  head  is  large 
and  light  brown,  giving  the  caterpillar  an  odd  appearance ;  the 
claspers  are  small  and  short.  The  body  is  velvety,  and  yellowish 
grey ;  along  the  back  there  is  a  very  conspicuous  stripe,  and 
below  this  on  each  side,  a  faint  stripe,  and  another,  also  indis- 
tinct, in  the  line  of  the  spiracles  ;  in  the  second  segment  there 
is  a  brown  plate,  with  a  shining  surface.  Abroad,  the  coooon 
is  made  amongst  Moss  in  April,  the  moth  appearing  in  July. 

The  caterpillars  of  the  Mottled  Rustio  (Caradrina  Morpheus) 
feed  throughout  the  winter  at  intervals  when  the  weather  is 
open  ;  at  other  times  they  rest  on  the  under  side  of  decayed 
leaves,  or  even  enter  the  earth  for  a  short  distance.  They  may 
be  sought  on  Docks  and  other  plants  which  are  green  through 
part  of  the  cold  season.  The  body  is  very  plump,  the  head 
less,  and  over  both  these  are  numerous  short  bristles.  The 
colour  is  brown,  varying  in  tint,  with  markings  along  the  sides 
of  a  wedge-like  appearance,  of  a  darker  hue,  and  a  pale  line 
below  these.  The  species  occurs  in  many  places  throughout 
England.  Another  in  tbia  genus  has  a  singular  history.  This 
is  the  Pale  Mottled  Willow  (Caradrina  cubicularis) ;  the  name, 
from  cubiculum  some  have  believed  to  have  been  given  because 
it  occurs  in  outhouses  or  barns ;  Mr.  Newman  believes  that  the 
authors  of  the  name  gave  it  "  in  allusion  to  the  familiar  habit 
of  the  caterpillar  residing  in  a  little  cubiculum  or  lodging-room 
of  its  own  construction."  The  moth  lays  its  eggs  in  June  on 
Peas  or  Beans  growing  in  fields,  and  still  more  frequently  on  the 
growing  Wheat.  When  these  crops  are  cut  down  and  housed, 
the  caterpillars  of  this  moth  are,  much  to  the  disadvantage  of 
the  farmer,  carried  in  with  them.  Here  they  feed  through  the 
winter,  forming  the  temporary  cocoons  already  referred  to,  as 
they  move  from  place  to  place,  being  nearly  full  grown  in  early 
spring.  These  caterpillars  have  the  body  studded  with  warts, 
each  giving  off  a  hair ;  the  body  being  short  and  thick,  and  the 
head  rather  small,  and  capable  of  being  withdrawn  beneath  the 
seoond  segment,  the  surface  being  shining  and  blaok.  The 
upper  surface  of  the  body  is  a  dull  grey,  sometimes  greenish, 
the  sides  are  smoky  grey,  the  under  side  and  claspers  much 
paler.  The  Frosted  Orange  Moth  (Gortyna  flavago)  would 
probably  beoome  very  common,  were  it  not  that  the  caterpillars 
are  many  of  them  destroyed  before  they  are  full  grown  by  the 
attacks  of  an  insect  enemy.  It  has  afforded  matter  for  some 
speculation  as  to  the  mode  in  which  the  egg  of  this  parasite  ie 
introduced,  since  the  caterpillar  lives  entirely  conoealed  in  the 
stems  of  plants,  such  as  the  different  species  of  Thistle,  Bur- 
dock, Mullein,  and  Hemp  Agrimony.  When  removed  from 
this  retreat,  it  does  not  roll  up,  but  crawls  off  rapidly  to  seek 
same  concealment.  The  stems  of  some  of  these  may  be  ex- 
amined for  this  caterpillar  in  December,  though  as  yet  it  has 
been  mostly  found  in  the  summer ;  if  taken  it  must  be  trans- 
ferred of  course  to  some  transplanted  specimen  of  its  particular 
food.  The  formation  of  the  body  is  admirably  adapted  to  its 
life  as  a  feeder  upon  the  pith  of  plants,  being  soft,  maggot-like, 
and  pliant.  The  head  is  horny,  flattened,  of  a  yellow  colour ; 
there  is  also  a  horny  plate  on  the  second  and  one  on  the  last 
segment ;  these  plates  are  brown,  the  rest  of  the  body  being  dull 
white,  tinged  slightly  with  pink.  There  are  a  number  of  dots 
arranged  more  or  less  regularly  on  the  back  and  a  few  on  the 
sides  ;  the  legs  are  horny  but  not  the  claspers.  The  chrysalis 
has  a  curious  projection  in  front  of  the  head,  and  two  sharp 
spines  at  the  tail,  by  means  of  which  it  extricates  itself  from 
the  stem  when  about  to  become  a  moth. — J.  R.  S.  Cliffobd. — 
(English  Mechanic  and  Mirror  of  Science.) 


PORTRAITS  OF  PLANTS,  FLOWERS,  and  FRUITS. 

Stenoglottis  fimbbiata  (Spotted  Natal  Orchid).  Nat.  ord., 
Orchidacese.  Linn.,  Gynandria  Monandria. — Native  of  Natal 
and  other  Cape  of  Good  Hope  districts.  Flowers  lilac,  with 
purple  blotches. — (Bot.  Mag.,  t.  5872.) 

Gladiolus  Sadndebsii  (Mr.  Wilson  Saunders's  Gladiolus). 
Nat.  ord.,  Iridaceae.  Linn.,  Hexandria  Monogynia. — Native  of 
Cape  of  Good  Hope.  Flowers  scarlet  and  white. — (Ibid.,  t. 
5873.) 

Cassia  hihosoides  var.  Telfaikiana  (Telfair's  Mimosa- 
leaved  CasBia).  Nat.  ord.,  LegominoBie.  Linn.,  Decandria 
Monogynia. — Native  of  Zanzibar,  and  elsewhere  on  Afrioa's 
eastern  coast.    Flowers  yellow. — {Ibid.,  t.  587L) 

Eolophia  Helleeobina  (Helleborine  Eulophia).  Nat.  ord., 
OrchidaceEe.  Linn.,  Gynandria  Monandria. — Native  of  Sierra 
Leone.    Flowers  white  tinted  with  pink. — (Ibid.,  t.  5875.) 


Tacsonia  quitensis  (Quito  Tacsonia).  Nat.  ord.,  Passi- 
florea1.  Linn.,  Pentandria  Trigynia. — Native  of  the  Andes  in 
New  Grenada  and  Ecuador.  Flowers  pink  inside,  crimson 
outBide.— (Ibid.,  t.  5876). 

Geissobhiza  gbandis  (Large-flowered  Tile-root).  Nat.  ord., 
Iridacefe.  Linn.,  Triandria  Monogynia. — Native  of  the  Cape 
of  Good  Hope.    Flowers  pale  straw-coloured.— (Ibid.,  t.  5877.) 

Gloxinias — Scarlet  Gem,  Negro,  and  Mdlle.  Jeanne  Prevost. 
— "  Few  genera  of  ornamental  plants  are  more  useful  in  their 
way  for  general  decorative  purposes  than  the  Gloxinia,  which 
to  facility  of  culture  adds  the  recommendations  of  convenience 
of  size,  variety  of  form  and  tint,  profuseness  of  flowers,  and 
a  velvety  richness  of  colouring  which  is  almost  unapproached. 
Need  we  wonder,  then,  that  they  are  largely  grown  both  for 
house  decoration  and  for  exhibition — though  not  much  en- 
couraged at  the  great  London  shows  ;  and,  moreover,  that  the 
varieties  are  very  numerous? 

"  Their  culture  is  so  simple  and  well  understood,  that  we 
need  not  here  devote  space  to  explain  it.  Suffice  it,  then,  to 
say  that  the  variety  Scarlet  Gem  is  one  of  the  richest  and 
brightest  flowers  we  have  ever  seen,  and  one  whioh  unanimously 
won  a  first-class  award  when  exhibited  last  spring.  The  oolonr 
at  the  deepeBt  parts  is  of  a  rich  bright  velvety  tint  of  oarmine 
scarlet,  beautifully  blended  with  a  soft  violaceouB  hue  at  the 
throat.  This  novelty  was  shown  by  Mr.  Williams,  of  Holloway. 
Negro  is  a  richly  shaded  violet  purple,  raised  last  spring  by  the 
Messrs.  Veitch  &  Sons,  amongst  many  others  of  great  beauty 
and  merit ;  and  Mademoiselle  Jeanne  Prevost,  a  Frenoh  variety 
of  recent  introduction,  is  a  deep  rosy  lilao  tint,  beautifully 
spotted  and  rayed  with  violet  in  the  month  and  throat.  They 
all  belong  to  the  erect-flowered  seotion  of  Gloxinias." — (Florist 
and  Pomologist,  3  s.,  iii.,  265.) 


"A   PENN  ORTH   O'  POT-HERBS.'' 
"  Hebe's  your  potherbs,  a  penny  a  lot !  "     Such  is  the  an- 
nouncement addressed,  in  stentorian  tones,  to  the  discerning 
public,  by  the  proprietors  of  numerous  stalls  ranged  on  either 
side  of  Whitecross  Street,  St.  Luke's. 

My  readers  may  probably  not  be  acquainted  with  this  lo- 
cality. It  is  overshadowed  by  the  vestiges  of  the  old  prison, 
but  adorned  by  public  baths  and  wash-houses  for  the  labouring 
poor,  and  illumined  by  the  "Tabernacle,"  in  whioh  are  held 
meetings  for  the  moral  and  intellectual  improvement  of  the 
oostermongerB  and  their  families,  and  in  whioh  hundreds  of 
their  children  are  daily  taught  how  to  tread  the  path  of  life  here, 
so  that  it  may  lead  to  realms  of  love  and  light  hereafter. 

Some  people  call  this  a  "  low  neighbourhood,"  but  I  do  not. 
I  reoognise  the  principle  that  where  there  is  an  up-hill  there 
must  be  a  down-hill.  Wherever  there  is  a  high  light,  there 
must  be  a  deep  shadow  ;  and  therefore,  as  surely  as  the  Pyra- 
mids have  reared  their  summits  for  ages  above  the  ground, 
even  so  surely  did  the  nummulites,  of  which  their  structure  is 
formed,  work  for  countless  ages  in  the  depths  of  the  sea ;  and 
as  certainly  as  the  mighty-winged  albatross  sails  high  above 
the  ocean  at  a  thousand  miles  from  shore,  even  as  certainly 
does  the  humble  earth-worm  penetrate  the  ground  deeper  than 
man  can  reach,  so  enabling  the  rain  from  heaven  to  sinki 
and  fertilise  the  soil.  There  is  no  occupation  low  so  long  as 
is  honest ;  and  thus  we  realise  the  words  of  the  poet — 

".Let  every  work  be  hallowed 
That  man  performs  for  man  ; 
Aii<l  have  its  share  of  hononr, 
As  part  of  one  great  plan. " 

Along  the  kerb  on  either  side  of  this  and  the  neighbouring 
streets  are  all  sorts  of  arrangements  for  selling  goods.  These 
alone  furnish,  aB  it  were,  a  complete  reoord  of  the  progress  of 
shopkeeping ;  and,  as  the  history  of  architecture  has  been 
called  the  history  of  the  world,  so  in  the  gradual  development 
of  these  stalls  may  be  found  the  history  of  the  growth  of  our 
magnificent  shops,  with  their  plate  glass  fronts  reaching  up  to 
the  second  floor — even  as  it  has  been  said,  the  hovel  grew  into 
the  palace,  and  the  cave  became  the  temple. 

Here  is  to  be  seen  the  most  primitive  form  of  stall — the  sup- 
ports being  the  legs  of  the  proprietor,  around  whose  neok  an 
old  tea-tray  is  slung.  On  this  are  sometimes  displayed  a  few 
sheets  of  note  paper  and  envelopes,  a  stick  or  two  of  very  thin 
sealing  wax,  some  pencils  and  pen-holders.  Sometimes  the 
edge  of  the  tray  is  bent  perpendicularly  upwards,  so  as  to  form 
a  wall ;  and  in  this  case  the  article  exposed  for  sale  is  a  little 
pair  of  wheels  made  of  wire ;  on  the  axle  is  fixed  a  small  doll, 
which  is  wheeled  along  on  this  primitive  bicycle  by  jerks  on 


472 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  December  15,  1870. 


either  side  of  the  tray,  to  the  infinite  delight  of  the  juvenile 
population,  who  look  up  to  these  toys  as  the  realisation  of  all 
that  money  can  purchase.  Sometimes  the  tray  graces  the  neck 
of  a  woman,  and  contains  a  few  yards  of  edging  or  insertion, 
wound  round  a  blue  card ;  a  cap  or  two  of  her  own  make  ;  a 
k6ttle-holder  made  of  patchwork  ;  a  few  yards  of  tape ;  a  card 
of  hooks  and  eyes  ;  and  a  strip  of  pins  ; — tho  whole  stook  worth 
so  little — yet  by  this  alone  must  the  poor  creature  maintain 
herself  and  children ! 

Next  comes  a  tray,  supported  on  a  pair  of  slight  trestles, 
usually  the  centre  from  which  is  distributed  a  composition  for 
cleaning  cloth,  &c.  The  use  of  this  requires  a  basin  of  water, 
sni  necessitates  that  the  eloquent  vendor  should  have  the  free 
use  of  his  hands,  so  as  to  be  able  to  prove  the  efficacy  of  his 
preparation  by  removing  stains  of  paint,  grease,  &c,  from  the 
jackets  of  all  "  believers." 

Now  we  have  the  costermonger's  barrow,  piled  up  with  vege- 
tables, of  which  an  extraordinary  supply  may  have  turned  up 
in  Covent  Garden  in  the  morning— Cabbages,  Cauliflowers, 
Lettuces,  &c.  This  is  essentially  a  locomotive  stall ;  the  pro- 
prietor does  not  find  it  to  his  advantage  to  remain  long  on  one 
spot,  knowing  that  many  of  the  women  cannot  come  out  to  buy 
their  vegetables,  having  work  at  home— shoebindiug,  machine 
working,  and  above  all  "  the  children  "  to  look  after.  My  in- 
formant told  me  that,  rising  at  3  a.m.,  he  gets  early  to  Covent 
Garden— buys  Cabbages,  Turnips,  Rhubarb,  Cauliflowers,  or 
other  vegetables,  which  he  hawks  during  the  morning  ;  usually 
getting  rid  of  his  stook  by  about  12  o'clock.  He  then  invests 
in  Cherries,  Apples,  or  such  fruit  as  may  be  in  season,  which 
he  sells  during  the  afternoon,  generally  taking  up  his  position 
(if  the  police  allow  him)  somewhere  near  a  school,  just  before 
12  or  3,  or  from  4  to  5.  In  the  evening  he  Btocks  his  barrow 
with  bloaters  for  supper,  or  oysters  when  in  season. 

Thus  are  the  man's  entire  faculties,  mental  and  physical, 
devoted  to  earning  an  hon6st  subsistence,  requiring  as  much 
watchfulness  as  to  supply  and  demand,  and  the  lise  and  fall  in 
prices,  as   do  the  merchant  and  stockbroker ;   for,   said  my 

hopeful  "  coster,"  "  Mr. ,  and  many  others  now  in  a  large 

way  of  business,  only  begun  as  I  did."  He  told  me,  too,  that 
several  costermougers  not  only  use  their  own  dcmkeys,  but  have 
bought  others  with  their  savings,  and  let  them  out  by  the  day. 
These  vegetable  stalls  may  be  said  to  keep  up  a  certain 
amount  of  business  all  day  and  all  the  evening;  for  when  the 
whole  stock  has  net  been  sold  before  dinner,  the  remainder  is 
disposed  of  as  night  approaches  at  lower  prices ;  little  heaps  are 
made,  consisting  of  a  few  Turnips,  Carrots,  Lseks,  Onions,  a 
small  Celery  or  part  of  one,  a  little  Parsley;  and  these  are  the 
"  lots  "  forming  the  subject  of  the  proclamation  which  is  the 
keynote  of  this  paper. 

And  now  let  us  see  the  purpose  which  these  "pot-herbs" 
serve  in  the  preparation  of  food ;  and  I  hope  to  show  that  they 
not  only  contain  in  themselves  a  certain  amount  of  nourish- 
ment, but  that  they  increase  the  value  of  the  small  quantity  of 
meat  which  the  wife  of  a  working  man  may  be  able  to  place  on 
her  family  (able. 

Everybody  knows  that  fat  and  water  will  not  mix ;  but  that, 
whilst  the  water  is  hot,  the  globules  of  fat  are  separated  and 
held  in  suspension  in  it ;  and  as  the  water  cools  they  unite 
again,  and  form  a  cake  at  the  top. 

Take  a  glass  bottle,  and  partially  fill  it  with  warm  water ;  add 
to  this  some  melted  fat,  gradually  heat,  and  stir  it.  Whilst  the 
water  is  hot  the  fat  will  seem  to  mix  with  it,  but  as  it  cools  it 
will  r_i3e  to  the  top  and  form  a  cake.  Again  apply  heat,  and 
this  time  add  a  teaspoonful  of  brown  sugar,  stir  it,  and  allow  it 
to  cool ;  behold,  the  cake  of  fat  at  the  top  will  be  just  half  its 
previous  thickness.  But  follow  up  the  experiment :  apply  heat 
a  third  time,  add  a  teaspoonful  of  gum — allow  it  to  cool — and 
you  will  find  that  the  cake  of  fat  will  almost  entirely  disappear. 
Where  has  it  gone  to  ?  The  answer  must  necessarily  be,  that 
it  has  entirely  mixed  with  the  water. 

Here  then,  is  the  secret  of  the  use  of  the  "  penn'orth  o'  pot- 
herbs." 

If  we  analyse  1  lb.  of  Carrots,  we  shall  find  amongst  the  in- 
gredients of  which  the  vegetable  is  composed,  1  oz.  11  grains  of 
sugar,  and  70  grains  of  gum.  In  1  lb.  of  Turnips  we  shall  find 
280  grains  of  sugar,  and  3.07  grains  of  gum.  So  that,  we  see, 
these  two  vegetables  perform  exactly  the  same  office  as  the 
sugar  and  gum  in  the  experiment,  and  thus  utilise  the  fat  in  the 
food  by  causing  it  to  mix  with  the  other  ingredients,  and  so 
enabling  us  to  take  it  without  the  disagreeable  effects  previously 
alluded  to. 
But  this  is  not  all ;   these  pot-herbs   (and  I  have  selected 


these  two  as  types  of  the  class)  not  only  serve  as  mediators,  but 
bring  in  themselves  a  certain  amount  of  capital  into  the  con- 
cern ;  for  we  find  in  1  lb.  of  Carrots  42  grains  of  albumen,  and 
in  the  same  quantity  of  Turnips  77  grains  of  albumen  and 
casein.  Further,  in  Carrots  we  find  1  grain,  and  in  Turnips 
35  grains  of  mineral  matter;  and  the  comparative  importance 
of  this  will  be  recognised  when  we  remember  that  in  the  body 
of  a  man  weighing  154  lbs.  there  are  8  lbs.  of  mineral  matter. 
But  even  this  is  not  all ;  were  every  particle  of  the  substances 
that  we  put  into  our  stomach  really  digestible,  the  mass  would 
become  so  closely  pressed  together  that  it  could  not  be  pene- 
trated by  the  gastric  or  intestinal  juice.  Nature  has  guarded 
against  this  by  giving  us  in  our  vegetable  food  a  substance 
called  cellulose,  or  woody  fibre.  This  forms  the  walls  of 
the  little  bags  in  which  the  starch  and  sugar  in  the  plant  are 
packed  up  ;  it  is  this  which,  when  the  sugar  has  dried  away  or 
rotted,  causes  the  vegetables  to  become  what  is  called  "  stringy  " 
or  "  woody."  Of  this  woody  fibre  we  find  in  Carrots  231,  and 
in  Turnips  168  grains  per  lb. 

The  limits  of  this  paper  preclude  my  pursuing  tho  subject 
any  further.  I  can  only  just  mention  the  tastiness  which  these 
plants  impart  to  food.  Who  does  not  know  the  exquisite 
flavour  added  by  the  simple  sprig  of  Parsley,  or  blade  of  Celery  ? 
Who  does  not  recognise  the  pungency  of  the  Onion  (in  itself  a 
nutritious  and  most  healthy  vegetable)  or  of  the  Shallot  ?  And 
one  word  more — who  does  not  look  with  wonder  and  admiration 
on  the  beautiful  colours  of  the  Beet  and  Carrot,  and  on  the 
exquisite  form  of  the  leaves  of  the  Parsley  and  Celery  ?  And 
who  is  there  that  would  say  that  a  poor  man  would  not  enjoy 
his  meal  all  the  more,  if  the  little  piece  of  meat  which  has  been 
boiled  in  his  soup  were  served  up  nicely  garnished  with  the  gold 
and  scarlet  slices  of  Carrot,  the  silvery  wedges  of  Turnip,  and 
the  emerald  fuliage  of  the  Celery  and  Parsley  ?  Thus  to  economy 
may  be  added  beauty — beauty  leads  to  refinement — and  who 
shall  say  where  refinement  may  lead?  Need  we,  then,  any 
more  ask,  What  is  the  use  of  "  A  penn'orth  o'  pot-herbs  ?" — 
Ellis  A.  Davidson. — (Food  Journal.) 


ROYAL    HORTICULTU.RAL   SOCIETY'S   SHOW 

AT  NOTTINGHAM. 
The  preliminaries  of  the  great  provincial  meeting  of  the 
Royal  Horticultural  Society  at  Nottingham,  are  now  settled. 
The  Show  is  fixed  for  the  27th  of  June  next,  and  is  to  be  held 
in  the  Castle  Park,  quite  in  the  centre  of  the  best  part  of  the 
town.  The  special  prizes  already  amount  to  £380 ;  many 
more  are  yet  expected,  and  the  guarantee  fund  is  complete. 
Well  done  Nottingham  !  If  this  meeting  is  not  a  success,  it 
will  not  be  for  want  of  the  will  and  energy  of  those  who  have 
undertaken  the  initiative  to  make  it  so. 


CHRYSANTHEMUM  CULTURE. 
Your  correspondent's  remarks  in  your  last  issue  seem  calcu- 
lated to  mislead,  for  my  experience  teaches  me  that  to  produce 
creditable  specimens  manure  water  is  indispensable.  My  prac- 
tice is  to  give  weak  liquid  manure  at  every  watering,  from  the 
time  they  are  placed  in  8-inch  pots  till  I  can  discern  the  colour 
of  the  flower  buds,  when  I  gradually  withhold  it.  I  also  attach 
great  importance  to  plunging  the  pot3  in  some  waste  material 
— such  as  cinder  ashes  or  old  tan.  Nature  has,  with  few  ex- 
ceptions, provided  the  roots  of  vegetation  with  an  equable 
temperature.  Surely,  then,  it  must  be  beneficial  to  the  Chry- 
santhemum to  protect  its  roots  from  solar  influences.  I  have 
found  the  middle  of  July  quite  late  enough  for  the  last  potting. 
It  is  generally  admitted  by  experienced  plant  growers,  that 
flowering  plants  should  well  fill  their  pots  with  roots  previous 
to  the  formation  of  flower  buds,  in  order  to  induce  a  greater 
profusion  of  bloom.  This  rule  is  applicable  to  the  Chrysanthe- 
mum, but  the  plant  must  fail  to  accomplish  this  objeot  if  pot- 
ting be  deferred  till  August,  as  recommended  by  your  corre- 
spondent.— H.  Benhah,  Upper  Holloway. 


NOTES  AND  GLEANINGS. 
The  pods  of  the  Ground  Nut  (Arachis  hypogtea)  are  fre- 
quently to  be  seen  iu  the  windows  of  small  shops  in  the  poor 
neighbourhoods  of  our  large  towns,  where  they  are  chiefly  pur- 
chased by  children,  and  are  known  to  them  as  "  monkey  nuts." 
Their  chief  use,  however,  remarks  Nature  is  for  the  ex- 
pression from  the  seeds  of  a  light-coloured  bland  oil,  said  to 
be  extensively  used  for  mixing  with  olive  oil ;  and  we  have 


December  13,  1S70. 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


473 


even  heard  of  the  seeds  being  parched  and  used  as  a  substitute 
btrt  we  now  read  that  in  America  they  are  used  for 
making  chocolate  (so  called)  ;  for  this  purpose  they  are  beaten 
up  in  a  mortar,  and  the  mass  compressed  into  cakes,  and  it  is 
said  to  form  a  most  agreeable  chocolate  without  a  particle  of 
true  coooa.  More  than  this,  the  Americans  prepare  the  seeds 
as  a  dessert  sweetmeat  by  parching  them  and  beating  them  up 
with  sugir.  

PORTRAIT  OF  MR.   RIVERS. 

The  following  additional  subscriptions  ha70  been  received  :  — 

£      s.      d. 

Grundy,  Robert,  E:q.,  Bury,  Lancashire  0  10     6 

Lee,  Mr.  George,  Clevedon,  Bristol 0     5     0 

Prout,  John,  Esq.,  Sawbridge.vorth    1     1     0 

Spencer,  John,  Esq.,  Bowood  1     1     0 

Steggatt,  F.  C,  Esq.,  Weymouth    1     1     0 

Wise,  Thomas,  E=q.,  Boston 110 


NOTES  MADE  DURING  A  TOUR  IN  IRELAND. 

No.  4. 
THE  VICE-REGAL  LODGE,  PHCENIX,  PARK. 

Next  to  royalty— royalty  itself  in  Ireland — is  the  Lord-Lieu- 
tenant, and  it  is  meet  he  should  enjoy  a  royal  abode.  Sach  is 
the  Vice-Regal  Lodge,  situated  in  the  middle  of  the  noble 
Phoenix  Park;  no  better  spot  could  be  found,  for  it  commands 
fine  and  extensive  view3  of  the  Park  in  all  its  varied  beauty, 
and  of  the  surrounding  country,  with  the  Dublin  mouutaias  and 
other  hills  in  the  distance.  The  building  is  plain  but  elegant, 
substantial,  and  large.  The  private  policies  and  gardens  are  of 
considerable  extent,  finely  furnished  with  tree3,  tastefully  laid 
out,  and  pretty  well  maintained. 

In  the  immediate  front  of  the  Lodge  a  square  portion  of 
about  two  acres  bounded  on  three  sides,  south,  east,  and  west, 
by  a  low  balustrade  wall,  is  very  beautifully  designed  as  an  or- 
namental flower  garden.  There  is  a  massiveness,  a  width,  and 
character  about  this  in  perfect  harmony  with  the  building  that 
I  liked  very  much ;  moreover,  it  was  skilfully  and  tastefully 
planted,  and  in  perfect  keeping,  which  made  it  quite  pleasing 
to  look  upon,  and  it  reflected  much  credit  on  Mr.  Smith,  the 
very  excellent  and  intelligent  gardener. 

The  accompanying  sketch,  for  which  I  am  indebted  to  Mr. 
Smith,  will  give  a  far  better  idea  of  it  than  any  mere  descrip- 
tion. Only  one  half  of  the  design  is  here  shown,  as  the  other 
is  precisely  the  same. 

The  Vice-Regal  Lodge  (a),  a  photograph  of  which  is  shown, 
stands  on  a  flat  plateau  of  grass,  with  a  long  broad  gravel 
walk  in  front,  and  another  walk  leading  from  the  portico, 
e,  through  the  centre  to  another  broad  raised  terrace  walk 
ngainst  the  low  balustrade  wall  on  the  opposite  side,  which 
forms  a  beautiful  promenade,  overlooking  the  Park  on  the  one 
side,  and  the  flower  garden,  with  the  Lodge,  on  the  other. 
That  which  makes  this  so  extremely  pleasant  to  look  upon  is 
the  great  breadth  of  open  and  well-kept  green  grass,  and  the 
simplicity  of  the  design.  How  much  more  effeotive  are  these 
plain  oblong  beds  when  planted,  and  how  much  more  easily 
and  effectively  can  thoy  be  planted,  than  those  narrow,  sharp- 
pointed  figures  that  look  bo  pretty  on  paper !  The  great 
number  of  pillar  Irish  Yews  placed  at  regular  distances  along 
the  sides  of  the  main  walks,  as  represented  by  the  little  circles, 
also  give  the  design  a  very  distinct  and  rather  elegant  character. 
Along  the  balustrade  walls  numerous  vases  are  placed,  which 
were  beautifully  filled  with  Scarlet  Pelargoniums  and  other 
flowers.  Mr.  Smith,  in  order  to  make  the  plants  in  the  vases 
produce  an  immediate  effect,  adopts  a  practice  which  is  worthy 
of  being  more  generally  known.  It  is  this — tins  are  made  to 
fit  exactly  into  the  interior  of  the  vase,  and  are  filled  early  in 
the  season  with  plants,  whioh  are  kept  in-doors  until  established ; 
consequently  when  put  in  their  places  the  plants  produce  an 
immediate  effect. 

It  will  be  understood  that  the  design  is  on  grass;  c  denotes 
gravel  walks,  which  cut  it  up  into  squares ;  r>  represents  a  grass 
Slope;  E  E,  vases  ;  r,  a  sundial  in  the  centre. 

At  the  risk  of  being  somewhat  tedious,  I  3hall  attempt  to  give 
some  idea  of  the  admirable  manner  in  which  this  garden  was 
planted.  Commencing  at  the  portico,  the  oblong  beds  imme- 
diately in  front  and  stretching  round  the  extremity  of  the 
ground,  measure  about  30  feet  by  15  feet.  These  have  all  a 
very  neat,  trim,  and  beautiful  edging  of  Cerastium  tomentosum. 
This  cuts  the  connection,  as  Mr.  Smith  observed,  between  the 


green  foliage  of  the  plants  and  the  grass,  and  gives  the  beds  a 
very  dressy  appearance,  and  a  kind  of  uniform  framework 
throughout,  which  tel!3  well  from  the  windows,  the  proper 
stand-point  to  judge  from.  These  beds  were  all  planted  wi;h  a 
considerable  degree  of  uniformity,  and  yet  in  excellent  contrast 
with  one  another.  After  the  Cerastium  in  each  bed  was  a  belt 
2£  feet  wide  all  round  of  some  suitable  plant ;  then  the  centres, 
24  feet  by  8,  were  planted  with  something  else.  For  example- 
No.  29,  which  has  its  brother  on  the  other  side  of  the  walk,  was 
planted  thus — after  the  Cerastium,  a  belt  of  Lobelia  speoiosa, 
dotted  with  plants  of  Echeveria  metallica,  then  another  thin 
line  of  Cerastium,  and  the  oentre  Mrs.  Pollock  Pelargonium. 
This  was  very  fine.  No.  30  had  for  the  centre  Pelarg'-muni 
Amy  Hogg,  one  of  the  most  pleasing  and  effective  of  all,  and 
greatly  admired  in  Ireland  ;  then  a  belt  of  Mangles's  Variegated, 
mixed  with  a  few  piuk  Verbenas,  and  the  grey  edging.  No.  31, 
centre  Pelargonium  Madame  Rudersdorti,  a  belt  of  Golden 
Chain,  and  the  grey  edge.  No.  32,  centre  Pelargonium  Cybister, 
and  a  belt  of  Flower  of  Spring,  with  the  grey  edging.  From 
No.  33  to  No.  41  the  style  of  planting  the  beds  was  somewhat 
different.  The  centres  were  planted  with  one  colour  as  in  the 
others,  the  belt  portion  in  oblique  bands  of  colour  at  about  the 
angle  of  45°  from  the  grass,  so  selected  as  to  contrast  well  with 
each  other.  When  the  materials  are  well  chosen  as  to  colour, 
See.,  and  both  grow  of  a  uniform  height,  this  looks  well,  otherwise 
it  has  a  very  untidy  irregular  appearance.  One  or  two  examples 
may  suffice.  Ta'<e  No.  41. — Centre  Pelargonium  Excellent, 
then  diagonal  or  oblique  bands  alternately  of  Calceolaria  Aurea 
floribunda  and  Iresine  Herbstii.  This  looked  well,  but  Cal- 
ceolarias being  such  fickle  "  cattle  "  now,  it  is  hardly  safe  to 
trust  to  them.  No.  40. — 'Centre  Pelargonium  Christine,  diagonal 
bands  alternately  oi  the  silvery  Centaurea  candidissima,  and  a 
good  variety  of  dark-leaved  Beet ;  these  contrasted  admirably, 
and  both  colours  harmonised  well  with  the  pink  Pelargoniums 
in  the  centre.  No.  50  had  in  the  centre  Calceolaria  amplexi- 
caulis,  and  diagonal  bands  of  the  dark-leaved  Perilla  and  Pe- 
largonium Lord  Rokeby,  with  the  grey  edge  of  Cerastium,  as 
in  each  of  the  others.  No.  37. — The  two  extreme  corner  beds 
were  planted  with  a  few  sub-tropical  plants  by  way  of  trial, 
such  as  Wigandias,  Solanums,  Cannas,  and  Castor-oil  Plants. 
These,  although  they  had  grown  pretty  well,  had  but  a  shabby 
appearance;  the  situation  is  far  too  exposed  for  these  plants. 
Glancing  now  at  the  centre,  or  at  the  centre  of  either  side, 
where  the  beds  form  three  concentric  circles,  there  was  a  very 
pretty  display,  although  not  eo  pleasing  on  the  whole  as  the 
other  parts.  Nos.  1  and  3  were  planted  thus — Calceolaria  am- 
plexicaulis,  edged  with  Pelargonium  Crystal  Palace  Scarlet. 
Nos.  2  and  4,  Governor,  edged  with  Centaurea  candidissima, 
whioh  was  very  effective.  No.  5,  Indian  Yellow,  edged  with 
a  light- coloured  Pansy.  No.  6,  Calceolaria  Prince  of  Orange, 
edged  with  Calceolaria  iurea  floribunda.  No.  7,  Pelargonium 
Lady  Constance  Grosvenor,  edged  with  Flower  of  Spring. 
No.  9,  Clipper,  edged  with  a  yellow  Pansy.  In  the  outer  circle, 
Nos.  17  and  25,  Verbena  Purple  King,  edged  with  Cerastium 
tementosum;  18  and  26,  Pelargonium  Silver  Nosegay,  edged 
with  Iresine  Herbstii ;  and  No.  22,  Pelargonium  Madame  Barre, 
edged  with  Centaurea  candidissima  compacta,  were  only  at- 
tractive. Several  of  the  others  were  filled  with  such  as  Pelar- 
gonium Lady  Culluru  edged  with  Lady  Plymouth,  and  Flower 
of  Spring  edged  with  Iresine  Herbstii,  the  plant  which  in  Ire- 
land takes  the  place  of  the  Coleus  Verschaffelti.  In  the  vases, 
which  were  chiefly  filled  with  Pelargoniums,  Governor  proved 
the  most  effective  scarlet.  This  is  a  decided  improvement  on 
Punch.    Excellent  is  also  very  effective  and  suitable. 

Snch  was  the  arrangement  during  the  past  summer,  and  it 
was  a  good  one,  doing  Mr.  Smith  much  credit.  A  great  im- 
provement might,  however,  be  easily  effected  here,  which 
would  materially  enhance  the  appearance,  and  that  would  be 
by  the  addition  of  a  couple  of  fountains  placed  in  the  centre  of 
the  circular  part.  The  appearance  of  water  in  a  hot  summer 
day,  with  the  green  grass  and  pretty  flowers,  has  a  most  pleasing 
effect  on  the  senses.  Let  us  hope  that  some  liberal  Lord- 
Lieutenant  may  make  the  trial. 

After  these  summer  occupants  have  gone,  the  beds  and  vases 
are  immediately  filled  with  spring-flowering  plants,  such  as 
edgings  of  Cerastium  and  Silene  pendula,  Hyacinths,  Crocuses, 
Myosotis  dissitiflora,  Calandrinia,  Pansies,  Wallflowers,  An- 
brietias,  Narcissus  poeticus,  Tulips  of  all  shades,  Nemophilas, 
Saponaria  calabrica,  and  Daisies.  On  this  part,  however,  it  is 
not  my  purpose  to  dilate  at  present,  but  I  hope  to  return  to  it 
on  some  future  occasion.  Judging  by  the  splendid  materials 
in  preparation  for  next  spring's  display,  I  should  say  it  will  be 


474 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  December  15,  1S70, 


very  fine.    Mr.  Smith  informs  me  tbat  the  beds  are  already 
planted,  so  that  I  would  advise  all  who  may  have  the  oppor- 
tunity to  pay  the  Vice-Regal  Lodge  a  visit. 
Adjoining  the  Lodge  there  is  a  very  large  and  ornamental 


plant  honse  having  a  three-ridged  roof.  This  is  used  also  for 
entertainments  of  various  kinds.  During  the  time  of  my  visit 
it  was  filled  with  some  fine  plants  of  Crotons,  and  two  large 
plants  of  Cyoas  revoluta  and  circinalia.    A  little  way  off.  again  > 


-FmS 


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stands  another  house,  a  very  useless  and  unmeaning  structure,  I  has  to  grow  great  numbers  of  plants  for  decoration,  and  they 
quite  enough  to  try  the  temper  of  any  gardener.  As  an  aviary  are  grown  well.  I  observed  great  quantities  of  the  Encharis 
it  might  prove  useful,  but  as  a  plant  house  never.    Mr.  Smith  |  amazonica,  Gardenias,  Dracteuas.  Allamandas,  &e. ;  also  of  the 


December  15,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


475 


Sugar-cane,  which  rather  attracted  my  attention,  as  I  had  never 
seen  it  in  such  quantity.  Mr.  Smith  informed  me  that  he 
found  it  extremely  useful  and  easily  grown.  Small  plants  in 
48-sized  pots  look  particularly  graceful.  In  some  other  pits  I 
noticed  a  few  Orchids,  the  Cypripediums  being  good,  also  line 
plants  of  Alocasias,  Cissus,  Adiautums,  &a.  One  span-roofed 
pit  contained  a  fine  lot  of  Heaths,  which  I  was  well  pleased  to 
see,  as  these  plants  are  such  particular  favourites.  Azaleas 
were  here  also  in  great  number  and  in  excellent  condition. 
Pelargoniums,  of  what  are  called  the  ftage  varieties,  were  extra 
good,  plainly  proving  that  Mr.  Smith  is  an  adept  at  plant- 
growing.  At  the  Dublin  Horticultural  Show  the  Vice-Regal 
gardens  must  show  the  example,  and  it  is  done,  inauy  plants 
being  grown  for  this  especial  purpose. 

It  is  for  fruits,  however,  and  Grapes  especially,  that  the  Vice- 
Regal  Lodge  is  chiefly  famed,  there  being  immense  quantities 
of  them  required.     In  what  is  called  the  forcing  garden  there 


I  is  a  range  of  houses  600  feet  long,  -450  feet  of  which  contain 
i  Grapes.  It  is  divided  into  ei^ht  compartments.  This  is  a 
noble  r^njje,  having  a  sort  ol  curvilinear  front,  with  a  short 
|  sash  behind,  forming  a  sort  of  three-quarters  span,  with  a  back 
wall  about  9  feet  high.  These  homes,  or  divisions,  are  all  planted 
so  as  to  produce  a  successionat  supply,  No.  1  being  the  earliest 
and  planted  chiefly  with  Black  Harnburghs,  No.  2  and  3  with 
the  same.  From  these  the  crop  had  been  cut.  The  Vines 
appeared  to  be  in  fine  condition.  No.  4  was,  again,  Black 
Hamburghs.  In  this  there  was  a  splendid  crop,  over  thirty 
bunches  on  each  rod,  and  all  well  finished.  No.  5  was  a  rather 
remarkable  house,  about  70  feet  in  length,  the  Vines  treated  on 
what  is  termed  the  extension  system  ;  three  Vines — one  at 
one  end,  and  t>vo  at  the  other — being  made  to  fill  the  entire 
house.  The  rods,  seven  in  number,  are  trained  lengthwise 
along  the  roof  of  the  house  until  they  meet  in  the  centre,  and. 
right  well  they  looked.     The  crop  was  something  marvellous — 


The  Tioe-Hegal  Lodge. 


too  heavy  I  fancied,  yet  the  lunjhes  seemed  to  " finish"  well. 
Mr.  Smith  informed  ne  that  last  Eeason  the  crop  was  rqually 
heavy,  over  700  lbs.  weight  being  cut.  The  roots  of  theEe  Vines  are 
all  inside  the  house,  and  the  health,  the  training,  and  the  gene:  al 
appearance  of  the  whole  was  very  creditable.  The  next  house, 
No.  6,  was  filled  chiefly  with  late  varieties,  such  as  Alicante, 
Lady  Downe's — the  best  of  all  late-keeping  Grapes,  Trenthom 
Black,  and  Foster's  White  Seedling.  The  examples  of  this  were 
excellent ;  it  is,  however,  better  suited  for  early  than  late  work. 
No.  7  contained  Muscats,  the  king  of  all  Grapes.  In  No.  8  the 
Vines  have  only  recently  been  planted.  I  observed  a  good  many 
of  Mrs.  Pince's  Black  Muscat,  a  much  over-rated  Grape  ;  a 
good  keeper  without  doubt,  and  of  fair  flavour,  but  far  from 
satisfactory  as  a  cropper.  This  must  give  way  to  Madreefield 
Court  Muscat,  of  which  Mr.  Smith  had  only  one  example. 
Royal  Ascot  was  here  also.     This  is  a  good  and  useful  variety, 


and  well  deserving  of  extended  onltivation.     The  other  variety 
in  this  bonse  was  Lady  Downe's.  t^&SSfei 

The  Vice-Regal  Lodge  can  boast  of  having  one  of  the  largest 
Pine  stoves  to  be  seen.  It  is  a  low  ridge-and-furrow  structure, 
44  feet  in  length,  24  feet  in  width,  and  about  7  feet  in  height 
to  the  eaves  of  the  ridges  ;  these  are  seven  in  number.  There 
is  a  broad  walk  leading  through  the  centre,  thus  dividing  the 
interior  into  two  beds  which  are  filled  with  tan.  In  this  the 
plants,  which  are  grown  in  pots,  are  plunged.  The  appear- 
ance of  the  house  both  externally  and  internally  is  rather 
pleasing.  The  broad  path  in  the  centre  gives  ample  faoility 
to  view  the  plants,  which  can  very  seldom  be  done  with 
Pines.  Mr.  Smith  grows  his  Pines  here  in  all  stages — fruiting, 
succession,  and  suckers,  and  they  all  looked  well,  there  being 
some  very  fair  fruit.  Mr.  Smith  spoke  in  high  terms  of  the 
convenience  in  working  such  a  house  as  this,  and  of  its  efficiency 


476 


JOUKNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  December  15,1870. 


generally.     It  is  the  only  Pine  stove  he  has,  and  many  fine 
fruits  are  annually  produced. 

Into  the  other  departments  of  this  regal  garden  I  shall  not 
enter  at  present,  further  than  to  remark  on  the  general  excel- 
lence throughout.  Paaohes  were  grown  well  and  abundantly  ; 
Pears,  also;  and  cordon  Apples  were  well  represented.  Vege- 
tables commanded  their  share  of  attention,  and  were  worthy  of 
the  place.  In  conclusion,  I  have  to  thank  Mr.  Smith,  who 
has  been  for  many  years  the  gardener,  for  his  exceeding  kind- 
ness and  hospitality. — B. 


WORK  FOR  THE  WEEK. 

KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

Little  can  be  added  to  previous  directions  under  this  head. 
The  operations  of  one  week  are  but  an  epitome  of  what  has 
been  and  still  will  be  necessary  for  some  weeks.  It  may  be 
truly  said  that  most  of  our  operations  at  this  season  have  no 
law  as  regards  the  time  of  performance,  being  entirely  de- 
pendant on  the  state  of  the  weather.  Common  sense  will 
suggest  to  everyone  desirous  of  excelling,  that  no  opportunity 
should  be  allowed  to  slip  by  of  getting  the  soil  in  a  favourable 
state  for  the  reception  of  the  various  crops  which  must  soon 
be  committed  to  it ;  and  as  the  basis  of  success  is  allowed  by 
all  good  practical  gardeners  to  be  a  thorough  system  of  drain- 
age, no  time  should  be  lost  in  attending  to  this  most  material 
point.  Whatever  is  done  should  be  done  well.  I  would  never 
allow  a  drain  to  be  laid  down  that  was  likely  to  become  de- 
ranged in  its  operation,  as  the  good  that  might  otherwise  be 
derived  from  it  would  be  nullified  from  the  difficulty  of  ascer- 
taining where  the  defects  were.  As  this  kind  of  work  may  be 
done  at  any  time  when  it  is  dry  overhead,  we  shall  do  well  to 
look  to  it  in  time.  The  surface  soil  must  be  occasionally 
stirred  amongst  Cauliflowers,  Lettuces,  and  young  Cabbages, 
and  the  latter  should  have  the  earth  drawn  round  the  stems  to 
prevent  them  from  being  blown  about  by  the  wind.  Celery  and 
Parsley  must  be  protected  in  severe  frost.  Let  a  warm  patch 
of  ground  on  a  south  border  be  prepared  for  a  sowing  of  early 
Radishes,  and  in  bad  weather  prepare  a  quantity  of  material 
for  the  protection  of  early  crops  of  various  kinds.  These 
things  must  soon  be  put  in  requisition,  and  they  ought  to  be 
at  hand  when  wanted. 

FRUIT   GARDEN. 

The  renewing  of  fruit-tree  borders  where  the  soil  is  im- 
poverished is  a  very  neo6ssary  operation  at  this  season  ;  let  as 
much  of  the  old  soil  be  removed  as  can  be  done  without  dis- 
turbing the  roots,  and  its  plaoe  be  supplied  with  maiden  loam  ; 
avoid  using  stimulants,  which  often  induce  over-luxuriant 
growth  without  a  corresponding  degree  of  frnitfumess.  As  a 
considerable  difference  of  opinion  exiBts  on  this  point,  young 
gardeners  will  do  well  to  turn  their  attention  to  it.  As  far  as 
my  experience  goes  I  hold  it  to  be  a  fundamental  point  in  the 
formation  of  borders  for  fruit  trees  that  no  stimulating  ma- 
nures should  enter  into  their  composition.  I  ought  to  add, 
however,  that  Vines  are  an  exception,  for  they  are  gross 
feeders,  and  capable  of  assimilating  a  greater  amount  of 
nourishmeut  than  border-wooded  fruit  trees.  All  the  pruning, 
exceptof  Figs  and  Apiieots,  and  mostof  the  nailing  of  wall  trees, 
as  well  as  the  training  of  c  ipaliers,  should  be  finished  if 
possible  by  New  Year'sday,  and  the  same  may  be  said  of  bush 
fruit.  The  making  of  borders  or  stations  for  fruit  trees,  too, 
should  be  auturrm  business.  Wherever  soil  has  to  bo  intro- 
duced, September  or  October  ia  the  most  fitting  time,  as  the 
best  of  soils  may  be  seriously  injured  by  moving  them  in  a 
wet  state. 

FLOWER    GARDEN. 

Protect  tender  plants,  and  in  moderate  weather,  especially  if 
dry,  open  the  canopies  or  coverings  a  little  for  a  few  hours 
once  a-week  or  so,  in  order  to  dispel  damp,  Do  not,  however, 
suffer  the  sun  to  shine  on  plants  of  this  kind.  In  frosty 
weather  a  scheme  of  the  masses  or  beds  might  be  decided  on, 
and  the  soil  renewed  according  to  the  character  of  the  plant. 
Little  can  be  done  now  except  in  the  way  of  preparation,  and 
should  frosty  weather  continue,  it  will  afford  every  opportunity 
of  having  all  the  compost  heaps  thoroughly  frozen.  By  re- 
peatedly removing  the  encrusted  surface,  and  piling  it  up  every 
morning,  many  of  the  insects  and  their  eggs  will  be  destroyed 
— a  point  of  no  small  importance  to  the  cultivator.  It  will 
also  be  a  good  time  to  cart  turf  sods,  peat,  &c,  and  to  lay  by  a 
good  stook  of  soil  most  suitable  for  the  various  plants  and 
flowers,  without  which  it  is  next  to  impossible  to  grow  them 
successfully.    If  leaden  pegs  are  used  for  layering  Carnations 


(and  these  I  should  always  recommend  in  preference  to  bracken 
or  fern),  a  fresh  slock  may  be  cast  and  the  old  ones  cleaned 
and  straightened.  If  the  florist  can  mend  his  own  hand-lights 
and  shades,  they  ought  now  to  be  attended  to,  and  the  metallic 
wire  which  has  been  used  for  attaching  the  stems  of  Carnations 
or  Tulips  to  their  supports,  should  be  made  ready  for  uso  and 
stored  away  in  any  place  till  the  returning  season  brings  it 
into  request.  liabbits  during  the  severe  weather  are  apt  to 
attack  Carnations  and  Pinks.  It  would  be  worth  while  to  try 
Mr.  Rivera's  plan  of  dipping  small  square  pieces  of  cloth  into 
brimstone,  tying  ihem  to  sticks,  and  inserting  the  sticks  in  the 
ground  round  the  beds.  Now  is  a  good  time  to  collect  Rose 
stocks  for  another  year's  operations.  In  selecting  these,  dis- 
card the  green-barked  variety.  Those  stocks  which  were 
budded  this  season  may  now  have  the  shoots  cut  back  to 
within  6  inches  of  the  buds.  Buds  of  tender  varieties  should 
have  a  little  moss  tied  round  them  for  protection  from  frost. 
Sweep  and  roll  grass  lawns  and  gravel  walks. 

GREENHOUSE   AND    CONSERVATORS. 

In  pruning  and  training  the  climbers  in  the  conservatory 
and  other  houses,  some  regard  must  be  paid  to  the  time  when 
it  is  debirable  the  plants  should  bloom.  Thus  with  stove 
climbers  not  required  to  flower  before  autumn,  pinning  may 
be  deferred  for  some  time  ;  but  for  earlier  display  it  should  be 
done  at  once.  Passion-flowers,  Bignonias,  and  similar  plants, 
which  make  long  annual  shoots,  should  only  have  their 
branches  thinned  and  slightly  shortened ;  while  others,  as 
Combretum?,  may  be  spurred-in.  Kennedyas  will  soon  be 
showing  bloom,  and  what  training  they  require  Bhould  be  done 
at  once,  but  the  pruning  should  not  take  place  till  after  they 
have  ceased  floweiing.  Where  Orange  trees  are  grown  to 
decorate  the  flower  garden  in  summer,  care  should  be  taken  to 
prevent  their  beginning  to  push  previous  to  their  removal  to 
the  open  air,  and  this  more  especially  if  the  trees  are  wintered 
in  a  dark-roofed  house.  When  such  happens  tho  young  leaves 
have  always  a  thin,  flabby  appearance,  and  soon  turn  brown 
after  the  plants  have  been  set  out  of  doors,  whereas  if  growth 
has  been  prevented  till  the  trees  are  in  the  open  air,  the  foliage 
will  bear  any  amount  of  sunshine,  and  still  look  green  and 
healthy.  The  introduction  of  the  CLineso  Chrysanthemums 
having  caused  a  disarrangement  of  part  of  the  stock,  it  be- 
comes a  matter  of  importance  to  rearrange  matters,  that  groups 
or  tribes  may  occupy  situations  according  to  their  habits.  But 
in  keeping  the  conservatory  gay  with  blooming  plants,  let  the 
arrangement  of  the  interior  be  occasionally  changed  by  group- 
ing the  plants  somewhat  differently,  and  adding  a  few  striking 
subjects,  as  some  of  the  hardiest  Palms,  &c,  for  effect.  Chry- 
santhemums decaying  should  be  cut  down,  Buffered  to  become 
somewhat  dry,  and  removed  to  cold  frames.  Those  who  cannot 
afford  frame  room  may  secure  them  in  some  shed  or  outhouse 
for  a  few  weeks,  covering  them  overhead  with  clean  straw 
whilst  the  frost  lasts.  If  they  are  slightly  frozen  here  it  will 
not  signify,  only  take  care  that  they  do  not  thaw  too  suddenly. 
Forcing  pits  will  soon  have  to  be  kept  iu  full  activity  to  supply 
the  various  calls  for  plants  in  bloom,  which,  during  winter, 
are  more  or  less  in  demand  in  most  establishments.  Care 
should  be  taken  before  plants  are  moved  to  sitting-rooms  to 
gradually  harden  them  fur  a  day  or  two,  either  by  placing 
them  in  the  conservatory  or  an  intermediate  house.  Pay 
uttention  to  the  plants  intended  for  successive  blooming.  In- 
sects should  be  kept  down,  and  every  means  afforded  to  keep 
the  foliage  clean  and  healthy.  As,  with  the  exception  of  forced 
plants,  most  other  things  are  now  in  an  inactive  state,  the 
temperature  of  the  plant  houses  should  fall  to  its  minimum 
point,  consistent  with  the  safety  of  their  various  inmates. 

STOVE. 

Little  can  be  said  here  at  present.  Uso  moderation  in  heat, 
ventilation,  and  atmospheric  moisture.  Beware  of  exciting 
the  buds  of  Orchids  before  their  time.  Do  this,  and  keep  a 
somewhat  drier  atmosphere  until  "the  middle  of  January. — 
W.  Keane. 

DOINGS   OF  THE  LAST   WEEK. 

Gardening  and  Gardeners. — The  gardeners  of  tho  olden  limes 
might  well  enjoy  themselves  in  looking  around  them  during  the 
winter,  as  then  they  c  .mid  take  some  compensation  for  their 
hard  labour  with  hand  and  head  when  the  days  were  long  and 
the  sun  strong.  The  recollection  of  such  scenes,  and  compara- 
tive liberty,  oombined  with  poetio  dreams  about  the  "  loves  of 
the  flowers,"  and  the  pleasure  of  even  in  the  humblest  degree 
contributing  to  their  loveliness,  have  induced  many  a  youth  to 


Deoeuibcr  15,  ltTO.  ] 


JOURNAL   OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


■17 


enter  the  field  of  gardening  to  be  deeply  disappointed  at  find- 
ing that  there  is  now  no  season  of  the  year  when  thero  is  any- 
thing like  leisure  iimo  in  a  garden.  01  oourso  there  may  yet 
be  genial  and  bti;>py  spots  where  gardening  may  he  followed 
calmly  and  quietly,  and  where  the  imaginative  and  the  poetical 
may  be  indulged  iu  among  all  the  digging,  pruning,  potting, 
firing,  &c. ;  but  as  a  general  fact  it  would.  he  well  fur  all  dreamy 
youths,  before  taking  to  gardening,  to  be  well  indoctrinated  with 
the  ilea  that  their  case  will  be  rather  exceptional  if,  instead  of 
the  expected  ease  and  quiet,  they  do  not  find  that  they  must 
manage  to  put  up  with  hard  galloping  from  April  to  June,  and 
pretty  hard  trotting  every  day  in  the  year  besides.  Many  gar- 
deners will  experience  that  they  are  rather  amongst  the  for- 
tunate ones  if,  from  many  extras  put  in  their  way  in  winter, 
they  do  not  find  themselves  behind  with  their  winter  work 
when  spring  work  ought  to  engage  their  attention. 

We  mention  these  matters  more  particularly  because  we 
have  of  late  years  been  often  sorry  to  see  youths  entering  with 
high  hopes  on  gardening  as  a  means  of  liviug,  and  thou  leav- 
ing it,  after  wasting  muoh  time,  becaufe  they  found  that  tho 
labour  required  from  body  and  mind  was  too  arduous  for  them, 
and  that  even  holidays  were  few  and  far  between.  In  all  cases 
where  numbers  of  youths  are  taken  into  gardens  as  apprentices, 
or  improvers,  or  learners,  it  would  be  well  to  set  before  them 
stern  realities,  instead  of  allowing  them  to  dream  about  flowery 
imaginings,  as  such  youths,  when  disappointed  so  as  to  turn 
to  other  occupations,  not  only  injure  themselves,  but  keep  the 
gardening  market  30  overstocked,  that  those  who  have  the 
natural  capabilities,  the  requisite  energy,  and  the  determiniti  m 
to  surmount  all  obstacles,  find  it  all  the  more  difficult  to  get 
on,  or  even  to  obtain  suitable  employment.  Unfortunately, 
notwithstanding  the  vast  increase  in  tho  number  of  gardens 
of  late  years,  there  has  been  a  still  greater  increase  in  tho 
numbers  of  those  who  aspire  ultimately  to  manage  them,  and 
this  is  partly  owing  to  the  fact  that  many  make  a  commence- 
ment in  this  direction  who  have  never  clearly  calculated  on  U13 
difficulties  with  which  they  must  oontend.  These  difficulties, 
as  well  as  the  pleasures,  calmly  looked  at  would  induce  many 
a  youth  to  betake  himself  "  to  fields  and  pastures  new,"  instead 
of  even  for  a  time  thronging  that  province  of  labour  in  which 
it  is  now  -so  difficult  to  obtain  remunerative  employment. 

It  is  sad  to  think  at  this  inclement  season  of  many  gar- 
deners willing  to  labour  and  unable  to  find  employment ;  and 
it  is  equally  melancholy  to  see  so  many  youths  and  able-bodied 
men  acoustomod  to  country  work,  going  from  place  to  place  in 
search  of  work  for  a  day,  or  a  week,  with  little  in  their  pockets, 
and  next  t:>  empty  cupboards  at  home.  Many  country  gentle- 
men who  are  able  to  afford  it,  would  confer  a  great  benefit,  in 
effecting  contemplated  improvements  in  ground  work,  grubbing, 
planting,  &c,  at  such  a  season  and  in  such  circumstances  ;  as 
almost  any  able-bodied  man,  though  previously  unnped  to  it, 
can  with  a  little  supervision  be  made  dexterously  to  wield  a 
spade,  or  trundle  a  barrow.  We  would  be  inclined  to  look  at 
such  work  in  many  cases  as  true  charity,  and  charity  dispensed 
in  the  best  manner,  bo  as  not  to  rob  the  receiver  of  the  wages 
of  a  true  manly  self-respect. 

KITCHEN    GArUOBX. 

A  sharp  frost  on  the  8tb,  and  a  fall  of  snow  on  the  9tb,  have 
confined  our  operations  chiefly  to  wheeling,  and  to  keeping 
lifted  plants  of  Sea-kale,  &c,  under  protection.  The  snow  is 
one  of  our  best  protectors,  and  therefore  for  two  days  our  oold 
pits  protected  a  little  have  been  left  untouched.  A  dense  fog 
on  the  10th  led  us  to  hope  for  a  change,  but  the  wind  veering 
to  the  north,  and  a  rising  barometer,  may  givo  us  frost  instead 
of  thaw.  Open  weather  would  give  much  work,  and  help  those 
who  have  little  to  do. 

FKUIT   GABDEN. 

We  filled  several  frames  with  Strawberry  plants  in  pots, 
setting  them  on  the  surface  with  just  a  little  bottom  boat 
below  tjhem,  as  much  is  apt  to  injure  them  by  encouraging  mere 
growth. 

On  the  9  h,  as  the  snow  covered  the  roof  of  the  orchard 
house,  we  gathered  the  last  of  the  Coe's  Golden  Drop  Plum, 
and  smoked  the  house  with  bruised  laurel  leaves.  It  is  of  little 
use  smoking  such  a  house  unless  the  roof  ia  covered,  and  snow 
is  the  best  of  all  coverings  for  the  purpose.  The  snow  and  the 
frost  prevented  our  collecting  tree  leaves,  but  we  carried  home 
a  good  lot  previously  raked  up.  For  all  sorts  of  hotbeds  such 
leaves  are  invaluable,  as  requiring  little  or  no  previous  pre- 
paration. We  never  scruple  using  rank  dnug  beneath  if  we 
can  put  a  g^od  surfacing,  say  12  to  15  inches,  of  hot  sweet 
leaves  over  it. 


Pine-Apple  plants  iu  pits  ami  frames  heated  hy  fermenting 
material,  cannot  now  be  too  well  banked-up  to  the  wall-plates, 
or  the  tops  of  the  frame.  For  this  any  sort  of  heating  material 
will  do,  as  the  object  is  less  to  give  bottom  heat  than  to  throw 
heat,  and  dry  heat  too,  into  tho  atmosphere  of  the  pit.  Where 
there  is  plenty  of  manure,  great  things  may  be  done  by  sur- 
rounding a  soli  1  wall  with  such  material ;  then  there  is  no 
dangor  of  rank  steam.  If  atmospheric  moisture  is  wanted  in 
the  shape  of  vapour,  all  that  is  required  is  just  to  sprinkle  the 
wall  inside  gently.  The  best  pit  we  ever  tried  for  heating  in 
this  way  had  slabs  of  stout  slate  1  inch  thick  and  3  feet  wide 
inserted  in  the  brickwork.  From  rank  fiery  dung  we  have  had 
these  slates  so  hot  that  we  could  scarcely  touch  them.  The 
next  best  was  a  solid  -l!-inch  briok  wall  in  cement,  with  9-inch 
piers  at  every  4  feet.  From  that  pit,  5  feet  in  width,  we  could 
always  obtain  heat  enough  for  anything,  but  in  the  winter 
the  mounds  of  fermenting  material  against  the  wall  were  any- 
thing rather  than  narrow  and  small.  Wo  put  a  strong  lining 
the  other  day  against  tho  back  wall  of  a  pit  with  late  Cucum- 
bers, to  help  the  hot  water.  Such  heating  by  dung  is,  no  doubt, 
old-fashioned,  but  much  might  be  done  in  this  way  in  many 
a  farmyard  where  the  heat  given  off  by  fermentation  is  lost. 

Another  point  is  apt  to  be  overlooked  by  many  new  beginners 
in  the  management  of  either  eold  or  heated  biick  pits,  and 
Ibat  is  that  tho  walls  of  such  pits  are  good  radiators  of  heat, 
and  therefore  carry  away  much  heat  in  winter.  Wo  have 
known  glass  so  carefully  covered  that  no  frost  could  enter, 
but  cold  and  frost  penetrated  by  the  wall.  It  was  like  shutting 
tho  door  socurely  and  leaving  the  window  unfastened.  Where 
sr.oh  places  are  well  heated,  the  fuel  plentiful,  and  the  expense 
never  considered,  the  walls,  though  !  or  5  feet  in  height  at 
back,  need  not  bo  much  thought  about ;  but  nhiu  matters  are 

1  the  reverse,  and  every  bushel  of  con!  is  an  object,  thtn  the 
placiog  from  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  of  wheat  straw  neatly  with 
strings  and  nails  against  such  walls  would  be  a  great  saving  as 

I  respeots  keeping  heat  in.  Straw  is  scarce  this  year,  and  as  yet 
our  cold  pits  and  heated  pita  are  still  exposed,  but  even  in 
beats!  pits  whtn  we  covered  the  back  wall  we  soon  saved  the 
value  of  the  straw  in  the  diminished  consumption  of  the  fuel, 
people  have  proved  such  things  by  experience  they  will 
be  led  to  gain  a  similar  object  with  much  less  trouble  by  having 
1       -  lid  but  hollow  walls,  the  confined  air  acting  as  a  non- 

|  conductor. 

OBNAMENTAL    DEPARTMENT. 

Out  of  doors  the  frost  and  the  snow  have  had  it  their  0-.  c 
d  there  has  been  little  done  except  in  sweeping  walks 
for  locomotion  and  clearing  off  primings,  &■•.— R.  P. 


TO    CORRESPONDENTS. 

Books  (A*.  V.).— There  is  no  book  with  merely  lists  of  plant3  for  small 
greenhouses  and  small  stov.  3.  We  have  frequently  published  such  lists 
in  this  Jonrnal.  Refer  to  back  numbers.  (EUand). — "Allotment  Farm- 
ing for  tho  Many  ;'  will  suit  you.  It  yoa  enclose  five  postag^etarnps  with 
your  address  yon  can  have  it  from  our  office  free  by  post.  ( II'.  T.  S.). — 
Youcan  have  "  The  Cottage  Gardeners'  Dictionary  "  free  by  post  for  7*.  2d. 

Rand  from  Glass  Works  [T.  R.). — The  sample  you  onclosed  is  equal 
to  the  Reigate  silver  sand  for  potting  purposes.  There  is  little,  if  any, 
plant  nourishment  in  such  sands,  and  they  are  only  used  either  to 
render  the  soil  with  which  they  are  raised  porous,  or  to  secure  a  dry 
surface. 

Stotb  (Antony). — Apply  to  any  gas-fitter.     We  know  of  no  grass 
1  ior  tho  purpose  you  mention. 

Y11  .lets  not  Flowering  (E.  M.  S.). — Thoir  not  doing  well  is  a  result 
of  their  not  having  a  proper  omonnt  of  air  and  light  during  the  summer. 
and  when  they  are  allowed  to  grow  into  a  thick,  close  mass  the  plants  ate 
weak,  nnd  suffer  from  dryness  in  summer.  Watering  with  liquid  manure 
■would  not  now  induce  flowering,  though  it  would  assist  the  swelling  of 
the  buds.  You  are  right,  Violets  ought  to  be  raised  every  year ;  the 
runners  being  planted  iu  May  in  bods  of  good  rich  soil,  watered  well  in 
dry  weather,  and  kept  froe  of  weeds,  &c.  If  the  old  plants  are  retained 
they  should  have  tho  runners,  and,  to  a  certain  extent,  the  suckers  re- 
moved, encouraging  them  with  copious  waterings  in  dry  weather,  and  top- 
dressings  of  rich  soil  or  well-rotted  manure. 

Keeping  Mice  from  Bulbs  {Rev.  C.  H.  P.). — Wo  cannot  say  where 
1  iwdsr  is  to  be  had  as  a  protection  to  bulbs  from  mice.  A  line  of 
tar  will  keep  them  away  so  long  as  the  tar  ia  offensive  in  smell  and  sofl 
and  liquid.  Chopped  furze  is  greatly  detested  by  them,  and  so  are  rough 
barley  awns  obtained  after  threshing.  Trapping  and  poisoning  are  so  far 
effectual  when  mice  are  not  otherwiso  well  fed.  (Ju  the  whole,  there  is 
cat  for  keeping  a  place  free  of  mice.  On  a  border  a  eat 
might  have  a  house  at  each  end,  with  a  wire  all  the  way,  connected  with 
r.  collar  ring  r.nd  short  chain  round  her  noc';. 

CucuMGEr:  Leave:;  Injured  [A  Young  Gardener.— We  found  n  few  red 
spiders  and  traces  of  thn'ps  on  the  leaf  of  the  Cucumber.  For  tho  first, 
the  best  remedy  at  this  season  ia  painting  the  heating  medium  when  not 
above  160-,with  sulphur,  also  painting  the  w.ills  and  other  surfaces,  and 
giving  Blight  syringiugs  in  sunny  days.  For  the  hitter,  smoko  with 
tobaooo.  The  treatment  is  all  right,  but  light  soil  and  little  dung  will  be 
be:t  in  winter. 


478 


JOURNAL   OF   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


L  December  15,  1870. 


Trees  fob  a  Bank  of  Loose  Chalk  (Creta). — Tb&  bank  being  covered 
with  soil  for  planting  tbe  trees,  we  do  not  see  why  Beech  should  not 
grow.  Larch  we  have  seen  doing  well  where,  from  the  stony  character 
of  the  ground,  most  other  trees  refuse  to  grow.  We  should  try  both  ;  the 
Beech  to  remain  and  the  other  as  nurslings. 

Variegated  Pine  Atple  Fruiting  (W.  8.).— It  is  not  unusual  fnr  this 
to  fruit.  We  have  seen  fruit  of  from  3  to  4  lbs.  weight,  and  we  have  no 
doubt  under  good  cultivation  it  might  be  grown  to  a  greater  weight. 

Plants  for  Greenhouse  Decoration  (H.  S.  C.).— Sis  Azaleas  r  Stella, 
Criterion,  Extranei,  Mars,  Duchesse  Adelaide  de  Nassau,  and  Gled- 
stanesi  formos*.  Six  Shou-  Pelargoniums  :  Archbishop,  Charle3  Turnor, 
Uaid  of  Honour,  Expectation,  Congress,  and  Councillor.  Six  Fa7\-,y 
Pelargoniums:  Belle  of  the  Season,  Fanny  Gair,  .Pink  of  Perfection, 
Lady  Dorothy  Nevill,  Neatness,  and  Brightness.  Twelve  Zonal  Pehir- 
goniums :  Advancer,  Charming,  Coleshill,  Diamond,  Display,  Harmony, 
Landscape,  Mabel,  Parity,  Josephine,  Herald,  and  Eistacy.  Six  Double- 
fLowering  Pelargoniums  :  Conqueror,  Marie Lemoine,  Le  Vesuve,  Delight, 
Sparkhill  Beauty,  and  Memnon. 

Vinery-Greenhouse  (S.  H.).— We  approve  generally  of  the  plan  aud 
arrangement  of  the  house,  but,  if  suitable  otherwise,  we  would  have  had 
the  flue  under  the  front  table  platform  instead  of  under  th«»  back  stage. 
For  tbe  late  bouse,  where  you  will  not  put  many  plants  until  the  fruit  is 
cat,  we  would  have  the  following — two  Bowood  Muscat,  one  Trehbiano, 
two  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  two  Lady  Downe's.  For  the  intermediate 
house — one  Golden  Champion,  two  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  one  Muscat 
Hamburgh,  two  Black  Han.bnrgh,  one  Trentham  Black.  For  the  early 
house— two  Black  Hamburgh,  one  Royal  Muscadine,  one  Bnckland'a 
.Sweetwater,  or  Dutch  Sweetwater. 

Ground  Vinery  [Hoivard). — We  are  not  quite  sure  if  we  understand 
you.  Do  you  propose  that  your  brick  wall,  24  inches  high  and  24  inches 
wide,  flat  on  the  top.  should,  with  ventilating  bricks  at  top,  form  the 
v»ack  of  a  Rendle's  ground  vinery,  with  another  wall  in  front?  then  there 
can  be  no  question  as  to  the  succtss.  But  if  you  mean  the  flat  top  of 
this  24  inch  wall  to  be  the  base  of  your  vinery,  then  we  should  prefer  a 
■wooden  frame  with  glasa  to  stand  on  it,  as  the  use  of  bricks  for  the  side 
would  occupy  too  much  room*  The  bricks  beneath  would  absorb  and 
give  out  heat  in  summer.  In  such  a  Bhaly  soil  we  would  see  no  use  in 
bricking  in  a  little  pit  for  the  Vine  roots.  Any  fresh,  sweet  loamy  soil 
would  do,  and  if  you  added  a  fifteenth  part  of  boiled  bruised  bones,  the 
same  of  lime  rubbish  if  the  soil  was  not  naturally  light,  and  as  much 
sweet  rotten  dung,  the  Vines  would  grow  freely  in  it.  For  a  Vine  to 
cover  from  9  to  12  feet  in  length,  a  root  space  a  yard  square  and  24  inches 
deep  would  be  ample  at  first,  as  you  could  give  rich  top-dressings  every 
year,  and  when  you  thought  it  would  do  the  Vines  good  you  might  add  a 
little  more  space  of  soil  afterwards.  We  think  that  a  small  hot-water 
pipe  in  such  a  place  would  take  a  good  deal  of  trouble,  and  bo  so  far  a 
departure  from  simplicity.  If  carefully  attended  to  it  would  be  useful 
in  dull  weather  when  the  fruit  was  sotting,  and  in  dull  weather  in 
autumn  when  the  fruit  and  wood  were  ripening.  C*st-iron  g*s-pipes, 
however,  we  should  think  would  be  cheaper  than  those  made  of  wrought 
iron. 

Vinbs  for  A  Small  House  (H.  C).—  Your  house,  80  feet  long  and 
12  feet  wide,  will  hold  ten  Vines  at  3  feet  apart,  the  two  end  Vines  being 
planted  15  inches  from  tbe  ends,  and  the  distance  equally  divided  between 
the  others.  We  have  a  house  of  the  same  length  with  twelve  Vines,  but 
we  think  them  a  little  too  close  together,  for  though  for  the  first  two  or 
three  years  they  have  plenty  of  room,  yet  when  the  rods  are  spurred  the 
whole  length  there  is  too  little  space  for  the  leaves  being  exposed  to 
light  and  air.  You  do  not  say  whether  you  have  other  houses,  and  wish 
this  to  afford  an  early,  midseason,  or  late  supply  of  Grapes ;  but  we  take 
it  for  granted  that  you  have  no  other  house  specially  set  apart  for  Grape 
culture,  aud  our  selection  is  made  accordingly,  and  is — ono  Black  Cham- 
pion, one  Fraukenthal,  two  Mill  Hill  Hamburgh,  one  Buckland  Sweet- 
water, one  Foster's  White  Seedling,  one  White  Frontignan.  ono  Black 
Alicante,  two  Muscat  of  Alexandria;  and  if  you  have  twelve  Vines — one 
Lady  Downe's  and  one  Madresfisld  Court  Black  Muscat.  With  these 
Tarieties  in*ne  house  you  may  have  a  supply  of  Grapes  till  after  Christ- 
mas. We  approve  of  your  having  the  Vines  planted  inside,  having  the 
border  partly  in  and  partly  outside  the  house. 

Dust  from  Stove  Furnace  {Poplar).—  The  dust  you  complain  of  as 
settling  on  your  plants  from  removing  ashes,  &c,  may  easily  be  avoided 
by  damping  the  ashes  before  you  remove  them,  and  damping  the  firebox 
before  you  clean  it  out.  If  the  plants  are  very  dusty  we  would  take  them 
out,  or  to  a  shed,  in  a  fine  day,  brush  them  carefully  with  a  small  hair 
■broom,  and  then  syringe  and  wash  them,  and  when  becoming  dry  replace 
them.    This  would  be  better  than  washing  them  in  the  house. 

Heating  a  Greenhouse  (G.  D.  Garis).— We  would  much  prefer  Si  or 
4-iuch  pipes  for  heating  your  greenhouse  vinery  to  6-inch  pipes.  The 
latter  will,  of  course,  hold  heat  longer,  hut  they  will  be  longer  in  being 
heated.  For  such  a  house  14  feet  in  width,  6  feet  in  front,  8  feet  at  back, 
and  then  a  hip  of  glass  to  the  ridge,  two  4-inch  pipes  along  the  front  would 
keep  out  frost,  and  enable  yon  to  have  goodlate  Grapes,  and  to  keep  them 
hanging  late.  To  have  early  Grapes,  say  in  June,  you  would  require  four 
pipes  instead  of  two — that  is,  three  flows  and  one  return.  The  "Vine 
Manual,"  which  you  can  have  from  our  office  for  thirty-two  postage  stamps 
by  post,  will,  we  think,  suit  you. 

Endive  Blanching  (R.  S.).— TheobjectJonsto  using  sawdust  for  cover- 
ing and  blanching  Endive  are,  first,  the  trouble  of  washing  the  sawdust 
off,  and,  secondly,  the  taste  that  in  some  cases  might  be  communicated  ; 
otherwise  the  plan  would  answer  well.  There  is  nothiug  better  for 
blanching  than  a  tile,  a  slate,  or  a  board  laid  fiat  on  the  Endive  plants, 
but  in  severe  weather  the  plants  beneath  might  be  injured.  It  is  merely 
as  protection  that  leaves  or  straw  above  the  slates  were  spoken  of  Any- 
thing that  will  keep  the  plants  from  light  will  do.  Nothing  does  batter 
than  a  dark  cellar. 

Large  Potato  (T.  P.  Smith). — Three  pounds  and  twelve  ounces  is  a 
great  weight  for  a  single  tuber,  but  you  will  see  at  page  350  one  men- 
tioned that  weighed  four  pounds. 

Wires  of  Trellis  Breaking  (Alpha).— We  fear  you  have  no  alternative 
but  to  remove  the  small  brass  wires  and  replace  them  with  others  of  gal- 
vanised iron,  which  is  the  best  and  moat  durable  for  out-door  work. 
Copper  wire  is  little  better  than  brass  ;  it  corrodes,  and  soon  becomes 
brittle.  No.  10  galvanised  iron  wire  is  what  we  use.  It  answers  admir- 
ably, and  is  strong  without  being  unsightly. 


Orobanche  on  Cissus  discolor  (Duckwing).— The  parasite  yon  en- 
closed is  Orobanche  minor.  It  was  introduced  probably  in  the  soil  em- 
ployed for  potting  the  Cissus  discolor. 

Boiler  fob  Greenhouse  Heating  (R.  H.  F.).— As  you  obtain  such 
an  abundance  of  heat,  we  would  let  well  alone.  The  sudden  cooling  of 
your  house  may  be  owiDg  to  the  quick  cooling  of  the  40-feet  flow  and 
return  of  small  pipes  before  they  reach  the  larger  pipes  in  the  house, 
especially  if  these  small  pipes  are  exposed,  or  close  to  an  nbsorbing, 
conducting  medium.  They  should  bo  placed  in  a  wooden  box  packed 
with  charcoal  or  dry  sawdust.  We  have  not  worked  it,  but  we  have  no 
doubt  the  tubular  self-regulating  boiler  is  good,  though  we  take  all  these 
wondrous  descriptions  with  a  considerable  reduction.  More  depends 
on  tbe  stoker  than  on  the  boiler.  See  what  is  said  on  the  subject  in  page 
466  of  the  present  number,  the  use  of  the  damper,  &c.  With  the  right  use 
of  the  damper,  practice  will  soon  teach  you  how  to  avoid  trouble  at  night, 
and  yet  maintain  a  somewhat  regular  temperature.  When  the  house  is 
at  its  proper  temperature,  slow  combustion  regulated  by  the  damper  and 
the  ashpit-door,  will  keep  a  regular  heat  for  a  long  time.  Recollect  that 
heating  a  dwelling-house  is  very  different  from  heating  a  plant  honse, 
where  the  glass  i*  exposed  to  every  variation  of  temperature.  In  a  case 
similar  to  yours,  the  small  saddle  boiler  was  so  close  to  the  bars  there 
was  not  room  for  fuel.  Under- pinning  with  a  fire  brick  so  as  to  make 
the  furnace  larger  made  all  right. 

Shade  for  Flowers  (A.  G). — The  simplest  and  cheapest  is  this  :— 
Fig  1  represents  a  piece  of  pasteboard  (old  hat-box=  s  will  be  quite  as 
good),  about  8  inches  by  6,  less  or  more.  By  bringing  tbe  two  bottom 
corners  together,  so  as  to  overlap  a  little,  the  pasteboard  can  be  nailed 


t<*p  and  bottom  to  a  thin  lath  of  wood,  as  in  Jig.  2,  which  can  be  tied  at 
the  required  height  upon  a  tall  flower-stick,  which  should  be  squared  a 
little  to  make  it  set  firm  ;  or  it  may  at  once  be  tacked  to  the  stick  as  shown 
in  fig.  8.  These  shades  will  endure  heavy  rains  if  the  pasteboard  be 
moderately  stiff,  and  will  last  several  years.  They  have  been  used  for 
Tulips,  Ranunculuses,  Carnations,  Rotes,  Pinks,  and  Dahlias. 

Fuchsias  for  Standards  (H.S.  C.).— Avalanche,  Beauty  of  Kent,  En- 
chantress, Giant,  King  of  the  Stripes,  and  Troubadour. 

Azalea  Leaves  Falling  (Julia). — We  can  only  account  for  the  leaves 
falling  from  its  being  their  natural  season  to  do  so,  or  from  their  having 
been  attacked  by  thrips,  or  from  want  of  water  in  summer.  The  only 
preventive  is  to  place  the  plants  after  flowering  in  a  moist  warm  house, 
as  a  vinery  at  work,  to  make  fresh  growths,  and,  when  these  are  formed, 
to  keep  the  plants  in  a  moist  and  warm  atmosphere  uutil  the  shoots  begin 
to  thicken  at  their  points;  then  expose  them  fully  to  light  and  air,  re- 
moving them  to  a  cool  airy  house  where  they  can  have  air  day  and  night. 
The  plants  ought  not  to  be  allowed  to  suffer  at  any  time  from  want  of 
water,  but  they  ought  not  to  be  watered  whilst  the  soil  is  wet,  yet  water 
should  be  given  before  the  soil  becomes  so  dry  as  to  cause  the  leaves 

to  fl-ig. 

Camellia  Buds  Falling  (H.  H.  R.).— The  principal  cause  of  this  is 
defective  root  action.  It  may  be  induced  by  a  saturated  and  sour  state 
of  the  soil,  also  defective  drainage,  but  in  your  case  we  think  it  is  cansed 
by  the  regular  waterings.  Camellias  ought  not  to  be  watered  until  the 
s.»il  becomes  dry,  and  then  enough  water  should  be  given  to  show  itself 
at  the  drainage.  Pot  them  in  spring  in  a  compost  of  turf  pared  off  a 
pasture  or  common  where  the  soil  is  a  light  sandy  loam,  chopping  it  up 
small,  using  it  fresh,  and  potting  firmly.  We  think  they  will  not  fall 
another  season. 

Grapes  Setting  (J.  Mackenzie,  M.D,).—  All  the  Grapes  you  mention 
are  good  setters.  We  have  never  heard  that  Golden  Champion  does  not 
6tt  well.  On  the  contrary,  we  believe  it  does ;  but  the  information  you 
h*ve  received  is  correct,  thit  the  berries  are  in  some  cases  attacked  with 
a  disease  from  which  they  decay  prematurely. 

Hedge  for  Markit  Garden  (Constant  Reader)—  Beech  makes  a  Tery 
good  hedge,  but  Hornbeam  makes  one  thicker,  and  is  the  better  of  the 
two  for  a  boundary,  but  we  do  not  consider  either  of  them  formidable 
enough  for  a  boundary  fence.  Holly  and  Thorn  make  the  best  of  all.  One 
Holly  and  five  Thorns  per  yard  will  be  required,  and  you  may  have  a 
fence  in  three  or  four  years  that  will  turn  anything,  and  from  the  growth 
of  the  Holly  you  will  have  a  semi-evergreen  fence  second  only  for  pro- 
tection to  Yew.  We  would  not  have  the  Poplars  nor  any  kind  of  tree, 
unless  it  were  a  line  or  two  of  Austrian  Pines,  but  for  a  market  garden  we 
consider  hedges  most  suitable.  Besides  the  boundary  fence,  we  would 
divide  the  interior  into  quarters  or  plots  by  hedges  of  Beech  and  Horn- 
beam—that is,  if  the  space  Is  large ;  if  but  small,  the  boundary  fence  will 


Decornbor  13,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL    OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


470 


be  sufficient.  Trees  Are  more  injurious  than  beneficial,  lor  their  roots 
and  branches  waste  too  much  ground.  Tho  best  olan  oi  breaking  up  the 
round  is  to  trench  it  as  deeply  as  there  is  soil  of  a  good  staple,  not 
bringing  up  too  much  of  the  poor  stubborn  subsoil.  Trenching  will  cost 
more  than,  perhaps,  any  other  mode  of  broaking  up,  but  it  will  more  than 
Tepay  the  first  cost,  and  give  a  far  better  result  than  any  other  mode. 
Indeed,  without  deep  cultivation  the  full  value  of  the  ground  is  not 
derived. 

Sowing  Pelargonium  Shed  (A  Subscriber).— Sow  the  soed  in  pans  or 
:    i    lilled  to  within  half  an  inch  of  tho  rim  with  light  rich  turfy  loam, 
adding  about  a  third  of  loaf  soil  and  a  sixth  of  silver  sand.    Toe  pots  or 
pans  should  bo  well  drained,  and  the  3eeds  scattered  evenly  and  mode- 
rately thinly,  just  covering  with  vory  fine  soil     Place  the  pots  near  the 
iri  a  mild  hotbed,  and  water  gently  and  very  carefully,  and  when 
the  plants  appear  admit  air  freely.    Sow  in  February  or  early  in  March, 
The  main  points  to  be  attended  to  are  free  air-diving,  keeping  close  to 
lass,  -ireful  watering,  but  preserving  the  soil  in  a  moist  stale,  and 
ping  th"  seedlings  from  becoming  drawn  up.    When  tiiuy  have  made 
■  i  ^'h  leaf  and  show  the  secoui,  pot  off  singly,  and  when' again  estab- 
lished remove  them  from  the  hotbed  to  a  cold  frame,  hardening  ofi",  and 
either  planting  out  or  growing  them  in  the  greenhouse. 

Vine  Boeder  Miking— Vines  for  Outside  Border  (Idem).— Tho 
drainage  of  the  border  should  be  good.  Nine  inches  to  a  foot  of  rubble 
will  noi  bo  too  much,  and  the  bottom  of  the  border  should  incline  to  the 
front,  where  there  should  bo  a  drain  to  cany  off  the  water.  The  border 
should  be  fnuied  of  turf  taken  from  a  pasture  where  the  soil  is  a  good 
light  loam,  paring  it  off  not  more  lhau  3  or  4  inches  deep.  To  every  cart- 
el add  two  barrowloadj  of  lime  rubbish  from  «n  old  building,  the  older 
the  better,  and  a  barrowload  each  of  lumpy  charcoal  and  houes  btoken 
and  bruised  rather  small.  Tho  turf  should  bo  chopped  into  8  or  4-iuch 
squares,  and  tho  whole  well  mixed.  Placing  a  layor  of  Bods  grass  side 
downwards  on  the  drainage,  make  the  border  of  the  above  compost 
to  the  depth  of  3  feet,  and  we  would  have  it,  if  practicable,  fully  half 
above  tho  surrounding  ground  level.  For  planting  the  Vines  nse  ai 
post  of  turf  six  mouths  old  chopped  small,  adding  a  fourth  of  well-rot*.  *d 
manure  and  a  sixth  of  half-inch  bones.  The  best  time  to  plant  is  early 
iu  March,  just  when  the  Vines  are  beginning  to  push  or  have  started  into 
growth.  The  kinds  succeoiling  best  in  an  outside  border  are  Black  Ham- 
burgh, Frankenthal,  Mill  Hill  Hamburgh,  Trautbam  Black,  Foster's  White 
Seedling.  Bnckland  Sweetwater,  aud  Troveren  Froutignan.  Tho  ilus- 
i  .lis  and  late-hanging  kinds,  requiring  as  they  do  fire  heat  for  their  suc- 
cessful ripcasug,  are  not,  as  a  rule,  suitable  for  outside  planting. 

Fcnkias,  Seedling  Canna,  and  Wigandia  Treatment  (IF.  8.).— Tho 
Funkias  should  bo  kept  moderately  dry  until  they  grow,  the  soil  not, 
however,  being  kept  dust-dry;  when  they  commenoe  growth  water  copi- 
ously. They  are  iuoroased  by  division  of  the  roots  whon  the  plants  aro 
'"-'uiiiing  to  grow.  Keep  them  iu  a  cold  frame,  pit,  or  eool  house  with 
abundance  of  air  and  light.  They  are,  however,  hardy.  We  think  the 
c  iuso  of  the  seedling  Wigandias  losing  their  leaves  now  is  their  having  a 
drier  atmosphere  than  they  were  exposed  to  during  the  Gumnier.  Give 
n  >  more  water  lhau  enough  to  keep  the  Uaves  from  flagging,  and  afford 
u  light  situation.  Ropot  in  March,  and,  boing encouraged  with  an  increase 
of  temperature  and  moist  atmosphere,  they  will  start  freely,  niakiug  nice 
plants  by  May,  whon  they  should  be  hardened  off,  and  planted  out  in 
June  in  warm  sheltered  situations.  The  seedling  Cannae  are  all  right. 
At  this  season  the  old  Btems  die  down,  bat  tbe  roots  aro  alive.  Keep  the 
Rjiil  dry,  or  give  very  little  water.  They  may  remain  in  the  pots  during 
the  winter,  and  in  February  or  early  iu  March  shake  them  out,  repot 
tbeni  in  fresh  soil,  and  place  them  in  a  hotbed,  watering  carefully  until 
they  begin  to  crow,  and  when  they  have  grown  a  foot  or  more  harden 
■  ■■  a  off.  They  are  fine  either  for  the  greenhouse  or  sheltered  spots  in 
ll  iwer  gardens. 

Names  of  Fruits  (J.  if.).— No.  1,  Beurre  d'Aremberg  ;  2,  Passe  Colmar; 
3.  Easter  Beurre;  4,  Winter  Crasanne;  5,  Ne  Plus  Meuris,  (J.  E.  Boss).— 
Passe  Colmar.  (A.  II'.).— 1,  Triomphe  de  Jodoiauo ;  2,  Glou  Mon  un  : 
"1,  Swan's  Egg;  5,  Golden  Winter  Pearmain;  li,  Margil ;  8,  Hollandbnry ; 
•0,  Golden  Noble  ;  10,  Northern  Groening  ;  11,  Hughes's  Golden  Pippin. 

:;*3ies  of  Plants  (Terfia).— 1,  Blechnum  hraailienso  ;  2,  CampvloDeu- 
rou  phyllitidia ;  3,  Aspidium  coriaceum  ;  4,  Nephrodinm  molle ;  5,  Pyc- 
nopteris  Sieboldii,  now  Lastrea  Sisboldii ;  6,  Cyrtomium  Fortun-i ;  7,  Sela- 
giuella  Kraussiaua  (the  S.  hortensis  of  gardens);  8,  Adiantum  concin- 
numj  9,  Adiantum  trapeziformo  ;  10,  Adiantum  macrophyllum  ;  ll.Lito- 
I  i    vespertilionis,    or   Pteris  incisa.      (OsictH).  — 1,  Tradescantia 

vittata;  2,  Begonia  fuchsioides;  8,  Mesembryanthemnm,  specilii'  i  ...  a 
next  week.  (Leo).— Your  plant  appears  to  be  Watsonia  strictiflora. 
U.  F.  Sinclair).— Tom  plant  appears  to  be  PenUtemou  baccharidifolium. 
'  "■  II'.).— Both  your  plants  are  cineraria  mantima,  also  known  as  Senecio 
I  ineraria,  a  common  South-European  plant,  much  used  as  an  edgio- 
plant  in  gardens.  [A  Subscriber,  J.  i.).— Cultivated  in  gardens  under  the 
name  of  Ageratum  glaucuin,  which  nmie  we  believe  to  be  spurious. 
(G.  B  ).— One  is  Asplenium  marinum.  the  other  a  variety  of  Lady  Fern 
Athyrium  Filix-fcemina.    (J.  W.  Boyd).— ABplenium  formosum. 


POULTilY,   BSE,    AND   PIGEON    CHRONICLE. 


GOLD-PENCILLED  HAMBURGH S. 
In  your  criticism  of  tbe  Birmingham  Show  you  draw  at- 
tention to  the  fact  that  the  hens  iu  the  Gold-pencilled  classes 
seem  to  be  fast  losing  colour.  I  deem  this  fact  of  so  much  im- 
portance— if  we  are  to  arrive  at  perfection  in  breeding  this 
beautiful  variety— that  I  crave  a  few  lines  to  point  out  a 
reniody.  A  few  years  ago  I  paid  a  visit  to  Yoiksbire,  aud  ex- 
perienced no  difficulty  in  finding  several  beautifully  pencilled 
hens  with  a  rich  ground  colour,  yet  this  year  very  few  of 
these  dark  birds  are  to  be  found.  A  very  successful  breeder  of 
Pencilled  Hamburghs  in  the  eastern  counties  writes  me— 
'■  Hive  you  another  good  pair  of  pullets  to  part  with     *     «     « 


as  I  have  been  unfortunate  iu  breeding  them  this  season?"  I 
get  the  same  tale  from  Yorkshire,  Lincashire,  and  Northum- 
cerlaud,  and  yet  to  my  mind  there  is  no  variety  of  fowl  so  easy 
to  breed  as  Gold-pencilled  Hamburghs.  If  exhibitors  will  only 
adopt  the  advice  given  in  our  poultry  books,  they  will  ex- 
perience no  difficulty  whatever. 

Hiving  been  asked  to  contribute  a  few  lines  to  your  Journal 
on  the  result  of  my  breeding  experience,  I  do  so  in  the  hope 
that  it  may  induce  lovers  of  Hamburghs  to  exercise  more  care 
in  the  selection  of  their  breeding  stock.  I  attach  more  im- 
portance to  the  colour  of  the  cock  thau  to  the  colour  of  the 
hens,  provided,  of  course,  the  hens  are  finely  pencilled.  This 
season  I  bred  with  two  hens,  a  pullet,  and  a  three-year-old 
cock  with  a  bronze  tail.  Toe  result  was  very  indifferent 
pullets,  well  pencilled,  but  very  light.  With  the  same  hens 
and  a  dark-tailed  cock — iu  fact,  I  Bhould  say  a  green-tailed 
cock,  I  bred  pullets  three  or  four  shades  deeper  in  colour,  and 
this  I  am  persuaded  is  no  accident.  Season  after  season  I  have 
bred  pullets  an  exact  fac  simile  of  the  hens  I  have  bred  from, 
in  pencilling,  ground  colour,  aud  comb,  but  I  have  invariably 
found  that  the  depth  of  ground  colour  in  the  pullets  was  in 
proportion  to  the  depth  of  colour  in  the  male  bird. — Eked. 
Perrix,  IVhiilmead  House,  Ashley  Vain,  Bristol. 


ARMOUR-PLATED   POULTRY   BASKETS. 

When  will  the  cares  and  troubles  of  poultry  exhibitors  cease? 
It  is  now  just  four  years  ago  that  my  old  Light  Brahma  cock 
Sampson,  well-known  to  many  of  your  readers,  closed  his 
victorious  career  so  tragically,  being  killed  on  his  way  to  a 
show  by  ths  bite  of  a  dog.  History  is  said  to  repeat  itself. 
Last  week  my  first-prize  Birmingham  cock,  also  a  winner  of 
many  prizes,  returned  home,  having  narrowly  escaped  old 
Sampson's  fate.  His  basket  was  torn  and  shattered,  his 
feathers  lay  in  considerable  numbers  on  the  floor  of  it ;  two 
wounds,  the  larger  about  the  size  of  a  thumb-nail,  most  fortu- 
nately cot  deep,  were  visible  under  the  feathers  on  his  back. 
Altogether,  the  bird  looked  much  tho  worse  for  the  fright  aud 
the  shock  to  Lis  system.  Restoratives  in  the  shape  of  bread 
aud  ale,  aud  a  few  hours'  rest,  improved  his  appearance  con- 
siderably, but,  although  well  enough  to  go  to  the  Crystal  Palace, 
he  certainly  did  not  exhibit  his  "  Birmingham  form,"  and  his 
first  prize  at  the  last-named  show  degenerated  into  a  simple 
commendation  at  the  Palace. 

I  think  your  readers  will  agree  with  me  that  so  narrow  an 
escape  from  a  great  catastrophe,  even  assuming  no  worse  thing 
to  happen,  is  not  a  pleasant  possibility  for  an  exhibitor  to 
contemplate  every  time  that  dogs  and  poultry  are  fellow  travel- 
lers to  or  from  a  show. 

I  may  add  that  mine  is  not  a  solitary  case,  as  another  exhi- 
bitor tells  mo  of  a  similar  accident  on  the  very  same  occasion. 
What,  then,  is  the  remedy  ?  One  expedient  has  occurred  to 
me,  which  I  mention  for  the  sake  of  its  being  possibly  useful 
to  other  exhibitors.  I  have  commenced  the  construction  of 
some  "  iron-clads  "  or  "armour-plated"  baskets.  In  other 
words,  I  have  told  my  blacksmith  to  fix  inside  two  or  three 
baskets  intended  to  carry  my  most  precious  specimens,  when 
liable  to  canine  danger,  a  lining  of  perforated  zinc  or  tin,  with 
apertures  sufficient  for  breathing  purposes,  thus  protecting  the 
sides  and  bottom  of  the  basket  from  hostile  teeth,  and  render- 
ing its  occupant  as  philosophical  as  the  poei  of  our  infancy, 
when  he  said — 

"  Let  dogs  delight 
To  bark  aud  bite." 
— Jonx  Pat.es. 


LA   FLECHE   FOWLS  AT   THE   BIRMINGHAM 

SHOW. 
In  the  account  of  the  Birmingham  Show,  in  your  paper  of 
Thursday,  December  1st,  the  following  paragraph  occurs  re- 
lating to  my  Li  Floche  hens  which  took  first  and  second 
prizes : — "  The  hens  were  in  better  order,  but  the  second  prize 
was  a  manifest  error,  being  half-bred  with  Minorcas.  This 
was  evident  all  over,  the  birds  having  Spanish  bodies,  red 
faces,  and  one  an  actually  flapping  comb."  I  should  be  much 
obliged  if  you  would  contradict  this  statement,  as  it  is  calcu- 
lated to  do  me  serious  injury.  The  birds  referred  to  I  bred  tt 
Wentworth  myself  from  others  also  bred  by  me  the  previous 
year;  and  I  have  never  had  either  Spanish  or  ilinorcas  in  my 
possession,  nor  have  any  of  my  La  Flcche  ever  been  crossed 


4S0 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE  GARDENEK. 


[  December  15,  1870. 


with  any  other  kind  of  fowl.— W.  C.  W.  Eitzwilliam,  U'cut- 
worth  Woodhouse,  Eotherham. 


THE   BIRMINGHAM  POULTRY    SHOW. 

The  yearly  show  at  Bingley  Hall  has  now  passed  through  more 
than  three  apprenticeships.  It  is  at  that  ticklish  ago  for  some  part  of 
creation  that  is  described  by  being  between  twenty  and  thirty.  As  it 
gets  older  it  increases  its  claims  upon  us,  and  shows  more  and  more  it 
is  carrying  out  the  purpose  for  which  it  was  started.  Those  who 
assisted  at  Ihe  beginning  will  recollect  how  a  sort  of  apology  was  con- 
sidered necessary,  and  it  was  therefore  put  forth  that  its  object  was 
the  improvement  of  the  breeds  of  domestic  poultry.  Had  there  been 
another — the  introduction  of  new  breeds,  it  would  have  been  attained. 
The  improvement  has  been  an  increase  of  weight,  till  Duchs  now 
weigh  nearly  as  much  as  Geese  did  formerly,  Geese  half  as  much 
again  as  they  did,  Turkeys  as  much  as  some  of  the  smaller  quadrupeds, 
and  fowls  as  much  as  hen  Turkeys.  It  has  introduced  Brahmas, 
Creve-Cceurs,  Houdans,  La  Flccke.  It  has  made  Game  Bantams. 
It  has  formed,  as  it  were,  a  table  that  can  be  depended  upon,  showing 
the  Jowls  that  are  fit  for  certain  soils,  that  aro  calculated  to  satisfy  the 
requirements  of  certain  amateurs.  It  describes  those  that  thrive  in 
close  confinement,  or  require  the  run  of  a  farmyard.  It  has  shown 
that  poultry  may  be  a  profitable  adjunct  to  the  stock  of  the  agricul- 
turist, aud  a  pleasing  relaxation  to  the  professional  man,  while  it  is 
also  self- supporting. 

Those  who  have  the  management  and  ordering  of  this  great  Show 
havo  no  cause  to  complain  of  the  public  ;  they  have  been  well  snp- 
p<  rie.l,  and  they  deserve  it.  Many  years  ago  a  pen  was  composed  of 
a  cock  and  three  hens  or  pullets.  It  was  said  that  only  those  who  bad 
large  slocks  could  pick  out  four  birds  good  enough  for  exhibition.  The 
pen  was  then  altered  to  a  cock  and  two  hens.  It  was  next  said  if  any- 
one wanted  to  buy  a  cock  he  was  obliged  to  buy  two  hens  at  the  same 
time.  Then  a  class  was  introduced  for  cocks  only.  This  was  a  suc- 
cess— so  great,  indeed,  that  now  all  the  classes  are  altered,  aud  buyers 
may  secure  either  a  cock,  or  two  pullets,  or  two  hens.  Then  it  was 
objected  that  there  was  trickery  in  claiming  the  most  profitable  pens 
on  tiio  opening  day.  It  was  necessary  to  squeeze,  and  almost  to  fight, 
for  t.vo  or  three  hours  to  ask  for  a  pen,  and  find  it  already  sold.  The 
owner  of  a  very  good  bird  rewarded  with  a  first  pvize,  who  had  been 
so  doubtful  of  its  merits  that  ho  only  named  a  small  sum,  at  which  it 
was  immediately  claimed,  sold  and  resold  four  or  five  times  till  it 
madi  ten  times  the  sum  originally  put  upon  it,  is  now  sold  by  auction 
at  midday,  and  the  owner  gets  all  tho  advautage  of  it.  These  are 
only  some  of  the  endeavours  made  by  the  intelligent  aud  hard- working 
Council  and  Committee  to  deserve  the  support  they  receive. 

I  will  now  take  a  review  of  the  different  classes,  making,  in  going 
on,  such  remarks  as  may  suggest  themselves. 

Two  hundred  and  ninety-four  pens  of  Dorkings ;  almost  a  show  in 
themselves.  Many  of  our  old  names  were  among  the  exhibitors  and 
prizetakers,  and  many  new  ones,  some  distinguished  for  the  first  time. 
I  can  no  longer  note  an  increase  in  weight.  It  is,  perhaps,  unreason- 
able to  expect  that  every  year  should  produce  heavier  birds  than  its 
predecessor.  Where  would  they  stop?  This  year  tho  prize  cocks 
weighed  from  10  to  12  lbs.,  and  hens  and  pullets  from  S  to  lOlbs.  each. 
The  weight  that  was  the  desideratum  some  years  since  is  now  so  much 
of  a  fuct  it  calls  for  no  particular  comment.  But  it  must  not  be  sup- 
posed I  am  treating  the  classes  to  "  faint  praise."  Seventy-three  pens 
were  named  in  the  prize  and  commended  list. 

Tbree  hundred  and  twenty-two  entries  of  C'otfun-CJtinas,  sixty-nine 
of  them  named  honourably  by  the  Judges.  I  cannot  speak  too  highly 
of  these  birds ;  the  offer  by  amateurs  of  four  silver  cups  aud  the  same 
number  of  exha  prizes  of  £o  each,  may  have  had  to  do  with  the 
beautiful  display  these  classes  afforded.  Mrs.  White's  adult  cock,  and 
Mr.  Augustus  Taylor's  bird  of  1870,  were  most  perfect  specimens  of 
the  breed,  and  reminded  me  of  Mr.  Tomlinson's  celebrated  bird  some 
years  since.  If  I  were  to  speak  critically  of  these  classes  I  should 
place  the  Buffs  fiist,  the  White  second,  and  the  Grouse  last.  There 
were  perfect  hens  and  pullets  of  the  first — positively  perfect.  The 
White  were  excellent,  many  of  them  having  but  one  drawback — the 
vulture  hock.  I  should  place  the  Grouse  last ;  they  have  size  and 
symmetry,  but  many  of  the  hens  and  pullets  are  too  vollow  iu  their 
plnmage. 

Brahma  Pootras,  a  comparatively  recent  introduction,  brought  two 
hundred  and  sixty  pens  of  noble  birds.  Two  silyer  cups,  extra  prizes, 
belonged  to  those  classes.  One  went  to  a  beautiful  bird  of  the  year, 
shown  by  Lady  Gwydyr ;  the  other,  for  two  pullets,  went  to  tha  Hon. 
Mrs.  Baillio  Hamilton.  I  cannot  speak  too  highly  of  many  of  the 
birds  that  competed  in  these  classes.  Mrs.  Hurt's  birds  were  beautiful ; 
the  Hon.  Miss  Douglas  Pennant  sent  excellent  specimens.  In  some 
of  the  pens  vulture  hocks  cast  away  prizes,  and  in  some  of  the  hens 
there  was  a  buff  tinge  that  is  not  desirable.  The  Light  variety  now 
forms  large  classes,  and  supplies  beautiful  birds.  Mr.  Pares  (the  father 
of  the  classes)  of  course  took  one  first  prize,  but  the  silver  cup  was 
taken  by  Mr.  Crook.  Another  first  prize  was  taken  by  an  old  exhi- 
bitor, Mr.  Rodbard  Rodbard.  A  groat  success  was  achieved  by  Mr. 
W.  Simpson,  of  the  United  States,  who  took  prizes  for  cock  and  hens. 
I  hope  this  is  only  the  beginning  of  competition  on  the  part  of  our 
tran  Atlantic  friends.  I  can  speak  very  highly  of  all  these  and  many 
others. 


Spanish  were  very  well  represented,  but  with  the  exception  of  some 
few  pens  they  were  hardly  so  good  as  I  have  seen.  I  was  glad  to 
miss  some  of  those  monstrosities  with  cauliflower  faces  and  closed 
eyes.     There  were  not  wanting  beautiful  specimens  of  both  sexes. 

The  Game  fowls  were  represented  by  three  hundred  and  seventy-four 
pens.  These,  if  alone,  would  have  constituted  a  show,  and  tho  num- 
ber of  good  birds  shown  make  it  impossible  to  attempt  anything  like  a 
mention  of  all  that  deserved  it.  I  can  speak  favourably  of  all  the 
prize  and  commended  birds,  more  especially  the  Black  and  Brown 
Reds.  The  Duckwiugs  are  among  the  weak  classes,  and  I  missed  the 
splendid  birds  I  saw  years  ago.  The  Silver  Duckwiugs  seem  to  be 
almost  lost.     I  am  sorry  for  it,  for  I  knew  no  handsomer  birds. 

Bantams  have  suffered  a  revolution  of  late  years.  Of  one  hundred 
and  seventy-three  pens,  no  less  than  one  hundred  and  sixteen  were 
contributed  by  the  Game.  The  beautiful  Sebrights  only  brought 
thirteen  pens  ;  many  of  the  birds  were  highly  meritorious,  and  if  pens 
could  have  been  mado  irrespective  of  ownership,  perfection  would  liavo 
been  the  result.  In  the  varieties  I  greatly  admire. the  Tekin,  or,  as  I 
call  them,  Cochin  Bantams.  If  the  Japaueso  increase  but  a  little  in 
numbers  they  must  have  a  class.  The  Game,  especially  the  cocks, 
were  very  good,  and  formed  a  most  attractive  class.  I  must,  never- 
theless, offer  ono  suggestion  to  exhibitors,  which  is  to  select  birds  with 
wings  close  up  to  their  bodies.  However  meritorious  the  drooping 
wing  may  be  in  a  Sebright,  it  is  a  serious  fanlt  in  a  Game  Bantam. 

The  poiots  of  Aylesbury  Ducks  are  so  well  known,  that  I  shall  con- 
tent myself  with  giving  the  weights  of  the  successful.  Of  the  four- 
prize  pens,  the  first  weighed  18  lbs.  9  ozs.,  the  fonrth  18  lbs.  4  ozs. 
There  was  an  unexampled  show  of  Rouens  of  soventy-two  pens.  Not 
only  were  the  prizetakers  faultless  in  colour,  but  they  were  heavier 
than  the  Aylesbury.     The  first-prize  pen  weighed  19  lbs.  4  ozs. 

Tho  White  Geese  held  their  own.  The  first-prize  pair  weighed 
58  lbs.  12  ozs.,  the  second  50  lbs.  5  ozs.  ;  the  goslings  of  this  year 
40  lbs.  4  ozs.,  and  49  lbs. 

The  first-prize  adult  Turkey  cock  weighed  3filbs.  4  ozs.,  the  second 
35  lbs.  2  ozs.  Both  the  prizes  for  cocks  of  1870  went  to  Mr.  Lytball, 
tho  birds  weighing  24  lbs.  6  ozs.  and  23  lbs,  12  ozs.  The  old  prize 
hens  weighed  35  lbs.  and  34  lbs.  ;  the  young  ones  31  lbs.  and  29  lbs. 
I  most  heartily  congratulate  Mr.  W.  Simpson  on  his  success;  he  beat 
all  competitors  wiLh  a  bird  that  came  across  tho  Atlantic  to  compete. 

It  deserves  mention,  and  should  speak  a  trumpet-tongued  warning 
to  exhibitors,  that  many  of  tho  best  birds  were  passed  over  because 
they  were  trimmed.  Had  those  birds  not  been  tampered  with  they 
would  have  taken  prizes. — Viatoe. 


TRIMMING  PIGEONS. 
"  Y.  B.  A.  Z."  complains  of  gross  cases  of  trimming  (I  pre- 
sume in  poultry),  and  makes  use  of  the  following  sentence : — 
"  It  is,  however,  certain  that  the  usual  washing  and  cleaning  of 
some  birds  before  exhibition  makes  it  very  difficult  to  draw  a 
distinction  between  the  removal  of  a  soiled,  half-broken,  or  in- 
jured feather,  which  I  imagine  all  of  us  would  consider  admis- 
sible, and  the  removal  of  a  blemish,  or  the  painting  over  such  a 
spot.  I  should  much  like  to  learn  whether  any  exhibitor  does 
consider  this  illegitimate."  As  a  Pigeon-fancier,  breeder,  anil 
exhibitor  for  the  pure  love  of  the  thing,  you  will,  perhaps,  per- 
mit me  to  express  tho  decided  opinion,  that  to  trim  a  Pigeon  for 
the  show  pen,  or  before  sending  it  on  approbation,  is  nothing 
else  hut — a  swindle.  Judges  have  been  swindled  by  it,  and  so 
have  exhibitors  and  purchasers ;  some  of  them,  myself  among  the 
number,  innumerable  times.  Not  long  since  I  bought  a  Red 
Jacobin  cock  at  a  good  price  from  a  man  in  Yorkshire,  who 
boasts  that  he  writes  against  trimming  in  a  certain  journal,  and 
I  did  so  only  upon  having  a  sight  of  the  bird,  which  appeared  to 
me  to  be  a  perfect  beauty,  and  without  a  foul  feather.  Imagine 
my  surprise  when  in  one  month  every  third  feather  on' his  head 
was  red.  I  kicked  up  a  row  about  it — of  course  I  did — when 
this  fancier,  known  to  every  reader  of  "our  Journal,"  coolly 
told  me  that  ho  had  only  had  the  bird  for  two  days,  and  if  it 
was  trimmed  he,  a  protestor  against  trimming,  was  not  responsible 
for  it ;  and  when  I  told  him  that  the  bird  was  not  worth  sixpence 
to  me,  he  coolly  offered  me  a  shilling  for  it.  I  suspected  some 
other  fancier  might  get  the  bargain  and  repent  it,  so  I  pulled  the 
bird's  neck ;  but  I  think  I  was  swindled,  and  I  object  to  be 
swindled.  Upon  another  occasion  I  purchased  a  pair  of  Black- 
headed  Nuns  from  a  gentleman  fancier,  who  honestly  told  me 
they  required  a  little  trimming.  I  wished  to  have  them  becausi 
1  knew  that  they  had  taken  seven  first  prizes,  aud  I  paid  for  them 
accordingly.  The  seller  said  rightly  they  only  required  a  little 
trimming,  because  the  cock  had  only  one  black  feather  on  his 
brea  i.  and  the  hen  two  between  her  shoulders.  I  lent  them 
four  times  to  fanciers,  who  saw  nothing  wrong  in  extracting 
tin  se  three  feathers,  and  the  birds  always  brought  the  first  prize. 
I  showed  them  nine  times  with  the  three  foul  feathers  where 
Nature  placed  them,  and  they  never  brought  me  even  honourable 
mention,  with  tho  exception  of  once  at  Kilmarnock,  when  they 


December  15,  1S70.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


481 


wore  placed  "  first  "by  Mr.  Iluio  against  birds  which  had  beaten 
them  fourteen  days  before.  One  of  the  shows  to  which  I  sent 
them  was  held  at  the  place  from  which  I  write,  and  they  were 
beaten  by  a  pair  of  birds  pure  as  the  driven  snow  at  the  show, 
hen  they  were  ten  days  in  the  loft  of  a  gentleman  who 
y  had  a  strong  likeness  to  a  Silver-spangled 
Hamburgh. 

"Well,  sir,  as  I  would  not  dress,  I  sold,  and  these  bird)  are  now 
the  property  of  a  fancier  who  considers  them  the  best  pair  of 
Nuns  in  the  world.  I  never  knew  them  beaten  except  when  I 
b  1 1  them,  and  they  were  as  good  then  as  ever  they  were  or  can 
De,    i  state  .  facts  as  my  experience  of  trimming,  and  I 

would  sav  it  is  a  disgusting  practice. 

I  would  suggest  that  the  prospectus  of  our  shows  should  not 
inly  contain  a  prohibition  against  trimming  and  painting,  1'!:' 
that  where  the  judges  find  out  that  birds  have  been  doctored, 
they  should  be  empowered  to  confiscate  the  whole  pen,  and  in 
rases  of  strong  suspicion  keep  possession  of  tho  birds  for  a 
liable  time  to  make  certain.  Unless  some  strong  measure' 
like  this  be  adopted,  true  lovers  of  Columba  will  keep  their  pels 
at  home  rather  than  be  quacked  out  of  their  due  by  those  who 
trim  or  employ  professional  bird-stutf.rs  to  do  it  for  them.  Per- 
haps you  do  not  believe  there  are  men  who  live  by  trimming 
birds  for  other  people  by  tho  job;  if  so,  you  are  mistaken,  be- 
I  know  one  loft  where,  beforo  every  show  of  importance, 
i  to  be  found  a  pi  ifl  -i  mal  man.  who  comes  expressly  to 
dress  exhibition  birds,  and  is  well  paid  for  it.  He  can  insert  as 
well  as  extract,  blacken,  whiten,  and  redden,  or  do  almost  any- 
thing an  ill  bird  requires  to  make  it  look  a  good  one,  and  he 
does  it  well.  It  is  not  honest,  however,  and  I  uphold  that  to 
pull  out  a  feather  is  the  same  as  to  put  ono  in — that  is,  it  is — 
indie.— E.  M.  B. 


KILMARNOCK  ORNITHOLOGICAL   SOCIETY'S 
SHOW. 

The  nineteenth  Exhibition  of  this  Society  was  held  in  the  Com 
Exchange  Hall  and  Batter  Market,  Kilmarnock,  on  the  26th  of  No- 
vember, and  was  more  BUCcessf nl than  any  previous  show*  The  entries 
for  poultry  numbered  324;  the  Pigeons  294;  the  Canaries,  Mules, 
Goldfinches,  and  other  birds,  21)2,  nearly  all  of  which  carno  forward, 
there  being  very  few  empty  pens. 

Spanish  (16  pens),  were  decidedly  above  tho  average.  The  first 
prize  went  to  a  pair  of  fine  birds,  tho  cock  also  winning  tho  Bilver 
medal  offered  as  a  special  prizo  to  tho  best  cock  or  cockerel  in  the 
■lass.  The  second-prize  pen  contained  a  very  superior  cook,  but  the 
ben  w.ts  scarcely  equal  to  him.  Miss  Cranfnrd  exhibited  a  very  supe- 
rior single  oock  shown  for  the  medal,  aiid  Mr.  Stuart's  commended 
pen  contained  a  most  excellent  hen  but  badly  matched.  Dressing 
the  faces  in  this  class  obviously  did  not  disqualify,  as  certain  of  tho 
winning  birds  were  most  beautifully  done.  We,  however,  think  it 
would  bo  fairer  to  the  general  body  of  exhibitors  if  judges  would  either 
.  disqualify  all  such  birds,  or  societies  state  in  their  schedules 
that  removing  hairs  from  tho  face  and  feathers  to  tho  farthest  limit  of 
the  white  would  he  admitted. 

Dorkings  (IS  pens),  were  a  fair  class.     The  first-prize  pair  were 

ell  matched,  the  cock  being  a  little  deficient  in  comb.     He 

howevi  r,  have  i  asily  secured  the  timepiece  offered  for  tl 

eoek  or  cockerel  in  this  class,  but  was  unfortunately  not  entered  for  it. 

Tho  third-prize  pair  were  most  excellent  Silver-Groys,  this  cock  being 

awarded  the  timepiece. 

Bralimas  or  Cochins  (18  pens).  Thirteen  Brabnias  and  five  Cochins ; 
but  notwithstanding  the  disparity  in  numbers  the  Cochins  succeeded 
in  carrying  off  the  bulk  of  tho  honours,  securing  first,  third,  and  I 
and  a  commendation,  while  the  Brahmas  had  to  bo  content  with  a 
second  prize  and  high  commendation.  Tho  Brahma  cock  in  the  second- 
prize  pen  was  probably  the  best  bird  in  the  class,  but  matched  with  a 
hen  good  in  colour  and  marking,  yet  much  too  small. 

Scotch  Greys. — This,  although  somewhat  a  local  breed,  did  not 
master  more  than  fifteen  pen3,  of  which  tho  first  aud  second-prize  pens 
were  remarkably  fine  specimens.  The  second -prize  cock  had  as  finely  a 
marked  tad  as  we  ever  saw,  being  entirely  free  from  either  black  or 
white  feathers.  He  was,  however,  deficient  in  size  aud  shape  as  com- 
pared to  tho  first-prize  bird,  which  also  gained  the  timepiece  for  the 
best  cock  or  cockerel  in  this  aud  the  preceding  class. 

For  the  benefit  of  English  fanciers  wo  may  here  state  that  this  class 
of  birds  aro  coloured  exactly  like  Cuckoo  Dorking3,  and  are,  indeed, 
esteemed  the  more  tho  nearer  they  approach  the  Dorking  type  in 
everything  but  the  number  of  toes,  five  being  at  present  a  disqualifi- 
cation. We  think  it  would  be  much  better  to  admit  the  five  toes,  and 
as  the  colour  has  long  been,  and  still  is,  the  favourite  one  amongst 
Scotch  barndoor  fowls,  to  call  them  by  the  name  of  Scotch  Dorkings. 

Golden-spangled  Hamburghs  (23  pens),  eight  or  nine  of  them  being 
worthy  of  first  honours  at  any  bIiow.  The  breed  is  evidently  strong  in 
this  neighbourhood,  as  another  local  exhibitor  secured  the  second  prizo, 
the  third  being  won  by  Mr.  Will  with  a  splendid  cock,  but  tho  hen 
very  slightly  deficient  in  marking. 


r  spangled  Hamburgh)  (23  pens),  the  class  being  decidedly 
superior  to  what  it  has  ever  been  in  former  years.  The  first-prize  cock 
was  also  awarded  the  timepiece  offered  to  the  best  cock  of  the  Silver- 
spangled  or  Silver-pencilled  classes. 

21  pens),  were  a  very  superior 
We  believe  the  equal  of  the  first-prize  ken  has  rare!  n,  and 

we  have  no  doubt  that  she  will  score  a  fow  more  prizes  yet  for  her 
worthy  owner. 

/;     (12  pens).— In  the  first-prize  pen  the 
cork  was  first-rate  in  hen  1,  tail,  aud  style,  and,  had  his  colour  not  been 
slightly  tinged  with  yellow,  tho  timepiece  offere  1  betwe;  a  the  cocks  of 
1  the  Silver-spangled  must  have  gone  to  thi3  bird. 
Pdlands. — Of  these  there  were  only  three  pens. 

fowls  (25  pens),  the  Brown  Reds  securing  the  whole  of  the 
I  izi  I,  being  superior  in  shape  to  those  of  tho  other  colours.  The 
first-prize  cock  was  in  shape  and  style  a  perfect  model  of  a  Game  fowl, 
but  was  slightly  deficient  in  colour.  Ho  was,  however,  award)  '  tl  i 
e  1  for  the  best  cock  amongst  the  Poland,  Game,  and 
Any  variety  els 

is). — The  timepiece  offered  for  the  besi 
or  cockerel  in  this  class  was  won  by  an  excellent  Black  lied,  hut  he 
was  matched  with  a  hen  so  inferior  in  colour  aud  in  :     1  condition 

that  the  pen  was  not  otherwise  mentioned  in  the  prize  list.  The  first 
prizo  was  awarded  to  and  the  ! 

served  tho  cockerel  in  this  peu  bad  the  comb  white,  la  -  newly 

cut,  and  ho  was  scarcely  in  good  '  think 

the  position  of  the  two  pens  would  have  been  n  ver     I. 

Black  na.— The  first  prize  wi     awarded  to  a  very 

small  pair  of  Blacks  excellent  in  colour  aud  stylo,  tho  cock  also  winning 
the  timepiece  for  the  best  cock  or  cockerel.  The  second  prize  went  to 
Blacks  inferior  in  colour  to  tho  first,  and  tho  third  to  very  excellent 
Whites,  which  in  the  opinion  of  some  parties  should  b  i  ?e  been  awarded 
the  second  prizo. 

Bantams  of  any  other  variety  (10  pens),   were  mostly  Sebrights. 
The  first  prize  and  silver  medal  for  tho  best  pair  in  tho  class  were 
awarded  to  a  pair  of  Goldeus  immeasurably  superior  to  anything 
If  we  mi  they  were  those  which  were  first  al    I  ihn  tone  Show 

a  fortnight  before,  where  they  also  attracted  ention. 

Tho  second  prizo  was  awarded  to  Silvers,  the  third  to  Goldens,  and 
the  fourth  to    I  i     I,  which  latter  should  be  fac-similes   of  tho 

large  breed  of  tho  saino  uauio,  hut  we  fancy  we  have  seen  better 
specini.  as. 

:. — The  first  und  second  prizes  wore  awarded 
to  C.-e  v  I  the  third  and  fourth  to  Black  H 

.    (6  pen--),    excellent  in   qualify  •     Bucks 

pens). 

pens).— Tho  Judge 
evidently  inclined  to  encourage  tho  useful  more  than  tho  ornamental. 
Calls  wero  first.  Black  East  In  lian  id,  Mas  :ovy  third,  aud  the 

beautiful  Carolinas  only  fourth  aud  highly  commi  n 

PIG!.. 

On  entering  the  Hall  the  first  birds  that  met  oar  view  were 

Old  P    ■  . — The  first-prize  pair  (Blue)  were  fine  birds, 

good  length  of  feather  and  hails,  tho  hen  rather  grey  in  marking. 
This  pair  of  birds  also  carried  the  special  prize  for  tho  class.  The 
second-prize  pair  were  Blacks,  good  in  colour  and  marking,  though  not 
equal  iu  stylo  to  the  former  pair.  Third-prize,  a  pair  of  Reds,  the 
cock  in  particular  a  very  fine  bird  in  splendid  show.  This  class  as  a 
whole  was  good. 

Pouters  bred  in  1S70  (any  colour). — A  very  good  class,  some  pairs 
not  well  matched,  but  many  of  the  birdB,  particularly  the  cocks,  showed 
great  promise.  The  length  of  feather  seemed  to  prevail,  that  of  limb 
rather  deficient. 

Carriers  (any  colour). — This  was  the  finest  class  of  Carriers  ever 
shown  at  this  competition,  and  we  have  seldom  seen  a  finor  out  of  a 
city  show.  The  first-prize  pair  were  really  grand  birds ;  they  also 
carried  off  the  timepiece  (special  prize).  The  second-prize  pair  were 
also  fine,  and  the  third-prize  was  taken  by  a  Kilmarnock  breeder. 

Oarri  1-70. — A  very  fine  class.     Some  of  these  birds  were 

in  point  of  form  and  elegance  complete,  both  Blacks  cud  Duus.  Mr. 
W.  Massey,  who  carried  off  the  first  prize  in  the  old  class,  was  also 
first  in  this.  The  two  classes  of  Carriers  were  certainly  tho  finest  in 
the  Show,  bosides  being  the  largest. 

Short-faced  Tumblers -were  a  very  good  class.  The  first  prize  went 
to  Almonds,  very  fine  though  poor  in  colonr.  This  pair  ought  to  have 
also  carried  off  the  special  prize,  but,  as  they  were  not  entered  for  it, 
the  special  fell  to  tho  second-prize  pair,  also  Almonds.  In  this  class 
were  a  pair  of  very  fino  Kites  and  good  Black  Mottles. 

Barbs.— A  good  class.  A  pair  of  Yellows  took  the  first  prizo,  and 
a  pair  of  pretty  Reds  the  second.     Several  pairs  were  iU-matched. 

Fantails  were  a  large  and  fine  class.  Excepting  a  pair  of  Black 
Saddlebacks  all  were  pure  Whites.  The  first-prize  pair  wore  splen  lid, 
the  second  and  third  very  fine,  and  numerous  pens  contained  fine  speci- 
mens of  both  sexes  badly  matched. 

Jacobins.— X  poor  class.  This  breed  does  not  seem  to  improve 
anywhere. 

Turbits  were  a  good  class.  The  first-prize  pair  seemed  to  have  been 
birds  lately  imported.  There  were  a  number  of  pretty  sweet-lojking 
birds  and  well-marked,  but,  as  at  most  shows  now-a-days,  too  many 
having  the  shell  crown  instead  of  the  pointed  or  turn  crown. 


482 


JOURNAL  OF   HORTICULTURE    AND   COTTAGE    GARDENER. 


[  December  15,  1873. 


Trumpeters. — An  excellent  class.  The  first  prize  went  to  a  splendid 
pair  of  Mottles.  The  Whites  were  the  only  birds  that  fell  short.  We 
have  seldom  seen  so  many  fi no  Trumpeters  entered  by  so  many  dif- 
ferent exhibitors.  With  two  exceptions  the  crest,  rose,  and  i'oet  were 
up  to  the  standard. 

Nuns  formed  a  good  class  ;  they  looked  well  at  the  Show,  being  not 
only  well  marked  bnt  very  clean. 

Common  Tumblers. — A  pretty  and  va*ied  class — Baldheads,  Beards, 
Mottles,  Self s,  and  a  very  pretty  pair  of  the  Blue-barred  breed  neat 
and  small.  We  also  saw  in  the  Committeo-rooms  a  very  neat  pair  of 
Reds  showing  their  tumbling  properties  to  an  intending  purchaser,  the 
hen  m  particular  doiug  it  clean  and  cleverly  when  called  upon. 

Common  Pigeons. — A  great  array  of  strong  handsome  birds,  and  a 
great  array  of  youthful  fanciers  trying  to  discover  the  difference  between 
the  successful  and  unsuccessful  birds. 

English  Owls. — A  pretty  class.  The  first-prize  bird  was  a  good 
sample  of  wLat  the  Owl  should  be. 

Any  other  distinct  variety. — Not  a  large  class,  bnt  containing  a  great 
variety.     A  pair  of  White  African  Owls  carried  off  the  first  prize. 

CANARIES,  &o. 

The  prizes  in  this  department  were  offered  only  to  Scotch  Fancy, 
which  is  most  emphatically  what  Mr.  Blakston  calls  it,  "  the  bird  of 
Scotland."  In  the  eyes  of  Scotch  fanciers  it  is  the  most  elegant  and 
graceful  Canary  in  existence  ;  and  when  we  see  Englishmen  describing 
them  as  being  nothing  but  bad  Belgians,  we  generally  have  an  attack 
of  bile  for  a  day  or  two.  Wo  see  our  revenge,  however,  as  they  aro 
evidently  invading  the  south,  and  we  have  littlo  donbt  will  before  long 
supersede  some  present  favourites.  We  would,  however,  warn  southern 
fanciers  not  to  let  them  do  what  they  have  done  in  the  north — viz 
extinguish  all  the  others,  with  the  exception  of  Belgians.  We  are 
sorry  to  see  of  late  years  a  disposition  in  Scotch  fanciers  to  breed 
nearer  to  the  Belgian  than  they  used  to  do,  particularly  in  the  shoulder. 
The  true  Scotch  Fancy  shoulder  should  be  shaped  like  a  cone  cut  in 
two  from  the  apex  to  its  baso,  entirely  free  from  the  squareness  seen 
in  the  Belgian ;  but  in  the  award  of  the  timepiece  for  the  best  clear 
bird  in  tho  Show  wo  observed  the  winning  bird  (Mr.  Conn's  first-prize 
Buff  cock)  bad  the  shoulder,  if  not  so  high  as  a  Belgian's,  at  least 
decidedly  of  the  characteristic  shape.  We  should  like  to  see  prizes 
offered  at  this  Show  for  Belgians  also,  which  we  think  would  have  the 
effect  of  keeping  breeders  nearer  to  tho  genuine  type,  as  the  character- 
istics of  both  breeds  would  then  become  more  generally  known. 

In  Yellow  cocks  there  were  many  excellent  and  true-bred  birds,  tho 
first  and  second  being  very  good.  The  Yellow  and  Buff  winning  hens 
were  also  very  superior  birds  ;  and  amongst  tho  Piebalds  were  many 
beautiful  evenly-marked  birds  quite  up  to  the  standard  shape.  In  the 
Mule  classes  everything  was  cast  into  the  shade  by  Mr.  Gray's  Yellow- 
marked  bird  ;  it  was  a  perfect  show  in  itself,  so  large  and  beautifully 
coloured  ;  and  in  tho  Goldfinch  class  Mr.  Conn's  first-prize  bird  was 
equally  conspicuous. 

In  the  class  for  the  best  home  or  foreign  bird  only  three  Parrots  put 
in  an  appearance,  though  more  were  entered.  The  first  prize  went  to 
a  Green  bird  in  the  most  perfect  condition  we  ever  recollect  of  having 
seen  a  Parrot.  It  could  not  have  been  smoother  although  cut  out 
of  solid  marble.  The  second  prize  went  to  a  nice  light-coloured 
Grey. 

We  believe  that  in  all  the  classes  the  judging  gave  very  general 
satisfaction. 

Spanish.— 1  and  Medal,  A.  Walker.  Kilmarnock.  2  and  he,  A.  Robertson 
Town  hoi  in,  Kilmarnock.  3,  J.  Blair,  Kilmarnock.  4,  J.  Dick,  c,  A.  Stuart,  Kil- 
marnock. 

DoF.KitsTGS.— 1  nnd  i,  A.  J.  Mutter,  Kilmarnock.  2.  Z.  H.  Heys.  Barrhcnl. 
5  and  Timepiece,  J.  Gray,  Airdrie.  he,  G.  F.  Lyon,  R.  N.,  Kirkmicbael.  c,  T. 
Smellie,  Kilmarnock. 

Brahma  Pootras  or  Cochiv-Chinas.— 1,  G.  Girdwood,  Avr  (Cochins).  2,  A 
Robertson  (Brahmas).  8,  J.  Pollock,  Patna,  Ayr  (Cochins). '  i  and  c,  H.  Paton, 
Kilmarnock  (Cochins  and  Rrnhuias).    he,  J.  Gray  (Cochins). 

Scotch  Geeks.— 1,  2,  and  Timepiece,  J.  Meiklara.  Hamilton.     3,  R.   Blair. 

1,  T.  Wallace,  Loans,  Troon,    he,  A.  Grant.  Kilharehan.    e,  J.  Fulton,  Beith. 
Hamburg  ns.— GouUn-spanglea.—  1  and  Timepiece.  J.  Jardine,  Kilmarnock. 

2,  A.  Frisken.  8.  J.  W.  Will,  Errol.  4  and  fee,  R.  Maekie,  Kilmaut-s.  Silver* 
spangled.— J  and  Timepiece,  I>.  Gilmour,  Kilmarnock.  2,  R.  Mackio.  3,  J.  W. 
Will,  Errol.  i,  J.  Bruce,  Barrhead,  he,  D.  Skeoeh,  Stewarton.  c,  H.  Pickle, 
job.  ;  R.  Maekie.    GoldenpcncilUd.— 1.2,  and  Medal,  B.  Creelinan.  Kilmarnock, 

3,  J.  M.  Campbell,  New  Byth.  4,  W.  Bachop,  Stonefield,  Paisley,  he.  W. 
Nelson,  Johnstone,  c,  J.  Ait  ken,  Girvan;  J.Howe,  Paislev.  Silver-pencilled. 
—1,  II.  Pickles,  jun.,  Earby.  2,  F.  &  C.  Haworth,  Newfleld.'  Haslingdcn.  3,  W. 
Bachop.    4  and  he,  R.  Mnir.    c,  J.  Piatt,  Dean,  near  Bolton. 

Polands  (Topped).— 1.  H.  Pickles,  .iun.    2,  J.  Partington.    8,  J.  W.  Will. 

Game.— 1  and  Timepiece,  J.  M'Lauchan,  Paisley.  2,  J.  Borrow,  jun.,  Bradley 
Field,  Kendal.  3,  J.  Wiuldell,  Airdrie.  4,  R.  Arbuckle.  he,  J.  W.  Will;  Z.  H. 
Heys.    c,  W.  Young,  Dalmelhnprton. 

Game  Bantams.— Timepiece,  A.  Gibb,  Avr.  1,  Z.  H.  Heys.  2,  Bellingham  and 
Gill.  Wooiifield,  Ayr,  8,  J.  W.  Will.  4,  W.  Copland,  Ayr.  he,  T.  Bafker^Hill 
End,  Burnley,    c,  D.  Johnstone,  jun. 

Bantams.— Black  or  White.— 1  and  Timepiece,  J.  W.  Will  (Black).  2,  H. 
Pickles,  jun.  (Black).  3,  S.  A  R.  Ashton  (White).  4,  A.  Mitchell,  Paisley 
(Black),  he,  H.  L.  Home  (White);  C.  Drake  (Black),  c,  H.  L.  Home.  Ann 
other  Variety.  —  1  and  Medal,  J.  Crawford.  2,  Miss  R.  C.  Frew,  Kirkcaldy 
(Silverdaced).    B.  J.  G.  Orr,  Beith  (Gold-laced).    4,  Mrs.  Maxwell,  Galston. 

Act  other  Distinct  Breed,— 1,  B.  M.  Knox,  Riverside,  Kilbimie  (Creve- 
Coenrs).  2,  Mrs.  Hood,  Greenbank,  Ayr  (Creve-CaaoTB).  S,  J.  Fulton  (Black 
Hamburghs).  4,  J.  P.  Fawcett  (Black  H*mbur*hs).  he,  G.  F.  Lyon,  R.N. 
(Houdans).     c.  J.  J.  Maldew,  Biggleswade  (CreTe-Ccenrs). 

Ducks.— Aylesbury—  I.  2,  and  3,  A.  Robertson.  4,  W.  G.  Kerr,  he,  J.  W. 
Will.  Rouen.— 1,  3,  and  Medal,  A.  Robertson.  2,  J.  Scotaon.  4,  J.  Gray.  fce.J. 
Conkey,  Darvel.  c.  A.  West,  Wortshorn,  Burnley.  Any  other  Variety.— 1  and 
4,  J.  Robertson  (Call  and  Carolina).  2,  F.  E.  Sohofleld,  Morpeth  (Black  East 
Indian).  3,  G.  F.  Lyon,  R.N.  (Muscovy),  he,  S,  &  R.  Ashton,  Mottrain  (Carolina). 
c,  J.  Dickie. 

Selling  Ciass.  —  1,  W.  Walker.  2,  W.  Jardine  (Golden-spangled  Ham- 
burghs).   8,  W.  A.  Orr  (Golden-penoilled  Hamburghs).    he,  A.  J.  Mutter,  Kil- 


marnock (Rouen  Ducks);  G.  F.  Lyon,  R.N.  (Brahmas);  J.  Sharp,  John   I 
(Spanish). 

PIGEONS. 

Pouters.— Old.— 1  and  Timepiece.  J.  Butler,  Glasgow.  2  and  4.  J.  Miller. 
3,  W.  Mushat,  Kilmarnock,  h",  f>.  Mann,  Kilmarnock.  <■,  J.  Bi  own,  Wisha'W. 
Young,— 1  and  he,  J.  Mitchell.  2  and  c,  J.  Miller,  Glasgow.  3,  R.  Arbuckle, 
Parkhead,  Glasgow.    4,  B.  Douglas,  Crosshouse. 

Carriers.— OM.— 1  and  Timepiece,  W.  Massey,  Spalding.  2,  H.  Yardley, 
Birmingham.  8,  J.  Kerr.  4,  M'Gill  Skinner,  he,  A.  Wardrop,  Kilmarnock, 
c,  J.  Guthrie,  Hexham.  Young.— 1,  W.  Massey.  2  end  4,  W.  H.  Mitchell.  9,  A. 
Brown.    fee,  G  Brown;  D.  Munn.    c,  D.  Lawrie,  Kilmarnock:  G.White. 

TUKBLEB8  (Short-faced).— 1,  J.  Paton.  2  and  Timepi-ce,  J.  Butler.  3j  T. 
Douglas.    4,  J.  Guthrie,    he,  J.  Mair.    c,  H.  Yardley. 

Barbs.— 1,  H.  Yardley.    2  and  3,  G-  Whi'e.    4,  Mias  E.  M.  Beveridge,  Ayr. 

Fantails.— 1,  2,  and  Tiaiepiece,  T.  Wilson.  Stewarton.  3,  J.  Kerr.  1,  J*. 
Sharp,    he,  J.  Gait,  Rilbirnie.    c,  W.  Anderson,  jun.,  Glasgow. 

Jacobins— 1,  J.  Lambie,  New  Cumnock.     2,  G.  White,  Ladyburn,  Pa 

3,  R.  Thompson.  Penrith      4,  A.  Richmond,  Kilmarnock. 

T orbits.— 1,  Miss  R.  C.  Frow.  2,  R,  Gibson,  Kilmarnock.  3,  W.  M'Kinlay, 
Elderslie.    4,  R.  Thompson. 

Truhprters.— 1  and  S,  J.  Hawley,  Bingley.  2,  G.  Steele.  4,  G.  White. 
he.  Miss  E.  M.  Beveridge.     c,  J.  Sharp. 

Nuns.— 1,  J.  Reid.  Darvel.     2,  W.  M'Kinlav.    3  and  c,  G.  Gilchrist,  DafTeK 

4,  Master  A.  Frew,  Kirkcaldy,    he,  J.  Mair,  inn.,  Kilmarnock. 

Tumblers  (Common).-- 1,  Miss  E.  M.  Beveridge.  2,  W.  M'Kinlav.  3,  R. 
Blair.  4,  Mies  J.  Weir,  Kilmarnock,  he,  T.  Hawley.  c,  H.  Craig;  J.  Guthrie, 
Hexham  ;  J.  Thomson,  Kilmaurs. 

Common  — 1,  J.  Mair.  2.  J.  Laniont,  Kilwinning.  3,  W.  H.  Mitchell.  4  and 
he,  W.  M'Kinlav.    c,  A.  M'Kissock,  Dairy. 

Owls  (English).— 1  and  1,  J.  Mair.    3,  T.  Douglas. 

Doves  (Ringed  »r  Turtle:).— 1,  A.  Wardrop.     2.  J.  Scoular.     3,  J.  Dunlop. 

Ant  OTHSR  Variety— 1  and  c,  J.  Sharp  (White  Owls  nnd  Ice  Pigeons).  2,  H. 
Yardley.  S,  R.  Thompson.  4,  Miss E.  A.  Knott  (Arena-gel),  he,  G.  B.  Phillips,. 
Ayr  (Yellow  Magpies). 

Selling  Class.— 1,  W.  Demur,  Crosshouse  (Pouters).  2,  J.  Gait.  3,  J.  G. Orr 
(Owls). 

CANARIES,  &0. 

Yellow.— Cocke.— 1,  R.  Houston,  Kilbimie.  2,  A.  Kelley,  Paisley.  3,  A. 
Miller.  4.  B.  Bonny,  Overton,  lie,  W.  Grieve,  Kilmamosk.  c,  D.  Hoi 'en. 
Irvine.  Hens.— I,  R,  Cron.  2  and  he,  R.  Calderwood.  8,  J.  Calderwood.  1,  li. 
Crawford,  Kilbirnia.    c,  R  Buntine,  Kilmarnock. 

Buff.— Cocks.— 1  and  Tijnepieee.  J.  Conn.  Irvine.  2.  R.  Calderwood.  3,  J. 
Richmond.  4,  J.  Kerr,  he,  J.  Wilson,  e,  J.  W.  Will.  Hera*.— 1  and  2.  R. 
Calderwood,  3,  R.  Crawford.  4,  J.  Gray,  Airdrie.  he,  J.  Calderwood;  J. 
Laughland,  Kilmarnock. 

Piebald  (Yellow).— Cocks.— 1,  A.Miller.  2,  A.Stewart.  S,  J.  Glasgow.  4,W. 
Mushat,  he,  C.  Aird,  Kilmarnock,  c,  A.  Lvon.  Hens.— I,  A.  Kelly.  'J.  D. 
Holden.  S,  J.  Gray.  4,  A.  Crawford,  he,  J.  Wilson,  Beith.  c,  J.  Scouiar,  KiU 
niarnock. 

Piehald  (Buff).— Cocks.— 1,  T.  Scott.  Carluke.  2.  J.  Calderwood.  S,  J.  Norris, 
Ardroasan.  4,  A.  Brown,  he,  A.  Robertson,  Galston.  c,  J.  Gray.  Hens  —1  and 
Timepiece,  A.  Crawford.  2,  J.  Glasgow.  S,  A.  Borland,  Galston.  4,  J.  W. 
Will,    he  and  c.  A.  Stewart. 

Goldfinch  Molbs.— Yellow.— 1,  J.  Gray.  2,  G.  Bryden.  Newton,  Ayr.  3,  G. 
Bryden.    Bujf.—l  and  3,  G.  Goudie,  St.  Qiiivox,  Avr.    2,  J.  Gray. 

Goldfinches.— 1  and  3,  T.  Conn.    2,  A.  M'Kissock. 

Home  ob  Foreign  Birds.—],  W.  Brown.    2,  B.  Mitchell,    3,  J.  Richmond. 

Judges. — Mr.  John  Paul,  Glasgow,  judged  the  Spanish^  Dorkings^ 
Brahmas,  Cochins,  and  Scotch  Greys;  Mr.  John  Lindsay,  Stewarton, 
the  Hamburgh  classes  ;  Mr.  Robert  Caldewood,  Kilmarnock,  tho  Gamt 
and.  Bantam  classes;  and  Mr.  Ales.  Paterson,  Airdrie,  the  Polands, 
Variety,  Duck,  and  Selling  classes.  Messrs.  James  Huie,  Glasgow, 
and  George  Ure,  Dundee,  judged  all  the  Pigeons ;  and  Messrs.  George 
Mastertou,  Eobert  Paterson,  John  Kelly,  and  Alex.  Brown,  the  ( 'ana 
ries,  Mules,  Goldfinches,  &c. 


EDINBURGH  POULTRY   SHOW. 
This  was  held  in  connoction  with  an  exhibition  of  cattle  and  sheep, 
on  the  7th  and  8th  iust.     The  following  awards  were  made  : — 

Spanish  —Cockerels.— I,  A.  Ridpeth.    2,  Mrs.  Gillison.    he,  J.  Gray;  Mrs. 
Gillie  on.    c,  W.   Paterson ;   Mrs.  Gillison.     Pullets— 1.   A.  Bidpeth.     2,  W 
Paterson.    he,  R,  Somerville:  D.  Gc-llatly.     Cock.— I,  A.  Shepherd.   2,W.  Tin 
boh.    he,  A.  Bidpeth.    e,  J.  Gray.    Hen*.— 1,  A.  Fudpeth.    2,  and  he,  R.  Somer- 
ville.   he,  A.  Shepherd. 

Doreihos  (Coloured).— Cockerels.— 1  Mrs.  A.  Bruce.  2.  J.  Anderson,  he, 
A.  Bowie,  jun.;  T.  Raines ;  H.  R.  Lind ;  Mrs.  Gillison.  Pullets. — 1,  Mr^s.  Morri- 
son.   2,  A.  Bowie,  jun.    he,  L.  M'DonaH  ;  J.  Anderson  ;  D.  Gellatly.    Cockn  — 

1,  A.  Haggavt.  2,  D.  Gellatly.  he,  J.  W.  Will.  Bens.— 1,  A.  Haggart.  2,  J. 
Anderson,  he  and  c,  Miss  Milne,  he,  H.  R.  Lind.  (Silver).— Cockerels.— 1, 1». 
.Annan.  2.  W.  Gibb.  he.  Lady  G.G.Montgomery;  Duke  of  Buccleuch:  D. 
Annan.  Pullets.— 1,  Lady  G.  G.Menteomery,  2,  W.Meff.  he,  J.  Curror;  G.H. 
Plumer.  c.  Mrs.  Ballanline;  DuLo  of  Buccleuch.   Cocks.— 1,  Duke  of  Buccleuch. 

2,  J.  W.  Wills,  he,  J.  Gibaoa.  Hens.— I,  D.  Annan.  2,  Lady  G.  G.  Montgomery- 
he.  Miss  Swann. 

CocniNs. — Cockerels.— 1,  and  Cup,  E  Leech.  2,  J.  Cowman,  he  and  c,  E. 
Fearon.  he,  H.  Paton.  Pullets.— 1,  C.  Sidgwick,  2,  Mrs.  Oswald,  he,  E.  Fearoi* 
c,  E.  Leech.  Cocks.— 1,  J.  Sichell.  2,  C.  Sidgwick.  he,  E,  Fearon ;  J.  Gray. 
Hens.—l,  J.  Sichell.    2,C.  SifJgwick.     he.  E.  Leach;  E.  Fearon.    C.  J.  Cowman, 

Brahma  Pootju..— Cockerels.— 1,  R.  Brownlie.  2,  Mr.  GilliBon.  he,  J.  Riddell ; 
J.  A.  Demp&ter;  Misa  Morrison  ;  —  Gillison.  Pullets.— i,  T.  Rain  a,  2,  J.  Cow- 
man, he,  W.J.  nnMuwnrth;  D.  Annnn  ;  \V.  R.  Park;  J.  R.  Dale,  c,  A.  Simp- 
son.  Cocks. — 1,  Mrs.  Gilliaon.  2,  J.  Sichell.  lie,  W.  Swann  ;  Mrs.  Gillison  ;  J. 
W.  Willa.  Herts.— 1,  E.  Lcecb.  a,  G.  A.  Stephens,  he,  W.  Smith  ;  R.  Brownlie. 
c,  N.  J.  Ridley. 

Game  (Black-nreasted  or  other  Reds).— Cockerels,— 1, .  C  Jamieson,  2,  J.  H. 
Wilson,  he,  A.  Shepherd  ;  W.  Mddium  ;  J.  Carlisle  ;  Mrs.  Harley  ;  J.  W.  Willi 
c,  D.  Hardie.  Pullets— 1,  Mrs.  Hnrlev.  2.  Mrs.  Jamieaon.  he,  A.  S.  Brewster  ; 
R.  Stewart;  Mrs.  Harley.  Cocks.— 1,  J.  W.  Will.  2,  W.  MeUlruin.  he,  Hender- 
son &  Allan  ;  D.  Hardie  ;  J.  H.  Wilson.  Hen  —1,  J.  W.  Will.  2,  Henderson  and 
Allan,     he*  A.  S.  Brewster  ;  Mrs.  Harley.    c,  R.  Stewart. 

Game  (Any  other  Colour).— CockereU.—l,  Mrs.  Harley.  2,  J.  Logan,  he. 
Baker  A  Charwick  ;  J.  Anderson,  Pullets.— 1,  J.  Elder.  2,  and  fee, Mrs. Harley. 
Cock.— I.  J.  W.  Will.  2,  Mrs.  Harley,  he,  R.  Blaik.  Hens.-l,  H.  Goodall.  -J, 
Mrs,  Harley. 

H*Mrt"Rens  (Spangled).— Cocks— I  and  Cup,  J.  W.  Will.  2,  D.  Forrester. 
he,  J.  F.  Lovorsidce  ;  J.  B.  Cranston;  Miss  Brown;  J.  Watson;  J.  Logan. 
Hen*.— 1  and  2,  J.  W.  Will,    ttc,  W.  B^arpark;  D.  Cheyno;  J.  Lojian. 

Hamburghs  (Pencilled).— Cocks— 1  and  2,  J.  W.  Will,  he,  J.  M.  Forrest;  W. 
Bearpark;  D.  Oheyne  ;  J.  M.  Harvey.  Hens.—l,  W.  R.  Park,  a,  J.  Walker. 
he,  H.  Pickles,  jun., ;  J.  M.  Harvey:  J.  W.  Will;  J.  M.  Forrest. 

Bantams  (Game).— Cocfc.— land  Cup.  W.Grice.  2,  W.  Scott.  he,T>.  White- 
law;  A.  Gibb;  W.  Gibb;  J.Gray;  R.  Brownlie.  c,  J.  Waddcll.  Hens.— 1,  G. 
Dowie.  2,  T.Raines,  fee,  A.  Gibb;  E.  Fearon;  J.Harvey;  W.Scott;  H.Goodal; 
R.  Brownlie.    c,  J.  M.  Campbell 

Bantams  (Any  otheriVariety).— Cocks.— 1,  Miss  B.  F.  Frew.     2,  J.  W.  Will. 


December  15,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL   OF   HORTICULTURE    AND    COTTAGU    GAKDENEH. 


4  S3 


he,  J.  Ferny:  <"••  Allan:  S.&R.  Ashton:  J.  Archibald.    c,T.  Watson.    Hens.— 

1,  s.  &  R.  Asbton  :  8,  w.  Gibb.    e,  Miss  n.  P.  Frew. 
Scdtcii  Greta.— 1|  W.  Gibb.    2,  D.  Waldie. 

Any  other  Breed.— 1,  C.  Sidgwiok (Black  Hamburgh).    2..T.  Sicbell  (Creve- 
Creur).     he,  G.  A.  Stephens  ;  W.  K.  Park  ;  W.  Bearuark  ;  H.  Piokles. 
Docks.— Aylesbury.— 1  and  Cnp.E.  Leech.    2.  J.  wcott.    fiouen.— 1,  E.  Leech. 

2,  D.  Hardie.    Any  other  Variety.— 1,  C.  N.  Baker.    2,  T.  Clarknon. 

Si.li .in.)  Class.— Cocks.— 1,A.  Williamson  (Cochin).  2,  W.  Paterson  (Spanish). 

].  i.  Bowie.    J.  W.  Sinton. 
Turkeys.— 1,  J.  Wilson.     2,  Duke  of  Buccleuch.    Poults.— 1.  E.  Leech.    2, 
Duke  of  Buceleuch. 
Geese.— 1,  E.  Leech.    2,  D.  Ilardio. 

JrjDGES.— Mr.  R.  Teebay,  Fulwood,  Preeton;  and  Mr.  D.  Brown, 

Perth.  _ 

BERWICK  AND    BORDER   ORNITHOLOGICAL 
ASSOCIATION'S   SHOW. 

The  Berwick  and  Border  Ornithological  Association,  which  was 
formed  this  year,  held  its  first  annual  exhibition  of  British  and 
Foreign  Cage  and  Song  Birds  in  the  Corn  Exchange  oil  the  7th  and 
*th  inst.  Altogether  there  were  298  of  the  feathered  tribe.  The  prize 
list  is  as  follows  :  — 

Bi  cozan. — Clear  Yellow.— 1,  G.  Norris,  Berwick.  2,  J.  Baxter,  Newcastle. 
8,  J.  h.  Gilchrist,  Berwick,  he,  J.  Baxter;  G.  N orris  (this  would  have  been 
[',v  i  ni,'  I  the  secini  ]»■]/. ■  but  for  au  accident  destroying  the  plumage),  c,  R. 
Hall,  Belford.  Clear  Buff.— 1,3,  Thompson.  Tweedmouth.  2,  G.  Norris.  8.C. 
Luffton,  HUlburn,  Ayton.  vhe,  A.  Dippie,  Chirnside.  he,  R.  Hall;  G.  Norria. 
Yarh  fated,  /'<■  Iced,  or  Unevenly-marked.—!,  G*. Norris.  2,  J.  Thompson.  3,S. 
Bunting,  Derby,     he,  G.  J.  Bamesby;  R.  Hall ;  J.  B.  Gilchrist,     c,  J.  Diyden. 

Glasgow  Doss.— Clear  Yellow.— 1,  R.  Forsyth,  Edinburgh.  2  and  3,  A. 
Scott,  Jedburgh,  he,  R.  Burnett.  Clear  Buff.— 1,  C.  Lugtou.  2,  D.  Allen, 
Leith,  3  J.  Spalding,  Slockbridge,  N'.B.  he,  R.  Forsyth;  W.  Young,  c,  S. 
Robinson,  Berwick.    Flecked.— 1  and  2.  D.  Allen.    3,  W.  Young,    he,  T.  Dippie. 

N  uiwicu.— Clear  Jonque.— 1,  G.  J.  Bamesby,  Derby.      2  and  3,  Moore  and 

Wvnni-,  Northampton,     vhc,  S.  Bunting  ;  Wullace  ABe-hic,  Berwick  ;  W.  Young. 

'tear  Buff.— 1  and  2,  G.  .T.  Bamesby.    3,  S.  Bunting,    vhe,  si.  Hawman,  Middles- 

brouj  b  ;  a.  Bunting;  Moore  &  Wynne  (2) ;  ,W.  Young,    lie,  W.  Young,    c,  R. 

Hall :  Moore  &  Wynne. 

Norwich.— Evenly-marked  Yellow.  —  l,  S.  Buuting.    2,  Wallace  &  Beloe. 

3,  Moore  &  Wynne,     vhe,  R.  Hawman;  E.  Mills,     he,  Wallace  &  Beloe  [S); 

e  &  Wynne,  e,  3.  Baxter.  Evenly-marked  Buff.— l  and 2,  Moore  k  Wynne. 
P,  W.  Young,  vhe,  E.  Mills,  Sunderland;  Wallace  &  Btdue.  he,  Wallace  and 
Beloe  H). 

Norwich. — Unevenly-marked  Jonque. — 1,  G.  J.  Bnmesbv.     1.  S.  Bunting, 
:.  \Y.  Young,    vhc,  B.  Hawman.    c,  u.  nuii.    Unevenly-marked  Bvff.—l,  G.3. 
!,  R.  Hawman.    8,  s.  Bunting,    vhc,  G.  Gri  gson,  Liuhiin;  Wallace 
and  Beloe  (2).    e,  Wflllaoe  &.  Beloe. 

Norwich  (Evenly-marked  Jonque  or  Bun*,  with  Crest).— 1,  Moon-  &  Wynne. 
2,  S.  Tomes,  Northampton.  3,  Wallace  &.  Belou.  vhe,  Wallace  &  Beloe;  W. 
Clarkson,  York;  G.  Shiel,  Sunderland. 

Nonwii  h  (Cleat  Jonque  or  Buff,  with  Dark,  Grev,  or  Clenr  Crest).— 1,  Cup, 
and  Me  b>l,  Wallace  A:  Boloe.  2,  G.  J.  Bam«bby.  8,  Moore  &  Wynne. 
vhc,  Moore  &  Wynne  ;  W.  Young  (3J ;  G.  Shiel.  he,  Wallace  &  Beloe  (2).  c,  W. 
fobaon,  Berwick. 

Cinkami  in.— J  mque.—l,  Moure  &  Wvnnc  2,  S.  Tomes.  3,  Wallace  &  Beloe. 
ahe,  Wallace  &  Beloe;  S^  Tomes;  S.  Bunting;  G.  Shiel.  Buff.—\  and  3.  Moore 
and  Wynne.    2,  Wallace* &  Beloe.    vhe,  Master  G.  Wallace ;  Wallace  &  Beloe. 

Cinn  tuos  (Variegated  Yellow  or  Butt.— 1  and  vhc,  S.  Titmes.  2  and  he,  Wallace 
and  Beloe.    3,  Moore  &  Wynne,     c,  D.  Allan  ;  Stevens  &  Burton. 

Any  O'iiif-K  Variety.— 1  and  3,  Stevens  &  Burton.  2.  S.  Tomes,  vhc,  E, 
Hawman;  Fairclough  &  Howe;  Wallace  &  Beloe;  W.  Young,  he,  G.  J. 
Barnesby:  W.  L.  Miller  (2);  E.  Mills. 

1 1  -i. ni  i>.  ii  Mule. — Marked  or  Variegated  Yellow. — 1,  J.  Baxter.  2,  Stevens 
-and  Burton.  3,  G.  Shiel.  c,  G.Thompson.  Market  or  Variegated  Buff.—l  and 
2,  G.  Shiel.  3,  Fairclough  &  Howo.  vhe,  J.  Baxter,  Newcastle  i2) ;  W.  &.  C. 
Bnrniston,  Middlesbrough:  G.  Shiel.  he,  S.  Bunting.  Dark.—1  and  2, Moore 
and  Wynne.  3,  Stevens  &,  Burton,  vhe,  II.  G.  McCreath,  New  Mills,  Berwick. 
ft  ,  T.  Bowie,  Berw  ck.    c,  W.  L.  Miller,  Berwick  ;  R.  Paxton,  Belford. 

Goldfinch. — 1,  J.  Baxter.  2,  Fairclough  &  Howe,  Middlesbrough,  vhc,  S. 
Bunting:  Stevens  &  Burton.     he,  W.  &  C.  Bnrniston.     c,  J.  B.  Gilchrist. 

British  Bibd  (Any  other  variety). — 1,  G-.  Shiel.    2,  W.iy.  C.  Burniston.    he,  3. 
.  Newcastle;  T.  Robertson,  Berwick;  Fairclough  &  Howe;   W.  Grey, 
Berwick. 

Foreign  Boids  (Any  variety).-2,  CaptT.  Williams,  Coldstream,  he,  W.and 
C.  Burniston. 

DISTRICT  PRIZES. 

Yellow  or  Buff  (Any  breed).— 1,  J.  G.  Nisbett,  Berwick.  2,  W.  Allan, 
Berwick.  3.  W.  Grieve,  Berwick,  he,  T.  A.  Gladstone,  Berwick;  J,  Geggie, 
Berwick:  E.  Grey, Berwick;  J.  Purves,  Berwick,    c,  W  Headamith, Berwick. 

Yellow  or  Biff  Maresd  (Any  breed).— 1,  J.  G.  Nisbett.  2,  .T.  Lindsay,  Ber- 
wick. 3,  J.  Gilchrist,  he,  W.  Gilchrist,  c,  J.  Geggie ;  T.  Robertson  (2);  J. 
Lindsay  ;  P.  Furrell,  Tweedmouth. 

The  Judge  was  Mr.  Robert  Pearson,  Durham. 


DORKING  POULTRY  SHOW. 

This  was  held  on  the  8th  inst.     The  following  are  the  awards  : — 

Dorkings.— Coloured.— 1,  M.  Putney,  Dorking.  2,  L.  Patton,  Hillmore, 
Tuunton.  8,  Rev.  J.  D.  Hoyeted,  Brndenstoke.  He,  F.  May,  Reig.Ue.  C,  Ivery 
and  Son,  Dorking-.  Chicken*.— I,  Ivery  &  son.  2,  G.  Cubitt,  Dorking.  9,3. 
Smith,  Shilhngl-e  Park,  Petworth.  he,  G.  Ellis,  Ashcioft,  Betchworth.  e,  L. 
Patron.;  W.B.Boxall.  Cockerel— 1,  J. Smith.  2, M. Putney.  8,  G.  Hine.West- 
■  ■•ot.  he  Ivery  &  Son.  e,  Rev.  M.  Rice.  Pulkts.—  1,  G.  W.  Greenhill,  Ashford. 
•J,  II.  Humphry,  Ashington.  8,  W.  B.  Boxall.  he,  E.  May.  c,  G.  Ellis. 
OPEN  TO  MEMBERS. 

DOBKlNdS.— Coloured-.— 1,  W.  Fell,  Wesieott.  2,  Ivery  &  Son.  3,  M.  Putney. 
■i,  E.  T.  Bennett,  Betchworth.  he,  D.  B.  Green,  Brockham  Court.  Chickens. 
—1,  Ivery  &  Son.  2.  G.  Hino.  8,  W.  Fell.  4,  M.  Putnev.  he,  Z.  Greenfield. 
-.  R,  May.  Cock—\,  Ivery  &  Son.  2,  M.  Putnev.  he,  G.  Ellis.  Cockerel— 
i.  Ivery  &  Son.  2,  W.  Fell,  he,  Rev.  H.  J.  Cummins,  Bucklund  ;  M.  Putney. 
Hi  ns.  -1,  M.  Putnev.  2,  D.  B.  Green,  he,  W.  Fell.  c,E.  T.  Bennett.  Pallets. 
— 1,  W.  Fell.    2  aid  C,  G.  Hiwe.     he,  Ivery  &  Son. 

Dobkixgs.— Blue-speckled.— 1,  Mrs.  Mayo,  Dorking.  2,  W.  Grifhn.  Westcott. 
?.  W.  Phdps,  Dorking,  r,  G.  Hino.  Chickens.— 1,  W.  Pbilpa.  2.  G  Hine.  8,  G. 
Ellis,  c,  W.  Belcher,  Great  Bookham.  Cock.—\,  E.  Neal,  Dorking,  he,  G. 
Hine.  e,  J.  L.  Playfoot.  Hem  or  Pullets.— 1,  G.  Cubitt.  he,  W.  Griffln.  c,  G. 
Hine. 

Dorrtngs.— White.— 1.  G.  Cubitt.      2,  J.  Bargman,  Dorking      3.  W.  Attleo, 

Dorking,      he,  Lady  M.  Legga,  Dorking,     c,  G.  Hine.     Chickens.— 1,  G.  Hine. 

3,  W.  J.  Evelyn,  Wotton.  Dorking,     he,  G.  Cubitt.    e,  W.  Attt-e  ; 

W.  F.  Watson.    Henfold   Capul.      Coeh.—l  and  e,  J.  BAl^rman.      he.  G.  Hine. 

( (.— L  J.  Attl«e.    2,  W.  Fell,    he,  W.  F.  Watton.    c,  G.  Cubitt. 


Dccss.— Aylesbury.— I,  'Vv*.  F.Watson.  2.  J.  B.  Nichols,  Dorking.  3,  J.  M 
Putney,  he,  D.B.  Green.  Any  other  Variety.— \,  Ivery  A  Son.  2,  J.  E.  Corbet 
8,  G.  Cubitt. 

Gkksr— 1,  W.  Messenger,  Wonersh.  2,  W.  F.  Watson.  Goslings.— I  ana  he 
W.  Attlee.    2,  W.  Messenger.  v  ' 

Turkeys.— 1,  "W,  Messenger.  2,  W.  F.Watson,  he,  D.  Christie.  O.W.J. 
Evelyn.  • 

Judges. — Mr.  John  "Wood  and  Mr.  Jenkins. 


Year. 

Poultry. 

Rabbits. 

Pigeon? 

18  8  . 

. ..  245  . 

..     63  . 

..  187 

18tia  . 

...  334  . 

..     69  . 

...    57 

1870  . 

...  844  . 

..  124  . 

..  18J 

YORK  POULTRY,  PIGEON,  AND  RABBIT  SHOW. 

This  Show  opened  to  the  public  on  the  Gth  inat.,  anil  wag  by  far  the 
best  Exhibition,  regarding  both  numbers  and  quality,  held  hi  the 
aucient  city.     The  receipts  were  ranch  larger  than  in  any  former  year. 

The  following  shows  the  number  of  entries  at  each  of  seven  years' 
exhibitions  :  — 

Year.       Poultry.  Rnbbits.  TPfceons. 

1864 265   ... .     5  • 276 

1865 812 58   ....  3  4 

1888  ....  278  ....    65  ....  289 

1867  ....  276  ....     65  ....   124 

Dorkings  held  the  post  of  honour,  and  wero,  indeed,  worthy,  being 
seventeen  pens,  all  good,  with  a  splendid  pea  of  Mr.  White's  first". 
There  were  one  or  two  cockerels  with  the  Bpur  outside,  and  some  hens 
with  very  bad  claws.  Exhibitors  should  keep  such  at  home.  Only 
one  pen  of  adult  Spanish  came  before  the  Judges,  but  they  would,  no 
doubt,  have  held  their  own  against  a  very  much  larger  field.  Of 
young  Spanish  there  were  six  pens,  of  which  four  obtained  notice  ; 
it  was  a  beautiful  class.  Cochins  mustered  twenty-two  pens.  Thero 
were  several  very  mealy-winged  cocks;  and  i.i  Buffs,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  the  prize  pens,  they  were  far  from  being  up  to  the  standard. 
The  Partridge-coloured  were  very  superior  to  them  in  all  points.  Only 
one  pen  of  very  inferior  Whites  were  shown.  Brahmas  occupied 
sixteen  pens,  old  and  young  competing  together.  The  first-prize  pen 
was  very  fine,  tho  cock,  if  anything,  coarse  in  the  head  and  not  good 
in  comb,  but  his  partner  was  everything  that  could  be  wished  for,  in 
size,  depth  of  colour,  &o.  There  wero  several  white-tailed  brown- 
feathered  cocks  shown  with  vulture  hocks  nicely  drawn.  Game  filled 
forty  pens  in  four  classes,  and  wero  quite  a  treat  to  the  lovers  of  those 
b  rd*.  Of  Hamlwrgns,  there  were  forty-five  pens  in  four  classes.  The 
Gold-pencilled  were  only  a  moderate  lot,  with  tho  exception  of  the  prize 
pens.  Being  in  the  darkest  corner  of  the  Show,  also  in  three  tiers,  one 
oyer  the  other,  they  were  very  difficult  to  see  ;  neithor  Judges  nor  ex- 
hibitors bad  a  fair  chance.  Hollow  combs  and  very  mossy  hens 
abounded.  The  Silver-pencilled,  with  tho  exception  of  tho  first-prize 
pen,  which  had  a  beautiful-tailed  cock  and  fine-marked  hen,  were 
poor,  the  difficulty  being  to  award  three  prizes  amongst  them.  The 
Spangled  birds  were  decidedly  better,  and  the  prize  pens  left  little  to 
find  fault  with.  Polish  occupied  ten  pens,  the  Gold-spangled  being 
the  best.  The  Game  Bantams  mustered  forty-fnur  pens,  but  were,  like 
the  Gold-pencilled  Hamburghs  mentioned  above,  in  a  dark  corner 
and  four  tiers,  one  over  the  other,  and  it  being  a  dark  day,  great  diffi- 
culty was  experienced  to  obtain  a  Bight  of  them.  Where  so  many  were 
good  it  was  difficult  to  choose  the  best,  but  the  first-prize  cock  was  a 
beauty,  and  carried  himself  in  true  Game  Btyle  ;  too  many  in  this 
class  betraying  their  Bantam  origin  by  their  drooping  wings,  &c.  Of 
Laced  Bantams  there  were  only  two  entries,  which  were  both  good.  In 
Bantams  of  any  colour  eight  entries  were  made  ;  the  first  and  second 
going  to  Blacks.  The  hen  in  the  first-prize  pen  was  a  little  gem,  but 
the  cock  in  the  second-prize  pen  more  Btylish.  In  the  "  Any  other 
variety  "  class  were  seventeen  entries.  Black  Hamburghs  took  tho  first, 
and  Saltans  the  second  prize,  with  Houdans,  Creve-Coaurs,  and  Malays 
in  the  order  of  merit.  This  was  a  fiuo  claBS,  one  or  two  good  pens 
arriving  too  late.  Of  Turkeys,  the  old  birds  weighed  44  lbs.,  and  the 
young  ones  36  lbs.  In  Geese,  the  Rev.  G.  Hustler  had  it  all  his  own 
way,  his  first-prize  pen  of  Whites  weighing  54J  lbs.  ;  while  the  second- 
prize  pen  of  Mr.  Leech's  only  gave  4SJ  lbs.  when  they  came  to  the 
scales.  Mr.  Hustler  may  be  proud  of  having  won  on  the  same  day  a 
double  victory  at  the  Crystal  Palace  and  York  with  such  splendid  birds. 
The  fl.yle.bury  Duclcs  occupied  fifteen  pens.  The  first-prize  birds 
wtighsd  10  lbs.,  and  the  Becond  15}  lbs.  ;  both  being  very  good  in  bills 
and  plumage.  Of  llouens  thero  were  nineteen  pens  ;  16  lbs.  the 
weight  of  the  first,  and  15  lbs.  of  the  Becond-prize  birds.  They  were 
very  fine  in  shape,  colour,  and  bill.  In  the  "  Any  variety  "  class  were 
six  pens.  Black  East  Indians  were  first,  and  Brown  Call  Dncks 
second. 

As  nt  the  Crystal  Palace,  so  at  York,  the  "  Selling  class  "  was, 
perhaps,  the  most  remarkable  in  the  Show,  and  abounded  with  fine 
specimens  of  different  varieties,  which  we  were  glad  to  see  marked 
"Bold"  in  large  numbers.  Fifty-five  entries,  Dorkings  taking  first, 
Brahmas  second,  Cochins  third  prizes ;  but  it  is  a  pity  not  to  have 
a  separate  class  for  Ducks,  Geese,  and  Turkeys,  for  with  only  three 
prizes  in  a  class  the  Judges  could  not  fairly  please  themselves  ;  they 
gave  a  very  high  commendation  to  Black  East  Indian  Ducks,  with  a 
high  commendation  to- Aylesbury,  and  sixteen  commendations  in  this 
the  best  class  in  the  Show. 

EABBITS. 

Never,  perhaps,  before  in  this  country  was  collected  together  for 
exhibition  so  numerous  or  valuable  a  stock  of  Kabbits,  six  distinct 
varieties  being  well  represented,  and  amongst  gome  of  them  the  best 
speoimons  in  tho  country.  It  really  was  difficult  to  determine  which 
most  to  admire — tho  sedate  yet  graceful  Lop-eared ;  the  showy  and 


484 


JOURNAL  OF   HORTICULTURE   AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


I  December  15,  1870. 


fleecy  Angora  ;  tbe  neat  Himalayan  with  dark  extremities  ;  the  Belgian 
Hsre  Rabbit,  Bittiug  in  quiet,  yet  celf-confirlent  repose;  the  mercurial 
and  suspicious,  yet  attractive,  Silver-Grey ;  and  last  and  least  the 
"  pretty  little  "  Dutch,  with  his  natural  whito  collar  forming  an  agree- 
able contrast  to  his  grey  or  black  body.  All  six  varieties,  however, 
seemed  to  have  meted  out  to  "hem  a  large  amount  of  praise,  and 
never  before  was  it  my  pleasure  to  see  Rabbits  so  comfortably  and  ad- 
vantageously arranged  in  every  respect.  They  were  arranged  in  a 
square  recess,  three  sides  of  which  were  occupied  with  roomy  pens, 
and  those  containing  pairs  wisely  divided,  so  that  each  Rabbit  was 
separate.  The  feeding  was  excellent — plenty  of  hay,  ground  oats,  and 
Swede  turnips,  and,  judging  from  the  air  of  comfort  pervading  the 
whole,  I  wondered  if  they  could  fare  better  at  home.  The  space 
allotted  to  thn  Rabbits  was  warm  and  light,  and  the  arrangements  and 
time  afforded  for  the  judging  were  all  that  could  be  desired.  A  mere 
look  through  the  wire  netting,  accompanied,-.it  may  be  with  the  "  poke  " 
with  a  stick,  cannot  reveal  an  animal's  meritorious  points,  nor  enable 
a  judge  to  decide  upon  its  excellence. 

Out  of  the  numerous  entries  of  Lops  about  fifty  were  measured, 
and  their  respective  lengths  and  widths  of  ear  recorded  ;  and  so  close 
was  the  competition  in  many  classes,  that  the  specimen  had  more  than 
once  to  be  submitted  to  a  close  examination  before  a  decision  could  be 
given  as  to  which  was  the  best  in  every  point. 

The  Self-coloured  Lops  are  found  first  in  the  catalogue,  and  were 
an  excellent  class,  the  longest  ears  being  23  inches  by  5  ;  the  second, 
22i  inches  by  oh. 

In  the  next  class,  Yellow  and  White,  the  first  prize  and  the  cup 
(five  guineas),  given  by  the  fanciers  of  Hull,  went  to  Mr.  J.  Newman, 
S,  Dunstan  Street,  Kmgsland  Road,  London,  for  a  splendid  doe. 
Greatest  length  of  ear  was  *23f  by  5$  inches  ;  next  22  by  5  inches. 
Eleven  entries.  The  next  class  was  for  Tortoiseshell,  and  contained 
some  excellent  specimens.  The  longest  ears  ware  22A  by  5  inches; 
next  23 g  by  5  inches.  Eight  entries.  The  next  class,  for  Black  and 
White,  or  Blue  and  "White  Lops,  was  a  valuable  one,  and  contained  the 
winner  of  the  five-guinea  enp,  given  by  the  fanciers  of  York.  First 
and  cup,  Mr.  A.  H.  Easten,  West  Parade  House,  Hull,  for  a  Black 
and  White  buck,  the  winner  of  many  first  prizes  and  cups.  Longest 
ears  22  by  5g  inches.  Eight  entries.  The  next  class,  for  Grey  and 
White,  presented  some  large  specimens.  Longest  ears  22  by  5£  inches  ; 
second  22  by  5  inches.     Six  entries. 

The  Himalayan  in  pairs  presented  some  very  good  specimens.  The 
first  prize  and  the  medal,  presented  by  the  fanciers  of  Lancashire  for 
the  best  pair  of  Rabbits  in  the  Show  not  Lop-eared,  was  awarded  to 
Mr.  J.  Buttenvorth,  Rochdale.     Eighteen  entries. 

The  appearance  of  the  pairs  of  snowy  white  Angoras  always  affords 
pleasure,  yet  I  do  not  object  to  some  of  varied  colours,  and  I  have 
seen  Black  and  White  or  Blue  and  White  carry  off  the  honours. 
Amongst  the  pairs  shown  were  some  remarkably  good  ones  ;  perhaps 
a  little  more  attention  in  tho  combing  would  have  imparted  to  the 
silky  hair  a  more  agreeable  apppearancc.  Thirteen  entries  in  this 
class. 

The  class  for  pairs  of  "  Any  other  variety  "  included  Silver-Greys, 
Silver-Creams,  Dutch  Black  and  White,  Grey  and  White,  and  some 
fine  Belgian  Hare  Rabbits.     Fourteen  entries. 

The  Selling  class  was  a  valuable  class  of  single  Rabbits,  and  the 
prices  quoted,  I  think,  would  ensure  purchasers  ;  some  pens  I  thought 
very  i"easonable  m  price.     Thirty-three  entries. 

One  hundred  and  twenty-four  entries  I  believe  were  made,  and 
addiog  forty-six  for  the  entries  in  pairs  we  have  some  170  Rabbits 
collected  together.  Mr.  Millington,  to  whoso  energies  to  a  great  extent 
may  be  attributed  such  satisfactory  results,  was  indefatigable  in  his 
efforts  to  insure  success.  This  will,  I  hope,  induce  the  Committee  to 
offer  another  class  next  year,  say  for  Silver-Greys,  and  they  need  not 
fear  the  result,  resting  assured  that  that  is  the  only  certain  way  to 
induce  exhibitors  to  enter  their  stock,  and  with  a  little  change  I  could 
suggest  in  the  prizes  as  to  equality,  also  the  admission  of  single  Rabbits 
and  pairs,  I  can  promise  the  York  Committee  a  result  pleasurable  to 
themselves  and  all  interested. — C.  R. 


I  entered  tho  Show  at  9  a.m.  on  Tuesday  the  Gth  inst.,  and  found 
the  Committee  and  their  assistants  engaged  in  bedding  the  pens  with 
a  good  supply  of  hay  ;  others  were  feeding  the  Rabbits  with  oats,  meal, 
and  turnips.  The  last  and  most  important  part  of  their  operations 
was  penning  the  latest  arrivals.  This  was  done  with  a  care  which  I 
have  never  seen  before.  This  section  had  a  nice  square  space  allotted 
to  it,  but  was,  I  am  glad  to  say,  too  small  for  the  numerous  entries. 
I  j  oticed  one  or  two  things  in  the  arrangements  which  I  would 
advise  the  Committee  to  remedy  in  future  shows.  By  raising  the 
lower  pens,  say,  18  inches,  and  having  two  tiers  instead  of  three  the 
Rabbits  would  be  exhibited  to  better  effect.  By  bedding  the  dark- 
furred  Rabbits,  with  straw,  as  the  Silvor-Greys,  which  cannot  be  in 
too  strong  a  light,  and  the  more  delicate-coloured  with  hay,  a  con- 
siderable advantage  would  be  gained.  I  would  also  recommend  that 
after  the  awards  of  the  Judges  the  Rabbits  should  be  changed  with 
their  numbers  next  to  each  other,  so  that  the  public  could  see  at  a 
glance  the  merits  and  defects  of  the  Rabbits,  and  not  have  to  move 
from  place  to  place. 

The,  judging  commenced  at  10.15  a.m.,  and  was  not  completed  until 
after  3  p.m.  Every  Rabbit  was  taken  from  its  pen.  Tho  Hull  cup 
went  to  Mr.  J.  Newman,  London,  for  a  yellow  and  white  Lop-eared 


doe,  ears  23|  inches  long  and  6  inches  broad,  the  finest  Lop-eared 
Rabbit  in  England.  The  York  cup  went  to  a  black  and  white  buck, 
ears  22|  inches  long,  the  property  of  Mr.  A.  H.  Easten,  Hull,  winner 
of  three  previous  cups.  Both  Rabbits  were  bred  by  Mr.  Dobson,  a 
member  of  the  York  Rabbit  Society.  The  does  were  gems  and  the 
best  in  the  class,  but  the  bucks  were  poor.  A  great  many  others  were 
also  badly  matched.  Angoras  were  only  moderate,  many  dirty  and 
poor  in  wool.  The  "  Any  other  Variety  "  class  was  good.  The  second 
prize  was  taken  by  a  pair  of  Hare  Rabbits,  splendid  specimens,  but 
badly  placed  for  being  seen.  I  believe  Mr.  Millington  intends  to  add 
one  or  more  classes  next  year. 

The  Committee  are  to  be  congratulated  on  the  result  of  their  labours, 
and  the  thanks  of  the  exhibitors  and  Rabbit  fanciers  in  general  are 
due  to  them  for  their  trouble  and  valuable  services  in  tho  behalf  of  tho 
Rabbit  Show.  I  trust  my  remarks  will  lead  to  some  alterations  being 
made  in  the  matters  suggested. — S.  G.  Hudson. 

[We  have  not  received  any  report  relative  to  the  Pigeons. — Eds.] 

Dorkings.— Any  Colour— 1,  J.  White,  Warlabv.  2.  K.  R.  Farrer,  Greenha::  - 
merton,  York.  3,  J.  Newall,  York.  4,  H.  Woods. 'dipt. me,  Mansfield.  he,W.S. 
Dobson,  Marton,  Kirbwnsorside.    e.  Miss  E.  Williams,  Henllys,  Berriew. 

Spanish  —1,  E.  Brown,  Sheffield.  Chickens.— 1,  E.  Brown.  2,  G.  Holmes, 
Great  Driffield,    lie,  W.  Tennant,  Barlow,  Selby.    c,  R.  R.  Farrer. 

CocHis'-riii.vA  (Yellow  or  Buff).— 1,  R.  Fleming1,  Bull.  2,  0.  Hidgwick,  Riddles- 
den,  Keighley.  8,  G.  Truoman,  Whitby,  i,  A.  BamfoTd,  Middletoa.  he,  P.  A. 
Denham,  Eastburne,  Darlington,  c,  T.  M.  Derry,  Gedney.  Any  other  Golowr, 
— 1,  E.  LeeoE,  Rochdale.  2  and  4,  J.  Bell,  Thirsfc.  3,  C.  Suigwick.  hct  VY. 
Barnes,  Thirsk. 

Brahma  Psotra  — 1,  W.  Whiteloy,  Sheffield.  2,  J.'P.  Fawcett,  Whitby,  he,  H. 
Andrews,  Eecloshill,  Leeds,  c,  F.  Powell,  Knaresborough ;  H.  S.  Thompson, 
York;  W.  Stonehousc,  Whitby;  G.  Palfrevman,  jun.,  Heeley,  .Sheffield;  J. 
Tli  iniBon,  Shefl  i  Id 

G-amb.— SlacJc-breasted  or  other  Reds.— I,  Mrs.  Stamper,  Oswnldkirk.  2,  J. 
Watson,]"un.    he,  G.  Sutton,  York,    c,  T.  Hawkes,  Wetherby,    Duckwvnga.— 

1,  E.  Aykroyd,  Eccleabill.  2,  R.  Wooll,  Beverley.  Any  other  Variety.— l,^. 
Stabler,  Great  Driffield.  2,  G.  Founder,  he,  H.  C.  &  W.  J.  Mason,  Dnghling- 
ton.  c.  W.  English.  Chickens.— 1,  T.  Blackburn,  jun.,  Great  Brouuhton.  2,  A. 
S.  Watson,  Darlington,    he,  T.  Blackburn,  jun.    c,  R.  Akenbert  I,  TMrsk. 

Hamburghs.— Golden-pencilled.— 1.  T.  II.  Readuian,  Whitby.  2,  J.  Preston. 
Allerton,  Bradford.  S,  E.Clayton,  Keighley.  he,  Burch  &  Boulter,  Sheffield. 
c,  Miss  C.E.  M. Thompson, York;  J. Walker, Birstwith, Ripley.  Silver^encUlea, 
— 1,  J.  Walker.  2,  H.  Smith.  3,  T.  H.  Readmam  Golden  spangled— 1,  W. 
Driver.  KcigMoy.  2,  J.  P.  Fawcett.  8,  Burch  &  Boulter,  he,  D.  Cartwright, 
Holinhitli.  c.  J.  Rollinson,  Lindley,  Otley(2):  5C.  J.  Garbutt,  Smnington, 
Pickering.  Silvt'r^p.nitih-d.—l,  J.  Walker.  *  2,  J.  Preston.  3,  M.  J.  Garbutt. 
he,  J.  II.  Booth,  Upperthong,  Holm  firth,    c,  S.  &  R.  Ashton,  Mottram. 

Polish  (Any  variety).— 1,  C.  Walker,  Boroughbridge,  2,  Mrs.  Procter,  Hull. 
he  and  c.  H.  Bowker,  Keighley. 

Game  Bantams.— Any  colour— 1,  R.  H.  Flint,  Warley.  2,  W.  Gray,  Durham. 
he,  W.  English,  c,  W.  J.  Stewart.  Laced.— 1  and  2,  F.  Powell.  Any  other 
Colour.— 1,  T.  Tinley,  Whitby.  2,  G.Holmes,  he,  W.  Wbiteley.  c,  W.  H. 
Tomlinson,  Newark-on-Trent. 

Any  Variety- .— i,  J.  p.  Fawcett  (Black  Haruburghs).  2,  R.  Loft,  Woodmansey, 
Beverley  (Sultans),  vhc,  Rev.  J.  G.  Milner,  Bellerby,  Leyburn.  fte.Rev.  J. 
Robertson,  Appleton-le-Street  (Creve-Gceurs).  c,  C.  Hidgwick  (Black  Ham- 
burghs)  ;  Lady  D.  Yeoman,  Whitbv  (Malays  and  Houdans) ;  J.  Watson. 

Tuhkeyb.— 1,  T.  Jolly,  York  (45  lbs.).  2,  Mrs.  Storrv,  Stoke alsy  (44  lbs.). 
he,  Rev.  G.  Hustler.  StiMngfleet,  York  (43  lbs.),  c,  J.  B.  Braithwailo  (43  lbs.). 
Poults.— 1,  E.  Letch  (36  lbs.).  2,  G.  B.  Pluminer,  Maunby,  Thirsk  (82J  lbs.). 
he,  J.  B.  Braithwaite  (32  lbs.)    c,  T.  Jolly  (31  lbs.). 

Geese  — l,  Rev.  G.  Hustler  (54  lbs.).  2,  E.  Leech  (49*  lbs.),  he,  J.  B.  Braith- 
waite (37  lbs.),    c.  Rev.  G.  Hustler  (354  lbs.) 

Ducks.— Aylesbury.— 1,  W.  Stonehouse  (16  lbs.)  2,  M.  Harrison,  Wartcr 
(15 lbs.),  he,  J.  Storey,  Warter,  Pocklington  (15  lbs.),  c,  T.  Carter,  Boro'bndge 
(U\  lbs.):  J.  Storey  (14* lbs.).  Rouen.— 1,  C.Graham,  Aldbro'  (16 lbs.).  2,  Mrs. 
Stamper,  Oswaldkirk  (If.  lbs.),  he,  E.  Leech  (151bs.).  c,  E.  Day,  Wakefield 
(14  lbs.).      Any  other  Variety.— 1,  Mrs.  York,  Tadcaster  (Black  East  Indian). 

2,  J.  Tumlinsou,  Sheffield  (Brown  Call),    c,  Rev.  G.  Hustler  (Black). 
Selling  Class.— 1,  R.  R.  Farrar  (Dorkings).      2,  H.  Andrews,  Eccleslull, 

Leeds  (Brabraas).  8  and  he,  W.  Gray,  Darlington  (Cochin  Cbina  and  Ayles- 
bury Ducks),  vhc,  Mrs.York,  Tadcaster  (Ducks),  c,  J.  B.  Braithwaite  (Rlack- 
breasted  Game) ;  C.  Sidgwiok  (Cochins) ;  E.  Clayton  ;  T.  Carver  (Aylesbury 
Ducklings);  Lady  D.  Yeoman  (Golden  Polish);  J.  Hearneld, Darlington  (White 
Cochin);  G.  Scobv,  Romanby  (Black  Pelish);  E.  Barker,  Stokesley  (Game 
Bantams);  C.  Walker  (Polish);  M.  Cavanagh,  Rochdale;  G.  Calvert  {White 
Cochin);  J.  Walker  (Hamburtjhs);  A.  Fairbum,  Todmorden  (Silver-spangled 
Hamburghs) ;  V,*.  English ;  T.  Blackburn,  jun.  (Game  Bantams) ;  H.  W.  IUing- 
wortb,  Idle ;  R.  Calvert,  York  (Ducks). 

PIGEONS. 

Carriers.— Cock.— 1  and  2,  G.  J.  Taylor,  Fartown,  Huddersfield.  hc.W. 
Canipey,  Beverley.  Sen.— 1,  W.  Cainpey.  2,  E.  Horner,  Harewood.  he,  G.  J. 
Taylor. 

Pouters  —Cock.—l,  J.  Hawlev,  Bingley.  2,  E.  Horner,  he,  R.  P.  Moon, 
Driffield.     Hcn.—l,  E.  Horner.     1!,  J.  Hawley. 

Tumblers.^ Almond.— 1  and  Cup,  H.  Adams,  Beverley,  he,  E.  Homer.  Any 
Otlier  Variety.— 1,  J.  Fielding,  jun.,  Rochdale  (Short-face).  2,  J.  Hawley.  he, 
G.  J.  Taylor. 

Fa nt ails.—  1  and  Cup,  J.  S.  Loversidge,  Newark-on-Treiit.  2,  G.  Fletcher  , 
Acomb  Landing,  York,    he,  H.  Yardley,  Birmingham. 

Tuojipeters  —1,  J.  Hawley.  2,  E.  Horner,  he,  W.  R.  &  H.  O.  Blenkinsop, 
Newcastle-on-Tyne. 

Barbs.— 1,  2,  and  he,  J.  Gell,  York. 

Jacobins.— l.R.  G.  Sandesa,  Leven,  Beverley.  2,  R.Wilson,  Thirsk.  he,  W.B, 
Van  Haansbergeu,  Newaastle-on-Tyne. 

Tchbitb.— 1,  J.  Fielding,  jun.    2,  G.  Fletcher,    he,  R.  Wilson. 

Owls. — 1  and  Cup,  J.  Fielding,  jnn. 

Nuns.  — 1,  R.  Wilson.    2,  H.  Yardley.    he,  W.  B.  Van  Haausbergen. 

Antwerps.— 1,  H.  Yardley.    2,  E.  Horner,    ha,  R.  Sidgwiek,  Keighley. 

Any  other  Variety.— 1,  J.  Fielding,  jun.    2,  E.  Horner. 

Selling  Class.— 1,  J.  Thompson,  Bingley.    2,  F.  Key,  Beverley. 

RABBITS. 

Lop-eared.— Self-coloured.— 1,  J.  NewraaD,  Kingsland  Road.  London.  2,  C 
Gravil,  jun.,  Thorne.  he,  W.  Nixon,  Sheffield.  Tellow  and  White.— \,  J.  New- 
man.  2,  P.  Ashton,  Drvpool,  Hull,  he,  G.  H.  Hirst,  Marygate,  York.  Tot- 
toiseshclL—l,  G.  H.  Hirst.  2,  A.  H.  Easten.  Hull,  he,  J.  Quick,  St.  John's 
Wood.  London.  Black  and  White  or  Blue  and  White.— 1  ami  (_up,  A.  H.  Easten. 
2,  H.  Ridley,  Yuri;,  he,  T.  Guldar.  Sheffield.  Grey  and  White— I,  W.  D.  Skil- 
beck,  York.    2,  A.  H.  Easten.    he,  J.  Lee,  Sheffield. 

Himalayan.-I  ami  Medal,  J.  Buttenvorth,  Rochdale.  2,  E.  G.  Eoulton, 
Beverley,    he,  J.  W.  Buulton,  Beverley. 

Angoras.— 1  and  he,  T.  Mjton,  York.    2,  G.  Robinson,  York, 

Any  other  Variety.— land  he.  J.  Bovle,  jun.,  Blackburn  (Silver-Greys  and 
Silver  Croaius).    2,  G.  H.  Hirst  (Silver-Greys). 


Decenibor  15,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL   OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


•18  j 


wg  Class.— 1,  T.  Tavlor.  York  (Black  and  White).  2,  C.  King,  Avenue 
Boad,  London  (Tortoiseahell).    he,  G.Kobiueou  iWbito  Angora). 

The  Judges  for  Poultry  were  Mr.  Samuel  Burn,  Whitby;  and  Mr. 
r.  Hovingharu.     For  Pigeons:  Mr.   W.  Massey,  Spalding;  and 
Mr.  H.  C.  Brown,  Walkley,     For  Rabbits:  Mr.  M.  Millington,  York; 
and  Mr.  Rayson,  Didabury,  Manchester. 

TREDEGAR  POULTRY   SHOW. 

The  following  are  the  awards  at  tine  Show,  held  on  the  13th  and 
11th  iust.     We  must  defor  our  report  till  next  week. 

.—Black  or  Brou  n  breasted  /We.— Cup.  J.  W.  Jones.    2.  W.  Donning. 

1  ipholas.     c,  H.  Horton.     A   ..■■  i    '■■ 

W.J.  Mason.  ■:.  G.  S.  Suin&burT.  iS,  E.  Aykroyd.  uc,  J.  Orutchloe, 
C,  ('•■  S.  Cniwys. 

Spanish.-   Cup,  Mrs.  Alls. .p.     2  and  vhc,  J.  P.  Rodbard.     ".  C.  Ilomfray. 
W.        ■' ■  tas:   U.  Wilkinson;    F.  Cooper;  H. 
.    c.  J.  T.  Sillietoe  :  ■'-  Bi  niton  ;  D.  Lane. 

I  oloured).  —  Cup  and   Plate,  J.  Martin.     2,  J.  Kitchen. 

I    ■      ...    ac,  E.  Shaw;  I.  Briden ;  J.  Watts. 

■  k-Chtna.  —  Cinn    non      t    Buff.  —  lj   lore.  AUsop.     2,  W.   Maeland. 

thc, Mis*         i  nc.  D.  W.  J. Tbomas  (2);  Mis  R.N.OBbome.    c.  W. 

Lewis.    fi/oum  ond  Partrtdge-feathered.--Cav,  J.  White.    2.  P.  Wilton,    nc,  J. 

I     i  .    c^W. Lewis,     White.— lt G. Radcfiffe,    8,H.Vaughan.    c.D.Lanc; 

■     [ton. 

\ia  Pootra.— /.w  v.- 1  an ^  2,  T.  A..  Dean.    1 1 ■  .  .T .  Wi  tts;  W<  J.  Orad- 
■.<  Bborne;  T.A.Dean.   c.R. N. Osborne.    Dark.  -1,J  Wal 

Rev  J.  Bowen,    hc,  C.  Btomfray ;  J.  S.  Tainton ;  ft.  Taylor;  Rev. 
C.  T.  Salusbury :  ii.  Dornford.    c,  C.  Homfray;  Rev.  ,i,  .'.  Evans  :  3,  Kitchen. 

BUSGHS.— (rold-}>:nci!l-'l  —  l.  J.   I'll  Hon.      'J,  H.   Picllli   ;-    inn.       hi',    W. 

nan;   T.  Moore;   11,   11.  Thompson;   .'.  Wal  m.     c,  T. 

;  S.  &  R.  Ashton.    8ilver-penctlled.— 1,  J.  Pn     ■ 
ho,  J.  Walker,    c,  Mrs.  Allsopp.    ffold-*paJ        ■'  Beldon.   2,  T.  May. 

i  :  K    ti  nton :  J.  Wbiti  [J.]  I    I, 

-l.  11.  Beldon.    2,  H.  Pieklo*.  jun. 
Polands  (Any  variety).— 1,  H.  Bel.lon.    2,  J.  ITinton.    hc,  n.  Pickles,  jun. 
Hoi*dax8.—1,  D.  Lane.    2,  0.  Homfray.    nc,  <j.  Radoliffc  :  W.  Dring;  J.  K. 
Fowler. 

French  (Any  other  variety).— Cup,  C.  Homfray.    8,  J.  K    I  .  Miss  E. 

Williams,    nc,  Mrs.  E.  E.  Llewellyn:  Q.  Thompson;  H.  Wyndham.     o,  W. 
Bouteber. 

Bantams.— Game.— J,  E.  Payne.    2,  J.  Mayo,    ho, 
J.  Baily  &  Son ;  J.  Watts,    c,  F.  Steel:  T.  Davies.    Black,  i  •legged.— Cup, 

T.  Danes  re.    nc.  S.  &  It.  Ashfc  n.    Whit  ■  ■■  '  —  l,  s 

and  R.  Ashton.    2,  J.  Watts,    nc,  E.  Pritchard.    Any  other  Variety.— 1,  T.  C. 
ion.    2,  H.  Draycott.    ho,  J.  Baily  &  Son ;  G.   ■  ■  ■  .  J.  Watts  (2). 

Any  othi-k  Variety.— 1.  Rev.  W.  Sergeantson  (Black  Hambnrghs).  2.  J. 
Hiiiton  (Malays).    8,  C.  Homfray  (White  l>  irkinga),    I,  Mrs.  E.  B.  LI    ■ 

|.    hc,  l;.  II.  Nicholas (BlaokHamburghs);  Rev. v,  u (Black 

Hamburg 

[hea  Fowls.— 1,  T.  C.  Harrison.    2,  Hon.  F.  C.  Mori  s 
Dttckb.  r.    I  and  2,  J.  K.  Fowler.    8, 

Kneath.    c,  Hon.  p.o,  Morgan;  G.  Thomson:  Mrs.  M.  rones. 
White.    2,  C.  Homfray.    8,  W.  Co<  per.    ho.  Lord  Tredegar;  C. 
Pulley,  jun.;  W.Stephens;  H.  Garsed.    o,  P.  A.  Beck;  Rev   F.  J   Evans;  J. 

r  Variety. — 1  and  2,0.  Homfray.    vnc.  Rev.  W.  Ser  ■ 
nc.  C.  Bom  fray  [2);  C.  N.  Baker;  J.  Baily  4  Son.    c,  T.  C.  Harrison;  C.  N. 

as.— 1,  -f.  K.  Fowler.    2,  P..  Rees.    3,  J.  Harding,    ho,  J.  Baily  A  Son; 
. 

,i  vs.— l,  J.  Pulley,  ju-.i.    2,  Ai?*  J.  Milward.     3,  Hon.  F.  C.  Morgan. 
1  'I'gar. 

C.  2,  T.  A.  D  an 

<Brahma  Pootra).    B,  J.  Kitchen  (Oocl 

R.  H.  Nicholas  (Black  Red  Game);  E,  Shaw  Jfardley  (Dork- 

■ :  Mrs.  E.  E.  Llewellyn  [Creve-Ccaurs).  i .  T.  a.  r>ean  (Brahma  Peotra] ; 
W.J.  Craddock  [Brahma  Pootra);  dra.  E.  E.  Llewellyn.  Ducks.— 1,  Miss  E. 
A  illi. i. lis  (Rouen).  2,  G.  Thompson  (Aylesbury),  nc,  E.  Shaw  (Rouen);  C. 
Homfray  (Brazilian  ami  Mnsoovy). 

Swjsbpstakks  for  Sinols  Cooks.— Spanish.— 1,  Mrs.  Allsop.    Sam*.— 1,  G. 
A.  Edwards.  2,  J.  W.  Jones.   Gtame  Bantams  — 1,  J.  Mayo.   2,  E.  Payne,   hc,  T. 
Davies;  F.  Steel.    Any  otJu  r  Van  i-ty.—l,  C.  Homfray.   2,  T.  A.  Dean. 
PIGEONS. 
Carriers.— Cup,  n.  Yardley.    2.  J.  Watts,    nc,  T.  Moore,    c,  J.  Watkins. 
Pol-ters.— 1,  H.  Yardley.    2,  J.  Havi  ley, 
Jacobinsi— L  J,  Hawley.    2.  H.  Yardley.    c.  J.  A.  Phillips. 
Tu-melef.s.— 1,  J.  Hawley,    2,  II.  Yardley.    nc,  Miss  Boamer.    c,  J.  II.  Jones. 
Fas-tails.— 1.  J.  Hawley.    2.  Miss  J.  Milward.    nc,  H,  Yardley. 
Trumpeters.— 1  and  2,  J.  Hawley.    c,  T.  Moore. 

Anv  other  Variety-.—  1,  T.  A.  Dean  (Nuns).  2,  H.  Draycott.  3.  J.  Watts. 
4,  H.  Yardley.  ho,  Mrs.  H.  Vaughan  (Nuns) ;  J.  Baily  &  Son  (Nuns  and 
Runts);  W.  H.  Latch  (Archangels). 

Judge. — Mr.  E.  Hutton,  Pudsey. 


ROYAL  DUBLIN  SOCIETY'S   POULTRY   SHOW. 

This  Exhibition  commenced  on  the  Gth  inst.,  and  presented  many 
evidences  of  surpassing  its  predecessors.  The  most  novel  and  in- 
teresting feature  was  the  large  number  of  Pigeons  brought  together  to 
compete  for  three  enps,  £5,  £3,  and.  £2  in  value,  offered  respectively 
for  the  best  collections  of  twelve,  nine,  and  six  pairs  of  Pigeons  of  dis- 
tinct varieties  ;  Mr.  Znrhorst  won  the  first  prize  with  a  splendid  lot  of 
bird's,  amongst  which  the  White  Pouters,  Almond  Tumblers,  and 
liuuts  were  especially  worthy  of  notice. 

In  the  poultry  classes,  the  first  and  second-prize  Silver-Grey 
Dorking  chickens,  shown  by  Miss  De  Conrcy  Drevar,  were  remarkable 
for  purity  of  breed  and  perfection  of  marking,  which,  judging  by  the 
cock  class  at  Birmingham,  are  features  rather  difficult  to  find  at 
present.  Mr.  Williams's  first-prize  Spanish  cockerel  possessed  qualities 
of  a  high  order,  and  would  have  found  suitable  mates  in  Mr.  Barlow's 
second-prize  pnllets,  which  were  as  good  as  we  have  seen  anywhere 
this  year.  Mrs.  Warbnrton's  first-prize  Brahma  cock  was  of  unusual 
size ;  while  the  hen,  the  property  of  Mrs.  Taafe,  in  the  second-prize 
pen,  would,  if  matched,  have  been  worthy  of  still  higher  honours.  This 
class  and  Uowlans  were  the  strongest  in  the  Show,  and  were  ex- 
tensively noticed  by  the  Judges,  as  may  be  seen  by  the  prize  list.  Mr. 
Cooper  was  first  for  Houdaus  with  a  very  large  and  fine  pair  of  birds. 
Grfvt-Ccews  and  White-crested  Polish  were  few  in  number,  but  of  ex- 


ceedingly high  quality.   Game  and  Hamburghs^  with  the  exception  of  the 
prize  pens,  were  decidedly  bad,  and  formed  the  weak  point  of  the  Show. 
Turh  .    and   Duels  were   good,   but    require  no   special 

criticism,  as  all  necessary  information  can  he  gained  from  ths  prize 
list  which  is  appended. 

t>o*xxxQB.—8ilver-Greil.—l,  R.  P.  Williams,  Glaslinn,  Clontarf.     2.  Mrs. 
.  n,  Kill,  Nasa.    3,  Mrs.  Marmion,  Ashto wn,  Phcanix    Park,    b 
Cooper,  Limeiiek.    o,  Mrs.  Warhurton.    Chickens. — 1  and  2,  Miss  De  C 
Drevar,  Rose  Hi:!,  Blaokrook.    nc,  Mrs.  Marmion.     c,  Mrs.  Warburi 

i   ,         rbm  t<  d.    -.  3.  Mowbray,  Killei 
...  -I,  Mis.  Warburton.  2.  ti.  A.  Steph.  ns,  Dublin.   Co< 

.  ■   iy.    2    !■'.  H.  Green,    ac,  W.Magrath;  Miss  De  Couro]  ! 
rton  (2), 
Spanish.—  I, Mi  CourcyDr 

-.  ■.  i:  Williams,  Chtei  •■  i.— 1,  " 

.*■■•-■ 
■     .         ac,  R.  P. Williams;  S.  Mowl  I       De  Courcy 

Drevar. 

Bbahjia  Pootrj        ' .  ! T  b   Warl  2.  Mrs.  Taafe,  Milton,  Rose 

hc,  Mrs.  Warburton  '  ■  .  I  per; 

. .    Lim-ri^k;    ".'I  i.  A. 

\    i    I  ■    I  !i  ..  ■    .    v  ..■■■■   i  i  ■ 

I.— lf  W.  M.  A.  Wright,  Br:  . 
.    2,  li.  P.  Willi     i  per. 

[in-Chikas.— L  8.  P   Wiluam-).     9,  and  hc.  Mrs.  Taaffo.    S.R.Gr 

(  |  .      .  I     ■  .      !  .      ■ 

Graham;  Krs.  Taaffe.    Co  I,  :     B  bu.  3,  W.H.  a.Co.U 

.  h.  Green,    c,  1 1  A  P  rrin. 
i       'r.  A   Perrin.    b  .  C.  F.  Staunton. 
G.  A.  Perrin.     Cockerel.— 1  and  2.  G.  A.  Perrin. 

Hambuki.hs.-  [fed.— 1  and  2,  Hon.  J.  Mas 

Limerick,  I     F.   H.  Q  !  I    Ffon.  J. 

le,  Ki  [Obl  in,    •  .  S.  Movi  bra  ^ .    W 
i  ,.iv.    -i.  R.  P.  Williams     hc.  J.  K.  U 

Li  Flei  ■■:  .     i  .i     L8,G.  A.    tephene.    Corf       ■'.     I,  G  ihens. 

i     r.  0.  Cooper.    •-'.  G.A.  Stephens,    hc  M 
;  Hon.  J.  Ma  isey ;  E.  J.  Poor,  Lira 
J.  C.  Cooper,    hc,  G.  A.  Stephens. 

us— 1  and 2, Hon. J. Massy.    Cockerel.— 1, Miss MfL 
Mac  ir,  R   mi  Hon. 
Game  BANTAMS.— 1,  G.  A.  Perrin.     2,  E.  J.  Peer.  Lum 
inton  ;  x.  E.  Vfallac  .  BellfieJ 
!  ■,      j.    i.i,.  \.  -■■   phenB  (Black).    2,  L.  F.  Perrin  (Black)     ■ 

■Tiu'.i:  Variety.— 1,  R>  P.  Williams  (Crest..'   Sold 
Cooper  (Sultans). 

Fat  Fowi,b.— 1,  K.  P.  Williams  (Dorking).   2,  J.  K.  Milncr,  C  i 
rock  (Buff  Coohi 

Tu-keys.    l,  J.  C.Cooper.     2,  S.  Mowbray  M 
i  ill   (American}.    Poults. — 1,  J.   C.  Coop'  .    L.  King 

(American),   hc,  Hon.  J.  Massy.  Cock\— 1,  Hon.  J.  Massy.  2,  S.  Mowbray  (Cam- 
'.    no,  J.  C.  Cooper  ;  Mies  L.  King. 
'..      b.— 1,  Hon. J. Massy (Embden).    2, R. P. Williams     'oulo     ■ '■ 
.  !:ite  Embdenl.  hc,  J.  C.  Cooper;  Mrs.  Wari  ■ 
Villiams.     HC,  S.  Mowbray  ;  ,: 
.'  sbury.— 1,  S.  Mowbray.    2,  G.  A.  Stephen  . 
ton;  R,  P.  Williams;  Hon.  J.  Mi 

PIGEONS. 
CiBszEBS.— la  us, Cork.     Cock.—. 1,  J.  Jeflri  T     ['Donald; 

iBard,   Curraffb   Camp.     Hen.— I,  Lieut  <     !  ,    . 

M'Donald.     Tqubuebs.— L  E.  A.  Seale,  Eilgobbin.    8,  J. 
Millner:  G.  M.  Caparn.    Fantails.— 1,  E.  A.  Seale.    2,  J.  ) 

oi  her  Vabiett.— 1,  •'.''■. 
Burl. si.     2,  B. M'Cre,  Altona,  Stillorgan  (Ice).    3,  K.  LS 

'...  L      ale  (fi).  Twelve  Varibttbs. i  and     ■   .    .  ■ 

:.    hc,  J.  M'Donald.    Six  Va  I  > ' 

Jtjdgi  rs.  Jame3  Dixon,   Bradford;    E. 

Leeds  ;  W.  G.  Merry,  Blesinton,  and  A.  Comyns,  jun.,  College 
Dublin. 


THE   NEW  MODES   OF   CONTROLLING   T 
FERTILISATION   OF   THE  QUEEN   BEE. 

Various  methods    for    conirolliog  the  fertilisation  <  I 
queen  have  appeared  of  late  in  the  columns  of  "  our  Jon; 
and  the  successful  results  attending  them  have  been  v> 
for  by  the  names  of  both  ladies  and  gentlemen  whose  te?timoj>v 
ia  entitled  to  the  highest  respect.    Bat  iu  spite  of  the  ovi 
adduced,  I  cannot  bring  myself  to  btlie\e  that  a  queen  ( 
properly  fertilised  during  confinement.      The  American  and 
Hungarian  processes  alike  failed  with  me  when  I  ivied  to  teat 
them,  and  although  I  carefully  watched  the  proceedings  of  a 
young  queen  in  the  society  of  drones  for  a  week,  I  never  could 
perceive  any  approach  to  intercourse.  This  is  hut  negative  proof, 
and  cannot,  of  course,  overturn  the  positive.     N    •>  rtfcelesB,  I 
may  be  permitted  to  entertain  the  idea  that  those  gentlemen  who 
believe  they  have  had  queens  fertilised  in  confinement,  may  in 
some  way  have  been  deceived.     I  do  not  for  a  moment  suppose 
that  any  of  them  would  make  statements  which  they  did  not 
think  were  fully  corroborated  by  facts,  but  v>h  i  I  room 

for  error  in  any  experiments  that  may  be  tried,  it  is  proper 
that  conclusions  should  neither  be  too  dogmatically  asserted 
nor  too  implicitly  received  as  correct. 

The  doctrine  that  a  queen  may  be  fertilised  v.  hen  con- 
fined with  a  few  drones  nnder  a  glass,  is  not  new.  Ihe  author 
of  the  "  Natural  History  of  Bees,"  a  book  translated  from  the 
French  (8vo.,  Lendon,  17-44),  tells  us  that  he  was  an  eye- 
witness of  the  fact,  and  that  the  drone  perished  iiumediately 
afterwards.  The  narrative  which  he  gives  of  the  materia  eo 
minute  as  to  lead  us  to  suppose  he  could  not  be  mistaken  in 
his  observations.  But  mistakes  are  easily  made,  and  was  not 
M.  Maraldi  in  error  when  he  held  that  eggs  were  deported  un- 


486 


JOUKNAIi   OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  Drc-mbor  15,  IWJ. 


fecundated  in  the  cells,  and  afterwards  quickened  by  the  in- 
fluence of  the  drone  ? 

This  method  of  fertilisation  was  long  believed  by  apiarians 
to  have  been  "established  beyond  all  contradiction,"  by  the 
observations  of  M.  Debrau,  of  Cambridge.  It  was  not  till 
Huber  exposed  the  optical  illusion  which  misled,  that  the  bee 
world  learned  they  had  been  accepting  as  true  a  conclusion 
which  was  altogether  untenable.  The  process  that  are  now 
so  much  iu  vogue,  though  somewhat  modified,  were  found  in 
the  hands  of  M.  de  Eeaumur  and  Huber  to  be  wholly  without 
result.  "We  have,"  says  the  latter,  "frequently  confined 
virgin  queens  with  drones  of  all  ages.  We  have  done  so  at 
every  season,  and  witnessed  all  their  advances  and  solicittitions 
towards  the  males.  Nothing,  indeed,  was  left  undone  by  him 
that  was  deemed  likely  to  bring  about  a  marriage  inconfinemeut, 
but  without  a  fertile  result. 

Now,  if  the  procedure  adopted  by  the  honey  bee  is  at  all 
similar  to  that  followed  by  the  wild  species  (and  I  have  no 
doubt  it  is),  the  union  of  tbe  pexes  must  necessarily  take  place 
on  the  wiug  in  the  open  air.  I  had  an  excellent  view  of  the 
conjunction  of  the  Bombus  terrestris,  male  and  female,  on  the 
18th  of  September,  1857. 

In  those  cases  where  fertilisation  has  been  supposed  to 
have  been  effected  when  the  queen  was  confined,  I  would  like 
to  ask  whether  all  due  precautions  have  been  used  to  prevent 
its  having  taken  place  in  any  other  situation.  When  we  obtain 
a  seemingly  pure  offspring  after  a  pure  Ligurian  queen  has 
been  shut  up  with  pure  Ligurian  drones,  we  are  not  to  take 
this  as  a  proof  of  the  royal  marriage  having  been  contracted 
when  in  durance.  It  is  very  difficult  to  say  when  a  pure  breed 
has  been  secured. 

I  had  a  queen  this  summer,  the  daughter  of  one  hybridised 
last  year,  which  produced  the  finest-looking  Italian?.  Not  a 
cross  was  to  bo  seen  amongst  them,  and  somo  half  dozen  young 
queens  reared  naturally  after  swarming  were  all  beautifully 
marked.  Yet  all  these  queens  which  were  put  at  the  head  of 
colonies,  became  mothers  of  a  dark  race  with  scarcely  a  trace 
of  Italian  features  either  in  shape,  s.ize,  or  colour.— R.  S. 


OUR  LETTER   BOX. 

Brecon  Poultry  Snow.— Mr.  Brien  has  explained  to  us  that  the  non- 
payment of  prizes  has  not  been  his  fault.  After  the  22ud  inst.  he  will  be 
nabled  to  pay  them. 

Game  Bantams  Mutilated  at  the  Dublin  Snow  (F.  C.  H).~ Our 
correspondent  complains  that  the  cock's  sickle  feathers  were  cat  off  and 
the  tail  otherwise  injured.  The  mutilation  was  done  previous  to  the 
judging,  and  he  warns  other  exhibitors  there  to  "  look  sharp." 

Egg-eating  Hens  [Constant  Subscriber) .—You  can  only  watch  tbe 
hens  and  drive  them  from  their  nests  as  soon  as  they  have  laid.  It  is 
sometimes  useful  to  lay  hard  eggs  about,  bo  hard  as  to  defy  all  efforts  to 
peck  pieces  off. 

Houdans'  Toes  (J.  S.).— One  too  turning  up  and  the  other  downwards 
is  not  a  disqualification. 

Hamburghs  {&'.  D.  CO.— We  do  not  care  for  the  colour  of  a  Hamburgh 
cock's  eye.  We  cannot  advise  yon  about  breeding,  as  we  do  not  see  tbe 
birds,  if  the  son  has  produced  part  of  your  requirements,  but  you  wish 
foi'  more,  u?e  him  again,  not  with  his  mother  but  his  sister— with  his 
mother  he  will  merely  produce  again  that  which  he  produced  before.  A 
hollow  in  the  comb  is  a  disadvantage.  A  tail  should  not  be  too  much 
bronzed,  but  it  is  a  venial  fault.  We  know  nobody's  indiosyncracies  in 
poultry  judging.  You  had  better  write  to  the  judge  in  question.  A  hen 
with  a  pencilled  tail  is  more  likely  to  breed  pencilled-tailed  pullets  than 
one  with  a  blacking-brush  tail. 

Poultry  Feeding  (Hants  Henwtfe). — Tour  feeding  is  troublesome,  ex- 
pensive, and  poor.  We  do  not  like  either  Indian  meal,  sharps,  or  buck- 
wheat. Tbey  all  go  to  make  internal  fat,  and  to  prevent  laying.  Give 
them  ground  oats  every  morning,  kitchen  scraps,  and  Indian  corn  mid- 
day, and  ground  oats  in  the  evening.  It  is  bad  crossing  sitters  and  non- 
fitters,  or  we  would  advise  Dorkings. 

Hastening  Laying  (R.  H.).— Your  Dorkings  are  hardly  arrived  at  an 
age  to  lay.  Have  patience.  Greaves,  meat,  and  hempseed  will  force 
them,  but  you  will  be  a  loser  in  Ihe  end.  There  is  a  great  outcry  for  eggs  ; 
we  hope  those  who  have  them  will  stand  out  for  a  great  price,  and  that 
the  present  will  make  ufl  wiser  In  filiate,  and  less  dependant  on  a  foreign 
supply. 

Cockerel  for  Exhibition  IT.  F.  A.). — Allow  him  one  pullet.  Feed 
as  we  advise.  If  the  shows  are  near  at  hand  put  him  by  himself;  nut, 
however,  if  other  hens  are  about.  If  he  can  see  them,  it  is  better  to  allow 
him  one  pullet,  or  he  may  lose  weight.    Feed  as  wo  advised. 

Hens  apparently  Egg-bound  (M.  H.).~ The  symptoms  yon  describe 
are  those  of  an  egg-bound  hen.  but  as  there  h*s  been  no  egg,  it  was  pro- 
bably only  a  derangement  which  Daily's  pills,  following  on  castor  oil,  should 
cure.  The  cure  will  not  be  perfect  till  the  evacuations  are  partly  white, 
Give  up  the  oats  which  they  will  not  eat,  and  the  potatoes  which  are 
worse  than  nothing,  making  internal  fat,  and  causing  diseased  livers. 
Substitute  ground  oats.  When  twelve  hens  die  at  about  the  same  time, 
it  is  fair  to  suppose  they  pick  up  something  poisonous. 

Turbits  (Turlnt). — Pair  your  Black  cock  with  a  Black  hen,  not  a  Red 
one.  We  tried  crossing  Blocks  with  Reds  years  a  go,  and  the  produce  was 
always  strawberry,  both  colcars  being  entirely  spoiled.  Point  crowns  are 
best  for  Turbits. ' 


Carriers  (E.  Laurie).— It  is  usual  with  Carrier  fanciers  to  match  Blacks 
and  Duns  together,  the  idea  being  that  a  more  brilliant  black  :s  the  result. 
The  fineness  of  plumage  you  allude  to  results  most  probably  from  the 
owner  of  tbe  birdB  being  able  to  fly  them.  Another  thing  producing  fiue 
colour  and  appearance  is  not  exhibiting  birds  ;  they  are  injured  by  travel- 
ling. At  the  Peristeronic  Meeting,  the  birds  exhibited  by  gentlemen 
members  who  do  not  show  for  prizes  are  far  superior  iu  appearance  as  to 
colour  and  gloss,  to  the  poor  birds  that  have  been  sent  to  shows  all  over 
the  country.     As  to  food,  beans  and  old  tares  are  the  best  for  all  Pigeons 

Crystal  Palace  Poultry  Show.— Through  an  error  in  the  catalogue 
of  the  Crystal  Palace  Show  we  reported  that  Mr.  E.  Tudman  took  the 
first  prize  for  an  old  Partridge  Cochin  cock  and  hen,  whereia  the  fired 
prize  was  awarded  to  pen  157,  belonging  to  Mr.  Lingwood,  Creetiug,  Suffdk. 
Mr.  H.  Shumach  says  his  pen,  822,  of  Black  Red  Game  Bantam  pullets 
was  awarded  the  second  prize.  Mr.  Lorimer  informs  us  that  he  took  the 
second  prize  in  class  111  (Pigeons,  any  other  variety)  with  a  pair  of  Arch- 
angels. We  are  informed  that  in  the  class  for  Bl«ck  Ducks  a  fourth 
prize  was  awarded  to  pen  No.  1178,  belonging  to  Mr.  Q.  S.  S  iiusbury.  In 
the  class  for  Aylesbury  Ducks  the  first  prize  was  award ud  to  Mrs.  Seamons, 
not  Mr.  Hollis. 

White  Cockatoo  (B.  M.  D.).— The  bird  picking  off  his  feathers  in- 
dicates that  there  Is  irritation  of  the  skin.  Give  him  a  shower-bath  daily 
by  pouring  over  him  tepid  water  through  tbe  rose  of  a  watering-pot. 
Give  him  no  bones  nor  meat,  only  sopped  bread  and  fruits. 


METEOROLOGICAL   OBSERVATIONS 
In  the  Suburb!  of  London  for  the  week  ending  December  13th. 


BAROMETER. 

TRERMOMETEI 

. 

Wind. 

Date. 

Air. 

Earth. 

Rain 

Ma*. 

Min. 

Max.  J  Min. 

1  ft. 

2  ft. 

Wed. . .     7 

29.629 

29.608 

41 

16 

40 

41) 

N. 

.0) 

Thurs. .    8 

29.636 

29.618 

32 

29 

40 

40 

N. 

.00 

Fri. ...     9 

29.816 

29.650 

34 

30 

39 

39 

N. 

.10 

Sat.  ...  10 

29.900 

29  851) 

30 

32 

41 

39 

N. 

:>2 

Snn.  ..  11 

29.800- 

29.518 

51 

27 

41 

30 

S.E. 

.30 

Mod.  .  .  12 

29.281 

89.185 

52 

42 

42 

89 

w. 

.26 

Tues...  13 

29.-124 

29.306 

56 

45 

43 

4-) 

s. 

.56 

Mean.. 

29.611 

29.542 

43.00 

31.57 

40  83 

83.43 

" 

1.24 

7.— Overcast;  densely  overcast ;  cold  and  overcast. 

8-— Sharp  frost;  overcast ;  snow  at  night. 

9.— Snow;  continued  fall  of  snow;  densely  overcast. 
10. — Densely  overcast ;  dense  fog;  densely  overcast. 
11.— Overcast ;  very  fine  ;  cloudy,  frosty  air. 
12  — Rain  ;  cloudy  but  fine  ;  slight  rain. 
13. — Drizzling  rain  ;  rain  ;  drizzling  rain. 


COVENT  GARDEN  MARKET.— December  14. 
We  have  no  improvement,  here  worth  notice,  except  in  the  host  Grapes, 
which  have  advanced  in  price  during  the  week,  and  continue  very  good. 
The  Potato  trade  is  steady,  and  the  supply  ample. 


Apples jsfeve  1 

Apricots doz.  0 

Cherries lb.  0 

Chestnuts bushel  10 

Currants J  sieve  0 

Black do.  0 

Fies doz.  0 

Filberts lb.  0 

Cobs lb.  2 

Gooseberries quart  0 

Grapes,  Hothouse....  lb.  4 

Lemons #400  6 

Melons each  1 


d.  s. 
0  to  2 

0  C 

0  C 

0  IE 

0  ( 
0      C 

0  ( 

0  I 

0  i 
0 
0 
0 
0 


d 

0 
0 
0  0 
IS  0 
0  0 
0  0 
0  0 
2  0 
2    6 

0  0 
8    0 

10    0 

1  0 


Mulberries lb.  0 

Nectarines doz.  0 

Oranges y-  100  G 

Peaches  doz.  0 

Pears, kitchen doz.  1 

dessert doz.  1 

Pine  Apples lb.  3 

Plums $  sieve  1 

Quinces  doz.  0 

Raspberries lb.  0 

Strawberries    lb.  0 

Walnuts bushel  10 

do V100  1 


VEGETABLES. 


Artichokes doz. 

Asparapita w- 100 

Beans,  Kidney  ....T>100 

Broad bushel 

Beet,  Red doz. 

Broccoli  bundle 

Brussels  Sprouts.. i  sieve 

Cabbage doz. 

Capsicums  V  100 

Carrots bunch 

Cauliflower doz. 

Celeij bundle 

ColeworSs..doz.  bunches 
Cuouuibors  eaoh 

piciuing doz. 

Endivo doz. 

Fennel bunch 

Garlic lb. 

Herbs bunch 

Horseradish    . ...  bundle 


.  d.     s.   d 

OtoO    0 


0  0 
8  0 
0    0 


\h 

0  0 

0  0 

0  0 
0 

s 


Leeks bunch  0 

Lettnce   doz.  0 

Mushrooms pottle  1 

Mustard  &  Cress.,  punnet  0 

Onions  bushel  3 

pickling quart  0 

Parsley sieve  3 

Parsnips doz.  0 

Peas quart  0 

Potatoes bushel  2 

Kidney do.  3 

Radishes  ..  doz. bunches  0 

:  BJrabarb bundle  0 

Sart/ys. doz.  1 

Sea-kale basket  2 

Shallots lb.  8 

Spinach bushel  2 

Tomatoea doz.  3 

0  i  Turnips  bunch  0 

0  I  VenetableMarrows..doz.  0 


s.    tl 
fl    0 

1  6 

2  Cl 
0    0 

0 
6 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 


5 
0 
0 

1 

0 
4 
4 
I    0 


POULTRY  MARKET.— Deoembhr  14. 
We  have  still  a  sorry  trade,  and  have  lost  the  inspiriting  effect  of  frosty 
weather.     Trade  is  very  bad  now,  but  wo  look  for  a  good  Christmas 
market,  from  the  absence  of  foreign  supplies, 
s.    d.      s.    d 


3 
1 

0  to  S 
0       2 
6       1 
9       2 
0        7 
6       2 

6 
6 

9 

1 
....     6 

3 

0 

Pigeons 0 

Rabbits 1 

Wild  ditto 0 

Hares 2 

Partridges     1 

Grou*«   0 


d, 

s. 

d. 

9 

lo  t) 

Ill 

4 

1 

5 

9 

0 

111 

0 

a 

i; 

9 

■» 

0 

0 

0 

u 

December  22,  1870.  ] 


JOUBNAL  OF   HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


487 


WEEKLY 

CALENDAR. 

Day 

Day 

Average  Tempera-  1  K?!™,m 
tore  near  London.   '43';ears. 

San 

San 

Moon 

Moon 

Moon's 

Clock 
after 
Sun. 

Day 

of 

Month 

of 
Week. 

DECEMBER  22-28, 

1870. 

Rises. 

Sets. 

i:iscs. 

sets. 

Age. 

Year. 

Night. 

Mean. 

Days. 

m.      h.     m.      h. 

m.      h. 

m.      h. 

Days. 

m.      8. 

22 

45.0 

32.5 

38.7 

21 

6af8      f,laf:j 

05  af  7 

68  af  3 

• 

1     11 

3F.6 

23 

F 

44.1 

81.7 

37.9 

21 

6      8      51      3 

5      9 

53      4 

1 

0     40 

357 

24 

S 

44.0 

31.3 

37.6 

17 

7      8      52      3 

59      9 

10      6 

2 

0    10 

338 

25 

Sos 

43.4 

'29.4 

86.4 

9 

7      8  i  53      S 

40     10      25      7 

3 

before 

359 

26 

M 

43.2 

31.4 

37.8    |       16 

H      8      53      3 

12    11 

42      8 

4 

0    61 

36) 

27 

To 

43.0 

29.7 

36.4    ,       15 

8      8  1   54      3 

36    11 

55      9 

5 

1    19 

S(U 

28 

W 

Innocents*  Day. 

42.6 

2S.5 

36.0          13 

9     8     56     :; 

56    11 

5    11 

6 

1    49      362 

From  observations  taken  near  London 

duric 

r  the  last  forty-three  years,  the  nveraae  day  temperature  of  the  week 

is  43  6°, 

md  its  niL'ht 

temperatnre  30.8°.      The  preatest  heat  was  58° 

on  the  25th,  182/;  and  28th,  1853  ;  and  the  lowes:  cold  1°  below  zero,  on  the  28th,  1861.    The 

greatest  fall  of  rain  was  1.13  inch. 

TEA   ROSES   FOR  OUT-DOOR   CULTURE. 

Jt5.iUii.-3a'  T  page  438  are  given,  in  reply  to  the  inquiry 
by  a  correspondent,  the  names  of  some  select 
Tea-scented  Roses  for  out-door  culture.  To 
the  excellence  imd  beauty  of  the  kinds  there 
named  no  Rose  amateur  will,  I  think,  take 
exception,  but  the  suitability  of  a  few  of  them 
for  out-door  culture  is  open  to  some  discus- 
sion, and  not  of  these  only,  but  the  subject  of 
Tea  Roses  out  of  doors  is  one  that  might  bo 
resumed  with  interest. 
The  Tea-scented  Roses  (Rosa  indica  odorata)  are  the 
desire,  and  but  too  often  the  envy,  of  all  lovers  of  Roses  ; 
they  have  a  charm  and  fragrance  peculiar  to  themselves 
which  attract  to  them  a  preference  beyond  all  other  kinds. 
Their  successful  culture  in  the  open  ground,  with  a  very 
few  exceptions,  is  beset  with  difficulties.  They  will  not 
generally  grow  where  the  hardier  species  often  flourish  ; 
they  require  more  care,  more  assiduous  attention  than  any 
other  race  of  Roses,  and  the  luxury  of  obtaining  them  in 
quantity  and  variety  is  seldom  acquired  without  the  aid 
of  glass  structures,  with  pot-culture,  or  planting  out  in  a 
house  specially  devoted  to  them. 

Slowly  but  surely  the  number  of  varieties  of  the  Tea- 
scented  Roses  of  approved  quality  and  sufficiently  hardy 
for  out-door  planting  is  increasing,  and  among  these  the 
Noisettes  may  be  included,  for  the  difference  between  the 
two  sections  is  one  of  degree  rather  than  of  kind,  so  that 
no  Rose  garden,  nor  any  flower  garden  whatever,  ought 
now  to  be  without  them  altogether.  The  selected  kinds 
recommended  for  this  purpose  in  the  list  above  alluded  to 
are  Gloire  de  Dijon,  Abrieote,  Vicomtesse  de  Cazes, 
Devoniensis,  Adam,  Boule  d'Or,  Madame  Levet,  Jaime 
d'Or,  Belle  Lyonnaise,  Adrienne  Christophle,  Montplaisir, 
and  Madame  Damazin.  Of  these,  Abricote,  Adam,  and 
Vicomtesse  de  Cazes  have  with  me  proved  too  tender,  and 
too  dwarf  and  feeble  in  growth  to  withstand  even  an  ordi- 
nary winter  ;  under  glass,  however,  they  appear  more 
vigorous,  and  potted  in  soil  adapted  for  this  class  of  Roses 
they  produce  very  beautiful  flowers  Boule  d'Or  failed  to 
expand  its  bloom,  in  addition  to  its  tender  habit  of  growth. 
The  insertion  of  Madame  Levet  iu  the  list  I  am  inclined 
to  believe  is  a  clerical  error,  having  never  heard  of  a  Tea 
Rose  of  that  name.  Jaune  d'Or.Belle  Lyonnaise.  Adrienne 
Christophle,  Montplaisir,  and  Madame  Damaizin  I  have 
not  tried. 

Gloire  de  Dijon  is  well  known  to  thrive  in  almost  any 
ordinary  situation.  Scarcely  less  hardy  is  Celine  Forestier, 
a  duservedly  universal  favourite.  With  slight  modification 
may  be  added  Marechal  Niel,  by  far  the  best  of  all  yellow 
Roses,  and  unsurpassed  in  depth  and  in  substance  of 
petal,  combined  with  rich  colouring  and  symmetrical  form  ; 
Sombreuil  is  a  lovely  white  Tea  Rose  of  fine  shape,  abun- 
dant bloom,  and  vigorous  growth.  These  four  may  all  be 
successfully  grown,  even  in  light  s  ills,  as  is  the  case  here, 
budded  on  the  Dog  Rose  at  from  ti  to  12  inches  above  the 
surface.  They  form  handsome  pillar  Roses  if  treated  in 
the  manner  pointed  out  by  Mr.  W.  Paul  in  a  recent  article 

No.  508.— Vol.  XIX„  Niw  Series 


in  this  Journal.  If  it  can  be  avoided,  Marechal  Niel  and 
Sombreuil  should  not  be  exposed  to  the  north  and  north- 
east winds.  As  they  grow  well  on  the  Briar  they  will,  of 
course,  form  standards  ;  but  it  is  especially  objectionable 
to  see  attempts  to  prune  and  drill  Roses  into  a  shape  they 
will  not  naturally  assume. 

The  following  Tea  Roses  have  been  fully  exposed  here 
during  four  successive  winters — that  is  to  say,  they  are 
planted  out  in  front  of  a  south  wall,  and  no  care  has  been 
taken  to  give  them  any  further  protection  than  the  wall 
affords.  They  may.  therefore,  be  presumed  to  be  suffi- 
ciently hardy  for  a  like  situation.  They  are  Devoniensis, 
Madame  Bravy,  Alba  rosea,  Hubens,  Madame  Willermoz, 
Madame  Margottin,  Madame  Falcot,  Souvenir  dun  Ami, 
Homcre,  Narcisse,  Goubault,  President — all  well-known 
kinds,  acknowledged  to  be  among  the  best  of  this  class  ; 
they  are  on  the  Manetti  stock.  Madame  Falcot  and 
Goubault  are  most  beautiful  before  complete  expansion. 
Madame  Margottin  is  a  beautiful  deep  yellow  Rose,  with 
a  peach  or  rose  centre,  and  fine  foliage.  Homcre  has  its 
petals  jagged  or  irregularly  notched,  which  is  a  drawback. 
Narcisse  is  a  pretty  pale  yellow,  and  one  of  the  freest 
blooming  of  all  Loses. 

The  chief  conditions  required  for  the  culture  of  Tea- 
scented  Roses  out  of  doors  are  light  or  well-drained 
soil — such  as  will  not  retain  an  excess  of  moisture  during 
cold  weather — free  exposure  to  sun  and  air,  shelter  from 
north  and  north-east  winds,  occasional  mulching,  and  a 
supply  of  well-rotted  stable  manure  among  the  plants, 
which  are  best  arranged  iu  groups  or  in  beds,  and  not 
dispersed ;  and  further  to  promote  vigorous  growth,  give 
a  moderate  watering  in  dry  and  warm  weather  with 
manure  water.  With  these  simple  and  inexpensive  pre- 
cautions it  will  be  found  quite  possible  to  admit  repre- 
sentatives of  this  noble  class  of  Roses  to  a  place  in  open- 
air  gardening. 

There  is  a  freshness  and  delicacy  of  colouring  in  the 
flowers  of  the  Tea  Hoses  grown  in  the  open  air  that  does 
not  seem  to  be  so  fully  realised  under  glass  ;  it  must, 
however,  be  admitted  that  to  have  them  in  variety  sufficient 
to  include  all  or  most  of  the  best  kinds,  many  of  which 
are  too  tender  for  out-door  culture,  a  glass  structure  is 
indispensable. 

One  more  hint  mav  be  useful  to  those  who  from  taste 
or  circumstances  of  soil  still  desire  to  grow  Roses  in  quan- 
tity in  the  form  of  standards  at  a  height  of  more  than 
3  feet  from  the  ground  ;  at  this  height  it  is  necessary,  in 
order  to  secure  the  plants  from  injury  by  winds,  to  tie 
each  firmly  to  >i  stake,  and  when  the  number  of  plants  is 
considerable,  the  staking  and  tying  are  also  a  matter  of 
considerable  trouble  My  respected  neighbour,  Mr.  Tucker, 
of  Garston  House,  wishing  to  have  rows  of  standard  Roses 
by  the  sides  of  the  principal  walks  in  his  garden,  has 
adopted  a  simple  expedient  which  avoids  the  trouble  of 
staking  each  plant,  and  which  in  the  case  of  wooden  stakes 
has  frequently  to  be  repeated.  At  each  end  of  the  row  is 
a  stout  pole  of  willow,  to  which  are  affixed  the  ends  of  a 
length  of  galvanised  iron  wire  at  the  required  height.  The 
standard  Roses  are   he'd  firmly  to  thp  wire  by  n  f"iffc  !isa- 

No.  1160— Vol.  XLIV.,  Old  Sip.t.s. 


488 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  December  22,  1870; 


ture  of  tarred  string,  or  other  substance  suitable  to  the  pur- 
pose. The  poles  are  of  willow  because  they  take  root  after 
insertion  in  the  soil,  and  therefore  do  not  rot,  but  last  for 
almost  any  length  of  time  ;  the  wire  is  galvanised  because  it  is 
less  liable  to  rust,  and  is  not  unsightly.  When  the  willow 
poles  are  inserted,  holes  are  dug  in  the  places  where  wanted, 
and  the  poles,  with  the  attached  wire,  are  held  inwards  at  an 
angle  of  60°  or  thereabouts;  they  are  then  driven  in  to  the 
required  depth,  and  afterwards  pulled  outwards  till  they  are 
perpendicular,  when  they  are  tightly  rammed  in  :  by  this  means 
the  wires  are  rendered  stiff  by  the  tension.  This  plan  appears 
to  answer  admirably ;  it  would  answer  still  better  if  two  wires 
instead  of  one  were  attached  to  the  willow  poles.  Such  a 
contrivance  iB,  of  course,  applicable  to  Raspberry  canes,  Holly- 
hocks, &c. 

And  now  winter  is  again  upon  us  with  all  its  apprehensions, 
and,  which  must  not  be  forgotten,  all  its  blessings.  Among 
the  many  pleasant  souvenirs  which  the  recurrence  of  Christmas 
and  the  New  Year  bring,  few,  I  will  venture  to  say,  will  be  more 
acceptable  to  the  readers  of  "  our  Journal  "  than  the  genial 
kindly  article  of  "  Wiltshire  Rectob." — A.  H.  Kent. 


CULTIVATION  OF  PEARS  IN  POTS. 

Many  consider  the  Pear  the  best  kind  of  fruit,  and  all 
know  that,  at  any  rate  from  September  to  March,  this  fruit  is 
exceedingly  valuable  for  dessert.  The  excellent  specimens  of 
Josephine  de  Malines  exhibited  by  G.  F.  Wilson,  Esq.,  of 
Weybridge  Heath,  are  well  worthy  of  notice  as  showing  what 
can  be  accomplished  by  skill. 

Mr.  Wilson's  trees  are  allowed  to  remain  in  the  orchard 
house  until  the  fruit  are  set,  when  they  are  removed  to  a 
favourable  position  out  of  doors.  Such  fruit  of  Josephine  de 
Malines  as  exhibited  could  not  be  produced  from  trees  planted 
out  as  pyramids  or  bushes.  Two  trees  of  Josephine  de  Malines 
were  planted  out  at  this  place  about  five  years  ago  ;  one  of  them 
is  grafted  on  the  Pear,  and  the  other  on  the  Quince.  They  were 
both  good  trees  when  planted;  the  ground  was  twice  trenched, 
and  prepared  with  suitable  loam  ;  they  grow  well,  and  some- 
times have  plenty  of  blossom,  but  little  good  fruit  have  they 
produced.  In  the  season  of  18G6  about  two  dozen  medium- 
Bized  fruit  were  produced,  which  ripened  in  February,  and 
were  of  excellent  flavour.  With  this  tiogle  exception  the  pro- 
duce has  been  worthless. 

The  varieties  which  have  done  best  as  pyramids  and  bush 
trees  are  Williams's  Bon  Chretien,  Louise  Bonne  of  Jersey, 
Marie  Louise,  Beurre  d'Amanlis,  Napoleon,  Triomphe  de 
Jodoigne,  and  Jargonelle.  A  very  large  tree  of  Beurre  Boso 
annually  bears  good  crops  of  fine  fruit.  Beun6  d'Aremberg 
also  does  well  as  a  pyramid  on  the  Pear. 

On  walls  the  finer  sorts  of  Pears  can  be  grown  to  great  per- 
fection, but  not  finer  than  they  can  be  produced  from  trees  in 
pots.  I  had  some  pots  of  Louise  Bonne  and  Beune  d'Amanlis 
which  were  this  season  turned  out  of  doors,  when  the  fruit  was 
set,  to  ripen  ;  and  that  ripened  out  of  doors  was  not  only  higher- 
coloured  and  of  a  better  flavour,  but  quite  as  large  as  that  pro- 
duced under  glass. 

There  is  one  Pear  which  can  be  highly  recommended  which 
has  been  grown  here  two  seasons — Madame  Treyve.  It  ripens 
in  September,  and  although  good  Pears  are  plentiful  at  that 
season,  it  can  be  added  to  the  most  select  collection.  I  selected 
six  fruit  of  several  of  the  varieties  grown  in  pots,  and  weighed 
them.     The  following  are  the  weights  : — 

lbs.    oza. 

6  Williams's  Bon  Chretien    3        12 

6  Rivers'e  Beurre  d'Aremberg 1         9 

6  Jersey  Gratioli 1  8 

6  Beurre  d'Amanlis 8         8% 

G  Duchesse  d'Oileans 2  2% 

6  Madame  Treyve 2  8% 

6Beu>reDiel 3        141. 

6  Couseiller  de  la  Cour 3        It, L- 

6  Louise  Bonne  of  Jersey.    (The  tree,  grown  iu  a  13-inch 

pot,  had  three  dozen  good  fruit.)   2        12 

Pear  trees  in  pots  delight  in  rich  surface  dressings  and 
plentiful  supplies  of  water  until  the  fruit  is  approaching  ripe- 
ness, when  it  ought  to  be  supplied  to  them  more  sparingly. 
About  twice  a-week  they  should  have  manure  water.  During 
winter,  and  until  March,  the  pots  may  be  plunged  out  of 
doors. 

To  amateurs  and  others  who  have  not  a  large  extent  of  wall- 
surface  this  method  of  cultivating  the  finer  Borts  of  Pears  might 
he  a  source  of  much  profit  as  well  as  pleasuie.     The  tame 


trees  can  be  grown  for  many  years  in  comparatively  small  potsj. 
some  of  the  trees  hare  are  about  nine  years  old,  and  are  in 
15-inch  pots. — J.  Douglas. 


WINTER-BLOOMING   ORCHIDS.— No.  11. 

PHAJUS. 

A  genus  of  terrestrial  Orchids  of  noble  growth,  containing: 
some  twenty  or  more  species,  but  I  purpose  introducing  only 
two  of  these  to  the  attention  of  my  readers,  and  they  are  in- 
valuable for  winter  decoration.  These  species  are  extremely 
easy  to  cultivate,  if  it  be  only  remembered  that  they  are  terres- 
trial, and  not  epiphytal ;  and  the  soil  I  have  found  to  suit  them 
well  is  a  compost  consisting  of  good  turfy  loam,  fibrous  peat, 
and  well-decomposed  manure  in  about  equal  parts,  and  just- 
sufficient  river  or  silver  sand  should  be  added  to  the  whole  to 
make  it  feel  gritty.  In  this  mixture  pot  the  plants  just  pre- 
vious to  their  growth  commencing,  and  be  sure  the  pots  are 
well  drained,  and  that  the  plants  are  not  elevated  above  the 
rim,  but  potted  like  any  other  stove  plant.  Treat  them  libe- 
rally with  water,  and  give  them  a  good  place  in  the  East  Indian 
house  during  their  period  of  growth;  after  this  is  completed 
gradually  reduce  the  supply  of  water,  and  remove  them  to  a 
cool  place,  where  they  may  remain  until  the  end  of  October  or 
beginning  of  November,  when  they  bhould  again  be  brought 
iuto  heat,  and  moderately  supplied  with  water.  This  treat- 
ment will  soon  cause  the  flower-spikes  to  show  up,  and  grow 
more  or  less  quickly,  according  to  the  weather  prevailing  at 
this  time  of  year.  Under  this  mode  of  management  I  have 
usually  had  some  of  my  plants  blooming  at  Christmas,  and 
found  them  exceedingly  useful  just  at  the  time  when  flowers 
are  scarce  and  much  wanted.  If  grown  in  small  pots  they 
may  be  used  to  great  advantage  for  the  decoration  of  apart- 
ments, and  should  they  not  be  required  for  this  purpose,  they 
are  equally  serviceable  for  cutting. 

P.  okandifolids. — This  plant  seems  to  have  been  intro- 
duced into  this  country  from  the  gardens  of  China,  where  it 
appears  to  have  been  cultivated  for  a  long  time,  and  I  am  not 
aware  that  it  has  ever  been  sent  to  us  from  a  locality  where  it  is 
found  in  a  wild  state.  It  is  a  fine  plant,  producing  large,, 
plaited,  evergreen  leaves,  which  are  from  1  to  3  feet  in  length, 
broadest  in  the  middle,  and  tapering  to  a  long  point ;  the 
flower-spike  is  about  as  long  as  the  leaves,  but  erect,  not 
spreading  like  them,  and  therefore  shows  well  above  them. 
The  flowers  are  large  and  numerous;  the  sepals  and  petals 
brown  tinged  with  yellow  ;  the  lip  large,  white  in  front,  brown, 
at  the  base.  It  continues  long  in  flower,  even  in  a  cool  house, 
or  in  the  dwelling  house,  without  injury. 

P.  Wallichii. — This  resembles  the  previously  named  speciep- 
in  general  appearance,  but  is  more  robust,  the  leaves  are  longer 
when  fully  developed,  and  the  flowers  are  also  larger.  The. 
sepals  and  petals  are  of  a  rich  brown  suffused  with  orange 
yellow;  the  lip  buff  in  front,  but  purple  towards  the  base, 
where  it  is  also  tinged  with  orange.  It  is  a  superb  old  plant 
for  winter  and  spring  decoration,  and  it  also  makes  a  fine  ex- 
hibition plant,  if  retarded  by  keeping  it  in  a  cool  house  without 
water  during  winter.  Native  of  the  East  Indies. 
SACCOLABIDM. 

The  plants  comprising  this  genus  rank  amongst  the  gems  of: 
the  order.  All  are  epiphytes  in  their  native  habitats,  but  under 
cultivation  all  the  larger-growing  kinds  thrive  best  when  grown 
in  pots,  the  only  requisites  being  the  most  perfect  drainage, 
and  a  little  sphagnum  moss  to  retain  moisture  about  the  roots 
and  help  to  fix  them  firmly.  The  moss  Bhould  be  in  a  living 
state  for  these  plants,  and,  indeed,  I  prefer  live  sphagnum  for 
all  those  Orchids  which  have  no  peat  nor  other  soil  to  grow  in. 
Saccolabinms  are  all  natives  of  the  EaBt,  and  are  mostly  found 
in  the  hottest  parts.  They  require  the  same  temperature  and" 
treatment  as  Vandas.  There  are  many  superb  species  and. 
varieties,  but  as  the  majority  are  summer-bloomers,  they  cannot 
be  included  in  these  remarks.  A  small,  brown,  close-fitting 
scale  is  very  fond  of  fastening  upon  plants  of  this  genus,  and  if 
not  removed  it  soon  effects  tbeir  health,  and  renders  them  un- 
sightly. Strict  attention,  and  careful  washing  with  soft  soap 
and  warm  water,  I  have  found  the  Bafest  and  best  method  of. 
exterminating  these  pests  should  they  at  any  time  make  their 
appearance. 

S.  giqanteum  until  recently  was  beyond  the  reach  of  the  ma- 
jority of  Oichid  growers,  but  since  its  price  has  become  reason- 
able, no  collection  should  be  without  it.  The  leaves  of  this  noble, 
plant  are  upwards  of  a  foot  long,  and  3  inches  broad,  very  thick 


Bocemfcer  £2,    1879. 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


489 


and  fleshy.  The  racemes  are  longer  than  the  leaves,  and  very 
stout.  The  sepals  and  petals  are  white  dotted  with  lilac,  and 
the  lip  is  of  a  deep  rich  violet.  The  raoeme  would  form  a  gor- 
geous head-dress  for  a  lady,  especially  if  backed  with  a  few 
sprigs  of  Maiden-hair  Fern.  It  blooms  in  midwinter,  and  lasts 
a  very  long  time  in  perfection.     Native  of  Burmah. 

S.  violaceum. — The  leaves  of  this  beautiful  kind  are  usually 
a  foot  in  length,  and  about  2  inches  broad.  It  somewhat  re- 
sembles S.  giganteum  in  miniature.  The  beantiful  racemes  are 
about  the  same  length  as  the  leaves,  or  a  little  longer,  and 
densely  clothed  with  bloom.  The  sepals  and  petals  are  white, 
irregularly  dotted  with  mauve  and  lilao  ;  the  lip  violet  in  the 
centre,  rmuve  at  the  sides.  This  plant  is  somewhat  difficult  to 
manage,  but  amply  repays  all  extra  care,  as  its  beautiful  and 
cheering  spikes  of  flower  are  in  perfection  during  the  dullest 
season  of  the  year.     Native  of  Minilla. 

S.  Harrisonianum.— This  differs  from  the  preceding  only  in 
the  colour  of  its  flowers,  whioh  are  pure  white  and  very  nweet- 
sconted ;  indeed,  it  is  considered  by  many  a  variety  of  S.  vio- 


laceum, only  it  blooms  during  the  winter  months,  and  con- 
tinues several  weeks  in  full  beauty  if  the  flowers  are  not 
allowed  to  get  damp.  It  is  a  native  of  Pulo-Copang,  a  little 
island  in  the  China  Sea. 

MESOSPINIDIOM. 

A  small  genus  of  Peruvian  Orchids,  of  whioh  ons'species  only, 
as  far  as  I  am  aware,  is  worthy  of  notice  in  this  place.  It 
suooeeds  best  on  a  block  of  wood,  and  must  be  grown  in  the 
coolest  part  of  the  Odontoglossnm  house. 

M.  sangoinebm. — A  small-growing  plant,  resembling  very 
much  some  of  the  varieties  of  Odontoglossnm  Alexandras.  The 
pseudo-bulbs  are  small,  oval,  and  compressed,  bearing  on  their 
summit  two  strap-shaped  leaves.  The  flower-spike  is  pen- 
dulous, and  much  longer  than  the  leaves,  bearing  a  profusion 
of  waxy,  deep  rose-coloured  flowers,  and  as  these  are  produced 
all  through  the  winter  and  spring,  it  is  a  valuable  addition  to 
our  cool-house  winter-blooming  kinds.  Native  of  the  Andes  of 
Peru. — ExrKRTO  Crede. 


GROUND  LEVELLING  AND  PRACTICAL  GARDEN 

DRAWINQ   PLANS. 

To  draw  and  transfer  fig.  32  to  the  ground,  draw  the  square 
iBCD,  and  draw  the  diameter  lines  e  pand  a  h,  also  the  diagonal 
lines  a  c  and  n  D.  Draw  lines  1  2,  3  4,  5  6,  7  8.  From  centre 
a,  being  the  point  where  line  1  2  orosses  the  diameter  line  o  H, 
draw  arcc,  meeting  the  two  diagonal  lines  ;  also  from  centre  a 
draw  arc  b,  as  shown  by  radius  a  6.  With  radius  ef  draw  aro 
/',  meeting  aro  6  in  d.  With  radius  d  g  draw  arc  g,  meeting 
arc  6  in  c.  From  centre  m,  which  is  equal  to  centre  a,  draw 
the  corresponding  arcs  b  and  c,  also  arc  n,  as  shown  by  radius 
m  n.  From  centre  r  on  line  7  8  draw  aro  s.  Arcs  n  and  s 
unite  where  the  line  is  cat,  each  aro  meeting  the  diagonal  line 
A  c.  From  centre  t,  with 

P  7 


PLOTTING.— No.  !). 


radius  t  u,  draw  arc  u. 
From  centre  o  on  lineE  F 
draw  an  arc  correspond- 
ing to  n,  uniting  with  aro 
!(,  and  meeting  arc  n  on 
the  diagonal  line.  Draw 
the  remainin  g'portion  of 
the  plan  in  the  same 
manner. 

To  transfer  the  de- 
sign to  the  ground.  The 
base  line  a  b  is  40  feet 
long.  Find  points abc d, 
as  described  in  fig.  31 ; 
insert  a  stake  at  each 
point,  and  lay  a  line  from 
stake  a  to  stake  b,  from 
stake  b  to  stake  c,  from 
stake  c  to  stake  d,  and 
from  stake  d  to  stake  A. 
Lay  the  diagonal  lines 
A  c  and  b  i>,  also  the  dia- 
meter lines  e  f  and  a  h. 
On  each  side  of  stake  a 
measure  9  feet ;  insert 
a  peg  at  each  point,  as 
at  points  3  and  8.  On 
'3ich  side  of  Btake  b  mea- 
sure 9,  feet;  insert  a  peg 
at  each  point,  as  at 
points  4  and  6.  On  each 
-side  of  stake  c  measure 


in  point  d.  Shift  the  Btring  to  peg  <?,  and  with  the  same  radius 
as  ef  trace  arc  g,  and  the  bed  is  traced.  Insert  pegs  6  or 
7  inches  apart  on  the  lines  traced.  The  pegs  must  be  put  up- 
right into  the  ground,  and  exaotly  in  the  line  traced,  so  that 
when  the  line  is  laid  round  the  pegs  to  cut  out  the  bed  it  will 
have  an  equal  pressure  on  all  the  pegs.  By  this  simple  ar- 
rangement the  beds  will  be  perfect.  From  the  peg  in  point  m 
on  lines  3  4  and  g  h,  trace  arcs  6,  c  ;  traoe  arcs  /  and  g  as  the 
corresponding  aros  are  traced  from  points  c  and  d  in  bed  a. 
From  point  m  trace  arc  n,  as  shown  by  radius  m  n.  On  line 
7  8,  from  peg  8  measure  4  feet  8  inches  j  insert  a  peg  as  at 

point  r  ;   from  the  peg 
£  S    C 

v 1 


-£"?- 


At> 


Fig.  32.— Scale  12  feet  to  the  inch 


5  H 

each  'point,  as  at  2  and 
5.      On    each    side    of 

stake  d  measure  9  feet ;  insert  a  peg  at  each  point,  as  at  1,  7. 
Lay  lines  joining  points  1  2,  3  4,  5  6,  7  8  ;  where  the  lines  cross 
each  other,  as  line  1  2  and  the  diameter  line  o  h,  insert  a  peg,  as 
at  point  a  ;  also  in  lines  3  4  and  g  h  insert  a  peg,  as  at  point  m ; 
also  in  7  8  and  e  f  insert  a  peg,  as  at  point  o.  From  the  peg  at 
point  a,  on  lines  1  2  and  a  h,  with  a  string  8  feet  4  inches  long, 
trace  arcs  c  and  n ;  reduce  the  string  3  feet  4  inohes  and  trace 
aro  6  until  it  meet  line  1  2,  as  at  points  e  and  d  ;  insert  a  peg  at 
each  point.  Radius  e  is  9  feet  9  inches  from  the  peg  at  point 
■•' ;  with  a  Btring  9  feet  9  inches  long  trace  arc  /',  meeting  aro  b 


at  point  r,  with  a  string 
3  feet  8  inches  long  trace 
arc  s,  as  shown  by  the 
radius  r  s,  and  uniting 
with  aro  n,  as  where  the 
line    is  cut.     On    line 
3  4,  from  peg  3  mea- 
sure 4  feet  8  inohes,  in- 
sert a  peg  as  at  point  t ; 
from  the  peg  at  t,  with 
the  same  radins  as  r  s, 
trace  arc  u.     From  the 
peg  in  centre  o,  with  the 
radius  o  c,  trace  an  arc 
corresponding  to  arc  n, 
as   traced   from  m  and 
uniting  with  arc  u,   as 
where  the  line  is  out. 
From  oentre  o,  on  lines 
7  8  and  e  f,  trace  arc  c, 
as  shown  by  radins  o  c  ; 
also  from  centre  o  trace 
arc  p,  meeting  line  7  8. 
Insert  a    peg  at    each 
point,  as  at  points  v  and 
y.  From  the  peg  at  point 
v,  with  radius  v  w,  trace 
arc  w.     From  the  peg  at 
point  y,  with  the  same 
radius  as  v  w,  trace  aro  x. 
On  line  1  d,  from  peg  1 
measure  4  feet  8  inches, 
insert  a  peg  as  at  point 
k  ;  from  the  peg  at  point 
k,  with  a  string  3  feet 
8  inches  long,  trace  aro  I,  as  shown  by  radius  k  I.    From  centre 
o,  on  lines  7  8  and  v.  f,  with  the  same  radius  as  o  c,  trace  an  arc 
corresponding  to  arc  n,  uniting  with  aro  I,  as  where  the  line  is 
cut.     On  line  7  8,  from  peg  7  measure  4  feet  8  inches,  insert  a 
peg  as  at  point  A.     With  a  string  3  feet  8  inches  long  trace  are  i, 
uniting  with  arc  n  traced  from  point  a,  as  where  the  line  is  cut. 
The  three  beds  on  the  diameter  line  G  H  are  now  traced,  except- 
ing the  side  of  the  middle  bed  not  marked  c  ;  that  side  is  to  be 
traoed  from  centre  o,  bed  b.     The  three  beds  on  line  5  6  are 
equal  to  those  on  line  7  8,  and  are  traced  in  the  same  manner. 


490 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  December  22,  1870. 


As  each  bed  is  traced,  insert  pegs  as  at  first  directed.  All  the 
beds  are  intended  to  have  Box-edging. — M.  O'Donnell,  Gardener 
to  E.  Leeming,  Esq.,  Spring  Grove,  Richmond". 


LESSONS  OF  THE  PAST  SEASON. 

The  long-continued  drought  of  the  past  summer  will  cause 
the  year  1P70  to  be  a  memorable  one.  The  time  of  the  drought 
was  one  of  anxiety,  care,  hard  work,  and,  withal,  it  was  a  most 
interesting  time,  calculated  to  rouse  one's  best  efforts  to  grapple 
with  and  to  overcome  its  parching  effects;  a  time  of  study  and 
watchfulness,  teaching  us  many  a  lesson  for  the  future,  show- 
ing us  the  importance  of  foresight  in  preparing  to  combat  the 
effects  of  the  ever-varying  temperature  and  seasons  of  our 
fickle  climate.  And  so  before  this  eventful  year  becomeB  num- 
bered with  the  past  and  is  added  to  the  short  tale  of  our  lives, 
it  may  be  well  to  record  a  few  of  its  leBsons  of  usefulness 
while  still  fresh  in  the  memory. 

First  of  all,  then,  comes  the  important  subject  of  watering  ; 
perhaps  I  shall  be  more  correofc  if  I  say  water  supply,  for,  alas ! 
the  efforts  and  plans  of  many  an  earnest  man  have  been  ren- 
dered futile  owing  to  the  scarcity  of  water,  caused  in  too  many 
instances  by  the  miserable  provision  for  storing  the  super- 
abundant moisture,  which  is  suffered  to  inn  to  waste  during 
those  periods  of  the  year  when  it  is  given  us  so  lavishly.  It 
is  astonishing  how  few  are  the  gardens  which  are  well  supplied 
with  water,  or  a  suitable  apparatus  for  its  distribution.  It 
may  very  reasonably  be  Eupposed  that,  when  a  new  garden  is 
made,  so  indispensable  an  aid  to  the  successful  development 
of  every  kind  of  crop  would  receive  the  attention  which  its 
importance  merits,  but  such  is  not  the  case.  An  under-sized 
oistern,  a  barrel  or  two,  and  a  Bolitary  pump,  but  too  often 
represent  the  entire  provision  for  storing  or  supplying  water 
in  the  driest  summer,  and  this,  too,  in  gardens  of  considerable 
size.  Now,  such  a  state  of  things  is  not  reasonable,  fair,  nor 
wise,  for  it  is  most  unfair  to  expect  a  man,  no  matter  how 
clever  or  persevering  be  may  be,  to  maintain  a  regular  supply 
of  vegetables,  to  say  nothing  of  other  things,  when  hiB  best 
efforts  are  crippled  or  rendered  unavailing  from  such  a  paucity 
of  means. 

For  those  gardens  depending  in  dry  weather  upon  stored-up 
rain  water,  a  simple,  efficient,  and  by  no  means  expensive 
apparatus,  may  be  had  by  building  an  underground-tank  of  a 
size  proportionate  to  that  of  the  garden,  into  which  the  water 
from  the  buildings  and  drains  Bhould  be  made  to  flow.  Much 
water  may  alBO  be  gained  by  fixing  a  few  gratingB  along  the 
sides  of  the  garden  paths,  the  gratingB  to  communicate  with 
the  drains.  Conneoted  with  the  tank  there  should  be  a  fixed 
force-pump  to  convey  a  daily  supply  of  water  into  an  elevated 
cistern  of  galvanised  iron,  or  wood  lined  with  lead,  from  whioh, 
by  means  of  a  hose,  the  water  could  be  distributed  among  the 
crops  with  much  ease,  expedition,  and  economy.  Very  dif- 
ferent is  the  working  of  Euch  an  apparatus  from  the  more  com- 
mon method  of  carrying  the  water  in  cans,  often  from  a  con- 
siderable distanoe.  It  is  all  very  well  to  say  what  a  quantity 
of  work  a  willing  man  can  do  in  a  short  time  with  a  pair  of 
cans  ;  but  those  who  advocate  such  a  system  can  hardly  know 
the  labour  implied  in  the  unceasing  tramp,  tramp,  throughout 
the  long  hot  summer's  day. 

Wherever  it  is  practicable,  watering  in  summer  should  be 
immediately  followed  by  mulching,  for  it  is  certain  that  in 
order  that  plants  Bhould  derive  any  benefit  from  the  appli- 
cation of  water,  it  must  come  in  contact  with  their  roots,  so 
that  the  spongioles  may  absorb  sufficient  moisture  to  maintain 
the  health  and  vigour  of  the  plants  unchecked.  This  is,  of 
course,  the  object  of  everyone,  yet  in  how  many  instances 
where  mulching  is  not  used  does  the  water  fail  to  reach  the 
roots  even  when  applied  daily,  and  so  the  plants  linger  on 
without  making  that  marked  progress  so  much  desired.  The 
reason  for  this  is  a  very  simple  one.  The  burning  rays  of  the 
summer  sun  act  with  such  power  on  exposed  surfaces,  as  to 
cause  excessive  evaporation  from  all  porous  bodies,  so  that  the 
surface  soil  becomes  so  dry  as  to  throw  off  ordinary  waterings, 
it  being  very  rare  that  enough  water  is  given  at  one  time  to 
thoroughly  saturate  this  dusty  surface,  which  thus  effectually 
prevents  the  roots  from  deriving  the  slightest  benefit  from  the 
water,  which  may,  and  doubtless  does,  refresh  the  plants  by 
the  moisture  ploying  among  the  foliage  during  the  process  of 
evaporation,  which,  as  a  matter  of  course,  immediately  follows. 
Even  this  benefit  must  be  a  slight  one,  for  the  action  of  the  sun 
is  bo  prompt  that  its  greedy  rays  quickly  evaporate  the  moie- 


tnre,  and  so  the  plants  either  struggle  on  for  bare  existence  or 
die  outright.  But  how  different  is  the  effect  of  judicious 
watering  when  it  really  reaches  the  roots,  and  by  the  inter- 
position of  the  friendly  mulching  the  warm  moist  soil  retains 
the  precious  store,  and  the  plants  flourish  with  as  much  vigour 
as  the  denizens  of  a  hotbed  !  By  way  of  illustration  I  will 
quote  an  instance  of  this  in  my  own  practice  last  Bummer.  A 
quantity  of  strong  plants  of  Coleus  Verschaffelti  occupying  an 
important  position  had  started  nicely  into  growth  when  first 
planted  in  the  beds,  but  after  a  time  they  gradually  assumed 
that  standstill  appearance  which  is  so  tantalising.  They  had 
been  watered  regularly,  but  on  removing  the  soil  about 
their  roots  I  was  convinced  that  very  little  water  had  reached 
them.  I  at  once  set  to  work  and  raked  the  soil  away  from  the 
stems,  exposing  some  of  the  roots,  and  formed  a  little  basin 
round  the  base  of  each  plant.  These  basins  were  filled  with 
water  again  and  again  till  the  soil  was  thoroughly  saturated  ; 
it  was  then  levelled-down  and  oovered  with  a  layer  of  rough 
leaf  mould,  and  it  was  surprising  to  see  the  healthy  change  in 
the  plants  visible  in  a  few  days. 

Mulohing  is  also  an  important  process  in  the  culture  of 
summer  vegetables.  Early  Celery,  Cauliflowers,  Peas,  To- 
matoes, and  a  host  of  other  crops,  are  much  benefited  by  it. 
So  highly  do  I  esteem  it,  that  I  strongly  advise  its  use,  espe- 
cially in  Email  gardens,  because — 1st,  It  economises  labour. 
2nd,  It  checks  evaporation.  3rd,  It  promotes  that  quick 
strong  growth  so  essential  in  the  production  of  first-class  ve- 
getables ;  and  4th,  If  it  be  at  all  of  a  rich  nature  it  attracts 
the  roots  which  it  was  designed  to  shelter,  and  thereby  ma- 
terially assists  the  crop  in  the  latter  stages  of  its  growth. 

When  taking  my  last  walk  round  the  gardens  at  Egerton 
House,  on  September  21st,  I  paused  to  admire  a  row  of  British 
Queen  Pea,  which  was  a  mass  of  fine  large  pods,  and  there 
were  still  a  number  of  flowers  along  the  top  of  the  row.  These 
Peas  were  sown  in  a  Bhallow  trench  on  the  3rd  of  June,  they 
were  watered  a  few  times  while  in  their  young  state,  and  then 
thoroughly  mulched  with  some  rough  manure,  and  with  the  best 
results. 

Vegetables  generally  were  very  good  throughout  the  summer ; 
the  only  exceptions  were  some  Peas,  and  one  or  two  crops  of 
Lettuce.  I  allude  to  the  Lettuce,  because  the  failure  which 
might  have  been  attributed  to  the  drought  had  in  reality 
nothing  at  all  to  do  with  it.  My  rule  in  the  oulture  of  summer 
Lettuces  is,  as  soon  as  one  crop  is  visible  above  ground,  to  sow 
another  at  once.  If  this  be  done  the  requisite  supply  will  be 
easily  maintained.  Another  good  plan  is  to  sow  two  kinds  at 
the  same  time.  If  space  can  be  spared,  it  is  best  to  bow  a  few 
rows  thinly,  bo  as  to  avoid  transplanting.  However,  this  cannot 
always  be  done,  and  it  was  bo  in  my  case.  Two  Ehort  rows  of 
Ivery's  Nonsuch,  and  two  of  Paris  Cos,  were  sown  at  the  same 
time ;  when  the  plants  were  large  enough  a  number  of  them 
were  pricked  singly  into  4-inch  pots  filled  with  old  hotbed 
manure.  When  a  border  could  be  spared  it  was  made  very 
rich  with  a  liberal  mixture  of  the  same  kind  of  manure,  and 
the  plants  turned  out  with  compact  balls  a  perfect  mass  of 
roots.  They  were  well  watered,  but  to  my  surprise  and  mor- 
tification the  Nonsuch  all  bolted  in  about  a  week,  and  on  going 
to  look  at  those  left  in  the  seed  rows  they  were  also  in  the  same 
state.  Had  it  not  been  for  the  Paris  Cos,  which  formed  fine 
hearts,  a  serious  gap  would  have  occurred  in  the  supply.  The 
cause  of  this  failure  was  pretty  evident,  and  after  another 
sowing  with  the  same  result,  it  was  quite  clear  that  the  seed 
was  worthless. 

The  first  crop  of  Celery,  which  came  into  use  early  in  August, 
was  much  assisted  by  a  mulching  of  short  dung,  for  although 
it  was  watered  daily,  the  surface  soil  became  very  dry  previous 
to  mulching,  but  afterwards  it  was  always  in  that  moist  con- 
dition so  suitable  for  this  vegetable.  Before  the  first  earthing 
some  drain  pipes  were  placed  on  end  along  each  side  of  the 
plants,  so  that  after  the  earthing  one  end  of  each  pipe  rested  en 
the  soil  close  over  the  roots,  and  the  other  end  stood  out  quite 
clear  of  the  soil ;  the  water  was  constantly  poured  down  these 
pipes  to  the  roots,  thus  avoiding  all  chance  of  wetting  the 
hearts  of  the  plants,  or  of  the  water  being  absorbed  by  the  ever- 
increasing  mass  of  soil. 

From  the  very  poor  examples  of  Celery  generally  to  be 
seen  at  horticultural  shows  in  August,  and  even  in  Septem- 
ber, it  is  evident  very  little  attention  is  given  to  its  culture 
early  in  the  year.  This  is  to  be  regretted,  for  I  have  always 
found  the  August  Celery  as  much  appreciated,  especially  for 
culinary  purposes,  as  tho  earliest  Turnips,  concerning  which 
it  may  not  be  out  of  place  to  say  a  word  or  two.     If  very  early 


Decombor  22,  lfe70.  ] 


JOURNAL   OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


491 


Turnips  are  required,  a  crop  or  two  may  be  brought  forward  on 
a  gentle  hotbed,  but  generally  a  first  sowing  on  a  cool  border 
nnder  the  shelter  of  a  north  wall  early  in  March,  is  soon 
enough.  The  method  whioh  I  have  found  to  answer  best,  is  to 
sow  small  beds  in  the  same  way  as  for  summer  Lettuce — that 
is,  immediately  on  the  appearance  of  the  first  crop  above 
ground,  to  sow  another,  and  so  on  throughout  the  summer. 
This  may  seem  a  simple  matter,  but  it  is  highly  important ; 
for  the  production  of  a  thoroughly  good  succession  of  vegetables 
is  an  object  worthy  the  ambition  of  every  gardener,  and  one 
which  is  calculated  to  cause  his  services  to  be  appreciated. 

Another  plan  to  which  I  have  already  alluded,  and  which 
was  of  the  greatest  possible  service,  is  that  of  potting  such 
things  as  Lettuce,  Cauliflower,  Early  Dwarf  Savoys,  and  Little 
Pixie  Cabbage.  Succession  crops  of  these  were  constantly 
brought  on  in  4-inch  pols  filled  with  either  leaf  mould  or  old 
decayed  manure.  The  pots  were  rilled  and  placed  wherever 
there  was  a  chance  of  shelter  from  the  midday  sun.  I  re- 
member somebody  objecting  to  it  on  the  score  of  the  amount  of 
labour  entailed,  but  I  have  found  it  a  saving  of  both  labour 
and  water ;  even  if  it  were  not  so,  I  would  still  keep  to  it,  be- 
cause of  its  certainty.  Strong  plants  turned  out  into  their 
permanent  quarters  with  such  capital  balls  of  roots  as  these  in- 
variably possess  are  almost  certain  to  succeed. 

After  giving  much  attention  to  the  preparation  of  seed  Po- 
tatoes during  the  past  two  seasons,  my  deductions  are — 1st, 
Always  to  select  the  seed  at  the  time  of  lifting  the  crop.  2nd, 
Never  to  store  early  or  second  early  sorts  in  clo6e  heaps,  other- 
wise they  will  sprout  quickly,  even  before  winter  sets  in.  3rd, 
Never  to  lay  the  seed  in  a  damp  dark  cellar,  but  always  to 
spread  it  in  single  layers  if  possible,  in  a  cool,  tolerably  light, 
airy,  frost-proof  shed.  The  Potato  crop  of  this  year  was  most 
abundant ;  all  kinds  attained  maturity  early,  and  were  lifted 
and  housed  in  excellent  condition  altogether  free  from  blight. 
At  Egerton  House,  even  the  latest  kinds  were  in  the  store 
house  by  the  third  week  in  August,  yet  when  I  came  into 
Sussex,  a  month  later,  I  saw  many  large  breadths  in  the  fields, 
with  very  green  haulm  ;  in  several  instances  these  crops  were 
not  lifted  till  lata  in  October,  and  a  large  proportion  of  blighted 
tubers  was  the  result.  The  loss  thus  incurred  was  bad  enough, 
to  say  nothing  of  a  second  crop  of  Turnips,  which  might  very 
easily  have  been  gained  had  the  Potato  crop  ripened  early  in 
August. — Edward  Luckhurst,  Old  Lands,  Buj-ted,  Hussej;. 


GROUND   VINERIES. 


I  quite  agree  with  what  the  Editors  say  at  page  457,  "  Instead 
of  anyone  entering  largely  on  ground  vineries  they  would 
sooner  front  a  wall  with  glass,  where  a  person  conld  walk  in- 
side and  attend  to  the  Vines  in  all  weathers."  I  believe  I  am 
stated  to  be  the  inventor  of  ground  vineries,  but  it  was  only  a 
passing  thought,  and  I  never  carried  out  the  system,  although 
I  went  so  far  as  to  have  a  frame  made  of  angle  iron,  which  I 
see  is  Btill  in  existence,  but  under  which  a  Vine  was  never 
planted.  I  cannot  perceive  that  the  slightest  improvement  has 
aver  been  made  on  this,  the  first  structure,  the  four  iron  legs 
of  which  were  so  contrived  as  to  admit  of  their  being  pushed 
into  the  earth,  so  as  either  to  give  freedom  of  ventilation  or 
exolude  it  altogether.  The  objections  I  had  to  the  system  were 
that  the  Vine  would  be  too  confined  ;  that  gardeners  would  not 
like  the  stooping  position  for  thinning  the  berries  and  foliage  ; 
that  the  bunches  could  not  be  seen  so  woll  as  when  the  Vine 
grew  upright  on  each  fide  of  a  glass  structure ;  and  that  the 
Grapes  were  liable  to  be  mildewed  in  damp  weather  by  being 
too  near  the  earth.  The  only  thing  I  could  see  in  favour  of 
these  structures  was,  that  any  person  could  make  one  for  a  few 
shillings. — Observer. 


SALES  AT  COTTAGE-GARDEN  SHOWS. 
I  write  in  the  hope  that  some  of  your  contributors  inter- 
ested in  the  subject  of  cottage  flower  shows  will  kindly  inform 
me  what  is  the  plan  adopted  by  them  with  respect  to  the  sale 
of  produce.  I  act  as  Seoretary  for  one  lately  established,  and 
we  have  adopted  the  plan  of  putting  up  to  auction  after  the 
show  such  things  as  the  exhibitors  are  willing  to  sell,  and  this 
plan  seems  to  answer  well  enough  where  the  number  of  articles 
is  small ;  but  when  the  number  of  exhibitors  is  considerable, 
as  it  is  with  us,  the  sale  takes  so  long  that  many  of  the  visitors 
are  gone  before  it  is  half  over,  and,  besides  that,  people  become 
tired  of  continually  bidding  for  Carrots  aud  Potatoes,  whioh 


they  do  not  want.  The  consequence  is  that  the  first  lots 
realise  much  better  prices  than  the  last,  and  the  people  are 
dissatisfied.  At  the  same  time  it  seems  desirable  to  afford 
to  the  cottagers  some  opportunity  of  disposing  of  their  pro- 
duce, as  it  gives  them  a  little  encouragement,  aud  those  coming 
from  a  distance,  especially,  do  not  care  to  carry  what  they  ex- 
hibit home  again. 

If  anyone  can  give  me  a  suggestion  on  the  subject  I  shall 
feel  much  obliged. — Hortds. 


THE   PURPLE   BEECH. 

The  various  tints  which  deciduous  trees  assume  when  in  the 
sere  and  yellow  leaf  have  often  enough  been  a  theme  both  in 
poetry  and  in  prose,  but  has  not  the  foliage  of  trees  charms 
at  other  times  as  well?  Who  has  traversed  London  in  spring, 
and  not  been  enchanted  by  the  fresh  green  foliage  of  a  La- 
burnum or  Wistaria,  perhaps  growing  agiinst  the  wall  of  a 
residence  in  an  uninviting  part  of  the  town,  where  the  very 
freshness  of  the  new-born  foliage  contrasts  bo  Btrongly  with 
the  smoke-stained  objects  around  ?  and  somehow  the  leaves 
look  fresher  there  than  they  do  in  the  country,  where  other 
things  are  less  begrimed.  But  even  foliage  affords  variety, 
and  certainly  quite  as  many  tints  in  the  growing  season  as  in 
the  autumn. 

I  will  now  point  out  one  of  the  most  ornamental  of  all  our 
hardy  trees,  and  ask  the  reason  why  it  is  not  planted  in  greater 
numbers,  for  its  merits  in  giving  diversity  to  a  landscape  are 
very  great. 

The  Purple  Beech  has,  I  believe,  been  known  in  England  for 
a  great  many  years,  examples  of  it  are  often  met  with  in 
shrubberies  and  lawns,  and  in  all  cases  that  I  am  aware  of  it 
is  appreciated  ;  yet  it  is  but  seldom  planted,  or  when  it  is, 
some  out-of-the-way  place  is  assigned  to  it,  in  order  that  it 
may  with  other  trees  hide  unsightly  objects.  With  this  I  by  no 
means  find  fault,  provided  it  has  an  outside  berth,  so  that  its 
branches  may  have  scope  in  one  direction  ;  and  its  beauties 
will  shine  in  such  a  place  as  well  as  any  other.  A  tree  of  this 
kind  grouped  with  others  looks  remarkably  well,  and  I  would 
always  have  one  or  more  Purple  Beeches  in  the  front  row  of 
any  clump  or  group  of  trees  formed  in  a  park,  or  wherever 
ornament  was  considered — that  is,  if  the  soil  were  at  all  suit- 
able, and  the  tree  is  far  from  being  fastidious  in  this  matter 
In  May,  Jane,  and  July,  when  the  country  is  expected  to  appear 
in  its  best  garb,  the  Purple  Beeches,  wherever  they  do  exist, 
are  invariably  much  admired.  I  do  not  mean  to  say  an  entire 
plantation  would  look  well,  it  would  be  too  sjmbre,  but  a  few 
trees  might  be  introduced  with  great  advantage. 

To  those  who  may  be  dubious  of  the  Purple  Beech  attaining 
the  dimensions  of  a  tree  I  may  mention  that  a  specimen  in  the 
grounds  at  Linton  Park,  planted,  I  believe,  in  1827,  is  now  one 
of  the  finest  trees  we  have  ;  branches  proceed  from  its  stem  at 
about  5  feet  from  the  ground,  aud  stretch  out  more  than  30  feet 
in  every  direction.  The  spread  of  its  branches  in  one  direction 
is  73  feet  and  in  another  67,  while  the  circumference  of  the 
Emallest  part  of  the  bole  below  the  branches  (and  this  is  above 
where  it  had  been  worked),  is  10  feet  10  inches,  and  the  height 
of  the  tree  must  be  about  70  feet,  the  outline  being  more  conical 
than  is  usual  with  Beech  trees.  The  situation,  fortunately,  is 
open,  so  that  the  branches  have  bad  full  scope  to  spread  on  all 
sides,  the  soil  dry,  and  the  subsoil  accessible  to  the  roots  of  trees 
that  strike  downwards.  As  this  tree  has  grown  very  much 
during  the  last  twenty  years,  and  seems  now  the  picture  of 
health,  there  is  every  reason  to  hope  that  it  will  eventually 
attain,  or  very  nearly  so  (for  it  rarely  happens  fancy  varieties  do 
so),  the  proportions  of  the  common  Beech.  Even  now  it  may  be 
regarded  a  good  specimen,  the  colour  of  its  foliage  when  it  first 
expands  being  all  that  could  be  desired.  I  may,  however, 
remark  that  seedliDgs  from  it  vary  much,  none  I  have  yet 
raised  being  so  good  as  the  parent. — J.  Robson. 


Vegetables  for  the  Beseiged. — M.  Deeaisne,  Professor 
of  Culture  at  the  Museum,  says  Nature,  has  laid  before  the 
French  Institute,  of  which  he  is  a  member,  a  scheme  for  the 
early  growing  of  Cabbages,  Radishes,  &c,  which  are  to  be  sown 
in  land  richly  manured,  kept  for  a  fortnight,  and  used  stem 
and  root,  as  a  new  description  of  vegetable.  This  diet  is  in- 
tended to  protect  Parisians  against  Bcurvy  when  the  use  of  salt 
beef  becomes  still  more  frequent  than  it  is  now.  The  working 
of  this  scheme  is  superintended  by  M.  Joigneaux,  the  editor  of 


492 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  Deeembar  22,  18TO 


several  agricultural  papers.  Different  pieces  of  waste  land 
close  to  the  walls  were  appropriated,  and  vegetables  of  that 
description  mast  be  now  actually  on  sale. 


CHRYSANTHEMUM  SEEDLINGS. 
Allow  me  to  suggest  to  those  who  purpose  raising  new 
Chrysanthemums,  that  a  good  scarlet  is  still  a  desideratum. 
The  analogy  of  the  colours  which  prevail  in  the  Dahlia  and 
the  Chrysanthemum  encourages  a  hope  that  this  desideratum 
may  yet  be  obtained ;  and,  indeed,  in  the  Anemone-flowered 
Firefly  we  have  already  the  dull  beginning  of  what  may  end 
in  a  vivid  scarlet.  With  respect  to  the  analogy  noted  above, 
I  would  add  that  both  in  the  Dahlia  and  the  Chrysanthemum 
we  find  particoloured  flowers  very  common,  and  also  that  the 
white  selfs  can  hardly  be  depended  on,  as  they  are  peculiarly 
liable  to  assume  a  pinkish  or  other  tinge. — G.  S. 


PLANTING   FLOWER  BEDS. 

In  the  Journal  of  September  8th  was  an  account  from  three 
sisters  of  the  way  in  which  they  had  planted  their  flower  beds 
this  last  season.  Their  arrangements  were  so  good  that  they 
left  but  little  room  for  improvement.  Mine,  on  the  contrary, 
were  far  from  satisfactory,  and  if  any  kind  critic  will  suggest 
fresh  ideas  I  shall  be  most  grateful.  The  beds  are  seventeen 
in  number;  they  are  all  edged  with  Box,  which  is  kept  in  nice 
close  order,  and  there  are  gravel  paths  between  the  beds. 

No.  1  has  in  the  centre  a  plant  of  Pampas  Grass,  and  as  it 
is  of  a  feathery  nature  the  height  is  no  objection,  as  it  doe9 


not  obstruct  our  extensive  and  beautiful  view.  Round  the 
Pampas  Grass  was  a  circle  of  Ageratum  ccelestinum,  then  one 
of  Iresine  Herbstii,  then  double  Tom  Thumb  Geranium,  and 
finally,  next  the  edge,  Pyrethrum.  The  double  Tom  Thumb 
goes  too  much  to  foliage,  and  the  Iresine  did  not  succeed  well 
until  late  in  the  season,  otherwise  this  bed  was  not  ineffective. 
Nos.  2  to  9  were  all  bordered  with  Lobelia  speciosa,  and  during 
the  short  time  they  were  in  full  bloom  the  effect  of  the  rich 
blue  next  the  brilliant  green  of  the  young  Box  was  a  decided 
success.  Next  year  I  thought  of  putting  Lobelia  in  alternate 
plants  of  cuttings  and  seedlings,  as  the  latter  flower  when  the 
former  are  over.  Nos.  2  and  6  were  filled  in  with  Calceolaria 
Aurea  floribunda;  No.  3  with  Geranium  Stella;  No.  4  with 
Mrs.  Pollock  ;  No.  5  with  Madame  Vaucher ;  No.  7  with  St. 
Clair  and  Bijou;  No.  8  with  Crystal  Palace  Gem;  and  No.  9 
with  Le  Grand.  Of  these  beds,  Nos.  4,  8,  and  9  did  best. 
Nos.  10  and  16  were  mixed  Verbenas  pegged  down,  and  produc- 
ing an  excellent  effect.  No.  11  was  Tropseolum  Moor,  and 
No.  15  Tropaeolum  luteum.  No.  12  was  the  worst  bed  in  the 
whole  garden,  although  I  had  expended  much  anxious  thought 
on  its  arrangement.  It  is  the  bed  which  is  of  the  most  con- 
sequence too,  for  the  drawing-room  window  immediately  over- 
looks it.  The  outside  edge  was  Purple  King  Verbena,  then  a 
row  of  Excellent  Geranium,  then  Heliotropes  of  different 
shades,  and  the  oentre  filled  in  with  Balsams.    No.  13  was 


likewise  a  failure.  The  two  outside  edges  were  common  Scarlet 
Geraniums,  and  the  centre  filled  with  Phlox  Drummondi  of 
different  colours.  No.  14  was  Cineraria  maritima  and  Oen- 
taurea,  arranged  in  two  rows  alternating  with  Christine  Gera- 
nium. No.  17  was  a  bed  of  mixed  Petunias,  most  of  them, 
having  done  well. 

I  have  not  drawn  the  beds  outside  the  circle  quite  correctly,, 
as  they  should  be  narrower  and  longer,  Nos.  12  and  13  being 
much  larger  than  the  others.  They  are  all  in  saoh  a  compact 
space  (about  20  yards  square),  that  the  arrangement  of  height 
is  quite  as  necessary  as  that  of  colour  ;  any  hints,  therefore, 
from  a  practical  gardener  will  be  most  valuable. — Ignokamcs,. 
Hampshire. 

[We  cannot  do  better  at  present  than  just  reftr  you  to  the 
letter  and  plan  of  the  three  sisters  of  September  8th  to  which 
you  allude,  and  to  the  answer  and  observations  made  on  it. 
We  should  judge  better  of  your  group  if  we  knew  how  it  was 
to  be  viewed,  whether  on  a  level  with  or  below  the  surrounding- 
ground.  In  either  case,  but  especially  in  the  former,  if  the 
garden  is  to  form  one  view  or  picture,  then  the  size  of  the 
beds  and  of  the  plants  becomes  important.  In  such  a  case 
the  central  bed  is  too  large,  and  to  prevent  its  drowning  the 
others  you  plant  it  in  rings  of  colour  ;  but,  on  the  printipl 
referred  to,  if  the  garden  is  to  be  viewed  as  one  picture,  then 
we  object  to  the  centre  being  a  Pampas  Grass,  as  it  will  be 
lumpy  and  a  green  mass  all  the  time  the  other  plants  are  in- 
full  bloom,  and  too  high  and  massive  even  then. 

There  are  two  ways  of  making  an  artistic  view,  so  far  as 
heights  are  concerned,  in  such  a  garden.  The  first  is  to  have 
the  central  bed  rather  the  highest,  and  the  outside  beds  the 
lowest,  the  intermediate  ones  suiting  in  height.  And  the 
second  plan  would  be  the  reverse,  to  have  the  highest  outside- 
and  the  lowest  in  the  centre.  We  allude  to  these  arrangements 
merely  for  convenience  as  respects  plants,  as  it  would  be  best 
of  all  if  the  beds,  except  at  the  edges,  were  of  a  uniform- 
height.  A  few  more  elevated  stand  points  might  be  useful  for 
preventing  the  level  sameness. 

You  Beem  to  have  commenced  on  the  first  principle  by  having 
the  Pampas  GraBS  in  the  centre  of  the  central  bed,  followed  by 
tall  Ageratum.  Iresine  Herbstii,  and  Double  Tom  Thumb, 
bordered  with  Pyrethrum.  Even  with  similar  plants  we  think 
it  would  have  been  more  effective  with  a  suitable  pink  or 
scarlet  Geranium  following  the  Ageratum,  and  the  Iresine  or- 
Purple  King  Verbena  between  the  Geranium  and  the  edging. 
But  for  the  Pampas  Grass,  many  other  arrangements  might  be 
made.  The  bordering  with  Pyrethrum  makes  the  edging  of" 
the  eight  beds  round  it  very  suitable  and  striking  from  its  ver-y 
simplicity. 

Your  object  is  to  plant  these  eight  beds  in  pairs  on  the  cross 
system,  and  therefore  the  whole  garden  should  be  planted 
on  the  cross  system.  Thus,  if  2  and  6  are  to  be  pair  beds,, 
then  13  and  17  ought  also  to  be  pair  beds.  Looking  at  the 
planting  of  these  eight  beds,  we  find  Aurea  floribunda  Cal- 
ceolaria, Madame  Vaucher  Geranium,  Crystal  Palace  Gem. 
Goranium,  and  Mrs.  Pollock  Geranium  would  all  harmonise  in 
size  and  suit  admirably,  but  then  your  Geraniums  must  grow 
very  differently  from  ours  if  Stella  and  St.  Clair  in  3  and  7  did 
not  grow  in  height  far  above  all  the  others.  Such  dwarf  kinds 
as  Lady  Cowper,  Little  David,  Harkaway,  &c,  would  be  more 
suitable  for  the  neighbour  beds,  and  a  band  of  Bijou  or  Alma 
inside  of  the  blue  Lobelia  would  relieve  well  and  enhance  the 
beauty.  With  the  central  bed  lower,  and  theee  eight  beds  well 
planted  and  tended,  the  nine  beds  would  of  themselves  make  a 
pretty  symmetrical  garden. 

We  need  not  enter  on  the  other  beds.  Mixed  Verbenas 
always  look  well,  especially  if  they  have  an  edging  to  keep 
them  in  bounds.  Balsams  do  best  in  a  border  or  small  beds, 
where  there  is  room  to  Bhow  off  their  blooms,  and  not  in  the 
centre  of  a  bed.  Besides,  their  blooming  is  rather  late  and 
irregular,  and  in  height  they  and  Phlox  Drummondi  and 
seedling  Petunias  would  be  higher  than  the  ring  of  eight  beds. 
Such  plants  are  not  to  be  depended  on  for  neatness  and  effect 
like  Geraniums  and  Calceolarias.  If  such  plants  must  be 
used,  we  would  make  the  central  bed  the  lowest,  and  instead  of 
a  Pampas  Grass  have  a  Btatue  or  an  elevated  vase  in  the 
centre.  Then,  for  uniformity,  as  you  edge  the  eight  oentral 
beds  with  blue,  we  would  edge  the  other  eight  with  white  ;  say 
10,  11,  15,  16  with  Cineraria  maritima,  and  12,  13,  14,  17  with 
Centaurea,  or  the  first  four  might  be  done  with  Bijou  or  Alma 
Geraniums,  and  the  next  four— two  of  Centaurea  and  two  of 
Cineraria.  If  theee  large  outBide  bedB  were  filled  with  low- 
growing  plants,  then  low  white  and  yellow  variegated  Arable 


December  22,  1870.  ] 


JOUKNAL    OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


493 


would  form  compact  edgings,  or  even  Cerastiams,  and  then  the 
Centaurea  and  Cineraria  conld  come  in  {or  centres,  or  inter- 
mediate rows  between  scarlets  or  purples. 

You  state  that  12  and  13  are  much  larger  than  the;  are  re- 
presented in  the  sketch.  As  given,  even,  they  are  so  much 
larger  than  the  other  pair  of  beds  that  unily  in  Bize  is  de- 
stroyed. We  do  not  see  your  object  in  thus  bunging  out  these 
two  clumps  with  such  a  long  tail,  unless  you  wished  to  avoid 
the  pathway  between  them  being  directly  opposite  the  path- 
way in  the  eight  corner  beds.  We  would  avoid  this,  and  have 
these  beds  similar  in  size  by  having  a  circle  between  them. 
We  would  be  inclined  to  do  the  same  between  10  and  11,  Bnd 
IS  and  16.  The  whole  group  would  then  be  more  regular  and 
equally  balanced. — R.  P.] 


IMPERFECT   HYBRIDITY. 

Among  tbo  same  batch  of  seedlings  from  which  I  obtained  x  Vero- 
nica Audersoui  (V.  salicifolia — sjn.  V.  Lindleyaua,  with  V.  ppeciosa) 
came  one  which,  to  all  appearance,  was  a  reproduction  of  the  male 
parent  pure  and  simple.  And,  deeming  it  nothing  else,  I  presented  it 
to  a  friend,  V.  Ppeciosa  being  then  comparatively  a  new  plant ;  and 
he,  when  he  flowered  it,  came  to  tell  me  that  it  had  come  a  very  dif- 
ferent thing  when  in  bloom  from  the  true  V.  ppeciosa,  having  much 
longer  tlower-Bpikes,  and  being  of  a  much  lighter  colour  than  those  in 
that  species — that  is,  of  a  light  crimson  instead  of  a  dark  purple  as  in 
the  V.  speciosa. 

A  plant  of  this  hybrid  has  since  afforded  a  further  illustration  of  a 
Bomewhat  similar  result. 

Having  obtained  a  Buffruticose  species  of  Veronica  under  the  namo 
of  x  V.  Danbenyaua,  with  li^ht-coloured  flowers  streaked  with  pink 
linos,  in  the  way  of  V.  frnticulosa,  I  crossed  it  on  the  last-mentioned 
hybrid,  which  became  the  Beed-bearer.  From  this  cross  I  succeeded 
in  raising  only  two  plants,  and  one  of  these  I  believe  I  have  lost.  But 
they  seemed  both  alike  in  foliage  and  haldt,  but  both  so  like  the  hybrid 
Beed-bearer  that  I  felt  doubtful  whether  the  cross  had  taken.  I  cannot 
speak  with  confidence  as  to  their  being  identically  alike,  but  only  of 
their  general  aspect.  The  plant  I  still  possess  flowered  for  the  first 
time  this  past  season,  and  the  singularity  of  its  bloom  drew  my  atten- 
tion to  it  moie  particularly  than  before.  It  had,  like  the  seed-bearer, 
thick,  fleshy,  oblong  leaves,  but  somewhat  smaller  and  more  closely 
set  ou  the  stem  ;  but  instead  of  being,  like  it,  simply  crassiform  [?], 
they  were  obliquely  decussate,  therein  slightly  approaching  the  male 
parent,  a  creeping  alpine  species,  whose  prostrate  BteuiB  bIiow  still 
more  the  same  deflected  arraugement  of  the  leaves.  It  was  only  ou  a 
eiose  examination  of  the  parts,  however,  tbat  any  resemblance  to  the 
male,  x  V.  Daubenyana,  could  he  observed.  In  fact,  I  looked  upon 
it  as  another  of  the  many  failures  I  had  had  in  my  attempts  to  effect 
the  inverse  cross  ou  it.  When  it  at  last  bloomed  my  hopes  of  having 
effected  a  partial  cross,  if  I  may  use  Buch  a  term,  were  strengthened. 
Like  y  V.  Daubenyana,  which  has  a  spikelet  with  a  few  blooms,  it 
came  even  short  of  it,  having  had  only  two  flowers,  and  these  much 
lighter  in  coloui,  and  so  nearer  to  the  male  than  the  hybrid  female 
parent.  But  whether  this  is  its  true  permanent  character  I  dare  not 
assert,  as  it  bore  no  more  than  this  oue  epikelet  of  two  flowers. 

In  the  first  of  the  above  instances  the  hybrid  seemed,  till  it  flowered, 
a  repetition  of  the  male  parent ;  in  the  second  it  seemed,  till  it  bloomed, 
a  repetition  of  the  female  parent,  with  such  slight  differences  in  the 
arrangement  and  glightly  smaller  size  of  the  foliage  as  might  occur  in 
a  purely  normal  seedling.  In  fact,  seldom  have  I  ever  seen  two  hybrids 
with  so  much  of  one  parent  and  so  little  of  the  other. 

I  ha\e  no  donbt  something  of  the  same  kind  occurs  among  Ehodo 
dendrous  ;  but  I  may  only  instance  two  cases — one  where  I  crossed 
B.  Edgworthii  on  R.  caucasicum  ;  the  seedlings,  always  few  when  the 
cross  is  a  severe  one  (by  which  term  I  mean  such  instances  as  where 
the  species  do  not  affect  each  other  kindly),  were  only  two  in  number; 
and  though  now  about  ten  years  old,  they  show  no  indications  of 
settiug  for  flower.  But  while  they  have  both  the  glabrous  foliage  of 
the  seed-bearer,  and  even  the  ochreous  tint  underneath,  they  differ  in 
having  oblong  instead  of  its  lanceolate  leaves.  But,  tLoiigh  in  these 
particulars  they  depart  from  the  normal  state  of  II.  caucasicum,  they 
have  not  one  feature  of  R.  Edgworthii,  the  mule  parent.  The  other 
<;ase  is  where  I  crossed  the  same,  Rhododendron  Edgworthii  on  R.  Jen- 
kinsii.  Here  the  seedlings,  again  only  two  in  number,  were  all  of  the 
mother,  except  by  having  again  the  oblong  foliage,  in  which,  be  it 
observed,  it  is  a  departure  from  both  parents,  both  having  lanceolate 
leaves — those  of  R.  Jenkinsii  being  acutely  so,  but  the  hybrid  in  these 
latter  caseB  is  budded  for  flower,  but  the  flowers  of  both  parents  are 
white,  and  both  sweet-scented,  and  both  among  the  largest  of  the 
genus ;  the  scents,  texture,  and  forms  of  the  flowers  are  different,  so 
that  I  look  for  surer  tests  in  the  coming  flowers — though  these  may  be 
perplexing  too — than  any  that  yet  appears.  It  is  proper  to  observe 
that  I  take  the  utmost  precaution,  iu  all  my  crossing  operations,  to 
prevent  miscarriage  in  any  possible  way. 

While  treating  of  my  difficulties  with  the  Rhododendron  Edgworthii, 
one  of  the  moat  peculiarly  constituted,  as  it  is  one  of  the  most  pecu- 
iarly  featured,  of  all  the  Rhododendrom  tribe — having  its  rugose 
eaves  densely  pubescent  on  the  upper,  while  it  is  perfectly  shaggy  with 


tomentum  on  the  under  side,  every  stem  being  clothed  with  the  same 
tomentum — I  have  another  most  singular  peculiarity  to  note  in  regard 
to  it,  viz.,  that  while  it  will  croes  other  Bpecies,  it  will  take  on  a  cross 
from  none ;  that  is  to  say,  while  it  has  been  repeatedly  made  the  male, 
it  has  never  with  me,  though  I  have  tried  it  ofien,  nor  with  anyone 
else  that  I  have  heard  of,  Buhmitted  to  become  the  female  parent.  I 
have  crossed  it  repeatedly  on  Rhododendron  ciliatum,  one  of  the  minor 
forms,  too,  of  Dr.  Hooker's  Himalayan  species.  It  has  been  crossed 
on  R.  formosum  in  this  neighbourhood,  I  believe  in  the  Stanwell 
Nursery,  but  I  never  could  get  it  to  take  on  any  cross  whatever.  Rho- 
dodendron Nuttallii  behaved  with  me  in  the  same  manner  ;  it  would 
crosa  but  not  be  crossed.  But  I  did  not  persevere  with  it  as  I  did  with 
R.  Edgworthii.  Now,  I  do  not  assert  absolutely  that  Rhododendron 
Edgworthii,  in  the  numerous  tribe  of  which  it  is  a  member,  may  not 
be  hybridised  with  some  oLher  of  its  kindred,  but  I  could  never  get  it 
to  reciprocate  a  cross. 

And  this  remarkable  circumstance  of  non-reciprocity  has  perplexed 
and  defied  me  in  innumerable  instances  throughout  my  long  experience 
in  these  pursuits.  It  occurs  to  me  tbat  the  pollen  of  larger  forms 
might  be  of  larger  grains,  and  so  might  not  pass  through  the  neces- 
sarily small  ducts  of  the  styles  of  smaller  Bpecies.  Yet  Rhododendron 
ciliatum,  a  tiny  species  of  1  foot  high,  was  crossed  freely  by  R.  Edg- 
worthii, as  I  have  just  noticed — a  species  6  feet  high.  I  even  crossed 
this  hitter  species  on  a  pure  Indian  Azalea,  though,  by  pulling  the 
seed-pod  before  it  was  ripe,  I  raised  no  seeds  of  this  latter  cross. 

In  these  hasty  observations  I  merely  wish  to  direct  attention  to  such 
instances  of  imperfect  hybridity  in  certain  species,  and  the  non-reci- 
procity in  others,  as  I  have  noticed,  in  the  hope  of  perhaps  drawing 
out  from  others  their  experience  on  such  matters,  which  I  humbly 
think  are  not  unworthy  the  consideration  of  the  Scientific  Committee. 
— I.  ANDEr.soN-HENTtY. —  [Read  at  the  last  meeting  of  the  Scientific 
Committee  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society. ~\ 


GARDENERS'    PRIZES    FOR    VEGETABLES   AT 

TUB  ROYAL  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY'S  NOTTINGHAM  SHOW. 
At  a  meeting  of  a  committee  of  gardeners,  held  at  Stamford,  for 
tlit-  purpose  of  carrying  out  Mr.  Gilbert's  scheme  for  gardeners'  prizes 
for  vegetables  at  the  lioyul  Horticultural  Society's  forthcoming  Show 
at  Nottingham,  Mr.  Smith,  of  Exton  Park,  was  appointed  Honorary 
Secretary  and  Treasurer  ;  and  as  it  is  necessary  that  the  amount 
required  (£"20),  should  he  collected  without  delay,  in  order  that  the 
prizes  may  he  placed  at  the  disposal  of  the  Society  in  time  for  the 
issue  of  the  local  prize  schedule,  it  is  requested  that  all  gardeners 
desiring  to  subscribe  will  at  once  send  their  subscriptions  to  Mr.  James 
Smith,  Exton  Park  Gardens,  Oakham  ;  post-office  orders  to  be  payable 
at  Oakham. 

It  was  determined  at  the  meeting  that  the  amount  should  be  divided 
into  three  prizes,  of  the  respective  vulues  of  £'1U,  i!ti,  and  £4,  to  be 
given  either  in  watches  or  money,  at  the  option  of  the  winuers.  An 
offer  by  Mr.  Chapman,  of  Gloucester,  of  one  of  his  patent  exhibiting 
cases  as  a  further  prize,  was  accepted.  The  following  subscriptions 
have  been  received  by  the  Honorary  Secretary  and  Treasurer  : — 

£     s.  d. 

Gilbert,  Mr.,  Burghley  Park,  Stamford    0    5    0 

bmith,  Mr.,  Exton  Park,  Oakham 0    5    0 

Calder,  Mr.,  Casewick,  Statntord 0    6    u 

Eu&ten,  Mr.,  gardener  to  T.  Laxton,  Esq  ,  Stamford  ... .     0    5    0 

Mtikeu,  Mr.,  Reed  Hall,  Whalley 0    5    0 

PeacOey.  Mr  ,  Quo-n  Lodge,  Loughborough 0    5    0 

Taylor,  Mr  ,  Louwleat  tiardeus,  Wnrmiuster 0    5    0 

Mitchell,  Mr  ,  Kuddington  Hall,  Nottingham  U    5    0 


CYCLAMEN    SEEDLINGS   BLOOMING   WHEN 
TEN   MONTHS   OLD. 

One  of  your  contributors  (page  467)  says  tbat  Cyclamens 
exhibited  at  the  Boyal  Hoi  tiuultural  Society  were  grown  fiuui 
seed,  and  flowered  fit  for  exhibition  in  ten  months.  How  is  It 
to  bo  done  ?     I  should  eeitainly  he  glad  to  know. 

I  sowed  seeds  of  the  Persian  Cyclamen  on  the  10. h  of  March 
last,  pricked  tbeni  out  into  small  pots  when  large  enough  to 
handle,  and  lepotted  them  in  Auguot.  They  now  look  very 
healthy,  but  they  are  very  small,  and  I  fear  will  show  but  little 
bloom  even  twelve  monthB  hence.  I  am  a  great  admirer  of 
that  beautiful  flower  the  Persian  Cyclamen,  and  should  be 
pleased  to  be  able  to  glow  it  more  quickly,  and  so,  I  doubt  not, 
would  be  a  gieat  many  moie  of  your  leaders. — W.  Scoit. 

[We  wish  some  of  our  readers  would  detail  the  mode  of  so 
hastening  the  Cyclamen  seedling's  flowering. — Eds] 


'■Peas  in  December — Ice  in  June" — were  the  wonders  of 
our  ancestors,  but  with  us  are  no  rarities.  One  instance  is 
now  before  us.  Mr.  Bannister  in  his  garden,  on  St.  Boniface 
Terrace,  Ventnor,  Isle  of  Wight,  gathered  a  diBh  of  green  Peas 


494 


JOUENAL  OF  HORTICULTTJBE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENEB. 


[  December  22,  1870. 


on  the  7th  inst.,  and  unless  more  severe  weather  sets  in  he  is 
confident  of  beiDg  able  to  do  so  at  Christmas. 


MIMETIC  ANALOGY. 
The  following  is  an  extract  from  notes  read  by  Mr.  Murray 
at  the  last  meeting  of  the  Scientific  Committee  of  the  Boyal 
Horticultural  Society. 

'•  Although  mimicry  occurs  between  various  tribes  or  genera,  it  has 
been  observed  most  frequently  in  connection  with  the  most  common 
species  of  the  country.  This  is  what  would  naturally  be  the  case  with 
hybridisation,  supposing  all  to  start  fair,  and  to  be  equally  liable  to 
hybridisation.  But  this  is  an  assumption  which  wo  are  scarcely  war- 
ranted in  making,  and  I  therefore  do  not  press  this  inference  further 
than  as  of  some  conditional  value. 

"  After  the  second  generation  of  hybrids,  those  which  do  not  revert 
to  the  type  break  out  into  an  oreiflow  of  irregular  variation,  which 
supplies  many  of  his  most  remarkable  sports  to  the  horticulturist,  and 
many  of  his  most  puzzling  difficulties  to  the  systematic  botanist.  On 
the  assumption  that  the  mimicry  in  question  is  the  result  of  hybridi- 
sation, we  should  therefore  expect  to  find  a  marked  degree  of  variation 
among  the  mimicking  species.     And  so  we  do." 

Mr.  Murray  cited  evidence  on  this  head,  and  then  continued  : — 

"It  seems  a  fair  inference  that  when  the  mimicking  species  are  not 
variable,  lhey  have  been  established  before  the  second  generation  of 
hybrids,  and  where  they  are  variable  they  have  been  established  subse- 
quent to  the  second  generation,  and  have  experienced  the  usual  shock 
to  stability  occasioned  by  such  repeated  loosenings  of  the  fetters  of 
specific  identity. 

"  Mr.  Bates'  list  of  mimics  and  mimicked  species  shows,  too,  that 
when  a  species  is  mimicked  by  one  species  or  genus  it  is  often  mimicked 
by  more— a  fact  which,  applied  to  the  idea  of  hybridisation,  simply 
means  that  that  species  had  a  readiness  to  take  to 'itself  wives  of  more 
than  one  of  the  nations  rouud  about.  It  is  only  what  we  find  in 
plants — that  some  are  more  open  to  hybridisation  than  others,  or  per- 
haps analogous  to  our  moral  experience,  that  where  scope  is  allowed  to 
our  own  passions,  license  soon  degenerates  into  libertinism. 

"  Another  feature  familiar  to  all  hjbridisers  occurs  in  these  mimic- 
ries. Notwithstanding  the  statement  of  Whicura  to  the  contrary,  it 
ia  now  perfectly  well  known  that  in  attempting  to  obtain  a  cross*  be- 
tween two  species,  we  often  fail  when  we  work  with  the  male  of  one 
species  and  the  female  of  another,  while  we  succeed  when  we  reverse 
the  process,  and  take  the  male  of  the  latter  and  the  female  of  the  former. 
In  plants,  the  cases  where  this  capability  of  crossing  in  only  one 
direction  occurs  are  beyond  numbering.  Mr.  Isaac  Anderson-Henry 
cites  many  of  them  in  his  late  Presidential  address  to  the  Botanic 
Society  of  Edinburgh,  and  in  the  paper  which  I  have  now  the  pleasure 
to  lay  before  the  meeting.  The  very  same  thing  has  occurred  with 
the  mimicries  recorded  by  Mr.  Bates.  They  are  all  on  one  side  of  the 
house.  The  case  which  so  often  occurs  in  plants  has  obviously  occurred 
among  the  butterflies.  The  cross  has  taken  only  from  one  siile— which 
is  it  ?  Judging  from  the  example  of  the  mule  it  should  he  on  the  side 
of  highest  organisation;  that  is,  that  the  male  parent  has  been  of  the 
lower  organisation,  and  the  female  parent  (the  actual  bringer-forth) 
of  the  higher.  Now,  which  is  the  side  of  highest  organisation  in  the 
Danaids  nnd  Pioridae — is  it  that  of  greatest  strength  ?  If  it  were  so, 
it  would  then  be  the  Danaids,  for  they  are  larger,  finer,  and  more 
powerful  than  the  more  northern  whites.  But  organisation  is  a  higher 
test  than  mere  strength,  and  an  advance  in  it  is  doubtless  what  must 
be  the  unconscious  aim  of  the  ambitious  match-seeker.  This,  too, 
seems  to  be  on  the  side  of  the  Brazilian  tribe.  Mr.  Bates  so  considers 
it,  and  his  reason  is  that  the  essential  quality  of  butterflies  being 
flight,  the  type  which  has  most  attention  paid  to  its  wings  and  least  to 
its  legs  mnst  be  highest  of  its  order.  Others  think  differently,  and  say 
that  a  type  which  has  had  two  of  its  limbs  (its  fore  legs)  almost  atrophied 
cannot  be  so  perfect  an  animal  as  one  which  has  them  all  in  perfection. 
But  I  asrree  with  Mr.  Bates  on  this  point  (at  all  events  in  his  conclu- 
sion)^ The  greater  number  of  legs  cannot  be  any  indication  of  higher 
organisation,  or  a  centipede  might  dispute  supremacy  with  ourselves, 
and  push  us  from  our  stools.  The  fewer  limbs,  that  is,  the  simpler  the 
apparatus  that  a  creature  can  do  its  work  with,  the  higher  the  perfec- 
tion of  the  machine.  Therefore,  doubtless,  the  cross  from  which  these 
mimics  resulted  was  one  by  the  males  of  the  whites  upon  the  females 
of  the  Danaids. 

"Now  what  does  plant-hybridisation  tell  ns  on  this  point?  What 
does  Mr.  Henry  say?  I  regret  to  differ  from  so  great  an  authority  as 
Wichura  (who  had  maintained  that  'the  products  which  arise  from 
reciprocal  crossing  in  plants,  unlike  those  which  are  formed  among 
animals,  are  perfectly  alike'),  and  must  venture  to  demur  to  the  doc- 
trine in  more  decided  terms  than  Mr.  Berkeley  has  done.  I  have  had 
so  many  instances  of  hybrids  taking  sometimes  to  one  side  and  some- 
times to  another— but  most  frequently  to  that  of  the  mother — that  to 
those  who,  like  me,  have  tried  their  hand  with  many  genera,  it  would  be 
a  matter  of  supererogation  to  give  instances.  I  have  had  them  by  the 
score." 

"  But  the  mixed  product  also  corresponds  with  another  fact  observed 
in  hybridisation.  Mr.  Henry  ioforms  me  that  in  some  of  his  crossings 
of  plants  he  has  only  succeeded  in  altering  the  flower,  the  foliage 
continuing  persist  the  same  as  that  of  one  of  the  parents.     He 


has  not  succeeded  in  distributing  the  union  through  all  parts.  That 
is  exactly  parallel  to  what  we  see  in  these  mimicries.  In  plants  it 
may  be  a  question  whether  we  should  consider  the  flower  or  the  foliage 
as  the  more  structural  parts ;  for  my  part  I  should  take  the  flower  as 
the  more  important,  and  therefore  equivalent  to  the  structure  of  the 
legs  and  wings,  and  the  foliage  and  habit  of  the  plant  as  equivalent  to 
the  colour  and  form  of  the  wings,  and  general  appearance  of  the  insect. 
In  Mr.  Anderson-Henry's  case  another  phase  of  the  mimicry,  which 
I  have  no  doubt  will  he  found  to  have  also  its  parallel  in  the  hybridi- 
sation of  plants,  although  I  am  not  able  to  cite  any  instances  exactly 
in  point,  is,  that  in  species  which  have  dissimilar  sexes  it  sometimes 
extendB  to  both  sexes,  the  males  being  like  the  males  and  the  females 
like  the  females,  but  in  other  instances  is  confined  to  the  females.  I 
believe  that  the  reason  why  I  have  no  case  in  point  to  cite  in  plants  is, 
that  it  can  only  be  had  in  dicecious  plants ;  and  the  hybridisation  of 
dicecions  plants  has  hitherto  been  scarcely  at  all  attended  to.  Mr. 
Henry  has  some  coming  forward,  hut  they  have  not  yet  flowered. 

"  The  last  point  to  be  noticed  is  one  of  some  importance,  as  being 
the  only  one  furnishing  a  shadow  of  objection  to  the  explanation  of 
the  mimicries  in  question  by  hybridisation.  It  is,  that  the  nearest 
natural  allies  of  both  the  mimickers  and  mimicked  are  not  always  to 
be  found  in  the  same  district  as  them.  This  deserves  the  more  atten- 
tion, that  it  appeared  so  strong  to  Mr.  Bates  as  to  lead  him  to  relin- 
quish the  idea  of  hybridisation  as  an  explanation  after  it  had  crossed 
his  mind. 

"Before  I  proceed  to  show  how  simple  the  explanation  of  the  absence 
of  one  of  the  parents  is,  I  must  beg  to  note,  in  passing,  the  admission 
that  there  are  distinct  forms  whoso  intercrossing  would  produce  the 
hybrids.  That  granted,  I  would  remind  the  reader  of  what  Mr.  Bates 
has  obviously  overlooked,  that  we  are  dealing  with  a  phenomenon, 
probably  of  a  very  ancient  date,  and  that  one  side  of  the  parental 
stock  may  have  disappeared  in  the  course  of  time.  One  of  the  parents 
we  know  to  be  present  (the  so-called  mimicked),  but  there  are  excellent 
reasons,  based  on  climatal  considerations,  why  the  other  parent  should 
not  be  present. 

"  There  is  yet  another  phenomenon  connected  with  mimicry,  which 
possibly  may  also  be  connected  with  hybridisation — viz.,  the  occurrence 
of  what  Mr.  Wallace  has  called  dimorphism  in  insects  among  the 
mimicking  or  mimicked  species.  We  must  not,  however,  confound  this 
dimorphism  with  Darwin's  dimorphism  in  plants.  The  two  are  totally 
different  things,  and,  as  it  seems  to  me,  have  no  relation  or  analogy  to 
each  other.  In  plants  the  dimorphism  is  always  confined  to  the  repro- 
ductive organs,  in  insects  it  has  apparently  nothing  to  do  with  them. 
Moreover,  it  seems  to  me  that  all  the  instances  of  so-called  dimorphism 
in  insects  that  have  yet  been  recorded  are  nothing  but  examples  of 
variation,  perhaps  complicated  by  hybridisation." 


ENTOMOLOGICAL   SOCIETY'S   MEETING. 

The  second  meeting  of  the  present  season  was  held  on  the  21st  of 
November,  the  President,  A.  R.  Wallace,  Esq.,  in  the  chair.  Amongst 
the  donations  to  the  Society's  library  were  the  publications  of  the 
Entomological  Societies  of  St.  Petershurgh  and  Italy,  the  Koyal  Society 
of  London  ;  and  a  memoir  on  the  cultivation  of  silk  in  the  Australian 
Colonies  by  Captain  Hutton,  published  at  Calcutta  during  the  present 
year. 

Mr.  F.  Bond  exhibited  Fumea  reticella,  male  aud  female,  the  latter 
distinguished  by  the  absence  of  wool  on  the  terminal  segment  of  the 
bodv  ;  also  Acidalia  strigaria  and  Phycis  obductella,  all  taken  near 
Gravesend  by  Mr.  Button.  Mr.  Albert  Muller  exhibited  a  specimen 
of  the  large  fleshy  larva  of  the  Longicorn  Beetle,  .Egosoma  scabri- 
corne,  which  infests  the  trunks  of  Lime  trees  in  the  great  square  of 
Basle  in  Switzerland.  Mr.  Frederick  Smith  sent  a  number  of  speci- 
mens of  a  small  dipterous  insect,  Phora  florea,  the  larvae  of  which 
infest  tho  interior  of  the  bodies  of  the  larvre  nnd  pupae  of  the  common 
Wasp,  as  many  as  fourteen  having  been  found  in  a  single  Wasp-grub ; 
and  out  of  a  comb  of  200  or  300  cells,  only  a  few  Wasps  escaped  the 
attacks  of  this  little  insidious  fly. 

Mr.  Butler  read  a  memoir  containing  descriptions  of  new  exotic 
species  of  Butterflies  of  the  families  Nymphalidffi  and  Hesperiidre  in 
the  collection  of  the  British  Museum  from  Venezuela,  and  in  Mr. 
Dawe's  collection  from  the  Kaden  Musoum. 

Mr.  F.  Bond  stated  that  at  the  late  exhibition  of  the  Haggerstone 
Entomological  Society  he  had  observed  a  singular  specimen  of  Vanessa 
Atnlauta,  having  the  head  of  the  larva  remaining  upon  and  concealing 
the  head  of  the  Butterfly  ;  also  a  curious  specimen  of  the  common 
Brimstone  Butterfly,  having  the  wings  streaked  with  the  colours  of  the 
opposite  sex. 

Professor  Westwood  stated  that  he  had  recently  reared  a  number  of 
specimens  of  Phloiotribus  Olere  from  the  stem  of  an  Ash  tree  imported 
from  France.  It  had  hitherto  only  been  reared  from  the  Olive  tree  in 
the  south  of  France. 


BEECH   FOR   CHALKY   SOIL. 

Will  you  permit  me  to  say  that  you  are  perfectly  correct  in 

recommending  to  your  correspondent  to  plant  Beech  trees  in  a 

chalky  soil?    I  am  at  present  residing  in  a  locality  where  there 

is  nothing  but  chalk,  and  the  Beech  trees  grow  magnificently ; 


December  22,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL   OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


495 


indeed,  it  seems  to  be  their  natural  "  habitat."  It  is  interest- 
ing to  the  naturalist  to  watoh  the  great  numbers  of  the  "  pied 
finch "  which  feed  upon  the  nuts  when  they  fall  upon  the 
ground.  Alas!  it  i3  equally  to  be  regretted,  that  in  this  distriot, 
where  the  thrush  and  blackbird  abounded  so  much  as  first  to 
attract  me  favourably  to  the  looality  a  few  years  ago,  scarcely  a 
bird  exists  to  welcome  in  the  approaohing  spring.  Surely 
something  might  be  done  to  Btay  the  wanton  destruction  of 
our  British  birds. — Hortator. 


IRON    GRATINGS   FOR  BOTTOMS   OF 
MUSHROOM  BEDS. 

Have  any  of  your  readers  ever  used  iron  gratings  for  the 
bottoms  of  Mushroom  beds  ?  I  saw  them  in  use  some  ten 
vnars  ago  at  Hardingstone,  at  the  residence  of  the  late  Mr. 
W.  H.  Barwell,  iron-founder,  of  Northampton.  The  gratings 
were  of  oast  iron,  made  to  the  width  required,  and  were  used 
for  the  bottoms  of  ihe  beds  instead  of  boards.  In  making  up 
the  beds  turf  was  first  planed  on  the  grating  grass  side  down- 
wards, and  the  beds  were  tilled  up  with  droppings  and  spawned 
in  the  usual  way;  the  result  was  that  as  many  Mushrooms 
came  through  the  grating  at  the  bottom  as  on  the  top  of  the 
bed,  thus  giving  a  double  orop.  When  I  saw  them  the  bed  was 
completely  oovered,  top  and  bottom,  with  Mushrooms  of  all  sizes, 
some  of  them  6  or  7  inches  in  diameter.  The  spawn  used  was 
taken  from  a  hovel  on  the  premises  which  had  been  used  by 
cows  and  horses  in  the  winter  and  spring  before,  and  as  the 
material  was  undisturbed  all  the  summer  it  was  found  in  the 
autumn  to  be  a  whole  mass  of  Bpawn. — H.  Harris,  Gardener, 
Naseby  Woolleys. 

[We  have  met  with  suoh  MuBhroom-bed  bottoms,  and  doing 
well.  We  know  of  no  objeotion  except  the  rusting  of  the  iron. 
That  conld  be  avoided  by  placing  the  pieces  of  grating  in  a 
galvanising  trough,  but  we  are  not  aware  how  long  the  galvan- 
ising would  stand  the  steam  from  the  dung.  We  should  have 
no  objection  to  suoh  a  house  being  all  iron  inside.  When  wood 
i3  used  we  prefer  the  bottom  of  the  beds  to  be  sparred  instead 
of  close,  as  in  the  former  case  they  are  more  easily  influenced 
by  the  heat  from  tbe  bed  beneath.  We  have  frequently  thus 
had  double  crops,  but  in  shallow  beds  we  thought  the  crop  on 
the  upper  surface  was  sooner  exhausted.] 


PORTRAIT   OF  MR.    RIVERS. 
The  following  additional  subscriptions  have  been  received  : 


Hanbury,  Robert,  Epq.,  The  Poles,  Ware 2 

Matheson,  Sir  James,  Stornoway  Castle    2 


d. 
0 
0 


WORK   FOR  THE   WEEK. 

KITCHEN    GARDEN 

In  most  gardens  in  the  country  leaves  can  be  collected,  and 
when  properly  managed  they  form,  perhaps,  the  most  useful 
source  of  bottom  heat  with  which  we  are  acquainted,  except,  of 
course,  the  tank.  All  the  leaves  necessary  for  oarrying  on  the 
business  of  the  ensuing  year  should  be  collected  as  early  as 
possible  in  the  autumn,  and  be  placed  close  together  to  ferment. 
After  fermenting  for  three  weeks  or  a  month  they  are  in  excel- 
lent order  for  nse;  in  this  state  they  will  both  heat  with  more 
certainty  and  tread  more  closely.  In  order  to  be  ready  for 
forcing  of  all  kinds,  to  form  powerful  linings,  or  to  build  new 
bods,  it  is  necessary  to  h*ve  at  hand  a  mixture  of  hot  dung  and 
leaves.  In  the  course  of  this  month,  therefore,  the  whole  of 
the  hot  dung  should  be  drawn  from  the  stable  yard  to  the  leaf 
yard,  and  immediately  thrown  together  and  well  watered  in 
order  to  dispel  the  fiery  heat.  When  fermented  thus  for  a  week 
or  so,  it  may  be  mixed  with  leaves.  About  four  parts  of  the 
leaves  to  one  part  of  hot  manure  will  make  a  powerful  and 
enduring  mixtnre,  and  in  most  cases  provide  a  bulk  of  material 
which  will  carry  on  all  the  hotbed  and  lining  work  for  two 
months  to  come.  Thus  provided,  a  gardener  can  make  up  a 
frame  or  pit  at  any  time,  or  furnish  new  linings,  at  a  couple  of 
hours'  notice ;  for  if  the  dung  has  had  one  powerful  healing 
previous  to  its  being  mixed  with  the  leaves,  little  danger  need 
be  apprehended  from  impure  vapours,  provided  the  most  ordi- 
nary precautions  be  observed.  The  wet  weather  we  have  ex- 
perienced will,  in  some  situations,  have  greatly  retarded  much 
that  would  otherwise  have  been  done  ;  it  is  therefore  necessary 


to  forward  all  that  oan  be  done  within-doors,  so  that  there  will 
be  no  hindrance  to  out-door  work  when  the  weather  becomes 
fine.  There  are  numerous  operations  which  can  be  performed 
by  labourers  within-doors,  and  which,  if  not  immediately  neces- 
sary, may  at  some  time  reduce  labour  when  most  wanted 
The  making  of  labels,  brooms,  flower-sticks,  shreds,  &j.,  is 
usually  done  in  bad  weather,  also  the  cleaving  of  wood.  Take 
advantage  of  a  dry  day  to  lay  tiles  over  some  of  the  Endive  in 
the  open  ground  ;  take  up  a  portion  of  the  best,  and  lay  it  in  a 
frame  or  shed  as  a  reserve  in  case  of  severe  frost.  In  favour- 
able situations,  where  neither  forcing-houses  nor  pits  are  at 
command,  another  sowing  of  Peas  and  Beans  may  be  made, 
but  where  a  common  frame  can  be  Bpared  till  March  it  is  far 
preferable  to  sow  in  pots.  Radishes  sown  in  frames  mnsthave 
air  as  soon  as  they  make  their  appearance,  if  the  weather 
permit. 

fruit  garden. 
Prooeed  with  pruning  and  nailing  as  opportunity  offers. 
Apples,  Pears,  Plums,  Cherries,  Gooseberries,  Currants,  Rasp- 
berries, and  Grape  Vines  should  all  be  proceeded  with.  All 
spare  nails  should  now  be  drawn  from  the  Peaches,  Nectarines, 
and  Apricots.  They  should  be  sorted,  dried,  and  oleaned  ready 
for  immediate  use. 

FLOWER    GARDEN. 

Go  on  according  to  the  advice  of  last  week.  Take  the  first 
opportunity,  when  fine  weather  sets  in,  of  carefully  looking 
over  Carnation  layers  that  are  in  frames.  It  is  possible  that 
soil  may  have  settled  in  the  axils  of  the  leaves ;  bh  this  retains 
moisture  in  a  very  inconvenient  degree,  it  is  highly  necessary 
for  the  health  of  the  plants  that  it  should  be  removed.  With 
respect  to  Ranunculuses,  lose  no  time  in  making  purchases, 
and  take  care  duiing  this  rather  variable  weather  that  the  roots 
do  not  contract  mouldinsss,  which  is  fatal  to  them.  In  con- 
cluding my  directions  for  the  present  year  I  would  counsel  all 
cultivators  of  florists'  flowers,  and  especially  those  who  are 
about  commencing,  always  to  bear  in  mind  that  quality  is  pre- 
ferable to  quantity,  and  that  it  is  the  best  policy  to  purchase 
good  strains  and  good  sorts. 

GREENHOUSE    AND   CONSERVATORY. 

Keep  as  moderate  a  temperature  as  possible  when  the  Ca- 
mellias are  in  bloom,  in  order  to  prolong  their  season.  Drip 
is  generally  found  inconvenient  during  a  frost,  and  it  may  bo 
advisable  to  withhold  water  altogether  for  a  few  days  ;  or  cover 
the  roof  with  a  canvas  screen,  which,  by  preventing  condensa- 
tion through  a  low  roof  temperature,  will  accomplish  the  object 
more  effeotually.  The  conservatory  should  now  be  very  gay, 
nnd,  if  former  directions  have  been  attended  to,  some  of  the 
finer  kinds  of  Azalea  indica  will  be  developing  their  charms 
— such  as  Exquieita,  Coronata,  Carminata,  Variegata,  Late- 
ritia,  and  Gledstanesi ;  with  these  there  may  be  a  few  Ixoras, 
Allamandas,  and  some  other  stove  plants,  several  kinds  of 
Cho-ozemas,  Boronia  pinnata,  Styphelia  tubiflora,  a  few  kinds 
of  Heaths  and  Epacrises,  and  some  minor  softwooded  plants. 
In  the  greenhouse  look  well  to  plants  in  a  growing  state,  such 
as  Leschenaultias,  Pimeleas,  <fcc.  Remove  the  bloom  as  fast 
as  it  appears  ;  but  those  plants  of  the  former  which  are  intended 
for  early  blonmine  must  not  have  their  flowers  removed  after 
the  first  week  in  January. 

STOVE. 

Here  all  is  still  and  quiet.  K^ep  uo  a  moderate  heat  of  from 
50°  to  60°,  and  give  plenty  of  air.  The  Ixoras  should  be  ele- 
vated near  the  glass  to  Bet  their  bloom,  and  have  plenty  of  air 
at  all  times.  Keep  them  comparatively  dry.  Stephanotis, 
Allamandas,  &c  ,  may  be  potted  and  trained  preparatory  to 
starting  after  Christmas,  and  the  staking  of  all  specimen  plants 
must  be  proceeded  with  aB  fast  as  possible.  It  will  soon  be 
time  to  commence  potting  Orchids.  Let  a  Btock  of  proper 
materials  be  provided  without  delay.  Free  fibrous  heath  soil 
cut  into  squares  about  the  size  of  walnuts,  fresh  sphagnum 
chopped  or  cut,  plenty  of  broken  crocks,  charcoal  in  lumps, 
and  some  chopped  sticks  (avoiding  Fir  wood),  will  all  be  fonnd 
necessary.  The  whole  of  these  materials,  except  the  crocks 
and  charcoal,  should  be  subjected  to  some  process  that  will 
destroy  snails  and  other  insects,  with  their  eggs.  The  sphag- 
num and  heath  are  generally  scalded,  but  from  experience  an 
objection  is  taken  to  this,  as  the  process  so  much  hastens  de- 
composition iu  the  vegetablo  matter  that  it  soon  becomes  a 
pulpy  mass  impervious  to  tho  atmosphere.  It  is  better  to  lay 
it  in  some  warm  and  dry  place,  turning  it  occasionally. 

FORCING   PIT. 

Introduce  such  plants  as   are  generally  used  for  forcing, 


496 


JOURNAL  OF   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE    GARDENER. 


[  December  22,  1670. 


especially  the  sweet-scented  subjects,  as  Lily  of  the  Valley, 
S.veet  Briar,  and  Lilacs,  and  do  not  forget  to  introduce  a  good 
hatch  of  Roses,  choosing  the  most  promising  plants  of  Teas, 
Bjurbons,  and  Hybrid  Perpetuals,  which  are  lha  best  kinds  for 
winter  flowering.  A  gentle  bottom  heat  will  be  of  great  service 
to  these,  also  to  most  other  plants  subjected  to  heat,  iu  order 
to  flower  them  as  quickly  as  possible,  and  a  moist  state  of  the 
atmosphere  must  be  secured,  admitting  a  little  air  freely  at 
every  favourable  opportunity.  Dutch  bulbs  should  be  largely 
used  for  forcing  at  this  seasou,  and  when  hardy  Bhrubs  are 
forced  for  the  decoration  of  the  o  mservutory,  these  should  be 
brought  into  bloom  as  soon  as  circumstances  admit.  S  me 
persons,  however,  tLiuk  that  it  is  worse  than  waste  of  time 
and  space  to  force  such  common  things  as  Rhododendrons, 
Az  ileas,  and  other  American  plants,  as,  with  equal  care  and  no 
more  expense,  much  finer  flowers  may  be  hau  at  this  teaeon 
without  forcing.  All  forcing  plants  intended  for  succession 
should  be  under  a  temporary  covering  of  some  kind — in  open 
shed  is  as  good  a  place  as  they  can  be  put  in,  or  under  the 
stages  of  a  greenhouse. 

PITS  AND    ERAMES. 

Give  plenty  of  air  to  Violets,  Mignonette,  and  Intermediate 
S.oeks  iu  frames  or  pits.  Avoid  watering  as  much  as  possible  ; 
it  is  better  to  let  the  plants  flag  a  little  than  to  have  the  soil 
too  much  saturated  at  the  roots. — W.  Keane. 


DOINGS   OP   THE   LAST    WEEK. 

KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

Little  has  been  done  here  excepting  covering  Celery  in 
frosty  nights,  clearing  breaks  of  old  Cabbage  plants,  and  spread- 
ing a  little  manure  and  mateiial  from  the  rubbish  heap  uu  the 
bed,  to  encourage  the  sprouts  until  the  spring,  as  they  help  to 
keep  us  from  going  so  often  to  the  early  Cabbage  quarter. 
Drew  a  little  more  earth  to  the  strong  early  Cabbages,  as  it 
keeps  them  firmer  and  more  secure  from  frost.  Put  some  old 
sashes  over  a  fine  late  bed  of  Radishes  in  an  earth  pit,  to  pro- 
tect them  from  severe  frost  and  wet.  The  rains  of  late  have 
been  so  heavy  that  we  have  done  but  little  on  our  heavy  ground, 
but  when  the  weather  was  fair  we  collected  a  lot  of  tree  leaves, 
though  we  would  rather  have  had  them  diy,  but  when  dry 
weather  comes  there  will  be  groundwork  demanding  attention. 
Turned  over  manure  heo,  s  intended  for  Mushroom-beds,  for 
which  we  must  have  tti«  uung  rather  short  and  moist,  saving 
only  a  few  horse  droppn.gs  for  covering. 

There  has  betu  plenty  of  work  under  cover  in  wet  days — in 
fact,  our  wettest  days  are  generally  our  busiest  days,  and  in- 
door work  is  sometimes  delayed  too  long  that  it  may  be  done 
in  such  weather. 

Water.— The  ponds  in  many  places  are  filling  very  slowly, 
except  where  there  is  a  great  command  of  suiface  water;  as 
the  ground  drains  act  but  little  owing  to  the  moisiure  ab- 
sorbed by  the  dry  soil.  Owing  to  our  now  havirjg  more  piping 
to  buildings,  our  tanks  in  the  garden  aie  nearly  full,  and  we 
only  wish  we  had  three  or  four  times  the  space  for  clean  water 
in  reservoirs,  as  then  we  could  look  forward  to  the  summer 
without  alarm.  Such  a  seasou  as  last  ought  to  teach  many  a 
lesson  in  dry  districts.  Good  tankB  and  ponds  now  would  soon 
vay  the  expense  of  horse  labour  in  carting  during  the  summer. 
We  wish  the  water  that  has  run  to  waste  of  late,  could  be  con- 
verted into  a  little  lake.  Where  this  has  been  done  in  some 
places,  there  is  no  standing  still  in  summer,  where  formerly 
there  was  a  constant  annoyance  about  water-cartiDg.  Draining 
is  all  very  well,  but  it  would  be  a  benefit  in  manv  planes  to 
collect  the  water  from  drainage,  instead  of  letting'it  off  as  it 
came  to  the  nearest  outfall.  Can  anyone  tell  of  a  cheaper 
mode  of  making  a  fair-sized  reservoir  than  puddling  with  clay  ? 
The  worst  of  clay  puddling  is,  that  unless  fiinged  with  grass, 
it  is  apt  to  crack  in  summer,  when  the  water  sinks,  and  then 
away  goes  the  water.  Of  course,  nothing  is  better  than  bricks 
and  cement,  but  they  are  expensive.  Even  large  tanks  done 
in  the  best  way  will  always  stand  best,  if  the  walls  instead  of 
being  perpendicular  should  be  bevelled  outwards  from  bottom 
to  top.  From  inferior  cement  and  inferior  workmanship  many 
tanks  do  not  stand  well — that  is,  do  not  hold  water.  The 
finest  brick  ever  burned  is  useless  for  such  a  purpose  when 
used  as  it  comes  from  the  kiln. 

FRUIT   GARDEN. 

The  work  has  been  much  the  same  as  in  previous  weeks. 
We  would  have  doDe  more  outside  work  if  we  could.  We  placed 
all  the  Strawberry  plants  under  protection ;  during  bad  weather 


they  were  previously  protected  with  litter.  We  shall  soon 
move  some  from  frames  into  heated  pits  and  houses.  We 
would  have  done  so  earlier,  but  could  not  obtain  runners  early 
last  season. 

We  finished  with  the  Fig  house,  and  hope  we  have  settled 
the  bug  that  visited  us  there  for  the  first  time  ;  at  least,  every 
bit  of  wood  and  brickwork  was  pretty  well  examined,  and  treated 
with  water  as  near  the  boiling  point  as  possible  before  lime- 
washing,  pointing,  &".  We  have  been  told  that  burning  sul- 
phur fumes  will  settle  it,  but  then  the  fumes  will  kill  vege- 
tation of  every  kind  that  is  growing,  and  can  only  be  used 
where  the  wood  of  deciduous  plants  is  thoroughly  ripened,  and 
there  is  no  chance,  from  openings  in  divisions  between  houses, 
for  the  fumes  to  go  from  an  empty  house  to  one  where  plants 
are  growing.  Pruned  and  cleared  a  second  vinery  preparatoiy 
to  filling  it  with  plants. 

We  have  had  several  inquiries  as  to  the  use  of 
Brick  Pits  in  Forcing  Houses,  and  using  fermenting  material 
for  starting  Vines  and  Peaches.  Where  convenient,  such  pits 
inside  a  house  are  very  useful.  In  the  early  part  of  the  season 
they  might  be  used  as  hotbeds,  covered  with  glass,  whilst  the 
e»neral  atmosphere  of  the  house  was  kept  comparatively  cool. 
When  that  was  no  longer  desirable  the  glass,  &c.,  might  be 
removed,  and  then  how  well  would  the  bed  come  in  for  plung- 
ing pots  that  would  require  a  little  bottom  heat !  When  that 
was  not  wanted,  and  the  bed  might  sink  too  low,  a  sparred 
table  or  trellis  placed  over  it  would  be  the  place  on  which  to 
set  plants  thinly,  to  suit  ibe  shaded  roof.  When  none  of  these 
uses  are  required,  and  Vinos  and  Peaches  are  to  be  forced, 
then  these  pits  filled  with  fermenting  material  will  be  one  of 
the  best  modes  for  softening  and  bieaking  the  buds.  When 
rank  dung  is  ustd  for  this  purpose,  then  no  evergreen  plant 
and  no  deciduous  plant,  unless  when  in  a  state  of  rest,  ought 
to  be  in  the  house.  It  is  safest  to  have  no  plants  at  all  in  the 
house.  Fur  Peaches  we  Bhould  not  like  to  use  stable  manure 
fresh  until  it  had  been  t'  rosn  into  a  heap  for  eight  days,  and 
thus  lost  its  rankest  s'eam.  For  Vines  with  moderately- 
ripened  wood  such  care  even  is  not  required.  Litter  and 
droppings  may  be  brought  at  once  from  the  stables,  and,  how- 
ever rank  the  steam,  it  will  do  no  harm  to  the  Vines  if  not  too 
near  them,  but  will  destroy  every  kind  of  insect,  as  the  strong 
ammoniacal  fumes  will  penetrate  every  hole  and  cranny,  and 
the  moisiure  will  soften  and  swell  the  buds.  In  usiDg  sweet 
fermenting  manure  there  will  be  no  danger  to  anything  that 
stands  heat :  hence  a  heap  of  tree  leaves  in  a  house  is  useful 
and  safe.  Turn  them  as  you  will,  the  ste»m  from  them  will 
be  sweet  and  safe.  We  have  used  stable  dung  fresh  in  a  large 
house  in  such  quantities  that  for  a  fortnight  one  could  scarcely 
walk  through  the  house,  and  the  confined  steam  prevented  one 
seeing  far  before  him.  No  inseot  could  live  in  such  an  atmo- 
sphere. The  great  thing  with  such  mounds  of  dung  was,  by 
frequent  turning,  to  get  it  perfectly  sweet,  though  hot,  before 
the  buds  swelled  to  breaking;  after  that,  rank  steam  would  be 
very  injurious.  The  gases  (hat  escape  from  sweet  decomposing 
manure  are  a  great  help  to  healthy,  vigorous  growth.  Those 
from  stable  manure  are  more  powerful  than  those  from  leaves, 
but  a  large  hean  of  ihe  latter  and  also  of  tan  are  harmless  as 
to  the  gases  they  throw  off.  By  forking  over  such  heaps  we 
have  often  filled  a  house  with  the  richest  steam  when  we 
wanted  to  du  so.  Forced  to  use  every  available  place  under 
glass  almost  constantly,  we  could  not  use  fermentirg  material 
now,  but  none  the  less  aie  we  convinced  of  the  importance  of 
a  hotbed  in  a  house  as  a  grpat  help  iu  early  forcing. 

ORNAMENTAL    DEPARTMENT. 

The  Christmas  Hose. — Huw  interesting  even  among  the  snow 
does  the  Helleborus  niger  look,  though  anything  but  striking 
as  a  rough  herbaceous  plant  when  not  in  bloom.  Even  the 
Helleborus  foeMdus,  with  its  fine  foliage,  would  be  no  bad  object 
in  a  sub-tropical  garden.  We  aie  glad  that  H.  niger,  which 
yields  its  large  flowers  so  early,  is  becoming  more  popular,  as 
we  may  judge  from  the  care  taken  of  every  lit  by  a  neighbour- 
ing nurseiyman  in  summer,  so  as  to  have  good  saleable  plants 
before  winter.  There  were  several  things  that  attracted  our 
attention  in  the  same  nursery,  such  as  ihe  collections  of  fine 
old  herbaceous  plants  and  spiing-flowering  plants,  telling  us 
that  the  days  are  coming  when  we  shall  have  mixed  herbaceous 
borderB  again,  and  plenty  of  spring-flowering  plants  to  fill  our 
flower  beds,  with  the  addition  of  bulbs.  Even  as  respects 
bulbs,  we  see  proofs  that  ere  long  we  may  not  be  quite  so  de- 
pendent on  our  friends  in  the  Low  Countries,  not,  peihaps,  so 
much  in  what  our  friend  called  his  Californian  gold  field — a 
large  space  of  Winter  Aconite,  from  which  numberless  loots  of 


December  22, 1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


497 


the  largest  size  are  taken  every  autumn,  leaving  enough  to  bloom 
thickly,  and  to  seed  and  sow  themselves  from  year  to  year  ;  or 
in  the  large  spaces  of  Crocus,  and  whole  quarters  of  Snowdrops, 
grown  for  the  general  market;  but  in  some  parts  water  cannot 
be  far  from  the  surface,  and  we  should  not  be  surprised  some 
<lay  to  see  large  quarters  of  the  best  Hyacinths,  for  the  sale  of 
the  bulbs. 

Having  alluded  to  the  general  management  of  plants  and 
houses  lately,  we  may  say  now,  that  a  little  bottom  heat  from 
tree  leaves  will  be  a  great  help  to  Roses,  Dautzias,  Lilaos,  Rhodo- 
dendrons, Spiraeas,  double  flowering  Peaches,  &«.,  placed  in  pits 
or  houses.  It  is  as  well,  if  the  roots  are  well  established,  to 
set  the  pot  on  the  top  of  the  bed  for  the  first  week  or  ten 
days,  and  then  to  plunge,  or  partly  plunge,  if  the  heat  is  mild. 
The  varieties  of  the  Chinese  Azaleas  answer  admirably  nnder 
sach  treatment,  and  will  not  need  so  much  air  as  the  above 
hardy  subjects  will  reqnire  at  first.  All  such  plants,  and  even 
Citnellias,  will  be  better  of  a  little  manure  water  when  swell- 
ing and  opening  their  buds,  and  ho  will  plants  of  Salvia 
splendens,  where  there  is  heat  enough.  One  great  advantage 
of  this  blight  old  plant  is,  that  when  taken  to  a  coolish  green- 
house nntil  the  flowers  are  nearly  over,  it  will  often,  when  de- 
prived of  the  old  flower  stalks  and  slightly  prnnen,  if  taken 
hack  to  a  warmer  place  averaging  GO0,  bloom  two  or  three  times 
■before  getting  exhausted.  The  late  Chrysanthemums  will  also 
rejoice  in  manure  waterings. 

Saoh  tender  plants  as  Eranthemum*.  Justiciar,  Goldfussias, 
P.iinsettias,  and  Euphorbia  jacquinireflora  are  much  benefited 
by  manure  waterings,  clear  and  not  too  strong,  whilst  the  bloom 
will  be  brighter  in  proportion  to  the  light  tbey  receive.  How 
pretty  at  this  season  is  the  old  Rivina  humili«,  with  its  long 
racemes  of  bright  red  berries  pointed  with  a  few  little  white 
il  iwers  !  To  have  it  nice  and  healthy  all  the  winter  and  spring, 
there  is  no  better  plan  than  sowing  every  season  in  a  hotbed  in 
March,  and  growing  the  plants  in  rather  small  pots.  There 
is  generally  some  drawback  as  respects  some  of  our  greatest 
ftvourites.  Thus,  unless  you  have  a  very  large  plant  it  is  next 
to  impossible  to  have  a  fine  compact  bush  of  the  Poinsrttia. 
fimall  plants  for  little  vases  in  heated  rooms  will  always  be 
gather  long  for  their  width.  The  P.unsettia  can  never  be  made 
to  look  compact  so  as  to  have  a  fine  head  of  crimson  floral 
leaves.  Yon  must  have  a  tall  Btrong  Bhoot  that  will  bear  no 
stopping  or  pruning.  Such  a  glorious  crowned  head,  if  the 
stem  is  cut.  carefully  to  a  joint,  will  stand  a  good  while  in  water 
or  damp  moss  in  a  heated  room,  forming  with  a  few  Maiden- 
hair Ferns  a  fine  feature  in  a  vase  of  flowers.  The  rich  crim- 
son leaves  when  pulled  off  separately  stand  even  longer,  and 
firm  a  rich  dressing  for  the  Bides  of  small  vases.  When  done 
flowering  the  Poiusettia  may  be  kept  drier  and  cooler,  and  the 
shoots  may  be  cut  down  for  propagating  in  spring,  and  as 
every  bud  will  make  a  cutting,  the  shoot  may  thus  be  cut  up 
into  pieces  from  2  to  12  inches  long.  To  insure  fine  heads  of 
floral  leaves  the  plants  can  scarcely  have  too  much  heat, 
moisture,  and  light  in  summer ;  and  comparative  dryness,  less 
heat,  and  fall  light  in  autumn,  but  not  so  much  dryness  as  to 
cause  a  leaf  to  fall.  When  placed  in  more  heat  and  moisture 
4he  flower  and  floral  leaves  soon  appear. — R.  F. 


TRADE   CATALOGUES  RECEIVED. 

Satton  &  Sons,  Reading. — Sutton's  Amateurs  Guide  and  Spring 
Catalogue. 

Hooper  &  Co  ,  Covent  Garden  Market,  London,  W.C. — Seed  Cata- 
logue.   

TO    CORRESPONDENTS. 

K.B. — Many  questions  must  remain  unanswered  until  next 
week. 

Rooks  (Trent).—  "Tbe  Cottage  Gardeners'  Dictionary  "  gives  directions 
for  Cacti  culture.  We  know  of  no  separate  work  on  the  subject. 
fj.  E.  M.h— The  "  Gardeners'  Almanack  and  Poultry-keepers'  Calendar" 
1ms  not  been  published  since  1868.  You  can  have  a  copy  free  by  pott  of 
that,  if  you  enclose  thirteen  postage  stamps  with  your  address. 

Law??  Sand  (IV.  D.  B.). — We  do  not  know  it,  and  we  cannot  withdraw 
our  opinion. 

Manuring  Roses  (fiosfryl.— Winter  is  not  the  best  time  for  applying 
guano  to  Hoses,  though  this  manure  is  very  valuable  when  Roses  are  in 
full  foliage.  We  should  advise  the  cesspool  to  be  emptied  about  Mirch 
into  a  heap  of  soil  and  ashes,  and  this  applied  as  a  top-dres9ing  to  the 
"trees,  forking  it  in  among  the  roots.  Let  the  guano  be  applied  as  a  liquid 
manure  while  the  Roses  are  forming  their  buds  for  blooming,  or  at  any 
time  dunng  the  aimmer  when  the  weather  is  very  dry.  Tt  is  too  stimu- 
lating and  Transient  in  its  effects  to  use  as  a  winter  dressing.  When  the 
land  is  sandy,  as  in  your  case,  a  mulching,  applied  during  the  winter,  of 
good  stable  manure,  is  of  great  value.     It  can  be  raked  off  in  spring, 


and  what  is  left  forked  in,  and  a  mu'ehing  of  cocoa-nut  fibre  may  be 
applied  during  the  summer  to  protect  the  roots  from  the  sun  in  hot  dry 
weather. 

RussrAN  Violets  (Sunrii^. — All  Violets  are  the  better  of  a  situation 
Bhaded  from  the  midday  eun.  An  east  border  is  a  good  aspect.  They 
flower  from  February  to  May,  and  in  mild  seasons  they  commence 
flowering  early  in  winter,  and  continue  in  bloom  throughout  the  winter 
and  spring. 

Rosas  for  Covering  Iron  Arches  (Idem).— There  are  climbers  suit- 
able for  planting  with  Roses,  and  we  should  not  employ  Hybrid  Per- 
petual*, but  the  climhiDg  Rosos,  as— Alice  Gray,  Dundee  Rambler,  Ruga, 
and  Splendens,  of  the  Ayrshire;  Adelaide  d'Orleans,  Myrianthes,  and 
Rampinte,  of  the  Evergreen;  Madame  d'Arblay,  and  Rivers's  Queen,  of 
the  Hybrid  Climbing;  Amadis,  Gracilis,  and  the  old  Red  Boursault. 
These,  for  the  purpose  you  require,  are  very  beautiful. 

Pampas  Gras^  and  Tritoma  (Idem).— Cutting  off  the  old  or  last  sum- 
mer's growth  very  much  weakens  the  former  plant,  and  in  a  cold  situ- 
ation the  Tritoma  as  well,  if  the  winter  proves  severe.  We  have  known 
plants  cut  down  killed,  while  those  on  which  the  old  foliage  was  left 
until  spring  were  not  in  tlio  least  injured.  Protect  them  in  severe 
weather  with  a  little  dry  litter  spread  over  them,  removing  it  in  mild 
periods. 

Late  Duke  Cherry  (A.  Mr  raUum). — You  mnst  have  the  wrong  variety, 
as  the  habit  of  the  tree  of  Late  Duke  is  not  the  same  as  that  of  the 
Morello.  It  is  more  like  the  May  Duke  in  growth,  and  the  fruit  is  ex- 
cellent. 

Pear,  Crab,  Quince,  ant>  Paradise  Stocks  Working  (An  Old  Sub- 
scriber).—The  stocks  planted  last  spring  of  the  thickness  of  the  little 
finger,  will  be  fit  fur  grafting  next  spring,  but  if  of  less  size  they  would 
be  best  left  till  another  year.  It  is  well  to  havo  them  strong  before  work- 
ins.  By  all  means  graft  ihose  as  thick  as  a  man's  thumb  next  spring. 
Whip-grafting  is  tbe  best  mode.  The  Manetti  stocks  should  be  budded 
next  summer  if  as  thick  aa  tbe  little  finger.  Bad  quite  clo?e  to  the 
ground,  or,  indeed,  below  it,  removing  the  soil  about  them  for  that  pur- 
pose. Indeed,  the  bark  does  not  part  freely  from  the  wood  above  ground. 
In  planting  them  cover  the  junction  with  soil. 

Stocks  for  Walt,  Pear  Trees  (E.  M.  J.).— For  Pear  trees  against 
walls  we  prefer  the  Pear  stock,  but  it  must  he  admitted  that  trees  grafted 
on  it  do  not  come  into  bearing  so  soon  as  those  on  the  Quince  stock, 
which,  however,  ought  not  for  horizontal  training  ti  be  more  than  15  feet 
aviRTt  on  a  10-feet  wall,  and  19  feet  apart  on  a  12-*eet  wall.  We  plant 
those  on  the  Poar  stock,  and  p'  |-t  midway  between  each  a  double  up- 
right cordon  on  the  Quince.  Thu  cordons  give  us  fruit  before  th^  others, 
and  we  cover  the  wall  ma  shorter  time.  Your  climate  must  be  bad  indeed 
for  Apricnts  not  to  succeed  on  a  south  wall.  Plums  we  shonld  prefer  to 
Pears  'or  a  south  wall  ;  both  do  very  well.  Why  remove  the  bloom  buds  ? 
There  will  be  few  on  the  trees  you  get,  or  tbey  will  not  grow  much  another 
year.  For  walls  we  like  free-growing  trees,  not  those  stunted  and  pinched 
into  early  bearing.  Yonr  selection  of  Cherries  is  good.  The  fresh  leaves 
will  do  for  ground  to  be  planted  with  Potatoes,  if  the  ground  is  naturally 
rich,  and  with  the  guauo  you  will  no  doubt  have  a  good  crop  if  the 
season  be  favourable.  Three  of  tbe  largest  prize  or  Lancashire  Goose- 
b-rries  are— London,  red  ;  Leveller,  yellow  ;  and  Antagonist,  white. 

Arrangement  of  Vinery  (S.  Castle).— What  you  do  with  stages  in  your 
greenhou«e  is  jost  confirmatory  of  wh*t  was  referred  to  a  few  weeks  ago, 
when  speaking  of  using  forcing  houses  for  plant  hou?es  and  wintering 
houses  in  winter.  We  like  the  whole  so  much,  that  if  we  made  any  alter- 
ation at  all  we  would  lessen  the  top  platform  and  have  more  shelves 
at  the  back.  Then,  as  that  back  pathway  is  3  feet  wide,  instead  of 
having  one  wide  shelf  over  it.  if  holding  numbers  of  email  plants  in 
winter  were  our  object,  we  would  have  five  or  six  shelves,  say  9  inches 
wide,  against  tbe  back  wall,  and  would  then  borrow  a  lesson  from  Mr. 
Sheppard  tbe  nurseryman  at  Bedford,  who  uses  moveable  brackets  for 
shelf-supports,  taking  them  out  or  merely  turning  them  against  the  wall 
in  summer,  when  tall  plants  may  be  set  against  the  back  wall. 

Vinery—  Stove  for,  Plant  Cuttings  in  (H.  A.D.).—  For  such  a  house  as 
yours,  if  you  did  not  mind  the  appearance,  a  small  brick  stove,  either  near 
the  back  wall  or  the  mMdle  of  the  front  of  the  house,  would  on  the  whole 
be  best ;  say  a  Btove  of  brick-on-bed  28  inches  eqnare,  4(5  inches  in  height, 
a  space  left  for  an  ashpit,  and  the  firebars  fixed;  above  them  a  firebox 
made  of  firebricks,  8  inches  square  and  8  inches  deep  ;  close-fitting  furnace 
a'»d  ashpit  doors  ;  the  stove  covered  at  top  with  a  stout  flag  or  a  strong 
iron  plate  ;  a  sho't  outlet  at  the  side,  and  a  more  upright  pipe  through 
the  back  wall  or  through  the  glass  roof.  On  the  top  a  vessel  of  water  may 
be  placed.  Such  a  stove  would  give  a  more  regular  mild  heat  than  iron ; 
but.  with  a  little  care  a  small  iron  stove  costing  from  4U».  to  5.'s.  would  do 
for  such  a  house.  The  chief  point  is  to  have  a  stove  with  the  firebox 
lined  with  firebrick,  so  as  to  keep  the  burning  fuel  from  the  iron.  We 
have  seen  a  guinea  stove  that  is  frequently  advertised,  in  which  there  is 
an  iron  firebox  inside,  1-aving  a  space  all  round  for  heated  air,  and  keep- 
ing the  fuel  from  the  sides  of  the  stove.  The  outlet-pipe  is  at  the  top, 
and  the  top  rounded,  so  that  an  evaporating  basin  cannot  be  used.  These 
stoves  are,  therefore,  better  fitted  for  halls  and  corridors  than  for  plant 
houses.  We  have  seen  far  inferior  stoves  used  safely  in  little  plant 
houses  ;  but  on  tbe  whole,  to  obtain  plenty  of  heat — safe  heat — and  moist 
enough  if  needed,  it  is  best  to  use  a  stove  with  a  flat  top,  and  the  opening 
for  fuel  on  one  side  and  the  outlet  for  smoke  on  the  other,  and  to  have  a 
firebox  inside,  so  thit  the  red  bot  fuel  does  not  abut  against  the  outside 
case  of  iron.  It  is  also  an  advantage  when  the  top  can  be  taken  off.  We 
use  a  stove  with  a  round  moveable  top  for  lifting  up  and  adding  fuel, 
which  with  a  little  contrivance  answers  admirably;  but  when  we  want 
much  heat  we  have  to  damp  the  floor  all  round  it,  as  we  cannot  use  an 
evaporating  basin.  We  have  an  old  square  stove  tied  together  with  stout 
wires,  and  a  flat  moveable  top,  with  which  we  could  do  wonders.  For  all 
Buch  stoves,  when  taking  a  horizontal  pipe  from  the  side,  it  should  not 
exceed  from  2t  to  3D  inches  in  length,  coke  and  cinders  are  the  best 
fuel,  as  coal  soon  clogs  up  the  small  pipe  used  for  a  chimney. 

Manuring  Vines  fM.  B.). — We  are  very  sorry  that  the  manure  spread 
as  advised  at  page  433  has  injured  your  F^rns  and  Cineraria?,  and  we 
are  rather  sui  prised  al  it  if  you  gave  no  more  than  1  inch  of  dressing  and 
left  air  on.  This  shows  the  importance  of  correspondents  being  parti- 
cular, for  of  two  things  we  were  ignorant  when  giving  the  advice— first, 
that  the  poultry-yard  manure  was  so  fresh,  and  again,  that  you  had 
Ferns,  &c,  in  the  house.    If  so,  and  using  such  dressing  at  all,  we  would 


498 


JOURNAL   OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  December  22,  1870. 


have  advised  doing  it  early  in  the  day,  covering  with  dry  soil  or  chirred 
refuse,  giving  more  air,  and  leaving  air  on  for  a  few  nights.  You  have 
done  the  next  best  thing  by  covering  with  soil.  We  should  think  the  Ferns 
will  spring  from  the  bottom  all  riuht,  and  all  the  better  owiDg  to  remov- 
ing the  injured  fronds;  and  so  will  the  Cinerarias,  but  they  will  not  be 
so  good  nor  so  early.  No  crowing  plant  will  withstand  the  fumes  of 
ammonia  from  rank  dung.  The  Pine  Apple  will  endure  them  better  than 
any  plant  wo  know. 

Vine  Boeder  (A  Constant  Reader).— We  should  have  preferred  rather 
more  drainage  at  the  bottom  of  the  border.  We  would  not  approve  of 
one  layer  of  fresh  dark  soil  from  a  posture  and  one  equal  layer  of  fresh 
rank  manure  from  the  stables.  We  should  expect  the  border  to  sink 
very  unequally,  and  the  Vines,  if  they  succeeded  well  at  first,  would  be 
apt  tD  have  their  roots  injured  afterwards. 

Vines  (West  Cumberland).— The  Vines  are  not  too  old  to  remove  to  the 
front  of  your  house,  if  you  desire  to  do  so.  It  is  a  pity  to  throw  av.ay 
such  plants,  but  it  is  true  that  there  is  some  difficulty  in  managing  that 
variety.  If  you  do  want  a  change  take  either  Hadresfield  Court,  which 
is  new,  or  the  Royal  Ascot,  also  new. 

Rating  Nurserymen's  Greenhouses,  &c.  (J.  G.).— We  reprint  the 
following  as  you  request  ;-We  are  of  opinion  that  a  nurseryman's  green- 
houses and  his  similar  structures  used  exclusively  in  his  trade  nro  not 
rateable.  A  nurseryman  rents  a  piece  of  ground,  erects  upon  it  green- 
houses, and  stocks  it  thoroughly.  The  parish  then  endeavours  to  rate 
him  fothe  poors'-rate  according  to  its  improved  value  ;  and  the  question 
has  arisen  whether  Ihis  higher  rating  is  admissible.  The  question  was 
brought  before  the  Winchester  bench  of  magistrates,  and  was  decided  by 
a  majority  that  the  higher  rating  is  not  maintainable.  They  held  tkat 
greenhouses,  unlike  other  buildings  erected  by  tenants  in  othtrtradeB, 
do  not  attach  to  the  land,  but  are  always  treated  in  law  as  st*ck  in  trade, 
which  is  clearly  not  rateable.  What  Lord  Kenyon  stated  in  Penton  v. 
Robart  (2  East  90),  is  so  strongly  in  support  of  this  view  of  the  case,  and 
is  so  illumined  by  that  enlightened  policy  which  should  influence  a  de- 
cision upon  this  question,  that  we  offer  no  excuse  for  its  quotation: — 
"  The  old  cases  U|  on  this  subject,"  said  his  lordship,  "  leaned  to  consider 
as  realty  (part  of  the  freehold)  whatever  was  annexed  to  the  freehold  by 
the  occupier  ;  but  in  modern  timcB  the  leining  has  always  been  the  other 
way,  in  favour  of  the  tenant,  in  support  of  th«  interetts  of  trade,  which 
is  become  the  pillar  of  the  state.  What  tenant  will  lav  out  his  money  in 
costly  improvements  of  the  land,  if  he  must  leave  everything  behind  him 
which  can  be  6aid  to  be  annexed  to  it  ?  Shall  it  be  said  that  the  great 
gardeners  and  nurserymen  in  the  neighbourhood  of  this  mftropolis,  who 
expend  thousands  of  pounds  in  the  erection  of  greenhouses  and  hothouses, 
&c,  are  obliged  to  leave  all  these  things  behind  them,  when  it  is  notorious 
that  tbey  are  even  permitted  to  remove  trees,  or  such  as  are  likely  to 
becorno  so,  by  the  thousand,  in  the  necessary  course  of  their  trade?  If 
it  were  otherwise,  the  very  object  of  their  holding  would  be  defeated. 
This  is  a  description  of  property  divided  from  the  realty."  Now,  if  a 
greenhouse  be  property  divided  from  the  freehold,  it  cannot,  in  the  case 
of  a  nurseryman,  be  anything  but  a  part  of  his  stock  in  trade,  which,  as 
wo  have  already  observed,  is  clearly  not  rateable-  The  bench  were  not 
unmindful  of  the  recent  decision  in  the  Queen  v.  Haslam  (Justice  of  the 
Peace,  xv.  24) ;  but  they  held,  though  not  unanimously,  that  greenhouses 
being  uniformly  treated  as  part  of  a  nurseryman's  stock  in  trade,  tha 
present  was  distinguishable  from  that  case.  Since  the  foregoing  was 
writ'en  there  has  been  a  decision  of  the  highest  court  of  appeal  in  fiJcot- 
lind,  determining  that  a  nurseryman's  greenhouses  and  hothouses  are 
removable  by  him,  being  only  part  of  his  stock  in  trade.  Now  the  poors'- 
rate  is  only  assessable  upon  the  rent  the  land  would  let  for,  supposing  all 
the  stock  in  trade  was  removed.  Such  is  our  opinion;  but  you  had 
better  consult  an  attorney,  and  have  your  case  placed  before  a  barrister. 

Poison  in  Everything  (Queen  of  Roses).— We  believe  the  saying  that 
"there  is  poison  in  everything"  refers  to  the  fact  that  everything  may  be 
eaten  in  quantities  sufficient  to  injure  health  ;  and  wheu  Carrots  are 
excepted,  it  is  because  no  one  could  eat  them  in  excess— they  do  not 
sufficiently  tempt  the  appetite.  If  reference  is  madB  to  the  chemical 
composition  of  plants,  the  saying  is  strictly  true,  for  all  plants,  Carrots 
not  excepted,  contain  either  sulphuric  acid  or  chlorine,  or  both,  each  of 
which  in  its  uncombined  state  is  a  poison.  Silphium  erythrocaulon  has 
large  yellow  flowers,  and  is  suitable  for  a  shrubbery,  growing  more  than 
3  feet  high.  Cephalaria  tatarica  is  like  a  gigantic  Scabious,  with  light 
yellow  flowers.  There  is  a  fine  collection  of  flowers  in  the  garden  you 
allude  to,  but  we  never  inquired  anything  relative  to  what  you  mention. 

Plants  for  Stove  and  Greenhouse  { Ignoramus).— Stove  Plants : 
Allamanda  grandiflora,  A.  Sohotti;  Alocasia  metalliea,  Ardisia  ciispa 
elegans,  Burchellia  enpensis,  Cissns  discolor,  Clerodendron  Balfouri, 
Cmtou  interruptum,  C.  variegatum  loogifolium,  C.  pictum  ;  Cyrtoceras 
reflex nm,  DalechampiaRoezliaua  rosea,  Dieffenbacbia  Pearcei,  D.  Weirii ; 
Diubtdeniaamabilis.  D.  crassinodamagnifica  ;  Dracaena  ferrea,  D  stricta  ; 
Eranth^mum  pulchellum,  Eucharis  amazonica.  Euphorbia  jncquiuiae- 
flora,  Franciscea  confertiflora  variegata,  F.  eximia  ;  Gardenia  citriodora, 
G.  floriila,  G.  radicans  major;  Gesnera  exoniensis,  G.  r^fulgens;  Hoya 
bella,  H.  carnosa  variegata;  Imantophyllum  miniatum,  Impatiens  Jer- 
donia?,  Ixora  acuminata,  I.  javanica  euperba,  Jasminum  gracile  varie- 
gatum, Lasiandra  macrantha,  Maranta  illnstrie,  M.  roseo-picta  ;  Medi- 
nilla  magnifica,  Poinsettia  pulcherrima,  Rogiera  gratissima,  Rondeleti* 
speciosa  major,  Sanchezia  uobilis  variegata,  Stepbanotis  floribunda,  and 
Vinca  alba.  In  the  above  selection  there  are  some  variegated  plants. 
Greenhouse  Plants:  Acacia  armata,  A  longiflora  mignifica,  A.  oleifo'ia 
elegai.s  ;  Acrophyllum  venosum,  Aphelexis  macrantha  purpurea,  Boronia 
Drummondi,  Chorozema  cordatum  splendens,  Citrus  japonica,  C.  auran- 
tium,  C.  nobilis;  Coprosma  Baueriuna  variegata,  Coronilla  glauca  varie- 
gata, Correa  Brilliant,  C.  Bpeciosa  major,  Cyclamen  persicum  vars., 
Dracaena  australis,  Eriostemon  intermedium,  Eurya  latifolia  variegata, 
Eutaxia  floribunda,  Geuetyllis  fuchsioides,  Hydrangea  japonica  variegata, 
Kolosanthes  coecinea  superba,  Lapageria  rosea,  Lilium  auratum,  Myrtus 
communis,  M.  communis  angustifolia  ;  Nerium  rubrum  plenum,  Pimelea 
decussata,  P.  Hendersoui,  Polygala  Dalmaisiana,  Rhododendron  jasmini- 
florum,  R.  Princess  Royal ;  Rhyuchospermum  jasminoides,  Statice  pro- 
fusa,  Tremandra  ericrefulia,  Vallota  purpurea,  Veronica  Andersoni  varie- 
gata. Camellias — Alba  plena,  Bealii,  Fimbriata,  La  Pace,  Madame  Lebois, 
Mathotiana,  Mrs.  Cope,  Napoleon  III.,  Rubens,  Storyi,  Valtevriredo,  and 
Wilderi.  Azaleas— Brilliant,  Chelsoni,  Criterion.  Due  de  Nassau,  Etoile 
de  Gand,  Extranei,  Gledstanesi  formoBa,  Mars,  Queen  Victoria,  Stella, 
Vesuvius,  and  Wilhelm  LeBter.    Epacrises— Hyacinthiflora,  Lady  Pan- 


mure,  Vifcountcss  Hill,  The  Bride,  Alba  ^dorata,  and  Eclipse.  Probiblv 
we  have  named  too  many,  but  when  at  the  nursery  you  can  select  those 
you  like  beBt.  For  the  greenhouse  you  will  need  Primulas,  Calceolarias, 
and  Cinerarias,  but  these  you  can  raise  from  seed.  We  have  not  named 
Gloxinias  and  Achimenes  for  the  stove.  You  will  need  some  of  each, 
and,  no  doubt,  Caladiums. 

Glazing  (S.  M.}.— If  you  make  your  grooves  deep  enough  to  give  from 
one-eighth  to  one-fourth  of  an  inch  play  for  expinsion  at  the  sides,  aDd 
with  your  incline  you  need  not  fear  dropping,  nor  cracking  if  the  glass 
is  nicely  cut. 

Mixing  Leaves  with  Farm-yard  DrNG  (J.  T.  S.).-One  ton  of  farm- 
yard dung  mixed  with  an  equil  quantity  of  fresh  leaves,  if  laid  up  until 
spring,  and  turned  over  twico  or  tbr  ce,  would  make  a  good  dressing  for 
.-tr  aw  berries,  and  may  be  dug  in  now  for  crops  of  the  Cabbage  tribe.  Of 
their  value  separately,  there  is  no  question  that  one  ton  of  the  farmyard 
manure  is  worth  two  of  the  leaves  Throw  them  up  in  a  heap,  sprinkling 
them  with  water  if  at  all  dry,  and  turn  them  over  again  in  about  ten 
days,  watering  well.  They  will  need  another  turning  in  about  threo 
weeks,  and  in  about  three  moro  they  will  be  fit  to  put  on  the  land.  If 
you  want  the  manure  short,  fully  threo  months  are  required. 

Lawn  Patchy  (A  Constant  Reader).—  Your  best  plan  would  now  be  to 
fill  up  to  the  level  the  holes  scratched  by  the  poultry,  aud  let  the  lawu 
alone  until  the  beginning  of  April ;  then  rakd  it  over,  making  sure  that 
the  Burfsce  is  quit*  even,  and  snw  some  grass  Beeds  over  the  bare  places. 
If  the  weather  is  dry  roll  well,  bv  ►.  if  wet  leave  it,  for  if  you  roll  whilst 
the  lawn  is  wet  the  gmss  seeds  would  probably  adhero  to  the  roller,  and 
s»  be  moved  from  the  bare  places.  If  the  whole  lawn  is  thiu  of  grass,  in 
addition  to  sowing  thickly  over  the  bare  places  scatter  a  few  seeds  over 
the  rest,  say  from  12  lbs.  to  20  lbs.  per  acre,  along  with  8  lbs.  of  Trifolium 
minus. 

Heating  with  Hot  Water  (J.  Everairts).~'We  think  you  make  a  mis- 
take in  dividing  the  yards  by  20  instead  of  the  cubic  feet  of  the  building, 
for  then  you  will  find  that  nearly  three  times  tho  quantity  of  piping  will 
be  required.  We  can  vouch  for  the  rule  being  nearly  correct  as  respects 
glasB  houses  ;  but  the  less  the  cubic  amount  of  air  contained  the  more 
piping  in  proportion  should  be  used.  The  large  conservatory  at  Chats- 
worth  is  heated  by  dividing  the  cubic  feet  of  air  by  30,  and  allowing 
1  foot  of  4-inch  pipe  for  every  8)  cubic  feet  of  air.  For  a  lower  house, 
dividing  by  20  would  be  safer;  SO  should  be  the  divisor  for  lean-to 
houses  where  a  medium  of  from  55°  to  60°  is  required.  When  higher 
temperatures  are  wanted  the  divisor  should  be  29,  and  down  to  18  and 
lower.  Low  span  roofs  would  at  least  require  one-third  more  piping. 
The  rule  is  given  for  feet,  not  yards  nor  inches. 

Plants  in  a  Room  (J.  T.  W.).— The  Ferns  will  do  tolerably  well,  and 
also  the  ornamental-foliaged  plants  ;  but  only  near  the  windows  will 
either  long  remain  healthy. 

Planting  Red  Currants  (/.  F.  C.).— We  neither  approve  of  Black, 
Red,  nor  White  Currants  being  planted  deeply  so  that  their  branches  are 
layered,  so  to  speak,  in  the  gronnd.  Larger  fruit  may  be  in  some  cases 
produced,  but  it  is  from  the  new  wood  that  is  sent  up  from  the  base,  and 
these  suckers  soon  become  troublesome.  We  like  every  bush  to  have  a 
clear  stem,  no  suckers  below  the  seiting-on  of  the  branches,  and  we  in- 
variably have  fine  fruit.  We  have  no  doubt  that  in  light  soils  the  plant- 
ing so  &9  to  cover  the  lower  parts  of  the  branches  is  good,  but  they  soon 
become  little  beyond  suckers— stools,  in  fact. 

Heliotropes  (Idem). — There  are  no  better  dark  Heliotropes  for  bed" 
ding  purposes  than  the  two  you  name.  Monsieur  Hamaitre  is  a  fine 
large  purple,  fine  for  winter  flowering,  and  Surprise  is  a  very  fine  dark 
sort.    H.  Voltaireauum  we  suppose  you  have.    It  is  a  fine  dark  sort. 

Names  of  Fbrns  (Idem\ — No.  1  is  Nephrolepis  davallioides.  Theaeria 
roots  extending  over  the  pot  are  not  a  sign  of  its  requiring  potting,  though 
when  they  are  very  abundant  the  plant  must  be  growing  freely,  and  would 
profit  by  a  shift.  We  have  had  plants  12  feet  across,  and  fronds  over 
6  feet  in  length.  It  was  in  an  18-inch  pot,  standing  on  sandstone  rock, 
over  which  the  aerial  roots  extended  in  all  directions.  Under  good  cul- 
tivation it  makes  a  very  handsome  specimen.  Tot  it  in  rough  brown 
peat,  with  plenty  of  sand  and  good  drainage,  and  water  freely.  No.  2, 
Gymnogramma  tartarea. 

Names  op  Fruit  {William  Kemp).— Pear.— 2,  Beurre  d'Aremberg 
Apples. — 1,  Wormsley  Pippin;  2.  Braddick's  Nonpareil ;  4,  Dumelow's 
Seedling;  5,  Winter  Hawtbornden  ;  7,  Autumn  Peavmain  ;  8,  Wyken 
Pippin;  13,  Norfolk  Colman ;  14,  Court-pendu-plat;  15,  Kerry  Pippin. 
(Bartholomew  Gidley). — A,  not  known;  R,  Beurre  Bachelier;  c,  Eldon 
Pippin;  d,  Beurre  Six;  k,  Beurre  Scheidweiller ;  F,  Vicar  of  Wiukfield  ; 
g.  Beurre  Diel.  {E.  W.  Russell).— Passe  Colmar.  (Col.  Harcourt).—Glan 
Mori^eau. 

Names  of  Plants  (J.  Whittakcr).— Your  Orchid  cannot  be  named  unless 
we  see  one  of  its  flowers. 


POTJLT&Y,   BEE,    AND   PIGEON    CHRONICLE. 


AWARDS— TRIMMING. 

I  reoeet  much  that  ill  health  prevented  my  replying  to  Mr. 
Hewitt's  last,  letter  the  week  after  its  appearance  iu  these 
columns;  and  since  then  both  myself  and  the  Journal  have 
been  bo  mnch  occupied  with  more  pressing  matters  that  I 
hive  not  till  now  been  able  to  do  so. 

What  strikes  me  most  throughout  Mr.  Hewitt's  letter,  per- 
haps, is  the  singular  want  of  a  looking  at  any  of  the  questions 
spoken  of  in  their  real  or  general  aspect,  but  instead  thereof 
denting  with  them  as  if  they  were  entirely  personal  between 
him  and  myself — as  if  I  individually  were  simply  endeavouring 
to  force  more  work  upon  him  individually,  which  he  in  self- 
defence  was  bound  to  resist.  Such  was  not  my  intention.  I 
did  not  even  wish  or  expect  to  extort  from  him  a  second  reply 


December  22,  1870.  1 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


499 


at  all,  as  I  can  well  imagine  his  extensive  correspondence.  I 
cannot  accept  his  proposal  to  take  his  place  and  judge  a  show 
of  five  hundred  pens,  for  reasons  of  which  the  following  must 
Bnffioe  : — 1,  It  is  one  of  ray  peculiar  opinions  that  no  one 
possibly  can  judge  five  hundred  pens  as  they  ought  to  he  judged. 
2,  Th.ru  are  breeds  which  I  do  not,  and  never  pretended  to, 
understand  ;  and  there  are  many  who  might,  perhaps  (I  do  not 
say  they  would),  accept  my  judgment  in  regard  to  Brahmas, 
Cochins,  and  some  other  breeds,  who  would  feel  justly  aggiieved 
were  I  called  upon  to  pronounce  upon  their  Hamburghs  or 
Game  fowls.  3,  While  Mr.  Hewitt's  time  is  bis  own,  mine  is 
not,  and  it  is  only  on  rare  occasions  that  even  my  health  would 
allow  of  my  performing  such  an  office.  Mr.  Hewitt  cannot 
have  known  these  things,  or  his  appeal  would  bear  an  unworthy 
aspect  of  which  I  know  bim  to  be  incapable;  but  he  ought, 
perhaps,  to  havo  sought  a  little  information  on  them  before 
making  it. 

I  can  assure  him  the  difficulties  of  a  judge  are  no  mere  myths 
to  me  :  I  should  get  no  new  light  on  that  subject,  and  all  the 
rest  would  rem-.iu  where  it  was.  Whether  a  certain  point 
raised  by  me  is  desirable  or  not  to  be  adopted,  is  one  general 
quest  inn  which  should  be  argued  solely  on  its  own  merits. 
Whether,  if  adopted,  it  would  further  tax  the  judges;  and  if 
so,  how  overtaxing  them  can  he  avoided — that  is  another  ques- 
lion.  The  one  is  certainly  related  to  the  other — that  I  admit ; 
but  it  does  not  settle  it ;  for  the  same  argument  would  have 
prevented  the  dividing  the  sexes  at  Birmingham,  the  giving  of 
four  prizes  (which  Mr.  Hewitt  himself  recommends)  much  less 
six,  and  many  othor  desirable  reforms  which  all  demanded 
more  time,  but  have  been  adopted  nevertheless.  How  the 
increased  labour  may  be  lightened  is  a  point  on  which  I  hope 
to  say  more  at  a  future  time. 

Having  thus  disposed  at  once  of  his  appeal  t>  me,  and  of  the 
time  objection,  only  one  argument  is  left.  He  fays,  if  I  "  only 
want  a  close  idea  of  the  state  of  the  competition,"  this  is  "  fall  v 
met  by  a  glanco  at  the  number  of  pens  highly  oomoaended." 
That  is  verily  all  I  oil  want,  or  had  in  view;  but  fait  assertion 
a  simple  reference  to  a  file  of  this  Journal  v,ill  show  to  be  in- 
correct. I  have  repeatedly  recDArjced  reports  of  shows  (sent  by 
the  judges  themselves)  stating  that  classes  were  of  unusual  or 
even  "  extraordinary  "  meiit  throughout,  yet  with  only  ono  or 
two  commendation-? ;  while,  on  the  other  hand,  instances  occur 
where  the  distinctions  are  thick,  yet  the  class  is  pronounced 
poor  !  The  reason  seems  to  me  to  be,  that  merely  "  highly 
commended  "  is  too  indefinite,  and  may  mean  almost  anything; 
hence — and  for  no  other  reasons — I  proposed  some  higher 
award  to  have  some  definite  value.  The  diploma  I  mentioned 
in  my  second  letter  was  not  meant  as  a  "new"  proposal,  and 
Mr.  Hewitt  should  not  have  so  stated  it.  In  fact,  the  name  is 
of  little  moment ;  and  to  show  that  nearly  everyone  but  Mr. 
Hewitt  seems  to  have  understood  me,  and  that  my  suggestion 
did  receive  sotne  little  "  favour  at  the  hands  of  committees," 
I  received  almost  by  next  post  several  letters  of  high  approval, 
two  of  them  from  secretaries  of  shows,  one  of  whom  suggested 
medals  as  better  still.  S  nee  then  I  have  had  a  schedule  sent 
me,  in  which  the  last  prize  is  an  embossed  e.ird.  I  want  i  ome- 
thing  higher  and  more  definite  than  mare  "highly  commended," 
that  is  all.  What  it  is,  so  it  fulfil  these  conditions,  I  care 
little  ;  and  why,  r:f:er  I  had  for  the  piesent  given  up  the  point 
of  order  of  ru^-iit  expressly  on  account  of  his  protest,  Mr. 
Hewitt  shonld  apparently  fasten  on  this  very  acquiescence  as  a 
fault  on  my  part,  and  accuse  me  of  changing  my  "  ground,"  I 
cannot  quite  understand.  I  can  only  say,  now  that  several 
weeks  have  passed,  many  letters  of  approval  I  have  received 
confirm  ray  opinion  that  some  intermediate  award — whatever 
it  be  called — is  grta'ly  needed,  and  already  the  prize  lists  in 
the  Journal  show  that  one  judge  (at  Newpor')  has  adopted  it. 

On  the  trimming  matter  my  remarks  will  be  very  brief.  I 
have  been  shown,  years  ago,  Bantam  tail3  put  in  as  cleverly  as 
any  seen  now,  but  they  were  not  fonnd  out.  Men  were  quite 
as  clever  then  as  now,  but  only  the  ruder  cases  seem  to  have 
been  detected.  I  must  add,  however,  that  much  of  what  I 
wroto  on  trimming  was  directed  more  against  shameless 
plucking — whether  of  hooka,  hackles,  body  feathers,  or  tails — 
which  judges  can  de  ect  and  punish  if  they  choose,  than 
against  the  rarer  cases  of  deeper  art.  C*ses  almost  impossible 
of  detection,  it  is  no  discredit  to  the  judges  seldom  to  detect; 
but  since  Mr.  Hewitt  so  personally  challenges  me  aud  my 
opinions,  I  say  deliberately  and  emphatically,  that  in  my 
opinion  the  judges  should  not  have  given  prizes  to  birds  like 
many  of  the  Cochin  cocks  at  Birmingham,  with  the  whole  of 
the  tails  notoriously  and  shamelessly  torn  away.     There  was 


no  concealment  there.  This,  therefore,  is  a  barefaced  fraud, 
for  the  toleration  of  which  there  is  no  excuse;  and  when  I 
hinted  at  certain  "  results  "  of  my  labour,  I  had  chiefly  in 
mind  the  notorious  fact  that  plucked  hocks  used  also  to  win 
prizes  with  impunity,  but  very  rarely  do  so  now.  I  am  confident 
I  shall  see  the  time  yet  when  plucked  tails  will  share  the  same 
fate.  I  was  very  glad  to  see  Mr.  Hewitt  this  season  join  in 
giving  prizes  to  decidedly  hooked  birds  of  merit  when  honestly 
shown  ;  and  he  must  allow  me  to  believe  that  this  and  other 
objects  I  have  at  heart  are  more  likely  to  be  realised  by  my 
working  in  my  own  way  than  iu  that  ho  suggests  for  me. 

I  quite  admit  the  want  of  time  to  detoot  many  of  the  "  finer 
branches"  of  trimming.  My  original  proposal  was,  therefore, 
that  any  such  discoveries  Kfter  judging  should  still  disqualify. 
1  yet  believe  this  to  be  the  only  remedy. 

I  have  only  to  6ay  iu  conclusion,  that  regarding  the  "  pro- 
testor" who  was  disqualified,  I  did  not  say  it  was  an  injustice 
to  "refer  to  such  an  enormity."  The  injustice  I  feared  had 
been  done,  was  in  a  mistake  as  to  the  fact,  not  in  refening  to 
the  matter.  In  asking  for  the  names,  I  had  no  thought  of  re- 
questing their  publication,  but  only  that  they  might  be  given 
me;  but  on  reading  over  my  own  letter,  I  am  bound  to  admit 
that  the  language  of  the  request  will  fairly  bear  the  construction 
Mr.  Hewitt  put  upon  it,  and  I  cannot,  therefore,  complain. 

The  remaining  portion  of  his  letter,  on  buying  prize  pens, 
relates  to  a  question  not  raised  by  me,  and  with  which  I  have 
nothing  to  do.  I  hope  shortly,  however,  to  say  a  few  words 
upon  difficulties  and  mistakes  in  judging,  and  their  remedies. 
Ou  these  matters  I  trust  Mr.  Hewitt  and  mjself  may  find  more 
agreement,  and  I  quite  coincide  with  him  in  the  opinion,  that 
on  behalf  of  the  judges  also,  whoso  kindly  give  their  aid  to  the 
fancy,  mostly  without  charge,  and  too  often  without  even 
thanks,  much,  very  much,  indeed,  needs  alteration  for  the 
better  in  the  arrangement  of  our  shows. — L.  Wright. 


OILING  THE  PLUMAGE  OF  EXHIBITED  BIRDS. 

Will  people  be  never  content  to  exhibit  their  birds  fairly 
without  iu  some  way  or  other  tampering  with  their  plumage  ? 
Iu  nine  cases  out  of  ten  the  dishonesty  is  at  once  detected,  but 
BUp|  '-iug  itto  beoverlooked,  and  a  prize  gained,  what  a  paltry 
recompense  when  honour  is  endangered !  One  of  the  latest 
"  tips  "  in  plumage-doctoring  is  to  oil  birds'  hackles  with  intent 
to  make  them  appear  darker  than  they  actually  are.  The  case 
in  point  occurred  not  long  ago  at  one  of  our  leading  shows.  A 
pair  of  Brahma  pullets  were  noticeable  for  their  dark  hackles, 
so  much  so  that  one  of  the  judges  on  meeting  the  owner  asked 
what  had  been  done  to  them.  The  reply  was  that  they  had 
been  oiled.  Now,  I  will  not  mention  our  friend's  name,  as  I 
fear  I  should  damage  his  reputation  by  so  doing,  and  I  merely 
wish  to  give  him  a  timely  warning,  which  I  hope  he  will  take  in 
good  part,  to  avoid  such  trickery  for  the  future.  If  "  Nemo  " 
had  the  handling  of  him  I  could  not  bo  answerable  for  the 
consequences. — Nemesis. 

WHITE   BANTAM   CLASS  AT  MANCHESTER 
SHOW. 

Having  no  more  subscriptions  to  record,  I  beg  to  say  that  the 
prizes  in  the  above  class  will  be— 1st,  £2  ;  2nd,  £1 ;  3rd,  10s. 
Subscribers'  names  have  already  appeared  in  this  Journal. 
This  sum  is  the  amount  of  subscriptions  received. — Sahl.  J. 
Ashtox. 


RAILWAY  NEGLECTS. 
I  had  been  anxiously  looking  forward  for  the  last  three 
months  to  the  Crystal  Palace  Poultry  Show,  and  at  the  proper 
time  I  sent  ten  entries  for  Dragoons,  for  which  I  paid  £2  15s. 
The  birds  left  here  (Birkenhead),  by  the  11.40  train  on  the 
M  mday  morning  previous  to  the  Show,  and  should  have  been 
delivered  the  same  evening.  Almost  every  bird  I  sent  had 
won  prizes  at  some  of  the  principal  shows,  and  I  consequently 
believed  my  chance  to  be  second  to  none  for  at  least  one  o 
the  cups;  judge  of  my  surprise  on  receiving  a  list  of  awards, 
not  to  find  my  name  even  among  the  commendeds.  On  Thurs- 
day I  accidentally  heard  my  birds  did  not  arrive  until  too  late 
for  the  judging,  which  took  place  late  on  Tuesday  ;  in  fact, 
they  did  not  anive  until  Wednesday.  1  do  think  the  Secre- 
tary of  the  Show  is  to  blame  in  not  writing  me  when  he  found 
they  had  not  arrived,  even  on  the  Tuesday,  so  as  to  allow  me 
to  make  some  inquiries  as  to  their  whereabouts.     1  suppose  if 


500 


JOUKNAL   OF   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  December  22,  1870. 


tbey  had  never  readied  their  destination  I  should  have  been 
left  in  ignorance.  I  have  good  proof  that  if  they  had  been 
there  in  time  I  should  have  won  one  if  not  both  of  the  cups 
offered  for  Dragoons.  Have  any  of  your  readers  been  in  the 
game  fix,  and  did  they  obtain  any  redress  from  the  railway 
company  ?  I  Bhall  be  very  glad  of  any  experience  on  the 
subject,  as  I  intend  sueing  the  railway  company  for  my  loss. — 
Frank  Giuham. 

CRYSTAL   PALACE   POULTRY   SHOW. 

The  birds  were  carefully  tended,  but  I  must  express  my  own 
opinion — not  a  solitary  opinion— I  am  very  certain  that  pens 
with  wire  backs  and  fronts  are  an  abomination.  It  was  almost 
impossible  to  make  any  bird  face  you,  and  thus,  judging  must 
have  been  more  difficult ;  or  if  the  birds  did  face,  they  backed 
against  the  wires  to  the  great  damage  of  their  tails.  Most  of 
the  pens,  however,  had  another  serious  fault ;  for  the  large 
breeds  they  were  neither  high  enough  nor  large  enough. 
Many  a  Dorking  cock  looked  as  if  he  had  a  wry  tail,  simply  be- 
cause he  had  no  room  to  carry  it  properly.  So,  again,  one  or 
two  of  the  Malay  cockerels  did  not  show  themselves  off  from 
want  of  height  in  the  pan.  I  believe  the  pens  used  were  those 
of  Mr.  Billett,  and  have  been  lauded  in  "our  Journal,"  but  for 
many  breeds  they  are  decidedly  too  small.  I  heard  much 
grumbling,  and  some  talk  of  a  protest  being  set  on  foot ;  how- 
ever, I  trust  that  there  will  be  no  occasion  for  Buch  a  course. 

My  chief  object  in  noticing  the  Exhibition  is  to  give  a  little 
analysis  of  the  entries,  wliich  may  prove  useful  to  schedule- 
framers  and  committees.  I  have  often  before  in  our  pages 
urged  the  desirability  of  making  classes  for  all  breeds  at  all 
established  shows;  they  may  not  always  fill,  but  they  always 
add  an  attraction  to  visitors,  and  make  a  variety. 

In  the  following  table  I  have  endeavoured  to  show  the  number 
of  entries  in  each  class,  the  amount  of  prize  money  offered, 
adding  to  each  class  a  share  of  the  tilver  cup  offered  between 
them,  and  in  the  last  eolumn  the  amount  that  the  entries  pro- 
duced, I  put  them  in  two  divisions,  in  the  order  of  the  cata- 
logue, the  tii'st  division  being  those  that  repaid  the  exchequer 
by  entries,  the  second  those  that  failed  to  do  so. 
FIRST  DIVISION. 


Entries. 


Colonred  Dorking 

Dark  Braluna  

Light  Brahma 

Houdans    

Other  French  varieties 

Golil-spangled  Hamburgh  . 
Gold-pencilled  Hnmburga  . 
Silver- spangled  Hamburgh. 

Black  Red  Game 

Golden  Polands 

Silver  Polands 


74 
75 
90 
39 
29 
20 
21 
22 
47 
15 
12 


Prizes  offered 

£   s.  d. 

16  in    0 

17    5    0 

21  15    0 

10    5    0 

8    0    0 

6     11] 

6     1     0 

6    10 

la  15    0 

3  10    0 

8  10     0 

Amount  entries 

produced. 

£    s. 

d. 

27  15 

0 

28    2 

6 

S3  15 

0 

14    2 

6 

10  17 

6 

7  10 

0 

7  17 

6 

8    5 

0 

17  12 

6 

5  12 

6 

4  10 

0 

SECOND  DIVISION. 


40 
14 
27 
2-t 
15 
70 
14 
15 
19 
25 
6 
9 

15  11    0 

6  1)0 

16  15    0 
16  15    0 

6  .5    u 
83  12    n 
6     10 
6    10 
10  15    0 
10  15     0 
3  in    O 
3  10    0 

15    n     0 
5    6    0 

S.  Bull' Cochin 

10    2    6 

10  10    0 

5.  White  Cochin  

5  12    6 

26    5    0 

7.  Silver-pencilled  tlambnrgh. . 

8.  Black  Hamburgh    

5     5    0 
5  12    6 

7    2    6 

9     7    6 

11.  White-crested  Black  Polands 

12.  Malay 

2  5     0 

3  7    6 

Now,  can  we  gather  anything  for  future  arrangements  from 
the  experience  of  the  great  London  show  ?  Clearly  the  first 
division  deserve  every  encouragement,  not  because  they  are 
more  useful,  not  because  they  are  more  beautiful,  not  because 
they  are  the  hardiest,  but  in  the  eyes  of  Committees,  simply 
because  they  return  their  prize  money.  Is  this  the  end,  the 
one  object  of  our  poultry  exhibitions,  many  of  which  are  said 
to  be  formed  for  the  encouragement  of  the  breeding  and  im- 
provement of  domestic  poultry  ?  Or  rather  should  not  the 
prize  money  be  so  meted  out  as  to  encourage  as  much  as  pos- 
sible all  the  established  breeds,  that  either  for  hardiness, 
beauty,  use,  or  special  peculiarity,  have  more  or  less  their 
admirers  ?     I  submit  the  latter  is  the  right  eouree. 

The  eccentricities  of  entries  are  marvellous.  Why  Buff 
Cochins  should  turn  out  in  such  miserable  numbers  at  the 
Crystal  Palace,  nobody  knows  or  will  know.  Why  Brown  Red 
Game  should  be  eclipsed  in  numbers  by  the  Duckwing  tribe  is 


another  mystery.  Why  Golden  Polands,  that  a  year  or  two 
ago  appeared  "  polled  out,"  should  come  with  a  rush  and  dis- 
tance the  Silvers,  is  inexplicable.  All  this  only  proves  that  in 
the  outset  of  framing  a  sohedule  no  Committee,  however 
shrewd,  can  declare  which  breed  v. ill  enter  best. 

We  have  two  other  really  grand  shows  coming  off;  we  have 
Bristol  and  Clifton,  with  no  Malay  class,  and  Polands  all  lumped 
together.  This,  I  contend,  at  such  a  show  is  most  unfair,  and 
I  trust  it  will  be  the  last  time  such  a  course  will  be  pursued. 
Manchester  is  as  bad  in  this  respect,  and  is  very  peculiar  in 
one  or  two  other  points.  What  has  happened  to  the  prizes  for 
Hamburghs?  the  division  is  most  strange.  No  Malay  class, 
and  Polands  all  lumped  together !  I  am  far  from  desiring  that 
every  little  exhibition  should  sub-divide  its  classes  to  a  great 
extent,  but  I  do  contend  that  at  grand  shows,  where  a  large 
collection  of  poultry  may  be  expected,  the  breeds  I  have 
mentioned  should  be  offered  a  separate  class.  The  experience 
of  the  great  London  show  abundantly  proves  that  they  will  enter 
fairly. 

One  word  more.  I  venture  to  say  that  for  the  shows  them- 
selves the  division  of  sexes  is  a  mistake,  at  any  rate  for  the 
less  popular  classes,  and  that  for  practical  purposes  the  cock 
and  one  hen  will  avoid  the  difficulties  of  matching,  and  give  a 
greater  probability  of  entries,  while  causirjg  a  far  smaller  drain 
on  the  exchequer. — Y.  B.  A.  Z. 


THE  USE  OF  STICKS  AND  UMBRELLAS  AT 
POULTRY  SHOWS. 
At  the  late  Birmingham  Show  I  exhibited  four  pens  of  birds, 
and  although  they  were  not  considered  worthy  of  a  place  in  the 
prize  list,  they  were  of  sufficient  merit  to  have  taken  prizes  at 
several  shows.  On  Monday,  November  28th,  I  saw  them  and 
they  were  all  right ;  on  Wednesday  I  again  vit-ited  the  Show, 
and  was  informed  by  a  friend  that  one  of  my  pullets  could  not 
stand,  and  that  my  man  had  unsuccessfully  endeavoured  to- 
raise  it.  I  immediately  drew  the  attention  of  the  attendants 
to  it,  who  did  all  they  could,  allowing  me  to  send  it  home, 
where  it  now  is  much  in  the  same  condition.  I  have  little 
doubt  as  to  the  cause,  which  would  suggest  itself  to  anyone 
who  saw,  as  I  did,  persons  poking  aud  stiriing-up  birds  with  a 
stick  with  iron  on  the  end.  I  believe,  in  the  case  of  my  bird, 
a  probe  on  the  hip-joint  is  the  cause  of  the  lameness.  I  am 
not  alone,  for  one  of  our  largest  exhibitors  and  most  frequent 
prizetakers,  has  now  a  bird — a  cock,  with  his  nomb  injured 
by  a  stab,  whether  wilfully  done  or  otherwise,  I  cannot  say. 
At  neirly  all  exhibitions  the  public  are  prohibited  taking 
sticks,  umbrellas,  &c,  why  not  at  poultry  shows?  I  contend 
that  the  valne  and  comfort  of  the  birds  ought  to  be  taken  into- 
consideration,  rather  than  the  gratification  of  spectators,  many 
of  whom  may  ignorantly  injure  a  bird,  while  others  with  a 
better  knowledge,  but  a  worse  spirit,  may  take  the  opportunity 
of  removing  from  the  field  of  exhibition  a  bird  which  ha3  been, 
and  would  be,  a  successful  competitor. — J.  H. 


WEST  OF  ENGLAND  POULTRY  SHOW. 

(From  a  Correspondent.) 

This  Show,  held  at  Plymouth  on  the  13th,  14th,  and  15th  inat., 
exceeded  by  far  any  of  its  predecessors  both  in  numbers  and  quality* 
and  it  may  be  perhaps  considered  the  best  exhibition  seen  so  far  west 
for  many  years. 

Game,  Black-breasted  and  other  lieds. — First-prize  a  cock  of  beau- 
tiful colour,  hen  not  so  good  ;  second-prize  cock  hardly  large  enough,- 
but  otherwise  a  most  perfect  bird — indeed,  the  Judge  considered  these 
pens  equal  to  anything  shown  at  Birmingham.  A  very  fair  pen  of 
Brown  Beds  was  shown  in  this  class  by  mistake,  otherwise  it  would 
have  been  third.     The  remaining  birds  were  fair  average  specimens. 

In  the  Any  other  Variety  class  the  first  three  pens  were  of  good  colour, 
and  shown  iu  perfect  condition  ;  the  rest  were  not  so  creditable.  The 
first-prize  birds  were  certainly  cut  of  condition. 

Of  Single  Codes  the  first-prize  was  a  clean,  tight,  handsome  bird, 
shown  marvellously  well.  Pen  52,  shown  by  the  same  exhibitor,  would 
have  stood  higher  had  he  not  been  too  much  spoiled  by  lighting. 

In  Jndmn  Game  the  first  and  second-prize  pens  were  creditable, 
although  the  whole  class  exhibited  strong  traces  of  the  Malay. 

Dokkings. — This  class  was  first-rate  throughout.  The  first-prize 
winners  were  good  in  frame  and  feet ;  the  second  not  so  good  as  regards- 
the  cock  ;  the  third  hardly  so  good  as  pen  94  (very  highly  commended). 
The  cock's  comb  had  an  excrescence  on  either  side.  All  the  noticed 
pens  were  bad  in  the  feet. 

Cochins. — Bujfs. — In  this  class  the  birds  were  badly  matched 
throughout,  and  in  all  cases  the  cocks  were  iuferior  to  the  hens,  which 


December  22,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF   HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


501 


were  as  much  superior  as  the  former  were  weedy.  The  first-prize  pen 
contained  a  grand  ben  of  capital  colour ;  the  cockerel  mated  with  her 
was  perfect  in  this  respect,  but  far  too  small.  The  second-prize  birds 
were  out  of  place  and  not  so  good  as  the  third,  which  were  large  and 
heavily  feathered,  but  more  mealy  in  colour. 

Partridge. — A  very  good  class.  The  first,  second,  and  crip  birds 
were  remarkably  good.  First  a  good  bird,  well-shaped,  good  iu  colour 
and  feather  ;  hen  first-class.  The  second-prize  cock  was  of  fine  shape 
and  superior  to  the  first-prize  one,  but  mated  with  a  weedy  pullet  not 
at  all  worthy  of  a  place  in  the  prize  list.  Third-prize  birds  larye  iu 
frame,  but  slightly  red  in  the  thigh  and  badly  shaped  in  the  back. 
Pen  121,  winner  of  last  year's  cup,  displayed  too  much  white  in  the 
tail  to  place  him  again  in  tho  prize  list.  The  cocks  were  superior  to 
the  hens  throughout  the  class. 

White. — A  remarkable  class  and  badly  judged.  Excepting  a  pen  of 
very  filthy  chickens  tho  whole  of  the  birds  were  of  excellent  quality. 
First,  a  very  white  cook  of  very  fair  shape,  but  too  large  in  comb  and 
too  full  in  tail ;  the  hen,  although  good,  was  far  iuferior — indeed,  the 
pair  weighed  fully  G  lbs.  less  than  three  or  four  other  pens.  Second, 
a  somewhat  similar  pen  to  the  first,  clean  and  white,  but  neither  so 
large  in  frame  nor  the  cock  so  well  feathered.  The  third-prize  pen 
contained  a  grand  hen,  white  as  snow  and  nearly  perfect  ;  cock  a  very 
fair  bird.  Pen  127  (highly  commended!,  contained  a  superb  hen, 
large,  clean,  and  well-feathered,  but  mated  to  an  inferior  cock.  Either 
of  these  pens  was  snperior  to  the  wlaniug  birds,  as  also  was  an  uuno 
ticed  pen,  132,  containing  by  far  the  grandest-shaped  cock  in  tho  class, 
with  a  perfect  comb,  tail,  and  hock;  the  hen  with  him  was  also 
a  high-class  bird.  It  was  very  noticeable  in  this  class,  also  in 
Light  Brahmas,  that  every  pen  was  passed  over  by  the  Judge  where 
the  plumage  was  at  all  soiled,  entirely  disregarding  the  merits  of  the 
birds;  although  some  were  "ditty"  throughout  the  two  clashes,  and 
in  spite  of  the  awards,  we  have  yet  to  learn  that  a  pen  to  win  must  be 
so  miraculously  clean. 

Bkaiim as. — Light.— A.  really  capital  class,  and  the  best  ever  seen  in 
Plymouth.  The  cup  pen  was  most  decidedly  a  mistake,  the  pullet 
being  small  and  unworthy  of  her  position.  The  cockerel  was,  however, 
a  good  bird,  grand  in  carriage  and  colour,  but  too  arched  in  the  neck, 
well  pencilled,  and  certainly  small.  Second  a  heavy  bird,  poor  in  tail 
and  pencilling,  with  only  a  moderate  hen.  The  third-prize  pen  con- 
tained the  best  ben  in  the  class,  large,  heavily  feathered,  and  prettily 
pencilled.  The  cock  was,  however,  far  too  poor;  indeed,  there  were 
two  or  three  pens  decidedly  snperior  in  points  to  tho«e  which  had  the 
second  and  third  prizes.  An  unnoticed  pen  (No.  139),  brother  and 
sister  of  the  cup-winners,  if  judged  by  points  alone,  should  have  stood 
first,  both  being  larger  birds  ;  the  cockerel,  perhaps,  not  so  Rood  in 
carriage,  but  equal  in  every  other  respect.  These  cockerels  far  sur- 
passed everything  else  in  the  class,  and  will  be  heard  of  again,  almost 
equalling  any  other  birds  of  the  year. 

Dark. — Thirty  pens  competed  in  this  class.  The  first-prize  pen  was 
well  judged,  both  birds  good  in  culonr,  grand  in  shape  and  size,  and 
were  soou  claimed  at  £6.  The  second-prize  pen  was  also  good,  hot  by 
no  means  equal  to  the  winners  iu  colour  or  Bize.  Vulture-hocked 
birds  were  numerous,  including  the  third-prize  cock,  which  we  think 
a  mistake;  Mr.  Beachy's  commended  pen,  also  No.  164  (highly  com- 
mended), being  preferable. 

Polands. — This  was  a  very  poor  class  both  in  number  and  quality. 
Mr.  Pickles  was  first  with  a  pen  of  Silvers,  much  overshown  and 
scarcely  able  to  stand  in  the  pen.  Second,  fair  Golden  :  third,  White- 
crested,  and  the  most  deserving  pen  in  the  class.  With  the  exception 
of  an  unnoticed  pen  of  Silvers,  the  remainder  were  poor. 

Spanish. — A  poor  class  throughout.  With  the  exception  of  the 
first-prize  cock  there  was  not  a  first-class  bird  ;  he,  however,  was  really 
a  high-class  bird,  and,  matched  with  a  better  hen,  would  have  taken 
the  Society's  cnp.  Second  and  third  only  fair  pens,  but  they  will  show 
better  before  long. 

H.uiburghs. —  Golden-pencilled. — Mr.  Barter  was  first  and  second 
with  first-rate  pens,  good  in  comb,  tail,  and  earlobe,  and  of  capital 
colour ;  in  fact  it  was  difficult  to  choose  between  them.  Mr.  Pickles 
was  third  with  a  moderate  pen  much  overshown.  The  remainder  were 
nowhere,  the  combs  being  particularly  noticeable  from  their  inordinate 
size.     This  was  a  large  class. 

Stiver-pencilled — Mr.  Pickles  was  first  with  a  fine  pen  perfect  in 
all  points.  The  second-prize  pen  was  only  iuferior  in  colonr,  running 
the  winners  very  closely  ;  the  third  was  also  a  good  pen.  The  others 
were  decidedly  poor. 

Golden-spangled. — The  winning  pens  were  such  as  are  seldom  seen 
in  the  West.  The  first  were  simply  perfect ;  the  second  and  third 
little  inferior.  The  remaining  pens  were  all  poor,  the  majority  bbing 
much  overgrown  in  the  comb. 

Silver-spangled. — This  was  a  wonderful  class,  both  in  numbers  and 
quality,  and  nothing  like  it  has  ever  been  seen  west  of  Bristol.  Mr. 
Barter's  first-prize  pen  took  both  the  Hamburgh  and  Society's  cups. 
Thoy  were  almost  perfect.  The  second-prize  pen  was  first-rate,  but 
the  hen's  comb  was  slightly  hollow,  and  she  was  a  little  too  heavily 
spangled.  The  third  and  all  the  noticed  pens  decidedly  good.  Mr. 
Pickles's  pen  would  certainly  have  been  in  the  prize  list  but  for  the 
white  face  of  the  hen. 

Bantams. —  Game. — This  was  a  large  and  good  class.  The  first- 
prize  cock  was  a  little  beauty,  but  slightly  striped  in  the  hackle,  and 
the  pullet  too  mealy  on  the  wiDg,  otherwise  the  birds  were  firBt-rate. 


The  second-prize  birds  were  a  very  fair  pen,  but  larger  than  the  first. 
Third,  Duckwings.  good  in  colonr,  and  thoroughly  Game.  By  far  the 
bi  s'  pen  in  the  class.  No.  285,  was  unnoticed,  the  pullet  showing 
stumps  of  feathers  down  the  legs ;  the  cockerel  was  almost  matchless, 
and  such  as  is  very  rarely  met  with  ;  in  every  other  respect  tho  pullet 
was  fully  Ins  equal.     This  cockerel  will,  doubtless,  be  heard  of  again. 

Any  other  variety. — This  was  a  poor  class,  and  without  one  tho- 
roughly good  pen.  The  first  and  third-prize  pens  were  moderate 
Blacks  ;  the  second  fair  Golden  Sehrights.  A.  pen  of  Silkies  was  fully 
equal  to  either  of  the  winners,  also  a  pen  of  Laplands,  the  cock,  how- 
ever, was  deficient  in  crest. 

Any  other  variety. — A  very  good  class.  Houdans  were  first ; 
the  hen  very  old,  but  a  capital  bird  in  every  respect.  The  cock  was 
too  dark  and  short  in  one  wa'tle.  Second,  a  fine  pen  of  Creve-Cceurs, 
good  in  crest  and  colour.  Third  only  moderate  Black  Hamburghs. 
Miss  Williams's  pen  of  Creve-Cceurs,  which  we  think  could  not  have 
been  seen  by  the  Judge  in  consequence  of  their  removal  to  a  larger  pen, 
were  the  best  in  the  class. 

The  Selling  Class  mustered  forty-five  pens,  and  contained  some 
very  cheap  birds.  A  pen  of  very  fair  Dorkings  was  first ;  Light 
Brahmas  second,  the  cockerel  a  grand  bird,  but  light  in  neck  ;  third, 
a  nice  pen  of  Game. 

The  Ducks,  Geese,  and  Turkeys  were  not  first-rate.  First-prize 
Aylesburys  were  heavy,  but  dirty,  bad  iu  bill  and  feather,  and  very 
clumsy.  Second  not  so  heavy,  but  otherwise  very  good,  and  an  easy 
first  in  all  but  weight. 

Pigeons. — The  first- prize  Carriers  were  bad  in  eye  and  wattle,  and 
although  claimed  at  u  high  price,  we  think  a  mistake.  Mr.  Yardley's 
commended  pen  was  very  poor,  coarse  in  wattle,  and  poor  in  eye. 
Tumblers  and  Fant ails  were  very  good,  and  well  judged,  both  first- 
prize  pens  being  excellent.  Barbs  and  Nuns  were  good  in  the  prize 
birds.  Jacobins  were  not  first-rate.  Pouters  were  simply  a  farce, 
there  not  being  a  real  Pouter  in  the  Show. 

The  chief  blot  of  the  Show  was  owing  to  the  pen-contractor,  many 
of  the  pens  being  only  of  the  proper  size  for  a  pair  of  Pigeons.  In 
the  Any  variety  class  many  birds  could  not  stand  upright,  and  the 
beautiful  pair  of  Houdans  which  took  the  first  prize  literally  could  not 
move,  and  must  have  suffered  horribly. 

There  were  many  single  birds  in  all  the  classes  of  very  great  merit, 
but  too  often  badly  matched.  In  several  cases  exhibitors  of  the  large 
breeda  showed  birds  which,  if  the  best  had  been  put  together,  would 
have  commanded  the  first  prize. 

GtUB.— Black  breasted  and  other  B^d.—  land  Cup.  E.  Mirrin.  2,  N.  Barter,  Ply- 
mouth. 3,  E.  Ackroy.i.  he,  J.  Doney ;  S.  R.  Higaam.  Indian.— 1  and  2,  Mrs 
J.  Partri.lffe,  Bow.  8.  J.  Palmer,  e,  J.  Bone  ;  J.  Jasper.  Any  other  Variety.— 
1,  E.  Martin,  St.  Austell,  2,  J.  H.  Reynolds,  Truro.  3.  E.  C.  Podb.  Falmouth. 
he,  H.  l>awe  ;  T.  Hawken  ;  J.  Hoii ;  F.  W*>*tUke.  e.  P..  S.  Higham.  Cock.—l, 
J.  Harris.  Liskeard.  2,  E.  C.  Pope.  8,  Dr.  Ballmer  e  Falmouth.  Ac,  E.  C.Pope; 
K.  S.  HiRham. 

Dorkings  —  1,  E.  Burton,  Truro.  2,  R.  W.  B«*jbr,  Torquay.  3,  W.  Brown. 
vhe,  Mra.  Wollocombe,  Stowford  Rectory,  he,  Mrs.  Thymie;  J.  Ward;  W, 
Travithick ;  E.  Burton,    c,  W.  Brown. 

Cochins.— Buff  or  Cinnamon.— 1.  -*.R.  Harris.  St.  Day.  2,  Mrs.  Wnllocombe. 
3.  w.  M*sland.  MiWerton.  vhe,  he  and  c,  Mrs.  TVbllocombe.  e,  G  Widger;  J. 
Milward  ;  T.  M  Hawke  Partridge.— I,  Cup  and  "2,  J.  Beard,  St.  Blazey.  3.  J. 
Long.  Plymouth,  he.  J.  H.  Nichoila.  e,  W.  Beckerley;  E.  Cornelius.  White. 
— 1,  T.  Rogers.  Bristol.    2.  T.  M.  Hawke.    S  and  he,  F.  Brewer,  Lostwithiel. 

BraHMaB.- Light.-- 1  and  Cup,  H.  T.  Penree,  Tutness.  3,  P.  D.  Maddox, 
Launcestou.  3,  J.  H.  Nicholls,  Loatwithiel.  vhe,  Mrs.  Wollocombe.  he,  Mrs. 
Wollocombe;  R^v.  J.  Ridley,  e,  W.  Maeland.  Dark.— I,  R.  W.  Beachy.  2,  J. 
G.  Price.  3,  J  H.  Koad.  he,  E.  Barton  ;  F.  Seccorube.  c,  H.  Burt ;  E.  Corne- 
lius; Mrs.  Thynne;  F.  Seccombe. 

Polands. — 1,  H.  Vickies  jun.t  Earby.    2  and  e,  T.  Jacobs.    3,  J.  Beard. 

Spanish.— 1.  G. Tonkin,  Bristol.  2,  J.  H.  Read,  Colstock.  3,  J.  GUddon,  Bris- 
tol,   e,  J.  H.  Nicholls. 

Hamburghs.—  Gold-pencilled.— 1  and  2.  N.  Barter.  3.  H  J.  Pickles.  Silver- 
pencilled.— 1,  H.  Pickles  jun.  2,  Sand  he,  N.  Barter.  Gold-spangled.—  1  and 3. 
J.  Med  way,  Newton  Abbott  2,  N.  Barter.  Silrer-spanghd.—l,  Cap  and  Society's 
Cup.  N.  Barter.  2,  Mias  E.  Browne,  Chard.  3,  E.  Newton,  he,  S.  Newick  ;  J. 
Woodlev  ;  S.  K.  Harris ;  Miss  E.  Browne,    e,  S.  R.  Harris. 

Bantams.— Gam*.— 1,  N.  Barter.  2,  J.  H.  GrloBSop,  Weston-super-Mare.  3,  J. 
Pearson,  he,  T.Jacobs,  Newton  Abbott.  *,  E.  Barton  ;  J.  C&U&cott, Tavistock. 
Any  other  Variety.— I,  R.  Coa'.h.  Liskeard.    2,  N.  Barter.    3.  C.  Drake,  Ipswich. 

Any  other  Variety.— 1,  F.  Brewer.  2,  J.  H.  NichollB.  3.T.  K.  Hawken, 
Lostwithiel.    he,  E.  Burton  (Minorcas) ;  J.  Long,    e,  P.  D.  Maddox  (HnudanB). 

Selling  Class.— 1,  F.  Seccombe.  2  H.  D.  Pearce.  S,  N.Davey.  he,  P.  D. 
Maddox;  W   Humphreys,  Liskeard. 

Ducks.— 1,  J.  H.  Nicholls.  2.  T  K.  Hawken.  Rouen.— 1  and  2,  J.  H.  Hoit.  3 
and  he,  E.  Burton.  White  Aylesbury.-  1,  S.  R.  Harris.  2,  T.  E.  Hawken.  3,  S. 
R.  Higham.    c,  F.  Brewer  ;  F.  Seccombe  ;  B.  SUaptcr. 

Geese.— 1  and  2.  F.  C.  Ford,  Plympton. 

Turkeys.— 1  and  2,  J.  B.  Parsons,  Launceaton. 
PIGEONS. 

Carriers.— 1.  J.  H.  Gloasop.    2,  W.  H.  Mitchell. 

Tumblers.     l.T  Chudley.    2,  E.  Burton. 

Fantails—  1,  H.  Yardley.    2,  S.  Bichards. 

Any  other  Variety.— 1,  H.  Yardley.    2,  F.  Brewer. 

Mr.  Fielding  judged  the  Game,  Hamburghs,  Bantams,  and  Ducks; 
Mr.  L.  Wright  the  Dorkings,  Cochins,  BraJtmas,  Polish*  Spanish,  and! 
Any  other  variety ;  and  both  the  Judges  together  the  Selling  Class. 


EEIGATE  POULTRY    SHOW. 

This  was  held  on  the  13th  inst.,  when  the  following  awards  were 

made : — 

LOCAL  CLASSES. 
Dorkinqs.— 1,  iTery  &  Son,  Dorking.  2  and  8.  E.  T.  Bennett,  Betchworth. 
Chiekens.— Special  for  best  pen  of  Dorkings  in  the  Show.  I,  and  3,  I  very  *  Son. 
2,  G.  Ellis,  he,  E.  T.  Bennett,  e,  G.  Allen.  Buckland ;  J.  W.  Taylor.  White.— 
1  and  2,  Mrs.  Jaffray,  Betchworth.  c,  J.  Clutton.  Chickens.— 1  and  2,  Mrs 
J  affray,    ftc  and  c,  P.  Hanbury,  Kedhill. 


502 


JOURNAL   OF   HORTICULTURE   A.ND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  December  22,  1870. 


Spanish.— 1,  2,  and  lie,  Francis  May,  Reigate.  c,  E.  Bitberden,  Reigate. 
Special,  E.  W.  Stratford. 

Game.- 1,  W.  Oakley,  Oxted-  2  and  Tie,  P.  Hanbury.  Chickens.— 1  and  Can 
for  best  pen  of  Game  in  tbe  Show,  and  2,  J.  Mew,  Reigate.  he,  W.  Oakley  ;  J. 
Clntton  ;  J.  Mew. 

Bantams.— Game.— 1,  H.  J.  Jones.  2,  P.  Hanbury.  he,  H.  Simmonds ;  J. 
Mew  ;  Mew,  Brothers,    c,  W.  Oakley.    Any  other  variety  — 1,  P.  Hanbury. 

Cochins.— 1,  A.  O.  Wilkinson,    he.  P.  Hanbury ;  A-  O.  Wilkinson. 

Turkeys.— 1,  W.  Oakley,  Oxted.  he,  J.  W.  Taylor ;  W.  E.  Matveieff,  Chipstead. 
Poults.— 1,  Sir  E.  A.  GlaBs,  Aahurst.    3,  G.  Simpson,    he,  W.  Oakley. 

Geese.— 1,  J.  "W.  Taylor,  he,  J.  SelmeB.  Goslings.—],  rV.  Heasinan,  Oxted. 
lie,  H.  "Wise,  Broekhani. 

Ducks.— Aylesbury.— 1,  W.  Oakley.  Ducklings.— 1,  Mrs.  Jaffrav.  he,  Mrs. 
Jaffray;  G.  Allen.  Rouen.— 1,  G.  Siiupaon.  he,  Ivery  &  Son.  Ducklings.— 
1,  Ivery  &  Son.  he,  W.  Oakley.  Any  other  variety.— 1,  P.  Hanbury.  DucJcUngs. 
— 1,  J.  Clutton.    he,  P.  Hanbury. 

Judges  — Mr.  Heauley  and  Mr.  Wood. 


LEEDS   POULTRY   SHOW. 

Under  the  management  of  Mr.  Swales,  who  is  one  of  the  most 
obliging  of  honorary  secretaries,  and  a  very  attentive  committee  of 
management,  the  Leeds  Show  annually  becomes  more  and  more  popu- 
lar ;  the  collection  of  poultry,  Pigeons,  and  Rabbits  shown  on  the 
13th,  14th,  and  15th  inst.,  being  a  great  improvement  over  those  of 
years  gone  by.  The  attention  paid  to  the  comforts  and  necessities  of 
the  birds  exhibited  was  all  that  could  be  desired. 

Very  rarely  have  such  good  classes  of  Game  fowls  been  brought 
together  at  any  show,  the  only  drawback  being  the  great  difficulty  ex- 
perienced by  the  Judges  in  taking  out  any  of  the  birds  for  tbe  purpose 
of  close  examination,  as  the  front  wirework  ran  the  whole  length  of 
the  row  of  pens.  The  silver  cup  for  Game  fowls  was  taken  by  an 
excellent  and  well-shown  pen  of  adult  Duckwings.  A  considerable 
proportion  of  the  Dorkings  were  evidently  much  the  worse  from  being 
too  frequently  exhibited;  a  few  pens  that  were  decidedly  "  roupy  " 
appeared  in  this  division  of  the  Show.  One  of  the  most  perfect  varie- 
ties of  poultry  shown  were  the  Spanish;  in  fact,  there  was  scarcely  a 
pen  of  anything  liko  inferior  quality  in  the  whole  lot.  This  season's 
birds  proved  to  he  the  winners  of  the  cup.  Some  extraordinarily  good 
Cochin  and  Brahma  fowls  were  shown,  but  not  in  the  condition  for 
exhibition  that  might  at  this  season  be  reasonably  expected.  In 
Glass  42,  Any  variety  of  Cochin  chickens,  pens  422  and  423,  being  the 
first  and  second-prize  pens,  were  so  evenly  balanced  as  to  qmality  that 
the  Judges  were  long  in  bringing  their  award  to  a  conclusion.  It  was 
the  closest  run  seen  for  many  years.  The  JJamburr/hs  fully  supported 
the  high  repute  of  the  district,  and  the  classes  throughout  were  tin- 
exceptionably  good ;  a  remarkably  fine  pen  of  Golden-ppvngled 
chickens  took  the  cup.  The  Polish  was  all  shown  together,  and  such 
a  display  is  but  rarely  to  be  seen  anywhere.  Blacks  with  white  crests 
took  the  first  prize,  and  the  Golden  and  Silver-feathered  were  scarcely 
less  'worthy  of  note.  In  the  ''Variety  class,"  Creve-Cceurs  and 
Hondans  divided  the  prizes  between  them.  Among  the  Game  Bantams, 
a  pen  of  perfect  Brown  Reds  took  tbe  tup,  being  more  correct  in  feather 
than  any  that  have  yet  been  exhibited.  The  Waterfowl  and  Turkeys 
were  a  first-rate  collection,  Mr.  Burn's  pen  of  Buenos  Avrean  Ducks 
that  took  precedence,  being  in  such  show-trim  as  is  rarely  equalled. 

The  Pigeons  were  better  than  have  ever  before  been  seen  at  the 
Leeds  Show,  but  were  placed  far  too  high  for  general  inspection,  this 
tier  being  raised  some  8  or  9  feet  from  the  ground,  so  that  ladies,  par- 
ticularly, could  scarcely  get  a  glimpse  of  them.  As  this  portion  of  a 
show  is  usually  one  of  the  moat  interesting  to  visitors,  an  alteration 
in  the  arrangement  in  future  years  would  be  most  advisable.  Carriers 
took  the  silver  cup  for  the  best  pen  of  Pigeons  exhibited. 

At  least  equal  to  that  of  any  former  year,  if  not  in  excess,  was  the 
attendance  on  the  first  day  of  opening  to  the  public,  and  on  the  follow- 
ing, we  are  informed,  so  well  filled  was  the  Show  that  it  was  difficult  to 
move  about. 

Game.— Black-breasted  Red.— I,  J.  Laming,  Spalding,  Lincolnshire.  2,  H.  M. 
Julian,  Hull.  S.  J.  Firth,  Chatsworth,  Bakewell.  he,  C.  W.  Brierley,  MiddMon, 
Manchester;  W.  Barker,  Cottingley,  Binglev.  c,  J.  Sunderland,  Halifax. 
Chicken*.— 1,  C.  W.  Brierley.  2,  H.  M.Julian.  8,  J.  Harker,  Allerton,  Bradford. 
he,  Barker  &  Charnock,  lllingworth,  Halifax;  G.  Backer,  Leeds;  J.  Hodnson, 
Bradford;  J.  Barrow,  jun.,  Kendal:  T. Blackburn,  jun.,Nerthailerton.  Brown- 
breasted  and  other  Red*,  except  Black-breasted, — 1,0.  W.Brierley.  2,  A.  HaBlam, 
Headk-y,  Wigan.  8,  E.  Aykroyd,  EccleBhill.  he,  J.  Laming;  F.  Sales  ;  W, 
Johnson,  Idle,  Leeds  ;  J.  Barrow,  jun. ;  J.  W.  Thompson,  Souihowram,  Halifax. 
Chickens.  —  1,  J.  Firth,  Chatsworth,  Derbyshire.  2,  T.  Bottomlev,  Shelf, 
Halifax.  3,  C.  W.  Brierley.  Middleton.  he,  J.  Wilkinson,Earby,Skipton.  Duck- 
wings.— 1  and  Cup,  H.  Jowett.  2,  J.  Firth.  3,  H.  M.  Julian,  he,  F.  Sales  ;  W. 
W.  Robertehaw,  Halifax.  Chickens.— 1,  H.  C.  &  W.  J.  Mason,  Drighlington. 
2,  J.  Firth.  3,  W.  J.  Cope,  Baruealer.  he.  H.  M.  Julian;  M.  Jowett;  E  Win- 
wood,  Worcester,  c,  F.  Wilson,  Illingworth  Moor.  Halifax.  Any  other  Tariff}/. 
—1,  E.  Aykroyd.  2,  J.  Stables,  Great  Driffield.  8.  F.  Sales,  he,  H.  C.  &  W.  J. 
Mason;  Duke  of  Sutherland,  Trentham  Hall,  Stoke-on-Trent:  R.  Butcher. 
Chickens.— 1,  E.  Aykroyd.  2,  C.  W.  Brierley.  8,  R.  &  M.  Wralker,  Woodwood, 
Gomersal.  he,  E.  Winwood.  Cocks.— i,  T.  Mason,  Green  Ayre,  Lancaster. 
2,  R.  Butcher,  Cresswell,  Chesterfield.  3,  F.  Sales,  Crowle.  Doncaster.  he,  n. 
M.  Julian;  W.  Spencer,  Haworth  (2);  J-  Laming;  J.  Firth;  C.  W.  Brierley. 
C,  E.  Brough,  Leek. 

Doheings.— 1  and  Cup,  L.  Patton,  Hillmore,  Tannton,  Somerset.  2,  C.  W. 
Brierley.  3,  H.  Beldon,  Goitstoek,  Blngley.  Chicken*.— 1,  W.  H.  King,  Sand- 
field,  Rochdale.  2,  Rev.  G.  Hustler,  Stilling  fleet,  York.  3,  J.  White,  \\  arlaby, 
Northallerton. 

Spanish.— 1,  Hon.  Miss  T>.  Pennant,  Penrbyn  Castle,  Bangor.  2,  W.  Pickard, 
Thorner,  Leeds.  S,  H.  Beldon.  c,  J.  Thresh,  Bradtortl;  W.  Schofleld,  Gilder- 
some.  Chickens.— 1  and  Cup,  C.  W.  Brierley.  2,  J.  Thresh.  8,  J.  J.  Booth, 
Silsden,  Leeds,  he,  H.  Beldon  ;  H.  Wilkinson  ;  J.  Walker,  Wolverhampton. 
C,  S.  Powell,  Bradford  ;  Hon.  Miss  D.  Pennant. 

Cocbin-China.— Cinnamon  or  Buff.— I,  8,  and  Cup,  W.  A.  Taylor,  Manchester. 
2.  T.  Stretch,  Ormakirk.  he,  J.  Cattell.  Birmingham  ;  R.  Wnitr,  Shirebrook, 
Sheffield.  Chickens.— 1,  T.  Stretch.  2.  C.  Sidgwiek.  Itiddlvsden  Hall,  Keighley. 
3  and  he,  W.  A.  Taylor.  Any  other  Variety .— 1,  T.  Stretch.  2,  W.  A.  Taylor. 
8.  C.  Sidgwick.  Chicken*.— 1,  C.  Sidgwick.  2,  E.  Le«ch.  Rochdale.  3,  W.  A. 
Taylor,    he,  Rev.  R.  L.  Story,  Derby;  T.  Stretch;  R.  White. 


Brahma  Pootras.—  Any  Variety.— 1,  Hon.  Misa  D. Pennant.  2,  W.  Whiteley, 
Sh.ffield.  3,  J.  Thornton,  Edge  Hill,  Sheffield.  Chicken*.— 1  and  Cup,  W.  A. 
Taylor.  2,  J.  Sichel,  Timperley.  3,  Dr.  Holmes,  Whitcotes,  Chesterfield,  e,  W. 
Whiteley;  J.  Thornton. 

Majibukghs.—  Gold-pencilled.  —  1,  H.  Beldon.  2,  H.  Pickles,  jun.,  Earby, 
Skipton.  3,  J.  Preston,  Allerton,  Bradford.  Chicken*.— 1,  H.  Picklea,  jun. 
2,  H.  Beldon.  3,  Duke  of  Sutherland,  he,  J.  Preston;  J.  Webster,  Whitby. 
c,  S.  Smith,  Northowram,   Halifax.     Silver-pencilled.— \   and  3.  H.  Beldou. 

2,  Duke  of  Sutherland.     Chicken*.— 1,  H.  Beldon.     2,  H.  Smith,    Keighley. 

3,  Duke  of  Sutherland.    Gold-spangled.— 1,  T.  Walker,  jun.,  Denton,  Manchester. 

2,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  3,  J.  Buckley,  Taunton,  Ashton-under-Lyne.  he,  H.  Beldon  ; 
T.  Walker,  jun.;  J.  Ogdyu,  Holinwood,  Manchester ;  T.  Boulton,  Hanford, 
Stoke-on-Trent.  Chickens.— 1  and  Oup,  H.  Beldon.  2,  J  Ogden.  8,  J.  Buckley. 
he,  T.  Walker,  jun. ;  T.  Boulton.  1  and  3,  H.  Beldon.  2,  D.  Lord,  Staeksteads. 
he,  G.  &  J.  Dutikworth,  Canal  Mill.  Church;  G.  C.Holt,  L;i\vton,  Cheshire;  S. 
Smith,  Northowram,  Halifax.  Chickens. — 1,  H.  Beldon.  2,  T.  Fawcett,  Baildon, 
Leeds.  3,  D.  Lord,  he,  G.  &  J.  Duckworth.  Black.— 1,  D.  Walker,  jun.  2,  H. 
Beldon.  3,  H.  W.  Illingworth.  Chickens.— 1,  C.  Sid^viek.  2  W.  A.  Taylor. 
he,  J.  Hallklav,  Keighley;  J.  Greenwood,  Keighley;  T.  Walker,  jun.  (•;);  D- 
Clayton.  Allerti-n,  Bradlurd  ;  W.  Me  Me  lion,  Glussop;  Garbide  &  Kuott,  Slaith- 
waite:  T.  Fawcttt. 

PnLANDs  (Any  variety).— 1,  T.  Dean,  Keighley.     2,  J.  S.  Senior,  Dewsbury. 

3,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  he,  H  Beldon.  c,  H.  Beldon;  P.  Una-worth.  Newton-le- 
Willows     Chickens.— 1  and  he,  T.  Dean.    2,  H.  Beldon.    3,  H.  Pickles,  jun. 

Farmyard  Cross  oa  any  other  variety.— 1,  H.  Beldon.  2,  J.  Sichel. 
3,  Mrs.  J.  Ciob3. 

Selling  Class.— 1,  Baxter  &  Dawson,  Idle.  2,  W.  A.  Taylor.  3.  D.  Cart- 
wright,  Hill,  Holmlirth.  he,  H.  Beldon;  C.  Sidgwick;  J.  J.  Booth;  C.  W. 
Brierley;  W.  Whiteley;  J.  Roberts,  c,  J.  Harker,  Allerton,  Bradford;  T. 
Sharpe,  Ackworth,  Pontefract;  E.  Shaw,  Plas  Wilmot,  Oswestry;  W.J.  Cope, 
Barnsley. 

Bantams. — Black. — 1,  W.  H.  Robinson.  Keighley.  2,  S.  S.  Mossop,  Long 
Sutton.  3,  Hudson  &  Burnip,  Epworth.  he,  H.  Beldon.  c,  J. Walker,  Halifax; 
S.  &  K.  Ashton,  Mottram,  Cheshire.  White. — 1,  E.  Winwood,  Worcester. 
2,  Rev.  F.  Searle,  Newmarket.  3,  H.  Beldon.  Game. — 1  and  Cup.  W.  Rogers, 
Sunderland.  2.  J.  Blanures,  Great  Horton,  Bredford.  3.  W  Bentley,  Scholes, 
Cleckheaton.  he,  J.  Blamires  ;  W.  H.  Newsome.  Holbeck  (2) ;  J.  C.  Taylor,  Oat- 
landB,  Leeds;  S.  Smith,  Northowram,  Halifax,  c,  S.  S.  Mossop.  Any  other 
Variety.— 1,  H.  Beldon.    2,  T.  C.  Harrison,  Hull.    3,  W.  J.  Cope,  Barnsley. 

Turkeys.— 1,  E.  Leech.  2,  F.  E.  Rawson,  Thorpe,  Halifax.  3,  Rev.  G. 
Hustler,  Stillingfleet,  York,    he,  Capt.  Gunter,  Wetherby. 

Geese.—  White.— 1,  E.  Leech.  2,  Rev.  G.  Hustler.  3.  J.  F.  Absom,  Kippax 
Lock.  Grey  and  Mottled.— I,  E.  Leech.  2,  S.  H.  Stott,  Rochdale.  3,  Rev.  G. 
Hustler    he.  J.  White,  Whiteley,  Netherton,  Wakefield  (2);  H.Crossley,  Halifax. 

Ducks.— Aylesbury.— 1,  E.  Leech.  2,  W.  Stonehouee,  Whitby.  8,  T.Wilson, 
Crossbills,  Leeds.  Rouen.— 1,  J.  Scotson.  2.,  J.  White.  8,  E.  Leech,  he,  J. 
Newton  ;  S.  H.  Stott.  c,  J.  J.  Waller,  Kendal.  Any  other  Variety.— 1,  S.  Burn. 
Whitby.  2,  T.  C.  Harrison.  3,  C.  N.  Bal^r,  Chelsea,  he,  S.  &  K.  Ashton, 
c,  Rev.  G.  Hustler. 

PIGEONS. 

Carriers.— 1  and  2, E.  Horner,  Harewood.  vhc, E.Walker, Leicester,  he, H. 
Yartlley,  Birmingham. 

Pouters— land  2,  E.Horner,  he,  H.  Adams,  Beverley,  c,  J.  Hawley,  Bingley. 

Tumblers,— Short  faced.  —  J,  E.  Horner.  2,  C.  Auton,  York.  Any  othrr 
Yam  ty.—l,  J.  Hawley.    -J,  G.  H.  Hirst,  Marygate,  York. 

Owls.— 1,  H.  Adams.    2,  Withheld. 

Fantails.— 1,  H.  Adams.  2,  J.  F.  Loversidge,  Newark-on-Trent.  he,  E. 
Horner. 

Barrs.— 1,  J.  Firfb,  Dewebury.    2,  J.  W.  Cannan.  Bradford,    he,  H.  Yardley. 

Turbits.— 1,  R.  Paterson,  Melrose.  2,  W.  B.  Van  Haansb-n-gen.  Newcastle- 
on-Tyne.  he,  Clayton  &  Bairetow,  Girlington,  Bradford;  E.  Horner,  c,  E. 
Horner. 

Jacobins.— 1,  E.  Horner.  2,  W.  B.  Van  Haanabergen.  he,  J.  Hawley;  E. 
Horner,     c,  R.  G.  Sanders,  Leven,  Beverley. 

Trumpetehs. — 1  and  he,  3.  Hawley.    2,  E.  Horner. 

Ntjns—  1,  W  B.  Van  Haanaberpen.    2,  H.  Yardley. 

Draiioons.— 1,  F.  Graham,  l-'outb  Birkenhead.  2,  A.  W.  Weir,  Lowestoff. 
he,  T.  Kaye,  Honley,  tluddtrsfield  ;  J.  Hawley  ;  H.  Adams  ;  F.  Graham. 

Antwerps.-  1,  H.  K.  Wright,  Hockley,  Birmingham.  2,  H.  Yardley.  he,  W. 
A.  Taylor,     (The  whole  class  commended). 

Magpies.— 1  and  2,  E.  Horner,  he,  J.  Cundale,  Copt  Hcwick,  Ripon  ;  H. 
Yardley. 

Any  other  Variety.— 1  and  he,  W.  C.  Dawson,  Otley.    2,  E.  Horner. 

Selling  Class  — I  and  he,  W.  C.  DawBOn.  2,  Clayton  &  Bairstow,  Girlington. 
Bradford,   c,  E.  Horner. 

RABBITS. 

Yellow  and  White  and  Tortoiskshell.— 1  and  Medal,  A.  H.  Easten.  2,C. 
King,  St.  John's  Wood,  London,  he.  Mrs.  Arkwright,  Sutton  Scarsdale,  Chester- 
field ;  J.  Quick,  St.  John's  Wood,  London;  A.  H.  Easten.  c,  D.  Pickles,  jun., 
Leeds  ;  G.  H.  Hiret. 

Black  and  Whitb.— 1,  A.  H.  Easten.  2,  G.  H.  HirBt.  he,  J.  Jones,  Leeds; 
C.  King. 

Self-coloured. — 1  and  2,  G.  H.  HirBt    he,  J.  Armstrong,  Leeds. 

Gki-.y  and  White. — 1,  H.  J.  Tomlinson,  Barton-on-Humber.    2,  A.  H.  Easten. 

Selling  Class.— 1,  C.  Gravil,  jun.,  Thorne,  Doncaster.  2  and  c,  G.  H.  Hirst. 
he,  J.  Quick. 

Judges. — Poultry:  Mr.  Edward  Hewitt,  Sparkbrook,  Birmingham; 
Mr.  James  Dixon,  North  Park,  Bradford.  Pigeons  and  liahbits :  Mr. 
T.  C.  Esguilant,  Kffra  Road,  Brixton,  London. 


EAST   KENT  POULTRY    SHOW. 

This  was  held  at  Ashford,  December,  12th  and  13th.  There  were 
upwards  of  4UU  entries  of  Poultry  and  Pigeons,  among  which  the 
following  awards  were  made  : — 

Dorkings.-  Coloured.— Hens.— J,  G.  W.  Greenhill,  Ashford.  2,  R.  Cheese - 
man,  Westwell.  he,  MiBS  Hales,  Canterbury;  E.  Bice,  Sandwich;  Rey.  T.  E. 
Calo,  Wye.  c,  J.  Norwood,  MerBham.  Cock.— 1,  J.  bnnth,  ShillinRleo  Park, 
Petworth.  2,  Rev.  E.  Bartrum,  Great  Berkhampstead.  lie,  Miss  Hales. 
Pullet*.— 1,  Rev.  T.  E.  Cato.  2,  G.  W.  Greenhill.  S,  R.  b.  Curteis,  Ashenden. 
he,  G.  C.  Murton,  Dover;  K.  B.  Curteis  W;  Mrs.  E.  C.  Lee,  Penshurst.  C'ocfc- 
ercl—  1,  F.  Murton,  Smeeth.  2,  R.  B.  curteis.  he,  E.  Bice  ;  R.  cheeseman ; 
R.  B.  <  urteia.  c.  G.  Hiue,  Westcott,  Dorking.  Siluer-Grc't.—Hcns.—l,  G.  W. 
Greenhill.      2,  O.  E.  CressweU,  Hanworth  Keclory.      c,  J.  .Norwood.      Cock.— 

1,  E.  Cheeseman,  Little  Chart,  Ashford.  2,  W.  H.  Jamen,  Sandwich.  Pullets. 
—I  and  Cup,  G.  W.  Greenhill.  2,  J.  Scott.  3,  J.  B.  Plumplre.  he.  F.  Cheese- 
man,  c,  C.J.  Plumotre,  Wingham.  Cockerel.— 1,  and  he,  J.  B.  Plumptre.  2,  J. 
Scott,  Elmsted.     c,  J.  B.  Piuuiptro ;   F.  Cho«ecmau  |2j.      White.— 1,  G.  Hme. 

2,  J.  Norwoe-d.     he,  Ladv  Dtrmg,  Surrenden,  Ashford. 

Spanish.— 1,  Nichols  k  Howard,  Camberwell.  2,  C.  S.  Hammond,  Ashford. 
Chickens.— 1,  Nichols  &  Howard.  2,  W.  Moss,  Birchiuglou,  Margate,  he, 
J.  H.  A.  Jenner,  Battle,    c,  C.  S.  Hammond.     Cockerel  —  1.  Mchols  &  Howard. 

Cochin-China.— Cinnamon  or  Buff. —I,  Miss  Hales.  2,  W.  White,  Canterbury. 
Any  other  Variety.— 1  and  Extra,  Miss  Hales.    2,  T.  G.  Ledger,  Folkestone. 

Braiima  Pootha.— Dark.— 1  and  *stra,  W.  Jacob,  ShopherdsweB,  Dover. 
2,  H.  H.  Sticking,  Ashford.     Light.— I,  G.  Mills,  Dover.    2,  Miss  Hales. 

OA\iE..-Black-breastfd  or  other  Reds.— 1,  J.  Jeken,  Eltham.  2,  G.  Braham, 
Folkestone  (Brown  Reds).    3,  J.  H.  Bayley,  Aehiord  (Black  Reds).    Chicken* .— 


December  22,  1870.  1 


JOURNAL   OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GAKDENER. 


503 


1,  F.  Rice  (Rlack  Reds).  2,  M.  Tomkin,  Wittersbam.  Rye  (Black  Reds).  3,  T.  G. 
Ledger  (Black-breasted  Reds),  he,  J.  Jenkin  (Black-breasted  Reds).  Any  other 
Variety)  1,  E.  Kiee  (Daokwiiur).  2,  S.  Matthew.  Stowraarket  (DuckwiuL't. 
c.  Cast,  Lambert,  Canterbury  (Blue  Pile  Dun).  Chickens.— 1  and  Cup.  and  2, 
J.  Joken  (Duckw:ngs).  he,  W.  Foster,  Deal  (Duckwing);  Mrs.  E.  C.  Leo 
(Duekwing).  Cock.— I,  J.  .Teken.  2,  E.  Kioe  (Duckwing).  he,  H.  Lowe,  Chart- 
ham,    c,  C.  Rogers,  Hastings ;  G.  Braham. 

Hamburors.— Gold'SpaiujUd.— 1.  W.  W.  Tiokner,  Ipswieb.  2,  Rev.  F.  T. 
Scott,  c.  W.  Taylar.  Maidstone  :  J.  Dutton.  Silver-tpangled.—l,  M.  Dormiui, 
Ashford.  2.  J.  B.  Bly,  Lowestoft,  hr,  W.  Tavl  r:  Mrs.  C.  Russell,  Aehford 
Gold-pencilled.— 1,  J.  Chapman,  Ashford.  2,  T  Griffin.  Folkestone,  he.  W.  W. 
Tickuer;  W.  RuV-son,  Ashford.    Silver-pencilled  —1,  Withheld.    '.',  G.  nine. 

Polish  — 1  and  2,  T.  Griffin,    e,  E.  J.  Reevs,  Havwards  Heath:  Miss  Utiles. 

Crete-Cosub.— 1,  W.  Dring,  Faversham.  2,  Rev.'H.  H.  Dombrain,  Westwcll. 
e,  T.  G.  Ledger. 

HorjDAN.-l  and  Extra,  Hills  &  Co.,  Brighton.  2,  H.  S.  Fraser,  Headlev, 
Liphook.    3,  G.  Mills. 

Bantams.— Gold  and  Silver-laced.— 1.  Mrs.  E.  C.Lee.  2,  Withheld.  Black, 
White,  or  any  Variety.— 1. MIbb  E.  J.  N\  Hawker,  Wycliffe,  Tunbridgo  Wells 
(Silky).    2,  F  G.  Phillips.  Hastings  (Black). 

Game  Bantams.  -1,  Nichols  A  Howard.  2.  H.  Simmonds,  Reigate.  3,  Rev. 
E.  S.  Tiddeman.  Childerditeh  Vicarage,    he.  H   Lowe.    c.  J.  B  Plurnptre. 

Ducks.  —Aylesbury.— \,  W.  Jacob.  2,  W.  Young,  Kennington,  Ashford 
vhc,  G.  W.  Gre.-nhill.  Rouen.— 1,  C.  S.  Hardy,  Chilham  Castle.  2  and  ft c, 
W.  F.  Harvey.  Thruxted,  Chartham. 

Gebse.— 1,  Miss  Hal^a.  2.  Mrs.  S.  Powell,  he.  D.  Swaffer,  jnn.,  Kingsworth. 
Ashford.  Gnstinax.-l,  Mrs.  S.  Powell.  East  Lcnham.  2,  W.  H.  Mold,  Bethera- 
den.     he,  C.  Rogers.  Ayhford. 

Tdrfetb.-I.C.  P.  Hardv.  2,  J.  Foord.  Wctwell.  he.  Miss  Holes  :  F.  II  K. 
Hug.-ssen,  M.P.,  Ashford.  c.  W.  H.  Mold.  Poults.-l,  Rev.  N.  J.  Ridley.  Hol- 
lington  House,  Newbury.  2,  W.  B.  Sharp,  he,  C.  J.  Plurnptre.  c,  J.  Fooi'd  ; 
C.  S.  Hardy. 

Any  otheb   Variety.— 1,    J.    Brisarndon,    Canterbury  (Black    Gel  i 
Countess  of  Ayleslord,  Purkington  Hall,  Covontry  (Cuckoo  Dorkmin,     he,  Uev. 
N.  J.  Ridley  (Malay);  Miss  Hales(Andalusian).     c,  E.  J,  Reeves  (Sultans). 

Piofons.— Carriers.—  1,  J.  Bowes,  Heme  Bay.  2,  W.  Foster,  c.  G.  Wise, 
Preston,  Faversham  (2);  W.  Foster.  Pouters. — 1.  .T.  F.  Loveridge,  Newark. 
2  and  c,  J.  Bowes.  Tumble rs.— 1,  J.  Bowrs.  2.  W.  Igglesden,  Ashfnrd.  Fan- 
tails.— 1,  A.  A.  Vuuder  Meersch.  Perry  Hill,  Sydenham.  2.  J.  F.  Lovpridge. 
c,  G.  W.  Greenhill.  Any  other  Varietv.—  l,  A.  A.  Vander  Meersch.  2,  J.  Bowes 
(Black  BarbB).  3,  M'ss  Hales  (Runts),  e,  Miss  Hales  (Trumpeters);  A.  W. 
Wren,  Lowestoft  (Yellow  Dragoons). 

Judge. — Mr.  Tegetnieier. 


WEST   HERTS  AGRICULTURAL    SOCIETY'S 
POULTRY   SHOW   AT   WATFORD. 

Agriculture  would  seem  to  flourish  in  the  prood  county  of  Hert- 
fordshire, and  the  uses  of  competition  having  made  themselves  patent, 
a  locale  was  wanted  where  produce  could  be  exhibited.  Hence  the 
building  in  which  this  Show  was  held,  a  truly  excellent  one  for  the 
purpose.  It  is  a  large  square  building,  with  moveable  iron  fittings 
for  cattle  of  every  description.  All  the  modern  appliance?  have  been 
adopted.  Although  cattle  is  not  our  vocation,  we  cannot  help  noticing 
the  ingenious  and  comfortable  way  of  tying  them,  and  the  excellent 
contrivance  for  putting  up  the  cards.  The  cattle,  sheep,  pigs,  and 
roots  occupied  the  floor,  while  the  poultry  were  comfortably  ranged  in 
the  spacious  gallery  that  surrounds  tbe  building  and  would  afford 
good  accommodation  for  a  greatly  increased  number.  We  were  very 
glad  to  hear,  that  by  being  let  for  many  useful  purposes,  the  interest 
of  the  sum  expended  is  already  provided  for  at  five  per  cent.  The 
hearts  of  the  good  folks  of  Hertfordshire  seem  to  be  inclined  towards 
bucolic  pursuits,  and  the  tbings  that  belong  to  them.  There  were 
eight  cups  or  pieces  of  plate  of  five  guineas  each,  offered  for  different 
breeds,  and  a  silversmith  attended  with  a  tempting  display  of  articles 
from  which  the  fortunate  could  chooBe. 

This  is  entirely  a  locsd  Show,  and  we  are  glad  to  be  able  to  speak 
most  favourably  of  the  entries.  The  PorJcings  were  excellent,  60  far 
as  the  Greys  were  concerned,  but  the  White  were  represented  only  by 
one  very  worthless  pen.  Partridge  Cochins  were  here  shown  in  that 
which  they  require,  a  staring  light,  and  we  thought  them  better  than 
at  Birmingham.  Lord  Chesham  carried  off  the  cup.  The  Buff 
Cochins  are  decidedly  not  favourites  in  agricultural  districts,  or  if 
they  are,  not  in  Buff  classes.  While  there  were  thirteen  of  the 
Partridge,  thero  were  only  three  of  any  other  variety,  and  those  of 
such  poor  character  that  the  first  prize  was  withheld.  The  Brahmas 
were  very  good,  both  Light  and  Dark.  Few  of  the  pens  of  Game  wero 
dubbed,  but  many  were  very  good.  If  it  bo  adopted,  as  at  largo  and 
general  shows,  that  all  birds  be  dubbed,  notice  should  he  given  to 
exhibitors  that  birds  with  combs  and  gills  will  be  disqualified.  Tbe 
Hanibitrghs  were  far  above  the  average  at  local  shows.  Game  Bantams 
were  well  represented,  and  successful  over  their  competitors.  It  was 
curious  that  in  their  native  county  Sebrights  were  not  forthcoming. 

All  the  birds  of  which  we  have  treated  were  chickens  of  1870,  but 
the  next  was  a  class  sui  generis  for  all  breeds  and  all  ages,  hut  no  pen 
to  exceed  £2  in  price.  It  brought  a  good  show  of  different  breeds. 
There  was  an  excellent  show  of  Rouen,  but  a  poor  show  of  Aylesbury 
Ducks.  The  latter  do  not  show  well  anywhere  in  comparison  with 
their  antagonists.  Tbe  Geese  were  very  good,  but  as  usual  the  Toulouse 
were  the  heaviest.  There  were  some  good  Saddlebacks.  The  Turkeys 
were  excellent.  It  will  be  seen  that  tbe  result  of  this  Show  is  to  prove 
that  the  poultry  question  is  looking  up — that  in  a  limited  area  tbe 
farm  poultry — i.e..  Dorkings,  Geese,  Turkeys,  and  Ducks,  are  cU 
largely  represented  as  farm  stock  shown  by  those  engaged  in  agricul- 
ture. We  take  this  to  be  the  aim  of  such  societies,  and  we  congratulate 
them  on  their  deserved  success. 

Dorkings.— Coloured.— I  and  Cun,  R^v.  E.  Bartrum,  Great  Berkha'rtrstea''. 
2,  J.  H.  Barnes,  Riekmansworth.  he,  Rev.  E.  Bartrum ;  C.  Snewing,  Holywell, 
Watford. 

Cochins.— Partrid/je.—l,  2.  and  Cup,  Lord  Chesham,  ^hesh-un.  he,  C.  A. 
Barnes:  T.  Clutter»uck,  Riekmansworth;  R.  Horsfall,  Watfurd.  e,  R.  Hors- 
fall.    Any  otlier  Variety— J,  Withheld.    2,  R.  Horsfall. 


PnAHM\  Pootra.— Parfc.— 1,  Mrs.  King,  Watford.  2,  R.  Horsfall.  he,  T. 
Clut-t*rbuck  :  R.  Hor-fall.    Light.— 1,  Lord  Choshara.     2,  R,  Horsfall. 

GAMrt  (Any  variety).— 1  and  Cup,  T.  Parainor,  Elstree.  2,  W.  F.  M.  Cope- 
land,  Watford. 

Hambuiujiis  (Anvvnrietv).— 1,  A.  J.  Copeland,  Upper  Nascott.  2.R.L.  James, 
Watford,    e,  K.  Moon,  Watford  (21. 

Bantams.-  Game.—l.  Lord  Chesham.  2,  C.  Waghorn,  St.  Albans.  Any  otlier 
Variety. -I,  Lord  Chesham.    ?,  Withheld. 

CRKvn-Coiuns  and  Houdans.— 1,  T.  Cluttcrbuck.  2,  A.  T.  Brett,  M.D.,  Wat- 
ford House. 

Ant  Brefd.— 1,  A.  J.  Copelnnd  (Dorkings).  2.  F,.  Bartrum  (Dorkings),  he,  C. 
A  Barnes  (Brahmas);  Mrs.  King  (Game);  E.  Majoribanks,  Bushey  (Dorkings). 
<\  R.  HorafiiM  (Partridge  Ocbins). 

DOCXB.—  Aylesbury. -\,  Lord  Chesham.  2,  C.  Waghorn.  Rouen.— 1,  C.  A. 
Barnes,  2,  W.  F.  M.  Copeland.  he,  C.  A.  Barnes ;  E.  Moon,  c,  E.  Moon.  Ea*t 
Indian.—  Prize,  C.  A.  Barues. 

Any  other  Distinct  Breed.— 1,  T.  Clutterbuck. 

Geesk  (Any  variety).— 1  and  2,  C.  A.  Barnes,  he,  J.  H.  Barnes,  e,  G.  Stone, 
Watford. 

Tcrkeys  (Any  variety).— 1  and  Cup,  R.  Blaekwell,  ChipperSeld.  2,  W.  J. 
Loyd,  Lanrleybury,  Watford,  he,  C.  A.  Barnes  ;  (LP.  Dodge,  R'ckmanswortn  ; 
W.J.  Loyd.    e,  C.  Longland,  Stiendish.  Hemel  Hempstead;  T.  Paramor. 

Judges.— The  Rev.  G.  F.  Hodsou,  Mr.  Baily,  and  Mr.  Botham. 


BINGLEY   PIGEON    SHOW. 

This  was  held  on  the  Kith  and  17th  inst.    The  awards  are  as  follow : — 

Poi'ters.— Cock.— 1.  G.  Stnrtfpss,  Leicester,  2,  E.  Horner,  Harewood,  Leeds 
vhc.  W.  Harvfy,  Sheffield,  he,  E.  .1.  Dew,  W,  <-,L"ii-buper-Mare  ;  G.  Sturgess;  E. 
Iloncr:  R,  P.  Moon.  Bens.— I,  Cup,  and  2,  E.  Horner,  vhc,  G.  Sturgess. 
he.  V\.  Harvey  ;  G.  Sturge»n. 

Carrier?.— Cocks.— 1.  J  K.  While,  Birmingham.  2,E. Horner,  he,  F.  Smith, 
Se.lv  oak,  Birmingham;  T.  Codey  :  G.  J.Tavl-tr.  Huddersfleld  (2).  e.  T.  Colley, 
Sheffield.  Hens.-l,  Cup,  and  c.G.J.  Taylor.  2,E.Horner.  he,  W.  H.  Mitchel), 
Moseley,  Birmingham  ;  E.Horner;  G.J.Taylor. 

Tumulerr.— Almond.— 1,  E.  Horner.  2,  W.  Harvey,  vhc,  E.  J.  Dew.  he,  G. 
J.  Taylor  ;  J.  Stanley,  Blackburn  ;  H.  Vardley,  Birmingham  ;  J.  T.  Lishman, 
Girlington.  Any  other  Variety  of  Short- faces — 1,  F.  Moore  (Black  Kite).  2  and 
he,  G.  J.  Taylor  (Yellow),  c,  W.  Kitchen,  Burnley.  Common.— 1  and  Cup,  W. 
Harvey.    'J.  J.  T.  liwliman. 

Barbs.— 1  and  2,  J.  Firth,  Dewsbury.  he,  J.  ThreBh,  Shipley ;  H.  Yardley ;  E. 
Horner. 

Owls.— Foreign  —  1.  J.  Fielding,  jun.,  Rochdale.  2,  J.  Stanley,  he,  W.  C. 
Dawson,  Otley;  W.  Harvey.— English.  —  ],  T.  Newell.  2.  T.  Waddington.  he,  J. 
G"iiM.ii,  jun..  Hale,  Altriuuiunn  :  J.  W.  Eiige;  J.  Crosland,  jun.,  Wakefield. 

Jacobins.— 1.  E.  Horner.  '.'.  J.  W.  Edge,  Birmingham,  vhc,  J.  Newell,  Ashton- 
under-Lvne.     he,  W.  B.  Van  Haansbergen.  Newcastle-on-Tyne. 

Tkimi'f.ter8.— 1,  W.  B.  Van  HaansbemeD.  2,  J.  Firth,  he,  W.  H.  C.  Oates, 
Bestliorpe;  E.  Horner  (2);  J.  Hawhay  (2):  J.  Iirth.     r.  J.  Hawley. 

Turbits.— 1,  J.  W,  Edge,  2,  G.  South,  E<ist  Acton,  he,  O.  E.  Creswell,  Han- 
worth  l.'ectory;  J.  Fielding,  jun.;  W.  Lund,  Shipley;  W.  B.  Van  HaanBbergen. 
c,  E  J.  Dew. 

Dragoons.— 1  and  Cup,  J.  Holland,  Manchester.  2,  G.  South,  he,  F.  Graham. 
Birkenhead. 

Fantmls.— 1  and  Cup.  J.  Sharp.  2,  Rev.  W.  Sergoantson,  Acton  Burnell. 
he,  J.  W.  Edge;  H.  Yardley  ;  W.  Harvey. 

Amwkrps-1,  E.  Horner.  2,  J.  A.  Collinson,  Halifax,  he,  R.  Sidgwick 
Keishley;  J.  Broadbent,  Denton  ;  H.  R.  Wright,  Hockley.  Birmingham  (2);  W. 
H.  Mitchell ;  J.  Deakio,  Sheffield  ;  J.  Croaland,  jun.    c,  J.  A.  Collinson. 

Any  other  Variety.—  ],  W.  C.  Dawson  (Ice).  2,  W.  Harvey  (Ice),  he,  E. 
Horner;  T.  Wadddmrton  (Snot);  J.  T.  Lishman  (Black  SwallowB) ;  J.  Hmks, 
jun.,  Birmincham  llltd  Swallows). 

Selling  Class.— 1,  E.  Beldon,  Bradford  (Red  Barbs).  2,  J.  T.  Lishman  Blue 
Owls),    he,  J.  F.  While,    c,  W.  Kitchen  (Dragoon). 

Extra  Prize  to  the  exhibitor  obtaining  the  most  points,  E.  Horner. 

Judges. — Mr.  T.  J.  Charlton,  Bradford,  judged  the  classes  for 
Fonter  coclis,  Pouter  hens.  Carrier  cochs.  Barbs,  Foreign  Owls,  Jaco- 
bins, Fantails,  Euglish  Owls,  and  Antwerps  ;  and  Mr.  T.  H.  Ridputh, 
Manchester,  judged  the  remaining  classes. 


SCOTTISH   COLUMBARIAN    SOCIETY'S    SHOW. 

Thts  Show  was  held  on  the  15th  and  16th  inst.,  in  the  Mnsic  Hallt 
George  Street,  and  was  a  great  success.  We  must  defer  detailed 
remarks  till  next  week. 

YOUNG  BIRDS. 

Poutrr  Cocks.—  Black—  1.  '?,  he,  and  e,  G.  Ure,  Rosebank,  Dundee.  3,  J. 
Wallace.  White.— 1,  J.  M'Gill.  E)ie,  Fife.  2,  W.  Moon,  Edinburgh.  3,  W. 
Rutherford,  Edinburgh,  he,  G.  Dawson,  Edinburgh;  J.  Carss,  Edinburgh, 
Blue  —1,  W.  Volekmiui,  Bishopsgate  Street  Within,  London.  2  and  Special, 
J.  Millar,  Glasgow.  .1.  J.  Morrison.  Moi  Dingside,  Edinburgh,  he,  M.  Stuart. 
Glasgow,  c,  G.  Ure  £2).  Red.- I,  W.  Volckman.  2.  J.  Millar.  3,  R.  Fulton, 
Deptford,  London.  Yellou:— 1,  E.  Horner,  Harewood,  Leeds.  2,  G.  Ure.  S,  A. 
Wright,  Momin^side.  Edinhurgh. 

Potjtbb  Hkn-s.— Black  —i,  G.  Ure.  2.  J.  Millar.  3,  J.  Mitchell,  c,  J.  Hnie, 
Glasqow.  White.— I,  J.  Grant,  Edinburgh.  .',  W.  Moon.  3,  J.  Fairley,  Edin- 
burgh. r.W.  Rntherford.  Blue.— 1,  Iff.  stunrt.  2.  G.  Ure.  S.J.Millar,  he,  W. 
Volckman;  E.  Horner,  c.  J.  Mitchell,  Glasgow  ;  J.  Blair.  Edinburgh.  Red.— 
1.  A.  Wright.  2,  G.  Ure.  3.  G.  Taylor.  I  dinburgh.  Yelloic .— 1.  J.  Wallace, 
East  Glasgow.    2  and  3,  G.  Ure.     he,  W.  Volekman.     e,  G.  Ure  ;  R.  Fulton. 

Carrier  Cocks.— Blwk  —  1,  E.  Horner.  2  and  3,  G.  C.  Holt,  Lawton,  Cheshire. 
Dun.— 1,  R.  Fulton.    2  and  3,  G.  C.  Holt. 

Carrier  Hens.—  Black—  1,  G.  C.  Holt.  2,  E.  Fulton.  S,  E.  Horner.  Dun.— 
1  and  2,  G  C.  Holt.    3,  E.  Horner. 

Almi.sd  Tpmblers  (Short-laced).— 1.  W.  R.  &  H.  O.  Blenkinsop,  Newcastle 

Bakes .— 1,  R.  Fulton.  J,  W.  MaBsey,  Spalding.  8,  G.  C.  Holt,  c,  G.  White 
Ladvham,  Paisley. 

Fantai-s.— 1,  G.  Ure.    2  and  3,  J.  Huie. 

Trumpeters.-I  and  «,  T.  Rule,  Durham.    3,  J.  Wallace  (Black). 
OLD  BIRDS. 

PonTFR  Cocks.— Black.— 1.  R.  Fulton.  2,  3,  and  he,  G.  Ure.  r,  J.  Millar. 
White.— 1,  M.  Sanderson,  Edinburgh.  2,  W.  Rutherford.  3,  J.  Wallace,  he,  J. 
Porteoue,  Edinburgh  ;  R.  Blair,  Edinburgh;  J.  Ruthven,  Pollookshields,  Glas- 
gow, c,  W.  Hendrie,  Aberdeen;  J.  Huie.  Blue,— I  and  2,  R.  Fulton.  3,  J, 
SproulL  Glasgow,  he,  M.  Stuart;  D.  Stewart,  Perth;  R.Fulton;  J.  Huie. 
e,  M.Sanderson.  Red.— I,  A.  Wright.  2.  R.  Fulton.  3.  J.  Main,  Kilmarnock. 
he,  J.  Bruce,  Dunfermline  ;  R.  Fulton,  c.  G.  Ure  ;  R.  Fulton.  Yellow.— 1,  W. 
Vol.kman.  2  and  3.  R.  Fulton.  Ac,  G.  Ure.  c,  M.  White,  Dunfermline.  Any 
other  Colour.- 1  and  2,  W.  Volckman  (Mealy).  3,  J.  M'Gill  (Chequer),  he,  D, 
Stewart  (Splash);  W.  Volekman.      c,  D.  Stewart  (Mealy);    J.  Ruthven  (Splash). 

Pouter  Heni.— Black—  1  and  Special.  R.  Fulton.  2,  J.  Huie.  3,  J.  Millar. 
he,  M.  Stuart,  c,  J.  Wallace.  White.—],  R.  Fulton.  2,  M.  Stuart.  3,  J. 
Ruthven.  Ac,  J.  Wallace,  c,  R.  Blair ;  C.  Thomson,  Broughty  Ferry.  Blue.— 
1  and  2,  R.  Fulton.     3,  J.  Millar,     he,  G.  Ure ;    R.  Fulton,     c,  T.  Duncan,  Dal- 


504 


JOURNAL  OF   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  December  22,  1870. 


keith ;  J.  Luis,  Edinlinrffh.  Red  —  1,  J.  Millar.  2,  R.  Fulton.  3.  M.  Sanderson. 
}ic,  3.  Morrison,  c,J.  Hnie.  Yellow. — I  and  2,  R.  Fulton.  8,  A.  Wright,  he.  CI 
Ure.  c,  G.  Ure:  R.  Fulton;  W.  Volckman.  Any  other  Colour—  1  and  3,  W." 
Yolckman.  2,  J.  Rnthven.  lie,  W.  Moon  (Splashed);  J.  Caras.  c,  J.  Bruce  ; 
D.  Stewart  (Checker). 

Carrier  Cocks.— Black.— I  and  2,  R.  Fulton.  S,  W.  MaBsey.  Dun,~  1  and  2, 
R.  Fulton.    S,  W.  Massey. 

Carrier  Hens.—  Black.— 1,  2,  ond  3,  R.  Fnlton.    Dun.— 1,  2,  and  3,  R.  Fulton. 

Almonds.— Short-faced.— 1,  \V.  R  &  H.  O.  Hlenkinsop.  2  and  3,  R.  Fulton. 
Any  other  Colour.— I,  K.  Fulton.  2,  W.  R.  &  H.  O.  Blenkinsop.  3,  J.  Wallace 
(Siitea).    he.  3.  Bruce. 

^Barbs.— Black.— 1  and  2,  R  Fnlton.  S.J.Wallace.  Any  other  Colour.— 1,  J. 
Finding,  jun  ,  Rochdale  (Yellow).    2  and  3,  R.  Fulton  (Red  and  WhiteJ. 

Fantails.— 1,  T.  Wilson,  Stewarton,  Ayr.  2,  A.  Lookhart,  Kirkcaldy.  3  and 
he.  G.  Ure.    c,  3.  Huie. 

Jacobins.— 1  and  .'..  R.  Fulton.    S,  J.  Wal'ace  (Red). 

Trumpeters.— 1,  T.  Rule.  2,  H.  L.  Tivy,  Cork  (Mottled).  8.  W.  R.  &  H.  O. 
Blenkmsop. 

Owls.— 1,  J.  Ficldintz,  jun.    2,  R  Fulton.    8.  W.  Goidard.  Earlston  (White). 

Turlits.— 1  nnd  2,Capt..  Bolton,  Trinitr,  Edinburgh.  8,  T.  Rule,  c,  R.  Pater- 
son,  Melrose  (Blue) :  J.  R.  Rennards,  Helensburgh  (Red);  W.  R.  Park,  AbbuiB 
Meadow,  Melrose  iBlue);  H.  L.  Tivy. 

Nuns.— 1,  W.  E.  haston,  Hull.    2.  C.  Thomson.    3,  M.  White. 

MaGpieb—  1,  J.  Grant.    2,  E.Hsrner.    3,  G.  B.  Phillips,  Ayr. 

Flying  Tumblers  (Any  colour).— 1,  J.  Sharp  (Mottled).  2,  J.  M.  Braid,  Cam- 
bridge (Baldheads).    8,  T.  Rule. 

Any  other  Variety.— 1,  Capt.  Bolton  (White  Runts).  2,  J.  Wallace  (Abvs- 
sinians).  Sf  E-  Horner,  he,  W.  R.Parlt(L^tz) :  J.  Wallace  (Damascene),  c,  W. 
Goddard  (Austrian  Pouters) ;  J.  Wallace  (Lace  Fantailst. 

Judges. — Mr.  D.  Wolstenholme,  and  Mr.  E.  L.  Corker. 


Geese  and  Turkeys  were  quite  up  to  the  mark.  In  the  former  class 
Mr.  Fowlur  won  with  a  very  large  pen,  thongh  not  quite  to  our  liking 
in  colour.     The  winning  Turkeys  were  Cambridge. 

There  were  two  selling  classes,  one  for  fowls  and  the  other  for 
Ducks,  and  both  were  well  supported  with  cheap  lots,  which  offered 
great  advantages  to  intending  purchasers. 

There  were  some  good  birds  in  all  the  Pigeon  classes,  and  these 
might  be  extended  with  advantage,  only  nine  classes  being  devoted  to 
them.  Mr.  Yardley  won  the  plate  for  the  best  pen  of  Pigeons,  al- 
though Mr.  Hawley  was  in  dangerous  proximity  with  a  grand  pair  of 
Black  Trumpeters.  In  the  "  Variety  class  "  Nuns  were  first,  Black 
Swallows  seconil,  Maned  Pigeons  third,  and  Barbs  fourth.  We 
published  the  prize  list  last  week. 


TREDEGAR  POULTRY    SHOW. 

This  year  the  entries  at  Newport  were  considerably  more  nnmerons, 
and  the  quality  much  better,  than  at  any  previous  show,  although  five 
other  shows  were  held  on  the  same  date,  and  this  we  attribute  to  the 
general  Rood  management  and  courtesy  of  the  Secretary,  Mr.  Palling, 
whose  efforts  were  well  seconded  by  Mr.  Nicholas  and  other  members 
of  the  Committee. 

On  our  left  on  entering  we  found  the  Game  classes,  the  Black 
and  Brown  Reds  being  in  the  first  position  on  the  schedule;  and  in 
this  class  Brown  Reds  were  first  with  the  enp  for  the  best  pen  of 
Game,  bat  were  closely  pressed  by  a  pen  of  adult  Piles  in  the  follow- 
ing class.  There  were  also  souio  good  Duckwings,  but  the  hens  were 
mostly  a  little  coarse  in  colour  and  marking.  Of  Spanish  there  were 
some  capital  birds,  but  the  cocks  were  superior  to  the  hens,  some  of 
the  litter  b^ing  a  little  coarse  in  comb  ;  the  cock  in  the  cup  pen  was 
a  gem,  and  in  fine  condition.  The  Dorkings  were  of  large  frame, 
the  feet,  as  a  rule,  very  good,  and  the  colour  of  the  Dark  Greys  very 
sonnd.  There  was  one  pen  of  Silver-Greys  which  would,  doubtless, 
have  had  first  honours  had  it  not  been  for  the  excessive  marking  on 
the  hackle  of  the  cock;  as  it  was,  the  first  and  cup  for  Dorkings,  also 
the  piece  of  plate,  value  £28,  for  the  best  pen  in  the  Show,  were  won  I 
by  dark  Rose-combed  birds.  This  waB  contributed  by  a  few  gentle- 
men of  the  locality,  at  the  head  of  whom  was  the  Mayor  of  Newport. 
Buff  Cochins  were  good,  with  the  exception  of  a  little  mealiness  on 
the  tails  and  wines  of  eome  of  the  old  birds,  thongh  the  colour  of  the 
winners  was  faultless.  Paitridge  were  a  good  lot,  the  hen  in  the  first- 
prize  pen  being  one  of  the  best  laced  birds  we  ever  saw,  and  both 
birds  perfect  in  style  and  feather.  Tho  cup  for  this  section  was  won 
by  this  pen.  There  were  some  nice  Whites,  but  the  best  pen  arrived 
too  late  for  competition.  Light  BraJimas  were  mnch  superior  to  those 
at  any  previous  show,  yet  many  of  them  were  wanting  in  marking  on 
the  hackles  and  tails.  The  Dark  Brahmas  were  numerous,  and  the 
commendations  widely  diffused.  As  a  rule,  the  cocks  of  this  colour 
were  better  than  the  hens;  the  hens  that  were  best  in  shape,  size,  and 
lacing  being  mostly  too  brown  on  the  ground  colonr — a  fault  that 
cannot  too  quickly  disappear. 

Next  were  the  Hamburgh  classes,  and  these  were  well  represented, 
the  cup  going  to  Silver-spangled.  The  Golden-pencilled  were  an 
even  lot,  and  the  contest  keen.  The  Silver-pencilled  were  also  good, 
liut  not  equal  to  the  Golden  variety  ;  and  in  the  Gold-spangled  we 
thought  the  hens  superior  to  the  cocka,  some  of  the  latter  being  too 
high  in  comb,  though  the  winning  birds  were  good  in  that  respect.  Of 
Polands  there  were  but  three  pens,  all  Silvers,  and  good  in  all  points. 
The  French  fowls  were  represented  by  two  classes,  the  Hondans  being 
large  and  well  marked,  although  some  of  the  cocks  had  more  of  the 
Creve-Cceur  comb  than  that  of  the  Houdan.  [n  the  next  class  Crcve- 
Oceurs  were  first,  nnd  took  the  cup  for  the  best  pen  of  French  fowls, 
and  La  Flcche  second.  There  were  four  classes  for  Bantams,  the 
fiist  of  which  was  for  Game.  There  were  several  smart  pens,  the 
winners  being  Black  Reds,  with  Duckwings  highly  commended.  Of 
Blacks,  some  of  the  birds  were  not  good  in  comb  ;  but  throughout,  the 
-earlobes  were  perfect  and  the  plumage  very  good.  The  only  fault  we 
■found  with  the  first-prize  pen  was  that  they  were  a  little  too  large, 
thongh  in  all  other  points  quite  to  our  liking.  In  Whites  Messrs. 
Ashton  won  with  a  very  fine  pen,  the  plumage  being  perfect ;  and  in 
the  "  Variety  class  "  the  winners  were  both  Silver  Sebrights,  the  mark- 
ing of  which  was  very  good.  In  the  '"  Any  other  variety  class"  the 
first  prize  went  to  very  neat  Black  Hamburghs,  the  second  to  Malays, 
the  third  to  White  Dorkings,  and  the  fourth  to  Sultaus. 

Ducks  were  very  numerous,  both  Aylesbury  and  Ronen  being  large 
and  good  in  bill  and  plumage,  thongh  among  the  Ronens  were  several 
birds  with  leaden-coloured  beaks,  which  are  altogether  inadmissible 
in  a  prize  pen.  That  most  attractive  and  ornamental  section  of 
aquatic  birds,  "  the  Variety  class,"  was  well  filled,  and  great  difficulty 
was  experienced  in  making  the  awards,  there  being  so  many  good  pens 
that  more  prizes  could  have  been  worthily  awarded. 


GUILDFORD  POULTRY  SHOW. 

Tnis  is  one  of  the  pleasant  local  gatherings  that  warn  us  of  the 
approach  of  Christmas.  It  took  place  on  the  12th  and  13th  inst.,  in 
connection  with  a  show  of  fat  stock.  The  whole  of  the  Exhibition 
was  formerly  held  under  the  same  roof,  but  it  has  grown  and  ex- 
panded till  it  requires  a  separate  building  for  the  ponltry 

It  will  readily  be  supposed  that  in  Surrey  the  Dorh'ngs  wonld 
muster  in  strength.  Being  confined  to  a  small  area,  the  competition 
would  appear  small  in  numbers  as  compared  with  those  that  are  open 
to  all  England,  but  we  have  no  hesitation  in  saying  the  birds  success- 
fully shown  at  Guildford  would  have  beeu  prize  birds  at  Birmingham. 
We  have  seldom  seen  better,  and  we  could  not  help  thinking  it  was  a 
pity  the  Committee  did  not  remove  all  restrictions,  and  throw  down 
the  gauntlet  to  England.  The  White  Dorkings  were  very  good.  The 
third  class  is  peculiar  to  Guildford.  It  is  made-up  of  birds  called  in 
this  part  of  Surrey  Blue  Dorkings,  but  known  elsewhere  as  Cuckoos. 
There  was  a  capital  entry  of  good  birds.  A  most  excellent  pen  was 
shown  by  one  of  the  Committee,  who,  with  a  delicacy  that  is  worthy  of 
imitation,  declined  to  compete  because  he  held  office.  The  Spanish 
were  gooil,  but  not  so  numerous  as  we  have  seen  on  other  occasions. 
The  Cochiiis  were  a  failure  in  every  respect,  and  the  first  prize  was 
withheld.  So  long  as  the  Show  is  a  local  one,  we  almost  doubt  the 
wisdom  of  continuing  the  class.  There  is  always  a  good  show  of 
Brahmas,  especially  of  Light  birds  exhibited  by  Mr.  Pares,  who  may, 
we  believe,  be  called  the  originator  of  the  Light  classes.  Two  pens  of 
good  Dark  birds  were  disqualified  in  this  class,  the  legs  being  distinctly 
marked  with  string  and  tape. 

The  entries  of  Game  were  small,  and  many  pens  were  shown  in 
which  tho  cocks  were  not  dubbad.  There  are  always  good  IlamburgJis, 
and  this  year  they  formed  no  exception.  The  Bantams  were  well  re- 
presented. The  Black  Red  Game  birds  of  these  classes,  now  care- 
fully bred,  are  fast  attaining  the  perfection  of  their  larger  namesakes. 
The  entries  of  Dudes  were  good,  hut  here,  as  elsewhere,  the  Rouens  in 
every  way  surpassed  the  Aylesbury.  They  were  excellent  in  weight 
and  feather.  The  "Variety  class"  brought  Summer  and  Calls  as 
usual.  Tho  Geese  and  Ducks  are  always  good  here.  They  would 
have  been  noticed  anywhere.  The  Toulouse  as  usual  carried  off  the 
former  prize.  The  curious-looking  Sebastopol  may  be  among  the 
admired,  but  they  cannot  compete  with  the  others  on  the  question  of 
weight,  and,  consequently,  of  utility. 

We  believe  this  part  of  England  is  favourable  to  Turkeys,  they 
always  appear  in  numerous  entries,  and  of  excellent  quality.  There 
is  one  point  we  frequently  notice,  which  is,  that  there  Beems  almost  a 
certainty  of  like  begetting  like  among  these  birds ;  it  almost  always 
happens  that  the  same  exhibitor  takes  the  prizes  for  young  and  old 
birds.  Mr.  Messenger  did  so  in  this  instance.  Iu  the  "  Various 
class  "  there  were  some  good  Hondans  and  Creve-Coeurs.  We  were 
never  admirers  of  crosses,  and  those  we  saw  between  Dorking  and 
Brahma,  and  Dorking  and  Cochin,  did  not  alter  our  opinion. 

Mr.  Baily  was  the  Judge. 


BERWICK    CANARY    SHOW— PRIZE    LIST 
EXTRAORDINARY. 

WnEN  I  received  the  schedule  of  Berwick-on-Tweed  Show,  and 
noticed  on  what  an  absurd  principle  the  silver  cup  was  to  be  awarded — 
viz.,  first  prize  to  count  6;  second,  5  ;  third,  4 ;  very  highly  com- 
mended, 3 ;  highly  commended,  2  ;  and  commended,  1,  I  clearly 
foresaw  that  something  absurd  would  result.  It  was  easy  to  suppose 
any  number  of  cases  based  on  these  premises,  which  could  result  in 
nothing  but  an  absurdity,  even  to  the  extreme  case  of  an  exhibitor 
winning  the  silver  cup  without  taking  a  single  prize  ;  but  I  scarcely 
imagined  that  the  result  would,  in  actual  fact,  be  such  an  extraordi- 
nary exemplification  of  the  fallacious  principles  on  which  the  award 
of  the  cup  was  made. 

I  will  take  the  prize  scores  of  the  three  most  successful  exhibitors — 
Messrs.  Moore  &  Wynn,  Mr.  Barnesby,  and  Messrs.  Wallace  &  Beloe. 
An  analysis  bIiows  that  Moore  &  Wynn  won  thirteen  prizes,  scoring 
sixty-five  points  ;  Barnesby  won  six  prizes,  scoring  thirty-four  points; 
Wallace  &  Beloe  won  six  prizes,  scoring  twenty-nine  points.  Moore 
and  Wynn's  list  consisted  of  five  firsts,  three  seconds,  and  five  thirds. 
Barnesby's  consisted  of  four  firsts  and  two  seconds.  Wallace  and 
Beloe's  consisted  of  one  first,  three  seconds,  and  two  thirds.  A  single 
glance  will  bIiow  the  relative  value  of  these  scores.  Moore  &  Wynn 
take  more  prizes  than  the  other  two  put  together,  and  the  sum  of  their 


Deoember  22,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL   OP  HORTICULTURE   AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


505 


prize  points  is  in  excess  of  the  sum  of  the  other  two ;  yet  by  the  aid  of 
the  very  highly  commended,  the  highly  commended,  and  the  com- 
mended scores,  Messrs.  Wallace  it  Beloe  are  enabled  to  add  the  large 
number  of  nfty-hve  points  to  their  small  twenty-nine,  and  carry  off 
the  cup  with  an  aggregate  of  eighty-four  points. 

Of  course,  this  is  all  according  to  the  conditions  under  which  the 
cup  was  to  be  awarded,  as  set  forth  in  the  schedule,  and  is,  therefore, 
all  strictly  fair.  It  is  only  the  absurdity  of  the  conditions  with  which 
I  have  to  do.  Anyone  at  all  acquainted  with  Canary  shows  must  be 
aware  that  as  an  almost  invariable  rule  (for  exceptional  caseB  are  so 
very  rare  that  the  rule  may  almost  be  accepted  as  unvarying),  no  dis- 
position of  points  can  represent  the  relative  values  of  the  first,  second, 
and  third-prize  birds,  and  the  next  half  dozen  below  them.  No  handi- 
capping can  briug  them  together.  In  the  majority  of  instances  the 
difference  between  the  first  and  second  is  very  inadequately  repre- 
sented by  the  ratio  o  :  2,  and  the  gap  between  the  fmt  and  third  is 
wider  still,  while  the  mathematical  genius  has  not  yet  been  born  who 
can  invent  a  scale  of  notation  to  represent  in  any  kuown  terms  the 
comparison  between  the  prize  birds  and  the  very  highly  commended, 
highly  commended,  and  commended,  which  follow  in  a  descending 
scale,  precipitously  steep,  terminating  in  a  rubbish  heap. 

The  principle  upon  which  commendations  of  any  degree  are  awarded 
is  different  from  that  which  regulates  the  awarding  of  the  prizes.  It 
is  seldom  we  see  two  eqnal  firsts  or  seconds — never,  in  fact,  unless 
the  judges  are  empowered  to  give  duplicates,  and  then  the  wisdom  of 
the  step  is  questionable,  and  the  position  barely  tenable  ;  but  com- 
mendations are  scattered  with  a  much  more  lavish  hand,  and  any 
sensible  man  knows  the  value  of  them.  Sometimes  judges  are  in- 
structed to  be  liberal  in  their  commendations,  and  it  is  not  unusual  to 
see  three  or  four  very  high  commendations,  and  as  many  of  the  lower 
grades  in  one  class.  But  no  one  will  venture  to  say  that  the  three  or 
four  very  highly  commended  judged  as  being  of  equal  merit  are  so  in 
reality,  and  that  it  would  be  impossible  to  separate  the  three  without 
an  injustice  to  one  or  the  other,  or  that  the  highly  commended  and 
the  commended  are  equally  inseparable.  They  are  judged  on  more 
general  terms,  and  may  be  considered  as  being  divided  into  three 
groups,  not  too  closely  sifted  and  classified  according  to  their  general 
merit.  But  the  most  meritorious  of  them  (aud  an  exhibitor  by  enter- 
inganumber  of  them  may  sco.-e  many  equal  very  high  commendations, 
or  commendations  in  one  class),  is  far  removed  from  the  third-prize 
bird,  and  most  certainly  deserves  to  contribute  nothing  towards  prize- 
winning. 

Birds  capable  of  holding  their  own  against  all  comers  are  few  aud 
far  between,  very  difficult  to  breed,  and  very  valuable  when  obtained. 
Fonrth.  fifth,  aud  sixth-rate  birds  are  plentiful  as  blackberries,  easy 
to  breed,  and  not  worth  tho  seed  they  eat  in  comparison  with  the 
others.  The  one  class,  which  represents  an  ideal  standard  of  per- 
fection, cannot  be  produced  in  largo  numbers,  but  the  other  can  and 
is  ;  and  any  man  by  procuring  a  sufficient  nnmber  of  them  can 
render  it  practically  an  impossibility  for  an  exhibitor  of  high-class 
birds  to  win  a  prize  he  values  more  than  money,  and  a  schedule  has 
been  found  offering  this  facility.  Even  if  there  were  only  one  very 
high  commendation,  one  high  commendation,  and  one  commendation, 
it  would  be  bad  enough;  hut  it  is,  apart  from  the  absurdity  of  the 
thiug,  a  manifest  injustice  to  give  one  first,  one  second,  one  third, 
and  an  unlimited  number  of  equal  very  high  commendations,  hi6h 
commendations,  and  commendations.  A  silver  cup  does  two  things — 
it  represents  so  many  ounces  troy  at  so  much  per  ounce,  and  it  also 
tells  a  story.  Surely  if  first,  second,  and  third  in  the  race  were  in- 
scribed upon  it,  it  would  like  to  turn  its  face  to  the  wall. — W.  A. 
Blakstox. 

FOUL  BROOD. 

The  above  subject  being  again  brought  up,  reminds  trie  that 
my  contributions  to  "our  Journal"  have  fallen  very  much 
behind,  aid  that  I  owe  yenr  esteemed  correspondent,  Mr.  J. 
Lowe,  an  apology  for  not  adverting  sooner  to  his  last  paper  on 
"  Foul  Brood,"  in  Nos.  -109  aud  410,  not  that  I  have  anything 
particularly  new  to  comuiuuieate,  but  on  the  principle  that 
"silence  gives  consent,"  I  might  be  held  as  homologating  the 
peculiar  views  put  forth. 

While  perusing  with  much  interest,  and  very  great  pleasure, 
Mr.  Lowe's  clever  five  years'  resume  of  this  controversy,  still  I 
must  confess  it  left  a  rather  perplexing  impression  on  the 
mind,  to  find  your  correspondent,  who  so  long  and  persistently 
derided  the  existence  of  such  a  disease,  seemingly  clinging  to 
his  old  hypothesis,  that  the  appellation  foul  btood  was  syno- 
nymous with  chilled  brood,  induced  by  experimenting,  and 
curable  by  excision,  even  while  quoting  the  ravages  of  the  fell 
destroyer  to  the  extent  of  one  hundred  colonies  in  one  year  in 
the  American  apiary  of  Mr.  Quinby,  and  to  no  less  than  five 
hundred  in  1848,  in  that  of  the  German  one  of  the  celebrated 
Dzierzon,  while  endeavouiiug  in  the  most  ingenious  manner 
to  bend  the  most  opposite  opinions  as  to  its  origin  in  support 
of  his  pet  theory,  on  no  better  foundation  than  that  "  ex- 
tremes meet." 

I  quite  pgree  wi  h  your  correspondent,  that  "  it  is  strange," 


on  the  assumption  that  foul  brood  is  no  disease,  but  simply  an 
effect  of  over-experimenting,  that  while  Mr.  Quinby  should 
have  lost  so  very  heavily,  his  transatlantic  brother,  the  Rev. 
L.  L.  Langstrotb,  states  that  the  malady  never  made  its  ap- 
pearance in  his  apiaries,  more  particularly  when  it  is  borne 
in  mind  that  the  latter  gentleman  first  introduced  the  frame 
hive,  and  may  be  held  as  the  most  experimental  apiarian 
on  that  continent ;  and  Btranger  Btill  that  "  A  Devonshire 
Bee  keeper,"  for  whose  frank  and  graphic  description  of  its 
ravages  we  are  all  so  muoh  indebted,  assures  me  that  while 
"  more  experimental  than  ever,"  it  has  never  re-appeared  in 
consequence. 

It  was  with  much  pleasure  I  accepted  Mr.  Lowb's  proffered 
invitation  to  accompany  him  through  his  "  lote  mountain 
pass."  We  there  discover  the  remains  of  what  was  once  a 
living  organism.  While  awaiting  in  wrapt  attention  his  open- 
ing the  inquest,  my  metaphorical  companion,  sniffing  the  fainter} 
atmosphere,  moves  off  with  a  rhetorical  flourish,  "What 
matters  it,  whether  that  once  living  form  was  deprived  of  life 
by  frost  or  fire,  by  cold  or  heat,  whether  by  an  electric  flash  of 
heaven's  hot  artillery,  &c?"  Not  possibly  very  muchtothemere 
theorist,  but  everything  to  the  unfortunate  apiarian  who  has 
had  his  apiary  repeatedly  swept  by  foul  brood,  and  something, 
too,  one  would  suppose  in  a  paper  treating  expressly  on  the 
origin  of  foul  brood. 

Its  origin  in  its  most  virulent  form  in  my  apiary,  now  seven 
years  since,  was  clearly  traceable  to  infection  through  the  in- 
terchange of  combs  with  a  diseased  colony  received  from  "  A 
Devonshiiie  Beekeeper,"  before  he  discovered  the  cause  of 
his  "dwindling  apiary,"  and  he  in  like  manner  introduced 
the  disease  by  using  infected  combs  from  a  common  straw 
hive,  which  latter  fact  Mr.  Lowe  has  all  along  very  unfairly 
ignored. 

Having  suffered  so  severely  from  the  devastating  effects  or 
this  most  mysterious  malady,  I  must  confess  to  have  acquired 
such  a  salutary  dread  of  the  smallest  trace  of  its  insidious- 
advance,  that  my  efforts  have  all  along  been  mire  directed  to 
"stamp  out,"  than  speculate  or  experiment  with  a  view  to 
trace  its  origin.  I  can,  therefore,  appreciate  and  feel  all  the 
more  grateful  to  such  correspondents  as  your  valued  contri- 
1  butors,  "  R.  S.,"  and  "  A  Lanarkshire  Bee-keeper,"  for  their 
practical  tfforts  in  this  direction. 

I  am  still  of  the  opinion  adduced  in  this  Journal  in  the  be- 
ginning of  18G7,  that  "over- heating,  rather  than  any  amount 
of  exposure  and  chil),  induces  this  most  mysterious  malady,'^ 
t  and  I  cannot  comprehend  how  Mr.  Lowe  "  hails  this  theory  as 
one  virtually  quite  in  accordance  with  my  own."  If  we  take 
j  the  case  of  chilled  brood  in  a  hive,  it  has  been  abundantly 
proved  that  such  is  lemoved  by  the  bees,  then  Mr.  Lowe'8 
j  urgumentativestructuretoppIeB  over;  and  if  the  pupa:  die  solely 
from  contamination  with  those  in  the  adjoining  cells,  agreeably 
to  Mr.  Lowe's  theory,  how  comes  it  that  we  find  perfectly 
healthy  bees  frequently  emerge  from  the  very  centre  of  corrupt- 
ing masses  ?  but  how  opposite  is  the  result  in  an  "  over-heated  " 
colony.  I  never  said  nor  supposed  that  the  death  of  the  em- 
bryo, as  a  matter  of  course,  followed  parallel  to  that  of  chilled 
brood  ;  on  the  Contrary,  heat  is  what  young  bees  can  stand  a 
good  deal  of.  Suppose  we  confine  the  inmates  of  a  populous 
hive  duting  warm  weather  in  summer,  the  temperature  at  once 
rises,  undue  excitement  follows,  vapour  is  seen  clouding  the  in- 
ternal atmosphere,  which,  condensing  on  the  windows,  trickles 
down  in  streams.  No  doubt,  if  persisted  in  to  extremity,  the 
bees  as  well  as  brood  would  be  suffocated,  and  the  combs  giva 
way ;  but  some  time  before  such  an  extremity  is  reached 
if  we  open  the  entrance  the  inmates  pour  forth  in  streams 
to  the  fresh  air  over  the  landing  board,  and  on  to  the  ground,, 
and  seem  for  a  time  as  if  quite  paralysed;  labour  is  brought  to 
a  standstill,  and  although  subsequently  resumed,  goes  on  but 
sluggishly,  and  if  in  the  course  of  a  few  days  we  invert  the- 
hive  unmistakeable  traces  of  foul  brood  will  be  too  apparent,, 
induced,  doubtless,  by  the  effects  of  the  heat  and  the  con- 
densed moisture  mixing  with  the  unsealed  honey,  causing  it  to 
ferment,  and  acting  in  a  deleterious  manner  on  the  lante  when 
fed  with  it.  The  fermentation  which  is  a  consequence  of 
mixing  evem  unsealed  with  sealed  honey  drained  in  summer,  is 
well  known  to  all  practical  bee-keepers. 

Confirmatory  of  this  view,  I  may  narrate  an  interesting  case 
I  met  with  where  foul  brood  was  subsequently  induced  in  a 
healthy  hive  without  the  presence  of  brood  at  all  in  the  first 
instance.  Driving,  on  the  twenty-fourth  day  after  swaiminp, 
a  bought-in  cottager's  common  straw  tkep,  I  could  not  but 
admire,  on  examining  the  combs,  how  thoroughly  every  bee 


506 


JOURNAL   OF   HOETICULTUKE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


t  Deoonibor  22,  1870. 


had  been  hatched  oat.  There  wag  not  a  sirjgle  cell-cover  visible  ; 
and  the  operation  having  taken  place  while  honey  abounded, 
in  addition  to  a  large  weight  of  sealed  honey  in  the  upper  por- 
tion of  the  combs,  a  considerable  area  of  the  brood  oells  oon- 
tiined  unsealed  honey  evidently  freshly  gathered  in.  From 
the  healthful  state  of  matters  I  resolved  to  cover  it  up  and  set 
i-.  aside  for  a  prospective  stock  hive,  its  own  population  having 
bean  added  to  an  adjoiniug  colony.  At  the  end  of  the  season, 
having  been  presented  with  the  teeming  population  of  two 
capital  prime  swarms,  of  the  healthful  condition  of  whose  combs 
I  had  taken  care  to  satisfy  myself,  they  were  duly  conjoined, 
and  I  prepared  to  look  out  roy  bsat-out  skep,  but  it  was  nowhere 
to  be  found.  Subsequently  it  was  discovered  stowed  away  as 
lumber  in  a  very  damp  apartment,  and,  on  making  an  exami- 
nation, I  was  chagrined  to  find  that  overspreading  the  unsealed 
honey  there  was  an  abominable  white  mouldy  fungus-like 
growth.  If  I  had  had  but  a  few  bees  at  command  I  would  have 
hesitated  before  introducing  them,  but  the  heat  and  capabilities 
of  such  a  body  of  bees  I  thought  amply  sufficient  to  counteract 
any  bad  effects  following,  and  they  were  run  up,  and  it  was 
set  down  on  a  stance.  Being  bo  well  found  in  population  and 
store,  it  remained  untouched  till  the  following  spring  was  well 
advanced,  having  calculated  on  a  particularly  early  strong 
swarm,  forgetting  all  about  the  state  of  the  unsealed  honey  in 
the  combs,  till  one  remarkably  genial  day  my  attention  whb 
arrested  by  the  paucity  of  the  workorB  emerging  from  it.  and  it 
was  forthwith  inverted,  when  to  my  great  mortification  I  found 
but  a  very  small  handful  of  bees,  and  the  combs  one  mass  of 
putrifying  corruption  from  foul  brood.  Sentence  of  death  was 
at  once  passed  on  the  little  baud,  and  the  contents  of  their  hive 
consigned  to  the  melling  pot. 

The  evil  effeote  of  feeding  with  fermented  foreign  honey  came 
to  my  knowledge  a  few  seasons  back.  An  extensive  cottage 
bee-keeper,  for  economical  reasons,  purchased  a  large  cask  of 
this  commodity,  and  from  its  extreme  cheapness  fed  his  stock 
very  liberally.  I  afterwards  saw  in  bin  garden,  on  more  than 
one  occasion,  combs  in  a  bad  state  from  foul  brood,  of  which 
he  had  previously  no  experience,  as  well  as  colonies  sold  from 
his  apiary  which  failed  to  prosper  from  the  same  cause. 

I  am  glad  to  be  able  to  report,  that  although  employing  many 
more  frame  hives  than  formerly,  my  stock  has  for  the  last  two 
BeasonB  regained  its  pristine  healtlifuIneBs ;  and  when,  last 
season,  I  was  kindly  favoured  with  a  new  cure  (permanganate 
of  potash)  for  my  old  enemy,  I  had  not  a  case  to  try  it  witb,  and 
therefore  sent  it  on  to  my  friend  "  A  Stewakton  Apiarian," 
whose  unsuccessful  experiment  hai  been  already  chronicled  in 
these  pages. — A  Renfrewshire  Bee-keeper. 


OUR  LETTER  BOX. 

Morley  Show. — Are  other  exhibitors  liko  myself  ?  I  have  received  no 
prize  money  awarded  to  me  at  the  Inst  Morley  Show.  I  hive  applied 
several  times  to  the  Secretary  ami  revived  no  answer. — H  W.  Fleing- 
worth,  The  Green,  Idle,  near  Leeds  — L^'ve  the  Secretar}'  n  >tico  that  yon 
will  sue  him  in  the  County  Court. — Eds  ] 

Earlobes  of  Dorkings  {W.  S.  D  j.— The  earlobe  of  a  Dorking  is  quite 
immaterial.  We  prefer  it  red,  but  it  is  sometimes  tinged  with  whitn. 
Yon  have  been  correctlv  informed  when  you  were  told  it  was  a  most  im- 
portant point  in  a  Hamburgh.  In  that  breed  a  red  deaf  ear  is  a  disquali- 
fication ;  it  must  be  perfectly  white. 

Crystal  Palace  Poultry  Snow. — Owing  to  the  lit*  hour  at  which 
some  of  the  classes  were  judged  our  reporters  were  obliged  to  leave  bffo  e 
a  few  of  the  enps  were  awarded.  We  now  give  a  list  of  those  omitted  in 
our  report.  Mr.  H.  J.  Godfrey's  Blade  Cochin  took  the  cup  in  Any  other 
variety.  For  the  hest  youug  Pouter. cock,  Mr.  Volekmau.  Carrier*,  any 
other  colour,  Mr  Dennw.  Mr.  Fulton  wontwe  cups — for  Blue  Pied  Pouter 
hens,  and  the  other  for  young  Barbs.  Any  other  variety,  Mr.  Wali.tr-. 
For  the  best  collection  t.f  Short-faced  Tumblers,  Mr.  Ford.  The  third 
prize  for  Black  Bantams  wis  awarded  to  Mr.  E  Cambridge;  and  Mr, 
J.  Howes  again  exhibited  a  pair  of  his  curious  White  Dorking  Bantams. 
Some  exhibitors  appear  to  be  under  the  impression,  »s  the  snow  closed 
on  Saturday,  their  birds  were  packed  and  sent  away  the  same  evening. 
The  Committee  were  certain  if  tln-v  s-ut  i  he.  birds  a  war  t'jfit  night  they 
would  be  kept  at  the  railway  s'vti.m*  the  whole  of  Sunday.  The  hinH 
were  therefore  despatched  on  Monday,  und  every  nn«  wns  out  of  the 
Palace  before  5  p.m.  on  Monday,  and  they  should  have  reached  their 
owners  not  later  than  Tuesday 

York  Poultry  Show.— Mr.  H.  Andrews  informs  u=i  that  the  first  prize 
in  the  SelliDg  class  was  won  by  his  Dark  Brahmas. 

La  Fleche  Hens  at  BiitMiscriAM.— We  have  received  from  onr 
reporter  at  Birmingham  a  note,  i-i  wnich  he  says  that  ho  has  not  the 
slightest  reason  to  doubt  the  c  jrreeUjess  of  the  statement  by  the  Htm. 
W.  C.  Fitzwilliani  lastweck.es  to  the  second-iii-izw  pen  of  Lr  FJeche 
hens.  He  repeats,  however,  and  think*  even  Mr.  FuzwilUam  will  admit, 
that  the  appearance  of  the  birds,  ou  which  alone  his  rntnark  was  founded, 
was  precisely  as  stated,  and  wis  remarked  upon  by  many,  and  if  IIip 
strain  had  not  been  recently  crossed  I"  fort) coming  into  the  possession  of 
the  exhibitor,  the- pen  must  be  lvg.r.W-d  *s  another  of  the  by-no-ine -us 
rare,  but  very  remarkable  cwsey  •  i  atavism,  or  reversion  to  one  of  t'u- 
races  from  which  there  is  no  doubt  the  La  fleche  originally  Bprang.    llu 


thanks  Mr.  Fitzwilllam  for  the  gentlemanly  tone  of  his  note,  which  he  is 
not  willing  to  leave  altogether  unnoticed. 

Tail  of  GoLn-PENCiLLED  Hamburgh  (We*t  of  England  Subscriber).— 
A  black  tail  is  a  disqualification  in  a  Pencilled  Hamburgh  cock.  The 
loss  of  a  sickle  is  a  great  dis-  dvantage,  as  it  opens  the  door  to  suspicion. 

Cochin  Cockerel  (R.  Crofton).— Apply  to  some  one  who  advertises, 
and  do  not  buy  until  you  have  seen  the  bird. 

Moth  in  Seal  Skin  {Idem).— Bent  it,  sprinkle  camphor  dust  among 
the  fur,  and  hang  in  a  warm  dry  place.  When  no  insects  are  left  keep  the 
skin  clnsoly  rolled  in  brown  paper,  several  times  enveloping  it  bo  that  no 
moth  can  get  to  the  skin,  and  keep  it  in  a  very  dry  place. 

Pigeons  at  the  Birmingham  Show.— Mr.  Fulton  writes  to  us  that  his 
Carrier  Pigeons  were  neither  trimmed  nor  oiled. 

Carriers  at  the  Crystal  Palace  (An  Exhibitor"1. — We  cannot  insert 
your  communication;  it  is,  with  little  exception,  at  variance  with  the 
opinions  of  Borne  of  the  best  judges. 

Pouter  (T.  E.  F.).— The  bird  yon  describe  is  not  an  exhibition  bird,  it 
is  too  small,  and  mealy  is  not  usually  a  prize  colour. 

English  and  Foreign  Owls  [O.  C.).—We  have  often  said  that  there 
is  the  same  difference  between  English  Owls  and  foreign  or  African  Owls 
OS  hetween  Long-faced  and  Short-faced  Tumblers.  The  latter  are  deli- 
cate, small,  fragile,  and  very  tender.  The  fact  of  African  Owls  being 
breii  in  England  does  not  make  them  English  Owls.  Barbs  have  for 
centuries  been  bred  in  England,  yet  they  are  called  Barbs  or  Barbary 
Pigeons,  because  they  originally  came  from  that  country.  Although 
English  Owls  are  more  generally  either  powder  blue  or  Bilver,  yet  there 
are  white,  black,  or  even  yellow  sometimes  to  bo  met  with,  and  white  with 
black  tails. 

Honey  Insipid  (T.  O.  J".).— If  the  so-called  honey  consists  either  wholly 
or  in  great  part  of  sugar  fed  to  the  bees  in  the  form  of  syrup,  it  would 
account  for  its  insipidity.  The  character  and  t  iste  of  simple  syrup  is  un- 
doubtedly altered  by  being  stored  by  bees  in  their  combs,  but  it  is  not  bo 
full-flavoured  as  natural  honey.  The  proportions  of  sugar  and  honey 
could  only  be  ascertained  by  analysis. 

Removing  Stocks  of  Bees  (C). — We  do  not  think  you  will  find  much 
difficulty  in  safely  removiug  your  bees  domiciled  in  Woodbury  hives  to 
some  distance  by  rail  at  this  season.  All  that  is  necessary  is  to  insure 
ventilation  by  covering  the  entrances  and  central  apertures  with  per- 
forated zinc,  and  to  take  care  that  the  hives  are  carefully  handled.  A  mild 
day  should  also,  if  possible.,  he  selected  for  the  removal. 


METEOROLOGICAL   OBSERVATIONS 
In  the  Suburb*  of  London  for  the  week  ending  December  20th. 


BAROMETEB. 

THERMOMETER. 

Wind. 

DATS. 

Air. 

Eai 

th. 

Bain 

Max. 

Min. 

Mas. 

Min. 

1ft. 

2  ft. 

Wed.  ..   14 

29.255 

29.040 

68 

35 

46 

43 

S. 

.20 

Tlmrs. .  15 

29.511 

29  438 

48 

37 

46 

43 

S. 

.58 

Fn..  ..  16 

29.798 

29.746 

44 

37 

46 

43 

SE. 

.24 

Mat.  ...   17 

80.033 

29  902 

45 

27 

45 

42 

N. 

.00 

Sun.  ..  18 

30.025 

29955 

50 

40 

43 

42 

W. 

.00 

Mm.  .  .  19 

29  8«3 

29.515 

51 

8S 

46 

43 

W. 

.08 

Tuea.  . .  20 

29.571 

29.515 

53 

29 

46 

43 

N.W. 

.00 

Mean.. 

29.714 

29.587 

49.80  1  34.71 

4543 

42.71 

1.10 

14.— Showery  ;  heavy  showers  ;  clear,  starlight. 
15.  — Cloudy  but  fine  ;  densely  overcast;  rain. 
1G.— Foggy,  very  damp;  densely  overcast;  overcast. 
17 — Densely  overcast ;  clear  and  fine;  starlight. 
IS — Densely  overcast ;  overcast;  densely  overcast. 
j9. — Densely  overcast ;  overcast;  rain  at  night. 
2J.— Fine  but  cloudy  ;  fine  ;  densely  overcast. 


COVENT  GARDEN  MARKET.— December  21. 
There  has  been  a  trifling  advance  in  some  descriptions  of  goods,  but 
gr-Mierally  Bpeaking  much  duiness  prevails,  and  the  great  bulk  <  f  Apples 
and. Pears  being  inferior  in  size  and  quality,  the  market  is  very  heavy. 
< 'ranges  fron  Malta  and  the  Azores  are  much  improved,  Potato  supplies 
srn  heavy,  both  by  rail  and  coastwise.  Quotations  for  vegetables  are 
the  same  as  last  week. 

FRDIT. 


a. 
,  4  sieve    1 
...  rtnz.    0 

d. 
0 

0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 

0 
0 

8. 

to  2 
0 
0 
IB 
l) 
0 
0 

0 
8 
10 
4 

d 
0 
0 
0 
G 
0 
0 
0 
0 
fi 
0 
0 
0 
0 

lb. 

8. 
0 
0 
6 
0 
1 
1 
3 
1 
0 
0 
0 

10 

1 

d. 

(i  t. 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

6 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

8. 
0 
0 

10 
0 
g 

s 

5 
3 
0 
l) 
0 
16 
11 

d 
0 

Nectarines 

....duz. 

0 

bnahel  10 
.  i  sieve    0 
do.    0 

II 

Peaches  

Pears, kitchen  . 
dessert 

....duz. 

....  doz. 
lb. 

0 

0 

0 

PlffH 

II 

0 

Cans... 

(iranos,  Hothoua 

lb.    2 

a....  lb.    4 

lb. 

0 

0 

Strawberries    . 
do 

lb. 

0 

(1 

II 

POULTRY  MARKET.— December  21. 
Tre  nfiav  approach  of  Christiuns.and  the  constant  fluctuations  of  prices 
it  this  liruo,  render  any  quotations  impossible.  We  can  only  say  that  at 
the  lime  uf  our  going  to  press  prices  were  high  and  well  maintained,  and 
I  hat  the  absence  of  French  supplies  was  sensibly  felt.  We  expect  during 
the  week  that  prices  will  be  W«1J  maintained. 


December  29,  1870.  1 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


507 


WEEKLY 

CALENDAR. 

Day 

Weak. 

AT»rage  Tempera-  j  Rfi°lin  1      Sun     j     Sun 
tare  near  Londoa.    ,-  **'  -      Rises,  j    Seta. 

Moon 

Moon 

Moon's 

Cloak 

before 
Sun. 

Day 

of 

Year. 

of 

Month 

D»C.  29,  1870— JAN.  4,  1871. 

Rises. 

Sets. 

Age. 

Day. 

Nicht. 

Mean.     Days. 

m.      h.     m.      h. 

m.     b. 

m.      h. 

Days. 

m.      a. 

29 

Th 

439 

?,:i.  i 

38.5 

20 

9af8 

5Saf3 

after. 

morn. 

) 

2    18 

363 

80 

F 

444 

31.7 

38.1 

17 

9      8 

57      * 

30      0 

leaf  0 

8 

2     47 

3S4 

31 

8 

43  9 

32.4 

S8.2 

15 

9      8 

53      3 

47      0 

22      1 

9 

3    16 

365 

1 

StJK 

SUMDAY  AFTER  CHRISTMAS. 

43.0 

30.3 

16.6 

12 

8      8 

0      4 

6       1 

28      2 

10 

3    45 

1 

2 

u 

41.9 

28.9 

35.4 

17 

8      8 

1       4 

27      1 

34      3 

11 

4    13 

2 

To 

42.6 

30.0 

36.3 

19 

8      8 

2      4 

52      1 

40      4 

12 

4    41 

3 

4 

W 

42.2 

28.6 

85.4 

17 

8      8 

3      4 

22      2 

45      5 

IS 

5      8 

4 

From  obserratione  taken  near  London  during  the  last  forty-three  years,  the  ayerage  day  temperature  of  the  week 

is  43.1°, 

and  its  night 

temperature  SO.T.     The  greatest  heat  was  58°,  on  the  23th,  1853 ;  and  the  lowest  cold  11*  below  zero,  on  the  4th,  1367 

.    The  greatest  fall  of 

rain  wal  0.86  inch. 

NAMING  FRUITS. 

Sis'  OTANISTS,  in  ascertaining  the  names  of 
plants  and  flowers,  proceed  on  the  principles 
of  a  systematic  science.  Botany  has  so  ar- 
ranged and  classified  all  her  subjects  in  their 
minutest  order,  that  by  careful  study  and 
observation  we  may  trace  out  for  ourselves 
the  correct  name  of  any  which  may  be  brought 
before  us,  whether  we  may  happen  to  have 
seen  the  plant  previously  or  not.  There  are 
the  normal  conditions  of  plants  and  flowers, 
the  genera  and  species  that  botany  tells  us  of,  which  are 
typical  and  do  not  vary.  These,  when  once  seen  and 
described,  can  be  at  any  future  time  recognised.  It  re- 
quires study — profound  study,  no  doubt — but  it  may  be 
and  is  accomplished.  With  the  varieties  of  species  there 
is  far  more  difficulty,  and  there  are  few  amongst  us  who 
will  either  undertake  to  name,  or  expect  anyone  to  know, 
the  given  names  of  mere  varieties  of  either  plants  or 
flowers  The  Editors  of  our  horticultural  journals,  who 
seem  to  know  almost  everything,  do  not  attempt  much  with 
varieties,  excepting  in  the  case  of  a  few  easily-defined  forms. 
Pomologists,  in  naming  fruits,  have  but  little  to  guide 
them.  There  is  no  system  yet  evolved  which  has  reduced 
fruits  to  an  order  by  which  their  correct  names  may  be 
ascertained.  Pomology  is  a  science,  and  a  most  intricate 
and  difficult  science,  without  doubt.  It  is  a  science,  how- 
ever, without  order,  or  with  but  little.  It  is  a  science  of  very 
close  observation  and  much  varied  experience — a  science, 
the  various  bearings  of  which  are  much  better  understood 
than  easy  to  explain — a  science,  indeed,  the  whole  super- 
structure of  which  each  one  has  to  erect  for  himself  by 
close  observation,  acquaintance,  and  hard  study.  There 
is  no  royal  road  to  learning  it  ;  there  is  no  way  of  becom- 
ing acquainted  with  fruits  or  of  knowing  them,  excepting 
by  seeing  them,  tasting  them,  examining,  describing,  and 
comparing  them  for  oneself.  It  is  only  by  the  most 
lengthened  and  varied  experience  of  each  individual  sub- 
ject, close  observation,  and  most  retentive  memory  that 
pomologists  are  enabled  to  determine  the  names  of  fruits. 

Numerous  and  excellent  as  are  our  works  on  fruits,  there 
is  none  by  the  aid  of  which  without  previous  aiquaintance 
that  we  can  ascertain  the  name  of  a  single  variety.  The 
best  work  of  the  Horticultural  Society  was  its  "  Catalogue 
of  Fruits  "  out  of  perfect  chaos.  Mr.  Thompson  did  an 
immense  amount  of  good  service  by  his  classification  of 
fruits,  so  far  as  it  went,  and  his  short  descriptive  notices 
of  them.  Dr.  Hogg  also,  the  leading  pomologist  of  the 
present  day,  has  done,  and  is  doing,  much  to  extend  our 
knowledge  of  and  acquaintance  with  fruits.  His  '"  Fruit 
Manual "  is  the  very  best  guide  we  can  have.  We  are 
also  favoured  in  various  ways  by  minutely  descriptive 
notices,  outlines  of  the  fruits,  and  even  coloured  illus- 
trations, and  yet — look  at  them  a3  we  may,  study,  compare, 
commit  the  whole  to  memory  if  we  can — without  the  pre- 
vious acquaintance  we  can  by  no  means  determine  the 
name  of  a  single  specimen.  It  is  only  by  a  work  of  years, 
by  a  long  and  patient  study  of  fruits  in  all  their  varied 
No.  E09.— Vol.  XIX.,  New  Series  __ 


forms,  under  all  their  various  circumstances  and  conditions, 
that  one  can  gain  a  true  knowledge  of  fruits  and  their 
correct  names. 

Take  any  one  class  of  fruit :  they  are  mere  varieties  the 
one  of  the  other,  each  possessing  its  own  peculiar  and 
distinctive  features  and  character  it  may  be,  but  they  are 
inconstant  and  subject  to  vary  very  much  under  altered 
conditions  of  soil,  situation.  See.  There  are  other  varieties 
possessing  nearly  the  same  characteristics,  which  also  vary 
so  that  the  two  seem  to  intermingle,  and  it  is  almost  im- 
possible to  distinguish  the  one  from  the  other — that  is, 
supposing  our  observation  is  limited  in  extent.  The  varie- 
ties may  be  perfectly  distinct  and  easily  recognised,  if 
grown  under  similar  conditions,  and  when  seen  in  quantity 
it  is  also  a  simple  matter  to  distinguish.  Take,  as  an 
example,  of  Apples,  the  well-known  Blenheim  Orange,  and 
another  Fearn's  Pippin :  no  two  Apples  in  what  might  be 
termed  their  normal  condition  could  be  much  more  dis- 
tinct, and  as  we  have  them  described  they  seem  to  possess 
no  possible  relationship,  yet  there  are  grown  hundreds  of 
bushels  of  Blenheim  Oranges  of  the  low  flat  form  which 
it  is  most  difficult  to  distinguish  from  Fearn's  Pippin.  The 
Blenheim  Orange  is  at  times  small,  fiat,  highly  coloured, 
and  dry ;  sometimes  it  is  large,  upright  or  conical,  pale, 
and  juicy.  The  two  forms  may  be  found  in  the  same 
garden,  even  on  the  same  tree.  Sometimes  it  is  the  soil, 
sometimes  the  season,  a  little  good  or  bad  cultivation,  the 
influence  of  the  stock,  or  more  or  less  vigour  in  one  branch 
as  compared  with  another,  that  will  effect  all  this  difference 
which  one  who  observes  alone  can  tell.  There  is  no  book 
which  can  afford  this  information.  Given — a  flat  form  of 
Blenheim  Orange,  if  the  observer  has  never  seen  the  va- 
riety in  that  particular  form  before,  there  is  no  means  at 
his  command  by  which  he  can  ascertain  the  name.  It  has 
simply  to  be  arrived  at  by  reasoning  on  previous  obser- 
vations and  acquaintance,  or  by  a  reference  to  actual 
specimens.  Reference  to  specimens  assists  greatly  in  de- 
termining, or  rather  in  deciding,  the  correct  names  of  fruits ; 
yet  if  the  variety  is  entirely  new  to  us  it  is  extremely 
hazardous  to  identify  it  by  this  means  alone. 

Fruits,  however,  have  certain  normal  features  which  do 
not  alter,  or  but  little.  In  forming  our  acquaintance  with 
fruits  it  is  needful  to  mark  these,  and  so  have  them  well 
fixed  on  our  mind3. 

There  are  other  features  which,  being  affected  by  culti- 
vation and  other  circumstances,  vary  considerably ;  these 
must  be  taken  into  consideration  as  changeable.  If  we 
take  Apples  and  Pears,  for  example,  the  parts  of  the  fruit 
which  are  fixed  in  character,  and  which  may  be  pretty 
well  relied  on  as  distinguishing  marks,  are  the  stalk  and 
the  eye  ;  these,  then,  should  always  be  preserved  uninjured. 
The  size  of  the  fruit  is  affected  by  cultivation ;  the  flavour 
and  consistency  by  the  same  cause  ;  the  colour  by  exposure ; 
and  the  shape  is  also  at  times  altered,  but  more  rarely. 
Some  fruits  are  much  more  subject  to  variations  than 
others,  some  are  very  uniform,  such  as  the  Golden  Noble 
Apple,  the  one  larger  than  the  rest,  but  no  other  variation. 
There  is,  however,  with  most  fruits  some  characteristic 
feature,  some  little  peculiarity  which  may  be  noted,  and 

o.  1161.— Vol.  XLIV..  Old  SbrtesT-^ 


5J8 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  December  29,  1870. 


which  serves  as  a  mark  for  ita  recognition — as  in  Ihe  Keswick 
Codlin  Apple,  the  peculiar  sharp  rib  or  angle  down  one  side, 
not  existing  on  all,  but  on  three  parts;  or,  in  the  Kerry  Pippin 
Apple,  the  short  slender  stalk,  and  the  little  knob  at  one  side, 
of  its  base ;  or  in  the  Lemon  Pippin,  the  shape  of  a  Lemon, 
but  not  always  or  in  every  example.  Or  take  the  Hoary  Morn- 
ing, whieh  is  beautifully  striped,  with  its  thick  coat  of  white 
bloom  as  if  it  had  been  out  in  some  hoar  froBt,  although  this 
feature  is  at  times  altogether  wanting;  or  Dumelow's  Seedling 
with  its  beautiful  transparent  skin,  its  wide  open  eye,  and  acid 
flesb,  and  there  is  no  mistaking  it.  Take  also  amongst  Pears 
the  Vicar  of  Winkfield.  Who  that  has  once  had  its  peculiar 
twisted,  squinting  look — the  eye  looking  one  way  and  the  stalk 
the  other — pointed  out  to  him,  can  again  mistake  it?  Again, 
look  at  Knight's  Monarch— round,  with  its  Bhort  thick  stalk, 
thick  leathery  Bkin,  and  the  crimson  shade  beneath  the  russet ; 
or  Beurre  d'Aremberg  with  its  stalk  on  one  tide,  and  the  small 
eye  frequently  wanting  entirely,  like  Winter  Nelis  in  this  only, 
entirely  different  in  other  respects.  We  know  Beurre  de 
Eance  by  its  shape,  eye,  long  stalk  like  a  peg,  and  green  flesh  ; 
Urbaniste  by  its  pale  green  skin,  its  soft  silky  feel,  and  its 
small  eye ;  Napoleon  by  its  bright  green  colour  and  peculiar 
shape,  as  if  it  had  been  squeezed  out  by  the  pressure  of  one's 
hand.  Nurserymen  know  their  trees  by  the  leaves  and  habit 
of  growth  better  than  by  the  fruit.  Some  varieties  are  very 
distinct.  Josephine  de  Malines  Pear  is  easily  known  by  its 
small,  full,  round  buds  and  yellowish  wood.  The  varieties  of 
Penches  are  distinguished  not  so  much  by  the  fruits  themselves 
as  by  the  flowers  and  leaves,  or  the  glands  on  the  leaveB,  &c. ; 
an<3  so  on. 

We  thus  by  close  observation  and  long  intimate  acquaintance 
acquire  a  knowledge  of  the  distinctive  features  and  peculiarities 
of  many  fruits.  We  know  some  by  one  feature,  some  by  another; 
some  by  taste,  others  by  shape  or  form,  and  others  again  by  a 
peculiar  mark  or  colour.  We  know  many,  perhaps,  without 
knowing  why  or  being  able  to  impart  the  same  knowledge  to 
others.  Constant  association,  with  keen  observation,  will  make 
one  an  authority  on  fruits,  whilst  no  amount  of  study  without 
association  will  do  bo. 

The  naming  of  fruits  is  no  light  task  therefore;  it  is  a  special 
acquirement  to  be  able  to  do  so  to  any  extent.  There  are  many 
who  can  tell  the  names  of  the  few  he  may  himself  cultivate, 
but  in  general  a  knowledge  of  the  names  of  fruits  is  necessarily 
very  limited.  We  had  a  Robert  Thompson  and  we  have  a 
Dr.  Hogg,  but  who  is  there  besides  ?  We  have  fruit-cultivators 
in  plenty,  but  where  are  our  fruit-nomenclators,  if  we  except 
the  worthy  Doctor  ?  Seeing  that  it  is  only  by  acquaintance,  by 
a  reference  to  true  examples  of  each  variety,  that  a  knowledge 
of  fruit  can  be  acquired,  it  is  most  important  that  the  Royal 
Horticultural  Society  should  still  maintain  its  splendid  col- 
lection of  fruits  as  examples.  In  the  re-arrangement  of  the 
garden  I  hope  that  this  point  will  receive  due  attention.  It  is 
t,he  most  important  function  of  the  Society  to  keep  up  a  correct 
fruit-nomenclature  throughout  the  country. 

The  editors  of  our  horticultural  journals  deserve  much  oredit 
for  their  persistent  endeavours  to  correct  the  names  of  fruit. 
Every  week  we  see  a  long  list  of  names  given  :  what  a  time  it 
must  occupy  !  what  a  patience  is  required  to  wade  through  basket 
after  basket  of  fruits,  many  of  them  possessing  no  character- 
istic feature  !  Senders  can  surely  have  little  idea  of  the  labour 
required  and  the  time  to  name  forty  or  fifty  sorts  of  fruit.  It 
is  expecting  too  much  of  good  nature.  Having  had  some 
experience  of  work  of  this  sort  I  speak  without  restraint. 
Senders  of  fruit  to  be  named  should  bear  in  mind  that  the 
namer  has  no  knowledge  of  the  circumstance  under  which  the 
fruit  has  been  grown  to  guide  him,  so  that  mistakes  will  fre- 
qusntly  occur.  The  specimens  selected  to  be  sent  should  be 
as  characteristic  of  the  whole  bulk  as  possible,  neither  too  large 
)ior  too  small,  and  if  two  distinct  characters  are  found  some  of 
eiich  should  be  sent.  With  Apples  and  PearB  the  stalks  and 
pyes  are  required,  and  sometimes  the  leaves  ;  with  Peaches  the 
flowers  and  leaves ;  with  Grapes  a  bunch  and  leaves,  and  the 
more  of  any  variety  sent  the  easier  it  is  to  determine  the 
name.  It  is  altogether  absurd  to  suppose  that  anyone  is 
capable  of  naming  oorrectly  small  and  deformed  fruits.  The 
greatest  authority  on  fruits  after  all  only  knows  a  few  well-de- 
fined forms  in  the  great  and  extensive  family  of  fruits.  There 
are  hundreds  of  fruits,  especially  such  as  Apples,  Strawberries, 
&c,  throughout  the  country  which  have  no  recognised  names. 
In  one  locality  they  are  called  by  one  name,  and  in  another  some- 
thing else.  To  this  each  year  are  added  seedlings  more  or  less 
distinct,  all  multiplying  and  confusing  the  already  too  numerous 


varieties  of  fruits,  and  making  it  more  and  more  difficult  to 
give  the  name  of  any  with  certainty. — B. 


THE   OUT-DOOR   CULTURE   OF   TEA   ROSES. 

Mk.  Kent  (see  pages  487  and  488),  is  blessed,  for  he  can 
grow  his  favourites  in  the  sunny  south  without  winter  pro- 
tection, nothing  more  than  a  south  wall ;  we  in  more  northern 
latitudes  are  differently  situated,  and  to  leave  Tea  Roses  with- 
out protection  would  be  fatal — south  wall  or  not.  He  has 
given  his  version,  let  me  trouble  you  with  mine. 

During  winter  the  bed  or  beds  that  are  to  hold  your  favourites 
must  be  prepared  ;  any  soil  will  not  do.  The  best  plan  is  to 
make  entirely  new  beds  annually  to  the  depth  of  2  feet,  using 
good  Btrong  loam  (sods),  and  rotten  oow  dung,  with  a  little 
sund  to  keep  it  open.  My  plants  are  always  potted  early  in 
November,  and  placed  in  a  cold  frame  till  January,  when  they 
are  brought  into  a  little  heat.  They  flower  early — about  the 
end  of  March.  After  flowering  give  them  rest ;  in  the  middle 
of  April  plant  in  the  beds,  and  you  will  have  flowers  to  your 
heart's  content  during  the  summer  and  autumn. 

With  me  all  the  varieties  Mr.  Kent  has  named  are  good,  and 
by  adopting  the  course  I  pursue,  even  the  dwarf  Boule  d'Or 
will  blossom  beautifully,  but  is  always  best  in  the  bud.  Gloire 
de  Dijon  we  all  know.  Alrienne  Christophle,  Montplaisir, 
Madame  Margottin,  Solfaterre,  Madame  Biavy,  Madame 
Willermoz,  L'Enfant  Trouve,  and  the  best,  Marechal  Niel — 
these  I  cannot  speak  too  highly  of.  Solfaterre  is  a  Noisette — 
indeed,  Noisettes  mixed  with  the  Teas  do  admirably  together, 
and  they  being  hardy  will  not  require  lifting. 

In  the  case  of  Tea  Roses  as  standards,  it  is  always  safest  to 
lift  them  and  plant  at  the  foot  of  a  wall  pretty  thickly,  where 
they  can  have  a  mat  thrown  over  their  heads  in  severe  weather, 
planting  where  they  are  to  Btand,  quite  at  the  end  of  March. 

Those  who  grow  the  Tea  Rose  must  not  be  afraid  of  trouble, 
constant  attention  is  needed  winter  and  summer.  Keep  your 
pruning-knife  in  your  pocket,  unless  it  is  to  take  off  the  tops 
that  are  browned — no  more.  They  will  flower  down  to  the  tips, 
and  in  many  varieties  they  will  by  autumn  form  creeping  Roses 
covered  with  bloom. — Rosa  odoeata. 


A  FEW   SELECT   VINES. 

In  writing  these  lines  I  address  myself  not  so  much  to  the 
professional  gardener  as  to  tha  amateur  who  may  be  desirous 
to  grow  a  few  good  varieties  of  Grapes,  but  who,  from  the  great 
number  of  kinds  now  cultivated,  is  unable  to  select  for  himself. 
The  varieties  enumerated  below  are  those  which  will  do  in  a 
vinery  containing  plants  or  in  a  greenhouse,  but  whatever 
plant3  may  be  grown  with  the  Vines  up  to  the  time  of  the 
Grapes  commencing  to  colour  they  should  at  that  stage  be 
taken  out.  I  would  lay  particular  stress  on  this,  as  I  have 
proved  that  Grapes,  to  be  well  grown  and  of  good  flavour,  and 
to  hang  on  the  Vines,  should  have  the  house  to  themselves 
after  the  last  swelling,  and  this  more  especially  applies  to  the 
late  varieties. 

To  those  who  contemplate  building  I  would  say,  Build  two 
small  houses  rather  than  one  large  one,  because  you  will  then 
always  have  a  house  to  keep  plants  in.  Thus,  in  the  case  of 
the  early  house,  you  may  have  plants  in  it  from  the  end  of 
September  to  the  middle  of  June ;  as  the  heat  becomes  too 
great  for  bedding  plants  they  can  be  taken  to  the  late  house. 
The  Vines  in  the  early  house  being  pruned,  cleaned,  and  tied 
down  in  November,  they  are  ready  for  starting  in  the  first  week 
of  January,  having  three  weeks  previously  covered  the  border 
with  stable  dung  and  leaves  to  excite  the  roots  into  action.  I 
am  supposing  the  border  to  be  outside.  I  find  this  a  very 
useful  house  for  propagating  bedding  plants,  and  growing 
Fuchsias,  Azaleas,  &c,  till  they  flower.  In  Seotember,  most 
of  the  Grapes  being  cut,  it  is  ready  for  the  reception  of  Azaleas, 
Camellias,  See.,  which  till  then  have  been  out  of  doors,  but 
whioh  should  be  under  cover  before  the  heavy  autumn  rains 
set  in.  Vines  grown  in  the  same  house  as  plants  require 
dressing  twice  with  soft  soap  4  ozs.,  white  soap  4  czs.,  and 
sulphur  4  ozs.,  to  destroy  all  eggs  of  insects,  it  being  impossible 
to  keep  them  clean,  and  Azaleas  are  about  the  worst  plants  to 
grow  along  with  Vines,  the  thrips  being  so  hard  to  kill.  In 
a  future  paper  I  will  describe  the  kind  of  house  best  adapted 
for  growing  a  large  number  of  miscellaneous  plants  together 
with  Vines. 

In  giving  a  short  list  of  good  useful  Viues,  I  confine  myself 


December  39,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL   OF  HORTICULTURE   AND  .COTTAGE   GAKDENER. 


to  my  own  experience  here,  as,  perhaps,  those  varieties  which 
do  well  here  may  not  succeed  farther  north.  The  Vines 
being  started  on  New  Year's-day,  I  out  in  the  firBt  week  of 
July  good  bunches  of  Grizzly  Frontignan,  a  Grape  of  delicious 
flavour,  and  ready  for  table  the  first.  The  colour  is  objeoted  to 
by  many,  it  being  neither  white  nor  black,  but  red.  I  con- 
sider it  superior  to  the  White  Frontignan.  It  is  a  good 
cropper,  but  gains  nothing  by  keeping,  as,  though  I  cut  every 
month  up  to  the  first  week  in  September,  those  bunches  cut 
from  the  same  Vine  in  July  were  the  best.  The  bunch  is  long 
and  tapering,  but  the  Grape  is  small  both  in  berry  and  bunch. 
Royal  Muscadine,  a  white  Grape,  is  ready  about  the  same  time 
as  the  preceding,  but  requires  to  hang  a  few  weeks.  It  is  like- 
wise a  good  early  Grape,  and  I  shall  also  have  to  speak  of  it 
in  giving  my  late  list.  It  is  a  sure  fruiter,  but,  like  the  Grizzly 
Frontignan,  Bmall.  Buckland  Sweetwater  is  a  very  fine  useful 
Grape  of  good  flavour,  also  a  good  bearer.  Foster's  White  Seed- 
ling is  a  first-class  Grape,  and  is  larger  than  any  of  the  preced- 
ing ;  it  is  also  a  good  keeper.  I  likewise  tried  the  Muscat  of 
Alexandria,  but  found  it  would  not  do,  requiring  more  heat  to 
attain  perfection  than  I  could  give  it,  as  well  as  to  hang  too 
long — say  till  November  or  December — while  the  greenhouse 
plants  are  taken  in  in  September.  Black  Hamburgh,  a  good 
Grape,  of  excellent  flavour,  a  fine  cropper,  and  large  in  the 
bunch  and  berry,  with  me  gives  way  to  Pope's  Hamburgh 
(Frankeathal),  a  thin-skinned  Grape,  better-flavoured  than  the 
Black  Hamburgh,  and  as  good  for  keeping.  To  show  that  it  is 
a  gooi  bearer  I  would  say  that  on  taking  oharge  of  the  Vines 
here  in  1868,  I  found  a  fine  Vine,  which  had  been  planted 
about  fifteen  years,  in  a  very  poor  condition;  however,  I  en- 
couraged it  in  every  way  possible  to  make  plenty  of  wood,  and 
a  Mil  Hill  Hamburgh  next  to  it  having  died,  I  decided  on 
running  up  a  rod  of  Pope's  Hamburgh,  and  well  it  has  repaid 
me  for  the  room.  This  year  I  cut  from  it  twenty-four  bunches 
of  excellent  Grapes,  the  least  weighing  a  pound,  and  I  might 
have  had  more  bunches  had  I  thought  proper. 

Thus,  for  on  early  hoase,  we  have  Grizzly  Frontignan  at  the 
warm  end,  Backland  Sweetwater,  or  Foster's  White  Seedling, 
Royal  Muscadine,  Black  Hamburgh,  and  Pope's  Hamburgh; 
and  rather  than  have  more  varieties  of  black  Grapes  in  the 
early  house  I  would  prefer  two  Vines  each  of  the  Hamburgh. 

In  the  late  house,  in  which  it  may  not  be  convenient  to  keep 
up  a  very  strong  heat,  I  would  have  Royal  Muscadine,  a  good 
keeper.  I  have  now,  December  10th,  good  bunches  as  fresh  in 
the  berry  as  in  September,  and  the  flavour  is  excellent.  Foster's 
White  Seedling  is  also  good,  and  I  would  have  Trentham 
Black  in  addition  to  Pope's  and  Black  Hamburgh,  for  up  to 
Christmas  there  is  no  black  Grape  equal  to  the  Hamburgh. 
On  December  10th  I  cut  excellent  examples  of  Pope's  Ham- 
burgh. These  varieties  should  be  planted  at  the  coolest  end  of 
the  house.  WeBt's  St.  Peter's,  a  rather  small  Grape,  but  good, 
is  the  next  for  cutting  for  table.  This  is  very  prolific,  and  a  good 
keeper.  I  have  the  misfortune  to  have  a  Barbarossa  [Gros  Guil- 
laume]  in  my  late  house — I  say  misfortune,  because,  although 
a  fine  Grape,  it  requires  heat.  With  me  it  is  small,  both  in 
berry  and  bnnch,  but  will  follow  West's  St.  Peter's  ;  then  corner 
Lady  Downe's,  and  lastly  Alicante.  I  have  included  the  last 
two,  as,  though  they  require  rather  more  heat  than  the  rest, 
they  can  still  be  grown  for  a  crop.  I  would  add,  that  though 
this  is  a  Binill  list,  still  the  varieties  I  have  named  are  suffi- 
cient to  meet  the  requirements  of  those  for  whom  this  paper 
is  written. — Stephen  Castle,  Bent  Hill  Gardens,  Prestwich. 


KALES   OR  BORECOLES. 

Your  able  papers  of  1862  on  the  subject  of  Borecoles  have 
not  borne  that  fruit  which  might  have  been  anticipated,  as  will 
be  seen  from  the  results  of  experiments  which  1  carried  out 
during  the  last  two  seasons. 

Asparagus  Kale. — From  fourteen  different  seed  warehouses, 
embraeiug  the  leading  wholesale  and  retail  firms,  I  purchased 
parcels  of  "Asparagus  Borecole."  In  four  instances  Couve 
Tronchuda  was  supplied,  in  five  instances  Jerusalem  Kale ; 
in  three  cases  Buda  Kale  was  given,  in  one  instance  Chou  de 
Milan,  and  in  another  Ragged  Jacks. 

Ragged  Jacks. — Under  this  name  in  two  cases  I  reoeived 
Jerusalem  Kile,  in  another  a  coarse-growing  purple  Kale,  and 
in  a  fourth  instance  Chou  de  Milan.  In  the  remaining  in- 
stances I  received  the  true  Ragged  Jacks. 

Buda  Kale.— For  this  in  four  instances  I  received  Jerusalem 
Kale,  in  one  instance  Couve  Tronchuda,  and  in  the  remaining 
instances  it  was  true. 


Delaware  Kale. — In  eight  cases  I  was  supplied  with  Jeru- 
salem Kale  for  this,  aud  in  one  inBtance  with  Buda  Kale,  but 
in  no  instance  with  a  variety  to  represent  a  distinct  Kile. 

Jerusalem  Kale. — In  five  cases  I  received  what  Mr.  Cattell, 
of  WeBterham,  calls  Purple  Jerusalem,  in  one  caBe  I  had  the 
Purple  Dwarf  Curled  Kale;  the  remainder  were  the  Green 
Curled  Jerusalem. 

Lapland  or  Sirerian  Kale. — In  one  case  I  received  Egyp- 
tian, in  another  Buda,  and  in  a  third  Dwarf  Purple  (Juried 
Kale. 

Chou  de  Milan. — There  was  a  wonderful  unanimity  in  this. 
Only  in  one  instance  did  I  get  a  different  thing,  and  that  was  a 
green  variety  of  Couve  Tronchuda. 

Russian  Kale  was  a  mixture  of  Buda  and  Jerusalem  Kales. 

Egyptian  Kale. — Very  few  offered  this,  and  these  seemed  to 
be  of  one  mind. 

Miller's  Winter  Kale  proved  to  be  Egyptian. 

Victoria  Marrow  Kale  turned  out  to  be  Couve  Tronchuda. 

Camberwell  Kale  proved  to  be  Ragged  Jacks. 

Cottagers'  Kale. — There  was  no  diversity  of  opinion  as  to 
this. 

Acme  Kale  proved  to  be  Jerusalem. 

Buckman's  Hardy  Winter  Greens. — This  differs  from  any- 
thing I  grew,  and  seems  a  sturdy  plant,  which  is  likely  to  stand 
the  severest  winters,  and  gives  plenty  of  green  food,  but  I  can 
say  nothing  of  its  cooking  qualities,  not  having  tasted  it  yet. 

Curly  Greens,  German  Greens,  Scotch  Kale. — There 
appears  to  be  a  great  disposition  here  to  multiply  names.  I 
had  Prince  of  Wales,  Tall  Green  Curled,  Feathered  Scotch, 
Abergeldie,  Handsworth,  Superb  Tall,  Superb  Parsley  Curled, 
Williams's  Matchless,  PoDtefract  Green  Curled,  Tyuninghame 
Green  Curled,  Williams's  Dwarf  Green  Curled,  Veitch's  Dwarf 
Late  Curled,  Dwarf  Curled  Canadian,  Moss  Curled,  Stuart  and 
Mein's  Extra  Curled,  Dickson's  Imperial  Dwarf  Curled,  &c. 
These  were  simply  variations  in  the  selection.  Some  few  differ 
in  the  shade  of  green  ;  but  none  of  them  possessed  that  pure 
character  which  long  ago  I  was  taught  to  believe  that  the 
fairies  rode  upon  in  Ireland,  and  to  my  personal  knowledge 
and  experience  the  lads  and  lasses  iu  Scotland  go  after,  on 
Hallowe'en,  to  see  what  luck  they  will  have  in  a  husband  or  a 
wife. 

Having  pointed  out  the  inconsistencies  which  exist  amongst 
those  who  sell  Kale  seeds,  I  hope  you  will  do  something,  either 
in  the  way  of  illustrations,  or  Buch  full  explicit  descriptions 
affixed  to  the  names  as  will  give  the  seedsmen  a  chance  of 
starting  fairly.  I  need  not  say  how  unsatisfactory  it  is  to  send 
to  your  seedsman  for  one  thing,  aud  receive  something  the 
opposite  of  what  you  want.  I  might  touch  upon  other  Kales, 
such  as  the  Lannilis,  Flanders,  Thousand-headed,  Jersey, 
Brown,  Palm  Kale,  and  many  others,  but  these  are  not  bo  pro- 
minent in  our  seedsmen's  catalogues,  nor  such  coufusion  in  the 
names,  so  that  we  may  leave  them  to  be  dealt  with  in  a  de- 
scriptive list  of  Kales.  Those  I  have  treated  of  are  what 
might  be  termed  the  domestic  Kales,  and  it  is  desirable,  for 
the  sake  of  the  gardening  commnnity,  seedsmen  should  have 
some  unanimity  touching  the  application  of  their  names. — 
Amateur. 

POTATO    SETS. 

On  page  389  of  your  Journal,  "  Calcaria  "  gives  his  ex- 
perience in  planting  Potatoes,  and  askB  for  that  of  some  of  your 
correspondents.     I  will  give  you  mine  durirjg  the  past  season. 

I  bought  6  lbs.  of  the  Early  Rose  Potato  from  one  of  the 
London  nurserymen,  numbering  twenty-four  Potatoes.  Twelve 
of  them  I  cut  into  Bets ;  I  planted  them  2  feet  from  row  to  row, 
and  1  foot  from  set  to  set.  The  remaining  twelve  I  planted 
whole,  in  a  row  2  feet  from  the  others.  In  the  autumn  the 
produce  from  the  sets  was  one  bushel,  from  those  I  planted 
whole  not  quite  half  a  bushel ;  so  that  had  I  cut  the  whole  of 
them,  the  produce  would  have  been  two  bushels,  instead  of  one 
bushel  and  a  half.— T.  C.  W.,  Eoyston. 


SETTING  OF  GRAPES. 
Many  papers  have  been  written  on  this  subject,  and  very 
opposite  opinions  expressed.     I  have  seen  a  dry  atmosphere,  a 
damp  atmosphere,  a  high  temperature,  and  plenty  of  air,  all 
|  recommended  in  turn  to  insure  Grapes  setting  well.     As  is 
j  known  to  many  of  your  readers,  I  have  been  crossing  Grapes 
;  rather  extensively  the  last  few  years,  and  have,  I  think,  col- 
lected a  few  facts. 
1      The  first  deduction  I  have  made  is  that  no  treatment  can  be 


510 


JOURNAL  OF   HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  December  29,  1870. 


expected  to  give  the  desired  result  to  a  mixed  collection  of 
bad-Betting  Grapes,  because  bad  setting  springs  from  various 
causes.  To  illustrate  this,  take  two  well-known  Grapes — Black 
Morocco  and  Canon  Hall  Muscat,  two  of  the  worst-setting 
Grapes  known.  The  cause  of  Black  Morocco  not  setting  is 
that  the  anthers  curl  back  at  the  moment  the  flower  opens, 
and  it  is  a  mere  chance  if  it  is  self-impregnated  ;  but  if  jon 
apply  pollen  artificially  every  berry  will  set.  With  the  Canon 
Hall  Muscat  the  pistil  appears  in  fault,  the  end  always  seems 
wet;  and  even  the  pollen  of  other  Graces  applied  to  it  arti- 
ficially has  not  with  me  always  insured  its  setting.  Now  in 
this  case  one  can  imagine  a  high  temperature  beneficial.  Thtn, 
again,  I  have  seen  Trentham  Black  badly  set  in  a  warm  house, 
and  every  bunch  perfect  in  a  cold  orchard  house. 

I  have  lately  come  to  the  conclusion  that  no  treatment  can 
be  the  very  best  for  each  individual  of  a  mixed  collection  of 
Vines.  Perhaps  this  iB  the  reason  why  we  find  good  gardeners 
famous  for  the  cultivation  of  particular  kinds  of  Grapes,  one 
for  his  Muscats,  another  for  his  Hamburghs,  &c.  Now  where 
great  succesB  has  been  attained,  how  interesting  it  would  be  if 
we  could  learn  the  treatment  in  each  case  !  What  light  might 
not  be  thrown  on  the  peculiarities  of  each  variety  !  With  me 
Mrs.  Pince's  Muscat  formed  beauiiful  bunches,  and  set  almost 
every  berry.  It  had  plenty  of  sir  on  sunny  days,  a  good  heat, 
and  the  flowers  were  gently  touched  with  a  brush  nearly  as 
thick  as  a  wrist,  made  of  camel's  hair.  The  same  treatment 
gave  me  splendid  bunches  of  my  favourite  Grape,  Muscat 
Hamburgh,  weighing  from  5  to  6  lbs.,  jet  in  the  same  houBe 
Trentham  Black  set  badly.  I  think  Mrs.  Pince  will  yet  be  a 
favourite  as  a  late-keeping  Grape.  It  improves  in  flavour  by 
hanging,  and  in  a  damp  house  full  of  Geraniums,  where  even 
Ludy  Downe's  rots  badly,  it  is  as  perftct  in  appearanoe  as  it 
was  three  months  ago. 

Another  fact,  I  think,  is  proved  by  my  experiments ;  it  is 
that  every  croBBed  seedling  shows  by  its  foliage  it  is  crossed; 
and  I  think  1  have  also  proved  that  to  croBS  Vines  is  not  quite 
so  eaBy  as  many  people  thiDk.  I  look  upon  Golden  Champion 
as  being  an  uncrossed  seedling  from  Canon  Hall  Muscat,  be- 
cause no  one  can  distinguish  them  by  growth  or  foliage;  and 
from  the  great  similarity  in  everything  but  colour,  I  Bhould 
eay  the  White  Lady  Downe's  was  also  an  uncrossed  Eeedling 
of  the  black  Lady  Downe's.  It  is  well  known  colour  in 
seedling  Grapes  is  quite  accidental,  white  ones  bringing  black 
ones,  and  vice  versa. — J.  R.  Pearson,  Chihcell. 


ELSHAM   HALL,   LINCOLNSHIRE. 

This,  the  seat  of  Coionel  Attley,  possesses  amongst  msny 
others  the  advantages  of  a  double  access  by  rail.  From  the 
Brigg  station  it  is  approached  by  the  uninteresting  Nerth  Road, 
which,  skirting  the  "  Cars  " — rich  low-lying  alluvial  flats — for 
some  three  miles,  branches  through  the  park,  and  by  an  avenue 
of  young  Elms  brings  you  circuitously  past  the  dairies  and 
aviaries  to  the  Hall.  From  Barnetby  Btation  on  the  east,  dis- 
tant some  two  miles,  one  is  brought  through  the  village  of 
Elsham,  which  nestles  in  a  sheltered  corner  on  the  southern 
declivity  of  the  Wolds.  AH  here,  save  the  ancient  church 
(shortly,  it  is  to  be  hoped,  to  participate  in  the  general  renova- 
tion), speaks  of  prosperity  and  comfort ;  the  substantial  houses 
of  wealthy  faimers,  and  the  cottages  of  the  labourers  with 
their  trim  gardens,  kept  with  a  neatness  and  pride  which  does 
them  credit,  indicate  the  interest  of  a  generous  squire.  Either 
route  brh  gs  you  to  the  Ha  1  door.  Looking  io  the  no  th  there 
is  an  expanse  of  grass,  coveied  in  spring  time  with  Crocuses, 
Snowdrops,  and  Daffodils,  backed  by  a  sheltering  wood  of 
splendid  Sycamores,  WalDuts,  Scotch  Firs  (one  remarkable  for 
magnitude  and  beauty),  Oaks,  and  Elms,  in  which  the  rooks, 
which,  doubtless,  supplied  the  motto  of  the  ancient  Corbet 
family,  "  Dcus  pascit  corvos,"  have  for  centuries  reared  their 
young.  The  mansion  belongs  to  that  period  of  architecture 
when  houses  were  built  to  live  in  and  not  to  look  at.  It  is  re- 
markable for  hospitality  without  humbug,  as  being  one  of  the 
few  country  houses  where  they  brew  their  own  beer,  and  one  of 
the  fewer  still  where  they  blew  it  good. 

We  pass  on  to  the  gardens.  On  the  east  and  south  of  the 
mansion  there  is  a  broad  expanse  of  beautifully-kept  lawn,  re- 
lieved heie  and  there  with  forest  trees  and  the  deep  foliage  of 
the  Yew,  separated  from  that  on  the  north  by  an  oaktn  rustic 
fence,  profusely  covered  with  creepers,  extending  from  the 
north-east  angle  of  the  house  to  the  orangery.  The  whole  of 
theJawn  is  separated  frtm  the  park  by  a  semicircular  sunk 


fence,  so  that  looking  from  the  drawing-room  windows  towards 
the  east  the  eye  wanders  over  an  undulating  park,  stretching 
far  along  the  southern  face  of  the  Wolde,  fringed  entirely  with 
woods,  and  dotted  here  and  there  with  venerable  Ash  and  other 
forest  trees.  In  the  foreground  is  a  new  geometrical  garden, 
designed  and  laid  out  with  great  skill,  and  planted  with  equal 
taste,  by  Mr.  Gardner,  who  takes  as  much  interest  as  his 
master  in  all  the  improvements  and  new  beauties  of  the  place. 
The  individual  beds  are  beyond  a  brief  description ;  suffice  it 
to  say  they  encircle  an  elegant  fountain,  amply  supplied  with 
the  brightest  water  from  the  northern  hills.  Looking  to  the 
south,  a  maBs  of  huge  Sycamore  trees  conceals  the  stables, 
kennels,  home-farm  buildings,  workshops,  &c,  and  fringes  the 
one  side  of  a  small  lake;  the  opposite  is  adorned  with  a  long 
terrace,  decked  with  variegated  Ivies,  Jasmine,  Cotoneasters, 
Honeysuckles,  and  Roses,  which  droop  to  the  water's  edge, 
whilst  from  scores  of  vases  huge  Scarlet  Geraniums  seemed  to 
pour  a  blaze  of  light.  This  is  one  of  the  prettiest  views  I 
know.  Standing  on  the  lawn  the  eye  is  carried  down  the  lake  ; 
on  the  left  hand  a  gentle  slope  of  grass  dotted  with  the  Syca- 
mores, on  the  right  the  long  line  of  terraced  flowers,  whilst  an 
island  at  the  end  partially  intercepts  the  view,  which,  resting 
awhile  on  a  second  lake,  dies  away  in  the  distant  paik. 

To  reach  the  kitchen  garden  we  cross  the  little  brook  at  the 
head  of  the  lake,  and  skirt  its  western  side  along  a  trim  gravel 
path  leading  to  a  garden  embowered  in  trees,  open  only  to  the 
south-east — a  large  grass  plot  with  beds  of  varied  shape,  sur- 
rounded by  a  gravel  path  ;  a  comfortable  summer-house  at  the 
more  northern  end,  a  rustic  bridge  at  the  other.  In  this  gar- 
den, beyond  everything  being  very  good  of  its  kind,  there  was 
nothing  rtmaikable,  save  one  circular  bed,  the  centre  being 
Palma-Christi,j7  feet  high,  surrounded  by  Canna  grandis,  this 
again  by  Veronica  Andersoni  variegata,  edged  with  Prince  of 
Orange  Calceolaria,  foiming  altogether  a  dome  of  foliage  and 
flowers  which  I  have  not  seen  surpassed. 

Crossing  the  bridge,  which  partly  forms  a  boathouse,  we  stand 
upon  the  terrace,  some  150  yards  in  length.  Here  the  walk 
diverges  right  and  left.  On  the  left  is  the  long  terrace  on  the 
lake,  in  the  centre  a  lawn  cut  into  suitable  beds,  filled  with 
bedding  plants  and  other  flowers,  perfect  in  vigour  and  har- 
mony of  colour  ;  on  the  right  the  other  path  is  flanked  by  a 
ribbon  border,  and  a  wall  extending  on  one  side  of  the  kitchen 
garden  covered  with  well-trained  fruit  trees — Figs  and  Pears. 
In  the  middle  of  this  wall  there  is  an  arched  stone  gateway  and 
a  beautifully  wrought-iron  gate,  corresponding  well  with  the 
scrolls  and  wreaths  of  Roses  remarkably  well  carved  in  Ancaster 
(tone. 

This  brings  us  to  the  central  walk  of  the  kitchen  garden 
opposite,  to  the  right  and  left  beiDg  the  rows  of  houses,  forcing- 
pits,  frames,  &c.  This  garden  is  nearly  square,  surrounded 
by  walls— such  walls!  15  feet  high,  2£  feet  thick,  coped  with 
Yorkshire  flags  3J  feet  wide  and  4  inches  thick.  These 
walls  are  covered  with  fruit  trees,  well  trained  and  in  full 
hearing,  the  southern  inside  wall  mostly  with  Peach  trees, 
protected  with  one  long  length  of  frigi-domo,  and  I  quite 
envied  the  facility  with  which  a  man  aBcended  a  ladder,  walked 
along  the  coping,  and  raised  the  protector.  A  wide  south 
border  is  lightly  cropped  with  early  vegetables,  which  are  yet 
further  coaxed  by  means  of  "clochee,"  an  invention  of  which 
Mr.  Gardner  certainly  approves  for  particular  purposes.  The 
potting  houses,  fruit  rooms,  &c,  are  at  the  north  side  of  a 
wall. 

Against  its  opposite  side  leans,  in  melanoholy  decrepitude, 
the  ancestral  vinery  :  paint,  putty,  and  wood  seem  to  have 
long  since  struck  woik.  The  Vines  appear  to  have  been 
trained  on  the  "  anyhow "  system,  yet  even  here  skill  and 
attention  have  educed  a  fair  crop  of  Grapes,  despite  constant 
drip  and  uncontrollable  ventilation.  What  a  change  when  we 
pass  hence  to  the  Peach  house  and  new  range  of  vineries ! 
Perfect  bouses  and  perfect  trees  ;  wood  of  equal  growth  and 
vigour,  short  and  well-ripened,  full  of  those  delightful  triple 
buds.  In  bloom  and  in  fruit  I  saw  them  equally  beautiful. 
The  new  vineries,  90  feet  long,  heated  by  a  tubular  boiler,  were 
erected  by  Gray,  of  Chelsea,  in  three  compartments,  and  have 
outside  and  inside  derated  borders,  with  a  space  outside  and  in, 
to  be  filled  upas  the  Vinesrsquire  it.  As  at  Garston,  the  bottom 
of  the  border  is  level  with  the  surface  of  the  garden  ;  total 
width  21  feet,  i  feet  thick,  with  a  fall  of  15  inches.  The 
Vines  are  but  young,  and  look  as  well  as  possible.  The  forcing 
houee,  Melon  and  Cucumber  houses,  and  a  range  of  raised 
pits,  all  heated  by  one  saddle  boiler,  were  well  occupied,  and 
extremely  clean  and  tidy.     A  new  Mushroom  house  was  being 


December  29,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


511 


erected,  with  very  well-arranged  cast-iron  supports  for  the 
1^-inch  red  deal  floors  and  fronts,  which,  fitting  into  grooves  and 
being  moveable,  afford  great  facility  in  cleaning  and  renewiug. 
This  arrangement,  executed  by  Bevitt,  of  Pontefraot,  is  well 
worth  the  attention  of  anyone ;  a  trifling  alteration  would 
make  tham  perfect.  Foroed  vegetables,  required  in  great 
quantity,  are  produced  of  excellent  quality,  whilst  the  main 
crops,  skilfully  attended  to,  grow  to  prodigious  size  in  the  rich 
humid  soil  of  the  garden,  into  which  abundance  of  water  is 
introduced  by  pipes  communicating  with  the  lake.  I  noticed 
particularly  Cottagers'  Kile,  some  4  feet  high,  each  large 
enough  to  satisfy  half  a  dozen  "chawbacons;"  Cardoons  in 
great  perfection,  which  Mr.  Gardner  purposes  to  utilise  in  the 
shrubberies  as  winter  foliage  plants  ;  and  healthy  rows  of  Ne 
Plus  Ultra  Peas,  which  (at  the  end  of  October)  were  as  good  to 
eat  as  they  were  to  look  at. 

After  all,  I  am  nearly  omitting  the  chief  thing  which  made 
me  write — the  removal  of  some  old  fruit  trees.  It  was  desir- 
able to  widen  the  centre  walk,  and  to  do  so  it  was  necessary 
to  transplant  in  November,  1868,  some  espalier  Pears  and 
Apples,  which  measured  33  inches  in  circumference,  and  ex- 
tended their  branches  14  yards.  In  1869  they  looked  very 
sickly,  in  1870  they  bore  an  abundant  crop,  having  quite  re- 
covered their  removal.  Mr.  Gardner  attributes  his  success  to 
very  carefully  forking  up  the  roots,  plentiful  mulching,  and 
abundant  water.  The  result  should  encourage  all  who  need  it 
to  make  the  attempt  to  save  such  fine  old  trees,  and  forbid  U3 
to  accept  as  impossible  an  operation  we  have  never  carefully 
tried  to  execute. — C.  C.  E. 


MAIZE. 

[The  following  paper,  forwarded  to  Dr.  Masters  for  presenta- 
tion to  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society,  was  read  at  the  General 
Meeting  on  the  7ch  inst.,  in  illustration  of  the  collection  of 
Maize  exhibited  by  the  Rev.  T.  C.  Brehaut.] 

Thb  collection  of  Maize  exhibited  has  been  formed  from  various 
sources,  but  mainly  from  a  selection  from  the  splendid  varieties  shown 
in  the  American  section  at  the  Paris  Exhibition  of  1867.  As  this  was 
an  uniquo  occasion,  and  specimens  from  every  known  variety  of  a 
country  having  such  a  wide  range  of  climate,  and  one  where  the  plant 
is  so  generally  cultivated,  were  present,  this  wonld,  of  itself,  commend 
the  collection  to  European  notice.  Since  that  time  seeds  from  other 
parts  of  the  world  have  been  procured,  and  an  exchange  effected  with 
Messrs.  Vilmorin.  of  Paris,  who  have  devoted  considerable  attention  to 
the  culture  of  Maize,  the  use  of  which  is  becoming  very  popular  in 
France. 

An  experience  of  three  very  dissimilar  seasons  ha3  been  gained 
since  1867.  A  certain  number  of  varieties  have  been  discarded,  either 
as  too  small,  too  coarse,  or  as  ripening  at  too  late  a  period  of  the  season 
to  make  them  generally  serviceable.  It  was  to  be  expected  that  the 
sorts  which  ripened  the  earliest  would  become  most  in  demand,  but 
there  were  other  conditions  to  be  fulfilled  before  Maize  could  be  able 
to  hold  its  ground  against  so  many  new  and  known  vegetables.  It  was 
not  so  much  a  variety  which  should  serve  for  cattle,  or  poultry,  or  even 
for  grinding  into  flour,  which  was  required,  for  such  are  now  commonly 
imported  more  cheaply — at  least  so  it  seems  at  present — than  they  can 
be  grown  in  our  climate  ;  but  it  was  sought  to  popularise  the  manner 
of  eating  Maize  60  common  in  the  States  of  America,  and  in  other 
regions  of  the  world  (including  even  Southern  Europe"),  as  "green 
corn" — i.e.,  in  a  semi-ripened  condition,  when  the  grains  had  acquired 
the  consistency  and  size  of  good  Marrowfat  Peas.  The  addition  of  a 
table  vegetable  of  this  delicious  and  nutritious  nature — the  food  of 
millions  of  the  human  race — and  yet,  for  want  of  experience  of  the 
sorts  adapted  to  our  climate,  so  strangely  unappeciated  here,  seems  of 
no  inconsiderable  importance,  the  more  so  as  it  ripened  in  the  late 
autumn,  reproducing  then  the  lost  flavours  of  the  early  Pea  and  of  the 
Asparagus.  For  this  the  ordinary  yellow  Maize  is  not  suited,  so  that 
its  culture  becomes  of  little  value.  But  the  collection  here  exhibited 
claieaB  not  only  to  be  the  most  complete  which  has  probably  aver  been 
presented  in  Europe,  but  it  also  shows  varieties  which  greatly  excel 
the  Maize  known  in  this  country  and  in  France  in  size  and  in  flavour, 
while  they  still  fulfil  the  special  conditions  required  in  earliness.  More 
than  this,  these  ears  are  grown  from  seeds  acclimated  by  three  varied 
seasons  in  the  Channel  Islands,  and  are  even  immediately  sprung  from 
seeds  of  plants  growing  in  the  damp  and  sunless  season  of  1869,  which 
plants  were  prostrated  to  the  earth  when  at  their  fullest  and  most 
critical  season  of  growth,  on  September  12th,  under  the  weight  of  a 
hurricane  of  55  lbs.  pressure  per  square  foot.  The  perfectly  ripened 
specimens  exhibited  attest  the  vitality  of  Maize  when  treated  with 
common  care.  Remarks  on  the  different  kinds  will  best  be  made  as 
each  is  examined.     A  few  observations  must  now  be  made  on  the 

Uses  of  Maize. — It  would  be  without  interest  here  to  speak  of  the 
numerous  purposes  to  which  this  most  valuable  plant  is  put,  when  in 
a  dried  state,  in  tropical  regions.  The  drought  of  past  seasons  shows 
the  need  of  adding  to  our  resources,  if  possible,  whatever  green  fodder 


can  be  grown.  There  are  certain  kinds  of  Maize  better  adapted  by 
their  growth  than  others  to  fulfil  this  object,  being  hardy  and  rapid  in 
increase,  and  at  the  same  time  abounding  in  saccharine  juices,  which 
ninmals  will  devour  greedily.  Even  the  stalks  when  hard  -can  be 
utilised  by  slicing  them,  so  that  there  is  really  no  waste.  Mention 
having  been  made  of  these  varieties  in  the  French  scientific  journals, 
a  pressing  request  was  sent  here  for  a  large  quantity  of  seed  for 
Brittany,  there  to  be  cut  down  and  used  as  forage  during  the  drought. 

Culture. — The  seeds  should  be  Bown  in  common  raisin  boxes  during 
April — early  in  the  month  in  the  south,  and  later  in  the  north  of 
England.  In  the  Channel  Islands  they  were  sown  in  boxes  very  early 
in  April,  and  planted  out  three  weeks  after.  These  boxes  should  be 
placed  in  a  cool  vinery,  orchard  house,  or  pit,  and  the  plants  hardened 
off  before  planting.  This  would  be  best  in  May,  earlier  or  later 
according  to  the  Beason  or  locality,  which  a  short  experience  would 
decide.  The  risk  of  the  young  plants  is  common  to  other  vegetables — 
that  of  suffering  from  spring  frosts;  a  little  protection  would  obviate 
all  this.  But  this  Beason  Mr.  Dancer,  of  Chiswick,  we  are  told,  sowed 
a  quantity  of  Maize  in  the  open  ground  in  March.  It  was  cut  down 
by  the  frost,  sprang  up  ^again  from  the  root,  and  yielded  a  heavy 
crop. 

By  tho  end  of  July  our  Maize  plants  were  already  7  feet  high,  and 
were  then  secured  from  high  winds  by  stout  stakes  at  intervals,  and 
thin  cords  stretched  between  them,  to  which  the  rows  were  easily  tied. 
Not  being  able  to  give  waterings,  which  materially  aid  the  growth  of 
a  plant  which  luxuriates  in  the  rich  alluvial  valleys  of  tropical  coun- 
tries, we  had  planted  in  shallow  trenches  filled  with  manure,  and 
3  inches  of  soil  above  it.  These  trenches  retained  tho  casual  showers, 
and  were  gradually  earthed  in,  as  for  Celery.  The  manure  kept  the 
roots  perfectly  fresh,  and  two  slight  waterings  of  liquid  manure  were 
given  during  the  very  dry  summer.  This  attention  is  not  greater  than 
is  always  given  to  Peas  and  other  vegetables.  Failures  are  traceable 
to  a  neglect  either  of  some,  or  even  of  all,  of  these  means. 

It  is  not  quite  so  easy  to  ascertain  the  exact  time  to  take  the  ears  as 
t4  green  corn  "  for  the  table.  A  day  or  two  makes  considerable  change 
in  their  consistency.  When  as  large  and  as  hard  as  Marrowfat  Peas, 
from  twenty  to  thirty  minutes  boiling  is  enough.  Serve  with  fresh 
butter  to  Bpread  over  them,  and  the_\  are  thus  ready.  All  the  uses 
made  of  Peas  for  soups  and  stews  are  common  to  green  Maize.  The 
ears  can  also  be  roasted  before  the  fire.  When  dry,  these  fine  white 
varieties  would  produce  very  pure  flour  for  pudding3,  &c. 

Maize,  in  our  climate,  requires  five  months  to  mature  the  6eeds  for 
sowing,  being  one  month  more  than  in  California.  Some  sorts  ripened 
here  in  August.  The  stalks  reached  to  10  feet,  a  height  only  excelled 
in  rich  tropical  soils.  Where  several  sprang  from  the  same  root,  tho 
ears  ripened  soonest.  Experiments  were  made  in  hybridising,  with 
some  results,  and  also  in  mutilating  the  male  panicle  of  flowers  with  a 
view  to  increase  the  size  of  the  ear-  After  several  generations  of  mutif 
latod  plants  had  been  experimented  upon,  it  was  found  that  the  ears 
were  increased  sensibly  in  size.  The  prodace  of  seed  was  at  the  rate 
of  ninety-five  bushels  the  acre,  gathered  as  it  was,  not  from  selected 
plants,  but  from  numerous  varieties,  some  being  too  small. 

Remarks  on  the  Varieties. — Nos.  1,  2,  3,  and  4  are  specimens  of  the 
best  pure  white  Maize  from  Georgia.  This  is  the  most  delicate  for 
table  use  ;  ripened  this  season  at  the  end  of  September,  and  is  an  early 
sort,  and  the  most  valuable  in  every  respect.  No.  4  of  these  has  spiky 
grains,  and  is  even  whiter  than  the  others. 

No.  5.  King  Philip,  from  M.  Vilmorin  ;  considered  a  good  kind  in 
France. 

Nos.  6,  7,  and  S,  are  "  Flint  Corn,"  very  much  like  that  grown  near 
Bordeaux,  but  superior.  No.  6  of  these  is  a  free-growing  and  valuable 
table  Maize. 

Nos.  9  and  10  are  "Pink  Corn."  The  first  of  these  is  a  remarkably 
fine  specimen,  and  this  variety  is  earlier  than  the  pure  white,  is  delicate 
in  flavour,  and  more  valuable  than  No.  10. 

No.  11  is  the  Giant  Red,  the  largest  of  all,  excellent,  and  a  mid- 
season  sort. 

No.  12  differs  from  this  in  having  smooth  grains. 

No.  13.  Jaune  Gros,  from  Vilmorin.  This  is  much  grown  in  the 
Touraine,  and  is  the  cheapest  of  all,  but  rather  too  coarse. 

No.  14.  A  striped  yellow  originally  from  Pan,  and  raised  from  seed 
from  plants  grown  in  Yorkshire.     A  hardy  and  valuable  kind. 

No.  15.  True  "  Yellow  Pop  Corn,"  from  America.  A  very  excellent 
kind,  prolific  and  early ;  will  be  very  useful  for  forage  also. 

No.  16.  Jaune  d'Auxonne,  early,  and  good  for  grinding  purposes. 

No.  17.  Improved  Common  Yellow,  an  excellent  kind,  raised  here, 
and  larger  than  the  common  one. 

No.  18.  A  small,  late,  yellow  Maize. 

No.  19.  A  handsome  and  heavy  spotted  Maize,  raued  here  this 
season  in  some  quantity. 

Nos.  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  and  25,  are  hybrids  of  various  shades,  easy 
to  retain  pure.     An  opinion  as  to  the  best  would  be  valuable.  .^^J 

No.  26.  A  short  corn  ;  spiky- 

No.  27.  A  new  African  Maize  from  Italy,  very  hardy  and  prolific, 
likely  to  be  very  useful. 

No.  28.  Handsome  hybrid  of  this  year — mid-season.} 

No.  29.  Darkest  ear  ever  raised  here. 

Wo.  30.  "Blue  Corn;"  very  difficult  to  ripen.  One,  more  hand- 
some, has  disappeared  from  culture  here ;  another  haB  magnificent 
gold-striped  leaves,  with   dark,  hirsute  stem, — equals   the  Japanese 


j  12 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  December  29,  1878. 


Variegated  Maize  for  gardens,  and  io  9  feet  high.  Of  this  valuable 
hind  only  a  few  seeds  exist  here,  and  no  ear. 

No  31.  Early  White  "  Pop  Corn."  Dwarf,  and  carious,  not  being 
so  profitable  for  a  sweet  meal  as  No.  15. 

No.  32.  Boston  Ten-weeks  Maize.  It  excels  the  French  Ten-weeks 
somewhat,  bnt  both  are  too  small. 

No.  33.  Small-seeded  red.     Curious,  and  difficult  to  ripen. 

No.  34.  A  similar  variety  ;  generally  of  the  present  size. 

No.  35.  Large  pale  red. 

It  remains  only  to  add,  that  seed  for  sowing  can  be  obtained  in 
gardens  in  warmer  districts,  and  always  from  such  places  as  the  Channel 
Islands ;  while  Maize,  to  be  eaten  green  in  the  autumn,  can  be  grown 
anywhere  with  common  attention.  The  same  maybe  said  of  its  use 
for  forage. — Th.  C.  Brehaut,  lUchmund  House,  Guernsey. 


ENTOMOLOGICAL   SOCIETY'S   MEETING. 

The  December  meeting  of  this  Society  was  held  at  Burlington 
House,  the  President,  A.  R.  Wallace,  Esq.,  being  in  the  chair. 
Amongst  the  donations  to  the  Society's  library  were  the  "  Memoirs 
of  the  Society  of  Naturalists  of  Moscow,"  and  other  serial  works. 

Mr.  Edward  Sannders  exhibited  three  species  of  Hemipterous  in- 
sects new  to  the  British  fauna,  Salda  arenicola,  from  Bournemouth  ; 
Plociomerus  luridus,  from  the  New  Forest ;  and  Hadrodema  Pinastri, 
Irom  the  neighbourhood  of  Reigate;  also  a  series  of  continental 
species  allied  to  Strachia  festiva,  in  order  to  clear  up  the  synonymy 
uf  that  insect.  Mr.  Pascoe  exhibited  two  new  species  of  Longicorn 
Beetles  from  the  Himalayas,  collected  by  Captain  Lang,  forming  two 
new  genera.  Mr.  F.  Smith  exhibited  two  small  Bpecies  of  Beetles  new 
to  the  British  list,  collected  by  Mr.  Champion — namely,  Calodera 
rnbene,  from  Lewisham  ;  and  Baridius  scolopaceus,  from  the  coast  of 
Kent.  Mr.  Butler  exhibited  a  very  minute  specimen  of  Vanessa 
Urticie  ;  it  was  one  of  the  second  brood,  and  had  the  hind  wings  very 
dark  coloured.  Mr.  Albert  Muller  exhibited  a  series  of  photographs 
of  remarkable  kinds  of  Galls,  caused  by  different  species  of  Rhodites  and 
Cynips,  chiefly  upon  Oaks  in  North  America,  which  he  had  received 
Lom  Mr.  Bassett,  of  Waterbury,  U.S.  Mr.  Sydney  Saunders  exhibited 
a  living  specimen  of  the  remarkable  Eresus  Ctenizoides,  a  very  large 
Spider  of  a  black  velvety  colour,  with  a  flattened  abdomen,  which  is 
surrounded  by  a  bright  red  band.  It  is  a  native  of  Syra,  in  Greece, 
and  feeds  upon  large  Grasshoppers,  but  it  had  remained  without 
eating  since  July  last.  Mr.  F.  Smith  stated  that  the  Grasshoppers 
in  this  country  are  attacked  by  a  large  silvery  species  of  Asilns,  which 
pounces  on  them  and  carries  them  off. 

The  commencement  of  an  elaborate  memoir  on  the  family  Ephe- 
meridre,  or  May  Flies,  by  the  Rev.  A.  E.  Eaton,  was  read.  The 
author  has  devoted  much  attention  to  the  minute  anatomical  characters 
and  transformations  of  these  interesting  insects,  of  which  he  has 
described  178  species,  British  and  foreign,  a  great  number  of  which 
are  new  to  science, 

SALES  AT  COTTAGE  GARDEN  SHOWS. 
"Hoktus  "  would  find  it  a  good  plan  to  announce  to  visitors 
at  the  cottage  garden  shows,  before  the  prizes  are  distributed, 
that  it  is  very  important  to  the  exhibitors  to  sell  their  produce, 
and  for  that  purpose,  immediately  after  the  distribution  of  the 
prizes,  the  exhibitor  will  return  to  the  tent,  and  gladly  sell  to 
anybody  who  will  purchase.  The  plan  is  sometimes  adopted 
of  putting  the  value  on  a  card.  This  is  convenient,  as,  if  the 
owner  is  away,  the  willing  purchaser  can  write  his  name  on  the 
card. — Thomas  Cox,  President  of  the  Nuffield  and  Betchingly 
Cottage  Gardeners'  Show  for  1870. 


I  suggest  that  the  cottagers  should  affix  the  price  of  their 
commodrties.  Persons  wishing  to  buy  will  see  at  once  the 
price  ;  then  "  first  come,  first  Berve." 

Tea  Rose  Madame  Levet  (see  page  487)  is  here,  but  I  have 
not  proved  it. — W.  P.  Radclyffe,  Okeford  Fitzpaine. 


PRUNING  ORNAMENTAL  TREES  AND  SHRUBS. 

No.  7. 

The  groups  dividing  flower  gardens  or  pleasure  grounds  and 
parks,  or  those  planted  for  shelter  or  other  objects,  afford  scope 
for  a  display  of  trees  and  shrubs  on  the  massing  system  quite 
us  well  as,  or  even  better  than  a  group  to  which  access  can  be 
had  from  all  sides. 

Fig.  1  is  a  group  of  this  kind  planted  as  a  division  between 
the  park  and  pleasure  ground,  which  are  separated  from  each 
other  by  iron  fencing,  a,  Cupressus  Lawsoniana,  and  the  dots 
««  the  margin  are  of  it  and  its  varieties  ;  b,  Rhododendron 
ponticum  ;  c,  Deoc a-  Cedar,  on  raised  ground;  d,  Cotoneaster 
irigrda  ;  e,  Ghent  and  English  varieties  of  Azalea  pontica; 
/,  English  Hollies  (Ilex  Aquifolinm,  and  vara,  foemina,  flava, 
and  angustifolia) ;    g,   Berberis    Aquifolium ;    h,    Andromeda 


floribunda;  i,  CupresBus  Lawsoniana,  with  a  few  dotted  on 
the  margin  ;  j,  Menzieeia  polifolia  alba  ;  k,  Eerberis  Darwinii; 
',  Azaleas,  with  A.  amoena  in  front;  m,  Wellingtonia  gigantea; 
n,  Irish  Yews  ;  o,  Finns  exeelsa  ;  p.  Rhododendron,  varieties  ; 
q,  Portugal  Laurel;  r,  Aucuba  (old  variety) ;  s,  Sweet  Briar ; 
t,  Lime ;  where  crossed  filled  in  with  Lipustrum  ovalifolium, 
and  yellow-berried  Ivy ;  u,  Black-leaved  Laurustinus  (Vibur- 
num latifolium) ;  v,  Silver  Fir  (Picea  pectinata) ;  w,  Purple 
Beech,  filled  in  with  Ojlchian  Laurel;  x,  Horse  Chestnut, 
filled  in  with  English  Yew  ;  y,  Laburnum,  filled  in  withCoton- 
easter  Simmonei,  and  C.  microphylla ;   z,  Scarlet  Thorns. 


Fig.  1. 


1,  Lilacs,  filled  in  with  Berberis  dulcis;  2,  Mountain  Ash, 
filled  with  Alexandrian  Laurel  (Ruscus  racemosus) ;  3, 
Broom,  of  sorts ;  4,  Guelder  Rose,  with  Mo::k  Orange  and 
Periwinkles  intermixed  ;  a  few  Vinca  elegantiseima  on  the 
margin;  5,  Austrian  Pine;  6,  Scarlet  Maple,  filled  in  with 
common  Laurel ;  7,  Hemlock  Spruce  ;  8,  R-d-herried  Elder, 
filled  in  with  Berberis  Aquifolium  ;  9,  Pinus  Cembra  ;  10,  Pink 
Thorns  ;  11,  White  Thorns  ;  .12,  clump  of  Double  Gorse  ;  13, 
Pampas  Grass;  14,  Variegated  Hollies;  15,  clump  of  Broad- 
leaved  Holly,  Ilex  Hodginsi,  and  I.  altaclerensis ;  16,  Tritoma 
Uvaria. 

Again.  Groups  in  paik  scenery  need  not  be  of  the  specif? 
or  varieties  forming  a  genus,  but  may  be  variously  planted, 
but  still  adhering  to  the  massing  system. 


Deoember  29,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF   HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


513 


Fig.  2  I  Bhall  presume  to  be  groups  of  this  description,  a, 
Sycamore,  filled  in  with  common  L»urel ;  b.  Austrian  l'ine; 
c,  Spanish  Chestnut,  filled  in  with  Berberis  Aquifolium  ;  d, 
Larch;  e,  Scotch  Fir;  f,  Luch;  g,  Wych  Elm,  filled  in  with 
Evergreen  Privet ;  h,  Austrian  Pine;  ;',  Norway  Maple,  filled 
in  with  common  Laurel ;  j,  Turkey  Oak,  filled  in  with  Berbeiis 
Aquifolium  ;  k,  Scotch  Fir ;  I,  Lime,  rilled  in  with  common 
Laurel ;  m,  Corsican  Pine  ;  «,  Liroh  ;  o,  Walnut,  filled  in  with 
Evergreen  Privet ;  p,  Austrian  Pine  ;  q,  English  Oak,  filled  in 
with  Berheiin  Aquifolium  ;  ?-,  White  Thorn  ;  g,  Lnmbardy 
Poplar ;  (,  Lilac  ;  u,  Rhus  Cotinus  ;  o,  Laburnum  ;  w.  Mountain 
Ash ;  x,  Rhus  typhina  ;  y,  Horte  Chestnut ;  2,  Variegated 
Sycamore. 


Fig.  2. 
1,  Purple-leaved  Sycamore  ;  2,  Scarlet  Maple ;  3,  Lacombe 
Oak  ;  4,  Purple  Beech  ;    5,  Lime  ;    6,  Scarlet  Oak;  7,  Beech  ; 
8,  Scarlet  Thorn  ;  9,  Holly  ;  10,  Exeter  E!m  ;  11,  Austrian  Oak. 


Fig.  3. 


and  then,  though  there  may  be  considerable  variation  in  the 
subjeots  and  mode  of  placing  them,  there  is  but  one  result,  a 
sameness  in  every  part  of  the  group  or  plantation. 

As  regards  the  dotting  of  trees  singly  at  regular  or  irregular 
distances,  as  may  be  seen  in  almost  all  our  parks,  I  have  but 
little  to  say.  There  is  something  in  having  a  well-wooded 
park  or  country  to  drive  through  and  look  at,  but  would  any- 
one advise  planting  an  open  space  on  such  a  principle — if 
principle  it  be — is  is  presented  in  almoBt  all  our  parks?  It 
would  be  wron^  to  say  a  word  against  the  fine  trees  to  be  found 
in  our  parks  ;  but,  there  are  numbers  possessed  of  no  beauty, 
and  to  cut  them  out  would  improve  the  effeot  of  those  left,  and 
allow  of  tbtir  broad  distinctive  features  being  seen  to  advantage, 
betides  affording  space  for  other  and  better  sub- 
jects than  those  removed.  This  would  destroy 
to  a  great  extent  the  monotonous  appearance  of 
our  park  scenery,  the  new  plantations  being  in 
masses,  with  open  glades  of  grass  of  considerable 
but  variable  lengths  and  breadths. 
0  In  arranging  shrubs  in  groups  or  shrubbery 

'  £  9         borders  there  can  be  no  question  that  of  all  the 
systems  the  massing  is  the  best. 

Suppose/;/.  3  to  represent  a  shrubbery  border, 
which  it  is  customary  to  plant  in  mixed  order, 
then — a,  Chinese  Arbor-Vita;;  b,  Gold-leaved 
Holly  ;  c,  Rhododendron  catawbiense,  vara. ; 
d,  Phillyrea  olticfolia  ;  e.  Azalea  pomica,  vars. ; 
/,  Guelder  Rose  ;  g,  Kalmia  glauca  ;  h,  Berberis 
empetrifolia  ;  i,  Syringa  or  Mock  Orange,  double- 
flowered  ;  j,  Green  Hollies  ;  k,  Deulzia  gracilis ; 
1,  Aucuba  foemina  limbata  ;  m,  Scarlet  Thorn  ; 
n,  Weigela  rosea,  with  the  dotted  space  its  va- 
riety variegata  nana  ;  0,  Berberis  Darwinii ; 
p,  Portugal  Laurel;  g,  Spiraea  Thnnbergi ; 
r,  Scotch  Laburnum,  with]  Colchian  Laurel ; 
s,  Cydonia  juponica  ;  (,  Silver  Holly ;  u,  Laurus- 
tinus  ;  V,  Kibes,  vara. ;  to,  Llacs ;  x,  Double 
Gorse ;  ;/,  Kalmia;  c,  Scarlet  Rhododendron, 
and  hardy  Heaths. 

1  and  8,  Kalmia  latifolia  ;  9  and  10,  Rhodo- 
dendron ;  2  and  7,  Yucca  recurva  ;  3  and  6,  An- 
dromeda floribunda  ;    4,  Tree  Pceony  ;    and  5, 
Rhus  glabra  laciniata. 
Small  groups  on  grass  in  pleasure  grounds,  it  is  scarcely  ne- 
cessary to  gav,  should  be  of  one  species  or  of  varieties  of  a 
species,  but  for  effect  those  with  distinct  colours  of  foliage  or 

flowers  may  be  disposed  in 
one  part,  and  others  of 
a  different  colour  in  an- 
other part. 

The  preceding  examples 
are  not  given  as  the  best 
arrangements  of  trees  and 
shrubs  that  can  be  made, 
but  the  sketches  with 
which  I  have  illustrated 
these  papers,  together  with 
the  remaiks  which  1  have 
made,  may  lead  to  more 
attention  being  directed  to 
the  subject,  and  to  more 
imposing  groups  being 
planted,  for  I  am  con- 
vinced any  departure  from 
the  present  mixed  con- 
fused distribution  is  an 
improvement. — G.  Abbey. 


I  think  sufficient  examples  have  been  given  to  show  the 
difference  between  the  present  mixed  system  and  the  but-little- 
practised  massing  one.  I  may  be  told  that  the  massing  system 
does  not  require  a  great  variety  of  trees,  or  that  I  have  cut  up 
the  groups  into  a  great  many  fragments.  My  object  has  been 
to  exhibit  what  a  great  variety  the  massing  system  is  capable 
of  producing  even  in  one  group  ;  but  will  anyone  tell  me  it 
will  have  that  wearying  sameness  of  effect  as  if  they  were  dis- 
posed at  random?  I  believe  each  subject  will  appear  in  character, 
each  exhibit  a  mass  of  foliage  that  will  make  it  an  object ;  but 
this  is  not  the  case  when  the  subjects,  however  well  chosen,  are 
disposed  in  mixed  order,  the  deciduous  mixed  with  the  ever- 
green, the  object  being  to  produce  as  much  variety  as  possible; 


THE   ORIGIN   OF    SOILS. 

If  we  dig  down  through  the  soil  we  come  sooner  or  later  to 
the  solid  rock.  In  many  places  the  rock  reaches  the  surface,  or 
rises  in  cliffs,  hills,  or  ridges  far  above  it.  The  surface,  or 
crust,  of  our  globe,  therefore,  consists  everywhere  of  a  more  or 
less  solid  maBS  of  rock,  overlaid  by  a  covering — generally  thin 
— of  loose  materials.  The  upper  or  outer  part  of  these  loose 
materials  forms  the  soil. 

The  geologist  has  travelled  over  a  great  part  of  the  earth's 
surface,  has  examined  the  nature  of  the  rocks  which  everywhere 
repose  beneath  the  soil,  and  haB  found  them  to  vary  in  appear- 


514 


JOURNAL   OP  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  Deoember  29,  1870. 


ance,  in  hardness,  and  in  composition,  in  different  countries 
and  districts.  In  some  places  he  has  met  with  a  sandstone,  in 
other  places  a  limestone,  in  others  a  slate  or  hardened  rock  of 
clay.  But  a  careful  comparison  of  all  the  kinds  of  rock  he  has 
observed  has  led  him  to  the  general  conclusion  that  they  are  all 
either  snndstones,  limestones,  or  clays,  of  different  degrees  of 
hardness,  or  a  mixture  in  different  proportions  of  two  or  more 
of  these  kinds  of  matter. 

When  the  loose  covering  of  earth  is  removed  from  the  surface 
of  any  of  these  rocks,  and  this  surface  is  left  exposed,  summer 
and  winter,  to  the  action  of  the  winds,  rains,  and  frosts,  it  will 
be  found  gradually  to  crumble  away.  Such  is  the  case  even 
with  many  of  those  which,  on  account  of  their  greater  hardness, 
are  employed  as  building  stones,  and  which,  in  the  walls  of 
houses,  are  kept  generally  dry ;  how  much  more  with  such  as  are 
lesB  hard,  or  lie  beneath  a  covering  of  moist  earth,  and  are  con- 
tinually exposed  to  the  action  of  water.  The  natural  crumbling 
of  a  naked  rock  thus  gradually  covers  it  with  loose  material,  in 
which  seeds  fix  themselves  and  vegetate,  and  which  eventually 
form  a  soil.  The  soil  thus  produced  partakes  necessarily  of 
the  chemical  cha'aoter  and  composilion  of  the  rock  on  which  it 
rests,  and  to  the  crumbling  of  which  it  owes  its  origin.  If  the 
reck  be  a  sandstone,  the  soil  is  sandy  ;  if  a  claystone,  it  is  more 
or  less  stiff  clay  ;  if  a  limestone,  it  is  more  or  less  calcareous  ; 
and  if  the  rock  consist  of  any  peculiar  mixture  of  these  three 
substances,  a  similar  mixture  is  observed  in  the  earthy  matter 
into  which  it  has  crumbled. 

Led  by  this  observation,  the  geologist,  after  comparing  the 
rocks  of  different  countriis  with  one  another,  compared  next 
the  soils  of  various  districts  with  the  rocks  on  which  they 
immediately  rest.  The  general  result  of  this  comparison  has 
been,  that  in  almost  every  country  the  soils  have  as  close  a 
resemblance  to  the  rocks  beneath  tbem,  as  the  loose  earth 
derived  from  the  crumbling  of  a  rock  before  our  eyes  bears  to 
the  rock  of  which  it  lately  formed  a  part.  The  conclusion, 
therefore,  is  irresistible,  that  soils,  generally  speaking,  have 
been  formed  by  the  crumbling  or  deoay  of  the  solid  rocks  ;  that 
there  was  a  time  when  these  rocks  were  naked  and  without  any 
covering  of  loose  materials ;  and  that  the  accumulation  of  soil 
has  been  the  result  of  the  natural  detrition  or  slow  wearing 
away  of  the  solid  ornst  of  the  globe. — T.  Jones. — (Englisli 
Mechanic  and  World  of  Science.) 


CYCLAMEN  PERSICUM  CULTURE. 

Tour  correspondent  "  W.  Scott "  (page  493),  wishes  for  in- 
formation respecting  the  early  blooming  of  Cyclamen  persicum. 
I  sowed  a  packet  of  Wiggins's  strain,  on  February  26th  of  the 
present  year,  in  a  seed-pan,  which  I  plunged  in  a  Cucumber 
frame  then  at  work.  The  seedlings  appeared  by  the  end  of 
March,  were  prioked  out  into  pans  as  soon  as  large  enough  to 
handle,  and  placed  again  in  the  frame  near  the  glass.  They 
were  potted-off  singly  into  60-sized  pots  by  the  end  of  May, 
were  kept  growing,  and  were  shifted  into  5-inch  pots  by  the 
end  of  June ;  they  were  then  placed  in  a  cold  pit  and  shaded 
from  strong  Bun.  By  the  middle  of  August  I  gave  some  of  the 
largest  another  Bhift  into  6-inch  pots.  They  were  kept  in  the 
cold  pit  until  the  end  of  October,  when  they  were  removed  to 
a  cool  vinery,  and  were  then  showing  plenty  of  bloom  buds. 
On  the  6th  of  Deoember  I  introduced  them  into  a  vinery  where 
the  Vines  were  just  started,  and  they  are  now  (December  26tb), 
just  ten  months  after  sowing  the  seed,  blooming  beautifully, 
with  flowers  of  severs1  shades  from  white  to  red.  I  believe, 
had  I  kept  them  warmer  in  the  autumn,  the  period  would  have 
been  reduced  to  nine  months;. 

The  soil  I  used,  which  was  always  warmed  before  potting, 
was  equal  parts  of  half-rotted  turf  and  well-decomposed  cow 
dung,  with  a  good  mixture  of  silver  sand.  They  were  sprinkled 
overhead  every  morning  with  water  from  whioh  the  chill  was 
taken. — H.  Harris,  Naseby  Woolleys. 


I  followed  directions  given  in  the  Journal  two  years  ago, 
and  have  been  tolerably  successful,  though  my  gardening 
means  and  appliances  are  very  limited.  In  March,  1869,  I 
sowed  a  packet  of  Wiggins's  seed.  Out  of  the  packet  I  had 
thirty  plants.  As  soon  as  they  showed  their  seooud  leaf  I  re- 
potted them,  placing  them  three  in  a  pot,  in  3-inoh  pots.  I  kept 
them  in  fair  bottom  heat  all  through  the  summer,  but  did  not 
renew  in  the  autumn  the  dying  heat  of  the  frame  they  were  in. 
They  grew  remarkably  well,  and  came  into  blossom  at  Christ- 
mas, giving  about  five  blossoms  on  each  plant.     I  kept  them 


in  their  pots  till  May,  when  I  turned  them  into  the  open 
ground  of  a  spent  cutting  frame.  There  they  continued  till 
September,  when  I  potted  them  three  in  a  pot  as  before,  in 
6-inch  pots,  and  the  largest  in  separate  4-inoh  pots,  and  put 
them  in  gentle  bottom  heat.  They  are  now  ooming  into  nice 
bloom.  One  is  on  my  table  as  I  write,  a  single  plant  with  forty 
blossoms  expanded  and  expanding.  Some  of  the  pots  have 
between  seventy  and  eighty  blossomB  coming  on. 

They  would,  I  am  sure,  have  blossomed  much  more  freely 
the  first  year  if  I  had  kept  them  in  constant  bottom  heat. 
They  are  flowers  most  valuable  to  those  who  like  winter  plants 
in  sitting-rooms.  They  seem  to  suffer  less  from  long  continu- 
ance in  hot  rooms  than  any  plant  I  know,  except,  perhaps, 
Palme,  and  even  before  they  are  in  bloom  their  beautifully 
marbled  leaves  make  them  delightful  objects.  I  had  not  muoh 
variety  of  colour  in  my  packet  of  seed. — Q.  Q. 


LATE   PEAS. 


I  find  Mr.  CaBtle  (page  324)  puts  Veitch's  Perfection  in  the 
wrong  plaoe.  Ne  Plus  Ultra  is  the  best  suited  for  Prestwioh, 
and  is  mostly  grown  as  a  late  Pea,  being  more  hardy  than 
Veitch's  Perfection.  There  is  a  late  Pea  oalled  Swinton  Cot- 
tage, a  local  name  ;  it  was  raised  by  the  late  Dr.  Robinson,  of 
Swinton  Park,  is  a  late  wrinkled  Marrow,  sweet-flavoured,  and 
for  a  late  or  general  crop  iB  first-rate.  I  saw  it  myself  after  the 
frost  in  November,  and  tasted  it  before  the  frost,  and  the  flavour 
was  excellent.  Many  of  the  gardeners  in  this  neighbourhood 
gather  it  when  frost  shows  itself,  and  spread  the  pods  out  on 
a  oellar  flag,  and  by  that  means  they  last  fully  two  weeks  longer 
than  if  left  out  of  doors.  All  the  gardeners  in  this  part  try  to 
have  Peas  as  late  as  possible.  I  have  seen  them  myself  this 
season,  late  in  November,  until  the  frost  out  them  down. — 
Samuel  Porter,  Prestwich. 


PORTRAIT   OF  MR.    RIVERS. 

Thh  following  additional  subscriptions  have  been  reoeived  : — 

£     «.     d. 

Low,  Mr.  S.  H.,  Clapton  Nursery   1     1     0 

Wheeler,  Messrs.  J.  C.  &  Son,  Gloucester 110 

Wood  &    Ingram,  Messrs.,  Nurserymen,  Hunt- 
ingdon       1     1     0 


Intense  Cold. — I  forward  yon  the  readings  of  the  thermo- 
meter during  Friday,  Saturday,  and  Sunday  night,  as  it  may 
be  interesting  to  know  how  other  districts  were  affected.  On 
Friday  night  (Dec.  23rd),  at  11.30,  the  thermometer  marked  3°, 
or  29°  of  frost.  At  6  a.m.  on  Saturday  it  was  5°  below  zero  [?]  ; 
at  10  a.m.,  with  a  bright  sun,  it  was  down  to  10°,  or  22°  of  frost ; 
a*  12  it  was  23° ;  at  2  p.m.  it  was  21°;  at  5  p.m.  it  was  down  to 
5° ;  at  8  it  was  down  to  3° ;  at  midnight  it  was  2°.  At  6  o'clook 
on  Christmas  morning  it  was  3° ;  at  10  it  was  6° ;  at  5  p.m.  it 
was  13° ;  from  which  time  till  9  o'clock  on  Monday  morning 
the  temperature  gradually  rose  to  33°.  The  rime  on  Christmas 
morning  on  the  trees  was  magnificent. — J.  Platt,  Gardener  to 
Sir  W.  Ffolkes,  Bart.,  Hillington,  Norfolk. 


SOME  PREDATORY  INSECTS  OF  OUR 
GARDENS.— No.  1. 
Occasionally  in  some  of  our  country  towns  where,  in  spite 
of  railways  and  telegraphs  and  other  modern  improvements, 
life  is  generally  a  little  flat,  amongst  other  expedients  resorted 
to,  somewhat  to  enliven  matters,  is  the  getting-np  of  small  hor- 
ticultural fetes.  These  are  usually  carried  out,  partly  under 
cover,  partly  alfresco,  and  a  variety  ef  mottos  with  floral  em- 
bellishments may  be  seen  on  such  oocasions  admirably  ar- 
ranged on  the  sides  of  the  building  or  tent.  There  are  oertain 
inscriptions,  however,  which  I  have  never  seen  pnt  np,  though 
they  might  be  deserving  the  attention  of  the  spectators.  Sup- 
pose, in  full  view,  were  hung  the  proverb,  "  Live  and  let  live," 
or  this  verse — 

11  Nought  so  vile  upon  the  earth  doth  live, 
But  to  the  earth  some  special  gilt  doth  give." 

In  similar  mottos  a  delicate  hint  could  be  conveyed  to  certain 
gardeners,  who  show  a  sort  of  spitefulness  in  the  onslaughts 
they  make  upon  the  insect  world  around  them.  It  is  irritating 
— no  question  about  that — to  find  that  after  much  care  and 


D««wb«r  29,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


515 


attention,  much  head  and  hand  work,  an  enemy,  toiling  in- 
sidiously at  first,  suddenly  places  his  mark  triumphantly  upon 
our  choice  plants,  flowers,  or  fruits,  as  much  as  to  say,  "  That's 
mine,  whether  you  like  it  or  no!"  But,  still,  I  oonfess  to 
feeling  oonoern  when  I  see  an  individual  with  a  brow  puckered 
iu  wrath  ponnce  upon  some  helpless  wretohes  belonging  to  the 
insect  raoe,  his  expression  implying  that  he  considers  death 
alone  almost  too  good  for  them.  Myself  an  inseot-killer  under 
some  circumstance^,  I  lie  exposed  to  an  extent  to  the  tu  quoque 
argument,  yet  there  is  a  justification  which  I  oan  plead  ;  so  also 
has  the  horticulturist,  but  he  ought  to  remember  (what  many 
forget),  that  the  injuries  we  receive  from  inseots  are  more  con- 
spicuous than  the  benefits,  and  yet  the  latter  are  more  nu- 
merous than  might  be  supposed,  and  some  of  these  are  derived 
from  inseota  which  are  deemed  pests,  and  actually  are  so  to 
some  extent. 

I  venture  upon  these  prefatory  remarks,  because  when  sub- 
sequently disoussing  the  histories  of  a  portion  of  the  gardener's 
enemies,  reference  must  be  made  to  modes  of  extirpation — or, 
at  least,  of  diminution,  and  thereby  I  may  give  a  stimulus  to 
insect  slaughter.  Personally,  I  shall  probably  reap  one  benefit, 
I  shall  eat  fewer  insects  (for  in  spite  of  all  the  care  of  cooks, 
some  species  come  to  table  at  times) ;  yet,  on  the  other  hand, 
should  my  dreams  be  haunted,  like  those  of  the  old  Greek  hero, 
by  the  ghosts  of  my  victims,  I  may  behold,  in  addition  to  the 
inseots  whioh  I  myself  have  killed,  those  also  whioh  I  have 
slain  by  proxy.  Think  of  this,  friendly  reader,  and  go  not  to 
work  too  rashly  in  the  task  of  insect-destruotion ;  rather  emulate 
the  spirit  Izoak  Walton  shows — when  advising  his  pupil  as  to 
the  best  method  of  transfixing  the  worm  upon  the  hook,  he 
says  that  he  is  to  handle  it  as  if  he  loved  it  1  Who  knows  but 
that  the  new  generation  of  gardeners  will  be  more  sensitive 
than  the  past?  Suoh  a  thing  may  be  as  that  a  man  will  be 
heard  soliloquising  after  the  manner  of  Sterne.  Surveying  a 
oaterpillar  on  the  path  which  he  has  just  crushed,  one  might 
bear  s  gardener  exclaiming,  "  Yes,  there  thou  liest,  poor 
creature !  Thy  life,  brief  to  me,  though  seeming  ages  to  thee, 
is  momentarily  terminated.  Where  are  now  thy  sixteen  legs 
(let  me  see,  no,  six  legs  and  ten  cbrspers),  thy  twelve  segments  ? 
They  are  blended  in  an  indistinguishable  mass !  Thy  head, 
also,  is  a  ruin — thy  head,  in  which,  perchance,  there  dwelt 
pleasing  visions  of  days  to  come,  when  thou  shouldest  scorn 
earth,  and  pass  in  the  aiirial  regions  from  flower  to  flower." 
However,  this  has  not  yet  come  to  pass,  and  gardeners  now 
look  upon  inseots  as  their  natural  enemies,  and  kill  them  with- 
out superfluous  tenderness.  But,  to  speak  seriously,  the  sin- 
gularities of  insect  structure  and  insect  habits,  when  they  be- 
oome  known  to  persons  of  intelligence,  do,  indeed,  awaken  a 
very  different  feeling  towards  these  creatures  than  may  be  ex- 
pected to  be  found  in  one  who,  like  Mr.  Wood's  friend  alluded 
to  in  "  Common  Objects  of  the  Conntry,"  supposes  that  cater- 
pillars are  "  only  skin  and  squash  " 

In  my  earlier  entomological  days  my  liking  for  insects 
having  been  perceived  by  some  of  my  friends,  I  received  one 
morning  a  donation  in  the  shape  of  a  wooden  box,  the  contents 
of  which  the  giver  expected  that  I  should  be  much  delighted 
with.  Opening  it,  there  was  in  view  the  unsightly  grub  of  the 
cockchafer  which  had  just  been  disinterred.  My  gratitude  for 
this  rather  undesirable  gift  was  a  little  foroed  ;  butterflies  and 
moths  I  loved,  but  beetle  larvre  were  then  rather  beyond  me. 
Throughout  the  winter  months  these  oreatnres  are  turned  np 
both  in  gardens  and  in  fields,  and  not  only  by  man  accidentally, 
but  intentionally  by  birds,  rooks  and  starlings  especially,  en  1, 
as  it  often  happens  in  similar  cases,  the  birds  are  blamed  for 
disturbing  the  soil  when  they  rather  deserve  thanks. 

The  larva  of  the  cockchafer  (Melolontha  vulgaris)  is  most  in- 
jurious in  those  gardens,  of  which  the  e  are  many  throughout  our 
laud,  which  have  approximating  to  them  an  extensive  stretch  of 
grass  fields ;  in  these  the  insects  have  their  head  quarters,  and 
make  incursions  to  the  neighbouring  garden  ground.  In  the 
market  gardens  of  some  districts  this  larva  has  been  noticed  to  be 
particularly  partial  to  the  roots  of  the  Strawberry  and  the  Rose  ; 
in  meadows  Lucerne  and  the  cereals  are  frequently  attacked  by 
it,  and  there  the  results  are  more  notable  than  in  the  instanoe 
of  stronger  and  taller  plants  ;  the  aspect  in  some  oases  leading 
us  to  suppose  that  some  insect  pest  had  attacked  the  growth 
above  instead  of  below  the  ground.  Figuier  seems  to  think 
that  this  inseot  is  more  abundant  now  than  formerly,  and  be- 
cause the  land  is  more  efficiently  cultivated.  The  fact  is  well 
established  that  the  female  beetle  chooBes  by  preference  light 
and  manured  soil  when  she  can  get  it,  which  may  seem  to 
favour  his  idea ;  yet  by  the  accounts  whioh  he  himself  gives  of 


the  multitudes  recorded  to  have  appeared  in  other  days,  it 
does  not  appear  that  in  recent  times  the  cockchafer  has  done 
an  injury  equivalent  to  the  increase  of  cultivated  ground.  Iu 
Prussia  the  speoies  did  much  damage  in  1835,  and  in  France 
in  18S-1.  But  farther  back  we  have  astonishing  accounts  of  the 
profusion  in  whioh  cockchafers  appeared,  making  due  allow- 
ance for  exaggeration.  In  1574  this  species  was  abundant  in 
England — so  abundant,  it  is  said,  as  to  stop  the  working  of 
mills  on  the  Severn.  Ireland,  too,  in  1688  bad  so  great  a  pro- 
fusion that  the  inseota  did  much  damage  in  their  adult  Btate, 
the  sound  of  their  wings  at  night  being  described  as  terrific ; 
and,  as  a  last  resource,  the  Irish  fell  to  and  ato  them.  But  it 
is  most  amusing  to  read,  that  the  cockchafers,  having  caused 
a  famine  in  some  distriots,  were  summoned  to  appear  before 
an  eoolesiastical  court  at  Liusanne.  Sentenoe  was  duly  passed 
upon  them,  and  they  were  ordered  to  quit  the  territory— a 
capital  decision,  the  only  difficulty  how  it  should  be  enforced. 

One  thing  is  quite  obvious  in  the  history  of  the  cockchafer. 
This  is,  that  it  appears  periodically  in  more  plenty,  owing  to 
the  three  years  occupied  by  its  transformations.  1865  and 
1868  were  cockchafer  years  in  most  places,  so  that  we  may 
presume  that  there  will  be  more  of  the  perfect  inseot  than 
usual  about  in  1871.  Other  y?ars  a  certain  number  of  stragglers 
appear.  I  saw  the  insect  in  various  places  during  1869  and 
1870.  This  remark,  of  course,  applies  only  to  the  cockchafer  in 
its  winged  state  ;  in  the  larval  stage  it  is  aotive  enough  in  the 
interval,  and  likely  to  be  most  destructive  towards  the  close  of 
the  third  year;  when  getting  sizeable  it  is  still  more  voracious 
than  when  young.  The  eggs  of  the  cookohafer  are  deposited  in 
the  ground  by  the  female,  with  the  aid  of  her  first  pair  of  legs  ; 
the  number  of  eggs  usually  being  about  thirty.  Hatching  in  a 
few  weeks,  the  young  larvre  immediately  begin  to  feed,  though 
at  first  they  are  only  moderate  consumers.  In  the  winter,  at 
least  during  the  severe  part  of  it,  they  become  torpid,  taking 
the  precaution  then  to  bury  themselves  at  a  greater  depth. 
After  numerous  changes  of  skin,  towards  the  autumn  of  the 
third  year  from  their  appearance  from  the  egg,  they  are  of 
mature  size,  and  pass  into  the  pupal  stage.  This  is  of  brief 
duration,  the  beetle  emerging  in  October  or  November,  but, 
singular  to  say,  it  remains  in  the  retreat,  being  very  soft,  until 
the  spring,  when  it  works  gradually  to  the  surface.  Hence  a 
sharp  frost  in  the  early  spring  sometimes  gives  a  check  to  their 
increase  by  killing  some  of  the  beetles  ere  they  are  fully 
hardened  ;  and  in  the  same  way  also  some  of  the  larvre  are  de- 
stroyed. When  we  see  cockchafers  about  in  the  daytime  we 
are  apt  to  form  a  very  mistaken  notion  about  them.  Languid 
and  stupid  as  they  seem  in  the  sunshine,  which  they  always 
avoid  when  they  can,  they  are  lively  enough  after  dark,  and 
eat  the  leaves  of  various  trees,  and  in  places  where  they  are 
particularly  plentiful  woods  and  parks  Buffer  severely.  It  has 
been  suggested  as  desirable  that  these  inseots  should  be  hunted 
down  in  this  adult  state  rather  than  as  larvse  ;  they  may  be 
shaken  from  trees  during  the  day,  and  the  killing  of  the 
females  includes,  of  course,  the  destruction  of  their  progeny. 
The  only  way  of  getting  rid  of  the  larvre  is  to  turn  over  the 
ground,  if  you  oan,  where  they  occur,  and  then  they  must  be 
either  picked  up  or  killed  by  the  sprinkling  of  someoompound. 
In  Russia,  we  are  told,  "  the  people  havereaohed  the  advanced 
stage  of  making  cockchafer  flour,  whioh  at  present  is  only  em- 
ployed for  the  purpose  of  making  cakes  for  young  pheasants, 
partridges,  or  quails."  The  oommon  designation  of  the  cock- 
chafer larvae  in  many  English  counties  is  the  "  white  grub." 
The  Sussex  folks  are  reported  to  call  it  "  Job-haseett,"  a  rather 
dubious  name. 

Amongst  the  dead  leaves  which  are  swept  up  in  the  vicinity 
of  Gooseberry  and  Currant  bushes,  are  some  of  the  winter 
retreats  of  the  Currant  Moth  (Abraxas  grossulariata),  and  if 
these  are  not  burnt,  or  otherwise  effectually  disposed  of,  the 
young  caterpillars  early  in  the  spring  emerge  to  renew  their 
attacks  on  their  favourite  bushes.  Many,  however,  remain  on 
these  through  the  winter,  spinning  a  leaf  to  a  twig  as  an 
anchorage,  and,  screened  by  this,  defying  the  cold  and  the 
moisture:  so  that,  in  Bpare  moments,  the  gardener  will  do 
well  to  pick  off  carefully  any  leaves  he  sees  remaining,  more 
particularly  on  the  Gooseberry  and  Black  Currant.  The  oater- 
pillars,  however,  will,  if  need  be,  feed  also  on  the  Red  Currant, 
A  more  effectual  way  of  keeping  this  caterpillar  under  is  to 
examine  the  leaves  for  the  yellow  eggs,  which  are  laid  in  June 
and  July.  Mr.  Newman  states  that  he  has  often  watched  the 
female  mothB  "  not  only  in  the  evening,  but  even  in  the  middle 
of  a  warm  day,  depositing  a  Bingle  egg  on  a  leaf  of  Gooseberry 
or  Black  Currant,  and  then  flying  off  to  another."    According 


51C 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  December  29,  1870. 


to  my  experience  in  our  gardens  at  the  west  of  London,  the 
eggs  are  very  often  laid  in  small  patches,  sometimes  about  a 
dozen  together.  This  species  is  notable  amongst  our  Lepi- 
doptera,  as  being  one  of  those  where  there  is  a  degree  of  re- 
semblance between  the  colouring  of  the  caterpillar  and  the 


Abraxas  grossulariata. 
moth,  though  the  latter  is  liable  to  vary.  Hatched  in  the  sum- 
mer, these  caterpillars  make  their  appearance  perceptible  on 
the  bushes,  and  in  very  warm  seasons  they  will  be  of  good 
size  in  the  autumn  ere  the  time  of  hybernation,  though  ordi- 
narily they  are  but  small  when  they  cease  eating.  In  the 
former  case  they  are  apt  to  verify  tho  proverb,  that  "  more 
haste  is  less  speed,"  for  becoming  conspicuous  on  the  Goose- 
berry bushes  when  the  leaves  are  falling,  they  are  a  prey  to 
birds,  and  never  become  moth  4  at  all.  Bat  it  is  in  the  spring 
mouths  the  gardener  has  most  reason  t  >  dislike  A.  groBSula- 
riata,  for  the  caterpillars  go  to  work  eagerly,  and  eat  not  only 
leaves,  but  also  the  buds,  and  even,  as  I  have  observed,  the 
flowers  iu  some  seasons.  The  moth,  which  "flaps"  very 
languidly  about,  rarely  going  far  from  its  native  spot,  is  com- 
monly thought  a  butterfly  by  the  unscientific— J.  R.  S.  C. 


WORK  FOR  THE  WEEK. 

KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

The  state  of  the  weather  prevents  much  being  done  in  the 
garden.  See  that  the  Artichokes  are  securely  covered  to  pre- 
vent their  being  iujured  by  frost.  The  young  plants  of  Cauli- 
flowers in  frames  must  be  protected  from  severe  frost  by 
covering  the  lights  with  mats;  if  there  are  any  in  the  open 
borders  protect  them  with  arched  sticks  and  mats.  Lay  a  coat- 
ing of  long  dung  over  the  ridges  of  Celery,  particularly  that 
required  for  use,  to  preserve  it  from  frost.  Wheel  mauure  to 
vacant  ground  when  the  weather  is  frosty  and  this  can  be 
done  without  injuring  the  walks,  and  let  all  spare  ground  be 
turned  up  so  as  to  expose  it  to  the  action  of  the  weather  as 
long  as  possible.  For  land  which  has  been  long  cropped  with 
vegetables  a  dressing  of  fresh  loam  would  in  many  caBes  be 
preferable  to  mauure,  and  where  this  is  wanted  and  can  be 
procured,  it  should  be  in  readiness,  so  that  advantage  may  be 
taken  of  frosty  days  for  wheeling  it  upon  the  ground.  Where 
fresh  soil  cannot  be  obtained,  charred  vegetable  refuse — such 
as  prunings  of  shrubberies,  edgings  of  walks,  and  many  things 
which  turn  up  in  the  course  of  the  season,  may  be  cheaply 
made  to  form  an  excellent  substitute. 

FRUIT    GARDEN. 

Make  a  point  of  regularly  examining  every  week  all  the 
choice  kinds  of  fruits  that  may  be  approaching  ripeness,  or 
which  are  found  not  to  be  keeping  well,  so  that  everything 
may  be  used  at  the  proper  time,  for  the  finest  Pears  are  worth- 
less euough  if  allowed  to  become  over-ripe  before  being  used, 
and  the  same  is  the  case  with  many  varieties  of  Apples.  Also 
look  over  the  whole  stock  as  often  as  time  can  be  spared,  re- 
moving any  fruit  that  exhibit  symptoms  of  decay,  and  put 
them  aside  for  immediate  use.  Any  of  the  choicer  kinds  of 
Pears  that  do  not  appear  to  ripen  properly  in  the  fruit-room, 
should  he  removed  to  a  warm  dry  room  for  a  few  days.  This 
will  be  found  to  greatly  improve  them.  Keep  the  fruit  as  dry 
and  cool  as  possible,  and  if  the  frost  is  excluded  the  fruit- 
room  can  hardly  be  too  cool  when  the  object  is  to  preserve  the 
fruit  plump  and  sound  for  a  long  time.  No  newly-planted  fruit 
tree  should  remain  without  a  mulching  overthe  roots.  Standards 
must  be  securely  staked,  and  they  should  afterwards  be  fre- 
quently looked  to,  as  they  are  sometimes  apt  to  get  loose  and 
rub  against  the  stake  ;  if  preventive  measures  are  not  taken  the 
trees  will  then  be  seriously  injured. 

FLOWER   GARDEN. 

The  winter  weather  which  we  have  lately  experienced  may 
have  served  to  remind  those  who  have  neglected  to  afford  pro- 


tection to  tender  Roses,  and  other  things  which  are  found  to 
require  this  care,  that  its  application  cannot  with  safety  be 
delayed  any  longer.  The  flower  garden  is  now  of  meagre  in- 
terest, aB  there  is  little  to  be  done  save  thoBe  routine  operations 
which  ensure  high  keeping.  Take  advantage  of  frosty  morn- 
ings to  manure  Rose  beds,  and  renew  the  soil  in  beds  intended 
for  masses  of  flowers.  Endeavour  to  forward  in  inclement 
weather  the  preparation  of  labels  and  pegs  for  the  beds,  or 
any  other  article  which  will  be  wanted  at  this  busy  time  of 
year.  Put  all  implements  in  good  order  for  work.  Be  not 
satisfied  with  having  done  things  well,  but  be  always  striving  to 
improve.  Set  your  standard  high,  and  endeavour  to  reach  it. 
All  planting  should  have  been  finished.  Complete  alterations 
when  the  weather  is  favourable.  Any  trees  or  shrubs  loaded 
with  snow  should  have  it  carefully  shaken  off.  The  places  in- 
tended for  Hollyhocks,  Dahlias,  <fcc,  next  summer,  should  be 
prepared  by  deep  digging,  and  working-in  plenty  of  rotten 
manure,  for  there  is  generally  as  much  time  to  spare  for  this 
kind  of  work  now  as  at  planting-out  time,  and  by  preparing 
the  spaces  at  the  present  season  the  soil  will  be  in  better  con- 
dition than  would  be  the  case  if  the  work  were  delayed  until 
planting-out  time.  Shrubberies  may  be  thinned,  where  this 
involves  only  the  cutting-out  of  overgrown  plants  or  lopping 
deciduous  trees,  but  where  evergreens  generally  require  prun- 
ing, this  is  beat  done  in  March  ;  for  although,  when  the  winter 
proves  mild,  such  work  may  be  safely  performed  at  any  time, 
it  is  safer  to  defer  it  till  spring. 

GREENHOUBE    AND    CONSERVATORY. 

While  frosty  weather  continues  be  satisfied  with  as  low  a 
night  temperature  in  all  plant  houses  as  it  will  be  safe  to  keep, 
taking  advantage  of  bright  days  to  increase  the  temperature, 
and  using  a  little  fire  heat  in  order  to  be  able  to  admit  fresh 
air  to  dispel  damp,  &a.  The  proper  night  temperature  for  the 
conservatory  very  much  depends  upon  the  kind  of  plants  it 
may  contain.  Where  Camellias,  Epacrises,  Heaths,  and  other 
winter-blooming  plants  form  the  principal  inmates,  40°  will  be 
sufficiently  high,  and  with  a  dry  atmosphere  the  temperature 
may  safely  be  allowed  to  sink  a  few  degrees  on  hard  nights  ; 
but  in  cases  where  the  hardier  kinds  of  winter-flowering  stove 
plants  are  brought  in  while  in  bloom,  45°  should  be  considered 
the  proper  mean  night  temperature.  Let  whatever  watering 
may  be  required  be  done  early  in  the  day,  so  as  to  allow  ad- 
vantage to  be  taken  of  sunshine,  whenever  that  may  occur,  to 
give  air  for  the  purpose  of  drying  the  foliage,  &c.  Many  per- 
sons appear  to  entertain  an  opinion  that  very  little  attention 
is  needed  to  properly  supply  plants  with  water  at  this  season, 
and  they  only  look  over  their  stock  at  intervals  of  several  days. 
I  would,  however,  caution  young  gardeners  against  this  mis- 
take, and  advise  them  to  examine  every  plant  at  least  on  alter- 
nate days,  deferring  the  application  of  water  until  it  is  really 
required,  and  then  giving  a  liberal  soaking.  Attend  daily  to 
the  removal  of  dead  and  decaying  leaves,  and  directly  any  of 
the  flowering  specimens  become  shabby  remove  them  to  some 
out-of-the-n ay  place,  taking  care  that  they  are  placed  under 
proper  conditions  as  to  temperature,  &c,  according  to  their 
wants,  and.  if  possible,  supply  their  places  with  others  in  full 
beauty.  Where  necessary,  the  leaves  of  plants  should  be 
sponged  over  and  thoroughly  cleaned,  and  twiners  pruned, 
trimmed,  and  put  into  proper  order  for  the  spring.  Early 
Hyacinths  will  soon  be  iu  flower,  and  with  care  a  succession  of 
them  may  be  kept  up  till  spring.  For  late  flowering,  the  bulbs, 
if  not  already  planted,  should  now  be  put  in.  The  best  pots 
are  5-inch  (48'b)  for  one  bulb,  and  6  or  7-inch  (32's  and  24'e)  for 
three  bulbs  ;  and  when  a  fine  display  is  sought  for,  three  bulbB 
grown  together  in  one  pot  secure  that  object  much  better  than 
single  bulbs.  For  potting,  the  soil  should  be  as  rioh  as  possible, 
such  as  one-half  fresh  loam,  cut  from  a  pasture  with  the  turf 
decayed  in  it,  well-decomposed  cow  or  horse  manure,  and  a 
small  quantity  of  clean  sand  well  intermixed.  If,  however, 
this  kind  of  compost  cannot  be  obtained,  then  the  lightest  and 
richest  at  command  must  be  employed  instead.  Drain  effi- 
ciently, and  after  filling  the  pots  lightly  with  the  soil,  place  the 
bulbs  upon  the  surface,  Blightly  pressing  them  into  the  soil. 
After  watering  liberally  set  the  pots,  thus  planted,  out  of  doors 
on  a  dry  bottom,  and  cover  about  a  foot  deep  with  old  tan, 
ashes,  sawdust,  leaf  soil,  cocoa-nut  fibre  refuse,  or  any  other 
light  material.  After  remaining  thus  for  a  mouth,  the  bulbs 
will  be  sufficiently  rooted  to  render  it  safe  to  remove  them  to  a 
gentle  bottom  heat  of  about  55°,  introducing  the  pots  in  num- 
bers proportionate  to  the  demand  at  intervals  of  about  a  fort- 
night. In  this  manner  a  succession  of  flowers  will  be  secured 
until  those  in  the  open  air  come  into  flower.     In  forcing,  en- 


December  2D,  :870.  ] 


JOURNAL   OF   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


517 


deavonr  to  prevent  the  roots  from  penetrating  the  fermenting 
material. 

FOKCINQ   PIT. 

Succession  plants  and  bulbs  should  be  introduced  and  treated 
e.3  previously  directed.  A  weak  solution  of  tepid  manure 
water  applied  to  almost  every  plant  when  showing  flower  will 
be  found  beneficial.  Moderate  fumigations  with  tobacco  should 
be  applied  occasionally  to  keep  the  enemy  at  a  respectful  dis- 
tance, prevention  being  better  than  cure. 

COLD    PITS. 

Where  the  stock  of  bedding  plants  has  to  be  wintered  in 
structures  of  this  description,  the  present  will  be  found  a  try- 
ing time,  and  the  utmost  vigilance  and  care  will  be  required  to 
preserve  the  plants  from  harm.  Apply  sufficient  covering  to 
the  glass,  and  also  to  the  walls  of  the  pits  or  frames  to  ward 
off  the  effeots  of  the  most  severe  frost,  and  embrace  every 
chance  of  admitting  air  and  removing  decaying  leaves,  in  order 
to  prevent  damp  and  mildew.  Plants  when  covered  up  for 
several  days  should  not  be  suddenly  exposed  to  bright  sun- 
shine, but  should  be  partially  shaded  for  a  few  hours,  admit- 
ting air  in  the  meantime  if  the  state  of  the  atmosphere  will 
permit. — W.  Keane. 


DOINGS   OF   THE   LAST    WEEK. 

What  fine  suitable  weather  for  this  Christmas  eve,  with  the 
roads  like  iron  and  the  air  some  20°  below  freezing  point ! 
How  suitable,  indeed,  for  all  who  have  a  comfortable  home  to 
go  to,  a  nice  blazing  fire  to  sit  round,  and  plenty  of  eatables 
and  drinkables  to  keep  out  the  cold !  We  are  none  the  less 
thankful  and  f-'rateful  for  the  blessings  and  comforts  we  possess 
in  our  humble  homestead  ;  we  none  the  less  wish  for  all 
readers  and  friends  (and  one  term  mifiht  well  do  instead  of  two, 
as  our  readers  are  mostly  our  friends)  a  merry  Christmas  and 
a  happy  New  Year,  though  we  cannot  help  thinking  on  the 
wretchedness  and  misery  now  experienced  by  two  great  nations 
on  the  Continent,  who  are  doiDg  their  best  to  injure  and  de- 
stroy each  other.  And  coming  close  to  our  own  doors,  we  can- 
not but  think  of  the  scanty  supplies  in  many  a  household, 
owing  to  the  want  and  the  soarcity  of  employment  at  this  cold 
season  of  the  year.  To  every  man  with  a  spice  of  independ- 
ence in  his  nature  no  greater  boon  can  be  given  than  the  oppor- 
tunity to  labour,  and  thus  support  those  near  and  dear  to  him. 
The  making  and  finding  work  for  a  few  weeks  now  would,  in 
many  districts,  be  the  best  of  all  charity,  because  there  is  no 
test  like  work  for  discriminating  between  the  claims  of  those 
who  may  solicit  onr  help.  Some  of  us  who  think  we  have 
seen  a  little  in  our  time  are,  nevertheless,  often  deceived. 
Well,  it  is  better  to  trust  a  hundred  times  and  be  deceived  than 
to  have  the  wrapped-np  selfish  spirit,  "never  to  trust  at  all." 
For  all  able-bodied  claimants  on  our  sympathy  there  is  no  test 
like  the  labour  test.  The  shuffling,  scheming  idler  will  soon 
slip  away ;  the  honest,  worthy  man  will  be  glad  to  continue 
and  do  his  beet. 

The  work  of  the  week  has  chiefly  resolved  itself  into  the 
following  : — Collecting  and  carting  leaves,  wheeling  the  rubbish 
heap  on  the  kitchen  garden,  forming  new  rubbish  heaps,  turn- 
ing over  soil,  digging  and  trenching  when  the  weather  would 
permit,  and  using  a  little  litter  for  protecting  Celery,  Radishes, 
Lettuces,  Cauliflowers  &a  ,  in  cold  earth  pits. 

Planting  was  proceeded  with  until  the  frost  arrested  us.  It 
may  be  done  on  a  sunny  day,  even  if  there  has  been  a  sharp 
frost,  hut  it  is  always  unadvisable  to  plant  in  frosty  weather 
when  the  roots  must  be  for  any  considerable  time  exposed  to 
the  frost.  We  have  known  large  failures  take  place  from  this 
cause  alone,  even  when  the  ground  was  not  so  hard  as  to  pre- 
vent its  working  well.  When  planting  on  a  large  scale  for 
forest  or  covert,  the  trees  are  often  allowed  to  lie  on  the  surface 
a  little  time  before  planting,  and  though  that  does  no  harm  in 
a  mild  dull  day,  the  roots  are  easily  injured,  if  not  destroyed, 
when  exposed  for  a  short  time  to  a  dry  frosty  air.  This  is  a 
very  different  thing  from  the  roots  being  partly  placed  in  soil 
frozen  in  the  natural  way;  as  that  takes  place  gradually,  the 
roots  are  secured  from  the  air,  and  have  access  at  the  same 
time  to  the  storehouse  of  heat  in  the  earth  beneath  them. 
This,  which  applies  to  common  planting,  applies  still  more 
thoroughly  to  the  planting  of  shrubs  and  fruit  trees  with  or 
without  balls  of  earth.  The  roots  should  never  be  exposed  to 
a  frosty  air.  In  planting,  if  the  plants  are  valuable  and  of 
some  size,  too  much  care  cannot  be  taken  in  spreading  out  the 
roots,  and  packing  them  in  layers.  Wbsn  small  plants  are  to 
he  turned  out  in  numbers,  no  better  plan  can  be  adopted  than 


giving  the  operator  a  stout  pouch  or  apron  to  hold  the  plants, 
so  that  each  may  be  only  a  short  time  exposed  at  the  roots  before 
the  earth  is  fastened  firmly  round  them. 

Last  season  we  made  some  remarks  on  planting  by  the  dibber, 
and  showed  how  the  one  oblique  stroke  did  the  planting,  and 
far  better  than  a  dozen  small  strokes.  For  small  plants  nothing 
in  general  beats  the  dibber,  but  as  we  live  we  learn;  and  in 
some  cases,  as  planting  thousands  of  seedling  Gorse  for  covers, 
we  think  in  many  cases,  instead  of  digging  and  dibbling,  the 
plants  will  do  better  if  a  deep  slit  be  made  by  the  spade  thrust 
down,  then  moved  from  side  to  side  in  the  firmish  soil,  the 
roots  spread  their  full  length  in  the  opening,  and  then  firmed 
by  treading.  We  know  that  severe  frost  has  no  effect  on  such 
afterwards  in  comparison  with  small  plants  carefully  dibbled. 
We  have  often  had  the  latter  loosened  and  next  to  thrown  out 
of  the  ground  by  a  severe  frost. 

Although  repeatiug  ourselves,  we  may  remark  there  is 
nothing  more  difficult  to  get  attended  to  by  men  taken  on 
merely  to  give  employment  in  planting  than  this — never  to 
plant  a  shrub  or  tree  more  deeply  than  it  stood  before.  Nature 
has  clearly  pointed  out  the  exact  place  whence  the  stem  should 
rise  and  the  roots  descend,  and  thousands  of  failures,  as 
deaths  and  a  languishing  existence,  take  place  every  season, 
simply  because  that  part  of  a  plant  that  Nature  intended  to 
be  exposed  to  the  air  is  sunk  down  and  covered  with  soil.  It 
is  so  easy  to  do  this,  and  the  trees  look  so  much  firmer  in  con- 
sequence, that  all  but  experienced  planters  will  be  sure  to 
commit  the  error,  unless  at  first  carefully  superintended. 
Thousands  and  thousands  of  trees  die  from  this  cause  alone, 
and  the  proprietor  hardly  ever  thinks  of  this  as  a  cause  of 
failure,  partly  because  of  the  benevolent  belief  that  any  man 
who  can  wield  a  spade  on  an  emergency  can  surely  plant  a 
tree  well  enough.  We  cannot  say  what  the  experience  of 
others  is  in  this  respect,  but  in  different  parts  of  the  country 
we  have  found  it  very  difficult  to  get  this  simple  matter  at- 
tended to. 

This  is  less  to  be  wondered  at  when  thousands  who  have 
little  gardens  have  never  acquired  the  knowledge  how  to  use 
a  dibber  properly.  Only  last  spring  we  saw  some  hundreds 
of  Cabbage  plants  hanging  their  heads  most  dolefully.  They 
were  waiting  for  the  rains  and  winds  to  plant  them.  A  push 
from  the  point  of  the  boot  wonld  have  brought  them  up.  They 
were  what  old  gardeners  would  have  called  "  hanged  outright." 
Apparently  they  had  all  received  half  a  dozen  strokes  with  the 
dibber,  and  yet  the  plants  were  loose.  Two  good  strokes  and 
one  Bmall  one  are  all  that  are  needed  in  dibber-planting. 
There  is  the  one  perpendicular  stroke  with  the  dibber  to  make 
the  hole  for  the  roots,  then  the  dibber,  say  from  1  to  2  or 
more  incheB  from  the  first  hole,  is  thrust  in  obliquely,  so  that 
the  point  comes  to  the  bottom  of  the  first  hole,  and  then  is 
quickly  brought  with  the  intervening  earth  to  the  perpendicular. 
The  plant  is  fixed  as  in  a  blacksmith's  vice,  so  that  you  will 
more  easily  break  it  than  pull  it  up.  These  two  strokes  do  the 
planting.  A  third  stroke  with  the  point  of  the  dibber  across 
the  last  hole,  partly  to  fill  it,  makes  the  job  more  workmanlike. 
But  a  great  point  would  be  gained  if  the  dibblers  comprehended 
the  simple  fact  that  the  two  strokes  alluded  to,  and  not  a 
number,  make  successful  planting. 

Ice  Collecting. — We  never  had  a  better  chance,  and  being 
rather  short  of  cart  power,  most  likely  we  shall  recommence 
on  Monday,  as  the  weather  seems  likely  to  continue  froBty, 
and  we  shall  make  holiday  at  another  time.  Last  year  we  had 
to  content  ourselves  with  ice  we  did  not  like,  and  in  our  single 
house  had  a  good  store  left  after  a  very  free  use.  The  ice  we 
have  had  now  is  very  clear,  from  rain  water  in  ponds.  All  ice 
on  the  top  of  water  coloured  from  manure  yards  should  be 
avoided,  if  possible.  Dirty  ice  alwayB  looks  badly,  and  when 
used  for  delicate  purposes  is  apt  to  leave  a  taint  behind  it. 
The  purer  and  clearer  the  water  the  better  the  ice,  and  the 
more  free  it  is  from  weeds,  sticks,  &c,  the  better,  as  they  only 
help  to  hasten  its  melting. 

As  far  as  our  own  practice  is  concerned,  we  are  not  so  par- 
ticular in  pounding  the  ice  ae  we  used  to  be,  provided  we  can 
obtain  enough  of  small  ice  to  pack  the  larger  pieces.  Leaving 
cavities  of  air  between  large  pieces  is  to  be  avoided,  and  more 
especially  if  the  air  should  not  be  below  freezing  point  when 
filling  the  ice  house,  as  then  every  such  body  of  warm  air  shut 
in  would  act  as  a  waster  and  melter.  In  very  small  bouses 
the  well-pounding  will  be  essential  to  success.  From  some 
few  experiments  made  we  are  rather  convinced  that  if  we  could 
obtain  ice  in  regular  large  blocks,  as  from  abroad,  arrd  built 
these  blocks  in  a  regular  mass,  and  cemented  them  together 


518 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTA&E   GARDENER. 


[  December  29,  1870. 


with  water  in  a  frosty  day  or  night,  such  a  mass  of  blocks 
would  keep  better  than  the  fineBt  pounded  1-inoh  or  2-inch- 
thick  ice  from  our  ponds.  In  a  moderate-sized  house  or  heap, 
we  would  be  more  particular  in  having  enough  pounded  to 
pack  the  larger  pieces  than  in  having  all  pounded  small. 

Protection.— Many  vegetables  and  plants  have  been  eovered- 
up  several  days  and  nights  since  the  frost  came.  The  great 
point  in  these  cases  is  to  make  sure  that  in  such  darkness  from 
covering  there  shall  be  no  excitement  to  mere  prolongation 
from  heat.  Although  we  had  been  in  the  habit  of  allowing 
young  Cauliflower  plants  under  hand-lights  to  become  Bligbtly 
frozen  before  covering  them  up,  as  far  as  we  recollect,  Mr. 
Errington  was  the  first  to  recommend  the  practice  in  writing. 
The  principle  is  a  very  important  one  when  continuous  pro- 
tection is  given,  and  in  severe  weather  that  continuous  pro- 
tection is  better  for  the  plants  every  way  than  exposing  them 
to  sunshine  by  day  and  great  colds  at  night.  As  above  stated, 
the  great  point  is  to  be  sure  that  there  is  no  growth. 

Several  times  we  have  had  such  things  as  Calceolaria  cuttings 
shut  out  from  light  and  air  for  a  month  in  severe  weather,  but 
then  we  made  sure  that  the  air  enclosed  ranged  from  33°  to  37°, 
or  thereabouts.  There  will  be  little  growth  or  elongation  until 
you  pass  40°.  On  uncovering  such  plants,  Cauliflower  plants, 
&c,  after  the  thaw  came,  and  even  then  uncovering  gradually, 
the  plants  looked  as  fresh  after  a  month  of  night  as  they  wonid 
have  dote  after  the  usual  night  of  fifteen  or  sixteen  hours. 
This  simple  matter  rightly  understood  would  often  lessen  labour. 
Many  cold  pits  and  frames  are  uncovered  and  covered  every 
day  in  severe  weather,  although  they  would  be  better  if  left  for 
a  time  covered  up,  but  only  in  suoh  weather,  and  provided  they 
were  cool  enough  to  afford  no  incentive  to  growth. 

We  have  lately  had  appeals  made  to  our  sympathies,  on 
behalf  of  gardeners  who  have  to  contend  with  a  next-to-un- 
broken  frost  of  several  months  in  the  oounties  in  which  they 
live.  With  every  wish  to  oblige,  we  felt  that  in  such  a  case  we 
must  pretty  well  keep  our  sympathies  for  ourselves  and  our 
confreres  nearer  home.  In  such  a  case,  with  coverings  for  the 
roofs,  or  double  glass,  in  winter  especially,  we  think  we  could 
keep  tender  plants  safe  and  yet  not  parch  them  up  with  fire 
heat ;  and  in  the  case  of  plants  that  merely  needed  protection 
from  frost,  we  would  first  let  them  be  near  the  freezing  point, 
and  then  keep  them  so  by  protection,  and  trouble  ourselves  but 
little  with  frequent  uncovering.  Gardening  under  such  cir- 
cumstances is  a  much  easier  affair  than  with  us,  where  the 
weather  is  often  so  variable  that  in  thirty  hours  we  may  have 
the  thermometer  at  20°  below  freezing  point  and  20°  above  it. 
It  is  not  so  much  the  oold,  but  the  sudden  variations  in  tem- 
perature, and  alternations  from  wet  to  dry,  that  try  plants  and 
gardeners  so  much  in  this  country,  and  make  so  many  of  us 
old  and  rheumatic  before  our  time. 

A  thinking  shrewd  man  in  such  weather  as  this,  where  there 
are  heated  glass  houses  would  soon  save  the  beet  part  of  his 
wages  in  fuel  alone.  To  use  a  common  expression  of  the  day, 
there  are  as  respects  furnaoeB  stokers  and  stokers,  the  one  as 
distinguished  for  saving  as  the  other  is  for  wasting. 
-  On  this  we  do  not  enlarge,  as  it  has  lately  received  some 
attention  ;  but  we  would  like  to  notioe  one  thing  in  the  way  of 
protection,  alluded  to,  we  think,  last  year,  but  perhaps  not  yet 
sufficiently  noticed  so  as  to  enable  us  to  see  the  benevolence  of 
the  Supreme  even  in  such  a  simple  matter  as  the  greater  pene- 
trative power  of  warm  air  over  that  of  cold  air.  Thus,  with  the 
temperature  from  5°  to  20°  below  the  freezing  point,  it  is  no 
difficult  matter,  with  a  mat  and  a  little  litter  frequently  turned, 
to  keep  the  frost  out  of  a  oold  pit ;  but  only  let  your  tempera- 
ture outside  rise  to  10°  or  15°  above  the  freezing  point,  and 
how  soon  will  that  rise  in  temperature  find  its  way  through  all 
your  covering  !  We  presume  the  same  principles  of  radiation 
and  conduction  aot  in  both  eases,  but  we  have  often  been  struck 
with  the  great  difference  in  results.  It  would  seem  we  are 
more  able  to  keep  out  cold  than  to  keep  out  heat,  though  by 
colour,  Sic..,  we  can  do  a  good  deal  as  respects  the  latter. 

Two  hints  we  must  here  give  to  the  inexperienced.  First, 
when  a  change  of  weather  takes  place  from  cold  to  warm,  do 
not  at  once  expose  plants  that  have  been  kept  some  time  in 
darkness  to  the  full  blaze  of  a  bright  sun.  Better  remove  the 
covering  by  degrees,  and  give  at  first  a  subdued  light.  Then, 
in  the  second  plaoe,  nse  similar  precautions  in  all  cases  where 
the  frost,  even  in  a  limited  degree,  has  found  an  entrance.  Let 
the  warmer  air  find  its  way  in,  and  thaw  gradually,  before  you 
remove  the  covering  and  its  attendant  darkness  ;  then  admit 
light,  not  nil  at  once,  but  by  degrees  if  the  sun  is  bright.  A 
number  of  years  ago  we  oould  afford  to  make  an  experiment 


with  a  lot  of  Calceolaria  cuttings  in  a  cold  pit  in  January. 
They  were  all  frozen  a  little  before  sufficient  oovering  could  be 
given.  On  the  change  of  the  weather  one  light  was  uncovered 
at  once,  before  the  plants  were  thawed  inside;  that  light  gave 
us  few  plants  for  the  flower  garden.  The  others  were  not  un- 
covered for  two  days  after  the  thaw  oommenced,  and  then  were 
slightly  shaded  for  a  couple  of  days  more  ;  and  though  the  little 
plants  were  pretty  stiff  with  the  froBt,  not  one  of  them  failed 
afterwards,  and  though  shut  up  from  three  to  four  weeks,  they 
looked,  after  the  above  precautions,  just  as  if  they  had  never 
felt  the  cold,  and  never  had  more  than  a  night  of  the  usual 
length. 

But  for  the  space  ocoupied  we  might  have  said  something  of 
firing,  but  that  and  other  general  matters  have  been  pretty 
well  attended  to  of  late.  Meanwhile,  in  all  heated  houses,  let 
us  say  to  the  inexperienced,  that  it  is  safer  to  let  the  thermo- 
meter fall  5°  or  10°,  provided  that  is  within  safety-point,  than 
to  have  a  high  temperature  from  fire  heat  in  suoh  severe 
weather.  Then,  again,  provided  a  little  air  is  given  at  the 
apex  early,  so  as  to  prevent  drip  from  the  glaBs,  it  is  better  to 
give  very  little  air,  so  as  to  necessitate  less  fire  heat.  Avoid 
the  extremes  of  fire  heat  and  sun  heat  meeting  together. 
Lastly,  use  no  more  water  than  is  absolutely  necessary.  A 
plant  will  sometimes  flag,  not  so  much  from  drynesB  at  the 
roots  as  from  a  sudden  change  from  dull  to  bright  weather, 
and  a  slight  shading  or  dewing  of  the  foliage  would  often  be 
better  than  watering  at  the  root.  If  keen  dry  frost  should 
continue,  a  slight  sprinkling  of  the  stages  and  floors  of  plant 
houses  will  often  be  better  than  watering  or  even  sprinkling 
the  plants  themselves.  The  wetter  the  soil  in  a  pot  the  cooler 
will  it  become  by  evaporation  and  radiation. — R.  F. 


TRADE   CATALOGUES  RECEIVED. 

J.  Carter,  Dunnett,  &  Beale,  237  and  238,  High  Holborn,  London, 
W.C. —  Carter's  Gardeners'  and  Farmers'  Vade-Mecum. 

J.  Teitcb  &  Sons,  Royal  Exotic  Nursery,  Chelsea,  London,  S.W.— 
Catalogue  of  Garden  and  Flower  Seeds  for  1871. 


TO    CORRESPONDENTS. 

*»*  We  request  that  no  one  will  writ*  privately  to  aay  of  the 
correspondents  of  the    "  Journal  of  Horticulture,  Cottags 
Gardener,   and   Country   Gentleman."     By  doing  s»  they 
are   subjected   to  unjustifiable   troubls   and   expense.     All 
communications   should    therefore  be    addressed   solely   to 
The  Editors  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture,  etc.,  171,  Fleet 
Street,  London,  E.C. 
We  also  request  that   correspondents  will  not  mix  up   on   the 
same   sheet   questions   relating  to  Gardening  and  those  on 
Poultry  and  Be9  subjects,  if  they  expect  to  get  them  an- 
swered promptly   and    conveniently,    but   write    them    oa 
separate  communications.     Also  never  to  a«nd  more   than 
two  or  three  questions  at  once. 
N.B. — Many   questions  must  remain    «nanaw«rsd    until    next 
week. 
Conifer  Skids.  —  It.  H.  TP.  thinks  it  would  be  to  the  advantage  of  seeds- 
men to  advertise  seeds  of  Conifers,  as  many,  like  himself,  are  desirous  of 
purchasing  them. 

Prising  A  Pomegranate  (Subscriber).—  Against  a  south  wall  it  is 
difficult  to  secure  flowering  from  the  trim  appearance  that  is  usually 
required.  Thin  out  the  old  wood,  and  leave  the  Bmall  twiggy  well-ripened 
shoots,  which  must  be  encouraged  or  there  *  ill  be  few  fluwers.  Grafted 
plants  are  to  be  preferred  to  those  not  worked,  as  they  do  not  grow  so 
vigorously,  but  flower  much  more  freely  and  longer. 

Rhus  Cotinus  Pruning  and  Propagation  (Idem). — The  only  pruning 
required  is  to  thin  out  the  shoots  whe.  e  very  much  crowded,  and  to  shorten 
the  irregular  growthB,  so  as  to  form  a  more  compact  head.  There  is  but 
little  necessity  to  prune  to  induce  flowering,  as  it  is  very  free-flowering 
in  a  well-drained  warm  soil  and  situation.  It  is  propagated  by  seeds,  and 
by  layers,  which  root  freely  if  made  in  spring  and  detached  in  the  autumn. 
Cuttings  of  the  ripened  shoots  strike  if  inserted  in  sandy  Boil  in  a  shel- 
tered place ;  it  may  also  be  increased  by  cutting  the  roots  into  lengths 
of  6  or  6  inches,  and  placing  them  about  an  inch  deep  in  the  soil. 

Smalt.  Melon  (Idem). — Queen  Anne's  Pocket  is  the  smallest,  and  per- 
haps the  handsomest  Melon,  but  is  of  little  use.  Paradise  Gem  is  a  fine 
new  sort,  scarlet-fleshed,  and  is  a  fit  companion  of  Pine  Apple  Gem,  green- 
fleshed,  an  early  and  productive  kind.  Scarlet  Gem  is  handsome  and 
good ;  but  for  flavour  perhaps  no  Melon  can  compete  with  the  old  Egyptian, 
wtich,  however,  is  not  handsome. 

Hbading  Maiben  Peach  Trees  (Amateur). — For  fan-training  the  trees 
ought  not  to  have  the  lowest  eyes  started  ;  then  cut  them  back  to  five  or 
six  eyes  if  these  are  close  together,  or  if  distant,  to  three.  As  your  t-ees 
have  started  the  lowest  eyes,  you  have  no  alternative  but  to  head  above 
the  second  tier  of  shoots,  shortening  the  lowest  side  shoots  or  laterals 
to  four,  and  the  two  highest  to  two  eyes  each.  If,  however,  the  side 
shoots  are  wide  apart,  then  head  above  the  first  two,  and  shorten  those  to 
two  eyes,  as  shown  in  your  sketch  by  the  bars.    There  is  no  advantage  in 


Deoember  29,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL   OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


519 


such  trees  except  for  forming  pyramids.  For  dwarf  fan-training  we  do 
not  like  them.  "  Fruit  Gardening  for  the  Many,"  will  suit  you.  It  may 
be  had  from  our  office  for  five  stamps. 

Ctclamens  after  Flowerino  { Q.  Q.). — After  they  are  removed  from 
the  sitting-room,  place  them  in  a  pit  or  frame,  and  protect  them  from 
the  frost.  Keep  them  watered,  and  in  June  plant  them  out  in  a  border 
protected  from  the  direct  mid-day  sun.  In  August  take  them  up  and  repot 
them,  placing  the  pots  ou  ashes  in  a  cold  frame  The  soil  at  all  times 
should  bo  moist,  but  there  is  no  necessity  for  watering  after  they  aro 
tnrned  out  into  the  open  ground.  When  moved  from  the  sitting-room, 
they  must  be  kept  safe  from  frost. 

Geraniums  in  Rooms  (Idem). — In  frosty  weather  you  will  need  a  fire, 
but  so  long  as  the  temperature  does  not  fall  below  85  ',  there  is  no  neces- 
sity for  one.  It  is  necessary  to  keep  on'  frost.  There  can  be  no  question 
they  winter  better  without  fire  heat  than  with  it.  So  long  as  your  room 
is  above  83g  have  no  fire,  and  keep  the  plants  dry,  giving  a  little  water 
occasionally  to  keep  the  wood  from  shrivelling. 

Transplanting  Strawberries  {Idem).— We  would  not  remove  the 
runners  planted  last  August  nntll  February,  or  early  in  March  if  the 
weather  be  unfavourable  in  February.  If  carefully  lifted,  preserving  to 
each  a  good  ball,  the  plants  will  be  little  the  worse,  watering  being  care- 
fully atended  to  in  dry  weather. 

Various  (Q.  Q.).—  As  regards  the  small  vinery  which  will  not  be  put  up 
until  May,  we  do  not  think  you  would  gain  a  season  by  your  neighbour 
growing  your  Vines  in  pots  from  February  to  May  ;  but  you  would  gain  a 
good  deal  if  the  Vines,  instead  of  being  grown  in  pots,  had  the  roots  laid 
out  nicely  in  shallow  baskets,  and  were  thus  started  in  the  house,  and 
the  baskets  were  then  sunk  just  as  they  were  in  a  nicely  made  border  in 
the  end  of  May  or  beginning  of  June.  With  warm  water  and  a  little 
covering  thsre  need  be  no  check  to  the  roots,  which  there  would  he  in 
turning  them  out  of  a  pot.  The  Black  Hamburgh  and  Lady  Downe's  will 
succeed  well  enough  in  tho  same  house,  but  the  latter  should  be  planted 
at  the  warmer  end,  and  even  then  the  bunches  will  only  be  getting  fully 
ripened  when  the  first  have  all  been  used.  In  a  late  house  we  hive  some 
Lady  Downe's  now  not  more  than  ripe,  but  the  Hamburghs  are  quite 
sugary  and  showing  signs  of  shrivelling.  The  chief  reason  for  having 
the  flue,  as  referred  to  at  page  478,  under  the  front  stage  is,  that  the  heat 
rising  there  is  more  easily  aud  equally  diffused.  A  fine  under  the  centre 
stage  would  give  off  just  as  much  heat ;  but  as  heat  always  rises  it  would 
not  so  readily  keep  cold  from  the  front  glass.  When  we  have  heated 
houses  by  flues  or  pipes  close  to  the  back  instead  of  the  front  wall,  we 
have  always  liked  to  have  more  heating  power.  True,  there  will  be  a 
circulation,  the  heated  air  rising  to  the  apex  and  falling  down  to  the 
front.  This  is  besf  done  when  the  heating  medium  is  partly  confined, 
and  there  are  openings  in  front  with  air  fines  beneath  the  floor  connected 
with  the  heating  medium.  With  the  flue  near  the  front,  the  heated  air 
rises  at  once  against  the  front  and  the  lower  part  of  the  roof  glass.  In 
your  case,  however,  if  you  had  the  flue  in  front  it  need  not  interfere  with 
the  planting  your  Viues  inside.  Heat  ascends,  aud  will  not  hurt  the 
roots  nor  the  Btems  if  a  foot  from  the  flue.  All  the  Pears  you  men- 
tion will  do  well  as  bushes  or  pyramids.  We  are  surprised  yon  do  not 
place  among  them  two  favourites — Marie  Louise  and  Lonise  Bonne  of 
Jersey.  In  your  case  we  would  decidedly  prefer  bushes  and  pyramids, 
but  we  can  have  no  objection  to  cordons,  a  capital  plan  for  filling  every 
spare  space;  and  a  little  protection  for  them  when  in  bloom  would  be 
desirable. 

Vines  on  Glasb-covxred  Walls  (Amateur).— There  is  no  objection  to 
the  perpendicular  glass  remaining  in  front  of  the  Vines  during  the  winter. 
It  will  be  more  beneficial  than  injurious,  though,  all  things  considered, 
we  should  be  inclined  to  remove  it,  and  not  roplace  it  until  the  Vines 
began  to  grow. 

Peat  Soil  for  Geraniums  (Idem).—  It  would  be  good  to  mix  with 
your  soil  for  Geraniums,  but  it  will  not  supply,  or  only  to  a  small  extent, 
the  deficiency  of  decomposing  vegetable  matter,  as  leaf  soil  or  manure 
would  do.  Water  freely  in  dry  weather,  and  once  a-week  with  liquid 
manure  ;  2  ozs.  of  guano  to  a  gallon  of  water  will  be  sufficient,  a  plentiful 
supply  being  given,  and  not  driblets. 

Determining  the  Extent  of  a  Kitchen  Garden  (A.  B.  C). — Your 
question  admits  of  no  conclusive  answer.  The  wants  of  an  establish- 
ment vary  considerably,  for  it  is  not  so  much  what  each  person  eats,  but 
what  is  to  be  placed  on  the  table.  We  have  no  means  of  estimating  the 
extant  of  ground  that  will  be  required  for  producing  a  supply  of  vege- 
tables for  each  person,  varying  as  people  do  in  their  likes  and  dislikes  ; 
but  we  have  known  a  kitchen  garden  of  three  acres  supply  a  family  of 
thirteen  members,  and  an  average  of  fifty  besides  in  the  servants'  hall; 
and  an  acre  and  half  barely  meeting  the  wants  of  a  family  of  three,  with 
nine  servants;  whilst  we  have  known  one-eighth  of  an  acre  supply  a 
family  of  four,  with  five  servants;  and  three-quarters  of  an  acre  supply 
seven,  with  four  servants. 

Libonia  floribunda  Leates  Falling  (J.  C.)  —We  can  only  account 
for  the  leaves  falling  from  the  plant  receiving  a  check.  Probably  it  has 
been  grown  in  a  warm  close  atmosphere,  and  received  a  check  iu  removal. 
We  think  it  will  recover.  It  is  usual  for  the  pla»t  to  los»  a  part  of  its 
leaves  in  autumn.    We  have  it  succeeding  well  in  a  greenhouse. 

Names  of  Ferns  (Idem). — The  Silver  Fern  is  Gymnogramma  tartarea; 
the  Gold,  Gymnogramma  ochracea^;  and  the  green  frond,  Litobrochii 
(Doryopteris)  palmata. 

Cocoa-nut  Fibre  for  Rhododendron  Beds  (C.B.).— The  fibre,  which 
is  the  waste  of  the  brush  and  mat  manufacturers,  is  of  no  value  for 
plams,  though  for  plunging  pot-*  In  and  mulching  it  may  have  value. 
This  fibre  is  very  different  from  the  refuse,  which  is  so  much  valued  as 
an  ingredient  in  composts  for  plants.  The  latter  is  like  mahogany 
sawdust,  and  is  a  good  substitute  for  peat.  It  may,  therefore,  be  used 
for  mixing  with  the  soil  intended  for  Rhododendron  beds  and  all  plants 
requiring  peat  Suil,  though  for  Azaleas,  Heaths,  and  all  hardwooded 
plants,  which  for  the  most  part  have  very  delicate  fibres,  it  requires  to  be 
old,  two  years  not  being  too  old.  Used  fresh  it  is  too  open  for  those 
plants.  It  is  also  valuable  as  a  compost  for  FernB  and  Orchids— indeed, 
there  are  few  plants  not  improved  by  its  application. 

AcaiMENEs  Treatment  (A.  B.). — Remove  them  from  the  soil  carefully 
after  the  middle  of  February,  and  pi  ice  them  in  pans  well  drained,  and 
filled  to  within  half  an  inch  of  the  rim  with  a  comport  of  light  fibrous 
loam  two  parts,  leaf  soil  one  part,  and  a  fourth  of  silver  sand.    Place 


them  on  the  surface  close  together,  but  not  touching  each  other,  and 
cover  lightly  with  fine  soil.  Water  very  carefully,  but  have  the  soil 
moiBt,  and  place  the  pans  in  a  hotbed  with  a  bottom  beat  of  from  70°  to 
76°.  A  Cucumber  frame  will  answer  well.  In  the  course  of  a  few  weeks 
the  plants  will  have  grown  a  couple  of  inches ;  place  them  in  pots  or 
pans,  taking  them  up  carefully,  and  placing  them  about  1$  inch  apart, 
the  weakest  at  the  sides,  and  the  strongest  in  the  centre.  The  pots 
should  be  well  drained,  and  if  pans  are  used  they  should  not  be  less  than 
6  inches,  better  8  inches  deep.  A  compost  of  two  parts  turfy  loam,  one 
of  leaf  soil,  and  one  of  well-rotted  manure,  with  a  free  admixture  of 
Biiver  sand,  will  grow  them  well.  It  is  well  to  bo  pot  ihat  a  slight  top- 
dresBing  of  soil  can  afterwards  be  given.  Return  the  pots  to  the  hotbed, 
or  if  not  convenient,  place  them  near  the  glaBS  in  a  vinery,  stove,  or  any 
house  with  a  moist  growing  beat  of  from  60°  to  6&c  at  night,  and  from 
70°  to  80°  or  85°  by  day.  When  they  need  staking  attend  to  it,  and  top- 
dress  with  fresh  compost.  Let  them  have  a  brisk  hent  and  a  moist  at- 
mosphere, watering  as  required,  but  taking  care  not  to  make  the  soil 
sodden  by  too  frequent  watering,  and,  on  the  other  hand,  not  allowing 
thorn  to  suffer  from  dryness. 

Vines  for  a  Ground  Vinery  (M.  Ross).— All  of  the  Vines  you  mention 
will  do  ;  but  we  would  reconimeml  White  Muscadine,  Grove  End  Sweet- 
water, Early  Malingre,  and  Black  Prince  for  your  ground  vinery. 

Ground  Vineries  (Subscriber).— It  may  be  possible  to  get  one  piece  of 
glass  7  feet  long,  by  28£  inches,  but  the  way  in  which  ground  vineries  are 
usually  glazed  is  by  the  panes  of  glass  being  the  width  between  the  upper 
and  lower  frames,  aud  of  any  length  you  please.  They  are  usually 
20  inches. 

Importing  Orchids  from  India  (E.  L.  J).— The  very  best  time  for 
Orchids  to  reach  England  is  during  the  mouthB  of  March  and  April.  By 
this  restriction  it  is  impossible  for  the  plants  to  be  sont  from  India  in  a 
growing  or  unripe  state,  and  they  arrive  in  this  country  exactly  at  the 
right  time  to  mako  good  growth  the  same  season.  The  follr-wing  is  a 
short  list  of  species  to  be  found  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Bombay : — 
Aerides  maculoBum,  odoratum,  Fieldingii.  crispum,  and  Warneri ;  Bolbo- 
phyllums,  various;  CoeloRyne  odoratissima;  Dendrobium  barbatulum, 
nobile,  and  Pierardi ;  Saccolabium  guttatnm,  Sarcanthns  several  species, 
Vanda  Roxburghii ;  and  many  otherB  of  less  importance,  especially  Den- 
drobeB. 

Double  Glazing  (J.  Mackensie,  M.D.).—We  are  not  aware  of  any  re- 
gularly recorded  temperatures  unoVr  the  different  circumstances  alluded 
to.  We  have  mislaid  the  results  of  some  small  experiments  of  our  own 
years  ago  ;  but  we  recollect  that  in  cold  weather,  when  we  covered  a  two- 
light  box  with  double  saBhes,  though  from  the  laps  the  enclosed  space 
was  anything  but  air-tight,  that  similar  thermometers,  one  laid  on  the 
upper  light  and  one  on  the  lower  light,  so  as  to  be  easily  seen,  often 
showed  from  5°  to  12°  difference.  Will  some  reader  help  our  corre- 
spondent to  details  more  definite  as  to  tbe  difference  in  temperature 
between  double-glazed  and  single-glazed  houses? 

Hot  Water  Circulating  Downwards.— "Will  Mr.  Giddiugs  describe 
how  a  pipe  can  start  and  descend  2*  feet  in  lOu  feet,  and  then  return  to 
the  same  point  on  a  level  ?  If,  as  I  think,  that  the  pipes  have  first  a  rise 
from  some  other  house  and  the  boiler,  the  flow  pipe,  as  Mr.  Giddings 
terms  it,  is  nothing  more  nor  less  than  a  return  pipe,  and  has  no  practical 
effect  whatever,  noither  does  it  help  *  Poor  Gardener'  or — H.  Bailey." 

Caladiums  (E.  C.).— The  party  you  mention  says  bis  mode  of  growing 
them  differs  but  little  from  that  described  in  more  than  one  place  in  our 
pages,  excepting  that  he  uses  poorer  soil.  His  mode  of  culture  is  as 
follows  : — After  the  plants  are  no  longer  ornamental  they  are  set  aside  in 
some  dry  place,  often  a  vinery,  and  bnt  very  little  water  given  ;  still  they 
are  not  kept  quite  dry,  and  when  the  foliage  is  quite  gone  the  pots  are 
stored  in  some  place  warmer  than  an  ordinary  greenhouse.  In  spring 
the  Caladiums  are  brought  out  and  repotted,  and  placed  in  heat,  using 
for  the  firBt  potting  a  mixture  of  rough  peat  and  maiden  loam,  with  char- 
coal for  drainage,  and  adding  sand  to  the  mixture  if  the  ne»t  does  not 
contain  enough  of  it.  After  growing  a  little  while  repot,  using  a  much 
poorer  Boil  this  time,  very  often  the  sweepings  of  the  potting  shed,  as  a 
too  rich  material  to  grow  in,  however  conducive  to  robuBt  heilth, 
diminishes  the  high  colouring  which  constitutes  the  beauty  of  this  plant. 
He  considers  it  unnecessary  to  maintain  the  high  temperature  so  often 
recommended,  as  plants  so  reared  are  unable  afterwards  to  endure  a 
position  in  the  conservatory. 

Names  of  Fruits  (S.  Howell).— Tho  Apples  you  have  sent  are  Pigeonnet. 
The  name  certainly  does  not  occur  in  the  "  Fruit  Manual,"  but  you  will 
find  the  variety  described  in  "  British  Pomology."    It  is  only  second-rate 
in  England.    Those  you  sent  are  good. 
Name  of  Plant  (Original  Subscriber).— Cerastium  tomentoeum. 


POULTRY,   JEE.   AND   PIGEON    CHRONICLE. 


THE   CHRISTMAS  MARKET. 

Wb  promise  ourselves,  as  soon  as  space  v;ill  permit,  to  give 
an  account  of  the  Christmas  market  that  may  be  interesting  to 
our  readers.  At  present,  while  the  fast-recurring  shows  and 
the  jousts  that  follow  them  absorb  our  space,  we  are  perforce 
content  to  notice  the  salient  points  of  that  which  has  just  ter- 
minated. 

No  market  ever  opened  with  brighter  prospects  for  the  whole- 
sale, or  more  gloomy  for  the  retail,  than  the  Christmas  market 
of  1870.  Poultry  had  been  very  dear  throughout  the  spring,  and 
it  was  said  the  high  prices  had  caused  thoBe  who  had  poultry 
to  kill  it  young,  believing— and  we  agree  with  them— that  it 
was  better  to  ensure  a  good  present  price  than  to  run  the  risk 
of  many  months  only  to  achieve  the  same  result.  Then  it  was 
said  the  Frenoh  supplies,  which  are  enormous  during  the 
Christmas  time,  amounting  to  many  thousands  of  GeeBe  and 


C20 


JOURNAL   OF   HORTICULTURE   AND    COTTAGE   GARDENER.  [  December  29,  1870. 


Turkeys,  would  be  altogether  wanting,  and  so  great  prices  were 
asked.  Those  who  required  the  best  goods  were  obliged  to  buy 
at  very  dear  rates.  Then  the  supply  continued  and  buyers 
were  shy,  but  the  elements  fought  for  the  wholesale.  A  frost 
set  in,  and  made  it  little  risk  and  no  labour  to  hold.  But  the 
arrivals  continued  and  the  saleB  were  small ;  Chiistmas-day  was 
coming,  no  sale  afterwards,  and  prices  wavered.  Every  time 
there  was  an  hour's  good  trade  an  attempt  was  made  to  raise 
prices,  but  it  failed,  and  they  closed  lower  than  they  began  ; 
still,  they  were  good  and  remunerating  for  sender  and  salesman. 
There  was  one  point  well  worthy  of  notice.  It  is  said,  "Love 
laughs  at  locksmiths  ;"  and  we  may  add,  Trade  laughs  at  re- 
strictions. On  Friday,  spite  of  Prussian  invasion,  famine,  and 
riotous  mobs,  a  very  large  consignment  of  Geese  and  Turkeys 
came  in  from  Franoe. 


GAME  FOWLS  AT  THE  LEEDS  SHOW. 

In  looking  over  the  Game  classes  at  the  Leeds  Show  I  sought 
in  vain  (with  some  few  exception?)  for  the  well-formed,  com- 
pact, and  high-oouraged  bird  of  days  gone  by;  indeed,  it  is 
evident  that  a  certain  portion  of  breeders  discard  quality  for 
coarseness.  Several  pens  consisted  of  very  long-sided  birds, 
the  back  running  in  a  straight  horizontal  line,  with  ostiich- 
shaped  necks  and  carriage,  long  weak  thighs  and  legs,  flat 
tucked-up  breasts,  and  these  birds  were  spiritless.  Birds  of 
this  class  are  mostly  heavy-fleshed,  and  not  possessed  of  that 
firmness  and  muscular  power  natural  to  a  pure  well-bred  Game 
cock.  I  suppose  some  judges  prefer  this  style  of  bird,  but  I 
have  no  hesitation  in  saying  that  cocks  so  formed  do  not  bear 
the  excitement,  or  changes,  of  confinement  and  travelling  so 
well  as,  nor  are  they  equal  in  constitution  to,  birds  which  are 
fall  in  the  breast  and  girth. 

In  breeding  we  ought  to  strictly  perpetuate  soundness  of 
constitution,  selecting  for  parents  those  which  are  the  best 
in  shape  and  other  particulars  coupled  with  good  health.— 
Yobkshiee. 

NEW   STANDARD    FOR  LIGHT    AND   DARK 
BRAHMAS. 

The  North-west  (U.S.)  Poultry  Association,  believing  the 
European  standard  of  excellence  for  Light  Brahmas  to  be  both 
incorrect  and  faulty,  has  in  solemn  conclave  decided  upon  a 
new  one,  which  we  copy  as  follows  from  the  Poultry  Bulletin : — 

Description. — A  Light  Brahma  cock  should  have  a  well-defined 
pea  comb,  standing  erect  and  firm,  and  leaning  to  neither  side  of  the 
head. 

Beak  short,  strong,  and  well  curved,  one-third  of  which  should  be 
of  "  horn-colour,"  or,  more  excellent  still,  a  clean  black  stripe  running 
from  the  nostrils  to  point  of  beak,  and  covering  in  width  one-third  of 
the  upper  beak  ;  the  balance  bright  yellow. 

Wattles  and  ear-lobes  of  equal  length,  with  throat  full,  hanging  flesh 
with  wattles,  and  showing  a  tendency  to  aluff  the  feathers  below  the 
wattles  when  past  twelve  months  old.  Neck  long  and  well  arched. 
Neck  hackle,  feathers  long,  flowing  and  well  down  over  the  back  and 
shoulders,  and  in  colour  white  striped  with  black,  the  stripes  extend- 
ing np  from  the  shoulder  one-third  to  one-half  the  way  to  the  head. 

Back  broad,  flat  and  rising  into  the  tail  in  such  a  way  that  for  the 
part  where  the  neck  slopes  down  to  the  back,  and  up  the  tail  to  the 
point  where  the  sickle  feathers  slope  down,  the  curve  thus  defined 
should  be  identical  with  the  curve  of  a  Brahma  egg,  end  to  end,  with 
the  larger  end  towards  the  neck. 

The  tail  should  be  black,  the  sickle  feathers  falling  not  much  below 
the  tail  feathers  proper,  which  should  be  expanded  so  as  to  form  the 
letter  A,  with  the  bar  left  out,  and  should  be  well  supplied  with  nicely 
curled  feathers  between  black  in  colour  and  black  fringed  with  white. 

The  wing  Bhould  exhibit  strong  muscular  power,  and  when  extended 
the  whole  under  surface  should  be  black  or  very  black  brown.  The 
'■primaries"  black;  "secondaries,"  the  upper  half  of  each  feather 
black,  and  lower  half  white,  primaries  well  tucked  up  under  the 
secondaries  and  adhering  close  to  the  body,  and  when  the  cock  exhibits 
an  excited  vigilance  for  his  flock,  should  show  a  black  line  along  the 
lower  edge  and  aronnd  the  point  of  the  wing,  but  when  composed  show- 
ing the  black  line  slightly  if  at  all.  Saddle  feathers  should  be  abun- 
dant, and  with  the  feathers  of  the  body,  white  in  colour. 

The  legs  should  be  a  deep  yellow,  or  approaching  a  reddish  yellow 
down  the  inside  of  the  leg  ;  well  feathered,  but  not  so  grossly  as  to  give 
any  indications  of  vulture  hocks.  The  hock  joint  should  be  well  defined 
and  not  lose  its  identity  in  the  "fluff."  The  lower  surface  of  the 
'■  fluff  "  of  the  posterior  should  come  just  even  with  the  hock  joint. 

The  form  of  the  body  such  that  it  will  be  of  equal  depth  through 
the  body  just  in  front  of  the  wings  and  just  back  of  the  hock  joint, 
iiom  back  to  breast  and  to  posterior. 

The  birds  should  exhibit  energy  to  such  a  degree  as  to  put  to  rout 
any  appearance  of  laziness  or  lack  of  courage. 


The  colour  designated  as  white  in  this  breed  should  be  of  that 
peculiar  colour  found  in  milk  as  it  is  strained  warm  from  the  cow,  and 
not  after  it  has  been  skimmed  of  the  cream  ;  neither  should  the  colour 
be  allowed  to  run  into  a  buff  as  seen  in  some  so-called  Brahma  birds. 

The  hen  the  same.  Should  have  the  same  general  appearance  as 
the  cock,  though  only  in  proportion,  excepting  that  the  posterior  should 
be  more  fully  developed  ;  and  she  being  deprived  of  the  long  neck 
featherB  should  present  a  body  more  the  shape  of  a  cube,  with  the 
lower  corners  rounded  off,  and  presenting  a  neck  the  feathers  of  which 
are  black,  edged  or  laced  with  white  ;  those  presenting  the  centre  two- 
fifths  of  the  width  black,  being  more  perfect  than  those  exceeding  or 
falling  short  of  it. 

A  cock  seven  months  old  and  weighing  8  lbs.  and  a  pullet  weighing 
Gibs.,  with  other  points  perfectly  developed,  shonld  be  entitled  to  the 
appellation  of  perfect  birds ;  greater  weight  and  perfection  being  con- 
sidered in  the  superlative  degree. 

PerfectneBs  of  comb  and  wattles,  colour,  and  carriage  in  the  cock 
are  of  greater  consideration  than  mere  weight,  and  weight  and  form  of 
body  one  of  the  first  considerations  in  the  hens,  as  it  is  now  conceded 
that  it  is  from  these  respectively  that  such  characteristics  are  derived 
and  produced  in  the  progeny. 

Scale  of  points  :— 

Size    2 

Colour    2 

Head,  comb  and  neck 3 

Wings— primaries  well  tucked 
up  under  secondaries  3 


Legs — oolour   and   feathering 

of  the  same 2 

Symmetry    2 

Condition 1 


Total 15 

The  scale  of  points,  it  will  be  seen,  differs  greatly  from  that 
of  the  "  Standard  of  Excellence,"  much  less  stress  being  laid 
upon  colour  and  size,  and  more  upon  head  and  neck,  and  good 
tucking-up  of  the  wing. — A  Brahma  Breeder. 


DURHAM  POULTRY    SHOW. 

This  was  held  on  the  20th  and  21st  inst.  The  following  is  the 
prize-list : — 

Cocnis-CnrNA.— Cinnamon  and  Buff.—l,  2,  and  Cup,  G.  H.  Procter,  Durham. 
Cft.tcfceJW.-l,  G.  H.Procter.  2,  C.  Sidgwick,  Ryddlesden  nail,  Keighley.  Any 
other  Variety.-l,  G.  H.  Precter.  2,  C.  Sidgwick.  Chickens— 1,  C.  Sidgwick. 
2,  G.  H.  Precter. 

Brahma  Pootra.  —  1,  E.  Leech,  Rochdale.  2,  F.  Powell,  Knaresbrough. 
Chickens. — 1,  E.  Leech.    2,  A.  H.  Thompson,  Yorkshire. 

Dorkings.— 1,  J.  White,  Warlaby.  Northallerton.  2,  D.  Rutter,  East  Rainton. 
Chickens.—  1.  J.  White.    2,  J.  Braithwaite,  Northnllertoa. 

Spanish— 1.  W.  Atkinson,  Bishop  Auckland.  2,  E.  Brown,  Sheffield.    Chickens. 

1,  T.  C.  &  E.  Newbitt,  Ep worth,  Lincolnshire.    2,  H  MorBOU.  Bishop  Auckland. 
Poland.— 1,  W.  R.  Patrick,  West  Winch,  Lynn.    2,  H.  Pickles,  jun.,  Earby, 

Skipton.    Chickens.— 1,  H.  Pickles,  jun.    2,  W.  it.  Patrick. 
Game.— Black-breasted  and  other  Beds.  —  1,  T.  Robson,  Bishop  Auckland- 

2,  E.  Aykroyd,  Eccle.sbill,  Leeds.  Chickens.— 1, T.  Robson.  2,  T.  D^nt,  Bishop, 
wearmouth.  Any  other  variety.— 1,  E.  Woodburne,  Ulveraton.  2,  E.  Winwood, 
Worcester.     Chickens.— 1,  L.  Casson,  Ulverstone.    2,  Dr.  Harley,  Edinburgh. 

KAKBVHGns.—Childen-spartnled.—l,  T.  Mitchel,  Willington.  2,  J.  Morton, 
MarJey  Hill.  Chickens.— 1,  J.  Brown,  Sunderland.  2,  Abb.  ton  &  Booth,  Broad- 
bottom,  Mottrnm,  Cheshire.  Silver-spangled.— 1,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  2,  G.  &  J. 
Duckworth,  Church.  Chickens.  —  1,  H.  Pickles,  Jun.  2,  Ashton  &  Booth. 
Golden-pencilled—  1,. T.Walker.  Birstwith,  Ripley.  2,  H.  PickleB,  jun.  Chickens. 
— 1.  R.  Moor.  East  Rainton.  2,  J.Preston,  Allerton,  Bradford.  Silver-pencilled. 
—I,  H.  Pickles,  jun.    2,  J.  Waltter.    Chickens.— 1,  H.  Pickles,  jun.    2,  J.  Preston. 

Bantams— Gome.— 1,  8,  and  Medal,  T.  C.  &  E.  Newbitt,  Epworth.  2,  D. 
Hunter,  Sunderland.    Any  other  Variety.— 1.  J.  Preston.    2.  D.  Hunter. 

Ducks.— Aylesbury.— 1,  E.  Leech.  2.  W.  Stonehouse,  Whitby.  Any  other 
Variety.— 1,  E.  Leech.    2,  C.  N.  Baker,  ChelBea. 

Sweepstakes— 1,  J.  P.  Fawcett.  Whitby.    2.  J.  S.  Booth.  Chesterfield. 

Any  otmkr  Variety.— 1,  G.  H.  Procter,  Durham.  2,  Mrs.  T.  W.  Hind,  Strick- 
landgate,  Kendal. 

PIGEONS. 

Carrirrs  —  Cock.— 1.  H.  Yardley,  Birmingham.  2,  E. Brown,  Sheffield.  Ben. 
— 1,  H.  Yardley.    2,  T.  W.  Kilburn,  Bishop  Auckland. 

Pouters.— Cock.—l  and  Medal,  T.  Rule,  Gilesgate,  Durham.  2,  H.  Brown, 
Walklev.  Sheffield.    Hen.—l,  H.  Brown.    2,  H.  Cockton.  Middlesbrough. 

Tumblers.— Almonds.— I  and  Medal,  W.  K.  &  H.  O.  Blcnkinsop,  Newcastle- 
upon-Tyne.  2.  H.  Yardley.  Any  Colour.— 1,  W.  R.  &  H.  O.  BlenKinsop.  2,  G. 
J.  Taylor,  Fartown,  Huddersfield. 

Barbs.— 1.  H.  Vardlev.    2,  H.  Cawood,  Thome,  Doncaster. 

Owns  (Foreign).— 1.  J.  Fielding,  jun.,  Rochdale.    2,  W.  R.  &  H.  O.  Blenkinsop. 

Trumpeters.— 1  and  Medal,  T.  Rule.  2,  W.  B.  Van  Haansbergen,  Newcastlc- 
npon-Tyne. 

Fantails.— 1,  J.  F.  LoverFirtgc,  Newark- on -Trent.    2,  H.  Yardley. 

Jacobins.— 1.  T.  Rule.    2,  W.  B.  Van  HaanBbergen. 

Titkbits.— 1,  R.  Youll.  Sunderland.    2,  T.  Rule. 

Three  Pairs— Medal,  T.  Rule. 

Owns  (English),  Dragoons,  or  Antwerpb.— 1,  T.  W.  Kilburn.  2,  F.  Graham, 
Birkenhead.    3.  T.  Hopper,  Langley  Moor,  Durham. 

Tumblfrs  (CommoD),  Magpies,  or  Nuns  — 1,  W.  E.  Easten.  Hull.  2,  T.  C. 
Taylor,  Middlesbroush.     8,  T.  G.  Hopper,  Langley  Moor,  Durham. 

Any  other  Variety.— 1,  T.  W.  Kilburn.  2  and  3,  W.  Bearpark,  Air.derby, 
Northallerton.  . .   „ 

Selling  Class.— 1,  W.  R.  &  H.  O.  Blenkinsop.  2,  J.  Irwin,  Tanfield,  Eurnop- 
field.    3,  N.  Stevenson,  Durham. 

Judges. — JW tr //—Mr.  R.  Teebay,  FnlwooJ,  Preston  ;  Pigeons — 
Mr.  E.  Corker,  Croydon. 


Lowestoft  Poultry  Show. — At  this  Show,  which  will  be 
held  in  January,  Game,  Dorkings,  Spanish,  Cochins,  and 
Brahmas,  have  each  a  cup  for  the  first  prize;  there  are  four 
classes  for  Hamburghs,  with  a  cup  for  the  best  pen  ;  a  cup  for 
Bantams;  and  a  point  cup  for  Pigeons.  The  Committee 
deserve  encouragement  for  the  attention  given  to  the  birds,  of 
which  those  arriving  late  are  always  marked  in  the  catalogue 


December  29,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL   OF  HORTICULTURE  AND   COTTAGE   GAKDENER. 


521 


as  arriving  too  late   for  competition,   and  catalogues,  if  re 
quested,  are  sent  by  the  first  post  after  the  awards  are  made. 


GUILDFORD  POULTRY  SHOW. 

Wb  pave  last  week  a  report  of  this  Show,  but  the  prize  list  did  not 
reach  as  in  time  for  publication. 

Dorkings.— Grey.— I,  M.  Pntney.  2,  J.  Ivery  &  Son.  Chickens.— I,  Cup,  and 
prize  for  best  pen  of  Dorkings.  C.  PannHl.  2,  J.  Ivery  &  Son.  3,  M.  Putney. 
he,  J.  C.  Ramsden  ;  G.  H.  Langford :  C.  Pannell ;  E.  May.  c,  E.  May.  White. 
— 1,  G.  Cubitt,  M.P.  2  and  hct  W.  Attlee.  Blue.— 1  and  Prize  for  beefpen  of 
Blue  Dorkings,  G.  Hine.  2,  W.  Virgo  &  Son.  he,  L.  A.  Coussmaker;  G.  Hine. 
c,  W.  Mess.iiger:  W.  Philps. 

Spanish.— 1  and  he,  F.  James.    2.  W.  Ealchin. 

Cochins.— 1,  Withheld.    2,  E.  Child. 

Bbahmas.-1,  2,  and  he,  J.  Pares. 

Game.—  Black-breasted  or  other  Reds— I  and  ?,  A.  C.  Crosse.  Any  other 
Variety.— I,  J  Pares  (Duckwing  Game).    2,  R.  B.  Baker  (Black  Game). 

Hambubghs.— 1,  B.  M.  Holland.    2,  W.  Balchin.    he,  J.  Moon  (0- 

Bantams.— 1  and  2,  F.  James,    he,  C.  Howard  &  W.J.  Nichols,    e,  C.  Mottram. 

Ducks.— Aylesbury.— 1,  Dr.  Merriman.  2,  A.  B.  Frend.  he,  E.  Hilder;  Dr. 
Merriman.  c,  L.  A.  Coussmaker.  Rouen.—  1  and  Prize  for  beat  pen  of  Ducks, 
J.  Ivery  &  Son.  2,  J.  Pares,  he,  E.  Burge ;  M.  Putney;  J.  Ivery  &  Son;  G. 
Cubitt,  M.P.  Any  other  Variety—  1.  R.  A.  C.  G.  Austen  (Summer  Ducks).  2,  W. 
Hargreavea  (Call  Docks),    he,  J.  M.  Molyneux  (Call  Ducks). 

Geese.— 1  and  Prize  for  best  pen  of  Geese,  E.  Hilder.  2,  W.  Messenger.  e,J. 
Pares  ;  J.  Griffin.  Goslings.— 1,  W.  Messenger.  2,  E.  Hilder.  he,  A.  B.  Frend. 
c,  W.  Attlee ;  J.  Pares. 

Tobkeys.— 1,  W.  Messenger.  2.  J.  C.  RamsoVn.  he,  G.  W.  How  ;  Countess  of 
Lovelace.  Poults.— 1,  W.  Messenger.  2,  R.  Harrison,  he,  J.  M.  Molyneux; 
Countess  of  Lovelace;  W.  S.  Smith  (2). 

Any  other  Variety.— 1  and  2.  G.  Chilton  (Creve-Cceurs).  he,  A.  B.  Frend 
(Houdans).    c,  W.  Virgo  &  Son  (Houdans). 


BARTON   AND   NORTH   LINCOLNSHIRE 
POULTRY  SHOW. 

The  third  exhibition  of  poultry,  Pigeons,  singing  birds,  and  Rabbits 
was  held  on  the  23rd  inst.,  uuder  the  most  distinguished  patronage. 
There  were  upwards  of  160  entries  in  the  various  classes  in  the  live 
poultry  show,  and  about  SO  in  the  poultry  for  sale,  including  poultry 
dressed  ready  for  the  spit.  The  arrangements  were  satisfactory,  and 
the  Show  having  proved  a  success,  it  is  proposed  to  increase  the  prizes 
next  year. 

Game.— 1,  F.  Sales,  Crowle.  2,  J.  Ward,  Goxhill.  Any  variety.— 1,  F.  Sales. 
2,  J.  Hoggard,  Barton.     Cock.— I,  F.  Sales.    2,  R.  W.  Armstrong. 

Spanish.— 1,  H.  Wilson,  Cottingham.    2,  H.  Charlton,  Horncastle. 

Hamburghs.— Gold-spangled.— 1,  R.  Robs«n,  Hull.  2,  J.  Stamp,  Barrow. 
Gold-pencilled.— \,  G.  W.  Robinson.  2,  C.  Aaton.  Cottingham.  Stiver-spangled. 
—1,  Master  F.  Astley.ElBham  Hall.    Silver-pencilled.— I  and  2,  R.  Robson. 

Bantams.— Gam-'.— 1,  Master  F.  Astley  2,  R,  Robson.  Any  variety.— 1, 
Hudson  &  Burnip,  Epwortn.    2,  W.  H.  Tomlinson,  Newark. 

Polands  —  1  and  2,  J.  M.  Procter, Hull. 

Dorkings.— 1,C.  a.  Britton,  Hull. 

Cochin-China.—  1,  —  Loversidge,  Cottingham.    2,  J.  Cross,  Appleby. 

Any  Cross  Breed. — 1,  Mrs.  CrosB. 

Geese.— 1,  R.  Winship.    2,  W.  Soargent. 

Ducks.— Aylesbury.— 1,  J.  Williams.  Wath-upon-Denrne.  2,  C.  Simmons 
Goxhill.     Any  variety.— 1,  Mrs.  J.  M.  Procter.    2,  Miss  Wright. 

Turkeys.— 1,  Mrs.  F.  Bygott.    2.  Miss  Seargent,  Barrow. 

Selling  Class.— 2,  J.  Bilton,  Cottingham.  Chickens.— 1,  —  Loversidge.  2. 
J.  BUton. 

Pigeons.— Xuns—  1.  T.  Waitt.  Birmingham.  2,  C.  N.  Lythe.  Cottincham1 
Carriers.— 1,  J.  Hairsine.  2,C.Newbold.  Croppers.— 2,  G.  Bruce.  Trumpeters- 
—1  and  2,  C.  N.  Lythe.  Fantails.—l.  C.  N.  Lythe.  2,  T.  Waitt.  Any  other 
Variety. — 1,  Hudson  and  Buraip.    2,  T.  Caparn. 

Canaries. — Any  variety. — 1,  A.  Lewis.    2,  —  Haverson. 

Babbits.— Lop-eared.— 1  and2,P.Ashton.  Anyother  Variety.— l.T.McLellan. 
2,  G.  Cowper. 

Judges. — Messrs.  E.  Newbitt,  London  House,  Epworth  ;  and  J. 
Hodgkinson,  Hull. 

KIRKCUDBRIGHTSHIRE    POULTRY   SHOW. 

This  Society's  third  annual  Show  was  held  on  December  16th  in 
the  Town  Hall,  Castle  Douglas,  a  building  well  adapted  for  the  pur- 
pose, and  capable  of  accommodating  many  more  pens.  The  Show  waB 
the  best  the  Society  has  yet  had,  and  was  well  supported  by  visitors, 
many  pens  changing  hands. 

The  Game  were  but  poor,  but  both  classes  of  Dorkings  were  well 
represented,  more  especially  the  Silver-Greys,  both  adult  and  young 
birds  of  which  were  very  good.  Some  of  the  Brahmas  were  above  the 
average  in  size,  colour,  and  marking.  In  the  Selling  class,  Rouen 
Ducks  were  first  and  Dorkings  second.  In  the  Duck  classes  the  Konens 
were  very  good  in  all  points,  and  the  Aylesburies  moderately  good. 
In  the  "Variety"  class  White  Muscovy  were  first  and  Brown  Decoy 
second.  Among  the  Game  Bantams  there  were  some  small  stylish 
birds,  but  of  the  other  kinds  little  can  be  said. 

Among  the  Pigeons  the  Tumblers  were  good,  the  winners  being 
Almonds ;  the  Carriers  and  Pouters  of  moderate  quality,  and  the 
Fantails  very  good.  In  the  "Variety"  class  Archangels  were  first 
and  Blua  Turbits  second. 

There  was  also  an  excellent  display  of  Gage  birds,  mostly  of  the 
Scotch  Fancy  Canary  ;  and  the  Goldfinches  were  of  unusual  quality, 
the  white-throated  birds  being  of  the  rarest  excellence. 

Gaxe.— Black  Reds —I,  J.  Harding,  Dumfries.  2,  R.  Kerr,  Barjarg  Tower. 
c.Mra.  G.  Maitland,  Glenlochar.  Other  Reds  or  Blues.— Chickens.— 1,  J.  Hard- 
ing.   2,  R.  Kerr. 

Dorkings.—  Coloured.— 1,  —  Gray,  Ingliston.  2  and  he,  Mrs.  Mackie.  Ernes- 
pie.  Chickens.— 1,  Mrs.  G.  Maitland.  2  and  he,  Mrs  Bell.  Hillowton.  3, — 
Thomson,  Llaiket.  c,  Mrs.  Mackie;  N.  Wilson,  Oroya.  SUver-Qrey *.— I,  J, 
Cunningham.  Tarbreoch.  2,  A.  Skirving,  Croys.  He,  Mrs.  Hume,  Auchendolly; 
Mrs.  Congreve,  Mollance.  c,  Mrs.  Mackie.  Chickens.— 1,  J.  Onninshnm. 
2,  Mrs.  Bell,    he,  Mrs.  Congreve.    c,  Mrs.  Congrtve;  Mrs.  Bull ;  —  Thomson. 


Spanish.— 1,  Mrs.  Mackie.  he,  —  M'Adam,  Whitepark.  Chicken*.— L  Mrs. 
Blown,  Argrennan.    2  and  c,  Mrs.  Mackie. 

Cochin-china  (any  colour).— Prize.  Miss  Knott,  Dum'ries.  Chickens—  1,  J.R. 
^tory,  Milnhead.  2,  Mrs.  Mackie  (Buff),  he,  Mrs.  Mackie  (Cinnamon);  J. 
Thorpe,  " 

Hamburghs.— Golden-spangled.— Chickens.— 1,  Mrs.  G.  Maitland.  SHret- 
spangle'.  -1,  J.  Gibson.  2,  R.  Kerr  Chickens.— 1,  J.  Gibson.  2.  Mrs.  Brown. 
he  G.  Pitt  Golden  pencilled.— v.  Miss  M.  Loan,  Hensol.  Chickens—  1,  J. 
Gibson.    Stiver-pencilled.— Chickens. -1  and  2,  Mrs.  Hume. 

B-ahma  Pootras.— 1,  Miss  A.  Stewart,  Edinburgh.  2,  Mrs.  Congreve. 
thickens.— 1  and  >,  Miss  A.  Stewart,    he,  Mrs.  G.  Maitland.    c,  Mrs.  Congreve. 

Bantams.— tfoWf/t  and  Silver-laced.-2,  R.  Bryden.  Black.-Z,  R.  Hughes. 
White.— 1  and  2,  J.  Gibs»n.    he,  J.  Morrison. 

Game  BANTAMS.-Btacfc  or  other  Reds.—I,  2,  and  vhc,  —  Fotheringham. 
"<7_J-  Little,  e,  —  Thomson.  Duckwinga  and  other  Greys.  —  1,  N.  "Wilson. 
2,  1.  Ross,  Auchendolly.    e,  W.  Little  ;  T.  Couchar,  C:o,Ue-l3ongIas. 

any  \ariety.-i,  n.  Wilson  (Houdans).  2,  Miss  Knott,  Dumfries  (Golden 
Polands).    he,  Mrs,  Hume  (Houdans). 

Selling  Class.— 1  and  2,  —  Thomson  (Dorkings  and  Rouen  Ducks),  he,  — 
Fothermgham  (spottes,  2);  Mrs.  Congreve  (Dorkings):  J.  Cunningham 
(Dorkings).    c.J.Shaw. 

Dcokb.- Aylesbury.  1,  Mrs.  Brown.  2,  General  Johnston,  he,  —  Fothering- 
hame(2);  Mrs.  Carson,  Mochrum.  e.  General  Johnston  ;  Mrs.Carson.  Rouen. 
—1  and  vhc,  —  Thomson.  2.  —  Gray,  he,—  Gray;  Mrs.  G.  Maitland;  J.  R. 
Story,  c,  —  Gray ;  Mrs.  Hume  ;  Mrs.  Congreve.  Any  other  Variety.— 1,  W. 
Lottimer.    2.  Mrs.  Marchbank  (Wild),    he,  A.  Muir  (MuEcovy). 

Geese  (any  variety).— 1,  —  Gray.    c.  Mrs.  Laurie,  Glenroan. 

Turkevs.— Black  Norfolk.  — 1,  Mrs.  Maxwell,  Munches,  c,  —M'Adam.  Any 
other  Variety.— 1,  Mrs.  Mackie.  9,  R.  Carson,  Milton  Mill,  he,  Mrs.  Hume  ; 
Mrs.  Congreve  (2;. 

PIGEONS. 

Tumblers.— 1,  J.  Thorpe.    3  and  he.  J.  Turner,    c,  J.  Arnott,  Dumfries. 

Carriers.— 1  and  2,  J.  Thorpe,    c,  Miss  Knott. 

Pooters.— 1  and  he,  Mrs.  Mackie. 

Jacobins.— 1,  Miss  Knott.    2,  J.  R.  Storey. 

Fantailb.— 1  and 2,  T.  Douglas,  Thornhul.  he.  Miss  Knott;  T.Douglas. 
c,  J.  R,  Storey  (2). 

Any  other  Variety.— 1  and  2,  Miss  Knott  {Turbits  and  Archangels),     he,  A. 

Skirving  (Turtle  Doves) ;  J.  Turner  (Owl) ;  T.  Douglas  (Owls),    c,  Mrs.  Mackie. 

CANARIES. 

LOCAL     CLASSES. 

Yellow—  Coek.—l,  A. Dobie,  Castle-Douglas.  2.  J. Pearson, Castle-Douglas. 
c.  G.  Black,  uastle-Douglas.  Hen.— 1,  A.  Martin,  Castle-Douglas.  2,  John 
Scott.  Castle-Douglas,    c,  James  Scott,  Castle-Douelas. 

Buff.— Cock.— 1  and  e,  A.Martin.  2,  J.  Pearson.  Hen.— 1  and  c,  J.  Shaw, 
Castle-Douglas.    2,  J.  Pearson. 

Yellow  Piebald.— Coek.—l,  W.  Hamilton,  Castle-Douglas.  2  and  c,  W. 
Eaglesham,  Castle-Douglas.  Hen.—1,A.  Martin.  2,  W.  Eaglesham.  c,  J. 
Shaw. 

Buff  Piebald.—  Coek.—l,  J.  Shaw.  2,  A.  Martin,  c,  W.  Hamilton.  Hen.— 
1,  A.  Martin.    2  and  e  ,  W.  Eaglesham. 

Green.— Coek.—l,  J.  Shaw.    2,  G.  Maxwell,  Castle-Douglas. 

OPEN  CLASSES. 

Yellow.—  Coek.—l,  J.  Thorpe,  Dumfries.  2,  R.  Brvden.  Lochmaben.  c,  A. 
Dobie.    Hen.— I,  J.  Thorpe.    2,  A.  Martin,     c,  J.  M'Qiihae,  Maxwelltown. 

Bvrr.-Coek.-l,  J.  Thorpe.  2  and  3,  A.  Martin,  c,  John  Scott.  Hen.—l,  J. 
Thorpe.    2,  J.  Shaw.    S,  J.  M'Quhae. 

Yellow  Piebald.— Cock.— I,  J.  Thorpe.  2,  R.  Bryden.  R,  W.  Eaglesham. 
c,  J.  M'Fie,  Springholm  :  J.  Pocher,  Southwick.  Hen.—l,  J.  Shaw.  2,  J. 
Pocher.     e,  R.  Bryden  :  W.  Eaglesham. 

Buff  Piebald.— Coek.—l.R.  Edgar.  2,  J.  Shaw.  3,  Mrs.  Mackie.  c,  R. 
Bryden.    Hen.—l  and  2,  R.  Bryden.    c,  Mrs.  Mackie. 

Goldfinch  Mules.— 1,  a.  Milroy,  Newabbey.  2,  J.  Hume,  Castle-Douglas. 
c,  J.  M'Fie. 

Goldfinches.— 1  and  2,  A.  Martin.  3,  T.  M'Taggart,  Castle-Douglas,  c,  J. 
Ireland,  Castle-Douglas. 


Pabrots  (any  colour).— 1,  Miss  Jardine,  Castle  Douglas,    he,  J.  Stewart. 
Foreign  Bird.— 1,  A.  Blyth.    he,  —  Scott. 

Mr.  E.  Hntton,  Pudsey,  judged  the  poultry  and  Pigeons. 


HECKMONDWIKE   POULTRY  SHOW. 

The  following  are  the  awards  made  at  this  Show,  held  on  the  26th 
inst: — 

Give.— Black-breasted— l,  W.  Fell,  Adwalton.  2.  J.  Hodgson,  Bradford. 
Brown  Red,— I,  W.  Fell.  2,H.  Beanland,  Weatgate  Hill,  Bradford.  Duckvring. 
—1,  S.  H.  and  C.  W.  Mason.  Drighliogton.  2.  W.  Fell.  White  or  Pile.— I  and 
2,  S.  H.  and  W.  C.  Mason.  Black  or  Brassy  Wing.— 1,  J.  Clayton,  Gomersal.  2, 
J.  Brook,  Gomersal. 

Cochin-China.— 1,  G.  Wright,  Cleckheaton.    2,  H.  Firth,  Bradford. 

Brahma-Pootra.— 1,  H.  Butler,  Bradford.    2,  W.  Firth,  Birkenshaw. 

Hambubohs. — Gold  and  Silvcr-spangled.—l,  S.  Smith.  2,  H.  Firth.  Gold  and 
Silver-pencilled.— 1,  S.  Smith.  2,  W.  Jagger,  Horbury.  Black.— 1,  E.  Hepkin- 
son,  Bradford.  Any  other  variety.— 1,  H.  Bowker,  Keighley.  2,  J.  Powell, Brad- 
ford. 

Any  Breed.— Coek.—l,  B.  Constantine,  Littleborough.  2,  W.  Fawcett,  Heck- 
mondwike.    Hen.— 1,  B.  Constantine.    2,  H.  Beanland. 

Bantams.— Red  Game.—l,  S.  Smith.  2,  G.  Noble,  Staincliffe.  Duckwing 
Gawie—1,  T.  Marsdon.    2,  T.  Dyson,  Halifax. 

Pigeons.— Carriers— 1  and  2,  B.  Constantine.  Antwerps.— 1,  W.  Firth.  2,  J. 
A.  Collinson,  Halifax.  Owls.—l,  J.  W.  Watson,  Bradford.  Dragoons.—  1,  J. 
Scnofield,  Cleckheaton.    2,  B.  Buirell,  Cleckheaton. 


FALKIRK  POULTRY   SHOW. 

The  second  Show  of  the  Falkirk  Association  was  held  in  the  Corn 
Exchange  on  the  *24th  inst.  The  weather  being  the  most  severe  that 
has  been  experienced  for  several  years,  it  was  a  great  drawback  to 
birds  that  had  to  travel  long  distances,  although  on  arrival  they  were 
well  fed  and  cared  for,  and  the  building  was  very  comfortable.  Great 
credit  is  due  to  Mr.  Roberts,  the  Honorary  Secretary,  for  the  attention 
paid  to  the  specimens.  The  pens  employed  were  Turner's,  and,  as 
usual,  they  were  very  satisfactory. 

Adult  Spanish  were  of  moderate  quality,  but  the  young  birds  were 
of  rare  excellence.  The  cockerel  in  the  firBt-prize  pen,  shown  by  a 
local  exhibitor,  was  quite  equal  to  anything  wo  have  seen  this  season. 
The  adult  Dorkings  were  also  of  fair  quality,  although  some  of  the 
birds  were  bad  in  feet,  and  others  had  frosted  combs.  Dark-colonred 
were  first,  and  Silver-Greys  second  and  third.  Of  yonng  Dorkings 
there  were  twenty-eight  entries,  and  they  were  a  very  fine  lot.     In  ad- 


522 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  December  29,  1870. 


dition  to  three  prizes  and  several  high  commendations  the  whole  class 
was  commended.  Dark-colonred  were  here  also  first,  and  the  others 
Silver- Greys  ;  altogether  the  class  was  such  as  iB  rarely  seen.  Cochins 
were  but  moderate,  the  Brakmas  little  better,  and  the  Scotch  Greys 
not  numerous,  but  of  fair  colour  and  marking.  Of  Gold-spangled 
Uamburghs  there  were  twenty-two  pens,  and  the  class  was  good.  The 
first-prize  pen,  to  which  the  cup  for  the  best  pen  in  the  Show  was  also 
awarded,  was  nearly  perfection.  The  second  pen  was  also  good,  and 
consisted  of  adult  birds.  The  third-prize  pen  contained  one  of  the 
most  perfect  cockerels  ever  seen ;  this  pen  only  losing  owing  to  the 
pullet  being  a  little  smaller  in  marks  than  the  others.  There  were 
also  twenty -two  pens  of  Golden-pencilled  Hamburghs,  but  with  the 
exception  of  the  three  winning  pens  they  were  but  poor.  There  was 
no  class  for  Silver-pencilled.  The  Silver -spangled  were  not  so  good 
as  we  expected  to  see,  with  the  exception  of  the  prize-winners. 

Of  Game  fowls  there  were  some  good  birds,  but  several  were  badly 
matched ;  the  first  prize  went  to  Black  Reds,  and  the  second  to  Duck- 
wings.  The  best  pen  in  the  Show  was  left  out  on  account  of  the  hen 
being  swollen  in  the  face,  and  another  that  would  doubtless  have  ap- 
peared in  the  prize  list  was  disqualified,  having  had  the  feathers 
trimmed. 

In  the  "  Any  other  variety  "  class,  Mr.  Pickles  won  with  a  fine  pen 
of  Silver  Polands  ;  the  second  being  Creve-Cceurs,  the  third  Houdans. 
•  The  Aylesbury  Ducks  were  tolerably  good,  but  the  Ronens  were  not 
at  all  such  as  we  expected  to  find,  and  a  nice  pen  of  Carolinas  was 
awarded  the  first  prize  against  them.  The  Turkeys  were  mostly  of 
the  Norfolk  variety,  and  were  the  best  display  of  that  kind  we  have 
ever  seen,  the  size  and  colour  being  first-rate. 

Game  Bantams  had  thirty-four  entries,  and  many  of  the  birds  were 
very  good  specimens.  The  first-prize  pair  were  the  best  Brown  Reds 
we  have  seen.  The  second  and  third-prize  birds  were  Black  Reds.  Of 
the  other  varieties  of  Bantams,  Black  Reds  were  first  and  third,  and 
Sebrights  second.  The  Selling  class  presented  a  great  attraction  to 
buyers,  the  birdB  being  uniformly  good,  and  at  the  low  price  of  £1  per 
pen.     Creve-Cceurs  were  first,  and  Dorkings  second  and  third. 

In  the  Pigeon  department  there  were  but  five  classes,  Pouters  having 
the  first  position.  Blues  of  good  length  and  style  were  first ;  Blacks 
capital  in  colour  and  length,  but  rather  thick  in  girth,  second ;  and 
Whites  of  good  properties  third.  The  Fantails  were  very  good  in  tail 
and  carriage,  but  the  Jacobins  were  not  first-rate.  Of  Tumblers,  a 
neat  pair  of  Yellow  Mottles  were  first,  and  Almonds  second  and  third. 
In  the  "  Variety  "  class  Letz  were  first,  Red  Turbits  second,  and  Black 
Carriers  third.  The  remaining  birds  of  this  class  were  also  good.  The 
Show  was  well  attended,  and  we  think  a  great  success. 

Spanish.— 1,  R.  Somerville,  Edinburgh.  2,  W.  Dickson,  Slamanan.  8.  R 
Dickie,  Alva,  he,  3.  W.  Will,  Enrol,  c,  t  >.  Duncan,  Carron.  Chickens  —1  and 
Local,  W.  C.  Hardie,  Carron.  2,  W.  Dickson.  S,  A.  Robertson,  Townholm,  Kil- 
marnock, vhc,  A.  M'Donald,  Easter  Moffat,  Airdrie.  he,  P.  Symon,  Errol. 
C,  W.  R.  Farquhar.  Barrhead  ;  D-  Gellatlv,  Meigle  ;  R.  Somerville. 

Dorhings—  1,  D.  Gellatlv,  Meigle.  2,  A.  M'Donald.  3,  J.  Malcolm,  Langton. 
he,  M.  Edwards,  Hilton,  Alloa;  Z.  W.  Hats,  Barrhead;  G.  Gordon,  Errol;  A. 
Carsewell,  St^nhonsemuir.  e,  W.  Weir,  Inches  Farm.  Chickens.— 1.  T.  Raines' 
Stirling.  2,  Z.  W.  Heys.  S.  J.  Malcolm,  Langton.  vhc.  P.  Gray,  Totley  Welln, 
Winchburgh.  he,  D.  Gellatly ;  D.  Duncan  ;  W.  Weir ;  W.  Forbes ;  J.  Turnbull, 
Carnock;  A.  M'Donald. 

Cochin-Chiha.— 1,  J.  Pollock,  Busby.  2  and  3,  A.  Campbell,  Largs,  vhc,  H. 
Paton,  Largs,  he,  J.  Brown,  jun.,  Craigmill,  Stirling,  c,  A.  T.  Williamson, 
Grangemouth  ;  Com.  G.  F.  Lyon,  Kirkmicha"l,  Dumfries. 

Brahma.  Pootras.— 1.  J.  W.  Morrison,  Kirkcaldy,  t  and  c,  T.  Raines.  8,  A. 
Robertson,  vhc,  Miss  Liddell,  Edinburgh,  he,  R.  Brownlie,  Kirkcaldy;  W.  R. 
Farquhar. 

Scotch  Greys.— 1  and  1.  W.  Gibb,  Armadale.  8,  T.  Laurie,  Linlithgow. 
he,  A.  Binnie,  Gnihamston. 

Hamburghs.— Golden-spangled.— 1  and  Cup,  J.  W.  Will.  2,  H.  Pickles,  jun., 
Earby,  Skip'on.  3,  J.  H.  M'Nab,  Barrhead,  vhc.  A.  Robertson,  he,  S.  &  R. 
Ashton,  Mottram  ;  R  Dickson  ;  A.  Robertson,  r,  3.  F.  Love^sidge,  Newnrk-on- 
Trent;  J.  Holburn.  Stewartuu,  Avrahire.  Golden-pencilled.  —  1,  A.  Crosbie, 
Melrosa.  2,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  8,  .T.  W.Will,  he, Dr.  J.  D  mlop,  Clackmannan. 
e,  Mrs.  Harvey,  Edinburgh.  Silver-spangled.— 1,  J.Stewart,  South  Arthurlie, 
Barrhead.  2.  H.  Pickles,  jun.  C,  S.  &  R.  Ashton.  c,  D.  Forrester,  Woodcock- 
dale.  Linlithgow ;  J.  W.  Will. 

Game.— 1,  D.  Dnncan.  2,  D.  Harley,  Edinburgh.  S,  W.  Chambers.  Leslie, 
Fife,  he,  3.  W.  Will ;  A.  White,  Camp,  Motherwell ;  A.  Hutchieson,  Graham. 
ston  Avenue,    c.  J.tLogan,  Camwath  ;  D  Harley ;  J.  W.  Rlakey,  Stirling. 

Ant  other  Varifty.— 1,  H.  Pickles,  jun.  (Silver  Poland).  2  and  2,  J  Logan 
(Hoadan  and  Creve-Creur).  vhc,  D.  Draoer,  jun.  (Polands).  he,  A.  Crosbie  ;  J. 
Logan  (Black  Hamburgh),    c,  3.  Partington. 

Ducks.— Aylesbury  —  1,  J.  W.  Will.  2,  R.  Dickie,  Alva.  8.  A.  Robertson. 
vhc,  D.  Gellatly,  Meigle.  he,  J.  Tod,  Easter  Balgarvie,  Cupar  Fife ;  A  Robert- 
son ;  J.  Logan,  c,  3.  W.  Will.  Any  other  Variety.— 1,  S.  ft  R.  Ashton  (Carolina). 
3,  A.  Robertson  (Rouen).  3,  J.  Harper,  Blairlogie  (Rouen),  vhc,  3.  Logan 
(Rouen),    he,  J.  Wilson,  Linlithgow  (Uouen);  Com.  G.  F.  Lyon. 

Turkeys  (Any  variety).—  1  and  5,  J.  Wilson.  3,  W.  Forbes,  he,  3.  Logan. 
c,  J.  Turnbull,  Carnock  ;  W.  Forbes. 

Bantams—  Qame.—\,  3.  W.  Will.  2,  T.  Raines.  8,  D.  Forrester,  Woodcock- 
dale,  vhc,  Mrs  W.  Stewart,  Springfield,  Barrhead,  he,  R.  Brownlee ;  R.  Pater- 
son,  Melrose;  A.  Campbell;  W.  Dickson;  W.  Chevne,  Selkirk;  D.  Duncan. 
c,  3.  Main.  Campion  ;  T.  Raines :  J.  W.  Will ;  J.  Waddell,  Airdrie.  Any  Variety. 
— 1,  S.  ft  R.  ABhton  (Black).  2,  J.  G.  Orr,  Beith  (Gold-laoe<1).  3.  H.  Pickles,  jun. 
(Black),  vhc,  A.  Frew,  Sinclairton  (Silver-laced);  J.  w.  Will  (Black),  he,  3.G. 
Orr  (Silver-lao«d);  J.  Archibald,  Earlstone,  Berwick  (Japanese);  A.  Mitchell, 
Paisley  (Black). 

Selling  Class  (Any  variety).— 1,  W.  Linton,  Selkirk  (Cri-ve-Cceurs).  2,  S. 
Bell.  Castleton,  Plean  (Dorkings).  3.  J.  M  dcolm.  Langton  (Dorking),  vhc,  W. 
G.  M'Donald,  Pitrodie, Errol  (Dorkinss).  he,  3  Turnbull,  Carnock  (Dorkings); 
D.  Gellatly,  Meigle  (Dorkings):  R.  Murdoch,  Kilsyth  (Dorkings):  J.  William- 
son, Oxgang  (Buff  Cochins);  W  Dickson  (Game);  A.  T.  Williamson,  Grange- 
month  (Dorkings):  H.  Pickles,  jun.  (Polands);  Com.  G.  F.  Lyon,  Kirkmichael 
(Dorkings,  Brahmas.  and  Houdans)  (3).  c,  \.  M'Donald  (White  Dorkings) ;  R. 
Dickie,  Alva  (Spanish) ;  R.  Murdoch  (Spanish). 
PIGEONS. 

Pouters.— 1  and  2,  J.  Mitchell,  Glasgow.  3,  J.  Morrison,  Morningside.  Edin- 
burgh, vhc,  A.  Wrigbt,  Morningside,  Edinburgh  ;  J.  Mitohell.  he,  W.  Moon, 
Edinburgh  ;  J.  Mair.  Kilmarnock ;  A.  Wright. 

Fantails.— 1,  3.  Mair.  2,  A.  CroBbie,  Gattonside.  MelroBe.  8,  W.  C.  Hardy, 
Carron.    he,  3.  G.  Spence,  Edinburgh  ;  E.  Hope,  Kirkcaldy ;  R.  Frew. 


Jacobins.— 1  and  he,  G.  3.  Spence.  2,  R.  Paterson.  8,  Mrs.  R.  Frew,  c,  A. 
Johnstone. 

Tumblers  (Any  variety).— 1,  J.Bruce,  Dunfermline.  2,  J.  Mair.  3,  A.  John- 
stone, Ba'hgate.    he,  W.  Elliot,  Musselburgh  ;  F.  D.  Wood,  Edinburgh. 

Any  otheh  Variety.  -1,  A.  Crosbie  8,  R.  Inch,  Edinburgh.  3,  J.  Mair 
hc,  G.  Forrest ;  R.  Paterson  ;  A.  JohnBtone. 


Judge. — Mr.  E.  Hutton,  Pndsey,  Leeds. 


BINGLEY   PIGEON   SHOW. 

(From  a  Correspondent.) 

There  was  no  Committee,  the  whole  being  entirely  in  the  hands  of 
Messrs.  Beldon  and  Hawley,  whose  spirited  attempt  was  well  rewarded 
by  one  of  the  best  displays  of  Pigeons  seen  in  Yorkshire  for  some 
time.  Turner's  pens  were  used,  and  altogether  the  arrangements  were 
good,  and  the  birds  cleaned,  fed,  and  supplied  with  water  in  a  most 
exemplary  manner,  but  it  is  our  unpleasant  duty  to  record  the  fact 
that  the  public  failed  to  appreciate  the  efforts  of  the  proprietors  of 
the  Exhibition. 

Ten  Pouter  cocks  were  brought  together,  the  first-prize  bird,  a  fine 
White,  was  well  placed,  and  claimed  at  once,  at  the  low  price  of  £5. 
The  first-prize  hen  was  Red,  and  the  second  Bine,  the  latter  very 
small  and  poor,  the  Yellow  hen  shown  by  Mr.  Harvev  and  the 
White  one  by  Mr.  Sharp  being  in  all  respects  superior.  The  cup  for 
Pouters  would  have  been  much  better  given  to  the  first-prize  White 
cock  than  the  Red  hen  to  which  it  was  awarded.  There  were  some 
very  good  Carrier  cocks  both  in  eye  and  wattlo,  but  the  hens  were 
rather  a  coarse  lot,  with  the  exception  of  the  Black  one,  to  which  was 
given  the  cup  offered  for  the  best  Carrier  hen,  or  pair  of  Short-faced 
Tumblers.  In  Almonds,  the  first-prize  birds  were  not  so  good  in  form 
and  skull  as  the  second-prize  birds,  but  were  better  in  ground  colour, 
though  the  right  eye  of  the  cock  was  of  a  dark  shade.  For  Barbs,  foreign 
Owls,  and  Jacobins,  there  was  also  a  cup  offered,  and  this  was  won 
by  Mr.  Firth  with  a  very  fine  pair  of  Black  Barbs.  Foreign  Owls 
were  badly  placed,  the  second-prize  birds  being  much  smaller  than 
the  first,  and  much  shorter  and  rounder  in  head ;  and  the  first-prize 
cock  showed  signs  of  roup.  Both  pairs  were  white.  Of  Jacobins,  the 
best  pair  was  left  out — they  were  Red — no  other  pen  approaching  them 
in  size,  colour,  and  quality.  The  reason  assigned  for  this  was,  that 
they  were  a  little  foul  on  the  end  of  the  flight  feathers,  although  the 
first-prize  birds  were  quite  as  bad  in  that  respect.  The  Trumpeters 
were  a  grand  lot ;  the  first  prize  was  awarded  to  Light-mottled,  andt 
tbe  second  to  Black.  In  Turbits,  Reds  were  first,  but  although  good 
they  were  not  strictly  a  match  in  colour.  The  second  were  very  nea 
Blues,  and  several  other  pairs  might  have  been  justly  noticed. 

There  were  twenty-eight  entries  for  Dragoons,  the  first-prize  pair 
winning  the  cup  against  Trumpeters  and  Turbits ;  but  this  was  con- 
sidered the  grand  mistake  of  the  Show,  as  the  class  contained  some 
most  extraordinary  pairs,  and  with  the  exception  of  colour  (Yellow), 
the  first-prize  birds  were  very  bad.  In  the  first  place,  the  head  and 
beak  of  the  cock  were  coarse  and  curved,  and  he  had  pearl  eyes,  while 
the  hen  was  straight  in  head  and  very  fiat  on  the  skull,  and  she  had 
red  eyes.  The  best  pair  in  the  Show,  belonging  to  Mr.  Waddington, 
were  dark  Blues,  and  as  nearly  faultless  as  they  can  be  bred. 

There  was  a  cup  also  for  the  best  Fantails,  English  Owls,  or  Ant- 
werps,  and  awarded  very  justly  to  the  first-named  variety,  which  class 
was  very  well  represented. 

In  English  Owls  there  has  been  great  improvement,  the  birds  coming 
np  to  the  old  standard,  and  there  is  no  doulit  that  great  difficulty  was 
experienced  in  making  the  awards  in  this  class.  Of  Antwerps,  there 
were  thirty-one  entries,  Short-faces  winning  both  prizes,  and  both 
pairs  were  good.  It  would  be  well  if  these  birds  could  be  divided  into 
two  classes,  of  Long  and  Short-faced  varieties. 

The  cup  for  the  remaining  classes  was  won  by  a  very  perfect  pair  of 
common  Red  Mottle  Tumblers,  the  best  we  have  seen,  though  the 
second-prize  pair  in  the  same  class  was  little  inferior  to  the  former. 

In  the  "  Yariety  "  class,  Ice  Pigeons  won  both  the  prizes,  although 
we  thought  a  pair  of  Black  Swallows  mi^hthivo  been  given  a  position. 

The  Selling  class  was  well  filled,  and  the  restricted  price  being  50s., 
and  the  birds  good,  mauy  lots  were  sold,  though  the  first-prize  pair  of 
Barb3  in  that  class  had  not  presented  many  promising  features. 

We  published  the  prize  list  and  names  of  the  Judges  last  week. 


MY  LIVE   PETS. 

There  is  no  denying  I  am  a  lover  of  pets.  My  first  pet  (I  cannot 
remember  the  darling)  was  a  toad,  which  lived  in  the  hollow  of  a  fine 
old  oak  tree  on  the  lawn.  At  that  time  my  age  was  two-and-a-half, 
and  I  have  been  told  that  I  daily  used  to  toddle  forth  with  a  spoonful 
of  my  morning's  bread  and  milk  to  feed  "  my  dear  pitty  toad."  I  have 
seen  the  fine  old  tree,  and  the  hollow  in  it,  since  I  have  been  of  more 
mature  age,  bnt  not  the  toad;  though  I  confess  to  still  thinking  both 
frogs  and  toads  very  beautiful  in  many  respects,  and  very  much 
maligned  in  many  more. 

Then  came  a  tame  Jackdaw,  the  delight  of  all  our  hearts.  He  re- 
quited our  affection  by  pecking  our  little  bare  leg^t  just  above  the  socks, 
and  stealing  our  small  treasures  from  the  nnrsery  play-box.  On  one 
occasion  having  watched  us  gather  some  blue  hyacinths,  and  draw  a 
plateful  of  long,  red,  tender  radishes,  he  stealthily  followed  in  our 


Deoember  29,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL   OP   HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


523 


wake,  snapped  off  every  hyacinth  he  conld  reach,  and  pnlled  the  green 
tops  off  all  the  radishes  in  the  bed.  On  another  occasion  he  was  dis- 
covered, perched  on  the  study  table,  a  pen  in  his  beak,  with  which, 
after  dipping  it  into  the  inkstand,  he  deliberately  scrawled  over  the 
pages  of  all  the  books  lying  open  around  him.  The  inky  meonderings 
of  his  pen  remain  to  this  day  to  testify  against  him.  I  think  poor 
"  Jacky  "  finished  his  exploit-  by  drowning  himself  in  a  "  beck  "  which 
flowed  at  the  bottom  of  the  garden. 

At  this  period  I  have  a  lively  remembrance  of  the  intense  pleasure 
I  took  in  watching  the  bees  at  their  work  amongst  the  flowers.  We 
used  to  catch  them  in  the  bells  of  the  Foxglove,  carry  them  in  their 
pretty  little  prisons  to  the  preenhonse  door,  and  let  them  in  through 
the  keyhole  to  fructify  the  blossoms  of  the  melon  and  cucumber  plants 
— not  that  we  then  knew  why  they  were  wanted  in  the  greenhouse,  but 
we  were  none  the  less  proud  when  we  had  successfully  escorted  a 
captive  thither. 

As  far  as  I  remember  the  favourites  which  followed  "  Jacky"  were 
a  pair  of  pretty  Wood  Pigeons.  The  chief  thing  to  be  recorded  of 
them,  or  rather  of  one  of  them,  is  that  he  or  she  pecked  a  thimble  off 
my  finger  one  day  when  I  was  feeding  them,  and  swallowed  it  bodily.  A 
poor  frightened  child  I  was  then,  I  felt  sure  my  dear  Dove  would  die, 
and  kept  it  shut  up  in  its  cage  for  days;  but  never  a  bit  the  worae  was 
"Dovey."  What  became  of  the  thimble  I  know  not,  nor  can  I  recol- 
lect what  eventually  became  of  my  Pigeons. 

To  these  succeeded  Rabbits,  and  a  tame  Hawk ;  the  latter  a  most 
exigeant  pet,  for  he  required  a  poor  little  bird  to  be  sacrificed  to  him 
almost  daily ;  but  he  was  really  tame,  and  truly  affectionate,  and  on 
the  sad  day  when  "the  children"  were  all  dispatched  to  school,  the 
poor  Hawk  screeched  so  incessantly  and  so  discordantly  he  had  to  be 
given  away. 

Two  dear  little  Hares  came  next,  they  were  found  by  the  mowers 
when  cutting  the  bay,  and  were  tiny  Hares  indeed — both  could  sit 
comfortably  together  in  the  palm  of  my  hand.  The  men  brought 
them  to  the  rectory  saving,  "  If  anybody  can  keep  'em  alive  'tis  Miss 
Jemima."  Never  were  two  prettier  little  pets,  or  two  prettier  great 
pets  when  they  grew  up,  for  grow  up  they  did.  At  first  they  were  kept 
in  "Miss  Jemima's  "  bedroom,  and  fed  on  warm  milk  out  of  a  bottle 
with  a  quill  iu  the  cork  of  it.  The  bottle  was  always  deposited  under 
my  pillow  when  I  went  to  bed,  and  "Tiny"  and  "Bess"  tucked  np 
comfortably  in  a  basket  of  wool  in  a  corner  of  the  room.  At  early 
dawn,  mindful  of  my  nnrsHngs,  I  invariably  awoke,  and  putting  my 
hand  out  of  bed  found  the  little  creatures  as  near  as  ever  they  could 
get  to  me,  close  to  the  vallance  of  the  bedstead.  It  was  pretty  to  see 
them  running  after  me  about  the  honse  and  garden,  and  had  it  not 
been  for  the  domestic  dogs  and  cats  they  would  always  have  been  at 
liberty.  They  grew  and  throve,  and  soon  ate  bread  and  grass  and 
clover,  and  all  that  hares  ought  to  eat,  but  they  never  lost  their  lore 
fcr  milk,  nor  for  tbeir  foster-mother. 

I  must  pass  over  many  other  favourites,  and  come  to  the  present 
family  pets  ;  rot  to  speak  of  two  beautiful,  silky  black  and  tan  spaniels, 
almost  human  in  their  intelligence,  and  more  than  human  in  their 
obedience,  unvarying  affection,  and  wonderful  noses,  and  an  old  grey 
torn  cat,  of  whom  much  conld  be  said.  There  are  two  tortoises, 
named  Diogenes  and  Ulysses,  who  have  the  full  range  of  a  large  un- 
walled  garden,  but  who  have  never  left  its  precincts,  though  naturally 
UlysseB  jb  the  more  addicted  to  wandering.  Their  habits  are  very 
singular,  and  well  worth  watching,  and  they  are  decidedly  far  less  shy 
and  retiring  than  they  weie  ;  they  now  do  notobject  to  dining  in  public, 
and  Diogenes  has  a  newly-acquired  trick  of  giving  a  loud  hiss,  if  taken 
np  suddenly,  or  turned  upside  down  ;  I  presume  it  is  expressive  of  his 
wrath  and  disapprobation.  At  the  present  time  they  have  both  hidden 
themselves,  we  know  not  where,  for  their  winter  snooze,  and  we  shall 
probably  see  nothing  more  of  them  till  April  or  May. 

There  is  also  a  cage  full  of  Canaries,  and  my  last  pet  fact  is  con- 
nected with  my  birdies.  A  prisoner  to  the  sofa  for  many  months, 
owing  to  an  accident,  one  of  my  chief  interests  was  a  pair  of  Canaries 
building  their  firt-t  nest.  In  due  time  four  pretty  blue-grey  eggs, 
Bpotted  with  brown  at  one  end,  were  deposited  therein,  and  one  morn- 
ing, all  a  fortnight  after  the  last  was  laid,  I  heard  to  my  great  delight 
a  faint  "  chip  "  "  chip  "  from  the  cage,  and  knew  that  the  chicks  were 
hatched.  But  alas  !  two  days  afterwards  the  cage  fell  down,  the 
mother  bird  and  her  babies  were  jolted  out  of  the  nest,  and  either  frum 
some  injury,  or,  as  I  believe  from  fright,  the  gentle  little  mother  died 
in  a  few  hours.  The  grief  the  loss  occasioned  need  not  be  dwelt  upon  ; 
carefully  the  nestlings  were  replaced  in  the  nest,  and  I  fondly  hoped 
the  cock  bird,  a  most  attentive  husband  and  father,  would  bring  up  the 
children.  Ho  did  his  best — he  fed  them  assiduously,  but  had  no  notion 
of  "  gathering  them  under  his  wing  ;"  so,  though  I  covered  them  with 
wool  as  soon  as  they  had  had  their  last  evening  meal,  before  morning 
two  were  dead,  and  the  third  dying  of  cold.  The  poor  little  naked 
survivor  I  kept  in  my  hand,  expecting  momentarily  it  would  die  too, 
but  by-and-by  a  faint  piping  was  audible,  which  gradually  grew  louder 
and  stronger.  The  warmth  had  revived  "the  motherless  bairn,"  and 
it  wanted  its  breakfast.  It  soon  had  some,  and  for  the  benefit  of  such 
of  your  readers  as  may  be  placed  in  similar  circumstances,  I  will 
describe  exactly  what  its  food  was: — An  egg  boiled  quite  hard  and 
crumbled  to  powder,  a  little  white  well-baked  bread  grated  fine,  some 
scaled  rape  seed  pounded,  and  as  many  of  the  black  skins  as  possible 
picked  out,  a  mashed  lettuce,  groundsel,  or  watercress  leaf. 

With  this  mixture  my  chick  was  fed  for  weeks  ;  I  put  a  little  of  it  in 


the  palm  of  my  hand  and  mashed  it  well  together  with  half  a  drop  of 
warm  water.  I  then  took  a  quill  cut  exactly  like  a  pen,  minus  the  slit, 
in  one  hand  (having  filled  it  with  the  food),  and  a  wooden  match  in 
the  other,  and  when  the  little  month  gaped  open  I  put  the  quill  quite 
down  the  throat,  and  pushed  off  the  food  with  the  stick  ;  it  was  eagerly 
swallowed  and  more  gaped  for.  I  found  by  its  pipings  that  the  baby 
required  to  be  fed  every  hour;  at  first  two  quillB  full  satisfied  it,  and 
afterwards  it  devoured  three  or  four  at  a  meal. 

I  cannot  Eay  my  child  was  pretty  at  first,  but  when  fledged  it  was  a 
fair,  pure  yellow  Canary,  and  received  the  name  of  Fairy.  I  need 
not  say  my  birdie  was  tame — it  was  more  than  tame,  it  slept  in  a  tiny 
wadded  basket  by  my  side  at  night,  and  nestled  on  my  pillow  or 
shoulder  by  day.  When  Fairy  was  five  weeks  old,  I  went  with  a  sister 
to  a  pretty  seaside  village  eight  miles  distant  ;  Fairy  of  course  went 
too,  but  alas!  and  alas!  one  Sunday  morning,  when,  as  usual,  it  was 
perched  on  the  pillow  of  my  sofa,  the  room,  and  the  house  door  being 
open,  in  floated  a  pretty  brown  butterfly,  and  off  Fairy  flew  after  it. 
The  butterfly  floated  out  again  into  the  sunshine,  with  Fairy  Btill  in 
attendance.  All  day  long  the  whole  of  the  village,  who  had  learned 
to  love  the  tame  birdie,  were  roaming  the  laneB  and  fields ;  many 
times  the  lost  pet  was  seen  skimming  the  blue  sky,  darting  with  the 
Swallows  round  the  old  ruined  castl?,  or  lighting  on  a  chimney  or 
housetop,  but  never  near  enough  to  be  caught.  It  would  perhaps  be 
more  faithful  than  wise  to  confess  that  a  good  many  tears  were  shed 
while  Fairy  waB  thus  enjoying  herself. 

At  last  all  hopes  were  given  up,  and  evening  was  closing  in.  when 
down  came  the  fair  little  birdie,  and  liRhted  on  its  forlorn  mistress's 
shoulder,  and  kissed  her  as  if  nothing  had  happened.  Fairy  has  never 
had  another  out-of-door  flight,  but  alio  has  travelled  a  great  deal  for  a 
bird,  and  brought  up  many  dozen  children  of  her  own — brown,  spotted, 
golden,  and  white — but  none  so  cherished  nor  ao  tame  as  oar  pet 
Fairy.— C.  J.  S. 

THE   FLYING   TUMBLER. 

TnE  Flying  Tumbler  is  the  most  general  favourite  fancy 
Pigeon.  Its  easy  propagation  and  generally  sound  constitution 
render  it  most  suitable  to  a  young  fancier  ;  it  soon  establishes 
a  hold  upon  his  regard,  which  would  not  be  the  case,  probably, 
with  the  more  highly-cultivated  breeds,  which  require  more 
knowledge  and  care  to  breed  and  keep  in  health.  Another 
recommendation  is  its  low  price,  lor  every  boy  can  raise  suffi- 
cient money  for  the  purchase  of  a  pair  of  Tumblers,  and  we 
have  no  hesitation  in  saying  that  more  true  and  staunch 
fanciers  have  begun  with  Tumblers  than  any,  perhaps  all,  oth(  r 
varieties. 

We  may  also  claim  as  ancient  a  pedigree  for  the  Flying 
Tumbler  as  for  any  of  his  high-born  cousins,  for  the  earliest 
writers  were  familiar  with  it,  and  record  its  amusing  and  merry 
habits,  and  how  its  more  studious  and  intelligent  admirers 
originated  his  varied  plumage,  and  laid  the  foundation  of  that 
most  exquisite  and  much-admired  gem,  the  Almond  of  the 
present  day. 

The  Baldpate,  Beard,  Elack,  Red,  and  Yellow  Mottles  of  the 
old  fanciers  have  still  numerous  admirers,  although,  as  a  rule, 
feather  has  been  greatly  neglected  of  late  by  the  Flying  fan- 
ciers. A  few  who  combine  a  taste  for  feather  with  flying  have 
taken  the  class  of  Tamblers  represented  by  the  engraving,  aDd 
by  care  and  perseverance  have  produced  a  few  samples  that 
possess  some  amount  of  meiit.  They  are  great  favourites  in 
and  about  Birmingham,  and  are  as  various  in  colour  as  the 
clear-legged  birds,  Black  and  Red  Mottles  or  Bosewings,  Red- 
breasted,  White-eides,  and  Yellow  Whole-feather  among  the 
dark-winged  ones.  The  white-winged  are  divided  into  Saddles 
and  Badges;  and  there  are  Black,  Blue,  and  Red  Saddles; 
Black,  Blue,  Red,  and  Bronze  Badges. 

They  are  free-flyers,  and  most  of  them  rollers,  mad  or  very 
sharp  tumblers  if  they  are  allowed  to  fly  ;  but  it  is  seldom  the 
best-feathered  birds  are  trusted  to  the  many  casualties  attend- 
ing flying  in  a  large  town  like  Birmingham. 

The  original  of  the  engraving  was  selected  as  the  standard 
for  the  Dark  or  Rose-winged  birds  — Mottles — that  is,  the 
marking  on  the  pinion  should  form  or  resemble  a  rose  ;  there 
should  not  be  any  white  elsewhere.  The  Red-breasted  White- 
sided  birds  should  be  red  all  through  the  short  and  long 
flights,  tail,  and  the  whole  of  the  body;  the  whole  of  the  side 
or  pinion  white.  The  Black  and  Blue  Saddles  should  be  dark 
on  the  whole  of  the  body  down  to  the  hocks,  the  muffs  from 
the  hocks  to  the  toes'  end  white;  the  head  should  be  evenly 
sprinkled  or  badge d%  the  throat  bearded,  and  for  half  an  inch 
up  the  nose  the  width  of  the  wattle  also  white  ;  the  back 
saddle  marked  as  the  Magpie.  The  Red  Saddles  the  Bame  as 
Blue  and  Black,  with  the  exception  of  a  white  tail.  The  Black, 
Blue,  and  Bronze  Badges  should  be  marked  on  the  head  as  the 
Saddles,  the  whole  of  the  bird  dark  elsewhere,  except  the  muffs 


524 


JOUBNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  December  29,  1S70. 


from  the  hooks  and  the  ten  long  flights,  which  must  be  all 
white.  The  Med,  again,  must  have  a  white  tail,  but.  in  neither 
case  must  the  white  extend  up  the  rump  or  under  the  belly. 
There  is  no  established  limit  to  the  length  of  muffs ;  the 
majority  favour  a  medium  length — that  is,  from  l.J  inch  to 
2.J  inches  ;  we  have  seen  them  4|  inches,  wbieh,  to  our  taste, 
is  excessive,  and  an  impediment  to  the  bird  in  walking. 

Many  credit  the  Datch  with  the  introduction  of  the  muffs  on 
Tumblers,  but  if  they  are  correct  in  that  statement,  and  cor- 
rectly describe  the  Dutch  Tumbler,  we  can  fimp'y  say  we  have 


done  with  that,  as  with  many  other  foreign  introductions,  im- 
proved upon  it. 

Our  taste  requires  a  Tumbler  to  be  a  short,  compact  bird, 
and  we  for  long  thought  it  was  the  only  shape  that  could 
tumble  well,  but  we  are  now  called  to  alter  our  opinion.  Our 
late  Secretary  (Mr.  Noye)  has  forwarded  from  Turkey  many 
specimens  of  new  varieties,  and  amongst  them  a  pair  of 
Rollers,  that  would  lead  us  to  think  the  tumbling  habit  could 
be  developed  in  almost  any  variety  of  Pigeon,  so  different  are 
they  to  any  Tumblers  we  ever  saw.     They  are  of  a  glossy  black 


plumage,  like  the  Pook  or  Raven,  long  beak,  long  narrow  head, 
neck  slightly  carved,  excessively  long  flights  and  tail,  the 
latter  composed  of  sixteen  feathers,  rising  a  little  like  the  Fantail, 
the  legs  short  in  hand.  They  are  not  so  large  as  our  muffed 
birds.  They  appear  as  thougb  they  could  do  as  our  friend  has 
often  told  ns  they  do — viz.,  "  fly  for  nearly  a  day."  We  are 
anxious  to  try  their  young  ;  we  Bhall  not  venture  to  try  those 
we  have. 

The  management  of  the  Flying  Tumbler  has  been  so  often 


published  we  need  say  but  little  on  that  point ;  we  will  simply 
say,  Keep  your  pen  clean,  give  fresh  water  every  day,  plenty  of 
old  grey  peas,  old  vetches,  English  wheat,  and  good  souna 
barley.  If  you  give  any  Indian  wheat,  do  not  do  so  either  a 
the  moulting  season  or  to  rear  your  young.  Fly  once  a-day  in 
the  winter  if  the  weather  is  favourable,  and  twice  a-day  in  the 
summer — a  means  of  keeping  your  birds  healthy  and  up  to 
their  work. — Birmingham  Columbaeiak  Society. 


AN  AMERICAN  REMEDY  FOR  FOUL  BROOD. 


I  promised  to  report  how  my  refrigerator  wintered  its  colony. 
The  frames  were  covered  with  a  piece  of  old  carpeting,  and  the 
whole  space  outside  the  inner  hive  packed  with  straw  and 
shavings.  This  Bpring  it  was  in  splendid  condition,  and  it  was 
found  necessary  to  remove  brood  and  cut  out  queen  oells  as 
early  as  the  20th  of  May ;  and  for  this  locality  the  surplus 
would  have  been  large  if  1  had  not  been  obliged  to  break  up 
the  colony  on  account  of  foul  brood. 

You  can  imagine  my  disappointment  when  my  apiarian 
friend,  Mr.  Sweet,  of  West  Mansfield,  pointed  out  to  me  this 
loathsome  disease  in  my  choicest  Italian  colony  early  in  June, 
when  up  to  that  time  I  had  supposed  that  everything  was  pro- 
sperous with  my  twelve  colonies.  After  a  thorough  examina- 
tion I  found  six  hives  more  or  less  affected,  and,  according  to 
high  authority,  should  be  condemned  to  death.  The  other  six 
appeared  free  from  disease  at  this  time,  although  three  more 
subsequently  became  diseased. 

This  is  my  second  summer  of  bee-keeping,  and  all  the  duties 


pertaining  to  an  apiary  were  entered  into  with  the  enthusiasm 
and — shall  I  confess  it  ? — the  ignorance  and  carelessness  of  a 
novice.  Yes,  ignorance  and  culpable  carelessness,  for  in 
gathering  empty  combs  from  various  quarters  the  disease  was 
introduced,  and  spread  among  my  pets.  One  hive  in  particular, 
of  empty  comb,  had  the  peculiar  odour,  perforated  cells,  and 
brown  viscid  fluid,  with  which  I  have  since  become  so  familiar 
this  summer;  and  it  seems  unaccountable  to  me  how  any  per- 
son, with  the  Bee  Journal  wide  open  and  Quinby's  instructions 
before  him,  oould  be  so  careless  as  to  give  such  combs  to  his 
bees. 

But  such  was  the  fact,  and  foul  brood  spreading  right  and 
left.  What  shall  be  done  to  get  rid  of  it?  Shall  Qainby  be 
followed — purify  the  hive  and  honey  by  scalding,  and  treat  the 
oolony  as  a  new  swarm  ?  or  shall  the  heroic  treatment  of 
Alley  be  adopted — bury  <  r  burn  bees  and  hive,  combs  and  all  ? 
The  latter  has  sent  me  some  fine  queens,  but  the  former  has 
always  given  reliable  advice,  and  I  shall  follow  his  instructions 


December  29,  1870.  ] 


JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


525 


with  two  colonies  which  are  past  all  cure,  and  reserve  the 
others  for  treatment,  hoping  that  I  may  find  some  oure,  or  at 
least  palliative  for  the  disease,  and  add  my  mite  of  experience, 
and,  perhaps,  useful  knowledge  to  onr  Bee  Journal. 

Accordingly,  June  8th,  the  oombs  of  the  two  condemned 
colonies  were  melted  into  wax,  the  honey  drained  over  and 
scalded,  and  the  bees,  after  a  confinement  of  forty  hours,  were 
treated  like  new  swarms,  and  now,  September  18th,  aie  per- 
fectly healthy  and  in  tine  condition  for  winter. 

I  will  not  occupy  your  valuable  space  with  all  the  details  of 
my  experiments  and  fights  (whi^h  lasted  through  three  months), 
with  the  trials  of  doses  of  different  strengths  and  kinds,  with 
old  comb  and  new,  with  young  queens  and  old  ones,  and  with 
no  queen  at  all,  and  how  in  doing  this  I  was  obliged  to  keep  up 
the  strength  of  the  colony  for  fear  of  robbers  and  of  spreading 
the  disease  to  my  neighbours.  Suffioe  it  to  say  that  after  two 
months  I  had  made  no  apparent  headway,  although  still  deter- 
mined to  "  fight  it  out  on  this  line,  if  it  took  all  summer  "  and 
my  last  hive.  In  fact,  I  devoted  my  apiary  to  the  study  of 
this  disease,  and  perhaps  death. 

Starting  with  and  holding  to  the  theory  that  foul  brood  is 
contagious  only  by  the  diffusion  of  liviug  germs  of  feeble 
vitality  (aud  I  was  strengthened  in  my  conjecture  in  micro- 
scopical examinations,  by  finding  the  dead  larviB  filled  with 
nucleated  cells),  I  determined  to  try  those  remedies  which 
have  the  power  of  destroying  the  vitality  of  these  destructive 
germs,  these  living  organisms,  and  no  remedies  seemed  to  me 
more  potent  than  carbolic  acid  and  hyposulphate  of  soda.  At 
first  I  used  both,  making  one  application  of  each,  with  an 
interval  of  one  day,  and  with  apparent  benefit;  but  attribut- 
ing the  improvement  to  the  more  powerful  of  the  two,  I 
abandoned  the  hyposulphate  and  used  the  carbolic  acid  alone; 
and  I  was  so  infatuated  with  the  idea  of  its  superiority,  that 
I  did  not  give  it  up  until  three  of  the  four  hives  had  become 
so  hopelessly  diseased  that  the  combs  were  destroyed,  and  the 
colonies  treated  to  new  combs  (as  it  was  late  in  the  season), 
and  freely  fed  with  sugar  and  water.  These  are  now  in  good 
condition  for  winter. 

The  fourth  hive  was  carried  away,  the  queen  caged,  and  the 
colony  strengthened  with  a  medium-sized  second  swarm.  After 
all  the  brood  which  was  advanced  had  left  the  cells,  I  trans- 
ferred the  colony  to  a  olean  hive,  thoroughly  sulphured  the  old 
hive  with  burning  sulphur,  aud  stored  it  away  in  a  safe  place 
for  future  experiments.  I  now  thought  my  apiary  free  from 
the  pest,  but  on  thoroughly  examining  the  whole  three  new 
cases  of  foul  brood  were  found — one  very  badly  affected,  and  two 
slightly  so,  with,  perhapB,  twenty  to  forty  cells  diseased  and 
perforated. 

This  was  about  the  1st  of  August,  and  again  hyposulphate 
of  soda  was  selected  for  the  trial,  and  from  the  first  application 
I  have  had  the  disease  under  control.  Three  days  ago  I  ex- 
amined the  three  colonies  thoroughly,  and  found  no  new  cells 
diseased  in  the  two  which  had  been  the  least  affected,  and  in 
the  almost  hopelessly  diseased  one  (as  much  diseased,  in  fact, 
as  any  of  those  that  I  destroyed)  an  entire  brood  had  been 
raised,  with  not  over  fifty  or  sixty  diseased  and  perforated 
cells,  with  dead  larvie  remaining,  most  on  one  comb,  and 
nearly  all  the  cells  contained  a  new  supply  of  eggs  ;  this  colony 
is  certainly  convalescent,  and  I  think  now,  from  the  recent  and 
second  application  of  the  hyposulphate  of  soda,  is  entirely 
cured.  Still,  I  should  not  be  surprised  to  find  two  or  three  or 
even  more  perforated  cells  after  this  second  crop  of  brood  has 
hatched,  as  the  whole  hive,  honey,  and  comb,  had  been  for  so 
long  a  time  so  thoroughly  saturated  with  the  disease,  and  at 
least  two-thirds  of  the  cells  had,  before  the  medicine  was  used, 
been  filled  with  putrid  larvse.  If  so,  I  shall  treat  it  to  a  third 
dose. 

Now,  Mr.  Editor,  as  it  is  frequently  of  as  muoh  practical  im- 
portance to  tell  how  to  administer  a  remedy  as  it  is  to  know  its 
name,  I  will  ask  your  indulgence  a  little  longer,  hoping  that 
others  may  improve  upon  my  remedy,  or,  at  least,  test  it,  if 
they  are  so  unfortunately  ignorant  and  careless  as  I  was  in 
bringing  "  the  wolf  home  to  the  fold." 

The  solution  of  hyposulphate  of  soda  which  I  used  was  1  oz. 
to  half  a  pint  of  rain  water.  With  this  I  thoroughly  washed 
out  every  diseased  cell  with  an  atomiser,  after  opening  the  cap, 
also  spraying  over  the  whole  of  the  combs  and  the  inside  of 
the  hive.  The  instrument  I  use  is  a  spray-producer,  invented 
by  Dr.  Bigelow,  of  Boston,  and  sold  by  Codman  &  Shurtleff,  of 
that  city.  There  are  two  small  metallic  tubes  a  few  inches 
ljng  soldered  together,  and  by  placing  the  point  of  exit  of  the 
spray  at  the  lower  part  of  the  cell,  the  whole  of  the  contents  of 


the  cell  are  instantly  blown  out  upon  the  metallic  tubes.  With  a 
very  little  practice  there  is  no  necessity  for  polluting  the  comb 
with  the  putrid  matter.  Place  the  comb  perfectly  upright  or  a 
little  leaned  towards  you,  and  there  is  no  difficulty ;  yet  if  a 
drop  should  happen  to  run  down  the  comb  it  would  do  no 
harm,  but  had  better  be  carefully  absorbed  with  a  piece  of  old 
dry  cotton  oloth.  I  quite  frequently  do  this  with  the  bees  on 
the  comb,  as  it  does  them  no  harm,  to  say  the  least,  to  get  well 
covered  with  the  vapour. 

It  is  not  at  all  injurious  to  the  larva)  after  they  are  two  or 
three  days  old,  though  it  may  be  before  that  time,  as  I  have 
noticed  that  after  using  the  hyposulphate  where  there  are  eggs 
and  very  young  larvse,  the  next  day  the  cells  are  perfectly  clean. 
There  are  many  interesting  points  which  have  come  up  during 
my  summer's  fight,  which  I  would  speak  of,  but  I  have  already 
gone  beyond  all  reasonable  bounds  in  this  communication. — 
Edward  P.  Abbe,  New  Bedford,  Mass. 

[The  editor  of  the  Amerioan  Bee  Journal,  from  which 
the  foregoing  letter  is  extracted,  directs  attention  to  it  in  a 
leading  article,  in  which  he  declares  that  "  Dr.  Abbe  deserves 
the  cordial  thanks  of  bee-keepers,  both  in  this  country  and 
abroad,  for  so  generously  and  promptly  making  known  his 
remedy,  and  the  mode  of  administering  it."] 


COALTARRING   THE   ROOF   OF  A  BEE-HOUSE. 

I  see  in  a  volume  of  the  old  series  of  the  Journal  that 
asphalt  is  not  considered  a  good  thing  to  cover  a  bee-house 
with.  I  am  constructing  a  new  house,  and  thought  of  coating 
the  roof,  which  is  of  wood,  with  gas  tar.  Do  you  think  it  would 
be  injurious  to  the  bees  ?  Bee-houses  are  very  useful  in  our 
bleak  neighbourhood.  I  leave  it  open  behind,  only  close  it  in 
bad  weather  with  a  garden  mat. — A  Northumberland  Bee- 
keeper. 

[It  appears  to  ns  that  if  asphalted  felt  is  objectionable  to 
bees,  coal  tar  must  be  at  least  equally  so.  We  should,  however, 
be  obliged  by  the  opinions  of  such  of  our  apiarian  readers  as 
may  have  had  experience  in  the  use  of  both  or  either  of  these 
somewhat  mal-odorous  materials.] 


Parisian  Doings  under  the  Markets. — There  is  generally 
something  picturesque  in  the  manner  in  which  our  confreres 
on  the  other  side  of  the  channel  describe  the  commonest  things  ; 
and,  if  now  and  then  they  draw  upon  their  imaginations  for  the 
facts,  I  heir  mode  of  expression  is  their  own.  A  journalist  thus 
describes  the  vaults  of  the  great  Halles  Centrales,  or  market,  of 
Paris  : — "  The  vaults  extend  under  the  pavilions  of  the  market, 
just  as  an  underground  warehouse  corresponds  with  the  ehcp 
above  ;  and  in  these  vaults,  lighted  by  1200  gas  jets,  a  multitude 
of  industrious  workers  pursue  their  daily  avocations.  They 
are  : — The  compteurs  d'aufs,  who  count  the  eggs  coming  in  and 
going  out ;  the  mircurs,  who,  with  the  aid  of  a  candle,  investi- 
gate the  autonomy  of  each  subject ;  the  preparateurs  de  frontages, 
who  teach  the  Chester  to  mellow,  the  Gruyere  to  weep,  the  brie 
to  run,  and  prick  the  Roquefort:  the  rongeurs  d'os,  who  built 
up  their  merchandise  espalier-wise  against  the  walls,  and  do  a 
capital  business  :  common  bones  sell  for  5  francs  the  cwt.,  but 
choice  bones  are  worth  three  times  that  sum  ;  the  manipulateurs 
de  beurre,  whose  operations  are  indispensable  for  the  preser- 
vation of  that  delicate  article ;  the  plumeurs,  tucurs,  and 
videurs  of  poultry,  who  strangle  sixty  birds  per  hour,  and 
strip  one  naked  in  five  minutes  or  less  ;  the  graveurs  de  Pigeons, 
who  receive  five  sous  for  filling  the  crops  of  a  dozen  Pigeons 
with  grain  from  their  own  mouths."  There  is  a  poetry,  of  its 
kind,  in  everything. — (Food  Journal) 


OUR  LETTER   BOX. 

Silver-spangled  Hamburgh's  Ear-lobes  Scabby  (A  DitJfer).~~It  may 
be  the  soab  or  scurf  is  the  result  of  frost-bite ;  if  so,  camphor  oint- 
ment is  the  treatment.  If  pecked  by  hens,  remove  him.  If  arising 
from  humour,  use  compound  sulphur  ointment.  There  iB  no  reaBon  why 
he  should  not  again  be  exhibited.  It  is  impossible  to  tell  his  age  ;  spur 
is  not  infallible  as  an  indication.  You  need  not.  and  should  not  shorten 
the  spur,  unless  the  bird  scratches  his  legs  or  is  impeded  in  walking. 
Allow  him  one  pullet,  or  remove  him  to  some  place  where  there  will  be 
no  temptaiion  to  fret.    It  applies  to  all  birds. 

Silver-spangled  Hamburgh  Cock's  Combs  and  Ear-lobes  (Novice*. 
— The  comb  of  a  Hamburgh  cock  should  be  firmly  seated  on  the  head  ; 
should  be  well  forward,  but  not  overhanging  the  nostrils  ;  it  should  have 
a  single  pike  behind,  inclining  upwards ;  it  should  be  full  of  points ;  it 
should  be  even  at  the  base,  no  hollow  in  the  centre,  no  inclination  to 
either  side  ;  it  should  bo  wider  than  the  skull,  and  longer  than  the  head, 
but  not  greatly  so.    The  ear-lobe  of  a  Hamburgh  should  be  the  size  of  a 


526 


JOUBWAL   OF  HORTICULTURE   AND   COTTAGE   GARDENER. 


[  December  29,  1B70. 


fourpenny  piece,  and  as  white  as  it  is  possible  to  be.  It  should  not. 
under  any  circumstances,  exceed  the  dimensions  of  a  sixpence. 

Dorking  Bantams  {Dorking  Bantams). — We  hava  heard  no  similar  com 
plaints  to  yours.  The  birds  should  have  been  put  in  the  class  for  "  Any 
other  variety."  The  error  in  stating  the  age  must  have  arisen  from  care- 
lessness.   We  advise  you  to  write  to  the  Committee. 

Fowls'  Heads  and  Beaks  Scurfy  {Constant  Subscriber)  —We  should 
try  to  wash,  or  to  scrape  or  file  the  beak,  but  it  must  be  delicately 
handled.  The  head  and  neck  we  should  treat  with  compound  sulphur 
ointment,  rubbing  thoroughly  twice  or  oftener  every  day.  We  should 
rub  the  beaks  in  the  same  way. 

Tuekeys  (M  C.).— The  hens  will  not  lay  till  April,  perhaps  later.  If 
you  wish  to  breed  Turkeys,  the  eggs  are  worth  hatching,  but  not  the 
first  five  or  six.  You  must  be  your  own  judge  as  to  when  the  cock  can 
be  dispensed  with.  We  can  only  tell  you  he  is  not  necessary  throughout 
the  laying  Beason  HaviDg  done  all  that  is  required  of  him,  he  may  at 
once  be  sent  away.  Many  do  not  keep  one,  but  hire  him  for  a  short  time. 
Keeping  Poultry  for  Egg-laying  (G.  F.  M.}.— As  the  cost  is  but 
Small,  we  advise  you  to  buy  the  "  Poultry  Book"  published  at  our  office, 
price  6rf.,  and  also  Baily's,  which  can  likewise  be  had  from  us.  We  advise 
you  to  read  the  article  in  one  of  our  back  numbers  on  poultry  gardening, 
it  will  give  you  an  insight.  Yon  can  run  the  number  you  name  on  two 
acreB,  and  the  cocks  will  booh  find  ont  who  is  matter,  and  accommodate 
themselves  to  circumstances.  Each  will  take  a  little  walk  of  his  own. 
You  will  have  to  supply  Borne  little  inexpensive  helps  if  you  keep  one 
hundred  and  fifty  on  two  acres,  but  it  can  be  done.  Not  knowing  the 
position  of  your  land,  and  whether  there  exifit  any  present  help  for  a 
poultry  house,  we  can  only  give  you  some  general  rules  applicable  to  all 
cases.  It  is  better  to  have  three  houses  with  fifty,  or  two  with  seventy- 
five,  than  one  with  a  hundred  and  fifty  to  roost  in,  unless  you  have  an 
old  barn  or  very  large  and  lofty  place.  It  is  not  essential,  but  it  is 
healthier.  Your  house  may  be  made  of  wood,  or  of  cheaper  material  if 
yon  have  it.  All  that  is  required  is  that  it  be  wind  and  water-proof.  The 
ventilation  Bhould  be  near  the  roof.  The  floor  should  be  above  the  sur- 
rounding level,  and  made  of  gravel  or  road  grit.  There  should  be  perch- 
ing room  for  every  bird,  and  no  perch  should  be  more  than  2  feet  from 
the  ground.  This  is  all  that  is  necessary.  Nine  times  out  of  ten  the 
money  spent  on  poultry  houses  iB  thrown  away. 

Hamburgh's  Ear-lobe  Warty  (H.  T.).— We  have  no  doubt  the  wart 
of  which  you  speak  is  the  result  of  an  injury  to  the  outer  Bkin  or  Bac  oj 
the  ear-lobe.  If  the  bird  was  exhibited  with  a  hen,  she  probably  pecked 
it.  If  by  himself,  it  is  an  accidental  injury.  Under  any  circumstances 
keep  him  by  himself  till  it  is  healed,  and  treat  it  with  softening  and 
healing  ointments.  If  put  with  hens  while  the  wart  remains  they  are 
Sure  to  peck  it  and  eat  to  the  destruction  of  the  ear-lobe. 

Feather-eating  Hen  (Hamburgh).—  It  is  probably  one  hen  that  eats 
the  feathers  of  the  cock.  Find  her  out  and  remove  her;  but  you  must 
also  remove  the  cock,  and  rub  his  throat  daily  with  spermaceti  ointment 
till  the  stubs  of  the  feathers  appear.  He  must  not  go  anions  the  hens 
till  the  feathers  are  so  hardened  and  mature  that  they  cannot  be  dis- 
tinguished from  the  others.  When  he  is  put  with  the  hens  they  must  be 
watched  for  a  time. 

Fowls  for  Egg-production  (G.  C). — Brahmas'  eggs  are  larger  than 
the  Hamburghs',  but  you  must  have  patience.  A  pullet'B  eggs  are  ranch 
smaller  than  a  hen's.  The  largest  eggs  are  laid  by  Spanish  and  Creve- 
Cgbuts.  Our  belief  is  that,  taking  the  weight  during  the  year,  the  Ham- 
burghs would  be  beaten,  but  in  numbers  they  are  very  prolific.  At  a 
season  like  this  4L  an  egg's  an  egg  for  a*  that,"  and  small  as  they  are, 
laying  Hamburghs  with  their  eggs  now  fill  their  owners'  pockets  as  well 
aathe  basket.     Eggs  have  seldom  been  so  sGarce  or  so  dear. 

Points  of  Houdan  Cock  (G.  J.  T.).— Yellow  feathers  do  not  dis- 
qualify a  Houdan  cock.  Red  ones  do.  It  is  very  desirable  a  bird  should 
have  no  colours  but  black  and  white.  The  comb  haB  two  irregular  spikes 
in  front,  separating  and  become  wider  apart  to  their  extremities,  spring- 
ing from  a  root  in  front  of  the  head,  which  has  a  flattened-heart  appear- 
ance, and  from  which  emerge  comblets  half  way  down  the  upper  beak, 
where  they  end  in  a  curious  small  spiral.  No  colour  disqualifies  a 
Houdan  cock  but  red. 

Buff  Cochin  Cock's  Comb  Turning  White  (Gamma).— Perhaps  your 
cock's  comb  is  frozen ;  if  it  is,  rub  it  with  strong  camphor  ointment. 
Perhaps  it  is  the  disease  known  as  "  white  comb."  To  cure  that,  dress  it 
frequently  with  compound  sulphur  ointment. 

Breeding  Game  Bantams  { ).— If  you  had  only  Black  Reds  and 

Duckwings  together,  you  would  have  some  pure  of  both  breeds,  and 
many  of  them  remarkable  for  beanty  of  colour,  but  having  added  the 
Piles,  we  fear  they  will  be  "  neither  fish,  nor  flesh,  nor  good  red  herring." 

Feeding  Poultry  (One  Who  is  Without  Eggs). — It  is  said  there  is  a 
locality  where  if  the  cry,  "  Stop  thief,"  is  raised,  every  man  runs  away, 
and  so  if  a  thousand  letters  about  eggs  wer*  received,  nine  hundred  and 
ninety-nine  would  bear  the  same  signature  as  your  own.  If  you  were  to 
kill  one  of  your  very  fat  fowls,  you  would  find  another  confirmation  of 
our  remarks  about  the  internal  fat,  and  you  would  find  that  such  a  dietary 
as  produced  it  was  unwholesome  in  the  extreme.  You  would  find  all 
your  birds  possessing  "  fat  livers,"  providing  you  with  the  principal 
ingredient  of  updid  efoie  gras.  The  intestines  become  so  choked  with 
fat,  none  of  the  functions  csn  be  carried  on  in  a  healthy  manner ;  and 
the  liver  suffers  the  most.  In  a  healthy  state  it  ia  so  dark  red  brown 
as  to  be  almost  black,  while  the  gall  bladder  lies  under  the  left  lobe, 
very  dark  green  and  full  almost  to  bursting.  In  a  fowl  that  is  fat  inside, 
the  liver  is  three  or  four  times  its  natural  size,  of  a  pale  wainscot  colour, 
and  the  gall  bladder  of  a  like  hue,  flaccid,  and  empty.  This  is  the  result 
of  over-fattening,  or  of  improper  feeding.  You  can  buy  ground  oats  at 
Agate's  Mill,  Slaugham,  Crawley,  Sussex.  We  have  a  sample  from  a 
nearer  place  on  trial,  and  shall  be  happy  to  give  our  readers  the  result. 
They  are  quite  distinct  from  oatmeal. 

West  Glamorgan  Show  (T.  Moore).— We  know  nothing  of  the  Show, 
and  it  must  have  been  small,  as  the  Committee  did  not  advertise  it. 
You  hi 73r.  iienietly  against  the  Judge.  Point  out  to  the  Committee  the 
errors  you  mention,  and  if  you  are  correct  they  should  employ  a  more 
competent  Judge  next  year. 

Crystal  Palace  Show  (17.  D.).— All  the  prizes  omitted  in  the  official 
list  are  inserted  in  our  last  number,  page  506. 


Rabbits  at  the  York  Show.— Mr.  Hudson  says  th*t  there  are  two  or 
three  omissions  in  his  note  which  have  caused  considerable  misapprehen- 
sion, and  asks  that  the  following  he  inserted  :— "  The  nif  dal  was  taken  by 
a  pair  of  well-matched  Himalayans,  belonging  to  Mr.  Butterworth,  Roch- 
dale. Mr.  J.  Boyle,  jun.,  Blackburn,  showed  two  pairs  in  the  cla^s.  The 
does  were  gems,  and  beBt  in  the  class,  but  tbf  bucks  were  poor.  A  great 
many  others  were  also  badly  matched.  Angoras  were  only  moderate, 
many  being  dirty  and  poor  in  wool.  The  '  Any  other  Variety  '  class  was 
good.  Mr.  Boyle  took  first  with  a  pair  of  Grey  and  White  Dutch,  the 
finest  for  points  and  colours  I  have  ever  seen  ;  this  pair  being  fortunately 
shown  in  a  good  light.  The  second  prize  was  awarded  to  a  pair  of  Hare 
Rabbits,  splendid  specimens,  but  badly  placed  for  being  seen.  This  class 
was  well  judged.  Mr.  Easten  entered  his  fine  old  Silver-Greys,  winners 
of  above  forty  prizes.  Mr.  Boyle  also  nhowed  Silver-^reys  and  Silver- 
CreamB — the  best  bred  in  England,  not  forgetting  the  fine  specimens 
shown  by  Mr.  Royds,  Rochdale.  I  thiuk  these  Rabbits  ought  to  have  a 
class  to  themselves,  seeing  the  Committee  wiLhheld  the  two  first  21s.  prizes 
where  cups  were  awarded. — S.  G.  Hudson." 

Binglet  Show.— Mr.  Firth  won  the  cup  for  the  best  pen  of  Barbs, 
Owls,  and  Jacobins,  as  is  mentioned  in  our  report  to  day.  We  had  a 
catalogue  with  the  prizes  written  in,  and  Mr.  Firth's  winning  the  cup  was 
omitted  in  it. 

Various  { Ber k hampste ad). —The  purple  berries  of  the  evergreen  Ber- 
berries are  not  injurious  to  fowls.  Millet  seed  c;in  be  obtained  of  any 
wholesale corndealer  in  London.   The  journals  you  mention  are  American. 

Turbits  (M.  Tyler).— We  believe  there  has  been  some  dispute  as  to  the 
way  a  Turbit  should  carry  its  wings,  whether  above  or  below  the  tail.  We 
incline  to  think  the  former  is  the  correct  carnage  ;  and  we  are  strength- 
ened in  this  belief,  as  in  every  portrait  of  a  Turbit  from  the  time  of  the 
11  Treatise  on  Pigeons"  (a.d.  1765)  tu  the  present  time,  this  bird  is  repre- 
sented carrying  tbe  points  of  its  wings  above  the  tail.  We  believe  there 
is  no  cure  for  scrofula  either  in  man  or  Pigeon.  Apply  lukewarm  water 
with  a  bit  of  alum  to  the  bird's  eyes. 

Carriers'  Thighs  (A.  B.).— The  feathers  you  mention  would  not  abso- 
lutely disqualify  the  bird,  but  it  would  be  better  if  they  were  not  there. 

Bonedust  for  Chickens  (G.  £?.).— Bonedust  mixed  with  their  soft  food 
is  good  for  any  chickens. 


METEOROLOCHCAL   OBSERVATIONS 
la  the  SHburbs  of  London  for  tbe  week  ending  December  27th. 

BAJtOMBTBE. 

THERMOMETER. 

Wim*. 

Date. 

Air. 

Earth. 

Rail 

Max. 

Mm. 

Kax. 

Mil. 

1  rt. 

2  ft. 

Wed...  21 
Thurs. .  22 
Fri..  ..  23 
Sat.  ...  24 
Son.  . .  25 
Hon.  . .  26 
Tnos...  27 

29  888 
29.864 
29  888 
29.696 
29.646 
29  838 
29.844 

29.662 
29  844 
29.8U0 
29614 
29.598 
29.724 
29.688 

32 
28 
34 
28 
34 
34 
31 

21 
» 
6 
2 
14 
16 
25 

43 
40 
36 
35 
84 
34 
35 

43 
41 
39 
88 
88 
36 
36 

E. 
E. 

N. 
N.E. 
N.E. 

N. 
N.E. 

.00 
.00 
.00 
.00 
.00 
.03 
.00 

Mean. . 

29.802 

29.704 

31.57 

13  29 

3S.71 

38.71 

0.00 

21.— Overcast ;  snow;  cold  wind,  sharp  frost. 

2i. — Sharp  frost ;  snow  ;  clear  and  frosty. 

23. — Intense  frost ;  fine,  froBtv  ;  clear  find  frosty. 

24  — Intense  frost ;  frosty  fog;  frosty  fog  at  night. 

25. — Sharp  frost ;  cold  wind  ;  overcast  and  frosty. 

26 — Overcast,  cold  wind  ;  densely  overc  <st ;  slight  snow. 

27.— Sharp  frost ;  overcaat ;  heavy  fall  of  snow. 


COVBNT  GARDEN  MARKET.— December  28. 
Owing  to  the  holidays  business  is  almost  suspended,  and  we  shall  have 
but  few  changes  to  report  for  another  week.    Good  vegetables  are  some- 
what scarcer,  and  will  rapidly  advance  in  price  should  this  weather 
continue. 

FRUIT. 


s.  d.      s, 

Apples 1  sieve  1  0  to  2 

Apricots doz.  0  0 

Cherries lb.  0  0 

Chestnuts bushel  10  0 

Currants i  sieve  0  0 

Black do.  0  0 

Figs doz.  0  9 

Filberts lb.  0  0 

Cobs lb.  2  ft 

Gooseberries quart  0  0 

Grapes, Hothouse....  lb.  4  9 

Lemons ^lOO  6  0 

Melons each  1  0 


18  0 

0  0 

0  0 

0  0 


s.  d.  a.  d 

Mulberries lb.  0    0  to  0  0 

Nectarines doz.  0    0  0  0 

Oranges ty*  100  6    0  10  8 

Peaches  doz.  0    0  0  0 

Pears, kitchen doz.  16  2  0 

dessert doz.  10  3  0 

Pine  Apples lb.  8    0  SO 

Plums 4  sieve  16  3  0 

Quinces  doz.  0    0  0  0 

Raspberries lb.  0    0  0  0 

Strawberries    lb.  0    0  0  0 

Walnuts bushel  10    0  16  0 

do ^100  10  8  0 


VEGETABLES. 


Artichokes doz. 

Asparagus »■  100 

Beans,  Kidney  ....^100 

Broad bushel 

Beet,  Red doz. 

Broccoli   bundle 

Brussels  Sprouts.  .J  sieve 

Cabbage doz. 

Capsicums  ^100 

Carrots bunch 

Cauliflower doz. 

Celery bundle 

Coleworts..doz.  bunches 
Cucumbers  each 

pickling doz. 

Endive doz. 

Fennel bunch 

Garlic lb. 

Herbs bunch 

Horseradish   . ...  bundle 


0 
1    0 


toO 
0 

s 

0 


8    0 
1    6 

0 
0 
0 


Leeks bunch 

Lettuce   doz. 

Mushrooms pottle 

Mustard  &  Cress .  .punnet 
Onions  bushel 

pickling quart 

Parsley sieve 

Parsnips doz. 

Peas quart 

Potatoes bushel 

Kidney do. 

Radishes  ..  doz.  bunches 

Rhubarb bundle 

Savoys. doz. 

Sea-kale basket 

Shallots lb. 

Spinaoh bushel 

Tomatoes doz. 

Turnips  bunch 


0  !  Vegetable Marrowa.. doz. 


s.  a. 

3. 

d 

0    4  to  0 

II 

0    9 

1 

0 

1    0 

2 

« 

o  a 

0 

0 

3    0 

5 

0 

0    4 

II 

1 

S    0 

II 

e 

II    9 

1 

t> 

0    0 

1) 

0 

2    0 

4 

ii 

3    0 

4 

ii 

0    6 

1 

0 

0    0 

II 

0 

1    6 

2 

II 

2    0 

2 

II 

e  s 

0 

:> 

2    0 

2 

0 

S    0 

0 

0 

0    6 

II 

s 

0    0 

0 

0 

■m 


■4>' 


O.  ■*'  m 


M